~A little update~

I'm so sorry that it's been well over a week and I have not posted or updated all of you amazing readers. Last week was a pretty difficult and hard week for me. I unfortunately had some complications after child birth and was down and I'm actually still taking it easy. Then with Christmas and family they've kept me pretty occupied as well. :)

I will just let all of you know that "he" is beautiful! Every time I picture him or see his little face, it makes my heart melt.. The "moment" was everything I had ever imagined, if not more. I would not trade this experience for anything in the world!

He was born on Monday the 16th. Weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz. and was 20 inches long and was just breath taking! I promise I am working on his birth story and will post this pretty soon. Thanks to all of you for your amazing emails and words of inspiration. And for all of you who take the time to read my blog, I really appreciate all of you!

~B & C's little Miracle~

~My Letter to Baby S~

                                                      December 16th, 2013

I do not know how to start this letter.. Before even starting this letter I am sitting here overwhelmed with tears of joy. It has been longer then a year that I first found out that you were just a little bit of hope in your Mommy & Daddy's hearts. That they were praying for you to join their beautiful little family. Not everyone has such an amazing story of how they came into this world, thought of, planned, wished for, prayed for, and tears were shed for. You were this little glimpse of hope in their eyes. Your Mommy & Daddy knew that with a little prayer and faith they would soon be able to hold you in their arms.

I cannot even begin to express the emotions that ran through my body and my heart the moment I heard that your Mommy & Daddy were looking for someone to help them bring you into this world. I prayed, I cried, I fasted, I prayed some more and I knew that there was a reason that your Daddy called his friend Nick, my husband that day. There's a reason I could not get your Mommy and all her trials out of my mind that day. The reason I felt to go to the Temple to listen clearly to my heart and to receive guidance from Our Heavenly Father above. It was you, you were guiding me, he was guiding me, my heart was guiding me. I have never, been more sure in my life as I was at that exact moment in time. And with a small text to your Mommy, "I hear you have an amazing service project for me??? :)" The "Miracle" began.

I still remember the day that we went for the transfer. I had this amazing and overwhelming feeling that your Mommy & Daddy were soon going to get their wish. Their Miracle that they've been hoping and praying for, for so long. Everything went smoothly and I have never been more careful in my life to take some down time to let you get all snugly in there. A couple of weeks later we found out that it had worked! You were making a home in my tummy to get strong and to come to this earth to be with your family.

I remember the medicine, the sickness, the weakness, the exhaustion. I remember the very first time I felt you move.. I had to immediately text your Mommy and share it with her! Although, this saddened me.. I knew that she would love to hear that you were getting stronger and healthier. :) I wished everyday that it was her that was experiencing all these amazing things with you. But I knew that she would soon be able to look into your eyes, hold you, feel you and smell that beautiful scent of yours and she will know the Journey you took to be here with her. With them..

I remember the look on your Mommy & Daddy's face when the ultrasound tech said, "It's a Boy!" The shock, the disbelief. It was so cute. They almost looked a little scared, but were up for the challenge of boy names, boy clothes and boy colors! Oh.. and that sweet big sister of yours. You are going to look up to her in so many ways. She will pick on you, make you cry, tease you, but love you, teach you, guide you and you two will grow up to be the best of friends.

I have kept a weekly tab on your growth week by week. My belly of course, it amazes me how much bigger, stronger and hungrier you have gotten these last 8 weeks. I'm sure you can hear all the commotion that is going on outside your little incubator. Well, those are all my kids.. All 6 of them! They talk to you, sing to you, rub you, feel your little kicks and most of all, they pray for you. My whole family, my friends and my church members have fallen in love with this little miracle baby that will be soon making his debut. They want you to know that you have touched each and every one of them. You have inspired them, you have given them hope, faith and belief. The timing could not be more meaningful this time of year with the birth of our Savior. There is something so special bringing you into this world right around the time Mary brought him into this world and gave him a body. You are a blessing, a miracle!

I wish for you to always stay true to Our Heavenly Father, to your faith. Your faith will guide you and lead you. It will give you opportunities you wouldn't believe. I pray you will have a strong testimony and that one day you will grow up and share that testimony with so many people around you. Know that your parents love you dearly, they wished for you, prayed for you. You may not always think they are right or you may think that they are hard on you one day, but they love you so much and they only want what's best for you. They are both such amazing and loving people, cherish them. As they will cherish and adore you.

As I sit here at the close of this letter I cannot help but be full of joy, love, hope, inspiration and even heartache. I have loved you from the first day I knew you existed. I have treated you as if you were one of my own. I have wanted the best care for you from day one. And I continue to want the best for you. The time has come for me to watch this "Miracle" take place. That moment I hand you over to your Mommy & Daddy who have waited so patiently for you! They are so excited to see you and meet you! I pray I will be able to watch you grow and know how much I loved you and will always love you. You have this special little place in my heart and always will. Thank you for choosing me, thank you for making my testimony even stronger than I could imagine, thank you for allowing my kids to see the good in people, the miracle that our bodies can do and most of all.. Thank you for always keeping my heart full and for making me cherish life, my kids, my marriage and my faith.

Love Always,

Alvina~

~39 Weeks~

Well, here we are very very pregnant at 39 weeks. :) I honestly was thinking that the weekly post might stop at 38 weeks, but I guess he's enjoying it in there way too much. Where we live, it's desert weather and we just experienced a huge snow storm and temps well below average around here!

I am beginning to think that this little boy is very, very smart! I wouldn't want to come out in this weather either! LOL

We had our weekly appointment on Wednesday and it looks like there has been absolutely no change in progress. :( I am still only a 2 and 80% thinned out, well I guess that is 5% more effaced then last week. I have contemplated all week whether or not to get my membranes stripped. But have finally come to the conclusion that I will just use the Pitocin for induction. Although I would've given anything to have allowed my body to go natural with a little bit of help from my Doctor instead of going straight to Pitocin. Which I absolutely despise.. But I decided it would just be the best route for all of us.

So, it looks like we are going to get induced on Monday the 16th! We are still waiting on a time. I have so many feelings that are running through my head. So many emotions.. I will keep everyone updated as soon as I can. Wish us luck! I cannot believe we are finally going to meet this Miracle Boy!

*Unfortunately, I haven't downloaded a pic for 39 weeks but I will post as soon as I can!*

Weight: 25 lbs!

Cravings: No real cravings anymore.. I eat whatever is cooked by me by my amazing husband! :)

Symptoms: Ditto from last week! :) This week I have a ton of butt pressure though, more then usual. My feet and hands are still swelling pretty good. Tons of bathroom breaks. He has dropped a ton so now I feel his every move right on my bladder.

Their baby's the size of a watermelon!

Baby keeps growing, despite being so crowded in there. He probably weighs around 7 to 9.2 pounds and measures about 18.9 to 20.9 inches.

 
 Their baby at 39 weeks!

• He's probably able to flex his limbs now.
• His brain is still rapidly developing -- he's getting smarter by the week!
• His nails may extend past his fingertips.

~38 Weeks~

38 Weeks and we are still going strong.. All along I kept having this intuition that we would go early so we'll see. I think a lot of it was because up until 3 weeks ago he was always sizing 2-3 weeks larger then he should've been. But now it looks like he is slowing down his growth spurt.

He seems to be doing great! Moving around as much as possible but still tending to sleep a lot better then he was last month. I could feel him really down low and wonder how he hasn't broken my water with as active and aggressive as he is?! It's amazing how he can push and stretch so much in there. Most days I have to grip onto something and take a deep breath!

As for me.. I keep telling myself that I am doing okay. I feel really great for about 3 hours a day and then I get hit with exhaustion or intense contractions. I am eating about 5 small meals a day with snacks in between and apparently that still isn't enough for this little munchkin! ha-ha! I believe he is going to have a hefty appetite for his Mommy & Daddy! :) My hands and feet are still continuing to swell and some nights I have to wrap my legs with ace bandages just to keep them from cramping. I also noticed that my hands and feet are starting to go numb at odd hours of the day? This has never happened before so it's so strange to me. This week has been really rough on me for sleep. The problem is.. I'm just not getting any! I am averaging about 2.5 hours a night of sleep? I cannot get comfortable, whether it's in my bed, the floor, the couch, a recliner, nothing. :( Lets just say I may or may not have fallen asleep at work!...

We had our weekly appointment and it looks like I've put on 3 more lbs. Not too bad this far into the pregnancy though. :) Blood pressure is good. Dr. says I am dilated to a 2 and 75% effaced. We are moving along! He looked at my cankles and legs and said the swelling is pretty normal and he's surprised I didn't swell with any of my last pregnancies. Thank goodness! :) He says we are measuring right on, exactly. So, glad cause last week he made me nervous by saying he was measuring a few weeks behind? But things were looking great today. Oh, and it looks like my Group B test is negative so that's good!

Weight Gain: 24 lbs!

Symptoms: Back Pain, Leg Cramps, Swollen Feet, Potty Breaks, Hard time sleeping, Pelvic Pressure, Exhaustion, varicose veins :(.

Cravings: Ice Chips, Ice Water, Bananas, Apples, Dried Fruit, Carrots, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Bread... I got a strange craving for Rolo's the other night too! I will eat anything I don't have to cook at this time! :)

38 Weeks and counting!

Their baby's the size of a pumpkin! 

Baby Boy is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 7 to 9.2 pounds. His head is now about the same circumference as his abdomen.

Their baby at 38 week!

• He may have about an inch or so of hair already.
• He's slowly shedding that white goo on his skin (called vernix caseosa) but you might see some of it at birth.

~37 Weeks~

We are 37 weeks!!! December is sneaking up on us! I am so excited to "attempt" to get my tree and decorations up. Mostly because I let my kids decorate for Halloween and I have not one item for Fall up in my house. Hopefully I can work on that this weekend!

As for this little guy he is doing amazing! Very cramped, but still very active. No more kicks and jabs, just a ton of body rolls! He has found a great sleeping pattern, which I am loving. Also, I think I am going to blame my starving issues on him. :) I am hungry all the time. I have to eat at least every 2 hours. I go to sleep eating and I wake up starving! I can tell that he has started moving downwards. I thought I've had a ton of pelvic pressure the last 2 weeks but now I know I was lucky then.. Cause now.. yowzers!

We had our 37 week appt on Tuesday and C was able to make the trip down. She also brought her father with was the sweetest, most gentlest, loving man. Something about him just gave me warm feelings inside. Maybe it was Baby S? Maybe he sensed his Mommy & Grandpa were near!

Dr. says baby is looking perfect and I am looking great as well. Nothing to worry about! I only put on 1 lb. this week! Which amazes me cause I thought for sure I would be gaining a ton more right now. Dr. K gave me my Group B test, so lets hope it comes out negative. Also, he checked me and it looks like we are 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced! That's a start! After our weekly appt. we headed over to labor and delivery and met with some amazing ladies in the Labor and Delivery Unit. C & I went over and gave them our Birth Plan. It was so nice to see them so intrigued and interested in what our request were! I have a feeling that we are going to have a great experience with them! They said everything on our plan was do-able. So, that gave us a ton of peace of mind. :)

Weight Gain: 21 lbs!

Cravings: Ice Chips, Water, Bananas, Strawberries, Ice Chips, Dried Fruit, Cottage Cheese, Cashews, Pistachios, Ice Chips, Licorice, pretty much anything and everything I can get my hands on. Oh, and did I mention Ice Chips?!! I just found out that eating ice is a low iron deficiency? Again, I don't know why. This little guy must take every last drop of my Iron from me! :)

Symptoms: Fatigue, Exhaustion, Back Pain, Pelvic Pain, Pelvic Pressure, Tail-bone Pressure, Absolutely no sleep (well maybe a total of 3 hours a night), Extreme Potty breaks, Leg Cramps. And I almost took a pic of how swollen my feet and hands were getting this week! I seriously was sporting some serious Shrek feet! Didn't take a pic cause I was pretty embarrassed of them, I almost didn't recognize my own feet! LOL

37 Weeks! Very uncomfortable when this pic was taken, hence the expression on my face! :)

Their baby's the size of a winter melon!

Yay! Baby has reached full term. He likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. He's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day.

Their baby at 37 weeks!

• He's practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking.
• He's getting his first sticky poop (called meconium) ready for his first diaper.

~36 Weeks~

One more week down! And one more to go until we reach December!! I cannot believe next week is Thanksgiving already, what a crazy and busy month! I knew last week how quickly this week would fly by. :)

As for this little guy, he seems to be doing excellent! I could now tell how squished he is getting in there. He is moving less and less but with every move there is more pressure or pain. Strong boy! :) I also could tell that he is sleeping a lot more then usual. And I am so excited to say that when I wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, he doesn't! He may move to get comfortable again but quickly goes back to sleep. Which makes it so much easier for me to do the same! :)

As for me, I am getting bigger and more uncomfortable. Work is almost unbearable right now. I never thought I would complain about sitting in a chair for 8 hrs a day! LOL :) But apparently me sitting up and putting pressure on my pelvic isn't my favorite thing to do these days. I also have pillows for my back as well as for my bum that I use daily at work. I have been going on walks periodically during the day so I am hoping this is helping me progress. I feel a ton of pressure down low lately. I have contemplated leaving work early, maybe after Thanksgiving, but with the Holidays and 3 Birthdays coming up, I've decided to stick it out. I got this amazing text from my husband yesterday telling me I was very strong and amazing and it has made me feel rejuvenated! Thanks Nick!!

Weight Gain: 20 lbs.

Cravings: Grapes, Apples, Bananas, Smoothies, all Veggies :), Sandwiches (any kind) Subway, Jimmy Johns, Tom's Deli, Kneaders and even home! Ice water, Ice pebbles, Juice and Milk.

Symptoms: Exhaustion has got to be #1, Back ache, Pelvic Pressure, Leg Cramps, Swollen hands & feet, Constipation, Braxton Hicks and Headaches.

36 Weeks!!!

Their baby's the size of a honeydew!

He's still in the 17.2- to 18.7-inch and 5 - to 5.8-pound range and continues to beef up.

Their baby at 36 weeks!

• He's getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on his own.
• His skin is getting smooth and soft and his gums are rigid.
• His liver and kidneys are in working order.
• Circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too.

~35 Weeks~

Wow, we are getting closer and closer to finally meeting this little man! I keep thinking that the weeks have been going slower and slower for me, but glancing at my calendar lately is making me re-think that! I cannot believe we are half way through November already? Didn't I just move my calendar from October to November?? Thanksgiving is going to be here before we know it! Then we will be heading into December! Yikes!

We had a Dr.'s appointment on Tuesday and it went smoothly.  I didn't even gain 1 lb.!! Who knows why not. I can totally tell a huge difference in how I am carrying him and I know for sure he has grown since last week because every time he moves or stretches I have to catch my breath. :) He is so strong and likes to push on my sciatic nerve. :( Doc says he looks great, is measuring right on and is a little over 5 lbs. Thinks he is measuring 16-17 inches.

As for me, I am doing great. Other then the normal 3rd trimester aches and pains and tons of exhaustion (still) I feel good. I've been meaning to get into the chiropractor or to schedule a massage but finding the time for myself to actually go, is crazy hard. :)

Weight Gain: 20 lbs.

Symptoms:  Major Backache, Pelvic Pain, Braxton Hicks, Major Leg Cramps, Swollen Feet, Exhaustion, no sleep and I always feel like I could pee but it's just the pressure. :(

Cravings: Apples, Smoothies, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Zucchini, Salmon, Chicken. Ice Water, Pebble Ice and I even gave into a Smash Burger Mushroom and Swiss Burger and Fried Pickles!! o_o And don't feel guilty one bit!! :)

35 Weeks!

Their baby's the size of a coconut!

He's about 17.2 to 18.7 inches. From here on out, he won't get much longer, but he's plumping up. He's now about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds, and he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth.

Their baby at 35 weeks!

• Now, his hearing is fully developed, and he responds best to high-pitched noises.
• If it's a boy, his testes have probably fully descended.

~34 Weeks~

Man these last couple weeks are just dragging for me.. :( Lets get moving... HaHa Honestly, I know that this month is just going to fly by so I should just enjoy it. I just wish I could find the time and energy to start Christmas shopping but even the thought of that exhausts me.. :) My tradition with my sisters is to go Black Friday shopping and I haven't decided if I'm going to be up to that or not.. I may be up for it but this little guy may not be! I should just shop online but there's just something about shopping and spending money and not actually having the item to enjoy once you get it home. Maybe that's just me..

Anyways, we are doing pretty good! I feel okay for being this close to having him. I get asked all the time if this is my first!! o_o HaHa, this makes me feel really good and confident! Thanks for all of you who lie through your teeth to make a very pregnant woman feel absolutely "amazing!" Let me tell you with the roller coaster of hormones I have lately, any and every compliment will be eaten right up!

I thought I'd post about the changes in our bodies and our lack of confidence that we have while pregnant, although I don't ever remember feeling like this before? I always thought I had more confidence while pregnant, but not this time around. I am constantly asking Nick how he feels towards me, but not because he doesn't make me feel loved but I guess just to have the reassurance that he is still attracted to me. I've heard other surrogates say their husbands get weirded out by them being pregnant, not with their child. So maybe that's where my dilemma comes in? I have this need to want my husband to look at me and think I am beautiful, for him to tell me I look good, honestly.. anything at this point would make my day. It is so different when you receive a compliment from your husband then from a complete stranger at the grocery store, though I'll take any compliment I can get these days! :) So, this post is for "My" husband as well as any other Father, Intended Father or Surrogates husband that may read my blog.. Compliment the women in your life!! I promise you, it will make her fall in love with you all over again!! Something as little as a glance at her with a grin -to actually complimenting her on her clothes, hair, etc.

10 Things You SHOULD Say To Pregnant Women

Being pregnant can be frustrating, tiring, sometimes irritating, and of course beautiful. Pregnant women get all sorts of comments and advice, most of which they just don't have the patience to deal with and sometimes they get comments that are downright rude because people aren't thinking about what they say before they say it.

Everyone has an opinion about everything a pregnant woman is doing, saying, wearing, looking like, putting in their mouths. By the time the woman is in their third trimester, they have heard it all, listened to it all, and likely politely smiled through it all - while envisioning how to best rip the commentator's head from their body.
Before you put your foot in your mouth, take a read over some of these things that you should say to pregnant women. Not only will they be pleasantly surprised, but you may have just managed to make their day with a few simple words that they don't always hear. If ever.

10. That Pregnancy Glow Really Suits You

Pregnant women are sure to be self conscious about how they look, so its only natural to want to have a boost in confidence. For any woman its nice to hear that they are looking good, especially on their worst of days. In this case, pregnant women need it more - they have fragile emotions and it can help keep them in good spirits when carrying around a human bowling ball is tiring and frustrating.

9. You Sure Make This Look Easy!

We all know that pregnancy is not easy. There are aches and pains and worries and emotions and all sorts of other things that flood a pregnant woman's mind over the course of a nine month roller coaster ride.
That doesn't mean that we can't give a little shout to the woman who is building a baby in her belly. You can say things like "Being pregnant is hard work, but you make this look easy." It will brighten her day and make her feel like superwoman.
Not only does it make her feel good about how she looks but it gives her props and helps her out with yet another confidence boost.

8. It Will All Be Worth It

In the back of her mind, that pregnant woman knows that when she holds the baby in her arms, when that karate champion of her belly is finally out, it will all be worth it. The pain and the exhaustion and the frustration will be made worth while and probably will be forgotten the moment she lays eyes on her sweet new baby.
Even though you know she knows this, you should remind her every once in a while. Reaffirm and reassure that even though the first nine months of her child's life, while in the womb, was difficult and crazy, the end result will be the happiest day of her life.
For surrogates it's a little different. But that doesn't mean we don't want to hear it will be worth it. :) I know the second this baby is born and they place him in his parents arms I will too have that instant gratification of reassurance that what I've just helped create, makes it worth it in the end.

7. Making A Baby Is Hard Work, Pamper Yourself

Wondering what might make a great gift for a pregnant woman?
There are so many ways you can pamper your pregnant friend, relative, or partner. Some of those things are even free. Give her a nice back massage. Take her out to dinner. Buy her a nice spa treatment or manicure/pedicure day.
Make sure she knows that you acknowledge that she is doing hard work and show her how much you want her to feel comfortable and relaxed during the course of her 24/7 job as a baby making machine.

6. You Go Ahead

If the pregnant woman you are dealing with is anything like me, they don't really like to add extra attention to themselves. They will stand in the background and let others go first. They shy away from making it clear that holding the seven items in the grocery store line behind your ridiculously full cart in the express lane is causing shooting pains down their legs.
If you see a pregnant woman who might benefit from going before you in the grocery check out, why not let her go ahead. Open the door for her and make sure there's not something else you might be able to do for her.
No matter what the woman says, she is appreciative of the help, even if she is hesitant to ask for it herself.

5. Did You Change Your Hair?

I know from personal experience that this comment makes a pregnant woman's day. Of course she will chalk it up to the prenatal vitamins she's taking and might just laugh it off.
Inside, she is beaming, she looks good and someone noticed. Say this comment and say it frequently. It will get a smile like you have never seen before, even if she waves you off with comments of folic acid and pregnancy making her hair different.
It doesn't matter, say it anyway. Rinse and repeat. It never gets old when someone tells you that on the days you feel the crappiest that you look like you did something to your hair. :)

4. I Can't Even Tell You're Pregnant From Behind

When I first thought of getting pregnant of course I was worried about gaining weight. It's some sort of mechanism that is triggered in pretty much all women's brains.
It doesn't matter if the pregnant woman you are dealing with IS in fact as big as a house, don't tell her that. Instead make her feel nice by making her turn around and show you from behind. Mention that she doesn't even look pregnant from behind. Not only does it compliment her growing curves in the rear, but it sure does boost the mood when someone essentially tells you that you look normal from the back.

3. Congratulations!

Considering how we got to this point, I will never ever get tired of hearing people congratulate me for being pregnant. You can't go wrong with this simple but effective statement when it comes to pregnant women. They are so excited about having a baby that all they want to do is bask in the glory of it. They want to be happy and carefree and even on days when the swelling in her feet are so unbearable she just can't stand it, saying congratulations will bring her back to the happy moods and thoughts of what her baby will be when it is finally here. Remind her of the blessing she has growing inside of her and that its totally worth celebrating.
Even if she is a surrogate. A little congratulations on doing a good deed for someone else goes a long way.

2. You Look Great!

They say that pregnant women are beautiful. People say that comment all the time. The problem is that most women don't feel that way when they are actually pregnant. They are large and rotund, they trip over their own feet, they can't put on their shoes without it being considered an Olympic sport. These things can wear a woman down after nine months and the further along in the pregnancy she is, the more she feels like she is definitely not beautiful.
Tell her she is looking great. Make the words count and be genuine about it. Let's face it, she probably hasn't shaved her legs in the last four months, (actually I am proud to say I finally did shave today!) but making a baby is hard work and she is doing a mighty fine job of it.

1. That Cake Looks Delicious!

Pregnant women feel guilty about just about everything they put in their mouths. While it is healthy for us to be eating leafy greens all the time and wiggling our noses like rabbits who eat that stuff, sometimes, we just want a nice juicy burger from the greasiest fast food place there is.
More people are prone to telling you what to stick in your mouth and what not to eat when you are pregnant. Instead of being one of those people, why not just tell her it looks delicious. You know you want a bite of it, why not get real and actually let her know.
Besides, how do you know she didn't just eat a salad for lunch or a carrot stick as a snack. Don't make snap judgements, instead help her feel good about herself. Tell her it looks so TASTY.
She's making a baby, let her eat cake for goodness sakes!

Weight Gain: 20 lbs.

Cravings: Apples, Bananas, Grapes, Smoothies, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Onions, Squash, Zucchini (especially Zucchini!), Pasta :\, Ice Water, Pebble Ice and I found that Sprite or Soda Water helps with my heart burn.

Symptoms: I'm sure you've heard all this for the last couple posts. :) Backache, Pelvic Pain, Braxton Hicks, Leg Cramps, Shrek Feet and Exhaustion, lots and lots of exhaustion!

34 Weeks! He is growing so much! I notice a difference daily. :)

Their baby's the size of a butternut squash!

At less than two months to go, he weighs in at about 4.2 pounds to 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7 inches.

Their baby at 34 weeks!

• He's recognizing and reacting to simple songs, voices and noise.
• He's also urinating about a pint a day.

~33 Weeks~

I can officially say, "I'm due next month!"

This week felt like the longest week I've had in a very long time.. (yawn) I think a majority of it is because I am so exhausted lately. That and work has been extremely slow for us. I am noticing that every week that passes this pregnancy is getting harder on my body. But it just goes to show that this little bundle of joy is growing healthy!! :)

We had our 2 week appointment on Tuesday. C decided to stay back for this one due to the weather, so we tried to Tango (an App you could voice call & video). We could see each other but C couldn't hear me. :( So, we messed with it for a while and nothing.. I decided to just put her on speaker so that she could hear Dr. K during our visit. He said Iron, B-12, weight gain looked great! Baby S is finally measuring right on this visit. I still say he's big! ;)

I am starting to get very uncomfortable. This week at work has been a struggle. I even switched chairs at work to try to accommodate to my back pain, but have had no luck. :( I even get up a lot more frequently then I used to, purposely so I could just be mobile. I have a feeling that these next few weeks are going to be very, very long. I've even been contemplating asking my boss if I could cut back on hours. :\ Which I really don't want to but I cannot imagine another 6 weeks at this desk. I am going to try and tough it out as long as I could. And according to my Dr. I am doing fabulous! But why don't I feel FAB?! :)

Weight Gain: +2 lbs! I am up 20 lbs. total!

Cravings: Pebble Ice, Still on my fruit kick, Granola, Cottage Cheese, Eggs, Cold Milk, Red Meat, Fish and would you know it... Green Olives!

Symptoms: Major Backache, Pelvic Pressure, Swollen Feet, Exhaustion, Trouble Sleeping, Leg Cramps, So many Braxton Hicks, Heartburn.

33 Weeks! He's still pretty high!

Their baby's the size of a durian! (I don't know what this is??)

He weighs about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7 inches. And he may grow up to a full inch this week -- amazing!!

Their baby at 33 weeks!

• He's keeping his eyes open while awake.
• He's also starting to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing.
• His bones are hardening.
• And he going through (more) major brain development -- that's one smart baby!

~32 Weeks~

Exhaustion has no taken over my life.. I cannot get any good sleep lately. I am tired all the time. It doesn't help when I'm the first person Clients see when they walk into my office and I'm practically drooling at my desk! :)

But other then the usual aches and pains that come in the 3rd Trimester. I am feeling pretty good. I have to say I am so happy that I have more good days then bad. :) The only thing that I have to complain about is that I wish I could eat more then I am. I am hungry all the time but tend to get full so much quicker these days. I think it's cause he is taking up all the room in there, it's difficult to digest my food. :) And oh, boy is he active! He keeps me up all night long. It seems to be his favorite time of day. He is very particular about which side I'm lying on, etc. I still believe he is extremely long. I can literally feel him pushing on my hip bones, ouch!

Last week we had some photos done by an amazing and talented photographer here in Utah, she is amazing! So, excited to see the finished product. I will post the pics I do have and I will also add her website to share her talent. :)
http://monkeyfacephotography.com/

I absolutely adore this picture! It is a Favorite for sure!

I am in love with these pictures! They may not show our faces, but I love that they are capturing & focusing on the Journey
and this little Miracle!

Weight Gain: 18 lbs.

Cravings: Almost anything edible! I have been craving a lot of red meat which is really out of my ordinary? Maybe cause my body is needing more Iron? :) I still have a thing for all Fruit, Green Olives, Pickles, String Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Wheat Thins, and Pebble Ice.

Symptoms: All the Above, J/K! :) What is to be expected in the 3rd Trimester. Back Ache, Pelvic Pain, Leg Cramps, Swollen Feet, Heart Burn, Braxton Hicks, Enlarged Breasts and I've noticed tiny spider veins on my legs. :( This makes me so extremely sad I could cry. I cannot keep my bladder empty these days either. I've decided that I am going to start getting massages at least every couple weeks until delivery, I deserve it. :) I think this will help with the back and pelvic pain and help with some anxiety and headaches I've been having lately.

Their baby's the size of a squash!

Still growing, their baby weighs in at about 3.5 to 4 pounds and measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches.

Their baby at 32 weeks!

• He's getting ready for his descent -- he's likely in the head-down position now. (I know he for sure is head down, tons lower pressure.)
• And he's probably feeling a even more cramped.

~31 Weeks~

Okay I have to post on time, this time! :)

This week has been a pretty good week, nice & short as well!! I took Monday off of work because there was just way too much to do in one day! I had a dentist appointment scheduled, Surrogacy Photo Shoot, Walk through with the hospital, and our 2 week Dr's Appt. Wooh.. It was a busy day!
B & C and little K were able to make the drive down! :) I met up with them at our photo shoot at 11 o'clock and it was a beautiful day!! We had an amazing & talented photographer. I cannot wait until we get the pics! I love that C wanted to do pictures of "Our Journey." I am going to cherish these moments for eternity..

After our photo shoot we were able to do a walk through with our hospital. I've had friends ask, "what for? You've had 6 kids, you know what to expect?" But honestly there is so much that is going to be different for us this time around. I want to make sure we have a Birth Plan. The staff needs to be aware of our situation. And I can only pray that they understand where C & I are both coming from. I may be the one in labor but I want them to include her in everything.

We've actually had some doctor appointments where they focus on me and not really acknowledge her. She is his Mommy, she will be loving him and taking care of him for all eternity. It makes me so sad. I wish she could experience everything that I am feeling.. pain, pressure, aches, heartburn and all.. :) (Love you C!) I know she would give anything in her power to be in my shoes. I just want both her & B to have the most amazing and positive experience they both could possibly have! I really felt awful on Monday because this little man was moving and I wanted her to experience that.. but the moment she felt him move it saddened me, it made me think of how lucky I am to experience this and how sad it probably made her. :( So.. this is why I want a birth plan.. so the hospital could include her and B in everything and they could all be aware that this is "their" baby, they have just as much say as if she was the one giving birth to this little miracle.

We were able to talk to the staff and are actually waiting for a call from the Head Nurse. Here are a few of our request I would like to have written in our Birth Plan: (I will post more later, once I've cleared them with B & C)

1. My number one thing... I do not want the Dr. or nurses to lay this little handsome miracle on my chest when he is born. I want B to be able to cut the cord and I want the staff to hand him to his parents.. But please don't rush him away. I want to lay there and cherish this moment. I want to see the expressions on their face, I want to witness the miracle I helped create.
2. If I have to have a c-section and they only allow one other person present, I would like it to be C.
3. I would like B & C to have their own room after delivery. I want them to be able to bond with him and if they have family coming to visit they could do it w/out interruptions. And I also want to be able to recover in my own room.
4. I would like B & C to both be provided with the wrist bands to identify who they are, Baby S's Parents.
5. I want all medical decisions for Baby S to be made by his parents.
6. I want all forms that have to be filled out by his parents to be filled out by B & C.

That's a start to our Birth Plan. There is a lot more that I haven't talked over with B & C yet. I just want everything to go so smoothly. :)

So after our walk through, B & C took me out to lunch (which I devoured) and Nick also met us there. It was so nice for the boys to catch up, and also nice C and I could sit down and have a nice conversation! We also decided to carpool together which was nice because we never seem to have enough time to just sit and visit. C brought up how I felt about induction, and this made me so happy! Not to be induced but just to have a plan. It overwhelms me to think they could miss the birth being so far away. So, we decided to ask the Dr. at our appointment. :)

Well wouldn't you know.. He was all for it! He doesn't like to induce any earlier then a week so that is good! He said Friday the 13th and C and I were like umm.. Maybe the 12th?? LOL Then I told him I'd like him to strip my membranes before having to use Pitocin and he was okay with that too! He said he could even strip them on the 11th to see if I go on my own and if not he will induce the next morning or the 13th. Nothing set in stone but it did take a whole week off from our due date! :) I guess we'll just wait and see how my body progresses these next few weeks!

Weight Gain: 16+2=18 lbs gained! And I'm actually okay with it!! :)

Cravings: Apples, Grapes, Bananas, Apple Juice, Ice, Cottage Cheese, Kneaders sandwiches and salads. Oh, and all kinds of soups!

Symptoms: Enormous amount of potty breaks! Heartburn, Pelvic Pressure, Backache, Swollen Feet, Trouble sleeping and Braxton Hicks.

31 Weeks!!

Their baby's the size of a pineapple!

He's about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long and weighs about 3.5 to 3.8 pounds this month. He's getting so big!

Their baby at 31 week!

• He's going through major brain and nerve development.
• Eye development, too. His irises now react to light!
• All five of his senses are in working order.

~30 Weeks~

Oh, my goodness!! I am so late on this post!! I wrote this last week I just haven't had time to edit it! :\

This next week we will be in single digits!! Next post it will be 9 weeks before Baby S makes his appearance! So exciting!!! It finally feels like it's getting close! I cannot believe we are almost half way through October already! If I tell people we have 10 weeks left they are like "Wow, that much longer, huh?" But if I tell people December they say, "Wow, that's coming up pretty quick!" I love that response so much better! :)

This week has been a lot better week for me. Last week I thought my emotions and feelings were going to get the better of me. This week there's been a little sensitivity but not near as bad as last week! :(

This last week seems to be revolved around lack of sleep. But hey, besides feeling exhausted all day long, at least I am feeling good.. He is so so so active! It's so neat that he can hear what is going on around him. I wish B & C were closer so that he could start getting familiar with their voices. Poor little guy hears the craziness of my kids all day long! o_o I noticed the other day he heard a car horn beep and he immediately jumped! It was pretty neat! Also, he has been having a ton of hiccups lately! It could be as many as 3x a day he gets them! I can tell we are getting closer by the way my body is starting to feel. I wonder if I will hit the nesting stage?? Because usually a pregnant female will start to clean and organize like crazy knowing that she will soon be bringing home a new bundle of joy? Will I get that too?? My nesting stage starts about 34 weeks so we will just have to wait and see! :)

Weight Gain: 16 lbs! (Until this Monday!)

Cravings: Ice!! I seriously could eat a 10 lb. bag of pebble ice a week, Apple Juice, All Fruit, mostly Apples & Bananas, Cottage Cheese, Green Olives, Pickles, and any kind of Soup.

Symptoms: Exhaustion, Pelvic Pressure, Back Pain, Heartburn, Crazy Dreams, Frequent Potty Breaks again, a little Braxton Hicks and I've noticed after work a little swelling in my feet. :(

30 Weeks! I keep trying to fit into my normal clothes, but I really shouldn't! :)

 

Their baby's the size of a cucumber!

Their 15.2- to 16.7-inch, 3- to 3.8-pound baby continues to grow!!

Their baby at 30 weeks!

• His skin is getting smoother.
• But his brain is getting wrinklier -- to make way for all that essential brain tissue.
• He's now strong enough to grasp a finger!

~29 Weeks~

Here we are watching another week fly by! As for this little guy he is doing Amazing! He is so active all the time and usually catches me off guard and nails me somewhere good! :) He sure is a strong little guy. I sometimes stare down at my tummy and think.. "Could I possibly get any bigger? Was I this big with my kids? Is he going to be squished in there?" I have been looking for previous tummy pics with my kids and I honestly look the size I did at about 37 to 38 weeks.. Wowzers! This terrifies me for delivery. I think about it constantly, is he going to fit? Will I have to have my first C-Section? :\ I pray daily that I won't and that I will be able to have a smooth delivery and recovery. It's scary to think that we are only a couple of months away before this little guy makes his appearance! I know B & C cannot wait!! :)

As for me I am doing Okay. I wish I could say I was doing as well as I was last week! This last week has been rough for me. I have been so emotional and so sensitive to every little thing. I am usually chirpy and happy and I have been so gloomy and such a cry baby lately. I believe my hormones have now taken over my life -completely! :( I literally lose it for everything.. What is my problem? I was always more emotional with my pregnancies but this one is a whole knew challenge for me. Other then my emotions I have been feeling good. I am not sleeping good but that is to be expected! :) And it seems that every time I was up in the middle of the night so does he! Then it takes him some time to fall back to sleep. I honestly wish I could sleep half as good as I do when I fall asleep on the couch as I do in my own bed?? :\  Why is that??

Weight Gain: 16 lbs!

Cravings: Everything and Anything lately!!!

Symptoms: Back Pain, Pelvic Pain, Sleep Deprivation, Exhaustion, Crazy Dreams and an enormous amount of Braxton Hicks.

29 Weeks! And Growing Strong!

Their baby's the size of an acorn squash!

Baby already measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long. Right now, he weighs about 3 to 3.8 pounds but he's still got a ways to go -- can you believe he'll triple in weight before birth?

Their baby at 29 weeks

• He's getting a little cramped in there, since he's growing so fast. But you probably already realize that, since you're getting all those jabs and kicks.
• He's growing white fat deposits under his skin, and his energy is surging because of it.
• Feel a subtle twitch? It might be baby hiccuping.

~28 Weeks~

Yippee! We are now in the 3rd Trimester!! How great it feels to finally be here! :) These last 12 weeks I know are not only going to fly by but he is going to grow so much more for his mommy & daddy. I keep telling myself to start Christmas shopping cause I am such a procrastinator with that... And I know the further I wait the more uncomfortable I will become but just the thought of Christmas shopping makes my heart race, my hands sweat & my stomach turn..o_o

This Monday we had our monthly appointment and of course C made the 3-4 hour drive down for it! :) I love her support throughout this entire process! She is a doll!

As for my appointment it went pretty well. I only gained 2 lbs!! Woohoo! Feeling proud of myself! :) So that makes it a total of 16 lbs.  Last week I had to take my Glucose test and it looks like everything looks amazing. Well, actually I was a little anemic, this little guy is taking all my Iron which I honestly already knew since I'm pretty exhausted lately. Even with taking Iron pills? :\  Someone told me to eat Liver, *gag*, so not happening! Here are some ideas I've found that I am going to try:

• Red meat
• Egg yolks
• Dark, leafy greens (spinach, collards)
• Dried fruit (prunes, raisins)
• Iron-enriched cereals and grains (check the labels)
• Mollusks (oysters, clams, scallops)
• Turkey or chicken giblets (Umm. No Thanks!)
• Beans, lentils, chick peas and soybeans
• Liver (No Way!)
• Artichokes

So, I've started eating a little more red meat, which I honestly am still struggling with since becoming pregnant. Egg yolks and everything else on here is do-able! :) Hoping with my supplements and these items above I will no longer be anemic. :)

Anyways, Dr. told me I was his new favorite patient!! I was his second but his first just delivered!! LOL Said I am as healthy as they come. Perfect. As for this little guy he is looking great doc said, but he is still measuring over 2 weeks ahead of schedule. So.. now we go in every 2 weeks from here on out? He didn't explain to us why, but I am thinking just to monitor the both of us, which I am all for it! :)

C is the cutest! When we were in the waiting room she wanted to touch the belly. I wish she wouldn't feel so awkward doing this. This is her baby and if anyone in this entire world has the approval to do so, it is her! :) When it was time for her to head back home I could tell that it was really hard for her.. She then explained that she feels like she is leaving a huge part of her, which I know she is, she trust me with all her heart with this little miracle and that makes me so grateful! She, has such a kind heart and I promise you C, he will be home with "S" family soon. Then you all can love on him and enjoy every waken minute with him. I know I am enjoying him so much. Me and him have this little bond.. :) and I love that and cherish that. And I also know that he has this connection with his parents and he cannot wait to meet them!

Weight Gain: 16 lbs!

Cravings: Fruits and Veggies still! Lots of Salads & Smoothies, Green Olives :\, Avocados, Eggs, Tortilla's, Soups, Juice, Ice Water.. Especially with pebble ice, man I love pebble ice, it's probably my weakness! LOL

Symptoms: Headaches, Heartburn, Backache, Pelvic Pressure, Braxton Hicks, Shortness of Breath and most of all I am tired all the time.. :( I just cannot seem to get good sleep lately.

28 Weeks!

I'm not sure what's wrong with my camera on my phone? I upgraded and this is what all my pics are looking like now? I've got to mess with it some more.

Their baby's the size of an eggplant!

Putting on layers of fat, their baby now weighs in around 2 to 2.5 pounds and measures about 14 to 14.8 inches.

Their baby at 28 weeks

• He's starting to develop more fat, so his wrinkly skin will start to get smoother.
• His lungs are mature enough that he'd probably survive if he was born now. Wow!

~27 Weeks~

Another week down! He is really getting tight in there. It's amazing how strong you can feel them getting! B & C are going to have a little Rocky on their hands!! :) My co-workers laugh cause sometimes I will just be sitting there and my body jerks cause he's nailed me pretty good! Also, B & C, I really hope you are prepared for a good eater! I have never (in my 6 pregnancies) had an appetite like I do this time around? He still prefers cold juice over anything else, especially Apple Juice. :)

I cannot believe that in 13 weeks he will be enjoying his Mommy, Daddy and little sister "K"! How time is starting to move quickly! I know once October hits time will move even quicker, with all the Holidays to keep us busy and all! I am just praying I (Santa) can get all the Christmas shopping done before this little man makes his appearance! :)

Weight Gain: 14 lbs! (And counting!)

Cravings: All Fruits and All Veggies! Still loving smoothies and juice. I am loving bell peppers right now and anything with Onions? :\ Also, I got my kick for spicy foods again! I am still loving green olives but have been hiding the jar in the back of the fridge so it's not the first thing I notice when I open it! :)

Symptoms: Back Ache, Pelvic Pressure, Stomach Tightening, Braxton Hicks, Major Heartburn, Trouble Sleeping, Lots of bathroom breaks again.

27 Weeks!!

Their baby's the size of a rutabaga!

(I actually don't even know what a rutabaga is?) HaHa!

At 13.6 to 14.8 inches and 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, he's not just getting bigger, he's getting smarter.

 

Their baby at 27 weeks

• He's practicing inhaling and exhaling with his rapidly developing lungs.
• It's official: Baby's showing brain activity! And his brain will keep on getting more complex.