Tag: 3rd trimester

Dear Bump,

You are proving to be quite the trickster. We had a nice relaxing weekend at home and we were sure you were going to arrive. I even had a couple of minor false labor signs. My  contractions have increased in intensity but aren’t painful or distract me enough to stop whatever activity I’m engaged in. There were several times throughout the weekend where contractions were 7-8 minutes apart for over an hour, but never got closer and would dissipate over the next hour.

The itching continues and has become pretty bothersome. Last night I couldn’t sleep at all! I maybe got three hours of sleep. I even considered putting mittens on to prevent me from itching. Daddy has been sleeping in a twin bed in our bedroom with earmuffs on since 36 weeks because the scratching is so loud. He says I sounds like a raccoon digging through the garbage. I also noticed a new little rash on my belly near one of my freckles .

Overall, I’m feeling a little frustrated and I know I shouldn’t because I haven’t even reached my due date yet, but so many people told me you were going to arrive early it got in my head and now that you’re not its disappointing. Additionally, I feel like I keep having these signs that labor is going to start and then it doesn’t and it is another let down.

Tomorrow, we have another appointment with Dr. G so we’ll get the results back on the blood work they did last week, see if I’ve progressed and if not maybe talk about an induction date. I really want you to be healthy, but also come soon and naturally so I don’t have to be induced. Please be good to your mom!

Love, Mom

Dear Bump,

Today we had your 38-week appointment and it went relatively well. The itchiness in my feet, hands and all over my body continued and intensified over the past two weeks. Originally, I thought it was a result of dry stretching skin, but it has been getting worse. Daddy said I was itching my body throughout the nights so Dr. G had me come in early in to have some blood work drawn and sent out for a very rare but potential liver complication. If I do have the liver complication, I’ll be induced immediately.

The regular Dr. appointment went well. I lost a pound, my belly is measuring right on track and I’m dilated to a tight 2 cm. Not as much progress as I was hoping, but better then none. Dr. G noticed you have dropped and are sitting much lower, which is also a good sign. I’ve noticed too as you frequently push on some nerves that cause a numbness in my legs for a brief moment.

I had my membranes stripped (I think) to potentially help progress labor. You had been inactive all morning, so we did a non-stress test. I sat in a chair and had two little bands around my belly, one to monitor contractions and one to monitor your movement. It looked like you were sleeping since you weren’t moving around a ton, but still enough to “pass” the test. Once we got home, I took advantage of my free afternoon and decorated the Christmas tree and put up some of the other decorations. As I was putting the decorations up, my contractions were much more frequent, but they still didn’t hurt and would dissipate when I relaxed.

This past week was also Thanksgiving. We spent the morning relaxing and taking some photos of the bump. Then we headed over to Great-Grandma and Grandpa S’s for dinner. On Friday, I did a little shopping with Grandma B while Daddy spent some time with Grandpa S and Great-Grandpa S and then we went to go see the movie Lincoln. We figured it might be the last time we get to see a movie for a while. Saturday was a very relaxing day. We watched several movies and hung out at home most of the day. On Sunday we went over to Grandma and Grandpa B’s for a second Thanksgiving. So crazy to think that next year, you’ll be able to enjoy some of it!

And the weekend prior, we went to child-birthing classes. Originally, Daddy and I were dreading them since they was so long, but both of us were pleasantly surprised with how nice the class was. They really focused on different pain management techniques such as different positions to get through a contraction, how Daddy can help me manage the pain and how to address each of our fears. And it really didn’t feel as long as it was. Overall, I feel much more prepared and a lot less anxious for labor.

Overall, I feel pretty ready for your arrival. Car seat is in the car, bag is packed, shower items are returned—now we just need you to jump start the labor process so we can meet you and find out if you’re a boy or a girl! I still feel pretty strongly that you’re a boy—I even had a dream about it, but I have had a couple of pings that you could be a girl. Daddy still thinks you’re a girl.

Come soon!

Love, Mom

Dear Bump,

This is your “official” nickname as of lately. Daddy has transitioned from calling you Lil’ Peanut to ‘Bump’ as you continue to grow to be a bigger and bigger bump on my stomach.

This week I’ve noticed a lot more Braxton Hicks contractions. It is hard to track how far apart they are as all of the sudden I notice the tightness and then its gone. I never notice when it starts or ends. I’m also having a hard time getting through the day without some kind of little nap, usually when I get home from work. I also get exhausted doing regular activities like grocery shopping. Tonight I noticed some cramping, which can be a sign of labor, but it went away once I switched positions. My skin has also been very itchy this week. I usually put lotion on every morning and night but it still has me scratching mid day. I’m excited to go to the Dr. again tomorrow. I hope that I’ve progressed more. I feel like I’ve been on an emotional rollar coster this week. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel or mentally prepare for your arrival. I know you could come at any point so I have to be ready, BUT you could still take a whole 4 weeks to arrive so I need to be prepared for the waiting game.

I also get emotional thinking about things. On the way home from the grocery store today, I teared up thinking that its not going to be just your dad and I anymore. Don’t get me wrong, we’re very excited for you to join us, but we’ve got a little routine going and it works for us and we’re happy and in a couple of days/weeks that is going to change forever and I just don’t know if I’m ready for that. I’m also really really scared for labor. I was laying on the couch and started feeling very crampy and thought ‘this could be it’ and I was more terrified than I thought. I just know there is going to be so much pain and I’m nervous I’m not going to be able to handle it.

Other things to note… as of 36 weeks, I’ve gained 25 lbs and am hoping to stay right there. No noticeable stretch marks yet, but that could always change. My belly button has remained an innie but it is definitely different. The skin on the top sticks out more so sometimes it looks like my belly button has popped but it hasn’t. I still have heart burn but it isn’t nearly as bad as it used to. My feet and hands continue to swell and it hurts to type and write sometimes. Restless leg syndrome is still going strong, but it is only in my feet. They feel itchy like they are very dry and can’t stay moist and just need to be touched. Pelvic pressure is pretty strong. Sometimes it feels like my south side is going to explode like a firework. It makes crossing my legs or even shifting positions in a chair difficult.

I can tell you are getting more cramped, I can’t hunch over at all. Yesterday I was trying to write thank you notes and your legs were stuck under my ribs making things very uncomfortable. I also have a hard time driving because of this. My seat needs to be reclined a ways back. Even getting out of the car is work. I can’t just get out, I need to physically shift my body and then stand up with a little help from the wheel. It feels very mechanical and robotic. My lips are chapped. I have a hard time staying hydrated. My skin is itchy everywhere. Shaving has become difficult to nearly impossible. My belly is very firm and doesn’t move to see what I’m shaving. You continue to roll from one side to the other.  Laying on my back has become impossible as it is difficult to breath. We’re heading to the doctor this afternoon and I’m hoping she says I’m dialated to a 3 or 4 and 100% effaced and you could come at any time! Wishful thinking I’m sure, but one can hope right?

Looking forward to your arrival.

Love, Mom

Dear Lil’ Peanut

This weekend was a lot of hard work, but we’re 90% finished with the family room project! I worked for over 12 hours both days painting and sanding the built-in cabinets and shelves. Now, we have a few minor details to finish up this week. Next on my list is getting the dots cut, painted and hung so I can focus on cleaning the house and getting ready for three showers this weekend! I’m not sure if it was all the work or just pregnancy, but my hands have continued to swell. They hurt when I bend them. So today, I’ve been sitting at work with my legs elevated and trying to drink lots and lots of water! Hopefully they will go down a bit over the next couple of weeks, but I’m not counting on it.

Overall, my mood has been pretty negative the past couple of days. I’m snippy and easily irritated by anything and nearly everyone. It’s frustrating and I know I sound snotty often, but part of me can’t help it and the other part just doesn’t care. I’m not sure if you’ve dropped, but I can feel you pushing on my bladder much more and the pelvic pressure is worse. If I’m sitting on the floor I have a hard time sanding up. Overall, I’m just getting really uncomfortable and I’m anxious to meet you.

Love, Mom

Dear Lil’ Peanut,

You are now 34 weeks along and gaining more weight. You’re measuring right on schedule, but Dr. G thinks you’re going to weigh at least 8.5 lbs. when you’re born. You’re supposed to be close to 18 inches long and weigh almost 5 lbs. right now. Even with all your growth, I still feel you moving around a lot. Sometimes it feels like you’re trying to tickle me or that I can feel your hands and toes wiggling. You’re also stretching out more and once or twice a day I can feel your little feet under my rib bones. During the past two weeks, I gained the most weight compared to any other visits, 6 lbs. in two weeks, which brings me to a grand total of 24 lbs.! Not bad, but not great either. My goal is to stay under 30 lbs.

This week I also started swelling. My fingers are too swollen to wear my rings and my shoes are getting pretty tight. I’m not sure if my feet are swelling or if they’re starting to ‘grow’ bigger (Grandma B’s feet ‘grew’ 1/2 a size for every kid). The heartburn has also gotten much more aggressive. For whatever reason, its the worst at night just as I’m going to bed. A couple of tums usually doe the trick, but I’m careful to keep my head above my chest to prevent the acid from creeping up. Sleep has also gotten much more difficult. I wake up from hip pain several times throughout the night, in which I also go to the bathroom.

My back is much more sore too. Last night after I picked up Grandma and Grandpa B from the airport, I sat in the hot tub and it felt great. I’m not sure why, but throughout the entire pregnancy I craved going swimming or having my body submerged in water.

In addition to all of the other wonderful pregnancy symptoms, I may or may not have restless leg syndrome. About one night a week, I just can’t sleep, my legs just need to be rubbed or touched. I’ve found that keeping lotion on my feet helps prevent this. I also try and remember to stretch everyday as that seems to help my body feel better too. So many fun things my body gets to experience because of you.

Last Thursday we also had our first baby shower for you. I have 3 more showers that we’ve been very busy getting the house ready for. Daddy has been busy working in the living room getting the fireplace project finished. Last weekend we worked really long hours and made really good progress. Next step is putting the stone on the wall! We’re also working on putting some of the finishing touches on your nursery. We have most of it done, but just need to cut, paint and apply the dots to the wall.

Finally, in two days, Daddy is getting lasik surgery! He is pretty excited about it and I’m so happy that he is going to have it done. I’ve been praying that the procedure will go smoothly and there won’t be any complications, so if you can say an extra prayer for your Daddy that would be great!

I still think you’re a boy and Daddy thinks you’re a girl so no new thoughts there. I do think that you may arrive a little earlier than your due date. Whenever I read about side affects for this time, I feel like I’m a week ahead of what they are reporting. But now I feel that I’ve said that I think you might arrive a little early, you’ll probably arrive late. Either way will be fine, I just pray you’re healthy!

Love, Mom

Dear Little Peanut,

You are now 34 weeks along and gaining more weight. You’re measuring right on schedule, but the doctor thinks you’re going to be at least 8.5 lbs. when you’re born. You’re supposed to be close to 18 inches long and weigh almost 5 lbs. right now. Even thought you’re getting so big, I still feel you moving around a lot. Sometimes it feels like you’re trying to tickle me or that I can feel your hands and toes wiggling. You’re also trying to stretch out more and usually once or twice a day I can feel your little feet stretching out under my ribs.

I also gained the most weight in the past two weeks compared to any of my other visits, 6 lbs. in two weeks, which brings me to a grand total of 24 lbs. Not bad, but not great either. My goal is to stay under 30 lbs.

This week I also started swelling. My fingers have gotten to large to wear my rings and some of my shoes are pretty tight. I’m not sure if my feet are swelling or if they’re starting to ‘grow’ bigger. We’ll find out after you arrive! The heartburn has also gotten much worse. I need to be very careful that I keep my head above my chest when I bend over to prevent acid from creeping through. Sleep has also gotten much more difficult. I wake up from hip pain several times throughout the night. Usually, one of those times i’ll go to the bathroom too. My back is also starting to become much more sore. Last night after I picked up Grandma and Grandpa Bothwell from the airport, I sat in the hot tub and it felt Am-Azing. Thankfully, the temp is still low enough for me to go in. I’m not sure if I have restless leg syndrome or not, but there is usually one night during the week where I just can’t sleep. I’ve found that keeping lotion on my feet helps prevent this. I also try and remember to stretch everyday as that seems to help my body feel better too. So many fun things my body gets to experience because of you.

Last Thursday we also had our first baby shower with the Sampsons. We went out to dinner at Maple Tavern and everyone was very generous in gifts for you. I have 3 more showers coming and we’ve been very busy getting the house ready for the. Daddy has been busy working in the family room getting the fireplace project all finished. Last weekend we worked really hard. Today he is working on putting up the stone on the wall and then it is just finishing touches, which I’m very excited about! We’re also working on putting some of the finishing touches on your nursery. We have most of it done, but just need to cut, paint and apply the dots to the wall.

In two days, your dad is getting lasik surgery! He is pretty excited about it and I’m so happy that he is going to have it done. I’ve been praying that the procedure will go smoothly and there won’t be any complications, so if you can say an extra prayer for your Daddy! I still am thinking that you’re a boy and Daddy thinks you’re a girl so no maybe news there. I do think that you may arrive a little earlier than your due date. Whenever I read about side affects for this time, I feel like I’m a week ahead of what they are reporting. But now I feel that I’ve said that I think you might arrive a little early, you’ll probably arrive late. Either way will be fine, I just pray you’re healthy!

Love, Mom

Dear Little Peanut,

We’re quickly approaching the 32-week mark and I can’t believe it. All of the sudden this week you became more real. For the past 30 weeks I’ve been looking forward to your arrival, but it felt so far away, and now it’s within reaching distance. It’s crazy to think that you could be here in 8 weeks, that’s the same amount of time we had to wait from conception to our first doctor’s appointment when we saw your little heartbeat pumping up and down on the screen. And your heart has grown quite strong since that appointment 24 weeks ago. I’m reminded many times throughout the day just how real you are with all of your little movements.

In the past week or so, I’ve been able to distinguish and feel different parts of your body moving. I notice when the little hands are paddling you around inside and can feel your little feet pushing under my ribs as you stretch out. When you roll over, I can feel your knees pressing against my stomach and can anticipate when you’re going to move again. I’m pretty sure you are head down, and think I can feel your butt from time to time. I can also usually tell if you’re on the left side or the right side of my belly. Although your daddy feels your movements from the outside I really wish he could feel you moving on the inside and how wonderful it is to be reminded of you several times throughout the day. You’re just over 3 lbs. this week and about 17 inches long. Daddy and I haven’t been very good about taking regular pictures of you growing in my tummy, but we’ll try and get better these next couple of weeks.

Overall, I’m feeling pretty good. I still have a little bit of kidney pain but it isn’t too bad. Sleep hasn’t been awful either. My hip muscles get really tight from sleeping on my side, but I’ve been trying to stretch regularly and that helps. And usually, I only need to get up once a night to go to the bathroom. I feel beautiful carrying you around and am still below the expected weight gain, which I feel great about. I still think you are a boy, but Daddy is wavering a little and thinks you might be a girl. I have another Dr. appointment on Friday, and now they start occurring every 2 weeks for another month and then every week for the last month. I’m mentally preparing for you to arrive well past your due date, but I kind of feel like I’m ahead of schedule on many symptoms and that you might arrive early. Either way, we are very excited to meet you! I even practiced signing our family’s new names together.

Love, Mom

Dear Little Peanut,

It’s been awhile since I’ve written to you. Not a whole lot and a whole lot has been going on over the past month. You’ve been growing quiet a bit. You’re now 2.75 lbs and are 15.7 inches long. You’re now big enough that I can feel when you rotate inside of me and not just when your little hands and legs are moving around. Overall, I feel a lot more movement internally than can be felt externally. Daddy enjoys playing with you and greeting you. He loves putting his voice up to the belly and saying “Hey Belly, How’s it going in there?”

A couple of weeks ago he was talking to you with his head pressed against my belly and you kicked him right in the head, which made me laugh. He also thinks you or ‘Belly’ is the funniest thing ever—especially my belly button which is starting to change shape a little bit. It is still an ‘innie’ but its starting to flatten out.  Daddy is always asking, “What do you think is going through Little Peanut’s mind? Is it just like, quit shaking me Dad or does it think its awesome?” Other than that, Daddy has been very busy processing images from weddings and getting them wrapped up.

For me, things are a little slow at work so I’ve been busy reading about all sorts of things for your arrival. Over the past month, I registered for my baby showers to hopefully receive a lot of the gear we need for your arrival. It was very overwhelming experience as there are so many options and so many things out there that we probably don’t need. It was tricking trying to guess what we will need/what would be nice to have and what we don’t need. I read lots of reviews and asked friends advice so I’m feeling pretty good about my picks.

On our way to Grandma and Grandpa Bothwell’s house on afternoon, I made Daddy stop at ToysRUs to make sure they sold baby gear there and he saw this Tigger bath towel and he thought it was the coolest thing—so I added it to the registry for him, and sure enough it was the first thing that someone bought. He was pretty excited when I told him that and was thinking he had some pretty good taste.

We also went to Nicki and Ryan’s wedding reception a couple of weeks ago. It was so nice to go and attend as guests and not have to worry about taking pictures, but everyone there predicted that you were a girl—which was the first time that either of us had heard anyone say that you’re a girl. Hopefully we’ll know in about 10 weeks!

I’ve also spent the past couple months working on your room, even though there isn’t anything to show for it. I bought several lamps and picture frames and mirrors to hang on the wall, only to return most of them. We decided to put an overhead fan in with a dimmer instead of a lamp and miraculously, we found one pretty quickly that we both really liked. I also finally settled on some picture frames, how they were going to be arranged, and got them hung on the wall this past weekend. I also made a list of all the other house projects that I want to complete before you arrive so I’ll be busy the next couple of weeks getting stuff done (hopefully!). This weekend, Auntie Sheila comes home, so I’m very excited to see her and she is very excited to see you in the belly and feel you moving around!

Love, Mom