34

Baby BOY DeSalvo - Week 34 Update

How Far Along: 34 weeks, 3 days

Total Weight Gain: Since week four, I have officially gained (you may need to sit down to hear this)...38 pounds. Whoa!

Maternity Clothes: NO doubt! Now that it is finally staying warm, my wardrobe has consisted of leggings and dresses and long skirts.

Favorite Moment This Week: Last Tuesday, we had our maternity photos taken by one of our dear friends who just so happens to be due the exact same day as us! Her husband tagged along and we made it a double date...photos followed by Lulu's Thai!

Gender: BOY!

Movement: He is VERY active! At our appointment this week, the doctor had a hard time getting a good read on the heart because his movement kept interrupting it!

Food Cravings: Same, but I've been craving ice cold Shatto milk again! I'm averaging 1-2 glasses a day.

What I Miss: Being able to wear any shoes I want. I am now only able to wear my Sanuk flip flops or my Nike tennis shoes...

Sleep: Still getting up frequently to use the restroom and having a hard time finding a position to be comfortable in all night. I really miss sleeping on my back and tummy.

What I am Looking Forward to: We're packing our hospital bags this weekend and getting the car seat installed on Tuesday. It's all beginning to seem so real and I LOVE every minute of it!

Symptoms: Puffy feet and ankles, VERY sore feet

Belly Button: OUT

Next Dr. Appointment: We have an ultra sound next Thursday to re-check my placenta previa. If it is still present, I will have a C-section. If it has shifted a good amount, I will be able to go natural.

Contractions: Some mild cramping every few days.

 34 weeks - May 6, 2013

Trying shoes on when feet are at their puffiest proved very difficult.

33

Baby BOY DeSalvo - Week 33

How Far Along: 33 weeks, 2 days

Total Weight Gain: I haven't gained weight over the past few weeks. I definitely feel like I have, but I suppose the scale doesn't lie!

Maternity Clothes: No doubt!

Favorite Moment This Week: These aren't necessarily "favorites" but Baby DeSalvo has had a very eventful week. Last Tuesday, we went in for our 32 week check up. I have been having some swelling in both ankles/feet, but one was especially swollen and painful to the touch. When I asked the doctor about this, she gave two possible explanations; blood clot in a deep leg vein OR a sprain/strain in one of my ligaments. She was very confident that it was either a sprain or a strain, but wasn't 100% sure. To reassure us that everything was okay, she sent us straight to radiology to have an ultrasound of my legs. On the way down there, we went over the possibility that if it was indeed a blood clot that I would have to be admitted and put on blood thinners and then continue taking those for the remainder of the pregnancy. Not something I was at all interested in. After the ultrasound was complete, we discovered that I did NOT have any blood clots in either leg and that it was probably just a sprain/strain. We were very thankful for that news. 

Then, on Thursday evening, I began having some cramping and contracting. I didn't mention it out loud to anyone, not even Joe. I figured that once I rested through the night, I would be fine. When I woke up throughout the night, I could still feel the cramping, but when I woke up I felt better. Then, throughout the morning at school, the cramping/contracting returned. Even thought I kept telling myself that everything was okay, I decided to call my doctor. When I got in touch with my doctor's nurse, she told me that I needed to come in and be checked and possibly monitored for pre-term labor. I was panicked and unsure of what emotions to feel. I called Joe and let him know they wanted me to come in to the hospital and that I was leaving work immediately. Upon arriving at the doctor's office, I was taken back immediately and my vitals were checked. Then, while waiting for the doctor, I was mentally preparing myself for anything that could possibly happen...including the slight possibility of having my baby. My doctor came in and examined me and asked me to explain what I was feeling. She then "checked" me and let me know that I was still "sealed" and that my cervix was not dilated at all. She then went on to explain that my body was preparing itself for labor and that as long as the contractions weren't being productive that it was all okay.

Movement: He is a very busy little guy and I love it all. It's especially fun to watch because my belly definitely morphs several times during the day.

 Belly morph in progress!

Food Cravings: Still the same things, but I definitely craved fruit and yogurt this week.

What I Miss: Today was an emotional day as I was getting ready. I didn't feel comfortable in anything I put on and NONE of my shoes, except for a couple of pairs of flip flops, fit. Thank goodness one of my teammates was sweet enough to purchase a pair of Sanuk yoga-mat flip flops for me last week and she brought them to school today...just when I needed them most. I also went to Famous Footwear after school and purchased a pair of tennis shoes. It took about an hour, but I finally found a pair that fit and that I liked. Whoa.

Sleep: It has been pretty warm here this week and we've had the windows open. The other night I woke up around 11:30 and just pleaded with Joe to shut the windows and turn the air way down. Sleep is becoming more difficult, but still no real complaints.

What I am Looking Forward to: We had our maternity photos taken last night and I can't wait to see all of them and get several framed!

 Joe captured this photo during our maternity photo shoot.

Symptoms: Mild cramping, contracting, and swelling of the feet/ankles

Belly Button: Pretty much out all of the way

Next Dr. Appointment: May 6th

Contractions: Yes, but not too many since last Friday when I was at the doctor.

33 weeks!

healing wound year one.

yesterday. april 23. one year since we lost our baby.

i remember everything about last year like it was yesterday. the wounds are still healing and they always will be.

last spring, our hearts were full of wishes, hopes, dreams and imagining what our sweet baby would be like and who he/she would look like. then, our hearts felt the worst pain and we were faced to deal with the fact that those wishes, hopes, and dreams wouldn't be a reality.

i mourn for that sweet baby every day. i know that one day we will meet and be introduced by our heavenly father. what better way for us to meet for the first time?

until our reunion day, i get to celebrate life with the birth of our son in june. god has blessed us with this sweet child in the midst of our grieving. god's plan is unfolding. i have no doubt that there will be a part of the baby we lost in the baby we welcome in just two short months.

after all, our wishes, hopes and dreams are coming true. it may not be in the way we had planned or imagined, but it's happening june 17th.

32

                        Baby BOY DeSalvo Update - Week 32

How Far Along: 32 weeks, 1 day

Total Weight Gain: I think I am up to 28 pounds gained now.

Maternity Clothes: Of course! I am loving the occasional warm days we are having that allow me to wear Maxi skirts and dresses.

Favorite Moment This Week: Last Saturday was our family shower and we were overwhelmed by the generosity of our sweet families. It was so nice to see everyone and celebrate our sweet boy.

Gender: Bambino

Movement: Yes-he is a mover and a shaker.  I have enjoyed watching my belly take on new shapes as he tries to get comfortable.

Food Craving: The same as previous weeks, but tonight I wanted potato chips and mayo. Yesterday, everyone gave me trouble for mixing BBQ sauce in my potato salad...YUM!

What I Miss: Moving around quickly and being able to bend over to pick things up, tie my shoes and put on my socks. I'm still loving this whole pregnancy thing!

Sleep: Overall, I am still sleeping really well. Over the last week I have started getting leg cramps which wake me up, then I realize I have to go to the restroom which then causes me to get out of bed.

What I Am Looking Forward To: We are going on a tour of the Maternity Ward on Saturday. We have visited one baby there so it was nice to see it from that aspect, but I am looking forward to seeing EVERYTHING on Saturday!

Symptoms: There's nothing new particularly. Today at my doctor's appointment I asked about my left ankle which has been more swollen than the right and pretty painful. The doctor said that it was either a sprain or a blood clot. So, she sent me straight to radiology to have an ultrasound done of the veins in my legs. NO BLOOD CLOT! So, it is a sprained ankle which means rest, elevation, ice and keeping it wrapped/braced. If it doesn't get better in a couple of days, I am to go and see my primary care doctor to see what she thinks.

Belly Button: STILL trying to make up its mind.

Next Dr. Appoinment: May 6th! At that appointment we will schedule my ultrasound to check on my placenta previa and determine whether I can birth naturally or if I will require a C-section.

He sure is beginning to POP out!

thirty one.

Baby BOY DeSalvo - Week 31

How Far Along: 31 weeks, 2 days

 

Total Weight Gain: I would have to guess that by now I am between 25 and 30 pounds gained

 

Maternity Clothes: Absolutely!

 

Favorite Moment This Week: There are always so many great moments that it is hard to choose just one, so here are my TWO favorite moments of the week. Last Saturday we went to my Dad's family reunion. It was at Boulevard Brewery and there was a great crowd that attended. It was so fun to see everyone and to show off my baby bump! My other favorite moment this week just happened a day or two ago. While sitting on the couch, I looked down at my belly and it looked like a cone. Baby boy was all on one side being cozy. It was so fun to see and it's fun to play with him.

 

Gender: BOY!

 

Movement: He is VERY active. Between 6 and 7 p.m. are the most active and early, early morning.

Food Cravings: The only new one is SALAD. I had a salad every day over the weekend and again on Tuesday night at Small group.

What I Miss: Same as previous weeks, but I am really missing being able to do things around the house without becoming totally exhausted.

Sleep: It continues to be hit or miss. Some nights I sleep soundly the entire night while others I wake up numerous times to use the restroom. Monday night I went to bed at 8:30 p.m. and slept until 7:00 a.m. It was glorious!

What I Am Looking Forward To: Saturday is our family shower. I am really looking forward to spending time with everyone and celebrating our sweet baby boy.

Symptoms: I am beginning to feel more and more tired. My legs and feet are becoming more sore by the end of the day, but other than that, no complaints!

Belly Button: Still half in and half out...

Next Dr. Appt: Next Tuesday, April 23rd

31 weeks down, only 9 to go!

30.

Baby BOY DeSalvo @ 30 Weeks

How Far Along: 30 weeks, 1 day

Total Weight Gain: I believe I'm around 25 pounds or so. I gained 2 pounds in the last two weeks, 1 pound per week which is the rate they prefer me to be growing. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes! I am still able to wear some regular shirts and tank tops.

Favorite Moment This Week: I had Baby Shower #1 last Saturday. Baby DeSalvo is so blessed. Joe and I are incredibly thankful and blessed to have such phenomenal people in our lives. We are so thankful to have so many great things for our baby boy. Joe and I also decided that the baby bedding is something we wanted to purchase ourselves. We went on Sunday afternoon to Pottery Barn Kids and got his bedding and came home, through it in the washing machine and then made his bed. Putting the room together and sorting out his new things is another reality check and makes it seem even more real! 

Gender: ALL Boy! He is so active!

Movement: Yes! I love every single movement! He is so active and I am starting to be able to distinguish what body part is which. I've also been able to "play" with the baby by pushing on him and he will push back. He's probably annoyed it, but I love interacting with him! 

 

Food Cravings: Nothing new, but I am still LOVING Chipotle. I really craved this at the beginning of my pregnancy and am now craving it again. 

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night and being able to get things done around the house at a pace I am happy with.

Sleep: Still hit or miss, but I am getting up 2-3 time to use the restroom which makes it difficult to sleep soundly.

What I am Looking Forward To: I was looking forward to my massage today, so I will put that. It was phenomenal! I feel like a million bucks!

Symptoms: My feet/ankles got puffy and swollen for the first time last week. My knees, shins and feet are really sore, but other than that I really don't have any complaints! 

Belly Button: Still trying to decide if it wants to pop out or not, but it's definitely on its way to pop out.

Next Dr. Appt: Two weeks from today.

30 weeks, Royals home-opener Spirit Day at school!

Mondays. Week 29.

Mondays are my new favorite day. Monday is the day my baby grows another week older. Monday is the day I get my email and app updates on what he is doing and how is growing this week. So, I bring you...Week 29!

Baby BOY DeSalvo - Week 29

How Far Along: 29 weeks

Total Weight Gain: As of my last appointment last Monday, I had gained 24 pounds total. Now, with the Easter holiday and consumption of lots of delicious food, I am a little apprehensive about next week's appointment. 

Maternity Clothes: Absolutely! Leggings and dresses are my new favorite and I am ready for full time Spring weather!

Favorite Moment This Week: This week, I feel like baby and I are bonding more and more. I've been making more of an effort to relax in the morning before going to work. When I wake up, I lay in bed for a while talking to baby and savoring every movement his little body makes. It's a special time, a time where it's just him and I.

Gender: BOY - I think we might have finalized a name, but I don't know that we're 100% ready to commit to it. 

Movement: He is a busy little body. Hiccups are pretty much a daily occurrence as are rolls, jabs and kicks. 

Food Cravings: Milk, ice cold water, chocolate of any kind, Eggs, Bananas, yogurt, toast

What I miss: Again, I can't emphasize how much I am enjoying pregnancy, but there are several things I'm missing such as; sleeping on my back, being able to do everything I want to around the house without being completely wiped out and having to stop, tying my own shoes and moving around quickly.

Sleep: It's hit or miss for sure, but mostly good. When I am asleep, I'm out. I get up during the night to use the restroom and it is becoming harder to fall back asleep.

What I am looking forward to: Seeing what baby boy looks like, who he looks like.

Symptoms: Nothing new really, but my body is doing a really good job of telling me when to SLOW down and relax. I think I am beginning to get better about listening to it when it's trying to tell me that! 

Belly Button: Same, but any day I am expecting to wake up and have it completely out. 

  

Next Dr. Appointment: Monday, April 8th! 

He's front and center!