33 Weeks: Honeydew

By now, you have all the amniotic fluid you are going to have and the amount will remain consistent until delivery. Your baby's brain continues to grow, and increase the size of his head. Your baby continues to develop fat deposits under the skin, changing the color of her skin from red to pink.

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

Maternity Pictures!

As most of you know Matt and I started a photography business about a year ago... so one would think that taking our own maternity pictures would have been a breeze- yeah, not so much! We had no idea it would take us so darn long to set up the tripod for each picture, and to actually come up with ideas for ourselves. We started out with no real plan of what we were going to do (unlike if we were actually going to be shooting someone else's pictures)... but I think they turned out pretty darn well considering the factors against us. =)

And can I just say that I can't BELIEVE that we were taking OUR maternity pictures?! This, along with a million other milestones, is something that I often thought about during our infertility treatments, I wondered if we would ever have the chance to take maternity pictures, and here we are...I can't believe this is all becoming so real!

One of my favs


Peek a boo belly

32 Week Survey & 8 Month Belly Picture

How far along? 32 weeks 2 days

Total weight gain/loss: -2 lbs

Sleep: Not the best, I caught a nasty cold and couldn't breath out of my nose- which then left me waking up constantly with a sore throat.

Food cravings: Nothing

Best moment this week: Switching to a midwife who is TOTALLY on our page, we are so excited to be working with her!

Movement: I can tell that she is finally starting to run out of space and not move as much... I miss all of her crazy kicking!

Gender: Still a girl! =)

Labor Signs: nope

Belly Button in or out? In.

What I miss: Not a darn thing

What I am looking forward to: Reaching full term at 37 weeks.

Weekly Wisdom: Use cloth diaper inserts for your burp rags, they work way better than traditional burp rags. (And thanks to a crafty friend I received this exact gift but with girly trim- we love them!)

Milestones: We had another beautiful shower this past weekend. I'll get a blog up soon with pictures from both of our showers. =)

An 8 month pregnant belly picture- and a sneak peek at our maternity pictures. I'll get more posted soon.



The famous comparison picture...

32 Weeks

Your baby sleeps approximately 90 to 95 percent of the day now. Her skin has become thicker and she continues to become more of a pinkish color. Your baby's movements will peak this week. From now on they will change in quantity and quality. Most of the wrinkles are disappearing from your baby's face, and there may be a lot of hair on her head. The weight gain has been fairly incredible recently. Your baby is now almost 4 pounds and is 17 inches long.

You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, and fingernails. Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

Doctor Dilema Solved!

We met with a midwife yesterday and fell in love! We were complete smiles the whole time. In a nut shell she said that every item on our birth plan is completely do-able, and appropriate for a natural childbirth. Whew... what a relief. She made us feel completely normal, and supported. She has gone through Bradley training herself and I think that's a huge bonus, she knows the information and training that we've been given and is fully supportive of it.

Needless to say we are making the switch to her and her other midwife partner. In fact, we officially switch tomorrow! We are pretty excited with this new decision and feel completely at peace with our new midwives- relief is an understatement. I guess I make the call tomorrow to cancel all of our old appointments.

We are thanking the lord today for great guidance!

31 Week Survey

How far along? 31 weeks 2 days

Total weight gain/loss: Not sure... but I feel huge this week.

Sleep: I was SO SO SO tired this week even though I was sleeping about 9 hours a night.

Food cravings: Nothing

Best moment this week: Friday the baby was kicking LIKE CRAZY all day! It was awesome to feel her go crazy almost the entire day.

Movement: Going like crazy again. She got Matt right in the face when he was talking to her the other morning.

Gender: Still a girl! =)

Labor Signs: nope

Belly Button in or out? In.

What I miss: Not a darn thing

What I am looking forward to: We have another shower this weekend, I'm excited to see more family and get more adorable gifts for this baby girl.

Weekly Wisdom: If you don't feel comfortable with your doctor, you need to look elsewhere... (more details on this issues in yesterday's blog)

Milestones: WE ARE IN THE SINGLE DIGIT WEEK COUNTDOWN!!! I can't even believe it!

Doctor Dilema

Matt and I are currently taking 12 weeks of classes to learn how to labor/birth naturally using the Bradley Birthing Method. We decided to take these classes after we did some research and realized all of the amazing benefits to baby if no drugs are used during labor. We made this decision, and are taking 24 hours of classes to prepare to follow through with that decision. One of the class topics is writing a birth plan. This plan is something that we write, show to our doctors, and also the nurses, so that our plans for going naturally can be carried out by everyone during delivery. We will be the first to admit that there are some "different" things on our birth plan. Since 97% of people at our hospital use drugs to manage pain, some of our wishes are quite different from "the norm"... as would be expected when you are trying to do something that 97% of the people don't want to/or don't do.

So, Matt and I took our birth plan in this week to show to our doctor. We wanted to start sharing with each doctor since there are 5 of them at our clinic, we wanted to start talking to each of them. Well, my biggest worry happened. The doctor (this was our first time meeting her) had a lot of "questions" and thoughts on our plan. She said we would have to choose between placing the baby on my chest and clamping the cord right away, "because it probably wouldn't reach" (which is SO NOT TRUE), she then went on to talk about episiotomies and how they aren't routinely done, but if I would need one she would discuss first with us- at which point Matt asked about pressure episiotomies (a technique that we would want done), her reply- "What's that?" I about died. Matt explained it well, and she said that she has never done that and couldn't guarantee that it wouldn't hurt badly, since it's "not routine". She also said she was very worried that we didn't want an IV, she would feel nervous and would want us to have a hep-lock (which is also "routine"). She also said we would need to tell each nurse etc that a part of our plan is not to offer us meds- isn't that the point of the plan, to not have to TELL everyone, so they can read it and follow it?

Sighh.... I feel overwhelmed. I know deep down that we can stay with these doctors and that we can have most of what we want done, but I know that Matt will be on "patrol" the entire time trying to get what we want and fighting for what we know is best, instead of being able to help me with everything. I am concerned now. I feel like we should look into a last minute switch to a midwife but I don't want to start this all over. We love our hospital and would like to stay there.

So we now have an appointment with a midwife to discuss our options and birth plan (the same midwife that we went to 2 years ago when we first realized we needed help getting pregnant- but she pretty quickly moved us on when none of the initial fertility drugs helped). I'm nervous to make a switch this late, but I feel passionate enough about having someone who truly supports going naturally that I think it may be worth it. Now we just have to keep our fingers crossed that we feel better about the situation with the midwife after talking to her... =-/

31 Weeks

Your baby will gain weight faster than she'll increase in length. By now the baby's lungs and digestive tract are nearly mature. Your baby's irises can now dilate and contract in response to light. Due to the deposits of white fat underneath the skin your baby's skin is no longer red, but is now the wonderful newborn pink color. Her fingernails may reach the end of the hands, too. Your baby is now a little over 3 pounds and is 16 inches long.

You may worry if you are breathless from walking or sometimes even just sitting that your baby is in danger. This is not true. Your baby is getting plenty of oxygen from your placenta.

She is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and she's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Matt's Monthly Memories - 7 months pregnant

Well this past month I helped Rusty (Bailey's dad) harvest his crops. He let me drive the nice tractor (John Deere 8230) that has a companion seat, so Bailey rode with me for one round of hauling beans. Well it turns out the companion seat is not as smooth as the driver seat, and Bailey was having some pain while riding in her "concrete seat". It’s amazing what an air ride seat can do for a guy. I made her get out after that one round and didn’t let her back in. I can’t wait for little girl King to ride with me in the coming years. She is going to love it!!

Bailey and I got to visit and tour the birthing rooms at our hospital. They seem like nice rooms, but our tour guide tried making a joke of every little thing…we used to stock the fridges until people emptied everything into their bags before they left, haha….these are the hospital gowns you will most likely be wearing, they are a pretty big fashion statement so try not to steal them, haha…and so on. It was a little ridiculous, I felt awkward for her. Anyways, the rooms look like they will do and it gave me a nice image to create my game-plan for birth day. I am working on a spreadsheet of the location of all the birth rooms and all of the break rooms with the food and drink. There should be no surprises come game/birth day. I should know the most efficient route to all locations for any circumstance that may arise! Bring it on (in about 9 weeks)!!

Along with the tour of the birthing center, we attended a CPR class at the hospital. It was not a class to get certified for CPR, thank goodness, because the instructor was all over the place. I think I finally figured out what should be done in the event of choking or not breathing, but only after decapitating one CPR dummy and almost losing my gum in another CPR dummy’s mouth. In all seriousness, I do feel more comfortable if something were to happen which was the overall goal.

The final thing I want to say is Thank You to everyone who was in attendance for the baby shower and Thank You for all of the items that we received…I know it will all be useful when our little girl arrives. And now for my monthly survey….

How far along? We are in our 30th week….start week 31 on Sunday!!

Total weight gain/loss: Staying consistent

Sleep: Still sleeping well!

Food cravings: Lunch meat sandwiches

Best moment this week: Getting kicked in the head by my little girl.

Movement: Yea…..she kicked me in the head.

Gender: I am still a guy, our baby is still a girl

Labor Signs: Negative


Belly Button in or out? In.


What I miss: Well…..

What I am looking forward to: We are starting the every-other-week appointments….that means we are getting closer!


Weekly Wisdom: Again, “Bailey….don’t forget to Kegel”

Milestones: First baby shower/gift party was last weekend.

30 Week Survey

How far along? 30 weeks 2 days

Total weight gain/loss: 0 this week, yeah!

Sleep: I was SO SO SO tired this week so I slept great, even getting 13 hours one day.

Food cravings: Homemade ranch, had it every day for lunch!

Best moment this week: OUR FIRST SHOWER- which was amazing!!! More to come soon.

Movement: Going like crazy again. The recliner actually shook one night when she kicked, I still love it though!

Gender: Still a girl! =)

Labor Signs: nope

Belly Button in or out? In.

What I miss: Not a darn thing

What I am looking forward to: My principal and I picked my sub for the rest of the year, I'm excited to start making notes to pass my class off to her- so weird to even think of!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't take the tags off of all of the clothes you get from showers until you are actually ready to put your baby in them.

Milestones: Having a REAL baby shower for OUR BABY!

30 Weeks

Your baby's permanent teeth have developed and are waiting in her gums. Your baby is very aware of her surroundings and her eyelids will open and close. She will even look around and turn toward light. We tend to think of the uterus as a dark place but the uterus actually can be light and dark depending on your environment. Your baby weighs almost three pounds now and is approximately 15.5 inches long.

You may be able to distinguish sleeping and waking cycles in your baby. Although it usually seems as if the baby wants to sleep while you are awake, and vice versa, this is not indicative of a sleepless newborn. Your baby can not only hear your voice, but can recognize it. Also, she has a grip so strong it is capable of gripping your finger. At this point, your baby may be practicing nursing as she sucks her thumb. She has lungs that are capable of breathing air, although medical help may be needed. About 9 out of 10 babies born now will survive.

A big decision and new job...

A lot of people around me already know where this post is headed, but many don't, so here goes.

After lots of prayers and number crunching, Matt and I have decided that after our baby girl is born I will no longer be a 1st and 2nd grade reading teacher. I will officially transition to stay at home mom/part time photographer!! Although this transition comes with lots and lots of happiness and excitement, it also comes with a tinge of anxiety.

I am going to miss my coworkers and students like crazy! The thank you's that I get from parents whose children were struggling to read, and then were suddenly "reading" are absolutely priceless. The countless kids' smiles that I've seen while teaching them to tie their shoes during our 1 on 1 "reading lesson" so that their friends wouldn't know that they still couldn't tie their shoes will never leave my mind.

I know this will sound crazy to a lot of people, but I worry a lot about not feeling enough sense of accomplishment staying at home. Don't get me wrong, I know I will be SUPER busy and have a very important job, but I just worry that I won't have that same sense of checking off all the things on my many "lists" that kept me busy at school. I am very blessed however, that our photography business is taking off like crazy! We are booked basically every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday into November. We have our first two weddings booked for next year and are starting to spread out across Iowa too. I think the success of our business is truly what will keep me grounded as I learn to calm myself a bit with my lists and stay at home each day.

I have loved my 4 years of teaching but am excited beyond belief to have the opportunity to stay home with our precious babe. I have officially signed to take off December-August, and then next summer will have to decide if I will be going back in August or if I will be done teaching for who knows how long. I am super lucky to have this option with my school district, it will give me a chance to take a "test drive" of what staying home and concentrating on our baby and photography will really be like.

So for now I will enjoy the last few months with my students and colleagues, prepare to switch hats to full time mommy in only a few short months, and be thankful for an amaazing husband who supports and encourages my new "position".

A video for soon to be moms...

My friend shared this link with me the other day and I thought it was too cool not to share.

What would you say to yourself if you could go back to just before you had your first child? These are some answers.

http://www.reflectionsofmotherhood.com/

29 Week Survey

How far along? 29 weeks 2 days

Total weight gain/loss: Ugh... where do I begin? At my appointment last week I had gained 8 lbs in the last month, I was slightly mad to say the least! But, they had made me get off of metformin (the medicine which I was on because my PCOS does crazy things with insulin- causing crazy weight gain) in order to do the gestational diabetes test. Being off that medicine made me crazy! I was starving all the time, exhausted, cranky, etc... so needless to say Matt and I are THRILLED that I am now BACK ON the metformin. So hopefully I won't gain any more weight, or at least not at crazy rates like this past month.

Sleep: Starting to feel uncomfortable in most of my favorite positions, so it was not the best this week.

Food cravings: None

Best moment this week: Passing the gestational diabetes test!

Movement: She has been a wee bit quieter lately, little stinker!

Gender: Still a girl! =)

Labor Signs: I had some pain and tightness after riding in the tractor with Matt for awhile, yes, I realize now it wasn't the best decision. All is good now.

Belly Button in or out? In.

What I miss: Not a darn thing

What I am looking forward to: Our first shower this weekend, I can't wait!!!! And, our hospital tour tomorrow... this is starting to get real!

Weekly Wisdom:

Milestones: Passing the glucose test

A Blog Award: Top 40 Infertility Blogs of 2010

Medical Billing


This past week I received an email informing me that I was selected to receive an award for the top 40 infertility blogs of 2010. I was thrilled to receive this! Thank you to all of you, our readers, you guys are the reason that we were nominated for this.

Thanks again!


~Matt & Bailey

29 Weeks: butternut squash

Your baby can open her eyes and will turn her head towards a source of any light. Her sensory organs are well developed. Her fingernails and toenails are growing and she is beginning to regulate her own temperature. The bone marrow is completely in charge of production of the red blood cells now. Your baby even urinates about a half liter of urine into the amniotic fluid every day. Your baby weighs about 2.5 pounds and is over 15 inches long.

The movements you feel will probably begin to change at this point. You once were the home of wild gymnastics parties, but now as the space becomes cramped you will notice smaller movements, such as elbows and knees poking you.

Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.