34 Weeks

The toy trucks are from John's childhood Hot Wheels collection

How far along? 34 weeks

Weight gain? 40 lbs

Baby is the size of - a butternut squash

Stretch marks? None! Yay!

Sleep? Sleep is up and down.  I can nap like no other but when it comes time to actually lay down and sleep at night I have the worst time falling asleep and staying asleep.  A lot of this can be attributed to my ever growing belly.  If I don't have a pillow positioned just right underneath it it's impossible for me to fall asleep because it literally feels like my skin will rip apart.  I know it won't actually do so, but that's how it feels.

Miss anything?  Does vacations count?  I'm dying for a trip to the beach, even if it was for a weekend but I know that my window for a vacation has passed and there will be none of that.  It's looking like Orlando in December for a wedding will be our next getaway.

Cravings? Lucky Charms sounds wonderful for any meal or snack lately.  I've had two bowlfuls already today.

Anything make you queasy or sick? The thought of getting Jaxon out is starting to make me queasy but in terms of actually being sick or queasy, there's nothing that does that.

Symptoms?  Uncomfortableness.  I hurt when I sit too long.  I hurt when I lay down.  I'm exhausted but I can't sleep.  There's so much I want to get done or do, but it's hard to find the energy to do it after working a 9 hour day. I did have one day of super "nesting" this week.  I put together his changing table, Rock & Play and also his bouncy seat.  That should count for something right?


Belly button - In or out?  It's poking out a little more this week

Wedding rings - on or off? I've had them on all this week but they are tight

Any movement? He's been moving quite a bit this week.  He still likes to tickle my hip bones but I reckon that is better than him kicking my ribs!  He likes to make his presence known and likes to poke his butt and head out where it's very noticeable.

Happy or moody? It's been a happy week, only because I've had to suffocate my come and go moodiness.

What emotions have you been experiencing this week? I've had mixed emotions this week.  I think it's because I'm so uncomfortable and struggling with the fact that I want a getaway in the sunshine.  I feel uncomfortable and for the most part useless.  Some days I feel like such a complainer and that's not me.  Guess I've been super whiny the past few days because the last two times I've complained in the least bit, John's said something about it.  Not in a jerk kind of way, put your claws back in ladies.  I know he has to be ready for me to have Jaxon so he won't have to hear the complaining anymore.

Looking forward to -  I'm still looking forward to some pain-free sleep!  But, will that ever happen?!?  

Week 34 Fun Fact -  Jaxon can now recognize and react to simple songs.  I read where it suggested that we can start practicing singing him lullabies so he'll recognize those frequently sung and they'll be soothing after birth. (Note to self: download some lullabies on the iPod and start playing them for him.  Anyone that knows either of us knows that we are tone deaf and couldn't carry a pitch in a bucket)  Or, maybe I'll just start playing Aerosmith for him all the time!


I had another checkup with the OB on Friday.  Everything is looking good and Jaxon's heart is sounding great!  I'd love to have another ultrasound soon so they could do another estimated weight, although that information may scare the crap out of me more than anything!  I ended up getting a shot, I felt like such a champ since I didn't even get light headed!  You have no idea how impressive that is for me!  I also discussed a spot on my back that is growing at super speeds.  I have an appointment set up tomorrow to have it evaluated and hopefully removed by a dermatologist.  Now that tank top and lower backed clothing weather is here I constantly have to have a bandaid on my back to spare everyone else from having to see this disgusting spot.  "Ewwww, that's really gross," were the direct words from the OB that I met Friday.  Yes, yes it is very gross.

We met with a pediatrician on Friday as well.  We interviewed with Dr Templeton with French Broad Pediatrics.  He was very personable and the staff was great as well.  We really liked the set up of the office, there is a sick side and a well side and neither cross each other's paths which I thought was a terrific idea!  It's nice knowing that if we are taking Jaxon in for a checkup that we won't be risking his health to do so because from check in to check out, he will never be in an area were a sick child has been through or seen.  Dr Templeton also believes in communicating with the parents as much as possible so there's no "quick visit" time limits.  He or his partner also answer all calls after hours, which I really like since it takes out the middle man and saves on time when assistance is really needed.  We left the office feeling very confident that we had found Jaxon's pediatrician!  Relieved for that and another check mark on the list of things to do before his arrival!  

We had birthing class on Saturday.  That was definitely interesting and not a total waste of time.  We learned a few things so hopefully we'll be prepared for different situations during delivery.  The class was held at Asheville Women's which meant that we were sitting in their waiting room chairs all day.  After 45 minutes my back was hurting so bad that I was breaking out into a cold sweat.  You would think considering that the majority of the patients there are pregnant that they would invest in some comfy waiting area seating like my OB office has.  I moved and twitched more than any hyper child in a church pew could ever imagine (thank goodness we were sitting on the back row so I wasn't a distraction to everyone else)!  

33 Weeks

How far along? 33 weeks

Weight gain? 36 lbs as of last week.  I haven't been on the scales this week.

Baby is the size of - a durian fruit, 4.2-5.8lbs

Stretch marks? None! Yay!

Sleep? Sleep wasn't easy this week.  I'd lay down and my upper back would hurt and once I'd finally get to sleep I'd wake up any time I'd move from pelvic pain.  Whoever said, "sleep before the baby gets here" obviously didn't have these issues! There is no sleep.

Miss anything?  Nothing new to add this week

Cravings? I've had quite the desire for Easter candy this week...can't imagine why...

Anything make you queasy or sick? Not until today.  I've had an upset stomach all day.  Hoping that it's not the beginnings of preterm labor.

Symptoms?  This week the uncomfortable factor has been uped along with upper back pain.  The back pain comes mostly at night when I lay down.  It's not pleasant at all. 

Belly button - In or out?  It's starting to poke out.

Wedding rings - on or off? I've had to take them off some this week.  They are pretty snug but I'm not a fan of having to take them off.  While at home, I've not worn them as much but I always try to wear them anytime I'm out.  The worst-case senerio keeps playing through my mind and all I can think is that if an emergency does happen they won't take the time to lotion up my finger to get them off, they'll just cut them off.  I know, I'm a bit crazy but I think of all the possibilities!

Any movement? Not as much, which is normal at this stage, but when he does move....OUCH!  John actually got to see Jaxon shake my whole entire belly this week and yes, it was as uncomfortable as it looked!

Happy or moody? It's been a happy week.  The uncomfortable factor has been upped this week but overall, it's been a happy week.

What emotions have you been experiencing this week? Excitement!  We had two baby showers this week, it's hard to be a constant worry wart about delivery day with all that going on....but it still crosses my mind and absolutely freaks me out from time to time.

Looking forward to -  Honestly?  A couple a hours of uninterupted pain-free sleep! 

Week 33 Fun Fact -  Although Jaxon's bones are continuing to harden, the bones in his skull aren't fusing together.  This makes it easier for him to fit through the birth canal (...that's great, but what about those shoulders as well...).  The skull bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as the brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.


We had not one but two showers this week!  My coworkers held one for me and another expecting coworker and then we had a family and friends shower at the church!  We were completely overwhelmed by both of them!  I may be sorting and organizing for weeks and there are no amount of words that could express how grateful we are!  Jaxon is going to be one spoiled and loved little fella!

I will elaborate more on our showers at a later since I'm feeling so rough tonight I'm going to call it a night.  But for now, here are a few pictures from the showers….

32 Weeks

How far along? 32 weeks

Weight gain? 36 lbs

Baby is the size of - a squash

Stretch marks? None!  Yay!

Sleep? Sleep is still hit or miss, but with this belly I can't expect every night to be blissful and dream filled.

Miss anything?  I outgrew my pre-pregnancy bra collection weeks ago but now I'm limited on underwear too?!  Seriously?!

Cravings? This week it's been Lucky Charms.  They seriously are beyond magically delicious!

Anything make you queasy or sick? Nope!

Symptoms?  Nothing new this week.  I did have to work in the office this past week.  I made it 2.5 days out of 4, I feel like that was an accomplishment considering how bad I swell every time I step into the building! The picture shows how bad the swelling was after just one day in the office!  It isn't nearly as painful as it looks but it's definitely not comfortable and when my blood pressure elevates as well, it causes me to worry.  But, the OB doesn't seem overly concerned and has instructed me to keep my BP in check and unless it gets too high just to write the swelling off as "normal."

Belly button - In or out?  Mostly flat but there are some parts that are starting to poke out pretty bad.

Wedding rings - on or off? They are still on!

Any movement? He's still been pretty active.  When he's not active, he's pressing constantly as hard as
he can against my belly and side, which is very uncomfortable at times!

Happy or moody? It's been a happy week!  More sunshine was forecasted this week and the weather has been beautiful!

What emotions have you been experiencing this week?  Excitement!  We will be welcoming Jaxon in 8 weeks, give or take, and we can't be more excited to meet him!

Looking forward to -  This coming week, we have not one but two baby showers this week!  We are really excited and hope our friends and family are just as excited to celebrate with us!

Week 32 Fun Fact -  Jaxon is still gaining roughly half a pound a week.  He'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb.  He now has toenails, fingernails and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz)  His skin is also becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.

This week has been such a busy week.  It seems like there's been no downtime at all and I feel like I've hardly got to spend any time with John.  Since he's started working at his new job, the weeks that I go into the office, I never see him except for when I kiss him good day in the mornings before I head out the door.  I miss him lots during weeks like that! 

I had a checkup this week with the OB.  I'm beginning to really hate having to pee in a cup at every appointment.  I swear I end up with more pee on my hand than in the cup!  Everything looked great and his heartbeat sounds strong!  She told me I was definitely "all baby" after measuring me.  (Dear  God, please PLEASE let him be super long and slender with skinny shoulders)

On Sunday we met up with one of our friends for some maternity pictures.  I can't wait to see them and share them with everyone!  I did take my camera with us (like I could ever leave that thing at home) so I'd have a few to post on the blog now.  I'll share the ones from Kristen's camera soon! 

31 Weeks

How far along? 31 weeks

Weight gain? I haven't been on the scales this week. 

Baby is the size of - a pineapple

Stretch marks? None!  Yay!

Sleep? Sleep has been a little better this week but I still have sinus issues going on so it hasn't been all that great.

Miss anything? Nothing new to add to the list this week

Cravings? Fruit seems to be the only thing I want to sit down and eat nonstop.  I have had quite an addiction to Betty Crocker's Cotton Candy frosting this week as well.  If you haven't tried it, you are missing out!

Anything make you queasy or sick? Nope!

Symptoms?  Nothing besides the usual pregnancy pains I've experienced already.  Rolling over is getting increasing harder with each night!  At this point having a memory foam mattress seams to be more like a cruel prank than a luxury!

Belly button - In or out?  Flat with a couple wonky areas that are starting to poke out.

Wedding rings - on or off? They are still on!

Any movement? His movements don't seem as nonstop as they have been in prior weeks, although, he's making his presence increasingly more uncomfortable.  He's definitely growing and I can feel his size and yes, I'm VERY nervous about how big he's really going to be!  He's found his way to my ribs this week.  I'm not sure if it's his butt or his head but he likes to cram up against the right side of my ribs but it definitely has me wishing that I had a longer torso!  

Happy or moody? It's been a happy week!  The sun has been out and I've been able to get out more this week and that always helps improve anyone's mood, pregnant or not!

What emotions have you been experiencing this week?  Excitement!  I seriously cannot wait to meet the little mister and neither can John.  Of course I'm still absolutely terrified of delivery day but I'm trying not to think about it!

Looking forward to -  The fabric arrived this week for Jaxon's bedding and I'm so excited to get it started!  I'm hoping that it turns out well.  I'm a complete amateur when it comes to sewing but I'm going to give it my best shot!  I quickly found when searching for his bedding that it was all generic and all blue, neither of which was what I was looking for.  I know, I'm ridiculous when it comes to some things but hey, I know what I want and I won't be happy settling for less!  I also can't wait to dress him up in the massive amount of clothes that we've aquired since we've found out we were expecting!  I think John likes to shop for him stuff just as much as I do and if y'all know me, you know that's not always a good thing!  Hello explosion of awesomely cute clothing for my child!  We've also received a lot of hand-me-downs from family and we can't begin to express how thankful we are for those things including clothing, a crib, a rocker and even helpful advice!  Thank you everyone, it means so much to us!

Week 31 Fun Fact -  Jaxon is entering a growth spurt.  For the next eight weeks, he'll gain weight faster than he increases in length, he'll grow at the rate of about half a pound a week. Stretch marks, I beg you, please please please don't...just don't!

Looking up a week 31 fun fact definitely put just how close Jaxon's arrival is into perspective. At the end of the page it said that now would be a good time to start preparing for his arrival and to start packing things for the hospital. HOLY COW, time to momentarily flip out! Ekkkkkk! We don't even have carpet in his room yet and yet I'm supposed to start packing for the hospital?! (Yikes! note to self: get on it! Get on everything including carpet, bedding, washing some of his smaller clothes, hospital bag…so much to do!)  After the OB nurse asked me the other day if we had the car seat ready I'm sure I had the "deer in headlights" look on my face and had to tell her no but it was on our registry.  I do feel a lot more relaxed now after we decided to go ahead and purchase the car seat and stroller ourselves instead of waiting to see if would be purchased from the registry.  I didn't want us to be "those parents" who were completely unprepared for the arrival of their baby when they show up to the hospital for delivery.  I'm sure there's nothing to completely prepare first time parents but hopefully, we'll be on the right track by the time he arrives.


We had a little getaway over the weekend.  We went to Lake Keowee with the family.  With John's new job and so many things left to be done it seemed like we wouldn't get a mini getaway at all before Jaxon's arrival.  Luckily, John didn't have to work overtime this weekend and we were able to spend a night away and enjoy ourselves as well as soak up a little sunshine!  I debated before we left if I should take a bathing suit or not.  I ended up packing one but I didn't wear it.  The weather was warm but I was comfortable enough in my tank top and short cotton skirt on Saturday.  The water temp wasn't warm enough for swimming so no suit needed, but I do have a picture of me in my suit (at the very bottom of this post).  The scenery was gorgeous, spring has sprung in upstate and everything was in bloom and absolutely gorgeous!  We might've sneezed nonstop and came home with a yellow SUV stead of a black one, but it sure was pretty see all the spring blooms.