37 Weeks

Let the waiting game begin...

We are at the end of our 37th week of pregnancy. This means we could go at any time. I went into labor with Trent at 38 weeks, 5 days. We are so excited and READY for baby boy #2!

I don't think I can think of anything else to clean (except for the normal everyday cleaning like dishes, vacumming, laundry). Everything else has been done. Isn't it crazy what the nesting phase does to your brain? Maybe it doesn't do this to every pregnant women but, for THIS CRAZY PREGNANT LADY, nesting is an understatement and what nesting entails turns into all of these ridiculous things that "have to get done and have to get clean" in order for the baby to come. Things that, under normal non-pregnant situations, wouldn't matter what-so-ever! Just yesterday I was telling Randy, "the baby can come now that the rug was professionally cleaned" and "please clean the tops of every fan in the house for the baby". His response is always "you'r nuts...the baby doesn't care...ok give me the rag" haha. He knows to just do it!

I feel the normal 9 month uncomfortableness these days, but other than that I feel very good. My energy is slowing down now. I'm thankful we got all of the crazy projects out of the way because lately we've been able to "relax", do fun things with Trent, and "wait" for our baby to arrive.

I am still working, although my job allows me to work from home quite frequently which I am forever grateful.

I'm starting to get a little anxious just because we're at the point where baby could come any second and the not knowing when is such an array of anxious/exciting emotions. I have a feeling he'll come the week before my due date week. My EDD is November 24th which is a Monday so we'll see. He'll come when he's ready and I would never rush it. But, it would be nice if he came before Thanksgiving :)

How far along? 37 weeks
Total weight gain: Approx 33 lbs. Basically the exact same amount as I did with Trent. Hopefully it will come off just as fast...
Maternity clothes? Yep
Stretch marks? Just a couple
Sleep: Sleep is ok. I've started waking up "wide awake" in the middle of the night. I think it is the excitement of what's to come.  

Miss Anything? No
Movement: Baby loves to move a bunch at night. Movements are slowing down as baby is getting lower. He finally moved into a great position for labor. He had been face up for weeks but I wasn't worried too much about it. Weekly chiropractic adjustments have assured me that my body is in good alignment for birth and helped position the baby appropriately.
Food cravings: Not craving anything specific but I have been in a major baking mode lately. This is one perk to being pregnant this time of year...the upcoming holidays make it all so exciting. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be extra special this year.
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender: BOY
Labor Signs: Not really...I can just tell we're getting close.
Symptoms: Feeling 49 weeks pregnant.
Belly Button in or out? Very very out.
Wedding rings on or off? Off
Happy or Moody most of the time: Very happy
Looking forward to: THE BIG DAY!!

Look at my Brother's son Aiden Michael Marfinetz born November 4, 2014...I just want to eat him up and can't wait to meet him!

35 Weeks

It still doesn’t feel real. It still hasn’t truly sunk in yet that, in a matter of weeks, another little boy will have completely captured and captivated out hearts forever. I just can’t wrap my brain around it, or fathom the fact that our love is about to double in size. I don’t think I will either until that day comes. Yes, I feel pregnant. Yes, I know he’s in there. But, despite those obvious facts, it’s mentally hard to imagine him being here.

But, before we know it, he will be here. And, we are SO READY FOR HIM!

The honey-do-lists have winded down, the nursery is complete, the clothes are washed, and labor bags will be packed this weekend. This is truly about.to.happen.

I can’t say this pregnancy has been a “breeze”. It’s truly had its moments of aches and pains. But, all in all, I have no room to complain. It’s been a blessing. It’s been a healthy pregnancy just like with Trent and that is all I could ever ask for. I pray labor is just as healthy. I have been trying to mentally gear up for it. I believe labor is more of a mind over matter type situation and it really pays to be mentally prepared for this amazing adventure.

I wish I could put into words what labor means to me and how important the process is to both Randy and I. We are about to embark on yet another powerful journey that will allow me to do what the Lord meant and made my body to do. I pray I am able to surrender myself both physically and mentally to this event and feel so privileged to have the opportunity to birth freely the way I want to.

Birth is not a medical procedure. Birth is a natural act. An intimate act that’s meant to be enjoyed, felt, and inspired by...however you go about doing it. This is one of the only moments in a woman’s life where her true God given strength is shown. I could go on and on…maybe I’ll write a book on it one day. Either way, even if I am done having babies, I definitely want to stay involved with the birthing community. I believe there are so many women out there who have no clue how much control they can have and should have with their bodies during this special time. And, the impact this event can have on their lives permanently, without even realizing it, for the good or for the bad. Birth matters. Period.

The next few weeks will be spent soaking up all of the fall festivities. There are so many fun things to do these days. I just wish it were a few degrees cooler. Having a baby in November has meant being pregnant for what feels like the longest summer in the history of mankind. 

I look so tired in this picture...

How far along? 35 weeks
Total weight gain: A bunch!
Maternity clothes? Yep
Stretch marks? Just a couple
Sleep: Sleeping as good as I can for 35 weeks. Indigestion is still crazy.    

Miss Anything? Everything is as it should be at the moment.
Movement: Yes, slower but bigger movements. I can’t wait to see how much this boy weighs!
Food cravings: My appetite is non-stop these days. I can’t get enough food.
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender: BOY
Labor Signs: No. Although, I have a hunch he will come a little early like Trent. I am feeling lots of pressure already and he is very low.
Symptoms: Full on end of pregnancy “uncomfortableness”
Belly Button in or out? Oh so out!
Wedding rings on or off? Off
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and ready.
Looking forward to:  We are looking forward to baby count down AND the arrival of my new nephew Aiden any day now. Dave’s wife Liz is due November 11^th. Babies babies everywhere!

32 weeks

32 weeks already! Yes, we skipped a week. There’s really no excuse as to why either, it’s just by the time I’d get to thinking about taking a belly pic and writing in the blog it’d be 10 p.m. and I’d be DONE FOR THE DAY!

At 32 weeks, I am feeling good! I mean, the regular uncomfortable third trimester symptoms are all there, and having a toddler running around this time makes things a bit more tiresome but, other than that, I can’t complain. God has blessed us with two completely healthy as can be pregnancies that have truly been the most exciting times of my entire life so I am trying to relish these last few weeks of this precious time.

I’ve been going a mile a minute trying to get all the baby prep done and stuff bought so I can try and relax as much as possible the last month or so. October is a VERY busy month with so much going on. I’m trying to get all the major stuff out of the way now.

The nursery is going to be so stinking cute! I am very pleased with what we’ve done so far.

We went to our midwife today and baby is measuring right on time and couldn’t be healthier.

We’ve decided to labor mostly at home and then deliver at our birth center. I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to labor this way. Our birth center will have everything we need to birth the way we want to and in such a peaceful and relaxing environment. I highly recommend Fruitful Vine!

How far along? 32 weeks (yes, we skipped a week. Too much going on)
Total weight gain: Almost 30! EEEEK! At least I have all winter to lose it J
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Sleeping ok. Indigestion has kicked in a lot at night which means I’m up a lot.   

Miss Anything? There are a lot of non-pregnancy things I’m missing…but all can wait because before I know it…this pregnancy will be over. 
Movement: Yes. Baby is head down and kicks are steady in the ribs these days.
Food cravings: Ice, still, and it’s driving everyone around me insane.
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender: BOY
Labor Signs: Not yet but we are gearing up for this big event! Birth stories and Ina May quotes all day long to get mentally prepared…
Symptoms: Nothing new really…just very pregnant.
Belly Button in or out? Out
Wedding rings on or off? Off
Happy or Moody most of the time: Very Happy
Looking forward to: Our baby celebration with all our loved ones this weekend!

28 Weeks

Time is not slowing down. We are into our third trimester now and it seems unreal. Despite the uncomfortable symptoms this pregnancy has contained, I’m sad to see it coming to an end so soon, yet happy and excited all at the same time. Pregnancy is such a roller coaster ride of mixed emotions all at once. That’s the only way I can describe it.

How far along? 28 weeks
Total weight gain: I’m afraid to look! At least 20 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Sleeping ok minus the leg cramps  

Miss Anything? Nope…things are just as they should be.
Movement: Constant.
Food cravings: ICE…24/7…ice. And here’s another weird symptom I can add to the list of crazy symptoms from this special pregnancy...weird smells smell good to me. I’m talking about things that shouldn’t smell good like the smell of Randy’s garage/workshop, cleaners, building smells, etc. Isn’t that insane? No, it’s not pica. I don’t feel like munching on any of these things…I just like the smell of them. You probably think I’m nuts.
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender: BOY
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: New symptoms are the ice fetish, enjoying the odd smells of things, and the insanity that is LEG CRAMPS. I’m talking about calve leg cramps that hit me out of no-where while I’m in a dead sleep at night. Spasm Charlie horse type pains. I can’t even describe how painful. I’d take the transition phase of labor any day over those cramps. Luckily, I’ve got a few ways of dealing with them but they are no fun at all.
Belly Button in or out? Very very out
Wedding rings on or off? Off
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: Fall! Oh I love fall. It just puts me in an instant good mood. Cooler weather, autumn yankee candle scents, festivals, fairs, hunting, fires, football, holidays, baking, and BABIES! It can’t get better!

26 Weeks

We are rolling right along these days trying to make it through the end of the summer during what feels like the hottest weather EVER. I know it’s not, believe me, but it just feels so much hotter this summer pregnancy compared to Trents.

We’ve had so much fun celebrating Daddy’s and Trent’s birthdays these past couple of weeks! Birthdays are extra special in the Greene household and are meant to be celebrated no matter what age.

I’ll be almost 36 weeks pregnant come October 17^th when we celebrate my 30^th birthday. So, the celebration options, while limited, should be interesting. I’m sure I’ll be waddling by then. Normally, we go to the Great Smokey Mountains during my birthday week. It’s a great tradition to watch the beautiful leaves change color and really puts you in the mood for the upcoming holiday season. We might still go; it just depends on how I feel and how things are going.

We now have a BIG 2 YEAR OLD BOY on our hands and we couldn’t be prouder of our future best big brother! He exceeds anything and everything we could have ever imagined in having a son. To say he has the whole package would be an understatement. He’s handsome, smart, funny, gentle, and such a boy! He takes after his Daddy in so many ways and for that, I am truly grateful. I cannot wait to see him blow us away even more…especially when he becomes Big Brother.

How far along? 26 weeks
Total weight gain: Approx. 18 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Sleep is as good as it’s going to get for the moment.  

Miss Anything? There are numerous little non-important things I miss not being able to have or do while being pregnant, but none of them means more than the blessing of being able to carry another child. 
Movement: This baby boy never stops moving. Seems like he moves more than Trent did.
Food cravings: Nothing specific…just hungry all the time.
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender: BOY
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Hot and ready for fall weather. Most people said Sumter, S.C. was just as hot as down here…NOT! It’s way hotter to me. Maybe that’s because I don’t have a wonderful pool to relax in this go-around.
Belly Button in or out? Very very out
Wedding rings on or off? I’ve been keeping them off mostly lately because of the heat…I’d hate for them to get stuck if my fingers start to swell.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and anxious and tons of emotions all at once lately.
Looking forward to: Now that my two boys birthdays are out of the way, we can now focus on full time baby prep. Not that there’s a ton to do. It’s much easier this go around seeing as we’re having another boy and they aren’t that far apart. But, in the next month or so we’ll be getting the nursery completed and will really be able to start to get ready for our special Thanksgiving blessing!

24 Weeks

24 weeks

I’m feeling much better! It’s taken numerous prenatal chiropractic visits to get to this but THANKFULLY my lower back is feeling much better. I am so thankful I started going and will continue to go throughout the remainder of my pregnancy. My doctor even said she’d come give me an adjustment during labor if needed. That is so neat and I am grateful!

After going to the vein clinic a week or so ago, I am now in compression old lade hose!  I’ll take the yucky hose any day over getting any more varicose or spider veins!

We’ve had a great last couple of weeks and continue to get everything ready for our newest pride and joy! Believe it or not, I haven’t done the first thing to the nursery. With Trent, by this time, I had my nursery finished. Haha. My how 2^nd pregnancies change things! Seriously though, I would have at least started on it by now but I have to wait for our new guest bedroom to be completed so I can have an empty space to work with.

Trent had a great time playing with his cousin Lily this past week when Aunt Donna came to visit. It feels so good when she comes down for her yearly visit from North Carolina. We had a couple of fun filled family get togethers.

I went to the doctor today and you are as perfect as can be in there. Just keep baking away sweet boy of mine…only 3 months left until our lives are changed forever once again. We are forever blessed.

How far along? 24 weeks
Total weight gain: Approx. 17 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Much better now that my back pain is a little better.
Best moment this week: We've had a fun filled couple of weeks and had a great time taking your big brother to the Jags scrimmage game. His first football experience. So fun! 

Miss Anything? Yes ;)
Movement: All the time!
Food cravings: Everything at this point. Sweets are still #1
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender: BOY
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Pregnant
Belly Button in or out? Out…oh so out!
Wedding rings on or off? On sometimes but depending on the heat it comes off!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: EVERYTHING!

22 Weeks

I feel pregnant, and no, not the cutesy “I love my baby bump” kind of pregnant. I’m talking about the overly sensitive, back aching, varicose/spider vein looking, psychotic mood swings, hot as hell kind of pregnant feeling. Don’t worry though, I’m not complaining haha. I love being pregnant! I do! I really do! I have to keep telling myself this as I hold my breath and wait for the shocking nerve pain to finish before I get out of bed each morning.

Seriously though, I don’t know how women do the pregnancy thing in their late 30’s. I’ll be 30 this year and can so tell the difference in the way I felt carrying Trent at 27 vs. now.

But, what’s so odd is, I am trying to relish each and every second of this precious blessing we’ve been given. I remember a time when I actually thought I might not ever get a chance to feel these feelings.

It’s crunch time in the Greene house as we try and do 52,000 things at once, all while trying to throw in a little fun and relaxation during these hot summer months. We have a lot to look forward to starting the month of August.

I have your nursery all planned out in my head…I just can’t wait to actually be able to put it all together. And, we’re still trying to decide on your name. In my heart, I already know what your name is. I’ve just got to convince your Daddy now. <3

How far along? 22 weeks
Total weight gain: Approx. 13 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? No new ones…I did get a few small ones with Trent and those are def more noticeable. Bring em’ on I say…battle scars.
Sleep: Blah. Sleep is more of a pain in the ass then something to look forward to these days. This sacrum pain is not fun at all.
Best moment this week: You are moving around like crazy in there. I almost think you move more than Trent did. Your Daddy has been working like crazy to get some last minute renovations completed on the house so we can focus on your arrival. You and Trent are going to have the best play room ever!  

Miss Anything? Yes! Nice, non-varicose/spider vein legs…I miss not having those.
Movement: All over the place. You especially like to move around at 10:00 p.m.every single night.
Food cravings: Everything. This part of the pregnancy, my appetite is out of control. And it’s SO DANG HARD not to drink a nice ice cold coke every once in a while!
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender: BOY…now if only we can settle on your name.
Labor Signs: No but the Braxton hicks have started.
Symptoms: Feeling way pregnant lately. I think having a toddler running around at home makes for a more symptomatic pregnancy in general.
Belly Button in or out? Out…oh so out!
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Crazy moods lately. No one can keep up with my moods these days.
Looking forward to: So much to look forward to in the upcoming months…especially celebrating your Daddy and Big Brother’s birthdays!