30 & 31 Weeks!

Note to self: Blogging is way harder than I thought it would be. I literally cannot keep up.  I can't remember to write notes down nor can I even remember to take weekly photos of myself! I do not know how I am going to remember or try to take weekly photos of a newborn! Sheesh. I thought I would have been better at this. I am way behind on blogging as it is 'actually' week 33 but I just now writing about weeks 30 & 31... Who knew life went by so fast?

How many weeks pregnant?

30 & 31 weeks 

Which trimester are you in?

3rd, and it is KICKING my butt!

Baby’s size?

 Baby is gaining 1/2lb per week for the next 8 weeks! 

Baby is about 3.5lbs and 16inches long.

Have you started to show yet? 

The newest game is "how is Sarah carrying". I swear when I wear a dress or tunic that has a tie around the midline people say I am carrying very high and then when i wear black everyone says I look like I have a basketball under my shirt. It literally changes every day. I am definitely feeling the effects of the weight gain. I've gained more than I would have liked to but it is what it is. It will be harder to lose it after birth but I will make do! I am also developing a rounder face - ugh! Photos are so not flattering any more in my opinion!

What are some of your pregnancy symptoms?

Basically every time I read a pregnancy blog or read my "what to expect book" I am reminded that everything I am experiencing is normal and "to be expected". I am having on and off bad heartburn which thankfully I have tums stashed everywhere. Since this is my first go around at this, i really had no idea what to expect entering 3rd trimester and, wow was I fooled by 2nd trimester. I was feeling so good and energetic! Food has been so good and easy to eat. Now I get SUPER full after meals and want to die because I ate too fast! And i am soooooooooooo tired. Like I can barely get out of bed in the morning and then come home from work to take a nap before dinner. Its brutal! Also I just don't feel great any more. Everything is so much more difficult. I am slower moving, get in and out of my car is more uncomfortable and sitting or standing for long periods makes parts of my body hurt! I am also experience shortness of breath when I am have to give presentations. I have to pause, catch my breath and then continue, its kind of funny, kind of embarrassing! 

Found this comic on a blog called Pregnant Chicken:

Happy or moody most of the time? 

I am still feeling pretty happy, but when I am tired... I just want to be left alone and really appreciate any sympathy ;) I still have moments of stress where I feel like things just need to be done NOW when in reality they don't, but I swear they do! I also has stressful week at work recently and I just started crying about feeling so helpless and under appreciated. Normally I would NOT being crying but the hormones took over again. As my coworker reminds me, soon there will be a day that work is not as important as my little human who is so excited to see me when I get home :p

Any Cravings?

Chocolate and sweets are still needed daily... Nothing else too exciting. I did buy carnation breakfast powder and that has been a delicious treat here and there but seems so sweet to be drinking a milkshake for breakfast! ha. What I am actually craving a turkey sandwich and CANNOT wait for thanksgiving! Yumm! 

Any food aversions?

 Still having trouble with chicken. I am more open to bacon but prefer ham or canadian bacon. 

Sleep?

Well from being super exhausted, I am also experiencing a bit of insomnia. I can fall asleep but then I just wake up thinking about things that need to be done. Thankfully I haven't been up every night but when I don't sleep it really affects me and my energy level the next day at work. Also baby seems to be so active right when I fall asleep! It must be that when i finally relax baby starts moving. Jameson finally gets to feel some regular kicks right after he gives me my nightly injection or right before we go to bed. Also getting out of bed is pretty hard! Sleep positioning is getting harder. When I find myself on my back I sometimes feel like I am gasping for air... not a very good feeling in the middle of the night!

Highlight of the week?

The highlight of these last two weeks has been our child birth preparation classes. We have taken three classes for the last three Sundays. I went to nursing school and took quite a few classes on Labor and delivery. I also volunteered as a pregnancy clinic educator in college and post college worked with pregnant women in their homes, but being 10 + years out of school and now being the patient is much different. I think it was also very helpful to understand Jameson's role and the options that exist when you are at the hospital. The classes were fun and we met some interesting people. We were the only ones not finding out the gender and we were the only ones who didn't speak another language (thats what you get in silicone valley). Also everyone talked about how their mother's or mother in laws will be coming to live with them for months to take care of the baby! Definitely different cultures than what we are used to. I really enjoyed the types labor positions and massages from Jameson! One main thing we learned and will hopefully remember is how to time contractions and an acronym called B-R-A-I-N which stands for B=what are the benefits, R=what are the risks, A= any alternatives, I= trust your intuition, N= no or not yet. This acronym is to be used for trying to make a choice during labor or while in the hospital. Seems pretty helpful! We will just need to remember.

We also had a couple weekends to work on cleaning out the nursery and getting things organized. We also purchased a glider for the nursery. That was one thing I was advised multiple times was to have a comfy chair to nurse in. So hopefully it gets used!  

Another BIG highlight is that I started prenatal yoga and really enjoy it! I enjoy the yoga, being in the room with all preggo ladies and the relaxation part of it. So glad I finally went and tried it! Ive been trying to go at least once per week. 

Are you wearing maternity clothes yet?

 Because the weather has been so wacky I have been trying to make more of my older non maternity clothes work. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. Thankfully I don't work in the same location two days in a row so at least if I wear the same thing twice in a row no one knows! 

Have any stretch marks or skin changes?

Stretch marks - still ugly...

Skin changes - I swear anything that touches my skin leaves a red/purple mark. My legs are covered in weird spots. I am not sure if it is worse because I am on blood thinners or if its just part of being pregnant. Also my arm hair is SO long! Thankfully it is blonde hair but I am not used to it!

Has your belly button popped out?
I would call it a very flat innie

Feel any kicks? 
My pregnancy books and apps are telling me that because Baby is growing so fast and getting so big, the kicks will be less often, but stronger. I have not noticed a change yet. I think they are still pretty often! Also there is a very distinct bump to the right of my belly button that does not go away. Either it's baby's bum or knee or something very round. I still have lots of pressure on my left hip area... I am so interested to see the 36 week ultrasound and find out where baby is!

Gender prediction:

Still feeling like its a boy, only because I love boy clothes, boy nursery decorations, and boy names... we also have not decided on a girl name. I can't wait to find out!

Week 30

Week 31

I am blocking the nursery chair. I will add more pics next blog of the additions to the nursery.

28 & 29 Weeks!

Super late but better now than never!

How many weeks pregnant?

28 & 29 weeks

Which trimester are you in?

Made it to the final stretch! 3rd trimester!

Baby’s size?

Baby is approx 16 inches, 2.5-3lbs 

Have you started to show yet? 
Again, I am beyond showing. I basically look like I am about to pop... except I have 10 weeks left. My belly looks so weird to me now because the bottom half has hardened and fully filled in. 

What are some of your pregnancy symptoms?
I am SO tired! Like back to 1st trimester tired! I starting coming home and taking naps again. I don't need to nap every day, but everything seems so much harder. Walking fast is difficult and getting out of bed or my car with  my hands full, or changing positions in bed is really slow and difficult. I keep having heart burn on and off. I am also having issues with eating too much. I eat the normal amount I have been eating and then all the sudden I am SO full and its so uncomfortable. 

Happy or moody most of the time? 
Week 28 - Moody. Tearful and overwhelmed... 
Week 29 - Happy! I am so excited to almost be in the 30's (weeks).

Any cravings?
Nothing too crazy these last two weeks. I realized that I was not eating enough protein and now have been trying to eat protein with every meal or snack. Such as instead of just eating cracker or an apple I have been adding cheese or peanut butter. The most consistent thing I have eaten and wanted are peanuts. My craving of Almonds has slowed and now I have been eating a lot of peanuts! I also started eating canadian bacon on my breakfast sandwich and that is an easy way to add protein with low fat.

Any food aversions?
I still do not like bacon much. Started to eat a little more of chicken. 
String cheese - yuck!

Sleep?
Sleep is still glorious and the best part of the day, haha. I am trying out pillows and positioning. Each night I change my mind on what feels best. Pregnancy pillow or not. I am also back to taking naps here and there. I am just so tired!

Highlight of the week?

Week 28: Annual Redwood City Octoberfest. Lucas (brother in law) hires us (our group of friends) to work the food booth at the Octoberfest event. This event has seatings Thursday, Friday, Saturday (2 seatings), and Sunday (2 seatings). Each shift lasts about 5 hours of standing or walking on your feet. I am not exactly sure why I signed up this year. It was a lot of work on my feet. Also my whole body was super sore. Hopefully we ended up making pretty good money, and it was a good time with friends. A couple pictures below.
**Oh I also passed my glucose testing! I was sooo worried I wasn't going to pass because I love sugar so much I did not want to have to change my diet... thankful my numbers looked great. Fasting BG 83, one hour post drinking sugar juice bg 150, 2 hours later bg 84.

Week 29: Soo many highlights to this week. Last minute we received free tickets to a Maroon 5 Concert at Shoreline on a Thursday. This was super exciting except it took way too long to get there and way too long to get home and we only saw about 50 minutes of the show. It was great while we saw it but my feel were sore from walking and standing! This year on the weekend of September 30th, I made sure to stayed busy. Even though this is year 7, Spencer still has a special place in my heart and I will never forget the events that happened on 9/30/10.  9/30 is also my brother's birthday so we invited Justin & Megan & Sam to our house (second time they have come to visit which is really exciting!) and we went to Salsa Festival. This is an event in down town redwood city that we (our friends) used to work at but this year we got to just visit and hang out.  It was so nice to have J&M and Sam at our house and our town! Sam loved the nursery and really enjoyed hanging out with our other nephews Everett & Weston. I love seeing them all together. Melts my heart! Lastly, the highlight at the end of the week was finally meeting Cary (SIL) baby #3. She as well did not know the gender so we are so happy to introduce our newest niece, Baby Holland Lorraine Wilder born 10/4/17, 7lb 12oz and 20inches long. We are in love! It is still very exciting to be an auntie to 7 nieces and nephews without having our own yet. So special. 
**pictures below!

Are you wearing maternity clothes yet?

Yep! Now that there has been a few days of colder weather I am getting nervous on what I will be wearing. Maternity jeans are SO uncomfortable and restricting! I prefer leggings and will be looking into some tights as well. Again I recently went through my closet to pull out things that don't fit to make getting ready in the morning easier. 

Have any stretch marks or skin changes?

Stretch marks - Man these things are such a drag. They are SO purple there is no hiding them now :(

Skin changes - my skin is SOOOOO dry and itchy. I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night to find myself scratching. Then my skin gets super raw and painful. 

Has your belly button popped out?

I would say its almost an outie while still being an innie. It's not popped out but you cannot stick your finger in it.

Feel any kicks? 
The kicks are SO strong. Sometimes at work when I am sitting with poor posture and leaning on my belly I will feel a jab in my right lower belly. I guess its just baby telling me it needs some space! I also notice in the early morning when Jameson's alarm goes off, baby starts moving immediately even if I am still sleeping. It literally wakes me up!

Gender prediction:

No recent gender prediction changes. 
I still think it is a boy because we can't decide on a girl's name. We will see... 
I did recently have a very vivid dream that baby was breach position and I had to have the external manipulation done to try and turn the baby. It was painful in the dream!

How has Dad been this week?

Dad is adjusting to working and commuting. His commute is now longer than mine which before was super short. He is also in intensive training at work so his brain is a but fried when he gets home. He has continued to put our nursery items together and things around the house. 


Lots of pictures below!

Week 28 - Redwood City Octoberfest

Maroon 5 Concert - 9/28/17

Weekly Bump Photo - Week 29

 Bubble fun with Sam at Salsa Festival

Jameson and I bought these "light up balloons" that we had been saving to use.
The Boys loved them!

Nephews below: 
Everett stretched out in the stripes, Weston sitting on the navy blue star and Sam standing/jumping.

Making themselves comfy on our baby's nursery rug, Jameson was also tickling them to get them to stay for a photo.

These photos below were taken 3 days before Cary went into labor! I am so glad we took them! It was really nice being pregnant with a friend and a friend who is also family! Cary answered SOOO many of my everyday pregnancy questions! I am sure I will still have questions once baby arrives!

We both forgot how tall/short the other one was! Haha. I said "wow my my butt is completely above your butt!" Perfect photo of how you can never tell how pregnant some one is because everyone comes in all shapes and sizes!

And just like that... three days later Baby GIRL!!!! made her appearance! 

Introducing our newest niece, Holland Lorraine Wilder, born 10/4/17 at 12:39am weighing in at 7lb 12oz and 20 inches long. She's perfect! 

I still can't believe she is here and how small they are at birth. (had to get a picture of the toes :) The whole experience of being pregnant and an auntie again is surreal. I know my own is coming, but to be holding a brand new baby and have one in my belly was so cool and just a reminder of what a miracle each life brought into this world is.

26 & 27 Weeks!

Note to self: Here we are again... two weeks later! How is this happening!? These last two weeks have been busy with lots of fun and exciting weekends. I can officially say I am starting to enjoy being pregnant. I still wouldn't say this is the best thing ever, but it is pretty miraculous that I am growing a human inside me AND that Jameson and I created a human. It is pretty surreal to really stop and think about it. The part I am enjoying most is the changes of the movements. They are much more pronounced and Jameson gets to feel them once in awhile when baby is finally doing something repetitive. The movements/kicks are stronger and just different. They still don't feel like I could know what limb is kicking but they are typically in the same places (near my right and left hip). When my bladder is full I feel them even more! It's so crazy! I am also starting to enjoy my round belly. Prior to  being 5 months preggo I never would have thought that I could "miss" being pregnant but now that I have this thing kicking and moving around all the time it is such an odd feeling that it won't be there soon! Obviously I know I will have a baby to take care of outside the womb, but inside is just so COOL! :)
Another note to self I want to remember is the fun fact that when i eat food in the car, well I eat my breakfast every single morning M-F, which is a egg & cheese homemade breakfast sandwich made by Jameson on toast... the crumbs from my sandwich accumulate at the top on my belly. It is quite hilarious!

How many weeks pregnant?

26 & 27 weeks

Which trimester are you in?

 2nd, almost 3rd!

Baby’s size?

Baby is approx 14.5 inches, 2lbs 
(baby's weight doubled in the last 4 weeks)

Have you started to show yet? 
Like I mentioned above I am starting to really enjoy the showing part. There are so many stages of "showing" that I didn't know I would get "comfortable". I say "comfortable" with quotes because its not that I am literally comfortable, its more like I have mentally understood this is what it feels like. Its very hard to explain or write what I mean...My pregnancy app has reminded me that these last few weeks my uterus has gone from a soccer ball to a basketball ball. 

What are some of your pregnancy symptoms?
This last week I have developed ankle and feet swelling. It totally freaked me out because it was SO extreme! But I was also participating in extreme behavior (ie my best friend Katie's bachelorette party which involved standing on my feet in heels for 4 hours in a club!). The swelling finally subsided two days after getting home and tons of elevating. After contacting my friends about when their swelling started and reading my "what to expect book" I learned 27 weeks is the normal time to develop feet/ankle or finger swelling. Thankfully my wedding ring and band still fit with no major finger swelling! I have now invested in some more compression stockings to wear at work. Another pregnancy symptom I am noticing is that I am getting a bit more tired. Second Trimester has treated me well and I have been able to go weeks without needing a nap, but lately I have been utterly exhausted after all day events (ie again bachelorette party did me in!). As I enter in 3rd trimester and closer and closer I know naps will be my friend again :) 

Happy or moody most of the time? 
HAPPY! 
Like jumping up and down happy because Jameson got a job offer that he likes and is excited for! So much less stress in our household! Also happy to finally be 'settling in' to our house, being pregnant, and work is calming down.

Any cravings?
Chocolate/Candy/Sweets! I feel like my chocolate cravings are a bit out of control. They way that I keep them in control is by having one small piece after each meal, rather than just waiting a few days and then eating WAY too much! At this moment I prefer any sort of M&M, but especially crispy or peanut butter. I also still really enjoy and eat almost every day cucumbers and ranch or carrots and ranch. I also just started eating edamame for some iron and those are a great addition to my lunches too!

Any food aversions?
Yes, still not eating chicken or bacon. 
I just prefer vegetarian options or beef only. 

Sleep?
Sleep is getting a bit harder. I am still exhausted once I get into bed so falling asleep is fine, then main issue is moving in the middle of the night. It takes a few tries to get to the other side. What is the hardest about bed, is getting OUT! Man, what a work out! 

Highlight of the week?

Week 26: My SIL Cary (Jameson's brother's wife) is due with her third baby on October 8th, so I had the pleasure of celebrating her with our friends for a little "sprinkle" (instead of the common shower term). Eight friends got together for the most delicious family style FEAST (brunch) and spoiled Cary with an awesome pre-natal massage gift certificate. It was a nice day out. I am SO excited to find out if we she is having a boy or girl and to meet the newest Wilder baby. I feel like once her baby arrives, Jameson and I are going to realize how close ours is to arrive! A couple pictures below of Cary's Sprinkle (I forgot to take any photos of the food!)

Week 27: This week had tons of highlights. The BEST highlight was that Jameson was offered a 1 year contract job with Apple Maps!!! I have not talked much on the blog about his unemployment status, but he was laid off on his birthday weekend (May 27th) and has been struggling to find another job. We are both so relieved and excited for this new job journey and finally having a job people can relate to and Jameson enjoys! He starts next week, 9/27. Details to follow. 
The other highlight of this week was my best friend Katie's bachelorette party! When we started planning this I was very early on in my pregnancy and I could not imagine going to a bachelorette party without drinking! However, I still was able to 'hang' and keep up with the girls being almost 7 months pregnant! It was super fun spoiling and celebrating Katie but it was also SO exhausting! I ended up dancing (sober) in the club with the girls and staying up til almost 3am. I was definitely feeling it all week. I think I am still tired. It was a bit too much for my body! Some fun pictures below.

Are you wearing maternity clothes yet?

Yes! I am still trying to wear some of my old clothes here and there but my rounding belly makes the clothing stretch out A LOT. I finally gave in and ordered more maternity clothes for winter. I thought I could just wear some of my bigger sweaters, but people have warned me that I will regret it later when the clothes are all stretched out. trying on my clothes or trying to button shirts that dont button is the weirdest feeling. When i try to button them and i cant it is still shocking to me. I dont realize how round I really am!

Have any stretch marks or skin changes?

Stretch marks - Yep, unfortunately my belly is covered with them :(

Skin changes - the redness and scars on my ankle where I had ankle surgery are so RED and dark! Also I am starting to notice little cuts on my hands or arms take forever to heal and the redness stays a long time. My armpits are also darker (so weird!!).

Has your belly button popped out?

My belly button looks very different but still is an innie. 
I think it will probably stay that way sadly! haha

Feel any kicks? 

YES! All the time!!! Its Is SOOO AMAZING! Like beyond my wildest thought of how it would feel! The kicks are getting stronger and more consistent. They are still pretty low on my belly which I think is because I am so tall. It feels like the baby is in my right and left hips. Sometimes I can feel a bump or my belly looks uneven but nothing consistent enough to get on video :)

Gender prediction:

When people ask me if I have an idea what it is, I had always said no not at all. But then recently I was holding my coworkers 3 month old baby girl and it just occurred to me that I could have a girl!!! HAHA! I did not realize that I have been thinking it was a boy. So we will see!

How has Dad been this week?

Jameson is pretty excited to start his new job. He also has an opportunity for an inter/mentorship that he is in the middle of interviewing for. It is the best timing as it takes about 15-20 per week on top of working 40hours per week. The internship has promising job opportunity at the end, which would be around the time the baby comes. We will see where all of this takes him! He's very relived that he does not have to keep job hunting and that he can focus more on us (me & baby). He painted the nursery during week 27. Here is a go pro time lapse video of his handy work! The final color is mint!

Click here for Painting of the baby's Nursery

Photos of Cary's Sprinkle on 9/9/17

Theme was called "Mom-mosa"

Photos from Katie's Bachelorette party in Santa Barbara 9/14-9/17/17

"fiesta" themed party!

Celebrating Jameson's Job!

We went out a nice dinner and came back to indulge in this red velvet cake! Yum!!!

WEEK 26 Bump Photo:

WEEK 27 Bump photo:

Newly painted nursery! 
Still have wall decorations and shelving to build but coming along!

24 & 25 Weeks!

Note to self: These past weeks have again FLOWN by! Besides the 100* degree temps that we have been experiencing, I feel that I am finally getting more used to the "new normal". I am feeling happier about the whole experience and less uncomfortable with all the "newness". I am still adjusting to the changes but reaching the 6 month (24 week) marker is a BIG one for me and very happy to be settling into my new self. My doctor's phrase "preparing for the end" still seems like a LONG way away, but also seems like it will be here before we know it.

How many weeks pregnant?

24 & 25 weeks (6 months!!!)

Which trimester are you in?

 2nd!

Baby’s size?

Baby is approx 9 inches, 1lb 7oz, size of a rutabaga 
(we do not know what that is... looks like a large turnip!) 

Have you started to show yet? 
Yes! My belly still looks different to me every week. Sometimes it looks lopsided and sometimes it looks high and then low. I have not heard yet "your carrying high or low." I am sure those comments will come soon enough!

What are some of your pregnancy symptoms?
Well since I have been battling with constipation this whole time, my doctor decided to put me on a 2 week trial of prenatal vitamins without Iron and for me to get exercise once per day. I also started taking magnesium to help with the leg cramps. It has only been 5 days, but seems to be helping! Because of the 100 degree weather I have been developing some feet and finger swelling. Lastly, my preggo brain is still pretty foggy but I am learning to be patient with myself. 

Happy or moody most of the time? 
HAPPY! 
I am finally feeling somewhat like my normal self and enjoying it!

Any cravings?
Chocolate! Any kind! Also almonds are my favorite snack. I pretty much like all food which is a problem! I wish I wasn't so hungry! I am completely OVER the hamburger phase ... yuck! Ate way too many. Lately I have been wanting spicy foods but then regret it when I have heart burn.

Any food aversions?
I still don't really like chicken. I will eat it in small amounts but would rather avoid it. 

Sleep?
Learning how to sleep in my side comfortably. So far still sleeping well.

Highlight of the week?

Week 24: Crib & dresser arrived! Starting to get the nursery together
Week 25: Labor Day weekend with Jameson's brother & Twinzies
(pictures below)

Are you wearing maternity clothes yet?

Mostly. I can still wear some of my non maternity shirts or dresses but some times they are not long enough to wear in public ;)

Have any stretch marks or skin changes?

Stretch marks - Yep, unfortunately they have now turned purple, but my doctor said they do go back to being skin colored post pregnancy so that's good news.

Skin changes - My freckles on my face are so dark! Also my belly is very furry :)

Has your belly button popped out?

Still a stretched out innie! I am really really hoping it pops!

Feel any kicks? 

YES! All the time!!! Its Is SOOO AMAZING! Jameson finally felt it for the first time during week 24. They are still a pitter patter feeling mostly but sometimes it feels like someone had tapped or bumped my stomach (hard to explain). Last night I also felt a slow lump move across my lower abdomen. That was the craziest feeling of all! Of course when ever I am eating chocolate Baby W seems to move more! 

Gender prediction:

Nothing this week. We are struggling with a girl's name, but have set on a boy's name so far. We'll see! It seems to change weekly.

How has Dad been this week?

Pretty happy he finally got to feel the baby kick! He has helped pick out the paint for the nursery and gather some baby stuff from our friends. He will be painting the nursery in the next couple of weeks. I am so excited! 

Here are some pictures of the nursery coming along:

As you can see we were still deciding on the paint color. We are going with the lower left swatch that you can't see very well. It's called Creme de mint. The dresser will be moved eventually  the other wall. 

Weekly Bump photo will now be in front of the crib while we slowly prep the nursery. 

Week 25

Here are some fun photos from our Labor Day weekend:

Weston Passed out!

Everett (2.5 yrs)

Weston & I

Cary and Everett

The boys! Lucas (Jameson's brother) & Jameson

The twins totally surprised me and loved swimming in the lake:

CHEESE! Otter pops! They kept saying "too hot, too hot" so I gave them a paper towel around them so it wasn't "too cold" for their fingers :)

They loved it!

Awesome chance to check out some butterflies up close and personal!

Lastly some adorable additions to Baby W's closet! From Grammy & Papa Bear Bolter

Baby W's first Grateful Dead onesie 

Newborn hat