34 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 34 Weeks

Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of a cantaloupe. She weighs about 4.75 pounds and is about 18 inches.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 30 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: All I wear now. In fact, some of my maternity clothes are starting to get tight! Yikes! I had to make a quick run to Target to find a few new shirts to wear to baby showers because most of mine are just too tight now.

Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley Femiano!

Movement: She is still moving around in there like a wiggle worm. At our 34 week doctor's appointment our midwife confirmed that she's head down with her butt towards my ribs and her feet were towards my left side. She's gotten so big now that you can see when she arches her back...my stomach contorts and you can see it move in multiple places. It's wild!

Sleep: I think I'm just going to give up on sleep. If I can make it through the night without waking up 13 times, I consider it a good nights sleep.

What I miss: Can't say I miss anything other than the standard response: sleep! Maybe not getting out of breath so fast? Who knew putting socks on could be so exhausting?

Cravings: I haven't had any weird cravings this week. I'm pretty much always hungry and if anyone mentions something food wise, it sounds good to me. Since the indigestion has been so bad I tend to lean more towards the lighter meals (like a salad or a bowl of cereal) at night, otherwise I'll be up all night dealing with reflux.

Symptoms: A new typical pregnancy symptom showed up this week (well, it showed up a few weeks ago but it wasn't all that bad)...swollen feet. My feet/ankles/legs have indention's from my socks and shoes. The other day I had on argyle print socks and when I took my socks off at the end of the day, the argyle pattern was indented in my skin. I even resorted to wearing flip flops to work twice this week because my regular Keens and Dansko's wouldn't even fit on my feet in the morning (and that's when they're the smallest!).

Best Moment this week: The best moment this week was by far the baby shower hosted by my wonderful friends Mauri, Ashley and Miss Medra (Mauri's mom). The shower was so much fun and I got to see a ton of my favorite people all on the same day. Brooke really racked up on some big items (car seat, swing, bouncy seat), toys, clothes and diapers! She is spoiled rotten already! I can't wait to put her in some of her new sweet monogrammed items!

33 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 33 Weeks

Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of a pineapple. She weighs over 4 pounds and has passed the 17 inch mark. She's growing like a weed!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 28 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: All I wear now. Although this week I did break out one of my loose and flowy short sleeve shirts to wear to the park...it probably was obvious that it didn't 'fit' because it wasn't loose and flowy anymore. It was tight! But, I don't have any short sleeve maternity shirts so I had to make do with what I have.

Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley Femiano!

Movement: I think she's awake more than she's asleep now because I feel her moving constantly. She moves in the morning when I'm getting ready for work, she moves all day while I'm at work (although I'm pretty sure she naps on and off) and then moves after dinner and when I'm going to bed. I hope she's an active and alert little thing, but I really hope this doesn't mean she's an insomniac!

Sleep: Its been a rough week of sleeping. I've officially reached the mark of where sleeping on my back makes me feel like I'm going to barf...an indicator that she's applying pressure on my vena cava (the main artery that runs along my back). So, I toss and turn trying to get comfortable and stay comfortable on my side(s). Its been tough because turning from side to side while laying down is really painful...its takes lots of breathing exercises for me to get settled and fall back asleep again.

What I miss: A good nights sleep and a nice margarita on the rocks with salt.

Cravings: I'm still eating cereal on a regular basis...we've upped our weekly milk purchase from a half gallon to a whole gallon thanks to me. We had grilled chicken for dinner one night this week and I couldn't stomach more than 4 or 5 bites. While I can force myself to eat it, it's just not appetizing to me at all. Although, a good cheeseburger and spaghetti are still my favorite meals.

Symptoms: I've mastered the 'waddle' and I've been having some CRAZY heartburn and indigestion. I woke up at 3am with spaghetti indigestion problems. I was awake for a good hour and a half before I propped myself up with lots of pillows and slept the rest of the night in the upright position (which made for a killer backache the next morning).

Best Moment this week: Talking with my girlfriends about child birth! I spent a good time on the phone with my friend Brittney who just gave birth to her son about a month ago. And I spent a few hours with my friend Rebecca (walking around the park) and just chatting about her birthing experience too. I really enjoy hearing different birth stories and hearing about how different each person's experience is. I also love to get their recommendations on baby products.

32 Weeks

***NOTE: this is a horrible picture and it makes me look like a huge cow. It's actually a really cute sweater but I'm thinking it might find its way to the back of the closet now (even though it's a maternity sweater). Definitely NOT the most flattering shirt I own!

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 32 Weeks

Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of a large jicama (which I had no idea what a jicama was until I googled it). She weighs about 3.75 pounds and is about 16.5 inches long. She's growing like a weed!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 27 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: All I wear now.

Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley Femiano!

Movement: She likes to move around...a LOT!

Sleep: I totally jinxed myself. Last week was the calm before the storm. Sleep is the worst its ever been now. I had a chiropractor appointment on Thursday and couldn't sleep a wink that night, Friday night or Saturday night. Not only was sleep missed, but I almost broke down and risked taking a Tylenol. But I did not. I told myself that child birth is going to be much harder and much more painful than my bones coming apart...so I dealt with it.

What I miss: SLEEP!

Cravings: I've been eating more salads lately and I still eat my fair share of cereal on our house. I think I'm leaning more to those foods because they're not heavy and they don't irritate my reflux or heartburn. Not to mention, I think my stomach is getting squished and salads and/or cereal seem to fit much easier than a ribeye and baked potato. I particularly like the Zaxby's House Zalad (fried of course...still can't stand the thought of eating grilled chicken) and Taco salads from any Mexican restaurant.

Symptoms: Still suffering from pubic symphysis...which is basically the pelvic/pubic bone coming apart. OUCH! The doctor said it will probably get worse the closer we get to her due date (he said that some women can't even walk it gets so bad)...oh the joys of pregnancy! I've been dealing with this since about 20 weeks and was hoping it was just 'growing pains'. Well, it's definitely a 'growing pain' but I'm not done growing yet. :(

Best Moment this week: Strangers have been commenting more and more on my overstuffed belly. And shockingly, its been more men than women. The other day I was at Target shopping for deodorant and a stock boy was unpacking items for the end cap. I had probably been 'sniffing' all the different scents when I finally decided on one and put it in my basket...it was at exactly that time the stock boy said "Oh! Congratulations!" At first I wasn't sure if he was mocking me because I spent 15 minutes smelling deodorants and finally made my selection but he patted his stomach (I guess I gave him a funny look that said 'huh?'). And I was ordering breakfast at work one day this week and two men were waiting on their orders...one guy turned around and wanted to know all about baby on the way. It was a game of 50 questions...how far along are you? what's your due date? is this your first? is it a boy or a girl? etc.etc.etc. It definitely makes it feel more real when men ask about questions...I guess I always assume they're oblivious to that kind of stuff.

31 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 31 Weeks

Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of four naval oranges. She weighs just under three and a half pounds and is over 16 inches long.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 25 lbs. I had no problem packing on the few pounds I lost from last week. My appetite came back with a vengeance and I could get enough food in my mouth fast enough.

Maternity Clothes: All I wear now.

Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley Femiano!

Movement: She's definitely moving in there. I can tell when she's growing because she moves NON-STOP those days...and then just like magic my scale jumps up another notch.

Sleep: Sleep has been A-M-A-Z-I-N-G this week. I have no idea what happened or changed but I have been sleeping through the night without waking up until the alarm goes off...which is a miracle considering my bladder is the size of a peanut now.

What I miss: Nothing this week. Everything is honky dory! Sleep is wonderful, food is wonderful and I've even forgotten that I'm pregnant a few times.

Cravings: I don't recall any particular cravings this week. I think I'm to the point where anything sounds good. Don't ask me what I want...because I'll just say "Oh, I don't know" but as soon as there is food placed in front of me...I will clean my plate.

Symptoms: This week my pregnancy symptoms have been near to nothing. I mentioned my sleep issue has disappeared (although I'm sure it will reappear soon enough). There have been days where I don't feel pregnant at all...and then I walk by a window or mirror and catch a glimpse of myself and think 'Good God! How did you ever forget about that BIG stomach you're carrying around?!?!?!"

Best Moment this week: We had our very first baby shower! Our great friends Mack and Caitlin hosted it at their house in Macon and it was so much fun. I guess you could call it a couples shower since there were guys there too. We got some great gifts and are so thankful that our friends drove from near and far to celebrate this time in our life. We are so blessed!

30 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 30 Weeks

Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of a head of cabbage. She weighs almost three pounds and is just under 16 inches long.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I lost a few pounds and am now at 22 lbs. Wowzers! Who would have thought I'd LOSE a few pounds??? Well, it totally wasn't worth it...those lost pounds were due to being sick as a dog. Post nasal drip and a nasty cough really killed my appetite buzz.

Maternity Clothes: All I wear now.

Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley Femiano!

Movement: She's been pretty consistent with moving, but this week was definitely a little less noticeable...maybe because she's tired of being bounced around with all my coughing?

Sleep: Sleep has been terrible. When I finally get comfortable I get a tickle in my throat...which makes me reach for my water...which makes me move AND seems to trigger a cough. It's been just awful.

What I miss: This week I miss being able to take drugs. This stupid cold would be MUCH easier to deal with if I would allow myself some Tylenol Cold & Sinus. I did however break down and eat two Halls Naturals cough drops and 1 regular Tylenol....neither did anything and I immediately regretted it. *Yes, I know that it's 'safe' to take during pregnancy. And yes my doctor told me it was fine to take Tylenol PM to help with sleep. I just choose not to. Just in case Brooke comes out with 6 toes on one foot at least I'll know that it wasn't attributed to my lack of self will and taking acetaminophen.

Cravings: Haven't been craving anything much this week since I can't taste much. My Mom did come over and make me a homemade chicken pot pie...which was amazing. And she brought me OJ and applesauce. I've eaten a lot of applesauce this week because its cold and its easy on my sore throat. I should mention that I prefer the cinnamon applesauce.....mmmmmm!

Symptoms: Same old stuff still going on. Sore hips. I have been feeling better after visiting the chiropractor though. AND, she did make the comment "Oh! I can tell your hips are starting to spread more." *not sure that's something you should say to a pregnant lady* Hopefully this is a good indicator that she won't have any troubles coming out of there!

Best Moment this week: We did the hospital tour on Saturday which was pretty exciting. We got to see the labor and delivery room, the recovery room and the nursery. I've always heard that Northside is supposedly like a 'hotel' and I was really skeptical. I was thinking there would be a mini-fridge or something in the room with us (perhaps for my cinnamon applesauce)...but it wasn't anything what I was expecting it to be. Not that it was bad...it was great! Even without a mini-fridge. :) At least now we have a 'oh.my.gosh. I'm in labor and we're gonna have a baby get me to the hospital right this minute plan'. I'm just secretly hoping that Mike doesn't go the wrong way on 285 come birth day.

29 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 29 Weeks

Size of baby: Turtle is the size of a butternut squash. She weighs two and a half pounds and is just over 15 inches long.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 25 lbs. I've been making an effort to make more 'healthy' choices this week. Last week really freaked me out.

Maternity Clothes: All I wear now.

Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley Femiano!

Movement: She moves ALL.THE.TIME. I think she's in there just shakin' her groove thang. Must get that from her Dad. ;-)

Sleep: Sleep has been about the same. I wake up to use the bathroom some nights and mix it up with tossing and turning. Sleep used to be my favorite thing...now it's hit or miss.

What I miss: I think I would be a little dramatic if I listed out every.single.thing that I miss. But, I practically tackled Mike when he was eating his Publix Ultimate sub sandwich the other night. My hot pizza sub no longer appealed to me...all I wanted was a cold sammich.

Cravings: Still eating a lot of cereal...its not heavy and fills me up (but only for a few hours). I have also had several chicken salad sandwiches for lunch this week.

Symptoms: Sore hips/pelvis and running to the bathroom every 30 seconds AND add reflux to this list now. Its like a magic trick...drink water, lay down and water just appears right back in my mouth again. It's so gross (especially when it's not just water)!

Best Moment this week: I was listening to Pandora at work the other day and a Tom Petty song came on. I could have sworn I could feel her tapping to the beat. This girl knows good music! :) I've also felt her 'dance' to David Crowder too.

28 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 28 Weeks

Size of baby: Turtle is the size of a Chinese cabbage. She weighs two and a quarter pounds and is almost 15 inches long.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 24 lbs. I went for my 28 week doctor's appointment and FREAKED out when I saw that I gained 9 lbs in 4 weeks. I went home and cried the rest of the day. And then craved ice cream (which I did NOT let myself have).

Maternity Clothes: All I wear now.

Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley Femiano!

Movement: Her movements are definitely on a schedule now. She has a pretty regular sleep/wake schedule and her movements are almost predictable.

Sleep: Sleep has been terrible. I wake up all throughout the night just trying to get comfortable. I did manage to go to the Chiropractor this week and I slept a little bit better that night. I hope that it's going to help out with my sleep issues.

What I miss: I miss being in control of my crazy tears. I have been so hormonal lately. I cry when I'm hungry and then after I eat, I cry because I feel like Shamu. All I can say is Mike is a saint for dealing with me.

Cravings: Still craving cereal. This week I bought Fruit Loops...but I haven't polished off that box yet.

Symptoms: Sore hips/pelvis and running to the bathroom every 30 seconds AND add reflux to this list now. Its like a magic trick...drink water, lay down and water just appears right back in my mouth again. It's so gross (especially when it's not just water)!

Best Moment this week: Hearing Brooke's heartbeat at our doctor's appointment. Her heartbeat was 'steady in the 140's'. :) AND we had our 3D/4D ultrasound (actually, we had 2...the 1st one she wouldn't cooperate and the 2nd wasn't much better, but we were able to get a few pictures of her sweet chubby cheeks). We got to see miss B smile! I think she's just perfect.