Final Baby Book Page & Bump Collage!

Excited that Micah's Baby Book is complete!

Each week (more or less) I documented my pregnancy with my

growing bump and a note to baby.

I plan on compiling all my graphics and ordering a photo book!

BLANQI Mama

I took some photos the

other day while the girls napped.

I will post soon on how I got these shots..

from one complete and total amateur photographer to another!

ps. my mom made the hat! so cute right??

Here's the complete series of my growing bump!

I wore my BLANQI throughout my pregnancy..

helped with my back/leg pain (sciatic nerve issues)

The one photographed below was my white, medium, regular length blanqi.

I started taking the weekly photos at 12 weeks..

when I was still feeling sick but at least able to function.

(missed a few weeks near the end due to.....life.)

I actually have been wearing it even more postpartum.

It helps smooth everything out and makes me feel more trim

as I work off this baby weight!

And by "work off this baby weight" I mean nurse

like a champ and chase my 2 and 4 yr old. :)

Thanks for following a long my pregnancy journey!

and also thanks for all the e-mails..

I am feeling the love and so thankful for the words of

encouragement and congratulations!

Baby Book - 38 Weeks Bump

BLANQI Mama

38 Weeks Pregnant! Still chugging a long.

Starting to feel prettyyyyy uncomfortable. The last few weeks are always so hard.

You start getting signs of labor..and you go into constant "could this be it???" mode.

And then when you try and just forget about being pregnant..you can't!

Because every random person and their neighbor are reminding you that you are pregnant! Asking when you are due..telling you you look like you are about to pop.

But...if people didn't say anything.. you would end up crying about that too. ;)

So..it's just part of being pregnant at the end! I must say though..

I decided I love the lady at our grocery's bakery counter. She made me feel awesome.

She knew how to talk to a pregnant lady..telling me I must be having a girl

because I have a glow! Girl or boy..I'll take that type of comment over

the one I got 5 minutes later in the meat department..

"you can't have much longer... can you????"

Contractions are still coming.. and getting more intense.

Hoping they are doing something.

My next check up is friday..and I'm anxious to see if I've progressed at all.

When I was at the hospital for one of our false alarms..they thought I was in early stages of labor with how my contractions were coming in..how I had the bloody show ALL day..

and how I was dilating and effaced.. so they had me walk around for an hour and

then re-examined me. they said jumping jacks were ok....

so inbetween some contractions we did some galloping through the hospital halls.

my husband of course had to video tape it. ;)

I'm happy to hang in there these last couple weeks till my due date.. but I just wish these contractions didn't make me so miserable. Tonight I just sat on my butt the

whole night. I tried to get up a few times and I just couldn't do it.

The contractions and the back pain hurt too much.

I mightttttt have broken down in tears for 2 minutes of a pitty party to my husband.

might have. ;) I'm not officially admitting to that.

Thanks for following a long my pregnancy journey with baby #3!!

I can't wait to share the news when he or she finally stops teasing us and arrives! :)

It's amazing how you forget all these little sufferings once the baby comes

because you are just so happy and in awe of this new life and in love!

I'm going to make myself remember though in the teenage years..

and remind them of my sufferings often. ;)

Baby Book - 37 Weeks Bump

BLANQI Mama

There comes a point in your pregnancy..

You just don't to talk about your pregnancy...haha.

I'm ready to stop talking about my symptoms and

start talking about a cute newborn!! way more fun. ;)

But..I'm almost there! Trying to smile and ignore the random ladies

in the grocery store line who tell me I look like I'm about to POP.

My husband later told me (after witnessing a lady say that) that he

was thinking "ooohhh no...now she's done it" haha.

He thought my hormonal pregnant lady wrath was about go off. 

You already FEEL like you are about to burst..

you don't want people to tell you you LOOK like it. ;)

However, a perk of being pregnant... Nesting.

We've been deep cleaning... organizing... finishing projects!

and by "we" I mean me... and my husband who gets

dragged into it because I need him. :)

Ben doesn't believe in nesting..

he thinks it's just how pregnant women try to get the baby out.

There is some truth to that. ;)

Grow baby grow! Can't wait to meet you. xoxo.

Comparing Bumps - Looked back at week 37 with sienna!

boy or girl this time?! we shall see. :)

The only difference I see is my bump now goes down while

my bump before goes up..even though it's hard to see with my shirt!

My Baby Book is filling up!

Baby Book - 36 Weeks Bump

BLANQI Mama

I'm 36 Weeks (and a few days) Almost full term!

Thanks for following along my pregnancy journey..

I love hearing your comments via my blog and

especially all our chit chat on my blog's facebook page!

Getting to the end of my pregnancy..and with labor fast approaching...

along with it comes pregnancy symptoms that are sometimes TMI.

SO......

if you don't want the details. Stop Reading! haha.

but If you want to hear how I'm progressing than keep reading...

I know I liked hearing how other people experienced

their pregnancies, so... sharing my journey! :)

Because the baby has dropped so low, my previous sciatic

nerve/back/leg pain has gone away. yay! Very excited about that.

Still sore..but nothing like it was.

Now, you know those lists you get of "Signs of Labor"...

well, I pretty much have experienced all of them..

but that means nothing with my body! Labor is still holding off.

Saturday I had excruciating back contractions ALL DAY.

Regular front contractions were happening as well..but the back pain was the worst.

I thought that my water broke sunday. We did the whole trip to the Hospital..

kids picked up by our friends and everything. It was a good practice run! ;)

The test ended up coming back positive and negative..with the 2 most reliable tests coming back as negative. so they sent me home. We were a little bummed, but not too much because we didn't feel ready yet! We really wanted to get past 36 weeks.

One of the most confusing labor topics is your water breaking...

It seems everyone says if your water breaks it will gush!!

But that never happened with me.

With sophie it was just a trickle..and then she stopped it up with her head!

But I also learned with this pregnancy that you can have watery cervical discharge..

which can seem like your water breaking. But it's better to get tested then wait..

because you can risk infection or go into labor really fast within 24 hours.

Yesterday(monday,) I put myself on unofficial bed rest. The contractions were just too painful..and taking a toll on my body. Every time I move I have them..and even though they get time able up to every 6 minutes for almost an hour....they always space out. They are only getting more painful. which is good....but also makes me sooo sore!

The back contractions are still coming off and on as well.

So yesterday I did nothing. it was hard. and by the afternoon I was going stir crazy..

so when the hubby got home we went to run a couple errands

that were on my "do this before the baby comes" list. :) (return library books...

get flashlights for storm.. deposit a check in the bank..etc)

I seriously thought I was going to give birth in a store haha.

The WORST contractions of my life. It felt like when they had to give me petocin with sienna...and the contractions got super strong. They were every 6 minutes for almost an hour..and then spaced out. false alarm again.

Had an appointment today.. I'm 2.5 cm dilated. 80% effaced.

My doctor said she didn't understand what was holding that baby in haha.. lovely.

I just don't see how these contractions aren't giving enough pressure to break my water.. they are insane. Ben was joking that with this baby I'm going to be "that lady"..

Let me explain. When I had sophie.. I was checking in and wasn't in much pain at all.. but then this other pregnant mama comes rolling in with her husband and I seriously thought she was going to choke her husband and give birth at the same

time right in front of me... "Youuu...can go ahead"  I said.

So yeah...that will probably be me this time around with

how bad these contractions already are. It's not gonna be pretty. ;)

We are so anxious to find out what we are having!! The suspense is killing me!

I'm also so much more nervous about labor this time around..

which is funny because it's baby #3!

I think the end of pregnancy is always so hard because you have the fact..looming over you..

that you are about to experience something (most likely) super painful..

you know it's coming..you just don't know when!

So, trying to hang in there physically and not freak out emotionally ;)

Hope everyone is staying safe with the storm!

Luckily Pittsburgh wasn't/isn't being hit that hard.

Prayers out for all those hit hard by Hurricane Sandy.

Baby Book - 35 Weeks Bump & What I Wore: Maternity Edition

BLANQI Mama

35 Week Update- So Baby has definitely dropped.

Last week...I thought it was all in my head.

I felt so much more pressure.. and felt like the baby was literally in my lap.

But I got confirmation from my doctor that I wasn't a crazy person

and that in fact the baby was soooo low. The head is fully engaged.

I'm almost completely effaced (80%) so that is why I have felt so much pressure.

I told her I feel like my water should be gushing at any moment haha.

I'm only 1.5 cm dilated. I was happy to hear that some sort of progression was happening because my contractions that I've had for months..are starting to become less like braxton hicks and more like 'wow this one is kicking my butt..

Knock the wind out of me..don't touch me...' contractions.

And they have only been getting more intense since my appointment.

(Last week they were every 10 minutes for over an hour...

then a couple days later every 3 minutes for an hour and a half.

intense ones. but they went away.)

Now.... with most pregnant ladies... when you see these signs

(intense contractions.. effacement.. starting to dilate...)

you would think it's almost baby time!

But with me..my body likes to contract for a LONG time.

The doctor told me that I have an "Irritable Uterus"....haha. lovely.

I can tell though the difference now between a contraction that is just from moving and agitating that muscle..and from a real one that is coming on it's own.

My appointments are weekly now... so I'm anxious to see if

I've progressed at all or if I am going to stay like this for weeks. :)

I'm known to do that. but..the only difference is this time the contractions are HORRIBLE...compared to the girls. So we'll see!

The doctor said if they go time-able again to call and then just go to the hospital...

when this baby comes it'll probably come fast. eek!

My Baby Book is filling up!! ;) Can't wait to have all of these photos

printed in an album! Of course the first few weeks are skipped over

due to me trying to just survive through the morning sickness... ;)

Top: Black Sweater - Target (non maternity)

Pants: Maternity Jeans - Motherhood Maternity

Shoes: Boots - (I think target?? old.)

Our bags are packed! I shared all the details

with lots of photos and links in my Hospital Bag Post.

I have been feeling soo slowed down.

Which can be very frustrating for a busy bee like me.

I have so many things I want to do or work on and there are times..

it's just not possible.

I'm also feeling super emotional. even in my dreams!

I had a horrible dream the other night.. I was re-living the initial grief of losing shannon..

and then suddenly she became sophie..and it was like I lost sophie.

it was HORRIBLE. I woke up with tears streaming down my face..

ben had to help me calm down. and then as soon as he got me to sleep..

he had to go be on daddy duty and get sienna back to sleep. ;)

Soo excited for the day I can nurse my baby..

put her in the crib..and sleep on my stomach. I miss that. ;)

And I can't wait to not waddle and be able to bend over without grunting.

bending over is a bit tricky.. I feel like I'm smooshing the baby every time!

I have to do a special maneuver to pick up toys and such now.

I'm sure I look ridiculous. hehe.

We are so close!!!!...trying to hang in there. :)

Baby Book - 34 Weeks Bump

BLANQI Mama

The baby is feeling SO LOW. I'm not sure if he or she dropped..but it sure feels like it!

More pressure..and I find myself holding the baby with both hands when I walk...

Like that really helps... ;)

To quote my mom "Do you feel more like a hammock?"

Yes. yes I do. And this baby is rocking the hammock constantly.

Sienna: I wanna sit in mama's lappp!

Me: Sienna..you ARE sitting in my lap...that's as close as you can get. ;)

She is still getting used to my bump as it expands..

But a growing bump has it's advantages....

In church she sat in my lap facing me

using my bump as a ledge to hold her book on and read...........

I guess she sees me put my phone on my bump. ;)

And Sophie is very aware of how I'm slowing down as we get closer to the due date!

Earlier this week she was on the floor with me helping clean up the play room..

I told her thanks for being such a big helper for mama..to which she replied:

"I'm helping because you can't bend over anymore. you're growing a baby"

true true. actually I CAN bend over...

but I make a grunting noise and hold my back as I get up....

haha....lovely.

(Ignore the scary pumpkin...I just realized how wierd it's face was!! haha.

I showed ben and he was like ooOOH!

The ones from walmart this year are less creepy looking..

need to grab a new one. ;)

On the home stretch!

I can't wait to put together all the Weekly Bump Photos I've

taken in my BLANQI and do a video of my bump growing...

It'll be so cool seeing it all together.

Happy Monday everyone!

VLOG: Baby Book- 33 Weeks Bump

BLANQI Mama

33 Weeks!

Today I scheduled all of my remaining

doctor's appointments... only 5 left if I go full term!

Something new this week.. sensitivity to smells.
I made dinner in the crock pot and I seriously couldn't
handle the smell our house filled up with!

BUT.. it actually was delicious. haha. Wierd.

I have been going to the Physical Therapist for my back/pelvic/leg pain...
(It's hard to know where it's coming from.) But today they really worked on my sacrum..
and I left feeling amazing!! That REALLY really helped.
Still sore..but saw an improvement. I'll take it.

I keep talking about how active the baby is..
I got some of the little baby kicks and punches on video a
couple days ago so you could see what I'm talking about!
Stretch marked belly and all!
This baby bump is very loved.. my 2 yr old Sienna gets
so excited when she sees the baby move..
It's been fun seeing our big sisters experience the pregnancy. :)

Baby Book - 32 Weeks Bump

BLANQI Mama

Feeling like your classic

pregnant mama these days.....

-We've made burgers two nights in a row....

Salt and meat craving...

CHECK

-I cried on my way home from a solo target shopping trip with my 2 & 4 yr old...

Crazy exhausted hormonal pregnant lady...

CHECK

-I reorganized the entire play room going through the toy bins(tossing & giving away)

super-nesting-organization-stay out of her way she'll windex you-mama...

CHECK

Been going to PT for my back/pelvic/leg pain..

They told me that I am crooked (and something else I don't know the name of)..

Whatever they are doing..it is helping!

I am still sore and in pain at times..

but definitely seeing an improvement.

Quote of the week by me to my husband..

"I feel like I'm getting LESS patient...."

haha.

I laugh now. but seriously..

This past week there were a few times I realized

how being 32 weeks pregnant... tired/sore and just

plain uncomfortable is wearing on me.

My girls are little angels that ever so often decide to be not so angelic. ;)

Sometimes I feel like I have a puppy..

Sienna uses her teeth to bite through everything..

While running errands, If I put anything in the shopping

cart she will try to rip into it with her teeth..

I think the fact that sophie makes her

play, EVERY DAY,"puppy dog"

(and sienna is always the dog)

isn't helping.......haha.

The baby feels SO LOW.

and pretty much every time I go out in

public I have someone say "oh my gosh you are so low!!"

I feel like I'm holding this sweetie right in my lap! :)

It is INSANE how much the baby moves.

(Even more than my girls were and they were busy bees in there too!)

It's incredible how we can see he/she squirm.

Yesterday I felt like I was totally gripping a knee!! It was crazy..

and makes me so anxious to meet this little one.

What I Wore: Maternity Edition- Cobalt Blue

Top: Motherhood (Bought On Sale-Original Here)

Pants: Motherhood (BUY HERE. LOVE)  Shoes: Target (Fall 2011 - Similar Here)

Earings: Forever 21 

32 Weeks pregnant with Baby #3.

A Rainy Sunday.

Hair: DIY Braided Hair Headband.

Lots of tutorials on Pinteres!

Here's a good one

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday!

My Husband, who is slightly obsessed with Craigslist, (Awesome)

Just went to pick up a big wooden desk unit that is FREE..

and calling out to be painted with a pop of teal or yellow! excited!

Baby Book- 28 & 29 Week Bumps

The past month of being pregnant has flown by..

The 30's have snuck up on me!

I'll be 30 weeks on saturday....caaa-razy.

It's funny how different my body is "Stretching" this time around..

My belly is going OUT..

TORPEDO BELLY.

Yesterday I tried to squeeze through an area that I used to be

able to fit in in the dining room..only to find I got stuck haha.

When the husband and I were in NYC, it was interesting weaving our way

through the crowds. In my head I thought I should be able to sneak past a person

when in reality I would just bump them or have to say excuse me for more room..

Another thing we noticed in NYC was that people love to stare at pregnant ladies.

They look at my belly first and then my face!

Most people tell me congratulations and how much I'll love being a mom.

They are SHOCKED when I tell them I have 2 at home.

I've also noticed lately that restaurants with a buffet, get terrified when

a pregnant lady walks in thinking we will devour the place...OR..

that we are about to go into labor at any second in their place of business. haha.

ps. we painted the play room blue...... :)

BLANQI Mama 

This pregnancy I have been incredibly more sore than with the other two.

Not sure if it is how the baby is positioned..

or if it's something with my sciatic nerve or possibly symphysis pubis..

but I am in PAIN.

I went to a chiropractor but am going to ask my doctor about

getting a script to see a physical therapist. It comes and goes..

but is more and more becoming constant pain.

I can't put pressure on my right leg, If I sit/stand/lay in one position for

long then move I jolt in pain. The times it is worse is when I try

to walk short distances and then bend over to pick something up like a child..

or a toy..something I do only a million times a day......... ;)

There have been a couple times I've been out..and couldn't walk to my car

and had to wait a bit to stand still and hope it "stretches" out.

I can only imagine that it'll get worse as the baby load gets heavier.

I might see if I can get a hip stabilizer..was told that could help!

You know it's bad when you crawl to your room because it hurts too much to walk!

Pretty sure I blogged about this pain already..but It's gotten pretty bad.

The chiropractor said that it'll probably go away as soon as the baby is born..

so going to try and hang in there till it's D-Day!

Did you have this pregnancy symptom???

BLANQI Mama

Baby Book - Weeks 25 & 27 Bump

Life has been a bit busy..I feel like this 2nd trimster is zooming by compared to

the superrrrrr slowwwww first trimester.

After my next doctor's appointment I start going every 2 weeks instead of 4!

When they told me that I was like...what?! already?!

It's funny how everyone likes to guess what we are having.

Random people will be like....."boy. you're having a boy."

I want to be like "YESSS now I can go buy all the boy stuff!" haha. ;)

People also keep asking what I think it is..

I'm pretty sure it's a baby. and either a boy or a girl. ;)

But seriously...I don't see how it could NOT be a boy..with how different I've felt..

but who knows! we might have another wild sienna on our hands.

her pregnancy was different than sophie.

BLANQI Mama

Did any of you have horribleeeee back pain?

I read that your uterus can be growing and pinching a nerve causing shooting pain if you sit in the same position for a long time..or hit it a certain way.

I've reached the point where if I over exert myself or sit still (so either way I lose haha) I get this intense pain shooting from my right backside down... It is seriously crazy..

I crawled to our bedroom last night because it hurt too much to walk..

my husband thought it was hilarious. and felt kinda bad.. :)

I think painting the entire play room during nap time, grocery shopping by myself with a 2 yr old, and running errands all day had something to do with the pain yesterday.... #nesting

Going to ask the doctor about it next appointment.

I have the usual restless leg pain at night..but that comes and goes.

Ohhhh pregnancy symptoms. Good thing God has this crazy way of making you forget all the pain and suffering you go through before and during childbirth..........haha.

BLANQI Mama

Major nesting going on.
I'm a busy bee kinda person even when not pregnant.
I think it gets amplified a bit when I'm expecting.... :)

I painted the girls' big girl room..... finishing up the details like
curtains and frames and arranging furniture today!
Photos tomorrow..hopefully can post mid week!
This reveal comes with exciting news for one of you!....
::suspense::

I also painted the play room during nap yesterday.
Hoping it doesn't end up like a fish tank....
we wanted something cheery and fresh feeling!
(I'll post about the space soon with paint colors etc..)

Sienna and I took a trip to Ikea yesterday too..
She fell asleep at 9:30 am on the way there....
a few sprinkles from a donut does the trick I suppose. ;)
Sophie went on a day trip with daddy so we had no rush..and had fun just the two of us!
Don't judge my "keep her happy in the cart" strategy.
This girl does anything for a chicken strip. haha.
I ended up getting a frame.. a white billy bookcase for my "office area"
(the other half of the long playroom) and some yellow napkins. :)

Happy sunday everyone!
Check back later this week for an
AWESOMELY EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT.