Weeks 34-39

I'll be honest, after week 33 I just didn't have it in me to keep up with my weekly bump date. I probably wouldn't even have these pictures if it weren't for Ryan making me. (thanks, babe!) 

So since I didn't keep track weekly, I'm going to try and recall exactly what was going on as I finished growing this baby! Week 34 I began going to my appointments every two weeks. Appointments were quick and easy; my blood pressure was taken, I weighed in, doctor measured my belly and listened to G's heartbeat. I was still feeling pretty good weeks 34-36, just tired and getting ready to see our little guy. I was having a lot of pain on my right side under the ribcage, but the doctor attributed that to Graham having his foot pushed against my liver. 

At my 36 week appointment Dr. B estimated Graham to be at around 6 lbs and thought that when he was born he would weigh about 7 1/2 lbs. Her exact words were, "he's not going to be a big boy, but he won't be a string bean either!" She was also able to feel my stomach and tell that he was head down. We also discussed options for induction if my due date was reached. After week 36, I began going in weekly for check ups. 

Week 37 appointment was a dud. Since I hadn't had any contractions, she decided not to check me. (I also sat in the room naked from the waist down for an hour and a half because she had to go deliver a baby. fun stuff)

At week 38 I was 80% effaced and dilated to a 1. Still no contractions.

Week 39 was a big week! I was still dilated to a 1 but almost 100% effaced. Dr. Bergstrom surprised me by asking how I felt about being induced the next week. She felt like I was ready and this way we would know that she would be there for the birth. Umm..yes, please! I was ready to have this baby. My doctor's appointment was on a Tuesday and my induction was scheduled for the following Monday at 6:00 a.m. 

Week 33

How Far Along: 33 weeks

Feeling: feeling pretty good still

Maternity Clothes:  still mixing maternity and regular clothes

Gender:  Boy!

Name: Graham, G-Man, G 

Movement: we've still got a busy boy in there

Sleep: is usually a hit or miss

What I miss: not much

Cravings: back to cereal 

Best Moment This Week:  we had Spring Break this week and it was nice to relax and get some things done around the house. I was also able to work on getting my maternity leave lessons set up. 

week 32

How Far Along: 32 weeks

Feeling: doing pretty good...still not sleeping and I could do without the heartburn. I really try not to complain because I've been so incredibly lucky, but goodness growing a baby is a lot of work! 

Maternity Clothes: none of my regular pants zip or button in any form or fashion, but I can still pull them up so I'll call that a win! 

Gender:  Boy!

Name: Graham, G-Man, G 

Movement: I have begun feeling him in two areas of my stomach at the same times which tells me he is growing! 

Sleep: what's that?

What I miss: I just cannot go like I used to. When I get home from work all bets are off when it comes to dinner or cleaning, especially towards the end of the week.

Cravings: Mexican food...I had a student bring a taco for snack the other day and it was all I could do to not ask him for a bite haha 

Best Moment This Week:  after 8 long weeks we finally have our bedding! Still need a mattress, but other than that Graham's room is complete. 

Week 31

The pictures are beginning to get much less glamorous, eh?

How Far Along: 31 weeks

Feeling: tired with lots of back pain, but getting so excited. 9 weeks left! .....unless he decides to hang out past his due date, which is a definite possibility.

Maternity Clothes: wish I could live in my maternity leggings!

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham, G-Man, G 

Movement: kicking, punching and rolling around all going on! Graham has also decided he doesn't like it when I lean over in any way. Even when I'm trying to lean to the table to eat he starts moving around as if he's trying to tell me I'm cramping him.

Sleep: Still not great, but I have had a few ok nights here and there that are holding me over.

What I miss: I just cannot go like I used to. When I get home from work all bets are off when it comes to dinner or cleaning, especially towards the end of the week.

Cravings: sandwiches!

Best Moment This Week:  I had a doctor's appointment this week where they were able to assure me that all weird things going on with my body are totally normal. I did have to get a shot because I have a negative blood type, but overall the appointment was quick and easy! 

Weeks 29 & 30

I failed and didn't get Ryan to take a week 30 pic...so a bathroom selfie it is.
I also apparently have a thing for striped shirts that are navy and aqua.

How Far Along: 30 weeks

Feeling: Feeling ok. Getting uncomfortable!

Maternity Clothes: Still wearing a combo of maternity and my regular clothes  

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham

Movement: lots of movement going on from our boy!

Sleep: Has taken a turn for the worse. I'm trying to sleep on my side which has been very uncomfortable for this back sleeper. I definitely think God's preparing me for what is coming soon! :)

What I miss: nothing much

Cravings: still really into cereal

Best Moment This Week: 3/4 of the way through this pregnancy! 

Week 28

How Far Along: 28 weeks

Feeling: I'm feeling like I have a baby that is kicking his feet in my diaphragm right this moment, but other than that it's been great! I've reached the point where it's no longer simple to get up/down or bend down which proves to be a bit difficult when you spend all day with 20 four year olds. I really realized my limitations the other day when I decided that I would do some chair dips to strengthen my arms (because bat wings are not becoming, my friends). I'll just leave it at...YIKES.

Maternity Clothes: I am so lucky to have such generous friends to share their clothes with me. My friend Laura sent me home with several of her things to borrow this weekend and I am loving that I haven't had to spend a fortune on clothes! *can I please borrow them all again with baby #2? :) 

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham

Movement: LOTS! G is still a busy boy and has now moved from just kicking to pushing his limbs against my belly. I wish I could see in there to figure out exactly what I'm feeling.

Sleep: Still ok. Hating sleeping on my side. I'm for sure thinking I should have sprung for the maternity pillow.

What I miss: I miss not feeling a cool breeze and looking down to see my shirt has risen up and half of my belly is exposed. At what point in the pregnancy does it become socially acceptable to just walk around like that??

Cravings: everything I shouldn't have. ie...sandwiches, chocolate donuts, cheeseburgers, etc, etc. I do really want fruit though, so it all evens out. :) 

Best Moment This Week: We've officially hit the 3rd trimester mark! 

Week 27

How Far Along: 27 weeks

Feeling: I've been having a lot of pressure from Graham being so low. The doctor suggested I get a maternity belt to give me some support, so I may have to look into that.

Maternity Clothes: no big changes here...we do have a wedding to attend next week, so I'm not really looking forward to find something appropriate for that. 

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham Ryan Dudley

Movement: kicking like a ninja! I like to imagine him practicing his soccer skills sometimes, or just kicking to let me know he's doing well in there. This past week it seems as if I noticed him moving around a lot more during the day where as before it was mainly at night.

Sleep: still been pretty good. Speaking of sleep, you know what I'm really tired of? People telling me how I'm never going to sleep again. Why is it that when you're pregnant people feel the need to give unsolicited advice.

What I miss: nothing much

Cravings: still big on cereal, but I haven't had any unusual cravings.

Best Moment This Week: I had my glucose test done this week and although I wasn't really expecting to fail, it's always nice to get good results. They did tell me that I'm a bit anemic, so I need to eat more protein and fiber. Poptarts are full of fiber, right?

Ryan and I also decided not to have a 4D done. In the beginning I was adamant about having it, but since we found out the gender we might as well leave what he looks like a surprise.  Although according to my mother in law he is going to look just like Ryan. :) 

Week 26

How Far Along: 26 weeks

Feeling: Still feeling good. I have had some pretty bad leg cramps in the middle of the night this past week and that's not fun. It only seems to happen on my right calf though. 

Maternity Clothes: I wish I had an endless budget to purchase more, but since I only have 3 months left I'm trying to hold out! 

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham Ryan Dudley

Movement: This past weekend Ryan and I went to Buy Buy Baby (yet again...and we still can't make a decision on a stroller) and while we were there I felt Graham run his hand/elbow/knee/some body part all the way across the left side of my stomach. It was the craziest feeling and much different than just the kicks he usually gives. I'm interested to see what it feels like when he gets the hiccups

Sleep: still been pretty good

What I miss: nothing much

Cravings: no big cravings 

Best Moment This Week: This has been a pretty anti climatic week. Thankful for a growing baby and that I've continued to feel well! 

Week 25

How Far Along: 25 weeks

Feeling: Starting to feel a bit overwhelmed with all I want to do/accomplish before Graham comes. I know I still have 15 weeks, but we have so many things to buy. Certainly not every thing is a necessity, but that doesn't make my Etsy list any smaller. 

Maternity Clothes:  Still wearing a lot of my regular shirts, but for pants it's either maternity or leggings. 

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham Ryan Dudley

Movement:  Lots! I had the craziest dream the other night that I was able to make my stomach transparent and we could see Graham moving around in there. And you know what?? He looked just like me! ;) I am enjoying every little kick and already dreading the day when I don't have my little buddy in there with me all the time. Y'all remind me that I said this at week 38 when I'm miserable, ok? 

Sleep: not bad

What I miss: nothing big

Cravings: Still wanting cereal and if I didn't have a husband who expected dinner we would have that every night.

Best Moment This Week: We booked a photographer for our maternity and newborn pictures and that is a huge relief.

Week 24

How Far Along: 24 weeks

Feeling: Overall I'm feeling great. It is amazing to me how much your body can change and adapt during pregnancy. I can't get over how my belly button has changed and although there is no outtie yet, it kinda freaks me out how shallow it has become! I'm still having heartburn and Graham has decided that hanging out on my bladder is fun. You know what's not fun, when you sneeze and have to change underwear. That's what. Just keeping' it real, folks. 

Maternity Clothes: Since adding a few more maternity items to my closet, getting dressed has been much less stressful. It seems like in the past week I have officially popped and I think I've come to the realization that it's time to stop trying to wear my old clothes.  

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham Ryan Dudley

Movement: Lots and lots of kicking going on! We were actually able to record a video of my stomach moving from G kicking and send it to my mom.

Sleep: I've been pretty tired lately and other than getting up to use the restroom 10234 5 times a night, it's been good.

What I miss: nothing much

Cravings: I've been really into cereal and oranges...and really just food in general. #iwannaeateverythinginsight 

Best Moment This Week: We have been working a lot on getting the nursery in order and Ryan built some shelves in Graham's closet this past weekend. I'm loving how it's all coming together! 

Week 23

How Far Along: 23 weeks

Feeling: pregnant! 

Maternity Clothes: Wearing lots of leggings! I got a few staple maternity items for Christmas and getting dressed has been much less stressful 

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham Ryan Dudley

Movement: We have one active little boy! I feel him kicking all the time and love it. At my monthly doctor appointment the doctor was listening to his heartbeat and commented on how active he was in there. 

Sleep: has been pretty good

What I miss: being able to hop out of bed like it ain't no thing! I can only image what week 38 is going to look like haha

Cravings: no big cravings and I think I'm officially over my pickle hangup. 

Best Moment This Week: Ryan and I finally agreed on Graham's bedding (who knew he would have such a strong opinion on this?!) and it's officially ordered! We also painted the walls and have started getting the nursery in order. 

Week 20 & 22...minus 21

How Far Along: 20 weeks (I failed on the bump pics this week)

Feeling: (the weight segment has officially ended...if you would like to stay up to date on my weight gain feel free to send me a text. It will be promptly deleted along with your number. Just joking...kind of) This has been the first week where I have really felt pregnant. I am hungry but feel miserable after every meal, the heart burn seems as if it's here to stay and this lower back pain is not fun. BUT...it is going to be so worth it when we hold Graham for the first time. And I know there are thousands of women who would take every uncomfortable moment if it meant they could carry their own child, so I am choosing to be thankful!

Maternity Clothes: Still hanging in there with a few items

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham Ryan Dudley

Movement: Occasionally...ready for those big kicks. It was amazing seeing the baby move around when I was having my ultrasound. Wonder how much one of those bad boys costs to just have around the house ;) 

Sleep: I have actually been sleeping really well. Today in class I was sitting in a chair at several of the student's table and one kid asked me, "Mrs. Dudley, are you tired?" Guess 7 hours of sleep isn't cutting it for me! Haha

What I miss: nothing big

Cravings: Not really craving anything, just nothing sounds good. I usually cook dinner for Ryan, eat a few bites and then have a bowl of cereal later. I can put away a McDonald's cheeseburger like nobody's business though.  Of course. 

Best Moment This Week: My parents came up over the weekend and we were able to tell everyone the gender. Love being able to call the baby by his name instead of just G. Although it seems as if G is here to stay as a nickname!



*Since I'm trying to catch up on these I'm going to skip ahead to week 22. Honestly, I can't remember what big happened in week 21 anyway. 

How Far Along: 22 weeks

Feeling: It was not a fun two weeks for this momma. I caught the flu, even though I got my shot in early October, and then had a long week with a sinus infection following that. Unfortunately, I had to take 4 days off from work, but the doctor was able to give me Tami-flu.

Maternity Clothes: I ordered some things from Old Navy and am loving them! My sweet friend, Katy, also let me borrow two huge tubs of clothes and I am so excited to have those! 

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham Ryan Dudley

Movement: I started feeling kicks last week and it has been so fun! Ryan was also able to feel him kick and I loved being able to include him in that. 

Sleep: No bueno! This is mainly due to the fact that I've been sick...between the coughing, aches, and runny nose there hasn't been much sleeping.

What I miss: ready to be over this sickness!

Cravings: no real cravings

Best Moment This Week: We celebrated Christmas with my parents and Graham got some precious outfits! 

Week 19

How Far Along: 19 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +7 pounds and I feel every. single. one. The doctor has never mentioned what she would like me to gain, but I have a number I'd like to stay under. We shall see. I still have a LONG way to go.  

Maternity Clothes: I have a few pieces, but for work I'm mainly still wearing regular clothes. Ryan's favorite part of the day is in the mornings when he finds me blankly staring at my clothes trying to decide which outfit I should feel like a busted can of biscuits in. Obviously I'm kidding...about the Ryan part, not the biscuits. ;)

Gender: We know! Ryan and I are thrilled but more importantly there is a healthy baby moving around in there! 

Name: the initials are GRD :)

Movement: Occasionally...ready for those big kicks. It was amazing seeing the baby move around when I was having my ultrasound. Wonder how much one of those bad boys costs to just have around the house ;) 

Sleep: Has been hit or miss. Usually I have two awful, sleepless nights followed by one redeeming sleep that makes me feel as if all is right in the world again. Is it bad that more than anything else I'm worried about the lack of sleep when G comes??

What I miss: The heartburn has set in and I am missing not feeling like there is a small campfire in my throat 24/7!

Cravings: Cereal  

Best Moment This Week: Seeing our healthy baby (thank you, Jesus!) and finding out the gender! 

Week 18

How Far Along: 18 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I think I may take away this little portion soon.  I'm avoiding the scale like the plague, although I will have to face my fears Monday when I go to the doctor. 

Maternity Clothes: I got some maternity jeans this past week when I was off for Thanksgiving break and hallelujah amen they are amazing! So much more comfortable. A few weeks ago I went to Motherhood Maternity and was less than impressed with their jean selection, however, the other day I just happened upon a maternity section in Ross and it's great! The jeans feel just like my regular ones, except with a giant, elastic panel. :)

Gender: almost time! 

Name: After we reveal to our families next Saturday the gender we will also tell the name. Still trying to decide on a boy and girl middle name. Who knew Ryan had such strong opinions on this!?

Movement: I think so! For about a week I kept feeling this weird sensation in my stomach but didn't know if I could really say for sure whether it was movement or not. After describing it to my mom and realizing that it really only occurs when I'm sitting or still, I've pretty much decided that it's the baby moving around in there. I can't wait for Ryan to be able to feel it as well. 

Sleep: Pretty good. My go to sleep position is on my back, so I'm trying to keep that down to a minimum and stay on my sides.  

What I miss: Not much

Cravings: No big cravings this week. 

Best Moment This Week: Feeling the baby move. (and those stretchy jeans after Thanksgiving dinner were also pretty nice)

Week 17

Sorry for the sleepy eyes, this was taken right before I left to teach Sunday school. 

How Far Along: 17 weeks (I skipped week 16 because, well, nothing had really changed and I also couldn't manage to take a decent picture. Call me vain...whatevs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 4 pounds (give or take a few) 

Maternity Clothes: Still just my trusty ole Bella Band

Gender: T-minus 11 days! 

Name: We've got one for each gender! 

Movement: none yet

Sleep: Has been ok...nothing to write home about. I was already a frequent wake-up-and-pee'er so now it's even worse. 

What I miss: I am dying for an adult beverage. I think it's mainly because I know I can't have it, because I would go weeks without one before getting pregnant. 

Cravings: I hit another low point in my pregnancy/life this past week when Ryan and I went to Cici's after church. If you remember I talked about my previous low point here . I may have taken two pieces of BBQ pizza (my absolute favorite) with me in my purse. Ryan was mortified. I wish I could say I regret it, but I kinda wish I would have taken more. :) 

Best Moment This Week: Momma got a new car! Post coming soon! 

Week 15

How Far Along: 15 weeks 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 4 pounds...guess those cheeseburgers and chocolate donuts are catching up. 

Maternity Clothes: none yet. I am planning on going to get a few things this weekend. 

Gender: we will find out on December 2nd! 

Name: We've got one for each gender! You'll have to wait and see! :)

Movement: none yet

Sleep: I've been sleeping great this week and have held off on my urge to buy one of those pregnancy pillows. So far I'm just using two pillows on either side...quite clever, right?! ;)

What I miss: Nothing really

Cravings: I'm still on the pickle kick, but this week I haven't had any other really strong cravings.

Best Moment This Week: I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday, so it was nice to hear the heartbeat again. I also go to schedule our sonogram to find out the gender! The countdown is on until December 2nd! 

Week 14

*this is a bit late...I was actually 14 weeks on Wednesday

How Far Along: 14 weeks 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Do people really lose weight during pregnancy?! I am not that person for sure. I go to the doctor Tuesday, so we shall see. 

Maternity Clothes: none yet. I do have a Bella band and have worn that with my jeans several times. Most jeans still fit, but are getting a bit uncomfortable. For the most part I can still hide my tiny bump pretty well. 

Gender: I am 95% sure it's a boy, but we won't be able to find out until mid-December

Name: We've got one for each gender! You'll have to wait and see! :)

Movement: none yet

Sleep: Besides getting up to go to the bathroom a million times, I've been sleeping pretty well. This past week I've had some allergies which have kept me awake for a few hours a night, but hopefully that goes away soon. 

What I miss: Being able to drink cokes or take an allergy pill without feeling like I'm poisoning our baby! Even though my doctor has already told me not to worry about drinking a Diet Coke once a day and even given me a list of meds ok to take, I still do. 

Cravings: Food in general :) cheeseburgers, pickles, turkey sandwiches, and poptarts have been constantly on my mind. Of course I never wanted to eat sandwiches until I got pregnant and now I constantly want Subway. I've been avoiding the lunch meat though due to the listeria factor. So annoying.

Best Moment This Week: Ryan and I are going to look at cars today. I don't really look forward to a car payment, but I'm excited to have something bigger to fit all the stuff that comes along with a tiny baby! Not to mention having a four door vehicle will be awesome!  

Catching Up...

I haven't been posting these weekly updates since it was still so early in the pregnancy, but now that we are into the second trimester it's time to do a little catching up!

After our first doctor's appointment 

(I already feel like I was so much skinnier. Lord help me cause I've still got a LONG way to go!)

We had our first officially appointment at 9 weeks where we got to see that sweet baby for the first time. The doctor said everything was measuring perfectly and the heartbeat was at 175. One of the best parts (besides seeing our baby) was Ryan's reaction. I can't wait to watch him as a dad. 

(in addition to watching my face get larger, you can also see my roots grow out at an alarming rate!)

So if you're a bit confused as to why is says baby G instead of baby D it is because Ryan and I have already decided on a boy and girl name...and ironically both names begin with the letter G. 

I've been going back and forth as to when to start the weekly updates, but figured I might as well. I know one day I will enjoy looking back on this exciting time in our lives, so get ready for more weekly baby G lovin'!