Her Bump- 39 Weeks

Well it's official:

1. Dakota Kate will be a May baby and a Taurus {bull-headed I'm sure...like her Mommy}
2. We officially avoided 2 fronts that came through, the worst of it being the horrific record-making tornado chain that hit last Wednesday and she's continued to "Bake" {FYI: Clinical studies have shown that sudden changes in barometric pressure are known to cause rupture of membranes and the onset of labor. 2.5 weeks ago my OB delivered 8 babies in a 36 hour time-period and I'll find out tomorrow how many he delivered from the devastating storms that swept our state this past Wednesday}
3. We've also made it to Gigi's landing date- she's due to arrive in less than 4 hours {and I'm fairly certain Dakota won't arrive yet}
4. And oh, this is the MOST PREGNANT I've ever been! Mason was induced at 38 weeks, 3 days.

Truly I don't have anything to complain about.

We've been very blessed through the storms and are alive and well with no sustained damage. I was very concerned the evening of the tornadoes though as there were 3 hours straight of patterned contractions; starting at 14 min...13 min...12/11 min intervals and all the way down to 9/8 min. But thankfully they tapered off and obviously it wasn't the onset of labor---YAY! I'm not prepared for a home birth and at that point all of the roads, highways, and Interstates were closed due to the hundreds of tornadoes coming through. It could have been a very messy and scary situation. I'm so thankful we made it through without harm!

To date, I've had a smooth pregnancy with so many differences from the first: no anemia, no high blood pressures, fairly steady weight gain {although I've had my indulgences!}, no extreme swelling albeit I had to stop wearing my wedding rings at month 8, but that's much better than the 5 1/2 month limit I had with Mason.

Not-so-fun symptoms: my nausea has amp-ed up, heartburn stings every evening, my stretch marks even have stretch marks, my baby bump itself is significantly larger than before and I have outgrown about 80% of the maternity clothes I had relied on during this pregnancy.

Her Bump- 38 Weeks

At today's weekly OB appointment, apparently there was some confusion and Dr F thought I was asking my progress to see how favorable an induction would be for scheduling one. Not this time! Since my health and Dakota's have been right-on-target {even weight-wise according to Dr F!}, I'm wanting to wait for spontaneous labour rather than inducing.

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However, my modified Bishop score is currently a 9 so it appears I'm a likely candidate for healthy spontaneous labour at this point anyway =)

Cervical Position- still posterior, however I remember even with my induction with Mason I was very posterior; perhaps it's just the way my body is...

Cervical Consistency- very soft

Effacement- 100%

Dilation- 2 cm

Fetal Station- 0 {he could easily feel her head...well once he reached my posterior cervix}

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Gigi isn't able to come into town until I'm 39 weeks...so hopefully this little girl will hold off just 1 more week, but then will come quickly after that {here's for hoping!}.

Goodbye Luncheon & Her Bump- 37 Weeks

This afternoon we had a Goodbye Luncheon for a friend leaving town for Pharmacy School. I got my hands on a friend's baby Callie, and I realized how much I have baby fever...even being pregnant!

And for the first time, this little dude revealed a hint of jealousy that Mommy was holding another baby. Typically he doesn't mind with me at all. He's been jealous of his Aunt Mary before {but he has a super-big crush on her!}, but until today I hadn't seen him even notice when I hold another child. So I simply took his toys out and he was easily distracted. Won't it be nice if it's that easy with Baby Dakota =)

And let me honestly share with you how embarrassing it is to be full-term pregnant, humongous, and be surrounded by these gorgeous skinny minnies! Erin {below on the right} just had her baby a couple of months ago and is back to tiny.

Here's our guest of honor with Erin's baby-we're going to miss this girl!

And here's the lunch crew...I'm the whale on the far right!

Her Bump- 35 Weeks

Her Bump- 34 Weeks

6 weeks to go {or less}...

I should also update since my False Labor scare {HERE}. I waited to go into the office until last Thursday and thank God there's been no dilation {which there shouldn't be at 33 weeks!} But I did learn some more things about this pregnancy:

1. 
   
   Braxton Hicks can be much more noticeable and even just as painful as some labor contractions for 2nd and subsequent pregnancies. Dr F shared how he delivered a baby on Monday and that poor mother had extremely painful BH contractions post-delivery. Nice. Something to look forward to...


2. 
   
   Dakota Kate's measuring 2 weeks ahead ...so at that point, it was 35 weeks. I asked if this meant she's a large baby and Dr F assured me that she could have simply been situated towards the top of my uterus. The


3. 
   
   My blood pressure remains normal! And since PIH hasn't been an issue this pregnancy, I'll definitely want to forgo an induction unless we hit around 40 weeks and I've had no progress at all. I'd like to go into labor naturally when Dakota's ready to be born and I'd also like to avoid Pitocin. Of course all of these expectations must be flexible, but it's what I have in my Birth Plan {which is kind of funny because I've had the Birth Plan prepared for about a month now}

Friday night I was up past 1am...SEWING! I still need to take photos, but I made 4 incredibly ADORABLE dresses and will post them soon.

Her Bump- 32.5 Weeks

Well, she's "dropped". I'm not sure how much you can tell from photos but it's visible in-person. I noticed one day this week when the rib pain went away...well that and the fact that I don't have heartburn every night now. She's definitely positioned much lower than before and I'm also noticing that my face is flatening this pregnancy. While I'm not yet swelling like I was last time {knock on wood!}, my nose is wider and my facial features more rounded.

Maybe the old wives' tales are true: baby girls take their Mommy's beauty away. Dakota Kate's certainly wreaked havoc on my figure!

Her Bump- 31.5 Weeks

Goodness gracious. I'd been pleased that lately I'd felt better {physically} during this pregnancy & hadn't been as large. Well, it only took a couple of weeks for me to explode...

And with it all, the physical ailments of: heartburn {never had this with Mason}, nausea, ongoing exhaustion, huge boobs {much bigger this time}, poor circulation, and rib pains.


Dakota Kate hasn't dropped yet which is nice for my bladder but tough on my stomach and ribs; there's this particular spot below the right side of my ribs and she likes to lodge herself and sometimes kicks me in the same sore area to a point of me squealing in pain. No, no, no baby girl! I had someone suggest placing a cold compress there to deter her from that particular area {because DK doesn't like to be cold} and that works temporarily. *sigh* I'm still okay with her "cooking" for a while though. Let me get some more things planned and ready, more DIY projects complete, and oh yeah I need to continue preparing Mason for his little sister!

To Prepare Mason:

• I bought him a baby doll this week, but he's just not interested. He'll amuse me when I ask him to by cradling the baby and will "burp" her...but then he just throws her on the ground and goes onto another toy. I won't push the doll much but may make a point twice a week to remind him that his own baby sister will be here soon while caressing the doll.
• I need to see about scheduling a Hospital Tour for him {special tour offered to orient siblings}
• We already have an art easel that will replace the glider in his room once we move that to the nursery, but I'd also like to have a special gift from him to Dakota {even if just something homemade for a keepsake}, and then find some gift that will be "from Dakota" to her big brother.
• I've already dubbed him "Mommy's Big Helper" and he gets tickled vacuuming, throwing things in the trash, throwing his cup/dishes in the sink, etc. Once we get the nursery set up I'll have a special place for him to reach the diapers/wipes so he can fetch them to help me out {yeah...I said "fetch}
• We may also try and visit LLL next month so that he can be around other nursing moms. I'm curious how he'll react or if he'll even notice. I think he's only seen his Aunt nurse his cousin once...and really it was inconspicuous. I definitely have plans to breastfeed Dakota; however I don't plan on tandem nursing my already-weaned son.

Almost forgot...

Shhhh, it's the 2 Month Countdown!

Her Bump- 29 Weeks

Apparently I thought the camera in front of my face might hide the fact that I'd just woken up. Nevermind the pahamas, bedhead, and swollen hands {oddly enough I'm more swollen in the mornings and it goes down throughout the day...this pregnancy is so opposite!}.

Final Trimester- Her Bump 27 Weeks

How far along? 27 Weeks...Last Trimester!
Size of baby: Big! 14.4 inches & just under 2 lbs
Weight gain/loss: Oh I've definitelly gained, but don't get the official weight until this Wednesday...I'm scared.
Maternity clothes? Yep, both tops and bottoms. I have one pair of super-stretchy skinny jeans that I can squeeze into but everything else is maternity.
Sleep? I really struggle with trying not to sleep on my back. I sometimes sleep on my belly and poor Scott, but I'm a heater and can't stand touching him during the nighttime {opposite of how I am non-preggers when I like to cuddle}
Food cravings: Carbs, sugar and fat. Oh wait, that's not much different from when I'm not pregnant! Well I'm not craving beef like I was before. I like ice cream and cookies now.
Gender: GIRL! Baby Dakota Kate
Belly button in or out? In, but barely. It'd probably be more accurate to call it "flat."
Movement? This child kicks me all the time. Lately she's been punching me in inappropriate places.
What I miss? Feeling thin. I constantly feel fat and like my belly is going to pop. The stretching of my skin is very uncomfortable.
What I'm looking forward to: I look forward to having a healthy baby girl and hopefully a helpful little 2-yr old

Her Bump- 24 Weeks

This is my Baby Dakota bump at 24 weeks, front view.

Side view, 24 weeks

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In 2008 with Mason, 24 weeks

I saw my OB last week and I shared that I feel Dakota moving around ALL THE TIME! And he informed me that 2nd time moms have a thinner uterus which actually makes it easier for the baby to be mobile. It's not that there's more room, it's just not as tight of a space as it was the first pregnancy. So in reality, Baby Dakota really is moving ALL THE TIME!

I think she's going to come out either a ballerina or a cheerleader. I'm pretty sure she's been getting good practice in there lately!

Her Bump- 22 Weeks

I know I haven't posted Growing Bump photos like I did with Mason. Somedays I think I'm bigger, somedays maybe smaller. But here I am at 22 weeks, 2 days...

{sorry there's a timer on this fancy schmancy camera, but I haven't figured everything out yet; plus my tripod hasn't arrived yet either so the mirror will have to suffice}

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In 2008 with Mason, 22.5 weeks

2011 with Baby Dakota at 22.5 weeks

Side View, bare belly

Front View, bare belly

And There Will Be Two

I haven't been keeping photos of my growing bump this time around...mostly because I've had major camera issues. If you'll notice, the quality of the photos since late August has drastically declined. I've had to resort to using my camera phone, Scott's iPhone {which can take some clear ones if shot correctly}, and an old camera that has a smudgy lens {thanks Mace}.

But here's the belly at 16.5 weeks...

Amazingly, I began to feel flutters as early as 14 weeks. And last night, I yelled at Scott to come touch the bump because we could feel the baby kick from the outside...already at 17 weeks, 5 days!

At the last visit, I'd gained a net 5 lbs, which might seem like a lot but I'm just thankful it's nothing compared the monstrous gain I did with Mason. Here are some other differences I've noticed:

1. I crave BEEF. So weird. I was slightly anemic with Mason, so maybe this is my body's way of telling me to get Iron.
2. I still enjoy desserts, but nothing too sweet. With Mason I was a cupcake fiend, but so far I enjoy sweet desserts but need them in moderation. A lot of things taste stronger to me {which is again odd that I like beef}.
3. Because this is my 2nd pregnancy, there is no real desire to re-educate myself on the growth and development other than looking at http://www.thebump.com/ to see how big the baby is each week. I remember with Mason that I was almost obsessed with What to Expect and Week by Week and then the parenting books like Dr Sear's Baby Book. In fact, to Scott's delight, we will not be attending Childbirthing Classes this time. I do plan on taking Mason on the Hospital Tour so that he feels involved, but that will probably be in late Spring.
4. I'm very moody. Watch out! No I kid...but truly Scott has felt the brunt of my moodiness which mostly involves me randomly bursting into tears. I feel very hormonal this pregnancy and my poor husband doesn't always know how to respond.
5. And because I'm just being honest in this journal, I'm personally having to deal with the mixed emotions of expecting this child. I love Mason so much and it's been difficult for me to wrap my head around the idea that there will be another baby. I question whether I will love this child just as much as Mason {just being honest} and whether we'll connect/attach like I did with Mason now that I'm no longer a single parent.

There May Be Hope Yet

I started to post this on my original blog Gypsy Soul, but because this has evolved from the journal for my growing bump and now for a site with Baby Mason & Mommy's updates, I thought I'd keep the "belly" pics here as it still technically pertains to the pregnancy.


Three months postpartum and I still have 16lbs to go. I can tell my appetite is slowly decreasing, so I'm no longer inhaling the 3500 calories a day. But I've also plateaued on the weight loss for the past 2 weeks so I'm trying to get out and run more...well at least once a week (sigh).

As far as "the bump", it's down considerably, but definitely not back to my pre-preggers size. My thighs haven't lost an inch (or at least I don't see or fit a difference). And I'll need to add some more ab exercises. But one thing's for certain, I bear the stretch marks on my tummy and hips as a memento from the preggers belly. Once Mason's weaned, can we say STRIVECTIN here I come!

But thank goodness for my figure that nursing burns calories. As I mentioned before, breastmilk has now invaded and overtaken my freezer. I haven't counted since last, but I'm guesstimating the stash is around 375oz. It's almost like a challenge to make sure I get 4-10+ surplus ounces a day...

35.5 Weeks

Or, as of tomorrow it'll officially be my last month!

Holiday Update 3 of 3

32.5 Weeks

Think it's odd that I'm looking up, up, and away? Well I'm so stubborn, that I refused to look straight at the camera for my "Growing Bump" picture today; particularly since it highlights my facial puffiness.

This morning I had a Dr. check-up. As you may be able to tell from my picture, the bump is growing considerably fast. I'm measuring at 33 weeks, in addition to some major swelling!

Today my blood pressure was back up again at 138/90 and I'd gained 10 lbs from my last visit which was only 20 days ago (December 10th). I'd forgotten to weigh the past few days (with celebrating, traveling, and spending time with family), but this is a ridiculous weight gain: a total of 45 lbs.... YES FORTY FIVE POUNDS overall!

While there was no protein found in my urine, Dr. F mentioned my swelling face a couple of times to my dismay. Seriously, who wants to hear that they look swollen and puffy =) Dr. F is concerned about the weight gain and blood pressure. He wants me to make sure and weigh-in each day and I go back in a week rather than 2 weeks so he can monitor everything again. He went over signs of labor and when to call his office. I'm still not sure yet if Toxemia often causes pre-term labor, or if it's just that Dr. F wanted me to be aware in-case of it. Either way: MASON, PLEASE WAIT FOR MOMMY UNTIL YOU'RE FULL TERM

Here are 3 interesting labor facts Dr. F shared today:

1. It is uncommon for your water to break before you go into labor; often this is broken right before delivery at the hospital. Previously, I thought it was something almost every woman experienced as a precursor to labor...hmmmm.
2. The "bloody show" (which is similar to a menstrual period) happens 30-40% of the time and about 70% of those women will go into labor within 24 hours. I was actually hoping for this so that I can "warn" Mom and Dad and they can be on their way to Birmingham for the delivery.
3. I'm supposed to call and come into the Hospital once my contractions are regularly 5 minutes apart for an hour straight. In my books, they all mention how first-timers often rush to the hospital only to be sent home. From non-medical advice I've heard, once my contractions begin I should plan to take it easy and shower, get pretty, apply makeup, dress-up, and make sure I'm fully packed for the hospital. There will be pictures taken post-delivery...I'd like to look decent (haha!).

So Dr's orders: I'm supposed to take it easy although, I'm not prescribed bedrest (thank goodness). And Dr. F also said I need to find a Pediatrician for Mason and gave me a list of recommended practices...anyone have one they'd recommend???

28.5 Weeks

27 Weeks

LAST TRIMESTER!!!

26 Weeks

Not only is my belly getting huge, my hair is almost Rapunzel-like now...I seriously need a haircut!

24 Weeks

Friday night I was so excited to have received 5 groups of little Trick or Treaters! Last year I only remember 3 kids total. I answered the door and thought, "How funny would it be if they thought my costume is a faux pregnant belly!" It made me so excited though and I've already figured out Mason's Halloween costume for next year.

Friday Night
Saturday Night

22 1/2 Weeks