The end is near! Before becoming pregnant (and truthfully, before taking my prenatal class) I had no idea that you're considered full term in Canada when you're 37 weeks pregnant. I also learned since becoming pregnant that pregnancy is 40 weeks. I feel like I must have zoned out on those lessons during my "being a girl" course ;) They consider you full term at 37 weeks because baby is able to fully function and is completely developed at this point. The last 3 weeks of pregnancy, baby just puts on weight so they're a little stronger and prepared for the weight-loss associated with breastfeeding. In either case... Oh my goodness, my due date is in 2 1/2 weeks! AH! Needless to say, lots has happened since my last update, and yet very little has happened. It just feels like a lot because it seems to take me twice as long to do anything these days. And with that, lets take a look at the last couple weeks.
Maternity Photoshoot
A couple weeks ago Chris and I had the opportunity to do a maternity photoshoot with one of my brother's friends, Tasha Gregory, who I've actually been turning to for advice throughout my entire pregnancy. Well before we knew anything was wrong with baby I had been asking her questions on mother-hood, pregnancy, choosing names, etc. I first "met" her years ago when she shared her testimony at a girls event I had been at as a volunteer. Hearing her life story really resonated with me and I always kind of looked up to her from that moment. Then I learned she was friends with several of my other friends, including my brother. She has two babies of her own now, so when I got pregnant I somehow just felt safe asking her for advice. I'm fully aware that I sound crazy, but she's a very kind person and always answered my questions lol.
Chris and I had been wanting to do a maternity and newborn shoot but with everything in our life breaking at the same time and a new baby to buy for, we just didn't have the money for it. But she, being an NICU nurse, felt for us and blessed us with some beautiful photos. We have two preview pictures right now and I will definitely share more when we get them. The day of the photo shoot was truly perfect, and it was really amazing to capture some of our last moments as just the two of us before our little family expands.
A couple weeks ago Chris and I had the opportunity to do a maternity photoshoot with one of my brother's friends, Tasha Gregory, who I've actually been turning to for advice throughout my entire pregnancy. Well before we knew anything was wrong with baby I had been asking her questions on mother-hood, pregnancy, choosing names, etc. I first "met" her years ago when she shared her testimony at a girls event I had been at as a volunteer. Hearing her life story really resonated with me and I always kind of looked up to her from that moment. Then I learned she was friends with several of my other friends, including my brother. She has two babies of her own now, so when I got pregnant I somehow just felt safe asking her for advice. I'm fully aware that I sound crazy, but she's a very kind person and always answered my questions lol.
Chris and I had been wanting to do a maternity and newborn shoot but with everything in our life breaking at the same time and a new baby to buy for, we just didn't have the money for it. But she, being an NICU nurse, felt for us and blessed us with some beautiful photos. We have two preview pictures right now and I will definitely share more when we get them. The day of the photo shoot was truly perfect, and it was really amazing to capture some of our last moments as just the two of us before our little family expands.
Full Term 10K
Ok, so after my last Half Marathon in October I set the goal for myself to run a 10K at 37 weeks pregnant. Normally, not a huge accomplishment for me... but between being super pregnant and the way my hips have been lately, it was a big deal! haha! Basically, my hips are getting ready for labour and my muscles are getting super tight to protect my loose ligaments which is causing my hip flexors to completely seize. It is not fun. So I get super stiff when I run further than 3 miles and it really perpetuates the waddle I'm already rocking. And I've officially hit the stage of pregnancy where I have to literally ROLL myself out of bed in the morning instead of sitting up. I look ridiculous. I don't think I'm excessively large, but I feel whale-like. And oh my goodness, the exhaustion! I'm SO TIRED! I'm not even doing that much but I want to nap all the time!
So anyway, I was planning on running the 10K on my own, but then my brother invited my mom and I to run with the Sunday Run Club out of the Kenaston Running Room this past week. The half marathon group was scheduled to do a 9km run that day so my mom and I decided to do the run and then add on our last kilometre at the end. The weather was beautiful and we made decent time, completing 6.29 miles in 1:12.11. The fact that my body is still able to handle a 10k in the snow at this point in my pregnancy, I won't even apologize for my pace. lol. I know it's no full marathon at 39 weeks pregnant like that beast-mode mama at the Chicago Marathon a few years ago, but she must be a whole other kind of crazy! Maybe next pregnancy ;)
Ok, so after my last Half Marathon in October I set the goal for myself to run a 10K at 37 weeks pregnant. Normally, not a huge accomplishment for me... but between being super pregnant and the way my hips have been lately, it was a big deal! haha! Basically, my hips are getting ready for labour and my muscles are getting super tight to protect my loose ligaments which is causing my hip flexors to completely seize. It is not fun. So I get super stiff when I run further than 3 miles and it really perpetuates the waddle I'm already rocking. And I've officially hit the stage of pregnancy where I have to literally ROLL myself out of bed in the morning instead of sitting up. I look ridiculous. I don't think I'm excessively large, but I feel whale-like. And oh my goodness, the exhaustion! I'm SO TIRED! I'm not even doing that much but I want to nap all the time!
So anyway, I was planning on running the 10K on my own, but then my brother invited my mom and I to run with the Sunday Run Club out of the Kenaston Running Room this past week. The half marathon group was scheduled to do a 9km run that day so my mom and I decided to do the run and then add on our last kilometre at the end. The weather was beautiful and we made decent time, completing 6.29 miles in 1:12.11. The fact that my body is still able to handle a 10k in the snow at this point in my pregnancy, I won't even apologize for my pace. lol. I know it's no full marathon at 39 weeks pregnant like that beast-mode mama at the Chicago Marathon a few years ago, but she must be a whole other kind of crazy! Maybe next pregnancy ;)
Medical Update
On Monday I went for another Fetal Assessment where we got to see how baby is doing and check all his vitals. And fortunately for us we had all good news! Aside from the congenital heart defect that we are preparing to deal with right after birth, our baby looks great. Everything is working the way it should, he's practicing breathing, he's moving a LOT, and he's put on some weight! They said he's still little, but he has put on some fat which will really help him through surgery. From their best guess (which has a 1lb margin of error I believe) he's around 5lbs 11oz. and all cheeks! I'm doing well, my blood pressure is good as always, and things are looking good. They did my GBS swab but I won't know my results until my appointment next Thursday. My OBGYN still seems to think I'm going to be early and was still hesitant as to whether or not I'll make it to next Thursday, but we'll see what happens. I don't feel like he's in any hurry, but she would know better than me!
On Monday I went for another Fetal Assessment where we got to see how baby is doing and check all his vitals. And fortunately for us we had all good news! Aside from the congenital heart defect that we are preparing to deal with right after birth, our baby looks great. Everything is working the way it should, he's practicing breathing, he's moving a LOT, and he's put on some weight! They said he's still little, but he has put on some fat which will really help him through surgery. From their best guess (which has a 1lb margin of error I believe) he's around 5lbs 11oz. and all cheeks! I'm doing well, my blood pressure is good as always, and things are looking good. They did my GBS swab but I won't know my results until my appointment next Thursday. My OBGYN still seems to think I'm going to be early and was still hesitant as to whether or not I'll make it to next Thursday, but we'll see what happens. I don't feel like he's in any hurry, but she would know better than me!
Maternity Leave
As of Monday I have officially started my maternity leave. This has been great and terrible all at the same time. For one thing, I was getting so tired working full days as a sub. No matter what you do, kids are just never as good for a sub as they are for their regular teacher and that makes for a really exhausting day. So it's been nice to have some time to get my nest on, clean the house, cook some meals to freeze, and FINALLY pack my hospital bag. Yeah, I put that one off for probably longer than I should have. I've been spending more time with my puppy, and keeping myself occupied with coffee dates literally every single day with all the people I've been wanting to see but hadn't had the chance until now. It's great because I get to be more relaxed, take naps when I need them, go to the gym... but it also gives me way too much time to think. It's when I think and research that I get myself in trouble. So far I've had enough things to do around the house to keep me busy... but I may have to get more creative next week.
Totally taking you on a tangent right now, but some friends and I have started to take bets (winner gets bragging rights) on baby's date of birth and weight. I've already lost the weight category since my guess was 5lbs 11oz, but I still have a shot at getting the date right! My guess is December 15th (the actual due date is December 21). So if you want to take a shot at it, post your guess in the comments!
As of Monday I have officially started my maternity leave. This has been great and terrible all at the same time. For one thing, I was getting so tired working full days as a sub. No matter what you do, kids are just never as good for a sub as they are for their regular teacher and that makes for a really exhausting day. So it's been nice to have some time to get my nest on, clean the house, cook some meals to freeze, and FINALLY pack my hospital bag. Yeah, I put that one off for probably longer than I should have. I've been spending more time with my puppy, and keeping myself occupied with coffee dates literally every single day with all the people I've been wanting to see but hadn't had the chance until now. It's great because I get to be more relaxed, take naps when I need them, go to the gym... but it also gives me way too much time to think. It's when I think and research that I get myself in trouble. So far I've had enough things to do around the house to keep me busy... but I may have to get more creative next week.
Totally taking you on a tangent right now, but some friends and I have started to take bets (winner gets bragging rights) on baby's date of birth and weight. I've already lost the weight category since my guess was 5lbs 11oz, but I still have a shot at getting the date right! My guess is December 15th (the actual due date is December 21). So if you want to take a shot at it, post your guess in the comments!
Bump-Date
The belly is getting mighty round. My belly button is thinking about popping out but hasn't quite gotten there yet. I don't have any stretch marks, aside from the ones I previously had on my hips, but I think this is because I used to be VERY over weight and the skin had already been stretched this far and farther. I still weigh a solid 30lbs less now at almost 38 weeks pregnant than I did at my heaviest weight. I'm definitely starting to retain some water and I've noticed I'm starting to look squishy in my face and arms. I had already gained in my hips and thighs (I feel like this post could be sponsored by Shakira with the number of times I've referred to my hips in this post. And believe me, they tell NO lies), but the upper body squishiness is new. Still hitting the weights though and getting in my cardio, so hopefully my body recovers quickly postpartum.
One more quick side story since my brain has been everywhere lately (as evidenced by this entire blog post)... oh-my-pregnancy-brain! Yesterday I was all pumped and ready to go to the gym first thing in the morning before meeting my friend for coffee... Got to the gym only to discover that I had left my shoes at home. Yeah, I tried working out in my socks once and got kicked out of the gym... Something about weights falling on toes, yada-yada... lol. I don't know what they're worried about. I'm clearly a very put-together person ;)
I promise my updates will be weekly from here on out because baby could come any time now! Oh, and happy Advent! The Christmas Season is officially here!
"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart" - Winnie the Pooh
The belly is getting mighty round. My belly button is thinking about popping out but hasn't quite gotten there yet. I don't have any stretch marks, aside from the ones I previously had on my hips, but I think this is because I used to be VERY over weight and the skin had already been stretched this far and farther. I still weigh a solid 30lbs less now at almost 38 weeks pregnant than I did at my heaviest weight. I'm definitely starting to retain some water and I've noticed I'm starting to look squishy in my face and arms. I had already gained in my hips and thighs (I feel like this post could be sponsored by Shakira with the number of times I've referred to my hips in this post. And believe me, they tell NO lies), but the upper body squishiness is new. Still hitting the weights though and getting in my cardio, so hopefully my body recovers quickly postpartum.
One more quick side story since my brain has been everywhere lately (as evidenced by this entire blog post)... oh-my-pregnancy-brain! Yesterday I was all pumped and ready to go to the gym first thing in the morning before meeting my friend for coffee... Got to the gym only to discover that I had left my shoes at home. Yeah, I tried working out in my socks once and got kicked out of the gym... Something about weights falling on toes, yada-yada... lol. I don't know what they're worried about. I'm clearly a very put-together person ;)
I promise my updates will be weekly from here on out because baby could come any time now! Oh, and happy Advent! The Christmas Season is officially here!
"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart" - Winnie the Pooh