36 weeks

 

Baby size? Little miss is measuring on the "petite" side as the doctor put it. She is currently measuring around the 38th percentile and if I make it to term she will most likely top the scale at around 7lbs.

Total weight gain? 30 lbs ... eeek! ;)

Maternity clothes? Best thing about being pregnant in the heat of the summer, maxi dresses! I have had to buy minimal maternity clothes because of maxi dresses, best thing ever!

Miss anything? Being able to breath without sounding like someone who just got done running a marathon when all I have done is gone up the stairs.

Movement? She has started to be more active at night again. Thinking this one is going to keep me on my toes at night once she arrives.

Symptoms? Contractions. Heartburn - oooh, the heartburn! Physical and mental exhaustion. Constant need to pee!!!

Belly button in or out? Still an innie!

Wedding ring on or off? On.

Sleep? What's that? My body is re-training me for all the sleepless nights that await. Oy vey! 

Best moment this week? Going to my weekly appointment and realizing that I am only 4 weeks out from getting to love on my baby girl!!!

Exercise? Nada.

Cravings? Virgin Pina Coladas like nobody's business.

Happy or Moody? The tears have been flowing freely lately. Hormones are making me cry at everything, both happy and sad! 

Looking forward to? Getting anxious to meet our girl! Come on Nellie!!!

Thank you! Everything in me says "thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "thank you!". Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. - Psalm 138:2

Maternity Shoot

So excited for these sweet maternity pictures. We are just months away from meeting our newest girl and we are all over the moon. There were so many "what if's" in the beginning of my pregnancy in regards to it being a viable one, along with other pregnancy scares that it feels so good to have come this far. I am so thankful that our girl is growing well and I can't wait to hold her in my arms. Love you my sweet Nell. 

32 weeks

 

Baby size? No recent measurements since the last up date but according to my pregnancy app she is about the size of a honeydew.

Total weight gain? 26 lbs ... starting to get uncomfortable with the numbers on the scale that keep creeping up there. All for a good cause though right ;)

Maternity clothes? Just a few. Bottoms definitely, as for tops, just depends. Still rocking the dresses as much as possible.

Miss anything? Sleeping on my back!!!! And being able to pick-up Blaykleigh. I have been on a weight lifting restriction since the start of my pregnancy and haven't been able to pick her up, she often asks when I can pick her up again. 

Movement? She is starting to quiet down at night and spreading her active times pretty evenly throughout the day which is much appreciated. But not going to lie, when I lie back down from using the bathroom in the middle of the night I wait a good while before falling back asleep to make sure I feel a few movements from her. #mamabirdonduty

Symptoms? Just the same old same .... contractions. Got softly "scolded" by the doctor for not going in to be checked each time I've had more than 6 in an hour. .... So I promised him from here forward I will go in, which could potentially be several times a week with how often I get these bad boys.

Belly button in or out? Still an innie!

Wedding ring on or off? On.

Sleep? The crazy pregnancy dreams have stepped up their game but other than that not much else has changed.

Best moment this week? Last week we attempted the 4D ultrasound which was fun. Nellie wasn't the most cooperative in that she insisted on keeping her little arms and hands up by her face which really limited our view of her. But it's always fun to get to peek in on her!

Exercise? Nada.

Cravings? Virgin Pina Coladas like nobody's business.

Happy or Moody? I can be both in any given moment ;) don't mess with the pregnant lady!

Looking forward to? Getting anxious to meet our girl! Also, a trip to Table Rock Lake next weekend as long as the doc approves it. 

Thank you! Everything in me says "thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "thank you!". Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. - Psalm 138:2

28 weeks

 

Hello sweet, sweet third trimester! I am so relieved and thankful that my precious girl and I have made it this far. It was definitely a rough first and second trimester with too many ups and downs for my liking but nevertheless here we are. Soooo many thanks sent above, truly blessed <3 !!! 

Baby size? Well according to recent measurements we have a petite girl growing in my womb, she is measuring in the 35th percentile. Doctors will continue to monitor her growth carefully due to the blood pressure medication I am on. 

Total weight gain? I think I am up about 20 lbs (eeek!) but that's how it goes when you grow a human. ;)

Maternity clothes? Some here and there. I can still wear a lot of pre-pregnancy tops but as for bottoms definitely sporting the maternity pants and shorts! Although, most days you can find me in a flowy dress. I am all about being comfortable and cool in this summer heat. 

Miss anything? Sushi has been on my mind a lot lately!!! And ... wine.

Movement? Let's just say as of now she is a night owl, she does most of her super active movements at night right before I fall asleep and then all throughout the night. Hoping that changes as the weeks pass. 

Symptoms? Contractions. Dang contractions all the time! I am honestly surprised she hasn't popped out yet with as many as I have but so far doctor says my cervix is still closed. 

Belly button in or out? Still an innie.

Wedding ring on or off? On! Although at times when it's super hot out, it gets pretty tight. 

Sleep? Eh, not much has changed since the last update. Not ideal that is for sure. 

Best moment this week? Well last week I turned 30 and the hubby threw me an awesome surprise 30th birthday party the weekend before so that was fun and totally unexpected. OH! Annnnd he totally found someone here in Des Moines to make me the Spring Fling cake that I am obsessed with from The Market in Denver. It made this pregnant mama's taste buds super happy :))

Exercise? Going up and down the stairs is about as much exercise as I get. Definitely anxious to get into a good groove once Nellie is living in the outside world! 

Cravings? Sushi, salads, tasty sandwiches and adult beverages. 

Happy or Moody? Depends on the situation, definitely short on patience though.  

Looking forward to? Going to visit the in-laws in Wichita in a few weeks over the 4th of July. It will be nice to have a little getaway and get to visit with them. 

Thank you! Everything in me says "thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "thank you!". Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. - Psalm 138:2

24 weeks

 

It's hard to believe that I am 4 short weeks away from my third trimester, we have a busy summer ahead and I have a feeling it's going to fly by fast!!! I am trying my best to savor our time together, this little treasure growing within me but I am also anxious to meet our girl and see what a family of 4 is all about. In the meantime I am enjoying my time with Blaykleigh, getting in lots of mommy & B time ... kindergarten is just around the corner (cue pregnant hormonal sobs). 

Baby Size? - At 24 weeks Miss Nellie is roughly the size of an ear of corn, so about 12 inches in length and weighing in around 1 1/3 lbs.

Total weight gain? - Not sure the exact number on the scale at this point by my belly is starting to "pop" which is exciting to see, couple of more weeks and I am sure I will have a lovely pregnant belly to show off. ;)

Maternity clothes? - Some. Still can fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans if I do the rubber band trick but starting to feel more comfortable in clothes with a little extra wiggle room. I can see myself living in maxi dresses this summer!

Miss anything? - Lately have been wanting either a margarita or pina colada, I think it's the summer heat getting to me. But boy, that sounds amazing! Also, salads. A big, cold, dinner salad sounds like heaven right about now.

Movement? - I feel like she moves more and more each day. She is definitely starting to get into a pattern and I'm wondering if she is going to be a little night owl?!

Symptoms? - Still have to say the most bothersome symptoms are the contractions and lack of sleep.

Belly button in or out? - In. ;)

Wedding ring on or off? - On!

Sleep? - Between my multiple nightly bathroom trips and the contractions, sleep isn't the best to say the least.

Best moment this week? - Having my momma and niece Kailyn in town to celebrate Blaykleigh's 5th birthday! ... My mom being able to feel Nell move about within my womb.

Exercise? - Still on the "take it easy" orders from the doctor! Soooo, no exercise.

Cravings? - Cold fruit. Wine. Margs. Fruity cocktail drinks. I swear, the summer heat is to blame for all the alcoholic cravings hehe.

Happy or Moody? - Happy most of the time. But definitely more short tempered. #pregnancyhormones

Looking forward to? - Getting the nursery in order! She will be here before long.

Thank you! Everything in me says "thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "thank you!". Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. - Psalm 138:2

20 weeks

Nellie Louise Stowell is the name we chose for our sweet baby girl! Just like Blaykleigh's name, there are family ties to her name. Nellie is Jason's Great Grandma's name and it's vintage, peaking in popularity in the 1880's and I LOVE it!!! It also means shining light or bright one. Louise is Jason's Momma's middle name and just fits so perfectly with Nellie. 

Today I reached the half-way mark and boy does it feel good, like really good. This pregnancy has certainly been stressful with so many ups and downs but I haven't stopped praying for her since the moment I found out I was expecting and our Heavenly Father has kept her safe and calmed my soul.

Baby Size? - About the size of a banana. Roughly 10" inches in length from head to toe. I go to the doctor on Monday so I will know her exact length then :) 

Total weight gain? - I think I've gained around 5-lbs so far but there are 20 more-ish weeks to go so that number is bound to creep on up there! 

Maternity clothes? - I have worn a pair of maternity jeans just because they are so comfy, but they are definitely a little baggy right now. So far I have survived with the good old rubber band trick, giving me that little bit of extra wiggle room I need in my regular jeans. Oh, and when the weather has been nice, wearing maxi dresses are my favorite. 

Miss anything? - Wine, wine, wine, wine, wine....wine. Hehehe. Oh and deli sandwiches. 

Movement? - I started feeling little flutters pretty early on, I think like 14 weeks. Now, her movements are much bigger than a flutter and both Jason and Blaykleigh have felt her movements over the last few weeks! Blaykleigh thinks it's so neat getting to feel her little sister move about in my belly. 

Symptoms? - Main symptoms that I've been having are early contractions, some are rather painful. But my doctor has been keeping a close eye on everything and so far just keeps saying to take it easy and get a lot of rest. I am also tired all.the.time. I could sleep all day but it might have something to do with my nightly routine. Seriously, I wake up every 1.5-2.5 hours with contractions at night so I go empty my bladder hoping they stop, sometimes they do other times they go on for awhile before stopping. So, I don't get a good nights rest ever, c'est la vie. 

Belly button in or out? - In. ;)

Wedding ring on or off? - On! 

Sleep? - Covered that up above....but no bueno. 

Best moment this week? - Reaching the 20 week milestone! Like I mentioned earlier, it's been a hard pregnancy and some days I didn't know if I would get this far but my fears don't have anything on His plans!!! 

Exercise? - Nada. Walking through the grocery store sends me into a fit of contractions and my placenta is currently completely covering my cervix, soooo a lot of my time is spent on the couch with my feet up, resting...doctors orders I promise! 

Cravings? - Over the last few weeks I have had a strong craving for Swedish Fish - yum! I also want fruit all the time. Oh, and wine, definitely craving a big glass of cabernet sauvignon!!!! 

Happy or Moody? - Depends on the moment hehe. Definitely have some moodiness in me more so than usual, just ask the husband. 

Looking forward to? - My 20 week appointment on Monday, always a good day when you get to see your baby! Oh, and reaching 23 weeks; viability week! I feel like I will be able to breathe a bit easier knowing if these contractions did start actual labor that medical advances could help our sweet Nellie to live outside of my womb. 

Thank you! Everything in me says "thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "thank you!". Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. - Psalm 138:2

disney world day three...

Magic Kingdom, the happiest place on earth! This was the park Blaykleigh had been waiting for, she was so super excited to meet some of her favorite Disney Princesses. We started off with the day with a few rides, I think our first one at the park was Splash Mountain...Blaykleigh and Jason loved it, I on the other hand wore a poncho ;) what can I say? I am just not a fan of walking around all soggy and wet lol. Before lunch, Blaykleigh had an appointment at the Bippity Boppity Boutique where she got to get a Cinderella makeover...let's talk about magical moments! She loved this pampering moment and looked so super adorable as a mini Cinderella. After her makeover we all went over to the castle to have lunch with Cinderella and several of her other princess friends. This was another magical moment for our little princess...she was in complete 'awe' all afternoon, barely saying a word! Once our royal lunch was over we spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying more rides, some of our favorite were Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Mad Tea Party, Under the Sea (my personal favorite) and It's a Small World. Our night ended with Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party which was so much fun!!! They put on an amazing Hocus Pocus show, an awesome parade and lots of people watching. Definitely a great day filled with so much fun at Magic Kingdom but by the end of the night we were all more than ready for our beds.