maternity photos with baby #3

I can't believe I have hit the 38 weeks mark today. It won't be long now before baby boy will join our family. I am excited and nervous all rolled into one. I wanted to share a few of my maternity photos with all of you before the little guy arrives. A great big thank you to my dear friend Megan who helped us capture these photos. It definitely didn't go smoothly as the two kiddos did not want to co-operate. The weather was sunny one minute and then pouring rain the next but we still managed to get a few shots that we will cherish forever.

37 weeks

How far along?: 37 weeks
How big is baby?: Baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (about the size of a bunch of Swiss chard).

Weight gain?: Up 31 pounds.

Stretch marks?: Love me some EVOO.
Maternity clothes?: Yoga pants and tanks are the only clothing I have been sporting.
Food cravings?: I haven't any in the past week.
Sleep?: Sleep...oh, how I miss you! Toss and turn is all I do. I am missing my shut eye time as it takes every bit of energy I have to get up in the morning and make it through the day.
Gender?: Getting excited to meet our son.
Exercise?: Well, I am hoping baby makes his appearance before too long, so I better start walking.
What's been going on? I am in the home stretch now and can say I am officially full term. I am getting beyond excited to meet our son but my anxiety about labour and delivery are starting to kick into high gear. We are making some progress around here. I can say I finally have my hospital bag packed and ready to go. Baby is almost covered, just a few things here and there. Still working on the all important name but at this point, I have come to the conclusion his name will be chosen once we are able to hold him and see his face. Big brother and big sister are also getting super excited to meet their little brother. They are making sure he has lots of toys to play with.

Check out week 37 with baby #1 and #2 here.

36 weeks

How far along?: 36 weeks
How big is baby?: Baby now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long (about the size of a head of romaine lettuce).

Weight gain?: I have been packing on the pounds. I am up 30 pounds!!

Stretch marks?: Lots of extra virgin olive oil to help with my stretching skin.
Maternity clothes?: Nothing feels comfortable. I have been really hot, so I mostly turn to shorts and a tank.
Food cravings?: I haven't really wanted to eat much these days. Drinking lots of water.
Sleep?: Sleep has not been too bad when I actually have the chance to get some. I am up a few times a night for the good ol' bathroom break or a leg cramp.
Gender?: A little boy.
Exercise?: I haven't been up to much as I have been experiencing intense Braxton Hicks contractions when I walk or bend over.
What's been going on? I am behind on this post as I turned 36 weeks on Tuesday. I have been slow moving these days and had a little panic attack last Friday. Let's just say I was having a lot of contractions and thought I was going to have to head to the hospital but thankfully they disappeared after 7 hours. After that little wakening, I realized we are definitely not prepared - no hospital bag, no clothes washed for baby, no name... the list goes on. The next week or so we are going to be in overdrive to get our list ticked off. I know you can never fully be prepared as we have done this twice before but as the nesting instincts set in, this momma wants to bring her little man into the best home possible. Maybe baby x sensed all the excitement lately as his big sister started school and his big brother just celebrated his birthday. I have a feeling he wants to join the party. Momma will be happy if you wait just a bit longer.

Excuse the not-so-great photo., the hubby was in a rush.

Check out week 36 with baby #1 and #2 here.

showered with love

This past Saturday, Baby x and I were showered with love by an amazing group of ladies (and little ones too.) Being the third child to arrive in our family, I didn't expect to have a baby shower. Well, I was surprised when my girlfriend Jenn sent me a message telling me to make sure I cleared my calendar because the girls were getting together to celebrate the impending arrival of Baby x. I could not have been more excited and honoured.

As I walked in the door, I was greeted with lots of smiles and quite the spread - I am telling you, it is a pregnant woman's dream to walk into a scrumptious brunch with lots of sweet treats to fill my belly. If you know me, you know I have a sweet tooth and love love love my candy... well let's just say that sweet tooth was satisfied.

It was a wonderful afternoon catching up, having a few laughs, being spoiled with goodies, hanging out with the little ones who brighten our lives (I decided to leave my kiddos with daddy so mommy could have some alone time,) and stuffing our bellies.

I can not thank you enough Jenn for hosting such a lovely afternoon and thank you to my ladies for always supporting and showering our family with love. We are truly blessed.

Okay, I had to share a few photos, but I will warn you that if you are hungry, you may not want to scroll down.

I love Mason jars and Jenn found these awesome blue ones.

Fruit kabobs and strawberry shortcake cupcakes.

These were absolutely delicious. 

My favourite part :)

Veggie and ham quiche which were heavenly.

I love me some salad.

Little Miss E. loved the food as well.

Mr. B showing me his serious face. 

I love this face.

Group shot.

34 weeks

Little Miss L. just rolled out of bed but she really wanted to hold the sign.

How far along?: 34 weeks
How big is baby?: Baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (about the size of a cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long.

Weight gain?: Holding strong at 25 pounds.

Stretch marks?: Lathering the EVOO.
Maternity clothes?: Maxi dresses are my go-to.
Food cravings?: I haven't had any real cravings lately but I must say that we were invited to a friend's house for waffles this past weekend and I have been thinking about them a lot.... I may be knocking on your door again Liz & Cla.
Sleep?: Sleep has been awful. Heartburn, night-time bathroom breaks, leg cramps and hot flashes have made it next to impossible to sleep.
Gender?: A little baby brother.
Exercise?: I really should take this question out.
What's been going on? I am tired or should I say I am absolutely exhausted these days. I don't have much energy and each day seems to drag on. All the sleepless nights and busy days with the kids have been very draining. I think I need a few days to sleep the entire day to refuel my energy. Being tired has made my appetite go down, I am having hip pains and guess what folks... morning sickness is back! I thought I was finally in the clear, but I am back in action scurrying from bed to the sink each morning and I am not a fan of this routine. We finally started to get our butts in gear and begin the process of preparing for our next bundle of joy. Daddy has been hard at work painting the dresser for the boys' room and yesterday, I finally pulled out bins of clothes and started organizing them. Now, it's time to find something for our baby to sleep in and coming up with a name would help too!

Check out week 34 with baby #1 and #2 here.

33 weeks

How far along?: 33 weeks
How big is baby?: Baby weighs a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17-inch mark (about the size of a pineapple).

Weight gain?: After checking at my OB appointment the scales say I am up 25 pounds. I knew I should have taken off my sandals.

Stretch marks?: I can't believe how much my skin feels like it is stretching this time around. I love me some good ol' extra virgin olive oil.
Maternity clothes?: Right now I wish I didn't have to wear anything at all. Even when I am wearing a dress, I still feel restricted.
Food cravings?: Nothing seems very appetizing these days.
Sleep?: Heartburn has been killing my sleep.
Gender?: Boy!
Exercise?: I really should take this question out.
What's been going on? This week was an exciting one as I had my ultrasound and OB appointment all in one week. It was awesome to see our little man on the big screen again. He is getting so big! He is head-down and already a little over 4 pounds. He has the cutest little lips. The following day, I had my OB appointment where they confirmed everything was on track. Baby boy has been kicking away and stirring up lots of heartburn. I am feeling REALLY tired lately and always feel like I am out of breath. Last weekend, we started on the boys' room (currently boy's room), hoping to finish it up in the next two weeks. The long weekend is almost here and I plan on taking one day to relax with the family :)

Check out week 33 with baby #1 and #2 here.

32 weeks

How far along?: 32 weeks
How big is baby?: Baby weighs 3 3/4 pounds (about the size of a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus.

Weight gain?: Sitting at 21 pounds but feels like 50.

Stretch marks?: Well, let's just say the belly is not too happy with me. I may have got a little sun burnt over the past couple of weekends. I've been lathering with Olive Oil to help with the itchiness.
Maternity clothes?: If I could wear nothing all day, I would. It has been so hot. I throw on the bathing suit when I can and when I need to cover up, it has been all about the sun dresses. Luckily the temperature has dipped today and provided some relief.
Food cravings?: No really interesting cravings lately. It has been so hot out, I just want to drink ice-cold water all day long.
Sleep?:  Sleep has been pretty good but I just wish I had more of it!
Gender?: A son.
Exercise?: Let's skip this question.
What's been going on? Summer has been flying by and before you know it, fall will be here. It seems like we have a function every weekend. I am hoping once August hits we will have some down time which means we will be in full baby preparation mode. Until then, I have to stop worrying and hope baby boy does not make an early appearance. The weather has been making things very uncomfortable lately. Lots of swelling and for some reason my hip has been acting up. Looking forward to my upcoming ultrasound next week. Until next week my only goal is to stay cool!!!

I feel like baby has dropped a lot in the last week.

Check out week 32 with baby #1 and #2 here.

30 weeks

How far along?: 30 weeks
How big is baby?: Baby's about 15.7 inches long now and weighs almost 3 pounds (about the size of a large cabbage.)

Weight gain?: Weighed in at my OB appointment yesterday and I am up a whopping 21 pounds already!

Stretch marks?: Oh, how I love my extra virgin olive oil. Helps keep the tummy from becoming itchy.
Maternity clothes?: Summer dresses have been my go-to attire.
Food cravings?: The weather has been really hot and I am sure that is the reason why I had been craving an ice cream cake for two weeks. This past weekend my craving was fulfilled. I could eat it every day.
Sleep?:  I can't complain. I have been getting the best sleep all pregnancy the last few weeks.
Gender?: A baby boy.
Exercise?: It has been way too hot here. I have been trying to keep up with my daily walks but after 20 minutes I am boiling and my body feels limp.
What's been going on? I can't believe I am at 30 weeks already. The time is flying by and I am starting to panic just a wee bit. In the next few weeks we need to finish the boys room, sort through clothing, buy a swing and bassinet, pack the good ol' hospital bag and maybe picking a name would be good?!? The list keeps growing and with this comes a little anxiety. I don't know what it is about this pregnancy but I am terrified to give birth. I know I have done it two times before but it takes my breath away thinking about what is going to happen... the pain... the unknown... the recovery... Alright, time to change topic as I get antsy writing about it. I have to say Little Miss L. and Baby D have been very good to their little brother - They both love to talk to him each day. Baby D is always giving his brother hugs and kisses and telling others to be quiet as his brother is napping. I can't wait to see how they will react when he finally leaves the belly and enters this world.

Check out week 30 with pregnancy #1 and #2 here.

28 weeks

How far along?: 28 weeks
How big is baby?: By this week, baby weighs 2 1/4 pounds (about the size of a large eggplant) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels.

Weight gain?: I wasn't kidding when I said I feel huge this pregnancy because as I found out on Tuesday I have gained 19 pounds!!

Stretch marks?: Lathering up to keep those bad boys away.
Maternity clothes?: Living in skirts and loose fitting clothing.
Food cravings?: I have a new found love for muffins. I never really cared for them before but they are my craving of the week.
Sleep?:  Enjoying the sleep I am getting right now. I have been able to make it a few nights in a row without a bathroom break.
Gender?: A son.
Exercise?: Lacking in this department as the weather has been extremely humid. I don't want to leave the house.
What's been going on? YIPPEE, I have reached the home stretch - I have hit the third trimester!!! The first half of this pregnancy dragged on but the last few weeks have been flying by. Baby is definitely growing, as I am getting huge! Went to my OB appointment on Tuesday morning and everything is looking good. Let's all jump for joy as I received my results from the dreaded glucose test and I PASSED!!! I was super excited to hear I would not have to endure another one of those awful drinks ever again. Baby's heartbeat was strong and beating away nicely. Baby is very low which is putting a lot of pressure on my uterus making things around here a little uncomfortable these days.

Check out week 28 with pregnancy #1 and #2 here.

27 weeks

 Note: I'm still catching up and week 28 will also be posted this week.

How far along?: 27 weeks
How big is baby?: This week, baby weighs almost 2 pounds (about the size of a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with their legs extended.
Weight gain?: To be honest, I have not checked this week. I will have to wait until my OB appointment next week.
Stretch marks?: Lathering up to keep those bad boys away.
Maternity clothes?: I did give in the other day and head to Old Navy where I purchased a few summer dresses, a skirt and two tank tops. I have to agree these maternity clothes are more comfortable than my everyday wear.
Food cravings?: I have been craving chocolate chip muffins. I satisfied this craving yesterday :)
Sleep?: I can't complain because the last few weeks I have been sleeping the best I have all pregnancy
Gender?: Another male will be joining our household.
Exercise?: Walks and running after the kiddos. I find after a 30 minute walk, I have lots of pressure and don't really want to continue any further.
What's been going on? This week I had my dreaded glucose test. You know, the one where you have to drink that orange goop that doesn't not taste pretty and then wait an hour to be tested. I did not find out my results but likely will hear next week at my regular OB appointment. I have my fingers and toes crossed everything is perfect as I do not want to have to do the two hour glucose test (double yuck). I have been getting leg cramps again. I wake up at night in pain and I jump out of bed screaming to release the tension in my calf. Baby has been busy kicking away and letting me know when he wants some down time. We still have not decided on a name which has been extremely hard this time around.

The look on my face says "OMG, I can't believe I still have another trimester to get through!

Check out week 27 with baby #1 and #2 here.