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.

35 weeks

How far along?: 35 weeks
How big is baby?: Baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (about the size of a honeydew melon).

Weight gain?: Holding strong at 25 pounds. I haven't gained anything in the past week but that could be due to the fact I am sick again.

Stretch marks?: Lots of extra virgin olive oil to help with my stretching skin.
Maternity clothes?: Love my maxi dress and skirts.
Food cravings?: I haven't really wanted to eat much these days.
Sleep?: Sleep... what is that again?!?!?
Gender?: A son.
Exercise?: I can barely walk up the stairs without feeling like I just ran a marathon. Slacking in this department.
What's been going on? I am getting really excited to welcome you, our little bundle of joy. Big sister and big brother talk to you each day as they give you big hugs and kisses. They tell me it will be okay when you cry because they will help hold you, feed you and sing to you. I look forward to them finally meeting you in person. We are slowly working towards being ready for your arrival. Give us a few more weeks and then we should be all set. Momma has been very tired and sick. I hope this means you will give me the best possible labour to make up for it. I have now hit the point where I have weekly OB appointments - I love hearing your heartbeat and can't wait to hold you in my arms.

Check out week 35 with pregnancy #1 and #2 here.

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.

25 weeks

How far along?: 25 weeks
How big is baby?: Head to heels, baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Their weight — 1 1/2 pounds — isn't much more than an average rutabaga.
Weight gain?: I am up 16 pounds. I have gained 4 pounds in the last week!! Hopefully, this will not become a trend.
Stretch marks?: My goal is to keep my skin moist to hopefully combat any of those pesky stretch marks.
Maternity clothes?: Still have not found the time to go shopping, but am in desperate need of some new clothes that fit this ever-growing belly.
Food cravings?: Bring on the roasted red pepper hummus and tortilla chips.
Sleep?: I have to admit that I have been sleeping better the past week. I don't know the reason, but I will take it!
Gender?: Little Miss L. and Baby D will have a little brother.
Exercise?: Chasing after kids all day has been enough exercise for me.
What's been going on? Let's just start off with one of the most annoying side-effects of pregnancy -HEARTBURN! I have been hit hard with heartburn this past week. I had experienced severe heartburn with Little Miss L. and a little with Baby D and I had hoped the third time would be the charm where I might be lucky to bypass this not-so-pleasant side-effect of pregnancy. I have tried all the recommended tricks but nothing seems to be helping. Although I have been sleeping better this week, when the heartburn hits, I'm unable to sleep. I am hoping the heartburn doesn't get worse or else I will have to start sleeping sitting up like I did with Little Miss L. I was 25 weeks on Tuesday and had a check-up with my OB in the morning. Little Miss L. loved listening to her brother's heartbeat but said "it sounds like he is chewing a lot in there" and was afraid he may eat my belly :)

Check out baby #1 and #2 at week 25 here.

24 weeks

How far along?: 24 weeks
How big is baby?: Your baby has caught up with an ear of corn in size and gained about 1/4 pound since last week (Length: almost a foot.)
Weight gain?: I am up 12 pounds.
Stretch marks?: I started noticing some on my under belly. I hope they were from the previous pregnancy and will go away as before.
Maternity clothes?: Touchy subject these days. Let's just say that I need to go shopping!!!
Food cravings?: I am all about the tzatziki and cucumbers.
Sleep?: I am happy to report that I have been having some solid nights of sleep. Maybe I am just to darn exhausted to do anything but give in to sleep.
Gender?: Adding to the male population.
Exercise?: Slacking. Walks are about the extent of my exercise.
What's been going on? We have been one busy family these days and it looks like there will be no slowing down anytime soon. I feel like baby boy and momma have grown a ton in the last week. My belly seems huge and baby boy is swinging a good punch these days. Baby boy, your big brother and sister are talking to you all the time. They love to sing you lullabies before bedtime. I also want to thank you for allowing me a few days here and there without being sick. Here is to another busy week ahead, hopefully you can keep up, little one.

Check out week 24 with Baby #1 and #2 here.

23 weeks

How far along?: 23 weeks
How big is baby?: Baby is now more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango.)
Weight gain?: I am up 10 pounds.
Stretch marks?: No new ones from this pregnancy yet - I have been lathering on the olive oil.
Maternity clothes?: This time around I feel like I did when I was in my 8-9 month stage of clothing with Little Miss L. and Baby D. I think I need to get my butt to a store and purchase a few new pieces.
Food cravings?: I have always loved pickles, so it is not weird to see me downing some here and there but this past week I may have gobbled a few more than I usually would.
Sleep?: I am not sure if it is a combination of finally getting a new bed (king size!!!) and being extremely tired all the time, but I have been having some great sleeps.
Gender?: A boy :)
Exercise?: Running after the kids all day long.
What's been going on? Baby boy has been kicking away, his kicks are getting stronger by the day. I know that sugar makes him really active and he loves it when his sister and brother talk to him. I feel like I have popped even more in the last week. I am finally getting some sleep at night but still sick in the mornings. Still working hard on trying to find a name we all love and that will suit our little bundle-to-be. A big thanks to all of you who keep sending us names - trust me when I say eventually we will stick with one :) I am in need of recovering from our long weekend, this momma is beat!

Check out week 23 with pregnancy #1 and #2 here.

22 weeks

How far along?: 22 weeks
How big is baby?: At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn
Weight gain?: I am up 10 pounds.
Stretch marks?: No new ones from this pregnancy yet - I have been lathering on the olive oil.
Maternity clothes?: Mother Nature decided to take spring away and replacing it with fall weather. It's been back to leggings and sweaters.
Food cravings?: I have been eating tzatziki sauce like crazy.
Sleep?: I am so happy to say that I have been able to get two nights of solid sleep. It has only taken 5 months, but I will take it!!!
Gender?: We are having a son :)
Exercise?: Running after the kids all day long.
What's been going on? We have been one busy family these days and it does not look like it will be slowing down any time soon. Baby boy has been kicking away. I had my OB appointment last week and he was moving about making it hard for the doctor to get his little heartbeat. This one seems to have lots of energy, his brother and sister better watch out! Still sick in the morning but starting to get more of my energy back. I am still struggling with my thyroid in this pregnancy and hoping I can get it to a level that's just right some time soon. Now that we know we will be welcoming another son, it is time to start figuring out bedroom placements and pulling out those tiny clothes to wash. We will have to buy a new car seat and a few other things but it is always fun shopping for a new baby!!!

Check out baby #2 at 22 weeks here.

19 weeks

How far along?: 19 weeks
How big is baby?: Baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato.
Weight gain?: I lost two pounds after being sick this past weekend.
Stretch marks?: I have been lathering on the olive oil.
Maternity clothes?: I finally went out and bought a pair of maternity jeans. I must say they are super comfy!
Food cravings?: I have been craving veggies and dip. At the start of the week, I cut up a whole bunch of veggies and keep them in the fridge for easy and healthy snacking.
Sleep?: Toss and turn, throw blankets off and then pull them back on..repeat about a million times. Insomnia!
Gender?: Less than a week away until the big day!
Exercise?: The weather is starting to warm up again (am hoping spring decides to stick around this time) so we have spent a lot of time outdoors. Love our daily walks.
What's been going on? I was able to sneak away for our girls' getaway this past weekend. We had a great first day but then I woke up bright and early on Sunday extremely ill. I won't go into details, but it wasn't pretty. I even had to get the hubby to pick me up as there was no way I was going to be able to take the train home. Things are finally looking up around here and I am starting to feel better. I did lose some weight from being so sick but I am hoping I can quickly add it back on. There were a few days when I did not feel this little bean move but I am happy to report baby is kicking momma again.

Check out week 19 with pregnancy #2 here.