32 Weeks!!!

Wow!  Only 8 more weeks to go (give or take)!  It's nice that the weeks are flying by, but there is still a lot to be done and I am finding myself exhausted most days.  Rudy has really been doing a lot around here and I appreciate it so much.  I've said it before, but I am very lucky to have a super handy husband - he can fix, build, paint, create just about anything and I'm glad we don't have to hire people to do things for us!

Anyway, I haven't really documented much over the past 8 months of this pregnancy and I am really wishing I had!  I have seen some blogs where people answer questions about their pregnancy on a regular basis and I think it's a great way to look back and remember things.  So even though I am in the final stretch, I thought I'd try it out.  So here ya go:

32 weeks


Weight gain so far? 15 pounds.  Some say that's not enough, but my doctors aren't concerned, so I am not either.

Maternity clothes?  I hate them.  They just don't fit me right.  My jeans from last time didn't fit me until I was 35 weeks.  They are huge in the butt and hips.  I think I should make a clothing line for petite pregnant ladies and ones who don't gain weight all over their body.  I just feel awkward every time I get dressed.  Shirts are ok for the most part, but it's hard to find cute ones that aren't expensive, too low cut or too big in the chest.  I basically live in yoga pants and athletic shorts right now.  I can fit into regular shorts & pants but it's incredibly uncomfortable!

Stretch marks?  Nope!  Not a single one.  I never got any when I was pregnant with Ryder, so I am hoping I can make it through without any this time either.  I know it's mostly genetic (thanks mom, for the good genes!) but I lotion up the belly like crazy.  I have one lotion I use a few times a day and then a super greasy one for night.

Skin & hair? My skin was horrible the first trimester.  I had started using a new makeup around the time I got pregnant so I wasn't sure if it was the hormones or the makeup, but it was awful.  Then I got the Olay ProX brush and it really cleared my skin up!  The dermatologist had recommended it last summer and said that most breakouts are caused purely from dirt and not getting the skin clean enough with normal washing.  I guess she was right because that thing has been awesome!  My hair has grown quite a bit, but that's not really anything new for me - it always grows fast!

Food cravings: Sweets.  Like all day long.  It's so frustrating and annoying.  I have a sweet tooth when I am not pregnant, but this is just ridiculous.  I was not like this with Ryder at all, so it's driving me nuts.  I just can't be around junk food because I have no self control.  For the past week I have definitely had my all time strangest craving .... SHRIMP.  I hate shrimp.  Always have.  I don't like the texture, taste or the thought of it.  I have been wanting shrimp soooo bad.  We went and bought 2 pounds of it today.  Rudy grilled some for dinner and it was delicious.  I am completely weirded out but just rolling with it.  I wonder if I need the protein.  I hate chicken so I haven't been eating that and have really cut back on meat in general.  I eat eggs a couple times a week, but am probably not getting enough.  Either way, I have already planned to make fettucine alfredo with shrimp next week.  Assuming the craving hasn't left by then.

Anything making you sick or queasy?  Nope.

Gender?  We'll find out sooon!!!

Labor signs?  Thankfully no!  It's still a little too early for that.  Crazy to think I'll be considered "full term" in just 5 weeks.  I have a lot of BH contractions but nothing crazy and they are always sporadic.

Symptoms: You name it, I've had it at some point during this pregnancy.  Currently my back is aching a lot.  Probably because on top of the 15 extra pounds I am carrying, I am also lifting a 25 pound toddler quite a bit throughout the day.  Also feeling extremely fatigued.  Especially by the end of the day.  As soon as we're done with dinner, I feel like I could go to bed.  The other major thing bothering me is Reflux.  The heartburn medicine just isn't working for me as well this time around.  No matter how many hours I wait to lay down after eating, it's always there.  Sometimes I wake up because I have thrown up acid in my mouth ...... disgusting, but true.

Belly button: In or out? This one is painful for me.  I have to start by saying that with Ryder, it never popped out.  It just kinda stayed flat, slightly in.  This time, not so much.  In the morning it is flat, but by the end of the day it is creeping out a little.  I can't say it's completely out but the top of it does puff out a little after a day of eating.  The whole pregnancy outie belly button thing has always weirded me out so I was really relieved when it didn't pop out the first time.  It started teasing me kind of early on this time, so I figured it was going to pop out and had some time to prepare myself.  So far it isn't bothering me too much, but if I end up with a full on outie by the end, I might be freaking out a little!

Can you see your toes? Yes.

Happy or moody most of the time?  Haha, maybe you should ask Rudy.  I have definitely had some mood swings with this pregnancy!  It comes in waves for sure.

Looking forward to: Well of course I'm looking forward to meeting this baby and finding out if it's a he or a she!!  But I am also looking forward to getting the nursery all put together, finishing some of the other house projects, taking maternity pictures, my baby shower and my birthday next month.  We've got tons to keep up busy so I know baby will be here in no time!

What made me cry this week: Nothing.  The sappy emotions definitely have not arrived yet.

Medical stuff:  Nothing really.  My appointments are every 2 weeks and last about 2 minutes.  I spend more time in the waiting room than in the exam room.

I am getting pretty uncomfortable - there's just no more room in there!  And this baby is SUPER active. Always punching, kicking and rolling around in there.  Exercise is still good.  I'm finding it harder to get motivated to go to the gym because I feel so tired, but always convince myself to go and figure if it isn't feeling good I'll stop and go home.  But I always end up being glad I went and feeling pretty good afterward.  I am easing up on the weights a little, but not cutting them out completely yet.  I mainly focus on cardio though and look forward to my Saturday dance classes every week!  On the days that Rudy's work schedule doesn't allow me to get to the gym, I usually take Ryder out on a nice walk to the park.

Here's the 32 week belly.....