33 weeks

7 weeks to go! Once we hit next week, I'm going to be super happy. They say baby's born at 34 weeks go home from the hospital with their mother's. So, for me, 34 is the safe zone. Obviously, I'd like to go a little longer than that, but I think I'll have a big sigh of relief when we hit that mark.

This week, you're the size of a cantaloupe or a pineapple. I like the idea of a cantaloupe being in my stomach better than a spiky pineapple, so we'll stick with that. You weight about 4.75 pounds and are about 19-22 inches in length.

This week, your immune system is developed, your fat layers are filling out, your skin is smoother than ever, and your central nervous system and lungs are continuing to mature.

Symptoms: I actually feel better this week than I did last week. Still peeing all the time. Seriously, I forgot what it feels like to not feel like you have to pee. I'll go to the bathroom and then almost immediately feel like I have to go again. I also felt my first contraction! Our doctor always said your stomach will feel really hard. Well, I felt my stomach cramping up, pushed on the bump, and, sure enough, it was rock hard. But, I don't feel as large and uncomfortable as I did last week. Maybe I'm just  getting used to it.

Movement: About the same as last week. I can still count on you to do some moving and shaking after I eat something. I can see my stomach move more, too. But, I guess there is less fluid in my stomach now and more baby, so that's why that happens. Also, we were in Minneapolis this weekend visiting everyone and your Uncle Andy got to feel you kick! The look of shock and excitement on his face when he felt it is something I will never, ever forget. It's almost as if it was real to him at that moment.

Sleep: No complaints here this week. I'm still waking up quite a bit, but am comfortable sleeping.

Suspicions on gender: I have officially decided to pick a gender and stick with it. So, I'm going with, drumroll please .... A BOY! I think you're going to be a boy. It's just my gut instinct. As far as names go, we've pretty much decided that if you're going to be a boy, you'll be Callum David Olson. If you're a girl, you'll either be Evelyn Grace Olson or Mila Grace Olson. We haven't completely decided.

Food aversions/cravings: Nothing in particular. I will note though that I haven't been as hungry this week as I have in the past. Must be a slower growth week for you.

Workouts: Still doing 2-mile walks five days a week with Jax. I've got to say, I'm pretty worn out when I'm done with those. They feel so good, though. I plan to keep them up.

Doctor's appointment: We had another one last Thursday. Everything's still right on track. Trucking along. I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but the last time I was getting my blood drawn, the tech commented to me and your dad about how great it was that he comes with me to every appointment. He's only missed a few and I know he hates when he misses one. He's just the best, such a proud papa. At our last birthing class, we also toured the hospital where you'll be entering this world. It was really nice to see and get familiar with everything. I can't wait until your first night with us. We also saw the nursery and saw a few tiny, tiny babies. So exciting!

Looking forward to: Last night, a friend took some maternity photos for us. She is just getting into photography and said she would do them for free. From the few previews I saw on her camera, they looked amazing! She's dropping them off tonight and I can not wait to see them.

This past weekend we took our final trip up to the Twin Cites before you'll be here. It was really great to get up there and visit with everyone. We also got to meet your canine cousin, Leinie, for the first time. She was amazing! Jax and Leinie got along great. She's so much smaller than Jax, but when they wrestle, she pretty much throws her whole body against him and then just rolls around. You can totally hold her like a baby, too, which makes was good practice for holding you. :)

It was also a kind of funny week in the "People commenting on your pregnancy department." At work, a lady was asking me how far along I was and when I was due. I told her, and she said things like, "You really have that long? Are you measuring ahead? I bet you'll go early." I pretty much wanted to cry and then throw my coffee in her face. Then, the next day, I was walking the dog in the morning and a lady came up to me and just said, "I see you walking every morning and you're so beautiful. Just beautiful. I had three children and I never looked that beautiful when I was pregnant." She was so sincere and it was just so, so sweet. She totally made me cry as I was walking away from the conversation. It's just unbelievable how one person can make you feel so crappy about yourself, and then someone else can make you feel so great.

32 weeks

I seriously feel like I write these posts like every other day. Man, the weeks fly by. Here we are though, at 32 weeks!

This week, you're about the size of a squash, weighing about 4 pounds. From here on out, I should be gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to the You. In fact, you’ll gain a third to half of your birth weight during the next 7 weeks as you fattens up for survival outside the womb. Also, you now have toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz), and your skin is becoming soft and smooth as you plump up in preparation for birth.

You've definitely been getting bigger. This past week, I definitely feel larger and even more uncomfortable. I've just pretty much gotten used to being uncomfortable and feeling like I have to pee all the time. It is what it is. Plus, it's totally worth it. In fact, the other day at work, this lady who just sort of has a knack for saying awkward things was all, "When are you due? Really, you have that long? Are you sure you're not measuring ahead? You'll probably have the baby early." So, basically, she made me feel like a whale and totally not good. I sort of took it with a grain of salt, but it is still not fun to hear. Then, this morning I was walking Jax, and a lady we stopped to talk to was asking about when I was due and she was saying how great I looked and she would've guesses my due date was much later. That made me feel so much better after what that stupid work lady said. :)

Symptoms: Still trucking along pretty well. My main issues have just been frequent urination and just a general feeling of being uncomfortable.

Workouts: I think I'm officially done running. I'm not ruling it out completely, but it has just gotten a lot more difficult, it's been causing more cramping (possible BH contractions?), and I pretty much feel like I have to pee the whole time. It's just not fun. Plus, I just feel so tired afterwards, and they say if you feel like you've done to much, you probably have. I have, though, been taking Jax for hour-long walks every morning and I'm going to keep that up as long as possible. It's really hard not to be able to run and workout like I would like to, but I'm just going to try to enjoy this time off from running, and hopefully appreciate it even more when I get back.

Movement: You've still on the move quite a but, but now the movements are changing a bit. Rather than jabs and kicks, there’s been a lot of rolling and subtle movements. It's really weird. It almost feels like someone is turning my insides around. It doesn't hurt, but is just a really bizarre sensation. I have also noticed you responding to food a lot more than you have before. Now, after I eat a meal, you are always moving around like crazy.

Suspicions on gender: So, this week, Prince William and Princess Kate (from England) had their royal baby and it was suuuuuuch a big deal for the media. Like, it was ridiculous. But, they had a boy. No word on the name yet. For whatever reason, I was thinking for a while that we were going to have whatever they had, but I still don't even know. I really don't lean one way or another at this poing. Two of your dad's friends (Lenny and Jackie) are having a baby a few months after us and they just found out they are having a boy, so it could be fun for you have a little BFF if you're a boy.

Food aversions/cravings: For whatever reason, fresh herbs have been a little too much for me, things like cilantro, parsley, or green onions. If I'm eating a dish with these things in it, I've kind of been pulling them out because the flavor has just been too strong. It's kinda weird.

Sleep: This week was just a so-so. Some nights are pretty great, but then other nights I wake up so much to pee, move, or because I'm uncomfortable. I definitely would not call my sleep terrible yet, though. I always seem to get a really good night's sleep after a few bad ones.

New baby items: Didn't really buy anything this week, but your Dad and I did put a bunch of things together, which was really exciting. Your highchair, pack n play, swing, and play mat are officially all put together, washed, and ready for a little baby!

Next doctor's appointment: We have one on Thursday! Nothing really too exciting. Just the usual stuff I believe.

We did, however, have our first (of 6)birthing class last week and it was pretty awesome. Your dad was so into it and, after the class, you could just feel his excitement with the way he was talking. He was also so talkative in the class. I loved it! As you'll soon realize, your dad is quite often the quiet one in these group situations. It just goes to show how excited he is and what a great dad he is going to be. During the class, they were asking each couple their favorite/least favorite part of pregnancy and your dad said his most challenging part was just trying to make sure he is doing everything he can to make me happy and get me everything I need. Is that not the sweetest thing ever?!?! I love him so much. The teacher of the class also handed out crossword puzzles and all the answers are related to birth and are pretty gross things, like mucus plug, episiodomy, meconium.  And, I came home the other day and your dad was totally trying to solve it. It was so amazingly great. Have I mentioned that I love him?

I was also reminded with how lucky I've been to have such a smooth pregnancy. Other mom's in the class were talking about having such bad back aches, and being sick until they were 20 weeks. And, I'm all ... well, I guess I've been really tired. I'm just thanking my lucky stars. They say every pregnancy is different though, so I could be super sick next time. Let's knock on wood that doesn't happen.

We were also only 2 out of the 6 pregnant couples who didn't find out the sex of the baby. I'm sure the couples who know think we're crazy, but I'm ok with that. It also doesn't look like we'll be making any BFF's in the class. Everyone else in the class seemed pretty boring and unlively. We were definitely the couple that went to sit in the front row because no one else was there, volunteered to go first, and asked the most questions.

Looking forward to: This weekend! We're going up to Minneapolis to see Andy and Anna and to finally meet Leinie! I'm sure we'll get together with Dana and Rob, too. I'm just so excited because we haven't seen them in so long. Your Grandma McChain is coming along, too. It should be a great time.

31 weeks

9 weeks to go! Down to single digits baby. Seriously. When did we get this far along?

This week, you are about the size of a pineapple, and weighing about 3.3 pounds. All of your senses have developed, you can turn your head from side to side, your arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out, you are going through major brain, nerve, and eye development, and your irises now react to light. I guess you're also dreaming, too. Exciting stuff.

You can thank the ridiculous humidity got my frizz ball head.

Every week, I seriously appreciate more and more that we've taken these photos. So cool to see.

Symptoms: Pretty much about the same as last week: lots of bathroom breaks, occasional bloody noses, a general feeling of being uncomfortable (especially at work), and general achiness. The leg cramps haven't been as bad as the last few weeks, so that's a positive. It has also been super hot and humid this week. It's like you're breathing under water. That has definitely taken a toll on me, too.

Movement: Definitely still lots of it. Something super crazy did happen this week: I was driving and I felt a large bump towards the top of my stomach. I pushed down on it and it slowly went back in. So, that must've been one of your arms or legs, or even a knee or elbow. It was the craziest feeling ever! It happened another time during the week and your dad was able to feel it. It's was pretty freakin cool.

Sleep: We were up north in Chetek from Friday through Monday with the Olsons. We spent the time in a cabin that was super air conditioned. So, sleep was awesome those nights! Then ... Monday came and brought a huge heat wave with it. The heat index has been over 100 all this week and won't cool down until Friday. So, Monday night was pretty rough cause our house took a while to cool down.

Suspicions on gender: This week I'm back to feeling girl. On an exciting note, I think your dad and I have pretty much decided on a name (both a boy's and a girl's). It's kind of exiting to think of you as either Little *Girls name* or Little *Boys name*.

Food aversions/cravings: No real aversions, but man, oh man, am I back to craving carbs. Can. Not. Get. Enough.

Workouts: I actually was able to get in about four runs this week. And, in fact, a few of them were run 1 mile, walk .5 miles, run 1 mile, walk .5 miles. It definitely helps to keep moving. In fact, I was telling your dad how great it would be if I could go for a run the day I go into labor. Quick funny story: I was out running up north this weekend and some older guys yelled to me, "Take it easy. We don't want any babies on the road." It was actually really sweet.

We also did quite a bit of swimming up north, too. It was so great to get in the water and literally feel weightless. I also did a few cannon balls off the end of the dock. I'm not sure that I was really supposed to do that, but it was fun anyways and you seem just fine. :)

Doctor's appointments: We had our last appointment last Thursday, and everything still looks good. You heart beat was awesome, I'm measuring right on track, my blood pressure was good, and my platelet levels came back just fine. All good news. Now we're back next Thursday. Also, we start our birthing classes at the hospital this week and I'm pretty excited. Funny story: My best friend in the whole world is Katy Keefe. We've been friends since we were in utero and here's why: Your Grandma and Grandpa McChain met Katy's parents in their birthing class. So, maybe we'll be meeting your the parents of your future BFF!

We also went in to GE last week to be the guinea pigs for their ultrasound testing, and it was soooo cool! We saw you moving like crazy, the tech said you have hair, and we got a few 3D 4D images of your face. They even shot a little video of you moving around.

Here's your little face! It was difficult to get a clear shot of your face because you kept putting your hand up near your forehead. 

This is a little difficult to see, but it's a shot of your hand holding on to your little foot. Pretty cool.

It was a very cool experience. We saw way more detail than we've seen in any other ultrasounds. And, we got paid to do it! Definitely a good deal. They are doing a few more tests in August, so we're hoping that maybe we can get in for another.

Looking forward to: A low-key weekend at home. Can't wait to be at home all weekend and just relax. I'm also really excited to start the birthing classes.

On a kind of sad note, we found out over the weekend that one of your dad's cousins and his wife (who got married literally 4 months before we did) have been trying to have a baby and are having a little bit of trouble. I've been thinking so much about them and trying to send them positive thoughts and prayers. It's also an excellent reminder of how lucky your father and I are. We were obviously trying to have a baby, but we weren't really trying very hard. I wasn't looking to see when I was ovulating or stressing about hormone levels or anything like that. It happened perfectly naturally for us and much quicker than we thought, but I couldn't be more grateful for it. We are just so lucky.

30 weeks

Are we really at 30 weeks? One more week and then we've down to just single digits on the count down! Honestly, so crazy. Sometimes, it really does feel like I've been pregnant FOR-EV-ER. But, then other times, I'm amazed at how fast time has flown. Today I'm feeling like time has really flown.

This week, you are about the size of a head of cabbage, a crazy kicking, spinning head of cabbage. You're still about 17 inches long and now you weigh almost 3 pounds. Also, a pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds you, but that volume will decrease as you get bigger and takes up more room in the uterus. Your eyesight continues to develop, though it’s not very keen; even after you're born, you’ll keep your eyes closed for a good part of the day. When you do open them, you’ll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means you can only make out objects a few inches from his face. That's crazy. I know no idea a baby's eye sight was so bad in the beginning. In addition, although your height and weight haven't changed too much this week, you brain has been doing some major developing. I guess the surface of your brain used to be smooth, but now it's taking on those grooves and indentations. Those wrinkles allow for an increased amount of brain tissue  — a necessary change as you prepare for life outside of the womb, and the street smarts you will need. 

Symptoms: Nothing too terrible this week. I've gotten used to all the peeing, so I hardly consider that a symptom anymore. I am having even more of a time getting comfortable, but I can still deal. Long car rides are getting more uncomfortable, too. Leg cramps are continuing, too. Gosh, they drive me crazy! I haven't been overly tired, either, which I'm kind of thankful for. We had a few days of really warm, and humid weather, which pretty much knocked me on my butt, too. Thank God for central air! Also, I thought I saw the slightest hint of a stretch mark, so I've been using stretch mark cream regularly, and it seems to have gotten a lot better. I won't be upset at all if I get a few (small price to pay!), I'm just glad my stomach doesn't look like a tiger malled it.

Movement: Oh man are you moving baby! I definitely feel so much more than last week. You're kicks and movements are getting stronger and stronger. I can feel one set of limbs on one end of my stomach and the other set on the other end of my stomach. It's crazy. You're still moving around for your dad, too.

Sleep: Most nights were still pretty good. Sunday night was a little rough. I had the previous 5 days off of work for the 4th and pretty much blew my sleeping schedule. So, when I tried to fall asleep around 9 to get up for work in the morning, it was just not happening. Plus, it was unbelievably humid and we didn't have the air on. I've also had a more difficult time falling back asleep when I wake up to use the bathroom. I suppose I should start gearing up for the insomnia that's to come.

Suspicions on gender:  Anytime anyone guesses what we are having, they always, always, always say girl. I think I've had maybe one person say boy. I guess that makes me prone to think we're having a boy. :) 10 more weeks and we'll find out!

Food cravings/aversions: There isn't a particular food that stands out to me as craving it or not wanting it. However, I did have a few days where I felt just a little queasy. Not quite nauseous, but just a little bit of an upset stomach. I would just have a little snack and it would pretty much go away, though. They say some women will be morning sickness again in the third trimester, so I was afraid I was maybe dealing with some of that again. But, it doesn't appear to be bad at all.

Workouts: With having all the time off of work last week, we had all kinds of things planned: Summerfest a few nights, BBQ at our house with 20 friends, walking to fire works, a wedding on Saturday, etc., so I really didn't want to overdue it. I was on my feet enough with getting everything ready around the house and walking the dog, so workouts took a back seat. I'm not too stressed about it though. Hoping a can get back into a little bit of a routine next week.

Doctor's appointment: This Thursday! I'm hoping my platelet levels look good and, as usual, can't wait to hear your little heart beat.

Looking forward to: We're going in for that ultrasound at GE on Wednesday afternoon and I can't wait! It's still another 2D one, but I'm hoping you'll be moving around more than the last one and I can't wait just to see you.

Also, we're going up north to Chetek, Wisconsin with the Olson's this weekend. I took Monday off of work, too, so we can spend Friday through Monday up there. I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend of boating, book reading, and just laying in the sun. Unfortunately, I don't think water skiing is going to happen. :)

Every single week, it gets realer and realer that we're about to be parents. I was talking to my friend, Cari, and basically said, "In ten weeks, I am going to be someone's mother." And we both kind of had a *holy shit* moment. It's the scariest feeling in the world, but also the most exciting. I was also thinking about going to the bank with your dad to open a savings account for you once you get here, and realized that you would be there, too. You'd have to come along unless we got a baby sitter. Then, I realized that all of our future outings will be like that. It was bittersweet. Obviously, there's nothing more in the world I want than for you be here. But, on the other hand, it has been just me and your dad (and obviously Jax) for quite some time, and I'm hoping our relationship stays as strong and loving as it has been. I know it will if we both work on it, but obviously things are just going to change.

Over my long, long weekend, we went to Summerfest one night with a bunch of friends to see Nelly (I know! So trashy, but awesome). Anyways, the concert was packed. I've never been in place with more people. We had a picnic table, but more and more people started coming by us and joining our table. There wasn't even any place to stand because there were so many people around. I was all about fighting through it and enjoying the concert, but then, I just has this feeling of "I need to get out of here!" I've never been more panicked in my entire life. I looked at your dad, and was just like, get me out of here, while holding back tears. So, we walked to the back (which was almost impossible) and took a breather. I know your dad was disappointed because he couldn't stay and watch the concert, but he understood how scared and uncomfortable I felt. It was the craziest thing. Like I said, I have never been so freaked out in a certain moment before. Must've just been that flight or fight response. I guess I had the feeling that something bad was going to happen and I needed to protect my baby.

Other than that night (which was still really fun until I panicked), we had a great weekend. Spent lots of time with friends. One of my best friends since first grade, Brianna, was in town from Denver, and it was so great just relaxing with her. We also had a picnic at our house on one day with friends. Our neighbors came over, too, which was great. It was the first time we were really able to spend some time with them. And, I must say, we are really lucky to have such awesome neighbors. Your dad and I also had a date night to Sumemrfest and saw AWOLNATION. It was a great show! And, to round out the weekend, we went to the wedding of Drew and Shahree Douglas at the War Memorial downtown. It was a beautiful location that overlooked the lake and the wedding couldn't have been more perfect. Plus, we got to see so many old friends. It was a great night.

With such a busy weekend, this work week has definitely felt long so far. Took a few days to readjust to being on a schedule. Can't even being to imagine how difficult it is going to be once I'm home with you for 12 weeks and then have to head back to work. I'll have to remind myself to savor every moment.

29 weeks

So, after my doctor's appointment last Wednesday, it looks like they are moving my due date back to September 15, so I'm going to slowly move these blog posts back up a few days.

Now, on to the good stuff: My belly is officially large enough that I can't see my legs anymore. It's getting so big! Thankfully, most of the time I don't feel as big as I look.

This week, you are the size of a butternut squash, weighing about 3 pounds and about 17 inches long. I took out a ruler to get an idea of what 17 inches was, and I pretty much blew my mind! I can't believe you are that long. I guess this is about how long you will be when you are born, you've just got to put on a little weight.

This week, your muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and your head is growing bigger to make room for your developing brain. You are also gaining what is called white fat, which is giving you more and more energy to move around like crazy. I guess you were just gaining brown fat before, which is necessary for temperature regulation.

Gah! This photo is a bit blurry. Whoops.

Symptoms: The usual third trimester: heartburn, peeing alllllllll the time, bloody noses, general aches and leg cramps (which is kind of new this week, I haven't really had this issue before). The leg cramps were really bad one day, but I think that's because I was just on my feet too much, and the day before I did some squats and lunges. I just did too much and I have to be more conscious of that. Otherwise, I still feel great. I really can't complain. This is actually my favorite time of pregnancy so far. It is obvious you are pregnant and everyone talks about it.

Movement: So, so much! Sometimes I have to get up and walk around because you are punching and kicking me so much! But, it still feels amazing every single time. I can't get over it. You gave a good kick for your dad again, too, which he loves so much.

Sleep: Sleep was a lot better this week! I think it was because it's not nearly as hot and humid as it was last week. I'm definitely more comfortable sleeping and I'm only waking up about 2 to use the bathroom. I'll take it!

Suspicions on gender: Boy, girl, boy, girl, boy, girl? I have no idea.

Food cravings/aversions: No super cravings or aversions. For whatever reason, a turkey sub with mayonaise on it sounds good every single day. Mainly the mayonaise part. Gross, right? On the aversion side, I really haven't been feeling broccoli or chicken when I make it myself (but I can make myself eat it). I can't really handle yogurt, either.

Workouts: Still trucking along! Doing several run/walks and a couple trips to the gym for weights. I can probably run about a mile and then a need a break. Plus, I'm still doing daily walks with Jax that are at least 30 minutes.

Doctor's appointments: We met with your pediatrician last week and she's awesome! Her name is Dr. Boldt and she couldn't have made me feel more comfortable. I know that she is going to be such a good help when it comes to your first few months with us. We also had another appointment with Dr. Hoelzle. She says I'm still measuring right on track and I have to get a few vaccines. She also took some blood to check my platelet level. She thought it might be kind of low because of all the bloody noses. We see her again next week (we see her every 2 weeks now!) and she was going to let me know more about it then.

Looking forward to: It's Fourth of July week! I took a couple days off, so I have a 5 day weekend and I am so looking forward to it! Some friends are coming into town, we've got Summerfest going on, a wedding on Saturday, and I hope to do a bunch of washing and organizing of all the baby stuff we received from your shower this past weekend.

On that note, your wonderful Aunt Dana and your Grandma Olson threw a shower for me this past weekend and it was great! We got a bunch of stuff that I know we'll put to good use, including a bunch of crocheted sweaters and booties from various people. You have some talented family members! They also asked everyone to bring a used book instead of a card, so we've got a good head start on your library! I am really lucky to have such amazing in laws. I don't even like calling them that because I feel like in laws has such a negative connotation.

In family news, you've got a new canine cousin! Your Uncle Andy and Anna (who I am pretty sure will be your aunt) just adopted a new puppy named Leinie. She's a 4.5 month old cocker spaniel and hound mix. She actually came up from Oklahoma from an area that was recently devastated by tornadoes. I know she's got an amazing new home. I am sooo excited for them, probably too excited. You would think they were having a baby. :) We're heading up to Minneapolis in a few weeks and I can't wait to meet her.