I’m a very punctual person and I always arrive early, so I hope he follows my lead!!! Each day he stays put I know he’s getting healthier and stronger so that’s always a plus. I’ve learned before with Ava that the baby will come when he’s ready but the question is will he come early, on time or late?? Your guess is as good as mine and to be honest I would rather not think about it.

Every day people are asking me how I’m feeling, if I have any symptoms, or they tell me when they think the baby will be coming. The truth is NO one has an answer and that’s the hardest part of this waiting game.

I’m feeling pretty good these days and still functioning as I normally would. I am moving a bit slower, I feel a bit heavier and I have had some cranky moments but that’s expected when you are this pregnant right?! As much as I’m ready to meet our little guy, each of these days with just Ava has been super special. She’s said some amazing things to make me smile this week, for instance yesterday out of no where she said Mommy… I said Yes Ava, and she said I love you!! I could’ve cried on the spot. Of course I said I love you back and I told her how sweet that was. She sure knows how to make me happy and she’s been so much fun these past 2 weeks. It’s crazy to know things are about to drastically change for both of us

I’m looking forward to the long weekend ahead with my family and can’t wait to spend the days outside!

Here’s a 38 Week update for you:

THE BABY IS about 19-21 inches long Weighting about 6 lbs 14oz- 7 lbs according to my doctor appointment yesterday!

Weight gained

I’m up 25 lbs

Gender: 

It’s a BOY!!!

Workouts

I’m back to teaching and it feels great. It’s so funny when you are told not to do something it makes you want to do it even more right? Well that’s how I felt from week 36-37 but now that I’m back to my normal routine I’m SOO happy. Exercise is both mentally and physically important to me. I love my job and helping others, but it keeps my mood stable and it is sort of my therapy on days I need it to be.

So far this week I have taught 4 classes and I haven’t had any issues besides some serious sweat dripping. This heat is crazy and I feel like I can’t drink enough water! I get short of breathe here and there but it’s not any different then before.

I plan to keep teaching until the baby comes and the doctor is supportive of it!

Symptoms:

I’ve had some braxton hicks contractions, mild cramping and muscle spasms. These all come randomly and I don’t really think much about it because it’s been happening for weeks now!! I want some real symptoms, bring it on

Food Aversions: 

I’m leaning more towards carbs lately and I think my body is telling me to stay away from veggies. My stomach is a little sensitive this past week so I’m trying to listen to it.

Food Cravings: 

• I LOVE PEACHES. They are necessary every day.
• Protein is important for me at every meal and when I don’t have it, things go haywire
• CARBS are making a huge appearance. bread, pretzels, and potatoes are daily staples.
• I really like all fruit and have been eating about 3 servings a day

Sleep:

Sleep has been okay. I wake up 2x at most to pee per night. The last 2 nights Cooper has barked to go out at 3am and that really messed me up because Ava wakes up and we have to get her back to bed. Besides that though I know my sleep would be good! I have taken a few occasional naps on days that I need it and those have helped.

Maternity clothes: 

I’m living in maternity clothes and loose tops that I feel comfortable in. With the warmer weather I’m pretty much in shorts and tanks every day!

Stretch marks: 

None yet!

Do I Miss anything: 

I miss comfortable sleep. I feel like my belly is weighing me down and it’s hard to stay put but I somehow manage.

Of course I miss the usual exercise, bending over, putting my shoes on like a normal 31 year old and not bumping into things with my belly

Movement: 

My little boy moves a ton but at certain times of the day. I felt his leg and foot the other night for a while and he didn’t move it which was weird to me. I immediately had Marc feel it and he thought it was crazy too!! I get little kicks to the rib cage and hiccups DAILY!

Baby Items Purchased: 

We haven’t bought anything new this week, but we did move Ava to a big girl bed this week so that freed up the crib!! We are going to wait to set it up in the baby’s room until she’s fully adjusted to her new room/bed which she LOVES. Miracle!!!!

38 Weeks Pregnant and I love that big belly!

Wedding rings ON or OFF: 

ON but I’m debating whether to take them off. Everyone says I should to be safe.

Belly Button IN or OUT? 

OUT OUT OUT.

I’m Looking Forward To: 

I’m counting down the days until we can meet this little boy of ours. I’m trying to soak up the alone time with Ava and I have been cherishing all her cuddles, hugs, playtime and stories. I’m trying not to get upset with her if she doesn’t listen or does something bad. I know she has a huge adjustment ahead of her and I want to help make it an easy transition by being there for her as much as possible.

Cooper loves to be in pictures (38 Weeks 3 days)

LABOR SIGNS:

I’ve had cramping and pressure plus some braxton hicks contractions but nothing that makes me feel like I’m anywhere close to labor.

I can’t believe I’m going to say it but I want to feel those REAL contractions

my belly looks HUGE in this picture!! (38 Weeks 3 days)

Random Things:

I had a doctor apt yesterday morning and I’m 2 cm 50% effaced still. The doctor can feel the baby’s head so I guess everything is progressing the way it should. There’s no way of telling time so I’m trying my best not to think about it and just take each day as it comes!!

It’s easier to say that….. 14 days until we can hold this little baby boy and I can’t wait!!!

One more picture.. This one cracks me up because Cooper literally was in ALL the photos we tried to take, but at least he sat there like a good boy! Marc is laughing because he’s pretty much staring at my big belly and doesn’t know what to do in this awkward picture

For more pregnancy updates head over to my Baby #2 pregnancy page

This weekend was fun & productive so I wanted to share it with you

I was so happy to get away this past weekend. Even if it was a quick day trip to Rhode Island, it’s always nice to visit family and get out of town for a bit. It reminds me to slow down and enjoy family time.

Saturday morning we hit the road bright and early.

Iced coffee in hand and maybe a donut for Ava and a muffin for mommy I’m guilty of a sweet tooth this pregnancy, but I’m rolling with it right now.

The trip was great and we made it to RI by 930am. I feel bad I made us stop to pee but this bladder is getting smaller and smaller each week.

We spent the day with Marc’s family and were fortunate that his aunt and grandma came to visit us. It’s so nice to be able to see them all.

Ava had a blast with her cousins.

She got to have cake and blow out candles for her Mimi’s birthday.

The kids ran around outside, played with toys and ate lunch together.

The day was great. I felt like when we got home my mind was rested and we were all in a happy mood.

Sunday Marc and I decided we wanted to be productive. By productive I mean we were nesting. That word sounds funny to me, but its the exact stage I feel that I am in. I’m making to-do lists, organizing drawers, cabinets, pantries & closets. I’m literally trying to throw everything out. If we haven’t used it in the last year it’s going in the garbage or it’s getting donated!!

It feels great to do some spring cleaning and also organize my life at home. I know once this baby is here I won’t be doing any of this stuff so I’d rather get it all done now.

The clock is ticking and with 8 weeks left I know I have to do a little each day to finish all the items on my list. Is it possible????

I sometimes question it, but I’m determined to clear the clutter and my mind!

Did you do anything fun this weekend?

How organized are you at home? Any organizational tips for this mama?

I’m super excited that I am closer to meet this little baby boy but part of me feels like I have so much I want to accomplish before he arrives. My To-Do list has gotten smaller but time is speeding up… ahhh.

Anyways, It’s Wednesday which is awesome and I’m linking up with the What I ate Wednesday Crew over on Laura’s Blog today to share my food journal with you from Monday.

Mondays are always busy for me. I rarely have time to sit down until Ava naps around 1:30 and by then, this mama can’t wait to put her feet up for a bit.

My morning started off with my usual 2 eggs, spinach with olive oil & potatoes.

I taught Group Power at 730am and for some reason my body was spent at the end. I didn’t go heavier in weights but I was sweaty and my muscles were wiped.

I refueled with a banana & avocado toast with scrambled eggs & a bite of a leftover quest bar (sad there wasn’t more)

Ava and I headed back to the YMCA around 10:15 for me second class. This girl was full of energy and basically ran in the building. She’s getting harder to keep up with these days.

After my class we headed home and decided to eat some lunch on our front porch.

It was beautiful out. I had 2 lovely lunch guests and we thoroughly enjoyed eating outside and getting some fresh air.

I ate a BBQ Chicken salad with romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli slaw & honey mustard dressing.

This salad is amazing and I’m slightly obsessed with this honey mustard dressing by bolthouse farms. I have had this salad 3 times in the last week!

Salads are working so well for me right now and if I’m craving any healthy food I’m going with it.

I also had an orange.

I have a little story about that orange….. I pulled an orange out of the fridge and I swear I put it on the table. I’m pretty sure Ava hid it on me and I couldn’t find it anywhere. Luckily we had more in the fridge and I ended up finding it 6 hours later behind our radiator in the kitchen!!

My afternoon snack came on the earlier side. Probably because salads are temporarily filling if you ask me and there weren’t any carbs.

I decided to have a bowl of oatmeal which I haven’t had in a while. I had it with a scoop of peanut butter and strawberries on top.

Once Ava was up from her nap we headed outside to play and to walk Cooper. The weather was AMAZING and couldn’t have been more perfect.

Dinner was a simple fast meal. Pesto baked salmon, baked sweet potatoes, & asparagus. I ate a ton of asparagus before I took this picture!! oops.

Even though this picture isn’t pretty it was delicious and we all agreed the salmon was perfect.

Around 7pm I crashed. My body said no more playing, walking, exercising, and I sat myself on the couch. I’m thankful that Marc can take over when I’m really tired. My body can only go so far these days and I’m OK with that.

I watched a little bit of random TV and snacked on a greek yogurt with berries and granola plus some cheerios.

I’ve been trying to stay away from granola when it comes to my yogurts but it’s so good I can’t stop!!

Your turn: What’s something yummy you ate this week?

Are you into salads right now?