Will someone tell Ava today is her due date?!?!?

How far along?  40 weeks


How big is baby? Average size: 7 1/2 lbs. A small pumpkin.  It sure does feel that way.

Average length: about 20 inches head to heel

What is baby doing this week? "It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 7 1/2 pounds (a small pumpkin) and is about 20 inches long. His skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "molding" is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after birth. Rest assured — it's normal and temporary."


What about mama? So ready!!
Food for thought.....Old Wives tales to get labor going are a shot in the dark.  We have tried eating pineapple, walking, nipple stimulation(awkward), and sex (although this has been not only for labor inducing, but pure enjoyment as well.)  Girls, it can still happen at 39 weeks pregnant!!!

Dr. appt update:
Weight: up 1.5lbs. Total gain 34ish

Pee cup: normal although i need stretch armstrong arms to get down there!!

Blood pressure: Still Excellent. 

Fundal height: 39 weeks
Cervix check: 3.5cm!!!  Still 70% effaced.

U/S: The tech says she is weighing in at about 7lbs 5oz.  This could be off either way by 15% though.  I could easily have a high 6lber or low 8lber!  EEEKKK!!!  Everything looks great though and she looks healthy, BUT SMOOSHED in there poor thing.  We kept telling her last night to come on out because there is so much more room to stretch out, eat, breath and not be upside down out in the world.


*Dr. did sweep my membranes again!!  So we will see if this time works.  IF she doesn't decide to come on here own, we are scheduled to induce on Tuesday!!!!


Sleep: My body is already ready for getting up multiple times with Ava. 

Best moment of the week: Our ultrasound yesterday.  She is still a girl.  There is always that anxiety that the u/s tech could be wrong. But she wasn't.

Movement: Very painful.  Little Ava-bug is running out of room.

Cravings: I have been really healthy this pregnancy, eating well and exercising.  This past week it has went down the drain.  Clint and I both are putting it all away(in our mouths) and enjoying the things we typically don't eat.  Once Ava is here, he wants to hit the weights hard again and I want to lose the baby weight and after the doc ok's it hit the weights again too.  Eating not so healthy (ice cream everyday) is getting old though.  I honestly don't know how people do it.  I feel so ugh!!

What I miss? My body being under my control!

What I am looking forward to: Ava being here!

Milestones: Due date.  Although, NO ONE thought I would be here!

How is daddy? This anxiety and waiting is just as hard on him.  I have "had" her with me for 10 months and he is so ready for daddy and Ava time.

6 days(I pray earlier)

How far along? 39 weeks 1 day
How big is baby? Average size: a bit over 7lbs(a mini watermelon)

Average length: about 20 inches head to heel
What is baby doing this week? "Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth.  The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath."




What about mama?  "At each of your now-weekly visits, your caregiver will do an abdominal exam to check your baby's growth and position. She might also do an internal exam to see whether your cervix has started ripening: softening, effacing (thinning out), and dilating (opening). But even armed with this information, there's still no way for your caregiver to predict exactly when your baby is coming. If you go past your due date, your caregiver will schedule you for fetal testing (usually a sonogram) after 40 weeks to ensure that it's safe to continue the pregnancy. If you don't go into labor on your own, most practitioners will induce labor when you're between one and two weeks overdue — or sooner if there's an indication that the risk of waiting is greater than the risks of delivering your baby without further delay.




While you're waiting, it's important to continue to pay attention to your baby's movements and let your caregiver know right away if they seem to decrease. Your baby should remain active right up to delivery, and a noticeable slowdown in activity could be a sign of a problem. Also call if you think your water may have broken. Membranes rupture before the beginning of labor in about 8 percent of term pregnancies. Sometimes there's a big gush of fluid, but sometimes there's only a small gush or a slow leak. (Don't try to make the diagnosis yourself. Call even if you only suspect you have a leak.) If you rupture your membranes and don't start contractions on your own, you'll be induced."


Dr. appt update:
Weight: up 1/2 a lb.  Total gain 32lbs
Pee cup: normal
Blood pressure: Excellent
Fundal height: 38weeks(still doesn't mean much)
Cervix check: Still at 3cm, 70% effaced and as low as she is going to get until labor.
*Dr. did sweep my membranes though.  It was a little uncomfortable as she goes back and forth massaging my membranes to get them to produce the hormone prostaglandins.  This is supposed to aid in labor inducing naturally. It is supposed to work better if one is dilated and thinned and should work in up to 48hours.  NO LUCK YET!!

 Sleep: Very uncomfortable!!!
Best moment of the week: EVERYTHING is ready for her!
Movement: Painful!
Cravings: Nothing really these days.
What I miss? Comfort.
What I am looking forward to: Going in to labor.  I know some women are scared of labor, but I am not.  The sooner I go into labor, the sooner our baby girl will be here.  We are ready to be parents and need a baby to do that for real!!
Milestones:6 days until due date.
How is daddy? Just as anxious as I am. 

2 weeks to go (maybe)

How far along? 38 weeks 2 days



How big is baby? Average size: nearly 7 pounds

Average length: 19 1/2 inches, head to heel.

What is baby doing this week? "Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb."


What about mama? "For many women, the next couple of weeks are a waiting game. Use this time to prepare your baby's nursery or to take care of necessary tasks you may not get around to for a while after your baby's born. Take naps, catch up on your reading, and spend uninterrupted time with your partner while you can."

Dr. appt update:
Weight: same as last week.  Actually about 1/4 lb lost,
Pee cup: normal
Blood pressure: Excellent
Fundal height: measuring at 37 weeks (that measurement these days doesn't mean much though)
Cervix check: I am 3cm and 70% effaced and -2 station!!!  Although, that is so exciting and I am progressing, it still doens't mean I could go into labor any second.  It could be a week or so.

Let me tell you how I really am. First off, I have had a perfect and healthy pregnancy and I am very blessed.  BUT, since Thursday I have hit the  "miserable as SH*t" stage.  I had some strong contractions about 3am Thursday morning that must have shifted her permanently.  Her rear is further the side of my belly right under/in my ribs.  I can't lay, sit, or stand for more than 20 minutes at a time with ehr being just so painful.  I think she is getting too bog for my small frame and belly.  I have severe lightning crotch that makes me say "EEEK" when it happens.  There is so much pressure when I pee that it feels like she is going to fall out. I cry a lot.

My last day of work was Thursday, since it is so uncomfortable and hard to get around.  We want her to come so badly.  I am ready to go through the pain, so we can see our sweet baby Ava's face.  We are ready for a baby and not a huge belly!

We are also getting tired of people telling us when she can and can't come.  My family has a pool of when she will be born and that is fine, but don't tell me she can't come because you have something to do or will be out of town.  SHE WILL COME WHEN SHE WANTS TO.  We just want her to be here for the love of everything good and holy.
Vent and whining session over!

Sleep: Not so fun.  It hurts about every 20 minutes and turning over is a comical event. Peeing is pretty consistent.  I took two cat naps yesterday!




Best moment last week? Hearing  I am progressing very well for a 1st timer.


Movement: Slowing down.  She just shifts a little.




Cravings: Nothing really these days.

What I miss? A comfortable pregnancy.




What I am looking forward to: Going in to true labor and not all of this false sh*t!



Milestones: Less than 2 weeks until her due date.




How is daddy? Just as anxious as I am.  Irritated with people as well.

Ava please come out!!!!

Full term!! Yippee skippy

How far along? 37 weeks




How big is baby? Average size:  6 1/3 pounds

Average Length: a bit over 19 inches, head to heel
What is baby doing this week? "Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)


Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz."


What about mama? "Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you see some "bloody show" (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or in your undies, labor is probably a few days away — or less. (If you have heavier spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.) Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn't yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you'll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics.


It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though her quarters are getting cozy, she should still be as active as before.
While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy."

Dr. Appt status:  Tuesday, I had some hardcore pressure in the va-jayjay area most of the day and at one time (TMI ALERT) I had this huge clump of snotty discharge.  Wednesday morning while walking with one of my clients, it felt like thunder and lightning in my stuff.  It wasn't painful persay, but odd and uncomfortable. 

I had an appt that morning, so I decided to let her know off all the goings on. 
Blood pressure: 110/70 Perfect
Pee in cupo: Good
Weight: Up a lb.  Total of 30.
Fungal Height: Still at 36.
Ava's Heartrate:139

So, I told her what was going on. She said the thunder and lightning was her screwing down in to my vaginal canal.  I have dropped significantly. She then decided to do an internal exam based on what I had told her.  (YAY, since she doesn't usually do them until 38 weeks.)   Dr. B started smiling (this is odd, she isn't that cheerful of a lady!)  Wait for it......I AM 2CM DILATED AND 50% EFFACED ALREADY!!!  She asked if my mom made it to her due date and I told her all 3 of us were early.  Her hunch is that I won't make it until my due date!  I know, I know that the progress could me I go in to labor tomorrow or in 2 weeks, but I am progressing!    Today, I have had some menstrual cramp feeling contractions and some pressure.  SOOOO, who knows when she will decide to "come on dowwwwnn. (Price is Right voice.)

Maternity clothes: Can't wait to pack those bad boys up!!
Sleep: Tossing and turning, lots of peeing.  I woke up to Clint laughing at me a few nights ago.  Apparently, I looked like one of those turtles that can't get off their back and it took me like a minute to turn over to my other side.  It is pretty funny!

Best moment last week? This week was AMAZING.  Clint and I got to spend 3 full days together and I loved it.  Saturday morning was breakfast, last minute shopping for Ava, a couple hours at my parents' pool with our dogs, dinner, Minor league baseball game.  Sunday was church, we cooked lunch together, vegged around the house and then went to our church's 4th of July cookout.  Monday was most of the day at the lake.  I couldn't have planned a more fun, special "last weekend" with my favorite person in the whole world.  No matter what I do not get tired of him!  (Sigh!)


Movement: Same position but she's is a strong little booger.
Cravings: Tuna fish.  Oatmeal and yoguty mixed together.

Belly Button in or out: Still does the weird poke outy thing when I sit or laugh. Very odd looking.
What I miss?  Sleep.
What I am looking forward to: Ava deciding to come out and play.
Milestones: Graduated from Childbirth Classes last night.  We can now be parents apparently.

How is daddy? Begging Ava to come out already!!

Ava's Room

Hey Ladies!  I hope your holiday weekend was nice and relaxing.  Clint and I have the day off today and are going to the lake.  We have had such a great weekend together.  I do not get tired of him! 

We have finished (pretty much) Ava's room and wanted to share some pictures.  Everyone loves pictures right??

Without further ado.

The changing table.

Dresser and carseat/stroller system.

Her bed. I love the ladybug bean bag!

She's not spoiled at all huh?!?!?!  This isn't even all of her clothes. Poor thing!

The cutest table and chair with a elephant bank on it!

We love her room.  It turned out better than we invisioned!!  Now all we need is her sweet little face to get here.  24 days until due date, but we are ok with her coming whenever she wants.  (Soon though!!)

Starting my 9th month!

How far along? 36 weeks


How big is baby? Average size:  almost 6 pounds  Average Length: more than 18 1/2 inches, head to heel

What is baby doing this week? "Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.


At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly."


What about mama? "Now that your baby is taking up so much room, you may have trouble eating a normal-size meal. Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier to handle at this point. On the other hand, you may have less heartburn and have an easier time breathing when your baby starts to "drop" down into your pelvis. This process — called lightening — often happens a few weeks before labor if this is your first baby. (If you've given birth before, it probably won't happen before labor starts.) If your baby drops, you may also feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen, which may make walking increasingly uncomfortable, and you'll probably find that you have to pee even more frequently. If your baby is very low, you may feel lots of vaginal pressure and discomfort as well. Some women say it feels as though they're carrying a bowling ball between their legs!


You might also notice that your Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent now. Be sure to review the signs of labor with your practitioner and find out when she wants to hear from you."

Dr. update:
Ava's heartbeat was up at 159. Nothing to worry about. 
My weight was up a lb. Normal!
Blood pressure: Superb
Strep b test: Done. I will find out results next week, but I am not worried either way.
Fundal height-Right on at 36 weeks.
Internals will start at 38 weeks.
She said that we have hit the point that if we do go into labor that they would not stop it!  Whoo hoo!!


Symptoms: Still swelling in the ankles dept.  I started having honest to goodness contractions last Saturday.  They are mild and I only have about 2/day.  I wasn't sure, but when we went to our 26 week appt yesterday, our doc said yep that is contractions.

 (Here is how mine feel. Everyone is different.  My lower back starts to hurt and then it feels like period cramps in my lower belly/pelvic area.  It only lasts about a min or so.) 

Maternity clothes: No other way.

Sleep: I get naps at night.  The other night I set a record for peeing 5 times!  5 times!  Can you believe that?  I have to cut myself off of liquids around 8 now.

Best moment last week? Feeling contractions.  I know I am odd, but I am ready for Ava Quinn F to be here!!

Movement: She is still head down and is pretty much in the same spot, BUT her movements are so much more predominant and she has hit the "alien in mama's belly, trying to get out" stage.
Cravings: Nothing new.
Belly Button in or out: It's in, until I sit down and then it starts to poke out.

What I miss? The simple things my body used to do that I took for granted.
What I am looking forward to:
Milestones: If we go in labor it is ok.

How is daddy? As anxious for her to be here as I am.