28 weeks! 3rd trimester...wow!

Hello everyone! Sorry I am a little late on my post I was having too much fun in Las Vegas :) Brandon and I went to my friend Becky's wedding and it was absolutely beautiful! She definitely made one of the prettiest little brides I've ever seen. She and her husband both take hip hop dancing so the music and dancing was right up my ally and I had a great time...even in heels! I had to laugh because a girl who had been drinking a bit came up to me and said I was her idol. I laughed and she said "When I'm pregnant, I want to wear heels just like you and still be stylish" I guess that's a compliment! Some days I don't feel very stylish or cute especially when my clothes are about to snap or tear from my growing body! 


Speaking of growing body, last week I had my third trimester check up and glucose test. Hopefully I passed! The doctor told me that I am in the high average for weight gain up to this point. I guess I was gaining a pound a week from 12 weeks on and he said now he'd like to see me at a half pound per week. I guess I have kinda been a cookie monster the last few months! I know being at work and snacking when I'm having stressful days is not helping either so I'm going to try and make a point to be healthier for both baby and I. Maybe more walks with little Rocco :)


Did I mention May is going to be the greatest month ever? I can't wait to see Brandon's whole family and mine all within the same weekend!I can't wait to celebrate baby Sev with all of them :) My friends from Arizona are also throwing me a baby shower in my mother is coming out for it! When she told me she may be able to come I got so excited!  I can't wait for my mom to get here :) Another exciting thing is I have 17 more work days until summer break. I know a lot of teachers say they get "bored" over the summer but not this girl! I am excited to get my real estate license, get baby sevs things ready and to meet the little man. Maybe even make a few owls! lol...


Here are some highlights from my wild Vegas trip (just kidding I was boring) and a sneak peak at little man's bed skirt made by his grandma Renee! Thanks so much Renee!!We <3 it :)

My Bran and I

Pregnant and dancing in Heels with the pretty bride....so much fun :)

Speck and I....her dress was so pretty!

Not much time with just the two of us! Can't believe he's almost here :)

Two Preggers

Yellow Giraffe skirt....I thought it was a little more of a pale yellow. But I think I can make it work! Renee did such a great job!!! :)

My favorite print! I am going to use this for some fun decor in his room...and maybe part of an owl out of it!

I have gone a little crazy shopping for him...I got this on Amazon.com! Anyone who knows me knows I <3 owls..now baby Sev can love them too!

28 weeks pregnant

Welcome to the third trimester! Moms-to-be who are at 28 weeks and beyond are known for their lack of sleep. Remember if you find yourself up in the middle of the night, do something relaxing. This is not the time to vacuum the house from top to bottom -- even though you might feel the urge to do that at some point. Read a book, drink chamomile tea, listen to soothing music. Then try to get back to bed and get some rest! Being in the third trimester also means much of your and baby’s anatomy are ready to go -- she's prepping for breathing, and your breasts already have colostrum, which is what baby will eat the first few days until your milk comes in. You’ll also start feeling more Braxton Hicks contractions as your body gets ready for labor. Baby will keep getting bigger -- and smarter -- after week 28, and other than that, she just needs a few more finishing touches.

Your baby's the size of a rutabaga!

Putting on layers of fat, your baby now weighs in around 1.5 to 2.5 pounds and measures about 13.6 to 14.8 inches.

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your baby at 28 weeks

• She's starting to develop more fat, so her wrinkly skin will start to get smoother.
• Her lungs are mature enough that she'd probably survive if she was born now. Wow!

27 weeks!

Hi family and friends! I hope you are enjoying some sunshine this weekend no matter where you live. I tried to enjoy the sunshine but with 105 degree temps the last couple of days I only last about 10 minutes out there! The positive thing about the heat is my pool is finally ready to swim in.  I dipped in there yesterday and it felt soooooo nice! I'm sure once I'm 9 months along I will be spending a lot of time floating around in there. 


My stomach has definitely gone through a growth spurt this last week. I've been having major stretching pains and the baby has been kicking so hard it actually took my breath away and brought a tear to my eye! (a painful tear). I think he is trying to make room in there. I feel lucky that my nausea is completely gone and that the pregnancy has gone smoothly. The only tough part has been my insomnia and my recent night time heartburn. I wake up every morning between 3-4am with a burst of energy. I think he's a party animal!


I have 4.5 more week of work, 1 week until my trip to Vegas, and less than 3 weeks until I see family and friends in Michigan! My sister and mom are throwing me a baby shower with our close family and friends. It's going to be at one of my favorite restaurants in Midland too. I'm so excited to see my family I could squeal! eek! I am also going up north to celebrate baby Sev with Brandon's family which is going to be so much fun! I feel so lucky to have such supportive families and for everyone to finally see me pregnant. 


We are also getting so close to naming the baby. I am actually curious to know what you all think of the names we have chosen so far! Right now we are leaning towards Mason Dale Severinsen. My grandpa Dale was such a big influence in my life and I miss him everyday and can't wait for baby Sev to share a piece of my family name as well! Here are a few other names in the running: Hudson, Riley, Cade. I would love input!! Hope you all have a great week.  Here are a few pics from the week!

I love my rose bushes in the background! I need to plant more :) 

This melts my heart. I think I am going to have 3 baby boys..lol

Some of our AZ friends! The guy to the right of Bran is Mike and one of Bran's really good friends out here. Both UPS boys! We were all together to watch the UFC fight at our house

My little "squirell"

"Mom stop taking pictures!!"

This is Danielle one of my favorite peeps in AZ! She is also from Michigan and according to Bran and her boyfriend we are "twins"

 

27 weeks pregnant

At 27 weeks, baby is breathing (it’s amniotic fluid, not air, but it still counts) and even showing brain activity. You’ve got a lot on your brain, too, from wondering what labor and delivery is going to be like to trying to find the best pediatrician for baby. The annoying symptoms you’ve been having probably aren’t going away, but at least you’ve probably found some ways to deal with them -- and hey, maybe you’re used to them right now. As you say goodbye to the second trimester, you can look forward to some pretty embarrassing stuff (like having to pee all the time -- and maybe even when you don’t mean to at all) that’s all par for the late-pregnancy course. It’s time to head down the home stretch. Are you ready?

Your baby's the size of a cauliflower!

At 13.6 to 14.8 inches and 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, she's not just getting bigger, she's getting smarter.

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your baby at 27 weeks

• She's practicing inhaling and exhaling with her rapidly developing lungs.
• It's official: Baby's showing brain activity! And her brain will keep on getting more complex.

A day in the life of Mrs. S....

Being pregnant and teaching first grade has definitely been an adventure. Some days I come home and pass out on the couch and forget what time and day it is. When I vent to my friends/family I think they envision teaching how it was "back in the day". No perfect days for this chick! This week I just sorta observed and wrote down some things I found interesting...and it may help those who don't understand what my day is like, understand it a little bit better :)

Monday: (student from another country) "Mrs. S last night my dad and I killed a dog and ate it, we didn't want it to go to waste"

Tuesday: "Mrs. S ahhhh!! It's stuck it's stuck!"

"What's wrong"

"I stuck a leggo up my nose and can't get it out!"

(crying uncontrollably and a teacher came in my room because she thought someone was getting murdered!)

Wednesday:Student 1 "Mrs. S..You're enormous!"

Student 2 "I'm not going to time out because I don't have to....I won't get in trouble at home anyways"

Student 3: "my mom says you need to buy my snacks from now on because she doesn't have money"

Some days I feel like a mother, nurse, therapist, teacher, drill sargeant, and police officer all in one! If you know a teacher out there..make sure you give them a hug. They need love :)

Yes there are many happy stories as well but I think pregnancy has made my stress levels rise a little bit more than usual. I'm wondering how I am going to do all this next year and have enough energy for 26 little ones AND a tiny little baby. 

This rising stress I'm feeling has kind of made me think of what else I could do in the future as a back up plan. This summer I am excited because I am going to be getting my real estate license. Not super exciting I know but the thought of working a job where I don't come home completely worn out excites me :) I want baby Sev to be #1! We'll see what happens next year! :)

26 weeks!

Hi everyone! I hope you are all having a spiffy and relaxing weekend so far.  I've decided to spend my day cleaning and hopefully napping. We have had lots of visitors this month which has been a lot of fun! But that also means I have been slacking on getting things done around the house that I normally get done. It's amazing how dusty things get here! 

I looked at the calendar and couldn't believe how close summer is getting. Some days I feel like baby Sev should be here any day then I have to be reminded that he won't be here for 3 months still! (hopefully less) A mom of one of my students looked at me and thought I was due next month..ha! She was a little shocked when I told her I have 3 months to go. I guess he's grown quite a bit the last month!

Over the weekend, Brandon's sister Brittany and I went to the mall and I found some cute maternity and non-maternity dresses! I think dresses are my new best friend. It was also funny trying to find a "party" dress for my friend's wedding reception. It's not maternity but I think I can still rock it!   I'll post lots of pictures up after our Vegas trip in two weeks. I'm sure this   Vegas trip will be a little more low key than my usual trips there! I wish I had more exciting things to say this week....but next weekend Brandon and I  are finishing up painting the room and making our final name decision so keep posted for that soon! Have a great week everyone :) Here are some highlights of the week and my big belly! Oh! and a picture of my latest chalkboard project...so fun to make and easy!

Pretty sure you could set a cup on my growing butt and belly right now!!

Baby Sev's sweet ride!! :)

I made this from an old frame, chalkboard spray paint, and sheet metal! I also made the little magnet! I kind of want to make another one:)

Cheesecake Factory with Bran's fam on Easter Sunday....DELICIOUS

I <3 him so much! :)

Todays Date: Saturday, April 14, 2012

How far along: 26 weeks 1 day J

Maternity Clothes: I’ve been wearing dresses everyday…and it’s great J Once in awhile I’ll rock an old pair of pants with a belly band but it feels uncomfortable.

Sleep: Terrible L I wake up almost everyday at 3 or 4am with a burst of energy. I hope I can sleep more before the baby arrives!

Best moment of the week: Easter we went to the cheesecake factory with Brandon’s dad, step mom, brother and sister. It was very relaxing and a fun way to celebrate Easter with family!

Movement: Sometimes I feel like he’s going to bust out of my stomach. About an hour ago I almost videoed my belly because he had hiccups and my stomach was shaking! So fun to watch J

Food cravings: Nothing lately! Still have my gallon of Mint chocolate chip around at all times.

Symptoms: insomnia, headaches, and pretty bad shoulder and back pain…could be the over 20lbs I’ve gained in my mid section! lol

Labor signs: I’m having Braxton hicks contractions regularly now. Last night I was a tiny bit worried because my stomach was tightening every few minutes…not pain just a very tight feeling. This morning I haven’t had any of that J

What I miss: feeling small, wine, and my fam

Belly button: almost out! I’d take a picture but I think

 it would scare you guys J

What I’m looking forward to: Seeing family in less than a month! I miss them SOOOO much! Becky’s wedding in Vegas in two weeks…and in 6 weeks it will be the last day of school J Lots to look forward to next month!

26 weeks pregnant

Wow! Can you believe baby has eyelashes at 26 weeks? And she’s amping up to start batting them soon. At this point, it probably feels like this baby (who you haven’t even met yet) has taken over your life. She’s interfering with your sleep. She’s messing with your brain. (Forget much?) She might even be giving you a stress headache or two. It’s normal to be experiencing some mild swelling, but around week 26, it’s important to watch out for swelling severe or sudden -- it could be the sign of a dangerous condition called preeclampsia. Notice your belly occasionally feeling really tight? That’s a contraction. Yup, already. Don’t freak out though -- your body is just practicing some tightening in preparation for labor. As long as the contractions aren’t steady or severe, you’re not in labor.

Your baby's the size of a head of lettuce!

She's still growing in the 13.6- to 14.8-inch and 1.5- to 2.5-pound range, and developing her senses, features and talents!

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your baby at 26 weeks

• Her eyes are forming, and his eyes will soon start to open.
• And her eyelashes are now grown, too.
• She's getting her immune system ready for life on the outside by soaking up your antibodies.
• She's taking breaths, too. They're of amniotic fluid, not air, but it's still good practice.

25 weeks!

Happy Easter weekend everyone! I hope you are enjoying time with friends and family. Some of you are probably getting back from a Spring Break..jealous! This weekend Brandon's dad, step-mom, brother and sister came out for the week. We played a fun game of apples to apples (my favorite game) and sadly I lost. Why is it that I always suck at things I enjoy? (i.e.golfing, apples to apples, bowling) oh well! 


Yesterday I had a bit of a scare when it comes to baby Sev. I was at work when all of a sudden I felt like my stomach was on fire. Luckily, we have a school nurse so I thought I'd stop by on my lunch break to see if she had an anti-itch cream. She looked at my stomach and gasped. I could see a worried look on her face and she told me she had a friend who had a very similar rash at 37 weeks and it ended up being a virus that took her babie's life. I can't believe she told me that! I was so freaked out and was paranoid of how I was going to teach another 4 hours with no breaks. Luckily, my teacher friends were sweet and watched my class for me so I could call my doctor. He ended up getting me in at 3:40 so I only had to miss 30 minutes of work. It turns out I had an allergic reaction to something I ate and that it is possible women can get rashes from viruses. I'm very glad I went to the doctor but yikes what a scare! I'm noticing the rash is getting better today and I'm going to try and investigate to see what may have caused it.


Another goal Brandon and I had was to get the baby room painted. So far we have the walls all gray and now just need to do the white stripes on one wall. I think Brandon is nervous about doing it because we've never tried something tricky like that before. Baby Sev also received some beautiful giraffe items from his great-grandma Cheri this week! Something ironic is that our dog Rocco has a naughty relationship with one of his stuffed Giraffes...lol! So we're kind of nervous that I chose a giraffe theme...hopefully he can contain himself :)


Nothing else too exciting is going on over here. I'm gaining lots of weight (can't fit in my pants :( ), wearing sun dresses, and enjoying my time being preggo so far! Here are a few pics...not as exciting this week..sorry!

I feel like he's starting to stick out farther! I wish I could have my eyes open but it was way too sunny!

Only 2 lbs and he's already forced into loving Wisconsin teams

Does it look like he misses Michigan? He's obsessed with the sun! 

I love these flowers....now its just keeping them alive that's the goal!

Baby Sev's room painted now!

Playing bags round 2..glad my sewing came in handy for these bags!!