Home ยป Pregnancy Update: 29 days to go!

Pregnancy Update: 29 days to go!

Nicole Maternity (20)

I am officially counting down the days until baby Shea arrives (29!!). Pregnancy has been a journey…like most things in life, I presume. Getting pregnant was met with some difficulties (you can read all about our infertility story here) and I swore to never complain about a thing if I were to be blessed with a pregnancy, but…easier said than done. Creating life was not easy and growing a baby is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done…and I consider myself to be a pretty tough chick. I think, at least in part, I’m used to hard work producing wanted results and I’ve come to realize that sometimes your health has other ideas in mind — carpal tunnel, back pain like none other, Braxton Hicks contractions, indigestion, insomnia, fatigue, and so on.

All that said, the past 8 months have been some of the best. I feel so close with Mr. Prevention in ways I could’ve never experienced without pregnancy and our families and friends have showered Shea with endless love and excitement.

Nicole Maternity (1) - Copy

Sadly, Mr. Prevention’s grandmother passed away last weekend. Thankfully, we were able to see her the night before and had a very special last conversation with her while her hand rested on my belly and the baby the entire time. Shea is her third great grandchild and was listed as such in her obituary. Grandma wasn’t able to attend the baby shower last month, but we were videotaped opening her beautiful gift and it was later shared with her.

I’ve heard the saying that with new life comes death and I can’t help but feel there’s some truth behind that. I so badly wanted grandma to meet and hold Shea, but she’s in a better place now.

Nicole Maternity (22)

The latest pregnancy update was my Tuesday evening trip to labor and delivery. My weight (fluid) is quickly on the rise and my blood pressure is following suit. After some labs and monitoring we were released, but they are keeping a close eye on everything and encouraging me to just…do less. For a work horse like me with a very active job, this has proved difficult. I continuously remind myself that this is what’s best for baby and the world and my job will march on without me — let…it…go.

So a few stats and updates…

  • How far along? 36 weeks
  • Weight gain to date: 31 pounds (8 of which have come in the past 10 days…). I have no ankles and my fingers are quite literally the size of bratwursts. I have struggled so much with the scale’s rapid climb as I’ve worked SO HARD to have a healthy pregnancy and weight gain, but…I also know that fluid is not actual weight and I need to understand that a number is just that. Baby and I are healthy so…move on, Nicole.
  • Biggest check on the to-do list: we chose a daycare! She has a tentative start of January 2015
  • Biggest fear: Not making it until at least October 3rd so I can be off with the baby through Christmas. We want to spend the holidays with our families loving on her!
  • Left to do: We are not packed for the hospital…oooops. Otherwise, everything is assembled and installed!
  • What are others saying: “Girl, you’re not going to make it to October, I don’t think!”
  • Mr. P’s update: He enjoys my belly and watching the movement. He is a little overwhelmed with all the baby stuff that has accumulated, but he’s definitely getting excited. 😀
  • Best pregnancy memory: Laying on the beach each weekend with Mr. P and watching/feeling my belly. So special.
  • What women need to know: When the baby drops…you may feel a LOT of pressure/pain…down low. And don’t be fooled into thinking the baby dropping means an imminent delivery. Shea dropped around week 33.
  • Eating: FAST meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially watermelon and asparagus which are natural diuretics.

I just can’t wait to meet her…eeeeeep!!!

P.S. Photos by Allison Christians Photography. I am so happy she’ll be doing our newborn photos, as well 🙂

Be well,

sig4

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12 Comments

  1. Kim (Feed Me, Seymour)
    September 11, 2014 / 8:36 am

    These are the most beautiful maternity photos, ever. Hands down.

  2. Jenn
    September 11, 2014 / 9:24 am

    Beautiful pictures! Can’t wait to see pictures of sweet baby Shea!

  3. Athena R
    September 11, 2014 / 9:27 am

    Beautiful, Nicole. Prayers for an healthy and easy delivery, when the time comes.

  4. Lizabeth
    September 11, 2014 / 11:39 am

    Just wanted to say congratulations! You look so beautiful! I really enjoyed seeing your pictures and hearing how you and Mr. P have become even closer. Thanks for sharing! Also, love your blog and recipes!

  5. Erin
    September 11, 2014 / 12:16 pm

    Gorgeous photos! So excited for you! My grandma passed away almost exactly a month before I had my daughter too. How very special that you got to have that moment with her.

  6. Becca
    September 11, 2014 / 6:26 pm

    Nicole. These pictures are gorgeous! (Something to keep in mind come February, there’s a reason we put up with our winters!) I am so excited for your family, hope the next few weeks go by as seamlessly as possible!

  7. Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health
    September 12, 2014 / 12:13 pm

    gorgeoussss photo shoot. seems like you guys are ready for the baby…hopefully packing will be tackled ASAP. sending you hugs.

  8. Kim of Mo'Betta
    September 12, 2014 / 3:49 pm

    SWEET!! My sister had her baby Monday!! She is absolutely the most precious thing…proud Aunt here ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Liz
    September 12, 2014 / 5:14 pm

    You are the most beautiful pregnant lady! Tell Mr. P we are thinking about both of you and sending you our prayers and best wishes. And I second the medical opinion: take it easy!!! Give yourself permission to relax, put your feet up, take a nap – your body will thank you now and your brain will be grateful for every bit of rest you get now once baby Shea arrives!

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  11. Chrissy M.
    September 20, 2014 / 9:14 pm

    Eek you’re so close! You look gorgeous! ๐Ÿ™‚

  12. Mia
    September 22, 2014 / 12:22 pm

    Those are some beautiful photos, I can’t wait to see pictures of Shea. Prayers for her great grandmother <3 Remember to let yourself relax in these last days of pregnancy.

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