Quick Takes: Maternity pics + updates

Friday, April 11, 2014

1. So I was originally planning on sharing seven of our maternity pictures and then linking up with Jen, but I couldn't pick just seven...

{all pictures by Jillian J Photography}

Outfit details: Wrap Dress//Fuchsia Top//Jeans//Navy Top
























I'm so happy that we have these pictures to remember such a special time in our lives.

2. We had a surprise ultrasound yesterday after I went in for my appointment to check the baby's weight and amniotic fluid index along with cervical length and placental position. We hadn't seen the little guy since 22 weeks, so it was pretty darn exciting. Stephen was super nervous because we watched What to Expect When You're Expecting on our mini-babymoon and one of the babies came out a girl when they thought it was a boy (Stephen was already worried about this). The first thing they saw when the put the probe on my belly was the baby's boy parts (picture was way too graphic or I would post ha) and the beaming look on Stephen's face was priceless.

His profile

Face shadows + chubby cheeks

3. So aside from the fact that we know the baby is still a boy, we also know that he is head down (I was 99.9% sure of this already), he is on the smallish side (currently 5 lbs 2 oz and 39th percentile), and his feet and hands were just where I thought they were based on all the crazy movement I've been feeling. His rather large foot was wedged right up against my uterus, which explains a lot ;) We also don't have the official report back, but I'm pretty sure that the placenta previa they saw earlier in my pregnancy is completely resolved and that my cervix is not doing anything (I couldn't see the screen when they checked but Stephen claims it looked like a little slit and then proceeded to demonstrated this by tightly closing and rolling in his lips). It's is a little shocking to me based on the amount of cramping I've had over the last two weeks, but a good thing I guess since I'm not full-term yet.

4. I told my doctor that if the babe comes late I'm going to freak out because of all the cramping I've had...and she told me that she'd be shocked if he's late, which makes me feel better but not completely. I'm 35 weeks but starting to feel ready to be done...I got some prescription compression stockings this week (sexy) which has helped my leg cramps (the only really unbearable pregnancy symptom I've had) as has walking...although I still really miss the elliptical. My weight gain is at 23 pounds and I'm crossing my fingers that I stick to 25 pounds total...but I realize that it might not be realistic (and obviously there are more important things to worry about than my vanity).

5. I realized that I hadn't done any pregnancy reading yet, so I picked up Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (a little weird so far, but also has some great tips on having a natural labor) along with Happiest Baby on the Block. I've heard good things about The Baby Whisperer and The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, but being honest with myself I'll be lucky if I get through the first two books (and I'm planning on using my mom, who breastfed 8 kids, as my breastfeeding resource).

6. If you are a fellow preggo (and I'm guessing if you've made it this far into this post that you are) you can enter a giveaway for $25 to Pink Blush Maternity here. They have a ton of cute and reasonable things (I really, really want this maxi dress).

7. Lastly, I just loved Grace's link up of wedding first dance songs. It did a preggo soul good to reminisce about our wedding day and rewatch our wedding video (happy tears are therapeutic).

Have a lovely weekend.


21 comments:

  1. your pictures are adorable - I think the first one is definitely my favorite though :)

    also, I read all the way through the post because I love pregnancy stuff. (and I promise I'm not pregnant) ;)

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  2. Your maternity shots are the cutest!

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  3. Love the photos! The ones where you're standing belly to belly and the bump is peeking out of your coat are my favorite. So sweet. And those little shoes!!

    Ina May is a little weird with all those old-school birthing stories, but her general philosophies are good if you want a natural labor... and I liked reading blog posts of people's more recent natural birth stories - those got me pumped up about the awesome capabilities of women's bodies. I felt like it was hard to prepare for breastfeeding - easier to figure out everything once you've actually got the baby in your arms, and then having knowledgeable people around is a big help. You'll do great at it all!

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  4. I didn't know that I was supposed to be "prepared" or "worried" about breastfeeding -- I just did it and it was fine. Ha. So, maybe it's better not to be prepared. Sending lots of last month good wishes your way. (Also not pregnant!)

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  5. Beautiful photos! . . . And you'll gain at least two pounds automatically if your little guy gets up to the average 7 lbs or so. Plus your body will automatically retain some extra blood and whatnot. so give yourself some slack. (Says the blogger who just wrote a post about avoiding unsolicited advice. *facepalm*)

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  6. Erika: your photos are beautiful! You are glowing, in fact, so is Stephen! :)

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  7. I love the contrast of the snow! I just love the glow of maternity photos. My son was always boy parts first on ultrasound too. No doubt about it. 35 weeks was such a wonderful time. It's going to go SO FAST even if he's a little late. I just say cherish these moments :D you look fantastic!

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    1. Thanks! The maternity photos were so fun and I"m so glad we got to do them! Glad to hear that these last weeks go fast :)

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  8. gorgeous pics!!!
    where did you get that beautiful dress from?
    also, are you still planning on selling some maternity items that didn't work out for you? i am in the market for mediums!

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    1. Hi Helen! Thank you :) the dress is from Isabella Oliver, it was a splurge but I got it 20% off and figured it would be worth it because I've worn it so much (perfect for work and graduation events). I found another Isabella Oliver dress on eBay for a fraction of the price so that's a good place to look! I added a link to everything at the top the post :)

      I actually just took some pictures of the maternity items I want to get rid of and will try to add them to the sale post this weekend...sizes are 8s, 10s, and mediums :)

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  9. I really really want to know where all your outfits are from! I guess I missed the sources if you put it in another recent post! I love the blue tie top and the dress. Any hints?

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    1. Hi Monika! I just added links to everything at the top of the post :) The dress and blue top are from Isabella Oliver, they were on sale when I got them but still very much a splurge (I convinced myself it was worthwhile to splurge on a couple perfectly fitting and flattering things). I've also seen the wrap dress on Ebay so you could look there! The pink top is from H&M (I own it in a couple other colors and am pretty much just rotating them at this point in my pregnancy haha). It's actually on sale right now for $7!

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  10. Oh my gosh! My favorite photo is you facing each other on the street. Sooo gorgeous! I was also feeling SO DONE at 35 weeks. You can do it! With lots of naps and pampering and prenatal massage(s) :) so excited you guys are getting so close!!!

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  11. You're adorable! And yes, your mom will be the best resource for you. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is okay, but I don't know if I'd recommend...you'll quickly realize that babies don't follow a formula, and your breastfeeding journey will be totally unique to you too.

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    1. Thanks Heidi! and that is so good to hear :)

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  12. Love the pictures!!!!!! I cramped my entire pregnancy and my son was late, so you never know. Although he was not small, he was big. Just enjoy the last few weeks.

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.com

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  13. P.S. I just nominated you for a Liebster Award over on my blog! :) http://thesweetwonder.blogspot.com/2014/04/liebster-award-nomination-question-time.html

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  14. fabulous photos! that first dress is a gorgeous colour, very flattering!

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  15. Love, love, love all of them! You look gorgeous and I adore that blue dress. Hope you are feeling well! :)

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  16. Fabulous pictures! You look wonderful.

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