39.5 - Any day now we could drop this mini watermelon

So I decided to blog a day early because I don't know when this baby is going to come, and I want to make sure that I get week 39 in.

Last Wednesday we had a Dr. Appointment. She did not check for dilation (which I was glad), but we did get an ultrasound. Baby and fluid looked good, and she confirmed that he is still a boy...lol. His heartbeat was in the 130's, a little lower than it normally is, but she says that it's normal. Fundus was 36 1/2cm. Half cm smaller than last appointment. Not to worry, it's so close to my due date, and he's still moving around. My blood pressure was down too. Not that I have had high blood pressure, but it was noticeable enough that the nurse commented on it. It was 120/70. It's normally 130ish/70ish. I told her that was weird because I had a headache, so I would assume that the blood pressure was higher with a headache. I wasn't complaining though. ;)

This week has been uneventful. I had a few contractions yesterday and today, but nothing lasting, or painful. I guess my body is warming up. :) Hoping to get past today without having the baby....anytime after today is good for us. Joel is working late today, and it's sorta an important training day. I mean he'll leave from work if things get serious, but we'd rather Baby Jehoshaphat comes after today.

Don't forget to check out our baby game at expectnet.

You will want to enter the game name: babywilloughby.

Although it's too late to pick the gender, you can still guess how much he will weigh, and when he will be born.

What's new this week?

How far along: 39.5 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 19 lbs. Didn't gain any weight at the last appointment.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 45". Every week it seems to be getting smaller. Does that mean he is dropping? We'll see!

Belly Button: Flat, but part of it sticks out. Joel keeps making fun of it. He asked me the other day what's wrong with my belly button....He said it looked bruised. I told him once again that it was probably just a stretch mark.

Best moment this week: Hearing his heartbeat once again. Joel hanging the curtain rod for me.

Food cravings: Today I wanted twice baked potatoes....and they are so good!

Food aversions: None.

Gender: He's still a boy! Check out the picture from our previous post.

Crazy Dreams: None this week to report. Well, I had one or two, but I didn't write them down again.

What I miss: Nothing. This has been a good week for me.

What I am looking forward to: His arrival.

Milestones: Got the curtains set up. Crib bedding will be washed today as well. The room will be ready minus some pictures. Those will have to go up after he is born. Two days! Yikes! He could come tonight if he wanted. I'm grateful for an easy pregnancy without complications. Let's just hope that labor will be the same.


Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.



Until next post,

Let God unfold the rose....

A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day. Feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was asking the older preacher for some advice. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals.

The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the will of God for his life and ministry. But because of his great respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to try to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact. It wasn't long before he realized how impossible this was to do.

Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud without tearing it, the older preacher began to recite the following poem...

It's only a tiny rosebud
This flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold it's petals
With these clumsy hands of mine
The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I
This flower God opens so sweetly,
Would in my hands fade and die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
How can I think I have wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
So I'll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day
I will look to Him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.
The pathway that lies before me,
My Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments
Just as He unfolds the rose.
(author unknown)

So I ask you today? Are you trying to unfold the rose of your life? or will you allow God to unfold it for you in His time?

Sometimes it's so hard to wait on the Lord, to put my trust in His hands. But I know, that I cannot open this rose of life the way God wants, and so everyday I look to see what petals have been opened. Everyday learning to trust more that He will provide what we need.

I don't ever want to forget that God knows best....and when I don't see a way out of my situation, God does. He has never failed me.

What really got me thinking on this subject; yesterday I was looking at our budget, and I just couldn't see how we could make it. I was getting upset, and then God steps in and gives us another blessing. I still needed a breast pump (which obviously is a more expensive item) but couldn't afford it. So I went searching last week for a used one (with a closed circuit for sanitary reasons) and found someone who was selling her's for $25.00. I inquired, but forgot to get back to her. So she sent me an email that said she would just give it to me if I was still interested...and so yesterday I picked up the pump (that normally cost about $150.00 new) for free. There are benefits to being a child of the Most High! So now all I need to do is buy some new tubing parts (which will cost about $30.00) and it will be like brand new!

Thank you Jesus for providing yet another blessing!

38.6- A shallot and an onion met, fell in love, and created a "Leek"

Another week closer to the baby being here. This week he is measuring as long as a leek. We had a Doctor's appointment last Thursday, and we gained three pounds, so I am back up to 19 pounds total. The Fundus was measuring in at 37cm, so a gain of 1cm from last week.

Not much happened this week as far as baby wise. Oh, we did get the car seat ordered, and Monday we received it. I was so happy! Now we are set. This baby can come. I still need to get curtains, but that can wait. I am getting really excited. I'm not so miserable that I want him to come right now, but I am getting tired of my back hurting, and cant wait to have a normal appetite again....AND NO HEARTBURN!!!

Poor Sadie! I have been waiting for the last month for her to go into heat, and of course she decided to wait until the baby is almost here to go into heat. It's bad enough that she is going to feel rejected because we have the baby, let alone to be in heat. Hopefully it will be short one. Not likely though. She normally goes 4 weeks, and we are only in week 1 still.

Onto other events, we had some exciting news from a friend. Bryan and Kaleo got engaged on Sunday. We are so excited for them. They are two wonderful young people who love God, and will be a great married couple. It's about time you two got engaged!!! These two have been childhood sweethearts. Congratulations!



What's new this week?

How far along: 38.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 19 lbs.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 45 1/2".

Belly Button: Flat, but part of it sticks out. Joel said that it looks like it's scarring. I told him it's probably just a stretch mark...lol. Who knew you could get stretch marks ON YOUR BELLY BUTTON!

Best moment this week: Getting the car seat on Monday and getting a new iPhone. I love the car seat. Thanks Mom!...and our new iPhones will be handy once we have the baby.

Food cravings: Super Burger. I got one on Friday, but it just wasn't that good. Oh well!

Food aversions: The smell of raw chicken and raw pork chops...I almost vomitted the other day when I was feeding Sadie her B.A.R.F. diet.

Gender: He's still a boy! Check out the picture from our previous post.

Crazy Dreams: None this week to report.

What I miss: This headache, backache and heartburn being gone! Oh and did I mention that my hands and feet itch like crazy!!! Birth should solve all these problems though.

What I am looking forward to: His arrival, but I am not in a rush for him to come.

Milestones: We got a crib mattress. Now we just need some curtains and a few decorations on the wall and it will be set up. I know, I know! I'm such a procrastinator. I just realized as of today, we have 8 days till our due date! AAAHHHHH!!!!! I will have a baby in my arms within the next two weeks. That is a crazy idea to wrap around still.

Your baby has really plumped up. He weighs about 6.8 pounds and he's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). He has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold his hand for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If he's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If he's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time he's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after he's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

Until next post,

37.6 weeks-"Chard"-ly any time left

Wow! Another week closer. This week we got the crib back from my Dad, and now the nursery is pretty much set up. I just need to add the finishing touches (ie curtains and pictures). I am getting excited.

This week at our Dr. Appointment the Fundus was measuring at 36cm (guess we are going to have a small baby). I also lost weight, so I gained a total of 16 pounds so far. Baby heartbeat was in the 150's again. Things are looking good. I did get an exam to see if we were dilated yet, but thankfully nothing is happening just yet. I don't mind him "cooking" for a little longer. I still have a few things to do around the house to prepare for his arrival. Besides, we want him to be born on September 4th...lol.

This last week was so busy with our 30th church anniversary services. Don't have time to tell you about it now, but I do have time to tell a funny yet embarrassing story?

I had to make 50 sugar free red velvet cupcakes for our church banquet this last Saturday. Soooo, I spent about 5 hours making them all pretty with fondant pearls and all. Well, I did not see them served at the banquet so I inquired once it was over, and of course they were not served (her reasoning was because no one asked for them...like people know to ask for a sugar free alternative, they will take what you have out on the tray)...so needless to say I was mad, got upset, and when I saw Joel, I immediately started crying. Well if you don't already know, pregnant women can sometimes have accidents. So I started crying into Joel's shoulder, and immediately I had a "small" accident....I was so embarrassed. I told Joel "I think I just peed, we need to go"

So we left right away. Like I said it was a "small" accident, and no on knew the better...yet it was still embarrassing. Once we got in the car, I told Joel, I sure hope that was pee and not my water breaking. At this point, Joel started getting nervous, and realized that we could go into labor whenever, and that at that particular moment, he was not ready. So the next time you see a pregnant woman get upset, have sympathy for us. We just might have an accident, or break the bag of waters and go into labor...lol.


What's new this week?

How far along: 37.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 16 lbs.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 45". He must have dropped a bit.

Belly Button: It's a flat sorta looking thing, and at times, part of it sticks out. I don't think I will look like a "done turkey" in the next two weeks though.

Best moment this week: Getting the nursery in working condition. We just need the last few things done. Finding his "coming home" outfit. It's so cute! Here is a picture of the outfit so you can agree with me (even if you don't think it's cute), and a few of the nursery. It still needs a few things.





Food cravings: Rocky Road Ice Cream (well, that's what we had in the freezer, and it just sounded good)

Food aversions: Tums, it doesn't go well with my digestive system. I guess I need to eat more fiber.

Gender: He's still a boy! Check out the picture from our previous post.

Crazy Dreams: I need to start writing them down. I can't recall any crazy ones this last week.

What I miss: My back not hurting. The load of this child is a little burdensome at times.

What I am looking forward to: His arrival, but I am not in a rush for him to come.

Milestones: The nursery is set up and almost finished. He is moving around like crazy.

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.

Until next post,

36.6 weeks-Carrying a baby melon to take a bath...or is it a shower?

This last weekend "Baby Jehoshaphat" had another shower. This was his main shower and 36 were in attendance. We were so blessed. He got lots of clothes and diapers! We even got some big items such as an exersaucer (from Nana Wendy) and a travel crib/play pen (from our good friends Siena and Bryan). I left feeling blessed and very grateful. He is definitely loved.

There are still quite a few items we still need to get (such as a stroller), but knowing that diapers and clothes are set for the next few months is such a big help! I am amazed how much stuff a little one needs though.

Special thanks:

Mollie P.-Your generosity was too much! Thank you so much for blessing us with a car seat, and a changing pad and cover. Words can't even express how grateful we are.

Lynette R.-Organizing the baby shower. I really appreciate your hard work. Also, thank you for making the cake so cute with the fondant blocks.

My Dad and Lynn-Opening up their house to host the shower and taking pictures. We had 36 in attendance, see the pictures above. Also, thank you for the beautiful rocking chair! It will be well used I am sure.

Mone't T.-For putting together the games (even though there wasn't enough time to get to them). I appreciate your hard work!

Carisa V.-For making the fondant blocks on the cake, and for your help with the shower.

Mary S., Rochelle R., and to anyone else, that helped make the shower a wonderful day.

Jasbir S.-For making it out to the baby shower. She lives about 30 minutes away. I was so glad that you were able to come! It was great seeing you again.

As I am typing this out, I realized he will be here in approx. 3 weeks! It's crazy how quickly this pregnancy has gone. I am so thankful that I have had such an easy time being pregnant, and that I really haven't gained a lot of weight. I am looking forward his birth too. I am curious to see which set of genes he has taken too, or if there is a healthy mix of both Joel and I in him. We'll soon see, in the meantime:

What's new this week?

How far along: 36.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 17 lbs.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 46 1/4".

Belly Button: Still an innie, thank the Lord, but it's getting sorta flat looking.

Best moment this week: Firstly, a surprise visit from a friend with a very special and big gift; His baby shower; Putting away all his clothes; Bringing home my rocking chair (finally!); Getting the bedding set in the mail.

Food cravings: Something tasty, but I just don't know what it is! Nothing satisfies :(

Food aversions: Everything. Heartburn is almost over right?

Gender: He's still a boy! Check out the picture from our previous post.

Crazy Dreams: Had one that involved Joel, but can't remember it.

What I miss: He's still in my ribs, so I miss being comfortable while singing...and this week there is a lot of singing to be done! Poor me!

What I am looking forward to: Finishing setting up the nursery. It's never going to get done, at least that's how I feel.

Milestones: I think he might have dropped. I had two friends say that the belly looked lower. I will say that that last two nights of sleep have been great! We'll see what the Dr. says. I have my next appointment of Friday.

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his 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 his 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 he's in a head-down position. But if he 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 him from the outside of your belly.

Until next post,

35.6 weeks- Honey Dew this...

Today we had a Dr. Appointment. I gained another three pounds. I guess I like the three pounds every two weeks routine...lol. From this point on, we start seeing the Dr. every week until he is born.

Baby had a strong heartbeat at 150 again. Fundus was measuring small she said at 35 1/2 cm. She guesstimated that Baby Jehoshaphat would weight around 7 pounds. We got another sneak peek at him with an ultrasounds. She wanted to make sure that he was still in head down position; of course he was.

I haven't really had a lot going on this last week, (Oh, this week had two people ask if we were expecting) but I anticipate that next week will be filled with a "Honey Dew" list for Joel as the baby shower is on Saturday, and I will be adding my rocking chair and crib back to the room (hopefully)!

I got to spend time with one of my "best good friends" (thats my version of a BFF) Tammy yesterday. We went and got Pedi's. I have been telling Joel for the last three weeks or so that I was going to get my feet done before I had this baby (especially if I had to look at them while giving birth; nothing worse than looking at gnarly ugly toes)....AND if I went into labor before I got them done, you better know that I would be sitting in that pedi chair (labor pains and all) getting my toes groomed. It was nice, refreshing, and absolutely relaxing. Thanks so much Tammy.

I am sure next week's post will be filled with more special thanks as well. So without further ado, lets see...

What's new this week?

How far along: 35.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 17 lbs. Had a Dr. Appointment and gained yet another three pounds. I'm cringing thinking I have four more weeks to gain weight....why am I so worried? I dunno. I know you have to gain weight, but why so much? lol.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 45".

Belly Button: Still an innie, thank the Lord, but it's getting sorta flat looking.

Best moment this week: Getting a much needed Pedicure...Thanks so much Tammy! I really, really, really, really, needed it!

Food cravings: None this week

Food aversions: Everything. Heartburn is almost over right?

Gender: He's still a boy! Check out the picture from our previous post.

Crazy Dreams: Had a bunch of crazy dreams this week, but most of them centered around me not being able to get to Joel for whatever reason it was in the dream.

What I miss: Being comfortable while singing and sitting. It never fails, every time I start singing, Baby Jehoshaphat decides its a good time to be in my ribs....and then after singing, sitting down is a nightmare with him in my ribs still. I am sure that in a few weeks time, I will be missing the feeling, but for right now the only thing I miss is being comfortable...lol

What I am looking forward to: The baby shower this Saturday. Finishing setting up the nursery.

Milestones: We made it to our weekly OB appointments. It's crazy how time is flying. I know he will be here very soon. My doctor thinks I should be right on time.



Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight


Until next post,