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,

34.6 weeks-Nursery is on it's way towards being finished

This week has been pretty uneventful...well except for my crazy emotions...lol. This is one thing I can't wait to be normal again. It's rather embarassing. I went over to my SIL's house on Saturday night, and she and another good friend asked how I was doing....to which I simply replied "I've been emotional today."...and the next thing I know, I'm crying. It was so embarrassing, but I was so grateful that it was just in front of family. They were understanding and gave liberal hugs and in a few moments time, I was better.

I was so excited to get the nursery finished and painted. Thank you to the best husband in the world! It's like a load lifted off my plate. I ended up shampooing the carpets today as well, and last Friday, my Dad came and picked up the crib. Now I can finish decorating and setting it up once he is done painting it. Can't wait!!!

I also got to spend some time with my niece Mya. She is my little luv bug. I miss her so much when she is not around. Thanks Alex for letting her spend the week with me. We had lots of fun!

Special thanks to:

Monica H.-Thank you for the beautiful bedding. I always appreciate it when people think of me.
Jesse and Lynna- Those onsies are adorable, and Joel will be a proud papa when Baby Jehoshaphat sports them!


What's new this week?

How far along: 34.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 14 lbs. Have a Dr. Appointment next week, so we will see how much more I have gained.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 44 1/2". That's a gain of 1 1/2" in one week!

Belly Button: Still an innie, thank the Lord!

Best moment this week: When Joel finished painting the nursery. Shampooing the carpets.

Food cravings: None this week

Food aversions: Everything....It gives me heartburn. I can drink water, and I get heartburn...That's okay, only 5 more weeks to endure this heartburn.

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 I forgot them...too bad!

What I miss: Energy- it's so bad I have to take naps still.

What I am looking forward to: The baby shower on August 7th. Finishing setting up the nursery.

Milestones: Baby still kicking up a storm, and gaining weight each day!



Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

Until next post,

30.6 weeks- A baby's shower

Saturday Baby Willoughby had his first baby shower. Here are a few pictures from my cousins camera. I would have had pics on my camera, but sadly, before the shower I stopped by the thrift store to donate some boxes, and low and behold, my camera by accident made it into the box and was donated. We are still hoping to get it back.

Thank you so much Mom for throwing Baby Willoughby the shower. I had a wonderful time, the food was excellent, and it was great to see family that I haven't seen in a long time. You are the best mom! I wouldn't trade you for anyone. I love you!


Also special thanks to:
Grandma Stella-for letting us use her house/backyard to host the shower
Mone't and Mom Wendy-for coming with me all the way out to French Camp for the shower.
Alex, Cami, and Mya-for your help and the beautiful cake!
And to all who gave gifts to Baby Willoughby.

He got so many cute outfits and DIAPERS!!! My M-I-L made him some handmade gowns, and would you believe it, she found Joel's old baby blanket, and gave it to the baby. I am so excited. It's perfect for the vintage nursery theme we are using. I'll post a picture of it as soon as I can borrow a camera (or we get ours back). :(

Last Wednesday I had a doctors appointment. Baby's heartbeat was 150. Fundus grew 6cm. She also did an ultrasound (no pic) to check on the position of the baby. He is already in head down position facing my back. Great news! That means he is not breech, or facing the wrong way. I was glad to hear that. From now on (until the last month) we are going to visit our doctor every two weeks. It's crazy! I mean we only have 9 weeks left....it's flying. But enough about that, on to the baby stats:


What's new this week?

How far along: 30.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 8 1/2 lbs.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 43 1/4".

Belly Button: Still an innie, thank the Lord!

Best moment this week: Getting the perfect baby mobile, and my mom throwing the baby a shower. We got some really cute clothes. Finding out another friend is pregnant. So happy for Shyra and Omar!

Food cravings: WATER! My-lanta (speaking of, I need to go get some tums) I can't get enough water. I am probably drinking about a gallon or so a day....okay maybe half a gallon is more accurate. Seriously though!

Food aversions: None.

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

Crazy Dreams: Had a bad dream this week, but I won't post it. I had to wake Joel up in the middle of the night to pray. It was scary!

What I miss: Not having a headache. For the past couple of days, I've had a headache. Boo!

What I am looking forward to: Painting the nursery (same color, just refreshing the walls), finishing with the decorations, and the baby shower on August 7th.

Milestones: Baby is moving a lot. Hitting the "every two weeks" doctor's appointment. It's crazy!



Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Until next post,

29.6 -Squashed? Most likely!

So I know squashed is not a common word, but it seem to fit nicely with my title, as Baby Willoughby is measuring up to a Butternut Squash this week.

Sunday I thought Baby Willoughby was going to kick his way out into this world. I seriously think he like Spanish music. We had a combined church service with our Spanish congregation, and every time I have been in service where there is Spanish music, he always kicks more. He usually kicks me during service, but more so when it's in Spanish....crazy huh?

I'm super excited about this weekend. I have a baby shower scheduled, and I am anxious to see my mom and other family members. It's been a few months since I have seen my mom, and undoubtedly I have grown since then. Next weeks post will probably be full of pictures, and special thanks.

Last week I pre-registered with Eden Hospital (that is where we will be delivering),and they asked me if I had a GP....well I didn't so I had to find a GP. So Monday I had a Doctors appointment with my regular GP, but today I have a doctors appointment with my OB. I think from now on I go in every 3 weeks until I hit the 32 week mark (8 months), then it's every two weeks....we'll see after today.

What's new this week?

How far along: 29.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 9 lbs. Yay! Gained another two pounds in the last month. Weigh in is from my DR. appointment on Monday.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 43".

Belly Button: Still an innie, thank the Lord!

Best moment this week: Watching Mone't feel the baby move, and he gave her a really strong kick. It was so funny!

Food cravings: None...well I went to the Farmers Market and I saw these extremely large english peas, and I just had to have them.

Food aversions: None.

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

Crazy Dreams: This morning I dreamed that I was in Venezuela, and I missed my plane back home. I didn't know my plane was leaving, and so all my luggage was still at the hotel. Since I missed the plane, I decided to go back to the hotel and get my luggage, only to find a note that said

"It looked too clean, we got suspicious. Your luggage is at the front desk. Get out immediately! Signed Sasheen G."

So I go downstairs grab my luggage, and as soon as I am out of the hotel, a high speed chase starts. Then I woke up....crazy!

What I miss: Sleep! It seems like I am now having insomnia. Maybe my mind has too much to think about, I dunno

What I am looking forward to: Having the nursery set up. It's slowly getting there. Seeing the Baby again.

Milestones: Feeling the baby move and getting the "kick in the ribs" everyone was talking about.



Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Until next post,

28.6 Weeks- My ever growing cabbage patch

Do you remember those? I do! I had a whole collection of them. I even have one of my nieces dolls here and ready when she comes over to play with. Speaking of cabbage patch dolls, my little cabbage patch is growing. This week I found my first two signs of mommy-hood on my belly. Yep! Two tiny stretch marks...smaller than a dime in length. They are not that dark, so hopefully the will fade soon (they already look lighter).

This week has been eventful for me. FINALLY, we moved the office out of the nursery, and downstairs. I still have my filing cabinet to put in the garage, and hopefully next week I can move my dresser into the nursery.

I mentioned in my last blog that I have two baby showers scheduled. The first is for June 26th. My mom is throwing that one for family on her side. The other is scheduled for August 7th, and that one will be for the many friends and other family members we have.

So this week I added a new category for the "What's new this week" part of the blog. I have decided to start measuring the waist. Please don't be too harsh, I was a little chunky prior to being pregnant, and so therefore my waist like was bigger. With that said, it should be easier now to see how much Baby W has grown.


What's new this week?

How far along: 28.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 7 lbs.

Waist: This week my waist measures (now don't criticize me, cause I was chunky before pregnancy) in at 41 3/4".

Belly Button: Still an innie, thank the Lord!

Best moment this week: Moving the office out of the nursery. I still have some things to move out, but I can't get to it until next week. I also plan on cleaning it next week. Finding out a good friend is also having a boy. Yay! for Rachel and Ryan S.

Food cravings: Watermelon and chocolate, but not together.

Food aversions: It's not really a food aversion, but more like un-satisfaction. It never fails that I can made dinner, and never want to eat it, and then half an hour later, I am starving!

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

Crazy Dreams: None this week.

What I miss: Not having a headache. For the past week, I have had off and on headaches, and my lower back has been hurting.

What I am looking forward to: Continuing to set up the nursery. Next week I should have some things set up. My dad is still planning on painting the crib, I just have to get it to him.

Milestones: Got my first two stretch marks on the belly. :( Baby must be putting on weight, as he is over 2 1/4 lbs now. Having people feel the baby move.



By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Until next week,

27.6 weeks - Calling my lovely cauliflower by name

*********ATTENTION...sort of a long post**********

Joel and I decided on a name for the baby quite some time ago. Well actually it was on our list from the last pregnancy, but since the baby did not come to full term, or grow enough to know if it was a boy or girl, we decided to keep the name as an option. And so when we found out this baby was a boy, we already knew what we were going to name him, (hehe...we are just keeping it a secret until he is born).

It's so hard sometimes not to tell people. Funny thing is Joel tells people we are naming him Jehoshaphat, and we usually get a laugh from people (No seriously, we are not naming the baby that). Once Joel slipped and called him by his real name in front of people, thankfully they were all talking and no one heard. But in the morning I try and make a ritual of saying "Good Morning _____" to the baby. Sometimes he responds, and other time he does not. Like this morning....I thought my stomach was going to explode he was moving around so much! It was crazy. He must have had the hiccups because sometimes it was a steady rhythm of movement.

Thursday I am officially entering my third trimester and will be 7 months along (28 weeks). Crazy that I am nearing the end already. I think posting a weekly blog helps make the time go by faster....lol. I still have lots of work on the nursery to do, BUT I bought two toys for the nursery this week, wanna see?

Ist't that duck just so cute?....He's not authentic vintage, but a reproduction, but I still like him none-the-less, and I love my apple!

What's new this week?

How far along: 27.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: yep!

Total weight gain: 7 lbs. Had to be weighed the other day, and I gained one more pound. Whoo hoo!

Belly Button: Still an innie, but I dunno for how much longer. :o/

Best moment this week: Feeling the baby move, and realizing I only have 12 more weeks until the baby is here.

Food cravings: None this week.

Food aversions: None this week.

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

Crazy Dreams: Had two this week that I can remember, well one that turned into two. One was of me skydiving from a cliff, and falling into a sink hole, and then when I fell into the sink hole, I fell into a river, and there were things or people trying to pull me under. I'm glad it was just a dream.

What I miss: Being able to get up out of bed without pain. I think I might have something called SPD (Symphysis pubis dysfunction). Let's just say it hurts to lift my legs, turn in bed, etc...you can read up on it here.

What I am looking forward to: Getting rid of things, and rearranging furniture.

Milestones: Heartburn is officially here almost everyday. He's weighing in around 2 pounds now! Movements are much more jerky and can be visually seen. I have a family shower set on June 26th, and a friends and family shower for August 7th.


This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.


Until next week,