It's a BOY!

On Monday, August 3, just a day after my final baby shower, I spent the day writing thank you notes on the couch. While I was definitely suspicious of my slowly climbing blood pressure, I certainly didn't think that I'd have a baby the very next day!!!

Monday morning I woke up feeling nauseous and immediately knew I would have to take it easy. Despite doing that all day long, by 4:00 pm, Brandon, Dr. Kirchner, and myself had reached the conclusion that we were going to induce. 

Nine and a half hours after we started the induction, Brandon and I welcomed the cutest, quietest, most alert little BOY into the world! We were both beside ourselves and, no, we couldn't believe it was really a BOY!!!

Boone Scott Westerholm

August 4, 2015 at 5:25 am

6 pounds 12 ounces

19 3/4 inches long

As soon as Dr. Kirchner held him up she said, "It's a..." then stopped and looked at Brandon. He smiled while he just stared at our baby. I stared at him and said, "What is it?!"

He laughed a little to himself and looked at me and said, "It's a boy!" While overwhelmingly surprised by this news, I'm certain I didn't show it. Once I knew I had a baby and that the baby was OK, I laid my head back instantly desperate for some SLEEP! Ha! I was utterly exhausted, y'all, but so thankful, at-ease, relieved, and a whole bunch of other emotions all wrapped up into one.

We had so many excited people in the waiting room waiting to find out the gender of our baby: Nana, PawPaw, Grandma DiDi, McKenna, Gigi, Lefty, Aunt Mary, Aunt Kimmie, & Uncle Ross! Here's the video of Brandon walking into the waiting room to tell them. I asked him to video so I could see all of their reactions, too!

Oh, and don't worry! We managed to take umpteen pictures before leaving the hospital too, but I'm going to save them for another time.

Many, many thanks to everyone who shared in our excitement as we welcomed our sweet boy. He has definitely changed our world and we're slightly obsessed with him! Life with him is going to be so much fun!

Here are just a few more pictures from Boone's birthday...

Boone & Mommy

Boone & Daddy

We were blessed with many visitors who were thrilled to meet our sweet boy. Some of them were...Lefty & Gigi (Mark & Sharon), PawPaw & Nana (DeWayne & Melissa), Grandma DD (Darla), Auntie McKenna, Uncle Nic, Aunt Malorie, Cousin Dax, Aunt Mary Koehler, Great Grandma Carolyn Westerholm, Great Grandma Doris Roessing, Great Grandpa Arlon & Great Grandma Jerrie Jahns, Great Grandma Mary Lakey, Uncle Ross & Aunt Kim Roessing, Uncle Rocky & Aunt Jennifer King, Uncle Bob & Aunt Kathy Seeger, and Carlie, Josh & Connor Tucker.

Yes, we got in trouble a couple of times for having so many visitors and were pretty exhausted, but we honestly wouldn't change it. We know how exciting it was for everyone to meet Boone & we're blessed (ten times over!) to know so many people who love him!

Maternity Pictures - Baby Westerholm

I was so excited to open up my email inbox this morning and find the link to our maternity pictures! These were some of my favorites! 

I'm typically so picky when it comes to pictures of myself, and while some of that pickiness most certainly still resides inside my mind, my pregnancy has taught me more about embracing what the entire picture stands for. 

Our photographer was Chelsea of Chelsea Lietz Photography. We went to her ranch in Bulverde to take pictures when we were about 34 weeks pregnant. She will also be taking newborn pictures of Baby Westerholm! Can't wait for those!  

These pictures are so special to us. Enjoy! 

37 Weeks - Baby Westerholm

Hi! My name is Jessica and I'm over being pregnant.

I'll be the first person to admit that I've really had a great pregnancy - no major health concerns, no major illnesses. I've been blessed. But, it's also the end of July in Texas. I'm feeling huge. I know I'm puffy. It's hot. And I want to meet my baby already!!!

We're to the point where people now say to us, "I may not see you again before you have that baby. If I don't, good luck!" That means we're really, really, really close. Yay!

Last night I had dreams about the gender of the baby. My dreams aren't as vivid as they used to be, but I remember stating, "The doctor said he's 99% sure it's a boy." Is that a sign? I guess we'll see!

Last Wednesday, I woke up with a headache and slightly blurry vision. When I took my blood pressure it was high - for me - 142/70. About an hour later it was 132/84. I ended up falling back asleep and when I woke up it was down to 126/79.

That afternoon I shared that with my doctor because my feet and calves were so swollen that my skin just felt stretched - as stretched as it could possibly be. To play it safe, Dr. Kirchner decided to monitor baby and myself on the NST Machine for about 10-20 minutes. This machine monitors baby's heartbeat, my heartbeat, and I also indicate when I feel the baby moving.

Initially, baby wasn't moving as much as she wanted him/her to, but then after some water and some nudging baby seemed to wake up and wiggle around. We also had to do blood work and a 24-hour urine collection. All tests came back normal!

This week Dr. Kirchner is out of town, so she has me going to see Dr. Remsing tomorrow, and also ordered another sonogram for me on Thursday with our regular sonogram tech. I'm praying I don't forget to ask how big the baby is - I'm so nervous about the size of this wee one!

(I had a labor and delivery nurse tell me yesterday at church that a 4 lb 8 oz baby at 33 weeks is a big baby. She did agree though that I likely wouldn't have a 10 lb baby, but only after she saw the sheer panic in my eyes! Ha!)

One more thing before I go...a sneak peek at my maternity pictures! This is the only one I've seen, and I hope to see more this week. When I get them, I promise I'll share!

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:

37 Weeks

Due Date:
August 17, 2015

Next Appointment:
July 28, 2015

Movement:

Yes, often. This baby is ACTIVE and running out of room quickly!

Sleep:

I've really had a hard time getting to sleep and staying asleep. I'm uncomfortable, hot, and wide awake at the most inconvenient times.

What I Miss:

Fitting comfortably in my clothes and shoes
Sleeping well at night
Caffeine

Cravings:

Something cold because I'm HOT. Always.

Symptoms:

Hot (temperature-wise, unfortunately)
Swollen ankles/feet
Puffiness in my face 

35-36 Weeks - Baby Westerholm

I am running so late with last week's post that I'm combining it with next week's post. It's just been one of those weeks! Before I lose all together, I'm going to throw in the towel on two posts and try to pull it off with just one.

This week I finished all of my thank you notes for Baby Shower #1 so that I am ready to go for Baby Shower #2, I attended a baby shower for my sister-in-law, and spent Friday and Saturday evenings celebrating my youngest sister's birthday.

Did I also mention that my long-term substitute for my classroom took a full-time position?! It's been a busy week! :) I'm actually taking that news pretty well. I would have expected myself to freak out.

I cried for a little while and tried to explain to Brandon through tears why it couldn't be just anyone in my classroom, but then I decided that there was nothing I could do to change it and reminded myself what's most important right now...Baby Westerholm! I love, love, love my [school] kids, but my baby and the size of my ankles - still swollen - have to be my priority right now!

As far as everything else goes, I feel like I've officially entered that not-so-glamorous phase of pregnancy. So not exciting, or comfortable! I just have to keep whispering to myself, "4 weeks...or less...4 weeks...or less!"

I also remind myself frequently that it could be so much worse! I have truly been blessed with an easy pregnancy; please pray for an equally as easy delivery! 

I have started to get weekly doctor's appointments at this point, so we go again on Wednesday. Yay! I was disappointed last time when we realized that Dr. Kirchner doesn't start checking to see if I've dilated until Week 37. I'm just going to chalk that up to pregnancy brain...I have no idea why I thought it was Week 35, but I did! 

Have I mentioned that I can't wait to find out the gender of this baby?! This weekend I also worked on tidying up the nursery and I've spent many moments in my glider gazing around the room trying to imagine the little person that's about to take over our entire world. I really can't wait any more, but I will! I'm just ready!!!  

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:

35-36 Weeks

Due Date:
August 17, 2015

Next Appointment:
July 22, 2015

Movement:

Yes, often. This baby is ACTIVE and running out of room quickly!

Sleep:

I've really had a hard time getting to sleep and staying asleep. I'm uncomfortable, hot, and wide awake at the most inconvenient times.

What I Miss:

Fitting comfortably in my clothes and shoes
Sleeping well at night
Caffeine

Cravings:

Something cold because I'm HOT. Always.

Symptoms:

Hot (temperature-wise, unfortunately)
Swollen ankles/feet
Puffiness in my face 

Baby Shower #1 - Baby Westerholm

This past weekend I had my very first baby shower. Everything was beautiful!!!

Each guest was invited to bring a book to help build Baby Westerholm's library, and we got so many wonderful books - over 20! - to put in the nursery!

Guests signed in on a wooden block using a pink or blue marker to indicate what gender they think Baby Westerholm is. Then, they used a pink or blue pen to predict Baby Westerholm's birthday!

Most people think Baby Westerholm is a boy! The earliest birthday predicted was August 5 - my cousin Brooke's birthday, and the latest birthday predicted was August 26 - picked by my friend Becky who has lost her mind!

Each place setting was so cute, too! Everyone wrote a letter to Baby Westerholm, and these were so much fun to come home and read. Each letter said...

Dear Baby Westerholm, 

I hope you learn...

I hope you know...

I hope you love...

I hope you have...

I hope you ignore...

I hope you become...

I hope you aren't afraid...

I hope you never forget...

I hope you get your Mom's...

I hope you get your Dad's...

And most of all I hope you...

Love, .....

Brandon and I both filled one out, too. I thought his was so sweet!

At first he said he was going to write, "I hope you ignore boys if you're a girl." Ha! He's so paranoid about having a girl. This past weekend claimed he would tell his daughter, "You can spend as much money on burkas as you'd like! Thousands! I don't care." He's going to be such a good daddy, and perhaps slightly over-protective if it's a girl! 

We were very blessed to receive so many thoughtful gifts for Baby Westerholm, including this quilt that Auntie McKenna sewed herself for Baby Westerholm's nursery, unknowingly matching some of the nursery colors quite perfectly!

One of the most special things about this quilt is that it has some of Grandpa Scott's shirts in it - the two plaid squares and one blue. Isn't it beautiful?

Before looking at this next picture, I have to point out - because I'd hate for you to think this in your head assuming I'm not aware of it since I'm super paranoid like that - that my face was so puffy! I hate that, but I'm trying to ignore it for the sake of sharing the picture, which I would usually just hide!

Super excited GiGi, Mommy, & Nana

(Grandma Darla, who's undecided on her official Grandma name, was taking the picture!)

Aunt Kimmie, Mommy, & Auntie McKenna

Hostesses & Guest of Honor

Gender Prediction Results

As most of you know, Brandon and I don't plan on finding out the gender of Baby Westerholm. Initially, this was my idea and I got Brandon on board with me. He first tried arguing, "If it's a girl, I HAVE to know."

He thinks he's destined to have nothing but girls because he apparently has always said he doesn't want them. He's always told me, "What would I DO with a girl?" I always tell him, "The same thing my dad did with me - take her hunting!"

I figure that there aren't many genuinely happy surprises in life, and this is one of those rare times. I've said it over and over again and always will - we've seen and experienced too much to worry about anything other than a healthy baby!

Honestly. Truthfully. So don't pull your, "Oh come on! I know you have a preference!" card. I really, seriously don't. If we have a boy, there will be someone to carry on our family name. If we have a girl, well, that's like a real-life game of dress up...FUN! There's nothing like being a mom to a boy, and nothing like being a dad to a girl - and vice versa, I'm sure!

Even though we're not finding out the baby's gender via blood test, or sonogram, I'm still curious as can be about what our baby will be. I'm looking forward to that moment when the doctor says, "It's a -----!!!!" It gives me chills just to think about how overwhelmingly full our hearts will be.

For fun, here are some gender prediction test results...

Chinese Gender Predictor - GIRL
Weird thing about this one is that I've done a couple version of this test - all very similar. Two say girl, but one says boy.

Baby's Heartbeat - GIRL
Baby's heartbeat has been over 140 at every appointment, which says girl. Our sonogram tech swears she doesn't believe in this predictor. I also talked to a mom of 10 at church and she said all her babies had heartbeats in the 140s.

Wedding Ring Test - BOY and GIRL
Two people have done this test on me, but they've varied. The first person was a woman who asked me to lay down and used a wedding band; she said girl. The second person was a man who did the test while I was sitting in a chair and it was with an ordinary ring, not a wedding band; he said boy.

Cravings - BOY and GIRL 
I've had cravings for both sweet and salty things. Twins? NO.

Morning Sickness - BOY
Fortunately, I've had no morning sickness, which indicates boy.

Carrying - BOY
Most days I think I'm carrying the baby low, which many people think is a sign of a boy.

Of course, everyone has varying versions of each of these wives tales, too!

Here are some predictions from some of our family members and us...

Brandon - BOY*

Jessica - GIRL**

DeWayne - GIRL

Melissa - BOY

Darla - BOY

McKenna - GIRL

Mark - BOY

Sharon - BOY

*He changes this weekly, and sometimes daily. In fact, I originally drafted and had "girl" there (because of the above statements that he's made), and had to change it when I asked him at 10:29 pm on Monday, June 1. I obviously didn't publish this post immediately since it's July, but I bet if I asked him again he would say girl. Ha!

**This is what I'd pick if you absolutely forced me to make a guess. And I mean forced me. I am confused and often go back and forth like my husband. I've always thought I would have girls, but something - I don't know what or why - something makes me think it could be a boy.

Many other family members not listed above think BOY.

On June 8, I uploaded the picture above to Facebook and out of the 22 people that guessed the baby's gender, 16 of them said GIRL. I love that this baby has confused us all! So...what do you think?

34 Weeks - Baby Westerholm

Week 35 is going to fly by this week! I have a lot going on - Vacation Bible School, shopping/lunch/movies with my mom and a friend, hair appointment, maternity pictures, and preparing for my first baby shower this weekend. I've said this quite often lately, but right about this time, I'm really grateful for the timing of my pregnancy...I don't have to balance working all while being 8+ months pregnant. Yay! 

Fortunately, I've continued to feel good for the most part. I'm still hot, but it's July, and summer hasn't been as brutal as previous summers, thank goodness! 

I've really noticed swelling in my face; it's not a lot, just puffiness, and I finally had someone else admit that they saw it, too. I've been telling Brandon for weeks that my face is fat, but for some reason I can't get him to say, "Yep, sure is!" :)

Since Friday my ankles have been swelling again and I'm proud to admit that this weekend I consumed SO MUCH water I thought I was going to drown. Well, that may be a bit dramatic, but I've admitted in the past that I'm not much of a water drinker. With all the time we spent outside and running around this weekend though, I knew I needed to up my consumption. 

My shoes aren't fitting the same and I can't get my wedding ring on any more. My grandma insists that my fingers don't look swollen, but I've had to remind her that I have tiny hands. My size 4 1/4 (yes four and a quarter) wedding ring no longer fits, and I bought a fake band for now that's a size 6. Basically, I have normal-sized fingers for the time being - or permanently, who knows!

I've been checking my blood pressure regularly just to keep an eye on it and it's been normal, only slightly above normal (but nothing alarming) twice.

Bring on Week 35! I can't wait to share my maternity pictures with you all!  

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:

34 Weeks

Due Date:
August 17, 2015

Next Appointment:
July 15, 2015

Movement:

Yes, often. This baby is ACTIVE and running out of room quickly!

Sleep:

I've really had a hard time getting to sleep and staying asleep. I'm uncomfortable, hot, and wide awake at the most inconvenient times. The couch has become my new best friend.

What I Miss:

Fitting comfortably in my clothes
Sleeping well at night
Caffeine

Cravings:

Something cold because I'm HOT. Always.

Symptoms:

Hot (temperature-wise, unfortunately)
Swollen ankles/feet
Puffiness in my face

33 Weeks - Baby Westerholm

The countdown continues! We have 7 weeks (or less!) to go.

During our sonogram, Baby Westerholm was playing a really cute game of peek-a-boo. Baby Westerholm's hands kept going in front of his/her eyes and then they would move after awhile. So cute!

That's the face I can't WAIT to see! I'm so curious who this baby will look like and to find out if we're the proud parents of a sweet little girl or sweet little boy. Gender talk is getting serious with our family and I think the suspense is killing everyone else more than it is killing us! It's been really fun to hear what people think we're having though!

Our doctor is so excited that we're not finding out the gender and told us more than once at our appointment, "I'm so excited to see this baby!!!"

 A few quick updates for now....

*Baby Westerholm is weighing in at 4 lbs 8 oz right now. Does that seem huge to you? It did to me, so I immediately piped up and asked if I was going to need to prepare myself to deliver a big baby. Both the doctor and sonogram tech said no. I plan on asking this every time I visit from here on out! Ha!

*There don't appear to be any major birth defects at this point. Remember we opted not to have genetic testing done, so there could be some undetectable defects, but it's unlikely. All of the major organs appear to be functioning - baby swallows, has a full tummy, & has a full bladder - good signs that things are working the way they should.

*Induction talk isn't off the table, but has been delayed until we see where my body is starting at Week 35. From that point forward, I will go in weekly to be measured.

*If we induce, it will not be before Week 39 (August 10), unless medically necessary. The decision to voluntarily be induced will be made by Brandon, our doctor, and me. My doctor will not allow me to go past Week 41. She is also planning to be off on Week 41.

*Baby is starting to turn downward. These hits to my lungs that make me have to stand or sit up straight have definitely been caused by tiny feet kicking me. I've never been so happy to be kicked in my life!

*We have Maternity Portraits scheduled for July 9. I hope these turn out! I can't wait to document this part of our lives with some pretty pictures!

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:

33 Weeks

Due Date:
August 17, 2015

Next Appointment:
July 15, 2015

Movement:

Yes, often. This baby is ACTIVE and running out of room quickly!

Sleep:

I've really had a hard time getting to sleep and staying asleep. I'm uncomfortable, hot, and wide awake at the most inconvenient times.

What I Miss:

Fitting comfortably in my clothes
Sleeping well at night
Caffeine

Cravings:

Sprite, or anything other than water.
Something cold because I'm HOT. Always.

Symptoms:

Hot (temperature-wise, unfortunately)

32 Weeks - Baby Westerholm

Today makes it exactly 2 weeks since our last appointment, and since our next appointment isn't until Monday, we'll have to wait a little over 2 weeks for an update. As I'm sure many of you know, this close to the "end," it's hard to wait that long!!!

The good news is that at our next appointment we're also scheduled for a sonogram. How sweet it will be to see that tiny little face again! 

Since my last update I have torn our house apart and put it back together (almost). I'm not sure if this is me officially entering the nesting stage, or if that part of my heart that's OCD just got the best of me. I really want everything to be as organized as possible before the baby arrives because, as I hear, nothing will ever be the same! 

So, I have organized and reorganized and slapped a label on everything that can possibly be labeled! I also have some new storage from The Container Store being delivered today AND Brandon built me some additional kitchen appliance storage this past weekend. It's like the angels are singing!

Brandon really hung in there with me for the entire duration that our house was a wreck. I guess he knows that you have to make a complete disaster before you can really CLEAN something. Or he just doesn't want to face the wrath of a hormonal pregnant woman. (I'm going to choose to ignore the latter of the two.) 

If this baby is a girl, she is still nameless. No, I'm not sure what we're going to do about it. We'll just continue trying to come to an agreement and I figure that it will eventually come to us. If not, well, it better be a boy, I guess! (And, because I've been asked by multiple people: no, we honestly do not know the gender of this baby. I promise! Our sonogram tech is the only person that knows and our doctor, while I'm sure she once knew when checking our sonograms, admittedly doesn't remember.)

Since I've been at home this summer, and particularly in the last 2 weeks, I've rarely had swollen ankles. I try to take frequent breaks and prop my feet up when I eat lunch and dinner. It seems to be working!

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:

32 Weeks

Due Date:
August 17, 2015

Next Appointment:
June 29, 2015

Movement:

Yes, often. This baby is ACTIVE and running out of room quickly!

Sleep:

I've really had a hard time getting to sleep and staying asleep in the past week. I'm uncomfortable, hot, and wide awake at the most inconvenient times.

What I Miss:

Fitting comfortably in my clothes
Sleeping well at night
Caffeine

Cravings:

Sprite, or anything other than water.
Something cold because I'm HOT. Always.

Symptoms:

Vivid dreams
Hot (temperature-wise, unfortunately)

31 Weeks - Baby Westerholm

Well, we survived two birthing classes last week! 

I'll admit that my anxiety was pretty much at a high listening to all of the details. I'm a thinker and when I have too much time to analyze something, the anticipation of it will drive me crazy.

I sat and recorded the new questions I had for my doctor during the classes and fought back the tears with a caramel sundae afterward on both days. Ice cream fixes a lot these days!

Time is flying by so very quickly! I've had many people ask me about whether or not I'm going back to teaching. The answer: yes.

As much as I love the idea of being a stay-at-home mom, I really need to try balancing both worlds because I also love being a teacher and I think it fills a big part of my heart! 

Brandon and I have also come so far after taking the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University class. We've met many of our financial goals, and are still working on some. If I continue to work, that will, of course, aide us in our efforts. So, I'm going back with plans of continuing to teach, but in the back of my mind I know I have other options in the future.

This week I plan on starting to put together some of the materials that I'm gathering for my longterm sub. The plan - for now, if it fits with God's plan for the delivery and health of our baby and myself - is for me to be out of school for seven weeks total. That's one week of inservice and the first six weeks of school.

Please say prayers for me in that area, too! The less anxiety I have about not being there for my kids, the more I'll enjoy my 7 weeks with our sweet little one! 

For now, only 14 more days until our next sonogram! I can't WAIT to see Baby Westerholm!!!

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:

31 Weeks

Due Date:
August 17, 2015

Next Appointment:
June 29, 2015

Movement:

Yes, often. This baby is ACTIVE!

Sleep:

I've really had a hard time getting to sleep and staying asleep in the past week. I'm uncomfortable, hot, and wide awake at the most inconvenient times.

What I Miss:

Fitting comfortably in my clothes
Sleeping well at night
Caffeine

Cravings:

Food. I want to eat everything again!
Sprite, or anything other than water.
Something cold because I'm HOT. Always.

Symptoms:

Swollen ankles

30 Weeks - Baby Westerholm

Well hello there Week THIRTY!!!

Now we're at about 9-10 weeks until we meet Baby Westerholm (who is still nameless if it's a girl). When I was a little girl, I always had names in mind. I would name each one of my baby dolls about 5 times over. I thought naming my baby would be the easiest and most fun thing I'd do!

Turns out it's much more complicated than I thought and that the daddy does have a say after all! 

The nursery is coming together in some ways. We've finally decided on a color scheme to go with - navy and mustard yellow/gold. My mentor teacher at Navarro made me the sweetest banner for the nursery in those colors and now I'm desperately searching for the perfect bedding to match.

What? I did that backwards? Don't act surprised! I picked our nursery colors from scrapbook paper and patterns; the rest should just follow suit! (And, yes, Brandon had a say in the colors. He's picky about things that are "too girly," in case this wee one is a boy! I already asked for permission to turn the gold into a glittery gold if we have a girl. It was a yes! I hope you heard me squeal from wherever you're reading this.)

For now, here's the crib! It has a matching dresser, as well. It is beautiful! These colors are pretty much spot on with what you see in person.

And, it literally still looks the same. I promise I'm not just holding back! 

I'm not panicking about the nursery because we plan on keeping Baby Westerholm in a bassinet in our room for a little while. The nursery is a transition that will take place later. I'd like to have it done, but there's no sense in rushing it if we haven't found the perfect pieces for it yet.

On the agenda this week: doctor's appointment and birthing classes!

I'm both excited and nervous about them. It's another one of those "this is REAL moments." 

Please continue to keep us in your prayers for continued health for the baby and both of us and for a smooth delivery when the baby is healthy and ready!

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:

30 Weeks

Due Date:
August 17, 2015

Next Appointment:
June 10, 2015

Movement:

Yes, often. This baby is ACTIVE!

Sleep:

Some nights I struggle to fall asleep because I can't get comfortable, but most nights I sleep really well once I get there! 

What I Miss:

Fitting comfortably in my clothes.
Caffeine

Cravings:

Food. I want to eat everything again!
Sprite, or anything other than water.
Something cold because I'm HOT. Always.

Symptoms:

Swollen ankles

29 Weeks - Baby Westerholm

It's our last week in the 20-somethings of this pregnancy! 

We discussed so much with our doctor at our last appointment. I asked about inductions and c-sections specifically. Dr. Kirchner informed us that she likes to induce on the 39 week of pregnancy if there are no signs of me going into labor on my own (which we'll start checking for around 35 weeks). She believes this is safest for mommy and baby.

I was relieved to hear her say that a c-section is the last thing that she wants to do, but she's of course willing to do it - and will - if it means keeping us safe. She says her motto is, "Healthy mom, healthy baby." You got it!

I briefly discussed epidurals with her, as well. I plan on getting one. I have some anxiety about this because, as I've mentioned before, I'm slightly terrified of needles. I'm pretty good though when it comes to working my way through it if it's something that needs to happen, so I know I'll pull it together when the time comes. There's just a lot of time to think about it between now and then!

If we were to induce in the 39th week, that would put us in the week of August 10. That's only ten weeks away. Less time than the 1st trimester. Seventy days. Not even three months. Basically, not long!  

Next on the agenda: sign up for birthing classes. It's getting real, y'all! More and more every week! 

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:

29 Weeks

Due Date:
August 17, 2015

Next Appointment:
June 10, 2015

Movement:

Yes, often. This baby is ACTIVE!

Sleep:

Some nights I struggle to fall asleep because I can't get comfortable, but most nights I sleep really well once I get there! 

What I Miss:

Fitting comfortably in my clothes.
Caffeine

Cravings:

Food. I want to eat everything again!
Sprite, or anything other than water.

Symptoms:

Swollen ankles

28 Weeks - Baby Westerholm

It's officially the third trimester!!!

It sounds really strange to be able to say, "I'm 7 months pregnant," but it's true. Time is passing so, so quickly. We have our next appointment tomorrow and I plan on speaking to my doctor a little bit more about her/our birth plan. I know it's only June (almost), but that means August is not that far away.

In the mean time, we're desperately trying to agree on a girl's name. Yes, we originally thought we had, but - to no surprise - I second guessed our first and second choices and we're back at square one. 

Perhaps it's a boy, then? Who knows!

I often have people ask me, "Well what do you think the baby is?"

Y'all, I have NO CLUE. Initially I thought girl, then I slowly convinced myself that it might be a boy. Now I'm just thoroughly confused and all I know is that it's a baby. I'm satisfied with that. 

I know this is a cliche, but all I honestly hope for is a healthy baby. I've experienced far too much to wish or hope for anything else. 

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:

28 Weeks

Due Date:
August 17, 2015

Next Appointment:
May 27, 2015

Movement:

Yes, often. This baby is ACTIVE!

Sleep:

Good now that I have my pregnancy pillow!

What I Miss:

Fitting comfortably in my clothes.
Caffeine

Cravings:

Food. I want to eat everything again!

Symptoms:

Swollen ankles

27 Weeks - Baby Westerholm

There are just some days where I feel every bit of *insert number* weeks pregnant, and today is one of those days! I'm ready for summer! I'm ready to kick my feet up and relax and I feel myself getting lazier by the second. There are only 7 days left of school, and I have a four day weekend coming up...bring it!

Good news: glucose test came back with good results. No gestational diabetes! 

Although my ankles are swelling badly almost daily, my blood pressure continues to be good. At the doctor it was 128 over 80 and has continued to hover around the same since.  My doctor has continued to encourage me to drink water, put my feet up, and wear compression hose. She says we'll continue to monitor my blood pressure closely in case any changes occur.

The third trimester begins next week and I'm sure things will zip by in no time. (They already have!) This past weekend, with the help of Mark & Sharon, we got the crib put together and the dresser moved into the nursery. The crib and dresser are gorgeous and I can't wait to share pictures!

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:

27 Weeks

Due Date:
August 17, 2015

Next Appointment:
May 27, 2015

Movement:

Yes, often. This baby is ACTIVE!

Sleep:

Good now that I have my pregnancy pillow!

What I Miss:

Fitting comfortably in my clothes.
Caffeine

Cravings:

Something sweet & cold at night (Icees or "freeze pops")

Symptoms:

Swollen ankles

26 Weeks - Baby Westerholm

I can hardly believe that we're almost to the third trimester! This week was uneventful until Mother's Day. We were pretty busy trying to go in 3 different directions to wish our mothers a happy day on Sunday and I had also had a busy Friday (field trip to the zoo) and Saturday.

My ankles were the most swollen they've been my entire pregnancy (left)! Look at my poor, chubby toes! By the end of the day, I couldn't wear my sandals any more.

On Monday, I took off of work to get my glucose test done and was also able to make an appointment with my brother-in-law, a chiropractor, to get my feet and ankles taped for the second time (right). 

The tape is supposed to help lift my skin enough that it improves circulation in my feet to prevent build up of fluid which causes swelling. He also used ultrasound on my feet, which is supposed to help the inflammation. I haven't had swollen feet since - just a slight swelling in my ankles still. 

I haven't received any results from my glucose test yet, but I'm hoping to get a report when we go to the doctor tomorrow.

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:

26 Weeks

Due Date:
August 17, 2015

Next Appointment:
May 13, 2015

Movement:

Yes, often. This baby is ACTIVE!

Sleep:

Good now that I have my pregnancy pillow!

What I Miss:

Fitting comfortably in my clothes.
Caffeine

Cravings:

Something sweet & cold at night (Icees or "freeze pops")

Symptoms:

Swollen ankles

25 Weeks - Baby Westerholm

Another week has flown by! The bump is still growing, and this baby is more and more active every day it seems. Sunday night in particular, Baby Westerholm was moving ALL around and you could just see my belly moving. I think there were definitely punches being thrown and kicks being kicked!

This past weekend our nursery furniture came in! Yay!!!

It's sitting in our garage for now until we have the nursery all emptied out. We hope to empty it out this upcoming weekend, but it's been a slow process so far. We're trying to go through things instead of just shuffling it all around. I've quickly remembered that we have a lot of stuff!

What you see me wearing in this picture has turned into my daily school uniform. Since my ankles are swelling, I have asked my principal for permission to break dress code and wear tennis shoes daily and that's exactly what I do. Jeans + a colored tee + tennis shoes. I think this is that "glamorous" part of pregnancy so many speak of!

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:

25 Weeks

Due Date:
August 17, 2015

Next Appointment:
May 13, 2015

Movement:

Yes, often. This baby is ACTIVE!

Sleep:

Good now that I have my pregnancy pillow!

What I Miss:

Fitting comfortably in my clothes.
Caffeine

Cravings:

Something sweet & cold at night (Icees or "freeze pops")

Symptoms:

Swollen ankles

24 Weeks - Baby Westerholm

We're officially 24 weeks pregnant today! We had an appointment, and all went well. We got to hear the heartbeat and also learned that our baby is viable now. Should we experience an early birth, we have greater odds in our favor. Please say prayers, though, that this is not something we face! (And, no, there are no indications that this should be of concern.)

According to my pregnancy app, Baby Westerholm is somewhere around 1 1/2 pounds already and just two weeks ago was only 14 ounces!

Dr. Kirchner wants me to get my glucose test done in the next couple of weeks. I hear it's no fun, but I'm ready to get it off of my checklist! 

This past weekend was exciting for us...we purchased a crib and dresser for the nursery!!!

We originally planned on using McKenna's crib, but learned it was a drop-side crib and didn't have the assembly instructions, both of which are big no-nos. We've had people tell us it would be ok, but we agreed we're just not willing to take the risk. I think our budding parental instincts just screamed no!

The new nursery furniture should be ready for pick-up within the next couple of weeks. I absolutely can't wait to see it in the room. Things are about to get real really quickly! 

This past week I experienced more back pain again. After the second night of it, I asked Brandon to take me to the Motherhood store. I'm the new proud of owner of a $60 (!!!) pregnancy pillow.

I never thought in my conservative Dave-Ramsey-like mind that I would buy a $60 pregnancy pillow, but it's one of the best investments so far. I have a feeling my desire to cuddle with it will only grow right along with my belly!

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:

24 Weeks

Due Date:
August 17, 2015

Next Appointment:
May 13, 2015

Movement:

Yes, often. This baby is ACTIVE!

Sleep:

Experiencing back pain

What I Miss:

Fitting comfortably in my clothes.
Caffeine

Cravings:

Something sweet at night

Symptoms:

Swollen ankles
Back Pain

22-23 Weeks - Baby Westerholm

Confused? 22-23 weeks? So were we! 

We had an appointment on Monday, April 13. During our appointment the doctor said, "You're 22 weeks today!" I had always noted that with each appointment, they had me measured 5 days ahead of my due date.

I could tell that one due date, August 17, was based off of dates I had given the doctor and the other, August 21, was based off of measurements given to us during a sonogram. I had always assumed that August 21 was most accurate, but turns out it's not.

Our due date is officially August 17, 2015! (So, I've doubled-up on my picture for this week.)

For starters, after publishing my 21 Weeks post last week, Brandon felt the baby moving for the first time! I could have sworn this child was doing flips inside of me. We even saw my belly move. It was the craziest, most exciting thing!

On Monday, our appointment was pretty eventful! We met with Dr. Kirchner, got our due date straightened out, then spoke about my swollen ankles. Her advice was as expected: drink water and put your feet up. She also recommended compression hose.

Then, we met with the sonogram tech who showed us all sorts of incredible shots of Baby Westerholm! I've included them below with labels.

And, most exciting, and unexpected...a 3D shot!!!

During our sonogram, we also talked about genetic abnormalities. We initially chose not to do any genetic testing because our doctor said our risk was low and detection was possible via sonogram, and we also knew we wouldn't change the outcome of our pregnancy.

Courtney, our sonogram tech, was so helpful. She showed us the heart and all its chambers. It was doing its job, therefore eliminating about 70% of possible heart defects (heartbeat: 144). We also saw Baby Westerholm swallowing - could see the tongue and all! - and his/her FULL belly! Courtney checked many other things, including the kidneys, which she said were functioning well.

It was all a good sign that fluids were entering/exiting Baby Westerholm! Yay!

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:

22-23 Weeks

Due Date:
August 17, 2015

Next Appointment:
April 27, 2015

Movement:

Yes - often after meals. This baby is ACTIVE!

Sleep:

Sleeping well most nights. One night this past week I had really bad back pain, no Tylenol, and was unable to sleep well. It hasn't happened since.

What I Miss:

Fitting comfortably in my clothes.
Caffeine

Cravings:

Food in general. I'm back on my kick of wanting to eat constantly.

Symptoms:

Swollen ankles
Back Pain