37 Weeks

How far along: 37 Weeks

How big is baby: 6-7 lbs ish maybe bigger WHO knows. I have a half Rican half Viking baby in me

Total weight gain: About the same, 35ish lbs

Sleep: Is about the same as it was last week. I’m getting it. Not the absolute best sleep in the world, but I’ll take it.

Best moment of the week: Today! My last day of work. I finally get to have a week of rest and catch up before V gets here. I feel like I have so much to do before next Friday. Other than that I’ve been getting an awful lot of snuggling from my son, and I will never complain about that. I’m finally mostly over my cold I got last week. I’m just full of snot/mucus…sadly I’m going to have to use my Neti pot tonight (I hate doing that, it freaks me out haha).

Ezra snuggling up to his baby sister

Food Cravings: Cookies :/ I’m not proud of it.

Food Aversions: N/A

Symptoms: More Braxton hicks, more regular contractions, not dilated at all (BOOOOOOO), she feels like she’s ready to fall out at any moment with all this pressure, waddling like a 90’s kid rocking saggy Jncos, annnnnd so much exhaustion.

Mood: More tired/grumpiness and lack of patience. I am noticing more anxiety as well though, I just want her here!!!

Movement: She is officially so big that she can barely move. I noticed a drop in movement, but when she does move I can see elbows and heels and knees and butt….. It doesn't feel very pleasant either.  

What I’m looking forward to: We are at 7 days. 7 DAYS! One more blog and she is here. AAAGGGGHHHH I’m ready! Wait..no I have so much to do, I’m not ready…. Haha that is what goes through my mind every day. We are all so excited to see this little girls face and hear her little (or big) cry. I’m looking forward to not having this big ol stomach to lug around too. I can’t wait to get this next chapter in my life going. Ryan just can’t wait to hold his baby girl, this will be the first time he’s been a daddy to a newborn (I can’t wait to watch him melt at her sight). Ezra desperately wants to meet her and love on her, she already knows who he is. Anytime he is around and talking (when is he not talking again???) she will start squirming and rolling around. Bella has a countdown going and has her entire 2^nd grade class in on it. They all know every detail about my life/pregnancy hahaha. I love that girl.

There are so many cute baby girl things out there it is taking all my will power not to go broke buying things. This being my 3rd time around I know how fast these little ones grow and how silly it is to spend a ton of money on clothes and accessories.....but....I am still a woman who loves to see cute little babies in cute little things. SO this is something I've been coveting and will hopefully either someday own or with the help of my DIY blessed friends/family (Ryan, Aubrey, Sadie, Allyson....)will be able to make. These particular, are offered by Freshly Picked. I love every single one that they make, in every single color. If I was a woman of wealth, you can bet V would own most of these haha. Link below the picture.

Freshly Picked

7 more days until Baby “V” Lundberg is here!!!!!  (or sooner ;) )

Here is a little video of a day in the life of my stomach and what it goes through. I'll miss it :(.

36 Weeks

How far along: 36 Weeks

How big is baby: 6 lbs ish

Total weight gain: About the same, 30ish lbs

Sleep: It’s actually not the worst. I don’t know what happened…. I still wake up to turn every single time, but now I only get up maybe once to pee. Occasionally I wake up with no desire to go back to sleep (and it’s usually at like 3 am), but Instagram/Facebook/Pinterest usually lull me right back.

Best moment of the week: The kids have benefited from this week J They had Valentines parties and father/daughter dances. I suppose the best moment for me has been today, I’m officially 37 weeks and according to some Dr’s/websites/books full term! I’m a walking fool right now lol. Bought myself an exercise ball (that I will most definitely be utilizing for core workouts post pregnancy) that I’m happily using, and I plan on “shopping” this weekend to get my walking in.

Food Cravings:  Blood Oranges!!!! They are amazing.

Food Aversions: N/A

Symptoms: Everything you would expect a 36 week pregnant woman to have. Contractions, Braxton Hicks, random side cramps, lower back pain, super moody….the usual.

Mood: I can’t wait to find my patience again. I have been constantly reminding myself of the verse 1^st Corinthians 13 (that famous wedding one), with emphasis on “Love is patient”. My mantra for when my children do anything other than quietly breathe…..

Movement: Worse than ever lol. She is probably so cramped up in there, and I truly do feel sorry for her. I give her motivational talks every day that it’s ok if she wants more room I will welcome her with wide open arms.

What I’m looking forward to: 14 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m going to have a freaking baby in 2 weeks. It sort of doesn’t feel real, but at the same time I’m so impatient to meet this little beauty. I mean it could happen sooner and I’d be so incredibly ok with it, but I’m still freaking out haha. It’s funny that no matter how much you want it/plan for it/dream about it……you are never ready for that baby when the time comes. 5 years is a long time, but I’m pretty sure it will all come back to me.

Just a little update from this week: We had a little accident on Wednesday. Ezra was playing with some small weights and happened to leave them in the middle of the floor. Big ol beer belly Mgee over here cant’ see anything that is under my belly, and happened to trip on them. I was on my way straight for a belly fall on the ground, but THANKFULLY kept staggering my steps until I slammed into the wall. I was a little worried and very sore from that, so my Dr. advised me to go get monitored at Labor and Delivery. Everything was just fine, thank God, and Ms. V just squirmed and moved and rolled the entire time we were there. The other not so great thing that has happened this week is my poor little Bella has gotten a pretty nasty bug. We don’t know if it’s flu or just a cold at this point, but she has the shivers, fever, sore throat, achey all overness…. I’m praying that she kicks this fast and that it’s just a simple cold, and also that I don’t get it. I don’t know how great it will be for me to get a C-section while feverish or coughing/sniffling. Bring on ALL the Vitamin C.

14 more days until Baby “V” Lundberg is here!!!!!  (or sooner ;) )

OH forgot to mention, our Goats are in baby delivering mode!!! I would like you all to meet Thelma our newest baby girl goat.

34 Weeks

How far along: 34 Weeks

How big is baby: Cantaloupe

Total weight gain: About the same, 30ish lbs

Sleep: Baby girl is getting me prepared for her arrival. That means I can now run on minimal sleep. Acquiring Zombie status.

Best moment of the week: It’s been a pretty chill week. I got to go see a reggae band called Tribal Seeds with my husband, we all dealt with the end half of head colds, and the weather warmed up way warmer than it should have been (I will NEVER complain about that)

Food Cravings:  Nothing, I’ve been eating healthy boring foods haha. Back to normal. A shake in the morning and sometimes later in the day, and boring healthy meals/snacks in between.

Food Aversions: N/A

Symptoms: The waddle is getting worse. I hurt after sitting for a while once I stand up. HOWEVER I’m 35 weeks pregnant now (a week off from what I write about) and my hands and feet still haven’t gotten swollen. I was so incredibly swollen for my last two pregnancies. That’s pretty awesome.

Mood: Still riding the grumpy train. I am having a very hard time with being patient right now. My 5 year old son is the best at making my patience go hide in a cave somewhere. Of course the minute I get stressed out I get contractions….eh

Movement: Torturous. Her goal in life currently is to see how far I stretch and then how low she can go until mommy screams OW. Daddy enjoys aiding her in this adventure, by tapping on her until she responds.   

What I’m looking forward to: Tomorrow which just so happens to be my baby shower!!!!  I’m excited to see everyone and enjoy ourselves. I will post tons of pictures from it next week. As of Feb 13^th I will be 37 weeks (FULL TERM)…. and I have my Dr’s blessing to walk as much as I'd like and bounce on big workout balls till my little hearts content. Let’s see if little girl is ready to come around then. If not, oh well, I have a for sure c section date, but I am getting so excited/anxious to meet her.

I decided to do a pregnancy timeline sort of thing up till now; it’s pretty interesting to see how much I’ve grown over the last couple months. I feel so big now haha.

28 more days until Baby “V” Lundberg is here!!!!!  (or sooner ;) )

32 and 33 Weeks

How far along: 32 and 33 Weeks.

How big is baby: Somewhere in the 4 lbsish region

Total weight gain: …………….about 30 lbs

Sleep: Per usual, awful. Baby “V” wakes up and moves around, I have to pee about every hour, have to re-position myself every 20 minutes, legs/hips hurt all night, wake up feeling like crap.  

Best moment of the week: I had a four day weekend last week and it was really really nice to just spend it with my family. Ezra and I made homemade dog treats for our 3 dachshunds, the dogs seem to love them, so I suppose we didn't do too bad. On Monday I apparently got the nesting bug and decided to reorganize my whole house (the areas that you haven’t touched since maybe you moved in orrrrr last spring….). I way over did it and by about mid-day I noticed that I had dropped a LOT since that morning. Woops. Oh well, let’s get this gravy train moving!

I dropped....just a little haha.

Food Cravings:  I’m back to normal mostly!!!!! Thank you JESUS!!! I’ve been doing 1-2 Isa shakes a day, some Want More Energy to get me those electrolytes and help keep me hydrated. I’m returning to no coffee, and eat a lot of dark leafy greens. I DID, however, give in and have the strongest craving for a blueberry muffin the other day….. No Ragrets, not even one….  

Food Aversions: N/A

Symptoms: Back pain, penguin walking, no energy, grumpasaurus rex, getting annoyed in 2.5 seconds, getting a little anxious, tonnnnnnns of Braxton Hicks contractions……

Mood: I’m a grump. I’m a happy grump, but I’m a grump. I know that’s an oxymoron.

Movement: WELL, I am officially her personal toy. She moves all the time and oh man does it hurt. If you are standing near me you’ll hear random OW, owwwwwww, move move move move move please!!!! Watching it is even creepier. Ryan has started taking pity on me now every time I say ow and he looks at my stomach. Only 35 more days….I can do this.    

What I’m looking forward to: Well today is my 1^st born child’s 8^th birthday! I have no clue where the time has flown. I recently watched her birth video and it just let the waterworks out. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be her mother. I can truly say, I have never loved anything the way that I love my children and she was the first taste I got of how big your heart can really get. Isabella has the biggest loving heart to all humans and animals alike. She can’t stand seeing anyone in pain (movies or real life), and has a very black and white view on life. She loves to read, has the Rosario sarcasm down pat, and comprehends things the average 8 year old doesn't usually. I can’t wait to see how much her little sister will be like her and to watch her be the most tender, loving big sister to “V”.

My baby shower is next weekend, and I can’t wait for it. I love any excuse to get people together and have a good time.

My last day of work is Feb. 20^th!!!! I am excited to get as much rest/sleep as possible before I am a zombie.

35 more days until Baby “V” Lundberg is here!!!!!  (or sooner ;) )

28/29/30 Weeks and Pumpkin Donuts

How far along: 28/29/30 Weeks (Sorry for the hiatus)

28 weeks

29 weeks

30 weeks

How big is baby: By the end of 30 weeks she is 3 + lbs

Total weight gain: 20+ lbs

Sleep:  Has progressively gotten worse. I now wakeup every 10 minutes to adjust myself and then by about 3 am I'm awake for the day.

Best moment of the week: Let's see if I can sum up the last 3 weeks. Christmas was great. We just sort of relaxed and spent time with family. Thankfully my job has given me lots of time off to be able to spend with everyone. Since I've been home I have gotten to get in the kitchen a little bit (something I haven't been able to do in a while) and even made some delicious pumpkin donuts with my new donut pan Christmas gift (thank you husband!!). 

The most accurate family picture for us haha

Food Cravings: Nothing particular. I will say that my iron clad will power has been non existent this holiday season haha. Anything that has come my way that looks yummy has gotten tasted. I'm putting my foot down now, my diet has to go back to normal seeing has I have 8 weeks till she's out.

Food Aversions: I got nothing.

Symptoms: Back pain and sciatic nerve pain. If I'm up on my feet for more than an hour then my body just feels wrecked. Other than that there have been little pains and aches here and there that have to do with my body preparing itself. I had a couple painful contractions the other night, but haven't had any since. 

Mood: Has mostly been stable. WELLLLL if you ask Ryan, he'd tell you I'm a grump. I don't think I'm THAT grumpy, but when you're uncomfortable about 80% of the day you might be a little grumpy too.

Movement: Baby "V" takes cat naps throughout the day for mayyyybbbeee 10 minutes, the rest of the time she is rolling and pushing and it feels like she's grabbing my organs :)  

What I’m looking forward to: My baby shower on the 31st of this month. I'm starting to get into the nesting part of this pregnancy, so it will be nice to start gathering all the baby gear necessities. As of today we are at 8 weeks!!! That's 60 days until our baby "V" is here!!!!! I'm ready to kiss that adorable little face and hear that little voice.

I just wanted to wish you all a very Happy New year!! 2014 started with heartbreak, losing our last baby. Throughout the year I was able to not only heal my heart and soul (thanks to my amazing support system), but my body as well with amazing nutrition. My happiest moment this year would have to be hearing/seeing my little girls heart beat for the first time and knowing we are expecting this huge blessing. 2015 my heart is full and so is my tummy haha. I may complain about the aches and pains, but I wouldn't want it any other way. Here is to a year of blessings and things that really matter. My goals this year include focusing on my faith and finances (debt free by 2016). I have so much to look forward to!!! Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog and for your words of encouragement.

Pumpkin Donuts

(You will need a donut pan to make these. Here is a link to some, they make mini donuts,not full size. Donut Pan on Amazon )

Ingredients

1 3/4 cup + 2 Tbs all purpose flour

1 3/4 tsp baking powder

1 1/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground ginger

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup canola oil

3 large eggs

1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree

1 tsp vanilla extract

Coating

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter the donut pan. In a bowl combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. In another large bowl (or that of a mixer)whisk together both sugars (make sure there are no clumps from the brown sugar). Add the oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla. Once this mixture is blended slowly add the dry ingredients. 

I have found that the easiest way to get the mixture into the donut pan is to pipe them like you would frosting. You want to fill each donut about 3/4s full.

Bake for 13-16 min until a toothpick comes out clean. You will want to cool them slightly. In a big ziplock bag combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. While the donuts are still warm take one at a time and put it in the ziplock bag with the sugar mixture and shake it up. Once the donut is covered place it on a cooling rack and repeat with the remaining donuts. Enjoy :)

Recipe adapted from: Cooking Classy

27 Weeks

How far along: 27 Weeks.

How big is baby: The size of a head of Cauliflower (almost or at 2 lbs)

Total weight gain: 20+ lbs….. I turn my head at each appointment now.

Sleep:  Doesn't exist, but what’s new. Can’t get comfortable no matter what position I’m in.

Best moment of the week: Getting to meet my friends handsome little baby boy that arrived on Wednesday evening. He is so tiny and adorable; it makes me so anxious for this little girls arrival. We also got to buy our tree and decorate it this week! It’s starting to make it a reality that Christmas is only 13 days away. Coming up next week I’ll be posting Santa’s cookie recipes. I told the kids they could each pick a cookie for us to make for him, so we shall see what they choose.

Food Cravings:  Just sweet awful processed crap and coffee creamer in coffee….but it was short lived. I now don’t want it haha.

Food Aversions: I got nothing.

Symptoms: My stomach feels like baby girl is trying to burst through whenever she stretches, kicks, rolls, or moves. My back hurts after being on my feet for more than 30 min. Christmas shopping has mostly been online for this reason. One loop around the mall and I’m dying.  

Mood: Up and down. Sadly I found out my Aunt (Titi) passed away last night so I’m pretty sad about that. She was the sweetest woman who always gave you the best hug and compliments. I’m glad that she isn’t in pain any longer, but she will be missed by all of us.  

My Titi Nora who passed away (on the right) with my Titi Neauvel.

Movement: Just think of the movie Alien. That’s what it’s like at this point.   

What I’m looking forward to: Christmas still, and for time to just fly by. We are down to 11 weeks!! I have all my Dr. appointments scheduled. Now let’s start stock piling baby stuff!!!

24 Weeks (and a muffin recipe!!!)

How far along: 24 Weeks.

How big is baby: The length of an ear of corn

Total weight gain:  20 + lbs

Sleep:  I am officially lacking in sleep. My hips are killing me, I have to roll over every 5 minutes to relieve the amount of pain one side is in. Random side cramps also wake me up and make it so I can barely breathe. I guess she’s just getting me ready for her arrival.

Best moment of the week: It’s been a pretty chill week. There really hasn't been a lot going on. We should be having a lovely evening tonight tho!

Food Cravings:  Nothing…

Food Aversions: Nothing…

Symptoms: I’m uncomfortable and itchy!!! Winter has finally hit the PNW, and with it all the moisture in the air. My skin is the Sahara desert and is covered in little war wounds from my constant scratching. Poor skin. I’m trying to moisturize every second of the day to prevent my little knife hands from going to town.

Mood: Just cuddly I guess. I want cuddles from my babies and Ryan a decent amount of time. Other than that I’m just fine.

Movement: So much movement!!! She must have grown a ton in the last couple days, because she has been kicking my butt!!! I could feel her little fingers pushing on my stomach the other day. It’s such an amazing feeling that I will miss for sure. The only time it bothers me is when I’m trying to walk to do something.

What I’m looking forward to: Thanksgiving next week and all the baking that comes with it!!! As per usual I’m looking forward to the arrival of my little girl, and Christmas shopping for the kiddos!!

I do want to give a little shout-out to my mama who turned 70 today! She has been one of the biggest inspirations for me as a woman, as a mother, and as a person in general. She loves harder than any person I know and is the epitome of a beautiful woman who has aged gracefully.

I promised on Facebook that I would share a recipe for something I made this week. Sadly, I didn't take any pictures of it (I’m sorry!!!!!), but trust me when I say they were sooooo delicious! They were gone within 2 days. My son, Ezra, learned all about cranberries in school last week. As a result he realized he had never tried one and requested that I bake him something with fresh cranberries (they HAD to be fresh not dried). I found a recipe for White Chocolate chip Cranberry muffins, and I think this will become a breakfast tradition. I don’t even love cranberries and I loved these.

White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Muffins

You’ll need:

½ C unsalted butter (1 stick), softened

½ C granulated sugar

¼ C light brown sugar

2 large eggs

½ C sour cream OR Greek yogurt for a healthier version

2 Tbl buttermilk

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 ½ C all purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1 C white chocolate chips

1 ¼ C fresh cranberries (plus a couple extra to top off with)

Directions:

1. Preaheat oven to 425, grease muffin pan and flour it (or you can use liners if you prefer, just note that the white chocolate chips will stick to them) *also note that this recipe yields about 14 muffins.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter, sugars and mix on high speed until light and fluffly (about 2 min).

3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, vanilla, and beat on med high speed until combined (again about 2 min).

4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again (I tend to stop and do this often).  Add the flour baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and beat until just combined (about 1 min). Try not to over mix as it will result in tough muffins.

5. Add the white chocolate chips and beat on low speed about 30 sec. You can also choose to just hand mix these in the case that your mixer doesn't like mixing in “chips”. Stir in cranberries (do those by hand).

6. Using a large cookie scoop or ¼ measuring cup, scoop the batter into the muffin tin. They should be about ¾ full.

7. Top each muffin with 2 or 3 cranberries and bake at 425 for 5 minutes.

8. Without opening the oven door, turn down the temperature to 350 and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes. The total baking time should be 23-25 minutes. Once you hit the 20 min mark use a toothpick to check and see if they need a couple minutes longer or are complete. You don’t want over baked muffins….no one wants those.

9. Allow muffins to cool in pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.

Recipe adapted from http://www.averiecooks.com/2014/11/cranberry-white-chocolate-muffins.html