32 Weeks

Statistics:
32 Weeks
Starting Weight: 135
Current Weight: 171

Well, it's about 5:45 AM and I figure now is as good a time as any to FINALLY write another update. It seems like things are getting busier and busier around here and I rarely find the time to update my blog.

Since my last blog post, I have had 2 appointments with my midwife and my gestational diabetes screening. The good news is that I apparently passed my 1 hour glucose test since I have not been contacted to take the 3 hour. Praise Jesus (seriously). I've gone over many times my severe disdain (aka hate) for any kind of IV needles, including blood draws.

The baby continues to grow. He (yes, I just refer to the baby as he/him) is measuring bigger than Payslie was at this stage, although I am well aware of the fact that ultrasounds are just estimates and are quite often, off on their predictions. Apparently he likes to eat because he's got quite a belly on him, haha. At my 29 week appointment he was head down, but unfortunately at my 31 week appointment, he has turned breech, which is where he remains today. I saw my chiropractor on Wednesday for an adjustment and I also had acupuncture performed. That was 2 days ago and baby is still breech. I have another appointment with him next Friday prior to seeing my midwife for my 33 week appointment.

I know I still have 8 weeks until I am due, but after having 2 breech babies, thinking of another on the horizon and my VBAC plans becoming a no-go has been quite honestly disappointing and frustrating. I hold out hope as Payslie flipped head down at 34 weeks (only to flip back up at 35). My midwife has also reassured me that the more pregnancies a woman has, the longer it usually takes the baby to settle into a birthing position as they have just a little more room than a first timer. Our last option would be to attempt a manual version (when a doctor attempts to manually turn the baby from the outside). This carries the risk of sending the baby into distress, so it would have to be performed in the hospital in the event that that does happen and an emergency c-section would be required. Not to mention I have heard from many sources that this procedure is extremely painful. I need to pray more about that one if that is an option put on the table.

I've continued to pray about it, asking God to please turn this baby. After expressing my frustrations, I've also asked for peace if it is NOT in His plan for me to VBAC. Ultimately, I want to come home with a baby. I know MY plan for how I want that to come about, but I'm also trusting Him since He sees ahead and knows me better than I know myself. Having another c-section is not ideal. I hate surgery, the long hospital stay, and the fact that I don't get to hold my baby until 45 minutes after he/she is born. The painful recovery and not to mention the feeling that I have been robbed of a huge part of motherhood (the labor process) also factor into that equation. Of course, in the midst of my pity party, I try to remain thankful that I am able to carry my own children. Cody and I haven't struggled with fertility issues. We have had our share of sorrow after losing Brooke, but we've experienced the ultimate joy in holding our beautiful, healthy Payslie. And we look forward to adding another child to our family. For these things I remain thankful.

I must say that I am not as anxious as I was during my previous pregnancy. When I wake up in the middle of the night is when I find those anxious thoughts of another stillbirth creeping into my mind (I lost Brooke in the night if any of you may recall). Fortunately this little one is usually quite active and he/she moves around enough to let me know he/she is ok. And of course, I have God's peace.

So this weekend we are hopefully going to set up Payslie's "big girl" room and re-decorate the nursery. I am really excited for this process and it's making me all the more excited to bring this baby home in 2 months (or less)!

Continued prayer requests: Baby to turn head down, but if not, for peace with that situation. Wisdom on a decision if a manual version is brought up. Ultimately, healthy, screaming baby and an uneventful delivery for me. Thanks!

Picture is my 30 week belly shot.

The NAMES

So I was so proud of myself for posting earlier today that I forgot to follow up on the big name announcements. We have settled on names:

Girl: Kinlie Kaye Sandoval (pronounced Kin-lee)

Boy: Lane Cody Sandoval

The girl name has been set for awhile, but it was a battle over the boy name. Ultimately Cody won, although I convinced him that if he picked out the first name I got to pick the middle. I think Cody is such a cute name for a little boy, but unfortunately neither Cody nor I want a "junior" so I did the next best thing.

Of course, I had to change the spelling of Kinley to Kinlie as most of the females on my side of the family (Katie, Kellie, Konnie, Cathie, Mandie) and Cody's side (Brandie, Lacie, Baylie) and of course big sister Payslie....well, you see the pattern. We don't want her to feel left out. :)

27 Weeks

Statistics:
27 Weeks 1 Day
Starting Weight: 135
Current Weight: 163

Oh my goodness, I can't believe I'm posting again and it hasn't even been a month since my last post, haha. I thought I would go ahead and post while everything was fresh on the brain. After all, my pregnant brain doesn't seem to remember things too often.

I had an appointment with my midwife yesterday. Baby is looking great and is continuing to measure right on schedule. I was a little disappointed with the position of the baby. Apparently, he has his head in the middle of my belly, with his butt sitting on my bladder and his legs kicking straight up past his face and into my ribs. Of course, since my first two children did not get the memo that they were supposed to come out head first, this does not sit well with me. My midwife reassured me that she sees LOTS of babies in breech positions at 27 weeks and especially since this is my third pregnancy, she doesn't expect this baby to settle into his/her birthing position until somewhere around 35 weeks (8 weeks away). She said she's not concerned at this point, and in a last ditch effort (if needed), she would have the OB attempt an external version.

If I'm completely honest with myself, I will admit that I have been in kind of a sour mood all morning just thinking of this baby ruining my VBAC plans. How dare he/she! So of course, I over think everything and while I know this baby still has time to move around, I am continuing to do everything I can to avoid a breech baby. This means that I find myself practicing some very interesting positions throughout the day. Let me just say that an almost 7 month pregnant woman balancing like a stink bug off of her ottoman is probably an entertaining sight, haha. I will also continue to see my chiropracter, although I will probably increase my visits as I'm sure trying to sleep in some awkward positions is really messing with my neck, back and hips. I also ordered a pregnancy wedge and a small maternity belt from Amazon this morning.

Payslie really loved seeing the baby on the ultrasound yesterday. At the office, the ultrasound is on a big screen so everyone can get a good look. She was so excited to see "her brother" (yes, she has said that) and she kept saying, "Watch...watch...look." She was so happy to have the printout of all of the ultrasound photos and even today she is still walking around with them. I think she's going to be a great big sister.

Oh and of course in other wonderful Payslie news, we have officially potty trained her. It took us about 3 days and she has been doing great. I put a Pull-Up on her for her nap and overnight, but even then she remains dry. We are so proud of her, and of course now instead of buying "big" diapers, we are back to stocking up on the "little" ones. I remember being astonished at how many diapers she went through in the beginning. Of course, I'm the mom who changes a diaper at the first sign my kid is wet so that probably has something to do with it.

I continue to ask for prayer that everything will go smoothly as I prepare to embark on my third trimester. I honestly don't have as much fear about another stillbirth as I had when I was pregnant with Payslie, but I would be lying if I said it never crosses my mind. Please pray for continued peace. And yes, if you could ask for this baby to turn vertex, that wouldn't hurt either. In the end, most importantly, prayer that we get to bring this little one home, happy and healthy.

The picture is my latest belly shot, taken at 26 weeks. Hope you enjoy!

25 Weeks

Statistics:
Starting Weight: 135
Current Weight: 160

As you can probably guess, I have been pretty busy the past couple of weeks. Payslie and I traveled to California for a week. We had a great time seeing family. I was so thankful to a friend for loaning me her portable DVD player to keep Payslie entertained on the drive. Unfortunately, I didn't think that I would have to stop approximately every 2 hours to change DVDs. Oh well, we made it there and back and I suppose that's what's important.

Cody and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary on August 19. I also had another appointment with my midwife on that day. Baby continues to look great, although I think he is determined to reveal his gender to me despite my desire not to know until birth. All measurements were right on target, but my midwife told us to look away during part of the ultrasound because the baby moved into a position where, I'm assuming, I would have been able to see the gender. Since I've had 2 girls and this has never been an issue, it makes me further believe this baby is a "he." Little booger. Maybe my instincts are right. Despite his attempts, I do not want confirmation until delivery. I'm just saying I'll be pretty shocked if they say, "It's a girl!" At my appointment (which was 2 1/2 weeks ago), my midwife estimated he was approximately 1 lb 7 oz. The ultrasound machine guestimated a birth weight of around 7 lbs 4 oz if he/she goes to 40 weeks. I told her I would be shocked to give birth to a baby over 7 lbs, as both of my girls were in the low 6 lbs range.

My next appointment is scheduled for next Friday, the 16th. I will be 27 weeks at that appointment. Yes, I know this means the dreaded glucose test. Nothing like a super sugary flat Sunkist kind of a drink followed by a blood draw (remember how much I hate IV needles). I'm praying I will pass the 1 hour screening, as I had to do a 3 hour with Payslie and let's just say it was my own personal version of hell.

Speaking of Payslie, we began potty training today. I am attempting this whole "3 day method" by basically slapping underwear on her and letting her get the gist of when she pees. So far we've gone through 8 pairs of undies prior to naptime. At least all accidents have been kept on the tile, much to my relief. I'm hoping she'll learn quickly, as seems to be a trait of her personality. We said "bye bye to diapies" this morning and a part of me is a little sad to see one more thing of her babyhood going away, yet I'm also enjoying each new phase of her life.

No unusual cravings or anything like that. I'm pretty much sick of it being hot outside. Despite the hot weather, I put out my Fall decorations today in accordance to my annual tradition of doing so the day after Labor Day. It's my favorite season to decorate for. Today is also Cody's 29th birthday. He's requested Chinese food (YUCK), so I told him I would order some for him and pick it up, haha. Payslie and I made cupcakes this morning, and that I will be more than happy to help him eat.

So all in all, things are going well. Baby is head down (and has been so for the last couple of days). My midwife said usually by 34 weeks the baby will settle into birthing position. I personally hope this baby finds nothing interesting at the top of my uterus and is content to stay where he is. It's much more comfortable than breech, and of course, it's in line with my goals for a VBAC. We've also decided on names for the baby...but I'll post that next time. (Evil laugh). :)

21 Weeks

Statistics:
21 Weeks 5 Days
Starting Weight: 135
Current Weight: 155 (Thanks a lot vacation)

Well, I have been pathetic at keeping you all informed about this pregnancy. It seems that time gets away from me and then I'm saying to myself, "I really need to update the baby blog." By the way, I told Cody I kept a baby blog and he made fun of me. Yes, typical of my husband. I told him it was a way for me to keep our friends and family who aren't nearby apprised of the latest baby news.

My last appointment was at 19 weeks, so almost 3 weeks ago. Everything went well. I left Cody at home with Payslie, since at our last appointment, the waiting room was super crowded. Cody's one of those people who loves Jesus, not people, LOL. So needless to say I decided it was better to leave him at home. Of course once I got to my appointment, there was only one other couple in the room. Figures. Everything went well and I stuck to the plan of not finding out the baby's gender. I have really surprised myself by doing that because if you know anything about me, it's that I always like to have a plan. Not knowing if this baby is a boy or girl has really added a fun element to this pregnancy, although I still really think this baby is a boy. I call it "he" all the time. During the ultrasound, I asked my midwife to tell me when she was looking for "parts" so I wouldn't accidentally see anything. She responded "Oh, I've already determined the sex." Either she was being stealthy because she knew I didn't want to know, or something was sticking out. I remember for both of my girls they had to be sitting still in order to get a good shot.

This baby is an active one already. I'm a little surprised at how many actual kicks I am feeling, although I remind myself that I am almost 22 weeks along and I probably did feel movement like this during my previous pregnancies. It was easy for me to compare my first two pregnancies since I gave birth to both girls only 18 months apart.

I visited the chiropractor approximately 2 weeks ago and it was great. My hips were in need of an adjustment as my right leg was 3/4" longer than my left. Crazy! I have another appointment next Friday. My goal is to make sure my body is in proper alignment, once again in hopes to avoid another transverse baby and have the opportunity for a successful VBAC. If anything, it feels good and it helps meet my insurance deductible.

Cody had a deviated septum repaired earlier this year, which has turned out to be an OK thing for us financially because once we finish paying the deductible on myself, this baby and the rest of my prenatal care/delivery will be covered 100%. Cody had one messed up nose, haha.

My next appointment is Friday the 19th, which also happens to be our 5th wedding anniversary. I can't believe it's already almost 5 years! We have a busy day since I plan on us both seeing the chiropractor, then go to my appointment with my midwife, lunch, and then we each get a 1 hour massage. I figure this is a good time to get a prenatal massage. If I wait any longer, it won't be very relaxing as it's hard to relax when you feel a little one moving and grooving in there.

Side notes: We went on vacation last week to the Eastern Arizona mountain town of Greer. Large portions of the area were burned in the massive Wallow Fire 2 months ago. It was pretty sad to see the burned hillsides and lost homes, but the residents shared their deep gratitude that it didn't burn the whole town. A lot of Cody's favorite fishing spots and our favorite hiking trails were closed due to their concern of flash flooding (monsoon season) and falling trees. We decided next year we will bring Payslie with us and leave the baby with Grammie, haha.

Ok, well, I think that should tide everyone over for a bit. My most recent belly shot was taken at 19 weeks and can be found on my Facebook page under Baby 3. Take care everyone!

17 Weeks

Statistics:
17 weeks
Starting Weight: 135
Current Weight: 148 (Depressing)

I was hoping to post a belly picture with this post, but the card to my camera doesn't want to cooperate with my computer. I know, it's disappointing. My camera is on its way out the door anyways, so maybe I will be able to get a new one before we leave for Greer in 3 weeks.

So what's new since my last post? Well, my belly is getting much bigger, much faster than I recall with my last two pregnancies. Unfortunately so are my thighs. Such is life I suppose. I really don't want to sound like I'm complaining because I know that weight gain during pregnancy is to be expected. I just hate taking it all off afterwards, as I was not blessed with the genetics of having the pounds just melt away upon delivery. And I also did not experience the whole "you lose more weight when you breastfeed" thing. I actually lost weight a lot more quickly after I stopped breastfeeding Payslie.

Anyways, I have been feeling flutters off and on for about the last week. I have to be pretty still to feel them, which doesn't happen often when you have a 2 year old keeping you on your toes. Feeling those tiny movements reminds me that there is indeed new life in me. I think it's one of the greatest feelings in the world. Some days I will feel them more than others, but I also know at this stage, feeling movement is largely based on where the baby is positioned in my uterus (more likely to feel movement if the baby is facing toward my front rather than my back).

My last appointment with my midwife was two weeks ago at 15 weeks. The baby was measuring one week ahead, at 16 weeks, and was estimated to be about 5 ounces. All that matters to me is he/she is growing and is healthy. My next appointment will be at 19 weeks. I am still adamant that I do not want to find out the baby's sex. I figure either way I will love him or her, and I'm ready for a surprise the third time around. :)

I have started trying to sleep on my sides as I am told this is what's best for my circulation, but it's very difficult when you are used to falling asleep on your back, and somehow end up on your stomach. As I get further along in the pregnancy, I find myself trying to squeeze in as much sleep as I can. Not that I can "store it up," but as I get bigger, I am reminded of the fact that I NEVER knew what sleep deprivation was until those first few weeks with Payslie. Parents, you all know what I'm talking about.

I selfishly continue to pray that this baby has a personality similar to Payslie's. Cody and I have been extremely spoiled. Spoiled equals: only getting up once during the night by 5 weeks, sleeping through the night (9 hour stretches) at 3 months, travels well, falls asleep easily in her carseat, remained asleep if we took her into noisy atmospheres (i.e. restaurants), loved her swing, cried only to eat, sleep or poopy diapers, no problem being left in the care of others, easily entertained her self.....and even now as a 2 year old, easily goes to sleep and continues to take 3 hour afternoon naps. Yes, I am incredibly spoiled and I would love to think it's a result of my awesome parenting skills, but somehow I don't think that's the case. We shall see...

On a side note, we had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. Cody and I attended a beautiful wedding (my first time as a bridesmaid) for my friend Ashley in Newport Beach. We had a fabulous time and it was so nice to get away from this crazy heat and see some of my old friends, as well as my sister and her boyfriend Adrian. We returned home on July 3 and went straight to a party hosted by our friends Andy and Lindsay. With the exception of the dust storm that rolled into town, it was great. They live close to the airport here in Wickenburg, which is where the annual 4th of July fireworks are launched from so we had a perfect view that evening. Oh, and Payslie is still talking about how much she liked the fireworks.

So because my camera is being so crazy, I will post a picture from the wedding (you can slightly see my bump) and slso one from the Huber's 4th of July party.

14 Weeks

Statistics:
14 Weeks 3 Days
Starting Weight: 135
Current Weight: 144

I'm once again apologizing for not being as on top of this blog as I was with Payslie's. I suppose it's hard to find the time to sit down and write when you've got a 2 year old running around the house.

Nothing too new going on around here. It's beginning to get really hot here in Arizona (no duh, right?). I keep checking the weather forecasts to see if our monsoon (aka thunderstorms) is to arrive soon. Hopefully it will make it's debut soon. I am once again thankful for a winter due date as having an August due date with Brooke was pretty tortuous.

I have really enjoyed an increase in energy the past couple of weeks. I also have had a surge in my appetite. I'm trying to balance that with my new found energy, so I have a weekly goal of getting at least an hour of "real" exercise 4 days a week. It's very tempting for me to eat everything I desire, but as I've explained many times before, I am haunted by the 53 pounds I gained during my first pregnancy. Although both times I have lost all of my baby weight in less than a year, it is difficult to take off and so I'm just trying to make things easier on myself in the long run. Although admittedly, it's really difficult to pass up that extra piece of cake or scoop of ice cream when you know you're gaining weight anyways, haha.

My friend Lindsay and I have been working out together the last two Monday mornings. Her son Gavin is the same age as Payslie and for the most part they play very well together. I say most part because they are 2 and we have to occasionally pause the DVD to break up a fight over a toy. She had a baby approximately 2 1/2 months ago, so she's trying to lose baby weight, and I'm just trying to stay in shape. It honestly feels really good and I'm glad I can keep up most of my normal exercises (I have modified a few as I'm not sure how safe they are for my growing tummy).

I have another appointment with my midwife this Friday. I've been trying to get all of my appointments on the Friday that Cody has off of work (he gets every other Friday off) so he can join me. Praying that once again our little baby looks/sounds good. I haven't felt the baby move yet, but I am really looking forward to that sensation. It's one of the things I enjoy most about pregnancy.