*Week 33/34 Pregnancy Highlights- April 24th through May 4th

How Far Along: 33-34 Weeks 

Size of Baby: a durian & butternut squash

Appointment Updates: My last appointment was very straightforward as it was a quick weight check, blood pressure, heartbeat and measurement. 

Symptoms: Sleeping is becoming quite an issue lately as it is hard to get comfortable even with a pillow. I am also getting up two to three times a night to use the bathroom. This weekend I even had to get up for a snack and then was up for over an hour. I am feeling quite large and uncomfortable.  

Cravings: I can't say there has been anything specific that I have craved the past few weeks.  

Weekly News: We have spent a lot of time with Kelsey and the TeBeest's as Kelsey is preparing for her time in Spain. Last weekend her church held a celebration service where family, friends, and community members could celebrate her trip and bid her farewell. My emotions are crazy so I was quite the basket case during the service. Yesterday, we had our first open house and had two families go through. Hoping for good news soon. We are going to be making a lot of changes at our new place so we have been researching backsplash, floors, lighting, etc. Our closing date is May 14th but we are giving Grandma until June 1st to get her new place ready. We have not decided if we will move into the new house before or after the new baby arrives, as we are kind of waiting to see what happens with our house. Things may be busy but we are definitely enjoy all of the little moments we have with our sweet Hayden. His vocabulary is increasing which makes it so much fun!    

Prayers/Blessings: We could use continued prayers that we will get more interest in our house. The unknown is hard for me so I need to keep telling myself that it is all in God's plan. We will be saying, "see you later" to Kelsey on Wednesday which is going to be extremely difficult. Right now, there is no set time when we will see her again or when she will meet our new baby. 

 Baby Bump:

Week 33

 Week 34- Hayden wanted to join me!

Week 31/32

*Week 31/32 Pregnancy Highlights- April 9th through the 23rd 

How Far Along: 31-32 Weeks 

Size of Baby: a pineapple & squash

Appointment Updates: I had an appointment today, the 21st, and baby is doing great! I am measuring right on scheduling and the heartbeat is a 140. I tried not jumping to conclusions that it could be a boy as the doctor reminded me of those silly wives tales. I am continuing to gain weight which I suppose is a good thing but not something I enjoy. Friends keep telling me I am all baby but I am not so good at believing that.

Symptoms: Right when I thought my bladder issue was getting better it gave me problems last weekend. I couldn't move Hayden from reading on the couch to his bed without a major issue. I was still uneasy about what occurred that I got in contact with my doctor on Saturday who made me feel better. To make me feel completely at ease I did have another ultrasound on Monday to check all of my water levels which were perfect.  

Cravings: I am still loving sweets! Josh is starting to go nuts with all of the desserts I keep making as we can't eat them fast enough to keep them fresh. A few of my favorites is Oostburg Bakery's double stuffed coffee cake and Reese Peanut Butter Eggs.

Weekly/Monthly News:  
Things have been busy like crazy. Last weekend Kelsey and I took Hayden to Blue Harbor for the first time. He loved going down the little kid slide and kept asking for "more, more." Kelsey and I loved our time together but especially loved seeing Hayden smile from ear to ear. Our Spring Tax Season ended on Tuesday so we have been able to enjoy lots of family time: dinner, after dinner walks, and story time before bed. I had a half day on Friday so we were able to head down to Illinois before dinner time. I think I was a little more excited than Hayden about all of the Easter traditions: seeing the Easter Bunny, coloring eggs, hunting for the eggs, etc. Hayden clapped and danced while in line for the bunny but freaked out when I tried to put him next to him. We greatly enjoyed all of the special time we had with both sides of the family.

Prayers/Blessings: Grandma TeBeest accepted our offer and we got our financing all set so we are closing on Wednesday, May 14th. Currently we have more interest in people wanting to rent our house than buy so please say a special prayer that we might get some interest soon. Kelsey set her date to leave for her missionary work in Spain on May 8th. May we all enjoy the remaining time we have with her instead of dreading our good-bye.

 Baby Bump:

 Week 31

Week 32

Week 29

*Week 29 Pregnancy Highlights- March 26th

How Far Along: 29 Weeks 

Size of Baby: acorn squash

Appointment Updates: On Monday the 24th we had our 28 week appointment. We got to see the baby again as the doctor wanted to check my placenta. Everything looks perfect so there is no need to worry. The baby was very active so we got a few more pictures. I think it has Mommy's tiny lips again. I know start having appointments every two weeks.  Boy, time is flying fast.

Symptoms: I have been feeling very well lately. Baby is moving so much which is something that I love! It is now just starting to get slightly uncomfortable while sleeping and after long days but definitely manageable. I am also beginning to feel quite full after meals which will hopefully help with my crazy weight gains.

Cravings: Sweets are definitely my favorite, specifically chocolate! My awesome friend Jodi picked up my favorite banana cupcakes from a bakery in Valparaiso, Indiana this past weekend.

Weekly/Monthly News:  
Last week was my much needed spring break. Josh and I spent the first weekend in St. Louis celebrating the marriage of Jake and Holly. It was so nice to spend some time with Josh as we haven't gotten much time together because of busy season. Hayden and I then spent a few days at Grandma and Papa's house. It is so fun seeing Hayden interact with his Grandparents and Great Grandparents. He especially loves getting to see and hear the choo choo train there. Mom and I took Hayden to the Round Lake Park District Children's Museum where he had a ton of fun shopping, cooking, fishing, and putting away mail.  We spent the end of the week with all the TeBeests. Hayden's cousins love on him and he, of course, loves the attention. Hayden loves dancing to the song "Happy" and loved it when everyone danced with him. It was especially nice to have everyone together before Auntie Kelsey leaves for Spain.

Prayers/Blessings: We are feeling extremely blessed as Grandma T closes on her new house on May 16th and gave us an accepted offer to her house. Over break Josh and I finalized our long list of construction plans for our new house. Our goal the next few days is to work with the bank on our finances. Our biggest prayer request is for our house to sell quickly so we hopefully will not need to have two mortgages. Prayers for everyone involved in the move as their are a lot of emotions stirring in leaving the past and starting new.    

Baby Bump: 

*Week 24/25 Pregnancy Highlights- February 17, 2014 - March 2, 2014

How Far Along: 24 Weeks 

Size of Baby: a cantaloupe

Appointment Updates: On Monday the 24th we had our 24 week appointment. The baby's heartbeat is still at 160 and sounds great. I am gaining weight which is good for the baby.

Symptoms: I have been feeling really good lately! I had a sinus infection a few weeks ago that is still taking a very long time to get rid of. The only difficulties I have with this is the horrible congestion I have sleeping but a hot, steamy shower normally does the trick. My lack of bladder control is only getting worse which the doctor says should get better soon. 

Cravings: I don't know if it is just because of Valentine's Day but I am loving sweets but mostly chocolate! This week though, I am loving salty foods like chips and salsa.

Weekly/Monthly News: Tax season is in full swing which means many quiet nights for Hayden and I. With Josh working closer, he does get to stay home longer in the morning to get Hayden ready and for some play time. We were blessed that Josh got to come home early on Friday to have a Valentine's dinner with us.   

Hayden is continue to mimic more and more these days. Some of his new words are milk, nuk, night night, bye-bye, bubble, noodle, juice, apple, vroom vroom, and more. He also loves to do "cheers" at meal times with his milk glass. Last weekend at church he even said, "men" after praying. Josh and I grin from ear to ear watching him make so many milestones. Tonight, Hayden even said, "pee pee" and went on his little potty. The three of us were all so excited!

Prayers: Please pray for perseverance and sleep with Josh working such late hours these days. Pray for comfort and calmness for me as I miss having Josh around. 

For those that don't know, we are pursuing Grandma T in buying her house out in Oostburg. There are many things that need to fall into place in the upcoming weeks/month for us to proceed. Please pray for Grandma's heart as this is the house she has lived in for over 50 years. Continued prayers for God's hand in the process.  

Baby Bump:

Week 24

Week 25

Week 20

*Week 20 Pregnancy Highlights- January 22, 2014

How Far Along: 20 Weeks 

Size of Baby: a banana

Appointment Updates: On Monday we had our 20 week ultrasound. We decided to bring Hayden to see his baby brother or sister. The doctor was running a half hour late so our decision to bring Hayden became very difficult as he wanted to touch and play with everything in the room. The baby is measuring right at its due date of June 11th. It took awhile to get perfect pictures because he/she was moving around so much. My placenta is low again so we will need another ultrasound at 28 weeks. The doctor said not to worry so I'm not. No, we aren't finding out the gender. If Josh would have wanted to find out even just a little, I would have gave in but he wants the surprise so we will wait.

Symptoms: I have been feeling really good lately and have even been able to stay awake past nine o'clock most nights. I haven't had much head pressure at all either. My newest baby symptom is my lack of bladder control. Let's just say shooting baskets with my students wasn't a good idea.

Cravings: Josh would agree that I have been baking a lot lately. One of my favorites right now is Snickers ice cream bars and Reese Christmas tree. I have been craving chips and white salsa/dip from Highland House.

Weekly/Monthly News: God is good! On my way to work Friday, I fish-tailed, went into the left lane and did a 180 into the median on 43. I praise God for protecting me, the baby, and the passenger(s) in the vehicle behind me who were not affected. I am so thankful that He brought a Good Samaritan to my side to encourage and lead me out of the median. Driving even with a little bit of snow has been frightening so I need to work on not being so scared.

 On the bright side, Josh was able to feel the baby move at 18 weeks. I had just got done eating my Snickers bar and the baby went crazy.

Yes, I have busted out the maternity clothes. Some of my pre-baby clothes still fit but maternity is so much more comfortable. I am so blessed that a friend borrowed me her winter maternity clothes because all of mine were spring/summer.

Hayden is talking more and more lately (up, help, baby, bye bye). It is so cute, he fed his doll his pretend ice cream today. His doll even gets to sit in his high chair. The past two nights he even sat on his little potty (with a book) before bed. Josh and I haven't had any luck with him actually going on the potty but at least he is interested.

Baby Bump Pictures:

Week 18

Week 20

*Week 17 Pregnancy Highlights- January 1, 2014

How Far Along: 17 Weeks 

Size of Baby: an onion

Appointment Updates: I had my last appointment on December 23rd which was a very quick appointment. The heartbeat has been in the 160's which wives tales say is a girl but who knows. My weight gain/loss has stayed stable so that is a plus. I did have the flu the week before so that could have been why. Our next appointment is on January 20th and it will be another ultrasound. We are still debating if we will bring Hayden with. 

Symptoms: Up until week 15 I had quite a lot of morning/afternoon sickness almost every other day. The doctor suggested that I suck on Jolly Ranchers so that seemed to help a bit. Lately head pressure is back into full swing as I wake up with a headache and dry nose every morning. I have began sleeping slightly upright in bed which is helping a bit. Just recently, I have been able to stay up a little later than 8:30. Last night was New Year's Eve and Josh nor I were able to make it up until midnight. 

Cravings: I would have to say most of my cravings lately have been salty items like Doritos. Don't get me wrong, I love eating the chocolates I made with Kelsey and Nancy over the holidays. 

Weekly/Monthly News: Hayden got a baby doll for Christmas and has began picking it up on his own, putting the nuk in it's mouth, and giving it kisses. 

I am pretty sure I am feeling the baby move and can't wait for Josh and Hayden to feel it. 

I think it is safe to say that I popped over break so I am in that awkward stage of wearing or not wearing maternity clothes. We shopped for dress pants over break but had no luck, as nothing fit right. I do love being pregnant and popping is a great visual reminder that baby #2 will be here in 23 short weeks.

Just some of my favorite memories from Christmas:
- seeing the joy and excitement of Hayden playing with his new workbench and kitchen at Nana & Grandpa's house
- Santa being able to come early for Hayden so the three of us could enjoy quiet time together
- Hayden devouring his first slice of pumpkin log at Great G & G Heinen's
- Hayden insisting he sit at the little kid table with his Pasiewicz cousins
- receiving a homemade snowman ornament from my 94 year old grandma
- teaching Alyssa how to make Grandma Judie's sugar cookies so Hayden could eat more than his fair share
- being able to wake  at my parent's house on Christmas morning to continue the tradition of my grandparents coming down to watch us open presents
- being blessed to sit with my Grandpa to open my presents for the past 27 years and having Hayden able to sit with us, even if it was for only a few minutes
- having another TeBeest Christmas with everyone at Great Grandma T's house
- the little moments wit Hayden (him coming up to me to say "Hi, Mom", him signing and saying please when he wants something, and all of our "pretend play"- kitchen, workbench, tent)

Prayers: I have loved staying home with Hayden over this long break as he is growing more and more into a little toddler. Please pray that God calms my anxieties about going back to work tomorrow and the plan He has for me becomes clearer. 

Baby Bump:

16 weeks