31 Weeks: A lot to update.
How many times can I say time is flying before it gets annoying?
Time is flying.
The sacrifices for this baby have already been many, but this latest was a really hard one. One of my best friends, Loco, got married in CT this weekend, and we had to back out last minute. Because of the heat + my contractions, it was best for me to stay close to home with lots of air conditioning and time to rest. We wanted to try and squeeze one more visit to RI before the baby comes, but since I want him to stay in his current home for at least 6 more weeks we are canceling that too. Looks like Philly is the place to be this summer!
Over the past week we have gotten a ton done in the house. Nesting is in full effect. For a complete rundown including some nursery pics check out my latest Babycenter post. We are maniacs and I’m really excited about it all. Please go and look!!
Sneak peek:
PB wanted to help me out by doing this week’s update as well (I love that man). Here it is!
“We have a body part!!!!!!!”This was the g-chat message I received from Sabrina this week while I was at work. Apparently, Prince Bambino has decided to start showing off his newly developed appendages! I can’t wait until I can actually see it for myself!
This week, Bambino went out for his first happy hour with Uncle Darren and Aunt Mary. But as we quickly learned, no matter how good the happy hour special is, Sabrina and Bambino aren’t quite up to hanging in crowded restaurants.
Frequently, Sabrina will say to me “you try having a 20 lb. bowling ball strapped to your belly and see how you feel.” Not that it helps that it’s been record breaking high temperatures in Philadelphia the last few weeks. The air conditioners have been getting an extra workout – and we’ve been making sure Sabrina gets NO workout. Just resting, blogging, working (from her computer), hydrating, and of course – sending me out for ice cream.
Since Bambino’s getting bigger, he’s got less room to kick. So he’s gone from being a boxer to being a gymnast – and has taken quite a liking to somersaults. He rolls every which way and as Sabrina mentioned in one of her blog posts this week, gave me a few high fives!
I’m not going to lie – it’s hard to helplessly watch as Sabrina’s physical discomfort increases. I do as much as I can – taking charge of anything that would require any physical exertion on her part. But the fact is, she’s naturally an active person and I know deep down she wants to be moving around and doing things. But….as we always remind each other – we are incredibly blessed and lucky.
At the shore last week, my Aunt Maria said something that really stuck with me. As we get closer to Bambino’s big leap to the outside world, I increasingly realize that there is a little person in there with a personality, emotions and an entire life ahead of him. I know it may sound a little corny, but among all of the pregnancy classes, diaper debates, books, magazine articles, Ipad apps (does it really surprise you?) – it’s nice to take a step back and just see it for what it is – simply amazing. Although the stroller, crib and furniture are all ready – it’s much more important that Sabrina and I are emotionally ready to accept this baby and give him the happy loving home he deserves.
I would continue but I actually have to cut this short. Sabrina’s yelling for ice cream…
I’m back! Isn’t he the sweetest? It’s true about the physical stuff. I run around the house cleaning and scrubbing and then suddenly I get hit with tons of contractions, feel dizzy, and need to rest and drink more water. It is really frustrating, but I’m happy I’m at least able to do something. I almost cried at the Whole Foods deli counter on Sunday because I was so exhausted and having Braxton Hicks every 5 minutes. I had been in the market for 45 minutes and it was about 20 minutes too long for me. Luckily when I got back to our building PB unloaded the groceries and parked the car for me.
31 week belly pic:
I got my hair cut for the first time since 5-6 weeks pregnant! Insane. I don’t think I’ve ever gone that long between cuts.
An exposed belly pic! (Click to enlarge!)
Compare to 15 weeks:
And to 22 weeks:
Can you tell I’m running out of clothes?!
Here’s what Babycenter says about 31 weeks:
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He’s probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby’s kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
Bambino is the size of a big squash now. Crazy!
The other night I had a dream about my mom. In the dream I felt that she was really there. I believe that those who have passed can visit us in dreams sometimes, but it has only happened with me a couple of times before. It all felt so real, but at the same time I was confused because I knew in the dream that she had passed. Anyway, she told me that even though she couldn’t physically be there with me she would guide me through motherhood. I can’t explain how powerful the dream was for me. I woke up relaxed, happy, and incredibly sad as well. I just wish she could be here with me. This is the time in my life I selfishly most need her. Bambino will be born just a month before the 10 year anniversary of her passing. I can’t believe how much has happened in the last 10 years without her here.
New topic because now I’m getting sad again….
This weekend I ate a TON. I mean- a LOT. I only gained 1/2 lb this week but I don’t understand how because I feel like I was constantly eating. Maybe my portions have shrunk? I also had two very serious cravings. One was for a nutella banana crepe (which I immediately made) and the other was for a grilled cheese with kettle chips and a pickle on the side (which I also immediately made). Both were incredibly delicious and exactly what I wanted in that moment. One interesting note on food… I never used to buy milk unless a recipe called for it, but since becoming pregnant I manage to go through half a gallon of organic 1% milk a week. I put it in my iced coffee and in my cereal, but I’ve also had it straight up as my drink to go along with dessert. I haven’t done that since I was a kid. On the craving front I also notice that ice cream makes my belly feel good, and when in doubt I make a snack or meal with peanut butter and banana. Bananas give me heartburn but they also make my belly feel good so I don’t mind.
Random facts of the week:
Weight gained this week: ~1/2 lb
Weight gained overall: ~29 lbs
Predicted overall full term weight gain: 37 lbs? I do this calculation every week and have since about week 12. It is psychotic and the number doesn’t really matter, but I still try to figure it out. One thing I haven’t mentioned is that I started this pregnancy about 10 lbs up from my normal weight (because of the first pregnancy + grief eating after). I will have a lot of work to do after the baby comes, but I really can’t wait for it.
Current cravings: bananas and peanut butter, grilled cheese sandwiches, pickles (we are out. Please send us some!), sweet drinks instead of plain water (I like to have a big glass of water and a mini 6 oz juice glass with something fun like blood orange soda), corn on the cob (just like MamaPea’s girls!).. I am still craving Scoop DeVille (all the time) but it is $5 for the kind I like and I feel guilty spending that when I can buy a big carton of it from Whole Foods for the same price.
Current symptoms: My back hurts when I stand for more than 5 minutes. My IT band (or is it from my sciatic nerve?) hurts so bad in the middle of the night I need to use The Stick to roll it out. I wake up about 4 times a night to use the restroom. I am hungry all the time but fill up fast. Heartburn is present after every meal (even a bowl of blackberries gave me heartburn this weekend). Bambino is rolling around a lot instead of kicking as much. Rolls feel a bit different than kicks. It is cooler to watch but more uncomfortable to feel. At the same time, it is not painful like kicks are. I think he is running out of room in there. I’m waddling more often than not. It’s worse when I’m tired. I could sleep 12 hours a night if I allowed myself. My belly button is an innie, and it looks like it is staying that way. The linea nigra is getting darker. I have stretch marks. I just hope they stay to the very lowest areas of my belly. Right now I have a few right along my appendectomy scar and the beginning of a couple on the other side. I wake up every morning really excited to meet this baby and imagining what his personality will be like. And like I said, nesting is in full effect. Even though the list of undesirable symptoms is long, I feel good and I feel happy.
Previous weeks:
Week 30
Week 29
Week 28
Week 27
Week 26
Week 25
Week 24
Week 23
Week 22
Week 21
Week 20
Week 19
Week 18
Week 17
Week 16
Week 15
Week 14
29 Responses to “31 Weeks: A lot to update.”
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i can’t believe it’s already 31 weeks! time really is flying…this year has completely disappeared on me π you look wonderful girl, and i can’t wait to read more about this incredible journey y’all are on!
Glad to hear you’re taking care of yourself (and that PB has been so amazing too!!). The room is looking great (feels so good to get that stuff DONE). I’m still jealous of your cravings…I want to have some! haha.
I seriously got chills and tears in my eyes reading about your dream. I definitely believe that those who has passed visit us in ways and I bet your mom is constantly by your side.
You and PB are going to be amazing parents and I feel like you have so much of your mom in you that it will feel like she is a part of your life. That dream sounded incredible… I can’t imagine all the emotions that could bring.
lol.. i love your cravings! haha… I think back and I didn’t really have any SPECIFIC hard core cravings that i HAD to have that were out of the usual. Your husband is seriously so sweet.. I love his updates- and he is RIGHT.. and I am the same way with being active and doing stuff, but you MUST just relax. Take advantage of it. TRUST ME. lol, from an almost 2 week MOmmy, You don’t get much sleep. And even though it’s still a couple months away, just do it.. put your feet up and take in the R&R time as much as possible, because it’s obviously KEY and your body needs it too to keep that bambino feelin’ comfy and good in his home. You look fabulous at 31 weeks! I hope those braxton hicks start backing off.. sending Mommy love! xo
By the way, the dream you had made me tear up.. You and PB will be such amazing parents. And your Mom will be guiding u more than you know in the years to come. <3
Yay for 31 weeks! I feel ya on the “time is flying” comment…I say it a lot, too, because it’s true! As for the minimal weight gain, your weight is probably just redistributing. I gained what I thought was a lot of weight during the first 8 months (39 lbs), then I lost a pound one week and have stayed at that weight for a few weeks now. Doctor said it’s nothing to worry about. You look awesome, girl! Hope you continue to feel well.
I can’t believe it is 31 weeks already, I look forward to reading your blogs all the time. You look wonderful. Also love to read when PB writes, that is so adorable!! You both are going to be wonderful parents, and I feel the same as Lauren when she wrote you have a lot of your Mom in you. I also went thru a pregnancy without my mom and felt sad, but I did it and I knew every step of the way my mom was right there beside me to guide me.
Grilled cheese and a pickle sounds so good. Just keep the baby happy so he wants to stay inside a while longer!
You look beautiful!
I’m 19 weeks pregnant and just wanted to share something that works for my heartburn, GUM! I don’t know if you’ve tried this or not but I’ve found that chewing gum helps immensely with both heartburn and nausea. It’s been my lifesaver for the last few weeks and I’m rarely without a piece in my mouth. I know different things work for different people but I just thought I’d pass it along if you hadn’t tried it π
You are so strong to be making it through all your contractions and the HEAT with so much grace. He’ll be here soon!
I also totally agree about the dream stuff. Before I had Lucy, I had a very real dream about my beloved grandpa, who passed away before Corey and I were married. I often think how much he and Lucy would love him and – like you – I saw him in a dream before she arrived. It was both comforting and sad at the same time. Your mom will definitely be with you, Sabrina.
And, re: milk – I have always been a milk drinker, but in pregnancy and early breastfeeding, I GUZZLED it. So bizzare! (and delish, mmmm)
I’ve been reading a lot about eating a few bites of plain yogurt before and/or after eating something that’s known to cause heartburn. I’m 33 weeks along and (knocks on wood) haven’t ever experienced heartburn so I can’t test it out myself. See if it works, it can’t hurt!
I’ve also heard that about milk (esp. from non milk drinkers) but that’s another thing that I haven’t been craving. My mom always called it cow mucus and I think that’s why I’ve never been a fan….I have been eating TONS of cereal with almond milk though.
The rolling/somersaulting is so crazy! I’ve been getting lots of little elbows to the bladder too which HURT!
You look great, keep up the good work. π
Aw, Sabrina, BIG hugs!!! You talking about your mom started me crying. It is so very difficult when our moms are not physically with us as we become mothers ourselves. But she already knows Bambino up close and personal, and she’s with you every step of the way.
Beautiful picture of the two of you.
Love the words from PB! You are both very blessed and it’s wonderful that you realize that and don’t take it for granted as many people do.
Happy belated Anniversary to you both!
Take it easy. XOXOX
Wow, 31 weeks. I just got my announcement welcoming me to the 3rd trimester and then I read about your Braxton hicks. I am shuddering! I almost can’t stand the heat and I hyperventilate. Glad to know pregnant all around the world deal with the same issues. Thank you for sharing about your mom as well.
You look great! And the nursery is precious!! I am so impressed with the way you guys multi-tasked this space!! We have a small space to work with as well so I love seeing how others have made it work. Looks great!!
Love, love, love the belly pic!
Hi Sabrina,
I am 37 weeks and have been following your progress and I have to say your pregnancy sounds terribly rough. I give you a lot of credit for all that you are enduring. Hang in there and good luck.
Kerry
Aww this may just be my favorite of your pregnancy posts, to date! Between PB’s part, the part about your mom, etc… sigh. You all are too damn cute. PB2 (Prince Bambino) is one lucky little man π
You look stunning! I kind of hate you for it. I think I was unrecognizable at this stage of my pregnancies.
Bambino is so blessed to have the two of you as parents.
Weight gain. I have been JUST like you. I calculate out how much I think I may gain based on how many weeks are left. Everyone is different, but at the very end (I have 3 weeks to go!), I have slowed WAY down. It sounds like that’s pretty common so you may come in lower than you think.
In the end, your body gains what it needs, but I know it’s hard to just leave it be. I know I can’t help but calculate what I’ll have to lose after little one arrives.
I love this post Sabrina! Your hubby writes so eloquently and everything he said melted my heart, too cute π
You’re looking beautiful and glowing as ever, and I hope the Philly heat dies down for you!
I had the same exact back pain when pregnant with my son. Oddly enough, when pregnant with my daughter, I didn’t have the sciatica. I did some PT/massage and it actually helped a lot with the sciatica. I went to an amazing woman who was highly recommended by other women who had sciatica during pregnancy…maybe you could find someone like that near you. Thank you for all of your honesty during your pregnancy.
Love the picture of you and your mom BTW.
Doesn’t being in the 30’s make it seem so real and close?!
I had my first experience with BH yesterday. I felt them all day long, which was so strange! They didn’t hurt at all- I hate that they are wearing on you π No fun.
You look great! And I actually drank milk yesterday, too, for the first time in a long time- odd! But yummy π
this post made me cry. i can’t imagine how much you miss your mom.. i really do believe that people can tell us things through our dreams- she’s definitely watching over you and your little family <3
i'm so excited for you!! he's going to be here SOON π
xoxo
Sabrina, this is my first time discovering your blog! You’re dream literally brought tears to my eyes for a couple reasons: For your sadness (but you must be so comforted at the same time!) and because (though my situation is different) I understand in many ways your sense of loss. My Mother has been completely bed ridden (Can only move her head) for almost ten years now. I think having experienced that loss you will only be just that much more of an amazing Mother yourself.
I went to your babycenter posts and the few I read are hilarious! I felt weird commenting on there because I am not nor I have I ever been pregnant. Someday hopefully! I can totally see myself crying from being hungry. I have already done that while not being pregnant!
Your Husband is hilarious too! Laughter is so important in a relationship… and in family life in general. Sounds like three of you are going to have a blast! π
@Sarah @ Sarah’s Modern Bites, Thank you for your comment. I really appreciate it.
I truly believe that people that have passed can come to you in your dream. I can only imagine how much you miss your mom. I am so sorry she’s not here with you but am sure she is in spirit, watching over you and giving you strength every day! <3
On another note… you look great!!!!! I really popped around 31 weeks too. Loved it.
It makes me kinda miss being pregnant! My little Ella is going to be 3 months old this week! My weight gain was really steady and on point until the very end. The last 4-5 weeks the fluid came on. I hae friends that just gave birth, in the HOT summer here in Philly, and their ankles, no swelling. I gave birth the beginning of May and it was hot and the fluid packed on. I ended up gaining about 41 pounds. SO much fluid the last few weeks. One week the scale went up like 6 pounds.i was actually still exercising a lot and eating healthy at the end because I was craving lots of salads and stuff and fresh foods.
I SO SO SO feel for you being 31 weeks and counting in the God-awful heat here!!! I thought it was bad when we had that one heat wave in April. I really hope it comes to an end soon for your sake! If I were you I'd live in the pool in a floaty all summer with an ice cold drink. Pregnant belly and all π