As I head into my final weeks of pregnancy, I thought I’d share a bit about my third trimester. While it wasn’t as glorious as my second trimester, it hasn’t been as bad as I’ve heard it could be. I feel really thankful that we’ve had incredible doctor report cards, and I haven’t been in too much pain, just extremely uncomfortable. Although I have learned to navigate that as much as possible. We are still so excited for baby girl to make her arrival, and while its getting more real, I am definitely feeling more nervous. Nervous for giving birth more than anything else I think. I’m sitting here now, 2 weeks until my due date and thinking how unprepared I am, but at the same time have done everything possible to prepare. I guess that’s a normal feeling to feel a bit anxious. Talking to friends and reading positive birth stories have helped me through the anxiety. Holding our precious baby girl in our arms will be all worth it.

THIRD TRIMESTER HIGHLIGHTS AND LOWLIGHTS:

A+ PROGRESS REPORTS

We are so incredibly thankful for our good progress reports and doctors appointments. At this point I am going weekly for different tests, ultrasounds and check ins and we have passed with flying colors. Since I’m over 35 we do weekly tests for amniotic fluid, and heart rate and baby seems to be doing great in there. I hope she wants to come out soon, because mama is ready for you!

STILL ABLE TO WORKOUT

I’ve been able to continue with light exercise which has also been such a blessing. Now in week 38, I’m only able to walk for about 30 mins but I believe its helped to reduce swelling and any sort of back aches. I usually do 15 mins elipitcal, 15 mins treadmill and some light weights (arms) and body weight exercises for legs. Also stretching does wonders! Jeff has been great wanting to walk daily with me. The fresh air helps as well.

LESS SLEEP

Baby is getting ready for her arrival, because I’ve definitely been getting less sleep these days. It’s not that I’m in pain, but can’t seem to get comfortable (although the pregnancy pillow does help). I also wake up 5-6 times a night now to go to the bathroom which is such a pain. I haven’t been taking any naps, but that would probably help the situation. I’m a little nervous for baby to arrive and for even less sleep. Yikes.

SWELLING

I haven’t had any swelling until about 2 weeks ago (week 36). I can tell my face is swollen, my hands are swollen (my rings no longer fit) and feet as well. I think the exercise is helping, along with drinking a ton of water and icing occasionally. The doctor says its minimal, but feels like a lot to me. I’m just big all over at this point which is not the most fun feeling. I’ve been told that it will get worse in hospital, but then better about a week after labor and delivery.

WADDLING

It’s comical at this point. I feel so big that I can’t walk without a waddle, or bend down to put my socks and shoes on. Everything is a major task these days.

BABY SHOWER

I had the most incredible baby shower 2 weeks ago! We had a great brunch at a local restaurant here in Marin called Kientz Hall, accompanied with baby shower games, gift, cake and memories. It was so fun to celebrate baby girl and see some family and friends that I haven’t seen in forever. A few things to note from the baby shower:

• I asked for books instead of cards so we can start a library for her with notes in the books from friends and family. I’m so glad we did this. The notes were precious and some books were sentimental which was special.
• My friend brought birthday cards from year 1-21 for each guest to fill out so baby girl has a birthday card from someone each year. I thought this was a super cute idea.
• We had the cutest cookies made but a local baker which were great take home gifts along with a personal bottle of champagne to pop once the baby is here.
• We also had each guest write their favorite family tradition to give to us which was fun to read as we begin our own family traditions.

PREPPING NURSERY AND SUPPLIES

I have been prepping like a mad women! I’m now on maternity leave which has been great, allowing me more time to get things done. I have a third trimester checklist on my pinterest that I’ve been using to check off all the things. Let’s just say, we have an Amazon package arriving at our door daily with baby necessities. From postpartum supplies, to bottles, pacifiers, diapers, car seat accessories, the works. I also received a few gift cards from my shower and have checked off almost everything from my registry. I feel pretty prepared, just need to get myself to clean and wash everything. We also put in the car seat this week, and my hospital bag is packed! I’m starting to organize her nursery a bit more this week, as we are waiting on her dresser/changing table to arrive.

READING AND TAKING CLASSES

We finished our hospital prenatal class, and are onto watching the Taking Cara Babies courses. My sister in law swears by these courses, and her kids sleep like saints so I am going to try to follow to a T. I’m finishing up a few other books, and reading lots of blogs. Yet, still don’t feel prepared. But that’s ok. I’m hoping some things will come naturally.

DAYDREAMING OF HOLDING OUR LITTLE GIRL

38 weeks have gone by so quickly, yet slow at the same time. In 2 weeks or less we will be holding our sweet little girl and nothing will compare to that. We are so excited to become a family of 3. Jeff and I just celebrate 12 years together this week, but we are just getting started! I can’t wait to introduce you to her soon! xo

Currently 33 weeks and so thankful for the little miracle baking in my stomach! Although, it’s been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, I though Id share a list of things that have gotten me to month 8 of pregnancy.

• Unisom and B6 for sleep and nausea relief: not sure how I would have survived my first trimester without these two. This was recommended by my doctor and available at the pharmacy.
• My pregnancy pillow: it’s huge, but now I can’t sleep without it.
• Prenatal massage: worth every penny! I wasn’t sure I’d like being on my side, but it’s actually really nice.
• Perelel prenatal vitamin packs : They auto send packs based on your trimester. Formulated by an OB and highly recommend.
• 40oz Stanley Tumbler for hydration: I take this with my everywhere!
• Belly band: for extra support
• Outdoor walks: I’ve tried to walk as much as possible and think it’s helped a lot with swelling and overall health.
• What to Expect book and app
• Hatch belly oil + Burts Bees Mama Belly Butter
• Pregnancy and Postpartum TV: Youtube videos for prenatal yoga and stretching- the only channel I’ve been watching.
• Facial ice roller for puffy face: a lifesaver for the morning puff!
• Maternity Leggings: love this Zella pair!
• Stars Above Pajamas: Ive been living in this pants version and these shorts version.
• Barefoot Dreams Robe: for extra comfort and cozziness.
• Felt letterboard for weekly update photos
• Last but certainly not least, a VERY patient husband. Love you Jeffer 😉

SHOP THE POST:

This post came highly requested by fellow soon to be Mom’s so I’m excited to share (mostly) everything thats on my baby registry. This list comes from many recommendations from friends and family, hours spent reading reviews and really just finding what is right for me and my family. Some things that work for us, may not work for others, so I do want to preface by saying that it’s important to choose items based on your personal lifestyle and family needs.

It’s definitely overwhelming to get started, but I’ve been using Babylist Registry and have loved it! I found it super helpful to browse their blog posts and reviews. Its helpful to see side by side comparisons of bigger ticket items such as a stroller, car seat or bassinet. They have a lot of helpful videos that explain the difference of these items which has made it easier for us to make decisions.

I also love Babylist because you can shop from so many different retailers, and you can add a plug in to your computer and when you find something you want to add, you just click the plug in and it will add the item to your registry. They make it so easy for everyone, including the gift giver.

So without further a do, here is what we are registering for.

GENERAL BABY ITEMS

GEAR

TRANSPORTATION

FEEDING

BATH

CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES

DIAPERING

HEALTH AND SAFETY

NURSERY, DECOR & TOYS

Once we have time to use each item when the baby gets here I’m planning to follow up and share what we use the most vs what is not necessary or didn’t work for us. More to come, but hope this is helpful in the meantime!

xx Jenna

SHOP THE POST: