Lately: at 34 weeks

The windows are open. Cool breeze is flowing through the house along with the sound of birds singing. It's hard to believe it's the end of July! Not just because it feels like the dry mountain air of Montana, but because there's still no baby! I thought for sure I would have a July baby {I know, knock on wood there's still three days left}. In fact, looking back at my time spent in the hospital it was looking like we would be having a June baby!

I am just feeling so thankful today. It's probably the weather. I mean really, I was sitting outside on the deck this morning and I was cold. It felt so lovely though. It has left me longing for the smell of camp fires and the taste of all things apple and cinnamon.

Another reason to be thankful...

 

We've reached a huge milestone: we are into our 34th week of pregnancy! Not much else is new around here. Steve is almost finished making a bookcase for the nursery. And then, the nursery will be complete! Sans baby of course. :) Pictures to come, soon.

Surprisingly, the weeks have gone by fairly quickly. But, by the time Friday rolls around, I am itching to have some human interaction and appreciate having Steve around the house. Most days I start off watching the Today Show while eating my cereal and drinking coffee. Then follows in no particular order...reading, watching TV or a movie, floating in the pool and day dreaming about Sydney's arrival until Steve gets home. I will admit it's very relaxing and I'm trying hard to appreciate this down time without being jealous of the scores of people heading to the beach or mountains for long weekends and doing other normal summer activities. I keep telling myself there will be a time for that again soon enough. But, oh, am I itching bad with the travel bug! It is what it is.

In other news, I've been craving watermelon, cantelope, lemon yogurt, soft serve ice cream, and cereal. Can't get enough of the previously mentioned. I thought that was worth noting.

Sleeping has become a joke. If I can sleep three hours straight at a time I deem the night a success. My poor bladder. She can only handle so much. I consider this a good thing, though. My body is getting ready for baby's arrival! Soon I'll be needing to get up every couple of hours to feed her anyway.

Tomorrow I have my weekly doctor appointment. We shall see where things stand, but I have noticed these darn braxton hicks contractions seem to be getting a tad more uncomfortable and intense lately. Does this mean labor and delivery are right around the corner? That seems to be the question of my summer.

Oh! And I forgot to mention that last Wednesday we had a growth scan ultrasound, and Sydney is continuing to grow steady in the 14th percentile and weighed in at approximately 4 lbs 4 oz! We will have one more growth scan at 36 weeks.

We are just so excited to meet her and hold her! We are still in awe at this miracle growing inside of me.

Holly xoxo

First Goal Met!

We made it to 32 weeks! When I was admitted to the hospital five weeks ago at 27 weeks pregnant, we spoke with a NICU doctor. He was explaining to us what we could expect if we were to have the baby now. He also explained that 32 weeks is the next big milestone to reach if we are going to have a preterm baby. Well folks, we have met that goal! It is such a wonderful feeling of relief. At this point there is no sign of her coming! {knock on wood} The ultrasound this week showed not much change in cervical length. In fact, I no longer need cervical measurements since I made it to 32 weeks. From this point forward it's natural for the cervix to gradually shorten, so there is no need to monitor it anymore.

I have one more ultrasound next week to check Sydneys measurements and approximate weight, just to make sure she is continuing to grow on track. After that it's just weekly non stress tests and routine OB appointments until her arrival!

Our next goal is 34 weeks...less than two weeks away! We can do this! :) The doctor said once we hit 34 weeks her lungs should be mature enough to breath on her own, so if I go into labor 34+ weeks they won't try to stop her from coming! I've heard them say the next "preterm" goal after that is 36 weeks because baby is practically full term. One day at a time! It's already been over five weeks since I was admitted to the hospital. God is so good. He is faithful.

And let me just point out that the Olsen genes seem to be dominating once again {just look at Laurie's kids}. Aren't those Steve's lips or what?

Holly xoxo

All that waiting paid off {my baby shower}

A celebration I had thought several times I would never experience. This is a dream come true. For years I struggled and wondered if I would ever get to attend my very own baby shower. When the time finally arrived, the scare of preterm labor threw a wrench in to things. Thankfully, the show went on! Modified bed rest or not! It was supposed to be a surprise, but due to the fact that we weren't even sure I'd make it to my shower I sort of had to know when it was. I was still unaware of all the details, the location, etc so my mom was able to keep most things a secret. It was so much to take in!

My parents gave us a glider for the nursery, so I was able to use it at the shower to stay relaxed and resting during the festivities. Must follow doctors orders! There was lots of family and friends gathered. Lots of delicious food. Lots of gifts - all things baby. Lots of cute onesies and clothes. Lots of children's books. Lots of love. I am so blessed. I'll let the pictures do most of the talking, but let me tell you, the shower was the most beautiful baby shower I have ever been to. Okay, so maybe I'm being just a tad partial. But, I'll let you be the judge of that as you scroll down. {sorry in advance...I had a hard time narrowing down which pictures to share!}

Pictures courtesy of my Aunt Cindi and sister-in-law, Laurie. Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wanted to personally thank my mom, my Aunt Cindi, my sisters Mandy, Erin, and Laurie, and dear friends Michelle and Bekah. Wow, I am so humbled by how much time, energy and thoughtfulness you all contributed into making this shower so special to me. Words cannot accurately describe how much it meant to me, and how much you all mean to Steve, Sydney and I. Your love and kindness did not go unnoticed and I appreciate you all each so much. Love you!

Holly xoxo

Breech: AKA my bladder is a kickboxing bag

It's hard to believe it's already July! Some of you have asked if I'm going nuts yet while at home on bed rest. Yes, I do get antsy and bored, but I'm also enjoying the relaxation while I can! Soon, yes very soon {eek!} life will be far from "relaxing".

via pinterest

Yesterday was my weekly doctor appointment. Although I'm still experience contractions, I am not in active labor due to the fact that there are no changes in my cervix...everything looks stable! This is very exciting as I have made it to the "30's" {30 weeks and 2 days today}! Thank you, Lord! Next week they will measure Sydney so please continue to pray she grows grows grows! We are hoping she stays above the 10th percentile and starts gaining that baby fat...just in case she decides to show up early. But so far she is looking healthy and perfect! I was able to see her little chest and belly rising and falling as she was "practice breathing", and she was even sucking on her fingers. I die. So freaking cute.

I apologize for the poor picture quality. It's not easy taking an already fuzzy ultrasound pic with your iphone camera and hoping it turns out well. So in case you are confused, this is a picture of Sydney sucking on her fingers. I won't blame you if you don't see it. ;)

Sydney is breech and has been for quite some time. The doctor is saying it's unlikely she will turn head down, so it's looking like she'll be delivered via c-section. Hey, as long as she gets here safely, that's what's most important. Ah yes, time will tell...the most over used phrase in my vocab right now.

In the meantime I'll be making frequent pee breaks while my future soccer player #bandwagon makes good use of those twinkle toes on my already squashed bladder.

Holly xoxo