How far along? 32 weeks, 6 days

Baby's size? Florida Pomelo

Gender: Baby girl

Total weight gain/loss: I will find out tomorrow but I'm guessing around 13-14 pounds. I have stopped weighing myself at home and just wait to get the official number from the doctor. 

Maternity clothes? Still mixing and matching. I just ordered a new pair of flannel pajamas that I'm really excited about but they are non-maternity…what was I thinking?!

Sleep: I am sleeping throughout the night and thankfully don't have to get up and use the restroom in the middle of the night! I hope I don't get to that point where I'm constantly waking up just to pee. But, I am sleeping well. I still toss and turn a little but overall, I can't complain. 

Best moment this week: I would say maintaining my sugars. It has gotten easier with each passing day and I'm proud to say that my sugars are where they need to be. It is encouraging knowing that by changing my diet, I can manage my levels. Also, we bought our Christmas tree and decorated our house for the holidays! Oh, and our Christmas cards have been ordered! I think that this is the earliest I've ever ordered them but I couldn't pass up the Cyber Monday sales! One more…beating those Gamecocks! We had so much fun with our friends and it never hurts when your football team completely steamrolls your rival team. 

Miss Anything? Condiments and sauces. And, carbs. 

Movement: Yes, mainly when I'm laying down or while I'm still but she is very active. 

Food cravings: My dietician introduced me to the Harvest Snapea Crisps and I've been eating them as a snack. My favorite flavors are Black Pepper and Caesar so far! I've also been loving the Sargento Balanced Snack packs.

Anything making you queasy or sick? No.

Symptoms: I'm not sure if it's due to the cold weather, but my left hand (coincidentally the same hand I prick for my sugars) is super dry. I'm constantly having to apply lotion. Also, I'm having a hard time putting my socks and shoes on and have to sit on the bench to do so. Drop something on the floor? Forget it. It's staying there. And, nesting. I think I am to the point where all I think about is what I need to be doing to get ready for the baby. Whether it's the nursery, reading my books, baby shower thank you notes or purchasing last minute registry items…I'm beginning to get a little anxious because January will be here before we know it!

Looking forward to: My 33 week checkup and ultrasound is tomorrow so I am really excited since we haven't seen her since my last 20 week ultrasound. Also, my mom will be driving up to come to the appointment and it's her first time being at the ultrasound with us. Lastly, the painters are coming to paint the nursery tomorrow!! We will pick up our baby furniture on Friday and start putting all of it together!

Gestational Diabetes Check-In: Easier with each day. I am getting more comfortable with pricking my fingers and finding low carb items on a menu if we eat out. Thank you to all of you who have reached out. I know several of you have emailed me because you have had GD or you are currently going through it. It is also comforting knowing that you are not alone so if there is any advice or any questions I can answer, just ask! 

More BABY posts 

Pregnancy Announcement | Gender Prediction | Gender Reveal | 16 Week Bumpdate | 17 Week Bumpdate | 18 Week Bumpdate | 19 Week Bumpdate | 20 Week Bumpdate | 21 Week Bumpdate | 22 Week Bumpdate | 23 Week Bumpdate | 24 Week Bumpdate | 25 Week Bumpdate | 26 Week Bumpdate  | 27 Week Bumpdate | 28 Week Bumpdate | 29 Week Bumpdate | 30 Week Bumpdate | Gestational Diabetes | 31 Week Bumpdate 

31 Week Bumpdate

Happy Thanksgiving (a day late!) I hope everyone enjoyed their day with family and friends and lots of yummy food! Andrew and I have so much to be thankful for this year and it was so nice enjoying time with loved ones. 

How far along? Well, technically 32 weeks now but this picture was taken at 31 weeks so just go with it! 

Baby's size? Coconut

Gender: Sweet, sweet girl. 

Total weight gain/loss: I'm not sure if I told y'all this week but ever since I was told I had gestational diabetes, I actually lost weight so my total weight gain is 12 pounds. The doctor is perfectly happy with that and says it's actually a really healthy weight and that she is not surprised my weight dropped. Because I've cut out a lot of carbohydrates, fried foods and sugars, it was expected to happen. 

Maternity clothes? Still mixing and matching. As I lay here in my pajamas right now, I am realizing I might need to invest in a new flannel set.

Sleep: Sleep is getting a little more difficult. I am constantly changing sides and my hips hurt when I move. Baby girl likes to stretch out herself and her little feet (I think they are her feet) are constantly in my ribs so that's been interesting. 

Best moment this week: Spending Thanksgiving with our family and purchasing our stroller, car seat, pack-n-play, high chair, glider…aka all of the big item pieces we've been waiting to buy. 

Miss Anything? French fries and bread.

Movement: Yes, when she moves now…my entire belly moves and it's quite hilarious! 

Food cravings: Still loving ice (and I checked with my doctor and my hemoglobin levels are great, so no anemia for those wondering!)

Anything making you queasy or sick? No.

Symptoms: Not sure if you could call it a symptom, but since she is getting bigger and bigger, she's running out of space and I feel like I have to lean back constantly just so that she can stretch out.

Looking forward to: My 33 week checkup and ultrasound! Since I have diabetes, they will be doing a growth measurement to see how big she is so I can't wait to see her little face on that screen!

Gestational Diabetes Check-In: As you can see, I just added this question but I will say that it is going okay. It could definitely be worse! Checking my sugars 4x a day as definitely been a little time consuming and annoying (my little fingers hurt so bad!), but I've kind of gotten use to it by now. I've pricked myself so many times that I could do it in my sleep. My sugar levels have been great and are exactly where they need to be, so I know that my change in diet has been working. I had my diabetes class last week and my dietician was wonderful and showed me how to read the nutrition label and how many servings of carbs, fiber and protein I needed to take in. She was very helpful and was able to tell me healthy carbs, what to eat and what to stay away from. Very informative. 

More BABY posts 

Pregnancy Announcement | Gender Prediction | Gender Reveal | 16 Week Bumpdate | 17 Week Bumpdate | 18 Week Bumpdate | 19 Week Bumpdate | 20 Week Bumpdate | 21 Week Bumpdate | 22 Week Bumpdate | 23 Week Bumpdate | 24 Week Bumpdate | 25 Week Bumpdate | 26 Week Bumpdate  | 27 Week Bumpdate | 28 Week Bumpdate | 29 Week Bumpdate | 30 Week Bumpdate | Gestational Diabetes 

Dealing with Gestational Diabetes

After four long and brutal glucose tests, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. 

via 

When we started trying for a baby, I was initially diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) which is basically a hormone imbalance. I was put on medication and it helped maintain it, but it's something that will never go away. So, when diagnosed with that, my doctor told me that I would have a much higher risk of having gestational diabetes. I thought to myself "Ok, sure, you've got to say that to cover yourself." I never actually imagined I would have it. I am healthy, young and eat well. Sure, I'll occasionally make poor decisions regarding my diet, but overall, I'd consider myself healthy. I don't eat a lot of sugars or desserts so I thought that only those who eat a lot of sugars will probably get it. Nope. Has absolutely nothing to do with your eating habits. It is 100% the process of how your body breaks down and processes the sugars you eat. There was nothing I could have done to prevent this, which does make me feel less guilty. 

A few questions you might be wondering:

Why did you have so many tests?

Well, since they knew I was high risk for GD, I was first tested at 20 weeks, which is 8 weeks earlier than the normal time. I drastically failed my first 1 hour test, then passed the first 3 hour test with flying colors. At 28 weeks, I failed my second 1 hour test and then barely failed my 3 hour test by 4 points. So, after 4 tests and tons of blood draws and bruises, I was diagnosed. 

So, what does this mean for the next 10 weeks? 

Well, for starters, I will attend a class this week to go over dietary restrictions and how to live a healthy lifestyle with GD. I will receive tips on what to eat, what not to eat and how often to eat. 

Next, I will check my blood sugars. This involves pricking my finger 4 times a day and keeping a log of my measurements. This is what I am completely dreading the most and get the cold sweats just thinking about it. 

What does it mean for the baby? 

Well, as long as I monitor my diet and make sure my blood sugar levels are stable, she will be fine. She might be a little bigger and might come earlier than 40 weeks, but I'm hoping she is able to stay in there as long as possible and maintain a healthy weight. 

What happens after she is born? 

Well, gestational diabetes should go away as soon as she's born. Isn't that crazy? They will deliver her and immediately check my levels and as long as everything is normal, the diabetes automatically is gone! 

Is there a chance I could get GD with baby #2? 

Yes. I pray not and it is not 100% likely, but I need to be prepared that it can certainly happen again. 

As badly as it sucks to have this (especially during my most favorite holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas), following a strict diet and logging my numbers are extremely important so that I can continue to maintain a healthy pregnancy. And more importantly, this will directly affect our baby girl and her health.

Thank you to those of you who know what I've been going through and have reached out to me. Thank you to my husband and family for supporting me and drying up my tears! This won't be easy but I'll do anything to ensure that our baby is healthy. 

If you have gestational diabetes or know anyone who has, and you have some helpful tips, please let me know! 

xoxo

30 Week Bumpdate

How far along? 30 weeks, 4 days

Baby's size? Cantaloupe

Gender: All Baby Girl. 

Total weight gain/loss: Around 15-16 pounds.

Maternity clothes? More and more each day although I wore a non-maternity dress to work today. I'm getting bigger but definitely not as big as I'll be in a few weeks...

Sleep: I am sleeping well but my hips hurt when trying to turn over or get out of bed. 

Best moment this week: Ordering more things for the nursery! It's been fun to really start getting all of the decor together and imagine what it will look like. 

Miss Anything? Carbs and sugars. 

Movement: Yes, still moving a lot but I think she's slowed down just a little. She's got to start running out of room to move in there! 

Food cravings: One thing I've been loving for a while but didn't realize it was a craving until recently is ice. I've been loving chewing on ice. I know, it's terrible but so refreshing.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Not really. 

Symptoms: I had heartburn for the first time in a while tonight. And, it's harder for me to breathe when moving around.

Looking forward to: I've got a doctor's checkup this week that I'm looking forward to so I can ask some questions. Also, I'm having a baby shower this weekend that I'm looking forward to because I'll get to see a lot of family and friends that I haven't seen in a while!

PS. If you didn't see, I posted what I bought in the Sephora VIB Sale and today is the last day so hurry on over and check out take advantage of the sale! 

More BABY posts 

Pregnancy Announcement | Gender Prediction | Gender Reveal | 16 Week Bumpdate | 17 Week Bumpdate | 18 Week Bumpdate | 19 Week Bumpdate | 20 Week Bumpdate | 21 Week Bumpdate | 22 Week Bumpdate | 23 Week Bumpdate | 24 Week Bumpdate | 25 Week Bumpdate | 26 Week Bumpdate  | 27 Week Bumpdate | 28 Week Bumpdate | 29 Week Bumpdate

Sephora VIB Sale - What I Bought

Happy Sunday! I have a post for you and it's not a bumpdate (but I'll be posting one soon though)! Are you surprised? It's been some time since I've done a beauty post, but it's that special time of year and it's sadly almost over! The Sephora VIB Sale is going on and everything is 20% off through tomorrow. 

I obviously wish I could have gotten more, but with baby girl coming soon and Christmas right around the corner, I had to limit myself because it can get pretty dangerous in there and it's so easy to just start putting things in the basket.

However, I am very excited about the few products I got and one of them is even a repeat!



1 | 2 | 3 | 4

1. I was probably the most excited about this eyeshadow palette.  The Anastasia Beverly Hills Master Palette by Mario  has been talked about so much online and I follow Mario on Instagram and I've been eyeing this ever since he announced his collaboration with ABH months ago. Can't wait to try it! 

2. This is another cult favorite and Bobbi Brown is known for her eyeshadows and this Camel color will be a fall/winter staple and it's right up my alley. Matte and warm, what else do you need? 

3. This Christian Dior Creme de Rose lip balm is a repeat purchase and I believe it's actually my third one! It smells devine and is so soft and velvety and feels so cooling on my chapped lips in the winter.

4. You know I'm a sucker for a nude lip, and I'm hoping this Nars Velvet Lip Glide in Stripped is no exception. Andrew was waiting for me outside of the store so I quickly swatched this and threw it in my basket! I'll keep you posted on my thoughts. 

The sale ends tomorrow and if you are buying online, the promo code is 20VIB but you can also shop in stores!

I'd love to hear what you bought or what's on your wish list…there is always tomorrow if there is something I need to try! 

29 Week Bumpdate

Hey friends! How in the world is it already November and how are earth will I be 30 weeks tomorrow? This pregnancy has been such a blessing and I've loved every minute of it. I'm honestly going to miss being pregnant but obviously can't wait to meet our girl. 

How far along? 29 weeks, 6 days…can't believe I'm about to be 30 weeks. Where has the time gone? 

Baby's size? Hawaiian Pineapple

Gender: G I R L 

Total weight gain/loss: Around 14-15 pounds.

Maternity clothes? Yes and no. Still wearing mainly non-maternity shirts and dresses but wearing maternity pants. We have a big cocktail event to attend tomorrow for Andrew's work so I did end up buying a maternity dress for that!

Sleep: Sleeping has been a little different this week. I feel like she is constantly moving while trying to fall asleep and I'm waking up a little bit more than usual, but I still can't complain because I feel like I'm getting sleep. 

Best moment this week: Andrew is meeting with the painters tomorrow so hopefully they will start ASAP. Stay tuned on the nursery… I can't wait to start sharing once we have some progress! 

Miss Anything? Carbs, carbs and more carbs….and sugar. Stay tuned for this one…there is definitely a big reason I'm cutting these out. 

Movement: Constantly! She is an active little girl. 

Food cravings: Again, carbs. And, the sauces that have a ton of sugar in them.

Anything making you queasy or sick? I cooked Andrew salmon the other night and it just wasn't appealing at all. 

Symptoms: Knock on wood but I haven't had heartburn in a while! BH have seemed to calm down. But I'll be honest. I'm having a difficult moving around such as bending down to put on my shoes and just getting around in general.

Looking forward to: The Clemson (Senior game) this weekend and taking a lot of stuff from the old office turned nursery to storage. It is finally cleaned out (except for all of baby girl's gifts, decor that needs to be set up, etc).

More BABY posts 

Pregnancy Announcement | Gender Prediction | Gender Reveal | 16 Week Bumpdate | 17 Week Bumpdate | 18 Week Bumpdate | 19 Week Bumpdate | 20 Week Bumpdate | 21 Week Bumpdate | 22 Week Bumpdate | 23 Week Bumpdate | 24 Week Bumpdate | 25 Week Bumpdate | 26 Week Bumpdate  | 27 Week Bumpdate | 28 Week Bumpdate 

28 Week Bumpdate

So, I'm almost a full week late, but to my defense, this picture was actually taken days ago but I've just been busy and lazy….like usual.

How far along? 28 weeks, 6 days…hello third trimester!! 

Baby's size? Tropical Coconut…makes me which I was somewhere in the Caribbean!

Gender: G I R L 

Total weight gain/loss: I went to the doctor on Monday, and I am officially up 14 pounds. I am measuring right at 28 weeks, too! 

Maternity clothes? Still mixing and matching but with it being a little cooler in the mornings, I've been grabbing more pants lately (maternity). I had a friend loan me some of her maternity work clothes so I put hung all of those up in my closet tonight so now I have more options!

Sleep: Still sleeping really well and honestly haven't even used my Snoogle yet…but there is still plenty of time! I haven't really had any vivid dreams yet, either. 

Best moment this week: Andrew coming home! He was gone for about 11 days (off and on) and it is just so nice to have him back. He stayed home from work today and worked on cleaning out the nursery so I am so thankful for that because paint is coming very soon! 

Miss Anything? When we went to Napa back in August, Andrew joined the Baldacci wine club and we just received 18 bottles so that's been a little tough for me to watch him drink solo. 

Movement: Oh yes. I am beginning to feel her move when I move. It used to just be when I was laying down but now it is pretty much all the time. 

Food cravings: See previous post, but still loving all the sauces. My brother in law told me about the Chickfila Sriracha sauce and how did I not know about this? It is basically a sweet, thai chili sauce and pretty much the best thing ever.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Not that I can think of. 

Symptoms: It seems as though my BH has picked up a little. I woke up and felt terrible this morning and had some cramping. I went into work but then came home early because I was having a lot of tightening.

Looking forward to: Spending this weekend at home with A! We are slowly but surely getting our house ready for the baby and we will continue to work on that this weekend.

More BABY posts 

Pregnancy Announcement | Gender Prediction | Gender Reveal | 16 Week Bumpdate | 17 Week Bumpdate | 18 Week Bumpdate | 19 Week Bumpdate | 20 Week Bumpdate | 21 Week Bumpdate | 22 Week Bumpdate | 23 Week Bumpdate | 24 Week Bumpdate | 25 Week Bumpdate | 26 Week Bumpdate  | 27 Week Bumpdate