36 Week Bumpdate

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Merry Christmas everyone! I know I'm a few days late but I hope that everyone enjoyed this Christmas holiday with family and friends. Andrew and I went home to Columbia and it was nice seeing our family since we don't get to see them too often. 

Well, we are one week closer to meeting this baby girl of ours, and I'm just getting so excited, anxious and nervous. 


How far along? 36 weeks, 5 days

Baby's size? Ripe Papaya

Gender: Sweet baby girl

Total weight gain/loss: I went to the doctor today and I'm at 12 pounds total. 

Maternity clothes? Still mixing and matching. I'm thinking that's not going to change. We are so close to the end! Today I wore all non-maternity, but I'm obviously showing a lot more!

Sleep: My back is what is starting to keep me up at night. I sleep with a heating pad most nights but I've just started tossing and turning a lot more here recently. Once I fall asleep, I'm pretty much asleep other than rotating a few times and an occasional bathroom break. 

Best moment this week: Celebrating Christmas with our families last weekend. This was a very bittersweet holiday for us as it was the first Christmas without my grandfather and my father-in-law. However, I just tried to remind myself of how much we have to be thankful for right now, but it was still very hard to get through. 

Miss Anything? Carbs and holiday cookies. 

Movement: Very active. Her feet are still pressing against my ribs so I'm having a hard time breathing at times! 

Food cravings: Diet Dr. Pepper (caffeine free) over ice, still. I've been pretty addicted to my Nature Valley Protein bars for breakfast but other than that, not too much.

Anything making you queasy or sick? No.

Symptoms: Pressure, hip pain and my back hurts. Also, this might be TMI but my OB checked my cervix today (completely closed so she'll be baking for a bit longer), and that is no joke. It is extremely uncomfortable so I have that to look forward to for the next few weeks...

Looking forward to: Spending NYE at home and watching the Tigers in the semi-finals this weekend!

Gestational Diabetes Check-In: Going well. Obviously it was difficult this weekend with Christmas, but I grazed and my sugars were great. I've noticed that in the past week or so, my sugars have seemed to come down. I'm not sure if that's just because I'm monitoring or if it's because I'm getting towards the end and it should be going away soon. Pricking my fingers 4x a day has become second nature. Still not comfortable, but not as bad as I once thought.


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34 & 35 Week Bumpdate

Sunday, December 18, 2016

So, I totally skipped last weeks bumpdate and yes, I did take a picture but it turned out terribly because of the lighting, so I'll just post week 35.

Plus, as we get closer and closer to my due date and Christmas, I feel like I've just had less time to do anything. We have put most of our focus on the nursery and just getting ready for the baby so that hasn't left us a lot of "down" time so to speak. However, we did get a chance to go on a baby moon this past weekend to Highlands, NC and it was wonderful. It was our last trip as just the two of us and I couldn't have asked for anything better. We stayed in the cutest cottage at the renown Old Edward's Inn and it was the perfect spot. The town was perfectly decorated in all things Christmas and was just so magical. We spent time walking around all of the shops, each had spa treatments and just relaxed. My favorite part was probably getting in bed at like 8pm and watching Christmas movies by the fire. We have decided that we are going to make this an annual trip!


ow far along? 35 weeks, 3 days

Baby's size? Bunch of carrots

Gender: GIRL 

Total weight gain/loss: I am up two pounds from my last post, so a total of 13 pounds. 

Maternity clothes? I hate to say it, but still mixing and matching. I wore all non-maternity clothes today.

Sleep: My hips are still really bothering me and so is my lower back. When I had my prenatal massage, she focused on those parts of my body but I am currently laying on a heating pad in bed right now so I'm thinking those pains are here to stay. It's made sleeping a little more difficult. 

Best moment this week: Definitely our babymoon! There were no interruptions and lots of quality time with my love. 

Miss Anything? I would LOVE a Christmas sugar cookie or really just anything that involves sugar and carbs. 

Movement: All over the place! She is currently head down with her feet still jabbing my ribs. 

Food cravings: Ice and anything warm!

Anything making you queasy or sick? No.

Symptoms: A ton of pressure and constant pressure. I feel like every time I get up and walk around, it hurts. Also, my ribs, lower back and hips.

Looking forward to: Spending time with family this Christmas week.

Gestational Diabetes Check-In: I go back to the specialist this week so we will see her growth measurements. I've emailed the dietician and she said that I've been doing well with my sugar levels. We'll get to see another 3D ultrasound!





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33 Week Bumpdate

Tuesday, December 6, 2016


How far along? 33 weeks, 5 days

Baby's size? Head of cauliflower

Gender: GIRL 

Total weight gain/loss: As of my last appointment, last Thursday, I had lost another pound so my total weight is 11 pounds. My doctor is still okay with this and knows that because I've been managing my diet, this results in not gaining as much. 

Maternity clothes? Mainly in non-maternity shirts and dresses but loving all of the maternity jeans and work pants!

Sleep: My hips have really been bothering me while tossing and turning in the middle of the night. Also, she has been really active while I'm trying to fall asleep so falling asleep has been more difficult but once I'm actually asleep, I sleep well. I've had to get up a couple of times this week to use the bathroom in the middle of the night but it's only been one time during the night so it's not bad. 

Best moment this week: A few! Clemson won the ACC Championship so we will go on to play Ohio State in the semi-finals on NYE that I will definitely be staying on the couch for! Also, my co-workers threw me a baby shower at work so it was sweet that was fun! Lastly, I got to see my girl on 3D today! She has the chubbiest cheeks, a full head of hair and looks just like her daddy! 

Miss Anything? All of the sweets. I'm not even a big sweets person but the office is full of holiday cookies and it's so tempting to "just have one" but I've done really well at staying away from them. 

Movement: So active! The ultrasound tech today could barely get a good picture because her little hands were constantly in front of her face. She has completely turned since the last ultrasound last week. She is still head down but her body and feet are on the opposite side. Her feet and bottom are still in my ribs, though. 

Food cravings: Diet Dr. Pepper (caffeine free) over ice, duh. Also, Starbucks decaf Pike's Place with sugar free peppermint syrup. Since I can't have the full sugary latte, this has been a great substitute.

Anything making you queasy or sick? No.

Symptoms: A little bit of pressure. I honestly don't know if it's contractions or just pregnancy things going on down there. I don't really know the difference yet. Since she's moving so much, I am constantly feeling it and it's not always that comfortable but it does comfort me to know that she is moving around in there!

Looking forward to: Working on the nursery. The room is painted, the furniture is in the room but Andrew will be putting the crib together tomorrow night. I've done like 5 loads of laundry for her, so I'd like to start putting away her sweet little clothes, blankets and start decorating!

Gestational Diabetes Check-In: Not terrible. Because I have GD, I was referred to Maternal Fetal Medicine to see a dietician and doctor to thoroughly monitor my levels. I went today for the first time, had an ultrasound and then met with the dietician, then the doctor. The ultrasound went well and she is currently weighing 5 pounds, 5 oz. The dietician informed me that I am a unique case and they will treat me differently from most women with GD. Basically, my amniotic fluid levels are low right now, which can cause issues and a potential early delivery. To get my fluids up, I need to rest and drink lots of water. In addition to that, I will now have two scheduled ultrasounds a week. Yes, that could potentially be 12-13 MORE ultrasounds! I am so thankful to see my sweet girl on that screen. They will measure the fluids during this time to make sure that it is not decreasing. A little scary, but hopefully nothing to be too concerned about at this time. I'll keep you posted! 

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32 Week Bumpdate

Wednesday, November 30, 2016


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! 

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31 Week Bumpdate

Friday, November 25, 2016

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. 

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Dealing with Gestational Diabetes

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

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


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30 Week Bumpdate

Monday, November 14, 2016


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! 

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