40 Weeks - Today is the "due" date...

Well, today is your due date. The past couple of days I have had some contractions, but nothing consistent. Last night your dad and I went for a walk around the neighborhood which led to a series of skipping and jogging. Apparently skipping and jogging doesn't induce labor, none the less it must have been a funny for any on looking neighbors. 


We just got back from the doctor and I am dilated to 3. Which is more than last week so things seem to be progressing. The doctor successfully stripped my membranes today and said there is a 50/50 chance it will help induce labor within the next 24-48 hours. If things don't progress in the next week, we have a appointment scheduled for next Tuesday where they will monitor you for signs of stress and level of amniotic fluid. If there is concerns they will induce that day. If everything looks okay, they will wait a schedule a induction later in the week. I have my fingers cross you decide to come on your own.

40 Weeks - Clothing is limited at this time, disregard this is the same shirt I had on in the last post :o)

As much as I want to meet you I keep trying to remind myself to just enjoy this special time. It is absolutely amazing to think that I have a full grown baby in my belly and that at any moment that will be changing. Right now all I really care about is that you are healthy.


I feel like we are prepared, the house is in order and we have everything else in line. Work has graciously allowed me to work from home until you arrive. Then I will go on maternity leave and have 16 weeks to  devote to bonding with you and learning how to be a mommy.  Now it's just waiting for you to decide when you are ready.


How far along: 40 weeks

Total weight gain: about 34 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yes… over the belly maternity jeans and sweat pants are most comfy 

Sleep: I get up a couple time during the night, anxious about your arrival.

Stretch marks: Nope!

Best moment of the week: Knowing we are soo close to meeting you!

Miss anything: My waist and sleep

Movement:  Lots of hard movement still, I am convinced you are out of room.

Food Craving: Chocolate/vanilla twist cone dipped in cherry from dairy queen...yummy!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Yes, eating too much. Small portions are my friend, but I always want more!

Have you started to show yet: Yes, there is no question about it, I am pregnant.

Gender: Girl  :o) 

39 Weeks - Anxiously Awaiting

Today was our 39 week appointment. I am dilated to 1.5 and we are anxiously awaiting your arrival. The doctor stripped my membranes today, which can help get things going. She said it's about 50/50 sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. I just can't wait to have you in my arms. I think you are tired of being in my tummy too because you have been moving like crazy.

I went through a nesting phase over the weekend and we got a ton of stuff done around the house. The past couple of days I have been feeling very tired and have had bouts of nausea. I have been told that these are good signs that labor is coming on, I am really hoping so. Our next appointment is on your due date June 5th, it will be interesting to see if we make it till then :o)


How far along: 39 weeks

Total weight gain: about 33 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yes… over the belly maternity jeans and sweat pants are most comfy 

Sleep: I was up five times last night :o(

Stretch marks: Nope!

Best moment of the week: Knowing we are getting closer to meeting you.

Miss anything: My waist and sleep

Movement:  Lots of hard movement. You are getting stronger and like to push your arms and legs outwards.

Food Craving: Chocolate/vanilla twist cone dipped in cherry from dairy queen...yummy!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Yes, eating too much. Small portions are my friend, but I always want more!

Have you started to show yet: Yes, there is no question about it, I am pregnant.

Gender: Girl  :o) 

38 Weeks - 2 Weeks Until “D” Date

Our due date is quickly approaching and we can’t wait! There have been so many new and exciting experiences during the past 9 months and we are looking forward to many more in the future.

The Jedele baby shower was a few weeks ago, we gathered at Aunt Sandi’s house for great food and celebration. It was nice to catch up and meet with family I had not met. You received so many gifts and handmade blankets. My work also threw a baby shower for us too! It was a surprise shower, many of the ladies in my department gathered for cake and gifts.  We are one blessed family to have such supportive people in our lives.

Crunch time is approaching; I have an overwhelming feeling to get as much done as possible, but finding the energy and ability to do them all is hard. I want everything to be done when you arrive, so I can focus on you. I know what’s done won’t matter to you.

You have grown so much in the past couple of weeks. My stomach is so tight; there is not much room for you in there anymore. You have been very active with you arms and legs, I can feel pushing out. It is amazing to think you are a full grown baby, in MY stomach. Speaking of full grown, this week marks a milestone, if you decided to come early you would be considered full term. At this time I am more than welcoming to the idea of your arriving early, because that means meeting you sooner.

38 Weeks

Daddy put your tree up :o)

At last two appointments I was dilated to 1 and was at stage 1. At our appointment yesterday it was the same. However, Dr. Archer does seem to think you are dropping lower, which is a good sign. I am looking forward to next weeks appointment.

How far along: 38 weeks

Total weight gain: about 33 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yes… over the belly maternity jeans and sweat pants are most comfy 

Sleep: I think god is preparing me for future sleepless nights :o)

Stretch marks: Nope!

Best moment of the week: Knowing we are getting closer to meeting you.

Miss anything: My waist and sleep

Movement:  Lots of hard movement. You are getting stronger and like to push your arms and legs outwards.

Food Craving: Sweets and watermelon…still!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Yes, eating too much. Small portions are my friend, but I always want more!

Have you started to show yet: Yes, there is no question about it, I am pregnant.

Gender: Girl  :o)

Week 35

Wow! You are 35 weeks and 4 Days… per standard we only have a little over 4 more weeks to go! We had a doctor’s appointment Monday and all is well. You are measuring on par and the doctor said your head is down. I asked how likely that is to change, she said not likely because there is not much room in there for you to flip around.  We will now have appointment every week until you make your debut. Next week we will start exams to see if there is any progression.  I never thought I would look forward to an exam, until now.

We had your first baby shower a couple of weeks ago and it was a great time. Mommy’s friends and family all came over to the house to celebrate.  You received so many fun things! I never realized how much stuff is needed for babies. You will also be very fashionable; you received a ton of clothes. They are all so cute; I can’t wait to dress you in them. Your daddy’s side of the family is throwing us a baby shower next weekend too. We are so blessed to have such kind and thoughtful family and friends.

Today we had maternity pictures taken, so we could document how you are growing in these last few weeks of pregnancy. I am looking forward to seeing how they turned out :o)

How far along: 35 weeks 4 Days

Total weight gain: about 29 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yes… over the belly maternity jeans and sweat pants are most comfy 

Sleep: Not going well. I am up about 3-4 times a night.

Stretch marks: Nope!

Best moment of the week: Knowing we are getting closer to meeting you.

Miss anything: My waist and sleep

Movement:  You are very strong and make my whole belly wiggle. It is entertaining to watch you at work.

Food Craving: Sweets… which is odd because I was never a big sweets person until now.

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Have you started to show yet: Yes, there is no question about it, I am pregnant.

Gender: Girl  :o)

Week 31

Today you are 31 weeks 5 days… the anticipation of your arrival is starting to become more and more of a reality. Your dad and I have been doing a lot to prepare for your arrival. Your room is painted a beautiful lilac, your crib skirt is almost complete, we have your cornice board made it just needs upholstered and your dad is working on a tree decal for your wall. I have been eyeing some cute wall prints on Etsy that I just ordered today. I hope we have it all together before your arrival… however your dad reminds me that either way it will not matter, since you will be staying in our room for awhile. The other day I washed all of your clothes and hung them up. They are so small, it was challenging fitting some of them on hangers, those items were folded.

Your 31 week appointment was Wednesday, per the doctor everything is going well and your little heartbeat sounds great. The whooshing sound of your heartbeat is so comforting to hear. The weeks just seem to be flying by, I can’t believe in 9 weeks you will be in our arms. I can’t help thinking of our first ultrasound at 9 weeks, you were just a little peanut it seems like it was just yesterday. I can’t wait to meet you, I often time catch myself wondering… will you have brown hair or blonde hair, what color will your eyes be, will you look more like your mom or your dad or both.

Next weekend is our first baby shower… you are so loved that you actually get two showers held in your honor. The first one is at our house with family from mommy’s side and friends. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone and celebrating you.


Yesterday your dad and I attended a birthing class, we learned some helpful information to help us through the delivery process. I don't think a class can ever prepare you for the journey of life, but at least it was informative. 


This morning we will be going to Easter service at church and this afternoon we will be going over to Grandma and Grandpa Forster's to celebrate Easter with the family.


Every day is such a blessing,
Xoxoxo... Mommy


How far along: 31 weeks
Total weight gain: 22 pounds
Maternity clothes: Yes, maternity jeans are my fashion staple these days.
Sleep: Could use more, we also have a pesky cat that thinks it's play time during the night which does not help.
Stretch marks: Nope!
Best moment of the week: Feeling all of your movements
Miss anything: My waist
Movement: Seems to be getting higher and harder
Food Craving: Watermelon… Yes, still watermelon!
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Have you started to show yet: Most definitely!
Gender: Girl :o)
Labor Signs: Not yet.
Belly button in or out: In, but on it's way out.
Wedding rings on or off: Still on.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Having your nursery completed!

28 weeks and running...

You are a fast growing little girl, in the past two weeks I have grown a round belly. It seems to be
inviting to people. I have received several comments from strangers commenting on how cute of a
pregnant person I am. I am starting to “look” pregnant so that is nice, the in between stage was a little awkward.

You participated in your first 5K this weekend at the annual Shamrock and Shenanigan’s event
downtown Ann Arbor. Your Dad and I both ran, he left me is the dust, but I think I held my ground pretty
well for being pregnant.

2012
Steve 31:53
Crystal 33:44

2011
Crystal 31:19

I was 2.25 minutes off from my time from last year and looking at the numbers under normal
circumstances I could have passed your dad . Next year we could run as a family, there were a lot of
babies along for the ride.

Our doctor’s appointments have gone well and everything seems to be on par with the standards of
pregnancy. Next week will be the first of our every other week visits, so we will be seeing a lot more of
the doctors. Which is ok with me, I will take every opportunity for reassurance you a doing ok. Your dad
and I are signed up for a birthing class in April. We are both interested in what the class will hold, your
dad especially.

We are making some progress on your nursery. We picked out fabrics for the bedding and a paint color
for the walls. Your grandma Chloe and I cut out the fabric for your bed skirt last week and plan on having
it complete tonight. I hope you like purple like I do, because it is the primary color of your room. I can’t
wait to have your room complete and ready for your arrival.

How far along: 28 weeks
Total weight gain: about 17 pounds
Maternity clothes: Maternity jeans are more comfy at this point :o) However, I did manage to squeak
into a pair of non maternity dress pants for a meeting at work this week.
Sleep: Going good, I have come accustom to getting up at least once in the middle of the night.
Stretch marks: Nope!
Best moment of the week: Feeling all of your movements
Miss anything: My waist
Movement: Seems to be getting higher and into my ribs… no always comfortable.
Food Craving: Watermelon… Yes, still watermelon!
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Have you started to show yet: Most definitely!
Gender: Girl :o)
Labor Signs: Not yet.
Belly button in or out: In, but I am starting to wonder how much longer it will stay that way.
Wedding rings on or off: Still on.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Having your nursery completed!

Week 24

You are getting bigger, it seems like over the past week my belly has grown so much. You are becoming more and more active. Your daddy was able to feel you move the other day, which was very exciting. We have picked out the furniture for your room. But I am still searching for the perfect bedding, once I find it we are going to get started on your nursery. I am really looking forward to it.

How far along: 24 weeks
Total weight gain: about 10 pounds
Maternity clothes: I am wearing a combination of both. Maternity jeans are more comfy at this point :o)
Sleep: I would like more than I get
Stretch marks: Nope!
Best moment of the week: Feeling you move all around in my tummy
Miss anything: My waist
Movement: Yes, you are a very active lil girl. Your daddy was able to feel you last week, he was very excited.
Food Craving: Watermelon
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Have you started to show yet: Yep!
Gender: Girl :o)
Labor Signs: Not yet.
Belly button in or out: In, but I can tell it is getting shallow.
Wedding rings on or off: Still on.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Getting started on your nursery