Week 37

How far along?  37 weeks

Stretch marks? Nope! 

Sleep: I'm able to fall asleep quickly but I am definitely becoming more & more uncomfortable. My belly is so big and moving in bed takes a lot of work. 

Best moment this week: Snow/ice days with Josh :) It was nice to have 3 relaxing days together. I did however suffer from cabin fever. I couldn't even take a walk outside for fear that I might slip & fall. Josh kept me in & safe. 

Symptoms: More Braxton Hicks contractions! Jude is now pressing on my inner thigh nerve and it causes major pain to shoot down my groin/leg. It happened to me at the mall, and I had a sales associate ask if I was okay. When it happens I can't move, and it causes me to wrench in pain. My doctor says it's because he's positioned so low that his head is pushing on all kinds of nerves. 

Miss anything?  Let's see, Diet Dr. Pepper, deli sandwiches, the ability to put my socks on without having to sit on the bed for support, being able to zip up my jacket......... Just a few things 

Baby movement: Jude still has the hiccups daily and continues to move. He can definitely cause my ribs to hurt :( I would love to know what he's doing in my belly at times. Lol He has moments where he jerks & other times he just rolls around. 

Food cravings: Brownies! As for meals, nothing ever sounds good anymore. I feel bad because Josh is always asking what sounds good to eat for dinner, and I always say nothing. I do eat my meals but they just don't sound as appetizing anymore. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Belly button in or out? In/out 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Over the moon! 

Looking forward to: JUDE! Josh has to continue reminding me that the longer Jude stays in the better it will be for his development, but I'm just so ready to meet my son, to hold him and know he's MINE. 

Maternity clothes? Just the jeans 

Have you told family & friends: Yes, everyone knows! 

Have you started showing yet? Yes.......

What am I reading right now: The Pregnancy Countdown Book and What To Expect When You're Expecting 

Week 36

How far along?  36 weeks

Stretch marks? Nope! I better not get them like the last week he's due because that would just be heartbreaking. 

Sleep: Snoogle is still my friend. I've been so tired lately that I'm sleeping well even though I'm waking up more often to pee. Ugh! 

Best moment this week: I loved spending time with our families on Thanksgiving. It was nice seeing everyone and it's crazy to think this was the last family holiday get together before Jude arrives. AND I had my mashed potatoes & pie! Yummy! 

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming stronger and I have had a couple that were pretty painful. I'm peeing more often thanks to the little guy putting so much pressure on my bladder. 

Miss anything?  Diet Dr. Pepper! I have two12 packs of DDP waiting for me :) I plan to have one right after delivery. It's sad I know, but it's my one addiction. Baby Jude must be really loved for his mommy to give it up cold turkey. 

Baby movement: Jude loves to move and even though there isn't much room he still manages to move like crazy. I feel his knees all the time. They just roll across my belly or poke out. He has made my ribs hurt from kicking so much. 

Food cravings: Nothing really-- I'm having more of a disinterest in foods now. I think it's because my belly is so big and I can't eat as much as I used to. I can only hold so much! Jude takes up like 95% of my belly. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Belly button in or out? In/out 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Joyful! The official countdown has began :) 

Looking forward to: Jude's arrival! I can't wait until he gets here -whenever that will be. Hopefully he doesn't take after his mommy's stubbornness & decide to stay in past his due date. 

Maternity clothes? Just the maternity jeans 

Have you told family & friends: Yes, everyone knows! 

Have you started showing yet? Yes, I feel huge. Huge! 

What am I reading right now: We just purchased What To Expect The First Year so it's now time to read up on actual baby care! I can't believe Jude is going to be here so soon. I am still reading a little from The Pregnancy Countdown Book and What To Expect When You're Expecting. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Week 35

How far along?  35 weeks

Stretch marks? Nope! I'm praying my belly can make it. 

Sleep: Falling asleep is easy but at times staying asleep not so much. I've had a couple of rough nights. 

Best moment this week: We went to my doctor's appointment and we had our last sonogram. I love seeing our baby boy. Little Jude weighs in at 5 lbs and 13 oz right now :) 

Also, this past weekend my parents came down to bring us the last two pieces of nursery furniture. Although I felt horrible I was able to sit with my mom and take all the tags off Jude's clothes. We washed his crib sheets too. I loved being able to have those moments with my mommy. 

Symptoms: SI joint pain but the brace helps. This past weekend was the worst I felt during this entire pregnancy so far. I had cramping and pelvic pain & pressure. Not to mention I was just exhausted. I didn't leave the house for 3 days. I just slept and if I was awake I was resting on the couch. No fun! I felt useless. Luckily I have the best husband who kept me company & took care of me. He didn't mind staying in with me. 

Miss anything?  My old body in a non-selfish way. At times it's just rough having a big belly and not being able to do normal things the way I used to. It's hard when you hurt and can't get comfortable BUT I am so grateful at the same time. I love Jude so much and he's worth every bit of it. 

Baby movement: Our little guy just loves to move & kick. I love how excited Josh gets when he feels Jude move & kick. He always has these playful moments with Jude at night while I'm asleep. It's so cute! Oh! Jude gets the hiccups about twice a day too. 

Food cravings: Mashed potatoes (Thanksgiving is Thursday) and cinnamon rolls 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Belly button in or out? In/out just depends, it's weird. 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: SO happy and excited for Jude to arrive. 

Looking forward to: My doctor's appointment next week! I am now having weekly visits. Jude could come any day now. Crazy! 

Maternity clothes? Just the jeans 

Have you told family & friends: Yes, everyone knows! 

Have you started showing yet? Duh! Now more than ever. 

What am I reading right now: The Pregnancy Countdown Book and What To Expect When You're Expecting 

Week 34

How far along?  34 weeks

Stretch marks? Nope! 

Sleep: I don't have any issues falling asleep. I'm waking up through the night to pee and started having a hard time falling back sleep :/ 

Best moment this week:  Our maternity photo shoot! It was so much fun getting pampered and having my hair & makeup done. I felt so beautiful that day. The day was absolutely gorgeous too!  I couldn't have asked for a better day. I loved being able to have another special photo shoot with Joshua :) The last time we took photos together was for our engagement session and now it was for our little Jude. 

Symptoms: So I found out at my weekly physical therapy session that my SI joint was very loose which is why I'm having a lot more pain & discomfort in my lower back. I have a new brace that I wear that puts constant pressure on the joint to keep it from shifting around. It really does help with the pain. It's not a cure, but it helps manage the discomfort & pain. 

Miss anything?  Omg being able to just bend down and pick up something off the floor, being able to sleep comfortably, it's crazy how much my bump changes the way I do everything! Oh, and Diet Dr. Pepper ;) 

Baby movement: All he does is move! 

Food cravings: Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookies, candy, fast food :/ All the bad stuff 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Belly button in or out? Out! 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Excited! He's almost here! 

Looking forward to: Finishing up his nursery :) I love walking in his room. It feels so real, so exciting. All we need is to put him in it! 

Maternity clothes? My bump has definitely grown in just the last few days. I still only have my maternity jeans, and I'm just making my regular tops work. 

Have you told family & friends: Yes, everyone knows! 

Have you started showing yet? Yes! I had my first stranger belly rub encounter :/ I was shopping at Apricot Lane and the young sales associate walked up & commented on my bump. As she was talking she began to rub my belly and comment on how cute it was. She rubbed my belly the entire conversation. Awkward......

What am I reading right now: The Pregnancy Countdown Book and What To Expect When You're Expecting 

Week 33

How far along?  33 weeks

Stretch marks? Nope! I wake up every day wondering whether or not they will appear. I swear I'm growing like crazy. 

Sleep: No issues! 

Best moment this week: A few days ago my dad came over to paint Jude's nursery. It was so special to share that moment with him. I feel so happy to walk into his room and see it all painted. Now it's time to decorate and get all his furniture into place. I can't wait to finish his nursery! 

Symptoms: I'm having really bad lower back pain and sciatica. It can be so painful and uncomfortable at times. 

Miss anything?  Diet Dr. Pepper 

Baby movement: Jude loves to move and I love to feel him. 

Food cravings: Chick-fil-A :) Just about every day this past week 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Belly button in or out? In & Out! 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy, excited, starting to get a little nervous

Looking forward to: Our maternity photo shoot :) I can't wait to take photos with Josh and my baby bump. I hope the weather holds up. 

Maternity clothes? Maternity skinny jeans ( 3 pairs) 

Have you told family & friends: Yes, everyone knows! 

Have you started showing yet? Yep, my bump keeps growing. 

What am I reading right now: The Pregnancy Countdown Book and What To Expect When You're Expecting 

Jude's Nursery
Here are a few pictures of the painting process! We had to cover and protect his crib before Popo could begin painting. Popo on the ladder carefully painting his room. He kept saying he wanted it to be perfect for his grandson. The color we chose is called Light French Gray. The room turned out perfect! I can't wait to show it off soon. 

Daddy painting his window sill :)

Week 32

How far along?  32 weeks

Stretch marks? None!

Sleep: I'm still able to fall asleep quickly and the only time I wake up through the night is to use the restroom. 

Best moment this week: Attending our first baby class together :) I was very excited to attend our Prepared Childbirth class. It just makes it so much more real. We learned so much and still have the second portion of the class next Sunday. 

Symptoms: My belly feels so big and hurts at times. I don't see how much more my belly can grow! I notice that I can't walk as quickly as I used to. I'm short of breath more often and hate that feeling. 

Miss anything?  I miss being skinny. I'm VERY happy and love being pregnant with Jude but at times I'd love to be able to lay on my stomach or be able to zip up my jacket. It's definitely getting harder as my belly is getting bigger. 

Baby movement: Jude moves and kicks and moves and kicks!! LOL My doctor told me not to count kicks since he's so active. 

Food cravings: Chick-fil-A, Honeycrisp apples 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Belly button in or out? Out! Although at times it goes in and disappears for a bit. I joke with Josh and say Jude sucked my belly button in ;) 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy! 

Looking forward to: My last baby shower with family and friends. 

Maternity clothes? I've made it this far with just maternity skinny jeans. I will see how it goes! 

Have you told family & friends: Yes, everyone knows! 

Have you started showing yet? I get a lot of compliments and excitement from people. People love to ask and wish the best for us. 

What am I reading right now: The Pregnancy Countdown Book and What To Expect When You're Expecting 

                                                    Happy Halloween! 

Our friends Nicole & JR had a Villian themed Halloween party this Saturday. I went as Catwoman and Josh went as Dexter. Here's a photo of the 3 of us! LOL It looks like Josh is pointing the knife at my belly (completely unintentional). Don't worry - Jude protects his mommy :) 

Week 31

How far along?  31 weeks

Stretch marks? Nope! I'm hoping I don't get any. 

Sleep: I'm still able to fall asleep quickly. I can't sleep in anymore, but I think it's Mother Nature's way of preparing me for motherhood :)

Best moment this week: We received Jude's nursery crib on Saturday! It is so beautiful, and I can't wait to see him in it. It just makes it all so exciting! 

Symptoms: I'm having some rib pain and belly pain. My lower back hurts on and off. I'm still attending my weekly physical therapy sessions which help with the pain. I'm also short of breath more often. 

Miss anything?  Diet Dr. Pepper

Baby movement: Our little Jude just loves to move. I'm definitely feeling his knees and elbows now. It's uncomfortable but I love it. 

Food cravings: Chick-fil-A

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Belly button in or out? Out! 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: SO excited! 

Looking forward to: My next baby shower! I love receiving gifts for Jude. He is already so spoiled. He has a lot of people who love him very much. 

Maternity clothes? Just skinny maternity jeans 

Have you told family & friends: Yes, everyone knows! 

Have you started showing yet? More & more.....

What am I reading right now: The Pregnancy Countdown Book and What To Expect When You're Expecting 

Week 30

How far along?  30 weeks

Stretch marks? Nope! Although I feel like my belly can't stretch anymore and I still have about 10 weeks to go. Let's hope my belly can make it without any stretch marks. 

Sleep: No issues falling asleep. 

Best moment this week: I am SO in love with Jude. We had our 3D/4D ultrasound this week and it was by far one of the most memorable moments we have had. It's an amazing feeling to be able to see your son. He is perfect in every single way. I can't wait to finally meet him. 

Symptoms: Shortness of breath and just feeling uncomfortable at times because my belly is so big.

Miss anything?  Diet Dr. Pepper and being able to sleep through an entire night without waking up to go to the restroom

Baby movement: Jude loves to move and kick :) I love how active he is in my belly. Even when his movements are uncomfortable, l still love every moment of it. 

Food cravings: Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookies with milk 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Belly button in or out? Out! I hope it goes back to normal. 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Excited! 

Looking forward to: Receiving Jude's crib on Saturday 

Maternity clothes? Just the maternity skinny jeans 

Have you told family & friends: Yes, everyone knows! 

Have you started showing yet? Duh! 

What am I reading right now: The Pregnancy Countdown Book and What To Expect When You're Expecting 

State Fair of Texas

Saturday, October 19, 2013

We had so much fun at the State Fair this Saturday. As you can see, I was able to pet a baby giraffe and take a photo with him. Josh & I tried a fried peanut butter & jelly banana sandwich (last picture) , a fried red velvet cupcake, and fried lemonade. Yummy! Jude loved it too! We had the famous Fletcher corn dogs too. Unfortunately all that walking caught up with me and I had horrible back pain for the rest of the weekend. It was worth all the fun I had with Josh and our little Jude. 

Week 29

How far along?  29 weeks

Stretch marks? None so far! I'm still using Bio-oil twice a day. 

Sleep: No issues falling asleep 

Best moment this week: My first baby shower! My wonderful friend, Paige, hosted my first baby shower at her house. My friends Tia, Nicole, Jessica, and Meghan all helped to plan every detail. It was absolutely adorable! It was a "little man" theme, complete with moustaches. I honestly have the best group of friends :) I am so thankful for each and every one of them. Josh & I were so blessed to receive such wonderful gifts. To end the shower, I had the pleasure of revealing our baby boy's name! 

And we shall call him..........Jude Anthony Calva 

Symptoms: I'm noticing I'm starting to feel short of breath more often. Now that I'm in my third trimester I'm starting to wake up more through the night to pee. No fun! 

Miss anything?  Diet Dr. Pepper 

Baby movement: Jude loves to move! A lot.... like all the time.

Food cravings: Fries

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope! 

Belly button in or out? Out! 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Over the moon! 

Looking forward to: Our 3D/4D ultrasound next week! I can't wait to see our precious baby Jude. 

Maternity clothes? Just my maternity skinny jeans so far

Have you told family & friends: Yes, everyone knows! 

Have you started showing yet? Yes, and people love to comment :) I feel like I have these growth spurts over night. Haha 

What am I reading right now: The Pregnancy Countdown Book and What To Expect When You're Expecting 

First Baby Shower
October 12, 2013

Thank you to everyone who came and made this day so special. We are so thankful for each and every one of you. Jude received such wonderful gifts. 

Week 28

How far along?  28 weeks

Stretch marks? Nope! 

Sleep: Snoogle keeps me happy. 

Best moment this week: We had our hospital Maternity tour at Baylor this Monday. It was all very exciting. I have to say that when they took us into a labor & delivery room and began explaining the entire process I began to tear up. Just hearing that this is where we would deliver our son made it so real and so emotional. I told Josh after that I had tears in my eyes as she was explaining the process and he told me he did too. 

Symptoms: Peeing more again and some back pain

Miss anything?  My caffeine = DDP

Baby movement: He moves all the time! I can definitely tell that he is getting bigger by the way he feels. I will never get tired of feeling him move & kick. It is the best feeling and reminds of the precious gift we were given. 

Food cravings: Milk and fries ( not together LOL) 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Belly button in or out? Out! It doesn't bother as much as it did at first. 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Feel so happy and so blessed 

Looking forward to: My first baby shower!!! I cannot wait to see what my wonderful friends have planned for me & the baby. 

Maternity clothes? Just the skinny jeans 

Have you told family & friends: Yes, everyone knows! 

Have you started showing yet? I have a bump for sure. 

What am I reading right now: The Pregnancy Countdown Book and What To Expect When You're Expecting 

We had our 10 year high school reunion at the Rahr Brewery this Saturday. Here are a few pictures of me & Josh at the reunion! I think we look good ;) Bump and all! 

Week 27

How far along?  27 weeks

Stretch marks? Nope! 

Sleep: No issues at night but sleeping in is a little hard. 

Best moment this week:  I have two! 1.) I  loved seeing our baby boy at the sonogram visit this week. He opened his mouth a few times and was practicing breathing. 2.) This past Sunday was Joshua's 29th birthday! I loved celebrating his birthday with him. It's the last birthday we will celebrate as a family of 2 ~ Aww 

Symptoms: I'm starting to feel more tired throughout the day. So far I have had some great back pain relief with my physical therapy. I'm really enjoying my weekly sessions.  

Miss anything? Diet Dr. Pepper, duh! I will say I miss being able to shave my legs easily. Now it seems like a working task with this belly in the way. 

Baby movement:  Baby boy kicks & moves like crazy! It was funny because my doctor was listening for his heartbeat at our appointment and she commented on how active he was in my belly! He loves to move! 

Baby boy has had the hiccups a couple of times this week. It's so cute and I love feeling every little hiccup. 

Food cravings:  Chocolate and milk

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Belly button in or out? Mostly out :/ I was told by an Asian lady that in her culture they believe that when your belly button sticks out it means it's a boy. In my case that's true! 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Joyful! 

Looking forward to: Our Baylor Maternity tour at the hospital this upcoming week. I'm very excited to see where our little one is going to be born! 

Maternity clothes? Just my maternity skinny jeans 

Have you told family & friends: Yes, everyone knows! 

Have you started showing yet? I have a bump for sure. 

What am I reading right now: The Pregnancy Countdown Book and What To Expect When You're Expecting 

We went to the Dallas Farmers Market on Josh's birthday to have lunch with his parents. Here are a couple of pictures of us with the BIG sign. 

Week 26

How far along?  26 weeks

Total weight gain: About 15 lbs

Stretch marks? Nope! Just started my third bottle of Bio-oil. 

Sleep: My Snoogle is the best! I find that Josh occasionally tries to sneak on the pillow too ;) 

Best moment this week: Purchasing our baby boy's nursery crib from Pottery Barn Kids! It was so exciting and made it all that much more real. He's going to be here so soon! 

Symptoms: Back pain and starting to feel more fatigued at times

Miss anything? Sleeping in :/ I can't seem to sleep past 9:00 anymore. Also, my Diet Dr. Pepper

Baby movement:  Baby boy kicks & moves everyday! He's a little ninja I swear Lol

Food cravings:  Chocolate chip cookies & milk, Coke & Whataburger 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Belly button in or out? Mostly out :( 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Ecstatic! 

Looking forward to: Our doctors appointment and sonogram next week. I can't wait to see our little boy again. It's the best. 

Maternity clothes? I bought my first pair of Gap maternity skinny jeans! They are so comfortable. 

Have you told family & friends: Yes, everyone knows! 

Have you started showing yet? Yep! I must say the bump sure brings out the kindness in people. People let me cut in line at both the grocery & shopping stores and love to comment on my bump. 

What am I reading right now: The Pregnancy Countdown Book and What To Expect When You're Expecting 

Sporting my new Gap Maternity jeans!