Note: All previous pregnancy/baby-related blog posts may be found on my new Pregnancy/Baby page! I cannot, for the life of me, get this page to show up on the navigation bar at the top of this site right now, but that’s in the works for the future!
Baby Updates
Baby weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and is approximately 15 inches long… about the size of a butternut squash!
Weight Gained
I didn’t weigh myself this week, but if I had to guess, I’d assume I’m up about 20 pounds… maybe more?
Workouts
Working out continued to feel great this week and my workouts included a variety of spinning, Pure Barre and BodyPump! One thing that is kind of odd that I’ve started to notice is that outside of the gym, I feel like I’m slowing down a bit. I feel fine during my workouts, but I am feeling more fatigued during everyday activities like walking Sadie (on the hilly loops) and walking up stairs. While I can still walk long distances, I am happy to take more breaks when Sadie wants to stop and sniff and feel like my pace is definitely decreasing a bit.
Symptoms
I am still rather easily overheated. In the past, I have always been someone who is perpetually cold, so feeling hot and sweaty all the time is rather new for me and man, it stinks! I am becoming best friends with a little space fan we have in our house and definitely prefer exercising in a temperature-controlled environment as opposed to battling heat/humidity. (Bless the 65-degree spinning studio at my gym!)
Also, I briefly mentioned this last week, but I am still kind of addicted to rubbing my belly. I really couldn’t tell you why, but I find it oddly soothing to rub my stomach every so often.
And this is kind of comical, but I’ve also found myself rolling up my shirts and exposing my belly in the privacy of our home. I don’t know what possesses me to do this, but if I’m wearing a tighter tank top that I can easily roll up, I’ll fold it up to let the belly “breathe” when I’m home alone. Apparently the belly likes to be out and free! (Maybe this is because I’m also always so hot!? Haha!) I also think this can be attributed to the fact that every time I can see our baby move from the outside, it just blows my mind, so I like being able to look down and see movement from time to time rather than just feel it from the inside.
Foot cramps and some calf cramps continue, but I can usually stretch them out before they take off and are too painful.
On some days, I’ll also notice a feeling of “fullness” in my belly, unrelated to how much I’ve had to eat. My belly will just feel bigger, fuller and maybe more crowded at some points. I am assuming this relates to how our little guy is positioned on some days, but it can be a bit uncomfortable at times.
I am also beginning to develop linea nigra, though it is still extremely faint. I am not sure anyone would really notice it other than me right now unless they looked very closely, but I do see it slightly coming through from my pubic bone up to my belly button.
Food Aversions
Similar to the past few weeks, nothing is sounding too horrific to me right now. While there are still foods I choose not to eat, nothing is gag-inducing anymore.
Food Cravings
- Fresh fruit (watermelon, nectarines, grapes)
- Chicken sausage in a fresh roll with ketchup, mustard and relish (I had this 4x this week!)
- Cereal
Sleep
Sleep is feeling relatively normal, though I never really feel like I sleep deeply anymore. It’s almost like I’m half-awake at all times which is kind of annoying, but it makes waking up at early times to teach a bit easier, I suppose.
Looking Forward To…
My 30 week prenatal appointment and my first baby shower! My Aunt Laurie is hosting a family baby shower for me at her home in Raleigh on Saturday and I cannot wait to see everyone and celebrate our little boy!
Any Baby/Pregnancy-Related Purchases?
- Pink Blush Maternity Off the Shoulder Top (on sale via Zulily)
Belly Button In Or Out?
Flat!
Feeling…
I am struggling a bit this week with feeling motivated to be productive. When it comes to working, keeping up with stuff around the house and checking off items on my “to do” list, I am feeling rather unmotivated. Hopefully this changes soon! Right now lounging outside and reading a good book 24/7 sounds pretty fabulous…
I am also finding myself continually blown away by the thought that Ryan and I will have a son so soon. Now that the weather is warming up, I feel like our summer baby is almost here and I am experiencing more and more disbelief that there’s actually a human growing in my belly right now. It really is a miracle and I am so, so excited to meet him!
Amidst the disbelief and excitement, I also feel worry and concern creep in from time to time, though it isn’t quite as bad as some of the anxiety I had in earlier weeks. Sometimes I feel like so much relating to our baby’s health and safety is out of my control and that can be overwhelming and set me off on the worry wart train… Lots of praying for a healthy baby and a smooth delivery continues to occur over here!
Any Movement?
Yes! Our little one is moving more and more these days which I absolutely love!
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I’ve been following your blog for a couple of years now, and I was so excited when you revealed your pregnancy! I’m thoroughly enjoying the pregnancy/baby posts so I hope they continue once he’s born. 🙂
Thank you for reading for so long, Jess! <3
I’m 36w1d and my belly definitely likes to breathe at home too! lol it is so strange but I am always rolling up my shirt when I’m alone!
Ha!!! So glad I’m not alone in this! Sometimes I feel crazy when I’m sitting at my computer with my tank top rolled up and my belly out, but the belly likes to breeeeathe! 🙂
Like Jess, I am a long term reader (as in, the peanut butter spoon on the side of your blog) and LOVE these posts. You are always so positive and I appreciate that you are willing to share your journey with us. Plus, it gives me some insight should I be expecting a little one anytime soon!
Congrats! Love that top! And the heat is uncomfortable NOT pregnant so I cant even imagine how you feel!
Stay cool!
Katie @ http://www.KatieWanders.com
Thanks for always being candid, Julie! As another long term ready (3+ years!) I can say that your honesty is so refreshing especially in the blogging world. A lot of things can begin to feel staged and unrealistic a lot of times, but with you we always know the real deal! Hoping you have a great 3rd trimester and a smooth delivery! <3
Take advantage of being lazy while you can! hehe.
Love the top 🙂 Zulily is the best
I just LOVE those bare belly photos! Beautiful belly! I feel you on being more tired and fatigued, particularly outside of my workouts. I feel great when I’m exercising, especially when I’m teaching (I think it’s the extra adrenaline), but chasing after Hunter, climbing stairs, walking long distances, and bending over takes a lot more work and energy these days. 😉
Thank you!! And you’re probably right about the extra adrenaline. I guess I could use a little more of that in my day-to-day life these days! Ha!
Aw so cute! You’ve a legitimate bump now! 🙂
Haha, letting the belly be free cracked me up! You and baby are looking so cute, as always! 🙂
I can’t believe you’re already 30 weeks. You’re so tiny!
You’re doing great, mama! It’s been so fun to read along since I’m due with my first so close to you (3 days earlier). There’s so much to relate to. I can’t imagine doing this totally alone!
OH, and I totally feel you on rolling up the shirt. I do that too! It’s so much better for watching those movements, and it just feels less restrictive. Best of luck to you in the coming weeks!
I love that pregnancy top! And your baby bump!
A magnesium supplement did wonders for my pregnancy foot/leg cramps.
Yay for 30 weeks, you are almost there and you look awesome! I was also a person who was always, and I mean always cold. However my son is 8 months old and I am STILL hot. Although, living in Florida probably doesn’t help.
Oh man, I feel for you! I keep saying how I cannot imagine how much I would be sweating if we were still in Florida. I think I’d be living at the pool and carrying around a personal-sized fan! Phew!
I wore giant sweat pants and sports bras whenever I was at home through both of my pregnancies. I don’t know why but I hated having my belly covered! I’m so excited for you and Ryan and wish y’all the best!!
YES!!! Baggy pants + sports bras are my at-home uniform right now. 🙂
I had NO IDEA that linea nigra had a name! I got that (and it’s still there…) during my pregnancy and thought it was just me! Good to know it happens to others, and that it’ll go away (I just looked it up) 🙂
And I understand the anxiety…just know it’s not just you that feels that. I think all pregnant women go through that! Praying really is all that help 🙂
I remember my feet ki-lllllled me and all I wanted was for them to be rubbed! I bought those infomercial type foot straps that have a cushion to support your arch… you may wanna look into something like that!
I forget how much you grow in the last 10 weeks of pregnancy, get ready!! 😀
any pregnancy specific clothing you’re going to refuse to give up post birth? the work out leggings are a given 🙂
Honestly, I LOVE maternity jeans. They’re SO darn comfy.. I think I’ll have a hard time letting them go!
Honestly? My “baby” just turned two and I still can’t stand regular pants! I wear leggings all the time now because I miss my maternity pants so much. Regular waist bands are just awful! Enjoy the maternity ones while you can!
Love it!!! I am with you on letting the belly out into the wild when we’re in the privacy of our home! I had my shirt rolled up the other day standing out on our deck getting some sun and my husband was like “whoa, you look pregnant, are you sticking it out??” I was like haha nope, that’s all baby! And to add that menu item, you should just have to go to appearance then menus, unless your navigation bar just doesn’t have room for it then it will probably wrap. Just a thought!
hey Julie, are you getting the tdap vaccine at all?
I actually did a few weeks ago (the same time I did my glucose screening).
I usually consider myself a pretty motivated, like to feel accomplished person. But especially since entering my third trimester (will be 35 weeks Friday), I find I am more content than ever to sit down and relax. My workouts are shorter (I so wish I had your motivation & enthusiasm to continue the routine I’d been in pre-pregnancy) and I am more lax on my attitude about getting my household “chores” done (luckily my husband has picked up some of my motivation & makes up for it). I keep reminding myself that in a few weeks I’ll be running low on sleep, will always be caring for another human being, and my whole routine will change, so taking time to just relax and be lazy is okay. Our bodies are just helping to slow us down and remind us to take take for ourselves!
I love the pink shorts you’re wearing! Where are they from?
Thank you! They’re Lorna Jane. 🙂 Super comfy, too!!
Julie! I’ve been horrible at commenting, but have been following every update and am just so excited for you! You look healthy & beautiful! Take advantage of the down time before baby boy arrives!!
Airing out the belly always felt so nice after being out! I had my son 2 months ago (first kid) and it is just the best thing ever. Seeing him be born (they will probably tell you to look on the final push when he comes out) was the best part of my life. And every day with him gets better and better. I’m so excited for you both!
Julie I recently heard a great idea that you should do with your little boy once he is born! What you do is sign up for a free gmail account (something that has to do with his name) and over the years you and your husband can write him e-mails. For example, on every birthday you can write a special email to your boy. Then after 18 years (or however long you want to do it) you give him the email address and password, that way he can look back and see all of these wonderful messages. It a fun, creative, free idea that I think might be right up your alley!
My baby bump is large and in charge these days (31 weeks) and yet there are still a lot of moments where I just stop and think, “Is there REALLY a baby in there?!” I agree that the whole process truly is a miracle.
I do the same thing with rolling the shirt up – although, I live in Australia now and it’s currently winter. So I don’t think it’s specific to temperature. I think it’s fascination with the movement and that my body has actually made room for this little human.
I am 34.5 weeks along, and I wrote a post the other day about the battle between nesting and lazing around. I seriously find it such a constant battle haha. Everything will get done before you babe arrives, though 🙂
http://www.ashleywillingham.com/nesting-ashley-vs-pregnant-ashley/
I have never known heat and overheating until I was pregnant, it was January and snowing and I was ready to open the windows and let in some air because I was so hot. Ha!
I have been reading your blog for a few years as well but have never commented. I have a 9 week old and just wanted to let you know that even though I was pregnant in Wisconsin in the winter my belly always had to breath and I was constantly rubbing it as well (more and more until my daughter was born). No idea why, it just happened one day. It did feel very soothing though.
Anyway, I wish you the best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy. Hopefully you are as comfortable and energized as you can be in these last weeks. It is true that they go fast but oh so slow at the same time. I look forward to seeing pictures and reading about your little guy.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, Kelly! And congrats on your little one. <3
Julie, I’m a long time reader and it has been so fun reading about your pregnancy. I have a 7 week old son, and our pregnancies have seemed so similar so far. You look absolutely amazing! Keep up the great work with exercising. My motivation to work out through my pregnancy was everyone telling me it would make labor and delivery easier. I ended up being induced and was in labor for almost 48 hours to end up with a c-section. All of the nurses and my doctor were shocked at how much energy I still had when it was all said and done. Also, I bounced back from the c-section really quickly and the whole ordeal just felt like no big deal. I’m convinced it’s because I took care of myself while pregnant. So keep it up, it will be so worth it when it’s all said and done! Good luck with your last trimester!
So exciting and such a cute top! I love off-the-shoulder tops!
love your sweet bump and these sweet updates!! So excited for you!!
In wordpress go to ‘appearance’ and then ‘menus’ and you should be able to add the pregnancy tab there and have it show up on your menu. I was having the same problem yesterday!
Thank you so much for this tip, Erica! Trying it now!
I highly recommend taking a calcium supplement daily for the leg cramps. Ask your dr of course, but that is what my midwife recommended and it has been spot on. If I take it daily – no leg cramps. If I skip a day I can feel a cramp coming on occasionally, but can stretch it out. If I skip a few days I will eventually get a cramp – usually in my sleep. Totally worth taking a calcium daily to avoid interrupted sleep. I am 31 weeks pregnant with my second boy and it is very very hard to believe he will be here so soon.
First of all, you look amazing! I did the same thing stressing about my baby girl before she got here, and it is totally normal. I just tried to put it in the Lord’s hands, and when she arrived I found myself learning everything that I needed to know to take care of her very quickly. A lot of it was instinct and some came from the overwhelming love I felt for her. I know that you are going to be an amazing Mom to your little guy! 🙂
I was an absolute oven when I was pregnant. I’m fairly comfortable most of the time, but was freezing the first 2-3 months and then always sweating the last 4. You’ll get through it. 🙂 a lot of the symptoms you’ve been describing were the same symptoms I had. Makes me feel nostalgic…sort of. 😉 Enjoy it!!