32 week bumpdate- 8 weeks to go!

Monday 4/8/13 we were 32 weeks pregnant- 8 weeks or less until we meet our sweet little man!

Due Date: June 03, 2013

Gender: Sweet baby BOY

Movement: Tons of movement going on - kicking, punching and rolling, hiccuping. 

Feeling: Feeling really, really good! Getting very excited to meet our baby, but a little nervous about "the big day".  I have some aches and pains throughout the day- nothing too serious. Colin's toes are definitely hanging out under my ribs which is a little uncomfortable and my back is pretty tired by the end of the day, but that is to be expected as the belly grows (and grows!). I'm also sleeping a little better this week. Overall, I'm feeling great and loving this pregnancy! I will certainly miss being pregnant in a few weeks.  

Food Cravings: No true cravings, but I'm still loving fruit and frozen yogurt. I have been craving healthy food this past week- might have something to do with the gorgeous summer weather we've been having! Watermelon, strawberries, yogurt, salad- yes please! I've also been continuing to chug the H2O- can't seem to get enough!

Food Aversions: seafood- still not appealing

Clothes: I'm all over the place with clothes- all maternity bottoms but this week I wore a ton of maxi dresses- all non maternity! 

Stretch Marks: None -- Cocoa butter and prayers to the stretch mark Gods that I make it to the end without any!

Sleep: Sleep has gotten better this week!  I wake up to use the bathroom about once or twice throughout the night and my back aches a little, but it's become much more bearable with a pillow between my legs. 

Symptoms: Heartburn, shortness of breath when C "kicks" my lungs, frequent potty breaks, minor aches and pains when I first stand up after sitting for a while. Hubs has been wonderful about giving me some massages in the evenings to help out my aches- I'm so lucky to have such a supportive guy <3. 

What I Miss: Being comfortable over all. I miss being able to move around easily- get up without grunting/struggling and the weather has me missing my outdoor runs. 

Best Moment: This week it was so sweet having hubs look at me and smile, I know he was smiling at the belly and the fact that we are soon going to be parents! He also got to feel Colin's hiccups this week, which was hilarious. 

31 Week Bumpdate- busy week!

On Monday April 1st we were 31 weeks pregnant. What an exciting week this was for the Robinson family! The week started off with a minor hitch... I was in a fender bender on Tuesday morning on my way to work. I was hit leaving my neighborhood by one of the construction workers. No major damage and baby Colin and I are just fine. We did have to go to the hospital for a few hours of monitoring just to be safe. I am certainly glad we did- gave us peace of mind to know that baby was just fine.

Tuesday evening baby and I left for a business trip to Memphis. We ate SO much Memphis BBQ!!! So delish. :) I had a great trip with my coworkers and gave two great presentations- last business trip before baby arrives.

We came back late Thursday night and had off Friday. I ran some errands, cleaned, made a banner for our maternity shoot and got a much needed mani/pedi. Friday night we headed up to my parents house for what I thought was an honorary decon dinner for my Dad. Little did I know- it was a suprise baby shower for baby Colin! I will do an entirely separate post on the shower once I get some additional pictures from my parent's camera. All I will say now is that it was absolutley perfect. BIG HUGE thank you to my Mom (Gram) and my BFF (Aunt Julie)- you two blew me away, once again.

Today we had a beautiful maternity photoshoot with our friend Kipp! She posted two sneak peak photos already and they are STUNNING!!! We had a blast shooting and the weather was perfect. We can't wait to see the rest of the photos.

Now for the bumpdate! Baby Colin is the size of four navel oranges, weighs just under four pounds and is moving like crazy! He is squirming all over trying to get comfy in his close quarters.

Total weight gain: At my doctors appointment on Friday I had gained 18 pounds.  
How big is the baby? : Baby Colin Bennett is the size of four navel oranges
Maternity clothes: Making work what I can, but needing all maternity bottoms and mostly maternity tops. I've discovered t-shirt maxi dresses from old navy and am in LOVE. They are perfect for the bump and I will be able to wear them this summer post delivery. I am not buying ANY more maternity clothes with only 9 weeks left to go so I will make it work.
Stretch marks?: Not yet... and hopefully not at all! A co-worker of mine had a baby last month and said she didn't have them until 37 weeks and then they appeared! I'm hoping that is not the case with me.  
Sleep: I was sleeping a little better this week. Still not great, but I'll take what I can get. I certainly don't mind being woken up by my sweet boy moving around. 
Best moment this week: Hands down- it was the baby shower. I also loved our maternity shoot. Just when I think I can't possibly love my husband any more than I already do, he goes and acts even more amazing. This pregnancy has brought us closer together and I love him more and more each day. He was so sweet and loving during the shower and the shoot today- such a catch. 
Movement:  big time! Little man is dancing all over the place
Food cravings: Nothing crazy- still craving sweats more than I did before pregnancy, but it is not out of control. 
Food aversions: Meat in general is still unappealing- but that Memphis BBQ was AMAZING. I can tolerate meat if it always tastes that good. :)
Labor signs: Not yet. Crazy to think that this answer will be changing in a few short weeks. 
Belly button in or out: Becoming an outtie. 
What I miss:  Having the energy to get everything done that I want to get done. Trying to get one "thing" done each day on my "pre Colin to do list". ;) I also REALLY miss running. The turn in the weather has made me get the "running itch". I am looking forward to when I can run again and take Colin out in the jogging stroller. I am hoping to run at least a 10k race this fall. 
Pregnancy Symptoms: Nothing new here- stiff back at the end of the day, heartburn, slight waddle when I walk ;)  
What I'm looking forward to: Getting the nursery put together. We have so many things to wash and organize after the shower- can't wait!!!

Us, latley and a 30 week bumpdate

I fee like our lives have been so busy lately! We've been getting a lot done around the house and knocking things off our "to do" list before baby Colin arrives.

We've also been doing a lot of visiting and seeing family and friends, which has been so wonderful. Two weeks ago we visited with John's aunt and uncle for the weekend to celebrate St. Patty's day. We went to a local bar, played pool and caught up on recent happenings. I traveled for work the week after and will be traveling again tomorrow for the week! Last work trip before baby arrives. The following weekend I went to visit our friend's Chip and Kristin's new baby boy, Landon. Such a cutie!! It was great to see them and spend time with their adorable kiddos. While I was visiting, hubs was busy painting at his sisters house and catching up with his family. This past weekend for Easter, my family came to visit on Friday and we had a few great meals and spent some quality time together. we had a mini photo shoot with my brother and hubs since both of them are graduating in May. Mom wanted some pictures of the boys together in their robes. I have some editing to do of the pictures, but here is a sneak peak of the picture they took with baby c. ;) Yes, I am wearing my husbands pants, don't judge me they are comfy!

I loved this past weekend- it was relaxing and just what we needed. We ate, worked on a 1000 piece puzzle, mom and I shopped, we tried out a new church and we relaxed. I hope everyone else had a wonderful Easter as well!

On Monday 3-25-13 we hit the 30 week mark! Colin can officially use all five of his senses. He is growing at such a rapid pace and will be ready to greet the world in just a few short weeks! We can't wait to meet our little guy. I am excited to start finalizing his nursery and getting all our nesting done. ;)

Cravings: Still having some cravings for frozen yogurt! Love the stuff. I've also been enjoying fruit and water- so thirsty.
Any foods you don’t want: Meat... surprised by this answer?
Symptoms? Back aches, heartburn, frequent potty breaks, thirst and shortness of breath. I'm definitely slowing down A LOT. I went to the gym with mom on Saturday and enjoyed the workout but it was MUCH harder to get through a 20 minute tredmill walk than I expected. Just a few months ago I was running 6 miles like it was nothing!!! I'm excited to get my energy back once Colin makes his debut. I'm also noticing that he gets the hiccups a lot. I feel them at least every other day- poor little guy takes after his mama in that department. I scarf down my meals and get hiccups all the time! ;)
Showing: Big old baby bump <3
Boy or Girl? snakes, snails and puppy dog tails- that's what little boys are made of.
Bought anything? On Saturday Mom and I bought a storage shelf and baskets for his toys and a lamp for his room from Ikea. I love the lamp!! I also bought closet organizers and a shelf for above his dresser last week with hubs. The furniture gets delivered this Thursday- can't wait to start seeing his nursery come together.
Shopping for anything?  We need to get the curtain rods for his curtains and his crib mattress next. After the baby shower I'm sure we'll need to evaluate everything we have and what is left to buy and start knocking the essentials off the list.
The Dad to be? Adorable. I know he is getting more and more excited to meet his son. This past weekend he said "I think I'm nesting too!", which was super cute. Thanks for making me feel less crazy babe! <3
Most recent appointment? Two weeks ago I had a regular check up. Colin is head down and measuring right on time! My BP looked great and the results of my glucose test were normal. We have two week appointments moving forward until about 36 weeks when we start going weekly. Hard to believe we are getting so close to holding our sweet boy in our arms.
Next appointment? This Friday we have our next appointment. After our birthing class a few weeks ago, we have a few questions for our midwife that we are looking forward to asking. Time to wrap up some loose ends!


Below is another "30 week" picture taken this past Saturday at 30 weeks 5 days. I really wish Mondays weren't my days for the weekly picture- Mondays are tough!!! ;)

Have a great week! -Mama Cait

29 week bumpdate

On Monday 3/18 we were 29 weeks along. 11 weeks until we meet our little boy! The second trimester certainly flew by and I'm starting to think the third one will too!

I am certainly slowing down a little bit as the weeks roll by... This week was by far the most tired/achy I've been since the firs trimester- but when I don't test my limits and know when to rest, I am still feeling great! All the symptoms I'm feeling are to be expected and there is nothing that I can't handle. Overall- I have a good amount of energy when I rest/take my time, I'm eating well, still exercising and feel healthy overall. I can't really complain! :)

However....I had a one day business trip to Memphis on Thursday that involved four different flights (a transfer both on the way down and back) and I was completely exhausted. I left the house at 5:45 am and didn't get home until after midnight. My limits were BEYOND tested and I still feel like I'm "recovering".  I definitely was cranky, achy and so so tired when I got home. The next evening, I treated myself to a much needed mani/pedi and a relaxing night at home with the hubs. 

Total weight gain: At my doctors appointment on Friday morning I was 17 pounds up. However, I was completely clothed and wearing shoes. When I got home and weighed myself- sans clothes and shoes- I was up 16 pounds. Doc says we are right on track.  
How big is the baby? : Baby Colin Bennett is the size of a head of cabbage or butternut squash. He weighs just about 3 pounds and is about 17 inches long. 
Maternity clothes: Making work what I can, but needing all maternity bottoms. I'm ready for a change in the weather so I can break out some of my maxi dresses- I think they will still fit and look great for spring! :)
Stretch marks?: Not yet... and hopefully not at all! 
Sleep: Eh- still hit or miss with more miss than hit. I am falling asleep well but waking up from about 12-2 to use the bathroom and having a really hard time falling back to sleep. I toss and turn a lot trying to get this big belly comfy. 
Best moment this week: Going to prepared childbirth class with hubs was by far the best moment this week. He was so attentive and interested in everything the instructor said. When we tried different birthing positions and massage techniques he was so supportive and encouraging. I know he'll do so well when it's finally "go time". It was also so helpful for me to hear a little more about what to expect. I've been reading books and blogs as much as possible, but I don't think it ever hurts to keep learning until the day of. The class certainly helped to ease my anxiety a little about the big day.
It was also nice to hear at our appointment on Friday that little man is head down and in "position" and that we are both healthy. As always, I love hearing his heartbeat<3. We are officially in the "every two week" zone for appointments!
Movement:  big time! Little man is kicking and punching up a storm! 
Food cravings: Nothing crazy- still craving sweats more than I did before pregnancy, but it is not out of control. 
Food aversions: Meat in general is still unappealing. The one negative piece of news we received at our appointment is that my iron is a little low so we need to increase my supplements, meat intake and green leafy veggies. I'm doing it for you little guy- want to make sure you are healthy! <3
Labor signs: No way Jose
Belly button in or out: Flat- not really in or out!
What I miss:  Having the energy to get everything done that I want to get done. Trying to get one "thing" done each day on my "pre Colin to do list". ;)
Pregnancy Symptoms: Big boobs, Big belly! I am certainly undeniably pregnant! My back is stiff by the end of the day and I'm certainly slowing down. The heartburn is still creeping up, but I am learning what foods trigger it and attempting to avoid them or eat them in smaller quantities. 
What I'm looking forward to: Our upcoming maternity pictures in two weeks and starting to get the nursery put together. <3

Baby Colin- 
Mommy and Daddy are getting more and more excited for your arrival. We are getting your room ready and preparing all of your things as they come in! You are certainly loved so much all ready and I know that when we see you and hold you for the first time, you will capture our hearts for eternity. Just a few more weeks to go until we get to meet you and get to know your sweet little personality! Love you to the moon and back.
Mama and Daddy

28 weeks- third trimester!

Happy St. Patty's day!!!

On March 11th, we met the 28 week mark- the 3rd trimester! Hard to believe our little man will be here in less than 12 weeks!!!

Total weight gain: At the end of this week, I was still at the 14 pound mark. I had lost a half a pound this week but gained it back with plenty of St. Patty's eating this weekend. 
How big is the baby?: Baby C is the size of a head of cabbage- how appropriate for St. Patty's day! Colin is almost 17 inches tall and weighs three pounds. His job over the next 12 or so weeks is to plump up!
Maternity clothes: A mix of both maternity and non maternity tops, but all maternity bottoms. The top in the picture above is non-maternity and looking back, I realize it was too short. It might be time to retire most of my non-maternity tops for the last trimester. I bought two pairs of work pants this past week to get me through the spring at work. 
Stretch marks?: Still happy to report the anser to this question is no! :)
Sleep:  Eh- off and on. Most of this week I had a hard time sleeping. I'm guessing it is going to get a little tougher to get comfortable. It's all worth it though!!! I'm sure this is the universe's way of preparing me for the first few months of mommy-hood. 
Best moment this week: Hearing hubs talk about when Colin gets here and our plans while talking with his Aunt and Uncle. He is starting to sound so proud of our little family. I can tell it's getting more real for him now.  I also really enjoyed getting back in the gym! Felt great the next day!!
Movement:  Lots!! I love feeling him move all around.
Food cravings: Still loving frozen yogurt. I had some cravings for regular yogurt this week too and fruit!
Food aversions: This has been consistent for a while now- meat. Hubs is making corned beef and cabbage as we speak- I'll be holding my nose and forcing it down for baby
Labor signs: No way Jose!
Belly button in or out: still an innie, but getting MUCH flatter.
What I miss:  A good nights sleep and having my energy back. Otherwise, I'm really loving being pregnant! :)
Pregnancy Symptoms: Stiff back by the end of the day (thanks Hubs for all the back rubs!), heartburn, and frequent bathroom breaks.  
What I'm looking forward to: Colin's furniture getting delivered! Should be the end of this week or early next week! :)

27 Week Bumpdate

On Monday, March 4th we were 27 weeks along!

Cravings: Still having some cravings for frozen yogurt! This week, I also really had a hankering for some pancakes! Hubs finally made some for me this morning- delish!

Any foods you don’t want: Eh- still not too keen on meat. I've been consciously watching my protein intake to ensure baby Colin gets enough.

Symptoms? Back aches! By the end of the day my back is so stiff/sore. The heartburn has eased up a bit, which is really nice. I have noticed  a shortness of breath that comes along pretty frequently when I'm walking up the steps, working out, etc. I also can't seem to eat a ton at each sitting- I get so full so fast. I guess Colin is taking up a ton of room in there and pushing everything up. 

Showing: Big old baby bump <3

Boy or Girl? snakes, snails and puppy dog tails- thats what little boys are made of.

Bought anything? Yesterday Mom and I went to Babies R Us and Target to pick up a few items for baby C. I bought hangers for his little clothes and baskets for the closet organizer to hold his tiny items (onesies, binkies, etc.).  Gram also spoiled Colin with some adorable onesies, socks and receiving blankets. I know she is going to love our little man so much- it was really heartwarming seeing her shopping for her grandson. 

Shopping for anything?  There are really just a few items left to buy for the nursery: a lamp, curtain rods, shelves for above his dresser. The furniture should be here in the next two weeks- once that is in place, I'll purchase those last few items and start putting everything together!

The Dad to be? Simply amazing. He is so cute when he "worries" about C getting enough protein or me taking it easy and resting. He does get upset when I am cleaning too much or over exerting myself. Yesterday, he was so proud when he learned how to hang a chair rail from my Uncle John. The two of them had a great time putting the rail up in Colin's room.

Most recent appointment? This past Friday I had my glucose test. I was dreading it! I had heard so many terrible things about the glucola drink that I was so concerned I'd gag. I was worrying for nothing. It really wasn't that bad. I should have the results tomorrow, fingers crossed we passed!

Next appointment? March 21st is the last of my monthly appointments. After that, we will be going every other week until 36 weeks. 12 weeks to go!

26 Week bumpdate- fighting off "sickies"

On Monday 2/25 I was 26 weeks pregnant and sick as a dog. 

looking lovely, wasn't I? Red nose, swollen face, puffy eyes- just a picture perfect beauty!

Hubs was fighting off a cold the week before last and I was on a mission to NOT get sick. I lysoled everything and de-germed the whole house. Well, I guess the suppressed immune system of this preggo was not able to fight it off. It turned into an upper respiratory infection for me that would not quit. I did take a bump picture on Monday but it will remain for my eyes only/the baby book. It was too rough to even think about posting on the blog! This week's picture was actually taken on Wednesday night- still sick but managing to stand up for more than two minutes! 

Total weight gain: At the end of this week, I had officially gained 14 pounds. :) Feeling pretty good and am happy to be "back on track" and not maintaining/losing. I think taking two weeks off from the gym (not by choice) has helped. 
How big is the baby?: Baby C is as long as a hot house cucumber and weighs just under two pounds! Getting big!
Maternity clothes: A mix of both maternity and non maternity tops, but all maternity bottoms. Found some cute maternity dresses as well for spring!
Stretch marks?: Nope, thanks to Palmers (or maybe good genes in the skin department!)
Sleep:  Sleep was terrible this week. I couldn't breath, my mouth was constantly dry due to a stuffy nose- it was just all around bad. I did sleep a lot during the day but would wake up frequently. Over the weekend sleep got much better so I'm hoping things are back to normal this week!
Best moment this week: In spite of being so sick- I have two favorite pregnancy moments this week. <3 First is definitely reading two books to Colin with hubs- the Sneaches and Bread and Jam for Francis. It was so sweet and warmed my heart. Hubs is such an animated book reader, which I'm sure Colin will love! It was also nice to see my parents this past weekend and have Mom feel Colin bounce around. His kicks weren't that strong when she was feeling but she got to feel something! 
Movement:  Lots!! Colin sometimes kicks so hard it startles me!
Food cravings: Still loving frozen yogurt. I didn't realize it before hubs pointed it out, but pizza has also been a noticeable pregnancy craving. I was NEVER a pizza (or junk food eater in general) but I have been up for ordering pizza out plenty of times throughout this pregnancy. 
Food aversions: Meat,meat, meat. Still forcing it for baby. 
Labor signs: No way Jose!
Belly button in or out: still an innie, but getting flatter.
What I miss:  The GYM! I haven't been in two weeks! The week before last it was due to hubs's dislocated finger and some late nights/a lot going on at work. This past week it was due to the plague. Hubs is making me take one last night off- much to my dismay- but I will be back there tomorrow night for sure. 
Pregnancy Symptoms: Heartburn, stiff back, sore butt and frequent bathroom breaks. The stiff back and sore butt are definitely much more intense as the belly gets bigger.  
What I'm looking forward to: Getting the molding up in Colin's room this weekend!! 


Colin,
Mommy and Daddy love you so much! We love feeling you move and dreaming about what life will be like when you get here. We talk about you all the time! We are getting your room ready a little bit each week. We will often walk in there and look at all of your cute little things! I have looked at all your clothes and organized them so many times! We can't wait to meet you in just 13 weeks. For now, keep growing big and strong!

We love you to the moon and back,
Mama and Daddy