Our New Journey: Surrogacy Part 5- 3rd Trimester update

Surrogacy is going beautifully and faster than I could have imagined...

 I may be a little sad when it is all over :( 

Pregnancy itself is well... pregnancy lol 

Other than the general discomforts from putting on 20lbs over 32 weeks, and easily fixed heartburn things are going super smoothly! It is definitely different to be pregnant when you have a 1 year old to chase, but otherwise things are pretty similar to my pregnancy with James.

I have been taking pictures in the same dress, so my IP's can see how baby girl and I are growing. I started posting some of the pictures on my last Surro update: Our New Journey: Surrogacy Part 4

23 Weeks

26 Weeks 

I Lost my toes at 27 Weeks :(

29 weeks

My intended mother came and protected me from Mike's shenanigans on April Fools ;)

It was so fun to spend the day with her just talking about our kids! The very best part was getting to see her sweet little girl! I truly can not wait for my IPs to get to meet their baby!

32 weeks 

Now we are planning for delivery! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?! 

 Seeing baby is due during the summer my intended parents are going to give me and the kids a vacation to stay near them for a few weeks. This will make it more relaxing for me and my IP's to not have to worry about them missing the delivery, and make for a fun end to this pregnancy for my family :)

This upcoming trip is also giving me something exciting to take my nesting out on...my husband is appreciating any distraction from me continuing to nest on our house lol 

Please continue to pray for my family and my IPs family as we all prepare for June :)

Our New Journey: Surrogacy Part 4- 20 week update

At 9 weeks I had my last ultrasound with Idaho Center for Reproductive Medicine, and was transferred to my regular OBGYN. Because we had made it through the risky part of IVF pregnancy.

The next week I was able to ween off all my lovely shots!!! 

At 11 weeks I started showing enough to start tracking my bump growth

At 14 weeks I had my 1st appointment with my OB, and got to show my Intended Parents lots of pictures of their little miracle! 

That was also the week I started feeling movement which earned baby the nickname butterfly :)

 At 17 weeks my need for naps went away (which was like a Christmas Miracle)

I started craving Asian, so I think we went to PF Chang's like 4 times in a matter of weeks ;)

20 week bump!

At my 20 week appointment Mike and I were able to Facetime my IPs during the ultrasound, so they could find out they are getting a Princess!

Things are going very smoothly! 

I am now craving lots of fruit and my only real pregnancy symptom the last few weeks in very curable heartburn! I have had super energy lately so I am taking it out on my house! There is not a room that is not deep cleaned down to the floor boards, not a drop of laundry would need done if my family could just go a day without wearing more ;)

I feel less connection with baby butterfly than I did with my kids. I feel like that is a blessing, because even my heart knows I am not her mama! However I am just in love with my intended mother, and she is on my heart daily so I make sure her little girl is well taken care of!

37 week Bump Update

How far along? Exactly 37 weeks today 

Total weight gain/loss: 31.7 lbs 

Maternity clothes: I have found that my dresses from last year are now working great as shirts for this year :)

This is me wearing the above shirt as a dress last Easter :)

Stretch marks: Same as last time, but not to worried as long as my boy needs room I am willing to keep growing 

Sleep: Sleep is good... no real changes. I am getting tired more often these days, but luckily have the flexibility to rest most of the time if I need it.

Best moment this week: Mike and I were just talking yesterday with  his mom when she was helping us (ok helping Mike) move in our new living room set how extremely blessed we feel right now. Things have been working great, and people have been so good to us! We are all set for our boy (his nursery is done and hospital bag is packed) we don't need anything else for him, and there is no pressure to get things done before he gets here. And all baby stuff aside we are still having a fun summer with Things 1&2

Last week we had Mike's squadron picnik where the kids had a blast catching bugs and fish.

Then Sunday we took the kids to get spoiled at Operation Homefront's Military Kids day at the zoo with our great friends the Malones. 
I worked a few days last week, but one of them was just to have my Work Baby Shower where I was spoiled by my work family.

Tuesday we had our birthing class while my little sister hung out with Jenna. When we picked Jenna up Eva surprised us with the Medela Pump Metro Bag we registered for. I think Mike could have kissed her he was so excited!  
Then Friday we went over to hang out with my brother and his wife where they gave us a car seat and stroller set that we wanted! 

Saturday we went to a free Family Sleep Event where we got 2 bags of free organic baby stuff like sheets, soap, and detergent. 2 Undercover Mama nursing tanks, and Mike and I each won a baby carrier. 
Then we had my work BBQ which was amazingly fun (I am bias as a member of the departments event committee ;)
Sunday was such a lazy day. I didn't wake up until it was way too late to go to church. We woke up and from the comfort of my couch while eating the yummy protein chocolate chip pancakes Mike made me I sold Jenna's bed that has been in our garage for 3 months and bought a new couch set. YAY the internet :) Then we had dinner with my mother in law, and then I caught up on my blog while Mike and Jenna played basketball. It was the lazy weekend this pregnant mama needed! 

Today was my weekly Midwife appointment, and it was one more week of everything being perfect on the pregnancy front! My strep B test came back negative, so that is great. I am measuring at 38 weeks which means little man is growing still, and his heartbeat is 143 which is right where it should be. I have another appointment next Monday if I am still pregnant by then. :)

 Miss Anything: As much as I could be done being pregnant anytime, and be completely happy with my pregnancy experience being done I don't miss anything. If I could have one thing right now it would be cooler weather I am so hot all the time! I am generally a the warmer the better, but no I am too hot!!

Movement: He has actually slowed down moving lately. Though daddy figured out that if he blows on my stomach his son will freak out and move all over! 
                                   

Food cravings: I have actually been eating less the last few weeks... at least at a time. Eating to much makes me feel sick to my stomach (probably because it has no room) I have been loving protein shakes and cheese sticks for when I should eat, but don't want to. I still love Snow cones, and like food that have vinegar even if it is just vinegar dressing on salad. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Still just if I eat too much I get nauseous 

Labor Signs: Since Thursday I have 2- 5 min. contractions an hour 

Belly Button in or out: Mostly flat but if he moves at all it pokes out 

Wedding ring on or off: On and still fitting great

Happy or Moody most of the time: Super Happy and ready to meet my new little man! 

Looking forward to: Our last birthing class is this week! I can not even believe it! I loved this class so much it was such a good bonding time for Mike and I, and I am feeling way more ready for the labor process. 
I am just looking forward to relaxing and continuing to enjoy these last few weeks of anticipation. 

34 week Bump Update

How far along? 34 weeks and 2 days

Total weight gain/loss: 22.4 lbs

Maternity clothes: I have officially grown out of my 1st maternity clothes...Not everything mind you, but there are a few things that no longer cover the bump. So to avoid looking like baby huey I had to add to my collection :) 

Stretch marks: They are finally here! The red dot has stretched into a line. That being said the ones that have started are under my belly button which means I can't even see them, so I am not to hurt about it :) 

Sleep: Sleeping is good these days. I haven't had anymore middle of the night hunger or leg cramps which makes me so happy. The only problem is still the getting comfortable to fall asleep, but at this point Mike has become a master at making this pregnant mama relax :)

Best moment this week: It has been more good times for the Reece Family! Summer is moving along and we are having a great time! I have a day now and then that I am just sleepy or not feeling great, but nothing bad! Mike and I have started our Birthing and Lamaze classes and I am thoroughly enjoying them!Everything is just coming together, and God is blessing us daily!

 Miss Anything: Creativity... it is gone... like I will think oh I should do something creative with this, and then draw blank. I am hoping it comes back as I start my "nesting stage", but it is not looking like it will. 

Movement: Oh my goodness yes! I thought that it would slow down as he ran out of room, but he is strong! Kade got to feel him kick for the 1st time while we were on our trip which he totally freaked out about (so made my day)! 
                                     

Food cravings: Just food... all the time! I can't eat a lot in one sitting these days, so I just eat all day! I still want snow cones daily, but that is mostly because I am so hot it is nuts!!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Just if I don't eat or eat too much

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks are officially my least favorite thing in the world!  

Belly Button in or out: Flat with the bump still unless baby Reece gets too excited and pushes it out 

Wedding ring on or off: On and still fitting great

Happy or Moody most of the time: I am thinking pregnancy is good for my mood, because I have never felt to euphoric! I have bad times, but they seem way less significant when I am literally growing my dream come true! Mike and I have been so great and the kids are loving the idea of their new baby. I just wouldn't change anything right now! 

Looking forward to: Friday Night with my man, my next baby showers are coming up, finishing the nursery, and well everything the next few weeks will bring! 

Bump Update - 31 Weeks - Midwife Appointment

How far along: 31 weeks today, and my bump is measuring at 33 weeks (which is the closest it has been to the week I am on since they started measuring at 22 weeks) 

Total weight gain/loss: 17.7lbs 

Maternity clothes:  I am definitely preferring dresses to pants more and more due to the heat, so I have added a few to my wardrobe. I went for ones that I thought would be comfortable post baby, and make nursing possible with only 9 weeks left to wear them pregnant! I was actually wearing a dress for this picture, but threw on pants to show off my bump without showing off my panties ;)

Stretch marks: Same as last time. I am itchy more and more these days, so I am practically bathing in lotion, bump gloss, and vitamin E Oil! 

Sleep: Well I have officially hit the "how the heck do I get comfortable" stage of things! Mike has been great about rubbing my back until I fall asleep, so I can relax despite my odd shape! The good part for me is once I do finally fall asleep I am back to being able to sleep in as long as I want! 

Best moment this week: It has been another great few weeks, and a perfect weekend! Mike and I went out just us Friday night for dinner and a show. Then Saturday we spent the day together working on the nursery! It really is fun day dreaming with my man about what our little guy will be like! I'm so blessed to get to go through this with him! 

Sunday we took the kids to lunch at Big Als, to the park, and then to BBQ with family! All to celebrate the amazing father that the man I love is! I honestly can't put in to words how to grateful I am to get to raise my children with such a strong, honest, Christian man who takes such good care of me and all 3 of his babies! Here are some pictures of our fun relaxing day! 

Now for the BEST Part! Today Mike and I went to see my midwife to get the results to my Gestational Diabetes Test that I had Friday, and her words were "your results are PERFECT you can eat all the snow cones that you want"! Praise God, because as much as I know that things would have worked out I really would have struggled with it. Next we got to hear our boys heartbeat (it was 130) which he didn't like at all, so he kicked like crazy until she stopped :) My iron is still low, but everything else is right on track! 

Miss Anything: There are days I miss not having pregnancy swag, heartburn, and leg cramps... Then I am reminded of how much I wanted this, and how much I will miss it when it is over and I get over it pretty quick! 

Movement: I am actually starting to figure out Baby Boy Reece's sleep schedule! He is so stinking strong lately it can be shocking! And if you watch me closely when he is moving you can see through my clothes...which is kind of weird for me not going to lie :)

Food cravings: The iron supplements have actually helped the ice cravings, and there is nothing new that has replaced it...besides getting heartburn from spicy food I may be able to just eat without pregnancy being in control!! That being said, now that I know that I don't have GD I can have all the snow cones I want which makes me a little more happy than it should :) 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing consistently. I do have times that I will get sick to my stomach for no apparent reason. My midwife says with baby pushing on my stomach as he grows this is normal. Thankfully it is nothing unbearable, and goes away on it's own. 

Labor Signs: Everyday! Whenever I do any sudden movements or am really active. 

Belly Button in or out: ... Neither... it's more like flat with the rest of my bump!

Wedding rings on or off? On and fitting great! 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Still a happy girl! I am not going to lie last week I was worried for our baby all week, but felt at peace that things would all work out! I am ecstatic not to have GD!  God is so good to me! 

Looking forward to: Everything! I am at the point where I can see all of my dreams of having a baby with Mike coming true, and I am excited for all that it brings! I can't wait for my baby showers, so I can continue to put together my boy's room! I am excited for Mike and I to start our birth classes! I am excited to have maternity pictures done with my friend and favorite photographer Becky! I am excited for how much closer this is bringing Mike and I and for all that the next 9 weeks holds! And when being in love with this pregnancy isn't enough I have the 2 best kids to love on, and make eat lemons so I can laugh ;)

Bump Update 9 - Week 29

How far along? 29 weeks (tomorrow)

Total weight gain: 13.4 lbs at my last appointment 

Maternity clothes: I bought my 1st maternity swimsuit, because there was no getting the twins ;) into any of my old ones! Other than that nothing new on the clothing front just wearing any of my dresses that I can, because they are way more comfortable than pants!

Stretch marks: No, but there is a red dot that I am pretty sure is going to turn into one. I was recently asked if that worries me, and I had to laugh... I did not go into this expecting to get sexier lol :) Being a mom comes with lots of sacrifices, and my body is one of them... I love being a mom! 

Sleep: The only thing that is problem with sleep lately is that my body forgot to sleep in?!?! Everyday I wake up by 7am no matter what... anyone who knows me knows that Saturday mornings and I don't go together! I love sleeping it :( Needless to say I am hoping this goes away soon! 

Best moment this week: I have just been having one amazing week after another lately! I still can't get enough of my husband being home, and can finally plan now that I know we are having a BOY!! I have posted about most of the fun, but somethings are just simply perfect for me like watching my baby daddy spend the evening playing basketball with our princess while I relax in the sunshine with our fur baby :) 

This weekend Mike and I had a little staycation in Downtown Boise

 for our 4 year anniversary! 

We went to dinner, a comedy show, and for a walk to people watch & get dessert on Friday night. 

Saturday we went to breakfast and the street market before swimming at our hotel and going to Hyde park for lunch and SNOW CONES!

(hey I am still pregnant even on romantic weekends)

Then that evening we had a picnic dinner in the park then went to see Death Trap at The Idaho Shakespeare Festival! It was so much fun I definitely recommend it for all my fellow theater lovers! 

I had such an amazing weekend just enjoying the man that I love I didn't want it to end, but I did miss our daughter & our bed so it is nice to be home! 

Miss Anything? The days when I could eat anything, and not getting heartburn! Other than that not a thing! 

Movement: All the time! At night when I relax he just goes crazy, so Mike gets to feel him and see him move which is my absolute favorite! The other time I can go from feeling no movement to tons is when Big Sister Jenna talks to Baby Reece which makes her feel pretty special :) 

Food cravings: Snow cones! Strawberry Daiquiri Snow Cones with cream!!! Seriously though I love ice and all of it's related friends, but Snow cones are just the yummiest and easiest to eat! Lots of other cravings come and go, but that one is pretty constant... the lady at the Hawaiian Ice shack knows my order ;)  The only other constants are cantaloupe and fresh veggies with ranch! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope still doing good on this! 

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks... I hate you! 

Belly Button in or out? In, but I am pretty sure it won't be long :(

Wedding rings on or off? On! Mike says he will buy me a bigger stand in ring if this one gets tight, but so far no problems there! 

Happy or Moody most of the time: I have two modes tons of happy energy and lets take a nap! lol  

Looking forward to: Next weekend Friday night is girls night out with my girlfriends for Sara's Birthday, and then we have fun plans with the kids to get them excited for their new roles with baby coming! Other than that just for spending time in the sunshine with my little family! 

Bump Update 8- 25 Weeks

How far along? 25 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 9lbs

Maternity clothes: Loving getting to wear summer maternity clothes. Hoping this warm weather stays around… remind me I said that when I am complaining about it in July ;)
Is there a such thing as Maternity shoes? I need to find some! My feet have been so sore lately! Mike sent me a gift card to get a few new pairs of shoes (Shoes are what I get every Mother's Day instead of flowers), so I need to find some comfy options :)

Stretch marks: Nope! My sweet husband sent me more of the bump oil that I love from Spoiled Mama, so here is to hoping ;)

Sleep: I don’t need sleep like I did before which is so nice. I actually have the most energy to do things at night! I have been waking up hungry or with leg cramps, so I am not sleeping through the night very well. All in all no complaints though!

Best moment this week: It’s been a pretty great few weeks! Mike has been sending me gifts every few days to make up for missing Mother's Day (I am spoiled I know)! We did an online shopping date the other night to pick out a crib mattress for the baby...I will post about that separately.
Amanda, Sara, and I had a date in the park Friday to plan my baby shower. I booked my maternity photos last week, and had a perfect lazy not leave the house day on Sunday that Jenna and I just played together and cuddled up with Simba for some Anne of Green Gables! :)
Tonight I had a family dinner, and got to see my sister in laws parents for the 1st time since I was pregnant with Jenna which was so nice! Plus this week is Employee Appreciation week at work... I love my management team! 

Miss Anything? My baby daddy and our Monster Man! But we are on the final countdown of days, so I am pretty darn happy! I had a "I want wine so bad" moment the other day. It was one of those long days that sitting on the couch with a glass of wine and a good book is just what I would do at night, but I can’t have wine :( I did substitute the wine with lemonade and cookies and me and baby were pretty happy!

Movement: It is constant these days, and I love it! Baby likes to move a lot when it is quite or only a few people are around. Like when I am at work baby will kick my desk!But loud and busy places I feel no movement at all… I just picture thing 3 curled up covering their ears ;) Mike says baby is just an introvert like mommy ;)

Food cravings: It changes more and more these days usually to do with whatever food I saw or heard about last. Strawberries are a staple in our home right now though. I also love cucumber, pretzels, and other small snacks more than full meals.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not at all! When I stand up to fast I get lightheaded, but other than that feeling great!

Labor Signs: The bump will occasionally get rock hard, but nothing uncomfortable.

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: I am a happy girl who is loving the energy that comes with this 2nd trimester! I have times where I am definitely full of hormones, but they are not all tears and nausea like my 1st trimester!
I have had so much fun lately with my girlfriends getting baby planning done, and I am constantly surprised by the awesome people in our lives stepping up to help me out like Steven coming to mow my lawn for me while I was at the Color Race on Saturday! 

Looking forward to: Next week when I get to kiss the man that I love! Then the next week is our gender reveal party, and the weekend after that is our Anniversary get away!
The monday after Mike gets back in our next Midwife appointment, so I will let everyone know how baby is again by then! :)

Bump Update 7- 22 Weeks

How far along? 22 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: At my midwife appointment at 20 weeks I had gained 7lbs, but after being sick for a week at my appointment last week I had lost 3lbs. I have an appointment again this week, and I am honestly hoping that I am back up to my weight from 20 weeks. 

Maternity clothes? Of course! My favorites are some comfy cotton tops that Sara bought me, and Maxi skirts! 

Stretch marks? Nothing new

Sleep: I have slept more the last 2 weeks than I have in my whole adult life! I am definitely loving my snoogle pillow! It wraps around me and baby, and makes my new "shape" a lot easier to make comfortable ;) 

Best moment this week: I got to talk to Mike a bunch this week which always makes everything so much better!

This last weekend was so amazing! I started Saturday going to Kade's soccer game with Sara and my sister in law Mandi. Kade is doing great, and seems to really enjoy playing :)

 Then we took the kids to an Easter Egg Hunt at my family church! The kids had so much fun, and got enough candy to feed an Army! That night Sara, her sister in law Leanne, Mandi, I went to Red Robin and to see Captain America (I am in love with Black Widow). It was so nice to have a kid free girls night :)

Sunday Sara and I took the kids to church and then gardened all afternoon. It was so relaxing to be in the sun and use some of this 2nd trimester energy for good :)

Miss Anything? Still miss my Airman so much! We are almost down to 30 days left!!!! I missed food a lot last week, but I am eating just fine now! 

Movement: SO MUCH!! When I was in the hospital Baby kept kicking the monitor... so my kid :) Anytime I lay down I can feel my little gymnast and if I watch I can actually see baby move! 

Well big sister has decided she wants baby to know her, so she will lay in bed with me and talk to Thing 3 till she gets kicked :) It so sweet to watch how excited she is to meet her baby! 

Food cravings: ummm everything! I love food! No more food aversions just food excitement! I still like meat way more than I did pre pregnancy especially Red Robin's Royal Burger!  

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not since being sick last week. I am seriously feeling amazing now! 

Labor Signs: Nope. They put me on an IV last week to make sure that I didn't get dehydrated. Apparently it can put you into preterm labor, but me and baby made it out just fine :)

Belly Button in or out? Still in

Wedding rings on or off? On and it fits now

Happy or Moody most of the time: Life is good! My baby is growing, my daughter is at such a fun age, I get to see my son once a week even though Mike is gone, and even with our marriage exists via facetime my darling and I are doing so great! I had a lot of time to reflect not working last week and all I could think about is how blessed I am... it makes for a pretty happy outlook! 

Looking forward to: Jammie and I are planning my gender reveal party which happens after Mike comes home, so mostly looking forward to May! But for now I am looking forward to getting back to work this week, and for spoiling Jenna on Easter (Mike bought her a sweet gift and it should be here soon)!! 

Bump Update 6- 18 Weeks

How far along? 18 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: I will get weighed again next week, so no idea until then. 

Maternity clothes? Saturday Sara and I went shopping for new tops, today James and Colleen brought me more, and Grace just text me that she got me a new Maxi so I have lots of new cute clothes to wear :)

Stretch marks? No, but my tummy is itchy... does that mean I am going to get them? I don't remember... so I just pour the lotion on!

Sleep: Harder to sleep the last few nights, but that is mostly due to my cuddle buddy being gone, and that we talk late at night when it is day for him. But my snoggle (large crazy shaped pillow Mike bought me in my 1st Trimester) is coming in handy to keep me laying sideways seeing apparently its bad to lay on your back at this point. Also a little minion has taken up residence in my bed as of tonight, so that should help with the cuddling :)

Best moment this week: One of the reasons that I think Mike and I are so happy when he is home is because we know how hard it is to be apart. So right now I am holding onto every moment of last week! We spent last Saturday alone walking around downtown shopping, talking, laughing, and eating! Then we spent the week getting our house ready to have a nursery, and he built our crib!! Then we spent Wednesday just us until the kids got out of school then we went to the park and played! Now I live off those moments until each time he calls again! 

Miss Anything? Right now just mostly my baby daddy! It just hit me today that he is really gone, but getting to talk to him makes it better! Other then that I realized this week I miss high heels! I love shoes and I have a ton of them, but right now I have 3 (well 4 cause I stole some of Sara's) pairs that I am comfortable in :(

Movement: Yesterday I was spending the afternoon with Sara who gave me Sunny D to drink. Apparently all the sugar in that "juice" made baby hyper, because I could feel so much! To the point where I could feel movement on the outside too!!

Food cravings: I still like seafood and have found a love for shrimp tacos, but I just have to have meat more often then I have ever had. Even my pizza has to be meat lovers... which use to make me gag! I also really like muffins and juice!  

Anything making you queasy or sick: Raw onion! Like in anything! The smell, the taste, the look... I hate them all of a sudden! I can smell them like a ninja too... no matter where they are I know! 

Labor Signs: Nothing new! 

Belly Button in or out? Still in... it actually no longer resembles a button, but more of a belly hole ;)

Wedding rings on or off? On and still too big

Happy or Moody most of the time: Sad tonight, but that is less pregnancy and more getting use to Mike being gone.... But I have been pretty happy lately otherwise. I have had lots of friend and family time the last few days to keep me busy, so I am feeling blessed! Thank you to everyone who has checked on me and made time to make me smile the last few days!! 

Looking forward to: Next week I get to see my little lovie again, and get some time with my mother in love! We decided on what the nursery will look like, so I have a project to work on! Right now I am looking forward to planning and preparing for our sweet future!