Brennan-5 months

Age: 5 months

Brennan's favorite things: Brennan still loves to touch everything. No matter what I'm holding in my hands, Brennan will reach out for it. He loves to explore with his hands. He pets the side of his changing table, and the wall next to his changing table. He plays with all of the objects on his Exersaucer. He holds his toys. He always pulls his pacifier out of his mouth and sometimes it even makes its way back into his mouth the right way. I can't believe how fast he is learning!
Brennan loves Baby Einstein. It doesn't matter how upset Brennan is, the second he hears the opening theme music, he strains his head to look at the TV. He could watch it for hours.

Our favorite things: We adore how content Brennan has become! He's a totally different baby from a month ago. He is always so happy!!! He will just lay wherever we set him. Before, he ALWAYS had to be held and we ALWAYS had to walk while holding him.
We adore that Brennan is such a great sleeper. He's been sleeping in his crib, in his nursery, since he was 3 months old. He has slept 10-12 hours straight through the night since the first night in his crib. It's almost too good to be true!

Outtakes:

Brennan-4 months

Age: 4 months

Weight: 11 lbs. 14 oz. (3rd percentile)

Length: 25" (50th percentile)

Head: 41 cm (50th percentile)

Brennan's favorite things: Brennan still loves to be held. Nothing makes him as happy as being in our arms. Sometimes it's draining, but I know I'll miss this when he's a toddler, pushing me away and wanting to run and explore on his own.
Brennan loves to use his hands to touch. He loves to caress my neck, hair, and face. We just put his Exersaucer together and he's enjoying reaching for the different objects

Our favorite things: We adore Brennan's voice. He has been so vocal. He puckers up his lips and "whooos" like an owl repeatedly.
We adore watching Brennan hit his milestones. He recently rolled from stomach to back for the first time. Ryan and I were both there for it. We couldn't believe our eyes, but then he did it two more times.

Outtakes:

Brennan-3 months

Age: 3 months

Brennan's favorite things: Brennan loves to have his diaper changed! (I know it's weird) It's not actually the new diaper that he loves, it's the act of changing into it. He loves laying on the changing table and when we talk to him and tickle his belly!
Brennan loves when Ryan comes home from work! No matter what kind of day Brennan had, he is all smiles the moment he sees Ryan!

Our favorite things: We adore when Brennan nestles into us when we hold him! As his muscles get stronger, he's able to snuggle his head into our chests and hold tight onto our shirts.
We adore how Brennan's eye contact has increased. Now he gazes right into our eyes! He also follows us around the room with his eyes. It's so sweet to think that he's taking it all in now.

Outtakes:

Brennan-2 months

Age: 2 months

Weight: 10 lbs 13 oz (15th percentile)

Length: 23" (35th percentile)

Head: 40 cm (85th percentile)

Brennan's favorite things: Brennan loves to be held. If he's upset, it's usually enough for one of us to just pick him up to soothe him. What a welcomed development ;)
Brennan loves to take baths! The minute his body touches the water, he is instantly relaxed. He'll just chill for 5 minutes, then he starts to get really excited and likes to splash with his arms and legs.

Our favorite things: Ah man, we have so many, how do we decide?!? We ADORE Brennan's smiles! Every day he smiles more and more. At this rate, he'll have a permanent smile on his face by 3 months. He is the happiest in the morning, after his first feeding. It is my all time favorite moments with him.
We adore the noises Brennan is making. Our favorite is after he sneezes, he lets out a loud sigh. We get so excited when we hear his first sneeze, because the anticipation for that sweet sigh is the best! He is also trying to communicate with us. He'll carry on back and forth, like he really has input in the conversation.

Outtakes:

Brennan-1 month

Age: 1 month

Weight: 8lbs 13oz

Length: 22"

Head: 38cm

Brennan's favorite things: Brennan loves his pacifier. We hoped to not have to use one, but we HAVE to use one! I don't know what we'd do without it.
Brennan loves to be swaddled. Our favorite swaddle blankets are the Aden+Anais brand. Seriously, most used baby item (well maybe a close second to burp cloths.)
Brennan loves his swing. If we swaddle him, give him his pacifier, and put him in his swing, it's the trifecta of Brennan's happiness. He is 100% content.

Our favorite things: We adore when Brennan throws his arms into the air when he realizes he's in this big world. It's the most precious thing we've ever seen. It will be something I'll remember for the rest of my life!
We adore when Brennan wakes up in the morning. Seeing him slowly wake up, stretching, and moaning, it just melts our hearts!

Outtakes:

Brennan-Newborn

Introducing Brennan Adam Rahl
Born July 22nd, 2013 at 3:41PM

Age: Newborn

Weight: 7lbs. 3oz

Length: 21"

Head: 35cm

38 WEEKS

Weeks: 38

Waist size: +7.5"

Weight gain: 24 lbs.

Symptoms: My right hip is still bothering me a lot. I truly feel so much better than I expected to at full term, though!

Cravings: Strawberry Kiwi Arctic Rush from Dairy Queen, it's so refreshing!

Aversions: It's been a bit of a struggle to eat healthy this week. I just want carbs and sugar.

Sleep: I can't complain!

Wedding ring on: Still on

Best moment this week: This was my last weekend off before my due date. Ryan and I finished up some last minute errands and went out for breakfast. It was a wonderful weekend!

Progression update: I'm still 2cm dilated, but 75% effaced as of July 12th. I don't think I'll get a check done on the 19th. I'm just going to impatiently wait for it to happen.

37 WEEKS

Weeks: 37

Waist size: +7" This baby boy is really dropping low. Every time I see my midwife she mentions how low he is compared to the previous week.

Weight gain: 23 lbs.

Symptoms: My hips are bothering me all of the time. It's still not painful, just a little annoying to have them aching all the time. I've been less motivated to do things the last couple days, as well. Before I'd be productive and clean and water my plants, now it seems like such a chore. I was able to work shorter shifts this weekend, and that made all the difference. My body has been feeling pretty darn good, with the exception of my hips. I usually have a lot of back pain, but I think it's because I would work 9-10 hour days on my feet.

Cravings: Ice cream! I made a trip to the grocery store this week and ended up with 3 different flavors of ice cream and two different boxes of ice bars in my cart! 

Aversions: I am still over salads. 

Sleep: I've been sleeping so-so lately. It's not bad enough that I'm sleepy throughout the day, but I'm averaging 4-6 hours of sleep a night.

Wedding ring on: Those fingers are staying slim! 

Best moment this week: Ryan and I had a lot of quality time together this week. Tuesday was our 2 year anniversary and it was wonderful! I was able to leave work early and we had a great dinner outside overlooking a lake. It was perfect! I just feel so fortunate that Ryan will be the father to my son, I know he'll be an absolutely amazing dad!
Progression update: At my July 5th appointment, I was 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced.

Here are some pictures I've been meaning to post:

A group shot from the baby shower

Glider in the nursery

(I'll post some more pictures of the nursery, once we receive the bedding.)

36 WEEKS

Weeks: 36

Waist size: +7.5"

Weight gain: 23 lbs.

Symptoms: My hips have been bothering me a bit the last couple weeks. I'll just be walking like normal and they will feel like they have become disconnected from my body. It's pretty achy, but only lasts for a few minutes and then it's fine. I guess it's a good sign that my joints are relaxing and preparing to birth this baby!

Cravings: I'm still eating a lot of fruit. This summer weather is also making my microwaved s'mores craving kick in! Oh, I've also been loving corn on the cob!

Aversions: Pizza. I had a couple bites this week and it just didn't taste good to me.

Sleep: Pretty darn good, considering I'm in my final month of pregnancy!

Wedding ring on: Still on!

Best moment this week: This week I finally ordered the crib bedding. I just couldn't decide on what I wanted. I ended up going with a custom-made skirt and sheet from Etsy. There just isn't a nice variety of crib bedding available out there! The only down-side to having it custom-made is that the estimated delivery date is July 26th...how's that for timing. We also finally picked out a glider! Luckily they had one in stock, and I was able to bring it home that day. It's so comfortable and I can already imagine rocking my baby in it!
My midwife did a cervical check this week and I'm 1cm dilated and 50% effaced. It's nothing extreme, but it's two steps in the right direction.

35 WEEKS

Weeks: 35

Waist size: +7.5"

Weight gain: 21 lbs.

Symptoms: That innie is just holding on! Please don't convert to an outie, you only have a few more weeks!

Cravings: Fruit! Strawberries, bananas, cantaloupe, grapes, and apples.

Aversions: I still haven't touched a homemade salad since last week. Restaurant-prepared salads still taste good, though.

Sleep: Eh, it depends on the day. Not terrible, though.

Wedding ring on: Yep!

Best moment this week: I washed and organized all of the baby's newborn-3 month clothing. It's crazy to think I only have two more weekends off before this baby's due date! (I work every other weekend.) My midwife appointments are every week now, which is unbelievable. I can't even wrap my mind around how close we're getting!
Oh, also my midwife confirmed that the baby is head-down and has dropped! Two steps in the right direction. 

34 WEEKS

Weeks: 34

Waist size: +7"

Weight gain: 19 lbs.

Symptoms: It's becoming more and more difficult to move freely. I have to squat to reach anything low, and then it's more difficult to stand back up. It's such an odd feeling to have this huge belly in the way of everything I do. I even notice that I'm uncomfortable driving now. 

Cravings: I just started using our Kuerig coffee machine and oh my, it's amazing! Ryan ordered these caramel cappuccino k-cups that are to die for! I've always loved coffee, but really try not to drink it, because I don't do caffeine. This coffee must be weak, because the caffeine doesn't get to me. Usually I get really dizzy and nausea with any amount of caffeine. I also mix half skim milk with the small setting of coffee, and it's still so flavorful. I love sipping my coffee, in our home office, overlooking our stunning backyard!

Aversions: I haven't had one salad this week. Oops!

Sleep: I've been sleeping really well. I'm still using the bathroom 2-3 times per night, but falling right back asleep!

Wedding ring on: Still on :)

Best moment this week: We traveled to Fort Collins, CO to visit Ryan's brother, his girlfriend, and our one month old nephew! It was so beautiful there! We fell head over heels for our nephew, Ashton. He is so precious and he really only cried once the whole time we were there. I told Ryan not to get too used to a baby not crying ;) We were not ready to leave, I wish we had another couple of days to spend there. It was such a great time!

Ashton

The whole family at

Rocky Mountain National Park

Me and Ryan at 

Rocky Mountain National Park

33 WEEKS

Weeks: 33

Waist size: +6.5"

Weight gain: 17 lbs.

Symptoms: My feet have been aching at the end of the night. I've been rolling a tennis ball under them and doing tons of ankle rolls and point/flexes to relieve the tightness. Thank goodness it's starting to warm up and I can just throw on sandals now.

Cravings: Deep fried cheese curds. I know, terrible! I had them once this week and now I'm craving them.

Aversions: Well the theme for this pregnancy was salads. I'm starting to get saladed-out (what? lol) I've been having a hard time getting those last couple bites down without having a gagging reaction.   

Sleep: Still better than the first trimester!

Wedding ring on: Yep, still no problem!

Best moment this week: I had time to go through all the great things we received at the shower. I was able to get the nursery tidied up a bit, too.

32 WEEKS

Weeks: 32

Waist size: +6"

Weight gain: 15 lbs.

Symptoms: The leg cramps are getting intense again. Also, sometimes it's pretty uncomfortable when the baby moves. It's almost like my belly is bruised. 

Cravings: My mom made my chicken salad for the baby shower. I haven't had it in so long, it was all I could think about on my drive home :) I guess I should pick up the ingredients today and whip it up.

Aversions: Nothing this week.

Sleep: I've been falling asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow, but then I wake up between 3:30-5:30 every morning.

Wedding ring on: YES

Best moment this week: Sunday was my baby shower. It was perfect! It was hosted by my friend, Brooke, my mother, and my mother-in-law. They did SUCH an amazing job! It was a nautical theme, and they really went above and beyond. I'll post some photos once I receive them. Thank you so much to everyone who came. It was wonderful to see you!

31 WEEKS

Weeks: 31

Waist size: +6"

Weight gain: 13 lbs.

Symptoms: My back and feet are really aching at the end of each day. I feel fine, until I sit or lay down. 

Cravings: Culver's has this amazing cranberry bleu cheese chicken salad. I've had THREE this week! I think I could have one everyday for the rest of the summer.

Aversions: Not much doesn't sound good. I did buy a bag of Cheetos and had a few and thought, "why did I buy these? They aren't even good." They did nothing for me (which I'm not complaining about!)

Sleep: I'm still sleeping fairly well. I do have to get up to use the bathroom at least twice a night, but I'm able to fall back asleep.

Wedding ring on: Yes, I may make this entire pregnancy with it on! I would be so happy if this happens.

Best moment this week: We had maternity photos taken this week. I am so excited about how they turned out, I just love them!

30 WEEKS

Weeks: 30

Waist size: +5.5"

Weight gain: 11 lbs.

Symptoms: Baby boy is getting so big that his movement is really feeling different. It used to be sharp jabs, now it's slow whole tummy rolls. I can feel him moving throughout my entire middle all at the same time. 

Cravings: Pastries. Cherry turnovers, cherry dumplings, cupcakes, oh my!

Aversions: Fast food, I guess. Sometimes I'll be in the mood for a cheeseburger and fries, but usually it just doesn't sound that good. 

Sleep: Ryan and I bought a king size bed for our new house. I haven't slept this good in months, maybe even years! I can't believe that I'm sleeping straight through the night! It's amazing!

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: We moved into our house last week (hence the lack of a weekly update) and this week we were able to settle in a little more. My parents came down to help us and it's finally starting to feel like home!

28 WEEKS

Weeks: 28

Waist size: +5"

Weight gain: 11 lbs.

Symptoms: The baby is moving like crazy lately. I always wonder if my clients can see my belly jumping around in the mirror :)

Cravings: Burgers and fries! I'm doing pretty well at resisting though. I did have a great burger at Bob's Riverview over the weekend!

Aversions: Everything still sounds pretty good ;)

Sleep: 50/50

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: I traveled to my hometown to celebrate my friend Beth's baby shower. It was so great catching up with my college friends. I had such a wonderful time! I also was able to spend some time with my parents, which was wonderful as well! Annnnd I ran into one of my greatest friends, Crystal, when I was out for dinner with my parents! It was such an awesome surprise!

27 WEEKS

Weeks: 27

Waist size: +5"

Weight gain: 10lbs.

Symptoms: I can really feel him when I press on my belly now. It's so neat to feel his different body parts (head, butt, arms, and legs!)

Cravings: Lucky Charms

Aversions: There's not much food that I'd turn down.

Sleep: Eh, not so good this last week.

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: We had a few hot days here this week. I think we were even in the 80's. The weather totally affects my mood and it felt great to have the sun shining and to leave my coat at home!
I also passed my glucose and iron tests, so it's nice to have passed that hurdle.

26 WEEKS

Weeks: 26

Waist size: +4.5"

Weight gain: 9lbs.

Symptoms: This week was the first time that I noticed I had difficulty putting on my socks and shoes. It's frustrating to have troubles doing such a simple task. I can't imagine how it'll feel in another 4-8 weeks.

Cravings: Reese's pieces and Reese's peanut butter cups :) Oh and I got my first banana cream pie blizzard of the season from Dairy Queen! 

Aversions: Nothing that I can think of.

Sleep: I'm doing pretty good here, still about 50/50!

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: Ryan and I spent all weekend buying new furniture and shopping for new appliances. And...we agreed on them! (Which made it even more fun!) We're so ecstatic to have a new house in less than two weeks!

25 WEEKS

Weeks: 25

Waist size: +4"

Weight gain: 8lbs.

Symptoms: The same as last week, tons of Braxton Hicks. I have them as often as every 15 minutes.

Cravings: I crave a fruit smoothie every morning after my yoga/belly dancing workout.

Aversions: Nothing out of the ordinary.

Sleep: I've been sleeping through the night about 50% of the time!!!

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: I had a midwife appointment on Friday and she told me that now we will start having appointments every two weeks, I can't believe we are at that point already! The time is just flying by.

24 WEEKS

Weeks: 24

Waist size: +4"

Weight gain: 8lbs.

Symptoms: I'm still having leg cramps at night and Braxton Hicks really often. The other night Ryan and I were laying in bed and he was watching the baby kick. All of a sudden I got a Braxton Hicks contraction, and Ryan got so freaked out. It was like the baby had lifted out of my stomach by 3 inches. He couldn't even look at it. It was seriously hilarious!

Cravings: I'm still having a salad everyday for lunch. Although, I think maybe I should have bought stock in Oreos, considering I'm keeping them in business ;)

Aversions: My aversions can be anything now. One minute it sounds great, then after 2 bites I'm done with it.

Sleep: I had 2 or 3 solid nights of sleep this week. I was so excited to be sleeping through the night again. Turns out, that was just a fluke. Back to the irregular sleep patterns and 4-6 hours of sleep a night. Grrrr.

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: We finally got a house! We are set to close on May 8th. We've been having so much fun envisioning how we're going to decorate it. The best part...it's on 1.3 acres!

23 WEEKS

Weeks: 23

Waist size: +4"

Weight gain: 7lbs.

Symptoms: My Braxton Hicks have become much stronger. If I'm busy doing things, they aren't too bad, but sometimes in the car or bed, I have to breath through them. They aren't painful at all, just a bit uncomfortable.

Cravings: I'm still loving oreos and milk :)

Aversions: None-Unless riding in a car counts! I get so car sick now. Ryan drives a stick shift and it's the death of me some days.

Sleep: I've been sleeping much better! 

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: We were able to spend Easter in Pittsburgh, visiting my brother and his girlfriend, Kara. It was so nice to have the whole family together!

Side note: We got word this week that our offer was not the one chosen for the house. We are so bummed, because we thought that it was a done deal. We even offered over their asking price. The search continues!

22 WEEKS

Weeks: 22

Waist size: +4"

Weight gain: 7lbs.

Symptoms: I never knew what people were talking about when they'd say they got a "charlie horse", until now! I get leg cramps every night either in my calves or the arches of my feet. Wow are they painful.

Cravings: Water, I've been sooo thirsty this week! No matter how much I drink, I need more water.

Aversions: None

Sleep: Not too bad!

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: Ryan and I finally found a house that didn't just get an accepted offer on it! Every house we liked, would be gone before we were even done walking through it, it seemed. We looked at this house on Sunday and wasted no time writing up an offer. It turns out there was another offer on it, just not accepted yet. The seller came back to both of us, with a counter of "best and final offer." Which means that we both put in another offer and who ever is highest, will get the house. It's nerve-wracking, but exciting that we found a house we both love...I just hope it works out.

21 WEEKS

Weeks: 21

Waist size: +4"

Weight gain: 7lbs

Symptoms: It is slowly becoming harder for me to move as easily. I notice that I can't just sit up and jump out of bed, I have to turn towards the side and and put my legs on the ground first. I think my ab muscles are getting a little weaker.

Cravings: None!

Aversions: None!

Sleep: Actually a little bit better!

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: This was the first week that we didn't have our birthing class, so it was so nice to come home from work on Wednesday and just relax. I also got to have breakfast with a great friend, Lisa! It was so nice catching up with her.

20 WEEKS

Weeks: 20!

Waist size: +3"

Weight gain: 6lbs.

Symptoms: I've been feeling pretty great! Baby boy is moving like crazy all of the time now. Before, it was pretty much when I was laying/sitting down, but now it's almost nonstop. Ryan and I love to watch my belly move, it's like a waterbed in there.

Cravings: Nothing out of the ordinary for me. My sweet tooth is officially backkkk! At my grocery store run this week, I managed to buy 4 different ice cream flavors/treats! Yikes, hopefully they'll last me a month or two ;)

Aversions: Does cleaning count? Lol, it's hard for me to get motivated. I finish all of the laundry, except the last load. I get it folded, but it seems like such a chore to put that last load away. 

Sleep: Nothing new there. 6-7 interrupted hours a night.

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: My parents came down for a visit last weekend. It was great to see them, and to have them feel baby boy move! We also picked up our nursery furniture this week and we love just standing in the room now. 

19 WEEKS

Weeks: 19

Waist size: +3"

Weight gain: 3lbs.

Symptoms: I can't really complain, I've been feeling great. My only issue is the tiredness and my lower back has been a little achy, especially at night time.

Cravings: Smoothies. I have a smoothie with greek yogurt, banana, frozen strawberries, blueberries, and mangoes every morning. Oh, and my sweet tooth has returned. This week I made amazing peanut butter Reese's pieces cookies (that were gone in 3 days) and chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ganache.

Aversions: Nothing out of the ordinary.

Sleep: The usual, about 6 interrupted hours a night. 

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: Ryan finished painting the nursery, and I LOVE the color. This is the first time I think I've ever been completely happy with our paint choice.

18 WEEKS

Weeks: 18

Waist size: +3"

Weight gain: 0lbs

Symptoms: I've been feeling really good this week. I have some round ligament pain when I get up from laying down or sitting, or when I sneeze or cough. It's not too bad though, only lasts for a few seconds.

Cravings: Ham and egg croissants! I have one every day!

Aversions: It's really hard for me to get motivated to make a meal. The cooking process just grosses me out. Ryan loves chicken, and I haven't made him anything with chicken since I've been pregnant. I'm thinking I need to make him some chicken tonight :)

Sleep: I don't think I'll be sleeping through the night for the next year+ of my life. I'm up for a good hour or two during the night.

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: Ryan and I spent the weekend looking at nursery furniture. Ryan also started priming the nursery to be painted! 

17 WEEKS

Weeks: 17

Waist size: +2.5"

Weight gain: 0lbs.

Symptoms: Still fatigued during the day

Cravings: Oreos and milk

Aversions: Nothing really this week.

Sleep: Getting better!

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: Finding out that we're having a BOY! Second best moment...Ryan feeling the baby kick for the first time on Valentine's Day!!!

16 WEEKS

Weeks: 16

Waist size: +2"

Weight gain: Down 1lb

Symptoms: I'm still fatigued, but I have so much more energy compared to this last 3 months. My face has also broken out a little.

Cravings: This last week it's been steak! I've had it for dinner 3 nights! 

Aversions: Eggs and savory breakfast foods. No hash browns, sausage, or cheese please.

Sleep: About 6 hours a night, usually interrupted with an hour or two of being awake.

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: I felt the baby move for the first time this week! It's when I'm laying in bed for the night. Also, at our Hypnobirthing class I could feel it moving like crazy when we were practicing the relaxing techniques.

15 WEEKS

Weeks: 15

Waist size: +1.5"

Weight gain: down 3lbs.

Symptoms: Still tired and a few headaches. 

Cravings: Popcorn! The real kind, where I put kernels and oil in a pan on the stove.

Aversions: I can't eat "meals." I haven't had a variety of food at one sitting in a long time. 

Sleep: I can fall asleep fast, but I wake up somewhere between 1-3AM every night. 

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: I was able to make it to a maternity store and I'm so glad I did! I got some awesome comfortable pants for work.

14 WEEKS

Weeks: 14

Waist size: +1"

Weight gain: down 5lbs

Symptoms: I'm feeling so much better as the weeks go on. I'm still tired and not sleeping great.

Cravings: None

Aversions: I'm still limited on the things that actually sound ok.

Sleep: I'm having mostly better nights of sleep. I still have nights that I only get a few hours of sleep though. Overall, it's getting better.

Wedding ring on: Yes

Best moment this week: I can finally see a little change in my belly! That's exciting and a little scary at the same time :)