Baby Girl #4, Week 39

How far along: 39 weeks!
Weeks to go: This is the last week! Unless she decides to go over-due!

Baby is the size of: a mini watermelon!

Gender Prediction: Boy
Gender Reveal: Girl

Weight gain: 31 pounds

Starting to show yet?: Oh yes!

Maternity clothes: Yes! Maternity yoga pants and large maternity shirts. Every. Single. Day.

Stretch marks: Three of my longest stretch marks have stretched just a little more on the very tips!

Belly button in or out: Flattie, but my hernia makes it look like an outtie!

Sleep: Not very good. I'm getting restless. I take naps during the day since I can't keep my eyes open, and it makes sleeping at night a difficult task. I think this is my body's way of preparing me for the breastfeeding cycle of feeding Adeline every 2 hours for the first week or so! 

Movement: Still as active as ever! Yesterday, I was sitting on the couch and Rosie was sitting in front of me so that I could do her hair. Adeline shifted/kicked so hard that it almost knocked Rosie forward off the couch! We both had a pretty good laugh!
Labor Signs: Lots, and I mean LOTS, of Braxton Hicks (BH) contractions. Some have been very painful and have made me think that it was a true contraction, but no... they were only BH contractions. Every single day this past week, I've had at least a two to four hour stretch of inconsistent BH contractions. It was emotionally hard for me... getting excited that it might be time, and then everything stops. 

Best moment this week: Going on a walk with the new jogging stroller! It was a really nice day, so Charles and I took the girls for a walk! We alternated the girls and gave them each chances to ride and walk! We went 2.3 miles! Charles put off mowing the lawn so that we could go on our walk, and then the rest of the week, it rained! But we had a great walk and enjoyed the time as a family of five! But we are excited to go on family walks as a family of six very soon!

Worst moment this week: There have been a few... but most of them are from my crazy hormones. No joke. I ended up breaking down on Saturday and crying for a good few hours. I'm talking, ugly pregnant cry. Tears, snot, coughing... the works. But through all of this came a wonderful blessing! I felt marvelous afterwards! I think that keeping those feelings inside isn't the best thing to do! So once I had cried out all of those negative hormones, I felt fantastic!

Miss anything: People NOT commenting on how large I've gotten. For real. If one more person says, "You're STILL pregnant?!" or "You're so huge! You must be miserable!" to me ONE MORE TIME, I am going to LOSE MY MIND! Most of these comments come from women who have had kids before. Can they seriously NOT remember what it's like to be nine months pregnant?! Yes, I'm huge! Yes, I'm miserable! Yes, I'm kinda over being pregnant right now! But you know what?! I'm GROWING A HUMAN! I'm going to be huge! Please do not remind me. This is why I don't leave my house anymore. I hate going out and having people comment on me "still" being pregnant. "You're still pregnant?!" and I'm all like, "No! I actually had her and just left her at home alone!"...

Wedding rings on or off?: On during the day. Off at night.

Cravings: Fresh Fruit (especially cold watermelon!)
Aversions: Raw Meat
Appetite: Normal!

Queasy or sick: Still getting over the runny nose/cough/chest congestion thing. I feel much better today, but every single day this past week, I've had to carry around tissues anywhere I go. Even if it's across my house! And I've been having heartburn again... I got a week or so of a break, and now it's back again. BOO!
Workouts: Walking, walking, walking! 

Emotionally: It's been another roller-coaster week! But yesterday, Charles gave me a blessing and it was just what I needed. It was beautiful! And I am perfectly content with things! Before, I was getting very upset when I'd have contractions all day and then not have a baby by the end of the day. Sounds silly probably, but day after day of this... I was not in good shape, emotionally. I'd get my hopes up, and then BOOM... nothing. So after praying and Charles giving me a blessing, I can honestly say that I am content with the Lord's timing and that I know that Adeline will come in due time! Not necessarily when it'll be most convenient for me, but in the Lord's time! Adeline will come when she's ready! There is nothing I can do that will make her come any sooner. And I am okay with that. I am enjoying these last few days (or weeks) with Caitlin, Rosalie, and Vivian. Letting them know how much they are loved and how much they will still be loved once Adeline comes. They are SO ready to meet their sister! And so am I! But most of all, I want her to come when she's ready!
Physically: For as large and miserable as everyone says that I am, I actually feel really good! I have the normal aches of being this pregnant; hip pain, knee pain, back aches, etc. But I've been making sure to get plenty of rest! I want my body to be as rested as possible for my labor! I have no idea how long my active labor will last, so I want to be plenty rested! I am loving being able to lay and have my older girls come and lay on my belly and talk to Adeline! I'm a little slower when I walk, but as long as I'm moving forward, I'm content! I've also had to run to the bathroom to pee about seven to ten times each hour! I know that Adeline is sitting low in my pelvis, but I really cannot hold my pee! If I cough, sneeze, laugh, etc, I have to run waddle to the bathroom as quickly as possible! And yes, I have peed my pants a few times! Embarrassing? Yes. But another glorious side effect of being nine months pregnant with my fourth child! I've been wearing pads/liners so that I don't have to keep changing my clothes! (TMI, sorry!)

Looking forward to: My 39 week appointment tomorrow! Labor and delivery! Meeting this little lady when she decides to come! All of the Fourth of July festivities (if I'm still pregnant when those happen)!

Baby Girl #4, Week 38

How far along: 38 weeks!
Weeks to go: 2 weeks, but she can come whenever she wants!

Baby is the size of: a leek!

Gender Prediction: Boy
Gender Reveal: Girl

Weight gain: Not sure, will know tomorrow at my OB appointment!

Starting to show yet?: Oh yes!

Maternity clothes: Yes! But I seriously want to wear just a swimming suit all day... I sweat so terribly right now! Wearing clothes feels like torture! But I wear them, of course, because no one wants to see me naked. Aside from my husband... 

Stretch marks: The very tip of one of my stretch marks has stretched just a little bit more! It took 38 weeks, but it happened! 

Belly button in or out: Flattie, but my hernia makes it look like an outtie!

Sleep: Better! I've been taking a Benadryl at night to help with my allergies and it helps me to sleep! 2 birds, one stone! I still wake up for my midnight potty break, which is now turning into 2 to 3 trips each night. I still wake up to turn, but I'm able to fall right back to sleep!

Movement: Even though she's basically out of room, she's still VERY active! She takes rests more often, and when she's awake, she's rocking and rolling!
Labor Signs: TONS of Braxton Hicks(BH) contractions. Mostly in the evenings. Some BH contractions during the day. My stomach will get super tight and stay that way for about 2 to 5 minutes. The most consistent my BH contractions were were about every 5 to 6 minutes for two hours. I love that my body is preparing for Adeline's arrival! I've been envisioning birthing her as I have these contractions... it helps me to relax and let my body do what it needs to do in order to birth this baby girl. I am so amazed by my body! I've been praying that I will know without a doubt when I'm actually going into labor! I didn't know I was going into labor with Caity, while with Rosie and Vivi's births, I was induced, so I knew what was going on. I'm hoping to go into labor on my own! I'm still praying that I don't go over the 40 week mark, but we'll see! 

Best moment this week: Finding out that I'm 2 centimeters dilated at my 37 week appointment! Taking my girls to Mt. Pisgah for a primary activity at church! I have never been out there, so I was very excited to see and learn about the pioneers who crossed Iowa! We had a blast! The girls LOVED the wagon ride and going into the log cabin! Even though they didn't really understand the history behind the place, I know they felt the spirit while there! They want to go back again and so do I!

Also, my surprise baby shower on Saturday! I went to the temple that morning with my husband, my sister-in-law, and her husband. She invited Charles and I over for supper and half-way through, she told me that someone wanted me to go outside and play. I was confused since everyone was already inside, so I went out on T's back porch and saw a line of my friends standing behind a double-seat jogging stroller! They had all pitched in, along with some other friends who weren't able to come, to buy me a jogging stroller so that I can keep up with my training after I have Adeline! I was totally surprised and it took everything I had in me to NOT cry! I have never had a surprise party in my life! I was NOT dressed for a party and I felt like I looked like poo... but no one cared! I guess that's the point of a surprise baby shower! And since this is my fourth daughter, I was totally not planning on having a shower for her. More of a "meet-and-greet" after she arrives! But since we have everything for a girl baby, and we cloth diaper, we didn't see any real point in having a baby/diaper shower. Not that Adeline isn't special or her arrival shouldn't be celebrated, we just wanted to celebrate her after she arrives! So to have my friends come together and do this for Charles and I is beyond amazing! I am speechless! I have some of the greatest friends EVER! I am feeling the love! And to top it all off, Jen had a pink R2D2 hat/diaper cover set made for Miss Adeline! I am SO excited to put her in it after she arrives!

We all went inside with the air-conditioning and played a baby shower game and ate some AMAZING cupcakes! So to all the people who came together to do this wonderful thing for my family, I thank you! I love you more than words could ever truly express!
Worst moment this week: Friday, I had some severe mood swings going on. Nothing too terrible. Mostly internal battles. Serious doubts about Adeline's birth, being able to raise FOUR daughters, feeling like an inadequate mother, etc. And then afterwards, I would feel like I could take on the world and conquer every hardship/battle that was thrown my way. Then I'd be right back to my doubts and fears. It was depressing, but I prayed for comfort, and was blessed with it! 

Miss anything: SMALLER BOOBS. For real... I think I've gone UP another cup size. *sigh*

Wedding rings on or off?: On during the day. Off at night. Although with the heat and me swelling up like a balloon, I've been keeping my rings off unless I leave the house! If I'm in air conditioning, I'm good. But if I go somewhere with no air conditioning, I'm miserable and I swell up. Not. Fun.

Cravings: Fresh Fruit (especially cold watermelon!), Wild Berry Skittles, Italian Ice, Crushed Ice
Aversions: Raw Meat
Appetite: Hearty! Now that Adeline has dropped, I have more room to get my om-nom-nom on!

Queasy or sick: Allergies are still making me feel sick. I'm not sure if I'm actually sick or not, but my nose started running non-stop Thursday. By Saturday, I was carrying around a roll of toilet paper with me everywhere I went. I noticed my voice started getting scratchy. By Sunday morning, my voice was all but gone and my throat was super sore. Sticky eyes, stuffy nose, runny nose... I'm praying that I'm over all of this BEFORE Adeline arrives! And get this, I've only had heartburn ONCE this week! I think it's because Adeline has dropped some! WOO HOO!

Workouts: Zumba and walking! LOTS of walking! Hoping to get some more contractions going! I've also invested in an exercise ball to sit on during the day while at the computer, folding laundry, or watching movies. My back feels better and it helps Adeline down into my pelvis! I've been sitting, rocking, swaying, and bouncing pretty much non-stop! I. LOVE. IT! So much better for my back/hips!

Emotionally: Like I said above, I was having some mood swings on Friday, but the rest of the week was wonderful! I got to spend one-on-one time with my girls each day. I got to spend time with Charles in the temple on Saturday. I got to spend time with my family and friends Saturday night. I've been praying more as I get closer to my labor and Adeline's delivery, and it's helped me to be calmer and more relaxed. I trust and love my Heavenly Father. I know that He loves me and is watching over me! I am so grateful for this pregnancy and for this little lady. My heart is so full! I feel somewhat unworthy for these blessings, but I am SO grateful that God has blessed me anyways!
Physically: I'm having more spurts of energy as I get closer to Adeline's arrival! I generally nest whenever I get a burst of energy, but afterwards, I usually have to take a nap for at least for an hour or so! I think I'm at the point in my pregnancy where I'm not sure if I can get any bigger, so I've been more comfortable and aware of myself. I get winded quickly, especially going up stairs, but I'm still able to maintain myself during Zumba! There are times where my knees, hips, and back get achy, but with the exercise ball, it's becoming less and less of an issue! 

Looking forward to: My 38 week check-up tomorrow! My doctor checking my dilation and PRAYING for some progress! Going into labor and FINALLY getting to meet this little lady! Getting some MAJOR baby snuggles after she arrives!

Baby Girl #4, Week 37

How far along: 37 weeks!
Weeks to go: 3 weeks, but she can come whenever she wants!

Baby is the size of: a bunch of Swiss chard

Gender Prediction: Boy
Gender Reveal: Girl

Weight gain: 30 pounds total, I haven't gained anything since 32 weeks, but since Adeline is growing, my doctor isn't worried!

Starting to show yet?: Oh yes!

Maternity clothes: Yes! Lots of comfy maternity clothes and jammies!

Stretch marks: Just a lot of old ones!

Belly button in or out: In most days, a flattie some other days... but my hernia makes it look like an outtie! Depends on how Adeline is laying!

Sleep: Not so great this week... I'm not having any trouble getting comfortable, I've been having issues with my allergies. Constant sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, etc. I'm taking a one Claritin a day, but it's not really working. Zyrtec is my go-to allergy medicine, but I can't take any while pregnant. 

Movement: For as little room as she has, she is still VERY active! There was one day this week where she hardly moved at all and I found myself counting her kicks every hour. It got kinda scary a few times, but she always started moving a lot near the end of the hour. Thank you Heavenly Father! Otherwise, she moves and moves and moves! Lots of nudges and shifting around!
Labor Signs: Yes! I've had inconsistent and consistent contractions every single day. Braxton hicks? Maybe. But at this stage in my pregnancy, my contractions could be the real thing. So I keep a notepad and pen handy to start keeping track of my contractions. There is also a contraction app that I downloaded onto Charles' phone that I used yesterday. The most regular they've been was a contraction every 10 minutes for about three hours. Then they stopped completely. I try not to get too excited when they come, but I do make sure that everything is ready to go, just in case! I have a feeling this little lady is going to come out FAST!

Best moment this week: My 36 week appointment! I had my strep test done (not my favorite, but I'm use to them now) and I got a shot in my arm for pertussis (whooping cough). I have never gotten it with my other pregnancies, but the CDC is recommending it for all pregnant mothers. (Read more here and here.) I am still measuring big, in the 38 to 39 cm range, but my doctor isn't worried about it since seeing my last ultrasound! I have plenty of fluid and Adeline is measuring right on for her due date! I also had some maternity photos taken, but something was wrong with my camera and the photos turned out very grainy and the color was off. So we're going to try again this week with a different camera! Makes me a little sad because some of the shots turned out wonderful!

Worst moment this week: My sore arm from my pertussis shot! I'm not a weakling, but I couldn't lift my arm for about two days without having pain. It wasn't terrible pain, just annoying. And I had a minor breakdown on Saturday. It was just not a good day for me. Lots of tears. Some anger. I had to actively keep myself preoccupied or I would just sob and sob... it wasn't fun. My face was very tender by the end of the day... While I hate to admit it, I do still worry that I'll have postpartum depression again. But I know now what to do and am willing to deal with it, if it comes. I pray not.

Miss anything: Smaller boobs. Not having heartburn. Not having allergies. Not having pregnancy hormones running through my body.

Wedding rings on or off?: On during the day. Off at night.

Cravings: Simply Salted Popcorn, Fresh Fruit (Cantaloupe, Strawberries, Watermelon, etc), Italian Ice (I could eat the stuff all day and night! It helps with my craving to chew crushed ice!), Crushed Ice
Aversions: Raw Meat (really bad this week, again)
Appetite: Normal! Though I could totally eat watermelon all day long! 

Queasy or sick: Allergies making me feel sick, but I'm not actually sick. And my heartburn was pretty terrible this week, too. I should buy a stock in Tums...
Workouts: Zumba and walking! Not much else I want to do too far away from my house! Just in case my water breaks or something! I thought about having a friend go on walks with me so that I'm not alone if something does happen!

Emotionally: Still pretty emotional. I get very upset easily and I get super weepy at times, but it's really only when I think about what could go wrong with my labor and delivery. I know it's normal for pregnant women to go through these thoughts before their baby arrives, but I have to disconnect myself from my brain. I need to zone out just to calm down. I've been crafting the past few days and it's helped. I made some paintings for the girls' room and I'm starting to crochet again. I just need something to calm me down and get my mind on happy things! I have been praying for comfort.
Physically: I. Am. Exhausted. Probably comes with being this pregnant, but I feel especially exhausted. Might be my allergies... but this week has been super lazy for me. I don't want to do anything. And then I'll have moments when I want to CLEAN ALL THE THINGS! Or organize... or sort papers... or start purging things from our storage room... I'm not sure if I'm nesting, but my house is clean as a result!

My doctor's nurse also called me and told me that I have slightly low iron in my blood. Which could also be contributing to my tiredness and cravings to eat ice. It's not too terribly low, but enough that I need to start making sure to take my prenatal vitamin each day. I was kinda slacking on taking them, but I've been diligent this week! I am also noticing that Adeline has dropped! I don't get as winded as before. My bras don't cut into my upper stomach anymore. And I can eat more food than I have been able to in the previous weeks! She's not too terribly low yet, but just enough to give me some relief! I still get major heartburn, though!
Looking forward to: My 37 week appointment tomorrow! Church primary trip for my girls on Wednesday! Temple trip on Saturday!

Baby Girl #4, Week 36

How far along: 36 weeks!
Weeks to go: 1 to 4 weeks!

Baby is the size of: a head of romaine lettuce!

Gender Prediction: Boy
Gender Reveal: Girl

Weight gain: 30 pounds total according to my doctor's scale

Starting to show yet?: Oh yes!

Maternity clothes: Yes! I am LOVING them right now since I feel HUGE. I'm only wearing my black maternity yoga pants and my large maternity tops 98% of the time! I'll put on my maternity shorts/capris when I leave the house, but it's comfy clothes during the day when I'm home!

Stretch marks: Just a lot of old ones! Keeping my eyes peeled to spot any new ones, but none yet!

Belly button in or out: I have a flattie! It looks like my belly button has popped out, but it's just my hernia!

Sleep: Wonderful. Won-der-ful! It's been great! Probably all the walking/working out! I still wake up to turn over, but I have no issues falling back asleep! And my body has started waking up around 2:00 a.m. every morning so that I can go pee! I debate with myself about getting out of bed and going... but I always end up going! There's only been one night where I couldn't really sleep, not sure why!

Movement: I am starting to notice a sleeping cycle for Adeline! As of right now, she's got her days and nights in sync with mine! I can really feel her moving around now that she's officially out of room in my womb. So I know when she's resting and when she's awake! It does scare me at times when she rests for a while, but she always lets me know when she's woken up! And she gets the hiccups all the time! It's so fun to watch my belly move with her when she hiccups! 

Best moment this week: Seeing my best friend from High School, Alyce! She is in town for a few days and stopped by to see me, catch up, and so that I could meet her son! I have missed her so much and having her in my home made me miss her even more when she left! I will be sad when she goes back home!

I also had an amazing time going shopping for the last of the stuff needed to make Caity's quilt! I am SO excited to finish it and show her! It was a "girls night" in the city with Jen, Jodi, and Rhea! And Jen's son Gabe tagged along for the HuHot! I love my friends!

Worst moment this week: General hormones and pre-labor/delivery anxieties. I seriously have to actively NOT think about everything that could go wrong during labor and delivery. I know it's normal to think about those kinds of things, but those thoughts make me upset and weepy. I have been praying to be comforted.

Miss anything: Smaller boobs. NOT going pee at night. My runner's legs. People NOT commenting on just how big I've gotten. There is one lady who constantly asks me, "Are you sure there aren't twins in there?", and while I realize she's probably joking, it does hurt my feelings. I feel huge enough as it is. I am a little self-conscious about it... so when I hear that I'm huge from other people, it tends to hurt my feelings. I don't really need anyone commenting on my weight/largeness at this point in my pregnancy! Adeline will gain a pound a week until I have her... so NEWS FLASH: I'm only going to get bigger from here on out! But this should be no surprise since I've been getting bigger and bigger each day! I just really don't need to be reminded. I already feel like a fat panda...

Wedding rings on or off?: On during the day. Off at night.

Cravings: Crushed Ice (being careful about my teeth, but I have REALLY been craving ice chips to chew on.), Fresh Fruit (Cantaloupe, Grapes, Bananas), Salad with Ranch Dressing
Aversions: Raw Meat (really bad this week for some reason)
Appetite: Normal! I don't feel like eating ALL THE THINGS! Not sure if it's due to my shrinking stomach or not, but it also depends on how Adeline is positioned! If she's all up in my ribs, I have no appetite. When she shifts away, I feel like I'm starving! Pregnant bodies are so funny sometimes!

Queasy or sick: Neither! But my heart is still ON FIRE. Constantly. There is no relief.
Workouts: Zumba and walking! I made it to TWO Zumba classes this week! That hasn't happened in a while!

Emotionally: I've officially started nesting! I tend to be OCD about some things, but this week has been worse than before! My house is clean as a result of my nesting, but I still have a few big projects that I want to try and tackle before Adeline arrives! But for the most part, if she were to come in a week or two, we'd be ready for her! This puts my mind at ease! Which is a welcome thing right now considering how I get with my anxieties about her pending arrival. Knowing that however she comes, and whenever she comes, she will have clean clothes and a place to sleep! I am still feeling better about my emotions. I still tend to get mad quickly, but I've been praying each day that I'm able to calm down and relax before just flipping out over little things. My girls have been so patient with me. I am truly blessed. I've been making sure to get some solid snuggle time with each girl before Adeline arrives, too. It fills my heart with so much joy that the Lord has already blessed my life with three gorgeous little ladies! I am excited to be blessed with another! And my girls are READY to meet their sister!
Physically: I am feeling good! Maybe it's the endorphins from working out, but I'm sleeping better at night and I have more energy during the day. I do get tired a lot, but I'm able to pick myself up and push through it all! I feel huge. My stomach is super tender in some spots, which apparently is normal. But I've never experienced it before. It's my muscles/tendons being stretched. I'm just praying that they don't separate too much and give me another hernia! I am feeling more pain in my ligaments, but I know that comes with the last month of pregnancy! Thank goodness for my support tanks! Those things are worth the money I spent!

Looking forward to: My 36 week prenatal appointment tomorrow! Excited to start going in for an OB appointment every week from here on out! Getting some maternity photos taken! My labor and Adeline's delivery! Breastfeeding! Snuggling my sweet baby!

Baby Girl #4, Week 35

How far along: 35 weeks!
Weeks to go: 2 to 5 weeks!

Baby is the size of: a honeydew melon!

Gender Prediction: Boy
Gender Reveal: Girl

Weight gain: 30 pounds total (according to my doctor's scale)

Starting to show yet?: Oh yes!

Maternity clothes: Yes!

Stretch marks: Just a lot of old ones!

Belly button in or out: Half in and half out! Sometimes a flattie!

Sleep: Wonderful! Aside from having to wake up to turn over, I'm sleeping really hard in between!

Movement: Adeline is still going crazy most days! I love this point in my pregnancy! She's running out of room in there, so when she moves, I can REALLY tell! Other people watch my belly move, too! It's awesome! And Adeline constantly has the hiccups! It's SO fun to see/feel!

Best moment this week: Getting a surprise ultrasound at my 34 week appointment! I hadn't gained any weight and was measuring three to four centimeters large, so Dr. Miller wanted to be sure that all was well with me and baby! The ultrasound went perfect and I was told that baby was most definitely a GIRL!

Adeline is also head-down at the moment! I've been praying non-stop that she stays that way! I got to see her hair on the ultrasound, too! Maybe all of my heartburn will pay off?! I have a feeling that she is going to be a large baby (in the 8+ pound range), so I'm hoping that she's too big to flip, but small enough to birth easily! I feel like my prayers are turning into some sort of order at a restaurant! "I would like one baby girl, head down, not too big or small, facing the correct way. And one short labor and delivery! Thank you!"
Worst moment this week: Measuring large at my ultrasound! I wasn't too worried, but the fact that my doctor wanted me to have the ultrasound right away made me a little nervous. 

Miss anything: Smaller boobs... I feel like a broken record here! But for reals... I miss them!

Wedding rings on or off?: On during the day. Off at night.

Cravings: Gardettos, Fresh Fruit (Watermelon, Strawberries, Cantaloupe, Bananas, etc), Fresh Veggies (Carrots, Celery, Bell Peppers, etc.)
Aversions: Raw Meat
Appetite: I still feel like eating at all times... So I've kept up drinking tons of water in hopes of not gaining too much weight. But apparently, my body is using up everything I've been giving it! I'm not going to go crazy with food, but I find that fresh fruit and veggies are PERFECT to curb my in-between-meals hunger!

Queasy or sick: Neither! But I am still dealing with major heart burn. Still haven't found anything that really helps it to go away... so I've been toughing it out. Only 5 more weeks... Only 5 more weeks...
Workouts: Zumba, walking, and jogging! I am excited for this pregnancy to be over so that I can get into the new songs at Zumba! I want to jump and move like I use to! And the new songs are SO much fun! I ran/jogged/walked the DAM to DAM's 5K with my friend Karen on Saturday! We wanted to finish in under an hour, and I knew we would! We did a walk/jog pattern and even though it was super humid/hot, we finished strong! I was SO happy to have a friend to walk/jog with and that my family was there with me!

Then we came home for my niece's graduation party. Afterwards, I went back to the city to do the Glow Run with my friend Amanda! We made plans to enjoy ourselves and speed walk the 5K together! We waited in line for almost an hour to get our faces painted! We literally had our faces painted minutes before the first wave of runners went! The humidity hadn't gone away and there was hardly a breeze, so it was super hot, but we finished in an hour! I ended up sweating off most of my glowing face paint, but we had a ton of fun!

Emotionally: I've been keeping up with my house and laundry, and surprisingly, I'm MUCH more calm/relaxed. I didn't realize how much having a cluttered house was getting to me. I've been much more relaxed with the girls. I don't yell/shout as much. You'd think that after all of my years here on this Earth I would've come up with a method to keep up on my house, but I haven't until now! And even though it's only been a week, I can tell a huge difference in me, my girls, and Charles! We have more time to play, paint, watch movies, etc, without the guilt of needing to clean the house! It's quite liberating!

Physically: I feel huge still, but I'm feeling good! I'm unaware of just how large I am, too! I accidentally knocked over Rosie the other day when I was turning around because I couldn't see her past my belly. And my belly was what knocked her over! It was funny, and we both laughed, but I kinda felt bad! I try to reach things that I just simply cannot reach anymore! I have to stand sideways to cook so that I can be close to the food and see! It's funny! I just feel like Adeline sits SO FAR OUT from me! And I know that she doesn't, not really, but I FEEL like she does! I am ready to have her outside of my belly! There are days when I'm just DONE with this pregnancy, and then other days when I just LOOOOVE being pregnant and feeling her move! It just depends on how I'm feeling that day! I am ready to not have elephant feet at night. I am ready to turn over without waking up. But then I remember what it means to have her out: waking up every 2 hours to nurse, nursing her, all the pains associated with nursing, huge/swollen/tender boobs, general tiredness, etc. But it is all worth it! And I am looking forward to getting past the first few initial breastfeeding weeks. Those are the hardest. I've been praying that my body handles it well and that Adeline has a good latch!

Looking forward to: Holding this baby girl soon! (But not too soon!) Going to the Zoo with my family this weekend!  Seeing my best friend, Alyce! Enjoying the first official week of summer vacation with my girls!

Baby Girl #4, Week 34

How far along: 34 weeks!
Weeks to go: 3 to 6 weeks!

Baby is the size of: a cantaloupe!

Gender Prediction: Boy
Gender Reveal: Girl

Weight gain: Forgot to weigh myself! Probably more than 22 pounds total after this weekend!

Starting to show yet?: Oh yes!

Maternity clothes: Yes! I'm finally wearing my maternity clothes full time! Adeline likes to sit towards my front, so I feel like I'm constantly being pushed outwards! Adeline has "popped" out! My t-shirts still fit, but I'm uncomfortable in them. I like for my shirts to drape over me more than be form fitting! 

Stretch marks: Just a lot of old ones!

Belly button in or out: Half in and half out! Sometimes it's a flattie!

Sleep: Good! I'm exhausted, and I tend to wake up every few hours, but the sleep that I'm getting is restful! Some mornings I've woken up not feeling quite "rested" enough, but for the most part, I'm rested!

Movement: Adeline gets the hiccups quite often! She is constantly moving and nudging me! But when someone else tries to feel her, she'll stop! Unless she's got hiccups! Then my loved ones can feel her moving! I feel like the last week she's breech. But I'm not sure as of today. I think she has flipped! *Praying she's head down and STAYS THAT WAY!*

Best moment this week: Rosalie's fourth birthday! Crazy to think that I have a four year old! Again! We had her party this weekend and it turned out wonderfully! I made her two cakes, even though I told her I would only do one... She was very happy with her Rosetta and Tinker Bell cakes! She got a TON of gifts and is very, very loved! It was a wonderful day!

The picture of her on the left is her opening the new Tinker Bell movie!
I made both cakes with marshmallow fondant!

Worst moment this week: I had regular contractions Thursday night. Contractions every five minutes for almost three hours. It was scary... but all was well. My hormones have been making me feel like my rope is very short. I get so upset so quickly with my girls... even over little things that wouldn't normally upset me. I've cried and cried and cried this past week. Mostly just to let my extra hormones go. I've found that it's best to not keep the tears in, but just to let them go! *insert the Frozen song "Let It Go" here...*

Miss anything: Smaller boobs. The part of my upper torso where my bra is suppose to rest against. Right now, Adeline is so far out and up that my bras have been cutting into my sides and ribs. I have bruising from it on the top of my belly. I've switched from under-wire bras to non-under-wires and have had some relief. 

Wedding rings on or off?: On during the day. Off at night.

Cravings: Watermelon, Strawberries, Grapes
Aversions: Raw Meat
Appetite: I still feel like eating ALL THE THINGS. So I've been drinking TONS of water and hoping that it will curb the constant "hungry" feeling. 

Queasy or sick: Nope! But my heart is still on FIRE!
Workouts: Walking, cleaning, and yard work.

Emotionally: Like I said above, my hormones have me feeling very quick-tempered with my girls. Which makes me feel horrible, so I cry. And cry. And cry. But I have chosen to just let the tears come and not stop them. Because 10 times out of 10, I feel 100% better after a good ugly-cry! I'm starting to find comfort in praying that all will go well when the time comes for Adeline to be born. I don't like the unknown, but with every birth that I've ever had, came the unknown. I had to think back about what I did to get through all the emotions and fears that went along with them... and I realized that I prayed. Which is something that I do daily, but I've put praying about my labor and delivery off. No more! With my consistent contractions the other day, I prayed almost the entire time. And I was comforted. Which is why I never went to the hospital. Which is something I would've done before... something I have done with my other pregnancies (Rosalie and Vivian's). But I felt like everything was going to be fine. So I relaxed and my contractions eventually stopped!
Physically: I. Feel. Huge. And I seriously think it's the way Adeline has been positioned in my belly! I am still having some pelvic pain, and I've started waddling more, so I've been working on walking/sitting/standing properly! It's helped! My support tanks help with this, too! I have started swelling more in my calves/ankles/feet. I have been staying away from too much sodium and drinking lots of water in order to reduce the swelling. It goes away by the morning, so no worries! But it's always worse right before I go to bed. No pain or anything, just elephant feet. And I'm seriously ready for some smaller boobs. I know it'll be a while until that happens, but I feel SO top-heavy. And with the way Adeline has been sitting, I feel like I'm falling forwards all the time! And I find it somewhat hilarious when someone will ask me, "Can I squeeze by?", which has been asked of me about 100 times over the weekend, and I respond, "No. No you can't! I can't suck this thing in!" And I have to move out of the way! But it's always funny! 

Looking forward to: My 34 week OB appointment tomorrow morning! The girls' last day of school on Wednesday! The DAM to DAM, the Glow Run, and my niece's graduation party this Saturday!

Baby Girl #4, Week 33

How far along: 33 weeks!
Weeks to go: 4 to 7 weeks!

Baby is the size of: a pineapple!

Gender Prediction: Boy
Gender Reveal: Girl

Weight gain: 22 pounds total (on my scale)

Starting to show yet?: Oh yes!

Maternity clothes: Yes! 

Stretch marks: Just a lot of old ones!

Belly button in or out: Half in and half out! Although I'm starting to have a "flattie" where my actual belly button is! My hernia is still popping out, but my belly button is flat! It also depends on if I'm standing, sitting, or laying down!

Sleep: Much better! I woke up during the night a few nights ago and while turning over, I popped my hips and have had SO much more relief while sleeping! Not sure what I did, but I have had an easier time sleeping, turning over, and walking since! 

Movement: I'm not sure if Adeline will be a dancer, runner, or boxer! Or all?! This little lady is a MOVER! I downloaded the Count the Kicks app on Charles' phone to help me keep track of her movements. I am not worried about her, but I think the Count the Kicks campaign is a wonderful thing! There have been a few times where I've been worried that she wasn't moving very much, but she was probably just sleeping/resting!

Best moment this week: Having nothing going on! I needed a down week! It gave me time to clean, sort, and get things checked off of my "Before Adeline Arrives" list! Our whole family also went to the Winter Quarters Temple! Our girls were WAY excited to go to the temple! We brought Charles' Dad along with us so that he could take the girls to the Visitor's Center while Charles and I went through an endowment session! We wanted to take the girls before Adeline arrives! I'll be 38 weeks at the next temple trip, so she might be here! Or not! Probably not... but you just never know!

Worst moment this week: I didn't have one! Which makes me incredibly happy! 

Miss anything: Sleeping on my belly! I haven't for quite a while, but it hit me the other day... even after Adeline gets here, I still won't be able to sleep on my belly for a while. Any breastfeeding mothers know what I'm talking about! I probably won't be able to for another few months... but at least I'll be able to sleep on my back!

Wedding rings on or off?: On during the day. Off at night.

Cravings: Eggs with buttered toast, Fresh Fruit (Grapes, Strawberries, Cantaloupe, etc.), Gardetto's (especially the rye chips!)
Aversions: Raw Meat, anything with a lot of salt/sodium
Appetite: Depends on the day, but hearty most days! I've been watching what I'm eating and drinking lots of water, but most days I feel like I can't get enough food/water! I think Adeline must be growing or something because I want to eat ALL THE THINGS!

Queasy or sick: Nope! But my heartburn is so bad at times that it makes me feel a little sick.
Workouts: After a few rest days (since pregnant bodies take longer to heal/recoup after a lot of physical activity), I started walking!

Emotionally: Feeling good! I've been getting a little stressed, but that's normal! I don't know when Adeline will arrive... I can see why some people like having a scheduled induction date or c-section! They know the day that they are going to go into the hospital and have their baby! And it's not like I haven't done this three times before! Not know what day my baby would come... but I think what makes it more stressful is the fact that I have three little ones already! What if I go into labor at 3 a.m. and NO ONE answers their phone to come watch our other girls? Would I have to go to the hospital alone? Would I have to take and ambulance? I can't let my mind go too far with different scenarios... it stresses me out! But I've been praying that God will bless my labor to be somewhat convenient for our family! Like, I go into labor during the day, or during the weekend, etc. I'm all for going naturally (not being induced), but my last two pregnancies, my doctors wouldn't let me go over my due date. So I had to be induced (both times by having my water broken for me). And that is what my current doctor has said... he doesn't want me to go over my due date. But it still depends. My health is different this time around, yes, but there are still some medical concerns.
Physically: Although I've been very tired, I also feel very alive and strong! I think that it's the running/working out that I've kept up with this entire pregnancy! Most of my normal "30 weeks and up" pains that I had with my other pregnancies aren't bothering me this time around. My pelvis hurts, I feel like my stomach cannot stretch anymore, I have all the normal aches and pains that come with being this pregnant, but I feel like it's not as bad as it was before. I can manage my pain more this time around. I think it's because I'm stronger! Sure, my ligaments hurt from time to time, but they are already strong from before my pregnancy! I don't want to brag, but I'm SO proud of my body! It is an amazing thing! Now my only request is for Adeline; Head down is the way to be! That way I can birth her naturally and safely into the world! I don't think it's a secret that I am terrified of having a c-section. And I pray constantly that I will be able to birth this little lady naturally!

Looking forward to: Rosalie's fourth birthday on Wednesday! Rosalie's party on Saturday!

Baby Girl #4, Week 32

How far along: 32 weeks!
Weeks to go: anywhere from 5 to 8 weeks!

Baby is the size of: a jicama! 

Gender Prediction: Boy
Gender Reveal: Girl

Weight gain: 21 pounds total (on my scale)

Starting to show yet?: Oh yes!

Maternity clothes: Yes! Although I'm still more comfortable in capris and large t-shirts! I love being comfy and cozy! Especially since I feel so HUGE lately!

Stretch marks: Just a lot of old ones! But I've been checking for new ones!

Belly button in or out: Half in and half out!

Sleep: Really good! Probably because of all the gardening and working out!

Movement: Adeline is SUPER active! All the time! She is becoming more and more cramped, so it's cool to have my family watch her move from the outside!

Best moment this week: Running the Market to Market Relay! I was on a team of seven women! And I went into the day only knowing three other women, but ended the day with new friends! Our team name was "Runners of Oz" and we dressed up as Dorothy, the Lion, the Scarecrow, Glinda, the Tin (wo)Man, the Wicked Witch (ME!), and Toto!

My first leg of the race was 2.9 miles and I ended up doing a run/walk pattern. More running than walking, surprisingly! But the running was slow! I finished it in just over 38 minutes, which was a pace of 13:00 minute miles. I got a LOT of compliments on my socks and make-up! And also on being a pregnant runner! My second leg of the race was 4.6 miles and I sadly ended up walking more than running that, but I kept it at a speed walk. I had to do a walk/run pattern again, but my pelvis started hurting about 1.5 miles in. It was excruciating up the hills, but I kept moving forward. I got rained on and there were some scary clouds behind me, so I prayed that Heavenly Father would protect me and Adeline! The last .5, three of my teammates came and helped me finish! They were worried because I figured it'd take me an hour to finish the 4.6 miles, and it took me and hour and sixteen minutes! Which is a pace of 16:30ish per mile. S-L-O-W.... but I finished the thing! Then we all finished the last 0.2 together as a team! I saw another group of runners from my hometown and ran into my friend Jenny, who I met during the Wabash Trace Marathon last year! I even got a picture with her and one of our matching Garmin watches!

I love how you can see my bump in the watch picture!

My other favorite day was Mother's Day yesterday! My girls picked me some lilacs from our back yard and filled the house with them! And then I got some homemade cards from them, too! It was wonderful!
Worst moment this week: My pelvic pain since Saturday. Yes, I'm sore! But my pelvis just plain hurts! I think it was because I haven't really gone over 3 miles in a while and I went 7.7 miles on the course and that doesn't even count how much walking around there was going from exchange point to exchange point! Aside from that, this week has been wonderful!

Miss anything: Smaller boobs! Especially while running! I had to buy a new sports bra that kept my ladies strapped DOWN!

Wedding rings on or off?: On during the day. Off at night.

Cravings: Fresh Fruit, Chex Mix, Chocolate Milk
Aversions: Raw Meat
Appetite: Normal

Queasy or sick: Nope! My heart is still on fire, though!
Workouts: Zumba, the Market to Market, walking, and gardening!

Emotionally: I've had a wonderful week! I was a little nervous/stressed about driving to my friend Jordan's house on Friday. I don't like traveling alone, but I said a prayer and made it safely there! Then all day Saturday was just fantastic! I was sad when the day was over, but I was happy to be back home with my loves!
Physically: I. Am. Exhausted! I am also officially done running this pregnancy! My pelvis has had enough! And I don't want to stress it out right before this baby is due! I am going to keep walking and going to Zumba, but I am done running until after sweet Adeline arrives! I am still going to do the Dam to Dam's 5K. I will be able to finish it in under an hour while speed walking!

Looking forward to: My 32 week prenatal appointment tomorrow! And having a week to CLEAN my house! There is nothing planned this week, so I have some time to get the house ready before Rosalie's fourth birthday party on the 24th! And my house needs some major Spring cleaning! That, and I'm getting more of Adeline's clothes out, so I need a clean house to sort all of her stuff and get all the baby things out of storage! Crazy to think that she'll be here so soon!

Baby Girl #4, Week 31

How far along: 31 weeks
Weeks to go: 9 weeks

Baby is the size of: a coconut!

Gender Prediction: Boy
Gender Reveal: Girl

Weight gain: 28 pounds total on my doctor's scale, 20 pounds total on my scale (I weigh myself first thing in the morning, whereas my appointments are during the day and sometimes in the afternoons.). 

Starting to show yet?: Oh yes!

Maternity clothes: Yes!

Stretch marks: Just a lot of old ones!

Belly button in or out: Half in and half out!

Sleep: Really good, surprisingly! I still have moments when my pelvis hurts when turning, but I have been sleeping very hard in between waking up to turn and falling back asleep. 

Movement: Adeline isn't as active as she has been, but I think it's because she's starting to run out of room! She is still very, very active, but she rests longer in between kicking fests! Yesterday after supper, she was going CRAZY! I should have recorded it! You could watch my belly move from across the room!

Best moment this week: Finally having a Saturday off! I went to my quilting group and got a lot done for Caity's quilt! It's coming together beautifully! I am SO excited to finish it! All I need to finish it (aside from the actual sewing) is the batting and fabric for the underside! I am going to be buying those soon!

Charles and I were invited to a farmer's pond for some fishing shortly after I got home from quilting! We agreed and had a blast fishing with the girls! Charles took photos with his phone, but each girl caught at least 3 fish each! And it was nice to hang out with our good friends Mike and Karmen!

Worst moment this week: The weather. There was virtually NO sunshine all week long. It made it terribly depressing for me. My mood does reflect the weather. I was super bummed all week... The sun FINALLY arrived by Friday!

Miss anything: Training. I have been, yes, but I miss training for speed! I miss surprising myself on runs! I mean, I have surprised myself being able to run up until this point in my pregnancy! And I am super proud of this body! But I miss running fast! Or at least feeling fast while running!

Wedding rings on or off?: On during the day. Off at night.

Cravings: Fresh Fruit, Eggs, Pico de Gallo, Tortilla Chips
Aversions: Raw Meat
Appetite: Normal

Queasy or sick: Nope! But my heart is still burning...
Workouts: Zumba and Walking/Jogging

Emotionally: Feeling down with the weather being so gloomy. It hasn't helped. But I have been focusing on the positive! A lot of fun/exciting things are happening soon and I'm directing all of my happy feelings towards those things! I love having things to look forward to!
Physically: I. Am. Tired. I think the walking and jogging is catching up to my system! I am constantly tired! My inner clock is telling me that bed time is between 8 and 8:30 every night and my wake up time is between 5:30 and 6! TEN hours! I cannot fight my body. I will tell myself that I need to stay up a little longer, and end up falling asleep on the couch! I have lost count of the times I've woken up on the couch and had to move to my bed upstairs! And it's making my mid-night bathroom trips harder to wake-up for. I will lay in bed debating on if I have to go bad enough to actually get out of bed or if I can sleep a little longer and wake up when I have to go really bad. #SleepLogic 

Looking forward to: The Market to Market relay this weekend! I will be the slowest runner there, but I don't care! It's all about the experience and finishing the thing! I have been given the shortest distance of the group I'm in, so even though I'll be hella slow, we should all finish with a pretty decent time! NEXT year, I'll be faster!

Aside from packing my hospital bags, I've also started making my birth plan! I am getting more and more calm thinking about Adeline's arrival! Usually I start freaking out, but having gone through three different labor/birth days with my other girls, I am calm knowing that the Lord will be there by my side to help strengthen me and allow my body to bring this baby girl into the world! Oh! And Charles will be by my side, too! He's just as important! I know labor is going to hurt. But I also know the sweet reward at the end of labor! I am looking forward to holding my sweet Adeline and telling her I love her!

Baby Girl #4, Week 30

How far along: 30 weeks!
Weeks to go: 10 weeks (technically, anywhere from 7 to 10! Or more... )

Baby is the size of: a large head of cabbage!

Gender Prediction: Boy
Gender Reveal: Girl

Weight gain: Not sure, my appointment is tomorrow!

Starting to show yet?: Oh yes!

Maternity clothes: Yes! Sticking to my norm of capris and large t-shirts, but the nicer weather this past week had me breaking out my maternity shorts! I am LOVING the Spring weather! I want it to stay for a while! 

Stretch marks: Just a lot of old ones!

Belly button in or out: Half in and half out!

Sleep: Decent! I'm getting better at falling back asleep quickly after my night-time bathroom runs!

Movement: Tons of movement! I'm at the point in my pregnancy where everyone can see Adeline kicking me from the outside! I will put things on my belly and my girls will watch them move! Things like: books, bowls, cups, etc!

Best moment this week: FINALLY getting my root canal done!

Worst moment this week: Almost going into labor because of a yeast infection... which I didn't even know was possible. The antibiotic I was on for my abscess tooth caused me to have a yeast infection. After a few days of not knowing what was going on with myself, some contractions and (TMI Warning!) bloody discharge had me panicked enough to call my doctor. He saw me within a few hours, checked my downstairs, monitored me, and all was well! This is my second yeast infection, ever. So I really had no idea what was going on. Now I know. And also, getting my root canal done. It wasn't so much the getting it done as it was the fact that I was in a dentist's chair for 2 hours and 45 minutes! I alternated sides every 15 minutes or so, but I still had some major back pain afterwards. The back pain lasted for a few days, but is better now.

Miss anything: Racing. All of my friends are running and racing every weekend and I miss it terribly! I do have a few running events coming up, though!

Wedding rings on or off?: On during the day. Off at night.

Cravings: Fresh Fruit (Apples, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Peaches, Strawberries, etc.)
Aversions: Raw Meat
Appetite: Normal

Queasy or sick: Nope! But raging heartburn, still.
Workouts: Walking, Jogging, and gardening!

Emotionally: Having moments where I can't control my emotions. Which either leads to me crying and crying, or me laughing and laughing. And not all the time, just usually when I'm super tired or out of it!
Physically: Doing much better! My tooth is now fixed and my abscess is gone! But in it's wake, I got a yeast infection. Which is now being treated, hooray! I feel like this last week, my body hasn't been my own. I had no control over what was happening, and I didn't, but I don't like feeling that way. I am glad that I am starting to feel normal again! Well... as normal as a 30 week pregnant person possibly can! 

Looking forward to: My 30 week OB appointment tomorrow! New Beginnings at church this Wednesday! Quilting with friends this weekend!

I've started getting things for my hospital bag ready! Seems crazy that I'm at that point, but Caitlin came early  (I was 35 weeks, 6 days pregnant) and I wasn't really prepared! I had my bag packed before she was born and I had it with me when I went to her 36 week appointment in Omaha. Thank goodness! But we brought her home to an unfinished nursery! So I've learned that I need to start preparing now and have my bag packed because I don't know what's going to happen between now and the time Adeline arrives! I've also been getting all of my newborn/0-3 month girl clothes totes out to wash before she arrives! The same take-home outfit that our other girls wore will go into my hospital bag! Though Charles and I are still trying to find some take-home shoes that we like for Miss Adeline!

Also, here is my 10 week, 20 week, and 30 week comparison!