Two Weeks Update!

   It has been 14 days since Ryder was born. It is so bittersweet because he is growing and doing so well, but I want him to stay little. I adore cuddling him and all his little squeaks. I like taking care of him and feeling so needed by him. 

   I love breastfeeding and holding him close. I actually enjoy changing diapers, they are small and aren't a huge deal (at least right now). I am a lucky momma, because Ryder loves to sleep, so it isn't too hard to get him to go to sleep. 

   As of this week, Ryder loves to eat. I'll write a post later about our breastfeeding journey, but it hasn't been long enough to be a journey yet. Right now it is just the beginning, but so far it is going really well. I am exclusively breastfeeding, and he is gaining weight. I personally love breastfeeding, but I can definitely understand how easy it would be to use formula instead. 

   Up until the other day, I was hurting if I didn't feed him every hour or two. I have not had as bad a problem though the last day or two. 

   Newborn diapers are awesome. I would have never said that before having my own baby! Newborn diapers are small. I only need one wipe usually. I have to change his diaper a lot, but it is so easy. (And it is nice to know I have little diapers compared to my little sister's diapers! I'll change my baby's diaper over hers any day, haha).

   I am a sleeper, like mother, like son. (And thank goodness for that!!). My baby loves to sleep, and I have to wake him up to feed him throughout the day. I'm sure people get baby fever from seeing my baby because he is so good (and because he is so cute, of course). 

   I am doing pretty well as well. I only slept on the couch for two weeks! Ryder and I decided it was time to sleep in our own room last night. We had been staying on the couch because I was hurting. It was hard to sit up and lay down, because giving birth takes a toll on your body. I am finally starting to feel myself again, which is wonderful because some people are in pain for up to four weeks or so. I am not to the point of no pain yet, but I'm getting there. I am also at pre-pregnancy weight!!! (I am super excited about that fact!)

   A picture two weeks post-partem!(:

   In all, Ryder and I are doing amazing at two weeks. We are bonding, and I love him more than anything in the world. God blessed me with such a handsome baby, and not only is he beautiful, but healthy as well. He is also already so well-behaved. This has been an amazing adventure so far, and I'm sure it's gonna only get better!(:

xx 

   

37 weeks !

   Baby is full term. He could be born any day now, and wouldn't that sure be lovely. I've adored being pregnant, but I've gotten to that point of feeling like a whale. One minute I'll be like, I love being pregnant, but I'm ready for him to be out, but it's great being pregnant, but it's time for him to get outtt. So it is quite fun.

   

   It really is just a waiting game at this point. I had my 37 week appointment Monday, and I am 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. Effaced means that things down there have thinned out. And look at this chart ! (which I found very interesting).

   So now, when I go into labor, if I decide to keep people informed (who knows how I'll act, I may wanna just keep everyone informed and be very loving, but then again, I might become a hermit who bites peoples heads off.... Well, we shall see!) So, if I decide to keep people informed, you'll be able to come back to my blog and check out this chart! You're welcome.(:

   Ryder is supposed to be about the size of a winter watermelon or a honeydew melon (and I believe it!). He is just packing on pounds right now. At this point, the books say he gains about half a pound a week. 

   You can see what a difference ten weeks makes! These pictures were taken at 17 weeks, 27 weeks, and 37 weeks. Excuse how I look at 37 weeks, my whole family has been battling a stomach bug. Now let me tell you! I have avoided throwing up so far, but I've definitely felt icky. Being nine months pregnant and slightly sick is not fun. 

How far along: 37 weeks

Gender: A boyy

Weight gain: 24 lbs.

Maternity clothes: I am ready to get rid of my maternity clothes... Well, not all of them, but I want to fit into some of my normal clothes again.

Stretch marks: No stretch marks or veins or anything of the sort

Belly button in or out: flat, flat, flat

Sleep: I just want to rest all the time, I've started taking naps, I'm not sure if it is because I haven't been feeling good or if it's because I'm nine months pregnant.. I'm sure it is a combination of the two

Best moment this week: Finishing my room, all I need to do is put up some more wall decorations, this corner is where my rocking chair is! 

   I personally think the "drink pure fresh milk" sign is hilarious, since I'm breastfeeding and all.(:

   

   Cherith enjoys the rocking chair, it is super comfy. My dad and brother got it and put it together for me for my shower gift, it is seriously the perfect rocking chair!

Miss anything: This week, I miss my normal clothes fitting, I miss being able to get comfortable, and I miss being able to sleep on my stomach so badly, but I know that I won't have to miss these things for long.. And when I think about that, I think of how I don't really miss all that stuff and how I love being pregnant... But I miss those things.. (There I go again, back and forth!)

Movement: Ryder loves to move, he gets hiccups literally three or four times a day, it's ridiculous. I wonder if he will hiccup as much when he is born.

Cravings: I've been craving gingerbread and ginger snaps. Just out of nowhere this week, I was wishing I could have some gingerbread cookies!

Looking forward to: Ryder being born. He will be here within the next month. I'm expecting him to be a few days late, but I'm hoping he will be a few days early. With my dr appointments so close together (they are only a week apart at this point), at least I'll know if things are progressing or not. My dr said he will probably come right on the due date, because that is how my mom was, but we shall see! 

   Sorry for writing a day late again, at least I'm keeping up and not skipping weeks! I really hope I can keep up a blog after Ryder is born. Pray that everything will keep going smoothly and that everyone in my family will be healthy and feel well soon, especially me!! 

xoxo