40 weeks

Well, I was hoping I wouldn't reach this day, but it has come! John is due today, and he is not here! haha. I had a doctor's appointment on Thursday, and I was 60-70% effaced, dilated to a 2.5. My uterus is 40 cm, and John's heartbeat was in the 140's again. I had the doctor strip my membranes, but it was of no use. It was so uncomfortable! I was hoping that something would come of it. Too bad! haha. She told me that she would like to deliver me by 41 weeks, so I am scheduled to be induced on July 17th at 7 am. I sincerely hope I don't make it to that appointment.

In a last effort to tidy things up before John gets here, I will post my last pictures.

38 weeks, 5 days on the 4th of July

39 weeks, 3 days

40 weeks! On my due date!

I decided that since it was my due date, I wanted to get dressed up one more time, and go out and do something fun! I have always wanted to take the kids to Build a Bear, and I thought we could make a bear for John. Well, the kids didn't really get into the bears at all. They had more fun pushing the buttons on the sound machine with the samples of the different voice boxes, and they danced and ran through the store! haha. So they still had a great time, just not building a bear. We did manage to make one for John still. We made him a cute little blue bear that we named John Bear. We each put a heart inside, so this little bear has 5 lives. haha! The kids got their very first candy necklaces, compliments of Grandma Shauna. We were sad to discover that the candy store in our mall is gone. There is only a kiosk with retro types of candy, and very little selection. We left the mall and ate at Chipotle. It was a nice outing together!

And here is a little preview of John's nursery corner/wall in our room. I didn't have a whole room to decorate, but I had fun putting something small together. I knew that I was always relieved to put my babies in a real crib, so we skipped the bassinet/co-sleeper idea and went straight to a big bed. I thought about a mini crib, but at the rate our kids grow, it seemed pointless. We bought him the IKEA crib and changer. We've invested so much money in cribs, I decided it was time to get economical. I like it, and I think it fits with the nautical theme.

Now we just need the little man to go in his bed! I've felt stronger and stronger contractions lately. Once they decide to get closer together, then we will be in business. But at least there is an expiration date on the 17th.  

39 weeks

Well, I skipped blogging one week. I think it was because my doctors appointment was a nurse visit. My doctor went on vacation, and is now back! I visted her last Wednesday. My weight is about 170, uterus 39.5 cm, and his heart rate 140's. She did a good old check to see if I am progressing at all. I was only 1.5 maybe 2 cm. I guess Braxton Hicks really aren't all that useful. I've felt a few long and strong contrations, but nothing good enough for the real thing. I am considering that there is a possiblity of being over due. But let's not dwell on that please!!!

Since time is ticking away, I decided to create a bucket list of things to do before John comes. We went to see a movie with the kids already, Monster's University. On Friday, my parents watched the kids so Ben and I could go to the temple, which was amazing! Yesterday, when I hit the 39 week mark, we decided to go to the zoo. We got a membership so daddy can take the kids after baby comes to give me a break. They absolutely loved the zoo. The kids loved walking instead of sitting in the stroller. Of course the big hit was the huge giraffe slide. After the zoo, Ben let me go off and do last minute shopping. And I shopped till my legs ached. I was on the hunt for new guest bedding, when I found the most amazing things for John's nursery corner in our room. That was so exciting! I made some returns of what I had already bought, then headed to WalMart where I over stuffed my cart with things to stock the pantry. The cashier insisted I get help out to the car. The family behind me understood my nesting. They were expecting #6. The husband claimed all the pregnancies he'd seen were from our cold cold winter. I got a good laugh from that.

All I need to do now is hang some pictures on the wall and wait! Everything is washed. Hospital bag packed. Car seat washed. Clothes washed. Bedding washed. Now all I need is the little boy in my belly to be in my arms. I cannot truly complain. I feel pretty darn capable right now. My next doctor's appointment is Thursday, July 11th.

37 weeks

I had a doctor's appointment last Friday, June 21st. My doctor is actually out of town, so I met with her nurse. She measured me at 36.5 cm, which makes no sense, my weight has stayed at 165, which also does not make any sense. Haha! John's heart rate was in the 140's to be predictable. : )

My next appointment is tomorrow, June 25th, so, not exactly a week later, but my doctor's nurse will also be leaving town. What is a girl to do with a baby in the summer time? Hopefully everyone will have their vacations out of the way. My mom is gone this week, enjoying Glacier National Park, before John comes. Poor little me is not on vacation. But it sure sounds nice right about now! Ben was dutifully working outside with Gunnar and his friend Bill to finish our playground outside. I am so glad that project is done! The kids love the playground, and it will be nice to have somewhere for them to play without having to go far. Thank you daddy!

The pregnancy has been going well so far. I am just exhausted all of the time. And it is so difficult to keep up with the mundane household tasks. Or is routine a better word choice? haha! I am very much looking forward to meeting my little man. I've been having a lot of contractions with this pregnancy. Unfortunately I think they are all Braxton Hicks. Maybe the nurse will check tomorrow. Only 2 weeks and 5 days to go!

Here is a picture of me. I will be taking my maternity pictures this Wednesday. So excited!

36 weeks, 3 days

Had to post this picture, not only because you see my awesome toilet,

but there is a cute little girl peeking up from the counter!

36 weeks! (Tomorrow!)

Today I had a doctor's appointment. I'm dilated to a fingertip. And it begins.... Little John is head down. The doctor was able to feel his head. I always get jealous when the doctor gets to touch or meet my baby before I do. When the midwife broke my water with Eve, Eve held her finger, and wouldn't let go. Yeah. I was pretty jealous about that. Like, "Hey get the heck out of there. Wait till I push this baby out and meet her first!"

I didn't gain any weight since my last appointment, which always comes as a relief to me. lol! I measured 37 cm, and the doctor said that I was contracting in the office. I must say, I have felt way more Braxton Hicks with this little man than with the other two. I think part of the reason is that I have finally figured out how to recognize when they are happening this third go around.

Ben and I are getting pretty excited to meet this little guy. I just bought him some more blankets and another cute little outfit. I can't stop buying things for him! I probably think it will help me be prepared. But he's coming no matter how many blankets and cute outfits he has.

On a side note, I took Jacob to see his school today. He starts preschool on Tuesday. We looked at the classroom, and I talked to the staff about his first day and orientation. I am so excited for Jacob. Challenger school seems so perfect for him! Of course I am sad to think of him being away from home. I keep reminding him that when he goes to school, mommy and daddy won't be there. Ah!!! But he deserves this so much! With a new baby on the way, I will be too busy to try to do much preschool stuff at home. At least for the first 2-3 months. I think that is how long it takes to get adjusted. It's soooooo tough, but now I know that the transition period has an end, and the benefits are so much fun once they can all play together, and wrestle and love each other. Eve and Jacob give each other so much love. It's so rewarding to watch them together. I know that John will just be another pea in the pod! So blessed!!!

Baby Blankets!

When I was pregnant with Jacob, I decided that I wanted to make a baby blanket for each of my babies. I started Jacob's blanket, but didn't quite get it finished. Not sure if two more weeks being pregnant would have helped, but nonetheless, he has a baby blanket! (Stitched by two generations. My mom sewed it shut where I had left an unfinished seam! haha!) When I was pregnant with Eve, I bought some fleece to make a blanket, and I wanted to bind it with satin trim. I made a similar blanket for Jacob's birthday, decided that it was a nightmare, and left the fleece for Eve to collect dust. Besides, my little Eve is particular about her blankets. She has to have a waffle weave receiving blanket. No other will do!

Now with John on the way, I recommitted myself. I wasn't going to get behind on two children! So I picked out some cute fabric online, and I got to sewing! I have successfully finished a blanket for Eve, and made TWO for John... shhh! Don't tell the other two kids. They only get one blanket.

Because I am so proud of myself, I am sharing pictures of my handiwork. The hardest part of sewing is cutting the fabric. I find it so intimidating. If you are off, then your whole project is off. No pressure! Especially on hands and knees with a watermelon in between your legs! hahaha!

 Eve's Blanket- Birds and Rosette Minky 

 John's Minky Blanket- Baseball, of course! Just like Jacob's.

 Couldn't pass up this cute print! 

This cotton will actually be usable, as the minky blanket will be too hot.

Can you see Jacob's "blankie?" That thing will be threads someday.

And how cute is that little girl? I snapped this while taking pictures of John's blankets.

Love these two!!!

Picture Time!

 31 weeks, 2 days

 32 weeks, 1 day

 33 weeks, 3 days

35 weeks, 1 day

Week 34 & 35

I think I missed writing about one of my doctor appointments. Pretty much the same thing happens each time. The only thing that changes is my weight!

This last visit I had, was June 6th. When the nurse asked me to get on the scale, I asked her, "Do I have to?" Not sure I want to know how much I weight. Well I was 165 lbs. Gotta lay off the salt water taffy, and skittles. (Not to mention the Ruffles, and the rootbeer. Its so different being pregnant in the summer time.)

The doctor said John's heartbeat was in the lower 140's and my uterus is 35 cm. After this visit I will be having weekly doctor appointments. Next week the doctor will be checking things out to see if I'm dilating at all. (Wouldn't that be awesome! Isn't baby #3 just supposed to fall out?)

I've been feeling pretty good though. I do get heartburn every once in a while. I feel like I started to waddle overnight. I shuffle through the grocery store now, instead of my swift power walk. LOL! Little John is very active. He likes to tumble around. The most ironic part? Ben's misses it every time! Once he starts tumbling, I try to get his attention, and once I do, John stops moving! It is so frustrating! 

I'm getting so excited to meet my new little man. I can't wait to see what he looks like and what his personality is like. I'm also anxious to see how he fits in with the other two. I think Eve will have a harder time adjusting than Jacob will, since she is the doll that can steal almost anyone's attention. And Eve is also starting to cause riffs between her and Jacob. She likes to steal his toys and boss him around! haha. Jacob is just as sweet as ever, and I think he will be so loving and gentle. 

5 more weeks to go!

Week 30 & 31

Getting much much closer to the end!

So, this little guy is getting big! And he's moving and groovin! He is pretty chill most of the day, and once I am vertical or in a reclined position, he likes to play and stretch. On May 6th, I think I pulled out my back. I was in a lot of pain, and was concerned that it was more than just muscle pain. So late in the evening, I called my doctor's office for the after-hours advice, and the recording said to call Labor and Delivery. So I called Labor and Delivery, thinking they would be able to answer my questions. (And tell me I was fine, and to kick up my feet and drink more water.) But of course, they can only tell you that you should come in and be monitored. WHAT?!? I knew I wasn't in labor. But we decided to be on the safe side since the pain was really strong, and I felt it in the front and the back. Ben and I had a nice trial run of how to get to the hospital for when the real time comes. We went to the hospital, and they monitored me, told me I wasn't in labor and sent me home feeling really stupid. haha... I will say that we did have some laughs in the hospital. Ben and I sure get silly in these types of situations. He has always known how to make me laugh. I think it became a game for him.... to see how high my laughs would register on the contraction machine. haha!

On May 8th, I had a routine doctor's appointment, and I talked to my doctor about my fun hospital experience. I did a lot of resting. Solid resting, and the pain slowly went away. John's heartbeat sounded good, in the 140's as usual. I measured 30 cm, and weight 155. Not bad. I did talk to my doctor about my lovely eczema on my face. She said to leave it alone, and see if it goes away, or she can give me a topical steroid. This is a new experience for my face. Not glowing with this pregnancy! haha.

Life is good. Jacob and Eve are darling, and I am a blessed woman. I have to repeat that to myself when I'm uncomfortable in our 85 degree house. Our air-conditioner decided it would rather not work, and of course they need to "order a part." The past few days have been miserably hot and sweaty and it makes me want to sit still and just sweat. When the air conditioner is fixed, I think I will get the spring back in my step!

I've been so antsy lately. I have the nesting urges, and I can't seem to find the time to get the cleaning and preparing done. I did settle on a crib for John. (after many sleepless nights. ugh.) I picked the IKEA Gulliver. We've spent so much money on the first two cribs, that I wanted to try and get a better deal. IKEA's cribs are highly rated, sturdy, and they finally offer shipping options. I also picked out a crib skirt and some fabric to make him a blanket. I want to set up a mini nursery in the corner of our bedroom, since I've never been able to do a full nursery. Nonetheless, I am sorting and shopping, and cleaning. I can't wait till I'm officially READY. 

Until then, I will commit to taking more pictures of my belly!

Just a few pictures

 26 weeks, 5 days

 27 weeks, 3 days

 My three kids!

29 weeks, 1 day

Preparing Jacob

Jacob is in love with the Little Critter books. He has one called Grandma, Grandpa, and Me, and I've read it so many times, it already had to be taped. So last night, we went to Barnes and Noble and picked out some more books. I found this one that I think will be great for preparing Jacob to have a little brother. It is such a cute story! He talks about all the things he wants to do with his little brother, and ends with the line, "But first he'll have to learn to walk." and it shows a little baby boy! Too cute!

Week 28 and 29

John had another doctor's appointment! And so did I. haha... Obviously.

This appointment was pretty critical in my opinion. There was some concern of a low lying placenta, and I was really nervous to see if it had migrated. If it was too low, then I would have had serious complications with a vaginal birth, and the doctor would have opted for a cesarean. Um... No thanks please! Luckily I received good news! I've got a 4-5 cm distance when all I needed was a minimum of 2 cm. Whew! No more worries for me!

I really enjoyed having another ultrasound. He is so cute! I got some good profile shots, that I didn't get with his 20 week ultrasound. He has a cute little nose, and his lips/chin remind me of Jacob's profile. No surprise. He is a Perkins! His heart rate was 147 bpm, and he looked super healthy. He was actually napping during the ultrasound. He had both of his hands behind his head with his elbows by his face. He seems like a chill little guy.

My weight gain looks good so far. When I was weighed, the scale said 155, but the printout summary said I was 152. I wonder if they know their scale is off, and they compensate, or if the nurse had a blonde moment. haha...

For week 29, which will be this week, Daddy will be gone, and it will be me with the kiddos! I want to take them to the aquarium, and get outdoors! We have a family picnic this Saturday that I am really looking forward to! I want to attempt to make some gluten free/dairy free cinnamon rolls. And yes, I am going to use a starch-filled flour replacement and REAL sugar. Moderation right?

I don't have a scanner handy to post the ultrasound pictures. Bummer. So there will be one blog post filled with pictures!

Week 21-24

Well Hello!

I've taken too long to write. Our lives have been very crazy, but happy and blessed. On March 3 Ben and I spent a week in Hawaii for our 6th anniversary. It was a very fun trip and we did a lot of fun things. On our flight there I was having a lot of lower back pain. My OB said it could have been caused by dehydration. I had a hard time sitting for a few days. Luckily that passed, and I felt much better towards the end of the trip. Since our flight was so long going there, Ben felt John kick for the first time! My favorite! When it was time to leave Hawaii our flight had been cancelled, so we caught a flight to LAX the next morning and had Grandma and Grandpa fly the kids to their house with Aunt Cherie, and we spent a week in San Diego. We went to the zoo, and Sea World. By far the kids loved Sea World. We went 3 days. On our last day we went to California Adventure and Disneyland. We only did one ride in Disneyland and a few on the California side. We decided that Cars Land is overrated, and that we had gone to Disneyland on the wrong day. Ugh! So on Saturday, March 16, we flew home. The following week we got ready for our move. Ben was busy making sure the carpet, paint, and wood floor went smoothly. We were moved over the following Saturday, March 23. Both kids were sick, and Ben and I had to give talks on Sunday. So Aunt Cherie helped out so we could give talks.

Last Thursday, I had a doctors appointment. I was 23 weeks and five days and measured 25 cm. So John had a growth spurt! His heart rate was in the 140's and sounded good! My overall weight gain so far has only been 10 lbs. That must be related to the gluten free dairy free diet. My next appointment is going to be crazy! I have blood tests, glucose test, and an ultrasound. John was considered "low lying" so the doctor is going to make sure their won't be complications during labor if he is still too low.

Other than that I am doing great! And John is a happy active little boy. He kicks and kicks and it feels like bubbles sometimes. lol! He is getting stronger and I can feel him really well.

We took some couple pictures in Hawaii. When I get my life sorted out, I will do a post of just belly pictures since I am so far behind.

Another Boy!

On February 14th, Ben and I found out we are having another boy! I was totally shocked, and instantly in love. It made my heart so happy! And I don't know why! Maybe because I've been longing to bond with this baby, and he was tired of me thinking he was a girl this whole time!

After we had the ultrasound, Ben and I went out to eat lunch. We went to the Cottonwood Grill. All Ben could think about was what this little boy's name would be. We were listing names right and left. Finally Ben said there were no names that he liked. And then we were quiet for a while. When Ben spoke, he mentioned the name John. I had just been thinking of the same name at the same time! I was thinking John the Beloved, and he was thinking of John the Revelator. (Same person!) The name felt right, so it is sticking. We like the name John Tanner Perkins. Tanner after John Tanner who gave all his wealth to the church.

This is sure one special little boy!

16 weeks, 1 day

19 weeks, 1 day

20 weeks, 1 day

These pictures aren't very glamorous. I keep taking them at night when we need the flash! Ew! 

Baby John has been kicking a lot lately. I stayed up late last night, and I really enjoyed his cute little nudges intermittently. That has to be the best part of being pregnant! 

A Third One Around the Bend

Before I get into the details, there are some things I want to note about being pregnant.

#1- 13 week belly and 20 week belly don't look very different. One may be a bit firmer, but there is some serious bloating between week 13 and 20. Just sayin...


#2- When you have your first baby, 40 weeks seems like 47, with baby number 2, 40 weeks feels like 40 weeks, and when you plan on baby number 3, 40 weeks feels like 20 weeks. Let me illustrate:

Baby #1: feels like it takes 47 weeks to get here
Baby #2: feels like 40 weeks
Baby #3: feels  like 20 weeks

Time perception changes. It flies. Fast!

So, now that I have alluded to the obvious, and if I didn't already tell you, we are expecting baby #3!

When will our little surprise be arriving? On or around July 13th. A summer baby! My very first one not born in the chilly months.

Since you don't want to do the math in your head, I am 13 weeks and 3 days.(Thank you for asking!) That means that the first trimester has come and gone, and with it came and went the morning sickness and the sluggish mommy. Well, maybe just the morning sickness. Haha... Ben and I are thinking that we will have a little girl, and cannot possibly imagine this baby being a boy. But, since we all like to compare, I felt much sicker with Eve. I mainly suffered with severe heartburn, which I didn't get with this one. We will just have to take this on a case by case basis. We will find out the gender of our little one on February 14th. Yeah, I thought it would be the best V-day present too! The appointment is in the morning so there is still time for a hot date later.

Today I had my second doctors appointment. Since I was 13 weeks, I was anxious to hear the baby's heartbeat, knowing that once I knew the baby was okay, that the danger zone had passed. It took the doctor FOREVER to find the heartbeat. She kept picking up my heartbeat. The baby seemed to be moving a lot, which tells me I might have an energetic spark on the way. I was grateful for that because even though she couldn't pick up the heartbeat, she knew the baby was moving around. I feel much more at peace.

Now, I owe you an ultrasound picture. I need to post the one of my little gummie bear that was taken around 9 weeks. So I will get on that. And I am sure that I have a nice pregnancy test picture lying around somewhere too.... Hooray, my favorite. (gross!!! haha... just kidding.) All for the sake of memories.

To be continued....