//Bumpdate 39 weeks

Yes...still pregnant over here.
How many weeks: 39 weeks

Movement: he moves but it's seems he's running out of room to really give me the big dramatic kicks now. It more so feels like he's trying to escape. It's a weird thing to describe. 

Symptoms: Tired. Anxious. Swollen. Over it. 

Any weight gain: 22 pounds total. 

Sleep: I sleep good. I haven't been napping as much which I should try and squeeze in now while I can. 

Moods: This week has been hard. Pregnancy emotions seem to magnify everything. I think I've cried every day at least once if not more. 

Stretch Marks: Nope!

Linea Negra: Yes!

Belly button in or out: It's out according to Andrew. 

Rings on or off: Off! I don't even bother with the fake rings anymore. My hands hurt and tingle and it's not worth it to try and find a ring to wear at this point.

Moments during the week: This week. I've had quite a week. I'm ready for Liam to be out of my body. He's making me insane. ( not that he won't outside of my body but at least he won't be giving me this buldging belly) 

I'm just in a place where I'm really trying to trust God. I don't think I've ever had my faith stretched in a way where I have no choice but to just put my faith in Him that everything will be okay. I feel prepared in the sense that I have everything for Liam but everything else I feel so unprepared for. It's true when they say if you wait to be ready you will never have kids but I just never thought I would be so fully relieant on other people to help out. It's definitely a pride issue I'm dealing with too & a humbling place of life to be in. 

Anyways, a lot of prayer would be great. 
//For Liam to come happy & healthy. 

//That I would have the smoothest delivery possible. 

//That Andrew & I would be able to transition into parenthood together while still being a married couple first. 

//Gods provision of finances 

//That my emotions stay positive as I learn to be a new mom & same for Andrew as he learns to be a dad. 

I have been holding on to a few verses this week.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Now faith is confidence in what we had hoped for and assurance about what we do not see." 
Hebrews 11:1

"For I know the plans I have for you', says the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

Love Forever,
Chel Chel

//Bumpdate 38 weeks

How many weeks: 38 weeks

Movement: he has different times of the day when I expect him to move because that's when he seems to be most active. I am curious to see if those times match up at all when he is here.

Symptoms: Tired. Feeling very pregnant.

Any weight gain: I am up to 21 pounds. 

Sleep: I sleep good. Trying to get in the uninterrupted sleep now.

Moods: I won't lie. In the mornings I am super cranky. Poor Andrew is so over my moody-ness. By the afternoon I feel great and then when early evening hits I'm done.

Stretch Marks: Nope!

Linea Negra: Yes!

Belly button in or out: It is as flat as a pancake. I am surprised it hasn't popped out. 

Rings on or off: Off! I don't even bother with the fake rings anymore. My hands hurt and tingle and it's not worth it to try and find a ring to wear at this point.

Moments during the week: This week Andrew has been home which has been really nice. He was working a temp job for three weeks so after I was done with work I was pretty lonely during the day. He also got a call back for another temp job at the same place so he might again be gone quite a while during the day which is great but will totally bore me to death!

//So we have a little competition we want to get going! Tell us your guess for when you think Liam will come! You must pick the date and a time! It can be as exact as something like May 24 at 5:37pm.  Since I really could go into labor as early as now let's get the guesses in by Sunday May 18! You can facebook me, instagram me, text me if you have my number, or e-mail me at chel_hunter@yahoo.com I will be making a list at home to keep track of everyone's guesses! Good luck!//








God has a funny way of showing me He is ultimately in charge. Every time I feel like doubting God's plan for us I have been quick to try and give that up to God and not let myself go down that road that the enemy totally traps me in. I have so many emotions buzzing through me that it's easy for me to get into a place where I question every single little thing. I am such a deep thinker too that I always go to the most outrageous scenarios. All that to say I know God has a great plan for Andrew and I and know He has an even greater one for this little guy He is letting us take care of. 



Love Forever,
Chel Chel

//Bumpdate 37 weeks

 How many weeks: 37 weeks

Movement: Lots of tumbling and rumbling as expected. I think he saying he wants to come out and play!

Symptoms: Swollen. Tired. Low energy if I don't take a lot of breaks.  

Any weight gain: I am up to 20 pounds. 

Sleep: Pretty good minus the many times I get up to use the bathroom. I have lots of pillow people around me to keep me comfortable. 

Moods: Pretty relaxed. A lot of unexpected things keep popping up but I am trying to remain positive and not let life get in the way to much. I also have a bad habit of taking on other people's burden's and that really drains me so I have really been trying to be a listening ear but not take everything to heart. 

Stretch Marks: None I can see. 

Linea Negra: Yes!

Belly button in or out: It is as flat as a pancake. I am surprised it hasn't popped out. 

Rings on or off: Off! I wear a fakie sometimes. 

Moments during the week: I go in every week now for an appointment. It's nice getting to hear this little guy's heartbeat more often now. I am really trying to relax and take it easy. If Liam were to come today I would feel pretty prepared.

 I have been allowing myself to rest and to take frequent naps. I can tell my body needs it too because I can pretty much fall asleep at any hour now. I know sleep won't be in my vocabulary soon so I don't feel guilty when I rest. 

Daisy has really been stir crazy and I think she can sense change is happening. She gave us a scare on Monday and went back behind a freezer downstairs where we cook and there was decon back there (rat poison) but Andrew and I highly doubt she actually ate any. I think the second Andrew saw her back there she had just gone behind and didn't even have a chance to really let her curiosity get the best of her. Literally. We took her in anyways and she is now getting Vitamin K every night to help boost her blood in the case she did ingest some but she has been totally normal since Monday and usually the symptoms would start popping up by now. Cats, I tell ya. They didn't make up the saying, "curiosity killed the cat."Although she seems totally fine and I believe she is but that wasn't a very fun evening!

My original due date is May 28. I totally goofed last time and went to my other approximate due date of the 23. I keep mixing them up so honestly when he comes, he comes!

Please keep Andrew and I in your prayers as we will soon enter the journey of parenthood. This season hasn't been super easy but yet very fulfilling. God has really stretched Andrew and I in Washington and I know He has big plans for us. Sometimes in the day to day though that can be hard to remember. I know I can trust Him though because God has shown up every time we thought we were in a tough spot. God is good!

Love Forever,

Chel Chel

//Bumpdate 36 weeks

 How many weeks: 36 weeks

Movement: This little guy is the hiccup king. Almost everyday this one gets them. It's so funny. It's like a rave in my womb.

Symptoms: Still really swollen. Braxton hicks. Tummy getting uncomfortable in most clothes. 

Any weight gain: I have an appt tomorrow but last I checked I was up 19 pounds. I'm sure I've gained at least 2 more. 

Sleep: Not really happening this week. I'm up for hours on end sometimes. 

Moods: I have been pretty mellow this week. I did wake up crying this morning because I couldn't sleep pretty much at all last night. It was so hot in our apartment and I was just miserable trying to get comfortable. Once I finally fell back asleep again at like 6:30 am my hubby was playing with Daisy and they accidently knocked over the pickle jar with all the coins in it. I instantly woke up and just burst into tears and said, "I just want to sleep!" oh, won't that be my life everyday pretty soon. I reassured him I wasn't mad at him and he felt pretty bad about it. Poor guy!

Stretch Marks: None I can see. 

Linea Negra: Yes!

Belly button in or out: It is as flat as a pancake. I am surprised it hasn't popped out. 

Rings on or off: Off! I wear a fakie sometimes. 

Moments during the week: I went to the Northwest District Council in Vancouver, WA these past few days and it was really fun! It was nice meeting people and getting to know more about what the Northwest Ministry Network is about. Everyone is really relevant and thinks outside the box. 

Today was a pretty sad day. I was coming home from lunch with some friends and saw a vehicle flipped over on the church property where Andrew and I live. The older man in the car had hit someone behind him and I believe stopped really fast and rolled into the grassy ditch in front of our church. He was wearing his seatbelt but was moaning and had thrown up. When the paramedics took him out of the car they were performing CPR on him. They took him in full lights and sirens and I just found out a little while ago he has passed away. I am trying to not let in affect my mood but it's hard seeing his car still flipped right outside my apartment windows.

 It just makes you appreciate life a little more.

I am grateful to have Liam growing strong and healthy inside of me. I was having just so many emotions run through me this past week as his due date approaches. I am feeling the anticipation of meeting him and just praying he is healthy and happy.

I know so many women who have gone through so much and I tend to take on other people's burdens which can really bring a negative affect to my emotional state. 

Jesus is reminding me that He has His perfect plan for me and I am not on everyone else's journey. It can be hard for me to remember that sometimes and I think I tend to let that distract me so I don't always have to focus on the things I don't like about the journey I am on. I am realizing more that I just need to trust in His plans and let them unfold in my life. God has called Andrew and I here and I feel such peace about that but yet sometimes I really just let the enemy take over my mind. 

I encourage you to remember God has you on His perfect plan for YOUR life. Let Him work through you in that today. 

Love Forever,

Chel Chel

//Bumpdate 35 weeks

How many weeks: 35 weeks

Movement: Liam is moving a lot. He does lots of rolls and like slow pushes out on my stomach. He is running out of room because I can feel him moving around like he is trying to get comfortable. I love when I touch my belly and he pushes back.

Symptoms: Very swollen in my hands and feet still. Uncomfortable aches and pains so it's hard to sit or stand to long. He has started going into my ribs which is so painful! Tired. Overall starting to feel pretty big.

Any weight gain: 19 pounds total so far!

Sleep: Really hard to get comfortable. Although once I do I am out like a light!

Moods: Feeling sentimental lately. Also, feeling anxious about his arrival. 

Stretch Marks: Nope. I am slathering on body butter all the time! I am determined. However, Andrew says if I get them it isn't a big deal but I am really hoping to not. 

Linea Negra: Yes! Andrew says he can totally see it. 

Belly button in or out: In but I think that thing could pop out any moment. 

Rings on or off: Off! I wear a fakie sometimes. 

Moments during the week: Last week of work! Yay! I was feeling anxious about this a few weeks ago. I was really having a hard time trusting God and knowing He would provide for Andrew, me and Liam. I just was being my typical workaholic self and was going to work up until the last minute. I just knew in my heart though I couldn't keep going that long. It was to much and my body is crying for rest. God totally honored my faith in that though and so I am glad I listened to my body and also to Him. I just try to control everything and I am constantly being proven that God has it under control and so I have really let that fear of doubt go. It's really hard most days to do that but I know that God has us hear in the season to fully learn to trust Him. It's hard with a baby on the way though! I know though everything will be okay and Andrew and I are exactly where we are supposed to be. We have an amazing support system, family, friends and church and I am truly grateful for that!

Love Forever,

Chel Chel

P.S. Someone sent me something from Amazon and it had no tag so whoever it was thank you!

//Bumpdate 34 weeks

How many weeks: 34 weeks

Movement: He does so many awkward body rolls! It's actually pretty hilarious to me to watch him just roll all over the place. He had the hiccups earlier this week and Andrew out his ear to my belly to listen and said that was pretty cool!

Symptoms: I am still really swollen in my hands and feet. I pretty much do not know what my right hand feels like anymore without having that "asleep" feeling 24/7. Sleeping pretty good at night just hard to get comfortable. 

(My fakie ring for my swollen hands! Bling bling! I really miss my rings though :(

Any weight gain: I have a Dr. appt Tuesday so I am not sure but probably only a few more pounds putting me somewhere under the 20 pound mark. 

Sleep: Sleeping great! Also, been working more hours so that could be aiding in helping me sleep better. I also take a nap everyday which has been really nice. 

Cravings: Nothing really. Just been drinking a lot of water like crazy. 

Moods: Mellow. 

Stretch Marks: No new ones.

Linea Negra: Andrew says he can see a faint line appearing. 

Belly button in or out: Still in but it's very shallow. I'm not sure my belly button will come out but that's okay!

Rings on or off: Both rings off! I am currently borrowing a ring that is almost two sizes bigger. I am so swollen!

Moments during the week: This was a pretty long week so I haven't had much time to just sit and relax. Currently, only have a few weeks left until I'm done with work. I'm excited and nervous at the same time to not work. It will be a very different chapter to walk into parenthood. I know God has His plans laid out for Andrew and I but I am trying my best to keep trusting and remembering that. 

Also, I found this poem/letter on Facebook and thought I would share on here. I thought it was a good reminder to all moms and parents to uplift each other in the journey of being parents. We're all trying our best and I know that's what Andrew and I will be trying to do as well. 

To the mom who is breastfeeding: WAY TO GO!! It really is an amazing gift to give to your baby, for any amount of time that you can imagine! You ARE a good mom.

To the mom who is formula feeding: Isn't science amazing? To think there was a time when a baby with a mother who couldn't produce enough would suffer, but now? Better living through chemistry! You're a good mom!

To the cloth diapering mom: Fluff bums are the cutest, and so friendly on the bank account. You're a good mom.

To the disposable diapering mom: Damn those things hold a lot, and it's excellent to not worry about leakage and laundry! You're a good mom.

To the mom who stays home: I can imagine it isn't easy doing what you do, but to spend those precious years with your babies must be amazing. You're a good mom.

To the mom who works: It's wonderful that you're sticking to your career, you're a positive role model for your children in so many ways, it's fantastic. You're a good mom.

To the mom who had to feed her kids from the drive thru all week because you're to worn out to cook or go grocery shopping: You're feeding your kids, and hey, I bet they aren't complaining! Sometimes sanity can indeed be found in a red box with a big yellow M on it. You're a good mom.

To the mom who gave her kids a home cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner for the past week: Excellent! Good nutrition is important, and they're learning to enjoy healthy foods at an early age, a boon for the rest of their lives. You're a good mom.

To the mom with the kids who are sitting quietly and using their manners in the fancy restaurant: Kudos, it takes a lot to maintain order with children in a place where they can't run around. You're a good mom.

To the mom with the toddler having a meltdown in the cereal aisle: they always seem to pick the most embarrassing places to lose their minds don't they? We've all been through it! You're a good mom.

To the moms who judge other moms for ANY of the above? Glass houses, friend. Glass houses.

-anonymous

Love Forever,
Chel Chel

//Bumpdate 33 weeks

How many weeks: 33 weeks

Movement: He moves a lot at night. Surprise surprise! When I am up moving or at work I feel him here and there but not a ton. The other night Andrew was talking to him and Liam kept punching his hand! Andrew kept saying, " Wanna fight? Quit beating daddy up!" Just cute stuff back and forth. It was pretty funny to watch and feel.

Symptoms: I am just worn out! It is hard to maintain my energy level and be on my feet to long. I am starting to feel more top heavy. Super swollen in my hands and feet. I had to get fitted for wrist splints to sleep with at night because if all the fluid build up. It's so uncomfortable to wake up with my hands feeling like they are asleep and I cannot open or close them. Leg cramp pain mostly in my right leg. 

Any weight gain: Still between the 14-16 pounds gained.

Sleep: This past week was awful! I tossed and turned all night. Super uncomfortable. Had to always get up once to use the bathroom. Not very fun with a longer work week because of spring break. 

Cravings: Nothing really this week.

Moods: Super emotional. I could cry about anything and everything. It's annoying. 

Stretch Marks: No new ones.

Linea Negra: Nope!

Belly button in or out: Still in but it's very shallow. 

Rings on or off: Both rings off! I am currently borrowing a ring that is almost two sizes bigger. I am so swollen!

Moments during the week: This week was LONG. We had spring camp for my work and I am just glad it's over. Almost everyday consisted of dealing with a particularly tough child that comes from a tougher background and it's just draining. I am just way off a routine and ready to be back at my school until I leave for maternity leave!

Love Forever,

Chel Chel