//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

//Bumpdate 32 weeks + CA Pictures

 ( Andrew trying to be my paparazzi! Rude!)

 How many weeks: 32 weeks

Movement: Lots of movement when I'm trying to relax or when I'm sitting or laying down. I sometimes feel him when I'm up and moving around but bit as much as when I'm being still. 

Symptoms: Still some morning sickness, feeling uncomfortable in one position to long, back aches and the worst is being swollen in my hands and feet! Oh they ache so bad and I can't fit into many of my shoes. 

Any weight gain: Last appt I had I was up to 16 pounds. 

Sleep: If you let me I could sleep all day. I sleep pretty good once I'm out and usually just have to get up once to use the bathroom. 

Cravings: Ginger ale!

Moods: I've been a little bit emotional. Okay, that's a lie. I'm a cry baby lately. Oh, the emotions!!!

Stretch Marks: No new ones.

Linea Negra: Nope!

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

Rings on or off: Wedding band off and my engagement ring is pretty close to being off. 

Moments during the week: Well were back from California! I'm happy to be home but sad that we didn't feel we got to spend more time with family and friends. It's never enough. I will admit it wasn't the most relaxing vacation. With the baby shower, (which was so fun don't get me wrong)Andrew working a big gig, then getting tooth pain again which resulted in a root canal and another tooth extraction, and his uncle being in the hospital, we sort of felt like we were all over the place. It was a pretty crazy week but I'm so happy we went and were able to see everyone. I wanted to just pinch everyone because they were in front of me in real life instead of over the internet. It's been hard being away from everyone but it just means more planning to get together and making it a priority to take time away to visit. I am really glad we were able to come to California and stay with Andrew's grandparents. I also feel very welcomed there so that was a nice place to kind of unwind. 

I was so grateful for all the beautiful things Liam got at the baby shower! You all made Andrew, me and Liam feel so loved! I just keep holding and looking at everything imagining Liam in all his cute clothes and playing with his fun toys. I'm so thankful! 

>>Still deciding when to take maternity leave. I'm the type that works up until the last minute before anything. I'm sort of battling with trusting God has everything under control. With becoming a new mom, still adjusting to living in Washington and being away from family, I just get myself so worked up sometimes. I hope I'm not the only new mom who goes through all of this. I feel like I could have all the money and material things in the world and I still wouldn't be "ready" I am anxious to meet him and start our life with him. It still seems so surreal to me sometimes until he kicks me in the gut and reminds me he's really there! Anyways, here's some pictures from our trip! All the baby shower pictures you can find on my facebook HERE Enjoy!

Hubert is our roadtrip hog

The drive is long but it sure is pretty!

We have Washington plates!!!

 

                        

Mt Shasta

My handsome hubby at Peet's!

(This is the gig Andrew was apart of!) 

Sissy

Jordyn & me! Love her so much!

Visiting at my old school I worked at. This is my 8th grade friend Kirsten! I have loved watching her grow up & excited for what God has for her. 

Gypsy!

Real Mexican food. Sorry to my Washington friends but I haven't found a place yet that compares to the many we have in California!

Sister and me playing with mustaches from the shower

Andrew, Mom, me

Andrew doesn't always love the camera

We're back home!

Love Forever,

Chel Chel

// Bumpdate 30 weeks

How many weeks: 30 weeks

Movement: SO MUCH movement! He has been kicking me like crazy! Andrew has been able to feel and see him and my friend Andrea just saw him move yesterday! It was so cool!

Symptoms: This week I have felt alright actually. It has been a very busy week and I won't slow down until I am literally in the car Wednesday driving back to CA. Rest and relaxation will be nice.

Any weight gain: I have a DR. appt Tuesday so we shall see. Everyone says I'm tiny though so I haven't gained very much. I had one mom totally shocked when I told her I was expecting in May and she just couldn't believe I was 7 months. 

Sleep: I can fall asleep okay but getting up has been hard. I feel like I could hibernate forever.

Cravings: Nothing really this week. 

Moods: Mostly happy just slow and tired. 

Stretch Marks: No new ones.

Linea Negra: Nope!

Belly button in or out: Still in but that thing might poke out any day. It sure feels out to me.

Rings on or off: Okay, I had to add this in because I noticed last night after I took my rings off that my finger was a tiny bit swollen. I wear a tungsten medal ring as my wedding band and it cannot be cut so I am probably going to stop wearing that when we leave next week. 

Moments during the week: Not to much other than Liam moving like crazy! Just ready to slow down. I literally have no time to just be and it's starting to wear on me. 5 more days...5 more days.. I got this!

( Camera shy)

See all my family & friends in California soon!

Love Forever,

Chel Chel

//Bumpdate 29 weeks

How many weeks: 29 weeks

Movement: Every day I feel his kicking. It's so crazy that it's Liam kicking me. Im going to be honest sometimes it totally annoys me when I am trying to relax and I am like, "Hey kid, calm down in there!"

Symptoms: Still a low appetite, exhaustion where I feel like I could sleep all day and still not feel rested, round ligament pain, my pre-pregnancy clothes are starting to not fit so great anymore. Whaaa!

Any weight gain: Just had a Dr. appt and I am at 12 pounds weight gain still. 

Sleep: Better now that I have my mornings to relax and wake up naturally. 

Cravings: Nothing really this week. 

Moods: Irritable in the mornings. Just not in the mood to really do a whole lot except nest at home.  

Stretch Marks: No new ones.

Linea Negra: Nope!

Belly button in or out: Still in but that thing might poke out any day. It sure feels out to me.

Moments during the week: I did my test where they gibe you the "nasty" drink and I have no clue why people think it's gross. It literally is just sugar in a drink! I am not sure how sugar and nasty get put into the same category but it didn't phase me to drink it. I thought it was pretty good. If I slapped a cool label on there you people wouldn't know the difference and I would be a millionaire. Just sayin!

We leave for vacation in 11 days!!! I cannot wait for a break and just some relaxing time with family and friends. I miss so many people back in California. On the other hand though I have loved meeting new people and forming friendships here. It's give and take. 

I was feeling the other day about how I am just ready to be done working with other children for now. I love them and for the past four years it has been a joy investing in other children's lives but I'm done. I just want my own to invest in for a while. I am starting to get more anxious about meeting Liam. I know its going to be 24/7 and I know it's going to be different than my ideal in my head but he will be the baby God chose Andrew and I to take care of. That is something I am ready for.

Here is my registry again if you would like to view it. 

Liams Registry

I have been blessed to receive a lot already but still needing some big ticket items. You can ship to us through the registry and it has our address already saved. Also, gift cards to target and IKEA would be wonderful too! We will need stuff down the line that we don't have the space to purchase for now. Also, if you can please avoid babies r us. I do not live very close to one!

I am getting so excited to see everyone in California! Waiting eagerly for my in and out!

Love Forever,

Chel Chel