bishop and hollandd

34 weeks down, 6 (ish) to go! The second half of pregnancy has flown by. I can’t believe we are near the end and will be meeting our little one so soon. In fact, when we get back from Santa Barbara next week, I am no longer able to fly and will be a homebody until Baby Coffman decides to show up! With only six weeks left, I am trying to get as organized as possible. My plan is to tackle the nursery closet first. The nursery has a huge closet that we have used as storage for the past three years. I am waiting for the nesting hormones to kick in before getting started, but not sure when that will happen! With Christmas and New Year’s right around the corner, I know January 14th will be here before we know it! You can read previous bumpdates by clicking on these links: 12 weeks, 20 weeks and 28 weeks.

34 week bumpdate:

How far along? 34 weeks
Size of Baby: 20 inches and about 5 pounds or the size of a pineapple
Gender: Going to be a surprise- See our reasons why we are waiting here
Names: Boy name is picked out, but we have absolutely no idea of a name if Baby C is a girl. Getting a little nervous about this because we can’t leave hospital without deciding on a name!
Milestones:
- Baby kicking: Baby is very active and at times the kicks can be painful! Lots of feet in my ribs which is forcing me to sit straight up.
- Baby Shower: A few weeks ago, family friends threw a beautiful baby shower to celebrate Baby Coffman. It was such a special day and one that I will remember forever! You can see details from the shower here and what I wore here. Although the nursery is not at all close to being finished, we have received pretty much anything and everything that baby will need. Now the fun part, getting the room organized and decorated!
- Gestational Diabetes: Not that I would consider this a milestone, but during routine third trimester testing I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is caused during pregnancy when hormones cause cells to use insulin less effectively. The main concern is keeping blood sugars in the normal range and it is controlled by diet and exercise. Funny enough, I eat very well and have consistently exercised through out pregnancy! Fortunately, since I was diagnosed and have been keeping track of my blood sugar almost all of my readings have been within the normal range- Praise God! As soon as baby is delivered, my body will go back to processing insulin as usual.
- Birthing class: Because I am planning an unmedicated hospital birth (Yes, I know I am crazy), Caleb and I have been preparing for the whole process with birthing classes. We decided to take Bradley Method classes, because it encourages a husband-coached labor and delivery process. With our last class next week, I am feeling much more prepared and know a lot more about the entire labor process. That doesn’t mean I am not anxious about the birthing experience!
- Hospital Tour: Talk about making things seem real! The hospital tour made the two of us realize 1) this is really happening and 2) this is happening soon! I feel better knowing which entrance to use if labor starts in the middle of the night, what the labor & delivery rooms are like, and seeing where family and friends will be waiting!
Weight Gain: 13 pounds
Maternity clothes: This has been a frustrating topic lately 🙂 Now that I am nearing the end of pregnancy, I am trying to make do without buying more maternity clothes. It gets frustrating wearing the same shirts over and over and trying to come up with new outfits! We will see if I can hold out for the next month or so, but I may have to give in to a dress or two for holiday parties!
Pregnancy symptoms: The occasional backache, but thankfully I am still feeling pretty normal. No swelling yet!
Sleeping: Still sleeping great– the pregnancy insomnia hasn’t hit me yet and praying it stays that way!
Food cravings: Nothing in particular, although a diet lemonade from Chick-Fil-A always hits the spot
Exercise: I have had to cut back to taking just three FlyBarre classes a week. My body is getting tired more easily, so I am trying to take it slow and relax more!

Cheers,