40 Weeks!

Dates: July 20- July 27

Baby is the Size of a: mini-watermelon (approximate length and weight: 20 inches, 7+ pounds)

How I'm Feeling: I'm good, but a little achy. That's not surprising since I'm now a week past my due date. I'm feeling lots of cramps, dull aches, and contractions, but nothing productive yet. I got kind of excited the other night because I had a few contractions in a row, but sadly, it didn't lead anywhere. Baby will come when he's ready.

Other than physical symptoms though, I'm feeling awesome! My in-laws have been SO helpful! They've completely taken charge and have been great with Zahara. It's such a relief to be able to relax and just try and enjoy these last days.

How I'm Changing: Just when I thought I couldn't get any bigger, I am still growing! I'm up around 35 pounds now, which is 7 more pounds than with Zahara. But, thankfully, it's still pretty much all belly (and a little swelling in my feet). My rings still fit though and I'm feeling pretty good. I'm just making a nice little home for baby.

What I'm Eating: As I hoped, I've been eating tons of delicious Russian food that my mother-in-law has been making. Vinegret, lula kabob, syrniki, all sorts of delicious salads she just throws together with whatever's in the fridge. It's been awesome.

What the Baby is Doing: Whoever said that babies slow down toward the end and don't move as much clearly has never met my kids. This baby is just as active as he's been since I could first feel him at 13 weeks. Maybe he's just getting all his energy out now so he can sleep perfectly once he's out. Ha!

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 40

Playing Hooky Pre-Baby

While baby is still nice and cozy in there, Dan and I decided to take the day off work last Friday to play hooky. It was a fun day filled with a movie, ice cream, and swimming with the family. I can't think of a better way to spend the day.  

Dan and I saw Star Trek Beyond on it's opening day in the morning. It wasn't too crowded, which was nice. I enjoyed the movie, but Dan wasn't crazy about it. I'm loving all of the new strong women portrayed in the movies. I never really considered myself a feminist, but raising a daughter has made me really aware of gender disparity and stereotypes. I want Z to grow up seeing heroines and superheroes in movies, and smart, successful women in real life. Whew! Off my soap box now.

After the movie we hung out in downtown Silver Spring and grabbed a veggie burger at BurgerFi and a Cold Stone ice cream. We split a small German chocolate ice cream and it was amazing! 

After lunch we headed back home to pick up Z and my in-laws. Since it was so hot outside, it was the perfect day for some time by the pool. Our county has great public facilities. I love the lazy river! It felt fantastic walking around the loop while Z sat in the inner tube having a great time. We went around for nearly an hour. 

Z, Rose, Yakov, and Dan also spent a lot of time in the toddler area where there is a shallow pool and a mushroom fountain. We were there so long we clearly exhausted her.

Such a fun day! I love these final days with our little family.

39 Weeks!

Dates: July 13- July 19

Baby is the Size of a: mini-watermelon (approximate length and weight: 20 inches, 7+ pounds)

How I'm Feeling: All things considered, I feel pretty good, but I'm starting to feel a bit anxious and a little grumpy. I'm not so worried about the labor itself (I know what that's like). It's more that I just want to know when things will happen. My in-laws arrived this weekend, which is just amazing that they're able to put their life on hold for us to help for as long as we need. But it would be really nice to know how long that is, and when my parents should come, and when my last day of work is, and when the bris will be...you get the idea.

How I'm Changing: No real signs of labor yet, but lots of false starts. Mostly just braxton hicks and feeling like the baby is moving down a bit. I also am apparently a creature of habit. Just like last time at 39 weeks, I got a hair cut. This one wasn't nearly as dramatic as when I cut off 8 inches, but it still makes me feel good.

What I'm Eating: Pretty usual stuff, but now that my mother-in-law is here, I'm excited for all the delicious Russian food she's making!

What the Baby is Doing: Baby is still moving just as much as usual, which is a good sign, but also kind of uncomfortable. It's crazy seeing my stomach so huge and still moving like there is an alien inside.

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 39

Fun Maternity Photo Shoot

I can't believe I haven't posted our maternity pictures yet. I guess I really should while I'm still pregnant. Ha!

They turned out great, and I'm so glad we did them. This time was a little different than last. First of all, I had a young child to chase and entertain. And second, it was approximately a million degrees outside. Nevertheless, it was a great experience.

You may remember my Spouses on Sabbatical friend from England, Katie. Well she is back in the U.S. too and is an amazing photographer. We hired her for this session, and she captured some great shots. Here are a few favorites.

I may turn one or two into a canvas like I did last time and put them in the baby's room. I'm thinking maybe the one of Z kissing my belly, or the closeup of my belly. What do you think?

If you live in the DC area and are looking for an amazing (and affordable!) photographer, check out our friend Katie at Sweet Serendipity. She's awesome! (Not a sponsored post--we just love Katie!)

See our first maternity session:
Maternity Photo Shoot

38 Weeks

Dates: July 6- July 12

Baby is the Size of a: leek (approximate length and weight: 19 1/2 inches, 7 pounds)

How I'm Feeling: Pretty good, actually. Compared to this same time with my last pregnancy, I am much more physically able that I was. I'm still big and slow, but I can walk reasonable lengths without experiencing terrible pain. I'm suffering from a bit of insomnia, and I'm definitely ready for the baby to come, but things could be much worse.

How I'm Changing: It turns out the swelling in my hands was really just from the heat. Now that I'm spending less time commuting, my hands are back to a normal size and my rings still fit. Yay!

What I'm Eating: I generally eat pretty healthily, and I'm mostly sticking to that. But, at the same time, recognizing that it's my last few weeks of my last pregnancy, I am indulging a bit. My latest favorite is Dominion Root Beer. It uses local honey to sweeten the drink, which gives it a really nice sweet-but-not-too-sweet flavor. So delicious!

What the Baby is Doing: Baby's only job now is packing on the pounds. And he's doing a good job, averaging an ounce a day!

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 38

Another Baby Pool Contest

UPDATE: Well, this is awkward...but I think I'm the winner of this baby pool. Asher was born on July 27th, weighing 9 pounds 8 ounces. No one, not even me, predicted what a giant baby he would be. But I did guess the right date. Thanks to everyone who played!

Just like I did last time, I'm running another contest to see when Baby Boy Levin will arrive. I'm currently 38 weeks and four days pregnant, meaning he will definitely come some time between now and August 3rd. My doctors will likely induce me sometime in that 41st week if he doesn't come on his own.

So who wants to play a fun game? Guess when baby Levin will arrive and how big he will be. Here is some background to help with your guesses: Zahara was born 9 days late, weighing 8 pounds, 0 ounces.

To sweeten the pot (literally), I'll provide the winner with a canister of freshly made candied almonds!

• PRIZE: One canister of homemade candied almonds
• TO ENTER: Comment on this post with your guess of when baby Levin will arrive (between July 10-August 3) AND how big you think he'll be (e.g. 7 pounds 3 ounces)
• NUMBER OF WINNERS: One
• PRIZE SHIPS: Anywhere in the world
• GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Thursday, August 4th or when Baby Levin arrives (whichever comes first)

The commenter with the closes guess wins. In case of multiple right guesses, one winner will be selected using random.org. Good luck!

37 Weeks

Dates: June 29- July 5

Baby is the Size of a: bunch of swiss chard (approximate length and weight: 19 inches, 6 1/3 pounds)

How I'm Feeling: I'm feeling pretty good, actually. As of this week I'm no longer commuting to the office, which is awesome! I'm looking forward to not having to be on the metro for more than an hour each way. I'm excited to not have to sit in an office chair for hours on end. I'm excited to use my own bathroom a hundred times a day instead of the office one. So much to look forward to. Ha!

How I'm Changing: Now my hands are starting to swell too. Bummer. I think I might have to take my rings off just in case the swelling gets worse. At my 37 week check up though my doctor said she was surprised "how skinny my wrists and ankles were for someone so pregnant in July." What a strange, lovely compliment.

What I'm Eating: Would you believe that I'm still eating leftover cake from Zahara's birthday party? Well I am, and it is amazing.

What the Baby is Doing: I had my last physiotherapy appointment this week, and when saying good-bye, my therapist said that she's never seen a baby as active as mine. It's so funny how many people I've heard that same story from. This doesn't bode well for a restful first couple of months.

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 37

36 Weeks

Dates: June 22-28

Baby is the Size of a: head of romaine lettuce (approximate length and weight: 18 1/2 inches, 6 pounds)

How I'm Feeling: I'm officially nine months pregnant! I'm feeling pretty good, but this last month is going to move so slowly. I am already starting to feel anxious. It's hard to sleep at night because I have so many thoughts running through my head. I need to get the hospital bag packed, the baby's clothes washed, supplies for the first couple of days...

How I'm Changing: Just getting bigger...no real surprises here

What I'm Eating: Nothing too unusual

What the Baby is Doing: Still moving a ton. When checking the heartbeat this week, the doctor said, "wow, he's a real mover and shaker." I hear that some babies slow down by the end of the pregnancy. I'm 0-2 on that front. But I know I'll miss those kicks and hiccups when he's out, so I'm trying to treasure it all now.

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 36

35 Weeks

Dates: June 15-21

Baby is the Size of a: honeydew melon (approximate length and weight: 18 inches, 5 1/4 pounds)

How I'm Feeling: Much happier than last week. Between our fun beach vacation and Dan's birthday, it was a great week. It was tough walking so much in Atlantic City, but still not nearly as bad as it was last pregnancy with Zahara. The physical therapy definitely has made a difference.

How I'm Changing: It looks like the swollen feet are here to stay, sadly.

What I'm Eating: Ice cream! Hey, it's not my fault. We were at the beach. What am I supposed to do? Go against hundreds of years of tradition? Not likely.

What the Baby is Doing: Still moving like crazy. He's head's down, which is great, but as he gets bigger I can feel him everywhere simultaneously: in my ribs, pushing at my belly button, very low down...it's distracting. Especially when he gets the hiccups, which seems to be all the time.

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 35

34 Weeks

Dates: June 8-14

Baby is the Size of a: cantaloupe (approximate length and weight: 18 inches, 4 3/4 pounds)

How I'm Feeling: Grumpy. This week has been really challenging. Zahara has not been feeling well, and now Dan and I have colds too. This has led to a week of extra whining, tantrums, and general energy-zapping interactions. On top of that, it's really hot out and I'm feeling extra tired. I just have no patience to deal with this at the moment, and it's really starting to get to me.

How I'm Changing: I still have swollen feet, which causes discomfort when I try and stand for any period of time. It's a good thing I'm kind of nearing the end (though it doesn't really feel like it at times).

What I'm Eating: Birthday cake! We had an early birthday celebration for Z this weekend and got a Costco sheet cake. If you haven't had a Costco cake before, you are missing out. It is perfect. We got the chocolate cake, which comes with chocolate icing, chocolate cake, and a chocolate mousse filling. Perfect for a chocoholic like me.

What the Baby is Doing: Baby is hiccuping pretty regularly, and stretching out as much as possible. I'm feeling his movements really low down, but he also gets nestled in my ribs sometimes.

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 34

33 Weeks

Dates: June 1-7

Baby is the Size of a: pineapple (approximate length and weight: 17+ inches, 4 pounds)

How I'm Feeling: Actually, pretty good!

How I'm Changing: I've noticed a bit of swelling in my feet and legs. My rings still fit, thankfully, and I don't think my face is too swollen. It's just a little annoying because my shoes don't fit well. Thankfully the weather is getting warmer and I can wear flip flops and flats.

What I'm Eating: Nothing too unusual.

What the Baby is Doing: I had a regular doctor's appointment the other day and went in with a few questions, one of which was about braxton hicks. I have been feeling a tightening in my stomach, which I assumed were braxton hicks, but it turns out I'm just feeling the baby's spine pressed up against my stomach. It was funny how the doctor could feel the baby's various parts right away. He said, "there's his squishy butt, and there's his long spine, and way down here is his head." It is still crazy that there's a little human in there!

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 33

32 Weeks

Dates: May 25-31

Baby is the Size of a: jicama (approximate length and weight: 16 3/4 inches, 3 3/4 pounds)

How I'm Feeling: Ok, but the SPD is back. The past couple of weeks have actually been pretty good in regard to my pelvic pain. I think the combination of physiotherapy appointments and NyQuil were the key to my success. I haven't taken NyQuil the past couple of days and have been tossing and turning at night again. That's where my real pain comes in and it lasts through the day. I'll have to talk to my OB to see what I can do.

How I'm Changing: I'm 8 months pregnant now! I don't feel it really, but looking at pictures, it looks like the baby has dropped a bit. I feel like I carry different from day to day though.

What I'm Eating: It's finally summer! We've been taking advantage of the weather and days off for Memorial Day with some BBQs with friends. I love this season! Hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans, s'mores brownies (!!).

What the Baby is Doing: Taking up all the room in my stomach! He is getting so big and his movements are very obvious--even from the outside.

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 32

31 Weeks

Dates: May 18-24

Baby is the Size of a: coconut (approximate length and weight: 16 inches, 3 1/3 pounds)

How I'm Feeling: Still sick. It's nothing serious--just a cough and cold, but it is terribly annoying. I'm loving my doctor who told me "there's no need to suffer" and that I should take NyQuil. I wasn't getting any sleep without it. Now, I'm out like a rock.

How I'm Changing: Let's just say that if I drop something on the ground, it better be extremely important for me to try and bend down to get it.

What I'm Eating: So much watermelon! Even though the weather has been terrible and rainy, the watermelon we've been getting from Costco is super sweet and juicy. It's making me really excited for summer!

What the Baby is Doing: My best guess? Practicing for the summer Olympic trampoline events. I have no idea, but whatever it is, he's at it day and night. He moves so much in fact, that my physiotherapist who specializes in women's health and sees tons of pregnant women all day long told me that she's never seen a baby so active. I told her I have: Zahara was exactly the same way. Makes me nervous for what's in store.

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 31

30 Weeks!

Dates: May 11-17

Baby is the Size of a: large cabbage (approximate length and weight: 15 3/4 inches, 3 pounds)

How I'm Feeling: Sadly, a little sick this week. Nothing major, but this cold is really bringing me down.

How I'm Changing: Physically, it's just more of the same--getting bigger by the day. Emotionally though, I'm really starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I still have a long way to go, but hitting 30 weeks feels like a big milestone. The countdown can really begin now that we're in single digits.

What I'm Eating: My in-laws came in town this weekend and my mother-in-law made delicious Russian food. I especially enjoyed the lamb kotleti (cutets). Also, I've been really craving wine and beer lately. Since I'm sick I haven't given in yet, but maybe a little glass won't hurt me next week.

What the Baby is Doing: As baby continues to grow he is really making use of all the space available to him. He stretches out from my lower abdomen all the way to my ribs. Often I'll have to push him down so that I can get a little more breathing room.

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 30

Week 29

Dates: May 4-10

Baby is the Size of a: butternut squash (approximate length and weight: 15 inches, 2.5 pounds)

How I'm Feeling: Sore, but good.

How I'm Changing: The swelling seems to have been a temporary thing. Yay! My rings fit again!

What I'm Eating: Nothing too unusual.

What the Baby is Doing: Baby is definitely getting bigger, and I can now feel distinct body parts. It's so weird! I think I'm mostly feeling his rump and legs. I feel a big hard lump and then smaller, skinnier parts moving all around, all the time. I think it really freaks Dan out.

And since this is such a short post, I'll throw in one more picture for good measure.

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 29

Week 28

Dates: April 27-May 3

Baby is the Size of an: eggplant (approximate length and weight: 15 inches, 2.25 pounds)

How I'm Feeling: My mood is definitely improving week by week, and this was a good week. I'm generally pretty happy with bouts of grumpiness. I'm also pretty exited because this is the first week of my last trimester!

Both Dan and I are nesting in a big way. We've been organizing, purging, and decorating the house. The biggest changes are the kids' (!) rooms. We bought Z a twin-size bed, a new dresser, and a bookshelf. We moved her old bookshelf and changing table into the guest room/nursery. I'll make a separate post on these changes. But it feels great to get stuff done.

How I'm Changing: Sadly, I'm startting to swell a bit. I didn't have any swelling with Z, but my hands and feet are noticably bigger. I'm thinking it will only get worse as it gets warmer out. I also think I have a bit of the "pregnant waddle." I haven't confirmed that with anyone yet though.

What I'm Eating: I  made a very dangerous discovery at work the other day: we have a frozen yogurt machine in our cafeteria. It's the really good kind, and there's a topping bar--with mini M&Ms and crushed Oreos! So far, I've only indulged once, but I fear this might become a regular habit.

What the Baby is Doing: Baby has found a new home right next to my bladder. He seems to love hugging it, especially in the middle of the night.

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 28

27 Weeks

Dates: April 20-April 26

Baby is the Size of a: head of cauliflower (approximate length and weight: 14.5 inches, 2 pounds)

How I'm Feeling: Better this week. I would say I'm still kind of moody, but it's wearing off a bit. (Dan, is that true?) I feel so lucky to have a healthy, normal pregnancy, but at the same time I can't help feeling like I am ready to fast-forward a bit. It is so opposite of how I felt last pregnancy where I LOVED being pregnant but was terrified of actually having a newborn. Now, I'm kind of looking forward to those first baby snuggles. I guess that's a good thing, but it will make these last few months go by really slowly.

How I'm Changing: My linea nigra is starting to appear. It's really faint now, but I know it will get darker in the next few weeks. I got this same vertical line last time and it only went away months after I stopped breastfeeding.

What I'm Eating: Matzoh! And way, way too much Passover cake. I literally cannot stop. I think about it all day at work and then have to have it the moment I get home. It's a sickness.

What the Baby is Doing: Baby is reaching that point where he's getting sharp elbows (and legs, and tush). It's not quite painful, but it is a bit uncomfortable for me when he's really rolling around in there.

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 27

26 Weeks

Dates: April 13-April 19

Baby is the Size of a: scallion (approximate length and weight: 14 inches, 1 2/3 pounds)

How I'm Feeling: Still grumpy. I'm going to blame it on the pregnancy hormones, but really it's a whole combination of things. Zahara has been extra challenging lately, which just throws everything else off. She's the Jekyll and Hyde of children: extremely happy and adorable one minute, and a whining, kicking, spitting mess the next. She's been struggling to go to bed at night and has been waking up in the middle of the night. That means Dan and I are tired and strung out from all the tantrums. Add the hormones and the ligament pain, and it's just a lost cause.

The good news is that she has really honed her survival skills--she knows our limits and makes sure to act super amazing and cute after bringing us to the brink. As with anything when dealing with a small child, I try and remind myself that this is just a phase and that it will pass.

How I'm Changing: No huge changes this week...I'm just bigger and slower :)

What I'm Eating: All carbs, all the time. Since next week is Passover and we abstain from eating leavened products (like bread), we're living it up this week.

What the Baby is Doing: My belly is non-stop action. It's really distracting to keep seeing and feeling the movement while I'm running meetings at work.

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 26

Week 25

Dates: April 6-April 12

Baby is the Size of a: rutabaga (approximate length and weight: 13.5 inches, 1.5 pounds)

How I'm Feeling: Honestly, a little grumpy. I am feeling really big and slow and frightened that I still have so much longer to go. I know I should stop comparing to my last pregnancy, but I don't remember feeling this sore this early.

How I'm Changing: Just bigger...same old story

What I'm Eating: Nothing too unusual

What the Baby is Doing: I think baby is starting to get hiccups just like his big sister did. I feel little shakes that last only a couple of minutes. I really freaked out my co-workers who had no idea that babies move that much in the womb, or that you can see the movement from the outside. They're both in their early twenties and single, so I can't blame them, but it was hilarious how they reacted.

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 25

24 weeks

Dates: March 30-April 5

Baby is the Size of an: ear of corn (approximate length and weight: 12 inches, 1.25 pounds)

How I'm Feeling: Pretty good this week! I'm officially 6 months pregnant. I had a doctor's appointment where I was tested for gestational diabetes. This was totally new to me. In the UK where I had my last baby, they only test for GD if there is cause (family history, baby measuring big, etc.). Here in the States, everyone gets tested between 24-28 weeks. I read about it in advance and it sounded awful! I had to drink a disgusting sugar drink within five minutes, wait an hour, then get my blood drawn. In reality, it wasn't that bad. Yes, the drink was pretty gross. But other than that, it was fine. While I was waiting I saw the OB who said that I am measuring on track and baby sounds great (and very active!). I got the results a few days later and I'm in the clear.

How I'm Changing: I told the doctor that I was feeling much bigger this time around. She told me that it is just that--a feeling. I am gaining the exact amount I should be and baby looks great. That was so awesome to hear. I think I'm just carrying this one so differently. My old maternity clothes fit differently and the comparative pictures of me week-to-week make me feel bigger. I've still only gained about 10-12 pounds, so I know I'm doing OK. It was nice to get medical confirmation of that though.

What I'm Eating: Nothing too unusual. And, at least I remember to take my prenatal vitamins (most nights).

What the Baby is Doing: Distracting me during work and keeping me from going to bed at night!

Read about my first pregnancy:
My Pregnancy
Week 24