38 weeks

This last week has been very long, I kept thinking our little guy was going to come but he is still comfortable in my belly. I have been sick for over a week now, Christmas Day it got really bad and so Roland ended up taking me to the ER. I have an ear infection along with this awful cold, the doctor gave me antibiotics, drops for my ears, and Tylenol with codeine. I didn't feel any better at all that day but the next day my ear felt better I just couldn't hear out of it at all. Of course the next day I started feeling very dizzy if I moved around very much at all and was feeling sick to my stomach. Roland talked to his SSgt and was able to come home early yesterday to help with the girls so I could try to rest as much as possible. Today I am feeling a lot better, I'm not as dizzy or feeling sick but my ear is still all blocked up and I can't really hear much out of it at all. I'm just hoping I kick this cold before this little guy does decided to come. Other then being sick we had a nice Christmas with the girls, they loved all their gifts from us and other family members. Roland ended up making our Christmas dinner and it was very good. I am blessed to have such an amazing husband that takes care of me when I'm sick and takes care of everything in the house so I can rest. By the end of the evening he was counting down how long until the girls had to go to bed and asked me how I did this everyday, lol.

Zeddrick is still as active as always and his heart rate is still around 145-150 bpm, we were able to hear it when I went to the ER on Tuesday. I don't have another appt with my OB until Jan 2nd, I'm hoping if I don't have him by then I'm at least dilated enough they can strip my membranes to help get things started. I'm trying to be as patient as I can for him to come because I know he'll come at the perfect time for him but I just can't wait to hold him and cuddle him.

 

2 weeks to go

 

Bags all packed for the hospital

 

Total weight gain: 10lbs

 

Stretch marks: Nothing new a few of the old ones have gotten longer.

 

Sleep: I am having a lot more trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. I'm having a hard time finding a position that I can sleep in that my hands or feet aren't going numb and now with my cold it's even harder to get comfy.

 

Food cravings: Really wanting a lot more fresh fruits and veggies right now.

 

Food aversions: Nothing really, just can't really handle the smell of fish.

 

Labor signs: I'll have a lot of really good contractions and think it may be time and then they just stop, very annoying. I'm about 2 cm dilated and have lost my mucus plug. I don't feel like he has really dropped yet so I don't think things will start really happening until that does.

 

Mood swings: I have been much more moody this last week or so, there is a lot going on and a lot to prepare for in our lives so I'm sure that all has a lot to do with it.

 

 

37 weeks

I am officially considered full term! This is awesome and I can't wait for this little guy to make his debut.

This last week has been very long, both the girls have been and are sick, they both have ear infections and colds. Of course they gave me their colds as well, the only healthy person in the house right now is Roland. 

I kind of feel like I could go into labor at anytime, but then I didn't go into labor early with either of the girls so I could be completely wrong. I am doing what I can to help him come as soon as possible, I would love if he decided to come before the end of the year. Other then that not to much is going on here other then the normal day to day things.

3 weeks to go
 

 

 

 

 

Total weight gain: 9lbs

 

Stretch marks: nothing new that I've noticed

 

Sleep: As well as can be expected this far into pregnancy and with a cold

 

Food cravings: none

 

Food aversions: none

 

 Labor signs: I am losing my mucus plug and I have been having more cramping. I'm sitting on my birthing ball every night and taking evening primrose oil daily.

 

Mood swings: Getting a bit worse then they had been, I think it's mostly from being so pregnant and being sick.

 

 

36 weeks

I'm so glad that I am at the end of this pregnancy, I'm so ready for it to be over.

 

4 weeks to go

 

Total weight gain: 9lbs

 

Stretch marks: I don't think there are any new ones but it's hard to be positive, I'm sure Zeddrick has added a few of his own to my body.

 

Sleep: I wish it was good but I'm sleeping like crap. Of course this is common this far along in pregnancy. My poor wrist are not doing well at all when I try to sleep and I wake up hardly able to move my right hand at all.

 





Food cravings: Not really have any cravings, I've been feeling sick a lot lately so nothing sounds that good.

 

Food aversions: Pretty much the same, fish and eggs.

 

Labor signs: I've been having lots of braxton hicks contractions for a while now and they are a bit more painful and uncomfortable then usual. I just hope that means my body will be going into actual labor soon.

 

Mood swings: I've been a lot more emotional this last week or so. 

35 weeks

Sorry I didn't post last week, it was very busy with flying back to Cali, cleaning my house after being gone over a week, and getting things decorated for Christmas. But no big deal, nothing to exciting happened last week anyways.

This is last weeks picture
34 weeks

I have recently noticed I have been having contractions more frequently and they are a bit more painful then regular Braxton Hicks contractions. I am completely exhausted most of the time now, by the time the girls are in bed I am so tired I could go to bed to. I'm sleeping really well until I wake up the first time to pee or reposition myself, then I have a hard time getting comfortable again. Then when I am finally comfortable my hands and toes start to go numb so I have to reposition again. Basically I'm ready to get this baby out as soon possible because I feel like I've been nothing but pregnant for what seems like forever. I love my babies very much and I'm so happy that God has blessed us with them but my body is ready for a break and to get into shape.

 

 

 

5 weeks to go!

 

 

35 weeks

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total weight gain: 9lbs, I have to say I'm so proud that I haven't gained more then this.

Stretch marks: I don't think I have any new ones but the ones I already have are a bit darker then they were.

Sleep: I'm sleeping ok, I fall asleep with almost no issues but after that first time I wake up to pee I have a hard time getting comfortable and my hands and toes are going numb a lot.

Food cravings: I'm not really having any cravings these days.

Food aversions: Pretty  much the same as they have been, fish and eggs.

Labor signs: I have been having contractions and they are more painful now, I also feel like I have been losing some of my mucus plug.

Mood swings: With everything we have going on in your life right now and all that's been happening I have to say I feel like a basket case, like I'm going crazy most of the time.

 

Seriously can't wait to hold our little Zeddrick!

33 weeks

I'm posting this late because this last week has been very busy. I am currently in Ohio with my family because my grandpa passed away last Sunday and we "laid" him to rest this Saturday. Everything with the pregnancy is going well and our little guy is a mover for sure. After holding my newest little nephew it makes me even more anxious to have my little man here and hold and cuddle him. 

7 weeks to go

. 

Total weight gain: 9 lbs

Stretch marks: nothing new 

Sleep: Sleeping pretty good except for getting up to pee a bunch.

Food cravings: Not really craving anything

Food aversions: Only the things that smell yucky, lol

Labor signs: Having much more frequent braxton hicks contractions

Mood swings: I am still having them of course but this last few weeks have been very emotional for me and my family.

They will be missed

This past week I have lost my aunt and my grandfather. I loved them both very much and they both invested in my life in great ways. I will never forget them, but I know they are now in heaven rejoicing with our Heavenly Father and that gives me peace in my heart.

 

 

 

My beautiful aunt Connie (far left) with her 3 kids and daughter in law



 



My grandpa and me

 

I love you both very much and I will miss you everyday until we meet again.

32 weeks

I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday for Zeddrick and I, all is well with both of us. Zeddrick's heart rate was in the 150's as usual and I'm measuring on track. I was able to get something for my heartburn and for my allergies so I am feeling a bit better as far as those things are concerned. We finally got plywood to replace our box springs on our bed so it is no longer 4 ft high and I can get in and out of bed with much more ease now. It was getting to the point where I would have had to use a step stool to get into bed if we hadn't done that. We are almost done getting the house organized and things ready for Zeddrick's arrival. I'm hoping that he decides to come early so that way Roland is able to take time off work to enjoy this little guys first couple of weeks with me. This will be the first time Roland will get to be a part of the labor and delivery of one of our children. I am so excited to have him support me through this and get to instantly bond with his little guy, it's a priceless moment he finally gets to experience with me.

 

 

8 weeks to go

 

 

 

This is how big I feel

 

 

But clearly not how big I am

 

 

Total weight gain: 8lbs

 

Stretch marks: Nothing new 

 

Sleep: I'm sleeping about as well as can be expected. I get up to pee a bunch and I'm constantly waking up to get comfortable. But my husband is amazing and let me sleep in while he has been home on leave.

 

Food cravings: Nothing really

 

Food aversions: Fish and eggs

 

Labor signs: None

 

Mood swings: Of course I'm having them, I have been pretty emotional lately.

 

 

 Click here to view Roland and Lacey's baby registry

31 weeks

This last week has been a bit of a turning point. I have become incredably uncomfortable in just about every position sitting, standing, laying on both sides and just about constantly. I am either carrying this baby lower then I did the girls or he is bigger then they were because I didn't feel like this with them until the last 2 to 3 weeks and I still have 2 months left. I have also started having a little bit of heartburn, not to much just enough to be annoying.
This week and next week Roland is home on leave so we are in the process of getting things as organized as possible for Zeddrick's arrival. Also taking time to really enjoy the girls and give them as much attention as we can. This is the first time in a long time they really get their daddy all to themselves and I know they are loving it.
 
9 weeks to go

 

 

Total weight gain: 5lbs
 
Stretch marks: Nothing new
 
Sleep: I'm waking up about 3 times a night to pee and about 2 to 3 times a night from being uncomfortable or from strong baby movements. With Roland home I have been able to take a small nap here and there when needed.
 
Food cravings: Bacon chedder cheeseburger, chocolate, and Dr Pepper.
 
Food aversions: Same as usual, fish, eggs, and sometimes chicken
 
Labor signs: Nothing I haven't been experiencing
 
Mood swings: They are better then they were.
 

30 Weeks

Nothing to much has been going on this week except normal pregnancy things. I was having a bit of bleeding so they had me go in on Monday to be sure everything was ok and of course it is ok. Roland came along and was able to hear Zeddrick's heartbeat, that is always a precious moment for us both. Zeddrick is moving around a lot and his movements are very strong and hurt a bit here and there.

10 weeks to go

 

Total weight gain: 5lbs

Stretch marks: nothing new

 

Sleep: Most nights I'm sleeping well, some nights I toss and turn and get up way more times then I would like to pee.

 

Food cravings: Dr. Pepper, pumpkin cookies, and bacon cheeseburgers

 

Food aversions: Eggs

 

Labor signs: None

 

Mood swings: None

29 Weeks

It's the last week of the 20's! Nothing really to report petty much feeling the same as last week, a bit more tired but that's to be expected with 2 kids and this far into my pregnancy. Hubby loves to sit feel our little guy moving around and I love that he is home to enjoy this with me.

 

11 wees to go!

 

 

 

 

Total weight gain: 5lbs

 

Stretch marks: nothing new

 

Sleep: I'm actually sleeping very well at night, I think it's because I'm so exhausted after a day with the girls.

 

Food cravings: Anything pumpkin and just sweet things in general, but I have a sweet tooth problem so that's not a surprise.

 

Food aversions: Fish, chicken, and eggs

 

Labor signs: Nothing really, my cramping and back pain seems to have gotten better in the last few days so that is very good.

 

Mood swings: Of course I'm still having these just not as much as I was.

 

 

Click here to view Roland and Lacey's registry

 

 

28 weeks, Hello 3rd trimester!

I'm in the home stretch!

 

I'm feeling every moment of this pregnancy, I have started getting back all my early pregnancy symptoms for about the last week now. I have felt tired, nauseous, and having daily migraines that just don't want to go away. As of right now I have not gotten a call back from the doctor saying I failed my 1 hour glucose test so that is good. I have never passed a 1 hour before so I'm kind of surprised but happy that it doesn't look like I'll have to take the 3 hour. I've been trying  to take it easy since my doctor's appointment but with 2 little ones running around there is only so much I can do.

 

Only 12 weeks to go

 

 
 

 

Total weight gain: actually lost 2 of the 5lbs I had gained so far

 

Stretch marks: Nothing new 

 

Sleep: Some days are better then others, I've been waking up from pain in my wrist a lot more lately

 

Food cravings: PUMPKIN! pumpkin pie, pumpkin creamer, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin muffins, just about anything that is pumpkin flavored.

 

Food aversions: Fish, eggs and Chicken

 

Labor signs: I'm having a lot of cramping and back pain and my doctor does not think it's just braxton hicks contractions but thankfully it isn't dilating me as of now. I have strict instruction to go to L&D if it last longer then 2 hours.

 

Mood swings: These are getting much better, it's getting a little easier to control them then it has been.

 



Click here to view Lacey and Roland's baby registry

 



Doctor's appointment

I had 28 week doctor's appointment on Monday, for the most part everything with Zeddrick and I are going well. I had my 1 hour glucose tolerance test yesterday and so far I have not received any news back on whether I passed or failed. I also had to have my Rhogam shot done because I have a negative blood type I always have to have this done at this point of the pregnancy. Zeddrick's heart rate is in the 140 range and I'm measuring right on track. I talked to my doctor about all the cramping and back pain I have been having and she is pretty sure that I am having contractions. I am not dilating from them as of right now but she wants me to take it easy and go in to L&D if I have them for more then 2 hours with at least 12 contractions in that time. So I'm trying to rest as much as possible with 2 kids running around and Roland is doing his best at helping out with more around the house. My next doctor's appointment will be November 13 when I'm almost 32 weeks. 

27 weeks

Last week of my 2nd trimester!

 This has been quite a week, I have been having painful back pain and really bad cramping.  Nothing really seems to make it go away or help relieve it any. I'm also having a very hard time sleeping, it's hard to get comfortable and once I am I still can't manage to fall asleep. I pray that neither one of these things last long. Zeddrick is a very active baby for the most part and I really enjoy feeling him move around. Amelia will pat my belly and say, "baby brother," it's very cute. She tries very hard to say his name as well and it sounds very cute when she tries. My next doctor's appointment is this coming Monday, I think that is when I'll do my glucose test.


13 weeks to go



Total weight gain: 5lbs

Stretch marks: Nothing new

Sleep: Not going very well, but I'll take what I can get.

Food cravings: Pumpkin

Food aversions: Chicken

Labor signs: As far as I know none

Mood swings: Still having them, but they aren't quite as bad.



26 weeks

This last week I have felt exhausted much more and becoming winded very easily. This little guy is  getting bigger and has to be pushing more into my lungs. I'm also not sleeping well at all, I will feel tired and ready for bed before it's even time for the girls bedtime routine and then by the time I can lay down I can't fall asleep. There has been several nights I have even taken Tylenol PM to help me sleep and that isn't even doing anything for me. I told the doctor that seen me in L&D triage I didn't need anything because I thought I had Ambien here at the house already and it turns out I left it in Ohio. I will definitely be asking my doctor for something at my next visit if this doesn't get better before then.

 

We have had some people ask us if we are having a baby shower for Zeddrick or if we are registered somewhere. We will not be having a baby shower for him since we are in Cali and all our family and friends are in OH or somewhere else in the world. Although we do have a baby registry at Amazon.com, (click here for baby registry) we decided to do it here because we can add things from any website to it. We have tried to only put things on here that we are in need of and we have tried to find the cheapest place that carries it. Of course we are not asking or saying that anyone has to get anything for the baby but if you feel you would like to that would be great. I have gone through what we have clothing wise as of right now for him and it seems like we have enough sleepers and onsies for newborn, 0-3 months and 3-6 months. We don't have very many outfits in these sizes and we don't have much at all past the 6 month point. I have been told that here we should expect to have to dress him in warm things until he is about 6 months and after that just do things we can layer if we need to. If anyone does get him anything and needs to mail it to us our mailing address is 915 Ash Rd, Oceanside, CA 92058.

 

 

14 weeks to go

(only 11-12 weeks if I get my way and he comes early)

Don't mind how blah I look
I just showered and have no makeup on.

Front view I just look huge, but in the words
of my husband I'm beautiful.

Total weight gain: 3lbs

 

Stretch marks: nothing new yet, thank goodness

 

Sleep: Not really that great at the moment even after I'm able to fall asleep I'm waking up constantly. I'm going to ask my doctor for something to help with it at my next visit.

 

Food cravings: Anything and everything that is made with pumpkin, pinterest is my enemy at the moment because it seems like all people post are pumpkin recipes.

 

Food aversions: Pretty much the same as always

 

Labor signs: Nothing really just a lot of cramping.

 

Mood swings: I'm getting a bit better at keeping them in check but they seem to be the same and seem to be just as bad.

 

 

 



25 weeks video blog

 

 

 

 

Total weight gain: 0lbs

 

Stretch marks: Nothing new that I have noticed

 

Sleep: Having a hard time getting comfortable and waking up a lot to go to the bathroom. I think it may be time to get me a few more pillows to help get me comfy.

 

Food cravings: Not really craving anything but my appetite has increased quite a bit.

 

Food aversions: Fish and Eggs

 

Labor signs: None

 

Mood swings: Of course I am still having these, :/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zeddrick Amasa Maxson

will be here in 15 weeks!

24 weeks

Not to much to report, I have been feeling pretty good for the most part. I have days that I feel good and other days I simply feel like crap. Lately my back is hurting on a daily basis and the migraines are making a come back, hopefully neither of these stick around to long. Wednesday I started to feel contraction like pain in my back and abdomen, this is not uncommon for me to have this pain but it usually goes away after an hour or so. These, however, stuck around for over 4 hours and were just uncomfortable, but after talking to Roland he wanted me to go and get checked out just in case. Of course everything was fine with me and with baby, they did the routine urine check, checked baby's heart rate and monitored me for 30 mins or so. Our little guy did not like the doppler they use to check the heart rate at all he kept kicking it really hard when she was trying to get his heart rate, make me laugh. The doctor said everything looked fine and being this isn't my first pregnancy that I'm going to have a lot more cramping and pain but since I am also breastfeeding still that is going to intensify it that much more. She also assured me that since I have no history of preterm labor and everything is looking fine and normal this pregnancy that I can continue to nurse Charlotte as long as I would like. Because nursing her is not enough in it's own to cause my body to go into labor before it is ready. I have to say this makes me feel so much better about nursing her still and I am now in no real hurry to wean her as long as she is weaned about a month before the baby comes.

 

 

16 weeks to go

24 weeks and 3 days

Tried to get a nice picture with the girls
 and I end up with this or...

blank stares, I guess it was worth a try.

 

 

Total weight gain: 0lbs

 

Stretch marks: Nothing new

 

Sleep: Having a hard time getting comfortable and falling asleep, also I'm waking up a lot more at night to pee and because of discomfort in my back.

 

Food Cravings: No real cravings but my appetite has suddenly increased

 

Food Aversions: Eggs and some other things depending on the smell

 

Labor signs: Thought I was having contractions but it was just increase cramping because this isn't my first pregnancy and I'm breastfeeding.

 

Mood Swings: Pretty much the same, I feel pretty out of control of my emotions a lot.

 

 

 

Ok people be sure to tune in next week for a special video blog with me and my hubby, we will be revealing our little guy's name!

Pasta at its finest

I love to cook for my family and I love to find new and amazing things that we all enjoy. I have this amazing cookbook that I would recommend to anyone and everyone, The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook. Not only is it filled with awesome recipes it has all kinds of tips in it and tells you why you are doing some of the things your doing. It help a person who doesn't know everything there is to know about cooking know just a bit more to make their cooking amazing as well.

 

 

 

So this last week I made Meat Ragu, I wasn't sure if we would like but it didn't call for many ingredients and it seemed pretty easy to make so I was all for trying it. Well to our surprised we loved it all of us even the girls, it was light tasting and very rounded in flavor. Not only was it amazing the first time we ate it but it reheated and tasted just as good if not better! This is a good plus because I love to have meals that make enough for leftovers night or for Roland to take to work and eat for lunch.

 

Well it's time to put up the recipe, and please don't the length of time it takes to make it scare you. It really doesn't take much and it's such a great tasting meal not to take the time to make.

 

 

Long-Cooked Meat Ragu

• 1 1/2 pounds beef short ribs, trimmed
• salt and pepper
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, minced
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes

1. Pat the ribs dry, then season with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Brown the ribs, about 10 minutes, then transfer to a plate. Pour off all but 1 Tbsp of the fat in the skillet.

2. Add the onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in wine and simmer, scraping up any browned bits, until the wine has reduced to a glaze, about 2 minutes.

3. Return the browned ribs and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir in the tomatoes with their juices and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, turning the ribs several times, until the meat is very tender and falling off the bones, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

4. Using a slotted spoon, remove the ribs from the sauce and let cool. Shred the meat, discarding the fat and bones. Return the shredded meat to the sauce and continue to simmer over medium heat, uncovered, until the meat is heated through and the sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

I tossed this sauce with 1lb of penne pasta but rigatoni or ziti can be used as well. If the sauce is to thick use some of the pasta cooking water to loosen the consistency.

Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Also pork spareribs or country-style ribs can be substituted for the beef short ribs. (I used the beef short ribs, so yummy.)

 

I really hope that anyone who makes this thinks it is just as yummy as my family and I did!

 

 Enjoy!

23 weeks

This week has not been much fun, I have had this awful cold since last Friday that is still going strong. I don't ever get colds really, except when I'm pregnant, so I'm not very good at feeling crappy on a daily basis. Our little guy is growing strong he likes to let me know he is there all the time, he is constantly moving around and kicking pretty hard. I'm not sure if that's a sign he's going to hurt me when he's bigger, I always hear other women say how their baby is kicking them in the ribs or kicking so hard it hurts or makes them jump. Well neither one of the girls did these kinds of thing to me but I have a feeling this little guy is going to be that kind of baby. His movements are already so strong that I can only imagine they will get worse with time. Roland is very happy our little guy has such strong movements because he can feel him moving. Last night for the first time Roland was actually still awake when our little guy started moving a bunch so I told him to see if he could feel him and sure enough he could. Roland wasn't able to feel Charlotte move at all because he was deployed and he didn't feel Amelia until around 28 weeks or so.

 

I know I've seen our little guy on ultrasounds and I know I'm really pregnant but up until about a week or so ago it hasn't really set in that we're having another baby. I'm still in shock that we are having another one so close to the other 2. This was certainly not what I had planned when we decided to start having kids that is for sure. I would have much rather waited until our kids were at least 18 months old before trying for another baby and believe me we did try to do this each time. However God had another plan for us and even though life will be crazy for a while I know it will all be worth it.

 

 

17 weeks to go

 

 



23 weeks

 



23 weeks

 

 

Total weight gain: -9lbs

 

Stretch marks: Nothing new

 

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well once I get comfortable

 

Food Cravings: Nothing really, not much of an appetite lately

 

Food aversions: Eggs and fish

 

Labor signs: none

 

Mood swings: Still getting the best of me, working on trying to control them

 

22 Weeks

This last week has been a bit of a roller coaster, all these hormones I have running through my body are making me an emotional mess. I'm either really happy, super angry or just in some kind of strange funk. It doesn't help that my husband always seems to be working and I don't really feel like I'm have much support most of the time. My migraines have been getting worse again but I'm not quite as tired as I had been. My two little ladies are keeping me busy most of the time. Charlotte is not a fan of being whined, she is much more clingy lately and even more attached to her paci. Amelia is officially out of a crib and in a "toddler" bed, she is doing much better about it then I thought she would. We took the side off her crib and put on a side rail so she won't fall out of bed, although she knows she can get out of bed she doesn't. At night she pretty much goes right to sleep but at nap time she jumps and plays in bed for a while, yesterday I went in and told her she needed to lay down and go to sleep. After that she laid down and went to sleep without any issues, much easier then I thought it would be that's for sure. At the beginning of the year we will be getting her a twin bed so we can use the crib for the our little guy.

18 weeks to go

Your baby has stretched to the size of a spaghetti squash,
 nearly 11 inches, and weighs almost a pound. 

Total weight gain: -10 lbs

 

Stretch marks: Nothing new

 

Sleep: Once I'm sleeping it's good

 

Food cravings: Not really any at the moment

 

Food Aversions: Eggs and Fish

 

Labor signs: Nothing other then Braxton Hicks

 

Mood swings: Of course, just getting worse