Week 40

Week 39

We have reached a point in this pregnancy we never thought we'd ever see . . . we are at 39 weeks!!!!
And, baby is still INSIDE!!!!

For the past 2+ weeks, I have enjoyed time never before experienced in late pregnancy:  I've walked 1-2 miles each day, followed an exercise video daily, prepared meals, baked bread, attended bible study, met with the church, visited the farmers market, grocery shopped, driven my kids to activities, gone out on dates with my hubby . . . despite my big, round belly, I've been normal!!!

We are beginning to wonder when this baby will make its much anticipated arrival.  We are in new territory . . . waiting :)

God has a sense of humor.
I have always wanted to experience the late stages of pregnancy, swollen ankles and all.  We're here :)
I am so thankful.  Each day is such a gift.

I've had non-intense, non-painful contractions every 5-10 minutes for the last few weeks.  We're a bit surprised I've been able to be as active as I've been without triggering labor (especially with all the spicy food I've enjoyed!).  Our midwife said she'll laugh if we make it to 40 weeks this time around.  At this point, she's estimating an 8-8.5 pound baby - much bigger than any of our previous!

We excited to meet this new baby - we're eagerly waiting!


2 months ago, our family made predictions as to when this little one would arrive . . . we were all wrong!  Davis had the closest guess, the last guess: Monday, April 4th.  Since we've passed all the dates, we had everyone recast their predictions.  We'll see who's closest on round 2 :)

Hendrick: Friday, April 8th - Boy

Maclaren: Friday, April 8th - Girl

Daddy: Saturday, April 9th - Girl

Hiwot: Sunday, April 10th - Boy

Mommy: Sunday, April 10th - Girl

Tesfaye: Monday, April 11th - Girl

Davis: Tuesday, April 12th - Boy (40 weeks!!!)

Burke: Friday, April 15th - Boy

Maegli: Wednesday, April 20th - Girl (41 weeks!)

Kolpin:  Friday, April 22nd - Boy

Week 36, 37, 38

We have hoped and prayed that this pregnancy would make it to at least 37 weeks, and babe would stay in utero as long as possible.

Praise God!  We made it to 38 weeks!!!

(I have only seen 38 weeks one other time in all of my 7 pregnancies!)

I was on the couch for seven weeks, and we have done everything we could to help prolong this pregnancy.  And now, I've been able to enjoy a FULL WEEK off bedrest.  It has been wonderful.

I rarely set foot outside from January 30th onward, so I have loved soaking up as much as I can of this gorgeous spring.  I've walked a mile everyday (a wonderful relief to my lower back!), sat outside with the kids, exercised, baked cookies and cooked supper, and have thoroughly enjoyed waking up my babies and putting them to bed at night.  I feel strong, I feel normal, I feel great!

The kids are so funny, expecting this baby to arrive any second and getting nervous if I leave the house.  Just a quick trip to the restroom causes all sorts of excitement: "Did the baby come!?!" - I think they all remember how suddenly Dabney was born.  They're also so used to me being on bedrest, so they don't quite understand how I can be off bedrest without having a baby: "Don't you have to stay on the couch til the baby comes?" 

We have had a couple of false starts: bouts of contractions every 5 minutes or so, but no true labor.  Our ever patient, ever on-call, on-top-of-things midwife has been at the house several times this past week and even spent the night on our couch (Mike is very grateful - he would prefer not to deliver this baby himself).  I think all my muscles are waking up after my long hibernation :)

This baby is seeming bigger than any I've carried before (this one pushes up into my ribs and waaaay out to the side!), so it is a bit more difficult for me to distinguish contractions from baby stretching out and filling its space.  At this stage, our midwife is guessing a 7+ pound baby - a big baby for me.  My extra weight gain (33 lbs) this pregnancy may have helped with this ("I've never seen you with this much weight on you!"). 


We're so excited to meet our newest little one, when it's ready to arrive :)

Preparing for Baby

Every expectant couple cares about their baby's birth and how it will go.  Preferences as to their desires and expectations for labor and delivery among couples vary greatly, but ultimately a healthy baby and healthy mama trump them all.  While priorities are important, we must all strive to remain flexible (as childbirth is unpredictable) to prioritize the health of those involved.

If I were to list out my pregnancy/birth goals:
-healthy pregnancy
-full-term pregnancy :)
-spontaneous onset of labor
-normal labor with no need for interventions
-non-use of medication
-home birth
-immediate breastfeeding

Childbirth is not controllable, which can be disappointing.  While I would love to easily carry my babies to term, the majority of my babies were born premature (4/6 previous babies were born before 37 weeks).  It's hard not to feel guilt and question "what did I do wrong?  why is this happening?"  When things don't go as planned, it's important to remember the ultimate priority: a healthy baby and mama, and to trust in God's ultimate plan.

God is sovereign.  God is good.  God is the ultimate physician, healer, and protector.  God loves us.

God has shown Himself in powerful and mighty ways with the birth of each of our children.
Praise God, despite minor complications due to pre-term births, our children are healthy and strong.

As will each of our pregnancies, we are putting our trust in God.  While we may not be in control and pregnancy and childbirth are unpredictable, we know God is in control.  He knows this baby intimately and He knows when and how this baby will enter this world.  This truth is a great comfort.

Because of my tendency towards preterm labor, my pregnancies look very different from how I would prefer.  Into the third trimester, we have to micromanage every little thing, and work to keep our baby in-utero for as long as possible.  And, despite our hard work towards a full-term pregnancy, we aren't always able to achieve it . . . and we need to be ok with that. 

Another comfort and empowering truth: as a woman, my body was designed to carry and deliver babies.  I am so thankful for this gift of being able to have babies and am incredibly thankful for the gift of this baby.

It truly is the most miraculous experience - carrying and nurturing a growing life within. 

So much of our focus during each pregnancy is on keeping the baby inside as long as possible, but we would miss some of the joy of this experience if we didn't also focus on the impending arrival.  As we begin to prepare for the arrival of this little one, our excitement grows.

I've really enjoyed the curiosity, involvement, and excitement of the other kids during this pregnancy.  They are so much more aware this time around. 
They've been so interested in following along with the growth and development of this new baby.  They hover during each visit from our midwife, asking wonderful questions and wanting to soak up as much information as they can.  They've especially enjoyed learning to feel my belly to detect the position of the baby.  We've been pouring through incredible picture books together and reading weekly development updates.  We've also talked lots about the actual delivery.  "If the baby comes and Dad and Ms. Sheryl aren't here, what should we do?"  They know to grab lots of clean towels :)

I'm so glad to have them share in this experience with us.  I am hopeful they will all see the birth of a baby as a blessing and very normal and natural part of life.  We're all counting down the days til it will be safe for baby to be born at home. 


No matter when, where, or how this precious baby will be born, it is a miraculous gift.
God has a plan for this sweet child, God knows what is to come, God is in control.
We are thankful.

We praise God for this incredible blessing of pregnancy. 

Week 33, 34, 35

(I love getting outside - and off the couch - one time each week for a new picture)

Each week achieved in this pregnancy is a victory . . . the further we go, the better it is for the baby.
We are so thankful to have reached 35 weeks!

Baby is seeming big - the kids remind me daily how big my belly has grown.  As this (big) little one moves and stretches in the increasingly restricted space, it's fun to witness the incredible belly distortions.  The kids get a kick out of feeling my belly and trying to figure out what each hard bump or protruding bulge represents. - "I think that's the baby's bottom!" "That must be a knee!"  "Is that a foot?"  "There's the back!"

Into the 35th week, I began experiencing nightly tightening increases -  a period of contractions every 10 minutes each night.  Thankfully, with lots of water and a few swigs of "Carry-On" herbal tincture,  they fade within a few hours and return to my normal tightening pattern of 1-2 every hour - and thankfully I don't "feel" these, only notice the tightening.  We're hopeful this isn't an indication that labor is imminent - we're praying baby will hang on for another 2 weeks.

God knows when this baby will arrive.  We are lifting this pregnancy and this sweet baby up in prayer, trusting God's timing.  Obviously, we're hoping for baby to stay in many more weeks, but realize this is ultimately out of our control.

While this bedrest has been better for me than in previous pregnancies - I feel good and I feel strong - I am looking forward to being done . . . 2 more weeks (and only 2 more progesterone shots) to go!!!  Praise God!

*And then hopefully I'll have some "normal" time to enjoy this pregnancy off bedrest before baby's arrive :)

Week 30, 31, 32

(Being on bedrest, these pictures allowed me one opportunity each week to go outside.  

Mike took the pictures to limit the amount of time I was on my feet.)

We're doing what we can to keep this baby cooking for as long as possible!

I am fortunate to not "feel" contractions.  Typically I don't "feel" them until I am well into the throes of labor - a blessing and a curse.  With my history of pre-term labor, we are at risk of not recognizing labor until it's too late to stop it.  Over the course of many pregnancies, I have learned to be more sensitive in recognizing tummy tightenings.

We had been chugging along wonderfully with this pregnancy until week 30, only experiencing a few contractions each day (typically noticed in bed each evening).  But then, things seemed to change, and contractions seemed to come a few times each hour.  I was immediately on a strict bedrest.  Our midwife stopped over for a visit, commenting on my highly sensitive uterus which seemed to contract with the slightest touch or movement, and set up a visit for us with our OB to see if I was showing signs of pre-term labor.

Praise God!  While I may be noticing contractions, these are most likely Braxton Hicks, and my body is showing no signs of labor.  The baby is looking super healthy (and is super active!), and my body seems to be in the best place I've ever been at this stage in a pregnancy (at the risk of TMI, cervical length is actually normal :) 


Despite the encouraging report, we are playing it super safe and doing what we can to help this pregnancy continue for many more weeks - our goal is at least 5 more!  The longer baby stays inside, the better.   My mom came down to help for a week, and we've had a nanny in 3x/week.  I'm taking it super easy on the couch and trying to say super relaxed.

To help us achieve our 37+ week goal:
bedrest, weekly progesterone shots, additional progesterone cream, Super Green Mix ,Ningxia Red, lavender oil,  "Carry-On" herbal tincture, water (half gallon+ per day), higher weight gain (I've gained 28 lbs. of my 35-40 lb. goal), extra protein, and lots of supplements/ vitamins (Prenatal, Fish Oil, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Lecithin, Vitamin C, B-12)


Thankfully, moving into this 8th month of pregnancy, I have been feeling great and am very glad to be at this stage.   The kids have enjoyed being able to feel baby hiccups, kicks, shifts, and movements - it's quite amazing to see and feel this baby growing.  There is so much love, wonder, and awe felt towards this sweet gift baby.  Pregnancy is truly magical.

Week 27, 28, 29

Hooray for the Third Trimester!

We're doing well and growing bigger.  I've been trying my best to take it easy while also getting prepared for this new baby.  With planned bedrest close at hand, forced "nesting" has to happen now. 

With how good I've been feeling, it's not easy to plan for extreme limited activity for the next 7 weeks.  I've not been experiencing as many contractions at this point in the pregnancy as I've had in the past, but with my history of pre-term labor, it would not be wise to wait until threatening labor to go on bedrest.  So, bedrest starts next week. 

We purchased a deep freezer and I've been working to stock it with food for our family, to help make life easier while I'm on the couch.  We've been doing some needed deep cleaning and reorganization around the house, including moving Addison into the nursery with Dabney.  I've also been working to finish a few projects while I'm able - sewing a baby blanket, boy haircuts, and hair twisties.  We're super excited to have this new baby join our family and we're beginning to feel more ready!

*Praise God, the placenta previa has resolved and we are good to go for our hoped home birth as long as we can keep this baby in utero for another 8 weeks :)

Week 24, 25, 26

"Mom, your belly is even bigger today!"
"How big is the baby now?"
"Babies are such miracles."
"How big is the baby today?"
"How much bigger is your belly going to get?"
"How big is the baby?"

The kids are all marveling at the size of my belly and in the blessing of this new baby.  Pregnancy is such a miracle.  I so incredibly thankful to have the privilege to experience this blessing.

Into the 6th month of this pregnancy, I'm feeling large and bit awkward and stiff - I am the cause of many giggles with my less than graceful attempts to "roll" off the couch.  It's been my goal to exercise regularly and stay limber until prohibited by our planned bed rest, but with Christmas travels and a week-long-knock-me-out-cold, I've been slacking in that department lately.  Hopefully I can get back into the swing of an exercise routine before it's too late :) 

We're hoping for another home birth for the arrival of this sweet babe and are praying we can make it to at least 37 weeks.  Along with our amazing midwife, we're also working with a great doctor - I am thankful for our fantastic team.  We're monitoring placenta location and together will make a birth plan as we approach our due date.  To cover our bases, Mike and I went this week to per-register at our local hospital (which they call "storking").

We are all so excited about this baby and are feeling such peace as we look ahead to the arrival.  God is in control.  Amen.  

Week 21, 22, 23

I am thoroughly enjoying this part of the pregnancy.  I am in the 5th month, feeling good, and not on bedrest!!!  Yes, bedrest will be coming - we're tentatively planning a 6-week strict bedrest starting at week 30/31 - so now is the time to just enjoy the amazing miracle of pregnancy.  I am so thankful!

At week 21, we started weekly progesterone (P17) shots.  Mike is a champ, giving them to me every Sunday evening.  This is just a part of our plan to achieve our goal of a full-term baby (many women who have experienced a previous premature birth have had success in prolonging subsequent pregnancies supplementing progesterone).  Despite being a bit sore for several days after each shot (and a scary long needle), I'm thankful for them, and we're really hoping they'll help keep everything calm and this sweet baby in utero.  God willing, these shots will continue til week 38. 

While (I guess) it should be expected, it's a bit crazy how much bigger I am with this 7th pregnancy than I have been with any other.  Being 35 with my 7th pregnancy is a whole different experience than when I was 23 with my 1st.  Gone are the days of working to gain the recommended weight - not a problem this time around.  At 23 weeks, I've already gained 20 lbs. - yikes! 

For now, I need to remember that my top priority is taking care of this precious baby - shots, weight gain, and planned bedrest are all a part of taking care of our child.  Soon, this time will be a distant memory - I don't want to take it for granted.

*We're hoping baby will turn soon.  With baby upside down, it's hard for the kids to feel the frequent kicks. 

Week 18, 19, 20

It's hard to believe we're half-way there to sweet babe #11.  The kids can hardly wait to meet their newest sibling, but we're praying this pregnancy continues as long as possible - another 17+ weeks would be fantastic.

This 7th pregnancy brings it's own fun (besides more weight gain and popping out earlier than ever), I get to battle circulation issues.  Circulation trouble in my legs, starting with the 5th, has been compounded with each pregnancy - related to progesterone deficiency.  I'm fortunate that these trouble are relatively minor, manifesting in spider veins.  I'm thankful to not experience numbness or varicose veins, but the blood valves in my legs are obviously not working effectively.  To help prevent further damage and do what I can to keep the blood moving, I'm taking several steps:  wearing compression socks/leggings, topically applying lemongrass essential oil, taking herbs several times a day to help with circulation, exercising, drinking lots and lots and lots of water, and putting my feet up as much as I can. 
Fun :)

I am incredibly thankful to be feeling great.  I have energy, the baby's moving lots, and besides feeling big, I feel fantastic.  I feel so fortunate and privileged to experience this pregnancy and so blessed to have a sweet baby growing within - it's amazing!

*We are praying that the complete placenta previa rights itself over the next couple months. 

Week 15, 16, 17

We are incredibly excited to be anticipating the arrival of our 11th child this Spring (due early April).  We are thankful for this precious gift, this precious life.

It's a bit overwhelming to consider our soon-to-be-crew of 11 kids 12-and-under, but it's also humbling and awesome.  God has provided for us so richly and has blessed us with each an every gift of a child.  We know we will need to rely on His strength as we strive to parent, love, teach, and mold these sweet individuals.  Each and every one of our children was created by God with unique gifts and for a very special purpose.  We are so fortunate to be a part of their lives.  Our lives are so rich because of our children (and loud, and messy, and busy, but oh so much fun!).


For this 7th pregnancy/ 11th baby, I popped out earlier than usual!  (The extra 10 lbs. left over from the last pregnancy certainly helped - it gets harder with each pregnancy to lose the weight :)
One plus, our midwife does think the extra weight might actually be good for this pregnancy - a bit more in reserves.

While I (for the most part) love being pregnant, each of my pregnancies is not without concerns.  I have a tendency towards pre-term labor.  The entire pregnancy, our focus is: "What can we do to keep this baby in for at least 37 weeks?"  (For the record, Hendrick: 37 weeks, Davis: 31 weeks (NiCU 5 weeks), Maegli: 36 weeks, Kolpin: 36 weeks (NiCU 10 days), Maclaren: 38 weeks, Dabney: 35 weeks).  My body just seems to want to have babies early.  As in the past, working with our midwife and doctor, we're already taking precautions and making plans to help this baby stay in for as long as possible - supplements, progesterone, herbs, protein, and a planned 6-week bedrest.  It's often hard to fully revel in the joy of pregnancy under this cloud of concern.  We're doing what we can and covering this pregnancy in prayer - God has certainly shown Himself in HUGE ways with each baby. 



For now, I'm enjoying the lovely second trimester, free of the typical exhaustion that accompanies the first trimester.  I am feeling this little one flutter and nudge - This growing babe is a sweet miracle I am incredibly blessed to experience.
The kids are all amazed and excited for their newest sibling!

*The bets are being made, this little one is the tie-breaker baby.  The kids are all voting along gender lines  :)

Week 34, 35, 36

Our sweet baby girl arrived a bit early!

After doing all we could to keep her baking inside as long as possible:

progesterone shots and cream, herbal supplements, extra protein, lots of water, 

vegetarian diet, herbs and oils to calm contractions, and nearly 6 weeks of bed rest . . . 

Our little one arrived pre-term.

I do miss being pregnant. 

I had grown so familiar with her lurches, kicks, tumbles and hiccups within.

It is such a special and magical time.

I was looking forward to several more weeks of this sweet bundle growing inside.

While we hoped for her to be full-term, we are incredibly thankful for our Dabney Hazel.

She is healthy.

She is strong.

She is perfect.

Praise God!

*And now I can enjoy bonding and snuggling with my little girl, and freedom from bed rest :)

Bed Rest

We are 4-1/2 weeks into our planned bed rest . . . and hoping for 2-1/2 more!
The longer this baby cooks on the inside, the better - God willing, this sweet one will incubate until at least 37 weeks gestation, or longer. 

How do we do bed rest with 8 kids?
It's not easy.

The short answer:
Mike has been busy!

But it's more than that.  While he has truly been an incredibly hard worker these past few weeks, expertly juggling many hats during this time, and I know he has felt the weight of the world on his shoulders, we've also been blessed with outside help.  Knowing this bed rest was coming, we tried to set ourselves up well.  To help lessen the load for him, we've have had a nanny in our home daily for 4 weeks, taking care of kids, assisting with school, and preparing morning meals.  We've also had family in to help, and neighbors and friends gifting us with meals and getting our kids out for special play-dates. I am so thankful for the impressively hard work of my spouse, serving our family, but also for so many people stepping in to care for our family! 

The kids have also been incredible helpers.  They're daily chores are critical to the efficient continued running of our home.  The older kids have also really stepped in to help care for their youngest siblings (even changing diapers!). 

So many people are making it possible for me to rest and allow this sweet babe to grow. 
I am incredibly grateful.

But bed rest is hard.  It's frustrating.

Thankfully I am learning and growing (inside and out!).

God is teaching me so much in this time, and for that I am grateful.

I have been in good spirits and am feeling good.
And, to be fair, this has been a pretty easy bed "rest."  My contractions are not to frequent to require a very strict bed "prison."  I am limiting activity, but I have been able to continue (light) daily exercise, I'm able to sit up with the kids, and help preiodically around the house.  I have even been able to get out a few times!
This bed rest is really more preventative - we want this baby to stay inside!  So I'm doing my best to keep my feet up and I'm monitoring contractions.  So far, so good!

Mike (he's so good!) keeps reminding me that right now, my job is to keep this baby inside . . . which means taking it easy, but that unfortunately means I'm partially neglecting my roles as wife and mother.  I'm not able to fulfill my normal jobs.  It's all too easy to fall into guilt.  
We've had wonderful help these past several weeks and the kids have had lots of grand fun (for which I am so thankful), but it's not "normal."  This time is a major deviation from our "normal," and naturally, that's stressful.  For the most part, the kids are handling this like champs, but this stress manifests itself differently in each child: inappropriate behavior, disobedience, whining, outbursts, difficulty sleeping, bed-wetting, and bickering.  It's so hard to see my children struggle.  
Thankfully this is a phase.  

As hard as this is for our family, it is necessary.  This season will pass.  
Before we know it, we will be finding our new "normal" as a family of 11 and can look back on this time in full thankfulness and gratitude.  

But as I lay here, I have a choice: to feel bummed out that I can't do anything, swamped in guilt that others are needed to fulfill my usual roles and run my house, feeling bad that my children are stressed and my husband is working double-overtime . . . or to look at this as a time that God can use to teach me and grow me, and to be thankful.  What is God teaching me?

I am humbled.
I can praise Him for my 8 incredibly strong, caring, resilient children.  I can praise Him for the help that has come in to bless and serve my family in this time.  I can praise Him for my incredibly understanding, loving, hardworking spouse.  I can praise Him for this new miraculous life growing (and kicking) during this time.  I am thankful for this time.  God is so good!

Birth Plan

We may all agree in the principle that "children are a blessing from the Lord," and yet differ in our chosen methods of welcoming them into the world.  As long as the safety and health of the mother and child are a priority, the method one chooses isn't important.  Sometimes emergency situations may choose our method for us and even the best laid plans may go awry.  All children are a blessing, and each way they come to us is a miracle to be celebrated.   Ideally, one will be able to feel confident, comfortable, and loved while bringing forth their child - whether that be in a hospital or home, with a doctor or midwife.   Pregnancy and childbirth are stages in a women's life that are meant to be nurtured.

That said, I wanted to share our chosen method for welcoming our precious baby.  God willing our sweet babe will enter the world in the comfort of our own home with the assistance and guidance of our loving midwife. 

*If complications should arise before, during, or after delivery, we have a hospital plan in place with a supportive doctor.


With the arrival of this sweet babe just 3-6 weeks away, I'd like to share a few reasons for our choice of home birth.  (We are hoping this will be our third welcomed at home, fourth with the assistance of a midwife!)

Hendrick greeting newborn Maclaren at home (2012)

1.  Although nausea and heartburn may accompany it, pregnancy is not an illness.  I believe normal childbirth is not a medical emergency, and should not be treated as such.  Pregnancy and childbirth are very normal, natural and beautiful.  It is important for me to work with people who will encourage me and trust my body to work as God designed.  Women were designed to carry and bear children.  It's quite amazing and humbling.  I want to allow my body to labor as it's designed, without intervention.  While I am thankful for and believe in the appropriate use of medical technology, I prefer to avoid its unnecessary use.

2.  Midwives have been assisting and caring for women in labor for thousands of years.  (On a side note, obstetricians are comparatively new on the world scene, having only existed for barely two centuries.) Midwives offer personal care and attention, and are sensitive to the mothers needs.  They are trained experts.  They work to build a relationship with each woman and offer companionship and encouragement during labor.  These gifted women traditionally are able to strike a balance, stepping back to give women space to labor, but knowing just when to step in to offer encouragement and help (including emergency care) as needed.  They understand that each experience is different and each is precious.  I appreciate the individualized attention, love, and care given to me by our midwife. The amazing woman we will be working with has over 30 years of experience, assisting in over 100 births a year.  I feel incredibly fortunate to work with her, and my kids are all thrilled to see her regularly - they adore her! 

3.  Birth is simple, and birthing at home keeps it simple.  It's hard work, but it is an elegant, simple, yet intricate process.  Until around 100 years ago, the majority of births in America took place in the comfort of homes.  World wide, the majority of births still occur at home.  It is important to feel comfortable.  Home is familiar.  Feeling safe and loved and comfortable promote the labor hormones that increase the likelihood of a normal birth experience.  This feeling of safety will not only make labor more efficient, it can also make it significantly less painful.  Many studies support the claim that home birth is actually safer than hospital birth for low-risk women.  Statistically, with healthy pregnancies and competent care, complications are significantly fewer at home.   I want to labor where I am most comfortable, where I am nurtured, surrounded by people I love. I want this baby to be greeted with gentleness and great care in our own household. 

I am looking forward to the opportunity to experience the miracle of childbirth.  God's design for bringing forth new life is truly amazing.  I am excited to work with our incredible midwife.  I have such respect and admiration for her expertise and am so thankful for her friendship and encouragement.  I am so glad we will be able to welcome this sweet babe in the quiet, intimate comfort of our own home.


 If you're interested in more:
*Read about our home birth choice and birth plan prior to Maclaren's birth (2012) here.
*Read about our home birth experience with Maclaren (2012) here.
*Read about our home birth experience with Kolpin (2009) here.

Week 31, 32, 33

As my belly is growing larger and larger,

the kids are always there to sweetly remind me just how large I'm growing . . . 

"I don't remember what you looked like before."  (Hiwot)

I looked the same as I do now, just without the round belly. . . 

"No, your face is rounder too."  (Hendrick)
.

"Mom, your belly is a lot bigger today.  It's a lot bigger than before with Maclaren." (Tesfaye)

"Dear God, I pray that you give mom a good belly."  (Maegli)

"I love mommy, she is big."  (Burke)

How lovely to be reminded  :)

I am 3 weeks into bedrest . . . 

4 more to go.

Fortunately it is not a super strict bedrest - bed "rest" not bed "prison."

I am mostly lounging on the couch, trying to stay reclined with my feet up for the majority of the day.

I'm using herbs and oils to help calm contractions.

But I'm also able to continue light exercise,

and have been able to leave the house a few times - woo hoo! 

We are so thankful for the extra help who have been in our home, 

taking care of things, and allowing me to "rest" (and grow!).  

We've had family with us for a time, and have had a nanny helping with kids during the day.  

We're also getting a head start on our school year - to buy us some time off after the baby arrives.  

It's been fun to begin preparing for baby's arrival :)

Week 28, 29, 30

Carrying larger and much higher than our previous pregnancy.

Daily contractions, but much less frequent than our previous pregnancy.

Baby is measuring big (2 weeks ahead - estimated at 3-1/2 pounds!).

We had our first ultrasound at week 29.

This ultrasound was to determine if my body is showing signs of pre-term labor.

With my history of pre-term labor, an ultrasound is the least invasive way to check potential progress.

The babe looked perfect.

The other numbers weren't what we were hoping.

Despite bad numbers, I was given the blessings of my midwife and consulting OB to travel.

At the end of the day, it's just a number.

Other signs show that I'm in a much better place with this pregnancy than with previous.

So, at 30 weeks pregnant, our family traveled 16 hours to enjoy a relaxing week at the beach.

We have extra help in place for when we return.

Take-it-easy/ bedrest planned for the next 6 weeks.

Praying for 7+ more weeks of babe-in-utero.

Week 25, 26, 27

We're entering the THIRD trimester!

The precious babe is growing!

(I'm now wearing a support belt to help lift the babe)

 

The baby's kicks are strong enough to easily be seen and felt.
 The kids have really enjoyed feeling my belly . . . 

they're talking to this new babe and giving my belly hugs and kisses. 

There is some disagreement as to whether this baby is a boy or a girl.  

The girls are hoping for a sister, and the boys are all certain this is another boy.  

We'll have to wait until September to see who's right!
Regardless, this babe is well loved.

I got a bit of a late start in weight-gain, but I am defninitely growing.
+16 pounds, with the end goal being +35-45.
Yikes! - I have a lot to go.

As this pregnancy is progressing, I'm trying to be more intentional about taking it easy 

I'm trying to ease off a bit in my daily activity.

(which is hard since I've been feeling great)

I have a tendency to over-do-it, but I'm finding I quickly get fatigued.

It always surprises me!  

After a busy morning with the kiddos, I'm pretty much good for nothing for the rest of the day. . .
Oops!

That combined with the few daily contractions I'm experiencing . . .
is definitely a sign that I need to ease up.

Week 22, 23, 24

It's crazy, we're already 5-1/2 months along . . .

This pregnancy seems to be progressing at super-speed.

As excited as we are to meet this sweet babe,
we're hoping it will be at least 14 more weeks : )

We made it to 38 weeks with our last baby, which was my longest pregnancy yet.  

We're hoping to make it at least that long with this precious one.

The longer the better.

Each pregnancy is so different - I am always amazed.
I feel incredibly blessed to be experiencing my sixth.  

While this one is incredibly similar to my others, there are a few "fun" extras.

New in this pregnancy: circulation issues, manifesting itself in spider veins.
(the kids have had fun tracing them on my legs - lovely)
I am taking herbal supplements to promote circulation, exercising more,
and elevating my legs as much as possible.
(thanks to my husband for the fancy new wedge pillow!)

Thankfully, overall, I have had incredibly easy pregnancies.
(with the exception of my tendency towards preterm labor).
 I can honestly say, despite feelings of awkwardness, I love being pregnant. 

I love feeling the incredible kicks, movements, and hiccups.
It's such a magical time.
I am thankful to have the opportunity to experience the miracle of pregnancy.
 
And the second trimester is a great time : )

Week 19, 20, 21

We've passed the half-way point with number 9!  

(sixth pregnancy :)

These past three weeks have been filled with flutters, kicks, and hiccups;

as well lots of energy and (thankfully) incredible sleep for this mama!  

Feeling great, I'm intentionally exercising regularly, and have been busy around the house.  

This is the time to get my body and house in shape and ready for welcoming this new baby.

I've been very motivated, especially knowing that bed rest is likely in my future.

Each year, nearly 20% of all pregnant women are prescribed bed rest.

I've experienced a several-week bed rest period in each of my last three pregnancies.

I have a history of preterm labor and bed rest has been a part of our plan to carry each baby full-term.

(Moms who have had a preterm baby are 2.5 times more likely to have another.)

While it's difficult physically and emotionally, it's worked.

 But, ideally I won't need to endure a strict bed rest if we can keep everything really calm. 

To work towards that goal, we've made a few more changes:

Along with the natural progesterone cream, I've started weekly Progesterone shots (Makena).

3 down, 17 more to go.

I'm thankful for a husband willing and able to give me these weekly injections.

The other major change is with my diet.  

While I've been craving meat and ice cream, my goal for this pregnancy is a purely plant-based diet. 

Although I haven't been eating wonderfully for the first half of this pregnancy, 

I've made a commitment to Vegan, real-food, for the remainder.

(simple, unprocessed foods - no animal products)

This dietary goal is to help keep things as calm as possible. 

Anything I can do to help this baby reach full-term in utero, is more than worth it.

I am so thankful for each and every week of this pregnancy.

Week 16, 17, 18

We are humbled and excited to be expecting our ninth child in September!

God has blessed us with a baby.  

We have comfort in the truth that God is over this pregnancy.

God is sovereign.

The first trimester brought the expected exhaustion,

but now that we're into the second trimester, the energy is back.

Starting at 17 weeks, I've been blessed to feel lots of little flutters and movement - so amazing!

We began working with our midwife early.
With my history of pre-term labor, our goal is to keep things as calm as possible starting early:
this means some dietary changes, lots of nutritional supplements, and natural progesterone lotion.
A higher than average pregnancy weight-gain (35-50 pounds) has seemed to help too . . .
so I'm doing my best to gain!

Gaining in the first trimester was really hard (I didn't) -
It was hard to get enough calories to support weight gain while I was still nursing Maclaren.
Now that Maclaren has been weened (2 weeks ago), I'm sure the weight gain will be no problem :)
I'm already measuring big!

The kids are all so thrilled to welcome a new baby to our family.
They're constantly asking "how many days til the new baby?"
and constantly comment "your belly is even bigger than this morning!"

I love sharing this joy of expecting!
Such a blessing.