Baby 2.O Studio Maternity Photoshoot + 37 Week Bumpdate

Studio Maternity Photoshoot

Can't believe we are weeks away from meeting our little babe! This pregnancy had flown by and although most of the time I very much remember how pregnant I am, there are other times I just stop and smiling when it all hits me. Chasing after a 2.5 year old, potty training, trying to work/grow a business in-between all that and preparing our house for another baby has kept Kirby and I so busy. We just have to pinch ourselves reminding us how absolutely lucky we are to be welcoming another little and that yes, our whole lives are about to change (again.)

Stepping away for a moment, just the two of us, with Birch and Honey Photography to capture this moment in life was the best decision. I'm so happy with how our studio maternity photoshoot turned out. As much as I love having family shots, I'm also fully aware that Addison has about a 2 second attention span when it comes to taking pictures. After speaking with our photographer and close friend, Megan, I knew having the time to focus on baby was going to be the most enjoyable for everyone. We had the best morning & again can not thank Megan enough for taking such beautiful photos. She also captured our Baby2.O announcement and will be doing our newborn session at-home soon (Addison will be included in those, of course!).

Mini 37 Week Bumpdate

Due date

April 26, 2021

Size

My app says the baby is the size of a canary melon, Winnie The Pooh's honey jar or a pair of Doc Martin boots. It roughly weights 6.5 lbs and is 19 niches long. Crazy to think because Addison was 6 lbs 15 ounce and 19.75 inches long at birth (he was exactly one week late).

Heart rate

In the last few weeks the heart rate has usually been in the 120 range.

Weight gain

Again, I only share this to help other mama's see the huge difference in pregnancy weight gain. Every single person is different and each pregnancy is different. This pregnancy, I've gained 32-34 pounds. With Addison, I gained a total of 60lbs. I've stay much more active (only slowing down the last few weeks), I'm chasing a toddler and I'm dairy free (which I didn't find out until breastfeeding Addison) so my whole diet is very different. Yes, I still splurge weekly & I always finish the night with some type of dessert - chocolate cereal, cookies, ice cream, Easter candy... It's something I do pregnant or not. You need to live.

Staying on track this pregnancy and working out helped a ton with feeling strong & fit even with the weight gain. I used Obe Fitness on-demand & live classes starting at the beginning of my second trimester 3-4 days a week. Use code CHIFFON30 for a 7 day free trial & 30% off your first month.

Gender guess

In the beginning of my pregnancy I was all girl. Now I basically switch 3-5 times a day. We would love to have a little girl, but wouldn't be surprised if a boy pops out & of course, would be overjoyed. Kirby is praying for a girl so I can take a second to think about a third child - we'll know soon!

SPD

My pelvis pain this pregnancy has been one of the worst symptoms. It's something I didn't deal with during my pregnancy with Addison and has basically been around since 16-18 weeks. Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction is a stiffness of the pelvic joints or the joints moving unevenly. A simple way I try to describe it to Kirby, it feels like I did the splits and over extended my pelvis area all day. Not fun. The worst of it has come later in pregnancy, after workouts or after walking/being on my feed too long. I can't stretch my legs too far or use them to move an ottoman without a pain shooting through the area. So yeah, I'm exited for that to be gone soon.

Signs of labor

Overall I haven't felt much & don't think baby will come this week by any means. I've had a couple Braxton Hicks contractions, lower abdominal pain and lightening crotch.

Things Left on My List:

Pack the hospital bags

I've almost got everything I need, just now have to actually go about putting everything into bags. It's so different this time with prepping for multiple nights at the hospital. instead of a 6 hour stay at the birth center - which turned into 5 days at the hospital. I'm definitely feeling much more prepared!

More meal prep & booby balls

We have exactly 2 meals frozen. Not quite as prepared as I'd like to be, but have plans to get a few more in there at least + have some family prepping small meals. Don't beat yourself up - anything helps! I just picked up all the ingredients needed to whip up booby balls (lactation balls). While breastfeeding Addison, I ate so many of these (especially at 2am) and they were the perfect snack. I like to triple the recipe each time I make it, keep some in the fridge & freeze the rest. Planning on making these this week so I can have some ready for our hospital stay.

Nursery decor

Everything that's big or critical, is complete. Now I just have finishing touches to put on the space like rugs & wall decor. I organized the dresser/chaning station and have the closet ready to go. Baby will sleep in our room for at least a few months so I'm waiting on gender before adding crib sheets, etc.

Wash and prep bassinet + stroller

The amount of baby clothes, bottles & breast pump equipment I have washed in the last few weeks is insane. All I have left is taking apart what I can from the bassinet & stroller to wash & get set to go. I'm so excited we get to enjoy a full summer and months of nice weather with babe. Addison only had a couple months before we had to cozy inside with winter temps.

Install car seat

Essential, but super easy. We will get this done this weekend or early next week. We're using the same infant car seat we did with Addison.

Last few weeks as a family of 3!

I'm feeling every emotion possible and just trying to soak it all in. The weather has been beautiful which has been an added bonus with family walks & park time, a couple of our favorite things to do together. We're 3 weeks into potty training & Addison has been an absolute champ. Overall, I think he somewhat understands things with baby and will genially love being a big brother. I have my fears about feeling distant from him or him not feeling the same love from me, but I know we'll find our grove. There will be a transition stage like anything else, but I have confidence he will love the added responsibility and love in our home.

With our hospital stay & delivery plan looking way different this time around, I'm confident it will be a much smoother process. However, I definitely have been a bit anxious that something will go wrong. Just about everything we planned for last time was off track so I think I just have it in my head. Staying positive, trusting the process and constantly reminding myself that everything will work out.