Bumpdate 40 Weeks - Welcome Baby Emma

How Far Along? On June 30th at 39 weeks 2 days I had a doctors appointment. We discovered that my blood pressure was on the dangerous high level and my doctor wanted me to go in for an induction. I was so scared to be induced because of all the horror stories I had heard and didn't want to a c-section at all! Well after only 10 hours of labor and 2 hours of pushing we brought our little Emma Jean into the world on 7-1-14.

Size of Baby? 6 pounds 8 ounces with a length of 21 inches and a head circumference of 13.5 inches.

Maternity Clothes? Still wearing the bottoms. I am trying to be comfortable considering I had a second degree tear, however most of my pre-pregnancy clothes really aren't suited for breastfeeding. We are back to trying to find things to wear.

Weight Loss? I gained 36 pounds in total over the course of my pregnancy. My unreliable at home scale says that I have lost 15 pounds since, but really I am noticing the weight loss in the mirror. I have a small kangaroo pouch but I notice the belly get smaller each day. I looked in the mirror the other day and got a little emotional to see that I no longer was carrying my little one safely inside my belly. I am ecstatic that she is here, but there was just something about being able to protect her inside me that gave me comfort.

Breastfeeding? Definitely. It's a little bit of a struggle, but we are working out the kinks. She had lost a total on 9.5% of her body weight by Thursday at our doctor's appointment. I may have had a mini panic attack inside and decided to really ramp up on the feedings. One of the doctor's is a breast feeding consultant and she came in to work with us a bit and showed us some good techniques for good latching and she told me that my milk was almost in. By our follow up appointment, Emma had gained back 1/2 of what she'd lost and the doctors were very pleased.

Sleep? Um, yea.....the whole complaining about sleep thing before, pales in comparison to now. We are trying to feed every two hours from finish to start, and while we had some rough nights....it seems to be working out ok. The over night 2-4am feed is the worst cause I always feel like I am going to conk out in the middle of the session. We try to nap during the day when she naps, and both love to sleep skin to skin with her. It's just the best.

Food Cravings? Nothing really in particular. I have been trying to keep up the caloric intake so just eating at regular intervals and pumping the fruits, veggies and protein as often as possible. Pounding the water is really hard, but at some points during the day I feel so thirsty that I drink an entire glass in 30 seconds.

Symptoms? Feeling really good. A little emotional at times, but the hubby is right by my side to make me feel better. Cramping wasn't too bad and it seems to have subsided. I was super constipated and that made for a really rough morning a couple of days ago. I know, TMI, but it's part of the process.

Belly Button? Definitely back in......seems deeper to me than it was before but it could just be my imagination.....or the lack of abs muscles that are now underneath it! ;-)

Best Moment of the Week? Had to be holding her in my arms for the first time and doing skin to skin. Oh wow what an emotional moment that was. After 10 months of growing and protecting her in my belly, seeing her cute little face and hearing her cry was the best thing ever. Close second was bringing her home. I love to lay with her, and kiss her little nose and toes. She is my everything.

There you have it. A completed weekly bump date for the pregnancy of Emma Jean. I am glad we stuck through it and have some great memories of this process. I am not going to miss making that chalkboard every week though! :-) Stay tuned for my birth story!