Bump Post: Weeks 37 and 38

Baby Size: A pumpkin
Weight gain: I think I have gained about 20 pounds total 
Maternity clothes: A mixture of shirts, but definitely preggo pants. 
Stretch marks: None on the bump!    Sleep: I sleep well, though I've been waking up for a few hours each night. I think it's God's way of preparing me.    Gender: Tae Tazwell Kuemmerlin 

Movement: He is stretching out, but mostly just hanging out in there. 
Best moment this week: My friend's sister brought a bunch of stuff I ordered.  So Tae now has his personalized blanket and hat to wear when he comes. :)  Also, we have been enjoying dinners out, lazy days, and making sure everything is set for Tae. Amy sent a text with cards the kids made for Tae.  Those kiddos kill me with their cuteness.    

Looking forward to: Hugging and loving on our little guy.  
Food cravings: Korean...we've made it twice in one week!       Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, thankfully I feel great!     Labor Signs: Nope   What I miss: Sleeping on my stomach.    Symptoms: Fred Flinstone Fat Feet....still 
Nursery: It is ready, except for little wall decorations that I will put up when we get it from the States.   

Belly Button in or out? Out, it is popping through shirts. 
Wedding rings on or off? Off, I could probably squeeze them on these little sausages, but there's no reason.
Mood: Getting more excited each day.  

Bump Post: 36 Weeks

Baby Size: A large cantaloupe
Weight gain: I think I have gained about 20 pounds total 
Maternity clothes: Still able to wear all my loose tops, but definitely have to wear maternity pants.  I also can't fit into my shoes comfortably anymore. Last week I started wearing my Havaianas to work. 
Stretch marks: None on the bump!    Sleep: When I am actually sleeping, it's great.  However, I have had a hard time sleeping through the night.  Also, I have lost my ability to take long naps, what in the world is going on?!   Gender: Tae Tazwell Kuemmerlin 

Movement: We have a pretty chill little guy in there. Most of the time he just hangs out with a couple movements to let us know he's there.
Best moment this week: The daily foot massages from Jess are always the highlight of my day. We had a consultation and everything with Tae is healthy, that trumps any moment every week! We are also totally taking advantage of having date nights, with dinner out at Chef Teo, Forniero, Nashi, and churrascos.

Looking forward to: Meeting our little guy!  It is getting closer and closer!  
Food cravings: Agua com gas, sweets, and milk.     Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, thankfully I feel great!     Labor Signs: Nope   What I miss: Can't think of anything, other than sleeping on my stomach.    Symptoms: On Friday it was a long day, I got home from school at about 11 PM and my feet were huge!   
 
Nursery: It is ready, except for little wall decorations that I will put up when we get it from the States.   

Belly Button in or out? Out, it is popping through shirts. 
Wedding rings on or off? Off, I could probably squeeze them on these little sausages, but there's no reason.
Mood: Excited and anxious. Not knowing when it will happen is nerve wracking, I would just love to know when he will make his entrance.

Me at 13 weeks and 36 weeks...fun to see my body change.

 Dear Lord, 

        We pray for our little guy to keep growing strong and healthy.  I pray that all his systems continue to grow to be fully functioning, and that his digestion system works properly. I pray for all the adjustment of having a little guy brings and that we manage it and take in every moment. I pray that we can set a godly example for a Tae. We know it won't always be easy, but let us focus on the big picture. 

Amen 

 

Bump Post: Weeks 33-35

Well, only about a month left and we are so excited.  Lots has been going on around here-- moving into a new apartment, doctor appointments, work, preparing for Tae's arrival.  I've been feeling well, with the exception of my Fred Flinstone feet and some backaches.

How far along: 35 weeks 

Baby Size: A coconut, which is fitting seeing I can't get enough agua de coco
Weight gain: I think I have gained about 17-18 pounds total 
Maternity clothes: Mixing and matching maternity and non-maternity on top and definitely maternity on the bottom. I am relying on a lot of my loose fitting dresses.  It also helps that Brazilians don't mind showing off the belly when preggo, I am embracing that piece of the culture. 
Stretch marks: None on my tummy.    Sleep: Up until a couple nights ago I was sleeping hard throughout the whole night. However, for some reason I have woken up the past two nights with my mind running rampant. I keep thinking of all I need to do and meeting our baby boy!    Gender: Tae Tazwell Kuemmerlin 

Movement: He makes lots of slow sweeping moves.  I'm hoping that isn't a sign of his athletic ability. :) 
Best moment this week: Starting to work on his room.  Also, after reading about how he is developing Jess was talking to Tae in my belly.  I told Jess he hears high pitched noises, so Jess started talking in a high squeaky voice.  It made me laugh so hard.  Another bonus of this week was having the week off and getting to set up our new apartment. 

Looking forward to: A tour of the hospital and finishing his room. 
Food cravings: Agua com gas, agua de coco, sweets, and seaweed.      Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, thankfully I feel great!     Labor Signs: Nope   What I miss: I must say not being able to have a caiparinha during Carnaval felt anti-Brazillian.    Symptoms: Fat Fred Flinstone feet and some lower back pain.    Nursery: Started it...a sweet mom of a student I had my first year teaching is giving us a crib and changing table.  Also, someone is giving us a rocking chair.  Slowly but surely his room will come together. 

 

Belly Button in or out? Out, it is popping through shirts. 
Wedding rings on or off? I haven't been wearing them. I'm sure I could squeeze them on my sausages, but there's no use. I also have a pretty mean wedding band tan line from Rio.
Mood: Excited and trying to be patient.  God is already teaching me things about myself--one of them being patience.  I am so curious to see who Tae looks like, hug and kiss him, and just start our lives together.   

Prayer for Tae Tazwell:    Dear Lord,          We can't wait to meet our little guy.  Thank you so much for such a smooth pregnancy and the calm and peace you have filled my heart with.  I pray for Tae during these last 5 weeks. I pray he continues to be healthy and develops all the necessary parts and functions he needs to.  I pray his ears and his hearing are strong and that his brain continues to make strong connections. I thank you for blessing us with a child that we can train up in your ways. Give us the courage, honestly, and faith to handle all the challenges and opportunities that will come with raising Tae.                                                              In Jesus' Name

Bump Post: Weeks 31-32

How far along: 32 weeks 
Baby Size: A head of lettuce 
Weight gain: In the words of my doctor I had a "Great holiday" because of I doubled my normal weight gain. I guess that acai everyday in Rio helped the cause.  
Maternity clothes: Still wearing loose clothes and maternity tops.  For bottoms my belly band has been a lifesaver. 
Stretch marks: None on my tummy.    Sleep: I've been sleeping like a rock lately. I am trying to get my sleep in why I can because I know when little Tae comes it will be hard to do that.    Gender: Tae Tazwell Kuemmerlin 

Movement: He has been moving so much, he's having his own personal dance party in his stomach. He still likes the right side, but makes a move to the left every once and awhile. 
Best moment this week: Last week we got a care package from our friends, the Smiths.  It was the sweetest thing and totally made my day. There were lots of goodies for Tae and I cannot wait to dress him in all of them! 

Looking forward to: Our ultrasound on Monday and moving in.  I am getting anxious about the move, I hope we have enough time to get everything set up before the little guy makes his appearance.  
Food cravings: I've been eating more sweets lately and peanut butter.  Also, still drinking agua com gas like it`s going out of style.      Anything making you queasy or sick: Negative    Labor Signs: Nope   What I miss: Wine. I would love some sangria or a good glass of Malbec.    Symptoms: Emotional (crying for no reason), sore hips, and peeing all the time.    Nursery: Still waiting to move so we can get started.   

Belly Button in or out? Moving on out. 
Wedding rings on or off? I've just been wearing my wedding band, the engagement ring still fits, but not as comfortably. 
Mood: Up and down. I am so excited to meet Tae, but at the same time I am anxious. I know our whole world will change and I am both so excited and worried about adjusting to the change. I am also missing my family and wish they could be more apart of this pregnancy. 
Prayer for Tae Tazwell:    Dear Lord,         Everyday I am amazed by the changes in my body and how much our little man is growing. I am so thankful for Tae's health and pray that he continues to grow strong and develop. I pray as he learns to breath on his own that his lungs and throat develop properly. I pray Tae's body is not only strong, but his heart and mind grow strong as well. I pray we can protect him from the things of this world, but also be honest and communicate with him. I am so excited to meet him and cannot wait to be his mommy.                                                                        Amen. 

Bump Post: Weeks 28-30

Only 10 more weeks left!  This pregnancy has flown by, except I have a feeling it will be like a long flight, the first 9 hours fly by and the remaining 3-4 hours take forever.  Doesn't matter to me, I'll wait as long as it takes for Tae Tazwell to be healthy and ready to come into the world.

How far along: 30 weeks 
Baby Size: A cucumber or a butternut squash
Weight gain: Not sure on this one, I go to the doctor on Friday. I'm thinking 8-10 pounds. 
Maternity clothes: Leaning more toward maternity, but can still squeeze into some flowy/stretchy dresses and shirts.
Stretch marks: None on my stomach and no additional on my legs.  Thanks childhood growth spurt for preparing me.   Sleep: For the past couple weeks my right hip has been bothering me during the night.  Last night I researched it and found out it is normal.  Also, since Tae spends most of his time on my right side this is another factor that is causing the pain.  Needless to say, sleep is getting harder, but I'm an aggressive sleeper and won't give up!    Gender: A little boy--Tae Tazwell 

Movement: Lots and lots.  The past three weeks I find myself with my hand on my belly to feel all his acrobatics.  He has planted himself on my right side, but every so ofter he makes a move to the left.  The other day I literally felt his hand (or foot?) swipe across my belly.  It is such a surreal feeling and has helped me build a connection to him.  Jess has felt and seen lots of the movements too!  
Best moment this week: As far as my body, a massage from Diomar. Honestly, just feeling him move has been great.  

Looking forward to: Moving into our new place.  We should be able to start moving stuff over next week and then move in the week after.  Then I can actually start getting all the stuff set up.
Food cravings: I didn't think of it until now, but normally I hate water with gas, but now I drink it all the time.  Also, I can't get enough fresh, natural juice.      Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.    Labor Signs: Nope   What I miss: Running. I know that sounds crazy, but when you aren't allowed to do it it makes you want to do it more.    Symptoms: Sore hips and peeing all the time.   Nursery: I've been doing some watercolors for it and I think I have the wall figured out, but we will see.   

Belly Button in or out? Moving out. 
Wedding rings on or off? I've just been wearing my wedding band, the engagement ring still fits, but not as comfortably. 
Mood: Great!  This vacation has been great.  I am getting a little anxious about the actual birth, but am trying to calm my fears with lots of prayer and affirmations that women have been doing this for thousands of years.  I am also getting more excited to meet this little guy.  
Prayer for Tae Tazwell:    Dear Lord,         As Tae is gaining weight please let the food I eat nourish him and his growing needs. This week his brain is developing and I pray that you piece it together and fill his mind with wonder, curiosity, and questions. I pray that as he grows he seeks to fill his mind with your wisdom and has a thirst for knowledge.         Thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow him in my womb.  These past couple weeks have been amazing as I am starting to form a connection to him.  I was worried that I didn't have the motherly instinct, but you are beginning to open my heart, mind, and soul to this little boy inside me.  I pray that Tae's wonder, curiosity will spur me into looking at the world more deeply, so we can learn together.      I also thank you for Jess and the amazing man, husband, and father he is.  He is making every effort to comfort me, both physically and emotionally, and I thank you for that.  I pray that he feels confident in his role as daddy and please calm his (and my) fears about parenthood.  Let us rely fully on you!   Thank you Jesus!  Amen 

Bump Post: Weeks 25-27

Okay, so I'm not the best on the weekly bump narrative, at least I get something up on Instagram. I combined weeks 25-27, here it goes...

How far along: 27 and 2 days 
Baby Size: A rutabaga 
Weight gain: I think around 5 pounds, although I can mostly tell because lost my muscles. Not being able to workout actually kinda stinks.  
Maternity clothes: A mixture.  I would say I mostly wear lose fitting dresses and those work just fine. 
Stretch marks: Not any extra.   Sleep: Getting tired of sleeping on my sides, I am such a stomach sleeper and miss it so much. However, this hasn't stopped me from sleeping.  Being on vacation lends itself to lots of naps.     Gender: Tae Tazwell 

Movement: He moves, but not tons. I credit that to my abnormally long torso. :)  Sometimes I get worried because I don't feel him on a regular basis, but Jess says he is just a calm baby. Tae normally moves a lot after I drink orange juice. 
Best moment this week: We had a check up before heading to Rio and everything was great.  Another great moment was just being in the ocean and feeling him move.  Aside from Tae, my sister Katie had her baby and he is adorable!  I hope Trey and Tae are best buddies. 

Looking forward to: Relaxing more. We are in Rio for 3 weeks, so we are taking it easy and exploring new places.  
Food cravings: Nothing really.  I love orange juice, but not in a craving manner.      Anything making you queasy or sick: No.    Labor Signs: Nope   What I miss: Laying out on my stomach, I know such a little thing, but I am beginning to look uneven.   Symptoms: Nothing really.    Nursery: Haven't even thought about it since my last post.  Although I did start doing watercolor painting and I think I will make some for his room.   

Belly Button in or out? Out, with a couple of sun blisters.  That has never happened to me before, after reading up on it apparently your skin is more sense
Wedding rings on or off? I've just been wearing my wedding band, the engagement ring still fits, but not as comfortably. 
Mood: Last week I finally felt pregnant.  For some reason I was crying nonstop and couldn't even figure out why.  This went on for a good 20 minutes and then abruptly stopped and I was fine.  The other night it happened again.  I chalked it up to pregnancy hormones.  
Prayer for Baby K:    Dear Lord,         I thank you for a smooth pregnancy thus far and I pray Tae continues to grow healthy and strong these last 3 months.  There are so many intricacies in his development and I trust you fully to oversee all of them.  I thank you for this journey of pregnancy and giving me the time to prepare for Tae's arrival. Thank you for a supportive husband and family as we go along this journey. I am humbled even more now by the birth of Christ and what Mary had to go through. Thank you for sending your son to save us from our sins.           As he begins to recognize my voice in the womb I pray in the same way he recognizes your voice in the Holy Spirit throughout his life.  I also pray that the direction and advice we give him as parents is aligned with your plan for his life.  Little Tae's brain is beginning to have activity. I pray that you give him intelligence and balance it with compassion. Your miraculous ways amaze me and I can't wait to meet the little guy.  Thank you for forming him in my womb and preparing us to be parents along the way. In Jesus' name,  Amen.                          For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6 

23 and 24 Bump Update

How far along: 24 Weeks (and 6 days) 
Baby Size: An ear of corn...Go Huskers! 
Weight gain: I think around 4 pounds. I am starting to feel a lot bigger. 
Maternity clothes: I can still fit into some regular shirts and pants (barely).  I am now starting the rotation of my 5-6 maternity outfits.
Stretch marks: In addition to my previous ones? Nope. :)    Sleep: Recently I have been waking up to Tae's kicks.  They don't hurt, just wake me up.  Also, Jess says I am snoring more?   Gender: Tae Tazwell 

Movement: Lots, still little movements, but he is an active little guy.  Last week Jess and I had a spontaneous date to see Mockingjay and grab some dinner.  The whole movie he was kicking around in my belly.  Jess felt him for the first time.  Jess' face was so cute, he was in shock and awe.  
Best moment this week: Jess feeling Tae kick for the first time, visiting our friends in Brasilia and laughing until I cried, and ordering our Christmas cards. I don't know why, but creating them makes me so thankful and happy looking at all the memories we made this year. 

Looking forward to: Christmas break!  Five and a half days of school left. This week we are both slammed with activities, meetings, etc, so it will be nice to unwind in Rio for 3 weeks! 
Food cravings: Salty more than sweet.  I know call me crazy, I am no longer a Scott.      Anything making you queasy or sick: No.    Labor Signs: Nope   What I miss: Sleeping on my stomach.   Symptoms: Nothing really.    Nursery: We found out last week we will be moving (hopefully before the little bambino arrives). I don't think I will start until we move in.   

Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On and off.  I can keep them on, but they aren't comfortable. 
Mood: A mix of emotions.  Mainly excited and impatient.  I want this little guy to get here soon, but know he still needs to grow strong. I am also starting to try and savor all the moments Jess and I have just us. 

Prayer for Baby K:    Dear Lord, Thank you for the gift of life. I cannot help but be in awe of the miracle you are growing inside me. I pray that you continue to calm my nerves and thoughts.  I put Tae in your hands and cannot wait to see what you have in store for him.  This week he is beginning to breathe, I pray with every breath he takes he praises you and your creation.  
Thank you for Jess and what an amazing man he is. I thank you for the time it takes for baby Tae to grow strong, which gives us time to plan and treasure as a couple. I am falling more and more in love with Jess each day as I watch him become a daddy. We feel so thankful for a smooth pregnancy thus far. Also, thank you for all the people that already love him so much.  Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
Pslam 150:6 

Grammy and Poppy took a trip all the way to Brazil

Grow baby Grow! 

This past weekend we took a trip to Perinopolis (outside of Brasilia) and hiked some trails to see some waterfalls. 

Weeks 20-22

How far along: 22 weeks 3 days
Baby Size: The baby is a size of a papaya (10 inches long, almost a pound)!
Weight gain: Still negative from the start date, but I have a feeling that won't last very much longer. :) 
Maternity clothes: They are more comfortable than my normal clothes, but I am still mixing and matching. Thank God for belly bands. 
Stretch marks: In addition to my previous ones? Nope.    Sleep: Sleeping pretty regularly. A couple nights I have woken up with a pain in my hip, I think it is from sleeping on my side. I am also loving my body pillow.    Gender: Tae Tazwell 

Movement: Yes! It is so crazy. At first I had no clue what it was, then I realized it was him.  I caught it on video of a little kick and sent it to Jess while he was in Rio. Jess also got to feel it the other night while we were watching some TV.
Best moment this week: My parents arrived in Brazil on Wednesday.  It has been so great to hang out with them and show them our world her in Brazil. They also brought tons of stuff for Tae, it is making this whole thing much more real. Mom and I spent yesterday afternoon decorating for Christmas.  I know it is super early, but it was fun to decorate with her and when it is almost 100 degrees out it takes a little more to get into the Christmas spirit. 

Looking forward to: Paraty! On Wednesday we are headed to a little beach town, Paraty.  It should be really fun and a nice getaway.  
Food cravings: Nothing in particular. I am feeling full very easily now, which means I eat little portions throughout the day.      Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, not anymore.    Labor Signs: Nope   What I miss: Sleeping on my stomach.   Symptoms: Nothing really.    Nursery: Now that we decided we will be staying in Brazil for a couple more years I have put more thought into it.  I'm thinking of using wasbi tape to create a pattern on the wall and I'm loving these prints from Etsy.   

Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On and only swelling is when it is hot (which is always).
Mood: Excited. For some reason it all just hit me in two moments,  the 3D ultrasound and when my parents came down for their visit with all his loot. 
Prayer for Baby K:    Dear Lord, I pray that you continue to protect and help Baby K grow healthy and strong. It was amazing to see his little face and know that you created him perfectly. I pray that Jess and I can guide him in your way and instill confidence in you from an early age.  As you form his eyes and lips I pray that he sees your creation with wonder and awe and that he speaks your truth with boldness and humility.   Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.    - 1 John 3: 18 

Bump Update--Week 19

I wanted to keep track of my pregnancy, because knowing how my brain is functioning (or not) already I figured I would keep a record of this journey for our little boy. I feel super blessed because I have felt great so far.    

 

How far along: 19 (20 tomorrow)
Baby Size: The baby is a size of a mango! (6 inches long, .5 lbs)!
Weight gain: I've actually lost weight since I became pregnant.  I think that is because over the summer when traveling in the States and Spain we ate to my heart's content. I think I am -4 pounds from my start date. 
Maternity clothes: I can still fit in most of my clothes, but not in the most flattering way.  I am wearing some maternity shirts and have tried out the pants, they are still a little too big. 
Stretch marks: Not yet.   Sleep: It's my favorite thing to do.   Gender: Boy! We haven't decided on the full name, but have narrowed it down to two. 

Movement: Haven't felt him yet.
Best moment this week: The cooler weather for sure. The past two weeks have been crazy hot, I can't help but think how much hotter it will be when I am almost about to have this baby boy!  Also, Jess started a notebook of letters to our little guy.  I read one he wrote and immediately was filled with happiness and joy.  I am so blessed to have such an amazing hubby and he is going to be an amazing dad. Finally, we started back up at pilates, I feel so much better working out.

Looking forward to: My parents visiting us in Brazil in November!  Also, I am looking forward to our 4D ultrasound on November 10th.  I felt stupid at our appointment when we found out Baby K was a boy because I couldn't see anything.  
Food cravings: Nothing really. Surprisingly I have not really wanted any sweet things. I would love a Dr. Pepper, but that isn't even an option as they don't have it in Brazil!     Anything making you queasy or sick: The smell of Jess' egg whites in the morning.    Labor Signs: Nope   What I miss: For the first time I really wanted a glass of wine. We were out to eat and Jess was raving about the wine and I was a tad jealous I couldn't partake.    Symptoms: Nothing really.    Nursery: This hasn't even crossed my mind.  I'm thinking no since we will be leaving and moving to some other place in the world.  Does that make me a bad mom? lol.  

Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On and only swelling is when it is hot (which is always).
Mood: Very calm and at peace. I am finally starting to start relax and understand everything is in God's hands. 
Prayer for Baby K:    Dear Lord, I pray that you protect and help Baby K grow healthy and strong. Thank you for this miracle and journey so far. I pray that our little guy grows up to love you, be strong in his faith, and be a leader. I pray that Jess and I are parents who put you first and lead a life of example to our little guy. I thank you for Baby K and I can't wait for the adventures our little family will have together as we travel the world.    For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.   - Psalm 139:13