HOW I’VE BEEN FEELING Lately…
Heartburn:
My heartburn has reached a whole new level of uncomfortable. It’s the absolute worst at night when I’m lying down. I held off taking anything for as long as I could, but now I rely on Gaviscon every night before bed so I can actually sleep without feeling like there’s a volcano erupting in my chest all night long.
Rib Pain & Shortness of Breath:
My ribs are seriously sore these days — I’m not sure they can expand anymore! Along with that, I’ve been experiencing shortness of breath that makes climbing stairs feel like running a marathon. During our evening walks, I usually have to tell Vlad to slow down so I can catch my breath — which is definitely the opposite of how it used to be. Even curb walking can really knock the wind out of me!
Frequent Urination:
This might be TMI, but lately, I swear all I do is pee. The baby must be sitting right on my bladder. Normally, I’d never use a public bathroom multiple times during a trip to the mall, but now I find myself going as soon as I arrive — and then again 2-3 more times before I leave. Plus, I’m up every night around 4 a.m. for a bathroom break.
Swollen Feet and Ankles:
My feet and ankles have swelled so much that I only fit into one pair of shoes right now.
Backaches:
The back pain is real and definitely making its presence known.
Exhaustion:
I’m beyond exhausted — this pregnancy stuff is hard work!
Third Trimester Checklist:
Daily Kick Counts✓
Decorate Nursary✓
Labour & Delivery Classes✓
Pack Hospital Bag✓
Group B Strep Swab✓
Growth Scan & Nonstress Tests✓
Find Cord Blood Bank✓
WEEKLY BUMP DATES…
27 Weeks: Babymoon & Big Milestones!
This week was extra special—we finally chose our baby’s name! When we were much younger, dreaming about our future family, we had picked out two names we loved. But as soon as I got pregnant, one of them didn’t feel right anymore. Maybe it was the hormones, but it didn’t seem like a baby’s name anymore. Then, on the morning we were leaving for our babymoon, I wasn’t feeling much movement and decided we should get things checked out. We ended up at the hospital, and I was terrified during the drive. I kept repeating the name over and over, thinking I might never get to hold this baby or use that name. In that emotional moment, it hit me—this name was the one. It felt so right, and it gave me comfort. That’s how I knew it was meant to be.
Everything is starting to feel so real! We went on our babymoon… with a little unexpected twist. We had originally planned a trip to New York, but at the last minute, I realized my passport had expired (oops!). So we pivoted and had a spontaneous Toronto getaway instead. We stayed at Hotel X, and it just so happened to be the weekend of the IndyCar race. Our corner suite had an incredible view of the track—Vlad watched the race while I napped (very on brand for us right now!).
I also fell in love with this cozy Italian spot, Café Diplomatico Restaurant & Pizzeria. We ate there twice because when a pregnancy craving hits… You don’t fight it! Honestly, the whole trip was such a blast and a sweet reminder of how much I love spending time with my husband. 💕
On the pregnancy side of things… I passed my glucose test—yay! 🎉 The rib pain, though, is no joke—she must be running out of room in there. 😅 Heartburn has officially made its grand entrance, and everything is definitely starting to feel a little more cramped. We’re getting close!
28 Weeks: Last Week of the Second Trimester!
I can’t believe we’re already here. The baby shower is just around the corner, and I’m getting so excited, especially since it’ll be our first party at our house, which makes it feel even more special.
Heartburn has been making it hard to sleep lately. I’ve been propping myself up and trying not to eat too late in the evening, but it’s definitely one of the less fun pregnancy symptoms. On the bright side, I finally gave in and bought a pregnancy pillow. It’s a total game changer—so much support and helps me sleep so much better. I have no idea why I waited so long!
Did a little shopping for Baby Girl this week. I honestly have no clue how many onesies a newborn actually needs (or what size she’ll be!), so I’m just winging it and hoping we’ll have enough. I also couldn’t resist picking up a few tiny Halloween outfits because… well, I’m ridiculous like that. 🎃
29 Weeks: A Peek at Her Sweet Face
This week we had our 3D ultrasound, and it was incredible—we got to see her little face! She already looks like me and even has the same tiny indentation in the center of her upper lip. It was such a surreal and emotional moment. She’s head down, which is great news!
I also treated myself to a prenatal massage… and let’s just say it was both the first and the last. I could barely walk the next day—I was in so much pain. When we visited my parents, even my dad felt bad for me! He let me sit in his favourite chair and was waiting on me hand and foot, bringing me water and snacks. Honestly, I didn’t hate the royal treatment.
30 Weeks: Nesting Mode Activated (Sort of)
This week we officially started working on the nursery—and by we, I mean Vlad. 😄 He built some of her furniture, and it’s really starting to come together.
We also celebrated Vlad’s birthday! Both of our families came over, which was so nice, and they got to see the progress we’ve made on the nursery so far. It made everything feel even more real.
I’m still seeing my chiropractor every other week, and we’ve started treating my ribs in addition to my hip. The rib pain is the worst at night, but the tape has been helping a lot. One day at a time!
31 Weeks: Shower Prep + A Special Reveal
This week, we finally shared her gender reveal—you can see it [HERE] if you missed it! It felt so special to finally let everyone in on the big secret. 💗
My sister and I have been busy prepping for the baby shower and even made homemade candles as thank-you gifts. Nesting mode is definitely in full swing! I’m also now seeing my OB every other week, which makes everything feel that much closer.
32 Weeks: A Week Full of Love
This week was overflowing with love and special moments. We had our baby shower, and it meant so much to have all the amazing women in my life come together to celebrate and spoil our baby girl. My mum and sister helped me plan and organize everything—it was absolutely perfect. I’ll never forget how loved and supported I felt. 💕
I also went for an ultrasound this week, and my sister got to come with me. It was her first time seeing the baby, and it made the experience even more memorable.
To top it all off, we spent a relaxing weekend at the cottage with my parents and sister. It had been years since it was just the four of us, so it felt really special to have that time together before baby girl joins the party.
33 Weeks: Reality Check + Getting Prepared
This week came with a bit of a reality check. At my OB appointment, there were some concerns about baby girl’s size and low fluid levels, so I’ve been sent for growth scans at the hospital every two weeks to keep a closer eye on things. Trying to stay calm and trust the process, but naturally, the worry is there.
On the brighter side, I’ve been focusing on getting prepared. I ordered my breast pump, took a postpartum class, and finally started packing my hospital bag. I also made a big checklist of everything we still need to do before she arrives—nesting mode is in full swing now!
34 Weeks: Tight Seats & Tender Moments
This week was a bit of a whirlwind! Family came to visit from England, and we took them to a Blue Jays game. Let’s just say… those stadium seats are not designed for someone who’s 34 weeks pregnant—I could barely squeeze in! 😅
On Friday, I had a growth scan and a non-stress test (NST). They found a low pocket of fluid and asked me to come back the following Wednesday for a follow-up. I had no idea what that meant, and honestly, I was too scared to Google it. The thought of being induced early had me quietly spiralling.
In the meantime, nesting instincts kicked in. I washed some of baby girl’s tiny clothes and blankets, sanitized her bottles and my breast pump, and stocked up on postpartum essentials. The countdown is officially on!
To help keep me grounded, Vlad planned a spontaneous date night—just in case it was our last one before becoming parents. It was thoughtful, low-key, and exactly what I needed. 💕
35 Weeks: A Scare, a Sigh of Relief, and a Finished Nursery
This week came with another round of hospital visits and a whole lot of emotions. On Wednesday, I went back to the hospital for a follow-up scan. While my fluid levels were back to normal (thankfully!), her movements were really low. What was supposed to be a quick appointment turned into an entire day at the hospital. At one point, they even discussed moving me to labour and delivery, which was terrifying.
But baby girl must have heard them, because suddenly she started kicking up a storm! The doctor and nurses were relieved (and so was I), but they still had me come back on Friday for another ultrasound and NST. Thankfully, everything looked great—she was active and moving around just like she should be.
I also had an appointment with my OB this week, and baby girl is already dropping and still in a head-down position. It’s all starting to feel very real.
On the home front, we officially finished the nursery! We picked up the glider, hung her neon name sign and curtains, and now everything feels cozy and ready for her arrival.
36 Weeks: Counting Kicks & Counting Down
This week, the anxiety around baby girl’s movements has been real. I’ve been doing kick counts multiple times a day just to ease my mind. We’re so close now, and every little thing feels extra important.
I’ve officially started weekly appointments with both my OB and chiropractor, and I’ll be seeing them regularly until she arrives. Unfortunately, the hip pain has made a comeback—just in time for the final stretch!
The good news? I’m officially off work, and nesting is in full effect. I washed and organized the last of her clothes, then somehow ended up completely reorganizing my entire kitchen. No drawer or cupboard was safe. 😂
Also… my belly button is this close to becoming an outie. The bump is bumpin’!
37 Weeks: Getting Closer!
Heartburn has officially taken over this week—hello, third trimester! At my OB appointment, I found out I’m 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced, which makes everything feel very real. I’ve started taking evening primrose oil and drinking raspberry leaf tea to help things move along naturally.
One night I got a bit freaked out by what felt like really rapid movement. I ended up calling the hotline, and thankfully, they reassured me it was just hiccups. Still, these final weeks are filled with all kinds of new sensations and emotions—it’s a wild ride.
On the fun side of things, I finally ordered the BABYBJÖRN bouncer in the cutest leopard print. I’d been eyeing it for a while and couldn’t resist any longer. Baby girl is going to be riding in style!
38 Weeks: The Waiting Game
Not much change this week—still 1 cm dilated and holding steady. No big updates, just soaking in these final days (or weeks?) and trying to stay patient. The countdown is definitely on, but baby girl seems to be on her own schedule!
39 Weeks: Birthday Bounces & Baby Waiting
Still no big changes this week—I’m holding steady at 1 cm dilated. I had my first stretch and sweep, which surprisingly didn’t hurt at all. Fingers crossed it gets things moving!
I celebrated my 33rd birthday this week… by curb walking, bouncing on a ball, and trying all the things to encourage baby girl to make her debut. Not exactly the birthday I imagined, but definitely one I’ll never forget. Come on, baby—we’re ready for you!
40 Weeks: It’s Go Time!
I’m being induced—wish me luck! 💫
Baby girl is officially taking her sweet time, so it’s time to give her a little nudge. We’re so ready to meet her and can’t believe the moment is finally here. Check back soon for our birth story—I can’t wait to share it with you!