29 Weeks!

I can't believe I still haven't gotten back to making posters... I have to get on it this week!  I haven't seen the poster paper and frame that I use - so it's time to hunt through the tubs!

I don't feel like I look super pregnant here... Must just be the angle :)

How far along:  29 weeks! 

How big is the baby: Junior is the size of a butternut squash!  I can tell he’s growing because I’m feeling his jabs and pokes more… And I’m feeling them higher up! :)

Total weight gain/loss: I think I am somewhere between 10 and 11 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight.  This week at my midwife appointment, I had gained 4 pounds since my appointment 4 weeks ago.  So, based on my weight 4 weeks ago, this is about where I’d be.  I may have to stop doing this section just because my scale hasn’t been working.  We’ll see!

I actually decided I’m going to change how I do this section because my scale is so wonky.  I will be updating this every other week for the time being, based on my weigh in at my midwife’s office.  So, based on this week’s appointment, I’m 14 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight.  (All along, my weight gain based on my personal scale has been 3-4 pounds less than my weight gain based on the midwife’s scale.  So, that fits well with where I thought I was this week – 10-11 pounds.  I’m just going to transition to the midwife’s numbers though so that it’s more trustworthy.  So, it makes this week’s weigh in seem high compared to the past… It’s just because of switching scales though! :) haha)

Maternity clothes: Yup… Lots of ‘em! :)

Stretch marks: I haven’t noticed any…  But I really haven’t been looking too closely for them!  I do think I’m getting the “linea nigra” though!  That was a surprise when I looked in the mirror today (Friday).

Sleep: Junior started keeping me awake more this week because he’s gotten so active/strong…  

Exercise: I wasn’t able to get to the Y this week, just because of how my schedule went… I hopefully will be back there again on Monday!

Best moment last week: My shower was so much fun and such a blessing!! :)

Movement: He’s moving all the time…  Pete felt his hiccups this week!  We also were both able to see him rolling from one side of my stomach to the other – just by watching my stomach!  Amazing

Food cravings/aversions: It was nice having so many fruit/berry options at the shower… So delicious!

Other symptoms: Heartburn, headaches, backaches, swollen feet/ankles/legs… I sound so pregnant! Haha :) I actually am currently laying with my feet elevated (Pete’s instructions) because of my swelling.  I’ve made some “lifestyle” changes to try to combat the heartburn; those do seem to be helping!  And my back support belt really feels great!

Gender: All boy!  It was so fun opening boy things at the shower!!
Labor signs:  Nada

Belly button: It has definitely gotten shallower, still an innie though!

Weddings rings: On, without a problem!

What I miss: Laying on my stomach… STILL! :) I miss feeling “normal” haha :)

What I am looking forward to: Giving Junior a name! :) Continuing to make this house more “us”… And my second shower!  It’s on Saturday!  (Actually, by the time I post this, it will have happened already :) I’ll probably do a little bonus post about my showers when I get a chance.)

Weekly Wisdom:  Take time to rest… Don’t overdo it!  Maternity support belts can be super helpful! 

And one last picture... Not my favorite one to post, but I know Pete will be happy I put it up... This is what you get when you tell me to strike a pose :) (Squinty eye and all!)

28 Weeks!

 Excited for my baby shower!!

 Blue for Baby Junior! :)

I'm apparently feeling indecisive tonight... So, there are four pictures this week!

How far along:  28 weeks!  Third trimester, baby!

How big is the baby: Junior is the size of an eggplant!  I also read something that said he’s about the size of a Chihuahua!  I found that pretty funny… And it sounds kind of big!  He’s growing :)

Total weight gain/loss: I am about 9 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight (based on my scale and my parents’ scale).  I’m not sure if my guesstimate last week was wrong (which was partially based on weights I was seeing, I just didn’t know if they were right)… Or maybe I lost weight this week.  Either way, I’m pretty sure this weigh in is correct? Pretty sure…

Maternity clothes: I’m probably wearing maternity bottoms most of the time and then ½ and ½ for tops… I just went through a lot of my regular tops this week and found a bunch that still fit and look cute.  So, I’m going to wear them while I still can!

Stretch marks: I haven’t noticed any…  But I really haven’t been looking too closely for them!

Sleep: I feel like I’m waking up often to go to the bathroom or roll over or something… I’ve also started having some trouble sleeping this week due to heartburn issues :/

Exercise: I was finally back to the Y this week!!!  I went three times this week.  It wasn’t necessarily easy, but it felt good to do it!

Best moment last week: Lots of fun going yard sale shopping for Junior <3 I also distinctly noticed his hiccups (and realized I have actually felt them before haha)

Movement: He’s moving all the time… He often ends up sitting in a way that leaves me with sciatic pain :/ That’s no fun!  So I have to try to poke/prod him to get him to move :)

Food cravings/aversions: Pete made me a s’more over the weekend… YUM! 

I had a chicken sandwich with avocado on it… That was delicious! 

I also had a strawberry shortcake muffin from Tim Horton’s.  I just love berries these days! 

And I finally got my Cappuccino Crunch ice cream with hot fudge on it tonight (Friday)… I’ve been asking Pete to go to Yummies for a few weeks so I could get it :)

Other symptoms: Heartburn kicked in full blast this week – really unexpectedly!  I hadn’t been dealing with it and then one night heartburn/acid reflux basically kept me up all night :(  I’ve been trying to be careful about what I eat and when I eat, etc. in order to be able to sleep.

Still dealing with significant back pain; I ordered a maternity support belt that will come in this week.  Hopefully that helps!

Gender: All boy!  It was so fun going to yard sales and buying baby boy things!!
Labor signs:  Nada

Belly button: It has definitely gotten shallower, still an innie though!

Weddings rings: On, without a problem!

What I miss: Laying on my stomach… STILL! :) I also miss walking without waddling…

What I am looking forward to: Giving Junior a name! :) Continuing to make this house more “us”… And my shower!  It’s on Sunday!  (Actually, by the time I post this, it will have happened already :) I’ll probably do a little bonus post about my showers once they both happen.)

Weekly Wisdom:  Yard sales are fun!  Don’t eat tomato soup and then go to bed – woof!

27 Weeks!

 Still no poster... I actually haven't found the poster paper in our new house yet!

That's on my to do list for this week :)

How far along:  27 weeks! 

How big is the baby: Junior is the size of a head of cauliflower!

Total weight gain/loss: I am guessing I’m about 10 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight… Not working out for a few weeks has probably caught up with me :/ Plus I seem to have “popped” again!  However, my scale has not been working right since we moved.  So, I’m not too sure of what my actual weight is right now – I’m just guessing based on a variety of readings I’ve received, etc. :)

Maternity clothes: I’m probably wearing maternity bottoms most of the time and then ½ and ½ for tops

Stretch marks: I haven’t noticed any…  But I really haven’t been looking too closely for them!

Sleep: Sleeping well in our new place… Especially now that Pete bought room darkening curtains! :) I am often getting up twice a night for the bathroom now, though! haha

Exercise: I still haven’t been back to the Y :/ My walking partner (aka my mom) was on vacation this week… She’s back now so hopefully I’ll get myself moving again!

Best moment last week: Pete getting our living room painted <3 It’s SO FUN to have a place actually look like us!  Next up is the master bedroom (which needs some work, and then paint).  After that we’ll be focusing on the nursery!! Such a fun fun time :)

Movement: Junior moves so much!  I’m getting a better idea of his awake/asleep times… One funny thing that happened this week was that a loud clap of thunder seemed to startle him!  We had been trying to get him to move around but he wasn’t budging.  Then, there was loud thunder, he JUMPED, and then wouldn’t stop moving around!  I think the poor little guy got a little surprised by such a loud noise <3

Food cravings/aversions: I had some cravings satisfied this week… Like I said, we went to Denny’s on Thursday night (so technically last week), and I got my pancakes!! 
Then I was very suddenly craving fried dough and Pete went and waited in a ridiculously long line during the fireworks to get us some!
I’ve been craving orange juice for weeks.  I usually think of it when we’re going out to eat (like to Denny’s), but the cost is so outrageous compared to buying it at the store.  I finally remembered to get some when I stopped at Tops over the weekend… I’ve been having orange juice every morning!  (Added bonus, Junior gets really interactive!)

And I finally got a donut – Tim Horton’s, not Krispy Kreme, but it still hit the spot :)

I’ve been craving a burger with avocado on it for months… I saw one on the menu at Denny’s and immediately began planning our second trip there.  Haha! Then I came home and joined their perks club.  I got a coupon for a free breakfast meal.  So, maybe we’ll actually get back there sometime so Pete can get a free meal and I can get my burger with avocado!

Other symptoms: I’ve been dealing with headaches here and there again… Not horrendous, but they’re definitely happening :/

I’ve also had a lot of increased lower back pain.  I knew to expect this, but it’s getting to be quite a nuisance!

I’m definitely getting a bit slower and a bit more waddle-y these days… I didn’t expect it *quite* so soon!  A friend (who just had a baby) asked me how I was feeling… My answer: “Pregnant!”  I just feel a bit sore, a bit tired, a bit slow, a bit heavier, etc :) It’s all a good thing, obviously!!! I had figured I’d make it to like… 30 ish weeks before that feeling kicked in!

Gender: All boy!
Labor signs:  Nada

Belly button: It has definitely gotten shallower, still an innie though!

Weddings rings: On, without a problem!

What I miss: Laying on my stomach… Like usual :)  In fact I’ve been rolling onto my stomach in my sleep and then waking up in pain or having Pete wake me up because he’s concerned :)

What I am looking forward to: Giving Junior a name! :) Continuing to make this house more “us”… And my baby showers!  They’re so close!

Weekly Wisdom:  Drink more water, stay active, yada yada :)  Also… Allow yourself times to rest!  I’m learning that it’s okay to rest

26 Weeks!

Still no poster this week... 

Hopefully next week I'll have posters back in my posts! :)

This one gives a good preview of our living room wall color :) 

The above two look a little too aqua!

How far along: 26 weeks
How big is the baby: Junior is the size of a scallion!  I guess maybe it’s referring to length… :)

Total weight gain/loss: I am about 8 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight… I thought I would’ve gained more than a pound this week because I haven’t been walking in like 2 weeks!  However, I’m relieved :)

Maternity clothes: I’m probably wearing maternity bottoms most of the time and then ½ and ½ for tops

Stretch marks: I haven’t noticed any…  But I really haven’t been looking for them!

Sleep: Sleeping well in our new place… Especially now that Pete bought room darkening curtains! :) I sometimes need to get up twice a night for the bathroom now, though! haha

Exercise: I haven’t gone to the Y at all this week… Hopefully life will be a little more normal starting next week!

Best moment last week: MOVING INTO OUR HOUSE!!!!!!! And slowly making it ours… Seeing dear friends at camp! <3

Movement: Junior is still moving a lot… It’s fun to sit back and watch it :)

Food cravings/aversions: I’ve been loving fruit and I’ve been really wanting breakfast food, like pancakes… :)

I typed this up on Thursday.  Thursday night we went to Denny’s for dinner! Woohooooo :)

Other symptoms: I think my emotions/stress was heightened because of packing and moving… I seem to be doing a bit better emotionally these days :) I’ve been getting some serious charley horses, foot cramps, etc… Trying to increase water intake and bananas, but not noticing much of a difference yet…

Gender: All boy!
Labor signs:  Nada

Belly button: It has definitely gotten shallower, but it’s not even close to flat yet, so we’ll see what happens :)

Weddings rings: On, without a problem!

What I miss: Laying on my stomach… Like usual :)

What I am looking forward to: Giving Junior a name! :) Painting the house… Well, Pete will be the one painting, but I’m excited to see it look more “us” :)

Weekly Wisdom:  Drink more water! I’m struggling to drink enough still :/

25 Weeks!

Sorry for the late post! We moved when I was 25 weeks and 1 day.  Needless to say, we've been busy!

How far along:  25 weeks

How big is the baby: Junior is the size of a rutabaga!

Total weight gain/loss: I am about 7 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight.  So, I gained around 2 pounds this week… Not surprising!  We ate out and ate delicious (not healthy) food while traveling :) I also have not been going to the Y with my mom because I’m spending all of my free time packing… It will be nice to start walking again!

Maternity clothes: I’m still having trouble finding clothes that fit sometimes – I did go to a thrift store and find a great maternity skirt that is 1 size smaller than most of my bottoms… I think it’s going to be my “go to”!

Stretch marks: I haven’t noticed any…
Sleep: Ha… I have NOT been sleeping enough this week, as we prep for our move… I’m exhausted!!

Exercise: I haven’t gone to the Y at all this week…

Best moment last week: Seeing dear friends in Kansas! <3

Movement: Junior is moving around all the time… He has a lot of space in there right now and he seems to be taking full advantage of it!

Food cravings/aversions: I TOTALLY forgot about Krispy Kreme while in Kansas! BOOO… However, I did have a delicious s’mores blizzard from Dairy Queen… YUM!  I've been craving a burger with avocado on it for a while - I should get one sometime!

Other symptoms: Still super emotional… Maybe that’s normal now? Ha… I’ve had a lot more cramping this week and have awoken with charley horses countless times – I know that I am working more (on packing) and drinking less (because I’m just not thinking about it), so I suspect it’s dehydration combined with extra work

Gender: All boy!
Labor signs:  Nada

Belly button: I don’t think it’s changed

Weddings rings: On, without a problem!

What I miss: I miss sleeping, in general…

What I am looking forward to: Giving Junior a name! :) And moving into our house TOMORROW!!!!! (By the time you read this, we’ll be moved in!)

Weekly Wisdom:  Sleep, rest, etc…

24 Weeks!

Sorry for the late post! That's what happens when you're out of town and then come back needing to pack, clean, move, etc.!!

An iPhone picture is the best we can get this week - and it's hard to see belly, etc... Oh well! :)

These are actually the outfits from our rehearsal dinner - nearly 3 years ago! :)

And here's a side-by-side from then and now :)  
Not a great shot of us, just proof ;)

How far along:  24 weeks
How big is the baby: Junior is the size of an ear of corn!

Total weight gain/loss: I am about 4.5-5 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight.  So, I gained between .5 and 1 pound this week.  I was surprised by that low of a gain after last week’s no change.  We’re going on a “mini-vacation” this weekend.  (Actually when you’re reading this, we’re back already!)  We’re going to Kansas because our friends are getting married.  I bet I’ll put weight on then; I typically do when I travel! Haha :)

Maternity clothes: I’m having a bit of a hard time finding clothes these days… I have lots of cute things that fit and work; it’s just a matter of figuring out which things fit, etc.  I pretty much need maternity pants all the time now, but a lot of mine look so big in the legs.  I think my legs got smaller than normal in the first trimester when I lost weight; so, my pants are baggier than I expected.

Stretch marks: I’m not sure if I’m getting new stretch marks or if my old ones are more noticeable…
Sleep: I’ve been so tired this week!  Working hard towards our move has contributed to this, I’m sure.  Early mornings and late nights, with lots of work throughout the day!  I find myself accidentally taking naps now!

Exercise: I went to the track on Sunday and walked.  I went to the Y with my mom on Monday and Tuesday.  I worked a longer than normal day on Wednesday and then had some errands to run, so no Y.  (In fact, I came home to work on packing, etc.  Then, I woke up when Pete got home from work!  One of those accidental naps…)

Best moment last week: PURCHASING OUR FIRST HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Movement: Junior is moving around a lot.  I’ve begun noticing patterns in when he seems to be awake; I wonder if these patterns will be the same when he is born?!  I think he’s enjoying the space he has in there.  One time this week, it felt like he was kicking/pushing off the back of me and then hitting against the front, over and over and over again!  I wish I could just peek in there and see what he’s doing!  Sometimes it feels like he’s doing somersaults or something :)

Food cravings/aversions: As I posted last week, my cheesecake craving has now been satisfied! That’s been a long one :) I still want a garbage plate, although it’s guaranteed to cause heartburn haha!  I’ve been thinking about a Krispy Kreme donut because they’re not around here anymore, but they are in Kansas… Hopefully I’ll get one this weekend! :)

I’ve been loving berries through most of the pregnancy so far… I’m having a banana berry smoothie several times a week these days.  I got some low cal raspberry swirl ice cream this week that was delicious!!

Other symptoms: I’ve been SO emotional/hormonal this week.  I don’t know what happened; I decided I must have had a hormone surge haha… Things are making me cry that NEVER would have in the past!  Poor Pete :(  I’m trying so hard to keep myself pulled together! Haha… On the long days of work/housework, etc., I’m finding my feet and ankles are swelling some by the end of the day.  Nothing significant, but I notice it.

Gender: Still a boy… And a very active one at that :)
Labor signs:  Nada

Belly button: I don’t think it’s changed?  I can’t really see it now :) It does seem like it’s maybe more shallow than it was, but it’s not coming close to flat or sticking out.                                           

Weddings rings: On, without a problem!

What I miss: I still miss sleeping on my stomach… I also miss being able to put on a pair of pants and not think about whether or not they fit (sometimes too small and sometimes too big!)

What I am looking forward to: Giving Junior a name! :) And seeing friends in Kansas!  We’re staying with Laura & Zach – Laura and I have been friends basically since I was 2!  So, needless to say, I don’t like not seeing her very often… And then we’re seeing good friends of our get married and spending some time with them.  It’ll be a fun weekend!

Weekly Wisdom:  Try to be rational in the midst of hormonal craziness… And have grace for your poor family who has to put up with it!

And here are some goofy pictures ("outtakes," if you will) from the wedding weekend!

 Pete's 24 week belly :)