Week 32 and a whole lot of catching up!!

How big is baby?:

"Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.?

How far along?: 32 weeks already! Time is flying and have about a month and half to go. Ahh!

Maternity clothes?:  Are a girls best friend! I'm loving leggins and sweaters a lot now that the weather is colder.

Movement: Has gone from slight kicks and punches to rolls, shifting and stretching. He's running out of room to float around so I feel every little thing anymore.

Stretch marks?: Started to get a few on my sides and my I can see a faint linea nigra forming on my belly.

Sleep?: Is my friend. I've been so overwhelmed with everything going on the past three weeks that I feel like I can't catch up. And I've lost my ability to sleep in too. Even the days I can sleep in, I'm up at 930 weather I want to be or not.

Symptoms?: Heartburn is a bi*ch and even something as simple as a bowl of cereal has me nauseous.

Food cravings: Anything that won't give me terrible heartburn. Lol

What I miss: Good sleep and free reign to eat what I want.

What I'm looking forward to: Maternity pictures and meeting Eli!!

Milestone: Having my showers and seeing Eli healthy!

Bump collage:

In other news...

Well, where do I begin? We got the house, moved in and this past weekend I hosted my baby showers at my new home. Can you say chaos? I was so overwhelmed that everything got put on the back burner, but I'm FINALLY all caught up. Since my last post I've had another MFM appointment and Eli is looking good! His kidneys have improved since my last appointment and at 30w2d, we weighed in at 3lbs, 2oz. He mentioned that he was a little on the small side but I'm not too concerned since Geo and I aren't big people anyway. His kicking and moving has become so much more forceful and since he's running out of "floating" room I can feel him so much more. Our baby showers this past weekend were amazing and the support and love we got from everyone is amazing! I can't wait for Eli to meet all the amazing people George and I have in our lives.  His nursery is coming along great and I finally decided on his coming home outfit. Just a few essentials to get and we'll be as ready as we can be. Only about a month and a half to go!

27 weeks!

How big is baby?

How far along?: 27 weeks. Finally in the 3rd trimester! Yay!

Maternity clothes?:  Yup. I've even grown out some of the pants I bought early on - stupid widening hips! Lol.

Movement: I can actually tell body parts. I distinctly felt a foot tonight.

Stretch marks?: Belly is still stretch mark free.

Sleep?: Blah. I'm so tired all the time. It's like I'm back in the 1st trimester again.

Symptoms?: Same old, same old. Hip and back pain and heartburn at night.

Food cravings: Grilled cheese and tomato soup - yummmm

What I miss: Good sleep

What I'm looking forward to: Registering. Shall be doing that within a week or so.

Milestone: Hitting the 3rd trimester! Ahhhh!! It feels SO weird to be here!

Bump Pic:

View From the Top:

Other ramblings:  I had my Dr. appointment this past Friday and Eli is doing great. He's already a whole 2 lbs already! She said that's right on track for how far along I am. It just seems so substantial. I got the prescription to get my blood sugar test done and also get my rho-gam shot. Ugh. Two things I was NOT looking forward to. I'll be getting both of those done next week - which means that I shouldn't have to face anymore needles until delivery. And speaking of delivery Geo and I started our birth classes. We went over the 40 week cycle, watched the live birth video, practiced relaxing and breathing techniques and the pain scale. I love our teacher and when I go into labor, I want her to be there as my L&D nurse. Geo did amazing too and I'm so proud of him. I know how much he hates hospitals so I'm so glad he got through it. Just 2 more to get through!

26 weeks! Halloween Style!

How big is baby?

How far along?: 26 weeks! 1 more week til the 3rd trimester!

Maternity clothes?:  Are amazing - Got my outfit for my shower -- woo hoo!

Movement: He's so active in the evenings! I love the kicks and rolls

Stretch marks?: None still - but I can see where some *might* appear.

Sleep?: Crappy, crappy, crappy. Pregnancy insomnia + being in pain = grumpy momma

Symptoms?: Heartburn, aches and pains in my back and hips and new this week, sciatic pains!

Food cravings: No real cravings, just hungry a lot.

What I miss: Good sleep.

What I'm looking forward to: My Dr. appointment on Friday so I can see Eli again!

Milestone: Going to the Dr every 2 weeks instead of once a month; eek! We're getting so close to the end!

Bump Pic:

View from the Top:

Halloween Specials!

Daddy and I

 

Family Shot

25 weeks!

How big is baby?

"Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes."

How far along?: 25 weeks! Finally made it to an eggplant.

Maternity clothes?: Love - I got more jeans to get me through the winter. Still trying to find cheaper non-maternity tops that will last.

Movement: Love feeling him kick in there. My Dr. told me that as long as I feel him 10 tens times in a two hour period, it's considered "healthy" movement. For now at least since he's still tucked safely in there.

Stretch marks?: Still none on the belly - yay.

Sleep?: Restless with vivid dreams.

Symptoms?: Heartburn, aches and pains in my back and hips.

Food cravings: McDonald's has brought out their peppermint hot chocolate. I'm sssoooo in love!

What I miss: A decent night's sleep!

What I'm looking forward to: Registering next month for my shower and reaching 3rd trimester.

Milestone: Making it this far! Connecting with my Dr. at my appointment last Friday.

Belly Pic:

 

View From The Top:

24 weeks! (And 2 days..)

First off- Happy Birthday to me! I've made it to the big 2-5. And I got the best birthday gift ever today - I got to see Eli!

Second - I'm doing my 24 week update early because my due date has changed --
I had my follow up ultrasound to at the high risk Dr. Eli is looking good and has consistently measured ahead so they moved my due date up to the 5th instead of the 9th! Woo hoo! I know it's only four days but, I'll take what I can get. I had gotten to my HUGE milestone of viability week and hadn't even know it.  His kidneys are still slightly inflamed, but since they're growing on track with him, my Dr. told me to look at this as good news since it hasn't gotten worse. He even scheduled my follow up 6 weeks out instead of 4 so, I'm not worrying until he does. I also had my first NST. They hooked me all up to the monitor and within minutes of doing so, Eli kicked the sensors. He obviously doesn't like being monitored.. Lol. He continued to do it multiple times through the whole 20 minutes. I am so in love with him already.

Here is my 24 week update!

How big is baby?

How far along?: 24 weeks and 2 days. I made it to viability week! This is my last week as a papaya and 15 weeks, 5 days to go!

Maternity clothes?: Are amazing. I need to get more jeans!

Movement: Still not as consistent as I'd like (he has lazy days). But, when he is moving, I can see it from the outside.

Stretch marks?: My girls have gotten them =(  I'm guessing it's only a matter of time til my belly gets them.

Sleep?: Still very interrupted with pains and pee breaks.

Symptoms?: Heartburn, aches and pain in my back and hips and I've randomly broke out this week.. Yay =/

Food cravings: Orange juice still.

What I miss: Alright, I'm going to admit it. Alcohol! I so wanted a drink to celebrate my birthday. I settled on pop instead..

What I'm looking forward to: Reaching the 3rd trimester -woot!

Milestone: Making it to V-day and knowing that Eli is doing good!

Birthday edit Bump Pic:

23 Weeks!

How big is baby?

How far along?: 23 weeks! 2nd week as a papaya, 1 week til V-Day and 17 weeks to go!

Maternity clothes?:Yes please! Also some of my non maternity clothes that looked cute when I first started to show, don't fit anymore! Yikes..

Movement: Is awesome. I feel him so much more now, and it's not all lower anymore. I feel him around my belly button and higher.

Stretch marks?: Still looking good!

Sleep?: Would be wonderful if I didn't have to get up 3 times a night to pee.

Symptoms?: Indigestion and hip pain.. Woo.

Food cravings: Orange juice. I've been drinking a gallon a week.

What I miss: Not much this week.

What I'm looking forward to:My appointments on Tuesday (my birthday!) so I can see Eli again.

Milestone: Getting told I had the "pregnancy glow" today. I really just think I was hot and sweating!! Lol.

Bump pic:

View from the Top:

22 Weeks!

How big is baby?

"Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop."

How far along?: 22 weeks! 18 to go and 2 weeks until V-Day

Maternity clothes?: Are the best. I've also found that if I buy Teen Plus small sizes, they fit as well.. And are a lot cheaper!

Movement: Kicks are becoming kicks and and rolls are rolls. It's not all the same feeling anymore.

Stretch marks?: Still looking good!

Sleep?: Back to crap. Sometimes when I first lay down, I find it hard to breath too.

Symptoms?: Tiredness, but it's probably my schedule too.

Food cravings: Cereal - The healthy stuff too.

What I miss: Sleep and more sleep. I actually had the urge to go out the other night. ::sigh::

What I'm looking forward to: So much.. life is going right for once.

Milestone: "Getting this far. I can honestly admit that I never thought I'd get there." This was my milestone last week and I still need to keep it. My fruit has gone from changing weekly to changing monthly. I've been waiting for this day since I got my BFP!

Bump pic:

View From the Top:

21 weeks!

19 weeks to go! The countdown is on!

How big is baby?

"Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you want your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch."

How far along?: 21 weeks. Time is flying by!

Maternity clothes?:  Headed out to find some more jeans tomorrow. Winter is upon us and my 1 pair isn't going to cut it!

Movement: Bladder kicks.. enough said.

Stretch marks?: Still none.

Sleep?: The past few nights I've actual slept through the night. It is amazing.

Symptoms?: None really. Feeling amazing actually.

Food cravings: Not much. I'm just always hungry.

What I miss: Not a thing

What I'm looking forward to meeting Eli! I can't wait (well, I CAN but, you know what I mean) to meet him.

Milestone: Getting this far. I can honestly admit that I never thought I'd get there.

Bump Pic:

View From the Top:

20 weeks!

I'm so incredibly excited to be half way done! Time is FLYING by!!

How big is baby?

Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!

How far along?: 20 weeks! I made it half way through!

Maternity clothes?:  Awesome. I wore my first full maternity outfit the other day. Sooo comfy!

Movement: He's so much more pronounced! And Geo got to feel him last night for the first time! He was kinda excited!

Stretch marks?: Still none.

Sleep?: Between this stupid head cold and restlessness, I still can't sleep through the night.

Symptoms?: Still got the hip pain.

Food cravings: Since I've gotten sick, I want chicken soup, all.the.time.

What I miss: Sleep and not having to blow my stupid nose..

What I'm looking forward to: Getting to register and planning the shower.

Milestone: Seeing "Spock" this past Tuesday! Read below for more info.


Belly Pic:

View From The Top:

In other news: We had our A/S ultrasound this past Tuesday. It was a super fancy hi-tech place. The room we were in had a TV on the wall in front of the chairs so we could watch the whole ultrasound. The Dr. came in and all in all, it was a pretty quick ultrasound considering everything he checked. We got to do the 4D pics first and it was so fun to see him that way. Sadly, it looks like the poor kid got my nose. =(  He then re-confirmed that my Dr. was correct in telling us Spock was a boy. Thank God.. I would have had a ton of clothes to return! His wardrobe is rivaling mine. He then did the ultrasound and everything looked good! The only concern he has was that his kidneys are inflamed. It's a minor inflammation and something he just wants to monitor monthly. It's common in boys with the development of their urinary tract and can cause urine to back up, which causes the swelling. He said a couple things..

1) It will more than likely correct itself before he's born. But he's monitoring just in case it does get worse.

2) If it does get worse, they won't treat in the womb. Once he's born, it's not even an issue that would require any surgeries or anything. In fact, surgery would do more damage than the actual problem.

3) It CAN be a soft marker for Down's, but since everything else on the ultrasound was good, and all my blood work came back good, he's putting our chances for Down's at less than 1%.

So all in all, it's something that is livable and no cause for any major concern. Of course, it's MY child so I'm worried but I thank God daily that if this is the only health issue we'll have, I'm ready for the challenge. He also has a name! We've decided on Eli Harrison. Harrison is Geo's middle name, so we kept it and Eli just "fit" for him. I'm so over the moon happy that everything is good and I finally feel like I can relax and ENJOY this pregnancy! And without any more rambling, here's Eli!

19 weeks!

1 week until half baked!!

How big is baby?:

 "Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might actually get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature."


How far along?: 19 weeks

Maternity clothes?:  Still rockin 'em. I'll be needing to stock up on my jeans though, it's gotten cold outside, quick!

Movement: Still a little wiggle worm. They're getting more definate by the day. Still waiting for my first official "kick" though.

Stretch marks?: None

Sleep?: It's been rough recently. I'm super restless and I'm finding it hard to fall asleep.

Symptoms?: Hips are still hurting. And heartburn is back.. yay :sarcasm:

Food cravings: Nothing really. I just like eating.

What I miss: Sleep!

What I'm looking forward to: My A/S ultrasound on Tuesday! It's getting so close!

Milestone: Being pregnant!

Belly Pic:

View from the top:

18 Weeks!

2 more weeks until half baked! Woo hoo!

How big is baby?

"What the heck is baby doing in there at 18 weeks? A lot! He’s working his muscles and practicing all kinds of moves. (Can you feel them yet?) Over the next few weeks, you should make sure to start sleeping on your side. That’s because baby (and your uterus) are getting big enough to press against large veins in the back of your abdomen, which can reduce the amount of blood going to your heart, making you feel lightheaded, or worse, lowering your blood pressure. Of course, your veins aren’t the only things that are prone to pressure -- you might be too! Not only are you super busy, but you might be having some not-so-fun symptoms, like swollen feet or hands, backaches, leg cramps and nosebleeds. And the stress and discomfort might be keeping you up at night around week 18. Be sure, in your hectic schedule, that you plan some time to unwind. (Great excuse for some pregnancy pampering! Can you say prenatal massage?!) It’s important to give your body and your mind a break for a little while. 

That just might help you get the sleep you need, too."

How far along?: 18 weeks!

Maternity clothes?:  Love them! I was also introduced to the bellaband (Thanks Bobbie!) and it works amazing with my non-maternity pants. I also scored some cute tops over the Labor Day weekend sales!

Movement: Holy cow! He flipped tonight and the movement was so hard that it startled me! I'm loving the movement.

Stretch marks?: I thought I spotted one, but it just turns out it was an indent from my shirt I was wearing.. Lol.

Sleep?: Getting better since I bought a body pillow. I'm still getting used to it, but my hips are thankful.

Symptoms?: Pain. Nothing serious but my hips and back hurt after a long day. Headaches are more frequent.

Food cravings: Water. I love water. I prefer resteraunt water over water from home. But, when I drink water from home, it tastes better through a straw. Yeah - I don't get it either..

What I miss: Wine. We were at a wine store on Labor Day and they were giving samples.. I couldn't have any.. =(

What I'm looking forward to: My A/S ultrasound on the 20th.

Milestone: Everyday he kicks me is a milestone!

Belly Pic:

View From the Top:

In other news: Well, I went a little crazy on Labor Day with the sales. I got SO much clothes, it's ridiculous. But the sales we're amazing as well! I couldn't help myself. When you get clearance items for an additional 80% off, you don't pass that up! My appointment on the 7th went well, but I was bummed because I didn't get an ultrasound. But - she let me hear the heartbeat! It was amazing. I love hearing his little heart pump away in there. I got info on child birth classes and breast feeding classes. Eeek! You know this pregnancy is "real" when you get info on how to bring a child into this world. I got a lot of things to learn in 22 weeks. Lol. The house hunt is still on and we're looking at 3 more houses tomorrow. We've found 1 or 2 we like, but I'm still waiting to be blown away. I have a feeling I'll "know" it's the right house when I walk in. 9 days til my A/S ultrasound!

17 Weeks!

The countdown is on to Half Baked - 3 weeks to go!!

How big is baby?:

"Try not to get freaked out by the numbers on your scale. At 17 weeks, baby’s working on getting stronger, and your body’s working on getting bigger. That means putting on some pounds and -- we hate to break it to you -- getting some stretch marks. Make sure you document your growing bump by taking lots of photos. Sure, you might not always feel so pretty, but one day you’re going to look back at pregnancy and reminisce (really -- we promise). You’ll also want to start figuring out some plans, like whether or not you’re going to find out baby’s gender (you should be able to soon!), and what kind of childbirth class you’d like to take. As you start making these decisions, the pregnancy will feel even more real, which is probably super exciting, but part of you is probably feeling a little nervous. After all, you’re at week 17; that’s almost halfway there and there’s still a lot left to do. Chill! You’ll get it done. Just remember not to try to do it all yourself -- ask for help!"

How far along?: 17 weeks

Maternity clothes?:  Are good! They're having a great sale this weekend at Motherhood Maternity so, I shall check out some deals!

Movement: He's a swimmy little fish in there. Still lower abdomen and it's never consistent, but I feel it more!

Stretch marks?: None and let's hope it stays that way!

Sleep?: Still rough. I really need to go get that body pillow, hopefully that'll help.

Symptoms?:  Nothing new. Well, I lied. Milk has been making my stomach upset so, I don't know what's going on there.

Food cravings: If it's salty, carb-y and meat-y, I want it.

What I miss: Nothing really.

What I'm looking forward to: My appointment on Wednesday to see Spock again! And re-confirm he's still a boy!

Milestone: More consistent movement and actually looking pregnant!

Belly Pic:

View from the top:

16 weeks!

 Yay for 16 weeks! Each week just seems to be more substaintial than the last. 4 more weeks until half baked!


How big is baby?:

"Stay on the lookout for some fluttering sensations in your abdomen. It might not be right at 16 weeks, but pretty soon you’ll start feeling baby moving around in there. At first those moves might feel like gas or a muscle twitch, but over time, as baby gets bigger and stronger, they’ll be unmistakable. Of course, feeling those movements comes with other issues, like having your lungs crowded by your growing babe. That could make it seem tough to catch your breath from time to time. Don’t worry: There are some positive symptoms you might be having at week 16. For example, some moms-to-be find their hair and nails grow faster. (Your hair might actually look thicker and more lustrous and your skin might look radiant, too. Woo hoo!) Another cool fact? Baby’s starting to be able to hear your voice -- and he’ll recognize it at birth -- so feel free to chat him up."

How far along?: 16 weeks

Maternity clothes?: Love 'em! I need to go get some more pants since the weather is cooling down.

Movement: I think I've been feeling flutters every one in awhile, but they're never consistent.

Stretch marks?: None

Sleep?: Is rough this week. I wake up a lot, move around and my hips hurt. I think I need to go pick up a body pillow.

Symptoms?:  I find it hard to catch my breath sometimes. I think it's due to my organs shifting around in there. I really think I popped this past week too!

Food cravings: Not much. I'm actually not as hungry as I used to be either.

What I miss: A good night's sleep

What I'm looking forward to: The baby consistently moving. My next couple Dr.'s appointments where I'll be seeing Spock a lot.

Milestone: Feeling him move around more!

Belly Pic:

View from the Top:

15 weeks!

Wow, for some reason 15 weeks seems much more substantial than any of the others so far.. Maybe it's just my realization that this is actually real and going to happen!

How big is baby?

 "Continuing the march toward normal proportions, baby's legs now out-measure his arms. And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Your fetus is squirming and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though you probably can't feel the movements just yet."

 How far along?: 15 weeks! Holy cow! 175 days to go!

Maternity clothes?: Pants only still. My work pants fit but, other than that I'm stretchy yoga pants or maternity pants.

Movement: Still waiting to feel those flutters again!

Stretch marks?: Nope

Sleep?: Is good. I'm not waking up as much to pee at night.

Symptoms?: Still tired all the time it seems like, and my acne is kicking in again.. Ugh.

Food cravings: I'm back to hotdogs, but I'm not giving in like last time! Lol..

What I miss: My nice skin.

What I'm looking forward to: Feeling the baby, and getting the sex confirmed (which I don't think the tech was wrong yesterday..) at our A/S ultrasound.

Milestone: Finding out the sex! Totally not expecting it so early!

Bump Pic!:

 View from the Top:

Yesterday I got to see Spock again! Geo couldn't make it to the ultrasound, so my mom went. She really enjoyed it and I recommend that to ANY pregnant woman, especially if their mom never had ultrasounds. She was fascinated seeing the baby move and seeing the heartbeat flicker. The tech started by checking to see the sex of the baby. Spock, being Spock, was uncooperative and wouldn't uncross his/her legs. She tried for a good 10 minutes to see if the baby would move, but nope, no luck. So she moved on and took her other measurements she needed. We saw the stomach, the brain and all 4 little chambers of the heart beating. It was AMAZING! I was so pumped to see that little heart beating away and ALL FOUR chambers in place and working. Spock was being the little wiggle worm I know and love and was giving the tech a run for her money. After she got all her measurements done, she tried again to catch the sex of the baby and BAM!

We have a little BOY on our hands!! I was blown away. She wasn't just 80% sure, she was definitely 100% sure that it's a boy. From that picture (I'm not expert), I'd say it's hard to be unsure. I got my picture, cleaned up and went in to see the Dr. My weight gain is good and blood pressure is solid. As soon as my Dr. walked in, the first words out of her mouth were "Well, looks like you can go shopping!". I even questioned if it was that accurate this soon and she explained that she herself (My Dr.) had not second guessed the picture and told me that my tech has 15-20 years under her belt and wouldn't have said anything if she wasn't that confident. So, I got my prescription for my quad screening blood work, my next Dr appt is set and my A/S ultrasound with the high risk Dr. is set also! September is going to be a month filled with Spock! After my appointment, I went to Geo's work and showed him the ultrasound. Once he knew what he was looking at, he walked about showing everyone his son's "pee pee". He started with a more inappropriate word but, I made him tone it down. I can't believe I'm officially Team Blue!

Weeks 13 and 14

Wow, I suck at keeping this blog updated. I promise to do better, and I'm proving this by doing week 14, the day I actually turn 14 weeks! Here it does...

How big is baby?

Your adorable little fetus is busy with thumb sucking, toe wiggling, (not so cute but equally amazing) making urine, and breathing amniotic fluid as the liver, kidneys, and spleen continue to develop. Lanugo (thin, downy hair) is growing all over her body for warmth.

 How far along?:  14 weeks!! 2nd tri baby!!!

Maternity clothes?:  Love them! Shirts are still unnecessary but my pants are glorious.

Movement: Still nothing.. I still check all the time though!

Stretch marks?: None. But I'm getting itchy!

Sleep?:  Would be wonderful if I didn't have to share a bed with a bed hog (Love you hunny!) and two dogs... We need a bigger bed..

Symptoms?: Indegestion.. Woo. I also had my first migraine this past Monday. So not fun.

Food cravings:  Nothing really, still hungry all the time though.

Belly button in or out?: Innie

What I miss:  Wine, and I'm sure beer once football season gets into full swing.

What I'm looking forward to: My appointment next week! She'll be checking to see if we can determine the sex yet!

Milestone: Everyday is a milestone it seems like.

Belly pics! Comparison of week 13 to week 14

Views from the top - 13 to 14 weeks!