Thirty-nine Weeks.

We're down to the wire now! We are just one week away from your due date... which means we are in the single-digit days left until we meet you (hopefully)! As we get closer to the forty week mark, you are packing on more baby fat than ever which is making your skin look less pinkish-red and more white. That also means you now weigh about seven pounds and you are probably somewhere around 20 inches long. You're about the size of a watermelon now, which means you are running out of room in my belly - you are still moving a lot, but they are definitely smaller movements. You don't 'kick' as much anymore - it's more like stretches and flexes, and of course, the hiccups!


Last week was my last one at work so I'm now officially on maternity leave!! I'm glad to be done working and choosing an end date made it a lot easier to transfer my job duties - no leaving work in limbo every afternoon! So now that I've been home for a few days, I'm just trying to keep myself busy and not get too impatient. I've done quite a bit of cleaning and walking with Leo and  spending time with some of my girlfriends. It has still been very hot for the last few days, so I haven't been able to get outside much - but hopefully it cools off soon!


In the meantime, we are all ready for you to arrive - everyone is anxious to meet you! It has been funny - whenever I call someone (namely, my parents) the first question is "Is the baby coming!?!". And so far the answer has been "Nope, not today!", but I'm looking forward to the time when I can say "Yep - it's time!!!". Hopefully it won't be too much longer until I get to make that phone call :)

How far along? 39 weeks
Maternity clothes? I'm loving skirts, dresses and nightgowns at the moment - no belly band and they are just a lot cooler!
Stretch marks? Ugh... I finally got a few. I just noticed them in the mirror, right underneath my belly button :(
Sleep: It's not the best, I wake up a lot and have trouble falling back asleep. Luckily I can sleep in a little more now since I don't have to get up for work.
Best moment this week? Finishing up work!
Miss anything? Wearing my wedding rings.
Movement? You're less active these days - I think you are just completely out of space!
Food cravings? Watermelon, blueberries and orange sherbet ice cream!
Anything making you queasy or sick? The heat really gets to me...
Mood? I'm feeling really impatient lately... but I know the end is near!
Labor Signs? I'm having more frequent contractions lately, but I have no idea if they are the real deal or not...
What are you looking forward to this week? Seeing the doctor tomorrow and hopefully meeting you within the next week!!!


I also have to add these few pictures of your silly big brother Leo. He got up on the couch to cuddle with your dad the other day and he made himself  right at home :) What a cutie!

I hope you don't keep us waiting for too much longer - we are SO ready to meet you baby!!


All my love, Mom

Thirty-eight Weeks.

We're inching closer and closer to meeting you - hopefully only about two more weeks :) But you are ready to join us any time now, your lungs are fully mature and your immune system is good to go! This week you are about the size of a pumpkin - you weigh about 6.5 pounds and you're about 19-20 inches long. We are certainly ready to meet you and it's nice to know that you are ready to meet us too!


Last week was really nice - I had lots of time off work and your Grandma E. came and stayed with us for a few days. We did have a major heat wave last week though, so that made getting out of the house pretty tough but it has cooled off a little bit now - only in the high 80's instead of the low 100's!! I've been still trying to stay active, lots of walks (albeit, slow walks) and I'm still going to yoga once a week. Last week your Grandma even went with me to yoga, which was really fun :) The walking is definitely getting tougher, but I feel good when I finish and I know that walking could help get you out sooner - so I just keep going!


In other exciting news - this will be my last week at work before I start my maternity leave next week!! I had originally planned to work up to the bitter end, but I'm getting more uncomfortable by the day and I had already planned to take some additional time off after you get here, so I decided to start my leave a little early. I know that it won't be too long until you're here, so I hope the next few weeks go by quickly and I don't get too bored at home :) I guess I'll have Leo to keep me company!!

How far along? 38 weeks
Maternity clothes? I'm glad I won't be working for much longer, because I am very quickly running out of work-appropriate clothes that still fit.
Stretch marks? Knocking on wood, still none
Sleep: Getting difficult - it's hard to get comfortable and I'm also going to the bathroom a lot more often. And you move a LOT at night now, which keeps me up sometimes!
Best moment this week? Hanging out with my mom last week :)
Miss anything? Wearing normal clothes - maternity shorts are terrible!
Movement? Lots of rolling movement and hiccups - I can tell you are out of room in there! You also like to stick your back and butt out at the front of my belly which makes everything look all lopsided and weird :)
Food cravings? Nothing specific this week.
Anything making you queasy or sick? I have been feeling generally queasy for the last couple of days, but I'm not sure why.
Mood? Happy to be done working soon and super excited to meet you!
Labor Signs? Some Braxton-Hicks contractions, achy back and legs
What are you looking forward to this week? Finishing up with work and my doctor's appointment tonight.


All my love, Mom

Thirty-seven Weeks.

It's official! You are full term this week :) That means that your lungs are developed enough that if you were born today you probably wouldn't need any help breathing and we would be able to take you home with us! This is great news - it means you can safely make your appearance at any time now! You are still just growing bigger and bigger - this week you are about the size of a watermelon, you weigh a little over 6 pounds and you are probably about 19 inches long.

I'm now going to see the doctor once a week - yesterday was my 37 week appointment and everything looks good! My blood pressure, weight, urine, iron, and platelets all look good and you are measuring right on track. Your heart rate was a healthy 153 bpm yesterday and you were moving around like crazy when the doctor was trying to determine your position. Your head is still down, but you are kind of laying horizontally now - which is ok, you definitely aren't breech or transverse, but it just means your head isn't engaged in my pelvis yet to get ready for birth. Hopefully you'll make that move soon - because I'm getting anxious to meet you!!

Today is my 'Friday' at work - tomorrow is a Holiday for the 4th of July and I'm taking vacation days on Thursday & Friday - yay!! I'm looking forward to a few relaxing days at home! Hopefully your Grandma & Grandpa E. are going to come visit us for a few days this week, and your dad and I have some other things getting done around the house. A plumber is coming to install a garbage disposal and fix our outside faucet today and then on Saturday we have someone coming to clean out the air ducts in the house. I know you aren't going to care if we have a working garbage disposal when you come home with us - but I'm still so glad to be getting it done before you arrive!

How far along? 37 weeks
Maternity clothes? I'm really loving dresses these days - I stay so much cooler in them than in pants or shorts with the full belly panel to hold them up.
Stretch marks? Nope!
Sleep: I've been getting up to go to the bathroom more than ever lately and my back and shoulders are starting to get really sore... so sleep has not been so wonderful.
Best moment this week? Reaching full-term with you and knowing that you can now come out at anytime!
Miss anything? I miss lots of things - running, a cold beer, normal sized feet, and generally just feeling healthy and mobile!
Movement? You are still definitely my little squirms :)
Food cravings? Fruit! Pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries!
Anything making you queasy or sick? Just the excessive heat!
Mood? Trying to stay patient, but I'm getting really ready to meet you!
Labor Signs? Some Braxton-Hicks contractions, not much else
What are you looking forward to this week? My long weekend and seeing my parents!


All my love, Mom

Thirty-six Weeks.

We are in the home stretch now baby - month nine, only about four more weeks to go! And, man, I am ready to get this show on the road! You should weigh about 6 pounds this week and you are still coming in at about 18 inches long - which is about the size of a honeydew melon. Most of your important development is complete at this point - you are just gaining weight and your lungs are still working on getting ready for your first breath. Your liver and kidneys are fully functional and your circulatory and immune systems are good to go at this point too.


It has been a long week for me - staying focused at work is becoming very difficult and the days are feeling longer & longer. It has also been really, really hot recently which has made me pretty uncomfortable and my feet and ankles are SO swollen - not a pretty sight! But I know the end is near, so I'm trying to make the best of it and enjoy being pregnant while I can. So that means (semi-) guilt-free cravings like ice cream and cream soda and soaking up every time you start squirming around - I love that!


We don't have a lot going on this weekend, which will be nice - hopefully your dad and I can just relax and spend some quality time together :) Next week, I'm taking Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday off from work - and I am SO pumped for that! Yay for a two day work week! Hopefully your Grandma & Grandpa E. will be able to come and visit us then too, probably for the last time until they come to meet you! 

How far along? 36 weeks
Maternity clothes? I had to try on three shirts on Monday morning - they were all too small! I never thought I would see that day :)
Stretch marks? Still none
Sleep: I've slept like a rock this week!
Best moment this week? Finishing your room and getting everything ready for you - so exciting!
Miss anything? I miss running - and even a nice long walk! It has been so hot that even walking is pretty uncomfortable.
Movement? Lots of little squirms and thumps now - nothing big anymore, no more room!
Food cravings? Nothing specific lately
Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope 
Mood? Happy to be in the final weeks!
Labor Signs? Lots of Braxton-Hicks contractions, especially when I'm really active
What are you looking forward to this week? A nice, quiet weekend at home, hopefully staying out of the heat and my short week next week!


All my love, Mom

Thirty-five Weeks.

This week marks 35 weeks down and 35 days to go until you are due to arrive! It's hard to believe that we're getting so close, but sometimes it feels like that day will never come. You now weigh over five pounds and you are probably about 18 inches long - which the baby books say is the the size of a honeydew melon or a coconut. You're doing more of the same this week, packing on your baby fat, making millions of brain connections, and developing your lungs.

We had a really nice (and busy!) week and weekend - but I'm glad to stay busy at this point, it keeps me from getting too impatient while waiting for you! On Friday morning you and I drove to  Port Austin and spent some time hanging out, then Grandma E. and I met up with Aunt Linda and Uncle Ozzie, Mr. Glenn and Mrs. Joni, Grandma Benita, and Aunt Amanda for dinner at China King - delish!! We spent Saturday hanging out and catching up with your dear Aunt Amanda who came to visit from Georgia and later on your Aunt Kim joined us. It was so nice to just hang out with the girls and chit-chat. 

On Sunday morning we drove down to Imlay City where your Grandma E. threw us a fantastic shower with all of my aunts and cousins. It was above and beyond - great food, great company, and I felt so much love expressed for you and I - it just reminded me how truly blessed I am to be bringing you into this family. We were (once again!) totally spoiled - tons of wonderful handmade blankets and burp clothes and great, thoughtful gifts that I can wait to use!! 

This week it has been SO hot here - in the high 90's - so that has been a little tough on me. We were able to get into the pool at dad's Aunt Kathy's on Monday night, and that was like a little slice of heaven! Other than that, I've been thoroughly thankful for air-conditioning! Here is our picture from this week, it's funny because you were sticking your butt out at the top of my belly which makes my belly look all flat in the front instead of a nice, round ball. You like to do that a lot, and it always makes me smile :)

How far along? 35 weeks
Maternity clothes? I don't have a lot of hot weather clothes that fit anymore, so I'm just trying to make what I have work for the next few weeks.
Stretch marks? Nope!
Sleep: Very tired lately, and I've not been sleeping as well in this heat - even with the A/C on high...
Best moment this week? My shower on Sunday and spending time with my mom and Amanda - I'm a lucky girl!
Miss anything? Normal size feet - the swelling is a little out of control - and painful!
Movement? You are still moving a lot, just not quite the big, hard kicks anymore - I think you're running out of room
Food cravings? Fresh fruit - especially watermelon & strawberries
Anything making you queasy or sick? Just the excessive heat - makes me feel pretty yucky 
Mood? Feeling optimistic that we are getting close to the end now 
Labor Signs? Not much this week
What are you looking forward to this week? Your dad and I have our June date on Saturday and we also are finishing up shopping for you, which I've been looking forward to.


Keep on cooking baby, only a few more weeks until you join us :)


All my love, Mom

Thirty-four Weeks.

You're growing by leaps and bounds now baby! This week you weigh close to 5 pounds and you're somewhere between 17 and 18 inches long. That means you are about the size of a bag of sugar - adorable!! You are moving around like crazy and this week you can now recognize and react to simple songs :) Your skin is smoothing out as you pack on the baby fat, your brain is still making thousands of neural connections a day, and your lungs are becoming more and more mature.


We had a busy weekend, but it was a great one! I had two baby showers, and we were spoiled rotten at both of them. It is so great to have such amazing family, friends, and coworkers :) I also went to a baby shower for my friend Jessica and met her friend Lisa (who is wonderful!). Lisa just had her son Gabriel last month at the hospital where you will be born, and she told me how great the hospital and nurses were, so that was very encouraging! We did spend a lot of time inside this weekend though - because it was HOT! Having you hanging out with me makes me overheat a lot faster than usual, so thank goodness for air conditioning!


This weekend is shaping up to be another busy one - and I'm so excited about it! Your Aunt Amanda is coming to visit!!! She is flying in on Thursday and I'll drive up to Port Austin on Friday morning so that we can spend the day together ... and I'm pretty sure a trip to China King will be in order!! On Sunday, we'll drive to Imlay City for my final baby shower with my family, which I am really looking forward to. Your dad is hanging out at home for most of the weekend with Leo, but on Sunday he gets to go with his dad and your Uncle Nick down to Detroit to catch a Tigers game together. Should be fun!


Here we are at 34 weeks, before my shower with my girlfriends on Sunday morning:

How far along? 34 weeks
Maternity clothes? I've started to grow out of some things now, but I am trying to resist buying any new maternity clothes when I only have a few weeks left.
Stretch marks? Still none - holding out hope that they stay away
Sleep: It's been a little tough this week, my shoulders and neck have been getting really sore, so I have to keep changing sides.
Best moment this week? Hanging out with the girls at my shower - so nice and relaxing! And I got lots of new mom tips :)
Miss anything? Not bumping into things with my belly - I feel so silly sometimes, but I just forget how big it is!
Movement? You're still moving around a lot and sometimes it seems like you're trying to make your escape through the side of my belly
Food cravings? Powerade, root beer
Anything making you queasy or sick? I've been getting little bouts of nausea here and there, no fun
Mood? Really ready to meet you!
Labor Signs? Crampy, achy back and legs and still having braxton-hicks contractions
What are you looking forward to this week? Definitely seeing my friend Amanda this weekend and my family at the shower on Sunday!!!


Only about six more weeks until we get to meet you!! So excited!


All my love, Mom

Thirty-three Weeks and Happy Birthday Mom!

We're inching closer and closer to meeting you and in the mean time, you are growing by leaps and bounds! This week you weigh about 4.5 pounds and you are about 17 inches long - which my baby book says is about the size of a durian fruit... whatever the heck that is!! Your bones are now hardening - except for your skull bones which will stay soft to make it easier for you to be born :) You are also now sensitive to light... I can see us having some fun with a flashlight in the near future!


You have been SO active lately and I really love it :) It's kind of like our little secret when I'm sitting in a meeting at work and you start rolling around like crazy - it puts a smile on my face! It's also fun to try to guess what position you are in and what part of you is jutting out of my belly. Last night I was sitting back on the couch and I looked down and you must have really felt like hanging out on the right side of me because my belly was so lopsided and we could clearly see and feel your bottom and back sticking out. It was so cute and funny! What is not so cute and funny is when you kick me SO hard in the ribs - I know you are going to be one strong, rambunctious baby!


Here we are at 33 weeks - on my birthday :) :)

How far along? 33 weeks
Maternity clothes? I feel like I may never be able to wear normal clothes again... even my once-baggy t-shirts are stretched waaaayyyyy out now! 
Stretch marks? Nope, but I have noticed the linea nigra (line of pregnancy) getting darker ever since my mom pointed it out a couple of weeks ago... that goes away though!
Sleep: Sleeping well in between my four bathroom breaks... and I'm definitely more tired lately!
Best moment this week? My gloriously lazy, relaxing birthday!
Miss anything? Wearing my wedding ring - I feel naked without it
Movement? You are definitely living up to your nickname Squirms!
Food cravings? Root beer, lucky charms, chocolate!
Anything making you queasy or sick? Sometimes the heat really gets to me and I start to feel light-headed and nauseous
Mood? Excited that we are getting close to the end and to meeting you!
Labor Signs? Lots of Braxton-Hicks contractions, especially when we go for our walks
What are you looking forward to this week? Lots of exciting stuff this week - I have a shower with the ladies at work on Thursday, the we have the Diemer Run 5K on Saturday morning followed by a wedding shower for Jessica that afternoon. Finally on Sunday morning I have another shower with my girlfriends and then your dad's cousin Christopher's graduation party later that day. Whew! We are in for a busy weekend!


Like I said above, I had a wonderful day on Sunday - it was very laid back and low key and I loved every minute :) We went shopping in the morning for some groceries and also bought some curtains and a lamp for your nursery. We got home and had some of the delicious red velvet cake that your dad made for me while we watched the Tigers game. Your dad even wrote out my age on my cake in candles - he's so creative!

I didn't even know I liked red velvet cake - but it is SO yummy! Definitely one of my new favorite desserts :) In the afternoon, we sat outside on the patio and read our books and then ordered some Chinese food for dinner. It was a beautiful day and I'm so glad to have spent it with you and your dad and your brother Leo! One more picture of the birthday girl with the tasty cake:

Here's to hoping my 26th year is the best ever!!
All my love, Mom

Thirty-two Weeks.

Welcome to Month Eight, baby! We've got about two more months before we get to meet you and you are busy getting ready to come meet us! You weigh close to four pounds this week (!!) and you are probably about 17 inches long - about the size of a squash. You are spending your time blinking, looking around, grabbing things, making faces, and kicking me like crazy! You and I are both now getting bigger by the day - you will about double your weight in the next 8 weeks, hopefully I don't do the same!

We had a great trip up to Grandma & Grandpa E.'s last weekend along with a nice relaxing day at home on Monday! This week should be pretty fun too - we have our 32 week check-up at the doctor's today, then your dad and I are taking our childbirth class at the hospital on Friday night and Saturday. Hopefully we will find the classes useful and they will help us out when you decide to come out and meet us! Then Sunday is your dear old mom's birthday - looking like it will be a fun week & weekend :) Here we are yesterday, on our way out for a walk:

How far along? 32 weeks
Maternity clothes? Starting to actually grow out of some of my maternity clothes - aahhh! My wedding ring also no longer fits :( 
Stretch marks? Just the ones I already had!
Sleep: I'm glad the weather is cooling off this week - it's hard for me to get to sleep when it is so hot!
Best moment this week? Spending time with our wonderful families!
Miss anything? Being able to get off the couch without grunting, rolling over onto my side, and a push from your dad!
Movement? Lots and lots of movement in the last few weeks! It's so cool to see and feel!
Food cravings? Popsicles and fruit
Anything making you queasy or sick? Greasy, fried food just doesn't sound super appealing anymore
Mood? Happy, but feeling nervous that we don't have everything we need for you yet
Labor Signs? Still having some B-H contractions and an achy back
What are you looking forward to this week? Our appointment today and our childbirth class this weekend!


All my love, Mom

Thirty-one Weeks.

We're down to the single digits now for the number of weeks left before you are due to arrive! That is, if you do come on or before your due date of July 25 but I know there is no guarantee of that happening, so I'm trying to keep my patience! I'm becoming more and more anxious to meet you as the days go by, but I also feel like the last seven months have gone by very quickly too. This week you are probably about 16 inches long and you weigh about 3.5 pounds - which the internet tells me is about the size of a pineapple, but I'm sure you're a lot cuter! You are spending your time putting on weight and building more and more brain connections. At this point all five of your senses are working and you are just moving like crazy!


We have had a pretty busy and fun week - your dad's uncles gave us tickets to see The Addams Family musical at the theater on Tuesday night, so we went downtown and had dinner and then saw the show which was really funny. And last night we met up with Grandma and Grandpa P. and  your Aunt Jenni for dinner! Aunt Jenni is here for the weekend from Spain so we get to spend lots of time with her - and she was so excited to see you growing in my belly. I was hoping she would get to feel you squirming around, but you were pretty quiet last night - so feel free to go crazy tonight! And tomorrow afternoon, your dad and I are heading to Grandma and Grandpa E.'s house for the long holiday weekend which I am definitely looking forward to! Anyway, here we are at 31 weeks:

How far along? 31 weeks
Maternity clothes? I hit a milestone this week - my lab coat at work no longer buttons! I had to borrow a bigger one :)
Stretch marks? Not seeing any yet - knock on wood!
Sleep: Sleeping great in between the frequent potty breaks!
Best moment this week? I've had several this week - our wonderful date on Saturday, seeing the play on Tuesday, and getting to see your Aunt Jenni!
Miss anything? I really do miss running - going all out and sweating like crazy - it's been a while and  I probably won't be doing that kind of running for a while. I 'ran' yesterday, which felt good even though my legs were cramping like crazy and I was quickly out of breath.
Movement? Still moving like crazy! I'm now feeling your kicks mostly on my left side and right up in the middle, and sometimes they really hurt! You are one strong little pineapple - I don't think you know your own strength!
Food cravings? Nothing too crazy this week...
Anything making you queasy or sick? We're still on a strict 'No Pizza' diet
Mood? Very happy to be getting close to meeting you!
Labor Signs? Having some Braxton-Hicks contractions, but those are nothing new...
What are you looking forward to this week? My four day weekend, spending time with Aunt Jenni, and our trip up to Port Austin :)


I'm loving every minute baby! Hope you are too :)


All my love, Mom

Thirty Weeks.

Wow. The big 3-0. We've come a long way, baby! I was just reading back on some of my older posts when you were just the size of a raspberry, and now you are closer to the size of a head of cabbage! The amount you have grown just amazes me! You now weigh about 3 pounds and are about 15.5 inches long - so no wonder I can feel you moving so much and now we can actually pick out heels and elbows or whatever else you are jamming into my ribs :) Your skin is starting to smooth out and your brain is still developing like crazy as you continue to pack on the weight. This week, you are strong enough to grasp my finger - I cannot wait to feel that for the first time!!

This weeek is when I start seeing the doctor every other week so we can keep a closer eye on you (and me!), so we have an appointment tomorrow afternoon. I also had to go yesterday to get a Rhogam shot because I have a negative blood type and it can be bad for me if you end up having a positive blood type. If you are positive, I'll get another shot after you are born - so I'm really hoping you're negative because that shot hurt!! This weekend will hopefully be a pretty calm one, I have a wedding shower on Sunday, but other than that I'm hoping to just lay low :)

How far along? 30 weeks
Maternity clothes? Yep, but I'm getting kind of sick of my high-waisted pants :(
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: I'm feeling very lucky that I'm still sleeping very well. Some of that fatigue is setting back in though ...
Best moment this week? Running the Riverbank Run and spending time with my Mom :)
Miss anything? Not bumping my belly into everything! Sometimes I just forget how big it is!
Movement? You are very active and I love it! Your kicks are definitely getting stronger and I feel them mostly on my right side - right underneath my ribs, which doesn't always feel so good!
Food cravings? Kettle corn!
Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope
Have you started to show yet? Yep
Mood? Getting more excited by the day :)
What are you looking forward to this week? Visiting the doctor again tomorrow and Jessica's wedding shower on Sunday

Only about 10 more weeks until you are in my arms!! I can't wait!

All my love, Mom

Twenty-eight Weeks.

We made it to the third and final trimester! I can't believe we only have about 12 more weeks until we get to meet you - these last few weeks have really gone by quickly. I missed posting in  Week 27 because I was traveling for work - but this week is pretty much more of the same... This week you weigh a whopping 2.5 pounds and you are about 15 inches long from head to heel - the baby book says you're the size of a rutabaga :) Your eyes are now able to open and close and you are having REM sleep these days (no wonder you get so quiet sometimes!). Other than that you are busy packing on your baby fat and growing billions of neurons and connections in your little genius brain!

I had kind of a tough week last week - the traveling was hard on my poor swollen feet, but you travelled like a champ! You were squirming around a ton on the plane and I started to feel your kicks a lot higher up than I have before - I'm wondering if that means you are now turned around with your feet up under my ribs... In other news, I took the glucose tolerance test last week and I am crossing every body part that I passed. The test checks for signs of gestational diabetes - basically I had to chug some super-sugary orange drink, then they took my blood one hour later to make sure my body was dealing with the sugar properly. I really hope I'm good, because I can't stand getting my blood drawn! This week is also when we start having check-ups every two weeks instead of four :) I feel like my belly (and you!) is just getting bigger and bigger by the day ... but that's a good thing!

How far along? 28 weeks
Maternity clothes? Oh yes, maybe time to start buying some new tank tops too :)
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: Still very good! The only thing interupting me is the need to use the bathroom several times a night!
Best moment this week? Getting home from my trip - I missed your dad and my own bed SO much! And our anniversary dinner on Saturday night - delish!
Miss anything? Running is becoming tougher and tougher - I miss running without getting terrible leg cramps
Movement? Lots lately - one of my favorite things to do is watch my belly to see your big kicks! Your dad thinks its pretty cool too
Food cravings? Gummy bears, chocolate pudding
Anything making you queasy or sick? Not really
Have you started to show yet? You betcha
Mood? Happy to be home and in the final stretch of pregnancy - and so excited to meet you!
What are you looking forward to this week? Our doctor's appointment on Thursday and our first baby shower on Saturday with your Grandma P. and all of her friends!!

Happy Seven Months Baby!!!

All my love, Mom

Twenty-six Weeks.

We hit a pretty cool milestone this week - less than 100 days until we get to meet you!! If you arrive on time, that is :) Now that we are in the double digits for days left, it is seeming to be going by faster and faster - we'll be in the third trimester next week! Very cool :) This week you weigh very close to 2 pounds and you're about 14 inches long - about the size of a head of lettuce. Your eyes are now fully developed, even though they are still shut up tight. And the network of nerves connecting your ears and your brain is more developed than ever - which means you are now actually starting to recognize mine and your dad's voices - rather than just hearing us!!

We had a pretty normal week last week, and this is shaping up to be more of the same. I'm still doing yoga a couple of times a week and running two or three times a week - with lots of walks with Leo in between! I'm pretty confident now that I'll be able to complete the Riverbank Run 5K in three weeks - which I wasn't so sure about for a while! It should be a really great time. Next week will be a little strange because I'm leaving on Sunday for four nights in San Diego for a conference for work. I'm not really looking forward to the travel or being apart from your dad for that long - but I am excited to see the city... hopefully not for the only time! Lucky you - you get to come along this time :)

How far along? 26 weeks
Maternity clothes? Just bought some maternity shorts for my trip next week :)
Stretch marks? Luckily, none yet
Sleep: I've been sleeping really well this last week or two
Best moment this week? Getting the glider put together and getting your new dresser today
Miss anything? Not knowing what heartburn felt like - I didn't know it could hurt that much! Prilosec seems to be helping a lot though.
Movement? You've been a little quiet for the last day or two...
Food cravings? Orange juice, goldfish crackers
Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope
Have you started to show yet? Yes!
Mood? Feeling good, I've got a little bit more energy these days - which is much appreciated!
What are you looking forward to this week? Our date on Friday night and the warm weather in California.

All my love, Mom

Twenty-five Weeks.

Not much new to report this week - you are still just getting bigger and bigger each day. This week you weigh about 1.5 pounds and are approximately 14 inches from head to heel. That means you're about the size of a large eggplant :) Your arms and legs are now in proportion to the rest of your body and your blood vessels are developing quickly which means that your skin now has a pretty pink glow!

Last weekend we drove to visit my family for the Easter holiday. It was really fun, we got to see both your Uncle Scott and Brian and Trina and we went for a long walk on Saturday. Leo always enjoys walking on the farm because he can run around wherever he wants with no leash... but this also means he can run into the ditches and mud puddles and burr patches. Of course he ended up absolutely filthy, stinky, and covered in burrs - and I don't think he's ever been happier! On Easter Sunday we got to enjoy lots of candy from our Easter basket and you even got some treats from the Easter bunny (aka. your grandparents!) Grandma & Grandpa E. got you a toothbrush and Dr. Suess' ABC Book and Grandma & Grandpa P. also gave you a new book - Goodnight Moon. I can't wait to read them to you!!! Here we are at 25 weeks - look out though, bare belly coming up!!

How far along? 25 weeks
Maternity clothes? Only a couple of tee shirts still fit me. I also just ordered some maternity running shorts - yay!
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: Lately I have been waking up so much at night, which is getting old really fast...
Best moment this week? I went for a great run on Friday morning since I was off from work, I sort of felt like my old self again for a while!
Miss anything? Getting out of a chair/bed/the couch without grunting - it's very attractive!Movement? Lots! We can see you kicking around almost every day now
Food cravings? Turkey sandwiches
Anything making you queasy or sick? Not lately
Have you started to show yet? Yup
Mood? I've been feeling really impatient lately... I'm ready to get this show on the road and meet you already!
What are you looking forward to this week? Our monthly doctor appointment tomorrow

All my love, Mom

Twenty-four Weeks.

This was a milestone week for us baby - we hit the six month mark and this week is considered to be the age of viability for you. That means that if - heaven forbid - should you decide to make your appearance super-duper early, there is at least some chance that you would be able to make it on your own, with LOTS of help from the doctors. Of course, I would much rather prefer that you stay put, nice and cozy, where you are now for the next 16 or so weeks!! It is just a small comfort to know that you would have a fighting chance

This week you are about the length of an ear of corn (yum!) and you weigh over one pound. Your lungs are developing surfactant which will help them stay inflated once you start breathing air out here. And you inner ear is now fully developed, which means you now have a sense of balance and gravity. Maybe that explains why I can feel you squirming around so much more these days - you are just trying to get yourself facing the right way :)

  
How far along? 24 weeks
Maternity clothes? Still squeezing into my old running clothes, but that's about it. The weather needs to warm up here quickly, because I am getting to the point where I can't quite zip up my winter coat anymore.
Stretch marks? Nada
Sleep: Sleeping really well lately, besides the frequent potty breaks that is!
Best moment this week? Getting your crib set up and just feeling you moving so much lately has been so cool.
Miss anything? Being able to point my toes without getting a leg cramp - what a bummer!Movement? You're squirming a lot these days - and I love it every single time!
Food cravings? Moose tracks ice cream and pistachios
Anything making you queasy or sick? Not really
Have you started to show yet? You betcha!
Mood? Feeling pretty good, I've been trying to stay really active - running, walking or doing yoga almost every night - which helps me feel a little more normal
What are you looking forward to this week? My day off from work tomorrow and going to visit my parents this weekend for Easter :)

All my love, Mom

Twenty-three Weeks.

Another week down and another week closer to meeting you! You're about 11 inches long and you still weigh about 1 pound  - about the size of a hardcover Harry Potter book :) You're still working on packing on your baby fat and now you can clearly hear all kinds of sounds - my voice, your dad's voice and Leo barking at the mailman. I hope we're not too loud for you!

You have been a lot more active lately and your kicks are getting stronger - it still makes me smile every time you give me a little nudge! On Saturday morning you were having a little dance party and your dad could feel lots of kicks which was really cool for him. We were also able to see my belly jumping around for a little while too :) You're pretty awesome. Here we are at 23 weeks:

How far along? 23 weeks
Maternity clothes? Pretty much exclusively now
Stretch marks? Just the ones I already had
Sleep: Been pretty good, but I've been waking up on my back a lot which I'm supposed to avoid... but its kind of hard to sleep in one still position all night
Best moment this week? Our date night last Saturday and just spending a relaxing weekend with your dad
Miss anything? I really miss not using the bathroom every 20 minutes. Lately I feel like I live there...
Movement? You are getting more and more active every day
Food cravings? Orange juice, celery with peanut butter, girl scout cookies!
Anything making you queasy or sick? Papa Johns pizza :(
Have you started to show yet? Yep
Mood? I felt a little yucky this week - just kind of tired and sore, but I'm still trying to enjoy every day
What are you looking forward to this week? Getting my hair cut and hopefully setting up your crib this weekend.

I wanted to finish off this week with a note to you from your Aunt Amanda. Amanda and I have been friends since the fourth grade and I know that you are just going to love her! I sent her some of your ultrasound pictures a couple weeks ago and this is what she sent back to you:

Squirms!!!!

You already know how make your Aunt smile!!!!!!!!!  You are too
precious inside that Mama of yours stomach!!!!  I know you are going
to be an exeptional and extraordinary baby/person and will knock the
socks off your Mom and Dad's already high expectations! (no
pressure!!!)  I CANNOT wait to meet you!!!!!

Keep on growing baby!!!!

All my love,Aunt Amanda

 You are very loved baby :)
All my love, Mom

Twenty-two Weeks.

You are growing up so fast!! This week you are about 11 inches long from head to heel and you weigh about one pound - about the size of a papaya :) You are starting to develop stonger nerves so you are actually feeling everything you touch now. And your taste buds are starting to develop too!

We've had a pretty great week - the weather has been absolutely gorgeous and I've been feeling good lately. My back has started hurting a lot less since I've been sleeping with a pillow between my knees, so hopefully that will be a long term solution. I think my yoga classes have also helped with that. And I know you like yoga too because as soon as class is winding down to our rest time at the end, you start jumping around and doing all kinds of flips and kicks - it makes me want to do yoga every day!

How far along? 22 weeks
Maternity clothes? I've got about two or three pre-baby shirts that still fit
Stretch marks? Nope!
Sleep: Great! I haven't been so exhausted lately either
Best moment this week? Paying off two of my student loans!!! And completing the Irish Jig.
Miss anything? Since it's been so nice, I've been really wishing I could have a medium steak on the grill along with an icy cold Summer Shandy or two
Movement? Feeling you every day now :)
Food cravings? Fruit this week - strawberries, blueberries, apples
Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope
Have you started to show yet? Oh yes
Mood? Happy and SO excited to meet you!
What are you looking forward to this week? Getting together with friends this weekend and our March date on Saturday!

All my love, Mom

Twenty-one Weeks.

We are moving right along now and you just keep on growing - you are 10.5 inches long and you weigh 3/4 of a pound this week!!! I just can't believe that you are really that big in there - I just don't feel like it's possible, even though I know it's true :)  This week your eyelids and eyebrows are fully formed and you are starting to grow some hair on your head.  I just can't wait to see what you'll look like!!

We have had a great week - the weather was wonderful, warm and sunny, and we made a trip up to visit with my parents - including a lunch at my favorite restaurant China King - yum!!! It looks like it will be another great week - we've got the big ultrasound on Thursday which I am SO excited for, our first 5K race of the season on Saturday, and sometime this weekend your dad and I plan on starting our baby registry! Lots of exciting stuff going on :)

How far along? 21 weeks
Maternity clothes? Still holding out with a couple of my pre-pregnancy shirts, but everything else is maternity...
Stretch marks? Luckily, not yet!
Sleep: Still really good, although my hip and back have been hurting lately, so I've started sleeping with a pillow between my knees...
Best moment this week? Our great trip to Grandma and Grandpa E.'s - just hanging out with them :) Oh, and the egg roll - delicious!
Miss anything? Bending over without feeling back pain
Movement? I think I'm starting to get a hang of your schedule... and it seems to be that you really like to shake it after I eat - breakfast, lunch, and dinner :)
Food cravings? Chocolate milk and donuts!!
Anything making you queasy or sick? Nothing lately
Have you started to show yet? There's really no hiding it now
Mood? Happy, excited and anxious
What are you looking forward to this week? Our appointment & ultrasound on Thursday afternoon and the Irish Jig 5K on Saturday.

Can't wait to see you again in a few days!!!!!!

All my love, Mom

Twenty Weeks.

We're halfway there - halfway to your birthday, halfway to parenthood, halfway to meeting you!!! I can't believe we've made it this far and it's all downhill from here :) This week you are now the size of a cantaloupe - yeesh! Getting pretty big! You're about 6.5 inches long and you should weigh about 10.5 ounces. You now have developed taste buds and you are swallowing lots of amniotic fluid every day, getting ready for the outside world.

I've been feeling pretty good lately, my only major complaint is that I'm getting a lot of headaches, but that could also be from the weird weather we've been having. It has been pretty warm lately - yesterday it was about 65 degrees - very warm for early March! I actually ran outside in shorts and a tee shirt yesterday, it was great! I also noticed that I didn't have such a tough time running yesterday because I didn't feel like I needed to go pee every step of the way :) You must be growing up higher in my belly now - and I'm not complaining!

This past weekend we went shopping with your Grandma & Grandpa P. who wanted to buy us a rocking chair for your room :) It was so nice of them to just let us pick out whatever we wanted and order it for us! After lots of testing, we found the perfect chair. It rocks/glides and has a footstool that rocks too. The best part is that the back reclines so I can take a little nap in it if I want :) Here is what it looks like, it should be here in a couple of months!!

On Tuesday, I got two comments from strangers about being pregnant - so that was a first, but it felt good too :) The first was from a woman at the gym who said I had a cute belly and the second was from the cashier at the market. I stopped on the way home to pick up dinner and I also wanted to buy a six pack of beer for Grandma and Grandpa P. to say thanks for watching Leo for us. When I got to the checkout, the cashier asked for my ID for the beer and then said "Even though I know you won't be drinking this!!". I laughed and said that's right :) So I guess that means I definitely look pregnant now! Here we are this week:



How far along? 20 weeks - half baked!
Maternity clothes? Pretty much in full maternity wear now. I've still got some shirts that still work for me, so I'm trying to stretch those out. I also broke down and ordered some maternity running and yoga pants ... the ones I was wearing were getting pretty darn tight around my stomach.
Stretch marks? Still nothing
Sleep: I've been really tired this week, but still sleeping well.
Best moment this week? Getting your closet done and getting the glider ordered. Your dad and I also had some good laughs with Leo this weekend - he found a new favorite toy...  a washcloth, go figure!
Miss anything? Being able to take Motrin for headaches, but that one's a no-no
Movement? Still just feeling a kick or two in the evenings, although at the end of my yoga class last week, you were going a little crazy in there! It made me smile :)
Food cravings? I was craving a donut last Friday SO badly - and not just any donut. It had to be a cake donut with chocolate frosting and colored sprinkles. Luckily, your dad is amazing and went and picked on up for me on Saturday morning, YUM!
Anything making you queasy or sick? Sometimes the headaches get bad enough that I start feeling dizzy :(
Have you started to show yet? Yep! I think I'm pretty obviously pregnant at this point!
Mood? Joyful!
What are you looking forward to this week? Heading up to my parent's house this weekend - take two! Hopefully the weather cooperates this time!

I hope you're ready to join our crazy little family - we sure are ready to meet you :)

All my love, Mom

Nineteen Weeks.

It's our last week as a teenager - and we are inching closer and closer to that halfway point! This week you are now a full six inches long and you weigh an impressive 8 ounces - half a pound!! My baby book says that your kidneys are now fully functioning and producing urine and you are still busy packing on the fat as your body bulks up.

This week has been really exciting since I've now started to feel your kicks and punches and head-butts :) I still only feel a couple of your movements a day, and it's usually in the evening when I'm relaxed. The doctor said that as I move and talk throughout the day it kind of rocks you to sleep. And then when I sit or lay still for a while you wake up and start hopping around. It is so cool to feel you moving - and I'm excited for when it starts getting more consistent. Now, I'll feel you move and tell your dad - "I felt the baby!", then he'll come and put his hand on my belly and wait for another kick... and of course then we don't feel a thing! Oh well, I'm sure soon enough I'll be feeling you all the time :)

How far along? 19 weeks
Maternity clothes? I did some shopping last weekend and stocked up on maternity shirts - much more flattering and comfortable! So I guess now I've made the switch to full on maternity wear!
Stretch marks? None yet!
Sleep: Still sleeping pretty well, unfortunately I've been getting up to use the bathroom a lot lately!
Best moment this week? Definitely feeling you bounce around in there - it's one of the coolest things I've felt! And our great appointment with the doctor last week.
Miss anything? Not using the bathroom every 20 minutes...
Movement? A couple of kicks here and there at night time - great!
Food cravings? Bagels & cream cheese (mostly the cream cheese!), chocolate milk, cadbury mini eggs
Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope!
Have you started to show yet? There is really no hiding the bump anymore - I'm definitely looking pregnant these days :)
Mood? Happy! I'm really enjoying being pregnant!
What are you looking forward to this week? Heading up to my parent's house this weekend :)

All my love, Mom