27 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 27 weeks

*Wearing maternity leggings and a maternity top aka the most comfortable outfit in the world*

*If you zoom in on the front faced picture you may even see my belly button poking out...yep it's starting to poke out!*

Size of baby: According to babycenter.com the baby is about the size of  a head of cauliflower (finally a veggie I recognize)

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +16 pounds approximately.

Maternity Clothes: I just got some more maternity clothes last night that I had ordered from Old Navy. I still wear a mix of both but I prefer my maternity clothes which fit me a lot better right now.

Gender: Boy parts

Movement: Still a lot of movement throughout the day and night. If he's this active one the outside I'm not going to get much sleep. Also, there will be times when part of my tummy will be really hard and poke out from one of his body parts, it's cool and weird.

What I miss: Not much, I'm getting pretty used to this pregnancy thing, the good and the bad parts.

Sleep: Meh. Not great. Even Kristian has started waking up more, it's like his body knows to train him for less sleep too.

Symptoms: Still lots of backaches and overall discomfort especially at the end of the day. My belly button has started poking out on one side. Not sure the full thing will become an outtie but the edges are poking out.

Cravings: Not really craving any foods in particular just drinks. I'm thirsty a lot more now than pre-pregnancy.

Best Moment this week: Painting the nursery, we still have a lot to do but it's so exciting to start working on it and coming up with ideas. So far it looks really good!

What I am looking forward to: Working on the nursery more this weekend and getting the house in order for the baby shower next week! Also, starting my third trimester next week!!

What I'm NOT look forward to: Taking my Glucose Tolerance Test next Thursday. Keep your fingers crossed that I pass!!

What's in a Name?

I am now officially less than 3 months from my due date! And while a lot of people have their child's name picked out as soon as they find out the gender (or get that positive pregnancy test) I must admit our child is still nameless.

Yes we've discussed names, in fact there is one name that we both like and is the current front runner, however I seem to be completely commitment-phobic when it comes to choosing this little guy's name. Even though I do like the name we've discussed I'm still not 100% sold on it and feel like maybe there is a better name out there that I just haven't heard or considered yet. In addition to a couple names I do actually like better but would need to persuade Kristian on.

Naming a kid is hard. At least for me it is. There is just so much to consider. Firstly you need to make sure the name doesn't have any obvious, God-awful, mean nicknames attached to it. I also want a name that is transitional and will be cute for a little boy but also cool for a teenager and then professional when he's an adult. There are a ton of really cute little kid names but then when you imagine them as a 40 year old adult the names are just too cutesy and young sounding. Oh and of course you need to make sure that your partner likes the name too, which is easier said than done.

So to be honest I don't know if our kids name will be 100% decided before he gets here. And here's the thing, even if it is chosen before he arrives we aren't telling anyone the name (this is driving my MIL CRAZY!!!). We aren't sharing the name or even ones we're actively considering for a few reasons:

1. It's hard enough for us to agree on a name without having to factor in other people's positive or negative opinions. Whenever we do finally decide on a name I don't want us to question our choice if someone doesn't like the name. Once babies are here most people keep their mouths shut in regards to disliking a name.

2. I, personally, find it more exciting to find out the name when the kid is born. Especially if everyone already knows the gender, keeping the name a secret adds a little bit to the anticipation for family and friends. Plus it's fun to have something to torture our parents with ;-)

3. I want the option to change the name at the last minute. This goes back to my commitment phobia about the name. Once you announce the name (prior to the birth) people have a tendency to start buying personalized items for the baby, which is awesome, unless you decide at the last minute to change the name for whatever reason. Then you could be stuck with a lot of clothes that say Alex when you end up with a Joe. Now if you're one of those people that knows beyond a shadow of a doubt what you want the name to be then buy away but again I just don't think I'm one of those people.

So that's where we stand with the name for those that are wondering.

For those with kids already, did you have the name picked out before the baby arrived?

Did/Will you keep the baby's name a surprise until it's born?

Weekend Highlights

--Started painting the baby's room! We still have a lot to do but so far we both like the main color we picked.

--While at Lowe's getting the paint the cashier told me I looked very big and asked if I was having twins. Kristian didn't know whether to laugh or tell her off, it was the first time he's been there when someone has said something stupid like that.

--In order to paint we had to move a lot of the baby stuff out of the room, we put the bassinet we got from a friend in our bedroom by the window. Last night our cat Halpert slept in it. All Night.

--Kristian's best friend came over Saturday to watch football and normally he just brings beer when he comes over, this time he hooked up the pregnant lady with some Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Brownie ice cream. I didn't feel like I needed to share it either, after all, I'm not drinking their beer am I?

--My Sister-In-Law decided to clean out her closet and I scored some new clothes, some of which I can even wear now and a new Tory Burch and Coach purse. It's nice having a SIL that only buys name brand, especially since I basically only buy Target, Old Navy, Forever 21.

--While at my Mother-in-laws house going through the clothes she showed me the diaper wreath and diaper cake she made for my baby shower in two weeks. They are both SOOOO cute. She did an amazing job and the cake is HUGE and loaded with baby goodies that she used to decorate it. I told her I almost don't want to take it apart to use the stuff but rather just keep it as decoration in the nursery.

--I spent most of my weekend trying to play catch up on my DVR. Now that all of the fall shows are back my DVR is getting a work out.

--Kristian made a deer stew for dinner last night using defrosted meat from a deer he killed last year. I normally don't eat deer meat, not because it doesn't taste good. It actually tastes really good but it's a mental thing, I don't want to eat Bambi. Anyways, I did suck it up and have a couple bites of the deer meat because Kristian wanted his son to have some in the hopes that he'll like it once he's older. I think the baby liked it because he was kicking up a storm afterwards.

26 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 26 weeks

*This is the picture that Kristian took of me on Monday, I feel like I look a lot bigger in this picture than in real life.

P.S. How cute is Moxie???*

*Below are two pictures I took yesterday. I think this is more accurate of my belly size*

Size of baby: According to babycenter.com the baby is about the size of an English Hothouse Cucumber. *Really they couldn't think of anything else to compare it to? What is that anyway?*

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days. *Yeah I have testicles inside me. So weird!*

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +15 pounds approximately. I'm actually pretty satisfied with the amount of weight I've gained. I'm really hoping to not gain more than 30 pounds just because I am so small and think it will be really hard to carry much more than that. But I'm averaging about a pound or so a week like I should be.

Maternity Clothes: Still a mix of both but I prefer my maternity clothes, they are just SOOO much more comfortable, especially my leggings. I want to live in leggings. 

Gender: Male...hence having testicles inside me.

Movement: Lots and lots of movement throughout the day and night. Last night I laid the remote on my belly and watched him kick it around.

What I miss: Not much this week.

Sleep: Better. Still waking up to pee 2-3 times but in between pee breaks I sleep well.

 

Symptoms: I'm pretty sure I had some braxton hicks contractions last weekend but fortunately nothing since. Otherwise lots of backaches and overall discomfort towards the end of the day.

Cravings: Ironically Wendy's chicken filet sandwiches (I've had two this week). It's ironic because I've had such a strong aversion to chicken this whole pregnancy.

Best Moment this week: Selling an old dresser and nightstand that was taking up room in the nursery on Craig's List. I'm so happy to have those pieces out of the house finally.

 

What I am looking forward to: FINALLY starting to paint the nursery this weekend. We were waiting to get those couple pieces of furniture out and now we have some extra cash from the sale to buy the paint. Also, my baby shower is in two weeks!!

Weighty Issues

So in addition to my wonderful experience with the Target cashier this weekend thinking I was already 9 months pregnant, I posted a picture last night on Facebook that Kristian took of me and my oh-so loving brother commented "Are you sure you're not having twins?" Since he's my brother I can't get too upset after all teasing comes with the territory of having a sibling but I will say it did sting a bit a first.

In my pre-pregnancy days I could never understand when pregnant women would complain about gaining weight or their belly size, after all THAT'S what comes with pregnancy. You're not Fat, You're Pregnant! But now being on this size of the positive pregnancy test I get it. I do.

Seeing your body change so dramatically, over a relatively short period of time is a bit of a mind f*ck. Logically you know it's what's supposed to happen. It's GOOD that it's happening. But the immediate gut reaction when passing a mirror (at least for me) is "good God, I'm fat" or "I definitely need to work out tomorrow" etc. But then I have to stop and remind myself (or have my husband remind me) that I'm NOT fat, I'm Pregnant.

When I first got pregnant I was excited about getting bigger (especially my boobs God willing). I couldn't wait to have a bump and for people to be able to tell that I was pregnant...and for the most part I still get excited about it but it's also been a harder transition than I anticipated. I've been tiny my whole life. Gaining weight has actually been a challenge for me in the past (yes I know that sounds obnoxious but it's true) so this is really a complete change for me having to adjust my way of thinking about my body and how it looks and has been harder than I thought.

Don't get me wrong I'm THRILLED to be pregnant. I would gain 100 pounds if I had to in order to have a healthy baby. And even if I never completely lose all the baby weight it will be worth it in the end but the whole body image issue is tough at times and seeing how I've grown quite a lot over the past month alone I find that I am a bit more self conscious about my rate of growth and if I'm "normal". I can't help but compare myself to other women that are pregnant and due around the same time as me, which is so pointless because everybody grows differently when pregnant. So long as my doctor says my weight and belly size are okay that's all that matters.

Anyways, there really is no point to all this blabbering except to say that watching my body change has been amazing and exciting but also difficult and I think a lot of women are scared to admit that for fear of appearing ungrateful for their pregnancies. So for any of you other preggos out there that may be feeling self conscious about your growing bellies just know you are not alone.

It was bound to happen eventually...

For those of you that are friends with me on Facebook you already heard about this.

On Saturday I went to Target to buy a gift for my friends son's first birthday. As I was checking out I had this conversation with the FEMALE cashier:

Cashier- "How are you today?"
Me- "Good, thanks"
Cashier- "And how is the baby today?" *gesturing towards my belly*
Me- "He's good too"
Cashier- "So when are you due? September? October?"
Me - *probably looking a bit stunned* "Umm no not until December" *I left off the part about being due Late December*
Cashier- "Are you sure?"
Me- "Yeah I'm pretty sure"  <---- that's what I actually said. What I really WANTED to say was:
"No actually I'm not sure and my doctor with 30 years experience isn't sure either so I'm really glad that I have a cashier at Target to help me determine my actual due date based on my belly size alone...which by the way looks bigger because I'm all of 5 feet tall!"

Sigh.

I mean come on people, have some common sense. NEVER, NEVER, EVER assume someone's due date. Everyone grows differently and some people show more then others, faster than others. I would maybe expect this from a man (sorry men but it's true) but an older woman who probably has kids herself should know better. I know I'm really showing now but do I look 9 Months pregnant?? I doubt it. Next time just offer congratulations or tell the pregnant lady how good she looks.

Anyways I actually found the whole exchange more humorous than anything and knew eventually I would run into someone who would say something dumb like that.

And just for the record below are my pictures from weeks 22-25 (I missed my week 23 picture). Yes I've had a bit of a growth spurt but I still don't think I look 9 months pregnant! Sheesh!

25 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 25weeks

*So this is the dress I wore on my very first date with Kristian, however back then in my skinny days I wore it with a black belt cinching the waist. Funny that I can still wear it while pregnant with his child*

Size of baby: According to babycenter.com the baby is about the size of a rutabaga.

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +13 pounds. Despite feeling like I look much further along than 6 months at my doctor's appointment yesterday he measured my belly and said I was right on track growth wise. He said I look bigger simply because I'm so petite so there isn't as much room for the belly to spread out.

Maternity Clothes: Still a mix of both. I prefer wearing dresses because I find that having anything slightly tight around my waist, even maternity pants is uncomfortable.

Gender: Still boy parts

Movement: This kid is a mover and a shaker. Honestly if it weren't for the 4 ultrasounds I've had I would be convinced I was carrying twins because I feel him all over the place.

What I miss: A good night sleep

Sleep: See above. My doc did say I could take some Benedryl at night to help me sleep so hopefully that will help.

Symptoms: Nothing new, same old same old.

Cravings: Still craving sweet tea

Best Moment this week: Well it's not pregnancy related but we were thinking we might have to put our oldest cat to sleep this week but luckily that's not the case, at least not for the time being.

What I am looking forward to: Getting to see my friend Kelli and her little boy this weekend at his first birthday party. I can't wait for our little guys to play together in the future.

Shiny Things

Last week my husband surprised me with a very special gift. After I found out I was pregnant I joked mentioned to him about getting me a "push present" for after the baby is born. He thought I made up that term. I wish I were that creative!

I know a lot of people don't like the idea of a push present, after all having a healthy baby is the best present at the end of 9 months and I don't disagree with that one bit. But let's be real, pregnancy is no walk in the park and even though I haven't done it yet I suspect labor ain't no picnic either so why not get a little side gift from the father that is just for you? Fortunately for me Kristian agreed and had no problem with getting me a little something.

He asked me what I would like and I said I would really like to have a ring for my right hand in the baby's birthstone. Since our son is due in December his birthstone would be a blue topaz. However, the baby is due the 26th which means he could easily come late and end up with a January birthday in which case is birthstone would be a garnet. So with that in mind I told Kristian it was probably better to wait to get something until he's actually here or until we have a set delivery date.

Well Kristian decided he didn't want to wait and wanted to get and give me my present early. As he said "once the baby gets here, he'll overshadow any gift I could possibly get you"...he makes a good point. So he wanted me to have time to enjoy it, especially since I won't be wearing much jewelry during my maternity leave.  So last week he presented me with this beautiful blue topaz ring which I LOOOOVE! My man has good taste in jewelry!

It actually looks much bigger in this picture. The size works well in comparison to my wedding ring set.

We decided that if baby boy ends up being born in January we'll just say the blue topaz represents the fact that we had a baby boy rather than the birthstone. And that means if our next child is a girl maybe I'll get some pink earrings :)

Did/Will you get some kind of "push" or baby gift?

24 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 24 weeks

*That is not a maternity top and it was definitely working overtime to fit over my ever expanding belly*

Size of baby: According to babycenter.com the baby is about the size of an ear of corn.

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +12 pounds. I've never weighed this much in my life and it's odd seeing those number on the scale but guess I need to get used to it.

Maternity Clothes: Still primarily regular clothes. My mom took me shopping for maternity clothes last weekend. I bought 3 pairs of maternity pants, a shirt and a super cute dress. I wore the maternity jeans this week and they are pretty comfy.

Gender: Still boy parts

Movement: He moves quite a bit during the day and yesterday I could actually see his kicks on the outside of my belly which was weird and exciting.

What I miss: Not spending so much time in the bathroom

Sleep: Hit and Miss. Last night was pretty good.

Symptoms: It's getting really hard to bend over, putting on pants in the morning is becoming quite the effort.

Cravings: Sweet Tea!

Best Moment this week: Reaching what a lot of doctor's consider the point of viability. If baby boy were to be born now there is a chance he could survive outside the womb. Though I prefer to keep him baking for another 13 weeks at least.

What I am looking forward to: Doing more work on the nursery, we still have a LOT to get done and time seems to be flying by!

Not feeling it

I'm in such a foul mood, between this weather and never-ending rain (I know I shouldn't complain especially given the situation in Texas) and the ridiculous traffic I've had to sit in the last two days thanks to school being back in session I'm just not really feeling it right now. My commute is already an hour each way so tacking another 15-30 minutes on top of that because people apparently forgot how to drive over the summer really irks me. And Yes I realize these downpours aren't helping. Sigh.

Even Kristian was in a foul mood last night and despite the fact that he had been gone for almost a week we still ended up bickering while watching the news and debating over every news story. I swear if I had tried to tell him the sky was blue he would have insisted it was brown.

Fortunately, we've made up and agreed and we were both being lame. Hopefully the rest of this week will go quickly so we can spend some quality time together this weekend and my mood will pick back up.