26 weeks!

My little girl is as big a hothouse cucumber....whatever that is! The produce gets weirder and weirder! She about 2lbs and 14 inches long. Of course, that is just an estimate from all the different books/websites that I've been reading...

I can definitely tell she has had a growth spurt. My belly is bigger and harder and up higher. She also seems like she has flipped - I am getting lots of kicks above my belly button now. Before they seems low, with the occasional high kick. I LOVE watching my belly. I can see it moving every time she kicks. It's such an amazing thing to watch. I can feel her when she gets in a weird position, too. My belly gets really hard in that spot and I rub belly and talk to her - she moves slowly back to where it's comfortable again. :)

I am going to the bathroom a lot more frequently now. Twice a night again and almost every 30 minutes during the day. I do drink a LOT of water - about 80-100 ounces a day. I have been doing that since I peed on the stick, though. It doesn't bother me to pee - it's just a reminder how awesome of a miracle I've created.

I have realized how lucky I am, I haven't had any major issues in my pregnancy (KNOCK ON WOOD). Things have been great. Yes, I had morning (all day) sickness the first 3 months - but it wasn't as bad as stories I've heard. And yes, I've had some swelling but I'm still wearing my wedding rings (most days). Growing pains, heartburn, constant urination....but those things are ALL normal pregnancy symptoms. I am a very lucky girl. I have a herniated disc and my back has been ok. Some pain here occasionally and I need to ice and rest but not like I imagined. I might be jinxing myself....but I'm just acknowledging how lucky I feel. My little girl is also very healthy...

What more could I ask for!?

13 more weeks to cook until I meet my little monkey!

26 weeks today

25 weeks!!

So this little one would now survive in the NICU if she was born now. That is a lot of relief for me. I can't help but worry from time to time...especially when you feel weird things you've never felt before. I told her that she has to stay put for a few more months though - so she isn't coming any time soon!

Of course I had another list of questions to ask the doctor; like stomach hardening, baby laying low, pressure on cervix, nipple issues (lol).....everything is NORMAL. And my nipples are just dry...I thought I had something wrong with me! Ha ha! My little munchkin is moving all the time - and I thought that wasn't normal. But it IS! In fact, they love to hear that. Sweet!!

I am up to a 20 lb gain. But at 25 weeks - my doctor said I'm doing really good. That is definitely reassuring. I'm not too worried about gaining weight.... I know it was inevitable. I'm just glad I'm not gaining like 60 lbs or something. And I'm also hoping I only gain another 10...but I hear a total of 40 is totally normal too. As long as I'm eating healthy and my little girl is healthy....who cares.

We have been busy with home renovations....and we got the crib and bedding set. I'm waiting on Mike to put it together. Pictures coming soon!!

21-24 Weeks...catchup!

I've been slacking!!! Sorry! It's been a busy few weeks - hopefully I will update this blog in it's entirety by the end of this week. Well...that's my goal!!!

So baby went from a large mango to a papaya to now an ear of corn. I think these produce comparisons are hilarious...but completely dumb! My little girl is about 1.5 lbs now and about 8-10 inches.

I've definitely gotten bigger since the 20 week halfway mark. I really need to get on the picture bandwagon. I need to get out my fancy camera and start snappin pictures. All the picture I have are on my phone - it's just so darn convenient. BUT I need to get in the habit of using my camera - so I can take TONS of baby pictures!

I passed my 1st glucose test. I have to take another one next week. I'm hoping I pass again... I'm high risk for gestational diabetes. I have Metabolic Syndrome - long story short - my body stores more fat than it's suppose to. I cannot eat carbs without them going straight to my belly. It totally sucks. When I was 19 I gained 120 lbs in a year and once they figured out what I had and a year and half later I lost 100 lbs. NOT FUN. I was super scared to stop my meds and start eating carbs when I found out I was pregnant. I have gained 15 lbs - which I guess is totally normal. Normal range is 15-20 by now. I feel like blimp lately, but mostly because of my baby bump. And I love it - so I'm not complaining! I try to eat as healthy as possible - fruit, veggies. protein, whole grains, etc. I'm human though - I DO cheat and have ice cream or fast food occasionally. I admit I do have cravings but NOTHING like I imagined. I'm hoping to not get past a 40 lb gain. I think I will be ok. I'm not too stressed about it though - I have a good plan for after the baby is born :)

My little girl has been kicking me NONSTOP! I LOVE IT! At first, I thought this wasn't normal - and thought when the hell does she sleep.. BUT doctor said it's completely normal - means baby is healthy and strengthening her muscles! Yay! I actually put our remote on my belly the other day and it started jumping! It was the coolest thing ever!! You should have seen Mike's face - he looked so cute and excited!! Priceless.

I still feel really good. No complaints at all. I do have this broken crotch thing (pelvic bone) going on - but I'll save that for another post. All my heartburn, headaches, constipation (tmi), tiredness - are ALL gone. The 2nd trimester is DEFINITELY the honeymoon trimester. I'm enjoying it while I can because I know things will change in a couple weeks :)

It's getting so much closer until we meet my baby girl - only 16 more weeks! Crazy, right?! I can't freakin wait!!!

20 weeks! Half way there!

I can't believe I'm 20 weeks already - the other day I was just thinking this pregnancy is going by really fast... And boy is it ever.

The baby is the size of a small cantaloupe. And actively swallowing amniotic fluid and producing meconium.....it's first poopie! Baby B's sleep/wake patterns are definitely set - up and kicking like crazy in the morning....sleeps a few hours and then starts up again in the afternoon.....takes another nap and my 8pm or so kicking like mad again. I love it so much. In fact, if I don't feel it, I get worried. I notice the more I do (cleaning, walking, etc..) the stronger the baby's kicks are when I'm done.

I still feel really good. Heartburn is starting to come back but that was a given. I still have a ton of energy...which is awesome. I have been cleaning the house like a mad woman! Nursery is ready to be painted. Closets have been cleaned and organized.. And this weekend we should be buying paint for my bathroom and the nursery. I want to do as much as I can while I'm comfortable.

My tummy is getting much bigger - and its starting to move up. My bump is getting cuter!


Tomorrow is the BIG ultrasound day! It feels like the night before Christmas!

19 weeks

My little one is the size of a large mango...or a heirloom tomato.

The produce is getting weird - I love mangoes and tomatoes but I feel so strange eating them! Ha!

The last week has been exciting.. The baby has been getting stronger, I still feel he/she every day. This little one is most active in the morning, but lately they have been really active at night. Daddy got to feel a kick - finally!

I'm still lucky enough to still wear some pre-pregnancy tops - but not for long. They are getting a big too short. I'm so glad they lasted this long though. I went shopping and got more maternity items. Maternity clothes are so expensive.... but I have to admit that there is a lot of cute stuff out there!

I'm trying to walk as much as I can - but I think I need to step it up a notch. I'm feeling fat and yucky a lot - but I'm really trying to ignore that. It's just hard when your body changes so much. Luckily, the hubs is loving all the changes ;-) I'm eating really good - lots of veggies, hummus, lean meat, whole grain cereal, milk/cheese... I have cheated here and there with sweet treats but I don't overdo it. I think if I workout more and try not to give in to my cravings I will be able to stay in shape. I don't believe in 'eating for two'... and gaining a million pounds are OK. I do understand how women go overboard though - my appetite is nuts. I'm always hungry - but I can't eat a lot in one meal - thank goodness!

I go May 18th for my ultrasound.... We cannot wait! I am mostly excited to see our little one live on TV and make sure everything is OK - but we are also anxious to find out the sex! This mommy journey has been so incredible so far... I love this little baby so much already, it's unbelievable.

17 weeks

The baby is the size of a turnip! I didn't even know what a turnip was until this week :D

I've been feeling really great. I can't complain! The only thing I've noticed is headaches - and today is the first one I've had all week. And I did have a little 'scare'... I was having this burning sensation in my left lower abdomen. It didn't feel like normal 'growing pains', so I went to the doctor to make sure everything was Ok. And it was - sheew! Doc said it's just round ligament pain. Thank goodness! It must mean that baby is having a growth spurt - my tummy has been very achy lately!

The biggest highlight of this week is feeling the baby move :) While I was in Iowa, at my sister in-laws baby shower, they served us a big cinnamon roll and OJ. This had been the first time I had that much sugar in one sitting... As I started watching her open present, I started to feel these weird feelings in my lower tummy. It was like flips and somersaults! It last almost 3 hours.... and I've felt it every day since then. What an AMAZING feeling! I love it. The best way to describe it is, little muscle spasms or gas - but you can DEFINITELY tell the difference! Mike is sad he can't feel it yet - but I hope in a couple more weeks he can!

And ta-da here is the 17 week picture! I apologize that I'm headless. I honestly do not do this on purpose. I always forget to take pictures...and when I finally do I'm in a rush in the morning. I promise better pictures soon!

Look at that belly! Omgosh, right?! I'm so short (barely 5'2") that this baby has no where to go! I've only gained 7lbs so far...

16 week picture

I forgot to post a picture in my last post...and I'm not exactly loving the way my body looks now but I'm trying to embrace it. My body is doing an amazing thing...

I'm carrying really low still....


Front pose :)


I'm hoping to get better picture with my fancy camera for next week!

15 and 16 weeks!

I am playing catch up, I missed 15 weeks... I have been busy lately. We have been doing a little remodeling and getting ready for our trip to Iowa (I'm in the car right now..)

15 weeks!

The baby is now a size of an orange!

"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." (Source)

This week I was babysitting for a family for a few days, and when they went to bed I was just laying on their couch...alone. When all of a sudden I felt this popping in my tummy. If felt like popcorn popping. I have heard that is what feeling the baby for the first time could feel like - I tried not to get too excited, because it could have been gas.. Deep down I think it was the baby though! :)

16 weeks!

The baby is now the size of an avocado!

"Watch what you say...tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean she can now pick up your voice. A few more minuscule changes: Eyebrows, lashes, and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming." (Source)

This has been a fun week! I have felt the baby move quite a bit! I haven't felt that popcorn feeling but I have been feeling lots of flutters. It's such a hard feeling to describe...but it does feel like butterflies are in your tummy. A-MAZ-ING!!!

My 16 week check went awesome! I had a long list of questions....

-Round ligament pain is only on the right side? Normal.
-Pelvic floor pain? Normal...baby moving.
-Severe headaches? Common - if they continue she will prescribe me something.
-Severe back pain already? Common - if it gets worse I will get sent to physical therapy.

The best part....I got to hear the little monkey's heartbeat again! I have to admit, I'm a first time mom and I was worried.... It was such a relief to hear that amazing little fast heartbeat. The little one has stayed in the 150's. The old wives' tale says the higher the heartbeat, it will be a girl. I personally don't care....boy or girl....just please please be healthy!

I made my anatomy scan for May 18th....I cannot wait to see our little monkey - and to make sure everything is Ok.

Keep cooking little one....just 5 more months and we get to meet you and Love you to pieces!!

14 weeks

Our little monkey is the size of a lemon now!

Baby's now the size of a lemon!
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.

(Source)

I love Thursdays, because I move up a week. All my pregnancy apps on my phone update... and it's so fun to monitor the progress.

One thing I haven't understood is that I'm 14 weeks 1 day pregnant, however, I am in my 15th week. It's something I will never understand....

I'm feeling really good lately. The nausea has gone away and I have a lot more energy. So far, the Second Trimester is definitely the 'honeymoon' trimester! I can finally start enjoying this pregnancy. I'm feeling more and more excited by the minute!

I'm also starting to show a little bit more but a stranger wouldn't be able to tell if I'm pregnant. I can't wait for the baby bump.....right now I still look like I ate too many donuts. I'm not complaining! I love every second of all of this. It's a new adventure and I'm so in love.

First Trimester

I'm going to cheat a little and recap my First Trimester. Truth is I need to catch up! I'm already in my Second Trimester :)

The First Trimester was a blur. It went by so fast. I have noticed I am 'textbook' pregnant. If they wrote about a symptom - I have it. Nauseous all the time, Check. Extreme fatigue. Check. Constipation, Check. Sore/Huge Boobs, Double check. Constant need to pee, Check. Wild dreams, Check. Cramping, Check. Worrisome, Check. Food (chicken) aversions, Check. Heartburn, Check. Mood swings, Check. Every single one of these symptoms are so freakin worth it.

I spent the first few weeks of pregnancy on the couch whining. I was sick and tired (literally) all the time. Poor Mike... I'm lucky though, I only threw up 7 times. I was just nauseous - which isn't pleasant. I was mostly worried about miscarrying. They say not to tell anyone until your in your 2nd Trimester, so we only told our immediate family and friends. Even that made me nervous. I had a lot of people on my side, and praying for me... I made it through the First Trimester and am feeling SO much better!

The highlight of the First Trimester is seeing the little one for the first time....

And hearing the little one for the first time. When we went in for our 12 week check up, we were able to hear the heartbeat. What an amazing sound that was.... I wish I would have recorded it. Next time I will! We also heard this loud sound in my tummy - when we asked what it was my Ob said it was the little one kicking. How cool is that?!

I can't wait to have more of a bump. This is what I looked like at 9 1/2 weeks....

I'm BACK!

I took a LONG vacation from blogging. I had a rough year or so... But I'm back! And I have exciting news!

I'm PREGNANT!!!!

Oh. My. God. Those were my first words when I saw those 2 pink lines. This was a total surprise to us. No, I should rephrase..... We knew it could it could happen, we just didn't expect it to.

Maybe a week or less after conception (but at the time we had NO idea), my boobs started to get sore and the next week they got a little bigger. I was peeing a lot and had problems pooping (TMI). I guess I just assumed it was a BAD case of PMS... It wasn't until I was 2 days late, that I started to think UH-OH! I kept thinking - 'Don't get your hopes up, it's probably nothing.' Or 'Please please please let me be pregnant!!' and I went back and forth for 4 days of lateness.... Yes, I'm a freak.

The first week was so surreal. I just kept saying 'I can't believe I'm pregnant!' over and over and OVER again. We had to wait 3 weeks until our first appointment - that was absolute torture. I did spend 30 minutes on the phone with one of the nurses, I took a long list of things to do and not do. No aspirin, no alcohol, no lunch meat, no hot dogs, no fish, no hot showers/baths...... Take prenatal vitamins, drink 8+ glasses of water a day, eat veggies/fruit daily...

I remember during that week - the morning sickness set in. I wasn't drinking my 8+ glasses and the thought of veggies sent me running to the toilet. I kept worrying that I wasn't getting enough nutrients, but the doctor said as long as I took my vitamins - everything would be fine. I have to admit my first trimester wasn't that bad. I had morning sickness but only threw up 6 times, the nausea kicked my ass though. It was ALL DAY sickness....I have no idea why they call it morning sickness. What they also don't tell you about pregnancy, is that your intestines just STOP working. Well, mine did. There was an 8 day stretch where I didn't poop. That has to be one of the worst feelings. Your stomach hurts - and you worry is it the baby or the poop? OR is the poop hurting the baby? Ugh. It was a cluster of worry...and pain. My cure was prune juice, Milk of Magnesia, kiwi, raspberries, grape nuts and stool softeners..... on top of being nauseous ALL the time. At times, I thought this baby was going to kill me. Ha!

I am not complaining. I am simply telling you my experience so far. I would take morning sickness and constipation all 9 months... It is ALL worth it.