35/35!

Today is 35 weeks done and 35 days to go! Too bad I can't celbrate with a margarita :)

Although Jacob has been a week ahead for pretty much the entire pregnancy - I went and checked all the past ultrasounds where they put what week the ultrasound has him at and since the first one at 8 weeks, the ultrasound measurements had him at 9 weeks - I'm still keeping this on the same week track I've been on. Mostly because I didn't want to skip my 35/35. However, in my head I convert it every now and then to make it seem closer.

Michael went golfing this past weekend and left Scoot and I at home.

To entertain ourselves and make Scoot feel like a star we had a photo shoot in the backyard. Below is my favorite shot.

And also one from when he decided we were done.

Lastly, not a great belly shot, but at least it is something. This weekend we might go to a festival so hopefully I'll get some better pictures. I don't feel like I look this large, but the picture seems to show a pretty large person.

* How far along?: 35 weeks

* Total weight gain: Still at right about 25 pounds.

* How big is baby?: "My Pregnancy" say he is 18 inches and about 5.25 pounds. According to the ultrasound this week though he is 5lbs 10oz and should be gaining half a pound each week, which would put him at about 5lbs 14oz right now.

* Maternity clothes?: The shirt in the picture above is not maternity, but most my maternity tops even have to be pulled down every now and then to cover the elastic part of my pants now. I don't feel like buying new stuff for a few weeks though.

* Sleep?: I think I'm starting to wake Michael up with my moving around when trying to get comfy. So now both of us aren't sleeping well.

* Best moment this week?: Our ultrasound even though we didn't get great pictures (I seriously don't even know what the pictures she handed us were of, he's too squished).

* Movement?: Not nearly as painful in the ribs anymore. From the ultrasound she was able to tell me the movement I feel on my right is his feet and in the upper middle of my stomach is his butt. When he kicks out hard and keeps his foot stretched I can't feel it is a foot, but I can feel the body part.

* Food cravings?: Comfort Foods and back to the red meat. Oreo shakes, churros and pizza (guess I'm not too worried about the weight now)

* Labor signs?: Strong BH Contractions, but nothing steady for too long.

* Belly button in or out?: Still very flat.

* What I'm looking forward to: (This will probably not change now) Having him here. Both Michael and I are very anxious to have him here.

Sweetest Moment of the Week: Yesterday I was at the grocery store and this random lady walking by me in the aisle told me I look cute pregnant. Much nicer than the ones that still try to run you over with their cart.

34 Week Appt

This morning was our last ultrasound appointment before delivery. We got the same ultrasound tech that did our very first ultrasound, so that seemed fitting. She was really sweet and took her time even though he's so squished in there that we couldn't see much.
With the 3D ultrasound we did several weeks ago, Jacob wouldn't stop covering his face with his arm, and he went right back to doing that this time too. It wasn't quite as much, but he definitely likes covering his face.
Other than that...
- He's still a boy! Michael thought to ask at the end and she assured us that he flashed her a couple times so there is no question there.
- Fluid levels are good.
- He weighs 5lbs 10oz and should gain about a half pound a week. My math skills aren't that great, especially when I have to do it in my head so Michael informed me that if he came on his due date he would be about 7lbs. However, now that I have a pen and paper, it looks like if he came on his due date he would be almost 9lbs, if he were to come at full-term 37 weeks then he'd be 7lbs. Here's hoping he comes early!
- His head is way down, and he's in perfect position.
- Heartbeat during the ultrasound was 131 bpm. Starting to slow down and going good.

The doctor part of the appointment was pretty standard. He measured my stomach and said all was good. There is now some room in my upper stomach which gives Jacob plenty of room to kick around and allows me to breathe a bit easier now. The scorching/stabbing pain I have in my upper abs is of course normal and common. Just the muscles still coming apart and once again the only cure is delivery. I'm very ready to be able to go back to slight headaches that can be cured with medicine instead of strange new symptoms where all you hear is, "it's going to get worse but will be cured once the baby is delivered."
Once we were leaving the office Dr. White went to update our file and noticed we had an ultrasound. So he pulled up the results and said all looked fine. Jacob is measuring a week ahead (more hope for an earlier arrival) and is in the 50th precentile.

Our next appointment is on St. Patrick's Day. My doctor will be on vacation, but I still have to go in that week and will see the midwife that I saw for an appointment early on in the pregnancy. This will be the start of my weekly appointments and also the start of watching for signs of labor. Yea!

Little Legs

I love all the adorable outfits Jacob has gotten!
The other day I was reading about dressing your baby and making sure they stay warm. One thing that the mom's on the board said is that pairing onesies with Baby Legs kept the baby's legs warm and still made diaper changing easy. After the shock that one pair could was $16, I checked Etsy and found several vendors with much more reasonable prices.
Jacob now has 5 pairs to keep his little legs warm!
*These aren't the ones Jacob got, but just to show how cute they are.

34 Weeks

Not to jump ahead, but I'm very excited that next week is 35/35 (35 weeks and 35 days left). That's crazy! Soon we'll have our baby boy!
The only big thing this week is Jacob has unofficially dropped. This is unofficial because there is a chance I don't know what I'm talking about and I have to wait until Wednesday to have the doctor confirm. The good thing if he really has dropped though is it means he's head down and in the right direction.
A couple days ago I was getting ready for work and told Michael to look at me because I think he had dropped. All I got back was a "I don't know" face and some sort of mumble. Then throughout the day it was hard to walk and I have to pee more than ever. Plus he isn't as caught up in my ribs, and I'm not short of breath anymore which makes me extremely thankful.
When I slouch at work or in the car though I can still feel a little bit in my ribs, but that just may be because I'm squishing him.
***UPDATE*** I have heard from a credible source with very reliable resources that week 34 is when the baby repositions to head down. So that could be the cause of my thinking he dropped. :)
Other than that, it has been a quiet week.
Oh! I'm definitely posting a picture later because I came up with a really cute outfit. It just confirms that pregnant or not, Ann Taylor Loft is probably my favorite store.


* How far along?: 34 weeks
* Total weight gain: Not nearly the weight gain from last week, thank goodness. Now I'm up 25 pounds. This morning I told Michael I'm glad the pregnancy is coming to an end because I don't think I can take watching the scale go much higher.
* How big is baby?: Jacob weighs about as much as a cantaloupe - 4.75lbs. He's also anywhere from 17.5" to 19". Next week I'll have a more exact number even though the ultrasound estimate can be off a pound either way.
* Maternity clothes?: Yes, however today the only thing maternity I have on are jeans.
* Sleep?: The beginning of the week was tough, but last night was good.
* Best moment this week?: Michael had a cold or something earlier this week and is now feeling better.
* Movement?: Not so many strong movements, but he's active enough at work that when I don't have any motivation I can just sit in my chair and watch my stomach bounce all around.
* Food cravings?: Comfort Foods and back to the red meat
* Labor signs?: BH Contractions are getting a bit stronger. Last night they were once an hour, but nothing serious yet.
* Belly button in or out?: It doesn't really have much room to stretch anymore. I'm losing hope that it won't pop. Another weird fact, if you have an innie and it starts stretching to become an outie, the skin that was once an innie is very soft. I was touching my stomach the other night and had to look down because I felt normal skin and then all of a sudden this really, really soft skin and it freaked me out. Come to find out it was just skin that hadn't really been exposed before. Very strange.
* What I'm looking forward to: Having him here. Both Michael and I are very anxious to have him here now. I know he definitely needs a few more weeks to finish getting ready, but I hope he comes a little early.
**New Question for this week** Because I can, and it is so sweet.
Sweetest Moment of the Week: Yesterday Michael and I were emailing back and forth about what we have left to do before Jacob arrives and he sent me this, "This morning I was driving to work and saw a Dodge [same type of truck as he drives] with a carseat in the back and it got me excited and thinking of Jacob."

And just because I feel like adding more today, I know this is the time that your stomach really starts to grow, but I don't think I can handle it. It's not a size issue. There is just this upper middle spot part of my stomach where the muscles are coming apart and stretching that is really starting to hurt. It used to just burn every now and then, but it is almost constant now whenever I move, the skin is warm and if I touch it I can feel the burn sensation. I would like to some day get some sort of abs back and I think my muscles are at their limit.

33 Weeks - 49 days left

Last weekend was my first shower and so much fun. My mom went over the top and I can't wait to get her pictures from the event. It was great seeing all the family and I can't wait for Jacob to see all the gifts he was spoiled with.
When we got home we started putting stuff away and finally last night put the last pieces that we were able to bring home with us away. He will definitely be the best dressed as his closet already has more clothes than his daddy. However, I don't think he'll ever be able to match my closet :)
Definitely looking forward to napping and taking it easy this weekend. Michael may go golfing Saturday while I have a friend's baby shower to attend.
Oh, I also had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday. This is the first appointment I went to without Michael since they're more frequent now and it is hard for him to get off work. I think my doctor either just takes a while to warm up to you, or likes patients that are closer to the end of the pregnancy more.
He came in to the exam room without leaving me in there to wait very long and was joking around with me about size, shortness of breath and our appointment schedule from here on out. At the next appointment in two weeks I get another ultrasound :) then one more 2-week appointment and after that the weekly appointments start and he could come at any time. Michael is going to the ultrasound appointment, but I already told him there is no need for him to come to the other appointments, but has to promise he will drop everything and race to the hospital if I call to say they're admitting me to labor and delivery.

* How far along?: 33 weeks
* Total weight gain: Not really liking this question anymore, I know it's normal, but it feels strange to gaining this much. 24lbs
* How big is baby?: Jacob weighs about as much as a pineapple - 4lbs. He's also anywhere from 17.5" to just under 19"
* Maternity clothes?: Yes, and now I have more due to my luggage visiting more cities than I did this past weekend.
* Sleep?: I definitely need some.
* Best moment this week?: Our time in Buffalo
* Movement?: He's still stubborn as can be, so nobody else can really feel him move, but a couple nights ago he did his popcorn immitation again and Michael got to feel the whole thing. It went on forever and was hilarious.
* Food cravings?: Comfort Foods
* Labor signs?: Braxton Hicks contractions, but not enough to be considered labor signs.
* Belly button in or out?: I think it will be flat by the end. Really hoping it doesn't pop out.
* What I'm looking forward to: Another ultrasound and I can't wait for him to start using his gifts!

Some People Can't Keep Their Mouth Shut

There is a filter between your brain and mouth that I've learned many people seem to not know how to use, or do not come equiped with one. While normally I find this hilarious and love hearing the outlandish comments made at the completely wrong time, it is starting to get old. Don't get me wrong, I have not been offended by anything that has been said to me during pregnancy; I'm just not finding it quite as funny anymore.
When I found out I was pregnant I only told people that are close to me, including people in the office that were bound to find out. This did not include the store managers I work with since gossip spreads faster than wild fire and I was sure they would find out before I had a chance to process it myself.
1) "Are you pregnant? I didn't even know you were married."
This came from a store manager that most definitely knew I was pregnant, but I have avoided since I've been showing. Also, she knew I was married because she made comments about my wedding since it was the same day as some other store manager's wedding which means nothing since she was never going to be invited anyway. I really wish I would have responded that legally the state of Texas won't let me get married, but that my life partner and I are ecstactic!
2) "How much weight have you gained?"
Seriously? This has come up several times from store managers and sales people. How would you like it if I greeted you and then quickly added, "wow, how much weight have you put on?" Seriously!
3) Your horrible birth story
I'm a light weight, I hate pain. I hate pain enough that once it gets to a certain point my body just shuts down. The whole birth part of pregnancy has worried me since I got over the "I'm pregnant!" joy. With this last trimester I've finally come to a good point and researched the drugs enough to be ready for this whole thing. I've read the birth stories of people I've gotten to know on message boards to know that I can get through it, and I've elected to walk out of the room if there is a birthing video during my class. I'm mentally as ready as I'll be. My plan does not include people I barely know, especially if I don't even know your name, to tell me the horrors of their son's or daughter's birth. Please leave your details to yourself so that I do not have to find a polite way to say that you are creeping out a complete strange, but thanks!
4) Your medical opinion
I have insurance and spend enough money each month to see a doctor with a diploma on his wall and a good track record of delivering babies. Just because you sell baby clothes does not mean you can really have any medical opinion about me or my pregnancy. However, if you had a white lab coat and stethoscope around your neck, I might take you a little more seriously.
And lastly...
5) Breastfeeding
Yes, I realize this is a big debate and blah, blah, blah. There are adults now that are amazing people who were formula fed and amazing people that were breastfed. It's just the way it is and a personal opinion. If I barely know you, I don't find it appropriate to talk to you about whether or not I'll be using my body to feed my child. Perhaps my opinions will change, but until then I'm keeping my mouth shut on the topic and will just stare at you with amazement as you go on, and on, and on, and on about the whole thing. This one especially applies to people that bring this up at a party after they've had a few...because that's what everyone wants to talk about during a night out.

Fun Facts

Found this online and thought it was cute:

Fun Due Date Facts
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Half Birthday: October 8
Birthstone: Diamond
Birth Flower: Daisy or Sweet_Pea Yellow, Red and colorless) -->
Your baby will be born in the Chinese Year of The White Metal Tiger
This time next year your baby will be 43 Weeks Old!
Your baby will start kindergarten in 2015, be old enough to drive a car in 2026, finish high school in 2028, and will graduate from college with the class of 2032, give or take a year.

31 Weeks

The last several weeks of pregnancy are uncomfortable as can be to make you less scared of giving birth - at least in my head that is the only reasonable explinantion. I'm ready to start feeling normal again and not hurt when I walk, or have to sit at a certain angle because Jacob is pushing at my ribs, not feel exhausted most the day, and all that other stuff that seems to be added on a daily basis now.
However, the fun thing with the contractions is that my stomach gets as hard as a rock and it's fun to poke at it then. Simple pleasures.

* How far along?: 31 weeks
* Total weight gain: About 20, right on track!
* How big is baby?: Just over 3 pounds and between 17 and 18 inches.
* Maternity clothes?: Yes, and with the constant cold snap we've been having (40's and low 50's) I'm quickly running through all the winter options.
* Sleep?: So sleepy!
* Best moment this week?: 3D Ultrasound
* Movement?: The movement near my ribs kind of hurts now. I think he's pushed so hard in there that it is starting to bruise a bit. Other than that it is kind of fascinating to sit and watch my stomach bounce around. Also, he moves around for Michael a lot more now, so I'm glad he gets to feel him.
* Food cravings?: Comfort Food. Big, big fan of whipped sweet potatoes
* Labor signs?: Braxton Hicks contractions, but not enough to be considered labor signs.
* Belly button in or out?: I think it will be flat by the end. Really hoping it doesn't pop out.
* What I'm looking forward to: In one week exactly I'll be on a plane to Buffalo!

A Not So Baby Post

I was just finishing my lunch of spaghetti followed by a mini box of Frosted Flakes because the spaghetti wasn't enough when I realized this week is flying by. It got me really excited until I realized, flying by can't be true because it is only Tuesday, and I'll have to see if I still feel the same way by the end of tomorrow.
This week will fly by though. Tomorrow I have video stuff to work on for our big meeting which means time out of the office and I'm going to a play that night too. Thursday is just a normal day, but once you make it through Thursday, Friday is here! No real plans for the weekend, except it is the last weekend of football for many, many weeks thank goodness!
I even think I can say next week will fly by too. On Tuesday or Wednesday, probably Wednesday, our leasing rep will be in office which having visitors always adds to the day, then Thursday mid morning our district manager will be here. Mary only visits once a quarter, and I really enjoy her visits. Plus Thursday night is our Annual Meeting. It is very scaled back from the resort dinner and a show type meeting we had last year, but it is still just as nerve racking getting everything together and speaking in front of a room of people that are convinced the mall is going under. Here's hoping they start drinking more and get better attitudes before I have to stand infront of them all!
On top of getting ready for the meeting and our corporate visitors I'll be packing bit by bit throughout the week...actually, no point in lying, after the meeting on Thursday I'll race home to start packing for our flight on Friday to freezing Buffalo to see family, friends and for an amazing shower.
All of that to say that this month is going to fly by, which will then put us about one month to Jacob's arrival!
Ok, back to work to finish prep for the meeting and finally start adding to my "What I do" binder for everyone to use while I'm out of the office. Woo hoo!

3D Ultrasound

He kept his arms up most the time so it was hard to get a clear face shot but below are some of the 3D photos we got of Jacob this weekend.


The right side of his head with a clear shot of his ear. You can also see a finger since his hand is covering the front of his face.











Front of Jacob's face with his right arm up over the left side and his eye.












His little grin














Open mouth shot, definite proof he has some of his daddy in him.

30 Weeks - 10 to go!

Things to note this week: 1) Last Friday I had the day off so that I could take a couple tests, one for continuing education and one blood test to make sure I don't have gestational diabetes. By Tuesday I found out that I passed both of them! And just to top it off they informed me that I'm not anemic either, so just an extra kudos.
The doctor was also the most talkative he's ever been with me during this week's appointment. For weight and belly size I'm measuring perfectly on the standard schedule. Beginning last Sunday I didn't feel very good so on Monday I wrote down symptoms and times throughout the day and gave the list to the doctor on Tuesday, he didn't laugh or just tell me not to worry, instead he actually took a minute to explain that I'm having Braxton Hicks contractions, which is a way the body prepares for labor and that I'm currently having one to two an hour so all is good, but to call if I start having four an hour.
Also, we finally rescheduled our birthing class for March 13. It will be cutting it close, but at least all the information will be fresh in our minds. I just hope it is more entertaining than the online portion.

* How far along?: 30 weeks
* Total weight gain: About 19 now
* How big is baby?: About 3 lbs and just over 15 1/2 inches from head to toe, about 2/3 of his birth length.
* Maternity clothes?: Yes!
* Sleep?: Back to normal, except now when I wake up in the middle of the night I usually need to go to the restroom.
* Best moment this week?: Finding out that I passed everything and didn't have to take the 3 hour glucose test
* Movement?: It is starting to slow down a bit. No more kicks or jabs, just mostly stretching and little movents. Early this week around 4AM he did the best imitation of popcorn I've ever seen, I don't think there was one part of my stomach he didn't hit.
* Food cravings?: Not really liking food this week - However the Pepsi Throwback is amazing
* Labor signs?: Braxton Hicks contractions, but not enough to be considered labor signs.
* Belly button in or out?: Even Michael notices that it is getting shallower each day. My stomach really feels like it can't grow anymore.
* What I'm looking forward to: The next ultrasound!

Cute Find!

Yesterday I felt the need to go to Target. Although I didn't find the stuff I remembered I originally needed, I did find the cutest piggy bank for Jacob's room.

29 Weeks

This week has been big for three reasons -
1) I've discovered there are a million things out there to drink besides just water with lemon. I need a break from the water, I'm fine drinking it at work, but it gets boring. Our fridge is now packed with Fresca, Hawaiian Punch Berry Lemonade, and flavors from Gatorade I never knew existed. Did you know there is a mango flavor? Also, kool-aid makes little tablets you can drop in your water for instant kool-aid. These should all keep me entertained for a while.
2) I was a big girl this week! Yesterday I went for my glucose tolerance test all by myself. I checked in, they gave me the bottle of sugary syrup to down in five minutes, then sat in the recliners they have hidden at the lab for an hour. This is where the big girl part comes in - I didn't call Michael to come to the lab when it came time for them to take my blood, and because they were so packed and busy at the lab I didn't even tell them that I have a tendency of fainting when someone takes my blood and needed to use the bed instead of the chair. It was the same lady who has been so sweet taking it before, so I just trusted her and went to the room with only a chair. The only bad part of not telling her I'm not good with needles is she used a normal sized one and it really hurt, but not as bad as taking the tape and gauze off my arm later. So, that is why I'm a big girl this week!
3) The nursery is ready! All painted, all furniture built, all ready! We need to add a little decor besides Michael's sports stuff that he's so happy to keep in there, but that is already in the works. Jacob probably has the most expensive decor right now including tons of signed baseballs and a bat, framed signed jerseys, a really cool UT print from when they won the championship and Astros thing with a piece of home plate and some other stuff from when we should have gone to the World Series, but Pujols stopped us. Below are pictures of the pretty final product!

View from the door, with the painted wall and trim.








View from the crib side of the room.








Scoot likes to lay in my lap and had kept circling around whenever I sat in the glider. When I went in to take pictures he decided he wanted to try out the glider. The movement freaked him out and it is a bit too small for him. Hopefully he realizes all furniture is not for him.




His closet is already starting to fill up! I finally found a use for those space saver hangers that I thought would help my closet. The wood bars in our closets are too big for tiny hangers, but these work perfectly.




* How far along?: 29 Weeks and 1 day to be technical
* Total weight gain: Still at 17 pounds
* How big is baby?: About 2.75 lbs and just over 15 inches from head to toe. He won't grow in length much more, but will keep put on weight at a steady pace. There's not much room for him anymore and my stomach feels like it can't stretch anymore. In fact this week I learned that the intense burning sensation I get right below my ribs on the right side is my ab muscles separating.
* Maternity clothes?: Yes! Yesterday I tried wearing one of my old tank tops with a button sweater over it and had to constantly keep pulling my jeans up and my shirt down to not show off my stomach to everyone.
* Sleep?: Back to normal, except now when I wake up in the middle of the night I usually need to go to the restroom.
* Best moment this week?: Working with Michael all week on the nursery. It was tiring, but a ton of fun.
* Movement?: The other night he was kicking/punching on both my left and right sides at the same time and then yesterday he must have been jumping up and down because I could feel him by my ribs and the bottom of my stomach at the same time.
* Food cravings?: Still a lot more beef than I ever ate before
* Labor signs?: Keeping a look out, but none. It's strange being far enough that I'm supposed to watch for this now.
* Belly button in or out?: Definitely getting shallow - I don't really want it to pop...I like my innie!
* What I miss: Nothing really
* What I'm looking forward to: Getting started on the online portion of our birthing class.

And just to make this post extremely long...
This week the hospital's educator department called me to say that our 2/6 child birth class had been canceled, but they could move me to one of the other February dates. The dates I had to chose from were 2/13 and 2/27, both shower days. I explained that neither of those worked for me, so they are supposed to call me back once the March schedule is done and hopefully I can get into an early one in March. I just would really like the hospital tour.

Picture Time!

Woohoo! I'm posting pictures!!
First a long awaited belly picture. He's definitely starting to take his toll on me and my belly is growing more and more each day. Hopefully I won't be giant by the end of this. Not the best of pictures, but it will work.
Secondly, we got some work done on the nursery this weekend. We cleaned out the whole room which made Michael happy because he found his Tupac CD and other amazing treasures. Michael was amazing and did most of the painting below because the smell of the paint made me exhausted. The colors look amazing and I'm so excited to get everything into place.

28 Weeks

There really isn't much to update on this week. We had an arctic blast come through, and although temps are back above freezing, it is still pretty cold and cloudy. I'm definitely ready for the spring to hurry on in so I can break out the open toed shoes again.
This weekend is busy with two birthday parties, picking out paint because we both finally decided we didn't love the color we chose first, putting together nursery furniture, and cleaning out the nursery. Definitely not a lay on the couch all day type of weekend.
However, there will be no cleaning except for some laundry because our housekeeper started yesterday and she is so amazing! I'm going to love coming home every other Thursday from now on :)
** I'm bad about taking pictures to post, but even Michael has started saying he wants to start taking them, so by tonight I shold get better about taking and posting some. **

* How far along?: 28 weeks - 12 weeks until the due date
* Total weight gain: Definitely gaining faster now even though I'm really cutting out the sweets. Up to 17 pounds now, still normal, but a bit scary.
* How big is baby?: About 2.25 lbs and almost 15 inches from head to toe. He's definitely filling up my tummy now.
* Maternity clothes?: Yes and normal sweaters a size too large
* Sleep?: I've been snoring this past week because I've been so stuffy; just glad Michael thinks it is hilarious. Otherwise, normal sleeping for me.
* Best moment this week?: We've spent a lot of time with friends this week, and I actually went to the bar last Friday night. It was nice relaxing and playing shuffleboard like we used to do. I'm so happy to have friends that changed their night to go to non-smoking bars so I could join in.
* Movement?: I'm very interested in how he is positioned right now since I fell most the movement on my lower left side and upper right. Not quite sure how he's hitting both sides. Not so much the crazy kicking movement of weeks past since it is getting tight in there, but I can feel most of his movement now. Last night he even tried to tell Scoot to shush by kicking every time he barked.
* Food cravings?: Still a lot more beef than I ever ate before
* Labor signs?: Keeping a look out, but none. It's strange being far enough that I'm supposed to watch for this now.
* Belly button in or out?: Definitely getting shallow - I don't really want it to pop...I like my innie!
* What I miss: Breathing
* What I'm looking forward to: I didn't think I was going to do this, but Carter's has a good sale going on this weekend and I'm really wanting to go and buy some outfits. So today at lunch, I'm looking forward to shopping for Jacob. Also, I'm really excited for my showers - it all just seems real now.

Welcom 3rd Tri (27 Weeks)

Officially Monday is the start of third tri, but I think this is close enough to celebrate.
This week we discovered another food that Jacob loves. Spaghetti! After we had it for dinner this week he bounced all around and ended the night with a hard as can be kick that even Michael noticed was harder than normal. Then after leftovers for lunch he spent the whole afternoon kicking around until I got in my car to go home. Nothing else this week has gotten him going like that.
There was a doctor's appointment, but nothing really happened at that. The heartbeat is 147 bpm, and my stuffiness is completely normal. It will just be nice when I can breathe again. Oh! There will be another ultrasound around 34 weeks. Our next appointment is January 26 and I have to go and take my glucose tolerance test a week before that. I can't believe we're in the final stretch.

* How far along?: 27 Weeks
* Total weight gain: About 14 pounds
* How big is baby?: I'm so confused on this, it changes with everything I read. I know he's just over 2 pounds though and perhaps around 14 inches with his legs stretched out.
* Maternity clothes?: Yes - With this bitter cold snap I'm layering everything possible to stay warm.
* Sleep?: If I could actually breathe then sleeping wouldn't be too bad.
* Best moment this week?: All the movement after spaghetti
* Movement?: Every day!
* Food cravings?: None really, just the usual I guess.
* Labor signs?: None now, but the doctor gave me information on pre-term labor signs to watch out for now.
* Belly button in or out?: It's stretching and getting shallow
* What I miss: Strong medicine, I never realized how much I loved instant relief
* What I'm looking forward to: Just getting things ready still. The whole weekend should pretty much be below freezing, so a good weekend to stay in and work on stuff.

26 Weeks and a few days

Not too big of a week. Just the normal I guess. My nails and hair are both growing extremely fast and strong which is amazing but starting to get on my nerves a bit. I feel I'm so overdue for a hair cut and constantly having to file and clip my nails.
Plus I'm extremely tired of the acid reflux that is just getting worse and worse. During the day Tums can handle it, but at night I feel like I'm going to burn a hole in my throat and the only thing I've found that can keep it down until I fall asleep is extra strength Mylanta. It tastes like spoiled milk, but is the best thing I've found.
This is my last week in 2nd tri. Next week I move on to the last trimester, otherwise known as the end of the honeymoon phase...which means I'm a little nervous of what's to come. I've been lucky so far with most of the symptoms, so hopefully we keep on track.
Tomorrow is another doctor's appointment and I can't wait to hear the heartbeat again. It should be a quick appointment since there are no tests scheduled, just some questions I want to ask about being sick for the past couple weeks and what symptoms I need to watch out for. Nothing big. We'll also fill out paper work for my gestational diabetes test that I guess I just come in whenever and do. Just happy it isn't tomorrow so I can still have strawberry shortcake for dessert tonight :)


* How far along?: 26 weeks 3 days
* Total weight gain: 13 pounds, right on schedule with the gain a pound a week from now on plan the books say I should be on.
* How big is baby?: Still about 2 pounds. I guess the measurement I was going by before was crown to rump, but everywhere I look for size now has crown to toes, so that is the reason for this giant increase...Jacob is about 14 inches long. Which explains why he won't get out of my rib cage.
* Maternity clothes?: Yes
* Sleep?: I've never been a good sleeper, so this just isn't a good question for me.
* Best moment this week?: He stopped moving a lot for a couple days, but is back to jiggling all around which makes me extremely happy.
* Movement?: In the lower part of my right ribs I can feel a mass of him just lodged there with movement every now and then. At night I can feel jabs on my lower left side. It would be nice to see his actual position.
* Food cravings?: Today is salsa
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: I think it might actually be getting shallower
* What I miss: Looking skinnier in pictures
* What I'm looking forward to: Our birthing class and registering for the hospital. We got the packet in the mail this weekend for the online portion of our class!

100 Days

As of tomorrow I will be in the double digit countdown for baby Jacob's arrival.
I can't believe how quickly this has flown by, and how little time there is left until we finally get to meet him. Part of that is probably because it has only been like a month now that I've actually felt pregnant.
Jacob moves around all the time now, especially right at my bottom rib on the right side. For some reason that's his favorite place to be during the day. At night he gives Michael more chances to feel him kicking around, and Scoot has even been surprised by a few of these while cuddling with me in the recliner.
We have so much left to do on the nursery, but I'm excited to work on it this weekend and know we'll get there.
Woo hoo!

25 Weeks on Christmas Day

A couple days late, but the official move to 25 weeks was on Christmas Day. Lots of family stuff and tons of fun, it was a great holiday.
On another note, we received several newborn onesies, which are so tiny. It is hard to believe that in just 3 more pounds Jacob could fit in those cute little outfits. Also a little scary he could be born barely fitting in those.

* How far along?: 25 weeks
* Total weight gain: Still about 12 pounds. It has been pretty steady around that for the past few days, buy I'm sure all the Christmas goodies haven't helped.
* How big is baby?: 8 1/2 to 9 inches, about the size of a 5lb sack of flour, and up to 2 lbs.
* Maternity clothes?: Yes
* Sleep?: I've never been a good sleeper, so this just isn't a good question for me.
* Best moment this week?: Christmas
* Movement?: He's extremely active when I'm relaxing but on days I'm running around I don't feel him as much
* Food cravings?: Veggies, chocolate and BBQ. I could eat BBQ every day
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: Innie
* What I miss: A SoCo and Diet
* What I'm looking forward to: Getting the nursery ready. It is starting to feel real.

Today is V-Day!! 24 Weeks (16 to go)

Today is Vitality Day. Meaning if Jacob were born today he would have a good chance of making it. Yea! Not that I want him to be born today, we're not nearly ready and it would be best if he waited for full term.
This Saturday is my last weekend even for the year! I just have a few more Christmas gifts to buy and I'm good to go for next week. Because I can't climb in and out of the attic with boxes this year we haven't put up any decorations, but Saturday morning Michael is going to help me get some out. It is a little late, but they'll be up for the important part and we'll do more next year.
I promise pictures tonight!

* How far along?: 24 weeks
* Total weight gain: Big jump to 12 pounds. From everything I've read this is a normal to low weight to be at, so I'm not too upset. Could have just been a growth spurt, or my need for dark chocolate lately.
* How big is baby?: 8 to 8 1/2 inches, about the size of a 1/2 gallon of milk, and up to 1.5 lbs
* Maternity clothes?: Yes, some of my normal tops don't cover up my tummy anymore.
* Sleep?: I've never been a good sleeper, so this just isn't a good question for me. (I slept sooo good last night, didn't even have to wake up once to turn on the sound machine in the middle of the night.)
* Best moment this week?: It has been a really crazy week, that made me realize how lucky I am to have Michael and Scoot and the rest of my family.
* Movement?: Movement every day. Yesterday I ate strawberries and he danced around for a while with that, then as I was trying to fall asleep last night he didn't want to stop moving around. Not too many solid kicks, but movement all the time.
* Food cravings?: Veggies, chocolate and BBQ. I could eat BBQ every day
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: Innie
* What I miss: A SoCo and Diet
* What I'm looking forward to: Christmas is next week!

23 Weeks

Not too much going on this week. In fact this week seems to have just morphed with last week, so it is hard for me to even tell them apart. Tomorrow Michael and I are going to Babie R' Us to work on the registry a bit more and then depending on energy levels go to do some Christmas shopping and look at paint samples. All sorts of fun stuff!


* How far along?: 23 weeks
* Total weight gain: Starting to gain. Probably around 8 pounds, but I haven't checked since the doctor's appointment. Supposedly I'll start gaining about a pound a week now which doesn't sound that great to me.
* How big is baby?: 7 1/2 to 8 inches, about the size of a loaf of bread, and up to 1.25 lbs
* Maternity clothes?: Most definitely. Even Michael said he noticed a bump the other day * Sleep?: I've never been a good sleeper, so this just isn't a good question for me.
* Best moment this week?: Coming home from California
* Movement?: He has really active days and then a couple days in a row where I barely feel anything which is frustrating
* Food cravings?: Veggies, chocolate and BBQ. I could eat BBQ every day
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: Innie
* What I miss: A SoCo and Diet
* What I'm looking forward to: Working on the nursery and registry this weekend

It's a boy!

We're having a little boy named Jacob Craig Tiger in April!

It was a rush to the appointment since I got stuck at work a little later than I should have. Also, I stopped at McDonalds for a little caffeine to make sure he would move around for the ultrasound and somehow got stuck behind the only lady in America who needed a Happy Meal explained to her. Luckily I got there right on time.

The technician we got was amazing and explained everything to us. She even laughed that he was moving around so much and at one point had folded in half into a jack knife position. She was so patient though and was able to get all the measurements needed and show us that everything looked fine.

Below are some images of Jacob. (There are explinations at the bottom of each image, just click the linke to make it larger.)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2680/4166066219_8e0aaa7c02_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/4166825932_661b725a8c_b.jpg

22 Weeks

I'm late on this one, but that's because I was travelling last week and then took the weekend to relax.
On Tuesday we went for our BIG U/S and found out we are most definitely having a little boy!! He was wiggling all around during the whole ultrasound which made it hard to get good pictures of him and for the technician to get measurements, but everything looks perfect. We saw he has a brain and skull around it, 4 chambers to his hear, bladder and kidneys. I'll post pictures of the ultrasound in another post this afternoon. The ultrasound also showed we are measuring about a week ahead, but that can change depending on growth spurts and such.
Next appointment is at the end of the month!

* How far along?: 22 weeks
* Total weight gain: Starting to gain. At doctor's appointment I was up 7 pounds.
* How big is baby?: 7 to 7 1/2 inches and about 1 pound, about the size of a 1lb bag of coffee grinds. During the ultrasound he measured about 15 oz.
* Maternity clothes?: Most definitely
* Sleep?: I've never been a good sleeper, so this just isn't a good question for me.
* Best moment this week?: A great ultrasound with tons of pictures!
* Movement?: Lots! The other day I was sitting with my arm resting on my stomach and actually felt him kick from the outside. The only problem is he is already a brat and will stop kicking whenever you put your hand near.
* Food cravings?: Veggies and chocolate
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: Innie
* What I miss: Not much
* What I'm looking forward to: Working on the nursery

21 Weeks

No picture today. Michael and I have been relaxing all day, and it has been amazing. The only down side to that is I am nowhere close to looking appropriate for a picture. Maybe tomorrow.

* How far along?: 21 weeks

* Total weight gain: Still haven't stepped on the scale, once again...maybe tomorrow

* How big is baby?: 4 inches longer than last week (but I think that's because they've started measuring from head to toe instead of head to rump) equaling about 10.5" or the length of a banana. Weight is getting closer to a pound with about 13 oz.

* Maternity clothes?: I got some cold weather things the other day, but if the weather is going to stay cold now I'm going to have to continue picking up pieces here and there.

* Sleep?: I've never been a good sleeper, so this just isn't a good question for me.

* Best moment this week?: Thanksgiving. It is definitely the best meal of the year, and I still strongly believe it should be made several times a year.

* Movement?: There were a couple days with no movement, but yesterday little one was very active and today I feel like there is a pounding on my bladder, probably punishment for working all night instead of sleeping.

* Food cravings?: Veggies

* Labor signs?: None for a long time

* Belly button in or out?: Innie

* What I miss: Not much

* What I'm looking forward to: 4 days until our big ultrasound! Extremely excited about that. Also, I'm not the biggest fan of corporate trips and leaving Michael and Scoot at home, but I'm looking forward to seeing all my friends from the other malls while in California next week.

* Milestone: Our little one now has eye brows and lids.

Boy or Girl

Since we found out our friends Brandon and Sarah are pregnant at about the same time we found out we were, it was decided that we would either both have boys or one of us would have a boy and the other a girl.
When it comes to expeirencing pregnancy differently, Sarah and I are probably the complete extremes.
While I experienced morning sickness and all that fun stuff, she actually battled through it. The only food aversion I've had is grilled chicken (which happily is long gone :)), Sarah has a list of foods that although they sound amazing, once you get them to your mouth they turn disgusting.
Lastly, and probably the most obvious to people is the way we show. Since about 8 weeks Sarah has had to start modifying her clothing to make it fit and continued to form her bump from that point on, while nobody could tell I was pregnant until maybe a week ago.
These differences really made me believe that we both couldn't be carrying the same gender. I know it is all completely plausible, but I just feel that we are having opposites.

Yesterday Sarah and Brandon went for their Big Ultrasound....
It's a girl! Well, there is an 80% chance it is a girl, the baby wasn't positioned correctly, so their going back today to make sure.
I completely understand them wanting to go back to make sure, but for my reasons I'm going to say 80% chance means it is a girl.

Anyways, all this to say that last night I had my first baby dream. We were having our ultrasound and you could easily tell it was a boy on the screen.

One more week to see if I'm right!

Big, big, BIG week! (Not in order of importance)

1) Half way mark today!!! Actually, now that I think about it, I guess next Friday will be since it will be 20 weeks down and 20 to go. However, I'm still going to celebrate today.

2) Last night was the last night of my class and I passed with a 97! Darn 93 on the final brought me down from my 100 average. I'm really hoping to keep in touch with everyone from class because it was a great group and I want to see where everyone ends up.

3) I get a few weeks extra to study for my state exam because I messed up on the dates and messed my previously scheduled test.

4) Last week was my last Saturday to work for about a month...woo hoo!!!

5) 1 1/2 weeks until our next ultrasound, and then we'll know boy or girl and confirm once again that we have a healthy baby :)

6) We picked out our furniture and started some of the registry! We didn't want to scan in the store because I was exhausted and Michael wasn't feeling well so I completely confused the Babies R Us associate by asking for the registry info and then saying thank you and walking out without taking the scanner.
7) I stood up for myself and the mall this past week, and that felt really good.
8) I'm remembering to post a picture with this week's post!

* How far along?: 20 Weeks!! (3 more weeks until V Day, where they can deliver the baby and have a good chance for survival)

* Total weight gain: I honestly haven't stepped on a scale this past week, but I'm sure it has gone up a bit. However, looking in the mirror I've been nervous because it doesn't look like much of a bump at all, but Michael insists I'm growing, and I guess this is the only time I won't mind him saying that.

* How big is baby?: The size of a cantaloupe! 6 1/2 inches and 10.6 oz. A little freaky that there is something the size of a cantaloupe inside me.

* Maternity clothes?: Pants definitely, however I'm tempted to put some normal jeans on just to see. Non-maternity tops still fit well as long as they are a bit longer, shorter ones come up to high now and show off the lovely maternity band on my pants.

* Sleep?: I've never been a good sleeper, so this just isn't a good question for me.

* Best moment this week?: See above, it has been a very active week.

* Movement?: Yes! I definitely think I'm feeling movement, especially when I wake up in the middle of the night I can feel rumblings. Really looking forward to being able to feel more, but don't want to rush it since I know it will start to hurt at some point.

* Food cravings?: Nothing big, I was on a cake thing for a couple days, but mostly veggies.

* Labor signs?: None for a long time

* Belly button in or out?: Innie

* What I miss: It would be nice to get drunk with my friends or go out to the bar and play darts with them. However, we live on the outskirts of Houston city limits and you're still allowed to smoke in most of the bars around us.

* What I'm looking forward to: I get next weekend off!!!!!

* Milestone: Remembering to post pictures this week, even if they were just taken in my office.

19 Weeks, right on time!

The crazy part of the season is finally starting to wind down for me. I have my district manager coming in today and a large event on Saturday, then one more week of class and I'll have a normal weekend without a care in the world :)
Woo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

* How far along?: 19 weeks
* Total weight gain: About 3 pounds. I found a weight gaining chart and it says I need to gain an extra pound or so to be normal, but I'm happy with it.
* How big is baby?: The size of a mango! A little over 6 inches and 8.5ox. The fruits comparrisons are getting so large now, and much yummier than the onion a few weeks ago.
* Maternity clothes?: I like that maternity shirts actually give me kind of a pregnant look instead of a beer gut look. Pants are always maternity and I go back and forth in tops right now. (Same as last week)
* Sleep?: About normal. However, some stupid person lets their dogs out at 5AM every morning now and doesn't care they spend the whole morning yipping.
* Best moment this week?: Kind of sort of...I got my first comment from someone that didn't know I was pregnant. It is only a kind of best moment because I don't particulary like the lady. We were discussing plans for Santa when she randomly asked when my baby was due. She had some balls to ask considering I still just look pudgy - Michael said I should have responded with, "No baby, I just drank a lot of beer last night and had a big lunch."
* Movement?: Yes! I feel about one kick or punch a day.
* Food cravings?: Nothing really this week. I think it has been too busy to put much thought into it.
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: Innie
* What I miss: Nothing much
* What I'm looking forward to: I get next weekend off!!!!!
* Milestone: Feeling some sort of movement almost every day.

Countdown Milestone

150 days until the due date!!
Last night Michael and I were using our amazing math skills to figure out how much time we have left until the due date and after about 10 minutes of arguing about it, we realized that yesterday was exacty 5 months.

A little late again...18 weeks!

Late again! This has been the nuttiest week in a long time. I feel like there was barely a chance to sit down. So, a little late, but here it is!

* How far along?: 18 weeks
* Total weight gain: 2 or 3 pounds.
* How big is baby?: The size of a sweet potato. A little over 5 1/2 inches and almost 7 oz.
* Maternity clothes?: I like that maternity shirts actually give me kind of a pregnant look instead of a beer gut look. Pants are always maternity and I go back and forth in tops right now. (Same as last week)
* Sleep?: About normal, some nights better than others
* Best moment this week?: Ummm, just getting through the week I guess
* Movement?: Yes! Not like kicks or anything I don't think, but can definitely feel if the baby is laying low or to one side.
* Food cravings?: I had grilled chicken this week!!!!
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: Innie
* What I miss: Nothing much
* What I'm looking forward to: Getting through the busyness of November
* Milestone: I got over my fear of alcohol and had a sip of Michael's beer the other night

17 Weeks

This week really flew by. I completely forgot it was the start of 17 weeks, until I checked my email and saw the update email from one of the baby sites. Which means on Tuesday I'll only be 4 weeks away from my next appointment!! Also in three weeks I'll be half way through the pregnancy, which is a little crazy. There are a ton of people I haven't even told I'm pregnant yet, and it is already almost half over. Oh well, I guess in the next several weeks or so they'll be able to figure it out for themselves.
In the four weeks before we find out gender, I have 4 events to get through, will finish class, and need to find time to do my student observations. It is going to be busy and probably fly by just as quickly as this week did.

* How far along?: 17 weeks
* Total weight gain: About 1.5 pounds. (I think the same as last week, I haven't been checking the past couple days.)
* How big is baby?: The size of an onion. About 5 inches and almost 6 oz. There is definitely a growth spurt going on!
* Maternity clothes?: I like that maternity shirts actually give me kind of a pregnant look instead of a beer gut look. Pants are always maternity and I go back and forth in tops right now. (Same as last week)
* Sleep?: Not so great the past couple nights. I have a headache that has the ability to wake me up in the middle of the night. (Same as last week, but sleeping a bit better)
* Best moment this week?: Getting to hear the heartbeat
* Movement?: If I'm feeling it, it is definitely not on a regular basis or a very strong feeling yet. Probably another couple weeks for that.
* Food cravings?: On Wednesday before the storms hit Michael had to race to get propane and I went to two grocery stores so we could have steaks, sweet potatoes and carrots. It still sounds really good to me
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: Innie
* What I miss: Nothing much
* What I'm looking forward to: Michael coming home!
* Milestone: I completed my department budget for next year which is a giant feat for me. I truly hate numbers.

16 Week Dr. Appt

All went good with our appointment on Tuesday. Although there was no ultrasound, we got to hear the heart beat. 141 beats per minute! Michael thinks it sounded like a tornado more than a heart beat.

Doctor wise there really wasn't anything. He doesn't seem big on really sharing much information, but was willing to write a prescription for tylenol with codeine to help the headaches I've been having, but also said they should be going away in the next few weeks, so I'm going to try and wait it out.


We also met with the OB Benefits person, which wasn't really about benefits, in fact there was only one sample in the bag of stuff they gave us. The whole meeting was to say how much we owe them each month to pay for the doctor cost of delivery. At first I thought it was a fairly good price, but then I realized it was only the doctor fee, there was also the medicine and hospital and so much more that we would see later.


And to finish it all off, they took my blood for the third time. The only good part with that is I have a lady at the lab I love and who is so great at the whole blood thing.


Michael was sweet enough to run to the mall with me after the appointment to get a pretzel and cheese since I hadn't stopped talking about it for a day. Definitely the best part of the day!




Oh...and big news. We scheduled our BIG ultrasound. The anatomy ultrasound, which is also the gender ultrasound, will be at 1:30 on December 1st. 5 more weeks until we know if we're having a boy or girl!!!!! I'm upset we have to delay a week because of Thanksgiving, but I'm sure it will be here before I know it anyway.

16 weeks 3 days (Just a few days late)

My crazy holiday hours have officially started, so my days on and off at work are completely mixed up and I forgot to post on Friday. I'll get back on schedule.
Work has kind of consumed my life and thoughts lately because we have three fairly large events back to back and then a few more right after, that I haven't even gotten to planning yet.
The weekend was good and we went to A Night in the Pumpkin Patch where you get to see all sorts of exotic animals, it was still amazing, but because of the flu going around we weren't allowed to go in and touch the animals. The other neat part of going the second year is that a lot of the babies I fell in love with last year were all grown up this year.
Ok, survey time!

* How far along?: 16 Weeks and a few days
* Total weight gain: About 1.5 pounds.
* How big is baby?: The size of an avocado (4.6" and about 3.5 oz)
* Maternity clothes?: I like that maternity shirts actually give me kind of a pregnant look instead of a beer gut look. Pants are always maternity and I go back and forth in tops right now.
* Sleep?: Not so great the past couple nights. I have a headache that has the ability to wake me up in the middle of the night.
* Best moment this week?: I had a three day weekend!
* Movement?: Still very unsure
* Food cravings?: Bold flavors
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: Innie
* What I miss: Going out with friends for a drink
* What I'm looking forward to: I have a ton of questions for my dr appt tomorrow. Including travel issues since I have two trips this winter/early spring
* Milestone: I don't worry nearly as much about whether or not everything is ok...that's impressive for me!

15 Weeks!

Not a lot going on this week. Work is getting crazy busy and this weekend starts the first of about a month of working the weekends. I'm not loving the planning part of it, but I do still love event days and like having a strange day off during the week. So, it all works out!
In other strange things pregnancy does to you... I've always had strong nails, but with the pregnancy it is amazing how quickly they grow and their strength. My gosh!
Tomorrow I'll post a bump picture. The dress I wore yesterday was perfect for the picture, but by the time I got home around 10 last night, all I wanted to do was go to bed and once again completely forgot the picture.

* How far along?: 15 Weeks
* Total weight gain: 0.8 pounds (Same as last week.)
* How big is baby?: The size of a navel orange. About 4 inches and 2.5oz. Now the growing really starts!
* Maternity clothes?: Definitely all maternity pants. I wore a pair of slacks the other day with a bella band and it was so freaking uncomfortable. Maternity tops are super comfy so I still wear them every now and then already.
* Sleep?: Really good.
* Best moment this week?: Last week I lost my debit card and this week they sent me a new one. Extremely happy to have my card back!
* Movement?: I don't think so, and Michael talked me out of getting a doppler to make sure everything is alright.
* Food cravings?: Bold flavors
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: Innie
* What I miss: I kind of want some sushi, but I think I can indulge since the majority of what I get is cooked anyway, so this is nothing a California Roll can't solve.
* What I'm looking forward to: Now I'm looking forward to the California Roll :) Also, the dr appt in about a week so I can get my list of questions answered and confirm all is good. Oh!!!! And I'm looking forward to Italian Fest this weekend, it sounds so yummy!
* Milestone: NONE of my pants fit now. I guess that's a milestone.

Giggly Tuesday

Yesterday evening I could not stop laughing. I seriously scared the people in my class into thinking I was a drunk pregnant woman because I wasn't the quiet, reserved person in class; instead I was the one making jokes with everyone and constantly laughing at the wrong times.
There really wasn't any reason. Last week I lost my debit card which through the week I learned how dependent I am on it. By Tuesday afternoon it still had not arrived, and I left the check I was going to cash in my office so there was nothing funny before class besides trying to find a cheap meal with the few one's I had in my purse.
Then as people started getting to class I joked around with everyone a bit more than normal. By the time we started our first group project I thought I was back to normal and even volunteered to be the presenter. All went fine until I read that one of our group members wanted to bring a violin to our make believe planet. I felt horrible, because before I could even say what he was going to bring I just started laughing in front of everyone. Of course we had several group projects in class last night and each one provided another reason to laugh.

Not sure if that is due to the hormones or just being exhausted, but I had so much fun and am glad it helped me get to know my classmates.

In other random thoughts: This morning on my forever long commute I realized that this Friday will be 15 weeks. Which means in 5 weeks it will be 20 weeks, which is half way. Wow! Maybe it is going by a lot faster than I thought.

14 Weeks

Not too much this week. Just a normal week...

* How far along?: 14 Weeks (Officialy in the 2nd Trimester by every system out there!)
* Total weight gain: 0.8 pounds
* How big is baby?: The size of a lemon. About 3 inches in length.
* Maternity clothes?: Even my jeans are a bit tight now. I've found a few maternity pants I love and am excited to shop for some this weekend.
* Sleep?: Good, except the past couple days I've gone back to waking up for hours at a time in the middle of the night.
* Best moment this week?: We got our test results back from the NT scan. All looks good :)
* Movement?: Yesterday I felt something in my lower abdomen, it didn't seem like gas, but it still could be.
* Food cravings?: Anything with cheese, and tacos sound really good right now
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: Innie
* What I miss: Nothing really, but I have a feeling I'm going to miss beer again on Sunday.
* What I'm looking forward to: Actually feeling movement, and the day when Michael can feel it too.
* Milestone: Nothing much this week.

All Looks Good

I just got a call from the doctor's office saying that our first trimester screenings came back normal!
No worries of chromosomal diseases or what not!!

A Very Exciting 13 Weeks

I feel like a ton has happened this week, and it is very evident by the fact I was completely burnt out on Thursday. Normally I can make it to Friday, but this week I was so tired by the time I woke up on Thursday that I had trouble making it through the day.
The best part of the week was the ultrasound that I've been looking forward to for the past few weeks and seeing our little one move around a bit. This with the fact there is more of a baby shape now than peanut makes it all seem so real.
I thought I had a belly, but Michael said there really isn't anything and I still don't look pregnant. So for that I'm not doing a picture this week. It really hasn't changed from last week. In fact it must be mostly bloat because this morning it was pretty flat and then when I finished with breakfast it was rounded out again.

* How far along?: 13 Weeks
* Total weight gain: I hate the way they weigh at the doctor's office. If you go by them then I'm up 5 pounds, but if you go by normal weighing at home, I'm up 0.5 pounds. I'm going to have to start wearing lighter outfits to the doctor's office and asking to empty my bladder before the weigh in from now on.
* How big is baby?: The size of a peach! At the ultrasound the measurement was about 2.5"this week should add another 0.5"
* Maternity clothes?: My jeans still fit great, but making the switch to maternity for all other pants. (Same as last week)
* Sleep?: I find it almost impossible to stay up til 10.
* Best moment this week?: The ultrasound!
* Movement?: Too early - but soon I'll start feeling something
* Food cravings?: Pizza, Mac n' Cheese, and Develed Eggs
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: Innie
* What I miss: My energy and ability to go without sleep
* What I'm looking forward to: Greek Fest tomorrow!!!! Hopefully it doesn't rain.
* Milestone: I got my flu shot, which is good because someone at work has the flu.

Another Gender Predictor

Since there is a 2 month wait to find out the gender, Nicole found another gender predictor to try.

It's a boy if:
You didn't experience morning sickness in early pregnancy (Depends on what you consider early - I didn't really get it until about 8 or 9 weeks)
Your baby's heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute (It is starting to get a bit lower, but hasn't even neared being lower than 140)
You are carrying the extra weight out front
Your belly looks like a basketball (Too early to answer)
You are carrying low (Too early to answer)
You are craving salty or sour foods (Nope!)
You are craving protein -- meats and cheese (Now my favorite thing to eat)
Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy (This one is iffy since they've always been pretty cold)
The hair on your legs has grown faster during pregnancy
Your hands are very dry
Your pillow faces north when you sleep (I think it does)
Dad-to-be is gaining weight, right along with you (Dad-to-be like to laugh at how much weight he can lose each day)
Pregnancy has you looking better than ever (Getting better now that we're out of the morning sickness stage, but don't think better)
Your nose is spreading (Don't think so)
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves in circles
You are having headaches
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an even number

It's a girl if:
You had morning sickness early in pregnancy
Your baby's heart rate is at least 140 beats per minute
You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear
Your left breast is larger than your right breast
Your hair develops red highlights (However, this isn't something new, just what has always happened during the fall)
You are carrying high (Too early to tell)
Your belly looks like a watermelon (Too early to tell)
You are craving sweets (Definitely not something new, but still sweet cravings are mixed with veggie cravings)
You are craving fruit (Apples, oranges and grapes are the only fruit I can stand to look at right now...not even pineapple!)
You crave orange juice (Blah)
You don't look quite as good as normal during pregnancy (Thanks to the people that like to tell me this)
You are moodier than usual during pregnancy (Surprisingly level - lucky Michael!)
Your face breaks out more than usual (I HATE this)
You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread (Once again - nothing new. That's Scoot's piece)
Your pillow faces south when you sleep (I really don't understand this one, but if you go by the way the pillow case is on then I still think North)
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves from side to side
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an odd number

9 for boy and 7 for girl. Still pretty close to even though

2 1/2 Inches of Baby

From crown to rump our baby is now 2 1/2 inches!

I completely meant to have a bit of sugar before the ultrasound, but became so obsessed with making sure I drank enough water to give us a clear picture that I forgot the sugar. It wasn't until we were watching the screen and he/she didn't want to move around too much that I figured out I had forgotten.

Without any prompt however he did stand up for a second to show off, but half a second later he was back to laying down with his feet propped up. The only other movement he gave us was was some bobs of the head and a few kicks to look like there was a dance party going on. Even my laughing didn't seem to budge him from his resting spot.

The tech finally pushed on my stomach a few times to get him to move in a position that she could get the needed measurements from, but he obliged just long enough to get those measurements before laying down again.

At least he's found a comfy spot...and we still got to see movement :) Which was absolutely amazing and so much more thrilling than I would have ever thought.

We get the results from the test to make sure there are no chromosomal diseases in about a week and everything is going smoothly. The heart beat is now in the high 140's which they said is good and strong.

++ Writing "he" is more normal for me than "it" or switching it up all the time. We're not trying to keep a secret of what the gender is. In fact we have 2 more months to find out which is going to be a very long wait for us. So, until then, I'm just using "he" even if Michael thinks that is jinxing it.

Start of a belly pic

It doesn't look much like a baby bump, more like just a bit of chunk. From this week forward I'll take a belly picture every week as I move from looking like I've had one too many servings of fries to a formed bump.

12 Weeks!

This is the last week of the trimester, and I'm already feeling so much better! I don't want to sleep all the time, most foods don't disgust me anymore, my appetite is back. It is all just so much better!
The only hassle now is finding some pants to fit. I honestly hadn't had too much of a bloat up to this point and all of a sudden this week my stomach just kept expanding. First my pants were a little uncomfortable, so I went two days with maternity pants. Then yesterday I tried to fit in some looser dress pants and ended up not even being able to button them because it felt so strained. That's why I figured the perfect Friday field trip for a pregnant co-worker and I would be to visit some resale shops this afternoon to see what we can find.
As for belly pictures, there isn't really much of anything noticeable, but I will start taking and posting with these surveys. Just not this week, because I woke up late this morning and completely forgot.

* How far along?: 12 Weeks!
* Total weight gain: I am now even. No weight gained and none lost.
* How big is baby?: The size of a plum. They say about 2 inches, but we'll know for sure on Tuesday when we go in for the next ultrasound.
* Maternity clothes?: My jeans still fit great, but making the switch to maternity for all other pants.
* Sleep?: Don't need nearly as much :)
* Best moment this week?: Today I guess, because the weekend starts tomorrow and that makes me happy.
* Movement?: Too early
* Food cravings?: No real cravings, just really loving all sorts of veggies
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: Innie
* What I miss: When we go to a sports bar the beer looks really good, but water is ok.
* What I'm looking forward to: The next appointment on Tuesday afternoon so we can see our little one again.
* Milestone: Making it through the week. Does that count?

Today's Breakfast

Yesterday evening I made a stop to the grocery store because my hunger is starting to increase and the snack machine probably does not have the best calories in it.
1) I actually went to the grocery store and bought tons of good stuff and didn't spend a ton. I kept it close to $25!
2) There were no sweets in my basket!
Michael laughed when I came home with yet another bag of grapes since we ended up trowing out a whole bag just last week, but I promised this one would be eaten. Then there were apples, oranges, carrots, mushrooms and cheese cubes to round out the snacks.

This morning because I was running late I didn't get to lay in bed and eat my normal bowl of Fruity Pebbles while watching the Today show, so I took one of my snacks out and had apple slices and peanut butter for breakfast.

Absolutely amazing!

Now it's time to get started on the chocolate milk I got. I have to add some sugar somewhere :)

199 Days

According to my countdown ticker...we're under the 200 days mark!

Not a big moment in development or anything, but kind of wow.

Pants that Fit

Tonight I'm going to find some maternity pants.
Definitely don't need any shirts yet, however I need to stop wearing my form fitting tops since the form isn't looking so fit anymore.
Michael and I can both see a little bump, whether it is my uterus or bloat, there is definitely a pooch in my lower stomach and it makes it very uncomfortable to wear my normal dress pants. Even with the belly band today and my pants unbuttoned, I had to unzip them a little so that I didn't feel so constricted. If I'm gaining around the waist line, I don't know from where since I'm still down in weight.
Anyway, I'm very excited to find some early pregancy (without that strange panel) pants today and show off my new fitting pants tomorrow :)

11 Weeks!

Not a very eventful week...thankfully. By the end of the week my nauseousness seemed to finally go down, so I'm excited about that and hoping it stays that way. Poor Michael spent time cooking a great dinner this week, grilling chicken and making great sides and everything, but when it came time to eat all I could handle was rice and butter.
I'm starting to get my weight back though and am almost back to even. I know it is for a good cause, but it is very difficult to get excited about gaining weight and the fact that my pants don't fit comfortably.

* How far along?: 11 Weeks
* Total weight gain: Almost back to the weight I started at
* How big is baby?: The size of a lime...which sounds huge considering last week was a walnut
* Maternity clothes?: Using the belly band so I can keep my pants unbuttoned. May go look at some pants soon.
* Sleep?: With class and work I'm more than exhausted all the time (Same as last week)
* Best moment this week?: Not baby related - I gave my first lesson in class and aced it!
* Movement?: Too early
* Food cravings?: Anything that is not chicken, except fried chicken tenders, still love those
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: Innie
* What I miss: Nothing really
* What I'm looking forward to: The very relaxing weekend Michael and I have planned
* Milestone: I know it isn't "bump" yet, but I can definitely see a little pouch in my stomach that I can't suck in.

The Gender Debate

Everyone has an opinion on the gender of our little one. There is the hope of a boy so Michael has someone to watch football with, but also the thought of a girl to be best friends with our niece. It will be nice to finally know, but there is still some time to wait for the "official" reveal.

To fill in the time though...we've tested out Old Wive's tales and every other predictor there is. Below are some of the responses.

Chinese Gender Predictor

This is just a table that based on the mother's age and month of conception, will tell you the gender of your child. According to the table on thebump we're having a girl. However, there are apparently several versions of this table floating around out there that will give you different answers.

Madame Z's Birth Predictor

By filling in several questions about your favorite color, current weather and everything non-baby related you receive a full prediction about the birth of your baby.

"The day you deliver, outside will be hot. Your baby will arrive in the early evening. After a labor lasting approximately 14 hours, your child, a boy, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 9 pounds, 15 ounces, and will be 17 inches long. This child will have medium green eyes and a lot of blonde hair."

I took this prediction yesterday also when the weather was just cloudy, not dark, and the prediction said our boy would be 13lbs, 13 oz. Very glad that didn't show up again :)

Old Wives Tale Quiz

I can only take the first part so far, but after inputting whether I was craving sweet or savory, or if my hair was stringy or full of body I learned that there is a 60% chance for a boy and 40% chance for a girl.

Intelligender

The most expensive and confusing one yet. After spending $30 for this at home test, we were excited to see what it said. This is all based on what color the liquid changes to after waiting for 10 minutes. I followed the directions to the T and believe it was the correct color for a girl, but when I took the jar in to the bedroom to show Michael it suddenly turned the color for a boy. Because you're not supposed to move it, I'm going to stay with the girl prediction.

10 Weeks...a little late

After moving back a week, we're finally at 10 weeks.
The past week has been a little crazy. On Tuesday we had a little scare that everything wasn't going to turn out well. After an emergency doctor's appointment and ultrasound, we were relieved to hear that everything is fine, and the baby is growing just perfectly. I'll make sure to post that ultrasound picture later, because you can actually see arms and legs in it...or at least in my mind you can.
Anyway...the 10 week check in.

* How far along?: 10 weeks and few days
* Total weight gain: Still down 2 pounds, but think I'll start gaining little by little soon.
* How big is baby?: The books say the size of a prune, but I'm going with Walnut (sounds better)
* Maternity clothes?: Nope, everything still fits fine
* Sleep?: With class and work I'm more than exhausted all the time
* Best moment this week?: Knowing that everything is fine
* Movement?: Too early
* Food cravings?: Changes every hour
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: Innie
* What I miss: Nothing really
* What I'm looking forward to: 12 week appointment and ultrasound...you should be able to see a face then!
* Milestone: Making it through the week without going crazy

We have a heartbeat!

On Monday morning we went in for our second appointment and the first ultrasound. The room was dark so that it was impossible not to stare at the glowing flat screen tv mounted on the wall. The technician began the ultrasound and almost immediately you could see our little one.

I could tell it was a baby, but other than I was completely lost on which side was up. The part I thought was the head was actually the yolk sak and the head was on the complete opposite side.

After some quick measurements we were able to hear the heartbeat. 160 beats per minute!

Old wives tales say that 160 and below is a boy...

The doctor moved us back a week, so once again I am finishing up week 8. No big deal.

Below are the pictures we received during the ultrasound. The head is on the right side and the umbilical cord on the left. In four more weeks we go in for the NT Scan and get another peak :)