31 & 32 Weeks

How far along?: 32 weeks  (how did that happen?)

Baby Development:  By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

At my doctor's appointment this week, everything measured great, baby's heart rate was high 150s/low 160s and the doctor told me to keep doing what I was doing.  When she was taking the baby's heart rate with the Doppler she said he/she was a happy baby!  

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  Was up 2 more pounds at my appointment on Thursday.  Better than the 5 pound weight gain the 2 weeks before that (oops!)

Gender: Everyone is having fun guessing! 

Movement: Yes, some days a ton, others not as much.  Have felt more "turning" sensations than jabs and kicks recently.  Feeling lots of pushing on my ribs and lungs

Maternity Clothes: Yes.  I tried to put on a button down shirt (non maternity) to wear Friday night and it looked ridiculous!   

Sleep: Really tired most of the time, but sleep is still on and off good.  Getting up anywhere from 1-4 times during the night...

What I miss:  Can't think of anything.  I love being pregnant!

Cravings: Still must have chocolate milk everday (this is the longest craving yet).  Also craving nectarines (which I can't find right now -- sad).  Mexican food is high on the list too.  Bread.  Pancakes. Hot and Spicy Cheez-Its.

Aversions:   No Chinese food.   Bananas & peanut butter are still no-gos.

Symptoms:  Feeling short of breath as baby grows and stretches.  Tired all the time.  Starting to have some light swelling in feet and hands.  Generally just moving more slowly and it is harder to get up and down from a seated position.  Some leg cramps at night.  Sore hips.  Feeling full much easier. Vivid dreams.   This isn't really a symptom, but my belly button officially popped overnight one night this week.  

Best Moments these Weeks: So many, I'm sure I am missing some of them...  

Getting a package in the mail from our 8 year-old niece which included a diaper and a onesie that says "I (heart) mom and dad."  So sweet.  She also had her mom send me a text of her holding a baby to show me how good she is with babies.  

Spending Auntie C's birthday with her -- eating yummy food and shopping.  

Painting the nursery with my dad and sister -- it's a beautiful pale yellow color and will look great with the gray accents that are coming!  So grateful for their help and fun to spend time together.

Four of my friends hosted the first baby shower for Baby G and boy were we so spoiled!  Thirteen people attended, and we are overwhelmed with the generosity and love shown to us and our babe.  Truly blessed!  Pictures to come...

Numerous fun nights out with P, Aunt B, Grammy  and others.  

Enjoying the nice weather!

Looking forward to: P's cousin C. is going to take maternity photos for us next weekend (she is a photographer in Nashville so I know they will be awesome!).

Working hard on prepping stuff at work for while I am on leave.  Looking forward to my time on leave with baby (and all who come to visit us during that time).    

29 Weeks

How far along?: 29 weeks 

Baby Development:  Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  Won't be weighed again until Friday at my next appointment (every two weeks now).  But I am definitely gaining.

Gender: Mia, our next door neighbor says I have a baby girl in  my belly. Of course she follows that with saying she has a baby girl in HER belly too.  

Movement: Each day is different.  Some days tons of movement and really sharp jabs and pokes.  Other days lots of rolling and turning and less jabbing. And some days much quieter.   

Maternity Clothes: Yes -- and looking forward to transitioning from sweaters and long sleeves to short sleeves for a little variety. Looking forward to wearing dresses more as it gets warmer.   I love watching and feeling my belly growing -- it truly amazes me there is a human being inside.  

Sleep:  Inconsistent.  Even rolling over seems to take a lot of effort!

What I miss:  Can't think of anything.  I love being pregnant!

Cravings: Still must have chocolate milk everday.  Also craving nectarines and sadly, donuts.  Mexican food is high on the list too (trip to Raul's Grandma Marvel???).  Bread.

Aversions:   No Chinese food.   Bananas & peanut butter are no-go.

Symptoms:  Feeling short of breath as baby grows and stretches.  Getting tired more quickly.  Leg cramps/restless legs at night.  Frequent bathroom trips.  Thirsty.  Getting full faster when eating.    

Best Moment this Week: Baby was in his/her first wedding this weekend.  My dear friend Carey and her now husband Chris got married and I was the matron of honor.  It was a beautiful day and we are so excited for them and their two sons.  Baby and I were very tired come Sunday though.  I actually slept from approximately 11:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. without even getting up to go to the bathroom.  

Getting the beautiful handmade invitation for my first baby shower later this month.  

P put the rocking chair together and I love it!  We both sat in it using Mr. Foo as the "pretend baby" and he did not enjoy it as much as we did.  

Looking forward to: Seeing P's parents this weekend (since we didn't get to see them over Easter afterall), starting the every two weeks appointments with the OB (more chances to hear baby's heartbeat) and getting through a busy week with work and volunteer commitments.  

28 weeks -- Entering the Third Trimester -- EEKS!

How far along?: 28 weeks 

Baby Development:By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  At today's OB appointment I was up to 147 (from 142 - 4 weeks ago).  

Gender: Always one of the first questions asked -- "do you know if it is a boy or a girl?"  Nope, but we should know in about 12 weeks, give or take...   I think my office is going to start a pool for guesses.  

Movement: Sometimes I think there is a ninja baby in my uterus.  Two nights this week, the baby was moving so much when I went to bed that I couldn't sleep.  I've also felt limbs pushing outward which is a very odd sensation.  

Maternity Clothes: Yes -- and looking forward to transitioning from sweaters and long sleeves to short sleeves for a little variety. Looking forward to wearing dresses more as it gets warmer.   I love watching and feeling my belly growing -- it truly amazes me there is a human being inside.  

Sleep:  Sleeping is better, but my hips get so sore from sleeping on my side.  And I'm having some leg cramping so when I wake up I feel like someone has been sitting on my calves all night. 

What I miss:  Can't think of anything.  I love being pregnant!

Cravings: Still must have chocolate milk everday.  Also craving nectarines (last week when I was buying some at Hy-Vee the teenaged boy checker looked at me and made a comment about how expensive they were -- I wanted to respond with "I don't care how much they cost just give them to me so I can start eating them.")

Aversions:  Still not a big fan of onions or garlic smell (I can eat both).  No Chinese food.  Poultry and I still have a hit or miss relationship. Bananas & peanut butter are no-go.

Symptoms:  Feeling short of breath as baby grows and stretches.  This week I have turned into an emotional mess.  Tired and feeling more achy in general.  

Best Moment this Week: Two weeks ago we were in Scottsdale and got to spend the week just relaxing, enjoying the sun and warmth, eating good food, hiking and hanging out.  It was perfect.  

Yesterday I was walking behind a couple of nursing students in the hallway at work.  One of them turned around, took a look at me and said "Oh my God, you are so adorable pregnant!"  I was having a rough day and that totally made me smile, especially coming  from a complete stranger.  

Thankful for each milestone hit, and that things are going so well.  I truly can't believe we are in the third trimester already.  

Looking forward to: I am the matron of honor for one of my best friend's weddings next Saturday.  Both her and my dress are hanging in baby's closet, just waiting for the big day.  So looking forward to celebrating with her and hubby-to-be!  

Spending the weekend with P's parents and catching up with them -- it's been too long since we've seen them!

Getting serious about making progress on the nursery.  

25 Weeks -- Late Edition

This was written Monday, March 11 as an email to my family...

I hit 25 weeks last Friday (March 8). Not much has changed in a week so I'm not going to do a full update. We have had a great time so far in Tucson and Scottsdale and the weather keeps getting warmer and warmer (low 80s today).

We've been doing some hiking. Yesterday we went to Lost Dutchman State Park and hiked partway up Superstition Mountain. It was 2.5 miles with an elevation of 500 feet. And it was gorgeous!  A mom of three small kids near the top told me she was amazed that I was doing this while pregnant.  I told her that my lung capacity was having a rough go of it, but that it felt good.  She said it was one of those things where you get out of shape while pregnant, then back in shape and then get pregnant again.  We'll see if that happens or not -- not going to hold my breath!  We then drove a very windy and scenic road to Tortilla Flats but couldn't find a parking spot so didn't get to stop and explore. Today we walked around Old Scottsdale and spent some quality time reading poolside.

Baby is active and seems to like the weather too.

New bump picture on that page.  

24 Weeks

How far along?: 24 weeks 

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

Total Weight Gain/Loss: . At my doctor's appointment this week I was at 142. (I think at my last appointment 4 weeks ago I was at 137, so right about 5 pounds in 4 weeks and 7 - 10 pounds total)

Gender: It's fun to listen to people guess.  I woman I used to work with saw me and announced "It's a girl."  We'll see.   

Movement: Yes -- last Saturday (February 23) was the beginning of being able to feel movement outside.  Yesterday baby was both kicking and punching me I believe as it was across my whole belly area.  

Maternity Clothes: Pants -- 100% maternity.  Still trying to wear some sweaters and shirts from pre-pregnancy, but mostly in maternity tops.  I love watching and feeling my belly growing.  Looking forward to breaking out some shorts, capris and dresses next week in Arizona!

Sleep:  Sleeping is better, but my hips get so sore from flipping back and forth throughout the night.  Getting up at least twice to go to the bathroom.  

What I miss:  Can't think of anything.  I love being pregnant!

Cravings: Burgers & fries from Culvers, chocolate, toast, and must have chocolate milk EVERY day!

Aversions:  Still not a big fan of onions or garlic smell (I can eat both).  No Chinese food.  Poultry and I still have a hit or miss relationship. Bananas & peanut butter are no-go.

Symptoms:  Hungry all the time, tired, irritable and moody, feel like my center of gravity is changing and my balance, which is not so great anyway, is getting worse.  I'm expecting my belly button to pop out at any moment!  With my short torso, sometimes I feel like breathing is more difficult, as baby is taking up more and more space.  Congestion.

Best Moment this Week: At my OB appointment on Friday I passed the glucose screening test with flying colors even though I almost didn't make it there within the hour timeframe of drinking the glucose due to the weather (my level was 98, they like it to be below 130).  This means no 3 hour test - yay!

So many people have been stopping me in the hallways at work to congratulate me and tell me how adorable I look (flattery will get you everywhere -- especially when I'm gaining weight!).  Someone even told me I looked like I was made to be pregnant.  

Mr. Foo, the cat, has started laying on my belly this week (after me not allowing him to for the first 20 weeks and him choosing not to for the last 2-3 weeks) -- very relaxing.  It's funny to have him laying there and feeling the baby kicking.  He appears to not notice.  

Last weekend we went to Minneapolis to visit friends, and to go to Ikea, where we completed the shopping we needed for furniture for baby's room.  

Looking forward to: We leave in 6 days for vacation in Scottsdale.  Can't wait to not have to be bundled up and to sit by the pool reading and relaxing.  

Making more and more progress on the nursery.  

Who Found the Baby?

This past  Tuesday, several of my coworkers brought in treats for Fat Tuesday.  One coworker brought in a King cake (http://foodreference.about.com/od/traditional_foods/a/King-Cake.htm).  She had mentioned at our huddle that morning that it was in the kitchen, and following with tradition, there was a baby hidden somewhere in the cake.

Several of us proceeded into the kitchen after huddle and while others were cutting into the festively decorated almond filled cake, I got a bagel and chatted (yes, I was having a bagel and cake at 8:30 a.m. -- baby was hungry).  I went to cut a piece of the cake and as I was cutting it offered it to one of my colleagues.  She stated no, she would cut her own, so I put the piece of cake on my plate, turning it on it's side as I did so.  And here's what I found...

Everyone got a good laugh out of that one.

And it looks like I get to host next year's Fat Tuesday celebration -- according to tradition.

21 Weeks

How far along?: 21 weeks 

Size of Baby:  According to Baby Center, our baby weighs about 3/4 of a pound and is about 10.5 inches long -- the length of a carrot.  

Baby Development: You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges.  You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better.  In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now.  

Total Weight Gain/Loss: My starting weight was between 130 and 135 fully clothed.  I'm guessing I'm in the 5-7 pounds gained range.  

Gender: We'll know in 19 weeks.  A friend texted me a gender prediction article based on a variety of things and it predicted it will be either a boy or a girl!  

Movement: Yes -- some days lots and some days not much. I keep putting my hand on my stomach to see if I can feel it on the outside, but so far not so much.

Maternity Clothes: Pants -- 100% maternity.  Still trying to wear some sweaters and shirts from pre-pregnancy, but mostly in maternity tops.  I love watching and feeling my belly growing. 

Sleep:  I think it's gotten better in the last week...yay!

What I miss:  Nothing!  I love being pregnant!

Cravings: Fruity candy (Twizzlers, Skittles, gummy bears, Starbursts), chips and dip, burgers & fries from Culvers, chocolate, toast -- really healthy stuff!  This week my new obsession is chocolate milk -- can't get enough!

Aversions:  Still not a big fan of onions or garlic smell (I can eat both).  No Chinese food.  Poultry and I still have a hit or miss relationship. Bananas are no-go.

Symptoms:  Hungry all the time, tired, irritable and moody, feel like my center of gravity is changing and my balance, which is not so great anyway, is getting worse.

Best Moment this Week: Last week I went to a family Super Bowl party.  While there, baby's 3-year-old cousin Quinntin came up to my belly, kissed it and said "I love you!"  

I forgot to mention last week that baby is registered for daycare at Mercy's Child Development Center.  

Looking forward to: This week I am getting a massage and going to prenatal yoga - both of which I am looking forward to.

Vacation is now less than 4 weeks away!

Continuing to clear out nursery...