26 Weeks

How far along are you?: 26 weeks, 2 days

Total weight gain: 20 lbs. Oh boy.

How big is the baby?: 1 2/3 lbs. and 14 inches long.

Maternity clothes: I have about 4 trusty pairs of pants I can wear and a handful of tops so this is good...gonna go find some boots soon and some more sweaters for winter.

Stretch marks?: Just the one so far.

Sleep: Sleeping ok...all things considered.

Best moment this week: Just all the generosity that has been thrown my way the last couple weeks. A sweet sis who watches Harlie and makes Costco runs for me, a mama that cooks me spaghetti and meatballs and buys me dinner, and  friends whose generosity, friendship and excitement for me, are making sure I still have those "moments" this time around.

Movement: Yes, bigger, clunkier and more often. Plus she keeps squashing my bladder, which is awesome. Last night I saw my belly roll like crazy monster-in-the-belly style...could see a good portion of her body poking up...even though it's the second time around, it's just as amazing to see.

Food cravings:  I've been eating a lot of salad this week which is good...maybe I should cut back on the gallons of ranch dressing though. :-) I'm scared about the quantity of chocolate I'll be consuming this week.

Food aversions: None really.

Labor signs: I had some weird tightening yesterday, almost felt like cramping, but I think maybe the peanut is starting to get crowed and just trying to stretch out.

Belly button in or out: In

What I'm looking forward to: Trick-or-treating with the fam tonight!

A little shy of 26 weeks but lovin' this shot Keri took of Mel and I at her amazing baby shower!

25 Weeks

How far along are you?: 25 weeks, 1 day

Total weight gain: 18 lbs.

How big is the baby?: 1.5 lbs. and 13.5 inches long.

Maternity clothes: I can finally wear my maternity sweaters!!! And Mel gave me some great stretchy skinny cords that I'll be wearing all the time!

Stretch marks?: I think I just discovered my first one, on my lower belly. Ugh.

Sleep: I desperately need to get a body pillow or wedge or something...I'm terribly unsupported.

Best moment this week: Harlie was able to finally feel the baby move. She's constantly coming up to my belly and talking to Ashlynne and giving her hugs. I love it.

Movement: Yes, big time! I think she may have flipped positions because I'm feeling her so much more now and higher up, whereas before all the little punches were way down low in my abdomen.

Food cravings:  I need to get a reign on my eating habits big time....more veggies, less crap!!! I ate 6 pieces of garlic bread on Saturday and 1,300,765 crackers with 10 tons of super chunk peanut butter today.

Food aversions: None really.

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: Still in but my belly is finally tightening up!!! Yay! Nothing's worse than a growing squishy belly.

What I miss: My sanity. My emotions are through the roof. But I've realized that talking about them helps...so next time you see me, ask me how I'm doing. ;-)

What I'm looking forward to: Maternity leave...I'm getting excited to have a few months to just focus on my family. 

Blurry and black and white is the only way I'm showing my bare belly. :-)

 

Happy 17th Birthday Austin!

All about Austin: 17th Birthday Edition

E:  What would you do with $100 dollars? A:  Probably put it towards gas money. E:  If you could go anywhere in the world to visit, where would you go? A:  North Fort Meyers, Florida E:  What is one new thing you would like to try this year? A: I'd like to try to drive some sort of sportscar. E:  What is one memory you have from this summer? A:  Playing endless hours of Halo Reach. E:  What is your favorite food? A:  Tri-tip E:  What is your favorite song? A: Panama, Van Halen....I've always loved that song. E:  What is your favorite color? A: I never had a favorite color, but if I had to pick one, probably black. E:  What is your favorite movie? A: There's so many but it's so hard to decide....I'll go with Dumb and Dumber. E:  Who is your best friend? A: Mmmm, it's between Truman and Rubin...(pondering), Truman, we hang out more and it's more optional, we choose to be together more. E:  What is your favorite thing to do? A:  Go to the shooting range. E:  What is the coolest thing you've done all year? A: Win MVP of Track. Would you say win or award? :-)

23 Weeks

Me and Ali-son-shine! (Thanks Keri for the pic!)

How far along are you?: 23 Weeks 1 day

Total weight gain: 15 lbs

How big is the baby?: Just over 1 lb. and 11 inches long.

Maternity clothes: I need to figure out a fall work wardrobe. Jeans are ok maybe twice a week but I need to throw in some professionalism too!  Also need to get some flat bottom boots.

Stretch marks?: No new ones yet.

Sleep: Not bad this week.

Best moment this week: Hearing Austin voluntarily express that he really really liked the name Ashlynne. Approval from a 16 year old is big time!

Movement: Yes, all the time!!  So cool.

Food cravings:  Baked goods, potatoes, OJ
 

Food aversions: None really.

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: In, but flattening waaaay out.

What I miss: My waist....  I don't even really have an underbelly one yet...so I just look like a big tree trunk.

What I'm looking forward to: I keep imagining Harlie with her little baby sister and I just can't wait to see them meet.

22 Weeks

I know you can't see my belly at all, but I like this photo of Florence and Scott in Florence's new house!

How far along are you?: 22 Weeks

Total weight gain: 14 pounds, down 1 lb from last week ...so either the scale is wrong again or all the walking and stair climbing at work is dropped some of the previous stuff-my-face-at-my-desk weight off.  We'll see what it says next week.

How big is the baby?: 1 lb. and 11 inches long.

Maternity clothes: Yup!!!

Stretch marks?: No new ones yet.

Sleep: At my 21 week doc appt, I was told I can start taking Prilosec...woo hoo! I've taken one pill this week and no reflux so far!

Best moment this week: Cleaning my bathroom...accomplishment of the year!

Movement: Yesterday I could see Ashlynne kicks through my clothes!!! It was the first time I could see it from the outside...so cool! Also, she loves orange juice.

Food cravings:  Spinach dip, onion dip, clam dip...any dip!
 

Food aversions: None really.

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: In, but flattening waaaay out.

What I miss: Ibuprofen. I pulled a muscle in my back and it hurts whenever I reach or bend or carrry or MOVE really. Sucks...I had to grit my teeth today after I was asked to pack up the supply room..Ouch! But I finally bought some Tylenol and some heat patches (hopefully I can use those)...lets hope that works!

What I'm looking forward to: Going to the pumpkin patch for Maxie's birthday on Sunday!