Updates

So I have fallen off the wagon a bit with my pregnancy updates.  I did have Isaac snap the picture above to at least document the bump for posterity.  Fruit and veggie scale says baby is the size of a leek.  

I am feeling ready to be done with being pregnant.  I am to the point where everyone has something to say about it: I'm waddling.  I'm huge.  When am I due?  When am I due?  I look uncomfortable.  When am I due? Did I know I am waddling?  When am I due?  Am I sure I am not overdue?  Do I know I look ready to pop? I did carline duty up until the bitter end at school and some days it felt like every car would stop and comment on my pregnancy.

Also the other standard question: how are you feeling?  I never know how to answer that either.  What do people want to hear?  That I say a quick prayer every time I sneeze that I don't visibly pee my pants?  

I honestly feel a lot better compared to last time around.  I am not as swollen and uncomfortable.  I credit that to gaining less weight and seeing a chiropractor.  I think getting a few adjustments really helped me carry the extra weight better and decreased a lot of my lower back pain.  I can't recommend it enough.  Also I think just the fact that I am carrying this baby lower.  

My feet are a little swollen but they don't look like I should be driving Fred Flintstone's car around either (see last pregnancy).  I do feel soreish and tired and uncomfortable.  I'm not sleeping well at night but I'm falling asleep all day.  A few times a day she sits right on my sciatic nerve and a blindingly hot pain shoots down my leg.  Everything I eat gives me heartburn and I suffer from a terrible combination of flatulance and constipation.  When you have a nearly eight pound human you are sharing your body with, those things are to be expected. 

 I *am* having some random pelvic pressure and also sporadic contractions but no real signs of labor.  The nice thing about a scheduled c-section is the end is neat and tidy and approaching rapidly.  I don't have to sit around in misery wondering what needs to be done to evict baby (see first pregnancy).  So I guess physically I am doing all right.

Honestly the mental and emotional part is the hardest part for me right now.  I'm officially on maternity leave for now until the next twelve weeks with literally no acknowledgement from my job.  I know it's my second baby so I wasn't expecting a cake or a shower or anything but I thought they might have routed a card for me or said SOMETHING at the faculty breakfast we had on the morning of my last day.  I was surprised at how hurt I was by that.  I am nervous to be out of the classroom for so long with the expectation of returning and finishing out the year.  Part of me is nervous my sub will be a disaster and I will have a big mess to deal with upon my return.  But another part of me is worried she will do a great job and be so much more organized and on top of things that I will look bad when I return.  These are the crazy thoughts that keep me up at night.  Also it still hasn't sunk in really that I won't be heading back after break.  So lots of emotions about work floating around.

Anyways, now I am home and bored to tears but doing anything is exhausting.  Just carrying the groceries in from the car and putting them away after work on my last day took every ounce of strength I could muster.  Living in a terribly overcrowded three story townhouse and fighting against the entropy or our daily lives has left me in tears more than once this week.  I get a little spurt of energy and I manage to vacuum something or tackle the dishes and then I just collapse.

I feel like I need a lot of attention from Ryan right now, which is rather poor timing when your husband works retail in the holiday season.  I feel bad for him because he is spread so thin.  I think he worked 28 hours between Friday and Saturday and he headed back in today due to holiday sales and a fire in his building.  I know he is exhausted too and the last thing on his mind when he finally walks in the door is unloading the dishwasher or having another conversation about how you really can love your second child as much as you love your first.  But it doesn't exactly make you feel confident about navigating a major life change like a new baby when you see your spouse for about 20 waking minutes a day and your conversations mostly consist of which leftovers he is and isn't allowed to eat and how many clean work shirts are in the closet ready to wear.  He does his best though.  At work the other day he set the DVR to tape only the C-section episodes.  He keeps gas in my car.  He assembles things.  

Isaac is hanging in there.  That is another frequently asked question. I think he has mixed feelings about his new sister which is normal for a kid who has had me to himself for nine years.  He is doing a good job of keeping himself fed and busy since I am slacking in those departments.    He finally has made neighborhood friends and will often just roam the development until he finds someone to play with for an hour or two.  He is basically spending all next week with my parents, and I know he is excited about that.

Anyways, the car seat is installed.  The freezer is filled with ready to eat meals.  I have two packages of couch cushion sized maxi pads on deck for my return. All I need is a baby!

Bumpdate: 36 weeks

How far along: 36 weeks!  Nearly 37 since I am posting this late.  So close to the end!

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says "head of romaine lettuce". 

Weight gain:  I gained a fair amount this past week... oops.  Oh well.

 Sleeping:  Still hit or miss.This morning I woke up at 4:30 and never went back to sleep.     I have been back to waking up in the night and not being able to fall back asleep. My backpain has been worst at night. I do feel fortunate that I have been able to get some rest.  


Food Cravings: Hot chocolate.  And cupcakes!  I even found the energy to whip up a batch midweek.  I've also been drinking lots of lemon tea.

Food Aversions: Anything from the deep fryer still.

Other symptoms: Just a general frustration with being pregnant.  I am ready for it to be over.  Also sciatica: my back pain has been intense and has starting shooting down my leg.  The chiropractor visits have been helping a LOT but part of it can't be fixed because she is just sitting right against that nerve.  It has made getting comfortable very hard. I have heartburn after nearly everything I eat.  I have a little bit of anxiety about my impending surgery (which Ryan makes worse.  He is nervous I could die on the operating table and he will be left a single dad).  The biggest symptom as of late has just been insane mood swings.  Like, really over the top.  It makes me feel like I honestly may be crazy.  Isaac and Ryan both approached me separately and basically said that I am being unbearable and I need to get it together. I really feel like my emotions are completely out of control.  I'm either crying or in a rage. I hope it gets better once the baby is out of me.

Miss Anything? Just being able to move around.  Getting up and down is such a production.

Doctor’s appointment: Weekly visits to the chiropractor and Ob/gyn now. I had the group B strep test last week and this week I found out I tested positive for it.  It isn't a huge deal because I am having a C-section but... still...  We also stopped by the maternity ward after our appointment.  I am delivering this baby in the same hospital where I had Isaac but it has been a while and they have renovated the whole women's suite.  We were impressed with what we saw.  Ryan and the baby are able to stay with me in the room the whole time, so I like that idea. 

Clothes: Beyond bored with my maternity clothes.   They all still fit so far though, which is much better than last time around when I had outgrown half my things by this point.   

Wedding Rings: Off. I was surprised when Isaac commented that other day about me not wearing them.  I didn't think that was something he took notice of.

Movement: Lots and lots and lots and it is visible to people standing across the room. Ryan used to feel sad because it seemed like he never felt her move, and now the movements are so strong he is creeped out by them. 


Best moment of the week: I really enjoyed the breastfeeding class Ryan and I attended at Reading Hospital. I am terribly nervous about breastfeeding but I feel a lot more confident now.  There is a follow up class that is geared toward breastfeeding moms who are returning to work that I think I will take. I also had a really nice baby shower thrown by some of my teacher friends.  It ended up being a random smattering of people who all know me, but didn't necessarily know each other, which could have been awkward, but was actually really fun.  I got some great things for baby, so was much appreciated.  The surprise snow day today was a fun bonus too. 

What I’m looking forward to: Being the only one who lives in my body again.

What I did / Got for baby:  I had my baby shower this weekend and my friends and family were so generous.  We got a lot of adorable clothes, diapers, wipes, towels and other necessities.  My sister also sent a pack and play in the mail, which also doubles as a changing table.  Ryan got it all assembled today.

 

Have a great week!

Bumpdate: 34 Weeks

How far along: 34 weeks! Actually, 35 tomorrow, because I am putting this up so late.

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says cantaloupe.

Weight gain: Eh.  Fine I guess.  I feel bigger every day and this was confirmed at my doctor's appointment.  I have gained 4 pounds since my appointment last week.  I did keep my boots on when I weighed myself, so I am telling myself that is why and not because I am eating pints of icecream for dinner.   My mom saw me Thursday and thought I looked bigger than when she saw me on Sunday.

 Sleeping:  I am exhausted and have fallen asleep very early several nights this week.  I am not resting very well but it could be worse.

Food Cravings: McDonald's.  Gross I know but I want it.

Food Aversions: Anything from the deep fryer still.

Other symptoms: Pelvic pressure and achiness.  Braxton hicks contractions.  Absentmindedness (I left a ricecooker on last week and left for Scouts.  When Ryan came home the house was filled with smoke and the smoke alarm was going off.  Scary!).  Weird dreams-- I dreamed one of my parents at school stole the baby.  Moodiness, tearfulness, etc.

Miss Anything? Energy.  Bending in half.  I'm a broken record I know but that is life right now.

Doctor’s appointment: I had one yesterday.  Not too exciting.  I have also started seeing a chiropractor to help with the painful "locking up" thing that keeps happening each night.  She adjusted me and I felt instant relief.  I had some stiffness that night and the next morning but definitely improved-- no more Frankenstien walk.  I go back next week for another adjustment.

Wedding Rings: Off.  I am scared to put them on now.  

Clothes: Same boring five outfits and I don't even care.  Cuteness is no longer a consideration.  Is it clean?  Does it cover the belly?  That's really all I need.

Movement: Lots but it feels more like squirming and less like kicking.  She is cramped.'

Best moment of the week: Lots of nice moments this past week but the best would have to be getting some spa treatments as part of my Pregnant and Glowing spa treatment my sister so sweetly arranged.  It was such a surprise to open that gift card in the mail.  She is the SWEETEST.  The massage and pedicure were heavenly.  I am saving the facial for closer to the baby's arrival.

What I’m looking forward to: some time with family for the holidays and a few days off of school!

What I did / Got for baby:   I got started packing my hospital bag.  It isn't finished, but I could survive off of what I packed I think.  It made it seem a lot more real!  Baby girl will be here one month from today!

Bumpdate: 32 Weeks and 33 weeks

I accidently didn't hit publish for last week's bumpdate. ???   So here is a double update.

How far along: 33 weeks/eight months. I will be delivering at 39 weeks, so the end is near!, but not near enough!!

How big is baby: Nearly four pounds!

Weight gain: Still doing okay I guess.  I haven't noticed any stretch marks yet, so I am thinking I am doing okay.

 Sleeping: Sleep has been okay.  It is a big, painful production to roll over from side to side and I have to go through this whole pillow positioning routine before fall asleep.  When I get up at night I am so stiff and painful that I literally have to give myself a pep talk to get upright and across the room the bathroom.  But once I am asleep I have been resting pretty well-- I am SO tired by the end of the day.

Food cravings: ALL the sweets.  Seriously.  Halloween candy.  Icecream.  You name it.

Food aversions: I don't drink coffee so I guess it is not an "aversion" but the smell of it in the faculty room makes me want to gag.

Other symptoms: You name a symptom and I have it and most of them probably fall into the TMI category #justsayin.  The baby has all of a sudden dropped and I feel like she is seriously hanging out of my crotch-- there is so much pressure on my pelvis.  I am farty.  I have heartburn and indigestion.  I have to pee all.the.time and when I get the feeling, it is urgent but then hardly anything happens.  Lower back and sciatic pain abound and I am exhausted from carrying around all of the extra weight. My feet are swollen.  I have to get my students to pick up things I drop on the floor because I can't bend in half.  People comment multiple times a day on my hugeness and waddling.

Miss Anything? Already sort of missing some of our holiday traditions.  We have gone to DC the past few years to do a Smithsonian Museum and to see the lights at the temple.  This year I won't be able to go because I need to stay close to home in the month of December.

Doctor’s appointment: We had one Monday.  It wasn't too noteworthy.  I am still measuring right on track. I have gained a little more weight, but nothing crazy.  My blood pressure is still good. We also got me registered at the hospital, so that is all set.

Wedding Rings: Off.  I am scared to put them on now.  

Clothes: Same old, same old and I could care less.  Sweat pants?  Maternity dress?  Sneakers?  As long as I am comfortable I don't care about being stylish right now.  Ryan came home from work today, took one horrified look at me in a too small sweatshirt and leggings and was like "WHAT happened to you?".  So that's where I am at these days. Don't really care. 

Movement: Lots! Still a lot of movement up high on my right hand side, but I am not so sure it's her head.  Lots of sharp rib kicks too.  Poor thing is running out of room in there. Sometimes her movements don't feel like kicks as much as just stretching or trying to change positions.

Best moment of the week:  We had another nice Sunday dinner with my parents.  As we were pulling away Isaac said "They are so nice.  You would think they would be sick of us by now."  Made me laugh, cause it is so true.

What I’m looking forward to: My birthday this weekend!  Ryan is making secret plans, but I know I am getting a tablet of my very own, and we are having a nice family dinner at my parents with both of my brothers.  Should be a great weekend.

What I did / Got for baby:   Ryan and I did a lot of work in the nursery.  We cleaned out the closet.  We set up the second crib, that was given to us by a couple at church.  The crib I used with Isaac is missing pieces, so it is no good.  When we were googling the manual for the new crib, we discovered that this one had been recalled, because it has a drop side.  Tomorrow I can call to see if we can still get a converter kit that fixes the problem.  If not, we will probably just give in and buy a new crib, since going the frugal route has turned into a lot of trouble.  We also cleaned out the closet, got her clothes organized, inventoried and put away, and sorted through a huge bin of bottles, silverware and other baby "kitchenware" given to me by a coworker.  There is still a ways to go in there, but we made some good progress.  We also picked up a little snowsuit for her to wear home from the hospital.  

Also evites for my baby shower have gone out.  Woohoo!  It feels so close now, and yet, still kind of far off.

updates

Ryan and I went and registered at the hospital finally. We also finally got registered for a breastfeeding class: two major things that have been hanging around the to do list forever.  I watched them print off all of the bar codes for my hospital bracelet and all of a sudden it felt very real. This baby will be here soon!!

In other baby news, I receive about 4 comments a day about my waddling.  Yes, I am waddling.  I am aware.  I am carrying this baby so much lower than I carried Isaac.  With Isaac I felt like I was choking on him, he was so high, but not so with this one.  I don't know how I can be expected to walk with a four pound baby in between my legs and not have any sort of waddle.

Ryan's store was the top performer in his region again and the vice president sent out a company wide email giving Ryan and his manager a shout out.  It has been nice for him to have a job where he makes good money and his talents are appreciated. 

I started in on Christmas shopping and I am getting our Christmas cards done next Monday.  I am stuck with the annual dilemma of what to get Isaac's daycare workers.  There are about five of them, and I want to recognize them, but also don't want to spend a ton of money or just get them something silly that they don't even want.  Suggestions?

I have been having phone issues the past few weeks.  My camera stopped work completely and I went to get it replaced (I paid extra for the appleCare warranty when I first bought the phone).  After nearly three hours in the store I walked about with a new phone, and the screen stopped working TWO DAYS later.  I have really been unimpressed with the iphone and am ready to try a droid when I am ready for an update. 

It's almost my birthday weekend and Ryan is full of secret plans.  I don't think he can top last year's surprise Justin Bieber concert (and 30 was a pretty epic birthday also) but I am looking forward to him having three days in a row off from work and also a big family dinner on Sunday at my parents.  I haven't seen either of my brother's in a while, so this should be nice.

That's all for now.  Happy Wednesday!

Bumpdate: 31 Weeks

Sorry I haven't posted much lately beyond the weekly pregnancy updates.  Things have been busy, but not especially noteworthy.  Just the same old, same old--- soccer, laundry, Cub Scouts, errands, school, work, repeat, repeat, repeat.

Soccer is officially over for now, which will free up quite a bit of time.  His team took first again, which was really exciting.  Isaac's coaches have been great, and it has been a good season.  

I also don't have a preggo pic.  I look about the same as last week.  I did replace my iPhone, so going forward, none of my pictures will have those annoying black flecks on them.

How far along: 31 weeks/seven months. Getting closer and closer!

How big is baby: 3.75 pounds.  Fruit and veggie scale says a "large jicama" but I have no idea what that means!  She is going through a big growth spurt in the next few weeks, according to my app.

Weight gain: Still doing okay I guess.  I feel very large in the middle, but not especially swollen which is good.  I was so swollen with Isaac my calves had stretch marks. 

 Sleeping: Sleep has been okay.  I am up several times a night to pee, but at least lately, I have been able to get back to sleep.  

Food cravings: Icecream!!!!  And really all sweets.  I have a secret stash in my desk at work.

Food aversions: Still potato salad and anything made in the deep fryer.  The deep fryer still makes me sick. 

Other symptoms: The usuals--  mood swings, crying, waddling.    I also just feel a lot larger and it has been taking it's toll on my lower back.  I am so tired at the end of the day and several people at work have commented that I look "very uncomfortable".  I am also having some Braxton-Hicks contractions which are so weird and I am always hot.  

Miss Anything? Being able to bend over.  My students are always asking me to tie their shoes and I just look at them like, "Really?" And Ryan has been helping with my shoes and socks in the morning.  

Doctor’s appointment: Next week!  They are becoming more frequent now.  

Wedding Rings: Off.  I am scared to put them on now.  

Clothes: I bought another pair of pants and a few long sleeved tops and that should be it. The pants were supposed to be capris on super clearance, but they actually fit me like regular pants, so that is a bonus that I don't have to send them off to be hemmed.  I have enough work clothes to get me through a whole week at work, which is sufficient, even though it doesn't provide a ton of variety.  

Movement: Lots! I have been concerned because the hardest kicks have been on my right side, almost near my armpit.  The doctor says that could be her head there, but at this point she isn't concerned.  She may still flip herself around yet. 

Best moment of the week: Having Ryan home for a few days, as well as taking a few hours off to be home to help with Halloween. 

 His kids came over to show us their costumes. Allison is a vampire, Gabby was a fairy, and Justin was a bee.  Isaac was Ray Mysterio his favorite wrestler.  

What I’m looking forward to: My birthday!

What I did / Got for baby:   We went to set up Isaac's old crib and discovered it is missing LOTS of pieces.  I posted on our Relief Society (church women's group) facebook page asking if anyone had a crib to sell to us and within 20 minutes someone had offered us a crib for free.  You can't beat free!  One of my coworkers has also given us a space saver high chair too. We are definitely willing to accept any and all hand me downs!  

My aunt also sent us a huge package of clothes, shoes, and accessories, we were so pleased and thankful!  Baby H will be one well dressed baby.  

Bumpdate: 30 Weeks

How far along: 30 weeks/seven months.  So close to meeting our baby girl!

How big is baby: About 3 pounds.  Almost the size of a head of cabbage.

Weight gain: Still doing okay I guess.  Haven't weighed myself in a week or so, but I know I am getting bigger because the other day the secretary at my school told me I am looking "Cuter and cuter" and my mother in law said that I am "really blossoming".  I do appreciate people trying to think of nice ways to say "You are getting to be freakin' huge, when is that baby coming again?".  

 Sleeping: I had one morning when I woke up at 3:30 am and couldn't go back to sleep, so I just started doing school work.  Other than that, aside from several bathroom trips a night, sleep has been going okay.

Food cravings: Icecream!!!!

Food aversions: Still potato salad. Ugh.

Other symptoms: The usuals--  mood swings, crying, waddling.    I also just feel a lot larger and it has been taking it's toll on my lower back.  I beg Ryan every night for a massage.

Miss Anything? Being able to bend over.  When I drop something, if no one is around it just stays there.

Doctor’s appointment: Tomorrow!  I am hoping they will give me a birthday for this little girl.

Wedding Rings: Off.  I am scared to put them on now.  

Clothes: My mom bought me a great pair of maternity khakis.  I think I will be wearing them at least once a week.  

Movement: Lots! The other night was the first time all of her movement kept me from going to sleep.  That is one thing I remember so vividly from when I was pregnant with Isaac-- being woken up at night from being kicked and prodded.

Best moment of the week: Not a personal best moment, but Isaac had two parties this weekend.  I have really been worried for him socially, so it has been nice for him to have some extra opportunities to some play time with friends.  I also got a little bit of Christmas shopping done with my friend Jami while he was at Saturday's party, which is good too.  I want to square away gifts for Isaac's teachers, my coworkers, day care workers, etc early this year, since things will be extra crazy around the holiday with me getting ready to go on leave. 

What I’m looking forward to: My birthday!

What I did / Got for baby:   Ryan picked up our travel system that my Aunt Kathy and Uncle Darsono sent out for us.  We were so excited and grateful!  We haven't set it up yet.  I also organized all the baby clothes we have.  Lots of 6-12 months, so I am excited to look for a few more newborn and 3 month outfits to round out baby H's wardrobe. 

Bumpdate: 29 weeks

Self timer app in the classroom after work, just so I can include a photo with today's post.

How far along: 29 weeks/seven months.  So close to meeting our baby girl!

How big is baby: 2 1/2 pounds and 15 inches long from head to heel - about the size of a butternut squash.

Weight gain: Still doing okay I guess.  Haven't weighed myself in a week or so.

 Sleeping: I keep having terrible leg cramps.  Ryan started off rubbing them and walking around with me and by the third night in a row he stayed laying down and said "I am supporting you from over here in the bed." I can't say I really blame him.

Food cravings: Icecream!!!!

Food aversions: Still potato salad. Ugh.

Other symptoms: The usuals-- leg cramps, mood swings, crying, waddling.    I also just feel a lot larger and it has been taking it's toll on my lower back.

Miss Anything? The energy level of the second trimester! I've been dragging!

Doctor’s appointment: None this week or last week.

Wedding Rings: Off.  I am scared to put them on now.  

Clothes: I don't have that many maternity pieces (money is tight and it is just hard to justify).   I am already tired of the same old same old, but I'm making it work.   I would rather buy stuff for baby or for Isaac than more stuff for me.

Movement: Lots! Especially at night and way down low where her head *should* be.  

Best moment of the week: I met up with two of my girlfriends Saturday and had a nice day of lunch and windowshopping.  Her baby is six months and is ADORABLE.

What I’m looking forward to: Thanksgiving break...

What I did / Got for baby:   Another pack of newborn diapers from a friend whose baby had outgrown them.  We should be totally set for newborn size disposable diapers.  I also got a few onesies and a Bumbo for free at the church swap.  Free is my favorite!!  And I can finally say that the front room is done being painted, although we are waiting to steam clean the carpets before we load all the furniture back in (hopefully Wednesday).  

Bumpdate: 28 Weeks

How far along: 27weeks!  Third trimester is officially here.

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says baby is about the size of an eggplant.

Weight gain: I weigh six pounds more than I did before I got pregnant.  I think I actually lost weight in the first trimester because all food was repulsive to me.  I am happy with that weight though and so is my doctor.

 Sleeping: Hit or miss.  I have found myself up in the middle of the night with my mind racing.  Also it is getting harder and harder to roll over.  I wish I could rest easier because I am soo exhausted at the end of the day now.

Food cravings: Sweets.  As always.

Food aversions: Nothing really. 
 
Other symptoms: Lower back pain.  Especially at the end of the day or when I have been sitting or standing for a long time.  I am cranky and moody as all get out.  I seriously hate everyone besides my mother.  The lady at soccer who decided to stand in front of my chair for half the game today was the latest victim of my wrath.

Miss Anything?  Feeling emotionally stable.  I'm either plotting your death, or bursting into tears.

Doctor’s appointment: I had one earlier in the week.  Heartbeat is good.  My blood pressure is good (100/70).  That was the first appointment where they used the little tape measure on me and it came out right at 28 weeks.  I also found out I passed my glucola test.  Yay!

Wedding Rings: Off.  Two womps.  They were getting harder to take off and I was getting freaked out. 

Clothes: My mom got me two new pairs of maternity pants which I am so excited about!  

Movement: Baby is still moving and grooving.  I am starting to feel hard little lumps where she is sticking body parts out.  
 

Best moment of the week: Ryan had the whole weekend off and we had some nice family time.

Have a great day!

Bumpdate: 26 weeks

How far along: 26 weeks!  On the one hand it feels so close to the end, but on the other hand, January feels so far away!

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says baby is about the size of a head of lettuce.

Weight gain: Not too sure.  I feel like I am starting to get more swollen.  And the bump is definitely getting bigger.

 Sleeping: Hit or miss.  I have been trying to wiggle my toes and roll my ankles a lot before bed.  I don't know if it is a coincidence or not but since I have started that my Charliehorse cramps have gotten better.  I feel like I am always exhausted.  

Food cravings: Sweets.  Isaac asked for cinnamon rolls and Sunday I finally humored him and made them.  They were soo good.

Food aversions: Nothing really.
 
Other symptoms: My back is starting to sort of lock up when I sit or stand or lay in a position for too long.  It's not painful but it is uncomfortable and makes walking or changing position hard.  I am also starting to waddle a bit which I feel like it's too early for waddling...

Miss Anything?  Being upset about something and having people take you seriously, instead of just writing you off as the emotional pregnant person.

I mean, the moods swings and weepiness have been really, really intense.  Like, sometimes I feel like bursting into tears for really no reason.  And sometimes something totally insignificant makes me feel homicidal.  I don't remember the emotional side effects being so intense when I was pregnant with Isaac.  But sometimes (especially at work) I feel like I have a right to be upset about things and I am just being dismissed as hormonal. 

Doctor’s appointment: not this week.

Wedding Rings: Still on! But last night it was a little bit of a struggle to get them off.

Clothes: I felt cute today in my sweater dress that my mom picked up for me.  It could have probably used a belt or cardigan but the weather has been very schizo and today felt more like summer, so, no jacket.  I did finally find a pair of greyish blueish work pants for 15 dollars at Motherhood Maternity which was exciting.  They need to be hemmed about four inches but then they should be good to go.  In the meantime, I just keep hoping I will open my closet and somehow discover some previously overlooked inspiration to rework the same old tops and bottoms.  So far, that hasn't happened.

Movement: Baby has been moving a lot.  Not yet to the point of waking me up at night or anything but you can definitely see my stomach shaking and wiggling while she is getting down in there.
 

Best moment of the week: Lots of good ones.  We had a fun night out with my mom and dad this past week.  The school board officially approved my maternity leave request.  Isaac cracks me  up on a regular basis.  Saturday was a relatively unscheduled day which was long overdue.  Life is good at 26 weeks!

Happy Tuesday!

Bumpdate: 25 weeks

How far along: 25 weeks
 

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says baby is about the size of a rutabaga.

Weight gain: Not too sure but I have been eating so much junk this week I am sure I gained something. 

 Sleeping: Hit or miss.  Still up all the time to pee.  Crazy bizarre dreams. Horrible leg cramps.

Food cravings: Still French Fries.  Still lemonade.

Food aversions: Still anything Ryan makes in the deep fryer. The smell of the oil is just horrible to me.
 

Other symptoms: Still experiencing wild mood swings. Still have a super bionic nose. Some more ridiculous heartburn this week.  No new symptoms though.

Miss Anything? I'm good this week.  

Doctor’s appointment: I haven't heard anything back about the glucola test, so I am hoping no news is good news.  I need to go by to drop off paperwork for work too.

Wedding Rings: Still on! 
 

Clothes: Nothing new.  Massively cleaned and organized my closet to make more room for poor Ryan's stuff and boxed up summer things and things that I envisioned being too small to wear for a while postpartum.  Still mostly skirts as I continue the hunt for nonblack work pants that are under 60 bucks.

Movement: Baby has been having a dance party in there lately.  
 

Best moment of the week: Date night with Ryan.  He always lets me choose the restaraunt so this time I let him choose and we did Joe's Crab Shack.  Not my favorite but he enjoyed it. It is also right next to a Babies R Us which is always fun.

 What I’m looking forward to: Good family time in the next few weeks.

What I did / Got for baby:  Nothing this week.  Sorry baby.

Happy Monday!

24 weeks

How far along: 24 weeks
 

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says baby is about the size of an ear of corn. 

Weight gain: I was shocked at my doctor's appointment to learn I have only gained five pounds so far this pregnancy and four of them were within the past month.  I guess that is what finding all foods aversive will do to you.  I am supposed to be really careful with weight gain since I was a little, ahem, chubby to begin with, so the doctor is pleased with me.

 Sleeping: Hit or miss.  Still up all the time to pee.  Still drowning out Ryan's snoring with earbuds and a white noise app.  These school days have been taking their toll on me.  I may have spent the last hour of church this past week passed out in my car. Sorry I'm not sorry...

Food cravings: Still French Fries.  

Food aversions: Still anything Ryan makes in the deep fryer. The smell of the oil is just horrible to me.
 

Other symptoms: Still experiencing wild mood swings. Still have a super bionic nose. Some more ridiculous heartburn this week.  Like, salad has been giving me heartburn.  Also, terrible Charlie horse leg cramps in the middle of the night. It terrifies Ryan cause I wake up screaming and thrashing around with no forewarning. The doctor says there isn't much I can do for them sadly. "They will go away once I have the baby".  Great. Also a few Braxton Hicks contractions which are mostly just annoying.

Miss Anything? I'm good this week.  

Doctor’s appointment: I had an appointment that on Monday that was nothing special.  But also had the miserable glucola test.  (Which, as i had to explain to Ryan, is NOT the test the eye doctor gives you). The first swig of the dreaded juice I was like "okay, not so bad, I can do this" but by halfway through I was seriously gagging.  Then the doctor says that I am actually a few days too early to take it and that if there is any question about the results I will have to redo it.  I hope there is not because I honestly don't think I can do it again.

Wedding Rings: Still on! 
 

Clothes: My mom got me a cute maternity sweater dress that I think will be making many appearances in the next few months.  I wore it as a dress this week to church, but I can see myself wearing it with leggings as a slouchy sweater later on.

Movement: Lots and lots and lots!  I like it.  It's still in the "aww" fun and novel stage of kicking, not the wake you up in the middle of the night by internally jabbing your vagina stage.
 

Best moment of the week: Taking Ryan to one of my favorite eateries in Philly, El Rey.  He always wants to go to chain restaurants for dinner, so it has been fun introducing him to some of my favorite spots in the city that don't have waitresses wearing suspenders with pieces of flair.

 What I’m looking forward to: Good family time in the next few weeks.

What I did / Got for baby:  The front bedroom nursery is still half painted and the furniture from that room is still scattered all over the top floor of the house: so we haven't done much.  My mom has been sewing receiving blankets like her life depends on it though, my sister in law set over some cool little straps for snack cups and bottles, and I couldn't resist these shearling boots as my last purchase with my mall job discount.

Happy Monday everyone!