My Belly {27 weeks}

Nugget this week...

*is sleeping and waking at regular intervals

*Opening and closing her eyes

*Possibly sucking her fingers

via thebump & babycenter

Size of the baby?  
It seems like every website is saying something different, but baby is most likely somewhere around 14.5 inches and weighing in around 2 pounds!

Total Weight Gain/Loss?  
17.8 pounds if we're being exact.

Maternity Clothes?  
Nope. I still refuse.

Stretch marks?  
Haven't seen one yet.

Best Moments?  
There were a lot this week: Spending all last weekend with my husband! Buying a new car! College girlfriend catch up over guacamole last night!

Movement? 
Her movement has slowed down a bit, but she's still not having any problems hitting the 10 movements in 1 hour mark.

Food Cravings?  
Nope, the opposite actually...nothing sounds good to me at all.

Anything making you queasy or sick? 
Not really queasy, just not interested in food.

What I miss?  
Being able to go up the stairs without huffing and puffing.

Nausea/Vomiting?  
I've been pretty nauseous the past few days and actually threw up on Sunday night. I made it 6 months without puking...go figure.

Symptoms? 
Feeling tired. I'm scared to say I think the energy phase of my pregnancy might be over.

Labor signs? 
Let's hope nothing for a while.

Gender? 
BABY GIRL. 

Belly Button In or Out?
Still rockin' the innie.

Wedding rings On or Off?  
All my rings are still on!

Sleep?
It's harder and harder to get comfortable, but once I'm asleep I am out cold.

What I'm looking forward to? 
My first BABY SHOWER this weekend!!! Eeeeeeeek!

My Belly {26 weeks}

Nugget this week...

*Her eyes are forming and will soon open!

*She now has full grown eyelashes

*She's soaking up my antibodies to get her immune system ready for the outside

*She's taking breaths (of amniotic fluid, not air)

via thebump & babycenter

Size of the baby?  
Baby girl is somewhere between 13.5 and 14.5 inches long and weighs somewhere around 2 pounds!

Total Weight Gain/Loss?  
I am up 17 pounds (two less than last week, hallelujah!)

Maternity Clothes?  
I've kind of sworn off maternity clothes as they all look really strange on me, so I'm just buying bigger sizes of regular clothes.

Stretch marks?  
Not a one.

Best Moments?  
Starting our childbirth classes, so far I think it's going to be really great and and really helpful.

Movement? 
Homegirl is still rockin' the movement. I'm timing her every day and it usually only takes her a couple of minutes to get to 10 movements.

Food Cravings?  
POPCORN!

Anything making you queasy or sick? 
Still not loving the meat, but I'm getting much better with veggies!

What I miss?  
I'm not really missing anything right now...just happy to be cruising along.

Nausea/Vomiting?  
Nope.

Symptoms? 
Sore lower back.

Labor signs?  
No labor signs yet....and hopefully not for a while.

Gender? 
BABY GIRL. 

Belly Button In or Out?
Button is still in

Wedding rings On or Off?  
All of my rings are still on!

Sleep?
I'm having a really hard time getting comfortable, but once I am, I'm out cold...until I have to use the bathroom, then the whole process starts over.

What I'm looking forward to? 
Spending quality time with my hubby this weekend!

My Belly {25 weeks}

I cannot believe I am 25 weeks pregnant today!
Part of me feels like I've been pregnant FOREVER and at the same time, this is just flying by! I am getting so excited to meet this little peanut.
Only 15 more weeks!!!

Nugget this week...

*Knows which way is up and which way is down

*Is growing more fat and more hair! 

via thebump & babycenter

Size of the baby?  
About 14 inches long and around 2 pounds!

Total Weight Gain/Loss?  
I've gained 19 pounds...let's just say I am less than thrilled to be one pound away from 20 with 15 weeks left. I'm hoping that some healthy eating and exercise (two things I've been majorly lacking) will help even this out a bit.

Maternity Clothes?  
I'm still wearing a mix. Maternity clothes fit me really weird and I get REALLY frustrated when I go shopping so I'm pretty much living in pre-preggo cotton dresses.

Stretch marks?  
Nope. Thank you Body Butter, thank you Olive Oil, thank you genetics.

Best Moments?  
I had my monthly doctor's appointment on Monday and the baby's heartbeat was nice and strong (right around 148), my belly has grown at the rate it should and I passed my glucose test! I had to go in and drink this super sugary orange pop tasting beverage, sit around for an hour and then get a blood test to be sure I didn't have gestational diabetes, which I don't! WHOOP!

Movement? 
Nugget's movements are becoming more frequent and more intense. It is my absolute favorite thing in the world feeling her move around. My doctor said it's time to start tracking movements, so once a day I am supposed to lay on my left side and time how long it takes her to move 10 times. Typically, I should be able to feel 10 kicks in an hour, if it takes more than 2 hours I need to let the doctor know. So last night I timed it out...it took my daughter 7 frickin' minutes to move 10 times!
She's either a complete spaz or a total overachiever.

Food Cravings?  
Still no real cravings. My sweet tooth is on overdrive, but that's about it.

Anything making you queasy or sick? 
I'm still not able to eat meat. I've been able to do little bits here and there but absolutely NO chicken and for the most part all of it makes me want to gag. I am getting better with veggies though! It might be time to try broccoli again.

What I miss?  
Sleeping on my tummy.

Nausea/Vomiting?  
None at all.

Symptoms? 
I'm still having terrible lower back pain. My doctor said it can often be a sign of over-excursion when there's pain this early. So I guess I have a doctor's note to sit on my booty and do nothing.

Labor signs?  
No labor signs yet....baby still has some baking to do (as my Aunt Lisa said!)

Gender? 
BABY GIRL. 

Belly Button In or Out?
The button is still in, but it's getting shallow.  

Wedding rings On or Off?  
15 more weeks to reach my goal! They've been getting a little tight with the unbearable heat, but I refuse to take them off.

Sleep?  
The back pain is making it more difficult to get comfortable which is starting to affect my sleep...not to mention I'm up to a minimum of 3 potty breaks a night.

What I'm looking forward to?  
Starting our "Preparing for Childbirth" class next week!
I know Jason is equally as pumped....sense the sarcasm.

My Belly {23 weeks}

It's been another tough week for me. I've been feeling so tired and so icky...I'm not sure if I'm sick or if I've reverted back to the First Trimester ways. All I know is that I really hope the next four months aren't like this. I am really missing all that energy I had!

Nugget this week...

...is forming little nipples!

...her face is fully formed! Now she just needs to fatten up a bit.

...she's listening to my voice and heartbeat and can hear loud sounds.

via thebump & babycenter

 Size of the baby?  

Somewhere between 10.5 and 12 inches and somewhere between 13 and 20 oz. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss?  

14 pounds so far.

Maternity Clothes?  

Still in limbo. Most of my pre-preggo clothes are too tight now but I'm definitely at the stage where more form fitting clothes are more flattering. 

Stretch marks?  

Nope, thank the heavens.

Best Moments?  

Finally revealing the gender of our baby girl! 

Movement? 

Baby's new nickname is Kung Fu Panda...she is karate chopping the crap out of my insides lately.  AND, Jason finally got to feel her! 

Food Cravings?  

Sweets! Especially ice cream!

Anything making you queasy or sick? 

Still not the biggest fan of veggies. I've been able to do little bits of meat, but still a vegetarian for now. A vegetarian who can't eat veggies. 

What I miss?  

I am missing the Second Trimester energy that has recently just disappeared. 

What I'm looking forward to?  

A Friday night with no plans, can't wait!

Nausea/Vomiting?  

I've been a little nauseous on and off this week, but thankfully no vomiting. 

Symptoms? 

I'm packed full of symptoms this week: achy back, headaches, nausea, no energy, wah, wah, wah, wah, wah. 

Labor signs?  

Not yet! But I have started to have labor dreams, those are pret-ty interesting.

Gender? 

BABY GIRL!

Belly Button In or Out?  

Still in, but it's definitely getting shallow. 

Wedding rings On or Off?  

These babies are still on! Only 17 more weeks til I hit my goal. 

Sleep?  

I'm still sleeping pretty good, but I'm moving around a lot. A body pillow may be in my near future. 

Wisdom?

Slow the F down. 

I don't know if it's true for all preggos, but when I have energy I take full advantage of it and I go and go and go until I hit a wall and then start throwing tired fits like a spoiled three-year-old. I think it's especially hard to slow down with a jam packed summer schedule, but my advice this week (which I need to tell myself) is that it's OK to say "no" to plans or to rest or be lazy. Growing a human is A LOT  of work. 

My Belly {21 weeks}

It's been a pretty fabulous week in the world of pregnancy. I am feeling really good, baby is looking perfect and I'm feeling really happy and excited.

 There's a lot of Arizona love in our house right now because one of our favorite Arizona Wildcats, Chase Budinger was just traded to the MN T-wolves! Jason and I are really, really, really excited!
Even Bailey is pumped...

I know, we're cruel.

Nugget this week...

...is manufacturing meconium, the tarry black substance that will be found in the first diaper (oh joy!)

...if it's a girl she already has a lifetime supply of eggs in her womb

via thebump & babycenter

Size of the baby?  

About 10 1/2 inches (4 inches bigger than last week!) and according to the doctor weighing in at 12 ounces (as my MIL says "the size of a beer!")

Total Weight Gain/Loss?  

I'm up 13.6 pounds.

Maternity Clothes?  

Still rocking the pre-preggo clothes with a few maternity items mixed in. 

Stretch marks?  

Nope!  

Best Moments?  

Our doctor's appointment on Monday. I will never get tired of hearing that me and baby are progressing perfectly. And I won't lie, I cried like a baby (happy tears) when we found out the gender, it's a moment I will never forget. 

Movement? 

This child is a spaz. Nugget is squirming more and more and the movements are becoming more and more noticeable. I'm really hoping Jason will be able to feel it soon. 

Food Cravings?  

Really no cravings, but I do wish I could have a giant Turkey Tom from Jimmy John's. 

Anything making you queasy or sick? 

Meat and veggies.....still. 

What I miss?  
 I really don't miss anything this week, just happy to be healthy and have a healthy baby. 

What I'm looking forward to?  

Revealing the gender next weekend!!!

Nausea/Vomiting?  

Nope. 

Symptoms? 
I'm feeling pretty good. Still some back pain here and there but nothing I can't handle. 

Labor signs?  

I am completely avoiding the topic of labor until I am forced to face it at our prenatal classes. 

Gender? 

?!?!?!?!?!

Belly Button In or Out?  
Innie. 

Wedding rings On or Off?  

Suckers are still on! 

Sleep?  

Sleeping great! 

Wisdom?
Try prenatal yoga!

this pic was too creepy not to use. 

I am a big fan of yoga but have been nervous to practice since becoming pregnant for fear that I would push myself too hard and hurt myself or the baby. There is this GREAT prenatal yoga studio here in MPLS (blooma for all you locals) that specializes in prenatal yoga. So on Tuesday I gave it a whirl and I am so glad I did! It was still a great workout but more importantly it was so calming and relaxing. I really think everyone should try prenatal yoga a few times throughout their pregnancy. It really is a fabulous way to connect to your body and your baby. 

My Belly {20 weeks}

Cue Bon Jovi....

"Whooah, we're halfway there..."

I cannot frickin' believe that I am halfway done and am now 5 months pregnant! 

Where is the time going?!

Nugget this week...

...has taste buds!

...is gulping down several ounces of amniotic fluid each day. 

via thebump & babycenter

Size of the baby?  

About 6 1/2 inches long and over 10 ounces!

Total Weight Gain/Loss?  

I'm up a total of 12 pounds, still right on track.

Maternity Clothes?  

I'm starting to have to bite the bullet and expand my maternity collection. My most recent purchase was this dress for my convention in Nashville this weekend. 

Stretch marks?  

Haven't seen one yet. 

Best Moments?  
Registering! It got me SO excited and made everything seem more real. 

Movement? 

I'm feeling baby move more and more, but it's most noticeable when I'm laying down to go to bed. This baby might just be a night owl like his/her mama. 

Food Cravings?  

Not really anything this week. I had some bad mango earlier this week which put a quick stop to that craving.

Anything making you queasy or sick? 

Still not doing veggies or meat.

What I miss?  
 I miss Advil. Tylenol isn't doing a whole lot for these aches and pains.

What I'm looking forward to?  

Finding out the gender!!! Cannot take it any longer.

Nausea/Vomiting?  

Nope. 

Symptoms? 
Holy heartburn! Tums have become my new best friend.

Labor signs?  

We are still not discussing the "L" word.

Gender? 

Still. Don't. Know.

Belly Button In or Out?  
Innie. 

Wedding rings On or Off?  

Still on baby! 

Sleep?  

I'm having a harder and harder time getting comfortable, but still sleeping pretty well.

Wisdom?

Register for it all. Babies need a lot of stuff, and whether you're having one baby shower or ten, register for everything you might need or want. You obviously won't get it all as gifts, but you will get 10% off everything you don't get {thank you completion discount}. And, the people kind enough to buy a gift will have plenty of options! Plus, a registry is a nice way to keep track of everything you need for baby so you don't forget anything important...think of it as your shopping list!

My Belly {19 weeks}

This week has been rough. Sunday night I was up most of the night with pretty bad cramps. After they proceeded to get worse on Monday morning I called my doctor and she suggested I come in right away. Of course, I was scared to death. When you have intense cramping during pregnancy only one thing pops in to your mind. I am so thankful that Jason was able to get away from work to meet me at the appointment. Fortunately, everything with the baby is perfect! I, however, may have some additional hurdles to jump. My doctor's initial concern was appendicitis. My symptoms weren't severe enough for them to send me to a surgeon but because of the pain I was feeling they didn't want to rule it out. They also thought it could be the scar tissue from my endometriosis stretching, which can cause pain. I went back to see the doctor for a check up on Wednesday morning and they have ruled out appendicitis, at least for now. Thank the Lord! Unfortunately, if it is in fact scar tissue (which we hope it is) there isn't much they can do for the pain but give me a prescription for Tylenol with Codeine. It blows my mind that Advil is unsafe to take but Codeine is OK. So for now I'm just trying to handle the pain the best I can without any pain medication. 

I feel much better than I did earlier in the week but am still feeling some cramping here and there. 

Anyways, let's get on to the fun stuff...

Nugget this week...

...is developing a protective coating called vernix caseosa--it's greasy and white and may be seen after birth. 

...is developing nerve cells for sense of taste, hearing, sight and smell in the brain. 

via thebump & baby center

Size of the baby?  

6 whole inches! And, 8.5 ounces. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss?  

I'm up a total of 11 pounds. 

Maternity Clothes?  

Cotton dresses are still my best friend, so I haven't had to buy anything else yet. 

Stretch marks?  

No sir!  

Best Moments?  

Hearing the baby's heartbeat. After being so scared of hearing the worst, that sound was absolute music to my ears. 

Movement? 

Tuesday night out of nowhere my stomach got that feeling you get when you're going down a roller coaster! It was nuts! I think nugget is doing some back flips in there. I cannot wait to get to the point where Jason can feel it too! 

Food Cravings?  

MANGO! I am eating mango like a boss. Which is hilarious since baby is the size of a mango this week! :)

Anything making you queasy or sick? 

Still can't handle veggies or meat, which is a major bummer.

What I miss?  

Really not missing anything this week, just super happy that me and bambino are healthy. 

What I'm looking forward to?  

Finding out the gender! Only 11 more days!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nausea/Vomiting?  

Nope. 

Symptoms? 
Just the cramping, which has been distracting me from any other symptoms I may be experiencing. 

Labor signs?  

Please do not say the "L" word in my presence. 

Gender? 

Not sure yet...11 more days people! 11 days!

Belly Button In or Out?  
Still an innie. 

Wedding rings On or Off?  

These puppies are still on! 

Sleep?  

My lower back is still sore so I have some trouble getting comfortable and the bathroom breaks have increased to about 3 times a night...but other than that I'm sleeping pretty good!

Wisdom?
Love your OBGYN. Seriously! Whether you are currently pregnant or not, if you don't absolutely adore your OB...FIND A NEW ONE. This whole pregnancy thing is an emotional roller coaster and every time I see my doctor or call the nurse I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am in the best possible care and that feeling is honestly priceless.