30 Weeks

I went to the doctor today. I'm still measuring right on track, so that's reassuring. No more talk of a giant baby in there! I'm a little surprised though. I feel like I'm not getting any bigger at all, and haven't gained much weight in the last month. (Okay, no weight at all) I'm sure that has something to do with carrying around a giant bowling ball for a belly 24/7.

Baby's size: About 15.7 inches long and almost 3 pounds, like a head of cabbage.

Belly size: About 38 1/2" around. A little bigger than last week. I think measuring around my belly isn't too accurate. It just depends on how he is positioned too.

Cravings: There are things I want now and then, but nothing that I'm always wanting.


Mood: Maybe getting a little agitated a little easier, but pretty much just regular ol' me most of the time.

Symptoms: I finally gave in and made an appointment with the physical therapist today. My back has been hurting really bad and although I know the pain will go away in a couple months when I have the baby, I still have to make it those couple of months. I went in today after my doctor's appointment and it does feel better already. She's suggesting coming in twice a week, as long as it's helping.

My contractions are still contracting. My acid reflux is still....fluxing. And I'm still tired. All. The. Time.

I miss being able to bend over.

Go to clothing: Apparently this purple shirt is my go to shirt, since it's what I wore two Wednesdays in a row!


Sleep: It's not too bad. I miss laying on my belly.


Baby movement: Lots of jabs and punches. He also seems to be getting the hiccups regularly, which isn't too bothersome, unless I'm trying to sleep.

29 Weeks

11 more weeks! Actually, my doctor already said she'd induce me at 39 weeks, so I'm looking at no more than 10 weeks from having this little guy outside of my body!


Baby's size: About the weight of a butternut squash. 2 1/2 pounds and 15 inches from head to heel.


Belly size: 38" around my belly. This is a little smaller than last week. I think it has something to do with him flipping head down.


Cravings: There are things I want now and then, but nothing that I'm always wanting.


Mood: Fine, just really tired all the time.


Symptoms: My back has been hurting a lot this week. Some days (like today) even walking really hurts. Still getting Braxton Hicks more often than not. My reflux has been really bad too. I've been taking medicine every day and Eric propped the bed. I guess it's helping? I think him flipping head down has given me more room in my stomach too. I've been able to eat a lot more. Unfortunately, now that he's head down, it's pushing on my bladder even more. Which means more trips to the bathroom. The good news is that this will all disappear once this baby is born!


Go to clothing: I'm really ready for the weather to get nice. We will have a nice day here and there and then it's back to cold and rainy. I have lots of shorts, skirts and dresses I can wear when the weather is good, and one pair of pants I wear when it's bad. I'm OVER my one pair of jeans! Bring on the summer clothes already!!!


Sleep: I've been sleeping okay. Jackson's been waking up at all hours though, so that's no good. Last night Jackson woke up screaming and crying for a tissue. I got him one and turned on the light and his entire face was bloody. It was a little scary at first, not knowing where the blood was coming from, then I realized it was just a bloody nose, and it had pretty much stopped already.

And I have to get up to pee a couple times through the night.


Baby movement: I can feel lots more movement now that he's head down again. The other day, I felt him moving and I pulled my shirt up. Usually I can see a lump of something moving under there. This time I saw an actual foot moving across my belly. It was pretty weird actually. He's definitely getting stronger too. The kicks are more like jabs and can sometimes hurt a little.

28 Weeks

I'm officially in my third trimester! I feel like time has flown by, but I also feel like I can't believe that I still have three more months to go. I'm so ready to be not pregnant anymore. I hate to always compare this pregnancy to my last, but they are so completely different. I never felt all that big with Jackson and wasn't overly eager to not be pregnant anymore. If I could know for sure that the baby would be healthy, I'd have him today. Except we still don't have a name picked out....

I had my three hour glucose tolerance test done this morning. I have a super sweet friend that agreed to take Jackson for me, since I couldn't very well expect him to just sit on my lap for three hours. I have to say, it sucked. Perhaps not as bad as I was dreading it was going to suck, but it's definitely not something I'd want to do again. Drinking 10 ounces of 100 grams of sugar just about did me in. The four blood draws weren't all that terrible, except for the last one. My arms were pretty sore be the time they got to the fourth one. When I got to the lab and checked in, the guy at the front desk said "looks like you're going to be here a while". I jokingly asked if they had a bed, and he told me that they actually did have a recliner in their storage room. It was one of those hospital style recliner/rockers, but hey, it was WAY better than sitting in the waiting room, getting continually coughed and breathed on by people who were there because their doctors don't even know what kind of crazy disease they have so they have to send them to the lab. (I can be a little sensitive about germs...) Anyway, the wait really wasn't so bad. After gagging down the drink, and the initial hour after, when my blood sugar was spiking, the other two hours seemed relatively easy. (despite those pesky blood draws) When I was finished, I picked up Jackson from my friend's house and took him to Wendy's for lunch. I think that first meal after this test should actually be part of the test too. I knew to take it easy (even though I was starving) and not eat too fast, in case my body was still pissed about the fasting/sugaring combo, but after just a couple bites I started sweating and shaking. It was definitely a "is it hot in here or is it just me" moment. This, coming from a girl who's internal body temperature is either cold, or colder. Just when I thought I was going to have to start shoving yellow napkins in my pits, I started feeling a little better and cooling off again. I feel pretty much back to normal now, except for being really tired and cranky, which, if you remember from last week's post, is to be expected when you mess with my blood sugar. I should get the results in the next few days. I'm hopeful that everything will come back normal, but if not, it's not the end of the world either. I'll just adjust where need be and have this baby in a couple months.

Baby's size: About the weight of a Chinese Cabbage. 2 1/4 pounds and 14.8 inches from head to heel.

Belly size: 38 1/2 " around my belly. This hasn't changed from last week.

Cravings: There are things I want now and then, but nothing that I'm always wanting.

Mood: Fine, just really tired all the time.

Symptoms: Same as before. Lots of Braxton Hicks, even when I sit down and put my feet up for a while. My reflux is really really bad. It's been keeping me up throughout the night some nights, even though I'm taking medicine for it and popping Tums like nobody's business. I think I'll ask Eric to prop the head of our bed up even more than it already is. It's especially frustrating when I am SO tired and just want to sleep. Every time I lay down, up it comes.

Go to clothing: I'm over clothes this week. I just want stuff that covers my entire belly so the bottom of my belly doesn't hang out. (the tank top I'm wearing today isn't doing such a great job with that task)

Sleep: I mentioned it before, but I'm so super tired all the time, but when I lay down, my reflux acts up. It's frustrating. Maybe my doctor can prescribe me something stronger?

Baby movement: I'm pretty sure he is still head up, and I'm wishing he would flip already. It's been a couple weeks of a head shoved into my stomach and tap dancing on my cervix. (I'm picturing my tiny 2 pound baby with tap shoes, a top hat and cane dancing down there right now)

Again?!

I'm gonna vent here, so if you don't feel like hearing me whine, perhaps you should go read another blog or update your facebook status now.

I failed my glucose test again yesterday. It wasn't even borderline like last time. I failed it by about 30 points. That means I have no choice but to do the 3 hour test. I really don't even care that much about doing the test anymore. I just want this all over with. I'm not saying that I for sure don't have gestational diabetes, but I doubt I have it. My doctor doubts I have it. I literally have no symptoms or signs of diabetes. I'm underweight, have no personal or family history of diabetes, have never had a large baby (in fact Jackson was rather underweight too), my urine samples have had no sugar in them, and my blood sugar levels have been nice and low, except when they pump me full of ridiculous amounts of sugar. The only thing that is telling them to retest is that I can't pass this one hour glucose test. I don't have my medical degree, but I feel like there has to be a better system for testing instead of this "one-size-fits-all" test that clearly doesn't fit all. So many people fail their one hour test only to be put through the three hour and find out they are fine. Here's my theory on why I can't pass (again, this isn't scientific, it's just my personal opinion). I'm not big. At all. I'd even go out on a limb and say that I weight quite a bit less than most 6 or 7 month pregnant ladies. I don't regularly consume large amounts of sugar. I'm very sensitive to sugars actually, when it comes to how it affects my mood, but more on that later. I'm also a grazer when it comes to eating, meaning that I eat many small meals throughout the day. So fasting, going from nothing in my system and really low blood sugar levels, then pumping me full of more sugar than I would ever normally consume IS going to make my body freak out. And I'm drinking the same amount of sugar as ladies who are twice my size. (not that everyone is twice my size, I'm just saying, there should be some sort of weight based sliding scale) I just don't see how shocking someone's system is a good gauge for how they normally process regular amounts of sugar. And it makes me rather sick and messes with my mood for a couple days after the test each time. Just ask my mom, husband, or anyone else that's ever lived with me, what happens when you mess with my blood sugar. My mom best describes it as the Linda Blair, exorcist head spin scene, except with my mood, instead of my head. And, God forbid, you point out to me that I probably need to eat something, because if you do, that's when you'll get smacked in the face with the split-pea-soup-spewing. Figuratively speaking, of course.

It's just not a good test for everyone. There has to be a better, more reliable way to catch people who have gestational diabetes, without making them do the test 2, or in my case, 3 times.

27 Weeks

I'm back from our trip to Vegas. My days consisted of sleeping in (sometimes), going to the pool for a couple hours, playing poker for a couple hours, and filling in the rest of the time eating. It was a much needed break. But now it's back to the grind of mommyhood, real estate, babysitting, cleaning and crafting.

An update on my three hour glucose test. I decided at the last minute to not take the test the Friday before the trip. I had some questions for my doctor first, and honestly didn't think I could stomach that 2 times in one week. My doctor said it was okay for me to wait until I got back. I talked to her yesterday and she's allowing me to repeat the one hour test tomorrow. If I fail this one, though, I have no choice but to do the three hour one. I'm really really hoping that doesn't happen though. I've cut as much sugar out of my diet as possible for the couple days leading up to the test, so I don't get a false positive from something stupid I ate the day before. Considering that I only failed by a couple points last time, I think I'll be fine. Fingers crossed.

Baby's size: A head of cauliflower, about 2 pounds and about 14 1/2 inches long. At my appointment yesterday, I was actually measuring right on for 27 weeks. Maybe the baby just had a big growth spurt before? Or I just popped earlier and now I'm going to start slowing down a bit? Regardless, I look much bigger than 27 weeks, but am actually right on track, right now anyway.

Belly size: 38 1/2 " around my belly.

Cravings: Not much. I can only eat a few bites at a time anyway. I'm running out of room in my stomach.

Mood: Good.

Symptoms: I'm becoming very pregnant. I don't remember ever feeling like this with Jackson. (Maybe the week I had him) But, I'm feeling so big, doing the pregnant waddle, my acid reflux is out of control, I'm tired all the time, and my back hurts. I know I'm bigger this time around, but I also think my uncomfortableness is coming from having to chase a toddler around. I didn't have to do that last time.

Go to clothing: Mostly maternity but some bigger non-maternity. The picture above is a non-maternity dress. It fit, but it was certainly testing the stretchiness boundaries. It's actually from 26 weeks, last week at Benihana's in Vegas.

Sleep: I've been really tired lately. Getting to sleep isn't too bad, as long as I take plenty of Tums and Zantac before bed. My problem is getting enough sleep. I can't. It doesn't matter how much I get I'm always tired.

Baby movement: Still lots of movement. It's been really low the past few days, I think he's probably head up in there, kicking down low and shoving his head into my stomach. That's what it feels like anyway.

25 Weeks

Let the bitching and whining commence. I want to cry. I had my stupid gestational diabetes glucose test today and I didn't pass the stupid thing. It's all very very stupid, because I just barely didn't pass, and my doctor even said she'd be shocked if I end up having gestational diabetes. So I'm wondering why I have to go through all of this stupidity again. I fasted, just like she said, and the test came back at 140. Some doctors wouldn't even retest at a number like that, but she's going the "better safe than sorry" route. It might not be a big deal to some people, but I really feel like I'm about to start crying about it. Just doing the basic 1 hour test today I was breaking out into a cold sweat, and my stomach was cramping up, while I literally gagged every time I took a sip. Then, while waiting the one hour to test, I continued to feel really nauseous. I still don't feel great, even after eating lunch. Me, having lots and lots of sugar, on an empty stomach doesn't go over well. And now, for this more extensive test, I have to fast, get a blood draw, drink TWICE as much of the glucose drink as today and then get my blood drawn every three hours after. Meanwhile, not eating or drinking anything. And not being able to leave, or even get up and walk around, the entire three hours. I want to cry. I thought about waiting until after my Vegas trip to get the testing done, and my doctor said that was fine, but then I started thinking about it and I really don't want to have this hanging over my head the entire trip. It's not the result that worries me, I really doubt that I have it. It's the stupid test. I want to cry. Anyway, I'll continue with my 25 week update now, without pictures. I haven't showered today, and I don't feel like taking pictures. Besides, no one wants to see my "I'm about to cry" face anyway.

Baby's size: At a gestational age of 25 weeks, the baby is the size of a rutabaga, about 1 1/2 pounds and 13 1/2 inches from head to heel.

Belly size: Almost 38" around my belly. Not quite 38 though.

Cravings: It changes everyday. Some days it's chips. Other days it's candy or chocolate.

Mood: Fine. Until today. Now I'm having a pity party.

Symptoms: Lots of Braxton Hicks, back pain, tired all the time, acid reflux pretty much every night. Typical pregnancy stuff...

Go to clothing: I went through some of my non-maternity stuff the other day and tried on a bunch of stuff. I can actually fit into several tops that I got after Jackson was born, but before I lost the baby belly. That's good news!

Sleep: Sleep is sounding exceptional right now.

Baby movement: Lots and lots of movement. Sometimes the kicks are so hard, I swear Eric can feel them on the other side of the bed.

24 weeks

Let's play a little game. Here's a picture of me today, at 24 weeks: And here's a picture of me at 34 weeks with Jackson: Do you see much of a difference? I don't. Except in the second picture I was 8 months pregnant. 8 MONTHS PREGNANT! 10 weeks farther along than I am now. 70 days pregnanter. Not convinced? Here's a side by side picture: Still not seeing it? How about now?

Can you imagine what I'm going to look like in three more months? I'm so screwed....

Baby's size: I'm going to go by baby's gestational age, 24 weeks, and not how he's measuring. It's too confusing to do both. He's about the length of an ear of corn, almost a foot, and 1 1/4 pounds

Belly size: About 37 1/2" around my belly.

Cravings: Sweet tart anything is super yummy.

Mood: Good. My patience is probably a little shorter, but that's really all.

Symptoms: Lots of Braxton Hicks, back pain, tired all the time, acid reflux pretty much every night. Typical pregnancy stuff...

Go to clothing: My baggie maternity jeans, and maternity tops. I got a bikini today for our trip to Vegas next week. I've tried on several maternity suits and none of them are doing it for me. So, I just went for the 2 piece. I have a couple bikinis that I can squeeze into still, but I'm kind of busting out of the bust, so I thought I'd get something that fits a little better. I also got a matching cover up to wear with it, that I'll probably spend most of my time in. Here's my thoughts on the bikini while pregnant. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. If it's not yours, feel free to look away. I don't have any stretch marks or grotesque scars, and still haven't gotten that ugly brown line down the middle of my belly, like I did last time. I'm pretty much just me, with a big belly. And I'm most comfortable in a bikini, so that's what I'm gonna do. Vegas will just have to avert it's eyes.

Sleep: Good. I've been really tired lately, and have been trying to get to bed early most nights. Well, early for me. Before midnight.

Baby movement: An unusual amount of movement. It's constant and everywhere at once. I'm thinking he's doing jumping jacks in there?

23 Weeks

Baby's size: If I go by the baby's gestational age, he is about the size of a large mango in weight, just over a pound and over 11 inches long. If I go by my *fundal height, he's the size of a rutabaga in weight, about 1 1/2 pounds and 13 1/2 inches in length, head to heel. I went to the doctor today and my fundal height is measuring about 25 weeks now. She told me that if I continue to measure this big, she will probably schedule me for another ultrasound around 30 weeks. She's a little concerned about me being able to give birth to an overly large baby, given my small pelvis. (not to mention the whole blown-out-who-ha factor) Around 13 weeks, he was measuring a few days big on ultrasound. By my 19 week ultrasound, he was measuring a week and a few days big. Now he is measuring about 2 weeks big. I have my glucose test in two weeks, so let's all cross our fingers that I don't have gestational diabetes. Big babies can be one of the symptoms.

*For those of you that don't know, fundal height is the measurement of the uterus from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. Doctors just use a good ol' measuring tape and feel for the top of the uterus from the outside to get this measurement.

Belly size: About 37" around my belly.

Cravings: Meh, not really. I've had several of those peanut butter chocolate wafer bar things. I don't know if that's pregnancy related or if they are just really good.

Mood: Fine. Other than the occasional freak out about laboring again. The first time around, I wasn't worried about laboring at all. I was blissfully stupid. Now I know better.....

Symptoms: Same as last week. My back hurts. I get acid reflux almost every night. Braxton hicks are still very active.

Go to clothing: My baggie maternity jeans, maternity tops. That will probably be my answer most weeks.

Sleep: Good. When I can get to bed at a reasonable hour.

Baby movement: He especially likes to drum on my bladder.

22 Weeks

The past couple of weeks have been pretty crazy around here. Eric and Jackson went back home (to Ohio) to see Eric's grandfather. He wasn't doing very well, and ending up passing away while they were there. I joined them for the funeral last week, and that's why I missed the 21 week update. I promise, you didn't miss anything though.

Baby's size: A spaghetti squash. About 11 inches long and almost a pound.

Belly size: About 36 1/2" around my belly.

Cravings: Not many cravings. I woke up on Sunday morning really wanting a doughnut, which I normally hate, but it was really tasty!

Mood: Pretty good. I've been slightly obsessing about the baby's name lately. I still have no idea. I'm totally open to suggestions, too, as long as you are open to me shooting them down.

Symptoms: Ugh. I'm definitely starting to feel really pregnant. My back and feet hurt immensely if I stand or walk for too long. I've been getting more painful contractions lately too. I don't really know how much weight I've gained, and I try not to obsess over it too much. Last time around I didn't obsess over my weight at all, and I didn't really gain that much, but it was still just as hard to lose afterward. I think I've probably gained less this time around (even though I'm bigger in the belly) but that's just because I'm chasing a two year old around all the time, and not because I'm purposefully trying not to gain. With Jackson, I really thought that the weight would just magically come off once I had the baby, and now I know that it will be hard work to get it off. It makes me think twice before eating that bowl of ice cream. (that I always decide on eating anyway) I'm much bigger in the belly this time around. Like, way bigger. Like, people ask me all the time if I'm having twins or if my due date is right. Awesome.

Go to clothing: I've lived in my new pair of Old Navy maternity jeans. I'm either in those, yoga pants, or a skirt or dress everyday now. There is NO flip flopping between regular and maternity anymore. Same with the shirts. Sometimes I can wear a non-maternity shirt under a maternity shirt for layering purposes. I'm big though, and really need to wear maternity full time now.

Sleep: I've been sleeping good. As long as I can go to bed at a reasonable time. I end up on my back most of the time. That's how I'm most comfortable. But you aren't supposed to sleep on your back when you are as pregnant as I am, so I try to roll to my side. I've even managed to wake up kind of on my belly sometimes. I have no idea how I get in that position.

Baby movement: Lots of movement. Sometimes you can even see them from the outside which is cool and creepy at the same time.

A Love Note

Dear Baby Boy Best,
Feeling your little kicks is one of the best feelings that an expecting mom can feel. It tells me that you are doing well, and that you, in fact, have feet, knees and elbows, which are super important parts to have. And while I appreciate your night-owled nature, given that I am a night-owl myself, I really should be sleeping. Laying here, getting repeatedly kicked in the bladder isn't helping Mommy sleep. Let's finish this discussion in the morning and go to sleep now.

Love,
Mommy

P.S. I hope you enjoyed the ice cream I had about 45 minutes ago.

20 Weeks

Baby's size: One site says a cantaloupe. One says a banana. Those are very different shapes, but I think the point is the length. About 6 1/2 inches long, from head to bottom, and 10.6 ounces.

Belly size: About 36" around my belly.

Cravings: I've been eating lots of strawberries this week, but that's probably because they were on sale and were really good. I always like those though. I also went on a late night craving trip to get magic shell and ice cream the other night. I actually went in my pajama pants and slippers even.

Mood: Pretty good. After my initial pity party on Thursday, I've been feeling good. I've had lots of time to myself this week. At first it was really nice, but now it's kinda lonely.

Symptoms: My back has been bothering me more and more. I've definitely got the waddle going, which is silly because it's not because of my big belly, like most pregnant people, but because my back is in pain. I've noticed my acid reflux acting up at night too, but it's nothing a couple Tums can't get rid of.

Go to clothing: I had my Gap and Old Navy "give and get" 30% off coupon this weekend, so I thought I'd give The Gap maternity section a try for some jeans. I was almost in tears by the time I left. First of all, I was hungry, which never helps my mood. Second of all, there was no one there to help me. Usually when I get there, I'm accosted by employees shoving clothes down my throat. But apparently in the maternity section it's every woman for herself, because no one even came back there the whole time. I found a couple pairs to try on and they were still too big in the hips. I gave up and went to a local specialty maternity shop. They were putting me in $200 jeans THAT STILL DIDN'T FIT! No thanks. Even if they fit perfectly, I'm not spending that kind of money on pants I'll wear for a few more months. I went home defeated. The next day, while my coupon was still good, I went across the city to an Old Navy with a maternity section. I was able to find a pair of jeans that are better than any other ones I've tried on. So I bought them. After wearing them for a couple hours, they stretched out pretty good and are already saggy, but I guess they are better than nothing.

Sleep: I've been sleeping fine. I've been staying up really late every night finishing up projects for a craft show this weekend, so I'm usually so exhausted by the time it's time for bed, falling asleep isn't an issue.

Baby movement: Lots of little kicks now. Especially after I eat. Sometimes I get some pretty hard kicks, which is always weird feeling.

It's a......

BOY!

A big boy too! He is measuring over a week big, but they aren't changing my due date. He isn't developing faster, he's just bigger. I don't even know what to do with a big boy. Jackson was always so tiny! Other than being big, everything looked totally normal and healthy, which is, of course, the most important thing. (BTW, What you see in this picture is mostly umbilical cord, not junk) When she told us it was a boy, Eric and I just kinda looked at each other and shrugged. Yes, we are a little bit disappointed, but just to be clear, that in no way has anything to do with our love for our baby boy. We are just disappointed that we will never get to experience what it's like to raise a girl. And I'm thrilled for Jackson. I think there is a very special bond between same sex siblings that you can't get with opposite sex sibs. And seriously. Little boys love their mamas like no one else can. When we got home from our appointment I sat down on the couch and had myself a little pity party. Jackson went into the kitchen, got some Froot Loops, and came over to me and started feeding me Froot Loops. It feels good to know that my boys will always take care of me :)

Oh, and here's the limerick:
There once was a family of Best
Growing their brood was their quest
Adding one more
To make a family of four
A baby BOY will fill up their nest!

Girl or Boy?

On the eve of the big reveal, I thought it would be fun to steal a post from a fellow blogger and talk about all of the old wives tales about gender prediction. I'd like to say that I really do think it's all a load of crap, but it's fun. I'll compare my pregnancy with Jackson with this one as I go. (in italics underneath)

High or Low Belly: I'm carrying high this time = Girl

I carried low with Jackson

Morning Sickness: Definitely reared it's ugly head = Girl
No morning sickness with Jackson

Pendulum Test: Round and round = Girl
I never did this test with Jackson

Baby's Heart rate: It was166 at my doctor's appointment and has been over 155 every appointment before = Girl
It was always in the 130s and 140s with Jackson

Chinese Gender Predictor: Every site I've been to about this has led me to saying = Girl

It always said girl with Jackson too

Adult Acne: It's SOOOOO bad and SOOOOO gross. It's on my face a little but really bad on my arms, chest and back. = Girl

I was really broken out with Jackson too, but it stayed away from my face

Sweets vs. Salts: Mostly salty cravings = Boy
I craved sweets with Jackson

Soft or Dry Hands: They are dry right now. They are always dry. = Boy

Again, my hands are always dry, and they were with Jackson

Penny test: It didn't stick to the wall for even a second = Boy
I didn't do this test with Jackson

Face Weight Gain: not yet = Boy

I eventually gained some face weight with Jackson at the very end.

Graceful or Clumsy: I would never call myself graceful, but I'm no clumsier than before so = Girl

I wasn't clumsy with Jackson either

Mood Changes: Big time = Girl

Other than an occasional freak out, I wasn't very moody with Jackson

Mayan Numbers: I had to Google this one to find out how I stood. = Boy
It said boy with Jackson too

Dreams: No dreams about gender yet
I don't remember any gender dreams with Jackson

Mother's Intuition: Girl

Father's Intuition: He won't answer this, but he's hoping for a girl

Jackson's intuition: Sometimes he says girl, sometimes he says boy, but he mostly "NO!" when asked what the baby is!

So, if all of these old wives tales are true, the score is
Girl = 9
Boy = 5

In 12 hours there won't be any more guesses!

19 Weeks

Baby's size: An heirloom tomato. Weighs 8 1/2 ounces and is 6 inches long, from head to bottom.

Belly size: About 35" around my belly. Not much growth from last week.

Cravings: I've actually been pretty good about that this week. No cravings. I finished my marshmallows last week and haven't had any more.

Mood: Good. Just really nervous about the anatomy scan tomorrow.

Symptoms: Some back pain if I stand, walk, or sit in one position for too long, but I'm feeling pretty good.

Go to clothing: So, I've decided that it's not so much the clothes that I hate, it's this giant stomach. It doesn't look good in anything! I'm glad that the weather is picking up, though and I can wear dresses and skirts. This one here isn't maternity, but it definitely works like it is. For now anyway. Hey, quick question. Does my bulky jewelry and big boots distract you from looking at my growing belly? No? Crap.....

Sleep: Once I fall asleep, I've been good. I'm not really having trouble sleeping because of any physical issues I'm having, it's more that I'm super nervous/anxious about the ultrasound tomorrow.

Baby movement: Still feeling movement, but I think the baby got in a funny position for a few days in a row this past week and I had a hard time feeling the kicks so much.

***Jackson wanted to participate in the picture taking this time. Here's his "bump" picture. He also wanted to be the one to take pictures of Mommy, so here's those....

Up The Pole

Apparently, an Irish slang term for being pregnant is "Up The Pole". That makes sense. I think the American term for this is "Up a Shit Creek" (pronounced crick). I find out on Thursday, St. Patrick's Day, if I'm having a boy or girl. I didn't schedule my appointment on St. Patty's Day on purpose, but I'm looking at it as an opportunity to be cute/clever with how I tell everyone what I'm having. (A limerick, maybe?) The only problem is that I'm so completely preoccupied with finding out that I can't concentrate on anything cute/clever. I'm rather annoyed with how preoccupied I am, actually. It's stupid. It doesn't matter what I'm having. The sex has already been determined, and I had nothing to do with it. Whatever I have, is what I'm supposed to have. This isn't any sort of religious thing for me. I'm not really a religious person, in the traditional sense. Spiritual, maybe, but not religious. One of the first times I held Jackson, in a room all by myself, in the middle of the night, he looked into my eyes and I got an overwhelming feeling of "it's okay Mommy, I picked you because you are the best Mommy for me" from him. I have a hard time explaining this without sounding like a crazy person, but it was a completely peaceful feeling. Like he was trying to tell me that everything was going to be okay. No matter what. Like, he had a wisdom about him. A calmness. We would have these little middle-of-the-night-bonding-moments quite often at first, and then less often after a while. And now any middle of the night moments with him are filled with a toddler chatting up a storm and mommy begging him to go back to sleep. Anyway, my point being, it doesn't matter if this is a baby boy or a baby girl. As a friend of mine often says "it is what it is". But that doesn't help me from having an overwhelming nervousness about finding out. I'm almost to the point of wanting to wait until the baby is here to find out. But that's not going to happen.

It also doesn't help that I'm not the only one that is excited at the possibility of having a girl. Eric has randomly been making "girl" comments like "I do think it would be really exciting to have a girl" or "I'd love to have one of each". And is being totally understanding about how I might feel to find out we are having another boy, which is kind of a big deal. I feared that he would think I'm being unreasonable or ungrateful if I feel any disappointment, but that's not the case at all. In fact, I think he will feel some disappointment as well.

I tend to write a lot when my mind is whirling, as it is now. So be on the look out for an exponential increase in blogs from me!

18 weeks

Baby's size: A Bell Pepper. Weighs almost 7 ounces and is about 5 1/2 inches from head to bottom.

Belly size: About 35" around my belly. Yep, I got almost 2 inches bigger this past week. And I feel at least that much bigger.

Cravings: As stated in last week's update, chocolate covered marshmallows continue to reign! I found this new kind that I'm totally loving! I haven't had much of an appetite still, and have found myself being pretty picky about what sounds good. (unless it's a marshmallow dipped in chocolate)

Mood: Eh, as far as my "mood" I guess I've been in a really good mood, most of the time. But I've definitely had my moments. Like Saturday night, for example. I was already upset about having to cancel my gender reveal party (for a total legit reason...Eric and Jackson are going to visit family in Ohio, which really needs to happen right now. I was just upset about having to cancel it and wasn't crazy about how everything was shaking down, and was uber hormonal to boot) and Jackson was being super whiney at the dinner table. So I just sat there and cried during dinner. And then went downstairs for a few minutes to gather myself again. After a good night's sleep, I was better.

Symptoms: Lots of Braxton Hicks still. Sometimes they are borderline painful, so I will probably mention it at my next doctor's visit, although I don't think it's anything to be concerned about. They tend to happen when I sit down, which is weird, because usually sitting or laying down is what makes most people's go away. I've noticed that my ability to do certain physical things is lacking. Like hands and knees mopping the floor. I mopped our entire first floor Sunday (including wiping down the base boards). That will probably be the last time those base boards see a rag until after this baby is born! I'm still sore!

Go to clothing: Okay, I broke down and bought a pair of maternity jeans at Target today. I haven't been able to button my non-maternity jeans for a few days now :( I have some from my previous pregnancy, but 1) I wasn't crazy about them the first time around. They were too short and baggy in the butt then, so they still are now. And 2) I'm even smaller this time around (as far as weight...not belly size) so they really are too big in the butt, and just generally not cute. The ones I got from Target today will work and are decent, but I'm certainly not in love with them. They are still a little baggy and short, so I really can only wear flats or flip flops with them. A friend of mine is lending me her maternity clothes, most of which are from The Gap. There were a couple pairs of jeans in there, and they fit great, except that they are about 3 inches too short. The ones in this picture are a pair from The Gap that are her's, so I just rolled them up and called them capris today. This is the best fitting pair of maternity jeans I have, and, as you can see, they are still huge in the butt. I don't know, I guess I'm supposed to get a huge ass when pregnant, but that just doesn't happen to me. (not that I'm complaining, it just makes finding cute pants difficult) I can't wait for nice weather, and then I'll switch to dresses and skirts! I have lots of those and they don't even have to be maternity!

Sleep: It's okay. I've actually found myself waking up on my stomach, which is crazy, cause that would make me like, a teeter-totter, but I still manage to wind up that way. Usually I wake up in pain, and realize it's because I'm laying on my stomach.

Baby movement: Lots of movement this week. Eric even felt a really hard kick at one point this weekend. At night I just sit in the recliner, with my legs up, a bag of chocolate covered marshmallows at my side, and my shirt pulled up and feel the baby all over the place. Kicking and squirming. It's pretty sweet, and super cute, as I'm sure you are imagining ;)

17 Weeks

Baby's size: A turnip. Weighs about 5 ounces, and is about 5 inches from head to bottom

Belly size: Still about 33" at my widest, which really surprises me because I really felt like I was getting much bigger by the end of last week. (perhaps the rest of me is getting smaller?)

Cravings: I honestly haven't had many cravings this week. I haven't been very hungry even....

Mood: Pretty good. Although I still get choked up at stupid things. I feel good and even tempered most days. It's interesting how I'm evolving in my desire to know the sex of the baby. At first I was dying to know, and was bummed when I didn't find out at 13 weeks. But the closer it gets to the day I'm supposed to find out (2 weeks from tomorrow) the more I'm chickening out about wanting to know. I guess because this is my last. And I really don't want to feel disappointed. I honestly don't know how I'll feel if I find out I'm having another boy, and I'd like to think I'll feel sheer happiness, but what if I do feel disappointed? The honest truth is that I would prefer a girl, but I certainly won't feel any less love for a boy. The practical side of me would be grateful for a boy too. For Jackson's sake and for money savings (since we already have boy stuff). I just can't say for sure how I'll react when I find out, either way, which is making me nervous.

Symptoms: Apparently being pregnant is a pain in the neck! I've been waking up with a stiff neck a lot lately, and this past Saturday it was really bad. I really couldn't move my neck at all until Monday morning, when I woke up with a headache (which I've had ever since) :( I'm sure that drinking a bunch of water would help a little, but I'm kinda crappy at that. And I miss my Advil. I've also had lots and lots of Braxton Hicks. I forgot how frequently I tend to get them. It's several every hour and sometimes are uncomfortable. When I went to the doctor a couple weeks ago, I told her that my arrhythmia seemed to be worse than normal. (It's something that I found out I had after I had Jackson) She gave me an EKG and agreed that it was worse and sent me to see a Cardiologist. I went to that appointment on Monday, and they gave me yet another EKG, only to find it identical to the one I just got the week before, (duh!) and scheduled me for an echo next week. (It's just another way for them to make more money off of me, in my opinion.) I'm quite sure, and the doctor agrees, that it's probably still harmless, but there is a small chance that it could be some sort of condition where pregnancy makes my heart weaker (I forget what he called it) so that's the purpose of the echo on Monday. To rule that condition out. Other than the neck pain, headache, arrhythmia and contractions, I'm feeling pretty good. (And I really don't mean that sarcastically!) I feel better than I've felt in months! I haven't been nauseous and have a little more energy than usual. (Although you wouldn't know it by looking at my dirty house)

Go to clothing: Same as last week. I'm still in my pre-pregnancy pants, with a belly band, and some of my looser ones I can still button. Also in bigger non-maternity shirts sometimes, but I've been sticking to maternity tees for the most part with non-maternity cardigans or sweaters. Yoga pants are awesome too!

Sleep: Meh, this has gotten quite a bit more uncomfortable this week. It seems that every time I wake up, some part of me is asleep. Usually an arm or hand or foot or something. I'm not great at sleeping on my side, and tend to wake up on my back a lot. That puts a lot of pressure on my insides (with my big uterus and all) and tends to make my lower half go to sleep. When I sleep on my sides, I tend to have my arm in an uncomfortable position and it goes to sleep. Last night when Jackson woke up and wanted a drink of milk at 4 in the morning, trying to get the cup, pour the milk, and put the sippy lid on was quite comical with one arm asleep! I also got my first charlie horse while sleeping last night. Those were pretty common last time around, and they hurt like a bitch!

Baby movement: I've felt a ton of movement this week. I have even been able to feel it from the outside (with my hand) a bunch. Eric has tried to catch it too, but he's not sure if he felt it or not. Last night I had a dream that the baby was moving a ton and I woke up to some pretty serious kicks!

16 Weeks

I thought it might be a fun idea (for me at least) to give periodic updates on what's going on with me and the baby. I'm not going to promise that I'll do one every week, but I sure would be proud of myself if I did! If, for no other reason than to document it for myself, or for my little avocado. Who knows, maybe it's a girl and she will actually care?!

Today I'm 16 weeks. I don't know why, but I feel like that's much farther along than 15 weeks. Maybe because it's the 4 month mark. Like, it's when people start taking this pregnancy thing more seriously? It's also the week that they say you can accurately tell the sex of the baby. I don't know. Anyway.

Baby's size: An avocado. About 4 1/2 inches long, head to bottom and weighs 3 1/2 ounces.

Belly size: About 33" at my widest

Weight gain: You know what? Up to this point my weight gain has been minimal, but I might not always want to share this number, so let's just skip this question, shall we?

Cravings: (With Jackson I didn't really have any cravings, but with this baby, I always do, so this might be fun to keep up with.) Up until this past week, I've been craving sweet and sour flavors (bring on the sweet tarts) but this week I've really wanted red meat! I've also been wanting beer, but I'm not sure that's a craving. More of an addiction. (just kidding Dad)

Mood: It's stabilizing a bit. Either that or I'm getting used to it. I'm certainly more emotional than pre-pregnant. Especially about tv shows, which is stupid.

Symptoms: I haven't had to take my Zofran for the last two weeks! Woo Hoo! (Zofran is an anti-nausea medicine) I'm able to eat more, but still not a lot at one sitting. I know this will only get worse. Minimal acid reflux though! My skin is a wreck. The biggest symptom I've had is that I've been really sleepy all the time. I've definitely started feeling those Braxton Hick contractions already. (I'm having one right now actually) I started feeling them around 18 weeks with my last, and even sooner with this one. Even though they are a little uncomfortable, they aren't painful, and I welcome them with open arms because I have a theory (totally not based on science, and I'm sure any medical professional would disagree with me) that the more Braxton Hicks I have, the faster my labor will be. This is based on the fact that I had about 100 a day (4-5 per hour), starting in my 4th month with Jackson, and only a 5 hour labor. I just assume that each one of these little gems gets me that much closer to having a baby in my arms, and out of my....ummmmm....vagina.

Go to clothing: This might not matter to some folks, but it's really important to others, so I'll include it. So far, I've managed to stay in non-maternity pants and I can switch from maternity shirts to looser non-maternity. The length of shirts is becoming an issue though. I'm definitely not in those tent-ish, bunching under the boobs shirts yet, although I know it's coming eventually. I still have a couple pair of regular jeans that I can wear. They are from after I had Jackson, but before I lost my baby weight and my hips shifted back to their normal position. I intend to wear these for as long as possible. Maternity pants aren't exactly flattering on a girl with no butt! And thank God the cardigan is in style right now. I can put a non-maternity one on over a maternity shirt, look cute, and stay warm!

Sleep: So far, so good. I'm usually fast asleep within minutes of hitting the sack and I stay asleep until woken up.

Baby movement: I've just started to feel some consistency with flutters, but that's all I can really say so far. Not a lot of hard kicks, and certainly not hard enough for Eric to feel on my belly.

Three more weeks!

Only three more weeks until I find out what kind of baby is inside me. (the boy kind or the girl kind) For those of you who are keeping track, you might be thinking "huh, I thought it was four more weeks". Well, you would be right. It was supposed to be four weeks, but today I called and changed my appointment to 19 weeks instead of 20 weeks. I have a legit reason for moving my appointment up one week, and it's not just because I'm going crazy not knowing. (I might be going a little bit crazy....) The real reason for moving it up is just as fickle though. The day that I was planning on having my reveal party was on Saturday the 26th. I looked at my calendar and also noticed that there is a craft show where I'm planning on having a booth. (I hand make things for mommies and babies, in case you didn't know) Based on the energy and effort I put into my last craft show, there is no way I could have a party on the same day, or same weekend. I was up late every night preparing for it, and was exhausted by the end of the show. And I wasn't pregnant last time! I could just not have the party, but that's no fun. If I can do both, I'd like to. So, I thought I'd just call and see if I could move my appointment up one week, then I could have the party the week before. I was really hesitant to do this, because I'm such a rule follower. I was told by this OBGYN that my appointment had to be at 20 weeks (even though I know darn well that the anatomy scan can be done anywhere from 18-20 weeks) and who am I to question a doctor? I also figured that their office gets all kinds of crazy pregnant ladies calling in and begging for gender ultrasounds or whatever. I didn't want to be put into the category of "crazy pregnant lady". But then the more I thought about it, I thought "who cares?". This isn't my regular OB, (My regular OB sends me to a specialist for these scans) and I'll probably never see these people again. Who cares if they think I'm crazy? So I called. And they changed the appointment, no problem. No questions asked. And I'm pretty sure they don't think I'm crazy. That was easy.