26 weeks

26 weeks update: Half-way through the week and I am one pooped Mama! This internship is going to be a lot more physically and emotionally draining than I had originally planned but I hope to just power through it and I'm thankful to be working with a staff who gives me plenty of opportunities for breaks and downtime when possible! The 4th of July was a lot of fun and thankfully not too unbearably hot and humid which seems to happen this time of the year. My feet and ankles got pretty puffy/swollen by Saturday night but I think that's because of the combination of the hot weather along with how much walking/standing I did over the past few days! But it didn't last long and when I woke up Monday morning, they were back to normal! With having longer more consistent work days now, it seems that my body can't resist a 45-minute nap when I get home each day and this usually helps gets me through the night to get some paperwork done. I think a daily nap should be part of everyone's day! Other than feeling tired at the end of the work day, I have been feeling pretty good. The pillows I sleep with have increased once again but whatever it takes to stay comfortable and asleep Jordan is fine with...the less tossing and turning I do, the better we both sleep! I can feel Peanut growing significantly bigger because there's always lots of movement and pressure in my entire abdomen area up to under the ribs. I have my gestational diabetes screen in two weeks so I'm trying to not be too paranoid about that but am definitely still pretty nervous for it! 

25 weeks

25 weeks update: well I'm starting to feel bigger each day and I know I still have quite a ways to go...Jordan always reassures me that I am in fact not that big and also adds "the pictures make your bump look bigger than it really is." He's such a great husband and knows just what to say! I am still stretch mark free and am hoping to ride that out for as long as I can so I've been covering my body is lotion every morning and every night! I know they say stretch marks are more of a genetic thing and I know my mom got some when she was pregnant...but I can still hope that maybe my skin has more elasticity! Either way, I will be happy with a healthy full-term baby! I have been feeling really good minus some serious round ligament pain on my right side. Thankfully it has only been on my right side and only flairs up when I am sitting for a long period of time. This helps encourage me to stay active and keep moving to avoid the pains that's for sure! It doesn't last long either so that's a big plus. Sleeping is still comfortable as long as I have my cocoon of pillows surrounding me! Between all of the pillows, myself, and Paisley in the bed, Jordan jokes that his space is getting limited by the night! I also joke that I'm more comfortable when I nap in the recliner than when I sleep at night in our bed and he said he would move the recliner into our room just so we can still "sleep together" so I'm not alone in the living room....I might have to take him up on that offer in a few weeks if sleeping laying down in bed starts getting too uncomfortable! It's starting to warm up like crazy and I'm still avoiding any swelling in my feet and hands plus I can get my wedding ring on and off so between drinking a ton of water and staying active, I hope to avoid as much swelling/puffiness as I can! The other latest thing is Paisley and her obsession with snuggling up right around my bump and laying on my belly. Whenever I get home and as soon as I sit down in the recliner, she jumps up and gets all curled up around my bump and then naps there with me when I nap! It's so cute and it's like she is already bonding with Peanut!

23 weeks

23 weeks update: another week down and another week closer to being in the 3rd trimester... I don't even get how that is possible! Thankfully, things have been pretty quiet and boring so far and I'm pretty happy about that. I've been trying to eat as healthy as I can but with the weather warming up so much, it is hard to resist an offer to get some ice cream or a smoothie! I walk at least 2 miles just to and from work each day and then another 2-4 miles while in the hospital so at least that makes me feel better...I know I'm getting in more than enough daily exercise and walking off the extra sweets I've been letting myself have! I can't believe  how much Peanut has started to squirm around. I'm convinced Peanut is doing downward facing dog at times and then just completely stretching out and lounging... every now and then my stomach goes from being round to crazy lopsided and with a bump protruding out of it! I've still been feeling great minus a recent development of getting cramps in my calves every now and then usually when I'm sleeping. There's nothing worse to wake up to than a cramp so bad where I can't even flex my foot one way or the other to make it go away! I suppose if that's the worst thing I've experienced so far, then things really aren't that bad though! We are looking forward to next weeks appointment to hear Peanuts heartbeat again and see how much we have both grown!

22 weeks

22 weeks update: I am feeling Peanut move a lot more frequently now that's for sure! It's always a weird feeling looking down at my stomach and seeing it bulge out or be really lopsided when Peanut is squirming around and getting comfortable. I hope that's the sign of a healthy and happy baby! Jordan and I have a lot of fun daydreaming about what different sports and activities Peanut will do and how we can't wait to attend different events like that...it's exciting to think about but I also want to cherish every moment of every day before our baby grows up too fast! I have been feeling really great and still have lots of energy. This is truly the "best part" of pregnancy like everyone usually says. No signs of nausea and I'm starting to actually look pregnant so it makes it fun when strangers acknowledge it and want to talk about baby stuff. Sleeping is starting to get a little interesting...I can get comfortable on my side with a pillow between my legs but have found myself waking up a couple times a night with a cramp in my calf or needing to go to the bathroom. It's not much to complain about so I try not to at all because I this point, I know my bump is still minimal so sleeping shouldn't be, and isn't, a problem! I still don't pass up a chance to take a nap when I can though - usually when I get home from work for the day, I'll take an hour (or two!) nap before Jordan gets home and we have dinner. I've been hitting up garage sales like crazy and have quite the stockpile of clothes in all sizes going, a really nice practically new pack 'n play, some toys, maternity clothes, and some other baby essentials for all stages/ages! I love finding such good deals and quality items for such a cheap price for Peanut! I don't really have many cravings but I still love eating a lot of fresh fruit especially pineapple. I can eat an entire fresh pineapple in 2 days.....and am then left wanting more still! I've gained a bit more weight it seems so I'm up to about 13 pounds total that I've gained and thankfully, it doesn't really look like I have (or at least that's what Jordan likes to tell me!) and it seems to be all belly and boob weight! No swollen ankles and no swollen fingers - I hope the summer heat doesn't make me balloon up... guess I'll keep drinking 100+ oz of water a day to hopefully avoid any serious bloat and water retention! Today officially marks 4 months until Peanut's due date!! 4 MONTHS! Ah we have a lot to get done between now and then but I know the time is going to fly by...I can't wait to meet you Peanut but please don't come too early - we need to prepare a little more!

21 weeks

21 weeks update: whoooo, now we are down to the teens for weeks left. that's part terrifying and mostly part exciting all at the same time! I guess it's true what everyone says about enjoying the time with your husband and family and friends before the baby comes because the time really does fly by! I'm already dreading how fast our baby will grow up because I know that's what will happen next! Jordan and I have found a girls name that we both love AND can agree on....we won't be sharing what it is though because we don't want people to be critiquing it and giving us their opinions beforehand. We love it and that's what matters! We are still looking for the perfect boys name but I say we don't need to worry about one because I am just that convinced Peanut is a girl.....and I'm really sorry Peanut if you are a boy because I've been thinking otherwise this whole time so far! I have been feeling movement a lot more lately and that definitely makes all of this seem so real. It's mostly when I am laying down after work or before going to bed... Jordan has even seen some movement on my tummy every now and then which is awesome. It makes it really sink in that we have a baby on the way when we can see Peanut moving around like that! I'm still loving eating tons of fresh fruits and veggies and have been trying to work out at like 3-4 times a week. I'm trying to not be paranoid about the weight gain but I definitely am...I know I need to gain around 25-35 pounds but I'm hoping to not go much past that if at all possible! But it will all work out in the end and if gaining a couple extra pounds means having a super healthy and happy baby then I will take the extra pounds! I'm feeling really great, pretty energized for the most part, and my face has finally started to clear up. If it wasn't for my growing belly, I think I would forget I'm pregnant some days so things are definitely really smooth and quiet but boring is best my midwife says! 

20 Weeks

20 weeks update: 20 WEEKS! Umm, halfway already?! Seriously, that is just crazy talk and does not seem possible! Wow! 20 weeks down and now 20 weeks (plus or minus a few days!) to go! Our last appointment and ultrasound couldn't have went any better so here is what we were told. Peanut is measuring perfectly and right on track, there were no abnormalities of any kind found, and the placenta is anterior which means on the front so that is why I have been feeling little movement so far and if I do, it will mostly be on my sides. Our midwife said we had an ultrasound "to dream for" and one that is "textbook perfect." She also said, "you are the healthiest mom/baby pair that I have seen all week and probably will see..." Whoo hoo! So that made me feel extra great! I have only gained 8 pounds total so far and my blood pressure is still running low which isn't a concern of my midwife since it was low at my first appointment and she said they would rather see it low than going high. It was so awesome getting to see Peanut on the ultrasound screen but SO HARD to not look when the technician went "down there" to get all of the measurements that she needed. I told Jordan that if he hadn't been there with me, then I definitely would have looked at the screen because the suspense of not knowing is starting to kill me......but thinking ahead when Peanut does arrive and I hear Jordan say, "it's a boy!" or "it's a girl!" gets me all kinds of excited and emotional. I am still feeling really great and my face has finally decided to start clearing up. Some nights I still end up sleeping on my stomach so I'm not entirely toooo uncomfortable sleeping like that but I do like to have a pillow between my legs or under my one side to avoid laying completely flat. Other than that, we had a great report from our doctor and go back in 4 weeks. I can't believe how fast this has went.....we have so much to do still and I feel like so little time if the next 20 weeks go by as fast as the first 20 weeks did!

Peanut's perfect profile!
I think we even got a little smile too... :)

left hand waving at Mama and Daddy!

right foot...so that's what I feel kicking and poking me every now and then!

19 weeks

19 weeks update: eeek! We have our big ultrasound and appointment later this afternoon and I can't wait! Of course, I'm still nervous because why wouldn't I be a nervous paranoid mess?! And no thanks to the crazy dreams I've been having lately because those don't help anything... but I'm sure everything will be fine and that I'm worrying about nothing! I'm still feeling great and I think I would forget I'm pregnant some days if it weren't for some of my clothes fitting a bit snug... As long as I eat something every 2-4 hours, I avoid all nausea and light-headedness so things are good! I think I am feeling more movement but it's hard to know for sure it is or not since I have nothing to compare it too.... it's either Peanut moving around or some serious gas/digestion going on! Can't wait for the appointment and to see our little Peanut on the ultrasound! 

18 Weeks

18 weeks update: definitely feeling pretty good still for the most part! I have noticed lately that when I sneeze, I get a quick jab or pain along my sides and have been told that's from the round ligament pain and that my muscles and hips/abdomen are stretching and preparing for extra growth and labor already. I've still been trying to eat as healthy as possible and get out on a daily walk when it's nice enough for that. Otherwise, I've been doing some yoga and making sure I always take the stairs up and down at the hospital when I'm working and avoid the elevator at all costs. I'm only up 6.5 pounds so far and am still wearing all of my regular clothes....but I can tell some of my pants are getting pretty snug. Thank god for low riding pants otherwise they would all need to be retired by now I'm sure! I also have started to adjust to sleeping on my side and have found that having a pillow between my legs and up by my hips helps keep me comfortable too! My face seems to want to be breaking out again which is frustrating too....where is this pregnancy glow that everyone always talks about?!! 

In other news, I had a successful week doing some thrifting and garage saleing last week and scored quite a few awesome things! Lots of gender neutral sleepers, onesies, other cute outfits, and some books...Tons of items still had tags on them and were brand new too! Extra bonus! I have a list of garage sales that I'm going to be hitting up this weekend and I'm hoping to find some good deals again so I can start to get Peanut stocked up on some essentials while saving a lot of money!

the start to Peanut's closet and library...
all of this for a mere $15!!!
the baby bathrobe and winter bundle up outfit are so cute it hurts....

17 Weeks

17 weeks update: I'm finally starting to feel like I'm getting a real baby bump! But I am definitely thankful that I can still in all of my normal clothes and haven't had to resort to wearing maternity pants.... I just don't know if I will ever fit into them enough or the right way! The ones I have seen and tried on have the elastic band at the top which I knew they would but then they also have wayyyyyy too much room in the butt and thighs for me! Unless I'm just that unaware that everything is going to exponentially expand and grow?! I know my boobs and belly certainly are but wow! If my butt and thighs go up 3-4 sizes, that will definitely be something else! I have seen some really cute maternity skinny jeans at The Gap but I'm having a hard time justifying spending $40-60 on just one pair when wearing them is going to be for such a limited time! ugh! Good thing the summer weather is around the corner because I definitely have a ton of flowy and bump-friendly dresses! Besides that, I have still been feeling pretty great! I have been craving veggies still and now tons of fresh fruit...I have eaten two whole pineapples in the past 8 days! Anything cold and fresh tastes so good and refreshing plus the added health benefits of having these cravings aren't that bad either! It's also garage sale season, whoop whoop! So I'm already on the hunt to start a stockpile of baby clothes, toys, and other baby goods...I love me some good deals and garage sale finds! Jordan and I are celebrating his birthday on Saturday, the big 25, and then Mother's Day on Sunday so I'm happy the week is half over and we have a fun weekend of special celebrations coming up! 

16 Weeks

16 weeks update: I THINK and I am pretty sure that I felt some movement this week! It was really quick and felt more like little flutters....as soon as I noticed it, they would be gone! I've heard that's what movement feels like early on so I have a feeling that it was Peanut squirming around....definitely looking forward to feeling actual movement and being certain about what it was! I'm sure I'll eat those words when it's near the end of the 3rd trimester and I'm getting kicked in the ribs, lungs, bladder, back and wherever else there is room! I'm still rocking all of my normal clothes and pants which is surprising because last week they were feeling pretty snug and now this week they're all fitting normal again. So I think some of the bloat is going away and it's turning into more of an actual bump! No nausea of any sort and only a few headaches here and there! The only cravings I have are still the same like fresh veggies and fresh fruit especially pineapple and apples... either that, or I still want whatever I see other people eating!

And I'm so happy that today is May Day! I remember making May Day baskets with my mom while I was growing up and I would hand them out to everyone at school and then all of the neighbor kids when I got home from school that afternoon. I can't wait to have that same tradition with our little Peanut because it was always so fun filling the cups up with good treats and sneaking a few for myself every now and then!

15 weeks

15 weeks update: well, still no official bump pop! just to clarify, it's not like I am mad or upset about this by any means because I will be sad to retire all of my go-to pants and favorite shirts but it's just weird not really feeling pregnant yet! I'm thankful for having such a smooth ride so far and have my fingers crossed it stays this smooth for the both of us but I am looking forward to being able to dress up my bump and not have people whispering if I'm gaining weight or am actually pregnant...I'm in that awkward middle stage! I also bought a scale because I have been having a huuuuge uncontrollable appetite. If more than an hour passes since the last time I ate, I feel incredibly hungry so I always make sure to load up my bag with plenty of snack options and things to munch on! I was also very happy and surprised to see I've only gained 1.5 pounds since my last appointment considering how much I feel like I've been eating lately! It's starting to get slightly uncomfortable to sleep on my stomach but not too bad...I know I need to start adjusting now and not  letting myself stomach sleep all night! I am excited to work on my weekend project...updating an old rocker for Peanut's nursery! My mental vision is really cute so I hope the real deal turns out just as cute!

all I want for Christmas is a ticket to Ellen's Mother's Day Show!!!!!!!

This is my plea to get on Ellen's Mother's Day Show!!!!!! I have been emailing her once a week since the day I found out I was pregnant for an invite and a ticket to her show. I may or may not have at one time told Jordan that our first baby was going to be planned around Ellen's Mother's Day Show so that I could attend the taping and be far enough along to have a belly but not too far that I couldn't travel.....and well, what do you know?! That "plan" actually worked out for us! I know the odds are so sooooo slim of ever getting that magical call that I'm getting a ticket but I like to think my odds are still just as good as everyone else's that's applying to be on it! She has a contest going right now that's called "Ellen's Baby Phrase That Pays!" where each day on her show, a word flashes then on-line, you enter that word and at the end of the week it makes a phrase so you enter the phrase then too....easy peasy! And you know I've been entering with the word everyday and the phrase at the end of the week! Jordan and I both have all of our fingers and toes crossed in hopes of getting a ticket! Peanut, I hope you have your fingers crossed for us, too! I know there are hundreds, probably thousands, of women and families worse off than Jordan and myself who are much more deserving than this incredible day of give-aways than I am. I haven't saved anyone from a car stuck on the train tracks. I haven't jumped into water to rescue someone who is drowning. I don't have any secret or hidden talents (unless being able to crack every bone in my body counts?). I haven't invented any crazy product to make our daily lives easier. So what have I done? Well, let's see... I have always been supported by my amazing family. I have some of the goofiest friends in the world. I married an incredible man who will make an awesome daddy. I have been inspired by kids with cancer and their families to always do my best, laugh every day, and be thankful for who I have in my life. Because of the people in my life, I am a better person and it's them who will make me the best mom I can be - not all the latest and greatest gadgets. Winning a ticket to Ellen's Mother's Day show would be one heck of an experience that I would never ever forget. And sure, it would make some things way easier on us and our bank account! And I would definitely not pass up the ticket or the opportunity to go which is why I find myself thinking about it pretty much daily! Ahhh! Please, Ellen! Pick me! I would love to dance with you and be infected with your kindness to bring back home and spread to everyone here...we can all use a little more love and laughter in our lives everyday! 

14 Weeks

14 weeks update: nothing much new to report it seems! My pants are definitely starting to fit pretty snug it seems but I am still wearing all of my regular clothes. I have a pretty good stockpile of maternity clothes thanks to my awesome Mom for buying a few and then of course, making some for me! Thanks so much, Mom! I am looking forward to the warm weather for sure for many reasons but also for when my bump starts getting bigger and I can just wear comfy dresses and tank tops every day instead of pants.... right now, yoga pants and leggings are my choice of pants (not like they weren't before I was pregnant!) and now I don't feel bad for wearing them almost every day! My bump is starting to pop and not look like I'm just gaining weight anymore so that is exciting too! I'm really looking forward to being able to feel Peanut move around and kick! And our next appointment is still 6 weeks away but I can't wait to see the ultrasound to see how much Peanut is growing! 

13 Weeks

13 weeks update: hellooooo 2nd trimester! wow! that definitely snuck up on me and Jordan pretty quickly! I can't believe how uneventful the first trimester was...I have been counting my blessings and am so thankful that the 1st trimester was good to me! I lucked out and didn't have any morning sickness besides only a few episodes of nausea here and there. I can't complain much about being tired since that seems pretty normal no matter what and a few more breakouts but all of that has even gone away it seems. I'm SO happy my hormones are finally starting to balance out and level off....I'm not sure if myself OR Jordan can handle anymore of my unexpected tears at any given time! Some cravings are definitely here because for a few days, all I wanted was cole slaw! Besides that, I don't think it's actual cravings but more along the lines of if I see someone else eating something, I think I HAVE to have it right then and can't get it out of my mind! Because of that, I make sure to always have plenty of healthy snack options in my bag like a granola bar, trail mix, or a banana so I don't start eating anything and everything I see other people eating! 

12 Weeks

week 12 update: ah we are finally all caught up and this is currently 12 weeks! I can't believe the first trimester is almost over. Everyone always says that is the worst trimester and how miserable it is but I have seemed to have somehow escaped it with minimal damages done! My energy is finally coming back, my face is clearing up and my emotions (some times!) are under control it seems so I think my hormones might actually be leveling off finally as we head into the second trimester! Hearing Peanut's heartbeat for the second time was truly amazing....Jordan and I get more and more excited every day at the thought of our baby and becoming parents! We make a great team and I am so lucky to have such a wonderful guy in my life as my husband and the father to my children! 

11 Weeks

week 11 update: I'm definitely feeling refreshed after my trip to Florida even though at times it was exhausting! And I am so happy to be back home with Jordan and Paisley...I missed them both so much! The weather is starting to warm up so that means all of the delicious spring/summer beers are starting to come out so seeing those really makes me want one pretty bad. I know Peanut is definitely worth not having one for though but that doesn't stop me from craving one when I see it! I have been on a big health kick this week by non-stop eating fruits, veggies, salads and everything fresh. Definitely not a bad thing and if I'm going to crave anything, I'm glad it's healthy stuff! I'm sure some crazy cravings are bound to happen here in the next few weeks though since I'm starting to feel hungry every 1-2 hours! 

10 Weeks

week 10 update: holy cow! I can't believe that I am already 1/4 through this! It definitely does not seem like 10 weeks have already passed by because they have flown by! It helps that I have felt so good and things have been enjoyable so far so I hope the rest of the pregnancy is this uneventful and smooth sailing!

9 Weeks

week 9 update: Eeeeek!!! Baby E's first pictures from the ultrasound!!! Peanut looked like a little gummy bear but was wiggling around like crazy and at one point, it looked like we even got a wave! It was sooo cute and funny! Peanut's heart rate was 178 so it was fast and strong, just where they would like it at this point and everything was measuring good and looked great! NOW it definitely feels REAL and Jordan and I are so so over the moon excited and happy! We are so incredibly blessed and lucky to be on the journey and to become parents together! 

8 Weeks

week 8 update: just a bit of nausea here and there but it is very limited at least! Once I eat something or have a snack, it goes away so I'm really thankful it doesn't last all day and goes away rather quickly! I am definitely feeling extremely tired at all times of the day and can't seem to sleep or nap enough! Jordan and I are sooo excited for the appointment next week but of course, I'm still nervous since as of now, I don't have any typical pregnancy symptoms so I'm nervous to not hear a heartbeat or to not see anything on the ultrasound! Stressful but exciting at the same time....so many emotions!!

7 Weeks

week 7 update: still feeling pretty good for the most part and am glad that the flu bug has finally gone away! no signs of growing a bump yet or any real pregnancy symptoms so I'm anxious for those to kick in so that this will start feeling real to me!