Week 26

Ugh...feeling pretty bummed this week.  I just got the results yesterday that I failed the 1 hour Glucose Tolerance test.  I know this isn't the end of the world, and it doesn't mean that I do have Gestational Diabetes, but it's still nerve-wracking.  I was hoping I was borderline fail, but I was 168 mg/dl which is like 30 mg/dl over where they want to see you (~135 mg/dl).  The nurse I talked to didn't seem overly concerned, but I still am.  Like I mentioned a couple weeks ago, I don't know why I just have this bad feeling about it.  There is definitely some adult onset diabetes in my family, including my dad.  Plus I've been SO THIRSTY lately and I've read that's a "symptom".  Now, a lot of women fail the 1 hour and pass the 3.  But usually these ladies are closer to borderline, so we'll see.  But I still have this bad feeling.  I go back next week for the 3 hour test.  Silver lining - my perinatologist had sort of joked that because I have elevated blood pressure and that can sometimes cause small babies, if I have gestational diabetes, which can cause larger babies, our baby will probably be totally fine and perfectly sized.  Yes - here's to silver linings!

Feeling kinda bummed this week...

Now about the test itself...THAT was totally NOT a big deal.  I showed up at Labcorp with a giant book in hand.  They handed me this bottle of fruit punch, told me to drink it within 5 minutes and then let them know.  So I drank the fruit punch (which by the way, just tasted like fruit punch.  It wasn't gross.  It didn't make me sick.  It was like Hi-C) and let them know when I was done.  And they told me to come back in an hour.  What?  I can leave?  So I went to Target and did a little browsing around, then went back.  They did the blood draw which was like any other blood draw (2 vials) and I was outta there.  So yah.  Totally not a big deal.  I don’t know what people are so worried about?  Are they just worried about the results?  People can't deal with getting blood drawn?  I even read on some board about someone needing someone to go with her...HUH?  Does this same lady need someone to go with her to hold her hand at the dentist?  Seriously….

How far along: 26 weeks, today!
What did baby do this week: Baby is the size of a head of lettuce, around 13.5-14.5" from head to heel and should be weighing just under 2 pounds.  Baby has eyelashes!  And I've noticed my belly shuddering rhythmically occasionally which I'm pretty sure means: hiccups.  So crazy!!  Baby's lungs and brain are more developed and baby can definitely hear Hubby and I talking, even over the loud noises of the womb.  His/her eyes are completely developed and eyelids will open soon.
Total weight gain: 23 pounds (down .2 from last week - guess it's the diet)
Symptoms: Still constipated.  Up until now I was just drinking tons of water and taking in extra fiber, but I started the Colace Dr. R recommended, last night and am hoping it will do the trick.  I *think* my feet are a bit bigger/swollen too.  I ordered some shoes (SO comfy, by the way) a half size up at the website's recommendation.  They're a LITTLE big, but I think my regular size would have been snug.  I still have a trimester to go anyway so I figure the shoes will fit perfectly in due time.  I'm still wearing heels to work and feeling very proud of myself because of it.  My goal is to wear heels into my 3rd trimester.  Since that's only a week away, I think I’m gonna make it!  Speaking of swollen, I think my ankles might be a little too.  I noticed that the ankle bone which is usually pretty prominent is not as "bony".
Queasy or Sick: Not really, though sometimes if I let myself get too hungry I start to feel a little off.  Not quite nauseated, but almost.

Sleep: Still really good except I'm such a night owl!
Best moment this week: I'm still making it up/down the flight of stairs at my office which makes me feel very accomplished.  Every day I'm loaded down with my (heavy) purse, my laptop, my 22 ounce bottle of water and sometimes a lunch, IN HEELS.  I still manage to hold onto the rail the whole time - cuz that'd just be dumb not to.  But taking the stairs is a much faster/more direct path to my desk than having to wind around to get to the elevator.  So I'm feeling pretty proud about this - and keeping my quads and core strong!
Hardest part of the week: Obviously the bad news about failing my 1 hour glucose test.  Seriously bummed about that...
Looking forward to:  This might sound crazy but, my Third trimester!  I can't believe how far I've come.  And I'm excited to get closer and closer to meeting my little one.  I've been feeling so good too that I feel like I can handle the 3rd.  Bring it!!
Movement: I was surprised by a HUGE kick that I felt on the inside and outside of my belly this past weekend.  Maybe they’re this strong when I’m up and about too, but it felt really huge probably cuz I was lying down.  I mentioned above that I'm seeing my belly move in time with baby hiccups too which is really amazing!
Food cravings: Nothing really.  But have definitely been trying to eat more protein/vegetables over carbs, for obvious reasons.
Happy or moody: Overall happy.
Labor signs: No
Maternity clothes: Yup, yup.
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On
Stretch marks: No
Learnings from the week: I've been getting a decent amount of exercise overall - my weekly prenatal yoga class and going for walks 2-4 times a week.  And I feel REALLY great.  I feel really strong and have great balance and core strength.  I would highly recommend yoga or Pilates for all pregnant women.  I really think it is making a huge difference.  When we go out walking (usually about 1-2 miles at a time) I've been trying to hold my hands a bit elevated so they don’t get swollen.  A couple weeks ago I mentioned how my hands got so swollen during a long walk we took and it was quite annoying.
I just ordered this and am going to iron it onto a black Gap long sleeve T-shirt I have.  Hilarious!!  What is YOUR Halloween costume?  You've only got 2 weeks!
Final Thoughts: This is likely WAY TMI but I’ve been noticing that it’s harder and harder to see my own lady parts.  Not like I usually stare at them daily - but I do like to keep things a little “tidy” down there and I have no idea how I’m going to accomplish this in another month or so.  Dare I ask Hubby for some help? (talk about a trusting relationship) Or just grow it out like it’s 1975?  Or try holding a mirror with 1 hand and the clippers in the other?  Oh gosh.  And really, I can’t believe I’m talking about this...

Week 25

Ahh the changing/growing pregnant body.  I am seriously getting a big belly.  Not like this is surprising or anything, but it's for sure happening.  And while it can be hard to watch it all happen in the mirror, at least I know that it's normal.  My belly is now sticking out farther than my boobs.  When I park my car and there isn't a ton of space between me and the car next to me, I essentially give the side of the car a good cleaning with my belly as I make my way out.  Oh and can we talk about how I should basically wear a smock everywhere I go?  I drop food on myself like a giant fat dude.  I couldn't even drink my [decaf] Starbucks without getting dirty the other day - big fat drop of coffee (escaped somewhere near the straw) right in the middle of my belly.  UGH.  By the way, Maternity Spanx Are Awesome.  I bought this one just before our trip to Hawaii and was a little worried I'd be hot in it.  But I wasn't and really - it felt SO NICE under my thin dresses that it just made me so happy.  The belly panel is very thin - almost like pantyhose material.  But I think that allows it to breathe and also grow over time.  Everything else is very supportive.  I love knowing that my bootie isn't jiggling all over the place when I'm wearing thin summer dresses and carrying around 23 (!) extra pounds.  Makes me feel a little more pulled together.

How far along: 25 weeks, 1 day
What did baby do this week: Baby is the size of a cauliflower at around 13.6 inches from head to heel.  Baby fat is continuing to fill in Baby's wrinkled skin and his/her skin is becoming less translucent and more opaque.  Primitive memory is also beginning to develop, implying that music and voices will be leaving an impression on Baby's brain.  I've been reading that my uterus is the size of a soccer ball which seems SO HUGE at this stage of pregnancy.  I believe it was about the size of a pear before I got pregnant.  So when I'm 37 weeks pregnant how big will my uterus be?  The size of a piece of carry-on luggage?!
Total weight gain: 23.2 pounds
Symptoms: Still with the constipation.  A week+ of more water and the fiber powder supplement and things seem only MARGINALLY better.  Like I said in past weeks, I can still "go".  But it's just unpleasant.  A girlfriend who had the same issue with her [now 4 month old] daughter said that she had the exact same problem, but it did go away before Baby was born.  OMG I hope?!  I've complained before that my hair (which is usually rather fine and thin) is supposed to be much fuller during pregnancy, and yet I'm not noticing this.  However I don't think I've noticed as much hair on the shower floor in the last couple months.  So maybe I am holding onto more hair?  But it's not super noticeable.
Queasy or Sick: Nope!
Sleep: Continues to be great.  No trouble falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night.  Funny enough, I've been noticing that I don't need as much sleep lately.  Like I haven't been super tired at night and am repeatedly going to bed after midnight - usually 1am!  Then getting up around 8am.  My best friend (who has a 23 month old) thinks I'm nuts and is ALWAYS telling me to go to bed - I think because she can't get enough sleep ever.  I should really try to take advantage of this time I can sleep, but there are so many things I feel like I need to get done in the evenings!
Best moment this week:  We had dinner with Hubby's friends this past weekend.  They have a 2 year old and aren't planning on having any more kids.  And they gave us a ton of hand-me-down things!  A handful of the items are even on my registry list (and like-new!)  I would highly recommend you let it be widely known to your friends/family that you are willing to take hand-me-downs.  Most baby items are barely used before baby grows out of them (can we say the word "bassinet"?) and it's just so much money to buy all these things.  Hand-me-downs for babies are AWESOME.  Well, they are as long as you don't get a pack 'n play that smells like sour milk like my friend did...
Hardest part of the week: Nothing really bad, except I have noticed this occasionally cramp or pain in my pelvis that seems to only show up when I'm lying in bed about to go to sleep and then I either cough or laugh.  It's like a spasm or cramp and I find that to make it go away, I have to turn over onto my side and get a little more in the fetal position.  Weird!

Looking forward to: My baby shower(s)!  Both a family and friend one coming up in mid November!  My registries are just about completely finalized - just in time since invitations for the family one go out next week!
Movement: Movements are getting bigger.  I’ve noticed that once in a while, when I’m resting my arm against my belly, maybe while watching TV, or working on the computer, I’ll sometimes see my arm almost jump cuz a little kick is bumping it!  Wow!
Food cravings: Um well, craving carbs and sugar since I've been holding back a little more than I'd normally.
Happy or moody:  Again - very even keel I think.
Labor signs: No.  They say I might start feeling Braxton-Hicks contractions around this time, but I don't think I've felt any.  Unless the cramp I talked about above is a BH contraction, but I don't think so since it seems to be triggered by a laugh or cough...
Maternity clothes: Always.
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On
Stretch marks: No
Learnings from the week: I talked a lot in the first half of my pregnancy about how STRONG my nails were and how they would not break and grew so fast and I was always having to trim them.  OK well that has totally changed in the last month.  I was trying to figure out why and I think it MIGHT actually be my prenatal vitamin!  For the past year+ I've been taking Stuart Prenatal Vitamins, but I noticed they were getting harder and harder to find.  Then I couldn't find them anymore but was able to find these Stuart One which replaced their original ones.  I started taking those around 1-1.5 months ago...  You'd think they're better right?  But my fingernails are telling me no.  Now they are breaking, chipping and peeling quite frequently.  What gives?!  Not a big problem, but something I've definitely noticed.  (aaaaand now I'm having a hard time finding the Stuart One vitamins so I'm just gonna switch to Nature Made.  GAH!!)
Final Thoughts: Glucose test is tomorrow morning.  OMG wish me luck!  I've been trying to keep the carbs and sugar to a minimum this week, though of course the goal is not to "trick" the test.  The test is to ensure you and Baby are healthy if you DO have elevated blood sugar levels.  But it's not like I'm totally fasting and only eating protein and vegetables.  I definitely can't lie about that small piece of pie I ate a couple nights ago... so yah.  Nothing extreme.  If anything I'm hoping that by limiting my carbs and sugars, it might only keep me in a "passing" range if I happen to fall around the borderline.  More on that next week!

Week 24

I don't know if this is a thing, but I'm starting to think I have "gestational hypochondriasis".  You know, like being a hypochondriac about everything that could go wrong in pregnancy...

I have this... and definitely this... and probably that... for sure!

With week 24 comes the start of a timeframe in which we pregnant ladies are supposed to get tested for gestational diabetes.  It starts with the 1 hour glucose test where you have to drink this sweet liquid, hang-out for an hour, get your blood drawn and then you go home and wait to hear back from your doctor.  If the reading is more than 135-140 mg/dl, then you *MIGHT* have GD and will have to go back for a more thorough 3 hour test.  This 3 hour test is basically the same as the 1 hour, except blood is drawn after 1, 2 and 3 hours and if 2 of these 3 are abnormal (high) then you have Gestational Diabetes.  I have yet to do the test - planning on doing it next week.  But I'm like CERTAIN I have GD.  Why, do you ask?  Oh, 'cuz that would just be my luck.  I read somewhere that there aren't really any symptoms, however some may notice increased thirst (um, I'm always thirsty) and if you have a relative with diabetes you're at higher risk (my dad - adult onset.)  So now I'm sure of it.  Cuz...that all makes perfect sense.  I think it's just a part of being a worrying pregnant lady.  I have that role down PERFECTLY.

How far along: 24 weeks, 2 days
What did baby do this week:  Because I have (very well controlled) hypertension, we started doing monthly ultrasound appointments with the perinatologist to check Baby's growth.  Sometimes babies born to mommies with hypertension are smaller because the small blood vessels in the placenta tighten, allowing less blood and nutrients to get to the baby.  So after our 20 week anatomy scan (also done with the perinatologist) we're going back every 4 weeks for growth checks.  One of these happened to be on Tuesday.  These checks are perfectly fine with me - more opportunities to see Baby!  And since my blood pressure (which was not very high pre-pregnancy anyway, just higher than they like) has been quite low I'm not overly concerned.  Sure enough our baby was perfect - clocking in at 1 pound 8 ounces which puts them at 52%.  Baby is ever-so-slightly above the average size of other babies at the same gestational age!  Whew!  Heart-rate was 148 BPM and everything measured great.  Too bad Little One was feeling shy and had their hands in front of their face - no good 3D pix.  At this stage Baby's ears/hearing, fingernails and fingerprints are all done forming.  Baby's respiratory system is also rapidly growing.  Lungs are developing in preparation for breathing, by moving amniotic fluid in and out.  They are also producing a substance called surfactant that helps to keep the lungs from collapsing or sticking together during exhalation.
Total weight gain: 22.2 pounds. I hate this - however, Dr. said "good".
Symptoms: Like I mentioned, I've been more thirsty lately and also seem to have a bad taste in my mouth by the end of the day.  I think I noticed this a bit in the first trimester and it's not as bad, but I feel like I have to brush my teeth multiple times a day.  I'm also continuing to have some constipation which is annoying.  I'm "going" but it's not pleasant.  I asked my OB about this and she suggested drinking more water (10-12 glasses a day which is OMG SO MUCH) and trying this fiber supplement.  I'm doing both and haven't noticed a ton of improvement since starting about 3 days ago.  But we'll see what happens after a week or so.

Queasy or Sick: No thank goodness!  Though with all the water and fiber I'm consuming I've been feeling a bit uncomfortably bloated (and gassy! like a pregnant woman needs more gas!!)
Sleep:  Still awesome.  No problems.  Not waking up in the middle of the night.  No problems falling asleep.  No extra pillows needed.  Not to mention I love feeling Baby moving around before I fall asleep.  I always feel the little buggar most when I'm still and quiet and that's usually right as I go to sleep.
Best moment this week: Hubby felt Baby move for the first time on Friday night!  We try to spend some time every night talking/singing to Baby and he usually will rub my belly.  Friday I noticed that Baby was even MORE active than usual - like if I looked closely, held my breath and concentrated I could see my belly move!  So I had Hubby rest his hand where I was feeling the movement most and sure enough he felt a couple nudges!!  So incredibly cool.
Hardest part of the week:  Not that this was "hard" but it bothered me when we went out for a walk this past week, and by the time we got home I noticed my hands were super swollen.  So swollen I had trouble getting the door unlocked.  It was a longer walk than we usually do and it was a warm night, plus I notice even when I'm not pregnant my hands sometimes swell a little with exercise.  But it still bothered me.  I did some Googling and determined that I was probably a little dehydrated.  Another recommendation is to periodically swing your hands above your head to let gravity pull retained water down.  I haven't noticed it as badly since.
Looking forward to:  Just a few more weeks out and Baby's chance of survival will be greater than 90%!  I actually know of a friend's cousin who had her baby at 24 weeks and while he has some slight vision problems now, he's a thriving 5 year old.
Movement: Definitely feeling it even though it does still sometimes feel like gas.  Or having to suddenly pee...and then suddenly NOT having to pee.  It's much different than I thought it'd feel like, but I love feeling Baby move.  The days of worrying if everything's okay in there between doctor appointments are greatly diminished!

Not just a slice, but a whole (small) cantaloupe!

Food cravings: Nothing specific, though I've started trying to sort of limit my carbs and sugar in light of the glucose test next week.  Carbs is definitely a tough one!
Happy or moody:  Mostly happy!
Labor signs: No
Maternity clothes:  All the time.  When I first started shopping for maternity pants, I had no idea whether I'd like full panel or demi panel better.  Since it's been primarily summer (hot) during my pregnancy I figured I'd prefer the demi panel which doesn't cover as much of your belly.  But I'm finding that I do actually prefer the full panel.  I don't notice it to be more hot and I think it looks nicer/smoother under clothing.  Maybe I'm not yet big enough, but sometimes the demi panels cut into my belly in a weird spot.  Anyway, just my 2 cents!
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On!
Stretch marks: No
Learnings from the week: I made my way to our local Destination Maternity store a few days ago.  Um - YOU MUST GO.  It is awesome.  I can't believe it's this huge store just full of maternity clothing!  Now, maternity clothing is still not always the most fashionable.  But it was HEAVEN to just get to try things on in the store.  I've become so accustomed to ordering online (multiple sizes of the same item), trying on at home and then returning.  Ugh.  So finding this giant store was wonderful.  You might not know, but Destination Maternity is the parent company for both A Pea in the Pod and Motherhood, so you'll find both brands in the store (A Pea in the Pod being quite a bit more pricey.)  But in browsing around, I was also finding all sorts of designer brands: 7 Jeans, BCBG, Isabella Oliver, J Brand, Nicole Miller.  All maternity!!
Final Thoughts:  I've talked a lot here - I think I'll give you a break from anything more.  Not to mention I'm already late on getting this posted.  See you next week!

Week 23

I put on a dress this morning - a black one (those are supposed to minimize) but it was a tad bit "figure-hugging".  And while I didn't hate how I looked, and throwing a drapey cardigan over everything also helped, I couldn't ignore my butt.  I mean.  Is it getting really big or what?  There are typically NO badonkadonks around these parts, but as I gazed into the mirror I found myself thinking of Kim Kardashian's pregnant booty.  Google it, as I will not be posting her photos here.  But OMG.  Am I going to look like that in another couple months?

Is my butt looking bigger?

I'm starting to get this theory that pregnant ladies really end up showing their true weight struggles (or lack thereof).  For example, a girlfriend of mine is 10 weeks ahead of me and still super skinny all over except the baby bump.  I always suspected this, but I'm even more certain now that she must just be naturally slender and doesn't have to work too hard at it.  I on the other hand am barely pushing 6 months preg and I'm seeing Kardashian Booty in the mirror.  Yes, I do work hard to maintain my weight when I'm not pregnant.  It has NOT been the simplest task throughout life.  And I think pregnancy is really going to tell all.  *sigh*  This kid better be nice and smart and caring and let me live with them when I'm old and disgusting.

How far along: 23 weeks, today!
What did baby do this week: Baby is the size of a grapefruit.  They are getting into a sleep cycle and sleep 12-14 hours a day.  I’m starting to be able to tell when s/he is asleep vs. awake (since I feel the movements when Little One is awake!)  Baby is continuing to fatten up and grow; senses are maturing (touch, hearing, taste) and fingernails are almost fully formed.
Total weight gain: 21 pounds - seems high to me.  Likely why I'm seeing Kardashian Booty in the mirror...
Symptoms: I noticed some cramping on my lower left side most of 1 day last week.  It almost felt like period cramps which slightly worried me, but also made me think that maybe it’s round ligament pain from the uterus stretching?  Either way, it subsided by the next day and I haven’t felt it since, so maybe no biggie.  My feet (which I complained about when in Hawaii) are continuing to be very sore after doing not a WHOLE lot of standing.  And yes, it’s standing that bothers my feet (heels) more than walking.  I think my posture has changed, or else it’s this TWENTY pound weight gain?  But funny enough, since it’s my heels that hurt - I have no problem continuing to wear high heels to work!  But no other major symptoms.  I've been having some SLIGHT constipation which is never a good time, but it’s not debilitating and things are “getting through”.
Queasy or Sick: No!
Sleep: Still great.  I'm being a big rebel and still sleeping on my back.  I know the pregnancy books say to start trying to sleep on your side by week 20, but Dr. R has never sounded very insistent when I ask her about this (and the 1 time I asked Dr. A, she said 3rd trimester).  Maybe it's kinda like "try not to eat too much deli turkey" cuz there *is* a slight risk, but it's not very common?  I was talking to a girlfriend who has 4, count 'em FOUR children and she said that she never worried too much about back sleeping.  She said her body tended to tell her when she shouldn't sleep on her back anymore - because she was uncomfortable.  And this wasn't usually until the last few weeks.  I'm arguing that a good night's sleep is more important than trying to tilt my pelvis to the side.  No pillows in my bed other than under my head either.  And I DO sometimes sleep on my sides anyway, so maybe I'm not as big a rebel as I like to imagine.

Sleep Rebel!!

Best moment this week:  Feeling so loved by Hubby.  Even on my fattest feeling, "holy crap when did my arms get so big", Day he comes home telling me how cute/beautiful I look.  And it is genuine - I know when he's blowing smoke up there.  There must be little pregnancy fairies flying around who cast spells on hubbies making them think their ballooning wives are actually attractive.  Thank you Pregnancy Fairy.  Thank you.
Hardest part of the week:  In the big scheme of things it's really not that bad at all but I've started getting a little bit of constipation which um, SUCKS.  But isn't the worst thing that could happen.  I've been trying to eat more fiber and drink more water but there's really only so much I can consume before I think I'm gonna turn into a bran muffin.  On tap today?: my pregnancy cereal of choice - Frosted Mini Wheats (I swap out with Raisin Nut Bran) with nonfat organic milk, Trader Joe's Broccoli Slaw and Kale Salad with Chicken, fruit for snacks and I literally might have a couple hard boiled eggs and a whole grain bagel with non-fat cream cheese for dinner.  Plus drinking my 60 ounces (OK truthfully sometimes I only get about 45) of water.  Let's see how I'm feeling tomorrow.  If this still doesn't do it then I give up.
Looking forward to: When Baby can survive outside the womb.  I know this is something of a morbid thought, but I do keep thinking about it.  A baby born at 22 weeks would supposedly not be resuscitated because it was be so severely developmentally disabled.  But just a few shorts weeks later, survival climbs to 80%!  I think even by week 24 (next week!) Baby would have a 50% chance.
Movement: Yessiree Bob.  And I think I felt my first kick/punch in my belly 3-4 days ago.  So far all the movement I’ve been feeling has been very low,  more like in my pelvis (bladder), so the kick in my belly was new!  A reminder that I have an anterior placenta which cushions the blows a bit, so my guess is that my placenta is covering a lot of my belly so that’s why I’m mostly feeling movements low.  But maybe Baby is getting stronger so a solid punch in the belly could be felt?  Or maybe the kicks with the feet (which would be lower) are just stronger than punches with little hands?  :)
Food cravings: Nothing in particular
Happy or moody: Happy!
Labor signs: No
Maternity clothes: Yes.  And I guess I tend to prefer the clothes that hug my belly as opposed to drape over it.  I know the “older school” ladies (my mother) aren’t fans of showing the shape of the belly like this, but I feel like it’s a more flattering appearance than the tent shape.  To each their own.  Side comments from my mom are nothing new.  Bring it!

Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On.  Little bit snug but I still think it's the heat of late summer and not so much swelling from pregnancy.
Stretch marks: Nope.  Just started my 3rd bottle of Clarins Huile Tonic!  Maybe it's helping.
Learnings from the week:  OMG stroller shopping IS HARD!!!  I have to say that the hardest item to add to our registry was the stroller.  It’s like buying a car, but in a world where you don’t know ANYTHING about cars or car brands before starting.  Yah.  I really have no idea what we’re going to need but do know we will need something.  We’ve settled on the Chicco Keyfit 30 carseat (a top pick in my Baby Bargains book AND on Consumer Reports) with the Chicco Keyfit Caddy for running around town.  But this will only get us to about 6-9 months depending on when Baby outgrows the carseat.  So for a main stroller we decided on a convertible and are still deciding between the Baby Jogger City Select and the UppaBaby Vista.  Both have adapters for the Chicco carseat, but the Vista comes with a bassinet we could use when Baby is tiny - for sleeping overnight.  City Select has a bassinet (you have to buy separately) but it’s not recommended for overnight sleeping.  The City Select is cheaper than the Vista, but the Vista comes with a lot of extras the City Select does not.  So *if* you need those items (like the bassinet, rain shield, etc.) then it might not be as big a price difference in the end.  There’s also the Britax B-Ready stroller which works flawlessly with the Britax B-Safe carseat and rates right up there with these other 2 strollers I’m comparing.  Oh man.  Hope you have as much fun as I have been. Here are some great vids comparing these strollers if you start to get as confused as I was, however it's important to note that this is a comparison of the prior UBV.  The 2015 (coming out in just a month or two here) has way more options for seat positions when/if you have a 2nd (or 3rd!) kid:
Lucie's List:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F0R_gYe2O0
Stroller Guru:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcWQ91sPMeY
Final Thoughts: My baby showers are set!  One for family and one for friends, in mid-November.  I’m trying to get them in before the holidays and I think we’re gonna succeed.  So I’ve been finalizing my registry.  Doing LOTS of online research: love Lucie's List and reading reviews of products on Amazon.  I literally read that Baby Bargains book  (I mentioned in week 19) cover to cover.  It looks like a textbook that would belong to a Super Nerd: full of highlighted paragraphs and page tags.  I think I'm about as prepared as I'll ever be (which when you're talking about having your first kid = truly not at all.)

Week 22

Another one of those weeks that I don't feel like I have a lot to say, but feeling GREAT and loving feeling my little baby kick me (sometimes I think there is a little foot in my bladder...um - but it's a good/weird feeling).

I think someone's little foot is in my bladder

It's also another one of those weeks I've had to pause to remember how far along I am.  I keep thinking anywhere from 21-23.  Maybe I've been distracted because we were helping my sister move back into her house (and out of ours - amazing how much stuff can accumulate in just a few weeks!)  So this might be a quick post...

How far along: 22 weeks, 2 days
What did baby do this week:  Baby is the size of a papaya at around 10.5-11 inches from head to heel.  Baby also should have passed the 1 pound mark which for some reason gives me comfort.  Being able to say my baby is in the "pounds" as far as weight goes is great progress.  Baby can definitely hear what's going on outside the womb - so I've told Hubby he must speak nicely to me ALL.THE.TIME.  :)  His/her skin is wrinkled and a pinkish-red color, but still translucent.
Total weight gain:  OMG 20 pounds after our babymoon - I'm not even joking that I'm going to try to lose a little of that or stay the same for a week or two.  That is too much (for me) at this point.  I was hoping to stay under 30/35 for the entire pregnancy, but 20 at 22 weeks?  That's only about halfway!!!
Symptoms:  Still feeling great overall.  No back pain, no acne, no heartburn, feet are just a little tired.  I'm calling myself LUCKY so far!
Queasy or Sick: Not at all
Sleep: Great - rarely getting up in the middle of the night.  More likely early in the morning (like maybe 6am) but then I can fall back asleep for a little bit before I have to get up.

Best moment this week: Totally feeling baby kicking.  But maybe it’s not so great when it’s right in the bladder.  It's still not a strong feeling and sometimes I still think it might be gas - but I'm starting to really recognize it as my baby.  And I love that feeling.
Hardest part of the week: Keeping up with my blog?  But I'm managing!!
Looking forward to:  When Hubby can feel Baby kicking from the outside.  I think we still have a few more weeks to get there though - esp with my anterior placenta.
Movement: Definitely.  It's low - about 4 inches below my belly button.  But absolutely feeling it!
Food cravings:  Not craving anything, but feeling like I need to eat more veggies.  Not quite sure I'd call that a craving though.  Just being a responsible mommy.
Happy or moody: Happy!
Labor signs: No
Maternity clothes: Every day
Belly button in or out: In, but getting more taut
Wedding rings on or off: On, but snug
Stretch marks: No
Learnings from the week: I guess I’ve noticed that the pain in my butt, upper/outer thigh, from the progesterone in oil shots, has been fading.  That's right - believe it or not, at more than half way through my pregnancy it is still not gone - but it’s certainly faded from how it was.  My GAWD it might still be bothering me after my baby is here!!
Final Thoughts: Welp, I think from here on out Hubby will have to do all the dishes!  I noticed when doing dishes yesterday that my belly is now a little bit in the way for me to get close enough to the stream of water and thoroughly wash the dishes.  So I had to bend over funny to keep going and that ended up hurting my back.  So sad to not do dishes... ;)

Week 21

Babymooning!!!  I am writing this blog post from our hotel room on Waikiki Beach!  Not too shabby, huh?  Hubby and I are greatly enjoying this special time together.  And while I keep falling into our regular get-up-and-go routine and not really *thinking* about why we're here, I try to remind myself that even though nothing about this trip feels abnormal - it will be the last of its kind for MANY years to come.  Of course we can take trips without kids in the future, but we would miss them and worry about them.  And then if you bring them, there is really no "relaxation" in the definition of that type of vacation.  So that's why this trip/babymoon is so special.  We're resting, we're spending time together, we're seeing new places, eating new things and learning about a place.  We both love to travel and while this is certainly not an exotic international locale, we are happy to be (slowly) exploring someplace we've never been.

How far along:  21 weeks today!
What did baby do this week: Baby is the size of a pomegranate (wait, is a pomegranate really larger than last week's banana?) and about 10.5 inches.  I read somewhere that if you could see your baby right now, s/he would look like a smaller version of what they'll look like at birth.  Meaning all the facial features are done forming and they just need to grow and get bigger!  Baby has fully developed taste buds and can taste what I'm eating as they swallow amniotic fluid.  They are also developing a regular sleep cycle and starting to have dreams!
Total weight gain: I don't know since we've been gone all week - but my gawd I'm worried it's a lot more than I want to.  We've been eating so "well"!!!
Symptoms: Nothing really this week.  However I have noticed that since we've been on vacation, we've been doing a lot of walking (hiked 6 miles one day).  Sometimes we're walking multiple miles 2 days in a row.  And my feet are KILLING ME!!  Yes, sometimes I'm not wearing great shoes (ie. flip-flops.  But NOT on the days we are hiking/walking many miles) and I think my feet actually hurt more when we are browsing around/standing around/moving slowly since then I'm resting on my heels more instead of moving on my whole foot.  But Hubby has had to rub my feet more than once on this trip.  And he's been dropping me off at the hotel lobby before parking the car on many a night too.  The perfect hubby!  No back pain - just my FEET!
Queasy or Sick: Nope - yay!
Sleep: It has been WONDERFUL while we've been on vacation.  I really must be super stress free!  And I'm not getting up to pee at night every single night!
Best moment this week: The only thing that tops being here?... I'm certain I've been feeling our baby kick.  What a wonderful way to celebrate our Babymoon!
Hardest part of the week: Sorry - I know this just rubs in our trip to paradise, but researching and deciding on all the cool things we want to do each day.  I know, *wah*!  But it IS hard work to research a vacation spot and figure out how to optimally fill a week with interesting and enjoyable memories!  Especially thinking this could be our last where we can so freely do this.
Looking forward to:  Going home to an empty house (sorry Sissy, you know I love!)  My sister and her family have been staying with us but their remodel should be finished around the time we get home so I'll get my whole house back to start nesting and working on the nursery.
Movement:  I think......I think...... I'm pretty sure.... that YES!  What I'm feeling pretty darn low in my abdomen (maybe 4 inches below my belly button) is not gas or hunger pangs as I'd been thinking before, but my little baby's feet kicking me!  The feeling is stronger this week and it's always the same.  I read on another pregnancy blog someone mentioning that since the feeling is not like anything they'd felt before, they're determining it to be their baby.  Well this falls true for me too: it's kinda LIKE gas or hungriness, but it's still not like anything I'm certain I've felt before.  So it must be Baby!  I thought it seemed a little low to be baby kicks, but we know after my anatomy scan that Baby is turned feet down right now and I read online that just depending on how the baby is positioned, sometimes kicks are in the belly, sometimes the side, sometimes the pelvic area...  But I'm so excited that I'm finally feeling movement!!!  Hubby has been asking what it feels like and I just tell him "gas".  Haha - he knows how that feels FOR SURE!!

Food cravings: Well since Hawaiian food can be very heavy and I'm only sampling little bites of poke or sushi at very high-end/reputable restaurants, I've mostly been craving light food here.  Like soup with noodles and salads.  No giant plates of beef teriyaki or loco moco.  But I'm also craving all the great sweets too: Hawaiian donuts and shave ice.  Yum!!
Happy or moody: Very happy
Labor signs: No
Maternity clothes: I am just wearing a regular bikini at the pool.  But yes otherwise maternity clothes.  I put on a non-maternity shirt the other day and found it is now just slightly too short to cover the band of my maternity shorts.  So yah, just about full-fledged maternity clothes all the time.  And big bras.  Like lunch lady style bras.  I bought a few new ones before our trip and was floored to realize I'd gone from barely filling a 36B to a 38C!!  And these are not cute, perky, little cute bras like I'm used to.  They're big - with 3 hooks instead of 2 and wide straps.  I made a comment to Hubby (I think also since I'm seeing myself in so many pictures we've taken this week) that I feel like I put on a pregnancy suit every morning.  I'm still adjusting to this new body I have in front of me.  The boobs and belly all feel fake and like I can come home at night and take them all off!
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On, but snugger.
Stretch marks: No
Learnings from the week: I've talked in earlier posts about how my fingernails were so strong and not breaking and how I'd have to cut them at least once every 2 weeks.  However in the last month I swear they're not as strong as they were in the first half of my pregnancy.  I've been wondering why this is.  But I may have figured it out.  This last month has basically been the time that my morning sickness or queasiness has been gone.  I've definitely been more active in this time.  Hiking, walking, doing things around the house... so maybe I'm just doing more with my hands and thus causing my nails to break more frequently?  Random, I know - but something that I noticed.
Final Thoughts: I would HIGHLY recommend a Babymoon.  You don't need to spend a lot of money or fly across the country to still get away and have some sweet downtime bonding with your significant other.  A friend of mine did 4 weekend trips with her Hubby so as to save her PTO for when her baby is here.  Also a great option!  It's so hard to imagine how life will change for us but of course it WILL.  So while a wonderful new chapter of life is about to begin, another one is ending.  And I think it's SO important to cherish the time with my Hubby right now.  These are the last few months that it will be just the two of us.  I had a friend recently mention to me that even though we're no spring chickens, she's not ready to rush into marriage and babies with her newish (but serious) boyfriend because she's doesn't want to have to share him.  There are obviously other reasons too - but that "sharing" idea stuck with me.  I love the attention Hubby and I give each other (and let's be honest, I probably get a little more than he gets) and it's very true that our attention to each other will not only be cut in half, but probably down to about 10-25% in the early days with a new baby.  So do yourselves a favor and try to spend some special time with your partner.  Relax, get away from daily life, talk about the future, talk about the baby, and just enjoy each other.

Week 20

Week 20.  I can't believe I'm halfway there!!!  As I typed "Week 20" into the title of this blog post I thought back to my first weekly post: Week 6 and how nervous I was to start tracking things weekly.  Like what if I didn't get very far?  Dare I be brazen enough to start tracking my weeks with such confidence that I'd get as far as I wanted?  But yes, I should be.  There's really been no reason for us to feel nervous, especially after the 1st trimester ended.  But I'm a total worrier.  So I'm still super happy and relieved to be where we are.  We aren't out of the woods yet (in terms of baking up a baby who might be able to survive outside the womb) but I'm a whole lot closer.

20!!!!!!!!!!

I would have to concur with just about EVERYONE who says the 2nd trimester is the best part of pregnancy.  I have a lot of energy, no queasiness, I'm finally looking pregnant and not just fat, but I'm not huge and uncomfortable yet.  After every visit to a baby superstore or OB waiting-room, Hubby comments to me how I'm "really holding it together" and follows up with how good I look and how beautiful I am.  Yes, I do have a wonderful Hubby!  In fairness though, he's sometimes comparing me with women who look about 35-38 weeks pregnant, but I'll still revel in his compliments!

I still have to get through the Glucose Test (test for gestational diabetes) between week 24-26.  Not looking forward to that but hoping to get good news.  We had our anatomy scan yesterday and were so relieved and happy that everything looked GREAT.  We didn’t get any good 3D shots of the baby though, since the placenta is in front (anterior placenta) so it can block getting a clear picture during an ultrasound.  The perinatologist at our anatomy scan told us that Baby weighs 10 ounces!

How far along: 20 weeks, today!
What did baby do this week: Baby is the size of a banana or carrot and about 6-6.25 inches head to butt or 10 inches head to heel.  My pregnancy apps say that this week is the start of measuring Baby to their heels instead of their butts since their legs are more straightened out than earlier in pregnancy.  Baby's skin is thickening and starting to form 2 layers: the epidermis (outer layer) and the dermis (deeper layer).  S/he is also starting to produce meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion.  This will accumulate in Baby's bowels and show up in the first dirty diaper.
Total weight gain: 15.6 pounds (down .2 pounds from last week)
Symptoms:  Mostly nothing, but I did have an evening of heartburn after eating a big salad (vegetables are very acidic) late in the evening, and it wasn't on an empty stomach - so definitely my fault for letting myself get too full.  Hubby doesn’t like me taking anything, but I insisted on some Tums (which are totally okayed by my doctor) and I felt a lot better very quickly.
Queasy or Sick:  Nothing.  Loving it!
Sleep: Dr. told me that I should start sleeping on my side after week 20, so I've been trying to do so more frequently.  Still no pillows in the bed, but I might need to start putting a small one behind my back soon.  Sleeping great otherwise.  I've had a couple more nights of not waking up once to pee overnight, which amazes me in the morning!
Best moment this week: Our anatomy scan!!  And being halfway through!!
Hardest part of the week: Realizing that I’m only halfway through…hehe.
Looking forward to:  Our Babymoon!  We leave this weekend and I'm just SO looking forward to spending some quality time with Hubby.  We've always had a wonderful and loving relationship but not surprisingly - my pregnancy is making us closer and I can't wait to spend some downtime with him away from the daily stressors we both deal with.

Movement: I think I'm feeling Baby move!  The "fizziness" and "vibrations" I've talked about are graduating a little bit to more of a "spasm".  It's not strong, but I'm noticing it more and more when I'm sitting still or lying in bed.  We saw Baby move a TON on the ultrasound this week, so I know they're dancing in there!
Food cravings: Nothing in particular
Happy or moody:  Happy.  And feeling so close to Hubby!
Labor signs: No.  And before the anatomy scan they used the trans-vaginal ultrasound to check my cervix - no signs of a short cervix which could increase the risk of premature/early labor.
Maternity clothes: I'm feeling so much better about getting ready in the mornings now that I’m well stocked up on maternity clothes.  It took about 3 major shopping trips to Old Navy, Target and Motherhood with a couple items from Pink Blush and LOFT thrown in, but feel like I have a mini wardrobe now.  WHEW!  It’s actually a little harder to buy maternity clothes before your belly is very round - so there is definitely an awkward stage where you’re too big for your regular pants/clothes, but don't quite have a belly yet and it’s hard to buy in that range.  My belly finally looks pregnant to me (and I think others) so it’s fitting into the stretchy bands on maternity pants now.  This makes it a lot easier to find well fitting clothes.
Belly button in or out: In - but I'm noticing that it's getting a bit more stretched out
Wedding rings on or off: On, but my (previously rather loose) engagement ring is fitting perfectly now.  I think the warm summer adds to this too though.
Stretch marks: No
Learnings from the week:  We got a lot of walking in this past week.  From Sunday to Sunday I think Hubby and I got about 11 miles of walking/hiking in!  We did a 3.6 mile, 1100 foot elevation climb hike last weekend while we were out of town.  Then walked a total of about 6 miles this past Saturday + Sunday (not to mention an evening walk in the neighborhood).  I'm feeling really great about it and think it's helping fight any fullness/heartburn and also slowed my weight-gain a little!
Final Thoughts: I don't know if it's the loving feelings I mentioned above, or my super-charged emotions, but I've been a little needy/more clingy with Hubby the past couple months.  Before my pregnancy I'd say I felt quite independent.  Not cold or anything, but we could do our own things and be perfectly happy.  And if one of us went to bed before the other (this wouldn't happen frequently, but occasionally) it wasn't any big deal at all whatsoever.  But I find if he's getting ready to go to bed I rush to get myself ready too so that we can go through our cuddling/talking to Baby routine.  Maybe it's sweet but I feel a little bit sappy sometimes too!