Paisley is here!

On April 15th, 2011 at 12:21 pm, Brad and I welcomed our first child into our lives.

Paisley Allison was born after 26ish hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing.
Stats:
Weight: 7 pounds 14 ounces
Length: 20 inches
Hair: dark brown
Eyes: dark brownish

This beautiful baby girl has turned our life upside down. I knew that I wanted to be a mom but I didn't know that in such a short time everything would feel so right, natural and normal. Just a few short months ago I could only imagine what my life would be with her, now I can't imagine what my life would be without her.
Thank you Lord for blessing us with this amazing life. I can only hope that we will be the best parents Paisley could have.

I love me some Kama photos!

We had a maternity session with Kama on Wednesday. By Thursday night she had already posted a variety of photos on her blog. She is AMAZING!!!! I love her and her work. Here is what we have so far and we are going to get a disk of all the (decent) shots that were taken. So excited to see the rest.

Weekly Update - 36 weeks

How far along: 36 weeks

Weekly Update - 35 weeks

How far along: 35 weeks

Total weight gain: Not sure, I have an ultrasound and my first internal next monday. We'll know then.

Maternity clothes: yes. Once in a while a non-maternity top makes it into the mix, but now often now.

Sleep: I get up about 4 times a night to pee and seem to be sleeping just as lightly as before.

Best moment of the week: My boss was off work this week so it made for a laid back week at work.

Movement: Slowing down. Just big rolls and squirms now, not the kicking and punching like before.

Gender: Girl, we're going to have Paige double check on Monday though.

Labor signs: None

Belly button: Still half and half or flat.

What I miss: Sleeping anyway I want to.

What I'm looking forward to: Maternity photos with Brook on Saturday. Hopefully it will be a decent tempature. We are working with a girl who is just building her portfolio, so she hasn't done many maternity shots.

Weekly wisdom: Take you acid reducer at night before you go to bed or you will just have to find it in the middle of the night to take it.

Milestones: No big ones this week. My labor and delivery gown is finished so we just have to wash it and put it in my bag. Which I started packing.

What's happening with the baby:

What's happening with you:

How are you feeling: This has been a sleepy week. I feel like I'm catching up. We have the nursery all moved around and mostly organized. I have started doing some of her laundry. We have also settled on a name. Her name will be Paisley Allison. Hurray for choosing a name. Now we don't have to disagree on it anymore.

Weekly Update - 34 weeks

How far along: 34 weeks

Total weight gain: +25 lbs, Paige doesn't think I'll reach 30 lbs before this little squish comes out.

Maternity clothes: Maternity clothes or workout stretchy stuff

Sleep: Varies per day. Most of the time pretty good. I woke up at 5am one day this week and thought about not going back to sleep.

Best moment of the week: Baby shower, it was so nice to see everyone and get to chat and catch up. We also scored an amazing changing table on Wednesday, so that was pretty great too.

Movement: Tons, my whole belly jiggles around with her now. Much more shifting, much less kicking and sharp movements.

Gender: GIRL

Labor signs: None, our OB said I may not have Braxton- Hicks and if not, it's no big deal at all.

Belly button in or out: It depends on the day and how she's positioned inside. Most of the time the top of my belly button sticks out and the bottom is still tucked in.

What I miss: Sleeping 8 hours straight, I know that's not coming back for years though.

What I'm looking forward to: Her mural being finished so that we can get her room moved around and situated.

Weekly wisdom: Take it as it comes and love every minute of it. It goes by too quickly.

Milestones: No big milestones this week that I can think of.

What's happening with the baby:

What's happening with you:

How are you feeling: This week has been a good week. We got the first load of baby laundry washed, folded, and mostly put away. We also scored an amazing changing table for really cheap. Once it's in it's "home" we will load that bad boy up with stuff too. I started packing my hospital bag and we also sent in my pre-registration form for the hospital. We need to pick up a few things from Babies R Us or somewhere to make us feel ready for this baby. The big thing is a monitor. Other then that we can get by with what we have. My hospital gown is almost finished too. Mom and I are making one so I don't have to wear their ugly ones.

I'm starting to get uncomfortable. She isn't in my ribs much but she does like to push on my hips. It's a funny feeling. My feet still swell at least a little most days. I also have some days where I have mild nausea. It's nothing bad, just a little annoying. Overall, I'm still feeling pretty good, just tired.

This weekend is Shaina's shower and then I have a photo shoot next weekend and the weekend after. This little squish will be well documented. :)

Weekly Update - 33 weeks

How far along: 33 weeks

Total weight gained:

Maternity clothes: Love them. I haven't worn anything non-maternity this week. So I think I'm pretty much out of them.

Sleep: I'm getting up a lot during the night and recently had to put an extra pillow under my head to help with acid reflux. It's better now. Getting up about 4-5 times a night.

Best moment of the week: Two good days this week, my birthday and a mini shower at work. :) Oh and I got to have lunch with Brook and see her cute little baby bump.

Movement: Still a fair amount, especially after I eat and in the evening when I"m winding down in bed.

Gender: It's a girl and we may even have a name. We'll have to wait and see though.

Labor signs: None yet, Brook says I'll know when Braxton Hicks start, so they must not have started yet.

Belly button in or out: Flat today

What I miss: Not having a belly. :) I was looking at progression pictures and at 4 weeks...., man oh man, do I feel big now.

What I'm looking forward to: This weekend is my baby shower in Ohio. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone and hanging out.

Weekly Wisdom: Extra pillows are your friend.

Milestones: She could probably function with out much help if she came now.

What's happening with baby:

What's happening with you:

How are you feeling: Feeling pretty good. I am drinking so much water. At night everytime I wake up I feel parched so I drink. I went through an entire water bottle last night and therefore had to get up a million times. I'm just starting to get uncomfortable. Friday was an uncomfortable day. She's been really active and right up close to my ribs but not in them. On Monday I went to the accupuncturist and had her treat me for heartburn. I got a take home accupressure needle on my ear which I take off on Saturday. I've never had one of those. Monday is an appointment so we will see how much weight I have gained and everything. Hypnobabies is going well. We fall asleep to the scripts most of the time but they say that's ok. Hopefully it's still doing its job and we'll be good to go. We recieved two cloth diapers and covers in the mail and practiced diapering a teddy bear. It's gonna take some practice but I'm sure we'll get it. :) All is good in our household. Brad is going to try to get the mural finished this weekend so I will get pictures up once that is done. Baby shower here we come!

3 decades, That's weird!

So this week was my birthday. Can you guess how old I turned?

One of the girls came in early to decorate my desk. This is what I walked into. :)

It was a good birthday.

Trip to Missouri

We headed to Missouri the weekend of the 18th. It was a long drive, but a very nice visit. And we got a load of stuff for this little bum. I feel much more comfortable about bringing a little one into this world now that we have somewhere to set her down. :)

THANKS! Amy and Allen!

Brad's mom also arranged a baby shower while we were there so we got even more stuff then we expected. So nice! The whole weekend was great.

Weekly update - 32 Weeks

How far along: 32 weeks

Total weight gain: 19 lbs

Maternity clothes: love them! Full panel pants make my day.

Sleep: I'm getting up a lot at night because everytime I get up I'm thirsty and so I drink water which causes me to have to get up again.

Best moment of the week: Hearing that we have a head down baby!

Movement: Lots. She is very active and I'm supposed to start doing movement counts. I don't see how I need to be doing these. It will take about 2 minutes to get those 10 movements in.

Gender: Girly, girl

Labor signs: Might be starting to have some Braxton Hicks. I'm not sure though.

Belly button in or out: Still half way

What I miss: Laying on my tummy. Not having to pee every 30 minutes.

What I'm looking forward to: Baby shower #2 next weekend. Getting her room in order.

Weekly wisdom: If your going to go on a road trip at 32 weeks take enough pillows to build your self a good nest or you will get a bruise from where you leg hangs off the seat.

Milestones: Other then weighing the most I have ever weighed in my life, I don't know that there are any big milestones. Mom says anytime after 32 weeks is a piece of cake so, yea for that.

What's happening with the baby:

What's happening with you:

How are you feeling: Road tripping at 32 weeks is rough. The riding in the car was uncomfortable but not unbearable. However, I think my fellow passengers at times were slightly annoyed with the number of times I had to stop for potty breaks. It was fun to see everyone and spend time with family we don't get to see often. The rest of the week brought some swelling and heartburn. It was a fairly uneventful week. I met the other OB in the practice we go to and she was nice. Brad wanted me to take a picture of her but I forgot. I would be ok with her delivering Squish, but I would prefer our Dr. The mural in Squishy room has been started and all of her stuff is in her room. The crib is on it's way to being finished and my shower is one weekish away. Overall, it's been a good week without too many complaints. I'm ready for spring weather so I don't have to tie my shoes anymore. :)

Weekly update - 31 Weeks

How far along: 31 Weeks


Total weight gain: 14 as of now. Doctors appt on the 23rd.


Maternity clothes: Mostly all of the time.


Sleep: Pretty good. Starting to have some hip pain at night. Maybe I'll add another pillow between my knees and that may help.


Best moment of the week: Heading to Missouri to see family.


Movement: Lots I have a video that I'll post soon.


Gender: Brad will definatly be out numbered by the girls in our house.


Labor signs: Not yet, thank goodness


Belly button in or out: In, well out, well, in and out.


What I miss: Being able to sit all day at work without my tail bone hurting.


What I'm looking forward to: Our trip to Missouri to see family.


Weekly wisdom: The closer you get to your due date the less ready you feel. Especially if you don't have anywhere to lay the baby is she were to come early. :)


Milestones: No big milestones from here until 35 weeks, I don't think.


What's happening with the baby:


What's happening with you:


How are you feeling: I forget because I'm doing week 31 at the end of week 32. I think I was feeling good. Antsy to go on vacation and hoping all the baby shower invites got out. Motivation to teach dance twice a week is getting less but it still energizes me a lot. So if I can get out of the house and get there, I'm good to go. We are working on the Hypnobabies stuff and it's helping me to feel more prepared already. Hoping I will be able to read on the 100 hour drive to Missouri.

New pregnancy development of the week.

Granted these pictures make it look worse then it was. However, I was hoping I would get through this pregnancy without too much swelling. When I woke up Thursday morning I was swollen. It was uncomfortable throughout the day, but not all that bad. I headed to dance class that evening and being on my feet or something caused the swelling to go down a lot. I was hardly swollen at all by the time I got home Thursday night. I'm just excited that swelling had to make it's appearance right before I'm going to be sitting in the car for hours on end while we travel to see B's family. It will probably be about a 10-12 hour drive. Wahoo!

Dishes & Wishes giveaway

Two giveaways in one day!!! Check out Erin at Dishes & Wishes . She's doing a giveaway for $15 GC to CSN.com. They have tons of stuff to choose from and a decent amount under $15. Gotta love free stuff!

Warm Fuzzies by Cortney Etsy Store and Giveaway

A good friend of mine has started up a great Etsy shop. Check it out and see all of the adorable things. She's also having a giveaway for reaching 200 fans on facebook. So like her face book page and enter her giveaway. Here is an example of her great stuff.

Weekly update - 30 weeks

How far along: 30 weeks, it is kind of flying by now.



Total weight gain: +14 lbs at the last dr.s appt



Maternity clothes: exclusively in the pants department, Shirts are touch and go. Brad and I went to Lowe's with my dad to get lumber for the crib and I had to put him on belly watch. My shirt was a little short.



Sleep: I'm starting to not sleep quite as well. Hopefully it won't get worse though.



Best moment of the week: Squishy getting the hiccups. She got them Tuesday morning and it was the first time I felt them. She's had them one more time since then. So cute, especially compared to some of her hard pushes with feet or body parts that are starting to be a little uncomfortable.



Movement: Lots of big movements, like pushes that last for a few seconds, less "little" kicks and jabs. She's getting strong. I think she's flipped and I feel a little of the little movements (might just be squirming) that I used to feel down in my lower abdomen up to by my ribs now.



Gender: She's a pink and purple baby.



Labor signs: None yet.



Belly button in or out: Half in and half out, That little bit of out is sensitive though.



What I miss: Not getting heartburn. I'm getting it more often now then I was earlier in my pregnancy. Mostly when I'm laying down, but other times too.



What I'm looking forward to: Our trip to Missouri. I can't believe it's almost time for that.



Weekly wisdom: Get some Yak Traxs if your pregnant in the winter and actually use them. Slipping on the ice, even if you don't fall, doesn't feel so good on your lower belly.



Milestones: 10 weeks left, 5 weeks until she can breath on her own. Starting single number week count down next week. Weird!



What's happening with the baby: She's just growing and developing



What's happening with you: I'm just getting big and clumsy.



How are you feeling: Tired this week. It's been a cool week though. We decided that we are officially going to cloth diaper. After visiting friends of ours and discussing their experience cloth diapering their twins, we discussed more and it's the best decision for us financially and earth friendly. We also started the Hypnobabies program. I like it so far even though I tend to fall asleep to it. It makes me feel good that we are working on it though. People have started to tell me that I'm actually starting to look pregnant. It's funny to me that everyone else is only just now, at 30 weeks, starting to think I actually look pregnant. I'm almost done guys! We almost have a fully cooked baby! It's funny how people look at you early on in your pregnancy and let you know if they think you'll be big or small by the end. I was told both early on. I think I'm pretty small compared to some pregnant ladies. I guess it just goes to show you that no matter what, you never really know.

Weekly Update- 29 weeks

How far along: 29 weeks

Total weight gain: 14 lbs

Maternity clothes: yes but still rocking some of my pre-maternity tops, I wonder when that will have to end?

Sleep: Getting up more at night but still sleeping well.

Best moment of the week: Possibly have a flipped baby!

Movement: it seems a little less then before, she must be running out of room. Tuesday she was moving ALL around and it was a different feeling then normal. I'm not sure why though.

Gender: girl

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: In, but sometime half in and a little out.

What I miss: Not much, I'm kind of loving being pregnant.

What I'm looking forward to: Our trip out to visit Brads family Feb 18th-21st.

Weekly wisdom: Take your rings off before you have the "oh no, they are never coming off" scare.

Milestones:only really, 3rd trimester.

What's happening with the baby: not doing it

What's happening with you: not doing it.

How are you feeling: Feeling really good. We had a Dr.'s appt on Monday and got to see the baby girl. My placenta has moved out of the way and as long as she flips herself around we will be good for a normal delivery. She's currently hanging out in the Frank Breech position. If she doesn't flip by 36 weeks we get to "talk about our options". We will have an ultrasound that day to check her position, so we get to see her again. I'm up 5 more lbs so maybe, just maybe, Brad will quit worrying about that. From here on out I get seen every two weeks. The nursery is coming along and should be finished this weekend. Then we just wait until we get stuff to put in it. We have our hospital tour on Sunday before the Super Bowl. I'll be nice for both of us to see where we will be delivering. I already know where we will be hanging out afterwards pretty well.

I can't believe that we only have about 10 weeks left! It seems so short now.

Weekly update - 28 weeks

*Note* How do you like those jelly bracelets? One of my dancers gave them to me. :)



How far along: 28 weeks

Total weight gain: I'll find out on Monday.

Maternity clothes:

Sleep: I've been needing lots of it this week. I seem to have hit a wall.

Best moment of the week: All the nursery prep!

Movement:

Gender: Girl

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Sleeping through the night.

What I'm looking for ward to: Seeing baby girl on Monday when we check my placenta.

Weekly wisdom: Don't think your out in the clear if you make through your first trimester without many "symptoms".

Milestones: The nursery is the major project this week. The new carpet is being installed this Friday.

What's happening with the baby: Don't feel like doing these today.

What's happening with you: Don't feel like it.

How are you feeling: This week is the beginning of the third trimester. I feel really tired this week and could be sleeping most of the time. I didn't have this fatigue in the first trimester and I hope it's just my body fighting off something and I'll be back to normal anytime. However, right now, sign me up for naptime. That's the biggest thing for this week.

Nursery work has begun!

We have officially started working on the nursery! I will do another post with pictures of the progression. Dad is off this week ,on vacation, so he has been working on it a lot. Monday night Brad was sick so they didn't do much. Dad had taken the door down and removed the frame. Tuesday I came home from work and half of the carpet had been ripped up. By the time I came home from teaching dance Brad and Dad had cleared out the rest of the room (except the closet) ripped up the rest of the carpet, painted the first coat on all the walls, and were in the process of installing the new door. I was impressed. Yesterday consisted of sealing the wood floor before the carpet comes and getting the second coat of paint on the walls. The plans for the crib also came yesterday, so that project will get started very soon. Brad and I emptied out Squishy's little dresser so Dad could fix it today and then I went to bed.

Now is a sleepy time for me. I went to bed at 9pm last night and could be sleeping right now if given the choice. I hope my energy comes back soon. I may be out of luck though, since I made it through the whole first and second trimester without too much fatigue.

I can't wait to see her room tomorrow when I get home from work. I think the carpet will look great. It's going to be the second room in the house to have new carpet. I think next on the list is the upstairs hallway. I believe that Mom and Dad are going to put down wood in there, well bamboo. It should look really nice. It probably will be after Brad and I move out before the rest of the carpets are done, but they are working on it.

Weekly Update - 27 weeks

How far along: 27 weeks

Total weight gain: Still not sure, up 9 pounds at the last appointment, we'll see on the 31st.

Maternity clothes: This week was the last week for the one pair of non-maternity work pants. They had been holding out well and this week I wore them and I think I now have a tattoo of the button on my tummy. They have since been retired.

Sleep: Still pretty good. I tend to sleep on one side until I wake up to go to the bathroom and then I switch to the other side. I could feel a couple of times that I could have stayed awake but once I laid down I was out like a light.

Best moment of the week: Getting the carpet bought for the nursery

Movement: Getting stronger. She seems to move most shortly after I eat and then in the evening.

Gender: Girl

Labor signs: None, may have felt my first Braxton Hicks contraction this week.

Belly button in or out: In and so soft, it's weird.

What I miss: Back to missing being able to sleep on my belly.

What I'm looking forward to: Nursery carpet and door being installed and walls being painted. Plans for the crib should show up sometime this week also.

Weekly wisdom: Decorating plans for a nursery, with a husband like mine, have the possibility to change many time. Be open to the changes.

Milestones: Can't think of one.

What's happening with the baby: This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long. She's waking and sleeping at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes and maybe even sucking her fingers. Baby's brain is very active now. Her lungs are still immature, but they would be capable of functioning - with lots of help- if she were to be born now.

What's happening with you: Second trimester is finishing up, but you may start to notice some new symptoms. An aching back and leg cramps may become common now. They are carrying extra weight now. Leg cramps may get worse as your pregnancy progresses.

How are you feeling: This week had a Monday holiday. We spent Monday scouting out carpet prices for the nursery. It was good to get started on that. I also spent some time with Mom and JJ playing Cooties. We all saw and felt the baby move which was fun to see with JJ there. Thursday was a snow storm that was predicting craziness and gave us only a bit of trouble. Book club was cancelled though, among other things. The week overall was really good. Saturday we decided on carpet, ordered it and set the installation date (Friday the 28th). After the carpet was officially chosen we headed to Lowe's for paint. Crocodile Dreams is the color the walls will become sometime next week. I feel like we are getting somewhere on the nursery.

Weekly Update- 26 weeks

How far along: 26 weeks

Total weight gain: don't know

Maternity clothes: mostly

Sleep: loving it. This week has been a sleepy week. I went to bed early most nights.

Best moment of the week: Erin talking to the baby and getting kicked in the face. And then singing to her and having her dance all around in my belly.

Movement: Lots. She's working her way up towards my ribs.

Gender: Girly girl

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: Still in. Not for long though.

What I miss: Nothing really other then my regular clothes.

What I'm looking forward to: A long weekend. Getting things moved out of what will be her room.

Weekly wisdom: Keep healthy snacks at work or you'll snack on crap.

Milestones: We have open eyes and "breathing" starting.

What's happening with the baby: Ear network is becoming more sensitive and she may be able to hear both of us when we are talking to each other. She is breathing small amounts of amniotic fluid to help develop her lungs. She weighs about 1 and 2/3 lbs and is about 14 inches from head to heel (about the length of an English hothouse cucumber).

What's happening with you: Are you rushing around trying to get to childbirth classes and prepare your baby's room while still taking care of all your other daily tasks? Make sure that you also continue to eat well and get plenty of rest. Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly, although it's probably still lower than it was before you got pregnant. (Typically, blood pressure falls toward the end of the first trimester, and it tends to reach a low at about 22 to 24 weeks.)

Preeclampsia — a serious disorder characterized by high blood pressure and protein in your urine — most often shows up after 37 weeks, but it can happen earlier so it's important to be aware of the warning signs of this condition. Call your caregiver if you have swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain (more than 4 pounds in a week). With more severe preeclampsia, you may experience other symptoms. Let your caregiver know immediately if you have a severe or persistent headache, vision changes (including double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light, or temporary loss of vision), intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen, or vomiting.

If your lower back seems a little achy lately, you can thank both your growing uterus — which shifts your center of gravity, stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, and may be pressing on a nerve — as well as hormonal changes that loosen your joints and ligaments. Plus, the extra weight you're carrying means more work for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why you may feel worse at the end of the day. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, as well as bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back. A warm bath or hot compress might bring relief. (Some women, though, find cool compresses more comforting.) Try to maintain good posture during the day, avoid activities that require bending and twisting at the same time, take frequent breaks when sitting or standing, and sleep on your side with one or both knees bent with a pillow between your legs, using another pillow (or wedge) to support your abdomen.

How are you feeling: Sunday Brad and I went with Mom and Dad to the RV show at the fairgrounds. It was quite a bit of walking and I didn't drink enough water so I had some funny stuff towards the end of the time we were there with my belly. It may have been Braxton-Hicks contractions. They quickly subsided once I got to the car, chilled a bit and drank some water after we got home. This week was the first week I had to deal with uncomfortable ribs. Wednesday I felt like I had a belt or something around my ribcage and I couldn't take a full breath. It lasted about two hours and I haven't felt it again since. I'm sure it will be back though. This week we did lots of playing music and singing for the baby. She really likes it and moves all around. I'm also trying to tap on my belly when music is playing. Hopefully that will help develop her sense of rhythm. Please Lord. Friday evening we went out to dinner for Erin's birthday and got to see her in-laws. That's always a good time. We have had a time choosing the bedding. It's almost as hard as choosing a name for this little kid. Hopefully we (Brad) won't change his mind anymore. Overall, still feeling really good. A little bit more tired but I still have lots of energy and enjoying most of my normal activities without many aches and pains.

Morning Routine - What?!? I'm pregnant.

So this morning I woke up and went about my morning routine. After I took off my jammies to get in the shower, I turned around and was startled to see in the mirror that I had a belly. Like I actually did a double take. Hmmmm........ today marks a first. The first time I forgot I was pregnant. The end.

Dreams during Pregnancy

In general I don't remember my dreams. Once in a while I will, but as a general rule, there is no recollection after I wake up. I've never tried to do a dream journal or anything to be able to remember them or interpret them. I just laugh when I remember them and enjoy the craziness of my subconscious.

Pregnancy, so far has held true to this rule. I've always heard that during pregnancy you have crazy dreams that even wake you up because of their weirdness. I think dreams are fun for the most part so I've kind of been looking forward to this part of pregnancy.

A few months ago I had my first "prego dream". In my dream I gave birth to a cat, not a kitten but a full grown cat. I found this very strange and was showing everyone I came across that I gave birth to a cat and no one else thought it was weird. In fact people were telling me, " No, sometimes people do that (give birth to cats)". After I came to terms with the fact that I gave birth to a cat, I got really upset because I didn't want another cat. I already had two cats and what I really wanted was a baby. Also, if I wasn't going to get a baby then why couldn't I have gotten a kitten. I woke up feeling flustered and quickly realized why. I had to laugh.

So last night, the next remembered dream, went like this. I was in the hospital in labor. Mom and Dad were with me because it was during the work day and Brad couldn't get there fast enough. I gave birth to a Pug. As soon as the puppy came out everyone; doctors, nurses, mom dad, me, scrambled to find a litter box because the puppy had to go to the bathroom. A litter box was found and puppy took care of business. Brad never made it to the hospital for the birth. Shortly after birth I was walking the new puppy on a leash, down a glass windowed hallway that looked out on a grassy courtyard, as I look out into the courtyard there is Brad standing with Tori (my parents dog, who he doesn't like) on an extendo leash. I stop and tap on the window to get his attention, he looks over and in an excited manner makes that arms crossed cradle signal to say ("Do we have a baby?!?!). I pick up the puppy and hold it up to the window and point to say (No, we have a pug puppy!). All I get in response is a understanding but confused look. The end.

What is up with dreaming about giving birth to animals? I tell ya, geesh.

Weekly Update - 24 weeks

How far along: 24 weeks

Total weight gain: Dr.s appt on Monday, we'll find out then.

Maternity clothes: Yes, most all.

Sleep: Still good. It's getting harder to roll over though.

Best Moment of the Week: On Saturday Brad and I had dinner with Brook and Brett. It was fun to chat with them about pregnancy and having kids. They have a baby girl on the way, due 4 days after our baby girl.

Movement: Tons. We have an active little girl in there.

Gender: Girl, names have been and continue to be a process.

Labor signs: None, keep it up girly

Belly button in or out: Still in

What I miss: Not having to pee 100 times a day.

What I'm looking forward to: My Dr's appt on Monday. Hopefully I'll get released from pelvic rest.

Weekly wisdom: Don't stress about changes your pregnant body hasn't gone through yet. It just causes worry that isn't necessary.

Milestones: My feet may be starting the stretching out thing. We'll see.

What's happening with the baby: Baby is growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start plumping up. Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but will start to change soon.

What's happening with you: In the last few weeks, the top of your uterus has risen above your belly button and is now about the size of a soccer ball. Your glucose screening test will be done between now and 28 weeks. This tests for gestational diabetes. Untreated diabetes increases your risk of difficult delivery or needing a c-section due to your baby growing to large, especially in their upper body. It also raises your baby's odds for other complications. You also need to know how to spot the signs of preterm labor.

How are you feeling: This week has been a fun week. It's defiantly harder to put my shoes on like a girl. I'm not to the point where I have to cross my ankle over my knee to put my shoes on but....... :). We have gotten to the beginnings of some useful things in our Hypnobirthing book with breathing techniques. I'm really feeling pregnant. For the most part I'm in all maternity clothes. Some of my tops still fit but even my long tank tops are starting to get short. I may have to break down and buy some maternity tanks. We have started getting stuff ready to move the office to the spare room so that the current office can become the nursery. It's fun to start imagining a baby on the outside instead of just a little goober that is kicking around in my belly. We also have started seriously started talking about a trip out to Missouri in late February to visit the in-laws and pick up all the stuff Brad's sister and brother in law are being SOOO generous in giving us.

Weelky Update - 25 weeks

How far along: 25 weeks

Total weight gain: unknown. Next Dr's appointment on the 31st

Maternity clothes: I am astonished each time I can put on a pair of non maternity pants. :)

Sleep: Still really good.

Best moment of the week: I don't remember, that's what I get for being late on this one.

Gender: Girl

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Not a whole lot. Being able to read more then a couple pages before I fall asleep.

What I'm looking forward to: Dr.'s appointment, Love hearing that heartbeat.

Weekly wisdom: None today.

Milestones: No big ones this week. Started looking into crib bedding.

What's happening with the baby: Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight - a pound and a half (not much more then an average rutabaga, everyone has held one of those right?), but she is beginning to add some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start looking more and more like a new born. She is also growing more hair, if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

What's happening with you: You and baby are both growing hair. The hair that you would normally shed is sticking around longer than usual, thanks to hormonal changes. Enjoy it while you can, the extra hair will fall out after you give birth. You may also notice that you aren't as graceful as before. It's time for your glucose screening. Your OB will also draw a second tube of blood to test for anemia. If it shows that you have anemia you'll probably be put on an iron supplement.

How are you feeling: Two weeks after, when I'm filling this week out, I'm feeling good. I can't remember how I was feeling right after the new year.