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 - 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 - 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.

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.

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.

Weekly update - 23 weeks

How far along: 23 Weeks

Total weight gain: Last check +9 lbs

Maternity clothes: Bottoms defiantly, tops not always

Sleep: Pretty decent still, it's been hard to fall asleep but once I'm out I tend to only get up once a night to pee.

Best moment of the week:Christmas in general. It was great to have everyone together. Lots of baby talk, lots of good food, lots of company!

Movement: UM YES. Tons. This week was the first week I felt pressure in my rib cage. Not a great feeling and I can only attribute it to someone thinking they need more room.

Gender: Girl

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: IN

What I miss: Being able to have a glass of wine once in a while. It's nice to have the option even though I mostly pass it up.

What I'm looking forward to: Our dr's appointment on the 3rd. It's my glucose screen, but also, hopefully, they will tell me I don't have to be on pelvic rest anymore.

Weekly wisdom: I don't really have any words of wisdom this week.

Milestones: No big ones this week.

What's happening with the baby: Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more then 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now - such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner - probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

What's happening with you: You may notice that your ankles and feet start to swell a bit in the coming weeks or months, especially at the end of the day or during the heat of summer. Sluggish circulation in your legs - coupled with changes in your blood chemistry that may cause water retention- may result in swelling, also known as edema. Your body will get rid of the extra fluid after you have your baby, which is why you'll pee frequently and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery. In the meantime, lie on your left side or put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, and avoid sitting - or standing- in one place for long periods of time.

How are you feeling:Feeling good all around. It was a short work week which always makes it drag but it was nice to only be three days of working. I got sick Thursday. Just a cold but it's lingering on. Nothing big this week. Still feeling lots of movement and love actually watching my belly move around. She responds when I play her seahorse toy for her. That is really cool, I think. I get winded if I have to take 2 flights of stairs instead of just one. Brad is quick to grab the heavy things that I try to carry. Which I don't really do much. I am starting to get tired more often during the day, but staying up later at night is easy for some reason. My winter coat is still fitting at 23 weeks. This belly is starting to actually hold my pregnancy pants up. My belly button is still in but pretty shallow. All those little folds that never see the light of day are actually really soft. JJ thinks its the microphone to talk to the baby and will only talk right into my belly button. Sooo cute.

Oh quick story, So we (JJ, Mom and I) were trying to find the baby's heartbeat with a stethoscope on Friday. She was being really active and moving away from the stethoscope, so mom would hear one beat and then she would scoot. JJ wanted to hear whatever it was that Grandma was listening to so mom handed it over. JJ put the things in his ears and the other end where he had seen Mom put it on my belly. He was listening very intently and as he listened, Brad walked up the hall to our room whistling. JJ's head shot up with his eyes as wide as could be and he sucked in his breath. I said "What JJ, what did you hear?". He proceeded to hum the tune that was whistled in the hall back to me. CUTEST THING EVER! I told him the baby was singing for him. One day I'll tell him that story and he'll laugh but it was just tooo cute. Mom and I got a little giggle out of it.

Weekly update -22 weeks

How far along: 22 Weeks

Total weight gain: Last check +9lbs

Maternity clothes: Still same as before, all maternity bottoms, still able to rock some regular tops.

Sleep: Decent, up once a night. Love my snoogle!

Best moment of the week: Dressing up and hanging out with Brad at JD and Nicki's wedding. It was a happy night and I always love dancing with my husband. Did you know he sings through every single slow dance we have ever dance to? The only exception so far has been our first dance at our wedding, but that was because he had to think about the dance. :)

Movement: Yes, lots. She seems to be able to kick me almost anywhere in my abdomen now. She kicks down low on my sides and I've even seen her kick up high by my ribs. Not in the ribs yet though, thanks.

Gender: Girl

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Not worrying about how to get comfortable while I'm trying to go to sleep.

What I'm looking forward to: Christmas!!!!

Weekly wisdom: If you have to go potty in the middle of the night, just get up and do it when you first wake up. If you don't, you'll just lie in bed pretending to ignore it but never being able to fall back asleep until your get up.

Milestones: No big milestones this week.

What's happening with the baby: At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, she is starting to look like a miniature newborn. Her lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and she's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath her gums. Her eyes have formed, but her irises still lack pigment. Lanugo (fine hair) covers her body and the deep wrinkles on her skin, which she'll sport until she adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Her pancreas is developing steadily.

What's happening with you: You may find your belly is becoming a hand magnet. You may also start to notice stretch marks on you abdomen as it expands to accommodate your growing baby. They can also appear on your butt, thighs, hips and breasts. There's no proof that lotion helps prevent them, but keeping your skin moisturized may help with any itching.

How are you feeling: TMI alert! This week I had some bleeding after B and I had some play time. It wasn't a huge thing and I figured it was just my cervix getting irritated. It freaked B out though. I called the OB and she said pelvic rest until my next appointment, which is Jan 3rd. She wouldn't normally have a problem with it but due to the little bit of placenta previa she wants to check my cervix. B is ok with this due to the fact that this little episode freaked him out.

TMI over. This week has been a "Crystal is very tired" week. We didn't have all of our shopping for the out of town family done and I think the stress of it was making my exhausted instead of the normal antsy and driven. We did however pick up our yearly ornament. It's a little snowman holding a cat. Brad liked it because he says Neala is practically raising our child. Neala is my buddy and naps with me for a while every night before bed. She spends that time draped across some part of my tummy purring her heart out. Squishe will probably be more familiar with the sound of Neala purring then most sounds out of utero. Squishe also has decided that she can kick all over. I'm feeling lots of movement and kicks that I'm not seeing all of. She must be beating up on some of my internal organs. Her kicks are defiantly able to be seen from the outside, even through my thin clothes. With thicker sweaters it's not noticeable yet. It's fun to feel her moving all around and doing her kung fu. I hope I remember this feeling forever.

Weekly Update - 21 weeks

How far along: 21 weeks

Total weight gain: +9 lbs, good job baby girl

Maternity clothes: yes, still some pre-preg shirts but loving the full panel pants.

Sleep: Sleeping has been a bit of an issue this week. When I wake up to make a potty trip, I have a hard time falling back asleep due to movement or whatever. I'm going to have to break out my lavender oil.

Best moment of the week: Seeing squishe in our ultrasound. Mom and I went to my appointment and we got to see her little self and watch her bounce all around.

Movement: Lots, most everyone has felt her wiggling or kicking.

Gender: another confirmation of Girl by our OB.

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: IN

What I miss: Sleeping on my belly. If I lay on my belly even for just a minute she kicks away. Mom said I've given her a complex and she won't want to be swaddled because I squish her too much. :)

What I'm looking forward to: Finishing up decorating our tree. A weekend with no big plans.

Weekly wisdom: Don't ask your OB questions that you know the answer to unless your willing to hear the answer you know you don't want to hear.

Milestones: Squishe can hear things outside of just my body and my voice.

What's happening with the baby: Baby now weights about three-quarters of a pound and is 10 1/2 inches long (length of a carrot). You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better, Eyebrows and eyelids are present now and her vagina has begun to form as well.

What's happening with you: You're probably feeling pretty comfortable. You're not too big yet, and the usual discomforts of early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. Relax and enjoy it while you can - the third trimester may bring with it a new crop of complaints. Minor possible complaints now may include: an increase in oil production contributing to acne. Also varicose and spider veins. Varicose veins tend to be worse if other family members have them. Prop your feet and legs up whenever possible and sleep on your left side. Spider veins are just a tiny group of blood vessels near the surface of your skin and usually disappear after delivery.

How are you feeling: Heartburn is a little bit of an issue. Usually a Tums will take care of it, so at least that's not too bad. Sleeping has been not great for a few nights this week. I get up about twice a night now. My belly skin feels like its starting to stretch for real, especially when laying on my side. Squishe likes to tap dance on my side at night. My belly kind of looks like a water bed when she kicks, which she is doing a lot. I have noticed also that when I bend over to pick something up or whatever I feel like I have to cough when I stand back up. She must be starting to take up the area that my diaphragm likes to be in. Putting shoes on by pulling my foot up on the bed or chair is getting hard. Guess I'll have to figure some other way out before too long. Overall, still pretty comfortable and not feeling too huge yet.

Weekly Update- 20 weeks

Oh how the belly grows in the evening. This picture was taken later in the evening when my belly is the biggest it seems.

How far along: 20 weeks!

Total weight gain: I thought I was going to find out but my appointment was rescheduled for next Tuesday due to my OB attending a delivery.

Maternity clothes: Exclusively maternity pants or comfy pants at home, still mostly in pre-preg tops.

Sleep: pretty good, still loving that pillow

Best moment of the week: finding out that Brook who is due on April 20th is having a baby girl and I was the only one who guessed correctly. :)

Movement: Not as noticeable as it was a week or two ago, at night, but I get kicks randomly throughout the day, usually a while after eating.

Gender: Girl, we'll have the OB double check again on Tuesday

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Being able to predict what size clothes I wear. I have to take two or three of everything into the dressing room now.

What I'm looking forward to: Trip to Michigan this weekend and appointment on Tuesday.

Weekly wisdom: Carry a water bottle with you everywhere and actually drink out of it. You may avoid getting yelled at to drink more water.

Milestones: HALFWAY!!!!!

What's happening with the baby: She's about 10 1/2 ounces and 10 inches from head to toe (banana). She's swallowing more which is good practice for his digestive system. Meconium is being produced and accumulating in her bowels. We'll get to see it in her first dirty diaper.

What's happening with you: Your uterus is about level with your belly button and you've likely gained around 10 lbs. Expect to gain a pound or so a week from now on. Make sure your getting enough iron. Your body needs more iron to keep up with your expanding blood volume, as well as for your baby and the growing placenta. Time to start signing up for classes. Childbirth education is important, especially if you're a first timer.

How are you feeling: This week has been a good week. I'm feeling tired but nothing out of normal for this time of year for me. My body seems to be changing at a crazy pace lately. I noticed, for the first time, on Wednesday night that when I lay on my side my belly drops to that side. I also am starting to stand a bit differently, more sway backed. I'm trying to make a conscious effort not to let my belly muscles stop working. I haven't worn regular pants to work all week. My appointment that was supposted to happen on Thursday had to be rescheduled. I'm excited to see the baby again. I'm feeling the stretching sensation more often mostly when I change positions. Bending over to get things off the floor when sitting or standing is getting to be not as easy as it used to be. We are still working on baby names and we have really started to read Hypnobirthing. The beliefs of this method are right on with our feelings about childbirth. Overall, feeling good but a little more tired. Trying hard to drink more water and relax.

Friends rock my world!

This is Brook and I. We have been friends since High School. We went to college together and even worked together for a while as students. Brook graduated first and got a job. Shortly after I graduated Brook decided it was time to change jobs. When her position became available I applied and got it. It's been fun to work in an area that knows one of my friends so well. We were in each others weddings and have been there for each other through all of the big events in life. Brook is one of those people that we can not see each other for a while and when we do it's just like falling back into each other. One of those friends that pass the test of time. You just plop yourselves back into each others lives. We both know the other is busy and that we love each other and that's good enough for me. I take my Brook time whenever we can both fit it in.


Two years ago Brook's life got even more busy. This little precious bundle of love became a part of her life. Brook gave birth to Corinne late at night and I was there to see Brook and meet this beautiful baby girl as soon as I possibly could. Birthday parties and dinners with that family have changed quite a bit. Our relationship hasn't changed but what we talk about certainly has. :)

A few months ago I let Brook and a few friends and family know in person that Brad and I were expecting our first baby. I had this feeling that Brook was hiding a little something. About 2 months ago, I think, Brook met me for lunch and pulled out some awesome ultrasounds. She is pregnant too!!!!! Her baby's due date is 4 days after my baby's due date. It has been sooo cool to have someone who I'm so close with share in this pregnancy with me.

Yesterday Brook had her ultrasound to find out the gender and, ya know, check out the baby. After she got back she posted on Facebook that the baby was not shy and who wanted to guess if Corinne would have a little sister or brother. The responses started rolling in. EVERY single person guessed Boy, but not me. I just have had this feeling that it was a little girl. Shortly after dinner I got a phone call. Brook let me know that I was the ONLY one! The Only one to guess correctly!

We're having babies together. Baby girls! Oh the play dates to come. The next fun thing will be to see our bellies grow and then to see which baby decides that they will be the first to leave the comfort of their mommy's belly. I can't wait and I love sharing this journey with Brook. It's really soo much fun for me.

Weekly Update - 19 weeks

How far along: 19 weeks

Total weight gain: unknown, I go to the OB on the 2nd so we'll see then.

Maternity clothes: I'm giving up regular pants. I had to wear pre-prego jeans two days this week and used my Be-Band one day. I think I'm done with that.

Sleep: Um, I got this awesome pillow called a Snoogle. I LOVE it! So comfy!

Best moment of the week: Getting a great prego pillow. Seeing my family for Thanksgiving.

Movement: Yes, especially when I am squishing her. Like when I'm laying on my tummy or have my knees pulled up in front of me.

Gender: Baby Girl

Labor signs: None yet

Belly button in or out: In but more shallow then ever.

What I miss: This week was the first week I have missed wine. A glass of wine with Thanksgiving dinner would have been nice.

What I'm looking forward to: Putting up the Christmas tree and the holiday season. Christmas music! Monthly appt with the OB.

Weekly wisdom: Have fun maternity clothes shopping. Stuff a sweater up your tank, put the belly on, enjoy it.

Milestones: Baby will start to taste what I taste. Time to start varying my diet.

What's happening with the baby: Her sensory development if exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you. Your baby weighs in at about 8.5 ounces and measures 6 inches from head to bum (about the size of a large heirloom tomato). Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. Vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

What's happening with you: Think your big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness or brief stabbing pain in your lower abdomen - especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. Nothing to be alarmed about. Your skin may be changing, too. Red palms are due to a rise in estrogen. Chloasma or "the mask of pregnancy", a darkening of the skin around your cheeks, forehead and upper lip, is due to an increase in pigment. This can affect other parts of your body including the line running from your belly button to your pubic bone, called the linea nigra. These darkened spots will fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes.

How are you feeling: This week has been a fun week. We went to see Harry Potter 7 and I only had to run to the restroom once during the 2.5 hour movie. I say that's a success. I spent lots of time with peoples hands on my belly. Thanksgiving and a visit from a friend, everyone wants to feel her kick. She wiggles and squirms, but when I want her to just kick she sooo doesn't cooperate. My appetite is coming on for real now, so I may not have to worry about weight gain anymore. Thanksgiving helped, having all that food around. Black Friday was about getting maternity pants for cheap, so that was great. She really doesn't like me laying on my tummy and puts up a bit of a fight. I get little kicks and things if she is feeling smushed. My skin has felt very dry lately, hands and feet for sure. Good thing I have lots of lotion.

We're having a ............

GIRL!!!!!

Meet our baby girl.

She has all her fingers and yawned and wiggled for us.

Brad is excited, I think, to become a daddy to a little girl. He doesn't exactly know what to expect. But I know he can learn, after all, he learned how to mostly deal with me and I'm a girl.

I have another appointment on December 2nd. I'll get to see the baby girl again! Brad can't come so my mom is going to join me. Hopefully we'll hear only good news.