29 Weeks

29 Weeks

It's really exciting to say that I'm 29 weeks, but at the same time it totally scares me that I only have 11 weeks left. And to add to that, I have now known 2 people recently who gave birth early (at least 2 weeks early). That scares me a little.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I certainly did. Scott, Meggan, the kids, Bobby, Artie, and I enjoyed a nice Christmas Eve at our house. We had 7 fishes to celebrate. Then on Christmas morning Artie and I drove up to Longmont to watch the kids open presents and be with the brothers. We got some wonderful pictures which I need to download and then upload onto the computer. We have some very generous family giving us a lot of good stuff that we'll need. We got a diaper service gift certificate for our set-up and many more wonderful things.

I've already taken down the Christmas decorations though. That was my project for yesterday. I hate doing it the day before I go back to work, it's depressing, so I figured I'd get it done before the new year.

This past week has been a full week of fun, hanging out, and driving all over. I'm still feeling great. Although, I woke up one night with the worst charley horse I've ever had in my calf. I'm surprised Artie didn't wake up because I screamed. Then the other night I woke up to go to the bathroom and walked into the wall. (Artie woke up to me saying, "Ow" on that one.) So apparently don't catch me in the middle of the night, I'm not fully awake and seem to be falling apart. Oh well, if those are my only issues, I'll take them. Bobby and I touched up the baby's room with paint the other day. It looks a lot nicer. I'm just going to go in one more time and touch up each color one more time, then I'll post a picture of the finished project. Well, on to the weekly quiz.

29 Week Quiz

How far along: 29 weeks and 0 days today

Weight gain: I am up 22 pounds now.

Maternity clothes: I'm still in maternity clothes for pants 100% and for tops I can wear some of my old tops as long as they are long enough. What I thought would be long enough then, certainly is not now.

New Baby Items: We got a diaper service set-up gift certificate, an owl stroller toy, a new book for the baby, and a few other smaller items like that.

Stretch marks: No, hopefully they don't just appear one morning!

Sleep: Sleep is okay as long as I don't walk into walls when I'm going to the bathroom.

Best moment of the week: Being able to spend time with family, talk to family on the phone, and celebrate Christmas.

Movement: Yeah, we have a mover!

Food cravings: I don't really want anything specific right now, but Meggan made a ham and it was amazing. I now really like ham (the way it was cooked).

Labor signs: No, but still having braxton hicks contractions.

Belly button in or out: It's still in.

What I miss: I miss being able to do certain things without having issues. (like bending over and playing on the ground like crazy with my niece and nephew)

What I'm looking forward to: I'm excited to buy a bureau for the baby's room, to finish up the painting, and to get the changing table done.

Weekly wisdom: Live life to the fullest.

Milestones: Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.



Belly Shot Week 29

28 Weeks

28 Weeks

Third trimester... I know I said it last time, but my goodness the time certainly is going by.

I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday. I had to drink this really sweet drink in 5 minutes and then get blood drawn an hour later. It wasn't that bad, but the stuff really was like pure sugar. I felt like I was chugging the thing because I basically had to. The baby didn't go as crazy as I was expecting though. The test was for gestational diabetes. Nothing to be concerned about, but it's a test they do to every woman. Apparently sometimes a woman can have it with one kid and not with another, and stuff like that.

I got to hear the heartbeat again. It was 147 BPM. The doctor found the heartbeat right away. Apparently the baby is getting easier to find now that it's getting bigger :-) She literally put the thing on my belly and right away there it was loud and clear. It sounded really strong!

I really like that we're not finding out the gender, but there are certainly some days hwen I just want to find out. But, it's not bad when I really can't find out at my appointments since I'm not having ultra sounds all the time. I've only had to be strong one time so far. It's fun to tell people that I don't know too because everyone's reaction is different, and I love hearing what people have to say. "Mystery Baby" is what I call our child.

It's been really nice being off work. I feel more relaxed already. I have been getting up early still just so that I can spend time with Artie in the mornings, even though it's not much time, it's better than sleeping in and not getting that time together.

I am a little nervous about my maternity leave. Right now it's not working out the way I had expected. So we'll see how that goes. Pretty much I might have to go back to work for more time than I expected because I won't get paid for as much time as I thought. Hopefully it can all get worked out. I'll keep you posted on that. I'm trying not to stress or worry about it. I was and it was really upsetting me. I was having trouble sleeping and all that, so I've had to give it up and know that whatever is going to happen will, and that I just have to trust that whatever does happen will be for the best and will work out in the end.

Well, I guess that's about all for now. I'll move on to my weekly quiz. I've added a few more questions.

28 Week Quiz

How far along: 28 weeks and 1 day today

Weight gain: I was up 21 1/2 pounds on the scale. I guess I lost half a pound. The doctor has me up 15 pounds.

Maternity clothes: Completely in maternity clothes.

New baby items: Well, we've ordered our Chariot. Hopefully it should be in after the holidays. People at Artie's work have given him some old baby stuff that they had in their basement. We got a high chair for a seat. Kaleb has used it a few times now. :-) My sister-in-law has given me tons of stuff. I'm so thankful to have these people in my life.

Stretch marks: No, but I'm getting that line that goes down the belly. Yuck! Not too happy about that one!

Sleep: Sleep has been good. I am still getting up like I said earlier, but as long as I go to bed at a reasonable hour, I'm okay!

Best moment of the week: Hearing from the doctor that my weight was not an issue, that I'm on the right track and that she doesn't want me to be concerned about it. Obviously not going to go crazy, but it's just nice to not be worried about that. Also getting to hear the baby's heartbeat is always such a fun time.

Movement: Holy cow, yes!

Food cravings: I want pizza right now, but it can only be from one place. The place that we found that makes pizza like NY!

Labor signs: No! But, braxton hicks contractions make my belly soooooo incredibly hard!

Belly button in or out: It's still in. I think it might just stay in.

What I miss: I miss family and friends at this time of year, but Bobby flew in to town and he'll be here for two weeks :-)

What I'm looking forward to: I'm excited to finish up the baby's room painting. It's almost done. Pictures to come! Also, the changing table.

Weekly wisdom: Check, then double check... sometimes you need to triple check.

Milestones: By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

28 Week Belly Shot... yep, I'm still in my pjs (vacation I love you!)

27 Weeks

27 Weeks



We're in the third trimester now!!! I feel like the time is flying by. It's already almost Christmas and then soon after we'll be in the year 2012 and our baby will be due shortly thereafter. This week has flown by like crazy. I am really excited for my two week break that's coming up. I only have one more day with the kids and then I get some time off.

Artie and I have been working on the baby's room. Painting stripes is really cute, but it's certainly not an easy task. We taped and then used caulking, but it still didn't work as well as it should have. I don't know if it's because our walls are textured or if there is something else we could have done, but I am definitely going to have to go in there and do some touching up (with a steady had). I'm really hoping to be done with the painting by the middle of my break.

Artie is going to be starting to work with Scott on our changing table. I'm really excited about it. Artie designed it, and I really love it. I'm excited for it to be done.

Other than that, nothing is new this week. On to our weekly quiz.

27Week Quiz

How far along: 27 weeks and 0 days today

Weight gain: I think that weight gain is the most difficult mental challenge that I've had to deal with with this pregnancy. It's really hard for me to see the scale go up every single week and know that I've gained weight when I was once goal oriented at losing weight and keeping it off. Anyway, the scale said that I'm up 22 pounds.

Maternity clothes: Completely in maternity clothes. I'm going to get a dress after the holidays that I can wear to school and have for my shower. :-)

Stretch marks: Only older marks right now, keeping them away hopefully!

Sleep: Sleep is okay. I don't know if I'm stressed about something or if it's just the normal stresses of my job/everyday routine, but I've been waking up with a headache and the feeling like I was gnashing my teeth together in the middle of the night. My mouth/jaw hurt and I have a headache. Hopefully it reduces over the break. Sleep is a wonderful thing!

Best moment of the week: Having the baby move when Artie talks to my belly. I think he or she knows his Daddy's voice :-).

Movement: I either have a tumbling gymnast or a crazy wrestler.

Food cravings: I am trying to keep my intake at meals not as big because I get full so much faster now and then I feel uncomfortable. No cravings though!

Labor signs: No! The belly still gets really hard at times (I think it's the braxton hicks trying to prepare my stomach muscles and uterus for what's to come).

Belly button in or out: It's still in.

What I miss: I miss being able to help around the house with certain things. (the paint kinda made me feel ill the other day - and I can't get up on a ladder; per my husband's instructions)

What I'm looking forward to: I'm excited to get the changing table started and then see the progress on it.

Weekly wisdom: People who are true friends will be there for you in all situations.

Milestones: This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.


27 Week Belly Photo ( I look tired)

26 Weeks

26 Weeks



14 more weeks to go!!! It's crazy! Soon enough we will be in the single digits. Things are going well. I'm excited for Christmas break and the time off that I'll have from work. It's going to be a good long 2 week much needed break. We have been working like crazy around the house. We painted the entire baby's room and are on to the stripes at the bottom. We hung some new light fixtures in our loft (finally have lights up there). And we hung our lights outside along with some wreaths. That's about all for now.

On to the weekly quiz.

26Week Quiz

How far along: 26 weeks and 4 days today

Weight gain: I weighed myself last week and I'm up about 21 pounds.At least I'm okay with it because one of my books said I should be anywhere from 17 - 22 pounds.

Maternity clothes: Maternity clothes all the way!

Stretch marks: Nothing right now. Hopefully the stretch marks stay away!

Sleep: I've been sleeping well. My hips were a little achy the other day, but other than that it's been good.

Best moment of the week: I know it has nothing to do with the baby, but getting the lights up so we can be more in the spirit of Christmas.

Movement: I have a crazy baby in my belly.

Food cravings: I don't want to eat as much food lately. I get much fuller more quickly.

Labor signs: No! I think I have been feeling some braxton hicks contractions, not that they hurt at all, but my stomach has been getting so incredibly hard and it's a slow process. One of my friends (whose had 3 of her own), mentioned what it would feel like and everything, and I am pretty sure that's what it is. I thought it was me just having to pee, or the baby moving onto my bladder. :-)

Belly button in or out: It's still in.

What I miss: I am borrowing a jacket from a friend so it's easier to zip it up. But I miss wearing some clothes and feeling good about the way I look.

What I'm looking forward to: I'm excited about getting the baby's room fully completed.

Weekly wisdom: Try not to worry about things you can't control!

Milestones: The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.


Belly shot week 26

25 Weeks

25 Weeks




Sorry I didn't post this until so late. It was certainly a crazy week. There was 1 day last week that Artie and I were home. On Tuesday, it was our three year anniversary, so we went out to dinner. It was a lot of fun just getting to spend time together and reminisce about the past three years. It was nice to have conversations that weren't about work or other things. :-) Then Wednesday night we had small group. On Thursday we went to a charity dinner for Global Hope. It's a really cool Christian nonprofit organization that helps kids around the world. We got to have a fancy dinner served to us and all that. Then on Friday, it was First Friday at Boulder Indoor Cycling. It was probably the most exciting one that I've been to. They did this move called "The Madison". It's where you literary grab hands with your partner on the track as he's coming up behind you and you fling him ahead of you. You lose all your momentum, but he gets sling shotted (yep, I made up a new word) in front, and then it's a race to see who can catch the other team. It was so exciting to watch. Saturday was a busy day with Artie and I getting some lights installed into our loft area (our anniversary gift to each other). Then Sunday we had Kaleb's 1 year birthday party. And of course the Giants were on tv, so Artie wanted to watch the whole game. So we stayed at Scott and Meggan's (thank you guys) until the game was over. Then this week began and wow, it's already flying by. Then Monday night we got to go see FACE with some of our friends at a dinner theater in Boulder. It was AWESOME!!! They are an acapella (sorry no clue how to spell this one) group that was on the tv show The Sing Off during their first season. We got to meet the guys in the group afterward, and I talked to some of them about possibly coming to my school. Hopefully I can get a grant for it. And well, tonight's Tuesday, and Artie had a late meeting, so I've finally got time to sit down at my computer and type this up. So needless to say, we've been busy. If you can even say busy is the right word.

Okay, onto the quiz.

2 5Week Quiz

How far along: 25 weeks and 6 days today

Weight gain: I weighed myself last week and I'm up about 19-20 pounds.

Maternity clothes: Totally maternity clothes!

Stretch marks: My belly has been much less itchy with the new lotion that I've been putting on it. Hopefully the stretch marks stay away!

Sleep: I've been sleeping fairly well. I didn't get much sleep last night, so hopefully I'll get the rest that I need tonight.

Best moment of the week: Being able to feel the baby move like crazy when we were at the concert. Not sure if it was the music (which was loud, but awesome), or if it was the chocolate desert with raspberries on top.

Movement: I got a little nervous because I felt like there was less movement. But then when I really relaxed, I realized how much the baby is still moving. I think I've just been so busy this past week that I didn't realize how much he/she really was moving around.

Food cravings: I still don't have anything major. I like meats a lot more than I used to, but I'm not craving them.

Labor signs: No!

Belly button in or out: It's still in.

What I miss: I miss zipping up my jacket easily. It's getting pretty rough, and with the cold weather we've been having, I have to have my winter jacket.

What I'm looking forward to: I'm excited to spend time with my brothers this Christmas. It's been a long time since it's been the three of us kids together on Christmas morning. Even though it'll be different without Mom and Dad, I'm excited to have that time.

Weekly wisdom: Remember all that you're blessed with!

Milestones: Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.


Belly shot - Week 25

24 Weeks

24 Weeks



The corn is so that you know how long the baby is... just fyi for those of you who were confused.

Well, it's Thanksgiving week, so I think I should start out with everything that I'm thankful for. There is honestly so much, so here are a few of them...
1) Thankful for such a great hubby who works so hard
2) Thankful for a great family (including my doggie)
3) Thankful for the growing baby inside of me
4) Thankful for our house and our life we've build here in CO
5) Thankful in general for all that I've been blessed with

Well, we're 24 weeks and it's totally crazy that we only have 16 more weeks to go! I am still feeling pretty good. We had another doctor appointment on Tuesday. It was good. We got to hear the heartbeat again, :-) which is always a plus. The nurse practitioner did tell me to be careful about my weight gain. In some ways it's a little nerve racking to hear this, when I know how easily it is for me to gain weight. I know she was telling me so that I stay on the low side of the appropriate weight gain, but that's the last thing that I really want to be worried about when it comes to all this. I am not going crazy with food (yes, even on Thanksgiving). I am eating small snacks when my body is telling me I'm hungry, and I'm not overdoing it on the dinners or anything. I don't know. I know that there are tons of women who will tell me not to worry about it and that they gained more weight and all, but it just affected me.

I only had a two day week this week, which was really nice! A 5-day break is much enjoyed and needed! I had such a relaxing day Wednesday. It was so gorgeous outside too. I even ate lunch at the table outside and was hot. Sydney and I took a nice long walk as well. I like walking, but there are two things that are a problem when you're pregnant... #1 Your skin is already so itchy, so when you go out in the morning when it's still chilly and you get itchy because of that, it makes it even worse. #2 There are no bathrooms to stop at on a walk through the neighborhood.

Okay, well on to my weekly quiz.

24 Week Quiz

How far along: 24 weeks and 3 days today

Weight gain: I weighed myself on Wednesday and I'm up about 18 pounds. According to the doctor's office, I'm up 13 pounds.

Maternity clothes: I am mostly in maternity clothes, especially the shirts. I love my jeans!

Stretch marks: My belly is incredibly itchy still, but the doctor recommended a lotion that I just bought, so we'll see if that works. Hopefully!

Sleep: I've been sleeping well, other than waking up and being itchy. I have actually bruised myself because I haven't realized I was itching so hard.

Best moment of the week: I think being able to hear the heartbeat again, feel the baby move a lot, and enjoy time on this break.

Movement: Still moving around a ton!!!! I actually was able to see my belly move because of a kick from the inside. That was pretty crazy. I feel the baby from both the inside and the outside. I think that the baby actually had hiccups the other day, but I'm not quite sure.

Food cravings: I wanted sushi the other night, but I didn't go and get it.. It wasn't a strong urge, I wouldn't necessarily consider it a craving.

Labor signs: No!

Belly button in or out: It's still in, but itchy still.

What I miss: I miss walking without having to pee so often. Sydney and I have to make our walks based on when I could get to a bathroom next.

What I'm looking forward to: I'm excited to celebrate my 3 year anniversary with my hubby this week. It's crazy how fast 3 years goes by.

Weekly wisdom: Love!

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


Yep, I'm filling out a little more! (And yes, I'm in my pjs because it was Wednesday and I didn't have school)

23 Weeks

23 Weeks



Well this week certainly has been busy. It was a long week back to school after a short week last week. And my kids were pretty hyper, but I survived, or I should say they survived and we have a nice short week next week. I am excited about Thanksgiving. Every year I have so much to be thankful for. Nothing big has happened this week. Pretty basic and nothing new with the pregnancy either. Artie and I are going to be ordering our stroller. The Chariot! I am so excited to get it. I will make sure that I post pictures when it comes in.

23 Week Quiz

How far along: 23 weeks and 3 days today

Weight gain: I weighed myself on Wednesday and I'm up about 17 pounds. I feel like that's a lot, but I have to keep reminding myself that I'm growing a baby inside of me.

Maternity clothes: It is the same as last week. I can still fit into some old shirts and pants with the belly band, but mostly I'm in maternity stuff. And I think it looks pretty darn cute.

Stretch marks: My belly is still really itchy, but I'm trying to keep the stretch marks away.

Sleep: I've had good sleep this week. Nothing too bad to complain about.

Best moment of the week: I think feeling the baby is the most amazing thing to me. I feel him or her dancing around in my belly at very specific times. I've gotten used to it too.

Movement: He/She is moving a lot. I have begun to notice some patterns to the movements, like when to expect to be kicked or punched and stuff like that.

Food cravings: Nothing really.

Labor signs: No!

Belly button in or out: It's begun to itch. Please don't let that be a sign that it's going to pop out.

What I miss: I miss being able to hold my bladder in school. I feel like I'm always going, but then again, I don't exactly have many breaks in the day to relieve myself.

What I'm looking forward to: We have our next appointment coming up this Tuesday. I'm really excited for that, even to just hear the heartbeat again. Plus I'm excited because my brother is planning on coming out around Christmas time, and that's just exciting.

Weekly wisdom: Keep on top of the important things.

Milestones: 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 than 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.

(By the way, I made Artie dance with me the other morning because of this) :-)
Belly Shot Week 23 (somehow these pants still fit)

22 Weeks

22 Weeks


So it's been a little crazy around here with guests, that's why I'm late with my blog post. But we had fun!!! I'm feeling really good. I was getting a little concerned because the baby wasn't moving as much as I'd felt it in the past. I think the reason was because I had gotten used to the small flutters that were the baby moving. But yesterday we were hanging out in Boulder and the baby decided it wanted to start moving like crazy again. And this time, he/she wanted to really be kicking not just fluttering. Then we went on a Celestial Seasonings tour and in the peppermint room I got so relaxed and the smell was so intoxicating that the baby started kicking again. Then last night we went to dinner on the 16th Street Mall, to a Mexican restaurant, and then to the Avs game last night. The baby must like Mexican food, or hate it, because he/she was going insane in my belly. Artie got to feel some really good kicks again. :-) Such fun times.

22 Week Quiz

How far along: 22 weeks and 6 days today

Weight gain: I weighed myself yesterday and I'm up 15 - 16 pounds. I feel like that's a huge jump from last week, but my belly definitely grew this week.

Maternity clothes: I am mostly in maternity stuff now. Occasionally I wear some old shirts (if they're long enough) and pants with the belly band.

Stretch marks: My belly is soooooo itchy, I think I'm stretching, but I'm still using the cocoa butter and lotion. Hopefully that stuff works.

Sleep: I sleep pretty good with the bathroom break once a night.

Best moment of the week: Having other people feel the baby, and feeling him/her actually kick from the outside myself too.

Movement: He/She is moving a lot again!

Food cravings: I don't have any cravings as of right now.

Labor signs: No!

Belly button in or out: Still in... hopefully for a long time.

What I miss: I miss being able to be more agile.

What I'm looking forward to: Finishing out this week, although it's a busy one, and then getting to celebrate Thanksgiving. I have sooo much to be thankful for.

Weekly wisdom: Help others when they're suffering and where it's needed.

Milestones: At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.


Belly Shot Week 22

21 Weeks

21 Weeks



I don't really like the carrot. Couldn't they have at least taken a picture of a nice bright orange carrot that looks good. Oh well! Twenty one weeks and time keeps flying by. I apparently don't have a great memory. I was invited to a "Rock Star" lunch with the superintendent and a few other people. Well, I didn't read the invitation right, and so the other girl and I from my school showed up late thinking we were on time. Total idiots! But, oh well. It was still a good lunch!

I've popped out and showing a lot more. Some people are like, "you look so cute pregnant". And then I have others who are like, "you're not showing at all from the front". I don't get it... I am definitely showing, so I don't know what these people are thinking. Anyway, I have enjoyed being pregnant minus some of the emotional ups and downs. Although, Artie says I'm better when I'm pregnant. I have been able to be much more decisive, which is a plus. Especially when we go to Home Depot to get paint for our shutters and I pick out a color for the baby's room almost immediately. I think we're going to do stripes on the bottom and a solid color on top. Should be fun!!!!

I just started last weekend cleaning out the baby's room. When we moved in I had not really unpacked upstairs and more focused on the main areas and then worked outside since it was summer time. But now that the baby is on its way, I started. I cleaned for about 3 hours and just got the stuff out of the room. Most of it I can't carry downstairs, but that's what I have a wonderful husband for. :-) Artie's sister comes into town this next week, so that should be a fun visit. Well, on to my weekly quiz.

21 Week Quiz

How far along: 21 weeks and 1 day today

Weight gain: I weighed myself yesterday and I'm up 13 pounds

Maternity clothes: I am wearing a lot of maternity stuff. I have worn a couple nice tops that are maternity that I like.

Stretch marks: Trying to keep them away.

Sleep: I have noticed that I'm waking up and on my side/belly. I'm getting good sleep though.

Best moment of the week: Getting to feel the baby all the time (for me I can only feel it from the inside, but Artie can feel it from the outside - I think I feel my own heartbeat too - so that doesn't help)

Movement: Holy cow, tie this baby down!

Food cravings: I must seem pretty boring in this area. I really don't have anything specific I want. I still want food other than chicken right now. (although that's what we're having for dinner tonight)

Labor signs: No!

Belly button in or out: Still in... hopefully for a long time.

What I miss: I miss running! I really really do!

What I'm looking forward to: Artie's sister is visiting, so a short work week next week, and then only 2 weeks until Thanksgiving!

Weekly wisdom: Be a true friend!

Milestones: Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the 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. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.

Our Halloween Costumes! I liked the idea!


21 Week Belly Shot!

20 Weeks

20 Weeks



We are halfway there! Hard to believe how fast the time has flown! There were some really great moments of the week. I really began to feel movement and Artie got to feel the baby kick. It was amazing! Then we got to have our 20 week ultrasound and saw our little Babyfredi. It's really hard not to call it a he or she. I don't want to use the term "it", but I don't really have another choice when it comes to pronouns. Anyway, we are doing great. Baby looks healthy and happy. The baby moved around soooo much at the beginning of the ultrasound, that the technician was like, "ut oh, you've got a lively one". We were both like we're going to have to strap this baby down. Then towards the end of the ultrasound the baby refused to move its head. It just stared straight at us. We had to have me tilt way back on the bed and still it only moved a little bit. We got some great photos though. I posted them on my facebook page. The baby waved to us, gave us a thumbs up, and moved its mouth at one point. So incredibly cool to see all that! Well, on to the weekly quiz.


20 Week Quiz

How far along: 20 weeks and 1 day today

Weight gain: I weighed myself yesterday and I'm up about 12 pounds

Maternity clothes: I wear the jeans all the time, but most everything else I'm still in my regular shirts/sweaters. But the pants, I'm definitely in my bigger pants.

Stretch marks: Trying to keep them away.

Sleep: I have been having some trouble with my back lately. It has had an aching in the lower right side. I have tried a heating pad, and that works wonders. Artie has also massaged it, and that feels good too. But there were a few nights when I couldn't even get comfortable because it hurt. Other than that, sleep has been okay.

Best moment of the week: Feeling the baby move AND getting to see him or her. That was AWESOME!!!!!

Movement: Definitely. We have a feisty one! Watch out!

Food cravings: I don't know. I did want a milkshake the other day. But it wasn't really a craving, it was more of a yummy that sounds good, and a good way to get more calcium.

Labor signs: No!

Belly button in or out: Still in... hopefully for a long time.

What I miss: I miss ... I don't know right now.

What I'm looking forward to: Continuing to feel the baby move a lot. Also, just continuing with this whole process. Artie says I'm better off pregnant. I'm apparently much less hormonal (yeah, believe it or not), I'm also decisive, as well as calm, cool, and collected. We did pick the colors for the baby's room, and I'm excited to begin painting it! :-)

Weekly wisdom: Never let a day go by without sharing what people mean to you!

Milestones: Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)

He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).

Babyfredi Moves

So as I've been writing, I think I've been feeling the baby, but wasn't 100% sure. Well the other day I was sure that this was not normal and it was definitely the baby. When I got home from work on Friday I just relaxed on the couch waiting for Artie to get home. I was trying to see if I could feel it from the outside or if it was only on the inside and my brain was playing tricks on me. When Artie got home I had him put his hand on my belly. Almost immediately Babyfredi kicked or punched or something right onto his hand. And Artie felt it!!! It was the coolest thing ever. I don't know if I will ever forget the face that Artie had when he felt it! :-) Just saying, it was the best moment of my weekend!!!

19 Weeks

19 Weeks






I can't even believe that I am 19 weeks already. Time certainly does fly by!!! By the way, I don't like the picture of the baby in the belly up above. I feel like the baby looks totally squished. I am not 100% positive that I'm feeling the baby, but there are definitely some weird feelings going on in the stomach area that I didn't feel before I was pregnant. But not quite sure yet what they are. There is no question that I am sticking out. Most of my clothes show it, but I do have some "fat clothes" from when I was a little heavier and they definitely still fit. It's kinda nice to be able to button pants still. :-) I am not in maternity stuff other than my jeans. I don't think I'd have to unless they didn't rip with a big hole in them. This week has been pretty crazy and hectic. I had an observation today, which really made me not be able to sleep well all week. Then I was racked with stress/sadness over my friend's father dying. It's going to be good to have a weekend. Well, that's about all for now. On to the weekly quiz.


19 Week Quiz

How far along: 19 weeks and 1 day today

Weight gain: I weighed myself yesterday and I gained some more weight... obviously. I am up about 11 pounds.

Maternity clothes: I am not completely in them, but will be soon.

Stretch marks: Trying to keep them away.

Sleep: I had a rough week sleeping this week. I didn't get good sleep, and when I woke up I'd feel even more tired. I know that I need a restful and relaxing weekend to help get some sleep back.

Best moment of the week: Thinking I feel the baby move (even if it's just gas) haha

Movement: I think so!

Food cravings: I just want good food. I didn't want much chicken this week, which is totally out of the norm for me. I wanted beef stew, chop meat, and beef stroganoff.

Labor signs: No!

Belly button in or out: Still in. Hopefully it stays in!

What I miss: I miss not having to pee so much!

What I'm looking forward to:Our ultrasound next week!!! I can't wait.

Weekly wisdom: Always tell the ones you love that you love them.

Milestones: Your baby's sensory development is 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 about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — 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 now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

Oh yeah, there is a bump. And I think it's bigger than this picture makes it look!

18 Week

18 WEEKS

I feel like every single time I write I am saying, "holy cow" or something of the sort. I just can't believe how fast the time is flying by. I am definitely showing now. There is no question that I am pregnant with my belly sticking out. I haven't felt the baby move yet, but I'm hoping to soon. I think I feel something, and then it really isn't or I don't know. I wear the belly band a lot still, but I did put on my first pair of maternity jeans. (Thanks Nana!!!) It certainly is a little nicer to have a stretchy waistband rather than something completely covering my belly. I still feel like I'm just big, and I can't suck it in. It's not an easy feeling when all your life you've tried to lose weight and now it's just piling on. But, I know it's okay. Artie always hugs me and touches my belly as if to hug the baby. It's really cute! I'm still really enjoying being pregnant right now though. Everything is good. We have our big ultrasound coming up real soon, and I am very excited for that. Although, I'm told I have to drink 16 oz. of water an hour before the appointment and then not go to the bathroom. That's not very fair to do to a pregnant woman! Oh well, it'll be worth it! Well, here's my weekly quiz.

18 Week Quiz

How far along: 18 weeks and 1 day today

Weight gain: I weighed myself yesterday on the scale and I was up 9 pounds. I read in a book that it's probably anywhere from 10 - 13 pounds at this point, so I think that's pretty good.

Maternity clothes: I gave in to maternity clothes. The longer the shirt is, the better and more comfortable I feel. I also have worn some maternity jeans.

Stretch marks: Trying to keep them away.

Sleep: I sleep okay as long as I get to sleep at a reasonable hour. I do have to pee at least once a night though. I am using the body pillow all the time now, which also seems to help the sleep. And as long as I get 8.5 + hours of sleep I'm doing okay.

Best moment of the week: Finding out about one of my friends is pregnant too. It was hard for me to tell her since they'd been trying a lot longer than we had. It's nice to talk to someone who's going through the same thing I am at the same time! (she's 9 weeks behind me)

Movement: I soooo badly want to feel movement!!!!!

Food cravings: I don't have anything right now that I'm craving. I did get concerned when someone asked me about peanut butter and what the doctors are saying now about allergies. I don't know whether or not I should be eating it.

Labor signs: No!

Belly button in or out: Still in.

What I miss: I miss having energy to go run and get on the ground whenever I needed to in my classroom.

What I'm looking forward to:Our ultrasound in two weeks!!!!! :-)

Weekly wisdom: Is it the wise choice?

Milestones:Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.




18 Week Belly Shot
These pants fit me because they are my fat pants from when I weighed a little more. Cool that I kept them and they can work out now. :-)