Pregnancy Week 32

  Baby Bump

How far along? 32 Weeks, 6 Days
 

Size of the baby: Some sort of squash that I don't know the name of!!

Maternity clothes? Yes but I actually FIT into a pair of my pre-preggo black skinny jeans this week!  Buttoned up any everything! 
Stretch marks? No, holding strong!
Sleep: Not as good... couldn't seem to turn off my brain this week.  Had a few "freak outs" that I'm going to be a mom soon! Eek!
Symptoms: Those darned right ribs are not my friend lately, feeling FULL after a few bites of food, and majorrrrr mood swings.  
Best moment this week:  Date nights to Bears' Tooth with Jake TWICE! Much needed.
Miss Anything? I really wanted some blue cheese this week that Jake was eating on his salad.  Bummer.
Food cravings: Totally random, but this week I HAD to have strawberry shortcake.  I don't think I've ever had that in my life, but this week it was my #1 priority.  Amazing.  Also loving the carrots - but only the real long carrots, none of this baby carrot business.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Get fish away from me.  The smell makes me want to curl up and vomit for hours.
Any aversions? Cheerios, spicy food.
Have you started to show yet:  Unless I have a large beer belly, then yes I am showing.
Baby Names? Plenty... just not the right one yet.
Belly Button in or out? OUTTTTTIEEEE.  I thought I would be self conscious about the little guy, but I actually think it's pretty cute.

Linea Nigra? Yeppers. 
Wedding rings on or off? On!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Much better this week.  Still a little more moody than usual but so so so much better.
Movement: Yes. And the kicks are officially in my ribs.  He likes me right side more than my left so those ribs are beginning to take a beating!
Looking forward to: Ultrasound appointment in 2 days!!!
New mom tips I received this week (which I love getting!): If you can, try to stock up on freezer meals.  It will help during the first few weeks! (Luckily Jake is okay with Top Ramen though, haha)
Favorite part of being pregnant so far: Just being pregnant!  Seeing baby move is the best.
Any Braxton Hicks contractions? I think so! A few definite "belly tightenings"
Feet Swelling? No!

Have you started to "waddle"? Not yet!
Any weird dreams? Not too many this week... or if I did I don't remember!
Over being pregnant? Nope!  Still feeling great!
Still Running? Yes! Back at it! Did 3 miles, and 5 miles! Felt pretty good. Also got in weights class 3 times and elliptical the other days!

Letter to Baby

Hello little one!

We're at 32 Weeks!  Can you believe it?  At this point you should be close to 4 pounds and almost 19 inches long!  I'm looking forward to our ultrasound next week when they estimate your exact size!  I sure feel like my belly has grown a lot in the last few weeks, so I'm sure that means you have too!  All of your organs should be functioning well, aside from the lungs which still need a few more weeks to fully develop. You are even able to dream at this point which I think is incredible!  What do you dream about?  Seeing the real world? Do you dream about meeting me?  I know it's all I think about these days.  

I've been lucky to be able to keep working although I'm not going to lie... it's getting harder to examine patients.  My belly keeps knocking into people as I'm listening to their hearts and lungs.  And if I happen to drop a tongue depressor or my pen on the floor... it's a bit of a comedy show trying to pick it up. You also get lots of pats and rubs from patients, so I hope that's okay with you.  Hopefully I'll be able to work right up until you arrive so I can enjoy my entire 3 months of maternity leave at home with you!

Your Dad is getting very excited to meet you.  Not that he hasn't been excited all this time, but I think it's more real now that my belly is gigantic and he can see you kicking and squirming about through my skin.  He said randomly to me the other day as we were going to bed, "I can't wait for Bambino to finally get here."  It's probably a lot harder for him because he doesn't get to feel your kicks all day every day.  I already feel like I know you a little bit since you've been a part of me for 8 months now! It will be amazing for you to finally meet your Dad and see why I fell in love with him.  He rocks my world.

Next week we get to see you on ultrasound!  It's been almost 4 months since we've seen you!  So put on your best smile and show me those kissable cheeks, okay?  I can't wait.  LOVE YOU.

XOXO,

Mom and Dad

Pregnancy Week 31

  Baby Bump

Sorry this picture is so dark!  It was getting dark out and the flash didn't work!

How far along? 31 Weeks, 6 Days
 

Size of the baby: A delicious pineapple!

Maternity clothes? Just assume the rest of these 'bumpdates' will answer YES to this question! ;)
Stretch marks? Nope! 
Sleep: Did okay this week!  A few nights of waking up for midnight snacks, but otherwise I slept like a champion.
Symptoms: Rib painnnnn, heartburn, leg cramps at night (when I don't drink enough water)
Best moment this week: Getting baby's crib, dresser, and changing table!  
Miss Anything? Feeling like a rock star runner.  I really do miss my long runs.
Food cravings: I can't get enough of popsicles right now.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Spicy food has not been my friend lately.  It makes me nauseous with a large side of heartburn.
Any aversions? Meat. Not that I really like it anyways, but I have to force myself to eat protein.
Have you started to show yet: Just a wee bit.  
Baby Names? Definitely taking suggestions at this point.
Belly Button in or out? Outie for the win!

Linea Nigra? Yesserie.
Wedding rings on or off? On!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Oh man.  Emotional/moody to a whole new level this week.  Not. Good.
Movement: Yes.  I'm starting to notice he has a schedule!  He wakes up when I do in the morning and does his exercise with me... rests after I eat breakfast, is up from around 2-6, takes a nap, then is up from around 7-10.  Luckily he's been sleeping when I do!
Looking forward to: Seeing how big baby is at our next ultrasound appointment!
New mom tips I received this week (which I love getting!):  Don't try to be supermom during the first month of your Baby's life.  He will never be that small again and no amount of dishes, laundry or cooking will ever be more important than savoring every moment with your new baby.  This was a good one for me to hear!
Favorite part of being pregnant so far: LOVE baby kicks.  Although now they're more like bulldozer crashes into my ribs.
Any Braxton Hicks contractions? A few here and there!
Feet Swelling? No!

Have you started to "waddle"? No.  I refuse to turn into a duck.
Any weird dreams? Attack of the killer spider.  Not fun at all!
Over being pregnant? Nope!  Still feeling great!
Nursery done? No... but I ordered the bedding, drapes, and a few accessories!  Now I just have to wait until they arrive!  It is going to be adorable.  
Fears? Losing my freedom.  Selfish moment, sorry!
Still Running? Yes!  Got in 3 miles, 5 miles and 3 miles!  Also had a great week of weights and elliptical.    

Letter to Baby

Hi little bean!

I guess I can't really call you that anymore since you are the size of a pineapple!  Speaking of pineapple... I can't wait to take you to warm places like Hawaii and Mexico where you can see and taste your first pineapple. Your Dad and I have good family friends in a tiny little Mexican town near Puerto Vallarta.  We have been every year for the past 3 years and it is truly our favorite piece of paradise. We go fishing, swimming in the beautiful ocean, snorkeling, take long walks on the beach, explore Mayan ruins, and eat as much delicious Mexican food as possible. Hopefully we can go this year again- I know you will love it as much as we do!

This week your little eyes are now able to respond to light; both dilating and contracting your pupils!  Your ears are also hard at work differentiating sounds and rhythm.  Studies show that some babies actually have a preference of music at this stage!  I haven't been listening to much other than country... so I'm sorry in advance if you're not a fan.  Maybe I should make it my goal from now on to branch out and blast some Metallica (Dad would like that), Justin Timberlake, Pit Bull, Katy Perry, and even Beethoven. The other HUGE news is that your lungs and digestive tract are almost completely developed so if you decided to come early you would likely not need too much assistance!  So amazing.  

So one of life's greatest lessons is that "Honesty is the best policy." Since that's the case, I'm going to be 100% honest with you.  I had a few "freak out" moments this week about becoming a Mom.  Giving birth doesn't scare me one bit, but this week I realized that I will never have the freedom I have today ever again!  As ready as I am to meet you and love on you every second of every day, I also realized I'm scared to put my own desires and wants on the back burner.  Your Momma loves a few things: Running, traveling, and more running.  (Of course there's more things I enjoy, but I really love those things).  I have friends and family that are traveling the world and I guess part of me was jealous that I won't be able to do that for a while.  I talked to your Nonna who told me it won't even matter the second I see your little face for the first time.  All of my previous desires will fade away and my heart will want to spend every waking moment with you.  As soon as she said that, I knew she was right.  I can't wait to be your Momma and love you until the end of time.  And the best part is I get to share my passions and joys of running and traveling with you when you're old enough.  I'm one lucky lady to have the best of both worlds.  

We love you SO much already (in case you haven't noticed!). 

Until next week!

Mom and Dad

Pregnancy Week 30

Once again, I am behind!  But I'll have 3 new Bumpdates for you today!
  Baby Bump

How far along? 30 Weeks, 6 Days
 

Size of the baby: An cucumber!

Maternity clothes? Yep!  Still fitting into my pre-preggo pants with the help of my lovely bellaband!
Stretch marks? No! The skin seems to reallllyy be stretching though!  Bio Oil is my best friend
Sleep: A great week of sleep!  Thank goodness for pillows.  Between the legs, behind the back, under the belly... ahhhh it's heaven.
Symptoms:  Heartburn. Give me more tums please. 
Best moment this week: Prenatal appointment!  Baby is measuring normal size, I'm not diabetic, and BP is still nice and low.  And it's always amazing to hear his little heartbeat!
Miss Anything? I wanted sushi this week.  Bummer.
Food cravings: Carrots with hummus, ice cream, POPSICLES, popsicles, popsicles. 
Anything making you queasy or sick:  The smell of fish did it again this week.  
Any aversions?  Still disliking the cheerios and cream cheese sounded/looked gross (which is weird because I just had it last week...) 
Have you started to show yet: Just a wee bit.  
Baby Names? Lots but no official name yet. 
Belly Button in or out? Definitely have a bit of an outie...

Linea Nigra? Yep! I should take a picture because it's a zig zag line. Haha
Wedding rings on or off? On!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy week! Feeling fabulous! 
Movement: He's getting strong! And really enjoys kicking me in the ribs
Looking forward to: Next ultrasound in a couple weeks!
New mom tips I received this week (which I love getting!): Dont buy too many bottles, some babies aren't picky but some hate certain types. Better to have just a couple of a brand than a huge 10 pack!
Favorite part of being pregnant so far: Feeling his kicks, jabs, and pokes!
Any Braxton Hicks contractions? I'm pretty sure? Well just kidding - I don't really know what they feel like but sometimes my belly will tighten up. 
Feet Swelling? No! Thank goodness!

Have you started to "waddle"? No waddling here! 
Any weird dreams? I had twins in my dream this week. Apparently one was hiding in every ultrasound. Eek.
Over being pregnant? No!  I actually love it!! Ask me in a couple months how I feel about it.
Nursery done? Not yet!  But we got furniture which is a huge deal!
Still Running? Yes! Back at it! Did 3 miles, and 5 miles! Felt pretty good. Also got in weights class 3 times and elliptical the other days!

Letter to Baby

Hello little one!

We are in the final countdown... can you believe it!? Just 10 more weeks until you're expected to make your appearance! It has really been a wild ride and I'm so happy we're on the home stretch! From buying a house, selling a house, starting a new job, & planning a wedding... you've got to be a part of a lot (even if it was from the inside!).  I can't believe how big you've grown too.  Just 30 weeks ago you were a twinkle in our eye, then a tiny speck of cells... now you're the size of a cucumber!  Such an amazing miracle.  

Your biggest goal right now is putting on weight- and you're doing a fabulous job!  For the next few weeks you'll be gaining about a half pound a week!  For a little one at 3 pounds, that is A LOT!  I feel like my belly grows more every day.  My toes are slowly slipping out of sight, but luckily I feel great and really don't notice the big belly until I try to bend over!  Your skin is getting less wrinkled and more smooth thanks to the fat you're accumulating, and you're becoming better at regulating your own temperature!  If you're anything like your dad, you will be like a human radiator!  But if you're like me, you'll always be cold! (So hopefully you inherited Dad's genes!).  Your eyebrows and eyelashes are fully developed and if you actually have any hair... it will be sprouting out right about now!  

This week we finally got you a crib, dresser, and changing table!  And my new favorite chair in the house... your glider and ottoman.  We will be sharing MANY hours there together.  I can't wait to hold you in my arms and stare at your little face while we rock! Now that we have furniture, we can officially start figuring out how we want to decorate!  I'm looking forward to picking everything out to make it JUST for you!  So. Much. Fun.  

Keep growing strong, Bambino! Oh! And if you feel like it... you can lay off kicking Mom's ribs for a while!  ;)

Besos,

Mom and Dad

15 Things Nobody Tells You About Being Pregnant

1.) How is it that your stomach gets bigger, your chest gets bigger, your butt gets bigger, your appetite gets bigger, your mood swings get bigger.... But your bladder doesn't get even a teeny tiny bit bigger? In fact, I think it shrinks. I mean come on... bathroom trips every 15 minutes?

2.) The "nesting" instinct is no joke. Laugh all you want but the urge to clean the toilet when you're running 10 minutes late is beyond your control. I look around the house after a long 10 hour work day and can't fight the urge to wash the cabinet doors. (Because apparently baby will be licking the cabinets in the near future?) 

3.) The phrase, "You look like you're going to pop" will make you want to pop someone upside the head.  Really?  Thank you for making me feel like a whale when I still have 8 weeks to go.  I wish giving birth were that easy... hours of contractions, pain, pushing, and tearing versus... POP, you just had a baby!  Wouldn't that be nice.  Oh- and if you decide to proceed that phrase with, "Are you sure there's not two in there?"... you will not get pleasant looks. 

4.) There a lot of extra fluids. If you are pregnant or have ever been, you know what I mean. No further explanation needed.

5.) Feeling baby kick is the most beautiful feeling in the entire world. I wish all of you could feel it! With that being said, (and sorry if this is TMI) when baby decides that my ribs or cervix are a punching bag... not as fun!

6.) Registering for baby items is a lot like walking though a foreign market where you can't read the language. Bumbo, wubbanub, boppy, halo sleep sack, tommee tippee, mommaroo... I mean, really? Don't babies just need diapers, clothes, and Mom's chest? 

7.) On that note... then there's the brands and styles to choose from. Chicco vs. Graco carseats, Crib bumpers vs. no crib bumpers, slow flow vs. fast flow bottle nipples, Co-sleeper vs. Pack & Play, Medela vs. Ameda breast pumps, Dr. Brown's vs Aventflo bottles, Huggies vs Pampers. Overwhelmed yet?  Me neither. Oh, and of course everyone says about every item, "Don't trust anything other than ______."  

7.)  You will have your belly touched by complete strangers. 

8.)  Those same strangers will give you completely unsolicited advice and opinions. 
"You're still working? Are you sure the long hours are good for the baby?" 
"Are you going to breast feed? If you don't, your baby will suffer." 
"I had the worst labor ever- 36 hours of horrendous pain and screaming. I thought I was going to die." And my all time favorite, "Boys are so much harder than girls- I'm so sorry." Why thank you, random stranger. I'm glad you think your opinion will change the ridiculous amount of love I already have for my unborn son. 

9.) You will also receive the most amazing compliments that make your day/week/month/year. A girl at the gym said to me the other day, "I just wanted to let you know I think you are the cutest pregnant girl ever." Definitely a boost in the right confidence direction when you feel like an expanding balloon (who apparently, as discussed in #3, is going to pop)!

10.) If you are lucky and have an amazingly supportive husband, he will think you look the better and more attractive than you ever have and tell you he loves you more every day.

11.) Sleeping is all you want to do some days but unfortunately the last thing you can do.

12.) On that note, pillows will become your best friend. Between the legs, under the ribs, behind the back, in front of your stomach.  Just apologize to your significant other now. He will be spooning pillows instead of you for the last two months of your pregnancy.

13.) Cravings aren't as ridiculous as people make them out to be.  Yes, I want to eat pickles. Yes, I like mushrooms dipped in ranch dressing. But I liked both of those things before getting pregnant too. (I know, the mushroom thing is weird.) With that being said, cravings are a serious business.  When "baby says" I need some lemonade, ice cream, or candy, you'd better believe I will get my hands on some lemonade, ice cream, or candy.

14.)  Working out will make you feel like a million bucks.  Except for the days it makes you want to die.  But mostly it will make you feel like a million bucks!  :)  I am so happy I have been able to work out (usually) 6 days/week and run throughout most of the pregnancy so far.  Don't get me wrong, it doesn't feel exactly like it used to when there is a giant watermelon-sized uterus filled with baby and fluid pushing down on your pelvis and pressing up into on your lungs... but I feel so much more empowered and strong after getting my heart rate up!  And as my OB pointed out, recent studies have shown there are immense benefits for not only active mommas but their babies as well.  

15.) Most importantly... Being pregnant is by far the most rewarding and amazing experience of my life thus far. I love it so much more than I ever thought I would!  I am sorry for all of the mommas out there that have horrendous symptoms and vomit all day every day for 9 months.  I think I would have a completely different perspective if I had to live with that day in and day out.  But luckily being pregnant  has been a lot of fun! It is truly a miracle & I thank God every day I am able to experience all of the joys and challenges.  

Now, if you'll excuse me... I must go clean the house and eat some ice cream.

Pregnancy Week 29

  Baby Bump

How far along? 29 Weeks, 6 Days
 

Size of the baby: An Acorn Squash!

Maternity clothes? Yes, and I love my new maternity leggings I got last week.  I may start living in leggings with long shirts in the very near future...
Stretch marks? No!  I'm pretty religious about using lotion twice daily though... but that's nothing new.  I've done that since I was a swimmer when I was a kid!  Have to take care of that skin!
Sleep: Pretty good this week... except for when I had the stomach flu.  Still fighting the rib pain, but I don't think that's going to improve any time soon! 
Symptoms:  Heartburn, sore chest region again, emotional...
Best moment this week: 
Miss Anything? I had a rough day at work this week and realllyyyy wanted a glass of wine!  haha
Food cravings: Bread and butter! YUM.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Aside from the flu when everything made me sick... nothing too much!
Any aversions?  Still disliking the cheerios.
Have you started to show yet: Ha.  No comment.
Baby Names? No. I think we've come to the conclusion we will have to see his little face before making up our minds!  
Belly Button in or out? Mostly outie...
Linea Nigra? Yep!
Wedding rings on or off? On!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Not so much moody as I was emotional.  I had a few really good cries for no apparent reason.  It was awesome.
Movement: Alllllllll the time.  Besides being active after I eat, I've decided he loves music!  Any time I sing or there's music playing (especially at church), he break dances in my belly.  He's just like his Dad and I.  
Looking forward to: Our next prenatal appointment!
New mom tips I received this week (which I love getting!): Take at least 3 months off for maternity leave.  You won't regret it! (I'm really lucky and have a job where I can do just that... and also bring my baby to work with me when I do decide to head back to work!)
Favorite part of being pregnant so far: Feeling baby kick Dad's hand! 
Any Braxton Hicks contractions? I think so.  Just occasional tightening of my tummy, but I'm really not sure!
Feet Swelling? No!
Have you started to "waddle"? No! I was accused of waddling this week after I did squats, but I don't think that counts!
Any weird dreams? Yes!  I had a couple scary dreams involving spiders.  It was quite traumatic.
Still Running? Not this week.  I pulled my groin when I lost my footing on the ice, so I'm out for a bit.  Did weights 2x and lots of the elliptical!  Still working out 6 days a week and feeling great!

Letter to Baby

Hi Bambino!

Happy year of your birth! 2014 is going to be the best year ever... we can't wait to have you in our lives forever!  Lately you've become a master at something... putting on weight.  Right now, your gaining almost a half pound a week.  By the time your born, you'll be 2-3 times bigger than you are now!  Eek!  That means lots of growing for Momma.  I feel like every day my feet slip a little farther and farther out of sight :)  Your adrenal glands are producing a special chemical which then gets converted to estriol by the placenta. Once that happens, it tells my body to make prolactin which makes me produce milk!  I know it sounds like a big, boring, complicated process... but it will help provide you with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so I'm pretty excited!

I'm sorry if I starved you for a couple days this week.  Your Daddio and I came down with an awful bug which meant you didn't get much other than crackers and gatorade.  Luckily I've developed some "cushion" (aka food stores) for you to feed off of, so I'm sure you were fine!  We celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary and my 28th birthday lying on the couch, but that's okay - As soon as we have a spare night we're going to celebrate for real!  

This week I'm finally able to tell you all about your future best friend.  MY best friend, Katherine, is pregnant too!  I've been dying to tell you all about it!  Her baby is due just 10 weeks after you, so we are so excited to see you two grow up together (even if she does live across the world in France). It will be so much fun.  

I've started the plans for your nursery!  You won't sleep there much in the first few months, but after that it will become your favorite place!  There will be lots of fun colors and plenty of African animals.  I went to Africa with Katherine 4 years ago and fell in love with the culture, animals (especially the Giraffes & Monkeys), and lifestyle.  You will definitely hear all about it when your older!  

I hope your doing well in there, little one!  I'm sure it's strating to get a little bit cramped, but enjoy the extra room while you have it!  It's only going to get worse... :)

All our love,

Mom and Dad

Pregnancy Week 28

  Baby Bump

\

How far along? 28 Weeks, 6 Days
 

Size of the baby: An eggplant!

Maternity clothes? Yep!  But still able to fit into most of my regular clothes (if they stretch!).
Stretch marks? No, skin is holding strong!
Sleep: Definitely not sleeping like I used to.  Pretty tired at night, but my right ribs and mid-back are killllinnnggg me lately.
Symptoms:  The dreaded heartburn & itchy skin.
Best moment this week: Our wonderful Christmas together!  It was our last Christmas as just Jake and I so we savored it!  
Miss Anything? Feeling comfortable in my clothes.  And tying my shoes without feeling like a bowling ball is in my ribcage.  
Food cravings: My lemonade craving was back!  
Anything making you queasy or sick:  The smells of fish and lettuce!  Yuck!
Any aversions?  See the last question.  Also couldn't stand the thought of broccoli this week.
Have you started to show yet: I'm officially an inflating balloon...
Baby Names? Ugh... still undecided! We came up with another name this week but it's still not sticking.
Belly Button in or out? It's around a 60% outie, 40% innie!
Linea Nigra? Yes, except it's pretty crooked, haha!
Wedding rings on or off? On!
Happy or Moody most of the time: A wee bit on the moody side this week.  Sorry Jake.
Movement: His new favorite thing is to do the slip and slide in my belly.  He literally kicks side...to side.  Over and over!  It's pretty fun to watch except when he kicks my ribs... eek!
Looking forward to: Our second (official) wedding anniversary!
New mom tips I received this week (which I love getting!): Less nesting, more resting!  (After I told her how I couldn't sit still for more than two seconds!).  Also, I was told to make sure to get a few newborn outfits... most babies won't fit into 0-3 month clothes for a few weeks.  
Favorite part of being pregnant so far: Love the kicks!
Any Braxton Hicks contractions? I'm still not sure if I'm feeling them, but I think I may have had a couple.  Or Bambino was just moving in really weird positions.
Any weird dreams? Yes!  Still dreaming lots... and they consistently have animals chasing me in them.  I wonder what that means?
Still Running? Yes! I ran only two times (5 miles, 5 miles) this week which was okay with me!  It's definitely getting harder... 

Letter to Baby

Dearest little baby boy,

We're officially in our final trimester! Eek! The final countdown begins :) Lately I've been feeling so unprepared for your arrival!  Not that we don't want you to come, but more because we're still not quite settled into the new house and we don't really have baby things!  I did buy a carseat for you this week in case you decide to come early... but please do me a favor and stay in my "oven" as long as you can.  You need to be big and strong when you're born!  But if you decide to come a week or two early that would be okay... As long as your little lungs are ready to breathe on their own! 

Your hair is now starting to fill up that bald scalp of yours- although if you are anything like I was as a baby... you might be bald for the first oh... 10 months of life! Your muscles are moving in a more coordinated fashion, instead of the sharp jerks and pokes I used to feel!  (But I still get quite a few of those too!).  Your blinking your eyes a lot as you adjust to seeing the light and dark world through my belly.  So many new changes!   

Your Dad and I had our last Christmas together with just the two of us! Things will be very different next year with it being your first Christmas! We went to midnight mass on Christmas Eve and slept in nice and late on Christmas Day... it was perfect!  We spent the rest of day with your Auntie and Grandparents which was a lot of fun!  You got all sorts of presents that I can't wait to show you. Including the cutest little moose booties I've ever seen.  

You. Are. So. Loved. 

Love,

Mom and Dad

Pregnancy Week 27

Baby Bump

And the sweatiest pregnant girl award goes to.... :)

How far along? 27 Weeks, 6 Days
 

Size of the baby: A rutabega! (Does anyone actually eat these?)

Maternity clothes? Mmm hmm.  Although I had a funny experience with my winter running clothes this week!  It turns out I can't fit into my insulated pants any more... so I ran with them unzipped.  Luckily they didn't fall down, but it was a bit breezy in there!
Stretch marks? Nope!
Sleep: Not so good.  The mid-back pains were pretty annoying this week.
Symptoms:  Thoracolumbar pain (mid-back pain), itchy skin.  
Best moment this week: Feeling baby's first hiccups!
Miss Anything? Sleeping comfortably... Oh well!  
Food cravings: Baby wanted dairy this week!  Which meant a not so happy tummy (lactose-intolerance) for Brittany... but worth it!  Milk, cheese, ice cream... you name it, I wanted it.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Smell of lettuce... yuck.
Any aversions? The one and only cheerios.  So sad, this was my favorite cereal before being preggo!
Have you started to show yet: More and more each minute!
Baby Names? Jake came back from his trip with a list of names suggested by his cousins' girls.  Their top favorites were Lenny, Randall, and Rowdy.  Haha... needless to say we're still undecided (and those are Not on our list)
Belly Button in or out? Upper part is an outie, lower is still (mostly) an innie
Linea Nigra? Yep, sure do!
Wedding rings on or off? On!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy this week!  I'm over the cold and cough, and I've been able to rest when I need it!
Movement: Yes! His two most active times are around 3pm, after dinner and 10pm.  
Looking forward to: Getting the nursery set up!
New mom tips I received this week (which I love getting!): Take maternity pictures with Jake.  And do it while you still feel good between 32-35 weeks (ie, before everything swells!).  We'll definitely be doing that!
Favorite part of being pregnant so far: You know... I'm loving all of it.  Sure the aches and pains stink, as does not being able to move as quickly, but knowing my little boy is on his way is the best feeling in the world!
Any Braxton Hicks contractions? I think I felt my first one this week! Belly was contorted into a weird position... not really painful, but definitely felt strange!
Any weird dreams? Lots of dreams this week!
Still Running? Yes! I ran 4 times this week (3  5, 5, & 7!) and also did my weights class and the elliptical.  It felt amazing.  

Letter to Baby

Dear Baby,

It's hard to believe I'm right around the corner from my third trimester!  That means we're just a few months away from meeting face-to-face!  This week you started mastering regular sleeping and waking intervals, opening and closing your eyes, and even sucking your fingers!  You had the hiccups once this week after I ate a spicy meal... it was the cutest little thing in the world. Every day I get to work and my coworkers tell me how much my belly grew overnight, so keep up the good work, you growing machine!

It's almost Christmas... my most favorite holiday of the year!  Your Dad has to work Christmas Eve, but luckily we'll get to spend Christmas day together.  It will be our last Christmas as just the two of us! It will be so much fun to start Christmas traditions with you next year: sledding, building a gingerbread house, making cookies for Santa, decorating the tree, and going to Mass together as a family!  

I'm still feeling pretty good overall and truly LOVING being pregnant!  As much as I miss running long 16 milers (seriously, I do!), having loads of energy, and sleeping comfortably... feeling you wiggle inside me is about a billion times more amazing!  I just can't wait to see what kind of a personality you have!  Everyone tells me little boys are wild and crazy so I'm a bit worried... but either way it will be fun to watch you grow into a little person.  Just 13 weeks more!  Love you to the moon!


Always,

Mom and Dad

I'm back!

I'm alive. Don't worry. Nesting instinct is in full force so I've been extremely busy trying to get everything ready for baby! I'll have three "bumpdates" for you this weekend (sorry I'm so slow!)! Let's just say, I'm officially in my last trimester and my belly has been growing daily! I'm feeling great though- some days my energy feels low, but most days I forget in pregnant until I do one of the following: try to bend to touch my toes, shave my legs, change sides while lying in bed, go up the stairs, or eat more than 10 bites of food without getting horrendous heartburn. Other than that, I feel amazing!

I don't think I've even told you about our wedding. Three words: IT WAS PERFECT. I've had people ask me if it was as special having a wedding a second time around. It honestly was more meaningful this time because we've grown in our relationship and, as cliche as it may be, our love is so much stronger now.

Saying our vows for life in front of our closest friends and family actually brought tears to both our eyes (even though I don't think jake will admit that! Haha). Having my dad walk me down the aisle was a moment I will never forget...

As will I always remember the look in Jake's eyes when he saw me for the first time. Now that's love.

The reception? A party and a half! I'm so grateful to have had all of our friends and family there. So special! We had so so so much fun!

Imagine a wintery Christmas wonderland and you'd be at our reception. There were candles, Christmas trees, hot cocoa, mistletoe, and twinkly lights. And of course amazing food and dancing! Jake and I love kids so we got to include them in the reception which was a big hit!

My amazing sis gave the best speech ever and Jake's friend Tino had the entire room on the floor rolling in laughter with his speech. I wish you all could have been there. Next time. Oh wait- no. That was the LAST wedding we will ever plan. Twice is nice. No more!

The month of December involved recuperating from the wedding (including getting over a nasty cold and case of gastroenteritis!), Chistmas festivities, seeing friends, and organizing our house! It's definitely coming along, so I'll do my best to take pics for all of you to see! 

Jake and I had a wonderful Christmas. He was supposed to work his usual 24 hour shift on Christmas Eve but was able to it off at 9pm so we could go to the midnight mass together. It was beauitful and I'm so glad we did it even though we didn't get to sleep until almost 3! I can't say we'll be doing that very often in the next 25 years!

I missed not being with my parents and sister on Christmas Day, but we spent it with Jake's family so it was still a fun day!

And I know you were wondering what Diego thought of his first Christmas Christmas. He was slightly confused, but once his saw all of the new toys and bones in the wrapping paper, he figured it out! He may have gotten sick on Christmas from all the treats... Oops! 

And on a side note, Baby isn't even here yet and he was spoiled rotten for Christmas!

The fire department had their annual Christmas Firefighter's Ball which was a blast! The theme was the Roaring 20's...

So fun!

Jake and I celebrated our 2nd (official) wedding anniversary on the 30th by laying on the couch drinking Gatorade and watching Netflix. We both came down with the horrible norovirus that is going around. Fevers, chills, horrible stomach cramps, and things coming out both ends.  Sounds like a romantic day, huh? Ha! That's okay though, we're going to have a date night at some point and honestly I love him every day as much as I do on our anniversary, so I don't feel the need to do anything crazy! Although he did get me the most beautiful flowers I've ever seen. Love him.  

My birthday was pretty quiet... I was still recovering from the horrors of the stomach bug and Jake had to work :( Since my bday is on New Year's Eve, most of my friends were busy with their significant others, so Diego and I hung out together instead! I did have Breakfast with a good friend who was visiting and also visited Jake at the fire station with good friends of ours and their two adorable kiddos!

The rest of the day I worked on organizing the house. Since there was no birthday cake, I took it upon myself to eat some of this pint of deliciousness. 

Amazing.

I wish I could tell you we are ready for baby to arrive... But we are definitely not prepared at all! I bought a carseat last weekend so if he decides to come early (but please stay in the oven until at least 37 weeks, little Bambino!), at least he will have a way to get home! :)

His nursery hasn't been touched, but we're going to work on it this weekend!  My parents saved my baby crib so I get to use it for my own little one! If only we could figure out how to put it together... ;) My goal is to get it done in the next few weeks. I know baby won't sleep in there for a few months and most people say not to worry about it, but I have a feeling I won't want to touch the nursery once he's born! That, and right now the floor is covered in wedding decorations so it's time to get a move on! I'm ordering his crib bedding today (I love Etsy!) and I'm going to attempt to make a few wall hangings! 

Life's about to get crazy. I can't believe there are only 9 weeks until we become parents. So excited. 

I hope you all had a GREAT Christmas and New Years!