25 Weeks!

Still an eggplant- but now she weighs 2 pounds!

Far Along?  25 weeks, 6 days!  So pretty much 26 weeks, which means I am one week and a day away from 3rd trimester... can't believe it has flown by this quickly!  And even harder to believe is that Ledoux will be here in 3 months.. or possibly less!

Total weight gain/loss: Weighed myself this morning, no more weight gain this week.  +6 pounds... and I am almost to 3rd trimester-  I am starting to wonder if I am gaining enough weight?  I suppose my doctor would tell me, and she hasn't said anything... I actually think that since I got pregnant, I have been so healthy and worked out so regularly (4x a week, every week, 2-3 miles a night) that I have lost fat and so the weight I have gained with the baby has evened it all out.  Works for me. And for those of you who don't believe me when I say i have my treadmill firmly planted in my living room, here is the proof!  Best idea ever- maybe not the best decor, but this baby gets used alot.  When I am sitting on the couch, it makes me feel guilty for not being on it.  And i have a little mini calendar posted on the wall so that I can see how many days I have worked out this week, and for how long/distance.  It holds me accountable!

Complete with my starbucks iced tea, lol!

 

Maternity clothes? I love maternity clothes.  I fought it as long as possible, but these maternity yoga pants, leggings and shirts are so stinking comfy.  I still am not wearing maternity jeans/work pants, my work pants actually still fit from pre-preggo days, probably because they are so low rise and my belly is higher up.  And for my jeans, I just rock the belly band. 

Stretch marks? I checked last night, and nothing to be found!  wahoo!

Size of Baby (in produce)?  She is still an eggplant this week, just a heavier and longer one.  She is 9.2 Inches long and 2 pounds this week.

Sleep:  Doing ok here- my belly hurts (the round ligament pain i have been reading about) which makes it hard to get comfy at first, but im sleeping ok.  I find myself waking up in the middle of the night to pee, and not being able to get back to sleep for an hour or so, but I will live. 

Best moment this week:  I finally caught Ledoux's acrobatics on video!  I was laying in Lee's lazy boy and she started moving all over the place, and I grabbed the flipcam and got about a minute and a half recorded.  The best part was when I said "Ledoux, say hi to your daddy!" and my whole stomach starting moving.  I think Lee liked it :)  I can't wait for him to get home and see it in person, now that she is getting heavier, it is quite the sight to watch! 

Miss Anything? This week, I really missed having someone to sit in the garage and drink wine with, while we ranted about politics.  There were some political issues that came up this week in the news that really got me fired up, and Lee and I used to sit in the garage, drink, and bitch about it together!  LOL- it wasn't the same ranting and raving over the phone, minus the wine.  It's the little things... 

Movement: Non stop.  Trying to pay attention to any patterns- but so far, it seems pretty random.  She is always moving at night though- i can expect to feel her starting at about 9 or 10 pm, and every time i wake up at night, she is moving.

 

Food cravings:  Lee was able to have a burger one night this week, so I felt that that entitled me to have one too.  I discovered these wonderful mini-ice cream cones at trader joes this week, they are the size of my thumb and only 70 calories, so those are my fave pre bedtime snack to reward myself for working out.  Other than that, I continue my addiction to Starbucks iced tea.

New Additions? I actually didn't do any baby shopping this week. I am waiting to get the carseat/stroller combo until May, and I won't get a glider in the nursery until June when my parents come again.  Other than that, I am pretty set for now so I am just saving money to live on during maternity leave.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

 

Have you started to show yet:  Yep.

 

Gender: Girl!

Pregnancy related gripes? Still getting these freaking charlie horses.  So annoying.  And the round ligament pain under my belly- it feels like I did 500 sit ups and tore a muscle- it is so sore all the time.  It makes it a little painful to get in and out of bed. 

 

Labor Signs: No
 

Belly Button in or out? In, but i checked it this morning, and its quite a bit more shallow than it used to be.
 

Wedding rings on or off? On
 

Happy or Moody most of the time: I was all over the place this week.  (See the previous post I did yesterday for more details on this.)  I just feel like no one really gets how hard it is being here, alone, pregnant with baby #1, while Lee is in Afghanistan.  I put on a pretty brave face at work, but it's starting to get to me- its really hard.  And the bigger i start to get (which also brings more uncomfortable-ness), the more frustrated I get that no one really gets the situation I am in. or even cares for that matter.   It sucks. And it's just not just hard for me, its hard on lee too- which makes me even more sad. I am so lucky to have Lee, who does all he can to support me however he can.  So... to sum it up, this week I have been sad.  I am making the best of a shitty situation, but will be so thankful the day Lee gets off that airplane and is home safe.

 

Looking forward to: Tucson this weekend to see my fam and celebrate my dad's big 6-0, and my friend Heidi is coming to visit in June!  I also have my doctor appointment this week, which as weird as it sounds, I like!

Other news? We have surpassed the halfway mark for Lee getting home!!  Let's hope these next 3 months (or less) FLY BY!  I need my honey home! And the doggies sure do miss him!

 

Want to get on a pregnant ladies bad side? Here's how!

Alright, after this past week, I felt the overwhelming need to vent a little bit about what you should NEVER say to a pregnant lady.  And yes, every single one of these things have happened to me this week- in one form or another. 

1.)  "You're huge!" Or "Your getting so big!" Or any comment about how big she is. Women are sensitive about this sort of thing even when they're not pregnant, so to say it when she's knocked up? Not a good idea. If you absolutely must comment on her appearance, focus on something positive that has nothing to do with weight. Leave out any comment that refers to size, shape, or swelling. K thanks. I feel very good about my amount of weight gain thus far, but I still feel like a heffer sometimes.  So to comment on my weight/size of belly or anything else is just plain mean. And while we are talking about weight, just because she wants to finish her dinner with an extra chocolate brownie and a huge milkshake on the side, doesn't mean you should act like Dr. Phil and lecture her on what she should and shouldnt eat. She probably knows it. Its ok to indulge once in a while.

2.) Anything that starts with "When I was pregnant I never did that..." or any other form of trying to tell me what I should or should not be doing. This is specifically dedicated to a few people  at work that try and tell me everything i should never do...because when they had babies, they would never have done it. You shouldn't eat that, you shouldn't do that, you can't carry anything, caffeine is bad for the baby, etc.  I am so over people trying to tell me what I should do... I know my body, I know my limits, and I talk to my doctor about what I can and cannot do.  So keep your opinions to yourself! (Ok this came off a little rude, but seriously people... i get an opinion everyday!)  Example: I walked into starbucks today, and my bump was obvious, and these two over 40 year old women were starting at me like i was the spawn of satan for even thinking about ingesting a starbucks while preggo- well newsflash ladies- decaf is ok.  iced tea is ok.  and believe it or not, you CAN have caffeine when preggo, just not as much as you used to.  Another example? I shouldn't put my arms above my head or I might get my baby's umbilical cord wrapped around her neck and strangle her.  Come on people, get a hobby.  

3.) I lost all my baby weight within a month. Well, good for you, but it's not the same for everyone. Mama has enough to worry about, so no need to add another thing to stress over.  I will lose the weight, but I am sick of hearing all of these miracle stories of the baby coming and the weight coming off in 2 days.  Its like setting myself up for failure- when it doesn't happen, I will be freaking out. And gosh, I haven't even had the baby yet!  Not to mention most of the people saying this are those freaks of nature who never gain weight anyway, or who say they lost all the weight (but actually are 250 lbs and lying to themselves).

4.) "You need to take it easy" or any other comment referring to me being a form of handicap because I am preggo.  I appreciate it when people try and help, but i can carry the gallon of milk.  Also, pregnancy doesn't equal laziness, at least not with me. I sometimes wish I could be more lazy, but I am doing this alone.  I will continue working out 4 times a week until it is no longer possible, I will continue to mow my lawn, take out trash, and do everything else i have always done.  It seems as if people all forget that I am by myself- so it's either I do it, or it doesn't get done.  I was mowing my lawn today, and a car drove by and the lady looked appalled that I was out in shorts and a tank top, preggo, doing lawn work.  What do they expect- I lay on my couch all day? (which i did do today, but not until after I finished my chores).

5.) It's because you're hormonal. It's never a good idea to bring up the topic of hormones to a woman who probably has raging hormones. Period. I joke about being hormonal, and if I bring it up, then its ok to laugh.  But you bring it up to me?  Don't do it.  And yes- for the record, I am- which means my mood can (and probably will) change on a dime.  The only other person that can talk to me about my hormones is my husband, who is the only person who can make me laugh in a time of major hormonal overload.  Thank GOD for him!  I fully acknowledge that some women truly are hormonal and might overreact to a situation. (Insert my picture here the last couple of days) But pregnant women in general get labeled as "hormonal" or "emotional" at the slightest sign of emotion, even if the other person is acting like a completely annoying jackass. So if you are being an annoying jackass, and then call the pregnant woman hormonal when she gets annoyed or mad at you, then just be prepared for the consequences.

6.) Wow you must be due really really soon!  There's nothing more annoying than having to clarify that you've got another 3 or 4 months to go. Seriously, if you don't know the due date, don't make this comment. And for the love of God, don't follow it up with "wow you've got 4 months still?? your baby is going to be a big one." Because due to my HORMONES, I might follow up your talking with a punch in your face.

7.) I had a friend that miscarried at 25 weeks/lost her baby during delivery/said that deliver was the worst pain the world and she barely lived through it.  Every pregnant woman knows that not every baby conceived is going to come into the world perfectly healthy, and every pregnant woman knows labor and delivery will probably not be a pain free experience. And yes, we know labor is going to be difficult, we don't need to hear all about yours/your friends/your cousin's sisters brothers friend's and everything that went terribly wrong. Nothing productive will come of this conversation, so please don't upset me by telling her horror stories. Seriously, what are you trying to accomplish?

8.) Was this planned? Were you guys trying? No, I was wasted and being utterly irresponsible, and now I am knocked up with a love child.  (which for the record is not the case with me, at least the irresponsible part love child part- I was on the pill! ) Are you serious people?  Why would you ask this question?  One- it is none of your business, two- there is no way for a pregnant lady to gracefully answer this question if it was not planned.

9.) Wow! Are you so excited? I bet this is the best time of your life!  Yes, somedays I am excited. And for some people, being pregnant probably is a joyous time.   But if you ask this question on a day where I am feeling scared, anxious, and/or nervous, this question makes me feel down right shitty and guilty if I am not feeling that way today. And for me, this would be the best time of my life if Lee was here, but having my husband in Afghanistan adds a lot of weight on my shoulders when it comes to being excited and enjoying this time.  It is 100% normal for us preggos (especially with our first) to feel a range of emotions- literally go from excited and making plans for family traditions, to scared shitless and sure I am going to be the worst mother alive and ruin my child.  I have felt all emotions, and when people ask me "How excited you are" it really makes me uncomfortable if that day I am feeling nervous. or scared.  or anything else. 

 And lastly- Don't walk up to a pregnant lady and start touching her belly.  Unless I know you and we are friends, keep your hands off.  I wouldn't walk up to you and touch your belly, would i? 

24 Weeks!

almost 25 weeks! There is an eggplant sized baby in there!

Far Along?  24 weeks, 6 days!  Trying to enjoy the last couple weeks of 2nd trimester!  I hear 2nd trimester is the honeymoon stage of pregnancy... and once you enter the 3rd, its all downhill! EEK!

Total weight gain/loss:I finally sucked it up and weighed myself yesterday morning, and to my pleasant surprise, i'm only about a half pound up since my last doctor appointment!  So, to round up, I am +6 pounds.  Still pretty dang good!!

 

Maternity clothes?Sad to report that I have officially given in.  Thursday, my pants fit (a little snug, but they fit dangit!) and Friday morning, they wouldn't button.  I doubt she grew enough over night to make a huge difference, but like my dad said- maybe the way she was laying in there had something to do with it?  Needless to say, I had to use the good old rubberband trick, and the belly band is officially in use.  Still wearing my old jeans thanks to the wonderful belly band!!  I also bought some new workout pants, as my fave nike ones are starting to feel a little too tight for comfort.

Stretch marks? ZERO!

Size of Baby (in produce)?  She is an eggplant this week, weighing it at 1.7 pounds or so. 

Sleep: Its starting to get a little more difficult to get comfy- but once I am asleep, I am out.  I have noticed I have starting getting tired alot more too.  

Best moment this week:  This week was pretty uneventful in terms of cooking the baby.  But I am pretty excited about all the lawn work I got done yesterday- I was in full on nesting mode- only in the backyard hah!  I was a lawn mowing, weed killing, throwing away junk cleaning machine.  Our yard looks very nice, if I do say so myself.  And.... I got a nice shade of red from being outside all afternoon! Fingers crossed it turns to tan, but I usually just get a couple more freckles and fade back to pale white.  I also had a pretty good laugh yesterday when lee filled me in on what he has learned from the new book he is reading- a Caveman's Guide to Pregnancy.  The book compares men to different animals, and apparently Lee is equivalent to the red fox (or is it coyote?) because it goes out and does all the hunting while the wife (or female fox/coyote) is pregnant, and brings her back the fresh kill.  HAH- in a weird way, this sounds about right.  I also sent him the "dads playbook to labor and birth" which is a book written in football terms for guys to make it through labor. 

Miss Anything? Lee.  Lee.  Lee.  I didn't crave red wine that much this week, mostly just my honey.

Movement: All the time.  My new favorite thing is laying in bed watching my stomach move- I keep trying to catch it on camera to send to lee, but every time i get started recording, she stops moving.  I am going to get it sooner or later- I want him to see how crazy it is!

 

Food cravings:Nothing too crazy this week.  I thought I wanted Oggis pizza Friday night, but as soon as I got it, I decided I would rather have cereal, so who knows?  I am a pretty big fan of jamba juice these days- and so is ledoux, she starts moving around alot after I drink one!

New Additions? I didn't have much progress on baby shopping this week thanks to having to pay a ridiculous amount of money for taxes and registration for my car and lee's harley... ughhhh.  this didn't leave a whole lot of extra money to buy baby things this month- although I did get a nice, dark wood baby gate for Ledoux's room so that we can leave the door open, but the dogs cannot go in there.  It swings open/shut, which will be nice.  Now I just need Lee or my Dad to install it- i am not going to trust myself mounting a gate with power tools.  I also got more diapers- I have quite the stash in the closet.  Goal: to have enough diapers/wipeys for her first few months so we don't have to buy any.  Maternity leave and little $ (since I won't be at work) means I need to do all the saving I can now. My stand in baby daddy Christi got ledoux the CUTEST little osh kosh bgosh outfit, and one of the ladies from work brought me a bunch og baby girl goodies that she can't use anymore (her little one isn't so little anymore) so we got a bouncer, a tummy time thing, a jumper, lots of swaddle clothes, blankets and nap sacks!

Thanks friend!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

 

Have you started to show yet:  Yep.

 

Gender: Girl!

Pregnancy related gripes? Nasty charlie horses still- in the middle of the night.  Everytime i stretch out my legs I get them.  And I also now know what heartburn is- I have never had heartburn in my life until the last week or two.  I hate it.  I have noticed that I have to start taking it a little more easy- when I am super busy at work or pushing myself too hard, my whole body aches. 

 

Labor Signs: No
 

Belly Button in or out? In
 

Wedding rings on or off? On
 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Only cried once this week!  Wahoo!  Hormones must be getting normal (or somewhat normal!)  I haven't had time to be happy or sad this week, work is so busy I don't have time for anything!

 

Looking forward to: Tucson is 2 weeks- it will be a really quick trip since I am not taking any time off until baby comes, and I have to hire a dogsitter, so I will only be gone Friday night- Sunday morning.  But I am excited to see my bros!

Other news?  Lee  adopted a new pet for us in Afghanistan- his name is Frank.  He even built Frank a nice little hotel complete with a little cave.  And to top it off, he let's Frank out for 'recess'.  Did I mention Frank is a dung beetle? LOL.  My husband must be getting bored :)  They let Frank go this week, thank goodness, I didn't really want to welcome a beetle to our home.  

Frank the beetle

Pregnancy Brain: The only myth is that it does't exist!

That's it- after today, I felt the need to have a whole post dedicated to nothing but Pregnancy Brain. Having experienced it three seperate times today alone, I am throwing my hands up in frustration and have realized there is nothing I can do- I have contracted the terrible thing called preggo brain.  Best described as living in a constant fog (and feeling like a total ditzo!) So what happened today that has pushed me over the edge and prompted me to dedicate an entire post to this topic?  For starters, I forgot about a very important commitment that i had made last week for work today and didn't even remember it.  Then, I forgot where I was driving to this morning (I was supposed to be going to work) and ended up at the Target parking lot before I realized I had completely no idea how I had gotten there (seriously no clue!)  Lastly, i completly forgot about a 12 page paper due tonight in my ECE class- and have spent the last 3 hours trying to put it together. (Notice now I am blogging instead of writing my paper...)   My husband thought it wasn't real when I first got pregnant, but there is no denying it now.  Pregnancy brain is real, and might be the worst side effect of being knocked up so far..  so this is my fair WARNING, and information for those of you that are or want to be preggo in the future.

• Some other names for Pregnancy Brain are:
  
• baby brain
• mommy brain
• pregnancy amnesia
• momnesia

Pregnancy Brain — What It Is

Pregnancy-induced brain fog, a true (and truly frustrating) hallmark of pregnancy. You may forget appointments, what you just walked into the store for, where you left your purse, whether you turned off the stove — and maybe, your phone number. 

Pregnancy Brain — What Causes It

As usual in pregnancy, it's just your pregnancy hormones having some fun, this time at the expense of your memory. And believe it or not, your brain-cell volume actually decreases during the 3rd trimester (which could explain why you can't remember what you just read about in that last paragraph). Not to worry, your brain will plump back up a few months after delivery. 

Pregnancy Brain — What You Need to Know

First of all, pregnancy forgetfulness is completely normal — and extremely common. It's also temporary — you'll have total recall again long before you start to have your "senior moments." And try not to be too hard on yourself, as stress will only cloud your pregnancy brain even more.

Pregnancy Brain — What You Can (and Can't) Do About Forgetfulness During Pregnancy

• Write it down. If you really need to remember something — an appointment or to take your prenantal for example — leave a big note in an obvious place. You might also stash a notepad and pen in easy-to-remember spots like your purse, your car, and your bathroom.
• Turn high tech — using your Blackberry, laptop, or other electronic organizer to help keep you, well, organized and less forgetful. 
• Reduce the number of things you need to remember — cut down on what you're responsible for by delegating some jobs to others. Easier said than done, but worth a go. (You'll forget about the less important stuff, anyway.) 
• Have a sense of humor about this airhead stage and encourage your partner to do the same. Who cares if you left the car keys in the refrigerator? 
• Forget about taking the herbal supplement gingko biloba. This "memory-booster" has not been proven safe for use during pregnancy. 
• Expect the haze to hang in during the first weeks after you give birth..

23 Weeks!

Far Along?  23 weeks, 6 days!  Another week down!

Total weight gain/loss: +5 pounds total last I checked.  To be honest, I haven't stepped on the scale this week.  I was going to weigh myself this morning before my latest blog- but I decided against it because I ate wayyy too many carbs last night (and I am certain the scale will reflect that this morning!) 

 

Maternity clothes?  I wore my maternity leggings again all weekend, and have bought a couple maternity tank tops I like to wear because they are longer- my other ones aren't quite long enough now that my belly has started growing.

Stretch marks?  Still nothing!

Size of Baby (in produce)?  Ledoux is the size of an ear of corn this week, at/around 1.5 pounds!

Sleep:  No problemo-s, I am so tired all the time i usually fall asleep pretty quick.  And now that my parents rotated my mattress for me, i am sleeping like a baby!  

Best moment this week:  My parents came again!  I am so thankful that i have them to come see me- because it isn't easy for me to be able to leave san diego (it costs an arm and a leg to find someone to watch a great dane and a grumpy old boxer that takes medicine twice a day ...) My mom's birthday is today (Happy Birthday!) so we went and got her hair done yesterday and did a little shopping.  

The Chandelier is hung!

We (we =my dad ) got the chandelier hung in the nursery, and did some other things around the house to help me while mom and i shopped.  The three of us drove up north a ways and got a really nice changing table/dresser off craigslist.  The lady paid $850 for it, and we got it for $75!  It has a couple little scratches, but for $75, who cares!  The nursery is now 85% complete, the only things left to purchase are a glider and a crib.  The crib will not be purchased until Lee gets home so that he can have a say and help put it together.  I am pretty excited that my nursery has some pretty high end stuff in it, yet I have spent very little to make it happen--all thanks to craigslist and other mom's who went crazy and bought stuff that they can no longer use.  Thanks and thanks!

Changing table- but needs some decor!

New additions this week: In addition to the changing table, Ledoux got a package in the mail from Grandma and Grandpa Abel (and John and Tucker)!  Can we say spoiled little girl!?!?! Her closet is so full already!  I love it- Lee said he is screwed, he is going to be living out of the downstairs coat closet before long (that's what he gets with two girls who LOVE clothes!)

 

New things from the Abels!

The closet is starting to fill up!

Next on my list of Needs: I am researching car seats- trying to decide between infant and convertible ones, and which brand I want.  I have narrowed it down to Britax, Gracco Snugride, and the Chicco keyfit... so many decisions!  I definitely want one that snaps in/out of the car and stroller.  I am seriously considering buying an infant carseat on craigslist (since they only last up to 30 lbs) and then buying a new one when Ledoux is a bit bigger... but we will see.  I also need to get the changing table topper and a cute pad- I have one picked out at pottery barn I think I am going to buy.  Lastly, I need to get a breast pump, and those little boogers are a pretty penny- I want to get the Medela one, which is $250-$350-- has great reviews and is super easy to use (and I am all about convenience!)  I have decided that I am done buying clothes, since she is has so many already and will continue getting cute stuff as gifts- so I will focus on buying the big ticket items.  I also buy a pack of diapers and wipeys every weekend, so the closet is getting pretty stocked on size 1 and nb diapers.

Miss Anything? I will give a two guesses.  Did you guess Lee and red wine?  Yep, thats what I miss.  In that order.  Can't wait until I can have both, together!

Movement: She is in there for sure- she was pretty quiet for a few days, I didn't feel alot of movement from her, but that could have also been because I was so stinkin' busy at work- it was a week of non-stop meetings and events.  She was probably moving as much as always, but I just didn't notice.

 

Food cravings:I crave random things at random times.  Until this weekend, I have been really good at NOT giving in to anything.  Since my parents were here and it was my mom's birthday, I let myself cut loose a little bit- we went to Bucca de peppo last night for dinner and then i ordered dessert to go- the most AMAZING things called Fijeroles (or something...)  they are little cream puffs with chocolate.  I thought I had died and went to heaven.  And Ledoux liked them too- she starting moving around after I gulfed them down!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

 

Have you started to show yet:  For sure.

 

Gender: Girl!

Pregnancy related gripes? This week was pretty rough- I really felt pregnant this week.  My back was killing me all week, and between that and just being sooo tired, I haven't been the happiest camper.  Hopefully it doesn't last, I still have a few months to go!  Baby Brain is is full effect- I feel kind of like i live in a constant fog- so weird.

Labor Signs: No
 

Belly Button in or out? In
 

Wedding rings on or off? On
 

Happy or Moody most of the time: The week was a little rough because I was tired and achy and grumpy, but I was happy this weekend when my parents were here! (Even though I had random, crazy, pregnancy induced moments).  For example: I was making enchiladas for dinner Friday night for my parents, and I totally flipped out (cuss words and all) when my tortilla broke.  After 2 minutes of freak out, I realized I was being crazy and apologized.  Gosh.

 

Looking forward to: heading to Tucson in 3 weeks.  It is a quick trip- leave Friday pm and come back Sunday am, but my brothers will all be there and I really wanted to be able to see them.  I have a dog sitter coming to stay the night at the house with the dogs, and although I am not excited to have to pay her, it will be nice to be a way for a day (thats about the longest I can afford to go right now!)

Other news?  Looking like my honey will be home before Ledoux comes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Fingers crossed, but I am more optimistic than last week.  

Hey dad!  Miss you!

Hey dad! Miss you more!

22 Weeks- Happy Easter!

Belly is getting bigger!

Far Along?  22 weeks, 6 days!  According to my Mayo Clinic Pregnancy book, I am officially 6 months!!!!

Total weight gain/loss: +5 pounds total.  I asked my doctor this week how I am doing, and she said that I am doing a good job keeping the weight off (wahoo!) but that wouldn't last much longer.  Ledoux is supposed to double in size over the next 3-4 weeks.  She also told me that I should expect to be +20 or so by the time I am full term- because all the baby, and stuff associated with baby in me weighs 17-20 pounds on average.  Whoa baby!  As long as all of it is weight gain associated with that, and not FAT, than it is fine with me!

 

Maternity clothes? This weekend was the first time I actually couldn't hide the bump- she has 'popped'.  That being said, I didn't get out of my gap maternity leggings because they are so stinking comfy.  Other than those though, I haven't worn any other official maternity clothes.  Luckily, I have alot of cute tops that accommodate the belly (and will for a while longer) so I don't have to worry about getting alot of new stuff to wear.  I just wish I could either wear my leggings to work, or work from home, so that I could stay comfy.

Stretch marks? Nope, keeping a close eye and using my cocoa butter every night.  So far, so good!

Size of Baby (in produce)?  Mango!  However, a mango seems smaller than last week's spaghetti squash... but whatever.  Another book says she is the exact replica of you and i- only in doll size.  She is a little over 8 inches long, and has tipped the scales at over one pound.  

This is Ledoux this week- only she is way cuter than this baby

Sleep: No sleep issues here!  My back has been hurting at the end of the day, so I have a really long heating pad I lay on, and it puts me right to sleep- it must be the heat that makes me tired.  

Best moment this week:   I had my doctor's appointment this week!  It sounds so crazy, but I actually really like going to the doctor.  The baby has now reached the size that we can hear her heart beat with a stethoscope from outside my belly- crazy.  Her little heart is a beatin' too, and she was moving and grooving when we tried to hear it.  The doctor was trying to count heartbeats, and Ledoux kept moving and turning around so she had to keep starting over.  my doc  is really nice- as I would hope baby doctor's would be, but she answers all my dumb questions.  Questions I had this week: 

1.) why has my due date changed 3 times? Answer: because baby is growing faster than the "norm", meaning she may come earlier than our projected date or be a large baby....eeek!

2.) when it gets closer to the time, can I just schedule my delivery?  Long answer: yes- but she won't let me do it yet.  I wanted to get an answer to this question just in case lee isn't back- so that I can plan on having my family here for support.  Being the total crazy person I am, all I can think about is the baby deciding to come and me being alone- and having to go over to my neighbor's house to drive me to the hospital, lol.  My doctor also said that it is my choice with pain meds, how I want to baby to come (csection vs natural) etc.  She is pro-me, and I like that!  my hospital is also a no-pain hospital, so as soon as I want pain meds, they give them to me (no waiting for an epidural for this girl!)

3.) when should I find a pediatrician and can she give me referrals?   Turns out there is an office of pediatricians right across the hall from my doctor, and all of them take my insurance with no problemo-s, so i will talk to them and hopefully find one I like

Miss Anything? My husband.  Usually with deployments, every week that goes by it gets easier- but this time, every week that goes by gets harder and harder.

Movement: Of course- she is packing a little more a punch this week.  Boy am I in trouble for when she actually weighs more than a pound.  I can actually lay down still and see my tummy move when she kicks now- and feel it from the outside. 

 

Food cravings: Everything, but I am not giving in!  I dont want it to all go to Ledoux's hips, haha. Last night, in the course of a 45 minute conversation with my honey, I craved wendys, almost got up and went to the store to buy chocolate cake, and then i wanted fried cheese sticks dipped in raspberry jam.  By the end of the conversation, I had decided that I didn't think my life would go on without a bag of lays potato chips and a piece of chocolate cake... together.  Luckily, Lee read up on how to quell those cravings, and he coached me through just saying no.  I ended up having a 90 calorie fiber bar, a bottle of water and reorganizing my closet.  thanks babe- i feel much better this morning for NOT eating all that crap (and making room in my closet for new clothes- bonus!)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

 

Have you started to show yet:  ohhhh yea.

 

Gender: Girl!

Pregnancy related gripes? I am getting terrible leg cramps- charlie horses in the middle of the night that hurt sooo bad.  My book says it is common and there isn't much I can do- drink more water is all they suggest.  My back is also starting to ache by the end of the day- which I expected to happen once baby starting growing and shifting around.  thank goodness for my heating pads. 

 

Labor Signs: No
 

Belly Button in or out? In
 

Wedding rings on or off? On
 

Happy or Moody most of the time: I've bee a little better this week- I think I only cried twice because I missed my honey.  Trying to keep it in is the hardest- because I could easily cry everytime I talk to him.  But its hard on him when I am sad and he can't do anything to help... so I try and fight it as best i can.

 

Looking forward to: my parents are coming again this weekend!!!  wahoo!  its also my mother's bday, so i am going to bring her down to my hair stylist to get a do.  I am pretty excited to see the new treasures they have for Ledoux- my dad might have one of the best: an autographed Chris LeDoux picture for her bedroom!  Pretty stinkin excited about that. 

Chris LeDoux print

Other news?  Lee got some optimistic news this week- that there is a good chance he will be home for everything!!!  I, of course, starting balling my eyes out that there is even a chance.  Fingers crossed, but I am still not going to get too excited until July when he is actually on a plane, coming home.  please please please let him be home- gosh, i cannot imagine doing that without him.