Week 29

How far along? 29 weeks 6 days

How big is baby? The size of an acorn squash!

Total weight gain/loss: Pffffffftttttsssssshhhhhhhhh. I don't know. And I'm okay with that. It's totally depressing. 

Maternity clothes? Still getting creative (what up day 24 of not having a washing machine...) SCO and I went shopping this weekend and I was trying on maternity clothes (obviously) and I just happened to be (mostly) naked and looking at my profile in the mirror - HOLY HELL I am getting huge. From the front I love my little baby bump, but from the side - watch out! That sucker will take you out. And it's only going to get bigger. 

Sleep: UGH! I had my first (what I'm assuming) ACTUAL contraction. It wasn't pretty. I had already made the mistake of staying up later than I should have (I know better) and then all of a sudden my stomach started hurting - and it was like my entire stomach was contracting and it spread all across my body and around my back - so basically everything was uncomfortable and painful. I tried sitting, standing, laying, walking, squatting, and pelvic rocking - no go. Well, maybe it wasn't a real contraction, but it wasn't round ligament pain, and it definitely wasn't a Braxton Hicks contraction. I was finally able to lay down in a position that didn't want to make me kill someone, and relax. The pain didn't go away entirely but I was able to go back to sleep. CRAZY, right? Relaxing and giving in really works (thank you charlie horses for the practice! Or I should say thank you RLS). Labor should be fun (because I know it's going to hurt 10 trillion times more than it did last night).

Best moment this week: Finishing the master bathroom! HOLLA! It looks AMAZING! Pictures will be coming soon I'm sure. 

I also had a meltdown at the insurance company who is responsible for fixing the washer. It was pretty bad. They kept saying "You don't understand how this process works!" To which I would say "uh, excuse me!? Want to try that again?" I know. Hateful. But I was angry and hormonal. I finally called the distribution center (where the piece is supposedly waiting to be made, so it can be shipped to the people fixing it) and they told me they had 24 in inventory and they could ship it to me right away -there was never a back order. Uh, excuse me? YEP! So I called the company back and they're "investigating the situation." FRUSTRATING. Especially since I'm not paying for it (which, okay, I am thankful for) but at the same time, I would rather pay out of pocket and get it fixed than wait for someone else to get their sh*t together.) 24 days. If it's not here by Wednesday (the part) the insurance company will file a claim to replace the entire washer (completely unnecessary in my opinion) which will take 48 hours to review, and then another week to install. Seriously. I can get the part for $50 bucks and have it over nighted to me and it could be done TOMORROW, but that's not their policy. Right? Not happy about it either. 

Kyle also got braces. That's a big deal. 24-28 months. Yay. He looks 15, which means I look 30. Cool. 

Movement: Not as often as before sadly. She still gets me pretty good sometimes, but it feels like she's running out of room to do her flip turns, so she feels pretty stationary in there for the most part. She's big enough that anytime she moves I can see her through my clothes though, which is fun (and entertaining when it happens at work while I'm training). 

Food cravings: Not really anything. I had Popeyes this week (for the first time in a while) and honestly it was AMAZEBALLS! I just love that place. I know I'm one of the 5 people in the world that feels that way, but it's so darn delicious! I am thankful that I have low sodium and I am supposed to up my salt intake! Total justification. :) 

Food aversions: Nada.

Gender: She's still a shee

Labor Signs: Please see 'Best moment of the week' question.

Pregnancy symptoms: Holy hormones! I can't win. Kyle can't win. But you know who is winning? Emerson. Because this kid gets what she wants, when she wants it. We're creating a monster already. Sorry universe. It takes a village, right? Hopefully someone in that village can say no to this kid. 

Belly button in or out? IN! THANK YOU SWEET BABY JESUS! And with only 10 weeks to go, I'm still feeling hopeful. 

What I miss: Not wanting to rip everyone's face off 98% of the time. Again, poor Kyle. But at the same time, it's not hard to say "You're pretty, and I love you. Let me rub your back for you while you watch House." Seriously. Not hard. Figure it out. 

What I am looking forward to: I'm scheduling all of these appointments (with the maternity care coordinator, and some other classes on breastfeeding and such). That's kind of cool. Also terrifying because that means she's really coming. YIKES! And by the time I post the next weekly update, it will be June. After June comes July. After July comes August. And she's due and the beginning of August. What? That's seriously like tomorrow.

Upcoming appointments/events: Friday, Friday, Gotta get down on Friday (sorry guys - do NOT youtube it if you don't get the reference. You'll hate me forever). 

Milestones: No ones life was ended because of my hormones. Check back next week... 

Week 28

How far along? 28 weeks 3 days

How big is baby? Eggplant - and I totally believe it. This kid is getting big! I can't believe that we evenutally get up to watermelon size. #theresnomoreroom

Total weight gain/loss: a solid 20 lbs. Sheesh.

Maternity clothes? Yep! But this weeks picture was taken in non maternity clothes! Holla. Since I've been wearing them while gaining weight, my guess is that they won't fit when I (eventually) get back to my pre-pregnancy size.

Sleep: Getting up multiple times to pee has started. It sucks. And it's annoying.

Best moment this week: Feeling Emmy move a lot more frequently. She is CRAZY active. It's fun and distracting. My favorite it laying in bed and watching her move around in there. And I've started on her nursery art. Originally I wanted to paint canvases with some of my favorite phrases, and then I remembered I can't paint. BUT Kyle can - and he has beautiful handwriting. So then I asked him to do it and he said that it wouldn't be exactly what I wanted. Unacceptable. SO I'm compromising and doing prints that I designed instead. I guess that's fine... :) I can't wait until the project is finished. I just have this VISION that I know will come together. 

Movement: It feels like she's vibrating in there. I seriously googled if babies could have seizures in the womb - turns out, they kind of can! I'll be adding this to my 'things to talk about' list with my midwife. 

Food cravings: Nothing in particular. I've become fond of gelato. 

Food aversions: Nada. I love everything (except popcorn. That's just gross)

Gender: Girl

Labor Signs: Braxton hixing it up like nobody's business! I feel like I could write this on my resume.

Pregnancy symptoms: Still tired, officially peeing a lot. Same stuff, different day. 

Belly button in or out? IN! But I have a feeling it's going to be peeking out soon. Yay. And by yay I mean I hate everything. ;) 

What I miss: Raw fish. Having a memory that lasts longer than the time it takes for me to write a post it note. 

What I am looking forward to: Knocking out some of the tasks on my to do list! It's getting longer by the day... 

Upcoming appointments/events: I feel like I seriously overwhelmed myself with my to do list. I have a home to do list (house projects), a work to do list, and then my baby to do list (classes to take/register for, baby shower list, things to purchase ourselves, etc.) Sheesh. I'm constantly whining to Kyle about how much stuff we have to do before she gets here and I finally sat down with him this weekend and wrote out what we were going to do and on what date. His response "YOU WANT ALL OF THIS DONE BEFORE SHE GETS HERE!?" Yep. Get to it buddy! I told you. We shouldn't have procrastinated. So now we're on project overload with all of our lovely guests coming to visit! (Starting this weekend) 

Milestones: Another week down :) I am so thankful for a high school friend who reached out to me about a breastfeeding support group she's a part of. She mentioned how helpful it was to her and how it encouraged her to continue to do what she thought was best for her baby. YES! That makes me happy! I know that the choices Kyle and I have made regarding our child aren't necessarily what everyone would chose, but we made educated decisions and we're doing what we feel is best with an open mind. I couldn't ask for a better support system or loving mate to walk this journey with me. 

Week 27

How far along? 27 weeks and 6 days!! 

How big is baby? The size of a rutabaga! Fun word, odd vegetable. 

Total weight gain/loss: 20 lbs... EEK! I really haven't changed what I've been eating, and for the most part I've been eating healthier (with the exception of my trip to Culvers for ice cream twice a month.)

Maternity clothes? The washer is still broken (yeah, I'm annoyed too) so I've had to become REALLY creative with my wardrobe. But yes, still rockin' the bump clothing.  

Sleep: Still good - but getting out of bed is BRUTAL (not the waking up part, but literally the rolling out of bed is getting more challenging. 

Best moment this week: I ran to Babies R Us to work on our registry for Emmy - and it was a lot of fun! I spent a lot of time hanging out in the gliders trying to figure out what I wanted and how much to spend. That's kind of a daunting task. I'm sure I won't spend much time in the glider in the first few months (what up co-sleeping!) but after that it would be nice for late night feedings.

At my doctors appointment I was measuring a week ahead, which is normal. We have a pretty good window for a our conception date, so my due date is fairly accurate. I asked her how long she would let me go before having me induced and she said that it was pretty much up to me, but they wouldn't allow past 42 weeks. That makes my heart so happy! I definitely want to give this kid some extra time to cook (again, I'll probably be changing my tune come July) if need be. I love being on the same page with her!! It just makes everything feel better. 

Movement: Like CRAZY! Kyle will put his head on my stomach and Em just kicks and kicks. My heart swells just watching it - she enjoys her personal space and the weight of his head is taking up too much of her room in there.  I had my appointment yesterday and my midwife asked if I knew where the head was vs the bottom, to which I had no idea) so she starts feeling and Emmy was not havin' it. She would rather be left alone in there thank you very much!!

Food cravings: Pancakes with strawberry syrup. Hardcore! And my breakfast this morning consisted of a Brown Sugar Cinnamon Poptart with guacamole - again, definitely a pre pregnancy food combination, but it was delicious. 

Food aversions: Eggs and shredded chicken.

Gender: Girly girl.

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks are a daily occurrence. 

Pregnancy symptoms: So irritable and irrational, but then I have times when I feel I am totally justified in what I'm feeling and Kyle disagrees. So it's hard to find that line. Just be nice to me. I'm pregnant and hormonal.

Something I've been super surprised I haven't experienced yet is constipation. That's been high (REALLY HIGH) on the list of things my friends warned me about. Maybe it's still coming? But I've been extremely lucky so far. I drink about a gallon of water a day (with the exception of this week - this week was bad H2O wise, but I'm getting back on track!). I also didn't mention this earlier, but I definitely have that line down my stomach. For some reason I thought it would show up on my top half? But I was wrong - it's my lower tummy. Thanks Em! 

Belly button in or out? Still in. Stetched! But in :) 

What I miss: Being able to get out of bed without grunting. 

What I am looking forward to: Getting more house stuff ready for Emmy's arrival!

Upcoming appointments/events: I'm officially going every TWO weeks now! HOW INSANE IS THAT!! (I'm doing this count out for my sake, not for yours, because I can't believe  how fast this is flying by!!) 30, 32, 34, 36, then weekly appointments. 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41. WHHHHAAAAAT!? For realzies? This pregnancy is practically over. I'm not ready!

Milestones: I survived the glucose testing! I'm not going to lie, it was really rough for me. REALLY TOUGH. I went on Saturday morning and fasted (the OB I saw last time told me I didn't have to fast, but I don't like to eat when I wake up anyway) thinking it would be easier to just get it over with that way. The only flavor they offer is orange - I hate all things orange. I've always struggled with orange flavored things. So she's taking all of my information and I'm trying to drink this awful stuff while it's burning my throat and I'm being hateful (anyone surprised here? NO? Didn't think so ;) ) but I finished it. Thankfully I ran into a friend of mine there so the hour went by REALLY fast :) My only issue was when she went to draw my blood she missed my vein. Her exact words were "I could lie to you and tell you your vein rolled, but honestly I'm just tired." Oh okay. At least she's honest. So she spent about 90 seconds digging around in there trying to find it. Honestly, it didn't hurt at all! This woman had clearly been doing this for many years and knew what she was doing. Whenever I go to my PCP and they have to draw blood, the tech is HORRIBLE at it. I mean, BAD! I have no issues with needles or blood draws, but I always get so nauseous and lightheaded when she does it. I was talking to my friend about this at the lab and she goes to the same place and AGREED! Another girl in our Bradley Classes goes to the same PCP and she said the same thing! I'm glad it's not just me! I'm not crazy :) 

Baby things I want and won't register for

This a a list for Kyle and I when we get a little closer to time. We're registering at two places, but these things aren't an option (because they aren't in stores or because I refuse to pay $14.00 for ONE onsie - ridiculous ;)  ) I'm sure this list will be ever growing (and updated since I'm sure I will be purchasing some of these myself). Happy browsing my unique taste in stuff I want for Em!

YES! SERIOUSLY (but really, we do)

Boppy Cover

Milkies! These things are supposedly AWESOME

Sound Machine Luke had - and I LOVED it. 

Ring Sling! You can never have too many 

Diaper bag. Actually, I think I will end up ordering this one myself!

I'm SHEEPY pajama set - in EVERY size

This just makes me giggle

Only with lavender instead of pink! 

At least I'm not alone...

What I miss about not being pregnant:

Week 26

How far along? 26 weeks and 4 days

How big is baby? Size of a head of lettuce (yuck!)

Total weight gain/loss: Whooo knows and whoooo cares!?

Maternity clothes? Yes, although those pants I am wearing in the picture on non maternity. Amazing what you can pull off when you have a broken washer with limited maternity clothes. If anyone suggests that I wash my own laundry by hand one more time, I will cut you. 

Sleep: I've had a few really good nights, and some REALLY bad nights as well. The heat has been MISERABLE, but again, I refuse to complain because I know this is just the tip of the iceberg (get it? Iceberg lettuce? Anyone? Anyone?)

Best moment this week: My favorite two year old's birthday party! Her mama is my oldest friend (18 years and counting) so it's always wonderful to see them. 

Movement: Roley poley oley! This kid is doing flip turns like CRAZY!

Food cravings: Nothing spectacular, just the regular 'everything sounds good.' I really wanted Mexican one night, and I haven't had Popeyes for weeks. I know, lame. 

Food aversions: Bananas that aren't super ripe. 

Gender: GIRL

Labor Signs: ... I've been dreading this day... But I've been having braxton hicks contractions like CRAZY lately. I know those aren't really labor signs, but it's kind of interesting feeling.

Pregnancy symptoms: I'm tired and grumpy. Hardcore motion sickness. Although I work for a hospital, my office is actually across the street at Crown Center, so the hospital provides shuttles (aka buses) back and forth - one of our normal drivers retired so we've had security filling in for us - and HOLY CRAP they drive SO fast and take turns at a ridiculously fast rate. It's annoying and I don't like it. 

Belly button in or out? Still in. 

What I miss: Not being grumpy all of the time. Having energy when I get off of work. Having clean clothes (thanks broken washer).

What I am looking forward to: Lunch.

Upcoming appointments/events: Glucose testing next week. YAAAAY. Not. 

Milestones: I made the second trimester my bitch! Now we're in the third and I am terrified. Can we rewind a little please? 

Week 25

How far along? 25 weeks! Because this took so long for me to post, you get 4 pictures!!! One for every day I was late :) I had the post ready to go, but I hadn't uploaded the pictures yet. You are welcome!

I need to stop wearing my regular shirts.

I have that hilarious gap at the bottom of my shirt that was not there pre-pregnacy. 

Kyle wanted in on my selfie.

So did Macy. There's a picture of Coop in the background too, but I don't look, um, nice, so this is the one you guys get! 

How big is baby? The size of cauliflower. Noms. 

Total weight gain/loss: Probably closer to 22 lbs now. If I gain how I'm supposed to, I have another 15 to go, which is a little over what I had hoped to stay at. Whoops! I like food. 

Maternity clothes? Yep. Just need some new shoes to wear with all of these dresses I have. 

Sleep: ROUGH! I've been feeling pretty yucky lately and there's a bug going around - I'm fairly confident that I caught it. It SUCKS. Hardcore. I don't like it. But what can you do? I've also been sick this week so I've been having a really hard time breathing (bronchitis is fun) so I'll wake up with a start trying to gasp for breath. It's awful. So of course waking up and you can't breath is scary so I get kind of worked up and Kyle has to talk me off my ledge and get me back to sleep. Great man that Mr. Deal. 

Best moment this week: I woke up in the middle of the night with a HORRIBLE charlie horse. And I didn't wake up when it was starting, I woke up RIGHT in the middle. So of course I'm panicking because I have no idea who's stabbing me in the leg at 3 am and I can feel my blood pressure rising and the pain is HORRIBLE because I wasn't expecting it. So I'm trying not to cry and make it go away when I remember that I read something about this - the Bradley method (our birthing method) focuses on relaxing during a contraction, rather than tensing up because of the pain and charlie horses are the PERFECT time to practice this. YES! Okay, I can do this. So I calmly climb out of bed, take a deep breath, and stand up. The pain immediately goes away as soon as I relax!! So I'm leaning on the wall taking deep breaths and that just happens to wake Kyle up. He asks if everything is okay (clearly it's not) and I quickly explain to him what happened when I relaxed and it was amazing and wonderful and maybe that's what labor will be like! His response is "Um, I'm pretty sure that's not quite how it works, but we can definitely work towards that." Oh how I love that man. 

Movement: Yep and it's AWESOME! My favorite thing is to make Kyle hang out with his hand on my belly to feel those movements. He's felt a couple of solid kicks, but most of the time when I ask if he felt that he says "I think so." I'll take it I suppose. 

Food cravings: Not really craving anything. Still happy with whatever. Oh, just kidding. I'm really into Frozen Yogurt right now. To be more specific, Culver's Frozen Yogurt Turtle Sundae. Um, yes. Please. It is so worth the 600 calories. Still turkey sandwiches - especially since I've been sick. That's really all I've wanted, and I won't allow myself to eat it. But last night Kyle and I went grocery shopping at Target (to price compare) and we found nitrate free lunch meat (and hot dogs!) OMG! I cannot WAIT to get home to devour that. I would have had a sandwich last night but I was too tired once we got home. I took a shower and immediately got into bed. Ugh. 

Food aversions: Nada

Gender: Girly girl

Labor Signs: .

Pregnancy symptoms: I have a witching hour - from 8-9pm. I am just straight up hateful. It's because I'm so tired. I'm fine as long as we're home, but if we're out - pheweee watch OUT! We were having a grand ol' time last night but all of a sudden, I was done. Mentally and physically done. 

Belly button in or out? Still in - looking a little flatter these days. 

What I miss: Not being tired all of the time, sleeping through the night, not being as cranky (let's be honest, I'm ALWAYS cranky). 

What I am looking forward to: NOT my glucose test. Hitting my third trimester next week. WOOT!

Upcoming appointments/events:Still a few weeks to go! 

Milestones: I survived the week! 

Hilarious moment that was not funny when it happened but it is funny now: So Kyle and I decided to take Sophie out for surprise ice cream after her bath - not something I would normally be up for, but in the case, it was actually my idea!! (Probably a craving). So we hit up DQ and I order a Turtle Sundae. They make me a blizzard. Um, no. Not what I asked for. So Kyle gets me a new one. Again, not what I ordered. THEY PUT SHELL ON TOP OF MY ICE CREAM INSTEAD OF HOT FUDGE!? Seriously? That is not what I asked for. That's just disgusting. No. So I refuse to eat it and the ice cream tastes horrible (I just don't like DQ ice cream.) I'm really not an ice cream fan at all, but it is what it is I suppose. Now we know that we only go to Culver's for my 600 calorie treats.