50% baked.

No, not like that. Silly. I mean I am over the halfway point with 19 weeks LEFT to go. and I thought it was definitely WAY PAST TIME to start documenting this pregnancy.

Give me two weeks and I will have the cutest video to share with you. Of Eliana and her new... that's the surprise part!!!

So I hope you are ready for a series of bathroom selfies.

Here is the lowdown on this pregnancy:

Sleep: So far so good. I wake up a few time during the night for tums and more water. And sometimes to pee. Duh. But I am still sleeping most of the night.

Cravings: I want salt. Which gives me heartburn (yes already). But otherwise, nah I'm good.

Feeling: Great. I actually really like being pregnant. At this point. Wait another 15 weeks and the story changes drastically.

Movement: Baby 2.0 moves a lot. All day long. And Baby 2.0 kicks hard. I think Matt will be able to feel it soon. Way sooner than with Eliana.

What's going on inside the belly:  
Week 21: B2.0 is about the size of a carrot and should weigh about 10.5 ounces. There is lots happening to the digestive system, bone marrow, liver, and spleen. And B2.0 is growing eyebrows (not that we will get to see them for a few more years - E doesn't have them either).

So there you go. A quick recap of my world. According to my belly button.

Weeks 36, 37, & 38

Pregnancy: This post started at 36 Weeks, 90% cooked. But at 38 Weeks, we are 95% cooked.

Weight Gain: I had gained 38 pounds at 36 weeks. And for real, that was the last time I weighed myself. I am no longer interested at all. 

Measurements: My uterus is measuring right on track each week. Nice! And her head was already down at 36 weeks! At this point we are starting to guestimate her weight - right around 7 pounds last week.

Sleep: Yea no. Last night I didn't at all. Seriously not even exaggerating at all. I even tried adding another pillow - making the total 5. Between my knees, under the belly, behind my back, and two for my head. The bed looks inhabited all the time - there is almost a third person in there... in the bed, not my belly. And now I snore. Great. 

Cravings: I eat a lot of cereal. It is my dessert every night. Otherwise, I am avoiding foods because the heartburn sucks. I have gone through almost 600 TUMS in the last few months.  

Feeling: My back just started hurting full time. My lower back just feels tight. I have tried better sneakers. My back just hurts.

Movement: All the time. 

What's going on inside the belly:  

Last 3 weeks: You do know that all the information I give you here is from my phone right? None of it is exact or about me at all. But she is gaining weight. That's all. Getting plumper and gaining some insulation for when she decides to make her grand entrance. 

What's going on outside the belly:  We have had our last baby shower. And we are seriously getting ready for Baby Girl to show up. So many things got crossed off the list this week!

Sunday into Monday this week was very exciting. We went to birthing class Sunday afternoon. Started having contractions. I tried to sleep them off. We went to the hospital Monday morning. We were sent home 2 hours later. And I was told to rest. The afternoon was blissfully uneventful by comparison. Thank goodness. I have been having slight contractions all week. They are consistent and come at regular intervals (at times) but not strong enough to do anything productive. 

I am trying to make time for myself and do things I love. See people I love. Talk to people I miss. And take care of my ankles and back. I am trying to keep the backache down and the swelling down. But it is so hard. Next week we are talking about bedrest....

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete but I googled some things we need to do. And it keeps getting longer and shorter. So not so bad. And I have been crossing things off the list too. 

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need (I actually did this!!!!!!!!!)
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician 
• find a lactation specialist (there is one at the hospital)
• get a car seat
• install car seat
• get clothing
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• get wipes
• get a diaper bag for me
• get a diaper bag for Matt
• get a stroller
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (an express class without all the videos)
• sign up for a breastfeeding class (or with the personal consultant)
• FINISH LEAVE PAPERWORK (sick, union, disability)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• make a contact list for someone else to send out when Baby Girl arrives
• make plans with the Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles for when Baby Girl arrives
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• impatiently wait for Baby Girl to arrive

Weeks 34 & 35

Oh lord only 6 5 weeks left!!! So exciting!!!

Pregnancy: 34 Weeks, 85% cooked!!!... 35 weeks, 87% cooked

Weight Gain: I have gained 35 pounds total now.

Measurements: This is my last week without a doctor's appointment. After this week, we go back every week. 

Sleep: Yea no. My hips & legs fall asleep. So I have to wake up and roll over. And my heartburn wakes me up in the middle of the night. Last night I slept with the bottle of TUMS in my bed. That's right, it was in between Matt & I in bed. 

Cravings: I really still want fried food. And sweets. But they make the heartburn so much worse. 

Feeling: These are not my legs. They are swollen. From the knees down they are not familiar at all. 

Movement: All the time. This answer hasn't changed at all. She moves constantly. And she is all over my belly. There are times when she kicks high, and times when she kicks low. She is very active during 3rd period, and again from dinner to bedtime. 

What's going on inside the belly:  

Week 34: She weighs about 4.75 pounds (like a cantaloupe) is about 18 inches long. She is getting plump. That is all she is responsible for in these last few weeks. 

Week 35: She weighs about 5.25 pounds (like a honeydew melon) is more than 18 inches long. 

What's going on outside the belly:  I have worked my last event at school. At this point my only job is to teach my classes and finish my sub plans (they are on the way to being done). 

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete but I googled some things we need to do. And it keeps getting longer and shorter. So not so bad. And I have been crossing things off the list too. 

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need (I actually did this!!!!!!!!!)
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician (we I have been interviewing candidates all week. And I found some good ones!!!)
• find a lactation specialist (there is one at the hospital)
• get a car seat
• install car seat
• get clothing
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• get wipes
• get a diaper bag for me
• get a diaper bag for Matt
• get a stroller
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (an express class without all the videos)
• sign up for a breastfeeding class (or with the personal consultant)
• FINISH LEAVE PAPERWORK (sick, union, disability)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• make a contact list for someone else to send out when Baby Girl arrives
• make plans with the Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles for when Baby Girl arrives
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• test recipes 
• fill the freezer with ready to go meals - no prep work left.

1. Lentil Soup
2. Pot Roast
3. Chicken & Roasted veggies
4. Chicken Pot Pie

Week 33

Pregnancy: 33 Weeks, 83% cooked!!!

Weight Gain: Finally had some again. And then some. I gained those missing pounds back this week. And I have gained 33 pounds total now.

Measurements: The uterus is measuring 33 cm. And looking round! Shocker! Check out that basketball!

Sleep: Yea no. I wake up a few time during the night for more tums and more water. And to pee. Duh.

Cravings: I had a moment. We were at happy hour and talking about french fries. Then Nicole mentioned putting gravy on them. I had my first "mmmmmmmmmmmm that sounds like HEAVEN" I must be pregnant reaction.

Feeling: My legs hurt. And I need a haircut. Bad. Does that have anything to do with how I feel? And on Wednesday, when the weather was back up to 70, my ankles swelled. A lot. They hurt. And they look like hobbit feet. Even my doctor mentioned that they were big (I hadn't seen them yet - thanks belly!) And the weather change between outside and the sauna of my classroom? There went my hands...

Movement: Funny story. I was teaching on Tuesday and she kicked out on both sides at the same time.   I must have winced a little bit because my students froze and asked if I was in labor. I told them "no, she just kicked me hard." But they were skeptical for the rest of the period. I think they were afraid my water was about to break. I know I have told them that the baby isn't coming until the end of the quarter, but still.... kids are dumb.

What's going on inside the belly:  

Week 33: She weighs about 4 pounds (like a pineapple) is about about 17 inches long. So tall! We are working on hardening that skeleton and getting nice a plump this week.

What's going on outside the belly:  

Lots of swelling. Everywhere. My ankles. My fingers. My thighs feel fat now. My feet fall asleep really fast. No more sitting on them...

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete but I googled some things we need to do. And it keeps getting longer and shorter. So not so bad.

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need (I actually did this!!!!!!!!!)
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician
• find a lactation specialist
• get a car seat
• install car seat
• get clothing
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• get wipes
• get a diaper bag for me
• get a diaper bag for Matt
• get a stroller
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (an express class without all the videos)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• make a contact list for someone else to send out when Baby Girl arrives
• make plans with the Grandparents for when Baby Girl arrives
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• test recipes 
• fill the freezer with ready to go meals - no prep work left.

1. Lentil Soup
2. Pot Roast
3. Chicken & Roasted veggies
4. Chicken Pot Pie

Weeks 31 & 32

Pregnancy: 32 Weeks, have come and gone. CRAZY!

Weight Gain: Actually, and this is weird... I didn't gain any weight the first week. I was still at 27 pounds. I was higher at one point during these weeks, but then I had a few great poops. But now I am at 28 pounds. No worries. The Doctor said my weight gain and plateau was fine. And nothing to worry about.

Measurements: The uterus is measuring 31.5 cm. But I am feeling mighty round. Look how big I am compared to 5 weeks ago. Craziness. Serious. Craziness.

Sleep: I remember it. I used to be good at it. Recently, I wake up in the night because my legs are falling asleep. And it doesn't feel good. So I get up and stand up. Then go back to bed.

Cravings: I like to eat. But still nothing weird.

Feeling: My legs hurt. And I need a haircut. Bad. Does that have anything to do with how I feel?

Movement: all the time. She has this one trick she likes a lot. She likes to push her back up against my stomach so my whole uterus feels hard. It is a little bit uncomfortable. She likes to do this a few times a day. The first time, it was seriously painful. But I learned a trick - GRAVITY! If I lay on my back for a few minutes, she settles back into my body.

What's going on inside the belly:  

Week 31: She weighs 3.3 pounds (about 4 naval oranges - only awkward because I ate so many this week). And she is about 16 inches long. Good thing she is folded in half still. But we are moving in for the final growth spurt.

Week 32: She weighs 3.75 pounds (about the size of a jicama - not that I know what that means). And she is 16.7 inches long. Oh and PS - this is when she has toenails, fingernails, and peach fuzz on her head.

What's going on outside the belly:  

We had our first two Baby Showers this week! They were wonderful. My department at work hosted the first one. And my best friend Colleen hosted the second. They were so much fun and I felt so loved.

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete by any stretch of our imaginations, but it's a start.

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need (I actually did this!!!!!!!!!)
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician
• find a lactation specialist
• get clothing (we got a lot at the Baby Showers)
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (maybe)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• test recipes 
• fill the freezer with ready to go meals - no prep work left.

1. Lentil Soup
2. Pot Roast
3. 
   

Week 30!!!

Pregnancy: 30 Weeks

Weight Gain: Nah just kidding. I was thinking about this after last week's post and thought, "nah I want to continue keeping track of this information." Because I am curious! Currently? 27 pounds.

Measurements: Hmmm. Nothing has changed this week.
 
Sleep: Sometimes I can't sleep at all. Last week I was sick with the really bad head cold that was going around. I couldn't sleep because I couldn't breathe. But I found that if I drink an entire glass of water right before climbing in bed, I fall asleep faster. Not fast by any means. But faster counts. And after I wake up to go to the bathroom? I repeat and drink again.

Cravings: I like to eat. But still nothing weird.

Feeling: Achy. Still. There are times when sitting is the most uncomfortable feeling in the world, because she is squishing up into my ribs. It is just frustrating. Sitting in a car for more than 45 minutes is no longer comfortable. That's why we have only one big trip left. Not telling about it. Going on a mini baby-moon with the hubs!  

Movement: all the time. I noticed last night that when I can't remember the last time I felt her move, all I have to do is put my hand on the belly, and she will move for me. Anyone else's hand and she says NO THANK YOU! But for Mommy? Okay!!!!
 
What's going on inside the belly:  
Week 30: She weighs 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). And she is 15.7 inches long. I looked at that on a measuring tape - and that is tall! And she wasn't going to fit inside... But then I folded it in half (like she is) and she fit so much better!

What's going on outside the belly: 

Over the next 6 weeks we have lots going on to help us get ready. We are gearing up for Baby Shower season. I can't wait to see so many of my friends and family!!!

Also... I had another ultrasound this week! In 3D. CRAAZY town!  I have a ton of pictures, but these are some of my favorites! She made so many cute faces, but most of them were covered by her hands. She is definitely our baby - STUBBORN. It felt like she was trying to tell us something the whole time...  "get out of my face" or maybe "NO PAPARAZZI!!" Who knows...

In the end, she was very clear on her message to us...

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete by any stretch of our imaginations, but it's a start.

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need (this won't ever be crossed off my list)
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician
• find a lactation specialist
• get clothing
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (maybe)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• test recipes 
• fill the freezer with ready to go meals - no prep work left

The home stretch

It's official. We are in the third trimester! We have less than 12 weeks left. And after 28 weeks, 12 doesn't sound like that many at all.

All Baby Girl needs to do is gain weight at this point before we can meet her.  Crazy that in 3 months I will be able to talk to her face and kiss her cute button nose.

Pregnancy: 28 & 29 Weeks

Weight Gain: This is the moment that I stop sharing... I found it. I still have about 10 pounds to gain in this last trimester. But most of that is her.

Measurements: We had a Dr.'s appointment this afternoon. And they measured my belly. 29 centimeters from top to bottom of my uterus. And still wearing the same size pants as I was before I was pregnant. My butt is the same size!!!! But my belly is HUGE! It surprises Matt most mornings, but he sees it without a shirt on... and it is much bigger without a pretty shirt on. But good to know - I didn't know this shirt was see-through. Good to know.
 
Sleep: I received a fancy pregnancy pillow for Christmas. I thought it would make sleeping more comfortable. I was wrong. My assortment of little pillows tucked around my body works so much better. Crazy. In fact, over break, I missed all my pillows. I only travel with the little one that my belly sleeps on. But I missed my head pillows and knee pillow.

Cravings: I like to eat. But still nothing weird.

Feeling: Achey. That's not how you spell it. But that's how I feel. Different parts of my body at different times of the time. My lower back hurts a wee bit. There are times when my legs ache. And sometimes I feel like I have been punched in my vagina. But my doctor said it's fine and not to worry.

Movement: all the time. She kicked the doctor today. How great is that? He was listening to the heartbeat, and she kicked him right in the doppler... He had just asked about her movements too, and then he chuckled.
 
What's going on inside the belly:  
Week 28: She weighs 2.25 pounds. She is going to spend the next 12 weeks getting plump and squishy. And is 14.8 inches long. She is blinking and has eyelashes! She responds to flashlights by either kicking or blinking. And her brain is developing billions of neurons to outsmart her parents.

Week 29: She weighs 2.5 pounds and is about 15 inches long. She is the size of my favorite vegetable - a butternut squash!!! She has increasing nutritional demands at this point, so I need to eat more calcium, vitamin C, and iron... gross. She is hardening her skeleton and pushing to make space for her growing body. Boy, do I feel it. 

What's going on outside the belly: 

Glucose test? Done! And PASSED! At this point, we are going to the doctor every other week. Crazy. We are actually in the home stretch. All our doctor's appointments are scheduled from now until the week after her due date.

The TO DO LIST:
I think it is time to show you our to do list before baby girl gets here. We realize that this list is not complete by any stretch of our imaginations, but it's a start.

• purchase furniture
• pick paint color
• paint baby's room
• reorganize the closet
• assemble furniture
• throw away things we don't need 
• decorate the room
• hang photos
• find a pediatrician
• find a lactation specialist
• get clothing
• get diapers and diapering supplies
• wash everything
• get a mattress pad for our bed (gross)
• tour the hospital
• sign up for a class (maybe)
• pack a hospital bag (for me, Baby, and Matt)
• find a dog-sitter for Misty & Bones who can stay on the fly
• clean out the freezer
• fill the freezer with ready to go meals - no prep work left
• 
  

Weeks 26 & 27

Pregnancy: 26 & 27 Weeks

Weight Gain: 23 pounds. At some point, this information will stop being shared.

Measurements: We had a Dr.'s appointment at the beginning of December. And they measured my belly. 25 centimeters from top to bottom of my uterus. I don't know what that means, but it sounds good to me. Also, we are at the point where if you see me one week, and then see me again the next week, you can visibly see a change in my size. Bigger each time.
 
Sleep: This sounds like crap, but I am sleeping well right now. I am sleeping on more pillows, and somehow, it means that I am sleeping better. Honestly, I don't understand it at all.

Cravings: Still nothing crazy. I just like eating. Okay, untrue. I wanted alfredo sauce. So I bought it at Sam's Club, a tad overboard, but what can I say?

Feeling: Pants still suck. Yesterday was a bad day. I got dressed twice. The first time was an epic fail so I switched pants. When I got to school, I realized I was more uncomfortable in the second pair than the first. And I felt a murderous rage coming on. Not okay in a school. Thank goodness Colleen had an extra pair to rescue me. Changing into her sweats was the best decision I made all day!

Movement: all the time. Every time I sit or lay down I feel her kick. After I eat I feel her kick. All the time. Right now in fact. She has started to do the long gliding motions across my belly. And to kick and hit at the same time; really I can feel her on both sides sometimes.
 
What's going on inside the belly:  
Week 26: She weighs a pound and two thirds and is a big as an English cucumber (a little specific) or 14 inches. Her ears are better developed and can hear both Matt & my voices. She is also practicing to breath with amniotic fluid (gross but necessary).

Week 27: She weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14.5 inches long. She has been sleeping (while I teach) and waking (when I am trying to be productive) at regular intervals. And her brain is very active - now I am curious (what do you think she is thinking about?) And in other exciting news, I am nearing the end of the second trimester. I only have another 13 weeks to go. That is about as long as Matt & I kept this a secret at the very beginning. I don't want to say home stretch, or nearing the end, because I am not. But this has been a wonderful first two thirds.

What's going on outside the belly: 

And what about us? What have we been up to? So many things! We went to Matt's brother's wedding two weeks ago (crazy great fun!) and a post in the works already. We have been making serious changes in the house. Baby Girl's room is painted - post on that later. Her furniture is in the state - but still at the store waiting for us to pick it up. We are getting rid of some downstairs furniture - post on that too. Oh and Chanukah came and went last week.

Weeks 24 & 25

Pregnancy: 24 & 25 weeks

Weight Gain: 20 pounds. At some point, this information will stop being shared.

Measurements: Pants. I hate them. Too big for the low pants. Nothing holds up the pants that go all the way up. ROAR. I could write an entire post on how much I hate maternity pants. Seriously. On a different level - how does this fit into measurements?
 
Sleep: I'm getting used to it. But I have been having problems with rolling on my back. Then I move and it hurts like hell! Leg cramps galore. So I am back to using a second pillow to keep me still. Now it is between my knees instead of behind my back. 

Cravings: Orange food. You laugh? But I have eaten an entire bag of cuties. And Cheetos. And macaroni & cheese. Not craving it, just eating a lot of it... 

Feeling: At the end of the day, my back hurts. But that feels appropriate because I am on my feet all morning.And let's talk about heartburn. I have it in the afternoon. I thought it had to do with all the fruit I have been eating, but it is unrelated. It is every afternoon, regardless of what I have been eating. So I drink more chocolate milk.

Movement: all the time. Every time I sit or lay down I feel her kick. After I eat I feel her kick. All the time. Right now in fact. 
 
What's going on inside the belly:  
Week 24: She weighs a pound and is a big as an ear of corn. And her taste buds are developing (weird since she won't eat anything interesting for months). And her lungs are doing stuff that will help them inflate once she hits the outside world. Also my uterus is the size of a soccer ball.

Week 25: She weighs a pound and a half and is about 13.5 inches long. She has been long and lean, but at this point she is going to start growing some cute baby fat. She is starting to look like a newborn. She is starting to grow hair all over. Cute.

What's going on outside the belly: 

And what about us? What have we been up to? So many things! We went to a family wedding two weeks ago. We have been feeling and watching her kick around in my belly. Matt helped me pick out a color and then he painted the whole nursery. It is a beautiful soft lilac. Also known as a very light purple. You would wonder who we are naming her after... hint hint. Not really. Hahaha!

Weeks 22 & 23

Pregnancy: 22 & 23 weeks

Weight Gain: 16 pounds at the end of those two weeks. At some point, this information will stop being shared.

Measurements: My boobs are another size up... that's all I will tell you. They went up another size... so crazy.
 
Sleep: I'm getting used to it. My understanding is that I will sleep again in 20 years... But I have been having problems with rolling on my back. Then I move and it hurts like hell! Leg cramps galore. So I am back to 

Cravings: For the last two weeks? It's been Thanksgiving. But that's because we have been celebrating Thanksgiving for the last six weeks. So I want more mashed potatoes - that must be a little better than french fries. I have been eating more meat, which could be the reason I am not having problems pooping anymore.

Feeling: I feel really good.

Movement: All the time! She is a little mover and a shaker.
 
What's going on inside the belly:  
Week 22: She is starting to look like a newborn. The face is developing!! Eyelids, lips, and eyebrows. She is 11 inches long and the size of a spaghetti squash.

We had another appointment this week too! Unfortunately, Matt couldn't make it. So I invited the Grandmothers to come with me. It was wonderful. They met their granddaughter for the first time. And apparently, while sonograms existed at the time, they were not common practice. So they didn't have sonograms with us when we were little. It was a nice thing to share with them!

Week 23: She can hear music and feel me dance. The inner ear stuff is fully formed at this point. Which was perfect for Peter & Roxanne's wedding! She is now a large mango (which feels smaller than a spaghetti squash in my head). And I should be able to see her squirm under my clothing (totally did!). Her lungs are getting ready to prepare for breathing (although that won't happen until she is out).

She is kicking every three seconds or so to the left of my belly button.

Week 21

Pregnancy: 21 weeks

Weight Gain: 13 pounds. At some point, this information will stop being shared.

Measurements: My pants are getting tight again. I have been in maternity pants for a few weeks now, because they are stretchy and comfortable. But they have been the pants with the low elastic band. That just happens to be where Baby Girl is currently residing. By the end of the day, it is no longer comfortable. She is growing. And taking up space in my pants. I don't want to buy more pants, again.
 
Sleep: If I stop drinking water with dinner, I can sleep through the night. But then I am thirsty. Win some, lose some. 

Cravings: For the last two weeks? It's really been Thanksgiving. But that's because we have been celebrating Thanksgiving for the last few weeks. So I want more mashed potatoes - that must be a little better than french fries.

Feeling: Apparently, my sense of humor has become very inappropriate. I laugh at things that are not funny at all. Like really upset babies.

Movement: I talked to the Dr. this week, well a nurse. And she said I probably wasn't feeling a baby in there. I was ready to get off the phone, so I went with it. But there is no way that is not a baby. And if it isn't, I want to know EXACTLY what it is.
 
What's going on inside the belly:  
Week 21: This felt like an overshare when I read it, but I have told you everything else. She is growing her vagina this week. She also has eyelids and eyebrows. She is the length of a carrot and almost a full pound.

Food & Wine

This past weekend we went to the 17th Annual Epcot Food & Wine Festival. Last year, Colleen and I went to visit Leela, a friend, in Orlando to see Sugarland. I know it was very far to see a concert, but I had been trying to see them for over a year. And it was just a happy coincidence to be able to go to the Food & Wine festival.

So when we started looking at the calendar for Fall 2012, we knew we had to find a time to make that work and get back to Orlando. So we found two weekends, and picked one. And we invited our boys this time. So Matt & John came with us and we made a long weekend out of a professional day (to finish 1st quarter grades and plan for 2nd quarter) and election day.

We left Friday night and got into our condo (Colleen's parents' timeshare) between Friday night and Saturday morning. And went straight to bed.

Saturday morning the ladies got up and went to the grocery store to get food for breakfast and snacks at the park. John is one picky eater (because he eats very healthy) so we wanted to make sure there would be food for him. Then Leela met us and we were off to Epcot!

This year I (we) ate:

• Argentina - beef empanada & Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée
• Austrailia - Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies
• Caribbean Islands - Jerk Spiced Chicken Drumstick with Mango Chutney (I ate two - one was supposed to be for Matt, but I ate it)
• China - Mongolian Beef with Chinese Steamed Bun 
• Hops & Barley (New England) - Perfect Maine Lobster Roll
• Ireland - Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie & Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Bailey’s Ganache
• Japan - California Roll
• Mexico - Crispy Shrimp Taco with Chipotle Lime Mayo and Cabbage Served on a Flour Tortilla & Taco de Filete with Cascabel Pepper Sauce and Scallions Served on a Flour Tortilla
• Poland - Kielbasa & Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream & Zapiekanki-Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cheese Bread with House Made Ketchup

Now Matt & Colleen obviously drank their fair share, but I did not. So I have no idea what they drank. In fact, aside from what Matt ate (because I ordered it) I have no idea what Colleen & John ate either. But here are some foods I wish I ate:

• Belguim - Steamed Mussels in Hoegaarden Beer Broth and Baguette
• Canada - Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup & “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce
• France - Coq au Vin sur Gratin de Macaroni & Créme Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait
• Greece - Greek Salad with Pita Bread, Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey, Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki, &, Spanakopita
• Italy - Ravioli di Formaggio All’emiliana (Baked Cheese Ravioli, Creamy Beef Bolognese, Parmesan, Mozzarella)
• Japan - Sukiyaki Beef Pan (Marinated Thinly Sliced Rib Eye with Sauteed Onions and Teriyaki Sauce Served in a Bun)
• Morocco - Kefta Pocket (Ground Seasoned Beef in a Pita Pocket) - Matt ate that, but the smell bothered me
• South Africa - Seared Filet of Beef with Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Braai Sauce & Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket

Crazy right? There was so much food to choose from that I was overwhelmed! Best part is? That isn't even all of the food they offered, just what I wanted to eat!

Let's see here... we did more than just eat... we rode two rides (there aren't many at Epcot). The one about food production at Disney and the one where you feel like you are hang-gliding over California. They also rode Space Mountain, but alas, I cannot.

Sunday, we slept in and then spent an hour at the pool. Followed by an hour looking for the football games. Epic fail. Went to Chili's for lunch. Saw Leela's new house. Met Colleen's cousin for dinner. Then we went to Downtown Disney and walked around.

Monday, we got up early (8am) and went to Animal Kingdom.

And we went on the Safari again and saw lots of animals.

Monday night we had to come back home - because some cop had to work on Tuesday. BOOO! Until next year Epcot. And then we will bringing our little monkey! But she isn't so little anymore....

Half Baked

Please forgive me for not posting this one sooner. We are officially HALF BAKED! 20 weeks and so happy! And sorry. But there is no belly shot from me today. Just from the baby.

Pregnancy: 20 weeks

Weight Gain: 12 pounds. At some point, this information will stop being shared.

Measurements: The baby is measuring right on target. At our last ultrasound, the head was measuring normal (THANK GOODNESS!!!! ~ I still love my husband!). But the legs... they measured a full TWO WEEKS longer than we are. Crazy talk!
 
Sleep: It's still uncomfortable, but I'm getting used to it. Unfortunately, I learned this week that I sleep better alone. But then I miss my husband. You win some, you lose some. I think I will keep my husband (for now).

Cravings: I have nothing. I just like to eat. No surprise there.   


 
Feeling: This week has been mostly good. And then I cried over turkey. Nothing crazy... just crazy because it was turkey.

Movement: I think I am definitely feeling someone in there. I feel the same thing over and over again. And all in the same spot. Right under my belly button. There is a little push. There are not butterfly feelings in this belly. There is a solid push, especially after I eat.

What's going on inside the belly:  
Week 20: We start measuring from head to feet starting now and baby is the length of a banana. And baby is working on the digestive tract.




Big News:I know what you are actually here to read. You want to know what kind of baby we have deep in my belly. Right? Well.... our baby is a .....

 GIRL!!!!

And the best part? Matt was thrilled to find our our baby is a girl. In fact, he said he wanted a girl more than a boy. Happy News for us!

Week 19

Pregnancy: 19 weeks

Weight Gain: 11 pounds. At some point, this information will stop being shared.

Measurements: At my last ultrasound, baby was measuring 4 days early. 8cm head to butt! This week it should be the size of a large heirloom tomato - about 6 inches head to bottom.

Sleep: It's very uncomfortable. I am now using TWO pillows. Imagine the airplane when it is parked in the terminal. You know how they put things under the wheels to keep them from moving? That's me. I'm the airplane. One pillow in front and one pillow behind.

Cravings:  Same as last week. French fries and chocolate milk. Not so much craving them, but wanting to eat them anytime. I started bringing money into work with me so I could buy chocolate milk. Matt is starting to worry that I am not eating enough. And definitely not enough protein. But I have no interest in cooking protein. I think I may have outsmarted myself by making shredded chicken yesterday. So now I can add it to my salads and pasta.
 
Feeling: I'm grumpy in the morning. I never liked waking up. And I really don't like waking up in the middle of the night to roll over.

Movement: A little bit. Not a lot. Not often at all. I have noticed ligament pain. Woo hoo. Apparently my uterus is getting bigger and harder for my body to manage. Shocker! Did you see the pictures from today? Where did that little baby come from?


I thought I would show you last week's photo... just so you could see what happened this week. It is crazy! I know this belly is really going to grow over the next few weeks (5 months) but the week to week change is crazy fun to watch. So enjoy!

Also - you should notice the AWESOME sweater I wore today! My wonderful and talented MOTHER knit that for me (for before I was pregnant)! It is crazy beautiful! I always get lots of compliments, and people who ask where I bought it. ~ Love you Mom!

What's going on inside the belly:  
Week 19: Sensory development all over the place! Smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch are all being located in the brain. Also, this little pumpkin can hear me. We already knew that if we shine a light on the belly, the baby will move to get away from it, but now it can hear me. And for that, I apologize for yelling at my 3rd period today - but they deserved it, every word of it.
Back to Optimus - ummm, it's growing a protective coating to "prevent pickling in the amniotic fluid." Overshare much? And weird - because I never thought about that.

Next Appointment: Oct 29 - SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!! That's next Tuesday! And we get to find out the gender! Let me tell you - I really don't care if my baby is a boy or a girl. I just want a healthy baby. But I am very excited at this point to find out. And I am sorry. I don't think I am going to post the gender here next week. We are going to call family before we post it here. Sorry. Don't take it personally.

Weeks 17 & 18

Apparently I can't write these posts every week. I thought about writing this all week. But sitting down and remembering things... that is hard work! So here goes.


For Week 17 - I kept asking Matt to take my picture late and it just wasn't working out. So we put up a mirror in the nursery. I took a bunch of photos... this was the only one that came out. I don't know how all those ladies take good pictures of themselves in mirrors. I took 20 photos... Most were awful. Thank goodness for my sweet husband!

Pregnancy: 18 weeks

Weight Gain: 10 pounds. At some point, this information will stop being shared.

Measurements: At my last ultrasound, baby was measuring 4 days early. 8cm head to butt!

Sleep: It's uncomfortable. But I solved it a few nights ago. It's a second pillow, right under my belly. I am was a belly sleeper. And now that's no longer an option. It took me forever to get comfy on my side. A few hours later I would wake up to pee and find myself asleep on my baby belly. So solution - pillow! I have a small squishy pillow that is perfect for putting under my belly. It keeps me from rolling onto my belly and I can kinda sleep leaning on my belly.

Cravings:  French fries and chocolate milk. Not so much craving them, but wanting to eat them anytime. I started bringing money into work with me so I could buy chocolate milk.

Feeling: This past week was great. I feel good. I am starting to walk funny, but not all the time. Just up and down the stairs. What else?

Movement: BIG NEWS!!!! I felt something last weekend. I did. A little flutter right below my belly button. I have felt it a few times. Not that often. But yea!

What's going on inside the belly:  
Week 17: Baby is changing from cartilage to bone. Eeww.
Week 18: Baby is about 5.5 inches and growing. About the size of a Red Solo Cup. CRAZY! And Baby is moving around all the time. I should be feeling Baby a lot soon.

Next Appointment: Oct 29 - SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!

Weeks 15 & 16

These last two weeks have gone by really fast. It was the High Holidays and we went up to visit my parents for Rosh Hashanah. Then we stayed here for Yom Kippur.

So I have a belly shot for you from Week 15, but that's it... So here is Week 16.

Pregnancy: 16 weeks

Weight Gain: 5 pounds

Measurements: At my last ultrasound, baby was measuring 4 days early. 8cm head to butt!

Sleep: It's getting uncomfortable. I am having a hard time falling asleep. But that's why I go to bed before Matt, so I can toss and turn and finally find a spot to hopefully stay. Also, I am not sleeping through the night anymore. I have to get up once in the middle of the night to pee.

Cravings:  Not so much really. But here is something weird I noticed this week. I eat all day long and snack almost continuously. No real meals here. But 7pm comes around and like clockwork - I am done eating. The hunger just passes that quickly.

Feeling: I have had headaches all week. They start between 7:30 and 8:30. My response? Go to bed.

Movement: I can't feel anything yet :( But I could start feeling something any day now. I am starting to really pay attention to what I think I am feeling.

What's going on inside the belly:  
Week 15: Baby is developing working lungs. Baby is able to respond to light - shine a flashlight on my belly, and Baby will squirm away. Also, Baby has taste buds.
Week 16: Baby is going to start growing like a Reese (and double in weight and size) over the next few weeks. Baby is also growing toenails (gross).

Next Appointment: Oct 29

We had an appointment last week. I have started to gain weight. My heartbeat is great for me and low for normal people (happens in my family). Baby's heartbeat is nice and strong, maintaining in the 150's. Still moving like there is no tomorrow, which my Dr. likes. It was a quick appointment.
Share with you next week!!!!

Week 14

14 weeks. We are officially in the 2nd trimester! So crazy! I have been reading a few different blogs for the last few months while they were pregs. They had weekly updates and I have picked my fave info from them that I want to share with you.

Pregnancy: 14 weeks

Weight Gain: 3 pounds

Measurements: At my last ultrasound, baby was measuring 4 days early. 8cm head to butt!

Sleep: no issues. I am still sleeping on my belly and enjoying every moment of it!

Cravings: any food I see on TV. I wanted steak fries and a milk shake from Red Robin for 6 weeks. Craving it? Not really. Fixated? Definitely!

Feeling: tired in the evenings, dopey in the evenings.  Excited all day long!

Movement: I can't feel anything yet :(

Next Appointment: Sept 26


Last Wednesday I had an ultrasound. It was a test for something, but nothing that would actually change this pregnancy for us. Really, all I wanted was another opportunity to see my baby. I went in for the ultrasound and my baby is gorgeous! I might be biased. Like a lot. Anyway, back to the story. So I was there to have my baby measured, but the little devil just wouldn't sit still. Every time the tech was about to take a photo, my baby kicked and pushed off the uterus walls like s/he was jumping on a trampoline. How crazy is that?!?! After 25 minutes, she was finally able to get pictures and measure.

So turns out that the problem I am having is that I am eating (hahaha) a bigger snack/meal within a few hours of the ultrasound.
Next week is just a regular monthly checkup. Unless I eat right before the appointment (insert evil laugh here), we should only get to hear the heartbeat and do a few measurements of me.

Share with you next week!!!!