28 weeks

Third trimester, baby! Is this real life? Holy cow. I can't believe how far we've made it. 12 weeks to go! And, we have some exciting few weeks coming up, so I'm expecting these next few weeks to just fly by. It's so hard because I feel like I just spend my time counting down the days until your arrival. So, it will be super nice to be so busy.

I've seen several different items of produce mentioned this week about your size: eggplant, head of cauliflower, Chinese cabbage. (One site even said the size of a chihuahua. I love that reference.) Either way, you're about 16 inches long and weigh about 2.5 pounds. I guess you're not going to get too much longer before you're born, just chubbier. (Have I mentioned how badly I want to squeeze your cheeks!??!?! Very gently, of course.)

In other news: you can now blink your eyes which have little eye lashes (Gah! I die thinking about your eye lashes!), you also may be able to see light in the womb, and you're also developing billions of neurons in your brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

I think it is craziest to look at the different weeks when I'm wearing the same shirt. Isn't it crazy that I thought I looked pregnant at 20 weeks. I had no idea.

Symptoms: Holy bathroom trips! Not only am I up about 4 or 5 times a night to use the bathroom, but then it's probably about every hour or so during the day. I was warned the bathroom trips would get worse, and they definitely have. Small price to pay. I guess you're just getting bigger and need all the extra space that my slightly filled bladder is taking up. Heart burn on the regular, still. I've also started to experience more back pain when I'm out for longer walks with the dog. Probably should start wearing my belly band for those.

Also, I've noticed I've been a lot more uncomfortable in general, but I guess that's to be expected. It is much harder to get in a comfortable postion while at work sitting at my desk and definitely while I'm sleeping. It has also been super hot and humid these past few days, making being comfortable even more difficult.

Movement: Such exciting news in this department: You finally gave a big kick for your dad! Not just once, but twice. It was so awesome. We were just hanging out at home on Saturday (June 22) and you were going crazy. We tried a couple times for your dad to feel it, nothing. Then finally, he had his hand on my stomach, and I was like "Did you feel that?!?!" and looked at him and he was beaming. He was so happy. Then you did it again. It was so great. Before that, I felt like every time he had his hand on my stomach and I asked if he felt the kick, he thought I was going crazy.

You've also started moving a whole lot more. I can feel it all over my stomach, from the way bottom, to the top, and the sides. Just goes to show how big you are getting.

Sleep: I knew I couldn't continue forever with sleep being great. I just didn't think I was going to be that lucky. Sure enough, sleep has gotten a little bit more difficult this past week. Not only has it been warm and humid, but I've had such a difficult time getting comfortable. Then, it seems like once I finally get comfortable and fall asleep, I wake up because I have to go to the bathroom. Oy vey. I've still been sleeping in our bed though. I figure if I have a really rough night, I can try moving to the couch.

Suspicions on gender: I can honestly say I have no stinking idea. But, I'll find out in 12 weeks. :)

Food cravings/aversions: This past week has been really weird. I haven't been hungry for anything. Just food in general doesn't really sound good. Obviously I make myself eat on my usual schedule and I  do have the occasional hunger pain in the morning, but nothing has really been sounding appetizing.

Workouts: I've still been getting in lots of walking, several miles of running every week, and a couple trips to the gym. I'm just fine with that.

Next doctor's appointment: We're meeting with a possible pediatrician tonight and then have a check up tomorrow morning with Dr. Hoelzle.

Looking forward to: Our first baby shower thrown this weekend by your amazing Aunt Dana! I can't wait.

In exciting world news, the Supreme Court just came to the decision that Prop 8 (the bill that said gay marriage is legal in California) is in fact constitutional and they did not strike it down! Which means gay marriage is legal in the sunshine state. It's still not legal all over the U.S. (including Wisconsin), but it is one giant step in the right direction! Woohoo! By the time you are reading this, people *hopefully* won't even think twice about gay marriage.

In pop culture news, it finally came out that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West named their baby North. So, considering the kid's last name is West, that makes the full name North West. Pretty ridiculous right? You can thank me anytime for not naming you that. It'll be interesting to see if you have a few kids in your class, or a few years below you, named North.

I was talking with your dad the other day and we were discussing just all the unanswered questions that we think about every single day that we're going to find the answers to in just 12 short weeks. Everything from what gender you'll be, to how easy or difficult it will be to have a newborn, to whether or not I'll be able to breast feed, or have a vaginal delivery versus a c section. So many questions! I seriously spend so much of my days just wondering about what the next few months will bring. And, I can't wait. See you in 12 weeks, little one. Love you to the moon and back.

27 weeks

Seriously? Wasn't I at 26 weeks just yesterday!?! Time, once again, is flying.

This week, my uterus is supposedly the size of a basketball. Sounds comfortable, right? I really can't complain though. I've still been sleeping pretty good and am still doing lots of walking and a little bit of running.

This week, you weigh about 2.2 pounds and are 15 inches long, or roughly the size of a cauliflower. You're sleeping and waking at regular intervals. I've definitely noticed a bit of a pattern. You are definitely active early morning, between 2 and 4 am. You've woken me up almost every day this week with your kicks. How about you wait just a few more hours? You also seem to get pretty active around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. Neither of those are times when I'm with your dad, so he still hasn't felt you kick! You are opening and closing your eyes, and perhaps even sucking your fingers. Also, your brain is staring to get pretty active.

Also, they say that we can hear your hear beat if someone puts their ear up to my stomach. We haven't tried this just yet, but I'll make your dad do it and see what he finds.

I still don't have any stretch marks, which I'm thankful for, and my line down my stomach hasn't gotten too much darker. My belly button is still way in, too. I don't think I'm going to get much of an outie at all.

Symptoms: Holy heartburn. Towards the beginning of the week, I was seriously getting heart burn/acid reflux every single night. It was not comfortable. The old wives tale is that you're going to have lots of hair because of all the heart burn. But, we'll see. I was a bald baby for a long time, so I have a feeling you're going to be pretty bald when you're born.

I'm experiencing a few more aches and pains that I have been, too. Definitely have to sleep supporting my back. And, if I go for too long of a walk without my belly band, I can feel it in my lower back. Cramping and bloating have been terrible in the afternoon, too. Not sure what's up with that.

Workouts: I've decided to stop keeping separate track of my workouts. Earlier this week, I was out for a run and experienced some cramping about a half mile in. I stopped to walk for a half mile, and then did another mile with half running, half walking. I called our doctor and am ok to continue running, but should be listening to my body and stopping when I do feel the cramping. So, I have a feeling, my runs are going to turn into more run/walks, and I am ok with that. I just hope to stay active 4-5 times a week, walk Jax every single morning, and get a couple weight lifting sessions in each week, but I'll be taking each day as it comes.

Suspicions on gender: I have no idea what to think anymore. I had a dream that you were a boy last week! It really will be a complete surprise either way.

Movement: I'm boycotting this topic until you kick for your Dad! DO IT!

Food aversions: Actually, food in general this week has not sounded too appetizing. I haven't really been wanting to eat anything, because I haven't be craving anything at all. But, I've been forcing myself to eat when I usually do, and it's been working our just fine.

Food cravings: I can not stop thinking about subs with mayonaise on them. Lots and lots of mayonaise. It's so weird. I haven't eaten one because I don't want to eat too much deli meat, but I may be stopping to get a turkey sub sometime soon.

Sleep: Still pretty good. I don't have an issue falling asleep, and I haven't been waking up quite as many times to use the bathroom. But, I have been waking up once or twice in the early mornings, between 2 and 4, and have a hard time falling back to sleep. I'll feel you moving like crazy and feel wide awake.

Looking forward to: Our first baby shower in a few weekends! Also, our doctor's appointment in a week and meeting with a potential pediatrician next week.

A friend from church works at GE and they are doing some testing on ultrasound machines. They asked if it was something I was interested in, and I am so interested! Any excuse to see you again. I'm going to talk to Dr. Hoelzle about it next week to make sure there are no risks involved. But, if she says it's ok, then hopefully we'll get to see your little face one more time!

In the world of celebrity babies, rapper Kanye West and reality star Kim Kardashian just had a baby girl. Everyone is waiting on the edge of their seats to find out what the girl's name is. I've heard possible Kai or Kadence. It definitely will be starting with a K though. Princess Kate Middleton is supposed to have her baby pretty soon, too. I'm hoping she doesn't steal a girl name on our list! Channing Tatum and his wife also just had a baby girl and named her Everly. Evelyn is at the top of our list for girl's names, so I totally love that! So sweet.

My hormones have definitely been a bit heightened this week. I like to watch a Baby Story (a show on TLC that shows a different couple each episode having a baby) every morning while I'm eating breakfast. Needless to say, it makes me cry every single time. Also, I've had a few less-than-patient moments with your dad. He made some comment about the amount I'm eating and it not filling me up, and I pretty much started balling. He didn't mean it in a bad way, but it hurt my so tender feelings anyways.

Our poor, poor Jax is also experiencing some separation anxiety. A few weeks ago, we came home and he randomly decided to chew apart our window sills upstairs. So not cool. Since that happened, we realized that every time we leave on the weekends together, he gets super anxious and chews apart more of the window, our shoes, a jacket hanging by the back door, the back door, and whatever else he can get his hands on.

After talking to his vet, we think it started because of our water heater pipe that burst over Memorial Day weekend. It was probably a pretty traumatizing experience for him, and we're thinking he's associating that with any time Matt and I leave together on the weekends. So, the poor guy is freaking out. Although I'm glad the vet said she doesn't believe it's because of the baby coming at all, I'm still stressed about making him feel ok. We ordered this thing called a thurdershirt that is supposed to calm him down, and also a collar that is supposed to emit stress-relieving hormones. Plus, we've got a few things we can do that will hopefully make him calm down and feel less anxious. As much as I hate our house being chewed to pieces, I hate even more that he is getting so scared. That was another thing I had a hormonal meltdown on this week. I just want him to know everything is ok. Hopefully, we get this all worked out before you arrive, little one, and also before we have to cal a behavioral specialist in. That can get expensive.

We also finished your dresser/changing table this week! Check out the difference. Like I mentioned earlier, we were able to get the dresser for just $20, plus about $25 in materials. Definitely a good deal.

Notice the shadow from a certain canine in the background?

I continue to be mildly horrified by the things some people say to pregnant women. Of course, I've received the "You are getting bigger by the day!" and variations of that, which always make me feel good. :) When we first started telling people we were pregnant, there were a few times I got "Was it planned?," which sort of shocked me. I was wearing a black maxi dress at work the other day and someone said: "Don't you look comfortable today?" Really!?!? Isn't that sort of the same as: Could you put any less effort into how you look? Did you just roll out of bed? It definitely makes me laugh. The best though: I was in the bathroom and work and talking to another woman about being pregnant. Her first comment: Isn't it nice not having your period? Wah?!?!? No: Aren't you excited to be a mom? Do you know what it is going to be? She straight up asked me about my period. To be honest, I haven't even thought about it. There are so many other things to think about when you're pregnant. Exciting things that don't involve bleeding from your crotch. Gross. Just gross.

Workouts, 6/9 - 6/15

Sunday: Rest day.

Monday: 3 miles in the morning. Got a bloody nose on the run, which was a huge mess. I'm sure everyone I ran by wanted to know what the heck was wrong with me. Thanks, Baby. :)

Tuesday: 2 miles to the gym and back. Biceps, triceps, and chest. I actually felt a little stronger this morning. I usually use the 10 or 12 pound weights for bicep curls, but used the 15 pounds and felt good! Since my running has been on a (very low) plateau, it feels good to see some results in other fitness areas.

Wednesday: Longer dog walk day.

Thursday: Rest day.

Friday: 2 miles to the gym and back, shoulders and back.

Saturday: 3 miles and lots of walking!

26 weeks

It's been a pretty uneventful week over here. I think I'm looking forward to hitting the third trimester and then the 30 week mark, so I'm just pluggin along until then. The biggest thing is that your kicks are getting way stronger, but we're still waiting for your dad to be able to feel you kick! Get on that, baby!

This week you're the size of a head of lettuce, which is just crazy to me. Maybe because I'm actually familiar with this item of produce. :) I'll be sure to look at a head of lettuce at the grocery store this weekend and just think of you. You're about 13.6-14.8 inches long and weigh anywhere from 1.5-2.5 pounds.

You can now hear and identify my voice and your dad's. You've also started inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of your lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when your born (Eeek! So excited for that!)  and take that first gulp of air. You're also starting to continue to put on that baby fat. Gettin all cute.

Every single week Jax jumps on the couch when I get in my usual picture taking spot. He finally was able to pull off a successful photobomb.

Earlier in the week, I found out that I passed my glucose test with a 115. (It's supposed to be under 120.) I'm so thankful for that. I was dreading the thought of taking the 3 hour test, and if I failed that, monitoring the amount of sugar I took in. No fun at all!

Symptoms: For whatever reason, I seem to be getting a bloody nose pretty much every day. And no, I'm not picking it! Like last night, I was washing my face, and then randomly got a bloody nose. I also got one when I was on a run, so I had no choice but to use my hands and t shirt to stop it. When I got home, there was a huge streak of blood across my face. I'm sure anyone that saw me thought I was a crazy.

This week I have also seen lots of acid reflux. I used to just get it at night, pop a few Tums, and would be good to go. Now, I've noticed I get it in the morning, too. I'm trying not to take too many Tums, because I would like to just try to fix it with a glass of milk or other form of dairy.

Movement: Lots and lots of kicks still, but like I mentioned earlier, your dad still hasn't felt them. It's like you know exactly when he's coming to feel them and then you stop. I was also able to see my stomach move with a kick for the first time. It was so exciting! I was sitting at my desk and work and felt a few super powerful ones. I looked down, and sure enough, you kicked again and I saw my stomach move with the kick. It was so cool.

Sleep: Pretty much the usual. I do best when I get about 9 hours of sleep. However, I have noticed a few times where I wake up and just don't feel rested. No fun at all.

Things from the week: So, here we are, almost half way through June, and I must say that I have been so thankful for the mild weather. Sleeping with windows open has been perfect and I think that is helping with sleeping so much. I'm going to get as much as I can out of these perfect 75 degree days, because I have a feeling I'm not going to be too comfortable once it gets really warm.

We went up north this past weekend with some of your dad's friends from college. We've done that the last few years. It's great cause we can take the dog and just have a relaxing weekend away. However, this year was not that fun. The ticks were terrible! We spent the whole weekend pulling ticks off of each other and it was all I could think about. I could not even handle it. I was so happy to get home on Sunday and get into the shower. Your dad had one in his ear. It was so gross! I think I was so much more worried about everything because I was pregnant, too. It was definitely not as relaxing of a weekend as it's been in the past.

I also started talking this week to Cari and Katy about the upcoming baby shower in Milwaukee and I can not wait for it! Two months away! All my awesome, amazing family and friends will be in town and I can't wait to see them. We decided on a book themed baby shower and it's going to be perfect.

Workouts, 6/2 - 6/8

Sunday: Rest day.

Monday: Three miles.

Tuesday: Rest day. I was still feeling pretty tired and out of it from over the weekend. I guess it's taking me two days to recover, now.

Wednesday: 2 miles to the gym and back plus biceps, triceps, and chest.

Thursday: 2 miles to the gym and back, and shoulders and chest at the gym.

Friday: Walking day.

Saturday: Rest day.

25 weeks

Alright, time for another State of the Uterus Address (totally stole that from someone, but I love it). I was joking around with Katy and Cari about the list of pregnancy symptoms that are on board for this week. Are your ready for them? We've got constipation, hemorrhoids, gas and bloating, all over aches and pains, and trouble sleeping. Sounds like a blast, doesn't it? Thankfully, I've had none of those, except for a little bit more trouble sleeping.

Now, at 25 weeks, the baby is the size of an eggplant or rutabaga. You weigh about 1.5 pounds and are between 10 and 13 inches long. You're beginning to look less long and lean, and starting to fill out with baby fat. Gah! I can't wait to squeeze your chubby cheeks. I can't wait. Also, your wrinkled skin will start to smooth out so you look more like a newborn, instead of Benjamin Button. You're also starting to grow hair. If we could see it, we'd be able to tell color and texture. I'm going to guess you'll have dark brown hair, but it really could be anything. I'm thinking curly, too. I've got quite a bit of curl and you're dad's hair has a little wave to it. You're nostrils are also starting to open up this week. Even though you're only breathing amniotic fluid, it's good practice for your entrance to this world.

I really need to start wearing the same thing every week. Look at weeks 20 vs. 25. It's so much easier to tell when I've got the same shirt on. I definitely feel pregnant this week. More and more people are starting to comment on it and asking me if I'm pregnant, since it's so obvious now. It's so amazing to just talk to everyone about it and have everyone notice it. Before, I would want to scream that I was pregnant and not just getting a spare tire.

Also, any suggestions on a good response to "You've gotten so big!"? I know it's supposed to be a compliment, but it's just so funny. Probably the only time you can say that to a grown woman without getting punched.

Weight gained: I haven't really talked about this much because it was such a huge adjustment at first. Making the transition from worrying about your weight and being skinny all the time, to gaining weight and seeing your body change. It's really hard! I'm definitely at a place now, though, where I am totally ok with it. I am loving my body and am in awe every single day at what it's up to. After all, you're growing inside of there and it is unbelievable. Since my last doctor's appointment, I gained about 4 pounds, or a pound a week, which is right where I'm supposed to be at. Overall, I've gained about 20 pounds.

It is so awesome to be at a place where I eat what I need to when I'm hungry and not feel guilty about it. I've got to enjoy that for the next 15 weeks. ;)

Symptoms: A few Braxton Hicks (I think so, anyways), a little acid reflux but nothing too uncomfortable, a little back pain but again nothing too uncomfortable, definitely gas and bloating (Yes, your dad loooooves me right now.), and tons and tons of trips to the bathroom. Half the time, I go to the bathroom and then ten minutes later I have to go again. However, I am staying very hydrated!

Movement: I can still feel it all the time and I love it, but your poor dad has yet to feel it. I'll feel a few strong kicks, have Matt come and put his hands ob my stomach, and wait and wait and wait. But, you haven't kicked for him yet. He's even tried talking to you to get you to kick, but no luck yet.

The other day I was sitting in a meeting a work and you were going cray cray! You must've loved to hear all the voices chatting and wanted to be a part of it, too.

Sleep: Sleep was a little bit trickier this week. I was definitely tired and had no problems falling asleep, it was the waking up to go pee. The last few nights I've probably been up 4 times to go to the bathroom. And I was definitely feeling it on Monday and Tuesday. I feel a lot more rested today, though.

Next doctor's appointment: In three weeks! We had a check up this morning and took my glucose test. Hopefully the results from that come back good so I don't have to take the 3 hour test. For the glucose test, you have to drink this super sugary drink. People either hate it or love it. I'd say the first few sips weren't bad, but the last few were terrible! It was a lemon lime drink that reminded me of the juice that's at the bottom of a popsicle. You know, the ones you eat from a plastic tube. Then, you wait an hour and they draw your blood.

After our appointment in three weeks, then we start going every 2 weeks.

I've got to get us signed up for birthing classes, too, and we also meet with a pediatrician at the end of the month. So exciting!


Things from the week: This past weekend, our neighborhood had it's big rummage sale. Our main goal was to find a dresser for your nursery that we could also use as a changing table. We were looking for pretty much any color, as we were planning on painting it white anyways.

Well, we scored big time! Found a dresser for $20, a glider (which is white and matches your room) for $30, and a white toy chest for $25. It was amazing. The best thing was probably a glider. We were looking for new ones online and were preparing to spend several hundred bucks on that, so I was soooo jacked up about that.

The dresser definitely needs work. However, we've already started painting it and got some new hardware, and it's starting to come together great. Once it's all done, I'll be sure to post a before and after picture. For now, here's the before.

And here's the glider and the chest. Matt's aunt Lucille made the blanket that's on the chair. Works perfect, right?

We also finished our registry this week since our first shower is 3 short weeks away! Oh man, was that an overwhelming experience. The fact that we don't know yet whether you're a girl or a boy makes it a little more difficult, too. There are almost no gender neutral clothing options! We'll definitely live though. The surprise on the day you are born will be so with it. When we were walking around Target, there was this 11-month old little girl who was fascinated by the scanner we were using to register. She loved it and we kept running back into her and her mom. It was so fun to talk about being pregnant and having a baby with the other mom. It's almost as if I've been entered into the "Mom" club. Plus, the little girl was so stinking adorable.


This week, I've also been thinking a whole lot more about the fact that you've got to get out of me. I think it's because your little kicks are starting to get so strong. Giving birth is definitely a scary thing to think about. How much will it hurt? Will I be able to do it? Will I need a C section ( I so hope not!)? I'm just so unfamiliar with the whole thing since I've obviously never done it before that it's going to be such a new experience. I've been watching a lot of the show A Baby Story, which basically depicts the birth stories of a ton of families. That's kind of nice to see what other's experience. It's just definitely going to be something I'm going to be a little nervous about until the day comes. Then, I have a feeling I'll be so excited to meet you, that I'd be willing to do just about anything to make that happen.

Workouts, 5/26 - 6/1

Sunday: Spent the day with friends and didn't fit in a workout.

Monday: 3 glorious miles! It had been over a week and I desperately needed to run. I wore my belly band for the first time, and it was amazing! I had no idea I even needed it, but it provided amazing support.

Tuesday: 3 miles with Jax and Matt. It was a great run with my boys!

Wednesday: Rest day.

Thursday: 2 miles to the gym and back. Shoulders and back at the gym.

Friday: 4 mile walk with the dog.

Saturday: Walking everywhere! Went rummaging in the neighborhood, took Jax to Matt's softball game, and then walked to the Village where they had a little fair going on. It was wonderful.