Category Archives: Baby Bump

26 Week Bumpdate

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    How far along: 26 Weeks, 5 Days

Total weight gain: Haven’t been on the scale this week. Probably a good thing. I also haven’t been to the gym this week. I’d been doing SO well, but dropped the ball over the past week or so, as we’ve been super busy.

To add to my lack of gym time, my lovely father said to me yesterday, “You’re really carrying much bigger this time!” Add that to the list of comments that require a follow-up punch in the gut.

Maternity clothes: I still need more maternity clothes. Haven’t bought anything since I last mentioned that.

Stretch marks: Still stretch mark free… which reminds me, I STILL need to buy more vitamin e oil.

Sleep: I’ve been sleeping pretty well lately. I’ve actually been comfortable on my back. I have to be inclined and angled, but still. I’m pretty comfy.

Best moment of this week: We had a really great Valentine’s Day Weekend! It was a ton of fun! AND, we started our Love & Logic Class that I won… FOR FREE! The class is 6 weeks, 2 hours per week. We’ve had one class and already it’s great. I just love talking parenting and learning new ways to stay sane and better handle the tot.

Miss anything: I miss not feeling chubby. The past few days, I’ve not been feeling so pretty. I think I need to get my butt back to the gym.

Movement: This tiny man creature is SUCH a mover and a shaker. Multiple times this week, I’ve literally jumped out of my seat because he’s poked in such a way that feels like a part tickle, part inside pinch. Silly bugger.

Food cravings: I like sweet things. And pizza. I’ve also still been craving donuts. Before this pregnancy is over, I will have a donut.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Have you started to show yet: Just a bit.

Gender: A gentleman.

Labor signs: I have a decent amount of very mild braxton hicks.

Belly button in or out: My belly button is disappearing.

Wedding rings on or off: Mornings are my fingers’ least favorite time of day.

Happy or moody most of the time: I think I’ve been a happy little lady lately. As long as you’re not calling my fat. That tends to piss me off pretty quickly.

Looking forward to: We’re going to make some good progress on the rooms this weekend! I’m looking forward to that, because it’s really starting to stress me out.

 

24 Week Bumpdate & Check Up

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  How far along: 24 Weeks, 3 Days (OVER 6 MONTHS! That’s insane. Time really is flying by. Some moments I feel like this entire pregnancy has just been a giant blur. When I look down, I have moments of complete surprise. Like somehow I’ve totally forgotten that I’m pregnant. I guess a toddler will do that to you.)

Total weight gain: Oh goodness… I had my 24-week check up today and of course it was at 2:30… right after I downed my lunch. Remind me next time to eat AFTER I have to step on the scale. SO, I’m up 5.5 lbs this MONTH. And 15 total. But I’m going to justify that at least 1-2 lbs was my food baby.

As a side, I had hoped to work out after my appointment. Unfortunately, it ended too early that I couldn’t justify not going back to work. So, what did I do instead? Yes, I stopped at Starbucks for an iced chai and a warm cookie (PS: they heat up your cookie for you…). Shit. That was pretty much the opposite of what I had planned and probably the last thing a rational person does after feeling disappointed by a weight check. Oh well. Tomorrow will be better, right?

Maternity clothes: I need some more basic maternity shirts. Nice stretchy, soft long ones. I was thinking H&M. Any other suggestions?

Stretch marks: Still stretch mark free… which reminds me, I need to buy more vitamin e oil.

Sleep: I’m feeling pretty tired today, so this probably isn’t a good time to ask. This morning I was woken up by the silliest toddler ever. At 4am, the tiny one decided it was meeting time with Teddy & the gang. I’m not sure if it was Teddy or Baby, but someone was cracking jokes that had Charlie giggling away in her crib. Her little one-sided chat (and giggle fest) lasted at least a half an hour until she suddenly got quiet and passed out. Such a strange little babes.

Best moment of this week: Not to make a habit of highlighting the worst parts of my week when answering this question… BUT, can I just mention that we had the worst family photo session ever on Saturday? Oy. Charlotte was in mega beast mode. She was whiney and totally unwilling to smile or even come near us. She kept bursting into tears, wouldn’t put down this damn minnie stuffed animal and a tiny jar of paint (yep, both items – neither of which are ours – will appear in many of the photos), and just didn’t play Mommy’s adorable photo session game.

I was so hopeful that we’d get these sweet photos of Charlie giving us kisses and hugs. Pictures that showed our little family of three (and growing fourth). Instead, it will likely depict two stressed parents and a pissed off toddler. I guess that’s life, huh?

On a positive note, I got to see my friend Erica’s little man last night…  

Miss anything: Vacation. I’ve sooooo been craving vacation. We had talked about babymooning, but ultimately decided that it isn’t really worth it. Traveling pregnant is a bit of a buzz kill. We’ll save our dollars for post-eviction travel.

Movement: I officially saw the baby bumpkins attempting escape through my belly this week. I’m sure I’m wrong, but I felt like I couldn’t see C moving around (aka my belly hopping all over) until later in my pregnancy. Either way, it’s great! He’s such a squiggler. I love it.

Food cravings: See above comment regarding chocolate chip cookies. Damn you, sweets!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Have you started to show yet: Don’t patronize me! I think I need to remove this question…

Gender: A gentleman.

Labor signs: None to speak of!

Belly button in or out: Wide open button.

Wedding rings on or off: Mornings are my fingers’ least favorite time of day.

Happy or moody most of the time: Well, I don’t know. I think happy. I’ve been feeling really good. Energized (except today) and productive. I think that’s kept me in a good mood. I guess if you really wanted to know, we’d have to fact-check with the hubs. He is usually the first to know when I’m leaning towards the moody variety.

Looking forward to: Wednesday I have lunch with my girls and their babies! I’m hoping the snow doesn’t delay us… unless it totally cancels work, in which case, I might be okay with it. Then, this weekend, we have plans with our friends who have two kiddies. We haven’t seen them since New Years, so I’m excited to catch up and see how life with a newborn and toddler is treating them. Other excitements… I don’t know. I’m ready to be home with my hubby. I’ll be happy to get home, smoosh my little baby and relax with hubs.

OTHER CHECK UP UPDATES

I was so tired, I literally didn’t ask any questions. So here are my stats:

Weight Gain: see above.

BP: 108/… shit. 60 maybe? I can’t remember now.

Heartrate: 88 bpm (I’m so consistent!)

Baby’s Heartrate: I totally forgot to ask. I was too distracted by the tiny little man punching the doppler every few seconds. Clearly he was enjoying his food coma and did not want to be poked.

Next appointment (at 28 weeks) will be my glucose test and I have to get my tetanus shot. FML. Guys, I hate shots. Nevermind 24 hours of unmedicated labor… I’m terrified of needles.

23 Weeks, 4 Days

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I took this photo on the 23 week mark (aka last Friday), but didn’t post it because my face looked especially bloated and was hoping to do a retake but have ultimately given up. With that said, ignore my puffy face.

 

1/22/16 – Got my little love bug with me 🙂

How far along: 23 Weeks, 4 Days

Total weight gain: I meant to check and then I forgot. Truly. I’m not even just saying that but really avoiding the scale. I’ll try to remember.

Maternity clothes: Maternity leggings are my best friend. I swear, my body just aint what it used to be. My boobs feel like at any given moment they’re literally going to explode. Ugh.

Stretch marks: Still none… so there’s that! Go me!

Sleep: Sleeping is okay. A bit uncomfortable with the side sleeping. My arm and shoulder tend to go numb depending on which side I’m laying on. I have found a comfortable position though… I have to be pretty well propped up and maybe a hint angled to one side and then I’m able to sleep on my back without feeling winded.

Best moment of this week: This past week (and through the weekend), we moved our office to another building. This was not the best moment of my week; however, being all moved in and done with the madness feels pretty good. Let’s just say that moving your work office… with your parents… well, it’s not that fun. Thankfully, we managed to have only one screaming argument (this week) and it was quickly resolved. To add to the joys of moving, our furnace at home died, we found out our shower was leaking into the basement (in the unfinished and finished portion) and we’re all sick… AGAIN. Somehow, we’re managing to stay in good spirits.

Miss anything: Cold meds. I would love a little nyquil or sudafed right about now.

Movement: The bugger must be getting big. The movements are definitely getting stronger! I absoltely love it. It’s just my favorite. I think he’s going to be a little food lover just like his parents because every time I put a tiny bit of food in my belly, he jumps for joy. Or at least that’s what I tell myself. I’m looking forward to having Charlotte feel him move. We got close the other day, but then Miss Bossy realized I was holding onto her hand and the game ended.

Food cravings: Cake. Cake. Cake. Donuts. Cake. Ice Cream. It’s terrible. Thankfully I haven’t indulged, but I feel myself caving. I need a sweet treat ASAP. Last night I was so desperate for a treat that I made homemade chocolate milk. It was actually very easy and pretty tasty (just milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla, and sugar). I drank about half of my glass and then gave it to Mark. Tasty, but no wedding cake.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Have you started to show yet: The question is, “are there any angles where you’re managing not to show?” Answer: None that I can see.

Gender: A little newsie.

Labor signs: No, but I have been thinking about labor a lot. At first, I felt 100% convinced that I was going to end up having a c-section and now, for whatever reason, I feel more worried (if I’m being honest) that this baby is going to come naturally. I really do want a natural birth experience, but with my experience with Charlotte looming in my mind, I can’t help but feel a little nervous about the whole thing. I don’t feel as mentally strong as I felt last time. I’m a wounded soldier.

Belly button in or out: I would die of shock if my belly button popped out.

Wedding rings on or off: Ugh, my fingers are already swelling…

Happy or moody most of the time: With the move this past week, I tried VERY hard to focus my energies on not being cranky. To just be relaxed and go-with-the-flowish… a quality that isn’t really in my wheelhouse. Regardless, I think it worked. Although that might be what’s left me feeling desperate for cake. Eat your feelings, anyone?

Looking forward to: Tonight we get C’s newly painted big girl bed. The girl who’s refinishing the furniture for us sent us a sneak peek and it’s looking great! So I’m excited to see it. Hmmm. What else? That might be it…

 

How gorgeous is this bed??

 

Left: Before in all its green glory, Right: After!!

 

The dresser that I absolutely adore.

 

Look how well she cleaned up the original hardware…

 

22 Weeks & 4 Days

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  For some reason, I thought I was 23 weeks this week, which was a bit of a disappointment. BUT, 22 weeks is still pretty far. This little nugget is already 11 inches and I believe a pound. A real big guy 🙂

How far along: 22 Weeks, 4 Days

Total weight gain: I haven’t gotten on the scale since last week. I ate like crap this weekend, so I don’t anticipate loving the number. I’ll check next week!

Maternity clothes: Yes, yes, yes!

Stretch marks: Nope!

Sleep: Sleep has been pretty good… EXCEPT, my pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel is back. GRR. Needless to say, I wake up with a lot of pain in my hands. Hopefully it doesn’t get much worse.

Best moment of this week: We had a GREAT time with my cousin and uncle who were in town from Cali. I’ll do a separate post, but it was a lot of fun and Charlotte had a blast. Definitely the highlight of my month. If only they lived closer.

Miss anything: Not too bad this week!

Movement: I know I said this last week, but the little one is such a wiggler. He squirms all day every day. If I wake up in the middle of the night, there he goes, flip flopping around. And actually, he’s definitely a bit quieter during the day. PLEASE, LITTLE GUY, GET YOUR DAYS AND NIGHTS FIGURED OUT NOW… oy. That’s a scary thought. 

Food cravings: I’m ready to get back to home-cooked healthy meals.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Have you started to show yet: Bump, bump, bummmmmp.

Gender: Can’t wait to meet our little man.

Labor signs: I feel like I’ve had Braxton Hicks lately. Typically when I have to pee or when I’m doing something strenuous. I can’t remember when they started last time. Regardless, they’re super mild.

Belly button in or out: The gaping pregnancy belly hole. That sucker isn’t going anywhere.

Wedding rings on or off: On! But they’re tight in the morning.

Happy or moody most of the time: Hmmm. I’ve been pretty split this week. I’m still really on edge. We’re moving office locations at work, which I think is lending to the mood. My parents (who I work with) are stressed, I’m stressed and together, it’s a bit tense. But at home, I feel like I’ve been great. Very happy. Charlie has been a little muffin face and I’ve been loving every minute of this silly toddler age. Except those moments where I want to bang my head against the wall. That’s normal, right?

Looking forward to: We finish off the move this weekend, so I’m excited for that to be over and done. I’m also still looking forward to getting things going on the two kiddie rooms. I’d love to get the new light fixture installed in the nursery and the chandelier moved to C’s new room. Progress, progress, progress.

21 Weeks, 1 Day

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How far along: 21 Weeks, 1 Day

Total weight gain: My total is anywhere between 11-13 depending on the scale. Right on track! As a side, baby is over 10″ now! Such a big little guy!

Maternity clothes: All day, every day.

Stretch marks: Nada… yet.

Sleep: I’ve been sleeping better lately! Only waking up once a night or not at all! Still pretty tired, but not too bad!

Best moment of this week: I’m really feeling the little guy dance around these days! My placenta is in the front, so it look a little longer, but now he’s a moving machine. It’s interesting because I mostly feel him super low. Like, essentially where my c-section scar is. It’s pretty crazy. 

Miss anything: There is something about this weather that makes me crave red wine or a dirty martini… But I’m surviving 🙂 I also miss being able to buy normal clothes.

Movement: Yes, yes! He’s a wiggle worm in the afternoons and at night. I love it!

Food cravings: We’ve been back to cooking three healthy meals a day, which feels great!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Feeling good!

Have you started to show yet: Yes!

Gender: he’s a sweet pumpkin of a boy!

Labor signs: No, no.

Belly button in or out: holding onto my inny.

Wedding rings on or off: On! But in not going to lie, they’re tight when I first wake up.

Happy or moody most of the time: Well, at the beginning of the week, I was still in quite the funk. Thankfully a good friend helped me pull my head out of it and I’m feeling a lot better. I definitely get crabby faster than normal, but hoping that will pass.

Looking forward to: I’m making progress on both Charlotte’s room and new baby’s. I ordered some stuff that should be arriving soon, so I’m looking forward to getting the rooms set up. BUT, more importantly, my little partner in crime is coming to town! My sweet Cali cousin will be here THURSDAY to play house with us and this time, my uncle is coming, too!! I can’t wait 🙂 

18 Weeks, 4 Days

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12/22/15

  How far along: 18 Weeks, 4 Days

Total weight gain: When I checked last, I hadn’t gained any since last time. According to my doc, it’s 2 lbs… but my guess is that I’m closer to 5-7 lbs.

Maternity clothes: All day, every day.

Stretch marks: Nada… yet.

Sleep: I thought we were past the toddler night terrors, but they’ve returned this week. Between the toddler and the puppy, I’ve had a couple sleepless nights lately… but there is a big positive. One that I’m very proud of. I recently took a break from my typical “chick lit” books and picked up Pride & Prejudice… and with my recent night wakings, managed to finish it! Take that, high school self! Not only did I finish it, but I REALLY enjoyed it! Go me!

Best moment of this week: My little bug is doing SO well at school. I cannot even begin to tell you how happy it makes me to see her loving school so much and thriving and growing as she is. She’s just such an amazing little lady.

Miss anything: Maybe a glass of red wine.

Movement: Yes!! Still just little bumps here and there… but it’s so fun! I can’t wait for the big kicks!

Food cravings: Food and I are not in a good place. I’m in my low confidence in my body place right now. SO, I’m trying very hard to make better choices and get my preggo butt to the gym. I have to stay healthy for this little nugget inside of me!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Feeling good!

Have you started to show yet: Yes!

Gender: My cousin claims to be 100% sure it’s another girl. Everyone else thinks boy. I just don’t know!

Labor signs: No, no.

Belly button in or out: It’s a gaping hole.

Wedding rings on or off: On!

Happy or moody most of the time: I’ve got to be honest, I have been operating on a fine line of wanting to punch people in the face. My crabby switch gets flipped SO easily these days. I can feel myself getting wildly offended by things I’m not sure are actually an issue. I’m trying to take deep breaths. Maybe next week will be better! haha

Looking forward to: We find out the sex of the baby NEXT WEEK!!! AHH!! I can’t even believe I’m already almost at the halfway point! How has time whizzed by so quickly? Another exciting thing… Marky and I are going to paint C’s big girl room this weekend! YAY! I can’t wait to get it all set up!

40 Weeks… 10 MONTHS! (June 27, 2014)… THE due date!

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40 Weeks... 10 Months! (June 27, 2014)... THE due date! It doesn't feel real AT ALL to think that today marks my 280th day being pregnant. HOLY SHIT. That's what I have to say. Honestly, I guess I would have thought I'd feel disappointed if she didn't arrive on or by today, but really, I woke up really happy. Today is a huge milestone and it's just so exciting. Plus, I feel good! Some mild aches and pains, but I feel really good and more importantly, really happy. By the way, that's a very weirdly shaped and GIANT belly... but, enjoy it! It could be the last of the belly pics... or there could be two more!

40 Weeks… 10 Months! (June 27, 2014)… THE due date! It doesn’t feel real AT ALL to think that today marks my 280th day being pregnant. HOLY SHIT. That’s what I have to say. Honestly, I guess I would have thought I’d feel disappointed if she didn’t arrive on or by today, but really, I woke up really happy. Today is a huge milestone and it’s just so exciting. Plus, I feel good! Some mild aches and pains, but I feel really good and more importantly, really happy. By the way, that’s a very weirdly shaped and GIANT belly… but, enjoy it! It could be the last of the belly pics… or there could be two more!

 

39 Weeks (June 20, 2014)

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39 Weeks (June 20, 2014). Somehow it's already a week before the due date; however, I'm not going to lie, knowing that my doc will let me go another two weeks makes it feel like we've still got some time. I'm starting to think my womb might be like the Ritz... this girl just doesn't want to check out. So she continues to grow - as do I - and now measures (according to my phone app) 20" long and weighs about 7.25 lbs. That's crazy.

39 Weeks (June 20, 2014). Somehow it’s already a week before the due date; however, I’m not going to lie, knowing that my doc will let me go another two weeks makes it feel like we’ve still got some time. I’m starting to think my womb might be like the Ritz… this girl just doesn’t want to check out. So she continues to grow – as do I – and now measures (according to my phone app) 20″ long and weighs about 7.25 lbs. That’s crazy.

 

Symptoms

Well, I’m sure it’s no surprise that I’m feeling a bit emotional/sensitive today. I really am not overly concerned with going late, as long as I go naturally, but somehow, after receiving the news last week and again this week that my body and baby have made no real steps towards labor, I can’t help but feel really sensitive/worried/anxious/insecure/etc.

I did talk with my doula yesterday, which helped a lot. She’s going to bring over another relaxation CD on Saturday and her fetoscope, which she’ll use to confirm baby girl’s position. That makes me pretty happy. The other positive is that we still have three weeks for my body and this baby to get ready to go. That’s a long time.

The selfish part of me definitely has waves of, “Are you f’ing kidding me? 3 more weeks??” I’m getting pretty sick of sweating and just find that I recognize myself less and less in this giant, sweaty body. To help make it through, I did break down yesterday and buy two new pairs of shoes. If I have three more weeks to go, I just couldn’t keep wearing those tennis shoes. I know it’s vain, but the frumpier I feel, the more emotional and blah I feel. SO, you’ll notice in my belly pic above, I purchased a pair of black slip-ons with a small wedge and I also bought a pair of camel colored ballet flats. It definitely helps a little. What wasn’t helpful was how un-fun my shopping experience was. I LOVE shopping. But I did not love it last night. I was hot and uncomfortable and sweating and had to try on about 5,000 pairs of shoes before finding some that fit. Ugh.

I think the timing of my half-time maternity leave and my last day working out kind of made me feel like D-Day was just around the corner and then the appointment yesterday just squashed that. Hopefully with Friday afternoon through Tuesday off, I’ll get my positivity and “peace” back.

AND, even if I do go three more weeks, that’s just more time to rest and relax, right? It’s time to be more positive. Really, no matter what, this is all great. We have a really healthy baby swimming around and we will meet her in less than a month. I’m done complaining… for today!

38 Weeks… 9.5 MONTHS PREGNANT (June 13, 2014)

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38 weeks... 9.5 MONTHS PREGNANT! (June 13, 2014). Okay seriously, there are only 2 more weeks until my due date. That is crazy. Unfortunately, you can see that this stubborn little woman is still high as ever and refusing to drop. It's surprising that she'd be stubborn, right? Also, look at Toby. I mean, is he for real? Why is he the cutest dog ever?

38 weeks… 9.5 MONTHS PREGNANT! (June 13, 2014). Okay seriously, there are only 2 more weeks until my due date. That is crazy. Unfortunately, you can see that this stubborn little woman is still high as ever and refusing to drop. It’s surprising that she’d be stubborn, right? Also, look at Toby. I mean, is he for real? Why is he the cutest dog ever?

 

37 Weeks, 4 Days… FULL TERM and then some (June 10, 2014)

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37 Weeks, 4 Days... FULL TERM and then some (June 10, 2014). I can't believe I've somehow made it to full term. I remember thinking 20 weeks felt so far, and now here we are in the home stretch. Our little mini warrior has been growing like a champ and making my belly bulge. And soon, we'll be kissing her sweet cheeks. I just can't even wait. As for the tum... it's giant, still looking pretty high, and forcing me to wear some pretty interesting outfits lately.

37 Weeks, 4 Days… FULL TERM and then some (June 10, 2014). I can’t believe I’ve somehow made it to full term. I remember thinking 20 weeks felt so far, and now here we are in the home stretch. Our little mini warrior has been growing like a champ and making my belly bulge. And soon, we’ll be kissing her sweet cheeks. I just can’t even wait. As for the tum… it’s giant, still looking pretty high, and forcing me to wear some pretty interesting outfits lately.