21 Week Pregnancy Blog

Written on Monday September 2, 2014

How far along? 21 weeks 5 days

Baby: Your baby now weighs 3/4 of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot and the size of a banana! The flutters are turning into full kicks and nudges and I may also discover a pattern to her/his activity. In other developments, the baby's eyebrows and eye lids are present now, and if it's a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.                  

Total Weight Gain: This week I finally hit the 10 lb. weight gain mark. I'm not going to lie, this was a little difficult to see. I know it's (mostly) baby, but because it was a holiday weekend I ate worse than I normally do and I'm sure this didn't help the situation. This week I am determined to get back to a healthy eating schedule. I was very good about working out and staying active last week!

Maternity Clothes: I'm showing more and more! I'm still wearing my regular bottoms with a belly band and going between regular tops and smaller maternity tops.

Stretch Marks: Still trying to be disciplined with the stretch mark cream and doing fairly well at it.

Sleep: I'm definitely still lacking energy, but am also waking up more in the night. At the same time, I'm sleeping like a rock when I am asleep. It's weird!

Miss Anything? Still missing regular coffee! I feel like because I can't have it, I want it even more. I had one cup of regular coffee yesterday and it was amazing! Besides that, I really am loving being pregnant. The only other thing I miss it not seeing the scale constantly go up! ;)

Best Moment of the Week: Getting the baby's room painted AND Josh feeling Peanut kick for the first time. Both made me SO happy! Since it was a long weekend (Labor Day weekend), Josh and I decided to buy the paint for the baby's room -- Robin's Nest. Josh ended up getting the whole room painted in one day...woohoo! It looks great and I think it's my new favorite place to hang out in the house :) Yesterday we were laying down after a long day canoeing on the river. When I lay down and am very still, I can usually feel Peanut kick. I started to feel Peanut and immediately called Josh over hoping this would be the time. He felt the baby move twice! It was so exciting and I felt like I was just living this awesome dream...relaxing with my husband and puppy, him putting his hands on my belly and then the baby kicking away. It was just a perfect family moment and I loved that Josh finally got to connect with Peanut in that way!

Movement: I am feeling Peanut more and more :) I love it! The baby doesn't move as much as he/she kicks mommy! It always feels like a swift kick to me. It's the greatest feeling.

Food Cravings: Sweets! I've also always loved cereal, but am really loving it lately. I had it every night for dinner last week...

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope.

Gender: Surprise!

Symptoms: Constipation was especially bad this week. Acne is still bad. Feeling more and more pressure which causes me to have to pee more often. Feeling pressure when I make sudden movements or when I experience a bumpy car ride. Producing/leaking colostrum (fun times)!

Happy or moody: All over the place!

Looking forward to: Registering for baby items and getting more done with the nursery! Also looking forward to feeling Peanut move more and getting a bigger bump! Excited for my next doctor's appointment in a week! :)

22 Week Pregnancy Blog

Written on Monday September 8, 2014

How far along? 22 weeks 5 days

Baby:  At close to 11 inches and almost 1 pound (about the size of a spaghetti squash), Peanut is starting to look like a miniature newborn. The lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and even tiny tooth buds beneath the gums are appearing. The eyes have formed, but the irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. The baby has fine hair (lanugo) that covers the body and the deep wrinkles on the skin, which he/she will sport until he/she adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside the belly, the pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.                  

Total Weight Gain: I'm teetering between a 10 -11 lb. weight gain (125-126). It's still hard seeing the scale go up, but I'm doing my best to make sure it's healthy weight. I can feel more pressure on my stomach which I assume means Peanut really is growing!

Maternity Clothes: I'm showing more and more! Luckily, a lot of my regular clothes are loose and can double as maternity wear for now. Still loving my belly band and maternity shorts!

Stretch Marks: Still trying to be disciplined with the stretch mark cream and doing fairly well at it. My skin was slightly itchy this week which I assume means I need more moisture!

Sleep: I was really sleepy this week, but was also able to work up enough energy to work out and walk a lot. Being active usually gives me enough energy to make it through the day. When I'm asleep, I sleep hard. I also fall asleep within like 2 min. of laying down. I'm  napping a good bit which helps. I've been having very vivid dreams lately and they feel so real. It's to figure out the difference between reality and my dreams when I wake up!

Miss Anything? Still missing regular coffee! (And wanting it more and more). Also, missing my weight not crazy fluctuating every day.

Best Moment of the Week: Getting more things for Peanut at a yard sale (Jumper-Roo, bouncer seat, play table, and shelf for the nursery) and feeling more and more kicks! :) Josh felt Peanut kick again this week (harder this time) and it's just the best feeling!

Movement: I am feeling Peanut more and more :) I'm getting more comfortable with the movements and am recognizing them more often. I still feel mostly kicks, but feel steady movement here and there. The baby is most active at night and when I am sitting/laying very still and relaxed.

Food Cravings: I've always loved these things, so I can't say they are cravings, but lately my diet has consisted of sweets, cereal, and salads. That's what I want most of the time!

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope, just get shaky if I don't eat for a long time.

Gender: Surprise!

Symptoms: Producing/leaking colostrum (fun times), feeling more pressure, crazy vivid dreams!, acne has been better, thrush is better but still not 100% gone, constipation is still an issue but better, achy hips after exercise or sitting still for a long time and general lack of energy.

Happy or moody: All over the place!

Looking forward to: Peanut's appointment tomorrow and registering!

24 Week Pregnancy Blog

Written on Monday September 22, 2014

How far along? 24 weeks 5 days

Baby: Peanut has gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts the baby at about 1 1/3 pounds and almost a foot long (about the size of an ear of corn!). Peanut cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but the body is filling out proportionally and will soon start to plump up. The brain is also growing quickly now, and taste buds are continuing to develop. The lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he/she hits the outside world. The skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

Total Weight Gain: I'm still teetering between a 10 -11 lb. weight gain (125-126). I can tell Peanut is growing, so that makes me happy! I am also happy that I am still gaining weight steadily, but was a little freaked out I had maintained the same weight for the past few weeks. I'm now a little behind the recommended weight gain for 24 weeks (only by a few pounds). I did find out that my thyroid levels are now officially normal (huge praise!), so I guess my body's weight is now evening out to what it would be with a normal functioning thyroid.

Maternity Clothes: I'm going back and forth between bigger regular clothes and maternity clothes. My belly had grown a little more, so the maternity clothes are now looking cute! Still wearing the baby band for most pants.

Stretch Marks: Still trying to be disciplined with the stretch mark cream and doing fairly well at it. My skin was slightly itchy this week which I assume means I need more moisture!  No stretch marks as of yet, so I am hoping what I am doing is working (at least for now!).

Sleep: I was super sleepy this week which is similar to weeks past. I'm just lacking energy all the time. I am dragging every day it seems. I took 2 naps over the weekend which was nice. But then I can't sleep at night! It's hard because the more tired I am, the more caffeine I want. But I can only have a small amount of caffeine each day :( I am waking up a little more often during the night, but am still sleeping comfortably.

Miss Anything? Still missing regular coffee! (And wanting it more and more). Missing having energy!! But besides those small things, I love being pregnant! I've had such a smooth pregnancy so far, that it's hard to have any complaints.

Best Moment of the Week: Registering for Peanut!

Movement: Still feeling a good bit of movement. Sometimes the movements aren't as strong and I only really notice them if I am paying attention. Sometimes they are big! The baby moves the most when I am relaxed and laying down. Maybe this has to do with having anterior placenta?

Food Cravings: Still liking sweets, but really nothing in particular. I made pumpkin bread this week to celebrate fall and really loved it (but that's really nothing new)!

Anything making you queasy or sick? Last week in the mid-afternoon each day I wouldn't feel too great. Nothing awful, but just didn't feel 100%. I usually would eat a snack and would feel better, so I think this was my body's way of telling me to give Peanut some extra food! The funny thing was I was never hungry, I just went straight to the not feeling great stage.

Gender: Surprise!

Symptoms: Feeling lots of pressure and random pains if I move too quickly, thrush in my mouth, acne has improved a lot!, constipation is still an issue (experienced blood in my stool this week), still experiencing achy hips after exercise or sitting still for a long time but it's very off and on and general lack of energy. The biggest symptom this week that was new was Braxton Hicks contractions! So crazy they can happen this early. My uterus just tightens and hardens like a rock and you can distinctly see where the baby is. It's very weird!

Happy or moody: All over the place!

Looking forward to: Finishing up registering and working on the nursery...there is still a lot to be done! Less than 16 weeks to go! We can't wait to meet our baby! :)

26 Week Pregnancy Blog

Written on Monday October 6, 2014

How far along? 26 weeks 4 days (1.5 weeks away from the 3rd trimester!)


Baby: The network of nerves in the baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He or she may now be able to hear both my voice and Josh's as we chat with each other. Peanut is inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of the lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he/she is born and takes that first gulp of air. And the baby is continuing to put on baby fat. Now weighing about 1 2/3 pounds and measures 14 inches (the size of an eggplant and length of a green onion) from head to heel. If we're having a boy, his testicles should soon begin to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three months.

Total Weight Gain: My weight is all over the board! This week it fluctuated between an 11-14 lb. weight gain (126-129). Some of it had to do with the fact that my stomach was very messed up and I was having a lot of constipation issues. This week I am making an effort to get back on the fruits and veggies train to make sure Peanut is getting all the nutrients he/she needs!

Maternity Clothes: I'm starting to embrace the maternity wear. I wore my first pair of maternity pants and jeans this week and am wearing more maternity tops to work. Some of it is really cute!

Stretch Marks: Still trying to be disciplined with the stretch mark cream and doing fairly well at it. No stretch marks as of yet, so I am hoping what I am doing is working and keeping my skin moisturized (at least for now!).

Sleep: I actually had more energy this week...hallelujah! I got a lot done around the house this weekend and it was wonderful. I'm actually waking up really early some weekend mornings (yesterday morning I woke up at 5am) and am staying awake. I think I may be starting the nesting phase of wanting to get everything done and in its place. Hoping to continue having a little more energy this week!

Miss Anything? Loving pregnancy :)

Best Moment of the Week: Watching Peanut move through my skin. I used to only see kicks, but now I can see all sorts of movement. Josh and I sat and watched our baby doing all sorts of crazy things in my stomach last night for about 30 minutes...it was like our own form of free entertainment (and it's too wild to take your eyes off). I don't know of many things more amazing than watching your unborn child swim around in your belly! (If I can, I'll try to catch it on video soon!)

Movement: Still feeling a good bit of movement especially when I am sitting still or laying down. Sometimes they are big kicks and other times slow movements across my stomach! The baby moves the most when I am relaxed and laying down. It's so fun watching!

Food Cravings: Nothing in particular this week. I'm not really wanting the healthier food, but when I make myself eat it I am pretty satisfied.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope.

Gender: Surprise! (still feeling really calm about not knowing)

Symptoms: No new symptoms this week. Honestly, I'm feeling really good! I was able to work out 3 times this week and walk once with my mom. I find that this actually helps the aches I was having.

Happy or moody: Happier!

Looking forward to: My first baby shower is in 2 weeks and I can't wait! Also, I have my glucose test tomorrow and I am anxious to get the results.

27 Week Pregnancy Blog

Written on Monday October 13, 2014

How far along? 27 weeks 4 days (3 days away from the 3rd trimester!)

Baby: This week baby looks like a thinner, redder, more wrinkled version of what he/she will look like at birth, but in the next few weeks more fat will fill out the appearance. Your baby's immune system is continuing to mature as are your baby's lungs which are still practicing breathing amniotic fluid. Peanut is a little over 2 lbs. this week and 15 inches long (the size of a cucumber and head of cauliflower)!

Total Weight Gain: My weight is has been a little more stable this week. It fluctuated between an 11-13 lb. weight gain (126-128). I ate better this week and I could tell the difference. I'm still low on the weight gain, but I think it has to do with the fact that I'm just slowly gaining (which is a good thing!). At my doctor's appointment, they said my weight gain was fine as of right now.

Maternity Clothes: I'm wearing more and more maternity outfits and loving how comfortable they are! I'm tempted to buy a pair of maternity pants for work because I only have a few that fit properly...

Stretch Marks: Trying my best to moisturize at least once a day -- no stretch marks as of yet!

Sleep: I've had much more energy lately! I'm sleeping well and being more disciplined about going to bed on time. I still wake up at the crack of dawn even when I don't have to. I get a little uncomfortable sleeping at night (mostly when changing positions), but nothing major at all.

Miss Anything? Loving pregnancy :) The only thing I miss is being able to wear anything I want. I have to try a few things on now before leaving the house to find something that fits well.

Best Moment of the Week: Watching Peanut move through my skin! I am entranced by it and can't stop watching. Also, we were given a bunch of baby stuff this week! I ordered the crib and bought the crib mattress. So fun to start getting things ready! Peanut also had a doctor's appointment this week and everything went extremely well! I had to take the glucose test and passed it the first time around! Peanut had a healthy heartbeat and measured perfectly. My blood pressure is great still (96/56) -- so low. Also, my iron levels are really good! It was a 13.3 at my appointment which is probably the highest it's even been -- so thankful!

Movement: Feeling extremely low kicks this week and also feeling slower movement. The movement is much more visible through my skin. I feel like I can tell which parts of the body it is more than I ever used to. It's so crazy!

Food Cravings: Sweets, still! Also still loving salads. I had a hamburger and a peanut butter chocolate shake this week and I must say it was absolutely amazing! I didn't crave it, but I'm definitely planning that meal again for the future!

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope.

Gender: Surprise!

Symptoms: No new symptoms this week. Honestly, I'm feeling really good! I randomly get some aches and pains in my hips, but they subside very quickly. Also, my acne is back, but that's nothing new! Pregnancy glow, what's that?

Happy or moody: This week was extremely stressful! :/

Looking forward to: My first baby shower this weekend and I can't wait!

28 Week Pregnancy Blog

Written on Monday October 20, 2014

How far along? 28 weeks 4 days -- officially in the Third Trimester!


Baby: By this week, your baby weighs 2 1/4 pounds - 2.5 pounds (about the size of a large eggplant) and measures 15-16 inches from the top of the head to the heels.
Peanut can blink her/his eyes, which now sport lashes. With the eyesight developing, baby may be able to see the light that filters in through my womb. Baby Gale is also developing billions of neurons in his/her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Total Weight Gain: My weight is has been fluctuating a lot this week. I got my thyroid checked and it was actually a little high (hyper) which didn't surprise me since I wasn't putting on much weight. I am now taking half a pill once a week to even out my levels. This week my weight fluctuated between an 12-14 lb. weight gain (127-129). I'm still slowly gaining which I am happy about and I'm trying not to gorge myself through this last trimester. I'm still staying active which really helps!

Maternity Clothes: I'm wearing more and more maternity outfits and loving how comfortable they are! I'm also wearing regular clothes that used to be a little big and wearing some of my regular jeans with the belly band -- I love that thing! Things don't always fit perfectly because my tummy is bigger, but the rest of my body is regular sized. The maternity pants I have are all a little baggy, but at least they are comfy!

Stretch Marks: I'm really upping my game from this point forward when it comes to stretch marks. I've been pretty lax about applying the creams (still doing it once most every day), but I am going to get back in the twice a day routine. This baby is growing!

Sleep: I'm still more energetic (which probably has to do with my thyroid being a little higher than normal) and it's a nice change! I just can't sleep in anymore which is kind of annoying. I'm still sleeping well though. I fall asleep immediately and don't have many issues with getting comfy. I am noticing I am waking up more on my back though, so I must change positions throughout the night. I do wake up some throughout the night, but not because I am uncomfortable or have to pee.

Miss Anything? I really don't have many complaints! I say finding work pants that fit me, but that's about it. I have an awesome baby and my body has really cooperated with pregnancy. Feeling blessed and loving pregnancy :)

Best Moment of the Week: I had my first baby shower on Saturday through by my wonderful friends! I was a little nervous having everyone over and being that it was my first one ever, I didn't know what to expect. But it was so fun and Baby Gale and I felt so loved!

Movement: Peanut has been moving like crazy lately...I love it! It's by far my favorite part of pregnancy. I sometimes have to force myself to go to bed because I can't stop watching my stomach. I'll miss that once Peanut is born.

Food Cravings: Still loving sweets!

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope.

Gender: Surprise! Thankfully although we don't know the gender, the first shower went really well. There are so many cute gender neutral things :)

Symptoms: Having more Braxton Hicks contractions especially when I am on my feet for a long time, very bad constipation, sometimes the baby will sit on something and I get really uncomfortable but then the baby moves and I'm fine again, bending over has gotten a little harder but I can still do it as of now!

Happy or moody: This week was much better!

Looking forward to: Getting the crib delivered and assembled! Also, we have a labor and birth class next weekend that should be fun and informative! :)

29 Week Pregnancy Blog

Written on Monday October 27, 2014

How far along? 29 weeks 4 days

Baby: Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (about the size of a butternut squash or a small cabbage) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His/her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and the head is growing bigger to make room for the developing brain. To meet the increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because baby's bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Total Weight Gain: My weight is has been fluctuating a lot this week. I have days where I'm barely hungry at all and days where I am starving all day. This week my weight fluctuated between an 11-15 lb. weight gain (126-130). At the beginning of the week, I was worried I wasn't gaining enough, but towards the end of the week, I was almost hitting 130 lbs. It's been all over the place! Overall, I'm still very happy with my weight gain and am really going to try to get the correct nutritional needs this week (more spinach smoothies, cottage cheese, string cheese, and fruit).

Maternity Clothes: My belly has most definitely grown! Maternity clothes are becoming my friend more and more! I'm a little sick of the selection, but still finding outfits that fit each day.

Stretch Marks: I've been doing good with the stretch mark cream and am still stretch mark free! Crossing my fingers that growing slowly will help reduce my chance of severe stretch marks.

Sleep: I'm sleeping a lot lighter and wake up early on the weekends. Yesterday, I woke up at 4:45 am and couldn't fall back asleep. It's not that I'm uncomfortable or have to pee, I just don't feel as tired and want to get up and be productive. Maybe nesting?

Miss Anything? Still loving pregnancy for the most part! I do miss having a clear face :(

Best Moment of the Week: Josh and I went to a Labor and Birth class this weekend and I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot and feel much more informed about the birth. It was a fun experience for us and I felt like we bonded through it. It was a little scary, but so exciting to think about bringing our baby into the world! Also, the crib arrived and we set it up. I absolutely love it!

Movement: Lots of movements! The baby is all over the place all the time. I LOVE it :)

Food Cravings: Still loving sweets and coffee. Also, really liking breads. I'm not normally a huge bread person, but we have had more around the house lately (muffins, cupcakes, banana bread) and I'm gravitating to it more than the healthy foods. Also loving Diet Coke and my lemonade flavored water.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope.

Gender: Surprise! Can't believe in 10.5 (ish) weeks, we will finally know the gender! :) It seems weird to know the surprise is coming to an end.

Symptoms: Having more Braxton Hicks contractions especially when I am on my feet for a long time, very bad constipation, sometimes the baby will sit on something and I get really uncomfortable but then the baby moves and I'm fine again, bending over has gotten a little harder but I can still do it as of now! Acne was awful this week!

Happy or moody: A little stressed and moody....

Looking forward to: My second baby shower is this weekend and I'm excited for it! I also have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday and I always like getting updates on how Peanut is doing.