Bumpdate: 37 weeks

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26, week 27

  28 weeks, 29 weeks, 30 & 31 weeks, 32 weeks, 33 weeks , 34 weeks , 35 weeks, 36 weeks

How Far Along? 37w6d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 30lbs, 27lbs at doc

Maternity Clothes: I've got a few comfortable "outfits" and I'm re-wearing them often.

Nursery: Let's call it done. There are a few things I'd like to add; a. something for the wall behind her crib and b. different baskets and storage for toys down the road - but they're not necessary for now so we are done! My mom hemmed the drapes this past weekend and the room is really, really lovely. Leo and I play in their a lot, and I can't even imagine what it's going to be like when baby sister is in there with us too. I'm hoping to share pictures in the next week or two.  

 

Movement: A ton and it's crazy when her butt and head pop up at the same time. I love laying in bed for an hour at night before I attempt sleep and just watching and feeling her move.

 Symptoms: A new symptom for this week, and for me ever (since I didn't have this with Leo) is chest and rib soreness. It almost feels bruised. My doctor said it's really normal and that I'm lucky it hit me pretty late in pregnancy because it can effect people much earlier. 

Otherwise, I'm having some mild cramping, and overall last weeks of pregnancy feelings; tired, hungry, and tired ;)

Sleep: On Friday night I literally pulled an all nighter. That sucked very hard, but otherwise this week I've slept fine I suppose.

Joel: Got his stuff packed in our hospital bag this past weekend, is starting to get his work ready for his time away from the office, and seems to be getting really excited.

 Workouts: Sad to report...none

Mood/Mental State: Surprisingly calm for the most part.

Cravings: Salads. I think I'm getting so sick of food and sweets, that my body is wanting some healthier fare - and I'm trying hard not to ignore that and get in as many salads as I can.

What I Miss:  Being able to put on shoes by myself and not being uncomfortable standing.

Random Things: Bags are packed and this is the most pregnant I've ever been since I had Leo at 37 weeks

Best Moment of the Week:  A perfect 38 week doctors appointment. Everything is looking great, growth for baby and me is right on track, heartbeat sounded good and the doctor estimates the baby to weigh 6lbs14oz when she is born (Leo was 5lb14oz).

Next week, for my 39th week, my doctors appointment is at the hospital when my doctor is going to deliver this baby (!!!!!!!!!). I cannot believe it. I'm scared, excited, anxious, and ready to be on the other side.

Looking Forward To: Having a healthy, perfect baby in my arms.

Bumpdate: 36 weeks

 

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26, week 27

  28 weeks, 29 weeks, 30 & 31 weeks, 32 weeks, 33 weeks , 34 weeks , 35 weeks

 

How Far Along? 36w5d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 28.5lbs

Maternity Clothes: I'm re-wearing a ton, but the finish line is officially in sight so I don't really care.

Nursery: It's about 89% there. Not too much else needs to happen. Drapes need to be hemmed, I need to find some baskets for her closet, and then a few additional items need to go up on the walls and we're going to be in business. I'm keeping it really simple for now.

This weekends big task was to get the mirror gallery wall up on the wall, and both Joel and I were both kind of dreading it. Somehow, it turned out to be much easier than we expected and the whole thing was done in just a little over an hour. I love the way it turned out.

 

 

Movement: She is getting so big, I can just feel it. She feels very sideways to me, even though at my last doctors appointment my doctor said she was head down. I love feeling her and I know I'm going to miss the feeling when she is on the other side.

 

 Symptoms: This week was actually tough. Today, I'm feeling great, but it's the first day in like 6 or 7. I picked up whatever cold Leo got, could not breath, had bad sinus pressure all over, and just felt fresh out of jokes. 

A humidifier next to my bed really helped a lot of the symptoms, and the last few nights I've slept so well. So I'm really thankful to be feeling just pregnant and not pregnant and sick. That was getting to be a bit too much.

Last night, I was watching The Santa Clause for probably the 100th time in my life, and when Joel came upstairs, it was just ending and I was a sobbing mess. Charlie was reminding me of Leo, and how fast they grow up, and blah, blah, blah. Joel found it to be very hilarious.

 

Sleep: Well it had been hell, but the last few nights have been so much better and I really think the humidifier has helped a lot too.

Joel: Got a ton of stuff done this weekend. We have the car seat installed, swing built, gallery wall up, bottles ready to go, and a few other things that I had on my to-do list. I think we both nested a bit this weekend and it started to get us in the "ok, we're ready" mode which is a nice feeling. There are still a few things, but nothing major.

 Workouts: For the last 36 weeks, I've worked out twice a week with these two girlfriends that are also expecting their second babies in 2018. It's been SO much fun to have them and we've all motivated each other the entire time. My last week at the gym was bittersweet!

Mood/Mental State: Emotional, Sad and down, but now feeling better and starting to have glimpses of true excitement and true fear!

Cravings: Coffee cake. There's a particular kind that my Papa used to bring over to our house all of the time. It's SO unhealthy for you, probably worse than a donut, but the last few months, I've grabbed them on Sundays to take to my parents while my sisters are in town and all of a sudden I'm like obsessed with them. I had to buy one this weekend and I really hope I can restrain myself from doing that again.

What I Miss: I missed Dayquil this week.

Random Things: Lots of baby prep this week - and Leo officially knows Baby is coming and probably coming soon. He has recently been very "mommy" and wants to be held a lot, and is also being realllllly clear about what is "Leo's".

It was really cute though on Sunday when we were working in the nursery, he was playing in the baby's closet and kept pointing at things "that's for baby ____", and "that's for baby____". 


Best Moment of the Week:  Feeling better, celebrating my mom's birthday this week, and getting ready to bring a baby home.

Looking Forward To: Lots of Christmas activities this week. We're really trying to fit in as much as we can so here we go!

Bumpdate: 35 weeks

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26, week 27

  28 weeks, 29 weeks, 30 & 31 weeks, 32 weeks, 33 weeks , 34 weeks

 

How Far Along? 35w6d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 26lbs

Maternity Clothes: Whatever is comfortable - which is leggings.

Nursery:  It's starting to come together. Joel added one additional shelf in her walk in closet, which allowed me to get all of her clothes hung and off the floor. I need some baskets for bows, shoes, bibs, etc. but then her closet it pretty much set. This weekend we are going to hang her new drape rod (this nursery's never ending saga), attempt to hang like 10 gold mirrors, and start putting out the swing/rock and plays/installing car seats, etc.

Movement: Lots and lots. I've tried to capture a good video and I just can't seem to which bugs me but she is a mover and a shaker pretty much 20 hours a day.

 

 Symptoms: Hanging in there but I know these last 3 weeks are going to be tough. Heartburn is pretty much showing up everyday, I'm moving slow and I'm tired all the time, I don't like bending to put on shoes, holding Leo for too long is becoming tough, and I'm super emotional and hormonal.

 

Sleep: I fall asleep quickly but I'm up (for good) by 3am almost every night. I've tried what my doctor has recommended.....unisom, baths before bed, cutting water by 7pm, exercise, body pillows, sound machines, sleep masks, essential oils, etc. etc. etc. and for the most part, it just is what it is.

Joel: officially has a really pregnant wife and all of the lovely parts that come along with that. After being so tired after a really packed weekend, Sunday morning I was up at 3am and fell asleep in our chair in our bedroom at like 9:30am. He decided to take Leo to Menards with him and just let me sleep. When they came home, he had brought me home a latte which was so sweet, and I just sat in the living room a balled my eyes out.

 Workouts: No workouts at the gym which was sad and no turkey trot. Leo has been working through a pretty gross cough and so I didn't want to take him in the cold before our long day. I ended up doing an almost 3 mile walk with my dad the morning of Thanksgiving, and it was tough but I was so glad I did it. We also snuck in 2 other walks this past week, but for the most part Leo and I are walking about a mile to my parents house and that's about it.  This is my last week at the gym, so I'm going to get in yoga and kickboxing for one final week and then I'm putting my membership on maternity leave.

Mood/Mental State: Emotional

Cravings: Not much actually, but I'm getting pretty hungry pretty regularly at this point. 

What I Miss: cold Champagne! I honestly think I made like 6 La Croix mocktails on Thanksgiving just to keep a champagne glass in my hand!

Random Things: Just trying to focus on my blessings this week because there is SO much to be thankful for despite the uncomfortable that I'm experiencing. I am so thankful to live so close to family this pregnancy, it takes an ENORMOUS amount of pressure off of me since I know Leo and Roscoe will be so well taken care of and would be taken care of at a moments notice by both my parents and Joel's. I am so thankful to have had such a healthy pregnancy, be growing a healthy baby, AND enjoy these last 9 months at home with Leo. Our relationship is going to change, our whole family is, but having him as my constant buddy and being able to have so much 1 on 1 time has been a huge gift to us both.

Best Moment of the Week:  A great Thanksgiving, tons of time with my sisters who Leo just adores, seeing family and cousins, and coming home to a festive house and lit up Christmas tree.

Looking Forward To: We have a few Christmas activities starting this week which thrills me! Plus, I'm really excited to see the finishing touches go up in the nursery!

Bumpdate: 34 weeks

 

 

 

 

 

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26, week 27

  28 weeks, 29 weeks, 30 & 31 weeks, 32 weeks, 33 weeks

 

How Far Along? 34w5d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 25lbs - but I feel like its more. I just feel heavy and large at this point.

Maternity Clothes: Whatever is comfortable - which is leggings.

Nursery:  We are making progress!! We hung 3 long floating book shelves that I'm obsessed with, have started to really organize all the baby things, and have a plan for the rest of the room. 

I'm eager for the drapes to go up, but Joel is waiting for a piece in order to support the heavy fabric.

This week I'm hoping we can add the gold gallery mirror feature, get the drapes up, add 1 built in shelf to the closet, and get an idea of how I'm going to store all of her clothes!

Movement: Tons and according to the doctor, what I'm feeling is the baby's butt up near my ribs.

 Symptoms: I still feel pretty good considering this is the final push. Sleep isn't great, I do experience some mild heartburn, and I just feel freaking pregnant.

 

Sleep: I toss and turn most of the night which is not fun. It adds to me being tired during the day, but it's just such a vicious cycle. I'm so ready to get into bed at night and SO ready to get out of bed in the morning.

Joel: Has been working tons lately. He isn't sleeping much either since he is working so late at night, and then I feel bad keeping him so busy during the weekends with my long "honey do" list. Having a baby in the middle of Thanksgiving and Christmas is just slightly chaotic.

 Workouts: Made it to yoga and kickboxing this week and got in a 2-3 mile walk with my mom. I'm going to walk the Turkey Trot 5k on Thursday so I wanted to get a little practice in. For whatever reason, I would SO much rather take an hour long kickboxing class with jumps and running and what have you, then walk for an hour.

Mood/Mental State: Right now, amazing. I had a great doctors appointment this morning and that just makes me feel so thankful for a great report, it's a huge sense of relief - added even more so because I get so nervous before the appointments.

Cravings: Candy Cane Hershey Kisses

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night - and pants.

Random Things: I'm so excited for thanksgiving and all of the fun holiday cheer that is among us. These next 3 weeks (before my next docs appointment), I really want to focus on enjoying the season and just relishing in the calm before the storm.

Best Moment of the Week: A great doctors appointment. The C-section is officially on the books, baby is in head down position (even though that doesn't matter this time around, but it's notable because my doctor in California told me that would not be very likely......), her heartbeat checked in at 139bpm, and the doctor commented that she was already of substantial size. Pretty much everything an expecting mother would want to hear, and I'm very, very thankful.



Looking Forward To: Thanksgiving and the long weekend with my family

Bumpdate: 33 Weeks

 

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26, week 27

  28 weeks, 29 weeks, 30 & 31 weeks, 32 weeks

How Far Along? 34 weeks

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: Didn't check this week, and sort of don't think I care anymore. With only 5 weeks left, I feel pretty comfortable with where I'm at (~25ish pounds) and where I'll likely end (~30lbs).


Maternity Clothes: Whatever is comfortable - which is leggings.

Nursery: Really need to get going here but we're making some progress. Joel added some additional hanging/shelving space in the closet, we spray painted the mirrors that I want to use for a little gallery wall, and we got quite a few ADORABLE additions (including a rocking bunny from Pottery Barn that I'm obsessed with). What I would like to do in the next two weeks includes:

1. I had to update, because yesterday I found drapes

2. Make a trip to Ikea to purchase some type of book shelf (possible floating shelves) and dresser for the closet 

3. Move nightstand into nursery and find a new one for Leo's  room.

4. Wash linens and dress the crib (because why not!)

5. Set out Rock and Play's/swing/and some other baby items so that Leo (and Roscoe) can get used to them

Movement: Tons, and sometimes it hurts. I'm pretty certain her head is right under my ribs and there are quite a few positions that become uncomfortable fast. She moves a lot and I love watching my entire stomach move, pop out, and change shapes. 

 Symptoms: Probably just exhaustion. We had a slammed weekend and Monday and Tuesday of this week have been tough for me. By 1pm, I'm ready to throw in the towel for the most part. Otherwise, I'm still feeling good!

Sleep: I want to sleep constantly, have to get up quite a bit but it is what it is.

Joel: Is in for a LOT of pink!

 Workouts: Only two! Well, let's say 3 since I danced all night long at my girlfriends wedding on Saturday night! Yoga and kickboxing are still part of my weekly routine, and I think they will be until I put my gym on hold in December. I take kickboxing with 2 of my other girlfriends that are expecting, and it just so happened that one of my friends OB's was in class with us. She was giving us major props - totally made my day - and guessed that I was 32 weeks (which was pretty darn close since I was 33 when she guessed).

Mood/Mental State: Grateful, thankful, and overwhelmed with the amount of nursery/prepping I still need to do.

Cravings:I'm pretty sure I'm going to eat an entire bag of dark chocolate pretzels that I bought from Trader Joe's this weekend without letting anyone touch any of them. They are SO good.

What I Miss: A full day to get things done. I just feel like I can only operate with half a day's time because I become so tired and lazy by the time Leo wakes up from his nap.

Random Things: Dancing all night long in heeled boots will be fun, will earn you lots of kudos points from fellow wedding guests, but will also hurt you the next day. 

Best Moment of the Week: Our sprinkle! It was SO fun and weird and wild to celebrate baby girl this weekend. It really made it feel real that a baby girl is going to be entering our family in just a few weeks time!

Looking Forward To: Putting a dent into organizing all of baby girls new goodies!

Bumpdate: 32 weeks

 

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26, week 27

  28 weeks, 29 weeks, 30 & 31 weeks

 

How Far Along? 32 weeks, 5 days

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: Had been sitting pretty right around 20lbs, but I'm sure this indulgent weekend put me well above!

Maternity Clothes:  I'm living in leggings and long sweaters and I'm mainly wearing nursing bras at this point too.

Nursery: I found a pretty lamp for the room at Homegoods on major sale. I hate overhead lighting so I'm excited to have two decent lamps in her room...I just need to swap out the wattage on the light bulb, but that's an easy fix. 

 

Movement: We've had lots of hiccups this week and I can feel that she is getting bigger. I love when I can feel her move in two places at the same time too.

 

 Symptoms: A little more heartburn this week, but nothing horrible. I also am a little more uncomfortable just sitting because of the position she is in and I find myself adjusting constantly. Sleep is eh.....I'm up probably 5-6x at night because of constant pressure on my bladder.

 

Sleep: Still not able to nap which is annoying, and like I mentioned, sleep is starting to dwindle a bit too.

Joel: We had the best weekend together ever. It was the perfect getaway for both of us. It was so relaxing, so cozy, so fun and it had been a while since Joel and I got to just enjoy each other's company without anyone else to share with....it was so nice.

 Workouts: Only two! Yoga and kickboxing. I had great intentions to get in a hike while we were on our babymoon, but the bed and my book were just too enticing, so I didn't fit it in. It's been a lot colder around here so my walks have greatly decreased, but I really want to try and fit in a few more walks this upcoming week, even if it's just a mile or two here or there.

Mood/Mental State: Great. I'm really proud of the place I've been in the last few weeks and while I have no idea if that will change, I'm enjoying the here and now and praising myself for not going into panic mode quite yet.

Cravings: Nothing specific because I'm indulging in everything! Honestly, when I'm on the other side of this pregnancy, I think I need to take like a 3 month break from all bagels.

What I Miss: Being on vacation makes it a touch harder to not miss drinking.....two times I sort of pouted...when we checked in they were giving away free glasses of champagne, and I just wanted like ten of them! And then at the spa, lots of groups of girls were just lounging with mimosas and I wanted very badly too as well - but I got over it. Knowing that mimosas are waiting for me in just six short weeks helps a lot!

Random Things:  32 weeks was a big milestone. When I was pregnant with Leo, my doctor said that when her patients hit 32 weeks, she likes to take a big sigh of relief, and that always stuck with me. Now, my eyes are on the 35 week prize!

Best Moment of the Week: Our trip to Kohler. From the massage, to reading my book at the spa, to bowling with Joel, playing cards at the bar, scrabble by the fire, sleeping in, and just totally relaxing....it was a heavenly trip!

Looking Forward To: So I have another really fun week ahead! My best friend from Cali is arriving on Thursday, we have one of my best friends weddings on Saturday, AND I have a little sprinkle on Sunday! I can't even stand it!

Bumpdate: 30 & 31 weeks

 

 

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26, week 27

  28 weeks, 29 weeks

 

How Far Along? 31w5d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 19.5lbs

Maternity Clothes:  I'm living in leggings and long sweaters

Nursery: We started making some headway! The crib is up, the changing table has been moved out of Leo's room and into the nursery, along with the glider and ottoman. That means that Leo's room got some changing too - a new dresser and a big new white day bed. I'm actually loving the way Leo's room is looking, but I need to organize the dresser in the coming weeks.

Next up for the baby; I want to spray paint a collage of mirrors I took from my mom. They will be getting a fresh coat of gold. I need to find some black out drapes and I'd like to find a shelving unit as well.

 

Movement: All. Day. Long. Some movements are getting more and more uncomfortable and a few have stopped me in my tracks too. 

Symptoms: Feeling more pregnant. I feel like I'm moving more pregnant-ly and breathing is getting a little heavier too but overall - I'm really, really thankful for how this pregnancy is treating me.

Sleep: No matter how tired I am (and I've been feeling really tired lately) I cannot nap. It blows. Thankfully I sleep well at night about 80% of the time.

Joel: Did major work to get the nursery started which has been enormously helpful. I just have the motivation for nothin' so thankfully he is great at getting jobs done. I try to take Leo out of the house for a few hours on the afternoon so that he can work in peace, and it's always really fun to come home and see the progress.

 Workouts:  Does packing boxes count? I've been with my parents almost every day for the last 2 weeks packing up their old house and then unpacking in their new house. A few days I overdid it on my feet but I'm glad that I was still able to be around to help them. We still have a lot of work to do but I'm happy not to see a tape gun for a while.

I also made it to yoga and kickboxing.

And in another note on workouts, I got a note from my doctor today to start my gym maternity leave as early as December 1st, so we'll see how I'm feeling in the next 4 weeks.





Mood/Mental State: Great. The last two weeks I've felt really calm, cool, and collected and my 32 week doctors appointment didn't make me panic like the appointments normally do which was a really refreshing mental break.

Cravings: Halloween candy has been making wayyyyy too many appearances. 

What I Miss: Not being pregnant ;) That's going to stay....I'm starting to get excited to get to the other side.

Random Things:  Our 32 week appointment today went fantastic - such an amazing feeling to leave the doctors after a healthy report. Baby measured right on track at 32 weeks, heartbeat was 148, and the doctor sent me on my way until 35 weeks!




Best Moment of the Week: Getting my parents into their new, much anticipated house and a very healthy doctors appointment

Looking Forward To: Our babymoon! We are heading to The American Club in Kohler, WI this weekend for lots of spa services, sleep, books, and time together. We both are so excited to check out for a few days, spend some low key time together, and just relax.

Bumpdate: 29 weeks

 

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26, week 27

 

How Far Along? 29w6d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 19.5lbs (I was up 22lbs at this point with Leo)

Maternity Clothes:  I have a feeling I'm going to live the next 9 weeks in leggings and long sweaters. I found really cheap, comfortable leggings at Nordstrom Rack (brand is Abound and they were $10). They're nothing amazing, but they're comfy, I sized up, and bought two pairs and wear them pretty much if I'm not in workout clothes.

Nursery: We bought a dresser for Leo's room which is good because in the next few weeks the dresser that Leo has been using will go into the nursery. It will be slightly annoying because that means we will have to change Leo in the nursery, but it just didn't make sense to me to buy a whole second changing station (and diaper pail) to be used for only 6-10 months (or until Leo decided to potty train). 

 

If it does turn out to be a huge pain, we can always figure out an option B, but Leo is really only getting changed 4ish times a day, and I just don't think it will be that big of a deal............ 

  My sister-in-law also graciously gifted us an old swing and an extra Rock and Play so that was pretty awesome too since I think it will be really nice to have an extra RP on the first floor. 

Movement: YES - and lots. Baby girl has had lots of hiccups this week too. At my 24week appointment the doctor pointed out that the baby was sideways, and I'm fairly certain she still is. I can feel her head and butt (not sure which is which) which I love.

Symptoms: Not horrible this week. Had some emotional moments which isn't always fun, but it is what it is. Also, my hormones when I'm pregnant pump out lots of anxiety, so I do have to battle that everyday. I really don't like being alone or bored - both of which bring my anxiety to a head - so I've been spending lots of time with my mom.  

I also find myself sitting a lot more. I'm pretty used to staying busy or being on the floor with Leo, but both of those are getting a little more tiring, so I'm much more apt to take a seat than I am when I'm not pregnant.

Sleep: Really well this week and I don't think I've taken any afternoon naps lately. Sometimes I'll lay down and read for an hour, and I do try to take it pretty easy during Leo's nap time, but I'm always pretty excited to go upstairs for the night and turn in.

Joel: Supportive while I lost my cool a few times this week.

 Workouts:  Fit in yoga and kickboxing this week, but my walks were a little weak this week because the weather was a little off. The forecast looks fantastic for the next two weeks so hopefully we can fill in some of those gaps.

Mood/Mental State: More anxious this week than last but trying to not tailspin.

Cravings: Much healthier week overall than last - but I don't really restrict myself much (and probably could a touch more...but whatever!).

What I Miss: Not being pregnant ;)

Random Things:  I think I nested a bit this weekend which was nice. I loved getting a few pieces of furniture from my parents and found myself just sitting in the living room looking at them all weekend long. I'm starting to get excited about tackling the nursery now that we're kind of making baby steps toward progress.


Best Moment of the Week: The fall-like weather and time at home with my boys.

Looking Forward To: A healthy, calm, low key week that will take us into the THIRTIES! That feels like a really big milestone and one that I'm so excited and grateful to see. 

Bumpdate: 28 weeks - HELLO 3rd TRIMESTER!

 

 

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26, week 27

 

How Far Along? 28w6d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: didn't get on this week but I'm guessing 16/17lbs

Maternity Clothes:  Same....in maternity pants and select normal shirts for the most part. My workout clothes have been fine but I'm probably ruining them.

Nursery: Nothing.....eek! Now that Leo's birthday party is behind us, it's our next big thing. We are getting a few things from my sister-in-law this weekend, borrowing a crib in the next few weeks from my cousin, doing an Ikea trip and having a sprinkle that should help motivate some movement in this department!

Movement: YES - and lots. I love it, even though it happens 24 hours a day - and oftentimes on my bladder.

Symptoms: Walks are getting harder. I get some pretty solid round ligament pains during my walks that really slow my pace and lately have been forcing me to stop in my tracks. I remember them happening with Leo but I thought it was closer to 33/34 weeks. 

 

If I don't have to bend down, I won't. It seems to take longer to regulate my breath when I'm relaxing/sitting. I think it's just the weight on my lungs, but I take these like deep deep breaths...It's kind of annoying. 

Sleep: Pretty good this week. I fall asleep instantly and try really hard to not look at my phone when I get up to use the bathroom (2ish times/night).

Joel: Was a huge help at Leo's 2nd birthday party - and was really appreciative of what I did to pull it together too which was nice. We were able to go on TWO dates this past week which was a treat, and we both feel like we should be doing that as often as we can before the baby comes and date night takes a backseat for a while.

 Workouts:  Was able to get to yoga and kickboxing, take a really long walk with Joel and Leo on Sunday, and fit in a few other walks throughout the week as well. The weather has been just beyond fantastic, so we are still able to walk most days at least once, if not twice. CocoPop (my parents) live just under a mile, so they're a great destination in the afternoon to walk over to and just pop in and say hi.

Mood/Mental State:REALLY good. I had a great doctors appointment on Monday that really reassured me and made a different in my mental state all week long.

Cravings: Holy cow, after I found out that I passed my glucose test last Tuesday, I sort of went hog wild on all. the. treats. On Tuesday after the nurse called to tell me that my results were normal, I had to treat myself to an apple cider donut, and then Joel came home with a pint of ice cream as a celebratory treat which was sweet but sweet. Then with Leo's birthday....we hit the sweets WAY too hard this week.

What I Miss: My energy and mimosas.

Random Things: We had Leo's 2nd birthday party which was the first time a lot of my family had seen me since my belly has really made its appearance so that was really fun seeing everyone and getting excited.

Best Moment of the Week:  Finding out I passed the 1hr glucose test and celebrating Leo's 2nd birthday party.

Looking Forward To: A healthy week, less sugar, and a weekend in Iowa with Joel's brother's family.

Bumpdate: 27 weeks

 

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26

How Far Along? 27w6d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 14.5lbs/13 at doctor

Maternity Clothes:  Same....in maternity pants and select normal shirts for the most part.

Nursery: Nothing.....eek! I'm planning on getting it done in October/November.

Movement: YES - and lots - and sometimes I can feel multiple places at the same time. The doctor said that now is the time to keep an eye on movement and that I should be feeling 10 kicks by dinner time - which, thankfully, I feel 10 kicks every 10 minutes.

Symptoms: My allergies have cleared for the most part which has been great! Overall, nothing this week - just getting bigger.

Sleep: Not amazing, not horrific.

Joel:  He crossed a major "before baby item" got checked off and I'm so excited! Our fireplace is up and running! I really, really wanted fake logs for our fireplace so that we could actually use the dang thing, and after getting two quotes from contractors....Joel did it himself! It was really easy since our fireplace was basically set to go, and we enjoyed the best fire on Saturday night. I'm already envisioning lots of cozy cuddles all winter long with TWO babies!

Workouts:  Made it to kickboxing but had to miss yoga due to Leo's 2 year check up. We also biked into downtown Crystal Lake on Saturday and it will be the last bike ride I haul Leo for more than a mile until this baby is out of me. It nearly killed me and I happily accepted a car ride home! Lots of walks too.

Mood/Mental State: I was anxious before my doctors appointment, which is just the way my body reacts. It's so obnoxious and so exhausting but it is what it is.

Cravings: I'm kind of getting excited for Halloween candy!

What I Miss: Not being tired in the afternoons.

Random Things: Can't think of anyhting

Best Moment of the Week:  A fantastic 28 week doctors appointment. Everything looked great, my stomach is growing right on track (and was 29cm), babe's heart rate clocked in at 144bpm, and I took my glucoa test, got my flu shot, and got my whooping cough shot too. They sent me on my way for another 4 weeks :)

Looking Forward To: Leo's 2nd birthday party, passing the glucose test, and really focusing on my gratitude for a healthy pregnancy.

Bumpdate: 26 weeks

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25

How Far Along? 26w6d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 14.5 - thanking my cold for the little loss

Maternity Clothes:  Same....in maternity pants and select normal shirts for the most part.

Nursery: Nothing.....eek! I'm planning on getting it done in October/November.

Movement: YES - and lots - through clothes now too. She's hard to miss honestly and is starting to feel bigger.

Symptoms: The weather has been nuts here, and I'm blaming it for my cold/allergies going on. I'm really congested which isn't fun when you don't feel like you can breathe normal in the first place. Thankfully I'm getting some relief with a Claritin, but its not fun. I also don't have a lot of patience and cannot stand being outside in this +95 degree weather. It instantly makes me want to cry - drama, I know!

Sleep: For the most part, ok but the cold has been rough for my sleeping through the night.

Joel:  He is so helpful and really, if it weren't for him being so on it when he was at home, I would be in trouble. He tries to seriously give me a break whenever he can, doesn't complain when I drag him to the grocery store, sleep in on the weekends, and am just generally off. He is a good, good catch with a LOT of patience.

Workouts:  Got to the gym twice but have been missing my walks a LOT. Working out really helps keep me happy and relaxed, so I felt the effects of missing my walks a bit this week. On Sunday we took a short bike ride and swam in the lake a bit, and just that little burst of activity really helped. The weather should cool down soon here and I'm going to try and make up it!

Mood/Mental State: So, the hot weather makes me really, really angry, but I have a better handle on my anxiety this week which is good. A long talk with Joel, my therapist, and working on a few new things (visualizing and writing in my journal) have been helping.  Just trying to take this last chunk week by week, appointment by appointment and not go overboard.

Cravings: Nothing and since I'm stuffy this week, not much has tasted great either.

What I Miss: Dayquil. I always miss that when I get colds while I'm pregnant!

Random Things: Leo turned TWO this week! We had so much fun celebrating him this weekend and he has had a really great week with lots of new toys, seeing family and friends and lots and lots of cake!

Best Moment of the Week:  Leo's birthday - the whole day I kept thinking about where we were two years ago, how amazing this ride has been with Leo and being a mom, and how lucky and blessed I am for my healthy, growing family.

Looking Forward To: The weather cooling off a bit and getting our 28 week appointment in the books. I'm looking forward to have the Glucoa test behind me! I go next Monday so I'm ready to cross that off the list.

Bumpdate: 25 weeks

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24


How Far Along? 25w6d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 16lbs

Maternity Clothes:  Same....in maternity pants and select normal shirts for the most part.

Nursery: Nothing.....eek! I'm planning on getting it done in October/November.

Movement: YES - and lots - through clothes now too. 

Symptoms: Really nothing new this week....a very low key week for the most part.

Sleep: Still sleeping well. A great night of sleep for me is getting up only once in the night to use the bathroom.

Joel: Ran a 50k this past weekend which is nuts. He ran one right before Leo was born too, he basically knows that the year following a new baby it's tough to get out of the house and put in lots of hours working out or training, so he set this goal this past spring and accomplished it with 3 months before baby girl comes and rocks his workout schedule!

Workouts:  With our fall schedule, I can really only get to the gym 2x/week. I do classes both of those days (a yoga and kickboxing class) that I really enjoy. I've also been trying to get 2-3 walks in the afternoons for about an hour. I really like walking from 4-5pm, it's a little cooler, and it's a nice time of day to be out of the house.

Mood: So sad to report - but SO anxious. It's my worst pregnancy complaint, but I battle with anxiety and it really seems to get me while I'm pregnant, since a lot of my anxiety is health based. I start to panic and obsess about things going wrong, my time in the hospital (something I dread), the c-section, worst case scenarios, nurses, doctors, etc. etc. etc. It's a major trigger area for me and this week it's taken a hold of my mind big time.

Cravings: Nothing specific this week that I can remember.

What I Miss: My energy, my motivation to do things, and my calm state of mind (but I'm working pretty hard at getting that back).

Random Things: Nothing noteworthy

Best Moment of the Week:  Seeing Joel cross the finish line at his race.

Looking Forward To: Celebrating Leo turning TWO this weekend!!!!!!

Bumpdate: 24 weeks

 

 

you're following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23

How Far Along? 24w5d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 14lbs

Maternity Clothes:  Still getting by with only pants but I did find a hole in one of my workout tanks, so I may need to get a few workout tops for the remainder of the pregnancy so I don't ruin all of my normal clothes.

Nursery: No....still not feeling that pressure and plan to wait until October to start going at it. I'm sure I'm crazy but the urgency just isn't there like it was with Baby #1!

Movement: YES - and lots - but I really don't get that 1-on-1 time like I did with Leo. It hasn't lost its luster by any means, but it's typically after 8pm when I can lay down and just enjoy the kick show she puts on about 23 hours a day!

Symptoms: I have a feeling that I'm just not getting my full energy back until the pregnancy is over, and that Is going to have to be ok. Most afternoons I feel like I've been kicked in the head and fall asleep from 1-2:30pm. For whatever reason, that almost embarrasses me to say that, that I legit need a nap almost every day, but I do and the exhaustion is straight up real. I would also say I noticed my hunger increase a bit this week.

Sleep: Great I just need a ton of it.  

Joel: Ok, maybe I should be embarrassed about this story......Joel took the last cookie (actually he took the last 3 and didn't even leave 1 for me!) from our pantry without really even thinking and I fffffrrrreeeakkkeeddd out at him. At first, he laughed, and then he realized I really wasn't kidding!

Workouts: Made it to the gym twice last week again, I really love the kickboxing class I'm taking on Thursdays and I'm going to try a new class this week called Strong. I don't love having back to back workout classes but the only days I can get to the gym during the week are W/Tr, so I'm hoping I like the class and can stick with it for another 10 weeks or more.

Mood: Happy this week.

Cravings: Something sweet after lunch and dinner! It's not a good habit so I'm trying to break the lunch one, but for the most part, I kind of give in.

What I Miss: My energy

Random Things: Leo started school this past week which was really fun, and our fall schedule is just jam packed. I keep booking classes and what not for 8 weeks....in which I'll be 32 weeks pregnant....and then again for the next session....in which I'll have a baby! Time is flying.

Best Moment of the Week: A normal, healthy, fun, fall, family filled week.

Looking Forward To: Another week like this one.

Bumpdate: 23 weeks

 If you're following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22

 

                    

best I could do this week....was snapping pictures after my girlfriend lent me some maternity clothes. 

How Far Along? 23w6d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 11lbs, 10lbs at doctor

Maternity Clothes:  Still just jeans but I pulled out some of my old nursing tanks and have been wearing those as lounge tops with sweaters this week.

Nursery: No....We are borrowing or receiving a good amount of hand me downs, so we do need to coordinate picking those up in the next month or two. I keep telling myself that October will be Mission Nursery!

Movement: YES - and lots. I've tried to even video tape my stomach while she is moving but it doesn't come off on the video quite as cool as it is in person.

Symptoms: On the bad side of things, I was absolutely beat this week. Especially over the weekend...by 1pm, I would lay down on the couch and pretty instantly fall into a deep sleep for two hours. I am not a napper by nature and really don't love them, but this pregnancy has forced them on me. I was also really anxious this week for no apparent reason so that was not fun. Up until now, I have had that side of things really well managed so that has been a little discouraging.

Sleep: Great I just need a ton of it.  

Joel: Is honestly so good about picking up my slack. We hosted a lot of people here over the weekend, and most afternoons, like I mentioned, I couldn't even force myself to do anything and by the time I had woken up from my nap, everything had been taken care of.

Workouts: Back to the gym twice again this week. I really like the kickboxing class I'm doing on Thursdays, and we've been getting in lots of great walks with this fall like weather we are having lately.

Mood: Moody this week. I was annoyed at being so tired and then my anxiety was much higher than normal this week too.

Cravings: Nothing much that I can think of....thin crust pizza always sounds delightful.

What I Miss: Alcohol

Random Things: Fall weather has started to arrive and it's been blissful! And timely too because my non-maternity workout shorts are not working any longer!

Best Moment of the Week: Despite my anxiety, we had a wonderful, normal, low key doctors appointment. We heard the baby's heartbeat clock in at 152/bpm, my belly measured right on track at 24cm, I have a good relationship with my doctor which really helps, and was sent on my way until my next appointment at 28 weeks which is the gluclose test appointment!

Looking Forward To: Re-setting my mind, enjoying the next four weeks of September, and enjoying this healthy, normal, easy pregnancy.

Bumpdate: Weeks 20-22

 If you're following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19

WEEK 20

How Far Along? 20w5d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: Didn't get on this week, but I'm guessing close to 8 or 9?

Maternity Clothes:  Still just jeans

Nursery: Besides the blinds, nothing, and I read my bumpdate with Leo and compared to that..I'm a little behind. I honestly don't have a clue what I'm going to do with the room, but I'm not going over the top with anything. For right now, I'm feeling like lots of blues and whites, so we'll see.

Movement: YES - and lots. You can see my stomach move up and down with hard kicks this week too.

Symptoms: Overall, not much to complain about. The afternoons still get me down but I think that's just going to be the way. I also have been having some heart flutters/palpitation feelings. Apparently it's really common since your body is pumping lots and lots of extra blood, but it sort of wigs me out. It tends to happen when I lay down on the couch or bed.

Honestly besides that, I'm enjoying the 2nd Trimester very much.

Sleep: Pretty good. A few nights a week I'm up around 2am but I try really hard to not look at my phone and will myself back to sleep and it's been working well. 

Joel: I think I've been relatively easy on him this pregnancy since this week was the first time I've asked him to rub my feet! I don't know why I waited 21 weeks but that will be changing ;)

Workouts: Still determined to rip the gym bandaid off and the plan is to go Monday (I want to go 2x/week all fall). We've walked a few miles everyday and Sunday did a 7 mile bike ride (hauling Leo which wipes me out).

Mood: Pretty good overall unless I'm tired in which case I'm a major grouch.

Cravings: Donuts this week! I indulged over the weekend with coffee and they were divine!

What I Miss: I had my girlfriends bachelorette party on Saturday and I missed having more than just a little champagne.

Random Things: Not much....I can feel my desire to start nesting and organizing starting to kick in. I have a long "Honey Do" list, and a lot of closets that I want to start working on, I just struggle lately with the motivation/energy to actually start and finish them! I have a wedding shower that I need to wrap up in two weeks, and after that, it's time to start crossing things off the list!

Best Moment of the Week:  Feeling and seeing the baby kick.

Looking Forward To: Celebrating Joel's 30th birthday this week. We are going to head to a cubs game and then have a few family parties to celebrate him entering a new decade!


WEEK 21

 

How Far Along? 21w5d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 9lbs, and I was up 9.5lbs when I was pregnant with Leo. I'm hoping to stay pretty parallel to my gain with him.

Maternity Clothes:  Still just jeans

Nursery: No, and I honestly don't have any direction that I want to go in either. I thought I found some pretty cute black out drapes on Land of Nod, but they're like $90 a panel and I need four of them so I'm trying to switch gears since we just installed wood blinds on those windows too.

Movement: YES - and lots. Joel got his hardest kick to date on his Birthday's Eve.

Symptoms: I would say very, very good week - maybe the best of the pregnancy as far as symptoms are concerned. I haven't been near as tired in the afternoons this week, those heart fluttery things seemed to have stopped or I'm not noticing them as much, and overall I have felt well. Probably the most annoying thing is my bladder which doesn't let up, but it's par for the course.

Sleep: Pretty good. I sleep soundly except that in the night since I'm sleeping on my side, I have to alternate a few times which wakes me up. I've to rearrange the body pillow that I sleep with and it's kind of a to-do.

Joel: He turned 30 this week! I think entering a new decade has been giving him a little bit of a head trip, but I've reminded him that he is a father of two!, a homeowner, someone who has seen success in business, has lived in multiple states, has traveled well, and has made many, many friends all before THIRTY! That's pretty incredible if you ask me!

Workouts: Woohoo we did it! We made it back to the gym! Both Leo and I enjoyed it, although I did not last long on the stair stepper. Now that we've ripped the bandaid, we have committed to making it to the gym twice/week. We also got in long walks, a really fast bike ride around the lake, and a half mile paddle on the lake that left my arms really sore!

Mood: Good but maybe a touch guilty over all of the indulging we've been doing lately!

Cravings: I really miss Fresh Brothers pizza from LA.

What I Miss: See above. And my sisters were having mimoas on Sunday - before I was pregnant we would spend all day day drinking mimosas - and I did miss that.

Random Things: This week was the Solar Eclipse

Best Moment of the Week:  Celebrating Joel, having a day to ourselves to go to the Cubs game, enjoy great sushi, and just be in the city without worrying about nap time or diaper changes.

Looking Forward To: Starting school this week for Leo! Leo meets his teachers this Friday!


WEEK 22 

How Far Along? 22w5d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 11lbs

Maternity Clothes:  Still just jeans but I pulled out some of my old nursing tanks and have been wearing those as lounge tops with sweaters this week.

Nursery: No, but I went through all of Leo's clothes from the time he was born until now and made three piles; keep for baby girl, store for baby #3  (if applicable) or for my sisters/cousins/friends, and donate.

Movement: YES - and lots. Joel got to feel and watch a few "shows" this weekend and I still love taking time to just focus on the kicks.

Symptoms: Another pretty great week. My bladder is on another level, but whatever. Over the weekend, Leo couldn't find me and kept asking "Mommy is?" and first place he checked? The bathroom.

Sleep: Pretty good, and I while I try to lay down for some period of time during Leo's naps, I don't think I ever napped this week. 

Joel:  Honestly it was a pretty standard week around these parts. Joel and Leo spent a lot of time together on Saturday while I was busy hosting the shower, and Joel went to the grocery store for me on Sunday which seriously makes my week like 1,000x times easier.

Workouts: Back to the gym twice this week - and took a really fun kickboxing class with girlfriends too. Two of us our pregnant, and we are all going to try and make this Thursday class a habit, so I'm hoping that really helps me stick to it.

Mood: Good - I get a little anxious the week before doctor appointments, but I'm really trying to keep that at bay.

Cravings: Chili! I had Joel make it this week because I couldn't stop thinking about it.

What I Miss: Running outside

Random Things: I would say this week I'm really, really showing. I've been wearing a few more outfits that accentuate the bump too since it's in an actual round shape now which has been fun.

Best Moment of the Week: I had a massage at my house and it was heaven on a platter!

Looking Forward To:  Having Joel home for an extra day with Labor day coming up!

---

And that catches us up to speed! I'm very thankful to be at this place, feeling good and am truly enjoying the second trimester honeymoon!

Bumpdates: weeks 17-19

If you're following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  

WEEK 17

How Far Along? 17w5d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: +5

Maternity Clothes:  Yep. It had to happen. I've worn both of my maternity pants from Leo and then I bought a pair of jean shorts with a stretch waistband that I'm hoping can get me through the summer.

Nursery: We ordered wooden blinds

Movement: YES! A little more with each passing day but not as many distinct kicks as I remember with Leo. This baby I feel the pressure as she moves from side to side.

Symptoms: Overall its been a great week again. I think this is probably the honeymoon phase. I'm still tired in the afternoons and I like to try and get some time to rest for at least a half an hour and get off of my feet.

Sleep: Sleep has been great overall. My best nights sleep is with half a unisom, and I really don't like to stay up past 10pm, but otherwise, I'm sleeping well and I've been nap free all week. I've also been able to stomach a cup of coffee in the afternoon and that has really, REALLY helped.

Joel: I called him upstairs one night this week because I was just positive he would be able to see my belly moving. I couldn't tell if I could see it because I could feel it (if that makes any sense), but we both weren't sure if it was the baby moving things or my breath or what, so the whale watching (as I refer to it) continues.

Workouts: We took a 7 mile bike ride on Sunday which was tough but felt good. Leo and I have gotten in a lot of walks but I do want to make it back to the gym soon on a more regular basis. I'm staying away because the daycare center is SO packed in the summer with all of the kids out of school and I just don't love that (1st time mom problems, I know!).

Mood: Pretty good with shorter patience and a not so great tendency to flip like a crazy person on Joel, so I'm trying to watch that!

Cravings: The twizzler thing is still going strong this week and we've had ice cream from The Freeze twice this week alone!

What I Miss: I missed being drunk at my sisters birthday party. Being the only sober person at a bar is really not that fun or funny.

Random Things: We told Leo the baby's name and have started having him call the baby, "Baby ____".

Best Moment of the Week: Feeling the baby move and feeling good.

Looking Forward To: I am anxious for the 20 week ultrasound and ready to do it. Less than 2 weeks to go.



WEEK 18

 

How Far Along? 19weeks as I write this

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: +7

Maternity Clothes:  Yes, although only pants. I really don't like maternity tops and only have a handful from when I was pregnant with Leo. We'll see what I need to get as my bump gets bigger but I'm hoping long sweaters will really help with the season I'm the biggest in.

Also, Target recently released a maternity line for Isabel and Ingrid and my target store had a preview last week of a few of the styles. I tried a few of the jeans on to get an idea of sizing (they run tts) and then went online when they launched their entire collection and put in an order. I'm obsessed with them and like them better than some of my regular jeans. I also ordered a pair of black jeggings that I have a feeling I'm going to live in.

Nursery: We ordered wooden blinds last week, they're here and I'm hoping Joel can't put them up tonight with little problem.... ..... ..... .... .... keep your fingers crossed ;)

Movement: YES! And some kicks are getting stronger. I have felt a handful from the outside, although they're a little too quick and random for Joel to have caught any just yet. Yesterday I even felt the baby moving while I was sitting in the car which was fun.

Symptoms: Leo and I both have a cold this week so that is never fun when you can't take DayQuil. I have been able to take sudafed and that has been helpful. Unfortunately this week we lost my Uncle Kelly and had to grieve his loss and attended his funeral services. We were on our feet at the wake for upwards of 6 or 7 hours, and finally I could tell my body was giving out. I was getting crampy, my feet started to feel swollen, and I just knew I had pushed it a bit much.

Sleep: I haven't gotten as much as I need due to circumstances listed above, but when I'm sleeping, I'm sleeping hard.

Joel: He was great and kept a close eye on me this week as it was a very difficult time for my family. At the wake, he made sure I was drinking enough water and taking breaks to sit down, and has really helped around the house and with dinners and Leo since I've been needed elsewhere this week.

Workouts:  I've taken some light walks when I've gotten the chance but this has probably been the lightest week in months.

Mood: It's not been a great week

Cravings: Honestly, the only thing I've really needed this week is coffee and cold water.

What I Miss: Ohhhh I really missed drinking this week, although it probably was a blessing in disguise. 

Random Things: Very little brings good to a sad situation, but one thing that does? Babies. Leo and this baby in my belly have brought so much joy and happiness to our family this week. I know that this baby will be coming at a time (the holidays) when we need something good to look forward to most, and I'm so thankful for that. Life is precious, and we were reminded of that this week in a harsh way.

Best Moment of the Week: Coming together to witness the power of family and friends.

Looking Forward To: Our ultrasound on Monday morning. I am anxious for it but trying to tap into areas of strength and positivity so that I don't let worry and anxiety win.

WEEK 19

How Far Along? 19w6d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: +5 at the doc

Maternity Clothes:  Yes and loving the Isabel and Ingrid line of pants at target

Nursery: The blinds in the nursery and guest room our up c/o of Joel! And, while he wouldn't let me watch, I don't think they were all that bad to install.

Movement: YES - and tons! I feel it all through the day, and now feel it sitting and standing. I love it. 

Symptoms: A good week but Leo and I both got colds. I was able to take a Sudafed which really helped. Also, not while taking Sudafed, but the last few days I've felt like my heart skips a beat or gives me a little palpitation. I don't love the feeling, but know it's very common during pregnancy so I'm trying not to be too anxious about it and keeping my fingers crossed it stops.

Sleep: Tried to do a lot of catching up from last week which has felt good.

Joel: He caught two distinct kicks which was pretty fun. He's been great about taking on full Leo duty when he gets home so I can sort of check out and rest while the wild boys play.

Workouts: I'm bound and determined to get back to the gym a little more frequently in the next week or so. I still walk a few miles everyday but I really do miss the gym.

Mood: Pretty good overall

Cravings: twizzlers, rootbeer, and the ol' faithful....bagels.

What I Miss: This week, nothing really.

Random Things: We announced our pregnancy on social media and that was so much fun. We took a bunch of pictures and just felt totally spoiled with love and excitement over the news of adding to our family.

Best Moment of the Week: An amazing, perfect, normal 20 week anatomy scan. Joel was able to come with me, Thank God, because I was an anxious mess. I don't think I was breathing normal until we left the doctors office, but it all turned out great.

We were taken back into the ultrasound with the doctor who did our 8 week scan and whom Joel and I both really liked. She had a great, calm energy and instantly put me at ease.

We started with an internal exam to ensure that everything looked good with my cervix, and then we moved inch by inch through the baby. Everything checked out perfectly and we were so, so thankful.

The ultrasound doctor also does high risk ultrasounds, and wanted just a few additional images of the babies heart. She asked me to wiggle around and drink some water. It sort of made me panic that maybe she saw something but assured me that Standard of Care showed that our babes heart was perfect (in 98% of cases) but she just wanted a few additional views to triple check. Thankfully, baby cooperated from my wiggles, gave us the position we needed and the doctor was extra pleased.

We got tons of pictures - none super clear of the babies face because she was facing inward - but she was head down, moving tons, and showed us her big lips (just like her brother!). We also got a few pictures of her in the happy baby position with her hands holding her feet.



Afterward, we met with the doctor, went through the report which reflected great things, and were sent on our way until our 24 week appointment.

We couldn't have been happier or more thankful.

Looking Forward To: 4 normal weeks. I want to bask in this relief from the ultrasound, enjoy feeling the baby kick, and just soak up the last 4 weeks of summer.