Getting anxious,,,

In a week I will be 7 months. It's starting to become so real. She's almost here!
Lee's Mom got me scrap booking things for baby pictures. I'm hoping that she'll help me make a baby book, because I'm not too creative. She also gave us hooded towels and washcloths that are pink with frogs on them. :)
My Mom got us a travel system that we found on sale at Meijer for $98!!!
Along with a really cute Carter's outfit, two pairs of mittens, and a book called 'My Mommy and Me" that came with two little stuffed bears.
I'm currently looking for a playard, and I found the cutest one at Babies r Us when I was there with my Mom last week. I was going to wait until after my baby showers and see what I get, but I would rather take care of the more expensive stuff myself.

27 weeks,

How your baby's growing:
This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

How your life's changing"
The second trimester is drawing to a close, but as your body gears up for the final lap, you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your leg muscles cramp up now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all, and your expanding uterus is putting pressure on the veins that return blood from your legs to your heart as well as on the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs. Unfortunately, the cramps may get worse as your pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. When a cramp strikes, stretching the calf muscle should give you some relief. Straighten your leg and then gently flex your toes back toward your shin. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.

It may be the furthest thing from your mind right now, but it's not too soon to think about family planning. You'll want to have made some decisions about postpartum birth control before your baby arrives. If you're considering a tubal ligation, be aware that most states require you to sign a consent form at least 30 days beforehand. So if you'd like the option of having the surgery during your postpartum hospital stay, don't wait too much longer to discuss it with your caregiver. (You can still change your mind later.)

Thinking about names...

I can use your input! Please comment!

Elsie
Rowan
Sadie
Ellie
Clara
Alexa/Alexis
Elise
Evalyn
Logan
Rory
Reese
Elliot

26 weeks.

I've been a bit busy this past week with my Mom's surgery, so the update is a little late. But here it is anyway.

How your baby's growing:
The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

How your life's changing:
Are you rushing around trying to get to childbirth classes and prepare your baby's room while still taking care of all your other daily tasks? Make sure that you also continue to eat well and get plenty of rest. Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly, although it's probably still lower than it was before you got pregnant. (Typically, blood pressure falls toward the end of the first trimester, and it tends to reach a low at about 22 to 24 weeks.)

Preeclampsia — a serious disorder characterized by high blood pressure and protein in your urine — most often shows up after 37 weeks, but it can happen earlier so it's important to be aware of the warning signs of this condition. Call your caregiver if you have swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain (more than 4 pounds in a week). With more severe preeclampsia, you may experience other symptoms. Let your caregiver know immediately if you have a severe or persistent headache, vision changes (including double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light, or temporary loss of vision), intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen, or vomiting.

If your lower back seems a little achy lately, you can thank both your growing uterus — which shifts your center of gravity, stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, and may be pressing on a nerve — as well as hormonal changes that loosen your joints and ligaments. Plus, the extra weight you're carrying means more work for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why you may feel worse at the end of the day. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, as well as bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back. A warm bath or hot compress might bring relief. (Some women, though, find cool compresses more comforting.) Try to maintain good posture during the day, avoid activities that require bending and twisting at the same time, take frequent breaks when sitting or standing, and sleep on your side with one or both knees bent with a pillow between your legs, using another pillow (or wedge) to support your abdomen.

25 weeks.

How your baby's growing
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

How your life's changing
Your baby's not the only one with more hair — your locks may look more full and lustrous than ever. It's not that you're growing more hair, but thanks to hormonal changes, the hair that you'd normally shed is sticking around longer than usual. Enjoy the fullness while you can — the extra hair will fall out after you give birth.

You may also notice that you can't move around as gracefully as before. Unless your caregiver has advised you otherwise, it's fine to continue to exercise, but follow a few safety rules: Don't work out when you're feeling overly tired and stop if you feel any pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Don't lie flat on your back and avoid contact sports as well as any exercise where you're apt to lose your balance. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and make time for both warm-up and cool-down periods.

When you have your glucose-screening test at 24 to 28 weeks, a second tube of blood may be taken at the same time to check for anemia. If blood tests show that you have iron-deficiency anemia (the most common type of anemia), your caregiver will probably recommend that you take an iron supplement.

Have you started thinking about baby names yet? Choosing a name is an important decision, but it should be a fun one, too. You may want to consider family history (Great Grandpa Zeb), favorite locations (Venice, where you honeymooned), or cherished literary or film characters (Greta, Meg, or Atticus, for example). Check out a couple of baby-name books to help you brainstorm, too.

Thoughts near the send of an interesting year.

Many things have happened in 2010.
Started dating the love of my life December 2009... and he was/is such a big part of 2010.
I had many failures and a few proud accomplishments.
Moved to Hawaii.
Found out we were expecting.
Moved back to Michigan.
Have met some interesting people.

Most of all, we made a baby. :)
It seems like I find out every day that 1 or 2 more people I know are pregnant. It seems as though another baby-boom generation has begun.
As Christmas is getting closer, I can't help being excited for taking the little 9/10 month old baby girl to go see santa, dressing her up in her bear-suit (as Lee calls it) to go out in the cold, and watching her stare at the Christmas lights and play with wrapping paper this time next year.
I can't wait for the years of childhood wonder of believing in the easter bunny, losing her first tooth, starting school, etc. I mean, it's quite a long way off... and if she's anything like mommy and daddy, she'll be afraid of santa, the easter bunny, clowns, mascots, and really anything in a costume... so I'm sure there will be lots of tears... but we'll tackle that when we get to it. After the holidays fly by, I get to look forward to getting bigger (I think while wincing), baby showers, being with Lee more, the birth of our little girl :), and being able to stay home with her for a couple months. I'm so excited to see this little person and feel my love grow for her each and every day.

24 weeks. (6 months!)

How your baby's growing:
Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His 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 hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

How your life's changing:
In the past few weeks, the top of your uterus has risen above your belly button and is now about the size of a soccer ball.

Most women have a glucose screening test (also called a glucose challenge test or GCT) between now and 28 weeks. This test checks for gestational diabetes, a pregnancy-related high-blood-sugar condition. Untreated diabetes increases your risk of having a difficult vaginal delivery or needing a cesarean section because it causes your baby to grow too large, especially in his upper body. It also raises your baby's odds for other complications like low blood sugar right after birth. A positive result on your GCT doesn't mean you have gestational diabetes, but it does mean that you'll need to take the glucose tolerance test (GTT) to find out for sure.

Finally, if you don't already know how to spot the signs of preterm labor, now's the time to learn.

babycenter.com

As of lately.

I love being pregnant! I love feeling the little bean's kicks, and yesterday I a felt hiccups for like an hour straight! I cannot wait to meet her.
Scratch that. I can.
I've been having a rough time working. Being on my feet for 8-9 hours 5-6 days straight is not going well with this little girl. I've been experiencing excruciating round ligament pain. I try to walk around the house, or at work, and get the pain to go away. The walking helps me to cope with the pain, but it really just takes time to go away. I had it bad this weekend, and after pacing up and down the hall for 20 minutes, I laid on my bed with a heating pad while Lee rubbed my back, and that seemed to help.
I'm just so tired of this pain, and it's making me really anxious that she's going to come early. Which I've decided is NOT going to happen. I could never forgive myself. A woman at work told me that she was born when her mom was 6 months pregnant with her, at 2 pounds 13 ounces. NOT acceptable, especially seeing that I'll be hitting the 6 month mark on Sunday.
Scary. Very scary.
On a lighter note, I've been eating SOOOO much food! Thank God I've only gained 14 lbs thus far, especially considering my junk food cravings. There really are no cravings to speak of at the moment. Mostly, I drink a lot. That didn't come out right. I've been very thirsty for non-alcoholic beverages. I've been going at the chocolate milk and orange juice pretty hard.

Food craving break-down:
Weeks 0-5: No idea I was pregnant, so I didn't pay attention.
Weeks 5-10: In Hawaii... fresh fruit, cereal, milk, toast, vegetable sushi.
Weeks 10-15: Back home... CANDY! -mostly sour, fast food, french fries with a TON of vinegar.
Weeks 15-20: Pizza, chili cheese freetos, chinese food, bagels and cream cheese.
Weeks 20-present: goat cheese! mmmmmm! grilled cheese sandwiches, yogurt, fruit, cereal, orange juice, chocolate milk.

There's a trend here.... I haven't been a big fan of meat. ALL throughout my pregnancy. I just don't want it.

I've started to get some little pink things around. Addie Hayes gave me a whole tote of the cutest baby clothes, and some of her sons' toys that they don't play with anymore. THANKS ADDIE! Auntie Rachel has gotten the little one a little puppy stuffed animal that is adorable. My mom got her 5 little pink outfits that are adorable! As well as little socks that say I love mommy and I love daddy :) and a pink blanket.
I'm already getting sick of pink!
Oh well, I had better get used to it!

23 weeks.

How your baby's growing:
Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

How your life's changing:
You may notice that your ankles and feet start to swell a bit in the coming weeks or months, especially at the end of the day or during the heat of summer. Sluggish circulation in your legs — coupled with changes in your blood chemistry that may cause some water retention — may result in swelling, also known as edema. Your body will get rid of the extra fluid after you have your baby, which is why you'll pee frequently and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery. In the meantime, lie on your left side or put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, and avoid sitting — or standing — in one place for long periods. Also, try to exercise regularly to increase circulation, and wear support stockings (put them on first thing in the morning) and roomy, comfortable shoes. You may be tempted to skimp on liquids to combat swelling, but you need to drink plenty of water because staying hydrated actually helps prevent fluid retention. While a certain amount of edema in your lower extremities is normal during pregnancy, excessive swelling may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia. Be sure to call your midwife or doctor if you have severe or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, swelling in your face, or puffiness around your eyes.

22 weeks.

How your baby's growing:
At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

How your life's changing:
At this point, you may find your belly becoming a hand magnet. It's perfectly okay to tell folks who touch your tummy that you'd rather they didn't. And if people are telling you that you look smaller or bigger than you should at this point, remember that each woman grows — and shows — at her own rate. What's important is that you see your practitioner for regular visits so she can make sure your baby's growth is on track.

You may start to notice stretch marks on your abdomen as it expands to accommodate your growing baby. At least half of all pregnant women will develop stretch marks by the time they give birth. These small streaks of differently textured skin can range from pink to dark brown (depending on your skin color). Although they most commonly appear on your tummy, stretch marks may also show up on your buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts. There's no proof that lotion helps prevent stretch marks, but keeping your skin moisturized may help with any itching.


Surprising Facts: Body changes beyond your belly
You expected your belly to grow — and perhaps your breasts, too — but the following physical changes may take you by surprise. As with many pregnancy changes, hormones play a role in most of these alterations in your looks.

• Thicker, more lustrous hair You're not actually growing more hair, just losing less than normal. During pregnancy, your body sheds hair much more slowly than it did before. What to do: If thicker hair is a boon for you, enjoy it. If it's making your mane more unruly than ever, ask your stylist to do some thinning at your next cut. These changes won't last forever. After your baby's born, you'll start to lose this excess hair, sometimes in clumps.

• Increased body hair Sex hormones known as androgens can cause new hair to sprout on your chin, upper lip, jaw, and cheeks. Stray hairs can also pop up on your belly, arms, legs, and back. What to do: Tweezing, waxing, and shaving are all safe ways to manage these temporary changes.

• Faster-growing fingernails Your fingernails may grow more quickly than usual, and you may notice changes in texture. Some women's nails get harder, while others' get softer or more brittle. What to do: Protect your nails by wearing rubber gloves when you're cleaning, and using moisturizer on them if they're brittle.

• Skin changes Some pregnant women report that their skin has never looked better. If that's you, enjoy the proverbial "glow." Others find the hormones of pregnancy aggravate skin conditions such as acne. What to do: Wash twice a day with a gentle soap or cleanser, and make sure that any moisturizer or makeup you use is oil-free.

• Stretch marks As your belly expands to accommodate your growing baby, you may get tiny tears in the supportive tissue that lies just beneath your skin, resulting in striations of varying color. These marks will begin to fade and become considerably less noticeable about six to 12 months after you give birth. There's not much you can do besides trying not to gain more than the recommended amount of weight. Heredity is responsible for the natural elasticity of your skin and plays a role in determining who will end up with stretch marks.

• Skin discolorations Increased melanin can cause splotchy patches of darkened skin on your face. These pigment changes may become intensified if you spend time in the sun. What to do: Protect your face by using a sunblock that offers both UVA and UVB protection with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing a hat with a brim, and avoiding the sun during peak hours of the day (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

• Larger and darker nipples and areolas You may find that your nipples and the pigmented area around them (the areolas) are getting bigger and darker. The little bumps on your areolas, known as Montgomery's tubercles, may also be more pronounced. These bumps are oil-producing glands that help fight off bacteria and lubricate the skin. Some women also notice more pronounced veins in their breasts. What to do: Nothing!

• Larger feet Your feet may go up half a shoe size or more. Lax ligaments may make your feet spread a bit — permanently. Swelling can make your shoes feel tight as well, although it will go away after delivery. What to do: Buy comfortable shoes to accommodate your growing feet.

Hello Baby Girl.

Your daddy and I got you your first book yesterday. It's called "I'll love you forever."


"I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always.
As long as I'm living,
My baby you'll be."

We spent such a long time browsing all of the books in the children's section, but we couldn't find one special enough until I remembered this one. Your daddy couldn't remember if he had read it or not, so I told him to sit down and look at it, and see what he thought. He didn't even get through the first page before he started crying. :) He and I both love you so much, and we can't wait until we get to meet you. Daddy is already being overprotective, so I'm going to apologize for that ahead of time.

Love you forever.

Mama

20 weeks.

How your baby's growing:
Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)

He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).

How your life's changing:

Congratulations! You've hit the halfway mark in your pregnancy. The top of your uterus is about level with your belly button, and you've likely gained around 10 pounds. Expect to gain another pound or so each week from now on. (If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more; if you were overweight, perhaps a bit less.) Make sure you're getting enough iron, a mineral that's used primarily to make hemoglobin (the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen). During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to keep up with your expanding blood volume, as well as for your growing baby and the placenta. Red meat is one of the best sources of iron for pregnant women. Poultry (especially the dark meat) and shellfish also contain iron. Some common non-meat sources of iron include legumes, soy-based products, spinach, prune juice, raisins, and iron-fortified cereals.

If you haven't already signed up for a childbirth education class, you may want to look into one, especially if you're a first-timer. A structured class will help prepare you and your partner for the rigors of labor and delivery. Most hospitals and birth centers offer classes, either as weekly meetings or as a single intensive, one-day session. Many communities have independent instructors as well. Ask your friends, family members, or caregiver for recommendations.

Surprising facts: Sleeping during pregnancy

It may become more difficult to sleep through the night as your pregnancy progresses, thanks to some obvious and not-so-obvious changes taking place in your body. You may be surprised to find that:

• You start snoring for the first time in your life, thanks in part to more estrogen, which contributes to swelling of the mucous membranes that line the nose and may even cause you to make more mucus. What to do: Sleep on your side and elevate your head slightly.

• Heartburn and indigestion can make it extra uncomfortable to lie down in bed. What to do: Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn, give yourself two to three hours to digest a meal before going to bed, and try sleeping semi-upright in a comfy recliner or propped up with extra pillows under your upper body.

• Leg cramps jar you out of a deep sleep. What to do: Ease the cramp by straightening your leg, heel first and gently flexing your toes back toward your shins, or walk around for a few minutes.

• You toss and turn all night trying to find a comfortable sleeping position. What to do: Lie on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between your legs. For extra comfort and support, arrange other pillows under your belly and behind your back. Or try using a contoured maternity body pillow.

• You become hot and sweaty in the middle of the night. It's common for pregnant women to feel a little warmer than usual thanks to shifts in your metabolism, hormones, and weight. What to do: Keep your bedroom cool and strip down to the bare essentials. Keep slippers and a snuggly bathrobe handy for those nighttime trips to the bathroom.

• Getting out of bed is harder than ever! What to do: Roll over onto your side so you're facing the edge of the bed. Dangle your legs over the side and use your arms to push yourself into a sitting position. Plant your feet squarely on the floor and then stand up.
Wear sleepwear made of a natural, breathable fiber like cotton. Avoid synthetics, which trap moisture next to your skin and can leave you damp and chilled.

• Sometimes even when you're exhausted, you just can't sleep. So do you toss and turn waiting for sleep to catch up with you — or do something else in the meantime?

19 week ultrasound pictures!

FACE!



FOOT!

It's a GIRL!

We were so excited today! I kept telling Lee last night, "tomorrow we'll know!". I tried sooo hard to remember exactly how I felt, still unaware of the sex of our baby. But I was just so darn excited!
I had to drink 32 oz. of water an hour before my ultrasound (which ended up being like 30 minutes before my ultrasound), and I had to pee SOOO bad the entire time. We brought my mom with us, and she waited in the lobby for the majority of the exam. They had a flat panel monitor in front of me, so I could see the ultrasound while laying on the exam table. It is so amazing every time we get an ultrasound, and catch a glimpse of our little bean.
The ultrasound tech did the best she could to get measurements, but our little girl is a stubborn one! She was facing head down and facing my back... so many of the measurements and pictures were difficult to get. She asked us if we had any preferences as to the sex of the baby. I said that Lee definitely wanted a boy, and that I didn't care either way, but have been pretty sure since the beginning that the baby was a girl. She said that the moms are usually right. (It's an instinct thing). About 10 minutes later, she said, "well, one of you is going to be really happy." And I said, "it's a boy, isn't it?". NOPE. Sure enough, there was no lil thing sticking between the legs. We have ourselves a little baby girl.
Lee looked pretty excited... and a little overwhelmed. But he was grinning from ear to ear for the rest of our appointment. I didn't think I cared either way, but when she told us it was a girl, I started crying. :) I couldn't help it. I'm hormonal.
The tech had me empty half of my bladder (which is much more difficult to do than it sounds), and I tried to move around a bit. I kinda did mini jumping jacks in the bathroom to get her to turn. The tech had me lay on my back, my left side, and my right, and she still wouldn't budge!
We then called in my mom so that she could see the ultrasound. She also tried to coax the baby out of her comfy position (which included her arms, and sometimes feet, curled up by her head). But my mom said that if she's stubborn like me, she's not gonna move. And she didn't.
Her kidney function, digestive system, and size all seemed normal. I'm definitely breathing a sigh of relief that all is well (and apparently comfy) inside my uterus.

Now I'm just excited to meet our baby girl!

19 weeks.

How your baby's growing:
Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

How your life's changing:
Think you're big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight. This is nothing to be alarmed about, but call your practitioner if the pain continues even when you're resting or becomes severe.

You may be noticing some skin changes, too. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from the extra estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin caused by a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may also notice some darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line."

These darkened spots will probably fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders.

babycenter.com

Baby showers!

The idea terrifies me. I hate being the person in the room that all attention is focused on. And I do not want people watching big fat pregnant me opening up presents. I may force Lee to be there... we'll see.
I'm guessing that at least 2 baby showers will be planned, which is exciting, because I can't wait to get baby things! I know, I know, selfish to expect people to get me presents. However, just so everyone knows, I am registered at TARGET and BABIES R US!!! :)
I'm really touched, actually, because my DAD is planning my baby shower on his side of the family. Adorable, is it not. He already has a date set (no location as of yet) and a guest list going. How cute is he? :) I can't wait!

Taking time for me.

Getting closer. We find out the sex in less than two days!!! ahhh! I'm beyond excited, but trying to savor my last few moments of not knowing. As of right now, I can't refer to the baby as "he" or "she". I'm not thinking of toys, and interests, and names according to gender. Only according to this little being inside of me that I'm becoming more attached to every second.
My sister gave me some good advice last Monday when I was upset about not getting an ultrasound and knowing the sex. She said don't speed through your pregnancy, you'll regret it when it's over. SO TRUE and the BEST advice I've gotten since I got pregnant. Never again will I feel this baby's flutters and kicks. Never again will I have the same fears, excitement, and newness that come with being a first-time mom. Also, I definitely will not get the same attention from my boyfriend, friends, or family. From the birth on out, it will be, "how's the baby" and everyone saying hi to the baby first. (I'm totally guilty of doing it with my niece and nephew, and I know the same will happen to me). This is the last time that I can watch a movie uninterrupted, or sleep through the night (at least for a few months), or have "me" time whenever I want it. I am so so so excited to meet this little person, and devote all of my time to him or her, but for now, I need to be selfish. I need to pamper myself, because in a few months (145 days to be exact) it's definitely not about me anymore. Not for the rest of my life.

The REAL way to prepare for breast feeding.

Forget that old advice about “gently rubbing your nipples with a towel.” If you really want to feel ready to nurse, here’s what to do.

By Melissa Balmain, Parenting.com

Day 1
Gently rub your nipples with sandpaper.
Day 2
At bedtime set your alarm clock to go off every two hours. Each time it rings, spend 20 minutes sitting in a rocking chair with your nipples clamped by a pair of chip clips.
Day 3
Draw branching lines all over your chest with a blue-green marker, then stand in front of your bathroom mirror and sing “I Feel Pretty.”
Day 4
Open your already-crowded freezer and make room for five dozen plastic milk bags.
Day 5
Fit the hose of a vacuum cleaner over one breast and set on “medium pile.” Turn off vacuum when nipple is three inches long. Switch breasts.
Day 6
Obtain “DO NOT CROSS” tape from your local police station, then wrap firmly around your chest. When your spouse asks about it, say, “Get used to it.”
Day 7
Tape a water balloon to each breast and squeeze into a maternity bra. Repeatedly hook and unhook the nursing flaps with one hand while using the other to balance a sack of squirming puppies.
Day 8
Dine in the fanciest, snootiest restaurant you can afford, making sure to arrive with a big wet spot directly over each nipple.
Day 9
Record your mother proclaiming, “Just give the baby some cereal like God intended, and she’ll sleep right through the night.” Play in an endless loop at 1 a.m., 3 a.m., and 5 a.m.
Day 10
Slather your breasts with peanut butter, top with birdseed and stand very still in your backyard.
Day 11
Go someplace public — a museum, a courthouse, the steps of your office building — and stuff a lifelike baby doll under your shirt. Use the doll’s arm to suddenly hike the shirt up past your collar bone. Lower shirt. Feign nonchalant smile.
Day 12
Suckle a wolverine.
Congratulations! You are now ready to nurse a baby. Maybe.
Melissa Balmain, a freelance writer living in Blacksburg, Virginia, is a two-baby nursing veteran.

http://newmommyoasis.com/suck-it-the-real-way-to-prep-for-breastfeeding/

Pregnancy Things,

I've noticed the last few days that my hair is shiny and thicker, and that my nails are growing longer and stronger. YAY! Yay for prenatal vitamins and extra estrogen! The very very bad thing is that I stand for around 6 hours straight at work. My feet are already swelling and growing. Any shoe with arch support creates pressure points because my feet have widened. Shoes with no support... well, have no support. Halfway through hour three, I'm limping and doing calf raises just to get the pressure off of my heels. I have two gel inserts for each shoe, and I've tried using zero, one, and two inserts in 3 pairs of shoes that I rotate using. I've soaked my feet in hot water, gotten (rare) foot massages from my boyfriend because I only see him on the weekends, and attempt to give myself foot massages. NOTHING WORKS! If you have any suggestions of how I can better make it through the day, PLEASE let me know!

Dear Baby...

Every time I feel you kick, it makes me smile. And only you and I know when. Thank you for brightening my day.

-Mama

Help us pick a name!

Comment on this post to help us pick a name! Give us your vote, or lend a suggestion!


GIRL:
Elsie
Elliot
Kyla
Jane
Amelia
Harper


BOY:
Rowan
Weston
Jameson
Quinn
Colin
Cash

18 weeks.

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

How your life's changing:
Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow.

Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.

From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.

If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon. This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album!

babycenter.com

JUST KIDDING!!!

We made a separate appointment, and we find out the sex on Monday, November 1st. Just a bit longer to wait. :) Love you baby!

17 weeks.

I'm getting big! I've started to feel quickening (flutters of the baby moving), as well as some little kicks. They aren't very regular, but they're happening! This has been the easiest phase of pregnancy thus far. I'm not as tired or sick-feeling anymore. I wake up a lot in the middle of the night for a moment or two, as I've started to get leg cramps and the little kicks are waking me up. But I fall back asleep quickly, and I'm pretty rested for the most part.
As we get closer to finding out the sex (only 4 days away!!!), I wonder more and more who this little person growing inside me is going to be. It bothers me that Lee and I can't decide on a name. I know that there's plenty of time left, but I'm just getting anxious.
I've almost finished registering (Target and Babies R US), and the whole process is a bit overwhelming. I don't want to color code blue or pink based on the gender, for numerous reasons. But choosing everything is tough. I want to keep the prices low, but I'm drawn towards the modern, more expensive stuff. I keep having to remind myself that it's necessities ONLY and the baby phase doesn't last long, so I can't spend a TON of money. :)
I'm getting anxious and I can't wait to find out if we're having a him or a her. :)

17 weeks.

Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

Starting to feel a bit off balance? As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes, so you may begin to occasionally feel a little unsteady on your feet. Try to avoid situations with a high risk of falling. Wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble; trauma to your abdomen could be dangerous for you and your baby. You'll also want to be sure to buckle up when you're in a car — keep the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly, drawn snugly across your hips, and also use the shoulder harness, which should fit snugly between your breasts.

You may also notice your eyes becoming drier. Using over-the-counter lubricating drops may help. If your contact lenses become uncomfortable, try wearing them for shorter stretches of time. If you still have discomfort, switch to glasses until after you give birth.

babycenter.com

What the baby is going to look like.

BAHAHAHAHA! Today I was on thebump.com and I found the baby morpher!!! (http://planning.thebump.com/baby-morpher/) I uploaded a picture of Lee, and a picture of me, and it gave us what our baby would look like. I did it twice, once for a girl, and once for a boy. I just hope our actual baby is way cuter than this:

16 weeks.

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

babycenter.com

How pregnancy happens!

BAHAHAHAHHAAHAHA

http://flickerlab.com/pregnancy/flash/movie.html

WTF?

The Zaky is designed to imitate the look and feel of a parent’s hand and forearm. Babies are used to the warm comfort and protection of their mother’s womb and the Zaky can help imitate that feeling as it provides similar support. It weighs approximately 1.2 pounds, but you can shift the filling to provide as much or as little weight on your baby. It was originally designed to comfort, support, and protect premature babies that had to be away from their mother in the hospital – but it is a great ergonomic pillow for all infants!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? GROSS! I don't want fake hands groping my baby!
http://www.pregnancystore.com/zaky.html

How to handle a pregnant woman.

1. Never argue with a pregnant woman. This will lead to a lot of pain. Emotional for her and possibly physical for you.

2. Never point out bloated body parts or stretch marks on her unless you know how to duck and cover very well.

3. Don’t make comments about weight gain unless you want to have a vasectomy done with a carving knife.

4. If she makes a comment about any of these issues, tell her she’s beautiful. You might want to practice this a few times out loud and in front of a mirror so you can say it with a straight face and with some form of sincerity in your voice.

5. Never argue with a pregnant woman.

6. Don’t be surprised if your standard red meat ‘n’ potatoes dinner is suddenly usurped by fresh veggies, whole grains and lean cuts of meat.

7. If you must make a comment about the fact that the woman who’s carrying your spawn into this world is sweating like an unworked horse, tell her that she’s glowing. To tell her otherwise would be…unwise.

8. Be prepared to be asked for your opinion on how the baby’s room should be decorated and try not to act too surprised when it is promptly ignored.

9. Same goes for baby names.

10. Get ready for some really strange food cravings and be prepared to go get said food. I don’t care if it is 2:41 in the morning, get your sorry ass out of that bed and go and get it. NOW, MISTER!!!

11. If you smoke and she doesn’t, don’t be surprised if you and your cancer sticks are banned from the house. No, she really doesn’t care if it’s 12 degrees outside with a wind chill factor of -10, you’re not smoking around the baby.

12. Never, EVER, argue with a pregnant woman.

13. Nesting will become a fact of life. When she decides it’s time to move the furniture, you can either help or be sleeping on the couch that you refused to move because the game was on.

14. Think you can handle gore? Think again. You will be forced to watch birthing videos until you’re wondering if it’s too late to enlist (or re-enlist) and be shipped overseas at least until after the baby comes.

15. Babies are very expensive and the baby product industry is inundated with products, some you need, most you don’t. Take an experienced parent (one with kids well out of diapers, but not so far out of diapers that they’re thinking about grandkids) to the baby store and let him/her help you pick out what you really need for your registry. This will save you time and money. Do not follow the store’s recommendation. They’re there to separate you from your money and if the kid(s) gets some benefit out of it, goody for them.

16. Make a birthing plan for the nurses/doctor and then promptly forget to give it to them. It’s not like they’re going to look at it anyways.

17. Foot massages and back rubs will earn you brownie points.

18. Bringing over the guys for an unexpected night of poker or ball game watching and expecting her to cater to you and your friends will earn you a night on the couch. If you’re lucky.

19. Unless you are a world class sprinter, never assume that you can outrun an angry pregnant woman. It won’t end well.

20. Don’t make comments about your wife’s/girlfriend’s sanity where she can hear you…see #19.
21. Never stand between a pregnant woman and food or a bathroom…unless you enjoy being trampled.

22. Learning to cook and clean will go a long way in making your woman happy. And you want to make your woman happy. Right? I said RIGHT!?

23. You like to drive? Not any more. It’s physically easier on a pregnant woman if she drives. However, don’t expect to get the car keys back once the baby comes. After all, you drive like a maniac and no, it really doesn’t matter that she has more traffic violations than you do.

24. Sex. A pregnant woman’s desire for sex during pregnancy can be anywhere from wanton minx to celibate nun. If you get any, count yourself lucky.

25. Did I mention not arguing with a pregnant woman?

Things I'm tired of hearing while being pregnant.

1. All of the you-shouldn't-do-this or you-should-do-this.

I know that people mean well, and that they have their own opinions, but they should keep them to themselves. "You know, you shouldn't be drinking that coffee". "That's too heavy for you to lift". "You should really be walking more".
I'm not stupid. Everything I do, I've read about and done my research, or have asked my doctor. I'm not going to intentionally do something to put my baby in danger. Once again, I know that everyone means well, but I'm just tired of hearing it.

2. What are you going to do with Lola?

Anyone who asks that does not know me very well. Lola is my first baby. That's like asking someone what they're going to do with their first born when their second baby comes.

3. Comments from other moms who have been through pregnancy.

"Just WAIT until the third trimester... it gets worse" "You HAVE to have an epidural." "Your life is going to change SO much once the baby is born."
NO, REALLY?? Are you kidding me? Do you think I'm stupid? Do you WANT to scare the shit out of me? Once again, I know that they mean well, but please realize that yours are not the only comments that I'm hearing.

4. "How far along are you?" "14 weeks." "Oh, I miscarried at 14 weeks,"

REALLY?! What is wrong with you?

5. Asking what names I'm thinking, then disapproving of them right away.

No one has liked a single name I have picked. Or they say things like, "Oh... that's... interesting." Which is why I've decided not to tell anyone what names I've chosen. The names I have picked are no longer up for discussion, and you won't know until after the baby's born.

6. The absence of morning sickness.

"Oh, you didn't have any morning sickness? That means it's a boy." "Oh, you're so lucky that you didn't have morning sickness, pregnancy must be so easy for you."
People act like I'm the most blessed person in the world just because I'm not constantly throwing up. Just because I'm not puking all day does not mean that pregnancy is not hard. I admit, I am extremely lucky to not be sick all of the time. But they act like I can do anything and everything because of it. I'm still constantly tired, have a constant cold, and cramps.



Once again, I know that people mean well, but please think about things. The only comments I want to hear are how I'm going to make a wonderful mother, and how cute my baby is going to be. :)

15 weeks.

How your baby's growing:

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")


How your life's changing:

You've probably gained about 5 pounds by now (a little more or less is fine, too) and are well into the swing of your pregnancy, but you may still be surprised by an unexpected symptom now and then. If your nose is stuffed up, for instance, you can probably chalk it up to the combined effect of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your mucous membranes. This condition is so common, there's even a name for it: "rhinitis of pregnancy." Some pregnant women also suffer nosebleeds as a result of increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion in the nose.

If you're having amniocentesis, it'll most likely happen between now and 18 weeks. This test can identify hundreds of genetic and chromosomal disorders. If you're getting very anxious while waiting for the results, it may help to know that most women who undergo amniocentesis get good news about their babies — bringing welcome relief from their worries.

Don't be surprised if you and your partner are feeling a little stressed out these days. Many pregnant couples worry about their baby's health and how they'll handle the changes ahead. But with physical discomforts on the wane and energy on the rise, this is also a wonderful trimester for most women.

babycenter.com

my boobs itch.

They're growing fast. Just thought everyone needed to know.

14 weeks and counting.

It's week 14, and I've gained 8 pounds since I got pregnant. Too much for not showing very much. Correction: not showing much baby. The fat is there, though. I'm walking Lola often. Not often enough, but often. I'm terrified of stretch marks and varicose veins. I'm slathering on cocoa butter after every shower, but I should probably do that more. Like 3 or 4 times a day. :) The only way to keep varicose veins at bay is to KEEP MOVING. Something I DO NOT want to do. It's not like I can't, I'm not nearly big enough to make moving difficult. But I just don't have the energy!
I've discovered one of the joys of pregnancy that will last until the baby is born. I am SO SNIFFLY! Pregnancy causes your soft tissue to swell, therefore the tissue in nose is swollen and snotty, making it difficult to breathe. AND I sneeze about 5 times an hour. Which doesn't sound like a lot, but you sneeze 5 times an hour, all day, and tell me it's not a lot.
I know I should take belly pics to make all of you happy, and to document this process, but I don't wanna! I'm growing too much. My normal clothing still fits, but it's tight. I've found a new love for sweat pants. My sister, Ashley, is letting me borrow her maternity clothes, but she's like 100 lbs to begin with. So, I can't fit into her stuff now, much less when I'm huge. Sounds like I need to go shopping.
And go take some belly pics. :)

14 Weeks Ultrasound

The baby! I think it looks like a little penguin or something. :) The OB couldn't get a clear picture because the baby wouldn't stop moving!



Here's the measurement of the head.



The picture is zoomed in on the heart. You can see the wavelength of the heartbeat below the picture. A strong 160 beats per minute.

9 Weeks Ultrasound

10 Reasons why Daddy Matters.

1. Who else, other than mum, will tuck her into bed at night, teach her how to ride a bike, fund her first holiday with friends and buy her first pint?

2. He's got your genes. You are a part of his history, who he is, how he looks, right down to those big ears and awkward gait.

3. You matter to your partner, too. When you get stuck in from the start, breastfeeding is more successful and she is less likely to suffer from postnatal depression.

4. You'll raise brainy kids. Children with involved fathers have better social skills when they reach nursery and do better in examinations at 16.

5. Being a good dad keeps your child sane. Father-child closeness is a crucial predictor of long-term mental health.

6. Successful professional women tend to have at least one thing in common: fathers who respect and encourage them.

7. Do well as a father and, when your child's time comes, she'll be a better mum.

8. You'll keep him out of prison. Good fathering means your son is less likely to have a criminal record.

9. She'll be happier later. Father involvement at age seven is correlated with your daughter's contentment with love at 33.

10. Do you want your child to have higher self-esteem, be friendly and trust others? Your influence makes a difference.

Tips from blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant

1. Just Say No to Low rise

This is tricky. Low waisted jeans can cause a tummy to pooch out. If your favorite jeans just happen to be low waisted, then do not wear a tight or short shirt with them. If you like how the jeans fit everywhere else but the stomach, wear a longer, looser shirt that covers the waistband. To test the length, try raising your arms above your head. If the tum-tum is still covered, you’re good.

2. Beware of the Mom Jeans, or the Jessica Simpson effect

High waisted pants are very chic and very hot right now- but be careful. If the waistline is too high, say above the belly button, then that will draw attention to the gut as well, as you will be highlighting the belly curve. Ideally, the pants should hit about one inch below the belly button, thus cutting the belly in half, and preventing the ballooning look.

3. RIYF (Ruching is your friend)

Ruching is a technique where fabric is gathered and bunched. When a dress is rouched in the right places, it can obscure the belly and draw attention to the dress, and away from your abdomen. If the ruching is done well, it can also create an optical illusion that your waist is smaller.

4. Waistband

I think shirts with bands on the bottom are a bad idea. Always. I don’t even know what these shirts are called. I saw a woman wearing a loose, flowy shirt that had a tight band on the bottom. I don’t know what would possess a person to wear a shirt like that. Anything with a band around the middle screams ‘with child.’

5. Save the Empire Waist for when you really are pregnant

I say this a lot, but for women with bellies, empire waist is just not flattering. I know you want to just hide your belly sometimes, but empire waist dresses and tops will make you look pregnant. I know they can make your rack look great, but hello, this just adds to the problem (hello nursing?). I have said it before, but it is best just to stick to your natural waist. A-line skirts that hit on the waist are flattering. Anything that can help give the appearance of an hourglass shape is good. You want to highlight your bust and hip curves, and take the eyes off of that other curve.

14 weeks. Belly Pics coming soon!

How your baby's growing:
This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.

In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Welcome to your second trimester! Your energy is likely returning, your breasts may be feeling less tender, and your queasiness may have completely abated by now. If not, hang on — chances are good it will soon be behind you (although an unlucky few will still feel nauseated months from now).

The top of your uterus is a bit above your pubic bone, which may be enough to push your tummy out a tad. Starting to show can be quite a thrill, giving you and your partner visible evidence of the baby you've been waiting for. Take some time to plan, daydream, and enjoy this amazing time. It's normal to worry a bit now and then, but try to focus on taking care of yourself and your baby, and having faith that you're well equipped for what's ahead.

Babycenter.com

Things that suck about being pregnant!

1. Shuffling around on dirty floors that you cannot bend down to mop. (Yes, I know they make mops on a stick, but I like to do it with a rag. Its the baseboards that are annoying me and you can’t get those with a stick mop.)

2. Uncomfortable chairs. Which is 98% of all chairs.

3. People who give you the “you should not be lifting that” look, but don’t offer to help.

4. Hairy legs that you cannot comfortably shave. I figure I have the strength and flexibility to shave just one more time. I am saving it for the night before Aunt Shel’s wedding.

5. Spending weeks making a beautiful nursery and then having nothing to do in there but sit in the rocking chair and say “Ho Hum.” I do that just about every night after we put Pookie and Geetle to bed, by the way.

6. Maternity clothes that you worry might not “make it.” I am 7 months along…and some of my maternity pants are a bit tight. I still have 2 months!

7. Seatbelts. Wear it below the belly, they say. Yeah, OK. What if your belly rests on the tops of your thighs when you drive. Do you tuck it under? That just hurts.

8. Not being able to play Pookie’s favorite game, which is a kind of human pin-ball game in which he pretends to bump into you and ricochet off.

9. Rolling over in bed. I need one of those monkey-bar things they hang over hospital beds, to give sick people something to grab onto when they maneuver in bed.

10. Not being able to sit on the floor and play puzzles with Geetle.

11. The fact that EVERY maternity shirt/dress seems to have a sash and bow that ties in the back. So, while I am trying to get comfortable in the chair, I have to worry about the gigantic fabric knot that is poking into my spine as well.

12. Trying to remember the EXACT last time I felt the baby kick, so I can determine if its been too long.

13. The fact that it is socially acceptable for everyone to tell a pregnant woman how tired she looks. Gee, thanks; that’s helpful. I think you look rude.

14. Standing up and literally feeling the waistband on my underwear roll slowly over my bump and down to my hip bones. Creepy.

http://www.beagoodmom.com/78/things-that-suck-about-being-pregnant/

SOOO CUTE!

http://www.rhbabyandchild.com/rhbc/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=rhbc_prod220232&navAction=push&navCount=2

I LOVE this. Getting it for the nursery.