Baby #2: Nine Month Update

 
Currently...

Feeling - So much love and happiness to be at home settling in with my little family and gratitude for all that I've been given - two beautiful girls and a husband that loves us all so well.

Craving - Healthy foods! It's funny how quickly I felt motivated to fill myself with healthy foods that will help my body heal. Don't get me wrong - I'm still eating cinnamon rolls and Valentine's Day chocolates - but I am motivated to kick my unhealthy habits soon, for sure.

Wearing - Sweats, leggings and long tshirts. Comfort is my number one priority right now as my body heals and I take it nice and easy. 

Wondering - Who this little bundle of newborn-ness will grow up to be, what she will look like, how she'll be different from (and similar to) her sister. 

Thinking - So many thoughts and having so many emotions. Postpartum hormones are crazy, crazy things, am I right?? But mostly thinking about how incredibly lucky I am. 

Doing - Snuggling Elle, playing with Wren, soaking up the short time that Jon has off of work, cooking yummy meals, catching up on TV shows and taking long naps - basically all my favorite things.

(See all updates for baby #2 here.)

Baby #2: Eight Month Update

Currently... 

Feeling - Contractions! Last night was my first time experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. I am always quick to assume anything weird going on in my belly is due to the baby's movements. When I went into the hospital to be induced for Wren, I found out I had been having contractions for days, but I thought it was just her doing some serious stretching out every once in a while. Now that I know what contractions feel like, I've been on the look out for them this time around, and last night I for sure had a bunch. I was laying on my side in bed and they would come low and tight around the bottom of my belly every five minutes or so. I got kind of freaked out at first, but they never increased in frequency or severity and lessened when I switched to a different position - so false labor, it is! (But it's still pretty exciting!)

I'm also feeling really terrible pelvic ligament pain that makes it painful to walk or get up from a sitting or laying position. Warm baths help, but I can't stay in the bathtub all day. :/

I'm still feeling extremely short of breath, extra tired and HUGE. My belly is really big and really tight and sometimes the baby's movements hurt because she's so big in there these days (our last ultrasound showed her at 5 lbs 15 oz).

Aside from physical feelings, emotionally I'm feeling excited, ready and in disbelief at the same time. I can't wait to have her here, but I also can't believe we're about to have two - TWO - kids. How in the world did that happen?? It's going to be so strange at first!

Craving - Nothing really. I almost feel like I'm eating less these days. There just isn't too much room in my belly for food.

Wearing - Leggings and four maternity shirts that still fit. This is the weird time where you don't want to shop for anything new because you only have a few weeks left, but only a few shirts fit - so you wear the same thing everyday, right?

Wondering - When it all will happen. At my 37 week appointment, we are going to schedule an induction during the 39th week, because I'm a planner and planning makes me feel less stressed out. However, I fully do not believe she will wait until then to join us. So I'm constantly making plan B's, plan C's and plan D's in my head. It's exhausting - but exciting, too.

Thinking - TWO?! How will it be with two??!!

Doing - Last minute to-dos like washing blankets, packing my hospital bag, making my birthing play list and tightening the screws on the rocking chair.

(See previous updates for baby #2 here, here, here, here and here.)

Baby #2: Seven Month Update

Currently... 

Feeling - Hiccups for the first time! I was just saying to Jon that Wren had the hiccups all the time, but I hadn't felt them with this baby yet, and then a few nights later, we were getting into bed and I felt them for the first time - like little rhythmic kicks, right in the middle of my belly. Jon got to feel them to so it was perfect timing. :) Also, extremely out of breath - all the time. I brought it up to my doctor because when I say extremely out of breath, I mean if I walk up five stairs, I feel like I just ran a marathon. My doc assured me it was normal and would only get worse as the baby grows. Hooray! (Not.)

Craving - Still milk. Between Wren and I (but mostly me), we drink a half gallon a day. I know I should try to cut back, but it's just so goooood. I did read online that it's common for women pregnant with girl babies to crave sweets and milk, so at least it's not just me, right?

Wearing - Maternity jeans + cords and stretchy maternity tops. My belly is big and round these days, and people are starting to comment on it. A stranger at Starbucks told me it was cute, and a lab tech at the doctor's office guessed that I was having a girl just by the shape of it, which I thought was really funny. 

Wondering - How this whole thing will go down this time around. Will my water break? Will I have contractions at home? Will I go into labor naturally? Will we induce again? What day will the baby be born? We know it will be sometime really close to Valentine's Day, but I'm hoping it's not actually on Valentine's Day. At first I thought that would be fun, but then I changed my mind. I'd rather this baby have a day all its own to be born on. 

Thinking - Of middle names still. All day every day. I think we might just draw one out of a hat when she's born. ;)

Doing - Doctor visits every two weeks now, which is crazy to me - I can't believe it's already that time. Also, making notes in my calendar about when to pack my hospital bag, when to buy the last of the baby items, etc.

(See previous updates for baby #2 here, here, here and here.)

Baby #2: Six Month Update

Currently... 

Feeling - A really crazy baby jumping, punching and rolling around in my belly all day and all night. I seriously don't know when this kid sleeps. She keeps me company all day long, and every time I wake up in the night (for my many bathroom trips), she's wide awake and practicing her gymnastics. She better learn to get some shut eye - staying up 24-7 is NOT going to work when she's on the outside! 

Craving - Milk. And that's pretty much it. I'm not having too many crazy cravings at this point. But I could seriously drink a gallon of milk a day if I let myself.

Wearing - Leggings! I outgrew my Gap maternity jeans and have been living in two different pairs of black leggings and some maternity cords I got when I was pregnant with Wren. I recently bought two new pairs of maternity jeans - one from Old Navy and one from Destination Maternity. I'm hoping they'll get me through to the end. I've done a lot more maternity clothes shopping this time around. I told Jon that means we need to have another baby after this one so I can get my wear out of them. ;)

Wondering - If I should give breastfeeding a try this time around. I did not breastfeed Wren, and I was/am completely happy with that decision. I did go back and forth a lot before I decided, though and I think that's where I'm at again - in the back and forth. 

Thinking - Of middle names - all. the. time. We finally decided on baby girl's first name (don't even ask - we're keeping it a secret until she's born) - now we just need to agree on a middle name to go with it. It's harder than you think! I've actually been saying 'well, I guess she doesn't HAVE to have a middle name.' That's how hard it is for us to decide.

Doing - A whole lot of non-baby stuff. I've already washed and folded tons of tiny clothes, gotten out all of Wren's old toys, rearranged our bedroom to make room for the baby to sleep, made detailed lists of everything we'll need to buy before she gets here and took inventory of what of Wren's we can use again (bouncer, car seat) and what we need to buy (double stroller, swing), so I'm in a really good place. Every month, I buy a few things off of our must-buy list and in January, I will pack my hospital bag. Eeek!

(See previous updates for baby #2 here, here and here.)

Baby #2: Five Month Update

Currently... 

Feeling - Sick with a cold! I've had a terrible cold for going on three weeks now, and it's the worst. The first week I felt like I was right back in that horrible first month of pregnancy. I'm much better now than I was, but I still have a horrible cough that will not leave me alone and I keep getting really gnarly sinus headaches that basically knock me out for entire days at a time. But aside from the cold, pregnancy-wise I'm feeling great. I can feel the baby moving around all day long, which is the funnest feeling ever - so all is good in that department.

Craving - Cereal - bowls and bowls and bowls of it. I would eat cereal for every meal if I could, but since I don't think that's ok, I compensate by eating two bowls every morning for breakfast. (One for me, and one for the babe, right?)

Wearing - Still living in my maternity tees from Old Navy and maternity jeans from Gap. Now that the weather is getting cooler, I do want to grab a couple new long sweaters that I can wear with leggings.

Wondering - If this baby will be as easy as Wren was. What Wren will think of having a baby around. How in the world I'm going to manage with two kids. What the new baby will look like. If I'll remember all the newborn stuff. How in the world a newborn baby can possibly be small enough to fit in newborn size onesies. And so much more...

Thinking - It's INSANE that we only have four months until this baby gets here. Months go by really fast these days - that means it's going to be here before we know it. It blows my MIND!

Doing - Taking inventory of everything we have from when Wren was a baby and making lists of things I want to buy. So far on the list - an Ergo baby carrier (I see this baby getting worn A LOT more than Wren was) and a Puj baby bathtub (I didn't love the infant tub we had for Wren and have heard great things about the Puj tub). 

(See previous updates for baby #2 here and here.)

Baby #2: Four Month Update

 
Currently... 

Feeling - MUCH BETTER! (Thank goodness!) The yuckiness that I dealt with in the first trimester finally made it's way out around week 15 or so, and now I am happy to say that I feel GREAT. I can eat anything and not get sick, I have tons of energy and my moods are more stable (even though I do still cry at every single baby/mother/parenting related thing that I see). If you want to know the nitty gritty, though - I am starting to be short of breath a lot and my feet cramp up at the slightest point of the toe. Not fun, but I'll take those things over feeling sick to my stomach all day long any day!

Craving - Sweets, Rootbeer, MILK, Cereal. All of my food aversions are gone now so I'm back to eating veggies (when I'm not eating cookies), and I'm actually toying with the idea of trying a Whole30 or No Sugar challenge in the coming months. What do you think - am I crazy?

Wearing - Maternity jeans and tees. I learned the joys of maternity clothes late in my pregnancy with Wren, but I am taking full advantage this time around. I got myself some super comfy maternity jeans from Gap and a handful of maternity tees from Old Navy and they are perfect for this in-between summer and fall weather we have going on.

Wondering - What gender this baby in my belly is!! (We find out tomorrow - I am DYING to know.) I'm leaning toward boy just because this pregnancy has been different from the first (in that I felt much, much worse) + the heart rate was in the 130-140 range at our last appointment and Wren's was always around 150. We will see very soon!! (Hopefully - if he/she cooperates.)

Thinking - Of names - always thinking of names. At night before I fall asleep, I run through name combos in my head. Once we know the gender, we'll start narrowing in on some. We already have some favorites, so I don't think it'll take us long to decide this time around (but we're still keeping it a secret until the birth).

Doing - Some major nesting. We've lived in our apartment for a year now, but there were still some rooms unfinished. That has changed in the last month or two! I've been like a tornado, ordering/painting/moving/hanging/redecorating rooms and getting everything just so.

(See my three month (and first) update for baby #2 here.)

Baby #2: Three Month Update

For those of you who have not heard yet, Jon, Wren and I are so excited to be welcoming another member into our family this coming February! Even though I had been taking a blogging break, I decided to pick things back up at least once a month to share monthly updates on this new little babe growing in my belly.

First things first, this pregnancy has been A LOT harder than my first one. I pretty much felt like death from the day I found out at 4 weeks until 13 weeks. That's 9 straight weeks - 63 straight days - of feeling terrible, and it was really, really hard. Without Jon, Wren and I probably wouldn't have eaten or bathed during those 9 weeks, not to mention we would've been drowning in a sea of dirty laundry and dishes. I am so thankful for all of the extra work he put in during that time - I literally could not have survived without him.

Even though there was a lot of nausea involved, for me it's always less about the morning sickness and more about a very, very upset stomach all day and night. I also had really bad dizzy spells this time around - like 'I need to lay down right now and not move even though we're in the grocery store' type of dizzy spells. I also had to strike the perfect balance between constantly keeping food in my stomach but not too much food. Too much or too little and it was bad. Just right and it was tolerable. This led to a few funny situations - like the one where I realized I had left my car keys on the grocery store counter when I got to my car, but I was starving and feeling sick and needed to eat right then so with Wren in the basket, standing by our car, I ripped open a pack of cookies and started stuffing my face - only to turn around and see the bag boy bringing me my car keys. (I should also mention we were in our pajamas - we didn't get out of our pajamas much during those 9 weeks.) Definitely not one of my best moments. ;)

And more on the food topic, we had been eating a very healthy diet up until I found out I was pregnant. We were actually right in the middle of our second round of Whole30. I tried my best to keep it up, but a week after I found out, all I wanted was bread - so I gave in and pretty much lived on honey toast and boiled eggs for a month. Once I was able to eat a wider variety of foods, I found that all I wanted was sugar, sugar and more sugar. Every bad habit I had worked so hard to break on Whole30 came right on back. The kicker? Sugary foods made me feel terrible. Chocolate made me feel like I might die. I ate it anyway, because when I was eating it, it was wonderful. (And because pregnant women are crazy, apparently.)

I am happy to say that now - at almost 15 weeks - I am feeling much, much better. I still get random stomach aches. I still feel best when I eat healthy foods. I'm still not in love with the idea of vegetables. But I am able to eat more balanced meals, shower on a regular basis and do the laundry/dishes. Thank goodness!

I am going to a new doctor this time since we are now in Virginia instead of Kentucky, and my new doctor didn't want to see me until 12 weeks. That was a little weird for me, because 12 weeks is the start of the second trimester. It seemed like I was pregnant forever until I actually had a doctor's appointment. We told our parents, brothers/sisters and a few close friends when we first found out, but we waited until after our first doctor's appointment (when we got to hear that fast little heartbeat) to let everyone else in on the secret.

We had our first trimester ultrasound at 13 weeks, and everything looked great. Baby kicked its legs and wiggled a bit and we got our first photo of him/her. We are definitely going to find out the gender - most likely at our next ultrasound - and we are SO excited. I would be over the moon for another girl (sisters!!) and Jon is dying for a boy. Either way, we hope he/she is healthy and happy and as excited to meet us as we are to meet him/her.

Stay tuned for monthly updates on this new little bean. Also, feel free to check out the weekly updates I did with Wren here, and the first update I did here.)

Pregnancy Update: Week 38

For those of you who haven't heard yet, we're having this baby on Saturday, November 17!! (Unless she decides to come earlier on her own.) At my appointment last week, we brought up the subject of induction, and my doctor said he could get us on the schedule for this coming weekend. We thought it over for a while - I know a lot of people have horror stories about induction - and in the end, we decided to do it. Even though I think it would be fun to wait and see when and how labor starts on its own, the fact that induction guarantees that I'll have my doctor (who I love) deliver the baby AND guarantees that my mom, dad and sister will all be here with me when it happens is enough for me to take the risk. I'm so, so excited for my family to arrive on Friday and to welcome this little lady into the world on Saturday!!

Now for a little update...

Wearing: Sweats, sweaters, leggings, slippers - and probably not much else for the next 3 days! (Eeeek, 3 days!!)
Eating: Anything fattening I can get my hands on (because it's all fruits and veggies starting Sunday!)
Feeling: Still mild cramping throughout the day, which my doc says is good
Loving: The fact that we are READY - I mean, really really ready - for this
Worried About: That moment when I get to the hospital on Saturday and everything gets started (praying a million times a day for a smooth delivery and no c-section)
Excited About: 3 days!! 3 days!!

Pregnancy Update: Week 37

Week 37 flew by! (I'll  be 38 weeks tomorrow - woooo hoooo!) Not a whole lot of new developments this week, except that we finished the nursery and wrapped up some house projects that needed to be done before baby gets here. Our to-do-before-baby list is getting really, really tiny now - just a few more things and we'll be all set! (But if she decided to come this afternoon, I would be completely ok with it - no need to wait on that to-do list, baby girl!)

Now for a quick update...

Wearing: My maternity sweaters - it's coooold here! (48 degrees today)
Eating: Cinnamon rolls for breakfast, cookies for lunch, peppermint ice cream for dinner (ok, ok, maybe I'm not, but sometimes it feels like it - sweets will be banished after baby, I swear!)
Feeling: Very mild cramps a few times a day - I'm hoping this means something is going on in there?
Loving: Life. My sweet husband. My cute cats. The beautiful Kentucky fall. Early holiday shopping. The excitement that everyday brings us closer to baby time. All of it.
Worried About: Contractions and what they'll feel like.
Excited About: Getting this show on the road! :)

Pregnancy Update: Week 36

Weeks 34 and 35 have come and gone without pictures to prove it (probably because I didn't leave my sweats for two straight weeks), but that's fine with me because we're two weeks closer to being done with this...eerrrrr, to meeting baby girl! ;)

(If I seem less than thrilled in the coming weeks, it's because I'm seriously ready for this to be over. Pregnancy has lost it's luster, and I will jump for joy at the first sign of a contraction.)

Now for a little 36 week update...

Wearing: Sweatpants and Jon's t-shirts (unless I'm forced to go out in public, then black leggings and one of three shirts that are long enough to cover my bum)
Eating: Halloween candy. Pumpkin muffins. Pumpkin cookies. Pumpkin bread. (Don't judge.)
Feeling: Heartburn. Insomnia. The constant need to pee. Thirsty. Out of breath. Congested. Swollen. And fat. (You notice I didn't say contractions? Haven't felt one - or anything resembling one - yet. Serious bummer.)
Loving: That every single day brings us closer to the end.
Worried About: Going past my due date - I want to go early sooooo bad. So bad. (You notice I didn't say labor? That's because I'm so ready to be done that I am now welcoming it with open arms. That's what I call progress.)
Excited About: Getting this bebe out of mah belly and into the world! ASAP!

But in all seriousness, we are so, so excited to be this close to the end. Not just because it's all bad these days, but because we can't wait to meet our little lady. I can't wait to hold her, to call her by her name, put her in one of her tiny little outfits, bring her home and have the next part of this whole parenting adventure begin. :)

Pregnancy Update: Weeks 32 & 33

Time is flying by, isn't it?? My 32nd and 33rd week came and went and now we're on to number 34. Eeek! Below is a little update on what's been happening around these parts lately...

Wearing: Really, really uncomfortable pants. We've had some chilly weather lately so the trusty pair of shorts I wore all summer had to be retired in place of maternity pants, which I thought were awesome at first until they fell down every. two. seconds. Oh the days when I wasn't pulling my pants up constantly - I really can't wait for those again.
Eating: More like drinking! I'm thirsty all the time these days and drinking water, milk, juice and lemonade like it's going out of style. I'll drink three huge glasses all at once and then be so miserably full, but I can't help it - it's so good!
Feeling: Out of breath. Fat. Clumsy. Did I mention out of breath?
Loving: The fact that we almost have every single thing we need for baby girl's arrival! The only outstanding item on my list is a diaper bag (which I'm being pretty picky about). Oh, and I should also add foot massages from my sweet husband. They are divine.
Worried About: Labor. Sorry, I have to say it again. I'm trying not to be, but I am. The closer it gets, the more scared I get. Part of it is the not knowing - When's it going to happen? How's it going to happen? Will it go fast? Will it go slow? I need a plan, people! I'm a planner!
Excited About: Dressing this little lady. Her clothes are all washed, folded, sorted by size and waiting in her closet, and I can't wait to put her in them! Sometimes I sit in her closet and put outfits together. It's like playing Barbies, but real. ;)

Pregnancy Update: Week 31

 

I drove down to Texas last week for my baby shower this past Saturday, and it was a blast! A huge thanks to everyone that came! I am so very excited about all of the cute clothes, toys, books, and more that our little lady received. I can't wait to get back home and organize everything in her room. Now that we've got most of what we need, I'm getting reaaalllly antsy for her arrival!

Below is a little 31 week update...

Wearing: The comfiest maternity clothes ever. I may just continue wearing them after the pregnancy. They are that comfy.
Eating: Anything sweet. Donuts. Cinnamon rolls. Cookies. I LOVE IT ALL. (And so much milk, still.)
Feeling: Out of breath - all. the. time. (Still)
Loving: Her room. Her clothes. Her toys. All of it.
Worried About: Do we have everything we need? Have I done everything I need to do? Do I know everything I need to know? How will we travel with a baby in the future? How will we fit everything in the car? Will she love me? Will I know what to do with her? (Suffice it to say I'm not getting much sleep these days with these things running through my head, on top of the constant bathroom trips.)
Excited About: Meeting this little lady! I so hope she comes early - I don't think I can wait until Thanksgiving!

Pregnancy Update: Week 30 & Number 1

30 weeks, people! Only 10 more to go - or maybe less if this lady decides to come early (which I've been trying to convince her is a good idea). Here's a quick update on what I'm up to:

Wearing: Maternity clothes! My belly has finally outgrown all of my non-maternity shirts, so I treated myself to a little maternity shopping spree at Old Navy. Cords, jeans, sweaters - oh my, am I ready for fall! :)
Eating: Honey toast, double stuffed Halloween Oreos, mandarin oranges, cheese + crackers, lots of milk
Feeling: Out of breath - all. the. time.
Loving: Getting baby shower presents in the mail - it's so much fun to open things and set them up
Worried About: Labor! (I'm pretty sure this will be a main stay from now until the end.) Did anyone see the Keeping Up With the Kardashians finale? Courtney cried on her way to the hospital because she was scared of labor, and I cried on my couch with her. #ifeelyagirl
Excited About: Baby's first Christmas (Yes, I've already got holidays on the brain.)

P.S. - This also crosses number 1 off the list! We snapped this photo at the Tennessee State Fair this past weekend where we ate lots of good fair food (cotton candy, roasted corn, turkey legs, so much lemonade), played with some really cute sheep and threw darts at balloons. More photos from the fair coming up next week!

Pregnancy Update: Week 29

Wow, where did last week go?? Sorry for being MIA. The 28 weeks photo? Didn't happen. Nope. Buuuut, we have 29 weeks today! (Time is flying by, isn't it?)

And here's a little 29 week update...

Wearing: The same two pairs of shorts I've been wearing all summer (Thank goodness for them or I'd be pants-less, and no one wants a pants-less pregnant girl.)
Eating: Better than I have been (ex: less cookies and more veggies) after a little side-by-side comparison of my legs at the beginning of the pregnancy and now (it scared me a little - or a lot)
Feeling: Achy and sore, especially in the mornings
Loving: Baby girl's room (still) - it's definitely my favorite room in the house now
Worried About: LABOR!! I watched a video of an epidural the other day, and I cried. It's that bad.
Excited About: Baby girl's name - I think we finally decided on a first name (still working on the middle name), and I love it. :)

Pregnancy Update: Week 27

27 weeks, baby! We're getting close! (And mah belly is gettin' BIG!) A quick update below...

Wearing: Stretchy striped dresses - still (See above)
Eating: Sweets - sooooo many sweets - this pregnancy has really amped up my sweet tooth
Feeling: Stuffy (I've never blown my nose so much in my life) and achy (my back still kills me)
Loving: Back massages (Thanks to my amazing boyfriend for these!)
Worried About: Baby names (We still can't find one we both love - Eeeek!)
Excited About: Baby girl's room - It's coming together, and I LOVE it

Forgive me for the grainy photo - we snapped this one late in the afternoon when good light was hard to find.

Pregnancy Update: Week 26

Well, hello there, third trimester - I've been waiting for you! Tuesday was exactly three months from my due date, which feels really crazy. If this little lady decides to come early, she could be here in as little as 10 weeks - aaaaah! There's still so much to do! (I sure hope that nesting thing kicks in soon - I have a nursery to get ready and could definitely use some motivation.)

It's really interesting to me how things seem to change exactly on schedule with each trimester. Right when I hit the second trimester, my food weirdness went away, and I started feeling like my old self (aka pretty great). Then, right when I hit the third trimester, I completely understood why people say it brings a whole new bag of tricks. 

My lower back aches - like really aches - all the time and has forced me to adopt that pregnant waddle everyone loves. As if that's not enough - boy, am I tiiiiiired. Trips up the stairs in our house pretty much justify a nap these days, and easy things like folding laundry and doing dishes leave me huffing and puffing like I just ran a marathon. 

Below is a little more about my 26th week...

Wearing: A few maternity shirts that I LOVE (and that finally fit my belly) - Maternity clothes are seriously comfortable.
Eating: Mandarin oranges, so much milk, lemon bread 
Feeling: Achy and tired - like an old woman
Loving: The fact that strangers can now tell that I'm pregnant (Waitress at Cracker Barrel, Cashier at Wal-Mart - you totally made my day!)
Worried About: Labor - I'm terrified! (And I have a feeling it's only going to get worse as I get closer.)
Excited About: Finding out what this little lady looks like - I can't wait!
Missing: Alcohol and coffee (I had to add this one in this week because it's true. I miss my daily Starbucks runs and wine with dinner something fierce right now. Only 3 months to go....)

Pregnancy Update: Week 25

25 weeks this week! 15 more to go! (Give or take.) A little bit about what's going on in - and out of - that belly of mine... 

Wearing: Stretchy striped dresses (Never have I actually liked that stripes accentuate my middle until now)
Eating: Soft peppermints - I carry them in my pockets - it's an addiction
Feeling: Itchy! Someone scratch mah belly, pleeeeaaaase!
Loving: Rootbeer (and soft peppermints)
Worried About: Baby clothes (Will NB sizes be too small? Too big? Will 0-3 months do? Aaah!)
Excited About: Baby clothes (Gosh, they are just so darn CUTE!)

P.S. - Today is my birthday! I'll be back later with a birthday list for my 31st year! 

Pregnancy Update: Week 24

I had my 24 week check-up yesterday, and the doc said baby and me are doing excellent! One more check-up in four weeks, then I'll go in every two weeks until the little lady gets here. Eeeek! It feels like it's getting closer! Now for a little 24 week update...

Wearing: Tanks + Shorts (Still! It's hotter than the Sierra here!)
Drinking: Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (I finally found this in the grocery store, and I cannot get enough.)
Feeling: Really, really tired every three days or so (I think those are her growth spurt days.)
Loving: Little lady's crazy kicks at night
Worried About: Choosing the right name (It's so hard!)
Excited About: The fact that she will be all ours - to snuggle and love and dress and sing to and watch grow up forever! (I think it might take a few weeks after she's born for that to really sink in.)

Pregnancy Update: Week 23

I saw the quote below on A Cup of Joe this morning, and I immediately knew I needed to write it down so I'd remember it in 4 months. I think it's the perfect way to describe the challenges that come with a new baby while still appreciating every moment: 

"When Toby was a newborn, I would joke to Alex that new motherhood was like traveling abroad. You're tired and jetlagged, and you haven't showered and you're sort of sticky, but then you look around and the world is beautiful and otherworldly and you're glad you came." 

And now for a little 23 week update...

Wearing: Stretchy skirts (like the one pictured above) 

Eating: A HUGE bowl of Fruit Loops every morning (They are delicious!)

Feeling: Uncomfortable at night - I so miss sleeping on my stomach

Loving: Any outfit that shows off my little bump (I'm so happy that it's growing!)

Worried About: Kids and food (I know it's early, but I already have big goals for this baby to grow up eating healthy foods - not chicken nuggets and sugary "fruit" drinks like so many kids do these days.)

Excited About: Baby names - We've got a little list going, and it's fun trying each one out.

*This very patriotic outfit inspired by the first day of the 2012 Olympics. Go Team USA!

Pregnancy Update: Week 22

We snapped this photo right before we packed up to head home from the lake. I feel kind of funny wearing a bikini these days. I always wonder if people can tell there's a baby in there - or if they just think I've had one too many hot dogs. ;) Below are a few fun details from week 22:

Wearing: Mostly shorts (stretchy denim is the best!) + tank tops 

Eating: Ice cream! So much ice cream! (Root beer floats have never tasted so good.)

Feeling: Baby girl's pokes and kicks, occasional leg cramps

Loving: My new body pillow (makes side sleeping so much more comfy)

Worried About: Parenting (what kind of parent I'll be, how me and Jon's parenting styles will mesh)

Excited About: Baby clothes that look like grown up clothes - only miniature!