Peanut Tracker: Week 28 Update- The Sisterhood of the Traveling Maternity Pants

One week of my third trimester down and I can't believe there are only 78 days until my due date!!!

I'm definitely getting much more uncomfortable. Sleeping is becoming more difficult, which stinks because I am much more tired now than I have been the rest of the pregnancy. My back hurts, my muscles ache (I really need a massage), my knees and hips are sore, and the peanut likes to become really active as soon as I lay down in bed. Even if I spent all day basically lying around on the couch, she waits until I try to sleep to throw a party in my belly. However, even with all of that, I am starting to enjoy my pregnancy much more. My sickness is becoming less and less of an issue because it doesn't last all day, which means I can actually get stuff done. And that means I feel like a person again!

This week I had my gestational diabetes test. I had to drink the nastiest orange drink and try to keep it down on Monday morning. They told me if I didn't keep it down, they would make me wait a while and drink it again! Somehow I managed and got the results back on Tuesday that I DO NOT have gestational diabetes!!! It was such a relief to get that news. I was terrified because of my family history and the fact that I was overweight when I got pregnant. However, the doctor did inform me that my vitamin D levels have significantly dropped (which is bad considering they were already really low in the first trimester). So now I have to double my vitamin supplements and make sure to get about 15 minutes of sunlight without sunscreen or makeup on every day. I never realized how many products I use that have SPF in them. That must be why my skin looks so healthy! I've basically switched my evening walks to morning walks, increased my supplements, and significantly improved my diet to include vitamin D enhanced foods (mostly dairy products). It hurts my tummy, but whatever keeps my baby healthy is worth it! The doctor also informed me that I have gained 18 lbs so far. So there goes my plan to only gain 20-25 lbs the whole pregnancy! She said it is a healthy amount of weight gain, but I really need to make sure to gain 1-2 lbs per week from here on out. I just hope I can lose it quickly later on!

On Friday Eric and I went shopping for a friends baby shower. It was fun to look at baby stuff for a boy after months of only looking at girl stuff. I really wanted to get her something that we hadn't gotten at our baby shower because that meant she probably wouldn't get it either. So, we settled on a diaper pail, mittens, and booties. The pail is pretty cool and I added it to our registry because you can use any garbage bag for that pail. We also bought some Dreft and I came home and washed clothes, blankets, sheets, and towels that didn't have tags on them. It was so much fun to wash and fold all of Charlee's stuff! I can't wait to take the tags off of everything and put it all away! Yes, the nesting continues!

Friday night I had an experience at Dog and Duck (yes, I went to another bar) that I haven't had in months. I was so excited to eat some bar food and ordered a patty melt. When the waitress brought the food I thought it smelled a little strange, but I took a big bite anyway...and almost got sick. I looked at Eric and said that I couldn't eat it. He looked at me funny, tasted it, then looked at me like I was crazy. I told him I couldn't have the sandwich anywhere near me because of the smell and he tried to help justify it for me by saying the caramelized onions were a little strong. So, he ate half my patty melt, his food, and a few of the wings I ended up ordering because my side salad wasn't going to cut it. My response? "Which one of us is pregnant again?"

The 3 pregnant amigos at the baby shower

Saturday was Ashley's baby shower. I met up with Malory earlier in the morning and we went to the shower together. It was a lovely event in a beautiful house with wonderful women. We ate some yummy hors d'oeuvres and cupcakes, watched Ashley open presents (many of which I was jealous of, lol), and chatted. There were other new moms and another pregnant lady there, so we had a great time swapping stories and bonding over motherhood. It really is amazing how women are willing to listen and give advice on the topic. It's like a sisterhood, a bond, that connects all of us in some way.

Pregnancy "glow" 

In peanut related news, the doctor said she is measuring exactly where she should be, so that is comforting! I start having appointments every other week next Monday and am looking forward to more ultrasounds and listening to her heartbeat. On Monday she was sitting breech and from what I can tell by her movements, she hasn't moved yet. However, that can change (and let's hope it does)! This next week she will grow to 15.25 inches (about the size of a butternut squash) and about 2.5 lbs. Her movements should increase over the next few weeks because the space in my belly is getting more cramped as she grows. Her bones, brain, and skeleton are developing more every day and that means making sure that I am giving her enough protein, vitamin c, d, and folic acid. My hormones are surging and I have some lovely blemishes making their way from under my skin, but right now it just looks like I have the much talked about "pregnancy glow".

28 weeks 6 days

Current cravings: peanut butter, chocolate, oranges, ice cream sandwiches

Current aversions: uncooked tomatoes, uncooked onions, caramelized onions

Peanut Tracker: Week 27 Update- Walking With A Waddle

Tomorrow it will finally be here: my third trimester! 85 days to go!!!

Time is flying by and crawling at the exact same time. I'm starting to feel the need to finish the nursery and get the house ready. Yes, I'm starting to nest. I guess it's a good thing because I have suddenly gotten a lot more organized with what we have left to do. I made several lists to easily check off the remaining items and tasks we have to do before Charlee makes her grand entrance. I have a list of things to do (like register for safety and breastfeeding classes, install car seat and have it inspected, make casseroles to freeze, etc), things we still need to buy (breast pump, bottles, and everything else on our registries), and things we need in our hospital bags (yup, I already have those lists created).

Eric and I did some work on the nursery this weekend. We went to Babies 'R Us and Target to pickup a few things for the nursery and to take advantage of some coupons I had. While we were walking around he pointed out that I am walking with a waddle. Great...We finished the changing table and now we just need some more storage bins for the other table, pictures for the walls, rug for the floor, and curtains to put up. We also want an end table for the rocker to put the adorable lamp we just bought and a clock for those late night feedings. Things are finally starting to come together, but I wish everything could be ready now. That must be my nesting instinct taking over again...

Changing table

Rocker

Crib

TV stand we're using as shelving

Cute lamp we just ordered

Book ends I ordered

Rug I want to order

Tomorrow I have my glucose test. It was supposed to be last week but I rescheduled because I had a terrible cold. Being sick and pregnant is miserable and I hope (knock on wood) that I will be cold/flu free until long after I deliver. I am scared of the test and am really nervous that they are going to tell me I have gestational diabetes. I don't have any symptoms, but I know a couple people who didn't have symptoms and they ended up on insulin! I don't like needles and know it won't be easy giving myself a shot everyday if I have to. Also, I will really miss pizza, pasta, and cake...

On another note, I have lost track of this pregnancy. I have been asked twice this week how far along I am and both times I didn't know the answer. Eric knows and I don't! Thank goodness for my phone app or I would never be able to keep track!

27 weeks 6 days

In peanut related news, she is growing quickly now! This coming week she will grow to 14.8 inches (the size of a chinese cabbage or eggplant) and about 2.25 lbs! She has a more developed brain with grooves on the surface. She is developing a more regular sleep schedule and her clitoris is developing. I will soon be switching to appointments every other week instead of every 4-6 weeks (not that I ever made it that long) and in the next four weeks or so we will know how she is positioned!

Current cravings: ice cream, chocolate, pasta

Current aversions: uncooked tomatoes and onions

25 Reasons Why I'm Looking Forward To Becoming A Mom

I know that a lot of my entries have been whiney lately, but it's honestly how I've felt. My body is no longer my own and every decision I make has become about this little critter inside of me. It's hard to go from complete and utter selfishness to being completely unselfish. But, I'm working on it!

However, there are a lot of positive things that I'm looking forward to once this bun is done baking. Here's a list of only 25 of those reasons:

1. Seeing my daughter for the first time.
2. Protecting her and helping her grow
3. First smiles
4. First crawl
5. First words
6. First steps
7. Good night stories
8. Playing with her
9. Watching Eric play with her
10. Becoming a family
11. Seeing the world through a child's eyes
12. Teaching her lessons about life
13. Baking with her like how my mom baked with me (I stirred and got to lick the spoon)
14. Dance recitals/soccer games/concerts (or whatever else she finds interest in)
15. Hugs and kisses
16. Having someone to pass on family heirlooms and traditions
17. Having a shopping buddy
18. Family vacations
19. Embarrassing the heck out of her during her teenage years
20. Watching Eric get nervous when she has her first date
21. Proms
22. Graduations
23. Becoming friends once she is older
24. Her wedding day
25. The day I can watch her become a mother too.

Peanut Tracker: Week 26 Update- Validation & Viruses

Even though I feel like I've been pregnant forever, I am still surprised that there is only one more week until my third trimester! Charlee will be making her debut before we know it and I can't wait!!!

Organs look great!

It's definitely a girl!!!

Kickboxer

Things aren't very exciting in this part of the pregnancy. However, we did have another ultrasound this week to check if the choroid plexus cyst was gone. Eric and I were so nervous the night before that we didn't sleep very well. I was sick in the morning and by the time we made it to the appointment I was uncomfortable, cranky, and scared out of my mind. Luckily the cyst was gone and there are no other indicators of Downs or Trisomy 18! Hearing that was music to my ears. The ultrasound technician also confidently verified that Charlee is, indeed, a little girl! Which is wonderful news because Eric and I did not want to have to exchange everything!

The only other news is that I have learned how difficult being sick while pregnant really is this week. Eric caught some sort of virus and wasn't feeling well most of the week. I thought I had managed to avoid it but started coughing and feeling weak on Friday. Today I am basically useless and have laid on the couch watching the Olympics while eating chicken noodle soup and drinking Gatorade (that my wonderful fiance picked up for me). All I really want is to take Nyquil and pass out, but I can't. After excessive research via the FDA website and my OB's approved list, I have settled on Robitussin. But I'm still paranoid and only take 2 tsp before going to bed at night. 

The peanut is getting stronger and has no problem showing off her boxing skills. Today it felt like she was using my uterus as a speed bag! This week she will grow to about 14.5 inches (or the size of a whole cauliflower) and about 2 lbs! She is working on making her immune system stronger and practicing her breathing skills by breathing amniotic fluid. 

Current cravings: chicken sandwiches, beef, chocolate

26 weeks 6 days

Current aversions: uncooked tomatoes and onions

25 Things I Miss About My Pre-Pregnancy Life

Earlier this week I posted a few things I miss about my life before pregnancy on Facebook. I have decided to extend that list because I'm sick and feel like whining. However, as much as I complain about all of this, I love Charlee and know that every one of these things is worth it because of the beautiful baby growing inside of me.

25 Things I Miss From My Pre-Pregnancy Life
1. Wine
2. High heels
3. Sleeping on my stomach
4. Deli meat
5. Not having to pee every 30 minutes
6. Excessive amounts of caffeine
7. Not crying over every little thing
8. Being in public without being touched
9. Being in public without getting unsolicited advice
10. Normal clothes
11. Late nights out
12. Leaving the house without having to bring a snack
13. Starting sentences with something other than "The baby..."
14. Taking medicine without checking the FDA website and harassing my doctor
15. Sleeping normally
16. Shaving in the shower (this is almost an impossible task)

17. Boobs that don't look like they're what Pamela Anderson chose her look from

18. Beautiful, healthy, baby-soft skin
19. Seeing my feet

20. Not swelling up to the size of a parade float when I step into the heat

21. Rarely having indigestion
22. Not really knowing what heartburn feels like
23. Being relatively anonymous at the doctors office
24. Being full for more than an hour
25. Not being sick all the time or having to explain that morning sickness really can last the entire pregnancy and isn't something that only happens in the morning.

...oh yeah, and not being so forgetful.

I'm Rubber and You're Glue!

I know that I have gone off on this rant in small bursts before, but things have reached the point where it warrants an entire post.

I am so tired of people thinking that just because I'm pregnant they have the right to say or do whatever they want to me. For example, on two separate occasions I have been asked "Do you really want a regular soda?" while ordering at a restaurant. The answer is YES. Even if I wasn't pregnant, what gives you the right to judge what kind of soda I want? However, I would love a diet soda, but artificial sweeteners are bad for baby, so regular Sprite it is when I'm so tired of drinking water I can't stand it.

People who actually realize that I'm pregnant and not just really fat come up to me and rub my bump without asking. I have gotten into the habit of rubbing theirs. It's definitely worth the look of terror on their faces. The only people I want close enough to touch my belly are my family and friends (and it's totally ok if any of you rub it). If people aren't rubbing my belly they are asking personal questions that are none of their business. I'm sorry person-I've-never-met-before but I don't really want to tell you my birth plan or if I plan on breastfeeding. It's none of you're friggin business if I choose to have a natural birth, use an epidural, or have a c-section. I don't want your unsolicited advice about how to raise my child when yours has been running around Target like someone with ADHD and a speed problem for the past hour. And I really don't think it's any of your business if I'm married or not because that has no impact on how much this child will be loved or how she will be raised.

Don't ask me what I plan to name my child if you are going to criticize it. If you are the kind of person who only likes traditional names, don't ask anyone what they plan on naming their child. If you don't like the name we spent days upon days trying to decide on, just smile and nod and keep your opinion to yourself. It isn't your daughter, so what does it matter to you anyway?

Yesterday, while I was shopping in the maternity section, two different people said to me "I think your shirt is a little snug sweetie." Ummmm, no. THAT'S MY BABY BUMP! I realize that some people are built with bigger bellies, but come on, my belly is perfectly round and pops up out of nowhere. My maternity clothes fit perfectly everywhere else then my bump pushes out in front. It is clearly a baby bump. I know it's rude to assume someone is pregnant, but if they are shopping in the maternity section it is fair say they are pregnant.

So here is my request to all of the non-preggos out there: please don't touch or say anything to a pregnant woman that you wouldn't want said or done to you. Think before you speak or act! We are extra sensitive and hormonal and I am tired of crying because of your blatant disregard for socially acceptable interactions. Thank you.

Peanut Tracker: Week 25 Update - Ups and Downs

This has been an emotional week and I have never been so thankful to have so many caring and supportive people around.

On Monday I got the terrible news that my grandfather passed away. I was so sad to hear the news and was also heartbroken to realize that my mother would no longer be able to attend the baby shower she had put so much work into. Luckily I have wonderful friends and soon to be in-laws who stepped up when my mom couldn't be there.

Delicious food!

The baby shower was wonderful! I would like to extend a special thanks to Katie and Karen, Malory, Deb, and Ann for making sure everything went smoothly! Eric helped with picking up decorations and carving the watermelon baby carriage for the fruit and then made a quick getaway with his dad. We had delicious food, a beautiful cake, and Malory led some fun games. Charlee made out with some great gifts. She is already spoiled and is going to be a beautifully dressed little girl!

Dessert table!

The great part of this week was spending time with Katie again. It was so nice to see her in person instead of on Skype with the worst internet connection ever because she was in the Gambia. We went to South Carolina BBQ on Thursday, I took them on a tour of Charleston on Friday, and we went to dinner tonight. I'm just happy I won't have to wait a whole year to hang out with her again!

On a personal note, I've been handling the stress of the week pretty well. I had a few hours throughout the week when I wasn't feeling well, but it's passed quickly. I did take a bit of a tumble in the Publix parking lot on Friday night, however. It was raining and my foot slipped on the painted concrete. The world went into slow motion and I somehow twisted so I wouldn't land on my belly but instead landed on my knee. Luckily Charlee and I both made out ok!

25 week 6 days

In peanut related news: 99 days and counting down! Her lungs and brain are much more developed and can detect things like light and dark via her optic nerve. She can also hear noises outside of my belly (which I experienced when Eric popped a balloon this morning)! This week she will grow to 14 inches, or the size of a hothouse cucumber, and about 1.75 lbs.

Current cravings: chocolate, ice cream, beef

Current aversions: uncooked tomatoes and onions