Bumpdate: 20 Weeks (HALF WAY THERE!)

We have successfully made it to the half way point, and I am so excited to reach this milestone!  I pretty much say this every week, but time is really flying by.  We go in for our 20 week anatomy scan and appointment this Friday, and I am really looking forward to another check on Puddin' and a chance to see what he/she looks like now.

We are going to tell them at the beginning that we want to know the gender, but they are going to have to write it down and seal it in an envelope, because we aren't going to find out what it is until the party on June 22 - along with everyone else!  Most people don't believe that I will be able to wait that long, but I am perfectly content with waiting and learning our surprise along with the rest of my family.  It has made it a little hard to work on certain things (like buying furniture or shopping for baby), since we don't know whether we need blue or pink yet, but after the 22nd it's on and I can't wait!!

I am still experiencing a good bit of pain on a daily basis in the center of my lower abdomen, so we are going to have them check that out on Friday.  I do experience the other occasional pains like lower back pain, etc., but the pain near my bladder is almost constant - I would like for that to go away, please and thank you!

Not too much swelling or anything else too crazy to report - and I guess that is a good thing!  I am sure I will have many more details after Friday.

We had my Dad and stepmom Leslee in for Memorial Day, and it was so wonderful to have the company, support, and help!  We planted (I mean Leslee) planted some flowers and herbs on our porch, my dad and Anthony hung lanterns and blinds in the dining room, and just generally spruced up our porch.  The end result is wonderful, and I will have to share some pictures soon (along with the new floors too!)

 

(Dinner out one evening)

In more wonderful news, my Grandma is back home to her assisted living facility, after quite the roller coaster weekend.  Turns out, she only has pneumonia in ONE lung, but they discovered a mass at the base of her brain and on her pancreas.  By the grace of God, those were not cancer, so she is resting back at her "home" and should make a complete recovery.  Prayers work, people!

P (Pounds gained/lost) - I will know more on Friday.  I believe they say 10 lbs. gained right around now is normal, so we shall see.
 

R (Really missing) - My normal speed of walking :)  It's not like I waddle (yet), but I am for sure slower.  Now, I just tell Anthony that I am taking the dogs "on a waddle" instead of a "walk."
 

E (Eating this) - It was back to some delicious homemade meals over the weekend, and I loved cooking again.  For some reason, a grilled cheese has become a favorite lunch staple over the last week or so.
 

G (Gotta … ) - Get ready to get our kitchen floor tiled next week.  I am so excited, but have decided that I am going to put tarp over everything - I can't do a whole kitchen clean out again due to dust!
 

N (Not gonna lie) - I am at the point now where everyone asks "When I am due."  I love hearing the reactions - apparently, I should be popping next week - ha.
 

A (About Puddin’) - Puddin' weighs about half a 10.5 ounces right now, and is the length of a banana from head to heel.  The measurements will change now from "head to rump" to "head to heel," which seems so much bigger!  He/she is practicing swallowing, and is starting to produce the icky first poop - good luck Anthony! :) 
 

N (Never forget this) - Feeling more and more kicks everyday.  Sitting out on our nice, pretty porch, realizing that my days of just relaxing are over - for the next 18 years, anyway :)
 

C (Can’t wait for) - More home renovations, gender party, and seeing Puddin' on the ultrasound tomorrow!
 

Y (Yet to come … ) - Lots and lots.  Jacob and Lexie will be visiting again, so we need to get ready for them too - lots of memories to make this summer!

Bumpdate: 19 Weeks

Here we are, inching closer and closer to being halfway there!  This week has been quite rough, to be honest.  Poor Anthony had been sick all last week, and then my throat started to hurt on the way home last Friday.  I managed to get a lot accomplished throughout the weekend, but not without a price.  I still have quite a bad cold, and sound horrible.  Not being able to/not wanting to take any medicine prolongs things a bit I think.  I did learn that I HAVE to eat something first thing in the morning, or Puddin' gets mad.at.me!

I got up Sunday morning and went straight back to cleaning.  My body had begun to actually feel "sick" by that day, but I had a pantry to clean amongst other things, so I kept going.  Unfortunately, I started to get really lightheaded and nauseous, and tried to sit down with my head between my legs.  I couldn't catch my breath after a couple of minutes, so I had to yell for Anthony to wake up and bring me some juice.  I got quite the scolding after that, but once I ate something felt a little bit better.  Note to self: feed the baby, even if you don't feel hungry - eek!

I have also noticed myself getting a bit more emotional in the evenings this week, but not exactly for any particular reason.  Sometimes, just sitting there on the couch will make me want to cry - either for happiness or unknown sadness.  It's honestly funny - I don't end up crying, but sort of laugh at myself for being so hormonal :)

Stretching pains are almost a constant right now - but I feel Puddin' move a lot now, so he/she must be thriving in there!

P (Pounds gained/lost) - Will know next week!  I feel it could be maybe 3 or 4 more pounds...hope I don't eat my words next week :)
 

R (Really missing) - Not being sick - I do not like to slow down!
 

E (Eating this) - Crap to be honest - with the house a mess and being sick, cooking has not been a priority this week.
 

G (Gotta … ) - Get better and STOP coughing.  I am sure Puddin' is tired of all of it as well, and probably just wants some uninterrupted sleep!
 

N (Not gonna lie) - I thought of something I wanted to write about here earlier this week, but I forgot.  I guess I can say that pregnancy brain is FOR SURE a real thing - ha.
 

A (About Puddin’) - Puddin' weighs about half a pound right now, and is roughly 6 inches long from head to bottom.  Hair may be sprouting (no heartburn, but I am sure that doesn't really correlate to the amount of hair the baby has).  Crucial nerve development is happening as areas in the brain are developing for the senses: smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch.  He/she may also be able to hear me now - and I will apologize to it for the rest of it's life for my singing :)
 

N (Never forget this) - Getting a phone call today that my Grandma Vance is in the hospital with double pneumonia at 88.  I love her more than words, and am furiously praying for her quick and complete recovery.  God has a perfect plan, I know this, and I pray it involves her being healthy for many, many years to come!
 

C (Can’t wait for) - A visit from my Dad and Stepmom (Leslee), barring any complications with my Grandma. 
 

Y (Yet to come … ) - Memorial Day weekend - hopefully a few small house projects and some REST!

Bumpdate: 18 Weeks

Things are starting to move fast now I feel like! I keep telling myself that I am only a couple of weeks away from being HALF way done with this pregnancy!  I have to admit that I am feeling a bit overwhelmed about getting everything done, but I know that we will in time.

In other news, Anthony and his awesome friend got all of the floors installed last weekend while I was gone!  They look SO good, but I had no idea the amount of dust that was involved!  The house is covered with dust (even in the kitchen cabinets), so a huge [late] Spring cleaning is underway!  I will take some pictures once the house is actually put back together.

P (Pounds gained/lost) - I see for sure the growth that I read about last week in this picture!  I am sure it amounted to some pounds gained, but I won't know until our appointment on the 31st.
 

R (Really missing) - Not missing a whole lot right now, besides Dr. Pepper (hello, broken record!)
 

E (Eating this) - Appetite has really amped up the last week or so!  I eat every 2-3 hours I feel like.
 

G (Gotta … ) - GET THE HOUSE BACK IN ORDER.  I can't stand a mess, so I won't be able to fully relax until the house is back under control - which may take months at this rate :)
 

N (Not gonna lie) - I dress better now in all of my cute pregnancy clothes (thanks Mom!) than I ever did before - ha.
 

A (About Puddin’) - Little one weighs about 7 ounces right now, and is about 5 1/2 inches long.  It says about the size of a bell pepper, which I think is cute.  If it's a girl, all of her little lady organs are already formed.  Puddin's ears are in the correct place now, and myelin is coating all of his/her nerves, which will continue until about a year old.
 

N (Never forget this) - Spending Mother's Day WITH my mom, and going to see my Granny.  My visit home was wonderful, and much needed!
 

C (Can’t wait for) - The house to be clean, getting the kitchen tiled, and planning the gender reveal party!  SO much to do!
 

Y (Yet to come … ) - See above - ha.
 

I "think" I felt something!

I had been having quite a bit of "movement" in there for a while, but I attributed all of this to my super finicky stomach and my organs being smashed in there, but I think I finally was able to determine a little movement while home this past weekend!

I usually have a bit of pain or pressure on my right hand side, and feel uncomfortable when I cross my legs or do anything that puts pressure on my right hand side.  I was telling this to my mom on our car ride to see my Granny, and then a moment later I felt a flutter!  I had been having that small flutter feeling for a bit, but then my mom put two-and-two together and said that most likely the baby is snuggled in on that right side!

It also makes sense because at our 16-week appointment, the heartbeat was detected about 3-4 inches from my belly button on [my] right side.

What a crazy feeling - I never feel those flutters on my left side, so we are going with our first movement, folks, at 17 weeks and 3 days!

Bumpdate: 17 Weeks

(This post is coming quite late, as last week was a whirlwind and then I was out of town!)

I had to move my "office," which I am quite sad about - I lost my dear window.  I do have a lot more space now, so I suppose that is my trade-off.  I have felt pretty good this week, but tired from all the moving, packing, and getting the house ready for our floor installation this weekend.  Needless to say, the house is UPSIDE down - but it will be worth it!

P (Pounds gained/lost) - Again, not a clue.  I read that baby is going through a growth spurt this week (which I can absolutely feel), but not sure about the pounds...
 

R (Really missing) - Energy, and my office window :(
 

E (Eating this) - Still on a normal eating track, but have noticed that I get hungry a lot sooner nowadays - growth spurt in full swing!
 

G (Gotta … ) - Pack for my trip home this weekend - I cannot wait.
 

N (Not gonna lie) - I knew something big was going on "in there" before I even read my pregnancy journal.  It's odd to be able to "feel" the stretching, and moving around of all of my internal organs to make room for my Puddin'.
 

A (About Puddin’) - Little one weighs about as much as a turnip.  His/her skeleton is turning more into bone, and sweat glands are starting to develop.  The umbilical cord is growing stronger and thicker, and Puddin' is about 5 inches long (from head to rump as they say).
 

N (Never forget this) - My super adorable and thoughtful "Pre-Mother's Day" surprise from Anthony: a custom-designed necklace featuring October's birthstone, a real pearl, and a silver feather.  As Anthony explained, the stone is for the baby, the pearl is for me, and the feather stands for him.  My Granny saw it and properly exclaimed, "He is the feather in my hat."  For sure, Granny! :)
 

C (Can’t wait for) - Hopefully a family visit for Memorial day, and putting the house back together!
 

Y (Yet to come … ) - Anatomy scan on May 31st.

16 Week Appointment

It was a nice and quick appointment today - I was even only 18 minutes late to work!  Here are my (should I say "our") current stats :)

For me:

Weight gained: 2.5 lbs.

Blood Pressure: 112/74

Fundal height: 18 cm (for those not sure what this means, essentially your fundal height is a measure, in centimeters, of your uterus.  Usually, it's one centimeter for each week that you are pregnant.  So today, I should have been 16 cm, but was closer to 18!  That means I am "measuring" a couple of weeks ahead, but that doesn't really mean anything this early on.  Later on, it could mean one big baby :) Apparently, two centimeters in either direction is normal at this stage)

Puddin':

Heartbeat: Puddin' is sitting far on my right side, and had a heartbeat of 150 bpm today.  The "normal" range is anywhere from 120 - 180 bpm, so we are right in the middle.  Makes that even tougher for gender predictions :)

Overall, a good appointment, and a nice relief.  Next appointment will be the big anatomy scan at 20 weeks, which we have schedule for May 31 at 1:00 - woohoo!

Bumpdate: 16 Weeks

I am officially calling this the "Four month" mark, but I am honestly not sure exactly what month I am - ha.  I am sort of still recovering from this past weekend's shenanigans, and must have picked up a stomach bug along the way, but am doing really good otherwise!

I notice a good bit of fatigue later in the day, but nothing crazy unusual I suppose.  Luckily, I don't have any real pains that stick around, and for that I am thankful!  I do have to switch sides a LOT during the night due to hip pain, but it goes away almost instantly once I take my weight off of it.

We had our 16-week appointment today, which I will recap in another short post.  I am still in that "normal" category, so thank heavens!

P (Pounds gained/lost) - After my appointment today, I can officially say I gained 2.5 pounds since my last weigh-in a month ago.  That's 3.5 pounds so far, but only makes me up about a half of a pound from when before I was pregnant.  I honestly thought I was going to hear at least 5 pounds today, based on how I feel/look -  ha!
 

R (Really missing) - Energy, but not much else that I can think of (besides Dr. Pepper!)
 

E (Eating this) - Oh I eat plenty :)
 

G (Gotta … ) - Begin our gender reveal party invitations, and clean the house after this weekend - ha.  Luckily, I had wonderful house guests that picked up after themselves - I just gotta work on our room - oops.
 

N (Not gonna lie) - I was sort of nervous going into our appointment today.  It just felt so long since I had heard "everything is perfect" that I wanted to hear that again!
 

A (About Puddin’) - Little one is the size of an avocado.  Over the next few weeks, Puddin' will double in size and length (so long 3 pounds gained!)  His/her little ears are more towards the side of the head, and he/she measures about 4 3/4 inches from crown to rump.  Hopefully, I will be able to feel those little legs in the next couple of weeks or so!  Puddin' may even have little toenails, and is showing it's own hair pattern - let's hope it has more hair than I did as a baby - which was none :)
 

N (Never forget this) - Trace's song for us at dinner - oh my, I am not sure I have ever cried in a restaurant before!
 

C (Can’t wait for) - Our anatomy scan in 29 days, and visiting day cares next week.
 

Y (Yet to come … ) - Two daycare visits, and a trip home!

I Kept Up (sorta!)

Well, I survived the weekend, and had a great time too!  It's so great to see friends from back home - it's like we never miss a beat, even though we haven't seen each other for a few months.  I was able to pretty much do everything, but would have to grab a quick cat nap or just rest my feet in between the day's happenings and dinner.  It's so crazy to tire so easily!  I noticed one day that my toes and feet looked a bit swollen, but that was after being on them for hours and walking a good bit, so overall, I held up pretty well!

The prom fundraiser was a blast, and below are a few pictures from the evening:

 

The next day we took Brandon (a beer lover) to a specialty bottle shop in downtown Atlanta.  We followed with a trip to Jonathan Adler for Kim, then a yummy pasta lunch.  Our next stop was to the Sweetwater Brewing Company's brewery tour.  Anthony and I had never been there, and it was a very cool thing to do.  The cost is pretty cheap, considering I had to give away my 6 beer tickets :)

It was the joke of the weekend that within a mere 24 hours, I had gone to a club, a beer shop, AND a brewery - now that's some classy stuff right there!

We ended the weekend on a wonderful note - literally.  We took Kim and Brandon to Pappasito's -one of our favorite places.  Luckily while there, we ran into Trace - a waitress that we love who has the most phenomenal singing voice.  Anthony was sweet enough to slip away during dinner to ask her to sing for us.  So, towards the end of the night, we were surprised with a complimentary tres leches cake, AND a song from Trace - all for baby Puddin'!  She sang "A Rose in Spanish Harlem," and of course, I cried.  We have a short video of it, but I am not sure how to get it up on the blog.  One of the sweetest moments for sure, and I have already written that down in my pregnancy journal :)