27 Weeks

I'm 27 weeks, now! I don't know if I'm in the third trimester or if that's next week, but either way I'm psyched. It feels so weird to think that in just 10 weeks I'm considered full term and could have this babe!

(The way my sweater drapes makes me look a little bit bigger than I actually am, but the belly is full-on now!)
Baby's Size: About 2 pounds-woah
Weight Gain: We will find out at my appointment next week...I'm hoping I haven't gained more than 3 more pounds, but I don't think that's a reasonable expectation.
Cravings: Grapes and Cake. We had plenty of both in the house this past week-eek! I just can't seem to cool it on the sweets! I'm really trying to dial it back.
Symptoms: I now have constant back pain in one specific spot. Also, starting a couple days ago I now have that acid-burp esophagus feeling (aka reflux). Oh the joys of 3rd tri?
Best Moment This Week: I finally finished all my "big projects" in the house! I still have lots to occupy myself with (crafts, some organizing, and cleaning), but all the big stuff that takes up the entire day are finished!!!

Next week is my Glucose Tolerance Test, and I'm pretty nervous! I don't know what I'll eat if I can't have carbs. That's basically all I eat (starch, fruits, some dairy and sweets).

The Day of Love

Scott and I always aim to do something special and non-ridiculous for Valentine's day. I LOVE a holiday about love, and I make sure to celebrate with more than just my lover =] For as long as I can remember I've always made my friends home-made valentines, and I always leave the extra specialist one for my man! (I did do a valentine for my mom and cousin this year, but I'm not going to include them.)

This year we "weren't celebrating." So here's how the day went:

6:30am
I put on my clothes and brave the dark cold. Ten minutes go by as I scrape off the ice and snow from Scotty's car (aka the best gift of the day). I took a short trip to Wawa for some breakfast donuts.

^ The heart donut was mine, all mine!

7:00am
I waited for Scotty to be out of the shower so we could eat said donuts. During this time I was enamored by the kitties.

No, Cocoa. Those are not for you...

Then we ate said donuts. I snapped overly unattractive photos of Scotty enjoying his chocolate sprinkle ring of love and sugar.

Then we parted ways. He went to work for the day, and I stayed home. My day basically consisted of Skyping with my dad, doing some laundry and dishes, and a little bit of Netflix.

5:20pm
Scott leaves work. Instead of coming home he goes grocery shopping for me!! What an act of love *swoon*.

6:45pm
My wonderful husband comes home with a full set of groceries, flowers, and a couple of wrapped boxes.
He got me flowers. Not just Valentine's flowers. They are flowers for "you being pregnant, your birthday, and today because I love you." They wouldn't even fit in one vase!

The wrapped boxes? Oh yeah, Girl Scout Cookies! I was going to ask him to get me some (PB patties, shortbread, and thin mints) but didn't. Sure enough, he got me those three boxes!

He is seriously so thoughtful. I love him so much I couldn't possibly put it into words--or just one day.

Scotty-Thanks for being mine =]

The rest of the night will be spent with Scotty, Girl Scout Cookies, and Suits! Thursdays are the best!

26 Weeks

It's weird to think I'm only 2 weeks away from my third trimester! Yikes! It's been a pretty uneventful week, but I'm enjoying the reprieve.

Baby's Size: the length of a large cucumber and about 1lb 12oz (grown a whole pound in just 6 weeks)
Symptoms: Still have bad acne, which stinks, but everything else is pretty good. I got a cold again this week! That's the worst of all. All my other symptoms are not quite as bad.
Cravings: I FINALLY got my Shamrock shake!! I've been craving this particular delicacy for basically my whole pregnancy! I enjoyed every bit of it =]
Sleep: Pretty good and normal now that I'm using my body pillow every night.
Best Moment This Week: I'm going to have to say my Shamrock shake (eek).

Happy Birthday, Mom

Wow. My mom is a very special number today. I will not share what it is, but I will tell you she rocks.

Before having kids, my mom was such a fierce, controversial, and ambitious woman. She was passionate about her work with Planned Parenthood (they do more than abortions, btw!), an accomplished pianist in New York City, and a bit of a wild one. Once she had my brother and me, she focused most of her energy and love into us and being the best mom ever. She took us out to parks and museums, encouraged us to be creative, and played with us. A few years ago she went back to school. After 4 long years of working full time and going to night school she earned her masters in Social Work. Did I mention she got almost ALL A's? Now, she works as a social worker/therapist, is still a completely supportive mom, and a super excited grandma-to-be!

I couldn't be more proud of all that she's accomplished, nor could I love her more!

25 Weeks

Gah, time is going so slowly/quickly! Only 15ish weeks left! I'm super excited but super nervous, too. I feel like I have so much I want to do before baby C is here, but I've already accomplished so much of it! My "big project list" is getting pretty short, thankfully. I really worked hard in January to get the house ready for our entertaining coming up/the baby.

Here's the belly:

Baby's Size: about a pound and a half! He is pretty significant weight, now!
Weight Gain: 7lbs total. I keep telling myself "you're supposed to be gaining weight!"
Symptoms: The morning nausea is on and off, but not unbearable. Other than that, I just am getting a bit slower and more tired/achey. My hips are definitely feeling the weight but not too horrible.
Movement: Constant and powerful! Baby is very active and strong. I can see the kicks from the outside, but C is pretty stubborn-once anyone looks he stops!
Best Moment This Week: There are so many! Scott got to feel some more kicks at church on Sunday, which was so cool. Monday we enjoyed "date night" after a great doctor's appointment. Dr. M told me that I'm measuring perfect and my weight gain was good, which always makes me feel good! Afterwards Scott and I met up with Elley, Naomi, and Nate at Victory for taco night. It was a complete blast!
Worst Moment: I had a horrible dream about giving birth. I basically dreamt that I expected to just have one baby, went into labor (at 25 weeks), and found out that I was having FIVE babies! My Dr told me that 25 weeks was full term for quints, and the feelings of labor and confusion and fear were so intense. I ended up only delivering three babies? It just reminded me that I am NOT ready to have this baby quite yet. I definitely still need to prep more (and he needs to develop) before I'd be comfortable or at peace with having him. I can't wait...but I actually can for a couple more weeks ;)

Recent Baby Snags

Everybody knows I am slightly addicted to clothes/fashion. Although my 'daily uniform' is leggings with a tshirt and cardigan, I do like to look good (most of the time). One of my greatest accomplishments was getting Scotty out of those lackluster Old Navy graphic Ts and cargos. Now, it's rare for us to go out with family and/or friends without someone complimenting Scott on how good he looks.

That all being said, there is no way I'd be putting baby C in boring or generic threads. Sure, he'll know how to sport a onesie/footie pjs/fleece playsuits. I want my baby boy to be comfortable! I also want him to be stylish. My personal style isn't really the whole cars/dinosaurs/sports graphics. Every now and then they are cute, but I'm much more drawn to "little man" clothes or less "boy-y" digs. I totally dig gray, chevron, mint, and animal playsuits. As for his non "baby sweats," I'll be dressing him as a mini-Scott! I can't fathom spending major bucks for his very disposable wardrobe, so I've been buying sale pieces for this time next year. Here are a few of my recent treasure finds:

From corner left: H&M argyle sweater (on sale for $5), Zara coat (on sale for $25-originally $50), grey Gap sweatpants (during their extra 40% off sale items event), red Gap corduroy pants (also during the extra 40% sale), grey Gap oxford onesie (it was my big splurge at about $19 during a sale--but I used a gift card!), and Oshkosh B'Gosh sweater from Target (originally $15 on sale for $4.50!)

All of these clothes are in winter appropriate sizes for next year. They range from 4-12 months. I'm resisting buying newborn or 0-3 month clothes since I know that's what most people will buy for the baby.

Where are your favorite places for baby clothes?

PS-I was SO excited to get our Zara package today!

Viability Day!

We have reached V-Day!
Basically, if I were to God-forbid have the baby at 24 weeks the baby's survival odds are between 40-70% and the NICU will do everything in their power to save him. Before this date, most insurances will not cover extensive measures to save baby. Starting this week baby's chances of survival rise about 2-3% each day!! At 27 weeks baby has greater than 90% chance of survival. Obviously, we want little C to cook until at least 37 weeks, but reaching V-day is huge and amazing!

I feel like I'm huge!

Baby Size: an ear of corn! He's gained almost 4 oz since last week! He's lean and long but putting on weight every day. (Baby is about a pound and a quarter/pound and a half-woah.)

Weight Gain: I won't know for another week! Last appointment I was up 4lbs, so I'm guessing at my appointment next week I'll be up between 7 and 9 lbs total. I haven't been eating that well, unfortunately, but I haven't been over-eating.

Symptoms: I'm starting to really get uncomfortable. My hips and back hurt frequently, and my belly feels really big. C has been jumping on my bladder almost every night which makes me have that horrible feeling of having to pee. I go constantly! My anxiety has also returned full-force in the past couple of days, but I have a big feeling it's just due to adjusting to Scott being gone ten hours a day everyday. I try to just rest and stay positive.

Cravings: Um, I haven't been able to put the Reeces Peanut Butter Cups down...seriously. Also, I have been wanting MILKSHAKES. I haven't had one this week, but I'm sure I will cave soon mwahaha.

Food Aversions: eggs. I just realized this week that I've been "offended" by eggs this whole pregnancy! I normally love eggs, but now I just wrinkle my nose.

Movement: ALL DAY! I love feeling him move and kick (except for those wonderful times he uses my bladder as a trampoline). I can see them from the outside every now and then, too! Scott doesn't really ever see it, but he's patient.

Best Moment: REACHING VIABILITY DAY!!!