You Don't Sleep..and other updates

Baby Bear~
You are home, you have been for two weeks now, and you keep mommy up so she is a zombie the majority of the time. You came home on the 8th and had your first pediatrician appointment on the 10th. When you left the hospital, you weighed in at 6lbs5oz. By Thursday, you were 6/10 (over your birthweight!!) and were measuring a lean mean 21 inches long. You are a tall & thin baby. And you have the cutest chicken legs. Who you inherited those from, we will never know. You're pretty much gorgeous all around, and everyone agrees. You still have your dark hair & dark (green or blue, we don't know yet) eyes. And you really, really like to sleep..DURING THE DAY. It's gotten to the point of being ridiculous. You started out on what I think was a normal newborn schedule during the night. You were eating every 2.5-3 hours and sleeping soundly in between..and mommy thought she was tired then. BAHAHAAH!! Now, you have progressed from being up from 1AM-3AM to being up last night from 1AM-7AM. At one point, we were  both crying. Both because we were exhausted. Mommy had had enough. Daddy had to take over about 4am, but you wanted boobies, and then a bottle ever 60 minutes. It was insane. And now, at 3:42 in the afternoon, you are sleeping like a lamb. Of course you are. And mommy is so tired that she can't sleep. Awesome. We've got to figure out how to get you to stop doing this. And yesterday, you only took 2 naps, the rest of the day, you were awake and alert. So all the the "assvice" that people have been giving us about keeping you awake so you sleep at night...Yeah, hows that working out? Mommy should go sleep right now while you are. And I will try as soon as I get done w/this post.

You love boobies..lol. Which makes mommy really happy given our (well my) supply trouble at the beginning. I pretty much feed you on demand, which is hard on me, but fantastic for you. And I know your hungry cry anywhere. Oh, and sometimes, you don't cry, you growl, which cracks daddy up. I haven't quite figured out the rest of your cries yet, because, well, you don't cry that much. I know your "I'm exhausted and fighting sleep like a Jedi knight" cry though, very well. And sometimes, you will NOT sleep if I'm not holding you. I think the parents that co-sleep might just have something there. I'm still too scared to do it all the time, but I will admit that when in my arms is the only way we're both gonna get some sleep, we do it. Although, mommy sits almost completely propped up, w/covers only on her feet holding you in the crook of my arms, so nothing happens to you. I know most doctors (and esp. yours) are against co-sleeping because of the dangers, and I completely understand that, but sometimes, it's all that works. Oh, and because you love boobies, mommy's are huge. Jeesh. Even I'm impressed w/myself and everything that btdt mommies have told me is true. My chest seems to know when you will/are hungry about 30 minutes before you wake up, and just thinking about it, makes things, uh, like leakage happen. It's not cool when there are people around, but the fact that my body KNOWS you like that, thats pretty amazing. I'm going to have to start pumping again to build up my supply for when I go back to work. That pump is the devil. I hate it. And my body doesn't respond to it like it responds to you. It scares me that we'll have to stop bf'ing when I go back to work because my supply will be so low. Ugh.

Okay, now, I'm going to try and get some sleep. Your nana came over for a visit today and daddy took her out to lunch. Today wasn't the best day for a visit, but oh well. They're bringing mommy back some MCL, so that makes it worth it. Love you!!!

Baby Bear

That is your nickname..Because of all of your dark hair..You are amazingly beautiful. Seriously. Mommy has seen some pretty babies, you top ALL of them. Really.

You are doing very, very well. Today, mommy read your records, and baby bear, you came out not breathing. You had to be stimulated, and you imm. got a CPAP. It was extremely scary and touch and go. Mommy is really, really glad that daddy kept this information to himself. When I read it today, it just took the wind right out of me. It wasn't that long ago baby, and there could have been a much different outcome. Mommy & daddy thank God every day for you, for how well you have done, how well you continue to do. It still breaks my heart that you had to be in the NICU at all, and if we never have to go through this again, that will be just fine. And on that note, today, Val, your NP asked me what I was doing on Tuesday, I responded "I'll be right here." And she informed me that, if you keep up your eating and weight gain..Then you get to come home Tuesday. Oh my goodness. This makes mommy nervous too!! But happier then anything else, and relieved. Going to the NICU all the time is very tiring, for both of us. Having you home, I think, will be easier on both of us. Also, your going to meet your doggie, Allie, we'll have to see what she thinks about you. I think she'll love you, but she doesn't know her size, so we'll have to be really careful. Grandma (and maybe grandpa) live so close that they will be living w/us til daddy is home for good. We are really lucky that they are so close. Grandma helped mommy while you were on the inside, and has been a Godsend since you were born.  Oh, and also, you LOVE to nurse. You are a fan of the boobs. In fact, you nursed for 2 hours today..lol. Mommy didn't realize you were just "snacking," and I got you completely off schedule. Oh well. You didn't need a bottle, and got all of your fill from mommy. We are naturals at nursing..pumping, not so much, but another NP explained that once you are home, we'll be nursing "on demand" probably every 2hrs, and that will establish my supply, which will make pumping, when I go back to work, easier. Oh baby, you'll be home soon, mommy & daddy and everyone else are SO excited!!!

My Beautiful Daughter

You are one week old today..How have I not posted about this? Because you decided to choose your own due date..and though that meant you got to meet mommy & daddy on your timeline, it also means your 5 weeks early..And currently in the NICU. Which scares mommy to pieces, but you are doing amazing. You weighed 6lbs9oz at birth, which is HUGE for a preemie. Had you gone full term, you would have been over 9lbs. So maybe mommy is glad you came early..You are gorgeous. The most beautiful baby I have ever seen. Raven hair and dark green eyes. You have your daddy's hands & feet and mommy's lips and nose. My goodness, I am so in love with you. I tear up just thinking about it. I hope you don't remember any of your time in the NICU. Everyone tells me you won't. I certainly hope you don't remember that I have to leave you at night. I can't help it. The hospital won't let me spend the night w/you. It kills mommy to leave every night. The first day I cried all day. And each day since, tears fall for something. But baby, don't think anything of it. Mommy just worries. You stay in the NICU just as long as you need too. Get all better. Get back to your birth weight. Get to eating all your food. That way, you can get home. You are nursing like a champ, but my supply only seems to come in when I'm near you.  When I pump, not so great. I'm supposed to pump like I would be feeding you, seems like thats all I do. But baby girl, you are so completely worth it. And my sweet darling, you have healed mommy's heart, and daddy's too. We lost 5 babies before we had you, and those 5 babies sent you us. They sent you to us to help us heal, to show us the reason why it took us so long to get to you. You are a miracle. Oh my goodness. I am just so in love with you. And you have your daddy wrapped around your little finger already. We love you baby girl.

30 Days

This is when you will make your appearance Baby E. Today, momma had to see the great & wonderful Dr. F because of severe pain & swelling in her hands & arms. I also got an u/s because I was so worried about you (which I had no reason to be, but w/the friend and her baby..I just was.) You are GORGEOUS!! And very, very breech. Footling breech in fact. Your coming out feet first currently. And  your long. And right now, you have hiccups..It's adorable =) Anyway, Dr. F was shocked to see that your head is in my ribs, because for every single visit since 16wks, you have been head down. In fact, most of the time, the only person you will move head down for is Dr. F. So I asked Dr. F what we do from here, do we wait for you to move head down or what? And he said we could try an external version at week 37. I do NOT want this. It hurts when one's skin isn't completely shredded by PUPPP. Mommy's is. Big time. And Dr. F said he doesn't think he would do it because of this and because it could end up not working anyway, and we'd both be stressed because of the pain. So we set a date to meet you. February 24, 2011. 30 days from today baby girl, you'll be in my arms, and not in my belly. It's very bittersweet. I wanted  you to pick your own birthday, but you seem to have your daddy's stubborn streak and Dr. F said that he's pretty sure your not going to move, cause  you're that big. And we trust Dr. F. Also, your daddy guessed the 24th would be your birthday...I haven't gotten to talk to him yet, but he is going to be so, so excited. So there you have it baby girl. We'll meet each other, face to face, in 30 days. Mommy is so excited, overwhelmed, nervous. Absolutely can't wait!!

Baby E

Today, well yesterday actually, one of mommy's bloggy friends found out her daughter had died, and she had been kept in the dark about the whole thing. I felt like I had been kicked in the heart. She delivered at 35wks and a few days. Where we are now. I think I must've prayed for 20 minutes after reading her post. For her, for her husband, and for their baby, and then, the hardest for you. We have our pep talks every day, and no matter how much I complain, I do not want you born until you are ready to be part of the world outside of my body. I could not face loosing you. So you just stay put for a few more weeks. 38 is the SOONEST you are allowed to come and I will do whatever it takes to keep you in until then. This has been on my mind all day as I feel you move around, and push back at me to the point I feel that my skin will split. No matter how uncomfortable I am or how much pain it causes, you stay put!! Everyone is saying you are going to come early, only mommy thinks you'll wait til the last minute to make your grand entrance. Dr. F says he's coming to get you if you don't appear by March 9th. I say, you'll wait til March 8th, and you'll be a big girl. I love you so much, my sweet daughter.

34 (!!!) Weeks

How far along? 34 weeks (after 35 weeks, Dr. F won't stop labor, that means you COULD come as soon as next week, but we've had that pep talk Miss E, your bday is NOT until February. Stay put!!)

Maternity Clothes: For sure, defn. Still rocking the black yoga pants, my maternity jeans still fit, but that stupid "belly band" hider thing only goes about half way up. At our last appointment (last Monday) I was measuring 38 weeks, so thats a full term size belly and we still have about 6 weeks to go. I feel like I look HUGE in everything, and now, most stuff is so tight around the belly, people can see you move from the outside. 

Body Oddities: Still having a good time w/the PUPPP. We've managed to avoid steroids for now, but Dr. F is concerned about the rash, and how much it is itching. It's not even that annoying, until I realize I'm scratching my skin off and it's bleeding. Oops. And oh yeah, Dr. F took us off the Lovenox shots (yay) at about 30 weeks, and now the belly is not nearly as hard and there's no bruises!! It's pretty rad. Still having daily & nightly swelling of the feet, they've gotten pretty bad a few times, but now I'm only wearing my crocs & house slippers, and no regular shoes whenever possible. I should've taken a picture of them @ Aunt L's wedding. OMG. We were sure they were going to pop.

Sleep: What is this sleep word? Back to averaging about 3-4hrs a night..and NOT in a row. Up about every 2 hours to pee and your new trick this week is realizing when mommy is about to fall asleep, and dancing or doing somersaults. It's practice for having you here I'm sure. I know you'll be a night owl, mommy always was.

Best moment this week: When you move for an hour or so straight. You are constantly on the move. And I think you only go head down for Dr. F. Literally, you've been sideways all week except for when I said "do you think she's head down." And he felt, and yep you were. Not 2 seconds later were you sideways again. And this weeks visits was the fastest and easiest. I really didn't have any questions (that Dr. F didn't answer before I asked) and we were in & out. Yay!!

Worst Moment: Being sick. Momma has been rocking a fever/cold/ sore throat/congestion/runny nose/exhaustion for going on 3 days. Being sick and being pregnant is the worstest. Not only because I can't take anything, but because the small things are 100% more annoying.

Movement: Constantly!! It is amazing to watch & even more amazing to think that in a few weeks, you'll be doing that OUTSIDE my body. I can't wait!!


Food Cravings: Ice, lemonade, Cheetos, cheese, pork chops, pasta, pizza, carrotts, salad. <--Same as last week!!


Rings: Off since the beginning of December (so 27 weeks?) Daddy got me a really pretty replacement set to wear for the rest of this pregnancy. It's lovely =) <--Ditto.


Gender: Girl, gal, cowgirl, la petite

Intense Dreams: I've moved into the you being born early dreams. Or being born in the car, the ocean, the bathtub, etc.

Medical Concerns: Measuring huge, PUPPP, hives, itchiness, back pain, and add in being sick for three days.


What I look forward too: Our baby shower tomorrow.. I hope I'm feeling all better!!



Emotional State: Easily annoyed, that would be my top feature this week, and cranky. Ugh.

Your First New Year

2011...It's the year of your birth baby girl!! You'll be here in 54 days give or take..I cannot believe that!! We are counting down the days until you get here. You're baby shower is in 13 days..Hopefully we get a lot of stuff. Daddy and I haven't really bought anything (except some clothes and cute binkies). Grandma is going to get your crib and changing table and Nana is going to get you your pack & play and stroller. Yay!! And we need your co-sleeper..Oh my goodness, this is really happening!! We love you so much!!

(Almost) 32 Weeks!!

Oh sweet baby, mommy is doing such a bad job of updating...There has been so much going on..This weekend you will be 32wks..Can you believe it?! You are doing a TON of moving, and we had a scary moment last weekend..We were celebrating Christmas w/daddy's family, and contractions started. They hurt BIG time and we went speeding off to Marion General Hospital out in the boonies (where daddy's family lives) I was having contractions every minute, lasting for 30 seconds. It was not good news. Thankfully, the nurse there was very friendly and got them under control w/a shot Terbutaline. And you haven't acted up since then. I've felt extremely tired (your so big that finding a good sleeping position is tough), but no more contractions. Now, lets do your update =)

How far along? 31wk5d (see, *almost* 32 weeks)


Maternity Clothes: There is nothing else that fits. The belly is measuring in at 36wks. It's all maternity clothes and jammies. Your Nana bought me some black yoga style pants, and they have replaced my black scrub pants. So yeah, defn. maternity clothes


Body Oddities: I have PUPPP, the pregnancy induced rash/hives/welts. It's great fun, except in a not at all fun way. It itches SO bad, and it's not gonna stop til I have you, so I'm trying to figure out how to bathe in hydrocortisone cream. Also, I had a bad reaction to the sulfa in Macrobid, so I am completely broken out on my arms, legs, and then the PUPPP on my belly, looking really hot. Oh, and the stretch marks, oh my. They are serious!!

Sleep: I am exhausted, still. 3rd trimester fatigue is no joke. The last few weeks have felt like an eternity. About 3pm I get so tired I almost fall asleep at my desk..and I have a few times. Not to mention that I'm not sleeping very well at night, due to daddy being gone and being huge. Oh well, it gets me ready for when you will be here.

Best moment this week: Having Dr. F reassure me that if you were born now, you'd make it and you'd be healthy. We are at 8 months..Only 1 more month (technically) til you can legitamitely make your appearance. Let's hold out until at least 36 weeks, okay?


Worst Moment: The night in the hospital. Those contractions were painful and I was terrified at having you at only 31 weeks. I'm glad you decided to stay in for a while longer.

Movement: ALL THE TIME!! You are extremely active at night. You just roll, kick, punch, and turn all night long, It is hilarious to watch my belly move.


Food Cravings: Ice, lemonade, Cheetos, cheese, pork chops, pasta, pizza, carrotts, salad.


Rings: Off since the beginning of December (so 27 weeks?) Daddy got me a really pretty replacement set to wear for the rest of this pregnancy. It's lovely =)


Gender: Daughter, Girl, Female, Princess =)


Intense Dreams: Not that I'm remembering as much, since I'm not sleeping as soundly. There have been a few scary ones, but I wake up remembering that you are okay, and in my belly.


Medical Concerns: Measuring huge, PUPPP, hives, itchiness, back pain, it's so fun.


What I look forward too: Meeting you, and having our shower on the 15th!!




Emotional State: Still weepy, but the get out of my way attitude has come back. I can't put up w/any BS.

Movin & Groovin

Well Baby Froggy..Since the trip we took to the ER last Thursday (yep, you moved head down, weren't very active for 5 hours, and Dr. F, being as awesome as he is told momma to head to the hospital, and you were and are 100% fine) you have been so SO active. You are on a definite sleep/wake cycle, (and the sleep part doesn't last very long, we'll have to work on that) and when you are awake, you are AWAKE!! You want momma to know you are here. Right now you are moving so much that my belly looks like jello. It's crazy. And I love feeling you. It's the weirdest & coolest thing I've ever felt. I wish your daddy was here so he could feel it too. He definitely felt some huge kicks this weekend though..And Allie laid herself on my belly, and you were not having it, kicked her in the head, and it scared her so much she fell off the couch. It was hilarious. I just can't wait to meet you. To see who has been kicking me. To see if you have your daddies eyes, and my hair, long fingers and toes...but keep growing little girl..You don't need to come any sooner then when you are completely ready..We'll meet soon enough..I love you!!

Your First Thanksgiving & Black Friday

Well, for starters, you have a new EDD..February 25, 2010!! I know you will come when your ready..but we already can't wait to meet you..Less then 3 months!!! And mommy got to see you again last week..You're gorgeous of course & have hair!! And I'm feeling you all the time. You are the most active between 9-11pm. And you usually don't wake up in the morning until after 7:30am (maybe you can keep up this schedule when you are born?) Daddy has felt you quite a few times, though you still hide from Grandma ;) Moo-Moo got to feel you yesterday, she was shocked!! Oh, and you kicked Allie in the head the other night because she was leaning on my belly..the nerve of that dog =)

Thursday was your first Thanksgiving..and you were a fan!! You really like turkey (which was surprising given the way I've had to avoid most meat at all costs during this pregnancy) and of course, mashed potatoes and dumplings (your great grandma's recipe). Momma was SO full!! And you kicked and kicked after we ate. And then I think you & I both went into a food coma. You were kicking, but they were in almost slow motion, like you were nodding off to sleep. It was hilarious!! Then Friday we went Black Friday shopping w/Aunt Lindsey, who guarded the belly like it was her full time job. It was crazy!! If we go next year, you'll most likely stay home, cause we go so early and it was waaaay to cold for babies out there. We did, however, see some re-re parents that had their kids out. That's just too much. You can stay home next year and cuddle w/daddy=)

Okay, now we are off to clean-up the house a little bit and go to the store..Oh, and you already have SO many presents it's unbelievable and you aren't even here yet. Everyone loves you little girl!!

Name!!

You have a name little girl!! We've been going back and forth between 4 names and I just didn't like ANY of them, which I'm sure you heard me talking about. So I prayed about it and you (and God) told me your name today in my dreams...I don't want to post it yet..Cause I'm superstitious like that..But I can list what your initials will be..ELJ..We love the name and we told your grandma today and she is a big fan as well. It wasn't even CLOSE to anything on our lists, and it's *just* different enough. I love it..Can't wait to meet you..But please, stay in for at least 12 more weeks!! We're officially "full term" on 02-09-11. So you have to stay in til then!! We love you so much!!

Movement!!

So guess what little girl!? 2 nights ago I was taking a bath, and I saw you move across my belly. I thought it was just my imagination, so I held my breath, and you did it again!! It was the coolest weirdest thing ever. So tonight, daddy & I were laying in bed, and you moved about 5 times!! It was amazing. Daddy thought it was so cool. Right now you are kind of going crazy moving around. I can't define what body parts I'm feeling, but it's definitely you, can't wait til we can tell if it's a foot or a butt!!

Big Babeh

Guess what little girl..You're measuring 3wks ahead!! Can you believe this!? That would make your due date 02-08-10. Oh my!! That's way early!! I get to see you in 2 weeks, cause big babeh=ultrasound. Dr. F just wants to make sure you are actually measuring this early, he's going to measure you and if you are a big girl (which I think you are, since you lodge your head in my ribs every.single.night) then, February it is. I can't wait to see you again. Oh, and your HB was 154. Very nice little girl, very nice.

Baby & Allie

Froggy Girl..I cannot wait til you meet our other gal, Allie. She is our (and your) Boxer dog. She is so, so cute. And she already loves you. She guards me all the time, no matter what and against everyone..Even though, the majority of the time, that means she is leaning on me. She loves to lay on my belly. I bet you can feel her. Some day soon, when your kicks get really strong, you'll have to give her one. I bet you've heard her bark, she can be loud, but she doesn't bark very often anymore. But she whines, and she "purrs" it's hilarious. All my baby books say that you will be used to her when you are born. That it won't even really affect you when she barks. I can't wait to see if that is true. Can't wait to introduce you to each other!!

20 WEEKS!!!

We're halfway there Froggy girl..And your daddy and I *still* cannot agree on a name.The only one we both like is Aurora...and sometimes Soren. We go back & forth between those 2. I always think of more, but daddy doesn't like them. Here's your update!!


How far along? 20 weeks today!!

Maternity Clothes: Heck yes. Most defn. And scrubs look so freaking ridiculous. Seriously. One pair was ordered way too big, and the other 2 won't fit by the end of the pregnancy. Stupid no PG scrubs. Oh, and I am so sick of sleeping in a bra. But if I don't, the boobies hurt SO BAD.


Body Oddities: Umm...how do I say this? My nipp.les are peeling-ish? I talked to Dr. F about it at my last visit and he said the skin is just hardening for breast.feeding. They hurt something crazy. I've been using some Lasinoh, but that shit make my nips attached to my bra, which then peels off my skin when I take it off. Tons of fun. I'm gonna have to find something else to use. Oh, and leg cramps. They are serious. And I have about 2-3 a night. And then my legs hurt the rest of the day. Gah.

Sleep: I am exhausted. This week, for some reason, I'm averaging 2-4hrs a night. Short nights and long days are making mommy a crab. Work is hard because I'm so tired, and those long hours make me even more tired. It's a vicious circle. I love when daddy is home because I sleep so, so good.

Best moment this week: Getting to 20 weeks!! It's a huge milestone. I cannot believe I'm 5 months pregnant!! We will meet you in 4 months!! That's not that far. When we first started this journey, 9 (actually 10) months seemed so, so long. I can't believe you'll be here that soon. Amazing!!


Worst Moment: The lack of sleep. It's making me forgetful and clumsy..and I'm sure pissing everyone off because I'm completely over-emotional and bitchy.

Movement: I'm sure you are moving. You are very active first thing in the morning. As soon as I wake up, you imm. start jumping on my bladder. It's a good thing there is a bathroom in our bedroom. I'm super ready to feel those "big" kicks, but Dr. F reminded me it might be another 22wks til we feel those. Oh well, enjoying what I feel for now.

Food Cravings: Ice cold drinks. I cannot drink something if it has been sitting out. Back to carbonated lemonade, love it!! And still Gatorade. And no chicken still. Oh, and I was craving chili cheese dogs today, so I had 2 from DQ. So good!!

Rings: Still on, even on the super hot days this week, they felt fine. But I still kind of want the big ol fake ones.


Gender: Still a girl, as far as we know. You're u/s nurse was 100% sure, so so am I.


Intense Dreams: Yep. And kind of freaking me out. Still whack-a-doo.

Medical Concerns: Lots of round ligament pains this week. And my back has started hurting my middle back mostly and my hips. Tons of fun.

What I look forward too: Meeting you & feeling big movements..oh and settling on a name!!


Emotional State: I had 6 meltdowns yesterday, I'm pretty sure that sums it up.

Oh Little Girl

I wonder if you feel things I am feeling? Do you feel sad when I do? It's not because of you, at all. It's because I miss your daddy so much. You have no idea how lucky you are that he is YOUR daddy. The only man I know who comes close, is my daddy (Grandpa). They are amazing men. I hope one day you find a man as good as him. He just called. He misses you and me. He wishes he could be here w/us. I cannot wait until he can feel you like I feel you (or, at least, what I think is you). You are already amazing. And we love you so much. I just wish we could come up w/a great name. So far, your just, little girl, or baby girl. We'll think of something before March, I promise!! You are laying sideways right now, I think you are asleep. Snooze away baby. Love you!!

18 Week Update

How far along? 18wk5d



Maternity clothes? Oh heavens yes. They are so comfortable. I don't think I want to go back to regular pants ever. My pants have a "secret fit belly" and it's a little thing that rolls up over the belly almost to the boobs and it makes all my pants look normal, not like that are maternity pants. It rolls down all the time. The pants are a little bit big (that makes mommy feel good). But the clothes are so cute, and everyone thinks I look "cute" pregnant..Here's hoping they're not lying.


Body Oddities? Umm, everyone tells me that I'm "all belly" which I think it funny because I wasn't the skinniest girl to begin with b/f I got pregnant. I'm actually all belly and boobs. Oh, and the leg cramps, my goodness, they hurt. But if I catch them before they really take hold, then I can stop them by flexing my toes. That seems to make them go away. But my legs ache all day.

Sleep? I'm averaging about 3-5hrs a night. Daddy is gone to the police academy during the week, and mommy has trouble sleeping w/o him in the house. Plus, every 3hrs (or less) it's a bathroom break and time to use my nasal spray. But I feel tired all the time. I use the weekends to catch up on sleep =)

Best moment this week? Feeling what I think was movement. You don't "flutter" so much as you "bonk." It literally feels like something is bonking into my pelvis, and my left side. And it's heavy. Today, I swear I felt little legs and a foot. And it was all day. I think you are sleeping right now, because I don't feel anything. Then, over the weekend, I didn't really feel much (which worried me) but the websites reassured me that you are still really small, and movements aren't the punches or kicks they will be in a few weeks. Oh, and realizing we are almost to 20 weeks..Halfway!!

Worst moment? I don't know if there was a "worst" moment. I don't like the round ligament pain. It worries me, especially when it feels like a tearing sensation, but it immediately goes away, and there haven't been any other bad symptoms (like bleeding). Oh, and the leg cramps, but those are bearable.

Movement? I think I'm feeling you. I don't know what else it could be. And like I said, it's not a flutter, but more of a heavy sensation. In the car last Friday (w/your dad) it literally felt like I was being tickled from the inside out. I know that was you!!

Food cravings? Gatorade. Back to no water. It's just not sitting well in my belly. Oh, and comfort food, like meatloaf (which grandma so graciously made for us last night), and salisbury steak, and mashed potatoes. So freaking good. And apples, Honeycrisp & Pink Lady.

Rings? Still on, but getting tighter. I think some cute, not cheesy, "fake" rings are in my near future.

Gender? You are undeniably a GIRL!! All those dreams I had were correct..I could not believe it when we found out at your 16wk appointment.


Intense Dreams?  Yes, but they're all whack-doo. Just weird. All kinds of different things and people mixed together. Weird.

Medical Concerns?  The round ligament pains bother me and scare me a little bit and they hurt, sometimes a lot. I may have to talk to Dr. F about if they get any worse.

What I miss? Breathing through my nose. I am so, so congested. Dr. F said that that is normal during pregnancy, and that because of my allergies and asthma, it's exacerbated. It will probably be like this until I deliver.

What I look forward to: Meeting you!! But before that, getting to the halfway point (20wks) which is in a little over a week. So insane that we are almost halfway to seeing you. Oh and feeling BIG movements!!


Emotional State? Emotional, lots. I tear up so easily and I really miss your daddy. I don't tell him all the time because I don't want him to worry too much. But him being gone makes me really lonely. But I'm happy a lot of the time too, especially when I feel you or when dad is around.

You Are....

A GIRL!!! Which you've known all along..but surprised mommy so much!! We got to see you on the 4D u/s, it was absolutely amazing..and you are beautiful, and so active. Grandma and Grandpa were there w/daddy and I. It was really cool. You were moving all around and were determined not to show us what you were. But, since mommy's been sick,  I coughed, and that did it!! A girl!! Oh my goodness!! And here you are..

Today is a big day!!

Froggy, today we are having our "big" ultrasound to see if you are a boy or a girl!! Momma really feels like you should let us know, and don't be stubborn (as you have been known to do). We have narrowed down our names and would love to start calling you one or the other. Can't wait to see you!!

Hi Baby!!

Just wanted to check in..I think I felt you move today...But I'm not sure, it's still pretty early for that. Today, mommy had to go see Dr. F because I was feeling really sick..Turns it I have bronchitis and an upper respiratory tract infection...But anyway, we got to hear your HB again..it was 160bpm..And so far, according to the old wives tale, you are a girl!! Anything over 140 supposedly is a girl..and you've been 180, 174, and 160 respectively. We'll find out in 3 days!! Oh my goodness. We are so excited to see you again!! It's been 6 weeks since your last u/s.. Love you!!