99 Days: Week 25

Only 99 days to go!

Has anyone ever told you that 40 weeks is a long time to be pregnant? Well, it is! 25 weeks down, 14 weeks and 1 day to go. 

I really can't complain, as my pregnancy has been easy breezy so far, but man, it's a long time to actually BE pregnant. I have a feeling that the next few months will fly by, as we have so much to do to get ready for the baby... but I just can't wait to meet our little man!

I continue to feel good. Not too much is different from the past few weeks. I read that the baby is the most active for the next 3 weeks out of the ENTIRE pregnancy, so that's good to know, as he's been a little kicking machine.  Hello, in there little love bug! Mommy and daddy are SO excited to meet you and see your sweet little face. 

We had a fun time in Madison last weekend, catching up with my family! I hadn't seen my dad and my sisters and brother since Christmas (I saw my mom when I was back last month) so they were excited to see my growing baby bump. I think it's starting to feel more real for them now, too :) 

Baby is GROWING (and so is his momma!).

25 weeks!

How far along: 25 weeks

Baby's size: CAULIFLOWER (13.6 - 14.8 inches and 1.5 to 2.5lbs) 

Weight gain: 19 lbs  (I'm shooting for around 35 lbs, so I'm right on track. Let's hope it continues that way :))

Symptoms: I have felt more tired lately, but I think that's because I haven't been sleeping the best. Darn, hips! I'm been peeing A LOT, but I've also been guzzling water like it's my job. And sadly, I did notice a stretch mark or 2 on my outer hips (not wonder they hurt, they're expanding!)... but thankfully no stretch marks on my belly or anywhere else! Knock on wood!

Pregnancy perks: My husband takes the cake this week. He's been very doting throughout the pregnancy, giving me back rubs and foot massages, carrying things for me, etc., and this week he sent me some beautiful roses, just to say I love you. As I expand, I may not feel beautiful, but he thinks I'm beautiful no matter what, and that's always nice to hear :)

Beautiful roses from my sweet hubby!

Things I miss: I'm going to sound like a broken record, but I do miss my wine. I miss not having to check every food label to make sure that it's pasteurized or safe to eat... I miss eating deli meat. Oh, turkey sandwich, I can't wait to eat you in 14 weeks!

Food aversions: Same old, same old. Eggs. Although I did eat quiche this weekend and was OK.

Food cravings: sweets (per usual) and baked goods! I've been thinking about muffins... a lot... so I made some healthy pumpkin yogurt muffins this week (think whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, pumpkin). And sadly, they weren't too good. HA. You try and go the healthy route, and things just aren't as satisfying :)

I've also been really into Raisin Bran cereal. Yumm!

Cantaloupe Baby: Week 24

We're 24 weeks! 6 months. Yahooo! It feels really good to hit this benchmark.

We met a couple from Canada on our vacation, and they said at 24 weeks in Canada, the doctors start considering you as 2 patients (you and the baby) instead of 1, which I thought was a pretty cool statement :)

Baby boy is growing away... he's now the size of a CANTALOUPE. That's huge! I was at the grocery store with Lukas last weekend and held up a cantaloupe against my belly, and said that's how big he is in there. It's wild to think he's getting SO big... and it's no wonder that the size of my belly has dramatically increased.

We had our 24-week appointment last week, and the doctor said all is good. Baby's heartbeat is a strong 145 bmp and he's been moving around like crazy. I've found that he's really active at night (after dinner) when I'm lounging on the couch, in the middle of the night when I wake up to pee, he's turning backflips in my belly at 3am, and when I wake up in the morning, he's rearing and ready to go! During the day I feel him kicking about, but it's not as pronounced as those key times... and probably because I'm busy that I don't notice as much. But, his kicks are definitely getting stronger. I think we've got a little soccer player in there!

Lukas and I finally started registering this past weekend, and I have one word: OVERWHELMING. Walking into Buy Buy Baby was like a foreign land, as you're bombarded with thousands of products, half of which you've never heard of before. I did a lot of research and asked friends for their recommendations, but WOW. It's daunting...

We decided we're going to tackle our registry in stages, as it was a bit too much for us on Day 1. We got our stroller, car seat and carrier, and called it a day. Now, I feel like I have at least a bit better grasp on it and we'll be more prepared for our next trip! As our first experience was information overload and made me feel like I have no idea what I'm doing... I have SO much to learn before our baby boy arrives!

We're heading back to Madison this weekend to see my family, but when we get back, it's focus time! We need to start prepping the nursery, finish our registry, finish reading our baby books and take our pre-natal classes. I signed up for a handful of different classes and our first one is in a few weeks. I'm excited :)

Otherwise, I'm feeling good and my belly is growing! I definitely look pregnant now.

24 weeks!

How far along: 24 weeks

Baby's size: Cantaloupe (10.5 - 11.8 inches and 12.7 - 20.8 ounces) 

Weight gain: 18 lbs 

Symptoms: I started taking Claritin and OTC eye drops last week for my allergies, and that seems to be helping. Otherwise, I'm feeling good overall. My hips continue to be really achy when I sleep, and I need to pee like 500 times a day, but hey, welcome to pregnancy!

Pregnancy perks: One word: COSTCO samples. A pregnant women's dream (but also deadly)! OMG, this made my Sunday... cherry pie samples, muffin samples, BACON samples. Yes, yes, yes!

Things I miss: Sushi! And, wine.

Food aversions: Eggs and shrimp.

Food cravings: I was DYING for a coffee this past week.... and DONUTS! Ha. But, I restrained. I did order some decaf K cups and can now pretend that I'm drinking a cup o' Joe in the morning :) Oh, and I've been craving... Chipotle. This has become a once a week staple. Heaven!

Babymoon Bliss: Week 22 + 23

We are back after a blissfully relaxing vacation in Punta Cana! Our babymoon was just lovely. Everything we hoped it could be.

The resort was beautiful. Our room was really nice (bathroom was awesome!). The food was decent and the weather was PERFECT. All in all, I was extremely satisfied :) Our resort was on the marina, not the beach (it was only a 5-10 minute walk) and it was gorgeous. For some reason, it wasn't busy and the pool was never too crowded and we didn't have to wait in line at dinner, which was awesome!

Here are a few snaps from our trip.

The pool view at sunset.

The view from our room at night.

The small, but perfect beach.

Paradise!

Our sister resort, the Alsol Sanctuary

When we booked our trip, I knew I would be 22 weeks pregnant, so I thought I would have a good size bump by then. I didn't want people to think I was just fat, so I thought this would be a good time to travel before I got too big.

BUT, to my disappointment, people didn't automatically recognize that I was pregnant. I think I obviously looked pregnant, but I understand that you also don't want to ask a woman if she's pregnant in case she's not... as that could be awkward! It was just funny because whenever I ordered a (virgin) drink, I had to say "no alcohol" and point at my belly and say "baby!" to make sure they understood. That seemed to work well :) I did enjoy my virgin Pina Coladas and Miami Vices, but I do have to say it's not quite the same without alcohol. Only 16 more weeks to go! Whew.

It was so nice just to roll out of bed each morning, put on a bathing suit and head out the door. Sometimes I hate the process of getting ready, and it was nice to have a week without doing my makeup or my hair. FREEDOM! It's so tough being a girl...

In more important news, baby boy is doing well and GROWING! I definitely "popped" this past week and I'm feeling BIG. Here's my belly pic from 22 weeks.

22 weeks!

How far along: 22 weeks

Baby's size: Papaya (10.5 - 11.8 inches and 12.7 - 20.8 ounces) I have a feeling baby is on the higher end of the scale :)

Weight gain: 13 lbs

Symptoms: I was a bit congested and stuffy (allergies) when we arrived in Punta Cana, but otherwise I felt good.

Things I miss: It was hard being on vacation and not enjoying alcohol, but I made the best of it. I did give in to my coffee craving and enjoyed a few Cafe Con Leches in the morning (half milk, half coffee) as the cups were really small and it was only a little coffee :)

Food aversions: Shrimp was really the only thing I wanted to avoid.

Food cravings: I was REALLY into Pina Coladas... I forgot how good they tasted! Fruit (apples, watermelon, pineapple), bacon, donuts... they had the best little cinnamon and sugar donuts... YUM!


Pregnancy perks: Eating whatever I wanted and not feeling guilty about being in a swimsuit! I may have taken a bit too much advantage of the buffet (as reflected in my 23 week update) but it was quite enjoyable. Dessert at lunch and dinner, yes please!

And, here's my belly pic from 23 weeks.

23 weeks!

Now, these pictures were really only taken a day or 2 apart, but I feel like the pattern on this dress makes my belly look BIG! Grow baby, grow!

How far along: 23 weeks

Baby's size: GRAPEFRUIT (10.5 - 11.8 inches and 12.7 - 20.8 ounces) 

Weight gain: 17 lbs (I'll chalk a few pounds up to vacation weight!)

Symptoms: My allergies have been terrible since I got back. I stopped taking my regular allergy medicine when I got pregnant and was okay for the winter, but now I'm dying. Stuffy nose, congestions, red itchy eyes... they're back in full force. It looks like I'll have to take something. Otherwise, I'm still feeling good. Tired (probably from the allergies), but otherwise good.

Pregnancy perks: Everyone is really nice to you when you're pregnant!

Things I miss: I'm hanging in there this week... trying to get back on track after vacation mode last week, so I don't miss too much after all the indulgence last week!

Food aversions: I did eat eggs this week, and they didn't go over the best, so I'm going to continue to keep that in my "do not eat" list.

Food cravings: Back to bagels (they're just SO good) and mac n' cheese this week. Carbs and cheese, please! Oh, and ice cream, too.

Over The Hump: Week 21

Our little love bug is 21 weeks! Only 18 weeks and 3 days to go :)

Let's hope these next few weeks fly by!

I am REALLY looking forward to our babymoon next week! Woohoo. We leave on Saturday morning (my birthday!) for the Dominican Republic, and it could not come soon enough. I am really over winter and it's not helping that this week has been FREEZING again. Treking over 30 minutes to work in sub-zero temperatures has not been fun for this pregnant lady, let me tell you...

SO, yes. Vacation, I am SO ready for you!

We're staying at the Alsol Luxury Village in Punta Cana, and it looks really nice!  I've never been to the Dominican before, so I'm looking forward to traveling somewhere new. We were thinking about going to Mexico again, as we've always had a great time, but we found this awesome deal on Jetsetter to the DR and thought we would try something new. Hopefully it's as good as it looks!

To be honest, all I really care about is that the food is somewhat decent and the weather is nice. All I plan to do is lay by the pool, max and relax, and spend some quality time with my hubby. Bring on the sunshine and virgin daiquiris!

Otherwise, baby and I are doing well. We went on a last minute trip to Madison this past weekend to spend time with my mom, and that was really nice! We went maternity clothes shopping and baby clothes shopping and had lots of baby talk, which was fun. Baby boy is getting spoiled already :)

In other news, he has been SUPER active. Last night I ate a turkey burger and french fries for dinner, and he was doing backflips in my belly for the next hour. I guess he really likes turkey burgers!? We'll see if that holds true after he's born :) Lukas and I have been debating if he's going to like red meat or not, since I don't eat red meat... and the baby eats what I eat and develops a taste for what I like... it will be interesting to see.

In other news, baby boy (and momma) are growing! Here's the belly pic for this week.

21 weeks!

It's funny because I feel like my belly is getting BIG, but when I see people who I haven't seen since I've been pregnant, they don't agree. Ha! I had a meeting with one of my clients yesterday and she was appalled that I was over halfway done with the pregnancy... and I was like, what, my belly feels HUGE! I guess I have a ways to go...

How far along: 21 weeks

Baby's size: POMEGRANATE (10.5 inches and 12.7 ounces) That means baby grew like 4 inches since last week... that's a huge growth spurt (no wonder I've been so hungry!)

Weight gain: 12.5 lbs

Symptoms: You know, I've felt pretty darn good this week. I've been checking for stretch marks every day, and I don't have any on my belly yet (knock on wood) but noticed a small line or 2 around my hips... I've been slathering on Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter  like it's my job, so hopefully that helps! 

Pregnancy perks: Now that I'm starting to show more, and people see that I'm pregnant, everyone has been really nice to me. You can't be mean to the pregnant girl, right?

Things I miss: Wine, cocktails, coffee.

Food aversions: Nothing totally grosses me out right now, but I don't have any desire to eat seafood (and I used to love seafood) especially shrimp...

Food cravings: I've been all about the chocolate and anything chocolate and peanut butter lately (not like this is new!). And, I still love all the cheesy carby goodness. Bagels have been hitting the spot again this week. 

Well, fingers crossed we have safe travels and all goes well on our trip! I'll report back (and hopefully bring warm weather back with us) when I return!

Halfway There: Week 20

We are halfway there! Woohooo! 20 weeks and counting. 

It's been a busy week this week, so I'm getting this posted just in the nick of time (we're 21 weeks tomorrow!).

We had our 20 week ultrasound this week, and it was AMAZING. We got to see our sweet baby's face and he is absolutely adorable. I am already so in love! I honestly just stare at his picture multiple times each day... it's just SO sweet. Ahhh! I can't wait until he gets here! I mean look at that sweet little face... He's just so precious. I love you, baby boy!

Our sweet baby boy!

Our 20-week doctor appointment last week went well. Whew, what a relief! The doc said all looks good and she was able to get the baby's heartbeat right away, no problem. And, our 20-week ultrasound went great! The doctor said everything looks perfect! That was the BEST news yet. It's just so wonderful to hear that the baby is healthy and developing on schedule. After all that we've been through, it's so nice to get such GOOD news :) I'm feeling very thankful!

And, it's just so WILD to see the baby! We're so curious what he's going to look like when he comes out. Will he look like Lukas? Like me? Will he be more olive skin toned or pale (like his mommy)? Will he have blue or brown eyes? We know one thing for sure, he will have dark hair... and plenty of it! Sorry, baby, we're passing on our hairy genes to you! Haha :) 

I honestly cannot wait for him to get here! I can't believe we have 19 more weeks to go. 40 weeks is a LONG time to be pregnant! I've been feeling good and all, but man, that's a long time!

I am really excited for our upcoming BABYMOON! We're going to the Dominican Republic in 9 days. Woohoo! Bring on the warm weather and sunshine. It has been absolutely miserable here in Chicago. It's currently -2 outside and feels like -24. Lovely. I am SO over winter. Argh! I am counting down the days until we can get out of here... and hopefully when we return, warmer weather will be just around the corner!

Well, my baby bump is growing!!! It looks like a true bump now :)

20 weeks!

I haven't had to get maternity clothes yet (beyond my jeans) and have been making my current wardrobe work. Hopefully I can make it through the season before I'll need to buy more!

How far along: 20 weeks

Baby's size: Banana (6.5 inches and 10.2 ounces) But, when we were at our ultrasound, the doctor said the baby already weighed 13 ounces, so he's been packing on the oz!

Weight gain: 10-11 lbs (it fluctuates)

Symptoms: Feeling good, overall. I've had more indigestion and constipation (so fun! this has been a constant symptom throughout the pregnancy... but I think that's just a given). Achy hips when I sleep.

Pregnancy perks: Seeing our sweet baby boy! SO amazing!!! He is so adorable. Love him! And, hearing the best news that he's healthy and growing right on schedule :) He has been kicking up a storm and I love feeling him move. I think we've got a little soccer player on our hands.

Things I miss: The usual... coffee, wine. 

Food aversions: Still get weird about meat and seafood. Eggs. But overall, not bad.

Food cravings: Chipotle burritos are pretty amazing! And, I had to have french fries on Sunday... but note to self, the indigestion was not worth it! My poor sensitive stomach is even more sensitive now that I'm preggo. Otherwise, bagels, pasta, pizza... all the usual things sound good :) 

Okay baby, let's keep on keeping on! 

Mango Love: Week 19

We are 19 weeks! 19 weeks! Really, almost half way there. YAYYYY!!!!

Baby boy is GROWING! And so is his momma! Sometimes I step on the scale and it says I've gained 2 lbs overnight. Is that really possible? I don't think so... it has to be water weight, right? Well, I'm happy I'm gaining weight because that means my little love bug is growing, and all I want is for him to be healthy.

But, it is a bit difficult to see the scale rise each morning. It can be a little shocking, to say the least. For me, I didn't gain any weight for the first 10-11 weeks, and now I'm packing it on. SO, it makes me a wee bit nervous for how the next 20 weeks are going to go. Oh, well. C'est la vie! I just hope it doesn't go to my face... I remember in college when I packed on the pounds and my cheeks were like chubby chipmunks. I'm hoping I don't go down that path :)

Otherwise, I've been feeling more baby kicks and it's such an amazing feeling. It's like a secret game between the two of us :) I had Lukas feel my belly the other night and he felt his first kick. He had his hand on my belly and then quickly pulled away, startled, "Oh! I felt it!!"

It's such an odd experience (especially for someone else who's not used to the feeling) to feel a little being moving inside you, but at the same time, it's seriously SO cool.

Anyway, baby boy is doing great and keeps on growing. We have our 20 week appointment on Thursday and I'm so excited! Although we don't have our 20 week ultrasound until the following Tuesday, as we had to schedule that separately at Hinsdale Hospital (they don't do the in-depth ultrasounds at our doctor's office). SO... I need to wait another week before I get a glimpse of my sweet baby's face. CANNOT WAIT. Let's just hope the doctor can find the baby's heartbeat without an entire saga this time... I'll keep you posted.

In other news, I've found myself a bit obsessed with anyone and everyone who is currently pregnant. Pregnant celebrities especially... I mean Blake Lively was just darling, and now Jessica Biel (she's about to pop!) and Kiera Knightly... who else... Ashley Simpson is pregnant again.... I love reading every US Weekly news alert. Pretty funny.

OK, see my growing baby bump!

19 weeks!

How far along: 19 weeks

Baby's size: MANGO (6 inches and 8.5 ounces)

Weight gain: 9 lbs 

Symptoms: Feeling good, still a bit achy (oh, my back!). My body finally "feels" pregnant now that my belly is getting bigger.

Pregnancy perks: Feeling the baby move is still at the top of my list, but so is seeing my growing belly. Pregnancy is such an amazing experience to have your body transform daily. It really is unbelievable.

Things I miss: Wine is probably at the top of my list... only 20 more weeks to go! Ha.

Food aversions: They've been getting better. Although I still won't eat eggs and fishy smells still make me nauseous. I did buy some soy milk and that seems to be helping!

Food cravings: Nothing too crazy this week. I just love food in general, and it's generally both sweet and salty foods. Carbs, cheese, sweets, fruits... get in my belly!

Tummy Flutters: Week 18

I started feeling little tummy flutters this week! It. was. AMAZING!

At first I wasn't sure if it was indigestion or something... as it felt like bubbles in my belly... but, the more I would lie there with my hand on my belly, I could feel his little flutters. What an INCREDIBLE feeling! I can't wait until his little karate kicks get stronger and I feel them more often :)

We're 18 weeks and counting (this post is a few days late, oops!) Almost half way there. Woot woot!

I still feel good and have been eating my way through the week! Ha. The scale has been rising quickly this month. Eeek! I think baby boy had a bit of a growth spurt. Grow baby, grow! He's been active in there and I can't wait for our 20 week appointment next week. Hopefully this one goes much smoother than our 16 week appointment...

In other news, we had a big discussion about the living situation last weekend and we made the decision to STAY in our house. I'm a little disappointed we're not moving, but at the same time, I'm very relieved we're going to stay. Planning for our first baby, selling our house, packing, moving, buying a new car, maternity leave... all these changes were starting to get a wee bit overwhelming, not to mention the financial implications, so we decided to pump the brakes and stay in our cute little house. For a few more years at least.

BUT, as a compromise, we're going to finish our basement and add another bathroom (YAY!), bedroom and a family room. SO, we will be adding some additional living space over the next few months. We also have a 3-season sun porch (or really, I should call it a 1-season sun porch, because who are we kidding...) and we're going to heat it so we can use it year round. I want to turn that into an office space and a play area.

SO, all in all, we'll be adding quite a bit more livable space to our humble abode. I can't wait to start furniture shopping and decorating again! Ha :) AND, now I get to start planning the nursery since I know we'll be staying in the house. Overall, it's a win win. Plus, if we stay in the house for a few more years, we'll be paying down even more of our principal on our mortgage, and will have that much more equity in the house to buy an even bigger and better house. All good things.

Okay, back to the baby. My belly is GROWING! I literally felt like I woke up and I had a belly overnight. It was the crazy, most wonderful thing.

18 weeks!

How far along: 18 weeks

Baby's size: Sweet Potato (5.6 inches and 6.7 ounces)

Weight gain: 8ish lbs (let's just say the scale is rising FAST!)

Symptoms: I feel good, but my hips have been a bit achy and so has my back. Sleep has been the biggest issue, but some nights are really good and others not so much. I wake up at least once to go to the bathroom and then sometimes I can't fall back asleep. So, that's that. I guess it's preparing me for all of the sleepless nights ahead!

Pregnancy perks: Feeling the baby move! Oh, my. SOOOO wonderful. 

Things I miss:  The usual things... wine, sushi, deli meat. I miss the Beach Club from Jimmy Johns. And, coffee. I know you can drink a small cup of coffee a day, I just have been holding off, but I might indulge.

Food aversions: Still weird about meat sometimes. Milk has also been making my stomach feel weird, but this has been bothering me my whole pregnancy. I think I might try soy or almond milk and see if that helps.

Food cravings: Bagels and all things carbs and cheesey are my friend. Still love the sweet stuff, too. No true cravings this week.

Well, I'm excited about the progress so far and hope baby boy keeps on growing!