26 Week Bumpdate

 

       And here's me at 26 weeks, 4 days pregnant!

     Oh my.......baby bump!  And here's a picture of the t-shirt I am wearing.  At work, we got to wear a Christmas shirt all week.  I found this one at Target and HAD to get it for a couple of reasons.  I'll explain once you see the shirt.

 
     It says, "Good things come in small packages!"  Here are my reasons why I had to grab and wear this shirt:  One, I'm small, so the saying fit and was cute.  Two, I have a small "package," a.k.a. Brynlee, just chill-axin' in my tummy......and it's a good thing!  HA!  I thought it was fun.  I got lots of compliments on my shirt, and everyone thought it was adorable.  Mission achieved!

     This week, baby girl is the size of a head of lettuce; and with another comparison, she's the length of a burp cloth from crown to toesis.

     Her lungs are starting to develop more while she practices breathing by swallowing the amniotic fluid.  Her eyes are now fully developed and she should be opening them within the next week or two.  Even though she's in my tummy and I won't be able to see her eyes yet, it's exciting to know that they're starting to open!  Baby girl can recognize Tyson and my voice now.  So sweet.  Brynlee should be starting to fall into sleep and awake patterns now, and I should slowly start to recognize them.

     This week marked another prenatal checkup.  I had my glucose test done to check and see if I have gestational diabetes.  Well, news came back, and I DON'T!!!  I made a joke on Facebook on Wednesday that I should celebrate with some cake.  Although I don't have gestational diabetes, the blood tests confirmed that I AM slightly anemic and will start having to take an iron pill daily.  I'll take that over gestational diabetes any day!  Otherwise, everything seemed healthy.....me and baby.  My weight gain is still going perfect, so that's always good news to my ears.  The last thing I want to be told is, "Reannin, you need to slow down."  Brynlee's heartbeat was a strong 154 bmp, again.  She seems to like that number.  It's always reassuring to hear her heartbeat every time I have an appointment.  It's the one thing I REALLY look forward to at my checkups.  I have one more appointment that I have to wait 4 weeks for.  After that, I'm down to seeing my OBGYN every 2 weeks.  We're inching closer!

     Otherwise, nothing else to highlight this week.  For Christmas we'll be spending time with my family and then the day after Christmas we'll be heading to the beach to spend time with Tyson's.  I don't know if I'll be able to have the resources to blog my 27 week bumpdate while I'm there, but we'll see.  Anyways, Tyson and I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!!!

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How far along? I'm posting this at 26 weeks, 6 days.  

Total weight gain/loss:  I've gained 16 lbs. from my pre-pregnancy weight.  I looked at the scale on Tuesday as the nurse was weighing me and about near panicked!  I've NEVER had this much weight on my body before.  Kind of scary to see it on the scale.

Maternity clothes? Leggings these days are my best friend.  They're the most comfy.

Stretch marks?  None, yet.  Hopefully none, EVER!

Sleep: It wasn't awesome this week.  Up to pee in the middle of the night a couple of times, achy hips and back (even with body pillow) from being reduced to sleeping on my left or right side, and belly cramps from little, miss thang growing and stretching my uterus.......or sitting at some funny angle.

Best moment this week: Finding out I don't have gestational diabetes.  LET'S EAT CAKE!!!

Have you told family and friends: Of course. :)

Miss Anything?  An adult beverage and feeling...........sexy...

Symptoms: Lower abdominal pains, constant bladder pressure, interrupted sleep....  If you're reading this and are NOT pregnant or have NEVER been pregnant, I bet this is really making you want to get pregnant right now...

Movement: Kicking me in some funky places.  Last night I thought I was going to see a foot and a leg come stretching out from my side.  Where she kicks these days feel creepy and is sometimes uncomfy.

Food cravings: Nada.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing this week!

Have you started to show yet:  Having a lot of strangers ask me when I'm due, so I must be looking pregnant.  And!  I don't seem to mind them asking like some women do.  Ask away!  I get a big smile on my face when they ask.

Gender prediction: Girl!

Labor Signs: Nothing.

Belly Button in or out?  Slowly, but surely, making its way out!  Not completely, yet.  It's like at a teasing point right now.

Wedding rings on or off? On.  

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: Brynlee's eyes opening in the womb.

25 Week Bumpdate

     So, you'll have to forgive the poor quality of the bump shot, but I had to do that dorky thing where you stand in front of a mirror and take a picture of yourself with a camera phone.............yeah......THAT!  Tyson's been working extra jobs recently, so he hasn't been home to take my picture.  So!  I took it upon myself and did it! :)  Below is my 25 week, 4 day bump!  Getting bigger by the week!  VERY interested to see what I'll look like close to 40 weeks.  I'll probably be to the point of tipping over.

     This week, little Miss Brynlee is the size of a rutabaga   But, since I had no frickin' clue what in the world a rutabaga was, I looked it up on the internet and decided that I didn't like comparing our child to a rutabaga.  That is one ugly looking veggie or fruit or WHAT EVER it is......a cross between a turnip and a piece of ginger.  So, instead, baby girl is the size of a recorder that we all used to play in music class in elementary school.  You know you played "Hot Cross Buns" over and over!  Guilty over here!!!!



     At 25 weeks, she should be about 13.5 inches long and weigh about a pound and a half!  My little hot cross bun is cooking and getting plumper by the weeks with fat starting to fill her out!  Can't wait to see if she'll have tubba wubba thighs when she's out in this world.

     Unfortunately, I caught a cold this week, a pretty good one in fact.  I hadn't had these bad of symptoms in a while.  I heard pregnant womens' immune systems aren't completely awesome, so I wonder if that didn't help much.  Symptoms started BAD Monday night, was feeling HORRIBLE Tuesday and had to leave work early; but, miraculously the worst part went away on Wednesday and I already had myself going back to work.  Leaving work early Tuesday probably helped because I rested and drank/ate the hell out of my liquids.  I have this paranoia thing where I think if I'm sick, I'm hurting the baby.  While I was sick, though, Brynlee was bouncing about in my tummy, acting like nothing was wrong, so that was reassuring.

     Over the last couple of days, I have been thinking about A LOT of things and handling some business to get ready for this baby.  One thing that I've been thinking about a lot is the whole birthing process.  I fear that I'll not know how to push properly.  I'm also thinking about needles coming at me in every which way, which freaks the s**t out of me!  I've been thinking about the whole pushing process a little more than anything.  I just hope my body knows what to do when the time comes.  Also, I've got ourselves pre-registered for the hospital and started the process of maternity leave paperwork.  Now on the list, scheduling a hospital tour for the labor and delivery area, setting up for a fun 3D/4D ultrasound because I really want one and my husband is awesome and will let me, and researching pediatricians.  Everything is starting to become more real!

     Overall, I'm feeling fine, still not as nimble.  Having to rollllllllll myself off the couch or bed because I just can't stand up quick.  Looking at my pictures, I feel I look huge now., but I still have a ways to go so it's only going to get worse from here.  Otherwise, gearing up for Christmas Break (HALLELUJAH!).  One more week of school until then.  I'm thinking after Christmas, this pregnancy is going to fly and Brynlee will be here before we know it!

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How far along? I'm posting this at 25 weeks, 6 days.  

Total weight gain/loss:  I've gained 12 lbs. from my pre-pregnancy weight since my last appointment almost 5 weeks ago.  I actually see the doctor this TUESDAY.  I totally got my dates mixed.  So, hel-lo glucola drink and gestational diabetes blood test (BARF!!!) on Tuesday.  Also, we'll get to see how much more of a chunky butt I've become.

Maternity clothes? Still needing to probably buy some shirts that are either A) bigger or B) maternity.  I saw a TON of cute stuff in Target this past week that had me wanting to BUY EVERYTHING!!!!  But, I was good and didn't get anything.  Now I'm reconsidering and want to go back and maybe snag a few tops....

Stretch marks?  None.  Continuing with my Mustela Double Action Stretch Mark Cream , hoping that will keep stretch marks at bay!  

Sleep: I've been getting aches in my belly or sometimes in my sides that either wake me up, or keep me up.  Also, since I have to lie on my side, the weight is putting pressure on my hips.  I'll wake up feeling aches in my hips and back and have a hard time finding a position where it'll stop aching.  Thank goodness for this amazing body pillow my sis gave me.  I probably would be a lot worse without it.

Best moment this week: Got another "best dressed" compliment this week at work and was told that my nickname should be Sexy Sutton because I make pregnancy look sexy with the way I dress myself.  Had me cracking up when she got to the "Sexy Sutton" part.  It's moments like these that make this pregnant lady not feel like an ugly blowfish.

Have you told family and friends: Of course. :)

Miss Anything?  An adult beverage and feeling graceful

Symptoms: Backache, peeing a lot, nasal congestion (not helped by cold).............wobbling a little when I walk.

Movement: Still moving!  Tyson had his head on my belly this morning.  Brynlee was kicking him.  Just messing with her daddy!

Food cravings: I didn't really crave anything this week.  To be honest, before I was ever pregnant, I thought that I would just have constant INTENSE cravings for things.  That hasn't been the case since I've been pregnant.  I also find myself eating less portion-size wise while pregnant, which I find interesting.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing this week!

Have you started to show yet:  I had a lot of strangers ask me this week when I'm due while I've been out Christmas shopping.  Safe to say I look pregnant.

Gender prediction: Girl!  I just love using the word "she" in my conversations when I'm talking about her.  Oh!  and "her!" Hee..hee..  I also love calling her my daughter and telling people, who ask, that it's a girl and that I'm excited.

Labor Signs: Nothing.

Belly Button in or out?  It's starting to pop it's way through!  A little more this week.  We'll see next week.

Wedding rings on or off? On.  

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: Reading more about Brynlee's growth and development in my belly and seeing how much bigger my belly plans on getting.

24 Week Bumpdate

   Here's me looking 24 weeks and 5 days pregnant!

     This week, the baby is the size of an ear of corn.

     Our baby girl is growing fast!  It seems like faster than at the beginning.  According to the books, she's gained about 4 ounces in one week, putting her over a pound.  I have also learned that my uterus is the size of a soccer ball.  Interesting.

     Also this past week, I've had more people say, "NOW you're starting to show...." or "NOW you're starting to look pregnant."  I can't help but look back at previous week pictures and be like, "ARE YOU FRICKIN' KIDDING ME?!?!??!!!"  "You didn't think I looked pregnant before??!!???"  But, I know what they mean. I'm getting told by others that I look so tiny and cute; however, MY family seems to think I'm HUGE.  My stepmom thinks that I'll have a big baby.  According to her, a big baby is 7 lbs.  Seriously, mother?

     Other highlights of this week include running out of clothes to wear, Brynlee continuing her strange acrobatics that make me question what the hell she's doing to my insides, and me not being as nimble and graceful as I used to be.  Walking at a fast pace isn't do-able at the moment, as well as bending over and getting up from the couch, bed, or floor from a lying or sitting position.  I had to have Tyson untie my tennis shoes for me the other day because bending over to do it myself was just NOT going to happen.  My stomach shoves itself all up in my ribs when I try to lean over.

     I feel like my breathing is a little more labored these days, partially probably due to congestion, but also I feel like I'm heave hoeing a bunch of weight around.......and I'm not even up to my potential "BIG-NESS," yet.  Honestly, I can't help but laugh at myself every time I try to get up off the couch.  I feel like (and probably look like) the SEXIEST woman ever so elegantly THROWING and WIGGLING her legs up in the air to gain some momentum to get up.  Reaching for my glass of water on the coffee table right in front of me is also a joke.  I reach forward, get about a couple inches short of getting a good grab because the tummy is holding me back; so I'll just wiggle my fingers repeating, "Almost there," hoping the glass will magically glide itself towards my eager, open reach.  I'm slowly becoming useless and inching my way towards feeling like a beached whale.

     *Sighhhh...*  Let's just get to the weekly survey, shall we?

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How far along? I'm posting this at 25 weeks, actually.  I just turned 25 weeks today.  Yeah....I'm a little late on the posting.  You'll get your 25 weeks post by the end of this week.  HOWEVER!  The picture of me above IS a 24 week preggo picture! :)

Total weight gain/loss:  I've gained 12 lbs. from my pre-pregnancy weight.  That was about 3 weeks ago. I see the doc this Thursday for another prenatal visit and to do my gestational diabetes test....BLEGH!  This number is going to change my friends.

Maternity clothes? Starting to think I need to probably grab a few new maternity shirts/sweaters since I'm rotating on about a handful of items, now.

Stretch marks?  None.  Continuing with my Mustela Double Action Stretch Mark Cream , hoping that will keep stretch marks at bay!  

Sleep: Passing out cold every night thanks to a job that has me working with 42 kids, 5 days a week and on my feet, walking a lot.......preggers.

Best moment this week: Being told that I am a very fashionable pregnant lady.  I was shopping for Christmas gifts in Market Street on Saturday, and the sales girls walked up to me, told me that they were all talking about it since I walked in, and they wanted to let me know that they give them hope that you can still dress fashionable and be cute when you're pregnant.  My response was, "HECK YEAH you can! " ;)  Of course, I also said thank you and that they were so sweet.

Have you told family and friends: Of course. :)

Miss Anything?  An adult beverage and feeling graceful

Symptoms: Lower pelvic pain, peeing a lot, congestion, feeling this weird pushy feeling all up in my diaphragm.  Oh....and feeling like I'm hauling a truck....

Movement: Doing some SERIOUS acrobatics in my tummy at times, but not consistently.  She seems to be a little more calm than she was a couple of weeks ago.

Food cravings: I didn't really crave anything this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick: This week, the motion of the car got me a few times.  I don't know what was up.  Hadn't had that since earlier in my pregnancy.

Have you started to show yet:  Apparently, I'm just NOW starting to show.  Really.....

Gender prediction: All girl!

Labor Signs: Nothing.

Belly Button in or out?  It's slowly going from an inny to becoming a flatty.  Not quite outty, yet.  But, I give it a couple of more weeks and my belly button will be as flat as a pancake.

Wedding rings on or off? On.  

Happy or Moody most of the time: In the middle.  This week, I was just plain tired and feeling not-so maneuverable.

Looking forward to: Seeing just exactly where my body plans on putting the rest of this baby as Brynlee gets bigger.  I feel like I'm already running out of room.

23 Week Bumpdate

     And  here's me at 23 weeks, 6 days pregnant.  Tomorrow I'll be 24 weeks preggers!  Moving right along!

     This week, the baby is the size of a grapefruit.  Seriously...  Would you look at my stomach.  That looks like it's holding more of a basketball than a grapefruit.



     As far as developments this week, Brynlee continues to hear voice as well as other outside noises (ie: dogs barking, the vacuum cleaner going, etc.)  These noises are apparently becoming more familiar to her now, so it won't phase her when she's here out in this world.  She's also more in tune with my movements; therefore, she can feel me move.  She's now weighing OVER a pound.  I think I read somewhere that fetuses during 23 weeks gain up to 4 oz., which is a lot to me in a short amount of time.

     Baby girl is still prancing and dancing about in my belly.  I still get really excited every time I feel her move.  I continue to see her move underneath my belly, but no big, bulging movements, yet.  One night, I witnessed a large bulge on my left side.  A butt or a head, we don't know, but I felt my uterus stretch out on that side, lifted my shirt, saw a bulge, and told Tyson to come look at it and feel it.  He thought it was pretty cool.  We could just see her hanging out up front and to the left.  I find myself lifting my shirt a lot.......in the privacy of my own home, of course.  Not in public.  I think I'd get some funky stares.  I've been feeling her kick pretty darn close to my ribs, and it's kind of a creepy feeling.  I think it's only a matter of time before I feel the kicks IN my ribs.  Joy.

     Also this week, I received a generous amount of baby goodies from my Sam Houston State soon-to-be-teachers that I mentor.  I couldn't believe how above and beyond they went and felt so blessed to have been given as much stuff as I did.  Here's a picture of my gifts from them.


     
     Isn't that just AMAZING what they did for me and Brynlee!?!??  It was so sweet.  There are a couple of gifts for me that you see.  It's a "blinged out" keyboard and mouse for my desk at work.  As the story goes, over the last couple of years, former students of mine have bought me crystal/gem covered scissors, tape dispenser, pencil holder, and stapler because they know their teacher is such a girly girl.  Well, my mentor students contributed to my collection by getting me the matching keyboard and mouse.  I just about lost it, I was laughing so hard.  I kept repeating, "This is AWESOME!"  I was so excited.  So a little for me and a little for Miss Brynlee! :)

    So, that wraps it up for this week.  Tomorrow starts a new week of pregnancy.  Until that post, here's your 23 week preggo survey...

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How far along? I'm posting this at 23 weeks and 6 days

Total weight gain/loss:  I've gained 12 lbs. from my pre-pregnancy weight.

Maternity clothes? Nothing new this week! :)

Stretch marks?  None.  Continuing with my Mustella cream, hoping that will keep stretch marks at bay!

Sleep: Pretty decent.

Best moment this week: Being surprised with my wonderful Brynlee gifts, and one of my students rubbing my belly and talking to it, saying, "Hi baby...hi little baby..."

Have you told family and friends: Of course. :)

Miss Anything?  An adult beverage and feeling a flat belly.

Symptoms: A few aches and pains there in my lower back, lower pelvic pain.  Ugh.  And she's just ONLY a little over a pound right now...

Movement: Happily moving about and SHOWING mommy that she's moving.

Food cravings: Sprite

Anything making you queasy or sick: Still good!

Have you started to show yet:  Ooooohhh yes I have!

Gender prediction: All girl!

Labor Signs: Nothing.

Belly Button in or out?  Still hanging IN there!  Ha. Ha.  Get it?!?!

Wedding rings on or off? On.  

Happy or Moody most of the time: In the middle.  I felt like a had a moodier week this week.

Looking forward to: Seeing or feeling how Brynlee responds to loud sounds and Tyson and my voice.