22 Weeks

This pregnancy seems to be going at rapid speed as i deal with more pressing issues. My adorable and precocious toddler Lyla has learned to walk and is now climbing, running, falling and zipping all over the place. Over the last few days she has also started teething and its a nightmare. I am pretty sure she is getting her 1-year molars and is absolutely miserable.

On the plus side, Matt and I did get away for our first weekend without the baby (and without any family obligations) since she was born. Actually...it's been even longer than that. I think the last time we got away just the two of us with no family members, no weddings, no holidays was when we went to Italy about two-ish years ago.

We went to Asheville, NC which is like a little hippy town in the mountains that is only about 4-hours away from Charleston. We ate, Matt drank, and we were merry. It was good to get away. We should do it more often but with the impending birth of our second child the opportunity seems to be slipping away from us. We don't expect another chance like that for the next two years.

Back to pregnancy news...I am getting bigger by the minute, my sciatica is also getting worse and baby boy is an active kicker. I haven't been able to get to the gym as much as I want to, nor as much as I did during my first pregnancy. I feel incredible out of shape, short of breath and exhausted. I just feel like I never gave my body enough of a break in between and that's probably the reality of it. I could only start bringing Lyla to the gym with me when she turned six months old and then I got pregnant again when she was about eight months old. I know I will get back into it when the boy is born but it just seems so far away.

Which brings me to my nerves. I am absolutely shake-in-my-boot terrified about having another baby with Lyla being so wild right now. I remember all the challenges we faced during Lyla's first year and I can't imagine how desperately helpless we are going to feel when there are two that demand my mind, body and attention. I am not excited to be breastfeeding again, which I'm sure makes me a bad mom but dear god it was so nice when Lyla started to take a bottle!

I want to do my best for both of these kids and I don't know how to do that. I am so in love with my daughter that I worry that her brother will just seem like an awful inconvenience for his first few months. These feelings will go away when I see him and get to know him, I hope. I didn't immediately fall in love with Lyla as a newborn either. I don't think I'm the biggest fan of the newborn phase. They're pretty useless. But now, even as Lyla enters into toddler-hood guns-blazing I am obsessed with her. Hopefully that happens with my second-born (everyone says it does).


I'll leave you with this bump photo:

18 Weeks / 19 Weeks

Here I am...again. 18 weeks pregnant and just starting to document my pregnancy.


*** I am now 19 weeks because of Thanksgiving I never actually wrote this post so here I go again.

This pregnancy has not been a picnic. The first three months were spent being nauseous, tired and generally bedridden. Since about 14 weeks I have been functional, but now I am already experiencing back pain, sciatica and some serious round ligament pain. Not fun.

The great thing is I am almost half way through already and baby boy is growing right on track. We go in for our anatomy scan mid-December and I can't wait to see our little man!

18 Weeks

38 Weeks: False Labor

This week has been crazy, crazy, crazy. On Monday we went to the doctor for an appointment and I got my membranes sweeped. This is a procedure that helps "ripen" the cervix for labor. Pretty much it can help jump start labor or at least it can help move your cervix along so you go into labor naturally on your own. The doctor checked my cervix and then while she was all up in there, she stuck her fingers through my cervix and separated the amniotic sack from the uterus. Well needless to say, this got things going. It was mildly painful, more uncomfortable than anything but it only lasted a few seconds.

Later in the day I felt very crampy and around 7pm that ended up turning into real contractions. At first they were erratic and I wasn't really sure if they were contractions or what was going on. They felt different than anything I have ever experienced. They continued to get more steady and more and more obvious. They came on like waves, my blood pressure would rise and then i could feel them building in my back/butt and wrapping around my lower abdomen. Once they got to be 5-7 minutes apart for 40-60secs each we called the doctor. We sat at home with me having contractions for a long time. I was certain I was in labor, but alas, I was wrong. Around 2am they trickled out and I went to bed. Since then I have been feeling random contractions very far apart and some mild cramps. Searching the internet has told me this is completely normal after a membrane sweep and I could potentially feel this way for the rest of the time I'm pregnant.

How Far Along: 38 weeks, 4 days

How Long To Go: 1 weeks, 3 days

Weight Gain: .8lbs
Total Weight Gain: 21lbs
Weight: 141lbs

Belly Button: Total outie

Stretch Marks: none

Sleep: Finally started using one of those pregnancy pillows (Matt calls it my candy cane) and I don't know why I waited so long

Best Moment This Week: Hanging with Nicole and Mason!! Dinner at a favorite restaurant with our friends Allison and Morgan Hurley and a girls lunch earlier in the week

Nausea: A little bit randomly

Craving: Sleep

Miss Anything: Don't even remember what its like not being pregnant. I miss that.

Movement: A little decreased movement, but still an active baby.

Gender: bouncing baby girl

Symptoms: False labor contractions!!!

Wedding Ring: Off for the most part

Looking Forward To: Having this freakin baby!!!

Maternity Clothes: Lucky if I put on clothes at this point

Fruit: Swiss Chard (6.5lb, 19-22 inches)

Weird Dreams This Week: Don't remember


XOXO
Lisa

37 Weeks

 

How Far Along: 37 weeks, 2 days

How Long To Go: 2 weeks, 5 days

Weight Gain: 3.4lbs
Total Weight Gain: 20.4lbs
Weight: 140.2lbs

Belly Button: Total outie

Stretch Marks: none

Sleep: The extra weight of my baby is making staying in one position difficult so I toss and turn all night.

Best Moment This Week: finding out that my body is preparing to have this baby. Nothing makes the light at the end of the tunnel seem a little closer than finding out you could have the baby at any time from here on out

Nausea: None at all

Craving: Halloween candy! and unfortunately, its around.

Miss Anything: being comfortable

Movement: She wiggles more than kicks. Lots of dragging of body parts. She's probably pretty cramped at this point.

Gender: bouncing baby girl

Symptoms: Lots of Braxton Hicks contractions...like almost every night, and tons of back pain. My feet are too small for this extra weight, they hurt so bad!

Wedding Ring: Off for the most part. Mostly because I wake up with a little swelling and forget to put it on in the morning.

Looking Forward To: Nicole and Mason are coming to visit on Wednesday night and staying for two nights!! Nicole and I made fast friends during my best friend Katie's wedding. Nicole is her cousin and was her maid of honor and I love her. We are gunna pal around downtown for the day on Thursday, for as long as my pregnant body can handle it. I'm also really excited to get some wise mama advice from her right before this baby comes.

Maternity Clothes: So happy it is spandex season!!!!!

Fruit: Winter Melon (6.5lb, 19-22 inches)

Weird Dreams This Week: Had a dream that my mucus plug came out when i went to the bathroom during a dinner party with the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.


P.S. I just came back from the doctor and I am already 2cm dilated and 50% effaced and my mucus plug is gone. Doc said to make sure the car seat is installed (it isn't) and my hospital bags are packed (mostly there)

XOXO
Lisa

35 Weeks

How Far Along: 35 weeks, 5 days

How Long To Go: 4 weeks, 2 days

Weight Gain: -.4lbs
Total Weight Gain: 17lbs
Weight: 136.8lbs

Belly Button: Total outie

Stretch Marks: none

Sleep: I was prescribed Ambien 5mg at my last doctors appointment and I am in heaven. I can actually sleep!!

Best Moment This Week: Just finished buying and ordering EVERYTHING we need for the baby's arrival, including ordering my breast pump so I feel a lot more in control and prepared than I did. We also got our stroller for 60% off after a bunch of sales and discounts...a super satisfying moment!

Nausea: None at all

Craving: Pho

Miss Anything: being comfortable

Movement: Her movements feel like drags and they hurt. I described it to Matt as the feeling you get when you're running and you get a cramp in your side.

Gender: bouncing baby girl

Symptoms: Holy shit these next four weeks are going to drag if I remain in this amount of pain. I've got bad SI joint pain, sciatica, and last night began the carpal tunnel that radiated pain through all the joints on my right side of my body: my hand, fingers, wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck all the way to my back, hip, knee and ankle. Today is a bit better, but I'm sure it will get worse later since all my symptoms get worse at night. Also working it's magic today is my debilitating sciatica. I am in bed with my feet up because every step shoots pain up my feet and into my back. This past week I have also started to feel feverish/sick every evening starting around 3pm.

Wedding Ring: Still on! there's a coupe of moments of swelling here and there but it's on for most of the day every day.

Looking Forward To: Getting all the rest of our stuff in the mail from Amazon.com.

Maternity Clothes: Just received my first nursing bra in the mail and I LOVE it already. It's from La Leche League and is meant to sleep in but I might wear it all the time. It's kind of like a v-neck sports bra and is not only super comfy, but it's kind of cute. I plan to see how much bigger my boobs get once my milk comes in adn then order a couple more of these. I also ordered some staples from H&M.com including a new set of pajamas, a pair of maternity black leggings (it's cold now!), a flowy long sleeve top that I should be able to wear and nurse in and still look cute and casual once baby arrives. I JUST discovered the maternity line at H&M and wish I had found it sooner.

Fruit: Canary Melon (5.5lb, 19-22 inches)

Weird Dreams This Week: Had a dream about preparing for Christmas last night....I think I'm a little ahead of myself lol

XOXO
Lisa

34 Weeks

How Far Along: 34 weeks, 6 days

How Long To Go: 5 weeks, 1 days

Weight Gain: .4lbs
Total Weight Gain: 17.4lbs
Weight: 137.2lbs

Belly Button: Total outie

Stretch Marks: none

Sleep: I was prescribed Ambien 5mg at my last doctors appointment and I am in heaven. I can actually sleep!!

Best Moment This Week: My whole weekend. The baby shower with friends and family, my bestie Rachel coming into town and staying with us! I haven't spent that much time with her in years and it was so freaking great.

Nausea: None at all

Craving: nada

Miss Anything: being comfortable

Movement: She is maintaining her amateur gymnast status

Gender: bouncing baby girl

Symptoms: back pain like nothing I've ever felt! thankfully I have some prenatal massages from my parents to use! I'm also starting to notice some bloating in my face and arms...Matt doesn't see it but I think I can.

Wedding Ring: Had to remove it this morning because it was tight.

Looking Forward To: Hitting the milestone of once-a-week doctors appointments...sounds weird but it means I'm in the home stretch. Also, looking forward to finishing up our registry by getting all the essentials we need and finally cleaning and putting it all away so we are ready to go whenever little girl Pontius wants to make her debut.

Maternity Clothes: The dress in my picture this week isn't a maternity dress but it was on super sale from $80 down to $20 so I couldn't resist. It fit over the bump so I got a medium and will just alter it if I need to once I'm no longer preggo...but I LOVE it! I've come to realize that whatever can fit over the bump is now maternity wear.

Fruit: Pineapple (4.9lb, 19-22 inches)

Weird Dreams This Week: Dreamed about our daughter last night. Saw her face and her hair was just like Matt's. I also changed her diaper like a champ in my dream, but she has some serious poop going on.

XOXO
Lisa

33 Weeks

How Far Along: 33 weeks, 5 days

How Long To Go: 6 weeks, 2 days

Weight Gain: 1.8lbs
Total Weight Gain: 17lbs
Weight: 136.8lbs

Belly Button: Total outie

Stretch Marks: none..and starting to think I might be safe

Sleep: I don't think sleep in the third trimester is possible. It takes forever for me to get sleepy, and then when I do my back and hips hurt so bad that I have to move to get comfortable again. It's like the weight of my belly is crushing my bones!

Best Moment This Week: My birthday!!!

Nausea: None at all

Craving: nothing this week

Miss Anything: being comfortable, sleep

Movement: She is doing some crazy full body rolls that are now inching into my rib cage and sternum...kind of painful

Gender: bouncing baby girl

Symptoms: still going strong with the back pain, leg pain, feet pain and overall feeling like a weeble wobble

Wedding Ring: on

Looking Forward To: my bestie Rachel coming to visit, and our second (co-ed) baby shower on Saturday. Also, I have my last even tomorrow so after this weekend I am officially on maternity leave!

Maternity Clothes: As fall approaches I am not as excited as I usually am for the change in wardrobe...mostly because my bump is enormous and i can't buy cute new fall clothes

Fruit: Honeydew Melon (4.5lb, 19 inches)

Weird Dreams This Week: Had my first "I'm in labor" dream. Woke up still pregnant...kinda disappointed

XOXO
Lisa

32 Weeks

Okay, okay, so I missed last week. I have been fighting my lack of motivation in all things lately, not just blogging. I feel like my first trimester exhaustion has come back with a vengeance and nothing seems quite as good as curling up on the couch with a book and hibernating from the dreary rainy weather we've been having. Luckily I cut back on work for the month of October and have the free time to do so. I have written recently about my sense of guilt at slowing down my work pace and I think I am finally at peace with the decision. Perhaps it took me having another bout of excruciating sciatic pain that rendered me horizontal for hours. During those hours I contemplated how horrific life would have seemed if I had a client to cook for in my compromised state, and now I know that I have made the right decision. I have two more events scheduled already, one this Friday and another on the following Friday, and then I am on full-blown maternity leave. It seems crazy to me that we are here already. Just a few short weeks and I will be packing a hospital bag and preparing our home for the arrival of our daughter. YIKES!

Matt and I finally acknowledged out ignorance on the subject of child-rearing and ordered a couple of books from amazon and signed up for some classes at the hospital. I'll hopefully read and review these books before the baby arrives, or else I will be learning on the job and trying to stay calm. Our biggest priority is getting her on a schedule as quickly as possible. We already have three dogs that have a pretty solid routine...one that runs the household mind you, but that's a whole other story. To save our sanity we will need to at least have a slight handle on our new addition after a few weeks (although this might be wishful thinking).

How Far Along: 32 weeks, 2 days

How Long To Go: 7 weeks, 5 days

Weight Gain: 1.8lbs
Total Weight Gain: 15.2lbs
Weight: 135lbs

Belly Button: Total outie

Stretch Marks: none

Sleep: Getting hard to get comfortable again as my belly gets bigger

Best Moment This Week: Having some friends over for football

Nausea: some slight nausea last night and this morning

Craving: fruit and chocolate

Miss Anything: being comfortable

Movement: her kicks are becoming less often, but her full body movements are increasing...I think she is just a bit more squished in there and so when she moves I can feel huge parts moving. She is also probably getting ready to turn head down

Gender: bouncing baby girl

Symptoms: OMG back pain!! Sciatic pain to be exact. It is killing me!

Wedding Ring: on

Looking Forward To: My birthday on Monday!!

Maternity Clothes: I'm getting sad looking at all the cute fall clothes that I will not be purchasing this season because I am enormous and don't want to buy the maternity versions.

Fruit: Head of Lettuce (4lb, 19 inches)

Weird Dreams This Week: Tried really hard to remember my dream from last night but already forgot it...maybe it will come to me later.

XOXO

Lisa

30 Weeks

30 Weeks

How Far Along: 30 weeks, 5 days

How Long To Go: 9 weeks, 2 days

Weight Gain: 2.6lbs
Total Weight Gain: 13.4lbs
Weight: 133.2lbs

Belly Button: Total outie

Stretch Marks: none

Sleep: Getting hard to get comfortable again as my belly gets bigger

Best Moment This Week: My awesome baby shower!!

Nausea: none

Craving: Asian food in all forms

Miss Anything: Not really

Movement: She moves like crazy and is definitely kicking harder

Gender: bouncing baby girl

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, back pain, the beginning of a Linea Nigrea is starting to show, heartburn!

Wedding Ring: on

Looking Forward To: Girls night tonight with Tess!

Maternity Clothes: The dress I ordered for the shower didn't work. It was too flowy and made me look bigger than I am

Fruit: Butternut Squash (3.1lb, 17 inches)

Weird Dreams This Week: Nothing really notable to report.

XOXO

Lisa

29 Weeks

This week was really exciting because we went to the doctor and we went back to See Me 3D (pictures in a separate post) for another ultrasound all on Thursday. The doctors visit couldn't have gone better. We saw a different doctor this time, which was fine because they're pretty boring appointments, and we loved her. She was also very impressed with my charts, saying that both the baby and I are in perfect condition and right on track. She even said that I could teach a class on how to be pregnant. I have to admit, I don't think I've ever been told how good I look more consistently than since I've been pregnant. It's  a real confidence booster, which is definitely needed on the days that I feel like I'm sporting a trucker's beer gut around.

Since we saw our baby girl on that 3D ultrasound she is all I can think about. I can't wait to meet her and I am so in love already.

 

How Far Along: 29 weeks, 2 days

How Long To Go: 10 weeks, 5 days

Weight Gain: 1.2lbs
Total Weight Gain: 10.8lbs
Weight: 130.6lbs

Belly Button: starting to poke out! I'm getting an outie!

Stretch Marks: none

Sleep: Getting hard to get comfortable again as my belly gets bigger

Best Moment This Week: Seeing our beautiful girl in 3D!

Nausea: none

Craving: Chocolate Milk

Miss Anything: feeling comfortable

Movement: Her kicks are getting harder, and more painful

Gender: bouncing baby girl

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, back pain, the beginning of a Linea Nigrea is starting to show.

Wedding Ring: on

Looking Forward To: My baby shower on Saturday!!!!! So excited I can't even stand it!!

Maternity Clothes: Ordered another dress off ASOS.com for the shower, can't wait to wear it

Fruit: Small Cabbage (2.9lb, 17 inches)

Weird Dreams This Week: Had a dream that Matt was running errands with me and I had to get home to prep for an event. He wouldn't take me home because he wanted to run to Lowe's and I got so mad I slapped his arms. I woke up because I was actually hitting him in my sleep in bed!! LOL

XOXO

Lisa

28 Weeks: Third Trimester!!!!!!!!!!

 THIRD TRIMESTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How Far Along: 28 weeks, 3 days

How Long To Go: 11 weeks, 4 days

Weight Gain: 2.4lbs
Total Weight Gain: 9.6lbs
Weight: 129.4lbs

Belly Button: flat!

Stretch Marks: none

Sleep: I love and cherish my sleep

Best Moment This Week: Reaching the third trimester!! Getting and putting together our baby's crib!! Going through Matt's old baby stuff and found a journal that his mom kept when she was pregnant. Our pregnancies seem very similar. I think this baby is taking after her daddy. Also, spending some great quality time with our friends at the beach...I love our friends

Nausea: none

Craving: sweets

Miss Anything: I miss knowing my body well...everything is new now

Movement: I think I'm giving birth to a soccer star...or a ninja

Gender: bouncing baby girl

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, back pain, the beginning of a Linea Nigrea is starting to show.

Wedding Ring: on

Looking Forward To: Seeing our baby girl in 3D on Thursday!!

Maternity Clothes: I actually fit into a pair of pre-pregnancy shorts over the weekend and couldn't have been more pleased about it!

Fruit: Head of Cauliflower (2.5lb, 16 inches)

Weird Dreams This Week: Had a sexual dream where I was watching porn and tried to entice my hubby to have sex and his response was: "nah...I'm busy, just take care of yourself" (HAHAHA this would never happen in real life)

XOXO

Lisa

27 Weeks

Last picture in the 2nd Trimester!!!

How Far Along: 27 weeks, 4 days

How Long To Go: 12 weeks, 3 days

Weight Gain: didn't weigh myself this week
Total Weight Gain: 7.2lbs
Weight: 127lbs

Belly Button: flat!

Stretch Marks: none

Sleep: trouble getting to sleep

Best Moment This Week: the wedding in Aspen!!!

Nausea: none

Craving: Sushi

Miss Anything: Had a lot of bummer moments this weekend at the wedding with all the fabulous wine, beer and booze everyone was partaking in. I also had to pass up tuna tartare and lox during the festivities that cut me right to the heart.

Movement: Lots of kicks and movements, last night she had these rapid fire machine-gun-like movements that actually freaked me out a bit.

Gender: bouncing baby girl

Symptoms: milk is officially coming out of my boobs when i grab them...my hubby actually found this out. Also, I had my first experience with Braxton Hicks contractions

Wedding Ring: on

Looking Forward To: our next 3D ultrasound which we are scheduling for next week

Maternity Clothes: Couldn't have been happier with my purchases, especially at the wedding. I received a lot of compliments on my dress which I got from ASOS for $25! Gotta love a deal on clothes, especially clothes I can only wear for another three months. 

Fruit: Cucumber (2.2lb, 15 inches)

Weird Dreams This Week: I had a dream that Ray Lewis was trying to break into my house to murder me during a tornado...my friend Jenn made an appearance as she ran into my house for safety (from the tornado, not the crazed Ray Lewis)

XOXO
Lisa

26 Weeks

This week was a little rough, physically. The closer to the third trimester I get, the more I am starting to feel the affects of my growing body. My back and pelvic pain is at an all-time high. I went to the gym the past two days and after I got home yesterday the pain that was radiating down my legs was almost unbearable. Along with back pain, I have now developed acid reflux. I have never had acid reflux before so it is particularly unpleasant, especially because I love tomatoes and spicy food. Another lovely symptom that has developed this week is trouble sleeping. My enlarged belly is making getting comfortable extremely difficult at night time, and it also happens to be my daughters favorite time to kick me.

Although it sounds like I am doing a lot of complaining here, I am actually really enjoying being pregnant still. I feel so blessed to have this little girl inside of me and I can't believe I am almost in the third trimester! Things are getting into gear for both of our upcoming baby showers and I am planning out my last two months of work. All of a sudden it feels as if we have very little time to get our ducks in a row before our little one arrives. We have also reached the point where we will now be seeing the doctor every two weeks.

We went to the doctor yesterday and she gave me some good tips for my back pain (heating pad, muscle relaxer if necessary, taking it easy with the exercise) and gave me a thumbs up as far as baby's heart rate and growth. She said I was measuring at 25.5 which means baby girl is on the small-ish side, which I don't mind. She is definitely getting bigger and I wouldn't mind a 6lb baby on delivery day lol. My weight gain is starting to become steadier and I have definitely gained the most weight this past month (about 5 pounds). The only concern from the doctor was that I am on the verge of having too low of an iron level, so she just asked me to be mindful of eating high iron foods to keep my levels up.

We leave for a wedding in Aspen on Thursday so today I am cooking the remainder of my delivery meals and hopefully will have time to get primped before we go. I can't wait to show off my bump to my in-laws who haven't seen me since pre-pregnancy. They are so excited for this baby that I'm sure I will be closely monitored this weekend...I anticipate being offered lots of food and being asked if I need to rest constantly. Hopefully my back pain will be manageable enough for me to dance at this over-the-top wedding!

grimacing in back pain

 

How Far Along: 26 weeks, 3 days

How Long To Go: 13 weeks, 4 days

Weight Gain: 0lbs
Total Weight Gain: 7.2lbs
Weight: 127lbs

Belly Button: flat!

Stretch Marks: none

Sleep: Really tired all day and then a lot of trouble sleeping

Best Moment This Week: Having a couple of at-home date nights with my hubby, including a movie marathon

Nausea: none

Craving: sweets...went and got TCBY the other night and it really hit the spot. Still trying to beat the craving with fruit.

Miss Anything: Sleeping on my stomach

Movement: Lots of kicks and movements

Gender: bouncing baby girl

Symptoms: Acid reflux, back pain, pelvic pain, leg pain, general body discomfort...and i'm supposed to get bigger???

Wedding Ring: still on

Looking Forward To: Going to Aspen on Thursday!!! I need a vacation!

Maternity Clothes: purchased a pair of maternity jeans and can't wait to rock them out in Colorado

Fruit: Butternut squash (2lb, 9.2 inches)

Weird Dreams This Week: Had a dream this week that when the baby was kicking, her little arm and leg protruded from my belly skin and looked kind of like barbie limbs were sticking out of me...I had to push them back in. Also part of the same dream, I was in preterm labor.

XOXO
Lisa

25 Weeks

 

 This has been a stressful week. I was busy with work, we started and completed a huge project, and my niece was in the hospital for 4 days. Everything is fine and little Brooke is back at home, but it gave everyone, myself included, major anxiety for the entire week. 

To keep busy, Matt and I embarked on an ENORMOUS home renovation project that was brought about by my extreme nesting. Nesting, like pregnancy brain, is entirely real. For no reason at all, the state of our kitchen and dining room area bothered me and it had to be changed. So we painted, then Matt installed a new backsplash and sink, I decorated and we both took on the biggest headache - refinishing our dining room table. It was a lot of work, but it kept our hands and minds busy and off of Brooke being in the hospital. 

Between the home projects and the worry there wasn't much sleep this week and both Matt and I felt like zombies the whole time. My brain actually had a hard time functioning. Thankfully, with the good news of Brooke's discharge from the hospital and a couple of solid nights of sleep, I feel back to myself again.

 

How Far Along: 25 weeks,5 days

How Long To Go: 14 weeks, 2 days

Weight Gain: 2.8lbs
Total Weight Gain: 7.2lbs
Weight: 127lbs

Belly Button: flattening out

Stretch Marks: none

Sleep: exhausted!

Best Moment This Week: Finishing a HUGE home renovation project. We painted, tiled and re-finished furniture in our kitchen, dining room and sun room.

Nausea: none

Craving: nothing this week

Miss Anything: Nope

Movement: Lots of kicks and movements

Gender: girl

Symptoms: emotional, tired, back pain, pregnancy brain!

Wedding Ring: still on

Looking Forward To: Going to Aspen next week for a wedding!!

Maternity Clothes: Still loving my maternity clothes but feel good that I can still fit in to a lot of my pre-pregnancy clothes too (with a belly band)

Fruit: Eggplant (1.7lb, 9 inches)

Weird Dreams This Week: I was married to Jennifer Lawrence....referred to her as my wife and everything


XOXO
Lisa

24 Weeks

This week has been an emotional roller coaster. My hormones are definitely raging, as I have entered a very weepy stage of pregnancy. I have cried three times this week, one of those times I would categorize as hysterical. I freaked out about bills, work, money, and how we are going to be responsible for this tiny new person we're creating together. The crazy part is that work is fine, I'm busy and have recently taken on some new clients and I have a big event booked for the beginning of August...so really, I'm just a nut. I think the knowledge that I am shutting up shop soon has gotten me on edge and I'm worried about juggling being a full-time mom with a full-time entrepreneur.

In actual fact, minus the cry-fests, we actually have a LOT to be excited about in the near future. We are going to Aspen in two weeks for a family members wedding and we are stoked, afew weeks after that is my baby shower and we've almost finished two huge DIY home projects (the nursery, and the kitchen/dining room). I plan on posting about both projects once they're completed because we are really proud of how they're coming along.

Anyway, I'm chalking up my weepy week to hormones and hoping to get a grip in the coming weeks.

How Far Along: 24 weeks, 6 days

How Long To Go: 15 weeks, 1 days

Weight Gain: .4lbs
Total Weight Gain: 4.2lbs
Weight: 124.2lbs

Belly Button: holding on for dear life

Stretch Marks: none

Sleep: tired all the time but hard to get to sleep

Best Moment This Week: Picking our daughters full name. Going out to dinner with my sister and brother-in-law. starting a huge makeover of our kitchen/dining room. Finding out my Glucose Tolerance Test came back negative and I need no further testing for gestational diabetes

Nausea: none

Craving: nothing this week

Miss Anything: wine :-/. With my raging hormones I miss my usual crutch - some lovely wine.

Movement: She is so active that it is starting to keep me from getting comfortable

Gender: girl

Symptoms: emotional, tired, back pain

Wedding Ring: still on

Looking Forward To: Finishing our projects

Maternity Clothes: Loving the pieces I got this week from ASOS and Pinkblush Maternity. The dress from ASOS is a powder blue bodycon dress that I am going to rock the hell out of at this upcoming wedding. The pieces from Pinkblush Maternity fit well, although some of the maxi dresses were too long. I am actually wearing one of the Pinkblush dresses in my picture this week.

Fruit: Ear of Corn (1.5lb, 8.5 inches)

Weird Dreams This Week: I don't remember any particularly interesting dreams from this past week...I'll pay more attention next week


XOXO
Lisa

23 Weeks

This week has been a lot going on. It started at the end of last week when I took my Glucose Tolerance Test. This is the test that determines a lot in the next few months of pregnancy. Basically it is a blood test that you take after drinking a syrupy sweet drink and waiting an hour. The blood test after you drink the drink and wait an hour determines how well your blood is filtering sugars to your babies placenta. If your test comes back positive (with levels over 135) you have to then go and do a follow up test that takes 3 hours long! More than being just a pain in the ass, if your first and second test come back positive you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes and are put on a restricted, low-sugar diet and have to regularly monitor your blood sugar with finger pricks. Not my idea of making the last trimester of this pregnancy any more fun!

So, I took the first test on Friday and have been anxiously awaiting results since then. They told me that they would be ready by Monday and yet, I haven't heard a peep from my doctor. I even tried calling but I felt silly leaving a message for such a routine thing. I figure, no news is probably good news.

On another note, my sister and her hubby are back in town this week and brought baby Brooke down for another visit. She is 11 weeks now and looks like a little person. It's crazy how fast they grow! I can't wait for her to meet her new baby cousin and for there to be two crying poop machines at my parents house lol.

These last few weeks Matt and I have been toying with names for our upcoming addition and without letting on to too many people, we have narrowed it down to just a couple combinations of first and middle names. We don't plan on telling anyone the name until we've fully committed to one, but we are also toying with the idea of not telling anyone the final name until she is born. In the mean time Matt's dad and step-mom have been calling her BGP for Baby Girl Pontius, and my family picked up on a silly name Matt made up: Birch Canoe. So...baby girl Pontius, or Birch Canoe will have to do until we are ready to announce a name, which could be within days, or at the hospital.

How Far Along: 23 weeks, 4 days

How Long To Go: 16 weeks, 3 days

Weight Gain: 1.8lbs
Total Weight Gain: 3.8lbs
Weight: 123.8lbs

Belly Button: holding on for dear life

Stretch Marks: none

Sleep: getting better sleep now that i am adjusting to sleeping on my sides

Best Moment This Week: cooking a fancy meal for my sisters 30th birthday. It was fun for me to get to do what I do professionally for my family. I don't think they quite understood what I do until now and they were all very appreciative and complimentary. It gave me warm fuzzies.

Nausea: none

Craving: not really, i just miss my deli from back home in NY

Miss Anything: bagels and lox from Bagels&More in Hartsdale, NY

Movement: she is super active but has been gun shy when I've tried to get my mom or sister to feel her

Gender: girl

Symptoms: My emotions have leveled back out thankfully so I don't feel like an emotional basket case. Haven't noticed any new symptoms except yesterday when I had a near panic attack out of hungry. It hit me out of no where and all of a sudden I was driving and got really sweaty and shaky because I was so hungry. I had already stopped and gotten Matt and I some Pho for dinner but I couldn't make it home! I had to stop and get a grilled chicken wrap from the chick-fil-a drive through and I mauled it like a starving trucker on the road as I drove home.

Wedding Ring: still on

Looking Forward To: getting my glucose tolerance test results (and finding out they were negative)

Maternity Clothes: Had to make a larger scale maternity purchase this week. Thankfully I got an incredible deal at Pinkblushmaternity.com and got several staple pieces for around $150. Maternity clothes are EXPENSIVE and they've got you by the balls because there comes a point where you just HAVE to buy them. It's genius really. I also bought a dress from ASOS.com which has a great maternity line at an affordable price because I have to go to a wedding in August and can't fit in any of my formal attire anymore. Nothing has arrived yet so I'll keep you posted.

Fruit: Papaya (1.4lb, 8 inches) - same general size as last week according to the What to Expect App

Weird Dreams This Week: I had a very sexual dream about Kiefer Sutherland the other night. We made passionate, movie-style sex and then were smoking cigarettes in bed and talking about how Freddie Prince Jr was trashing him on the radio. Kiefer was not pleased about Freddie's remarks. (BTW...I do not find Kiefer Sutherland attractive, he's kinda old and sooo not my type. I would've much preferred a sex dream with Freddie Prince Jr. lol)

XOXO
Lisa

22 Weeks

This week I've noticed that every day things are starting to get harder as my ever-expanding belly is officially a bump. No longer do I just look bloated, I've officially entered the stage where people are confidant in assuming that I am pregnant. Our little jelly bean has been kicking up a storm! The kicks are getting stronger and more frequent and I can tell she is going to be a super active baby.

How Far Along: 22 weeks 4 days

How Long To Go: 17 weeks, 3 days

Weight Gain: 1.8lbs
Total Weight Gain: 3.8lbs
Weight: 123.8lbs

Belly Button: starting to stretch flat

Stretch Marks: none

Sleep: getting better sleep now that i am adjusting to sleeping on my sides

Best Moment This Week: deciding on our baby's name...but shhh! keeping it secret

Nausea: none

Craving: Oreos and milk

Miss Anything: bagels and lox

Movement: little girl is moving around all the time and kicking like crazy!

Gender: girl

Symptoms: some bad back pain this week and sciatic nerve pain. I've also been a lot more emotional this week...feeling like on the verge of tears for NO REASON. Gotta love pregnancy hormones :-/

Wedding Ring: still on

Looking Forward To: my niece and sister visiting this weekend

Maternity Clothes: officially loving my maternity clothes, even though I only have a few pieces I can mix and match them with my regular clothes. But the maternity shorts are incredible!

Fruit: Spaghetti squash (1.4lb, 8 inches)

Weird Dreams This Week: I had dreams about buying a dozen bagels from my old bagel shop in NY....and now I miss bagels....a lot.

21 Weeks

How Far Along: 21 weeks 2 days

How Long To Go: 18 weeks 5 days

Weight Gain: 2lbs
Total Weight Gain: 2lbs

Belly Button: no belly ring

Stretch Marks: none

Sleep:

Best Moment This Week: Had a fun week end with friends but pretty low key. Loved watching Germany beat Argentina for the FIFA world cup! oh, and a Harry Potter movie marathon on t.v.

Nausea: nope

Craving: nothing this week...fruit is still my biggest craving

Miss Anything: sleeping on my belly, being able to wear whatever is in my closet.

Movement: lots of moves going on. I even watched my belly move by itself when she kicked so she is definitely getting stronger

Gender: our 20 week ultrasound confirms its definitely a girl!

Symptoms: morning headaches that seem to go away after coffee

Wedding Ring: still on

Looking Forward To: my sister and niece coming to visit at the end of the month!

Maternity Clothes: Made my first maternity clothing purchase today. Bought a pair of maternity shorts, a maxi dress and two tops. I figure I will be set for a while.

Fruit: Banana (7in, 11oz)

Weird Dreams This Week: Lots of sex dreams!



I realized in writing this post I had forgotten to post pictures from our 20 week ultrasound. I will upload those ASAP

XOXO
Lisa

20 Week Bump Pic

Woohoo!!!!! half-way through pregnancy this week and it is a HUGE milestone! I've made it through the hardest part and now I am feeling better than ever. My energy is up and I am thrilled to know I've made it to the half-way mark.

How Far Along: 20 weeks 3 days

How Long To Go: 19 weeks, 4 days

Weight Gain: no weight gain yet...keep waiting on that sale to go up

Belly Button: took it out at week 18

Stretch Marks: none yet...using coconut oil morning and night and staying hydrated

Sleep: I've started sleeping on my sides and this has caused all sorts of problems. I toss and turn most nights because laying on my sides makes my hips and shoulders ache. I also keep waking up when I  find myself on my back. Apparently starting around 20 weeks it is no longer advised to sleep on your back or stomach so I guess I have to get used to this side sleeping thing. A lot of moms use a snoogle or a body pillow. My sister gave me hers but I don't find it very comfortable.

Best Moment This Week: Fourth of July! and having a returning client in town this week...It feels great to have repeat and happy customers

Nausea: no nausea thank goodness

Craving: fruit!!

Miss Anything: starting to miss good wine...and raw fish

Movement: little girl P is moving a ton! I feel her all day but she is the most active about 45 minutes after I eat and before bed.

Gender: bouncing baby girl!

Symptoms: back pain is making another appearance and sometimes I find my heart racing. A little moody too, nothing too bad but just blah some days.

Wedding Ring: still on

Looking Forward To: our 20 week anatomy scan on Wednesday. We will get full confirmation of the gender and get to see our little girl for a long ultrasound as they check her growth and development. Hopefully everything looks great

Maternity Clothes: Haven't purchased anything yet but I can tell those days are fast approaching. I've been using the BellyBand to keep my pants and shorts around, but I'm too big for certain tops and dresses

Fruit: Mango (6.5 in, 10oz)

Weird Dreams This Week: Had a dream last night about Lip and Fiona from the show Shameless...I also got my ass beat up in the dream so it was a weird and white-trashy night.

XOXO

Lisa

Week 18: Movement

This week marks a huge milestone in my pregnancy...I finally felt my little one move. Well, technically this happened while I was still at 17 weeks but since I hit 18 weeks I've been feeling her wiggle and kick every day. Mostly she does most of her moving at night when I'm laying down, or that is at least when I am paying the most attention and can feel her.

An even bigger deal is that Matt felt her for the first time on Sunday night. She was really active and I was enjoying feeling her little flutters and movements so I decided to see if Matt could feel anything, after all, I shouldn't get to have all the fun! After a few minutes of waiting he felt two big distinct kicks. He was so cute, he was smiling and so excited to finally be able to feel our little person inside of me.

It is really hard to describe what it feels like. It was weird for sure, the feeling of something moving around inside you is somewhat alien-like, but at the same time it was the coolest most incredible feeling I've ever felt. Up until now, it was hard to even believe that I was actually pregnant. You feel so detached to the process, like your body is going full steam ahead with this process without you even participating. Now that I can feel her I am extremely aware of the fact that there is a tiny person in my growing bump.

Speaking of bumps, it has been brought to my attention that I need to start documenting my growing form as I plump up and round out. So here are the first bump watch photos, and I will try to do them every week.

15 weeks

 15 weeks

 18 weeks

 18 weeks

XOXO

Lisa