Could it be? 6 WEEKS!

How far along? 34 weeks
Maternity clothes? I have been squeezing myself into more and more of my "regular" clothes because it's been so warm out. Which has been interesting. But the staples are still there - tank top with a light open cardigan, BB jeans, maternity jean skirt, a few dresses, lots and lots of sandals!
Stretch marks? NO! I can't believe it. We're still going strong!
Sleep? Sleep has been fleeting this week, unfortunately. I am carrying a lot of weight, so everything has been much more difficult, including sleep!
Best moment this week? Hasn't quite happened yet. Your daddy comes home from his North Iowa job today. Hopefully with a trailer in tow, but nonetheless, he will be HOME. I am so glad to have him here! Mainly because I've been showing "signs of labor" (sort of...see below) and it's kind of scary. Plus, it's something you don't want to go through alone, especially when I depend on your dad to be my rock. So I'll be so glad when I come home to him this afternoon!!!!! I can't wait, I've been up since 5 a.m. in anticipation!

Another good moment is the fact I only gained 1 pound. So all that fruit and healthy eating has been doing good. That means I'm up 34 pounds from my ideal weight, which is exciting. If I can keep it like that, I think we'll be good!!!
Miss anything? I miss my dad this week. I keep thinking about him walking through the door into the hospital room after you get here. And knowing that can't happen is hard.
Movement? I love sitting here watching you move. It's a great joy. Your movements are so much more calculated and less sporadic now. I can tell you're starting to develop more control and I can't wait until you're here so I can see those movements on the outside. :)
Food cravings? Not really... I just love the stuff that's not good for you!
Anything make you queasy or sick? Chicken. Deli meat. They just released news about "Pink Slime" and now that's making me second guess any beef...looks like Pork is what's for dinner!
Labor signs? This morning I've been having some pretty strong Braxton Hicks contractions. They weren't intense by any means, but they made me go, "Oh...OH!" This is definitely the main reason why I am so excited to have your daddy home!!
Symptoms? Just the ole Braxton-Hicks. And emotions!
Belly button in or out? In/out.
Linea nigra? yes!
Wedding ring on or off? It has been staying off. The dr. yesterday said it was better that way, I don't want it to get stuck. There have been a few times that I was afraid it was stuck! So I have been leaving it off, although I don't really like it.
Happy or moody? Moody simply because your dad isn't home and I'm sick of him not being home. But the past 24 hours, I've been elated. Beyond myself excited. I just hope that it sticks around! I guess I've also been annoyed, simply because I'm ready for this to be done. Everyone keeps telling me to enjoy it, but I'm the type to enjoy and then be done enjoying. I'm ready for you to be here!
Looking forward to: This weekend. Your dad and I have a lot and NOTHING planned. I'm really excited to lounge with him all day on Sunday. Of course, what will happen is that he will lounge and I will nest. Because I can't help it and it will make your arrival seem that much closer now that he's home. I can't wait!!!!!

7 WEEKS LEFT! 33 Weeks!

How far along? 33 weeks
Maternity clothes? I have been sporting a few more dresses b/c it's been nice out. I even braved a jean skirt with SANDALS one day when it was 80. My cankles came back with a vengeance, but the weather has been so nice I really didn't care!
Stretch marks? I have been so incredibly fortunate. NO stretch marks for this mama...yet. I'm hoping it stays that way. These next couple of weeks, he will grow like a weed, so we'll see how the tummy holds up. I'm hoping and praying that I continue with my smooth belly!
Sleep? Sleep has been much better this week. With that being said, I'm not counting all the times I have to get up and pee. But sleep has been coming much faster and I sleep deeper I think. Sometimes, I wonder if Baby E moves at all during the night b/c I never wake up to him, I always wake up to pee...
Best moment this week? Has nothing to do with my pregnancy...and everything to do with your Auntie Courtney!!!! SHE'S PREGNANT! I have never been so happy, relieved, thrilled or excited in my life. In fact, I was so happy, relieved, thrilled and excited that when she showed me the ultrasound picture, I distinctly DO NOT remember actually seeing anything on the screen b/c I couldn't even hardly focus. And people say that, but don't really mean it. I mean it, I never did get to see the little peanut. But we'll talk about it a little more below!
Miss anything? Gah. I miss my hips not hurting when I get up from sitting. I miss my ankles not hurting when I walk too long. I miss walking normally...wiggling my hips, taking long strides. No more of that.
Movement? Last night was HILARIOUS! You "fell" to one side of my stomach and it was like an alien or something was taking shape!! One side was completely concave, the other side was sticking out like I swallowed a gourd. Hilarious! I took a picture and sent it to your dad! He thought it was pretty funny too!
Food cravings? Not really...although I did come up with a great meatless sandwich that I could probably eat all the time.
Anything make you queasy or sick? Still chicken. The thought, taste, smell, sight of it. And the deli turkey I bought at Fareway for my sandwich. Hence, why it became a meatless sandwich.
Labor signs? Not really. Although I have finally started to be able to identify Braxton Hicks contractions. Some people say it's like when you have period cramps. YES! That's exactly what mine feel like. Exactly like I'm having the second day of my period. Bizarre and very rare, but exciting b/c it means we're practicing for the real thing!!!
Symptoms? Some nausea, some extreme fatigue right away in the morning, particularly if my boss isn't there and I have no one to talk to!
Belly button in or out? In/out.
Linea nigra? Yes...and it's crooked. Embarrassing!
Wedding ring on or off? With the humidity, it's been off more than it's been on. I love seeing the looks on people's faces!
Happy or moody? The past few nights, I've been really emotional. Things haven't been going the way I want and MISS your daddy TERRIBLY. Last night, he came home, and even though it may only be for 24 hours, it was the happiest I had been in a couple of days. I love talking with him, and just BEING with him. He makes me laugh and I make him laugh and we have a good time together. It makes me sad when we're not together... I've also been having the horrible thought of the moment when my mom walks through the door to our hospital room after you get here...alone. Without my dad. I just so wish my dad were here to share this with us. He would be so absolutely overjoyed.
Looking forward to: Sharing this pregnancy journey with your Auntie Courtney! She's gonna make a great mom! I can't wait for the play-dates, even though they are very far in the future...it's going to be awesome.

Otherwise, this week has flown by. All of a sudden, tomorrow is 34(ish) weeks and I can't believe it. Only a month and a half until we get to meet you (hopefully sooner...) and I cannot wait. I can't wait for Courtney to experience all of this either. It is such an amazing experience and I LOVE being pregnant!!! She will too, I can feel it! :)

32 Weeks! Countdown is now to EIGHT!

How far along? 32 weeks
Maternity clothes? Of course, I'm wearing the staples. Only it's been really warm out, so I'm trying to figure out some of my non-maternity clothes that may or may not work...so far, so good. But most likely not for long...
Stretch marks? No! Every morning I wake up and lotion my belly, so hopefully that's been helping. I've also been working hard to not gain *too much* weight.
Sleep? Sleep has been a little rough this week thanks to acid reflux/heartburn. Even with Tums, I've been waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. But at least I've been falling asleep.
Best moment this week? Definitely my baby shower thrown by your Auntie Courtney. She did a great job and really went over the top, of course! I'm so grateful for her and I can't wait for you to meet her. You'll love her!!
Miss anything? I miss being able to move at the drop of a hat. Getting up quickly is little more than a wish nowadays. Now I just hope that when I do get up, my legs will hold my heavy body.
Movement? I love love love feeling you move in my tummy, which seems like it might be all the time... I dislike when you decide to have a "party" in my tummy at 4 a.m., but I'm getting used to it.
Food cravings? Not really.
Anything make you queasy or sick? I have finally decided that chicken - the smell, taste and sight of chicken - makes me sick. Your daddy made Chicken-n-Wice (rice...with no "r" obviously...) and the mere thought made me want to hork it in the bushes. No wonder I haven't really had it since I got pregnant with you!
Labor signs? No signs of labor, but a definite sign that it's around the corner would be the fact that sometimes it feels like you're going to stick out a hand and wave at everyone. KnowhatImean?
Symptoms? Still a little nauseous and now, incredibly fatigue. I cannot remember being this tired in my LIFE.
Belly button in or out? In, but the mole is out officially...
Linea nigra? Darker line down than the one up!
Wedding ring on or off? Today it was on. Yesterday it was off. Let's hope to go for more of the former this week!
Happy or moody? Last night, I cried to your dad about several things. Most of which he laughed at because it was really silly. For instance, I believe I cried for several minutes over the fact that I "can't...(hiccup)...can't really move that fast anymore!!!! (wail...)" It was quite comical when I look back on it.
Looking forward to: Relaxing and resting. I feel like I can't get enough of it. I love love love being able to relax at night and it's awesome. Especially when I get to watch T.V. and go to bed early!

In other news, your Auntie Courtney knit you an awesome beanie with a matching blanket. The beanie will be perfect for the hospital, I can't wait to put it on you. The blanket is adorable and it's not too "baby-ish" so I'm excited for that too!!!! I'm going to ask her to make one that matches your daddy's brown and cream beanie, but I know she's also really busy. I'm so excited for you to meet her - she's been my rock through a lot of things, and she means a lot to us. I think she might even be up for baby-sitting every once in awhile. :) Maybe...

31 Weeks! The CountDOWN is down to 9!

How far along? 31 weeks
Maternity clothes? I bought a great dress, that's non-maternity, but made me feel less fat than normal. I wore it for work, and it was a huge hit! I felt very pretty, which I've needed in the past few weeks!
Stretch marks? No, which I'm very surprised about. My belly has gotten so big, so I can't believe I don't have something. But there's definitely nothing there! I hope that lasts the last 2 months!!!
Sleep? Sleep when I'm NOT in my own bed is definitely horrendous. I now understand why people have a hard time sleeping. However, mommy and daddy have a wonderful sleep number bed, and I have deflated it ALL the way, so I have a nice little cocoon. It's quite comfortable, and if I can get through the night without having to pee, I usually sleep all the way through. Every once in awhile, I wake up to you moving around, but otherwise, it's great!
Best moment this week? My best moment this week has simply been SLEEPING!!!
Miss anything? I miss all my non-maternity clothes...once again, that's #1 at the top of the list. I can't wait to get back to them!
Movement? Sometimes, I get really worried when you don't move for awhile. And just when I start thinking about it, there you are with a little shoulder or butt in my ribs, or foot by my hip. I love watching you move when I come home to your dad - I swear that you can tell when your dad is around or that you're reacting to him talking to you through my belly. It's so adorable and sweet!
Food cravings? Not really...once again. Just everything in sight, really.
Anything make you queasy or sick? Not really...
Labor signs? Not really...
Symptoms? A little bit of nausea every once in awhile, and sharp pains "down there." Not to mention the backaches and inner thigh pains! Seems as though my body is readying for birth!
Belly button in or out? In, but the mole is out officially...
Linea nigra? Darker line down than the one up!
Wedding ring on or off? Today and yesterday, it was off. All of a sudden, my fingers swelled horribly. I'm guessing it's because of the humidity and my lack of hydration! I'm definitely drinking more water!
Happy or moody? It was a little of both this past week. I've been crying a lot more lately, but I've also been very happy. A lot of stress at work led to crying more, I think, but only because there was so much going on and I was so tired!!!
Looking forward to: Doing things for "Baby's Arrival" this week/weekend since I have the rest of the week off... and making sure that we're getting ready... AND Baby Shower #2 in Des Moines!

The CountDOWN begins! 30 Weeks!

How far along? 30 weeks
Maternity clothes? I've been digging the maternity/non-maternity dresses, leggings and boots this week. I've had to "dress up" for work three times, and all three times, I have worn this outfit.
Stretch marks? No, which is awesome. But I've been diligently putting lotion on my belly each morning, so hopefully that's what's helping!
Sleep? It's still touch and go, which is better than it just being terrible. Last night was horrible, but the night before was great. Tonight, your daddy is home, so it might be terrible again. Ha!
Best moment this week? Not really the BEST for me physically, but I've been having these sharp, shooting pains in my pelvic floor. Turns out, it's just my pelvic floor widening and you "dropping" down, so that definitely makes it the best moment!
Miss anything? Yes. And I'll leave it at that!
Movement? I love how you don't really KICK me anymore - it's very random and sudden and much less than it used to be - and now you more or less "roll" everywhere in my tummy. And I love it!
Food cravings? Not really. I'm chowing down on crappy foods, so I've tried to get back into the habit of eating healthy things, like fruit and veggies. However, it's not working out for me so well!
Anything make you queasy or sick? Nope!
Labor signs? Just those sharp, shooting pains, which means labor isn't too far away!
Symptoms? Not really! Just the constant urge to NEST!
Belly button in or out? It's in...but my mole has begun to stick out!
Linea nigra? A very faint line on a very stretched, smooth belly!
Wedding ring on or off? On, although this week, it's started getting tighter. The humidity has made everything much more bloated and swollen than normal! Including my face!
Happy or moody? More or less happy this week - much better than last!
Looking forward to: My baby shower given by your Auntie Courtney. I can't wait! She always makes it a great time!!!

In other news, your daddy's out-of-town project for his uncle's house is nearing it's end! I will be so excited when we can relax on the couch EVERY night together!!!!!

29 weeks!!!!!

How far along? 29 weeks
Maternity clothes? Thank God for my Yoga pants and my over sized North Face Fleece. And those awesome maternity tank tops and my Buffalo jeans!
Stretch marks? No! I thought I saw a difference around my belly button, but I think that might have been my eyes playing tricks on me!
Sleep? I slept AWESOME this past Saturday night, but I think that's because I was so tired! Otherwise, it's definitely been touch and go the past couple of nights. With your dad being home a little bit more, his snoring keeps me up, not to mention my acid reflux and my huge belly!
Best moment this week? My baby shower. It was adorable! Abby and Rachel did such a great job and it was fun to get so many outfits and toys and goodies that we will get to use when you get here!!!!!! I loved seeing all my friends and family come to support us and see me in my pregnant state! :)
Miss anything? My non-maternity clothes! I keep longing for the day where I can wear them again!
Movement? You've chilled out a bit, so far. I think it's getting tight in there!
Food cravings? My veggie roll-ups. I made them last week and started salivating when thinking of them today! So I made some more...
Anything make you queasy or sick? Not this week!
Labor signs? None!
Symptoms? The urge to nest has gotten worse. Your dad wasn't home this weekend, but came home Sunday. I had all your gifts still in the gift bags, just waiting for your dad to come and sort through them so I coudl put them away! I can't stand the house being dirty!!!
Belly button in or out? It's in...but my mole has begun to stick out!
Linea nigra? A very faint line on a very stretched, smooth belly!
Wedding ring on or off? On! But I've noticed some swelling in my hands and legs!
Happy or moody? This week has been tough, so I've been very moody. Very emotional, crying for short times, then happy a half hour later.
Looking forward to: Week 30!!!! It's the last deca before you come!!! So excited we don't go any further (hopefully) than week 40!

Hellooooooooo third trimester!

How far along? 28 weeks
Maternity clothes? My yoga pants rock and pretty much, anything that's comfortable. I love changing into really comfortable clothes when I get home from work!!!
Stretch marks? No! Hooray!!! I'm super excited that I still don't have stretch marks. I'm hoping hoping hoping that it stays that way!!!
Sleep? It a little touch a go a couple days ago, but last night, I put a pillow between my knees. Heaven! It worked like a charm and I woke up this morning feeling refreshed!
Best moment this week? I saw you MOVE. As in, MOVE. My whole belly moved really slowly! I can tell things are getting tighter in there and you must be uncomfortable, but hopefully the more uncomfortable you are, the sooner you'll come out and join us! :)
Miss anything? Not waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom!!!
Movement? A ton! And real movement - not just kicks. I've noticed moreso this week than any other week that you do this twitching thing that sometimes scares me a little bit. It's like when you get an eye twitch, only in my belly! Pretty crazy!!!
Food cravings? Not really. I really like all of it! :)
Anything make you queasy or sick? Not really, although I have been feeling slightly queasy on and off for a week or so. It goes away fairly quickly...
Labor signs? None!
Symptoms? I have an incredible urge to nest!
Belly button in or out? It's in...but my mole has begun to stick out!
Linea nigra? A very faint line on a very stretched, smooth belly!
Wedding ring on or off? On!
Happy or moody? Still ridiculously happy. All the time!
Looking forward to: My baby shower is this weekend. I can't wait to see everyone and get all those great gifts that is going to make this even more real! :)

I love how I have switched from the count-up to the count-down! Only 12 more weeks until I get to hold you in my arms! :) I love you already!