pregnancy / Nelson Notes

pregnancy

Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts

4th Baby Bumpdate: 38 Weeks

5.19.2020

Wrapping up this pregnancy journey with one last belly picture. It feels bittersweet.

Because I make much bigger than average babies, the plan is to be induced this Friday at exactly 39 weeks. That's less than three days away!!! That is, if my body says it's ready.

I am so relieved to have an end date; something to count down to. These last couple of weeks have been a bit of a doozy physically. I have felt very tired and even nauseous. Poor kids. As if it was possible, life around here has gotten even more slow and boring! My ankles have become so swollen that I don't even recognize my own limbs! The only shoes I can wear are my flip flops. (Um, yes, that is why I cropped out my face in these pictures. You guys, I am a balloon.) And false labor contractions have kept me on my toes, wondering if they'll turn into the real thing. But nope; he's cozy in there.

Last Wednesday, I thought my water might have started leaking. My underwear was uncommonly wet and I was having mild painful contractions every 20 minutes or so. "Body," I thought, "what is going on?" I decided to err on the safe side and went in to the hospital to see my provider. Wow, things changed in a week! All of a sudden, new policies were in place that required everyone to wear a mask and more restrictive measures/signs were posted throughout the hospital. It felt a bit apocalyptic. Fortunately, the people behind those masks offered the same friendly service as always. Apparently, I had a common vaginal infection that just needed some cheap antibiotics to clear up. Eeew.

Anyway, exciting and miserable physical effects aside, I am so very grateful I got to experience the miracle of creating life within me one fourth and final time. What a privilege! I cannot believe this special time of my life -- the part where I'm pregnant and we grow our family -- is almost over. I will miss this belly. I will miss feeling the flutters and rolls and pressing my fingers against a tiny foot that moves in response. I keep trying to imagine what he will look like, but I know breathing him in for the first time will exceed all my expectations. There is nothing on earth quite like the exciting anticipation of new life and all of the joys and possibilities it brings along with it.

5.08.2020

Welcome to the 8th annual Day in the Life Post -- also known as the annual post that almost didn't happen. Between this quarantine and being nine months pregnant, I feel pretty spent of creative energy. But I knew that if I dropped the ball this year, I'd regret it. So I busted out the camera on Monday May 4, 2020 and went for it. These aren't the prettiest or most creatively done batch of pictures. In fact, I used a new to me preset for fun and I'm not sure I'm in love with the look. But it is what it is and the goal was accomplished for yet another year.

So my dear readers, may I present A Day in the Life 2020, a special quarantine edition.

5.01.2020

May is here!!! It's finally baby month! I can hardly believe it. The thought that I will be holding another baby so soon feels surreal. We are really going to have another baby?! It blows my mind. I am so excited. I cannot put into words how much I am looking forward to all those sweet and precious firsts, beginning with the moment I get to hold him in my arms, smell the top of his head, and take in all the curves of his tiny face.

At the same time, however, I do not want to wish these last weeks away. There's something magical about feeling a baby moving inside. His kicks and hiccups bring a smile to face. Yes, even when I'm trying to go to sleep.

The boys make fun of me these days. I use more toilet paper than the rest of the house combined. Every move I make comes with a sound effect and I move as slow as a sloth. My ankles are swollen. I cry over stupid things. (For instance, I wanted a salad one afternoon but the restaurant was closed!) I'm playing closet roulette as the amount items that fit gradually shrinks (very literally). There's a party in my belly and Braxton hicks from 9PM til 1AM every evening. And I'm embracing the waddle. When we go on walks, I sometimes have to stop for a second, because well, something inside goes ZING or I might pee my pants... or both. But really, I'm surprised how far I can walk being so far along. (Two or three miles!) I am not nearly in the amount of pain I was in with Levi and Conrad. This feels like a much more normal pregnancy and I am counting that as a tender blessing.

Birth isn't too far off. I've become an insomniac with more bursts of energy than should be humanly possible. I was even up in the wee hours of the morning earlier this week with mild contractions that lasted three hours. My body is getting ready!

The lack of sleep and this big body have made me utterly exhausted, a little bit (or a lot) ornery, and definitely not the kind of wife, mother, and housekeeper I'd like to be. I'm just not myself and that's hard on everyone! But hey, this is my 4th rodeo and I recognize the pattern. This is all temporary. We'll all be very happy to welcome Baby Boy when he arrives!

*****

Now if you wouldn't mind sending up a quick prayer for a smooth and healthy delivery, I'd really truly appreciate it. My nerves are beginning to get the best of me. Send all the good thoughts!

4.13.2020

As I stared at those two pink positive lines just a few months ago, never in a thousand years did I expect to be delivering my baby in the midst of a global pandemic! So much has changed so quickly. It is the strangest reality.

Hospital policies across the country seem to change day to day. I was told at my last appointment nearly two weeks ago that, yes, my husband can be present in the hospital for the birth of our baby. Whew! However, if I test positive for Covid-19 at the time of delivery, there's a good chance I will be separated from my infant. Holy cow, that would be traumatic for us both, I think! The virus is definitely in our community. So the current plan for me is to wait until I'm 36 weeks for my next appointment and to observe social distancing guidelines until I deliver. That includes the whole family, unfortunately, because whatever illness the kids contract, so do I!

I am crossing my fingers, hoping that this pandemic will be on the downhill slide by May and the world around us will be normalizing. Is that too optimistic of me? I sure hope it's realistic. For the sake of the economy and people's livelihoods, we need it.

So say a silent little prayer for me and for every other woman who is delivering a baby into a world with what feels like an unknown future, will you? I know everything will be okay, one way or another, but it's still a little scary.

I was texting another pregnant friend not long ago and she feels as I do. These 2020 babies being born are a special bunch. I'm not quite sure yet what their unique missions on earth will be, but I have a feeling they will be capable of doing some extraordinary things. I can't help thinking how the timing of this pregnancy was just meant to be. We tried for a year without any luck. Then BOOM, I hop off my birth control for one month and I get pregnant immediately. It was kind of a personal miracle. Coincidences like that don't just happen, do they? At least I don't think so. I like to attribute them to a loving Heavenly Father.

So here I am, prayerfully asking for a smooth and safe delivery and to bring home a healthy baby boy.

3.09.2020

Helllooo 3rd trimester! It's the final countdown. Only 10 more weeks and some change to go (if I deliver at 39 weeks again) but who's really counting? Me, of course!

3.04.2020

Current state of pregnancy at 27 weeks with baby number four: using my belly as a tabletop.
I'm going to miss this perk.

This is Artifact Motherhood; a collaboration of artists from around the world who have come together to share our stories of the joys and struggles of our journey. Through our writings and visual records, we want to create memories that are more than photographs with dates written on the back. These are the artifacts we are leaving behind for our children and for generations to come.

This entry is the start of a new series which we've just begun doing called "Seasons of Motherhood" and is meant to be one picture and one caption that represents our current journey/season of motherhood.

Please visit the next artist in our blog circle, April Christopher, and continue through all the artists until you get back to me!

2.10.2020

It's another month and time for a pregnancy update!

How far along: 24 weeks, but I'm measuring about 10 days ahead according to my doctor.

Size of Baby Boy: According to the books and averages, he's over a foot long and weighs about 1.5 pounds. Woot! Grow, Baby, grow!

Stretch Marks: Pretty sure I've gained a couple of new ones. I popped so fast this time around it was quite disconcerting!

Weight Gain: Let's not talk about it in too much detail because it's a source of guilt/worry for me. I mean, what did I do wrong this time around to gain so much so fast?!? I weigh nearly as much now as I did when I delivered Jed. Given, I did start out 10 pounds heavier, so hopefully I'll manage to only gain 10-15 pounds more from here on out? Ugh. I have the biggest appetite! But I'm trying to (operative word: "trying") cut down on sugar and move my body more -- which is actually really hard to do in the winter.

1.29.2020

^^22 Weeks Pregnant^^

It was Monday night. I was sitting at home winding down after a long afternoon with the kids when a craving for a cupcake suddenly hit.

I texted Bron. "Pregnancy craving. I NEED a CUPCAKE."

I really didn't expect much of a response. Bron was pulling one of his busy 15 hour work/travel days and was on his way home from Utah. Well, the man stopped at Stoke's in Burley and walked through the door an hour later with not one, but two delicious sweet treats from the deli!

Best. Husband. Ever.

We sat at the kitchen counter sharing one of the desserts and talking until midnight. There's just something special about sharing some sweets with my sweetie in the late hours of the evening after a tiring day; it's what marriage is all about sometimes and I don't want to forget it. He so totally loves me.

And because he brought two over-the-top treats home, I saved one for some pregnancy pictures to commemorate the occasion. I can't take myself too seriously, can I?!?

1.11.2020

20 weeks along. I am officially halfway (or most likely more than halfway) through what is my very last pregnancy. It's exciting and bittersweet at the same time. I'm doing my best to cherish this growing belly and the fact that I don't necessarily need to watch how much I'm eating too closely. ;) I love feeling this baby wiggle inside of me.

For the last time.

There is a last time for everything. I'm trying not to be too sentimental, just appreciative of the moment and this phase of life... because let's be absolutely honest, pregnancy is miserable too.

I've been in a funk the entire last week and in tears on multiple occasions for no real reason at all. Maybe it's the cold weather. Maybe it's the monotony of everyday life. Maybe it's those thoughts of failure that keep creeping in. Maybe it's because my clothes are getting tighter but my pants won't stay up! Maybe it's hormones and I'm just plain exhausted?

Overall, however, I feel grateful for this pregnancy. I am actually thankful that it took time to get my last two babies here, that pregnancy didn't come easily. I get to spread the joy of a having a newborn and new motherhood over an entire decade! I've come to appreciate the true miracle it is to see two positive lines on a pregnancy test. Yes, babies are stressful and demanding but so are fourth graders -- except in completely different ways! Babyhood goes so fast. My perspective has changed over the last ten years. Motherhood has shaped me into someone my 22 year old self would not recognize. For ALL OF THIS, I am grateful.

12.16.2019

^^This baby bump feels so much bigger than it actually is!^^

Alternate Title: The Happiest Reason to Feel Miserable

My goodness. How am I already less than a month away from being halfway through this pregnancy? And less than a month away from the big 20 week ultrasound scan?

A part of me is exhaling. Thank goodness this pregnancy is going so fast. Pregnancy is nooo bueno. I'm still feeling occasionally sick during the day, but I especially feel puny at night: nausea, bloat, gas, and headaches. Yup. I'm still experiencing all the classic morning sickness symptoms. It has GOT TO END SOMEDAY, right? Well, there's a definite end date if it doesn't go away soon; it's called May. So I'm hanging in there. I remind myself that the aches and pains of pregnancy are always worth it. That precious baby is worth it all! But with that said, I never want to do this again.

I explained to Bron, "Pregnancy is like going through puberty super fast. My body and hormones are changing so quickly, I can hardly keep up." Bron replied, "Imagine living with that person!" Bahaha. Touche!

11.17.2019

BIG changes are on the way for the Nelson family! Do you want to hear the exciting news first or the really exciting news?

I'll begin with the really exciting news: we're expecting a baby due the end of May!

The news came as sort of a shock and sweet surprise. I honestly thought three children was our number!

We tried to get pregnant for a year or so with no luck -- even with a little medical help. Eventually, I decided to give the quest up all together and hopped back on some oral birth control. (For reasons I don't feel obligated to explain here.) As we gathered our family around for prayer in the evening, seeing my three boys there just made me feel content and at peace. However, every time I mentioned to a friend that we were done having kids, something inside me said that wasn't the truth. I chalked it all up to just being in my head; it's hard to let go of a dream.

Fast forward to this summer when I forgot to take my birth control pills a few times and my period came nearly a week early two months in a row. I thought, "Forget this! I'll call my OB when school starts and get on something more permanent. It's about time I seriously start the cancer prevention ball rolling anyway."

Well, a few weeks later found me in the bathroom trying to smear what just had to be a hair casting a shadow onto a positive pregnancy test, right?! LOL.

I instinctively knew I was pregnant. I was getting light headed when I stood up too quickly. I was using the bathroom in the middle of the night. And I suddenly wanted nothing to do with my poor husband. Haha.

Still, that positive pregnancy test came with a host of emotions! They ranged from joy and excitement (A real squishy baby to hold! More innocent childhood to soak in!) to disappointment (All those summer backpacking plans put on hold!) to fear (What if I miscarry again? Can I really handle four kids?). But really, that second pink line was the most welcome surprise. I still can't help but thank my Heavenly Father for this sweet blessing to be pregnant once again.

11.06.2016

I am thrilled to announce that this is the very last bumpdate of this pregnancy! In fact, it could possibly be my very last bumpdate ever. The thought makes me feel a bit nostalgic as I look at this big round belly in the mirror. Wow, my body does amazing things! The idea that I may never do this again makes me both sad and happy. Never again feeling those kicks and rolls from the inside, the exciting anticipation of bringing another life into the world--it's pretty neat and I feel so grateful I get to do it three times over. It's sad to let that go! But never again feeling nauseous and exhausted and just plain hurting for months on end sounds pretty amazing too. So I suppose I'll soak in every last drop of this pregnancy for all its worth as we excitedly anticipate meeting our new little guy!

The thought of a third child still blows my mind. This is real? This is going to be real?! There will be another real live body in that room peeking over the crib rails at me in the mornings? No way. It's like a far-off dream. I wonder what he'll look like. I wonder how I'll survive the sleepless nights again. But I absolutely cannot wait to get to know his little personality. He will be his own person, different than his brothers. How can I possibly have a third opposite of Jed and Levi? And how are their little relationships going to play out? It's all a mystery to me now. I think I'm ready for this next big life change and challenge. Or maybe more accurately I'm just tired of being pregnant and know that this big life event is inevitable. Either way, I'm happy and excited with just a tinge of worried nerves on the side.

9.27.2016

^^The bump at 31 weeks^^

It is approximately a mere eight weeks (maybe less!) until we meet baby boy number three! I have so many thoughts and feelings about this pregnancy floating around in my head. Although this has probably been the hardest pregnancy physically, it has actually been the easiest in every other way.

Part of it may be because mine and Bron's relationship usually takes a dip during pregnancy, but this time, it hasn't. We've met in the middle this third time around with lots of communication and understanding. Plus, we understand that pregnancy is definitely temporary! It has helped morale a lot.

However, I think the real reason this pregnancy has been so great is that we're truly thankful to be bringing another baby into the family! This pregnancy isn't being taken for granted. We prayed two long years for this baby; two years of tears and emotional lows... which is why this pregnancy feels so so incredibly sweet. He is so wanted. This baby's kicks and rolls inside my tummy mean the world to me. They're like little Morse code messages telling me he's all right from the inside.

I am really enjoying this big 'ol bump out front. I'm wearing it like a badge of honor because I know I am really going to miss this one day. No, I won't miss the pains and awkwardness or exhaustion, but I will miss being a part of a miracle that is much much bigger than myself. How amazing is my body that it's facilitating the growth of another human being?! I feel like pregnancy is a special privilege. And if I'm really being honest, the anticipation of meeting our son is half the fun. It's exciting and life-altering. I really cannot wait to meet our baby boy!

^^There's nothing like seeing teeny tiny clothes all freshly folded in a drawer to make Baby's arrival feel real!^^

Now to document some details...

8.09.2016

^^Wow, does five weeks make a difference! Check out how I wore the same shirt just over a month ago. Whoa.^^

It's time to document this growing bump that feels like a heavy soccer ball and the baby that we're all getting super excited about welcoming to the family!

How far along: 25 weeks plus some. Closing in on the third trimester. Whew!

Size of baby boy: According to the books, approximately 9 inches in length and 1.5 pounds in weight. Or he can also be described as the size of a baseball glove or a Napa Cabbage. However, when I went in for my last appointment over a week ago, I told the doctor I was hoping for a "light weight" 8 pound baby. She shook her head as she measured my stomach and said, "Don't plan on it! Baby is measuring big." They'll most likely induce this baby a week early just as they did Levi. I hope if it does come to that decision that labor will go just as smoothly and quickly! So keep your fingers crossed with me.

Stretch Marks: Who knows? Probably. Don't care anymore.

Weight Gain: About 22 pounds. I'm ready to quit counting now.

Sleep: Still sleeping well with a pillow between my knees. Our mattress rocks! However, I've turned into the ultimate night owl. I sometimes don't go to sleep until 1AM or even 2AM. There are just so many projects to do and so much to learn (I'm trying to master skin tones right now) about photography and it feels like life as I know it is about to end in approximately three months! Time is running out! I know that my fear isn't entirely true though. All my projects and things will just be put on hold for approximately six months or a bit longer. I'll come back to them eventually.

Symptoms: All this lack of sleep coupled with photo shoots, babysitting, and fun summer activities with my boys have apparently taken a toll on my immune system. I've been completely wiped-out sick with a stomach bug twice in three weeks! It's no fun. I think I need to slow down? Fortunately, being sick with a six year old and a four year old is pretty mellow. They're happy about all the extra screen time and I'm happy about a long nap... even if Levi did decide to eat ALL the candy in the pantry for lunch yesterday. :)

Still struggling with pelvic floor swelling and pain so I sit down and kick up my feet a lot. Three and half more months, I chant! But putting my feet up often is probably good as my ankles have begun swelling from time to time during the last two weeks as well. Water! I'm trying my best to chug plenty of water.

Favorite moments: Levi comes up to my belly often to give his baby brother kisses. "I love that big fat baby!" he exclaims. Me too. I can't wait for you to meet him.

7.03.2016

HUMAN

BOY!!!

We are thrilled to be welcoming a healthy human baby BOY to our family this November! I'll admit, I was a tad bit disappointed during the ultrasound Friday morning, but as I watched every perfect limb of our baby move and kick, I couldn't help but get excited. The thought of a crew of three little boys just seems right for us and like a lot of fun. I've always wanted three or four children and I feel so lucky that my dream is coming true! I can't believe I'll be holding another squishy newborn this Fall. Pinch me!

6.22.2016

I figure it's about time for a little pregnancy update. Though this pregnancy is flying by at lightning speed, I still have lots of thoughts and symptoms and plenty to talk about. So hang on!

How far along: 18 weeks plus some. Officially five whole months along. Helloooo baby bump!

Size of baby: Approximately 5.5 inches and 5 ounces. However, I like to explain baby's size in more tangible terms for the little boys. I love my Ovia pregnancy app for this! This week it says baby is the size of a slingshot or a sweet potato.

Maternity Clothes: Yup! I've been dipping into my red duffel bag where all my maternity clothes are kept more and more often. And I've been living in a couple of dresses I splurged on from Pink Blush Maternity. I cannot believe how fast I "popped" this time. I mean, I know I stick straight out there during pregnancy, but gee whiz! I'm actually really enjoying watching this belly grow. It's crazy how fast a woman's body changes when she's pregnant!

Stretch Marks: No new ones... yet.

Belly Button in or Out: Sticking out!

Weight Gain: About 12 pounds. Maybe more now that I just stuffed my face with delicious chocolate ice cream all weekend!

Sleep: Sleeping well with a pillow between my knees, needing at least 9 hours of shut-eye, and having the most vivid and crazy dreams! I once dreamed that I made out with Leonardo DiCaprio. Fortunately, Bron is a much better lover. :) And in another dream I dressed up in a hot dog costume, bun and all. I zipped it up like a sleeping bag and waddled around. So strange.

5.21.2016

^^Posing with baby #3 in the evening at 11 weeks and 6 days.^^

The rumors are true! And I'm so thrilled I want to shout it from the rooftops because just when I thought it would never happen again... it is! Baby Nelson #3 is due to join our family somewhere around November 19, 2016. I'm already head over heels in love.

It's been a perplexing and emotional two year journey to get this far. We've wanted to add to our family since around February 2014. But for no reason in particular, I've had trouble getting pregnant. Hormones? Stress? The will of God? I suspect the reasoning is a combination of all three of those things. When I sadly miscarried a baby last April, my world was turned upside-down. That was something I wasn't prepared for at all. I had high hopes of conceiving again, but as the months passed by, I began to doubt. That unfulfilled desire for a baby ate at my heart and soul.

I guess you could say the last two years have been a quiet trial for both Bron and me. I've learned a lot though: from gaining more compassion for other women who struggle with fertility to gaining more faith to trust in my Heavenly Father's love and timing for me. And fortunately, I've never felt completely alone. There are plenty of women in my own circle of friends and family who can relate--even in some small way--and their smiles and words have brought comfort. I'm grateful for that. I'm very much looking forward to putting this all behind us in November and moving on to some new challenges! :)

Anyway, the new year found me making big plans: plans for the second bedroom, plans for another big bike race, plans for an epic trip to Hawaii! I finally came to terms with the idea of "just" raising two healthy little boys and being completely content with that. On my visit to Arizona in March, family asked several times if I was pregnant. I responded, "Nooo!" Apparently, I was in for a big surprise. I was already pregnant; I just didn't know it yet.

7.26.2012

Not the greatest picture, but you get the idea of just how round and big this belly of mine really is.

Just a fun pregnancy questionaire!

How far along: 38 weeks. Woohoo! Just 14 more days to go! (Do I dare hope for less?)

Size of baby: About 6.8lbs and 19.5inches. But I don't believe it; I think he's bigger. At every ultrasound he measured big. And considering Jed was a big baby, I don't think I stand a chance for an average sized infant.

Maternity clothes: Just a handful of things fit now, but I'm okay with that. I dip into Bron's side of the closet and do my laundry twice a week.

Stretch marks: Unfortunately, yes. It makes me so sad to see a road map grow across my belly. I got one single stretch mark from my first pregnancy, and now I feel I'll never be able to put on a bathing suit ever again.

Weight gain: A lot. That's all you need to know.

Sleep: What's that? Between the heat, a kicking baby, sleeping lightly, getting up every three hours to use the bathroom, and walking a toddler back to bed at 4AM every morning, I don't get much. Thankfully, Jed still takes a nap and I can too if I need one. However, if I'm going to be sleep deprived, I'd rather be sleep deprived with an infant in my arms!

Best moment of the week: Bron bought me a brand new cushion for my nursing chair. The new cushion is amazing! It is firm and supportive and the headrest is perfect. I'm looking forward to dozing off while nursing.

Movement: All the time. His little bum moves from side to side and I love pushing on his tiny foot.

Symptoms: A protruding belly that knocks into things! In the last week or so my hips have begun to feel like they are going to pop out of their sockets and my knees just might meet my elbows. I sporadically get a shooting pain down my right butt cheek; it hurts! The doctor reassured me that it's just my hip bones loosening and sliding on one another in preparation for birth.

Food Cravings: Mint chocolate chip ice cream!

Gender: Boy!!!

Belly button, in or out: Out, like a turkey timer. Except this turkey timer is wrong. It's been sticking out for weeks!

Anything make you queasy or sick: Whatever you do, do NOT heat up salami. There's a certain pizza that Bron likes that I can't stand.

Labor signs: Um, maybe? I'm not sure, it's hard to tell. All I know is that I am anxiously waiting for the real thing to set in. I want my baby!

Wedding ring, on or off: Off. It still fits, but when it's hot outside my fingers and ankles tend to swell up a little so I just don't wear it. I guess I'm a little paranoid.

What I miss: Bending over. Vigorous exercise! I can't wait to go running and biking again. I also can't wait to have the energy to chase and wrestle my toddler.

What I'm looking forward to: Holding a precious newborn in my arms: touching his soft skin, inhaling that intoxicating baby smell, hearing his heavy sighs of contentment on my chest, and memorizing every curve of his face. Newborns are a piece of heaven.

Nursery: Done and ready to go! I decorated the nursery in a nautical theme: navy blue, yellow, and some pops of red. I made much of the decor myself by sewing it or painting it. And I learned a lot. The room is bright and new and oh, so cute!

Stupid things I have done: I was going for the salt on the dinner table when I knocked over and shattered my glass. It was one of my favorite glasses too. Bummer.

Name: Levi Wade.

I can't wait to meet this baby boy!!!

7.12.2012

Chant with me!

One more month. One more month. One more month.

I am HOT!
Yes, I'm totally talking about how attractive that bump is, but more specifically, the temperature.

My belly is a heater.

In the afternoons, I play in the sprinklers with Jed.

In the evenings, I soak in a cool bath with a book.

In the mornings, I laugh to myself when Bron has the covers pulled up over his shoulders while I'm still kicking off the sheets. What a change of roles!

I can't wait to have this baby in my arms! I am ready to be done with this pregnancy, so I think I'm ready to have my world rocked.

However, baby boy needs to hang out for just a little while longer while I finish decorating and organizing his room.
I awwwed and squealed while unpacking the 0-3 month clothes. Was Jed really that tiny once?
This is weird. We're going to be the parents of TWO children.
Wow!

6.28.2012

Frequent bathroom breaks. I don't want to know how much toilet paper I go through.

Coughing, sneezing, or laughing too hard resulting in an "Oh, Bummer!"... (then refer to above statement)

Using my belly as a table for my bowl of ice cream while watching t.v.

Good face days. Yes, I've got that pregnancy glow!

Sleeeep! I can get 8 hours of peaceful slumber and sometimes still be pooped by 10:30AM

Stretch marks. I got one measly stretch mark on my hip with Jed. This kid had better be a saint because there seem to be quite a few showing up this time around. Boo.

Sitting. Lots of sitting. It hurts to walk or stand for too long. So I sit. A lot. On the couch. In the grass. On the swing. In the sandbox. You name it, I can make a spot for my bum.

Grunting must always accompany picking anything up off the ground, especially myself... (refer to above statement)

Long hair. Loving it.

Heat = swollen limbs. See you in a few months, shiny diamond ring!

Clothing is awkward and fits funny. I'm awkward and funny. I get looks and comments everywhere I go.

An intense urge to clean and organize my entire house from top to bottom.

Hunger. I'm always hungry. And almost everything always sounds good. I love food.

Looking like I'm hiding a basketball under my shirt. Please don't try to bounce me.

A turkey timer (aka belly button) whose timing is wrong. It sticks out through my clothes even though I still have a few weeks until D-day.

Frequent comments about how well I wear pregnancy. I don't know if they're true or not, but thank you for trying to make a whale of a woman feel pretty!

Watching my stomach roll. I love feeling all the kicks and jabs from this tiny baby growing inside me. What a miracle!

The anticipation of a new family member! A precious baby boy. There's so much to look forward to!

SLIDER