June 29 - Swaddles & Bottles

This was an eventful weekend, as it has now become the norm. I did some running around on Friday - got some new curtains for our living room, which I'm hoping will help keep it cooler with the rising temperatures. After Michael got home from work, he graciously helped hang them, even after a 10 hour work day! Oh and upon his arrival, we opened our first package for the baby. UPS came before he got home, but I waited for him, as I heard the box "rattle" as I brought it inside. I knew it was for the baby, although Michael thought it may have been something I bought online (and forgot about)!

Thanks to Michael's cousin, Philip, and his wife, Carrie for Brooke's activity gym. She is going to love it!

Our first gift from our baby registry!

We had pizza for dinner and then went to run more errands to get ready for the Diaper Shower. We woke up early Saturday and started to get setup at the pool. Mommy had to stay inside until it was time for the party, as it was too hot outside; Daddy held down the fort until help showed up.

I joined Michael outside, but only sat in the shade for about 5 minutes before the heat hit me. I had to go in the A/C for a few minutes to get it together, then immediately got in the pool, where it felt ever-so-much better!

Family and friends were there to celebrate with us. We had plenty of food - burgers, sausage/cheese dip, avocado ranch dip, spinach artichoke dip, "trash can potatoes" (a la Eric), fruit and more! My friend, Tasha, made a diaper cake and it was a beautiful and unexpected surprise. I love it!

Everyone else showered us with diapers and wipes, as well. This will definitely help our bank accounts as we go through 10+ diapers per day with our little one.

Aunt Jen and Uncle Mike also gave us some monogrammed bloomers and a wipe clutch. So cute!!!

Some of the other guests attempted to drink beer out of baby bottles....

And mommy stuck to her unlimited water supply...



I would say we keep Bubba in business!


Apparently it was well over 100 degrees on Saturday, and as it felt hot, I had not idea that it was THAT hot! Go figure, the day we plan a pool party. Michael and I managed to keep very well hydrated and did not get sunburned. My frequent trips inside to use the bathroom, along with a seat in the shade, kept this mommy cool and happy! We are so grateful for our family who came (especially Grandmere) and all of our friends who came out - most importantly Eric and Ashley, who helped coordinate the shower! Thank you all. Brooke, Michael and I are so appreciative of the support, love and gifts!

Swaddles & Bottles 6.29.13

June 27 - 30 weeks

Our baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and weighs almost 3 pounds (about the size of a large cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will shrink as she gets bigger and takes up more room in the uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after birth, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision – which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face (normal adult vision is 20/20).

Some hormonal emotions still get the best of me, but mostly when I think about how soon September 5th will be here and the thought of getting to meet our little angel! Not being able to decorate a nursery for our sweet Brooke breaks my heart, but I just have to remind myself that this decision will make things better for us in the long run. So long as a roof is over her head, she will not know if we are in an apartment or house. She will have everything she needs, no doubt about it! 

Halfway into the 7th month, I find myself constantly thinking about her. Everything I do makes me question our baby. I always end up in the baby section of whatever store I'm in - it never fails. I have been trying to resist shopping for her, since I have four showers in the next month. However, I will spend time going up and down every aisle just looking at the little onesies, booties, bibs, blankets, etc. I am overwhelmed with joy as I think of our little Brooke wearing one of those outfits! :)

Browsing the baby aisles and sending pictures to Auntie!

This past week, I have found myself getting more and more tired. We were in bed before 9 everyday this week. I am not sure if it is the blazing Houston heat or the joys of third trimester, but my ankles, legs and fingers are getting swollen very easily. It could also be caused by the large amounts of water I am downing. Tonight I worked an event at TopGolf, a semi-outdoor golfing facility. Let's just say that after an hour of being there, I had drank about 50 ounces of water and a lemonade...and my shoes seemed to be shrinking! I suppose it was the other way around and my feet were swelling, but it surely wasn't comfortable. I got me a snow cone on the way home, laid on the couch with my feet elevated and waited for Michael to get home with dinner!

On one hand, I am over-the-moon excited and absolutely ready to meet our precious baby, but on the other hand I am completely baffled that I am already 30 weeks pregnant and we will be a mommy and daddy to a little girl in about 2 months! Oh my goodness...it feels like yesterday that we found out that we were expecting. How our lives have already changed for the better, I can't even imagine how much greater things are going to get around here when "we" become "three". 

I talk to our sweet girl everyday and pray for her (mommy and daddy, too). I even catch myself turning the music up in the car, so she can listen with me (I'm sure daddy appreciates that, as it probably tunes out mommy's singing)! Her book collection is small right now, but I often read aloud a book or two. I love when I feel her moving about, as I read or talk to her. I think it's her way of telling mommy that she hears me and loves me!

Brooke's book collection so far

My darling Brooke, we can't wait to see you. You are already so loved! This weekend is our Diaper Shower Pool Party and we are so excited to celebrate your expected arrival with friends and family. Rest up sweet pea, Saturday is going to be a long, hot day!

Mommy, 30 weeks pregnant

June 24

Once again, I find myself saying the weekend was not long enough. Michael had to work all weekend, but the overtime is nice for baby savings! Friday I got off around noon and ran some errands - shopped the VS sale and got a new pair of flat shoes. Then, I headed over to see my grandparents. I ended up staying the rest of the afternoon there and had pizza with them for dinner. I absolutely love spending time with them - we can talk and talk for hours!

Saturday morning my parents came over early and I got kolaches for all of us. Then, they offered to help me with some stuff around the apartment, as it is getting more difficult for me to and again Michael was working. They were super helpful - they helped me clean the place top to bottom! We dropped off their car to get detailed and made a trip to Sam's. We made lunch back at my place and tried to relax, after a day of cleaning! It seemed like Saturday flew by; we got a lot done, but I missed Michael!

Sunday, I went to church and breakfast with my parents, then ran some more errands. My mom came back home with me and we went to the pool for a couple hours before dinner. Pa and Ga came to the apartment for the first time - we had appetizers and then went out to dinner. Nothing beats family time! 

Michael got home later and we both were ready for bed. I know he has been working long hours, but neither one of us are complaining about going to bed early. I just feel that it is never enough sleep! The pregnancy pillow I am using is a life-saver. I imagine I would be even more sleep deprived without it - thank to my cousin Kelly for lending me hers! This is something I would honestly recommend to any pregnant lady - it provides a lot of support for my belly, hips and back!

Along with cleaning, I managed to talk to Michael into doing a little work for me, after his 12 hour day. I can thank Pinterest for these ideas.

Towel rod and shower curtain hooks used to hold necklaces.

Bathroom tiles with pictures and modge-podge.

Oh and last but not least, tried another new ice cream this weekend...another delicious flavor picked out by daddy!!

White cake flavored ice cream with confetti sprinkles and blue frosting ribbon. :)

June 20 - 29 weeks

Our baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (about the size of a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, I'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, I'll be drinking extra almond milk these days (along with other good sources of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, and OJ). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited into her hardening skeleton each day.

Some old "friends", including heartburn, are back again in the third trimester. The pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout the body, including my gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation, coupled with the crowding in my abdomen, slows digestion. Sluggish digestion can cause gas and heartburn — especially after a big meal — and contribute to constipation. This is the fun part, right? :)

I have noticed some more nasal congestion lately, but no telling if that is due to the weather or rhinitis of pregnancy. About 20-30% of pregnant women experience rhinitis, so it could very well be that. I have some nasal spray from earlier in my pregnancy prescribed by my pulmonary specialist that I will use if and when needed.

Anywho, it is Friday at noon and I am still at the office. Just got done with my annual review, which went great by the way, and I am out of here...

June 18

Today I got the invitation to my baby shower! How exciting. I already had the date saved and knew my sister sent out the invitation, but I was smiling from ear to ear when I opened my mailbox and saw the card addressed to me. I knew exactly what it was! The hosts of my shower on July 13 are my sister, Jen, my godmother and aunt, Milly, and my cousin, Elyse. I could not be more excited, as they are keeping most of the plans a secret from me. I can't hardly wait to see how everything turns out! The invitations were cute as can be - great job girls! It's already hanging on my fridge...so I don't forget. :)

Actually that won't be our first "shower", as we are having a Diaper Shower/Pool Party on June 29th. "Swaddles & Bottles" is for some of our close friends in honor of Michael being a new Daddy. Unlike the other two showers, this one will involve some adult beverages, grilling burgers and lounging poolside. Michael's old roommate and longtime friend, Eric, and his girlfriend, Ashley, are the ones hosting the party.

We are very blessed to have them in our lives, especially because Eric was the reason that Michael and I met almost 5 years ago. It was after Hurricane Ike in September of 2008 when we both ended up at Eric's house, enjoying his air conditioning and lights, as the electricity was out at both of our homes. We saw each other a few more times while hanging out with the same group of friends, but it wasn't until Halloween that we realized the spark was there. We ended up at the same Halloween Party; Michael was dressed as Captain Morgan and I was a Western Shot Girl.

We exchanged numbers and talked more during the week, as Michael traveled out of town for work. It did not take long for Michael and my friendship to become something more; December 13 marks our anniversary, the date of his company Christmas party. Ever since day one, he has always been very good to me - I suppose that is why I have kept him around so long! Needless to say, we are both very grateful for our friendship with Eric and are so happy that our paths crossed when they did.

Now back to today, June 18 is the 1 year anniversary of me working at Wood Group Mustang! I was not looking for this job when the opportunity arose, but God knew what He was doing. While I miss my friends at my previous job, my career has a much brighter future here. I enjoy coming to work, and I feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. My boss acknowledged my anniversary during our department meeting and presented me with a certificate, and $50 Amazon gift card too! And with that said, I'm off to shop...

June 17 - Paranoid Prego

Well, after last week's dehydration "scare" and Sunday's unusual abdominal cramps, this mommy had a seed planted in her head that something was not quite right. Little miss did not seem her usual self this Monday - there was quite a bit less fetal movement than normal. I was concerned all day, asking fellow mommies their advice. After leaving work early, I decided to finally call the triage nurse for peace of mind. After explaining to her the past couple days of events, she ordered me to go to the hospital for another stress test. Michael and I were going to be home at the same time and had planned to go to the pool for a couple hours. So as he was pulling onto our street, I called him and told him the change of plans. He thought a trip to the hospital was a little extreme, but wanted (me) to know that everything was okay.

We arrived at Memorial Hermann Katy at about 5 pm. We filled out the paperwork and sat in the waiting room for a room to be cleaned. Michael was less than impressed with the hospital, especially the waiting room. It was a mess...hopefully on Brooke's birthday it will be much cleaner, as to provide all of our loving family and friends with a nicer environment to wait in!

We finally got into a room and the nurse had me strapped in like before; 2 monitors - 1 for baby and 1 for mommy. We heard a good strong heartbeat, which was very relieving to mommy! We were there for about an hour before they came and got me to go do a biophysical profile - a prenatal ultrasound evaluation of fetal well-being involving a scoring system. The tech said she was very active, of course much more active than she had been all day. Nonetheless, it was good to see her moving about. Her diaphragm was also making some movements, which the tech said was her probably trying to breathe. This is a very good sign at this early in the pregnancy. She had the hiccups during the ultrasound too; poor baby's whole body contracts as she hiccuped. The tech assured me that they are not hurtful in any way to the baby, again more relief for mommy! She said I was definitely not dehydrated by the amount of amniotic fluid I had and everything else seemed to look great!

The results took about an hour, but little miss scored an 8 out of 8. I was wheeled back to Labor & Delivery, where I was strapped back up to the stress test monitor. The nurse wanted me to hit a button every time I felt a movement. This way if she moved to the point the monitor wasn't picking up a heart beat, they would know it was because she was on the move. By this point, Michael and I both were starving. I couldn't tell if the movements I felt were my tummy growling due to hunger or Brooke moving! The kitchen was already closed as it was about 7:30 pm, but the nurse was able to find some juice, saltines and graham crackers. We scarfed those down, and I had an orange and grape juice. Well, that was a sugar rush for Brooke - she was bouncing off the walls!!! The monitor couldn't get a reading at all, as she was all over the place. You could see my stomach just rolling about! It was about 9 o'clock by the time the nurse had gotten a hold of my OB, for her to give the word to discharge me. I suppose since it was my doctor's orders to go in, she had to be the one to okay me to leave. They gave me some papers on kick counts and gave me a briefing on preterm labor. They assured me everything was fine, and I knew it was at that point. Again, after last week's visit and the idea of dehydration, Sunday's unusual abdominal cramps and the lack of fetal movement during the day, I needed to be reassured that our baby girl was okay! It may have been unnecessary to be at the hospital for 4 hours, but at least we knew that she was alive and healthy! I would rather be too cautious and paranoid, than not - better safe than sorry! Michael was tired and anxious to get home, but he was supportive of me and just as happy to hear that Brooke was alright.

It was wierd at first to feel the kicks and punches, stretches and rolls, but when you don't feel them, it is very scary to an expecting mother. You get used to feeling your little one inside your tummy, so even if it is just a nap they're taking, you want to confirm their little heart is still pumping away! I felt silly after hearing that everything was okay, but I know I could have never forgiven myself if it weren't. Needless to say, next time I will be sure to drink a gallon of grape juice before making a run to the hospital for 4 hours on a Monday night.

I will put all of my faith into the Lord and continue to pray for our baby girl.

Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or

the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother's womb,

so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things.

~ Ecclesiastes 11:5

June 16 - Father's Day Weekend

Friday, I worked what will probably be my last event outside during this pregnancy. It was during lunch time at Cullen Park...and it was hot! I sat in my car for about 15 minutes with the A/C running, only an hour after getting there. I emailed my boss at that point letting him know I may not make it until the end of the event. However, after I got under the pavilion and the activities were going, time flew by. I ended up drinking half their water supply and made it until the end of the teambuilding. Although, the further I get in my pregnancy, it is probably safest that I do not facilitate events in the outdoors. I really enjoy my job, and it is going to be hard, but I know it's best for Brooke and I.

After work, Michael and I went to the pool. Our friend, Eric, joined us. After such a long, hot day, I was prepared to stay hydrated!

About 150 ounces of water...and still needed a refill!

Saturday, we ran a few errands - got Father's Day gifts, Michael fixed the A/C in his truck (finally!) and we found a new place for Gyros! Yum. We met my parents for dinner at Lasagna House and had a nice quiet evening at home.

Sunday, I made Michael breakfast tacos and gave him a photobook from Brooke and Mommy. I had some unusual abdominal cramps, in which I had to sit down. However, drinking a couple bottles of water and laying down for about 10-15 minutes, I felt better. Michael made the deer patties and cucumber salad for lunch at my parents and we headed over about noon. Jen and Mike were there, plus Michael's parents, niece and nephew joined shortly after. It was so great to have everyone together, even Grandmere commented on so much family all being in the same place! It was the first time for Jen and Mike to meet Michael's family, and I am glad they were able to be there before going to celebrate with Mike's family. Mom went crazy in the kitchen - spinach artichoke dip, sausage queso, Texas caviar, cheese & crackers, veggie tray, salsa, deviled eggs, corn on the cob, hamburgers, sauteed mushrooms and...strawberry trifle for dessert!!! Everyone ate VERY WELL this Father's Day! We stuck around for a couple hours after lunch, as we were too full to leave...and the company's not too bad either! :)



My Dad - the first man who ever had my heart

Michael - the love of my life and soon-to-be father of our baby girl

Mom brought out a box from her closet, Brooke's "hope chest". She has been collecting items for her and decided to show Michael and I some of her gifts from Grammy. Needless to say, this little girl is super spoiled! We left with about 10 new outfits... She officially has her first 9 month outfit too! Grateful that someone has thought to buy her more than just newborn outfits - her own mommy hadn't even thought of that yet!

We got home later than we expected, but we had a great day with the family and a nice weekend overall. Michael knew I was exhausted and even though it was Father's Day, he spent the last few hours of his weekend doing all the dishes, cleaning up the kitchen and finishing laundry before going to bed. I just love this guy! How did I get so lucky?

Happy (almost) Father's Day to my best friend!
I love you to the moon and back.

June 13 - 28 weeks

Yesterday, I got a call from the doctor's office with my glucose testing results - NEGATIVE! I was so happy to hear that I do not have gestational diabetes! Also my thyroid levels are normal, so the current dosage I am on seems to be working. And they did let me know that my iron was slightly low. I have been taking an over-the-counter iron supplement every other night, so she suggested I up it to every night. She said it was very borderline, so if the increase in iron gives me any unpleasant symptoms, cut back to every other night again.

Michael picked out some ice cream for me,
to celebrate not having gestational diabetes!

The past two days, I have been overloading on water, since the doctor seemed to think I was dehydrated. I honestly thought I loved water, but I am constantly full of it...I'm not sure how much I like it anymore! I am trying to consume at least 100 ounces a day now. I tally every time I go to the water cooler (and bathroom)...currently I'm on my fourth 16-ounce glass, over half way there!

By this week, Brooke weighs 2 1/4 pounds (about the size of a large eggplant) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can open and close her eyes, which now sport lashes! This movement is more of a reflexive blink than a deliberate opening and closing, but it won't be long before she's batting those beauties at you.

I have gained 11 pounds thus far in my pregnancy, and I've read most women gain about 11 pounds in their 3rd trimester. So I will basically double my weight gain in the next 3 months! So long as our little girl is getting her nutrients and we are both healthy, I am happy! Plus the doctor keeps telling me that I am right on target.

I must say that there really have not been any foods that I have "disliked" during my pregnancy - nothing that has caused nausea. I always thought that it was a given for expectant moms - they crave pickles & ice cream and they have their foods they stay far away from. Well, I guess I may be one of the lucky ones...that or I just like food too much! One time I ate a salad and I didn't think it tasted good, but I finished it anyway...I was at work, it was part of my packed lunch and I didn't have anything else! It didn't make me sick - just wasn't my favorite. Oh, and there was that one time early on when I ate Chinese and was up all night with a tummy ache. However, that could have just been the specific food or the amount that I ate that didn't settle well. By no means did I not enjoy it while I was eating it! I believe that is probably the extent of it.

As for cravings, I have never been a huge fan of salty things, but during my pregnancy, I have been more drawn to trail mix and nuts. I am still working on a bag of honey roasted cashews that Michael got me. I try not to indulge, but only have enough to satisfy my craving! I also have had a strange urge to eat more pork, which I think is because of the lack of beef we have been eating. It is just another option besides chicken and deer, and I've really enjoyed it lately! Just the other night Michael made homemade Chinese - Sweet & Sour Pork with fried rice! Absolutely amazing. Other than that, we have had quite the variety of ice cream in the freezer. We always get the pint-size or personal cups - mostly because of the limited space, but it is also a good way for me not to overeat! Everything from Birthday Cake to Mint Chocolate Chip, I don't have a favorite that's for sure. Most of the time, I have Michael pick out a new flavor for me - he seems to know my taste buds better than I do. :)

Speaking of sweets, we had a visitor here at work last week from Aberdeen and she sent our department a box of "Nothing Bundt Cupcakes" to show her appreciation. Well, I definitely appreciated the red velvet cupcake, so thank YOU Georgie...

June 11 - Not a short doctor's visit

Yesterday, my hormones got the best of me. I seemed very edgy, after a long day at work. After a quiet evening and a little Pinterest, I was able to go to bed at a decent time. Michael still takes care of mommy, even when I am not the most pleasant person to be around...and for that I love him even more!

This morning was my 27 week doctor's appointment, I am now at the point where I will visit my OB/GYN every two weeks, versus every month. I asked my mom to go with me since Michael was unable to take off from work. I assured her it wouldn't be anything exciting, just a regular visit and some blood work. Well, I did have to fast this morning, since I was to have my glucose testing to screen for gestational diabetes. This is a routine test they give all pregnant women around 28 weeks, since it is very common to develop diabetes during pregnancy. I was given the choice between orange and fruit punch - I chose orange. There is a small of "juice" you have to drink exactly an hour before the test. It is loaded with sugar and I had heard horrible things about the taste. It honestly wasn't that bad, but I guess I had prepared myself for the worst! I had 3 minutes to finish the liquid and then she gave me my orders to have the blood work done at 9:37 am, on the dot!

Positive note - I had no weight gain since my last appointment two weeks ago, and she assured me that I am right where I should be...as I always ask! She did tell me I had a bladder infection, which I was surprised as I had no symptoms. She said that was completely normal too with pregnancy. Grammy was able to hear Brooke's heartbeat for the first time! I wanted to record it so I could play it back for Daddy later on, and as I was doing so the doctor asked me if I felt her move, which I did. Then she asked if I noticed how her heart rate slowed down after she moved, which I also did. She said it was nothing to be alarmed about, but she wanted me to have a stress test at the hospital to check on the variations in her heart rate. I was not too concerned, as my doctor is able to keep me very calm and not get overly anxious...a must when choosing the doctor who will be with you in the delivery room!

On to the lab we went for blood work. They tested my thyroid levels, as well as the glucose testing. So fingers crossed on both of those...

Now I was able to eat, we stopped by Shipley's for a couple kolaches. Gotta keep my driver happy, plus I usually treat myself to kolaches after my doctor's appointments. :) I am worse than a little kid! We arrived at the hospital and after about 10 minutes of searching around, we finally ended up in the right place. The nurse brought us into a room and had me lie down on the bed. She wrapped two Velcro straps around my belly along with a small round device on each. One was to monitor baby and the other was to monitor me. I asked how long it would be and she said about 20 minutes, so she would ask me a few questions to get my information in the system while we waited. After that, she asked me to roll to my side and would get the readings that way for awhile. There was a machine next to the bed that prints out the levels and you could hear the sounds of her heart racing like a galloping horse, along with other noises that accompanied her movements and kicking.

Occasionally she would move so much that you could no longer hear her heart beat, so the nurse would come back in and reposition the device to hear her. I eventually rolled to my back again and was there for over an hour. The nurse finally returned to tell me good news! Her and my doctor reviewed the test together and agree everything is okay. They think the variations in her heart rate are possibly due to dehydration, especially since with the current infection. She said I should be okay...just drink lots and lots of water!

She also mentioned that I had a few contractions while I was there... That was news to me! I had no clue. I guess I do not know the difference between a kick and a contraction. She said that was also normal at 27 1/2 weeks, but if I get more than 5-6 in an hour that could be preterm labor. She advised me that I should be able to feel the difference - to feel my tummy the next time I feel a "kick" and if I feel tightening that is a contraction. I should physically feel my uterus getting tighter. So I am now going to be extra alert of all the movements! We made one last stop to CVS to pick up my antibiotic and then went back to my place for lunch.

I cannot express how happy I am to have had my mom with me today. I was very calm (even though she got slightly emotional once or twice). I can't imagine how I would have been if I were to have been alone all day. She was with me from 8 am until 2 pm today, from my checkup to blood work, to Shipley's and the hospital... I will forever and always need my mom to be there for me, especially as I become a mother to my little girl.

Thanks mama!



Love you more...even when you're
taking pictures of me laying in a hospital bed!

June 9 - Relaxing Weekend

Saturday, I woke up and picked up kolaches for the both of us. We watched the movie "Real Steel" and then decided to head back down to the pool. It was pretty warm outside, but it really was a beautiful day. A couple big clouds moved overhead but no rain - just a little bit of extra shade. There was no one there when we first arrived, but it wasn't long before a few kiddos showed up. However, we enjoyed watching the little ones, knowing that it won't be long before we are those same parents pushing our baby around in a little floatie and then teaching her how to swim.

We went in earlier than usual, as we had promised my parents a night out, so we would stay in with Grandmere. We brought stuff over for dinner - deer burgers, deviled eggs, macaroni salad and brownies a la Jaime. We had a nice, relaxing evening at my parents' house and I know they enjoyed being able to go out as well. We watched Arlington Road and then enjoyed a little treat from McDonald's when they got home. :)

Sunday the weather was yucky all day. We managed to make it as far as HEB for some weekly essentials, but that was it. We stayed inside and I actually rested for almost an entire day! It was very hard to do, and I honestly felt more lazy than anything... But it was nice to go to bed without throbbing feet!

June 7 - Shopping, Kicking & Swimming

Friday, I got off work early and had an eye doctor's appointment. Everything was good. My doctor wants to have a specialist take a closer look at something, but we will wait until after the baby comes - safe measures! I also got a new pair of glasses, since I assume that will be easier than contacts, especially if I am in and out of sleep once the baby is here. I also got a new prescription for the one-a-day contacts, versus the ones I wear now for two weeks. The ladies in the office are so excited for me and my family, as they have known me since I was a little girl...now I am having one of my own!

My mom came over for lunch at the apartment and then we were headed to Just Between Friends Consignment Sale in Katy. It was our first time, but I had heard great things about these events. We arrived at Faith West Academy, where the sale was being held, and it was a large building filled with gently used (and new) children's clothes, toys, furniture, etc. We didn't do too bad...walked out of there with 3 nightgowns and 6 onesies. After that, we were decided to call it a day and headed back home. I get tired so easily and my feet were hurting. Shopping just isn't as easy as it once was...

I have enjoyed the times my mom and I go out together, whether it be to shop for Brooke or just to grab a bite to eat. Our relationship has flourished over the years and I am so lucky to have her as my mom...and friend! She is going to be an awesome Grammy...the joy I see in her eyes when she talks about her is beautiful. I know she is just as excited! Major milestone for Grammy today too - she felt little miss kick for the first time. She called and told Grumpy that she felt her kick and I could hear my dad through the phone. "Is she kicking a lot? Did it hurt? Is she cute?" I adore my parents and am so glad that they will be so close to her. She is already one lucky lady!

Michael and I decided to take a short dip in the pool, before dinner out. I love my new float, and it seems that Daddy does too. I think we may need to invest in a second one, as well as a bigger water jug for Mommy. I usually end up drinking all of my water and his too! I cannot express how much I love being in the water, now more than ever. I have always enjoyed the water - pool, beach, lake, you name it. However, being pregnant, I have much more appreciation for the lack of gravity in a pool. It takes all of the weight and pressure off of my joints. It is simply amazing!

June 6 - 27 weeks

This week, our baby weighs almost 2 pounds (about the size of a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, our baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were born now. Just about any tiny rhythmic movements I am feeling can pretty much be considered a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her.

As I wind up the second trimester, I have noticed some new symptoms, such as backaches. About half of women have back pain at some point during pregnancy, usually in the lower back. Some have lumbar pain, which is felt around the spine at about waist level. It may be aggravated by sitting for long periods of time, standing, or lifting — and it tends to be worse at the end of the day. Then there's what's known as posterior pelvic pain, which would be felt deep on your backside or in the back of your thighs. This pain can be triggered by activities such as walking, climbing stairs, getting in or out of a low chair, twisting, and lifting. Positions in which your hips are bent — such as when you're sitting in a chair and leaning forward — may make posterior pelvic pain worse. I also read that I should avoid mopping and vacuuming, as it requires my body to twist in ways I shouldn't be right now (sorry, Daddy, you're on floor cleanup!).

I have also experienced my leg muscles cramping up now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all, and my expanding uterus is putting pressure on the veins that return blood from my legs to my heart as well as on the nerves leading from my back to my legs. Unfortunately, the cramps may get worse as the pregnancy progresses (but fingers crossed that they don't). Leg cramps are more common at night, which is the only time I have felt them...for now!

As for other symptoms, pregnancy brain is in full effect! I got a call earlier from Office Services. They said they noticed a poster on the side of a car in the garage, and figured it was mine... Well, they were right. I was unloading my car from an event this morning and forgot one of the items. Oops! At least it wasn't my camera bag. :)

And I yesterday I'm driving home after work and I felt Brooke kicking...and I started crying! I have felt her move plenty of times before, but for some reason hormones got the best of me. It is just a surreal feeling knowing that my little one is getting bigger inside me and soon she will be here in my arms. I can't wait to hold her and kiss her and look into her beautiful eyes, but...some part of me thinks I am going to miss feeling these little flutters in my tummy! So I guess those were tears of joy and happiness for our little miracle.

Lastly, I have noticed that not only am I drinking more liquids, but I feel like I am eating more too. I try to be conscious of what I eat and how much, but I am constantly hungry. As Little Miss continues to grow, so is mommy! Doctor says I am doing well on my weight, so our baby is getting plenty of nutrients. And I am most definitely exaggerating on how large I am...it is merely me getting used to the added weight. Daddy came home from San Marcos early, which I was happy not to be alone all week. He also made a special stop at Buc-ees, in which mommy got nothing other than...FOOD!!! Go figure.



Definitely not your traditional Reuben sandwich,
nor is it comparable to the calorie count of my usual
fruit and veggies, but it was well worth it!

  

Obsessed with cashews...and most recently "honey roasted" cashews!

 

June 3

Friday Michael and I both got off early and we headed to the pool for a little R&R. We ordered pizza, which ended up being not so great. I thought jalapenos and pineapple sounded like a good combination, but Michael was apprehensive about how hot the jalapenos would be. Well, he may have been right...they were so hot, the whole pizza was spicy even after taking them off! Other than that it would have been a good pizza, and nonetheless it was easy prep and cleanup! Shortly after, Michael left for Deer Park. He was going back to his parents' house, so he could leave early in the morning for a day fishing trip with his buddy, Justin. After he left, I got enough energy to do some laundry and cleaning...not completely sure why. I am thinking it was my way of staying busy since he was gone.

Saturday, I slept in and then went shopping - my form of cardio! I got a couple organizers for the closet, so we can fit more in there. Little miss is already taking after mommy - her closet is pretty small though, considering the living situation and current circumstances. After Target, I headed over to "Once Upon a Child", a consignment store for children's items and clothing. Oh my goodness! I was expecting a junky resale shop but when I walked in it was far from that! If you didn't know that it was a consignment shop, you would have no idea. I went straight to the aisle for 0-3 month girls, which was among over 10 aisles of boy and girl clothing ranging from newborn up through... junior high probably! They seem to be very picky on the items they accept, as a lot of the clothes are brand new, tags still attached, and the rest are gently worn. Also all of their onesies are only $1. I got a few items and headed out of there, as I had a shower to attend in one hour and I still had to get ready.

The baby shower was for a good friend of mine from college, Lindsay. She moved to Colorado and the last time I saw her was her wedding two summers ago that Michael and I went to. She is having a little girl, Maryn Olivia Reeves, due on August 28th...just 8 days before our little one is due to arrive. It's so hard to believe that my old neighbor in college and I who would eat salad and hot dogs in between studying and partying are expectant mommies at the same time. The shower was beautiful, as was she, and it was so good to see everyone!

After the shower, I went over to Lisa's house, Mallory's mom, to have some pool time. My friend, Tasha was also their with her month old little boy, Riley. He is even cuter than the last time I saw him, if that's possible. So we spent a couple hours catching up and hearing all about what to expect the first couple weeks! I headed home from there to get comfy and watch some tv.

I started my Sunday doing laundry, since the weather was not accommodating for pool time. My mom came over for lunch and a trip to Once Upon a Child. Grammy just had to check it out! We had planned to go to Pottery Barn Kids too, to see the nursery bedding in person, but after an hour shopping for Brooke, we decided to call it a day.




Just one of Brooke's new outfits...shoes included!
Thanks Grammy!


Daddy was home by this point, so we spent the rest of the evening cleaning up the apartment, cooking, eating and finally relaxing. Michael was going to have to work in San Marcos for the week, so little miss and I are on our own for the week...

Missing Daddy dearly, but have my friend, Ashley coming over for dinner tonight to discuss plans for the Diaper Shower/Pool Party. So excited to get all of that figured out, as it will be our first shower...in less than a month! I have a feeling these next few 3 months are going to blow by. I really wanted to take a babymoon before our baby comes, but our weekends are looking more and more limited. A couple days in Galveston may have to do...unless I can figure out an open slot for something a little (but not much) further, such as San Antonio. :)