meet Miss Quinn

Well, it has been awhile, friends.... I have been preoccupied as of late, with a beautiful little girl we named Quinn Samantha. She joined us on October 29, 2012, and we have been madly in love ever since.

My water broke at 3:30 am that morning. I took my time showering, and we arrived at the hospital at 5:30 am. I was starting to feel contractions by then, but nothing too severe. We got checked in, and all situated in the hospital room. Ann and the parents were called, and everyone was on their way. I was checked by the nurse, got my epidural (even though I was only 3 cm), and laid down to take a nap while Rick went to the cafeteria to eat some breakfast. About 45 minutes later the nurse came in to check me as my contractions were 2-4 minutes apart, and I was 9.5 cm!!! I could not believe it. I kept asking her if she was lying to me. She said we are gonna start pushing soon- but I protested! Ann wasn't here! My parents hadn't even left from Phoenix yet! But- about ten minutes later I was fully dilated and started to push. It was so surreal. It was so quiet in there, just me, Rick and the nurse. Rick held one leg, the nurse the other, and one hour later, SHE was here! I couldn't believe it was a girl.... I couldn't believe I had a baby, and she was so so cute.

The next couple of days were hard. Quinn was jaundice, and not latching so we had to go to formula to take care of the excess bilirubin. I was overwhelmed, feeling I failed because she wouldn't breast feed, scared because she was sick, and just frustrated because we had so many visitors and I was needing some time to digest everything. The Dr. recommended we stay another night, and I am so glad we did. It was a relief to spend time with the lactation consultant and know Quinn was healthy, and the jaundice was gone before we left the hospital.

We brought her home on Halloween, and it has been nonstop ever since. Having a baby at home is like nothing I could have ever expected. It is so, so hard at times. Hilarious at others, and overwhelmingly amazing at most. I never thought I would love the smell of sour milk on a baby's neck, or cheer at a giant dirty diaper, or cry because breastfeeding is the hardest thing I have ever tried to do. The first two weeks after she was born, I was a mess of hormones, emotions, and anxiety. Thank goodness that subsided and I am feeling back to my old self. I know Rick is thrilled, too. I think he was a little scared I had gone off the deep end there for a minute. These are things no one tells you about. I love her so very much, and life is completely different now. But, to me, it is perfect.

39 weeks.

How far along? 39 Weeks

Total weight gain: not saying- but I do officially weigh more than my husband. Lovely.
Maternity clothes? every day
Stretch marks? nope- I think I am home free on this one!
Sleep: the last 3 nights have been great for sleep- I am so grateful! I contract all day so I am afraid that I will just stay up all night, but nope, the babe goes to sleep with me :)
Best moment this week: Our friends Ann and Marcel came down last weekend and we had a great time talking, eating, and she answered all of my baby questions (including how to use that breast pump, I mean what is that thing??). Her schedule is pretty much open so that she can make my delivery, except for her baby shower on the 3rd. Pray Pray that she can make it! The thought of her being in there with me calms me, and I think she will calm Rick, too, if he needs it. Only two people are allowed in the delivery room, if she comes then I wouldn't have to have just my Mom and not my Mother-in-law in there or vice versa with Rick.... it's things you never think you will have to worry about! Trying to be fair and even with both families....even if my Mom is already laying on the guilt about not being in the room.
Miss Anything? I could use a drink- I am huge.
Movement: oh yes the baby is active as ever! It was going crazy the other day when I was having consistent contractions every 20 minutes all day long. Every time a contraction stopped the baby would do somersaults.
Food cravings: Sweets! Duh- this week's menu consisted of peanut butter and jelly, root beer bottle candies, and snickers. Oh, and I have a craving for food truck cheesesteaks.... but who doesn't?
Anything making you queasy or sick: Salad.... barf
Gender: SURPRISE!!!!
Labor Signs: Contractions, but nothing closer than 7 minutes apart, ever. And they are not really painful, so I don't know whether or not to count them. Ugg, everything is so new! But my Dr. stripped my membranes yesterday, and I have an appt on my due date (the 31st). She will check the baby's size and fluid levels, and if anything is wrong, then I will go in that night. If everything is a-OK, then I will wait until Sunday the 4th, and if I have not delivered, then I will be induced that day. A week and a half left at the most!!
Symptoms: Just tight, large, and squished.
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? still off! I am a chubby buddy.
Happy or Moody most of the time: So flipping EXCITED to say the least!
Looking forward to: I just want to meet this baby and find out if it is a boy or a girl!

birthday boy.

The birthday gift for you, I pondered thus

Was a ginormous hippopotamus

So you and I could ride

Astride 
His hippo hide

While sitting on our bottomus 

And, perhaps,

Since you've got him,

I Should get one too....

Two ...hippopotami 

Or we could just do it..
..
like normal peopleli

 

 

Happy Birthday, my darling

 

 

I love you.

38 weeks.

How far along? 38 Weeks

Maternity clothes? oh yea, I was talking to my prego besty Ann, and she and I just rotate the same clothes over and over....it is getting soooooooooooo boring and SO not chic. 
Stretch marks? none yet!
Sleep: not terrible this week, I had one bad night of 3 hours of sleep, and then I went to work. Getting me ready for baby I am sure!
Best moment this week: just soaking up every last bit of being pregnant ..laying around feeling it move & throwing back all the snacks I can get my hands on.
Miss Anything? so many things...but I know I only have a very short time to go!
Movement: oh yes the baby is active as ever! He or she has been moving constantly! Kicking me right in my ribs and shoving it's foot out the sides of my belly. 
Food cravings: sweets (surprise!) this week's main menu consisted of ice cream, birthday cake, Toblerone, candy corn, and Hershey's kisses.
Anything making you queasy or sick: salads
Gender: SURPRISE!
Labor Signs: Nope. It seems like constant braxton hicks lately..but otherwise I get the vibe that he or she is pretty cozy in there. I am all ready at home and work for the baby to come, so any day now would be perfect!!
Symptoms: lots of pain in my stomach from where it's head moves around plus wicked heartburn/acid reflux. Sore shoulders and back from carrying around this pumpkin, but Rick has been massaging out my knots every night. :)
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? off... still :(
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy & EXCITED to say the least!
Looking forward to: D-Day! SO ready for this little baby's arrival!!!! :)

37 weeks.

How far along? 37 Weeks - FULL TERM baby!!!

Maternity clothes? oh yeah

Stretch marks? none yet
Sleep: Been great the past couple of days- I feel if I only get up once in the middle of the night to pee or eat TUMS, then it is a great night of sleep!!

Best moment this week: Finishing packing my hospital bag (for the most part) and having most everything checked off my to-do list. Except work, that is going to be a struggle.

Miss Anything? being comfortable! I hate not being able to bend down to pick stuff up or get up off the ground without help. My preschoolers are so cute, they come over and stand straight and tall for me, and I put my arms around their little shoulders and they hold so strong helping me up! I love them so much!
Movement: lots of major movements & rolling... I'm sure the babe is pretty darn cramped in there! Lately, I feel constant movement and it is so reassuring everything is A-OK!

Food cravings: Still want chocolate for every meal...other than that, not much of an appetite.
Anything making you queasy or sick: salads, vegetables
Gender: SURPRISE!

Labor Signs: Lot's and lots of Braxton Hicks, but that is it.... which is fine, because I am not ready for the baby to make it's appearance yet!

Symptoms:  I have been tired again (not as bad as the first trimester) & my back is pretty sore. Also, my heartburn is in full force... BUT, I know it is ALL WORTH IT! :)
Belly Button in or out? out (my husband asked if I was gonna tape it down for my maternity photos on Saturday- I swear my stomach looks like a giant boob with that belly button sticking out)
Wedding rings on or off? off- I miss that sparkler.... maybe I shouldn't eat so much salt.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy- unless I am at or just went to the grocery store. Then I am very irritated and probably crying.

Looking forward to: baby's arrival of course ... can't believe it is almost time!! 

36 weeks.

**** this post is super late because my husband was away on business last week, all the way in Connecticut, and I didnt have anyone to take my photo! I am glad he is back safe and sound and no baby came!

How far along? 36 Weeks

Maternity clothes? yep - literally sweatpants at home, and comfy stretchy clothes when I am at work!
Stretch marks? none yet
Sleep: I wake up most nights a few times, but I am quite tired, so falling asleep is no problem!
Best moment this week: Learning I am already 1-2 centimeters dilated, 50% effaced, and the babe's head is down at my Dr.'s appointment this week! My Ob said the baby is about 6 pounds, and she anticipates a 6.5-7 lb baby at birth. She also said she does not think I will go past my due date. Any day now!!
Miss Anything? I miss a lot of things..but this experience has been pretty darn amazing & I'm a little sad that it's almost over.
Movement: still lots of movement.. rib shots, bladder shots, but I love every one of them because it means the baby is healthy and doin well.
Food cravings: I am literally to the point where I want chocolate for every single meal.
Anything making you queasy or sick: still salads and vegetables- sure hope this goes away!
Gender: SURPRISE!
Labor Signs: No, felt one or two contractions, but nothing else.
Symptoms: overall feeling pretty great, other than lots of pressure in my belly as it continues to grow & some pain in my back & ribs.
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? off :(
Happy or Moody most of the time: Had a roller coaster of emotions this week, the grocery store just does not bring out the best in me, my poor husband... but so very happy.
Looking forward to: Maternity photos this weekend!!!

35 weeks.

How far along? 35 Weeks
Maternity clothes? yep - literally  maternity pants/dresses/shirts and Rick's shirts from here on out!
Stretch marks? none yet
Sleep: I am starting to wake up a few times a night, heartburn, being uncomfortable, the difficulty in rolling over.... I think my body is just preparing for zero sleep.
Best moment this week: My work surprised me with a baby shower last week! So sweet!!! And getting out all of my Halloween decorations, this is my favorite time of year!

Miss Anything? I miss a lot of things..but this experience has been pretty darn amazing & I'm a little sad that it's almost over.
Movement: still lots of movement.. hoping to feel the momentous partial somersault any day now......The rib shots are pretty constant.
Food cravings: I am literally to the point where I want candy after every single meal.
Anything making you queasy or sick: still salads- sure hope this goes away!
Gender: Surprise!!
Labor Signs: No, but crazy to think it will only be a very short time now!
Symptoms: overall feeling pretty great, other than lots of pressure in my belly as it continues to grow & some pain in my hips & ribs. I think walking every night with my neighbor Katie has helped strengthen my back.
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? off..... I so miss my wedding bling.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Had a mini breakdown this week at the grocery store when no one would help me lift my pallet of water into my cart or into my trunk, and then looked at all the groceries I had to unload, and I was so so tired... but Rick quickly left work to help me unload the trunk, after that- so very happy.
Looking forward to: baby's arrival of course! Maternity photos are in a couple of weeks!! (late I know, but I would wait to 40 weeks to have the Pied Piper take the pics) ALSO, can't wait to share the nursery with you all very soon! :)

34 weeks.

How far along? 34 Weeks

Maternity clothes? maternity & comfy clothes... so ready for sweat pants and uggs! I'm getting sick of rotating sundresses!
Stretch marks? none - don't know how that's possible, but none!
Sleep: very tired, but wake up in the middle of the night with heartburn! Sleeping sitting up is an art form.
Best moment this week: Our 4D sonogram.... It was so so cool! I mean, I don't think anything could be cuter... Check it out:

Miss Anything? sitting comfy on the couch or laying in bed without my stomach falling asleep. And sub sandwiches.
Movement: still love feeling all of the babe's hiccups & random wiggles
Food cravings:Candy, candy, candy. Oh, and cinnamon rolls.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Seafood and homemade salads still make me wanna ralph.
Gender: SURPRISE!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: the heartburn never ends, back pain, Braxton Hicks. The usual....
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? off .... so sad!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: baby's arrival! Seems so surreal at this point, I can not wait to see the baby's precious face & hold him or her for the first time.

33 weeks.

How far along? 33 Weeks

Total weight gain: 20 pounds gained, feels like more! 
Maternity clothes? maternity & comfy clothes...
Stretch marks? no
Sleep: sleeping well- more tired than a few weeks ago, and I don't move much during the night because it is so hard to roll over!
Best moment this week: Thinking about and talking with the girls that are planning my baby shower... I am so so excited! I am having it after the babe comes, so it is crazy he/she will be here by then! We also had our hospital tour. Seeing where the babe will be born is so nuts!
Miss Anything? sandwiches and alcohol.... the usual.
Movement: still love feeling all of his/her hiccups (happening as I type this) & random wiggles, I think it is getting squished in there.
Food cravings: fresh fruit, and baked goods. I made a strawberry-pear smoothie, chicken and dumplings, and a homemade pear tart with stuff from my bountiful basket. I was barefoot in the kitchen for hours yesterday-the house smelled amazing!
Anything making you queasy or sick: still no desire to eat seafood, or homemade salads. Maybe I just don't want to do the work of washing and chopping.
Gender: SURPRISE!
Labor Signs: No ....so crazy to think this could be in the next few weeks?! I wonder if I'll be one of those people whose water breaks while I'm lurking around Target. Lotsa Braxton Hicks tho!
Symptoms: heartburn & lack of mobility - otherwise honestly feeling great
Belly Button in or out? It can officially be considered an outie.
Wedding rings on or off? meh... they could fit- but it's tight. I have been sporting other rings instead :)
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Our 4D ultrasound this weekend! And Maternity photos only a few weeks away (I hope I am still pregnant). This baby thing is getting super real now, man!

32 weeks.

How far along? 32 Weeks
Total weight gain: 19 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes! Nothing fits on top unless it is maternity or Rick's.
Stretch marks? none yet!
Sleep: sleep is good... rolling over is hard, but I sleep well.
Best moment this week: Going to the Dr. and hearing the heartbeat, finding a pediatrician, and in 4 weeks I will be starting my every week Dr.'s visits!!! The babe will be here soon!!
Miss Anything? breathing normally and being able to run, climb stairs, and laugh without suffocating.
Movement: still lots of movement & baby hiccups.. I know I will miss this feeling so much.
Food cravings: CANDY CORN!! Hooray, it is here!!!
Anything making you queasy or sick: not really..but seafood doesn't sound at all enticing.
Gender: SURPRISE!!
Labor Signs: No way!
Symptoms: Heartburn, mild rib, & hip pain and still some swelling in my calves/feet. Lotsa Braxton Hicks- but they really aren't that bad.
Belly Button in or out? more out than in
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!
Looking forward to: Our hospital tour this weekend, and our 4D sonogram next weekend!! So much fun!!

31 weeks.

How far along? 31 Weeks
Total weight gain: 19 pounds... holding steady at a pound a week, so if all goes well I will have gained 28 pounds my whole pregnancy: perfect! Keep your fingers crossed
bought some this week!! I can still fit into my old pants, but shirts are few and far between.
Stretch marks? none yet, but my belly is so itchy!
Sleep: sleep is still good although I am having to get up in the middle of the night to pee every once in a while. I am also more tired than I was a few weeks ago.
Best moment this week: Last night Rick said to me "Babe, you look exactly how I had hoped and pictured you would look pregnant. Tiny with a big belly." I almost cried.
Miss Anything? moving around, getting up and down without huffing and puffing. I actually miss running. And sandwiches.
Movement: more like shifting, rolling and grinding her/his legs around my insides rather than kicking ...but hiccups are cool- like a little heartbeat!
Food cravings: still craving sweets... chocolate, magic bars, eclairs!
Anything making you queasy or sick: not much
Gender: Still a SURPRISE!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Heartburn, out of breath every now & then, starting to have a little swelling in my calves after doing lots of walking, sore back and sciatic shooting pains. But otherwise, great! Haha!
Belly Button in or out? top is starting to pop out! but it's still in limbo
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!
Looking forward to: finishing the nursery & organizing all of the clothes and supplies. We have so much already! Rick and I love looking at all of them!! He will sometimes just stand in the doorway of the nursery staring....we are so, so excited.

this past weekend...

We headed up to Phoenix, yet again to celebrate some birthdays!!! August is a busy month for birthdays around here: our friends Travis, Joe, and Kevin all have birthdays, as well our next door neighbor Katie. Plus, Rick's sister and Grandfather, as well as my sister in law Carissa, and her son Bladen also have birthdays. Phew!

Friday night we headed up to Phoenix and loaded up at Ikea. I hate going to that place, but we got so many things for the nursery, it was pretty awesome. Then we met Ann and Marcel for dinner (Annie ordered three things, yes three, off the menu and neraly finished it all. She is nothing short of amazing), and went to my parents' house to relive their recent Italian vacation. It was nice to see everyone.

Saturday morning we went to Rick's parents' house where I met up with his Mom and sister for a girls' day of fun to celebrate Samantha's birthday!

First we headed to Drybar. I love love love this place. What an indulgence. They had champagne and mimosas, and I had cucumber water. The deep conditioning treatment and scalp massage were to die for! Here are our before and after pics:

They did an amazing job! Worth every penny! And I am still rockin' my blowout 4 days later.... gotta love thick hair.

After that we went to True Foods for lunch. We all shared the vegetable crudite, artichoke pizza, chicken salad sandwich, and kale salad. It was sooooo good. We finished up the day with some shopping at Giggle, Lululemon, and H & M.

That night we all headed out to Copperblues for dinner, and Lucky Strike for some bowling. They did not have any lanes, so we went to a bar close to home. They drank, we all laughed. It was such a fun day!

The next morning I woke up early to meet a friend from college for breakfast.... it was so nice catching up with Shylah, and she gave me crib bedding and all the baby hangers I could ever need, as well as a learning toy for my little babe. It's amazing how people you haven't see in five years still can be so generous and thoughtful!

After breakfast my brothers and their families came over for a pool party at my parent's to celebrate Carissa and Bladen's birthday. It was fun, albeit short, party but it was nice to get everyone together. I do love those kids. My little niece is so so delicious.

We quickly headed back to Tucson so Rick could do a fantasy football draft. I should hang a sign that says "We interrupt this marriage, to bring you football season". No truer words have ever been spoken.

That night I had a little meltdown trying to pick out my outfit for work the next day. Even the "go to" shirts that I thought would last me my whole pregnancy were not fitting, and I got upset. Rick is always so good at consoling me when I get sad, and he convinced me to go get some new things the next day. I have really only bought a small amount of maternity items, and was determined not to by anything. I think it is such a waste of money, and I really do not like shopping. I am an online girl all the way, but he was right, it was time. And he left me this the next morning: 

My blessings are not lost on me, I assure you. Oh, and I got loads of maternity clothes yesterday, and I am so happy I did...

30 weeks.

How far along? 30 Weeks

Maternity clothes? mostly my regular clothes with a few maternity items mixed in
Stretch marks? no
Sleep: all of a sudden sleep is not so great - The babe has been waking me up by moving around at 3 am and 430 am the last couple of nights, let's hope this gets better!!!
Best moment this week: Finding out my brother is having a boy!!! And also seeing all the movement on the outside of my stomach- it looks like there is an alien in there!
Miss Anything? Sandwiches! I will not chance it though- a friend of a friend got listeria from Subway last week at 18 weeks pregnant and is in the hospital! There is no messing around with that, people!
Movement: Pretty much constant rib shots- thanks little baby.
Food cravings: still loving sweets, desserts, and the Carmela's Caprese sandwich from Beyond Bread. YUM!
Anything making you queasy or sick: seafood in general ...bleh!
Gender: SURPRISE!!! Although the string test said BOY.... who knows, I think it's just a whole lot of hubaloo...
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Heartburn, rib pain, and sciatic nerve pain. WHY doesn't anyone tell you about all this??
Belly Button in or out? still flat
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: so very happy, we love this baby so much already....
Looking forward to: Finishing the nursery!!! We are ALMOST there!!

it's the little things.

So, the babe has been waking me up the last two nights at 3 am and 4:30 am, respectively. Needless to say, that makes for long days... it does, however, make everything easier if you have a thoughtful hubby that leaves you notes in the morning like this:

He really does rule, doesn't he?

29 weeks.

How far along? 29 Weeks

Maternity clothes? mostly my regular clothes with a few maternity items mixed in
Stretch marks? no
Sleep: still sleeping great
Best moment this week: I passed my glucose test, 116!!! No 3 hour test for me, thank goodness, and the test was not bad at all!
Miss Anything? being able to shop/walk/clean for hours without getting out of breath, sore back and swollen toes... fitting into all of my summer clothes from last year... sandwiches.
Movement: lots of movement still, some pretty painful rib shots, but I still love feeling the baby move around!
Food cravings: sweets of any kind - chocolate, peanut butter, sugary treats, and really good Mexican food. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: homemade salads and seafood
Gender: Surprise!!!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Heartburn, non-stop pain in my ribs, and that sciatic nerve should just be removed it gives me so much trouble!
Belly Button in or out? still flat,becoming a bit of an outie!
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: The fall weather, finishing the nursery, and all the other babies that are growing in my friends' and family's bellies!!!

28 weeks.

How far along? 28 Weeks- 3rd trimester is officially here!!!

Maternity clothes? mostly my regular clothes with a few maternity items mixed in, like a tank top and a pair of jeans.
Stretch marks? no, thank goodness!!
Sleep: still sleeping great, more tired these days, maybe because I am working longer hours being back to work, and private clients every day after school.
Best moment this week: The crib came!!! And sitting in a back to school meeting with three of my best girlfriends being able to feel the baby rolling around. They had never felt a baby kick before and it was cool to see their faces light up. 
Miss Anything? Not really! I definitely don't miss my hair shedding! Being prego has kept it from really ever falling out- it is so thick I can go a long time without washing it!
Movement: all the time, mostly when I am sitting down resting.
Food cravings: I may or may not have eaten my body weight in chocolate this week.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still homemeade salads are not my thing- seafood: no way!
Gender: Still a surprise!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Just lower back pain. My sciatica will sometimes shoot a pain from my back all the way down my leg, and my leg kind of gives out. It is really pathetic.... But as long as I take it easy I am ok.
Belly Button in or out? can't decide, but it sure is funny looking
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!!! It is seeming more and more real, and I am so excited!!!
Looking forward to: The Fall weather! Can't believe it's only a short time away! Sometimes I feel as if I've been pregnant forever... but right now I'm thinking where has the time gone?!

27 weeks.

How far along? 27 Weeks

Total weight gain: 11 lbs gained
Maternity clothes? Wearing mostly skirts and dresses & the hair tie trick still allows me to wear my old jeans and shorts! 

Stretch marks? no, knock on wood!
Sleep: still sleeping great, rolling from side to side is getting difficult, but I don't even wake up to pee! Yay!

Best moment this week: Registering for baby stuff and already getting some gifts from sweet coworkers. It is amazing how generous people are!

Miss Anything? Deli sandwiches and a weekly cocktail... but my sweet husband has not been drinking much since I got pregnant so I don't feel so left out. What a great guy :)

Movement: all the time, starting to get the rib shots. But every movement is super cool!
Food cravings: More candy than normal, and I have been baking more than normal. We also ordered Lou Malnati's pizza all the way from Chicago- which may become a regular occurrence until my delivery.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Homemade salads, weird I know.

Gender: Still a surprise!!! I copy this questionnaire from another blog, and forgot to change this part last week. No we did not change our minds: we still have no desire to find out until delivery!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Heartburn/Indigestion all the time... tums help, but I try only to take them if I really need them at night. Lying down makes it so much worse! Other than that, I still get pain in my lower back, but as long as I take it easy, it's not so bad.

Belly Button in or out? flat as a pancake
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!
Looking forward to: finishing up the nursery and getting closer and closer to my due date! It is getting so exciting!!!

Sofia.

On July 19th, at 11:06 pm, my sweet niece Sofia was born. Her Mommy Carissa was such a champ, as Sofia weighed in at 9 pounds 6 ounces, 2 weeks early! Sofia is beyond beautiful and I love her so much. If a niece can fill my heart with such joy, I cannot imagine what being a Mommy will be like. The day was made even more special because it would have been my beloved Grandpa Poppi's 98th birthday. Welcome, little Sofia...

26 weeks.

How far along? 26 Weeks

Total weight gain: 11 lbs gained
Maternity clothes? sundresses and using the belly band still.... although maternity clothes are more comfortable, they are just NOT as cute!
Stretch marks? not yet
Sleep: sleeping great, it is getting harder and harder to roll over and reposition myself in the middle of the night
Best moment this week: making progress on the nursery (bassinet came!), and have my belly make weird shapes when the baby's head protrudes out, making a very hard bulge.
Miss Anything? drooling over the seasonal beers at dinner the other night, and Ahi tuna on salads... YUMMMMMM
Movement: all the time, we are so entertained feeling baby move around, mostly in the morning and at night when I am in bed.
Food cravings: Candy: Sugar Babies and Kit Kats. That is all. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Seafood- although I did manage a lobster roll last night at dinner. Don't know what got into me. 
Gender: SURPRISE!!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Back pain is getting pretty bad, which I am assuming will only get worse. My round ligament pain is bad after working out... but that ain't gonna stop me! I have maternity photos to prepare for!
Belly Button in or out? flat as a pancake
Wedding rings on or off? On, but I have a backup for the day when the rings don't fit over these sausages. If my toes are any indication, these fingers will be ready for a size up soon. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY! Sometimes I feel like I might burst with happiness...sounds cheesy... but so true.
Looking forward to: Baby Dr. visit tomorrow, and ordering our crib, changing table and registering this weekend. We are also visiting the daycare later this week that our babe will most likely go to after I go back to work! 

love is.

- When he saves me the last protein bar that I like, and has to open a new box to get a different one.
- Offering to head to the microwave over and over to re-heat my heating pad because he can see I am walking funny.
- Coming home after a ten hour work day to finish painting the nursery because it gives me anxiety when things are unfinished.
- Allowing me to use his arms as a brace to help me roll over in bed.
- Talking and reading to my stomach and being so excited to meet our little babe.
- Tells me over and over how pretty and what a cute pregnant lady I am, even if I know it is baloney.
- Even though he complains, allowing me to watch my endless shows of reality tv night after night.
- Doing the dishes infinitely more times than I do.
- Researching babymoons, taking Daddy Bootcamp with our friend Marcel, and {sort of} agreeing the push gift I want is something I can have.
- Playing with my hair until I fall asleep at night, even if laying on him is causing my body weight to cut off the circulation to his leg.
-Refinishing his old dresser that he loves, because I just will not have that old sticker covered thing in my baby's nursery.
-  Taking endless photos of my belly because I just don't think the last one was quite right...


Point is - this guy is rockin the husband socks right now.
Rock on lover.

25 weeks.

How far along? 25 Weeks
Total weight gain: 10 lbs gained
Maternity clothes? still wearing most of my old clothes - using the belly band to hold my jeans closed.
Stretch marks? not yet
Sleep: still sleeping great
Best moment this week: Finishing the paint in the nursery, and buying our bassinet! I am getting more and more excited to buy things for the little one, and much less overwhelmed! 
Miss Anything? A glass of wine or a cocktail with dinner on the weekends, but no big... I guess I'll learn to love water. :)
Movement: All the time, it's fun to see baby moving from the outside, or when it kicks and my stomach juts out really fast!
Food cravings: Still sweets & fruit - candy and bananas, peaches, melon, oranges.... but mostly candy.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still not eager to eat seafood any time soon.
Gender: Surprise!!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Round ligament pain and lower back pain is pretty constant, but the back pain gets really bad if I clean all day. I have had a couple bouts with acid reflux, but a TUM stops that in it's tracks. 
Belly Button in or out? flat as a pancake
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY! I am just so excited and loving feeling good right now. I am nervous for the 3rd trimester!
Looking forward to: We find out the gender of our wonderful friends Ann and Marcel's little baby, and my brother's girlfriend is getting induced tomorrow! It would have been Poppy (my sweet grandpa's) 98th birthday tomorrow, too. It will be a very special day we will remember forever!

best moment of the week.

My sweet husband and I cuddled up on the couch, while he read his favorite book when he was a child to the baby.... and the baby kicking like crazy.

We are so excited for this little one's arrival, we can barely stand it.

24 weeks.

How far along? 24 Weeks
Total weight gain: 10 pounds.... slow and steady = NO stretch marks! YES!
Maternity clothes? Yup! They are sooo comfortable, but I can still fit in to most of my old stuff, if it's stretchy.
Stretch marks? Not yet, but I have a baaaaaad feeling that strange brown line is about to make it's debut below my belly button. I see it there, faintly.... I call it bad words.
Sleep: still sleeping great, once I can get comfortable, which is not always easy.
Best moment this week:  Finding gorgeous bedding for the baby's room at a reasonable price!!! And watching my tshirt move when the baby kicks- they are getting stronger!
Miss Anything? the clear winner... cocktails! Sometimes you just want a drink on a hot day, or after a rough one.
Movement: more & more each day!
Food cravings: still sweets & fruit - should probably work on fulfilling my fruit craving more than my sweets craving if I don't want to gain 50 lbs.
Anything making you queasy or sick: apparently eating an entire box of movie-sized Sugar Babies while stuck in traffic wasn't the best idea...but otherwise, no.
Gender: Surprise!!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Round ligament pain every time I stand up or move quickly {ouch},  but the lower back pain is the worst~ I walk so funny sometimes.
Belly Button in or out? In-ish
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY
Looking forward to: Finishing the stripes in the nursery so we can put it all together!! AND my litlle brother's baby will be born ANY day now!!! HOORAY!