30 weeks.

Ahhhhhh this feels SO good. I’m smack dab in the middle of break and loving every minute of it. And I’m also officially into the last 10-week {hopefully!!} stretch of this pregnancy; how did THAT happen? But it certainly does feel good to say I’m 30 weeks pregnant.

Bathroom selfie since my photographer is already with his family in Arizona.

How far along: 30 weeks

Symptoms: Things have been nice this week and I’m going to say it’s because I haven’t had to teach a.k.a. be on my feet for any extended period of time. My upper back has only hurt when I lay on one side for too long and my feeties have given me nothing but leisurely walks around the neighborhood. Other than that I’ve been pooped in the evenings but I dare say it’s just jet lag thanks to the three hour time difference.

I haven’t felt super thrilled about eating at various {& random times}; I’ll be hungry and not feel queasy at all but I’ll almost feel ill at the thought of food. But I eat anyway and I’m glad that I do. Oddly enough, I have been feeling super hungry this week. I’m not sure if the little one is growing a bit more or if it’s because I don’t have the lovely dining hall at work for lots of lunching.

I’m still getting this weird tingly feeling at the top of my ribs. It’s an odd sensation and definitely not on my skin so I think, as I mentioned last week, that it has to do with stretching and a possibly tweaked nerve somewhere in there.

Wait gain: So I’m at 160 finally {who’s ever going to enjoy saying THAT?}. But this isn’t on my usual scale and it was after a big dinner so I’m guessing I’m still somewhere around 159. I’m pretty sure I actually lost weight this week {see: no dining hall and we oddly haven’t been eating very many big meals, despite the holiday} and I want to make sure that this bun in the oven gets big and curvy {not for my own personal delivery ease, obviously, I just want her to be a fat and healthy bebé}.

Size of baby: it’s weird this week {isn’t it always?} – a cucumber or a head of cabbage!

Exercise: some easy walks. Not what I had hoped for this break but the days have been busy. Hopefully when I get to Arizona things will slow a bit and we’ll find time for longer constitutionals.

Milestones: I had a beautiful first baby shower last Sunday. It was wonderful and oh-so-nice, thanks to my darling aunt and grandmother. Little bit scored herself some very cute outfits as well as a neat set of alphabet cards – each guest decorated a card with a certain letter on it and my aunt will laminate them.

I also got to see everyone here which is great because the last time I did I didn’t look pregnant at all {though I certainly felt it} and the next time I see most people here there will be an outside baby to pass around.

What I miss: nothing =)

Sex: GIRL!

Movement: she’s still going at it and most everyone at home in California has gotten a change to feel her move.

The weirdest/coolest thing is seeing my belly go up and down; she’ll be so obviously on one side of me and be pushing out while the other side of the tummy dents in a bit. I haven’t seen any body parts yet – I don’t think that necessarily happens to everyone. I can tell you that I can feel either a head or a bum, it’s hard and roundish so I think it must be her noggin.

She still very obviously favors my right side and she most definitely is still in an oblique position {kind of diagonal} which is not what her mama wants. But she has time to move into head-down which is what I do want.

Thoughts/questions/concerns: Last week’s flight went well, though I was just sore the whole time. I fly again tomorrow though it’s a much shorter flight and my dad will be driving to Arizona so the doggy’s hitching a car ride which means I can drink as much water as I want and not worry about dragging a dachshund to the airplane bathroom with me every 25 minutes. Too bad this is the short flight.

I’m also concerned about the baby’s placement; I really do want her in the right position, not in some odd placement like she is now. The midwife seemed completely nonplussed about it and my feelings/concerns are completely self-inflicted so I should take a page out of her book and relax.

I also started thinking about childbirth classes and after some research of what’s available in our next of the woods think that we might end up just reading some books. I’m pretty smitten with Ina May Gaskin’s writings and may add in the Bradley method book or the Hypnobirthing book, but I kind of like the midwife from Tennessee’s words. I just have to hope that Mikey can find some time to sit down and read through them. I felt a bit freaked out realizing that a class probably won’t work in our schedule or budget but I’m really not, I think I feel more at peace about reading up on things and having the midwife/midwives to help.

Sleep: this is sad; it’s been good since my husband left California. The bed we get to sleep in here is a full. It’s great to have a bed! But we’re used to a queen and for me these days, I sleep best when I can stretch spread out. But our bed in Arizona is much bigger PLUS I get my hubby back so I’ll be a happy camper sleeper.

Goals: drink water, eat, walk a lot, rest, enjoy the next week and usher in 2014!

Random: we’ve had SUCH a good time in California. I don’t leave until later tomorrow evening so I still get a full day here, which is lovely. The weather has been unseasonably warm and visiting with family is one of the things I miss most living in DC – I’m really grateful for this time here.

29 weeks.

As of this morning I’m on a lovely two-week vacation…yippee skippee!! I get to go to California tomorrow and then Phoenix next Saturday so we get in a good visit with both families and for that I’m really grateful. On to this week’s update.

How far along: 29 weeks

Symptoms: My upper back still hurts…laying down helps.

The soles of my feet still hurt…being off of them helps.

I get this odd tingly feeling at the top of my rib-cage in the center of my chest and I think that this child is maybe hitting a nerve or that my stretching uterus is affecting a nerve somehow.

I’ve been a bit tired and really thirsty too. I’ve been drinking much more water than I had been, since two weeks ago, and I’m constantly going to the bathroom now which is OK because it’s all good for baby.

I also have some restless legs going on. It’s mostly if I’m sitting on the couch in the evenings and thankfully it’s not too bad in bed {watch it get really bad tonight}. Stretching them out helps a bit.

Wait gain: 158 as of yesterday afternoon. So I’ve really plumped up in general but I’ve gone down one pound since last week? And I haven’t really fluctuated for several weeks so I’m curious about this.

Size of baby: a butternut squash or an acorn squash…it’s squash week!

Exercise: a bit of walking but not much.

Milestones: our daughter has a few more outfits and a great start to her library. I also started going to the birthing center and to my first group session there {see yesterday}.

What I miss: nothing =)

Sex: ¡niña!

Movement: she’s going at it. I’m seeing my tummy move a lot. She also seems to favor my right side. And I can tell that she’s almost sideways. The midwife said that she’ll straighten up soon enough and that can’t be soon enough for me…I want this baby head down!

Thoughts/questions/concerns: I’m flying tomorrow, wish me luck! My plan is to walk up and down the aisle as much as I can and getting my water bottle filled up when I get past security so I can stay hydrated. The trouble is that I will have Guinness with me so I’ll have to hold him and that complicates things. I’m sure I’ll be fine. The midwives cleared me and I trust their judgment. I just hope that my hips or back don’t get too sore sitting on the plane or that my legs get the crazy restless feeling. And I hope I don’t feel crampy or crappy on the plane, but the water I plan to drink should help.

Sleep: good this week, despite waking up every few hours. Mike’s actually been In California since Monday so I get to stretch out and take up the whole bed and that helps. Weird dreams {which I’ve had the whole time}, snoring, and drooling are still persisting. I’m a beast.

Goals: keep drinking water, get past this flight, get ready for Christmas, go to my first baby shower {♥}, and enjoy the holidays.

Random: Guinness and I helped a couple get engaged tonight!!!!! I’ll explain more at a later date.

First group meeting.

Today I had my first group meeting at the Birth Center. They employ somewhat of a group care model for their prenatal patients that starts at around 25 weeks {I came in a couple sessions later than the women who started}.

The women who are due in the same month start to meet once every other week for a check-up with the midwife as well as a class, each one with a different topic. It's hard to picture but each session is two hours and for the first hour a lactation consultant begins the lesson while a midwife takes each of us aside for a quick check up/heartbeat hearing/etc.

I'm really excited about this since I get to meet other women due around the same time who are also interested in a midwife/birth center experience, plus I get this great prenatal curriculum without having to seek it out/pay for it.

Plus there are snacks. And a week where we plaster our bellies and make a cast to paint. You better believe Daddy's gonna be involved in that one.

Today's topic was the mechanics of breastfeeding, part I, circumcision, and the birth center vs. the hospital {they do have admitting rights at a near-by hospital and some women choose/need to give birth there}.

I'm glad I made this transition and am meeting other mamas and learning new things in a small group setting, my preferred method of taking in information.

I also got this folder that explains what size our baby is.

I love the reminiscent of the 80s clothing/earring outline.

28 weeks.

Snow and ice days graced our area in the past week. I’m gearing up for mid-terms at school and Mike’s finishing up his second to last semester of graduate school {way to go sweetie; you’ve been working SO hard!!!} which all bring us to 28 weeks!

It was red and green day at school today.

How far along: 28 weeks

Symptoms: My upper back pain has returned with a vengeance. Oh my goodness. It starts in earnest which at school then the car ride home exacerbates it. Laying on the couch hasn’t been helping…usually laying on my side for a bit seems to let it ease up but man oh man it’s killing me {can you tell it hurts right now?!}.

No more cramping this week; yea! But I’ve been drinking a TON of water.

I’m not as hungry as before but it’s not because I’m feeling full rather I feel kind of queasy. But it’s not the queasiness I’ve felt like pregnant; it’s just a tummy-ache type of yuckiness. So who knows?!

I’m feeling big and leaning down/over isn’t easy.

My feeties feel a bit bigger which isn’t very exciting.

I actually took off my wedding/engagement rings because my hands felt bigger one night but I think I was just having a swollen sort of day since they’ve been totally normal since then. I’m too afraid to put my rings back on, though, because I have a fear of my fingers getting too big and then how would we get off the rings?!!?

Wait gain: 159 still. I actually weighed myself at some point in the week and I was at153 so me thinks it’s because last week {& this week} I stepped on the scale in the afternoon after eating and drinking all day {like a normal [pregnant] person, not in some bacchanalian sort of way}.

Size of baby: apparently I was wrong again?! Both websites say that she’s an eggplant this week.

Exercise: Lots of couch surfing while doing work.

Milestones: little girl now has a place to lay her head; my mom very kindly gifted a pack-and-play {thank you so much Mama!}. Since we’re in a one-bedroom apartment that’s not that big of one-bedroom, we’re holding off on getting a crib for le bebé and the pack-and-play seems to be the best option for now.

What I miss: nothing =)

Sex: girl girl girl…stealing away her mother’s beauty; my skin has not been a good thing this pregnancy but then again I’ve never had a wonderfully clear complexion.

Movement: yup! She’s starting to give me some movement that is stronger and stronger…a few times she almost takes my breath away – it doesn’t quite hurt but it almost does.

Thoughts/questions/concerns: I’m still concerned about the traveling I’ve got ahead of me in the next few weeks. I’ll ask the midwife about it all at my appointment this upcoming week.

Sleep: waking up every few hours for the baño. I’ve also had this gross thing where I wake up with a start because it feels like I’m starting to throw up. Then I wake up and I’m fine because I sit up. Gross gross gross. Another gross thing? {I’m trying to not feel bad but remember that this is a place for me to remember what’s going on during this pregnancy =)} I’m drooling so much at night – I’ve heard that some women have a lot more saliva when pregnant. I’m also snoring some. Sorry Mike.

Goals: continue to drink a lot of water, get my mid terms graded so I don’t have to do that work over break, maybe start to think about the work and plans I can leave for my maternity substitute, get thinking about Christmas gifts.

Random: we’re so excited and happy to go to California and Arizona!!!!!

27 weeks.

We’re lurching forward towards Christmas {19 days to go!} and we’re also moving forward in this pregnancy. I’ve been a bit grumbly about things this week but I’m truly loving this time. It’s so amazing to feel her move around and know that there’s a whole lot of excitement ahead of us.

On to the update!

How far along: 27 weeks

Symptoms: Being able to smell things really strongly came back alluvasudden this week. I’m sitting on the couch and the bowl Mike at his salad out of REEKS of salad dressing.

The bosom feels sore again, I get full really quickly, and I’ve been quite tired this week.

The main symptom I’ve had this week, though, has been that my feet are killing me; it’s the soles of my feet and they start to hurt after about half an hour of being on them, no matter which shoes I wear. The doctor said that this happens to some women and that, unfortunately, it only worsens in breastfeeding. It can be a combination of weight gain {which would alleviate it after giving birth and nursing wouldn’t make it worse}, hormones that cause relaxation {which could very well mean it stays bad/gets worse}, and just the mysteries of pregnancy.

I’ve been quite hungry this week. Like, really hungry. I’m still craving straight meat but several nights this week I’ve had a snack that involves peanut butter since there’s no extra meat laying around and I know my body/our baby is requesting protein.

I don’t like how complainey this sounds but I suppose these are just this week’s symptoms.

Wait gain: 159. And it’s no longer the week after Thanksgiving. BUT! But this is after tonight’s epic water drinking extravaganza {see below} and dinner. But still, that’s almost 35 pounds which is the high end of weight gain recommendations for all of pregnancy. Oh well?

Size of baby: so I was wrong last week…week 27 – a rutabaga and a scallion. Week 28 – an eggplant and a head of cauliflower. These comparisons are ridiculous! And they keep flip-flopping, what one website says one week is what the other will say a week or two later, or vice-versa!

Exercise: I got in a three mile walk earlier this week.

Milestones: we got ourselves a car seat {thanks Grand Bill & Betty}! It’s weird seeing it in the apartment {we live in a one-bedroom apartment and there’s no hiding anything unless it’s clothing}; I keep thinking it’s someone else’s. We need to figure it out, of course, and get it in the car but we hopefully have a long time to do that.  

We also made our first wardrobe purchases for this child; I realized we weren’t ever going to be near a store together {maybe during our time in California or Arizona} and Gap had a really good sale online so I showed Mike a few things to get his OK. When they arrived, he didn’t even remember the exchange. So maybe he won’t be in charge of picking out her outfits.

What I miss: nothing =)

Sex: still Miss Melamed!

Movement: some good kicks and what feels like rolling around. There are also these weird things she does where it feels like the hands of ten little elves tapping up against my insides but what in the world could she be doing to cause this?

Also, I hadn’t written it here before but Mike has been able to feel her kicks for quite a while now. He still says they’re just gas.

Thoughts/questions/concerns: I’ve had some cramping this week, “time-of-the-month” style cramping. It’s all been light and very sporadic but I decided to call the midwives {there’s a BBC reference for you fellow fans!} this evening and was told to drink three glasses of water and rest for an hour; if they were still happening then I should go in. That was a couple of hours ago, I’ve been to the bathroom SO many times, I think they’re gone, and I don’t think I’ll call in again tonight.

I’ll monitor this through the weekend, like the midwife said to, and if it’s still happening sporadically, then I’ll call them back on Monday and hopefully get seen. Also, I’m switched over to the midwives {yippee!} but since I haven’t had my first appointment there yet, I’m in a weird limbo. The one I spoke with was very nice and it’s so nice to be able to call.  

Sleep: not great. I wake up for the bathroom or because my hips hurt really badly. I’m supposed to sleep on my sides, not on my back and the belly is obviously out for now, but if I don’t lay at an angle I get horrible hip pain and almost need to get up and stretch. I haven’t been using my Snoogle very religiously {I normally just prop up myself with my regular pillows} but I may give it a try.

Goals: drink way more water to avoid these cramps. NOT have to go into the hospital because of these cramps.

Random: I’m SO excited for our upcoming baby showers!!! We got an invitation for one today, an extremely adorable invitation {!} and it made me so happy.

26 weeks.

Even though I was off work this past week it feels as though so much happened! We were in New York, we spent some really nice days together at home, we cleaned {& cleaned!} and cooked {& cooked!}, friends were over, Thanksgiving was had, so much football was watched, we went out to see a movie, and we still have two mornings left to sleep in. We are so grateful, as always, for everything we’ve been given; our lives are so privileged and there’s so much joy and beauty in life. Looking ahead to next year, we can hardly believe that we get to be blessed with our little girl and the chance to be parents. On that thankful note, we’re also at 26 weeks!

No, I did not get dressed today.

How far along: 26 weeks

Symptoms: It’s been such a good and relaxing week, though my whole back was aching after cooking for several hours Wednesday and Thursday, but I think that would happen in an un-pregnant state. My belly is feeling about as big as last week but I’m feeling really full after eating not too much. That’s been happening for a while now but I think it’s a bit more noticeable.

Baby girl is moving around and squirming up a storm. Some days she’s a bit quieter than others and other days she’s all over the place. The other night I woke up to use that bathroom and it felt like she was hitting me with both her hands and feet. I’ve heard the movement/kicks can be pretty forceful a bit later on; she’s definitely gaining force as the weeks go on but I haven’t experienced any pain from her movement yet.

Overnight I’m waking up every two to three hours to use the bathroom.

It’s hard to get comfortable sitting around on the couch in the evenings. It could be just our couch but it’s either my lower back/hips that get sore or my legs that are feeling restless. Stretching them out a bit seems to help but not very much. Thankfully my legs aren’t too twitchy/restless when I’m laying down, mostly just sitting on the couch.

My gums are still sensitive and my sinuses get pretty stuffed throughout the day. I’m not getting bloody noses but every time I blow my nose you would think I had just been having a bloody nose; fun.

Wait gain: 154. But it’s the day after Thanksgiving – come on!!

Size of baby: a head of lettuce or a scallion; the scallion actually came with an explanation that it’s hard to come up with a veggie for each week and that this is merely an approximation {as they all are, right?!}…I think it’s the length of the green onion that they’re referencing.

Exercise: Not much of anything this week; just some good walking in NYC and lots of cooking on my feet this week.

Milestones: our last Thanksgiving as a child-less family; wow!

What I miss: nothing =)

Sex: sweet baby girl.

Movement: yes, yes, and yes!

Thoughts/questions/concerns: hopefully my medical records got transferred and I can start going to the birth center before we go to the west coast. I’m also still anxious about my upcoming air travel but I think that relaxing and being confident that it’s all OK will be my best course of action.  

Sleep: Ugh; I’m waking up every two to three hours for the bathroom.

Goals: make it through school the next three weeks so that I can enjoy our two-week winter break. After that, it’s a nine-week {or so} stretch before baby girl gets here.

Random: this week has been SO nice; being home with Mike and relaxing. I really hope that by Sunday evening I’m feeling rejuvenated and ready to go back {I’m definitely not there yet but it’s still Friday so I have time}.

25 weeks.

Update: I just published this post and took a look at this week's picture and last week's - a) I wear that necklace a lot, don't I? Well, I broke one of the strands this evening. It got caught on my hand which I was pulling away and there went all the beads. But I saved them {it happened in the car} and I may foolishly attempt to re-string them. b) I think I actually did pop from last week. I felt that way several weeks ago {Week 21} but I don't just pop out a bit more, my belly is bigger and rounder. I'm loving it! c} Blogger is kind of annoying me because and text that goes before the picture is smaller in size than the text that goes below the picture. Not that big of a deal but it's nagging. Oh well!

It’s been a good week AND I’m on vacation for nine days so here’s to the nice even number of 25 weeks!

How far along: 25 weeks. 

Symptoms: moving baby, getting full easier, and several people today told me that I just got much bigger all of a sudden and I kind of feel it; the belly certainly pops out! My feet and legs still hurt and I asked the doctor about it at our appointment this week and she informed me that it’s something that happens to some women – I think, personally, that it’s a combination of weight gain, relaxing ligaments, and other weird pregnancy/hormone related fun things.

Wait gain: I was down last week but at the doctor’s this week I was up to 151. But, I was wearing boots and a heavy necklace so maybe let’s say I’m at 148 or 149.

Size of baby: a cauliflower or a rutabaga.

Exercise: I’ve been trying to walk Guinness for at least 20 minutes in the evenings and I did so several times this week. I also managed a ten minute session of one minute walking/one minute running. And I stretched afterwards which was lovely.

I decided that I feel horrible not exercising and I’m feeling like I have a bit more of a handle on work time management {but is that ever true for a teacher?} so I’m making an effort to leave work as early as I can to a) avoid some nasty traffic, b) have more time at home, and c) maybe try to get in a bit of movement. I’m not complaining because I’m so fortunate to have a great job and home but the two hours I spend driving each day are when I would normally try to get in a bit of exercise. And get dishes/laundry sorted. And hang out with Guinness. So I’m coming to the realization that my days need to be managed/scheduled to the minute because of this commute which is fine because it won’t always be this way. 

Milestones: we found out that we’re having a sweet baby girl! And that our baby is beautiful and healthy {we are SO grateful for that}. And we got some good pictures of her to boot so it was a good week for the growing Melamed family.

I also got my records transferred to the birth center and hopefully they’re able to take us still and if so, I’ll be so happy because the more I’m reading, the more I’m looking forward to working with a midwife.

What I miss: running. Bending over without much effort.

Sex: girl!

Movement: she’s still at it and I’m loving all of it. There are some times when she’s dancing on my bladder which is an interesting feeling; not so much like I need to run to the facilities but rather it just kind of feels really weird from the inside?

Thoughts/questions/concerns: I’m starting to feel nervous about flying next month but I’ll be sure to check in with the doctor and I know I’ll be fine.

Sleep: I’m getting up to use the bathroom several times a night and I have to flip flop from side to side to be comfortable. I also have all of myself kind of propped up/cradled with my pillow (Snoogle!) and blankets.

Goals: keep trying to get in some movement and fine-tune our registries. 

Random: we’re in New York City right now with friends and we’re so happy to be here!!

24 weeks.

Another week; yippee!!! Let’s see what’s going on these days.

How far along: 24 weeks

Symptoms: I’m feeling unwieldy. Leaning over is getting challenging so putting on socks and shoes that require more than a slip on necessitates some sitting down. I’m also having to use the bathroom more frequently, though it’s most notable at night since I’m busy and in class all day. The little guy/girl inside me also hits on my bladder a fair amount which is an odd feeling, almost like I need to go to the bathroom but almost like a little zing from inside. Also, I’m noticing my face is much rounder than normal and even my legs are bigger; the pounds are adding up.

And! I forgot to mention it last week but I’m sure that I felt baby have hiccups when we were in Shenandoah; I felt two nudges about 10 inches apart, they happened at the same time, and they happened several times in a row.

Wait gain: I was at 143 this morning, which is waaaaaay down from last week. I’m thinking it’s because I didn’t have a huge dinner last night and I had just woken up/gone to the bathroom so I was a bit dehydrated. I’m certainly not eating less so that’s the only explanation I could come up with.

Size of baby: an ear of corn or a cantaloupe; HA!

Exercise:  I’ve gotten out with Guinness for a little walk several times this week. It feels just fine. I think I need to be doing some stretching but my body feels so stiff from standing on linoleum all day that I’m not sure how much stretching it would take to feel as flexible as I used to be.

Milestones: we inherited some baby stuff this week and I cleared out a space in our closet for little one. Thanks to our friends who no longer need their baby things and thanks to my growing body because the new closet space is where the majority of my wardrobe used to reside.

I snagged some more maternity items for myself this week. My choices are getting very limited since I’ve been trying to wear a lot of non-maternity tops but the belly is making that less and less of a sensible wardrobe choice. Hopefully only a few more things after this newest batch and I might be able to make it through to March. Or is that naïve and wishful thinking? We’ll find out, I suppose.

What I miss: nothing =)

Sex: not yet!

Movement: yes, yes, and yes!

Thoughts/questions/concerns: we have another doctor’s appointment coming up this week and I hope that everything looks/sounds good and that baby is doing well.

Sleep: I wake up at least twice a night for the baño. I’m also starting to have a hard time getting comfortable; the belly needs to be propped up but my back/hip also start to hurt if I spend too much time on one side.

Goals: get through a good doctor’s appointment.

Random: we’re going to Philadelphia this weekend to cheer friends and brother-in-law on in the Philadelphia marathon/half-marathon. I was supposed to be running this marathon, actually, but pregnancy got the better of me 11 weeks ago.

23 weeks.

And another week flew by bring us to 23 weeks pregnant. I felt so proud to make it to 17 weeks pregnant and though it wasn't that long ago, now that's all we have left {hopefully! --> Keep fingers crossed!}.

How far along: 23 weeks

Symptoms: I forgot to mention it two weeks ago but I am starting to see parts of my bellybutton I had hoped never to see; I dare predict a potentially stretched out and flat belly button by late February/early March. This week I felt more queasiness {still!} and hunger. I feel a strong need for animal-derived protein {feed me meat [preferably chicken]!!!!!} each day and the past day I've been thinking fondly about eating some peanut butter; do we have a muscle-builder on our hands here?

I also am still feeling very full if I eat over a certain amount. Full as in, woah, this belly is stretching.

The linea negra is still there though I've yet to notice any stretch marks.

My legs feel a bit restless at times which makes me think I should/need to be exercising.

Wait gain: 149...not bad considering where I was at a week ago {148} and that I'm still eating a decent amount.

Size of baby: a grapefruit or large mango --> yum, fruit salad!

Exercise: we hiked in Shenandoah last weekend and I went on a couple of walks this week. The first hike was brutal because it was straight downhill {my calves and quads!} and that also included straight uphill - about a mile and a half of it all. But it was pretty and it was a good thing for us to get outside.

Milestones: nothing, as far as I can tell. A few weeks ago someone in public asked when I'm due, that was a first, but nothing else has really happened.

We read to the little dude/dudette some nights {Goodnight Moon, Where the Wild Things Are}, though Mike doesn't think it's the best use of his time. I'd like to establish a good bath/story time/bed routine as earlier as possible so why not start now {minus the bath & bed time}?!

What I miss: it's getting hard to lean over and put on socks/shoes.

Sex: not yet, the stinker.

Movement: still going at it and I'm loving every second. There were a couple of really active days and then a couple of not-so-active days; the quieter days are almost hard because they make me worry a bit but then he/she gets at it again.

What I'm looking forward to: finishing our registries. Mike never helped me register for our wedding so I can at least get him to do this one.

Thoughts/questions/concerns: I hope the babe puts on a good show for us; we go in not this week but the following for a scan to check that cyst and hopefully see the sex.

Sleep: I'm waking up every two to three hours for the bathroom; this seems to have recently developed...not fun. Sleep quality is good though.

Goals: get in a walk this weekend and one next week. Maybe stretch a bit too.

Switch to the birth center after the next ultrasound.

Buy or borrow from the library Ina May Gaskin's book on giving birth; I've heard it's a nice read that helps to normalize a process that seems to have been made somewhat feared and/or unnatural.

Get a baby book!

Random: it's hard to believe that the holidays are almost here...time to crank up the Christmas music {it happens earlier and earlier each year anyway...}.

Also, I've been slogging through some baby books which I'm really enjoying; there's always something to learn.

22 weeks.

And what a great World Series win for Boston!! Which brings us to…

Kind of a weird angle but the bump is very prominent. And I'm tired; this is at the end of a really long day - I'm in real clothes only because we were out with friends and I wasn't at home/able to change into an elastic waist.

How far along: 22 weeks

Symptoms: a squirmy baby…and a light linea negra – the line that forms from the belly button down on some women during pregnancy. And continued pregnancy gingivitis {uck} so my gums bleed when I brush and floss and they’re swollen {I’m finally calling a dentist this week}…that one’s been happening for a while but I keep forgetting to write it down. Still very hungry all the time but I do get really really full {feel like my belly is gonna pop} whereas pre-pregnancy I’d just feel really full.

Wait gain: I’m at 148 now; up four pounds from last week which is Not Good. But, in my health’s defense, I just ate a large dinner and drank a ton of water so I’ll check it out again in the morning.

Size of baby: a papaya or a spaghetti squash. Another odd set of produce comparisons.

Exercise: nothing. But maybe that weight gain will spur me on to walk a bit.  

Milestones: Not much, just continuing to be thankful for a healthy pregnancy and hoping for it to continue this way.

What I miss: nothing =)

Sex: not yet!

Movement: yes and it’s getting a bit stronger. The little guy/girl is so roly-poly some days and I love it so much.

What I'm looking forward to: finding out boy or girl and going home to visit family; since it’s November I can officially say we see them all next month!

Thoughts/questions/concerns: just waiting for that next ultrasound.

Sleep: I just wish I were getting more of it. But the quality is just fine, though I was battling some sinus issues this week and the congestion was making breathing at night very uncomfortable - bottom line: I got over it.

Goals: get in some exercise? And switch to the birthing center.

Random: We’re going back to Shenandoah for an overnight tomorrow; we’ll be staying in the lodge and not camping, which is much easier but still enjoyable. Next week is going to be a long one at work/school for us both but then Thanksgiving break {we each get the whole week} is on the horizon.

21 weeks.

Same pants as last week; even though I'm wearing mostly maternity things now, it seems as though the supply may need some diversifying.

How far along: 21 weeks

Symptoms: good movement. Feeling a bit sick at the start of the week. Feeling really sick, actually – it was hitting me at around 3 in the afternoon and it would last for a couple of hours. It’s subsided in the past day but it was weird that it came back. 

Also, despite the queasiness, I’ve been RAVENOUS. We have a really nice dining hall at work {akin to a small college’s cafeteria} and I almost feel embarrassed at lunch each day when I visit each station for something. Maybe baby’s having a growth spurt? I’ve also been feeling full faster, despite all the eating. It’s mostly in the evening when I’m not as active after I eat {as opposed to lunch when I go right back to the classroom} so that's probably why. I’ve been more tired than usual this week too so maybe definitely a growth spurt.

Wait gain: up to almost 144 this week. Yeah, something’s happening. I’d been keeping steady at a one pound gain a week, which is what I’m supposed to do from here on out, but this is almost three pounds in a one week span. Let’s hope it doesn’t keep up like this!

Size of baby: a carrot or a pomegranate. I think this week’s combination is the weirdest duo.

Exercise:  same as last week - nada; does teaching high school count? Mental exercise?

Milestones: We got our first baby clothes {other than some fun shoes ♥} in the mail {thanks Jacqui and Aaron!!!!} and Mike has felt more kicks but not much else. I’ve been working on a registry too, which is kind of a milestone?

What I miss: nothing =)

Sex: not yet!

Movement: yes and I love it. It’s nerve-wracking when baby isn’t as active at some times as at other times but he/she starts squirming around pretty quickly after taking a rest so then I feel better.

What I'm looking forward to: finding out the sex!!! Going home in December to California and Arizona.

Thoughts/questions/concerns: just waiting for that next ultrasound.

Sleep: it’s been kind of crummy this week but I don’t think it’s pregnancy related.

Goals: get in some exercise? And switch to the birthing center.

Random: I’m HAPPY it’s Friday! I guess maybe it’s kind of neat to think about how for all of the things we’re doing right now {going back to school, pumpkin carving, apple picking, gearing up for the holidays…}, it’s the last time we’ll do it all without a little one in tow…I think it’s a very exciting and happy thing.

And, I think I may have "popped" a bit this week? Here's a side by side from this and last week.

My head looks so tiny in this week's shot; weird angle.

All that eating was for something!

And here's the poor hound feeling scared and neglected while I was doing my self-photoshoot.

Look by the blue & white bag. And those cute shoes on the right!!!

In the foreground that's our drying rack that was moved out of the normal spot and Guinness was NOT A FAN of what was going on.