Two weeks.

It's been two weeks since we had Abby - it seems both like yesterday and like we've always had her. Things for the most part are going well. I have a call in to the doctor about her newest development - screaming unconsolable crying that lasts for about 60-90 minutes, complete with stiffening, arching body and coughing, and crying to the point of breathlessness. I'm suspecting a slight case of reflux. Or colic. Or "I hate you Mommy" syndrome. At any rate, I spoke to a nurse, and I'm just waiting to see what they have to say.

She's getting stronger by the day - holding her head up on her own a few times a day (viewed during burps), hanging onto her pacifier (and also ripping it out of her mouth) and I've learned that she smiles (sometimes) when both her cheeks are tickled. She is the light of my life, even if she did make me cry last night because I couldn't calm her crying.

Side note: the hubs was baffled that my overly emotional self was still around ("You're crying because she's crying?") and wondered how much longer I would be in this state. I assured him that this was still normal and I was probably going to cry again at some point. I'm sure his concern is more towards PPD than the fact that I'm a blubbery mess without even trying. I'm definitely not depressed. Just tired. REALLY tired. And hate seeing my baby seem to be in pain.

And also - in case anyone wanted to see...and well, frankly...I'm so effing stoked at wearing my "normal" jeans - I've included a belly shot of where I'm at today.

Booya.

Oh, and here's a picture of Abby. Because how could I not?

37 weeks.

How far along? 37 weeks.
Total weight gain/loss: About +30 lbs. (The hubs informed me at my last appointment that I now weigh more than him. Thanks, dear.)
Maternity clothes? I'm wearing stretch pants. And I love it.
Stretch marks? This has been a sad week. I now have one gigantic stretchie above my belly button. My body as far as I'm concerned is now a total loss.
Sleep: Past couple of nights have been okay - falling asleep quickly and sleeping more on my back.
Best moment this week: Knowing we are totally set for this kid.
Movement: Yep. Got a huge kick while trying to pee earlier. Thought it was my water breaking. The kid's already a prankster.
Food cravings: Back to craving avocado rolls & white wine.
Gender: Now that the girl name is settled, I'm totally convinced it's a girl.
Labor Signs: None. My back hurts, but I think it's because my body is disagreeing with all the laying I'm doing.
Belly Button in or out? Ugh.
What I miss: Being comfortable.
What I am looking forward to: Getting this baby out!!!
Weekly Wisdom: Candy corn is good.
Milestones: We are officially full term. GET THE HINT, NINJA!

35 weeks.

How far along? 35 weeks.
Total weight gain/loss: About +29 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Indeed. I was reduced to wearing the hubs' track pants and teeshirts over the past couple of days due to a ton of dirty laundry.
Stretch marks? I'm waiting for my stomach to erupt. It's still pristine. My thighs though. MY GOD.
Sleep: I'm sleeping well. The hubs? Not so much. I've turned into a snorer. Thirty extra pounds will do that to a girl. I HATE that I snore. I might be on the couch until this munchkin is here.
Best moment this week: NOT having an outside baby, yet.
Movement: Yep. The babe really responds when the hubs talks to it. So cute.
Food cravings: A magic coke from McDonalds and chocolate cake...again.
Gender: No idea. I'm at a loss again.
Labor Signs: Yeah,  unfortch. Bedrest and hopefully still at 3cm.
Belly Button in or out? Staying flat for the time being.
What I miss: Being able to enjoy pregnancy, and not being dilated.
What I am looking forward to: My appointment on Thursday. I want news that nothing has changed.
Weekly Wisdom: PACK YOUR HOSPITAL BAG!
Milestones: I guess being dilated is a milestone. Not one I wanted this early.


For the strong, here's a bare belly pic. Don't say I didn't warn you.

34 weeks.

How far along? 34 weeks.
Total weight gain/loss: About +27 lbs. (I was off last week - finally asked a nurse at the clinic and OFFICIALLY I'm up 27 lbs.)
Maternity clothes? Yes. And this morning, when it was 42 degrees, I dealt with wearing a thin cardigan and a scarf.
Stretch marks? I don't want to talk about it.
Sleep: The past week has been a nightmare with the hubs kidney ailment, but it's getting better again. Although I was up 3 times to pee.
Best moment this week: Getting the blinds up in the nursery and finally assembling the shelves I bought at IKEA.
Movement: Lots of squirms and rolls.
Food cravings: This week I would REALLY love a sausage biscuit from McDonalds. It's got something like 65% of your daily total of saturated fat in it though. My gallbladder says NO.
Gender: Who knows. I'm still more interested in seeing what this kid looks like!
Labor Signs: Not really anything new.
Belly Button in or out? Starting to somehow get a little bit of an outtie.
What I miss: Not feeling like my pelvis is going to rip apart when I sit or walk.
What I am looking forward to: Still looking forward to the hubs feeling 100% better. He's getting there. Slowly.
Weekly Wisdom: This morning I officially declared in my head that I missed the second trimester. SAVOR IT. LOVE IT.
Milestones: Apparently this kid weighs 5 lbs now. Maybe that's why my crotch is going to break wide open any minute now?

33 weeks.

How far along? 33 weeks.
Total weight gain/loss: About +30 lbs. Some of it is in my face, for sure.
Maternity clothes? Indeedy. Please welcome the new member of the family - maternity leggings, on the left. Also the second round of new bra buying as well.
Stretch marks? Stomach still stretchie free - thighs are now considered a lost cause. I'll never wear short shorts again.
Sleep: I've had a couple of better nights under my belt.
Best moment this week: Getting through another week with no progress!
Movement: A couple rib kicks, for once. And more cervix headbutting.
Food cravings: Still sweets. And I would REALLY love a hamburger from McDonalds.
Gender: *sigh* Now I don't know anymore. Maybe I'm just wishing girl?
Labor Signs: The rest is helping the fake labor pains I've been having.
Belly Button in or out? Who cares - it's GROSS.
What I miss: Sushi and white wine. Together.
What I am looking forward to: The hubs feeling better. It's hard having two of us being uncomfortable!
Weekly Wisdom: None. Pregnancy causes snoring. And it SUCKS.
Milestones: Halfway done with birthing classes. Eeep!

31 weeks.

How far along? 31 weeks.
Total weight gain/loss: Up 25ish lbs or so.
Maternity clothes? Casual summer ended today, so I'm wearing my maternity style work pants, thanks to Mom! (I got 2 pair of pants and 3 shirts for my B-day, which is Sunday!)
Stretch marks? Belly is stretchie free!
Sleep: A little better. Was up twice last night to pee, and had my first kick that actually woke me up. That was new. :)
Best moment this week: I'm going to go ahead and say NOT going into labor over the weekend.
Movement: Oui.
Food cravings: (I'm going to leave this up because it still stands.) I would like a big slice of marble cake with vanilla frosting. (My birthday IS in 5 days. *cough*getmeacakejosh*cough*)
Gender: I'm back to girl. My Dad and MIL are the only ones thinking boy. Maybe Josh too.
Labor Signs: See below. *sigh*
Belly Button in or out? Flat as all get-out.
What I miss: Not being scared of going into labor.
What I am looking forward to: Getting checked again. I might be the only lady on the planet who's stoked about getting an internal. That...and making it to at LEAST 35 weeks.
Weekly Wisdom: If something doesn't feel right - call or head to the doc. It can't hurt.
Milestones: Making it one more week is a milestone enough. :)

I'm feeling ballsy.

Therefore, internets...I've decided to post a bare belly picture.

Forgive me.

THE HORROR.

(as I type this, the ninja is working through it's 4th bout of hiccups today. Poor lil' ninja.)

29 weeks.

How far along? 29 weeks.
Total weight gain/loss: About + 25 lbs, give or take a pound.
Maternity clothes? Yes. Yes indeed. My "large shirts" (non-maternity) I bought earlier in the pregnancy are starting to not be so large anymore.
Stretch marks? I can't bare to even look at my thighs anymore. So I'll continue to enjoy my stretchie free tummy.
Sleep: Not so good the past few nights. Cannot get comfortable. Where can I put my arms where they won't fall asleep?!
Best moment this week: Hmmm. I guess NOT going into labor at the cabin was pretty cool.
Movement: Yes'm.
Food cravings: Everything high fat. EVERYTHING. I always want what I can't have...
Gender: EVERYONE and their mom says girl. This week I'm kind of leaning boy again.
Labor Signs: See a couple posts below. The BH are fighting with my gallbladder to see which can be more annoying.
Belly Button in or out? Both. (And yes, it's totally possible.)
What I miss: Junk food. Specifically those donuts pictured below. All I did was think about them just now, and my mouth is watering.
What I am looking forward to: My parents visiting this weekend!!
Weekly Wisdom: Gallbladders are annoying.
Milestones: Turned the corner into the 7th month!!

28 weeks.

How far along? 28 weeks.
Total weight gain/loss: About + 22 lbs, give or take a pound.
Maternity clothes? Uh huh. Although I've aquired a couple dresses from American Apparel that do the trick.
Stretch marks? Thighs are beginning full rebellion. Stomach is still safe.
Sleep: Lots of weird dreams, waking up on back and needing to roll over every time.
Best moment this week: Getting the crib assembled, our 2nd anniversary.
Movement: Oui. Lots of rolls and occasional pokes.
Food cravings: FRUIT.
Gender: Still thinking girl. (Although the room looks more boyish...)
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks chilled out this week a little.
Belly Button in or out? Flattening more and more.
What I miss: After a couple sips of the hub's High Life - REAL BEER.
What I am looking forward to: Getting the nursery finalized...which could take the next 12 weeks.
Weekly Wisdom: Be prepared to stand on public transit. Most people could give two shits you're pregnant and carrying an extra 20 pounds...which is super sad.
Milestones: The final 3 months begins now...

The camera is taking crappy pics...sorry it's so damn grainy. I blame lack of flash. Boo is showcased in this photo as well. More finalized nursery pics are up here, as well. Enjoy. (the last 4 photos, to be exact.)

27 weeks.

How far along? 27 weeks.
Total weight gain/loss: Still about + 20 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Werd.
Stretch marks? Thigh stretchies have increased. :(
Sleep: Not bad, but arms are falling asleep while I'm sleeping.
Best moment this week: PAINTING THE NURSERY! And getting the furniture - FINALLY.
Movement: Yes. Cervix kicks in the house. SO painful. I had no idea how much it could hurt.
Food cravings: Rainer Cherries.
Gender: Still thinking girl. (Although the room looks more boyish...)
Labor Signs: Lots o' Braxton Hicks, probably forever.
Belly Button in or out? Barely innie.
What I miss: REAL wine. Three glasses of the fake stuff just didn't cut it last night.
What I am looking forward to: Putting the crib together.
Weekly Wisdom: It takes much longer to paint a room thank one might think.
Milestones: Nursery is coming together!

*this week's belly shot features our lone cat Boo-boo, nervously cleaning himself as usual.

25 weeks

How far along? 25 weeks.
Total weight gain/loss: About +/-17 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Indeed.
Stretch marks? My worst news to report. Leftie (that would be my left boob) has been stretchie stricken. Is there no mercy?!
Sleep: A little better, but I wake up a lot and struggle to get comfortable. I'm also a portable heater when I sleep. :)
Best moment this week: Passing the 1hr Glucose!
Movement: Yep. Had a few decent flips too! Mother- & Sister-in-laws got to feel a few kicks this weekend.
Food cravings: Still sweets. Think a gallon of chewy sprees. Mmm...
Gender: Thinking girl.
Labor Signs: Still with the Braxton Hicks, but cervix checked and NO movement on the active labor front, thank GOD.
Belly Button in or out? Barely innie.
What I miss: I already miss my kittie Miles. (More on that below.)
What I am looking forward to: Seeing my mom & dad and dad's family this weekend! And getting the nursery painted. :)
Weekly Wisdom: I'm hard pressed to come up with anything this week.
Milestones: Passing the glucose, and nearly onto the 6th month!

Onto the sad news. We've decided that the time has come to put our kitteh Miles to sleep. He's been ill for a number of years with both pre-cancerous inflammatory bowel disease and inflammatory rhinitis, and after this past weekend, he's grown ill enough where we can't justify prolonging his life anymore. He's such a sweet boy and does not deserve this, but we don't see an alternative. We love him so much, and he is more than part of the family. He has been my best buddy for the past 8 years, and he will be sorely missed. We'll more than likely be making his final appointment at the vet tomorrow or the next.

We'll miss you, my sweet sweet boy.

24 weeks.

How far along? 24 weeks! (And some would say V-Day! (viability day))
Total weight gain/loss: About +/-15 lbs, depending on what time of day.
Maternity clothes? Yep. Although I've got a few shirts that still work for me.
Stretch marks? Still confined to the thighs...and purchased some Curel pregnancy lotion for the belleh and elsewhere in attempts to avoid them!
Sleep: SUCKS. See below. I screwed up my back royally last night, and actually shouted in pain while trying to get out of bed today.
Best moment this week: V-Day - and moving forward with work on the nursery.
Movement: YES.
Food cravings: Sweets, sweets, sweets. And cake. :)
Gender: Thinking girl.
Labor Signs: Still with the Braxton Hicks.
Belly Button in or out? Wider, flattening, but still innie (for the most part).
What I miss: Sleep. GOOD sleep.
What I am looking forward to: Cabin time this weekend!
Weekly Wisdom: Appreciate good sleep in the first trimester.
Milestones: V-DAY! And Glucose test/Midwife appt on Thursday.

Also - more nursery items on my flickr page!

23 weeks.

How far along? 23 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: About +/-13 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Indeed. I just had a couple dresses shortened and can't wait to wear them!
Stretch marks? Thigh stretchies worsening by the day. But applying liberal lotion in hopes of avoiding others.
Sleep: Just bought yet another pillow - the belly wedge style which is helping my back and belly.
Best moment this week: Getting the baby's room cleared and tearing the effing chair rail down!
Movement: More and more every day.
Food cravings: Chocolate shakes and chocolate milk. And more sugar.
Gender: Thinking girl this week.
Labor Signs: Occasional BH.
Belly Button in or out? Painful. And still mostly innie.
What I miss: WINE. But I ordered FreWine - so we'll see if I can take care of that craving.
What I am looking forward to: Continuing work on the baby's room!
Weekly Wisdom: Lots of stairs at a ballgame + pregnant bladder = huffing and puffing.
Milestones: None really for this week. Sorry.

Also - for a nursery update and pics of the new guest room - visit my flickr page!

21 weeks.

How far along? 21 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: About +10 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Yep. Bought a couple Liz Lange maternity tees at Target yesterday. And I got a pair of gauchos too. SO COMFY. I could wear them all the time.
Stretch marks? Just of the thigh variety.
Sleep: Still sleeping through the night but waking up tired.
Best moment this week: Seeing the ninja kick me on the outside!
Movement: Indeed.
Food cravings: Still kind of Mexican-y.
Gender: All my friends have me thinking girl (but I'm still kind of leaning boy).
Labor Signs: Still working the BH.
Belly Button in or out? Flattening by the day.
What I miss: Relaxing in the backyard with a Leinie's Summer Shandy. Le sigh.
What I am looking forward to: This weekend! Yay for 4th of July fun!
Weekly Wisdom: Even if you don't feel hungry, EAT. Getting a massive dizzy spell at the mall SUCKS.
Milestones: Those outside kicks.

20 weeks!

How far along? 20 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: About +6 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Bought more this past weekend at the outlet mall. Yay for cute dresses!
Stretch marks? Thigh ones...getting worse, not better.
Sleep: Sleeping through the night, but waking up tired.
Best moment this week: My first shower!
Movement: I haz it.
Food cravings: Mexican craving was tackled last night thanks to Don Pablo's.
Gender: All my friends have me thinking girl.
Labor Signs: No REAL labor signs, but more BH contrax.
Belly Button in or out? Flattening by the day.
What I miss: Not dreading getting into a swimming suit.
What I am looking forward to: Right now? Just enjoying the summer!
Weekly Wisdom: 90 degree heat + pregnant lady = hot mess, literally.
Milestones: I'm halfway there!!

18 Weeks.

How far along? 18 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: About +5 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Still wearing them. Still heavenly.
Stretch marks? I've begun treating the ones on my thighs with Mederma. We'll see how that goes.
Sleep: Lately, it's been good. Been utilizing the body pillow the last few nights.
Best moment this week: Just feeling more movement again!
Movement: I haz it.
Food cravings: Fruit has been sounding delish.
Gender: Back to thinking boy but wishing girl.
Labor Signs: Sadly, Braxton Hicks struck this week. (Although not REAL labor.)
Belly Button in or out? Still innie. Still wider.
What I miss: Beer, but the O'doul's Amber is DELISH.
What I am looking forward to: Next Tuesday's BIG u/s! (Although we won't find out the sex.) :(
Weekly Wisdom: KEEP DRINKING YOUR WATER! BH SUCKS.
Milestones: Learning what contractions feel like.

17 Weeks.

If you look carefully, you'll see Boo-boo the cat with the hubs. Boo was really excited to watch The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brian.

How far along? 17 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I think we're about +2 or 3 now.
Maternity clothes? Gots myself some shorts this weekend. Sweet sweet release.
Stretch marks? The ones I had pre-pregnancy on my thighs are definitely getting darker. Flop.
Sleep: Sometimes good, sometimes horrid.
Best moment this week: More movement!
Movement: Uh, see above.
Food cravings: Today, it was a hot fudge malt with a sausage biscuit...at the same time.
Gender: Still thinking girl.
Labor Signs: Nooo.
Belly Button in or out? Still innie. Still wider.
What I miss: Beer.
What I am looking forward to: The next u/s!
Weekly Wisdom: Paying $60 for shorts is only okay when you DESPERATELY CANNOT FIND SHORTS.
Milestones: Yay for more movement!

16 weeks.

How far along? 16 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Still about + 1 overall.
Maternity clothes? Still massively enjoying my recent purchases. Although, I have to say, maternity shorts selection leave much to be desired.
Stretch marks? One more has joined the small cluster on my thighs. But I'm quite sure those were there before the spawn.
Sleep: Continually lame. I can assume it's only going to get lamer. I never sleep through the night, and wake up just about every other hour.
Best moment this week: FEELING MOVEMENT! Woo-hoo!
Movement: Uh, see above.
Food cravings: Chocolate Cake. With vanilla ice cream.
Gender: After my dream? Girl.
Labor Signs: Nooo.
Belly Button in or out? Still innie. Still wider.
What I miss: My shorts. All of them.
What I am looking forward to: My doc's appt this afternoon so I can hear the heartbeat again, hopefully!
Weekly Wisdom: Sigh. Again, hug your loved ones and cherish every moment.
Milestones: M to the O to the V to the E to the M - E - N - T!

This week ended up being a lot more tragic than we ever could have imagined. A good friend of the hubs and I suffered a brain injury on Tuesday evening, and after days of surgeries, prayers and hope, he was eventually taken off life support and passed away around noon on Sunday. He had many MANY friends, and all of us were very sad this weekend, trying to take the whole situation in. I've teared up a few times, but when a coworker sat down, gave her condolences and asked what happened this morning, I just started to cry.

His funeral will more than likely be later this week. I just hope that this is the last of the funerals before this baby is born. I know it's not possible, but I just get worried with all the tragedy and sadness I've been through since being pregnant that it'll somehow affect the baby. Just a worried momma, I guess - I know there's no real possibility...but it's just scary and sad that all this has happened in such a short period of time.

We'll miss you Kelley, but we know our baby will have yet another angel to watch over him/her.

15 weeks.

How far along? 15 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Still about + 1 overall.
Maternity clothes? In addition to the Gap jeans purchased last week, I dropped three hundo on 2 more pairs of jeans and 4 shirts at Macy's yesterday. Ooops. But not really, because I love them all and they're all SO COMFY!!
Stretch marks? Not that I am aware of!
Sleep: Last night was MUCH better than the previous night. Being sick AND pregnant poses a sleep issue.
Best moment this week: Hmmm, I guess continuing the registry task, but this time with the hubs. :)
Movement: None. I can't wait to feel it though!
Food cravings: Sushi & Beer. Again.
Gender: This week I'm thinking boy.
Labor Signs: Zilch.
Belly Button in or out? Still innie. Still wider.
What I miss: Being able to do anything active without getting a backache.
What I am looking forward to: Feeling movement!
Weekly Wisdom: It's okay to spend a bunch of money on maternity clothes - you're basically buying a whole new wardrobe!
Milestones: Going baby item browsing with the hubby.

14 weeks, and a well deserved update.

Photo courtesy of Martini while at Gap Maternity. Note new jeans!!

How far along? 14 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: + 1 overall.
Maternity clothes? I FINALLY bought some full panel jeans yesterday. They are THE THING GREATEST EVER.
Stretch marks? No, but itchy boobs. A sign of stretch marks to come? Maybe.
Sleep: Don't ask. Sleep has unfortunately been off due to awesome houseguests Martini and Single Grrrl.
Best moment this week: Starting the registry. THAT was interesting. :)
Movement: Again, tons of it, just don't feel it yet.
Food cravings: All foods sound good for the most part.
Gender: I'm thinking girl now.
Labor Signs: Nada.
Belly Button in or out? Still innie. Still wider.
What I miss: Being able to stay out late.
What I am looking forward to: Adding the big ticket items to the registry.
Weekly Wisdom: Don't try to tackle your whole registry in one day. You'll go insane.
Milestones: First EXCELLENT maternity pants. Full panel, full awesomeness.

So, I've been noticeably absent from the blogging world since Friday. This is because my BFF Martini and her friend Single Grrrl came for a visit on Saturday from a land where it's much, much warmer than the MPLS. We went out for dinner every night, did the Walk for the Cure on Mother's day, went shopping and saw a concert. And every night I was struggling to stay out and awake. :) But we had tons of fun.

Mother's Day was very nice. I got a cute card from the hubs as well as some pretty flowers, a card from my mom & dad (and they paid for an opal necklace of my late grandmother's to be rhodium plated and mailed it to me), a card & Pooh photo album from my lovely mother-in-law, a card from my sister-in-law, and a card from my grandma. So many cards and cute gifts! Martini also brought me a baby book, complete with box for keepsakes, that I don't think was necessarily meant as a mother's day gift, but it bears mentioning here. :)

The three of us (sans the hubs) started my registry at BRU on Sunday as well. Holy crap. That's a daunting task. I registered for a bunch of smaller items, but held off on bigger ticket items like the crib, carrier, stroller and whatnot for when the hubs joins me. We'll probably tackle that this weekend.

Shopping yesterday was v. good. I FINALLY bought myself a pair of maternity jeans (full panel) at the Gap that are SO much more comfy than my jeans+bella band combo. They were even on sale! I also bought a scarf at H&M, a couple shirts (in a little larger than my average size so they can be worn for a while this summer) and a canvas print at Urban Outfitters. I think it'll match the bedding I've decided on.

The print.

The bedding.