Baby Shower

Oh my gosh I've been so busy. I finally had some free time this afternoon so I took a few pictures so that I can finally post about my shower.

MY baby shower :)

CAKE!!!

It was awesome. My mom and sisters did such a wonderful job. It was exactly as I always hoped it would be. I only made it to the second gift before I started crying (which I didn't really expect). It was from one of my sisters. In her card, she wrote something about being afraid that this day would never happen, but being so happy that it was finally here. I just cried. That's EXACTLY how I have been feeling this whole time about all of this. I've been so scared that we would never get to have a baby and experience all of the wonderful things that come along with being a parent. I am so incredibly grateful that we're getting this chance. I also feel so lucky to have family who are there for me in good times and bad. It's very hard to understand what it's like to be infertile unless it happens to you, but my family is amazing. It's obvious that they care very much about us. I'm sad that they have felt even a small amount of the pain and fear that Seth and I have experienced, but I'm so grateful that we didn't have to go through this alone.

Back to the fun part! My family is so generous and our little guy was completely spoiled. We received a bunch of the big things that we need and want - swing, bouncer, bath tub, bassinet, pack n play - and lots of little necessities and fun items. Here are some of my favorite gifts.

Left: These are all toys from "Guess How Much I Love You". I love that book and bunnies are one of my favorite animals. There's also a little moon that lights up and plays music and a rattle.

Right: That's an accessory bag that matches the diaper bag I ordered (which should get here on Saturday!). They're all Ju Ju Be. I am so pumped. I've been watching You Tube videos about organizing your Ju Ju Be backpack for cloth diapering and I can't wait to get it. The print it yellow and gray. We chose it because it's fun enough for me and simple enough for Seth to carry.

Left: Look at this teeny little diaper cover! I registered for some Thirsties covers to use with prefold diapers. Look at the teeny little clothes pins too! My mom used them at the shower and gave them to me to use with my CD laundry.

Right: Bilingual books! We got a bunch of these from my sister and nieces. We're hoping that Seth will be able to teach the baby Spanish so that he has no trouble communicating with that side of his family. My niece was so excited to give us the books because she has some of the same ones in English. She also said she's going to say "Hola" when she meets her cousin for the first time.

We got so many cute little outfits and onesies. These are a few of my favorites. Baby needs to know about his background! There's still some debate on whether he'll be an Eagles fan or a Dolphins fan, but we'll let him decide when he's old enough. He's got plenty of gear to represent both teams already. Oh and obviously, he loves huskies!

One of the best gifts was our stroller and car seat set. I am so pumped about this. It was my favorite of all the ones we tried at the store (even more than the Britax or City Mini). The things I love about it are that it has 3 wheels, it's very light, easy to fold and maneuver, and it has the world's biggest canopy. Look at it! I also love the neutral colors and simple pattern.

I'm having so much fun sorting through everything and getting the nursery set up. I'll be doing more of that this weekend. So next up - nursery progress! For now, let's end of the world's longest AW post. 

26 weeks

This was not the relaxing weekend that I was hoping for. I feel guilty complaining because our little guy is perfectly fine, but if I'm being honest - I feel pretty shitty. Friday night we spent a few hours in L&D because I started peeing blood. Finally, the urine analysis confirmed it was a UTI and we went home after 1:00 AM. The next day it took way too long for the doctors to get a prescription into my pharmacy (the nurse gave them my information before I was discharged), but I have it now so that's good. Then this morning, I woke up feeling even worse. I have so much pain/discomfort from the waist down. It feels just like endo pain. I can't take anything to relieve it or find a comfortable position. I'm not even sure if it's related to the UTI, because the other symptoms I had seem better today. I just hope it gets better soon.

ETA: I have a fever above the limit listed on my discharge papers (100.4) so I just made another call to the on-call doctor. Hopefully it's not a big deal :(


How far along: 26 weeks

Countdown to EDD: 14 weeks/98 days 

Baby is the size of a: Lettuce. His eyes are forming (I didn't realize they weren't even formed yet) and he'll be able to open them soon.

Physical symptoms: UTI, body aches   

Mood: Crappy today   

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I don't know, maybe +12

Maternity clothes: Love them. I got new maternity leggings for $13 yesterday.     

Sleep: Eh

Best moment of the week: After our crappy night Friday, Seth and I (okay, I) treated myself to my diaper bag and all of the accessories I wanted! I can't wait until it gets here.

Movement: Yep - it was kind of cool to be hooked up to the fetal monitor because it was like his movement had sound effects. But I also felt bad about it because I know that Baby doesn't really care for the doppler.

Food cravings/aversions: Nothing in particular.

Sex: Boy

Labor signs: Not really. I had one BH contraction Friday while I was being monitored and I think I had a few yesterday, but that was it.

What I miss: Not being in pain.

What I am looking forward to: 3rd trimester - just one more week!

Milestones: Just waiting for 3rd tri...

Showing yet: Yep - enough that my students feel like it's safe to ask me about it. This is from yesterday. There's no way I'm putting on clothes today.

25 weeks

First, I want to apologize for being a bad blogger friend. Things have been really busy at work plus traveling plus family visits this weekend and next - I haven't had much time to sit down and comment on what's going on with everyone. I am doing my best to keep up though and I'm thinking of you all the time! Hopefully things settle down again soon. I am ready for a break.


How far along: 25 weeks 

Countdown to EDD: 15 weeks/103 days - almost down to double digits!

Baby is the size of a: Cauliflower. Baby is probably over a foot long and could weigh as much as 2.2 lbs. I believe it. It feels like he's taking up so much space now.

Physical symptoms: Lots of stretching, exhaustion and some crazy dreams.   
Mood: Pretty good, except for the exhaustion.   

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  +11, I think

Maternity clothes:  Definitely necessary. I gave up on regular pants. Some regular tops and leggings/yoga pants still work, but mostly I wear maternity close.    

Sleep: I feel like sleep is going well, but I'm still tired.

Best moment of the week: I went to a breastfeeding class this week and really enjoyed that.

Movement: Yep - he's really starting to run out of space though. Most of the time I love it, but sometimes it's uncomfortable or painful.

Food cravings/aversions: I want all of the food (except eggs).

Sex: Still a boy

Labor signs: Nope

What I miss: Wine looked really good this week.

What I am looking forward to: Third trimester - only a few more weeks!

Milestones: Last week was the big one, I guess 3rd tri will be the next big thing.

Showing yet: Definitely. My belly feels massive and I still (hopefully) have 15 more weeks to grow. That kind of freaks me out a little bit. I can't even imagine what it's going to feel like. 

24 weeks!!!

We made it to viability!!! Woohoo!! Today is also my baby shower. MY baby shower. I still can't believe it. I am so incredibly grateful to have made it to this point. 


How far along: 24 weeks 

Countdown to EDD: 16 weeks/112 days

Baby is the size of a: Cantaloupe

Physical symptoms: Effing hip pain, RLP  

Mood:  Fantastic! 

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  About the same

Maternity clothes: I'm wearing mostly maternity pants and a mix of regular and maternity tops.     

Sleep: Eh

Best moment of the week: Today! Viability and baby shower day :)

Movement: All the time

Food cravings/aversions: Cinnamon raisin English muffins (thanks Chickin!)

Sex: Boy

Labor signs: Nope

What I miss: Sleeping without hip pain

What I am looking forward to: We're starting classes at the hospital this week!

Milestones: We made it to viability. For those who may not know, 24 weeks is considered the point in a pregnancy where the baby has a decent chance of survival in the outside. At this point, doctors will use any interventions possible to help the baby survive.

Showing yet: Duh. I will post a bump picture when I do a shower AW post.

23 weeks

How far along: 23 weeks (and 1 day) 

Countdown to EDD: 17 weeks/117 days

Baby is the size of a: Grapefruit! I love grapefruits. Baby can hear sounds now. That was obvious yesterday - we went to an NFL game yesterday and he was awake and moving ALL day long. Poor little couldn't get any sleep. 

Physical symptoms: Hip pain and lots of stretching. I need to remember not to move so quickly.   

Mood: I'm still a little sensitive to random things. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  +10

Maternity clothes: I bought maternity pants this week and they seem pretty awesome so far. I've been wearing those to work. It's kind of like wearing yoga pants to work.    

Sleep: Eh

Best moment of the week: Seth and I started getting some more things together in the nursery so that was fun. It's starting to look like a baby belongs in there :)

Movement: Yep - he's wild!

Food cravings/aversions: Still craving French Fries and Lucky Charms plus cinnamon raisin English muffins and anything grapefruit. It's been months since I've had eggs.

Sex: Boy

Labor signs: No, thankfully.

What I miss: I missed beer yesterday, but not as much as I thought I would. 

What I am looking forward to: Viability day and my baby shower - only 6 more sleeps!

Milestones: Baby's just hanging out and getting fat and strong for now...

Showing yet: Yep! Not my most flattering outfit, but it was HOT yesterday and they're the only shorts that fit comfortably. 

22 weeks

I had a great week. First, I put the crib together. It was really easy (thanks, Ikea) and it looks great! 

Next, I bought some really awesome tunic sweaters (Old Navy, regular women's). They are so soft and comfortable and they'll be perfect with leggings throughout the fall and winter down here. Plus they were only $21 each! 

And finally - my first stranger asked if I was pregnant!! I have a 59 year old man student and he guessed that I was 3 or 4 months along (I'm almost 5 months - ahh). It made me so happy. I've been waiting over two weeks to be able to say "Yes, I am pregnant". 

Oh yeah, I also left the lights on in my car during my 3.5 hours class. Somehow, the car started and I got home, but when we got in the car later that day it was dead and had to be replaced. I guess I got very lucky at work!

How far along: 22 weeks 


Countdown to EDD: 18 weeks/126 days

Baby is the size of a: Papaya - almost a foot long! 

Physical symptoms: Nothing new. I've been pretty tired this week though.

Mood: Fine.    

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  I didn't check. Instead, I had three (small) Pillsbury cinnamon rolls. For my second breakfast.

Maternity clothes: Still not needed, but sometimes I'll wear a maternity tee or tank.     

Sleep: Could be better, could be worse.

Best moment of the week: The invites for my baby shower were 
mailed this week!

Movement: Still awesome! Laying in bed with my hand over my belly is my new favorite hobby.

Food cravings/aversions: French fries

Sex: Boy

Labor signs: Nope

What I miss: Having a left hip that doesn't hurt all night long

What I am looking forward to: September 28th - it's viability day and my baby shower!

Milestones: I'm still pregnant.

Showing yet: Yes! (Trying on one of my new sweaters. It looks better when I'm not doing weird things with my arms.) 

21 weeks

This was a fun week! We've been slowly getting the baby's room ready. It's all cleared out (or as cleared out as it's going to get). So far we have the new area rug and curtains. Yesterday, Seth and I went to pick up some furniture. We ordered a glider/ottoman set that was super comfy at the store. We also bought the crib, but the matching changing table was out of stock so I'll pick that up in a few weeks. We're going to leave the furniture outside for a few days to help get rid of some of the chemical fumes and then I'll start putting it together during some. Then I can start showing some progress pictures!

Oh and I also found Halloween costumes for Binks and Bear! They're going to be crayons, but those pictures will have to wait.

How far along: 21 weeks 

Countdown to EDD: 21 weeks down, 19 to go!

Baby is the size of a: The world's biggest pomegranate apparently. I've certainly never seen a 10.5 inch pomegranate. Baby is around 13 oz (or more). His taste buds are working now so he can taste all of that amniotic fluid he's drinking. Yum.

Physical symptoms: Lots of stretching - I think we started another growth spurt. I've also had headaches and nausea all weekend, but I don't know if that's related.   

Mood: Usually fine, but I cry easily from time to time.   

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  +7 lbs

Maternity clothes: Still not needed, but I did try out my maternity leggings this week.     

Sleep: Fine

Best moment of the week: Seeing Baby's little limbs kicking or punching through my belly and watching Seth's reaction when he felt his first kick <3

Movement: All day long and some nights!

Food cravings/aversions: Soda, but I'm trying really hard to resist.

Sex: Boy

Labor signs: No

What I miss: Nothing in particular this week.

What I am looking forward to: Viability day - 3 more weeks.

Milestones: Seeing and feeling Baby's kicks from the outside!

Showing yet: Yes, most of the time but not enough that anyone has asked me if I'm pregnant yet.