38 Weeks

How far along? 38 Weeks, 3 days - 11 days till our due date!
Baby is the size of: A pumpkin. Weighs around 7-7.5 pounds (could be more or less). Boys on average weigh more than girls. By now, he could be at the maximum length of 20 inches. 
What's new with baby: He should be nice and plump. Movements often diminish due to the decrease in space around baby. Brain and nervous system will continue to develop well into childhood and teen years.   
Maternity clothes? Yup! 
Sleep: Sleeping okay. Pretty decent considering. I am super anxious. I go to bed every night thinking , "this could be it." 
Sleeping on: Side. 
Best moment this week: Just having everything done and ready for Christmas and baby. We got our hospital tour in just in time so we have an idea of what to expect/where to go. 
Miss Anything? No. 
Movement: Yes. Feels like he's popping out of my stomach. 
Food cravings: No.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  No.
Have you started to show yet: Yes.
Gender: Boy!
Name selected?: Kamden
Working out? No. 
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks.
Belly Button in or out? Surprisingly still in but I'm waiting for it to pop any day now.
Wedding rings on or off? Wedding ring on. Engagement ring off.  
Overall health: Feeling good!  Energy is good. I feel pretty active and mobile. I always imagined I would be waddling around and slow at this point but I don't feel like that is the case. Weekly check up is tomorrow. Last week the doctor said the baby is very low in my pelvis and most likely has a big head like his daddy. Oh, joy!  
Feeling (happy, moody, emotional, scared): Anxious!!!!!! Excited, nervous, scared, emotional, anxious, excited, and super excited!!! :)
Looking forward to: Meeting our son! And Christmas. Honestly, Christmas is a little overshadowed this year. 
Next appointment: Tuesday, Dec. 24

Outtakes

I've gotten a lot of comments on how everyone loves Heidi in my weekly picture and how I get her to sit so pretty for it, so I decided to share some outtakes. 

As some of you may know, the name Heidi was inspired by the beautiful Heidi Klum. It certainly ended up being the perfect name for our golden retriever because she loves getting her picture taken! 

This first picture below is the picture that started it all when Heidi decided she too wanted to be apart of the weekly bump watch. Without being called, she just walked over with her toy and sat next to me to get her picture taken. The rest is history. Every week, without being called she comes right over to pose with me. In some of the pictures below, you can see how I started alone and she walked right in. I think it is a combination of her being a total ham and our love for one another - truly (wo)man's best friend. :)

Photo credits to my hubby who loves constantly snapping picture after picture. 

Full term!

                         

How far along? 37 Weeks, 5 days - 16 days till our due date!
Baby is the size of: A bunch of swiss chard (?) or a winter melon. Weighs around 6.5 pounds (could be more or less). Boys on average weigh more than girls. 
What's new with baby: Considered full term which means all his organs are fully developed and he's ready for the outside world. From now till our due date, his focus will be on gaining weight. He is okay to be born at any time now and would not be considered premature. Yay! 
Maternity clothes? Yup! 
Sleep: Sleeping ok but not great. Toss and turn and wake up a bunch for potty breaks.  And I'm super hot! Doc says the light sleeping is your body's way of training for when the baby gets here. She also said that when I'm awake in the middle of the night to hit the hubby and say, "baby's crying" so he can get ready too. Hahahaha!
Sleeping on: Side. 
Best moment this week: 1) Celebrated the holidays with some friends 2) Jeff's work through us a shower. It took me almost 2.5 hours to get there, but it was worth it. Thank you LRMD! 
Miss Anything? Wine (and I mean not just a sip. I want a real (big) glass)
Movement: Yes. He's cramed in there. 
Food cravings: No.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  No.
Have you started to show yet: Yes.
Gender: Boy!
Name selected?: Kamden
Working out? No. 
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks.
Belly Button in or out? In. Just waiting - It is going to pop any day now.
Wedding rings on or off? On. Opting to take off my engagement ring (it is a half size smaller than my wedding band) before it gets stuck in my finger. 
Overall health: Feeling good! My back hurts, I'm out of breath and I'm slowing down but overall, I really do feel good. Starting to near the point of max uncomfort but not fully there yet. Baby's heartbeat is good. My blood pressure is good. Weight is good. I have low platelets so I've been tested almost weekly to check my levels. Basically, if my platelets remain low, I won't be able to have an epidural. So we shall see about that. Overall, we are healthy and doing good! 
Feeling (happy, moody, emotional, scared): So excited! Anxious! Also so scared and nervous of the unknown and life changes ahead. But generally sooooo excited! 
Looking forward to: Meeting our son! 
Next appointment: Tuesday, Dec. 24

Here are some pictures from the week: 

Thank you Lanigan Ryan for showering us with love!! And the blue teeth :) 

So happy to be going through this with two of my best friends - who are also having boys in 2014. 

Yes, this dress makes me look huge and Kamden has grown a lot! The silhouette pictures above were taken the day after this picture, for reference. 

Pregnancy must-haves and faves

As I am coming to the end of my pregnancy with only a few weeks left (yay!), I figured I would share some of my pregnancy must haves and favorites for you mama-to-bes out there. 

1. Pregnancy Apps: I loaded my phone up with lots of pregnancy apps and have loved reading my baby's progress through all of them. I guess when you download and set them up, you also get registered to get emails which I have found to be super insightful. 

2. Baby Bargains book: This book is a must! They update it every year (so make sure to get the most current version) and rate and review all baby products and brands on the market. We referenced this book for almost every items we bought and registered for. 

3. Prenatal vitamins: I took Nature Made prenatal vitamins and started even before I got pregnant. Make sure your prenatal vitamin has DHA, which helps to promote brain health for baby. 

4. Leggings: If you've read my blog before, I have expressed my love for maternity leggings quite a few times. I bought two pairs of these early on in pregnancy and just fell in love with how comfy they are. Since then, I bought a few more since I wear them so frequently. They are great for lounging around the house and out and about. 

5. Tumbler: Drinking a lot of water during pregnancy is crucial. We have several 24-ounce tumblers in our house which I load up every morning with water and take to work. They are great to just keep refilling throughout the day. Now, in my third trimester, I feel like I can't get enough water so I always have my tumbler around. I love them because they keep my water cold and don't sweat. Also love the tumblers with straws - I feel like I drink more when I have a straw. 

6. Prenatal massage: You have to get at least one prenatal massage or more during pregnancy. These are the best especially once your back and legs start aching as you gain more weight. Know that prenatal massages are a little different - you're on your back hugging a pillow and you flip halfway through to the other side. I feel like it takes a little while to relax at the start of the massage because you're face is exposed and the baby usually moves for the first part but once you relax, they are amazing! 

7. Body pillow: Having a body pillow to sleep with the last half of pregnancy is totally essential. I bought the regular straight body pillow but next pregnancy I am totally getting one of the larger curved pillows. The only downfall with these pillows is they take up a lot of room in the bed. Sorry hubby! 

8. Palmer's body butter: I used Palmer's body butter to apply to my belly, back, butt, legs, etc. as a hope to avoid stretch marks. A lot of friends I spoke with also swore by Palmer's during pregnancy. You get to smell like a chocolate bar. ;-)

9. Flats: Invest in some comfy flats if you don't have any already. Around month six, your feet start to swell and hurt from the extra weight. While I still wore heels, I eventually made the switch to flats full time because a) they are comfy b) your balance is off when you've got a round tummy, so for the safety of you and baby, wear some comfy flats. 

10. iPad or tablet: I have lived on my iPad. I use it constantly to update our baby registry, look up products, read articles, get ideas, etc. 

11. Supportive husband or partner: I don't have enough words to express how wonderful my husband has been during my pregnancy. He's my best friend and my rock. I know I'm being totally cheesy, but I just love him so much more everyday and his support has been endless and solid through all of the ups and downs, mood swings, etc.  I hope you have someone to help support you and make you feel beautiful during this special time in your life. 

So there it is, that's my personal list of must-haves for pregnancy. I should also say it's important to have a great doctor that makes you feel comfortable. I started with a different doctor at the beginning of my pregnancy and quickly switched to a practice that I just love. Trust your instincts and talk to your friends with kids to see how their experience was with their doctor so you know what to expect and what you are looking for. 

Maternity Clothes

I got away with not buying a lot of maternity clothes because I wear a lot of dresses, so my wrap dresses and some stretchy dresses have lasted me through these bigger months. I did purchase some new dresses that were not maternity but again a wrap dress or stretchy so I could wear it now and after pregnancy - or I bought a few dresses in the next size up. Maternity jeans and pants are a must so I stocked up on a few and I bought a handful or so of maternity tops. Here are the sites/stores I used to snag my maternity clothes. Happy shopping!

1. Loft: Ann Taylor Loft is one of my favorite stores and it was a major plus that they have a maternity line. I bought my jeans from them - just ordered my regular, prebaby size in maternity. I also got a couple tops from them but also bought some regular sized tops in a size up. 
2. Gap: I bought most of my maternity clothes from Gap including my work pants and several cute tops. They run sales frequently so wait for a sale and stock up. 
3. Old Navy: They have affordable maternity clothes and also run sales frequently.  
4. Zulily: I had a bit of an obsession with Zulily. They have daily deals on kids and maternity items. A word of caution, they do not allow returns on any items so make sure you love what you are going to purchase. I bought a few things that I was totally disappointment in once it arrived because it was cheap material or see through but you're stuck with it. However, I did also get a few cute things from them and they have great baby items and deals. Just know what you are buying before you click all the way through to purchase. Sometimes they have well-known brands at great deals. One more word of advice, it usually takes a little while to receive the item you ordered. 
5. Destination Maternity (Motherhood/Pea in a Pod): I shopped both online and in stores at Destination Maternity and/or Motherhood/Pea in a Pod. They tend to be a little bit more expensive so look for deals or splurge when you have a nice event or you see something you absolutely love. 
6. Target: Target also has a maternity line with some cute items. I didn't actually buy anything from them, but look every time I'm in the store and check out their site occasionally. 

35 Weeks

How far along? 35 Weeks, 6 days - 29 days till our due date!
Baby is the size of: A coconut. Weighs around 5 to 5.5 pounds (could be more or less). Baby won't get too much longer (around 18 inches now) but will gain about a half a pound a week.
What's new with baby: At this point all of his major organs should be nearly complete. The majority of his effort going forward is geared towards rapid weight gain. He's also practicing breathing movements (aka hiccups).
Maternity clothes? Yup! Been in lots of lounge wear over the last few weeks (leggings, Jeff's t-shirts, PJs, jeans, etc).

Sleep: Sleeping okay. 

Sleeping on: Side.
Best moment this week: 1) Having my mom in town. She cooked us lots of yummy food (including some freezer meals for after Kamden arrives), helped with the dogs, ran errands for me, put up our Christmas tree and much more since i have been on bed rest. (Thank you Mom!!) 2) Had a movie date with my hubby to see Hunger Games. Yay! 3) Got our Christmas decorations up and finished Kamden's room (will post pictures soon). 

Miss Anything? No.
Movement: Yes.
Food cravings: No.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  No.
Have you started to show yet: Yes.
Gender: Boy!
Name selected?: Kamden
Working out? No.
Labor Signs: Yes.
Belly Button in or out? In. But it feels like it might pop out soon.
Wedding rings on or off? On. Getting a little tighter.
Overall health: Feeling alright. We were unfortunately in a car accident coming home from my in-laws on Thanksgiving. We were rear-ended, but thankfully we were all okay. However, since then my back has been really bothering me.  I am just so thankful none of us were hurt and that the dogs were not in the car (because they would have been in the back where we got hit). Our car is now going to take 4 weeks to get fixed which is a bummer since we got it to be our family car and of course we are just about to welcome our family. But I keep reminding myself that things are things. We are all safe and healthy - and my puppies were safely sleeping at home and that is everything.  (Yes, I am pregnant and emotional!)
I had a doctors appointment yesterday and got a good status report.
Feeling (happy, moody, emotional, scared): Happy, nervous, emotional, excited, overwhelmed
Looking forward to: Christmas celebrations over the next few weeks - and honestly, I cannot wait to meet our little man!!! I'm secretly hoping he arrives before Christmas. :)
Next appointment: Tuesday, Dec. 10

Hospital Bag

"All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go..."

I pretty much packed for the hospital, just in case. The doctor put me on bed rest so it is a good thing I got almost everything squared away. 

Is there anything you think I'm missing below? Anything I should unpack? What items in your hospital bag did you find helpful and "must-have"?

My Bag:

• Night gowns (2-3)
• Toiletries  

• Moisturizer
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Shampoo/conditioner (the hospital provides but I want my own)
• Hair brush
• Hair ties
• Makeup (we'll have visitors so I want the option to put some on if I feel like it)
• Contact solution

• Glasses and extra contacts
• Socks
• Slippers
• Towel (hospital provides but my friend Julie said they are very small and rough so it is nice to have a soft, bigger one)
• Nursing bras (I just ordered 4 of these, so they aren't actually in my bag yet)
• Undies (I bought some that I'm okay with throwing away and should be super comfy)
• Nursing pads
• Pillow

I just need to add:

• A robe - I bought one but don't like it. Since it will Dec/Jan, I want some comfy and warm to walk around the hospital.
• An outfit to wear home (will pack something maternity but since I am currently wearing most of my limited comfy maternity clothes, I will wait to throw something in)
• Flip flops (for the shower)
• Hard candy/lollipops (?)

Bag for Kamden

• Newborn size onesie
• Newborn size going home outfit
• 3 month onesie
• 3 month going home outfit
• Blanket
• Socks (2-3 pairs)
• Hats (2-3)
• Comb/brush (just in case he is born with a lot of hair)
• Warm cover up since it is winter
• Boppy pillow

Jeff's Bag

• Toiletries
• Comfy clothes
• Boxers
• Socks
• Polo shirts

He will need to throw in some jeans and shoes as we get closer. 

33 Weeks

How far along? 33 Weeks, 4 days - 45 days till our due date!
Baby is the size of: A durian fruit (what is that?!). Weighs around 4.5 pounds. 
What's new with baby: He is losing the wrinkled look and his skeleton is hardening. His brain is developing like crazy and  he's started to keep his eyes open when he's awake. 
Maternity clothes? Yup! 

Sleep: Sleeping decent

Sleeping on: Side and back. 
Best moment this week: 1) Got a prenatal massage on Saturday. 2) Spent some time this week/weekend getting Kamden's room together. It's looking nice. We just have to hang some pictures on the wall and get a mattress. I'll post pictures once its all done. 

Miss Anything? No.
Movement: Yes.
Food cravings: Fruit and salad.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  No.
Have you started to show yet: Yes.
Gender: Boy!
Name selected?: Kamden
Working out? No.
Labor Signs: Yes. Some strong contractions started last Wednesday and we spent some time admitted to the hospital. We are both healthy and just taking it easy now. Since we had our unofficial hospital tour, over the weekend we kicked it in gear and started laying stuff out for our hospital bag and getting things ready just in case Kamden decides to come early. Jeff and I have our child birth class this coming weekend. 
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Overall health: Feeling good despite our trip to the hospital.  
Feeling (happy, moody, emotional, scared): Happy, emotional, nervous, overwhelmed, scared. 
Looking forward to: Thanksgiving. I can't wait to gobble down some yummy food next week! 
Next appointment: Weds, Nov. 20 (follow up appointment from hospital visit)

32 Weeks

How far along? 32 Weeks, 4 days - 52 days till our due date!
Baby is the size of: A squash.  Weighs around 4 pounds.
What's new with baby: He is plumping up and more hair is starting to grow on his head. Bones are getting stronger. He's practicing skills like swallowing, breathing, kicking and sucking. 
Maternity clothes? Yup! However, the dress in the above is new but not maternity. It's stretchy so I can wear it post-baby. I'm also wearing panty hose in the above. I ordered some maternity tights from Zulily - get this - they were so tight and uncomfortable! I ended up wearing my regular ones which were much more comfortable than the maternity ones I had ordered.
I'm still obviously leveraging loose fitting nonmaternity as much as possible (mostly for work). I live in my maternity leggings and Jeff's t-shirts at home and weekends are filled with jeans and maternity tops. 

Sleep: Sleeping pretty good. Got some nice rest over the weekend! Feel refreshed. 

Sleeping on: Side and back. 
Best moment this week: Having a three day weekend to relax and spend time with my wonderful husband. 

Miss Anything? No.
Movement: Yep!
Food cravings: No.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Not this week.
Have you started to show yet: Yes sir
Gender: Boy!
Name selected?: Kamden
Working out? Yes! I even went to the gym.
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks everyday
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Overall health: Feeling good! Still have shortness of breath and its getting a little harder to move quickly.  Going up the four flights of stairs in our condo leaves me winded and my legs get tired so I use the railing a lot more than before. I also get random leg cramps in either my upper leg or calf. Minor things as I feel so blessed to have a healthy pregnancy. 
Feeling (happy, moody, emotional, scared): Happy, emotional, moody and scared. 
Looking forward to: Continuing to nest
Next appointment: Tomorrow, Nov 13

31 Weeks

How far along? 31 Weeks, 5 days - 58 days till our due date!
Baby is the size of: A pineapple. Weighs around 3-3.5 pounds.
What's new with baby: His brain is now more fully developed. All major organ development is done, although lungs are still immature. All five senses are now in working order. Baby is gaining about a half pound a week from here on out and mommy is gaining about a pound a week. 
Maternity clothes? I need more maternity clothes! The above is a regular A-line dress you will see me in post-baby. I need to stock up on some maternity tops to wear with my work pants and jeans now that the weather is getting colder. 
Sleep: Sleeping pretty good. 

Sleeping on: Side and back. Body pillow is helping me stay on my side. However, I'm worrying that sleeping on my side is crushing the baby. Oh the start of a worrying mother. :) 
Best moment this week: SO many this week! 1) My mom was in town. I just love having her around. 2) We did a sneak peek sonogram of Kamden with my mom and Jeff's parents. It was so cool to his little features and the little man has already turned himself down. 3) We had our baby shower and were surrounded by everyone we love (including my brother from CA and my Grandma from New York)

Miss Anything? No.
Movement: Yep!
Food cravings: No.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Not this week.
Have you started to show yet: Oh yes!
Gender: Boy!
Name selected?: Kamden
Working out? Nope.
Labor Signs: Some Braxton Hicks
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Health: Feeling good! Shortness of breath has started.
Feeling (happy, moody, emotional, scared): Happy and emotional. 
Looking forward to: Nesting. :)
Next appointment: November 13

29 Weeks

How far along? 29 Weeks, 5 days - 72 days till our due date!
Baby is the size of: A butternut squash. Weighs around 2.5 to 2.75 pounds.
What's new with baby: Bones are beginning to harden and he is adding fat. Baby's first smile appears, especially during sleep. Sensory organs are well developed and he should be starting to regulate his body temperature. He is also urinating about a half liter daily. 

Maternity clothes? I'm wearing maternity jeans from Loft in the above and a shirt I had prepregnancy. This week I've been at a conference for work and putting my maternity dress pants to use with some not so cool company shirts. 
Sleep: Sleeping sucks this week. Very little but that's just because of work stress, getting up earlier than usual, Jeff being out of town and frequent pee breaks in the middle of the night.
Sleeping on: Side and back.
Best moment this week: My stomach now literally moves all around when Kamden is making moves inside. Jeff got to see several really big movements which was cool. Also,  I am so excited that me and my friends Holly and Julie are all having boys in 2014. Julie just found out on
Friday that she is having a boy at the end of March. Can't wait for all of our boys to play together. 

Miss Anything? My husband! He's away for work.
Movement: Yep, lots!!!
Food cravings: No.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Yes, I got some sort of stomach bug. And the walking through the food court in the convention center made me want to gag multiple times.
Have you started to show yet: Yes.
Gender: It's a boy!
Name selected?: Kamden
Working out? Not at all this week. Does standing for 8+ hours a day and walking around a convention center count?!? ;-)
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Health: Besides being sick, I have felt pretty good. Honestly exhausted from work.
Feeling (happy, moody, emotional, scared): Happy, moody, emotional, stressed, burnt out
Looking forward to: Our trip to Florida this week then super excited for our baby shower! My mom will be in town a week from today! 

Next appointment: November 13

Here's another weekly shot with the top hand removed...

Book Review: Belly Laughs

Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth

I recently finished reading Jenny McCarthy's book, Belly Laughs. It was a super easy read and I laughed from page 1 to the very end. She has a great sense of humor and honest approach to covering everything that happens during pregnancy and childbirth. There were parts that I literally laughed out loud. Jeff kept asking, "what's so funny?" I actually read a few paragraphs and pages out loud for him to share in the fun. All of the chapters are only 1-4 pages so like I said, super easy to read. There is a chapter called called, "I hard-boiled my baby." So funny and true how newly pregnant woman freak out and over think everything after finding out you're pregnant. 

I am going to read her next book - Baby Laughs: The Naked Truth About the First Year of Mommyhood. I'll let you know how it is...

28 Weeks

How far along? 28 Weeks, 4 days - 80 days till our due date!
Baby is the size of: A Chinese cabbage or eggplant. Weighs around 2.25 to 2.5 pounds.
What's new with baby: Eyelids are open and have eyelashes. Eyes now open and close. Brain neurons are rapidly developing and can sense changes in light. They say he can also tell the difference between my voice and those around me, such as Jeff's.

Maternity clothes? I'm wearing a Gap maternity shirt and blue jeans from Motherhood in the above picture.
Sleep: Sleeping okay. Caught up on sleep over the weekend which was very nice.
Sleeping on: Side and back.
Best moment this week: Officially in our third trimester. 2/3 of the way done. Yayyyy!!! Heard baby's heartbeat today. Doctor said heartbeat sounds good and he is a very active little boy. 

Miss Anything? No
Movement: Yep, lots.
Food cravings: No.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  No.
Have you started to show yet: Yes.
Gender: It's a boy!
Name selected?: Kamden
Working out? Just nice long walks with my girl, Heidi.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Health: Feeling good! Feet swelling and throbbing is no joke though. The other day I went to run some errands for about an hour and my feet were killing me. I couldn't wait to get home to put my feet up.
Feeling (happy, moody, emotional, scared): Happy, moody, emotional
Looking forward to: Our trip to Florida next week.

Next appointment: November 13
Had gestational diabetes screening today. I hate to say it, but, I thought that orange glucose drink was delicious. Will get results in a week or so. I hope I don't have to go back for the longer test. Fingers crossed. 

27 Weeks

How far along? 27 Weeks, 5 days - 86 days till our due date!
Baby is the size of: A rutabaga. (Whatever that is!) Weighs around 2-2.5 pounds
What's new with baby: this week he looks like a thinner version of what he will look like at birth. Immune system is continuously maturing. Regular sleep cycles are happening 

Maternity clothes? In the picture above, I am wearing a regular wrap dress I had before. Fall temperatures are welcoming more maternity wear. I just got another pair of pants this weekend.
Sleep: Sleeping decent just not enough.
Sleeping on: Side and back. Been consciously trying to sleep on my left side but always wake up on back. Thinking about getting one of those pregnancy body pillows.
Best moment this week: Lots this week: 1) We celebrated our 2nd anniversary 2) my friend Holly found out she is having a boy this February. I'm so excited for our boys to play together. 3) Got my first prenatal massage 4) Concluded a successful work event I've been working on for 8 months which is a huge relief 

Miss Anything? No
Movement: Yes! Soooo much movement. He's moving up higher now and getting bigger.
Food cravings: No.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Not this week.
Have you started to show yet: Yes.
Gender: It's a boy!
Name selected?: Kamden
Working out? Little bit.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Health: Feeling good!
Feeling (happy, moody, emotional, scared): Happy and emotional. Sometimes I just hear something on the radio/tv and just start crying.
Looking forward to: Entering my third trimester! (I'm not sure if I'm in it already but if not next week I will be). Also looking forward to a 3-day weekend this weekend to get some R&R

Next appointment: Next Tuesday, Oct. 16 - testing for Gestational diabetes

26 Weeks

How far along? 26 Weeks, 5 days - 93 days till our due date!
Baby is the size of: A head of lettuce. Weighs around 1.75 to 2 pounds
What's new with baby: His immune system, including lymph nodes and spleen are rapidly developing. Lungs practicing inhaling and exhaling the amniotic fluid. His eyelids may begin to open this week.

Maternity clothes? In the picture above, I am wearing a regular wrap dress I had before pregnancy. I've definitely been wearing my maternity jeans, work pants and leggings.
Sleep: Sleeping decent just not enough.
Sleeping on: Side and back. Been consciously trying to sleep on my left side but always wake up on back. Thinking about getting one of those pregnancy body pillows.
Best moment this week: Just love feeling him move and his movements are getting stronger and more noticeable. Signs of good growth. 

Miss Anything? Mama wants some wine! Or beer during football games.
Movement: Yes! Lots. I think I finally felt some hiccups.
Food cravings: Donuts. (Wegmans has a pumpkin donut with maple frosting - can we say heaven?!?)
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Not this week.
Have you started to show yet: Yes. I think it is hysterical when men try to ask/bring up the fact that I'm pregnant. They all seem to be so awkward about it. A guy at work the other day points at my stomach and said, "so what's going on there?" LOL!!
Gender: It's a boy!
Name selected?: Kamden
Working out? Little bit.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Health: Feeling good! Sometimes I forget that I'm even pregnant. Oh, and I'm super hungry this week.
Feeling (happy, moody, emotional, scared): Happy and stressed
Looking forward to: Celebrating our two year anniversary next Tuesday and entering my third trimester!
Next appointment: October 16 

25 Weeks

How far along? 25 Weeks, 5 days
Baby is the size of: Cauliflower. Weighs around 1.5 pounds
What's new with baby: His nervous system is rapidly developing and now has a sense of equilibrium, knowing which way is up and which way is down. Nails are starting to form. 

Maternity clothes? In the picture above, I am actually wearing a non-maternity dress, but I think it is just like one with the ruching on the side. In the picture below, I'm wearing my favorite article of clothing these days - maternity leggings with a Ryan Kerrigan jersey (ow, ow!).
Sleep: Sleeping lightly this week and definitely not enough.
Sleeping on: Side and back. Missing my stomach sleeping.
Best moment this week: Jeff put together the crib. Yay! And Kamden went to his first Redskins game - he moved around the entire game. Definitely a future Skins fan. :)

Miss Anything? No.
Movement: Yes! Lots!! Jeff was able to feel him moving around for the second time, but this time, lots of movement.
Food cravings: No.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Not this week.
Have you started to show yet: Oh yeah!
Gender: It's a boy!
Name selected?: Kamden
Working out? Little bit, well no, not really.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Health: Feeling good!
Feeling (happy, moody, emotional, scared): Happy, moody, tired
Looking forward to: The end of October (lots of work things going on until then).
Next appointment: October 16 

24 Weeks

How far along? 24 Weeks, 6 days (25 weeks tomorrow!)
Baby is the size of: A cantaloupe. Weighs over a pound and is as long as 12 inches.
What's new with baby: His skin is gradually becoming less translucent and is starting to look more opaque. Lungs are formed but still developing. There may be some hair growth on the top of his head. 

Maternity clothes? Rocking maternity pants from Gap in the picture above and a non-maternity top that I previously owned. Still wearing my looser regular, non-maternity dresses. Maternity jeans and leggings are definitely part of my weekly wardrobe from here on out with these amazing fall temperatures. I went to a few maternity stores over the weekend, they were all PACKED. The change in temperatures must have gotten all the mama-to-bes thinking they needed a fall wardrobe.
Sleep: Sleeping decent - been sick so not sleeping well cause of that and I wake up every night to pee at least once.
Sleeping on: Mostly back.
Best moment this week: Went the doctor yesterday for my monthly check up. Measuring "perfectly" and baby's heartbeat is strong. Doctor congratulated us on reaching a milestone of vitality, meaning if for whatever reason the baby were to be born early, he has a strong chance of surviving outside the womb. Obviously, the goal is to reach full-term at 37 weeks (or due date at 40 weeks), but milestones are wonderful! 

Miss Anything? No.
Movement: Yes! It's still such a cool feeling.
Food cravings: No. Haven't honestly had an appetite this week with my little bug.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Not this week.
Have you started to show yet: Yes. Uh, take a look at the poppage in the picture above! :)
Gender: It's a boy!
Name selected?: Kamden
Working out? Not this week.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Health: Had a bug this week
Feeling (happy, moody, emotional, scared): Happy, moody, emotional
Looking forward to: The end of October. I have so much going on with work from now till the end of October. I am also really looking forward to our trip to Florida at the end of October with Jeff's company. (LRMD folks, can't wait to see you!)
Next appointment: October 16 (Glucose testing, ugh)

22 Weeks

Hey Taylor Swift, I am feeling 22....weeks pregnant! 

How far along? 22 Weeks, 4 days
Baby is the size of: A papaya. About 11 inches long and just about one POUND. 
What's new with baby: His senses are developing - the brain and nerve endings should be developed enough to sense touch. Taste buds are forming on the tongue.

Maternity clothes? Still regular dresses. Hit up some sales this weekend both in store and online. Honestly didn't get much since everything is in transition between summer and fall. I did get some work dress pants and comfy leggings. 
Sleep: Sleeping good
Sleeping on: I try to start off my side, but I mostly sleep on my back.
Best moment this week: Painting party! My friend Siobhan came over this weekend and helped us paint. (Thanks Sio!) Three of the four walls are done. The fourth wall just needs some finishing touches. And having a three day weekend was so nice!

Miss Anything? My clothes. And Siobhan and Jeff got super-sized margaritas that looked AMAZING. I, however, got an delicious virgin daiquiri.
Movement: Yes! Sometimes its noticeable but sometimes its very light.
Food cravings: Nope.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Not this week.
Have you started to show yet: Yes. 
Gender: It's a boy!
Name selected?: Yes!
Working out? Yes.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Health: Overall, feeling great! I noticed that at the end of the day my feet are uncomfortable - kind of swollen or throbbing. I also noticed some light & minor cramping this week - maybe a little Braxton Hicks?
Feeling (happy, moody, emotional, scared): Happy and emotional. 
We toured our first daycare which made me a little sad and Jeff left for a business trip trip.
Looking forward to: Decorating our little man's nursery. Just want to get the paint all done so we can start moving furniture and decorations aka the fun stuff.
Next appointment: September 18