39 Weeks

How far along: 39 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a watermelon - She is able to flex her limbs, and her nails may extend past her fingertips. Her brain is still developing rapidly.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: Contractions and false labor. It is really screwing with my head and making me a generally unpleasant person to be around. I just want to curl up in a pile of pillows and blankets and not talk to anyone.

 

Weight gain/loss: My weight seems to be leveling off at 25 total gain. Some days it's more, some less, but that seems to be the average at this point.

 

Food aversions/cravings: I'm actually starting to lose my appetite a bit. Nothing ever really sounds appealing at this point.

 

The baby belly: It's lower and sticks out in front of me like a shelf. I've become quite good at balancing food and plates on it while seated.

 

Movement: Lots of strong kicks and wiggles, but that internal clawing feeling is mostly gone. I'm hoping that means she turned around and is really in position for birth now.

 

What is freaking me out: I feel like I'm going to be pregnant forever. I hate the unknown of not knowing when, or being able to control, going into labor. I'm uncomfortable and exhausted, and the false labor is extremely discouraging.

 

What I'm totally loving: When I do venture out of the house, I love being asked "When are you due?" and legitimately being able to respond with "Any day now." People panic. You'd think I told them I was crowning at that exact moment.

 

What I'm looking forward to: Getting this child out of me. Pregnancy was wonderful, and mostly easy, but I'm done. Time to have an outside baby and have my insides back to myself again.

 

38 Weeks

 

How far along: 38 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a pumpkin - She may have up to one inch of hair by now, and is slowly shedding the vernix caseosa from her skin.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: Pressure and general discomfort. I'm actually starting to feel like my symptoms are slowly disappearing.

 

Weight gain/loss: Up another pound for a total of 25, but it fluctuates.

 

Food aversions/cravings: If it's a carb, I want it. I feel like I'm back in first trimester with my carb craving.

 

The baby belly: Some days it's low, other days it looks high. Size-wise, it's pretty consistent at this point: Massive.

 

Movement: She still moves a ton, and gets hiccups very frequently. I still have the feeling of her trying to claw her way out with her fingernails, which makes me wonder if she's facing out, instead of facing my back.

 

What is freaking me out: While my loss of symptoms is great, it's also mildly unsettling. Just how long is she planning on staying in there?

 

What I'm totally loving: Being able to walk again. Wherever she is in there, she's off of my sciatic nerves and it makes all the difference in the workforce.

 

What I'm looking forward to: As usual, my next appointment... which will be at 39+6 and one day before my due date. At this week's appointment I was up to 2cm and soft, but baby still wasn't fully engaged.

 

37 Weeks

 

How far along: 37 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a winter melon - She is practicing inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping, and blinking.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: Pressure. So much pressure! Baby flipped (thank, God!) and almost all of my horrible back pain disappeared. It has now been replaced with all of this downward pressure, but I'll take it!

 

Weight gain/loss: Up another pound for a total of 24.

 

Food aversions/cravings: Ice cream. I can't get enough of it. I've gone through a shameful amount of ice cream bars and cones from the package we brought home from Costco this week.

 

The baby belly: She has definitely dropped. No question about it this time. I think she still might have a little further to go, but she is down there.

 

Movement: Movement has changed dramatically. It is still very strong, and hurts at times, but where I'm feeling things is completely different than last week. It makes me wonder how long she had been breech without me realizing it.

 

What is freaking me out: I just need baby girl to stay head down. That's it for right now. I'm incredibly worried that she is going to flip herself back into breech, and we'll need to go down the potential path to a c-section.

 

What I'm totally loving: That for right now she is head down, and all is right with the world. She is only partially engaged, but I'm dilated over 1cm and everything is softening down there.

 

What I'm looking forward to: My 38 week appointment. Hopefully we'll get confirmation that she's still head down, lower, and maybe I'll even be dilated a bit more. I'm fairly certain I lost part of my plug, so that's a good sign on the dilation front. The pressure and pelvic pain get more intense everyday, so hopefully that just means she is dropping lower and lower into position.

 

36 Weeks

 

How far along: 36 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a honeydew - Her skin is getting smooth and soft and her gums are rigid. Her liver and kidneys are in working order, and her circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: I feel like a cripple. Between the contractions and horrible nerve pain in my back, it's getting harder and harder to walk or drive.

 

Weight gain/loss: Up one more pound for a total of 23.

 

Food aversions/cravings: Nothing is really standing out this week. I think the pain in my back is just overruling all other aspects of my life right now.

 

The baby belly: I thought she was moving down, but it feels like she's up again. My lung capacity is still better than before, so let's go with the bump has slightly lowered itself.

 

Movement: Movement is all over the place and really, really strong. I think I know what body part is what, but could be totally wrong.

 

What is freaking me out: Well crap... We just found out that baby is frank breech. That clearly explains all of the painful movements. Apparently she's trying to turn, which is causing the contractions I've been having, which then holds her in place. I've been told to rest, do what I can to ease the contractions so she can flip, and go back for another ultrasound next week. After that we'll talk about doing a version/induction or a c-section.

 

What I'm totally loving: I guess I love that I haven't dilated at all? I'm pretty overwhelmed with her being breech, but without being dilated it means she still has time to turn herself. She is also weighing in at just 5 lbs, with plenty of fluid and space for movement. Fingers crossed! She looked great on the ultrasound, other than her positioning, and we watched her putting her hands and feet up by her mouth. She even had hair!

 

What I'm looking forward to: My 37 week appointment and, God willing, finding out that she managed to work herself into the proper position for her big arrival.

 

35 Weeks

 

How far along: 35 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a coconut - Her hearing is fully developed, and she can respond to higher pitched noises.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: I thought I hit the wall before, but I've really hit it now. My patience for anything is below zero, I'm getting frustrated with my lack of mobility, and I'm just tired and sore. Over the weekend I was up for all of four hours before I needed a nap... and I'm not a napper.

 

Weight gain/loss: So that pound I may or may not have gained last week has decided to stick around. Including this week's pound(ish) I'm going to put my total gain at 22 pounds at this point.

 

Food aversions/cravings: This week I've really just craved liquids, but I think that has more to do with it being about 110 degrees outside more than pregnancy.

 

The baby belly: Another week, another bit of movement downwards. My lungs have some more room this week, but I'm pretty sure they're still battling with my stomach for space because I seem to get out of breath from eating.

 

Movement: Baby girl is still wiggling, kicking, and moving around in there. She is consistently switching between my left side and right side, and it feels like I'm being stabbed with needles anytime she grazes past my belly button. I'm not sure why that happens, but it makes me super uncomfortable.

 

What is freaking me out: We hit the 30-day mark this week! J swears she'll be here long before my due date, but you never know. It's not freaking me out so much that it's "only" 30 days away, it's more like I'm so uncomfortable at times, that 30 days seems like forever. Can I really hang in there for another month?!

 

What I'm totally loving: Being in the final stretch. Well... it's really more of a love/hate thing. I can't wait to meet baby girl, but I'm also reallllllly looking forward to having my torso all to myself again. Of course, that makes me feel like I'm wishing away these last few weeks of my pregnancy, which makes me feel guilty. I will most likely not be pregnant again, and have loved almost every day of it so far, but it's so hard to be upbeat about it at this point.

 

What I'm looking forward to: My 36 week doctor appointment. I know I'll be excited if baby is engaged and I'm dilated even a little bit, but I have to keep reminding myself that it means pretty much nothing, and I can still go past my due date. Regardless, I get to see her again, so I'm really looking forward to that. The last ultrasound we had was 16 weeks ago!

 

34 Weeks

 

How far along: 34 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a butternut squash - She is can recognize and react to simple songs, and may reckons them after birth,

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: Back pain and some serious contractions. At my last OB appointment I was told it's only an issue if they're regular, increasing in strength, and last over an hour. So far I've made it to an hour and then they go away. I hope baby girl isn't planning on making to early of an appearance.

 

Weight gain/loss: I either held steady at 20 total, or I gained a pound. The scale flips back and forth between the same couple of numbers each day or so. I haven't had any rapid gain or loss though, so that's what matters.

 

Food aversions/cravings: Anything? My stomach is so crushed that I can only eat small portions, but then I feel hungry all of the time. I pretty much spend my days snacking.

 

The baby belly: She's moving down! All of my contractions have apparently paid off. She hasn't fully dropped, but I feel like I've regained some use of my lungs. Of course, the lower position is causing tons of pressure and back strain, but it's a small price to pay for breathing.

 

Movement: She is still moving a ton, and it is incredibly obvious. Her torso and butt can clearly be seen, and her legs protrude out quite far at times. She has started getting hiccups at least once a day, and sometimes they're so strong my whole belly jumps. She seems to get annoyed when they don't go away quickly, and will start squirming around.

 

What is freaking me out: It's August and I could potentially have a baby this month. I'm no where near caught up to where I'd like to be at work and it's starting to really make it hit home that I'm going to be on maternity leave soon. I need to get prepared on that front, but at least we're ready to go at home!

 

What I'm totally loving: I'd say I'm loving contractions and the baby dropping, but she needs to hang in there until at least 37 weeks. I just want her to get to that safety point, and then she can do whatever she wants.

 

What I'm looking forward to: I'd love to say that I'm looking forward to cooler weather, but we've been around 100 for a couple of weeks and it doesn't look like it's going anywhere anytime soon. If this heat keeps up, I'll definitely be looking forward to having my torso to myself and being able to actually cool myself down with less effort.

 

33 Weeks

 

How far along: 33 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a durian - She is keeping her eyes open while awake, and her bones are hardening. She's also starting to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: Back pain, contractions, shortness of breath... I knew I had it too easy all throughout this pregnancy so far!

 

Weight gain/loss: Another 2 pound gain for a grand total of 20. I've noticed my weight is starting to fluctuate a lot. The maximum I see on the scale is a 20 pound total gain, so I'm sticking with that... could be less though.

 

Food aversions/cravings: Sweets are still my go to snack, and my milk craving seems to be hanging around. This is also another explanation for my weight gain. Haha

 

The baby belly: Baby is high and curled around on my right side, but head down. I look like I'm smuggling a large beach ball under my shirt, since the rest of me is pretty much the same as pre-pregnancy.

 

Movement: She moves more now than at any other point in my pregnancy. Knees, feet, arms, her butt... She's all over the place, and I often wonder when this whole "running out of room" thing is going to happen.

 

What is freaking me out: It's almost August. Each week seems to go by faster than the last. We're ready at home for baby girl to make her appearance, but at work it's a different story. Everyone has been out on vacation, so while I was ahead on things for a while, I'm now behind.

 

What I'm totally loving: Almost being at the point where if labor starts, it's not going to be an emergency or need to be stopped.

 

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting our baby girl. I find myself thinking about it a lot more frequently... What is she going to look like? How will labor go? Is nursing going to come easily? It's a lot to take in, but I'm really hoping my anxiety will go away as soon as I see her.

 

32 Weeks

 

How far along: 32 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a squash - She is ready for her descent, and should be in a head-down position by now.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: Oh hi, sciatic pain. I'm assuming this is going to be sticking around for the rest of my pregnancy.

 

Weight gain/loss: How did I gain 2 lbs this week?! I hope this isn't a new trend. I'm now up to a total of 18 lbs gained. I think a lot of the gain this week was due to the heat. It's been extra hot and humid, which is normal and not expected to end anytime soon, and I think it's finally affecting my weight.

 

Food aversions/cravings: Milk... And I'm not a milk drinker. At night though, I just can't help it. Cold milk is the best thing ever right now.

 

The baby belly: Baby is still high, so my belly is very... umm... dramatic looking. I'm definitely 100% belly.

 

Movement: So much movement! I can see limbs move across my belly, and can even feel (and sometimes see) the difference between her butt, torso, and head.

 

What is freaking me out: This baby is going to be here in less than 2 months. Holy crap! We have all of the baby stuff we need, but I still feel totally unprepared. I also had 20 minutes of real contractions at work this week, which just really made the realization set in that she is going to be here before we know it.

 

What I'm totally loving: The baby is going to be here in less than 2 months... I know, it's freaking me out, but I love it too. I can't wait to meet her and see what she looks like.

 

What I'm looking forward to: Honestly? Maternity leave. I'm getting increasingly uncomfortable sitting at work each week, which totally kills my concentration. I feel like I've slowed down physically and mentally, and work is starting to become exhausting. It's stressing me out, which it normally doesn't do, and I find myself really looking forward to not having to do it for a couple of months.

 

31 Weeks

 

How far along: 31 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a pineapple - She is going through major nerve and brain development. Her eyes are developing too, and her irises react to light.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: I'm exhausted and I hate it. I'm hoping this is a passing phase because I hate feeling like a zombie at work.

 

Weight gain/loss: Up another pound for a total of 16 gained.

 

Food aversions/cravings: Mint chip ice cream. It is my favorite flavor normally, but it just tastes better right now. Plus it's nice and cool.

 

The baby belly: Well, it looks like baby heard me last week and has now moved up and centered off.

 

Movement: Movement is very dramatic now, thanks to her new position. I feel her on both sides, and all movements are extremely visible.

 

What is freaking me out: Nothing this week.

 

What I'm totally loving: My heartburn and reflux are gone!! My OB recommended Nexium, and it has been a godsend. We also finished the nursery! I'll have to write a whole separate post on that.

 

What I'm looking forward to: Seeing how much bigger this belly is going to get. People are acting like I'm huge already, so I can't even imagine what I'm going to look like in another month. Hopefully it's just my belly that's big, and I'm not going to birth a giant baby.

 

30 Weeks

 

How far along: 30 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a cucumber - Her skin is getting smoother, but her brain is getting wrinklier. She is even strong enough to grasp a finger now.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: So much heartburn and reflux. It's making me absolutely miserable. No matter what I eat, or don't eat, it's there. I need to mention it to my OB because I can't handle this for another two weeks.

 

Weight gain/loss: Up 2 pounds this week... I think my growth spurt theory from last week was spot on. I'm now up a total of 15 pounds gained.

 

Food aversions/cravings: Is aversion to everything, a thing? I mean, that's not entirely true, but my reflux is making me hate eating.

 

The baby belly: Large and in charge! I'm still the most round in the lower part of my belly, which I find odd because she has plenty of room to stretch out and move up.

 

Movement: Baby girl is still hanging out on my right side, but she is definitely head down. She's been in that position since at least 20 weeks when we had our last ultrasound, so hopefully she doesn't flip around.

 

What is freaking me out: This reflux is taking its toll on me. I've also hit a wall in terms of energy. I'm slow, get tired easily, and my back hurts more frequently. It's tolerable now, but I'm afraid that it's just going to get worse.

 

What I'm totally loving: It's a love-hate thing, but my belly prompts so many conversations with people. I'm social, I'll talk to anyone, so it's kind of nice. However, everyone keeps asking if I'm having twins, or assumes I'm "ready to pop." I could live without that.

 

What I'm looking forward to: Talking to my OB and hopefully getting some relief from this reflux. That's really all I can focus on at this point.

 

29 Weeks

 

How far along: 29 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of an acorn squash - She is growing fat deposits under her skin, and her energy is surging because of it. She is starting to get a little cramped in there as she continues to grow.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: My acid reflux is out of control, to the point where I'll need to ask my doctor about it at my appointment. No matter what I eat, do, or try, it's there. I feel like I'm burning from the inside. Hopefully my doctor has a solution other than Tums, because those have stopped helping.

 

Weight gain/loss: Still on track for my 1 pound gain per week, for a total of 13 pounds.

 

Food aversions/cravings: Fish. Any kind, it doesn't matter. I won't cook it at home, since J isn't a fan, but if we go out I can pretty much guarantee that part (if not all) of my meal will be fish of some sort.

 

The baby belly: I feel huge. Almost abnormally so. Strangers keep saying to me, "You must be ready to pop!" and then look shocked when I say I still have 11 weeks to go. I'm definitely all belly, but it makes me wonder how much larger it's going to get,

 

Movement: I think baby girl has been having a growth spurt. She's still active, but has had more quiet time recently. I've found that after quieter days, she'll have super active days, but that hasn't really been the case this week. I know she's fine, I think she's just busy growing.

 

What is freaking me out: Thinking about just how close we are to having an actual baby to care for. Obviously, I'm aware that pregnancy results in a newborn, but it's scary to think about sometimes!

 

What I'm totally loving: How wonderful my shower turned out. Everyone went above and beyond, and I'm just so grateful to have such fantastic people in our, and the baby's, life.

 

What I'm looking forward to: J and I took the week off before the 4th of July to finish up baby projects, spend time with my mom for the first half of the week, and then just spend time together... since it'll be our last days off as just the two of us for a while.

 

28 Weeks

 

How far along: 28 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of an eggplant - She is starting to develop more fat, so her wrinkly skin will begin to get smoother. Her lungs are mature enough to strongly increase her chance of survival if born now.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: Still heartburn, nothing new here. My fatigue from a couple of weeks ago passed, but I definitely get tired easily. It's not a "I need sleep" type of tired though, but more of a "my body needs a break" tired.

 

Weight gain/loss: Up another pound for a 12 pound total gain.

 

Food aversions/cravings: I still spend most days eating salads, fruit, and cookies. I don't know if it's because I'm craving those things, or if it's because it's what I've been eating since pretty much day one of this pregnancy.

 

The baby belly: My belly button is getting weird. I have a big red spot at the top that sticks out, which is most likely due to the scar tissue from my old navel piercing. The rest isn't so much popping out, as it is flattening itself out. Definitely a huge change from my normal, super-deep navel.

 

Movement: Baby girl is active, but on a schedule. She won't start moving in the mornings until the alarm goes off (which I find odd), then she's quiet most of the day, then active again right before bed. If she moves during the night, it has yet to be enough to wake me up.

 

What is freaking me out: I feel like time is flying! By the time my shower gets here I'll be 29 weeks, turning 30 weeks a few days afterwards. This pregnancy has gone so incredibly fast, and I feel like she's going to get here in September and I'm not going to be ready mentally.

 

What I'm totally loving: Still being able to paint my toes! It's a stupidly small victory, but I can still do it! haha

 

What I'm looking forward to: My mom is coming to visit and my baby shower is next week! I feel like we've been planning this for so long, but now that it's here, it feels like time flew by.

 

 

27 Weeks

 

How far along: 27 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a rutabaga - She's practicing inhaling and exhaling with her rapidly developing lungs. Her brain is officially showing activity, and will keep on getting more complex.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: Holy heartburn. Citrus? Heartburn. Spice? Heartburn. Bread? Heartburn. I'm now fully stocked with a supply of Tums at all times.

 

Weight gain/loss: It looks like I'll be going into third trimester with 11 lbs gained. I seem to be putting on one full pound per week at this point, which would put me right on track for around 25 lbs of total gain by delivery.

 

Food aversions/cravings: Still fruits and veggies. I can't get enough! Cookies are definitely my go-to treat, though.

 

The baby belly: I feel round. I think the bump is starting to move up and out, since I'm losing some of the low roundness by my hips. I still have a waist, so that's a win (for now).

 

Movement: I felt a limb of some sort slide across my belly this week. It's the first time I've felt that. There are tons of bumps and thumps, some of which are strong enough to hurt, but that was the first type of that gliding movement I've felt.

 

What is freaking me out: Umm, third trimester is well underway starting next week! Where is the time going?! My OB appointments have now been increased to every two weeks, I took my gestational diabetes test, and I need to start working on my birth plan and hospital packing list.

 

What I'm totally loving: I feel officially pregnant at this point. It sounds ridiculous, since I've been visibly pregnant for months, but it's really starting to hit home that I'm a big pregnant woman who is going to have a baby soon.

 

What I'm looking forward to: Finding out the results of my gestational diabetes test. The drink wasn't nearly as bad as I thought, and I have no reason to think that I have it, but I'll just feel better with the confirmation that everything is okay.

 

26 Weeks

 

How far along: 26 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a head of lettuce - Her eyes are forming and will soon start to open. She's prepping her immune system by soaking up antibodies, and she is taking breaths of amniotic fluid.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: I hate to say it... I really, really, really hate to say it... I'm tired. I'm sleeping fine, not doing as much, but I'm starting to get that "I need a nap" feeling in the afternoon. I can push through, since I obviously don't have a choice at work, but weekends are begging me for nap time.

 

Weight gain/loss: Officially in the weight gain double digits... Up to 10 total pounds gained this week.

 

Food aversions/cravings: Fruit. Give me all of the fruit, especially melon. I devoured a massive fruit salad this week, and am fully stocked to make another one. Between the fruit and my daily salads, I almost wonder if I'm giving birth to a herbivore. It's actually amusing since J is a total carnivore, and won't touch most veggies.

 

The baby belly: I took the bump out for her first public appearance in a bikini this week. It was quite successful. I still (knock on wood) don't have any stretch marks, discoloration, or awkward hair growth, so I was pretty confident about showing it off. We'll see if that keeps up all summer, or if I go out and buy a one piece at some point.

 

Movement: I was finally able to catch some kicks (punches?) on video this week. Most movement is still pretty low, but depending on her, and my, position it can be really easy to see my belly jumping around. Nothing is defined enough yet where I can say, "Oh that's a foot," but if I press around I can usually find what I'm assuming is her head.

 

What is freaking me out: Third trimester is coming up so quickly! I'm very nervous about losing my energy, starting to be more achey, and not feeling as great as I have been so far. There's no guarantee that I'm going to start feeling like crap, but I get anxious every time I feel like I need a nap.

 

What I'm totally loving: We had our hospital tour and I didn't totally freak out, so that's good. The reality definitely hit home that she needs to come out of me though. In just three short months we're going to meet our baby girl!

 

What I'm looking forward to: Getting the nursery, and the rest of the upstairs, finished and all put together. All of the big projects are done, but there is still a good amount of decluttering and cleaning that need to be done... Preferably before my mom gets here for her visit.

 

 

25 Weeks

 

How far along: 25 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a cauliflower - She now has a sense of equilibrium and knows which way is up and which way is down. Her fat and hair growth are increasing as well.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: I know I mentioned heartburn the past two weeks, but this week is definitely the worst. I ate a piece of coffee cake and got heartburn. How is that even possible?! The good news is that my back pain cleared up and I'm sleeping through the night again. Yay! I'm going to start being much more careful about what I do because that pain was miserable.

 

Weight gain/loss: Total gain of 9 pounds! My increase has slowed to just shy of one pound per week, I'm probably slightly over the 9 pounds, but not quite at 10 yet.

 

Food aversions/cravings: No more acidic foods. I made the mistake of getting a lemonade from Panera and it felt like I was drinking fire. I'm so sad. I love citrus! I've been craving melon lately, so hopefully that doesn't trigger any reflux.

 

The baby belly: Some days it feels like it's not even there, and others feel like my muscles are going to rip in half. I'm assuming the muscle ripping days are "growth spurt" days for baby girl. It's not terrible, but it's definitely noticeable.

 

Movement: She keeps getting bigger and stronger, and she really likes letting me know. I still have no idea what is what in terms of body parts, but she is moving all sorts of things in there.

 

What is freaking me out: I keep worrying that I'm going to fail my glucose test. I have no idea why, and no reason to think it will happen. I think I just don't want to have to do the three hour test so badly, that I'm worrying more about failing than I should.

 

What I'm totally loving: Even aches and pains aside, I'm still feeling great 90% of the time. I'm extremely thankful for that, and sincerely hope that the tide doesn't change when third trimester gets here.

 

What I'm looking forward to: We have our maternity tour scheduled at the hospital for next week. It's nothing that I'm super excited about, but I'm looking forward to seeing what I'm in for and where I'm going to be. I don't like the thought of going in blind once I'm in labor, so it'll ease some anxiety on that front.

 

24 Weeks

 

How far along: 24 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a cantaloupe - Her see-through skin is gradually becoming more opaque. It also has a new pink glow, thanks to the small capillaries that have recently formed.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: I'm hoping it's a fluke, but my back was so bad over the long Memorial Day weekend, that I thought I was going to become a cripple. I was sleeping terribly because of the back pain, so that just made it worse because I never got a good rest to let it heal. I really have to start watching what I do because when I overdo it, I regret it.

 

Weight gain/loss: Since last week wasn't really a full pound, and this week isn't really a full pound, I'm going to say I'm still holding at an 8 pound total gain... But it's probably 8 and a half-ish.

 

Food aversions/cravings: Oh God, the heartburn. I never know what will cause it and what won't. Anything acidic is a definite trigger, but oddly enough, spicy foods don't cause any issues at all.

 

The baby belly: It's getting to the beginning of that "I feel large" phase. With my back bothering me so much I've been really uncomfortable in general, so the belly got caught up in that as well. I feel huge and achy, but ultimately the cause is more my back than my bump.

 

Movement: She's starting to relocate! She is still as low as she can possibly get, but I feel like she's more centered now. I clearly feel, and see, movement left, right, and center. She occasionally kicks me so hard that it makes me jump. It's startling to get kicked out of nowhere!

 

What is freaking me out: Worrying about my back for the remainder of the pregnancy... and rain. It hasn't stopped raining here for weeks, and Houston just flooded from a freak storm. I can't help but think what would happen if I went into labor during a flood or hurricane, and it freaks me out.

 

What I'm totally loving: All of the visible movement! I could just sit and watch my belly for hours. It's incredibly weird and cool at the same time. I know it's just going to get stronger, but this is really the first week that I can consistently see well-defined movement.

 

What I'm looking forward to: My mom coming to visit next month, and my baby shower! It's going to be so much fun, and by the time she gets here it'll have been 9 months since I saw her last.

 

23 Weeks

 

How far along: 23 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of large grapefruit - Her face is fully formed now, and she just needs a little extra fat to fill it out. She's listening to mom's voice and heartbeat, and can hear loud sounds like a dog barking.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: Heartburn has been randomly popping up this week. It's usually at night, but it disperses quickly with a couple of Tums. Hopefully this isn't turning into a new trend.

 

Weight gain/loss: I'm going to round up and say I gained another full pound this week, bringing my total to 8 pounds above my starting weight.

 

Food aversions/cravings: I still can't eat Mexican food. We tried making some at home and it still just doesn't agree with me. It tastes fantastic, but my body is just not happy with me afterwards.

 

The baby belly: I'm so round! I feel like I blew up like a ball early this week out of nowhere.

 

Movement: Everyday she moves more and more. She's still exclusively on my right side, and I haven't felt so much as a flutter on the left. I'm beginning to wonder if she'll just stay there the entire time.

 

What is freaking me out: Nada. I've been more concerned about Ranger's upcoming teeth cleaning than anything else. I'm blaming pregnancy hormones for making me worry about him going under anesthesia.

 

What I'm totally loving: Believe it or not, my roundness! I can't help touching and looking at my belly. The bottom is so rounded out that I can almost picture her in there just chilling like she's in a hammock.

 

What I'm looking forward to: I have an OB appointment next week, but I wouldn't necessarily say I'm looking forward to it. However, it's the last "basic" 4-week appointment of my pregnancy. The following, and last 4 week appointment is for my glucose test, and then my third trimester starts (which also brings with it 2 week appointments). Eeeek!!

 

22 Weeks

 

How far along: 22 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a papaya - She is looking more and more like a newborn. She is even starting to sleep in cycles, for about 12-14 hours per day.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: My back has started to flare up this week. It's not consistent at all (thank, God!), but if I do too much, or sit in one position for too long, I start to feel nerve pain. Hopefully, by being careful and continuing to exercise, I'll be able to keep it to a minimum.

 

Weight gain/loss: Up another pound, putting my total gain at 7.

 

Food aversions/cravings: I'll eat almost anything, but with spicier foods I need to really determine if the heartburn that follows is worth it. Hint: it usually is. Once I can't calm the burn with Tums, I'll need to start making some adjustments to my diet.

 

The baby belly: I'm still carrying low and all out in front. I feel like it grew a lot between this week and last week for some reason. I don't think it did, but to me I feel like it's further out than before.

 

Movement: Baby girl has a schedule, and she lets me know it. Mornings and bedtime are when she is most active, but I feel her all throughout the day as well. If I sit in a position that squishes her for too long, like at my desk, she starts kicking to let me know I need to stretch. I feel her from the outside constantly as well.

 

What is freaking me out: I'm really not a fan of already having back and nerve pain. I knew it could pose a big issue with my spinal history, but I was hoping to make it until third trimester before I started having discomfort.

 

What I'm totally loving: All of the movement! Feeling her from the outside is incredibly cool, and I'm content to just sit there and feel her squirm and kick. I could live without her head hitting my bladder, but I suppose it's better than being kicked in the ribs.

 

What I'm looking forward to: Her nursery being done. All of the furniture is in, the painting is done, her closet is done, and it just needs some finishing touches. I'll have to write a separate post about our progress so far because we've done a lot.

 

21 Weeks

 

How far along: 21 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a pomegranate - She already has her lifetime supply of eggs in her womb... About 6 million of them. Her digestive system is also developing and producing meconium.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: I feel big this week. I know I haven't gained a lot of weight, but I feel like I occupy more space... not sure if that makes sense.

 

Weight gain/loss: Up 1 more pound for a grand total of 6 pounds gained.

 

Food aversions/cravings: I still have a salad for lunch everyday, but I haven't had many cravings. I'll have certain things I don't feel like eating on a specific day, but it comes and goes.

 

The baby belly: I feel large. I still have a defined waist, and you can't even tell that I'm pregnant from the back (or even the front if I wear a black shirt). Jeremy thinks it's a great optical illusion.

 

Movement: Thanks to our anatomy scan, I know that it's very big head that keeps hitting me in the bladder. I feel her moving constantly, but only on my right side. As it turns out, she's upside down and entirely along the right side of my body. I wonder if she'll move, or if ill wind up with a lopsided tummy as she grows.

 

What is freaking me out: Nothing! She was deemed "perfect" at our anatomy scan, and weighs almost a pound already! Her heart, brain, organs, and other systems were all great.

 

What I'm totally loving: Knowing that she is without a doubt a perfectly healthy baby girl.

 

What I'm looking forward to: Getting the show on the road with her nursery. We have a few more big things left to (like relocate her dresser upstairs and get it out of our living room!), then it's just little projects from here on out.

 

During our anatomy scan they turned on the 3D/4D and we were able to get a partial shot of her face. She was being entirely uncooperative, and clearly just wanted to be left alone!

 

 

20 Weeks

 

How far along: 20 weeks - EDD 09/10/15

 

How big is baby: The size of a banana - She has working taste buds now, and is gulping down several ounces of amniotic fluid each day. At 20 weeks she is halfway done developing, and has another 20 weeks to go.

 

What are we having: A sweet baby girl

 

Symptoms this week: Hunger! I feel like a bottomless pit. I don't know if baby girl is having a growth spurt or what, but I feel like I'm eating non-stop.

 

Weight gain/loss: Up 2 lbs... I'm assuming it's thanks to my constant hunger. Haha. This puts me at a total gain of 5 lbs.

 

Food aversions/cravings: Everything. Just give me food.

 

The baby belly: I still feel like I'm getting a torpedo belly that just sticks out in front of me. I am ALL belly.

 

Movement: I am feeling her much more consistently now. Movement is more defined and it seems like she's on a schedule.

 

What is freaking me out: Our anatomy scan is next week, and I still live with the fear that she's going to turn out to be a boy! Not that there is anything wrong with having a boy, but I've grown to identify her as a baby girl.

 

What I'm totally loving: Being able to get things done. We've been working hard on organizing the house, throwing out clutter, and working on the nursery. I have to take my time with certain things, but I like feeling productive.

 

What I'm looking forward to: Seeing baby girl at our anatomy scan next week!