weeks 22 and 23

Here are a few updates:


- I had a doctor's appointment last Friday and everything is looking good. My next appointment is in April where I will have an ultrasound, take a glucose test, and meet with the doctor.


- The nightmares have stopped, but the weird dreams haven't. Sometimes I wake up in the morning feeling really confused/stressed because of a strange dream I had that night. While I slept all night, I wake up exhausted because of the odd/stressful dream. I have one of those about once a week- so it isn't too bad. And I would take that over a nightmare any day.

- I have been craving sweets a lot more in these past two weeks. In the beginning, I wasn't craving sweets at all. In fact, I threw candy away that wasn't getting eaten. But now I day dream about boston cream donuts and Reese's peanut butter Easter eggs. More than I would pre-pregnancy (I have always loved sweets). It takes some serious will power to not cave and eat one of each every day. Sometimes I succeed, and sometimes I definitely fail.

- I am having the hardest time making sure I am eating enough vegetables. I really really don't enjoy them. I force myself to eat some each day- but I'm definitely not eating as many as I should be.

- In week 23 I cut over 12 inches off of my hair.  I haven't had short hair since 2007, and I felt like I needed a change. I was really beginning to feel so drab, and pulling my hair back into a pony tail each day didn't help matters any.  I felt like I needed something shorter and stylish so that I was forced to do something to it that wouldn't take me hours to do. As soon as my hair dresser cut the pony tail off, I instantly loved it. I am still adjusting to seeing myself, but I think it is a good change for now.

- Last Monday night I got home from work, made dinner and was relaxing on the couch when all of a sudden my back really started hurting. I figured it was from carrying Jack (the one year old I nanny) and laid down in hopes that it would go away after resting. No such luck. I didn't sleep AT ALL on Monday night or Tuesday night. In fact, I was in so much pain on Tuesday night- at 4 am, I seriously thought I needed to go to the ER. It hurt so bad- no matter what position I was in. I tried laying in all different positions I could think of, standing, walking, sitting, stretching (I googled it and found some yoga stretches to try), I even took a shower in hopes that might help. Nothing. I texted my chiropractor (who are also our friends) the next morning and they told me to come in that morning. So I did and I was there for an hour. They were so thorough and gave me the BEST care ever. I left feeling so so so much better. It was amazing. My back still hurt, but it was a dull ache and bearable, and I was able to sleep through the night (yay for me and for Lee!). I have continued to go to the chiropractor almost daily so that we can fully correct the problem and I can be as close to feeling better as possible. It has been over a week and my back feels a whole lot better, praise the Lord!

- Ever since the back pain I had last week, I have been feeling petrified to give birth. I seriously can't think about it for more than 10 seconds. Because if my back hurt that bad and I felt that miserable- how on earth am I going to be strong enough to give birth? So I think it might be best if he just stayed inside my belly for a while longer. Or forever. Because I'm pretty sure I won't be able to get him out.


Here are some bump pictures for your viewing pleasure.

week 22:

week 23:

 Before and after my hair cut:

weeks 19, 20, & 21

I have really been slacking on posting updates. I don't even have any excuses. I just forget or when I actually remember and have time, I would rather lay and do nothing than form coherent sentences. I am actually going to list what is new these weeks- I am not sure why I didn't start out doing that. It's easier to read and easier for me to write. So here is what has been going on over the past few weeks:

- The dry blotchy red skin is still there. I really wish it would go away now. 

- I have been having the scariest dreams. I have woken up sobbing multiple times and last week I woke up as I was screaming (legit screaming at the top of my lungs) "HELP!" I wish those would end more than I wish the blotchy skin would go away.

- I can't seem to eat enough McDonald's cheeseburgers (just a plain cheeseburger- and it has to be from McDonald's only). I used to really be a french fry only girl- I didn't care about much else. But now, I can not eat enough of their cheeseburgers and could careless about the fries. I know, gross that I am eating at McDonald's but I can't help myself. And it's not very often- I do limit it. 

- Instead of eating skittles everyday, I have resorted to chewing sugar free fruity gum. I feel like that is better for me than all the skittles. So maybe I am making up for the McDonald's with that choice? Or not. Whatever. 

- I have stopped wearing my wedding rings. Not because they don't fit, but because the dry, blotchy skin is also on my hands and when I wear any rings at all it gets even more irritated and I get a bigger rash. 

- My belly has been really itchy- as it gets bigger and bigger. 

- When my mom and sister were visiting we stopped at Target one night to get a few things for breakfast for the next morning and we also decided to head down the ice cream aisle for a little dessert that night. My choice? Raspberry Sherbet. WHO AM I??? 

- Baby G is kicking a ton! He kicks throughout the day, and I LOVE feeling it. Lee hasn't been able to feel it yet because every time the baby is kicking and Lee runs over and gets his hand on my belly, the baby stops. Soon enough he will be able to feel it though, I can't wait to share that with him. Because it really is so amazing. Every time he kicks, I tell anyone who is near me and will listen. :) 

- We can not agree on a name. Lee thinks we should name him Indiana after Indiana Jones. I think maybe we will save that idea for our first family dog. Not our first child. 

- I haven't been sick in a while. I switched my prenatal vitamins a few weeks ago and that has made a huge difference. Overall, I have been feeling so much better!

- I have been having such bad heartburn. No matter what I eat, I get it. It is SO painful. I especially hate waking up in the middle of the night with it. Awful.

- I think that's all. I am having a hard time remembering things so I could very well be forgetting something that has changed significantly- but for now, I've got nothing. 

Here are some bump pictures:

week 19:

(don't judge me for still having Christmas cards up in February)

week 20 (halfway there!):


it's so weird to look down and see this:

(super cute hat from auntie h)

week 21:

Lee.

**Disclaimer: This post makes me sound really bad. And mean. I blame the hormones and lack of sleep. But it is the honest truth- so please don't judge me!**



Being pregnant is hard work. Women definitely go through A LOT while carrying a precious little life inside of them. Every woman is different in what she experiences, but we can all agree that the woman does a significant amount of the work. (obviously.)

That being said, I also want to add that sometimes I think men don't always get the credit they deserve for the role they play throughout pregnancy. Yes, I got sick everyday for about 8-10 weeks. Yes, I have a really pretty red, blotchy looking rash on my face. Yes, my belly is growing and I am feeling more and more uncomfortable in my own skin as each week passes. But Lee has gone through a lot too. He has to put up with my moods. And those- are not pretty. There are days when I wake up sad. Or grumpy. Or better yet- both. And Lee- my word, he loves me through those awful moments/days.

Monday was one of those days. My mom and sister visited last weekend and obviously, it was amazing. So when they had to leave, I was really, really sad to see them go. As to be expected. But then you throw in these hormones and I seriously ugly cried ALL.DAY.LONG. Lee just kept hugging me, rubbing my back, and he made me feel so loved and comforted.

While I was sick in the beginning, there would be days when my alarm would go off and I honestly didn't know if I had the strength to get up- and go through it all over again. I always wake up first because I usually leave before Lee each morning. One morning, I woke up feeling incredibly tired, weak, and sad. As I was walking to the bathroom to get in the shower I heard Lee say, "I love you with all of my heart!" And I seriously melted. How did he know that I needed to hear that that day in particular?? It made my day, and every time I remember it, I smile and feel so loved, even if it was months ago. While I was waking up in the night (I am not sure why I wrote that in past tense, I am still up at least once or twice every night), Lee would/still does roll over, rub my back and tell me what a great job I am doing.

A few weeks ago, I was having a REALLY grumpy Sunday. I knew I was grumpy- I didn't know why- but mean things just kept spewing out of my mouth. I was aware of it and tried to stop it, and I even decided I would make Lee's favorite dinner that night because poor guy had to put up with me. But even as I was getting ready to start cooking- I was still being so grumpy. I really wanted to watch something I had been waiting for all week and it was starting at the same time I needed to start dinner. Poor Lee just kept telling me he didn't need anything special for dinner- I could make him something quick. But I insisted. Knowing that I was ruining what was supposed to be an act of kindness, I started making dinner and stopped talking so that nothing else I would say could ruin it. As I had my head down preparing the meat, Lee had turned the TV and TV stand all the way around so that I could easily see it while I made his dinner. Honestly? How is it possible for this man to love me so much even through my horrible grumpiness??? Because what he should have done was walked out the door and said "I will be back in a few hours" and gone and done his own thing- away from me. But he didn't. He sat at the counter helping me as I needed it, and showed such love to me. I am still- weeks later- blown away by that.

He is constantly doing things that make me feel loved, beautiful, and like I am doing a good job. I feel like men really do have a hard job too. While their bodies don't change and they don't endure the pain, nausea, discomfort, frequent urination, mood swings, etc. They endure dealing with the person who does have all of those things going on. And they have to not only put up with their hormonal wives, but they also have to make her feel good. On some days, that is no easy task.

I am so blessed to have such an amazing man by my side. Someone who loves me- through the ugly. I love you Lee- even if I may or may not have pulled your arm hair this morning while you were making that awful high pitched annoying sound. You are the best husband and support system- exactly what I need to help me through this. I am so grateful that we get to share in this amazing journey together!

head over heels in love.

I had my gender ultrasound at the doctor's office today. At this ultrasound appointment, they measured and checked on the baby's growth and made sure that everything was there and functioning that needed to be. It was the most amazing appointment thus far (I am almost certain I will say that after each one).

First, I must admit that yesterday I was really emotional about going to the doctor today because I knew I had to go alone. Lee only has a certain number of days off and he is trying to save as many as he can for when the baby comes. I knew that going in, and that is one of the reasons why we made a gender ultrasound appointment on a Saturday three weeks ago. I was feeling ok with that, for the most part. But when I woke up yesterday morning I just felt really sad that he couldn't come with me and of course, with all the hormones, I knew I was being irrational and needed to pull myself together but just couldn't seem to do so. I prayed throughout the day and listened to as much worship music as I could fit into my day to try and lift my spirits. It was a hard day for sure, but I must say that today, I woke up with an insurmountable amount of strength. I wasn't sad that I had to go alone, in fact I don't even remember thinking twice about it. During the ultrasound though, while the tech was measuring and searching and looking at different parts of our boys body and organs, I became somewhat overwhelmed with worry. What if she didn't find what she was looking for? All the what if's just kept coming in my mind. I was praying, continuously, defeating those worries with the presence of the Lord. And I felt at peace. I am so thankful for the Lord's strength, because going to that appointment and waiting to hear her say "he looks great!" was something I couldn't do by myself. I wasn't strong enough, but He was. And I wasn't alone at that appointment, because He was right beside me. Reassuring me that everything was going to be ok.

I left the doctor's feeling so full of love. How is it possible to love like this? To love like this for someone I have yet to meet? I couldn't stop smiling- I felt so excited, proud, full of love, and I still feel that way- hours later. I stopped after my appointment to pick up a sandwich (chicken salad- surprised?), and I deemed it necessary to show the guy who took my order an ultrasound picture of our son and told him our great news. I couldn't contain the joy I felt inside- it was pouring out of me! I can not wait to hold our boy, to see his fingers and toes in person. To look into his eyes and tell him to his face just how much I love him. I honestly, in this moment am uncertain as to how I can fit any more love into my heart for him. Because I love him so much already! I think a parent's heart must just grow and grow and grow- and never stop growing. Because otherwise, I think our hearts may actually explode. Mine feels like it might today- and I am only halfway to meeting him! :)

Here are a few ultrasound pictures from the appointment today. I obviously think he is the most perfect baby I have ever seen. Because, well, he is perfect in every way already. (I know, they say Goodwin. The tech typed it inaccurately but fixed it.)

This is the leg of a soccer player- for sure. Let's just hope he gets his natural athletic ability from his dad and not his mom. 

I mean, if this little foot doesn't melt your heart, then I don't know what will. 

weeks 17 &18

I decided to lump these two weeks together, mostly because I didn't get around to posting last week. These two weeks were a little bit tough in that I got sick randomly- quite a bit. Which is never fun but I guess I will take random (usually about 3-4 times/days a week) over every day. The end of week 18 (the past few days) has been great- I am feeling really good and haven't been sick in a few days. :)

I wrote a few things down to post about- because I am FORGETFUL (which is something I wrote down). I honestly can't remember anything. I feel like my mom. When we were little she would make our school lunches and ask us each about 5 times what kind of sandwich we wanted. We always teased her (and still tease her) about it. But now, I do the same thing! The girls at work laugh at me because I will ask them what they want for a snack multiple times. Then, I get them the wrong thing anyways because I forgot what they said. I was fairly forgetful before, but this is bad! I hope I get some of my memory power back after July- or maybe I better shoot for next year around this time. Another thing I have noticed is that my skin is really dry and blotchy on my face. Which I am sure is a combination of the changing weather and pregnancy. But I could really do without that part because as frumpy and unattractive as I already feel- the red, blotchy skin doesn't help any.

I have been really into mashed potatoes lately. I really enjoy them and have made them quite a bit. Sorry Lee- although at least I am making dinner now! I think that's the only food I have really been "craving." (Again with the memory!) I FINALLY got my Highland Park Market chicken salad a few days ago when my sweet friend Mrs. Pat brought me some. And I am not going to lie- it was amazing and I may or may not have devoured it.

A big thing that has happened in these weeks too are that I am a lot more aware of the fact that there is a baby in my belly. Not only has he grown and I am slowly getting out of the "is she bloated?" phase, but I can feel him! I pushed on my stomach over the weekend and was able to feel where his body was. (Thanks again- Mrs. Pat!) It was AMAZING!!! I mean- I know he's in there but to feel him- to know exactly where his little mango sized body is, there aren't even any words! AND...I felt him kick! I have been feeling these little jabs every now and then, but I didn't realize what they were until today. I am just overjoyed! I love my sweet boy so much already, and I love feeling him more and more!

I think that's all for now. Plus, this is getting a bit lengthy. Here are some bump pictures:

week 17:

Week 18:

baby purchases

After Lee and I found out we were having a boy, we went right to the mall to buy some baby boy clothes. We were so excited, we just had to go right then and do a little shopping. For the record, Lee was just as excited about shopping as I was, in fact I think that part was his idea. :)

We bought our son his first bathing suit:

And then Lee saw these super sweet onsies and said we should get them too. He suggested that we get one of each in a different size so that our son will be able to wear them each equally as he grows. (I love Lee's thinking- it makes me so happy that he is over the moon. But more on that in a different post.)

In our free time, we now go out to find all the baby stores we can in Charlotte and we love looking around at all the super cute things and debating what kind of things we want to get. I love my life! :) 

(How many times can I say "our son"- clearly I can't wait to be the mama of a precious baby boy!)

16 weeks

I felt pretty good, for the most part, this week. Not a whole lot has changed, but when I was talking with Sarah the other day I was telling her how my taste buds have changed since getting pregnant. I am not necessarily craving these particular foods but what I used to love, I could do without and am now really into things I never used to be. I mentioned what I am now loving and she responded, "you are clearly having Lee's baby." Because all the things I am loving, are all things Lee loves.

Normally, I am a HUGE chocolate lover. Anything chocolate was my preferred candy/sweets choice. Now, I am LOVING sour patch kids and skittles- non-chocolate sugary candy. I am also really loving juice- normally I mostly just stick to water. I also can't seem to drink enough milk- I'm slightly obsessed. If you knew how much milk we go through in a week, your jaw would drop (but we do also live with Josh, who loves his midnight huge cereal snack). The last change I have noticed is that I love Italian salad dressing. The only salad dressings that I used to eat were creamy ones- but mostly I just stuck to Ranch. Now, the thought of creamy dressing makes me not want to eat a salad ever again. But present the idea to me with Italian dressing and I daydream about salad. It's so weird how these things change! (All of the above are things Lee has always loved- except salad dressing because he doesn't eat salad.)

**edited to add that I take back that I am not craving any of those foods. I am craving skittles. Hard core.**

Here are a couple of bump pictures, our baby boy is growing!

And it appears my t shirts are shrinking!