Week 24

Another week has come and gone, and with each passing week I am more and more excited to meet Harper.  With Harrison, it was hard to imagine what our family would look like or how being a mom would make me feel, but this time it seems like she was always a part of our family and will fit right in.  Of course, I know things will be hard and our family dynamic will change, but I also know now how it feels to love a little human with every piece of you and I am so ready to add some more joy to our home.  Loving a child is such an indescribable feeling and although it is hard for me to imagine loving anyone else as much as I love my first baby, I know my heart will grow even bigger and fill with more love for my daughter.   

How far along? 24 weeks

Maternity clothes? Do I even need to answer this anymore?

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: I've been sleeping pretty well.  I am seriously just so tired and uncomfortable by the end of the day that I crash.

Best moment(s) this week: Hearing that everything is still on track for Harper's arrival.  At our 24 week appointment she is measuring where she should be, had a heart rate of 155, and we are awaiting my gestational diabetes test results.  I may or may not have had creme brulee the night before the test for dinner...whoops. 

Miss Anything? Sleeping on my stomach.  I'm considering putting an inflatable tube on the floor just so I can lie down on my belly. 

Movement: Girlfriend is on the move!  

Food cravings: Cereal + sweets.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Gender: Girl

Labor Signs: Nada

Symptoms: Back pain + the general discomfort of pregnancy is starting make an appearance. 

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: I am definitely feeling emotional, but things have been better this week. 

Looking forward to:  My baby shower! I finally saw my invitation that my dearest friends have been working on and am in love with the theme.  My friends know me all too well ❤ 

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Week 23

You know that scene in Knocked Up where Seth Rogan is yelling at Katherine Heigel's hormones? That's how my week is going.  I've been very emotional, sensitive, and on edge recently.  I'm quick to yell, cry, or do both at the same time.  When it happens I know I'm being irrational, but (Mike stop reading now) I would never dare to admit that in the moment and it makes me feel even crazier because I can't stop this crazy train.  I can't pinpoint what makes me upset,  and it's frustrating that I can't control my reactions or emotions - it feels overwhelming and honestly a little lonely.  I know this will pass, as all moods of pregnancy do, but I'm ready to feel like me again. 

How far along? 23 weeks

Maternity clothes? You know it. 

Stretch marks? No. 

Sleep: I alternate between a full night of deep sleep or I'm up all night worrying about literally everything.  

Best moment(s) this week: Celebrating Easter -- Harrison totally got the concept of Easter Egg Hunts (he even found the golden egg) and the Easter Bunny, which made the holiday more exciting than ever.  I can't wait to dress both of my babes up next year and celebrate as a family of four.  

Miss Anything? Not feeling like an insane person...

Movement: I feel like she was less active this week, but I was also super busy, so I probably rocked her to sleep more often by running around all week.  I also feel like she is super low.  According to my blogs with Harrison, he was kicking me in the ribs by this point, but home girl is snuggled up down low.  

Food cravings: All of the desserts. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Thankfully no.

Gender: Girl

Labor Signs: Nope-- she still needs time to bake! 

Symptoms: Moodiness, pregnancy brain, back pain, and nesting are all in full force.  

Belly Button in or out? Hanging in there -- no pun intended. 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Overall moody.

Looking forward to: Getting out of this funk.  Maybe I'll pour half a glass of wine and indulge in some Scandal to put some pep back in my step. 

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Week 22

22 weeks and life is busier and more fun than ever!  This week we took a mini-vaca to our family farmhouse in Douglas, GA and enjoyed our Sunday afternoon at our newest neighborhood event that included live music and local vendors.  All weekend I got to watch Harrison be wild in the best way possible.  I am in awe of the my two year old as he explores the world around him and finds joy and laughter in the tiniest things that adults often overlook.  It's completely exhausting and so incredibly worth every moment.  He reminds me every day that life is precious and I am so thankful to be adding another soul to our family who I hope is just as kind and curious as her brother.   

How far along? 22 weeks

Maternity clothes? Well, I'm not turning back now...

Stretch marks? Nope - just a strange looking belly button. 

Sleep: I slept pretty well this week.  I've been so exhausted by the end of the day that I'm ready to pass out as soon as I hit the bed with our new amazing, cloud like mattress topper. 

Best moment(s) this week: See above. 

Miss Anything? Extra coffee.  

Movement: These kicks are out of control!  She is getting so strong and I'm pretty sure she never sleeps.

Food cravings: All things sweet.  Cookies, ice cream, Reese's peanut butter eggs...

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Gender: Girl

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Being hungry and full at the same time, losing my breath easily, and I have to pee all.the.time. 

Belly Button in or out? Still in there.  

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Both.  I can cry a lot in my car listening to random songs, but am also feeling overjoyed. 

Looking forward to: Moving Harrison into his big boy room and decorating the nursery.  If I keep writing this maybe Mike will start moving furniture out... 

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Week 21

Bumpin' along!  I can't believe we're over halfway there.  I feel like this pregnancy has been a part of our family for a very long time, but also like it's flying by.  I feel closer to baby this time around - I know what to expect, what's "normal," and since this is the last time I plan on being pregnant I'm really trying to appreciate my expanding belly and the feelings that pregnancy brings.  Also, milkshakes.  

How far along? 21 weeks

Maternity clothes? Well I'm not going back to regular clothes anytime soon...

Stretch marks? None so far

Sleep: Are adult diapers a thing?

Best moment(s) this week: Relaxing at the beach on Sunday.  We went to Little Talbot Island -or as we call it "The Old People Beach" because it's empty, quiet, and wonderful- where we had a picnic, got some sun, and played in the sand with Harrison.  It was much needed and I'm looking forward to our next beach day.  

Miss Anything? Sleeping comfortably.     

Movement: She's a busy girl!  Her kicks keep getting stronger and I feel more connected to her than ever 💜 

Food cravings: I'm happy with anything in dessert form. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nada

Gender: Girl

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Nothing unusual this week- just the normal fatigue and pregnancy brain. 

Belly Button in or out? In. 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Generally happy :) 

Looking forward to: Getting everything ready for Harper.  I can't wait to start decorating her room and hang her sweet little clothes in the closet. 

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Week 20

HOORAY - halfway there! This pregnancy is seriously flying by.  Each day is so incredibly busy with work and a toddler that I feel like life is going by in hyper-speed.  There's so much to do and it feels like we are running out of time.  Flexible schedules are great, but when you and your husband both work seven days a week at all hours of the day and night, it tends to put house projects on the back burner.  I already have everything planned in my head though so the nursery, big boy room, and garage transformation to an office/guest suite in less than four months is totally doable...right? 

In Harper world everything is going wonderfully!  We had our 20 week appointment and she is perfect.  She is in the 48th percentile, which should put her around seven and a half pounds when she is born.  Her heartbeat was in the 150s and she was an active little lady.  We had our final sonogram with the doctor, unless I go past 40 weeks (no thanks), and everything is measuring where it should be -- side note, Harrison loves to run around the house with her pictures yelling "Baby Sister!"  

P.S. Happy 3rd Birthday to my beautiful, spunky goddaughter Adelyn! 

How far along? 20 weeks

Maternity clothes? The hot weather is here and this bump is poppin', so maternity dresses are my go-to.  

Stretch marks? No 👍

Sleep: Some nights are better than others, but with Harrison sleeping in his room all night I can't complain. 

Best moment(s) this week: Seeing our little babe and hearing that she is healthy. 

Miss Anything? Sleeping in any position other than on my side.  Someone cut a hole in my mattress please.

Movement: Oh yes.  I am feeling her throughout the day now and Mike has been able to feel her on occasion.  

Food cravings: Super healthy stuff.  For example, chocolate chip cookie dough (the edible, egg free kind) and of course, those Trader Joe's ice cream cookie sandwiches.   

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Gender: Girl power. 

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: At this point in my pregnancy with Harrison I had gained around 8 pounds.  With Harper, I have gained 0.  I lost about 10 pounds during my first trimester from feeling and being sick, and am now back to my pre-pregnancy weight with her.  It feels good knowing that the weight is slowly coming back on (pregnant lady perks) and I can clearly see her growing.  I'm hoping I still gain slowly and steadily, but it feels good to know she's putting some chub on in there.  

Belly Button in or out? Still in.  

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Loving life! 

Looking forward to: Getting started on the nursery!

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Week 19

Buh-bye "teen" weeks!  I'm feeling and looking pregnant and now I remember why I thought pregnancy wasn't so bad the first time.  I do miss adult beverages, excessive amounts of coffee, raw tuna, deli meat, and soft cheeses, BUT I get to have all of the ice cream I want, wear skin tight dresses, and I always get to pick what we're having for dinner.  I also know at the end of this I get a cute baby, so I'd say it's all worth it. 

 

How far along? 19 weeks

Maternity clothes? Living the dream over here.    

Stretch marks? I've started applying lotion, so hopefully we can keep those bad boys away.  

Sleep: My toddler is finally sleeping through the night in his own room, but I'm up either using the bathroom, switching from side to side, or worrying about something.  

Best moment(s) this week: My mom came to visit and it was the best.  I am so envious of my friends that have parents in town.  It's funny how life happens, I wanted desperately to be away from them at 18 and now I would do anything to have them here.  Come back soon Mom! 

Miss Anything? Happy hour. 

Movement: Oh yes.  Baby girl loves dance parties at night.

Food cravings: Chocolate chip anything. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Thankfully no.  

Gender: Girl-- her headband and tutu collection is growing. 

Labor Signs: Not yet.

Symptoms: Tired, ligament pain, constant back cracking, and blurry vision.  But, all in all, feeling pretty well! 

Belly Button in or out? In, but definitely starting to flatten out.  Once again regretting my old belly button piercing. 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Tired, but happy! 

Looking forward to: Decorating Harper's room and getting everything ready for a baby again 💜

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Week 18

Kicking is in full force this week and it's such an incredible and relieving feeling.  I love knowing that baby girl is moving around in there and continuing to grow.  Each day she becomes more active and my belly is noticeably getting larger.  Harper Ellen will be here in less than five months and although I'm feeling overwhelmed by everything we still have to do, I am so ready to meet this little babe. 

How far along? 18 weeks

Maternity clothes?  Why are buttons a thing when these exist? 

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: Harrison has slept in his room all night THREE nights in a row, so sleep was pretty darn good this week. 

Best moment(s) this week: Seeing Harper again 💜 I was lucky enough to get another ultrasound this week and see how much she's grown.  We woke her up from a nap, but it was totally worth it to watch her move around and see and feel her kick at the same time.  

Miss Anything? Another week, another empty wine glass. 

Movement: I've felt little things from pretty early on this time around, but this week has been consistent and her kicks/punches are strong!   

Food cravings: Oranges and ice cream sandwiches. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing in particular comes to mind.

Gender: Ultrasound confirmed-- still a girl!  

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Energy and exhaustion, growing appetite, and vivid dreams. 

Belly Button in or out? Still in, but starting to look a little funny. 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, with the occasional mood swings.  I feel joy, stress, excitement, and overwhelmed all at the same time. 

Looking forward to: Hitting the halfway mark...almost there! 

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