24 Weeks

How far along are you?: 24 weeks... 6 months!

How I'm feeling: Pretty good. As of two days ago I've starting having acid reflux which is not fun. But still, I've had it so so easy this far.

How big is baby?: Today an ear of corn, tomorrow an eggplant!

Maternity clothes: Besides some cardigans, it's all I wear!

Stretch marks?: Not on the belly. 

Sleep: Pretty good. I usually go all night without having to pee. Sometimes once a night which I can deal with!

Best moment this week: Watching our girl squirm around in my belly. So awesome.

Movement: Yes! We have a wild child on our hands!

Food cravings: Varies by day.

Food aversions: Nope.

Labor signs: No, thank you.

Belly button in or out: In. Too far in. It bothers me.

What I miss: Being able to work out without issues. I bought a support band for my belly this week that will hopefully help with the abdominal and back pain I've been experiencing when I go to the gym.

What I'm looking forward to: Getting the nursery finished! My mom has generously offered to paint the nursery. She started yesterday since she had the day off work and is hoping to finish with Shawn's help today! Baby B's furniture should be delivered towards the end of April!

Milestone: Seeing out wild child move around in my belly and narrowing our name choices from six to three! We still will not be deciding on a name 100% until we meet her, however it feels good to narrow it down!

22 Weeks

22 weeks. That sounds so far yet I know I have a long(ish) way to go. Still. I cannot believe we are over half way to meeting our little girl. I wake up every morning feeling bigger than the last, which makes sense because my What to Expect app told me that these next few weeks I'm in for some serious weight gain (both baby and myself).

Grow baby girl, grow :)

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

Ever since I found out I was pregnant I feel as though I belonged to a secret society I had always dreamed of joining. Dramatic much? But seriously. I had seen it all over social media. Facebook, blogs, twitter, Instagram... the mama love flows. And it flows deep.

I always felt disconnected in a sense. Frankly, because I was. But ever since I was initiated if you will as a mama myself, I have felt that connection and that love. I have felt support from strangers I have never met. That is something that will never cease to amaze me.

 
Advice and clothing has been flying at me. Katie lent me her whole maternity wardrobe a ton of stuff which has been so so helpful. Seriously, if you've seen me in any maternity clothes there's a 90% chance it's something of Katie's. Shannon sent me work pants and darling little shoes for our baby girl. I've been offered books, DVDs, and numerous other things. I've been spoken to kindly and honestly from countless mamas, even when I have silly first-timer questions (a lot). I get to experience all of this because of this connection I now share with these ladies. Something that I feel so honored and blessed to be a part of.

The love doesn't stop with the mamas though. I have also received so much love, support, and excitement from others as well. Kate, an extremely talented photographer, had some headbands and hats laying around that she decided to bestow upon me. The cuteness is to die for.

All this to say? I feel so blessed to have people in my life that are willing to help and to lend a helping hand. And I am already beginning to see just how loved our little girl is. How loved I am. How loved we are as a family. From what I hear, motherhood isn't easy - but it is so so worth it. These mamas, friends, and family members are already making me realize just how worth it it is.

Halfway There!

20 weeks

 How far along are you?: 20 weeks. 5 months. HALFWAY THERE!

How I'm feeling: Feeling good. I had a little episode this week of intense stomach pains. I called the doctor and she thought I was most likely dehydrated. After upping my water intake, I've felt much better. Lesson learned.

How big is baby?: At our anatomy scan last week she was 9 oz!

Maternity clothes: Pretty sure I'd like to wear them for the rest of my life :)

Stretch marks?: I've noticed some...  but not on my belly!


Sleep: Not bad.

Best moment this week: Buying clothes for our little girl and feeling her move more frequently and stronger.

Movement: Definitely feeling her every day now and stronger, however it's still not noticeable from the outside yet - so Shawn has not felt her yet.

Food cravings: Whatever, whenever.

Food aversions: None. 

Labor signs: No, thank you.

Belly button in or out: In.

What I miss: Sadly, I miss my old body. I did not think it would be this hard on my self esteem because I know it's supposed to happen and it's normal and healthy... but it's still hard. Going from a strict diet for 2+ years to seeing the scale go up and up and watch my waist (and other areas) growing is hard. But I'm working on it :)

What I'm looking forward to: Narrowing down some names!

Milestone: Finding out our little one is a GIRL! I am so excited to have a daughter and Shawn is going to rock at being a girl dad. The first thing he said to me the day after we found out was, "How are my girls doing today?!" .... and then I melted :)