30 Weeks

*Apologies to those who have had trouble viewing the blog the last few weeks!  New invitations for viewing have been submitted.  Please let me know if the issue persists!*

3-0!  T-minus 10 weeks (or so) until David's birthday and now I'm starting to feel the pressure!  Pressure on my pelvis and pressure to get things ready for baby boy.

It's true, depending on how he's positioned, I waddle a bit.  Even though I have been feeling more kicks around my ribs, he feels so low to me.  We've got 10 more weeks left but it already feels like he's running out of room in there.  He's still pretty darn active and is quick to apply counter-pressure if I lay my hand on my belly.  When we get lucky, friends are able to see his kicks just by looking at my belly, but it's always more fun to have them feel him directly.

Towards the end of the week round ligament pain and indigestion made a return back into my life and I had quite a bit of pain on my right side after the 3-hour drive home from Solvang.

Beyond the physical pressures, I feel pressure to get things ready for David's arrival. He has quite a bit of clothes and I love imagining him in them.  In my moments of I-need-to-have-everything-ready-now I remind myself that our baby shower is in less than two weeks and to wait until then to buy anything else.  With that said, we've purchased (or been given) a lot of what we need so things are looking good.

My main concern is setting up the hospital and diaper bags so I'm ready to go when the time comes, and arranging his temporary co-sleeping space for inside the cabin.  The basic model of this co-sleeper is the one I'm currently liking, but there are others of interest.  And, of course, baby needs a car seat!  I love this convertible option that baby can use from 4-50lbs rear-facing and up to 65lbs forward-facing!  With this type of car seat we will not be purchasing an infant seat but I might acquire one for free through the VA.  My mom's friend gifted me a few high-end luxury diaper bags to try out but honestly, I'm in love with this one from Skip Hop.  Call me plain Jane (and albeit, I am), but I love the clean, gender-neutral look of the solid gray and it has a ton of great pockets.  So once I get the diaper bag I'll be using I will fill it with a few essentials and call it good.  And I haven't packed a hospital bag yet but a running list of what-to-pack is in the works.  If you have any recommendations, text me!

And eventually we'll need a baby monitor and a highchair. 

Babies arriving before 40-weeks is not unheard of so a part of me is feeling a bit panicky.  Mom and I are setting up my old bedroom to use as the nursery and I'll be washing all of his clothes this week.  Can't tell you how excited I am to fold and hang all of little clean outfits in preparation for him to wear.  Ah, it makes me giddy!  

Speaking of clothes, here's my best attempt at showcasing all of his little outfits.  A few "TBD" placeholders are on the list.  If you're interested, please check back next week as I'll have those filled in properly.  He's got more in bigger sizes (and a few others that were given to me after these pictures were taken:  thanks Anna & Ashley!) but other than those, here's the jist of it!

Newborn
Short-sleeve onesies:  4
Long-sleeve onesies:  9; 8 cotton, 1 jean
Footsie pajamas (zipper & snaps):  3
T-Shirts:  1
Shorts:  0
Pants:  3
Jackets:  2
Mittens:  TBD
Socks:  TBD
Shoes:  2

If it has "Champ" or a Jeep on it, I'm buying it.

3 Months
*New Parent Tip:  When I worked at Carter's I learned "3 months" really equates to "0-3" and vice versa, and same goes for the larger sizes.*  
Short-sleeve onesies:  22
Long-sleeve onesies:  11
Footsie pajamas (zipper & snaps): 8 
T-Shirts:  2
Shorts:  1
Pants:  6
Jackets:  3
Mittens:  TBD
Socks:  TBD
Shoes:  0

6 Months 
*(aka "3-6")*
Short-sleeve onesies:  6 
Long-sleeve onesies:  1
Pajamas (zipper & snaps):  7, although 1 without footies
T-Shirts:  6 short-sleeve, 1 long-sleeve
Shorts:  4
Pants:  4
Jackets:  1
Mittens:  TBD
Socks:  TBD
Shoes: 0

Aside from clothes, we have a slew of newborn and size 1 diapers from Pampers and Honest Company, a bunch of pacifiers, an endless supply of books (as we've been collecting them for years!) and a few sensory toys.  Target has a great selection of teaching materials in the dollar section so even though it's early to be learning his ABC's, I buy it anyways.  One day I would like to have a designated playroom/classroom.

Other Worthwhile Mentions:  Thrifty Finds + Registry Gifts
Crib:  Trevor found this beauty at Target on clearance for $43! We will eventually need a mattress for it.
Stroller #1:  City Mini GT; Trevor chose the green color and got it on sale for $160.  So excited to someday use it!
Stroller #2:  Not quite the version we have and we weren't going to invest in more than one stroller initially but, unlike the GT, this one is a proper jogging stroller.  And, as you may have guessed, we got for a steal at $27 on clearance.
Stroller #3:  Being that I'm only out in California for a few months post delivery, I didn't bring any strollers with me as I planned to only baby-wear.  However, mom gifted us this stroller and it's a pretty versatile one as the seat morphs into a bassinet and can face forwards and backwards!
Swing #1:  Another Target clearance item we purchased for $25
Swing #2:  As you may recall, Trevor found this for $14 at the Goodwill and we fixed it up.  Overall cost was $48.  Not too shabby!
Bassinet:  Another familiar item, I picked up the deluxe model at a SoCal consignment store for less than half of the retail price.  I kept my eye out for one as I plan to have baby sleep next to me for the first few months.
Rock n Play:  We registered for this one to match our swing, haha.  We've also heard great things about rock n plays and our sweet friend Noelle gifted it to us!
Pack n Play:  We have a basic model from Burlington that Trevor excitedly bought last year.  He's been eager to become a daddy for a long, long time.
Muslin Blankets:  If you're interested in these check out your local thrift stores before paying full-price.
Boppy Nursing Pillow:  We have two of these plus an extra cover.  My mom and Anna each gifted us one and I love them both.  Having two will come in handy so I don't have to carry one from room to room.  So excited to use them!
Playmat:  A hand-me-down gift from Anna.  She highly recommends it as both of her babies loved it.

29 September 2017:  Vandenberg AFB
Along our drive to Solvang, mom and I ventured to Santa Barbara and spent the night in temporary housing at Vandenberg AFB.  Our room was like a little one-bedroom apartment.  The living room came complete with a pull-out couch that mom graciously offered to sleep in.  Usually whenever we go on trips together we share a bed so I hadn't imagined this visit going differently but mom insisted.

30 September 2017:  Santa Barbara + Solvang
We slept in until 7 and then drove into town--Vandenberg is a bit outside of Santa Barbara.  Santa Barbara is so pretty!  Trevor and I have already discussed visiting SB together someday.  Truth be told, initially we planned on having our babymoon in Santa Barbara but ultimately decided on San Diego because we had tickets to Sea World.  I think he would enjoy the energy and scenery of SB and we're thinking of heading up there for a few days after he returns--with David of course!  It might not happen for a few weeks but perhaps we'll make the drive up there before we leave California.

While in the city we stumbled upon a farmer's market so mom picked out a zucchini for this week's belly photo.  After we browsed a few shops and walked around a bit, we packed up our things and finished the trek towards Solvang.

Solvang is an adorable quaint Danish town near Lake Cachuma.  Mom use to frequent the town once per year during her annual camping trip with a few of her friends.  A few years ago she planned a trip for us to go there together and we had a blast!  Back then, mom rented a two-person bike for us to get around town in--as the town is small enough to bike/walk everywhere and finding parking can be tough.  This year, because I'm pregnant, we opted just to walk where ever we set to go.

We had to hit up our favorite spots!  There's a place that sells fudge that is so good!  Trevor, who knew we were planning a trip up North, requested two blocks of fudge and has been asking about them every week!  So yes, we bought a milk chocolate and dark chocolate block of fudge for him.  And get this, because the fudge is authentic, it won't melt during transit!

During our last trip, mom bought me a grapefruit spoon which I sadly somehow lost in Colorado.  So we swung by the same little shop as we had visited before and I picked up 3 more, haha, just in case!  As a sovenier of our trip I bought a cool magnet in the shape of a Danish-style house.

The breakfasts are so good!  Honestly, I'm craving the Danish pancakes even now--granted, I've been craving pancakes for weeks, haha.  Danish pancakes are like crepes, but thicker.  And every restauant in town serves fresh hand-squeezed orange juice.  It's so tasty!  I'm salivating.

As we usually do, mom and I had a great time together.  I'll forever cherish this little mother-daughter getaway that she planned for us to enjoy before the baby arrives in a few weeks.

Week-In-Review Pictures

Skyping with Uncle Trev!

Temporary housing unit at Vandenberg AFB.

Santa Barbara!

"Picking out the baby" at a Santa Barbara Farmer's Market

Her selection.

Fudge.

51 cents x2 = ...

2 Solvang keepsakes that I will turn into fridge magnets.

The long line to order aebleslivers!

A la mode.

Mom's Danish breakfast.

Miiiiiiiine!  ::drool::

Hats Mom picked out.  Blue one is her favorite. 

Santa Barbara Pad Thai!

Our little motel room.

In the middle of nowhere.

Week 30 Updates

1.  Size of the baby?  2.9lbs (omg!) and 15.7inches long!

2.  What's developing this week?

3.  Current weight? 141.  +1lb from last week, +24lbs pre-pregnancy.

4.  Movement?  Less active than previous weeks but still rambunctious at times.  He gets hiccups every so often.

5.  Sleep?  Rolling around like it's my nighttime job.

6.  Symptoms? 

• Shortness of breath.
• Some back pain.
• Return of heartburn, round ligament pain and foot cramps.
• Odd clicking noise from belly once in a blue moon.  Going to call Dr. Friedman about it tomorrow morning.

7.  Cravings and Aversions?   Nope.

8.  Best moment this week?   The entire weekend trip to Solvang with my mom!

9.  Prayer requests? Please pray that baby stays in the womb as long as possible.

10.  What are you looking forward to for next week?  Making and sending off another care package for Trevie.

Week 30 Photos

I miss this face.

29 Weeks

First week of the 3rd trimester is over and I'm still feeling pretty good!  It seems my sensitivity to the DHA in my prenatal has diminished and the 2nd trimester boost in energy is still hanging around for now.  In person, folks comment that my belly appears tiny for how far along I am.  Things are pretty good!  Although yes, there are a few tough things.

My belly kind of gets in the way of shaving my legs and it hurts a bit to bend over.  Resting at an incline against my back is a comfortable position right before the weight of the baby begins to hurt me.  And, David likes to roll around at night and he wakes me up every now and then.

It's kind of crazy to think I'm one week away from 30 weeks.  After 30 weeks, we'll start counting down to single-digit weeks until David arrives.  This whole experience has flown by!   I almost feel like I don't have enough time before he gets here.

19 September 2017:  Glucose Test Reading
At our 28-week OBGYN appointment, we received the results of the 2nd glucose test.  Glucose levels are normal!  My friend treated me to a chik-fil-a sandwhich and root beer soda beforehand and I absentmindedly snacked on a few teddy grahams on my way to the appointment.  Even so, baby looks great, glucose levels look great so we're all good!

20 September 2017:  Useless Physical Therapy Appointment
My referral for PT finally got approved and I set up an appointment with the PT clinic I was assigned to.  The clinic is in Manhattan Beach and has great reviews so I gave it a shot.  The therapist's touch was so light and, based on where she was rubbing, seems she's unfamiliar with the piriformis muscle.  She applied KT tape to that area and that was also completely useless, and it was a pain in the ass (literally) to remove.  I've since applied for another referral to switch PT providers but I'm in so much pain.  Hopefully it get approves soon.

Trevor's Updates:  Books Galore, Upcoming Switch to Day Shift + Fantasies of Homecoming
Trevor, who still lovingly refers to himself as Daddy, has been on the hunt for books for baby David.  On base there's a sort-of thrift shop (except everything is free) called Jack's Place that he frequents often in pursuit of a treasured find.  At the forefront of his mind is finding books for David!  Although the baby is an active fellow most days, he becomes very still while listening to daddy's voice via Trevor's prerecorded reading of All The Ways I Love You.  We highly recommend this book for military families separated by deployment!  The base gave these away during Trevor's Yellow Ribbon event and I know Trevor appreciates our baby getting a close-up listen of his voice whenever we want.

Just for next week he'll be switching to day shift.  We've come to love his nighttime schedule as it allows us to communicate most often.  Sometimes when I'm out and about during the day I'll receive a call from his unit's phone number or an invitation to skype with him, which always brightens my day!  However, next week we'll have to go without speaking for awhile as he'll no longer be awake when I'm awake.  His supervisor initiated the switch because Trevor has applied to complete his reintegration classes now instead of once he returns to Denver after the deployment.  The benefit is he'll be able to fly out of Denver sooner and reunite with me and meet our baby!  Otherwise he will be forced to stay in Denver until the reintegration training is complete.

So last week I made a little boo-boo.

Trevor has been discussing what he images his homecoming will be like.  He loves to talk about it which I think is incredibly sweet.  With many exciting changes on the horizon, we're both looking forward to that day!  We've agreed that mom and I should park the car in the parking lot so we can wait for him in the baggage claim area instead of rushing him into the car outside the airport (which was a concern for him).  He envisions that he'll spot me carrying the baby from afar and as he approaches he'll hug and kiss me and then reach for David.  He's jokingly preparing me not to be too upset when he focuses more attention on the baby instead of me; which, I'm more than okay with, of course!  But when I decided to jest back, I may have hurt his feelings.

I laughed as I replied, "Well, maybe the baby won't want you to hold him!  Maybe he'll want mommy."  Which, gah, I wish I hadn't said that because that comment immediately deflated his cloud-nine experience.  "Oh... yeah.  Maybe he won't want me to hold him.  He won't really know me yet."  I could have kicked myself.

I apologized and said, "Honey, I only said that because you were joking with me first.  Of course he'll want you to hold him!  It might take him a bit to get use to you but I'm sure he'll love you in no-time!"  No matter what I said I knew I had altered that fantasy for him.  Although now he's emotionally preparing himself for if the baby doesn't take to him right away and is aware bonding may take time.  Honestly, I still feel awful for suggesting that idea to him.  Since then he's recorded himself reading more books for the baby to listen to so it's clear he's doing his best to bond with David even before birth.

Week 29 Updates

1.  Size of the baby?  Baby weighs 2.5 pounds and measures 15.2 inches long, about the size of an acorn squash!  

2.  What's developing this week?

3.  Current weight? 140.  -1lb from last week.  +23lbs pre-pregnancy.

4.  Movement?  Feeling large movements from him as if he's completely turning around.

5.  Sleep?  I can feel him kicking while I'm asleep and sometimes his kicks are incorporated into my dreams, haha.

6.  Symptoms?

• Baby loves to kick anything touching my belly.  He's done this for several weeks now, even early in the 2nd trimester.  But it's a fun way to get friends to feel his kicks!  All they have to do is rest their hand on belly and in no-time he'll give them a kick.
• Leg and hip pain; piriformis inflammation.
• Constipation, ya'll.

7.  Cravings and Aversions?  Apples.  I wouldn't call it a craving, per se.  But I'm constantly eating apples and I can't get enough.  In fact, after I finish writing this sentence I'll get myself an apple with peanut butter.

8.  Best moment this week?  My almost 4-mile walk--felt so good during the walk but my piriformis hated me afterwards!

9.  Prayer requests?

• Please pray that God would bless the communication between my mom and I.  
• That God would bless Trevor's homecoming and that it would be everything he's hoping for and that David would feel comforted in Daddy's arms right away.

10.  What are you looking forward to for next week?  Traveling to Solvang with my mommy!

Week 29 Photos

28 Weeks ||| 3rd Trimester!

Beginning of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters!

Can YOU believe it?  I almost can't believe it.  Although feeling like I'm carrying a gallon of milk around my waist helps this fact really sink in, if you get me.  And I'm sometimes out of breath while talking to people, which is made worse if I'm super excited about the topic at hand.  He's been pushing on my lungs, bladder and back but I adore his movements throughout the day.  At night I just lay and stare at my belly and it blows my mind to try and picture his little body in there.  I've started thinking of what to pack in my hospital bag and, if you're looking for me, I'm probably at Target scouring through the clearance rack trying to find cute little outfits for him.

It's been crazy busy around here as we gear up for the baby shower in four weeks.  As mentioned, it's an Indiana-Jones-inspired baby shower (how freaking cool is that?!) and I'm elated to be putting things together for it.  Today I worked on the invitations which will be sent out next week.  These are so cool that I'm planning to send one to Trevor so he can experience it.

(pictures to come)

During the past few weekends, mom and I have traveled all over Southern California as we worked to complete the Bead Shop Hop.  Last time we completed it was before I was married so it's been awhile since I've participated in this little shindig.  As you may have gathered, my mom enjoys making jewelry and no lie, she's REALLY good at it too!  She specializes in seed beads and does a lot of stitch work, which means her pieces are painstakingly detailed and beautiful.  It's incredible to see her work in person.  So, needless-to-say, I chose to join in on this for her sake but I had a great time.

Mom makes friends wherever she goes and many of the shop owners know her by name.  With every shop we patronized, mom would gladly introduce me but seemed especially elated to stretch her hand across my belly as she introduces her grandson.  I would add that he's due on her birthday and her smile grew even wider as others excitedly gasped.  Now that I think of it, that has to be my favorite part of the whole Bead Shop Hop experience---my mom's sweet smile and gentle pats on my belly as she shared the news of her growing grandson.

Yesterday we drove down to the San Diego area near Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton.   We rode alongside several buses full of new marines shipping off to their next duty station.  Mom must have sensed what I was feeling, as only a mother could.  She asked if I was sad I never got to serve to which I replied yes.  It's a catch-22 as I love the life that I have.  I love my husband, the experiences I've had; both educationally and spiritually and I wouldn't want to give up anything I've learned in my adult life.  And yet, I wish I could have served.  I cried a little to myself as I watched the buses pass by.  At this point, I don't know if I'll ever get the chance to join again--or if I'd even really want to anymore.

Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of becoming a mom.  In fact, when adults would ask me the age-old question, "What do you want me to be when you grow up?" I would answer with "a mommy" and all of my early grade-school questionnaires are riddled with descriptions of how excited I was to someday become a mom.  Aside from the fact that I'm now 28-weeks pregnant, I recognize this is the perfect time in our lives to become parents.  We feel emotionally ready to give ourselves to this baby and to work hard to be loving, patient parents to him.  It's crucial I continue to pray that the grievance of saying goodbye to military will not dampen the experience of becoming a new mommy and fulfilling that bigger, better dream.  One that I get to share with the love of my life, who will simultaneously become a daddy to the same little human being.

Many of you send texts letting me know you're praying over these little prayer requests of mine---thank you for your diligence!  I continue to share our prayer requests because 1. YOU continue to faithfully pray for us and 2. God hears your prayers!  His answers come in His timing but I feel the impact of your fellowship---The Holy Spirit is real, people!  And it's lifting me up big time.

I'm trusting God's plans are better and more fulfilling.  In a moment of prayer while I was trying to cease from crying during the drive, I relinquished the dream of serving in the military.  Only time will tell if God takes the desire away completely or if He provides an opportunity for me to be in the military in the future.  But for now I'm giving thanks for where I'm at, who I'm married to and the impending birth of our firstborn son who will launch me into my earliest, most meaningful ambition as of yet---becoming a mommy.

15 September 2017:  Registry Making and Maternity Shopping with a Friend + 2nd Glucose Test
So, I took pictures of my adorable, fellow-preggo first-time-momma friend but she has yet to publicly announce her pregnancy so out of respect for her and her husband, I can't post the pictures.  BUT DARNIT, I WISH I COULD!  It was so much fun helping her set up her baby registry at BuyBuyBaby and sharing with her some of what I've learned over the past few months.  Lots of mommas have shared their tried-and-true tips with me and I was happy to spread those bits of wisdom onto her.  She treated me to lunch afterwards and then we went to Ross and scored a few maternity tops!  I was in desperate need of some short-sleeve maternity shirts and I found a few cute ones that should last through all of my pregnancies.  If you're interested in seeing what I bought, I'll post that haul next week as well.  The Carter's order arrived but was missing a few items so I'll hopefully have that ready for you guys next week.

After hanging out with my friend, I drove to Dr. Friedman's office so his assistant could take a blood sample.  As you may recall from last week, I threw up 50 minutes into the glucose test.  Dr Friedman mentioned it's no wonder I puked as I was borderline hypoglycemic.  Most have a fasting glucose level of 40 and mine was somewhere in the low 30's with my initial test.  We'll probably receive the results of this test on Tuesday when I meet with him for next appointment.  

Week-in-Review Pictures

Oh, the endless amount of trips to Hobby Lobby for Baby Shower supplies.

Belly at blood drawl.

Mom cracking up at lunch.

Mom picked out charms to represent her and David's initials.

Found this gem while picking up a new battery at Pepboys.  Mom is so excited to try it out!

Skyping with the Trevor.

Fedora beads...

Week 28 Updates

1.  Size of the baby?  Baby weighs 2 1/4 pounds and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heel, about the size of a large eggplant!

2.  What's developing this week?

3.  Current weight? 141.  +1lb from last week, +24lbs pre-pregnancy.

4.  Movement?  Strong kicks.

5.  Sleep?  It's either getting better or I'm used to it.  What can I say?  Waking up several times to pee and sometimes not being able to fall back asleep are part of the job now.

6.  Symptoms?  

•  Nausea when bending over.
•  Shortness of breath when talking.
•  Increase in strawberry freckles.
•  Inflamed piriformis.  The doctor at El Segundo AFB should be calling next week with my PT referral. 

7.  Cravings and Aversions?  Nah.

8.  Best moment this week?  Seeing mom's smile as she shares the news of her grandson.

9.  Prayer requests?  For protection against negative thinking.

10.  What are you looking forward to for next week?  Appointment on Tuesday, mailing off invitations and hopefully spending more time on the Mama Natural Birth Class.

Week 28 Photos

Mom:  "Wait, should we 'comb' baby's hair?"

27 Weeks

With today being the 10th of September, we have exactly 3 more months until David's due date!  It's also a little hard to believe this will be the last week of the second trimester---it went by so fast!

6 September 2017:  Initial Glucose Test, Parking Ticket + Stranded at Target
Oh, the dreaded glucose test!  First-time moms hear all the horror stories about how nasty the glucose drink is--honestly, it wasn't bad at all.  The clinic I went to had both the orange and clear drink (think: Sprite) option in the fridge to which the medical technician happened to grab the clear version for me to chug.  The taste?  Ehh, it was like a sprite that's gone flat.  Not bad at all.  Not the best thing in the world but nowhere near as horrific as some women have described it.  And, even it was terrible, who the heck cares?  It goes without saying that baby's health is way more important.

So the thing is, my doctor sent me to a lab and asked me to fast beforehand; making sure to not eat after midnight.  The clinic opens at 8am and the soonest they could take me was 8:30.  By the time I was administered the drink it was 8:49.  About halfway through the hour-long wait, I started feeling woozy but felt as though I could maybe make it through the entire test...

But then I puked.  I puked it all up 50 minutes into the test.  That's right, I only had 10 more minutes left!  My advice to my fellow pregnant friends:  Eat and drink water right before midnight.  My last meal was around 7:30 the night before and I think if I had eaten a snack closer to midnight I would have been able to complete the test.  Nonetheless, throwing up meant I had to come back again some other day and start all over.

Thankfully the clinic ran my initial blood work which revealed my glucose levels were extremely low, even for fasting.  My OB commented it's no wonder I threw up.  Instead of retaking the test at the clinic and having to fast again, Dr. Friedman wants me to come into his office after lunch to retake the test.  Hallelujah! I'm so glad I don't have to go through that again.

So after I threw up and failed my test, I walked back to my car only to realize I had a ticket on my windshield!  Dang street-sweepers.  Across the street the sign read "No parking Thursdays" but sure enough, a sign all the way down the street read "No parking Wednesdays" and I was ticketed.  Just for the heck of it I drove to Torrance Police Department and inquired if they would forgive the offense and they did! 

Then I drove to Target to unwind and walk around the store; a creative attempt at being a little more active.  But when I got back to my car it wouldn't start!  What a day!  I ended up flagging some guys down and they found a guy with a truck to help jump the Jeep.  Before they said goodbye they congratulated me on my pregnancy and I'm so grateful they walked by when they did.  Trevor has been praying for me as he's reading Power of a Praying Husband, and I can feel it.  It was a stressful day and yet, I was not stressed.  God was with me.

7 September 2017:  Dental Appointment Encouragement + Happy Together Emotional Moment
On Thursday I had my teeth cleaned and received a clean bill of health, which surprised me as I've heard the adage "For every child, a tooth!"  Without prompting, the dental assistant was so encouraging.  He mentioned, "You might be wondering if you'll have the patience to handle this baby, especially with your husband being away.  But trust me, you will.  You'll see that little baby and you'll just be filled with everything you need to take care of him.  You'll look at him and be in awe because he's yours."

I thanked him for his words and mentioned I had prayed the week prior that God would bless me in caring for this baby---especially being that Trevor is away and I'll have to navigate the first few months of parenthood alone.  But the dental assistant's words comforted me and had Godly timing.  I smiled as I walked out of there and whispered, "Thank you God" under my breath as I'm receiving gentle reminders that God will provide.

Trevor and I have loved this song for ages.  While we were dating I replaced the lyrics "So happy together" with "So happy with Trevor" and ever since then I can't sing it any other way.  The song played while I drove and I started to tear-up listening to it.  It's incredible how this song fit us then and fits us now, albeit differently.  I miss you so much, Trev.

Week 27 Photos

Week 27 Updates

1.  Size of the baby?  Baby weighs about 2 pounds and measures 14.4 inches long, about as big as lettuce!

2.  What's developing this week?

3.  Current weight? 140.  +1lb from last week.  +24lbs pre-pregnancy.

4.  Movement?  :)

5.  Sleep?   Not so much.  It's been rough!

6.  Symptoms?

•  Tired from waking up several times a night.  Tired Jacqui = Crankier Jacqui.
•  Itchy belly.
•  Foot cramps.

7.  Cravings and Aversions?  Nope.

8.  Best moment this week?  Feeling God's peaceful presence amidst a terrible week.

9.  Prayer requests?  Prayers for a better night's sleep would be much appreciated!

10.  What are you looking forward to for next week?  Working on baby shower.

26 Weeks ///\\\ 6 Months!

As we step into September we can officially say we're 6 months pregnant!  This means we're two-thirds of the way there!

I've been missing Trevor a lot this week.  Spending time with friends is freeing from my daily routine and the walks and talks are gratifying but man, I miss Trevor so much afterwards!  My guess is I'm struggling with muscle memory, so to speak.  Usually after hanging out with friends, I come home to a welcoming, happy-to-see-me husband who, by the time I walk through the front door, has had his fill of video games and Netflix.  Oh, how I miss that smile of his and his warm greetings.

Other than that, my mom, Ashley and I have been working on planning an Indiana-Jones-themed baby shower for David.  Some aspects of it have been stressful which it shouldn't be, so hopefully things clear up soon.  As for me, I'm looking forward to laughing together, having fun and celebrating this baby with my California people!  And, I mean, it's an Indiana-Jones-themed baby shower... need I say more?  I can't wait!

28 August 2017:  Mom Discovers My Blog  ||  Stop Filming Me!
Okay so, just for the record, she knew I had a baby-related/lifestyle blog.  Every week after I take the belly photos, I send her a screenshot of all of the images so she can #followthebelly.  I sent her an invitation to read it and get this, she deleted it!  She thought it was spam... 😂  On Monday, we took her car to the mechanic and she looked over the blog for the very first time, which was hilarious.

(The baby was kicking, hence why I was filming my belly... but mom stole the show!).

29 August 2017:  OBGYN Appointment + Fetal Movement Video
On Tuesday, we saw little David again!  As you can see in the video, Dr. Friedman is not a great sonographer.  In fact, he's not a sonographer at all as he's an obstetrician.  Apparently the clinic's technician left right before I transferred there.  Back in Colorado, the images of David were crisp, clear and our technician knew what she was doing so we were able to see baby a lot better.  Granted, baby was also smaller then.  Dr. Friedman mentioned I'll have another anatomy scan in a few weeks so I'm looking forward to that.

During the appointment David had the hiccups, which I could feel!  It's incredible to now recognize the difference between hiccups and kicks, and it makes sense the hiccups are softer sensations and typically more rhythmic.  Dr. Friedman hardly moved the ultrasound wand (did not glide the wand, only picked it up once), which made me a little nervous of the heat damaging cellular tissue.  The doctor commented on David's activity level to which my mom looked over at me and smiled.  We both know he's a busy little guy and most days it feels as though he's rearranging furniture in there!  Except the furniture pieces are my internal organs...

A few times I eagerly wanted to reach over and grab the wand from him to see if I could navigate the baby any better--hey, it would've been worth a try!  ;)  Baby's heartbeat was around 150, which is normal for him.  At our last appointment his heartbeat was 154.  According to the results from the 20-week anatomy scan, I have a posterior placenta and baby looks great.  Next week, I need to schedule an appointment to have my glucose levels checked for gestational diabetes.  And even though I'm on track to gain around 40 pounds, my OB says my weight is fine.

David wiggled his fingers again, like he did during the last ultrasound--which, back then, Dr. Friedman commented the baby has "piano fingers."  However, seeing his little dancing fingers left an impression on me this time.

Later that evening I remembered those little fingers on that little hand and an intense urge to embrace my baby washed over me.  It was as if I was suddenly missing him, needing to see his face and hold his little body.  This tiny waving hand acts as my connection to a baby boy who is my son!  Who is my baby.  When I close my eyes and picture those teeny-tiny waltzing fingers the urge rises up in me all over again. 

Before becoming pregnant all of this was hypothetical.  The thought maybe one day we'll have kids has shifted into counting down the days to baby's birth.  If you really know me, you know I was careful never to say "When we have kids" because I simply didn't know if this was possible for our family.  So many struggle with infertility and having never tried to conceive before, I was careful not to assume anything.

The thought of his small hand makes me smile.  Maybe he'll wiggle those fingers just the same once he's born.  Maybe he'll try his hand at playing an instrument, pun-intended.  Or perhaps he'll use his hands for tough, grueling work like daddy does.  If I could choose for him, I would give him hands like Trevor's--strong but gentle hands that comfort and protect.  Hands that not only guide, but also serve.

Week-in-Review Pictures

Belly picture at Ashley's!

Mom building the Ikea dresser for David.

I snagged this $250 bassinet from a consignment store for $99!
More on this purchase soon!

Yeah, this came home with me.

Those lips!  😍

I hope our babies inherit his long lashes.

Week 26 Photos

Week 26 Updates

1.  Size of the baby?  Baby boy measures about 14 inches and weighs about 1.7 pounds, about as big as kale!

2.  What's developing this week?

3.  Current weight? 140.  +1lb from last week.  +23lbs pre-pregnancy.

4.  Movement?  He's working my last nerve!  But really... sometimes it's like he's pushing on a nerve.

5.  Sleep?  It's been hot as heck so sleep isn't great.  The $10 body pillow I got from Target is one of my favorite things this pregnancy.

6.  Symptoms? 

• Last few weeks I've been cognoscente to use my arms to push myself up from a supine (laying down) position.  It's tough because I'd like to just use my abs but I don't want to develop diastasis recti.
• Missing Trevor a lot.
• Sometimes belly is lopsided.  He seems to like snuggling on my right side.
• I feel heavier.  Those 23 pounds are weighing on me.
• Irregularity.  Started taking natural psyllium husk fiber capsules.
• Really bad heartburn after having dinner with my brother at an Indian restaurant.  I took two Tums.  Otherwise, I haven't had anymore instances of heartburn.

7.  Cravings and Aversions?  Nothing really.  The thought of cloth diapering still grosses me out if I really think about it.

8.  Best moment this week?  The overwhelming urge to hold my baby in my arms... NOW.

9.  Prayer requests?

• Please pray that God would lead Trevor as he navigates through post-deployment employment opportunities.

10.  What are you looking forward to for next week?  The Carter's clothes I ordered will hopefully arrive next week as they're not here yet.