Final Pregnancy Update: 39 Weeks

How far along? 39 weeks, and if all is going according to plan, I am currently in the hospital being induced as this is being published.  

Total weight gain/loss: Just over 30, which is about the same amount I gained with Madeline even though I feel like I gained so much more when I was pregnant with her.  I was so huge and bloated last time.  This time I was still huge...but mostly due to the belly.  

Maternity Clothes:  I'll probably actually end up missing these clothes since I'm about to head into the awkward stage where NOTHING fits over my flabby stomach and gigantic chest.  

Sleep: I slept well this week!  Lots of naps.  

Best Moments this Week: Decorating Christmas cookies with Madeline and snuggling with her on the couch.    

Movement: Baby girl was quiet the last few days, which made me nervous.  I've been poking the poor girl a lot.  She's probably just like, "Ugh, you again!  Let me sleep, woman!"  

Food Cravings: No

Food Aversions: No

Gender: Baby Sister! 

Labor Signs: I'm honestly shocked I made it to 39 weeks.  Three weeks ago when I was having contractions a lot and found out I was 2-3 cm dilated, I thought for sure the end was nigh.  Every few days I have strong cramps and contractions, but they always end up going away.  I think baby girl knows it's cold out and just wants to cuddle up as long as possible.  

Pregnancy Symptoms:  Huge-ass belly, heartburn, and general uncomfortableness.   

Belly Button In or Out? Gone.  

What I am Looking Forward to: Having a baby tomorrow!  OMG!  I can't wait to meet her!  

Upcoming Appointments/ Events: They are inducing me tomorrow morning.  It's such a strange feeling to be induced.  It's like I have a dentist appointment scheduled except I get to take home a baby instead of a new toothbrush. On one hand, I feel a bit bad kicking baby girl out before she wants to come.  She must be happy in there.  On the other hand, it's a bit of a relief knowing when this will all go down.  It makes planning so much easier, especially while juggling a three-year-old Maddie Bear.

At the same time, because it's so planned, I'm more anxious.  Madeline's birth was such a surprise.  Once my adrenaline kicked in, I had no choice but to put on a smiley face and push out a baby.  It sounds nuts, but I was just so, so happy and excited that whole morning.  This time I've had more of a chance to think about everything that's about to happen, and it's a little nerve wracking.  I've heard great things about inductions, and I've heard the horror stories.  Everyone likes to share their birthing horror stories with people who are about to pop out a baby, don't they?    

Oh well.  Whatever will be will be.  I'm ready.  

Current Food Comparison? A watermelon.  That sounds just about right.  

Meanwhile, I'm the size of...

So long, belly bump.  I will miss you.  

Pregnancy Updates: 38 Weeks

How far along? 38

Total weight gain/loss: 30 lbs. and climbing by the minute.

Maternity Clothes:  My maternity shirts are barely covering this epic bump.  Time to come out, baby girl.   

Sleep: I've slept well this week except for one night of insomnia.  I was snoozing by 8:30 last night.  Glorious.   

Best Moments this Week: Getting the Christmas decorations up. There's going to be a baby under our tree this year!  Plus today is my last day of work until next September.  It feels really good to be done, so I can focus on home.  It also feels strange to be leaving for so long though...

Movement: She's pretty cramped in there, but she can still pack a punch. 

Food Cravings: No

Food Aversions: No

Gender: She's just a girl in the world...

Labor Signs: Still having contractions, and I'm still dilated. 

Pregnancy Symptoms:  Most of them have calmed down except for the giant belly.  The baby is so low in my pelvis that I fully expect her to simply fall out when I walk across the room.   

Belly Button In or Out? I don't even have one anymore.  Stretched to capacity... 

What I am Looking Forward to: Having a baby!  We're getting a big snowstorm this weekend.  I'm looking forward to snuggling with my loves and watching the snow fall.  But, I'm also keeping my fingers tightly crossed that I don't end up giving birth by the side of the road during a blizzard. 

Upcoming Appointments/ Events: I have an induction scheduled for the 20th!!!  If baby doesn't come on her own, she will be here a week from today!
 My doctor said it was prudent to get the baby out before 40 weeks due to my history. My cynical side says that they are trying to clear the schedule for Christmas. Still, it works for me. I don't want to spend the holidays in the hospital either!  

Current Food Comparison? A leek...hmmm. That doesn't sound right!

Meanwhile, I'm the size of...

I don't have any comparisons from last time.  I've never been 38 weeks pregnant before.  From here on out, this is all new territory. 

Pregnancy Updates: 37 Weeks

How far along? 37

Total weight gain/loss: 30 lbs.  Woof.

Maternity Clothes:  I just want to wear my over sized old-lady bathrobe everywhere.  

Sleep:  I've spent a lot of time up in the middle of the night again this week.  Grumble...

Best Moments this Week: Baby was very kicky last night, and I could see her little arms, legs, and feet flailing all around like she was directing traffic on the tarmac.  I kept grabbing what I think was her foot, she'd pull away, and then kick me again.  It felt like we were playing a game.    

Movement: Again, see above.  She's a very active baby...much more active than Madeline was.  I also felt her get the hiccups this week.  I've read about women experiencing that, but I'd never felt it before.  It was so strange, but cool at the same time.  

Food Cravings: Not particularly... 

Food Aversions: But it's not like I'm passing on the food either.  

Gender: Girl, look what you've done to me.  To me, and my whole world...

Labor Signs:  Oh my.  At my check-in on Tuesday, my doctor said I am 2-3 cm. dilated, and the non stress test showed more contractions.  I'm starting to really feel the contractions when I get them now, but they are still all over the place.  It's funny how different this experience is from last time.  I didn't feel a single contraction with Madeline until about 40 minutes after my water broke. I feel like this pregnancy is coming to a close soon, but again, I could be wrong.  The doctor said I could stay this way for weeks.  

Pregnancy Symptoms: This morning I had a crying fit because I walked into our bed frame which spiraled into more sobs over the fact that one of Eric's brake lights is out.  Hormones and lack of sleep, man.  

Belly Button In or Out? So odd looking.  It looks like some beast creature's nose.  

What I Miss: I've said this before, but seriously...tying my shoes.  

What I am Looking Forward to: Having a baby and getting in the Christmas spirit.

Upcoming Appointments/ Events: I have another non stress test this afternoon.  

Current Food Comparison? Swiss Chard, which is almost as bad as kale...time to come out, baby girl, before some hippie tries to make a smoothie or cupcakes out of you.   

Meanwhile, I'm the size of...

I wasn't kidding about the bathrobe.  


I don't have a picture of my belly from last time because Madeline was born 37 weeks on the nose.  So instead, I have a picture of me holding a freshly baked Maddie Bear. See it HERE!  

Tick Tock

I feel like a ticking time bomb of amniotic fluid. I will have a baby by the end of the month, I just don't know when she'll choose to make her entrance. It could happen tonight, or it could happen three weeks from now. The suspense is starting to build. Tick, tick, tick, tick.

At home, we've even taken up a game called, "Is My Water Breaking?"  It consists of me freaking out Eric by gasping, "Oh, did my water just break?!"  This round is quickly followed by disgust as I sigh, "Nope, sorry..." before waddling off toward the bathroom. (Don't act like you've never been there, ladies.) The game will end when I actually go into labor. The winner gets a baby.

The waiting game puts everyone a bit on edge. Eric checks on me in the middle of the night as soon as he hears me stirring even though he's usually a sound sleeper.  People at work are genuinely surprised to see that I'm still there.  My students are becoming increasingly awkward in their attempts to not stare at my belly.  The first thing Madeline said to me when she woke up this morning was, "Baby sister wants to come out and play with me!"  Meanwhile, I'm filled with a compulsive desire to tidy up my entire house, which is extremely out of character for me. Tick, tick, tick, tick.

On one hand, I can't wait to meet baby girl.  Sometimes, when I have to literally roll like a turtle on its back to get off the couch, I'm all, "Omigod, get this baby OUT!"  On the other hand, I'm enjoying these last few weeks.  I like being pregnant, and this will probably be my last time...which is a little bit sad.  Plus, we could use another week or two to get Christmas decorations up and papers graded.  So really, Baby Girl, we're ready whenever you are. 

Just please, for the love of all that is holy, don't let it happen in school. That is one life lesson I'm not ready to share with my students. Plus, I will probably end up like this poor woman... I share a lot on the Internet, but me mooing like a cow while my students grin on in glee is not something anyone should ever see. 

Pregnancy Updates: 36 Weeks

How far along? 36

Total weight gain/loss: Over 25 lbs

Maternity Clothes:  I wore the stretchiest pants I own to Thanksgiving yesterday, and today I wore sweats (but fancy sweats) out in public.  

Sleep: Lots of insomnia this week.  I got a good chunk of Christmas shopping done between the hours of 2 am and 4:30 am this morning.  

Best Moments this Week: Thanksgiving with my family.  Seeing baby's face in 3D during today's ultrasound.  I debated whether or not I should put the picture up here cause 3D baby images are pretty much the stuff nightmares are born from, but it's my blog, and I'll do what I want.  

I showed Madeline the pictures.  She studied them with raised eyebrows for a few minutes before tossing them on the floor.  "I'm all done," she stated before walking away.  Hmmm.  

Movement: On my way to my non stress this morning, baby was kicking up a storm.  When they hooked me up to the monitors, her heart rate was really high.  Too high.  At my test on Tuesday, her heart was around 130 BPM.  Today, it came in at over 200 BPM.  I was told that everything between 120 to 180 is considered normal.  It started to fall as baby calmed down, but was still high, so they did an ultrasound.  Everything looked great, and when they performed a second non stress test, her heart rate was back to the normal 140s.  I did have some leftover pie for breakfast this morning....so I 'm wondering if she was having a sugar high.  I guess that means more leftover pie for Eric!  

Food Cravings:  I finally got my gravy fix!  About to do leftovers in a few minutes too.  Yum! 

Food Aversions: As if you have to ask...

Gender: Baby girl!

Labor Signs:  As I mentioned the other day, I'm having contractions.  I was really crampy the past few days, but today I felt normal again.  

Pregnancy Symptoms: Heartburn like whoa.  

Belly Button In or Out? Out

What I Miss: Nothing really.  I'm trying to enjoy these last few weeks.  

What I am Looking Forward to: Having a baby!

Upcoming Appointments/ Events: I have my next non stress test on Tuesday.  I'm looking forward to it after today's little hiccup.  Let's keep an eye on this somersault-performing little lady.  

Current Food Comparison? A crenshaw melon.  Whatever that means... 

Meanwhile, I'm the size of...

And here's what I looked like at 36 weeks last time! 

Things You Should Not Say to Your Pregnant, Redheaded Wife

There are probably many things men should not say to the pregnant women in their lives.  Things like, “You’re overreacting,” or “You have no idea how tired I am today,” or “Did you just eat another slice of pie?” 

Luckily, although I sometimes catch Eric giving me the side eye as I struggle to get into my pants, he’s very sympathetic toward my swollen state.  He doesn’t judge the amount of pie I eat.  In fact, he even brings home cake on occasion.  Still, he’s not a perfect human being, and sometimes, he says stupid things. 

Over the weekend, I was lounging on the couch like a much cuter version ofJabba the Hut, daydreaming aloud about what baby girl might look like when Eric piped up with the following:  

"Groan. I hope we don't have another redhead. We've had enough."

I blinked…twice…and resisted the urge to slap him. (Mostly because slapping him would require getting up, and by the time I waddled his way, he'd have had plenty of time to duck anyway.) 

In a tone that I hoped communicated that he was treading in very dangerous waters, I reminded him that his two favorite people are redheads and that he should count himself very lucky. 

Besides, what did he mean by, "We’ve had enough?" Enough what?  Enough awesome?  I know he didn't mean enough sunscreen.

He tried to explain himself while I glared across the room.  He wants baby girl to be special, he argued.  He doesn’t want just another redhead thrown into the mix. 

I was unconvinced.  “Redheads are special!” I cried. 

Later that night, after eating some cheesecake that I refused to share with my own child, I began to process what he said, and now I think I get it.  He loves Madeline, but he doesn’t want our second child to be a carbon copy of her. She already has to use Madeline’s old toys and wear Madeline’s old clothes, so he wants her to have something that’s her own.  Red hair might be considered rare, but when your mother and older sister are already redheads, it’s not really special anymore.  She’d be more unique with brown hair. 

Of course, if he had phrased it that way instead of groaning about the abundance of redheads in his life, I probably would have been more forgiving.  Then again, maybe not.  I hate to be a walking stereotype, but the redheaded temper, lack of patience, and stubborn tendency to be right are all qualities I possess.  Madeline is quicklyfollowing in my footsteps, so it can’t be easy for Eric to live a peaceful existence amid all those gingery emotions. 

As it is, I can't wait to meet this new little lady no matter what her hair color may be, and I know Eric feels the same way. It's going to be fascinating observing the similarities between her and Madeline, but it will be equally interesting to discover their differences.  One would think that the same set of parents would produce similar offspring, but we all know that’s not the case.  Siblings can be drastically different both in looks and personality. 

Personally, while I was open to any hair color before, I’m now routing for another redhead simply to annoy my husband.  

via

 

One Month...Theoretically Speaking

My due date is one month from today.

Of course, I laugh in the face of due dates and fully expect this baby to say howdy-do anytime between tomorrow and the year 2014.

I had my first non stress test this afternoon. Just like last time, I'm having steady contractions already. The nurse came back in the room half-way through with her eyebrows raised. "Summer, are you feeling any of these contractions?" she asked. Nope. I have some light menstrual-like cramping, but that's about the extent of it.

On my way home, I listened to Christmas music. I usually wait until after Thanksgiving to indulge, but since the season to celebrate the Baby Jesus might be interrupted by our own holy child, I figured it's okay to cheat. The Little Drummer Boy came on twice. Bonus. Now I just need to convince Eric to let me get a tree this weekend...

I also need to finish setting up baby furniture, getting the house clean, and I have about 200 papers to grade. It's going to be a busy long weekend. Good thing there will be turkey and pie to get us through it.

Pregnancy Updates: 35 Weeks

How far along? 35

Total weight gain/loss: 25

Maternity Clothes:  My wardrobe is becoming seriously limited again as my girth steadily increases.  

Sleep: Yes, please?

Best Moments this Week: I had an ultrasound this morning!  Eric took the day off to tag along, which was awesome since he missed the earlier ones.  We got some clear views of little baby's face.  Cheeks for miles! I think she looks just like Madeline did in her last ultrasound picture, but Eric says all babies look the same.  She's breathing, rolling around, head down, and about 5 lbs.  Hooray for healthy babies!  

If you're curious to see what Madeline looked like, click HERE.  

Movement: She's getting snug in there, so the movements aren't as strong.  I can feel little elbows, fingers, and toes poking me though.   I can feel her bum pushing up against my ribs now and again as well.  

Food Cravings:  Not particularly, but I've been ravenous.  

Food Aversions: I laugh in the face of food aversions.  

Gender: She's still a girl!  We made sure to check at the ultrasound just in case...

Labor Signs: Major cramps every night around bedtime.  Braxton Hicks, I guess.  

Pregnancy Symptoms: I'm epically large.  Cartoonish even.  And I work with teenagers who don't let me forget it.  I've seen stars a few times over the past week too, but I checked in with the doctor, and he said it's normal.  All the blood is going to my belly instead of my brain...That explains so much.  

Belly Button In or Out? Out

What I Miss: Walking like a normal person.  

What I am Looking Forward to: The holidays!  It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Upcoming Appointments/ Events: Next week I'm starting up non stress tests twice a week, and a check-ins with the doctor once a week.  I've got more appointments than brain cells.  

Current Food Comparison? A honeydew melon!   

Meanwhile, I'm the size of...

For a comparison of what I looked like last time I was with child, click HERE! 

Pregnancy Updates: 34 Weeks

How far along? 34

Total weight gain/loss: Don't know; don't care.

Maternity Clothes:  Ugh, yes.  I just want to wear normal, cute fall clothing instead of feeling like a sack of potatoes most days.  

Sleep: Flipping over is obviously a challenge, but I'm surprisingly well.  

Best Moments this Week: My employers posted an ad for my replacement while I'm on leave.  Things are getting real!  Also, Eric picked up Madeline from school a few times this week giving me a chance to nap.  It's nice to simply lie on the bed and focus all my attention on baby beans every now and again.  

Movement: I did some kick counts earlier in the week because I was worried.  It turns out she's still wiggling quite a bit in there, but unless I really stop and pay attention, I'm not feeling those kicks as much.  Everything feels different.  On the other hand, I was able to grab her foot the other night.  At least, I think it was a foot.  I suppose it could have been a knee or elbow too.  

Food Cravings:  Not really...what's wrong with me?! 

Food Aversions: No.  

Gender: Baby Sister

Labor Signs: I've been cramping up quite a bit each afternoon, and my belly is still getting tight.  Several people told me that I've "dropped" this week. 

Pregnancy Symptoms: Oh my God, I'm so FULL OF BABY!  I told Eric this week that I will be shocked...shocked...if we make it to my actual due date.  Everything just feels different...not sure how else to explain it.  (Watch, now I won't have this child until the middle of January because I opened my big mouth.)  

Belly Button In or Out? Out

What I Miss:   Everyday tasks like tying shoes or putting socks on Madeline are becoming so much more complicated.  I miss when I could sit on the floor with her without having to roll around like a turtle on its back to get back up.  

What I am Looking Forward to: Getting all our lose ends tied up so I can just sit back and enjoy the holiday season with my pj's on.

Upcoming Appointments/ Events: Doctor the middle of next week.  

Current Food Comparison? A cantaloupe!  She feels like a nice, firm cantaloupe in there.  

Meanwhile, I'm the size of...

For a comparison of what I looked like last time I was with child, click HERE.  Yes, I would say my belly looks a lot lower this time around...

State of the Name...Again

Ugh, the great name debate continues. I think we've considered ALL the names, and I still. can't. decide.  I'm not BS-ing about this so we can be all, "Surprise, her name is Dmiracle! We knew it all along!"  We really don't have a name yet....at all.  

But since we can't call her "The Baby," or "The Other One," or "Little Sister" indefinitely, we've narrowed our choices down to the following three:

Vivienne Ann

Vivienne has been on the top of my list from the beginning.  I think it's so, so pretty.  When I hear this name, I think of someone who is feminine, lovely, and a bit on the serious side.  I also like Vivi as a more playful, youthful nickname.  Vivienne is also Madeline's favorite because that's the name of the shy princess on Sophia the First.

However, Vivienne Ann, along with our hyphenated last names, is quite a mouthful.  The sound of her full name is not a deal breaker though since the only time I ever use Madeline's full name aloud is when she's in trouble.

Ivy Anne

Ivy is quickly becoming my new favorite. It's got the "vee" sound I seem to be drawn to in names like Vivienne and Evie.  Plus, Ivy is appropriate for the Christmas season.  I imagine a girl named Ivy to be a bit quirky, artistic, and free-spirited.

The drawback is the whole Poison Ivy thing. I don't want people to associate my sweet baby daughter with a poisonous plant that causes a gross body rash.  On the other hand, a student who overheard me discussing baby names with a colleague told me, "Ain't nobody gonna mess with a girl called Poison Ivy.  She'll rule the school."  That's good to know.

Elsa Anne

This is Eric's favorite, and it's growing on me.  Elsa is pretty, simple, and old-fashioned.  I picture a girl in braids making daisy chains and playing the French Horn when I hear this name.

On the other hand, it's very The Sound of Music.  I'm worried that if we go with a name like Elsa, she'll end up appearing in a Ricola commercial with a goat named Sven.  Not that there's anything wrong with goats or the name Sven.

So there you have it!  Our child could end up being Vivienne, Ivy, or Elsa.  In fact, we might end up picking a name from a hat.

P.S.  I did the same run down with our top three names last time.  Read it HERE.  It's funny how I can't picture Madeline as anything other than Madeline now, but she could have been Harper or Ellary instead.  I suppose I'll feel the same way about baby Dmiracle some day.

Pregnancy Updates: 33 Weeks

How far along? 33

Total weight gain/loss: I was surprised to find that not only had I not gained any weight in the two weeks since my last doctor’s appointment, but I actually weighed two pounds less.  I’m chalking it up to a lighter lunch and a different scale, but it was still a nice surprise. 

Maternity Clothes: Praise the Bella Band!

Sleep: I’m still sleeping pretty soundly except for the nightly Charley horses waking me up.  

Best Moments this Week: Madeline has been particularly cuddly and sweet this week, which is nice.   Pretty soon I’ll have two sweet girls to cuddle with! 

Movement: The baby was so quiet at the beginning of the week, I was starting to get nervous, but then she decided to start kicking her way to freedom, and I knew all was well.  The movements have been different though, and my doctor confirmed that baby girl is head down, so that’s probably why. 

Food Cravings:  Mashed potatoes are still sounding good.  I just want warm comfort food in general. 

Food Aversions: No. 

Gender: Girl

Labor Signs: None except for the occasional tight belly. 

Pregnancy Symptoms: Holy stretch marks!  My body is going to look so weird when this is all over. 

Belly Button In or Out? Out

What I Miss: Cuddling with Madeline is getting really hard.  She tried climbing on my lap this morning, and just couldn’t get close to me due to baby sister poking Mumma in the ribs.  Sad. 

What I am Looking Forward to: Getting all baby girl’s things washed and set up. 

Upcoming Appointments/ Events: Nothing significant.

Current Food Comparison? A pineapple…but pleasantly less prickly! 

Meanwhile, I'm the size of...

 To see what I looked like last time a person lived in my belly, click HERE!  It looks like my belly was a little lower by this point last time. 

32 Weeks

How far along? 32

Total weight gain/loss: Over 20, and I'm supposedly going to gain a pound per week until baby comes.  Things are getting epic.

Maternity Clothes: Yes, and now my maternity shirts are starting to get a bit tight.  

Sleep: As can be expected, I'm having a hard time getting comfortable, so I wake up often during the night.  However, no insomnia this week.  

Best Moments this Week: Bringing Madeline trick or treating!  Also, I had three separate students tell me how huge my belly is getting this week.  I told them to watch out for December.  I'm going to be knocking people down with this thing.  

Movement: I predict this baby will need constant rocking to fall asleep just like Madeline did.  She sleeps all day long if I'm up and about.  

Food Cravings: Mashed potatoes with gravy!

Food Aversions: There's not such thing.  

Gender: Girl

Labor Signs: Nope.  Girl is hanging tight.

Pregnancy Symptoms: I'm so sore again!  My hips and pelvis are seriously screwy.  This is making me waddle ever more slowly.  

Belly Button In or Out? I saw a lot of pictures of pregnant bellies this week, and I must say, my belly button is not as far out as it could be.  Mine is mostly flat, with a little pizazz.  

What I Miss: Being able to bend over or walk up stairs without panting like a wildebeest.

What I am Looking Forward to: Still getting the girls' room done.  Sigh, so little time.  I'm also looking forward to some Christmas cheer even though it's still way early.  

Upcoming Appointments/ Events: Next week

Current Food Comparison? A jicama!  

Meanwhile, I'm the size of...

And the last time I was growing a tiny human, I looked like this!  I'd say the bump is looking about the same as last time...

Pregnancy Updates: 31 Weeks

How far along? 31

Total weight gain/loss: 21 lbs 

Maternity Clothes: I’m wearing so many damn support garments.  And bras are the worst.   Seriously WHY can’t I wear yoga pants and an over sized flannel shirt to work? 

Sleep: I slept under three hours on Monday night.  Other than that, I’ve been going to bed early.   

Best Moments this Week: Taking Madeline’s old baby clothes out of storage.  Awww, tiny shoes! 

Movement:  The doctor squeezed my belly at my appointment this week and baby girl went wild.  I guess she didn’t want to be bothered during her nap. 

Food Cravings: Nothing in particular.  I’m craving fall flavors like pumpkin and apple, but I think that’s how I feel every year at this time.   

Food Aversions: No

Gender:  Girl

Labor Signs:  My belly can tense up and become rock hard on occasion.  I guess my body is starting to get ready. 

Pregnancy Symptoms:  When your doctor says, “Oh, hum, I’ve never seen that before!” it’s never a good thing.  I’ll spare you the details, but I definitely have a lot of pregnancy symptoms. 

Belly Button In or Out?  Way out, man.  

What I Miss: Just having more energy in general.  I’m so slow and waddle-y these days. 

What I am Looking Forward to: Now that the closet’s done, I’m looking forward to getting Madeline’s big girl bed set up and finishing the girls’ room. 

Upcoming Appointments/ Events: I have my next appointment in two weeks. 

Current Food Comparison? Four navel oranges 

Meanwhile, I'm the size of...

And the last time I was 31 weeks pregnant, I looked like this.  

Pregnancy Updates: 30 Weeks

How far along? 30

Total weight gain/loss:  Not sure.  A lot.  

Maternity Clothes:  Yes, except for my mysterious jeans that still fit me.  I'm not sure how this is possible since a good number of my maternity items are starting to get snug.  Magic pants...

Sleep: I woke up at 3 am on Tuesday and could not get back to sleep.  Other than that, sleep hasn't been much of a problem.  

Best Moments this Week:  Eric and I had a good talk about names this week.  Instead of just shrugging, he actually explained which names he likes best and why.  It was fun talking about how different names  fit with different personalities.  

Movement:  I'm starting to feel her body parts.  I can tell if it's a limb poking me versus her butt or head.  

Food Cravings:  None this week.  What the what?! 

Food Aversions: I was a little "meh" toward food in general.  What the what?!   

Gender:  Imagine if after all this time, baby girl came out a boy instead...that would be a shock.  

Labor Signs: No?  See below.  

Pregnancy Symptoms: I've been getting cramps on and off all this week.  Nothing too serious.  They feel a bit like menstrual cramps.  I didn't have Braxton Hicks contractions with Madeline, but I'm wondering if that's what I'm feeling now.  

Belly Button In or Out? Out.  

What I Miss:  Being able to tie my own shoes.  

What I am Looking Forward to:  Finishing the girls' room.  Eric made major progress on their closet last weekend, but it's not quite done yet.  

Upcoming Appointments/ Events:  Doctor next week.  The appointments are starting to get closer together.  

Current Food Comparison? A head of cabbage.  

Meanwhile, I'm the size of...

For a comparison of what I looked like last time I was growing a human, click HERE.  My belly looks a lot...um...further along?...this time.