26 weeks: Thanksgiving

What a day to celebrate the 27 week mark. Thanksgiving November 26, 2009.
I am so grateful and fortunate to have our healthy baby girl growing stronger and stronger in my belly each day. I am thankful that as far as pregnancy's go I have had a really "easy" time. As we complete the last lap of the 2nd trimester and start moving into the third I can definitely feel some dramatic changes in the last week.

Meltdown
I have been emotional, not to say its the pregnancy for certain, as I am always a little sad around the holidays being in a different hemisphere from my family, but I have been weepy over the silliest things and feel completely unattractive. My love says I look wonderful, he has been nothing short of dependable, loving, nurturing and understanding. I am thankful for that. I know, I know: I’m pregnant. I’m totally not complaining about the amount of weight I’ve gained because I feel okay with that. It’s just my whole body is different and changing for a baby.

My stomach is so big that I can’t see anything below my bellybutton. My arms are more flabby. My butt has widened. My legs resemble cottage cheese. My boobs are out of control complete with blue veins...And don’t even get me started on what’s going on with my hips…As my sister mentioned, thank goodness its not summer with every bikini clad bombshell scooting about before my eyes. Its cold enough now that most everyone is just as wrapped up as I am. Okay so enough with the violins...The plus side is that my sister in law, who I might add is a month ahead of me and smaller than me...Can vent until the cows come home being in the same frame of mind.

25 weeks

What a fun and relaxing week this has been.
My big project at work for the week was to go to the beach each day and stack rocks then photograph them. The purpose of this was to avoid having to buy stock photography for a new campaign. At first I was wary because my body is uncomfortable in any other position other than standing, sitting or laying on my side. It turned out to be very relaxing with the seagulls around, the sound of the ocean crashing and the feel of the sand between my toes.

Another Baby is Born
Our friends Noah and Bri baby girl Shae was born on Wednesday, she looks so much like her dad and is absolutely perfect. Bri's birthing made our due date seem so much closer and s much more real! She was very kind to explain the details of her special day. I have not yet met Shae, and am looking forward to the day that I will. She will most likely be one of our daughters close friends! Bri and Noah have the same doctor as us, Dr. Chortkoff as well as delivered at the same hospital we will deliver!

Baby Shower
My sister in law had her baby shower on Saturday. It was so fun to gather together in celebration of Bennet's up and coming birth. When cousin Bennet is born, now that will really be crazy because we are only 4 weeks apart so I will know very soon after it will be our turn. Andrea got some beautiful and useful things and enjoyed herself. She has been on bed rest since starting early contractions but since she has been home its improved significantly. I know he is just going to be a cutey like his big brother Wyatt.

Glucose Test
On Thursday it was time for fasting. Thank goodness my appointment was in the morning so it was a bit easier to hold out. When I got to the doctors office they gave me a bottle of orange liquid to down, it tasted a bit like and orangesicle, not too bad. I then had to wait exactly an hour and then get my blood drawn. The doctor said that if I don't hear from her that I would have passed the test! So far so good. Gestational diabetes can be a huge pain during your pregnancy so I thank the Lord I don't have it! Other than that I was told my weight and iron and everything else is spot on. I am really so blessed!

24 weeks: Letter to our daughter

November 5, 2009

Dear Baby girl,

Wow, I can’t believe how fast time is going and how fast you are growing! It seems like just yesterday that you resembled a “smudge” (no offense) on the 8 week ultrasound. Now you are a big girl, with hair and lung branches and moving all the time, especially when your dog Mr. Scruff barks and when your dad speaks.

There’s not too much longer to go, but please try to stay warm and cozy in there for at least 12 more weeks. You need to continue to “bake” and be the healthiest that you can be so that there won’t be any problems with you make your entrance into the world. I am sorry about all my coughing, I found out yesterday from the doctor at urgent care that I have a sinusitis with a nasal drip and although I would love to ease yoru tension by taking medication to stop the coughing, I am limited because I don't want those nasty chemicals effecting you in anyway.

You are in my every thought and dad and I want to be the best parents we can be to you. Of course that will come with a lot of worrying (mostly on my part), but I’ll try not to bother you with that. I don’t want to be “that” kind of mom.

Speaking of worrying, I was watching Oprah the other day and was a little disturbed how fast kids are growing up these days, not just mentally but physically thats why I have taken certain measures to ensure I consume as many food and drink items that are organic as possible so you don't get boobs at 10 years old. I hope that you take your time being a kid. Please don’t try to grow up too quickly because you’ll have your whole life to be an adult and have responsibilities.

Today I have had allot of lemon juice and honey to ease my coughing and I don't know if its the sour or the sweet but you have been kicking up a storm, I played a game by place a pencil on my belly when I was at work and you kicked it right off! I always try to get your dad to feel you, but you're a tease and stop as soon as he puts his hand on me.

Speaking of your dad, I just wanted to tell you how wonderful he is. I’m sure you’ll figure that on your own when you finally get to meet him, but I’ll give you a heads up right now about him. You know, I really lucked out with marrying such a great guy. I won’t get all sappy on you because I’m sure you’ll find that to be gross, but just know that you have an amazing dad, he has such integrity, works very very hard to provide for us, loves us conditionally and is very kind to all animals and humans. He does everything in his power to make sure that I’m happy and I know that it will increase so much with you (if that’s even possible).

He says that you and I are his driving force. See, I bet you didn’t know what an impact you have on us already. Everything we do is with you in mind. We even talk about how it will be once you are here. Honestly, I really can’t imagine how life will be with you here, but I’m excited to find out! I just hope that you know how much we already love you.

I hear all the time that a person doesn’t know what love is until they are a parent. I can’t wait to experience that because I feel like I already do know what love is because of how much I love your dad, our dogs, and you.

Love,

Your mommy