Week 27(:

   I wrote a rather long blog (at least I thought it was long) last week, and I'm warning you now.. This one might be a bit lengthy too! I complained a bit last week, but I feel like I have no complaints this week. Some of y'all must have prayed for me!(: 

   

   I am 27 weeks and can now say I'm in the third trimester! Some people wait till week 28, and some say it starts around week 26. I'm gonna stick with the middle number and say I've finally made it! I can now sit in my dad's lazy boy without him saying anything! He would always ask me if it was third trimester yet when I'd be sitting in it, and sadly I'd say no and get up. Now when I get home, I at least get the comfiest chair in the house!;) 

   With three more months (hopefully) of growing left, Ryder looks like he will when he will be born almost. He is just wrinkly and still needs to fatten up a bit. He can control his lungs and regulate his own temperature as of this week. He is about the size/weight of a head of cauliflower or a bunch of bananas.

   The glucose test was not that bad (which I was worried it might be). I'm pretty healthy, so I'm sure I'll pass it (watch me have to take the three hour test now just because I said that..). It tasted like orange soda, it looked like orange soda, I'm pretty sure it was orange soda and they switched stickers.

   I got to see my baby this week, and the ultrasound was awesome. I promise that in the actual ultrasound and on the screen, you could see his face and his features. I may be biased, but I already think he is so adorable.(: 

   I am in Texas this week and I adore it here. The air is so dry, which is very nice compared to the usual Florida humidity. Even when it is raining, there is dry air (but maybe that is just me)! The traveling wasn't bad either. I'm sure being in a twelve passenger van with a lot more room helped!

   I am here for my church association this week. Everyone I have interacted with so far has been wonderful and so nice. I've even had a few people come up and tell me they read my blog (which was one of the coolest things). It is nice to know my mom isn't the only one who reads this. I was going to take this week off and not blog, but hearing those few people made me excited to write today (and a bit nervous, so blame them if this blog isn't as good as usual! Ha).

   So now the best part.

How far along: 27 weeks

Gender: Boy!

Weight gain: 9+ lbs. hopefully not too much more, I think I've been pretty healthy since my last doctor appt.

Maternity clothes: I'm finally using the belly band with my jeans, I made it to third trimester, so I'm pretty proud of myself(:

Stretch marks: None

Belly button in or out: Still in, but I promise it is slightly shallow

Sleep: Still not the best, and I'm thankful for every little bit of sleep I get. If it's not one thing, it's another. Ryder has started to kick me to where I can feel it, which is the newest reason of being awake at night.

Best moment this week: Being in Texas and being with my family. I also enjoy seeing old friends and people I have seen and known for years.

Miss anything: This week (well as of right now anyway) I can't think of anything I miss, except a few of my dresses are way too short now because of my belly. There were two dresses I bought and wanted to wear so badly, but couldn't because of this baby.. But other than that, nothing that I miss!

Movement: Three siblings down, two to go! Another sister of mine finally felt him. He is favoring my ribs a lot, but hopefully he will move enough for some friends to feel him before I go home. I secretly love them touching my belly too.. (I know, I'm weird, ha, I'm sure I wouldn't like it if it were strangers!)

Cravings: I don't really have any cravings this week. I've definitely had anti-cravings though. Too many to name, we have just gone to eat and I will decide that I'm just not feeling any of the food that they serve.. 

Looking forward to: Baby showers should be soon! I hope my mom and sister will at least start planning one. I feel like time is flying by and I am going to run out of time! I have another appt soon to find out how my glucose test went and if my baby boy is healthy and all.(: 

   I feel like I could have written a few more paragraphs, but I won't bore y'all anymore! I am so thankful for everyone who reads this. If you do read this, please remember to pray for me and this little boy of mine. Prayers and God's grace/blessings are what have gotten me this far, and they will be what keep me going!

xx

   

26 weeks

   I've had some kind of week this week. I went on a mini road trip, which kinda tired me out. I had a few symptoms hit me this week as well, which have not been fun to deal with. I honestly haven't had much to complain about this whole pregnancy, except for some back pains and lack of sleep. Hopefully this week was just an off week and the last three months of pregnancy will be as smooth as the first six months!

   I have now been pregnant for 26 weeks (almost seven whole months, time flies when you're pregnant!). Baby is almost 15 inches long, and can weigh up to 2 1/2 pounds already. Ryder is starting to plump up! I get to see him tomorrow and I'll be able to know exactly how big he is. He should be about the size of a head of lettuce according to my favorite pregnancy app though.(:

   I traveled to Alabama this past week to see the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) It was a nice trip, but I don't think I can ride in the back of a truck for any lengthy distance again anytime soon. Hopefully my big road trip that is coming up won't tire me out like this mini one did. 

How far along: 26 weeks

Gender: Boy(:

Weight gain: 9+ lbs.

Maternity clothes: Half of my clothes are regular, and the other half are maternity

Stretch marks: Still no stretch marks

Belly button in or out: In, but I feel like it is slightly shallower than usual

Sleep: I can't seem to get enough sleep at all lately, maybe I'll get a good night's sleep soon.

Best moment this week: Going to Alabama and just feeling my baby move. 

Miss anything: I miss when my legs and feet didn't hurt. I also miss being able to have a full day, because I've gotten to where I tire rather easy now.

Movement: I love just sitting here feeling him move. He likes to kick my ribs a lot, which it's a bit weird feeling him kick so high up. My brother felt him kick this week and said it felt like a fish.

Cravings: I've really enjoyed popcorn this week, and I had sushi for dinner (the crunchy shrimp roll to be exact) which hit the spot. I have also loved miso soup this whole pregnancy.

Looking forward to: My ultrasound tomorrow, getting my crochet bow ties in the mail, and visiting Texas soon. I should be having a baby shower pretty in the next few weeks as well, which is exciting.(:

   Hopefully next week will be wonderful, and not as hard on me as this week. It would be nice if my symptoms would settle down as well. My legs and feet have been killing me lately, which is more than likely caused by sciatic pain (this means the baby is sitting on nerves or something like that). I've also been super sensitive this week due to hormones. I couldn't find a pair of matching socks for work and started crying (and I am not a crier). I felt so silly because my socks never match, and it wasn't a big deal. I can't wait to see what makes me tear up next (not really, ha).

   Besides dealing with new found symptoms, I made a few lists the other day. Just different things that need to be done before Ryder gets here, and there is a surprising amount of things I need to get done. I probably should have not made a list while my sensitivity is at its peak, because the list overwhelmed me just a bit. I just got to take things day by day and not be anxious!

   Prayers are loved and appreciated. Specifically pray I have peace of mind and a good attitude this week. Pray that my symptoms will subside a bit and that I will just be happy and remember all this will be so worth it once my baby boy is here.(: Also pray that everything is perfect with my baby boy when I go get an ultrasound tomorrow!

xx

 

25 weeks down and counting

   25 weeks pregnant, and 105 days to go. I cannot wait to be in double digits later this week for the days I have left. Baby Ryder is about the size of a cantaloupe, and he should be weighing in around a pound and a half. I hit a milestone this week, which made me very happy. At 25 weeks, babies blood vessels in their lungs are working and their nostrils have opened up. This means Ryder's chances of surviving if he were born now are very strong, although he better stay in there for at least 14 more weeks or so!

   This week has been a pretty good and uneventful week. I did attend another baby shower this last Sunday for my cousin. She is having a little boy, which is cool because there will be two little boys in my family that will be close in age. I loved giving her and baby their gift, hers is on the left, and the other one is a girl version for another friend of mine having a baby.

   They are onesie cupcakes! Four onesies, and two pairs of socks. I also included a pacifier in the bow. I am very proud of my gifts. They were practical and adorable (at least in my opinion!).

   My momma bought some of my favorite things for her grandson this week. She got him little fox booties (which I am in love with!) and some gowns and bibs. If I hadn't mentioned before, I love foxes and they are Ryder's favorite animal until he can choose his own favorite animal!(: 

   Look at all the foxes! Talk about cute.(:

How far along: 25 weeks

Gender: It is a boy(:

Weight gain: My scale says 9lbs. up from pre-pregnancy weight.

Maternity clothes: I've been wearing some of my momma's maternity clothes that she gave me from when she was pregnant with Cherith (my little sister). And they are really nice and rather new since she just wore then last year.

Stretch marks: None still(:

Belly button in or out: Still in

Sleep: I slept better this week, although it's still hard to get comfortable. I am noticing that my belly is definitely starting to grow now.

Best moment this week: I got to spend a lot of time in the pool and sun this week, which was so nice. I love the pool, and I also exercise more in the pool from swimming and floating. I also feel so rejuvenated after being in the sun and water.

Miss anything: I miss sleep still, and I also miss being able to catch full breaths. It has also started to get hard to bend over, which I am still pretending I can bend over without consequence.. It's getting harder with every passing day though!

Movement: I am finally experiencing being able to just feel him kick and move. It is literally one of the best feelings in the world. It makes me so happy and my heart just swells with love for him when I feel him move

Cravings: I've still been craving soda. I craved Pepsi one day this week, and I had to have Pepsi, not coke or any other soda, but specifically Pepsi..

Looking forward to: Seeing my baby in a little over a week at an ultrasound, and I have some packages coming in the mail soon. I am also really looking forward to October, I know it's still three months away, but I'm getting so excited lately about having my baby.(:

   This was before my cousins baby shower, I love being pregnant and my little belly!

   I got a robe this week, and it is so comfortable. It will be getting a lot of use.

   My feet are getting harder to see everyday, but I'm not complaining one bit!(:

xx

Week number 24!

   Week 24 is here and I'm so happy. Last week was so busy, and I couldn't wait to have time to sit down and write this weeks blog. I had a doctor appointment and I've been feeling Ryder kick and move even more.(:

   First off, I went to Destin with two of my good friends and we got FREE Chipotle and shopped around a bit. We got free Chipotle because we just happened to be there the day before it's grand opening and the line was slow. We asked the guy at the door what was going on, and he told us that we could go ahead in. He was really nice, and our luck must have been full that afternoon.(:

   How cute is this bracelet piece. It made me smile and I almost got it, but one must save money when you have a baby on the way.

   The day after my Destin adventure. I got a package in the mail (which I adore packages and snail mail) from a friend in Nashville. Rachel got me the cutest onesie (look at the bowtie!!), mittens, baby rags, and she wrote a note to me and Ryder. I feel so blessed to know that Ryder is gonna be so loved, even in Nashville!(:

   The Fourth of July was also this weekend. We had a nice little family get together at the beach and grilled food. When it started getting dark, we drove to my grandmothers' house to watch fireworks. We sat on the pier across from my grandmother's house and could see across the bay. We saw so many different fireworks. It had to have been one of the coolest things, just seeing all the different fireworks shooting across town.

   I can't wait for the next Fourth of July. Ryder will be here to celebrate one of my favorite holidays, and we will be decked out in red, white, and blue.(:

   I also had a baby shower this week that I attended. It was for Judith and her little one, Parker Saige. She is due about a month and a half before me. We got in the pool after the baby shower and took this belly picture (which I think is an awesome picture). Maybe Judith and I can get a picture like this next year with the babies feet in the water. Talk about cute!

How far along: 24 weeks

Gender: Boy

Weight gain: So I have gained 9 lbs. (I need to lay off the sweets!!) 

Maternity clothes: I bought a shirt and some leggings in Destin. Maternity clothes are pretty comfortable, who knew??

Stretch marks: No new ones.

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: I have been sleeping on the couch this week, because for some reason, it is more comfortable than my bed.

Best moment this week: I don't have a favorite moment, maybe just feeling Ryder kick while I'm watching tv. Oh, and I literally just won some crochet bow ties for Ryder. Winning a contest is pretty awesome, plus I get something for Ryder out of it. I will have to take a picture of the bow ties when I get them in the mail next week!

Miss anything: I miss sleep so much...

Movement: Becca felt him kick some last night while watching tv, I think he moves while I'm sleeping more than anything.

Cravings: Chocolate and soda (I need to start craving salads again)

Looking forward to: I have another ultrasound in less than two weeks, and I will be going to visit the University of Alabama's campus soon.(:

   And I will leave y'all with a picture of me when I was six months old with my daddy. I wonder if Ryder will favor me a lot or not. I also adore this picture.(:

xx

Week 23!

   It is finally July, and I love the month of July. It is such a busy month for me, but not a bad kind of busy. Hopefully it will fly by.(: I am 23 weeks along now, which leaves only 17 weeks left. It seems so long and so short at the same time! I know I keep saying that, but honestly, I'll probably say it a lot more. 

   Ryder is supposed to be about a foot long and weigh a little over a pound. That means he is about the size of a foot long sub from subway! His taste buds are supposed to have formed by this week, which means he can taste most of what I eat (which has been a lot of sweet stuff this past week). He has been moving quite a bit, and I absolutely adore it. 

   This past week has been a pretty good week, it went by rather fast. I feel like my belly is finally starting to look pregnant. I had my first stranger touch my belly the other day. It was flattering and strange all at the same time. I know that it irritates some people to no end when strangers touch their pregnant bellies, but I honestly do not think I will mind too much. I say that now, but who knows, my opinion could change down the road.

Here is a picture of my bare belly. I *think* I have a cute small bump right now.(:

How far along: 23 weeks

Gender: Boyy

Weight gain: I'm gonna say 5+ lbs. and I'll give a for sure answer next week

Maternity clothes: I'm still mostly in regular clothes, but it's gonna be time to get some maternity work clothes soon.

Stretch marks: No new ones, I feel like I can feel my stomach stretching though sometimes.

Belly button in or out: Still in

Sleep: Sleep has been interesting, it is really hard to get comfortable lately, the most comfortable I can get is on my back, which you aren't supposed to sleep on your back.. So.. It's been difficult.

Best moment this week: Nothing in particular, I made baby shower gifts for some of my friends who are having babies and I'm excited to give them their gifts(:

Miss anything: I miss when my back didn't hurt and falling asleep easily

Movement: He is moving in there more and more everyday(: I can't wait till people can feel and see him move too

Cravings: I've been craving sweet things this week

Looking forward to: My appointment which is Thursday, and my friend's baby shower is Sunday. 

And here is another mirror pic from this week. This was taken at the end of the day, so far I've only gained weight in my belly. I'm hoping it stays that way!

xx