30 weeks !!

   I am 30 weeks today! I cannot believe I have finally hit 30. Only 10 more weeks to go. I really want time to speed up a bit, but at the same time.. I have so much to do!

   I am renovating my room, which involves painting, a new bed, and setting up a crib. It also involves getting rid of some things and putting other things away in boxes. I hate getting rid/packing up things, because everything has a meaning and I am so sentimental. 

   I am super excited though, because I've come across super nice furniture for a great deal. So although I don't really have a place to put furniture right now, when I get my own place, I honestly shouldn't have to buy almost any furniture. I know I'm probably putting the cart before the horse, but I think I'm making some great decisions and will be thankful when I get my own place and have furniture. 

   I bought a fujifilm instax camera this past week. I love the idea of having one chance to take a photo. It just feels so much more real. I got the camera for the pregnancy and for after Ryder is born. I wanted real pictures that I could hold in my hand!(: 

   Ryder is around 3lbs. this week and around 15 in. or so. I feel him move so much now. My sister is actually laying her head on my stomach and feeling him move as I write this.(: 

How far along: 30 weeks

Gender: Boy(:

Weight gain: 20 lbs. I go to the doctor on Monday, hopefully I haven't gained too much more. I did a really bad job with the soda this week... I might have had more than one or two sodas... Whoops!

Maternity clothes: I found a bag of maternity clothes that had been misplaced early on, so I have some new pieces added to my maternity wardrobe.

Stretch marks: None

Belly button in or out: Flat as a pancake

Sleep: One day I will be able to sleep again. Ryder moves so much now, and it will keep me up. It is increasingly getting harder to get comfortable as well.

Best moment this week: Nothing in particular this week. An all around good week. I felt better (yay for no longer feeling sickly), I had good work days, I enjoy everyone I work with, my days off have been spent in peace, and I finished my big afghan. I have accumulated furniture, and I also won another Instagram contest (I seriously love Instagram contests). I won credit to an etsy store that sells really cute bracelets, I'll have to put a picture up after I get them. So again, pretty good week.

Miss anything: Just the usual; sleep, not having heartburn, etc.

Movement: So much movement. I absolutely adore how much he moves, it is one of my favorite things about being pregnant!

Cravings: Not a lot of cravings, although I did eat whataburger for three different meals..(no judging!) 

Looking forward to: My baby being here! And I'm ready to have everything ready for him to be here. I can't wait for the baby shower, which will be mid-September; or my doctor appointment, which will be Monday.

   I have a lot going on the next ten weeks (and actually many weeks after as well..). I want to start blogging more than once a week, and write about some things I plan on doing and why (such as breast feeding, baby-wearing, and co-sleeping). I can then blog again about whether I did everything I wanted to do or not, and why it did/did not work later on.

   Pray that my appointment will go well, and that Ryder is growing perfectly. Pray I find a place to put everything, and that I am smart in organizing and getting ready for Ryder to be here. Again, I can't thank you enough if you read my blog.(:

   This picture is in honor of Ryder being as big as a pineapple last week!(:

xx

28 weeks(:

   28 weeks is upon us. Ryder is the around the size of a coconut. He is also able to cough, pretend breath (suck in and out amniotic fluid), and dream. I remember when my little sister was a newborn and would smile in her sleep, and she must have been dreaming. I can't wait to see Ryder smile in his sleep once he is born.(:

   I feel like this week flew by. My family and I finished our church conference (which was amazing), and we went to Hurricane Harbor for our fun day on Friday. Hurricane Harbor is the six flags water park in Texas. We usually go to an amusement park each year, but my dad was nice and chose a water park since me and mom weren't able to really ride any rides. I can't wait to be able to ride a roller coaster again though! 

   We got home late Saturday night, and it was actually nice to sleep in my own bed after a week of hotel beds. Ryder has been kicking up a storm lately, which means he is growing. Starting this week, I'm supposed to count how many times he kicks in an hour. 

  I got a lot of goodies this week as well. I got a sweatshirt from lovedbyhannahandeli.com (you can follow her on Instagram if you'd like, @lovedbyhannahandeli). The sweatshirt is one of the softest ones I own, and it says "Mama Bear," which I think is perfect for me!(:

   I also received my crochet bow ties in the mail from @dapperbabywear (her name on Instagram). She has a little etsy shop, and I had my package when I got home. She was so sweet and addressed the package to me and Ryder, and she also wrote me a sweet little card!

   I forgot to mention that I got my diaper bag last week. I was able to go to a Vera Bradley store and get it. I got my mom one when my little sister was born, and she has used it so much and loved it. It's not only big and durable, but I think it's so pretty too! My mom got me the matching bottle carrier for it as well!(:

How far along: 28 weeks

Gender: Boy!!

Weight gain: 20 lbs... I went from gaining no weight to this! At the doctor yesterday I was told to watch my weight, yikes! I used to never drink soda, and I'm going to cut it out again because it isn't good for me anyways.

Maternity clothes: I got a maternity dress from target the other day, and I love wearing my kimonos with tank tops too(:

Stretch marks: Nopee

Belly button in or out: I don't have an outie, but I don't really have an innie either.. My belly button is kind of just flat, I think it is really funny looking actually!

Sleep: My belly is in my way just about no matter what, and I wake up two, three, twenty times a night... I'm either uncomfortable, or Ryder decides he wants me to be awake with him, or I just have to use the bathroom. I would love a good night's sleep before my baby arrives.. (Laugh it up everyone who knows how I can usually sleep just about anywhere at anytime..)

Best moment this week: I loved Texas, I know I said I liked it last week, but Texas was just a really great place I thought. I also passed my glucose test, which is good!

Miss anything: Sleep, and medicine. I haven't really needed medicine at all, and I'm not a medicine taker, but I've gotten really congested the past few days, and my head, throat, and ears have been bothering me really badly. Hopefully I will feel better soon, because I don't want to have to take any medicine.

Movement: I can now see my bump twitch and move a bit from the outside! My friend who really wanted to feel him in Texas actually ended up feeling him, which made both of us very happy(:

Cravings: A few, I am really in the mood for soup, but that's also because I don't feel good I think. I still have had the anti-cravings this week. I've had really bad indigestion/heart burn this week, at least I think that is what it is. My stomach will just hurt sometimes, and I'm not sure if it is a specific food that is causing it or just an overall pregnancy symptom that is just gonna happen whether I like it or not.

Looking forward to: I've really been thinking about my baby this week (which he is on my mind almost all the time, but extra this week!). I can't wait to hold him and see him. I love being pregnant, but the idea of holding my little baby and touching his soft skin makes me anxious to have him here. I really can't wait for October to get here!(:

   Thank you for all the prayers coming my way. Ryder is measuring perfectly according to my latest ultrasound, and im healthy. Pray that this continues to be the case! I also have a lot of things to figure out, and I hope I can get everything in order before my baby gets here! So here is a typical bathroom selfie from Sunday to end you with.(:

xx

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 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

So I'm Going to be a Mommy..

   ..And yes, I am rather young. In today's age, twenty years old is seen as a very young age to have a child. It seems as if many people actually look down upon young mothers.

   It used to be the norm for people to have children when they were young. My grandmother on both sides had children in their late teens, that was how life was back then. People got married, and they started a family. Women didn't want to wait around and become old spinsters! In this new time, a woman should go to college, get a job, be independent, get married, and then start a family after being married for awhile. There is nothing wrong with doing it this way. Actually, it's very smart because by the time you decide to start a family, you are financially stable and supposedly mature.

   If you don't do it the way I just stated, you're throwing your life away. College is going to be hard, forget about getting a good job, you'll never have nice things, and money will always be an issue. People will question your maturity and ability to be a mother. People will state how young you are, and think you need their advice in order to be a capable mother.

   First of all, you are not throwing you're life away. You are just adding a little life to it. Change is going to happen (hopefully for the better). College is going to be hard, but it's not like it was easy to begin with. Children should give you more incentive to go to college and get a degree in order to get that good job to make money to pay the bills and have nice things.

   Secondly, I've known people in their forties less mature than people I know that are my age. Maturity is subjective, and people mature at different ages. Having a child will also (hopefully) mature you a bit in and of itself. You're ability to be a mother will (again, hopefully) kick in as well. After all, almost all moms have that motherly instinct. That's just what happens when you become a mom. 

   Would you like to know a secret? Ryder is not a planned baby (I know, shocker). I have always wanted to be a mother, but I didn't think I would actually be one until much later. I always thought twenty-four or five would be a good age to start producing offspring, but life has thrown me a little, wonderful curve-ball. 

   I have been pretty blessed and had very little negativity in all this. My friends and family are excited and so supportive. Although I have read blogs and seen shows where young mothers are seen in a very negative light. Hopefully the stigma of being a young mother will change, but that is going to take good and loving mothers who are young. If you are in your early twenties, I am not saying go get pregnant just to prove to people you can be a good young mother. I personally know about six girls who are having a baby within two months or so of me, and they are all in their early twenties.

   I think that God has chosen some wonderful girls to become mothers. They are all good people with great hearts. I believe that there are good points to being a young mother. I will never have to wonder what it was like to have a lot of free time. A child is a huge transition, but I am not used to a lot of free time and super lazy, lonely Saturdays to begin with (especially with how many children my family have, ha). I hopefully do not have to worry about being healthy enough to see my child grow up either. My biological clock has a good amount of time on it still.

   I have enjoyed spending a good amount of time on Pinterest lately. I love looking at baby blogs, nursery ideas, quotes, and baby shower ideas (I know, I'm such a mom). A few days ago, I saw this quote and really liked it. 

   "Being a young mom means that we met a little early, but it also means I get to love you a little longer."

   I just think that quote is beautiful and rings so much truth. I know that some people in my situation would probably imagine that their life is over. To a certain extent, a part of my life is over, but I see it more that I've just ended a chapter of my life and started a new one. I am so happy to be a mommy to my unborn son. It may have happened a little earlier than expected, but all in God's timing. In my case, He gave me an unexpected blessing. 

xx