23 Weeks

I misplaced my camera (and by misplaced I'm hoping I don't mean lost!) so this is a photo from 22 1/2 weeks, I cheated a little. This is with Chris's sister, Sarah, soon to be Aunt Sarah to little Adelaide and half the reason for her middle name, June.

All is well here in baby land! The rash is a pain but I am managing it. I found out from a co-worker up north that she had the same thing when she was pregnant with her daughter. She said she got it about the same time as me and same deal as me, more annoying than anything else. She said hers went away as soon as her daughter was born which seems to be the norm with most cases. How weird!

Overall, I am feeling well. My sleep is a little better. I wouldn't say it's the deepest sleep in the world but I am sleeping! I am starting to really get a nesting instinct. I seem to have non-stop energy when it comes to cleaning and organizing. Thank God because I feel like there is so much more to do yet! I have started getting decorations in for the nursery and starting painting some things but the big stuff has yet to be done. I feel as though my work is never done haha. Of course, what normally happens then is I run myself ragged all day and if it's the same day I'm also working I end up completely exhausted by the end of the day. Maybe that's why I've been sleeping better! I do try to remember to kick my feet up and relax in between, I promise :)

This past weekend was Father's Day. Chris had to work the weekend but had off Friday so I switched days and took off Friday and made it up on the weekend. We spent a relaxing day together going out to lunch and the movies. Yesterday, I cooked his official Father's Day dinner. Stuffed pepper jack turkey burgers, mmmm. I made a spicy mayo (mayo, hot sauce and lime juice) to go with and Lord have mercy I could have dipped everything in sight in there!! Overall, we had a great weekend between him working and he even got to feel his first kick from the baby!!

Dear Adelaide,
This letter is all about your daddy! You gave your daddy such a wonderful father's day present! Last Thursday, while we were watching TV in bed, you were kicking like mad (as you often do when I lie in bed at the end of the night) and I grabbed your daddy's hand and put it on my belly and he felt your kicks! It was the first time he was able to feel them. The look on his face was absolutely priceless. It was an expression of pure amazement. It's difficult to describe what your kicks feel like to him and I often felt bad he couldn't feel you the way I do. He finally got to experience a piece of what I feel. He was so incredibly happy feeling those kicks. I think it was the first of many times he will be amazed by you my dear! You still react to the sound of his voice which brings such a happy feeling. I know he brightens up our day so much. I think we both get a kick out of him (sorry, but your mama loves a good pun). I can't wait until you are born and see you and your daddy interact. I envision so much laughter and playtime together. I even like to imagine a little tea party with all 6'2" of your daddy crammed at a mini table of tea and dolls. It melts my heart already thinking of the two of you together. We are really blessed and lucky to have him. I can't wait until next Father's Day when we will all be together!

All my Love,
Mama

A Photo from the Future??

I used an online morphing service to take a pic of me and and a pic of Chris and generate a photo of what our daughter could look like. Pretty freaky huh? Usually these turn out really odd looking but this one almost looks real! It is an exact mix of our features. Obviously, she could look more like me or more like Chris or maybe even another relative! But, it's still kind of crazy to see such a mix of the two of us. She is pretty cute I have to say!

Nursery Inspiration

The photo above is serving as major inspiration for our nursery! I am absolutely in love with the wall colors and luckily the blogger who did this nursery shared the exact paint brand and shade so we can check it out at Lowes. I plan on continuing the light pink, white and gold throughout along with some of the black & white and grey accents. We have a lot of painting to do! We are taking the furniture from our bedroom and repurposing it. We have a tall, skinny dresser that will be painted a dove grey along with white handles. A white long dresser to be used for the changing table that needs new knobs and a little bookcase that is color undecided! We are excited to add some personal touches - a growth chart that was in my nursery and an animal alphabet embroidered hanging done by Chris's grandma.

Chris has deemed me the "Project Coordinator" for the nursery haha. I think he is just overwhelmed by the 50 things I print out and/or show him on a daily basis! We are still going to incorporate owls into the theme and I have found some cute vintage owl decorations along with some prints we will add. A lot of work but so much fun to plan!

Photo/Nursery Credit: www.laybabylay.com
Some of the most amazing nursery ideas I have ever seen! So creative!

21 & 22 Weeks

(Green Dress Pic is @ 21 Weeks. Yellow Dress with Chris is @ 22 Weeks)

A twofer! I'm a little bit behind on my blog posting aren't I?

I had a doctor's appointment at 21 weeks. Actually met with a midwife who also delivers (whoever is on call the night I go into labor is who will deliver the baby so I'm trying to meet with all of them). She looked over my ultrasound results and everything looked good. All the measurements seemed to look good and be completely normal. Hooray! I checked out healthy as well. I put on a healthy 7lbs too, oops! Guess that's what happens when you eat ice cream every night for a week haha. I was never much for sweet treats at night but I had been letting myself indulge more than usual. I hadn't gained all that much before so I guess I was playing catch up. I was at 12lbs total though which is right on target for my goal of 30-35lbs. I can't imagine lugging around another 20lbs though, holy crap! I already feel enormous with an extra 12 on me. It's gonna be a long, hot summer my friends!

Sleeping has still be an issue. I tried pillows and even a snoogle (a body pillow) which did not go over well at all. The snoogle made me feel like a million degrees in the middle of the night plus Chris kept hitting it with his feet and legs moving it which then woke me up. The pillow between my knees helps a little and I added an extra pillow under my head which seems to help a bit more too. I just can't seem to get comfortable! If I'm in a deep sleep I'm okay but if I wake up for any reason it seems to be game over. My legs - more specifically my hip, upper thigh and butt region - cannot stay comfortable! Either start aching or falling asleep or getting a cramp. Very weird!! I wonder if she is on some type of nerve. Could be. I'm not far enough along yet to be getting the typical sleep problems so it's a bit of a bummer! I can take unisom or tylenol PM though so I've been biting the bullet and taking those here and there. I feel bad doing so but they're both approved as safe so I think it's best I get some sleep while I can!

My only other complaint is a rash I have across my belly and parts of my back. I seemed to have gotten it after walking around in a bathing suit (not even a wet one) all day when Chris and I went on a day trip. It was very hot out so I think sweat combined with a non-breathable material caused it but it does not want to go away! I am allowed to use cortisone cream so I am trying that for now and hoping it heals. It is not very itchy and more annoying than anything else. It could be pregnancy eczema which you are supposed to try to avoid water and heat while having - not an easy task in FL! Almost any rash is not harmful to baby so it's more just an annoyance for me. Hopefully it clears up a bit. My skin is on the sensitive side as it is so I'm not surprised I have this! If you or someone you know had something similar while pregnant, please comment this post! I don't think it's PUPPPS if any of you have heard about that. It occurs later in pregnancy and is supposed to be extremely itchy.

Otherwise, it has been good health and spirits for this mama. These other things bother me but as soon as I feel her kicking it puts me in a better mood! Even the other night when I was up from 3am-5am watching Roseanne reruns, I could feel her kicking like mad and I almost (and I stress almost) was happy I was awake to feel that much movement. Must be built into mamas! Guess that's why after they're born when you're really getting no sleep you can still love that little crying bundle of joy!!

UPDATE (6/10/11): Went to the doctor's today because the rash wasn't getting better. It is indeed PUPPPS. Bit of a bummer. Luckily, it seems like a mild case and since I've had it for 2 weeks now the doctor doesn't think it should probably get much worse. There isn't a "cure" for it but there are treatments. The doctor only suggested Eucerin lotion to calm it (luckily it has not been severely itchy which most cases are so steroid tablets and cortisone were not recommended). I did some research online and there is a soap (pine tar soap, random!) that people swear clears the rash up and a good all natural lotion that I ordered so we'll see if those two things work! There are some homeopathic herb treatments but I'm hesitant to try those without talking to the doctor first. Fingers crossed the soap and lotion helps! For anybody that has heard of this or googles it, I am NOWHERE near as severe as the cases you will see online. THANK GOD. I was terrified seeing those photos. I have a mild case and God willing it stays that way!!

Dear Adelaide,
Mama is trying to get some sleep I swear!! I did so enjoy feeling your acrobatics though. You seem to be more active in the evening and nighttime when I'm finally settling down. I do feel you from time to time throughout the day though. I think I am feeling mostly kicks as they are low in my belly. They make me laugh sometimes. I wonder if you're just having fun or if you're trying to tell me something. Like when I roll onto my belly when I'm sleeping and I feel you, I think you may be telling me to roll over haha! I enjoy this little bonding time we have. I really can't wait though for it to be felt on the outside. I feel bad your daddy can't feel what I feel. It makes me feel so connected to you. I have lightly felt movement with my hand on my belly but I think that's just because I can feel you on the inside too. He likes to give us both a bedtime kiss at night - one on the lips for mama and one on the belly for you! You still move a little to the sound of his voice and I read that you can now start hearing outside sounds and voices. We still like to picture what you will look like and what your little personality will be like. I wonder if you will be artsy or creative. You seem to have brought out my creative side! I can't stop thinking of new ideas for your nursery and new projects! You must be my little muse! The weekly email I get said that you are now almost like a miniature newborn. Everything is in place. Just time for you to grow, grow, grow! Keep on kicking away my love!

All my Love,
Mama

20 Weeks - Halfway There!

Update 6/28: I found my camera! So here are some belly shots from 20 weeks. I just got out of the shower which explains the wet hair and no makeup (and not looking at the camera haha).

Wow, halfway!! It's so weird to me because in some ways it feels like as if I have been pregnant forever (be sure to check back with me when I'm 9 months pregnant, I'm sure I'll laugh at this statement); in other ways it feels like it's flying; in some ways it feels as though there is so much time left before I get to meet Adelaide; and in other ways it feels as though there is not enough time left to prepare!

We have begun clearing out the spare bedroom. And by spare bedroom, I mean the only other bedroom we have besides ours haha. This room served as my personal walk in closet, storage space for items that didn't have a home (the island of misfit toys if you will) and my office. Unfortunately, it will still need to serve as my office although my desk and equipment only takes up the small wall to the side of the door so it's not very obtrusive. I have moved my stuff over to our master bedroom closet which is a walk-in but very small. I have started rounding up the stuff that needs to go to the garage which thankfully Chris cleaned out last week. Everything must go! I am attempting to sell some older clothing on ebay to pick up some spare change but I think that mission will be ending shortly and just give it to Goodwill.

Once we have everything cleared out, the fun can begin! Painting and decorating. We have decided to go with "Owls" as the theme. Cute, girly owls. I have a slight obsession and it doesn't help that there are a lot of freaking cute owl things out there! We are thinking of painting the nursery two different shades of a pale aqua color. I have found some really cute owl wall decals on etsy.com for behind her crib. We will probably go with a white crib. We are taking the furniture from our room and repainting and repurposing it. We'll be adding new knobs and fun colors. Probably splashes of pale yellow and pink. I'm excited for the fun projects but even with 5 months to go, I get nervous about getting it all done! I thinking there must be a slight nesting instinct this early on because I have had more energy to clean and organize than I ever had before! Better put it to good use!

I have a doctor's appointment next Wednesday so I'll have more updates about the baby and me then. Overall, I am feeling great. I am very lucky to have had a smooth pregnancy thus far. I have been pretty by the book as far as symptoms are concerned. My sleep isn't always great but most nights are pretty good so that's fine by me. The biggest news as of late is getting to feel Miss Addie June move about! I had thought I have felt flutters the past few weeks, and I think I had, but they are most certainly baby movements now. I feel little movements that can only be described by saying think of a little person doing somersaults in your belly because that is exactly what it feels like!! That has been a great feeling and I always look forward to the evenings when I lie down and she seems to pick up steam!!

Dear Adelaide,
I can finally say for certain I feel you moving! Although I think I have felt you fluttering around, when I was out to lunch with my friend last week I felt for certain somebody having a little dance party in there. I was sitting down eating pizza so maybe pizza went over well with you? I hope so because your mama loves pizza!! I have to say though one of my favorite moments was the other night when your daddy came home from work and he and I laid on the couch together. He laid his head on my belly and we were just talking, the two of us, and you started moving like crazy! I think you loved the sound of his deeper voice compared with mine and the sound of the two of us talking back and forth. I love to think of how you will know our voices right out of the womb. That amazes me. I try to talk to you more often now and even sing to you from time to time. Your daddy teases me about my singing voice but I know you don't mind (at least that makes one person in this house haha). We are going to make a mixed CD soon - the Adelaide Mix - and I plan on singing the songs to you so you recognize them when you are born. I am so glad to feel you move. It reassures me so much that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing in there. I am glad I am making a good home for you already because I feel like I have a lot more work to do on this side making a home for you! We do hope you like owls, little one, because I'm afraid you'll be seeing quite a bit of them! I look forward to our next appointment to hear your little heartbeat. Until then, keep on dancing away in there!

All My Love,
Mama

19 Weeks... It's a Girl!!!

Holy guacamole, it's a girl!!!

We had our ultrasound done yesterday. More importantly I should note that she appeared healthy and had a good heartbeat (finally got a #, 168) and was moving (eventually) around.

The ultrasound room was wonderful! We had a private room and on the wall they had a big flat screen tv mounted so Chris and I could just sit back and watch the show! Our tech was really nice and funny and outgoing and took her time showing us all the different parts and measurements. Our little girl (who we didn't find out was a little girl until the very end) was quite a modest lady! First of all, we had to wake her up. She was quite comfortable it seems before the tech started poking and prodding. She had to nudge her to get her moving. Then she yawned and stretched!! We were laughing because it seems she already takes after me haha! It took some more nudging and then she finally got moving. But, when it came time to see if she was a boy or girl, she kept putting her hands between her legs covering herself!! Hey, if she stays that modest her whole life, fine by her dad and me! She finally moved those hands and, it's a girl!! Without getting into details for sake of her modesty, they can tell it's a girl not by absence of a you know what but by 3 lines defining her lady bits. I never knew that! That's how the tech could tell for certain it was a girl.

One of the big highlights was watching her attempt to suck her thumb. She tried many times unsuccessfully, bringing both her hands up to her face and opening her mouth, until finally she got her little thumb right in there and all 3 of us (the tech included) applauded and yelled and poor little girl got startled and dropped her hand quickly out of her mouth. Too much commotion for her liking! It was just so amazing to see her movements. Some of them already so human which is so amazing to me since she has no one to mimic. The stretching and yawning and the thumb sucking that are all natural instincts, really cool. We saw her in 3D as well but that was a bit freaky haha. The tech warned us it wasn't going to be cute. She hardly has any fat on her so she appears somewhat skeletal which is not how you like to picture your little bundle of joy! Still neat seeing some of her features more defined though. The tech even complimented her adorable nose haha! We received a dvd of 10 photos (a few are above) and we just really enjoyed our time getting an inside look at our baby's temporary home!

Now that we know it's a girl we can finally reveal her name to all! We are so confident about our name that we don't mind telling anybody who will listen. Her name is Adelaide June. Adelaide is a name that Chris and I have liked for years now. It's the name of a song by the band Anberlin. We also used one of their songs for our wedding song. Seems fitting that our daughter's name comes from them as well! It's funny because I had really been wavering in thinking it was a boy the past couple weeks. I kept being less and less certain. And I kept thinking of the lyrics in the song, one of them "Adelaide, you really had me going this time." And I couldn't help thinking that our little girl really had us fooled she was a boy! Guess it was a sign after all! Her middle name, June, is in honor of her aunts Katie & Sarah. We wanted to find a way to honor both of them but we didn't like any combination of their names so we finally figured out a way to do it - they were both born in June and June is such a pretty name. Plus, we loved how it went together so Adelaide June it is!


Dear Adelaide,
Adelaide! We get to call you by your proper name!! The joy that gives me is unbelievable. Your dad and I are completely and utterly OVER THE MOON! A precious baby girl. A princess. Daddy's Girl! When the ultrasound tech told us, we just stared at the screen in amazement. A girl. More importantly - a daughter. I will just never forget how we felt yesterday. Your dad and I went out to lunch after we found out and I think we barely could concentrate on anything but thoughts of you! Our whole lives seem to flash before our eyes in the best possible way. What will you look like? Will you look like your mama with a mass of dark hair? Will you be tall and thin like your daddy? A song came on at the restaurant, one they play at weddings quite a bit for the Father/Daughter dance and my head reeled with the thought of you some day dancing with your daddy at your wedding. I thought of all the special times I had and still have with my dad, your Pop-Pop, and thought of how you will have that special bond with your daddy. I thought of you and I shopping together with your Aunts and Grandma's (on both sides haha!). I thought of so, so many things. It is amazing how one moment can define your life like that. Your daddy and I have always said that having children is where you get the enjoyment from in the second part of your life and that couldn't be any more true. It's as if I feel my new life separating from my old one. I foresee so much happiness and joy that your little self will bring to everyone around you. You are already so very loved. We area already so blessed and you haven't even arrived yet! So many wonderful things await you on this side. I only hope I can teach you to be a strong and independent woman like my mama has taught me. That every man treats you with respect the way your daddy treats me (the way he was taught by his mama). So many things I hope and dream for you my Adelaide!

All my Love Precious Daughter,
Mama

17 & 18 Weeks

A busy 2 weeks! The first shot is of my mom, sister and me in my parent's backyard over Mother's Day weekend (17 weeks) and the others are from 18 weeks before taking my mother-in-law out to dinner. I am wearing my brand new pair of maternity shorts that I would probably live in if someone let me. Why don't all article of clothing have stretchy bands?? Sure, we'd probably get huge and fat without realizing it but dammit we'd be comfortable!! Oh and the second picture is me with Mr. Max, one of my furry babies. He thinks he is a human child. Man, he is going to be in for a rude awakening!

I'll start off with the doctor's appointment last Monday. Everything was nice and healthy. Heard the heartbeat loud and clear. The doctor put the little microphone thingy (not a technical term I'm sure) on my belly and got the heartbeat on the first shot! I didn't get the official # and although it sounded much quicker than mine it didn't sound like it was racing. Not sure if that helps anyone in the boy vs. girl debate. I actually weighed in at only 4 more pounds so go me! I was telling my mom my appetite is not really all that different (or should I say not that much increased) and I had read in one of my books that you are usually hungrier with a boy. She said her appetite stayed the same with both my sister and me. Could it just be me? Could it be a sign? I was at 100% boy but now I am wavering a little, I won't lie. I digress.

The rest of the appointment went well. I met with a new doctor who patiently answered all of my questions and reassured me that taking Claritin everyday really is fine, my sleeping issues are normal and tylenol pm is perfectly fine and all of my previous blood work came back normal. He then gave me one of the things I was hoping for the most - the order for the ultrasound!! He asked that I wait a couple weeks and I obediently said yes and of course scheduled it almost 2 weeks to the day from when he gave it to me haha. Our appointment is next Tuesday (the 17th). I'll be polling everyone I know before then!

I flew up north on Thursday to visit my family. I would like to say that I had a very uneventful flight but that would be a lie. We had a terrible and turbulent descent & landing and I got horribly sick (without being graphic, no I didn't just FEEL sick; I WAS sick). The wonderful woman across the aisle from me handed me tissues and gum and was very sweet thank God. Of course I threw my pregnancy card on the table because you can't (well morally speaking) be mean to a pregnant lady. Other than that rough start, I had a fabulous weekend and it was SO great to finally see my mom and dad and give them great big hugs and have them rub my belly and give love to the baby. I got to spend so much time with my sister and nephew too. My nephew would pat my belly and say "hi baby" over and over again. It was one of the most adorable things I've ever witnessed. He is a freaking riot and I miss him already. It's so exciting to think of our baby and him playing together and in the future going to "Cousin Camp" (my mom's hilarious idea). Katie thinks if we have a girl that she'll be the boss but I don't know; Charlie bear has a pretty strong personality so we'll see! My mom, Katie and I went up to NYC to see my sister-in-law dance and Sunday, Friday was maternity shopping and Sunday went to Babies R Us and my sister gave me a ton of info on everything which was awesome. I wish I could have gotten to see some more friends but I did get a lot accomplished on my trip and came back happy but exhausted! It was just so great to spend so much time together. It always goes too fast.

Chris picked me up from the airport on Monday and we had our own little mother's day celebration. We went out to lunch and he gave me a really funny card and a beautiful necklace he picked out. We ran some errands and then went home and relaxed. All in all I had an absolutely perfect first mother's day! I can't wait until next year when I actually get to have the baby too haha.

The rest of the week is now flying by and here we are at 18 weeks, crazy! I can't believe in a couple weeks I'll be halfway through my pregnancy. Unbelievable. At the same time it seems like it is flying, it still seems so far away that we'll get to meet this little peanut. My pregnancy now is starting to be more and more enjoyable (physically speaking). I am still not sleeping 100% but it's much better than it was. I feel more energy. My belly is rounding out and looking actually pregnant. My hair looks so nice and healthy. I feel a bit more like myself! I am really enjoying being pregnant. That brings me to my letter...

Dear Baby,
I got to hear your heartbeat again. That always makes your mama so happy. I think from time to time I might feel you moving but I'm not sure if it's just wishful thinking. I have your daddy lay his head on my belly and I ask him if he can hear anybody haha so far not so much! I wonder when you like to move the most. I wonder if you're sucking your thumb like some of the books say. I cannot wait to see you again on your ultrasound so I can see those adorable arms and legs and that precious noggin. Of course we're hoping to see (or not see) something else too so please don't get too modest on us! We really cannot wait to call you our son or daughter instead of just "the baby." I was talking to your Aunt Katie the other day about how emotional it made me to think of you as my son or my daughter. It made you so very real. It made me proud of you already! I imagine I'll probably be that embarrassing mom in the bleachers yelling for you the loudest. You won't mind, right? Well, maybe when you're a teenager. Geez, a teenager?? I don't want to jump that far ahead. I am content to just think of you as a wee little thing snuggling in my arms. I like to just think of the time when you, your daddy and I will all be together. Our own little family. Your daddy said he really missed us when we were gone. I like that there is an "us." I love having you with me as my companion. Well my little one, I'm sure the next letter to you will be about how excited we are to find out if you are a little girl or boy. Until then I'll savor the anticipation of it all!

All my Love,
Mama