Week 16

Baby is the Size of an Avocado 

This week was insane in the best way possible.  One doctor's appointment, one ultrasound appointment, one gender reveal party, one new Taylor Swift song, and a whole new batch of 9th and 10th graders.  I'm exhausted, emotional, and smiling from ear to ear.

16 weeks, 5 days

Baby can hear my beautiful voice singing Taylor Swift

On Monday, school was back in session and I had my 16 week appointment.  All was well and I got to hear the baby's heartbeat (165).  Taylor Swift also released "Shake It Off," which I'm pretty sure my baby is going to come out singing since it's the only thing I've listened to for the past six days (you're welcome unborn child).  The following day we had our gender scan at what I kept calling a "special place."  My husband thought the "special place" sounded like a van in a back alley, but it was nothing of the sort and we had a fantastic experience.  Mike and I closed our eyes (it was SO hard not to peek) while Nicole, Adelyn, and the ultrasound tech checked out our baby's goods.  Then we got to watch our little nugget move around on screen and try to count the fingers and toes (we know at least one hand has 5).

Welcome Sign

Thumbs up!

Saturday was our gender reveal party, which I thought would never arrive.  Each day seemed to last longer and longer.  IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT.  We are so lucky to have such incredible friends.  The reveal was above and beyond and we are so grateful.  I'm overwhelmed by the amazing family and friends we have... someone bring me a box of kleenex please.

There are a ton of other amazing details, which you can find on my Facebook album.  I didn't want to post all 70 of them here.  Yesterday was incredible, my emotions are still running high, and it's really sinking in today.

The beautiful and talented party planners.

The fam! 

My surprise guest!  Serious tears happened upon her arrival.  

 I'm so lucky to have such an amazing group of girlfriends (including those not pictured or present).  We didn't get a shot of the boys, which is unusual for us. Thank you again for coming to share in our special day.

Moments before the reveal...

And now for the BEST part!  Baby Hall is a...

BOY!!!!!!!

How far along? 16 weeks

Maternity clothes? YES.  I had a meltdown at 6AM on Wednesday because my work pants did not fit.  Not even close.  I tried the bella band and the rubber band trick and it just wasn't happening.  I stared at the clothes in my closet for a solid 15 minutes before I threw on a maxi dress, threw my work pants on the floor, and called it a day (after a near panic attack). Thanks Mom for buying me some new pants today so I can keep the breakdowns to a minimum. 

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: This week has been exhausting, but the cause of that is 5:15 AM alarm clocks.    

Best moment(s) this week: 

FINDING OUT WE ARE HAVING A BOY!!!!!! And being surrounded by our family and friends in the process.  Seriously, I am so freaking amazed at the love everyone has given us.  

Miss Anything? Champagne.  I would have loved a nice glass of bubbly this weekend.  I faked it with some sparkling grape juice, but that just doesn't cut it.  

Movement: The doctor told me I should feel it soon, so I'm waiting patiently.  

Food cravings: I'm still enjoying sweets (DONUTS!!!) and milk, but beef tacos are my new best friend (extra sour cream, please). 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Meat is still weirding me out, but if it's mixed in with something I'm ok. Except tacos, I can eat tacos all day long.  

Gender: BOY!!!!!!! I'm thrilled and my husband is a word that means more than thrilled (ecstatic?).  I went shopping this morning with the ladies pictured above and my mom and Baby H already has the best wardrobe in the neighborhood.  I have a feeling my husband might be cutting up my J. Crew credit card soon...  

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: 

-Back pain- I'm blaming this partially on my growing belly and also on going back to work. It's been a long time since I stood on my feet for 7 hours a day.  I got a snoogle today, which I'm cuddled up with on the couch now.  I have a feeling that tonight the schnauzer and I will be bundled up in it together.   

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY.  MORE THAN HAPPY. WEEEE!!!! :D 

Looking forward to: Picking out a middle name for Baby H and preparing for our baby boy!  We'll announce the full name soon (hopefully).  If we don't my friends are going to start monogramming and we'll be stuck with whatever letter they choose.