Week 25

Baby is the Size of a Cauliflower

25 weeks. 4 days

He now knows which way is up and which way is down. 

How far along? 25 weeks

Maternity clothes? This weekend I went to visit my parents, and my mom spoiled me with a new fall/winter wardrobe!  I'm a lucky girl :)  Now I have sweaters that are long enough, pajama pants that don't cut off my circulation, and undies that fit in all the right places.  Isn't pregnancy fun?

Stretch marks? I either have good genes or the stretch mark lotion is magic because I still don't have any and all my students have been making comments this week on how big I am- thanks, guys. 

Sleep: Between the frequent bathroom trips and adding things to my endless to-do list I'm not sleeping for long periods of time anymore. 

Best moment(s) this week: 

-Spending the weekend with my parents-- it was nice to get out of town and spend some quality time with them before the baby is here!

-Today is October 27th.  Today 1989 came out.  Today is a good day.  Harrison is going to come out as Taylor's #1 fan.  Sorry, honey.

Miss Anything? Not anything specific this week- all is well in pregnancy land.

Movement: He's still a little ninja in there.  My parents got to feel him kick for the first time, which was very special. 

He had hiccups for the first time this week!  It felt like a constant twitch that lasted about five minutes. 

Food cravings:

Cereal- when did cinnamon toast crunch get so delicious??

Apples- the pre-sliced snack bags were BOGO at Publix and I can't get enough!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Still chicken.  I wonder if I'll ever get over that. 

Gender: Bowties

Labor Signs: Nope

Symptoms: 

-Headaches- Usually when I wake up or need to eat, but they only last for a little while. 

-Backaches- I'm still having pain in between my shoulder blades, and occasionally in my lower back.
-Fun fact: My uterus is now the size of a soccer ball.  Terrified?  Ya, me too.  

Belly Button in or out? Still in. 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and excited!

Looking forward to: Enjoying the last week of my second trimester.  Everyone says it goes downhill during the third, so I want to enjoy feeling this well as long as possible!

I'm also still looking forward to finishing the nursery- I think we finally have all of our ideas in place and now we just need to execute them.  The crib is almost done- it just needs to be painted!  I have almost everything I need, but I'm not ready to commit to hanging anything until the furniture is in there, so it's just a waiting game right now. 

Week 24

Baby is the Size of a Cantaloupe 

This week was action packed with a doctor's appointment and our baby moon! 

24 weeks, 3 days

Harrison's ears and nails are complete by this week.
He is also growing hair! 

On Tuesday, I had my monthly check-up, which included my glucose test.  The drink wasn't so bad- it tasted like Hawaiian Punch with a few extra tablespoons of sugar.  I instantly felt like I was on a sugar high and then crashed, which is when they took my blood, but as soon as I ate I felt fine.  I'm still waiting to hear back on my results, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that binge eating donuts and cookie dough the last few months did not lead to any gestational diabetes.  I got to hear baby's heartbeat again and was reassured that all is going well with my not so little nugget.

Mike and I took off a day of work this week to indulge in a nice long weekend together and enjoy our last vacation as a family of two.  We went to Sand Key and could not have asked for a better weekend.  We relaxed, soaked up some much needed sun, walked along the sandy shore, watched another FSU victory, hit up Ikea, explored the sea life at the Florida Aquarium, and enjoyed being baby-free for the last time in our foreseeable future. 

How far along? 24 weeks

Maternity clothes? Say it with me... yoga pants.

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: Thanks to a king size, dog free bed in the hotel, I finally caught up on some much needed zzz's.  

Best moment(s) this week: 

-Our babymoon! 

Miss Anything? Wine, beer, champagne, cocktails... I would have really enjoyed a glass of wine while overlooking the ocean on our balcony this weekend, but I know the wait will be worth it.  

Movement: So much movement!  I feel him all the time, so when I don't I get a little worried, but then I poke him and he kicks me right back.  And I always laugh!  It cracks me up that I'm already giggling over this baby and I don't even know what he looks like. 

Food cravings: Our continental breakfast had donuts.  Could this weekend have been any better?!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Chicken.  Especially wings.  

Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: No, but as I get closer to my due date I'm actually feeling less nervous about labor.  I'm just so excited for him to be here!

Symptoms: 

-Front heavy-  I'm starting to feel the weight of my belly now.  I feel slightly off balance and have a pain between my shoulder blades.  
-Weight Gain- 14.6 lbs so far.  I'm starting to see the numbers go up on the scale more quickly these days.  I haven't added extra donuts to my diet, so this must mean that Harrison is starting to plump up! 

Belly Button in or out? In, but getting shallower by the day. 

Wedding rings on or off? On... I think they are going to make it through this pregnancy.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and stress free for the time being.

Looking forward to: My shower in a few weeks!  I can't wait to celebrate with everyone! 

Week 23

Baby is the Size of a Bunch of Grapes

23 weeks, 5 days

Harrison is listening to voices and my heartbeat, has fully formed facial features (eek!), 

weighs over a pound, and is forming nipples.

How far along? 23 weeks

Maternity clothes? Absolutely.  I desperately need mascara, but have been avoiding Target because I can't stay away from the maternity section.  I might need an intervention.  

Stretch marks? No. 

Sleep: Sleeping long periods of time is getting less and less frequent.  I'm either readjusting my position, getting up to pee, or thinking about everything that still needs to be done.  They really need to make a pregnancy safe Nyquil.  Million dollar idea?

Best moment(s) this week: 

-Having an abnormally large piece of cookie cake delivered to my classroom on Friday.  Jessica never disappoints in feeding the preggo at work- thanks lady!  After a LONG week of homecoming craziness it was a much needed and deserved slice of heaven.  It's the little things. 

-Finding out that if anything were to happen and my baby came now that he is viable--meaning the doctor's would do everything they could to save him.  Of course, I want him to cook for a while longer, but it's comforting to know that in case of emergency he is strong enough to survive.  

Miss Anything? At the moment, no.  Most days I actually prefer being pregnant.  People are nicer, I feel comfortable in my body, I'm required to eat extra food.... if wine was allowed I would do this like six more times. 

Movement: I'm starting to notice patterns developing, which is helpful when people want to feel him kick.  I felt him kick up around my ribs for the first time the other morning when I woke up- the kicks never hurt, but they do take me by surprise sometimes.  

Food cravings: I finally bought more chocolate chip edible cookie dough today.  The monster flavor was not cutting it.  I want to kiss whoever invented this delicious dough.  I also finally realized what I've been craving throughout my whole pregnancy- cereal.  I knew I was eating more cereal than usual, but when I looked in the recycling bin and saw three empty boxes  of my childhood favorites I realized the extent of my true craving.  I would have it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if my husband would let me, but he seems to think I need a variety of foods in my diet for the baby... I guess he's right just this once. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: The thought of raw chicken.  Mike suggested chicken the other night and it made my stomach turn.  I still enjoy  chicken, but only if it's prepared in a kitchen outside of my line of vision. 

Gender: Mini-Mike

Labor Signs: No, thankfully.  Braxton Hicks contractions could start around this time, but I haven't felt anything yet and I would like to keep it that way.  

Symptoms: 

-Feeling lightheaded- I know it's time to eat (protein specifically) when I start feeling a little weak.  

-Pregnancy brain is still in full force

-Exhaustion has returned, how cruel.  I would like my energy back now please.  

Belly Button in or out? In, but it is totally still freaking me out.  I used to have a super innie; it was an abyss.  Now I can see the bottom of my belly button, which I never knew existed.  There are so many odd things about pregnancy, but this is the one that weirds me out the most.  

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: I can go from Jekyll to Hyde quickly, but I was relatively happy this week.  

Looking forward to: Meeting Harrison!  I had my first real moment of really wanting him here this week.  Of course, I've always been excited to meet him, but this was an all consuming feeling of needing to see his face, kiss him, smell him, and hold him close.  I absolutely cannot wait to meet my son.  

And... I wanted to give you a preview of the crib!  Mike still has some finishing touches to put on it, like the bottom portion, but I'm so proud of this piece he created just for us!  

Week 22

Baby is the Size of an Ear of Corn

22 weeks, 4 days
Top of the Newseum in DC

Baby H is about a foot tall and weighs around 1 pound!
He is also sleeping around 12 to 14 hours a day.

How far along? 22 weeks

Maternity clothes? Oh yes. I think this might be my favorite part of pregnancy.  This and the donuts.  

Stretch marks? I almost had a meltdown in the shower because I thought I saw one, but it was a false alarm.  

Sleep: I'm really missing my 2-3 hour nap sessions from the summer.  They should really have naps embedded into work schedules.  Google has nap pods- think they'll hire me?

Best moment(s) this week: My trip to DC to visit my high school bestie Nicole and I got a bonus of seeing another wonderful friend, Erin.  I had such a fantastic weekend and I can't wait to go back and enjoy the 1 cent mimosas her local brunch place has to offer.  Seriously- 1. cent. mimosas.  It was a much needed vaca and Harrison and I were spoiled by Nicole, the weather, and all of the delicious food DC has to offer (I may or may not have had all you can eat brunch, which included multiple warm cinnamon rolls).  

Miss Anything? Being worry free.  I know that I'll never be worry free again, but for different reasons.  I miss being able to eat and drink without worrying about the ingredients.

Movement: I'm not sure what he's doing in there, but it feels like he is practicing for the World Cup.  His movements are getting much stronger and now that he has control over his movements I'm convinced he is kicking me on purpose.  Call it mother's intuition (or being around my husband for 7 years) but this is going to be one active baby.  

Food cravings: Remember my obsession with cookie dough last week?  Ya, I'm still obsessed.  I finished the chocolate chip container and bought the monster flavor.  Warning: Do not buy the monster flavor- not all cookie dough flavors are made equal.  My heart breaks a little each time I open the fridge and realize that's the only one I have in there.  I clearly need to make a Fresh Market stop this week before I cry about it.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not that I can think of

Gender: Dude

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: 

-Pregnancy Brain- If I don't write it down then it's gone.  It's like my thoughts evaporate.  The frustrating part is that I know I had something to say or do, but I just can't remember what it was. 

-Weight Gain- I've gained 11 pounds so far.  This is the time the pounds should start packing on as Harrison gains fat.  I am so proud of myself for being ok with this.  I mean, I'm allowed to enjoy donuts, who wouldn't be ok with that?

-Hunger- I feel like my stomach growls all day even though I'm constantly snacking.  It's very rare that I feel full these days. 

Belly Button in or out? In, but slowly changing.   

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Both- feeling a little overwhelmed, but getting away this weekend really helped me regroup.

Looking forward to: Watching my bump grow!  It blows my mind that it keeps getting larger.  I'm afraid that my skin will pop, but it just keeps stretching and making room.  Pregnancy is baffling.  

Week 21

Baby is the size of a {Baby} Bok Choy

21 weeks, 5 days
GO NOLES!

My apps have me all confused with my edible comparison options this week,
so I went with baby bok choy.  I also forgot to search for it at the store, so thanks to google images.

Harrison is about 10.5 inches and is starting to put on some fat.

How far along? 21 weeks

Maternity clothes? When is it acceptable to start wearing yoga pants to work?  

Stretch marks? So far, so good. 

Sleep: Is that something people do for more than an hour at a time?  I can't remember... 

Best moment(s) this week: Having my best friend Kristin make a spontaneous trip to come see me (and a few other people)!  It took some convincing via snap chat, but by Friday afternoon she was in her car and on the way to good ol' Jacksonville.  We got to catch up, watch the game, design the nursery, and of course shop for Baby H.

Miss Anything? Brunch.  I mean the food is great and all, but I could really use a mimosa.      

Movement: Harrison has been out in full force this week!  I think he might be a ninja.  I feel him throughout the day and constantly in the evening and at night.  If this is the pattern he is developing, then I see some very long nights in my future.  I also saw my stomach move due to his kicks or punches for the first time.  Of course every time I try to record it he gets camera shy.  

Food cravings: Did you know that they make edible, egg-free cookie dough?  They do, and it's spectacular.  I'm eating it right now.  Good-bye donuts, hello cookie dough!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not this week

Gender: Little man :)

Labor Signs: Noooooooooooo

Symptoms: 

-Hunger- I am a bottomless pit. 

-Pregnancy Brain- it's real and it's happening.  See comment about bok choy above.  

Belly Button in or out? Innie. 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! I'm feeling great, I have a cookie dough in my hand, and we are making progress on the nursery!  

Looking forward to: Mike finishing the crib- almost done!

Week 20

Baby is the Size of a Banana

Holy [insert explicative of choice here]!  We are halfway there.  When, why, how did this happen!?  I am beyond thrilled to be halfway there because that means I'm that much closer to holding my sweet baby boy and a glass of wine, but I'm not sure where the time went.  Some days it feels like I've been pregnant forever, but most days I look down and am confused about whether I ate too many Chipotle burritos or if there is actually a tiny human inside of me.  

This week we had our 20 weeks check-up and I am so grateful that all is well in the world of Baby Hall.  I was nervous going into this appointment because all three of my apps kept emphasizing that this would be the appointment where the doctor could really see if something was not developing correctly.  I know that a majority of people have normal, healthy pregnancies, but there is always a chance that something could go wrong so it was such a relief to know that he's healthy and happy in there.    

20 weeks, 4 days
Harrison's first trip to Disney World! 

Harrison is becoming more responsive and aware as his nervous system becomes more developed.

Harrison Updates:

-Harrison is currently 14 oz.  My app says he should be about 10.4 oz this week.  The ultrasound tech said his weight is healthy and means he's doing well in there.  Harrison- please don't be a huge baby; we have some seriously cute newborn clothes I need to squeeze you into.  Also, I'm not sure if my body can handle anything over 8 pounds.  I'll slow down on the donuts to help you out. 

-The ultrasound tech also commented on a feature Harrison must be getting from his father- LONG LEGS!  Those most certainly did not come from me.    

-I'm still in the process of meeting all of the doctors at my practice, and every time we meet someone new they all have the same comment for Harrison- "He's SO active in there!"  What I'm gathering is that my son is going to be a mini-me of his dad- busy!! His heart rate was 155 bpm, which is still so awesome to hear!  Mike bought me a heart rate monitor for my birthday, which we can start using at 26 weeks- can't wait to listen to Baby H at home! 

-My due date has been officially changed. My doctor changed my due date on paper last time, which I didn't know, to January 29th.  This time the doctor said she was moving it to January 27th.  I told her I was still under the impression that it was February 3rd, so she changed it to February 1st to meet in the middle.  I know that most first babies come late, so I'm going to stick with the 3rd, and if he comes before that I'll be one happy mama.  Unless it happens at work- that is my worst nightmare.  No offense to my students, but the last thing I want to see as I go into labor is my classroom.  

How far along? 20 weeks

Maternity clothes? Of course.  I bought myself some new jeans and work pants this week.  I'm concerned I may never go back to regular pants.  

Stretch marks? Not at the moment.  If there is a stretch mark god, thank you and keep up the good work.  

Sleep: It is what it is.

Best moment(s) this week: 

1) Hearing our baby is happy and healthy and seeing his cute little nugget self move around in there.

2)The kicks-- I just adore them!

3) Spontaneous trip to Disney World.  I know we won't be able to take last minute trips once Baby H is here, so we are taking advantage while we can.

Miss Anything? Sleeping on my back and stomach.  I'll never take that for granted again. 

Movement: SO MUCH!  I am feeling him so much more this week- in the morning, occasionally during the day, and always at night for longer periods of time.  Mike even felt him once this week.  H was going nuts in there so Mike rested his hand on my belly and about a minute later he started partying again and Mike said he felt it on his palm.  He was amazed.  I love when he can share in these experiences, because most of his baby experiences so far have been building cribs and breaking down boxes.  When he talks about Harrison I fall more in love with him- I can't wait to see our bond and marriage grow after H is here.  

Food cravings: Still cereal, raisins, and anything pastry like!  I made the mistake of having a cronut at Disney World.  Now I want more and I can't have them!  I'm not sure if a donut will cut it after having something so much more delicious.  *Note to self- open a local cronut shop. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: No complaints this week.

Gender: Still a boy- confirmed again this week! 

Labor Signs: No. NO.

Symptoms: 

-Weight Gain - We are halfway through and I have gained 8.4 lbs.  In the first trimester, I lost about two pounds due to nausea and probably from my lack of wine consumption.  I thought the numbers on the scale would freak me out, but it actually excites me when I gain a little because it means he's growing.  I've gained slowly and steadily so far, and I'm hoping I can keep up this pace for the rest of my pregnancy.  

Belly Button in or out? In- please stay in. 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy happy! 

Looking forward to: My baby shower in a little over a month!  I saw the invites this week and I can't wait to celebrate with everyone! 

Week 19

Baby is the Size of a Mango

19 weeks, 3 days

Harrison's 5 senses are developing.
Hopefully Biz develops the sense that his baby brother is on the way.

I celebrated my 27th birthday this week and was spoiled rotten with gifts for my sweet baby, which is all I wanted.  Thank you to everyone who made my day so special.  Here's a look at some of the goods :)

Botany Graco Rocker
Biz was not enthused about testing this product

Botany Graco Stroller with Carseat
 Harrison's sweet ride

Grows with baby!

Diaper Bag

Harrison's first monogrammed outfit!

How far along? 19 weeks

Maternity clothes? I get to wear pants with elastic.  I don't think it gets better than this.     

Stretch marks? No- maybe I'll get lucky!

Sleep: I've given up on hoping to sleep through the night.  I'm constantly waking myself up to switch sides or use the restroom.  I'm learning to live with less sleep, which I hear comes in handy once the baby arrives.

Best moment(s) this week: 

-The gift of a cinnamon bun.  My sweet, sweet friend  Jessica brought me a cinnamon bun on my birthday at work.  This was the best start to my day.

Miss Anything? Enjoying a glass of wine after a long day of work.    

Movement: I'm LOVING the kicks!  It feels like pop rocks in my tummy and it's the coolest feeling ever.  It's so reassuring and makes me feel much more connected to my little nugget.  

Food cravings: Cereal and raisins still.  My sweet tooth is out of control.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Chicken.  Unless it's on a Chipotle burrito.  

Gender: Baby Boy

Labor Signs: No.... but I am so terrified of what's to come. 

Symptoms: 

-Ligament Pain

Belly Button in or out? In.... and still changing.  It is really freaking me out.

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happier this week.  And so grateful for family and friends.

Looking forward to: Reaching the halfway mark!