26 Weeks

Baby: Baby is 26 weeks and the size of a head of lettuce! He weighs about 2 lbs. All 5 of his senses are fully developed and he now has eyelashes. So along with practicing his karate moves while I'm trying to sleep at night, he is also practicing opening and closing his eyes! 

Weight: At my last midwife appointment I was up 14 lbs. That was two weeks ago and I swear I'm at least an inch or two rounder than I was then. So I'd say I've gained another pound or two. The jeans I'm wearing above (which are awesome and can be found here) are my only pants I can wear without a belly band now. So I definitely see some maternity shopping happening in my future!  

Symptoms: I am one week away from the 3rd trimester and am just now experiencing the 2nd trimester bliss. You know, the feeling great all the time, energized, no nausea, beautiful hair and nails, etc. that pregnant women claim they begin to experience around week 12? Well, those pregnant women...I hate them. I was throwing up and nauseated every day until about week 22. Then I started experiencing lower back pain and horrible restless leg syndrome at night. It wasn't until week 24 that I began feeling myself again and experienced a resurgence of energy. Now, I really am feeling great (minus the cold...but I'll take congestion and a little cough any day over nausea and restless leg syndrome)! I hope this phase lasts long into the 3rd trimester...but from what I've been reading, that seems very unlikely. Soon the uncomfortable(ness) will begin and I'll again want to punch people in the face. Hey, maybe there is a silver lining to all this though? Maybe a rough pregnancy means an easy labor ;) A girl can dream!!

Sleep: These days, I fear for my life at night. Getting up every couple hours to go pee really isn't that big of a deal to me, but as I get bigger and my sense of equilibrium begins to deteriorate Huckleberry has become an issue. That dog changes sleeping spots at least a dozen times every night! I've tripped over him so often these last few weeks while trying to make my way to the restroom that I'm beginning to think I need to sleep with a flashlight beside my bed. But he's just so darn cute I pat him on the head and apologize every time. I love that golden butt head. 

Cravings/Aversions: I just love food and seem to have an unending appetite. I don't get full anymore, which goes against everything I've been reading. (i.e. "pregnant women need to eat 6 small meals a day because they don't have as much room and get full quickly..blah, blah, blah" or something like that). Yeah, that's not me. If you put a box of doughnut holes in front of me I'll eat the entire thing, in record time, and then ask for more. I don't get full. Ever. I don't stop eating. Ever. I blame it on not being able to eat basically anything the first 20 weeks, not my lack of self-control. Lord, help me as the holiday season approaches...

Body: I'm huge. Some days I think it's cute, other days I think it's disgusting. It's all worth it though every time I feel this little guy kick! Steven's great and makes me feel pretty even when I'm certain I am anything but. That guy sure does love me.

Random Thoughts: We took our first Bradley Method birthing class last week and I really enjoyed it! It was fun to meet with other first time parents who share my passion for holistic living and natural birth. I think they will be a great support system for us throughout the remainder of our pregnancy. 

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Seeing our little man's nursery come together is such an exciting feeling! We have been so blessed by my family on the east coast that we pretty much have all the big pieces now --crib, dresser, pack 'n play, mattress. I love just sitting in his nursery and running my hands over everything. It makes me feel more connected to him somehow. 

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I had a crazy realization last night that this time next year our little one will be 8 months old and celebrating his very first holiday season! How different things will be in just one short year!

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Are you guys getting sick of my pregnancy updates? Hang in there, we only have about 14 more weeks and then you'll have newborn baby pictures to get sick of! I know, the excitement can be overwhelming. ;) Hope you're having a great week!