Now we wait....

    We are 38 weeks and everything seems ready for Baby Taylor to come.  Hospital registration has been sent, nursery is finished, essentials are bought, bags are packed, food is made and frozen, house is clean....now we wait.  I bet, because I have all that stuff done, that we will wait for another 3 weeks :-)  I am now going to make a fun to-do list with all kinds of books I want to read (not baby-related) and things I want to do to keep me busy and my mind off of having this baby.

  Last Thursday after our ultrasound I wasn't feeling great and since then developed a severe ear and sinus infection.  I tried fighting it as best as I could, but getting only about an hour of sleep for a few nights in a row wore me down even more and I wasn't able to get over it.  I went to the doctor and they were able to give me some meds to help.  I feel better; still not 100% but I definitely have more energy.  The thought of going into labor while feeling so sick was scary!

     We have had a busy week with the holidays!  We had a great time with family this past week and are so excited about next year and having an "almost-one-year-old" to share the holiday with :-)  It will be so different than this year!

   I have been trying to schedule in as much time with family and friends this week before Baby Taylor comes. I had breakfast with my cousin Chelsea at my grandma's yesterday, where Grandma made us some yummy pancakes! I then met Shelby for lunch, and it is always so much fun catching up with her! We always seem to pick up right where we left off!  Today I am headed up to Ames to meet Lizz and hopefully see her baby bump!  Kevin and Greta are back in town so we will plan to meet up with them later today!  I still have so many of you that I want to sit down and catch up with before Baby Taylor comes :-)

   Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!


How far along: 38 weeks
Sleep: Well with my sinus/ear infection I didn't really sleep at all!
Best Moment this week: Christmas!
Miss Anything: Nothing that I can think of this week!
Movement: Like crazy!
Food Cravings: Nope-Christmas dinner was satisfying :-)
Gender:  I'm hanging out in the boy camp now :-)  Doug has had two dreams that it is a boy -I haven't had any!
Labor Signs: Just some Braxton-hicks here and there.  Nothing to get concerned about!
Symptoms: All kinds of them ....
Wedding Rind on or off?:  Off
Belly Button in or out: Well it isn't out, but it isn't really in either
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: Baby Taylor coming!

38 weeks

Belly on Christmas

Carly Moe (38 weeks)

Carly Moe loves hanging out with Mama over Christmas break

Last Christmas as a family of three  (yes Carly Moe counts as a member of the family)

One of our awesome Christmas presents!

Full Term & Another Ultrasound

         Thirty-seven weeks, full-term, could-go-any-day; where did the time go??  I swear I was just typing about being tired (well I'm still tired) and morning sickness (or all-day sickness).  At my 36-week appointment our midwife said that I/baby continued measuring big and so she ordered an ultrasound to just check on baby and fluid levels.  I was at 36 weeks and was measuring 38 weeks.

        We had our ultrasound yesterday and got to see a very plump, filled-out baby, much different than the tiny, skinny, skeleton-looking baby at week 20.  We saw Baby sucking, holding on to his/her feet, and moving all around.  The ultrasound tech said our baby has an average sized head and legs, but has a big belly :-)  She also said she could see a double chin.  Guess Baby Taylor will look more like Doug did when he was a baby.  

       We got some cute pictures of Baby Taylor's face, but it put tears in my eyes, because now all I want to do is see his/her face for real! I can't stop picturing it and wanting to see it more clearly!  Everything else looks good from the ultrasound and by ultrasound Baby is only measuring about a week big. She estimated he/she was about 7 pounds.  

      Now we wait:  it could be tomorrow it could be a month from now.  Only Baby gets to decide (which is really hard for this mama).  

      We have hired a Doula Collective: they have 3 doulas that work together on an on-call basis so that way someone is always available. You meet with each one so that you are familiar with them all. We met with our third doula this week.  She was great and offered some great suggestions for laboring at home for a while to decrease our time at the hospital (where interventions would be offered).  One of the nice things about these doulas is that they will come to your house and help you labor at home. It will be a nice reassurance to know we are doing things correctly :-)  

   I have an amazing class of students this year.  They planned a surprise baby shower for me yesterday where they gave me the stroller we had registered for.  I was shocked: first about the surprise, because I literally had no idea, and second about the gift! Wow!  Earlier in the week my Dad, De, and the girls gave us our Christmas presents a little early which included an extra car seat base and stroller.  We will have to return one of the strollers, but will definitely use the money for all the baby essentials that we need (or don't even know we need yet).  

     I think that I would really like to wait until January to have this baby, for lots of reasons, but I also just can't wait to meet him/her.  I want to see who he/she looks like and if he/she really does have a double chin :-)  Over Winter Break I plan to finish up my Baby-To-Do list and sit and wait for Baby to come.  Updates to come......

    We were able to celebrate on Christmas so far with my step-mom's side of the family! We will do a small Christmas brunch with my Dad, De, and my sisters this weekend and then next week fill in all the rest :-)  Doug scored another goal in hockey last week and made a few great plays; he is getting too good :-)

Merry Christmas everyone-we hope that you can spend your holiday with all those that you love!

How far along: 37 weeks
Sleep: I haven't been feeling great the last couple of days (I'm starting to get a cold) so that makes sleep, which didn't come easy before, even more difficult.
Best Moment this week: Seeing our baby's face on an ultrasound picture and knowing everything is going just fine in there!
Miss Anything: Being able to move, especially at night.  I am so exhausted by the time I get home, just getting up is hard to do :-)  Not sure how anyone has a second kid because being this exhausted and having to chase a toddler around sounds impossible!
Movement: Yes even though he/she is running out of room!
Food Cravings: Nothing this week!
Gender:  I have switched to boy now.  I thought the ultrasound picture of Baby's face looked like a boy :-) Who knows?!
Labor Signs: I'm pretty sure I have been having a few Braxton-Hicks contractions, but since I haven't ever done this before I am not really sure.
Symptoms: Oh there are too many to list ...
Wedding Rind on or off?:  Off
Belly Button in or out: In -but I don't have much time left before I get an "outie"
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and so anxious!
Looking forward to: Christmas!

This is a picture of Baby Taylor's face! Isn't it just the cutest thing ever!

This one is hard to see, but Baby Taylor's hand is holding onto one of his/her feet!

Nursery is Done...all except for the baby!

    We have put all the finishing touches on the nursery and it is finally completed! All we need now, is the baby.  We certainly don't want to meet our little one yet, but we are getting closer and closer to that time.  I knew before even getting pregnant that I wanted to do a Dr. Seuss theme for the nursery, but didn't want the traditional red, white, and blue Cat in the Hat decor.

    After finding the furniture we liked I enlisted help from Casady (Doug's Cousin-she is awesome) to help me find some fabrics that would look good.  She is amazing and really helped steer my visions into reality!  I ended up ordering the fabrics online and making the bedding, curtains, and pillows myself, because I couldn't find anything in stores that I liked.  It took many hours of thinking, visualizing, cutting, ironing, and sewing, but it all came together and I couldn't be happier with it.

    We then had to find the final decorations and again Casady came through for me by printing the Dr. Seuss sayings and putting them in frames for me!  Doug had the last saying printed by Kness Signs and we hung it up this week.

    Everything really fell into place with the nursery and we just love it.  Sometimes I will just stand in the doorway, stare at the room, and try to picture what our lives are going to be like in just a few short weeks.  I can't ever seem to picture it :-)

    I am sure in a few years our new little one will want something completely different for his/ her room, maybe Dora, Thomas the Train, or the next latest Disney character, but for now the thought of having Dr. Seuss surrounding our little one is perfect! It takes me back to my childhood when my mom and dad would read to me each night before bed and Dr. Seuss was always a favorite (even though his books are really long and I think both my mom and dad skipped pages).

    It is crazy to think that we are at week 36 this week.  Only a few more to go. I have had people tell me that I look like I have "dropped," that I look "done," and that I could have this baby "today."  Everyone has an opinion I guess :-)  I am still feeling really good, although a few more "third trimester symptoms" have blessed me with their presence.  I am more tired and having trouble sleeping much more than a few hours at a time, which is all just cruel practice to get me ready for a newborn, I am sure!  I have experienced some heartburn lately (can you overdose on Tums?!), but other than that I really feel great.

   I will have to say that this baby is going to run out of room very soon. There are times he/she will kick and it feels like it's in my back, throat, or ribs.  Supposedly (according to BabyCenter.com) he/she is over 18 1/2 inches long and weighs close to 6 pounds.  I have my next appointment on Tuesday, where I will do my Group B strep test and make sure everything looks/sounds good for the coming weeks.

    I am always so busy writing about myself and the new baby that I forget to update you on anything else.  Not that much is new besides getting ready for the new baby :-)  Holidays are just around the corner, we have our first of many Christmases tomorrow with my step-mom's side of the family.  We are excited to spend Christmas Eve with Doug's side and then Christmas day with my mom's side. Doug has been busy with working, helping me run errands and get ready for the baby, and his weekly hockey game.  He scored his first goal two weeks ago and it was pretty cool!  He was really excited and I was glad I was there to see it!  He has team pictures and a game tomorrow afternoon as well.



How far along: 36 weeks
Sleep: I sleep for a few hours and then wake up to go to the bathroom. I lay awake for 1/2 hour-hour at a few different points during the night.  Again just cruel practice for the newborn coming!
Best Moment this week: My mom had her 6 month check up and remains cancer free.  With Christmas coming up, what better gift could I ask for!?  Now she is down to yearly check-ups! Way to go Mom (Grandma).
Miss Anything: Anything that involves bending over-it is really hard to pick things up and I swear I drop things more often now than ever before!
Movement: It's coming from every direction now!
Food Cravings: Woody's Smoke Shack (craving satisfied-it was yummy) and some hot chocolate (I plan on getting some tonight while we drive around to look at Christmas lights)
Gender:  It's funny because this week alone I had 4 people tell me they think it's a boy.  Doug has now confidently switched to the "girl" camp, but I am still sitting in no-man's-land right in the middle going back and forth depending on the day.
Labor Signs: nothing so far
Symptoms: heartburn, not sleeping, a giant belly, it's pretty hard to miss the fact that I am pregnant :-)
Wedding Rind on or off?:  Off for now.  I can still slip on my ring if I have to, but I would say from here on out I will probably just wear my cheap Pandora ring :-)
Belly Button in or out: In -but I don't have much time left before I get an "outie"
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy- I am so excited for what's coming and really trying to enjoy every minute of this pregnancy. I have a feeling I am going to miss being pregnant and feeling the baby move inside of me!
Looking forward to: Christmas!

This is the bassinet the baby will sleep in for a while in our room .

This is the nursery (it's a little dark sorry

Our glider with the home-made pillows and baby's new stuffed elephant

The little bench seat with some of baby's soon-to-be favorite books.

Crib with saying and elephant above it

Look at all that amazing bedding :-)

Saying and Elephant above the crib.  A person's a person no matter how small. -Dr. Seuss

Dresser with sayings above it (the "S" in the orange picture frame stands for "skeeterbug" which is Aunt Sherrie's nickname for the new baby.  It has nothing to do with the baby's real name, girl or boy)

Perfect gray and white lamp

Sayings above the dresser (thanks Casady).  "Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive that is youer than you."  "You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose." -Dr. Seuss

35 weeks

36 weeks

Maternity Pictures/ 34 Weeks/ Thanksgiving

   We have an incredibly talented, amazing family friend that did our maternity pictures for us last weekend and we couldn't be happier with the pictures.  She is so reasonably priced and makes taking pictures really comfortable and relaxing!  Check her out: Lauren Campbell at www.laurencampbellphotography.com

  Here are a few of the pictures that I just love.  Now I can't wait to see what she does for newborn pictures for Baby Taylor.  I know they will be perfect!!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Hope you had a day filled with family and good food.  We were able to spend the day with my step-mom De's side of the family, also stopped by my mom's side as well, and ended the day at Doug's side at The General Store.  They were all so conveniently located within just a few miles of each other and our house, which is kind of nice.

Wednesday, I rode with Kyle, Jamie, and Jaxson up to Story City for Lizz and Jordan's gender reveal party.  I am so excited for their big news!!  Now to wait and see what we will be adding to the bunch as well! It was so nice to get to catch up with friends and talk "baby."

Usually my mom and I do some Black Friday shopping, but this year we didn't really need much.  I couldn't resist and did go out about 8:00 this morning to the mall and Kohl's.  I bought myself a few things.  We have decided that this baby is everyone's Christmas present (so don't be disappointed when you don't get a present from us!), so there isn't much that I need to go buy!  Just a few more baby things needed and we will be ready!

We had our 34 week appointment this week and everything is looking good.  Baby Taylor is definitely head down which is a good sign, although we aren't quite ready to meet him/her yet.

How far along: 34 weeks
Sleep: Some nights are better than others.  I think I am actually sleeping better than I did in my first or second trimester, although some nights I get up 5 or 6 times to go to the bathroom.  I have a lot (I mean a lot) of pillows that I sleep with. Sorry Doug :-)
Best Moment this week: Lots of things: getting to see our amazing maternity pictures, Thanksgiving, Jordan and Lizz's gender reveal, great 34 week midwife appointment, having a few days off from school and getting to cuddle with my puppy dog Carly Moe!
Miss Anything: I currently am only able to wear about 3 different pairs of shoes, because my feet are swelling, which is so sad!  I have been wearing some compression socks which REALLY seems to be helping! I highly recommend them!
Movement: I don't officially do the "count the kicks," because he/she moves so much that I don't need to count them :-)
Food Cravings:  Nope
Anything making you sick or queasy: I don't know why I don't just take this one off of here; just the grilled chicken breast (which has been the same since I got pregnant).
Gender:  I still don't feel that motherly instinct that just knows one way or the other.  I go back and forth depending on the day.  For today, I'll pick girl.
Labor Signs: nothing so far
Symptoms: Swollen feet and hands (especially if I get hot), big belly :-), a little more crying (although not a freakout)-thanks mom for listening and trying to hide your giggles (I did hear one!)
Wedding Rind on or off?:  I officially went and bought another ring (just a small silver band from Pandora) to wear in place of my wedding ring on some days.  At school when I am up and moving around my fingers get hot and so I was taking my ring off and setting it on my desk. I decided to get another ring to wear so that I didn't lose my real one.  I can still wear my wedding ring for certain things, but it is definitely getting a little snug.
Belly Button in or out: still in-I am wondering if I can make it the whole time without it popping out.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Haven't had any more all-out-pregnancy-freakouts so I would say happy!
Looking forward to: Getting the final touches put on the nursery and winter break :-) Only three weeks away (winter break that is)-crazy how time flies!

All-out-pregnancy-freakouts: They are real :-)

   This time of year is so busy with parent-teacher conferences and the holidays coming up.  It is hard not to get a little stressed with just those things, and then the added element that we are going to be bringing another little human being to the world (the coolest human being I might add), can put you over the edge.  This week I had one of those all-out-pregnancy-freakouts.  The kind where you are crying, almost completely out of the blue, with no end in sight.
    Looking back on it, I can laugh but at the time there was no laughing.  I had just got done working out and was pretty hungry.  I was starting dinner and was going to broil some pork chops in the oven.  Doug had put the broiler pan in the drawer under the over (it doesn't go there) and because the drawer was so full it slid down under the oven. I pulled the drawer all the way out and grabbed the pan, but couldn't get the drawer back in and totally lost it.
   By lost it, I mean sat in the middle of the kitchen floor surrounded by pans and that damn drawer and just cried; I bawled.  Carly Moe, who usually wants to snuggle up and lick tears if you are crying just stared at me wondering what in the world was going on.  To make matters worse (actually he made it much better), Doug walks in from work.
    This is the reason I can now laugh about it, because I picture myself walking in from Doug's perspective: Lights are all on, the dog is staring at something in the kitchen, as he walks around the corner he see the kitchen covered with pans and his wife rolled in a ball crying.
    At first his face was,  "OMG what happened? Are you hurt?" (sorry honey if I gave you mild heart attack), and he instantly asks, "What happened?" to which I responded through sobs and tears, "I can't get the drawer back in and I am so stressed!"  I sat there and listed about thirty things that I was stressed about-all of which started with "I can't get the drawer back in."  After a few more minutes of crying (sobbing really), not being able to breathe, and all of my mascara running down my face I pulled it together enough to explain what had happened (as best as I even knew).
   Doug took over making dinner and everything seems to be ok since then; I am still a little stressed, but with the help of Doug we were able to get a lot of things taken care of: I did some more research on my maternity leave, we have a consult scheduled with a pediatrician, and I am completely ready for parent-teacher conferences.  Thank God for my amazing, understanding husband; I have no idea what I would do without him, and can't even imagine what life would be like without him!
    As I shared my story with my team at school the next day it appears that most women have one of these all-out-pregnancy-freakouts at some point in their pregnancy, so I don't feel quite so crazy! Do you remember yours? Do you wonder what yours will be when you're pregnant?
 
   Other than that, I am just getting some holiday shopping done.  Doug let me put up the Christmas decorations last night (he was probably afraid I would start crying if he didn't give in) and so our house is a magical, winter wonderland.  We finished our basement last winter/spring so one of the things I wanted was a Christmas tree for downstairs, which I also got my way on (again probably because Doug was scared of more all-out-pregnancy-freakouts= see above).  Every floor of our house now celebrates the Holiday Season!

   Only two more things for the nursery are needed (decoration related at least) and then I will be posting pictures.  Maybe at the 34 week post I can show off our little baby room :-)  It is perfect and I am so happy with how it turned out!

How far along: 32 Weeks

Maternity clothes? Yes, but even those are getting a little tighter now.
Best moment this week: Had my 32 week appointment, which was nothing out of the ordinary, but I am measuring right on track for a change and everything looks/sounds good!
Miss Anything? Shopping like I used to.  My mom and I went shopping both weekends that the boys were in Vegas and I just can't do more than a couple of hours without my feet completely killing me.  Doug and I ran errands yesterday and today and my feet were swollen and aching.  I still have a lot of shopping to do before this baby comes, so I guess it will be in lots of mini-trips instead of one big shopping trip. Movement: He (or she) doesn't just kick anymore-he pushes.  We are getting close to figuring out which body part is pushing out, but are still guessing at this point)
Food cravings: I haven't really had many "cravings" with this pregnancy.  I thought some Monkey Bread sounded amazing, but the last time I attempted to make monkey bread was a couple of years ago on Christmas morning and I started a fire in the oven (not just a little burnt smoke, I am talking a real fire-flames and all). So if you know how to make Monkey Bread I would love some :-)
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still can't stand plain chicken breast (or the smell of it!)

Gender:  If only we knew :-)  I can't wait for that moment
Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Swollen and achy feet after a day of shopping-haven't gotten them yet from school, as I try to sit as much as I can, but I am sure they are on their way.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On for now-when I get hot it gets pretty tight.  I just don't want to take it off until I absolutely can't wear it anymore. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Except for my all-out-pregnancy-freakout (see above) pretty excited. 
Looking forward to: Thanksgiving Break

30 weeks, only 10 (or less) more to go

Oh my goodness.  Week 30!  This is the week that always seemed like the "end" to me.  I know that I obviously have over two months to go, but I always said around 30 weeks I would have most things done. Ha! Yea Right!  I have a to do list with at least 23 things on it (just baby related things).  On the top of my list is finding a pediatrician, sending our registration to the hospital, and checking with our insurance about a breast pump.  All really fun stuff :-) I have at least typed up a to-do list and hospital packing list.  I won't pack a bag for a few weeks still, but I have a list ready to go.

We have had a busy couple of weeks, Doug left for Las Vegas for the SEMA car show.  He has to take his truck out there as it is a featured vehicle for a couple of companies.  My stepdad, Mark rode out their with him and they will fly back to Iowa on Sunday.  Then they will go back out on Thursday next week and drive the truck back next Saturday/Sunday.  I sure miss him on the weekends, but know that he enjoys the car show!

Yesterday I took a personal day and went shopping with my mom for her birthday.  We met with Doug's insurance agent to get insurance for the baby. We didn't buy much on our shopping day, but I did get a couple of people crossed off my Christmas list.

On Thursday night Doug and I celebrated Halloween by going to see Wicked. I had seen it a couple of years ago, but wanted to go again.  Doug and I really enjoyed it!!

We got our chair for the nursery! It takes up a lot of room, but it looks amazing and I love sitting in it; I can't wait for the baby to sit there with me :-)

I had been so nervous for my glucose test, because since week 12 they have been saying our baby has been measuring a little big and I didn't want that to be related to gestational diabetes.  I passed my glucose test so nothing to worry about!! Just a little bit bigger baby.

How far along: 30 Weeks

Maternity clothes? Yes, but it's funny because I have been wearing a bunch of sweaters that aren't maternity. When I was 12-16 weeks I couldn't wait to wear maternity clothes, and now that I need them I can't find much that I like :-)
Best moment this week: So many things: shopping with my mom, passing my glucose test, and getting our chair.
Miss Anything? I can't really think of anything
Movement: Lots :-) It's so fun!
Food cravings: Nothing this week
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still can't stand plain chicken breast

Gender:  I'm back to "I don't know"
Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: I have had some heartburn lately (no fun!)
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Excited!
Looking forward to: Getting lots of things crossed off my to-do list

30 Weeks

Carly getting used to the carseat.  She will sniff it a lot. 

Doug and I at Wicked!

Baby Shower

   We have had a busy couple of weeks.  We visited a pumpkin patch to get our pumpkins for our front doorstep, all the while talking about how fun it will be next year when we have a 10 month old to bring along!  We had an AMAZING baby shower and got so many new things to welcome Baby Taylor with! I spent two days organizing, washing, and putting away all of the great things.  Thank you so much to everyone who came to help "shower" Baby Taylor with all the essentials! A big Thank You to all the people who helped throw an amazing shower as well: Cas, Jamie, Sherrie, Amy, Lori, and Nicole.  It was the most adorable shower I have ever seen!
   After the baby shower I was able to pretty much finish the nursery.  All of the centerpieces doubled as decorations for the nursery.  I washed clothes, took tags off of everything, and organized all the essential baby things.  Doug and I went today and got the car seat so we are officially ready for a baby. Although, we certainly don't want Baby Taylor to join us yet; keep on growing in there!
    We are waiting for our chair for the nursery, I need a lamp, and another saying for above the crib, but other than that the nursery is done.  I will post pictures once it is finished.

How far along: 28 Weeks

Maternity clothes? Yes
Best moment this week: Baby shower and getting all kinds of amazing baby things!
Miss Anything? Nothing for now!
Movement: Oh yea; I can feel him/her kick on one side of my tummy and hit on the other!
Food cravings: Nothing this week
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing much 

Gender:  I definitely think girl!
Labor Signs: No-not true labor.  I have had a few Braxton Hicks contractions-completely normal!

Symptoms: Just this growing belly
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On (getting tight if I get hot though. I hope I can wear my ring the whole time, but I'm not sure that's going to happen)
Happy or Moody most of the time: Excited!
Looking forward to: 28 week appointment on Tuesday and then I start going every two weeks-crazy!

                                 28 Weeks                                        28 Weeks with Miss Carly Moe

Pumpkin Patch with my Honey :-)

 84 Days Until Baby is Due  

                                                    Cas & Jamie at the Shower

Adorable Centerpieces  

                           Lots of yummy food and pictures that will be hung in nursery

College Friends: Addie, Lizz, and Jamie

Great Hostesses

Welcome

We are having a baby...

Over the past few weeks there have been times when I get really overwhelmed with the idea of "we are having a baby." I can't wait to meet this little guy or girl, but I am starting to get nervous about it.  Our lives are going to change so much; everything I have known for the first 26 years of my life is going to drastically change and it is just a little overwhelming at times.

When I start to think "we are going to have a baby in January" that doesn't seem so scary, but when I think "that is around 14 weeks away" that seems like it is right around the corner! I just know that November and December are going to fly by.

Sometimes I wake up at night and can't go back to sleep because I am just thinking about how our lives will be so different.  I know we are ready for a baby and this part of our life, but it's a little overwhelming at times!

Not to mention all the other things that I need to think about: get a long-term sub for my classroom, get everything ready for a sub to be in my room, learn how to have a baby :-), find a pediatrician, get insurance, start a college fund, get an abundant amount of baby supplies, etc.  The list could do on for days :-)

I am just trying to relax and enjoy the entire process of being pregnant!  And I am making Doug take me on an official "date night" this weekend!

How far along: 26 Weeks

Maternity clothes? Yes-ready to start wearing some fall clothes although I am sure I will get sick of those by January.
Best moment this week: Doug gets to feel Baby Taylor move quite a bit now.
Miss Anything? Going up the stairs without getting winded!
Movement: Yes-A LOT-my whole stomach moves :-) It's fun to watch
Food cravings: I was craving canned peaches the other day. Weird!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing much 

Gender:  I definitely think girl!
Labor Signs: no

Symptoms: Just this growing belly
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Overwhelmed :-)
Looking forward to: Baby shower in two weeks!

24 Weeks

We have started our Bradley Method baby birthing classes and have learned a lot of good information.  Some of it Doug and I just look at each other with these scared, naive expressions thinking "Is she serious? That's really going to happen?"  The first week I had to hold back tears a few times because it all hit me and became pretty real that we are having a baby.  I told Doug that I am starting to get a little nervous; I am totally ready for the holding baby part, but I am a little nervous about the "baby coming out" part!! :-)

Other than that we are just trucking away.  We had our 24 week appointment and I/the baby continue to measure a little over a week big.  Other than that, heartbeat (150 beats per minute) and everything else looks/sounds good.

Baby Taylor is moving around like crazy!! We were sitting in our baby class on Monday and I told Doug to watch and my entire stomach moved.  It's hilarious to watch it twitch and move :-) I love it!!

 How far along: 24 Weeks

Maternity clothes? Yes and feeling like I never have enough clothes! 
Best moment this week: 24 week appointment and getting to hear the heartbeat again, getting our dresser for the nursery, baby shower invites went out -WOW a lot has happened :-)
Miss Anything? Not really
Movement: Yes-A LOT!!
Food cravings: Banana bread and ice cream, but not together.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still chicken breast -GAG!

Gender:  I now think girl :-)
Labor Signs: no

Symptoms: Baby brain- I was at the grocery store the other day and I had picked up some zucchini and got to the register and the high school cashier asked what they were so she could look them up and I couldn't think of the name of them for the life of me.  She had to call the manager over to get the name of this veggie and of course, I couldn't just say "baby brain", because the male manager and high school girl weren't going to understand.  It was kind of embarrassing :-)
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! I have the curtains done in the baby's room, we got the dresser, and I am going to work on the crib edge cover this weekend. 
Looking forward to: Hospital tour this weekend

22 Weeks

School is well under way and I finally feel like I know what I am doing again.  It always takes a few weeks for me to feel like I am above water.  Thank God for the 2nd trimester, because I have a little (a lot) more energy than I did the 1st trimester.  It worked perfect, because I was able to hide my belly for a little while before I told my kiddos.  They are now full of questions: "Are you having a boy or a girl?"  "Why aren't you going to find out?" "How long will you be gone?" "Will we have to have a long term sub?" They are so cute! I love my new class and my new team!

As for Doug he is starting something new as well.  In July he sold his business and took a job at Earl's Tire West. Earl's asked Doug to come and work for them and so after a ton of thought and consideration he decided to take the job.  God worked wonders and we were able to find someone to take over his lease and buy his business. It couldn't have worked out any better and now he is loving his new place.  And I get to hear all about wheels, tires, lift kits, and accessories.

As for Baby Taylor he/she continues to grow.  This week I have seemed to really pop out a little bit!  There's no denying there's a little (big) guy in there now :-)  He/she is over 1 pound and about 12 inches long.  I am feeling him kick a lot during the day, and night too. Doug got to feel it once so far, but usually when I can feel him moving around Doug will try to feel it and then Baby Taylor stops :-) He doesn't like Daddy touching him/her.

 How far along: 22 Weeks

Maternity clothes? Yes, definitely!
Best moment this week: Doug feeling the baby move!
Miss Anything? Not really-I am getting used to this pregnancy thing now I think :-)
Movement: Yes-it still isn't super consistent, but I am feeling it a lot!
Food cravings: Nothing really
Anything making you queasy or sick:  I can't eat a plain chicken breast, but if it's cut up in something I can manage!

Gender: Boy or maybe girl.....Good thing those are my only options-but I still don't know
Labor Signs: no

Symptoms: I've got a belly :-) And I am SO HOT (temperature hot!)! I don't know how people can be 9 months pregnant during the summer, because once I get hot I just can't get cooled down!
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Feeling like I need to get busy! I have registered for gifts for the baby shower, but I need to get busy on making the curtains and crib edge cover for the baby's room!
Looking forward to:  We start our Bradley Method baby classes on Monday and I am really excited for those!