21 Weeks

How far along? 21 weeks

Maternity clothes? The maternity pants are more of a necessity now! I tried wear my biggest jeans I had and there is no way I am buttoning those and feeling comfortable wearing them. My belly is very hard and doesn't have much give these days! I can't wear most of my shirts without wearing a longer tank top underneath. I also must do layers. My classroom is never the same temperature and I think my own body temperature is up and down all day. I'm actually pretty comfortable though! I love how I no longer have to suck anything in! 

Stretch marks? Nope!  (fingers crossed) My mom didn't really get any either so I'm hoping it's in the genes. 

Sleep? I've been sleeping pretty well. Have I mentioned that my in-laws got me an awesome curved body pillow. I think it's been my saving grace. 

Best moment this week: This week we found out that we were having a girl! We went out for dinner over the weekend with my in-laws and Jason's grandmas and shared the ultrasound photos. A great friend told me I looked beautiful! :) Jason gave me a back massage! It's been a pretty good week. 

Miss Anything? I miss my random late, late Friday nights with my girlfriends and the guys. I miss going out and getting a good buzz with Jason on date nights! I'm supposed to be honest here, right?!

Movement: Yep. The movements are getting a little stronger too! 

Food cravings: Top the Tator dip and Ruffle potato chips! The perfect combo. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing this last week! :) I get really anxious almost queasy when people start telling me their labor and delivery stories. Unless of course they tell me that it lasted 1 hour and didn't hurt at all, but I haven't heard that story yet... anyone?

Have you started to show yet? Yes, I don't mind the hands from the people I know and care about, but if a stranger ever comes up and touches my belly, I might just slap them. Or better yet, I might tell them that I'm not actually pregnant and see how they react. That would be great! 

Gender: A little girl! aka: Pebbles (for now)

Labor Signs: I don't think I would know what they were if they happened at this point! I don't think I've had any.

Belly Button in or out? Pretty far in still 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy!

Looking forward to: Seeing the baby's room start to transform. We took the carpet out to reveal a decent hardwood floor underneath. I pulled out all the staples and Jason pulled up the trim and took off the closet doors. We are going to paint the trim and doors white. The room will stay dark navy blue. I think Navy is a beautiful color! I'm hoping that we can make some billowy, lacy curtains and add pops of hot pink and other baby colors to make it look a little more girly. I love hunting for the perfect "extras" to make her room unique and girly. 

Our Baby Girl

Dear Pebbles,
I can't wait to meet you!
Your dad and I just left the hospital where we were able to see you for the first time. :)
I can't see your expressions, look into your eyes or feel your emotions yet but you already have such a big place in my heart. My body has changed (Which hasn't been easy-remind me to mention that part when you are about 14) but I think the one thing that must have grown the most is my heart! I never knew that I could love something that I have never met so unconditionally! The woman working the ultrasound was listing off things she needed to check for and every time she found something or pointed out a new part of your body, I breathed a sigh of relief and smiled because I felt I was getting to know you a little better.  You were sucking your thumb, rolling around, relaxing with your hand behind your head, and moving your mouth (singing a beautiful song I'm sure!) We could have watched you move around the screen for hours and I'm sure we will spend hours in this world, watching in awe as you grow and share your talents right before our eyes!
We already have such a strong connection and you might even be able to feel my excitement when I talk about you but I want you to know that your dad is very excited for you too. He held my hand during the ultrasound and gave it a big ol' kiss when we found out you were a girl! He hasn't gotten to know you over the last few months as I have but you have been on his mind. He has been thinking about saving for your future, fixing up your room, repairing our house and getting a safer car so that you can have wonderful life when you arrive.
We talk about what it will be like when you are with us. Your dad and I have some great times together!! You are about to enter into a family that is going to love you to pieces and build as many memories with you as possible.
Keep growing and behave in there!
We love you little lady.
-Mom

20 Weeks

How far along? 20 weeks

Maternity clothes? Loving the maternity pants. Most of my shirts still fit but I need to wear a longer tank top under them. I've had to pack a few away.

Stretch marks? Nope! 

Sleep? I slept most of the weekend away which is why I'm awake right now... but my eyes are getting heavy! 

Best moment this week: My students voted between boy and girl and many of them voted for a boy! My brother stopped by unexpectedly. That's always nice. :)  I've been feeling pretty good lately which is a nice change from the rough few months previously. 

Miss Anything? Still missing that beer with olives. I also miss being able to do cartwheels and go rollerskating. I've never had to be so careful with my body. I'm usually just banging around and up for anything, if I get a bruise or hurt myself, big deal! But now, I have to think of the safety of the lil one inside too!

Movement: Yep! I haven't felt any kicks or pokes from the outside yet but I think I felt a "wave" or something like that. Maybe the baby's back moved against my stomach or something. I can't wait until Jason can feel the movement too. 

Food cravings: Grapefruit. I love the stuff that comes in the glass jar! Delicious! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not this last week! Yay!  Wait... there was a strong smell (a stinky item a student had on or near him?) That made me a bit queasy. 

Have you started to show yet? Sure have! I'm posting a picture this time. 

Gender: A Mystery. We should know this time tomorrow as long as baby is not shy! 

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? Pretty far in still 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy majority of the time. I'm feeling pretty good right now!

Looking forward to: Finding out if we are having a boy or girl 

and more details about the baby's health. I'm also looking forward to sharing the news with our parents, Uncle Beau and the rest of our close friends and family! 

 

Boy or Girl?!

Monday, Jan. 16th we find out what we are having! I am getting pretty excited and my curiosity is driving me crazy! I decided to indulge in the many Old Wives Tales and put them to the test. Here are the results... 

Old Wives Tale #1: Heart Rate 

If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy. (Every time we have heard the heartbeat it was over 160) 
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #2: Shape of Belly
If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy. (I don't think I'm showing too much yet and I do feel like what does show is sticking straight out) 
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #3: Ring Test
Using a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly. You are having a girl if the ring swings back and forth and it’s a boy if it swings in a circle. (I think this test is rigged...) 
Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

Old Wives Tale #4: Acne
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones. (I'm pretty clear actually. I have mostly dry skin)
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #5: Cravings
People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl. (I have been eating a little of everything... anything that stay down) 
Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

Old Wives Tale #6: Skin under Left Eye
The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye. If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl. (I've got a variety of lines there, though I question who came up with this one... kinda odd) 
Prediction outcome: GIRL... I guess

Old Wives Tale #7: Time of Conception
The person that is most aggressive in bed at the time of conception is the opposite of what the baby will be. (Ummmm... this is a little confusing depending on your definition of aggressive and which time we actually made it happen!)
Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

Old Wives Tale #8: Legs
If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl. (Well, as far as I know I'm only gaining in the torso, legs seem to be the same)
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #9: Moodiness and a Little Pecker (this one is odd, but funny)
If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you. Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy because there’s a little penis inside you. (Well... I'm just gonna give my prediction as I'm sure most of you know how I'm feeling these days)
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #10: Chinese Gender Chart
The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%. It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived. 
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #11: Mom’s Beauty
Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, a little boy it is. (well... this is bias as my only comparison are friends and family and they lie I'm sure saying I look beautiful... liars lol. but in my opinion, my skin in clearer, my hair is thicker and when I'm not throwing up I think I look nice! haha!) 
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #12: Dream of Sex of Baby
If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy. Dreams show the opposite of what you are having. (I haven't had any dreams of the baby's gender yet.)
Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

Old Wives Tale #13: Clumsy vs. Graceful
If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy. (I'm pretty clumsy, have yet to fall but I'm running into things all the time and tripping on my students more than usual!) 
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #14: Side You Most Rest On
If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl. (This has been hard because I usually rest on my belly, which I can't do any more and I heard it's best for blood flow to lay on your left side. Therefore I have been laying on my left side.)
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #15: Dad’s Weight Gain
If the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl. If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy.(Jason's weight hasn't changed. If anything he has lost weight for his new job at the prison) 
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #16: Breast Test
If a pregnant woman’s left breast is larger than the right breast, she’s having a girl. If the right breast is larger, it’s a boy. (I can't tell if one is bigger than the other and neither can Jason) Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

Old Wives Tale #17: What Do You Think?
71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having. 
Prediction outcome: GIRL 

Old Wives Tale #18: Morning Sickness
If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl. (Oh yea, I've been sick. it sucks.) Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #19: Areolae
If your areolae (the part around your nips) have darkened, it’s a boy. If they haven't, its a girl. Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #20: Protein
When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy. (I do still enjoy cheese, and meat. I've found I only want red meat, though I'm not getting much) 
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #21: Feet
Are your feet colder now that you are pregnant? If so, you just might be having a boy. If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl. (I have been wearing very thick socks and they do seem a little colder at night.)
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #22: Headaches
If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy. 
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #23: Baby Names
It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby. (Jason and I have pretty solid names picked out for both. The boy name is more set in stone than the girl.)
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #24: Urine
What color is your pee? If it is bright yellow, you will have a little boy. If your urine is a dull yellow, plan on a girl. 
Prediction outcome: GIRL





Totals: 
GIRL: 8       BOY: 11  


We will find out on Monday!! :) 

19 Weeks

Our lil monster is the size of a mango! 

How far along? 19 weeks

Maternity clothes? Maternity pants are still the best thing ever invented! I can't believe that I can get away with wearing them at work. I feel like I'm so comfortable, I'm wearing sweat pants. Quite a few of my larger, longer sweaters still fit too. 

Stretch marks? Nope! 

Sleep? I have been trying to get plenty of sleep. I have found out the hard way that my body does not appreciate getting little sleep when I am pregnant. 

Best moment this week: I met with my friend Caitlin and she got us a little gift! It was a frame to put our next ultrasound into! Which was a great reminder that we find out in about a week if we are having a boy or girl! :) 

Miss Anything? I miss a lot of foods and I especially miss beer with olives! I can't wait to have a beverage after work or with my girlfriends again.

Movement: Yep! I can feel the baby move a little more as days go by. I especially feel the movements in the morning and at night. 

Food cravings: I've been into apples and oranges lately. I also drink a LOT of milk. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Yes. - Still. How much and how often I eat are very touchy. Sleep and exercise play a big role in how I feel too. It's usually manageable but can sometimes sneak up on me. 

Have you started to show yet? Sure have! I'll be posting pictures soon. :)

Gender: A Mystery until Jan. 16th... about a week!

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? Pretty far in still 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy majority of the time, except when I'm feeling nauseous. 

Looking forward to: Finding out if we are having a boy or girl 

and more details about the baby's health. We are scheduled 

for an ultrasound on Jan. 16th.