A Gloria Update!

Today was a BIG appointment day for us!  I FINALLY made it to my GOAL date ... 36 weeks along, June 28th.  You're probably thinking "I thought your original goal was to make it to 37 weeks on July 5th!"  Well you'd be right.  But when you've been on bed rest for 3 weeks and you thought you were about to deliver at 33 weeks, you change your goal.  And I did.  Liliana was born at 36 weeks perfectly healthy and so if I were to deliver Gloria today, she would be a GREAT already over 6 pound baby.

The big issue today was the fact that I haven't gained weight in 6 weeks.  I was about 5 pounds heavier when I got pregnant this go around, so I figured I would gain 5 pounds less.  But I'm going to gain about 10 pounds less.  Truth be told?  I'm REALLY happy about this.  As long as she's healthy, I'll have less to lose after she comes along.  At my ultrasound today, we saw that Gloria had plenty of fluid, is still growing, weighs 6 pounds and 4 oz already, and apparently has "lots of long hair!"  I didn't even know they could see that on ultrasounds!

Last week at my 35 week visit I was 1 cm dilated, 50% effaced, and very high.  But since then, my body has prepared me in quite a few ways that I would have some changes.  I FOR SURE lost my mucus plug, in lots of phases.  It has been DISGUSTING.  I didn't have this with Liliana, but I've had SO much pelvic pressure this go around and so much discharge.  Sorry if that's TMI, but I want to remember these details for myself too.  It's interesting b/c each pregnancy is so different just like each baby, and this last week has been so unlike what I had with Liliana.  I've had all the discharge, tons of pressure, and ALL at night.  During the day I don't worry.  But the second it gets to about 5 pm, I start thinking "is tonight the night?"

My progress as of today?  She's dropped even more, I'm a full 2 cm dilated, and quite thin (more than 75% effaced).  The doctor said there is a 50/50 chance of me making it to my ORIGINAL goal date of July 5th.  He said there's a 0% chance of my making it to 38 weeks, haha.  I'm ok with that though.  The way I see it, every single day now is a blessing. 

As for bed rest, he says he still wants me to take it easy for the next week BUT gave me the go to be able to do a LITTLE bit more in a few days.  He said to just listen to my body and that if it starts feeling like too much, to lay back down for a few hours.  So I'll probably wait until Monday to take it a little more active (as much as I can, because I got a case of the nesting today) but until then I can keep watching bad TV and updating the etsy shop when I feel like it. ; )

As for that nesting ... when I got home, the house drove me crazy out of NOWHERE.  I have since vaccummed, mopped, and dusted the downstairs of the house.  This is more than I've gotten done the last week!  I don't know if this change is because I know she'd be ok, just a little small, if born now or if it's because I'm truly getting the case of the nesting, but either way ... she'll be a coming sometime in the next two weeks!

Evan's prediction?  He thinks the baby will come TOMORROW (June 29th has always been his prediction date)!  My guess?  I think I'll deliver on July 3rd OR July 8th (those two numbers have been in my mind all along).  But only time will tell right?  I plan on writing on my birth plan some tomorrow.  It's going to be a big hodge podge of "I don't know what my plan is!" but hey, that's ok too!

To my dearest Gloria: I CAN'T WAIT to meet you!  To see that "long hair," and "tiny nose."  Thank you for making it to 36 weeks so that now I can just ENJOY the thrill that comes along with "IT'S TIME!!!"  If you would like to make it another week, that would be AWESOME.  If not, then you pick now baby girl.  We love you.

Bed Rest Observations

I've now been on bed rest for nearly 2.5 weeks.  2.5 weeks of excruciating bed rest.  Bed rest absolutely stinks for numerous reasons ...

(1) you get bored.  No matter how many etsy orders I fulfill (which is quite a few actually! I'm almost at 100!) or how many books I read, I wish I could at least do what I want to do and when I want to do it!  There are things to do all around the house: organize kitchen cabinets, organize the hallway closet, etc.  But I can't do those! Ugh!

(2) you worry.  You worry constantly over every contraction, you read forums of people saying "the baby will be ok at 35 weeks or won't be ok at 35 weeks etc."  And, to make matters worse, there's nothing you can do about it.  Nearly daily I have an excuse for the amounts of contractions: "oh I didn't stay hydrated enough" or "my bladder was full, so THAT is why I had a contraction."

(3) you get frustrated. The unknown is quite frustrating and again, the lack of control ... it's that lack of control that's irritating.  I miss spending time with my daughter.  I get time with her in the morning and it's our special time together, but I had planned on having special weeks with her.  I had planned on painting all the time, on taking her to parks, etc. and I haven't had the opportunities to do that.  I miss spending time with my husband.  Bed rest takes THAT time out of the equation (hello, we're trying to AVOID labor not induce it).  I miss being myself, the person that is a go-getter, has things in order, and doesn't need help.  Bed rest doesn't permit any of these.

(4) there are some decent TV shows out there and some really crappy ones too. I found two TV shows that I can HIGHLY recommend b/c they are awesome: Sherlock (BBC) and White Collar.

the first season of Sherlock is on Instant Netflix and there are only 3 episodes (BOO!) but each episode is about the length of a movie (YAY!).  We liked it SO stinking much that we bought season 2 to be streamed from Amazon for only $9.99.  We have one episode left on season 2 (only 3 episodes again) and I can't wait to watch!  The acting is great, the stories are fabulous, and it's like a suspenseful movie again and again.

White Collars first 3 seasons are on Instant Netflix and I have a feeling that if we catch up, we'll be purchasing the latest season as well.  This show is about a guy that used to be an art thief and now he's consulting with the FBI to catch other criminals.  Aside from the fact that he is VERY nice looking, he's a hilarious actor.  Tiffani Thiessen (hello saved by the bell) is the worst actress on it, but fortunately she's not a huge character. HIGHLY recommend!

Now for the bad ...

I had heard this show was super popular and there were 87 episodes on Instant Netflix! JOY right? WRONG.  BOO, it stinks.  Bad acting, bad story line, and mainly just a ton of 19 year olds having sex together.

(5) prayers.  Tomorrow is my brother Carlos' birthday.  My sweet brother that passed when he was 13 years old.  Since I found out I was pregnant, I have always hoped and prayed that I would not go in to labor tomorrow.  I had decided today and tomorrow would be ALL about relaxation on my part to prevent my going in to labor on this day.  It's just that I don't want everyone to always associate Gloria and Carlos' birthday together.  And how has this relaxation been going?  Well our downstairs air conditioner broke down.  Yeah, I'm burning up.  Really?  C'mon.  Just, c'mon! PS it's 103 outside.

35 Week T-shirt Project

I am SO pleased to have made it to today.  I am 35 weeks and while of course I would love to keep my sweetheart in my belly another couple weeks, the main thing is that the bedrest has WORKED and today at my appointment I officially hadn't progressed!  I am still at 1 cm, 50% effaced, and the baby is engaged (meaning she dropped last week), but I really think I'll be able to make it to 36 weeks like I did with Liliana.  I haven't gained any weight the last 5 weeks so the doctor wants me to get an ultrasound next Thursday.  As long as that ultrasound looks good, he's going to keep me on bed rest for another couple weeks. BOO.  But it means possibly a full term baby?  WOO HOO!

35 Week Survey

• How Far Along: 35 weeks today!
• Total Weight Gain: 26 pounds
• Maternity Clothes: you betcha! I really like jersey skirts and dresses. 
• Stretch Marks: nope!  I'm one lucky lady.
• Sleep: believe it or not, it's been semi-decent this week.  My back is actually feeling better!  I've just learned ways to cope with the back pain by taking tylenol every evening.  I hate doing it, but it keeps contractions away so 2 tylenol is worth that.
• Best Moment this Week: just making it to 35 weeks!  I am SO happy about that.
• Miss Anything: I'm on bedrest. I pretty much miss EVERYTHING: sexy time with the hubs, working out, being active, being able to help ... yeah, excited to get off bedrest for sure!
• Food Cravings: not really!  maybe this is why I haven't gained weight in 5 weeks.  I'm just not that hungry.  I sit on my butt all day, how can I get hungry?
• Labor Signs: I keep having BH contractions everyday, but since I've been on bedrest, I must admit the painful contractions have really subsided.  Let's hope that stays the same for another week minimally.
• What I'm Looking Forward To: that ultrasound next week!  AND, making it to 36 weeks! : )

Now let's see that belly!

Yummy Recipe Time (aka Baked French Toast)!!

Still pregnant! YAY!  Still on bedrest.  BOO.  I've officially dropped and my belly is VERY low.  She is sitting WAY down there and it is breaking my heart.  I am just loving every single extra day that I can get her to stay in there.  Today has been pretty contraction heavy, but I will try to keep a positive outlook for each MINUTE that I'm not delivering her, for each extra second that she grows inside my belly.

NOW for a GREAT recipe I made last week.  We had brinner which is one of my all-time favorites and it truly didn't disappoint.  ENJOY!

Ingredients:

prep time: about 20 minutes

cooking time: 45 minutes

note: you have to make this the day before or morning of

- 1 c. brown sugar (pretty packed)                                         - 1 1/2 c. milk
- one loaf of a day old french loaf bread                                - 1 T. vanilla extract
- 1 stick of butter (8 tbsp)                                                       - ground cinnamon
- 2 T. water                                                                             - powdered sugar
- 5 eggs, beaten

Recipe:

(1) Slice your french toast to nearly an inch thick.  A loaf makes 12 slices, except I'm not including the butts in that because I don't like the ends of bread.

(2) In a small pan put the brown sugar (I packed it in there pretty tightly because I really like the taste of brown sugar), butter, and water.  Then bring it to a boil on about medium high heat.  Stir it a TON to make sure that the butter isn't burning.

Yummy, look at that pretty brown sugar and better.

(3) quickly reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.  You have to stir a lot here too because it will boil over and would burn the butter if you're not careful. 

(4) Take a separate bowl and put the milk, eggs, and vanilla in it. 

(5) Put the brown sugar mixture at the bottom of a greased pan.  It has to be pretty big, at LEAST 9 by 13".

(6) Squeeze the bread on top of the brown sugar mixture.  Then, pour the milk mixture on top of the bread.

(7) Refrigerate this overnight (or make this in the morning and have it in fridge until you're going to eat brinner like I did!)

(8) When you're ready to eat, take this out of the oven 20 minutes before putting it in oven and sprink ground cinnamon on top. Then cook in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes covered with foil.  Then take the foil off and cover for another 25 minutes.  Then DEVOUR!

The Big Results

We had our two doctor's visits yesterday.  They went ... well ... honestly, they could have gone better.

First was Liliana's doctor's appointment.  We did a repeat VCUG on her and to be completely 100% honest, I thought the results were going to be completely normal.  I really did.  The put the catheter in her and I was able to stay in the room for that, but once they started the xrays, I had to leave since I'm pregnant.  The problem?  She's potty trained now and didn't want to go pee pee in the bed like she has to.  The whole point of the VCUG is to see what happens to the kidneys and that entire region when she urinates.  She was screaming her head off poor baby and wouldn't go pee pee.  Finally Evan was able to stop by really quickly at the very end and put his head near Lilana's and she calmed down so much. 

A year ago, Liliana had what was considered minor Grade 2 reflux in her left kidney which means urine goes in to her kidney.  This normally wouldn't be bad, but if she gets a UTI, she might have infected urine go in to her kidneys then.  This time ...

She had grade 2 plus on BOTH kidneys.  NOT what I expected. 

I didn't cry because I know that this could be SO much worse.  She doesn't need surgery (she would if it was grade 5) but I'm still very sad.  Liliana is no where near done having to get VCUG's, this for sure means that Gloria will have to have studies done shortly after she is born as well (this is herediatry ... Liliana has this issue because of me), and it also means the visits aren't done.

Fortunately for us, we know a few Urologists in town (including Liliana's Daddy!) and we already spoke with the pediatric Urologist and we'll be having a visit with him and an Ultrasound done soon.  We'll see what the plans are from here on out. 

THEN ... VISIT #2: the OB.

Last week, at 33 weeks I was almost 1 cm dilated and 25% effaced and got put on bed rest.  This week, I am a full cm dilated and 50% effaced at 34 weeks.  I got put on the monitor, they saw some uterine irritation and I had a contraction while on the monitor so the Doctor kept me on bed rest.  The Doctor says he doubts I will make it to full term which was my BIG true goal.  So that makes me sad.  He also says that he realizes that if I was active, I would go in to labor.  I have to agree.  Whenever I do actually do something around the house, I immediately have contractions.  For instance, yesterday afternoon I cleaned the 3 toilets in the house and left to my doctor's appointmnet. Just the cleaning of those toilets and walking in to the visit gave me probably the most painful contraction I've had yet.  History of my first pregnancy taught us it doesn't take too many contractions to make me dilate so any serious contractions aren't welcome.

Normally at this stage, you go back every two weeks, but the Doctor wants me to go back next Thursday again to see how things go.  SO, that's what we'll do.  In the mean time, more resting, more finding things to do while relaxing, and more HOPING and PRAYING that Gloria keeps cooking in my belly.

Anxiously Awaiting Tomorrow

Tomorrow is a big day for our family, for two big reasons. 

About 14 months ago, Liliana got sick with horrible fevers that ended up being a Urinary Tract Infection.  After a lot of tears and worries, we got a VCUG and found that she had Grade 2 Urinary Reflux (which means her urine goes in to her kidneys a little bit when she pees).  The worry with this is that if she has a UTI, infected urine would get in to her kidneys.  The doctor said that we had to get a repeat VCUG annually until either she grew out of it or ... well, I'm not sure what we do until then.  Fortunately, we know a great Pediatric Urologist (ok, so it's Evan's attending and he's an Aggie here in Little Rock so I am pretty sure he's exactly what this Mommy needed to feel at peace) and he'll tell us what to do if we need to change our routine.  Long story short, Liliana's repeat VCUG is tomorrow morning.  Last year, my Mom did the procedure on her so I was able to sit down because I hate hospitals / needles / etc. and faint, but this year, Evan will be working and my Mom is at home ... so it's me and Lilibear.  I've got to put my Mommy big girl pants on and be her rock!  And I really hope I don't fail her while they're doing the catheter and VCUG.  I'm HOPING they'll find no reflux.

Lots of hopes in the morning and lots of hopes in the afternoon too ...

The SECOND big thing: I go back to my OB/GYN tomorrow.  I will be 34 weeks tomorrow and am so glad that I'm there already.  34 weeks is a BIG yay for any pregnancy, especially one that has you on bedrest.  Bed rest has been ROUGH.  I hate being lazy, yes, but it's the emotional part that I wasn't expecting.  Every contraction has me worrying, I cry when I have a few of them because I DREAD the idea that they might not stop.  I want her to stay inside my womb for 3 more weeks.  Do I think this will happen?  Probably not.  And it frustrates me.  I get mad and ANGRY at women that say "I just can't wait to not be pregnant anymore!" and beg for induction at 38 weeks because here I am WISHING I would be able to experience a pregnancy until then.  Don't get me wrong, I'm sure I would be saying the opposite if I was in their situation, but it's just a frustrating thing to read about. 

A couple nights ago, I was having some painful contractions while at dinner and started crying.  Not because of the pain, but because of the fear of being in labor. 

Just being frustrated that this situation isn't exactly what I wanted.

It's silly of me to be thinking of being frustrated because pregnancy and motherhood have taught me that you can't plan ANYTHING.  Anyway, so I started crying through a contraction and Liliana said the funniest thing.  In our house, when Liliana gets in time out she has to say sorry and then give a hug before getting out of time out.  When Liliana saw me crying, I think it scared her because she never sees that.  When Liliana cries, that usually means she's in time out so in the middle of this contraction she said "Mommy, are you sorry?"  And I started CRACKING UP.  I said "yup, Mommy's sorry!" and she came over to hug me, Evan was hugging me, and I was officially out of time out. ; )  It was sweet.  And it made me realize that I am SO blessed to have what I have. 

My little girl took me out of my "time out/ funk" momentarily a couple days ago and I am so thankful for her.  I'm so thankful for my husband who has been asking me CONSTANTLY how I am, has been giving me hugs/ kisses/ support/ has done EVERYTHING around the house etc.  Yes this bed rest / Liliana having a procedure won't be the best day, but then again, I have some amazing blessings right in front of me. (Liliana, my hubby, and this big belly!)

Resting is Boring

I went to the Doctor on Friday afternoon.  I told her all the symptoms I've been having ... all the contractions, abdominal pains, nausea, etc. and she immediately wanted to check me.  At 33 weeks I am 1 cm dilated and nearly 50% effaced.  While it could obviously be worse (I mean, I could be delivering) it also could have been better.

As a result they told me to be on "get off the couch only if you HAVE to go somewhere rest" until I reach 34 weeks on Thursday.  On Thursday I go back to get checked again and I'll hopefully have made NO further progress.  Staying on the couch has been difficult.  Evan worked VERY long hours this weekend and had a rough weekend at that.  I had some help with Liliana on Saturday but still had her by myself for about four hours.  On Sunday, it was just us for about 13 hours.  Let me tell you, bed rest with a 2 year old ... well, those two don't really mix.

During the week, I'm taking Liliana to school.  I drop her off around 9:30 and normally was going to pick her up around 3:00 but these next two days I might have to wait another hour to ensure I stay off my feet. 

Now let's talk about bed rest: it SUCKS.  It is boring and worse, SO worrisome.  I keep thinking "PLEASE don't efface more.  PLEASE don't dilate more!  PLEASE last in my womb just 3 more weeks!"  With Liliana, I was 100% effaced and 1 cm dilated ... and delivered the day after I was told this.  So naturally, I'm nervous.  Very nervous.  Very anxious. 

I know that 34 weeks is a BIG milestone for pregnancy.  And I'm 33 weeks and 4 days today.  So getting to Thursday is vital.  But I don't want to do 34 weeks.  I know this is beyond my control, but I can't think about it without crying.  I wanted to go full term.  For some reason I had convinced myself that I would make that happen this time. 

I know we have no clue how long she'll last in my womb this time.  This visit on Thursday afternoon will be VERY telling and then we'll see what the Doctor tells me to do.  Let's just hope he says "with no progress, I'm not worried anymore!" and I could breath a sigh of RELIEF. 

Scared Senseless

Something about pregnancy just makes women scared.  Correction: makes ME scared (though I don't think I'm alone in this boat).

First, I was scared we'd have a hard time getting pregnant with #2 since I got diagnosed with PCOS.  I knew we had gotten pregnant on month #1 off birth control with Liliana and thought that was our lucky shot.  The luck was done.  Turns out, we're very fortunate and I got pregnant month #1 with this one too! 

So once that worry is done, you go through the first trimester worrying about miscarriage.  Fortunately I have such bad morning sickness that I don't worry about it TOO much because I know something is in there and sticking.

The second trimester is normally people's favorite.  And it wasn't too bad for me either.  Relatively worry free.  Finally the third trimester comes in and though most people relish it, start noticing more pains, and count down the days, I want the days to actually tick down.  I would LOVE to see "days until due date" go below 25 because I never saw that with Liliana.

This last week has had me in a CONSTANT state of fear. 

I delivered Liliana a month early just because I went in to labor naturally, not because of issues, but just because my body was done being pregnant.  This go around, my Doctor was planning on checking my progress at 34 weeks to make sure all was ok and was going to do my Strep B test then as well.

But this week has been full of worries: I've had tons of cramps (just like I'm starting my period, but not), had a tiny bit of spotting, had abdominal pains, upset stomach, nausea, and a few contractions everyday.  This is TOO early to be experiencing these worries.  Normally this might not seem like a big issue, but with Liliana I had TWO (yes, TWO) contractions and already heard that I was dilated, 100% effaced, and +2 station.  If this was the same as last time, I would never make it to 36 weeks with all the symptoms I've been experiencing.

Most days I consider going to the hospital and getting checked to make sure I'm not going in to labor too early.  After a week of it, I just can't take it.  I called today and go see the Doctor at 2:15.  I have this big fear that I've already progressed some.  I know that the chances of this aren't that likely.  I spent over an hour last night looking up preterm labor chances with #2 and apparently I have about a 1/3 chance of it happening again.  So that means there's a 2/3 chance that I'm over thinking this.

But this Mom and mom-to-be is scared senseless.  I want to keep this baby inside of my womb as long as humanly possible...preferably another 4 weeks.  But if 2 weeks is all I get, I guess it's better than nothing.  But 4 weeks, that's my goal.  Now let's just see the chances of that.

The Kiss

Ten years ago today, he came to visit me at the store.

I worked at a kitchen store called "Southern Hospitality."  My Mom's friend owned the store and was kind enough to pay me $8.00 / hr (minimum wage was $5.25 at the time so this was amazing pay).  I worked 10 - 6 and it was a perfect summer job: I could still go out with friends in the evening and still make pretty decent pay.  It was also VERY slow some days.  Hence, inviting this cute boy that I had been instant messaging with lately (yeah, remember AIM?)

He was SMART and HOT.  And to be honest, those were about the only 2 thoughts I had.  I was 17 and those two criteria were good enough for me.

So he sweetly started coming to spend time with me while at work.  He would swim in the mornings (captain of his swim team) and meet me around noon.  Sometimes he would bring me lunch and then we would just talk and enjoy our time together.

And suddenly, within a couple days (seriously, that's all it took) I was pretty darn smitten.  He wasn't just smart and hot.  He was nice.  Kind. Considerate.

He was a keeper. 

I couldn't believe HE was coming to visit ME.  Why me?  He could have ANY girl he wanted at our school.  You know the typical high school TV shows/ movies where there is a boy that is really nice, good looking, and usually dates the cheerleader?  That COULD have been him, had he wanted it to be.

But instead, he was happy being nice, reading books all the time, swimming, and liking ... me.

I didn't get it.  And, it scared me.  But something in me said "don't let it go."

So on June 7th, ten years ago, he came to visit me in the store and immediately, I acted on impulse.  I hadn't planned a thing.  The second I saw him, I wanted to tell him how I felt, but in the only way my 17 year old mind knew how to.  I walked him to the back of the store (so that just in case a customer came they wouldn't see something inappropriate) and he said ...

"Why are you taking me back here?"

It wasn't sarcastic.  It was innocent.  He truly didn't understand.

And I didn't say anything.  I just kissed him.  Kissed him with all the completely non experienced 17 year old passion that I had.

After we finished the kiss he said:

"Oh, that's why."  And we giggled, and held hands.  And kissed again (before hearing the oh so romantic knock from the back door with the UPS man delivering some inventory).

Yet, the kiss ... it was sweet.  It was perfect.

It was our first kiss.  And ten years later, here I am, still kissing Evan.  In love with him more than I would have ever imagined on that June 7th.  10 years ago I wasn't thinking a thing about the future.  I was just thinking about the then, the present.  But wow, oh wow, these 10 years sure have led us to a lot huh?

10 years later, I am still kissing him, this time with passion that I know is real.  And the kisses are EVEN BETTER than I could have imagined.  What a wonderful day June 7th is.   A day I will never, ever forget.  It was the day that formed the most formidable part of my life.

A kiss.

Unforgettable.

Gloria's Maternity Photos!

We took our maternity pictures with Gloria a week ago and to say that I am in love with the results is a little bit of an understatement.  The main thing that worried me was whether Liliana would be in a picture taking mood that morning and though she mainly wanted to go around the park and play, she did stop for a few gorgeous shots and that's all you need.

I'm putting quite a few pictures on this here blog, sorry there are so many.  I just can't pick which ones are my favorite and I want to post them in case other people want some inspiration.  

Hugging Mommy's belly

 Can you read yet Gloria?  Stay in Mommy's belly until July!  PLEASE!

Had this same shot when pregnant with Liliana and had to do a repeat.

Evan is in love with this belly.  He can't wait to meet Gloria.

Is Liliana starting to look like Mommy or what?

 Cute idea by the photographer.

Took this in the master bedroom.  Plan on using the same background after Gloria arrives.

Coming home dress.

I wore it on way home when I was born, Liliana wore it on her way home, and Gloria will too!

Holding hands with my lover.

 Love this very candid shot with my girl.

The special necklace.

Wore this necklace b/c Tata (Gloria's namesake and my grandmother) brought it home from Venice for me.  Venice was her dream trip and she got to go before passing.

The special bracelet.

When Tata passed, my cousin and I each took a few pieces of jewelry that Tata owned.  This bracelet was what I took.  One day, I will pass it along to Gloria.

Have to do the close up belly photo right?

Enjoying the craving.

LOVE in a picture.

32 Week T-shirt Project

It has been 4 weeks since my last t-shirt project and there has been some definite growth! While overall I can say that things have been going well, and yes, I am so thankful that I am pregnant with Gloria, the back pain that I've been experiencing the last 2 weeks has been tough.  It is tiresome and nearly constant.  But let's try and focus on positive right?

32 Week Pregnancy Survey

•  How Far Along? 32 weeks,4 days

• Total Weight Gain: 26 pounds

• Maternity Clothes: I can wear normal dresses occasionally but for the most part I'm in maternity clothes.  I like clothes that let me BREATH because I get hot very easily.

• Stretch Marks: Negative!  

•  Sleep: not great.  I've maybe slept well 1 night in the last 2 weeks.  The back pain wakes me up often and I toss and turn trying to feel comfortable.

• Miss Anything: the back pain needs to go away.  I miss moving the way I want and picking Liliana up whenever I want to.

• Movement: Sure she is still moving around in there, but I still maintain she isn't as big a mover as her sissy.  Then again, I can feel distinct body parts more this go around.

• Food Cravings: I don't have any that I desire all the time ... I like cereal, kettle corn, and slushies most though.

• Labor Signs: Unfortunately this has been a yes already.  I have had about 3 real contractions and they're terrifying this early along.  I have to take it easy the rest of the day and day after when they happen. I simply can not wait to get to 36 weeks (or 34 will be a big day too) b/c I won't have to worry as much.  I would be shocked if I made it to 38 weeks, though that would be my goal date!

• Looking forward to: my 34 week visit in 10 days!  He's going to check me to see if I've progressed any.  Let's hope the answer is NO!

Now, for that belly! I measured a week ahead at my last doctor's visit and I think it shows ... the belly is rather large!  EEK!  But hey, that means she's growing really well (or so the doctor said) so I am happy about that.

Big baby girl in there!  On to the last line of the t-shirt!  CRAZY! : )