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!

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! : )

28 Week T-shirt Project

It's been a month since I've done a t-shirt project or taken a decent pic of the belly for that matter...busy much?  But we finally got around to doing it and you know what that means?  I am officially in the homestretch of this pregnancy!  In fact, if Gloria makes her appearance as early as Liliana did, it means we have 2 months until she decides to come in to this world!  EEEK!  That freaks me out more than just a little bit.  I'm REALLY praying and hoping that we can get to full term this go around, but as long as we make it to AT LEAST the same gestation age as Liliana, then I suppose I can't ask for much more.

28 Week Pregnancy Survey

• How far along: 28 weeks today!
• Total weight gain: 20 pounds.  EEK!
• Maternity Clothes: shirts are a definite maternity and so are pants.  I can still fit in to some skirts that are jersey material.  I still wear LOTS of non-maternity dresses (and am in one today actually).  I am such a dress and skirt fan when pregnant.
• Sleep: depending on the day it can either be fabulous or horrible.  My back has been in SO much pain this go around.  Evan gives me a massage on nearly a daily basis and I have a heating pad at work which helps a lot.  I've noticed that working out helps immensely too.  If I don't get those three ingredients in every other day, the back hurts so badly that it wakes me up.  Boo.
• Best Moment This Week (oops) Month: getting in to the third trimester is always nice.  I, honestly, feel blessed every day that I get to cook this little girl longer and longer. BUT what I'm really excited about is that my baby shower is tomorrow for work!  They're SO sweet to throw me one because you typically don't have one for baby #2.
• Miss Anything: Not having round ligament pains when I exercise.  ALSO, in the complete spirit of honesty, belly is getting so big that it's making certain times more and more difficult (use your imagination).
• Movement: yep!  She's increased her movements a ton since the last survey.  She still doesn't move as much as Liliana did in the womb though.  I felt our first hiccups yesterday though and that was fun to feel again.
• Food Cravings:  I haven't had any that stick around this time!  I do like grapes and fruit so that has probably been the one that stays.  And I did crave brownies two nights ago (and ate 3 of them last night after having Evan go get a box yesterday).
• Labor Signs: I get Braxton Hicks more and more often, but nothing too alarming yet fortunately.
• Symptoms: Back pain AND this weird painful painful feeling around my butt.  I know that is SO TMI but something pops in my back area when I walk most of the time.  And, PS it's not hemorrhoids.  I had Evan check.  Pregnancy is sexy.
• Belly button in or out:  Still mostly in.  It was already popped with Liliana so that's surprising.
• Looking forward to: our baby shower tomorrow and going to Texas next week to celebrate Liliana's 2nd birthday!  Can't believe her party is nearly here!  I have SO much to do!

28 Week T-shirt Project



Here's week 24:

Here's week 28!  Definitely seeing some growth! (in my belly, face, butt .... darn!)

PS The blog is getting a makeover today!  It's gonna look SO pretty!  Like the new title? : )

24 Weeks Pregnant -- T-shirt Project!

Today I am 24 glorious weeks pregnant with Gloria! One of my favorite days of pregnancy is hitting the 24 week mark: VIABILITY.  Sure, you would never WANT the baby to be born this early, probably weighing a little over a pound, but knowing that there would be a 70% of surviving already?  That just puts this big sigh of relief on a pregnant woman.  Each week that passes makes you smile more and more because you know chances are your baby is going to be in your arms, safely one day.  I have a BIG goal to get Gloria to full term this go around since I didn't quite get there with Liliana.  I don't think I want to have her at 39 weeks, b/c Liliana would have been nearly 9 pounds at 39 weeks had she not decided to come sooner.  That being said, I want to have a full term pregnancy once in my life.  Just to hit that day and think "I made it!" 

For now though, I'm basking in the glory that is the 24 week mark.  And the belly is growing ...

• How Far Along: 24 weeks

• Total Weight Gain: 13-14 pounds.  The weight has come on so differently this go around.  With Liliana I had gained about 3 pounds at 20 weeks and then after that, it just SHOT up until I reached my final 36 pounds.  This go around, it's been slow and steady the whole time. 

• Maternity Clothes: oh yeah.  Tops don't have to be and I wear lots of dresses that are non-maternity.  But, pants are 100% of the time!

• Stretch Marks: still none!

• Sleep: I had a ROUGH time for a few days, but this week has been great.  Evan has been home at least for part of the night every single night since March 1st and I think this is the main reason my sleep is improving so much.

• Best Moment This Week:  Getting my favorite wall in the nursery done! ; )

• Miss Anything: Working out to my full potential!  Some days I feel great and run 3 miles without hesitation while some days, I'm getting pains in my legs by half a mile.  I think it's my body saying I need to slow down drastically.  I already did that on Tuesday and will do it again today. Boo.  Let the weight gain begin at a dramatic rate again I suppose!

• Movement: yes though she's less active than her sister was.  This last week she has started kicking a TON more and that has been fun.

• Food Cravings: Cinnamon Toast Crunch.  Thank goodness for our Sams card b/c I've been having a couple bowls a day!  One for breakfast and one as a snack when I get home from work. 

• Labor Signs: I have braxton hicks at the WEIRDEST times ... if I've had a busier day, I get them more, but otherwise, let's just say I get them at ... strange times.  That's as much detail as I'm giving! ; )

• Symptoms: Two ANNOYING symptoms are back that I had in my first pregnancy: every single time I pee in the mornings, I fart as well.  Eww I know.  That happened with Liliana too!  It's SO weird!  Second, pregnancy brain is back in full force.  Guess who left the garage open this morning when she left for work?  Thank goodness for observant neighbors!

• Looking Forward To: Working more on the nursery!  It's tough finding time this go around.  We have to take advantage of weekends and as you know, Evan's usually working.  This weekend he's off, but we were invited to TWO easter egg hunts by sweet friends we've made here so who knows how much will get done this weekend.  Oh well, there's always next time right? 

21 Weeks Pregnant -- T-shirt Project!

Today I am 21 weeks pregnant with Gloria!  In one week I go back for another doctor's appointment and I feel like I was there just yesterday.  Pregnancies fly by when you have another kiddo at home to chase after and have conversations with.

For instance, here's a gem for you...

Since my big fall down the stairs a couple weeks ago, I haven't been carrying Liliana down the stairs ever.  She is obviously capable of going down them but sometimes when I am in a hurry I snatch her up so we can rush out the door.  Now I've decided I'll just be 1 minute late for the safety of all of us.  Liliana likes taking her time going down the stairs and often says "wee!" or "I love Mommy" or "no kitty!" down each stair.  We have a window next to our door and she often sees the neighbors cat.  She's not a fan. 

Two days ago, she went down a stair and let out a big fart.  She started CRACKING up and said "tootie from bootie!"  Yes I only teach my daughter the finest words.  Then she started saying ... get this ...

Liliana: "Mommy tootied!  Mommy tootied!"

Me: Umm ... excuse me child.  I am pregnant so yes, Mommy's booty does make those sounds, but not this time!  Don't go placing your gas problems on me! 

So the next few steps were spent her saying "SI! (yes)" and Mommy saying "NO!"  It was a fight I eventually gave up on.  She was so insistent that I even pondered "was it me after all?"  Then I realized my 21 month old child manipulated my mind.  I'm in trouble.

BACK to being 21 weeks pregnant and not talking about gas shall we?

Excuse the nasty look.  I had just run three miles on the treadmill and didn't feel like sprucing up for the picture.  My belly looks BIG huh?  It's crazy how much growth has occurred in the last 3 weeks!

21 Week Pregnancy Survey

•  how far along: 21 weeks
• total weight gain: I haven't weighed myself in weeks so I have no idea.  I know I've gained more than I had with Liliana at this point, but I'm exercising more this go around and am not concerned about it.  I think I'm gaining it at a more normal pace this time whereas last time I barely gained anything and then ballooned gaining 4 or 5 pounds a week for 3 weeks.  That hasn't happened this time, fortunately!
• maternity clothes: most of the time.  I've been wearing TONS of dresses and skirts.  They're so comfortable and the weather is so warm that it's appropriate.
• stretch marks: no sir! The boobs do have big veins on them which the hubby says makes sense because of yadda yadda.  I didn't listen.  I was just grossed out by them.
• sleep: not great unfortunately!  I am no longer taking the anti-nausea medication because I don't need it, but since part of that medication was a sleeping aid, I've missed the sense of feeling sleepy.  I think that daylight savings also screwed me up. 
• movement: oh yes!  i've been seeing her move for about 2 weeks and feeling her move since about 12/ 13 weeks.  My clothes just move all around and some people at work have even noticed.  We make strong ones, let me tell ya!
• miss anything: just lack of mobility ... being able to help around the house more and not being able to run nearly as quickly as I used to while working out.  It puts an awkward pressure on my pelvis and is uncomfortable so I have to slow the treadmill down.  That's getting old but I'd better get used to it!
• food cravings: sonic slushes but I haven't caved!  Evan keeps saying "PLEASE let me get one for you!  I want to help!" but I realize I quite honestly don't need to eat that and have to burn it off after Gloria arrives.  In the mean time, pass the water please! : )  (note: that's a lie: I did cave once this week but I know how it goes.  At 30 weeks, I'll be eating so much that I don't ever stop so I'm trying to be aware of that as much as possible at this stage).
• belly button in or out: still in, but not by much!  I'm guessing it will be out by 25 weeks.
• looking forward to: seeing my parents tomorrow!  I haven't seen them since I was 4 weeks pregnant.  They need to see the growing belly! ALSO, looking forward to dealing with that pesky corner I posted about yesterday ... guess who found a GREAT solution yesterday?  : )   



18 Weeks Pregnant - T-shirt Project

Yesterday marked being 18 weeks pregnant with Gloria.  It was, all in all, a wonderful pregnancy week.  I felt great, we got wonderful news, and it's just that stage in pregnancy where each kick is fun (and not too entirely painful yet).  The belly is growing, but not at a SUPER alarming rate anymore thankfully!

18 Week Pregnancy Survey

How Far Along: 18 weeks 1 day

Total Weight Gain: I'm not totally sure ... I think about 6 pounds.  This is 3 pounds more than I had gained with Liliana at this point, but I'm not worried.  I am SO much healthier this pregnancy and haven't been nearly as sick so that makes sense.  Even though I've gained more so far, I'm actually still fitting in to some pants without even unbuttoning them!  I am staying toned since I'm working out and eating healthier.  Happy about that.

Maternity Clothes:  Read above - pants and skirts are more comfortable if they're maternity but I can get away without.  Shirts are usually maternity.  I must be carrying higher this go around or something.  I, quite honestly, wish I could go buy some more maternity clothes because I don't have much that's compatible enough for work and accommodating to the weather.  But considering February is almost done I'm holding off and will soon be able to wear something other than my 4 sweaters and pairs of black slacks.

Stretch Marks:  Nope!  I hope I don't get any this go around.  I thought that since I got lucky the first time that meant I would get lucky this time too, but I've read some blogs that say differently!  EEK!

Sleep:  Not great.  I'm not sure if it's pregnancy related or if it's because we've just been so darn busy, but I wake up very often throughout the night.  For instance, last night I fell asleep around midnight and my alarm went off at 6:20.  I woke up 6 times last night.  This means I'm never really going in to my REM cycle.  No wonder I feel sleepy.  Hopefully the weekend will help me recover.

Best Moment This Week:  FOR SURE our ultrasound!  Everything, anatomy wise is perfect!  AND, my placenta looked great too.  We are hopefully smooth sailing until 37 weeks when I'll deliver Gloria! ; )

Movement:  Yep!  She doesn't move as much as her sister did though.  These movements HURT when they do come along, to the point that I stop dead in my tracks.  They're great to feel though. 

Food Cravings: Still fruit.  I like cold things, so cold cantaloupe is awesome.

Gender:  Still a girl!  I was glad to know it's for sure a girl because now we can start decorating that nursery.

Labor Signs:  I get a couple braxton hicks in the morning right when I wake up.  I've had some REALLY bad round ligament pains on the treadmill but I told my OB about them and he said just to stay hydrated.

Symptoms: I can't mention all of them here on this blog, but truly, I don't have many symptoms any more other than those round ligament pains and feeling sleepy.

Looking forward to: Painting the nursery!  I can't wait to see it come together.  I'm also looking forward to a GREAT friend visiting this weekend and for Evan's birthday on Tuesday.  Eventful and fun week ahead of us. 

Here's a comparison shot for you ... I'd say my belly with Liliana was smaller, but the main difference I notice is the difference in actual belly shape!



14 Weeks Pregnant - T-Shirt Project

I am 14 weeks pregnant with BITO today!  This week had some tough days as I blogged about earlier this week, but now that the medicine is in my system once again, we're right as rain. 

In TWO short weeks we will try to see if BITO is a he or a she! I put a poll on the sidebar (left) for people to vote and take a guess!  Should be fun to see what you guys are thinking and who ends up being right!  For the record: my parents think boy and so does Evan.  I think girl.  But the woman is always right, so ... my vote should count times a million at this stage. ; )

How Far Along: 14 weeks today

Total Weight Gain: about 1.5 to 2 pounds I think.  I think it's all belly and boobs so far.  But we know that will change soon!

Maternity Clothes:  I am unbuttoning my pants and using my bella band so use normal pants still.  However, I need most maternity tops!  This belly is VERY different from my last one shape wise b/c with Liliana it was the bottoms that changed drastically first. 

Stretch Marks:  NO, but I can see my veins more in the breast area.  It's strange and quite unattratctive if you ask me. 

Sleep:  The pregnancy pillow found its way in to our bed 2 times this week and it really helps.  I like it especially when Evan is out of the door and I still have some sleeping left to do.  It's like my sleeping buddy.

Best Moment this Week:  EVAN FELT BITO MOVE LAST NIGHT!  Isn't that CRAZY?  I was psyched out of my mind that I felt some movements around week 12 or so, but last night BITO was going to town and I thought "maybe, just maybe" even though I truly thought it woulnd't be until I was at least 16 weeks for Evan to feel it.  I told Evan to try and within seconds he said "I felt one there!  and there!"  and they were EXACTLY when I was feeling kicks so I know we were right on page.  We've got another big and strong baby in there it seems!

Miss Anything: I'm pretty sick of constantly having to eat something to make me feel good.  I carry snacks around just in case and I miss the days of not worrying about nausea.  Hopefully those will come again soon.

Movement:  Look at "best moment this week."  We seem to make babies that kick early and hard b/c Liliana was a constant mover.  I don't tend to feel BITO move too much during the day but at night I feel it lots more.  I'm chalking this up to the fact that I feel more when I'm lying down and relaxed for the first time in the day.  Also I'm only 14 stinking weeks! haha.

Food Cravings:  FRUIT!  I love oranges, cantaloupes, &grapes.  This is an awesome craving considering with Liliana it was candy.  I fully expect this will change soon, but for now, I'll take it.

Food aversions:  Anything that has a strong odor.  I don't like seafood, but I can't imagine being around somebody that would want to be eating it.  No thank you!

Gender: Only the man upstairs knows for now!  My gut says girl, but it's hard to tell.  This pregnancy has been different in a lot of ways, but we'll just have to see.

Labor Signs: I've had some round ligament pains, especially while working out.  I've also had a couple braxton hicks already, but nothing too painful or out of the ordinary.  They're very short lived.

Wedding rings on or off:  they're still on!  YAY for that.  With Liliana they did come off, but later.  I'm thinking the same will happen this go around.  YAY for getting swollen.  NOT.

Looking Forward To:  Finding out the gender in 2 weeks!  I know there's a chance we won't see and then I'll just have to be even more patient.  However, patience IS NOT my biggest strength so here's hoping! ; )

The T-Shirt Project

With Liliana, I took a picture of my belly every week and then for Christmas Evan made a video of my progressing belly. 

It was definitely a success.

With this pregnancy, I wanted to do something a little different.  After all, each baby is different!  I haven't taken a picture every week like I did with Liliana, but I do think I got a little more creative.

I saw a t-shirt project on pinterest that was really adorable. So, I decided to be a copy-cat and to take matters in to my own hands a little as well:

Pretty soon, I want to order either a chalk board or dry erase board where I can make notes in the background.  I was waiting until I was showing more to do that and since I started showing earlier this time, it's time to order that sucker!

To make the t-shirt, I took a piece of cardboard and put it underneath one of Evan's old t-shirts. Then I just started writing with permanent marker!

So far, I've only taken two pictures with it, but as you can see, I was pretty happy to take this first one:

funny side note: That belly video has nearly 1,000 hits.  You would think that would be the most popular video I've posted to youtube.  You'd be wrong.  When Liliana was about 4 1/2 months, we took a video of her when we played with the nasal aspirator.  She LOVED the thing.  NEVER fussed when we used it (most babies detest it).  Watch for a fun time if you'd like: