32 Weeks

Hello!  First off, I need to say that this week's post contains a video.  If you read this blog through email, it will be best if you open up the blog in a web browser (loveissomethingthatwedo.blogspot.com) so that you can view the video.

Now, on to the weekly update.  And boy do we have a lot to update!

This little baby.... I swear he knows when he's being watched.  He does all kinds of flips and turns, making my stomach move like CRAZY.  I always carefully get Carl's attention (no fast movements or shouting- I don't want to interrupt the acrobat in my tummy) and by the time Carl looks over, he sees my perfectly STILL belly.  Seriously, little dude.  Let daddy see you do your flips and turns!  Carl has seen him several times, but there are just sometimes that I think this little boy is going to jump right out of my stomach.  He will move so dramatically that I feel like I was the one that just jumped, not him.  I think FOR SURE everyone around me can see what just happened, but nope, just me.  Carl and I have decided that our baby is like this little guy from Warner Brothers.  

His agent (me) keeps trying to get others to see the talent of his performance... but soon as others lay eyes on him, he is still and content (ribbit.).  I've even had several times where I am video-chatting with my mom and I say "Look, he's moving a ton!" And soon as I bring her attention to him, he holds still.  Seriously. 

In other news, we are 32 weeks this week.  I'm beginning to get a little anxious because I feel like we aren't nearly prepared enough... we don't have even have the car seat to bring him home from the hospital!  If I had it my way, the car seat would be installed, my hospital bag packed, and the nursery complete.  Unfortunately, these things take time.  We will order the car seat in a week or two, and I'll probably start slowly putting together a hospital bag so I don't forget anything.  I told Carl, even if we were able to bring him home, my poor baby doesn't even have sheets yet! But that will come.  Things are slowly trickling into our home, making it more baby friendly each week.

This past week, we received some amazing gifts from family members.  My Aunt Karla, Uncle Gene, and family sent this gorgeous cradle for our sweet boy to sleep in.

We assembled it downstairs and then moved it into our bedroom upstairs.  I absolutely love the timelessness of this cradle, and how classic it looks.  I can't wait to get bedding for it!  It will be perfect!  And, just for scale, here are the fur babies in the cradle.

Also this week, we received gifts from my Aunt Donna, Uncle Scott, and family!  They sent us the diaper bag for our sweet boy (which I love more in person than I did online- I can't wait to use it!) and a sling for our baby boy to be carried in!  I love the idea of having him close to me, nestled up against me like he has been inside of me for the past nine months.  I'm hoping he will enjoy it as well.  I tried the sling out with my fur-babies and both of them liked it.  Belle liked it a little bit TOO much... so she won't be going back in it so as to avoid confusion (read: jealousy of baby).  The sling disperses the weight of the baby (or fur baby) around my entire back so it honestly doesn't feel like I'm holding ANYTHING!  I thought it would be like wearing a backpack in the front, and I would feel the weight, but I don't feel a thing.  Here are some shots of the fur-babies in the sling.  Notice how Belle is so cozy she can't stop yawning.

"I like being this close to you, momma."

Belle loves her momma!

Kisses!

"This sling is pretty cozy, momma!"

"I could just.... go..to..sleep....."



Sugar also got in on the sling action...although she sat in it differently...

 
Thank you for sending us such special gifts.
You guys are so thoughtful!

As far as new pregnancy symptoms go, I haven't really had any "new" ones.  My belly is getting a little sore these days, with all the kicks coming from within and having less padding of amniotic fluid and having more baby instead.  I have had to use the restroom about a bajillion times a day, though.  The other day, I ran past Carl to get to the bathroom and he responded "Again?! You're in there all the time!".... How do you think I feel, hun?  Haha!

I'll wrap up this weekly post with 2 belly bump photos.  32 weeks as of last Saturday.  Less than 8 weeks to go.  Oh boy, oh boy!

31 Weeks

We are 31 weeks along, this week!  Time is still flying by.  People keep asking if I have reached the point where I want him out of me yet.  I tell them that while I am eager to meet him, I kinda want him to stay in there forever.  I love knowing he's safe and happy!  

Last Tuesday night, I covered up in bed and just as the covers came over me, my stomach moved in a HUGE way.  I asked baby what on earth he was doing in there, but he settled down so I figured all was well.  That night, I had to get up to use the bathroom several more times than usual, and I had a sharp pain in my lower abdomen.  The next morning, after reading, I learned that baby might have just decided to turn upside and down and his head was now resting in my pelvis and on my bladder (which explained both the sharp pain, and the more frequent bathroom trips)!  It was much more uncomfortable to walk for most of the day, and for the first time, I felt like I was doing the waddle (you know the one...)!

At some point, he turned around again and I was feeling back to my old self.   Wednesday night, though, I laid down in bed again and covered up, only to have him flip again!  Once again, he did it one swift movement, as opposed to slowly rotating throughout the day.  I started wondering if this was going to be a habit... turning upside down at the end of the day and working his way back to being right side up while I was up and moving around.  He stayed that way into most of Thursday, but at some point, he (again) turned right side up (or the breech position...but I don't like that word because it has a negative connotation)!

Saturday, he turned upside once again and I was back in discomfort.  Maybe this was the feeling people keep asking me about; maybe this is why they are expecting me to want him to come out of there.  It's definitely less comfortable than when he is in the upright position!  As time gets even closer, one of these days, he will be turning upside down and staying that way (Lord willing). 

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One night this past week, Carl and I were getting into bed and I non-chalantly told him "I have a feeling this baby is going to come early."  I fully expected him to say something along the lines of "Oh no, this is your first baby, you'll definitely be late... you're just anxious so you think he'll be early."  But..... that wasn't what Carl said.

"Me too!" was what he actually said.

I almost spit out my water in utter shock that he, too, thought this baby would be early!  "What do you mean?!" I asked.  He chuckled at me and said he just has a gut feeling that baby will be a little early.  That was not the affirmation that I was looking for.  I was expecting to hear I would be late, not early.  Maybe we are just both anxious, and completely wrong.  Gut instincts can be wrong!  

The next morning, I told my mom about my feeling (and I was about to tell her what Carl said when she interrupted...) "Yeah I'm thinking he's going to be early!  That's why I'm coming out there well before your due date!"  Once again, people... not the affirmation I was expecting.

Anyway, as long as he comes after 38 weeks, I'll be a happy camper.  Don't rob me of those last two weeks of pregnancy, baby boy.  Although, it will be an extra two weeks I get with you face to face, so if you do come then, I think we will still both be pretty happy.  

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I told my mom that I was expecting to be bigger than I am at this point.  Her response?  "Honey, you're pretty huge..."  I guess I just don't FEEL big (most of the time).  I was expecting to not fit behind the steering wheel of the car...but I still can.  Yesterday I couldn't buckle my shoes for the first time so my sweet Carl helped me out.  So even though I don't FEEL big, when Carl takes his weekly picture of me and I see my profile, I can't help but think I look like a house.  So, I'm bigger than I feel.  That's okay.

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Yesterday was Mother's Day.  Happy Mother's Day to all you mommas out there!  I hope you all had a relaxing day with your family.  I was greeted with three gift bags and flowers when I arrived downstairs yesterday morning.  Austin and baby got me a combined card that was very very sweet, and Austin gifted me with a gift certificate to my favorite fabric store!  Carl gave me a card (that made me cry) and a bottle of some perfume I had been loving.  And, last, but not least, my little baby gave me a gift certificate for a prenatal massage!  I was truly spoiled yesterday.  All three boys were far too sweet to me.  Thank you!

Here is my 31 week photo (taken after church yesterday).

And with that, I must say farewell.  I hope you have a lovely week!

30 Weeks

Hey, y'all!  We're 30 weeks pregnant!  Just 10 more to go (if he comes on time and not early or late)!  Woohoo!  I can't believe we are SO close to meeting our little prince!  He still has not turned upside down... but there is still time.  He seems pretty content, if you ask me.  I kinda hate to make him come out of there.  He's all warm and cozy.... my sweet boy.  My doctor said she won't let me go longer than 41 weeks.  So, baby boy, if you are still in there being all cozy at 41 weeks, I'm sorry but you're going to be served an eviction notice.  As much as I'd like you to stay in there, we've got tons of people who REALLY want to meet you!

Here is my 30 week picture.  As Carl took this picture, he said "Holy crap, you're huge!"  I know he means it in the nicest way possible (if there's a nice way to say that to someone)... he isn't calling me fat.  I just wanted to be clear on that, for those of you that don't know my sweet husband.  He knows better than to call me fat, haha! :)  

Here is our weekly update on all things baby belly:

Best moment of the week? Carl put his hand on my stomach and baby put his little hand or foot against Carl's hand.  It was very sweet.  It felt like he was giving his daddy a high-five, or trying to hold his hand.  I thought maybe I was imagining feeling him at that particular spot (or that my body was confused because Carl was touching me on the outside), so I pushed around to feel where he was and in that little spot, there was a tiny tiny lump.  Like a tiny hand or a tiny foot, or maybe a heel or elbow?  One of his little body parts was definitely there pushing against my skin, and it was the sweetest thing.  "High five, daddy!"  I had Carl push too, and he could feel the tiny lump as well.  Precious!

Best thing about being pregnant? Feeling baby boy kick, and move around, and snuggle.  I love feeling him, it just never gets old.  I think I will really miss this when he is out!  I have some sweet friends who have been letting me know that when he does come, I will most likely feel overwhelmingly sad that he is out.  I'm just trying to brace myself.  I know it is natural that he comes out, but my momma-bear instinct wants him where he is safe and happy! 

Do you get morning sickness?  Yep.  No big deal though.  Not anymore, at least!  I've gotten used to it.  However, that first trimester was a doozey... the CONSTANT nausea was overwhelming!  I think it's pretty amazing how us women forget the bad sides of pregnancy (and childbirth).  We had some friends over a couple weeks ago and the girl was asking me how it was being pregnant.  I could only thing of all of the happy and wonderful things I've gotten to experience.  Carl interjected though, reminding me that the first trimester was awful... but somehow I've already forgotten that.  I can consciously remember it if I prompt myself (or if Carl prompts me), but it is definitely not the first thing that comes to mind.  It's exactly how John 16:21 puts it: "A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world."  Except, I've already forgotten some bad parts without him being in my arms!  God's design is just perfect, isn't it?!

Do you cry a lot? Not "a lot" necessarily... but more than I'd like to.  But after I cry, I feel much better!  Carl is always very sweet to me when I cry.  He's kind of gotten used to it, and isn't as concerned when I spontaneously burst out in tears.  But he's still sensitive to me, and always gives me hugs and love, and lets me cry it out.  Such a good guy.  :)

What was the first thing you bought for the baby? This adorable outfit:

Who will be in the delivery room with you?  My wonderful husband and my amazing momma :)  (This morning we got to talking about who will be at my head and who will be at my feet... apparently BOTH want to be at my feet!  We might have to do some rotations because I'm going to need a hand to squeeze!)  I haven't asked my dad if he wants to be in there, but he is welcome in as well, if that is what he wants.  My philosophy is this: if you changed my diaper when I was a baby, or if you're my husband, you can come in the room.  :) And if my dad did come in, then both Carl and my mom would be at my feet and dad would stay at my head!

Have you had any pregnancy dreams?  Yes.  And so have my mom and Carl.  My mom dreamt baby came out in a hard hat, as a toddler.  Carl dreamt that baby came out walking and talking.  I dreamt he came out as an 8 month old (a very happy one at that!), and then a couple nights later I dreamt I gave birth at 7 months (but he was 8 pounds and healthy).  In the dream, I called my mom to tell her I had the baby and I said, "My heart is now outside of my body!" She didn't understand what I meant and asked if I was okay, then I told her "Yes, my heart is outside of my body…your grandson has been born!"  

And one more pic, just for the cuteness...

Here are our little ladies.  Traffic jam on the staircase to our bed!  

29 Weeks

How old were you when you got pregnant? 25

How old will you be when you give birth? 25

How many months along are you in your pregnancy? 7.5 months! Wow!  Where has the time gone?!  As of Saturday, I was 29 weeks.

What was your first reaction when you found out?  I was pretty shocked!  I didn't really expect that little plus sign to appear; it was a very surreal moment.  Click here to get the details!

Were you scared? Nope, I wasn't scared...just excited!

Was it hard for you to tell others, or was it easy? EASY!  I was dying to tell everyone about it but we waited until we could tell our family first.  To hear how we told my parents, click here.  To hear how we told Carl's parents, click here.  To hear how we told Austin and our friends, click here.

Who was the first person you told?  This little dollface, Belle!  Does she count?  I had to practice saying it aloud; then I shared it with Carl.  You can read about that story, here.

Do you fear birth? No, not yet at least!  I get a little anxious when I start thinking about it, but I know God designed my body to do this and I will be just fine.

One thing that stresses you most about being pregnant? At first I was really worried baby wasn't getting enough nutrients since I was so sick, and the dehydration cramps that landed me in the hospital really scared me.  But I don't get too worried now, I feel like we are in the groove of things.

Do you know if the baby will be a boy or girl yet?  He's a little prince.  :)

Can you feel your baby kicking now? Yes!  Constantly!  I can now tell (most of the time) what position he's in.  He is basically doubled over inside of me, still in the upright "breached" position (and sometimes he's stretched out horizontally).  I don't like calling it breached since he technically shouldn't have even turned upside down yet.  A couple nights ago, he woke me up doing some stretches.  It felt like he was stretching his toes as far as they would go, while also "raising the roof" with his little hands.  I felt him stretch all the way from my left to my right side!

As of this Saturday coming up, we will have ten weeks to go!

28 Weeks

Good morning!  We are now in our 28th week of pregnancy!  I'm kicking myself right now because I have been seeing all these little surveys pop up around online and I haven't used a single one to document this pregnancy!  I don't ever want to forget this 9 (okay, it's actually 10) month journey!

At 28 weeks, nothing TOO exciting has been happening around here... but pregnancy in itself is exciting, so I'm not complaining! I'm going to do this little survey to help me remember these weeks, and I will either do the same one or a variation of it each week (or, I'll try to, at least!) along with sharing all of the usual tidbits with you guys.  Here we go!

How Far Along? 28 weeks, 4 days
Size of the Wee One? The size of an eggplant!
Maternity Clothes? Definitely!  Maternity pants are the most comfortable thing ever made.  I might be a little sad going back to regular jeans post baby-weight!  I wear maternity shirts too, for the most part, since they are long enough to cover my belly...but I also regularly wear jersey knit tanks from Old Navy (super stretchy)! 
Weight Gain? Yep!  What, you want a number?  Okay, okay, about 20 pounds.  Still throwing up, but gaining weight, so that is a blessing!  And the 20 is after losing 10 from being sick in the first trimester.
Stretch Marks? Nope!  Thanks momma for the good genes!
Gender? Boy in blue! 
Sleep? Since I'm still up using the bathroom several times a night, I get pretty darn tired during the day and end up falling asleep for a mid afternoon nap on an almost daily basis.  I've had little bouts of insomnia this week where I just lay there in bed at 3am (purely exhausted, constantly yawning) unable to sleep. 
Cravings? I haven't had "cravings" where I beg Carl to rush out at 2am like some women have, but I do have certain foods that I really really want at certain times.  Mainly chalupas from Taco Bell.  Last night I REALLY wanted a snow cone.
What I Miss? Over-easy style eggs... I miss the runny yolks so much!  And feta cheese!  Oh man!  I can't have either of these throughout the pregnancy and it's been tough because feta was part of my daily diet!
Symptoms? Braxton hicks contractions, nausea (still! but it's better than the first trimester!), exhaustion, mood swings (although they are better than before), and I'm hot... constantly.  From someone who used to be freezing all the time, this is a big change for me!
Belly Button? Still an innie!
Best Moment? Feeling him kick and move (that feeling NEVER gets old), and Carl feeling him kick too!  Carl can lightly touch my tummy and feel baby kicking away, and I absolutely LOVE it.  A couple nights ago we were watching a show and a scary part came on so I scooted in close to Carl and he put his arm around me.  My stomach was touching his side and he could feel baby kicking him!  These are the moments I treasure most and I will surely miss once baby arrives!

I can't believe that in about 12 weeks, baby will be here!  So exciting!  Here's the bump last Saturday at 28 weeks exactly.

27 Weeks

Baby and I went and visited the doctor yesterday, for our 27 week checkup.  Man, time is flying by!  The doctor listens to his heart and feels my stomach every visit.  She calls him "happy baby" and says he's big.  Yesterday, she estimated him being between 2 and 2.5 pounds (which is right on target according to the books) but she says she is concerned he will be a big baby.  ("Big" meaning 8 pounds.... we shall see.)  In case you are curious, I was barely over 6 pounds and Carl was over 10 pounds.  An 8 pound-er for us might be considered average, if it even works that way.

So, what's new in the past week?

Lots, I tell ya!

Well, I started feeling baby get hiccups finally.  I wasn't sure that's what I was feeling but after holding perfectly still and concentrating at the dinner table, I came to the conclusion that yes, it must be hiccups.  At regular intervals my stomach would flutter.  I picture his little face scrunching up at the annoyance of having the hiccups and I think it's adorable, although I feel a little bad for him.  You know how annoying hiccups can be. 

Last Thursday, I had to go for the glucose screening test.  I was DREADING this test more than anything..... for those of you that don't know, the glucose screening requires you to fast after midnight, and then go to the doctor and have blood work done.  (And they make you leave a urine sample.  TMI?  Sorry.  There's a reason I'm telling you though, so bear with me.)  So, the tech draws your blood, then makes you drink a really sugary drink within five minutes.  After the five minutes is up, the timer starts.  Exactly one hour later, the tech draws more blood.  Then, an hour after that, more blood is drawn...and you're finally free to leave.  

I have no problems with blood work (mom says I'm blessed with my dad's veins) so why was I dreading this test so much?  The fasting.  The sugar.  The fasting and the sugar.  If I don't eat soon as I wake up in the morning, I'm extremely nauseous and will throw up (or dry heave).  It's a pregnancy thing- this isn't my normal self.  And also, if I eat any sugar, I get nauseous and sometimes throw up.  So I basically avoid sugar (giving in to the occasional ice cream cone- hey, nobody's perfect) and I keep fruit, granola and protein bars by my bed to eat when I wake up (I switch what I eat per day, I don't inhale all of that at once).  I was so desperate to avoid this test that I researched the test online, and learned that the doctor is basically checking me for gestational diabetes.  There aren't any symptoms of gestational diabetes (other than frequent urination, which is also a pregnancy symptom) but there are qualities that can make you more "at risk."  I had none of those qualities.  I asked my doctor if instead of taking this test, could I please just prick my finger and check the blood using a monitor every single day for the rest of my pregnancy?  She said no.  And so, the test day came.  Much to my chagrin.

So, Thursday (the day of the test), Carl took Austin to school for me so I could sleep until the last minute (and avoid hunger pains if I could sleep through them) so that I could literally roll out of bed and head to the screening (and pray I didn't throw up).  I arrived and got signed in, had my blood drawn, and then they asked for a urine sample.  I had been fasting and I couldn't go.  Since I had to leave a sample before drinking the sugar juice, they told me I was allowed to drink water right up until I drank the juice and so I needed to start chugging.  I drank as much ice cold water as I could and poor little baby was feeling the coldness as it went into my belly.  He started kicking and turning around... poor guy.  "Mom!  That's cold!!"  Sorry buddy.  Finally I was able to drink the juice and start waiting for the hours to pass.  The office was kind enough to give me a bed to lay in, in my own cubicle instead of having to wait in the waiting room.  Thank goodness.  I just laid there for the next two hours and hoped I wouldn't throw up.  (I did take anti-nausea meds because my doctor gave me the 'okay.')  Had I thrown up, I would simply have to re-do the entire test another day.  And I did NOT want that to happen.

Anyway, at yesterday's appointment, I found out the test results came back normal and I am gestational-diabetes-free.  Thank you to those who prayed I would not only make it through the test without being sick, but for those who prayed the test would come back with good news!

Thursday night, most likely because of the fasting and the test my body went through, I started having several braxton hicks contractions.  These are the painless contractions that the pregnant body goes through to prepare for labor.  They can be brought on by a few things, two of which are dehydration and over exertion.  I did everything they say to do when you have a BH contraction (like drink, change positions, lay on your left side, walk around, have a snack) and the contractions persisted.  I did some research and every website said if you have more than four BH contractions in an hour, to call your caregiver immediately.  I watched the clock and had my fourth one within five minutes so I was getting nervous, but it was midnight and I had no other symptoms so I decided to wait until morning.  I didn't have that feeling or intuition that anything was wrong, so I went to sleep.  Throughout the night, I had a few more contractions.  My stomach was even feeling hard when it wasn't contracting and this confused me.  First thing in the morning, I called my doctor.  I spoke to the medical assistant and she told me she would speak with the doctor and call me back.  She never did.  Meanwhile, I had called my mom and one of our friends for advice.  After talking it to death, I realized that the hardness I was feeling (without the contraction) was just the baby!  He's running out of room and I wasn't used to feeling a section of my stomach feel more firm than the rest, so I didn't know that was him I was feeling.  The contractions did not come back but I made sure to talk to my doctor about it yesterday.  She said everything is just fine and as long as I didn't have any other symptoms (she told me what to look for) then there was no need to worry.  Amen!

Saturday night rolled around and I found myself frantically texting my mom and our friend once again.  After a calm day, baby decided to stretch out and poke his foot into my rib.  He must've felt he had more room utilizing that cavity (you know, the one that just holds my lungs, no big deal)... because he stayed there for far too long.  I tried pushing him down, sitting, standing, laying down in multiple positions, "hula hooping" with my hips, and even playing music against my stomach to get him to move.  He was too cozy and fell asleep in that position.  He would not move!  After feeling him tucked in there for about an hour, I was almost in tears from sheer panic that 1) he was stuck, or 2) he broke my rib.  Austin was at a youth devotional, so Carl and I had an impromptu date night that was now in jeopardy.  I was determined to go on and have our meal together, and not let this pain get in my way.  Baby was content, and as long as he wouldn't move I would just have to make due.  We made our way to the restaurant and I had to take an extra ten minutes or so in the car to try to wiggle this foot loose.  Carl and I waddled (well, Carl walked; I waddled) into the restaurant and I tried my best to disguise my face of someone who is not in pain.  Carl reminded me to smile; I think I was scaring the waitresses.  They were probably wondering if I was in labor and was about to give birth right there in their restaurant.  Here is Carl talking to baby and trying to coax him out of my rib.  Love him!

A few bites in, baby decided to move.  Aaaaaah, what relief!  I could breathe!  I could move!  I was all of the sudden not in pain!  *Happy dance!*  So Carl and I continued our meal and then all of the sudden, BAM.  Foot in my rib, again.  I went from happy and smiles to pain and panic in a matter of 5 seconds as I told Carl "I think I'm going to pass out."  This time, not only was baby's foot in my rib, but he was leaning against my diaphragm as well.  (Just another little organ important for little things like, I don't know....BREATHING....)  Carl assured me I wasn't going to pass out (and even if I did, my books say that the baby won't be in any danger... yes, I've researched this after a scare a couple months ago).  I know it sounds silly but just little things like Carl taking me by the hand and telling me I won't pass out actually calms me down.  I get panicky sometimes, thinking that I'll pass out, or baby is in trouble, and Carl always assures me otherwise.  Even though he isn't a doctor, he's always been right so far.  Thanks, honey.  Anyway, baby did end up moving out of my rib shortly after I started feeling panicky, so all was well again.

And while on the subject of Carl, let me just say that he's been so great to me throughout this pregnancy.  He gives me massages when I request them, brings me food and drinks, is sensitive to my hormonal crying (Picture me sobbing saying "I don't know why I feel like my best friend just died!"....yes, that happens...), and he rubs my belly and talks to our baby.  Some days he tells me "Hurry up and have him so I can play with him."  He just warms my heart.  And I love that he enjoys feeling the baby kick.  We will sit together in awe and watch my belly jump around, and he'll put his hands on him (which often calms the baby down right away) and he gets to feel him kick.  Sometimes the intensity and frequency of the kicks prompt Carl to double check with me that we aren't having twins.  He's so sweet and thoughtful... a real catch, that guy.  

On Monday, Austin and I went to the high school and registered him for classes.  9th grade is just around the corner!  Here is a photo I snuck of him filling out a survey while waiting on his guidance counselor.

He mostly got the classes that he wanted, but he was prevented from one elective due to his grades this year.  While the child is bright as can be, he just "doesn't care" about his grades right now.  We can't figure it out, but he has outright told us that his grades don't matter to him.  We are hoping it's just a phase, and we've stressed the importance of good grades so that he can get into college or get a good job.  Right now, he plans on joining the Navy.  Even so, he needs his grades to be up to get accepted there.  Hopefully being prevented from taking a class due to his grades will get him to understand that it isn't just his parents who are telling him to make better grades... it's a real issue rather than us just being nit-picky. 

Aside from that, tomorrow we will go enroll Austin in soccer for the fall (like last year).  Not much else is new on the Austin front.

And because I can't leave our fur-babies out, here are a few pics of them.  I call this one "Will sit for cookie."

Every day, when Carl gets home, he has to sit down or lay down right away so the girls can jump all over him and love on him.  They get so happy to see him!  Their little tongues are a-flyin'!  Kisses all around!

And I will leave you with this little bit of cute happiness.  Hope you have a great weekend!

 

Week 24 through Week 26

Man, my last post was already three weeks ago?  That's crazy!  Time is just flying by right now!  

I've been getting better sleep lately, and I really feel like I'm in the fun stage of being pregnant.  Baby kicks regularly, and I am constantly seeing my stomach move.  I made a comment to Carl letting him know that I wonder if Belle detects that there is another human in my belly.  He replied, "She probably does, but she doesn't know what to do to tell you she knows he's there."  I said "Well she could lay her head on my tummy or something... some dogs do that, I've heard."  A few minutes later, leaning back in bed, this was my view.  Precious Belle!  

 

He was kicking all around and I'm certain she has felt it... sometimes she will look at my stomach like "You might wanna get that checked out, ma..."

Week 24, during church, once we stopped singing and sat down, I felt baby moving a ton.  I looked down and my stomach was moving all over the place!  I gently nudged Carl and motioned for him to look at my stomach.  He watched for a couple seconds and asked, "What, you have the hiccups?"  No honey, I don't have the hiccups... that's our baby boy kicking me and jumping around!  I told Carl it was the baby and he was surprised how much movement there was!  His surprise brought on a fit of laughter from me, but since we were in church I was holding in my laughter as best I could.... which means I sat there bopping up and down (laughing silently and hysterically) and turning red faced.  And baby stopped kicking.  (I rocked him back to sleep, perhaps!)  The thought that my laughter rocked him back to sleep made me just laugh even harder!  Baby says, "I don't know what's going on out there, but keep bouncing me and I'm a happy camper momma!"  So sweet!

After church, we went to get Carl's hair cut.  The hair stylist asked him about his pregnant wife, which I took as a huge compliment because it means I actually look pregnant (and not chunky) to complete strangers!  (She phrased the question asking about the basketball under my shirt, haha!)

Week 25, we attended regular church services and celebrated our risen Savior.  We went out to lunch with our friends and then went back to their house to hang out for a few hours.  Here are the boys' Easter baskets that the bunny put together for them!  Each got some candy (Austin got a lot more, of course) and their basket was filled with a few other goodies.  Austin was in need of some new clothes, and I always thought it was fun unwrapping clothes growing up so I put a few new clothing items in his Easter basket.  I mean, the bunny put some clothes in his basket.  Whoops.  ;)  He got some new khaki shorts, two new t-shirts, and a couple pairs of boxers.  And his basket is actually a trash can for his bedroom (he had recently requested a trash can for his room, and this teal matched his color scheme perfectly)!  Carl got a new cell phone case (his old one broke), new swim trunks (that I fell in love with at Old Navy) and a new pair of jeans.  

And here is a picture of me and the baby bump on Easter Sunday, all ready for church. 

The day before Easter, we helped out at our church's community outreach BBQ.  Here is the baby bump in our church shirt.

Here's the belly in a T-Shirt at our church's community outreach BBQ. 

 

And here is Austin, doing his part at bringing in new people for a free hot dog lunch:

He stood out by the road and held a sign and moved around to bring attention to himself (like wearing a giant hot dog costume didn't do that enough, haha)!  We had a pretty good turnout with the BBQ, and a few people did come to services the next morning!

Week 26, baby weighs about two pounds now!  Wow!  I get weekly updates on my phone that let me know all about what's going on inside of me with the baby's growth.  This week, I was notified that baby will start "pedaling" against my belly.  This is kind of "prewalking" and helps him learn coordination.  I'm sure it gets his left hemisphere and right hemisphere of his brain interacting with each other, building those neural pathways that will help him do all sorts of things as he continues to grow, including speak, read, and of course, walk!  I had been waiting to see if I would feel a difference, knowing what to look for with this "prewalking" and there actually have been a couple of times that I have definitely felt him doing this!  I felt little kicks very close together (in distance, as well as time) and I just KNOW that's what he was doing in there.  I'm still waiting for the day where I can tell which side of him is up and down, but on these particular instances, I know that those are his little feet going to town inside of me.

Last night, I laid awake for a good hour because baby was kicking and rolling around so much.  What made you wake up in the middle of the night, little guy?  Did you get bored?  He probably wakes up much more than I realize, but last night his movements actually kept me awake.  At one point, he calmed down and I patted my stomach saying goodnight to him again, and it woke him back up.  Oopsy!  So I patted my stomach for a little bit and he settled down again.  I can't wait to meet this little boy, I'm so in love with him already.  Here he is (from the outside) at week 26.  This Saturday will be week 27... the start of the third trimester!  Oh boy!!!