Nine Month Bumpdate!

How Far Along 40 flipping weeks. I love being pregnant, but I just keep thinking about how big she's going to end up if she keeps cooking...yikes.

New Experiences Heartburn. Only once, but once was enough.

Gender Still assuming both doctors and three US techs are right. and we have a girl ;)

Total Weight Gain I almost made it to 25 LBS, but then I lost a few pounds. Apparently that's normal towards the end, though. Total is now 21 pounds of baby love.

Sleep I'm a bit tired of waking up before my alarm clock, but it could be worse.

Pregnancy nightmares Yup, and it was TERRIBLE.

Miss Anything At this point I know I'll be able to eat and drink the things I 'missed' soon, so now I could care even less. You better bet there will be a Jersey Mike's Sub in my future, though.

Cravings Nada.

Symptoms According to old wives' tales she's about to come out. My uterus has been super tight, I started breaking out from the hormone changes, I was in a 'mood' Thursday, and I'm less hungry. On top of that, the doc confirmed I was 1cm dilated, starting to efface, and she's moved down the canal. Friday also brought on some early labor signs,  but miss thang is holed up.

Mood Mostly, I'm just thankful that we are more prepared for her arrival than I expected to be. However, Thursday I was most definitely in a mood. I was frustrated with everyone bugging me about when they should come like I miraculously know when she's going to make her appearance. I'm very appreciative that she has so many people that love her and want to be here, but I'm not a psychic and our house isn't a hotel. I can't tell you anything other than our home is open to you for the birth, but you will be sharing it with whomever else shows up at the time. I have one guest bedroom, one air mattress, and two couch slots. First come first serve people. #notmyproblem

Best Moment This Week I went to the doctor expecting to hear 'no change' for my 39 week appointment, but when he said 1cm and starting to efface I was elated! I know it's still up to her, but at least that meant my body was doing it's job.

Looking Forward to Meeting her, le duh.

Exercise Still going strong! I have to start off reeaaally slow and build up, but I'm determined not to quit. The thought of not working out for up to six weeks after is extremely motivating. Plus, anything that might move her along is a bonus.

On My Mind Labor is going to suck. That is all.

Nine Month Bumpdate!

Total Weight Gain As of the last appointment I was up 16 pounds, but that was almost a month ago. My at home scale is only saying 17, so I guess somewhere between 17-19 total gain. I never would have thought that I would be happy about weight gain, and yet it's one of my favorite things to track to see how she's progressing. She was measuring in the 30th percentile at the last appointment, which they said was completely normal based on my stature, so I just want to make sure she's continuing to grow. I'm guessing five pounds or so right now. Five perfect little pounds.

Miss Anything No, but I did attend a reception the other day and was super sad when I couldn't eat a single thing because it was all cold cuts, mystery salad sandwiches, and other potentially 'unsafe' appetizers. Where the cookies fruit and veggie trays at??

Cravings The usual...sweets. I actually asked for a smoothie the other day, but when it came down to it I didn't feel like driving to get one and Will had already had a few beers. I guess I should plan any future cravings before he pops a cold one, haha.

Symptoms Other than having to roll out of the bed or off the couch, I started having a little round ligament pain {lower abdomen} while I sleep, but adding another pillow under my belly seems to ease that. Pillows are my best friends these days.

Mood Optimistic, enthusiastic, excited, and just happy in general.

Best Moment This Week Charlie's godmother just moved back to Pensacola, so when I went home this weekend she got to massage my belly and talk to her. Having a nurse massage your belly is quite awesome I might add. I didn't even know they did that.

Looking Forward to A surprise Ultrasound today!

Exercise I ran my last mile on Thursday {insert super sad face}. I still plan on doing my core workouts and keeping active as long as I can, but I started getting cramps in my lower abdomen while running. I don't mind the pain, but it's not worth how it might affect her.

Questions This Month 

Have you tried Amazon Mom?

How many bottles does one need to start out with if you plan on breastfeeding?

What are you tips for last minute baby preparation?

What was in your hospital bag?

EIGHT Month Bumpdate

How Far Along EIGHT flippin' months

New Experiences She had hiccups twice this past week!

Gender Sassy little gal.

Total Weight Gain 13, as in 1-3 at last week's appointment. I know, I'm amazed too. I'm just waiting to blimp up out of nowhere.

Miss Anything Will burped the other night, and I was like "Mmmm beer" I think I just want to get my drink on now that I can't.

Cravings I've been rubbing it in Will's face that he hasn't had to go make a single ice cream/pickle run. I gravitate towards carbs and sweets, but I limit myself and find healthy-ish alternatives around. Every dessert looks divine, and I even walk through the Publix bakery just to admire, but I RESIST. Other than special occasions.

Maternity Clothes Still using the hair tie trick, but maternity clothes are more comfy than regular clothes these days, and my birthday suit is the comfiest. Having anything on is well, constricting.

Best Moment This Week In a conversation, I referred to "My daughter..." and I got chills. I could never wrap my head around saying that until now.

Looking Forward to Another ultrasound Tuesday. It's probably the last, so I want to soak it in!

Exercise I had to buy a maternity support band, but still going strong.

On My Mind How I pretty much have a month to get done everything I can, because after that it's fair game.

In case you haven't heard, her name is now officially on the regular blog, so check it out ;)

Love At First Sight

Sorry for the Repost overload, but I'm getting ready for a biiiig reveal Monday, and needed to be all caught up. I hope you are ready for it, because I AM ;)

I realized that in the hullabaloo of the beginning of {our knowledge} of this pregnancy, I never actually went in to detail about how things went down. The juiciest part is how I revealed it to Will, but I still haven't gotten the video of that edited, so today is all about our first doctors appointment. The one that seriously blew our minds...

At this point we had only known we were pregnant for a week, so we had no clue how far along we were, what we were having, and we still weren't even close to coming to terms with this situation. There had been much debate as to how far along I was, and although my best friend {the nurse that demanded I get labs done when I had back pain}was positive I was 12-14, the general consensus was that I had to be six weeks or so. Boy were they wrong.

I don't know how these appointments usually go, but we were immediately ushered into the ultrasound room. With a quickness, the nurse gelled me up, started wiggling her magic stick, and Will and I both looked at each other in complete shock when we saw a fully formed baby on the screen. Like we're talking a full profile, limbs, and you could even see the spine! We didn't know what that meant, but we were pretty sure that's not what we should have been seeing. Ignorant of our surprise, the nurse started spouting out facts like 10 oz, a due date that neither of us processed, and that little tidbit about us being 19 weeks along. Exqueeze ME??

Oh that heartbeat...still gives me chills, but then Will makes me laugh with his 'demon spawn' comment and helped me snap out of my state of shock with even more shenanigans in the screening room. I don't know what I'd do without him.

So next came talking with our new doctor, where his first question was whether we were switching doctors. I felt like a kid in the principle's office telling him, "No, we just didn't know we were pregnant." Although, he did take it better than I expected. He said size wise he wasn't surprised and went so far as to ask Will if he had noticed any signs, but Will insisted he hadn't {good answer, dear hubby}. To this, the doctor said and I quote, "Girl, you just blessed." At the time I didn't feel blessed, but it was reassuring that he didn't seem to be phased about it all.

Up until this point, one of us has always been in control and able to support the other. However, when you find out you are halfway through a pregnancy that you didn't plan in the first place, it wasn't surprising that we were both thrown for a loop. I can't even remember all the details of the conversations at that appointment, but there were a lot of Oh shit's, many exchanged looks of shock, and a few Damn's when we found out it was a girl. {Okay, okay, so maybe I'm the only one who said damn, but we had only come up with boys names thus far, and we all know I hate pink.} We may not have had it all together, but we walked out of that office with a folder full of information, pictures of our baby girl, and clinging to each other because no matter what...we were in this together.

I know we aren't the only couple to be taken by surprise when it comes to pregnancy, but that's not as reassuring as one may think. At least we've come a long way in the last 2.5 months, and now...it's going to be our greatest adventure.

Seven Months Bumpdate!

How Far Along 28 Weeks {as of last Monday}

New Experiences Watching my belly dance as she has a party in my tummy. It is the ca-raziest thing I've ever seen or felt. Like just now...she made my laptop bounce while I typed this. I have an 'anterior placenta', so it is on the front of my belly and homegirl kicks right through it.

Total Weight Gain 10 pounds. No complaints here!

Sleep Pretty great as long as I have my body pillow. It's funny, I have always been a back or stomach sleeper, and yet my body just seems to know that I need to sleep on my side. However, one just does not sleep on their side without a body pillow while pregnant if they want a quality night sleep consistently. I cannot imagine pregnancy without it.

Miss Anything NOPE. I was missing deli meats, but was then told that it's okay as long as I heat it up first. Hallelujah, I just want a sammich every now and then.

Cravings Still nada. It's harder to find things I want to eat in general, but at least I found out that my lack of appetite is probably due to my organs being smooshed together. Less room in my stomach coupled with a slower digestion period {to pull more nutrients from food} means I feel full most of the time.

Symptoms I feel great, but I can tell when I overdo it these days. My belly aches from the extra weight and I feel every ounce I've gained draining me when I exert myself too much. They say a pregnant woman burns more calories sitting on the couch cooking a baby than a man lifting weights, so no wonder a long day of being on your feet is killer.

Body Changes Belly button is staying in, but my abs STILL haven't separated. I am wearing some maternity clothes because I want to, but I still have a closet full of clothes that fit. Although, that dress up there? Wouldn't zip the next day.

Mood I have a bit of a short fuse these days, but I manage it pretty well. I have probably gotten a little more upset over small things, but I make an effort to not just spout off at the mouth. I want to voice my feelings without 'being mean'. Many things make me cry, but I've always been that way {behind closed doors}, so there is no telling if there's a difference there.

Best Moment This Week She stuck her tongue out at us on the last ultrasound! Poor thing has her face smooshed up against the placenta, and when they tried to get her to move she stuck her tongue out. We even got to see an instant replay of it, because I couldn't believe my own eyes. Boy do I love the details in the ultrasound at the specialist.

Looking Forward to Getting her crib set finished. First, I just have to start it.

Exercise I'm finding slightly less motivation to work out, so I'm just sticking with my two days on, one day off routine and switching up the exercise routine to accommodate how I feel that day. I have no excuse and need to keep my energy and stamina up for her!

On My Mind Pregnancy is scary. I feel like I have no control, and that scares the ish out of me. I do my best to eat what I'm supposed to, listen to my body, and avoid many situations, but I get overwhelmed thinking about all the things that could go wrong. Like what if I had bought Sabra Classic Hummus and got sick off the Lysteria? I'm not letting the fear stop me from enjoying the pregnancy, but it is something that's on my mind more often than it should be.

Questions
What crib mattress do you recommend? The only one that I can find a consensus of approval is the Naturpedic, but I don't know if I want to spend $350 dollars. I'd love your opinions.
Are there any protein powders good for pregnancy? My doctor told me to avoid them since their isn't enough data about the effects during pregnancy/breastfeeding, but I'm curious if there have been some approved. I need more protein, and I would love to find something to use until she weens.

Now please keep L.D. from Dispositve Motion in your thoughts as she has her baby. I can't wait to see her pictures and here all the details. You go, girl!

Six Months!

I really feel cheated that time is going by so fast. I know a lot of mom's say this, but I'm still getting used to the idea of being knocked up so I can't even wrap my head around the mom part yet. When am I supposed to feel like a mom? When she's in my arms? For now I'll simply enjoy an awesome little alien that has taken over my tummy and enjoy the ride. Nonetheless, I am already looking forward to Mother's Day. *winkwink*

How Far Along: 24 Weeks!

New Experiences: I've had the 'flutters' for a few weeks, but CQB is finally KICKING! The best part was that Will finally got to feel her. We were laying in bed with his hand on my stomach and every time he felt her we would turn to each other in awe. Experiencing that together was a highlight of my life.

Total Weight Gain: 8.o pounds, and it's great. I'm gaining weight on the inside while losing weight on the outside. They say a pregnant woman burns more calories cooking a baby on the couch than a man lifting weights, and the fact that I still work out is icing on the cake. I'm upping my calories like I'm supposed to, but I haven't felt the desire to 'eat for two' and barely have any cravings.

Cravings: Not much except for a sweet tooth the last week. I'm trying to stick to fruit, but it's too easy to reach for candy since I bought some at the Dollar Store like a dummy. whoops

Symptoms: I lose my balance which is actually pretty funny, but mostly it's just a struggle to get up.

Maternity Clothes: Still not wearing them. I've actually gone through my closet and I'm trying to wear everything I can before it won't fit anymore. Don't worry though, I have already packed two big boxes worth of  stuff that doesn't fit. Mainly bras, bathing suits, and 'inappropriate' stuff ;)

Mood: My mood is fine, but I am feeling a bit of anxiety trying to juggle it all. Go figure.

Best Moment This Week: Other than the kicks, we had our 3rd appointment and we got to hear her heartbeat. Pretty crazy...I don't know how they tell the difference between hers and mine.

Exercise: Still going strong, and I actually outran a friend the other day. She usually stays on the treadmill longer than I do, but I guess I am more conditioned to running outside. We had to stop several times AND I ran more than a mile over what she did. We have a 5K this weekend, so I've got to be ready to run! Whodathunk I'd run a 5K while six months pregnant.

On My Mind:  We've torn apart the house to turn the guest bedroom into the nursery and in turn my beloved closet room has become the guest bedroom whompwhomp, so now we have to find some semblance of order AND get my projects done before the first baby shower. My goal is to have the crib bedding finished (yes, I'm making the crib set, because I'm so picky) and finish painting the changing table that my grandpa made me. If only the naked crib wasn't taunting me...

Over all, we feel pretty blessed. Will keeps thinking things are going too smooth with this pregnancy, but all we can do is take what comes at us. We only have 3-4 months left, so technically... it's all downhill from here. I just hope we can soak it all in and enjoy every moment. This could  should be the only pregnancy I get to experience, and as such, I plan on experiencing it to the fullest extent. Happy SIX months to us, and happy {early} St. Patty's to you guys. I'm already going green!

A Candid Baby Registry Of Sorts

First off, I apologize for any and all baby showers I have attended in my life. I picked them out some really cute stuff, but I had no clue how important it was to follow the registry. Mom's are picky, have their own style for baby, NEED specific things, and cringe at the thought of nine million newborn outfits when baby may not even fit in them by the time they make an appearance. It's even worse for the military moms...the thought of moving all the 'crap' we get is giving me nightmares. But don't get it twisted. I will take EVERYTHING you give me. I just prefer a receipt to go with it just in case *winkwink.

To make my life your life easier friends and family that have asked us what to get, I've created a comprehensive registry of MUST haves here for you. If you want to know what we really need/want, just follow this list and avoid boutique ruffle pant suits {BLEH} and all things PINK. Mint, Amethyst, Mustard = winners. Pink = heck to the nope. Yes, I know I will have to get used to pink, but I sure as heck don't have to start off with it. Tell me these colors aren't just as fun and more 'us':

Also important to note, we have acquired a few things already that you can skip over. We are so incredibly blessed to have my Portuguese FIL making us a bassinet, we have the privilege of using the rocking horse and changing table that my grandfather handcrafted for me when I was a baby, blankets from all the grandmas, and my other grandparents have bought us a crib and glider set. Since we are moving this year, I would have just bought a pack'n play and called it a day, but who am I to say no to all these fabulous free things...To say the least, we are overwhelmed with the family support.

Potential Nursery Set up:

If you don't care for the specifics, we are registered at Target, Amazon, and Babies 'R Us (I hate Babies 'R Us, which is a story for a different day), but either way, I suggest ordering online. They actually make it super difficult by having different things at different stores, so as long as you can get free/discounted shipping it's WAY easier. Don't forget Craigslist either. I am completely fine with gently used items. As long as it's on our list, I should add.

*For Non-Bloggers, links to the products are purple. Click the link and it will take you to the exact item! I tried to choose the best price/most wanted of the three registries for each link, but feel free to search whichever registry you prefer.*

NEEDS, or at least what I think we 'need':
Graco Travel System I love anything convertible/transitional, so this is a must. Car seat and stroller in one wins in my book, and this is one of the only sets that met all of our needs.
Car Seat Protector
The Coolest High Chair Ever
Baby Monitor
Baby Einstein DVD Set When I worked at the gym daycare, these DVD's were my secret to keeping the babies from crying when their mom's left. I am most definitely claiming them as a need. Amazon has it used too!
Baby clothes and Swaddlers To reiterate...NO PINK.
Crib Sheets Any lavender, sage, mint, ivory, white, etc will do!
Changing Pad and Cover
Breast Pump These babies are expensive, so used it A-OKAY. Hint: There's one for sale on the Fort Rucker Classifieds site that a few could go in on ;) (Tricare doesn't cover)
GIFT CARDS. I would have put diapers and wipes, but that would mean we could end up with nine million newborn diapers or have to move those diapers with us very soon. If you would like to donate to our diaper fund, then gift cards are the shizz. I really don't want to come off greedy, but I want people to know that I won't think you insincere for going the gift card route.

WANTS:

My #1: This GORGEOUS Chandelier Table Lamp. We move from rental to rental, so this is something to jazz up the room without having to paint or change light fixtures. That makes it practically a need. I neeeeeeed this ;)
Will's #1: The safest and most efficient Jogging Stroller you've ever seen. First, let me say that it's NOT cheap, and as such we have NO problem with a used BOB off Craigslist. Also, this could be an item to go in on with a group. We have researched extensively and this is the only one that has the best safety features, rubber tires, locking wheels, etc. that would make us feel safe running with her, which we will most definitely be doing as soon as she's strong enough to hang.

Pack 'n Play or Travel Crib
Bumbo
BOOKS

Precious Moments

Berenstein Bears
Guess How Much I Love You
The Tale Of Peter Rabbit
Tikki Tikki Tembo
The Story Of Babar
Stone Soup
Puff The Magic Dragon
Pippi Longstock
Princess And The Pea
Baby Belluga and Hello, Baby Beluga
There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly


Disney Movies
Playpod/Playmat
Swing/Bouncer System
Cart and Highchair Cover
Ergo Baby Carrier

 I hope you find this list 'fun enough', but you mom's know that it's the not-so-fun stuff that really matters. Like diapers, bottles, pacifiers, nipple covers (still don't know what those are), breast pumps, etc. We are so thankful for anything that we are given, but if all else fails, please include the receipt ;) With having multiple registries, I know we will end up with double gifts in spite of my best efforts.
Happy shopping!

Target Registry

Amazon, www.amazon.com/babyregistry and search our name.

Babies 'R Us, Registry #: 55794595

Twenty Week Bump Date

How Far Along: 20 Weeks!

New Experiences: I've only felt her once because I have an anterior placenta, but it was amazing when I did. It was very hard to detect, and yet once I caught on to the itsy bitsy repetition it was breathtaking.

Gender: Baby Girl! A.K.A. CQB until we announce the name. Just not sure when that will be.

Total Weight Gain: 7.o pounds

Sleep: Doesn't seem to be too difficult, but I am waking up around 5am some mornings. Luckily, I read my Kindle app for a bit and back to sleep I go for the most part.

Miss Anything: Now that I can't drink I want a margarita, but I think this is all too new to be missing much.

Cravings: I haven't 'craved' a single thing, but my appetite has changed. Thus far, I have had less of an appetite and I stand in the kitchen not wanting a single thing in there. However, I have been eating my weight in Carrot Hummus and strawberries with peanut butter as my late night snack. Hey, at least it's healthy.

Symptoms: Slight back pain that feels like a less intense kidney infection, getting up too quick causes dizziness, soreness in my booty piriformis muscle, and if I have a busy day I'm completely spent at night.

Belly Button/Body Changes: Belly button looks the same, but I think my hips have spread a bit, my boobs are ginormous, and about halfway through week 20 I started seeing the belly you see up there.

Maternity Clothes: I've bought some adorable second hand maternity clothes from other MilSpouses (bounus!), but technically I don't need them yet. I can't button my normal button ups, pants without 'give' are banished, and  although some things look a little funny on the tatas, most everything still fits.

Mood: I kinda feel like a new person. I all of a sudden have an overwhelming feeling of a special purpose, and it's pretty darn cool. I'm terrified of the responsibility of growing this being inside me, but at the same time it's inspiring and leading every decision I make.

Best Moment This Week: Listening to Will read to CQB for the first time this week. He read that the baby is getting to the point where she can hear his voice, so he wants to make sure she knows his voice.

Looking Forward to: Seeing the specialist on Fat Tuesday. I'm ready to see CQB again and get this appointment over that's been looming over our heads. I also hope we can enjoy Fat Tuesday a bit before coming home. We will be in Mobile (which is where Mardi Gras actually started, though most don't know), so I want to enjoy it.

Exercise: I've become more mindful of my breathing, taking breaks, and chugging water, but this baby hasn't stopped me since the doctor cleared me for exercise. I've definitely gotten slower in spite of my best efforts, but as long as I can keep trucking along in a healthy manner, there is no stopping me. We've got a 5K in a month, and heck yes I'm still doing it.

On My Mind:  Registries, Baby Showers, Getting the new house rented, and devouring ANYTHING baby/pregnancy related I can find. My mom asked me a bunch of questions about our plans for the pregnancy, and for the first time EVER, I had to say "I don't know." My mom was flabbergasted, because I'm Mama Janna and everyone comes to me for advice on everything. However, I know NOTHING about what is going on right now. The lack of knowledge is probably why I'm most terrified, but I just didn't think I'd ever need to know it. Speaking of which...I'll take every tip and bit of advice you can come up with. Don't be shy now!

Baby Makes Three

Welcome friends! If you are here, I'm assuming you are excited about our little bundle of joy, and I hope you know what that means to us. This blog is going to be my way of tracking this pregnancy in a more intimate way, and I thank you for being a part of it. I know, I know, a public blog isn't intimate, but this space will provide me the freedom to tell you aaaaall about our little bundle of joy without the pressure and attention that Perception Is Everything gets.

Today marks the official halfway point in this insane pregnancy, but as most of you know, we were only clued in at 18 weeks. It has been the CRAZIEST two weeks of my life since we got the news, as it was coupled with purchasing our first investment property, big steps in her daddy's career, purchasing a mommy mobile, and on top of that we did most of it while in a complete state of shock. I'm telling you, Will and I should be on that show Amazing Race. We make such a good team that we would murder the competition. No question in my mind.

In case you haven't seen it, and because I'm super proud of the sign I made, the fact that we chased the last bit of light that day, and that Will came up with the concept for our reveal because we don't like to do what's already been done...Here is our Reveal photo:

Thank you for starting this crazy new chapter of our lives with us. It's an adventure we weren't expecting, but it's exciting