5th Annual Gingerbread House Competition

Friday night we kicked off our fun old fashioned family Christmas with our annual gingerbread house competition.  You can read about years past here.  I'm not going to lie, I think we all peaked last year.  We were all excited to build our houses this year but it seemed that no one really prepared like they did last year.  Which resulted in us sitting at the table for what seemed like hours with no real progress.  We laughed a lot though and I guess that's all that really matters.  The kids had a ball and they did a great job this year.

 

This is the winner of the kids division.  Drew did a great job.  I'm not sure how many more years they're going to let him compete in the children's category.  I was excited for him to win! 

Porter built a hunting lodge complete with a duck blind and several dead ducks ( the m&ms).  At one point he did run up to my mom and demand that he needed her help building a garage with a four-wheeler and trailer.  Notice that didn't get built!  Mom said she wasn't a miracle worker.

I loved Ava's redneck house.  She did such a good job both building and decorating hers.  Most people excel at one or the other. 

Harper's princess castle should really have been in the adult category because I'm pretty sure all she did was add the blue sixlets.  Mom did pretty much all the rest of the work. 

Now to the adult category.

My big brother Patrick's interpretation of the economy.  He's so witty!

Leslie went the religious route with her gummy bear nativity.

John, oh John.  He had a great house but did not do one bit of decorating.  I think he could have won it with a strand or two of lights.

This was mine.  Not my best work.  This is what happens when I have no plan. I really have no words.

 

Hope's was the winner and rightfully so.  She did a great job with construction and decoration. 

Elizabeth came with a plan.  This is Denny Chimes.

And Clay's house.  I can' t remember the name of the house but it is a replica of a house close to where they live in Atlanta.  I'll have to ask him and update this later.

The whole neighborhood. 

 

Even though it wasn't our best work we all still had a lot of fun. 

36 weeks

How Far Along: 36 weeks

Size of baby: Large Cantaloupe (19-22in, 6lbs or in our baby's case over 7lbs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 51lbs. I'm not sure if the Dr. was just trying to make me feel better or not but she said not to worry that the weight I've gained lately has to be mostly fluid with how swollen my feet and legs are.
 

Maternity Clothes: Yes, all the time. I wear the same few outfits over and over again.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: He's running out of room.  But he's still wiggling as much as he can.
 

Sleep: Not so much.  I've slept better this last week than the week before, I think I'm just so tired that I can't help but fall asleep.

What I miss: Not having heartburn.

Cravings: Nothing particular.

Symptoms: Still just heartburn and swelling, swelling and heartburn. 

Best Moment this week:  We had an ultrasound yesterday, he's measuring about 2 weeks ahead, which come to find out really means nothing other than you have a big baby.  I felt bad for him when we saw him on the ultrasound.  We couldn't really make out any features he's so crammed in there.  He already has a head full of hair from what they could tell.  I can't wait to meet him!

Random Friday Post

We've been busy around the Horton house.  Expecting a baby and celebrating the holidays will do that to ya.  I feel like I have to do lists for my to do lists.  I have Christmas shopping lists, Christmas card lists, to do before baby lists and packing lists.  Most lists have lists and order of importance.  It's starting to get overwhelming but so exciting at the same time. 

I'm planning to wrap up my Christmas shopping this weekend.  Hopefully my cards will beat their estimated delivery date of 12/20 so I can get them addressed and in the mail.  I'm slowly getting things marked off the before baby list and the packing lists might be the death of me. 

One thing that got marked off a list today was getting Ally's haircut.  She looks thrilled doesn't she.  It had been way to long and she was matted to the skin.  But she thinks she looks fabulous with those candy cane bows!
Something that has nothing to do with lists.  This is my best friend Kristen's new puppy.  Marni or Penny, shes still undecided on a name.  Isn't she so cute.  She came to doggy daycare today for a couple of hours and was so sweet.  I just can't get enough of that sweet face.  She's 8 weeks old and weighs in at a whopping 1lb 7oz.
She took a little nap while she was with me. While I haven't been sleeping at night one of my favorite things has been laying on the couch with the Christmas lights on.  It's so calm and warm.  I haven't done a post with our decorations because it didn't really change from last year. I didn't put out my tree downstairs.  I'm trying to decide if I'm going to rush to take it all down before the baby comes.
I'm pretty sure Ally knows something is up.  She's been really attached to Patrick lately.  She is so excited to see him when he gets home and she usually sits right with him until he goes to bed.  Unless I have food, then she'll be my friend.  She never lets me cuddle her like a baby.  She feel asleep in Patrick's arms like this the other night and slept for almost an hour.  The funniest part is I was asleep on the couch so he took this picture of her so I could see. My parents dog died the week of Thanksgiving.  We were sad.  They'd had him for about 14 years but in the last few years he'd been going downhill fast.  Well it seems like since he's been gone these cats have taken up residence on their deck.  (I actually think they'd been hanging around before he died but it seems like now they are always there).  The kids have named them.  They are not strays because they let the kids pick them up pull and tug at them.  I took this picture because it reminded me of my sister when she was little with our cat growing up.  I think this one is "Snickerdoodle".    I'm hoping to show the nursery before the baby gets here but it's not finished yet.  So I guess what I'm really hoping is tha it's finished before he gets here! 

Thanksgiving

 Once upon a time the holiday known as Thanksgiving happened.  Yes it's been 3 weeks now since my favorite holiday passed but I still wanted to recap it.  It was a pretty low key day spent eating and resting.  I love Thanksgiving.  The food is definitely my favorite but I enjoy the doing nothing part too.  I always start the day watching the Macy's parade, then we headed to my grandmothers house for lunch!  It was all so good.  I can't even remember what all we had to eat but I do know there was both turkey and ham which makes this girl very happy! 

My uncle had lined up a little project for the boys to help him with while we were all there.  A tree had fallen on my grandmother's garage so they worked on getting it all put back together. 

 

This red truck was my Granddaddy's.  We always call it Granddaddy's truck (my grandfather died 14 years ago).  Porter asked my dad why his truck was at Grandmother's house.  My dad is the only "Grandaddy" he's known.  So we explained to him that it was his daddy's Granddaddy's (Porter's great Grandaddy) truck.  I think he caught on.  My dad and brother let him "drive" around the yard and afterwards he said that his dad's granddaddy would be proud to see him drive his truck.  Porter is named after my Grandaddy.  My brother and Grandaddy were very close so I know it meant a lot to my brother and dad too to see Porter so excited about driving his great Granddaddy's truck!

These are the only pictures we took that day.  We usually try to take a family picture but some of the kids were sick so they stayed home (thankfully!)  Hopefully we can get a family picture on Christmas.

After we left there Patrick and I ran home to get Ally and headed to the Horton's house.  Melissa made her usual spread and it was delicious.  I love holidays and traditions.  I can't wait to experience it with our sweet baby boy!

 

35 weeks

How Far Along: 35 weeks

Size of baby: Large Cantaloupe (19-22in, 5.5lbs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 45lbs. I'm not looking forward to the aftermath of this pregnancy. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes, all the time.  I wear the same few outfits over and over again.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: All the time.  He's getting stronger.  He also gets the hiccups almost every night.  Patrick was able to feel it the other day.  Pretty cool stuff!

Sleep: Ha ha.  What sleep?  I suppose this is a sort of training for life with an infant!  I'm sleeping in two hour increments during the night.  It hasn't been fun!  I'm just ready to be able to hold my baby when we can't sleep!
 

What I miss:  Not having heartburn.
 

Cravings: Nothing particular.

Symptoms: Heartburn and swelling, swelling and heartburn.  The heartburn is starting to make sleep nearly impossible.  Last night I slept in the recliner for 5 hours.  It was the best sleep i've gotten in days!
 

Best Moment this week:  We had an appointment yesterday where the doctor told me, "Wow, you're measuring big!!!".  I get to have an ultrasound next week to see how big he is.  I'm a little nervous.  2 weeks ago she said I was measuring right on time.  I'm not going to lie, the thought of meeting him a little earlier than we originally thought thrills me!  Hopefully we can keep him in there a few more weeks.

34 weeks

How Far Along: 34 weeks

Size of baby:Pineapple (19-22in, 4.9lbs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 41lbs. I'm not looking forward to the aftermath of this pregnancy.

Maternity Clothes: Yes! I'm getting tired of wearing the same things over and over again. But I don't want to buy anything else now. I ready to wear my old clothes again!

Gender: Boy!

Movement: He's been moving like crazy this week.  He's still shy and doesn't move a lot when I'm around other people but he's definitely getting stronger.  I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the iron supplement making us both stronger or just the fact that he's bigger.
 

Sleep: My body is apparently training to function on less sleep.  I've been waking up around 3:30 every morning and not going back to sleep.  I'm usually dragging by 3:00 in the afternoon and take a quick nap when I get home.
 

What I miss: Nothing really.  Sure, I miss my shoes and clothes and my ankles but I know it will all be worth it when I meet my little man. 

Cravings: Nothing really.  I'm tired of eating and being hungry all the time. 
 

Symptoms: Swelling, swelling and more swelling.  Some days I think my feet may explode they are so swollen.

Best Moment this week: Our chair was delivered!  Feeling him move more and more knowing he's getting so much stronger.  We have chosen a pediatric practice now we just have to choose a doctor in the practice.  We have several friends and family that use the practice, they all use different doctors and we really liked all the doctors we met at the open house.  So now we just have to choose one. 
Bama won the SEC Championship so they're headed to Miami to play for the National championship January 7th.  I'm hoping he comes before or after the game.  I really don't want to have to watch the game in the hospital! 

33 weeks

How Far Along: 33 weeks

Size of baby: Honeydew (19in, 4.5lbs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 41lbs.  I'm not looking forward to the aftermath of this pregnancy. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes! I'm getting tired of wearing the same things over and over again. But I don't want to buy anything else now. I ready to wear my old clothes again!
 

Gender: Boy!

Movement: He's been kinda lazy lately.  I know he's okay because the minute I start to worry he'll give he a little kick or jab. 

Sleep: Sleep took a turn for worse this week.  Patrick is back on day shift which I love but readjusting to sharing the bed is proving more difficult than usual.  Luckily he's a pretty hard sleeper so all my tossing and turning hasn't bothered him in the least. 
 

What I miss: All the little things that I never thought about giving up.  Shopping for long periods of time, my shoes, standing for more than a few minutes, eating without getting heartburn.  Just to name a few.

Cravings: I haven't wanted much of anything lately.  I basically eat because I'm hungry and have too.  I always feel so full even if I eat just a tiny bit. 

Symptoms: I found out yesterday I am anemic so that would explain the exhaustion.  Heartburn, exhaustion and my feet are still swelling.

Best Moment this week: Spending Thanksgiving with our families!  Getting the car seat out and putting the strollers together.  Also Lorie brought me several things to borrow!  Our chair for the nursery is in so now we just have to have it delivered. All we're waiting on now is the bedding and curtains. Still got to get everything hung on the walls.  I've got to wash everything we have and make a list of things we still need.  It seems so close and so far away at the same time!  I'm just ready to hold my little man!

Baby Tea

Last Sunday we were blessed by 29 of mine and my moms dearest friends with a beautiful tea to celebrate baby Barrett.  It was beautiful and perfect.  We got lots of great stuff and feel a lot more ready for our boy to get here.

This was the sign in table with his baby book, the wreath for the hospital door (I have another canvas for the center to put his stats on) and his sweet ultrasound picture.

My friend Brittany did all the decorating and it was perfect. It was everything I'd imagined when I thought about a tea for a baby boy!

The food table with all of my favorites!  Cake balls, chicken salad wraps, bacon wrapped cracker things, Cajun caviar, fruit and this cheddar cheese ring with strawberry jam.  Lorie made the banner and I'm going to use it in the nursery!

My sister, mom and I.  I guess when you see yourself everyday you don't realize how big you look but these pictures had me doing a double take.  I look huge. 

My mom and Patrick's mom. 

 

Patrick came to help load up all the goodies.

 

My bestest friends.  These girls have laughed and cried with me.  They are always there when I need a shoulder or someone to vent to.  I think we each have a different special relationship and I'm so thankful for each of them. 

 This cutie made an appearance after her nap.  I can't wait to see her and Barrett play together!

I am beyond thankful and humbled by the generosity of our friends and family.  We feel so blessed that so many people love us and our baby so much all ready.  We can't wait for him to get here!

32 weeks

How Far Along: 32 weeks

Size of baby: Head of lettuce (19in, 3.9lbs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 35lbs. Hopefully we are slowing down in the weight gain department.

Maternity Clothes: Yes! I'm getting tired of wearing the same things over and over again. But I don't want to buy anything else now. I ready to wear my old clothes again!

Gender: Boy!

Movement: He's getting so strong. I'm also learning he's shy. He doesn't move around much when I'm with a crowd. He prefers quiet nights at home.

Sleep: I love sleep!  I wish there were more hours in the day for napping and getting things done.

What I miss: Having energy.  Not getting tired after getting ready. Getting up and down without a struggle.  I know it will all be worth it.  I'm just ready for it to be over.

Cravings: This week I'm ready for Thanksgiving food.  I wouldn't really say I'm craving it, just really looking forward to it!

Symptoms: Heartburn, exhaustion and my feet are still swelling.

Best Moment this week:  We had our big tea hosted by 30 of mine and my mom's friends and family.  It was beautiful!  We got most all of our big things and lots of cute things that I can't wait to use!  We have one blessed little boy!  We also got all the furniture moved into the nursery (except the chair, it won't be here until January).  We put together the pack and play last night and got the carseat out.  I'm starting to feel a bit overwhelmed with everything we still have left to do for the baby then throw in the holidays and I may have a nervous breakdown.  Hopefully not.

Mustache Baby Bash

We had our first baby shower this weekend!  It was an intimate get together hosted by Patrick's Aunt and cousins.   The theme was a "Mustache Baby Bash" and they did such a wonderful job!  There were all kinds of sweets and candy! The bow ties and mustaches everywhere were so cute!

They had these cute frames and mustaches for pictures!

My mother in law and me!

Meredith and me.

 

And my favorite picture of the whole day.  Patrick's cousin Vikki and her dog Buddy, I think he liked the mustache!

 

We got some great gifts that I can't wait to use with our little man!

 

31 weeks

I look huge.

How Far Along: 31 weeks

Size of baby: Head of lettuce (18in, 3.1lbs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 35lbs.  Hopefully we are slowing down in the weight gain department. 
 

Maternity Clothes: Yes!  I'm getting tired of wearing the same things over and over again.  But I don't want to buy anything else now.  I ready to wear my old clothes again!
 

Gender: Boy!

Movement: He's getting so strong.  I'm also learning he's shy.  He doesn't move around much when I'm with a crowd.  He prefers quiet nights at home.

Sleep: I love sleep!  I'm terrified that I'm never going to get to sleep again once this baby gets here so I'm trying to get all I can now.  I'm back to my afternoon naps a few days a week.

What I miss: My shoes and clothes.  Doing things myself.  I'm both so excited and dreading putting up my Christmas decorations.  Patrick is not excited about helping me and I'm not excited to need the help.
 

Cravings: None really.

Symptoms:  Mainly just swelling in my feet.  It's so gross looking.  I pretty much wear house shoes all the time.

Best Moment this week:  We had our first shower.  It was a "Mustache Baby Bash" and it was so cute!  Patrick's aunt and cousin hosted it and they did a great job.  We got some great gifts I can't wait to use them!  Kristen also got the dresser/changing table painted!  (She also cleaned my bathtub for me while I was in Tuscaloosa, I'm not sure which I'm more thankful for!)  I finished the wreath for the hospital and I'm caught up in his baby book! 

Johnny Football

I haven't talked to much about football season.  Mainly because there really hasn't been much to report.  We've been pretty good.  Ranked #1 and all around kicking ass and taking names.  Until last week.  The tide headed to Baton Rouge, LA to take on the LSU tigers in Death Valley (or Death Stadium as Verne called it).  We knew it was going to be a tough road game.  We didn't play our best football but managed to keep the lead most of the game.  We were behind and in the last minutes scored to keep our repeat championship dreams alive. 

This past Saturday was one I was looking forward to.  You see, I'm a dork and I was excited to play Texas A&M in their inaugural SEC season.  I also knew that it was going to be a pretty good ballgame.  I knew they were a great team that had been overlooked and even though they had 2 losses they had greatly improved since then.  I'd also heard a lot about "Johnny Football" their red shirt freshmen quarterback.  His numbers were on par to beat both Tim Tebow and Cam Newton in their Heisman seasons and he's a freshmen.  I was excited to see him play. 

Amy and I left Birmingham around 10:30 for the 2:30 kickoff and traffic was a nightmare.  It was bumper to bumper for 30 or so miles.  We finally made it to the apartment and before long it was time to head to the stadium.  Amy helped push me to the upper deck.  We only had to rest once on the round ramp thing.  We actually made it to our seats for kickoff.

It started pretty rough and never really got better.  We went 3 and out on our first possession and they scored...a touchdown.  We couldn't do anything on offense and couldn't stop them on defense.  Before we knew it we were losing 20-0.  Not a place we are familiar.  I'd seen enough of this "Johnny Football" play.  I'm not going to lie, I still had a lot of hope.  I knew that A&M had an early lead on LSU and they ended up fizzling out in the 4th quarter.  Before halftime we managed to score 14 points to make the score 20-14.  I thought we'd come out swinging in the 3rd quarter and compared to the first quarter we did.  We kicked a field goal to make the score 20-17 going into the 4th quarter.  Texas A&M kicked a field goal then a touchdown and went for two and missed to make the score 17-29. They also missed a field goal and we had a fumble on a crucial play in here somewhere.  With 6 minutes left and a long pass we scored a touchdown.  24-29 Our defense came out swinging and we got the ball back with 4:00 minutes left. Another long pass put us on the 9 yard line.  At this point we were all convinced that this was going to happen.  I mean how could it not.  We had 4 chances to score from the 9 yard line.  Well you probably know where this is headed...It's 4th and goal from the like 2 yard line.  Pass play, it's intercepted, along with all our hopes and dreams for repeat National Championships.  All I could say was I'm just so sad.  Its so sad, and it was.  As the Aggies celebrated and little piece of me cried.  Being at the top is nice and all but you never get that feeling of elation when you beat a team you're not supposed to beat because you're always supposed to win.  I remember that feeling when we beat Florida in 2005.  We weren't supposed to win that game but we did and we won big.  We all literally floated out of the stadium we were so happy.  I could see that same elation on all the Aggie faces.  Don't get me wrong, I hate to lose and if we could go back and win I'd take it in a heartbeat. But I'm happy for Texas A&M.  

I wanted to get a picture of my pregnant self since it might be the last game I make it to this season.  We didn't have time before the game so I had to settle for one after the game.  We were so sad.

I loved watching both the Aggie band and the Million Dollar Band.

This was the sea of people trying to leave the stadium.  I didn't think we'd ever make it back to the apartment.  There were people everywhere. All in all it was a fun day.  I hate losing but it happens.  It's definitely not the end of the world.  I'm so easily reminded of my college days where we lost more often than we won.  These kids don't know what that's like. I wish I didn't know who "Johnny Football" was.  I hope he wins the Heisman.  He deserves it!   Roll Tide.

30 weeks

It's election day!  

How Far Along: 30 weeks

Size of baby:  Head of lettuce (18in, 3.1lbs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 32lbs. Yes, I gained 12lbs between my last two appointments. I was very alarmed by it. The doctor didn't seem to concerned.

Maternity Clothes: Yes, always in public. I find myself putting outfits together that I'd never wear before but they are just so comfortable that I don't even care.  Still struggling to find shoes.  I borrowed a pair from my friend that wears half a size bigger.  They flopped off my heels so buying a bigger shoes isn't the answer.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: All the time. It's the most amazing feeling! I felt hiccups for the first time this week.  Such a cool thing.

Sleep:  I can't get enough of it.  Patrick has been on night shift for 6 weeks now and as much as I love having him home, I love sleeping in the bed by myself.  I feel bad even admitting that.  I'm pretty sure if Patrick was being honest he'd agree!

What I miss:  Doing simple things and not getting exhausted.  I feel like I need a nap everyday after I get ready for work.  We went to Buy Buy Baby Saturday and I was exhausted just walking to the back of the store.

Cravings: None really. 

Symptoms:  Heartburn has been terrible this week.  I finally started taking something other than tums for it.  It's been helping a lot.  Just normal aches and pains.  Feet swelling. 

Best Moment this week:  We ordered the chair for the nursery.  Which was the final thing we needed to get ordered.  So now we just have to get everything in and put it all together.  I can't believe we only have 10 weeks left.  2 weeks till Thanksgiving and 7 weeks till Christmas.  Where did 2012 go?
We had our first parenting fail last night.  We were trying to go to the open house at the pediatricians office we want to use.  I thought it started at 6:30, I was wrong it started at 6:00 so we missed the entire presentation.  They only have them once a month so I guess we'll try again in December.  I felt like such an idiot.

29 Weeks

How Far Along: 29 weeks
 

Size of baby: Butternut squash  (16in, 2.5lbs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 32lbs. Yes, I gained 12lbs between my last two appointments. I was very alarmed by it. The doctor didn't seem to concerned.

Maternity Clothes: Yes, always in public.  I find myself putting outfits together that I'd never wear before but they are just so comfortable that I don't even care.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: All the time. It's the most amazing feeling!

Sleep: I've slept great this week.  I woke up on my stomach one night and the baby was going crazy.  It felt like I was laying on a actual baby that was kicking and trying to push me off of him.  Weirdest feeling ever.

What I miss: Still my ankles. My feet and ankles are so swollen all the time now. I have about 3 pairs of shoes I can wear.
 

Cravings: None really.

Symptoms: More heartburn. Leg cramps occasionally. Sciatica, It started last Thursday.  I had to crawl up the stairs in our house.  I was in tears. Thankfully, it is better.  It'll hurt every now and then.

Best Moment this week:  Getting his baby book!  I got the art done for over his crib finished!  Also his light fixture is up and running.  I wasn't sure if I was going to like but I actually really like it alot.  He went to his first homecoming game in Tuscaloosa this weekend. 

28 weeks

How Far Along: 28 weeks..Hello third trimester, how'd you get here so fast.

Size of baby:  (16in, 2.5lbs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 32lbs. Yes, I gained 12lbs between my last two appointments.  I was very alarmed by it.  The doctor didn't seem to concerned.

Maternity Clothes: If I'm going out in public yes.  I'm still squeezing into some sweatpants and tshirts at home.  I'm struggling to squeeze my feet into my shoes.  I told my dad the other day I needed some maternity shoes.
 

Gender: Boy!

Movement: All the time. It's the most amazing feeling!

Sleep: I've slept great this week.

What I miss: Still my ankles.  My feet and ankles are so swollen all the time now.  I have about 3 pairs of shoes I can wear.
 

Cravings: None really.

Symptoms: More heartburn.  Leg cramps occasionally.

Best Moment this week:  I passed my glucose test.  Yay! A friend alerted me to a tent sale on smocked clothes, so after my dr's appointment on Thursday I drug Patrick down there.  They didn't have a lot for boys but we did manage to get him a few things (ok we bought him one of every outfit they had).  They had about 15 racks of the most precious girl clothes.  When we got in the truck Patrick said he's never been more glad that we're having a boy. Ha!  I could have easily spent $400 on girl clothes.  We would be in trouble for sure if he was a girl.  I've already got him 3 outfits for Christmas next year hopefully he'll be able to wear them!

 

Our buys at the tent sale.
Sneak peek at the nursery.  It looks black but it's actually navy. 
One of his Christmas outfit.

27 weeks

I woke up late this morning.  Ah, who am I kidding, I wake up late most mornings these days.  I like to think I don't look like this all the time.  Truth is I do.

How Far Along: 27 weeks

Size of baby:  Head of cauliflower (16in, 2lbs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +20 lbs total, yikes!

Maternity Clothes: Mostly everything is maternity, I've worn a few dresses that weren't but I have to wear leggings under them.

Gender: It's a boy! So excited to finally know! And he has a name!

Movement: All the time. It's the most amazing feeling!

Sleep: I've slept great this week.

What I miss: My ankles, these cankles aren't exactly attractive! I also miss my boots. These pregnant calves aren't fitting into any boots this fall.  I took for granted how easy simple things were like sitting up or getting out of a chair.

Cravings: None really.

Symptoms: Heartburn. The ligament pain is terrible, which makes me very nervous for labor.  Exhaustion is returning. 

Best Moment this week:  I ordered his baby book this week!  Ally felt him kick!  She was laying on my stomach and he kicked her, she turned and gave me the funniest look.  It melted my heart.  All the little details of the nursery are starting to come together in my head and I'm getting really antsy to get it all finished.

26 Weeks

How Far Along: 26 weeks

Size of baby: Hothouse cucumber (14in, 2lbs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +20 lbs total, yikes!

Maternity Clothes: Mostly everything is maternity, I've worn a few dresses that weren't but I have to wear leggings under them.

Gender: It's a boy! So excited to finally know! And he's very close to having a name!

Movement: All the time.  It's the most amazing feeling! 

Sleep: I've slept great this week.

What I miss: My ankles, these cankles aren't exactly attractive!  I also miss my boots.  These pregnant calves aren't fitting into any boots this fall.

Cravings: None really.

Symptoms: Pregnancy brain big time.  I was at Target with Lorie and Ellie, I was looking at some clothes while Lorie was chasing the baby.  I found the shirt I was looking for, I went to find Lorie and put it in the buggy.  I found her but the buggy was no where to be seen.  I asked Lorie and then realized that I had been pushing it.  I had to retrace my steps but I found it.

Best Moment this week:  We've got the bedding and curtains finally ordered.  Well almost ordered.  Feeling and seeing him move all the time.  I think we've finalized most things in the nursery.  I'm excited to get to work.

25 Weeks

I feel like I don't look as big from the front.  It's a more realistic size.

How Far Along: 25 weeks

Size of baby: Eggplant (11in, 1.7lbs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +20 lbs total, yikes!

Maternity Clothes: Mostly everything is maternity, I've worn a few dresses that weren't but I have to wear leggings under them.

Gender: It's a boy! So excited to finally know! And he's very close to having a name!

Movement: All the time.  He woke me up Friday night moving. 

Sleep: Not the greatest.  Patrick is working nights this month so I have slept better having the whole bed to myself.

What I miss: My ankles, these cankles aren't exactly attractive!

Cravings:  None really.

Symptoms: Still my hands falling asleep, heartburn. Swelling in my hands and feet.  I'm so sore right under my ribs on one side it feels like I've pulled a muscle and it hurts.

Best Moment this week:  Finishing the registry, I think.  Feeling him move more and more.  Panic is starting to set in, Patrick is feeling it too.  There's still so much left to do. But we'll get it all done!