37 Weeks - Watermelon - and FULL TERM!

Weekly Pregnancy Journal

How far along: 37 w, 1 d. I'M FULL TERM!

Total weight gain/loss: A million pounds.

Maternity clothes: Yup, and now that I'm not at work anymore (!!) I don't have to feel bad about wearing the same thing all the time.

Stretch marks: Still just the thigh.

Best moment this week: Probably my prenatal massage yesterday - there's something glorious and indulgent about laying on my belly after months and months of side-lying.

Movement: Yup. I still think the baby's sideways.

Cravings: Nothing in particular.

Aversions: None

Gender: Don't know. I wonder if we'll really find out on Wednesday - we're having an ultrasound to confirm the baby's position, so we might be able to actually *see* the sex now, rather than just have the u/s tech say she can see (with the screen turned away from me) and tell my doctor after. And I never really believed her - maybe because she was such a raging bitch, or maybe because I never saw for myself. Either way, at this point, since we're having such a hard time with names, it would be nice to pick out one name and be sure that it'll fit the kid's parts. I didn't want to know the sex before, but now I'd rather just know for sure. I've hated always 'sort of' knowing, but never being sure.

Labour Signs: No (and there better not be any until my mom leaves!)

Belly Button in or out: In

What I miss: Lots. Having any kind of sex drive is up there on the list. Nick misses that too.

What I'm looking forward to: Lots. I'm looking forward to getting the freezer stocked with my mom this week, then for her to leave, because then I think I'm ready for this baby.

Weekly Wisdom: There comes a point where you just have to let go of work and trust that you've done everything you can and that everything will be fine. Hopefully that point is *before* your last day there - but for me, on Friday night, I was still dreaming about all the things I meant to do or show Al. I tossed and turned from about 4 a.m. until 7, but after I sent him an email dumping everything I had on my mind, I think I'm good.

Symptoms this week: The achy crotch has subsided somewhat. It's still achy, but it's nothing like what it was.

Milestones: I'm done work! This baby is full term! Those are two big milestones for one week!

On the To-Do List:

• Get on a daycare waiting list (we're going to see one next week)


• Figure out when/if we can do this super important Indian blessing thing that you're supposed to do at the baby shower I didn't have (stress stress stress...).


• Stock the new freezer with meals.


• Find a new family doctor.


• PICK OUT BABY NAMES

At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

36 weeks - Still a honeydew

Weekly Pregnancy Journal

How far along: 36 w, 1 d.
Total weight gain/loss: FORTY POUNDS. That's right. 4-0. Sweet Jebus.
Maternity clothes: Yep. I wore maternity tights for the first time yesterday to a wedding. Weird.
Stretch marks: Still just the thigh. But I can barely see it (first, it's really faint. and second, it's very difficult to see my inner thighs now)
Best moment this week: The surprise "this is not a shower" that my work threw for me on Friday. I had no idea! And if I wasn't worried through the whole thing about missing my doctor's appointment that I was almost late for, I'd have loved it. Even though I hate showers ;)
Movement: Yup. In the wrong spot - down near the va-jay-jay. Silly sideways baby.
Cravings: Nothing in particular.
Aversions: None
Gender: Don't know.
Labour Signs: Nothing, really. And good thing too. Since the baby's transverse, there better not be any labour signs until s/he gets his/her little head down! I do NOT want to have an emergency c-section!
Belly Button in or out: In
What I miss: So very many things. I'm at the same time ready to not be pregnant, but not ready to have the baby. I'd like to be in limbo somewhere for the next couple of weeks.
What I'm looking forward to: Freezer delivery next weekend. Finishing my last week at work.
Weekly Wisdom: If the doctor's not telling you what you want to know (i.e. what position the baby's in), ask. If I hadn't asked, she wouldn't have checked and I wouldn't have known the baby is transverse.
Symptoms this week: I now wake up with the sore and achy crotch, and it lasts all day. It blows. Also, my hips hurt through the night now so I wake up when I roll over. But I don't have to get up to pee, so I'm sort of thankful for that (sort of thankful, b/c t he reason I don't wake up is because the baby isn't in the right position, and is therefore not on my bladder)
Milestones: We did the last of our travelling yesterday - we went to the wedding in Collingwood and that's it - no more going out of Toronto!
On the To-Do List:

• Get on a daycare waiting list.
• Put some decoration on the baby room walls.
• Figure out when/if we can do this super important Indian blessing thing that you're supposed to do at the baby shower I didn't have (stress stress stress...).
• Buy a freezer and start making some meals
• Find a new family doctor.
• PICK OUT BABY NAMES
  

35 weeks - Still a honeydew

Weekly Pregnancy Journal
How far along: 35 w, 3 d.
Total weight gain/loss: About a million pounds
Maternity clothes: I bought some nursing bras from Motherhood Maternity - I'm so glad t hey look like regular bras.
Stretch marks: Just the ones on my thigh - but they're really faint.
Best moment this week: I saw my mom on the weekend and the first thing she said to me was, "you look great!" That's the first time she hasn't made me feel like a whale by saying something like, "your sister-in-law and you are the same size" (when she was 3 months further along than me) or "we're going to have a BIG baby!"
Movement: Yup
Cravings: Nothing in particular.
Aversions: None
Gender: Don't know.
Labour Signs: Mild cramps still (very light). And on Sunday/Monday I thought I might be starting to lose a bit of my mucous plug. Maybe. But no idea really. I have my Group B Strep test on Friday and I'm going to ask her what the odds are that I'll be in labour soon - because we're planning on driving 3 1/2 hours to a wedding on Sunday and good lord, I am NOT having a baby in Collingwood!
Belly Button in or out: In
What I miss: Wine. My wedding rings. Rolling over in bed without my back cracking so loud it wakes me up. My old acne-free and skin-tag-free skin. Shoes. Having more than 2 pairs of pants that fit.
What I'm looking forward to: Getting a freezer and starting to cook and freeze some meals
Weekly Wisdom: Not much, really.
Symptoms this week: Really achy crotch / pubic bone. Especially at the end of the day.
Milestones: The hospital bags are packed, and the car seat base is installed in the Escape.
On the To-Do List:

• Get on a daycare waiting list.
• Put some decoration on the baby room walls.
• Figure out when/if we can do this super important Indian blessing thing that you're supposed to do at the baby shower I didn't have (stress stress stress...).
• Buy a freezer and start making some meals
• Find a new family doctor.
• PICK OUT BABY NAMES
  

34 weeks - Honeydew

Weekly Pregnancy Journal

How far along: 34 w, 1 d.
Total weight gain/loss: A lot. My face is definitely getting fat. But I love things that are bad for me... but my face is getting fat... but... I really need to make a concerted effort to eat more salads and fewer carbs.
Maternity clothes: I tried on nursing bras last week and again today and it seems they were not made for my boobs. They either give me bullet boobs and the band is too tight or they're so ridiculously big that I'd have to stuff them with a couple pairs of socks. I have to go to the Motherhood store to see what their store brand is like. Fingers crossed.
Stretch marks: Just the ones on my thigh - but they're really faint.
Best moment this week: The doc telling me today (after listening to the heartbeat) that I have a really calm, zen baby. Let's hope so!
Movement: Yup
Cravings: Sweets. Not that it's a craving, really. But we've had so much in the house after all the birthday shenanigans (Nick's birthday stuff two weeks in a row, and now I baked for our nephew's birthday on the weekend) and I just don't say no to it. Because I don't have to.
Aversions: None
Gender: No idea.
Labour Signs: Still having those really mild PMS-type cramps every now and then, but they're so light I don't even think about them. I told the doc today - she said not to worry about it.
Belly Button in or out: In
What I miss: Not being pregnant. I don't want to skip the next month or anything (there's so much to do still!) but I really miss my old body. And my skin. And my old feet. And my wedding rings. And having sex with my husband and it not being so incredibly awkward that we just give up. That was an epic failure the other night.
What I'm looking forward to: My replacement starting at work next week. And then mat leave! And I really look forward to my getting my old body back.
Weekly Wisdom: Don't try to get amourous with the hubs unless you (a) are *really* in the mood to make it work, and (b) have a sense of humour
Symptoms this week: Same as last week - nothing new
Milestones: We're finished our prenatal classes and feel a little more prepared (though I'm sure we're not actually prepared by any means). I went shopping today to start gathering stuff for my hospital bags.
*New Question* On the To-Do List:

• Finish buying stuff and packing my hospital bags.
• Get on a daycare waiting list.
• Get nursing bras.
• Put some decoration on the baby room walls.
• Buy cute baby outfits for newborns that aren't pink or blue (not as easy as it sounds - honestly, I can only find sleepers).
• Figure out when/if we can do this super important Indian blessing thing that you're supposed to do at the baby shower I didn't have (stress stress stress...).
• Buy a baby monitor.
• Find a new family doctor.
• PICK OUT BABY NAMES!!! Ugh...

33 weeks - Honeydew

Weekly Pregnancy Journal

How far along: 33 w, 2 d.
Total weight gain/loss: A lot. I think my face is getting fat.
Maternity clothes: It's getting colder and I really need new pants - all I have are one pair of jeans - the rest are capris or skirts or dresses. But I really don't want to buy new mat pants this late in the game.
Stretch marks: I think those are racing stripes on my inner thigh... I've decided to call them racing stripes instead of stretch marks, because racing stripes are cool.
Sleep: Still awesome.
Best moment this week: Um.... I don't know.
Movement: Lots.
Cravings: Nothing really.
Aversions: None
Gender: I'm still not convinced one way or the other.
Labour Signs: Still having those really mild PMS-type cramps every now and then, but they're so light I don't even think about them. I forgot to mention it to my doctor at my last appointment - must remember to tell her on Monday.
Belly Button in or out: In
What I miss: My wedding rings. Feeling cute. Buying cute bras (I nearly had a meltdown when she measured me at a 42 C yesterday. I don't believe it though - I bought 3 new bras in a 38B - just with wider straps and a wider band.) Not having a hard time putting on my underwear and pants.
What I'm looking forward to: Another "Taking care of you and baby" class tonight, and Saturday's "Labour & Delivery" class.
Weekly Wisdom: We had Nick's entire family over for the weekend to celebrate his 30th birthday, and I was absolutely drained by the time they left on Sunday. So this week's wisdom is that even if everyone else is bringing the food and doing most of the work, it's still going to be too much for the really pregnant girl to have 8 adults & 4 kids over for dinner, with 4 adults / 3 kids sleeping over after.
Symptoms this week: Swelling, the heavy belly feeling comes and goes, and for the first time in the pregnancy, I feel like my body is holding me back a bit. Oh, and you know what's awesome? I snore now. Awesome. (though secretly, I think it's about time Nick learns how much it sucks to have a bed partner who snores all. the damn. time.)
Milestones: Nothing major this week.



Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

32 weeks - still a squash

Weekly Pregnancy Journal

How far along: 32 w, 1 d.
Total weight gain/loss: Meh
Maternity clothes: Absolutely.
Stretch marks: There *may* be the beginnings of one on my right inner thigh. But Nick doesn't think so.
Sleep: Still awesome.
Best moment this week: Um.... I don't know.
Movement: Lots. My belly dances :)
Cravings: Nothing really.
Aversions: None
Gender: I'm still not convinced one way or the other.
Labour Signs: I might be starting to feel some Braxton Hicks, but I'm not sure. Every now and then for the last few days I've felt something similar to very very faint menstrual cramps. But then they go away. I'll have to mention that to my doc on Friday.
Belly Button in or out: In
What I miss: My wedding rings. Wearing normal shoes.
What I'm looking forward to: Tomorrow night's "Taking care of you and baby" class.
Weekly Wisdom: --
Symptoms this week: Swelling, and for the last few days, my belly feels really heavy. That's new.
Milestones: Nothing major this week.

31 Weeks - Still a squash

Weekly Pregnancy Journal

How far along: 31 w, 2 d.

Total weight gain/loss: Meh

Maternity clothes: Absolutely. And yesterday, Nick and I ventured into our hot tub for the first time (sweet!) and I found that the mat bathing suits I bought for the Bahamas in May are more than a little bit snug now

Stretch marks: Nope. Fingers crossed.

Sleep: Is awesome.

Best moment this week: Getting all the furniture in the baby room! We now have the pretty white bassinette from my mom (which my brother and I both slept in) and the crib is in! The room looks great - now I just need to figure out what to put on the walls.

Movement: Lots.

Cravings: Nothing really.

Aversions: None

Gender: I'm still not convinced one way or the other.

Labour Signs: None

Belly Button in or out: In

What I miss: Wine. We went to a BBQ on the weekend and while I appreciate that they bought me some sparkling grape juice, I just wanted to have a glass of wine.

What I'm looking forward to: Buying everything on the "must have baby list" and just being done with it all!

Weekly Wisdom: Um.... I don't think I have anything this week.

Symptoms this week: Still the awful swelling in my feet and ankles, but nothing much otherwise.

Milestones: Nothing major this week.

30 Weeks - Squash

Weekly Pregnancy Journal

How far along: 30 w, 1 d. HOLY SHIT, I'M 30 WEEKS PREGNANT

Total weight gain/loss: Lots. I think around 27 pounds - the new receptionist at the doctor's office actually says my weight out loud instead of just writing it down like the other girl, and I think I'm in the 27 pound range now.

Maternity clothes: Yup. And up until now I've been loving it. But it's started to get a little cool in the mornings and I'm reminded of how many cute sweaters I won't be able to wear this fall and I'm getting a little nostalgiac for my non-mat clothes.

Stretch marks: Nope. Fingers crossed.

Sleep: Is awesome.

Best moment this week: There have been a few really good moments this week related to the baby room. We're making a little tiny bit of progress - the new light's up and curtains too. And yesterday we brought back a ton of stuff from London, including the changetable, portable bassinette, and bouncy chair. On the list for this week: buy a big fluffy white rug, a glider and dresser. And this weekend we hope to drive to London to pick up the crib.

Movement: Yup. The once-cute little nudges and rolls have become full-on jabs.

Cravings: Nothing really.

Aversions: None

Gender: I'm still not convinced one way or the other.

Labour Signs: None

Belly Button in or out: In

What I miss: Let me see... let's just name a few

• My shoes. When the weather starts to get chilly, I want to dig out my cute boots - like those cute red leather ones I bought last year. Stupid Elefeet.
• My wedding rings
• Gin martinis and red wine
• My favourite jeans
• being able to easily put on my underwear
• My old complexion

What I'm looking forward to: Getting the baby room looking like a baby room

Weekly Wisdom: Pregnancy hormones make for fantastic sex (despite the considerably limited number of comfortable positions at my disposal).

Symptoms this week: Ridiculously swollen feet (normal), charley horses in my calves (normal - the doc. says my muscles are just tired), swollen fingers (normal) and that's really about it. I am probably her easiest patient ever, because all my symptoms are so minor and not really problematic.

Milestones: Nothing major this week.

29 Weeks - Squash!

Weekly Pregnancy Journal

How far along: 29 w, 1 d.

Total weight gain: No idea

Maternity clothes: Yup

Stretch marks: Nope

Sleep: Is still pretty good. I've been propping myself up the last few nights so I can sort of sleep on my back - at least until I sink down partway through the night and have to roll on my side.

Best moment this week: Nothing major this week, baby-wise. I guess it would be that we're starting to make some progress in the baby room. I hung curtains yesterday, and Nick put up a new light in the room to replace the awful 60s-esque Ikea pendant light that was in there. This weekend when we go to London, I hope to bring the crib back from my SIL's house (but she may want to hold on to it a little longer), and at the very least, we're bringing back the change table.

Movement: Lots - and you can see a lot of it from the outside. Most of the jabs are on the left side, and sometimes I think the baby is trying to bust its way out my belly button. Baby's still super-active at night after about 9 p.m.

Cravings: Nothing really. The fruit and mozz/tomato salad obsession has waned a bit. Both are still great, but I think I've gorged myself enough that the novelty has worn off a bit.

Aversions: None

Gender: I'm not convinced either way. So I guess Nick and I both got what we wanted - he found out the sex, and since I don't know if I really believe what the ultrasound technician told us, I'll still be surprised in the delivery room.

Labour Signs: None

Belly Button in or out: Still in, surprisingly

What I miss: My wedding rings. These fake ones are meh - fine, but they're not my pretty rings.

What I'm looking forward to: Getting a crib in the baby room. And buying a glider and dresser.

Symptoms this week: Still swelling and acne.

Milestones: I think I'm starting to waddle. It's not cute. It's only when I'm getting tired and/or my back's hurting because I've pushed myself too much (i.e. after an entire weekend of being on the go, getting stuff done around the house), but still. I don't want to waddle.

Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

28 Weeks - Still an eggplant

Weekly Pregnancy Journal

How far along: 28 w, 1 d.
Total weight gain: No idea
Maternity clothes: Yup
Stretch marks: Nope
Sleep: Is generally good. I really wish I could sleep in though. And everyone telling me, "it's jus getting you prepared for when you have the baby!" can go to hell. I don't have a baby yet, I should be able to sleep in on a Sunday for crying out loud.
Best moment this week: So many little moments have been great, but not really baby-related. Mostly house stuff. Every little thing I check off the big house to do list brings me one step closer to being able to concentrate on baby stuff.
Movement: Lots :)
Cravings: Nothing in particular this week
Aversions: None
Gender: The other day we found out that a girl we know was told she was having a boy 3 weeks before her due date - when she was told GIRL up until this point. She's in panic mode, exchanging all the pink stuff she got at her baby shower for blue stuff. That's stressful as hell. So last night I had a similar dream, and now I'm worried. We really need to have two names picked out, despite the fact that we know the sex.
Labour Signs: None
Belly Button in or out: Still in, surprisingly
What I miss: My wedding rings.
What I'm looking forward to: Getting the baby room in order - right now it's an empty room with two boxes in it.
Symptoms this week: Still swelling and acne.
Milestones: Nothing major

27 Weeks - Eggplant

Ack, I totally missed my 26 week post, and now I'm late for 27. I have a good excuse though! I'm now blogging from my brand new office in my brand new house!

Weekly Pregnancy Journal

How far along: 27 w, 3 d. Hello 3rd Trimester!
Total weight gain: I actually think that in the last week, because I've been so active with the move, I've probably lost weight! On the other hand though, I think my belly feels heavier, and my boobs definitely are too!
Maternity clothes: Yup
Stretch marks: Nope
Sleep: Has been great the last few days, probably because I'm just so damn tired after a long day of unpacking and doing other house stuff. I still can't sleep past 7 though.
Best moment this week: The last two weeks have been crazy memorable! My new niece, Jordyn Anne, was born on Wednesday, July 29! She's gorgeous, and my brother and sister-in-law couldn't be happier (my nephew likes here some of the time). We took possession of our house and got our new car on the same day - that was amazing! And on Saturday, August 8, we moved into the new house and officially became adults!
Movement: Lots :) I can see it from the outside now when the baby kicks hard, but Nick hasn't seen that yet.
Cravings: Tomato mozzerella salad
Aversions: None
Gender: We were in the parking lot at Home Depot the other day, and some random worker collecting carts shouted from across 2 rows of cars, "You're going to have a baby girl!" I just shrugged. That was weird. One of the moving guys said boy. So that makes 3 people saying boy, the whole rest of the world saying girl.
Labour Signs: None
Belly Button in or out: In
What I miss: My wedding rings. Seeing the bones in my feet at the end of the day. It's been particularly bad this week because I've been on my feet all day getting stuff done at the house.
What I'm looking forward to: Having everything unpacked
Weekly Wisdom: Listen to your feet when they start filling up like water balloons and just go sit down! (Easier said than done when you have a to-do list a mile long!)
Symptoms this week: The bones in my feet have been replaced with water. I can't wear my wedding rings at all anymore. Acne. HUGE boobs, and now they're all veiny. Hot.
Milestones: Seeing the baby kick from the outside of my belly! hitting the 3rd trimester a few days ago!

25 weeks - Eggplant

Weekly Pregnancy Journal



How far along: 25 w, 1 d. Holy crap - only 80 days until Mat leave!

Total weight gain: Meh.

Maternity clothes: Yup

Stretch marks: Nope

Sleep: Still hit and miss. I keep getting this cramp up near my ribs, which makes it very difficult to get comfortable on my side

Best moment this week: Um.... I don't know actually. It's been a pretty normal week.

Movement: Lots :) and WTEWYE says I might start feeling hiccups soon because baby's vocal chords are starting to work!

Cravings: Still fruit. And tomato mozzerella salad

Aversions: None

Gender: Everyone's still guessing girl.

Labour Signs: None

Belly Button in or out: In

What I miss: Wearing my rings all day without my fingers swelling up. It's been so humid out.

What I'm looking forward to: Getting our new Ford Escape and our house this week! And my new niece or nephew - we're just waiting!

Weekly Wisdom: Umm.... I don't think I have anything

Symptoms this week: Swelling - mostly in the hands, a little in the feet. And did I mention last week that the acne is back? 'Cuz it is. And I hate it. At least now I'm armed with a great cleanser and zit cream and don't have to suffer with teenager-esque acne quietly.

Milestones: I had to buy some fake wedding rings from Shoppers Drug Mart on Saturday. I hate the thought of not wearing my rings, so this'll have to do until the humidity goes the hell away. Ooh, and a work-milestone: my job has officially been posted and they're starting to recruit to fill the contract!


Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

24 weeks - still a papaya

Weekly Pregnancy Journal

How far along: 24 w, 1 d

Total weight gain/loss: Meh. Lots, obviously.

Maternity clothes: Yup, but I've been curbing my online shopping habit these days. Good for me ;)

Stretch marks: Not yet, which is surprising.

Sleep: Still hit and miss

Best moment this week: Hearing that my blood pressure is normal, so the off & on swelling in my hands and feet is nothing to worry about.

Movement: All the time! Especially after I eat and after 9 p.m.

Cravings: Fruit. And all of a sudden, Nick likes fruit too (this is honestly a first) so we've been sharing grapes in bed. :)

Aversions: None

Gender: Everyone's still guessing girl. Except one girl at work. And I know who's right and who's wrong ;)

Labour Signs: None

Belly Button in or out: In

What I miss: Refreshing beverages. NOT having people stare at my tummy all the time! Honestly, it's getting annoying. I had someone at work on Friday say she thought I was ready to pop. Thanks. I have 4 months left. That's awesome. Seriously people. I have no torso - where the heck else can the baby go but out?

What I'm looking forward to: Our house! We get possession next Friday!

Weekly Wisdom: Hold your tongue. It's not worth telling people off when they say rude things (like 'wow! I thought you were farther along than that!' piss off.)

Symptoms this week: Some swelling, off and on. Nick went to hold my hand on the weekend and he said it was like he was holding someone else's hand because my fingers were puffy. Grand. And we were lying in bed and he flung his leg over my hip and said "wow, your hips are getting wider, eh?". Honestly. NEVER say that to a pregnant woman. It's true, it's necessary, it's normal, BUT SHE DOES NOT WANT TO KNOW THAT YOU'VE NOTICED.

Oh, and I haven't mentioned yet that it appears the acne is back. Superfantastic.

Milestones: Nothing major this week.

23 Weeks - still a Papaya

Weekly Pregnancy Journal

How far along: 23 w, 1 d

Total weight gain/loss: ?

Maternity clothes: Yup, and Nick's sister just passed along some new shirts. They're pretty big on me still, but I'm sure at this rate that I'll grow into them.

Stretch marks: Not yet

Sleep: I miss normal sleep. A lot.

Best moment this week: Picking out paint colours for the new house (and nursery!) with my mom yesterday

Movement: Yup. Nick finally felt it this week! Only a couple of times throughout the week, despite how many times I said "quick! put your hand here!" But last night, the baby was SUPER active when I was lying in bed and over the course of 5 minutes he felt it 4 times, loud and clear. It was awesome :)

Cravings: Still sour, though I'm not sure it's really a 'pregnancy craving'. I've always liked sour things, I'm just in a 'sour foods' kind of mood these days.

Aversions: None

Gender: Everyone still thinks we don't know

Labour Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out: In, for now.

What I miss: Sleeping comfortably

What I'm looking forward to: The house! And getting our new Ford Escape that we impulse-bought on Friday night! (We had been looking at sedans this whole time, and on Friday decided on the SUV)

Weekly Wisdom: Try not to worry that my SIL, who is 2 weeks from her due date, is about the same size as me now.... Sigh.

Symptoms this week: Cankles. I don't always have them, but I definitely swell up when I've been on my feet all day.

Milestones: Nothing new this week

22 weeks - Papaya

Weekly Pregnancy Journal


How far along: 22 w, 1 d

Total weight gain/loss: ?

Maternity clothes: Yup

Stretch marks: Not yet

Sleep: Meh. I'm still looking for a comfortable position.

Best moment this week: Nick finally felt the baby kick last night!

Movement: Yup :) And Nick *finally* felt it!

Cravings: Sour anything. I've been drinking a lot of water with lime juice in it.

Aversions: None

Gender: It's a.... baby :)

Labour Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out: In

What I miss: Sleeping on my back. Not feeling like my body is holding me back - that's new. I was packing last night and found it really hard to bend to label the boxes whereas last week it was no problem. And we went to WalMart (ugh) yesterday and about 3/4 of the way through the shopping, my feet just started killing me.

What I'm looking forward to: The house!

Weekly Wisdom: Stop eating so much damn salt!

Symptoms this week: Nothing major.

Milestones: I hit three new milestones this week: First, Nick felt the baby kick! Woooo! The other two aren't so pleasant. I Peezed this week - the combo sneeze + a little pee. It happened twice, so I'm thinking it wasn't just a fluke. And third, my feet have started swelling, and that doesn't make me happy. I love my shoes.





Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

21 Weeks - Banana

Weekly Pregnancy Journal



How far along: 21 w, 2 d


Total weight gain/loss: I decided not to get on the scale this week. It just depresses me - and really, I'm not going to do anything about it anyway, so why bother?

Maternity clothes: Yup

Stretch marks: Not yet

Sleep: The last few nights haven't been good. I can't seem to get comfortable. Back sleeping is completely out now, since my abdomen feels like I'm smuggling a pile of bricks in it. And side sleeping gives me a cramp around my ribs. I propped myself up on about a zillion pillows last night to try to sleep sort of upright - that worked for a while.... But I'm still exhausted.

Best moment this week: Umm... I dunno! I really need to blog more often so the weeks don't fly by in such a blur. Ooh, okay here's one - finally seeing the company president for the first time since I've told everyone. And he said he was delighted to hear the news. What a nice guy :) Ooh, and another one - getting the adorable bedding on Friday! My husband's the best - he didn't tell me that he broke down and ordered it, despite how freaking expensive it is.

Movement: Yup :) Still waiting for Nick to feel it - it seems like every time the baby is kicking I put his hand on my belly, and the baby stops.

Cravings: Nothing really. Everything still just takes delicious. And the last few days I've been ravenous, so maybe we're having a growth spurt?

Aversions: None

Gender: Yup, we know. But we're not telling. Actually, I did tell someone - my pedicurist :) It felt great to tell a stranger. It made it feel more real.

Labour Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out: In

What I miss: Sleeping on my back. Being able to 'groom' myself. Rolling over easily

What I'm looking forward to: The house!

Weekly Wisdom: ??

Symptoms this week: Nothing major. Just that my abdomen feels really heavy now when I lay down. And my skin's been really oily these days - I've stopped wearing moisturizer (which is nutso for me) and I have perma-shine. But at least the acne hasn't come back!

Milestones: Having to go get waxed for the first time because I can no longer see my lady bits - even if I bend and contort. So on Friday, I went for a bikini wax and a pedicure - and I'm glad they did it in that order: scary waxing, followed by relaxing pedi :)

Also, moving to 'crown to foot' measurements instead of 'crown to rump'. Baby's getting so big!



Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you want your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.

20 weeks - Cantaloupe - halfway done!

Weekly Pregnancy Journal

How far along: 20 w, 1 d - Halfway done!!

Total weight gain/loss: +17.2 - I am honestly going to be a whale.

Maternity clothes: Yup

Stretch marks: Not yet

Sleep: I bought a new pillow yesterday and tried it out last night - seems good :)

Best moment this week: Knowing everyone is wrong when they predict whether we're having a boy or girl.

Movement: Yup :) Can't wait until Nick can feel it from the outside

Cravings: Nothing really.

Aversions: None

Gender: We know it now - but I'm not sure I'm ready to announce it on the blog (to the 0 people who read it) since we're telling everyone we don't know.

Labour Signs: None

Belly Button in or out: In

What I miss: Wine with dinner at my dad's

What I'm looking forward to: Getting our house and buying stuff for it :)

Weekly Wisdom: Hmm, I don't think I've been very wise this week

Symptoms this week: Nothing major

Milestones: Finding out the sex... even though I didn't want to.

Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!

19 weeks - Mango

Weekly Pregnancy Journal

How far along: 19 w, 0 d

Total weight gain/loss: +15. I just hope that my doctor doesn't tell me on Friday that I'm gaining too much weight! I really need to lay off the junk food.

Maternity clothes: Yup

Stretch marks: Not yet

Sleep: I don't really love the wedge pillow, so I'm thinking of buying a boppy pillow that I can use now and as a nursing pillow.

Best moment this week: Seeing the dance party going on in my ute at the ultrasound on Friday, and feeling definite movement. It's not just "flutters" - it's a full-on poke from the inside out.

Movement: Definitely! And it's fantastic!

Cravings: Nothing really.

Aversions: None

Gender: I think it's a girl, but I don't really know. We had the U/S technician take the photos and put them on file just in case we decide to find out, but so far, it's a mystery.

Labour Signs: None

Belly Button in or out: In, but it's huge and shallow

What I miss: The ease with which I used to just stand up from the couch or get out of the car

What I'm looking forward To: Getting the u/s results this Friday when I see my OB

Weekly Wisdom: As much as my brother-in-law's mom drove me crazy on the weekend with her insensitive comments about my size, I should just be happy that she's not my mother-in-law!

Symptoms this week: Nothing major this week.

Milestones: Movement! And I now have cute defined baby bump - complete with the U-shaped indent underneath it. So I no longer have to worry if I just look chubby - it's definitely baby!
Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might actually get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature.

18 weeks - Sweet Potato

Weekly Pregnancy Journal


How far along: 18 w, 1 d

Total weight gain/loss: Since I was in the Bahamas on weigh-in Monday, I'm skipping this week. Let's just put it simply: weight gain = a LOT

Maternity clothes: Yup, and some of the non-mat shirts that fit me (even last week) are getting a little snug now.

Stretch marks: Not yet

Sleep: Fab. And my SIL loaned me her wedge pillow, so I'm trying that out. So far I'm finding it uncomfortable, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

Best moment this week: I think it was simultaneously a good and bad moment (or collection of moments) - in the Bahamas, when people didn't even question if I was pregnant and just asked how the baby is. I'm excited that I'm looking pregnant and not just fat, but on the other hand, I think I'm *way too big* to be only 18 weeks along! Either way though, as long as everything's healthy, that's a good thing.

Movement: I think I might have felt movement on the weekend... it felt like a light pinching from the inside out, and I can't think of what else that might be. So yay if that was our little brownie saying hi!

Cravings: Nothing really.

Aversions: None

Gender: No idea. We really need to decide if we're going to find out - before our ultrasound on Friday! I still don't want to know though.

Labour Signs: None

Belly Button in or out: In, but it's huge and shallow

What I miss: Still would kill for a glass of wine. I had a sip of champagne on vacation, but otherwise stuck to my fruit punch and virgin daquiris. but I really wanted wine with dinner. I should ask my OB about having the occasional 1/2 glass when I see her next week.

What I'm looking forward To: Friday's ultrasound!

Weekly Wisdom: Try to be a little more sensitive when someone wants to throw you a shower. I think I really hurt my best friend's feelings when I told her that we're thinking of having a co-ed housewarming/baby-q at our new place instead of her doing a small BBQ for just my girlfriends. I think she understands (I really don't want a shower, and while doing a small thing at her place would be fun and not really shower-like (which is good, b/c I HATE showers), it would mean I'd have to do a BIG Indian thing with my in-laws which I really don't want) but she was definitely upset.

Symptoms this week: I had some red spotting on Sunday... which was scary as hell even though I knew logically that it was because of the vacation sexin'. It turned into brownish spotting the next day, and now it's gone. But that was still scary. Otherwise, I guess my only other symptom is feeling and looking big - I definitely look pregnant now!

New Question - Milestones: I can't do my own toenails anymore. It's been getting increasingly uncomfortable, but I was able to put a coat on Thursday night in preparation for the weekend of flip-flop wearing. I splurged and got a french pedi in the Bahamas, and noticed last night that I had already chipped one of the white tips. So there I am, sitting on my bathroom floor trying to bend and contort to touch up the white, and I bent so forcefully that I actually threw up in my mouth a little. So that's it, I'm getting professional pedicures from now on. Blech.

Your fetus has become amazingly mobile (at least compared to you), passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing. And, baby's finally big enough that you'll be able to feel those movements soon.

17 Weeks - Onion

Weekly Pregnancy Journal

How far along: 17 w, 0 d

Total weight gain/loss: + 11. Ugh. But in my defense, I haven't really gone to the bathroom in a couple of days, so that should account for something.

Maternity clothes: Yup

Stretch marks: Not yet

Sleep: Is great. I'm still sleeping on my back a lot and it's totally comfortable. I need to buy one of those triangle pillows so side-sleeping is more comfortable

Best moment this week: My doctor's appointment (which I still haven't blogged about - I've been lazy) was pretty good. It's always great to hear that everything is okay - and that I don't have Syphillis :) Ooh, and I found REALLY CUTE bee bedding that I MUST BUY. No matter how expensive it is (which it is, very). But it's absolutely adorable.

Movement: Still can't feel anything - but I want to so badly!

Cravings: Nothing really.

Aversions: None

Gender: No idea. And I really don't want to find out, but Nick really does. This is a problem.

Labour Signs: None

Belly Button in or out: In, but it's huge

What I miss: Wine. It's going to be weird doing an all-inclusive and passing on the champagne.

What I'm looking forward To: Bahamas! And next Friday's ultrasound

Weekly Wisdom: Try not to be too offended when people say "wow, you're already showing!" Wow thanks, I hadn't notice. And really I'm 4 months pregnant. It's okay that I look pregnant!

Symptoms this week: Nothing much, really. My gums are still really sore (My dentist appointment next week is sure to be brutally painful). Other than that, feeling normal. I have a cold and a sore throat as of yesterday, but that's not our little brownie's fault.

Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. The umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes are now topped by one-of-a-kind prints.