What's In a Name

Lenore (leh-NOR): Light

Louise (loo-EEZ): Famous Warrior

28 Weeks

We are 28 weeks and officially into the 3rd trimester. I can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday that we found out we were pregnant. The second half of pregnancy has definitely flown by compared to the first half. It's crazy to think that in 12 weeks our little girl will be here in our arms.

The nesting phase has definitely settled in. I want her room finished. I want her clothes washed. I want her bed made. There's so much that I want done now so that we don't have to worry about it later. The nice thing is, we don't have a lot left to do in regards to getting Baby Girl's room ready. I think it should be pretty much complete with the exception of a few minor details within the next month.

I did my glucose test today and it definitely wasn't as bad as a lot of people make it out to be. I went in worried that I was going to drink that syrupy liquid and throw up everywhere, but I was golden except for a minor headache. Tomorrow we have our 28 week appointment and I'm hoping that the results will be back by then. Not that I'm worried about anything, but I'm not a very patient person (surprise, surprise).

Random Things

Every day, pregnancy introduces me to new experiences. They range from significant to trivial to serious to silly. I thought I would post about some of them.

Bra Shopping - Having a substantial rack is something very new to me. I had to say goodbye to my modest sized chest about 8 weeks into my pregnancy. And apparently - they're only going to get bigger. Especially after the baby is born and my milk comes in. Now that I've welcomed a fuller bosom, bra shopping has completely changed. Full coverage, no padding, light lift bras are a whole different animal to me. Finding cute bras has suddenly become a little more difficult than it used to be. Comfort is starting to climb the priority ladder and will soon surpass cute. Thank God for Victoria's Secret or I don't know what I'd do. However, with no telling how big these things are going to get, spending $50+ on a bra that may not fit in 3 months seems silly.

Bending Over - Minds in the gutter aside, I'm being very serious with this one. Bending over has become one of the hardest things to do now that my flat belly has been replaced by a watermelon. Whether it be shaving, putting on my shoes, or picking something up off the floor, everything has become a chore. Never been pregnant? Put a basketball under your shirt and try to reach your feet. It's not easy!

Intense Sense of Smell - I walked into the cafeteria this afternoon and thought to myself, "It smells like mashed potatoes and gravy in here" and sure enough, there were mashed potatoes and gravy on the grill. Bloodhounds can eat their hearts out for real.

Swelling - Every part of your body swells when you're pregnant. Why I went into this thinking I was going to be an exception to the rule is beyond me. My legs, my feet, EVERYTHING is swollen. I think the worst part about it is not being able to wear my wedding rings anymore. I either wear just the band or both rings on a necklace. I can't wait to be able to wear them on my fingers again. 

Mama Bear Mentality - My baby girl isn't here yet, but I already have an overwhelming urge to protect her. When random people try to touch my belly, I move away, not so much for me, but for her. The thought of anyone doing anything to hurt her makes me see red. I haven't even met this little girl and I wouldn't hesitate to rip someone's throat out that posed any sort of threat to her. It's a wild feeling.

Every day it's something new! I look forward to what's to come next.

26 Week Update

How far along? 26 weeks.

Total weight gain/loss: 15 pounds gained.

Maternity clothes? I still haven't purchased maternity pants. But I'm definitely going to have to invest in more shirts. 

Stretch marks? On my thighs, behind my knees, and on my butt.

Sleep: The struggle is real.

Best moment this week: Feeling the baby have hiccups.

Movement: She's constantly kicking, punching, flipping over, and whatever else goes on in there.

Food cravings: Cocoa Pebbles and watermelon

What I miss: Sleeping on my back

What I am looking forward to: Our last ultrasound on Tuesday. Bittersweet. 

Labor Signs: None.

Belly Button in or out? It's pretty much out. 

Still Here

Hey ya'll. I promise I'm still alive. I'm slacking again, but what can ya do. Saturday we are going to be 26 weeks pregnant. It seems like every week goes by faster and faster. Tuesday is our last ultrasound of the pregnancy. It makes me sad that we won't be able to see Baby Girl every two weeks. On the positive side, our pregnancy is progressing normally and she is healthy, which is awesome. And 100 days from today, she'll be here!

Baby Girl has been moving around like crazy. I imagine her doing summersaults and flips. She's starting to wedge herself into my ribs which is one of the most uncomfortable feelings ever. Today she had the hiccups and I felt it for the first time. Feeling those little rhythmic bumps was so wild. Her little kicks and punches get stronger and more intense every day. Every once in a while she kicks me right in the bladder and I swear one of these days I'm going to pee my pants. Fingers crossed that doesn't happen though, haha.

Other than that, life is busy and I know it's just going to continue to get busier. With that, here's a 23 week photo. I promise we'll get better about taking our weekly photos again.

POTD - 03/23/14

(I've Had) The Time of My Life - Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man) - Kenny Loggins
Grease - Frankie Valli
Kingdom Come - The Civil Wars
Don't Worry Baby - The Real You 
I Want it All/We Will Rock You Mash Up - Queen & Armageddon 
Heavy In Your Arms - Florence + The Machine
Africa - Toto
Talking to the Moon - Bruno Mars
Cool - Gwen Stefani

Playlist of the Day (POTD)

I've always been a huge fan of the idea of playing music for your baby while they're in the womb. Some studies say it helps with development and makes it easier for them to learn. Some studies say it doesn't do anything for the baby. I'm going to take the optimistic approach and assume it will be good for her. Music is good for babies once they're born so, why not while they're still in there? With that being said, here is Baby Girl's first playlist of the day:

As The World Falls Down - Davie Bowie
Runaway - Bon Jovi
Foolin' (Live) - Def Leppard 
Dust In the Wind - Kansas 
Love Walks In - Van Halen
Magic Dance - David Bowie
When Doves Cry - The Be Good Tanyas
Dream On - Kelly Sweet 
Kiss From a Rose - Seal 
Under The Bridge - Straight No Chaser - Favorite!

* The highlighted songs are ones that she seemed to like the most. When I say liked the most, I judge it based on how much she  moved around while I played the song. "Under The Bridge" was definitely her favorite.