Pregnancy Diary: Half Way There!

( I look smaller in this picture compared to last week...

 I think I was facing the camera a tiny bit. Oh well... definitely growing!)

How Far Along? - 20 Weeks and 2 Days! - Halfway to our baby! :)

Total Weight Gain? - I am now at 155lbs. Still not at my original weight but gradually working my way up! 

Showing? - Belly is definitely getting bigger and more firm. It is still "hide-able" (not that I want to hide it) but depending on the shirt I wear, especially if it's a little loose, it may be hard for others to tell. However, if I wear a more fitted shirt, you can see that I'm pregnant! :) 

Maternity Clothes? - We went out and bought 2 pairs of maternity yoga type pants, and a long maxi skirt (LOVE) as well as a nice stretchy pair of sweat pants. I looked at the jeans and none of them looked very flattering. I'm still able to button my regular jeans with the occasional unbutton or hair tie trick. So I think I'll be able to make them work. I must say though... if I could just live in stretchy yoga pants forever... I totally would! They are incredibly comfy and totally do-able with a casual sweater etc. 

Stretch Marks? - Thankfully none on the belly yet. Some on the sides but not super noticeable.

Sleep? - I have my good nights and bad nights. As long as the room stays cold and I can feel the fan on my face, I usually sleep pretty good. It's gradually getting easier staying on my side.

Best Moment This Week? - Hitting the half way mark!

Miss Anything? - Sleeping on my tummy and over-medium eggs. Ben's parents took us to breakfast Saturday morning and the fried eggs looked so delicious! They've gotta have a runny yoke to be delicious and it's a bummer that it's not too safe when pregnant. 

Movement? - Everyday and I LOVE it! It's such a comforting feeling. I can't wait until Ben can start feeling it too! 

Food Cravings? - I bet you didn't know that I LOVE Chocolate Milk... and I can finish a bag of Flipz Milk Covered Pretzels in one sitting, no problem.  Still no major "cravings" as of yet. 

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick? - Not so much anymore

Gender Prediction? - Still thinking it's a boy but we will be completely ecstatic over a girl too! :) We just want a happy, healthy baby! 

Labor Signs? - No

Symptoms? - I am feeling so good. No major symptoms. Some headaches every once in a while... and I think heartburn. Never had it before but sometimes my throat/esophagus will get an annoying burning sensation so I take a couple Tums and it seems to go away after that.

Belly Button in or out? - In (I have an "outie" to begin with but it doesn't stick out above my stomach. I'm wondering though if I'll have a little knob when my belly button finally "pops"... How funny will that be?! lol!

Wedding Ring, On or Off? - On!

Happy or Moody most of the time? - Happy! :) 

Looking forward to:  6 more days until February 6th!!! Anatomy Scan and GENDER REVEAL! We are so hoping that the little one is healthy and up to date. Looking forward to finally calling "it" a him or a her! 

Baby is the size of a: Banana!

Fun Facts: 

Average Size:  7inches and 11ounces

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!

I love watching my belly grow over the weeks. I am definitely starting to "feel" more pregnant. I am so grateful to be feeling well without any major complaints. Baby is on the move all the time, it's such a fun feeling!


I was pinning some things on the bulletin board at church on Sunday and an acquaintance of mine said hello and asked how I was doing (she hadn't heard that I was pregnant) I told her I was doing great and then asked how she was. She then stopped, turned toward me and said (as she pointed to her own stomach), "What's this?!" :) It was a very brave thing for her to ask... but I am SO glad she did because it's not donuts, it's baby! She was the first person who hadn't heard I was pregnant, that pointed it out... meaning I am starting to show to the outside world! Yipee!! 


Gender Reveal is Monday morning at 9:30. Praying for a happy, healthy baby! I will post the reveal by NOON on Monday, so meet me back here to find out what we are having! 

Pregnancy Diary: 19 weeks!

How Far Along? - 19 weeks... almost halfway! :) 

Total Weight Gain? - Starting to see an increase... 153lbs. now. When I talked to my midwife last Tuesday she wasn't a bit concerned. She told me "don't try to gain weight"... to keep doing what I'm doing and all will be well :) 

Showing? - I think so, each week little by little. Not sure that it's obvious to strangers though. 

Maternity Clothes? - I have wore a few tops so far. Still fitting into my regular jeans, although the hair tie trick is being used more often!

Stretch Marks? - Still just a few on my sides. 

Sleep? - It's getting harder only because I am really trying to stay on my left side (best for pregnancy). I was a stomach sleeper before so it's getting harder for sure. I'm pretty much use to the potty breaks in the middle of the night. 

Best Moment This Week? - We went to our 18 week appointment this past Tuesday and all is well. We got to hear the wonderful heart beat at 160bpm. We even heard baby kick the doppler which was fun :) 

Miss Anything? - Hot showers, and sunny side up eggs (made fried eggs this morning and was sad remembering that its best to stay away from runny yolks. boo!)

Movement? - Yes, Yes, Yes! :) Finally some movement. Ever since last week I have been feeling movement daily. Still mostly soft little nudges, I am able to recognize it more often (not just when laying down). I actually think I'm starting to feel some stronger kicks this evening. Love this feeling! :) 

Food Cravings? - Chocolate Milk, of course! I can't really say I "CRAVE" anything particular these days. However, Mexican food is something I'm usually always in the mood for (same as before pregnancy) so it's not exactly a "craving". I could do without if I had to. But seriously, Chocolate Milk every day. :) 

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick? - Not so much anymore

Gender Prediction? - Still thinking it's a boy but we will be completely ecstatic over a girl too! :) We just want a happy, healthy baby! 

Labor Signs? - No

Symptoms? - I am feeling so good. No major symptoms. Some headaches every once in a while... and I think heartburn. Never had it before but sometimes my throat/esophagus will get an annoying burning sensation so I take a couple Tums and it seems to go away after that.

Belly Button in or out? - In

Wedding Ring, On or Off? - On!

Happy or Moody most of the time? - Happy! :) 

Looking forward to: Can't wait until Ben is able to feel baby too! He is going to love it! February 6th!!! Anatomy Scan and GENDER REVEAL! We are so hoping that the little one is healthy and up to date. Looking forward to finally calling "it" a him or a her! 

Baby is the size of a: Large Mango (not sure why my app still says Mango... oh well)

Fun Facts: 

Average Size: 6.5 in. and 10 oz.

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.

Pregnancy Diary: 18 Weeks!

(excuse the mess in the background.. we've been organizing etc.)

Me: "Honey, can you take my picture tonight?"
Ben: "AGAIN?!"

I can't believe how fast these weeks are FLYING by! It seriously does feel like I am asking him to take my picture every day. I guess when you are always looking forward to something and counting down... the time seems to go by even faster. I am enjoying the gradual progress of my pregnancy and love looking at the photos so far, although not a huge difference yet... I know its just around the corner that I may officially look pregnant and not like I'm smuggling donuts!

How Far Along? - 18 Weeks! :) 

Total Weight Gain? - still a grand total of 152lbs. My belly is getting bigger but my weight is not. Hopefully my midwife isn't too concerned come Tuesday. 

Showing? - What do you think? 

Maternity Clothes? - I have wore a few tops so far. Still fitting into my regular jeans, although the hair tie trick is being used more often!

Stretch Marks? - A few on my sides but that's all.

Sleep? - Well, I am getting use to the 3am pee breaks and able to fall asleep pretty fast afterwards. I sleep the best when the air and fan are on and it's nice and cold... is that weird? Obviously I'm covered and snugly but I like it to be cold.

Best Moment This Week? - Feeling movement for the first time... a little more detail about that below!! :) 

Miss Anything? - Jimmy Johns Turkey Toms (YUM), Hot showers

Movement? - There have been a few times where I've questioned if movement is what I felt... still trying to discern between twinges of pain and literal baby movements. I think I can officially say that I am 98.87678% SURE I felt movement last night as I was falling asleep! It was a feeling like I've never felt before and instantly brought a smile to my face! It was awesome! I felt the same feelings again today as I was laying down after church. Almost like a "pulse" and a "pitter-patter" type of feeling. Ahh!

Food Cravings? - Chocolate Milk (my best friend through out my whole pregnancy, never lets me down.) and Clementines.

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick? - Not so much anymore

Gender Prediction? - Boy (I've had THREE dreams of a baby boy. Only one of a girl)

Labor Signs? - No

Symptoms? - Had my first "H" the other day, scarred me! But it's normal throughout pregnancy and after taking the recommended otc I am smooth sailing! lol 

Belly Button in or out? - In

Wedding Ring, On or Off? - On!

Happy or Moody most of the time? - Happy! :) 

Looking forward to: Tuesday!! We go in for our 18week appointment and get to hear the baby's heart beat. It seems like it's been forever! Hoping all goes well and that baby is growing as he/she should be! 

Baby is the size of a: Mango! (I loooove mangos!)

Fun Facts 

Average Size: 6in. and .5lbs

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. (So Cool! I can't wait to know what I'm feeling and know that it is baby! )

I am feeling so good and enjoying pregnancy so far!

More to come soon... 

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas!

I love love love Mexican food. It has got to be one of my favorites. When I was in my first trimester I was a little disappointed because Mexican food did not sound appetizing at all. I remember Ben and I going to Chuy's (our fave tex-mex around here) for dinner one night. I felt I could probably find something on the menu that my stomach wouldn't hate me for. I ordered 2 meatless tacos with beans and rice and of course the lettuce and tomato etc that they put on the side. I barely ate one and had enough. I remember I had to suck on a peppermint in between bites to keep my stomach calm. Crazy. I told Ben I would like to have some sopapillas... funny enough, I scarfed those babies down like there was no tomorrow! 

I am so thankful that my food aversions have gone away for the most part and Mexican food loves me all over again. I have been craving anything beans, rice, sour cream, you name it. Ben was in the mood for some Chicken Enchiladas so as I was searching online for a good recipe I came across THESE from a blog called Kevin & Amanda. They looked pretty darn easy so I decided to give them a try... 

Here is my finished product along with some Homemade Mexican Rice and a small side of lettuce and tomato : 

I'd have to say these were creamy, cheesy and delicious! I will definitely be putting into my favorite recipe binder and make it again when the craving for chicken enchiladas comes up. I may even make a batch to freeze for a quick meal after the little one comes in June! 

If you like creamy chicken enchiladas, give it a try! I totally recommend the Mexican rice as well... it takes a little longer than I would have liked but it gave me an awesome excuse to use my new Cuisinart Stainless Steel Cookware in the oven! Love that it can transfer without any harm!

I am so glad (or should I say "we" are so glad) that I am in the mood to cook again! I still have those days where I don't even want to touch a pan let alone step foot in the kitchen. I'm sure we all have those days though, pregnant or not. But I am grateful that food sounds good to me again and that I can provide delicious, substantial meals to my husband and I. I honestly can't wait to be able to feed my growing family in the years to come! I'm looking forward to it! 

Pregnancy Diary: 17 Weeks

How Far Along? - 17 Weeks and 2 Days! 

Total Weight Gain? - no more than last week (C'mon already!!)

Showing? - a tiny bit more than before... a little belly but I still haven't "popped"

Maternity Clothes? - I bought 6 cute shirts from Target yesterday... a few I can wear now and the rest I am saving for when my belly gets bigger. 

Stretch Marks? - A few on my sides but that's all.

Sleep? - Getting up to pee every night around 3am is not my definition of good sleep but I imagine it's more sleep than what I'll get come 5 months and beyond! 

Best Moment This Week? - Cleaning and organizing our 1 bedroom to make space for baby!  It's amazing how much space you have when you get RID of STUFF you DON'T NEED! It's really freeing. 

Miss Anything? - Being able to do daily chores/errands without lower back pain.

Movement? - There have been a few times where I've questioned if movement is what I felt... still trying to discern between twinges of pain and literal baby movements.

Food Cravings? - Still Braum's (or any other place) chocolate shakes with french fries, clementines, chocolate milk, wheat thins and string cheese. I actually ate an egg salad sandwich today which was a new one... in my first trimester I couldn't stand the taste or smell of eggs.

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick? - Not so much anymore

Gender Prediction? - Boy (I've had THREE dreams of a baby boy. Only one of a girl)

Labor Signs? - No

Symptoms? - Lower Back Pain, Dry Skin

Belly Button in or out? - In

Wedding Ring, On or Off? - On and loose

Happy or Moody most of the time? - Happy! :) 

Looking forward to: My next appointment... seems like forever away even though its just a little over a week. I like to see and feel progress.

Baby is the size of a: Onion!

Fun Facts: 

Average Size:  5.1in. and 5.9oz.

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.

* * * * * * 

On Saturday Ben and I worked on organizing our Apartment and getting rid of stuff we've accumulated. It seems like we do this more than once a year... and still, we find ourselves getting rid of tons of STUFF! Salvation Army recieved four trash bags full of donations. I don't know how all this stuff surfaces. I think this time around especially... we actually got rid of stuff we've passed up before thinking "someday" we will use it. It feels so good to get rid of things and realize how much space we really do have in our 736sq. ft. home.

Our lease will be up in September, just three months after the baby is born. As much as I'd love to move into a 2 bedroom apartment (or buy a house, in my dreams for now) and have lots of room... I DON'T want to start packing up things and moving with a 3 month old. It would be way too stressful and way too taxing on Ben, who would basically be responsible for getting everything MOVED. It's just too much and I don't think it's really that necessary. The baby is not going to take up that much space so I think it's perfectly do able without feeling squished! 

Pregnancy Diary: 16 Weeks

How Far Along? - 16 weeks and 2 days

Total Weight Gain? - 2lbs. (from the 10lbs. lost) ... so not any yet

Showing? - Still somewhat "bloated" not sure if it's official "baby" but my stomach definitely pops out a little without me trying to pooch it out.

Maternity Clothes? - Not yet, but definitely happening soon

Stretch Marks? - Not really

Sleep? - Varies from night to night.

Best Moment This Week? - Starting a New Year with a clean slate! Goals!

Miss Anything? - Being able to do daily chores/errands without lower back pain.

Movement? - Not yet, but hopefully here soon!

Food Cravings? - Braums Jr. Chocolate Shake and Large French Fries

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick? - Not so much anymore

Gender Prediction? - Boy

Labor Signs? - No

Symptoms? - Lower Back Pain, Dry Skin

Belly Button in or out? - In

Wedding Ring, On or Off? - On 

Happy or Moody most of the time? - Happy! :) 

Looking forward to: Hearing the heart beat again on January 17th

Baby is the size of a: Turnip! 

Fun Facts about Baby: 

Average Size:  4.6in. and 3.5oz.

Listen up: Tiny bones in your fetus's ears are in place this week, making it likely that the baby can hear your voice when you're speaking (or singing in the shower) at 16 weeks pregnant. In fact, studies have found that babies who are sung to while they're in the womb recognize the same tune when it's sung to them after they are born. (I even read that babies can hear a dog barking inside the whom and will become accustom to the sound when born.. how neat!)

And baby's busily boning up in other ways. For one, the backbone (along with the back muscles) is stronger now — strong enough, in fact, to enable your baby to work on straightening his or her head and neck even more. 

This little one's a looker — with a face that has both eyebrows and eyelashes — but a skinny looker since there's no baby fat yet. And here's the skinny on baby skin: It's practically translucent now, so if you took a peek inside your uterus, you'd be able to see your baby's blood vessels under that thin skin. What to Expect.

Lately, I have been feeling really good. My lower back is my only real complaint right now. It's crazy how every day tasks get the best of me.... No heavy lifting, twists etc. just organizing, regular cleaning, and cooking and my back doesn't want anything to do with it! The other night my back was throbbing and that has definitely not happened before! Looks like I need to take it even "easier". 

2012 is finally here so it makes June THAT much closer! I can't believe we will be welcoming a little one in to our family in just 5 months! There is so much to do, so much to think about, so much to prepare for. It's such an exciting time and I am grateful to be married to a super supportive husband and lots of loving friends and family who are cheering us on as we take these new steps!