39 Weeks = Watermelon

Today, I'm 39 weeks and 2 days pregnant, and Arlo is approximately the size of a watermelon!

I'm not going to complain that this watermelon is too small. Instead, I'll be grateful that I found a watermelon in March, in Cleveland. Thanks, Chuppa's Marketplace!

I remember, so clearly, sitting at our dining room table 8 months ago, eating an apple and setting aside a seed for my first photo shoot.

I want this jawline back. And my wardrobe. 

At the time, my watermelon photo seemed like it was forever away, and it certainly didn't feel like a guarantee—but whether we only made it to raspberry week, or olive week, or whatever week, I was going to celebrate every week of this pregnancy.

And now, here we are, on watermelon week. The wait is over. Well, kind of. My watermelon still has to come on out and play.

I wish I could Photoshop this hand farther up... Oops.

We had an appointment yesterday, and the ultrasound tech estimated that Arlo is about 8lbs, 2oz—which isn't as huge as my OB was anticipating. However, his Buddha belly is in the 95th percentile, so my OB warned us that delivery may not be a breeze. She really doesn't want him to get much bigger, since I'm set on having a vaginal delivery (as long as it's safe for everybody, of course), so she said we'll discuss induction methods next week. Get your chunky butt out here before that, Arlo!

Please note that I'm not sharing our latest ultrasound photo with you. This is because it scared the living crap out of me. I've been saying some very superficial prayers these last couple of days (e.g., Please, God, don't let Arlo really look like a fat gorilla). Once he's here, assuming he doesn't actually resemble the creature in the photo, I'll post the photo. It's a sight to behold.

I'd say those two are pretty similar in size.

Symptoms? Yes. Everything. My biggest issue right now, though, is insomnia. I'm literally sleeping 3 hours a night, and then I'm exhausted the next day. I'd be fine if I didn't have to drag myself to work and was able to nap throughout the day, but that isn't an option. I'm so scared that I'm going to go into labor after a miserable, sleepless night, and everything will go horribly. It's impossible to tolerate pain and stress when you're running on E.

Emotions? Yes. Everything! My due date is 5 days away!

Oh, and did I mention it's watermelon week? Watermelon week!

38 Weeks = Pumpkin

Today, I'm 38 weeks and 4 days pregnant, and Arlo is approximately the size of a pumpkin.

I planned ahead and bought an artificial pumpkin from JoAnn's after Halloween. 

This week's update is coming at you pretty late because it was a hell of a week. When it wasn't snowing like crazy outside, I was spending time in the emergency room, being treated for what the ER doctor originally thought was kidney stones. On our second trip to the ER, though, he decided the back/side/everywhere pain might actually be from ligaments doing whatever ligaments do during pregnancy. All I know is I felt like I was dying, and I have a Percocet prescription in case it happens again (Nooo!).

Any other pregnancy symptoms I'm experiencing have obviously been eclipsed by whatever that horrendous pain was. I'm definitely uncomfortable, and I'm having a hard time fighting the dreaded waddle. I can't sleep, I'm swollen and nauseated, and I've been getting up 5-7 times a night to empty my smushed bladder. When I recall specifics of this pregnancy years from now, when I'm not thinking about how miraculous it was, I'll think of pee.

Anyway, life's kind of weird right now because, in case you missed it in my last post, Danny and I were prepared to meet Arlo this coming week. My C-section was scheduled for Tuesday, March 26th at 7:30 A.M, and we've been so focused on that date for so long that his flipping to the head-down position has been a major adjustment for us. We thought we'd be holding our miracle this week. I didn't research relaxation techniques or pain management, etc. during labor, because I didn't think it would apply to me. That said, I can't tell you how thrilled I am that he's in the proper position and that I can (hopefully!) have a vaginal delivery. It's just been kind of trippy.

I keep thinking it would be awesome if he decided to arrive on March 26th of his own accord, but my gut tells me he's going to bake beyond his April 2nd due date. He defied the odds and flipped past 37 weeks, so it's his prerogative to come out when he's good and ready. (Let's not get too crazy, though, Arlo. We're ready for ya.)

37 Weeks = Carnations

Today, I'm 37 weeks and 3 days pregnant, and Arlo is about 20 inches long, or approximately the length of these carnations (yes, I'm improvising again):

As of 3 days ago, I have officially carried my baby to term (babies are considered full-term at 37 weeks)—something most people take for granted... but I never, ever will. (Keep cooking, though, Arlo. Mama still has to wash your cute little clothes.)

Symptoms? You name it, I have it. My feet are so swollen that they actually hurt, I don't sleep anymore, I pee nonstop, my heartburn is out of control, and I'm just plain uncomfortable. I know this final stretch is going to be pretty rough—but so worth it. 

Most notably, severe sciatica (apparently, sciatica is no joke!) sent us to L&D Wednesday night, which was a blast. It was an all-night affair, of course, so I ended up having to miss my own baby shower lunch that my co-workers had planned for yesterday. I felt like a giant jackass, as you can imagine. They had a quick little celebration for me this afternoon, though, with gift cards (yay!) and cake (which was meant to be eaten at yesterday's lunch but wasn't stale yet, thank God—so I didn't have to feel like an even bigger jackass).  

It's a good thing the end is drawing near because I'm almost miserable, and I'm so, so ready to meet my miracle (as soon as I get that load of laundry done, I mean). The nursery is complete, we've bought (or were gifted) all the essentials, my bags are (pretty much) packed, and the car seat is installed in Danny's truck. This is actually happening! 

36 Weeks = Honeydew

Today, I'm 36 weeks and 1 day pregnant, and Arlo weighs about as much as a honeydew.

Weighing in at 6.75 pounds, this thing is heavier than it looks.

Most babies are in the head-down position by now, but not my baby! No, sirree. We're apparently trying to be part of every statistic we can possibly be a part of, so he's still breech. At yesterday's appointment, my OB told me to please give up hope that he'll flip—because she did an internal exam and knows that it's physically impossible for him to do so. His butt is at the gate, and there just isn't room down there for major acrobatics. (But what does it hurt to hope?)

Speaking of internal exams, last week, I was 80% effaced and already starting to dilate, and yesterday, my OB said I'm "really ripe." This could happen any minute! Or not. It's just one of those wait-and-see games, but that's part of the fun, I think.

My symptoms are still very mild, but I've been experiencing some terrible pressure on my cervix, thanks to my li'l low-rider. A few times, we've ventured from the land of discomfort into the land of oh-shit-that-hurts. On the plus side, I haven't experienced lung-crowding to the extent most pregnant women probably do.

I'm happy. I can't even tell you how happy. Also slightly panicky. We still have quite a few things to do and buy before this guy gets here, and life has been so crazy lately that I'm not even sure when we can squeeze everything in. I hope to knock out a few things this weekend, when we're not busy baby-classing or maternity-photoing it up.

Oh, and on the subject of photos... sorry the Baby Shower (Long Version) post isn't up yet! Sarah, the lovely photographer, is swamped right now, and she doesn't think she'll have the photos ready for a few more weeks. I don't want to publish the post without the photos, though, so I truly might have a baby by the time I share our shower story with you.

35 Weeks = Baguette

Today's a really happy milestone: 35/35; I'm exactly 35 weeks pregnant, and I have 35 days left until my due date. Booyah!

Anyway, right now, Arlo's about as long as this loaf of garlic bread:

Windy and rainy. I'm tired of Cleveland ruining my bump photos.

I probably don't need to tell you that I'm improvising again this week. I charged through the grocery store like a tape-measure-wielding maniac until I found something that's about 18" long.

Arlo's been having lots of hiccups this week, which is strange and adorable. I was wondering if I'd ever get to feel baby hiccups, so we can cross that one off the list. By now, most of his physical development is complete, and his main job is to put on weight. Easy, fella—I've seen those cankles (and Lord, do I love them).

I've had a pretty good week—a little of this, a little of that... lots of exhaustion... about what you'd expect of an 8-month-pregnant body. I try to keep things in perspective and treat every painful leg cramp or trip to the bathroom as a little reminder that I'm pregnant with an awesome, healthy baby.

34 Weeks = Bowl of Oranges

Today, I'm 34 weeks and 2 days pregnant, and Arlo(!!) probably weighs just under 6 pounds now. The 8 oranges in this bowl weigh a total of 5lbs 10oz. I'm just improvising this week—and will probably continue to do so—since the fruit comparison charts I was using are nonsensical and really annoying.

I'm sure I looked like a lunatic when I was weighing these at the grocery store, swapping them out and trying to find the perfect combination for this week's representation. It took longer than I care to admit. (And my eyes say it all here. I can hardly stay awake.)

Arlo can recognize simple songs now, and he's urinating about a pint a day. He's just jammin' and peein' and having a grand old time in there.

Let's zoom in on that thing.

My symptoms haven't been too terrible this week. Aside from incessant peeing (waaaaay more than a pint a day) and exhaustion, I had a weird episode of seeing cloudy spots when I was driving home from the mall on Sunday. Supposedly, blurry vision is common around this time, and is caused by a combination of hormones, fluid buildup, and lack of sleep. At least I know I'm probably not going blind, thank goodness.

40 days to go!

33 Weeks = 5-Pound Weight

Today, I'm 33 weeks and 2 days pregnant, and at this point, babies weigh between 4.2 and 5.8 pounds, like a durian. Yesterday, the ultrasound tech guessed that Guido is about 5lbs 2oz. right now, so I really phoned it in this week and busted out a 5-pound weight to represent him. This was better than trying to hunt down a durian, whatever that is.  

By now, Guido's eyes are open when he's awake. His skeleton is hardening, and his brain is developing like crazy.

When I think of symptoms, "sweaty" springs to mind—along with exhausted, stretch marks, linea nigra, heartburn, swollen feet, and round ligament pain. All that said, I really do feel fine overall. Just not as fine as I did a couple weeks ago... and I know I'm just going to get more uncomfortable as time goes on. Sign me up!

32 Weeks = Papaya

Today, I'm 32 weeks and 1 day pregnant, and our baby boy is just shy of 4 pounds, much like this papaya:

That lovely fence belongs to the neighbors, not us.

At this point, most babies are preparing for their descent by getting into the head-down position. I can't tell where Guido is right now, but I'm hoping like crazy he's been visiting the same pregnancy websites I've been—and is doing exactly what he's supposed to do. We have an ultrasound next Wednesday, so we'll know what he's up to a week from now. I really, really hope he's flipped by then, and if he hasn't, I'll do all kinds of crazy acrobatics to encourage him to get into position. I'm seriously not in love with the idea of a C-section. It's still early, though, so I'm trying not to stress too much.

Symptoms? Oooh, Lord. Heartburn. Lower back pain. A horrible gas bubble (??) or something in my stomach. Congestion. A cold that's been around since Christmas. I've been a mess. Nights, in particular, are rough—and I haven't been sleeping well at all. Mama's tired.

Danny just loves when I steal his hoodies. Shh. Don't tell him. 

I've been doing a low-impact pregnancy workout DVD most days that focuses mainly on stretching and core exercises, and I do think it's alleviating some of my back pain. When I first bought the DVD, I fast-forwarded through it quickly (I may have been sitting on the couch, eating ice cream at the time) to see what I'd be dealing with the next morning, and I was disappointed. I thought it looked way too easy and would be a big waste of time. Wrong. Everything's a workout when you're off-balance and toting around this kind of poundage. It's definitely easy, but it's not too easy, and it isn't a waste of time.

Lots of excitement happening! Guido keeps getting awesome gifts in the mail from people who love him; every few days, something I've ordered for the nursery is being delivered; and! My baby shower is this Sunday. I don't remember the last time I was so pumped about something. Danny and I can't wait to celebrate this boy with our loved ones. It's going to be amazing.

31 Weeks = Pineapple

Today, I'm 31 weeks pregnant, and our baby boy is approximately the size of a pineapple.

It's nice out again. This winter is hilarious.

By now, all 5 of Pineapple's senses are in working order, and his irises even react to light. Speaking of eyes, in my post about our elective 3D ultrasound, I forgot to mention that Danny's mom actually asked the tech when the baby's eyeballs would come in. She was serious. I don't know how the tech kept a straight face when she answered, "He already has them..."

Anyway, I've been living in Heartburn City lately. I'm also getting tired earlier in the evenings, but I haven't been sleeping very well. Overall, though, I still can't complain!

Bonus: because the lighting in this week's fruit comparison photos is so crappy, Edgar and I decided to have a quick photoshoot.

I gave up on his uncooperative ass. (I love the shadow of my belly in this one.)

30 Weeks = Bunch of Celery

Today, I'm 30 weeks and 1 day pregnant, and our baby boy is about the size of a bunch of celery.

Remember how it was 50 degrees just 4 days ago? It's 9 degrees today—the kind of cold that isn't even funny.

This week, Celery is starting to shed his lanugo, and he'll replace it with regular body hair in a few weeks. His brain is getting wrinklier to make way for essential brain tissue, and his skin is getting smoother to make him look more human. Interesting fact:  90% of babies born during this week survive.

It should be a crime to be pregnant and feel this great. I'll never be able to relate to pregnant ladies who complain, because I truly have nothing to complain about. The only change I have to report is that my diamond ring has officially come off. Some evenings, it was pretty difficult to take off (I have to remove my rings at night, or I'll get a weird rash. This isn't related to being pregnant. I just think I'm allergic to my rings or something.), so I figured I'd rather take it off now than have to rush to the ER and get it cut off later. I can still wear my wedding band, though, because it's a fraction of a size larger than my engagement ring—so I don't have to look like an unwed mother just yet (not that there's anything wrong with that).

Those weird blobs are snowflakes. And this angle is bad; I swear my belly is bigger than that. Or maybe the birdie on the front of my shirt is throwing everything off. 

Our elective 3D ultrasound is in 2 days, and we're really looking forward to it. Danny says he can't wait to see the look on my face when I learn that our baby looks just like him, not just like me, like I've been claiming since our 21-week ultrasound. We'll see. (Glad I married somebody cute, though.)

29 Weeks = Butternut Squash

Today, I'm 29 weeks and 4 days pregnant, and our baby boy weighs about 3 pounds, like a butternut squash.

Weirdest winter ever. Today was 50 degrees and sunny. The wind was pretty intense, though.

By now, our baby is starting to feel a little cramped in there, which is probably why my belly has been jumping all over the place lately—a sight that's awesome and hilarious and weird. I've loved watching it the last few days, but every time I try to show Danny, he misses it by .02 seconds. Seriously, he'll stare at my belly for 2 minutes straight, and the second he looks away, my belly dances all over the place. (Update: 2 hours after I posted this, Danny saw my belly move!) On a similar note, Baby's kicks are strong enough now that when Danny and I cuddle up super close, he can feel the kicks against his own stomach. These are the things I'll miss when this little dude is finally in the outside world with us.

Nothing new to report on the symptoms front. Still feeling ridiculously good. My feet balloon up to let me know when I'm overdoing it. For instance, this morning, I did a lot of running around for the baby (finalized my registries, bought a few things for the nursery, and returned a few things I thought I wanted for the nursery), and after about 4 hours, my shoes felt tight—so I headed home.

He's a low rider! (And that crazy hair is the wind's doing, I promise.)

The past week or so, I've been bumping into things with my belly because it sort of appeared from out of nowhere—and until recently, I was able to wear a lot of my flowy or stretchy pre-pregnancy clothes. Only a few things fit now, so it's definitely time to bite the bullet and buy some maternity clothes. It seems like such a waste of money to buy a wardrobe that I'll only wear for about 11 weeks (11 weeks?!), but I really have no choice at this point.

Oh, and this is random, but I ordered my rocking chair a couple days ago! It won't be here for 2 weeks, though, and the wait is going to destroy me. On the bright side, it's nice to have little things to look forward to while I wait for this miracle to get here.

28 Weeks = Eggplant

Today, I'm 28 weeks and 5 days pregnant, and our baby boy is approximately 15" long, about the size of an eggplant. I don't know what the hell this is referring to: weight or crown-to-rump length or what. I was so excited to do these fruit comparisons in the beginning, but now, they're just annoying. I can't stop now, I suppose.

Eggplant can blink his eyes, and he can probably see the light that filters in through my womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain, and he's officially showing brain activity now. Some experts even believe babies can dream at this point. I can't imagine what he has to dream about—only happy things, I hope. I always love watching babies sleep, the way they grimace and grin and coo, and I can't believe I'll have my own little dreamer to watch in a few months.

There's nothing flattering about this photo—you know, since I look like a whale and all—but you can kind of see how much my belly's grown lately. 

This week, we toured both of the hospitals we have the option of delivering at, and more than once, I found myself tearing up. This is actually happening! Danny and I are going to have a baby! I caught Danny getting teary, too, when Lakewood Hospital's tour guide told us that every time a baby is born there, a lullaby is played throughout the hospital. How sweet is that?

Lakewood Hospital is the one we've chosen, by the way (and not just because of the lullaby); we appreciate the intimacy it offers (only 8 beds in the birthing center), and we feel like we'll be known by our names, rather than just by our room number. The other hospital, Fairview, was fine—just big and cold and airport-ish... and not fur us.

I've felt well lately. My cold is almost gone, my actual pregnancy symptoms are unremarkable, and I've definitely entered nesting mode. I want to do this and this and this and this right now. I know I'm driving Danny crazy, but we have so much to do and not a ton of time to do it. We painted the nursery, including the ceiling and all of the woodwork (Danny still has to paint the doors), and as of 10 minutes ago, the crib is put together. I'll do a nursery update in a few days, so look forward to that. Don't get too excited, though, because it's pretty much a gray room with a crib in it. (I love it, though.)

27 Weeks = Stack of Cold Remedies

Today, I'm 27 weeks and 5 days pregnant, and our baby is approximately 14 1/2" long from head to toe—which is about as high as a stack of salt, Robitussin, and a bottle of lemon juice.

This'll have to do this week.

Apparently, when you're pregnant, your immune system is so weak (so your body doesn't fight off your baby, which is obviously a good thing!) that even the common cold can knock you on your ass. I've been surrounded by cold remedies for 8 days now, fighting the upper respiratory infection from hell. Until last night, I was so sick that I couldn't even putz around the house. (I almost cancelled Thrifty Thursday!) I just lay on the couch and groaned (and even cried like a baby). I couldn't sleep because my throat was so sore. I couldn't get better because I couldn't sleep.

I even went to the doctor three days ago, which is saying a lot; never in my life have I gone to the doctor for anything cold/flu related. Not once. Until now. The doctor told me to just keep taking OB-approved, over-the-counter drugs—then sent me on my way. I was so pissed that I got out of bed for that. At least I didn't bother putting on a bra.

Anyway, I'm finally starting to feel human again. Supposedly, Guido is soaking up my antibodies like crazy right now, and I pray to God I have enough to go around. Take all you need, kid—I'll make do. I should mention that some of his kicks aren't so adorable anymore, so I'm taking that as a sign that he's doing just fine in there.

If I've had any pregnancy symptoms lately, they've been eclipsed by my SARS. As delirious as I was, though, I definitely celebrated (in my head, from the couch) entering my third trimester. We're in the home stretch now! Amazing.

26 Weeks = English Cucumber

Today (Saturday, not Sunday; it's after midnight), I'm 26 weeks and 4 days pregnant, and our baby is about 14" long from head to toe, or approximately the length of an English cucumber.

Winter Wonderland

Cucumber's been a busy little boy! By now, he has eyelashes, he's practicing breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, his ears are developed enough to hear most of the sounds around us (Don't you love your daddy's voice, baby?), he's gaining fat, and his little ballies are descending into his scrotum. I feel so lazy in comparison.

Bumpalicious.

I have started nesting, though, so I'm not a complete bum. Last week, we had our carpet ripped out and our hardwood floors refinished. If you've ever had this done, then you know what a nightmare this process is. We had to box up and empty our entire house as though we were moving, and we had to live with my mother-in-law for a week. Seven whole days. Yowza. But the floors are amazing! We also painted the nursery, but that'll get its own post.

Anyway, as far as symptoms go, I'm feeling healthy and ambitious, which is definitely a good thing—because there's still so much we have to do. I'm looking forward to it, though. My nighttime peeing and heartburn are still tolerable, and I've only had a few more excruciatingly painful leg cramps.

Someday, I'll get to roll around in the snow with my son, and I think it'll be the first time in my life I don't hate this freezing crap.

My horrible swelling hasn't returned, and at my appointment this past Monday, my OB said that considering my blood pressure was 109/67, there's no way I have preeclampsia—and that I must have worked my poor pregnant self too hard when we were boxing up our house to have our floors refinished.

Speaking of my appointment... it was wonderfully boring, for the most part. My fundal height measured a week ahead of where it "should" be, according to my already-adjusted-by-a-week due date, so we're going back in 9 days for an ultrasound, because my OB likes to monitor the big'uns. We were going to go to one of those 3D/4D elective ultrasound places next week, but I'll reschedule for later, since we'll get to see him again so soon.

Maybe he'll be more cooperative this time, and let his mommy get a better look at his sweet little face. I wanna see those eyelashes.

25 Weeks = Cauliflower

Today, I'm 25 weeks pregnant, and our baby boy is approximately the size of a head of cauliflower.

 

These pictures were actually taken Saturday, when I was 24w4d.

This week, Cauliflower is getting fatter and hairier—thus cuter.

I'm also fatter and hairier. (I'm not referring to random body hair. I'm talking about the hair on my head, which is growing an inch a day.)

This has been one of my roughest weeks yet. I had a little sciatica Sunday night, and if that never makes an appearance again, I'll be a happy lady. I've also noticed that my muscles have been sore lately, like I just did P90X or Insanity or something. I think it's because I've been overdoing it with Christmas baking and shopping, as well as rearranging the house to make room for this awesome baby who'll be here before we know it.

24 Weeks = Cantaloupe

Today, I'm 24 weeks and 1 day pregnant, and our baby boy is approximately the size of a cantaloupe (or as long as an ear of corn--but I'd rather eat the cantaloupe).

Is this post confusing—you know, since I was supposedly 23 weeks and 1 day pregnant just two days ago? Allow me to explain...

I've mentioned before (like yesterday) that my OB adjusted my due date from April 7th to April 2nd. All hell will break loose a few months from now if I don't change my weekly check-ins to correspond with this date. For example, if I don't make this adjustment, I'll be saying I'm 39 weeks and 2 days pregnant (instead of 40 weeks pregnant) on my due date—April 2nd. We don't want that kind of confusion later.

So I'll just let you be confused now. Are you? I hope not. Anyway, let's do this.

The sun (It was out!) wouldn't let my eyes open any wider than this.

This week, our baby boy's lungs are developing like crazy, which is why he would have a good chance of surviving outside the womb right now if he had to. (Again, stay in there for a few more months, kid.)

All of my symptoms are still very tolerable—like the congestion and nighttime bathroom visits (which only happen once or twice a night now—and sometimes not at all!). This trimester really has been enjoyable.

Oh, and Danny felt Guido's kicks for the first time on Monday night, but I'll let him tell you about that. DANNY!

There! I feel so much better now that my dates are all on track. Whew.

23 Weeks = Grapefruit

Today, I'm 23 weeks and 1 day pregnant, and when he's all curled up in the fetal position (not all stretched out!), our baby boy is approximately the size of a large grapefruit. Let's just pretend that makes sense. (An anonymous commenter just suggested that the grapefruit is representing baby's weight—and that makes more sense to me.)

By now, Grapefruit can hear loud sounds, like cars honking and dogs barking. Coincidentally, Danny just taught Scooter how to "speak" a few weeks ago, and it's our favorite trick of the moment. I hope we haven't been annoying Little Man.

Also, Grapefruit's sense of movement is well developed now, and he can feel when I dance. I'm sure this means he can also feel when I'm on the elliptical, and I can't help but wonder if he hates that thing as much as I do.

No changes on the symptoms front. Still feeling happy and healthy—and so, so blessed.

22 Weeks = Spaghetti Squash

Today, I'm 22 weeks and 3 days pregnant, and our baby boy is about 11" long, approximately the length of a spaghetti squash. 

This spaghetti squash is only 9.5" long, so imagine it's 1.5" longer.

This week, our baby's facial features are becoming more distinct, and he's starting to look more like a miniature newborn. He's also developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums, and I can't stop imagining that he'll be born with a mouth full of teeth. I wouldn't love him any less. I'd just rethink the whole breastfeeding thing.

As far as symptoms go, there are a few things that I won't mention here. (Okay, fine. My nipples and areolas are darker, which was a weird surprise.) I'm congested and easily winded, and I'm still getting up once or twice in the night to pee—but I feel great.

I can't wait to eat that spaghetti squash tomorrow.

I'm happy and full of life, and there's no denying that I laugh more often... and when I remember that our baby boy can hear me, I laugh a little longer.

Also, I'm optimistic and hopeful for the future. My 29th birthday was Monday, and all day, all I could think about was how next year, I will spend my birthday with my amazing husband and this perfect baby boy of ours. Lots of people dread their 30th, but I know mine's gonna be awesome. Bring it.

21 Weeks = Carrot

Today, I'm 21 weeks and 1 day pregnant—closer to the finish line than the starting line!—and our baby boy is about 10.5" long, approximately the length of a large carrot. This carrot is exactly 10.5":

Night + Flash = Psycho Lady

We have an ultrasound tomorrow (yay!), and I'm curious to see if Little Man truly is the length of a carrot, or if he's still measuring way ahead of schedule.

Anyway, this week, Carrot's eyelids are present, his tongue is fully formed, and his skin is opaque instead of transparent. What a busy little bee!



Can't believe our baby is (at least) that long!

I've felt pretty symptomless lately, so I'm grateful for the little flutters in my tummy that let me know Little Man is okay.

20 Weeks = Banana

Today, I'm 20 weeks pregnant, and our baby boy is approximately the length of a banana. Twenty weeks. Half baked! I can hardly believe it.

This week, Banana is swallowing up a storm, and he's already producing a tarry poo substance that he'll store in his bowels until he's born. That's not cute in any way, but it's pretty fascinating. Also, he's sprouting nipples this week, which actually is kind of cute.

The only thing weirder than posing in your front yard with a banana is posing in your front yard with a banana when it's pitch-black outside. I'm doing my best not to look like a perv.

I feel so, so good lately. I'm definitely less tired, and my kidneys are finally chilling out! Twice this week, I didn't have to get up at all to pee in the middle of the night... which is probably why I'm feeling so rested and energetic. Booyah!

Something new: for the past 2 weeks or so, I've been having occasional leg cramps that hurt so badly they pull me out of a deep sleep. I had one last night, actually--and my leg is still sore today. I didn't know this was a symptom of pregnancy until I read it on my pregnancy website this morning. Supposedly, I probably just need more water. Simple enough.

Oh, and according to Danny, I've been "snoring like a walrus" for the first time in my life, so I'm going to go ahead and blame that on being pregnant, too.

There's obviously a baby in there now!

Like I mentioned a couple days ago, I've been enjoying feeling this little guy dance around. Something about it makes me feel very connected to him, and I can't wait until Danny can feel his kicks, too. So many amazing things have happened--and are happening--but there are still countless things to look forward to. I love this so much.