21 Weeks

Week 21 is almost to an end.  This week was really the first week where I've felt pregnant and big.  And I realize several weeks to go, but my belly is starting to really be there.  We had a low key week this week, with the normal work stuff.  Since being cleared by my dr. i've started lightly working out again with some long walks with Brisco.  It's amazing how in just four weeks you can lose your stamina - and with the addition of Baby Girl makes it a little more difficult to keep going.  

21 Weeks

Over the weekend we started to get back in gear with getting your nursery all together.  We made the venture to Ikea to look at some closet options for how we are going to organize your closet.  And I also bought some spice racks that I'm going to get really crafty and turn into a book wall.  All I need is for your Nana to come home so she can spray paint them for me :) We had a great night that night at dinner with our friends Josh and Bekah.  It was so fun to catch up with them and hear all about their wedding plans.  Sadly I might have to miss the big event since it's 4 days after your due.... we've talked it out and we'll hope that I can be there but they totally understand that might not happen.  

Sunday was a day for relaxing which is just what we did.  It was finally warm enough to enjoy being outside.. is it sad that in Chicago we think warm is high 40's?  Either way Dave, Brisco and I headed out to enjoy the lakefront and our usual 2 mile walk, we had a great time!  It also got me so excited that in just a few months I'll be enjoying those walks with my baby girl!!

Walk on the Lake

Next week I promise to include some images of the nursery ideas!

How far along? 21 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 8+ lbs gained so far

Maternity clothes? Yes, I just discovered BeBand from Target which is the best invention ever.  Goes over your pre-pregnancy pants so you can still wear them without them falling off!!
Stretch marks? No - using the cocoa butter every day that Lorin gave me!
Sleep: Continue to be uncomfortable, even with a sea of pillows around me I can't seem to find the right position.  
Best moment this week: Getting outside for a nice walk. 
Miss Anything? Beer, my office had a couple happy hours and I missed being able to relax after a day with a nice cold beer. 
Movement: Lots this week!
Food cravings: Continues to be sweets, chocolate, cookies, Ice cream. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anymore
Have you started to show yet: Yep! trying to adjust to my new shape
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Anything swollen? Not yet - but considering buying compression socks. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to:  Ordering some furniture for the nursery. 

Half Way There - 20 Weeks

And we're half way there....... can't believe there are only four months to go. It really feels like only a couple weeks ago that Dave and I were in TCB and found out that we were expecting our little bundle of joy.  You're daddy was extra sweet this week and surprised me with a 20 week massage appointment.  It was just what I needed mid week with my lack of comfortable sleeping. 

20 Weeks

What a fun week we had! Starting with my 20 week doctor's appointment. I was forewarned that it was a longer ultrasound and boy were they right, I was in there for about an hour where Linda my usual ultrasound tech measured every part of Baby Girl Walter.  Great news from that day is that everything looks great and my pregnancy is looking good.  So excited for that news and to be able to hit the gym and get active again - anything to make labor easier i'm up for!  I found out that Baby Girl is in the 56th percentile, 13 ounces, and usually head down every time i'm at the dr's office. We also got some great pictures- which we will all really have to enjoy because it's the last ultrasound for at least two months. 

such a cutie - look at her little nose and maybe a smile?

her hand and arm

I think those are her legs but that's a complete guess

Moving on to the weekend, we had a great girls night/highschool reunion with my Barrington Girls.  We had a delicious dinner at Boarding House and then went out to Sprout for drinks afterward. While at dinner Rena had an exciting announcement that she and Tyler are expecting baby #2.  It was really fun to have a girls night, I love love love these girls and feel truly blessed to have such long and wonderful friendships. 

From L to R: Britini, Kelley, Rena, Jess, Me, Jenny, Megan

Our busy weekend continued for your mommy and daddy, Saturday we headed out to hopefully finalize a car for your arrival and we did!  We ended up buying a BMW X3, which your daddy is definitely really happy about because he really likes driving that car the most out of everything we looked at! I'm so excited to have more room in the car, an actual trunk and space for all the things i'm sure we'll need when you arrive!

I've started planning the nursery but haven't gotten very far other than the color pallet we want to use.  I'll include a little sneak peak as far as the theme goes, it's something that we are really excited about and think it will be really unique for Baby Girl's nursery.  

How far along? 20 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 6+ lbs gained so farMaternity clothes? Still lucky enough to be able to make a lot of my pre-pregnancy clothes work, between my chest and my stomach shirts are tighter and tighter - but i'm learning how to stretch my wardrobe, quite literally :)Stretch marks? No - using the cocoa butter every day that Lorin gave me!Sleep: Continue to be uncomfortable, even with a sea of pillows around me I can't seem to find the right position.  Best moment this week: My 20 week appointment and buying our first car as a family!Miss Anything? Warm weather!!!! The first day of spring it snowed - that is not rightMovement: Lots this week!Food cravings: Continues to be sweets, chocolate, cookies, Ice cream. Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anymoreHave you started to show yet: Yep! trying to adjust to my new shapeGender: GirlLabor Signs: NoAnything swollen? Not yetHappy or Moody most of the time: Happy!Looking forward to:  Working out again and starting to design the nursery. 

18 & 19 Weeks With Brisco

These last two weeks I neglected my blogging so it's a two in one blog this week.  

18 Weeks 

Week 18 was an interesting one, we had a concerning weekend so we made sure to get into to my Dr. for a check up where we were quickly relieved to know that everything is ok.  The bonus from that appointment is we got a new picture of our baby girl.   

18 Weeks

Brisco is such a good buddy to have around while Dave is on the road, he really does a great job of keeping me company and looking adorable while doing it.  After a day at the spa for B he was a pal and snuggled up with me every night.

Week 19 was much easier than the previous, probably the most exciting part was all the little flutters I've been feeling the last couple weeks have now gotten stronger.  It's her way of letting me know she's in there usually most noticeable in the evening.

19 Weeks

We decided to skip the St. Paddy's festivities this year and continue our search for a new car.  I had no idea how thorough your daddy was going to be through this process but at least I know we'll get the best deal and certainly wont get taken advantage of in the process.  This last Saturday we had dinner with your Auntie Jenny and Nick at a new spot Unite Urban Grill.  We had a great time catching  up with them, always lots of laughs with those two!!

How far along? 19 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 3+ lbs gained so far
Maternity clothes? Starting to buy things here and there - just stocked up on some spring clothes hopefully if I think it it will happen
Stretch marks? No - using the cocoa butter every day that Lorin gave me!
Sleep: Not great this week, my back gets really soar, probably from being on my side so much
Best moment this week: Bonding with Brisco
Miss Anything? Warm weather
Movement: Lots this week!
Food cravings: Tempura fried green beans from Hub51 and ICE CREAM
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anymore
Have you started to show yet: Yep! trying to adjust to my new shape
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Anything swollen? Not yet
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to:  My 20 Week ultrasound this week, It's a longer one where they measure all her growth so far!

17 Weeks

Week 17 was an easy one! Dave was home all week again which was such a nice treat vs him traveling all week, however starting Monday it's back to our normal schedule.  Baby Girl is the size of an onion this week, she can hear music which I think is so cool.  She's also starting to put on some fat.  

17 Weeks

We got together with our good friends Larry and Paula Quinn this Friday and their adorable daughters Rosie and Caroline.  We had a great time catching up with them and picking their brain's on everything baby.  They also were so sweet to treat Baby Girl to some of their favorite things; a Dr. Seuss book, Mustela face wipes and California Baby calming cream.  We can't wait to use these goodies when you arrive. 

We continue our search for a new car driving the last two this weekend.  We finally have it narrowed down to three choices.  Looking forward to getting our new wheels and having more space.  

I've also started organizing the condo, boy has that been a big big project.  Somehow I have four bins full of stuff for storage, yet it seems like I don't have any room still.  Getting the condo baby ready is going to be a lot of work, looking forward to my mom coming home to take advantage of her organizational skills; Mom always does it better!!

How Far Along: 17 weeks 4 days
Total Weight Gain: -1lbs (if only I could stay in the negative)
Baby Is The Size Of A: Onion at 5.1 inches long and 5.9 ounces. Maternity Clothes: Going back and forth between my maternity jeans and wearing an extension on my normal clothes.  All my tops still work and most of my dresses. Sleep: Ok this week, I've definitely been waking up much earlier than I normally would which is a change for me since I am usually not a morning person. Best Moment This Week: Starting to register...
Miss Anything:  cheese plates Movement: Felt a little flutter but nothing substantial
Food Cravings: Fruit and ice cream
Anything Making You Queasy Or Sick: Finally no!
Have You Started to Show Yet: Yes, although depending on the outfit it's not overly noticable
Gender: Girl
Happy Or Moody Most Of The Time: Slightly overwhelmed from the registry process
Looking Forward To: Getting organized