39 Weeks



How far along? 39 Weeks

• Baby Size: Hogan is measuring two weeks ahead and weighing in at 7lbs and 5 oz! According to my app she is the size of a pumpkin, which is perfect for this Halloween loving mommy!

• Weight gain: 12 pounds (I've been losing these past few weeks)

• Maternity Clothes: Of course! I throw on whatever is comfortable, and after Friday (my last day of work) I will be in pj's I'm sure.

• Stretch Marks: No, I'm still using Mama Bee Tummy butter and oil every day.

• Sleep: I am getting great sleep, I think my body knows that pretty soon I will survive on little to no sleep, so I'm soaking it all in. My anxiety keeps me up, sometimes, but not for long. I just wonder when I get to meet this little one.

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: She is kicking and punching as much as she can! I am cherishing every moment left with her in there.

• Best moment this week: Making it to October! This is THE month that I wanted to have a baby, I got nervous she might come early, but we made it! Little girl can come anytime, now.

• Looking forward to: Meeting my daughter, of course! There are moments I can't believe this is really happening, and I get nervous/excited. I am pretty scared about labor, but the end result is what I keep in mind. We've scheduled an induction for the 14th, but praying she comes on her own before then.

• Food Cravings: Bottled water, reese's, and sonic ice.

• Anything making you queasy or sick: I get nauseous occasionally, it sucks, but it comes with the territory. I'm also super congested and the humidifier, which I call my breathalyzer,  my ventilator, and Blake says I come up with a new name everyday for it, but it's my best friend.

• Labor Signs: None.

38 Weeks



How far along? 38 Weeks

• Baby Size: Hogan is measuring two weeks ahead and weighing in at 7lbs and 5 oz!

• Weight gain: 16 pounds

• Maternity Clothes: I dress for comfort, so I am sashaying around in maxi dresses with tennis shoes. It's the latest fashion trend. Oh, and I can't forget to mention my sexy compression socks! 

• Stretch Marks: No, I'm still using Mama Bee Tummy butter and oil every day.

• Sleep: I am sleeping well, I wake up 5+ times per night to use the potty, and then I am able to once again get comfortable and fall asleep. My dreams are so crazy lately, depending on what TV show I watch prior to falling asleep, you can bet I will become a character on said TV show. The other night I was the lead girl on Naked and Afraid (in my dream). Very bizarre.

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: She is still wiggling around in there, and kicking me when she feels like it. I love watching my belly move, it's so amazing, I hope I can always remember those moments. I enjoy tickling her little feet and then watching them move across my belly.

• Best moment this week: One of the greatest moments from this week is being able to pinpoint the point in which Hogan dropped. I have included a picture below. The 37 week picture was actually taken on Sunday at 37 wks 4 days, while the 38 week picture was taken yesterday at 38 weeks. It's so cool that I have it documented, I can't wait to show her one day!

• Looking forward to: Making it to October. She can come anytime after that, but we've got to make it six more days, at least! I have my doctor appointment this afternoon, so we will know more after that.

• Food Cravings: I still only want bottled water, and I guess I've kind of been on a pizza kick lately.

• Anything making you queasy or sick: My right foot feels like it's broken and I am really hobbling around now. Standing for longer than five minutes is brutal and everything I do seems to take a lot of effort. People keep asking if I'm over being pregnant, if I am ready, and honestly, I love being pregnant, I am so blessed, I don't mind if she stays in there and is a week late.

• Labor Signs: None.



37 Weeks: Full Term



How far along? 37 weeks 5 days (this picture was taken at 37 weeks 4 days)

• Baby Size: Hogan is measuring two weeks ahead and weighing in at 7lbs and 5 oz! My app says she is the size of a watermelon!

• Weight gain: 16 pounds

• Maternity Clothes: It's getting harder and harder to put on pants, socks, shoes, and even my panties. Right now I am living in maxi dresses.

• Stretch Marks: No, I'm still using Mama Bee Tummy butter and oil every day.

• Sleep: Sleep is the same, I am still enjoying it while I can. I have woken up several times with vomit in my throat, which makes me choke, and then after drinking water and brushing my teeth I fall back asleep.

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: She is still moving around and I can usually tell when a tiny little foot grazes across my body.

• Best moment this week: Realizing that my daughter will be here in a few short weeks. It's all of the sudden becoming very real to me. If she were to come tonight I can finally say we have everything we need for her arrival. I've also enjoyed two date nights with Blake, I keep reminding him that before we know it it's not just going to be us anymore.

• Looking forward to: Meeting my daughter, duh!

• Food Cravings: Bottled water, and Reese's peanut butter cups!

• Anything making you queasy or sick: This week I've had really bad headaches, multiple headaches each day actually.

• Labor Signs: A few contractions here and there, but nothing serious.

36 Weeks





How far along? 36 Weeks 5 days

• Baby Size: Hogan is measuring two weeks ahead and weighing in at 7lbs and 5 oz!

• Weight gain: 16 pounds

• Maternity Clothes: I'm wearing whatever is comfortable at this point. Mainly maxi dresses and pj's when I am at home.

• Stretch Marks: No, I'm still using Mama Bee Tummy butter and oil every day.

• Sleep: I am still sleeping well, some nights its harder than others to fall asleep, but I can't complain. Although, laying down isn't as comfortable as it used to be, and rolling out of bed is pretty hysterical.

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: She has been bouncing around, and I am happy to report she is head-down! I seriously stare at my belly and cry thinking about not feeling her in my tummy once she is born.

• Best moment this week: Our latest doctor appointment. It's all becoming real. She will be here in a few short weeks. My daughter, my miracle, the one dream I have had since I was a little girl is finally coming true. My hormones and emotions are all over the place, I can't believe I am having a child! Thank you, Jesus!

• Looking forward to: Meeting my daughter, Hogan. I am also ready to have her room 100% complete, I just need to put things away.

• Food Cravings: I still only want to drink bottled water, and my snack of choice is currently miniature snickers.

• Anything making you queasy or sick: I am having a lot of pressure and sometimes it feels like Hogan is tightly grasping my bladder and squeezing it, which is uncomfortable. At our doctors appointment the doctor checked my cervix and that didn't feel to great, but everything looks good and that is all that matters.

• Labor Signs: None.

Here's Hogan flashing the peace sign at 36 weeks!



35 Weeks



How far along? 35 Weeks 2 days

• Baby Size: Hogan is about the size of a large cantaloupe (19-22 in, 5.5 lbs)

• Weight gain: 12 pounds (weight went back down 3 lbs, probably because I've been sick)

• Maternity Clothes: I've been wearing skirts, and dresses mostly. I also love maternity p.j's, and spent my labor day weekend and holiday in them. Battling strep while pregnant is rough.

• Stretch Marks: No, I'm still using Mama Bee Tummy butter and oil every day.

• Sleep: I started struggling with strep on Saturday night, and sleep was very difficult to maintain. I kept waking up with my throat on fire, no position felt comfortable, and my nose was all stopped up. On Monday night I had my first taste of just not being able to get comfortable, it was terrible.

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: This is still my favorite part about pregnancy. I could stare at my tummy for hours, even all day if it were possible. She just rolls, punches, and kicks whenever she pleases. The other day I watched a foot scroll across my tummy. She has also been getting familiar with my ribs as of lately, and that can get pretty uncomfortable.

• Best moment this week: Spending time with Blake, we went to Babies R' Us and picked out a few things for Hogan, and it's starting to sink in that it's not going to be the two of us. I still can't believe my dreams are coming true, we are going to be parents! I already love this little miracle so much, I could cry.

• Looking forward to: Getting over strep and hopefully seeing baby girl at my next OB appointment.

• Food Cravings: Blue Gatorade and bottled water.

• Anything making you queasy or sick: My students made me sick! Ha, but seriously, one of them gave me strep. Boo.

• Labor Signs: None.

34 Weeks

 

 How far along? 34 Weeks 1 day

• Baby Size: Hogan is about the size of a cabbage. 5 lbs (estimate) 19-22 inches (estimate)

• Weight gain: 15 pounds

• Maternity Clothes: I've worn maternity jeans all week, thanks to my principal, but I think I prefer the maxi dresses, and skirts.

• Stretch Marks: No, I'm still using Mama Bee Tummy butter and oil every day.

• Sleep: It's still somewhat difficult to get comfortable enough to fall asleep, but once I do, I am sleeping well. Some nights I get up to use the restroom more than others, but I don't mind.

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: Lots of movement, little girl is now kicking my ribs, and sometimes when I tickle my belly or poke her she will poke me back. It's such an amazing feeling. I love her so much!

• Best moment this week: Surviving back to school! It's been a lot better than I thought it would be, and the days do go by quickly which is nice.

• Looking forward to: Packing my hospital bag, and her diaper bag. I've decided on her going home gown, I can't wait to get it from Blake's mom!

• Food Cravings: Our PTO catered lunch one day and had these incredible looking chocolate and caramel brownies for desert. I've been craving those and bottled water!

• Anything making you queasy or sick: I've been feeling pretty good. I did have swollen ankles after work yesterday, they look so weird, it's crazy. My back pain has gotten better, but I am still soaking in the tub each night, which feels amazing.

• Labor Signs: None.

33 Weeks

      

          How far along? 33 Weeks

• Baby Size: Hogan is about the size of a head of cauliflower, weighs 4.5 lbs and is 19 inches long!

• Weight gain: 12 pounds

• Maternity Clothes: Yes, and now that school is starting back up I can no longer lounge in my pj's, so I am sure I will be wearing tons of maxi dresses.

• Stretch Marks: No, I'm still using Mama Bee Tummy butter and oil every day.

• Sleep: Well, it's been a long time coming, falling asleep is now a huge challenge. My back aches every night and I flip from one side to the other. Once I do fall asleep it's glorious and I wake up and my back feels fine.

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: Little Hogan enjoys kicking, punching, and poking out of my tummy. I love watching my tummy when she's moving and groovin' in there. Again, I am so going to miss her kicks once she is born.

• Best moment this week: I was in the bathtub and realized that in less than seven weeks I am going to meet my daughter. I cried. Becoming a mom has been my lifelong dream, I've truly waited my whole entire life to meet this sweet blessing. Just thinking about our journey and what lies ahead makes me cry. I am just so grateful for God's gift. (I'm crying as I type this)

• Looking forward to: Welcoming all of my students back and getting the school year started! I also can't wait to see our little girl again, I think we have our final scan in three weeks. I hope she's head-down. 

• Food Cravings: I've been craving egg tacos again, but only for breakfast.

• Anything making you queasy or sick: The thought of standing for eight hours makes me queasy, but I know I will sit as much as possible while I am teaching.

• Labor Signs: None.

32 Weeks



How far along? 32 Weeks 4 days

• Baby Size: Hogan is about 19 inches and 3.9 lbs (according to my app)

• Weight gain: 12 pounds

• Maternity Clothes: These days you can find me in dresses, they are the most comfortable things in the world. In-service begins this week so I am sure I will be wearing my motherhood maternity yoga pants each day.

• Stretch Marks: No, I'm still using Mama Bee Tummy butter and oil every day.

• Sleep: I'm getting plenty of sleep, the only interruptions are bathroom trips in the middle of the night. Some nights after a trip to the potty, I find it harder to fall back asleep.

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: I love her kicks and jabs! Sometimes my tummy looks lopsided because she has positioned herself to stick out, I just can't get enough.

• Best moment this week: I had my shower on Saturday! It was lovely, I was overwhelmed with joy at the fact that I was actually having a shower. There were times that I never thought I would have one of my own. It was a beautiful event thrown by my Godmother, Mama Turbo, and the whole day was perfect. I was able to wear my grandmother's orange blossoms, that alone meant so much to me. My sister, Elizabeth, even took some maternity shots of me.

• Looking forward to: I am looking forward to going back to work only because it will help pass the time until our little one comes. I also can't wait to see all of my students and coworkers.

• Food Cravings: I craved ice cream snickers this week and Blake being the super husband he is, was right there to fill the craving.

• Anything making you queasy or sick: Standing or sitting for too long makes my backache, but I am still soaking in the tub every night.

• Labor Signs: None.

My sweet Mom and Me
 
 

 

 

Mama Turbo and Me

31 Weeks



How far along? 31 Weeks

• Baby Size: Hogan is the size of a head of lettuce, about 18 inches and 3.2 lbs

• Weight gain: 12 pounds

• Maternity Clothes: I've decided that I no longer want to wear pants. I seriously only care about living in my nightgowns and maxi dresses. Clearly from this picture I am in desperate need of a bra that will lift up my huge boobs! I'm thinking a trip to Motherhood Maternity is in my near future.

• Stretch Marks: No, I'm still using Mama Bee Tummy butter every day.

• Sleep: I love napping, and I love sleeping. I'd like them better if they weren't interrupted by my bladder, but I'm happy to even be blessed with this pregnancy.

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: Yes, and I try to catch her on video all of the time! I have two videos that are okay, but most of the time she stops when I press record and then continues right after I end the recording. I'm going to miss her kicks when she's born.

• Best moment this week: This has been another great week of lounging around. I spent a few days at the pool which is amazing on my back, I wish I could finish out these last few weeks in the water. I feel like I totally understand why women give birth in the water, and if I had that choice I think I would!

• Looking forward to: My baby shower this Saturday! There were days that my infertility made me believe I would never get the chance to have a baby shower, and now it's my turn, it's still so surreal. I am so blessed.

• Food Cravings: Not really any cravings this week besides bottled water.

• Anything making you queasy or sick: The only pain I've been feeling is back pain. I soak in Epsom salt every single night which does help. But no more morning sickness to report.

• Labor Signs: None.

• Workouts: Walking from the bed to the bathroom, and occasionally the kitchen. Bam! That's my workout. I huff and puff all of the time and everyday tasks are getting harder and harder to accomplish. I don't  know how I am going to go back to my classroom! I seriously think about it all of the time, I just can't fathom being on my feet for 8 hours!

30 Weeks

 

How far along? 30 Weeks

• Baby Size: She's as big as a cantaloupe this week!

• Weight gain: 11 pounds

• Maternity Clothes: Yes, and I just got a few Pink Blush Maternity dresses that I love, they are super comfortable and cute!

• Stretch Marks: No, I'm still using Mama Bee Tummy butter every day.

• Sleep: There were a few nights this week that I wasn't able to fall asleep as quickly as normal, but other than that I haven't had much trouble. I still get up maybe twice per night to use the restroom.

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: Oh, yes! Kicks and punches all of the time. Our little lady enjoys cold temperature foods and beverages.

• Best moment this week: Her armoire came in and it's simply gorgeous! Another great moment was finding out that I passed my glucose test. Hip-hip-hooray!

• Looking forward to: Finishing the nursery. We finally started hanging the shelves and pictures, Blake is very into decorating, and I will admit, he's really good, too!

• Food Cravings: We drove passed a Jamba Juice, and we HAD to stop because I really needed one. I also still love milkshakes, and grilled cheeses.

• Anything making you queasy or sick: YES! I am hoping my morning sickness just came back as a one time thing, but after I ate my prunes this morning I got sick.

• Labor Signs: No, but I've had this terrible back pain all week. I did go with my mom this week and got a prenatal massage which helped but the pain just comes right back.

• Workouts: Walking is my main workout, sitting and standing for any length of time is becoming more difficult. My favorite position is laying down.

Hogan's beautiful armoire



29 Weeks

How far along? 29 Weeks

• Baby Size: The size of a pineapple, and we were able to weigh her today! She's already 3 lbs 1 oz, and measuring a little over a week ahead.

• Weight gain: 11 lbs, confirmed today.

• Maternity Clothes: Oh yea, but honestly I stay in my p.j's most days.

• Stretch Marks: None, I frequently put on my Mama Bee tummy butter to prevent them.

• Sleep: Yes, although getting and staying comfortable is getting more difficult. I feel like a turtle on it's back when I try and roll outta bed.

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: Yes, little Miss is a ninja, and feeling her move is my favorite thing.

• Best moment this week: Our 3d/4d ultrasound today. Our little princess has my lips and nose, she is precious! I am so in love with her and could just stare at her face for days.

• Looking forward to: My baby shower in a few weeks!

• Food Cravings: Milkshakes, and grilled cheeses as normal.

• Anything making you queasy or sick: Daddy's pork!

• Labor Signs: Nope, but I did have a few Braxton Hicks contractions.

• Workouts: Some days it feels like getting out of bed and doing laundry is a workout! I am swimming weekly which feels amazing, but other than that I am relaxing and resting as much as possible.

28 Weeks

How far along? 28 weeks 1 day, hello 3rd trimester!

• Baby Size: 16.2 inches and 2.5 lbs! Hogan is the size of a head of cauliflower!

• Weight gain: 11 pounds (probably more, we'll find out next week at my appointment)

• Maternity Clothes: Maxi dresses are amazing, and I am loving my maternity bathing suits!

• Stretch Marks: None, I frequently put on my Mama Bee tummy butter to prevent them.

• Sleep: It's harder to fall asleep, but once I do it's heavenly. I do wake up at least once a night to go to the bathroom, and then am typically up for an hour trying to fall back asleep.

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: Little girl is really moving and grooving in there, I love it. I freak out now if I can't remember the last time I felt her.

• Best moment this week: Taking my bump to the beach! I loved being at the beach with my family and soaking up the sea-air and sunshine.

• Looking forward to: Taking my glucose test next week, and seeing our girl on the 3d/4d ultrasound.

• Food Cravings: I've still been craving grilled cheese sandwiches, caramel ice cream, and bottled water with ice from Mr. D's convenience store.

• Weirdest food I ate this week: Nothing weird.

• Anything making you queasy or sick: The smell of Daddy's lunch meat. Yuck!

• Labor Signs: Nope.

• Workouts:  Walking, and carrying around my nieces and nephews. My lower back has really started to bug me. 

27 Weeks

How far along? 27 weeks

• Baby Size: 14.5 inches, and a little over 2 lbs. She's the size of a roast!

• Weight gain: 11 pounds!

• Maternity Clothes: Yes

• Stretch Marks: None, I frequently put on my Mama Bee tummy butter to prevent them.

• Sleep: Yes, thanks to my bumpnest pillow!

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: Oh, yes, lots of it, and her kicks are getting stronger and stronger.

• Best moment this week: Having my parents and younger brother come over for the fourth of July. I realized we only have one more holiday (Labor Day) left with just the two of us.

• Looking forward to: Our 3d scan in two weeks, and taking my glucose test. Yes, I am crazy, but I want to get it over with.

• Food Cravings: I still love Twix, bottled water, and sour punch chews are everything!

• Weirdest food I ate this week: This pregnancy has been pretty simple, no wild and crazy cravings.

• Anything making you queasy or sick: No, thankfully.

• Labor Signs: Nope.

• What I miss: I'm going to delete this part next week.

• Workouts:  Ha, bending down to pick up things, or search the fridge is a workout!

24-26 Weeks

*This is the only picture I have from week 25. I was in Austin, and this is my adorable nephew Preston just hanging out next to his cousin.*

Despite the shade, Hogan and I had to soak up some vitamin D while it wasn't too hot.

How far along? 26 weeks

• Baby Size: 2 lbs, 11 + inches, the size of a butternut squash

• Weight gain: 11 pounds!

• Maternity Clothes: Yes, including bathing suits!

• Stretch Marks: None, I frequently put on tummy butter to prevent them.

• Sleep: Yes, although I frequently wake up to use the restroom, and then it takes an hour or so to fall back asleep.

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: YES! She's quite the ninja, it's amazing!

• Best moment this week: I'd have to say that capturing her movement on video is so cool, I love sharing it with others.

• Looking forward to: Completing the nursery. It's been so exciting to make big purchases and attempt to put it all together. 

• Food Cravings: Right now I love grilled cheeses, Twix candy bars, and sour punch short straws.

• Weirdest food I ate this week: I still haven't had a crazy craving!

• Anything making you queasy or sick: No, nothing.

• Labor Signs: Nope.

• What I miss: I'm just so blessed and thankful for this pregnancy, that despite some of my complaining I wouldn't trade it for anything. I know how lucky we are to be in this position. I'm thankful for every uncomfortable day, and I don't miss a thing.

• Workouts: Swimming and chasing around my two nieces!

22 Weeks-23 Weeks

*I am late on posting this, and instead of a 22 week bump, you get a 23 week bump!

How far along? 22 weeks

• Baby Size: 1 lb, the size of a spaghetti squash

• Weight gain: 6 pounds!

• Maternity Clothes: Yes, shirts, leggings, and shorts! Still loving my maxi dresses, too!

• Stretch Marks: None, I frequently put on tummy butter to prevent them.

• Sleep: Yes, thanks to my bumpnest pillow!

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: Some, I can feel a rolling movement sometimes, and there are also a few flutters here and there. She reminds me of a coy fish in my tummy. * as of last night, at 23.1 weeks I felt movement on the outside! Her kicks are strong, and she likes to party at night!

• Best moment this week: The hospital tour! We got to see the L & D rooms, the nursery where she won't have to stay, we found out that she gets to be with us the whole time!

• Looking forward to: Summer break, today is my last day! I can't wait to sleep in, and really get started on her nursery.

• Food Cravings: I've been enjoying sour cherry jelly beans again this week. I would also say that chocolate cake has been on my want list as well.

• Weirdest food I ate this week: I still haven't had a crazy craving!

• Anything making you queasy or sick:  I got a weird dizzy/faint spell while at the hospital, but nothing serious, or to make me sick.

• Labor Signs: Nope.

• What I miss: I'm just so blessed and thankful for this pregnancy, that despite some of my complaining I wouldn't trade it for anything. I know how lucky we are to be in this position. I'm thankful for every uncomfortable day, and I don't miss a thing.

• Workouts: I just have to laugh, and admit that no, I haven't been working out, I'm too exhausted by the end of the day. Hopefully I can continue walks and have time for weights over the summer.  

21 weeks

 

 



• How far along? 21 weeks

• Baby Size: She's the size of a carrot, and a baby bok choy according to my baby apps! 7 in 11 oz

• Weight gain: We will find out at our doctors appointment this morning.

• Maternity Clothes: Yes, shirts, leggings, and shorts! Still loving my maxi dresses, too!

• Stretch Marks: None, I frequently put on tummy butter to prevent them.

• Sleep: Getting lots of it, and loving it!

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: I've been feeling little movements (I think) here and there, but nothing strong.

• Best moment this week: This week I felt a rolling movement in my belly when I laid back in my chair. It reminded me that she's in there and this is real!

• Looking forward to: Big kicks and seeing her today at our doctor's appointment.

• Food Cravings: Cherry sour jelly beans, and sour patch kids eXtreme.

• Weirdest food I ate this week: I haven't eaten anything weird, I guess I'm not one of "those" pregnant women. 

• Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nope.

• Labor Signs: Thankfully none.

• What I miss: Laying on my tummy! 

• Workouts: Getting up feels like a workout on some days.

20 weeks



How far along? 20 weeks

 

• Baby Size: I use two apps, and one says a Belgian Endive (no clue what that is, haha), and the other says she is as big as a mango! 6.5 inches and 10 oz

• Weight gain: 5lbs (we'll know for sure at our appointment next week)

• Maternity Clothes: A few things, shirts, skirts, and some shorts.

• Stretch Marks: None

• Sleep: It's still my favorite thing to do, and I love sharing my bumpnest pillow with little Miss. Bella Bell and Birdie.

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: I've been having a feeling like little bubbles are popping in my tummy, almost like tiny fireworks! 

• Best moment this week: Celebrating my best friend, Linzie's daughter-to-be, Taitum. Linzie is fifteen weeks ahead of me and we're both having girls! Future BFF's.

• Looking forward to: Feeling more movement.

• Food Cravings: I still like to eat egg and cheese tacos each morning, and this week I also wanted cherry sours, and watermelon sour patch kids.

• Weirdest food I ate this week: Nothing weird.

• Anything making you queasy or sick: While at the nail salon this week I got a whiff of Chinese food from next door and that made me feel very queasy.

• Labor Signs: Thankfully, no.

• What I miss: Nada, it's been a great week!

• Workouts:  Dog walking!

19 Weeks

 



How far along? 19 weeks

 

• Baby Size: Zucchini or a Mango 6 inches and half a pound!

 

• Weight gain: 4 lbs

 

• Maternity Clothes: Some, loving maternity shirts and dresses.

 

• Stretch Marks: None

 

• Sleep: Yes, it's my favorite thing to do!

 

• Gender: Girl

 

• Movement: Not yet. 

 

• Best moment this week: Celebrating Mother's day with my family. We went to the Hyatt Hill Country Resort, and floated the lazy river, and hung out on their beach all day. It was perfect. Blake got me a few special Mother's day presents and the entire weekend was just magical. I never thought I would be a mommy-to-be!

• Looking forward to: This weekend is my best friend Linzie's baby shower. I can't wait to spoil her and her little Taitum, who will be here in July. I also can't wait to get bump pics taken with her.

• Food Cravings: Egg and cheese tacos, and coke with ice.

 

• Weirdest food I ate this week: No weird foods.

 

• Anything making you queasy or sick: I can happily say "nope, nothing this week".

 

• Labor Signs: Nope.

 

• What I miss: Again, nothing. I love being pregnant!

 

• Workouts: Chasing my nieces around this past weekend.

18 Weeks

(please excuse the cropping, I took this while getting ready in a messy bathroom)

 



How far along? 18 weeks

 

• Baby Size: A sweet potato

• Weight gain: 4 lbs. 

• Maternity Clothes: Some, thanks in part to my sister, Claire, for passing them down to me. Blake and I also stopped by Old Navy to pick up a few shirts with the roused sides, which I've coveted for three and a half years! I love those tanks and tees!

• Stretch Marks: None, I use a body butter twice daily.

• Sleep: I've been getting lots of it! I am typically a morning person but this entire pregnancy I have been hitting the snooze button three times each morning. I love sleep and my bump nest pillow! 

• Gender: Girl

• Movement: Nope, but I'm ready!

• Best moment this week: Seeing her feet at our anatomy scan and hearing that she looks "perfect". It's still so surreal that I am finally pregnant! We also registered at Babies R' Us this weekend.

• Looking forward to: Setting up her nursery and ordering her bedding. I keep going back and forth between two sets, I can't make up my mind!

• Food Cravings: I haven't really had any this week, I am kind of bummed.

• Weirdest food I ate this week:

• Anything making you queasy or sick: I am happy to report that my stomach has become tougher during the second trimester.

• Labor Signs: Nope.

• What I miss: Absolutely nothing.

• Workouts: Still nothing, but I will get there. 

17 Weeks



 

 



• How far along? 17 weeks

 

• Baby Size: She's the size of a tangy pomegranate! (5 inches and weighs 5 oz.)

 

• Weight gain: None yet, I've lost weight due to morning sickness

 

• Maternity Clothes: Not really but maxi dresses are the most comfortable thing in the world right now!

 

• Stretch Marks: None

 

• Sleep: Yes, it's the greatest thing! I only wake up once or twice to use the restroom.

 

• Gender: Girl

 

• Movement: None yet, a few flutters here and there.

 

• Best moment this week: Visiting with Blake's family and showing off the bump! Hogan is so loved.

 

• Looking forward to: My anatomy scan this afternoon. I can't wait to see her wiggling around!

 

• Food Cravings: Ice cream sandwiches.

 

• Weirdest food I ate this week: Nothing weird to report.

 

• Anything making you queasy or sick: On our way to Dallas this past weekend I ate an egg biscuit and that made me queasy, but other than that it's been smooth sailing since week 13. 

 

• Labor Signs: Nope.

 

• What I miss: Sleeping soundly throughout the entire night, and not feeling out of breath after bending down.

 

• Workouts: I've been terrified to workout, but I think I might head to the gym later this week, we'll see.

And Then There Were Three

   After three and a half years of praying, crying, and many months of fertility treatments I am thrilled to announce that Blake and I are expecting a baby girl in October!

   On January 25, 2014 I took a pregnancy test and this was what I saw:

 



  So, for the past four months I have been keeping this huge secret. I feel relieved now that my coworkers and students know why I've been feeling so bad. I have felt some relief now that we are safely in the second trimester, (17 weeks) but I am not afraid to admit that my bed and bumpnest pillow are my best friends.

  Thank you to those who have prayed over us, sent me personal emails of encouragement, and to my family members who kept our secret from the world, even when all we wanted to do was rejoice in His blessing.

  We have chosen the name Hogan (my maiden name) Virginia (my mother's name) for our daughter. I look forward to documenting my pregnancy thru the blog.

Pray More, Worry Less

   So, I've been on a little hiatus and I needed it. I am feeling like I have nothing to write about. Normally I try to keep this as a journal, maybe even a diary, but when I put my feelings and thoughts out "there" people whom I know in real life are able to read about what's going on inside of me, and that is hard at times. I will start by saying that I didn't ever want this blog to be about my infertility, it sort of just happened because I am struggling with infertility and it's on my mind 45% of everyday.

   I took a blogging break to begin in vitro fertilization. We began as soon as my most recent miscarriage ended. When I first took the hiatus I was planning on writing this blog post about the whole process and post pictures of my injection site, the embryos, all of the medications, and then finally a picture of our little baby or babies first ultrasound picture. God had other plans for us. After two failed cycles of IVF we are here, not pregnant.

   My husband and I have learned a lot about our faith, our love for each other, and that God will take care of us. There has been heartache yes, and I have been weak, but with God's grace I have the strength to continue on this journey. Right now after three and a half years of negative pregnancy tests, and of positive pregnancy tests that ended with angels in Heaven, we need a break.

  During IVF I had to take a break from my weight loss goals and wasn't doing anything in the gym, so now I am focusing on my fitness journey, again. Blake has been incredibly supportive and takes a late lunch to go to the gym with me (mainly because I am terrified of lifting weights alone...for now).
I am enjoying this time of rest and nurturing my body through exercise and lots of prayer.