A Day at the Park

Sophia is 2 weeks, 1 day old!

Hi all!  Just wanted to update you all quickly before she starts fussing again...  Over the weekend, we took Sophia for her first walk around Town Lake.  It wasn't too hot outside, so we piled in the car with the diaper bag and stroller and picked up a yummy decaf Americana with a pump of vanilla from Starbucks and a Very Berry Non-fat coffee cake and off we went!  It went well, though walking around made me pretty uncomfortable as I'm still healing.  So we made it somewhat short but very sweet.

Here's proud Daddy!

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And happy Mommy!

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And here's our beautiful Sophia in her stroller!

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Also, on Tuesday we had our 2-week checkup.  Everything looks great with our little girl, she's weighing in at 7lbs, 8oz.  We have another checkup next week to weigh her again to make sure she's still gaining well, as she is already.  We may have a little problem with Reflux, so we're keeping an eye on it.  Her belly button is in the process of coming off, on Tuesday the outer stump came off and left a clam-looking goo in the little hole, but that, too has come out.  Now it's a little red and moist, but is slowly but surely drying out.  I'm looking forward to it being completely healed, because to tell the truth, it grosses me out a little!  :(

Other than that, we will be moving this weekend and we finally get to set up her nursery, so we're excited!  I'll update again soon!

Another Progress Report

Today we are 37 weeks, 6 days pregnant!

So I realize I skipped out on my 37 week checkin.  I'm getting lazy.  Sorry.  Pretty much all I can say is I'm uncomfortable (to put it nicely) and sometimes a little grumpy.  I'm weighing in at 132, so a total of 30 lbs gained, however last night I was at 135 but peed out 3 lbs over the course of trying to sleep.  That was very fun, struggling to get out of bed a thousand times.  Anywho.

Today at our appointment, I am still one centimeter dilated but I am 60% effaced.  Dr. Hart offered to strip my membranes today, but since I wasn't mentally prepared for it (control freak) and Shawn has two finals to turn in next week, we decided to wait until our next appointment, Friday the 7th at 11:20am.  So we'll see if this gets things going!

I totally feel as if this little girl has definitely run out of room.  Her movements just feel different and I can feel everything.  I'm still hoping my belly doesn't split wide open at any moment.

We've gotten some things accomplished, we set up her bassinet, I set up a temporary changing and dressing station in our room (temporary since we are moving May 28th), and I've purchased mostly everything we need.  All her clothing is laundered and folded, ready to go.  Still to do is install the carseat and set up the stroller, pick up our glider, breast pump, and monitor (all has been ordered), and we need to pack our hospital bags.  Then I just need to do one last clean sweep of the place to make sure we've got as much room as we possibly can have for when we get home and we're good to go!  Oh, and then I just need to push a watermelon out of my body, that's all.  ;)

Anywho, I'll put in a few pics for your enjoyment.  :)  If things change, I'll update here if I can!

Heeeere's me!  One day short of 38 weeks...

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Side view of the bassinet, given to us by Grandma Mary!

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Front view, with our sleep positioner in the bassinet

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Bird's eye view of Sophia's temporary changing station!  Her temporary drawers are on the right hand side of the pic.  We only needed enough space to keep a few weeks worth of clothing, so we made it work!  But we've got diapers, wipes, lotions, burp cloths, wash cloths, etc all set up!

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Now all we need is a baby to change...  Check back for more updates!  xoxo

Less Than a Month To Go, Wow!

Today we are 36 weeks, 4 days pregnant!

Hi all!  Thank goodness this week is almost over!  I say this because Shawn has been in DC since Sunday and I cannot wait for him to come home.  The dogs miss him terribly, too, and have become very clingy to mommy as of late.  I am purchasing my glider tomorrow from Babies R Us and I got to try them all out today.  I went with the complete opposite of what I thought I wanted, which is turning out to be somewhat typical for me!  But I have to purchase it by tomorrow or my 20% coupon expires, and me and saving money go hand-in-hand.  It retails for $200 but I will be getting it for $160, so that helps!  It is really small, so it fits me to a T, and it suits my extremely freakishly short calves to where I can actually touch the floor when I sit in it.  So yay!  :)

As of our last OB appointment, last Friday, we've had a little tiny bit of progress, so I will post that in my check-in.  This was the first of our weekly appointments and we have the following scheduled appointments:

Friday, 4/23 @ 11am

Friday, 4/30 @ 11am

Friday, 5/7 @ 11:20am

So here is my check-in, where you can read about how uncomfortable I am.  This may be a grumpy one...

How far along?  36 weeks, 4 days.  24 days to go!

Total weight gain/loss:  As of last night, 129.8.  Yes, I said 129.8 instead of 130.  I am not a fan of rounding up.

Stretch marks?  Still none, thank God, but I'm still looking...

Sleep:  It's been terrible, especially since Shawn has been gone.  I don't sleep when he's not here!

Best moment this week:  I think we're pretty close to being done for our initial baby purchases...

Movement:  I feel like she gets lower and lower.  She may be really running out of room because she's not as hyperactive as she used to be, but we've still got the minimum 10 movements in 2 hours.  I just wish she'd stay off of the nerve that runs right through my cervix.  Seriously.  Talk about shocking pain!

Food cravings:  Really at this point, just rotating between salty and sweet and salty again.  I love food.

Gender:  It's a bambina!

Labor Signs:  Soooo Dr. Hart said I am a little less than a pinky tip dilated.  Sounds tiny, but it freaks me out!  I've had minimal cramping / contractions, but nothing timeable or constant or steady.  Just once in a while.

Belly Button in or out?  Out.  Very out.

What I miss:    Being mobile.

What I am looking forward to:  Shawn coming home!!!

Weekly Wisdom:  That it is okay to be paranoid.  This is my little baby girl and I just want the best for her.  And that no concern or question is stupid.  (Thanks, Jamie <3 ) 

Milestones: We're less than a month away from meeting our little girl!  And I'm beginning to dilate!

Check back after Friday to see what our new progression will be.  I wonder if we'll end up going early or past my due date!!!

And here's a pic for you!  Taken just now, please excuse how crappy I look, I had to take my own picture and after a few attempts, I figured this was good enough.  :)

35 Weeks Down...

Today we are 35 weeks, 1 day pregnant!  34 days to go!

Hi all!  So last night, Shawn and I went to see none other than Sir Elton John.  It was an honor for me, to say the least.  So there I was, walking my 35 week pregnant behind up and down the stairs to our seats and managed to only use the potty once, which was pretty surprising.  I had a little talk with Sophia, and made her promise not to be spunky and arrive early, and she thankfully obliged.  So Elton John was a success!  Although finding something to wear was another story.  I needed something cute that I could wear with flip flops, since my feet and toes have started to swell off and on, so I settled on a dress I already had.  Thank goodness for empire waists and cotton!  So here's me before the concert and also your 35 week belly pic:

Here's from the front :)

And from the side!  Hi belly!

Anywho, since it's been a while, I'll catch you up a little...  About a week ago, the baby has begun to drop.  This is good for progress, but bad for my hips and back.  Um, ouch.  Having a head in your pelvic region really does not feel very good.  And I think she may be sticking something pointy in my cervix from time to time, which, from what others have equated it to, feels like lightning in your nether regions. Sounds fun, right?  Riiiiight.  So I have technically gotten to the point where I am very uncomfortable, in pain at times, and now I'm officially allowed to complain.  We're in the homestretch, which is exciting, but scary as well.  The nursery is emptied out, ready for the furniture, so we just have to pick it up and set those suckers up!  Here's the room almost emptied out:

This picture is taken from where the closet is, and the door is on the right hand wall, closest to the wall with the window.  I'll post more pictures later when we're setting it up!

So now time for my weekly check-in...  Here goes!

How far along?  35 weeks, 1 day

Total weight gain/loss:  Weighed in yesterday at 128, total of 26 lbs gained.

Stretch marks?  Still none, thank God, but I'm still looking...

Sleep:  Gone way downhill again.  Between the pain, discomfort, and the thoughts I can't quiet, I'm not sleeping much these days...

Best moment this week:  Seeing Elton John perform

Movement:  She's dropped, so movement is a little lower than before, but her feet still find comfort in my ribs.  She is jabbing me right this minute, and it hurts!

Food cravings:  I get thirsty these days, as it has gotten warmer and more important for me to stay hydrated so I swell the least amount possible.  I had the best lemon slushy from Sonic yesterday and I would like another one today...  This and the bag of Dove chocolates next to me.

Gender:  It's a bambina!

Labor Signs:  I have tightening and some Braxton Hicks, but nothing a little breathing doesn't manage

Belly Button in or out?  Out.  Very out.

What I miss:    Walking without severe pain

What I am looking forward to:  A drink.  Is that bad?

Weekly Wisdom:  I'm going to be a Mommy.  Seriously.  This is going to be huge.  

Milestones: Our room is ready to set up, and yesterday we were 35 weeks pregnant with 35 days to go.  

Quick Check-In...

Today we are 33 weeks, 2 days pregnant!

Hi All!  I wanted to do a quick weekly check-in so I can get to posting my shower pictures.  Shawn and I are really realizing that our time is dwindling and we need to get moving to get stuff done, so we've been cleaning and organizing.  Sometimes I really wish I were one of the Disney princesses so I can have magical brooms, three fairy Godmothers with magic wands, and a team of forest creatures to storm my house and clean everything top to bottom.  If that were to happen, I promise I would whistle while they worked!  Anywho, time for the check-in and I'll post the shower stuff tomorrow!  :)

How far along?  33 weeks, 2 days.  47 days to go!  YIKES!!!

Total weight gain/loss:  Still at 124.4, total of 22.4 lbs gained

Stretch marks?  None yet :D

Sleep:  Decent to eh

Best moment this week:  I had a wonderful shower, more to come tomorrow!

Movement:  I can't even hide it anymore from the outside!  

Food cravings:  The cravings are still at bay, it's just now I'm on the See Diet.  Everything I see, I want to eat.

Gender:  It's a bambina!

Labor Signs:  None this week

Belly Button in or out?  Out.  Very out.

What I miss:    My nice, clean, organized guest room.

What I am looking forward to:  Our baby care class on Wednesday

Weekly Wisdom:  I should probably stop freaking out, because no matter what, Shawn and I will figure everything out.  

Milestones: We've got lots of baby stuff!!!

I don't really have a belly pic this week, but I will post pics tomorrow from the shower.  Till then!

32 Weeks And We're Educated!

Today we are 32 weeks, 3 days pregnant!

Hi All!  It's a sunny and warm day here in Austin, TX, which means spring is here!  Over the past few days, we've reached 32 weeks, my parents have been married for 40 years, and we have begun our baby education.  Shawn and I attended a six-hour childbirth class on Sunday, and it was entertaining, to say the least.  We learned a moderate amount, practiced different breathing techniques, and I saw a 10 centimeter circle.  I wish I hadn't seen that.  Oh well!  We also toured the Labor and Delivery unit where we are delivering.  Would you like to know how I felt during and after that tour?  Scared as hell!  It made it so real!  I've been hiding my uneasiness since then because I feel a little silly about it, but what can I say?  The thought of having a baby, from my body, hoping that everything cooperates for a healthy, safe delivery is a little overwhelming for me.  I know it will pass, or at least ease up a little, but I also think it's somewhat natural and normal to be a little scared.  Ugh!  During the tour, Shawn and I held tight to each other, and it was very reassuring.  Breathe in, breathe out!

We're beginning to get very busy around here, cleaning out the garage, emptying and then filling Sophia's room, organizing, and trying not to freak out.  My shower is this weekend as well, and I'm really excited!  I wish all my family and friends could be here, but I am blessed enough to have them all over the country.  The weather should be nice on Sunday, so hopefully I can wear a cute dress and show off my pregnant glow.  Haha!  Anywho, time for my 32 week check-in, here goes!

How far along?  32 weeks, 3 days.  53 days to go!

Total weight gain/loss:  Just weighed in at 124.4, total of 22.4 lbs gained

Stretch marks?  None yet :D

Sleep:  I think it's the calm before the storm...  As I've said, my pillow configuration has done me well!

Best moment this week:  Probably the class.  It was fun to do it together.

Movement:  The elbows poking through my sides and the feet in the ribs are sweet, but after about 15 minutes can get pretty tender!

Food cravings:  The cravings per se have slowed, it just depends on what food item I have seen or heard about last.

Gender:  It's a bambina!

Labor Signs:  None this week

Belly Button in or out?  Out.  Very out.

What I miss:    Sleeping on my belly

What I am looking forward to:  My shower on Sunday!!!

Weekly Wisdom:  This too, shall pass.  Not so much pregnancy related, but still relevant.

Milestones: We've seen where we're giving birth!!!

Now for my latest picture, taken on the 17th.  Here I am 31 weeks, 4 days pregnant:

Less Than Ten

Today we are 31 weeks, 2 days pregnant!

So I love saying that "we" are pregnant.  It's just something that tickles me.  But I read an article recently how some women think it is, and I quote, "the dumbest statement" and that the woman "is pregnant, not my husband."  To this I reply, why so grumpy?  After all, I would not be here without Shawn, and he wouldn't be here without me.  We are having a baby, we are going through changes, and we are experiencing all the emotions, fears, excitement, etc about this baby, so yes, "we" are pregnant!  And if any weird stranger has a problem with that, or thinks I'm dumb for saying it, well then they can kiss our pregnant butts.  ;)

Anywho, I can't believe that there are less than ten weeks left.  As a matter of fact, we've got 8 weeks, 5 days to go.  Wow!  61 days!  And there's still so much to do!  And I am definitely getting to the point, if I haven't gotten there already, that I am pretty darn uncomfortable most of the time.  Shortness of breath, extra weight, heartburn, and can I say hip pain?  So I guess there is a good point to being so much closer to my due date!  I feel more connected to this little baby every day, and I love it.  When I am busy throughout the day, and don't get as much time to connect with her, to pay attention to feeling her move, I find myself feeling anxious throughout the night and normally have restless dreams.  They normally wake me, and I will try to roll over a couple times to wake her so I can feel her move and count her little jabs.  Only then do I start to fell a little better.  This is the stage where she moves less than she did before, because she's growing so fast in my belly that she's starting to run out of room.  I can't wait to be able to see her.  I just can't.  Though I know that a whole new set of fears will come into my life.  This I know.  Recent events in my life have made me realize this even more.  I have found that the terror of losing a child is enough to strike fear in my heart already, and that I'm beginning to understand a mother's love.

So now for a little light-hearted fun, it's time for my weekly check-in, so here goes!

How far along?  31 weeks, 2 days

Total weight gain/loss:  Just weighed in at 123.2, total of 21.2 lbs gained

Stretch marks?  None yet :D

Sleep:  Aside from a few restless nights, it's still pretty good

Best moment this week:  Shawn and I found the cutest dress this week, and he loved it.  Too bad they didn't have the right size for the seasons!  But it just made me so very happy to see him so happy.

Movement:  She's still active, but slowing a little because she's growing so fast.  I still get my 10 movements in less than 10 minutes, though! 

Food cravings:  Not so much cravings this week, but I go from my salty to sweet to salty to sweet!

Gender:  It's a bambina!

Labor Signs:  Still some Braxton Hicks, especially when I'm moving around 

Belly Button in or out?  Out.  Very out.

What I miss:    Walking without pain!

What I am looking forward to:  Our baby classes (childbirth, baby care, etc)

Weekly Wisdom:  This love is different than anything I've ever felt, and it's wonderful.

Milestones: I totally feel and look pregnant!

Stay tuned for our next appointment on Friday afternoon!  And here is a pic of me on Saturday, Shawn and I were doing some shoe shopping and I had to take a minute to sit! 

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today we are 30 weeks, 1 day pregnant!

Hi All!  Today is my 30 + 1 day, I am 31 and 30w1d prego!  Things are good here at the Maurer household, we're getting more excited every day.  My birthday wish was even more poignant than ever, seeing as though we have so many important things to wish for this year.

Our little one has found a preference for kicking and sticking in my ribs, and I think she thinks it's funny.  I love letting our friends touch my belly, especially when she's moving around.  I never get tired of the reactions!  It makes me happy to know that so many people already love her and can't wait to meet her, and she's not even born yet.  What a lucky, lucky baby!

Anywho, it's time for my weekly check-in, so without further ado...

How far along?  30 weeks, 1 day

Total weight gain/loss:  121 as of Friday, I went down a pound since I've still been taking it easy on my stomach since being so sick.  My appetite is building, though!

Stretch marks?  None yet :D

Sleep:  You know, I can't really complain!  It's been awesome this week, so I think I'll take advantage of it.

Best moment this week:  Sharing my birthday with awesome people

Movement:  A lot!  

Food cravings:  Donuts, watermelon, fajitas

Gender:  It's a bambina!

Labor Signs:  I've started feeling a little tiny bit crampy sometimes, and I still get Braxton Hicks once in a while

Belly Button in or out?  Out.  Very out.

What I miss:    Not having to struggle to get out of bed / off the couch / up from a sitting position.

What I am looking forward to:  Elton John on April 10th!

Weekly Wisdom:  We've got a living, moving human being that I'm carrying!

Milestones: We're 75% done with this pregnancy, we're in the homestretch!

And now for my most recent picture, taken last night at 30 weeks...

28 Week Check-in

Today we are 28 weeks, 1 day pregnant!

Can you believe we only have 83 days to go?  Anywho, I'm just writing for my little weekly check-in so everyone can feel like they're here with us!  Just a quick funny note for the day, today we ran an errand to Lowe's to look at shelving for the garage (we're trying to get organized!) and since it's a nice day here in Austin, I'm wearing a sundress.  Yay!  But I swear this dress was designed to make me look HUGE!  I mean I look full-blown pregnant in this dress!  I can only imagine what I'm going to look like in April or May when I live in sundresses...  Anywho, time for the check-in, so here goes:


How far along?  28 weeks, 1 day

Total weight gain/loss:  122.2, so I've gained a nice, round, 20lbs in this pregnancy!

Stretch marks?  None yet :D

Sleep:  I think I have come up with a good layout of 5 pillows plus 1 wedge

Best moment this week:  Signing up for our birthing / child care classes and knowing we get to see the doctor more often

Movement:  She sure does enjoy kicking Mommy.  And I think she's starting to respond a little to me and Shawn's voice.

Food cravings:  Burgers, apples, cinnamon rolls

Gender:  It's a bambina!

Labor Signs:  Not so much labor signs, but I'm definitely starting to feel the fast weight gain in my hips, back, knees, and feet.  ouch.

Belly Button in or out?  Mainly out, and oscillates between painful and less painful

What I miss:    Easily moving about and easy clothing choices

What I am looking forward to:  Setting up the nursery

Weekly Wisdom:  Every thing that Shawn and I won't be able to easily get up and do will be replaced by things we get to do with our beautiful daughter.

Milestones: The start of my 3rd trimester and moving into bi-monthly doctor visits

And here's my weekly belly pic!  Enjoy!

Saturday Night Live!

Today we are 26 weeks pregnant!  98 DAYS TO GO!!!

Hello all!  Just checking in for our weekly get-together!  Tomorrow we're having a Superbowl affair, so we've been busy cleaning and shopping and now starting some of the cooking, so the house is smelling good already.  I'm excited, because today we bought a scale.  Now I get to monitor my weight gain more regularly, which makes me happy!  Anywho, without much ado, I'll get started on my weekly check-in and post a little belly pic for your enjoyment...

How far along?  26 weeks!  Less than 100 days to go!

Total weight gain/loss:  119.4, up 3 from two weeks ago, up 17.4 from Day 1

Stretch marks?  None yet

Sleep:  Well, we bought a memory foam topper, so some nights I'm good, some nights I'm frustrated beyond all belief

Best moment this week:  The check-out lady at the grocery store said to me, "Well aren't you just the cutest pregnant ting I've ever seen?!"

Movement:  She's playing around in there as we speak!  Movement you can regularly see from the outside!

Food cravings:  Chinese food, hot fudge sundaes still...

Gender:  It's a bambina!

Labor Signs:  I'm getting some more Braxton Hicks lately, they like to come on during the night time when I'm trying to sleep

Belly Button in or out?  O-U-T

What I miss:    Sleep.  Pure uninterrupted sleep.

What I am looking forward to:  Seeing the baby!

Weekly Wisdom:  No matter how bad I may feel, I am blessed to be having a happy, healthy pregnancy.

Milestones: We're in the double digits, and I start my 3rd trimester later this week!

And yes, I seem to be living in this grey v-neck.  I like it.  Sue me.  ;)

Saturday Fun

Today we are 25 weeks pregnant!

Hi all!  Just wanted to quickly stop in for our 25 week mark...  This week I've gotten started on emptying out the guest room, and when I say emptying out, I mean going through loads of stuff Shawn and I had piled in the closet over the years and have let collect on the guest bed over the last few months.  Thank goodness the stuff on the bed was mainly clean laundry, that I of course washed again, but going through stuff in the closet?  Yikes!  Being a pack-rat myself, somewhat reformed, I'm trying to be as logical as I can when making my "keep" and "toss" piles, but it is not without a brief trip down memory lane.  I have decided to finally donate some of my nicer, but somewhat out of my style, clothing to a womens' shelter even though I selfishly hate getting rid of something I paid a lot of money for.  But it feels good, one, to give to someone who needs it more, and two, to purge myself and our house of things I don't need.  Now there are some items I'm keeping, because who knows when one might need that sparkly pair of DKNY pants that look so good on?!?  I am happy I ran across an apron my Nonnie made that I got for my bridal shower, it's dainty and beautiful and everything that she was.  Now I can't wait to get all the stuff out of there so we can finally start taking measurements and really truly picturing our baby girl's stuff in there.  Our furniture should be coming in within the next eight weeks, and I just can't help but look forward to sitting on the floor with Shawn while putting together the crib and dresser and such.  I am sure a few choice words will escape...  ;)

Anywho, things are good, I'm feeling good, and life is good, so I am good.  It's cold again here, for a bit, so it's back to snuggling under blankets and watching the fire, but I'm still itching for spring!  I just love all the wonderful things that happen in the spring...  Speaking of which, I'm extremely excited for my friend, Mara, who together with her hubby, are adopting a beautiful little girl this year!  Sounds like many new things for them, too, huh?  I can't wait to share stories with her on being a new mommy, I just wish they lived closer!  So if you're reading this, Mara, CONGRATULATIONS on your upcoming addition!  I just know you guys will have a full house someday soon...

So I'll leave you with my weekly check-in, and I feel very productive that I'm actually getting this done on our weekly change day...

How far along?  25 weeks!  This Thursday, the 4th, we're down to 100 days.  One hundred days.  Wow.

Total weight gain/loss:  We need to get a scale, last weight known 116 last Friday.

Stretch marks?  None yet

Sleep:  Does anyone have a spare Tempurpedic mattress we could have?  Or a cloud?  Something?

Best moment this week:  Today is apparently my "craving day."  We ate bbq at Green Mesquite, got supplies to make me a brownie sundae, and I bought an O'Douls so I can taste fake beer.  Yummmmmm!  (See pic below)

Movement:  Still a lot of movement!  She seems to have a burst at 11:30pm and wakes up at 7ish am.

Food cravings:  Cheeseburgers, Girl Scout Cookies, truffles

Gender:  It's a girl!

Labor Signs:  No true signs this week, we just have some tightening and back pressure once in a while

Belly Button in or out?  Right now very out, and feels like it's been kicked a hundred times

What I miss:    Not having to wonder if I'll ever be able to wear certain pants again...

What I am looking forward to:  Getting the guest room cleared out

Weekly Wisdom:  Patience is a virtue

Milestones: We're starting to get comments from strangers now on the belly!

My brownies and my O'Douls.  The brownie sundae turned out to be a huge success!

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue...

Today we are 24 weeks pregnant!

Well happy V-Day to me!  What?  No, I know it's not Valentine's Day, but today is what they call our "viability date" which is a decent milestone for me.  What that means is at this point, if we happen to go into preterm labor, the doctors will now technically do all they can do to save the baby, whereas before this date, it would be just too early and not much could be done.  So this day really does mean a lot to me, and with each passing day, the percentages get higher and higher as far as survival for our little one if we make an emergency trip to labor and delivery.  Yes, I know I've been a nervous wreck since the day we found out we had a little life in us, but I'd like to think that it's just mother's love coming in strong, and I so desperately want to meet our new addition.  Maybe it's been my lesson in life, knowing that things do not always turn up daisies and roses, and that horrible things can happen to those you love, that has made me so weary and tense sometimes, but I do completely understand now that we have so much to be thankful for.  Even walking down the street, or doing something mundane with ease, I thank God that I am fortunate enough to have all my capacities and a healthy, strong body.  It is a luxury that will never go unnoticed by me.  But along with having all naïveté being cleared from my life, comes with it a sneaking suspicion that something dark may be around the corner sometimes.  Does it make me more appreciative?  Yes.  Does it scare the crud out of me sometimes?  Yes.  And I know I probably seem like a crazy person when I ask my doctor a hundred questions, most recently, "when can I relax?"  Her answer?  "Never."  Great.  Oh well, in the words of a song, most popularly covered by Doris Day, what will be, will be.  I am trying to adopt this attitude, and in fact, has even become my mantra in the past few years.  Sorry for all the deep thoughts, but I want to be as honest as I can with my thoughts and feelings, even if some may say I'm a little overboard or a little cuckoo.  I guess there's just a lot going through my mind lately...

Anywho, I've recently read Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy, given to me by Angela, and I literally laughed out loud many a time while reading.  I strongly recommend this book to any pregnant woman, or anyone who has been pregnant.  It's funny, it's frank, and it's just one of those books that makes you feel better that you can't poop, or about the numerous funny changes that invade your body, but I won't get into it here...  I give it two thumbs up and a belly button sticking out!  Which reminds me, it's time for my weekly update:

How far along?  24 weeks!

Total weight gain/loss:  I weighed in yesterday at 116, so I've gained 14 lbs as of yet

Stretch marks?  None yet

Sleep:  Ugh, sleep is not the word for it, more like sporadic naps that take place throughout the night...

Best moment this week:  Baby and I went to lay out by the pool for about 30 minutes, and I actually felt great in a bikini, belly and all!

Movement:  Shawn got to feel a huge kick, and he even got to see one from the outside.  We've got movement many many times a day!

Food cravings:  Last night, I HAD to have a cheeseburger.  Too bad I had to settle for a fast food one since it was almost 10pm.  But I did finally get to make my red velvet cupcakes with chocolate chips inside and cream cheese frosting... Yum!

Gender:  It's a girl!

Labor Signs:  No true signs this week, we just have some tightening and back pressure once in a while

Belly Button in or out?  Oh she's a comin' out!  It changes throughout the day, though.  I'd say 60% of the time you can see it through my shirt...

What I miss:    Honestly?  My social life.  It seems being pregnant makes you go lower on some of your friend's phone tree...

What I am looking forward to:  Getting my house in order.  Hurry up, nesting phase!

Weekly Wisdom:  I'm going to have up moments, and I'm going to have down moments.  I need to listen to my mind and my body, and things are going to change.  Things are changing.  But for these changes, I am thankful.

Milestones: Today we have a baby that has a chance if something goes wrong, and that makes me feel wonderful and powerful.

Update, I've Got Your Update!

Today we are 22 weeks, 2 days pregnant!

Hi All!  So in addition to our large purchases yesterday, I went ahead and found an offer I couldn't refuse on eBay today.  I found the bedding I am in LOVE with (posted below) for $40 cheaper than anywhere, and she just had one set, so I caved and bought it!  Yay!  Anywho, here's my weekly check-in...

 How far along?  22 weeks, 2 days

Total weight gain/loss:  As of Monday, I've gained 11.6 lbs for a grand total of 113.6

Stretch marks?  Nope, so I'm hoping I'm lucky since my mom didn't have any either...

Sleep:  Still using my pillows, but one less thanks to Kim's gift of the Boppy Wedge!

Best moment this week:  Knowing the baby is still healthy at our last (unplanned) visit.  I apparently pulled or tore a ligament, had horrible pain for 12 hours (now a total of 4 days, but getting better),  so went in and got checked.  But it was a real relief to see that the baby's vitals were strong and good.

Movement:  We've got movement every day, many times a day!  So happy!

Food cravings:  Still doughnuts, but added salads, potatoes au gratin, and steak

Gender:  It's a girl!

Labor Signs:  I think I had my first Braxton Hicks contractions last week, I had tightening in my uterus area with really weird pressure in my back.  From what I hear, it's normal at this point once in a while, so not stressing about it!

Belly Button in or out?  Flat, sore, the normal...

What I miss:    Um, this may be TMI, but I really miss my normal digestive abilities.  Got me, ladies?!?!

What I am looking forward to:  The bedding and the diaper bag coming in!  Also, seeing what Shawn picks out for the baby's coming home outfit - can't wait to find *THE ONE!*

Weekly Wisdom:  This is REAL.  And coming soon.  We're going to have a daughter!

Milestones: Ordering the baby furniture and buying the stroller!  This is REAL!  And coming soon!  We're going to have a daughter!!!

2010, A Baby Odyssey

Today we are 20 weeks, 6 days pregnant!  HALF WAY THERE!

Hi All, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!  I'm writing from snowy Lake Tahoe after a very yummy breakfast of pancakes and sausage cooked by our friend Paul and his fiancé Nina.  Shawn, Paul, and Nina are out skiing, so I'm taking advantage of a little quiet time to update everyone.  It's been a very nice Christmas, and we have so much to look forward to this year.  Last week, Shawn and I had a little shower in San Diego, and between that and the mound of items (and clothes!) we received from Brian and Kim, we have so much stuff to gaga over already!  Every day, things become more and more real, and as Baby Maurer grows, we feel her more and more.  I feel kicks and flutters every day, which is so exciting!  And she's definitely getting BIG, as mommy is, too.  I will post pictures when I can, hopefully tomorrow, to be out and proud with my ever-growing belly...  Anywho, here's a little check-in since I haven't done them in a while!

How far along?  20 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss:  As of yesterday, I am now averaging about 111.5, so I've put on almost ten pounds!!!

Stretch marks?  Knock on wood, none yet...

Sleep:  I've discovered the use of a thousand pillows to prop various parts of my body where they need to be...  Still not very good, though

Best moment this week:  Realizing movement is every day, and seeing all the stuff we got from family and friends

Movement:  I've discovered I love the kicks (for now) but not so sure about the "flutters."  They're making me kind of nauseous!  Is she doing cartwheels in there?  But I feel both every day, so very comforting!

Food cravings:  Doughnuts, Prime Rib, Rocky's Burgers 

Gender:  It's a girl!

Labor Signs:  None, but I feel that belly stretching.  Ouch.

Belly Button in or out?  Still flattening and very sore towards the end of the day... 

What I miss:    Wearing my old jeans without having to wear ten thousand tank tops to hide the open fly!

What I am looking forward to:  Really starting on organizing and finalizing nursery plans

Weekly Wisdom:  Shawn is going to be an AMAZING father

Milestones: Hitting 20 weeks, the ol' halfway point!  Oh, and my niece Mackenzie says "Baby Sophia" and my nephew Andrew crawled!!!

Just a Check-in

Today we are 17 weeks, 2 days pregnant!

Hi there!  Just wanted to continue on with my weekly check-in.  We're still monitoring my belly growth, which is coming along slowly but smoothly.  So here goes the check-in...

How far along?  17 weeks, 2 days

Total weight gain/loss:  A little less than 4 lbs gain

Stretch marks?  Still none, but the belly is a-growin!

Sleep:  Still not so great, but thank God for Shawn, I have relaxed days.  :)

Best moment this week:  Shawn got to hear the heartbeat for the first time!!!

Movement:  You know, I think I'm feeling some little jabs here and there.  Very gentle, but just somehow different than gas.  

Food cravings:  Ben & Jerry's Napolean Dynamite ice cream (choco brownie on one side, Cherry Garcia on the other), still the wedge salad, chili dogs

Gender:  Less than two weeks until we find out!

Labor Signs:  Too early for these...

Belly Button in or out?  Out.  Shawn did notice that it has become a little more flat and weird looking, though!  

What I miss:    Restful sleep and dirty martinis

What I am looking forward to:  Gender gender gender!

Weekly Wisdom:  I've realized I shouldn't rush this pregnancy.  Things take time for a reason!

Milestones: Walking the stage at school and really showing in my dress

Just Checking In!

Today we are 16 weeks, 3 days pregnant!

Hi All!  Just wanted to say a quick hello.  Some big non-baby news is this weekend I'm participating in the University of Texas Liberal Arts Commencement.  It's this Saturday, December 5th.  I bought my robe, cap, tassel, and sash today, so I'm really excited!  Since I've been in baby mode the last couple months, I totally forgot about commencement, and just decided a few days ago to walk the stage.  Though honestly I feel a little silly to do it at 30 and pregnant, I feel I deserve it, and that I would be missing out if I didn't have this memory.  So Shawn and I are completing my school process as we went in; married, together, and happy.  I will post a picture after Saturday!  Wish me luck!!!

For some baby related news, I got in my first shipment of maternity clothes today.  There was a huge sale online at Old Navy, so I got to get some new digs!  Today I got some basic shirts and in a few days will be receiving some pants that I had ordered, both jeans and some comfy but wearable-in-public pants.  I'm pretty excited about this step, as my waistbands have been a little tight as of late and difficult to sit in!  Also, we have an appointment with the OB on Thursday, December 3rd.  I can't wait to hear the heartbeat again!  So stay tuned for the heart rate!  In two weeks from Thursday, we will have the big gender ultrasound, so start your guesses now!  I'll outline the heart rates, my cravings and beauty problems in a later post so as to see if Old Wives Tales are correct...

Last but not least, I ran across a small list of questions some women include in their baby blogs, so I thought I'd give them a try:

How far along?  16 weeks, 3 days

Total weight gain/loss:  As of my last appointment, no gain.  I am supposed to have gained 8 pounds by Thursday, so we'll see...

Stretch marks?  None yet, thank goodness!

Sleep:  Terrible.  And as I understand, it's only going to get worse

Best moment this week:  Getting my graduation robe and my maternity clothes the same day

Movement:  Ugh, none yet as far as I know...  Still trying to figure out the difference between "flutters" and gas bubbles.  Yay.

Food cravings:  Brownie sundaes, Whataburger, potatoes au gratin, wedge salad with bleu cheese...  Most seem to be salty

Gender:  To be determined...  Come on December 17th!!!

Labor Signs:  Too early for these...

Belly Button in or out?  Out.  But it's always been an outtie.  

What I miss:  Honestly?  My Malbecs and Zinfandels.  How I love red red wine...  

What I am looking forward to:  Feeling the baby and finding out the gender

Weekly Wisdom:  If I've left something upstairs, better make sure I really need it before I walk up there and lose my breath

Milestones: Finally getting to see the belly!!!