Pregnancy Update: Week 22

How far along?  22 weeks

Baby size?  Papaya; about 11.5 inches long and weighs a whole pound now!!!!

Baby progress?  Baby is now working physical abilities and motor skills by practicing movement by touching anything he can. (Explains all the movement!!!).  He also has a sense of balance now that his inner ear is developed and his pancreas is now busy creating it's own hormones (which helps alleviate my hormone burden).  His eyes are perfectly formed but his iris lacks pigment so technically he has no eye color yet. 

Weight gain? About 6 pounds now.  Which makes me feel super fat since last week was 4.5 pounds but the doctor wants me to gain a pound a week for a total of 35 pounds, so technically I'm behind schedule.  Want a little bit of honesty hour?  I'm struggling with the way my body looks.  Not my belly, because that's the baby and I know that.  But I'm struggling with other areas such as my back and legs.  They've lost definition since I'm not only putting on weight due to baby, but because I'm not active anymore.  I try not to be that self-conscious girl but I totally am right now :(

Stretch marks?  Still none, but I'm worried they will start to appear since my belly is growing much more rapidly now. (and because my apps say this is when they start to appear.  Stay tuned to see if next week I have a sad report of them).

Sleep?  On the cruise, I slept really well.  But other than that, I'm awake until 3am-4:30am.  I know, I know "Get used to it because once he's here you won't ever sleep again."  (Why do women feel the need to be so freaking negative when it comes to pregnancy?  Especially when the person didn't even ASK for input on it???)  But the difference when and if that does happen, is that when I'm sleep-deprived that day, I'll be in my pajamas, no makeup, lounging around at home or maybe running errands.  But now?  I have to get up early, work a 12 hour day with no break, while looking professional and attempting to hide my dark circles and bags under my eye, and look awake while presenting to the Chamber of Commerce, or leading a group meeting, or recruiting sponsors in businesses.  There's a really big difference there so while I won't enjoy being sleep-deprived when he arrives, I think it'll be easier then because Baby Obie won't care if I'm looking rough as hell.

Symptoms?
Still no morning sickness.  Haven't had one bit of nausea this entire pregnancy.
My back is starting to hurt more.  I'm sure it's a combination of the growing belly, the extra weight of the belly, the extra weight of my chest, and my scoliosis.
I still have energy but still can't use it.  But maybe soon I'l hear from my cardiologist.
My boobs are apparently not done growing.  I thought I was a 32D, but when I got all my swimming suits in the mail just before going on the cruise, I realized they were a little small.  I exchanged for 32DD and sure enough, those fit.  (Although even some of those appear to not contain them well).

Tail bone pain.  Holy crap!  I seriously feel like I fell and cracked or bruised my tail bone.  Even the couch hurts.  I just can't sit on my ass anymore without having such pain!!!!!  What causes this?!  This weekend I will be heading to the store to buy one of those maternity wedge pillows a few have recommended to me. 

Maternity clothes?  Yep.  But only pants.  As I mentioned before, the belly band does nothing for me.  It doesn't work at all.  So my old pants are completely out of the question (with the exception of yoga pants).  I was able to find some fairly affordable dress pants for work at Motherhood Maternity for only $45 and they even come in long!  Thank goodness otherwise I wouldn't be able to hear heels anymore.  And I finally found maternity jeans that don't give me saggy crotch.  Jessica Simpson!  Thank you, Jessica!  I only bought one pair.  I don't want to buy anything else.  I am just hoping to buy tops a little bit larger and not buy strict maternity tops.  As of now, I'm just living in the limited oversized tops I have.  The struggle is that I embraced my thin body before I was pregnant and usually only wore tighter fitting clothes.  But being itty bitty with A cup boobs, and now having a belly and DD cup boobs, my old clothes just aren't cutting it anymore!

Cravings?  Still French toast, waffles, and pancakes.  That's really it! But I'm not giving in to them anymore.  I allow them for breakfast but now only once a week as a snack.  (I'll admit it's because I'm really paranoid about my appearance).

Movement?  This kid is always moving.  More so at night.  Between 9:30pm-10:30pm he starts kicking and continues for a long time.  Which is why I have issues sleeping.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE feeling his movements, but I wish I was able to sleep through it.  This week I'm able to see most of his movements from the outside of my belly and Nick is able to feel him daily now.  He loves to lay in bed next to me, hand on my belly, and just feel him kicking away.  

There are also times I suddenly feel an insane pressure on my belly.  When I push in that spot, it's as hard as a rock and the other side of my belly is a little squishier.  I don't know if it's his head, butt, or what, but Little Man is shoving something large into my stomach with a lot of force!!!

Workouts & Activity?  Nope, but I should get some answers this week!  (Even though I thought that last week)

How are you feeling?  Pregnancy wise?  Freaking great!!!!  I'm really loving being pregnant (for the most part).  Non-pregnancy wise?  Downright freaking horrible.  The busy season of my job is definitely upon me and I'm beyond stressed.  I'm anxious all the time over my job and what I have to accomplish.  Sometimes having a job you care so much about and being a perfectionist are a curse.  I'm trying to not let it get to me because that amount of stress is not healthy for me or Little Monster Pants, but it's difficult.

Best moment this week?  Feeling less than great about my body when I was in a swimming suit but having strangers compliment my butt.  I might have lost my six pack, but I haven't lost this booty!  When WOMEN randomly compliment your ass (women who you think have far better butts than you) and ask for your workout routine, you know they are being genuine.  I've been feeling like it's looking less than great since all exercises have stopped but I've apparently still got it :)

I'd also have to say the other best moment this week was being away with my husband.  We had zero communication with the outside world.  Just us.  And it was so incredibly blissful.  I wish we could take those kinds of trips much more often.  

Worst moment this week?  Realizing you don't really fit in your sundresses.  I thought ahead and bought new bathing suits but just assumed my sundresses would be okay since they're not tight.  Which was right, but the belly wasn't the issue.  My chest was beyond inappropriate in 9 of my 11 sundresses.  Looks like I need to restock the closet here soon.  

See?  My old clothes aren't fitting me anymore.  My sweaters stick off my body and my boobs are a little too out there for my liking.

What do you miss?  Feeling confident.  Not that I was overly confident before, but now that I'm very far from confident in my body, I realize just how great my body was before.  I mean, I have days where I don't even want Nick to see me naked.  I will go into the bathroom, shut and lock the door to change or to lather my Bio Oil on.  I hate everything I put on and never feel cute.   Which really sucks since I'm only 22 weeks along and have a lot longer to go and obviously still have a lot more growing to do.  I'm going to try really hard to work on being more comfortable and confident in my pregnant body.  

I also miss laying on my stomach.  I like to lay on my tummy while I read or journal but I can't do that anymore.  It's too painful :(

Things that suck?   Being so exhausted that you don't want to cook anything but knowing you can't stop for fast food or eat cereal for dinner because you have a little human who is depending on you to keep him healthy.  And why does it seem that those overly exhausted nights are the nights my husband isn't home???  

Things that don't suck?   "Communicating" with my son.  Although I hate that his kicks and punches keep me up at night, I do love feeling his movements.  I especially love when he stops, and I poke my belly, he punches back.  

Looking forward to?  Starting on the nursery!!!  This weekend we're going to decide on the wall colors and get some paint samples and begin the process!!!!

Randoms:

My mother informed me that my boobs were the topic of my Grandma's Bible Study group.  Afterwards, they all sit around and talk and my filterless Grandma brought them up.  Thanks, Grandma!!! 

Baby shower gifts are starting to arrive and it gets me so so so excited!!!!  Thankfully some guests are shipping the larger items which will help out tremendously!!  I'm taking home an extra empty suitcase to fill with as much as I can but the large items will have to be shipped back to Florida.   Now, I just want him to arrive so I can put all these things to use!!!

Pregnancy Update: 21 Weeks

Y'all, I am over halfway through this pregnancy!  I now have more weeks under my belt.  21 weeks down, and only 19 to go!!!  That's insane to me!!!

How far along?  21 weeks

Baby size?  Pomegranate (although one of my apps says a baby bok choy.  Ummm...that's an odd one to choose but okay!).  Baby is measuring about 10.5 inches long and weighs about 12.7 ounces.  

Baby progress?  This little guy is making poop!  Gross but true.  He also has super wrinkly skin that will eventually smooth and expand as he gets more fat on him.  Kind of a low development week I guess!

Weight gain? 4.5 pounds.  It seems I'm gaining about a pound a week.  If I keep up at this rate, I'll have added 23.5 pounds, which is a little less than they'd like me to gain but I'm sure I'll start adding more as the weeks get closer!

Stretch marks?  Still none, and I'm thankful since my belly is definitely growing much more rapidly these days.  

Sleep?  It's a give and take.  Some days I'm tired enough and can fall asleep by midnight.  Other nights, I'm up until about 3am.  It's not that I'm uncomfortable because I'm still very comfortable laying in bed, but I'm just not tired!  

Symptoms?
Still no morning sickness.  Which means I've made it over halfway through this pregnancy without a lick of nausea.
I feel like my peeing as slowed down a little bit.  It's definitely decreased at night.  Right now, I'm only going twice a night and one of those is usually around 5am.  
My legs still itch, but not too badly.
The painful pooping has continued.  No amount of stool softeners or excess fiber helps.  It's just a symptom I've come to accept.  (Want the know the crappy thing (pun completely intended).  I'm pooping at least 4 times a day, which my doctor said means I'm eating well and my digestive system is working great, but it sucks for me having to deal with pain poops that often.)
I having a lot more round ligament pain, but it's not awful.  It's usually worse at the end of the day, especially my 12 hour work days. 
I still have energy but I can't use it.  Thankfully this week I get my Holter monitor and I'll hopefully get some answers and solutions to my heart and no activity restrictions.    

Cravings?  Waffles, pancakes, and French toast.  Or maybe it's syrup I crave??  But I want them all the time.  I'm actually eating far too many.  I got tired of making batter and spending the time making them so I decided to buy a giant box of Eggo waffles.  Much simpler and surprisingly, so freaking delicious.  I'm so lazy and with how often I eat them, this is the best solution.  How often do I eat them, you ask?  Well, in a 24 hour period I had consumed 9 of them.  Here's what a normal day looks like (mind you, my appetite has increased).  Wake up and eat 3 Eggos for breakfast.  Go to work.  If I come home at a normal hour of 6pm, I eat 2 for a snack.  Then about an hour after dinner, I usually eat 2 of them.  Then I will eat 2-3 more before bed.  That's 8-9 Eggos in a day.  And you know, what?  I'm not even ashamed!!!!

Movement?  Oh yes!  This little guy is very active.  He must be bored in there because he's always moving.  I was told they sleep 14 hours a day in the womb.  Not this kid!  I hope that's not any indication of how he'll be once he's born otherwise I'm never sleeping again.  But for now, I'm really enjoying his movements.  I love it!!!!  I love that I can poke him and he kicks back.  It's adorable.  I'm sure I'll change my mind once he's using my lungs as a punching bag.  So I will soak it all in right now.

Workouts & Activity?  Nope, but I should get some answers this week!

How are you feeling?  Amazing!  I am just loving this kid more and more everyday.  Overall, I can't really complain.  Sure, I'm not sleeping, acid reflux is horrendous, my heart goes crazy, and I feel like a blob, but I honestly can't complain too much.  He is worth all of this!

Best moment this week?  Actually, Nick finally felt him for the first time!!!!!  Baby Obie was kicking pretty hard every 60-90 seconds or so.  I called Nick in the bedroom and had him lay his hand on my belly.  He waited about 45 seconds and then Baby kicked.  Nick's eyes got big and I asked, "Did you feel that?"  Nick had a smile on his face as he responded, "Yes!  Was that him?" 

Worst moment this week? 

What do you miss?  Non-charred burgers.  Having to get my meat well done sucks.  When Nick cooks burgers at home, he's able to cook it well done, without burning it.  Yet when I order a burger at a restaurant, it's always charred and crunchy.  I hate it :(  I just want a normal burger! It really ruins it when that's what I'm craving.  

Things that suck?  Having limited pants to wear.  The belly band doesn't work so I'm stuck with maternity pants, but I really don't want to drop a lot of money on them since I won't be wearing them at much more.  I get frustrated every morning when it's time to get dressed.  

Things that don't suck?   Being obviously pregnant now and strangers complimentary how "cute" I am or telling me I'm the "perfect" pregnant lady.  It really helps on those "blah" days.  

Looking forward to?  Our cruise this week!  While it's Nick's 30th birthday gift to me, we're also viewing it as our babymoon since we won't be able to take one, even a tiny weekend getaway, due to my job's busy season from February through June (which is past my due date).  I cannot wait to board that cruise ship with him, lock my phone away in a safe, and be completely detached from the world for 5 days!  Oh my goodness, hurry up!!!!!

I'm finding myself taking belly photos for my family and best friends so I think I'll start sharing my random pregnancy photos at the end of this post as well:

 Pretty soon those feet are going to disappear!!!
And how adorable is Vino cuddling with her brother?!

Also, it must be noted that my t-shirts are now a little snug.  They aren't comfortable anymore as they have to stretch over my belly.  Look at that taughtness!  This is why I'm starting to wear Nick's shirts.

The stripped shirt and t-shirt was me at exactly 21 weeks.
The ones of me in the blue above were taken at 21 weeks, 1 day.

Baby is growing!!!!!

Weekend Recap: Friends, Dogs, Date Night, Furniture, and Baby Moving!

Happy Tuesday!!!!  Today is my Monday, but also my Thursday because I had yesterday off work for MLK Day and tomorrow is my last day of work for the week.  Holla!!!  (Do people still say that???)

I'm here today to give you one of those weekend recaps, but this is going to be a photo heavy post.  People really only care about photos anyway, right?  So let's jump right in to this random, pointless blog post!

Friday evening started off great as my husband walked in the door holding this box of donuts.  Let me tell you, this man knows his pregnant wife well!  Husband award right here for not only thinking of me, but for getting Dunkin even though he prefers Krispy Kreme.  (I prefer KK glazed, but Dunkin iced donuts.  And as you can see, I couldn't hold off on eating one before snapping a photo.
Then Nick made dinner while I sat on my tush and watched.  He even did the dishes as he went along which he normally doesn't do!!!  It was a great and relaxing Friday for me for sure!!!

Saturday morning, we lounged around awaiting our new furniture.  We ordered a new couch for the living room.  We also ordered a china cabinet and hutch but we're not using it for china.  We're using it as our bar.  Call us lushes, but it is what it is.  We have far more barware than we know what to do with and we have an abundance of liquor.  On Black Friday we got an awesome deal on the two pieces of furniture so we jumped on it and had to wait what seemed like forever to get them in!

That is the before and after.  Let me also let you know that Nick set up this entire bar.  I will be making it look much more attractive and appealing.  But I didn't want to leave you hanging without a photo.  So you get's Nick's set up.  We'll call this the before and trial photo.  Stay tuned for the final after photo.

Likewise, this was our living room as awaited the new couch.  I couldn't help Nick move the couches this go around so they sat here until a friend came over to help move them upstairs to the loft.  We love the new couch! (it's not positioned in the bottom photo; it doesn't overhang the wall as it appears there).  It's so comfy and gives us a little more seating.  I can't wait to get our tables build, buy decor, and hang curtains now!  This place is finally coming together!  About time since we only have 4 months until Baby Obie arrives!

This weekend, I also took quite a few belly photos.  I feel like it's really out there now.  No hiding this preggo belly!  Vino even got some cuddles in with her brother.  

My belly is growing so much in fact, that my t-shirts are a little snug and stretch uncomfortably.    And this is why I have begun wearing Nick's shirts.  Size small t-shirts just aren't cutting it anymore!

Saturday night we had some friends over for game night.  We played Settlers of Catan (we bought the game and expansion pack over Christmas), Telestrations, and ate far too much food.  I also sipped on some non-alcoholic wine and pretended it was the real thing.  (Only 19 more weeks!)

Sunday late morning, we had a dog party.  Three of our neighbors brought over their dogs and we spent the next hour and a half wearing them out.  It was awesome to see three Vizslas together since they're not all that common.  Below you'll see a little game of Vizsla keep-away, led by Cayenne, followed by Riley and Vino)

As if the dogs weren't spoiled enough with the doggie playdate, I finally got Nick to agree to let the old couch, now moved to the loft, to be the one piece of furniture the dogs are allowed on.  I finally get to cuddle with my dogs somewhere else besides the floor!  Vino was all about it.  We didn't have to ask her twice to get up there.  Yadi, however, had to be pulled on the couch.  But most the time, not matter how much "come" we say, she refuses to get on the couch.  She might like to test her limits most days, but she really is a great dog that knows the rules. 

Sunday night, we had date night in and made dinner together (Mongolian beef with carrots, broccoli, green beans, onions, and red peppers over rice) and cuddled up on the new couch watching a movie.  Of course, picky ass Nick had to pick out everything except the beef and green beans.
This couch, because of it's giant ottoman when pushed in the corner, creates the perfect scenario for the ultimate cuddle session!  We watched "When the Game Stands Tall" and I really enjoyed it!

Monday, we woke up around 10am and oh.em.gee it felt so good to get that much sleep.  Little man was doing some serious gymnastics and Nick was able to feel him.  In fact, Baby Obie was kicking up a storm for 45 minutes straight.  We just laid in bed for those 45 minutes, Nick's hand on my belly, feeling this little guy having a blast in there.  I love being able to share this with Nick.  It's crazy to me that just one week ago, his kicks weren't hard enough for Nick to feel them and now not only can Nick feel them, but we can see our hands move from his strong kicks!

We took the lazy route the rest of the day and laid on the couch watching "Jersey Boys" (thank you Red Box for one buy, get one free!).  During the show, our attention whore Weim was so frustrated that we wouldn't pay attention to her, so she began throwing her ball at us.  And it landed right in our popcorn bowl.  Well, I guess we're done with that.  Thanks a lot asshole.

We ended the night with some cleaning.  And by we, I mean Nick because I can only work for 5 minutes at a time before my body tells me to sit down.

Also, being a homeowner sucks at times.  Saturday, I opened the dishwasher, apparently Hulk style, and pulled the dishwasher from the cabinets.  Not much, just at the top.  But anytime you opened it and pulled the drawers out, the entire thing tilted out of the cabinets.  Nick wasn't too happy with me so last night, he pulled the entire thing out, diagnosed what the hell happened (which was just lazy installation) and then fixed it.  Thank goodness for a handy husband!!!!

And then I ended the night in bed, reading about my 21st week of pregnancy, while watching Fresh Prince, making a to-do list for work.

Speaking of work, did I mention that I only have two days of work this week??? Because I do!  Thursday, I will be on a cruise ship with my husband, headed to the Bahamas!!!!!!!

My 30th Birthday Vacation!!!

But wait!  Didn't you turn 30 in November?
Yes, yes I did.  But life was super busy and I slacked at blogging there towards the end of 2014 so I'm just now getting around to blogging about it.

On November 21st, I turned 30 years old.  Looking back, when I was much younger, I thought 30 was so old.  Thankfully, as I turned 30, I didn't feel old.  While I'm not happy that the years seem to go by much faster now, I don't want to be that person that dwells on how old they are.  Because really, 30 isn't that old.  I plan to live to at least 80, so technically, I haven't even made it halfway through life.

I also find it hard to be really upset for turning another year older after all I've been through.  There was a year of my life where I wondered if I'd see my next birthday.  Or how many more I would have.  Cancer does that to you, especially when doctors don't even think you'll beat it.  Cancer makes you appreciate every birthday you have.  You recognize that it's a privilege denied to many.  Throughout the past 9 years of my cancer journey, I've become friends (albeit mostly internet friends) with many cancer survivors.  Sadly, a few of those were not as fortunate as me and they're now celebrating their birthday each year in heaven.  It's hard to stomach, and sometimes I have survivor's guilt, but it helps me to be thankful for birthday.

Which is also why I feel birthdays are a big freaking deal!!!  They should be celebrated!!!!  I'm not saying they need to be some giant Pinterest worthy shindig.  It doesn't need to consist of a table full of gifts, grand gestures, or a room packed full of people.  But I do firmly believe something, big or small, should be done to make the birthday special; to set it apart from every other day of the year.

I will admit, as the days grew closer to my birthday, I was getting bummed out.  I had always pictured my 30th birthday to be a giant celebration.  And by giant, I mean a party surrounded by my large, loud, loving family and all my closest friends.  Nothing more than that.  Just sitting around, drinking some adult drinkies, playing some games, laughing and having a great time.  But I knew that wouldn't happen.  First of all, I wouldn't be anywhere near my family.  When I had this dream of a big 30 celebration, I didn't know my life would lead me to where it is.  I'm living in Florida with my family and best friends in St. Louis.  Second of all, I wouldn't be getting silly over wine because I'm with child (although not one bit sorry about it!)

There really wasn't any way for Nick to make my birthday wish come true, so he was already starting out at a disadvantage.  But leave it to Nick to think of the perfect birthday surprise.  A CRUISE!!!!!!!!!!!
We are heading to the Bahamas next week, folks!!!!!!!!  When he told me, I was ecstatic.  I've never been on a cruise but have always wanted to go.  Taking this trip is the absolute perfect 30th birthday experience.
Unfortunately, the cruise had to wait for a while.  It was a tease to know back in November that my birthday gift was a cruise, but to wait for it.  January was the only time that we were able to find a cruise that worked with both of our schedules.  We're lucky enough to live just 15 minutes from the Jax port so booking via the last minute cruise websites was simple.  It was a little more difficult to find a long weekend cruise that worked for both of us but we did it!  And I cannot wait!!!!  Take me away from this dreary, chilly weather!  Put me in a bikini (yes, I'm pregnant and will be wearing a bikini.  Bite me.)

I'm finalizing my paperwork with my doctor and cruise line.
I've already made my packing list.
I'm reading all about the cruise ship, the various restaurants, entertainment, and ports.
I've received (and exchanged and received again) all new swimming suits since none of my old ones cover even half my boobs anymore.

I.am.ready!!!!
Bring on 5 whole days without contact with the outside world!
Bring on 5 whole days of warmth and sunshine!
Bring on 5 whole days of quality time with my husband!
Bring on 5 whole days of amazing food, whenever I want!
BRING.IT.ON.

The next week of work is going to be difficult, but I've got a countdown and I'm ready to go!!!  Here's to hoping I can be productive until then!

Pregnancy Update: Week 20 - Halfway there!

How far along?  20 weeks

Baby size?  Banana; about 6.5 inches long and weighs about 10.2 ounces

Baby progress?  Baby Obie is now swallowing several ounces of amniotic fluid every day.  He has also  straightened out enough to measure from him head to toe instead of head to rump.  He's now working taste buds, as well as sprouting lips, eye lashes, eyebrows, and  teeth buds underneath his gums.

Weight gain?  A total of four pounds (I went to the doctor last week and they'd like me to gain 25-35 pounds during my pregnancy.  I was one pound over being considered underweight.  For underweight women, they want to gain 35 pounds'  For average women, around 25.  So my doctor said shoot between 25-35.  She said she would have liked to have a little more than 4 pounds increase by the halfway point, but there's no reason to worry.  Many women don't gain their weight until after the halfway point.  I can tell you it was weird to step on that scale and see the number I saw.  I've never weighed that much so it was a shock!  (not in a bad way).

Stretch marks?  No, which is good considering I'm still slacking.  I need to stop that and get back to slathering it on daily since I'm not growing and stretching much more rapidly.

Boobs?  They are officially a DD, which I didn't even know 32DD existed, but it does.  I went to try on my swimming suits for our vacation coming up and realized that my areola was showing in all of them.  Thank goodness Victoria's Secret was having their semi-annual sale because I ordered 5 new tops for under $100.  I ordered 32C and 32D in every top, not sure what size I'd need because in swimming suits, sometimes I run a size smaller at VS.  When they arrived, I was shocked to see that they 32Ds were too small.  I've since exchanged them for 32DD and am hoping those do the trick!  They should arrive this week!

Oh, my left boob is now significantly larger than my right, so that's cool (said no one ever).

Sleep?  Insomnia 4 nights a week.  I am not falling asleep until about 3:15am.  It's annoying but at least I'm not really tired throughout the day.  I definitely have more energy.  I'm just not really allowed to utilize it until I see the cardiologist and get some answers from him.  

Symptoms?

20 weeks strong with no nausea.  

Still peeing all the time.

My legs aren't really too itchy anymore.  

Still painful pooping but a girls gotta go. 

As I mentioned above, much more energy but can't do anything with it.  

Cravings?  Nothing in particular but still salty and savory over sweets.  I very rarely want sweets.  The closest I come is a bowl of Cap'N Crunch cereal (with Crunch Berries, duh!)

Movement?  Yep.  He moves a lot in the evenings.  I'm always grabbing Nick's hand to make him feel but he says he can't feel anything.  I find it crazy that it can't be felt from the outside yet because it feel so incredibly strong on my end!   

How are you feeling?  Amazing!  I am so incredibly thankful that my pregnancy has been easy thus far.  The lack of activity is still annoying but I feel like I can't really complain when everything else has been so great!

Best moment this week?  Truly having energy.  Even with my little sleep, I'm not tired and wanting a nap during the day.  It's made the work week much more bearable.  It feels great to feel almost normal again!!!

I also finally found some maternity jeans.  I can't wear the belly bands.  Tried two different brands and they just don't hold my pants up.  I haven't had any luck with maternity jeans because they all gave me extreme saggy crotch but I finally found some!  Jessica Simpson jeans.  I actually have a few of her non-maternity jeans and I love them (they're perfect for my tiny frame and long legs).  Her maternity jeans, while they don't come in long sizes, are perfect for my Converse, flip flops, and Sperry's so I'm content!  I'm really happy I found them and they were only around $50 so it wasn't too bad!

Getting the invite to my baby shower!!!  My sister is planning the shower with the help of my cousins (and aunts) but she enlisted the help of my artistic brother to design the invites and they are so perfect!!  I love them and can't wait to go home in February for my shower!

Worst moment this week?  My reflux.  I seriously didn't think my reflux could get worse than it was pre-pregnancy because it was pretty damn bad (due to cancer) but holy crap!  Some days I feel like I'm giving birth to a pair a fire breathing dragons!!!  It's AWFUL!!!!  This increased reflux makes me anxious about my endoscopy this late summer. My last one, I was the most irritated he had seen me, which increases the risks for Barrett's Syndrome and esophageal cancer, so I worry what this is doing to my already awful esophagus :(

What do you miss?  Being toned and fit.  Being active.  I feel like a blob :(

Things that suck?  Realizing you're going on vacation and not feeling attractive or confident in a swimming suit.  I know it's vain because I'm pregnant (and I'm pretty sure obviously pregnant in a swimming suit) but it's the truth.  

Things that don't suck?   Knowing I've made it halfway through my pregnancy (even though I didn't know the first 3.5 weeks, I've known the majority of this time) and that I've made it through with such ease.  

Chapped lips

Movement

Insomnia. Not sleeping unt 3-4am. Waking for work and not napping and still not sleeping that night. 

Things suck: his room not being empty so I can hang his cute clothes 

Giant Christmas 2015 Recap: A St Louis Visit

Yeah, yeah, I'm a little late on this post.  But better late than never, right?  And as I said many times before (broken record much?), this blog is more so for me than anyone else.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm an over-sharer by nature so I obviously blog for others AND myself.  But these recap posts?  I know 85% of my followers could give a rat's crap about them and click that "mark as read" button.  I do them for myself.  I love looking back and seeing how I spent each holiday.  And seeing as this was the last one as a family of four (yes, I consider the dogs a part of our family), I wanted to make sure I wrote a post about it.

So here we go!  Christmas 2014 Recap:

Like every Christmas, we had plans to head back to St. Louis and spend the holiday with our families.  Since we're overpackers, Nick and I don't bring our gifts to each other with us.  We normally open them upon our return to Florida.  This year, Nick and I decided to open gifts before we headed home.  Really, Nick decided this because he knew he was getting a new NorthFace fleece jacket and he wanted to take it with him.

So Friday when I got home from work, we had our own Very Merry Obie Christmas and opened our gifts.

I am not really a coffee drinker.  Don't get me wrong, I love coffee but I try not to consume too much caffeine and don't want to be addicted like I was in college.  But I'm told I will rely on coffee once this little boy makes his debut, so I decided I was going to hop on the Keurig bandwagon and asked for one.  (I didn't want the new 2.0.  Read up on it and decided I wanted this one).
And a ROOMBA!!!  Can I tell you how much I love this thing?  Our dogs don't really shed, but what little they do, it picks it right up.  My husband is a little excessive though and has the thing scheduled to run everyday.  I think it's a bit much so I need to read how to change the schedule to make 2 or 3 times a week.  But for all who asked to tell me how I like it:  LOVE it!!!  It picked up all the Christmas poop; you know, the glitter, garland shedding, tinsel, etc that falls off your decorations.  Every single bit of it.  It gets up all my hair from every area of the bathroom, picks up the dogs hair, crumbs in the kitchen, and your normal dirt.  It has zero issues going from our tile to our rugs and back onto the tile.  Best purchase every!  It's definitely going to make life as a mama with a newborn much easier!

Your eyes are not deceiving you.  Nick is holding a box of Converse shoes.  I am Converse obsessed (if the three new pairs didn't give it away) and I was soooo happy when Nick finally agreed to get a pair.  He's holding a black pair but he also got a navy blue pair.  And he looks so adorable in them :)  As for mine, love them.  Now, I'm only one the hunt for two more pairs and I'll be set (for a while).

This was my favorite gift I got Nick.  And it's probably the only gift that he had no idea he was getting.  He's so bad about guessing his gifts (or he picks them out when we're together)

It's a challenge coin holder, in the shape of MH-60 Seahawk, which is the helicopter he flies.  (What are challenge coins?  They're coins, usually about the size of an old school silver dollar, and have various things on them.  Nick has one for each command he's been at, each squadron, different ships, he's been given some by superiors, he has one for every rank he's held, etc.)  Nick has so many of them from enlistment, through the Academy and the various trainings he encountered there, plus all of the ones he's received since commissioning and being in the aviation community.  They're just tucked away in bags and boxes, hidden away.  I wanted a way for him to display them and when I saw this, I knew it was perfect!  And he loved it!


Then it was in the car and on our way to St. Louis.  The drive wasn't too bad.  We only stopped once for a two hour nap around midnight  (and a few more just for pee breaks and gas) and after almost 17 hours of driving, we arrived at my parents house at 9:30am. These pups were happy to get out of the car and run off some energy, that's for sure!!!

The majority of the trip was spent resting, per doctor's orders.  Which was nice because trips home are usually so stressful with running all over, trying to see everyone and fit everything in.  But this time, we didn't have much of that, aside from the holidays.  I was able to spend a lot of time with my family, in my jammies, with no bra.  It was glorious!  And my family was happy to see this ever growing bump :)

And lots of cuddling was had.  With humans and dogs.

Oh but what's a trip home without a trip to the vet?  Of course, it was the Weim.  But more on that later.  It was nothing major, so don't worry.  (Because I know you totally were).

(Can you tell how excited these two are to be at the vet???)

So what else happened while at home?

My sister bought her husband a 10 pound apple pie, the "Mile High Apple Pie" from the Blue Owl in Kimmswick, Missouri (it was featured on Oprah's Favorite Things).  He's an apple-loving guy so he definitely loved this!
This was also officially our cheapest trip home with gas being so cheap!!!  I was amazing!
And of course, we couldn't forget Jack in the Box.  It's one of our favorites and we don't have it in the south so we make sure to eat it a few times while we're home.  (We also had Imo's pizza a few times but I was too busy stuffing my face with that amazing pizza to take a picture of it.  #bloggerfail)

What else?

My brother had to sleep on the couch (With only two spare rooms, the one who stays the shortest gets the shaft, so that was my brother and his fiance Randy.)  Kyle and I decided to make Ben into a burrito so he'd be nice and warm while he slept on the couch.
I bought my first pair of maternity pants.  I was dreading having to buy them but you guys!  Maternity pants are the most comfortable things ever!!!!!!!!!!  Now if only I could find some maternity jeans to fit me because the belly band does NOT hold my pants up.
We went to a family friend holiday party and not only did I feel large, but I looked large.  Not just pregnant large but I looked like I put on weight all over, especially that face.  Barf!


Us humans weren't the only ones to have fun.  The pups love coming to their grandparents house because they're allowed on the furniture.  You've never seen Yadi so mellow as when she is allowed on the couch.  This dog just slept and relaxed the entire week (and if you know Yadi, you know that's rare).

Then it was time for all the Christmas festivities.  Christmas Eve was spent with Nick's family and it was so great to spend time with them, especially our little niece!  She's growing up so fast is the most adorable little girl!!!

Christmas Day was spent with my mother's side of the family at my Grandma's house.  As always, it was a great time because this family, boy are they loud and fun and loving!!!

Grandma's tree, complete with her village has so many memories.  I miss Grandpa's train, but I understand why Grandma doesn't get it out anymore.  Probably for the best.  I don't think I could handle it being under the tree.

Speaking of Grandpa, Grandma handed each of us grandkids a bag.  I pulled out this box and just lost it. Inside the box from "Grandpa Santa", we each received some of his old silver dollars.  I don't know what I'm going to do with them just yet, but I want to find a unique way to display them.  I definitely don't want them tucked away in a box in a closet somewhere.  

And as usual, Teeny and I did our "acrobatics".  And then more present opening, because duh, it's Christmas.

That's my entire family!  Our large, crazy bunch!!!

Baby Obie also had a great Christmas!!!  I picked up this outfit below for less than $10 and I truly hope he fits into it next Christmas season!  Or in the fall when we take our Christmas card photos!  

That adorable outfit was a gift from family.

And I found this Mizzou football, turned Truman!  Baby's first Truman the Tiger!!! I saw it for $25 at Rally House and passed it by.  Then I saw it at TJ Maxx for $7.99.  Definitely wasn't passing that deal by!!

My family also celebrated Christmas morning and as always, we all wore our Santa hats (below Mom had taken hers off already since I snapped this after the present opening)

My awesome husband got me these giant Mizzou tiger paw slippers and I looooove them!!!

And somewhere in the mess we had pups!

Christmas was great!  Not for the gifts, but for the love and laughs with my family.  Words cannot express how much I love them all.  Being so away from the sucks!

Sadly, it was time to make the drive back to Florida just a few days after Christmas.  Drives home suck.  Badly.  I absolutely hate leaving home and wish I could say we're moving back sometime soon.  But nope, not for a very long time :(  At least it makes me appreciate my family and my limited time with them every more!!!!!!!!  And now here's to starting the next countdown until I see them again!!!

Are any of you this behind on Christmas updates?
Do any of you travel long distances each Christmas to spend it with the holidays?
If you live far from "home", do you find trips home just as stressful as fun??