27 weeks

How far along: 27w. It's my last week of second trimester!

Total weight gain/loss: You know what? I don't feel like weighing myself every week anymore. My doctor tracks it at my appointments and that's enough. I am happy with my progress so far. I am going to remove this from my weekly check-ins and add "nursery progress" down below instead.
How big is Baby: Baby is about 14.5 inches long and weighs around 2 lbs!
Maternity Clothes: All the time. I got a lot of use out of my new swimsuit over the weekend. I also really love this maternity dress from Old Navy that I got on sale:

Sleep: Sleep is so-so. Sleeping on your sides every night takes a toll on your hips. I've always loved my sleep, but now I actually find myself cringing at bedtime :/

Movement: All the time! He is very active.

Food cravings: Anything sweet - Starbucks Cheese Danish, waffles, pancakes, etc. and anything with cheese - Starbucks Cheese Danish, mac & cheese, cheese sandwiches, etc.
Food aversions: After the buffet in Vegas, I learned that I cannot tolerate low quality food right now. It makes me sick.

Gender: It's a BOY!

Symptoms: Swollen ankles - this was a first for me, but it was only for one day, so far. Lower back pain. Calf cramps. LOTS of movement. A big belly. Peeing every five two minutes. 
Nursery Progress:  The fabric for the window and closet curtains came in yesterday!

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Best moment this week: Deciding on his name and our relaxing weekend in Las Vegas.
What I am looking forward to: Our ultrasound on Friday. I can't wait to see Grayson again :)


Our quick "baby moon" to Las Vegas was fun. We ate lots of delicious food and relaxed by the pool. Friday night we met my Mom and her best friend for dinner. They were there at the same time for a work reunion. We had amazing tapas at a place called Firefly. Saturday morning we went to Hash House A Go Go for breakfast, hung out by the pool all day, did some sight-seeing, went to Studio B Buffet for dinner {and got a surprise 2 for 1 deal - which was awesome because the Sat night price is $49.99 each!} and then left Sunday morning after a quick breakfast.

My Blueberry Pecan Pancake at Hash House A Go Go

Our poolside view of the M Resort. It's off the strip, but we loved it. Within the first 10 minutes of arriving at the pool, Nick and I rescued a little boy from drowning. His Mom wasn't paying enough attention and he scooted off the ledge of the shallow section. Nick was standing closest to him, so when I saw that he just sunk straight down and his Mom started shrieking, I told Nick "grab him!" and he lifted him up and out of the water. Thankfully, he was fine. He wasn't choking at all, so we grabbed him before he sucked down any water. My husband is my hero :) And on that note, this event is exactly why I am such an advocate for early swimming lessons. My Mom started me at 6 months old and I plan to start Grayson right away too. I love the water and I hope he will too.

The only picture we got of us together ;)

We have a name!

I can't believe it, but we have picked a name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY :) Nick and I agreed on a favorite. Our baby boy will be Grayson James. James is my Grandfather's name that passed away in 2010. I made sure to give it a good week to see if I started hating it and I didn't. I love it and I'm thrilled we finally decided.

xoxo,
Megan

National Infertility Awareness Week

It's National Infertility Awareness Week.

"Infertility is a heart-wrenching, relationship-testing, faith-questioning, life altering experience. Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples of reproductive age, so, chances are, you have a friend or family member who has, is or will have to deal with infertility. For many this is a silent journey, but no one should ever have to face this alone. Show your support this week and keep in mind those individuals who deal with the emotional and financial struggle of infertility every day."

Want to show your support or learn more? Check out Resolve.org.

xoxo,

Megan

Double digits!

Oops. I meant to post this yesterday, but I got busy....

I can't believe how fast time is flying by!!! We are down to double digits now - just 98 days until our due date. I still can't believe it.

xoxo,
Megan

26 weeks

How far along: 26w

Total weight gain/loss: +17 pounds.
How big is Baby: Baby is about the length of an English hothouse cucumber, or approximately 14 inches long.
Maternity Clothes: Definitely. I tried out my new maternity swimsuit this weekend and I loved it.
Sleep: He woke me up a lot this past week. I wake up at least four times a night and sometimes I cannot get back to sleep. I seem to get the best rest from 4 to 7 am.

Movement: All the time! He is very active. Sometimes his kick is so forceful, my entire belly moves. My Mom was able to see his movement this weekend while we were laying by the pool.

Food cravings: Fruit, especially pineapple. I am always hungry these days, even in the middle of the night when he wakes me up, ha!
Food aversions: Nada.

Gender: It's a BOY!

Symptoms: Lower back pain. Calf cramps. LOTS of movement. Stretching and growing belly. Peeing every five minutes. 

Best moment this week: We finalized the fabric for the glider and ottoman! Swimming - it felt great to be weightless. My pedicure. I haven't had one in so long. It's especially awesome when you're pregnant.
What I am looking forward to:  My sister comes home tomorrow! Our Las Vegas trip, our Ojai trip, the 3D ultrasound and birthing class in May, and then the baby shower in June. We have another busy month ahead and so much to look forward to :)


We were staying with my parents over the weekend, as our house was tented for termites. I am so grateful to have them close by and so accommodating. I think I overdid it yesterday. My Mom and I went on a small hike and then took the dogs for a walk. We also went swimming and to get pedicures. At the nail salon, I had some sharp pains on the underside of my belly. Then this morning I saw more blood when I wiped. I am going to discuss with Dr. L at my next appointment, but I think I need to hold off on exercise right now. I am usually a go, go, go kind of person, so it's hard for me to stop. But I need to listen to my body.

Gifts from Grandma

My Mom is so sweet and generous. This is her first grandchild and she is doing so much for this little man already.

She found these rhino bookends on sale at Pottery Barn. Love!

Nick and I call each other "B" as a nickname, so we love bee stuff. We had a bee cake topper at our wedding, we have bee towels, etc. So of course when my Mom saw this, she had to get it :)

She also surprised me with the 2012 Baby Jogger City Mini and car seat attachment! I love this thing already. Man Bear Dog and I need to take it for a test drive soon.

My Mom is also having the glider & ottoman reupholstered, she's sewing the curtains for the window & closet and is making him a baby quilt. Not to mention the numerous other toys, nursery decor and clothing. Sigh. How did I get so lucky?! I love you, Mom. You are the best. Thank you.

xoxo,
Megan

A small bleeding episode

I haven't had any bleeding, whatsoever, since my first positive pregnancy test in November. So I completely freaked out when I saw a bit of blood when I wiped in the bathroom yesterday. It happened about four times total, not a whole lot, but it was bright red. Baby boy was moving around a lot, so that did ease my mind a bit.

I called my OB and they sent me in for an ultrasound yesterday afternoon. I've never been to the hospital imaging center, just to my OB's office for ultrasounds. Oh man, it's so different. First, the tech asked me what we were looking for. Umm - shouldn't you know?!?! I told her I have no idea, just that I had some bleeding and my OB sent me in. She said that there must have been some miscommunication because the appointment {made by my OB's office} is listed as a first trimester screening and it only says "confirm viability." That's probably a good start, to check that my baby is still alive. ::sigh:: I told her straight to her face "I am very worried that you have no idea what you are looking for." She said she would take a bunch of images to check the baby and my cervix, and then see if the doctor needed anything more. It was quick and I didn't get to see much, but she said that my cervix was long and closed like they would want to see at this point. They called my doctor and then sent me home, saying there was nothing obviously wrong or serious happening.

The nurse at my OB office called me later that afternoon and said that my doctor saw nothing to be concerned about. My placenta was moving off my cervix like they wanted. She said to take it easy; no heavy lifting, no exercise, no sex, drink lots of fluids and keep my feet up. I haven't been unusually active or anything. I wish they could pinpoint why it's happening now. My nurse called this morning to check on me and I told her I haven't seen any more blood. Then an hour later, there was a little red blood when I wiped. He is moving around like crazy and I'm not in any pain, but I can't help but worry :( It was just once today, so I am continuing to take it easy and hoping that there is none tomorrow.

On a happier note; Nick and I were watching a movie last night and baby boy started moving a lot so I lifted up my shirt to see if Nick could see my belly move. We both watched in awe as his foot or hand would push my belly out. Nick made me laugh after each movement, asking me "what is he doing in there?!" It's so fascinating to think a little human is making those movements :) It was definitely a moment I won't ever forget.

xoxo,
Megan

25 weeks

How far along: 25w

Total weight gain/loss: +16 pounds.
How big is Baby: Baby is about the size of an eggplant, and is approximately 13.6-14.8 inches long.
Maternity Clothes: Yep. I bought a couple summer dresses, a long shirt to wear with my maternity leggings (love!) and a pair of shorts. I am ready for the warm weather.
Sleep: Same old, same old. But I'm getting used to these new sleep patterns and it's not too bad. His 3 or 4 am dance parties are getting stronger as he grows.

Movement: All the time! This little boy is active! He seems to respond to music and when Nick talks to him. I still love every single time I feel him move. It's the best, most reassuring feeling. 

Food cravings: Everything is good these days :)
Food aversions: Nada.

Gender: It's a BOY!

Symptoms: LOTS of movement. Stretching and growing belly. Vivid dreams. Peeing all.the.time. All around excitement and joy. How could I forget?!?! - calf cramps! They have started and they hurt!

Best moment this week: Not completely baby related, but finishing a majority of our house projects was a huge highlight of my week. The nursery is really coming along too. My Mom and I were debating on finding a new glider in the right color or sticking with the SUPER comfy one we found at the consignment store that needs to be reupholstered. After sitting in a dozen others, I realized just how much I love my chair! It's at the upholstery place now and I can't wait to see it done.
What I am looking forward to:  Our Las Vegas trip in two weeks. I need it so bad. Work is killing me right now.

Life can be so unfair

Infertility is so unfair. I am so heartbroken for my friend Denay at Where's Baby Miller. She lost her little one yesterday. Please send her healing thoughts.

I am so sorry again, Denay and Ryan. I am sending all of my love. xo. M

Happy Two Years to us!

Today is our 2nd wedding anniversary. Although our marriage seems short, we started dating nearly 13 years ago!!! Yep, we met in high school in the summer of 1999. Thirteen sounds so long, yet I still love Nick like I just met him :) I was pretty smitten with him the first moment I talked to him. I still can't believe it's been so long. We've experienced everything you can imagine during these years and I am so thrilled to be sharing the excitement of parenthood with him. I can't imagine anyone else I would want to raise children with and spend the rest of my life with.

I love you, B.

24 weeks and V-Day!

How far along: 24w or 6 months!

Total weight gain/loss: +15 pounds.
How big is Baby: Baby is about the size of an ear of corn, and is approximately a foot long.
Maternity Clothes: Definitely. It's warming up here, so I need to go shopping for some summer clothes.
Sleep: Sleep is okay. I usually turn over 3 - 4 times a night, and he wakes me up at 4am still.

Movement: All the time! This little boy is active! Nick and one friend have felt him. Yesterday I watched my belly move from his movement. It was really cool.  

Food cravings: Cheese. Chicken strips. Fruit. Sweets.
Food aversions: Nada. I love everything right now.

Gender: It's a BOY!

Symptoms: LOTS of movement. Stretching and growing belly. Vivid dreams. Peeing all.the.time. All around excitement and joy.

Best moment this week: Nick feeling baby boy moving, by far. Over the weekend he felt him again and it was a big movement. Nick couldn't believe that was him. He thought I was flexing my stomach muscles LOL. Making it to V-Day!!
What I am looking forward to: The house being 100% complete. We've had lots of projects going on the past few weeks. I am so excited to see it all done.

A little sneak peek at the nursery progress :)

The color is a bright yellow-green, but my photo makes it look very yellow. It's Benjamin Moore's Fresh Cut Grass. We love it!

Finally!!!

Nick FINALLY felt baby boy move last night!!!! YAY :) He has been trying to feel him every night, but he is always most active when I am sitting at work. Can I just say, this baby likes to move! Sometimes he kicks so hard it hurts. My ultrasound tech did tell me that because I have a posterior placenta, I will feel a lot. I always try to imagine what he's doing in there :) I love feeling him move. It's fascinating and bizarre and exciting, all at the same time. I can tell I will miss being pregnant once he's here, even though we are super excited to meet him.

We have been getting more comments when we are out & about. The first time was a girl at Ben & Jerry's. She asked me if we knew the gender. When I told her he was a boy she said "well, don't name him Dick!" Okay?! Weird. Thanks for the advice, ha! From what I've heard from other Moms, I should get ready for lots of strange comments.

xoxo,
Megan

23 weeks

Stripes + lighter colors = looking huge, ha!

How far along: 23w

Total weight gain/loss: +14 pounds. I didn't actually gain 3 lbs this past week, I just adjusted this number to what my OB is tracking at their office. You know - different scales, different time of day, etc.
How big is Baby: Baby is about the size of a pomegranate, and just over 11 inches long.
Maternity Clothes: Definitely.
Sleep: Sleep is okay. I wake up at 4am every morning to baby boy moving. I have found a comfy position that is half side and half back, and it works for me! Some mornings my belly hurts when I get up because I stay on one side the entire night.

Movement: All the time! The other morning I felt a big movement, like he did a full somersault. It was really cool. Then this morning I felt him from the outside for the first time! I almost woke Nick up to try and feel him. Next time ;) Baby boy was going crazy in there.

Food cravings: Pineapple. Onion rings. Shirley Temples - I can't get enough of them!
Food aversions: Nothing that I can think of.

Gender: It's a BOY!

Symptoms: Heartburn. Stretching and growing belly. Vivid dreams. Feeling dizzy & off balance. Peeing all.the.time. All around excitement and joy.

Best moment this week: Finding out my sweet friend Denay is pregnant! And SO MUCH got done on our house this past week. I can't wait to share it with you all soon :) 
What I am looking forward to: Next week is V-Day!!!

I am really feeling big these days, and I still have lots more growing to do. I can't see much under my belly anymore and shaving my legs is getting difficult. I had my monthly OB appointment on Friday. We had our usual chat and she gave me the rx for the glucose test I need to do between weeks 24 and 26. I am not worried about the glucola drink or the test, but I am very concerned about fasting for at least 8 hours. I don't want to pass out in the lab. I guess I have to go as early as I possibly can. I also scheduled another ultrasound right before my next OB appointment on May 4th. Dr. L wants to be sure my placenta is moving off of my cervix. I cannot wait to see our little boy again!

So happy for a friend

I have met some wonderful people through this IF journey, from The Bump and from blogging. I have a few ladies I have become close with. One of them is Denay at Where's Baby Miller. Her and I started trying at the same time, went through a lot of the same treatments and many times we cycled at the same time. We have both cheered the other on through it all. I am beyond thrilled to tell you that she is pregnant after her third transfer!!!! I couldn't have been more happy when I heard that news. I was literally screaming and crying!

Congratulations again, my dear :) I cannot wait to follow along with this new & exciting part of your journey.

xoxo,
Megan