29 Weeks!!

How far along: 29 weeks !

Trimester: Third and final trimester!!!!!

Baby size: Cucumber - 17 inches and almost 3 lbs!!

Toes: They're getting harder and harder to see every day. Also, I have to get the hubs to help me put on my socks. I can barely reach my feet!

Gender: BABY GIRL!

Movement: This girl loves to move! Especially when music is playing! It makes me smile. I can't wait to sign her up for her first ballet class!

Cravings: Food. Please. Food. I just need food! My sweet tooth has picked up, though it could be because there are so many yummy sweet treats that are fall-iscious. Right now I want a milkshake.

Aversions: I tried chicken again...I nearly threw up. It was horrible. No thank you.

Nausea/Morning sickness: No more! Just tired now, and constantly out of breath. Round ligament pain, itchy and stretchy skin, heartburn, acid re-flux, some slight dizziness, and hip and back pain, but nothing to complain about :) Also, I'm beginning to experience Braxton Hicks contractions.

Maternity clothes: Yes yes and yes. I love them. I'm definitely one of those women who is proud to wear my maternity pants. They're just too comfortable to pass up.

Best moment of the week: You have been moving up a storm lately and I'm loving it! You're daddy has been enjoying it lately too! It's been awesome! Also, the weather has cooled off and I'm loving it!

What I'm looking forward to: Is it too far away to say that I'm looking forward Thanksgiving? I'm looking forward to having the week off and being able to spend it with the hubs.

Life's a Roller Coaster Ride

Remember this:

The first glucose test I failed. You can read about that here.

So I had to take the test again. Well this time, it took a couple of days for my doctors to get back to me about whether or not I passed or failed the test. This was unlike the first one where I got the call immediately saying I failed and my glucose level was high. So I assumed all was well. But I kept calling and calling my doctors trying to get the results. When I finally got a hold of them, they told me 2 out of the 3 tests showed that my glucose levels were elevated and I needed to go see a diabetes education specialist. 

I. Freaked. Out.

This was not something I needed. On top of everything else that has been going on (our house is being overrun by bugs, I swear), I didn't need any added stress. Plus, I didn't know what else I was going to do. I'm already on such a restricted diet because of gluten intolerance. Needless to say, I was stressed. I feared the worse. Bring on the insulin shots. That was my motto. 

It was at this moment that I realized God was giving me more than I could handle. I was mad. I was bitter. I was sad. I was grieving. I was an emotional wreck. I couldn't handle this. Not on my own. I was struggling with all my feelings under the sun. I wanted to throw something. Punch something. Anything. How could I have gestational diabetes? I didn't have any of the symptoms and I wasn't a high risk factor. So how could I have this? My biggest concern was that my baby girl would get too big and would have to be taken early. I did not and don't want my baby girl any earlier than she's supposed to be here. I couldn't handle what was going on.

It was in that moment that I learned that I couldn't do it alone. I needed to lean heavily on God and His strength. I wasn't going to be able to get through this stress by myself. Not with all of the worrying I was doing and the dreading I was doing about the future. God tells us not to worry about the future, but that was exactly what I was doing. I was worrying about things that weren't in my control. But they were (and are) in God's control. He alone can handle anything that is thrown my way. He can help me get through whatever mud is in the road. It's when I remembered hearing this song:

It really struck a chord with me yesterday. I had fallen hard and I was hurting. But God, who is in me and gives me strength will get me through this. I've had to meditate on this all day today. Especially with the appointment at the diabetes education center looming ahead.

So I went to my appointment today prepared for the worst. But God doesn't want the worst for us. In fact, He wants the best for us because He loves us. That was proven to me today. The lady who was directing the class asked if we wanted to see the results from our screening. She pulled mine and the girl's who was taking the class with me. When she got the results for us, she was puzzled at why I was even there. According to national standards, my blood tests weren't even high! They were within the normal range!! Just the doctor who I go to goes by a stricter scale. So really, there's nothing for me to worry about! I don't have to really change my diet or anything like that! I do have to monitor my blood sugar, but that shouldn't be bad, and if things are okay then I might even get to stop doing that!

How is that for a God who has my best at heart! He took care of me and my little girl and made sure that everything was going to be okay!

So as of now, everything is okay. Baby girl and I are okay. We'll still have to monitor her most likely to make sure she isn't getting too big. But that just means we get some more pictures of her. 

God has really taken this scary situation and worked it in His favor. He is my strength and He is the One who got me through this.

28 Weeks!

How far along: 28 weeks !

Trimester: Third and final trimester!!!!!

Baby size: Cucumber - 17 inches and just over 2.5 pounds!

Toes: They're getting harder and harder to see every day.

Gender: BABY GIRL!

Movement: This girl loves to move! Especially when music is playing! It makes me smile. I can't wait to sign her up for her first ballet class!

Cravings: Food. Please. Food. I just need food! My sweet tooth has picked up, though it could be because there are so many yummy sweet treats that are fall-iscious.

Aversions: I tried chicken again...I nearly threw up. It was horrible. No thank you.

Nausea/Morning sickness: No more! Just tired now, and constantly out of breath. Round ligament pain, itchy and stretchy skin, heartburn, acid re-flux, some slight dizziness, and hip and back pain, but nothing to complain about :) Also, I'm beginning to experience Braxton Hicks contractions.

Maternity clothes: Yes yes and yes. I love them. I'm definitely one of those women who is proud to wear my maternity pants. They're just too comfortable to pass up.

Best moment of the week: We got some new things for you! Well, knew to us. We got your swing, some bouncies, and the most adorable clothes! I'm so excited for her to gt here and share them with her!

What I'm looking forward to: Is it too far away to say that I'm looking forward Thanksgiving? I'm looking forward to having the week off and being able to spend it with the hubs.

Well, I failed the one hour glucose test and I'm waiting to hear back about the three hour. I went and had that done yesterday, so I should be hearing about it sooner than later. Last time, they called me immediately when I failed. So I guess the longer it takes them to call me, the chances of me passing grow. At least that's the way I'm going to look at it. Optimism is key right?

It's just not that easy

Well, my glucose screening was yesterday. I failed. It kinda makes me laugh right now. It's just one more thing that I have to worry about. Not that I'm truly worried about it. Everyone I've talked to has told me that they didn't pass and it's nothing to worry about. So, on that note, I'm trying my best not to worry. It does however mean that I have to take the 3 hour test. Maybe, because I have three hours to kill while they draw my blood, the hubs will let me get a new book. I don't know if he will, but it'll be worth the try. No, I'm not too ashamed to play the pity card for a new book. And the newest one in a series I've been reading came out earlier this month! Here's hoping he'll let me get it.

Cuddles

Today has been a rough day and all I want to do right now is cuddle with my baby girl. Unfortunately, I've got 13 more weeks until that is possible. That is if she comes on her due date. I just want her to know that she is loved and cared for. I tell her every day that I love her and give her belly hugs and she rewards me with kicks and punches. But I want to cover her in kisses and snuggles. I'll have to wait though, and that is okay. As the hubs says, "She's not done cooking yet." He's right of course. I want her to finish "cooking" but that doesn't lessen my desire to hold her and love on her.

source

Doesn't cuddling just look divine? 

27 Weeks!

How far along: 27 weeks !

Trimester: Last month of the Second Trimester!!!

Baby size: Cucumber - 15 inches and just over 2 pounds!

Toes: They're getting harder and harder to see every day.

Gender: BABY GIRL!

Movement: This girl loves to move! Well, as long as no one wants to feel her move. The instant a hand goes to my belly she stops. I can feel her laughing at the disappointment others have felt.

Cravings: Food. Please. Food. I just need food! My sweet tooth has picked up, though it could be because there are so many yummy sweet treats that are fall-iscious.

Aversions: I tried chicken again...I nearly threw up. It was horrible. No thank you.

Nausea/Morning sickness: No more! Just tired now, and constantly out of breath. Round ligament pain, itchy and stretchy skin, heartburn, acid re-flux, some slight dizziness, and hip and back pain, but nothing to complain about :) Also, I'm beginning to experience Braxton Hicks contractions.

Maternity clothes: Yes yes and yes. I love them. I'm definitely one of those women who is proud to wear my maternity pants. They're just too comfortable to pass up.

Best moment of the week: We got to hang out with friends this weekend and go to the Apple Festival in Ellijay. It was a beautiful day and we had lots of fun!

What I'm [not] looking forward to: Glucose test is this Wednesday. Yucky.

So I'm leaving the second trimester and entering the third. Rather, it feels like I'm getting kicked out of the second trimester and the third is coming on with vengeance. Nausea is starting to come back. But I'm fighting it with tooth and nails. Less than 3 months until my baby girl is here!! I can't wait!!

Apparently

I am carrying this little one like a boy. Everyone always seems so shocked when I tell them, nope, it's a girl. A precious little girl whom I love dearly! 

At least that's what the last ultrasound said...and they seem to be more reliable than the old wives tales.

Surviving

I've survived my first major emotional meltdown. How did I cope?

I cried.

I ate chocolate.

I rearranged furniture.

I'm not sure I'm satisfied with everything I rearranged. But that's okay. I'm sure I'll have more meltdowns and that will be okay because I can just rearrange it all again.

26 Weeks!!

How far along: 26 weeks !

Trimester: Last month of the Second Trimester!!!

Baby size: An English hothouse cucumber- 14 inches and 2 pounds! Getting bigger and bigger, which can be seen by my ever growing belly!

Toes: They're getting harder and harder to see every day.

Gender: BABY GIRL!

Movement: She keeps moving and flipping, but I can tell it's getting harder for her to move. I'm beginning to notice a pattern to her movements as well.

Cravings: Food. Please. Food. I just need food! My sweet tooth has picked up, though it could be because there are so many yummy sweet treats that are fall-iscious.

Aversions: I've tried chicken, and it's okay...still not my favorite though.

Nausea/Morning sickness: No more! Just tired now, and constantly out of breath. Round ligament pain, itchy and stretchy skin, heartburn, acid re-flux, some slight dizziness, and hip and back pain, but nothing to complain about :) Also, I'm beginning to experience Braxton Hicks contractions.

Maternity clothes: Yes yes and yes. I love them. I'm definitely one of those women who is proud to wear my maternity pants. They're just too comfortable to pass up.

Best moment of the week: Your daddy got to really feel you kick this week. It was a very special moment and I was so happy that he could experience just a little bit of what I feel many times throughout the day.

What I'm looking forward to: The Apple Festival this weekend with dear friends! I'm so excited to get out and enjoy this cool weather. 

I feel like recently my stomach has grown exponentially. And I'm loving it! I mean there's no denying I'm pregnant with this little basketball belly. Of course, I know I'm only going to get bigger from here, but I welcome it. I love my ever-growing belly. It's fun to dress up, and it shocked me when I went to put on one of my "small" t-shirts and it barely covered my stomach! Once again, I love it!!

Welcome to October...

Where Braves players go to die...

{{source}}

Also known as "Choke-tober" 

But what else would we expect? We should be used to this by now. Come October, no matter how "hot" the Braves have been, they choke and die. It's become a typical thing. Normal around here. There's no doubt about it. It still stings, yes, but we fans get used to it. 

Now to focus solely on FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

{{source}}

GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!! You will find me curled up in a ball rocking back in forth in anticipation and worry as the game is played tomorrow. It keeps me calm. It keeps me going. What can I say? I love football!!

Bringing Home Baby; The Advice

I see shirts like this and they make me laugh. I just kinda roll my eyes and continue on with my life. But there is something to this shirt that makes sense. I can see why some people would portray this kind of attitude. Being a first time mom, I never realized how many people offer advice the instant they find out your pregnant. Then the advice continues once they find out if you're having a boy or girl. And with that advice comes their opinions. 

I'm not complaining though. It's just their way of showing that they care, even if they don't know me. I'm getting good at just smiling and nodding. But I believe this is a part of what it takes to bring baby home. Putting up with all the unsolicited advice that comes your way is just another thing you have to deal with. The best part is, you most likely know who has your best interest at heart and in the end...it's your body and your baby. All that matters in the end is how you feel.

Along with the unsolicited advice...the belly rubs! Once again, I just smile and nod.

25 Weeks!

How far along: 25 weeks 

Trimester: Last month of the Second Trimester!!!

Baby size: Average rutabaga - 13 inches and 2 pounds! Getting bigger and bigger, which can be seen by my ever growing belly!

Toes: They're getting harder and harder to see every day.

Gender: BABY GIRL!

Movement: She keeps moving and flipping, but I can tell it's getting harder for her to move. Things must be getting tighter in there!

Cravings: Food. Please. Food. I just need food! My sweet tooth has picked up, though it could be because there are so many yummy sweet treats that are fall-iscious.

Aversions: I've tried chicken, and it's okay...still not my favorite though.

Nausea/Morning sickness: No more! Just tired now, and constantly out of breath. Round ligament pain, itchy and stretchy skin, heartburn, some slight dizziness, and hip and back pain, but nothing to complain about :)

Maternity clothes: Yes yes and yes. I love them. I'm definitely one of those women who is proud to wear my maternity pants. They're just too comfortable to pass up.

Best moment of the week: We had another doctor's appointment and everything checked out well! Also, it's now more apparent that there's a baby in my belly. It's like BOOM in your face! Haha. I love it!! And it's now big enough to rest my cups and things on, which comes in handy :)

What I'm looking forward to: Finishing the nursery! Now that I know what we're having, nesting has kicked in full force.  The crib is up, but that's about it.