Baby Bender: 26 Weeks

Honestly, I don’t know where time is going these days. It seems I went from being halfway through pregnancy to almost entering the third trimester in the blink of an eye! I’m sure the holidays play a big part, not to mention that I am definitely still in my second trimester “honeymoon phase.” But I’m going to hold on to the bliss as long as possible and hope that suddenly I’ll be at 40 weeks and saying the same thing. I mean, it could happen…

Here’s a look at what’s been going on in the world of Baby Bender.

Boy or girl? BOY!

Name: We’ve got one! The challenge is keeping it a secret. 🙂 He’s still “Spidey” for now!

How far along: 26 weeks, 4 days.

Baby is the size of: A head of lettuce! Although I am starting to wonder about these food comparisons, since a few weeks ago he was the size of a spaghetti squash. The coolest part is knowing he’s around a foot long and weighs at least a pound these days.

Feeling: Pretty darn good! I’ve started to have some back pain while sleeping, but this pregnancy pillow has been working wonders.

Total weight gained: 16 pounds – woohoo! (I’m a big fan of the number 16.)

Exercising: Yes! Still keeping up with pre-natal yoga, both through in-person classes and this DVD (thanks, Karla!). I’ve also started doing my exercises for The Bradley Method, which is what we’ve decided to go with for childbirth preparation. I’ve been wanting to do a drug-free, natural childbirth for a long time. I know it’s not for everyone, but the more I read about it the more excited I get. It helps to know a lot of amazing bloggers who have written inspiring birth stories! I know it will be one of (if not the) most challenging things I’ll ever do, but also the most rewarding.

What has made me happiest and most confident is how pumped my coach seems to be about it, too. Bobby has been learning everything right alongside me and I know he is going to be a pro at helping me through the various physical and emotional stages of the journey. We’re using the two recommended books (Husband-Coached Childbirth and Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way) and are also getting a copy of the workbook they use in the classes.

Sleep: Overall, it’s going well. I wake up a couple of times a night but for the most part am able to get back to sleep. And I find it kind of hilarious that I am woken up by Spidey’s crazy exercise sessions at 4:00 in the morning. I’m not sure if this kid sleeps anymore. Let’s just pretend he is getting all his sleepless energy out now…

Showing: I will let you decide based on the above picture! Today was actually the first day a stranger said something. I was checking out at the store and she looked me up and down and said, “You have a little bump.” I told her my sweatshirt makes it look modest, haha. I was recently looking back at pictures from when I first thought I was showing and had to laugh. I can only imagine I’ll be laughing even harder 14 weeks from now.

Cravings: This has been one of the biggest surprises of my pregnancy after hearing years of stereotypes like pickles and ice cream. I just don’t crave anything out of the ordinary. I have gotten on a hot chocolate kick since it got cold-ish here in Arizona, and now I crave its warmth in the morning. But that’s about it!

Aversions: There’s nothing that is off limits, although I’d choose shrimp over fish when it comes to seafood. I still don’t love overpowering scents like beer or, as Bobby found out the other day, salt and vinegar chips. 🙂

Missing: Not really missing, but I am now looking forward to a celebratory glass of wine.

Maternity clothes: I still wear some baggy t-shirts or sweatshirts from pre-pregnancy days, but am otherwise completely in maternity clothes and I love them. I can’t recommend LOFT jeans and corduroys enough. So comfy.

Movement: We’ve gone from those first few flutters to real kicks to visible movement over the past six weeks. It is the most surreal sensation to both feel and see our baby’s arms, legs and sometimes – I swear – what must be his entire body bumping up against my belly. As crazy as the feeling is (and as close as he comes to my ribs on occasion), I am admittedly obsessed with his movements. I like to give him a little nudge back and pretend we are having a two-way conversation through pokes and punches.

Looking forward to: The holidays! It’s our last Christmas as a family of two. Although in many ways it feels like our little dude is already a huge part of our traditions, I’m looking forward to soaking up these next couple of weeks.

Best moment of this week: Getting to hear Spidey’s heartbeat at our latest appointment and later, getting a brief tour of the hospital. We’re going back for a more detailed tour in the third trimester, but it was an unexpected bonus to have the chance to see where it’s all going down in just three short months. I have always liked to visualize. “If I can see it, then I can do it.” Yes, thank you, R. Kelly. I’ll have to put that song on our labor mix. 🙂

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I hope to be back at least once before the new year to talk about 2014. I’m excited because I’ve already met my page number goal, and have so many amazing book suggestions for you.

In the meantime, wishing you a wonderful holiday season with family and friends!

What are you most excited about for the holidays this year?

Abrazos,

P.S. It’s snowing on my blog! Some traditions will never change.