22 weeks

I am enjoying this pregnancy so much.  I really just love being pregnant - I am so happy! :)  This past weekend we had Dragon Boat on the reservoir which was super fun.  We also had our Leadership Madison graduation yesterday.  It was bittersweet that we won't be seeing our class every month after being together since August, but I am so proud of everyone for all the hard work we put in this year!

And here are a few random photos from the last week :)

Me & Sarah...she is due in August and our little boys will be 6 weeks apart!  It is so fun being pregnant with your friends.

And the photo below is a tad embarrassing since I'm so big, but I want to remember everything about this pregnancy! ;)

I had my 22 week appointment on Monday and everything was great!

Size of Baby: According to What to Expect, this week he is the size of a spaghetti squash (??) and weighs around 1 pound!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained 13 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: I've bought a few more maxi dresses from Target and also bought my FIRST MATERNITY SWIMSUIT.  As in the first one piece I've worn since I was 10 years old.  And it is the best thing ever!  I still feel cute and so comfortable in it.

Gender: It's a precious baby BOY! *Luca James Bolaños*

Belly Button In/Out: In...but I think on it's way out :)

 Stretch Marks: Not yet (slathering on cream every night to hopefully avoid this as long as possible)

Labor Signs: No

Movement: He moves all the time!  Mostly in the morning and late afternoon and evening.  Danny has felt him one time - it's so hard to get him to feel it at the exact time he's kicking!

Sleep:  I wake up super easy - at any time of night.  Danny hasn't been sleeping well either for some reason.

What I miss: Not a thing!

What I am looking forward to: Finally ordering our crib bedding hopefully this week or next!  I'm waiting on the fabric swatches to arrive and will order everything then.

Cravings/Aversions: Apples, pizza, ice cream, sweets, chips, strawberries.

Symptoms: Heartburn, random cramping, nose congested/dry, sporadic back pain, getting bigger so getting up and off the ground is not as easy! :)

Best Moment This Week:  We had our 22 week appointment and sonogram on Monday!  Luca looks great and is growing right on track, and his heart rate was 144.  My placenta is anterior which just means it sits higher up and the doctor said it's not a problem.  Love getting good reports!

21 weeks

I don't know what it is but lately I just think Danny is funnier than ever.  I mean I am laughing out loud ALL the time at him.  Nonstop laughter.  He is just hilarious!  When I showed him the photo below he told me my belly looked Homer Simpson....you have to know him I guess to appreciate it but I thought it was so funny.  He also said he wants to start carrying around flashcards to answer the same pregnancy questions he gets asked over and over again ha! (When are y'all due? girl or boy? was she sick? do y'all have a name picked out?) I just love spending time with him and he's making my pregnancy so enjoyable.

Throughout my pregnancy I have let fear and anxiety and worry creep up on me from time to time and I know it is the devil trying to steal my joy.  God gave me this PRECIOUS miracle and I will not let satan take that away from me anymore.  I prayed yesterday that God would take away my worries and give me a peace beyond understanding.  I am surrendering this to Him!  

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  -Philippians 1:6

Size of Baby: According to What to Expect, this week he is the size of a banana (that seems so big to me!).

Total Weight Gain/Loss: At my last appointment two weeks ago I had gained 6lbs.  I will find out on Monday how much more I've gained.

Maternity Clothes: I need to get a few more items to round out my maternity wardrobe. I am LOVING soft, comfy dresses, maxi dresses and maxi skirts.  I also live in maternity tank tops - the BEST!

Gender: It's a precious baby BOY! *Luca James Bolaños*

Belly Button In/Out: In (but it is definitely starting to poke out a little)

 Stretch Marks: Not yet (slathering on cream every night to hopefully avoid this as long as possible)

Labor Signs: No

Movement: He is a little wiggle worm! He moves mostly in the late afternoon and at night.  I was driving today and he kicked so hard that I could actually see it from the outside!  I couldn't believe it - such a sweet moment and I even teared up.  I love connecting to my little man!

Sleep: Sleep is pretty good right now.

What I miss: I really can't think of anything that I truly miss.  I actually really love being pregnant!

What I am looking forward to: Our ultrasound on Monday - love getting to see his sweet little face!

Cravings/Aversions: Um I am eating everything in sight. So hungry.  Pizza, doughnuts, strawberries, apples, bread, etc!

Symptoms: For the first time ever I know what heartburn is like - yuck!  It started this week.  I've also continued having Braxton Hicks - super sporadic and random whenever it happens.  Lower back pain and it's getting harder for me to hop up and down off the floor during my newborn sessions.

Best Moment This Week:  We finally ordered our glider!  I love the fabrics we chose and cannot wait for it to arrive!

20 weeks

Well it was bound to happen eventually!  I totally skipped my 19 week post...oh well, what can you do.  Here are a few iPhone photos I snapped at 19 weeks:

Last week was crazy.  On Monday we had tornados rip through town and it was the most scared I have EVER been during a tornado.  Danny and I were in the guest bathroom with pillows and blankets and I was absolutely hysterical (I'm sure being 19 weeks pregnant didn't help).  We had our dog in there with us and the radio plugged up, and they had the meteorologist on the radio saying moment by moment where the tornado was headed.  At one point he said it was headed right to our area and our neighborhood.  I was crying so hard and just praying over and over that it would pass.  One of the scariest moments of my life.  When we heard the weather man say that it was north of us and had passed us I was so relieved, but I still didn't get out of the bathtub for nearly 20 minutes.  Talk about a moment to put it all in perspective.  Thank you Jesus for protecting us.  

On Saturday we had Danny's graduation from Belhaven.  He got his master's of business administration (MBA)!  So proud of my sweet husband.

And now I'm 20 weeks!  I cannot believe I am half way through this pregnancy.  It feels like yesterday that we found out I was pregnant.  What a precious gift from God.  Thank you Jesus!  I can never thank You enough!

Size of Baby: According to What to Expect, our baby is the size of a mango!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: At my last appointment two weeks ago I had gained 6lbs.  I'm sure I'm up even more now!

Maternity Clothes: Yes! I'm basically wearing the same three outfits over and over again ha!  I guess I need to buy a few more things.  Dresses and maxi skirts are my best friend!

Gender: It's a precious baby BOY!!!!!! We are so excited!

Belly Button In/Out: In (but it is definitely starting to poke out a little)

 Stretch Marks: Not yet

Labor Signs: No

Movement: He is moving like crazy!  It is sporadic but when he moves I can definitely feel it.  I've tried to get Danny to feel him move but I think it is still too light to feel from the outside.

Sleep: Sleep is good just horrible congestion every single night!

What I miss: Not a thing :)

What I am looking forward to: Finalizing nursery plans!  We have a crib and have painted the room.  I'm going to refinish a dresser for the changing table.  We still need a glider and crib bedding.

Cravings/Aversions: Pizza, strawberries, apples, coke, doughnuts, sweets!

Symptoms: Super dry congested nose, and cramping/stretching in tummy.  My stomach got super hard (almost like Braxton Hicks) last week but the nurse said it was too early for BH and that I was probably dehydrated (not unusual for me) and I need to drink more water.

Best Moment This Week:  I got my diaper bag in the mail and I've almost finished our registry!

18 weeks

Size of Baby: According to What to Expect, our baby is the size of a sweet potato.  We found out at our appointment on Monday that he weighs 9 ounces!!!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 6lbs

Maternity Clothes: I really HAVE to buy more maternity clothes soon - as in maxi dresses and maxi skirts. I don't want to wear my normal clothes and stretch them out!

Gender: It's a precious baby BOY!!!!!! We are so excited!

Belly Button In/Out: In (but it is definitely starting to poke out a little)

 Stretch Marks: Not yet

Labor Signs: No

Movement: I think I felt him move yesterday!!! It was so neat!

Sleep: Sleep is good just horrible congestion every single night!

What I miss: Not a thing :)

What I am looking forward to: Registering soon and deciding on a name!

Cravings/Aversions: Jimmy Johns, sweets, strawberries, Mexican.

Symptoms: Nose congested, headaches, stretching in tummy.

Best Moment This Week:  Finding out the gender!!!  At my appointment on Monday the ultrasound technician said my cervix is posterior and he is sitting super low.  Everything looked good! His heartbeat was 144.  PRAISE THE LORD!!! We are so thankful to Jesus for this precious miracle. We love you sweet baby!

17 weeks

I actually turned 17 weeks LAST Sunday....I cannot believe this post is a full week late!  Better late than never, I guess!

Size of Baby: According to What to Expect, our baby is the size of our palm.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: No idea. Will find out at the next appointment!

Maternity Clothes: Finally bought some maternity clothes from Target! I have been wearing the long maxi skirt and tank top almost every day - ha! I will be going to the outlets soon to check out more maternity clothes.

Gender: Heartbeat is still in the high 140s. I think girl!

Belly Button In/Out: In (but it is definitely starting to poke out a little)

 Stretch Marks: Not yet

Labor Signs: No

Movement: I'm not sure??

Sleep: Sleep is good just horrible congestion every single night!

What I miss: Not a thing :)

What I am looking forward to: Finding out the GENDER!!!!!

Cravings/Aversions: Jimmy Johns veggie sandwich (YUM - I could eat this every day), salt & vinegar chips, cokes, strawberries, apples, Mexican.

Symptoms: Nose congested, occasional headaches, bloated, aches and pains in tummy (assuming this is round ligament pain).

Best Moment This Week:  My little tummy is finally starting to show!!!! :)

16 weeks

Something HUGE happened this week: my parents moved to Montana :(  I spent the weekend with them as the movers came and packed up their house and loaded everything onto a huge 18-wheeler to make the cross-country trip.  They spent the night at my house on Saturday and left around 11am on Sunday.  It was so bittersweet.  I will miss that house (the pool!), and most of all I will miss them.  But it sure will make for great vacations, and will make seeing them even sweeter.

Size of Baby: According to What to Expect, our baby is the size of an avocado! Around 4.5 inches and 3-5 ounces.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: No idea. Will find out at the next appointment!

Maternity Clothes: Still all my regular clothes, but I should have already bought maternity pants because I can no longer comfortably wear my old pants!  I will be going to Target asap to check out the maternity section!

Gender: The heartbeat this week has ranged from 140-156 :)  I really have no idea at this point!

Belly Button In/Out: In

 Stretch Marks: Not yet

Labor Signs: No

Movement: I don't know what this is supposed to feel like, so I'm assuming it hasn't happened yet?

Sleep: Sleep is fine - just constantly congested.

What I miss: I truly do not miss anything.  This is so much better!

What I am looking forward to: When we find out the gender!!! Only 11 more days!!!

Cravings/Aversions: Mexican, pizza, apples, sweets, cokes.

Symptoms: Nose congested, occasional headaches, bloated, aches and pains in tummy (assuming this is round ligament pain).

Best Moment This Week: The crib came in! Yahoo!!!!! I've also started to look at nursery bedding - I want the same whether it's a boy or girl - creams and whites :)


Here's a look at my belly progression so far:

15 weeks

Last week was probably the hardest week I've had this pregnancy.  I got really sick on Wednesday and my fever got up to 101.5, and my whole body ached and I was miserable. I took some Tylenol to bring my fever down and it went down within a few hours - praise the Lord!  I feel better now but am still congested and dealing with allergies. But all good! :)

Size of Baby: According to What to Expect, our baby is the size of an orange! Around 4.5 inches and 2-3 ounces.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: We don't have a scale at home, but at my last appointment I was up 4lbs.

Maternity Clothes: In the very near future! I cannot button most of my pants but shirts are fine. A teeny tiny bump is starting to show :)

Gender: I go back and forth each week. Sometimes I think girl, sometimes I think boy. We got a doppler to hear the baby's heartbeat at home, and yesterday it was 150. We shall see! We find out the gender on April 21st! 3 weeks!

Belly Button In/Out: In

 Stretch Marks: Not yet

Labor Signs: No

Movement: Not really sure what I'm looking for.  I figure I'll know when it happens!

Sleep: I was sick last week and sleep was horrible for a few days. I'm feeling better now but just have allergies.

What I miss: Nothing! :)

What I am looking forward to: April 21st!!! That is our 18 week anatomy scan and we find out the gender!

Cravings/Aversions: Pizza, apples, water.

Symptoms: Bloated, heartburn, gassy, headaches.

Best Moment This Week: Hearing the baby's heartbeat at home!  It was so sweet!

14 weeks

What a relief, joy, feeling of total excitement to finally say goodbye to the first trimester! Even though my 1st trimester was pretty easy (no nausea) I am still so glad to be in the 2nd tri!  I still can't believe I'm carrying this sweet miracle in my tummy.  Thank you Jesus!!!!!! We came up with a girl name that I LOVE yesterday, and I think we're pretty close on a boy name too!  I started looking at cribs yesterday online and I am sooo excited to start on the nursery soon.  HELLO 2ND TRIMESTER!!! :)

Side note - I photographed my first birth last week and it was such an amazing, spiritual experience. This mama gave birth naturally with no meds and I was SO impressed with how composed she was throughout her labor.  She made it look so easy.  I've always been pretty anti-medication with most things in my life, so I think I'm going to talk to my doctor about potentially trying a natural birth.  We will see!

Size of Baby: According to What to Expect, our sweet baby is the size of a lemon! I can't believe it - that seems so big!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still need to get a scale.  I have an appointment today and I'm going to ask the nurse how much I've gained. **UPDATE** I've gained 4 lbs!

Maternity Clothes: Pants are a joke - ha! Using the rubber band trick on my jeans and wearing lots of yoga pants during my shoots.  I haven't tried the belly band again but probably need to pull that out.  I think I'll wait a few more weeks if I can before buying maternity clothes.

Gender: I think it's a girl! :) **UPDATE** The heart rate today was 142, and my doctor said she thinks it's a boy based on that. We will see! 

Belly Button In/Out: In

 Stretch Marks: Not yet

Labor Signs: No

Movement: I don't think I can feel the baby moving - just lots of stretching, round ligament pain, etc.

Sleep: Sleep is great! Waking up during the night to use the bathroom.

What I miss: Not a thing!

What I am looking forward to: Finding out the gender!!!!!!

Cravings/Aversions: Mexican food, apples, sweets, sandwiches.

Symptoms: Heartburn, headaches, always congested/stuffy nose, stretching in my uterus, bloated :)

Best Moment This Week: Hitting the 2nd trimester milestone!  I cannot believe this sweet baby will be here in 6 months!!! We can't wait to meet you angel!

13 weeks

Size of Baby: According to What to Expect, our sweet baby is the size of a peach!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I'm SURE I've gained weight - I have no idea how much though!  I haven't had any nausea so I've been able to keep food down.

Maternity Clothes: None yet!  Shirts are no problem - most of my pants are too tight but I can still squeeze into them.

Gender: I'm thinking girl, but we will see!

Belly Button In/Out: In

 Stretch Marks: Not yet

Labor Signs: Definitely not

Movement: Still feeling stretching, pulling, etc in my uterus.  The nurse said this is round ligament pain and also umbilical something (can't remember the name) but all totally normal.

Sleep: Still waking up once a night to use the bathroom, but besides that sleep is great.  Enjoying it while I can :)

What I miss: Not a thing!

What I am looking forward to: My appointment this week!

Cravings/Aversions: Craving Mexican food, apples, strawberries and sweets.

Symptoms: The fatigue has eased up a bit which is awesome. Sore boobs, movement/growth in tummy, super thirsty/hungry.

Best Moment This Week: Getting our first baby gift from our dear friends Yvonne & Pablo! We went to their house last night and they surprised us with a baby tub filled with baby items! It was so precious and we love them so much!

our miracle

Jesus.

I’m nearly brought to tears trying to describe my love for You.  My Healer, Anointer, Savior...My Rock.  The one and only thing in my life that will never change is You.  You walked on water, gave sight to the blind, healed the sick and rose from the dead – there is nothing You cannot do.  And yet, in all of Your Glory and Power, You still care for the desires of my little heart.  You love me so much.  Through all of my sin and failure, You love me.  The Creator of all the Earth loves all of us.  What an amazing feeling.

I’m pregnant!!!!  Our sweet little baby will arrive this September :)  And Jesus orchestrated this in such a way that the glory and praise can go nowhere else except to Him!  A miracle, just as it says in the Bible. God hears our prayers.  He listens to our wants and desires.  And He keeps His promises.  What a mighty God You are!  I will never be able to thank You enough, Father.  I promise, Lord, that I will raise this precious baby to know You and will help lead them to love You.  We prayed for this child, and You granted the desires of hearts.  In Your time.  And we commit this sweet baby to You, before he or she is even born.  This baby is Yours!  And we will love and protect them for their time here on earth.  I already love this child with all my heart.

Our precious miracle is due to arrive on September 21^st :)  Praise the Lord!

I'm sure no one reads this blog anymore, especially since my last post was in 2012 (!!!)....but I'm going to start blogging again.  And this is really just for me to remember my pregnancy and be able to document it :)  So hopefully I will start doing weekly updates on this sweet little baby!

Size of Baby: According to What to Expect, our sweet baby is the size of a large plum!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I have not kept up with my weight AT ALL - we don't even have a scale at home.  I guess I need to invest in one :)

Maternity Clothes: My pants are super tight and uncomfortable...I bought the Be Band from Target, but it slips off and doesn't stay put....so I assume maternity pants are in my near future!

Gender: No idea! :)

Belly Button In/Out: In

 Stretch Marks: Not yet

Labor Signs: Definitely not

Movement: I've been feeling stretching/pulling sensations in my uterus, but I don't think it's the baby moving?  Not sure what that feels like?

Sleep: I'm so grateful that I've had a fairly easy first trimester.  I only wake up once a night to use the bathroom and haven't really had any sickness.  Just EXTREME fatigue :)

What I miss: Absolutely nothing!

What I am looking forward to: Finding out the baby's gender!  I'm thinking girl :)  Last ultrasound at 10 weeks the heart rate was 164.

Cravings/Aversions: I haven't really had any aversions.  I've been craving apples and strawberries.

Symptoms: Super tired, thirsty all the time, bloating, constant bathroom trips, boobs are huge, start feeling a tad sick if I go too long without eating.

Best Moment This Week: Hitting the 12 week milestone!