2 down, one to go!

I got home from my third trimester check-up just a bit ago. Everything looks good. The doctor said I would soon hit a brick wall of fatigue and start packing on the pounds. I hope that has already officially started cause I'm so there! My tummy is a little ahead of my due date--she thinks we may be in for a big baby. 

I had my 28 week test for gestational diabetes today and, unless something is wrong, won't be back for 4 more weeks. After my 32-week appointment, I start seeing the doctor every 2 weeks.

She also gave me a prescription for a muscle relaxer to help my back and sciatic nerve and a referral to a physical therapist. I have had a few bad days/nights and know this will get worse as time progresses; I'm glad to have some relief on hand.

We have changed hospitals. St. Joseph's isn't accepting our insurance as of 2009, so we will be delivering at University Community Hospital (UCH) instead. We should take our all-day-intensive course there in late January. Meanwhile, we have Lamaze DVDs on hold at the library. Good times! 

Christmastime

Little Baby Truman has been enjoying this first Christmastime. Yummy treats from Aunt Terry, a special trip to Melbourne, dinner dances and gift exchanges have kept us hopping. I continue to think this is the best time of year to be pregnant.

Baby is growing and staying active. We can often see hiccups now. Space is getting a bit limited in my tummy and our home as we make room. I am looking forward to setting up the nursery after Christmas is over. Usually I get sad when I take down all the decorations, but this year I think it will be exciting to get it all done so I can start making curtains, covering cushions and more.

Today marks the last day of my second trimester. All in all it has gone rather quickly. My back is starting to hurt all the time now, but I am honestly amazed that it took this long considering my history of back issues.

On Tuesday I have my 7 month check-up complete with another gestational diabetes test. I hope I don't have to lay off the sweets for Christmas. Baby has a sweet tooth, which is pretty amazing since there are only gums in thre right now. :)

Our Little Turkey

Time is flying by! Baby enjoyed baby's first Thanksgiving meal, shared with the great grandparents from NC! Baby really does love the Thanksgiving spread--I have been craving holiday fare for quite a few months now and got lots of kicks and swirls in response to the goodness (followed by tryptophane induced sleep?).

Baby is growing so fast--approx 13.5 inches long and weighing over 1.5 pounds. The baby is supposed to start bulking up now and should be in the process of growing a thick head of hair. Tomorrow is the 25 week mark.

Baby moves a ton. Generally less kicking than I expected, but lots of movement nonetheless. Last week I had my 24 wk check up and the doctor could barely get baby's heartbeat to stay in the monitor for more than a few seconds before baby darted across to the other side of my stomach. It was funny watching the doctor try to follow the little one all over the place.

I have been reading some old wive's tales on how to know if it is a boy or girl. We still totally want to be surprised, but I think it is fun to speculate (and a hoot to read some of the things they think are clear signs one way or the other). According to legend, we are mostly having a girl. :)

Grandma Ann came laiden with gifts from the NC family. It is so fun to collect these wee things. I love watching my office develop into the baby room/office more and more.

I get a KICK out of you...

Little Baby Truman is getting more and more active. Kyle was cuddling with me very early Sunday morning and got kicked! Last night we had friends from church over and I jumped when Baby delivered a swift kick--the most powerful yet. This morning I woke up to rhythmic hiccups in my belly. It is fun and strange to begin feeling so much.

I continue to crave all things pumpkin--thanks goodness it's the right time of year for such goodies. I made pumpkin biscotti last night--yum! I am in good spirits but more tired. I took a nap three days last week. I am also getting more sore. My back, hips and a stinking nerve in my backside are acting up. I'm also having problems with my hands and wrists--poor circulation and lots of tingling and shaking. It's weird how much pregnancy affects the entire mama.

Just over 20 weeks!

Updated Mama photos! We're just over half-way there--Wahoo! You can see that I have more than doubled in size (and weight!) over the past month. Amazing... Scroll down for a reminder of how "big" I was a month ago.

Yes sir, that's our baby!

We got to see our little one for the first time today! All I can say is, WOW! We think the baby is absolutely beautiful and perfect, but we're biased.

Little Baby Truman is super active. We watched wiggles, toe sucking and all kinds of fun things take place. It was quite the show! Check out the photos here.

Papa, can you feel me?

Kyle got a swift kick to his hand yesterday evening via his little one in my tummy! We were cuddling on the couch when baby started moving around, and, after some amount of prodding, Kyle got to feel the baby kick. We were both so excited and sat there with huge smiles and watery eyes. :)