Looking

I've really been thinking hard about what things we really need to buy for this baby. After having 4 babies I know at this point what things I will most likely never use. Tonight while I was out shopping I browsed the baby section and found a pack'n'play I love and will be getting for sure. I love how compact it is for all it does. It's a bassinett, changing table, play pen, diaper stacker, etc. all in one. Now that I know I won't be taking him upstairs to his room anytime soon I think something like that will be convenient to have on the main level. Does anyone else who reads here have any must haves for a new baby? Anything they bought that was a total waste? I'd love to know ahead of time.

Happy Thanksgiving

In honor of the Holiday, here's my 23 week belly shot!

23 Weeks 1 Day

This pregnancy continues to fly by without too much drama. Especially as of late. So instead of talking about what's going on (same ol' same ol') I thought I'd list a few of my favorite foods this pregnancy:

• mashed potatoes and gravy
• rolls
• chili dogs (this one is weird because I'm usually not a fan)
• Burger King (also not usually a favorite)
• Stew made with roast meat
• eggs 'n toast
• milk and chocolate milk
• pink lemonade

Those are just a few of my favorites. With the girls I was much more into sweets. This time I'm all about the real food. I'm so excited for tomorrow. I love being pregnant at the holidays and not having to worry about what I'm eating. Sweet bliss......

More Stuff

Today we did some more shopping for the new little one. It is so fun to look through the clothes. This time of year is really great for sales too. Since he's coming in March there are lots of fall clothes that will work great that are on sale and clearance. Today we bought 5 new snuggly designed onesies, two pair of pants that coordinate with all 5 tops, and an overall outfit for church. He's doing so good on stuff so far.

Tonight as I was laying there kicks could be felt on my belly. Everyone, including Boo, took turns having a feel. It's amazing that even the 5th time could be this exciting, but it is. It is every bit as exciting as the very first time. I think it helps that our whole family is so excited. The other day the girls got into an argument over who would be the very first person to hold him after he was born. I solved that one quickly. It will be me. You can bet on that!

Huge

I knew this was coming. I've never quite been able to escape it. Massive weight gain. This time I made it farther than ever. For the first 18 weeks I lost a pound or two but no gain. Granted I started out overweight so it's not like I was lookin' good or anything. Then this last couple of weeks the pounds found me. I don't know if it was the fact that everyone has been sick and we were so sedentary. It may just be my luck. Either way it's happening. It's a vicious cycle too. The bigger I get the less I feel like doing and the less I feel like doing the bigger I get. Oh well, I keep telling myself, I've lost it 4 times, what's one more?

A Rant

I tend to sugar coat things sometimes. I want to remember things as perfect and wonderful so I convince myself they are. Well in this case they're not. The pregnancy is great. Really it is. I feel great, the baby's growing good, what more could you ask for? Maybe a competent doctors office would be a good start. I like my OB I really do. It's the same doctor I had for both Midge and Boo as well. In the months before I became pregnant with this baby the office made some major changes. Instead of being a private office it combined with a hospital affiliated practice. They moved to a different building and the entire staff changed.

Unfortunately it was not a change for the better. Many services that were offered through the old office are now only offered through the hospital. This is not nearly as convenient as what I was used to. The new nurse is horrible. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt I really did. She is new and I understand that, but she acts irritated and annoyed with any questions I have and I really don't ask many. I have never been a nightmare patient. At my appointment yesterday she didn't take a urine sample, didn't ask how having the flu went, and didn't ask if I had been having any more problems. I would've brought any of this up on my own if I could have gotten in a word edgewise. We had already decided that this will be our last little one but if it wasn't I would be forced to go somewhere else next time.

Long Wait

I love the fact that when I leave after an OB appointment I have the reassurance that things are progressing normally. At this point though, I sometimes find the visits to be a bit of a let down. I don't know what I expect really. Take today for example. My appointment was at 11 am. They require you to arrive and check in 10 minutes early. So the girls and I got there at 10:50 and I was called back at 11:30. I was finally seen by the doctor at 11:45 and out the door by 11:50. A whole hour for a 5 minute visit. I do enjoy hearing the heartbeat, but at this point I'm feeling the baby move, a lot, so it's kind of assumed. At least I only have a few appointments left before I'm in the home stretch. That's when things get exciting again!

22 Weeks

When I look at my ticker in the sidebar I really can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday it said 35 weeks to go. Time it does fly! Pregnancy wise things are still great. I feel movement very regularly and we can now see him moving around from the outside as well. He's strong and wiggly that's for sure. I love him so much already it's unbelievable. I want him here, but I know that this is easier. Especially with everyone being so sick the last couple of weeks.

I have an OB appointment tomorrow and I'll hear his heartbeat again. I'm going to take the little girls with me. They behave so well and they like being a part of things. I'll take another belly shot this weekend since it's been almost 4 weeks since my last. My belly is huge so prepare yourself!

New Stuff

Today my Mom brought by a new outfit for the baby. It's an adorable, newborn sized, baseball uniform. I love it. It's so exciting to get new stuff. I'm hoping I'll be motivated by the new things I've gotten in the last couple of days to work on his room some. I really don't need much of the big stuff. Of course we have a crib, dresser, and all that stuff. I'm mostly working on collecting clothes and stuff. I have no boy blankets, towels, or hats. I'd like to start him a hat collection as it will still be cold when he gets here. Several people have donated items their done with and that's exciting too.

My heartburn is back. Manageable, but annoying. I've also been having more really weird dreams. Even so I've been sleeping good at night. I think my days are so long I'm exhausted and there's not much that could get in the way of my sleep. Hopefully I'll get more of that this weekend.

Motivation? Nesting?

If I weren't feeling movement I would not believe I was pregnant. I'm used to being huge, so that's no big deal. Exhausted, aren't we all? Now, this may sound absolutely wonderful. A pregnancy with no nausea, regular headaches, and sore feet sounds like dream. Well that part is great. The down side is I have none of the motivational type symptoms I had with all of the girls. That clean the house from top to bottom, scrub 'til you drop, organize like crazy but has never hit. Not at all. Sure I want it all done. If someone else wants to do it I guess. I wonder if it will come soon? I only have about 8 more weeks before I know I will feel too huge to do anything major. I really want to get motivated while I still feel good. Sometimes I wonder if I have more energy than I think I do and it's just zapped up taking care of all of the responsibilities I have. I'm sure I'll get it all done, I just don't want to feel rushed.

21 Weeks

Right now, pregnancy wise, things are about as good as they get. Im recovering nicely from my bout with the flu and really feeling good. The little thumps and bumps have turned into very clear punches and kicks. This baby is very active which I don't mind a bit. In fact I always love the reassurance. My emotions are all over the place. At times I just want the baby here, safe and sound. Other times I am perfectly content just being pregnant and knowing I have quite a bit of time to prepare. I think that's normal and definitely follows suit with my previous pregnancies.

I Survived!

Well I worried and worried about getting the flu during this pregnancy and sure enough I did. In a way though, I can say the worry was good. It prepared me in a way. Right when I started feeling symptoms, a cough, sore throat, headache, fever, etc, I got the Tami flu. I've heard many people say it didn't help them at all. For me it made a whole world of difference. It's only been 4 days and I am already feeling better! Whew. Onward and upward I suppose.

If this week slows down a little sickness wise, I would really like to work on the baby's room. We have a great theme in mind. I'll keep it a surprise until I have some pics of the plans. Don't worry it won't disappoint. Other than that I'm just looking forward to having a healthy family again.

20 Weeks *Updated

With my history, it's fairly safe to assume, I am over half way done with this pregnancy. That is unbelievable. In some ways I am enjoying being pregnant. It's so fun to have this little guy growing and moving inside of me. It has also been anxiety inducing this time. Topping my list of worries is this stupid flu scare. I am worried about the girls getting it. I am worried that I will get it. I am even more worried that he will get it right after birth. It's a downer. I know there's a lot of media hype, but it is real and I know real people who have suffered real complications. I don't think the girls will even be allowed to visit at the hospital. This is probably in everybody's best interest, but still different.

On a lighter note, I have accumulated a few things since finding out we're having a boy. I now have a jacket, an outfit, a really cute t-shirt, and some washcloths. It's a start and so fun to see the different stuff for boys. We've also bought some diapers so far and plan to continue buying a bag every couple of weeks to stock up. By the time he gets here I should have only 1 in diapers. I have another appointment in two weeks and by then it will almost be thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to eating for two that day!

*Chiggie was sent home from school today with a high fever. Boo is now passed out on the couch with a fever as well. Did I jinx myself or what??? Praying this ends soon!