34 Weeks Pregnant TWIN Update

34 Weeks Pregnant Twin Update:

 

(maternity shoot, at 31 weeks)

Weeks Pregnant: 34 !!

Gender: Twin boys! Fraternal most likely (di di twins)

Weight gain: holy smokes, I have gained and gained with this pregnancy, I expected to be around 35-45 minimum at the end of this since I was lower on the chart to start but my other two pregnancies I gained 21 and 26 lb. I'm already at 33 lb gained! My body is doing exactly what it needs for these babies and I'm so grateful. Well see where we end up, I usually slow down at the end for some reason.  I haven't worked out this pregnancy like I did with my last 2 so I'm sure that makes a tiny difference too.

Feeling: feeling so great still, I mean I have the expected uncomfortable lower back ache at night and I get winded sometimes, but for carrying twins and having two amniotic sacs, two placentas and 2 babies that are close to 5 lbs each I think life could be a lot harder than it has been. I'm just so grateful I'm still feeling like myself and able to keep up with my normal life and my kiddos. Honestly God has blessed us with an easy healthy complication free twin pregnancy. For being high risk and all the problems that can arise with twin pregnancies we are just so grateful and maybe that makes things easier too! Can't believe we will be meeting these babies in 2-3 weeks!!! This has flown by!

Movement: still feeling them tons, my stomach feels so tight and I can literally feel their bodies poking out, clearly they are running out of room. Baby A doesn't move as much as baby B, and he's in a frank breech position bent in half so that could be why. Baby B is head down. Praying baby A decides to follow, although we are running out of room and time for him to flip, it becomes statistically less likely after 34 weeks for twins, but I'm holding onto hope so we can still try for vaginal delivery ( Please Lord).

Symptoms: lightning crotch here and there, little cramping every now and then especially when on my feet a long time, Braxton hicks non stop all day (normal  for my pregnancies), low back ache at night, little numbness under my right boob right where my rib cage is (have had that every pregnancy at the end), that's pretty much it! Feeling normal!

Labor signs: cramping and Braxton hicks. But haven't been checked for dilation or anything. My last cervix check was via vaginal ultrasound at 30 weeks and my cervix was still doing awesome measuring 4cm long and just how they wanted to see it. Dr actually joked I would make it to 39 weeks (which they don't even allow twins to go to).

 

(31 weeks pregnant bump shot) 

 

(31 weeks beach fun with my girly)

 

 

(sprinkled with love by all of my closest friends and family, ladies only night)

 

 

(Last family of 4 getaway to palm springs at 33.5 weeks pregnant)

 

 

(33 weeks bump shot)

They'll be here before we know it! I'll try to update in a week if i find the time! 

XO

33 Week Pregnancy Update

33 Week Pregnancy UPdate

Baby bump

Belly comparison, from 13 weeks, to 23 weeks, to 33 weeks!

Most normal length shirts show a little of the belly so I have to constantly tug on them and pull them down. But im making due for now and not going to buy any maternity clothes.

Front view

How far along: 33 weeks! 8 Months Pregnant!

Weight Gain: just about 19 lbs gained (18.8 lbs)

Stretch Marks: none

Belly Button: OUT

Wedding Rings On/Off:  On

Movement: ALL THE TIME! I love feeling him moving around in there, it never ever gets old! His movements are so crazy to watch from the outside. Some of them are starting to hurt when his little feet feel like they are trying to stretch outside of my skin!

Feeling: Really good still. I have had a few more days this week of feeling really tired and an afternoon nap is always calling my name, although i never take naps.  I should probably start to!

Mood: really happy. I love pregnancy still. I know this will most likely change in the next couple weeks as i get even more uncomfortable but so far this journey has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I am so so happy to have this great joy and blessing growing inside of me and get to share that with my husband and family/friends.

Symptoms: same as last week (one day when i had a little heart burn but nothing too bad, didnt even take a tum).  Newest symptom is being out of breathe... my lungs are squished and and i have moments when i just cant seem to get enough air and almost feel nauseas, hot sweats, and like im going to pass out. I havent had any trouble with not being able to breathe during cardio (which i find interesting) but lifting light weights is becoming a challenge due to lack of oxygen.

Missing: a flat tummy.. its summer so thats probably why

Looking Forward to: meeting our little man

Sleep: its the same. I wake up at least 2 times for bathroom trips still.

Exercise: still going strong. I am tired and get that darn leg heaviness in my right leg so its getting more difficult but still able to keep it up one day at a time (:  This week so far ive done 4 days of cardio and 1 day of light weights ( ill probably do cardio today or tomorrow, so lets just say 5 days).

UPdate: Our Dr.'s visit went amazingly!  The ultrasound was a nice long one, we check out all of our little guys oregons, his weight, his height, and my amniotic fluid. On Tuesday he was measuring 4.5 lbs, we were told he has realllllly long legs (thank you daddy), and my amniotic fluid is 14 (they like it to be anywhere between 10 and 20, so im right in the middle. which is great). The baby's heart rate was perfect, his four chambers in his heart are healthy, his kidneys, lungs, diaphragm, bones (in his arms and legs), his brain, and his bladder all looked PERFECT according to the ultrasound technician and the Dr.  YAAAAY! AMEN PRAISE JESUS! THank you Father for a healthy baby! Oh and his weiner is still there (:

They said i probably slowed down in weight gain because i have a small frame and am a small person, so im going to do my best not to worry from now on (: 

I'd like to add something special:  I just wanted to say how blessed I have felt these past few months to carry this beautiful angel in my womb. I anticipated pregnancy would be much harder to cope with all of the changes and my bodys transformation. I really feel grateful for a healthy little boy and to be able to conceive and carry a baby 9 whole months.  I feel beautiful and have embraced all that my body has become to sustain this little mans life and continue to keep him safe and healthy. I never knew what it would be like to be pregnant, what itd feel like, or how id cope with all of the changes... and i believe i had a negative outlook on how hard itd be.. so going into this i didnt really know what to expect but i can say now that this is truly the best experience of my life, its given me a whole new purpose, a new reason to wake up and have joy each day and treat myself well because im nurturing my son through doing so. I feel connected to God, our creator, in such a wonderful way, as well as my husband who created this tiny person with me.  I cannot wait to meet our son and experience what its like to become a mother.  So to all you pregnant women out there I hope that you take every day as a gift, knowing that some women who cant carry a child would trade places with you any day, and this truly is the most wonderful joy that God has given us with our spouse.  We have made a life with our soul mate and with our Lord.. thats pretty spectacular!

Count down:  FULL TERM IN LESS THAN 4 WEEKS! Due in less than 7!! 

31 Weeks Pregnant Update

31 Weeks Pregnancy Update:

How far along: 31 Weeks (almost 8 months!)

Weight: i think im still around 17-18 lbs gained ( i havent stepped on the scale since 30 wks and 4 days and i was at 17.2 lbs gained..that was 4 days ago so im guessing its gone up)

Symptoms: Frequent bathroom trips even more so, babies head is right on my bladder! Still having annoying heaviness in my right leg when i work out or sometimes even just from walking or going up stairs.  Braxton hicks allllllll thhhheee tiiiiimme. I guess thats just my weird uterus (:

Cravings: nothing new really

Movement: hes been SOOO active this week. He hasn't stopped moving these past few days, its like he never sleeps! Or his sleep cycle is shorter and hes awake more often now.  My nurse told me id feel less movement (less kicks) and more random rolling around as he gets more cramped in the belly as he grows bigger and bigger.  He'll have less space to move around so she warned me not to be worried if his movement slows a bit. That has yet to happen (:  His movements are starting to hurt a little and are frequently uncomfortable. Its really crazy to watch him move from the outside of my tummy, we can certainly feel little feet sticking out and his butt..its been fun to try to figure out what different body parts are.

Exercise: I havent exercised in a couple days because I AM SICK AGAIN! (third time being sick during this pregnancy and second time in this past month!).. my husbands long hours at work and school are causing him to feel warn down and thus he is getting sick repeatedly and keeps passing it along to me.. not. fun. at. all.!   This week i did light light weights (getting lighter and lighter the bigger this belly gets) one day this week, and did mild cardio  4 days.  I can still breathe and havent had any trouble breathing while working out (ppl say this tends to happen as your lung get more and more cramped in there).

Feeling: Im feeling great aside from being sick. I havent had any emotional moments lately, i feel pretty stable and happy. Im so so so eager to get everything ready for him as much as i can, and so excited to meet him!

Excited for: 4D ultrasound TOMORROW!!! stay tuned for a post on his cute little face... we havent had an ultrasound since week 21 .. when our US technician surprised us with a quick sneak of a 4D glimpse of his precious face.. i cried, so i know im going to be a hot mess tomorrow! He will actually have some fat on his little cheeks and his face will have matured so much since then! Im so so so eager to see if we can tell what hes going to look like..we are praying for a great picture and that he is in a good position!

Babys progress: Hes around 4 lbs and 16-18 inches! Hes the size of a cabbage or 4 navel oranges side by side. He's now processing information, tracking light, and perceiving signals from all five senses. He's also putting in longer stretches of sleep, which is why most moms start noticing more defined patterns of wakefulness (and movement) and rest (when he’s pretty still).

Missing: nothing really... i've actually really loved being pregnant this past trimester and the start of the third. Feeling really good and really thankful!

Additional update: We went to our second Birthing class this past wednesday and learned some new breathing techniques, watched a couple videos (O M Gsh.. i have watched plenty of births both live and on video and i must say, they truly picked some of the worst labor and delivery videos they could have possibly chosen..poor hubbies).  We learned different positions to labor in and talked all about natural methods, epidurals, and narcotic shot options.. The class made me really on the fence about getting an epidural. Id say before this class i was 80% sure id get one, but i did want to wait as long as i could without getting it so Labor could progress naturally and much more quickly then it tends to once you get the epidural (so ive heard/experience w family).  Now im thinking i would like to try to do without one.. i know i will most likely change my mind and could be one of those women screaming at 2cm dilated, "GET ME THE EPIDURAL AND SOME IMMEDIATE RELIEF ASAP!!!!!". But we will just see how it goes, ill take it one contraction at a time.  The most discouraging information i learned about epidurals is that they can lower the moms blood pressure, thus resulting in the babies heart rate dropping, and risking a potential emergency C-section. Id like to birth vaginally, so ill do whatever i can to not have to go through getting a c-section, and i want whats best for our little boy.  I guess im just leaving it up to how i feel the day of.  (: Im not going to stress it

Wedding rings: On

Belly Button: OUT

Clothing: mostly wearing just comfy dresses and maxi skirts or leggings. .. its too hot for jeans. Not really wearing anything maternity and havent botten anything in a long time. My shirts are definitely much shorter this week so i may need to invest in a couple longer ones that wont show my belly but that i can wear after pregnancy as well.

60 days or less left!!!! We have 6-9 weeks until he could be here. Im full term in 6 weeks and due in 9!

Sneak Peak Maternity Shoot

Maternity Shoot Sneak Peak:

If you are following me on instagram: tessa_ray_armstrong, im sure you already saw this little sneak peak my sister (our photographer: www.kelseysteindler.blogspot.com) took from her IPHONE...   I cannot wait to see the actual pics she took w/ her camera! She is an amazing photographer, so gifted and skilled, with such a beautiful heart. She can make anyone smile and it so wonderfully her goofy sweet self that you instantly feel comfortable in front of the lens (great for people like my hubs who hate taking professional photos).  

Her instagram is "thesteinz" if you'd like to follow her work.  Im so grateful for her giving heart and that she is always open to do a shoot <3.  Since we are family she brought along her hubby and their sweet 6 month old baby boy, my darling nephew Canaan (pronounced cay- nan). Her husband took the baby and their dog for a stroll while we got down to business.  Heres a couple photos of me with my nephew after we were done shooting. He was out past his bed time for auntie so he was a bit crabby but I love to kiss and squeeze him anyhow!

Before we shot w/ my sis we were sitting around waiting so i stole a quick kiss at sunset.

We finished off the night at Savannah's Steakhouse. We love to get in as many date nights as we can these days knowing that pretty soon we'll have our little guy here and not be able to do as much with just the two of us.  My husbands schedule is INTENSE and BUSY to say the least right now. For the next 2 1/2 months hes working and going to school (finishing his hours) and on top of that doing work for the band. Hes a busy man and im so proud of him for all his hard work for our family. <3

Cant wait to post more maternity pics for you when my sis gets a chance to edit! 

25, 26, and 27 Weeks Pregnant

25, 26, and 27 Weeks Pregnant Update:

Week by Week belly comparison, its amazing how big the baby gets towards the end.. im excited to see what this belly will look like in 10 more weeks (at 37 weeks!)

{dont mind the backwards 7...}

27 weeks baby bump (sick with the flu.. dont mind the pjs and bed head) 7 Months pregnant, welcome to the third trimester!!

27 weeks baby bump (sick with the flu.. dont mind the pjs and bed head)

25 Week baby bump

25 week Baby bump 

I didnt get a shot of my belly at 26 weeks, we were busy and I think I forgot, by the time i remembered i was already 26 wks and 4 days, big difference with this little guys growth spurts hes been going through.

How far along:  Currently 27 weeks pregnant

Symptoms: I've been feeling pretty good still.  Im a little more tired at night than i was a couple weeks ago. I have noticed that numb/heavy feeling in my right leg when i work out is creeping its way back in these last couple weeks as well (Dr. says its just the increased blood volume in my body and maybe the babys weight on my pelvic region?).  Im still hungry often and need to eat every 3 hours.  I have been trying my best to make sure im getting enough fluids and forcing down water especially at the end of the day.. which leads to me waking up more frequently at night to run to the bathroom (3 times per night is the norm).  

Weight gain: so far i've gained a healthy 15 lbs.  The baby himself is on average 2.5 lbs at this stage.  Its interesting to learn about where all the weight goes when you are pregnant, for those of you who don't know here is a break down: 

Where Does My Pregnancy Weight Gain Go?

A normal weight gain of 25 -35 pounds (28 to 40 pounds for women considered underweight, only 15 to 25 pounds for those overweight), over a10 month pregnancy is expected.Where does it all go? Location Average Weight (in pounds) Fetus 7.5 Placenta 1.5 Amniotic Fluid 2.0 Uterus 2.0 Breasts 1-2 Blood 3.0 Water 3.5 Fat 7.5 Research has found women tend to retain the weight they have gained during pregnancy when most of that weight gain was experienced during the first trimester. On average, a woman should only gain about three to six pounds in the first trimester (12 weeks). After that a gain of one pound per week is recommended, or about 24 pounds. Now, how long does it take to lose the weight gained during a normal pregnancy? At birth a woman will lose on average 10 1/2 pounds. This weight is represented by the new baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid. During the first three to six weeks postpartum, weight gained in the uterus, blood, and extra water stores will diminish. Weight gained in the breasts and as body fat will diminish during the same postpartum time depending on whether or not you breastfeed. In my first trimester I gained around 4 lbs. I was on the border of underweight and average for my body mass index (BMI) pre pregnancy according to different pregnancy websites and books that help you calculate how much is a healthy weight to gain month by month.  When you begin the second trimester you are supposed to gain about 1 lb per week. Each trimester is a little over 13 weeks... And in the third trimester again on average you should be gaining about 1 lb per week.  So far im on track for a healthy weight gain, my Dr. has always been pleased with how we are doing (: Sleep: My sleep is pretty much the same as it has been. I wake up a lot for bathroom breaks as well as to switch sides because my shoulders get sour sleeping on them all night.  I have the pregnancy pillow now (thanks to my sister kelsey), which helps me fall asleep but not stay asleep.  I know its only going to get worse in this last trimester so im not complaining about what im getting right now. Wedding Rings: On Cravings: Peanut butter, and SUGAR.. i currently have a major sweet tooth, im cravings all things chocolate and loving vanilla frozen yogurt w/ cookies or chocolate covered pretzles from trader joes.  I try to eat fruit with chocolate or something for dessert.. this way im getting a little nutritional value out of it for my little guy. Movement: He is still a mover.. not as much as he use to, i think hes slowly running out of room week by week.  He has his moments though when he will just go wild, and then he falls back asleep. I feel a lot of little movements in my pelic area so im wondering if thats where his legs are or maybe his hands? Belly Button: OUT! Its definitely out there, and you can see it in almost everything i wear. .. but i think its cute and so does my hubby ( ; Excited for: Doing a 4D ultrasound in a few weeks probably. Im trying to decide on when we should do it.. I am so eager to see him but I dont want to go too soon when he isnt plump and has those oh so cute chubby cheeks! Im also so excited that both of our baby showers are coming up in a couple weeks! And a maternity shoot my sister (kelsey steindler photography: www.kelseysteindler.blogspot.com) who is an amazing photographer, will be shooting them! Thats coming up next week! Missing: not really anything lately.. im really loving being pregnant right now. Im at that fun stage when people can tell im pregnant and everyone gets so happy to see my little bump! It brings me joy and im just so grateful for this life growing inside of me.. its really made me so happy to think about. Exercise: I havent been exercising as much as id like to lately because i've been sick and also tired (probably because my body is fighting off this bug).  Its tough to work out when i get that numb/heavy leg cramp as well.  OH and i had a big juice drink from Mothers market before i worked out the other day (trying to avoid getting sick) and i literally had to stop 3 times to go to the bathroom in just a 30 minute time frame while trying to do some cardio.  Normally i take 1-2 bathroom breaks in an hour at the gym.  Im proud of myself for sticking with a routine though, as hard as some days are, im continuing to try to stay healhty and active for me and this little boy. Stretch Marks: None so far.. I have been using mama mio body butter and oil, bio oil, coconut oil, and Palmers cocoa butter throughout my pregnancy at different periods. I apply one of these or a combination 2 times a day (morning and night). How big is baby: The size of a cauliflower! Babies on average are 2.5 lbs and 15 inches at this stage. At our 21 week appointment (our last ultrasound) he was measuring a couple weeks ahead..BIG! So im wondering if hes slowed down or if hes still a big baby.. we wont know until our last ultrasound with our Dr. around late 30's. Or if we do a 4D scan somewhere we can try to find out how big he is.  {By this first week of the third trimester, your baby looks similar to what he or she will look like at birth, except thinner and smaller. The lungs, liver, and immune system still need to fully mature, but if born now, your baby would have a very good chance of surviving.} Feeling: Great overall.. i was really emotional around 25-26 weeks though. I definitely had my first week where i felt "pregnant" emotionally... the littlest thing would bring me to tears.. and im not typically a crier.

23 & 24 Weeks Pregnant Update

Pregnancy Update: 23 & 24 Weeks Pregnant

Hubby and I on the fairy headed to balboa island fun zone, day date <3

 23 Weeks pregnant

24 Weeks Pregnant (6 MONTHS)

Good Friday with our families

24 Weeks belly update

How far along: 23 & 24 weeks pregnant

Symptoms:  that funny line is moving up my belly slowly but surely! Still feeling good.. a little swelling this week in my thighs bum and lower back, my belly is definitely noticeable, belly button is out at the top, still fit in my normal clothes but having to get creative with shirts that now show the bottom of my tummy (lol), getting braxton hicks daily, and he is wild as ever! He moves constantly! We have an active boy on our hands. I can see him moving from outside my belly which is pretty neat to witness and my husband gets to feel him pretty much every day as well. This trimester has been so much fun, it seems real now that there is a little person in there with a fun personality..we cant wait to meet him and smother him with love and affection!

Cravings: Chocolate chocolate chocolate. The citrus phase has gone and now all i want is cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, and chocolate anything!

Wedding Rings: on

Belly button: out

Exercise:  Still going strong with the usual routine

Sleep: lately sleep has been worse, I think my back is starting to hurt even more which makes me really uncomfortable at night. I really hate sleeping on my side and find myself rolling onto my back throughout the night, which in turn kills me in the morning.  My husband has been waking up really early for work now and that wakes me up and its hard to go back to sleep.  Im going to invest in a pregnancy pillow soon, my hubbys hands are getting sore from all these back rubs (LOL) i need a new remedy!

Maternity Clothes: So far i've purchased 5 maxi skirts (non maternity), a couple dresses, a couple shirts, 1 pair of leggings, some work out shorts that arent too tight for my tummy, bigger sports bras to support the growing lady parts, and my sister got me maternity jeans for christmas and im borrowing my other sisters maternity jeans.  The rest of my clothes are my normal clothes that im trying to make due with.  I know as my belly gets bigger i may have to find some other options.

Excited for: My baby showers on May 5th and May 11th as well as our preparation for child birth classes. I dont know why but im so excited for labor... of course to meet our little one but also just to experience what God created our bodies for.  Its just a bizarre part of being a woman i suppose.

Missing: I really missed sushi tonight.  I miss my pre prego body, seeing so many cute summer outfits and people getting in shape for summer is not fun when you are only going to get bigger and bigger and not be able to wear anything cute for several months...but i know its all worth it!

We can't wait to meet our little baby boy! Im getting so eager!

21 Weeks Pregnant Update

21 Weeks Pregnant Update (5 months, 1 week):

We had our 21 week appointment and here is a shot of our babys "CUTE AS A BUTTON" side profile from our ultrasound

As we were fixated on our baby side profile the ultrasound technician suddenly surprised us with a 4D shot of his face!!!!!! I was in complete shock, i instantly became extremely emotional and started tearing up uncontrollably. I didnt expect to see his face, i was not prepared for it. Its like meeting the little baby you've dreamed of your whole life without knowing that you are about to meet him! We felt so grateful and blessed that she was able to share this moment with us, she said its rare that she gets the baby in the perfect position for a 4D shot. So we felt so thankful! He has his mommys nose! And he seems to have daddys beautiful lips! The ultrasound technician said this is still early to tell what he'll look like because he still has 19 weeks of growing and fattening up to do! He is the most incredible thing I have ever seen, my heart is completely in love.

She confirmed it... its a BOY!!!! Yay! We are so happy that we have a healthy baby boy. The technician told my husband he should be proud of that package.. oh boy! 

Belly shots

How far along: 21 Weeks (5 months 1 week)

Symptoms: That funny dark line has started to appear from my private area up halfway to almost my belly button now! Speaking of belly bottons, mine is not only flattened but its popping out half way at the top!!! I thought that happened way later but I guess im lucky! lol.  I feel like i've popped! This bump is showing and I no longer have to keep my hand on it so people don't just think I have a beer belly. The first half of pregnancy is making space for this little man, and now he is filling in that space. QUICKLY! I havent had much round ligament pain since weeks ago, so thats good! I had my first identifiable braxton hicks at 21 weeks and 1 day. It didn't hurt at all just got really tight and my stomach was in a tiny little ball. 

Hes kicking like crazy now. And I mean big big kicks that even my hubby can feel. Sometimes I can see them on the outside of my tummy.

Cravings: bagels, bagels bagels. I had been craving a bagel for over a month now and was trying to ignore it but this sunday I gave in.  I tried to add on some veggies (bell pepper, onion, and tomato) for my little babe growing, and the cream cheese and bread were for mama! I do try to make sure he gets great nutrients at every meal in some form. I am responsible for him, thats a lot of pressure to keep myself healthy when I know everything i do is impacting him. 

Adversions: none

Wedding rings: On

Sleep: getting up for bathroom trips 1-2 times. Tossing and turning to get comfortable. Sleeping with 4 pillows- one in front of the belly, one along my back, one between my legs and one for my head of course.  My sweet hubby gives me bag rubs and massages nightly for the back pain that usually starts as im sitting on the couch late at night or right when I lay down for bed.  Not really that comfortable these days sleeping but I know I shouldn't complain because I hear it only gets harder.

Excited for: I cant wait to see what his eyes look like! In the 4d shots you really arent able to get a good look at their eyes, they just look like giant holes. Baby shower and beginning the nursery!

Missing: my summer bod. Its beginning to warm up and im seeing all these cute clothes that I wont be able to sport for a while. So im definitely missing my pre baby bod a little bit here and there. Especially when my nightly back pain shows up!

Movement: I have a nudger inside! He is fully active and nudging on my insides. I get so excited with every movement I feel. I jerk my husband with my elbow and demand he put his hand on the belly to experience the joy that im experiencing. Its pretty magical and I just want everyone to feel it!

Dr. update: He is 100% healthy, no abnormalities or causes for concern. He is perfect and I cant not be anymore grateful. We feel so blessed and our hearts are full of joy to get these incredible results. The halfway ultrasound and all of our lab work and screenings show he is honestly a perfect little boy. We found out his head is a week and a half ahead, his body and growth is 3 days ahead of his due date (when the due date was july 21st).  So the Dr. moved his due date back to July 19th! YAY! Im hoping his head is going to slow down while everything else catches up..for my sake! My sisters baby had a big head, and OUCH, that looked painful! 

Exercise: same as last week... 1-2 days light weights, 4-5 days cardio if I can. I think Im doing well keeping it up, I know as I go i'll just keep on adjusting to how my body is responding and feeling.

19 Week Bump/Pregnancy Update

Pregnancy Update: 19 Weeks

Our whole family went for lunch on Saturday at Cafe Rio. I had never gone here before but I absolutely loved it. Anything mexican will usually be a winner in my eyes!  Heres a cute little snap shot of my beautiful niece Payten. Shes completely smitten and in love with my hubby, can you tell?! Together they melt my heart.

Hanging with my little nephew Canaan. He was 3 1/2 months old in this shot. Hes such a big boy! This was taken after lunch when my hubs and I went over my sisters house to visit with her little family. My baby boy and Canaan were just hanging out together.

My brother in law Carl gave my hubby our little boys first pair of kicks! Taylor was so happy to see that our son will be dresses just as cool as daddy.

 Here is my other adorable nephew Parker and my little 19 week bump. Parker is Paytens little brother, my oldest sister's kids (Courtney).  He seemed to have loved his meal at Cafe Rio just as much as this little preggo did.

This was taken at 19 weeks, 3 days ...my tummy lying down looks so much more pronounced! Pretty neat how you can see right where the baby is!

My hubby had another show at the Roxy in Hollywood. They always kill it and put on a good show.  His band is called Sons of The Damned, check them out on Youtube

Sons of the Damned performing at the Roxy Theatre, Hollywood CA

Exactly 19 weeks instagram shot.

This weekend on Sunday we went to register for our baby shower. We probably spent 3-4 hours there going through each section and each option. Then additionally, i went online and spent a few more hours deleting things off our registry and adding on new ones after doing a bit more research and asking around. Its always a good idea to ask other mommies for advice on products when it comes to our childrens safety.  A few products I've been told are great are: B-Ready Britax (or the Uppababy vista) stroller, the Cloud B Sleep Sheep, Dr. Browns feeding bottles, Medela Breast Pump, a great jumper (they have so many options), the Fisher Price My Little SnuggaBunny Cradle n' Swing, and aden + anais swaddle blankets just to list a few of my favorite picks

We went tried out the Luxury Theatre called Cinepolis for the first time that Friday. It was so RAD. You lounge in these huge reclining chairs and are served by waiters. They have meals so you can order dinner, coffee, etc as well as the typical movie theatre options like candy and popcorn. So worth the extra money! A pregnant womans dream. You must try this at least once! We didnt know they served food so we had just eaten dinner and snuck in yogurtland. Next time we'll definitely eat there. We saw the movie Safe Haven, it was pretty good

I finally got to meet my little Michael Jayden. This is my best friends (kelly) baby boy! She had him almost a week ago and he is absolutely perfect. Its so beautiful to see her as a new mama. I cant wait to experience that!

19 Week Pregnancy Update:

 I switched out of the jeans... lets just say maternity jeans are not the cutest for a bare belly shot.  So here you have me in sweats instead (:

How far along: 19 weeks pregnant

Symptoms:  Headaches more often this week. I have way more energy now!! WAHOO! I am starting to feel more like my old self again (its been so nice). I have lower back pain if i sit for more than 30 minutes and especially when i get into bed at night. I am hungry more this week, i think the baby is going through a big growth spurt (towards the end of 19 weeks) i just cant seem to get enough food in my tummy to feel full.  I STILL need to be drinking more water!! (Dr. said 12, 8 ounce glasses). I am honestly the worst at this. I am lucky if I get 8 glasses.  I havent really had any new symptoms. 

Cravings: Sweets (cookies and ice cream this week). Edamame Hummus, green cold seedless grapes, navel oranges.

Adversions: None

Excited for: Feeling more of babies kicks! They have been small little ones but im dying to feel bigger kicks that my husband can feel 

Movement: Yes! I felt him move at exactly 18 weeks in santa barbara and then 3 days later when we got home.

Belly button: Going flat and trying to poke out

Sleep: I have to sleep in the buff because anything touching my tummy feels restricting and uncomfortable. Getting up to pee only 1x nightly now!

Exercise: Its still really difficult! My right leg feels especially heavy, sort of numb, as though I have 50 lbs of added weight wrapped around my thigh. I even experienced this walkiing into church (WALKING) .. crazy, i dont know what it is but im guessing its due to the increase in blood moving throughout my body.  Im still able to do cardio and light weights at the gym. I feel like ive done a good job of eating healthy (when the cravings arent taking over for pizza and ice cream lol) and I've tried my best to stay active and get movement at least 5 days a week. Im proud of myself because pregnancy is not a cake walk and you really do have to push yourself wayy more than when you are not pregnant. Work outs are so exhausting and the entire time you feel like you want to just go lay down in the bath tub and relax.  I really look forward to having my body back after the baby and being able to move freely without feeling so lethargic and tired.

Missing this week: sushi, easy work outs.