Saying goodbye to the 2nd trimester...

Well, these past few weeks I have learned a few things:
1 - This baby LOVES chocolate!! However, the chocolate has NOT loved me. Today was my 28-week checkup and the scales were ridiculous. I have gained NINE pounds in the last four weeks! This just adjusts my way of thinking as a reminder to keep it healthy for this baby of mine.
2 - The weight of my belly is working on the muscles a little further down - never thought possible! This has definitely added to my pregnancy waddle and funky pains. The good thing is that the pains come and go. One day they're around all day while a few days later they last for just a few minutes.
3 - JR's falling in love with this baby already! He's been so precious and adorable. He has had a few opportunities to feel the baby move and really enjoys "talking" to the baby. He buries his face into my belly and mumbles something to her. It's so funny and great!!
4 - Even maternity shirts aren't always long enough. As my belly grows bigger and bigger, my shirts are getting shorter and shorter! Thank goodness for the big waistbands on those pants!
AND...
5 - I'm going to miss being pregnant. Having this child inside of me and constantly reminding me of her presence is such a precious gift. It will definitely be an adjustment not having her with me at all times, but there is a time for every season!
And to wrap this up, quick update from today's appointment: Baby's heartbeat was strong in the 130s, my blood pressure was 110/62, and all is good, other than my 9-pound weight gain! Praise the Lord!!

Child of Mine

Dearest Little One,
In just a few more weeks I will finally get to see your beautiful face and look into your eyes. I feel like I'm getting to know you more and more though already as you continue to grow so rapidly in my womb. I especially have learned you are definitely a fan of brownie sundaes, as every time I enjoyed one this week you became very active! Your daddy is also getting to know you a little more as he felt you moving for the first time this past week. He does wish though that when I call him over to feel you moving that you would continue to move instead of stopping at his touch! :D
Today I was reminded of how blessed we are to become your parents and the great responsibility that comes with that. I know there will be days when we disappoint you and upset you. We ask though that in all we say and do you continue to love us and see God's love through us. Ever since we learned of your beginning we have prayed that you would love the Lord with ALL your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Today in worship we sang an older song called "Give Me Jesus". May that be the desire of your heart, that no matter what happens in this world and in this family that you desire Jesus, as He will give you all you need and will be the only one to never let you down. He knows all your desires, fears, worries, and enjoyments.
Dear child, may our love for you always be evident to you. We are so blessed to be your parents and so excited to have you join us!!
Love,
Mama

A Week to Remember

I realize I haven't blogged in awhile, but Baby hasn't been very active and there hasn't been much to report...until this week! This was definitely a week to remember. QUICK recap:

Monday - Grammy bought Mama a new maternity shirt and we looked at things on the registry

Tuesday - 24-week appointment! All is well and Grammy got to hear the strong heartbeat!

Wednesday - I felt Baby moving without a doubt for the first time!! It felt like she (he?) was playing patty cake against my belly.

Thursday - Glucose test results in - all is normal and healthy! Praise the Lord!!

Friday - Plans for showers falling together; I found out my favorite junior high advisors want to have a shower for me! I love that gang...

Saturday - Mama and Daddy went to Target to review the registry and make some changes.

As the recap shows, this was definitely a week to remember, but the most memorably part of it was the first time I felt the baby for sure on Wednesday. There have been times when I thought, "Hmm, I wonder if that's the baby or just gas or cramps!" This time though there was no doubt about her movements. My Adobe Design students were giving presentations, so I was sitting amongst the students listening when all of a sudden I felt my child playing patty cake or doing a funny dance in her womb!! It was the craziest feeling ever. I laughed at it because she did it every time a new group of kids got up to present. Then I felt her nearly every period the rest of the day and every day since! It's such an amazing sensation and reminder of God's blessings. We're still waiting for when JR can feel the baby moving, but that should be just around the bend! What a week to remember...

And here's the 25-week belly shot to wrap up this entry. (Sorry it's a week late, but I hadn't changed much since then!):