35 wEEks

How far along? 35 WeeKs!

Size of baby: Baby E is the size of a coconut.

He's about 17.2 to 18.7 inches. From here on out, he won't get much longer, but he's plumping up. He's now about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds, and he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth.

Total weight gain: Next weigh in-Jan. 6th at 7am. Weight as of last weigh in-Dec. 11 150lbs. Total weight gain as of then = 27 lbs.

Maternity clothes? My usual. I've been wearing a lot of dresses lately. Just more comfortable. If I do wear pants or shorts they are still my own with a belly band. I'm loving my maternity tops. Mostly because they show off my belly!!

Stretch marks? Nope. Still putting the Honest Company belly balm on occasionally and hoping for the best.

Sleep: Eh...it's getting harder to get comfortable and I'm waking up A LOT. But I can't complain. Having time off of work makes it easy to just get up when I'm up in the morning and then nap when I'm tired. I have a feeling those last 3 weeks when I go back to school will be ROUGH.

Best moment this week: This week was so much fun! We spent 5 days in St. Cloud with Kyle's family. It was fun to be around all of Maverick's cousins and to think about next year when he'll be able to play with them (kind of)! I'm extremely thankful for all the presents that Maverick and I got for Christmas. I'm also ecstatic that we finished the thank you cards--Kyle was a HUGE help. But, number 1 moment of the week has to be when Kyle told me to put my feet up and then gave me a foot massage. He really is the best and has been amazing as I get more and more whiny these last few weeks.

Anything making you queasy or sick: No, but I burped today and threw up in my mouth. LOL. I know, I know that's gross, but I had to share.

Gender: It's a Maverick Carter Elam!
 
Belly Button in or out? Sticking out is getting more and more frequent. It's hard not to touch it and push on it all the time. It feels so funny!

Miss Anything? Laying and sleeping on my stomach.

Food cravings: Salty. Then sweet. Then just food in general. I'm never full. But I've been REALLY trying to eat healthier since it is the holidays, I don't have a schedule, and everybody has been cooking amazing meals and baking treats. It worked for a few days! Only 9 more days until I go back to school. Let's see how I do!

Labor Signs: No.

35 Week Symptoms: Straight from thebump.com

• Frequent urge to pee. Yup, your bladder's getting pressed by baby. 100% YES. ABSOLUTELY.
• Constipation -- make sure to get plenty of fiber. Not really, kind of, maybe? I've become regularly, irregular. But when I do have to do go, it's like a RIGHT NOW kind of thing. Really inconvenient when I'm not home.
• A continuation of all those aches and pains -- and maybe even a few new ones. Not so much aches and pains, although I did tell Kyle I was a little achy yesterday in my sinuses and throat. (Cross your fingers I'm not getting sick! I don't feel it at all today, so that's a good sign.)
• An increase in the amount of contractions you're having. No contractions...that I can feel anyways? Should I be worried?!
• Others: 
• I cry pretty easily...like when Simba got lost in the couch and I wanted to leave to go to my parents. I was mad because we had spent 5 days in St. Cloud and then our time with my family was slowly ticking away as Simba relaxed under the couch. So I cried...I'm such a baby!
• Sad day--Last thursday, I tried to put on heels to go to work and they didn't fit :( My feet were SO SWOLLEN! It lasted until about Saturday. Kyle asked me if I sprained my ankles! LOL He's so sweet ;) It was so bad on Friday I went into my boss's office to do my post observation conference and she said "Ewwww! Are your feet swollen!? That's why I have cats!" hahahaha It was pretty gross and no wonder my heels didn't fit!

Happy or Moody? Well, overall I'm so excited and there are lots of exciting things happening. BUT as you can see from my little anecdote up above, I have been crying easily. I am also really easily disappointed. Which was an issue I had pre-pregnancy. I think it comes with being a spoiled brat. (Which....by the way....I like to joke around about and act like it SOMETIMES, but I'm almost positive "spoiled brat" DOES NOT describe me very well on a day to day basis. Which....also by the way...brings me to another point...I have been getting really defensive and easily ANNOYED by people. ok...I digress. Deep breaths...)

Looking forward to:OMG everything! Holding Maverick. Moving and getting settled in whether that's in Wimauma, St. Pete, or 12 places in between--but fingers crossed we find a house ASAP and everything works out for the best. My birthday. Going back to school (only because that means my due date is CLOSE). Did I mention holding Maverick?!

34 WEekS

How far along? 34 WeeKs! Only 6 to go and 2 of those I'll be off of school. I love being a teacher!

Size of baby: Baby E is the size of a butternut squash.

At less than two months to go, he weighs in at about 4.2 pounds to 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7 inches.

Total weight gain: I think I can say with confidence I probably weigh a million pounds right now. Today I ate sausage and peppers for breakfast and then like 9 donut holes and the more sausage and peppers for lunch. ay yi yi! I haven't weighed myself since the doctor visit last week and I don't again until Jan 6th. So we'll see what the holiday damage is then. As for now, we'll stick with 27 lbs gained putting me at150.2lbs.

Maternity clothes? No new ones.

Stretch marks? Nope. Auntie Claire checked me out at the baby shower just to be sure too!

Sleep: Not bad. I've noticed when I wake up in the middle of the night I'm not dying to go back to sleep or groggy, which will be nice when I actually have to do something when I get up. I can still fall back asleep pretty quickly too! Surrounding myself with pillows has definitely got to be the trick!

Best moment this week: The BaByQ FOR SURE! It was amazing! We had about 86 people come to celebrate Maverick. The food was fantastic, the decorations were adorable, and we had a blast. On top of that talk about baby stuff...holy cow! We needed two cars to get everything home and still had to leave a few big things behind for next time. Organizing everything and putting it all away at my parents' and Kyle's was super fun. It definitely made me sad about not having our own place right now, but we'll manage! Check out the shower post soon for pictures and an update :)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Gender: BOY.
 
Belly Button in or out? Same. Mostly flat. And yes, sometimes it sticks out.

Miss Anything? Not really...still laying on my stomach and shaving easily. 

Food cravings: Nothing in particular this week. I'm so weird!

Labor Signs: Can't say that I have experienced any. P.S. If one more person tells me I look huge and I'm going to go early I'm going to scream!

34 Week Symptoms: Straight from thebump.com

• Blurry vision, created by a combination of hormones, fluid buildup and lack of sleep. No and that's scary...
• Fatigue. Now, if only you could sleep at night! I'm starting to feel tired in the afternoon, especially when it gets dark so early now!
• Constipation and hemorrhoids. Make sure you're getting plenty of fiber. Not really anymore and NO. Still eww.
• Swollen ankles and feet. Put up those feet, mama-to-be! I'm thinking yeah...I was hoping my shoes hadn't shrunk. Today coincidentally I had to wear flip flops to last school because my shoes were just too tight. Sad day.
• As baby prepares for his arrival, you might feel pressure down lower in your pelvis, and even more frequent peeing. More frequent peeing yes. Pressure...not that I've noticed yet.

Happy or Moody? So excited!! :) I did have a melt down yesterday about ink and postage. Thank god for Kyle and my mom.

Looking forward to: Christmas and having time off to play with and touch and hold and organize all this baby stuff!!!!!! I just love it!

33 weEKs!

How far along? 33 WeeKs! eeeekk.

Size of baby: Baby E is the size of a durian fruit. What the heck is that?! 

He weighs about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7 inches. And he may grow up to a full inch this week -- amazing.

Total weight gain: I am happy to report that I was either correct when the nurse got my weight wrong last visit or I didn't gain any weight between then and now. I currently weigh 150.2, which means I have gained 27 lbs so far. (Insert me doing the happy dance!)

Maternity clothes? Still rockin the belly bands with unzipped pants, lots of maxi skirts that my mommy made and a mix of regular and maternity shirts.

Stretch marks? No.

Sleep: Doing pretty good. I've found that surrounding myself with pillows or sleeping on the couch is extremely helpful so I have something to lean against.

Best moment this week: Another week of amazing moments! We decided on and ordered a crib...and it came! We'll be putting it together tonight. I was meeting with one of my favorite teams to plan with and they surprised me with a baby gift! Soooo sweet. THEN Wednesday I had a coaches' meeting and when we came back from lunch they had a surprise shower all set up for me! We are definitely feeling the love this week. :) :) AND I almost forgot that on Sunday my mom and I toured the hospital. I feel a lot better about where to go when I'm in labor and saw the rooms and all of that.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nada

Gender: Chico.
 
Belly Button in or out? Same status. Flatie with an occasional awning. LOL

Miss Anything? I 100% miss laying on my stomach! I cannot wait to flop down on my bed on my stomach.

Food cravings: Nothing in particular. Lots of carbs.

Labor Signs: Not here.

33 Week Symptoms: Straight from thebump.com

• Hot! Your metabolic rate is through the roof, and that may leave you feeling overheated. I thought it was because I didn't like to turn the air on, but this could explain a lot! I also get hot a lot when I'm working at school. I'm not sure you can really blame it on the pregnancy though...Florida is just HOT in general!

• Headaches, due to hormone fluctuations, stress or dehydration. No. Thank heavens, knock on wood, whatever else I need to say or do to keep them away!
• Shortness of breath -- though you're probably used to it by now. I think it is finally noticeable. It mostly happens when I'm talking and doing something else. Oh boy!
• Forgetfulness and clumsiness, also known as baby brain. This is totally normal. UGH. Yes... Baby brain is the worst!
• Not from the bump...but from the assurance of friends...my one night of stuffy nose is pregnancy related!

Happy or Moody? Elated!

Looking forward to:The GIGANTIC BaByQ happening on Saturday. I cannot say thank you enough for Kyle's family always going above and beyond for us! We are also so excited to see Bryan, Tasha, Eli, and Maile who are flying in from Hawaii! (Not just for us though lol)

32 weeks

How far along? 32 WeeKs! 8 to go...WOW!

Size of baby: Baby E is the size of a squash (P.S. that is not what I picture when I think squash?!)! 

Still growing, your baby weighs in at about 2.5 to 3.8 pounds and measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches.

Total weight gain: Until the 11th we are sticking with 27.5ish lbs.

Maternity clothes? I got some new maternity clothes from the GAP on black Friday courtesy of Grandma Pete! Still tops only with unzipped pants and belly bands.

Stretch marks? Nope. Still checking as often as possible and doing the belly balm when I remember.

Sleep: Sleeping fine until about the 1am hour. Then asleep again until the 4am hour. Then waking up around 6:45. Besides going to bed too late sleep has been pretty good.

Best moment this week: OMG where to begin? Sunday Kylee threw us a baby shower at Las Margaritas in Gainesville. I loved seeing all of my old friends and being showered with love and gifts! Hopefully I'll get some pics up soon. THEN Monday and Tuesday, Kyle and I went to a baby basics class and a breastfeeding class. This week was SOO FUN. I can't wait until he's here! It's getting sooo real. EEEEKKKK.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Gender: Boy.
 
Belly Button in or out? Flat...top out...same.

Miss Anything? Hmmmm....really missing shaving! Ugh. Part of it has to do with the lack of hot water in the shower. I'm sure I could get creative and get it done, but I'm not doing that in freezing cold water.

Food cravings: The opposite. I mostly just want food, but I can't ever decide what I want to eat. 

Labor Signs: zero.

30 Week Symptoms: Straight from thebump.com

• More Braxton Hicks contractions. Are they getting more intense? No and they can't get more intense if they never happened in the first place.
• Darker nipples, so baby can see then better when it comes time to breastfeed. Haven't noticed? But they are kind of itchy sometimes.
• Shortness of breath. Don't worry: baby is getting plenty of air. Not more than usual or anything that is noticeable.
• Heartburn. Go ahead and pop an antacid. Negative.
• Enlarged breasts that may leak!Again, not that I've noticed...especially the leaky part.
• Vaginal discharge. Your body is preparing for delivery by preventing infection down there. I guess now that you mention it. But it's been a constant symptom my whole pregnancy. So it doesn't really stick out.

Same bathroom issues as far as not really an issue, but not being regular. hmmm....

Happy or Moody? H.A.P.P.Y and excited and anxious and when I'm tired kind of quiet. 

Looking forward to:The upcoming baby shower--Dec. 14th! My next dr. appointment to see my weight gain! Ordering a crib tonight :) :) :) ahhhhhhh....EVERYTHING.

31 WeeKs!

How far along? 31 WeeKs! I'm into the single digit countdown!

Size of baby: Baby E is the size of a pineapple! 

At 31 weeks, all of baby's five senses are working. Plus, he's going through major brain and nerve development.

Total weight gain: I'm up to 151lbs. Although usually when I go to the doctor we use the digital scale, but I was in a different room this time and she used the slidy scale. I was so excited because she put 150 up and it was too heavy. Then she put it down to 100lbs and moved the ones over to 149 and it was too light. Not sure how she got 151 from there...but I'm thinking more like 150 even. So that puts me at 27lbs in total weight gain. 

Maternity clothes? Pants unzipped, belly bands, a few maternity shirts, lots of maxi skirts that my mom made me. 

Stretch marks? No. I double checked and I had Kyle check too! My mom got me new belly balm and I used it yesterday. It smells great and is way easier than cutting open vitamin E capsules.

Sleep: Waking up to pee around 1:45, 4:30, and then up between 6:45 and 7:30 seems to be the pattern. I wonder if that's when Maverick will wake up to eat?! Once I'm asleep, I'm sleeping good though. 

Best moment this week: Putting all of the baby clothes, toys, and essentials away in an organized manner at my mom's house. I guess that will be my way of nesting since I'm going to be homeless!! (Ugh!) 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not that I've come across.

Gender: It's a MAVERICK!! lol Boy.Boy.Boy.Boy.Boy.
 
Belly Button in or out? Can we call it a flatie? Sometimes the top still sticks out, sometimes it doesn't. Twice this week people that saw me said, "Oh how cute, your belly button already popped out!" I wanted to slap them. It's only the top half people and it's only sometimes! 

Miss Anything? I'm starting to miss being pregnant already! I know it's coming to an end and I can't wait to meet Maverick, but it's making me think about not being pregnant anymore. 

Food cravings: No real strong cravings. Still hungry all the time.

Labor Signs: x

30 Week Symptoms: Straight from thebump.com

• Out of breath, since baby keeps squishing your lungs. Not really, which is very surprising. 
• Dry, brittle nails, thanks to all that extra nail growth. Not that I've noticed?
• Braxton Hicks contractions. Be sure you're drinking plenty of water and changing positions often. Not that I can feel. I am drinking lots of water though.
• Leaky boobs. That's baby's first food, called colostrum. Ummmm....no?!
• Frequent urination. Your bladder's just as crowded as your lungs. YEP! This never stopped.
• Back aches. Be sure to keep stretching. Not really.
• Difficulty sleeping. Aches and pains, your big belly, pregnancy hormones, heartburn andanxiety are probably all contributing. Not really, not really, no heartburn (maybe once?), and a little about living arrangements, but not really.

I haven't been constipated per se, but I'm definitely not using the bathroom regularly. I think that has to do with some of my weight gain! No uncomfortableness, but just thought I'd report it anyways.

Happy or Moody? Oh so over the moon excited and happy! (Highly irritable when things don't go my way and I had an extremely selfish bratty moment this week, but what else is new?!)

Looking forward to: Seeing all of my Gainesville friends this weekend, celebrating Kyle's birthday with Maverick, and my baby shower at Las Margaritas!! Wooowhooo!! :) :) Exciting, exciting.

30 WEekS!

How far along? 30 weeks! 10 more to go. O.M.G.

Size of baby: Baby E is the size of a cucumber! 

At 30 weeks, he’s not just moving a lot, he’s also plumping up. And as he continues to put pressure on my digestive system, I should feel the effects!

Total weight gain: Doctor tomorrow! I'm hoping I'm still under 150. Cross your fingers.

Maternity clothes? Just shirts still. Belly bands. My regular pants, unzipped.

Stretch marks? Nope. I even looked in the mirror to check out the places I can't see.

Sleep: Depends on the bed I'm in and how many pillows are surrounding me. The more the better! Can't complain though.

Best moment this week:My first baby shower! Let the holiday season begin... baby showers, Thanksgiving, birthdays, Christmas. I think these last 10 weeks are going to FLY by!

Anything making you queasy or sick: No sir.

Gender: Wittle Baby Boy.
 
Belly Button in or out?It was well behaved this week. Stayed flat. All I can say is it's NOT an outie. What you call it is up to you.

Miss Anything? I'm a little bit missing losing weight, but I feel great and am SO EXCITED that it's the least of my worries! Plus people keep telling me how great I look. So, whether they are lying or not, keep the compliments coming ;) LOL

Food cravings: uh huh. I'm craving food. period.

Labor Signs: N.O. 

30 Week Symptoms: Straight from thebump.com

• Heartburn, which might be making sleep hard to come by. I can feel traces of it, but not really.
• Swelling -- it's totally normal, as long as it's not sudden or severe. 2 days this week my shoes go tight, so I'm going to say yes--in my feet. But it went away fairly quickly.
• General discomfort, thanks to your big belly. sometimes.
• Shortness of breath. Those lungs just keep getting more crowded, right? No, surprisingly. That's a pretty normal thing for me though so maybe I just don't notice it anymore.
• Trouble sleeping, which leads to another issue: Fatigue. Not really. Yay for that! I do want to usually go to bed around 9 or 10, but when you wake up between 5 and 6am I'm not sure that's abnormal or due to the pregnancy.
• Weird, vivid dreams. One word (a familiar one): Hormones. No?! But I'll keep you updated.

Happy or Moody?I got a little cranky this week, but overall H.A.P.P.Y!! I lOVE being pregnant :) :)

Looking forward to: Getting all of these baby things put somewhere besides behind my head board and in the corner. But watching it pile up is SO SO SO EXCITING. I also can't wait until my doctor's appointment tomorrow and all of the upcoming events we have going on! eeeeeeekkkkkkkkkkk!

29 weEkS

How far along? 29 weeks?!? Holy moly... 11 to go. 

 

Size of baby: Baby E is the size of an acorn squash! 

Baby already measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long. Right now, we weighs about 2.5 to 3.8 pounds but he's still got a ways to go -- can you believe he'll triple in weight before birth?

Total weight gain: Sticking with 147.4 as the total right now. Next dr appointment (and update on the weight gain) will be next Friday.

Maternity clothes? Still just shirts :) I'm starting to look pregnant all the time. A lot of my normal shirts are getting too short! haha oy.

Stretch marks? Not that I can see!

Sleep: Mostly I've been sleeping great! :) Monday I went to Monday Night Football, went to sleep at 1:15am and got up at 5:30am. I wasn't even tired all day. I think I'm getting used to a little bit of sleep. That's a good sign. 

Best moment this week:Watching all the RSVPs come in for the baby showers. I can't wait to see everybody!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not one single thing.

Gender: El Nino.
 
Belly Button in or out? You tell me...

The top half is kind of out and the bottom is in?! Idk? both?











Miss Anything? Just the ease of shaving and bending over without having to take a big breath. 

Food cravings: Food. Food. and MORE food.

Labor Signs: Nope. 

29 Week Symptoms: Straight from thebump.com

• Lots of kicks! (All that crowding.) Oh yeah!! I love it!
• Headaches and/or lightheadedness, possibly due to difficulty sleeping, but it could be from low blood sugar too, so make sure you're eating at regular intervals. Nope. I've had less headaches since I've been pregnant! Hallelujah for that!
• Itchy belly. Your skin is stretching thinner, making it more sensitive. Uhh...YES. Especially at night after I've been wearing my belly band all day.
• Back, leg or pelvic pain. No.
• Hemorrhoids. Baby's putting pressure on your digestive system, and hormones may be relaxing your intestinal muscles. Eat plenty of fiber. EW. No.
• Constipation. This isn't really helping the hemorrhoid situation, is it? Double EW!
• Trouble sleeping -- still! Not this girl.
• Gotta pee -- again! The more your uterus expands, the more you'll probably have to hit the restroom.Yeah...not as much as you'd think. But a lot.
• Varicose veins. Don't worry! These should fade after delivery. Not that I've seen. Hopefully never.

Happy or Moody? SOOO excited and happy! :)

Looking forward to: OMG everything. I can't wait to meet Maverick. I can't wait for the baby showers. I just can't freaking wait!!

28 WEEKS!

How far along? 28 weeks! Where has the time gone?!

Size of baby: Baby E is the size of an eggplant! 


Putting on layers of fat, your baby now weighs in around 1.5 to 2.5 pounds and measures about 13.6 to 14.8 inches.

Total weight gain: A whopping 147.4 lbs for this momma and baby. I've gained a total of 24 lbs. My goal is to try to keep it to a pound a week at most from here on out. The hunger is killing me this week though. YIKES!

Maternity clothes? No pants, just shirts. Still having a hard time picking out shirts in the morning though.

Stretch marks? No, no, no, Jack!

Sleep: I have been sleeping great! Wedging myself between two body pillows has been wonderful. Still peeing in the middle of the night once in awhile. 

Best moment this week: Kyle read a book to Maverick before we went to sleep the other night. The doctor's appointment was kind of exciting too. I am starting to go every two weeks now. That makes it really real!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Gender: B.O.Y.
 
Belly Button in or out? The top half isn't cooperating and likes to try to poke out now and then. The bottom half is a good listener and still in all the time. 

Miss Anything? Yes. Shaving easily. My legs are still do able but I have to take a deep breath before I bend over. Other parts of my body...not so easy. 

Food cravings: Just food. All the time. I've been craving things that are cold...tomatoes, sushi, salad, etc.

Labor Signs: No. But I should brush up on my Braxton Hicks signs just in case. 

28 Week Symptoms: Straight from thebump.com

• Trouble sleeping. As you get closer to your due date, you'll likely have more and more trouble with this. It could be hormones or nerves -- or both! Not yet.
• Shortness of breath, as baby continues to crowd your lungs. Sometimes. I'm pretty used to this. Anybody that knows me can vouch for my famous saying of, "I can't breathe!!"
• Aches and pains -- the third trimester can be really uncomfortable due to hormone fluctuations and the toll on your body. Not yet.
• Braxton Hicks contractions -- these might be getting stronger or more frequent as your bod gets ready for labor. No, but this is what made me think I should read up on the differences. 
• Leaky boobs. Your breasts may already be producing baby's first food, a yellowish substance called colostrum. Uhh...NO?! Great...The joys of being a mom. Oh boy. 

Happy or Moody? So so so so happy.

Looking forward to: Lots of things...one that I can't quite spill yet...but stay tuned! I can't wait until Nov. 20th to see lots of my friends that I haven't seen in a long time and celebrate Maverick being even closer to real life. 

27 weekS

How far along? 27 weeks! 13 short weeks to go...

Size of baby: Baby E is the size of a rutabaga! 


He's practicing inhaling and exhaling with his rapidly developing lungs. It's official: Baby's showing brain activity! And his brain will keep on getting more complex.

Total weight gain: Still waiting until Nov. 7th to find out for sure. Thank goodness my dr. appointment isn't today or tomorrow...apparently Maverick thinks that calories don't count on Halloween and he wanted EVERYTHING today! ;) All of the sweet snacks at school and running out of groceries didn't help.

Maternity clothes? Sometimes. I'm thinking I'm going to need some more shirts soon! :)

Stretch marks? Not that I've found yet!

Sleep: Can't complain about it. I'm sleeping with lots of pillows all around me to lean on and hang my leg over. Nice and comfy.

Best moment this week: Finding out that I get a FREE breast pump through my insurance. Now just to pick which one...Here are my 3 options. Any input is more than welcomed!

• http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/573/pump-in-style-advanced#!Overview
• http://www.hygeiainc.com/shop/double-electric-breast-pumps/enjoye-breast-pump-with-internal-power-supply/
• http://www.ameda.com/breastfeeding-products/single-user-breast-pumps/purely-yours

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nah.

Gender: Little boy :)
 
Belly Button in or out? Touchy subject. If I'm really full I can see it start to poke out a little bit at the top. But on a regular basis, still an innie. I think it's only a matter of time before it is out :(

Miss Anything? The gym. NOT. hahahaha I'd say not having to be picky about what I eat. I'd like some raw tuna and a COLD cut sandwich, but it's not bad!

Food cravings: Anything edible.

Labor Signs: Nope.

27 Week Symptoms: Straight from thebump.com

• The same leg cramps, backaches, constipation and hemorrhoids of previous weeks. Not for this girl!
• Skin, hair and nail changes -- they might be thicker, grow faster or be more brittle. Haven't noticed?
• Snissing (that's peeing when you sneeze). Baby is putting a ton of pressure on your bladder. Make frequent pit stops. hahahahaha hasn't happened...yet!

Happy or Moody? Ecstatic!

Looking forward to: Getting my glucose test over with on Tuesday. Wearing my awesome Halloween costume I made. (See pic below!) and of course...MEETING MAVERICK!

26 WEEKS! HeLLo 3rd TRImester!

How far along? Wooowhoo. I'm in the third trimester! 26 weeks, which means only 14 to go. ahhhh!

Size of baby: Baby E is the size of a head of lettuce! 


Total weight gain: You'll find out on Nov. 7th after my dr. appointment. BUT just know that I've been eating SO GOOD this week!

Maternity clothes? Tops only, but not all the time. I love the way they show off my bump! :)

Stretch marks? Not yet! I hope not ever, but we'll see!

Sleep: I'm back to getting up several times during the night to pee. BUT I am sleeping pretty good, most nights.

Best moment this week: hmmm...idk?! Maybe meeting baby Croix. It was fun to meet him and hold him. It was like a glimpse into our future! We are SO EXCITED.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Gender: B.O.Y
 
Belly Button in or out? Getting shallower and shallower...ay yi yi!

Miss Anything? Cuban sandwiches from Publix...

Food cravings: Today I REALLY wanted a cheeseburger and fries from Wendy's...but I refrained. I also have been starting to get little cravings for Japanese again! 

Labor Signs: Negative.

26 Week Symptoms: Straight from thebump.com

• Trouble sleeping. Not really, sometimes...
• Swelling. Not that I can tell!
• Headaches, due to hormone fluctuations or stress. Surprisingly no. I've had less headaches since I've been pregnant than usual! Knock on wood...
• Pregnancy brain -- is it getting tricky to remember stuff? HECK YES.
• Braxton Hicks contractions. These are different from labor contractions because they're irregular and milder. No, but I feel like I should brush up on the differences again.
• Slightly higher blood pressure. That's normal at this phase of pregnancy. Idk? I guess the Dr. will let me know.

Happy or Moody? So so so so very happy!

Looking forward to: Going to Virginia this week to see my AWESOME cousins and introduce them to my lovely baby bump :) and going to the Luke Bryan concert with my wonderful boyfriend for a date night--just me and him before Maverick gets here! (Which is why I'm posting a day early, we'll be partyin' it up tomorrow night.)

25 WeEKs

How far along? 25 weeks ... Next week starts the 3rd trimester. I THINK. lol depends on which book I look at. 

Size of baby: Baby E is the size of a cauliflower head! 



Total weight gain:  We'll find out at the next dr appointment. If I have ever hoped to be like my mom now's the time! She didn't gain any weight in her third trimester. Probably wont happen but a girl can wish. My goal is 30 lbs so if I can keep it to 10 over the next 15 weeks I'd be a HAPPY camper.

Maternity clothes? I wore my 3 new shirts and my new belly bands this week. They were super cute and showed offmy bump. I LOVE it. A guy at Subway came up to me. He didn't speak English very well and he said "respectfully, you look beautiful" and pointed to his stomach and then mine. He then asked me all about when I was due and boy or girl. So sweet and WAY better than touching me. I don't mind people I know touching me but strangers not so much. I haven't gotten much of that luckily.

Stretch marks? Nope. Vitamin has been applied this week. Fingers crossed. 

Sleep: Sooo. I slept all the way through the night 4 nights in a row. Then I woke up like 2-3 times a night for the past few nights. Blaaaah. Not bad sleep in between though. I do have to say waking up at 5:30 this week sucks. Guess its just preparing me for what's to come in the next couple of months. 

Best moment this week: All the compliments from people about being pregnant. Nothing too exciting happened this week. I DID fill out and turn in my maternity leave paperwork. I guess that was exciting!

Anything making you queasy or sick: No, no, no, no Jack.

Gender: Niño (how many ways can I say boy?)
 
Belly Button in or out? Touchy subject. It's getting shallower and shallower. Please pleaselease don't pop out! Flat is ok, but outtie not so much. Ugh.

Miss Anything? I thought of something the other day but now I forget... So I guess no.

Food cravings: Not really anything specfic. Still wanting pickles and hot sauce a lot.

Labor Signs: Thankfully no.

21 Week Symptoms: Straight from thebump.com

Constipation-No. 

Hemorrhoids-No. Ewww

Gas and bloating-Don't think so. 

Heartburn-No. 

All over aches and pains-No. 

Trouble sleeping-maybe a little 

Happy or Moody? Ecstatic! I can't believe we are having a BABY. 

Looking forward to: Is it too soon to be looking forward to meeting this cutie pie?! If so, I'm looking forward to having all this baby stuff in a house. Who knows when that will be?!?! Soon hopefully!!

24 WEeks!

How far along? 24 weeks ...only 16 to go...That sounds so short!



Size of baby: Baby E is the size of a cantaloupe! 

At week 24, baby’s progress isn’t just about internal stuff, it’s about her looks too. With pinker, more opaque skin, he’s looking more and more, well, like a baby.

Total weight gain:  According to the doctor's scale yesterday, I've gained exactly 20 lbs., which is all the weight I had lost to begin with! Lol thank goodness for that! 

Maternity clothes? Between the belly bands and the button extenders I'm good on bottoms. I'm running out of tops to wear :( I got a few things at Target and Buy Buy Baby last night, so I'm sure those will make an appearance soon.

Stretch marks? Oops...I just re-read last week's post. By "oh yeah", I didn't mean I have them. Still no on stretch marks and I did do the vitamin E this week but only once.

Sleep: I slept through the night the last two nights without waking up to pee!!! Maverick is a little night owl and likes to do his nightly kicking routine while I'm trying to fall asleep, but it doesn't last long or keep me up. I does make me laugh though.

Best moment this week: Maverick is kicking more and more! Kyle and I read him a bed time story the other night. That was pretty fun! And finishing the registry with my mom last night was exciting. The best day this week was Tuesday at one of my schools that I love! Several teams and the administration finally noticed that I was pregnant. I hadn't thought about them not knowing before or even telling them. But the Kindergarten team was my favorite. They were quite shocked when I showed up to their planning meeting with a cantaloupe sized belly! I had popped into their morning meeting to tell them I'd see them that afternoon. They were just staring at me with their mouths opened. It was like on a cartoon. We all got a good laugh later when I came back and they explained. It was fun to have everybody notice on the same day.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nada

Gender: Wittle Baby Boy!
 
Belly Button in or out? Still in, but she's making me REALLY nervous. She keeps getting shallower and shallower. And she itches A LOT. ugh.

Miss Anything? Not having to worry about whether I can eat something or not and making the subway people heat just my meat up.

Food cravings: Nothing specific. Still eating a lot of pickles. I discovered I like banana peppers. I'm exciting about eating pizza tonight.

Labor Signs: Negative ghostrider! (Which I just read online came from Top Gun, when Maverick was requesting a flyby. How fitting!)

21 Week Symptoms: Straight from thebump.com

• Swollen ankles and feet. Not I!
• Leg cramps, which can be sign of dehydration. Not for this momma.
• Back aches --Nope.
• Linea nigra. That's the dark line that runs up the center of my belly. It will fade after baby's born. Haven't seen this yet!
• Stretch marks, which may continue to appear as my skin stretches even more. Not yet and hopefully not ever.

Happy or moody? H.A.P.P.Y!

Looking forward to: All of these awesome showers people are throwing me! I have the most awesome friends :)

23 wEEKS

How far along? 23 weeks



Size of baby: Baby E is the size of a grapefruit! 

He's forming little nipples (yeah, really!) His face is fully formed now -- he just needs a little extra fat to fill it out! He's listening to our voices and myheartbeat -- and even to loud sounds like cars honking and dogs barking.

Total weight gain:  17.5 lbs. No scale until Oct. 9th when I go to the doctor.

Maternity clothes? No, but I think I'm going to need some new clothes soon. I love dressing up for work, but I'm running out of options :(
 Stretch marks? Oh yeah...I haven't done the vitamin E in awhile. Guess I need to get on that. No stretch marks thus far. Fingers crossed.

Sleep: I am having trouble falling asleep, but mostly just because I'M SO EXCITED!! Do I need to keep telling you I get up and pee 1-2 times EVERY, SINGLE night?! ...Because I do!

Best moment this week:Well if you couldn't tell by the two mid-week posts, it was CLEARLY the gender reveal party!! We are sooo excited about Maverick Carter Elam. Then starting the registry was SO FUN--even if Kyle did get sick of it after an hour. lol He was amazing while we were there though and we are continuing to do it online through emails. Also, when Kyle agreed to read books to my belly! That was pretty COOL!

Anything making you queasy or sick: No and I'm still s.ta.r.v.i.n.g. all the time. That might be a small exaggeration, but it feels like it! AND while we are on the food subject, I keep dropping everything and getting stains and crumbs on my shirt. Oh lord!

Gender: BOY! :) Blue team won. See the previous post about the gender reveal for the video footage and other pictures from meyerinspired.com!
 
Belly Button in or out? In. woowhoo.

Miss Anything? Not that I can think of for this week...

Food cravings: hmm...today it was sweets. But I'd say I've had a special craving for fried chicken sandwiches this week. Chik-fil-A, a buffalo chicken sandwich at work today, dreaming about Wendy's Spicy chicken sandwich while passing every Wendy's on my way home... 

Labor Signs: No real ones or and no fake ones. yay.

21 Week Symptoms: Straight from thebump.com

• Swollen ankles and feet (it's totally normal, but call your doc if it's extreme or sudden!) Nope
• Braxton Hicks contractions. Be sure to drink plenty of water and change positions frequently to stay comfortable. Nope
• Aching back -- sorry, but this will likely linger for a while. umm...not noticeable this week.
• Bleeding and/or swollen gums, common because of (you guessed it) pregnancy hormones. Yeah! Weirdest symptom ever. One of my teeth particularly hurts around the gums. Ugh. I can't wait to go to the dentist in March.

Happy or moody? EEeeeeeeEEekk!! Happy is an understatement.

Looking forward to: Finishing the registry, upcoming baby showers, even my doctor's visit on Oct. 9th. I can't wait to see how much weight I've gained.