23 Weeks

Hey kids!  Hope you're doing well.  I flaked on last week's update since the weekend was so busy and got away from us.  Here is my 23 week update.

How far along? 23 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: My last appointment showed I was up 10 pounds from my starting weight.  It was a big jump in 4 weeks, but I seem to be on track and measuring well so I'm not worried about it.  

Maternity clothes? As you can see from the side angle, there is no hiding the bump. I would also like to take this time to thank the magical powers of stretching Lululemon yoga pants. I'm still mixing and matching regular and maternity.  I officially have no work pants and have been all over the leggings and dresses and a couple of pairs of maternity jeans- both of which don't really fit too well- I know my booty did not shrink, but I get saggy butt in them.  I'm going to tough it out a bit more and perhaps do a little bit of a shopping trip soon :) 

Stretch marks? Applying my burt's bees body butter so far to try to prevent them. 

Sleep: Sleep is great. 

Best moment this week: Family has been wonderful this week.  I am such a lucky girl and I have the dream team planning my shower (the grandmas and my sister-in-law) and they have been all over it.  I also looked at baby furniture with my MIL and we think we selected a set.  I also looked at the travel stroller system with my mom and I think we are set.  Both parents are getting us these big ticket items and we couldn't be happier.  After a rough week at work, it's so nice to know I have great support at home.  The hubby continues to be wonderful and we ventured into the baby store together to register for a few things and he did a great job!

This week's comment of the week:

A sweet couple in a store asked me how far along I was- that was a first for me and the woman was pregnant as well.  Kinda fun :)  

Miss Anything? I could go for some sushi and smoked salmon.

Movement: Baby boy is getting stronger!  I feel him moving after lunch, and in the evenings when we all settle in for the night.  I love the movement- it puts a smile on my face each time.  I especially love that my husband has been able to feel the kicks.  I think he's putting together a training plan for him already.

Food cravings: I am following the 80/20 rule.  Most foods are fresh and whole foods and the others include dessert, and probably a little more salt than usual.  I am gravitating towards eggs and red meat, loving all fruits and veggies, and chocolate has made a comeback.  

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nada.

Sex: BOY!

Symptoms: Shortness of breath even though I feel great when I'm working out.  I think my lungs might be starting to get squished.  Also a little hip and minor lower back pain from time to time. 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Perfectly happy.  I was worried about my stress levels at work this last week, but there is not much I can do with the nature of my job.  I am trying to take lots of deep breaths and realize that I can control my reaction to the environment, not the other way around.  Besides that, I still love being pregnant. 

Looking forward to: My baby shower, spending lots of family time, and introducing Chino to his baby brother.  

Exercise: Daily walks with the doggie and some kind of movement daily.  I missed yoga last week because of the doom of work, but I did some elliptical and I'm content in getting movement in on most days.

Recent Meal Highlights

Remember that time when I was a food blogger?  Oh yeah, me too!  Well I have been taking pictures of meals and events and hoarding them around.  Here are a few of my highlights over the last week:

My nephew recently turned 5- I think I have finally found someone who loves dessert as much as I do!

I made stuffed bell peppers with brown rice and salad on the side. For a change, I stuffed them with organic grass fed beef and it was quite tasty!

Lunches at work have been easily assembly- chicken sandwich on a flatbread with cheese and mushrooms- and a whole carrot since they taste better than the baby cut carrots.

Packing lunches for both of us is a part of my morning routine.  Did I mention hubby is training for a tournament?  He is and I am feeding him mini meals and his lunch is on the left.  The fruit fest is mine (on the right).

Polenta makes the perfect medium for a pizza.  Topped with marinara, basil, and cheese, I think this would work for an easy appetizer (or meal if you eat a few).

What foods have you been enjoying lately?

21 Weeks

Here we go- I have less time left being pregnant than I have been pregnant- I have passed the halfway mark and it's really unbelievable. Here is the updated for 21 weeks:

How far along? 21 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Definitely up a good 8 pounds from starting weight.  I go in for another appointment on Friday and should get the verdict.  While I thought gaining weight would be difficult, I have a pleasantly relaxed attitude about it.  My body is changing, but I'm 5 months pregnant- it makes sense!

Maternity clothes? Mixing and matching regular and maternity.  I retired a couple of pairs of work pants since they were a little higher waisted and I felt like baby was getting squished. I am still loving leggings and dresses best.  I'm going to fight this as long as I can and try to use what I have in my wardrobe since I don't want to spend too much money on maternity clothes- ask me again next week though.

Stretch marks? Applying my burt's bees body butter so far to try to prevent them. 

Sleep: Sleeping with potty breaks, nothing new :)

Best moment this week: Finding out we have a healthy little BOY on the way!  Hubby and I went together for our appointment and the look on his face was priceless.  We also had the best moments together shortly after and I wish I could bottle up the experience and keep it forever.  I have not mentioned it, but hubby has been incredible over this pregnancy and I am feeling incredibly lucky and loved.  He is going to be the best father to our little boy.

I also announced I was pregnant and having a boy on facebook.  Despite having a blog, I'm a private person and was not comfortable drawing attention to myself, but I was so over the moon excited I wanted to scream it from a megaphone.

The support and excitement we received from our friends (including lovely blog friends) and family was incredible and I feel so lucky.

This week's comment of the week:

I didn't get anything obscene, but a lady offered me her seat on the train- which is a first sign that people actually think I'm pregnant and not just eating too many cupcakes...mmm cupcakes!

Miss Anything? Nope.

Movement: I feel little boy moving in the evenings before bed.  It's subtle but I love it.

Food cravings: Regular foods for the most part.  I am loving spicy foods quite a bit and crunchy veggies (cucumbers, celery).  Food tastes pretty good these days!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nada.

Sex: BOY!

Symptoms: Still swollen gums, a little bit of pulling on my lower abdomen, and some shortness of breath.  My back was a little sore this week, but I'm combatting it with yoga.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Really happy.  I'm one of those annoying people who finally loves being pregnant.

Looking forward to: Working on the registry!

Exercise: Daily walks with the doggie, including a couple of hour+ walks since walking feels so great, 4 yoga sessions, and I do pushups most evenings.  It's silly, but I do them in the evening while watching TV.

Baby Apple is a...

After much anticipation and waiting...and waiting some more, we went in to see our baby today for the big scan. 

The ultrasound tech was quick and identified all of baby's moving parts. 

10 fingers, 10 toes, beautiful beating heart, and a little monkey profile with a ski slope nose (like both of us).  Baby is right on track and almost weighs a pound!

The tech knew what it was right away- our BOY was not shy!

Source

We are beyond thrilled and I teared up right away- I'm going to have a son!  I am going to be outnumbered, but all my boys will take good care of me.  Let the shopping begin!

Half Baked! 20 Weeks

We are at the half baked point here! I'm roughly 5 months pregnant and feeling good!  I am still in a bit of denial about how quickly time is flying, but we have lots to look forward to and so far it's been a great journey.

How far along? 20 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 2 pounds up as of week 18.  I weighed myself this morning and I was up a few more pounds after breakfast, water, and my latte, so I'll get an official weight at my next appointment in a few weeks.  The belly is growing!

Maternity clothes? About the same as before. I mix and match mostly my regular clothes with a few longer tops I bought.  I only have 3 articles of maternity clothes and I'm finding looser things to be more comfy.  This shirt dress is from H&M- it seemed to fit fine in non-maternity.  I'm sure this honeymoon will be over soon enough.

Stretch marks? Applying my burt's bees body butter so far to try to prevent them. 

Sleep: I am sleeping well and mostly staying off my back.  If only I could avoid the multiple field trips to the little blogger ladies room...

Best moment this week: I got to see family today for my nephew's birthday party and we talked all kinds of baby stuff.  

This week's comment of the week:

With the anatomy scan, I wanted to document the following sex predictions:

My uncle, dad, hair stylist: girl

My nephew, mother-in-law, and most bloggie comments: boy

How they figure this out, I'm baffled- the chances are 50%, no?

Miss Anything? Not much

Movement: I sit and try to feel for movement- still having a hard time distinguishing movement and digestion.

Food cravings: Still eating most of my regular favorite foods.  There is definitely an increase in appetite- especially on Thursday and Friday- I was starving.   Other than that, I'm still enjoying fruit (especially organic bananas and oranges), tomatoes, cucumbers, eggs, breakfast foods, and almond butter- nothing too unusual.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nada.

Sex: January 9th is the day! That means it's on Monday morning!  We want to see a baby with all 10 fingers and toes and healthy organs and it won't hurt to see if baby is a boy or a girl.  I hope baby cooperates for us!  Any last guesses are welcome- I hear it's quite the difficult decision- 50%!

Symptoms: Still swollen gums, a little bit of pulling on my lower abdomen, and a little bit of shortness of breath.   I was also feeling a little more tired towards the end of the week, but it could be due to being back at work after my break.  Otherwise, still feeling fantastic.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, happy, happy!

Looking forward to: the 'big' ultrasound on Jan 9th and registering :)

Exercise: I kinda blew it on tracking, but I was able to get in lots of walks, 2 cardio sessions at the gym, and a yoga download and a live class.  I'm hoping for better yoga attendance next week and I also got a new yoga DVD.  I'm still happy that my body allows me to exercise and it does wonders for my self esteem.

I'll probably post on Monday or Tuesday once we've had a chance to tell people the sex- assuming all goes well!

Celebrating the New Year

Hi Kids!  Happy 2012 to you!  This year I woke up without a hangover for the first time in many moons on New Year and we headed off to the beach.  We were well rested since we kinda passed out the evening before.  The first order of business was getting our cawfee on.  Decaf homemade latte for me :)

Then we headed out to Ocean Beach in San Francisco.  The day was gorgeous and Chino and I walked along the beach while hubby surfed.  Chino had to makes sure that he got his father into the water safely.

After our day at the beach, we headed to the Argonaut Hotel, where we got married a couple of years ago.  We wanted to show Chino where is family began and he was happy to accompany us.

Their lunch menu was quite simple.  I almost went with the crab salad, but it had mayo and quickly changed my mind and got the grilled chicken sandwich instead.  Hubby got a tuna melt.  The food was nothing to write home about, but the company was fantastically hot.

And goofy.

And Chino got to sit with us, but he had to be in doggie jail.  We gave him water and I fed him chicken through the little fence, so not all was lost.

Once we were done with lunch, we went inside and walked around the lobby.  We took a family photo in a mirror to remember the day.

There is an old Russian proverb that says "how you celebrate the New Year is how the year will turn out" and if this year is anything like our little celebration, it will be peaceful, fun, and full of love.  I'll take it.  

19 Weeks and Our Year in Review

Happy New Year guys!  Before I do my weekly recap, I would also like to look back on 2011.  This year was fantastic and brought so much joy and excitement.  As I look back on 2011, I'm grateful and hopeful for the next year.  Thank you for reading along and for being an important part of my life!

January: We kicked off 2011 in Australia and New Zealand.  I have never seen nature this beautiful and inspiring.  We had an unforgettable trip and it was our last hurrah before we started even thinking about kids.

We also did a gluten-free and fun-food free detox.  It helped me kick my sugar habit and really step outside of my food rut.
February: I got the best birthday present in my entire life- we adopted our puppy son Chino!  I waited 27 years to get my first pet and he is perfect!

Our first picture together :)

March: We spent time getting to know our new family member
April: We took our first family vacation to Mendocino
May: I had a foot injury but kept moving with walking and even participated in my first race.

June: We went on a fabulous vacation to Mexico, including Mexico City and Cancun.

July: We began working on our kitchen project and had a blog meetup with Amanda and Andy too!

August: Our kitchen was completely demolished and we spent lots of time being creative with meals.  I have never had so many salads and wraps!

September: We celebrated 2 years as a married couple and continued to work on the kitchen.

We also found out that I was pregnant and we were going to be parents! 

October: I spent most of the month feeling hungover, but traveled for work, made a few recipes, and spent time with family in our almost completed kitchen.
November: We finished our kitchen and announced our big news.

December: More work and all baby, all the time!

Now onto 19 weeks:

How far along? 19 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 2 pounds up as of week 18- assuming I'm up another pound or so this week.  I've eaten well.  I can definitely tell a difference in growth for the last couple of weeks in the belly for sure.

Maternity clothes? Still don't fit into my maternity jeans- they are sagging in all the wrong places.  I am loving some longer tops with leggings and my sweater dresses.  I still love my yoga pants too!  I wore my regular lower rise jeans today and so far they still fit.  I do tend to go with looser fitting clothes in public and more form fitting at home.  I still feel funny letting the belly hang out.

Stretch marks? Applying my burt's bees body butter so far to try to prevent them. 

Sleep: I am sleeping well. My days of waking up on my back are numbered but it happens rarely.

Best moment this week: We had the entire week off and it was heavenly.  Hubby also went to yoga with me all week and we got to see family and show off my baby gut.

This week's comment of the week:

Nothing of note- people keep asking if I'm exited.  I am, but it seems like I've been pregnant for a while now and I'm more anxious than anything.  I also get a few comments on my lack of bump- none of them harmful, but it's interesting what people have to say.  The measurements were all on track during my appointment so I'm not worried about it.

Miss Anything? No champagne on New Year's Eve, but that's OK with me.

Movement: I felt some bubbles popping after eating Indian food and a few more again last night- I think it's starting!

Food cravings: Still eating regular food.  I am feeling a little hungrier, especially with increased activity levels, but nothing insane.  Except for the evening I needed to have some marinated mushrooms.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Getting too tired.

Sex: January 9th is the day! 

Symptoms: I have the dreaded swollen gums.  Flossing kinda looks like a crime scene.  I also have some shortness of breath doing things that would never make me tired before.  Otherwise, still feeling fantastic.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, happy, happy!

Looking forward to: the 'big' ultrasound on Jan 9th!

Exercise: Here is what the week looked like:
Sunday: 5.5 mile hike
Monday: Dog walks and yoga
Tuesday: Dog walk, yoga, and cardio at the gym
Wednesday: Dog walks and yoga
Thursday: yoga, and cardio at the gym
Friday: Rest day and dog walk
Saturday: Gym cardio, dog walk, and a fantastic yoga flow class