26 Weeks - Weight Gain & Back Pain

How far along? 26 weeks... 14 to go!

Baby size? She weighs almost 2 pounds and measures 14 inches from head to heel.

What's going on with the baby? The network of nerves in her ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both my voice and Joe's as we chat with each other. She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And her eyes are starting to open.

Total weight gain/loss: I am wearing black these days. Why you ask? I am in mourning. The time I most feared has come. I officially weigh more than my husband. A bit overly dramatic you say? You're talking to the lady who cried in the store when Safeway ran out of Vlasic Dill Pickle Halves. Now, imagine how I'm handling this. 

Maternity clothes? If it ain't maternity, I ain't wearin' it.

Stretch marks? None yet. Which is a miracle considering how big I've gotten.

Sleep: Like a baby. Or at least, like the baby I hope we get. Only up once a night and sleeping well otherwise.

Best moment this week: Finally bought a crib!!! My dad and stepmom were amazingly generous and helped us get some important nursery goodies, which feels SO great to have checked off our list! The crib will take a couple months to get here, so Joe's got plenty of time to research crib-construction and I can be sure to have my camera fully charged for the ensuing hilarity of the experience.

Oh and it was my first Mother's Day! (kinda, since she's not technically out yet) Joe bought me flowers, a balloon and a delicious decaf flavored latte. I could get used to this whole Mother thing! 

Me and Momma

Awkward moment this week: Joe and I attempted starting a baby registry. Basically it went like this... We got the barcode zapping gun and were sent on our way through the store. We approached baby carriers, decided that we needed to research more reviews and skipped over to pack & plays. At pack & plays we looked at about 20 and then decided we needed to do some more research and skipped over to strollers. At strollers, well let's just say there was a pattern. I think we ended up with a registry of about 4 pacifiers and 6 bibs. After which, I decided those were no good and swapped them out for different ones online. To say we failed is an understatement. Baby registry is hard.

Miss anything? A cold beer and a hot dog. I blame baseball season.

Movement: If she's not napping, she's dancing. I love that she moves so much so often!

Food cravings: Teriyaki Beef Jerky and Ice Cream. But not at the same time. Although.... ?

Anything making you queasy or sick? Baby Gift Registration. Bleh.

Have you started to show yet? Yep. And this belly only gets bigger throughout the day so by the time I get home at night, I feel huge. I started having lower back pain on my right side after I've been standing or walking for a while which sucks. What are the odds that the only solution is a bigger belly? Hmmm yeah, didn't think so.

Gender prediction: Girl!

Labor signs: None.

Belly button in or out? Well it's not out. So, in?

Cankle Watch 2013: My ankles are still, in fact, ankles. For now...

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time? Despite the scale drama, back aches, and retail frustration, I cannot express how happy and excited I am for this little girl! 

Looking forward to: A prenatal massage!!!! My lovely, amazing mom got me a gift certificate for a prenatal massage this Mother's Day. I cannot WAIT to cash that bad boy in for some serious spa time.