25 Weeks

I think the start of the New Year has made me a bit sentimental, as it often does to people. This has been an incredible year with so many blessings. Sometimes it's hard to believe we're actually pregnant with a healthy baby girl. After grieving two losses five months apart, there was a time when I thought this dream might not be possible for us. I had to work through so many emotions and prayers to be "ok" with that fate. I am so thankful for medicine that allows for me to carry a little one to full term. I'm thankful that the fear and uncertainly I felt looking at the positive pregnancy test the morning of our fifth wedding anniversary is finally and slowly subsisting as each day we move closer to her due date. I'm thankful to let go of my worry and to fully experience the joy. I am thankful I'm finally able to feel little kicks and jabs that let me know she's growing and developing like she should - something I thought I might never get the joy to feel. They are my reassurance.

25 weeks, 5 days

Week 25 Highlights

How far along: 25 weeks

Size of baby: A rutabaga. She is approximately 13 1/2 inches long and about 1 1/2lbs.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still down about 2lbs from my starting weight.

How I'm Changing: I feel very front heavy. Sorry for the TMI, but it's amazing to me how the density of my breasts have changed. They feel so heavy, as does my big belly. Sometimes I catch Blake smirking at me, and I know it is because he is amazed by the changes my body are making to grown our little girl. The human body is pretty incredible. Getting used to that "there's something in there" feeling has been interesting. I have also noticed my belly moving up more than before. This is probably because my insides are still shifting around in there.

Maternity Clothes: Same as past weeks.

Gender: Girl

Movements: We have a very active girl on our hands! Her kicks are getting stronger each week. She doesn't like to cooperate though - when we were with Blake's family for Christmas, she decided to only kick my internal organs. We were all a little bummed because her grandma and auntie were looking forward to feeling her move.

Sleep: I am waking up several times a night to re-position to get more comfortable and up out of bed 1-2 times to use the bathroom and deal with occasional leg cramps.

Symptoms:  Heartburn, leg cramps, sore back - you know, the usual for pregnancy! I still have waves of nausea every day, but it is so much more manageable than before and doesn't last all day long.

How I'm feeling: There are days/nights I feel pretty uncomfortable - especially if I've been particularly active during the day. I've been taking hot baths most nights before bed to help relax my muscles. I'm just so happy to not be tossing my cookies all the time and finally being able to eat real food more consistently. I seem to have a bit more energy this week too.

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night. I really, really like my sleep. I think this is just a slow transition preparing me for years of lack of sleep. Looking back, I'm not sure how I survived and thrived in college on so little sleep. I guess I'll be revisiting that again!

Cravings: Jimmy John's JJBLT Seriously, I gave in twice this week (only two days apart) and they were soooooo yummy. I think it's the bread because a homemade BLT just wouldn't suffice.  This also marks my first non-sweet/non-sour craving.

Best Moment(s) of the Week: Celebrating Christmas! We received some very thoughtful gifts for baby girl. Painting the nursery!

What I am Looking Forward To: I know it's silly, but getting my hair done! I always feel so fresh afterwards. Plus my hairstylist is very close to delivering her sweet baby boy, Jack, and it'll be our last time to chat before she's off for a few weeks for her maternity leave.