38 Weeks: What's New...

Due date: TWO WEEKS until the baby is due - November 21st - can't believe it!

Weight gain: 1lb (19 pounds total pregnancy)

Baby developments: Lil Mango is the size of a watermelon (it sure feels like it!) - he is approximately 6.8 pounds and over 19 1/2 inches long. He has a firm grasp, which we will soon be able to test when we hold his hand for the first time. His organs have matured and are now ready for life outside the womb.

We had our weekly update today with Dr. McTaggart and I'm glad I didn't have Nick come along - he was planning on it but had a couple things to get done before we headed out to celebrate his birthday, so I headed down. All went fine at the appointment, I'm measuring lower than last week, which I can definitely feel and it just means that baby is continuing on his descent. Prior to the pelvic exam I told the doctor that I was hoping to be dilated more than 1cm, however, that wasn't the case - but she did tell me that she could feel his head more than last week (weird, I know). Now here comes the worst part (I apologize if TMI), she left the room to let me get dressed and as soon as I got up, I was leaking blood everywhere. I quickly called the nurse in and she just told me that happens to preggos sometimes after pelvic exams. The bleeding is finally subsiding now....10 hours later.

Cravings: Diet Mt Dew is back in a bad way...and I'm even being high mainenance and only craving it as fountain pop. Boost Protein and a banana or apple has taken the place of my Starbucks from a few months back, plus I feel much better now than I did when a venti Starbucks was my breakfast. And Post Blueberry Morning cereal with skim is another favorite of mine these days.

Aversions: none to note (therefore, note the continued weight gain!)

Symptoms: I can definitely feel that I'm at the end of my pregnancy where everything is becoming sore. My lower back aches, I've got cramping in my lower abdomen, I'm peeing all the time, it's difficult to get comfortable when I sleep, baby is constantly lodging his foot in my rib cage...you name it. At this point, I'm really uncomfortable and I would be happy if Lil Mango made his appearance any time now.

Sleep: even though I'm more uncomfortable when I sleep, I still have been getting relatively good sleep. I am up earlier than normal, but that is also because I've been going to bed earlier than normal.

I am loving: the fact that I'm in nesting mode these days....constantly tidying the house, in and out of the nursery picking up and rearranging things, doing dishes and laundry....anything to keep me busy.

I am looking forward to: plain and simple....I cannot wait to meet Cruz. I cannot wait for the day he is born and to hold him for the first time. It's so exciting!

I'm spazzing about: how we are going to figure out how to raise this little guy. I was at a baby shower on Sunday with two little babies and watched their mom try to figure out why they were crying....she had changed them, fed them and they wouldn't stop....I get worried we won't know what to do....but I guess we will figure it out just like all parents before us have figured it out.

Best moment this week: today is Nick's 30th birthday...he is finally as old as me again for the next six months - we had a great day at lunch with Marc & Britt, shopping (for him only....I didn't buy one thing for myself!) and now we are in the middle of movie night.

We also had our Angels Among Us fall gala on Friday night - I was a co-chair of the event and have been working on it for the past few months. It was a ton of work, especially the past couple of weeks. On Friday we were at the venue early to get everything set up and then after running around at the event Friday night I was exhausted. Honestly at that point I felt as though I could've given birth once the event was over and been fine with it!

Movement: Cruz has been quite active and moving his limbs simultaneously - it feels as though he's kicking my right rib cage and punching my lower left abdomen. Not only that, but his head seems to be resting right on my bladder, which is quite uncomfortable when said bladder is full and feels as though it could burst at any time.

Milestones: 14 days left (or hopefully less) before Lil Mango is here!

It's a...: boy

Exercise: non-existent. I feel so lazy and wish I was were exercising or able to exercise without getting so tired. My only exercise consists of running errands and walking aimlessly around the many stores in Omaha or on the casino floor at work.

Diet: has not been great either. I find myself trying and then falling off the wagon. This combined with not exercising has to be a major reason for the weight gain the past two weeks.

Goals for the upcoming week: I would LOVE to have this baby this week - now that he is fully developed, I feel it's safe to make this wish. Plus, I REALLY don't want to work our slot tournament the weekend of the 17th....

Belly shot:

38 Week Belly Bump

38 Weeks: Letting It All Hang Out

37 Weeks: What's New...

Due date: November 21st (3 weeks away and we are finally full-term!)

Weight gain: 1lb  (18 pounds total pregnancy)

Baby developments: Lil Mango is now the size of a watermelon and gaining about 1/2 an ounce a day. Many babies have a full head of hair at birth - the ultrasound tech confirmed this about Cruz at our last visit. He is also brushing up on his skills for the outside world - blinking, sucking, inhaling, exhaling and gripping...I have to add that he's definitely perfected his kicking and jabbing skills!

At my doctor's appointment this morning, I was still about 1 centimeter dialated, which at this point doesn't mean a ton because I could hang around 1cm for a while or it could change quick. She struggled to find the heartbeat for a while this morning and was concerned that he may have moved too much, but after what felt like forever the strong heartbeat came through and she confirmed that he is still in the right position.

Cravings: even I am starting to get shocked at just how much I crave sweets after every meal. Our pantry looks like a candy store/bakery...and if I'm even going to think about getting into my pre-pregnancy clothes after baby, then I need to start making some changes now!

Aversions: none to note

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions and cramping have plagued me this week. I've become more uncomfortable - lower back pain when sitting or laying for a while, tons of movement, many of which are hard kicks & jabs. The baby has dropped and I can definitely tell that I'm not as winded as I used to be, but my bladder is suffering now and I have to pee ALL THE TIME.

I think I'm getting to the point where I may be ready to get this baby out of me, but I feel like a major whiner in the meantime...thankfully Nick's been very understanding.

Sleep: I've been getting to bed earlier, but waking up much earlier than normal...frequent trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night and usually by my 5am-6am trip, I cannot get back to sleep. This morning was the earliest yet - up at 4am and haven't been back to sleep.

I am loving: all of the time I've been spending with Nick and our famillies. Last weekend my mom came down the night before the shower and it was great just having alone time with her. She has been so helpful and amazing answering all of my silly questions and giving me advice. On Saturday night we had dinner with Nick's dad John and his stepmom Janice. And yesterday we had brunch with Nick's mom Carol, her boyfriend Duane and Marc & Brittany. Prior to brunch, I met Tessa and the fam down at Elmwood park to take family pics for their Christmas card.  I love catching up with family and it all just reminds me how lucky we are to have such amazing people in our lives and how lucky Cruz will be when he gets here.

I am looking forward to: obviously just for lil Mango to get here. It's been such a long journey, but very exciting along the way. Now I just can't wait to meet him, see what he looks like and find out what his personality will be like.

I'm spazzing about: As the end nears, there are just so many questions I can't answer which leads to me being even more anxious, nervous and excited...Will I have severe contractions when it's time and know that I'm going into labor? Will my water break - and if it does will I be one of the few percent of women where it actually breaks and gushes? A nightmare of mine is that my water will break hard core, in the middle of the casino floor, in front of a huge group of people. Will I go early or will I go into labor after my due date? Should I work up until my due date - what if I'm over my due date, should I set a drop dead last-day-of-work date?

Best moment this week: the nursery is almost done - seriously - just one last touch and the big reveal pics will be out! Doesn't it feel like I've been working on this room forever?? It absolutely feels that way to me but I'm so excited how it's turned out! I love spending time in the room and lounging on the rocker. I just can't wait until we bring Cruz home so he can see his room for the first time.

I've also enjoyed nesting and getting things around the house ready. We put together the swing, diaper pail, baby monitors, baby shower Thank Yous are done, set up the humidifier and put the Pack n Play up in our room, which we will be using as a bassinet. There isn't much left to do, except for have this baby.

And, finally, I'm happy that Nick and I finally made it out to another movie today - we had been seeing them so frequently for a while but with work and other conflicts it wasn't happening....this afternoon was a perfect time. Afterwards, I drug Nick into Carter's to return a few things and was shocked that this was his first trip to a baby store....well, if I'm being honest I'm not that shocked....

Movement: he continues to move like crazy - more and more every day. I can see my stomach moving as he kicks and jabs. And now it's not only movement when I'm in relax mode - he is moving when I'm walking, when I'm sitting, whenever.

Milestones: three weeks left, which means that he is now fully developed. At this point, he could come at any time and there shouldn't be any worries.  That is a very comforting feeling, especially since I still have a feeling he's going to come early.

It's a...: boy

Exercise: has been sparse this past week - I'm going to make an effort to walk more often this week. If for no other reason than because they say it helps move labor along.

Diet: my efforts toward this haven't been the best either, especially with the sweets I mentioned previously.

Goals for the upcoming week: to find the last piece of the nursery and finish it completely, plus tidy up the closet that has been a bit of a catch-all in that room since the baby shower.

Belly shot:

37 week baby bump

Look at that bump!



36 Weeks: What's New...

Due date: November 21st - 4 weeks away...officially starting my 9th month of pregnancy today!

Weight gain: 1lb (17 total pregnancy)

Baby developments: Lil Mango is the size of a honeydew and continues to pack on the pounds. Normal babies are weighing almost 6lbs this week, however, our little guy is anything but normal and was weighing in at 6lbs 1oz last Monday so who knows how big he is today. He is over 18 1/2 inches long. His skin is getting smooth and soft, his gums are rigid, his liver and kidneys are in working order and his circulation and immune system are basically good to go. His lungs are the only organs that still need to fully mature, but every day he gets a little closer to breathing on his own.

A major development this week: at the end of the week he will be considered full-term which means if I went into labor at that time, he would more than likely be fully developed. Just a few more days until full relief...

Cravings: I've realized that my "cravings" that I report each week aren't necessarily "cravings" per se, but instead my "flavor of the week." This week I had a soft spot for reduced fat Oreos (yes....I actually picked up the package that said reduced fat, because evidently that made me feel better about eating them). I have to say I blame one of my Hosts for this - last week we had a potluck on Sunday and she brought in Halloween Oreos and I haven't had Oreos in a long time - but once I had a couple at work I had to stop by Hy-Vee and pick up a bag of my own. It seemed as though Nick & I had a glass of milk and a couple Oreos every night this week (Nick's milk was Lactaid's version and I got the good stuff: Robert's Skim).

In reading back over my posts the past few months, I think I can safely say my true "cravings" have been sweets & chocolate and each week I have just been switching it up.

Aversions: none to note

Symptoms: lightening is in full swing and this little guy is descending. I believe the way my doctor put it this morning during my pelvic exam was "ooh, baby is really low." I definitely have felt a difference - there is much more room up top and I can breath much easier, however, the alternative is now that he is putting a lot of pressure on my bladder and lower body. I've had a sore lower back toward the end of the day as I'm trying to relax in bed. Today, it felt like he was purposely pushing on my bladder which was slightly uncomfortable.

I've noticed more contractions over the past week, which feel somewhat like period cramps, but different (that helps describe them, doesn't it?) I have also gotten the restless leg syndrome almost every night which has made it a bit more difficult to get to sleep, but nothing too terrible.

Sleep: has been good. I feel like I was up between 2am-2:22am each night this week to pee (2:22am exactly at least twice) and then again between 5am-6am. Most of the time I took the 2nd trip to the bathroom as my cue to wake up for the day, but a couple of times I headed right back to bed for another hour or so of sleep.

I am loving: every little thing about being pregnant (even the stuff that I complain about) because I know it's going to be over soon. And while I'm unbelievably excited to meet Cruz, it's been a pretty amazing experience the past 9 months.

One of my biggest loves so far: the chair in the nursery. It's finally come and it's better than I thought it would be (remember it here)! I love the soft, white fabric and found myself sitting in it quite frequently yesterday after it arrived. It really looks great in the room and I can't wait to get the new prints I ordered so I can finally hang the pictures in the room and call that room good!

 Best Storytime Series - Irvington in white

I am looking forward to: getting the room completed and putting together all of the great baby shower loot that we got this weekend for little man. Some of it that won't be used in the first few months is going in the back of the closet - but I've got the pack n play, car seat, swing, diaper pail and a few other things to get together.

I'm spazzing about: the fact that we will have a baby any day now. And while we are going to be as ready as we can, it still hasn't hit me how much our lives will be changing.

Best moment this week: one of the best moments is that Nick came along with me to my doctor's appointment today and got to hear the baby's heartbeat again...it's been about three months since he's heard it (I get to so frequently at my appointments) that I think when she put the device up to my belly, it shocked him a bit.

Another great moment this week was the Omaha baby shower - thanks to the Gardner/Mango girls, Grammy Jan and Patricia for putting on such a gorgeous event (more to come later this week). It was a fun day and I got to catch up with so many people that I don't get to see so often.....and some I see a lot, but still enjoy getting to see!

The Hostesses: Brittany, Carly, Marcy, Morgan, Patricia and Grammy Jan

Cruz's beautiful Grandmas

Movement: a ton! This little guy is extremely active and I love that I now know when it's his foot or hand or booty pushing against me.

Milestones: making it to the 9th month has definitely been a huge achievement...and I can honestly say that it's been going by so quickly. Eeek - could I really be becoming one of those mamas who only remembers the good? Nah, I'm sure I won't, but things have been going so smoothly the past few weeks that I'm actually loving pregnancy!

It's a...: boy

Exercise: lot's of walking. Running has been out of the question for the past few weeks and I'm embarassed to say that lifting - legs or arms - has stopped completely as well.

Diet: besides the sweets has been relatively ok.

Goals for the upcoming week: the hospital bag for Cruz and I is officially packed....now it's up to Nick to make sure he gets his stuff together. But I do have a couple goals: finalize the nursery (waiting for a few more prints to arrive) and create the hospital list of "who to call" - there will be two components of this. One, who to call when we are heading to the hospital. Two, who we will call (and who will make the calls) when we deliver this little guy.

Belly shot:

36 week bump

35 Weeks: What's New...

Due date: November 21st - five weeks away! Doctor's appointments will start becoming a weekly occurence now as we get closer to d-day.

Weight gain: 0 pounds (16 total pregnancy). Had a bit of a scare this morning when my doctor thought he was measuring small, but after an ultrasound at Bergan it showed he is quite the opposite and growing just fine (check out the details here).

Baby developments: Lil Mango is now the size of a honeydew - from here on out his growth is mostly in the plumping up department. I found out today at our doctor's appointment that he is weighing in at about 6lbs 1oz - so he's a BIG boy - my online source states he should be around 5lbs at this point and is over 18 inches long. Most of his basic physical development is complete - he will spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

Also, according to my appointment this moring, this little guy has started to drop and will only continue to do so as we get through these next few weeks. He's completely head down in preparation for birth.

Cravings: Blueberry Morning cereal, water, Powerade Zero, sandwiches (Subway, Jimmy John's, etc). I had fresh pineapple last week at my MIL's house and it was so good...I've been craving it all week and finally picked some up this weekend. Nick & I finished it between last night and today so I picked up another today. Yum!

Aversions: nothing to note

Symptoms: cramping, a few cases of heartburn (although I can't pinpoint what it's from), frequent urination, Braxton Hicks. This weekend was extremely busy at work - 12+ hour days Thursday & Friday and full days Saturday and Sunday resulted in some cramping and round ligament pain just while walking the casino floor.

I'm also starting to become a big more emotional....this was evident in my little break down this morning, but I'm also finding that I tear up at the littlest things - a song on the radio, a commercial on TV....just about anything.

Sleep: continues to be good. I've still been getting to bed later than normal, but sleeping through the night really well. It's starting to get more uncomfortable, so I'm working the pillows and placement.

I am loving: spending more time with Nick. As much as it's hard that online poker is gone, I have been enjoying going with Nick to work at least 3 days a week and spending our nights at home. This past weekend he went with our group to Iowa City for the Hawkeye game and was going to leave straight from there and drive to Chicago for a week for poker tournaments. Late last week, he decided he wasn't going to Chicago - he is getting more nervous that little man could come any day now and said he wants to make sure he's here....just in case. While I want him to be able to get out and make some money when it presents itself, I'm happy he's thinking about our family and I know he is so excited for Cruz to get here.

One of our gifts that arrived last week was his pompesan from Barbara & Steve Amundson - I put it together today and it's so cute. I know Tessa used this with all of her kids and it helped put them to sleep and keep them relaxed. I can't wait until Cruz can try it out.

Pompesan Chair

I am looking forward to: the Omaha baby shower this week, hosted by the Manganaro/Gardner girls and my girlfriend, Patricia. Plus, Shauna is coming up from Kearney with three MAJOR packages - the chair for the nursery, the bedding AND the car seat that mom & the girls got us at last week's baby shower.

I'm spazzing about: the fact that little man could arrive any time - and while we are in the safe zone now - it's a bit scary....and so exciting. I had mentioned last week that Marcy made it a bit more real when she reminded us that Sicily had arrived 4 1/2 weeks early. Then this weekend I was talking to two women at the same time and both had early arrivals - one 6 weeks early and the other 5 1/2 weeks early. Nick & I were talking about it last night - he has a feeling Cruzer will arrive right on time and for some reason I have a hunch he may arrive early (although not weeks early, more like days).

Best moment this week: we had our hospital tour which was very helpful and reassuring...I think Nick is now feeling better about knowing where to go and what to do when I go into labor. My favorite part was learning about the "big rooms" - evidently if you're expecting a lot of family & friends, you can request a "big room" when you check in. The big room has a double bed, a pull out couch, multiple chairs and just more space - we are definitely requesting this when we go in....cross your fingers!

Movement: crazy movement from this little guy. It was great to see him in the ultrasound today and finally find out that it has been his foot giving me all that trouble up near my rib cage - he is a kicker, that's for sure. It was also pretty amazing to see one of his lungs contracting and his heart beating.

Milestones: 5 short weeks remaining - he could be here any time, but let's hope its much closer to his due date!

It's a...: boy! I feel like EVERYONE was asking about the pregnancy this weekend, some customers I've seen sporadically over the past few months hadn't even realized I was preggo, so there were many questions. It's a boy, 6 weeks left, Cruz Nicholas, feeling great.....those were the words out of my mouth all weekend.

Exercise: has been any walking or movement I could fit in this week. I didn't have a specific workout but I was at work early all week and seemed to work late each night and walked around the casino floor a lot. I need to get back into regular walking....I think that can only help. Plus I want to get back into a workout routine, so it's not too difficult after Cruz gets here.

Diet: has been a good mixture of fruit, sandwiches and sweets - I've also been drinking a TON more water and other liquids.

Goals for the upcoming week: we are going to the New Parent Class tomorrow which both Nick & I are excited about - this is the one class we wanted to be in from the beginning because how in the world do we know what we are doing with a little baby. I'm also hoping that after the shower on Sunday, I will be able to get in and organize the nursery. I completely cleaned and organized it from the first shower today - it feels good to have that done.

I also started my hospital checklist and have a bag started! I want to finish that as much as possible over the next week...just in case. I'm going to wash up a couple of his sleepers and NB and 0-3 month outfits as well as some of the receiving blankets to pack them for the hospital.

Belly shot:


35 Week Belly Bump

34 Weeks: What's New...

Due date: November 21st (6 weeks away) - my sister-in-law kindly mentioned she had her first 4 1/2 weeks early - I cannot imagine that, let's hope Lil Mango stays inside for at least another 4 weeks....

Weight gain: 2 pounds - back on track! - (16 pounds total pregnancy). I read that in the next week I should gain 2-4 pounds, yes pounds, of new blood to prepare for giving birth. That is unreal.

Baby developments:  Lil Mango is now the size of a honeydew - he weighs 4 3/4 pounds and is 18 inches long. His fat layers, which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born, are filling him out and making him rounder. His skin is smoother than ever. He now uritnates about one pint per day....weird!

I read something today (there is a trend with all of this reading!) that makes me feel good about the next few weeks - if Lil Mango were born now, he would not only be able to make an efficient transition from the womb to the outside, but he would also be able to resist disease. Babies born 34-37 weeks generally do as well as full term babies. That is definitely reassuring should this little guy decide to come early, though not as early as Sicily (see above)!

Cravings: Apples, bananas, Blueberry Morning cereal and a new find: Twix Ice Cream bars. These bad boys are amazingly good - if you are a fan of Twix candy bars, then I definitely recommend you check these out!

Aversions: nothing new to note.

Symptoms: shortness of breath has been the main culprit...this little guy takes up a ton of room in my belly and definitely impacts my breathing. I huff & puff ALL the time these days.

Slight heartburn, but I haven't pinpointed what exactly is the cause - Tums help get rid of it.

Sleep: has been ok. I'm getting more uncomfortable and it's harder to get to sleep than normal. I've been going to bed later this week than normal for me, but I haven't woken up once in the middle of the night to pee in the last five nights! Granted, when I wake up around 5:30am-6:30am or so, I'm bursting. However, a little uninterrupted sleep....I can get used to that.

I miss: my waist....I was uploading pictures from this weekend on a computer I don't use often and noticed some old belly shots. It wasn't the greatest waist ever, but dang, I miss it!

An actual waist....hard to remember what that was like

I am looking forward to: baby shower #2 in a couple weeks. One, because it will be a great mix of family, friends and people from work. The second is Shauna will be bringing Lil Mango's car seat, rocking chair and bedding. I can't wait to finalize everything in the nursery!

I'm spazzing about: the due date and how close we actually are! It's a great mix of excitement and nervousness.

Best moment this week: there were quite a few! We had our first baby shower in Emerson (thanks to my sisters) and Nick's dad's Hall of Fame weekend in Wayne. We are so fortunate to bring this little guy into the world with such an amazing group of family and friends to look out for him.

With my beautiful sisters (aka the Hostesses)

Movement: he has been moving like crazy, but never when someone wants to feel him! I haven't quite figured out how to make him move around and really don't want to nudge and push him too much to try to make him move! He has been residing on my right side primarily and I often feel what I think is his little booty or head pushing out towards my side.

Milestones: 8 1/2 months along...coming up on our 9th and final month in two weeks. Wow!

It's a...: baby boy

Exercise: hmmm....well, not so good. It's not that I haven't been active, but I only got to a couple of walks with Maya this week and there was definitely no running.

Diet: has been ok as well, as long as you don't count the sweets I gorged myself with at the baby shower. They planned all of my favorite desserts in one place....that isn't good for a girl like me who has NO willpower!

Goals for the upcoming week: I need to follow up on a couple leads for a nanny. I would love to get that finalized - it would be a big relief. Nick and I have the hospital tour tomorrow night, which will be nice to get out of the way as well.

Oh, and I suppose I need to clean up the nursery and put these great gifts away....I sort of dumped them in there after I got home last night and haven't had much time to get in there today.

Look at this messy nursery!

Belly shot:

34 week belly bump

33 Weeks: What's New...

Due date: November 21st (7 weeks away)

Baby developments: Lil Mango is the size of a honeydew - he weighs a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17-inch mark. He may grow a full inch this week and his brain is developing like crazy. Soon he will be able to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. His bones are hardening and he's started to keep his eyes open when he's awake. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move slightly, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. This is so crazy to me...

Weight gain: 0 lbs - I've actually lost a pound or so according to the scale, but I attribute that to my recent bout with the flu (14 pounds total pregnancy).

Cravings: apples and sweets

Aversions: everything, if you asked me yesterday. I haven't had anything but water, chicken broth and 7-up since my stomach still isn't 100% after vomitting for 12 hours starting Sunday night at 8pm and continuing through yesterday morning. I'm finally getting an appetite back and we will see how lunch goes down today.

Symptoms: slight discomfort is starting to settle in late into the night as I settle down. Even the tried-and-true sleeping on my left side doesn't work any longer. I'm definitely losing real estate in my belly and it's taking it's toll on my sleeping.

Constant bathroom breaks are also a culprit and continue to become more frequent as this little guy gets bigger and takes up more space.

Sleep: I've been sleeping less than normal due to the discomfort and bathroom breaks. It didn't help that I stayed up way past my bedtime Saturday night and didn't have a chance to recover Sunday night because I was sick.

I miss: not having to work around this big belly and being able to get up from bed without having to hoist myself up! And I mean hoist, it's usually a one leg in the air and swinging it down to pull my upper body out of bed. BUT it's obviously all for a great reason and I wouldn't change it for the world.

I am looking forward to: my first baby shower this weekend back in Emerson and our trip back for Nick's dad's Hall of Fame induction at Wayne State College.

I'm spazzing about: running out of time...there is SO much that needs to be done and time is getting away from me. And even though we quit our classes we are still going to fit in the hospital tour and the New Parent Class, but since Nick is going out of town later this month on a poker trip, I'm not sure where it will fit in.

Best moment this week: two really great things - Nick & Chris' surprise birthday party on Saturday night (I'm so glad the lying is over!) and my new car (here)!

Movement: he's moving constantly which is such a great feeling....I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I couldn't feel him kicking, punching and just moving all over. It's going to be so weird when he's out of my belly and in my arms.

Milestones: 7 weeks away from our due date. I had a doctor's appointment this morning and all is measuring and looking fine. My doctor even squashed my fears about not gaining weight the last couple of weeks and said Lil Mango is growing just fine, so there is nothing to be concerned about. His little heart beat is SO loud - I love the point in the appointment when she lets me hear him!

It's a...: baby boy

Exercise: good this week - had a couple runs and walks, but didn't do much lifting.

Diet: same - this has been reasonably good with a handful of sweets thrown in here and there.
Goals for the upcoming week: try to get more sleep. I need to recover from this crazy last week.

Belly shot:


33 Week Bump

32 Weeks: What's New...

Due date: November 21st

Baby developments: Lil Mango is the size of a squash - he weighs 3.75 pounds and is 16.7 inches long - and is taking up a lot of space in my uterus. I should be gaining a pound a week about now with about 1/2 of that going to the baby and he will gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next seven weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb.  He is getting prepared to emerge and is in the head-down position with his little booty facing up. Little man now has toenails, fingernails and real hair (do you think he will come out with hair or no hair - I just can't wait to find out!)

Weight gain: 0 pounds (14 lbs total pregnancy) - I am slightly concerned that I haven't had any weight gain the last couple of weeks. As long as Lil Mango is growing right, then I'm good with this, but I'm going to talk with my doc tomorrow. I've honestly been at the same weight or even a pound below - and I've made sure to be consistent in how I weigh myself (mornings before my shower) so I'm pretty sure the scale has been right.

Cravings: grapes, bananas and apples are of the good kind....chocolate is the bad. Since I removed all of the really bad snacks from the house, I've been trying to ease my cravings with "better for me" sweets. It's definitely not all that.....I need chocolate!

Aversions: nothing to note.

Symptoms:  with my uterus pushing up toward my diaphragm and crowding my stomach, I've been having shortness of breath - Tessa can attest to this because she's witnessed me huffing and puffing when I simply walk to my car. I also experienced my first ever case of heartburn - twice last week - it was definitely uncomfortable, but not as bad as the foot shoved in my rib ever so often.

During my frequent bathroom breaks in the middle of the night, I wake up with back pain and an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach - fortunately after I use the bathroom it lightens up a bit.

Sleep: has been good except for the twice (minimum) a night runs to the bathroom. It's been pretty consistent at 2:30am and 4:30am-5am. For the most part, though, I'm sleeping pretty comfortably.

I miss: still missing my regular clothes....I've been trying to figure out what I'm wearing this weekend for our special outing w/ Tessa & Chris. As much as I think a dress is more appropriate, I'm sticking with jeans and a nice (somewhat larger than my normal) top. That will have to do....

I am looking forward to: my doctor's appointment next week and my first (of three!) baby showers coming up back in Emerson on October 9th.

I am loving: that I'm at that point where no matter how hard I try, my belly is out there and I definitely look preggo all the time. I've decided to cash in on it....whether it's at work where the guys will get up to give me their chair when it's standing room only in a meeting or at the mall in their special preggo parking area. Check it out - today I used the "Reserved Parking - For New or Expectant Mothers" parking. It was pretty awesome....although I have to admit I made sure to stick out my belly even further as I was walking in so people didn't think I was cheating by parking there.

Preggo Parking!

I'm spazzing about: being so pale. One positive is that I haven't gone to the tanning salon since finding out I was pregnant, which is great for my skin, but I HATE being pale. I've tried many different sunless tanning lotions and keep going back to the Bare Bronze from Vickie's. I went in today to get another bottle and they told me they wouldn't be selling it anymore until next summer - what?!? why in the world would a sunless tanner only be a spring/summer product? Doesn't it make more sense to have it around in the months where you cannot lay outside to get your sun? Evidently not....so I did what any sound minded person would do - I bought four bottles to take me through the next few months. Let's hope it lasts, otherwise Ebay here I come.

Victoria's Secret Bare Bronze Sunless Tanning Lotion

Best moment this week: was definitely when Nick felt the hard kick from little man a couple nights ago. Now he knows what I've been feeling on a constant basis....it's good for him.

Movement: Lil Mango has been moving like crazy!

Milestones: we've made it to the 8 month milestone....only two months away before Cruz gets here!

It's a...: a boy.

Exercise: I didn't make it back to Lifetime this week, but that's only because the weather has held out and I have been able to take Maya out on morning walk/jogs. Tonight was gorgeous and Maya and I had a great run around the neighborhood.

Diet: has been ok.

Goals for the upcoming week:  continued over from last week....I need to start my hospital checklist and get a bag prepared. Just in case.... I am also going to call ESC (our employee service center) and figure out my maternity leave. I'm still planning to request the full 12 weeks, but I will more than likely only stay out for 8 weeks. I can't imagine missing that much work - especially at a time like this.

Belly shot:


32 Week Bump

31 Weeks: What's New...

Due date: 9 (short) weeks away! November 21st

Baby developments:  Little Mango is the size of a squash - he measures over 16 inches and is 3.3 pounds and heading into a growth spurt. This week he's going through major brain and nerve development. His irises now react to light and all five senses are in working order - except he won't pick up any smells since they are transferred through air, not amniotic fluid. He can turn his head from side to side and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as much needed fat is accumulating under the skin.

Weight gain: 0 lbs (14 pounds total pregnancy)

Cravings: grapes, apples, bananas and sweets have been calling to me this week!

Aversions: I've stayed away from meats this week....definitely not feeling them, so I'm trying to make up for the lack of protein with hard boiled eggs, etc.

Symptoms: so I've heard about Braxton Hicks contractions and figured I hadn't had them yet....and then after our first Childbirth Class last week I realized I've been having them for quite some time! I figured if it were a contraction then it would hurt.....actually these bad boys are more of just tightening sensation where my belly gets hard for around 30 seconds or so....too bad real contractions weren't this easy!

Oh and I got this nice little cyst on my face about a month ago....I thought it was going to be a pimple, but then it never came to a head so I finally went to get it checked out. My derm gave me a cortisone shot and thankfully it's going down. If it doesn't I have to get it cut out an I really don't want to do that and risk scarring on my face.

I'm definitely more out of breath than normal during activity (exercise, walking up stairs, etc), obviously due to this little guy growing and taking up room inside me. During exercise that dang Round Ligament Pain has been killing me, causing me to walk more than I can jog.

Sleep: I have still been sleeping well and I feel like at times too much. Regardless of how much sleep I get, I'm tiiiiired.

I miss: I know this has been the common theme, but I would love to be in my skinny jeans and cute tops with boots this fall. The weather is changing and I'm jonesing for these types of clothes. I did buy a pair of maternity skinny jeans, but its definitely not the same.

I am looking forward to: I just want to see this little guy! I had asked my OB about my next ultrasound and she said since he's developing in line and so well that we may not have another ultrasound. That's great because they are expensive, but I would love to see our little guy.

I am loving: I have definitely become a very productive woman these days. I don't waste my time going out (what a fuddy duddy I am!) and it leaves me more time to get things done around the house, baby related or not. Cooking, laundry, cleaning....you name it!

I'm spazzing about: he is going to be here just a few short weeks from now.....I can't believe it and while I can't wait to meet him, I'm getting nervous.

Best moment this week: spending time with Tessa and having her help with the registry was great....its nice to have that completed and checked off the old list!

Movement: Little Mango has been moving like crazy! Whether I'm laying down, sitting at my desk or walking around...which is a great since his moving is a sign that he will be healthy and active.

It's a...: boy

Exercise: I'm thinking I need to head to the gym and start back up on the elliptical so there is less stress on my body versus running outside.

Diet: I threw out all of the junk food and replaced it with good food. I need to make sure I'm eating better because he is eating everything I eat! I'm going to try to make more of an effort at this.

Goals for the upcoming week: nothing of note, but I'm sure I will find plenty to keep me busy. I need to start my hospital checklist and I would like to hang the pics in the nursery. I did get a new nightstand for his room and I love it!!

Mirrored nightstand

Belly shot:

31 Week Baby Bump

30 Weeks: What's New....

Due date: November 21st or 70 days left....not that I'm counting...wow, that doesn't seem very far away.

Baby developments: Little Mango is now the size of a squash - weighing almost 3lbs and 15.7 inches long.  As his skin is smoothing out with all of the fat deposits, his brain keeps getting more wrinkled...all of the grooves and indentations increase surface area and make more room for brain tissue. He is also getting stronger and his grip is now strong enough to grasp a finger...I am definitely feeling the strength increase with each kick and punch in my belly.

It sounds like the mood swings that I experienced earlier in pregnancy may be coming back due to the combo of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal changes....Nick- I apologize in advance! Fortunately it hasn't started yet, so now that I'm aware hopefully I can control them a bit more (yeah right...).

Weight gain: 0 pounds (14 lbs total pregnancy)

Cravings: popcorn cravings have dwindled, but I think part of that is because I didn't log much couch time this past week due to crazy work hours. Fortunately, people at work were aware of my craving and if they made popcorn - they always shared a cup with me. Also, chocolate or something sweet after dinner. Thankfully, it's not Hostess Cupcakes as much anymore, but I'm sure that's just because I haven't been buying them. I need to ween myself off of those babies if I want to have any chance of getting back into shape after baby.

Aversions: none to note

Symptoms: frequent urination....and I'm talking all the time! I would average it around every half hour when I'm awake, but fortunately it's only once or twice when I'm sleeping.

Round ligament pain in my lower right abdomen was confirmed at my doctor's appointment this morning. Basically as the uterus expands, the round ligaments expand and spasm with my growing body. I mentioned that it has been uncomfortable when I try to run/exercise and she said it's my bodies way of telling me to take it easy, so I'm definitely going to listen to it.

Sleep: continues to be great - I found myself trying to get into bed a bit earlier in order to wake up in time to exercise before work and it worked! I felt much better during the day after getting a workout in and it prepped me for bed earlier than normal.

I miss: having a glass of wine when I'm out with friends....the not drinking has honestly been much easier than I anticipated but it's still fun to get a little buzz when you're gabbing with the girls.

I am looking forward to: cute fall clothes....tunics, leggings, skinny jeans, boots - I can't wait! I think I've officially outgrown my love for the maxi dress, even though it has been very good to me this summer as my body was changing.

I am loving: the fact that it's getting down to crunch time and Little Mango is going to be here soon. I'm getting so excited to meet him and hold him in my arms. I want to know who he is going to look and act like and I can't wait for our family & friends to meet him as well.

I'm spazzing about: the fact that it's getting down to crunch time - and there is still so much left to do. Finish the nursery, complete my registry, take childbirth classes, get big projects completed at work, etc.

Best moment this week: ...and last week has been logging lots of family time. I watched DeLaney last week and got to spend time with Josh & Ashley as well as Tessa and the kiddos, got together with the Gardner-Manganaro girls last Sunday for pedis, lunch and The Help, dinner with Mom & Jen and dinner twice with John & Janice - once last Monday night for meatballs & pasta and we hit up Sullivan's on Saturday night.

Milestones: hit 30 weeks which means only 10 more weeks left....ahhhh! Oh and on a none baby-related note....a big milestone for my sis Tessa - she turns 32 today....I love this time of the year when she is TWO years older than me! Happy birthday, sis!

Movement:  tons of movement and not just when I'm relaxing any more. I feel him when I'm walking, sitting, laying...you name it. Plus, plenty of hard jabs and kicks as well as continuing to lodge that foot in my rib cage. I tried to move it the other night to see if he would shift his position and then I got a swift kick back right where I had my hand to move him...it was pretty neat even though he kept his foot lodged right where it was!

It's a...:  boy.

Exercise: was good this past week - up almost every morning for a run and less of the round ligament pain this past week which made that possible. I did feel the pain during normal activity like walking the casino floor or when shopping.

Diet: has been pretty decent.

Goals for the upcoming week: going with Tessa to get registered at Babies R Us and Target on Friday morning.

Belly shot:


30 week bump: & a new background!

29 Weeks: What's New...

Due date:  November 21st

Baby developments:  Little Mango is the size of a squash - weighing 2 1/2 pounds and over 15 inches long. His energy is surging (I definitely can tell this by the crazy kicks & movement!) due to white fat depositing beneath the skin. Since he's growing so fast (his weight will triple by birth) - he's growing cramped in the womb and the kicking and jabs will become more frequent. I say....bring it on baby! When I have been feeling a subtle twitch, it sounds as though Little Man has the hiccups.

Weight gain: 0 lbs this week (14 total pregnancy)

Cravings: popcorn and chocolate

Aversions: honey mustard - and I'm not even that big of a fan of it ever, but thinking about it makes me feel sick. Even typing about it now....ick

Symptoms: as I get bigger, the symptoms definitely increase. Frequent urination (and I mean ALL. THE. TIME.), sharp pain in my lower right abdomen and Little Man continues to shove his foot in my rib which has still been uncomfortable.

Sleep: I've been sleeping pretty well, but these days I'm struggling to get up before 7am - and I need to get up before 7am in order to get my workouts in...

I miss: fitting into my clothes and looking like normal. I 100% believe it's worth it and love that I have this little guy in my belly, but it's tough.

I'm spazzing about: the baby websites are telling me to start packing my hospital bag...what?!?! I've got 11 weeks to go - the hospital seems so far away.

Best moment this week: I got the chance to watch my niece DeLaney - she is almost 9 months old and such a gorgeous little girl! It's still hard to believe that my little brother has a baby girl, but he is so good with her and it's fun seeing his little family together. Look at how happy she is:

Milestones: I still can't believe I'm in the 3rd trimester....the due date is inching closer each day and I'm very excited to meet him. It's going to be such a life changer, but so amazing.

Movement: Little Mango is moving like crazy and I am loving it!

Exercise: running was limited due to having a pain in my abdomen, but I walked as much as possible.

Diet: major focus on getting plenty of protein, vitamin C, folic acid, iron and calcium - Little Mango's bones are soaking up the calcium with about 250mg of calcium being deposited in his hardening skeleton each day.

Goals for the upcoming week: put the crib together, get the pics on the walls, finalize curtains - all nursery. I just want to get the room done and that would be major closure.

Belly shot: coming soon

28 Weeks: What's New....(7 Months!!)

Due date: November 21st

Baby developments: Little Mango is now the size of an eggplant. He weighs approximately 2.25 pounds and is 14.8 inches long. He can now blink his eyes, which now have lashes. He's developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Weight gain: packing them on! 3 pounds this week (14 total pregnancy)

Cravings: bananas, red apples, popcorn and Diet Mt Dew (multiple times I found caffeine free at the gas station on our New Hampton trip - score!)

Aversions: none to note

Symptoms: having symptoms galore....major rib pain which after talking with Tessa this weekend sounds as though it's my precious little one pushing up into my rib - in lookingn online it may also be the uterus pressing into my abdomen and squashing my ribs. It's on my right side and very uncomfortable- fortunately it's not all of the time, but it has been happening daily (today since about 4pm, so five hours of fun!)

Leg cramps have been minimal, but I've had what I'm self-diagnosing as Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), which is an uncontrollable urge to move my legs. This happens usually late at night and it's painful, but just annoying more than anything.

Sleep: has been good, but I was tired after this weekend. We went to a wedding in New Hampton, Iowa and stayed with Tessa's husband's dad all weekend - it was late nights and early mornings. I slept from about 10pm until 7:30am this morning which was great.

I miss: wearing jeans and a nice shirt instead of dresses and stretchy pants....dang give me a pair of skinny jeans any day and I'd be a happy girl.

I am loving: getting closer and closer to meeting this little guy....being in my 3rd trimester means that we are almost there!

I'm spazzing about: not really spazzing, but hoping for the best on my glucose screening test in a couple weeks. At my last doctor's visit she gave me a bottle of this orange sugar stuff that I need to drink before my next appointment - if the results come back high I'm in for the 3-hour glucose tolerance test....and that doesn't sound fun.

Best moment this week: I have to say finding our pediatrician, which we finalized today after my appointment with Dr Shidler at Boys Town Pediatrics. Finally!

Milestones: we're in the home stretch and hit the 3rd trimester this week - wow! now it's getting real. It sounds like the average weight gain this trimester is 11 pounds....which would put me at 25 total pounds....

Movement: Little Mango has been moving like crazy.

Exercise: was slim to none last week - very busy at work with my new boss in town and it felt like we were out of the house every night this past week and weekend. Definitely going to get back into it this week and started this morning...

Diet: has been ok, but it's hard to eat well when you aren't at home. A lot of grabbing something quick in between meetings.

Goals for the upcoming week: order the chair for the nursery and hang some of the pictures in that room. Plus, a non-pregnancy related goal - finish reading The Help. I'm about halfway through and it's pretty good so far. Oh, and I need to catch up on the blogs I follow - last week didn't allow me much time online.

Belly shot:


28 week bump
(Now that is where those 3 pounds are storing themselves!)

Week 27: What's New...

Due date: November 21st

Baby developments: Little Mango is now the size of an eggplant - this week he weights almost two pounds and is 14 1/2 inches long. His lungs are going through major developments these days, which (combined with the opening of previously plugged nostrils) means he's now able to practice inhaling and exhaling. He's also sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and might even be sucking his fingers! If he's anything like his mama, he will be sucking his fingers, not his thumb.

Weight gain: 1 lb (11 pounds total pregnancy)

Cravings: deja vu anyone? Diet Mt Dew, popcorn and sweets are the big culprit. I'm actually surprised at how little I'm craving chips and cheez-its these days, which used to be a major staple in my diet.

Aversions: not necessarily an aversion, but I haven't been eating tomato soup as often as I usually do. My favorite is Campbell's Old-Fashioned Tomato Rice and I've tried to make it a couple times over the past couple weeks and it didn't go down well.

Symptoms: leg cramps are still getting me at night - I think I'm going to try what worked for my friend, Shauna - a banana and glass of water before bed each night.  And I've been getting backaches more frequently, which I understand will only get worse as I grow bigger. It feels like a pinching in the middle of my back on the right-hand side. He often resides on the right side of my belly so I imagine it has something to do with his choice of real estate.

I can also see my linea nigra coming in beneath my belly button, which is due to pregnancy hormones. These same pregnancy hormones are responsible for some of the new freckles I have as well as my sunspots.

Sleep: I've been sleeping very well and actually it's been tough for me to get up by my alarm at 6am during the work week and I snooze for a half hour to an hour which isn't good.

I miss: fitting into my old clothes and shopping for cloths that aren't dresses. I've stopped into a couple cute boutiques in Omaha and saw some great deals on some dresses and tops, but I couldn't fit into them anymore. My next purchases will be a pair of jeans for fall, a couple new pairs of work pants and some maternity leggings. I'm getting tired of always wearing dresses these days.

I am loving: the most recent gift I received for Cruzer from his Auntie Tessa. She bought these yesterday and they are so dang cute....and little!


Little Man's first crib shoes

I'm spazzing about: missing my appointment with the pediatrician this morning - I really was hoping I would meet her, chat with her and sign her on to take care of Cruz, but because I had to go into work early with the flooding, I wasn't able to make the appointment.

Best moment this week: registering at Time for Baby and spending the WHOLE day with Tessa....just us. It's been a while since it's been just the two of us and it was such a good day.

Milestones: I'm almost in my 3rd trimester! Now THAT is very exciting and I am getting more and more anxious to meet this little guy!

Movement: I continue to feel tons of movement and love touching my belly when he is kicking away. It never, ever gets old.

It's a...: gorgeous little boy.

Exercise: has been good this past week - with the weather getting nicer, my walk/runs have been more enjoyable and it's been good to get Maya out of the house.

Diet: has been ok with the exception of a sweet treat at the end of the day. Those damn Hostess cupcakes are the devil - I've probably only eaten five of these in my whole life and now they are a staple in my diet. What is the deal?!?

Goals for the upcoming week: I'm going to focus on a couple of pregnancy super-foods this week...broccoli, hard boiled eggs and bananas. My blender broke a couple months ago and I've been craving my smoothies - I may have to go buy a new one...

Belly shot:

Belly Bump: 27 Weeks

26 Weeks: What's New...

Due date: November 21st

Baby developments: Little Mango is the size of an eggplant - he weighs 1 & 2/3 pounds and is 14 inches long. He's soaking up my antibodies - getting his immune system ready for life outside the womb. Little man's eyes are forming and soon he'll be practicing the blink - he now has eyelashes. He is also starting to take breaths too - of amniotic fluid - but it's still great practice for him!

Weight gain: 1 lb (10 lbs total pregnancy)

Cravings: I continue to crave Diet Mt Dew and popcorn....big time.

Aversions: none

Symptoms:  I've had some cramping the last couple of days, which I've self-diagnosed as Round Ligament Pain. It refers to a brief, sharp, stabbing pain or a longer-lasting dull ache in my lower abdomen. The round ligaments surround my uterus and as it grows during pregnancy, the ligaments stretch and thicken to accommodate and support it and it occasionally cause pain.

Leg cramps galore - I've been woken up a couple different times this week with bad leg cramps. Generally it's been my right leg, but Saturday night was the first time it was my left.  I have been eating bananas for some extra potassium since I couldn't suck down the coconut water. There are a couple things they recommend:

• Take a walk every day.
• Wear comfortable shoes with plenty of support (oops - definitely not complying with this).
• Avoid getting too tired.
• Stay hydrated during the day by drinking water regularly.

I am loving: getting a ton of sleep and being refreshed during the day. I LOVE no hangovers!

Sleep: has definitely been good - besides the leg cramps waking me up and one bathroom break a night. However, I did stay out later than I have in a long time this past weekend - 3am on Friday night and 2am on Saturday night. I was feeling it for sure on Saturday at work and all day yesterday.

I miss: not having to pee 50 times a day like I have been lately. That is definitely why dresses are my friend these days....it makes the process that much quicker!

I'm spazzing about: getting the registry completed. Tessa & I are heading to Kearney on Sunday to hit up Time for Baby and then we will more than likely set one up at Babies R Us or Target as well.

Best moment this week: two great moments this week - 1) hearing Cruz's strong heartbeat this morning in my doctor's appointment and 2) meeting Gavin Rossdale at the Bush M&G Saturday night - love him!

Milestones: this isn't a milestone in the pregnancy or Cruz's development, but I'm pretty impressed that I've refrained from buying up little boy clothes like crazy. Everyone knows I'm a shopper and I've maybe bought three onesies for him so far....props to me!

I did purchase my first two maternity clothing purchases this week - one was a black Liz Lange tank from Target and the other was a pair of Gap Maternity jogging pants - which are mighty comfortable.

Movement: Cruz has been moving around like crazy and I'm loving every minute of it. It seems as though just as I'm getting ready to relax, he is wanting to move around.

It's a...: little guy.

Exercise: still happening about five times a week.

Diet: has been ok this week.

Goals for the upcoming week: well I did knock a couple of things off my to-do list this past week: set up appointments with pediatricians, going to Kearney to set up my registry and registered for Child Preparation and New Parent classes at Bergan. My only goal is to finalize some of the big items (stroller, high chair, rocking chair, etc) while we are in Kearney on Sunday.  Shauna has the stroller I've been eyeing - I can't wait to check it out.

Belly shot:

26 Week baby bump - in my new Maternity jogging pants!

25 Weeks: What's New...

Due date: November 21st - my mom was in town this weekend and we were talking about her staying with me when Little Mango is born...can't wait to have her help because I know I'm going to need it!

Baby developments: Little Mango is now the size of an eggplant and his sense of equilibrium is kicking in - he is starting to distinguish right side up from upside down. He's been feet down since my last ultrasound and I just know that he's pushing against (or kicking) my bladder. He weighs approximately a pound & a half and is about 13 & 1/2 inches long. Plus, he's putting on some baby fat - I can't wait to squeeze those cute little cheeks!

About me this week: my pregnancy hormones are kicking in and making my complexion a bit spotty. I've been using a skin lightening cream on these areas the past couple of weeks - hope it helps...

Weight gain: 0 lbs this week (9 lbs total pregnancy)

Cravings: this week I've definitely been craving diet Mt Dew (trying to mix in CF) and popcorn. I cannot get enough of either - popcorn has definitely become my nightly snack while I'm winding down.

Aversions: none that I can think of.

Symptoms: leg & foot cramps galore so I'm trying to drink the Zico coconut water and eat more bananas (to my friend Heather - I do not like the Zico, even freezing cold!)

I am loving: the nursery - it's finally coming along - I finished painting yesterday and got some of the stuff I'd ordered online in. I can't wait for the big reveal!

Sleep: I've been sleeping well aside from waking up at 3:30am on Wednesday morning and not getting back to sleep and again on Sunday morning at 4am, but fortunately I was able to fall back asleep around 6am. I've also been getting up in the middle of the night at least once to use the restroom, but I'm usually able to get back to sleep soon after.

I miss: nothing that I can think of - this last week was a great pregnancy week. Yes, I am saying that, the person who always complains about those women who "just loved being pregnant!"

I'm spazzing about: registering - I need to get to Time For Baby - my friend Shauna's shop to register and check out some of the items I'm interested in but we can't get our schedules synched. I'm hoping we figure it out soon so I can check that off the list.

Best moment this week: spending time with my mom, two of my sisters and my nieces & nephews on my side on Sunday. The only thing missing from our girls + nephews day were my sister Heather and little DeLaney. We had lunch at "the Breadstick Place" as Dayvaney calls it (Olive Garden) and then did some shopping. Dayvie & Sophie were my shopping partners looking at dresses - they were so cute holding hands and oohing & awing each item they saw - Dayvie's line of the day was "ohhh.myyy.gooosh. Isn't this the most beautiful dress?" to every sparkly and brightly colored frock she could get her hands on! She is definitely my niece.

Milestones: having hit the six month point definitely makes this pregnancy sink in that much more. Only 16 more weeks until we get to meet Cruz and I cannot wait....I hope the time goes quickly but at the same time that we get everything done we need to.

Movement: Little Mango is moving like crazy and I love it! I seriously could feel him moving all day long and not get tired of it. Yesterday Nick & I went to a movie (new Planet of the Apes movie- pretty good!) and he was kicking harder than I've felt him kick before. It was great - this is definitely one of my favorite things about pregnancy.

It's a...: little boy

Exercise: I get so winded these days....walking up flights of stairs, after my workout, youname it. I have been trying to walk/run as often as possible this week and do light arms & legs to keep myself in shape, but I struggle. I can only imagine when I'm 30+ weeks and the belly has grown even bigger how I'm going to feel!

Diet: has been ok, but not great - seems to be the recurring theme in this section...

Goals for the upcoming week: to schedule New Parent classes & hospital tour at Bergan Mercy as well as my pediatrician appointments.

Belly shot:



25 Week Bump

24 Weeks: What's New...(6 months!)

Due date: November 21st....the date has moved up a week which means Little Mango will be coming into our lives sooner than we thought!

Baby developments: little man is the size of a papaya and his face is now fully formed...minus the baby fat. He is more than 11 inches long and weights just over a pound. The sounds that his increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing him for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now - such as our barking dog - probably won't faze him when he hears them outside the womb.

How I'm changing...in the past few weeks, the top of my uterus has risen above my belly button and is now about the size of a soccer ball (now that is why my belly is SO big these days).

Weight gain: 2lbs (9 total pregnancy) - OMG growing at least a pound a week. Not used to this!

Cravings: Diet Mt Dew hands down has been my major craving. Decaf doesn't seem to do the trick, but I'm trying to subsitute that when I can. Cold Clausen pickles, Goldfish crackers, popcorn and desserts - I have to have something sweet after dinner!

Aversions: nothing new to note.

Symptoms: leg cramps continue to plague me at night, in addition to the nose bleeds I blogged about last week and my ever growing boobs. I finally dragged myself into Vickies to pick up a new bra and get measured - I'm a officially a 34D! Wowzers

I am loving: all of the maxi dresses and work dresses I've been wearing. I've moved almost completely away from pants - they are just not comfortable anymore, plus they don't fit. I am not a fan of the pant-line I have at the end of the day.

Sleep: has been good, however, I'm starting to wake up in the middle of the night for a bathroom run. Other than that I've been sleeping well.

I miss: it's a double-edged sword - I wish I could fit into my jeans, shorts and work pants. I have seen some gorgeous tops that I would love to buy but I have no bottoms to wear them with! Come fall I'm definitely going to be wearing a lot of leggings and tunics...that I can promise you.

I'm spazzing about: finalizing a pediatrician - I want to check another to-do off our list.

Best moment this week: Nick finally felt him move outside my belly - he was laying his head on my stomach and Cruz kicked him pretty good! At one point this morning you could feel him laying just below my belly button on the left side and there was a noticeable bump there versus the other side.

Milestones: only four more months to go. I painted the nursery today and have ordered some items for it that should be coming in this week. I need to finalize bedding, the rocker, curtains, a rug and a few other things to help it all come together. Plus, we need to get the wood floors put in - this will more than likely be done in September.

Movement: a lot of movement - usually right away in the morning and when I'm winding down for the night. He is a very active little guy!

It's a....: BOY!

Exercise: all at home this past week. Walk/runs with Maya and then light arms & legs in the basement afterwards. My plan is to continue this workout plan or some form of it - goal of four times a week minimum.

Diet: definitely not enough fruits & veggies.

Goals for the upcoming week: eat better, workout...you know the usual.

Belly shot:

24 Week and growing strong!