26 Weeks :: 2nd Trimester

Belly Pics:

 

 

It is INSANE that I have ONE week left in my second trimester!?!  Wowzas.  We’re going to meet BC in 99ish days!

How far along? 26 weeks

How big is the baby? English hothouse cucumber (wtf is that lol??) --  about 1 2/3 pounds and 14 inches, head to toe.

Maternity clothes?   I'm wearing the 2 pairs of maternity jeans and maternity tanks I bought a few weeks back with my old cardigans pretty much every day.  I've also been wearing some of my old flowy dresses with tights and a jacket.  

Weight Gained:  1lb gained this week, total of 17lbs gained. 

Waist Size: 36 in, total of 6in growth (measuring around the belly button)

Exercising: I went to Bar Method twice and a prenatal yoga class twice this week.  

 Stretch marks? Nope

Symptoms: Still having intense pain in my middle back.  It's to the point where I can't even sit through a 2 hour movie.  Today I went to a prenatal chiropractor that my doula recommended - Dr. Berlin.  After he massaged and adjusted my back and neck, I immediately felt the pain release from my body.  As Jennifer Garner explained to me in the lobby of the Dr. office, he is a magician :).  I'm going 3 more times in the next 2 weeks to finish the adjustment cycle.  After that, I'll go as needed.  I'm also going to start acupuncture to help relieve any pain & stress I'm experiencing and boost my energy.  Doing acupuncture in weeks 34-40 can also help with getting the baby in the right position for a smoother and faster delivery.  

Sleep: I've been taking a calcium & magnesium supplement (Natural Calm) at night time to help make my tissue stretchier and avoid muscle cramps/spasms.  It's a white powder you drink with warm water at night, and it relaxes your muscles and balances your body's level of calcium and magnesium.  It really has made me feel super relaxed and has helped me fall asleep faster.   This is prob TMI but it also helps with constipation :) (sorry if that grosses you out  - just trying to help out all the other prego ladies out there :)).  

Best moment this week:  Relieving my back pain and receiving parenting advice from Jennifer Garner :).  She told me as I was waiting for my chiropractor appt to make sure I go on a lot of dates with my husband before and after the baby is born, laugh all the time because there is going to be some weird and nasty things happening to my body, my life, and my baby over the next year, and to make sure I stay relaxed and calm during birth so I have a fast and painless delivery.  She was rad.  I always thought she was some sort of supermom, but now after meeting and talking to her in person, I know she's a super badass mom and wife!  
Miss Anything? drinking wine while watching Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.  The show just isn't as good sober.  
Number of times I get up to pee each night: 1-2 times each night   
Movement: SO. MUCH. MOVEMENT.  Little dude is kicking my ribs and bladder 24/7.  It's not a pleasant feeling.  
Food cravings:  Cold oranges!  I had a super cold orange right out of the fridge in big bear last weekend and it was the most delicious thing I've tasted in the last few months.  
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nothing
Have you started to show yet: Totally
Gender: BOY
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In but it's def getting shallower (is that a word lol).  I'm guessing I'm going to have an outie in about 2-3 weeks.  
Mood:  Feeling really relaxed this week.  My yoga class and prenatal massage/chiropractor appt have really put me in a relaxed and happy mood.  
Looking forward to: Christmas in Utah with my dad, my grandparents, ez and bellini!  I think this is going to be my first white christmas ever :).  

24 Weeks :: 2nd Trimester

Belly Pics:

 

How far along? 24 weeks

How big is the baby?  An ear of corn 

Maternity clothes?   I went to Destination Maternity in Pasadena and bought a pair of jeans with an elastic top and also a few longer white tank tops to wear under cardigans.   I was getting really sick of only wearing black leggings and my black Paige jeans so the dark  jeans will nice addition :).  I'm hoping that these 3 items will get me through months 6 and 7.  We will see!  

Weight Gained:  1lb gained this week, total of 16lbs gained. 

Waist Size: 35 in, total of 5in growth (measuring around the belly button)

Exercising: I went to Bar Method 4 times this week. 

 Stretch marks? Nope

Symptoms: Still having intense pain in my middle back, and nothing is really working to relieve the pain.  I'm meeting with a birthing doula next week, and she said that she has a number of natural remedies I can try.  Hoping she has some good ideas!  
Sleep: Sleeping pretty well.  The maternity pillow has been great! 
Best moment this week:  Our Holiday Party!  I love the holiday season :).   
Miss Anything? A full glass of wine.  I've been having a few tastings here and there, but a full glass of wine with dinner would be amazing.  
Number of times I get up to pee each night: I got up once every night this week.   
Movement: Still crazy amounts of movement in there.  Ez can now feel it almost every time and I can also see him move from the outside.  
Food cravings:  Sugar.  I was really craving sugar the other night so I had a piece of chocolate cake.  It was divine.  
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nothing
Have you started to show yet: Oh yea, I def "popped" this week.  I even had my first stranger ask me when I'm due.  
Gender: BOY
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In, although it's getting more shallow.  eeek, I really don't want to get an outtie!  
Mood:  Excited because our baby room is almost done!  I ordered the crib this week and it should be delivered in about 10-12 weeks.   
Looking forward to: Heading to Big Bear next weekend to hang out with a few close friends.