Raegan | 4 Months

I'm sorry, what?  Four months?  Where did the time go?

It's been a hard adjustment to go from new mom, and back to work but this last week made me feel like we were actually getting in a groove.  Our time is short and precious on weekdays with our little so we tend to soak up every minute we can.  Our weekends have mostly been spent by the pool, on an adventure or just enjoying each other's company.

Raegan, 

You've changed so much over the past few months and the past few weeks specifically.  You amaze me daily with your little personality.  You know what you want and you make sure we know it too.  You're a pretty "easy" baby and have a laid back personality until you need something.  You are a chatt.er.box with a capitol C!  I love the sound of your little voice and am so in love with our daily conversations.  However, let's try to keep the conversations to a minimum before 6am- ok baby girl?  K, thanks.   

You've started movin' and shakin'!  The first time you rolled over, on purpose, I was headed out to get my hair done.  Wow, you sure know how to stop your Mama in her tracks!  I was gladly late to see this action again and again.  The look of surprise and then pride on your face made my heart glow.  

You're growing like a weed Raegan Roo!  Daily, your Dad and I look at you and swear you look bigger.  Everyone thinks you're so small, and you are quite petite, but you've now gained two thigh rolls that I'm quite proud of.  You're too long for newborn onsies but too skinny for 3mo.  Go figure, pants are the same.  Your newborn pants fit perfectly in the waist while the 3mo practically fall off or look like they're up to your armpits.  I've just started telling people you're wearing baby capris- shhh, no one will know.  

I'm so excited to watch you grow but already sad at how fast it's passing.  Slow down baby girl, we've got plenty of time.

R A E G A N   T H I S   M O N T H

rolls over

laughs

near prefect head/neck control

sits w/assistance

sleeps in crib most of the night

smiles at everyone

coo's, sings and chats us up

is 12lbs and 25in long (estimated, dr on 15th)

Turns toward loud noises or our voices

grabs, and gets almost all things she reaches for

found her toes

3-6 months clothes with some newborn
Taylor Swift and Katy Perry are your jams

loves her boobies and bottles

alllllmost sleeps through the night, wakes when hungry

gives me feet to cuddle while nursing

eats 4-5oz every 3ish hours

Nicknames: Raegan Roo, Monster, Princess (even school calls her Princess)

wants to stand whenever possible

loves to fly

loves her teachers and friends at school

wears size 1 diapers

favorite toys: Dino - zebra - musical play mat
dislikes: tummy time, being flat on her back, her 4Moms mamaroo, nose frida
i want to remember: my first mother's day, first swim, first rollover, first sleep through the night in your crib 

Until next time...

Dear Blog,

Dear Blog,

I miss you.  I miss the time I used to have to focus on you, b*tch about my work and other life things.  I miss being able to spend countless hours researching how to grow you, make pictures beautiful for you and devote time to JUST you... well, me really. 

However, things have changed.  I'm breaking up with you.  Ok, not really but I'm temporarily putting on hold the expectations that I once had for you.  I do promise to spend more time on you, but it wont be enough time.  It will never be enough time.  It will be just enough time to have a written journal of our life to look back on because Lord knows I don't have the memory for it all. 

You see, there's this girl.  She's my tiny human and she's really more important than you if we're being honest... and I'm always honest, to a fault.  Getting up for work at 5am, feeding her at 6 and on to my commute, just to spend a day at work, commute home, feed her, feed me, get things ready for the next day, pump, go to bed at 9ish and wake up to feed her before continuing my nap just doesn't leave enough time for you.  I am hopeful that on weekends when the tiny human is napping I may be able to spend time with you and then I think I hear the voice of the washing machine and I'm not so sure.  Also, on these weekends I need to soak up as much of the tiny human's time and essence as I can.  I may even try to see this giant ball of light in the sky people keep telling me about...I'm not convinced.   

So, my dear friend, I can promise you this.  I will commit to trying to make more time for you but I can promise you that I love you, and miss you, and will one day be able to nurture you like the diamond seedling you are.

Until next time my friend...

Newborn Pics

It's no secret that I love photography, so newborn pics were a no brainer for us!  We were fortunate enough to find an amazing photographer for my maternity and newborn pics!  I realized that I didn't post my maternity pics, and even though R has already made her debut, I'll post a couple now!

Now, for the main attraction!  If you're ever in the Bay Area, I highly suggest using Capturing Grace Photography!  Kristy is an amazing photographer and we had the best experience!  She was very patient and so caring during our shoot, it was such a memorable experience- especially when Raegan "let loose" a couple times.  Babies, you just can't take them anywhere ;)

These are the moments captured in time that you remember forever.

Until next time...

The end is near.

...and just like that my maternity leave is coming to an end.  I have just two short weeks left to wear yoga pants, binge watch tv, eat what/when I want (haha) and snuggle my little lady.

I would like to say that these last few months have flown by and I am dreading May, but the truth is I'm ready to go back.  Gasp!  What did she just say?  Blasphemy!  Yep, I said it.  I'm ready.  I'm ready for adult conversation, I'm ready to be a productive member of this household again and I'm ready to have someone else, other than the cutest little dictator in the world, telling me what to do.

Do you know what I'm NOT ready for...sending her to daycare.  Unfortunately, without any family nearby and me not working not being an option, daycare is our reality.  We have found a daycare that I'm comfortable with after googling, asking friends for recommendations and searching our new city.  Oh yeah, did I tell you we moved?  Story for another day my friend!  Daycare is a harsh reality for a lot of families today so finding the right one is critical.  I will tell you that we walked into one and I would've walked right out if the woman hadn't said hello... yikes.  But, just because we have found a daycare that I'm comfortable with, does not mean that I'm happy to send my precious little bundle of joy there, with strangers, all day, while I work, only to spend a few short hours with her before it's bedtime routine and lights out.  Insert serious mommy guilt here.

As my leave comes to an end I started to panic at all of the new things and routines we will have to do.  Gone are the days of a short, or no, shower, hair in a bun, sleeping until 8:30 (jealous?) and lounging around soaking up time with my baby.  Now I will have to shower everyday, do my hair/makeup, wear real clothes, pack my lunch, get R ready, drop her off, commute to/from work, have dinner ideas ready... whew, I'm exhausted already!  So much has changed since Raegan was born!  It's crazy to think of how much SHE has changed too.  Slow down baby girl, slow down.

So here I sit while the little naps and start to picture what our life will be like in two weeks and I realize that I was wrong.  I'm not ready.  Not even a little bit.

Crap.  I'm crying.  Thanks hormones... you suck.  

I'm going to go stare, in a not so creepy way, at my baby girl.  How could I not when she looks like this?

Until next time...

35 weeks

Merry Christmas Blogland!!  I have had a completely relaxing and blessed day spent with my amazing Husband.  I've been spoiled beyond belief this year and am typing to you on my new iMac!  We've been talking about this for while with my love of photography and new edition on the way and today it finally became a reality!  It's going to be a learning curve but I'm SO excited!  

Last Christmas before baby!

Last night we hosted our first California "Friendsmas" with other military orphans too far away to be with family this holiday season.  It was a blast to say the least!  Here are some of the highlights, and hilarious pics, that ensued!

So. Much. Food.  Don't forget the Birthday Boy, Joe!  

Vallejos & Lamberts!  I love when friends become family!

A little engineering and ghetto phone manipulation, eh voila, group photo!

The ladies went in the kitchen to talk doTERRA for 5 min, guess they were ready for Santa to come!

Awkward family photo or prego prom pic- either way it makes me giggle and I love it!!

How far along? 35 weeks, Day 2
Total weight gain: 12lbs and hoping to keep it that way!
Baby is the size of ? A Coconut
Maternity clothes? Yep!  Whoever said yoga pants and leggings weren't pants is wrong, just plain wrong.  Those things are a gift from God.  Come to think of it, anything stretchy is gracing my body these days.  You're welcome.
Stretch marks? Same!  Although I've noticed some older ones fading a bit, which makes me happy!
Sleep: Ahhh, we've definitely entered the third trimester sleep patterns, better known as "getting you ready for a newborn because you sleep like crappity, crap, crap"!  Unfortunately it's also around now when Mr. Ladd is getting banished to the, way more comfortable, guest bed.  I miss my husband but my sleep is SO precious I'll sacrifice a few nights with him! 
Best moment this week: Seeing the belly dance more and more!  We also had our birthing class last week and while it was pretty, um terrifying eyeopening, I feel more empowered and better prepared for the big event.  Might I add that at 35 weeks the lungs are fully developed?  While I'm not advocating for little Miss to make her debut tomorrow, I'm saying it's pretty much up to her now!
Miss Anything? Breathing and eating more than two bites of anything.  Enough said.
Movement: Little gymnast is doing summersaults all. the. time.
Food cravings: Anything sweet, but not really craving too much lately.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really but meat is starting to not appeal again.  Weird.
Exercise? Lots of walking around the office, during Christmas shopping and in general.  That's taking way more energy than it did before.  
Gender:  SHE
Labor Signs: Not really.  My belly keeps getting rock hard at the top but doesn't have any pain associated with it.  I am having random pains every now and then that stop me in my tracks, but they're done as fast as they come on.
Symptoms: Same.  I have good days and bad with random aches and pains.  Hello round ligament pain.  Google it.
Belly Button in or out? In- but I can now see both holes where my belly button ring would’ve resided.  
Wedding rings on or off? Normally I'm able to wear my engagement ring, but not my wedding band.  I'll take big and sparkly because people are serious judgers when I don't have any rings on.  Geezeeee.
Happy or Moody most of the time: More emotional than a 13yr old girl.  Make. it. STOP!
Looking forward to: Putting the nursery together, installing the carseat, writing my birth plan and packing our "to go bag".  Sh*t's getting real.

That's all for today folks!  I hope you have a fantastic Christmas and you remember the real reason for the season!  The most important things you get on Christmas, aren't things at all. 

Until next time...

Baby Ladd has a name!

As our dute date comes screetching towards us, one of the favorite questions people like to ask is "Do you have a name"?  Why, yes... we do.  So, if you've been waiting in anticipation for Baby Ladd's name, it's my pleasure to announce your wait is over!

Drum roll please...

 

 

 

Raegan

Meaning: king or regal.  A feisty, intelligent young woman. Someone who knows what she wants and works hard to get it. Is also known to be: extremely fun-loving, loyal, quick-witted, and sarcastic, but will stand by your side at all times.

 

Avery

Meaning: wise or counselor.  Avery means amazing, talented in every way , able to sucseed, will go far in life, loves and cares for that one special person, very good at basketball. (thank you urban dictionary, my husband will love that!) 

 

After making several attempts at adding my Mom, Grandma, D's Mom or Grandma's name into the mix we came up short and would've ended up with something like Renesmee.  Which, if that's your thing is fine, but it was definitely on my to-don't list.  So instead we went in search of a strong female name with a slightly androgynous feel.  It just so happens that her initials are the same as mine, in a different order :)  I think we nailed it!

 

Only 36 more days until this little ladies' proposed birthday!

 

Until next time...

 

 

 

5 Unbelievable Pregnancy Encounters

There are so many things I thought were exaggerated about pregnancy before I was pregnant.  Now, I get it.  I would like to say that I was expecting them but some things are so out there, that until they actually happened I’m pretty sure it never even crossed my mind.  Mind. Blown.  Here are just a few of my favorite moments I’ve experienced in pregnancy so far.

I’m a fragile little lamb-  It seems that once you hit the “whoa baby” noticeable stage people are so afraid of breaking you.  For instance, I’m not sure if it’s more about liability at work but people are afraid if I walk fast, drop something on the ground or get up to do something.  It’s pretty comical, in fact.  It’s such a nice feeling to have people at work give a damn that it almost makes me want to play along… Yes, I am in fact Queen of All Pregnant Ladies and you are my subjects.  Haha  But then I snap out of it and think, hey I’m still normal, just makin a human over here.  I’m perfectly capable of picking up my pen…. Well most times, unless I’m sitting at a table and if you’ve ever tried to put a purse or beach ball on your lap and bend over you know physics are not working in your favor. 

Virtual strangers touching my belly-  Now, I have to say at 34 weeks to the day I’ve avoided this so far.  I was seriously hoping it was a complete myth.  Unfortunately, I’m here to tell you that it happens.  It has happened to me and it will, most likely, happen to you.  Today, my friends, my belly was patted for the first time with a loving look from a gentleman I work with.  To say I was shocked, would be an understatement.  Not only did I get an unsuspecting pat, but I also got a “look at you” comment.  Double whammy.  My FB post went a little something like this:

Comments about the size/shape of my belly- Twice, people have made comments about my belly and have *barely* lived to tell the tale.  No, sample lady at Costco, I am not having twins but thank you again for the lovely TWO samples you insisted I take.  Yes, outspoken TSA Man, I am having a girl and thank you so much for your observation that I am carrying high.  FML.  I feel like that youtube kid on drugs after the dentist.  Is this really real?  Yes, yes it is.  I can’t make this up.
 

People sharing their stories with me- Thank you for enlightening me on your birthing experience even though I didn’t ask.  I loved hearing about your episiotomy and how that went.  *warning, do not google it* Oh, I’m so sorry your drugs wore off mid-pushing and you felt everything.  Wow, you went natural and really think I should too.  Thanks for your thoughts.  Shoot. Me. Now.

My life is over-  This may be my favorite of all moments.  When a haggard, yet seemingly put together woman proceeds to tell me what I have NO idea what I’m in for and that I better appreciate every late morning and free moment of my time because it will NEVER happen again.  Wow, first of all, let me say I’m sorry for you.  Truly.  I appreciate the concern on making sure I soak up all experiences now before our lives change forever, but I’m good.  You may believe I live in Never Never Land, but I assure you that I currently reside in California and am well aware of the changes my life will encounter.  However, and this may be the smug new parent in me, I fully believe that after the first couple (6) months of newborn haze that I’ll be ok.  My life will never be the “same” but that’s ok.  I know wine night with the girls, date nights with the hubby and a general life will be mine again.  So, thanks for trying to scare the beegeesus out of me but I’m good.

In closing, I’d like to offer some of the only things you should say to a pregnant woman- like EVER:

• You’re simply glowing
• Congratulations!

• You look so amazing

• How exciting, I hope everything is amazing for you

• You are going to be such a fantastic mother

Until next time...

 

 

32 weeks!

Just by the hair on my chinney, chin, chin (and I'm pregnant so that's not far off!) did I make this post happen!  Time is flying by and I have a lot to say.  Really, I should note that trimester 3 is kicking my booty and I'm so tired all. the. time.  I'm lucky to get dinner and a show in before I'm asleep in my chair or heading to bed.  Either way, the show the blog must go on! 

 

Since Halloween... oops... we've been living our normal lives with an amazing trip to WA thrown in the mix.  We headed to the Evergreen State for 7 fun-filled days of eating, shopping, driving, more driving and visiting with friends and family!  I had an amazing baby shower while were there and Baby Ladd was spoiled beyond belief by our amazing friends/family.  I saw some of my friends and sorority sisters that I haven't seen in years!  I miss everyone so much and it was flattering that they all took the time to come out and welcome Baby!  Of course, in true Annalee fashion, I didn't take many pics so I am missing a group shot and lots of other cute details!  Shoot! 

Prepare to be bombarded with pictures my lovelies! 

 

I was VERY thankful for a Hawks win on Thanksgiving!

My Baby Shower was so fun!  One of my best friends, Mary, and my Mom did such a great job!

Love this girl!  Also, I have her to thank for taking pics because I'm so bad at remembering!

Look, Ma- no hands!  Decorating onsies at the shower.

There were a couple onsies left over so D, Mary and I had a decorating party later!

Of course we had to stop off at the Pro Shop and get some baby Hawk gear!

Hockey game on Sunday night capped off a fantastic weekend!

Bumpdate!

How far along? 32 weeks, 7 days
Total weight gain: 12lbs- With baby at 4lbs I'm freaking out a little less :)
Baby is the size of ? An Squash and 15.2-16.7 in
Maternity clothes? Yep!  Bring on the black leggings and don't you dare tell me they're not pants.  Anything with an elastic waist band, no waist band or that goes below the belly and doesn't require a button is fair game! 
Stretch marks? No new ones!  Still battling them with doTERRA products and vitamin E/coconut oil which seems to be helping.  Not familiar with doTERRA?  ASK!  Hello life changing!

Sleep: Getting more elusive... 
Best moment this week: Seeing the belly move more on it's own and hearing Baby Ladd's heartbeat.  I should probably stop calling her Baby Ladd and tell you her name, huh?  SOON!Miss Anything? My back NOT aching, energy, being able to reach everything, not bumping the belly into things (serious problem)
Movement: Pretty sure she's a black belt ninja who loves oranges, sugar and taco salads!Food cravings: Cuties/Halos, those delicious little clementines have been disappearing by the bags at our casa! 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really... pork is really the only culprit.  I feel so bad for D!
Exercise? Not as much as I should be doing... but I do walk a lot at work, does that count?Gender:  ??  Lady!Labor Signs: Nope.  Just your usual aches, pains and awkward stretchy feelings.

Symptoms: I have good days and bad with random aches and pains.  Hello round ligament pain.  Google it.
Belly Button in or out? In- but I can now see both holes where my belly button ring would’ve resided.  It's getting bad.
Wedding rings on or off? Engagement ring ON most days but the actual wedding band is touch and go.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Just call me Lady Cries-A-Lot.  It's redic and I'm so over it.  I don't want to feel feelings anymore!Looking forward to: Buying the little's car seat and setting up the nursery!

 

Look for a name reveal sometime SOON!! 

Until next time...

29 weeks

What a crazy couple of weeks!  Time flies when you start a new job and are growing a human!  We've been on the move lately so here's a quick recap and bumpdate for ya!

This last weekend D and I went to the San Francisco Baby and Birth Fair.  Mind Blown!  I'm happy to say that it was a great and very informative time.  Did you know that encapsulating your placenta and taking it like a daily vitamin is a thing now?  Yeah, me either.  Pass and gag.  I did learn a lot about breastfeeding, baby carriers, how to avoid sore nipples and bought some awesome baby products!  Total win!!  Here are some pics of our adventures!

Also, since it was right next door, we went to the Renegade Craft Festival!  Coming straight from the baby fair, walking in was a bit of a culture shock.  Hipsters as far as the eye cold see... There were actually some really cool, and seriously overpriced goods but we were in baby mode- which is why we opted for gourmet chocolates and toffee!  Seriously can't even describe how life altering this toffee was.... And of course I forgot the guys card.  Alas, we did a quick lap and skedaddled before they tried to put tight pants on me and a mustache on D.

My- way too many hipsters face!

Next stop, a fancy dinner to celebrate my Veteran!  We headed to McCormik and Kuleto's for their free veteran meal!  Seriously any chance to get my hands on some good seafood and a romantic atmosphere and I'm sold.  This restaurant did not dissappint!  We started with a bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer before D had the beef medallions and I had bacon wrapped sturgeon.  The sounds coming from our mouths were less than appropriate, it was that good!! Topped off with some good 'ol creme brûlée and we were set!  However, D said the dessert didnt hold a candle to my creme brûlée, isn't he sweet!?  I think I'll keep him!

Onwards to the bumpdate!

 

 My Halloween Costume!

How far along? 29 weeks, 1 days (holy slacker alert!)
Total weight gain: 9lbs- Halloween candy was not nice to me.  Bring on the dark leafys!
Baby is the size of ? An Acorn Squash
Maternity clothes? Yep!  I’m still wearing non-maternity duds as well but I discovered a new phenomenon this week, physics.  So, it’s not that I can’t zip my pants because they’re too small… I’m finding that I cannot physically reach my arms around my belly to GET to my zipper.  Yeah, I feel like a T-rex and those e-cards are no longer funny. 
Stretch marks? Why yes, yes I do!  I have been battling them with doTERRA products and vitamin E/coconut oil which seems to be helping.  Not familiar with doTERRA?  ASK!  Hello life changing J
Sleep: It never seems like I get enough.  I’ve started going to be around 8:30 or 9, I know…, and yet I still wake up feeling like I haven’t slept at all. 
Best moment this week: I’m not sure what I classify this as, but I saw moment from the OUTSIDE this week!  Pretty freaky.  I know, miracle of birth and all but I can’t help but wonder if our little karate kid will make a Spaceballs entrance through my belly.  Yikes.
Miss Anything? My energy, being able to reach everything, not bumping the belly into things
Movement: Yeppers, kicks and punches galore!
Food cravings: Thanks to All Hallows Eve, sugar has been public enemy #1.  I need to reign it in, seriously.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really
Exercise? Not as much as I should be doing... working is pooping me out!
Gender:  ??  Pretty Pretty Princess!
Labor Signs: Nope.  My belly did get super hard the other night, I’m told I’ll start having signs like that.
Symptoms: I have good days and bad with random aches and pains.  Hello round ligament pain.  Google it.
Belly Button in or out? In- but I can now see both holes where my belly button ring would’ve resided. 
Wedding rings on or off? Sadly to say… last week I met the swelling monster.  I’m drinking tons of water but haven’t worn a ring in 3 days!  Seriously sad panda right here.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Um, not sure who turned on the water works 24/7, but I’d like them to stop, k?  Anything and EVERYTHING are making me cry.  I am so over feeling feelings.
Looking forward to: Buying a crib and car seat!

24 Weeks

As D and I were walking in to the Dr's office on Monday I said "Can you believe I'm 6 months pregnant" to which he replied "No you're not, holy crap you are!".  Keepin' it classy folks.  But, it dawned on me that this pregnancy has kind of flown by and I have less than 4 months until we meet our sweet baby girl!  Crazy?  Yes.  Mind blown?  Yes.  Prepared?  No.  Freaking out?  Absolutely!!  While we did jump on the wagon and *almost* finish our registries this past week, we have not done a darn thing about the nursery yet!  Well, I shouldn't say that.  I have picked out colors and bought a couple things, but not much.  The panic is starting to sink in.

How far along? 24 weeks, 7 days
Total weight gain: 3lbs
Baby is the size of ? A Cantalope!
Maternity clothes? I finally gave in and bought some maternity items.  While they are comfortable, they're not flattering and I'm trying to come to terms with them.  Hopefully I'll find some cute stuff and make them my own!
Stretch marks? Why yes, yes I do.
Sleep: Starting to elude me.  It's like after the 6mo turn things start to really change...  not a fan!
Best moment this week: Last week D was able to feel the little lady move, brought tears to my eyes!  This week, she's rockin and rolling!  We just had our "20" weeks ultrasound, don't ask, and it was amazing to see her.  I'm so excited to meet her!
Miss Anything? My energy
Movement: Yeppers, kicks and punches galore!
Food cravings: Anything I can't have.  We have been eating a lot of chicken lately?
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really
Exercise? Not as much as I should be doing... working is pooping me out!
Gender:  ??  Girl, Girl, GIRL!!!
Labor Signs: Nope.
Symptoms: I have good days and bad with random aches and pains.  Hello round ligament pain.  Google it.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On most of the time!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy most of the time, but I'm getting a lot more self-conscious of my body and how I look in clothes.  I know there's a baby in there but it sure would be nice to feel pretty while making a human!
Looking forward to: Finishing our registries and buying baby stuff!  

Until next time...

21/22/23 Weeks!

Hidey-Ho Blogland!  I know it's been a bit since my last post but well, I've been making a human.  I win.  I've learned that that one sentence is like the trump card to pretty much anything!  It's pretty interesting!  I will say that this last week was the first time I have blatantly used the belly to get me something.  Hold on to your hats- it was a cup of water!  I know right?  Total scammer right here!

A lot has happened since we last spoke!  I turned the big 3-1 first of all!  I thought that when I turned 31 I would completely feel ancient, would have gray hair ALL over and be completely over the hill.  Well, I'm happy to say aside from the gray hair (which I've had since I was 21) I don't feel any different.  Pregnant, but other than that, no different.  30 seems to be the new 20's, just with more amenities!  My birthday was celebrated in style and I had an amazing day.  D cleaned the entire house, took me to a seriously decadent breakfast at a little french bistro and got me a massage!  I felt like a QUEEN!  Seriously, I'm a lucky lady!  Oh!  I almost forgot to tell you how excited I am to be back in a place where I can collect my weight in birthday rewards!  Score, score, score!

My stellar hubby also scored us some free PBR tickets!  D, myself and another fabulous couple headed out for a night of bulls and cowboy butts that did not disappoint!  I thought I would be the only nerd excited, and a little nostalgic for home, but I was wrong!  Both boys were super stoked at the huge beasts!  I don't think I've seen D that excited since our last time at a Hawks game at Quest field!  Yes, I know it's CenturyLink now but it will always be Quest to me!  Also- random thought but oh so relevant to my pregnant world, the food at the Oracle colosseum was fantastic!  I'm talking great nachos and an AH-mazing pretzel w/cheese.  Have no fear, these were a splurge, not my regular diet!  I am very thankful that I couldn't drink though, the beers were $13 a piece for the cheap stuff!  No thank you!

Now let's get to the real reason you came: to see my ever expanding belly!!

How far along? 23 weeks, 2 days
Total weight gain: 2lbs as of now, which brings me right back to pre-prego weight!  Here's hoping it stays that way :)
Baby is the size of ? A Grapefruit!
Maternity clothes? Not really.  It's almost time though because things are getting dangerously short!  Oh wait- if I weren't dying of heat stroke I could wear super cute leggings!!  Come on cool weather!
Stretch marks? I regret to inform you that I have developed a few new tiger stripes.  I am not happy about it and will not feel appreciative of this momento- other than the fact that I know my little girl is now enjoying an olympic sized swimming pool!  You better be an Olympian little girl!  Make Mamma proud!
Sleep: Pretty good, with the exception of my dreams.  Yikes.  They've gotten better over the past week or so, but they are scary and intense and no bueno.  What cruel luck that when you should be dreaming of lollipops and rainbows you're dreaming of bad, bad, scary shiz.  Touché miracle of life.
Best moment this week: On Monday I felt a seriously unmistakable KICK!  There is seriously a baby in there, no going back now!  Not that she wasn't real before but you know...
Miss Anything? Not really.
Movement: Yep!  We have a bonefied mover and shaker people!
Food cravings: Apples, cheese and last night was Oreo Cake.  Nothing that I will die if I don't have, well the cake was touch and go there for a minute, but still I've got Georgia cake on my mind!
Anything making you queasy or sick: I think I have turned a corner on this one!  I ate ground beef the other night and was ok.  I didn't go back for seconds but I didn't hurl either!  Small victories!
Exercise? Not as much as I should be doing... working is pooping me out!
Gender:  ??  Girl, Girl, GIRL!!!
Labor Signs: Nope.
Symptoms: Typical symptoms aren't there, but still tired.  I have good days and bad with random aches and pains.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On most of the time!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy most of the time, but I have had a couple of prego swings.  Those are not fun!
Looking forward to: Starting to register and buying baby stuff!  

Until next time...