Week 29

Saturday marked week 29, and the beginning of the 3rd trimester. I'm shocked at how fast time is passing. Good news is that the sciatic nerve pain has virtually disappeared, as I think Sprout has moved into a head down position. It's the only explanation for what I think are two feet pushing against my ribs. Upper back pain is a pain and the heartburn and nausea that are a result of my digestive system slowing and the hormone relaxin are no great fun, but it's easy to handle since the end is (scarily) in sight.

We went back East last week and got to spend some time in New York City and the Berkshires. I'm so grateful I don't have to be pregnant in New York, I thought I was going to pass out more than once trudging up and down the subway steps. And I did almost pass out in a rare moment in Whole Foods, but was saved by some ice water and shedding of layers. Thanks Er;) I also got to visit a dear friend a mere four days after she'd given birth to her babe. Hearing Ani's birth story and seeing baby Marc made me realize how real this is all is, and made me even more excited to meet Sprout.

I know the next 10 weeks will fly by, between work, a brief babymoon, a shower and a visit from mom, March 14 will be here before we know it. Until then, I promise I'll try to be better about eating vegetables though I will completely understand if I have a child who prefers Honeycrisp apples and clementines to broccoli and carrots.

Week 26 and a pain in my butt

Here are long overdue pics, of a belly at 26 weeks exactly. I'm starting to actually feel pregnant in an awkward, it's not so easy to bend over and pick up Scout's business kind of way. And Sprout is causing a major pain in my butt, literally. My sciatic nerve is killing me and seems to have gotten worse this week. I started prenatal yoga today, so hopefully that'll bring some relief. And for some bizarre reason, likely hormones, the nausea has decided it's back full-swing, and ginger ale and saltines are a staple on the grocery list once again. And pomegranate juice, no matter how diluted, is out, as it makes me feel like I have the stomach flu on steroids. It's not as bad as I make it sound, I'm very grateful to be nearing the third trimester and can't believe how fast the time is flying!

Happy V Day

Saturday marked 24 weeks and a milestone for Sprout, who now has a chance of survival outside the womb. Not that I'm planning on giving birth anytime soon, but it's nice to know s/he would have a fighting chance. So Happy Viability Day Sprout!

Feeling good, despite a freak episode this morning, wherein after I took my thyroid pill with some juice, had 2 teaspoons of my iron supplement, I promptly ran to the bathroom and threw up six times. This was the first time I've ever felt perfectly fine immediately before and after completely losing the contents of my stomach. I have no idea what was going on, but if Sprout has a problem with something I ingest, I'd rather get a few strong jabs than this morning's experience. Hear that Sprout? I'm talking to you baby!

Week 23

Okay, okay, here it is. Not so tiny anymore, huh? Excuse the blurriness, obviously we need a new camera before Sprout arrives!

Fetal Echocardiogram Photos

Today was our fetal echocardiogram. Our baby is a bit special, and has a heart variant, but we were told that it typically has no impact at all on babies' health and that 10% of all babies have this variant. You wouldn't expect a completely normal kid with these parents, would you?! The best part was the great 3D photos we got. The technician said that baby looks very chubby, so yay for pinchable cheeks! Oh, and no, contrary to Daddy's belief, Sprout is not an angel and that is not a wing, it's the placenta.

Week 21

Sorry, no week 20, as I was away in Indianapolis at a conference and didn't have Scott to take a proper pic. Not much new this week, other than lots of movement that Daddy was finally able to feel. The bella band is still my best friend, as you can see in the pictures, because I can still wear my pre-pregnancy jeans. This week also found Sprout experiencing his/her first Halloween, or at least the massive amount of sugar that I ingested at Jessie and Todd's party. Fortunately, Sprout seemed pretty unaffected, as s/he didn't budge all night, disappointing to Aunt Jessie but a relief to Mommy! Contractions started this week, a painless yet odd sensation that I've read is completely normal, but a frequent reminder of what's to come in a mere four and a half months!

Week 19 belly pic and other news

Here's the week 19 belly pic. Can't really tell, but everyone agrees that I've definitely "popped" and am bigger than last week. Ms. Morning Sickness is back for a visit, thought that was supposed to fade completely...

In other exciting news, I've started to feel Sprout move, which is awesome. I think Sprout must be pretending that my insides are McCain and Palin, and s/he is giving them a piece of his/her mind. As you can see by the pic, I'm growing an Obamababy! Daddy's a bit bummed that he can't feel anything yet, but hopefully he won't have to wait long, not that I'm looking forward to being pummeled from the inside.

18 Week Ultrasound Pics

Here are a few of the most clear, including 2 in 3D. Check out our little thumb sucker! Yes, we are aware of the rather simian look of the profile shot, baby was wiggly and the pic was somewhat distorted. Either that or we're having a monkey.

18 week belly pic

How is that such a little bump means nothing fits? Thank goodness for the Bella Band!

17 week belly pic

Notice how my bump was actually bigger one week ago. Makes sense, I guess. Some days I look big, other days just like a girl with a beer gut. Lovely.

16 week belly pic

Better late than never (this was taken on 10/24), but here we go with the belly progression pics!

Almost half-way there!

Most people I know who have blogs begin documenting their pregnancy from the very beginning. Not so for us, as the energy required to update a blog in the first trimester was mysteriously absent. Last I heard it'd been sucked up by the couch. But here we are, at 18 weeks, and can hardly believe it. Today we had our 18 week ultrasound and appointment. Baby Sprout looks great and is right on track for a due date of March 15. Check out the videos, and we'll upload pictures as soon as they're scanned. Note the hiccups in the second video!