19, 20 & 21 Weeks: Baby Crockett 2.0

How big is the baby this week? Baby was the size of a mango, cantaloupe, and banana, respectively. 

Due Date: Still on track for May 8, 2014

Weight Gain: My dr apt last Friday showed me up about 4 lbs, but I'd be willing to bet that it fluctuates a bit and I might be up a little more than that.

Symptoms: Heartburn, baby kicks and rolls, occasionally still a bit of nausea.  I definitely feel very pregnant, but I'm also very aware this time around that this is the "sweet" time of pregnancy, so I'm reminding myself to enjoy it:)

Cravings: Steak, sushi, milk.

Aversions: No major aversions.

Sleep: Able to stay up later, but still pretty tired by mid day.  The snoogle has made its appearance in our bed, which the hubs isn't a huge fan of, but as he said the other night- at least I'm still able to sleep in our bed.  We both remember those last few weeks/months with E when I had to sleep on the couch to be able to breath.

I am loving: Feeling baby move!  I really think that is the best part of pregnancy.

I miss: raw sushi and alcoholic drinks in general.

I am looking forward to: Putting together baby boy's nursery.  I have a fairly clear vision in my head, but it will all have to wait for a bit as we first plan to replace the carpet in his room and Emersyn's.

I'm spazzing about: If this baby will ever have a name.  I have a definite favorite, but Blake is not quite on board.  I keep reminding him he got his first choice with E. 

Best thing about this week: We had our big ultrasound last Friday- we were incredible thankful to hear that baby looks 100% normal, and as far as they can tell, healthy!  I know this is not a guarantee, but it feels like we can breathe a little easier for a bit.

Milestones: Over halfway to meeting our son!

Movement: All the time.

It's a...: Boy!

My dad

As I shared many months ago, my dad has been in failing health for the last year and a half.  We didn't expect him to make it until Christmas.  Unfortunately, we were right.  We lost my dad December 8th.  It has made this time of year bittersweet.  On the one hand, I miss him terribly, and this time of joy and family reminds me that he isn't here to celebrate with us.  On the other hand, I'm thankful he's fully healed now.

He was in so much pain these last few months.  Unable to catch his breath or even carry on a full conversation.  We had already lost the dad I knew and loved so well.  However, now that he's actually gone and I can reflect on the many healthy years he had before the pulmonary fibrosis set in, I hate that he can't be here AND be well at the same time.

I didn't write much about my dad on here, as this blog has been primarily devoted to becoming a mom, but it is important for me to share that my dad was amazing.  He spent his whole life learning, and when it came to his kids and grandkids, he just got it.  He was an incredibly hard worker- he grew up without much at all and his dad passed away when he was just 17, so he was constantly trying to give us all a better life- and he did.  He was a great example of loving God and loving others.  He sent my brothers and I to college debt free.  He provided for my mom and made investments to make sure she was cared for after he was gone.  And, while he was working so hard, he still made time for us.  During his last years in the military, before he retired, he went back to school at night to get a degree in computer science.  Crazy time consuming, but I still remember him coming home in the evenings before classes or homework and doing devotionals with me from a book called Character Sketches.

At his visitation, a dear friend of mine from high school shared that she always remembered seeing my dad in the crowd as we cheered for basketball games.  Wearing a purple sweatshirt (our colors were purple and gold) and wearing the cheesy pin with my photo on it.  I remember many evenings I would not understand a math or science concept, and he would spend hours in the evening reteaching himself the concept so he could teach it to me.  So many "small" things that added up to knowing he loved us immensely.

I want to write these memories down, so I can share with my kids what an amazing grandfather they had, since none of my kids will ever have the chance to really know him.  I think that's the hardest part- he was someone worth knowing.  Someone worth learning from, and talking to, and spending time with.  And they will never have that chance.

18 Weeks: Baby Crockett 2.0

How big is baby this week? Baby is the size of an sweet potato.

Due Date: May 8, 2014

Weight Gain: No idea.  Totally slacking on the weighing myself and taking pictures of the bump this time around.  Second baby syndrome:(

Symptoms: Still some nausea, but much, much more manageable.  Lots of kicks.  Heartburn, and horrible headaches.

Cravings: Bue cheese burgers, seafood, steak, and queso.

Aversions: No real aversions.

Sleep: Pretty good when not interrupted by needing to use the bathroom or early wake ups from E.

I am loving: Feeling baby move.

I miss: raw sushi and a good margarita.

I am looking forward to: Our next ultrasound!

I'm spazzing about: Ehhh, any number of things at any given time, but it'll all get done.

Best thing about this week: Blake has gotten to feel baby move several times this week!

Milestones: Baby is getting bigger!  

Movement: Not the huge kicks or rolls I know are coming, but plenty of movement!

It's a...: Boy!

17 Weeks: Baby Crockett 2.0

How big is baby this week? Baby is the size of an onion.

Due Date: May 8, 2014

Weight Gain: I have no idea.  I'm guessing Thanksgiving will put me up a couple lbs?

Symptoms: Nausea is still hit and miss.  Trips in the car definitely let it hit hard. Stuffy, bloody nose, growing belly.  Lots of kicks from baby.  Also, the boobies are still sore, and my belly button is an outie.

Cravings: Salty things.

Aversions: No aversions.

Sleep: Able to stay up later, and sleeping pretty well.

I am loving: Feeling baby move! 

I miss: raw sushi and a margarita.

I am looking forward to: Our next ultrasound- December 10!  We know the gender, but hoping to find out everything is going well in there!

I'm spazzing about: Everything and nothing.  Haha.  When I really think about everything, I freak, but in general I'm busy with E and don't have a lot of time to ponder.

Best thing about this week: Thanksgiving food and family.

Milestones: ??

Movement: Definitely an active baby!

It's a...: Boy!