Presenting Baby Hawk, Round 2

We caved.  There was no way we could stand not seeing our baby from week 20 until birth.  So, today we went in for an optional 3D ultrasound.  Excellent life decision!  It was absolutely worth everything to see our little babe again, this time in such ridiculous amounts of detail it's almost frightening.

What we learned today?  Not the gender.  Bryce wasn't caving on that.  The very first thing he said to me today about the appointment was "They know that we don't want to know the sex, right?"  No luck for this momma.  However, Chupa is a stubborn little one.  Very, very stubborn.  Currently breech, and very unwilling to move.  Turns out, he is very comfy with his feet resting snugly on his forehead with his little tiny fingers wrapped firmly around his toes and feet.  He/she/it moves all night long, until the one hour that we want movement... And... We get nothing.  Yeah, I've known for a while that I will have my hands full.  Also, babe's got some hair, and more than the average 29 week old babe (it would be easier for me to show you in person).

Luckily, our sonographer was amazing.  She spent extra time with us over our allotted appointment time so we could get some images of the babe's face, put me in several different positions to try and encourage movement, and was pretty hilarious, to boot.  I'm so thankful for her time and talents, because we finally got some fabulous images of Chupa's face.  You know I had tears streaming down my own face.

Pretty sure that the babe will look mostly like Bryce, especially his eyes and nose.  We vote my mouth.  But really, what the hell do we know?  We're lucky if we can identify half of the body parts during these exams.  What do you think?

Alas, a random sampling of the beautiful images:  

This is basically what we saw for the first 15 minutes.  A mess of hands and feet in front of the face.

A little better... (Semi-decent shot of left eye with foot in front of face)

Thinking about maybe moving - hand on forehead.  You can see the left eye, part of nose and mouth.

Finally starting to reveal his/her face, but really not happy about it...  Check out that frown.

Big yawn!  Not at all impressed with this exam.  Maybe he/she shouldn't stay up all night partying.  What was it that my mom used to tell me as a teen?  "Up all night, sleep all day!"

Pinky wrapped around the bottom of the foot... Letting go!

 It's a face!  (You can't tell me this doesn't look like Bryce...)

 Or this....

Orrrr this..... 

 Really just wants to nap.

More feet!

Those are definitely Mom's lips.

Well folks, hope you enjoyed Baby Hawk's 3D preview.  We loved every second!  I am sure I will look at these pictures every day for the next 74 days.  We are so excited to meet our little Chupa!

28 Weeks

How far along: 28 weeks (3rd trimester!)
Size comparison:  Baby is the size of an eggplant, approximately 14.8 inches long and 2 1/4 pounds.  Baby H. also now has eyelashes... Which hopefully are just like Daddy's.  :)

Baby nickname:  Chupa
Baby bump:  I feel like the sides of my stomach are really starting to pop out now, too. 

Gender Prediction:  Boy.

Weight gain: I will find out at my doctors appointment tomorrow (Thursday.)  20+ pounds for sure.

Maternity clothes: Some maternity clothes and anything comfy.  I'm so thankful that I can (barely) zip up my winter coats, however, my time is limited.  Spring needs to come soon or I am afraid I am going to have one cold belly.

Stretch marks: Nothing yet....

Belly button in or out:  Umm... In?  Maybe more "flat" than "in."

Wedding rings on or off:  Wedding band on.

Sleep: The past couple nights I've been getting up more frequently for a bathroom break...  However, when I am out, I am out.

Best moment this week:  My recent blood test revealed I am anemic, which I am hoping might be part of the reason I am feeling so exhausted.  My physician prescribed iron pills, so maybe that will get me feeling less like a zombie and more like a human.  I have also thoroughly enjoyed throwing out pretty much everything I can get my hands on.  Pitch, then clean! 

Worst moment this week:  Experiencing first hand just how bad reflux and heartburn can truly be.  I feel like my esophagus and stomach are on fire.

Miss anything:  Comfortably tying my shoes.  Not having to pee every time I stand up.  Also on the list, Spring and beer gardens.

Movement:  Chupa's new favorite target is now apparently Mom's ribs.

Cravings:  Ugh.  Anything that doesn't give me heartburn.  

Queasy or sick:  Still exhausted with major heartburn.  Anything citrus or acidic will give me immediate pain.  I can't stand the thought of anything tomato based.

Labor signs:  NO.

Happy or moody:  In the words of my boy Pharrell, I'm "feelin' like a room without a roof... because I'm happy!"  Yeah, I never really got that line either.

Looking forward to:  Lent.  Filet O' Fish at McDonalds!  It's the only time of year I eat them.  I am sure I will only be able to tolerate one throughout the entire Lenten season... But I will enjoy every.last.morsel.

Nursery Update!

The nursery is shaping up quite nicely, if I do so say myself!  It is very.... white...  And I couldn't be happier with how it is turning out.  We still need to hang pictures and artwork on the walls (some of what is currently on top of the dresser will go on the wall behind the glider), gold letters for Chupa's real name above the crib, garland and possibly a mirror above the dresser, and then appropriate colored accents which will be purchased after Chupa is born.  Honestly though, I would be pleased as pie leaving it all white and gold.  Shocked, I'm sure! ;-)

Metallic gold polka dot sheets!

Someone thinks this is his room...

I am beyond excited to put some things up on the walls and finish the room!  I can't wait to share the final product with everyone!

27 weeks

*Please excuse the heinous photo, pajamas and hair.  It's been a rough week but I wanted to give you all a 27 week update before we rolled into week 28! ;-)*

How far along: 27 weeks, 5 days  
Size comparison:  Baby is the size of a head of cauliflower!  Yikes!  14.5 inches long and almost 2 lbs.

Baby nickname:  Chupa, Chupaloop
Baby bump:  It's getting uncomfortable to bend down.

Gender Prediction:  Boy boy boy boy boy!

Weight gain: I tried not to weigh myself this week.  I can guarantee it's more than last week, and that's all I need to know.

Maternity clothes: This is a tough one.  My regular pants + Bella band are just not a good option, and 98% of maternity pants don't quite fit right... Sooo, I'm pretty much just calling it good with leggings at this point.  At least they're not smooshing the babe or attempting to fall to my cankles.

Stretch marks: Still stretch mark free.  Knock on wood!

Belly button in or out:  We are still in it, folks!

Wedding rings on or off:  Wedding band on.

Sleep: I feel like I never get enough.  I've been exhausted this week.

Best moment this week:  I think we found our daycare!  Fingers crossed!  We are doing another walk-through/interview tomorrow.

Worst moment this week:  Learning that one of the in-home daycares we were looking into had their license suspended last weekend.  Scary!  Looks like all my nightmares and fears that developed while thinking about daycare are completely founded.  Daycare center it is!  On a lighter note... Heartburn has set in.  The thought of food gives me reflux.

Miss anything:  Clothes that fit.

Movement:  All.The.Time.  Some kicks are pretty darn strong and boy, can they hurt.

Cravings:  Brown sugar and cinnamon anything and everything.  Cereal (Kashi with sprinkling of Cinnamon and Sugar Chex on top) and milk (on the cereal or just in a glass.)  Dijon mustard (and only dijon mustard.  On a piece of bread, with provolone cheese.)  Your guess is as good as mine.  

Queasy or sick:  I'm exhausted.  It's been a long week, and I've had sinus issues and bloody noses.  I started using my NeilMed sinus rinse every day again and putting Ayer gel in my nose which is helping.

Happy or moody: Happy! :)

Looking forward to:  Relaxing and organizing this weekend. This momma needs some rest! 

26 weeks

How far along: 26 weeks, 5 days (and wearing the same outfit that I did during week 24... whoopers!)  
Size comparison:  Baby H. is the size of a scallion (so they say.)  

14 inches long and 1.66 lbs 

Baby nickname:  Chupa
Baby bump:  I feel ginormous.

Gender Prediction:  Boy!  I always refer to the baby as "he" and in my head, I call him by his name.  I'm going to have a hard time adjusting if Baby H. is indeed a "she!"  Although I did get my 5th girl guess today.

Weight gain: 17.5 lbs, right after lunch. ;-)

Maternity clothes: Yes!  My regular t-shirts are now belly shirts and my comfy pants aren't quite so comfy any more.

Stretch marks: Nada

Belly button in or out:  Still in!

Wedding rings on or off:  Wedding band on.

Sleep: Meh.  I have my good nights and my not-so-good nights.  On my good nights I sleep like a log.

Best moment this week:  Another good doctor's appointment!  Thankful to my doctor for putting all my fears at bay.  I bet she rolls her eyes when she sees my name on her patient list!

Worst moment this week:  Thinking earlier in the week that I was at risk for pre-eclampisa.  Yep, I'm crazy.  Nope, not at risk at all at this point.

Miss anything:  I salivate at the thought of a #9 (Italian Night Club) from Jimmy Johns.  No mayo and no onion.  Add hot peppers.  First person to bring this to the hospital after delivery gets dibs on the baby. ;-)  A Stella or a Boulevard wouldn't hurt either!

Movement:  Lots and lots of it!  10:00pm and 4:00am are Baby Hawk's party times.  Baby is very quiet after Mom's workouts.

Cravings:  Brown sugar and cinnamon anything!!! Especially cereal and almonds.

Queasy or sick:  Overall, feeling great!  A little tired the last couple days with some sinus pressure/congestion and headaches.  Nothing crazy and nowhere near as bad as I had earlier in 2nd trimester.

Happy or moody: Happy!!  I had a great week!  

Looking forward to:  Relaxing and organizing this weekend. This momma needs some rest!  

25 Weeks

How far along: 25 weeks, 5 days.  But who is counting?
Size comparison:  Our little one is the size of a rutabaga (I don't even know what that is.)  

13.5 inches and 1.5 lbs  (I still want to know where all the other lb's are coming from.)

Baby nickname:  Chalupa, Chupa
Baby bump:  A patient today straight out asked me:  So when's the baby due?  

Even while wearing my lab coat.  Second stranger comment I've ever received.

Gender Prediction:  I still lean toward boy at this point.  I feel like I've received an overwhelming number of boy predictions thus far.  Honestly, I think I've only had 4 people guess girl.

Weight gain: 16 lbs?  17 lbs?  Who knows at this point.  Official weigh-in at our 26 week appointment next Thursday.  I eat healthy and get in 45 minutes of exercise per day.... But my recent chocolate cravings are totally negating that, I'm sure.

Maternity clothes: Started wearing maternity pants today, actually.  Why didn't I start wearing them sooner?!  So comfy!

Stretch marks: None so far.  But my stomach sureeee is stretching!  Bryce says it has that "tight, shiny" appearance now.  So I'm sure that means stretch marks are around the corner. ;-)

Belly button in or out:  In, but boy does it look funny.  I laugh every time I see it.

Wedding rings on or off:  I officially stopped wearing my engagement ring... I've had too many women tell me about how they had to have theirs cut off.  Ain't no way I'm letting that happen to my ring!  Wedding band fits just fine, though.

Sleep: Terrible.  I've had terrible, horrible nightmares involving incompetent physicians harming our baby while trying to care for me.  Then one night I didn't even sleep enough to let myself have a dream because I thought something was wrong with the baby... After a workout, he/she didn't move for what felt like forever.  Then when he/she did start to move an hour or so later (after I went to bed), the movements were really light... and I'm used to Karate Kid moves in there.  I thought something was seriously wrong and I cried for probably a solid 20 minutes.  Well, sure enough, around 4:00am, Baby Hawk was back in action and with a vengeance.  I learned three things: 1) I might be a little bat shit crazy  2) Little one is already playing games with momma... I think I'm going to have my hands full. 3) Do not, under any circumstances, RESEARCH PREGNANCY PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET.  And don't dare read message boards.

Best moment this week:  Despite what you just read... I've actually had a really good week!  I've been feeling really good, and capitalizing on my increased energy and nesting tendencies.  Nursery furniture is put together and in place (thanks to Bryce and his dad)... Now we just need to hang pictures and then we will purchase accessories after the baby is born.  I also have to give my husband some major props - Throughout the whole pregnancy, but especially this week with all the craziness, he has completely stepped up to the plate and continued to prove just how good of a man he is, and why he is the perfect partner for me.  I cannot wait to see him as Daddy to our little one... The thought already brings tears to my eyes.  Like that's hard to do these days..  And there is your Valentine's Day Hallmark moment from the Hawks.  

Worst moment this week:  Terrible dreams and overreacting to Baby Hawk actually getting some rest while in utero.  I swear, I don't always obsessively worry like this.

Miss anything:  Umm... My sanity?

Movement:  Hahaha.  I'd rather not comment this week. ;-)  However, Bryce did say earlier this week that he couldn't believe how strong the baby movements are for the baby only being a pound.  I never thought of it that way.... But it is awful crazy!  The stronger the better for this momma, apparently.

Cravings:  Chocolate.  I have two little pieces of Dove chocolate after lunch, and two after dinner.  Yesterday, I couldn't find either of the two pieces that I packed for after lunch, and I about went through the roof.  OK not really, but I did start to frantically search my work bag. ;-)

Queasy or sick:  Feeling great!

Happy or moody: Honestly, happy!  Save the night that I overreacted to my baby sleeping.  

Looking forward to:  My next doctor's appointment and moving to appointments every two weeks.  Maybe that will help put my mind at ease? Haha.

24 Weeks

How far along: 24 weeks (Dangerously close to 25.... sorry so belated!!)
Size comparison:  Baby H is the length of an ear of corn, about 12 inches long and 1.3 lbs.

Baby nickname:  Ninja, Chalupa and Chupa
Baby bump:  Large and in charge!  I feel like a stuffed sausage.

Gender Prediction:  Boy?

Weight gain: 15 lbs.  Ohhh, $hi+.

Maternity clothes: I'd say I'm about 1 week away from maternity pants.

Stretch marks: Nope

Belly button in or out:  In

Wedding rings on or off:  Wedding band is always on... Some days I prefer to go without my engagement ring because it can get pretty tight.

Sleep: Like a log.

Best moment this week:  All nursery furniture has been purchased and we've made headway on the registry! We have also finalized an OB!! 

Worst moment this week:  Crossing a million things off my to-do list, and then adding more to the list than I crossed off.

Miss anything:  Completing the same number of tasks in a day as I did pre-pregnancy.  My house is feeling neglected.  Pretty sure I have dust an inch thick on my TV stand.  However, I did get the house vacuumed, the hardwoods scrubbed, the cabinets wiped down and a load of laundry done tonight.  I'm sure I will pay for it tomorrow, but my floors look gooooood.  I also miss drinking all the coffee my little heart desires.

Movement:  We don't call him/her ninja for nothing!  Kicks are getting stronger by the day!

Cravings:  Fruit and sweets... And by sweets I mean chocolate.  I could eat chocolate chip cookies for a meal.

Queasy or sick:  Feeling a little queasy the last few days... My stomach feels like someone used it as punching bag.  Which actually could be the case.

Happy or moody: Keeping my emotions in check this past week has been absolutely impossible.  There's always next week!

Looking forward to:  The weekend to accomplish more of my to-do list, putting the crib and dresser together, and finalizing a daycare provider.