Prego Progression

As I promised, this post will be all about the progression of…. the Belly!!

As of today, we’re officially 23 weeks! Can you say “WOW?!” We’re officially scooting down the hill, closer and closer to welcoming our sweet bundle.

Taking a weekly progression photo was not high on my to-do list. I was comforted with this decision when I realized how much (I didn’t think) I grew between weeks 13 – 20. You’ll also notice that I break a pregnancy “rule” – I don’t wear the same outfit and stand in the same spot for each photo. Fortunately, I think the belly bump is distinctive enough despite the variations.

Case-in-point, Week 13 and Week 17:

Within three weeks, just in time for our gender sonogram at week 21, we had a growth spurt:

 

Since the last photo, on our sonogram day (did you notice the pink and blue in my dress? :)), we’ve rounded out even more. We were able to snap a photo while in Destin which I think is just THE cutest! I have to give outfit creds to two special people – thanks to Kara for the shorts (they’re LizLange Maternity, comfy, and I love them) and my cousin, Erica, for the shirt that she passed along!

One of my besties, April, has embarked upon allowing me to be one of her photography guinea pigs as she develops her skills and brand. I’m so very much looking forward to having some consistent, true progression photos over the last half of our journey to keep and share!!

Here’s to anticipating the day I’m no longer able to see my feet when I look straight down …

Over the Past 19 Weeks ….

The past 19 weeks have been quite the adventure. I wouldn’t use the term ‘action-packed’, though … mesmerizing and full of anticipation seem more fitting (especially as we prepare to find the gender out and to feel the baby move!!).

To back up a wee bit, thankfully morning sickness did not visit me during the first trimester. I did have ‘growing pains’ (as I’ve cheerfully labeled them) at the beginning of almost every week during the first trimester, but nothing too intolerable. The most consistent discomfort I’ve experienced has been having to wake up, multiple times, during the night to potty. I’m a lover of sleep, so the breaks from it have surely been a lesson. I can’t recall the last time I saw 2 am and 4:20 am so consistently. :S Fortunately, over the past three weeks, getting in just the right position and falling back asleep has been easier. I plan to basque in these weeks – as I see/hear, bladders get even smaller as the baby gets even bigger.

As for belly growth, it seems like once we announced to our parents, siblings, nieces and nephews the weekend before and of Easter, the little one started to grow like a weed! No kidding – within two weeks I went from appearing bloated, still able to wear regular clothes, to a baby bulge that no longer fits in my pants comfortably. It’s amazing how the Lord set that timing up … We’ve taken a couple of pictures over the last 8 weeks and are due for one within the next week to mark week 20. Belly bump pictures are gonna be posted soon so all our far-away friends and family can see!

Cravings are another hot topic when people greet me. I describe a craving as a need or desire for something so badly that nothing will satisfy you until you can get what your mind is set on. I can’t say I’ve had one of those moments; but, I do have a short list of foods that make this pregnant lady muy contento: Sonic slushes make my day any.day.period (especially when the staff makes them right); eggs and turkey bacon have become my go-to breakfast; and few things feel more awesome than drinking cold-cold water (ahhh, SmartWater). Ironically enough, I have cut back on my coffee consumption and don’t miss it all. For those who know, I could easily sip on two+ cups of coffee a day, any time of day. During the pregnancy, I surprise myself if I drink more than two cups a week …

This weekend we’ll welcome our first long road trip during the pregnancy. We’re driving to Atlanta for Clifton’s family reunion, which is at least a 6-hour trek. I’m excited to see how different travel will be, as we have a couple trips planned throughout the summer. I’ll have to keep y’all posted on how it goes!