Great Expectations: 29 weeks

How Far Along: 29 weeks

(Black dress is back next week...it's tough to keep up with that one when I'm traveling because I want the background to be the same. It is fun to see more significant change though a few weeks apart!)

Fruit Size Comparison: acorn squash 

Weight/ Clothes: I gained a bit more this month than my doctor would have liked...she even asked if I'd been on vacation...HOW DID SHE KNOW!?! haha! Some of the weight though I'm wondering if it is possibly water retention from all the travel and extra salty food. I weighed myself a couple more days out from our trip and my doc's appointment and according to my scale I had lost half of what I had gained. I won't know how reliable this is though until I head back to the docs the week following Thanksgiving, so we'll see.

I'm amazed by how many dressy functions I've had to attend lately. Has this been my norm prior to becoming pregnant? Hummm...well this week's was my sorority big sister Liz's wedding in Savannah, GA. I wore my go to dressy dress, but as I'm getting rounder and have entered the third trimester it DEFINITELY is showing the difference a few weeks of pregnancy have made!

Upon returning home from our babymoon, it has also begun to feel like winter around these parts, so I've busted out the couple maternity sweaters I have. I'm feeling cute and warm in them for sure. I've also started wearing my newly fitted winter maternity coat (thanks mom for the alterations!). My friend Laura gave me the coat since she doesn't plan on having any more kiddos (thanks Laura for helping me stay warm in the Boston cold!)

Cravings: Cereal lately (Who would have guessed this would become a craving?! No one I'm sure...much sarcasm included since everyone knows cereal is one of my FAVORITE foods!)

Gender: Adam and I contemplated this week if we should start using the baby's name since we think we've settled on one and no we are still not telling...it will remain a secret...which is part of our hesitation in using it between the two of us because then we might more easily slip up and use it around someone else. I'm sure our parents would encourage us to start using it then for that very reason. (My mom has also just gotten her own embroidery sewing machine and she's begun practicing the monograms of other friends' kids in preparation for when she finally does know Peanut name. Too cute and southern...I LOVE IT!)

Movement: Still moving and shaking and watching the bump ripple and roll around. Peanut is tending to sit much higher these days as if his whole body has migrated up into my rib cage and lungs...not an easy space to share when I'm trying to breath and keep us both oxygenated. 

Symptoms: I was super uncomfortable on the flight back from Liz's wedding. There just wasn't much room and the baby kept climbing up into my lungs. It made for a couple VERY uncomfortable hours plus my legs and ankles were super swollen. BOO!

Swelling in my ankles and feet continues, but I've been drinking a TON of water to try and help with the water retention. I've been feeling much less swollen the latter part of the week.

Heartburn continues...stinging pain...NOT FUN!

Mental State: I REALLY want to finish up the nursery! Adam's project lately has been hanging the curtains, which hasn't been an easy task because of how the windows are recessed. Then we can hang the art we have acquired so far. I still need to find a couple book shelves to hang and hold actual books and then I'm hoping to hang a few black and white maternity photos.

Speaking of maternity photos...it's so crazy to have done them for so many friends and then need them myself, but I talked to a friend at church this week who is big into photography up here about doing our maternity photos around Boston Common and Beacon Hill and she was totally game. Hopefully we can schedule sometime soon after Thanksgiving so that they can double with our yearly Christmas card photos too. I'm thinking that timing should be good too because I won't be too uncomfortable just yet. It would be the time frame I usually have advised friends in the past, so I guess it's good to take my own advice too.

Appointment Updates: Had my appointment this week and I will be starting to see my midwife every 2 weeks now. This week we discussed birthing classes further and I'm working on finalizing our sign up for a class in December/ early January. We also discussed my hope to have a drug free birth plan, but I was bummed to find out that a sciatic block doesn't seem to be an option that is used at my practice or hospital where I'll be delivering. (Have I mentioned that the Brigham is the number one women's hospital in the country...pretty cool!) My midwife said the longer I can labor at home, the more likely I'll be to have a natural birth.

I also asked about my stinging pain, which I still think is related to heartburn, but she wasn't positive and said it could also be muscular and my ribs are probably spreading some too, but just in case we'll be starting dips for protein at my next check up just to keep a closer eye out for preclampsia.

We also discussed circumcision at this appointment, which I've done a fair share of research on both sides of the debate...but based on a couple factors...my Jewish heritage and the suggestion that the baby look like his father growing up...has lead us to decide in favor of circumcision. I can see and respect both sides of the debate, but those are our reasons for the decision.

Best Moment of the Week: Being at Liz's nuptials and one of my other sorority sisters looks at me as we're walking out of the ceremony and exclaims..."WHAT IS THAT?!" In reference to the bump I'm carrying...to which I respond..."A baby boy." The moment was too cute and funny!

This picture shows three generations of my sorority family...my big sister Liz and Liz's  big sister, my grandbig Amanda and me, the little...with a little little on the way...although not really because he's a boy and won't be joining a sorority!

Great Expectations: 28 weeks

How Far Along: 28 weeks

Fruit Size Comparison: Eggplant

Weight/ Clothes: I'm definitely getting rounder!! Going on vacation and the approaching holidays may reak a bit of havock on my weight gain which hasn't been bad thus far...pretty much right on target, so I'll do my best to be good/ make healthy choices while still getting to enjoy all the delicious food that's coming my way in some form of moderation. We'll find out how I did on the vacation element right after we get back since I have a doctor's appointment that following Tuesday.

I also have been dealing with some swelling, mainly in my legs, ankles and feet, so I've been feeling a little more on the puffy side. I'm not sure if this means extra weight gain this month or for real water retention from travel and more salty foods. My guess is it's probably going to wind up being a combination of weight gain and water retention.

I did work out one day on the cruise in the gym in a hope to counteract the unlimited food and sugary poolside virgin beverages.

This week we embarked on our babymoon where I was back in summery maternity clothes since we were cruising from Miami to the Bahamas for a four nights. I scored an amazing deal on a maternity swimsuit while I was home in Virginia Beach! I had a left over store credit from last Christmas to Kohls, so mom and I ran in to see what might be on clearance in their maternity department. That's where we found IT...a $68 maternity swimsuit marked down to $6.80!! That's a 90% discount and one SWEET deal if I do say so myself, so of course I scooped it up and bonus points for actually being cute. I also grabbed a pair of kaki shorts on clearance while there as well.

Cravings: Still craving salad, which I ate for lunch every day on the cruise. My not so healthy craving this week though was virgin pina collatas and virgin mohitos. They were DELICIOUS laying out in the warm sunlight. I'm going to go with totally worth the calories and what better time to indulge than when on vacation...at least that's what I'm telling myself to feel better.

Movement: The baby has definitely grown this week because he is now able to stretch up into my rib cage/lungs while dancing on my bladder ALL at the same time! He's active throughout the day kicking, twisting and turning. The craziest thing has been feeling the baby's body stretched out rather than just a hard spot for the butt or head.

Symptoms: Pain/ stinging in my ribs right where my bra's underwire falls, though most of the time I'm wearing softer sports bras and it still kills me. I've attributed this pain to heartburn because my zantac helps some and the pain migrates around even to my back which makes me think it's just that my stomack is terribly squished and valves are looser than usual leading to acid swooshing around throughout that area of my body. Bottom line...it's UNCOMFORTABLE and worst when I'm trying to go to sleep even sleeping on an incline.

Adam also recently read the husband chapter in What to Expect When You're Expecting and How to be a Pregnant Father, which his dad sent him. This book is neat because his dad recieved it as a gift way back when Robin was pregnant. The result of his reading has been a keen understanding of my need to pee ALL the time especially as the baby has grown and is squishing my bladder. He also understands why I get tired more easily these days.

My energy seems to be on the down swing a little these days too...welcome to the realities of the third trimester I guess. C'est la vie.

Mental State: A little crazy to be pregnant and on a boat...in the middle of the ocean...because as relaxing as it was, I also kept hoping there wouldn't be any weird complication while we were away...especially at sea! At least there are medical facitilities on board and we were in port everyday, so we could have reached a hospital if it had been necessary. Thankfully it was not.

Appointment Updates: Nothing recent...but headed back to the docs next week. Keeping my fingers crossed I haven't gained too much, but at the same time trying not to overly stress about it.

Best Moment of the Week: Getting to relax in the sun with my hubby after a VERY busy summer and fall (especially fun knowing it was snowing for the first time this year back home in Boston.) The babymoon was a nice reprive before Baby Herndon arrives and life as we know it changes completely, but don't get me wrong, we're SUPER excited for the approaching changes that are headed our way!!!

Retro post: spring break 2012

    Since Adam has Air Force Chaplaincy work four days of my spring break this year, I decided to take a trip out to Chicago to visit the Carters and hang out with Thais and the boys since Isaiah was on spring break as well. I am so in love with Sammy and Isaiah and I'm so grateful for the time I got to spend with them. I am also amazed at the many seasons Thais and my friendship (or more like sisterhood) has been through from college to marriage to the beginning of her completed family. I love that we pick up right where we left off (on the phone, haha) and get to continue creating memories.

    Here are some highlights from the trip, which was very kid-centric since we had kiddos on spring break to entertain and I LOVED it! Wouldn't have wanted the visit to be any different. So I got into town on a Tuesday after Easter weekend and Thais picked me up from the airport and whisked me off to brunch, one of my favorite city life requests. My mom and I found the perfect gift for a huge Spiderman fan and a fellow basket for that fan's bro.

Then I hung out with the boys and got reaquainted. 

My last visit was a few weeks after Sammy's arrival in the fall. Boy had he grown!

I snapped up tons of photos. Had to document my visit while the boys were happy to say cheese.

Isaiah was tons of fun around the camera.

He is the smartest, coolest kid you'll ever meet!

     That night Thais and I had a girls night to ourselves thanks to daddy Heath, so we grabbed sushi and went to see a play at a local theater. It was an intriguing show related to the season's theme of the effects of war and this one was oh so appropriate for me as it was about a photographer who was dealing with the consequences of her work, which was to photograph war torn countries, and the "baggage" she carried home with her.

The next day after a leisurely morning, Thais and I took the boys to Navy Peer.

We gave Isaiah the choice of riding the Ferris wheel or carousel and he went with the carousel.

After riding, we went for a nice stroll all the way to the end of the peer stopping along the way for some photo-ops of course!

Model Isaiah

Thais and her boys...well the young ones at least.

Then we grabbed lunch before the drive home during which the boys napped.

     That night I got to participate in community dinner since the Carters live in community with the DeCostanzas, their downstairs neighbors. Heath made a delicious curry and I found out about the Carter's eating habits of eating pretty much vegetarian at home. I learned some yummy veggie recipes while visiting too which I came home and cooked a few times since (mainly veggie tacos).

The boys enjoyed dinnertime too.

     We had lovely weather while I was visiting. In fact I got to go outside and help Isaiah with his new bike riding skills. He had just learned to ride without training wheels over the weekend and it was really impressive letting go and watching him continue down the driveway behind the house.

     Lunch was a highlight too since Thais lives in a predominantly hispanic neighborhood, we ate delicious Mexican food at a local spot and it was crazy how inexpensive and tasty my burrito was. I could have gone back for second visit.

 The Carter's lovely neighborhood.

    That night Thais and I hung out with the little boys because Heath was wrapping up his dissertation work and defending the Friday of my visit at Notre Dame. 

What an accomplishment Dr. Carter!

    Thais and I watched Rango that night with Isaiah and once again he amazed me with his inquisitiveness and curiosity. 

I:"Mom, what is Rango?" 

T:"A lizard." 

I: "Why?"

T:"Well honey that's how God made him."

I: "Why?"

T: "Well, that's like asking why God made you to be a boy."

Gotta love how young minds think and wonder.

    The next morning, we had some crafting time when Isaiah informed us that his mouse friend needed a house more his own size, so out of a cardboard diaper box a mouse house was born with wallpaper colored by Isaiah and a roof complete with story told by Isaiah as well. Too CUTE!

    I know I'm missing some of the details now that it's been a couple months since my visit, that's what I get for not keeping up with this here blog...but I'm remembering the highlights.The last activity I got to enjoy before heading to the airport to fly home was a visit to a neighborhood playground and good times were had by all.

 It was a fantastic visit as always because Thais and Heath are the host and hostess with the mostess.

Thanks for having me and making my spring break so entertaining.

Retro post: Girls weekend in Clarksville

We girls could not have been more excited to head out to Clarksville, TN for a girls weekend in honor of Shelby who had just recently become a new mommy. This would also be the moment when those of us who weren't there for Adrienne's delivery (should out to the lucky Lindsey) would get to meet Adrienne for the first time!

Courtney, Evely and Haley had the travel flexibility to arrive on Thursday and get started helping out and loving on mommy and baby. 

Yes, even Evelyn got to join in on the girl's weekend fun, starting her off young.

Isn't this the CUTEST photo of Haley with Adrienne...I must say I'm jealous I did not get such a shot of myself with her. I guess that just means there will have to be a future visit for a photo do-over, haha.

Lindsey drove in from Atlanta Friday morning and her first stop was swooping me up from the airport on her way into Clarksville.

This photo was taken moments after arriving and I had literally just met Adrienne. 

Meeting her brought tears to my eyes! 

I loved her so much already and I had only known her for minutes.

After checking out Shelby's beautiful home, we all got acquainted with her neighborhood which was perfect for pre-dinner walks.

Pre-walk

 Post-walk

That evening we cooked up a delicious dinner and continued catching up on life along with all its twists and turns.

The next day, after breakfast and some relaxation around the house we decided to head out for lunch and a visit to a local winery.

For lunch we went to this uno-esque pizzeria and it definitely hit the spot.

 Please note...Shelby was already back to being one hot mama!

From lunch we headed over to the winery for a tour and tasting.

The remainder of the weekend we relaxed at Shelb's, enjoyed holding and feeding Adrienne, continued catching up on the latest and just enjoyed each other's company.

Enjoying some auntie time

Ev too!

    There's no doubt that we're all like sisters and I am so glad we were able to come out and visit you Shelb while you were still navigating the early stages of mommyhood...though I must say you seemed to have things down pat and you amaze me! 

    The weekend's intention was simply to love on Shelby and Adrienne, but I have to also send out a big thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your love and support through everything the past year has held. I am looking forward to the future with anticipation for each of our lives and what God has in store!