And Baby Makes Four

This blog has been all sorts of silent lately.  I blame that on my feeling huge and uncomfortable, almost 2 weeks worth of false labor driving me mad and oh yeah, our little boy made his arrival a week ago today!  Harrison Daniel was born at 4:40AM on Sunday December 14th weighing 8 pounds 4 ounces and 20 inches long.  I'll be working on his birth story soon and will have some non-horrifying photos from the birth photographer to go with it as soon as I get those back.  But in the meantime, here's one from when he was just a couple hours old.

He is such a sweetie and loves to snuggle and so far, seems pretty chill.  Fingers crossed!

And one last bump pic.  I actually took this the day before I went into labor with him and right before we headed out to get some Santa photos done...hence the snazzy dress Selah has on.  And her judgy look.

Weekly Pregnancy Updates : 34 Weeks

How Far Along:  34 Weeks

Maternity Clothes: Yes, with the exception of a shirt here and there.

Stretch Marks: No, fingers crossed.

Sleep: Still having a couple insomnia riddled nights a week but much better than the every night run I was having.  I suppose I need to get reacquainted with sleepless nights again sooner than later.

Best/Worst Moment This Week: Best: Selah is doing really great with potty training.  I guess I was expecting it to be much more traumatic for both of us but now that we're a week and a half through it, I'm glad I waited to tackle it full-time.  Worst: buying Depends at Walmart this morning but the post partum 'issues'.  Nothing knocks your pride down a peg or two like buying a package of those bad boys.

Have You Told Friends & Family: Yes.

Miss Anything: Not feeling like my stomach is going to explode from stretching.

Movement: Apparently he still has room to move around in there because he's taking full advantage of it.  Ouch.

Food Cravings: I caved and made cookies for the husband.  I'd prefer not to admit how many I actually had today.

Anything Make You Queasy or Sick: Anything in the kitchen trash can pretty much.

Have You Started to Show Yet: Doesn't seem like I have room to get any bigger but it is possible.

Baby Is A: BOY!

Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on comfortably.

Belly Button In or Out: Still out but at the present moment, it's gone back in.  Weird.

Happy or Moody:  Had some hormonal moments but gimme a break, I'm making a person.  It happens.  

Labor Symptoms: Braxton Hicks make their presence known once evening rolls around.  No real contractions...at least that I'm aware of.
Looking Forward To: Meeting the little guy.  I'm willing to bet he has a lot of dark hair like Selah did and I bet he looks just like dad...those Brown genes are strong!  Thanksgiving dinner.  He better not come that day because I'm a labor puker and I'd be seriously bummed to waste my favorite meal of the year.

Weekly Pregnancy Updates : 33 Weeks

 | Shirt | Leggings (similar) | Boots |

So yes, I realize the dresser behind me is sort of a catchall for a random mess o' stuff but in all fairness, I just finished painting the wall behind the crib and the dresser is holding a bunch of stuff that was just...laying elsewhere.  And pay no attention to the haphazard drawer pull...the ones on that drawer are getting replaced and these 2 are just hanging out until those arrive.  This photo totally makes me look sloppy and lazy but whatevs.  And does the potential of little man being here in a month freak anyone else out but me?!?

How Far Along:  33 Weeks

Maternity Clothes: Yes, with the exception of a shirt here and there.

Stretch Marks: No, fingers crossed.

Sleep: It's actually been semi-decent this week.  I wake up a few times but at least I'm getting right back to sleep.  I'll take what I can.  That and a few mornings where Selah has slept in an extra hour have been awesome.

Best/Worst Moment This Week: I started Selah potty training this week.  I'm sure I'm getting a few raised eyebrows for doing this at 8 months preggo but with all the colds I've had in the last couple months, I needed to at least give it a real go before D Day.  And she's totally rocking it!  She's had 3 accidents over 4 days and I'm so proud of her.  And me too...let's be honest.

Have You Told Friends & Family: Yes.

Miss Anything: A better immune system.

Movement: As I described to a friend recently, it feels like I have a 6 foot long octopus in my stomach some days.  Yeowch!

Food Cravings: I've been trying not to bake or bring any desserts into the house lately because I have zero self control.  That being said, I've been wanting a little sweet something at night so the 5 pound bag of chocolate chips I bought at Costco has been helping with that.  I grab a small handful (yes, handful...don't judge) of those in a little bowl and eat those after Selah's gone to bed and that helps with my sweets craving.

Anything Make You Queasy or Sick: Our dogs' smell.  Yep...can't really stand to be around them.

Have You Started to Show Yet: Onward and outward.

Baby Is A: BOY!

Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on comfortably.

Belly Button In or Out: It's definitely visible through my shirts.  Can't wait for that to go back.

Happy or Moody:  I'd say pretty good for the most part.  I'm surprised at myself for not losing my mind when it came to potty training as I'm sometimes not the most patient person around....cough cough.

Labor Symptoms: Still Braxton Hicks and an occasional cramp here and there but still okay.
Looking Forward To: Making it to Thanksgiving with little man still IN my belly.  37 weeks is the magic number in order to deliver at home here in Colorado so that is my personal goal.  Not sure just how much past that I want to go ;)

Weekly Pregnancy Updates : 31 Weeks

 | Shirt | Jeans |

I've had so many tragic run-ins with hair stylists that I've long been doing my own hair because I can't find anyone that hasn't screwed it up in some form or fashion.  I had a great hair stylist 3 years ago but she stopped doing hair and I've been playing Stylist Roulette ever since.  Had a trim that took 2 years to grow out because it looked like a dog chewed on it?  Yup.  Had a severe brassy orangey-blonde ombre look when I clearly asked for (and brought a very clear photo) that I wanted subtle balayage?  Another yup.  So I got a wild hair and decided I wanted to add some more balayage to my hair.  Yes, I was a bit nervous because I've done it in the past and got a tad crazy with how long I left it on.  This time I was much more conservative and it turned out exactly how I wanted it!  Might have to do a tutorial next time I do it...hmmm.

How Far Along:  31 Weeks

Maternity Clothes: Yes, with the exception of a shirt here and there.

Stretch Marks: No, fingers crossed.

Sleep: That dang insomnia is back at it again.  Really wish it would go away so I could go some sleep before little guy comes and then it's just up multiple times a night.

Best/Worst Moment This Week: The cooler nights but having highs in the mid 80's one day was a little ridiculous.

Have You Told Friends & Family: Yes.

Miss Anything: A decent night's sleep; taking a deep breath; energy.

Movement: This boy is growing and my insides can tell...oy!

Food Cravings: I've had a thing for Ritz Bitz cheese crackers recently. Let's just say the Target brand crackers are better than the name brand.

Anything Make You Queasy or Sick: Our dogs' smell.  Yep...can't really stand to be around them.

Have You Started to Show Yet: Onward and outward.

Baby Is A: BOY!

Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on comfortably.

Belly Button In or Out: It's definitely visible through my shirts.  Can't wait for that to go back.

Happy or Moody: A little moody, let's be honest.  I'm not feeling awesome or comfortable and I'm just anxious to be more flexible/mobile/energetic again.

Labor Symptoms: Still Braxton Hicks and an occasional cramp here and there but still okay.
Looking Forward To: Our family/maternity pictures this weekend!  I've had our outfits planned for, ahem, awhile and unfortunately the weather is proving to be a little warmer than I'd like so I will be thinking cold thoughts while sweating in my fur vest.

Weekly Pregnancy Updates : 30 Weeks

How Far Along:  30 Weeks

Maternity Clothes: Yes, with the exception of a shirt here and there.

Stretch Marks: No, fingers crossed.

Sleep: That dang insomnia is back at it again.

Best/Worst Moment This Week:

Have You Told Friends & Family: Yes.

Miss Anything: A decent night's sleep...and we all know that ain't coming back any time soon; taking a deep breath.

Movement: This boy is growing and my insides can tell...oy!

Food Cravings: None recently.  I'm running out of room in the stomach area and it's a fine line between being full and being in pain from the lack of room and getting kicked because Little Man does not appreciate his digs being encroached on by a burrito.

Anything Make You Queasy or Sick: Our dogs' smell.  Yep...can't really stand to be around them.

Have You Started to Show Yet: Onward and outward.

Baby Is A: BOY!

Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on comfortably.

Belly Button In or Out: It's definitely visible through my shirts.  Can't wait for that to go back.

Happy or Moody: A tad irritable because I can't get around physically like I used to and I wish I had 1/2 the energy that Selah does.  She's in this sort of defiant stage and loves to test us.  Not good for the waning patience.

Labor Symptoms: Still Braxton Hicks and an occasional cramp here and there but still okay.
Looking Forward To: The weather staying fall-like.  We get teased with a couple cool days and then it's back to 80.  Not cool.  And of course we're in the home stretch with 10 weeks to go!  Holy cow...the time has flown by!

Weekly Pregnancy Updates : 28 Weeks

| Shirt (and on sale!) | Jeans | Paint |

So there was a seriously long stretch of zero blogging from me because I was feeling like near death.  I picked up a cold at the beginning of the month and just when I was thinking that I was better, I picked up that fantastic respiratory virus that was sending lots of kids across the country to the hospital with breathing issues.  I had a couple of asthma attacks and it really affected my breathing and stamina.  It has taken me awhile to get my strength back up and I think I can say (fingers crossed) that I am finally starting to feel more normal.  You can find me indoors with a can of Lysol until after this kid pops out.

In between illnesses, I painted 3 of little man's walls.  The wall behind the crib is going to be a different color, which I will get to sometime soon.  We decided on Benjamin Moore's Chocolate Truffle for the main color and I can't say enough good things about Benjamin Moore paint.  It covers so well and the colors are always awesome.  I'm loving the rich brown!

How Far Along: 28 Weeks

Maternity Clothes: Yes, with the exception of a shirt here and there.

Stretch Marks: No, fingers crossed.

Sleep: Some days are actually decent.

Best/Worst Moment This Week: Not sure if it's a Best moment but finally feeling well enough to clean the house!

Have You Told Friends & Family: Yes.

Miss Anything: Having energy, not being worn out at the end of the day.

Movement: I'm getting nice shots to the ribs when I lay on my side...such a weird feeling.

Food Cravings: None really.  I had zero appetite while I was sick so now I'm just eating to regain the weight I lost while sick.

Anything Make You Queasy or Sick: Sometimes a cooked chicken breast just gets to me...weird and random.

Have You Started to Show Yet: Starting to get uncomfortable.

Baby Is A: BOY!

Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on comfortably.

Belly Button In or Out: In but it seems like the top wants to pop out any second and the bottom is still laying low.  It's weird.

Happy or Moody: I've been seriously irritable lately with having been sick for over 3 weeks.  It's draining physically (obviously) and mentally.

Labor Symptoms: Still lots of Braxton Hicks but everything else appears to be good!
Looking Forward To: The weather actually acting like it's fall.  Seriously...what the heck is up with temps being 90 lately?!?

Weekly Pregnancy Updates : 24 Weeks

 | Dress | 

The hubby and I went out to dinner the other night and I realized that I had nothing really dressy enough for this place that would cover both the baby bump and my butt.  The bump has a funny way of hiking the hemline up a few inches into trashy territory.  So I pulled out this dress I bought last year that worked for the time being.  And then after we got home, remembered I did buy a nice black maternity dress a couple months ago so at least I have something for the next time we go out.

Picked up a lovely cold over the weekend and was promptly knocked on my butt.  Being sick and pregnant really sucks because you can't take anything.  Talk about serious nasal congestion!  I've somewhat seriously considered using Selah's Nose Frida on myself to get the serious snot out of my sinuses but can't quite figure out how I'd do it.  Laugh all you want...I'm feeling like crud and desperate to feel normal again.  Well, at least as 'normal' as I was last week.

How Far Along: 24 Weeks (These are a week behind so I'm really 25 weeks this week.)

Maternity Clothes: Yup. I've finally given up on making non-maternity work.

Stretch Marks: No, fingers crossed.

Sleep: Slightly awful with the cold I've had this week.

Best/Worst Moment This Week: Going to the mountains for the day with mi familia was awesome.  The awful cold I caught the next day was definitely not.

Have You Told Friends & Family: Yes.

Miss Anything: And I thought I was having nasal breathing issues before this cold...ha!

Movement: Little guy's restful moments are few and far between.

Food Cravings: Pretty much anything chocolate.  

Anything Make You Queasy or Sick: Still have that hyper sensitive Bloodhound nose going on.

Have You Started to Show Yet: You don't say?!

Baby Is A: BOY!

Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on comfortably.

Belly Button In or Out: In but it seems like the top wants to pop out any second and the bottom is still laying low.  It's weird.

Happy or Moody: Being sick kinda depresses me.  And not being able to really take anything super potent for it sucks.

Labor Symptoms: Still lots of Braxton Hicks but everything else appears to be good!
Looking Forward To: The changing leaves up in the mountains.

Weekly Pregnancy Updates : 22 Weeks

| Shirt | Scarf |

Pay no attention to the awesome bruise on my leg.  Who knows where it came from...probably a wall/corner/door/table/chair/any of the million things that are around the house. I bruise easily...what can I say!

How Far Along: 22 Weeks (These are a week behind so I'm really 23 weeks this week.)

Maternity Clothes: Most of them are at this point.  They're just more comfortable, especially since I carry so low.

Stretch Marks: No, fingers crossed.

Sleep: Sleep has actually been somewhat decent this week.

Best/Worst Moment This Week: The awesome chocolate cake that a friend brought me a huge slice of.  I tried to make it last longer...but I did not.

Have You Told Friends & Family: Yes.

Miss Anything: I'll be honest...not gaining weight.

Movement: Little guy's restful moments are few and far between.

Food Cravings: Chocolate cake.  

Anything Make You Queasy or Sick: Still have that hyper sensitive Bloodhound nose going on.

Have You Started to Show Yet: You don't say?!

Baby Is A: BOY!

Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on comfortably.

Belly Button In or Out: In but it seems like the top wants to pop out any second and the bottom is still laying low.  It's weird.

Happy or Moody: The chocolate cake put me in a good mood :)

Labor Symptoms: Still lots of Braxton Hicks but everything else appears to be good!
Looking Forward To: Summer bidding itself adieu!

Weekly Pregnancy Updates : 21 Weeks

 | Jeans | Swing |

Nothing majorly exciting happened this week and clearly you can tell by what I'm wearing.  I finally reached a point where I decided it was time to hang up the non-maternity shorts.  I can get the zipper all the way up but because of how low I'm carrying, the zipper cuts right into little man's living quarters and not only is it super uncomfortable for me, I'm sure it is for him too based on how much he kicks when I was sitting down in them.  I could bust out my belly bands (and I still may) but for now, I'm just going with all elastic baby!  I did find our swing though, which I'm pretty pumped about.  I'd really contemplated back and forth for awhile between the Graco Sweetpeace swing and the 4Moms Mamaroo and it really came down down to a couple things: I'd heard of a few babies hating the Mamaroo and its movements and we had borrowed the Graco swing from a friend and Selah looooved that thing so I went with what was successful before.  And hoping that this baby is a swing lover like big sister was.

How Far Along: 21 Weeks (These are a week behind so I'm really 22 weeks this week.)

Maternity Clothes: All maternity bottoms now but I can still wear non-maternity tops...just depends on my mood.

Stretch Marks: No, fingers crossed.

Sleep: I started taking Valerian on the recommendation of my midwife and it's helping but would probably be a whole lot more effective if I didn't have that gawd awful nasal congestion.

Best/Worst Moment This Week: Finding the swing!  Yes...it's the little things.

Have You Told Friends & Family: Yes.

Miss Anything: Breathing through my nose.  And cool weather.

Movement: Holy cow, yes.  It's definitely more movement than not with this guy.

Food Cravings: This week it was chocolate cake.  I wanted thick, gooey chocolate iced cake and just grabbed a chocolate cake from the bakery section at our local store.  And was a little disappointed in its quality and lack of icing.  But not enough to keep eating it of course.

Anything Make You Queasy or Sick: Trash in general but who doesn't really hate the smell of garbage?  

Have You Started to Show Yet: You don't say?!

Baby Is A: BOY!

Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on but I have the fake wedding band I wore last time on the ready.

Belly Button In or Out: In but it seems like the top wants to pop out any second and the bottom is still laying low.  It's weird.

Happy or Moody: A few stressful moments this week but trying to maintain a good attitude! 

Labor Symptoms: I've been having Braxton Hicks for a few weeks but they're usually in the morning and nothing too bad.
Looking Forward To: Any guesses what I'm gonna say? ;) Fall...still fall.

Weekly Pregnancy Updates : 20 Weeks

 So I'm halfway through this pregnancy and while it doesn't feel like it's been 5 months, it still feels like forever away to D-Day!  But let's be honest, if I actually make it to 40 weeks this time, I'll be abundantly shocked.  My goal is 37 weeks...my midwife mentioned she'd like me to get to 38 so we're a hopin' and a prayin' over here for Little Man to cook long enough!

I bought the maxi dress I'm wearing at Forever 21 a couple months ago and let's just say, I'm not impressed.  I washed it recently in cold on the Delicate cycle and air dried and the bottom shrank up about 4 inches so it's now that super flattering between your ankle and calf length.  Trying to decide if I'll whack another few inches off to make it knee length and a little more attractive.  The belt, however, is one of my faves and I really should wear it more often.

| Belt | Dress (similar) |

How Far Along: 20 Weeks (These are a week behind so I'm really 21 weeks this week.)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I haven't even checked this week.  Is that bad?

Maternity Clothes: I'm still wearing a few pairs of regular shorts unbuttoned but by the way I'm getting karate chopped from the inside, I'm guessing that the occupant does not like the way they cut into his space when I'm bending over.

Stretch Marks: No, fingers crossed.

Symptoms: No more morning sickness!  Double fist pump.

Sleep: Don't even want to go there.  Add a couple night time bloody noses to the mix.

Best/Worst Moment This Week: The all day rain we had!  It was awesome and I didn't want it to end and all those people complaining about the rain can just shut it.  Not everyone in Colorado likes that it's a desert here.

Have You Told Friends & Family: Yes.

Miss Anything: Decent sleep.

Movement: Holy cow this kid moves A LOT.

Food Cravings: Still waiting on that Panera Mac 'n Cheese.

Anything Make You Queasy or Sick: The garbage can.  

Have You Started to Show Yet: Yes and I'm carrying the same way I did with Selah.

Baby Is A: Boy!

Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on.

Belly Button In or Out: Still in...barely.

Happy or Moody: Pretty good although a certain dog of ours has been on my List for awhile due to her spiteful peeing on the floor outside Selah's door.  

Looking Forward To: Fall.  I'll keep looking forward to fall until it's here :)

Weekly Pregnancy Updates : 19 Weeks

| Tank | Cardigan (similar) | Skirt (similar) |

So if you couldn't tell from the picture (or can't read), we found out this week (last week really) that the bun in the oven is a little boy!  To say that we were surprised is a bit of an understatement because I'm pretty sure we'd resigned ourselves to the fact that this one was going to be another girl.  However, the ultrasound and a few very obvious photos proved otherwise.  I had a couple days where I was a little daunted by the thought of having a boy because as I put it, "I don't know what to do with a boy!"  But I'm sure I'll figure it out soon enough ;)

How Far Along: 19 Weeks (These are a week behind so I'm really 20 weeks this week.)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still on the high end of normal but whatever.  I'm sure I have a few weight gain induced melt downs in my future.

Maternity Clothes: I'd say they make up 20% of my wardrobe; still wearing regular clothes.

Stretch Marks: No, fingers crossed.

Symptoms: No more morning sickness!  Double fist pump.

Sleep: That dang pregnancy nasal congestion is still here.  As is the insomnia.  Thank goodness for naps.

Best/Worst Moment This Week: Finding out baby is a boy!

Have You Told Friends & Family: Yes.

Miss Anything: Decent sleep.

Movement: Oh yes...this baby is a mover.

Food Cravings: Still waiting on that Panera Mac 'n Cheese.

Anything Make You Queasy or Sick: Cleaning out the crock pot from last night's ribs was almost too much for me.  So gross.

Have You Started to Show Yet: Definitely not a food baby anymore.

Baby Is A: Boy!

Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on.

Belly Button In or Out: Still in...barely.

Happy or Moody: Pretty happy but ya know, little hormonal 'moments' (that's the nicest way to put them) happen here and there.

Looking Forward To: Fall.  It's cooled down here a bit but I'm still praying for an early fall.  I'm ready for boots and sweaters. And pumpkin patches.

Weekly Pregnancy Updates : 18 Weeks

| Shirt | Pants (similar), (similar) |

So I bought these awesome palazzo pants last year and unfortunately bought them in a size too big and they were all out of the smaller size so they just sat in my closet until now.  They're super comfortable and while I wore 4 inch sandals with them, I was still stepping on about 2" of them.  Apparently you can trim the hem yourself which I find kinda weird because you're chopping part of the design off.  Have yet to decide what to do about that.  First world problems I know.

We moved the crib into the baby's room when we made the big girl bed switch and Selah wanted to check it out for this week's photo.

How Far Along: 18 Weeks (These are a week behind so I'm really 19 weeks this week.)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I'll just leave it at...I'm within the normal range to gain between 25-35 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: Some.  The shirts are still huge and baggy on me and that's just not a good look.

Stretch Marks: No, fingers crossed.

Symptoms: No more morning sickness!  Double fist pump.

Sleep: I've been getting more insomnia which drives me nuts and leaves me exhausted all at the same time.

Best/Worst Moment This Week: Finding out the HOA will allow us to keep our window AC in for the rest of the summer if I get a note from our midwife!

Have You Told Friends & Family: Yes.

Miss Anything: Decent sleep.

Movement: Oh yes...this baby is a mover.

Food Cravings: Still waiting on that Panera but we just discovered a new Panera opened up nearby that may be closer than the other one.

Anything Make You Queasy or Sick: Nothing this week...fingers crossed.

Have You Started to Show Yet: Yes but not real big changes, at least to my eye anyway.

Baby Is A: Not sure yet...next week!

Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on.

Belly Button In or Out: Still in...barely.

Happy or Moody: We started potty training this week for Miss Selah.  She's doing well but man, is that tiring!

Looking Forward To: Finding out what baby is at the end of next week!

Weekly Pregnancy Updates : 17 Weeks

 | Shirt | Shorts (similar) | Necklace (#7) |

Please try and control your adoration of how awesome I look in this photo.  In my defense, I was getting ready to paint Selah's bed and didn't want to get paint on something nicer and it was super humid (for Colorado...which is like 40%) and my just-out-of-the-shower hair was not going to air dry nicely.  So this is the awesomeness you get with this week's photo!

How Far Along: 17 Weeks (These are a week behind so I'm really 18 weeks this week.)
Total Weight Gain/Loss: So as of now, I'm on track to gain the same amount of weight I did with Selah.  And that's not brag worthy.  What the crap.
Maternity Clothes: The clothes in this photo are maternity.  I'm liking maternity shorts because of how low I tend to carry bebes, elastic waistbands are my friend now.  Maternity tops...they're still way too big on me so I'm still rocking normal shirts.  Except for the one in this photo...I like pink, what can I say.
Stretch Marks: No, fingers crossed.
Symptoms: Pregnancy bladder.  I need to drink a ton of water each day which makes running errands real fun.  I'm no longer concerned with what's on my grocery list...it's 'where is the bathroom?'
Sleep: Can we discuss the insanity that are pregnancy dreams?!?  Seriously, do not try to analyze those dreams!  Wack-o!
Best Worst Moment This Week: Remember that awesome window AC unit I told you about last week?  Exactly one week later, we got that HOA complaint letter.  Let's say, no one is thrilled about it.
Have You Told Friends & Family: Yes.
Miss Anything: Not being a walking furnace.
Movement: Oh yes...this baby is a mover.
Food Cravings: The bulk bucket of peanut butter filled pretzels from Target.  They're the bomb.  Could also be related to that super fun weight gain I mentioned earlier.
Anything Make You Queasy or Sick:  Cleaning out spoiled food from the fridge, especially a former favorite Beef 'n Broccoli.
Have You Started to Show Yet: Yes but not real big changes, at least to my eye anyway.
Baby Is A: Not sure yet!
Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on.
Belly Button In or Out: Still in...barely.
Happy or Moody: Minus the HOA letter...pretty good.
Looking Forward To: Finding out what baby is at the end of the month! 

Weekly Pregnancy Updates : 16 Weeks

So I take these weekly photos in what will be the baby's nursery and it is still that gawd-awful hospital waiting room tan color that was all over the ENTIRE house when we moved in.  It does not photograph well.  Like, at all.  This was the best I could get it looking after some editing and color correcting.  And it also made me look jaundiced.  Go tan.  Probably the first thing I'll do after finding out if it's a boy or girl is paint it.  Well, second thing after going and buying some insanely tiny and, albeit, cute outfit that the baby will wear for a day before they grow out of it.

How Far Along: 16 Weeks (These are a week behind so I'm actually 17 weeks today). 
Total Weight Gain/Loss: I'm totally thinking of deleting this line altogether because it will totally make me depressed even though I started this pregnancy in better shape and at a lower weight.
Maternity Clothes: Not yet, other than the destroyed denim shorts I can't get enough of.
Stretch Marks: Nope...fingers crossed.
Symptoms: Tired.  Some days I can push past the tired but others, it just hits me like a ton of bricks.
Sleep: I got all cocky when I found out I was due in December because it would be cold when I'd be big and pregnant and the heat of the summer wouldn't bother me.  Ha. Ha.  Turns out I'm a furnace pretty much the instant that plus sign pops up on the test stick.
Best Moment This Week: Husband bought an in-window air conditioning unit to help his lovely on-fire wife sleep better at night.  It's totally trashy looking and I'm sure we'll get an HOA complaint letter but having an AC unit blast 65 degree air on you from 3 feet away all night long is divine and in the event we get said letter, he'll probably tell the HOA they can take it up with me.  Good luck making me get rid of it until October rolls around.
Have You Told Friends & Family: Yup.
Miss Anything: That darn pregnancy rhinitis (aka stuffy nose) is a killer and I miss breathing through my nose.
Movement: Seems to be moving more than big sister when it does.
Food Cravings: I still haven't fulfilled my Panera mac 'n cheese craving yet.  I'm not so obsessed that I'll drive 25 minutes away for the stuff.
Anything Make You Queasy or Sick:  Cleaning up the dog run.  That's a fun one.  And the stupid summer heat never quite cools off enough to make it semi-tolerable.
Have You Started to Show Yet: Yes.  Although some days it could still be a serious food baby.
Baby Is A: Not sure yet!
Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on.
Belly Button In or Out: Getting ever closer to becoming flush with the ol' belly.
Happy or Moody: Pretty good with some 'moments' here and there.
Looking Forward To: Finding out what this little one is at the end of the month!  And fall.  Still looking forward to fall.

And because the 'photographer' was telling me to work the camera...

 ...this is as good as it gets folks.

14 Weeks

How Far Along: 14 weeks (still a week behind so I'm really 15 weeks today) but I'm now in the 2nd trimester...whoop whoop!
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still at 5 pounds which I am totally attributing to Selah's birthday cake because I haven't gained a single pound since I finally shipped the remainder off with Dan to take to work and get out of the house before the poundage hit double digits.
Maternity Clothes: Still fitting in regular clothes but I did wear some maternity shorts recently because they're seriously cute and I don't have any distressed denim shorts so there ya go. 
Stretch Marks: Still none...fingers crossed.
Symptoms: Morning sickness has pretty much left the building...just a sour stomach here and there.
Sleep: Nasal congestion in combo with the ridiculous allergies I get every year...not stellar.
Best Moment This Week: Brief cooler temps outside.  I'm not a fan of heat...like at all.
Have You Told Friends & Family: Yup.
Miss Anything: Breathing through my nose at night.
Movement: This baby has brief dance parties inside.
Food Cravings: I love Panera's mac 'n cheese.  We don't have one even remotely close to us so I just dream about it until I'm actually near one.
Anything Make You Queasy or Sick: The smell of the beef & broccoli I made for dinner last night was iffy...cleaning it up out of the crock pot was more than enough for me to handle this morning.
Have You Started to Show Yet: Yes...still could be a food baby on some days.
Baby Is A: Not sure yet!
Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on.  Although I have my bigger fake wedding band in the ready for when my fingers get too sausagey to wear the real deal.
Belly Button In or Out: Still in but looking odd.
Happy or Moody: Pretty happy...except for the day earlier this week that Selah decided to play Godzilla throughout the entire house all by 9am.
Looking Forward To: Fall!  Is it fall yet? ;)

13 Weeks

And thus begins the weekly baby updates!  I didn't really do this with Selah and wish I had so I could have something to look back on.  Or, possibly look back and feel sorry for myself that I'm bigger this time around?!?  Anyway...

How Far Along: 13 Weeks (This is a few days behind so I'm actually at 14 weeks today.)
Total Weight Gain/Loss: 5 pounds.  Yikes.  Although I think 4 of that is from all the cake from Selah's birthday.
Maternity Clothes: Not yet.  Still comfy in my regular clothes.
Stretch Marks: Nope.  I didn't have any with Selah so I'm hoping that holds true this time around too.
Symptoms: Just tired.  Running around after a toddler (and growing a person) probably adds to that!
Sleep: Pregnancy nasal congestion...'nuff said.
Best Moment This Week: Selah's birthday.  Can't believe she's 2!
Have You Told Friends & Family: Yes
Miss Anything: I'd kill for a turkey Subway sandwich right about now.
Movement: There's definitely a mover in there!  I felt Selah at 12 weeks and this one is following suit.
Food Cravings: Nothing weird and I'm usually satisfied with having it once.
Anything Make You Queasy or Sick: Tossed food in the trash can.  Hello K9 Unit nose!
Have You Started to Show Yet: I'm showing way earlier than I did with Selah.  Still looking like I just pigged out on a few too many burgers though.
Baby Is A: Don't know yet!
Wedding Rings On or Off: Still on.
Belly Button In or Out: Still in but seems like it's fighting that lately.
Happy or Moody: Pretty good for the most part...although temperamental toddlers can test that at times ;)
Looking Forward To: Finding out what this little one is next month!