HER PERSPECTIVE
Best Moment: So many memorable moments this week! First, we gathered in Michigan with the Wileys to celebrate a graduation, two birthdays, and a wedding, too.
We also found time during our trip to visit buybuy Baby. OMG. And we thought Babies”R”Us was overwhelming! Sister-in-law Megan recommended some of her favorite products and gadgets — from a bumbo to a wipe warmer to magnetic cabinet locks. And I think I may have also found the perfect glider for the nursery. We (surprisingly) left the store empty-handed, but we do have lots of ideas for our registry. It’s actually a good thing we didn’t purchase anything, though, because BJ and Megan sent us home with plenty of hand-me-downs! Thank you both for the Baby Bjorn, the travel swing, the breast pump, the books, and more. We (and Peanut) really appreciate your generosity!
Finally — and perhaps the best moment of the week — our second trimester ultrasound!
I think Peanut was doing acrobatics in there! And the technician had to turn the screen away from us several times to ensure that we didn’t catch a glimpse of the boy/girl parts. But I’m happy to report that Peanut cooperated and kept the secret from us! And by the end of the appointment, he/she had settled in and was content with that sweet little thumb.
Symptoms: 20 weeks down and 10 pounds up! Really, the weight gain doesn’t bother me, though this is the most I’ve ever weighed. And to think I still have 20ish pounds to go! But I’m willing to do whatever it takes to ensure a strong and healthy Peanut.
Aside from my expanding waistline and the slow disappearance of my hip bones, I’ve felt great this week — even after 13 hours in the car to and from Michigan. Though after two vacation days and one telecommuting day, I forgot how much my back can ache after sitting at my desk for eight hours. I think it’s time to invest in a foot stool or an exercise ball. Other suggestions?
Cravings/Aversions: Megan fed us so well in Michigan. My favorites were the hash brown breakfast casserole with bacon and cheese, the guacamole, and the strawberry pretzel salad.
What I Miss: I know it’s not yet swimsuit season here in Pennsylvania, but I suspect I’ll miss my bikinis this summer. Which reminds me, I need to invest in a maternity suit. Recommendations?
What I Can’t Wait For: Still waiting to feel kicks and punches from the outside. Come on, Peanut, I know you want to stretch out those long arms and legs!
Milestones: Peanut is up to 10 ounces this week and was right on target at our ultrasound appointment. This week, he/she is measured from head to toe instead of head to rump, and so baby is about 10 inches, or the length of a banana.
HIS PERSPECTIVE
Best Moment: Our nephew, Jackson, earned his 20th potty training sticker while we were visiting. The look on his face when he had FINALLY earned a trip to Chuck E. Cheese’s was priceless.
Symptoms: Exhaustion. Four days with our nephews completely wiped me out. Imagine being stuck in room with a kangaroo and a spider monkey on a sugar high for 16 hours straight — that’s what it was like. Do I get to ease into this parenting role? Or will I be jumping in head first?
Cravings/Aversions: Zingerman’s deli in Ann Arbor.
What I Miss: It would have been great to get a 4D picture of Peanut, but he/she wasn’t positioned right for it. That’s alright, though, all I’m asking for is a happy, healthy baby.
What I Can’t Wait For: Is it too soon to say I can’t wait for this baby to arrive?
Milestones: We’re at the halfway point! From the look of the ultrasound, it appears as though the arms and legs have finally caught up to that over-sized baby bobble head, and he/she is actually looking rather human.
Seeing those photos must have been amazing. Not to state the complete obvious, but it’s incredible there’s a little person in there!!
Hand-me-downs are the best! I’m glad it’s still a secret 🙂
Pregnancy bathing suit? Be proud of the belly and were a bikini! There’s no need to hide it!
(Having said that I have to wear a bathing suit for the first time post baby this weekend. I’m not sure how I feel about that…)
I love that you guys are still so active and traveling — you’re still yourselves, even if you are going to be parents!
I kind of wish I could have just worn a regular bikini? I’m too into swimming laps, though, so I got a solid, black one-piece maternity suit from Target. It actually doesn’t look terrible. So…depends on how active you’re going to be.
You know how you read symptoms of stuff on the web and all the sudden think you may have some strange disease. Well after reading all of your symptoms I was convinced I’m pregnant so this week on my 6mo BP checkup visit to the Dr. I told him I’m worried I’m pregnant. After he was done laughing I went through all the symptoms. I mentioned the bulging belly and how my clothes were getting tight, he told me I was overweight. I mentioned that I was always lethargic and felt I needed a nap during the day, he told me it was related to my snoring and I should sleep on my side and also lose weight. Ok Dr. I have these tailbone pains, Mr. Rishel you’ve got a disk problem which is putting pressure on the nerves, we’ll send you for therapy and try walking more. Ok, but explain the rhinitis of pregnancy I’m suffering with, seasonal allergies Mr. Rishel, so I guess you’re gonna tell me the headaches are allergies, Yep. I didn’t even bother to mention the heartburn and food craving, ole Mr. MD would probably have an explaination for those also. Well needless to say I left the office with a good report on my BP but I was depressed to know that I’m an overweight old fella with deteriorating disks and allergies! Sooo, I’m gonna stop reading your symptoms Emily and just focus on Nick’s as I can relate to them better. Nick, I can tell you that the symptoms of Fatherhood just keep getting better each and every year, get used to smiling, you do a lot of it as a proud father!