25 Weeks

Size of baby: A cauliflower.  So much has changed!  Baby Squish is now about 14" long and 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.  Crazy!  

Weight gain: I feel enormous!  Will be weighing in next week at my appointment.

Maternity clothes:  I really can't wear much other than maternity clothes.  I have a few things that work, but most of the time I am wearing maternity jeans, long tops, etc.  

Nursery: Leaving this out for the next little while, since the nursery is pretty much done.  Will post photos soon!  I know, I keep saying that - just haven't had a chance!

Development / Movement: Baby's nervous system is rapidly developing, and baby now has a sense of equilibrium, knowing which was is up versus down.  I think maybe that is part of the reason I am feeling so much movement!  Every time I change positions, baby does flips and flops inside.  This Friday, Trey and I SAW baby move for the first time from the outside of my belly.  So strange!  Squishy is also growing more hair and will be growing in size dramatically over the next little while.

Sleep:  I am sleeping really well lately.  This weekend, Trey and I slept until 10 and 10:30am both days!  Yikes!

What I miss:  High heels!  I wore a pair today, but it wasn't easy.  I miss my stilettos!

Best moment this week: Had a great week this week.  Early in the week I had one of my favourite facials, a hair appointment, and met a new design client.  I also had a couple of great workouts, got lots done around the house, made some good meals, visited with Anita and Linden a couple of times. The best part of the week was probably yesterday.  Trey and I took the dogs and spent the day up in Whistler, walking around, and having a nice patio lunch in the gorgeous fall weather.  Then we headed back to Anita and Jeff's for a lovely dinner (home cooked by Jeff), and a movie night.  This morning we met them again for brunch at the Salmon House, which was also really nice.  The weather has been spectacular lately, too.  Just warm, sunny, and beautiful.

Looking forward to: This week promises to be a good one.  It is my Mom's 60th birthday tomorrow.  Wish we could be there to celebrate.  I have a mani/pedi booked with Christie, I have a bunch of design work to do.  Halloween this week should be fun - we're planning on getting lots of kids in our new neighbourhood, so that will be fun!  I also have a doctor's appointment on Halloween.  Then on Friday I have my glucose test, which should be fun (not).  Friday night we are headed out for dinner for Arman's birthday, and Saturday we are hosting a Halloween party.  Good week ahead!

Cravings: Fruit, fruit, fruit!  Oranges, grapes, and fresh berries mostly.  Also chocolate.

Symptoms:  Feeling big and a little less mobile.  Things like bending down to tie shoes is a bit uncomfortable.  My hands still swell up when I sleep so that when I wake up they are sore.  Also lots of movement from Squish!

Workouts: I'm not longer sick.  If you can believe it, my voice still isn't 100%, but I feel great (FINALLY), so I've been back to the gym.  I think I slightly overdid it in my excitement, because I've been so sore I can hardly move.  Tomorrow's workout should help stretch me out a bit.  Love being back at the gym.  I did a couple of weight training workouts this week, so haven't done a bar method class in a while, but will do soon!

24 Weeks - 6 months!

I can't believe how the time is flying.... I am 6 months pregnant!  

It has been a rough week, to say the least.  I've had different kinds of sickness that have been worse, but for a cough/cold type thing, I have never been this sick before in my life.  

Thankfully, I am on the mend.... but it has been tough.

Trey and I traveled to Los Angeles for the Thanksgiving long weekend for our "baby moon", or last vacation before baby.  We had a great time, but I was hit hard.  When you're pregnant, you basically can't take anything over the counter besides Tylenol - so I was able to manage my fever, but none of the symptoms.  

When things got really bad on the last night, we were up the entire night.  Trey may have slept about an hour, and I slept about 10 minutes total.  The WHOLE night.  I couldn't breathe, I couldn't sleep, I couldn't stop coughing.  I couldn't even lay down or it felt like I was drowning.  We watched TV at 3am.  Room service brought hot water, lemons and honey at 4am.  Trey was on the phone trying to get in touch with my doctor at 4:30am, trying to book earlier flights at 5am... it was a nightmare.  Every flight was booked solid so we couldn't leave early, and then we found out that our original flight was delayed.  The hotel couldn't give us a late check out, so we were forced out into the city of L.A. at noon, when our flight wasn't due to leave until nearly 10pm.  While walking Rodeo drive, I kept having to sit down, thinking I was going to faint.  We were so worried about baby Squish and I could tell Trey was really worried about me.

When we finally got home and I saw the doctor, I was told it was a very severe sinus infection that had also travelled into my throat.  My voice was basically completely gone for almost 5 days (just started to come back yesterday).  I was swabbed for any additional viruses like strep, and given some baby-friendly antibiotics to kill this thing.  We got home Tuesday night and I slept through the rest of the week.  

Poor Squishy has taken a back seat to this stupid infection, so I'm afraid this survey won't be as interesting as it could be.

Size of baby:  Cantaloupe!  Almost a whole FOOT long and about 21 ounces.


Weight gain:  Not totally sure, but I doubt I have gained as much this week, as I wasn't able to eat much but soup and tea.

Maternity clothes:  I rocked a couple of my new maternity dresses in L.A. and Trey helped me find two causal fall sweaters at Gap Maternity at the Grove (I love shopping at the Grove)!

Nursery:  The last few things we were waiting on have arrived, so we now have a grey wicker clothing hamper, a vintage percale bed skirt in grey, and beautiful grey faux fur throw from Restoration Hardware.  Hoping to take some photos next week!

Development / Movement:  While Mom has been working her abs like crazy with the coughing, Baby must be super frustrated with all of the noise.  Squishy has been kicking tons and getting stronger, which made me very happy to feel while I was going through this, to just know that baby is still growing and doing well inside.  Baby's skin is becoming more opaque and is getting a rosy glow from the small capillaries that are forming.  Squish's lungs are also now fully formed, so baby is getting more and more ready to survive in the big outside world!

Sleep:  Needless to say, I didn't sleep well this week.  Since we have been home, I've had much better sleeps and have slept tons throughout the day (on Thursday I even slept until 4pm and didn't even shower until 4:30)!

What I miss:  Being healthy.  I have been so happy to have had such a great pregnancy so far and have been proud of being a healthy momma-to-be.  Of course as soon as a baby is growing inside of you, the worrying begins - and it is way worse when you're sick.

Best moment this week:   As sick as I was, we really enjoyed Los Angeles.  We had lots of amazing food, did some walking and shopping, and slept really well (most nights).  The hotel was absolutely gorgeous and the room was very comfortable and cozy.  It was nice to get away with Trey and just enjoy some time together as a couple.

Looking forward to:  Once again, being healthy.  This coming week I'll be getting prepped for our Halloween party, meeting a new design client, and I have an appointment to have my hair highlighted to make my way slowly back to blonde.  

Cravings:  Soup, lemon tea, orange slices.

Symptoms:   Pregnancy symptoms?  None that I have noticed during this sickness.  Too much else going on!

Workouts:   Clearly nothing this week, although we did a lot of walking in L.A.  Since we returned home, most days I have barely been able to get up onto my feet.  My plan is to hit the gym tomorrow for an easy workout to get back into it.

23 Weeks

Size of baby:  A large grapefruit! Just under 12" and nearly 21 ounces.

Weight gain:  About the same.  

Maternity clothes:  Indeed.  I haven't purchased anything new, but am wearing maternity tanks and maternity jeans quite often, usually with some kind of loose cardigan or sweater.

Nursery:  Fully stocked and looking great!  We purchased the crib mattress with some of the gift cards from the shower and so the crib finally has a crib sheet and is looking much more cozy.

Development / Movement:  Baby's ears are starting to develop a little more, and Squish is listening carefully to our voices, the pups barking (poor Squish), and may even be moving in response to familiar sounds!  Squish's face is now fully formed.  Amazing.

Sleep:  I wake up in the middle of the night with sore hands and feet from the swelling.  That is painful, but it isn't really affecting my sleep too badly.

What I miss:  Right now I'm feeling great and not missing much!

Best moment this week: Well, what a week!  It has been really busy.  Trey started his new job mid-way through last week so this was his first full week at it.  I have been hanging out with Anita and Linden lots, and one night we even babysat both Linden and Austin (Diana and Arman's baby boy) on the same night, which was fun!  We also had my good friend Angela over for dinner on Wednesday.  I haven't seen her in months and she was so excited to see my baby bump.  

Looking forward to: Los Angeles!  We head out in the morning for our "baby moon".  This sounds ridiculous to those who have never heard that term before, I know.  It is some kind of fad thing where couples escape on one last kid-free trip.  Silly name for it, but what a great idea.  Trey and I fly out to LA tomorrow for the long weekend and return Tuesday evening.  We're staying in a gorgeous hotel in Santa Monica, renting an SUV, and plan on doing lots of eating, exploring, and relaxing by the pool.  I'm sure I will have photos next week for you!

Cravings:  Chocolate, of all things.  This is a weird one, because I'm not a huge chocolate lover.  When given the choice, I'll choose caramel or vanilla anything over chocolate.  I'm not craving lots of it, just a piece here and there, but I'm definitely more in the mood for chocolate than usual.

Symptoms:  Swollen hands and feet.  Thankfully that's the only symptom these days, but it sure is painful.  I also hate that I can't wear my wedding rings.  Boo!

Workouts:  I've been super active, but haven't done a proper workout.  Lots of running around and up-and-down the stairs, and lots of walking.  Feeling good.

Photos: Aurora Baby Shower and Last Trip Home

Here are the photos I promised.  At the end of September, Trey and I travelled home to visit both of our families - in Indianapolis and Toronto.  I've been given a "safe" travel window by my doctor, so we tried to pack in all of our visits well before the holidays.  It was a whirlwind trip, but so great to see everyone!

In Aurora, my Mom and Stacey threw me the baby shower of a lifetime.  It was a "love" theme, since baby's due date is very close to Valentine's Day.  Of course it had to be a gender-neutral shower, since baby Squish's gender is a mystery!  It was incredible from start to finish: over 25 guests, the most gorgeous décor, delicious food, and all kinds of baked treats that Stace made from scratch.  It was amazing to see everyone and I felt so special.  Squish was very spoiled by each and every one of the guests.  I can't thank everyone enough!

Hope you enjoy these pics!

Indiana

Trey is holding baby Ian, the 4-week old son of his cousin Jessica and her husband Ian.  So cute!

Baby Ian, asleep in my lap at lunch

We drove into Ohio to meet some of the Geiger side of the family for lunch - huge group shot!

Cute kids, right?  This is Jada (our flower girl in our wedding), Savannah, Myka, and Austin

My little buddy Jada and I

Myka is all smiles!

Myka and Trey

In the Indiana con fields with my mother-in-law, Lois and Trey's Uncle Kent on the right

Aurora

Mom, Stace and Sophie at Pine Farms Apple Orchard

Cuties by the pumpkins

The apple farm turkey, showing off for the camera

Apple orchard

We picked Honey Crisp and Cortland - YUM!

Trey and Mom.  Love this one!

The orchard

The three amigos

Hubby and I

Trey holding Logan, Dani & Jake's baby boy, at the farmer's market

Aurora Baby Shower

Homemade vanilla and chocolate macarons by Stace

Kitty, Audrey - always so curious!

Stacey's dessert table... yummy!

Coconut and red velvet cake, which was to die for!

Gorgeous "sweet" table!

Just some of the food, catered by Edward Street Bistro

Gorgeous spread!

I love the pretty flowers ball that Mom added to this table

Pastel meringues by Stacey

Pretty pink, red, and white flowers to go with the "love" theme

It just isn't a party without a cheese platter (I've said this before)

Aliyah won these... jealous!  I love mini eggs!

Flowers, and gold-tipped feathers.. so gorgeous

Cute messages to baby were written on this onesie

One detail I helped with - fluffing up these tissue balls! Love them!

Stacey made these doubled-up sugar cookie favours... could they be any prettier?

Presents galore - and such cute wrapping!  Squish felt the love that day!

My "nephew" Liam (my cousin Brett and his wife Kerry's son).  He is too cute for words!

Pink champagne, of course!

Games time!

Tol is having a little bit of fun

Dani, the competitive one!

Stace and I with my lovely cousins Katherine and Stephanie, and my Aunt Krys

Pretty girls!

Nasreen and I

With the two ladies who made it all happen!

Mom holds little Logan... what a cutie pie!

22 Weeks

Size of baby:  Squishy is getting tropical!  Baby is now the size of a papaya, measuring approximately 12" long and almost 21 ounces! 

Weight gain: In case you didn't go back to read my update from last week, here it is!
** UPDATE ** I am up 8.4lbs this month, and a whopping 13 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight.  Doctor says this is all normal.  Apparently I should be gaining about 2 lbs per week in the second trimester, which is spot-on.  Since I lost weight my entire first trimester, gaining a little more in the second is a good thing.  Hallelujah!

Maternity clothes:  Anita lent me some more blouses and a new workout top, which has helped beef up my maternity clothing supply, and my friend Diana just lent me a couple of belly bands so that I can wear my own pants a little longer!  Thank goodness for my girlfriends!  

Nursery: The update here is that I have cleared out room in my closet for Trey, which therefore clears out the baby's closet.  This will allow me to do a little more organizing of the lovely gifts we have received.

Development / Movement: Baby looks more like a newborn, with more developed eyes and lips.  He or she is also now sleeping in regular cycles, about 12-14 hours per day (nice life)!  I am still feeling Squish's kicks and flips, and Trey has felt them a little bit more, too.

Sleep:  I'm sleeping well, and loving my pregnancy pillow!

What I miss:  Wine, once again.  We tried a couple of non-alcoholic wines to see if it would at least make me feel like I was partaking (haha), but it just tastes like funky grape juice.  Oh well!

Best moment this week: Coming home was tough, but we also love being here.  We have had a few really nice nights at home, making homemade soup, watching a movie, or just relaxing.  On Wednesday, 4 of my girls came over to do a clothing swap of things we were prepared to donate... of course, whatever was leftover went to the Salvation Army.  It was a fun night and a good catch-up with the girls.  I got to babysit Linden a couple of times, which is always a highlight!  Friday night I had a girls' night out with Anita and her friends at a great spot called "Baru Latino", which was good fun, and finally last night, we had a fancy fall dinner party at our place with Renée and Stu (photos below).  We also ordered our new couch yesterday, which we can't WAIT for.  It arrives October 16th.

Looking forward to: We have a lunch date today (Chinese food) with Nafeesa and Zaman.  It has been a pretty packed weekend!  Also really looking forward to our "babymoon" next weekend, as we head off to L.A. for Thanksgiving.

Cravings: Hm, nothing really this week!

Symptoms: Weight gain, apparently (haha).  I'm feeling really good this week.  Some swelling in my hands and feet, but nothing major.

Workouts: I've been kinda bad.  It has been a busy week and I haven't had time to do much.  I will say that I really have been active, though - running up and down the stairs, doing housework, things like that.  Definitely going to bar lots next week.  Been eating well, though - after our week of indulgence back home, we've been making lots of fresh, healthy meals!

I promised baby shower pics, but I will post those in a separate post (photo overload)!  Coming today!  In the meantime...

Here are a couple of our ultrasound pics:

Footprint!

Best photo yet... a full body profile!  Cute nose, right? 

Profile shot of Squish's face

Photos from our dinner party last night:

The dining table

Feather napkin rings

Burlap and lace table runner and other décor

No dinner party is complete without a cheese tray

Pregnant lady in an apron

Tablescape

Roasted beet, arugula, goat cheese salad with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sea salt and pepper

Lemon asparagus risotto

Lemon asparagus risotto, garlic baguette, and décor

Painted pumpkin

Our faves, Stu and Renée

Here are some cute pics of Linden, just because I can't resist!