21 Week Bump Update

21 Week Bump Update:

This photo was taken on Easter at my wonderful friend Annie's house... I was closer to 20 weeks than 21 here.

How the Pregnancy is going so far:

How far along: 21 weeks today (Saturday)

How big is baby: She's about as long as a banana!  Crazy!

Pregnancy weight gain:   Somewhere around 12 lbs so far.  Haven't stepped on the scale in a few days, nor do I care to today.

Sleep: Having a hard time getting to bed at a decent hour, but once I'm asleep it's fantastic.  Still waking up on my back a few times a night and forcing myself to roll onto one side or the other. If I wake up to use the bathroom, I have no trouble falling back to sleep unless it's already light out... Then I'm up.

 Maternity Clothes: Inherited a nice supply of maternity stuff from recently preggo friends out here.  Most of it is still a bit big, but a few things (like the shirt in the photo) fit great!  I can still fit into all of my longer length pre-pregnancy shirts, and a few pairs of pants that don't have a zipper and/or button (see photo again).  Unless they have an elastic waist, I have outgrown all of my shorts... with a trip to Alabama to see Brian in my very near future, I will have to do some shopping ASAP.  Me thinks sundresses will be a staple this summer!

Best moment of the week:  There are a few:

1.  Easter at my lovely friend Annie's house was wonderful.  The food was amazing and the company was phenomenal, as always.  I am going to miss my Spangdahlem family a ton when I'm back in the states, and I dont want to even think about the upcoming move! 
2. Looking forward to the trip home - I'll be heading back to the states in three days for the 1st time in about 15 months.  Can't wait to spend a week with the family in MA and a few weeks with Brian in AL! 
3.  My awesome best friend.  Kelly, the love-of-my-life-in-the-form-of-a-girl,  just booked a flight from Chicago to visit Brian and I in Alabama.  The last time I saw her was 6 months ago when she (and her Brian) came to Germany for a visit.  I feel SO lucky to have a bff who will find a way to see me, wherever I am!
4. Checking major moving stuff off the to-do list.  Brian's car is now being shipped to Korea, a few more essential baby items have been purchased (and a huge array of awesome baby-girl items and bathtub were donated to us by a wonderful friend here!), and I'm pretty much packed for the upcoming trip!
   

Stressors this week: Getting everything done before leaving for the states.  The to-do list is never-ending because of the upcoming move.  Setting up moving stuff with Brian gone requires me to have several different powers of attorney and lots of associated paperwork... I still have lots to do on Monday (between two Doctor's appointments), but I'm confident it will all work out a-ok!  Also, I'm a little anxious about dropping Nellie off to be a "castle cat" for 5 weeks.  My fantastic friend Michelle, who will be watching her, is absolutely awesome, and Nellie likes her a lot... I just know how upset our fur-baby is when she's outside of her typical environment and I hope the change of scenery isn't too stressful for her. 

Food cravings : The major avocado craving I've had for the past 2-3 weeks seems to have subsided.  This week I can't seem to get enough corn on the cob (the frozen ones-- I cannot wait for fresh sweet summer corn!).  Also, filling my water bottle with 3 parts sparkling water to 1 part pomegranate juice has been nice and refreshing. Oh, and my splurge has been chocolate soy milk... I've definitely gone through more than a gallon this week! 

Food aversions: Nothing major, except that the post-dinner heartburn has stepped up a notch this week for sure.  I've been eating a much more bland (ie boring) diet in lieu of popping tums every hour.

Favorite Recipes/Meals this week: Nothing too exciting on account of the heartburn. Last night was tilapia, spinach and corn on the cob.  A few nights earlier I made a (faux) crab and muenster sandwich and sweet potato fries.

 Symptoms:  Sore shoulders and upper back the past 3 days.  I've tried changing up my sleeping positions but it hasnt helped much.  I may need to bribe Brian for a back rub when I see him!  Other symptoms: the aforementioned heartburn, mid-day fatigue, and occasionally bleeding gums.  On the whole, I still feel good... just bigger!

Movement: Ninja baby is definitely getting more active!  She was having a dance party yesterday as I had the apple-tv on while I packed.  Her favorite music so far (as determined by the frequency of her karate chops): The Flaming Lips, Jimmy Eat World, and U2.

Gender: They tell us she's a girl!

What I’m looking forward to: Going to the states!!!  Can't wait to see everyone.  I miss the family so much, and I miss my husband terribly... these past few weeks have gone by so very slowly!  I also am REALLY looking forward to warm weather and sunshine!!! It's been hovering around 50 degrees (F) here the past two weeks and I am ready to up that temperature by about 20 degrees!

What I miss from pre-pregnancy: Fitting into all my clothing.  Sleeping through the night.  Coffee that isn't icky decaf.  Clear skin. 

Next appt: I have two on Monday  - my glucose test (to rule out gestational diabetes) and a regular appt/ultrasound.  Looking forward to seeing what the gummy bear looks like this time!