28 Week Update

How the Pregnancy is going so far:

How far along: 28 weeks + a few days

How big is baby: Around the size of an eggplant!

Pregnancy weight gain:   Visiting the states did a number on me thanks to Chipotle, everything in Alabama being deep fried, and the home cooking from the fam in the northeast.  I'm up around 20 lbs now, but thankfully still feeling great!

Sleep:  According to Brian, I'm a "flopper."  I have a tough time getting comfortable before I fall asleep and thus 'flop' around for a while.  I've also started snoring apparently.  None of this I notice, but I pity my light-sleeping husband these days!
Maternity Clothes: After some great shopping while back in the states, I think I'm pretty much set for the summer.  My bff spoiled me with a couple of adorable dresses and tops from a boutique in Chicago, and those are my favorite (read: most comfy) right now.

Best moment of the week:  There are a few:

1. Returning to Germany and seeing Nellie-cat and our friends here at Spang!
2. Another great OB appointment confirming that baby Morrissey is growing just as he should... and that's he's still a boy!
3. Attending my last spouses coffee here.  It was a wonderful farewell from the ladies and it was also my worst moment of the week because I really don't want to leave yet!
4. Selling my car.  Without even advertising it to the public, we found someone who wants to purchase Civvy.  The transaction wont go through for another week and a half, but it's one less thing we need to worry about!

Funny moment of the week:  Getting a RhoGam shot at my OB appointment because I'm RH neg and Brian is RH positive... Brian misheard the MD and thought they were going to give me a Rogaine shot (aka the hair growth stuff)! 

Stressors this week: Preparing for the move.  We've gotten a good amount done in the last couple of days, but there is just so much more sorting to do!

Food cravings : Ice cream, spinach and corn (not combined, thank goodness)

Food aversions: None.  I'm back to wanting to eat everything in the grocery store.

Favorite Recipes/Meals this week: We're trying to clean out the pantry, so meals are getting creative!  Last night was asparagus risotto with shrimp and cauliflower.

 Symptoms:  The heartburn pretty much disappeared when I was stateside, but now it's coming back.  Sore upper back and ankles occasionally, but nothing too bad.  My skin is finally clearing up as well -thank goodness!  Oh, and my belly button is definitely a full "outtie" now.

Movement: All the time!  He's forever practicing his basketball dribbling with my innards.  :)  I'm just waiting for that scene in Alien where a hand pops out!

Gender: It's a boy!!!  They are "certain" this time! 

What I’m looking forward to: Having the move behind me.  I am very sad to be leaving Germany and our wonderful friends and house here, but simultaneously very ready to get settled into our new home before baby boy makes his debut!

What I miss from pre-pregnancy: Doing handstands, sharing a great bottle of wine, using our espresso machine.

Next appt: A couple of days before we leave to go to Korea (in just over 2 weeks).  It will be my last appt in Germany.  Boooo!

Forget the pink... it's a BOY!

First, let me apologize for the several week hiatus.   To say it's been a busy and crazy last few weeks is an understatement!  Between traveling back to the states to see Brian and the family, and getting ready to say a final 'Tschuss' to Germany,  I've been quite preoccupied.  Please bear with me as I try to recollect some of the big events from the last month or so!  Without a doubt, the biggest surprise I received came at my 22wk OB appointment...

I had the appointment just before flying back to the states, to make sure that everything was hunky-dory before getting on a 7 hour flight.  They did my glucose screening early that morning (everything was normal) and I had a 4 hour wait before my 'regular' appointment was scheduled.  Thankfully, they were not too busy, and were able to fit me in for the regular check-up right away, as opposed to having to return to the hospital in 4 hours.  The doctor who was able to see me was not my regular OB, but another very nice German fellow, who also spoke English incredibly well.

I may have mentioned this before, but one of my very favorite things with the care here in Germany, is that you get an ultrasound at every monthly appointment.  This time, the new doctor asked if I'd like to know the sex of the baby.  I told him that a month prior, I had an appointment and Brian and I were told that it was a girl... but that he was more than welcome to go back and check!  Boy am I glad he did!  After a few seconds of moving the ultrasound wand around my belly, he pauses... looks at me... looks back at the screen... and says (in a heavy accent):  "That is definitely NOT a girl!!!"

I looked at the screen and it did not take me long to realize he was right! He said that the crazy gummy bear was probably moving too much during the last appointment to get a clear shot.  I was shocked!  I think I even asked him if there were two babies in there (one boy and one girl)!  He reassured me that there was just one baby, and that we were, without a doubt, going to be parents to a son.

I asked for a print of the picture on the screen (clearly highlighting "the goods") so I could show it to Brian when I got to the states.  I now wish someone, anyone, had been at that appointment with me... the look on my face must have been priceless!  We had spent the past 5 weeks with the mindset that it was a girl.... granted I hadn't bought that many purple outfits and bows, but with the Spring Bazaar on base the week prior, I definitely walked away with a fair amount of stuff that will now be re-gifted to friends or saved for a future baby girl Morrissey.  I'm all about gender neutral stuff for sure, and he can wear whatever he wants, but I'm not going to willingly dress him in a dirndl this Oktoberfest instead of lederhosen!  :)

So that was a huge surprise... it's a boy!  I called Brian at around 5am in the states to tell him the news.... he was obviously shocked as well.  Now that we've had several weeks to let the news sink in (and another ultrasound at 27 weeks to confirm), we're finally adjusted to the idea that it's a boy!  We would be thrilled either way, for sure... so there was no disappointment when we found out--- just lots of surprise!   We've had a great time the last few weeks adjusting the items on our registry and telling family and friends.  The time until he arrives is flying by... it's hard to believe that in a little over two months, our son will be here!