How far along? 30 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Yes.
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Really good.
Best moment this week: Being told my blood pressure is better!
Miss Anything? Not really...other than being able to do things like a normal person.  I have been told that I am to cut all working out, out.  So...it's work and then home to lay down on my left side for me for the next 9 weeks!
Movement: LOTS!  She's going to be a night owl like her father!
Food cravings: Pretzels are a "no go" now.  I went in on Monday for a checkup and was told my blood pressure was high.  Since then, I have cut salt out and increased my water intake.  I lost 5 lbs. in water weight AND got my blood pressure down.  It's amazing the huge effect salt has on the body!  So now I am eating lots of spinach, sweet potatoes, apples, grilled chicken, lima beans and pretty much anything that helps with high blood pressure.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Heartburn and some swelling.  The swelling has gotten MUCH better since I cut most all salt from my diet.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? Off :(  The swelling got bad this week so they are off.  When I went to the doctor on Monday, the doctor told me that many women have to get their rings cut off!  So...better safe than sorry!  I did get a temporary replacement. (Note: my hands are looking close to normal size today!  The swelling is soooooo much better!)

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy.  Monday was not a good day though.  My doctor appointment on Monday had me a little down.  My blood pressure was 130/90 and my feet were pretty swollen.  I went back in on Thursday and everything was better!
Looking forward to: Meeting this little girl!  This week I have been pondering what she is going to look like.  I think she will come out without any hair.  Josh's brown eyes will most likely prevail over her momma's baby blues.  


The week started off not-so-good, but has definitely gotten better!  Only 12 more days till Christmas!  I can't wait!  Till then, I will snuggle on the couch with my Bitty.  He loves my new "pillow"!

How far along? 29 Weeks
Maternity clothes?  Yes
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Still sleeping great
Best moment this week: Mugsy the Boston Terrorist is become more and more lovey and cuddly.  This morning before work he curled up next to me for a good hour.  It was such a small thing, but so precious.  If you know Mugsy, you understand!
Miss Anything? Being able to work out like normal without getting out of breath and being able to lay on my back! 
Movement: Lots of movement still, although I'd imagine she's going to start getting pretty cramped in there.  Last night it felt like she was working on a gymnastic routine in there.  I hope she is having fun in there!
Food cravings: Pretzels with spicy brown mustard.  I bought a HUGE bottle of Gulden's Spicy Brown Mustard at the beginning of the week (we're talking the JUMBO size!) and I've gone through a good third of the bottle already.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Swollen ankles...they get bad if I don't elevate them!  This is what they looked like the other day at work after sitting for a few hours.  No ankle bone present there!

Belly Button in or out? In...here's proof!

Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! 
Looking forward to: Christmas!  Josh and I both have Christmas Eve & Christmas Day off!


I decided this was my last week at the gym I go to for bootcamp classes.  It's started to make me frustrated that I can't do everything like everyone else.  So...from now until Juliette has made her arrival, I will be walking and exercising like a pregnant lady!

Also, I forgot to say this last week, but I did pass the Glucose Tolerance Test! Who hoo!

How far along? 28 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? Not yet.
Sleep: Sleeping o.k.  My neck is so sore it hurts to move it at night making sleep a bit more difficult.
Best moment this week: Going to the doctor and hearing her heartbeat.  I always hold my breath until that moment when they "capture" it.  
Miss Anything?  Being able to move around like normal.  Everything seems a bit harder now to do now.  Like getting off of the couch.  I now roll off.
Movement: Constantly!  She is one little busy body!  At nighttime, she seems to be having a party in there.  She will kick my bladder to the point where I have to pee.  
Food cravings: Apple juice this week.  It's so refreshing!  
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. Still eating like there's no tomorrow.  
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: My neck and back constantly hurt.  I have been using a heating pad and taking two Tylenol, but it doesn't seem to help much.  I need a massage!
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On...getting tight though.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy.  I did have one small meltdown this week...sorry Lovee!
Looking forward to: Being able to hold her!  

At our doctor's appointment this week, I got to actually feel her head (from the outside)!  I haven't known exactly how she has been positioning herself inside of me, but the doctor directed me towards her head.  So far, she is head down, butt up!

I did have a beer this past week!  It was non-alcoholic, but tasted pretty close to the real thing.  Only 80 days (or so...) till I can enjoy that Magic Hat #9!

I've been practicing my swaddling on Monty.  So far so good!  He liked it!

How far along? 27 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Mostly.  I still have some shirts that were big on me before that I am wearing.
Stretch marks? No, knock on wood!
Sleep: Good.  I've been taking naps recently again.  Just a 20 minute power nap works wonders!
Best moment this week: Thanksgiving dinner + leftovers!  We are cooking turkey & all the trimmings...just for the two of us!  (actually...2.5 of us!)
Miss Anything?  Egg nog.  I saw some at Publix this week and really wanted some.  How I love me some egg nog!
Movement:  Lots!  Keep on reading!
Food cravings: Cracker Barrel's biscuits.  I like them with gravy, apple butter or even a day later straight out of the fridge.  And...Stonewood's pretzel bread.  I wish I could get a box of them delivered to the house.  Actually, I would like a box of Cracker Barrels biscuits AND Stonewood's pretzel bread delivered.    
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.  I have been burping some after I take my prenatal's in the morning.  The DHA pill seriously burps up disgusting.  It's like I ate fish!  Nasty!
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: A sore neck for the past few weeks.  I think it's from sleeping in the same position for too long.  Monty, the French Bulldog, has had neck issues this week too.  He's on pain meds and muscle relaxers.  Sympathy pains?   I wish I could take some meds!  It's two tylenol and a heating pad for me.  I am jealous the dog gets meds and I don't!
Belly Button in or out? It's still in.  Mine must have started off pretty deep!
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Christmas decorations going up, Christmas music and Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha's!  All my Christmas shopping is DONE!  No fighting holiday crowds!  I did go to the mall on Monday to just walk around.  It is nice to see all the decorations up!

I have LOVED shopping for Juliette!  I found these shoes at Target...and I want to get her both!  I may have a problem :)  Josh is hoping she doesn't get my shoe and purse addiction!  I am only hoping her feet are the same size as mine when they stop growing! (which means they will be big!  Size 10 and proud!)

Best news of all this week...Josh FINALLY got to feel Juliette moving!  I was sitting on the couch Sunday night and I literally saw my shirt moving.  I yelled at Josh to come over and he got to feel it too!  There really is a baby in there!

How far along? 26 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Wearing leggings most of the time
Stretch marks? Not yet
Sleep: Sleeping great, I do wake up with sore hips & shoulders from sleeping on my side.  
Best moment this week: Seeing all of our family at our showers back in Kentucky and getting to go to Marengo Cave.  The pic above is from the cemetery next to the cave.  So much fun!
Miss Anything?  Patiently awaiting that cold Magic Hat #9
Movement:  Yes...I still have to concentrate to feel her.  I notice her when I am home watching T.V. at night.
Food cravings: Josh and I stopped by Lane Southern Orchards in Fort Valley, GA on our way back from KY and picked up this delicious peach bread!  It is to-die-for!!!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Swelling of the toes, ankles and fingers.  
Belly Button in or out? Still In!  With room to spare!
Wedding rings on or off? On - I have had some swelling this week.  Sausage fingers and toes...and kankles!  Sitting in the car for 12+ hours is not a good thing for a pregnant lady!
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY! 
Looking forward to: Turkey, black Friday shopping, starting our classes at the hospital...and putting away all the goodies Juliette got this week!


I had my Glucose Tolerance Test for Gestational Diabetes this week - It was not that bad!! I heard sooo many horror stories about how awful the stuff tastes & how torturous it is to sit there with only that on an empty stomach. Honestly, it tasted like an Orange Sunkist soda. I didn't mind it at all. The worst part for me was getting blood drawn at the end.  They can never find my veins so they always have to go through my hand with a baby needle.  Man do I hate needles!  My fingers are crossed that I passed!

After the Glucose Tolerance Test, I saw the doctor.  He checked Juliette's heart beat...150!  He said she is doing well!  

We are so blessed to have such wonderful families!  We headed north to Kentucky for three baby showers this past weekend.  A few months ago Josh & I walked into Babies R US and felt so overwhelmed.  We had no clue what this little girl was going to need (or how much!).  As her arrival date gets closer, we have pretty much everything in place for her!  Thank you to Aunt Mandy, Granny Vickie, Maggie, Aunt Jenny, Aunt Nana, Grandma Teresa, Allie, Leah, Aunt Eileen & Aunt Susan for making our showers so beautiful and wonderful!  You all rock!

How far along? 25 Weeks!!!
Maternity clothes? Yup.  Got a few new winter pieces.  I am hoping to limit what I need to buy since I will only need it for a few months.
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Still sleeping great.  I have the weirdest dreams.  Some are downright scary others not so much.  I had a dream this week that Juliette was born on February 13th!  Wouldn't that be cool if she really did join us on that day!
Best moment this week: Only having to work two days!  Vacation!!!
Miss Anything? Being able to really work out.  There's only so much that I can now do.  I make sure that my heart rate doesn't go above 140.  I have noticed I get out of breath a lot easier than before. 
Movement:  I swear I felt her move on the outside this week.  I was lying in bed with my hand on my belly and I really think it was her that I felt!  By the time I realized it, it was too late to get Josh out of the Man Room (AKA "His Office").  Next time!
Food cravings: Pumpkin.  Pumpkin everything.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.  So glad I have not had any food aversions!
Gender: Girl still.  No change there Pappaw.
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: My hips have started to hurt after I stand or walk for any period of time.  
Belly Button in or out? Still in!
Wedding rings on or off? On.  They do get a bit tight on me when I workout.  I've noticed my hands swell when I go on long walks.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy...loving life :)
Looking forward to: Heading north for our baby showers this coming weekend!  We can't wait to see everyone!  Hopefully the 12 hour car ride isn't too bad.  We may have to stop a little more than normal for me to use the restroom.  I sure can pee these days!
Juliette is the size of: An English hothouse cucumber or cauliflower  depending on which website you look at!).  She now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches from head to heel.

Best part of the week so far...my little brother survived a trip to the hospital to get his appendix removed!  

Happy November!  Thankfully it is finally cooling off around here!  


How far along? 24 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Yes.  Thankfully, I still have some pieces from my post-Juliette wardrobe that I can wear mixed in with the maternity clothes.
Stretch marks? Not yet
Sleep: Still sleeping great
Best moment this week: Just feeling overly excited/happy about everything right now & the reality that baby girl will be here in a little over 100 days (unless I deliver late...) Just trying to soak it all in!
Miss Anything? Being able to tie my shoes straight.  I now have laces tied to the side.
Movement: All the time...just wish she'd move so Josh could feel her too!  I'm sure he must be getting anxious!
Food cravings: Still stuck on O.J.  I also have this love for these snacks called "Somersaults."  They are crunchy little nuggets that are baked with sunflower seeds and toasted grains.  They are delish!  (and healthy!!!)
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Nothing really...it's been pretty uneventful.  No complaints from me!
Belly Button in or out? Innie still
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!
Looking forward to:  Having a husband that can work from home!  Josh started working from home this week.  What a relief to know that he can watch Juliette while I am at work...no daycare for our sweet baby girl!  I have to admit that the thought of her having to go to day care scares the poo out of me.  God bless he works for such an amazing company!
Juliette is the size of: An Eggplant!  She is about 9 in. long and weighs approximately 1.4 lbs!

Best part of this week...I had my 24 week check-up.  All is well!  Her little heart beat was 159!  The doctor said she must be an active little girl!  I go back in two weeks for the dreaded glucose tolerance test.  After that we have to go for check-ups every two weeks since we will have made it to the THIRD TRIMESTER!!!

I love Halloween!  I found a costume that would be perfect for my "current state."  Unfortunately, I am not going to do it since Josh thinks it's too much.  Darn it.  I guess it could be taken wrong...

Tomorrow we will be passing out candy to the hordes of children that live in our neighborhood!  I cannot wait until next year when we get to take Juliette trick-or-treating!  I've already found all kinds of cute costumes for her for next year!  Check them out!

We could have a family costume!

Love the baby flamingo costume!

Spaghetti & Meatballs!

A baby Oompa loompa !

Only 111 days (or so) to go!!!!

Keep on reading and you'll understand the picture...



How far along? 23 Weeks
Maternity clothes? I have on a long shirt today that I bought a while back from Forever 21.  It used to be big...not anymore.
Stretch marks? Not yet...I need to become more religious with slathering on the stretch mark cream!
Sleep: still sleeping great
Best moment this week:  Getting the quarter round installed!  We tiled the floors over a year and a half ago and finally got the trim work done!  It looks great!
Miss Anything? the clear winner... beer! Already thinking about that Magic Hat #9 I'm going to have next Spring. 
Movement: yes...talk about understanding the true meaning of worry.  The day you find out you are pregnant it starts.  I have come to the realization that this worrying will be there for the rest of my life.  Is she ok?  What's she doing?  I don't think I felt her move today, is something wrong.  Mom, I get it.  I finally get it.  Parents worry.  That's what I have become.
Food cravings: O.J.  I could drink O.J. all day every day.  I even had a dream about chugging O.J.  And it was good.
Anything making you queasy or sick: apparently eating a bunch of Mexican at lunch today wasn't the best idea..but otherwise, no
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: I thought it would be good to add in a "symptoms" line item - this way I can document what I'm going through physically.  After two days of cleaning the house and touching up all the paint, my legs hurt.  Must be the extra weight I now am carrying around.  It is hard to get up and down off the floor.  No joke!
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY
Looking forward to: The circus posters arrive soon!  Juliette's room will be DONE!