Showing posts with label Bump Photo Series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bump Photo Series. Show all posts

30 Weeks

I am 30 weeks as of yesterday. 30 down, 10 to go!

For some reason this pregnancy is flying by compared to the last one. We haven't done anything to officially prepare for the baby - no baby clothes have been pulled from storage, washed, and put in the dresser; we haven't dragged the carseat out of the attic yet; we haven't pre-registered at the hospital or packed our bags; and we haven't bought the few things we know we still need, like a double stroller. I'm starting to panic but we still have 10 weeks to get our shit together.


That's me at 29-ish weeks. Forgive the obnoxious dance pose. I have 12 years of dance pictures under my belt. It cannot be helped.

Maternity Clothes: Surprisingly I'm still able to blend my maternity clothes with my pre-preg wardrobe. All my pants are maternity, but the skirt above is just a stretch cotton skirt. It works as long as I scoot the waistband below the bump. Shirts are a mix of both, mostly maternity. Pool season is upon us and I will be wearing both my maternity one-piece and my bikinis. Swimmers beware.

The biggest wardrobe difference between my pregnancies is how my clothes make me feel. First time around I wore a lot of hand-me-downs from friends and family. While there was nothing wrong with those clothes, they didn't reflect my style and I never felt like myself. This time, partly because some of my old maternity clothes were too big, I took the opportunity to pick up pieces that fit in with my pre-preg wardrobe. My rule is: if I wouldn't wear the non-maternity version of a piece of clothing, then I shouldn't have to wear it now. By sticking to my guns and not wearing freebies I feel much more confident and attractive this time around.

Cravings/Aversions: I've been craving chocolate peanut butter ice cream. Luckily for me the Harris Teeter version is decent so I don't have to make the trek out to Kilwin's to fulfill this one. My iron has been on the low side so I'm trying to eat more salads, but my cravings would prefer cheese fries. Such a conundrum. Seafood still grosses me out.

Symptoms: Heartburn and indigestion, but not as bad as the first 2 trimesters. But I still have Tums stashed everywhere, just in case. It's getting increasingly hard to get comfortable at night. My feet are a teensy bit swollen, but nothing like last time. Baby kicks are getting less cute and more painful as the little one runs out of room and those elbows have to go somewhere. I've entered the phase of baby head-butting my cervix, and the sciatic pain that follows - always fun - and I swear I had some low-grade Braxton Hicks contractions last night. Basically it's nothing earth shattering, but I get less comfortable every day. Waddling is happening.

OB Appointments: My stupid placenta still hasn't moved out of the way. It's gradually moving, and mostly out of the way, but if it doesn't move from its current position I will be having a C-Section. The midwives keep checking it every 3 weeks, so at least we're monitoring it. If a C-Section becomes a reality I can assure you there will be at least one post about me whining about that. Most of my appointments are short and sweet. I passed my glucose test and, other than the frequent ultrasounds, tests have been minimal. I'll be going every week pretty soon and I'm determined not to let them tell me any dilation/effacement numbers until I'm actually in labor. I got my head full of false hope at 37 weeks last time so this time I don't even want to know.

Half-Way There!

As of yesterday I am 20 weeks and now in the second half of this pregnancy!

The first half seemed to fly by, and I'm a little terrified that my due date will be here before I know it. I have a lot to get done between now and then:
- work trip and music festival, back-to-back in April
- anniversary/baby-moon/finally passed all our AREs* trip to Savannah in May
- plan and execute Luke's 3rd birthday party
- whip the house into shape to make room for another kiddo
*ARE = Architectural Registration Exam. There are 7 total (yes 7) and we took the first one when I was 8 months pregnant with Luke, and took the last one when I was 8 weeks pregnant with Baby #2.

Maternity Clothes: All day, every day. Nothing but maternity pants from here on out. I'm big enough to wear most of my maternity tops/dresses now, but I have a few regular shirts that still fit. I'm trying to wear them now, while I still can, because I know at the end I will be down to a rotation of the same 6 shirts that are big enough for a 40+ week belly.
Small success: When I unboxed my stash of maternity clothes all of my pants (and some of the tops) were too big! I've lost weight since I was pregnant with Luke so I've gone down a size in maternity pants. I've bought a few pairs of pants for myself, but a friend of mine let me go through her stash, so now I have a decent wardrobe again. Thanks, Kelli!

Cravings/Aversions: I've been craving Gatorade (which I drink constantly) and sushi (which I can't have). What's up with that? I still can't stand the smell of seafood.

Symptoms: Heartburn and indigestion, mild but chronic back pain. I'm sleeping well, for the most part, but I've had some night sweats and insane pregnancy dreams. I can tell my pelvis has loosened and I've started to walk funny. When I sit or lay down, it always feels like something's in the wrong place. No Braxton Hicks contractions yet but I have "growing pains" multiple times a day. I can feel the baby kicking and it won't be much longer before others will get to feel it too!

OB Appointments: Yesterday was my 20 week check-up and anatomy ultrasound. We opted not to learn the gender, but other than that the baby looks normal. I learned that for second-time moms, pregnancy will be a little different than the first time because your body is looser, in every since of the word. This usually means more discomfort, earlier start of labor, shorter labor and slightly bigger baby. Nothing I can't handle. I was a bit concerned that the baby seemed to always have his/her hands and arms up around the face. Not a medical crisis, but Luke favored that position and came out elbow-first, causing quite a bit of tearing for me. According to the midwife an elbow-first birthing position is common, but if it happens again it will be less painful for me since everything is already stretched out. Not a fun visual, but it makes me feel better.

profile

feet!

18 Weeks

18 weeks :: disco bump

Last time around the gestation block, I did weekly bump photos. I kept saying I was going to do it again this time but haven't gotten around to it. It's not as dramatic, having already seen my body transform to grow a baby. Plus I've just felt less prone to over-sharing lately, which was one of the reasons I put my other blog on hiatus. So here I am, 18 weeks along with a sizable little bump and just a photo or 2 to show for it.

So here's my new plan: take pictures (most likely awkward self-portraits like you see here, but every once in a while I might use a tripod or find some decent lighting) when I feel like it and give a little State of the Uterus Address. Maybe I'm being vain, but the main reason I want to document this pregnancy is because my pre-pregnancy weight is lower the second time around and I want to have photographic proof of the thinner, cuter pregnant me. Down 28 pounds - suck it 2009 self!

Maternity Clothes: You bet. I have been wearing maternity pants for over 4 weeks, and I'm wearing a mix of maternity and regular tops. Blousy maternity tops are still too big, but knit tanks and t-shirts are just right.

Cravings/Aversions: I'm not liking really greasy food, like fried chicken, I can't stand the smell of fish, and the texture of cooked onions makes me want to barf. No specific cravings, but I'm insanely hungry and thirsty all the time. Just like my last pregnancy, I am very susceptible to food commercials. Once I see a food I want, I fixate on it until I have it. Most recent obsession: Sonic tater tots.

Symptoms: Exhaustion and light-headedness have passed, and I never had morning sickness. I am now in the phase of heartburn and indigestion. Tums are back to being my best friends. Still able to sleep comfortably, and I rarely wake up to pee so that's a good thing.

OB Appointments: I had a check-up last week. Everything's fine, baby's heart rate sounds good. We could hear a loud wooshing sound over the doppler and the midwife said that was the sound of the baby moving around. Seems like quite the acrobat! I have my next check-up and the anatomy ultrasound in 2 weeks, but we're not going to learn the gender. So far I have declined all optional tests and screenings and I'm glad my OB practice isn't pushing them.

Bump Photo - The Aftermath

Alternate Title: Birthday Milestones

Yesterday Luke turned 4 weeks old and Steven turned 26! To celebrate, we took a few pictures in the backyard, bump photo style.

Here's me and my little man. I have to admit, I have an agenda for this post. The main reason I wanted to show a picture of myself is so I can show you my post-baby body. That's right folks, I have lost all my baby weight and then some! That doesn't mean you'll see me in a bikini anytime soon, because 1) I was fat before I got pregnant, so that means I'm still fat now and 2) the weight is gone but things have shifted. I now have, how do you say it, extra skin in places.


On Me
Tank: Old Navy
Skirt: thrifted
Cardigan: Target
Sandals: Old Navy
Jewelry: made by me

On Luke
Polo: Oshkosh B'Gosh

Notice how I held the distractingly cute baby in front of my mommy pooch. Clever Mama.


Now, here are the birthday boys. Aren't they handsome? Yes, they are both wearing brown polos. Yes, I made them dress alike. I am that mom.

Bump Photo - Week 37

Bump Photo - Swimsuit Edition



This week I got brave and took my weekly photo on the way to the pool. Please disregard the extreme pasty-ness of my thighs.

Hat: Panama Jack
Sunglasses: DKNY
Swimsuit: Motherhood Maternity

Older Photos
Week 36
Week 35

Bump Photo - Week 36



There's not much to say about this outfit. We were out running weekend errands yesterday and I just wanted to be comfortable, and this cotton sundress was perfect for that. It has gotten so hot lately that I can hardly stand to wear pants, and sadly I only have 1 pair of maternity shorts. Luckily I can still wear several of my non-maternity skirts and dresses - stretchy is the name of the game!

Dress: Wal-Mart
Sunglasses: Nautica

Older Photos
Week 35
Week 34

Bump Photo - Week 35



Here's me, with only 5 weeks until my due date. It's hard to believe how big I've gotten! One thing I am thankful for is my office's relaxed dress code. There are only 4 of us so we can get away with being fairly casual, which is a good thing when I'm this big and it's this hot.

Tank: Liz Lange Maternity, for Target
Jeans: free from Freecycle, hemmed into capris by Cydney

Older Photos
Week 34

Bump Photo - Week 34

At this point, comfort is pretty much the name of the game. I do not normally consider myself a leggings enthusiast, nor do I believe they are a substitute for pants. However, I'm pregnant and therefore exempt from fashion rules.

My maternity leggings are one of the few bottoms I own that don't bunch, sag or fall down. Leggings win.

I wanted to show off more of my shirt because I love it! I picked it up at Merlefest and not only is it pretty but the cotton is insanely soft (back to comfort again).


T-Shirt: Yee-Haw Industries
Leggings: Motherhood Maternity
Older Photos

Bump Photo - Week 32

I have already talked about this on my other blog, but I thought I should mention it here too. Steven and I have been studying for the first of our 7 architecture licensing exams. We decided to start with the hardest one - hoping it will give us some momentum - and the studying is seriously kicking my butt! We take the test in 2 weeks, so at least we're in the home stretch.

What all that means to you is that I haven't had time to take all my bump photos, much less do any nursery projects.

But in the spirit of 'better late than never' I bring you my 32 week baby bump:



This is me dressed up to attend my SIL's college graduation. Admittedly 'dressed up' is a relative term. This outfit is decidedly not fancy, but getting a preggo in high heels has to count for something. Right? Fancy or no, I thought this outfit was pretty darn cute - if I do say so myself. Forgive the pathetic expression on my face. It wasn't even noon and my feet were already starting to swell.

As you can see from the close-up, I have entered the 'smuggling a basketball' phase.

Jacket: Mossimo, for Target

Tank: Old Navy

Capris: Liz Lange Maternity, for Target

Espadrilles: LOFT

Beads: thrifted

Older Photos

Week 30

Week 29

Bump Photo - Week 30



I seriously cannot believe how big my bump has gotten! After catching my reflection the other day I told Steven that I felt like was moving past the adorable pregnant phase, and beginning to look like a cow. Instead of offering words of encouragement or (false) flattery, he just said "Moo."
Moo indeed.

Tank: hand-me-down
Sweater: Old Navy
Pants: Old Navy Maternity
Older Photos

Bump Photo - Week 29


This week I wanted to take my bump photo while I was all dressed up for my shower! It was a lovely afternoon and I will post some details tomorrow.
Dress: Target
Older Photos

Bump Photo - Week 28



So, this is the first picture from my third trimester! I can't believe I'm this far along already! This pregnancy just seems to be flying by and, with the exception of a few minor symptoms, I have felt great.



I had to show you this close-up of my top because it was designed and made right here in Raleigh! It's a non-maternity tank, but it's stretchy enough to make it through the day. I love how the ship makes an awesome bump accessory! And yes, I'm wearing Birkenstocks - they may be granola shoes, but the arch support is a pregnant woman's best friend!

Tank Top: ahpeele
Pants: Old Navy Maternity
Shoes: Birkenstocks

Older Photos

Bump Photo - Week 27




Ok, ok, I'm a TERRIBLE blogger. We were slack and didn't take a picture for week 26 - but you can look at this week and Week 25 and have a pretty good guess what I looked like. Since the weather has improved (and the sun is still out when I get home) I have moved the weekly pictures to our backyard. I hope you enjoy the change of scenery!

Shirt: New York & Company
Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Shoes: Nine West
Older Photos

Bump Photo - Week 25



Nothing too interesting this week. Just me, in a brown dress. I've only bought 2 maternity dresses so far because I've been getting a lot of mileage out of my stretchy "normal" dresses, like this one.

Dress: Macy's
Glasses: Banana Republic

Older Photos
Week 24
Week 23

Bump Photo - Week 24

First, let me say I looked a lot cuter this morning. I had a meeting with clients at Fort Bragg, so I was all dressed up for work. But then the car ride was long, I felt all wrinkled and gross, so I stripped down to my undershirt and threw on some jeans before I remembered it was picture day. Sigh.



I also wanted to share a quick story to prove that no man is perfect. You see that little pink streak right in the corner where my tank is touching my pants? Well, Steven spied it and said "Look, you got your first stretch mark!" It's legal to kill for that, right?

During our little photo shoot I wanted to pose with my oldest 'child' Pop-Tart. She's 3 and quite uncooperative for pictures, but I love her dearly. Please excuse her glowing eyes.

Or if you can't look past them, at least pretend they're something awesome, like laser-eyes.



Tank: Old Navy
Jeans: Old Navy Maternity

Older Photos

Bump Photo - Week 23


Thursday was the first day of the ACC Basketball Tournament, so I am showing my school spirit in my Wolfpack colors. They haven't been playing that well this season, so it was a great surprise when they beat Clemson last night to advance to the second round! Go Wolfpack!
Cardigan: Old Navy
Blouse: Announcements Maternity, thrifted
Pants: Motherhood Maternity
Older Photos

Bump Photo - Week 22

This is my bump photo, San Diego style!


Here I am at 22 weeks, standing in front of the San Diego Bay.
Cardigan: Old Navy
T-Shirt: ahpeele
Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Older Photos

Bump Photo - Week 21

Sweater: Handmade, from Etsy
Shirt: Old Navy Maternity
Skirt: Motherhood Maternity
Leggins: Motherhood Maternity

Older Photos
Week 20
Week 19

Bump Photo - Week 20

I apologize for my tardiness. We took the picture on the proper day, but I've just been too busy to blog it.


As you will see in my posts I have switched, almost entirely, to actual maternity pants. The belly bands were working well for a while but now I am more comfortable in my big-girl jeans. For me, the belly band has gotten to the point where it's either riding up in the back - crack attack! - or riding up in the front, exposing my fly in its unzipped glory. Don't get me wrong - those little miracles got me through the early days of 'too big for my pants but still too small for maternity pants' and I for sure will break them out again post-delivery to transition back to my pre-pregnancy state.

Sweater: thrifted, maternity

Beads: Target

Jeans: Old Navy Maternity


I also thought I would include this close up. Steven keeps taking zoomed in shots of my belly even though I tell him not to. Maybe he is overly proud of the visible fruits of his manly fertilizin' or maybe he just finds it funny. I'll never know.

Older Photos

Week 19

Week 18

Bump Photo - Week 19



This photo marks a milestone because my bump is now distinguishable with my shirt still on. This makes me happy because, 1) it's cold! and 2) I don't know some of you that well, so I prefer to keep my nekkid-ness under wraps.

Shirt: Old Navy Maternity
Cardigan: Old Navy
Jeans: Ann Taylor Loft

Older Photos
Week 18
Week 17