29 weeks

Hi there, folks!  We have made it to the third trimester - WOAH!  With every passing day and week, the excitement (yes, misspelled it in the photo to follow, oopsy!) builds.  Matt and I both are stoked beyond belief to meet our little one.  And though it often confuses people when I say this, I'm even looking forward to the birth.  What a life changing experience that we will remember forever.

How far along?  29 weeks :)

Maternity clothes?  Hells yes

Stretch marks?  Maybe a couple?

Sleeping?  Ha.  We are currently in the 29-31 week growth spurt (hopefully it doesn't last that long!), so the growing belly and aching body makes for quite an adjustment.  I've heard it only gets worse, but I'm sure once I get a little accustomed to the even bigger belly, it may get easier.  Turning every five minutes or so gets a wee bit annoying.  At least it's preparing me for being up with baby!

Cravings?  I don't have much of an appetite these days, and honestly find it quite difficult to eat.  I have to set reminders on my phone, even for the middle of the night!  I do enjoy fruit, mostly grapes and nectarines, and though I haven't had it yet, watermelon!  I also love, as always, chocolate soy milk; I'm just drinking copious amounts these days :/  Soy yogurt and granola is another thing I don't mind eating.  I've also enjoyed our special mac and "cheese" with ketchup, as well garlic toast with "cheese", kalamata olives, and marinara. And last night, I woke with a crazy craving for Sprite!  I NEVER drink soda, but the craving didn't leave me.  Matt brought me small bottle after his softball game this morning, and after a couple sips I was satisfied, yet left with an upset belly.  Oh, and I'm still drinking pickle juice :)

Aversions?  I can't think of anything specific.  Matt hasn't had tuna in a while, so that's fabulous!  I don't know if it's an aversion, but I haven't been craving cookies or cakes or anything like that lately, like I did in the second trimester.

Other symptoms?  Where to I begin?  With Braxton Hicks, I suppose.  I'm just getting used to my new body ( I feel there are two or three big turning points in pregnancy, body wise).  At first, I really enjoyed the occasional BHs.  However, after an extra long walk the other day made them more frequent, it lost a bit of its magic.  They are back to normal after rest and warm baths (and sunshine!), but they don't have the charm they once did, he he.  It is great practice to breathe through them, though.  I'm also becoming more and more uncomfortable.  When sleeping, I flip sides every few minutes, and when sitting I also have to move every few minutes.  It's not the worst thing in the world, but not entirely fun, either.  Then there is fatigue, headaches, and dizziness.  It's a bit like the first trimester with additions.  There is also the heartburn which is just beginning for me, so I guess I shouldn't complain about that.  Or anything, really.  Every time I feel uncomfortable I just remind myself how lucky I am to be a part of this experience.  

Best moment of the week?  A couple!  The first would be alien belly.  Baby's movements are finally able to be seen from the outside!  I think Matt got more excited about this than feeling the movements.  The next would be leaking boobs!  For those of you who might think this is too much information - chill.  It's completely natural!  Breasts are for feeding first and foremost, after all.  I first noticed this when I was seeing photos of Matt as a baby for the first, and wondering if the baby will look more like him or me.  That's when I felt a little wet, and saw I had leaked through my shirt.  I showed Matt, and he thought it was awesome!  I think he said something to the effect of, "Well, we know they're working!"  What an exciting moment :)

Breastfeeding in Combat Boots

I plan on breastfeeding exclusively.  Science willing (as Matt would say), I plan on never even having to use a breast pump, as we are fortunate enough to have me stay at home during the most crucial years of our child's development.  I'm the kind of girl that is not only giddy excited about nursing, but I plan to do it as long as my baby chooses - or practice child led weaning.  This is a subject that I am incredibly passionate about, and I feel so grateful to have learned about the benefits of breastfeeding.

There are women I know that have chosen the breast, and have been able to provide milk for their child upon returning to work through pumping.  However, when I became pregnant, I looked at our environment (ARMY!) and wondered how women in the military continued breastfeeding in a male-dominated environment.  Aside from the recent issues plaguing the military (particularly its women), I wondered how women found not only time, but an environment in which to express.  What didn't even cross my mind, until I was speaking with a military mommy, is how one continues to provide milk for their child while in the field, during an exercise, or TDY.  Sadly, most well-intentioned military mommies are left with no other choice than to supplement with formula, even if they never had that intention.

In a country where breastfeeding is still often taboo, and though most American mothers breastfeed, moms don't do it for the suggested amount of time, we should find every way possible to support those who choose the breast.  

In my research I came across a group called Breastfeeding in Combat Boots.  It is based on a book marketed for military moms seeking to breastfeed while serving, and has been enveloped into the ever-growing breastfeeding movement.  Based on demand and interest, a movement within the military itself has started, and mothers across the country have become involved in making breastfeeding not only accessible to military moms, but a priority.  

A lawmaker that I have looked up to for some time now, Kirsten Gillibrand, has decided to draft a military-wide breastfeeding policy.  Not only is this unprecedented but it is sorely needed, and Senator Gillibrand needs your support!  Please join me in writing an email of your support to kirsten_gnipp@gillibrand.senate.gov.  

Also, check out this article on why we need breastfeeding policy in the military.  Let's serve those who serve us!

Peace, love, breast,

Britt

26 weeks

The next time I write a blog entry, I'll probably be in the third trimester!  NUTS!

Matt and I are getting SO excited for this baby!  We wish we could fast forward to August.  Though, I just realized these are the last few months it will just be the two of us.  WOAH.  That's crazy.  At our last appointment we weren't able to determine if Nugget is a girl or a boy, and I'm quite happy about that!  I just wish we would have never done ultrasounds if we weren't going to find out.  Oh well.  I feel this is the first of many efforts this child will have at keeping us on our toes.  At first Matt was pretty frustrated, but I think he's excited now.  

How far along?  26 weeks!

Maternity clothes?  Exclusively.  I have a feeling the jeans won't last until August, though I'll be living in dresses by then :)

Stretch marks?  A few

Sleeping?  It's becoming easier.  Whenever there is a growth spurt, I have trouble adjusting.  I currently sleep with a towel rolled up under the side of my belly.  If I don't do this, my back begins to ache.  

Cravings?  Eggs!  With ketchup, of course.  I used to add hot sauce to the mix, but that had to stop.  I've also been craving chocolate, which is often cured by drinking a glass of chocolate soy milk or Ovaltine with peanut butter.  On the weekends I usually get frisky and bake a batch of cookies.  Though I have my fair share, Matt typically finishes them off by Sunday evening, or they are sent to the office on Monday.  Fresh fruit juice is another thing I crave.  Every other morning I make a batch of apple/pear/blackberry/carrot juice good enough for two days.  And yesterday at the market, I began to salivate at the sight of nectarines.  I also wake up in the night craving grapes.  I'm still all about tomatoes, which has been the norm since I was about five years-old.  Because I switched to gluten-free bread, tomato sandwiches haven't been near as good, but I'm still drinking tomato juice like a crazy person.  Salsa and hummus are consumed every afternoon with olive chips, and typically followed by a pickle and perhaps even a glass of pickle juice.  YUM!  But the weirdest most surprising craving of all is garlic bread.  I ate it for dinner and lunch two days in a row last week!  I found that gfree bread is best toasted, and after experimenting one evening, I was hooked.  I've never been a bread person, and though I've always liked garlic bread to an extent, it has become an obsession.  I cut back because the act of consuming empty calories upsets me.  But sometimes, you just want them!  A food free craving - reading!  I can't stop.  I finished Catching Fire last week and immediately began Mockingjay.  The Hunger Games trilogy has consumed me...

Aversions?  Tuna.  All meat products.  Even watching someone eat a sausage makes me want to vom. And violence.  No, that's not food either, and though I've never liked violence in films/television, it's even more so now.  Which is strange, because the Hunger Games books are about as violent as you can get.  Something about watching people get injured, or even more so, animals in bad shape (thanks SKY campaigns to help animals), pushes me over the edge and I get angry and cry.  Another aversion, stupid people.  I can't deal right now and fear that before long I will snap on someone being ignorant.  You have been warned.

Other symptoms?  Crazy ass dreams!  I've always been a vivid dreamer, and often have journaled dreams as I believe they are the gateway into the subconscious.  However, hormones add a whole new dimension!  Sometimes I have dreams that I'm nursing the baby, and I can't believe it's already here!  That's probably because we are getting so excited and starting to realize it is almost time.  Other times I dream of food - often times Zaxby's chicken fingers with Zax sauce :/  Recently it has been all about The Hunger Games.  Last night I dreamt I was the Mockingjay (this only makes sense if you've read the books) in urban combat.  I woke up a little startled, to say the least.  There has also been a wee bit of heartburn, perhaps a precursor of what's to come, and upper abdominal discomfort which isn't so bad once I learned that it is just my muscles shifting.  And the feetsies get a bit swollen from time to time, but I'm keeping them propped up at every opportunity.  And excitement!  Before long it will be August and we'll have a baby on our hands!

Best moment of the week?  Pace has become so intuitive.  Though she is usually all about Papa, she now jumps in my lap and lays her head on my belly, or falls asleep in front of my belly when we're napping.  I really thought Patton would be the protective one, and he definitely is, but Pace even more so.  

 Pace, loving on Nugget and Mommy :)

Baby Cole's the size of an eggplant!

23 Weeks

Nugget and I, as seems to be the theme, have been growing like mad!  This last week I realized just how big the bugaboo is during a movement session when I simultaneously felt a jab on one side of my belly and a kick on the other.  But I must say, my favorites are the big movements, the one where either a head or a booty rolls across my tummy!  I love to poke back and play :)

Also, our friends, the Bybees, had their beautiful baby girl Reese.  I went and saw them at the hospital, and then Matt and I visited them again at home.  Reese is an absolute doll, and I know she and Baby Cole will get along just fine.

How far along?  23 weeks

Maternity clothes?  Exclusively

Stretch marks?  A few tiny ones

Sleeping?  Not very well the last few nights.  I'm getting increasingly uncomfortable, and that, coupled with the growing pains, makes for very light sleep.  I do, however, take some righteous naps to make up for it.  

Cravings?  Anything with tomatoes.  I drink tomato juice for a midmorning snack, then eat a spinach and tomato salad and something like veggie soup with tomatoes or something else with, yes, tomatoes, chips and salsa for an afternoon snack, and then something with ketchup for dinner. I've always loved tomatoes, but it's getting out of control!  I've also been craving very healthy choices (YAY!) to include fresh juice that I make every couple of days and keep in the refrigerator.  I've also been eating eggs.  That's right, I'm not a pure vegan at this moment.  Because they have so much protein, I feel quite OK about it.  Plus, we buy free-range organic eggs, so the guilt factor isn't so bad.  I plan to go egg-free again after August, though I may consider continuing while breastfeeding.  And weeks 20-22 I consumed more chocolate than is healthy.  EEK!  I feel so guilty!

Aversions?  I can report that Matt hasn't had tuna in the house for a couple of weeks!  I don't know if he is doing it because he knows I was getting agitated, or because he's cut back on it (I honestly hope it's the latter!).  Matt's cologne and deodorant are also a little strong.  

Other symptoms?  The tiniest stomach/digestion system for the largest appetite!  I am hungry all the time, but if I eat too much I get ill.  I can't eat glutenous foods, and if I eat one heavy thing (say, gfree pasta), my meals for the rest of the day must be very easy to digest.  There has been a lot of miso soup and plum juice and fresh juices trying to keep things moving along so I can eat more.  Yesterday, though, I ate only soups and salads. I'm very good about getting protein and vitamins, but this week I've wondered if I'm getting enough calories because of my inability to eat for my appetite.  This was a big growing week for us, and I'm starting to learn how to eat for my ever-changing body.  I am also increasingly uncomfortable.  Sometimes I feel like there is nothing I can do to feel relaxed, and I often shift about on the couch every few minutes.  I guess I'm just starting to get a feel for what is to come!  I've been aching a lot and having round ligament pains, but the chiropractor is helping a lot with that.  Whenever I go see her, I leave on Cloud 9.  My ligament pains were getting pretty intense this week, and she rubbed them good until I felt relief.  She also adjusted my pelvis which was aching like crazy (I think Nugget likes to hang out on the left side) and massaged the ligaments in my hips.  I'm so grateful for the research I did on prenatal osteopathy, as I had never heard of it before pregnancy.  It has helped me in so many ways, especially considering I have been one achy lady since hitting 16 weeks or so.  I've started waddling slightly (already?!) and if I'm on my feet for too long, I know it.  My feet have also been swelling a bit, just what is to be expected.  I asked Matt if my feet looked swollen the other night and he said, "Yeah - I mean, you can't really see your ankles".  You always want to hear your husband tell you you have cankles.  Great stuff, hon.  I feel like that's a lot of complaining, and don't get me wrong, pregnancy has been relatively uncomfortable for me, but I'm still enjoying it.  I love my growing belly, feeling the baby, and the energy I've had.  And this is different, but I've never felt so empowered.  It resonated with me during a post-yoga meditation last week that though I feel like a granny in some of the positions, other times I feel stronger than I've ever felt.  It's quite an incredible feeling.  And another symptom that Matt (and my now sad, little bras) can't help but notice - larger breasts!  It's crazy.

Best moment of the week?  Whenever Matt gets to feel the baby :)  This has happened a couple of times, and he just loves it.  True, he only sticks around for a kick or two, but he gets excited, and that's rare (ha).  I still get giddy every time the baby moves, so that would also have to be a best moment of the week.  We also confirmed our maternity and newborn photographer this week!  And, I think we settled on a name :)

On Tuesday we are headed for our last ultrasound to see if we can get a better glimpse of Nugget's little parts.  Maybe we'll know if s/he's a boy or a girl, maybe we won't.  At this point, we're prepared to not know until her/his birthday (something I've wanted since the beginning).  Matt keeps mentioning how excited he is to see how much s/he's grown, and I must agree.  This is also the week of my glucose test, and I'm a little nervous because of my sugar binges.  The last seven or so days I've really cut back on refined sugar, something that I barely touched before pregnancy.  Before I give in to sugar now I think, "Is this best for the baby?" and the answer is clearly no.  Besides, it's binding and gives me headaches!  It's something I'm working on, and I pray my post-Easter sugary transgressions haven't been a problem.

I'm getting bigger all over!  So proud of my growing belly and baby Nug!  

20 Weeks

A couple of weeks have passed, and so much has happened!  Sorry I'm just now sharing it all with you :/

At 18 weeks I started to begin to feel little flutters.  I was pretty sure they were baby, but waited to confirm until I felt them for real.  Then, at 19 weeks, I felt a lot of little kicks one morning!  It was amazing!  It is the most sensational feeling I've ever experienced and I still jump every time I feel one.  I'm so proud of my active little Nugget.  

And with that, here are some updates from 20 weeks...

How far along?  20 weeks - 1/2 way there!

Maternity clothes?  Oh yeah.  There are only a few wintery pieces I have that fit, so let's hope (for more reasons than that!) that Spring is on its way.

Stretch marks?  A few - no biggy.  

Sleeping?  Last night I slept great, and I feel that I'm getting used to the hip pains and learning to roll with them.  I have a much better sleep schedule than I did a couple of weeks ago.

Cravings?  Black eyed peas and collard greens!!  Also pickles, miso soup, tomato juice, Peach Mangosteen Snapple, Lucky Charms, and pineapple.  Matt and I also just bought some slicked tofurky that is pretty phenomenal.  I love making sandwiches with it!

Aversions?  TUNA.  Always tuna.  Anything that once had a life being eaten.  Usually I can deal with people eating meat in front of me without even thinking about it, but now it's getting difficult. Also, Matt's cologne and deodorant.

Other symptoms?   Let's just say pregnancy is not all sunshine and rainbows!  One symptom in particular has been overeating, then hating myself for it.  I am SO hungry ALL the time, and there have been a few times when I ate too much and couldn't sleep.  Digestion is a bit different whilst one is growing a human.  I've been able to remedy this with small frequent meals, and not eating after 1900.  This may leave me ravenous in the morning (or I may grab a snack around 0300), but at least I'm not uncomfortable in the night.

Best moment of the week?  Starting to feel frequent kicks and movements!  Nugget is a busy bee in there at times, and when s/he is low, I can feel the kicks really well, though it gets pretty uncomfortable when s/he sits there a while.  Sometimes, I can even feel the pick kicks from the outside!  Before too long, daddy will be able to experience them with me :)  We also got to see little boo on Tuesday, and that always makes us grin.  Everything looked fantastic, but Nugget was in a weird position so we weren't able to tell if s/he is a girl or boy.  Our next appointment in April 30th, and we hope to have a better look then :)

Baby's the size of a banana!  Mama's growing to the size of a farm animal!

Until next time,

xoxo

18 Weeks

Hi everyone!  The past few weeks have really been moving along - it's hard to believe we're already at 18 weeks.  

As for us, not much has been going on.  Matt has been busy with work, and I've been working on my comprehensive exams.  Yup, nothing exciting but human spawning!

Here's what baby and I have been up to:

How far along?  18 weeks!

Maternity clothes?  You betcha.  My mother sent me some clothes just last week.  I was so surprised and excited!  It looks like I won't have to buy anything else.  My wardrobe got cleaned out last night and I put all of the clothes that no longer fit in a container for safe keeping.  I'm just a couple of weeks from being all maternity!

Stretch marks?  A few, nothing crazy.  I'm alternating between Mama Baby Oil and coconut oil :)

Sleeping?  Lately, heck to the no.  I shift throughout the night and cannot get comfortable.  My hips are experiencing some major growing pains, and sleeping on my back is no longer happening - too painful!  I have been so lucky so far, but the last week has been pretty challenging when it comes to sleep.

Cravings?  Grapes!  I've always loved these little ditties, but they have been lifesavers lately.  I often get up in the night and grab a bowl of grapes or strawberries.  I also eat some sort of tomato-based food every day.  It is usually pasta or a tomato sandwich, but could also include something smothered in ketchup.  Limeade is also super delicious to me right now.  Oh, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!!  I eat at least one a day :/

Aversions?  TUNA!!!  Matt has not listened to my, how do I say it, suggestions?  Any meat-based product.  GAG.

Other symptoms?  Thirsty, for sure.  I'm always drinking water.  And EATING!  I'll eat breakfast around 0800, and by 1030 I need not just a snack, but an entire meal!  I'd say I eat at least a snack every two hours.  I have been eating much healthier these days, though.

Best moment of the week?  I think it was Friday that I noticed how much bigger I was.  It's as if it happened overnight!  I also think I felt a little something moving around in there.  Can't wait to feel them more and more :)

By the end of the week, baby should be the size of a sweet potato

That's it for now! 

We're Pregnant!

Most of you know by now that we're having a baby.  We couldn't be more blessed and excited, and are grateful for the love shown by our supportive family and friends!  This is such an exciting time in our lives that we have dreamt of for years, and are so thrilled that it is finally becoming a reality.

The initial use of this blog is to keep family and friends informed of our goings on, so it is only natural that we follow the pregnancy, as it is thus far our biggest adventure of all.  The format I'm using is adapted from my friend Katie's blog, Daisy Kate.  She is much more creative than me, as I've taken various aspects of documenting this journey from her, such as the chalkboard photos.

How far along? 16 weeks!

Maternity clothes?  Yes, finally!  I bought some jeans and a few cute tops from H&M, as well as a pair of black leggings for working out.  My work out clothes are starting to become very uncomfortable, and during this time of high energy, I want to make sure I don't skip a beat because of tight pants.  I put out a message on FB asking people willing to donate their old maternity clothes, and that I'll be happy to pay the shipping.  I hope this yields a few new threads!  My mother also said she sent some more comfortable clothing to me.  Can't wait for those to get here!

Stretch marks?  I have a few.  As weight has fluctuated over the years, I tend to get discreet stretch marks.  After noticing them the other day, I've started back dry brushing, and lathering on coconut oil and Mama Baby Oil.  Things could be a lot worse!

Sleep:  I was sleeping well for a while, but the last few nights have consisted of tossing fits and me unable to get comfortable.  My back is starting to ache a bit, so I think that may be part of it.  I am eternally grateful for my full size Snoogle.  Matt has tried it out and approves!  It's a lifesaver.

Cravings?  MEXICAN FOOD!  It's seriously all I want, all the time.  Also, three bean salad.  So weird.  I saw it in the store one day and though I'd like it and have now resorted to consuming two cans a week.  Tomato sandwiches have also been happening quite a bit, and I've been drinking more tomato juice than usual.  I'm also enjoying my daily protein shake, consisting of chocolate soy milk, peanut butter, and hemp protein.  Coconut water is another thing I can't stop drinking after our trip to Thailand :)

Aversions?  Raw meat (thank the gods this is not a problem in our house, for the most part, but I gag every time I pass it at the grocer/market).   Anything I have to cook is another thing.  Most of you know I love to cook, but these days it is difficult to do.  Another weird one is kale and other green veggies.  I love veg, but lately it's been difficult to stomach.  Collard greens are fine, but I cannot eat kale or Brussels sprouts, broccoli, etc.  Dirty dishes, the dishwasher in general.  TUNA.  Matt has started bringing tuna into the house again and it makes me ill.  It is the most foul smelling food in the entire world and is something even non-preggos find offensive.  I don't know how he doesn't understand how disgusted I am by it, but he continues to make tuna salad every.  single.  day.  I also don't like anything that makes a squishy noise - mac and cheez, tuna salad, etc. 

Other symptoms:  I'm always thirsty.  ALWAYS!  It especially comes right before bedtime, which is fantastic for my ever shrinking bladder.  Which brings me to the second issue, having a pea-sized bladder.  I go before I leave for the gym, when I get to the gym, before I leave the gym, when I get to the commissary...it's a nightmare.  I've also been a little out of breath, and Matt notes that I grunt a lot when trying to pick something up.  He thinks it's hysterical!  One hilarious symptom is my crying.  I cry probably twice a day at the most silly things.  Saturday I read the baby The Giving Tree and bawled through the whole thing.  Whenever I see a sad animal I lose it.  Thailand was a nightmare, for that reason.  Matt likes to tell a story of how I freaked out one time because I couldn't find the juicer.  I looked everywhere, and started tearing up asking him where he put it.  It was right in front of me.  After he pointed that out, I dropped my head into my hands and sobbed while he laughed.  I'm so glad he's my partner through all of this :) A lot of women say they become enraged for no reason, but that hasn't happened to me yet.  I'm more of a cryer.  Acne is the one thing that I've complained about the whole time.  I concocted my own toner out of apple cider vinegar, green tea, and tea tree oil that seems to help a LOT, but every time one goes away, another one pops up.  Other than that, I feel great, and I'm incredibly lucky that's the only really negative thing I've experienced!  The best symptom of all:  starting to feel little sporadic flutters that could indeed be baby! AND BOOBS!

Best moment of the week?  I'd have to say the best moment I've had in the last 7 days was listening to Nugget's heart beat :)  Alexa, our midwife, came to the house last Monday, and she got out her doppler.    It was pretty cool!  I've noticed a difference in Pace since she heard the baby.  I think it told her something is going on.  She's a lot more loving now, and always wants to be where I am.  Alexa also felt around and found the baby!  She said the little one is in a position most boys start in, head down (I hope they are found that way throughout the next trimester!!).  She also said the baby is very relaxed, but not shy.  Sounds good to me!  Tomorrow we visit the OB for an ultrasound, and I sure hope s/he gives us a show.  It is possible to find out the gender at this visit, so we have our fingers crossed.  We both think it's a boy, though I don't have a preference.  I think Matt really wants a boy.

One thing I want to emphasize is how lucky I am to have such an amazing partner through all of this.  Matt has been the best friend he always has been to me, but even more supportive as he sees I need it.  He's been sensitive to my crying spells, and I love that he laughs when it happens because it makes me realize how silly some of these symptoms can be.  Every day he asks if I need anything on his drive home from work.  Yesterday I swept and mopped the house only for the pups to ruin it all within the hour.  Matt knows how important it is to me that we have clean floors, and this morning, before he left for work, he swept and mopped.  Seriously?  That is the sweetest thing ever. He also loves to touch my belly and talk to the baby, and has even started reading to her/him.

I'm most appreciative of him in his support in our birth plan.  We are planning a home birth, something we decided upon before we even got married.  He is just as onboard as I am, and is ready to be a hands-on birth partner.  Whenever I have doubts of my strength, as I feel most mommies-to-be do, he reassures me that not only am I strong enough, and that my body was made to do this, but that millions of women have done this before me, and that he truly believes it is the best and most healthy choice for both the baby and me.  He reassures me, "We've done the research, you're mentally/emotionally/physically planning for it", etc.  I don't know what I would do without him and I am so grateful that he is the father of my child.  

Now, on to the photos.  I must say, watching your body grow in the early developmental phase of pregnancy can be a bit of a shock, especially to someone who is constantly trying to better herself.  For a while, you just look fat.  It doesn't matter how thin you were before, it's just awkward.  I covered up in sweatshirts and cried when I couldn't button my pants.  Now that I've transitioned into curve hugging and maternity-friendly clothes, I've never felt so beautiful!  I love my bump and can't wait to see it grow!

 Our last photo at 15 weeks.  Excuse the makeup, we were headed out to an event.

 14 weeks in Koh Samui :)

 Daddy's so excited!  Baby Nugget is just 7 weeks in this little jellybean of a photograph.

Here is Nugget at 12 weeks.  He really showed off for us.  

Stay tuned ☮