18 week update

How big is baby: The size of a sweet potato | 18 Weeks 5 days

How I'm feeling: It's been another great week. We traveled with some of our youth to a conference and didn't get a whole lot of sleep over the weekend. That made me a little more tired than usual, but that's not much to complain about. I'm feeling more and more exited theses days!

Weight gain/loss: Definitely 5 lbs. I guess the large amounts of food I've been eating has finally caught up with me!

Maternity clothes: None this week! It's been warm enough to pull out my Spring dresses, with the exception of a few days here and there. If it's cold, I just freeze in my Spring dresses because they're comfortable. Ha! Several of my dresses are going to work perfectly for pregnancy. The longer I'm pregnant the more I think I won't be wearing much maternity...at least that's what is looks like right now! We'll see about how true that statement turns out to be when I'm humongous this Summer.

Stretch marks: Nope!

Sleep: I love sleeping. It usually takes me a few hours to really wake up in the morning...even when I do it's very hard to focus. I feel like like a sloth until about 10 am.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: I just love food...all kinds. I'm still sticking to a healthy diet as much as I can though. If I make mac-and-cheese, I make sure to have something green and leafy with it. I still haven't had any cravings...besides just wanting food in general. Anything really, really cold seems to appeal to me late at night, but that's about it.

Movement: Yes! Yes! Yes!!! We finally felt our little one moving around for the first time last night. It was so special. It felt like little thumps here and there. She seems to like my left side a lot. I can't wait for more! Before last night we didn't feel anything very definitive.

What I'm loving: I love my little bump! It's finally popping out a bit more, so it makes getting dressed in the morning a lot more fun! :)

Symptoms: Not much except morning sluggishness. 

Exercise: This week has been good! I started my prenatal barre workout again. Boy does it work a lot of muscles! Some people say they are so sore from pushing that they can barely walk the next day after giving birth. I'm trying to be as fit as possible for the big event! :)

What I'm looking forward to: I'm so excited to get to the half-way point in a little over a week! I can't believe how quickly this time is flying by! I'm also looking forward to thinking on names more. Nothing is jumping out to us, so I think we'll take our time. I also think it'd be neat to see her and then name her. Of course, we'll go into delivery with options, but I think it would be so special to name her right after she makes her entrance into the world.

Best moment of the week: It was most certainly when we felt our little girl move last night! I would have been awake all night just soaking it in if she didn't stop being so active after 15 minutes or so! 

Mood: Just more and more excitement! I'm feeling pretty elated these days...and very, very thankful.

Nursery Inspiration | Oceanic Elegance

I'm so excited to have finally dreamed up some inspiration for baby Blair's nursery. Since neither Jonathan or I are very fond of pink hues, it was a little hard to think of something that would be suitable for a little baby girl's room. We definitely don't want to go overboard, but create a look that will transition well as she grows and will be easy to chance if we have more kids. I wanted to find something elegant, classic, clean and cheery as well. Figuring out which idea would be pretty easy and not too expensive either was also a challenge. After a few weeks of brainstorming, we finally settled on this inspiration.

I couldn't be more excited about her little nursery now. I'm not exactly sure what to call this moodboard, but I know the room will be mostly white on white with touches of seafoam and pale coral throughout. I hope to add hints of sea related decor but nothing too much. I'm pulling lots of inspiration from the Grecian coast, where you can find beautiful whitewashed limestone buildings everywhere. I already have quite a few things in a seafoam hue, and I'll shop around for the best deals on the rest! I think it may become my favorite room in our new house! I hope it will be a very calm and serene place for our little family.

After quite a while of feeling icky, I'm so glad to be able to prepare something sweet and exciting for our little one. I wake up everyday so thankful for her little life. One reason I love the ocean is because of it's vastness, depth and mystery. I cannot wait to be in this little room with my tiny little girl and teach her about the God who made it all. It is such a monumental privilege to help her see, that like the ocean, God is vast, deep and mysterious, but also immeasurably more than we can imagine. This I know: God has created her for a purpose. I'm honored to play a part in her story and watch it's beginnings unfold in this little room we're creating for her.

17 week update

How big is baby: The size of an onion | 17 Weeks 6 days

How I'm feeling: I have been feeling so wonderful this week. I had a few very bad days last week, so I'm incredibly thankful to be feeling like myself for a while! 

Weight gain/loss: 3-5 lbs? I still can't really see a difference there yet...not that I'm complaining. My clothes still fit, so I count that as a blessing.

Maternity clothes: I wore my maternity jeans again this week to a shoot but they kept falling down every minute or so! It was super annoying so I doubt I'll be wearing them much until I really need them. Tops are a different story. I know I think way too much about what to wear these days, but finding flattering outfits feels so awkward. I guess I don't like to draw attention to my tiny little bump. I love flowy things these days. My sweet friend Ashley was so kind to let me borrow a few blouses (I didn't have any) for a while!

Stretch marks: Nope!

Sleep: Sleep is bliss. I could sleep all day.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: I have been able to eat anything the past couple of days. I still prefer healthy items over fried and fatty things, but that doesn't mean I haven't indulged some. Let's just say that a cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory and a big, juicy cheeseburger with bacon found their way onto my plate somehow...

Movement: Not really, but I can't wait!

What I'm loving: It's been so fun to plan baby girl's nursery this week. I picked up a few things and chose the color scheme. I think it may become my favorite room in the house!

Symptoms: Nothing new these days. My bump still comes and goes quite a bit. Sometimes I don't even look pregnant at all. Then other days I feel huge. 

Exercise: I haven't been to great about working out this week. Today was the first time I went for a run in at least 6 days. Although, I've been working and traveling a lot. I know I've been able to get some just because my job is pretty physical, but not a lot.

What I'm looking forward to: Moving into our new house so we can start setting things up! Baby girl has been getting some clothes this week, so we kind of need her closet soon. :)

Best moment of the week: I loved purchasing baby girl's first outfit this week. It's so precious!

Mood: I've felt so much excitement this week. I guess it has finally sunk in that we're having a little girl! Thinking about things for when she arrives has become more real...thus, the excitement! 

16 week update

How big is baby: The size of an Avocado | 16 Weeks 4 days

How I'm feeling: I'm feeling great so far, minus some indigestion that keeps me up at night sometimes.

Weight gain/loss: 3-4 lbs? The scale stays about the same everyday, but I'm sure that will change very soon. I think I look bigger though. Baby is healthy and growing like a weed, so that is all that matters. 

Maternity clothes: Not this week. It's been warming up a little lately, so I've pulled out some Spring dresses! Yay!

Stretch marks: Nope!

Sleep: I've been sleeping in a lot more this week when I can. I blame it on my belly keeping me up at night a lot.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: I still love fresh veggies and fruit more than anything. Cucumbers and hummus seem especially delicious. I still don't love meat, probably because I don't really like much in general.

Movement: Not really, but I can't wait!

What I'm loving: Knowing that baby is a girl! We found out yesterday and I'm so in love with her already.

Symptoms: A little bloating and a lot of tightness in my tummy area. I assume it's because my insides are making more room for the little one. I feel like there is no room for my food when I eat! 

What I'm looking forward to: Planning our little girl's nursery. I'm not huge on pink, actually I almost loathe that color. I'll be looking for ideas without it. I figure it will be easier to keep the room "the nursery" for more than one baby that way too.

Best moment of the week: Finding out we're having a girl!!!

Mood: Happy, well besides when I have horrible indigestion. It has reminded me to depend on the Lord more. I pray a lot more these days, even about making it home before hitting the toilet. He is so good and gracious. I feel so blessed.

Baby Girl

Monday, February 17th

We found out yesterday that we are having a little miss, not a little mister. All along I thought we were having a boy. There were actually very few people who guessed that it would be a girl. All I could think about was being a boy mom, boy names and boy nursery ideas. I'm sure it's partially due to the fact that I'm drawn to all things blue. I'd even think of baby as a boy. Thus, to our great surprise the technician told us that our baby is a girl! I was honestly so nervous during the moments leading up to finding out. I had fleeting fears that maybe the baby wasn't ok or that something was wrong. I can't imagine what it would have been like without Jonathan right next to me. The words "everything looks great" were like music to my ears. Then we saw her sweet little face and I couldn't image anything more perfect. She was so beautiful. It sunk in so much more that a baby is going to be here soon. I get to hold her! That seems crazy. We are so thankful that she is healthy and active. She was a little still at first but then put on a show for us, sucking her thumb and dancing around. It felt so strange, especially since I can't feel those movements yet. 

After we left Jonathan asked if I was ready to start calling people. I said "not yet" just because I needed a moment to soak it in. A little girl! Our little girl! I had hardly thought about having a baby girl, but now it was real. We went home and pulled together pink-ish outfits for our announcement photo. It still didn't sink in fully. I kept saying, "we're having a baby girl!" Later on that night we went out to celebrate Valentine's Day and talked about what an amazing little person she will be. I started dreaming about teaching her piano, art and other fun things. We know she'll be so special, no matter what.

Now we start the fun process of thinking up names and planning a girl nursery. I can't stop thinking about what she'll look like either. I framed the image of her profile and set it on my desk to look at while I work. I'm so in love with that sweet face. If she has her daddy's curls I will be done in forever! We're just so thankful that she gets to be our gift.

I love you little girl,

Mama

15 week update

Technically, this is at 14.5 weeks, but hey I probably won't take bump photos every week. Besides, the bump is actually smaller this week it seems! 

How big is baby: Navel Orange | 15 Weeks 3 days

How I'm feeling: I'm still feeling pretty well these days. I've had a few flare up of nausea (and the other fun thing that usually accompanies it) at night, but it's nothing compared to the first trimester. My stomach feels very tight, especially after eating.

Weight gain/loss: 3-4 lbs? It really depends on how much I've been eating! ;)

Maternity clothes: Yes! I pulled out the maternity jeans I bought yesterday. I don't really need them, but they're so comfy! Everything but the tummy part fits great. (Destination Maternity at the Jacksonville Town Center is great by the way!) They kept falling down but I loved wearing them because I could eat as much as I wanted and still feel comfy! My "bump" still comes and goes quite a bit. I never know if it's going to be there when I wake up, but I'm getting more creative with how to dress. 

Stretch marks: Nope!

Sleep: I'm still loving sleep, but I don't seem to need as much lately.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: I don't really have cravings but I do have definite aversions. My body doesn't seem to like much wheat, carbs or junk food. I'm kind of sad about that because I love pizza, burgers and fries. I'm guessing because it's harder to digest? Regardless, I can't get enough veggies. My favorite meals these days are southwest spinach salads with lots of avocado and barbecue veggie burgers. I'm still trying to figure out what makes me feel the best.

Movement: I thought I felt "butterflies" the other morning. I'm not sure. I can't wait to feel some real movement!

What I'm loving: Eating lots of yummy food and meal planning. I've never put this much effort into being healthy and eating clean, but I love it. It feels good to know I'm giving my body and my baby good nutrients. 

Symptoms: A little bloating and a lot of tightness in my tummy area. I assume it's because my insides are making more room for the little one. I feel like there is no room for my food when I eat! 

What I'm looking forward to: Finding out if baby is a boy or girl in just ONE WEEK! Ah! We will be celebrating our Valentine's Day then and I cannot imagine anything more perfect.

Best moment of the week: When Jonathan kisses my tummy and says, "You know what? We're having a baby!" It's the best.

Mood: Honestly, it's been a hard week personally. It's had nothing to do with the baby, but a few things we've been going through have been a little tough to deal with. Other than that, good!

I've loved thinking about this verse all week:

"You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day." (Ps. 139:15-16)

14 week update

Sorry for the iphone photo! I haven't taken any real bump photos yet, because it's just not that noticeable...most of the time!

How big is baby: Navel Orange | 14 Weeks 3 days

How I'm feeling: I'm feeling wonderful for the most part. Eating pretty healthy and exercising helps a lot with my mood and energy level. I shot a 10+ hour wedding this past weekend with only a 10 minute break and I felt great.

Weight gain/loss: Maybe 2-5 lbs? I feel huge these days, but I've stayed pretty steady at 115 for the past month. 

Stretch marks: Nope!

Sleep: I love sleep! In the mornings I feel like I could sleep the whole day away! 

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: No cravings yet. It seems like my body isn't very fond of lots of carbs. I can definitely tell when I eat more sugar and carbs vs. veggies and protein. I'm going to try to be more strict about it from now on. I feel worlds better when I eat healthier. 

Movement: Nope. We can't wait to feel our little one move. Jonathan is especially anxious.

What I'm loving: I love knowing that our little one is with me all the time. Honestly, I forget that I'm pregnant quite a bit. After I eat a larger meal, I love to go look in the mirror at my little bump. Sometimes it looks like it's only a small pooch, but after I eat supper it normally shows up a bit more. I love thinking about how our little one is growing and changing. I guess seeing a more distinct bump makes it feel more real.

Symptoms: Just bloating still. Again, that seems to be directly related to how much carbs and sugar I ingest. I have a little back pain too, especially when I'm carting a bunch of photography equipment. I'm hoping some of the excursuses and stretches I'm doing will help.

What I'm looking forward to: Finding out if baby is a boy or girl in just 2 weeks!!! We cannot wait! I'm also looking forward to more of a bump. The little pooch stage feels so awkward to me. I'm sure I'll wish for these days back again when I'm huge this Summer! However, my pants seem to be fitting better this week. Maybe it's because baby is moving farther up? I'm ok with it though!

Best moment of the week: When Jonathan says hi to me after coming home from work, and then says hi to the baby too. It's so sweet.

Things I'm struggling with: Honestly, the changes my body is going through can be a little hard to accept sometimes. Most women struggle with some body issues and I'm not exempt from them either. I'm trying to just let it go and love what's happening to me, regardless of how I feel when I look in the mirror sometimes or when I have trouble finding things to wear in my closet. I don't want to worry about it, but instead take care of myself and cherish this amazing journey.