I have bid adieu to lots of yumminess since the start of baking this bun in the oven.  I haven’t been involved with these items since November (other than in a dream or 2), but I am still counting them as my sacrifices for Lent.  What?  They are ALL sacrifices.  TRUST.  (We’re trying to get to church more regularly for Lent, too, so GET OFF MY BACK!)

Disclaimer: I am not at all suggesting that everyone needs to give up all of the items below.  I, as every pregnant woman must, have made some decisions according to what feels right for ME.  [Of course, always consult your doctor with specific health-related questions!]

I, personally, find comfort in being able to control some part of this pregnancy.  If control = abstaining from some silly food items and/or delicious drinks for a few months practically a year…so be it.  It’s worth the peace of mind.

What I miss on the official How-Much-I-Miss-It Scale -

Oh Well…

Sushi

Tuna

Caesar dressing

This Sucks…

Deli meat/hot dogs

Runny eggs

Alcohol (honest?  at times this crosses the “HELP ME, I NEED IT NOW…” line!)

HELP ME, I NEED IT NOW…

Caffeine…caffeinated beverages, that is [chocolate is still ALL MINE]

Soft cheeses – goat, feta, blue cheese, fresh mozzarella, etc. (ugh – I miss it!!!)

 What I’m Still Indulging In (that many say I shouldn’t) -

Beverages with artificial sweeteners like Vitamin Water, diet caffeine free soda, light lemonade, etc. (water is SO.BORING all of the time) – I’ve gotten better with this, but still am NOT abstaining from artificial sweeteners

Getting my hair highlighted (feeling good is important, especially when you’re losing your waistline)

HOT showers – I cannot help it

I’m sure I’m forgetting lots – I do have pregnancy brain.

C’mon Friday – we’re almost there!

xoxo

p.s.  It was 78° today and the next 3 days are forecasted to be 81°, 79°, and 75°. No snow storms here, New York!

Beach Count: 67   

High Temperature: 72°  

*Week 17*

My fav wedding table number pic of them all! ♥

CURRENT STATS

Percentage Cooked: 43%

Baby Size: The size of a grapefruit or a large onion (apparently my uterus is the size of a cantaloupe…?  too much?)

Countdown to Baby: 23 weeks

Symptoms: “Floaters” in the periphery of my eyes at night (yes, I’m 90), some spider veins are forming (greaaaat), the milk-makers are trying to win some sort of BIG (no pun intended) contest, and intense lower back pain

Cravings: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans, and all other expensive candy

Weight Gain: Still up 6 lbs. – however I do not trust my scale and am pretty sure my accuracy on this stat will only be reliable on Dr. appointment weeks.  I personally enjoy the inaccuracy – since it’s usually a lower number – so carry on you crappy scale you!

Related Purchases: A friend sent me this for the belly…

Thanks, Nicole!  xo

AND I bought a new bra – thank heavens.  Girlfriend’s up a number size AND a cup size.  Holy milk-makers, batman.  I am in trouble.  (Yes, I shared that TMI info with the world – that just happened.)   No wonder my back hurts!

Fear of the Week: I’m waiting too long to get shopping for this little one.  We have a few outfits for the babe (gifts from friends), a piggy bank, a couple of bibs, 2 books, and a crib.  YIKES!

Relief of the Week: This new bra has been a godsend.  Also, I am nearing the halfway point.  EXCITING!

Randomness:  I am über emotional.  We went to Brewvival this weekend (yes, a beer festival..I know) and I had already laughed and cried before getting through the entrance.  FOR.NO.REASON.  Seriously – I had no clue why.  No worries, though.  I travel with tissues!  If you catch me crying – I promise – it’s not you…it’s me!  ALSO, my eye sight has gotten 3 prescriptions worse in a one year.  Three.  It is common for pregnancy to make your eye sight worse.  Total mind blow!

Scott’s Quote of the Week: “Three strollers…you really think we’re gonna need THREE STROLLERS?”  Haha babe, deep breaths!!!

Who else thinks I look ginormous?!

xoxo

p.s.  Please notice the “baby” tab that has been added to the top of this page. That is where you can find the entire collection of baby-related posts (which seem to be all I get around to writing these days!).

p.s.s.  Time for American Idol!!!

Beach Count: 67   

High Temperature: 66°  

*Week 16*

CURRENT STATS

Percentage Cooked: 40%

Baby Size: The size of an avocado; the length of mascara

Countdown to Baby: 24 weeks

Symptoms: Nose bleeds (nothing severe), sleeping is getting a little interesting

Cravings: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, ice cream, and MY FAVORITE – these…

Weight Gain: Up 6 lbs. – quite a little jump this week!  (I blame the aforementioned cravings!)

Related Purchases: Um…our crib…HELLO!

Ours is in “snowdrift” – a slightly off white 

Fear of the Week: Wondering if that was the baby moving orrrr some sort of [less than glamourous] gas bubble.  I guess that’s more of a “Wonder” of the Week versus a “Fear.”  A fear is thinking about traveling to NY…900 miles away from home…at 31 weeks pregnant!  AND I’m not too excited about waiting another 4 weeks for my next appointment.

Relief of the Week: Having seen our little sweet pea (no, that’s not the “official” nickname…there still isn’t one) yesterday and having heard the heartbeat – 150 beats per minute.  ♥

Randomness:  I’ve started doing this thing that I’ve read about…you may have heard of it…it’s called F-L-O-S-S-I-N-G.  I never used to floss, ever.  I mean, I admit that the occasional piece of broccoli may have forced me to break this rule.  Otherwise, me + flossing = n.e.v.e.r.  (Call me Jessica Simpson.)  UNTIL I read that poorly taken care of gums (aka – mine 10 days ago) can increase the chance of preterm labor.  I am now a committed flossing, mouth-washing, brushing gal.  BIG change.  Scott’s a fan.

Scott’s Quote of the Week:  Scott wasn’t funny this week.  He’s apparently on an every other week schedule.  Oh well!

LIFE IS GOOD!!!

xoxo

p.s. Scott’s mom’s in town, so we have been busy, busy.  Updates on life (other than this bump) soon!

p.s.s. Happy birthday yesterday, Gram – can’t wait to see you soon!!!  xoxo

Beach Count: 67   

High Temperature: 64°  

*Week 15*

Creative, I know (ha!)

CURRENT STATS

Percentage Cooked: 38%

Baby Size: A large apple, a softball, a Kit Kat

Countdown to Baby: 25 weeks

Symptoms: Hunger, back pain, worry, excitement!

Cravings: Fruit, English Muffins, and – wait for it – REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS

Weight Gain: Steady at 2 lbs.

Related Purchases: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Tummy Butter…and then Mom and Dad bought me some…and then Kristen (who gave me the MOTHERload) sent me some.  I am ALL SET for a while – THANKS, LOVES!  (Sooo, that means no stretch marks – riiiiight?!)

Fear of the Week: Less than a week til our next appointment – eeeeeeeeee!

Relief of the Week: Knowing that in a few short weeks, I should be able to feel this baby twist and shout ♥

Randomness: I’m heading to a baby shower this Saturday…and I will be taking notes!!!  Scott and I are going to 2 consignment events in March for first time parents.  I have high hopes for these events!  After this, we will register  =)  A blog on this to come!

Scott’s Quote of the Week: “You keep taking up more of the bed!”  Yes, Scott…YES, I DO!

CAN’T WAIT FOR WEEK 16!!!

p.s. I apologize for you having to see my weirdly-stretching belly button.  I will transition to maternity black pants for next week’s post!

p.s.s. Boy or girl?  Stay tuned to find out if we’re finding out!!! 

Beach Count: 66   

High Temperature: 69°  

Yesterday, Scott and I celebrated our 8th Valentine’s Day.  EIGHTH!  So crazy.  ♥

We went out to dinner on Saturday night because we’re old and didn’t want to on a Tuesday night at Red Drum in Mount Pleasant.  My parents have been raving about Red Drum for a while (for both their happy hour specials and their food, in general) so it was time for us to check it out.  We luckily had a restaurant.com gift certificate in the vault – spend $50 and get $25 off (SCORE!) – so it was a done deal.

I didn’t take any pictures, because we were too busy being romantical and enjoying the wood-burning fireplace BUT believe you me – it was awesome! The ambience was nice (although loud), the seating was super comfy, our server was fantastic, and I haven’t stopped talking about the food.  I’ve been craving a nice big steak so this was the perfect opportunity!  I had the Steak Frites and Scott had the Quail, Venison Sausage, and Cheese Grits.  No…we are not vegetarians and NO I do not care that I had french fries as part of my Valentine’s Day dinner!  Listen – girlfriend’s pregnant.  With Scott’s one beer (p.s. they had 17ish beers on tap – Scooter was happy!) and my tall Sprite, our whole dinner set us back about $50 (with tip, tax, and free yummy bread!).  It was perfect.  ♥

I’ve heard that Red Drum’s brunch is pretty awesome, so we’ll definitely have to check that out at some point!

On actual V-Day – we had lobster tails, baked potatoes, and broccoli at home. We exchanged cards, Scott got me beautiful flowers, and we took our 15 week pregnancy photos.

It wouldn’t be a celebration without watching a movie (Take Shelter) and me falling asleep halfway through.  I didn’t even make it to special popcorn!!!

Ah well!!!

I hope y’all had a GREAT Valentine’s Day!  xoxo

p.s.  Check back tomorrow for my 15 Week post!

Beach Count: 66   

High Temperature: 60°  

Ahh…Austin Powers!

We don’t have a nickname for our little one yet.

I yearn to call this baby “my little ____,” but have yet to fill in that blank.

People say that you’ll feel more bonded with your baby if you come up with a nickname. (I don’t know who those “people” are, but they sure say A LOT of things!)  I’ve been wanting one for our little [insert not yet thought of nickname] since our first pregnancy.  I’ve been waiting for the name to come to us, on a whim – just perfectly.  I don’t want to pick one, I want IT to pick US.  Lame? Probably.  The reason why this is still NO NICKNAME of which to speak?  You betcha!

I have gathered a list of nicknames for babies t0-be.  I know of these names from blogs, Facebook, friends, and online searches.  Yes, I am THAT desperate!  Some are cute and some are confusing.  SOME are borderline certifiable.  Ahhh – it’s what makes the world go round, no?  =)  I have organized these nicknames from *Awww* to *What the What?*  Maybe this list will help me think of our very own or maybe it’ll make me decide that “baby” is just fine.  Enjoy!

- bean

- pea

- peanut

- bambino

- monkey

- squirt

- bug

- gummy bear

- Teddy Graham

- junior

- nugget

- shrimp

- boo boo

- thumper

- tadpole

- dumpling

- teacup

- spud

- gremlin

- Cletus (the fetus)

- octopus

- alien

Maybe I should just go with CHARM?  This baby IS a charm of our love.  Kinda cute!  I dunno.  Thoughts?!

Imagine our stress over picking our baby’s forever name?!  OH MY!!!

HAPPY WEEKEND!!! 

p.s. What did you call your growing baby?  Help a sister out!  I hope it wasn’t alien or Cletus!  If so – they’re lovely.

p.s.s. Am I baby-ing you out?  A classic Charleston blog soon…promise!

Beach Count: 66   

High Temperature: 56°  

Thank you to EVERYONE for all of your sweet comments on my post – Week 13.  I definitely give myself a solid B for keeping up with comments (I know, I could do better).  Please know that they are ALL read (and reread) and very much appreciated!  ♥

*Week 14*

Yes, I’m back there and YES, we were running out of ideas!!!

Notice the wardrobe change.  It was time to switch to a maternity gray tank top, albeit long enough to be a dress (AGAIN with the no torso).  The old tank top is about to be a HOT belly shirt.

CURRENT STATS

Percentage Cooked: 35%

Baby Size: A lemon; the length of a flip phone (think flip phone circa 2009, not a Zack Morris one…and YES, people still use flip phones!)

Countdown to Baby: 26 weeks

Symptoms: The belly’s out to play, I HAVE to lay and sleep on my left (the right is insanely uncomfortable), my nails are growing at the speed of light and they.will.HURT.YOU!, daily headaches, an itchy belly, my belly button is becoming a deeper innie before it goes outtie (so stubborn!)

Cravings: Still Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, nothing else really

Weight Gain: Steady at 2 lbs.

Related Purchases: A changing pad cover in the nursery “theme” that we’re thinking is THE ONE (to take to Lowe’s to help with wall paint colors) and Scott bought us a baby book through a Groupon deal =)

Fear of the Week: We still have 2 more weeks until we get to check on this baby again

Relief of the Week: According to ALL resources (there are many different schools of thought out there!), I am definitely in my 2nd trimester now!

Randomness: I had a dream that we had our baby (a girl!) 11 weeks early.  ELEVEN!  The baby was healthy, so the hospital kicked us out of there immediately…like within hours.  We came home and had NOTHING ready for the babe…no crib, no clothes – nada.  The good news?  She was beautiful and we were happy ♥

Scott’s Quote of the Week: When I asked, “Doesn’t my belly look big today?”  Scott said (under his breath), “I’m not sure what the right answer is here…” and then said (in his full voice), “All I know is that you’re allllll belllllly!”  Well played, Trots…well played!  =)

And the journey continues!

SIDE NOTE:  YAYYYYY GIANTS!!!

p.s. My Old Navy clothes came in.  They’re a little big/long for now, but I think they’ll work =) 

p.s.s. Mamas – what was your weirdest pregnancy dream?  I’ve had some CRAZY ones so far!!!

Beach Count: 66   

High Temperature: 56°  

Week 13

The Secret’s Out

Patience is a Virtue

Once you join the Mommy to-be club, all of the already Mommies (and fellow Mommies to-be) become SO generous and lovely.

Exhibit A:  Due to my torso impairment (hello: boobays, belly button, and hips – practically overlapping), this belly has made its appearance quite early.  I was yearning for elastic waistbands by week 10.  Not because I really needed them yet, but because I knew I would be more comfortable.  By week 11, I had been graciously given a pair of jeans, black pants, and 4 tops – all maternity from a fellow preggers, Christine.  Her cousin was really to purge these items and they weren’t a great fit for her.  Score!  I’ve been wearing the pants ever since. THANKS CHRISTINE!

Exhibit B:  Next up, another fellow preggers, Cathy, was given an entire wardrobe of maternity clothes to borrow.  More clothes than my regular closet can offer.  Crazy!  She had me try on some items that didn’t fit her well and I came home with 2 pairs of jeans and 1 pair of pants to borrow.  They’re a little big for now, but I’m prett-y confident that I will work my way into them!  [Note to self: Keep it together and don't ruin them!  I say this as I simultaneously spill a smoothie allll over myself.  Ugh, this will be a challenge.]  THANKS CATHY!

Exhibit C (the official MOTHERload!):  One of my closest and dearest friends, Kristen, sent me a box of love from New York this past week and IT WAS A BLESSING!  The box was filled to the brim with everything maternity…from 13 weeks through 40 – I am pretty well set.  Check out this 50 or so item MOTHERload!!!

I can now breathe easier.  THANK YOU, KRIS – LOVE YOU!!! ♥

I’m looking forward to receiving the 5 tops that I ordered from Old Navy last week.  It’s time to relax in comfort until special occasions warrant some new pieces.  Yay!

Here’s me on Sullivan’s Island on February 2nd when it was 80 degrees (in Kristen’s clothes)!

AND the handsome hubs (in his clothes, ha)!

Next on the need-it-now wardrobe list?  New bras (which I should’ve gotten, like, YESTERDAY).  Girlfriends are suffocating.

Happy Sunday – GO GIANTS!!!

p.s. Kris – is it gonna be weird to see me wearing your clothes for the next 6 months?  Haha.

Beach Count: 66   

High Temperature: 73°  

The Dominys visited from NY two weekends ago, with 1 year old Ethan in tow! They first visited (minus the munchkin) over 4th of July.  I hope they continue to visit everyone 6 months…if not even more often!!!  Check out our shenanigans!

We started Saturday morning at Folly Beach.  Last time they visited, we graced Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island – so we wanted them to see another local beach.  It was quite windy and not as warm as forecasted, but much warmer than NY!

This handsome boy has definitely gotten the hang of that whole walking thing!

Next we stumbled upon closed down Center Street for the Taste of Folly 2012 event.  We just hung out for a few minutes and listened to the band.  Ethan was mesmerized!

Next we went to Chick-fil-A for the Dominy family’s VERY FIRST CFA experience.  It was a success!  The cow was out to play and he was a wee bit creepy, though.  Ethan wasn’t feeling him and neither were we.  Would you?!  Not when he nudges his snout into people and lingers uncomfortably longer than he should!

Yikes!

Next we went to Angel Oak!

We attempted to go to the Firefly Vodka Distillery and Irvin-House Vineyards afterwards.  Well, we did go there but they were closed (apparently for the entire month of January).  Frustrating!!!  Wadmalaw Island is far out there! Oh well…

We headed home at this point to unwind and relax before our dinner reservations.

My parents babysat Ethan (great practice, Mom and Dad!) while the 4 of us went downtown to 82 Queen for Charleston Restaurant Week.  Scott and I had never been there before, so we were hoping it would deliver.  IT SOOOO DID!  Here are some pics from their Facebook…

We were close to a half hour early, but they seated us anyway.  We sat out in the courtyard where we were covered and cozy (they had heaters pumping – just enough).  It was incredibly romantic!  Our waiter was so witty and awesome. During our dinner, a thunderstorm rolled in.  We stayed completely dry being outside, but inside.  It was awesome!  The romance scale was officially tipped. Those poor waiters, though – they got SOAKED!  Christina and I had the jambalaya, Scott had the frogmore stew, and Mike had the meatloaf.  We took our time eating and did not feel rushed in the least.  The food, the ambience, and the wait staff were all amazing.  Scott and I can’t wait to go back!

Next, we went to Coleman Public House for a night capper (aka – more water for me!).

Sunday, we went to the aquarium as our big outing.  One of the largest exhibits for toddlers was closed for renovations, so I was pretty disappointed (the admission is expensive!).  Either way, I think Ethan enjoyed it.  His favorite part?  Cruising up and down the stairs, of course!

That night, we watched the Giants kick some 9ers booty and ate some yummy/totally-bad-for-you food.

♥ A weekend of perfection ♥

Thanks for coming – Christina, Mike, and Ethan.  We love you guys!!!

p.s. HAPPY 61st WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO MY GRAM AND POP!!!

p.s.s. GOOOO GMEN…SUPER BOWL!

Beach Count: 66   

High Temperature: 65°  

So, Scott and I took silly pictures to frame and use to mark the tables at our wedding.  More on that in a future post!  Anyhoo, I decided to use the same number sheets to mark each week of my pregnancy.  (See babe, I told you I saved them for a reason!)  No-no, we did not have 40 tables.  Slight problem that I am confident I will solve over time.

*Week 13*

CURRENT STATS

Percentage Cooked: 33%

Baby Size: A Nutter Butter, an egg, a medium shrimp (which Scott and I had for dinner last night – kinda weird)

Countdown to Baby: 27 weeks

Symptoms: Back pain, fatigue (starting to get better!), intense ability to smell (FYI: this is NOT the superhero power I would choose), growing out of my clothes, need to get up from sitting/laying slowly

Cravings: Anything sweet (Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, fruit, yogurt), drinks other than water (I get so bored!)

Weight Gain (I’m going to HATE myself for reporting on this later!): 2 lbs.

Related Purchases: 5 maternity tops from Old Navy for $41 (woot!), a Santa bib for 62¢ from Big Lots

Fear of the Week: Other than the constant paranoia…REGISTERING AHHH!

Relief of the Week: The 2nd trimester is upon us =)

Randomness: A neighbor stopped by the other day to tell me she had a dream that I was pregnant.  How strange, but true!  (I asked if she had any lottery number dreams, but no such luck.)

Scott’s Quote of the Week: I can’t think of one, but I’m positive this week was full of them.  Scott says he’s working on next week’s script, so week 14 should make up for week 13.  ;)

Thanks for following my pregnancy journey!

p.s. Anyone craving Nutter Butters now?  Dang!

p.s.s. Did anyone notice Scott copping a feel?

Beach Count: 65   

High Temperature: 68°