28 Weeks/ 7 Months

28 Weeks! Third Trimester! Let's do this! I am so ready to be done being a human incubator and so ready to hold my baby. I am working on Jackson's baby album (which had to be divided into a couple different books because I couldn't limit the pictures!) and it is making me so excited for Daniel. I love the newborn stage especially, but looking through Jackson's first year has helped me remember just how exciting all the milestones are to go through. Plus, I have been feeling very large lately (belly bumping into the counter, can't reach all the way into the washing machine, etc) and I know I'm just going to get bigger! So I'm ready to be finished with pregnancy and ready to transition into Mommy of two.

So there hasn't really been much change since last month as far as symptoms, cravings, or aversions. I write weekly updates in my paper journal for my own record, but nothing really different that's interesting for here. Well, except Braxton Hicks contractions started around 25 wee

ks. They are much more uncomfortable, but not yet painful, than with Jackson. I hear that often labor contractions are more painful, last longer, and labor overall is quicker with second babies. Oh boy. I like the quicker labor... but my contractions were no fun last time! If my Braxton Hicks are any indication, then labor will be such a treat in a couple months! So, since most everything is similar, I thought I'd do a little pregnancy survey several friends have done. Some people use these questions every update, but that can get a little boring IMO. So here ya go, a little start-to-the-third-trimester-questionnaire.

How Far Along: 28 Weeks today

Total Weight Gain: 20 lbs. 10 lbs in first trimester, 10 in second. Interesting. My goal is 35 lbs. or less so if i gain 10 more this last trimester we'll be golden! I started this pregnancy off 10 lbs. lighter than when I got pregnant with Jackson, so that will help take off the lbs. postpartum too. 

Maternity Clothes: Wearing maternity jeans everyday, but regular sweatpants around the house... because I can! Mostly maternity tops, but I have a bunch of shirts size "s" that are loose enough to wear still. I fit better in "xxs" or "xs" not pregnant, but if the only option is "s" sometimes I just have to have the top anyways!

Stretch Marks: None yet. I got a couple right around my belly button with Jackson, but they were super light and barely noticeable.

Sleep: I'm a night owl (see previously post) so between having difficult falling asleep before midnight, having a toddler who generally wakes 1-3 times every night, and Daniel liking to kick the mattress... makes for a fun night. I also have to get up at least twice to pee too.

Best Moment of This Week: Probably Jackson hugging me then patting my belly. I don't think he understands that there's a baby in there, but I have been patting his hand on my belly and saying "Baby". We read lots of books about new babies in the family so maybe he's catching on. Oh, and this is really, really superficial, but I've been looking for a lightweight, striped baby wrap carrier that is styled similar to Moby wraps. Today I finally found the perfect one (hopefully it doesn't disappoint one I carry Daniel in it). Matt approved it as a Mommy-present.

Miss Anything: My regular clothes that taunt me in the closet. Skirts. Not having to be careful when I sneeze, laugh, etc. because it feels like my bladder is always full! Being able to sleep on my tummy.

Movement: Very frequently. Daniel rolls and flips, but doesn't do a lot of kicking.

Food Cravings: Bread and butter. Blueberry Poptarts. Ice Cream. Honey Kix. Frosted Flakes.

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Now I just get quick, sudden bouts of nausea that usually cause me to throw up. But at least it isn't all day nausea like the first trimester!

Have You Started To Show Yet: Oh my torso and I are definitely full of baby. Being only 5'1" doesn't help matters. I love baby belly, but a few extra inches would be nice right about now.

Feeling: Anxious to finish the nursery (waiting on our tax return to be deposited before ordering the last few details!) and excited to meet Daniel.

Looking Forward To: Ordering artwork for both Daniel's nursery and Jackson's bedroom and a possible ladies weekend with some of my best friends from Lynchburg at the end of March- as long as Matt doesn't have any kind of duty that weekend then I'll be kid free!

So there's that.

This month we had a Battalion Dining Out to attend. It was a formal event so I was stressed about a dress. I figured I could always wear my bridesmaid dress if need be. But, I had bought this black dress when we were at Fort Sill for a future formal and it stretched over my belly nicely! The color makes the belly look smaller, but I still like the overall look. It was fun to get all done up and have a night out with my handsome soldier. I was 25.5 weeks at the event.

This is the closest we'll get to maternity pictures. While it would be cute to get some with Jackson touching my belly etc., I don't really feel the need. I am more excited to get family pictures once Daniel is born! So excited for a real newborn shoot hopefully!