TSL Baby: Weeks 19-22

Baby: Baby is the size of a papaya, ~ 1 lb and 11 inches long.

Feel any movement?  Still not yet.  I'm hoping to feel her move in the next couple of weeks!

Symptoms:  Physically, I am feeling pretty good these days!  I feel most like myself so far in this pregnancy, energy-wise.  Emotionally, I have had (more than) my fair share of tears and emotional meltdowns ;).  The tears come very easily for me right now, although I'm happy to report that crying hysterically in movies has calmed down a little bit.

No aches or pains yet, although I know they'll be coming soon.  I have had some insomnia that kicks in around 3am or so.  Fun times.  I am feeling my expanding belly a bit more when I am exercising these days, so I am paying attention to make sure I don't strain anything.

Food Cravings:  Apples - they say, an apple a day, right?  I'm also loving all kinds of Asian food.  It's the spices that get me.

Food Aversions:  Guacamole remains my #1 archenemy in this pregnancy, much to Steve's ongoing chagrin.  I'm happy to report, though, that I can now tolerate most Mexican cuisine, so that has been a relief to us both! :)

Pregnancy Life:  Steve and I were in Washington DC this past week for the annual AIPAC policy conference.  I got to meet most of the folks with whom he traveled to Israel (right after we found out I was pregnant), which was a real treat.  Steve also had the opportunity to speak in front of the entire general assembly (18,000 people) about his trip.  It was incredible.  I am so glad that the conference fell during this phase of my pregnancy, when I have had the most energy and stamina so that I could experience it with him.

We also celebrated my 32nd birthday (which you can read about here) last week, and Baby attended her first fundraiser dinner the week beforehand.  This is a big deal in our household, haha, as Steve attends many of these!

Nursery Plans:  The nursery is coming together - we have a crib, changing table and now a glider on the way.  The nursery artwork also came in last week.  Let's just say there's a fair amount of pink :)

Pregnancy Exercise:  Spin classes and elliptical workouts remain my workouts of choice, but I am counting down the days until it is warm enough outside to keep my gym's outdoor pool open so that I can fit in some swimming too.  We're nearly there, as spring is in full force here in Texas.

Appointment Updates:  Our 20-week appointment went very well.  Baby is growing right on schedule, and I got to watch her hiccup and do flips on the sonogram.  It was so fun to watch her!  My 24-week appointment is not really one I am looking forward to, since I have to do my gestational diabetes test.  Prayers that I pass!

Looking Forward To:  These next few weeks are going to be pretty busy for us with trips to DC for Steve, a Florida beach trip with my friend Jess for me, and a visit from Steve's folks!  Hoping to also fit in a visit to see my grandma in Virginia, too.  I am glad that we are squeezing in what we can before I'm no longer able to travel.

From Baby's first fundraiser - Week 20

32

I celebrated my thirty-second birthday last week.  Gannie was in town from Chicago, which was a huge treat to have her there for birthday celebrations!  My sister also drove up from Houston the weekend before my birthday so I got to celebrate my birthday twice - on Saturday and again on Tuesday.

This year, when asked what I wanted for my weekend celebration, I asked my mom to make her amazing lasagna (a secret family recipe!).  In the past, I've always wanted to go out to eat but this time around the sun, I really just wanted a low-key celebration at my parents' house with my family.  I think it's partially due to the pregnancy (I much prefer eating at home these days) and partially due to just wanting to take things a little bit slower and easier before the baby gets here.  And that's exactly what the weekend was for me - it was great!

Steve made his traditional strawberry birthday cake for me.  He has made this cake since we were first dating, and makes it from scratch every year.  He does not normally bake, so this is quite the labor of love each year.  This year, the cake was extra dense and moist.  It was delicious :)

Here I'm modeling one of my birthday gifts (maternity dress) for church the next morning.  And the bump made an appearance too!

On my actual birthday, I woke up early and headed to my Tuesday morning spin class - only to be surprised by a sign in my honor and birthday donuts brought in by my friend Sally!  My spin instructor (who teaches every early morning class I attend) also dedicated multiple songs during the ride to me, and the entire class sang "Happy Birthday" to me once we were done while I blew out a donut candle :) It was a great way to start off my birthday.

I arrived in the office to a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Steve.  He knocks it out of the park with flowers.  And my colleagues surprised me with celebratory birthday cake at a work meeting over the lunch hour, which was quite the unexpected treat.

After work, we met up with my parents and Gannie for dinner at Hillstone.  I had always wanted to try that spot, but they don't take reservations and its popularity guarantees that there is nearly always a wait - even on a rainy Tuesday.  After waiting a few minutes for a table, we had a great meal with the best company.  The meal ended with a complimentary brownie birthday dessert, so needless to say I was completely birthday treat-ed out by the end of the evening!

Thirty-two was a great birthday.  I am really excited to see what is in store this year!