Baby's Bassinet Has Arrived in Maryland

One of the best parts about meeting up with Nana and Pop for Christmas this weekend is that Daddy and I were able to bring home the family bassinet to begin to get Baby's "space" set up for Baby.  I am not sure exactly when the bassinet was built by my Uncle Charlie, but I apparently loved it as an infant.  Miles followed in my footsteps, and loved it too.  He slept in it until we moved home in July 2010 when he was almost 6 months old.  Lets hope Baby loves it too, even though the plan is for Baby to only sleep in it until Baby is sleeping through the night and able to move into their new room with Miles.

22 Weeks

Baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that Baby finds gentle music and my voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, Baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

How far along: 22 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +8.5 lbs

Pregnancy Symptoms: Back pain, growing bump, headaches - especially in the morning, pregnancy brain, sciatic pain - move Baby please!!!, difficulty sleeping, frequent urination
Maternity clothes: All the way!
Stretch marks: Nope

Sleep: 3-4 hours this week... Way too much time laying in bed snuggling with my pillow not asleep
Best moment last week: Daddy finally feeling Baby kick
Movement: Getting a little bit stronger and more frequent
Food cravings: Root Beer
Gender: ????
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button (in or out): On the cusp
What I miss: Sleeping
What I am looking forward to: Miles feeling Baby kick
Milestones: Daddy felt Baby kick!

Stigall Christmas

This weekend Baby made his/her first trip to Ohio.  We celebrated Stigall Christmas in Athens, Ohio at Aunt Alycia, Uncle Dan, Max and Josie's house.  Of course Nana and Pop were there as well.  The weekend was a wonderful time watching Miles and Max play together.  Josie kept whispering to me that she was hoping that Baby is a girl so that she has someone special to play with like Max and Miles.  I kept assuring Josie that even if Baby is a boy, I will be her special friend to play girlie things with.  I am not sure she was entirely happy with that response.  I guess Josie is putting her official vote in for wanting a little girl cousin.  We will have to see... You never know, the boys may really rule the house one of these days.

Even though Baby is not even hear yet, Baby sure did "clean up" at Christmas!  Thanks for all the great outfits and toys Nana, Pop, Aunt Alycia, Uncle Dan, Max and Josie.  Also, a special thanks to the hand me down Boppy seat!  I am so excited for Baby to sit in it.  One of my favorite pictures of Miles was on his 3rd month birthday of him in a Boppy seat... Let's hope Baby loves the seat as much as Miles did!

Daddy FINALLY Felt Baby Kick!!!

As we were getting ready for bed tonight, Baby was a little extra "wiggly," so I realized it was the perfect time... Time for Daddy to finally feel Baby dancing around.  I was right!  Daddy was so happy to finally get to feel Baby kicking!!!!!!!!!!

We Ordered Miles Bunk Beds, so Baby has a Bed Soon

Today was the big day that I began to accept that my Miles is going to be a big brother soon, meaning we either need to buy Baby a crib of their own, or get Miles a "big boy bed" so that Baby can use the crib.  We made the decision, and decided to take a leap of faith right off the cliff... Today we purchased a set of bunk beds.  The bunk beds are wonderful.  They split into two twins, so until Miles is big enough for bunk beds he will have a twin bed and Baby will be in the crib.  The goal is for Miles and Baby to either share a room (if Baby is a Boy) or at least share a room until it is not appropriate anymore (if Baby is a Girl).  With that being said, after Baby grows out of the crib, Miles and Baby will have matching twin beds until Miles is old enough to sleep with the beds bunked.  We did not buy the mattress yet, as we did not like the price at the furniture, so Miles cannot begin to make the transition our of the crib yet.  I guess I had better get busy planning the new nursery so that I can get shopping on Miles mattress and bedding, clearing way for Baby's big arrival!

The new twin/bunk beds

The crib Baby will be using

21 Week Belly Photos

21 Weeks

Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, I am having to think about what I want Baby to eat as I prepare my own lunch.

How far along: 21 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +7.5 lbs

Pregnancy Symptoms: Back pain, growing bump, headaches, pregnancy brain, sciatic pain, hunger all the time, difficulty sleeping, frequent urination, strong nails
Maternity clothes: All the way!
Stretch marks: Nope

Sleep: 5-7 hours, depending on the night and how much I can actually sleep
Best moment last week: An increase in Baby kicking, especially in the evening
Movement: Getting a little bit stronger, but Chris is still unable to feel Baby
Food cravings: Cookies
Gender: Can't put my finger on one this week
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button (in or out): In, but stretching, stretching, stretching!
What I miss: Sleeping and being comfortable
What I am looking forward to: Daddy feeling Baby kick
Milestones: Baby is really beginning to get active in there!