How far along? 29 weeks.
Total weight gain? 19 lbs.
Stretch marks? Well. The thing is.... I have yet to figure out what these dark shapes and lines are that are under my boobs. They are getting too big so that I can't see them for myself but I noticed these lines for the first time in the mirror this afternoon before my shower. So devastating! I still have to show Ashton later. But anyway, they could be stretch marks?! :( As soon as I got out of the shower I ferociously slathered myself in my body butter because I felt guilty about skipping out on it recently.
Best moment this week? I had another appointment with my midwife (our appointments have switched from every 4 weeks to every 2 weeks now!). Everything checked out great as always and she was super surprised that I am still wearing regular jeans and can button them up normally! She finally mentioned the Tdap vaccine, which I have to get back to her about at our appointment next week but I haven't gotten around to really researching that yet, oops!

My most recent to-do list:

1. Signing up for a labor and delivery class and a breastfeeding class
2. Finally having that conversation with my doctor about delivering at Brigham and Women's
3. Calling my Maternity Support nurse for my 2nd appointment
4. Finishing up Roo's block set since I've been putting it off for a bit now
5. Continuing my failed attempts to get a hold of my landlord so I can get out of my stinking lease!

What I ate this week:

I completely missed taking pictures of our Indian inspired dish with multi-grain rice and grilled asparagus! But as you can see, my little squash actually got to have some butternut squash this week! :) I hope she loves veggies!!!

...while she is still in my tummy!!

Okay so today will be the fourth day in a row that I have had a salad similar to this one. I usually just mix up the type of greens, dried fruit, nuts, and dressings for different flavors and textures. But honestly, this is so yummy AND so healthy! Here is a peek at my typical work lunch:


Today's salad was made up of mix spring greens, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, strawberries, pecans, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, nutritional yeast, and a pear vinaigrette!




And my drink of choice today was a bottle of G.T.'s Kombucha in Cosmic Cranberry!


Both were so delicious and packed with about a billion vitamins and nutrients. A meal like this always leaves me feeling happy and refreshed, and I'm pretty sure baby likes it too!! :)

I am working on one of the most important things in my entire life: growing a baby!

My body is extraordinary. It has welcomed another tiny human to build it's own little nest inside of it and has promised to love and care and provide nutrients to it for as long as it grows--until it is able to sustain itself and is ready to enter the world on its own.

I have been just gliding through my pregnancy--literally skipping around at work, singing loudly to music in the car, joyfully cleaning my apartment, and proudly pampering myself with new boots, sweaters and make-up. I've had extremely mild symptoms--no morning sickness whatsoever, no real trouble sleeping except when I had my cold last month, no extreme weight gain or feeling huge (130ish lbs), no pain or discomfort from baby's movements, no heartburn or terrible gas, and no negative effects on my performance at work. In fact, the only symptoms I've had (aching boobs, bloating, moodiness) have been long gone for about eight weeks now! Currently, I'm only battling acne and lightheadedness (successfully, though!).

I feel exceptionally lucky. I am thoroughly enjoying a truly magical occurrence, and am lucky that it's happening right in my own body! I am loving every moment of being pregnant. I never thought it could be this pleasant and that I would feel this radiant! I love going through my day knowing I am carrying my little girl with me and it always brings a smile to my face when I feel her tumbling around in my tummy. She makes me feel important and invincible. If I can do this, what can't I do? I have a new responsibility and a new purpose, and I wouldn't give it up for anything. She is the greatest seed I've ever planted and I can't wait to see how she grows. She is going to change my whole life and I am so ready to let her.

With all of that being said, I really can't understand why other mothers don't want me to feel this way. I'm not saying people are wishing the worst for me or my baby, but I hate all the negative comments that come my way. Take these for example ---

Comments like these are not at all what a first time mum wants to hear! I know some women have a rough time during their pregnancy(ies), but we are not all alike. I'd really like to enjoy this short time I have with my little girl inside of me and not hear how she is going to turn into the devil at any second! It's like veteran mum's can't stand to hear about how how delighted I am or how smoothly my pregnancy is going. They don't want to hear that I don't have any complaints, or they are hoping to hear something awful because that is what they experienced. Even people who have never had children (every single day at work!) constantly ask how I am doing like I am going to break down and shout about how miserable I am! That is honestly not the case. I feel great, even better than at other points in my life. I really wish I didn't have to hear all these "warnings" from other mums. There is nothing anyone can say or do to make me love this journey any less or wish that it was over or make me worry that I am doing something wrong. There is nothing wrong or disheartening about enjoying the duties of creating life.

And I will say that I am so thankful that I can have this experience, because I know there are so many women out there that can't. While others are complaining and trying to worry new mums, I will keep my spirits high and soak up every joyous second of these precious moments. I never want to take this opportunity for granted, especially knowing that other women would give anything to have a glimpse of the possibilities that I have. My heart goes out to all of you.

To my sweet daughter-to-be, please know how much I love you already, and that I promise to do my best for you always, xoxo.

How far along? 20 weeks!!!
Total weight gain? 8 1/2 lbs
Stretch marks? None
Maternity clothes? None.
Best moment this week? Finally signing up with the Maternity Support Program that my work offers was great, but the best time I've had in a while was playing trivia and bringing out surprise cupcakes at Thanksgiving dinner with my family!!


Keeping my little banana baby in mind this week, I decided to feed her a yummy and healthy banana breakfast!!
Actually blueberry pancakes, but topped with nutritional yeast, chia seeds, flax seeds, of course maple syrup, and obviously bananas! With a side of the rest of the banana. :)

I told Desiree (my older sister) earlier tonight that I might be pregnant. I know a doctor has already told me that I am, I just don't feel pregnant. I had no idea what her reaction would be, but I showed her the papers from the urgent care facility and nearly crapped my pants when she just stared at the paper and didn't say anything. But as soon as she read it, her face lit up. She was actually really happy for me and I was so relieved. She squealed a little and hugged me and congratulated me, as long as I was happy about it. I still have mixed feelings, but yes, I think I am happy. Desiree even asked if I started taking vitamins or anything yet. I haven't, especially since I only found out two days ago and haven't had a proper doctor appointment yet, but it is so cute how concerned and interested she is already. I am so glad to have one person to share my secret with.

I have so far failed at setting up a primary care. I am just so exhausted with calling people only to tell me that I won't be fit in for an appointment for a few months. I guess this is a downfall of living in the city? But I am determined. I have to at least know how far along I am and I also haven't had a physical exam in years.

All I am hoping is that if I do have someone tiny inside of me, I hope she is healthy.