Week 8

Baby H is the size of a raspberry.

8 weeks, 5 days 

Baby H is the size of a raspberry, but he or she is already active and can already make small movements in my womb!

Andrea's bridal shower this weekend- with my favorite ladies!

Jazzy is going to have a little cousin to play with soon!

7 month baby bump simulator, or one surreal aspect of trying on maternity clothes this weekend. 

How far along? 8 weeks

Maternity clothes? Yes! While we were in Jacksonville this weekend, my parents took us shopping for maternity and baby clothes at Town Center. My mom got me a few cute outfits for work, and I am so excited to have clothes that fit properly. Gabe and I were equally amused by some of the crazy contraptions maternity stores call clothing and accessories. We were both a little giddy when I tried on the 7 month baby belly (it helps you see how the clothes will fit as the baby grows). Trying on the belly definitely gave me chills, just knowing that in five months or so our little baby will have grown so much! Gabe snapped this pic while I was trying on dresses. I wonder how big my belly will actually be in five months... 

Stretch marks? No, but I've started using Palmer's Belly Cream almost daily. 

Sleep: Sleep is a challenge now. My allergies are in full swing (hello pollen!) and I can barely breath, so I find myself waking up frequently. I've also found that I get hot extremely easily now, which means Gabe and I finally agree that the comforter is for winter only. Naps are still a daily requirement. 

Best moment this week: One of the best moments of the week was Andrea's shower. Andrea's shower turned out so well! Everyone had a great time, and Andrea really loved everything Jackie and I put together. Seeing her happiness made the event a success in my book! Gabe and I are already looking forward to her wedding in May!

    Maternity shopping was also a really neat experience. It was a little crazy to see the variety of fit options, nursing bras, belly bands and so on, but it was really special to share with Gabe and my parents. The best part about the whole experience was that it makes little Baby H even more real to us. Nesting is in full swing! My mom and dad are so excited to be grandparents; they can't wait to have their first grandchild! They are already making a list of things they want to buy for the baby (Baby H is going to be a little spoiled!). While we were out, they bought Baby H some adorable little outfits too. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa, Mommy and Baby H will be in style (Daddy already looks handsome all the time :-)). 

Miss Anything? Hot Tea

Movement: None

Food cravings:  Coconut, tropical flavors, fresh salsas, and pineapple

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really. Unrelated- Pollen! I've gone through 3 boxes of Kleenex in the past two days.

Gender: Unknown

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Extreme fatigue, bloating, enlarged breasts. It is high time for a new bra. I switched to sleeping on my left side and the indigestion problems have stopped- win!

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: So happy! Gabe and I are ready to meet our little raspberry at my appointment Thursday. It's amazing to be so in love. I'm so thankful for all our blessings!

Looking forward to: My appointment Thursday. Only two days to go! Gabe and I are so excited to see the baby at my first ultrasound. I will also be so relieved to hear the doctor say that our little baby is growing perfectly. We are confident our little one is growing strong, but it will be so nice to know for sure. I recently read that a mother's optimism directly effects the health of her pregnancy, so I am cheering our little one on with notes everyday. I hope he or she will enjoy reading them later in life!