Week 17
Baby H is the size of an onion.

17 weeks, 2 days. Baby H is developing fingerprints and I should be able to feel his/her movements soon!

Baby H is about 5" long. In the next few weeks he/she will fatten up and triple in weight!

Derby on Park's Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit:Derby on Park Facebook Page (2015).

How far along? 17 Weeks

Maternity clothes: It's tempting to binge shop, but I'll only need these clothes for the next seven or eight months, so I'm trying to be practical. My favorite clothing item right now is my black patterned maternity shorts, which might just be because they have the most comfortable waistband in existence. Will anyone call me out if I wear these things every day?

Stretch marks? So far so good...

Sleep: I recently came across the saying, "I don't want to sleep like a baby, I want to sleep like my husband" which is so true. Gabe passes out so easily. My nights are spent switching back and forth between my left and right sides because I can't seem to get comfortable regardless as to what position I'm laying in. For the meantime, naps on the couch are getting me through the day. 

Best moment this week: 

Hearing the baby's heartbeat at my unexpected doctor's appointment. On the way to work Tuesday someone rear-ended my car and I was really worried about the baby being okay. Thankfully, I wasn't hurt and I got into the OB the same day. After several hours at the doctor, a doplar scan, a series of blood work, and a few days of rest it seems like everything is going to be okay. Little Baby H is a trooper (aka stubborn), just like us :-) 

Miss Anything? Tea. It keeps getting hotter and water is refreshing and all, but I miss iced tea. I guess I could have a little, but between the caffeine and worrying about which herbs are in each blend tea looses its appeal. 

Movement: ? 

Food cravings: Enchiladas for me (again). All my cravings this week have been savory, which seems to be a continuing trend. The seriously good shrimp and grits I had at our family brunch in Jacksonville this past weekend perfectly hit the spot. Just writing about those shrimp and grits makes me want to drive to Jax for them again! Could all these salty food cravings mean we're having a boy?

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really, I feel healthy and full of energy! Besides the lack of sleep, the 2nd trimester is wonderful! 

Gender: We're happy as long as our little bean is healthy and happy. That being said the following list is pretty fun:

Old Wives Tale #1: Heart Rate 
If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy. (During the first ultrasound the baby's heartbeat it was at 168 bpm)
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #2: Shape of Belly
If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy. 
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #3: Ring Test
Using a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly. You are having a girl if the ring swings back and forth and it’s a boy if it swings in a circle. 
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #4: Acne
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones. 
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #5: Cravings
People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl. 
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #6: Chinese Gender Chart
The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%. It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived. 
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #7: Mom’s Beauty
Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, a little boy it is. Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #8: Dream of Sex of Baby
If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy. Dreams show the opposite of what you are having. (I keep dreaming the baby is a girl) 

Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #9: Clumsy vs. Graceful
If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy. 
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #10: Side You Most Rest On
If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl.
Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #11: Dad’s Weight Gain
If the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl. If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy.
 Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #12: Breast Test
If a pregnant woman’s left breast is larger than the right breast, she’s having a girl. If the right breast is larger, it’s a boy.  

Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #13: What Do You Think?
71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having. 
Prediction outcome: GIRL 

Old Wives Tale #14: Morning Sickness
If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl. 
Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #15: Headaches
If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy. 
Prediction outcome:BOY

Total: GIRL 10
           BOY    5
Gender Prediction: GIRL! Is our little one a Lorelai or Max? We'll see very soon!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Hunger, slight backaches, growing belly :-) 

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On- for now. Gabe spoiled me with my combination anniversary/push gift and got me a new ring to wear in place of my wedding bands. We ordered my new ring this week and it should come in around the middle of June. I can hardly wait! As much as it saddens me not to be able to wear my rings, I don't want to be stubborn and have them get stuck on/have to get them cut off. Plus, the one we found is gorgeous! Even though my fingers are swelling, they're still a whole size smaller than the standard ring size at the Jewelry store, so we had to send my new ring out to get sized. I'm so excited to be able to wear a wedding band without worrying about my fingers swelling up. The slogan for pregnancy should be "Everything grows."

Isn't it gorgeous?! Gabe sure knows how to spoil me!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Ecstatic!

Looking forward to: Summer vacation, it's finally here! Time to nest, craft, and relax with Gabe during our last few months before we become parents. 

Week 16
Baby H is the size of a avocado.

16 weeks, 2 days - Lorelai or Max has started practicing deep breathing to prepare for action once she/he is born.

Baby H is the size of a large avocado, just about 4.5" long.

Nursery Sneak Peek!

How far along? 16 Weeks

Maternity clothes: are all that I can fit now. I took my measurements yesterday and they have increased by about three inches each at the bust, waist, and hips. No wonder my high-waisted skirts are so snug!

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: I've been tossing and turning more this week, but I'm still passing out really early. My legs have also been getting restless during my sleep more often, which is something I hope will decrease since I've been swimming more frequently. 

Best moment this week: 

Having the weekend and the evenings off with Gabe. This weekend we went on a tasty Jalapeños double date with my work bestie Maggie and her fiance Brian. My cravings for Mexican food are still raging, so I had a selection of savory enchiladas and stared at Maggie's queso with envy. Since we were good enough to leave leftovers, we also went to Marble Slab afterward and I somehow devoured a coffee and Heath cone. Needless to say, that was not the healthiest lunch we've eaten recently, but it was damn delicious! Hopefully the 1/2 mile I swam later Sunday afternoon helped negate some of those crazy calories!

Miss Anything? Cocktails, just every once in a while. Somehow I just don't feel as swanky sipping ice water before dinner.

Movement: We're getting closer! I'm hoping to start feeling the baby's movements in the next week or so.

Food cravings: Cool Moose Cafe Muffins. Fortunately, the muffins at Publix sufficed after some toasting under the broiler. It should be noted that Gabe and I actually debated the merits of making the two hour drive for Cool Moose muffins, because they're that good! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Acidic foods have been giving me heartburn, but otherwise I feel great!

Gender: Only three more weeks until we find out if the baby is little Max or little Lorelai!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: heightened sense of smell, increased appetite, huge boobs, weight gain, growing belly!  

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On-ish. My fingers have been swelling in the heat and Gabe is afraid my rings will get stuck on. We've started looking into a simple ring I can wear during my pregnancy because I would feel naked without them!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and excited. Words can't even describe what it feels like to know we'll be parents in just 5 months!

Looking forward to: Finding out the baby's gender and getting to hear its heartbeat again at my next appointment!

Week 15
Baby H is the size of a pear.

15 weeks, 2 days

Lorelai or Max is the size of a pear, measuring around 4" long. 

How far along? 15 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Gone are the days of squeezing into pre-pregnancy wear. This week I broke down and bought an adorable retro maternity swimsuit and a few more shirts for work. The belly is taking over!

Stretch marks? No (fingers crossed)!

Sleep: I haven't been napping as much, so I pass out pretty early at night (like 9 pm). On the plus side, I'm getting a miraculous nine hours of sleep every night, which I'm very thankful for.

Best moment this week: 

Gabe built the baby's crib and changing table this week. It's so thrilling to walk into our old office and see the baby's nursery taking shape! So far, we have the glider, changing table, and crib in place. We also have the curtains up, and I framed the artwork I painted for the baby's room. Even though we're still five months out, I feel like Max or Lorelai will be here before we know it!

Miss Anything? Thanks to binge-watching No Reservations this week, I miss real cheese again. As in the kind that stinks and oozes onto your plate. Brie, Bleu, you name it. I also miss the wine that goes with it, but not as much as I miss the cheese.

Movement: I should be able to feel him/her soon!

Food cravings: Anything and everything Mexican! I just can't get enough enchiladas. I even made some for my class this week as an excuse to have them! :-)

Anything making you queasy or sick: The aromas in our cafeteria. Usually the food looks and smells pretty good, but it's been a little funky this week. 

Gender: We'll know soon! Most of the people I know that are expecting are having boys, so my theory is that our little one is a girl because it has to even out somewhere. I know it doesn't really work that way (and Gabe loves to remind me of this), but I've also been dreaming the baby is a girl. I guess we'll find out soon!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Increased appetite, weight gain, growing belly!  

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! Also, very ready for school to be out next week. The kiddos have been extra crazy lately, so I'm really on the countdown now!

Looking forward to: Feeling the baby kick and move around!

Week 14
Baby H is the size of a lemon.

Check out that bump! Baby H has decided to make his/her presence known. I love it!

14 weeks exactly

Baby H is the size of a lemon, and is already starting to grow eyebrows, eyelashes, and lanugo, a fine peach fuzz that covers his/her whole body.

At Andrea's rehearsal dinner at Sugarboo Farms. So in love! Yes- I wore the same dress two days in a row. It is super comfy, sexy, travels well, and still fits! I consider that a win all the way around! 

At Andrea's wedding!

The happy couple!

Andrea and James' first dance as Mr. and Mrs. :-)

Anna Ruby Falls, Unicoi State Park, Helen, GA

Smores!

How far along? 14 Weeks

Maternity clothes:  I'm still trying to mix it up between pre-pregnancy pieces and maternity wear. I was psyched to find out that my favorite red dress still fits, so I wore it twice this week. This standby of mine hadn't seen daylight in a while, but I'm so glad I can still wear it. Dressing up and feeling sexy does wonders to set pregnancy fatigue at bay and my trusty dress definitely got Gabe's attention! That's what I call double duty.  

Stretch marks? none yet. Palmers, keep your magic going.

Sleep: At last! Between the cozy king size bed we had in our hotel room and a three day weekend, I am finally getting the sleep I need. This week I've managed a few power sleeps of 9-11 hours which is amazing! Actually, I think I'll go nap now...lol.

Best moment this week: 

1) Andrea's wedding! The ceremony was beautiful and the whole weekend was insanely relaxing. Nothing says calm like fresh mountain air, rolling vistas, and being surrounded by joyous people. What a weekend! We are so happy for Andrea and James, and wish them a lifetime of love!

2) Getting our first presents for the baby! Andrea and mom spoiled us upon our arrival at the farm. Andrea got Baby H a hug stack of books for the nursery, and mom got us some cute polka dot curtains and a changing table pad cover that we registered for. The spoiling begins!

3) Seeing my first waterfall at Anna Ruby Falls. Gabe and I went to Helen on Friday morning, had some Bavarian pastry, then went hiking. We walked the half mile path up (and I mean up, the path is pretty steep) to the falls, and I couldn't believe how large they were. The view was absolutely breathtaking! Gabe and I stood on the viewing platform for a while just holding each other and absorbing the natural beauty of the situation. After a while we dragged ourselves back down to the entrance and checked out the gift shop, where we got an owl baby book for our little one. Baby H will be well read before he/she is even born!

4) Campfire smores!

Miss Anything? I'm not a hot dog person, but the ones on the grill at the rehearsal dinner looked amazing. Good thing the burgers were delicious too!

Movement: Hopefully I'll be able to feel the baby moving in just a week to a few more weeks!

Food cravings: Pulled pork, biscuits, fried chicken- how have I only gained two pounds?!

Anything making you queasy or sick: The winding mountain roads.

Gender: Only about a month to go until we find out the baby's gender!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Fatigue, headaches, increased appetite  

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! I'm so thankful for our little family of three!

Looking forward to: Summer vacation! Only 12 days of teaching left this school year :-)

Week 13
Baby H is the size of a peach.

Gabe is my photographer every week. We both love watching my bump get bigger!

                   13 weeks 2 days

Baby H is growing! This week he or she is the size of a peach :-)

How far along? 13 Weeks

Maternity clothes:  Is is wrong to wear maternity clothes after you deliver? They are so comfortable I don't know how I'll switch back. That being said, I do miss wearing actual jeans with real buttons and zippers.  

Stretch marks? Still none! I think I may be getting a linea nigra, but it's pretty faint, so we'll see. 

Sleep: I've been getting some quality sleep thanks to my Snoogle and some lovely nights off with Gabe. My dreams are crazy as ever, but I'll take the much needed rest!

Best moment this week: Date night with Gabe. We went to dinner at Green Truck Pub and had an amazing night out. Dinner was delicious, but the best part of our night was when we told each other hilarious stories from our growing up years. At one point we were both laughing so hard we were practically crying! I love being married to someone who has such a great sense of humor and who can make me laugh so hard. It's just so good to be together.  

Miss Anything? Afternoon naps...hello summer plans! 

Movement: Soon!

Food cravings: Burgers and fries (with spicy mustard), pickles, lemon anything, salt (olives), salt (artichoke hearts), salt (popcorn).

Anything making you queasy or sick: Tomato sauces are still a no go.

Gender: I keep dreaming our baby is a girl... of course, we're happy either way; we just want a happy, healthy little baby. 

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Still tired. I'm supposed to get my energy back soon right? Occasional nausea.  

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? Still loose! My theory is that since they we're fitted and made last summer, I should be able to wear them all summer this year :-)

Happy or Moody most of the time: So incredibly happy. I had no idea that life and love can be this amazing!

Looking forward to: Our three day vacation to the mountains for Andrea's wedding! It will be lovely to get out of town, see our family, and celebrate A and J's love.