Week 26

Baby H is the size of a head of lettuce.

26 weeks! Max is almost 2 lbs!

The fruit and vegetables are getting too big to cuddle! 

                                   

Matching baby bumps! Soon we'll be having brunch and play-dates!

These were seriously the best donuts I've ever had! Look how cute she is too!

 The steampunk-inspired stage before the show- Nick's Wizard of Oz production at FSCJ. 

I made a custom teaching planner for myself this week, and I am so excited to use it this year!

How far along? 26 Weeks

Maternity clothes: It's been a sweatpants kind of week.

Stretch marks? None yet!

Sleep: I've been having teaching dreams, including nightmares about missing work, every night. That's what I get for finishing up classes and working on Teachers Pay Teachers products all week!

Best moment this week: Our brunch for six(!) at Lauren and Andrew's

 It was so lovely to catch up with my bestie and her little family this weekend. Lauren, Andrew, Gabe, and I all had a great time visiting at their apartment Saturday morning. Over donuts and yogurt (hey, we try to be healthy sometimes!), we traded stories and just got caught up because it had been quite a while since we were all able to get together. Can I just say that this lady made the best donuts I've ever had? She used the Pioneer Woman's cookbook and made them from scratch. I may need to borrow that recipe...but it might endanger our health lol. Lauren and Andrew spoiled us with a delicious spread and their wonderful hospitality. We also got a peek at Calvin's little nursery, which is all ready for him. It's amazing to know that our little boys will both be born in just a few months. I know they'll be BFFs just like us :-)

Miss Anything? Caffeine; sleeping on my back

Movement: Max is getting so big that he makes little waves when he moves now. The other night I just stared at my belly in awe as he did a little summersault or turn. It's crazy to see him more around like that, but I love it! 

Food cravings: Cookies and cream anything!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing this week.

Gender: Boy!

Labor Signs: No.

Symptoms: Braxton hicks contractions (only a couple of times), leg cramps, leaking colostrum, fatigue, crazy cravings, hot flashes, and the best part, ever-growing baby and belly :-) 

Belly Button in or out? In. 

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or Moody most of the time: So happy <3

Looking forward to: The short break between summer session and fall term. Only one class and an internship to go and I'll have my Master's!

Week 25

Baby H is the size of a cauliflower.

Boop! Little Max is not so little anymore!

Can you blame me for not wanting to buy cauliflower? Sorry cauliflower, but you lack any quality that makes me want to eat you.

In line at the French Pantry.

Le Menu!

Start salivating now...

Why, yes, I believe I will take both!

Le pain

The Irish Grilled Cheese with braised short ribs, caramelized onions, arugula, and Irish cheddar. Can I have another?

Butterbeer!

How far along? 25 Weeks

Maternity clothes: I finally found an adorable dress that resembles my pre-pregnancy style. Maternity clothes are not the most fashionable garments, so I've been feeling a little mommified recently. Even my high-waisted dresses and skirts are too small now, so I'm relieved to have found something I can feel pretty in!   

Stretch marks? Nope :-)

Sleep: Crazy dreams and leg cramps are still making it difficult to get a full night's sleep, but I'll take what I can get!

Best moments this week: Hanging out with my honey <3

     Gabe surprised me with a French Pantry date on one of his days off this week, so we drove down to Jax for lunch and an afternoon wander. We got to the French Pantry around 12:30 pm, which is pretty much their busiest time, but it was so worth the wait! After a half hour or so of waiting in their legendary line, we were able to glimpse their extensive menu. Decisions, decisions! Due to my dietary restrictions, many of the sandwiches and salads were out, but there were still plenty of tasty options to choose from. They had added a few specials since the last time we'd gone (more than a year ago!), so Gabe and I both decided to try something new- the Irish Grilled Cheese. Banish whatever you think grilled cheese is from your mind - French Pantry's version is made with braised short ribs, caramelized onions, arugula, and Irish cheddar all gloriously melted together between two slices of their homemade french bread. This was easily one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. I tried to eat the whole thing, but there was just so. much. bread. Perhaps the four or five slices I'd had before my sandwich inhibited my ability to finish this delicacy, but they were worth it too! If you haven't tasted French Pantry's homemade bread, you don't know what you're missing! Of course we couldn't skip dessert...While we were still in line Gabe declared that we would be needing two- one to follow our meal and another to take home for later. We decided on the strawberry shortcake and the berry brown butter tart. That tart is so good I have been having dreams about it. I'm so glad I don't have the recipe or I would have gained about double what I have so far! Judging from his happy kicks, one thing is for sure- Max likes French Pantry!

     On Gabe's other day off this week, we walked around downtown. We're lucky to live in a city that is so charming, and so full of beautiful sights. We hung out and had fun playing tourist in our own town; we went in and out of all the little food shops tasting samples of everything from wasabi peanuts to old fashioned pralines. One of the shops we went in stocks unique sodas, so I couldn't pass up butterbeer when I found it! Yes, I am so nerdy it extends to my soda choices. After our snack break we wandered around the open-air markets and strolled along the water. It was a simple afternoon out, but it is just so nice to get to spend this time together before Max comes. We're so excited to be parents this fall, but it is fun to have these little dates to remind us of our start as a couple more than three years ago. We've come so far since then, and I wouldn't trade our amazing life together, or the little life we've created together, for anything! 

Miss Anything? Cocktails

Movement: Max moves all the time now. Gabe rests his hands on my belly all the time now to feel him kick and move around. Every once in a while Max gets stubborn (now I wonder where he gets that from lol) and stops kicking, but usually he perks up when he feels Gabe's touch and starts moving around like crazy. I'm so in love!

Food cravings: French Pantry (finally satisfied!), vegetarian grub, cherries

Anything making you queasy or sick: Meat- I've been on a vegetarian kick at home. Funny how that didn't apply at FP...that grilled cheese just sounded too good to resist!

Gender: Our little boy!

Labor Signs: Nope.

Symptoms: leg cramps, vivid dreams, prominent veins, fatigue, crazy cravings, hot flashes, and the best part, ever-growing baby and belly :-) 

Belly Button in or out? In. 

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Ecstatic! The joy I feel grows every day!

Looking forward to: Seeing my bestie Lauren next weekend!

Week 24
Baby H is the size of a cantaloupe.

              24 weeks! Time is flying by!

Max is the size of a cantaloupe! 

Sweet Theory cupcakes from our lovely friend Ashlie! 

It was a donut kind of day!

How far along? 24 Weeks

Maternity clothes: What else? 

Stretch marks? None! 

Sleep: I've actually been getting great sleep this week! 

Best moments this week: Catching up with friends and showing off Max's nursery!

1) Ashlie's surprise visit! We spent the evening catching up over a tasty homemade meal. Since she just moved back from Minnesota, it had been quite some time since the three of us were able to hang out, so her overnight was an awesome excuse to talk all night. It was also fun to show her the nursery and Max's little clothes! We're so glad to have her back on the east coast! Ashlie also brought us some excellent cupcakes from Sweet Theory. I may have had a banana cupcake with espresso buttercream for breakfast on Sunday... that counts as a muffin, right?

2) Hanging out with Maggie on Monday. Where would I be without my work bestie? We spent the afternoon sewing curtains for her classroom and planning for this school year. Now that Max's nursery is almost finished, she wanted a peek- and who am I to refuse?! After our nursery tour and finishing up the curtains, Maggie and I went out for an excellent BBQ lunch nearby. We had tender pulled pork sandwiches and baked beans that left me so full I didn't eat for the rest of the day! Crafting, thought-provoking conversation, and a yummy lunch- now that's what I call quality girl time!   

Miss Anything? Not really

Movement: Max is getting so strong :-) Occasionally he kicks so hard that my whole abdomen jumps!

Food cravings: Strawberry eclairs/donuts, French Pantry, sweets sweets sweets

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Gender: Mr.!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: restless legs, prominent appearance to veins, increased thirst and appetite, crazy cravings, hot flashes, and the best part, ever-growing baby and belly :-) 

Belly Button in or out? In. 

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Euphoric!

Looking forward to: Our baby shower on August 16th!!!!!

Week 23
Baby H is the size of a cob of corn.

23 Weeks exactly - Loving how big Max and my bump are getting!

Max is just about 12" long now! Taking pictures at Publix isn't a new trend, I just happened to be on the cusp of week 23, so I took it at the same time as last week's. I will not be known as the crazy preggo lady at the grocery store.

Gabe can feel Max kick now and I love sharing these moments! Thanks for the pics Andrea!

We passed out early and Andrea took these adorable pics of us :-)

GO USA! The ladies brought home the World Cup this year! What a game!

How far along? 23 Weeks

Maternity clothes: PJs are preferable. I busted out my flannel polka dot pjs for the World cup game because it was pouring outside...and why not? 

Stretch marks? Nope!

Sleep: I am almost back to first trimester sleep again! I've been doing some exercises to strengthen my hips and I think they are helping keep my restless legs at bay!

Best moments this week: 

1) Gabe can feel Max kick now! We decided to stay in on 4th of July and we were curled up on the couch watching TV when Gabe was finally able to feel Max move around. He was surprised and pleased to feel Max's strong movements. Gabe said "oh-oh I think I just felt something!" and the biggest smile lit his face up...and it kept getting bigger as he felt Max move again and again. At one point he was so active my whole belly was moving! It's amazing to share these moments with Gabe, and I try to see if he can feel at least a few every day. My heart is just so full of love for our family of three! 

2) Victory to the US Women's Team. Watching the game was awe-inspiring. At one point I was making dinner and I didn't want to get plates down because I was afraid I would miss another goal! Talk about a crazy game!

3) Andrea's visit! It was great to catch up and just chill together. Tuesday we explored the city and went to Green Truck Pub for lunch. We had a nice long walk around downtown and Forsyth Park, so I don't feel bad about a single calorie...not a single one! Wednesday and Thursday we just relaxed at home and hung out. I took a vacation from grad work for a few days while she was here, so it was a relaxing trip for both of us!   

Miss Anything? Sandwiches

Movement: Gabe can finally feel Max kicking! Max moves throughout the day now, and I love feeling his strong kicks, punches, and rolls. It's so reassuring to feel him growing bigger and stronger each day :-)

Food cravings: Pumpkin Scones and Hot Chocolate (4th of July was rainy and cool), cherries, Mellow Mushroom, and delicious sandwiches (that one will have to wait.). I've been trying to eat healthier and I manage it most of the time, but these lists never seem to reflect that... I promise I'm eating fruit and veggies, salad, lots of whole grains, and real protein!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Gender: Our little man!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: leg cramps, prominent appearance to veins, increased appetite, vivid dreams, hot flashes, and the best part, ever-growing baby and belly :-) 

Belly Button in or out? In. So far, so good. Hopefully it won't get weird looking!

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or Moody most of the time: So, so happy. We are some blessed people!

Looking forward to: The third trimester! Almost there!

Week 22
Baby H is the size of a papaya.

22 weeks exactly- Max weighs 1 lb now!

Today I was the crazy lady in Publix who takes pictures with the fruit- but can you blame me for not wanting    2 lbs of Papaya to eat this week?

Check out this adorable surprise from my parents: New York City onesies for Max!

Pregnancy + Rainy Saturday + Grad Work = Pajama Day

The best muffins I've ever made: Pumpkin Whole Wheat Muffins with Pecan Streusel 

How far along? 22 Weeks

Maternity clothes: I'm still on the quest for a comfortable bra...although I'm not sure they actually exist. Trying them on feels like this, except I have yet to find any that fit properly and stay comfortable. How is it that bras and shoes are deceptively comfortable in the store, but suddenly become torture devices once you've bought them? 

Stretch marks? None! Perhaps I should buy stock in Palmers; so far it's a magic cream!

Sleep: This week has been much better. My dreams have never been weirder, but I only had to get up once or twice each night. This week I've dreamed about everything from teaching to French Pantry to being on the run in Westeros. Gateaux to Game of Thrones, now that's quite the gamut! Lately I've been working on graduate school coursework around the clock, so it's also possible I'm actually wearing myself out enough to get some sleep. 

Best moment this week: I love the little moments because I find they get taken for granted way too often by many people. This week my favorite activity was lounging at home with Gabe and just talking the night away while Gabe rested his hands on my belly. He is already so caring with Max, and my heart just melts with love for both of them. I love the way Gabe talks to Max, gives him belly kisses, and tries to feel his kicks (not quite yet). Our life as a family of three is off to an amazing start.

Miss Anything? Caffeine 

Movement: Max is getting more active, so I get to feel his adorable kicks throughout the day. Even when I'm deep in work his little flutters bring a smile to my face. 

Food cravings: Donuts, Pumpkin, Hot Fudge, and pretty much anything sweet. Also, Butterbeer Frappuccinos are delicious- I may or may not have had two this week. In contrast, I also got a craving for popcorn shrimp, which was completely out of the blue. I've never been into fried foods much, but who am I to turn down a simple psychological need? As Albus Dumbledore would say, "of course it is happening inside your head, but why on earth should that mean it is not real?" The high wizard approves, so I'll keep giving into my better cravings...

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Gender: Boy!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: restless legs, prominent appearance to veins, disrupted sleep, increased appetite, ever-larger boobs and belly :-) 

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? My new ring is the perfect size, and it's not going anywhere!

Happy or Moody most of the time: I didn't know happiness like this existed! I'm so incredibly grateful for what we've been blessed with!

Looking forward to: I hope Gabe will be able to feel Max kick soon!

Week 21
Baby H is the size of a bag of coffee*.

Max and my belly are growing every day. I'm so in love! 

Max is 10.5 inches long and weighs around 14 oz (he was 13 oz at our ultrasound last week)

Future BFFs Calvin and Max!

Dear Sweet Theory, Can you please open a Savannah store?

Out on the town for our anniversary <3

Carter's had a crazy clearance sale, so Max's closet is well stocked! some of these outfits were only $2-$3!

 *
*Every baby chart says that Max is the size of a pomegranate, which they depict as being 10.5" wide and 13 oz. Now, I don't know about you, but I've never laid eyes on a pomegranate that is 10.5" wide- that's roughly the size of a small cantaloupe! That being said, I did a little digging in my pantry and came up with a perfect substitute...a bag of coffee, which conveniently weighs exactly 12 oz. Let's face it, I may have had to switch to decaf, but I'm still a coffee fiend so it's only fitting that coffee is worked into this blog somehow.

How far along? 21 Weeks

Maternity clothes: are the only clothes that fit now that Max is taking over... I gave in and ordered some work pants so I will have something to teach in. Can't I just wear pjs all day?

Stretch marks? No- but my body still has a lot of stretching to do.

Sleep: Depends on the night. Sometimes I just pass out and other nights I wake up five or six times with leg cramps or because I have to pee. Whoever said I would have to pee less during the second trimester lied big time!

Best moment this week: 

  1)   Our 1st anniversary! Gabe and I went to Alligator Soul for dinner Sunday night and had an amazing evening on the town. The restaurant greeted us with a special anniversary treat, two mini pecan pies that somehow managed to last until we hit dessert. As usual, the food was fantastic and the ambiance was swanky and romantic. Our amuse-bouche was succulent beef tips with a caramelized glaze. They were so good I wanted a plate of them for my entree! Next up, we had the seasonal salad complete with their signature fried grit croutons. If you haven't had these, you need to. Basically, they're a soft pillow of grits, fried crispy on the outside and oozing with Parmesan on the inside. In other words, they are the best crouton you will ever eat! Following our salads, Gabe and I went for the grilled entrees: I got succulent apricot glazed lamb lollipops with rice pilaf and Gabe ordered Elk tenderloin with summer vegetables and crispy pancetta that he described as "God's bacon" because it was so good. Though everything sounds rich, Alligator Soul serves moderate portion sizes so we actually had room for dessert. I figured we would split something, but Gabe wanted his own lol! He decided on a bourbon poached apricot shortcake and I had the chocolate hazelnut torte. All around, it was a fantastic meal! 

       Monday night, our actual anniversary, I had class until 8:30, so Gabe prepared dinner for us. After a nice day out and about, we were feeling a little lazy and brought a delicious Chicken and Thyme Pie home from Pie Society. Gabe had everything ready when I got in from class and we spent a rainy night in, just enjoying each other's company. On a ultra romantic note, Gabe gave me my new ring by re-proposing to me, which was incredible. Of course I said "yes!" I'd marry him a million times :-) I'm so lucky to have him! Who knew that in just a year we'd already be a family of three?! 

   2)   Seeing my bestie, Lauren on Saturday! It was so good to catch up with her for breakfast at Sweet Theory. After deciding on donuts, we sat and talked for hours, just like we did when we lived in the same city. Following breakfast we went to her baby shower, which was just beautiful. It also made me excited for mine this Fall! Check out our matching bellies! Our outings may have switched up from morning runs and breakfast at Cool Moose, but our friendship is just as strong as ever. I'm one blessed lady to call this amazing woman my best friend! 

Miss Anything? Sleeping on my back.

Movement: I love feeling Max move around. He is definitely going to be a foodie because he loves to start kicking as I eat!

Food cravings: Root Beer Floats, Sweet Theory Donuts-again! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not this week!

Gender: Our little man, Gabe calls him "buddy," which is just adorable!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: restless legs, prominent appearance to veins, disrupted sleep, increased appetite.

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? Off. It made me sad to take them off, but I really don't want to have them cut off if my fingers swell in the heat. I do have my new ring on, and I am happier to be Mrs. Hayden than I've ever been! 

Happy or Moody most of the time: There aren't even words <3

Looking forward to: Max (and my belly) growing even larger! 

Week 20
Baby H is the size of a banana.

Look at that belly!

Max weighs 13 oz and is about 10" long

profile view

Max is already adorable! We're so in love!

His little feet!

How far along? 20 Weeks

Maternity clothes: are thankfully on clearance this week.

Stretch marks? Not yet!

Sleep: My dreams are getting increasingly vivid. I still have to switch sides throughout the night to stay comfortable, but otherwise I'm finally getting some much needed rest.

Best moment this week: 

     Finding out our baby's gender!!! It was so reassuring to see our little bean during the anatomy scan. And...It's a boy!!! Gabe and I are thrilled to be bringing Maximilian Sutherland Hayden into the world in October. We're so in love with our little man already! During the scan he was very active, but the technician was able to get all the data she needed pretty easily. Everything looks good and Max is growing strong. Little Max is quite cooperative- at least for now! The 4D technology also allowed us a sneak peek at his handsome little face. I also loved seeing his little feet, his strong little legs, and his cute little hands. One things for sure: he's going to be a charmer! I'm hooked!   

Miss Anything? Not that I can think of...

Movement: Max moves all around now, and his little kicks keep getting stronger :-)

Food cravings: Crabcakes

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, I feel great!

Gender: It's a boy!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: restless legs, prominent appearance to veins, occasional headaches, increased appetite.

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On. Gabe is giving me my new ring on our anniversary <3

Happy or Moody most of the time: In love and extremely happy

Looking forward to: Gabe being able to feel Max's kicks