26 Weeks // It's Been a While

It's been a while since I've updated about my pregnancy on here and I am now 26 weeks! I've been a bit busy and haven't been able to take pictures or document any kind of outfit that I have chosen to wear (that I actually like), which I am kind of bummed about, but I plan to do better the rest of my pregnancy. 

 It's been a bit harder for me lately to feel comfortable laying down, bending over, in clothes, out of clothes, sitting down, standing up. You know, the whole nine yards. But, I am embracing it as much as I can. I'm taking advantage of Cody helping me up and having him do things for me, it is quite nice. 

This past week, I had a bit of a scare and ended up going to the hospital. I had originally gone in to the doctor because I haven't felt Alexander move for quite a while (way longer than the recommended time). So, I got checked out and he was fine, but they tested me to see if my water had broke and all the tests that they did at the office were inconclusive and I had to go to the hospital. Once there, I got all hooked up and it was the neatest thing. I could see my Braxton Hicks contractions and I could monitor his heart rate, which was amazingly reassuring. The test came back negative, which was a relief. But, I was glad I did get checked as a just in case. Oh, and once I got home, he was kicking up a storm, as usual. 

It's hard to remember that pregnancy is beautiful and that I am beautiful. No matter my stretch marks, weight gain, cellulite and weird bouts of pregnancy stuff. Ladies, we are strong and beautiful for what our bodies go through. Men, thank you for being there when we need help getting up and all our weird cravings in the middle of the night. 

I love my man for all that he has given me support wise. Last night we enthused ourselves by going out to Biktoberfest, which is HUGE in Daytona. So, we headed out to the Boardwalk/Main Street area and walked around for a few hours. It was nice, only in the aspect of I walked for at least 2 miles and stood and got my exercise. Bikers are obnoxious and definitely have a good time with what they do, but for me, it is a little crazy.

Here is a picture of our lovely kitty, Cat or Jazz or whatever we feel like calling him at the moment. He likes it when I take pictures of him and belly rubs. 

Have a fantastic weekend!

Book Review: The Sisters by Nancy Jensen

Last weeks read was a book that had been collecting dust on my shelf, so I decided to pick it up and give it a shot. Here is my view:

A book about three generations of sisters spanning from 1927 until present day; filled with emotional turmoil from a life changing misunderstanding. A story of judgement, hate, and longing.
Two young ladies scorned by the loss of their mother and stuck with their abusive stepfather. Bertie, the youngest, avoids his drunken rage while Mabel, the oldest, keeps peace while being used for her body. Bertie's graduation day, she comes home and finds Jim Butcher had killed himself with a note that her beau, Wallace, and Mabel had run off together, leaving her behind, which was a misunderstanding. Mabel and Wallace had planned for her to be there all along, but a missed connection kept her from ever knowing the truth and kept her bitter till death. Bertie left town and married Hans, having two children named Alma and Rainey. All the while, keeping Mabel a secret from her family. Alma marries up, to a doctor and they have a son that is just like his father. Rainey gets pregnant by a hidden homosexual and does everything in her power to keep her away from him, which only works for so long. Her second daughter's father doesn't even know she exists. Her daughter's take two separate paths; one is a judge while the other makes armor and jewelry. Meanwhile, Mabel had gotten a job as a photographer in Chicago. Her adoptive daughter, Daisy, who she stole from her abusive father, adored Mabel and knew of her struggle with Bertie. These families plagued with a past misunderstanding have a past that's hidden and a future that is unknown.
Jensen writes methodically by pointing out each person's point of view over the years and showing glimpses of how each person is affected by the other. It's a strong suit in some aspects, but in others it isn't. The book isn't very long, so doing that helps it go by smoother with skipping a lot of detail and lightly covering it in each chapter. At the same time, that requires a bit of imagination because bits and pieces are left out and things aren't fully explained. Overall it is a great read and really opens your eyes to what simple misunderstandings can do. 

19 Weeks

Happy 19 weeks in momma's belly little man! I can definitely tell that you have had a bit of a growth spurt this past week and I'm starting to feel you tickle me when I am laying down. It feels oh so wonderful and I will start laughing because you are tickling me so much. Your dad is looking forward to your arrival and can't wait to play with you (video games, soccer and so many other things). We are anxiously awaiting your timely arrival sweet dear.

Ok, so now that I have been sentimental to my little man, I must talk about this dress. A+ in comfort and stomach compatability and lightness in fabric. Thank you so much H&M for having the perfect maternity section for a 20 year old wanting to stick with being fashionable. I was in awwww while I was there. Skinny Jeans, cute dresses, shirts and affordability. Isn't that the most important part?

I'm enjoying pregnancy very much. I've had it easy (knock on wood) and have only had a few persisting symptoms. Peeing every five minutes (which is nuts for the second trimester but he is sitting sooo low), and fatigue (I'm in bed by 10 p.m. which is early for our family). So, over all I am extremely happy. I have been doing prenatal yoga twice a day and I am looking forward to this Florida weather cooling down so I can walk more outside. 

Of course I had to share a picture of our cute little kitty man. He follows me around everywhere and loves to cuddle with my tummy. 

I'm very excited for our future. 

Preparing for Baby // 17 Weeks

I'm excited to announce that we were fortunate enough to find out the gender of our wee one. 

It's a BOY!

And we couldn't be more excited!

 My mom gave me my old stuff animals from my nursery and I decided that I am going to use a few of them. Especially this bambi, it's oh so cute. It works out that right now I'm not exactly doing a theme because we are in a small one bedroom apartment and everything of the baby is going to be in our room (that's what happens when you don't know your pregnant when you move). But, I'm extremely happy with it. It works out pleasantly for us. And when our lease is up, we will be moving to a 2 bedroom house with a yard for our lovely dogs. Needless to say I'm excited for our little man.

 

Our little man's name is Alexander James and will definitely go by the nickname Zander. This is where the crib will end up being in our bedroom, so of course I decided to get crafty and make a cute little banner to go over the little man's crib. I will end doing a few more fun diy crafts (like little clouds and other things). I'll share updates.

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while, I have had computer issues! Love you guys!