weeks 26 & 27... where is the time going?!

So I have officially slacked off on my blogging duties. For this, I apologize! With Christmas last week and all of the hustle and bustle that came along with it, I just didn't get the chance to sit down at my laptop and write. And I figured that with this week being New Years, we're having company, and the big Rose Bowl, I probably won't get a chance to sit down to write my week 27 blog. So, I am now writing them together.

Week 26 was good - from what I can remember. I lose track of my days when it's the holidays and I have time off from work. It was a busy week, I do know that much! Our Christmas festivites started last Tuesday night at Ed's Grandma & Grandpa Reynolds'. We did the annual potluck thing, opened presents, and went home. Thursday evening Ed and I went to my moms for Christmas Eve dinner and to do our gift exchange. Mom made a delicious shrimp and asparagus penne pasta dish with a garlic/basil sauce. 'Twas deee-lish!! It was nice and relaxing, just the three of us :)

That evening, Eddie and I decided to exchange our gifts that we got each other. He got me a few baby things and a beautiful diamond bracelet! Man, he sure does know how to spoil me :) Oh, and a new pair of gym shoes, which I desperately needed!! I got him a new pair of gym shoes, a new coffee maker, some house slippers, a few coffee mugs, and the Hangover DVD.

Friday morning, Christmas Day, we woke up early to hit the road for Cincinnati. We got there around 1215p and left around 240p. It was so nice to see family and friends that we haven't seen for a few years and spend more time with my momma. We went straight from Cincinnati to Ashville to have Christmas dinner with Ed's parents, sister and Grandma Carolyn. Needless to say, we crashed when we got home that evening. And finally, Saturday, we had the last of our Christmas dinners with Eddie's moms side of the family. By the time Sunday rolled around, I was exhausted!

Thankfully, this week isn't looking too busy so far. Ivan & Jamie are coming in on Thursday for the New Years Eve celebration held at Kim's this year. I'm pretty excited about that. I got the cutest red dress for the occasion and thought that I would spice up my outfit with my leopard print peep-toe heels. Sexy!

Baby R is moving like crazy inside of my baby belly. Last night I was simply amazed at the baby's movements. I don't know if it was a hand or a foot, but the movements were slow and literally from one side of my belly to the other. The feeling is indescribable.

Gestation week: 26 & 27
Total weight gain: Well, I have neglected getting on the scale. I'm way too hormonal right now. I have my 28 week check up next Tuesday, I'll let you know then!!
Baby size: Baby R is about 15 inches long and weighs about 2lbs (if not more!)
Major baby developments: Sleeping & waking at regular intervals, opening and closing eyes, perhaps sucking thumb or fingers, brain is very active now, and lungs are now capable of functioning - with a lot of medical help - if he/she were to be born right now.
Current issue: Sleep.
Current craving: Getting better at managing my "sweet tooth" cravings
Exercise this week: A little in week 26 - I am back on the treadmill tonight!!
Hormonal moment of the week: Cried like a baby last night because I threw a dog toy at Eddie (jokingly) and it hit him in the nose and I felt bad. He thought it was funny.
Stretch marks: Still none!! I put on my cocoa butter and baby oil 2x/day
Maternity clothes: Buh-bye regular clothes... until next summer!!
Most recent baby purchase: Baby got lots of books and a few other things for Christmas
Fluttering/kicking: All day long! :)
Most memorable moment of the week: Celebrating our last Christmas as just Eddie and Meredith

That pretty much sums up the last two weeks of my pregnancy. As of today, I have exactly 3 months until my due date. CRAZY! Where oh where is the time going to?! After the new year, and I am most definitely looking forward to Rachel & Brian coming home.

And since it's been a few weeks (oops, sorry) here is my baby bump:

And here is a picture of Grayson, our Christmas pup!

More to report from the baby belly at week 28 (the official start of my 7th month and my 3rd trimester!!).

Peace, love, and baby,

Meredith & Eddie

week 25... almost less than 100 days to go!

25 weeks down... 15 more to go. I just cannot believe how quickly time is passing. I knew that with the holidays, the weeks would just fly by. Now if only this same theory applies once January comes. Which, I'm thinking that it will. I have so much to look forward to between now and the end of March.

For starters, Christmas is nex week! I am oober excited. I have a few miscellaneous items that I need to purchase.. mostly for Eddie. But mom and I are headed back out to the malls again this weekend so that I can finish things up. I work a 3-day week next week (can I get an AMEN!!), so I am most definitely looking forward to some more family time and for some relaxation time. After next week, NEW YEARS! SO much to celebrate going forward into 2010 and SO much to be thankful for in 2009 (ahem, Baby R!).The celebration, as we begin 2010, will be held at Kim's house. Low key, like last year. Minus me being the ridiculous drunk that I was. This year, I will be the responsible mama-to-be while I watch everyone else make fools of themselves. Although, I am tempted to have a celebratory glass of bubbly to toast with my husband and my closest of friends at midnight :) I think that I just may treat myself to that. Besides, my doctor says that it's perfectly okay to have a glass now and then in your second and third trimesters of pregnancy. I think that the one glass of bubbly will do!

After the holidays pass, next up: my baby shower thrown my Rachel and Stacey!! Can I tell you just how excited I am for this?! This may be the baby shower of the century. They are going all out!! I simply cannot wait. The shower is scheduled for Sunday, February 7th.... which obviously means that RACHEL WILL BE HOME!! And better yet... BRIAN TOO!! I can't wait to wrap my arms around them and have Rachie feelin' all over the baby bump. She's gonna love it. My plan is to schedule my 32 week OB check up while they are home so that Rach can come with me to the appt and listen to Baby R's heartbeat. The shower will consist of my friends and my family. Clara (my sister-in-law) and their cousin, Dee, plan on throwing me one for their side of the family... I just don't know when. Nevertheless, another thing to look forward to as the weeks tick by.

And then... it's March. The unfortunate truth of it all is that March will probably be the slowest month of all. The hours will seem like days and the minutes will seem like years... I've always heard that the last few weeks are the most uncomfortable and the longest. We shall see.

Gestation week: 25
Total weight gain: 16lbs total
Baby size: Baby R is about 13.5 inches long and weighs about a pound and a half (if not more!!)
Major baby developments: Baby is starting to get some fat on that little body and lots of growing hair (for mommy to play with)
Current issue: my sleep
Current craving: Chocolate. But learning how to manage my craving.
Exercise this week: Yep! On the treadmill like I promised.
Hormonal moment of the week: I pouted for like a minute while baby registering in Babies R Us
Stretch marks: Still none!! Amazing.
Maternity clothes: Ahhh, yes.
Most recent baby purchase: Nada
Fluttering/kicking: Keeping me up at night!
Most memorable moment of the week: Baby registering! Eddie and I had a good time :)

And now my baby bump:

More to report from the baby belly at week 26...

Peace, love, & baby,

Meredith & Eddie

week 24... growing by the seconds!!

It's official. The weight gain is in full effect! There is no stopping Baby R now. I had my monthy checkup this past Tuesday, 12/8, and was required to do the glucose tolerance screening which screens for gestational diabetes. I had to drink this horrific orange drink that was full of sugar. Ick. And what made it even worse, was that they didn't have any cold so I had to drink it nice and warm. Yum.

My blood pressure looked good, baby's heartbeat was at 155bpm (it's pretty much been consistent throughout my pregnancy so far), and I'm up a total of.... drum roll please... 15lbs! Wowza. I must have really enjoyed myself over Thanksgiving. I need to lay off of the sweets. My constant craving for all things chocolate can subside anytime now.Seriously. Any day now.

Granted, I am exactly where I should be and my doctor is very pleased with my progression - I guess that I just didn't think that I gained 5.5lbs within 4 weeks. Needless to say, I will be back on the treadmill more than just 2 or 3 times a week.

Christmas is in a few weeks (2 from tomorrow, to be exact) and Eddie and I are in the least bit prepared. Like always. We wait until the VERY last minute to do our shopping. We won't be able to swing that within the next few years. We did pick out our Christmas tree last Sunday and I am proud to say that this is the first year that we didn't pick out a "dud" tree. Last years tree was an absolute disaster - so much that I didn't even know if I wanted to go down that road again this year. But our little tree is perfect!

Gestation week: 24
Total weight gain: Up a total of 15lbs!!
Baby size: Baby R has gained nearly 4oz (if not more) since last week! Well over a pound and probably over a foot long.
Major baby developments: Brain is growing quickly and taste buds are continuing to develop.
Current issue: Finding the motivation to get my butt on the treadmill.
Current craving: Chocolate.
Exercise this week: None to report other than walking the stairs at work.
Hormonal moment of the week: I've been a good girl
Stretch marks: Still none, but I obsess over looking for them. They're bound to show up sooner than later.
Maternity clothes: Ahhh, yes.
Most recent baby purchase: Cutest onesie!!
Fluttering/kicking: Movement, movement, and MORE movement.
Most memorable moment of the week: Picking out our baby furniture.

Speaking of baby furniture, here is what we've picked out:

CRIB

DRESSER

GLIDER & OTTOMAN

I can't wait to order it all!! Soon enough, soon enough...

Here is my "growing by the seconds" baby bump (and Grayson...)

More to report from the baby belly at week 25...

Peace, love, and baby,

Meredith & Eddie

week 23...a mover and a shaker!!

A mover and a shaker... that pretty much sums up the life of Baby R in-utero. From the time that my OB, Dr. Summers, first heard the heartbeat (at 11 weeks) she made the comment that she could hear the baby squirmming around (I don't even think that Baby R was so much as an 2 inches long)! I didn't start feeling the baby until my 18th or 19th week and since then this baby has taken up a liking of moving all over my belly.

During my 20 week ultrasound Baby R was definitely not a still baby. Clearly, Baby R is taking after his/her daddy in that department. For example, when Eddie is on the phone the man cannot sit, let alone stand, still! He paces... and paces... and paces. Drives me crazy. Drives pregnant Meredith even crazier!!

Last night we had sloppy joes for dinner and I can't tell if the baby thrououghly enjoyed the meal or detested it. Either way, Baby R was moving around like crazy. Nearly to the point of making me nauseas. I know that sounds horrible, but after filling my belly with a big dinner and then having all of that movement going on in... it just wasn't conducive to how baby normally reacts after I eat. So, I made walnut brownies with caramel drizzled on the top. Yes folks, this is my new - and might I add SICK - obsession with food. That craving seemed to not only satisify my needs but Baby R's needs as well. We both slept like little babies last night :)

Week 23 has been good so far. Minus all of the crazy acrobatic movement baby has learned, I really don't have much to report. Well, I lied. I am starting to see the adverse effects of my growing belly on my seemingly shrinking lungs. Needless to say, I am having a harder time breathing than normal. Obviously, I totally expected this but I constantly feel myself taking in looooong, deep breaths. Sleeping has become a chore. I was sleeping with a small pillow between my legs but I finally got smart and upgraded to a body pillow that is doing wonders for not only my back and my rapidly growing belly, but for my constant tossing and turning. Don't get me wrong, I still toss and turn but not nearly as much as I was before. And of course I still get up once or twice a night to pee. I am starting to think that sleeping will NEVER be the same. I know the bigger that I get the more uncomfortable I will be... and of course once our sweet little baby arrives, sleep will be a rare commodity in the Reynolds household. I accept that. But what I don't accept is the fact that my sleepless nights have already begun. Woe is me.

Gestation week: 23 down 17 more to go!!
Total weight gain: Up a total of about 13 lbs
Baby size: about 12-13 inches and weighs over a pound now
Major baby developments: Baby senses movement when I dance to MJ songs :) blood vessels in lungs are developing to prepare for breathing and baby will be familiar with Grayson's constant (and often times annoying) barking once the baby is born!!
Current issue: My sick obsession with chocolate
Current craving: Ugh, Read above.
Exercise this week: Lots of excerise to make up from last week!
Hormonal moment of the week: I've been a good girl
Stretch marks: Still none, but I obsess over looking for them. They're bound to show up sooner than later.
Maternity clothes: Ahhh, yes.
Most recent baby purchase: Lots of cute outfits for Baby R.
Fluttering/kicking: Movement, movement, and MORE movement.
Most memorable moment of the week: A woman in my building at work could tell that I was pregnant. This made me very happy!  

And as always, with the exception of last week because I deleted my pictures on accident, here is my growing baby bump.

More to report from the baby belly at week 24... 6 months!!

Peace, love, & baby,

Meredith & Eddie

week 22... THANKSGIVING!

I can't believe that it's Thanksgiving already (okay, so by the time that I actually got around to writing and posting this blog, Thanksgiving is long over with). Please forgive me, I have been so busy with a short work week and preparing for the holiday.

Eddie and I hosted a small turkey day get together at our house. We had my mom, our cousin Joan in from Atlanta, and Ed's parents over for a delicious meal. Eddie made the turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. My mom brought her famous mandrin orange salad and a delicious sweet potato casserole. Beth brought my favorite asparagus casserole (gotta get that recipe) and two of the most delectable pies you've ever had. It was so nice to have them over and give thanks to everything and everyone that we have in our lives. I have really reflected on what I am thankful for. I need to reflect on those people and things that I have more often than just once a year. I think that being pregnant and already feeling the amazing, unconditional love that parents feel for their children has really put things into perspective for me. I think about the different choices that I make in my daily life and how they will now not only reflect on Eddie and myself, but for our baby as well.

So with that being said, I am thankful for my incredible husband. He is my constant reminder in this life that things don't have to be so complicated. To live and love in each moment. He is a phenomenal man, husband, friend, and now soon-to-be father. I don't think he knows just how much he has changed my life and continues to make me strive to be the best person that I can be.

I am thankful for my sweet, sweet Baby R. I cannot wait to experience the incredible feeling of being a mother to this absolute miracle. I promise to be the best mother, friend, mentor, confidant that they could ever wish for. I cannot wait to meet you, precious Baby R. 

I am thankful for my mother, sister and the rest of my (and Eddie's) family. Mom and Rachel, you two are my rock and my everything. I can't thank you enough for teaching me and being there for me every step of the way. You are, without a doubt, phenomenal women.

My friends are my laughter and joy. I thank each and every one of you for being such a special part of my life. My life wouldn't be the same without each and every one of you in it.You are all more than just my friends... you've become my family.  

During week 22 the baby has been in acrobat mode! And I love it. On Thanksgiving day I lifted my shirt while laying on the couch and Eddie and I watched my stomach move as the baby squirmed and kicked. It was incredible. Now, I'm addicted to lifting up my shirt and staring at my baby belly. Haha.

Gestation week: 22
Total weight gain: Up a total of about 12 lbs
Baby size: Over 11 inches and weighs over a pound!
Major baby developments: Baby senses movement when I dance to MJ songs :) blood vessels in lungs are developing to prepare for breathing and baby will be familiar with Grayson's constant (and often times annoying) barking once the baby is born!!
Current issue: Crazy dreams that wake me up constantly.
Current craving: Still no cravings... I stay hungry with no idea as to what I want to eat. Blah.
Exercise this week: I've slacked due to the holiday!
Hormonal moment of the week: Lost my mind last weekend when I couldn't find pants to fit in length. But I am happy to say that I ordered a pair from Old Navy and am quite happy with them.
Stretch marks: Negative, thanks to Rachie for sending me some organic belly butter :)
Maternity clothes: Ahhh, yes.
Most recent baby purchase: Lots of cute outfits for Baby R.
Fluttering/kicking: Movement, movement, and MORE movement.
Most memorable moment of the week: Eddie and I watching my baby belly move as the baby moved. AND finding jeans that FIT! Woo to the hoo!

We finally picked out our stroller/baby carrier this weekend - although we won't be registering until mid December, my mom and I decided to take one on a "test drive".

And as always, here is my baby bump (after eating a million pounds of turkey this weekend!

More to report from the baby belly at week 24...

Peace, love, and baby,

Meredith & Eddie

week 21... hormones are going wild!

My hormones are completely out of whack - not in a bad way, just in a "this isn't typical Meredith behavior". Or maybe it is and I am just in denial?! Who knows...

For example, I LOVE to eat and am usually not too indecisive about what I want to shove into my mouth. But lately (within the last week or so) I can't tell you what I want to eat at all. Not even a little bit. It's getting to the point that I am even becoming frustrated with myself. I think that I want something and change my mind within seconds. Or I make something and after a few bites I realize that it wasn't really what I wanted. Like for instance the other evening Eddie wanted breakfast for dinner, so I made omelets (I make the BEST omelets) and sausage. I was so excited for my delectable omelet with all of the cheese and red peppers seeping out. But literally, after two bites, I was not satisified with my choice of dinner. So what did I do next? I pouted. Not in an obnoxious way, just in a pregnant girl way (YES, there IS a difference!!). Needless to say, I ate more of my rainbow sherbet that I have become obsessed with. I hope that I snap out of this change sooner than later.

As far as other hormonal changes: I cry at the drop of a hat. I cried at an episode of CSI Miami the other night for cryin' out loud. But this whole crying business is nothing new to my pregnancy world. The texture of my hair feels different. I can't tell if it's a good different or a bad different. Either way, it sort of makes me want to cry. Go figure. I just can't style it the way I used to. Not even my top of the line products are working for me. And I suddenly have these distinct natural auburn highlights?! Wtf? My hair is normally pretty darn dark! Hmmm, not sure about what's going on with that. 

Luckily for Eddie (and myself) I'm hormonal in a decent way. Personally, I feel like I've been a fabulous pregnant wife - so far! I hope that he would say the same :)

Week 21 has been good so far... nothing too major to report:

Gestation week: 21
Total weight gain: Probably gained about a pound or so since last Wednesday... so I'm up 10lbs total 
Baby size: About 11 inches. Baby probably weighs about 13oz by now
Major baby developments: Baby's eyebrows and eyelids are now present. And if we're having a girl, her va jay-jay has begun to form!
Current issue: Not being able to finding maternity pants in consignment shops that are LONG enough for me
Current craving: Ha. Read above. I don't know what I want!
Exercise this week: Walking Grayson :)
Hormonal moment of the week: Cried at CSI on Monday. P.a.t.h.e.t.i.c. 
Stretch marks: Negative, ghost rider.
Maternity clothes: Searching feverishly.
Most recent baby purchase: Nada. I've been good.
Fluttering/kicking: I think that Baby R is an acrobat.
Most memorable moment of the week: Eddie FINALLY felt lots belly nudges last Saturday morning!!

As always, here is my baby bump growing by the minute (as Eddie so eloquently tells me!!)...

More to report from the baby belly at week 22 (nearing my 3rd and FINAL trimester)...

Peace, love, and baby,

Meredith & Eddie

week 20... halfway there!

5 months down... 4 1/2 more to go! I am officially halfway through my pregnancy. Luckily we have the holidays coming up, so I'm hoping that makes November and December fly by!

We had our 20 week ultrasound on Tuesday, 11/10, and it was magical. Like I said, we invited our mothers and it was nothing but pure bliss for the both of them. I could only have two people come into the room with me - of course Eddie stayed with me the whole time - so mom and Beth rotated. The expression on both of their faces was priceless as they looked at their FIRST grandchild on the screen. My mom felt the absolute need to take a million pictures of me while having the ultrasound done... she's an avid scrapbooker!!

The baby looked fantastic. This baby has nearly doubled in size since our 16 week ultrasound! I was shocked! The baby is clearly taking after his/her daddy... Baby R just couldn't sit still! Not even for a second. It was quite comical to say the least. Babe was doing somersaults, head between legs, and then... the baby totally started to pout! Literally, the baby put their hand on it's forehead as if to say "C'mon, you guys are really bothering me here!" I LOVE the attitude... hmmm, perhaps a girl?!

The tech did a complete head to toe exam of Baby R and said that the baby looked absolutely amazing! The baby's profile was so darn cute that she even let us see a 4D ultrasound. It was so cool to see how the baby's face is starting to take shape. Granted, I am only 20 weeks and they don't normally do the 4D's until around 28 weeks and after... so the baby sort of looked alien-esque. But still absolutely adorable.

Eddie and I held strong on our word and didn't give into finding out the sex. But I ain't gonna lie... it was hard! Way harder for me than it was for Eddie (he kept me in line). He reminded me of the joy that was coming our way and the fact that he can't wait to be the proud papa and tell everyone the news of his son or daughter! That right there makes the wait totally worth while.

I have been pretty convinced that we're having a girl for a while now... I have had VIVID dreams about a baby girl and I just have that overall feeling. Eddie and I honestly don't care what we have, just as long as Baby R is happy and healthy - although I think that he's a bit more team BLUE :)

I am amazed at the unconditional love that I already feel for Baby R. The further along I get and the more that I see and feel, the harder that I fall. I am madly in love...

Gestation week: 20
Total weight gain: Had my OB appt yesterday and have gained a grand total of 9lbs
Baby size: Approx 10-11 inches. Baby weighed in at 12oz on 11/10... 50th percentile for weight!!
Major baby developments: Baby is swallowing a lot more and is now producing meconium (poo)
Current issue: Growing out of ALL my pants :( bye-bye size 8's
Current craving: Nothing inparticular... thankfully
Exercise this week: Walking Grayson :)
Hormonal moment of the week: Cried at the Ultrasound... Duh!
Stretch marks: Not yet... hopefully never!  
Maternity clothes: It's starting...
Most recent baby purchase: Nothing this week!
Fluttering/kicking: SO much movement! I can't get enough of it.
Most memorable moment of the week: Having our 20wk ultrasound with our mothers!

Here are a few pictures of the regular ultrasound scan and the 4D scan... you can definitely tell a difference!

Baby R resting hand on forehead... SO dramatic 

A diva in the making, perhaps?! We don't know but I sure do love this photo with baby's feet crossed.

4D ultrasound baby looking at us and you can see the umbilical cord by the face

look at that ear, eyes, nose, lips!!

Baby R's 4D profile picture!

And as always, here is my baby bump...

More to report from the baby belly at week 21...

Peace, love, and baby,

Meredith & Eddie

week 19... I can feel the baby!!

The feeling: amazing. My emotions: indescribable. Our baby: incredible.

I have FINALLY felt Baby R move. More than move - small little jabs and pokes! I have been awaiting this feeling for so long. The feelings that I felt at the end of week 17 were definitely that of our growing babe. But I was misinterpreting them for gas, indigestion, my imagination. Jamie and I would compare notes... but we were both so unsure that we just kept on patiently waiting.

This past Saturday night, Halloween, we ended the night at Zenos (it's our favorite, can't you tell?!). Obviously, I don't and can't dance like I used to but I definitely enjoy shaking my toosh every now and then. The music was loud and I think that Baby R was really enjoying the sounds. That night as I lay in bed I felt all sorts of flutters - it felt like popcorn popping in my belly and twiching, like when your eye gets a twitch. Then on Sunday evening, Jamie and I went to see the Michael Jackson documentary, "This Is It", and I kid you not as soon as the music started to play, Baby R started a'groovin!! For those of you that know me, know that I adore Michael Jackson. I have since I was little and I always will. I told Eddie weeks ago that since I don't know any lullaby's, I will just sing MJ songs to our sweet little babe. I get the feeling that Baby R has, too, become a fan of MJ's music. Like mother like child.

On Tuesday night I was laying in bed - tv was off, Eddie was snoozin', and I was resting my hand on my baby belly thinking of all sorts of things. What the baby will look like? Will he/she have my naturally curly hair? Will the baby have Eddie's beautiful eyes and lips? And then I felt it. I felt a faint poke. I laid there, frozen. Was it gas... or was it truly the baby saying "hey mama!". But it kept on happening. The poking and jabbing. It was our baby! Since then I have felt it on and off, but at least every day. I felt it again last night and again this morning when I first got to work. It's faint and not a big baby kick by any means. But, nonetheless, it's our sweet baby. It's the most amazing sensation ever.

Other business: I can't believe that Thanksgiving is in 3 weeks... then it's Christmas. Eddie and I are playing host and hostess - for BOTH holidays this year. We must be crazy! We plan to have my mom, our cousin Joan from Atlanta, and Eddie's parents over for Thanksgiving. It will be small and simple. Christmas will be a bit different. Every year Eddie's moms side of the family (the Smith's) all get together and celebrate Christmas. I volunteered our home for this years celebration. I am super excited to have everyone over and entertain. Eddie loves to cook and is mighty good at it, so I'm sure he'll take over the kitchen. I don't mind that at all.

We plan on registering for the baby sometime at the beginning of December. You're probably thinking "they must be crazy to try and register during the holiday season". And you're right. But I would like to get it done before the new year. I keep telling Eddie that registering will be fun - just like it was for the wedding (hint... he was just there in my shadow while we, err I, registered for our wedding!). I don't think that he's buying it. Honestly, I don't even think that he has a clue what he's in for. I'm going to go crazy with that gun!! Family and friends are already discussing plans for the baby showers so I better get a move on.

Gestation week: 19
Total weight gain: About 1 lb or so since my last entry (a total of 9 lbs since July)
Baby size: 6 in (from head to bottom) so from head to toe, about 9 in/8.5 oz
Major baby developments: hair on scalp is sprouting, sensory development (taste, smell, hearing, vision and touch)
Current issue: Tossing and turning at night.
Current craving: Nada.
Exercise this week: Walking Grayson :)
Hormonal moment of the week: Cried my eyes out when I saw the Michael Jackson documentary
Stretch marks: Nope. Thank you, cocoa butter!!
Maternity clothes: Oh yes, Beth bought 4 great tops for me and I LOVE them!
Most recent baby purchase: I bought Baby R the cutest outfit from Target the other day. I couldn't resist.
Fluttering/kicking: YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fluttering,  poking, jabbing!
Most memorable moment of the week: Laying in bed last night with my hand on my stomach feeling the baby's movement.

As always, here is my baby bump...

More to report from the baby belly at week 20...

Peace, love, and baby,

Meredith & Eddie  

week 18... getting bigger!!

Week 18... and I think I'm starting to "pop". On Monday evening Eddie said "Babe, that wasn't there 2 days ago" meaning, that baby bump!! And he was so right. It was an amazing thing that happened overnight, it seemed. I love it. Eddie loves it. He can't keep his hands off of my belly. That makes me smile.

I am feeling pretty good this week. My back is still giving me issues (especially at the end of the day) but I manage to keep a heating pad on it while I am sitting at work and sometimes in the evenings at home. The back pain is damn uncomfortable, I know this much is true. And I am also starting to experience what a pain sleeping can be. I toss and turn and have started to sleep with a pillow between my legs. Already!! Isn't it too soon for that!? And it doesn't help that our furry children completely hog the bed. Olivia on one side of me and Grayson smack dab in the middle of me and Eddie. It's become a pain and I find myself waking up all to often to either kick Olivia off or try to move Grayson over (there is no kicking him off - he weighs like a million pounds when he is sleeping). Obviously, we need a bigger bed!

As I've mentioned in my previous blog, we have our next ultrasound on 11/10 and will be joined by our mothers. I positively cannot wait :) Even though Eddie and I WILL NOT be finding out the sex of the baby, we already have our names picked. Most of you already know what they are... but I am declining to further tell anyone else. People have way too many opinions of what the names should be, blah blah blah... and quite frankly, we don't want to hear it - nor do we care! We love the names that we have chosen and are very excited to share them with everyone once Baby R arrives. I think that in my delicate stage right now, you might make me cry if you turn your nose up at our names.

So in the meantime, we have come up with these fabulous names to make you really scared: if we have a boy, his name will be Barnabus. And if we have a girl, her name will be: Wizdom (wiz-dom, must be said exactly like that!!). So there!!

Eddie, myself, Jamie, and Ivan headed up to Port Clinton this past weekend for Scott and Kelly's Halloween bash! Eddie and I got super creative this year. Can you guess what we are!?

A bun in the oven and the bun maker!! Perfect for the occasion.

Eddie, myself, Jamie and Ivan (as Popeye and Olive Oil)

We plan to partake in some Halloween festivities again this weekend! I can't believe that October has come to an end... it seriously boggles my mind that Thanksgiving is in less than a month. As much as I want March to be here, I also don't want to wish my time away.


Gestation week: 18
Total weight gain: 2 lbs since 10/12 (a total of 8 lbs since July)
Baby size: 5.5 inches/7 oz
Major baby developments: Busy flexing arms and legs. Sex organs are completely formed and functioning.
Current issue: Still my lower back. Add sleeping to the list.
Current craving: French toast. Yum.
Exercise this week: Walking Grayson :)
Hormonal moment of the week: I'm doing pretty good, actually.
Stretch marks: No, thank you!!
Maternity clothes: I purchased my first maternity cami from target. LOVE IT!
Most recent baby purchase: Grandma Beth bought the baby some fun outfits in SF
Fluttering/kicking: Ugh, this is driving me crazy. Yes, maybe, I don't know... I have never paid so much attention to my tummy in all of my life!!
Most memorable moment of the week: Eddie noticing my baby belly and rubbing it at every chance he gets. Dressing up for Halloween.

Here are a few pictures of the family (aka: Eddie, Grayson and Olivia). We often talk to Grayson (because we think that he understands everything that we say) about the baby. As silly as it sounds, I don't want him to feel left out. I'm sure Olivia will attempt to run away when Baby R first comes home - like she did when Grayson first arrived. But she'll get over it :)

Grayson Sprinkle Reynolds

Olivia Bean Sprinkle Reynolds

Eddie and his beautiful birthday cake I made for him!!

And of course, here is my baby bump.

More to report from the baby belly at week 19 (almost halfway there!!)...

Peace, love, and baby,

Meredith & Eddie

week 17... H1N1 flu shot time!!

Week 17 has approached us - all too soon, as always - and I am officially in my fourth month of pregnancy. And I am happy to say that I am finally starting to look pregnant... and not like I have been stuffing my face with cupcakes!! Eddie and I went shopping at Nordy's (Nordstroms, for those of you that don't recognize the lingo) and I bought the cutest sweater to accentuate my baby belly. I like the form fitting tops over the big and baggy tops. Wearing those potato-bag-looking things just makes me feel like a) I am hiding something from people and b) I just look plain ol' frumpy. And for those that know me, know that I do not do frump. Never have. Never will.

We celebrated Edwardo's 30th birthday this past Saturday with good friends at our house. I can still be quite the little party planner even when I am 'with child' :) Everyone seemed to have a good time, and more importantly, Eddie had a wonderful time! After hanging out at our house for a few hours, we headed down to our favorite local Victorian Village bar, Zenos, for some much needed dancing! We always own the dance floor. Here are a few pictures of the evening.

The birthday boy and I after surprising him with the smallest cake ever!

My dear friend, Christy, giving Baby R a little lovin'.

And, of course, everyone having a good time at Zenos!

It was a wonderful party spent with wonderful friends!! xoxo to you all!

So, onto baby business... my pants are officially tight. Like can't-button-them-for-fear-I-may-break-in-half feeling. Not good for me. Not good for Baby R. So I went to Target (weeks ago) and purchased the amazing BellaBand. Hello lifesaver! Why wasn't I wearing this prior to getting pregnant. This is fabulous. So, it works like a charm with all of my jeans... and I will soon start wearing it with my work dress pants. I am holding off on buying maternity pants/slacks for as long as I can. Not quite ready to spend that money yet. Because it's no lie that maternity clothes are NOT cheap!

I've come up with doing things a little differently on my blogs from here on out. So here goes:

Gestation week: 17

Total weight gain: 6 lbs (although I haven't weighed myself this week)

Baby size: 5 inches/5 oz (although Baby R weighed 6 oz last week!)

Major baby developments: skeleton changing from soft cartilage to bone!

Current issue: My lower back. Oy vey... 

Current craving: Nothing at the moment. I stay hungry, but am totally indecisive about what I want.

Exercise this week: Does dancing count?! I sure think so...

Hormonal moment of the week: watched Bolt and cried. I cried at an animated movie!! WTF?!

Stretch marks: No, thank you!

Maternity clothes: Haven't reached that point yet... coming soon, I'm sure!!

Most recent baby purchase: Clara bought the baby some OSU gear! Thanks Aunt Clara :)

Fluttering/kicking: I still don't know about this one. I think I feel flutters, but am unsure.

Most memorable moment of the week: Celebrating Eddie's 30th birthday

The Columbus Health Department has officially started giving H1N1 vaccination shots to those that are high risk. On Thursday, 10/22, they will have a clinic open to pregnant women only! Yay for us. So, Jamie and I are heading over to get ourselves, and our precious little babes, protected.

And as always, here is a picture of my belly bump...

More to report from the baby belly at week 18...

Peace, love, and baby,

Meredith & Eddie

week 16... our first ultrasound!!

I am nearing the 4th month of my pregnancy. I can't believe that in 5 months our sweet little miracle will be here in our loving arms. The thought excites me more than you can imagine. I met with my OB on 10/12 for my monthly check up and Baby R's heartbeat was at a fast, strong and steady 160. I was very happy to hear the heartbeat again. No tears this time... only one huge fat grin from ear to ear on my face!

During this appointment Dr. Summers (my OB) had given me the option of having a Quad Screen Test performed. The quad screening is a simple blood draw of my blood that tests for substances that the baby creates. This, in turn, screens for Spina Bifida, Trisomy 21 (better know as Down's Syndrome) and Trisomy 18 (which is normally fatal to the fetus). Unfortunately, Eddie wasn't able to make the appoinment with me so I didn't have him to turn to and say "should we do this? Does whatever the outcome even matter?". But for peace of mind, I decided to do it and hope for the best. My OB did inform me of the extremely high rate of "false positives" with this test and basically told me that I had a 50/50 chance of it potentially coming back abnormal. Even though she reassured me that an "abnormal" screening DOES NOT mean a positive diagnosis. It just means "okay, time to run a few more tests".

So, long story short, all of my levels looked great... except... my levels for Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome). They were slightly elevated! Ahhhhh... did my perfect little pregnancy just flip upside down? I sure felt like it had. I did what any woman in this situation would do. I cried. A lot. Until I came home and googled my little heart out. I'm glad that I did because I truly learned a lot about the screening test and all of the other "false positives" that are out there. Eddie and I talked about all of the "what ifs" and it all of a sudden hit me. Our card was dealt to us a long time ago... way before this little baby entered our lives. What is meant to be will be. The love that I already feel for this baby is amazing and indescrible. No one or nothing could take that away from me. It was instant serenity.

My OB scheduled me for an ultrasound today (10/14). Eddie and I met with the genetic counselor first, who talked about all of the "worst case senarios" and described exactly what would happen during and after our ultrasound. The subject of an amniocentesis was definitely talked about - but I didn't even want to go there. After she showed us my numbers (levels), Eddie did the quick math and we soon realized that our chances of having a baby with downs syndrome was a 0.8%!! Seriously?! I all of a sudden felt a huge sigh of relief.

The ultrasound was amazing. Simply put. Tears streamed down my face as I watched my sweet baby move all around, yawn, wave, kick, stretch. He/she was quite the little ham... even the ultrasound tech got a kick out of how active Baby R was. The baby stole my heart at that very moment. All that I could think was that I was looking at perfection. Nothing could change that. Nothing. And the best news... everything looked great! The doctor had no reason for concern and put our minds and hearts at ease.

I will definitely scan more pictures - they printed out 7 different photos. But here is Baby R's perfect little profile.

So our next appt will be in 4 weeks, when I am 20 weeks pregnant (which was my original scheduled ultrasound). The baby will be a lot bigger and they will be able to see things a lot more clearly. I can't wait to see my baby again! Of course Eddie will be there, but we have invited our mothers as well. My mom, along with Beth, were eager to join and see their first grandchild on the big screen. I can only imagine their excitement and anticipation throughout this journey. What it must be like for them... I hope that being a grandparent will be everything and more that they could have ever imagined!! 

Whew! That was a lot of blogging... so here are Baby R's stats at 16 weeks: Size comparison is an avocado, 4.5 inches long and 3.5 oz (although today they weighed Baby R at 6 oz!!). But not for long, in the next few weeks Baby R will double in weight and add inches to the already long legs. 

And, as always, here is my baby bump :)

More to report from the baby belly at week 17...

Peace, love, and baby,

Meredith & Eddie

week 15... 172 days to go!

So here we are in week 15... 3 1/2 months pregnant. I am still in shock at how quickly time is passing me by. I am anxiously awaiting the day that I feel the much anticipated "flutter" of Baby R. People say that it can start as early as 15 weeks, but most people say give it until about 17 or 18 weeks.

I constantly wonder what it's going to feel like. Gas? Indigestion? Butterflies? I hope it feels like butterflies. There is nothing better than that butterfly feeling you have when you start dating someone and they say your name... butterflies. Or when you marry the man of your dreams and as you walk down the aisle towards him... butterflies. And when you feel the movement of your first unborn child... blissfully butterflies. I absolutely cannot wait.

So far so good this week. Still the heartburn, headaches, peeing, clothes are gettin' mighty tight, and eating every two hours. I guess that I would say this week I have been craving sweets. Anything from blueberry cobbler to ice cream to rootbeer floats. If it has lots of sugar in it, I'm craving it. On Sunday I really, really, really wanted homemade blueberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. But I settled for warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream. It hit the spot... but only for that night. On Monday, I wanted nothing to do with it. I would have much rather had sweet potato pie or a frosty from Wendy's. Neither of which I got! I gave into my sweet tooth temptation on Sunday. I'm hoping that holds me over until the next craving kicks in and I have to absolutely have to have whatever I am craving. At that very moment.

So Eddie and I have finally come to a conclusion on how we're going decorate Baby R's room. I say it like we've gone back and forth and fought for months over this. It was actually quite the opposite. At first I was thinking owls, vintage owls. With colors of creams, browns, oranges, yellows, greens, and vibrant purples. But then I found this fabulous bedding set and it was love at first sight. Simple and classic. So we've decided on black, white, and lime green with silver accents. Very gender neutral. Very chic.

We only plan on getting the 4 piece bedding set. Sometimes these designs go overboard with all of the matchy matchy stuff in the rooms. I get it, but I don't want it. So there it is. I hope that you like it :)

The plan is to paint only one wall in the bedroom lime green and leave the rest the current color that they are... which is a very netural tan-ish color. We will be pulling up the carpet and laying down hardwood floors. We just think that it will give the room a bigger feel. Of course, I plan to find a nice and soft accent rug.

I hope that Baby R likes his or her room :)

We will probably start the transitioning of it from being a computer room/second bedroom for our guests to a baby room in December... maybe sooner. I can invision it already.

So, updates for week 15. Size comparison this week: an apple, measures about 4 inches long and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces. Baby R is busy moving amniotic fluid through the nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in the lungs begin to develop. Baby R's legs are growing longer than the arms now (we're hoping that Baby R has long legs like me!!), and can move all joints and limbs. Although its eyelids are still fused shut, Baby R can sense light. If we were to shine a flashlight at my tummy, for instance, the baby is likely to move away from the beam. Eddie totally wants to test this out. Like we would even know if Baby R "moved away from the light". Silly guy!

And, as always, here is my belly at 15 weeks... getting bigger week by week!

More to report from the baby belly at week 16...

Peace, love, and baby,

Meredith & Eddie

week 14... hello heartburn!!

So the dreaded heartburn is upon me. Enough said. I am dealing with it through the help of my trusty tums... but it only helps so much. Luckily it's not been an all day symptom, but it hits me in the evenings and it pretty much ruins my dinner.

My headaches are also on the comeback this week (I swear that this blog isn't going to be a 'woe is me' sorta thing... I have just never experienced heartburn and headaches quite like this before... so I feel the need to bitch!! haha). My very good girlfriend Jamie, who is 13 weeks pregnant, is STILL experiencing her morning, afternoon, and evening sickness. I feel so bad for her! I only had a few bad days/nights of nausea so I definitely couldn't imagine constantly feeling that way. Poor thing :( 

But other than the H&H (it pains me too much to say it out loud for fear that I might suddenly start to feel the sudden onset of one, if not both), I am feeling just dandy! People everywhere I go are sneezing, coughing, blowing their nose... ugh. I have become quite obsessed/intrigued with this whole flu/H1N1 thing that's going around. I received my flu shot nearly 3 weeks ago - so I hope that little guy keeps me nice and safe from the regular seasonal flu. And as soon as the H1N1 vaccine is available to me (either at work or at my doctor's office, whichever comes first) I will be getting that as well. I have done my research and have spoken with my OB about the vaccine and am feeling pretty confident about it. The virus is 10 times more deadly than the vaccine... so the decision is pretty easy. I'm gettin' the shot!

Pregnant women are at a top priority for the vaccine (and are STRONGLY encouraged to get the flu shot, every year) and it frightens me to hear these stories of pregnant women on respirators, giving birth to their premature baby, and then not surviving. Unfortunately for myself and for Eddie, I am a full blown hypochondriac so with every little sniffle, sneeze or cough I am running to the internet and googling my "symptoms". Call me crazy... I have hand sanitizer coming out the wazoo - in my purse, on my desk at work (along with clorox wipes), in our kitchen, in our bathroom - everywhere I am, a bottle of hand sanitizer and/or wipes are nearby!!

Even Eddie has improved his hand washing skills, ten fold! Besides, I tell him that it's excellent preparation for infection control once the baby is born!! He will be getting his flu shot this weekend and once the H1N1 is available to the general public then he will get one as well. 

It's easy to be afraid of the unknown, but I trust my doctor and believe that she has my (and our unborn child's) best interest at heart.

So as of week 14, Baby R is growing, growing, growing. Size comparison this week: a lemon, is measuring about 3 1/2 inches long, and weighs about 1 1/2 ounces. Baby R can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck its thumb. Thanks to brain impulses, the facial muscles are getting a workout as the tiny features form one expression after another. Baby R's kidneys are producing urine, which are released into the amniotic fluid all around - a process it will keep up until birth.

It was 10 weeks ago that Eddie and I found out we were going to be parents! Can you believe that!? Baby R will be here before we know it! By the way... we've finally decided on the nursery colors - which I will tell you all about in my next blog. I can't wait to get started on making a place for Baby R in our home. It's going to be absolutely fabulous!!

More to report from the baby belly at week 15... 

Peace, love, and baby, 

Meredith & Eddie

week 13... officially in the 2nd trimester!!

So the nail biting first trimester is finally over! We made it! I'm telling you, that was a tough few weeks to get through. But here we are in week 13 (almost week 14 at this point... sorry that my blog was a little late in getting out!) and I am feeling great!

Like I said in week 12, my extreme exhaustion has pretty much subsided. So now instead of my head hitting the pillow at 9p I am able to make it to 1030p or 11p most nights. I am slowly but surely feeling that normalcy once again. I am walking Grayson every day anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. My doctor has highly recommended that I exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 3 to 5 times a week. It has really helped with my energy level and it just feels good - plus Grayson absolutely loves going on walks and up to the park for some play time. So it benefits the both of us!! 

I am now starting to eat a lot more!! My stomach growls for food at least every 2 hours. I am drinking lots (and lots and lots and lots) of organic milk and water, eating lots of organic fresh fruits and vegetables, and eating three healthy and filling meals a day. I've gotten lots of "advice" (if that's what you really want to call it) to eat whatever I like... and eat lots of it! So many people have said "this is the time to eat anything you want, so take advantage of it!" NO THANK YOU. I will still have the weight to lose after the baby is born. So just because it is inevitable that, yes, I am going to be gaining weight doesn't mean that I am going to stuff my face full of Big Macs and french fries (although, for those of you that know me know that I have a sick obsession with french fries. They are my weakness.) Of course I'm sure that I will have my cravings - and I'm sure that I will give into temptation a time or two - but at least I am being smart about this. I say this now... check back with me in three months and lets see if I am still being "good". 

So, as of this week, Baby R (the baby's current name) has lots of little changes going on. Size comparison this week: a medium shrimp, nearly 3 inches long and weighs about an ounce. Fingerprints have formed on Baby R's tiny fingertips, the veins and organs are clearly visible through the still-thin skin, and the body is starting to catch up with it's head - which makes up just a third of the body size now. If we're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. As I start my second trimester, most of Baby R's critical development has been completed. Good news!!

As many of you know, Baby R will be the first grandchild on BOTH SIDES... so you can already imagine the excitement from our families. My mom and mother-in-law have already bought the baby lots of clothes and other nursery gadgets! They just can't help themselves :)

Even I couldn't resist the urge to buy the cutest little blue and brown owl onesie at Target the other day. It was just too adorable to pass up. So, here is a picture of a *few* (because believe me, we have a whole stack of baby clothes already) of Baby R's outfits. He or she will definitely be rockin' it out in style!

And, of course, here is my baby belly at 13 weeks... And I swear, I am not pushing out :)

More to report from the baby belly at week 14...

Peace, love, and baby,

Meredith & Eddie