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