Prego Journal: Week 24

How far along: 24 Weeks

Aidan's little clothing collection is coming along thanks to my sister and sister in law! We're going to need more hangers and a dresser soon to store everything. 

How big is baby:  Ear of corn. He is starting to gain weight rapidly, about 6 ounces a week.  Some hair growth has started on his head

Total weight gain: +11 lbs

Maternity clothes:  No difference, still using Nancy's old clothes.  

Sleep: Other than waking up to use the bathroom at least 2 to 3 times a night, it's been pretty good.          

Best moment(s) of the week: 

Mimi got to feel Aidan on Saturday!

Just spending time with Jason this weekend was wonderful.  He makes me so happy and feel endlessly loved.   

I started planning out Aidan's nursery and coming up with baby shower ideas  :) 

Food cravings: I'm loving my scrambled egg sandwiches in the morning.  I have one full egg and one egg white every morning.

Food aversions: sweets...this section is starting to get boring

Symptoms: Still having my pregnancy brain moments, mostly affecting me in the area of decision making. Ready to go to bed by 10:00. I've been pretty emotional this week, but not as emotional as last week. 

Movement: I've started being able to see the movements through my belly and it is so exciting! Jason also saw one of the movements on Thursday night.  Aidan let out a huge kick and sure enough my belly popped out.  So fun!  So far the movements don't hurt, mostly just take me by surprise. 

What I’m looking forward to:  Halloween!  I can't wait to give out candy at our own house :) And meet all the neighborhood kids and seek out potential babysitter material for the future.        

What I miss: feeling rested  

Next appt: Nov 6th

Workout/Fitness: Still going on my walks and jogs and doing weights.  I wear ankle and wrist weights when I go for long walks; I'm pretty sure this makes me look super ridiculous, but it gives my walks a little added something.  I also did a brief workout on my brother's elliptical on Saturday evening. 

Prego Journal: Week 23

How far along: 23 Weeks

How big is baby:  Grapefruit. Weighs 1 full pound. Taste buds have formed 

Total weight gain: +10 lbs

Maternity clothes:  No change, just ever grateful for Nancy and her passing down her clothes.  I read in a book that the average woman spends over $1000 on maternity wear.  Thus far I have spent $0. 

Sleep: It's been okay, but I'm still not sure I get enough of it.  I have to get up a few times in the night to use the restroom.          

Best moment(s) of the week: 

We went to my brother's to watch the Aggie game this week (the game was not my favorite part) and my brother and sister both got to feel Aidan move for the first time!  This was pretty awesome.  However, Aidan is still being resistant to kicking whenever Mimi tries to feel him, but it will happen!

Also, my confirmation saint is now officially a saint!!  St Kateri Tekakwitha was canonized on Sunday!   

And finally seeing our precious neice on Saturday.  She is such a little joy and makes me so excited to have a child of my own. 
 Food cravings: Still no bizzare or "must have right now" cravings.  I have been enjoying bananas and scrambled eggs this week (not together).  

Food aversions: just sweets

Symptoms: lots of forgetfulness/brain farts.  I've become even more insistent about following all rules and  doing things my way.  I'm sure Jason loves this. I'm hungry a lot, so I'm trying to eat small meals/snacks throughout the day in order to spread out my calorie intake; I know whether I eat a big meal or a small meal I'll want to eat again in about 2 hours.  Sooooo emotional

Movement:Lots of movement again this week.  Aidan found my bladder during Mass and decided it's a lot of fun to kick there and make mommy need to use the bathroom. 

Gender: I think I'll take this one out, because I'm pretty confident his gender won't be changing.  However, here's a picture of the adorable outfits sister and bro in law bought Aidan the same day we found out he was a boy! Also I got lots of boy clothes/blankets, etc. from Nancy this weekend. 

What I’m looking forward to:  The weekend  :)      

What I miss: still missing sushi and feta cheese  

Next appt: Nov 6th

Workout/Fitness: I've been good about going on long walks and a few jogs.  Doing some weights as well.

And now a love letter I wrote to Aidan on Tuesday morning:

To our precious Aidan Michael,

We are 4 months away from your expected arrival and I simply can't wait to hold you in my arms. But for now I am filled with joy to have the opportunity to hold you lovingly within me, beneath my heart, for a bit longer. There have been days, even weeks, of struggles as I carried you. Still, each feeling of sickness or stretch of tiredness cannot compare to the overwhelming blessing it is to bond with you in such a special way. 

You, my son, have been given to daddy and I by a loving and generous God. He is knitting you together in my womb into His ever perfect and beautiful creation.  Never forget this; you are wonderfully made! 

Each time I feel your sweet movements I can't help but smile how you are already developing your own personality. Your kicks and turns often take me by surprise, and even make me giggle, because you see, your mommy is very ticklish. Your distaste for all things sweet must come from your daddy's side because mommy usually loves chocolate and ice cream. Luckily for all of us, it seems you have taken a liking to spicy food. 

Some days I dream about how you will look; will your nose be as cute as daddy's, will you have my blue eyes? You are the purest sign of our love for one another, intricately woven into your being.  

I can't wait to watch you grow. I pray that you dream big and never doubt your ability to achieve anything. I pray you are filled with patience for your daddy and I. We will not always (if ever) be your idea of the perfect parents. There may be times my eyes fill with tears as you take your first steps, cross the kindergarten graduation stage, or leave our house to begin your own adventures and you will think how silly your mommy is. But know it is only because my heart overflows with so much joy in everything you do. Other times daddy may say something that will downright embarrass you. Know he is only building your character and sense of humor because he loves to hear your laugh. And of course there will be times we argue over rules set in our home. But I assure you we make these rules because it is likely we have made the mistakes in our own pasts and want to protect you from harm.  We are always willing to listen to what you have to say, because like I said earlier, we aren't perfect. 

Most importantly I pray you know that daddy and I will never stop loving you with our whole selves, for our love for you flows through the unconditional and never ceasing love of our Father in heaven. No matter where you go in life and what you do, we love you and will always be there for you. 

Little Aidan, I cannot wait to do crafts and play games with you, to watch daddy teach you about science and computers, and to be there as you grow into a wonderful young man. But for now, rest peacefully within me and know we love you. 

To the moon and stars and back,

Mommy and Daddy 

Prego Journal: Week 22 and Gender Reveal!

How far along: 22 Weeks

How big is baby:  Spaghetti Squash 

Total weight gain: +10 lbs 

Maternity clothes: I wore my skinny jeans one day this week...it was comforting to know I could still fit into them; even if the button was left undone :) 

Sleep: It's been alright.  But I could always use more.  I should probably start going to bed earlier.         

Best moment(s) of the week: 

Seeing Iggy again (who now has a real name by the way)! SO MUCH BIGGER!  I went back and looked at our first sonogram and compared it to this one and I may have gotten a little teary about how fast Iggy has grown.  

Finding out the gender for sure was also very exciting!

This is technically part of week 23, but I'm including it in week 22 because it had to do with gender reveal: I went to Girl's Night on Monday and baked cupcakes to "reveal" Iggy's gender.  It was a lot of fun and it was great to be surrounded by such a supportive group of women; especially because so many of them have kids already and have lots of good advice and encouragement! 

Food Cravings: Still nothing out of the ordinary.  I just need to eat small snacks about once every two hours for my stomach to stay happy. 

Food aversions: Still sweets.  It was really hard to make the cupcakes because I instinctively wanted to lick the icing off of spoons and whatnot, but every time I did that I was reminded that I don't like sweets right now. 

Symptoms: I've been so tired lately, but that may be because I'm not going to bed early enough.  I also think pregnancy brain is starting to kick in.  I'm already pretty bad about making decisions but now it seems to take forever.  I stood in the grocery store for about 30 mins in the baking aisle trying to decide what icing to buy.  I also think I'm becoming even more forgetful than normal.  

Movement: Lots of good movement this week.  While husband and I were doing our evening Bible reading his hand was on my belly and all of a sudden Iggy had a powerful kick and he got so excited to really feel the baby!    

Gender: We know, we know, we finally know!  Here are some pics from the gender reveal at Girls Night...and my gender reveal week 22 picture, taken in the baby's nursery. 

Jason's cupcake with the baby's initials

IT'S A BOY!!!!!!

What I’m looking forward to:   The weekend 

Next appt: Nov 6th

Workout/Fitness: I've been pretty consistent with taking Boots for long walks this week.  We also did our final round of moving on Saturday, which meant lots of stair climbing and carrying things. On a side note, it was a little sad leaving our apartment for the last time.  It was such a wonderful place for Jason and I to start our lives together. 

And finally our latest video of little Aidan Michael Fry

Home Tour!

We've gotten much of our house put together, so it's time for a little home tour.  There won't be any pictures of the baby room just yet.  First, because right now it's a holding ground for boxes left to unpack and second, because no pictures until it looks all cute and baby ready!

Welcome to our home! 

Entry.  There will eventually be a bookshelf to the left of the fireplace. 

Living area from hallway. Soon we'll be replacing the coffee tables with some from  my sister and bro in law.

Living area from kitchen 

Dining area and back patio

Kitchen

Kitchen decor!

Back yard! 

Hallway

Guest bedroom...aka sports/rivalry room 

Other side of guest bedroom 

Entrance to master bedroom 

Master bath

Master bedroom

Master bedroom from bed...still in need of some wall decorations; but we figure we'll have a baby  soon and consequently plenty of baby pics 

 The end!  I'm so excited to be living here!  Stop by sometime soon to see it in person :) 

The VrlyFries

Prego Journal: Week 21

How far along: 21 Weeks

How big is baby:  Banana 

Total weight gain: +8 lbs. According to my weight gain app, right on track 

Maternity clothes: Still the same

Sleep: I've been sleeping pretty well.  Still wake up occasionally to go to the bathroom, but there has been far less tossing and turning.  Oh also, there's a small step in our master bedroom on the way to the bathroom that I have almost wiped out on in the middle of the night more than once.  I usually remember it's there just before stepping down; but one night I completely forgot and was going full speed when I stepped off into an unpacked bag.  There was some serious trip/fall/tumble potential.  Luckily earlier that day I had said a prayer asking my guardian angel to focus its attention on protecting Iggy throughout my pregnancy...I'm 95% positive my angel caught me in that moment to make sure Iggy stayed safe.         

Best moment(s) of the week: 

Just living in our house has been awesome.  I love home-ownership!

We also went to Houston this weekend, though it was a short trip we got to see Jason's dad whom we haven't seen since finding out about Iggy so that was nice.  Jason, his mom, and I also went to Zeigenbock Fest and listened to some good ole Texas Country music.  

Food cravings: Nothing out of the ordinary.  I've been enjoying fresh veggies more and more. 

Food aversions: Yup, sweets

Symptoms: Still feeling tired; hunger; I threw up again on Sunday...I've decided I throw up now whenever I wait too long to eat between meals and drink too much water; occasional tummy aches; a general heavy feeling in my belly...okay that may not be a symptom, more of a fact of pregnancy, but sometimes it gets pretty uncomfortable. 

Movement: Iggy did a few dances this week in my belly.  The little kicks are so sweet :)  

Gender: We find out so soon!! But I probably won't make a facebook/public post until after next Monday.  I'm going to be doing a gender reveal cake at Girl's Night and don't want to ruin the surprise. 

What I’m looking forward to:   Seeing Iggy again!  It's been so long since our last ultrasound I can't wait to see all the growth that's occurred   Also I can't wait to find out the gender.  Also also there's a possibility our newest Newlywed friends are going to come to Dallas for the weekend and we'll get to see them!     

What I miss: being able to use my abdominal muscles the same way I used to.  You don't realize how involved your abs are in everything until their ability to do work has been diminished.   

Next appt: Oct. 10th!

Workout/Fitness: A few walks/slow jogs here and there.

Prego Journal: HALF WAY THERE!!

How far along: 20 Weeks

How big is baby:  Small cantaloupe. Gender can be determined by an ultrasound!! Although we won't get ours for a couple more weeks. 

Total weight gain: I honestly have no idea.  We moved this weekend, so I didn't have my scale to take my weekly weight.  

Maternity clothes: This week I tried to incorporate my old non pregnancy clothes and my maternity clothes a little more.  I'm temporarily using an old black tube top as a belly band...it works okay...but at least I'm able to wear some of my pre pregnancy jeans.

Sleep: About the same throughout the week.  And then on Saturday my mom came over and surprised me with a boppy pillow!!  I was ecstatic.  On top of this, we moved into our house and got to sleep in our new bed, with the new mattress and without Boots!  Falling asleep was gloriously easy.  However, I did wake up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night and when I lay back down my mind was racing for some reason and I had trouble falling back asleep.        

Best moment(s) of the week: 

So many!

1) Jason's mom came into town on Friday and we went to the fair!  It was opening day and a little cloudy outside and we were able to get onto the ferris wheel in less than 10 minutes.  This is unheard of! I also got to eat a peanut butter jelly and banana fried sandwich.  YUM! 

2) We moved on Saturday!!  I need to give a gigantic thank you to Jason, his mom, my mom, my sister and bro in law, and my dear friend Stephanie!  They seriously worked themselves to the bone on Saturday packing, unpacking, and lots and lots of painting!  I'm so in love with our house! 

3) We went to All Saints for Mass on Sunday! They have the most incredible choir and we were lucky enough to be there on a day they also had their orchestra playing!  So beautiful!  I love traditional music at Mass.  I may have teared up more than once. 

4) My loving and thoughtful husband surprised me with tickets to go see Cirque du Soleil! The show was breathtaking and beautiful.  I also teared up here during the first big act as I was just overcome with gratitude for all the blessings I've been given.  

5) We've made it to the half way mark!  WOW!  It's going  by so fast I don't even know what to think!

Food cravings: Still just eating like a giant man. I can put down some pizza :) 

Food aversions: sweets...though my fried sandwich was still delicious 

Symptoms: General tiredness; hunger; some mild occasional cramping; here's a funny (or gross) one: I burp a lot now...I've no control over this.  Please excuse my un-lady-likeness 

Movement: Lots more kicking this week.  I think Jason may have even felt a little pop on Monday!  This was also one of the best moments of the week, knowing my husband got to feel his baby for the first time. 

Gender: It's a...Oct 10th!!! 

What I’m looking forward to:   We're going to Houston this weekend!  I haven't been there in so long.  There are lots of people who haven't seen me since we found out we're pregnant.  I'm sure they'll be pretty shocked to see the belly I've grown.    

What I miss: not being hungry all the time 

Next appt: Oct. 10th!

Workout/Fitness: Well, not a lot of formal working out, but I did climb lots of stairs and carry lots of boxes during the moving process.