Week 26

This week has been such a nice, relaxing time off. There isn't much to report though. My belly has gotten slightly bigger and James is beginning to move around more throughout the night as well, not just during the day anymore! It's amazing to me that I am growing a human, like growing a garden... still can't get over the miracle going on inside of me.

As Mike and I were out to lunch on Sunday after church, we were talking about how this was the last Christmas EVER that we would have alone, without kids. The last New Years, Birthdays, Vacation, etc. As much as I have wanted a baby for the past couple of years now, I am actually very thankful looking back that we had the 5 1/2 years of togetherness before our baby arrives. It will be somewhat bittersweet I think going into these new milestones in 2012 with another person to tag along now. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a mama to my little guy and I don't ever want to take that for granted, even though I know from time to time that will happen I am sure. I was also thinking in bed this morning how fortunate I am to have a healthy baby/ pregnancy even though I haven't been the best pregnant person. Don't get me wrong, I am so grateful for this experience, it only lasts 10 months, not forever. It isn't by far the worst thing I have ever gone through in my life, but could I do it 20x like michelle duggar- NO! I am not a baby-making machine and that's ok.
Something that has weighed heavy on my heart for a couple months now.
I read a lot of blogs on the web and one in particular, the author I went to school with and I have had the privilege of knowing for many years now, Leah Coca... I love her blog for many reasons, it's honest, hilarious and heart-felt among other things. She is currently pregnant with her 4th baby, a little girl that they named Elizabeth. Elizabeth has a condition that will not let her skull form properly and even though everything else is developing just as it should with her little body, she will not live long after birth because of it.. Being a first time mother, I can not imagine what Leah and Onan are going through only having a few weeks left with their baby girl. I feel like shame on me for taking the time with my James already for granted when he's completely healthy inside of me, but everything has it's time and place and season. This I have come to realize. Their courage, strength and faith is really only what's holding them together somedays. I hope that I never have to experience what they are going through, but if I do, I pray that I can endure it as gracefully (for lack of better word) as they have.
Please read and pray for Leah, Onan and their family here as they only have a few weeks left with their baby. We all believe that God is a God of miracles and if it's his will for her to live, then that shall surely happen! Either way, in Joy or Pain, they will continue to believe in the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord. Amen.

www.stickydoorknobs.blogspot.com

With all that said, here is the week 26.5 belly shot. I know I never include my face, but I am never presentable when I take these in the bathroom, haha.


Pregnancy updates:


How far along: 26 Weeks, 6 Days
Total weight gain/loss: 8 lbs +, My next appt is this Thursday!
Maternity clothes: Nothing new. One thing I did learn, which I guess I kinda knew, but didn't think about is my friend told me i would be wearing my maternity clothes after baby for a little bit. she said no one ever told her that!

Stretch marks: none so far.
Sleep: Still ok. I have been waking up in the night with sore hips, I am guessing from pressure.

Best moment this week: Getting some baby gifts for Christmas and spending time with Mike.
Missing Anything: Not really, other than feeling normal.
Movement: all the time.
Food cravings: I don't have any.
Started showing yet: Yes. I got a little bigger on Christmas day, ha.
Gender: BOY!
Labor signs: Nope.
Belly button in or out: Is getting flatter. I don't like the fact that I am going to have an outty soon, that grosses me out, ha.
Wedding rings on or off: On.
Happy or moody: happy & tired.
Looking forward to: My shower, Baby classes and getting everything together.
Baby's Size: 14" long and 1 2/3 lbs. Size of an english hothouse cucumber.
Development: The network of nerves in baby's ears is now better developed and more sensitive. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's voice as you chat together. He is continuing to put on fat and is beginning to inhale small amounts of amniotic fluid which is essential development to the lungs.