Body Image at 26 weeks

I know that this is probably normal, but lately I've been feeling very down about myself and the way I look.  Don't get me wrong; I love this baby and my bump.  They mean something so special and represent the truly amazing feat of growing a baby. 

It's mostly just the feeling that my husband doesn't find me attractive/pretty/sexy anymore.  I feel like a baby machine and nothing more.  When Brad comes home he always rubs my belly and says hi and I really do love it.  I love that I'm going to be a mom and that Brad is so excited about all of this too.  But, I feel like I'm sort of missing my old body.  This body isn't all mine anymore and even though everyone says that I'm all baby I know darn well that I'm carrying extra weight in my thighs and butt.  When you've spent your whole life keeping yourself physically in check and enjoying the attention you get from your significant other, it's hard to accept that you aren't neccessarily viewed like that anymore.  I think it's just something I have to learn to accept and know that after this pregnancy, I will be able to feel "sexy" again.  Until then, a little attention (like a butt grab) would be appreciated here and there. :)

Seperately, Brad and I have been talking about coming out on Facebook.  I want to do something really nice to recognize our struggle and all the other people out there struggling with infertility.  Heck, mostly I just want to celebrate our success so far the way that others get to.  It took me long enough to be okay with this type of announcement, so now I just have to figure out the exact way I want to do it.  Stay tuned on that.    

Now for the standard update:

How far along?
26 weeks 3 days

How are you feeling? 
Pretty good most days.  Achiness in my hips is pretty much always there (especially after I am active).  My energy level still seems to be pretty good too.  I only ran once last week and walked the other days.  I was just too sore after my one run that I didn't want to push it.  This may be the end of my running but I'm not sure.  I'll continue to try but I'm okay if I have to just walk at this point.

Oh and can I just mention how amazing it is to feel my little girl moving so often?...It's exciting and soothing all at the same time.  Since last week, we have been able to see her from the outside too and that is incredible in it's own way.  This is exactly what I pictured during those years of infertility struggle as what I "needed" in my life.  I guess it's just the fact that women are hardwired to be mothers and to want everything that goes along with it (maybe not in all cases :)  ).  To know that there is a precious baby inside me that Brad and I made (with the help of some truly wonderful doctors) is such a miracle.  I need to stop and remember that more often.  
 
New Symptoms?
The leaking I experienced last week in high volume must have been a one time occurance.  Since then I've only noticed a little dab here and there.  My appetite has increased dramatically in the last week or so.  I keep hoping that it's just a growth spurt.  I need to get it under control and stop going to foods like candy (damn you Halloween) and other desserts.  Just thinking about trying to keep my appetite under control through the holidays is making me nervous.  How am I going to restrain myself??? 

Cravings? 
Just lots of food

What are you missing?
Being able to be as active as I want and not have to be incredibly sore for days.  This must be what it's like to be a senior citizen. 

Maternity Clothes?
There aren't a whole lot of non-maternity shirts that are left in my regular rotation.  I'm getting closer and closer to all maternity items.

What are you looking forward to? 
Still looking forward to my showers. 

Also, I'm looking forward to figuring out this little girl's name.  I feel like we have been so close for about a month now.  Hopefully, we'll have it figured out in the next couple of weeks.

Baby Purchases?
Just some random things here and there...burp clothes, closet organizer, and some shelves. 

Weight Gain/Loss?
+16

It's really nice to have strangers be so excited and interested in my baby bump.  People seem so happy to ask me about my pregnancy.  Plus, it's nice to know that I am obviously pregnant at this point and not just chubby in the middle.  And honestly, I feel pretty big lately so why is it that when people find out I'm 6 months along they all tell me I'm so small?  It starts to make you wonder if you really are "that small" and if everything is okay.

25 Weeks

So, I definitely failed at doing a 24 week update last week and this one is late but at least I'm getting to it.

Time has seriously been flying lately and I'm sure that it will only continue as we get closer to the February 1st.  These next couple months are going to be super busy with showers, partys, and the holidays all happening.  I'll probably blink twice and we'll be smack dab in the middle of January. 

It still just blows my mind that I am getting to experience all of this!  Last year at this time, we were starting our first IVF cycle.  In the last 12 months I've definitely been through some pretty dark times and have learned alot about myself and my husband.  There are still days when this feels so surreal because at times, success felt so far away.  I wouldn't trade this for anything, it's truly amazing.  And I know that the best is yet to come.

How far along?25 weeks 4 days (only 100 days left!)

How are you feeling? 
Still feeling really great for the most part.  My energy is still up except for a few days here and there.  I have noticed being more winded the last couple of weeks as well.  I'm more comfortable sleeping now that I have a body pillow (thanks Brad for making me get it :) ).  The RLP has really started to become a pain both during and after my runs.  But hopefully I'm just going through a little growing spurt and it will ease just like it did before. 

New Symptoms?
I started getting acid reflux last week.  I noticed if I watch my diet more closely and eat less processed foods with lower sugars, it seems to be much better.  I also noticed that I've started leaking.  Well, actually it started several weeks ago but was very very little.  This morning I woke up with a big spot on my shirt and throughout the day today I have leaked a decent amount into my bra.  I may be buying some pads if this continues at this rate. 

Cravings? 
No real cravings lately. 

What are you missing?
It's not really pregnancy related, but I'm missing the warmer/non-rainy weather.  I don't want it to get cold!  

Maternity Clothes?
There aren't a whole lot of regular shirts that are left in my regular rotation.  I'm getting closer and closer to all maternity items.

What are you looking forward to? 
My showers are quickly approaching!  I have my friends shower on Nov. 11th and my family shower on Nov. 18th.

Baby Purchases?
We bought the breast pump a couple of weeks ago and I finally bought some sleepers last weekend.  My parents got us the dresser so we have that put together too.

Weight Gain/Loss?
+14-15

Is it me or do I look really big here?  I love it!

  

23 Weeks

Time is flying....2 weeks from today I will have 100 days left in this pregnancy!  I'm still enjoying almost everything so much that I am at that stage where I wish I could be pregnant for a while.  People/strangers are noticing my bump now and I feel like I'm that perfect size of looking pregnant while not being huge and uncomfortable.  I can honestly say that so far, I really am loving this experience.  Being pregnant has been good to me (so far that is)  :)


How far along?
23 weeks 4 days

How are you feeling? 
Great!  The last couple of weeks, even the soreness after my runs has diminshed.  Most nights I don't have to get up to pee at all anymore.  Overall, sleep seems to be better quality as well.  That could have something to do with the fact that I'm not getting up several times in the night for bathroom trips. 

Cravings? 
No real cravings lately.  I've also noticed that my appetite seems to have decreased some in the last couple of weeks as well.  I also noticed that even if I want to eat more in a sitting, it's too difficult becuase I get full more quickly.

What are you missing?
Nothing right now.  I'm loving every second of this pregnancy!  

Maternity Clothes?
Still mixing in plenty of regular tops for now.  I figure that since I will probably be sick of my maternity tops by the end of pregnancy, I want to save them for later when I really can't wear my normal tops anymore.

What are you looking forward to? 
V-day is this Saturday. :)

Baby Purchases?
Probably going to get the breast pump here shortly. 

Weight Gain/Loss?
+12
And for your viewing pleasure:

22 Week Update

22 weeks has been good to me so far.  I'm still feeling great and dare I say, maybe even more energy than the last few weeks????  I really, really hope that this stage of pregnancy lasts for a while.

This past weekend was really nice.  Brad and I were able to get a lot of things done around the house and still have time to relax and have fun.  At this point our nursery is not quite as far along as I hoped.  We are still waiting on our changing table since the one that was delivered was damaged.  I also just placed the order over the weekend for the vinyl tree decal.

Yesterday we had an elective u/s to confirm that she is still a she.  I just had to make sure before I go buying much more (especially the pink and purple stuff).  Of course, everything went well and we got some really nice pictures of our sweet baby girl...and yes she's a girl for sure!

How far along? 22 weeks 2 days

How are you feeling? 
Great! 

Cravings? 
Still leaning towards fruit but it's mostly food in general.

What are you missing?
Nothing right now.  I'm loving every second of this pregnancy!  

Maternity Clothes?
I officially love maternity jeans....well maybe just the fact that I don't feel like a stuffed sausage when I wear them.  I have been buying some more shirts here and there as well.  I just started wearing a couple of them last week.  It won't be long I'm sure until I'm in virtually all maternity....I'm thinking by the time 3rd tri hits, it will be extrememly difficult finding a shirt in my closet long enough to cover my belly.

What are you looking forward to?
Still diligently working on the nursery.  I'm hoping to have it mostly set up by mid November. 

Baby Purchases?
We still don't have the changing table and that will probably be another 2 weeks until the new one comes in.  The vinyl wall decal is on order.  Nothing else beside that.

Weight Gain/Loss?
+12