maternity monday: 27 weeks

On my way to teach bootcamp.

27 weeks!!!! Eek!!

DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS: I had one appointment this month. Things went smoothly! The doctor said I had only gained 2 pounds since my last appointment 4 weeks ago. My blood pressure was great. I talked to her about some of my varicose veins that are bugging me. Those darned things are seriously the worst. She gave me my glucose drink so I will have it to drink it before my next appointment. Out of the three different OB/GYN offices I have been to since I started having kids, this is the first one to send home the glucose drink. I actually thought to myself that this could be a bad idea because I actually LOVE those drinks! I have had the lemon/lime, the orange, and the fruit punch flavors. And I pound them down in like 2 minutes flat. To me they just taste like flat soda pop. : ) I must have a sweet tooth, eh?

My doc brought up braxton-hicks contractions, and I have been having them quite a bit lately, so it was good to talk to her about them. I always just assume that I am dehydrated when I have them, so I try to drink more water. She said that is very likely, so to drink up lots of water, but she also said since this is my fourth, that my body is just doing what it finds natural in this state. Since it has done it a few times before, things are loosening up and prepping earlier because it knows the routine!

CRAVINGS: No particular cravings, well, I guess I could possibly say that I have had a hankering for Diet Coke lately. : ) I try to only treat myself to one a week.

SICKNESS: Just the usual- headaches off and on, and varicose vein irritations.

WEIGHT GAIN: Ok, so my new scale I bought just a year ago is broken. It will give a different weight every time! I finally went to Wal-mart today to get a new one, but it is a piece of crap too, dang it! I have to take it back because my husband and I both tried to zero it out, but it just won't stay. I would say I am somewhere between 15 and 20 pounds total at this point. I am curious to know. I know that weight gain during pregnancy is natural, but I do like to keep track of my weight gain. It makes it easier to keep the gain under control and keep me and baby healthy and safe.

EXERCISE: Bootcamp, elliptical, walking/running (but not as much*), the firm dvd, stationary bike, weight machines, free weights. I am still teaching bootcamp twice a week at church, but I am not always able to do the exercises, so I modify for myself. I feel healthy and strong though, and I know it is because I am staying active and eating mindfully. I try to exercise at least 4 times a week. I feel like-and I know- that exercise helps with my varicose veins, as well as my emotions. 

*I finally bought a maternity belt tonight!!! I am excited to get it to see if it helps with my running. I really want to run more but I honestly cannot. I feel like there is a bowling ball on my bladder and it just does not allow me to run for more than a half a mile at a time.

EMOTIONS: Emotions? Welp, they are just pregnant and they know it. : ) 

BABY: She is moving like crazy!! My tummy is always moving around. It is so funny to see. : ) The boys love, love, LOVE to feel her move. Their eyes light up so much to realize that there really is a baby in there! : ) I have mentioned how her heart rate is usually at 160, but at this last appointment, it was at what they called, "a healthy 138." She kicks a LOT on my upper right side and lower left. So, I kind of feel like she is diagonal at this point. 

RANDOM: Sleep is so hit and miss lately. I have tried sleeping with more pillows to see if that helps me get more comfortable. I am a tummy sleeper, so it is always hard to adjust to having to sleep on my side. But it honestly is like I am just wide awake. Naps aren't very good lately either. I usually will wake up shortly after I fall asleep. My mind is super awake but my body is still tired. Sooo, it kinda stinks.

I bought two new pairs of maternity bottoms the other day... capris and bermuda shorts. And can I say I have not felt more human in a while? It was a miracle.

Actually, I haven't felt "skinny" haha, I just have had days I feel normal, and then the days like a busted can of biscuits. It was definately time to whip out some maternity pants. I usually lounge around/stay at home in my regular workout capris or shorts. For when I go out though, I was trying to stay in my non-maternity "bigger-sized" jean capris (using the rubber-band trick) as long as possible. It is like a game I play with myself. I very uncomfortable and stupid game. Maternity clothes were created for a reason. Now I can breathe AND I don't have to worry about my butt hanging out!!! : ) I love maternity pants! Even when the crotch area is so baggy and awkward!

This is my first pregnancy I have experienced chloasma on my face. Within the last few weeks I have developed a darker pigmentation on the left side of my upper lip. I look fantastic with half a mustache! But actually, it isn't super bad yet. I am just trying to make sure to keep lathering up with sunblock and I do use a concealer on it to try to cover it up a little bit.

Last Thursday was my golden-pregnancy birthday! I turned 26 when I was 26 weeks! The kids and I went to the city pool in the morning, and then we just hung out at home. Ryan was out of town for a few days before, so the best present was getting him home on my birthday. We went out on a date to dinner to Olive Garden and to a movie. Very creative. ; )

NAME GAME: In the past, we haven't decided for sure on a name until we meet our little bundle, but we usually have around 3-5 that are marinating when we arrive at the hospital. With this lil gal, I am having the hardest time picking out ANY that I like. Ryan is set on Audrey being her first name. I do think it is pretty, I just don't know if it is the name. Maybe! But for now, the search must continue!