Week 14 is here!  Today as I was searching for my favorite peanut butter icing recipe for Andrew’s birthday brownies, I noticed that one of my favorite bloggers had recently had a baby.  She typically blogs about fitness and food, but added a section for weekly updates regarding her pregnancy.  She has actually had her sweet baby, so I have obviously not looked at her blog in awhile.  However, I’m glad that I came across it today.  I really liked the format that she had for her weekly updates and decided that I would begin doing the same for mine.  This will give Andrew more opportunities to contribute to the blog for other information and stories that we want to share.  🙂  I hope you enjoy the new format!

Here’s what Baby Jones is up to this week: 

• Baby is measuring 3.5 inches in length which is roughly the size of a large lemon.
• Baby can frown, grimace, and even suck his/her thumb!
• Baby is growing lanugo which is peach fuzz like hair all over his/her body.
• Baby can move his/her arms and legs, but is still small enough that momma can’t feel it yet.
• Baby’s kidneys are producing urine which essentially means that he/she is peeing inside of me! (Kinda strange to think about, right?!)

Here’s what is happening with me this week: 

Symptoms

• I’m getting my energy back and feeling less exhausted each day.
• My tummy is rounding out.  There are days where it feels bigger than others.
• The heat and humidity are my biggest enemies!  I LOVE summer so it has been disappointing to have to stay inside so much.  I’m usually the crazy one out on my bike in the middle of the day or at the beach, but after being in the sun for more than 20 minutes I start to have a terrible headache and nausea.
• Speaking of nausea, it has gotten a lot better.  I can definitely tell that my appetite has increased and have felt the pangs of nausea only when hungry (or overheated).  I think it’s the baby telling me, “Momma, you need to eat!”.

Food Aversions

• Chicken…I haven’t eaten chicken since week 5.  I am absolutely grossed out by the thought or sight of it!  Please don’t try to convince me otherwise it really won’t work.  I feel bad for Andrew as it was a staple in many dinner recipes and has been removed from the dinner rotation.
• Cheez-It’s…Andrew and I loved snacking on Cheez-It’s, but it’s another food that I haven’t touched since around week 5.

Food Cravings

• Culver’s fish sandwich…WOW, that sandwich was delicious!!  I usually never eat fast food so it was odd that I craved a fish sandwich from Culvers.
• MEAT…I have wanted red meat which is something I didn’t eat a lot of prior to being pregnant.  My favorite meal would be beef kabobs. The doctor said I should be eating a high protein source daily and red meat is a great option.

Sleep

• Sleep is getting better now that I can finally breathe normally at night thanks to my awesome humidifier that Andrew got for me.  I still wake up twice a night within the 1am and 4am hours.  It is always the same routine of getting a drink and going to the bathroom.  I have had a few nights where I have only gotten up once which has been wonderful.  It is becoming more uncomfortable to sleep as my body is changing.

Other Updates

• Baby Jones experienced the joy of the “Great Minnesota Get Together” this week.  The baby enjoyed a BBQ baked potato, a few cheese curds, and a funnel cake.  (Let’s not tell my doctor about the gluttony that occurred!)  Unfortunately, I had no room left for the fried pickles!  Andrew also had his share of state fair food as well.  By the end of our visit, Andrew and I were both ready to get to a comfy seat and air conditioning.  It was very hot!!
• I went on a full search to four different cities within the metro area this week looking for maternity pants that are appropriate for work.  I even trekked all the way to the Mall of America finding nothing that I liked (but picking up a few last minute gifts for Andrew’s upcoming birthday).  Finally today, Andrew and I traveled to Edina and found the best Gap Maternity store in the metro.  I was so happy to finally find a few pairs of pants that fit well and are work appropriate!
• The reason I was searching high and low throughout the city for dress pants is because my first day back to work is next Monday, August 26th!!  I am so excited to return and tell my coworkers the good news as well as see all my wonderful students.

Baby Items We’ve Bought

• As sleep becomes less and less comfortable, I am excited to start using my pregnancy pillow.  It should probably be referred to as a pregnancy whale as it takes up half of our king size bed.
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• Now that my energy is returning, I am finally feeling up to exercising again.  I have hit the gym a few times for brisk uphill walking on the treadmill and recently purchased this prenatal yoga dvd.  I have tried it a few times and have enjoyed the prenatal version.  Andrew also assisted in the partner stretches which was fantastic.
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• While at the Mall of America looking for maternity pants, I came across this adorable baby bunting.  It was on a summer sale so I was the lucky shopper.  Baby Jones is expected to arrive in February which is one of the coldest, windiest, and snowiest times of the year.  I loved the bunting’s wind resistant and warm design.
• Lastly, I have to add a picture of the sweet gift my brother and sister-in-law sent to us this week.  Andrew and I have already had discussions about how we plan to involve our family and friends in the baby’s life even though they may be miles away.  I love the gift that Uncle Kelly and Aunt Antonette got for the baby to help with keeping him/her familiar with loved ones.
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Upcoming Events

• Andrew turns the big 3-0 on Friday, August 30th.  It’s a monumental birthday and his golden!  We will be traveling to Wisconsin Dells to spend the weekend with his family celebrating his birthday and attending their annual family reunion.
• Our next appointment is Friday, September 6th.  We will be meeting with our midwife for a standard monthly check up.  I can’t wait to hear the little one’s heart beat!

I want to end the post with an adorable picture Andrew and I took this week!  🙂