Rough Week

My feet are swollen. Pretty much all the time, but it's worse when I've been standing or walking or sitting the wrong way, or when it's hot outside, which is always because I live in the desert. My hands too. Yesterday I had to take my wedding rings off and put them on a chain around my neck. I'm a little heartbroken about it. I love those rings and what they stand for.
My routine glucose test came back high this week, which I hear happens all the time, so I wasn't too worried. I had to go in yesterday for the 3-hour glucose test, where you fast for 12 hours, then they take your blood, then you drink a disgusting sugar-concentrated drink, and they take your blood again every hour for 3 hours. It was brutal. Thank God Ray was willing to go with me or I would have lost it on the nurse every time she couldn't find my vein and had to re-stick me, over and over again. By the end of it I was so tired and hungry and just out of whack from the sugar and blood-draining I didn't think I could stand it. Ray took me to Fry's to find something to eat, and out of nowhere, among the frozen pizzas, I completely lost it. Delirious laughter turned into uncontrollable tears and there was nothing I could do to stop it. Emotions are so much stronger when you're pregnant, especially when you're pregnant and exhausted. I called in and told my boss I wouldn't be coming to work today, went home, and went to bed. It's amazing what I good nap can cure.
It was a really rough day, one of my worst so far, but even at the worst I knew if I had to I would happily go through it a hundred more times to make sure this baby is healthy and happy. Thank goodness, the tests came back normal, so there's nothing more to worry about.
All this is to say that despite the discomfort, pain, and constant emotional upheaval (constant is a bit of an exaggeration..), I am happier than I've ever been. I love my life, I love my husband, and I love our little boy. I've waited my whole life to be this baby's mama, and nothing can put a damper on my joy.

Little Changes, Big Boy!

Here I am at 25 weeks (6 months)! 

And the first 6 months! 

It feels like a lot has changed in the last week or so. Baby is 26 weeks along now, and boy am I feeling it! (Pun intended?) My belly is ever-changing, and I can't seem to get enough of it. I spend most of the day with at least one hand on my belly, feeling baby move and just letting him know I'm thinking of him I guess. This week we read that he should be almost 2 pounds and 14 inches long! I was only 19 inches when I was born, so it's no wonder I've been feeling cramped and uncomfortable this week- this boy is getting so big! It feels like he's moved up towards my ribs in the last few days. I can feel him stretching and moving much higher up in my belly now. Sitting at my desk all day at work is getting to be difficult, and I'm definitely feeling more uncomfortable at night when I'm trying to sleep. But I just ordered this pillow (thanks to rave reviews from my friend Allison!), so hopefully it helps! It seems this funny boy has also discovered my bladder and keeps using it as a trampoline, but I don't mind so much because every little kick and every squirm still makes me so happy. Especially his little hiccups! They are the sweetest hiccups that ever were.

Last week I read that baby is discovering his sense of touch, so if I push in on my belly, he'll kick me back right where I'm pushing. I tried it a few nights ago, and he did it! Wherever I push he'll give me a little kick, and sometimes I can feel him rubbing his hand across mine, just feeling my fingers. I've never had so much fun in all my life! It is the sweetest little game we play.

We've begun our foray into the cloth diaper world, and I. Am. So. Excited! Who would have thought a girl could be so excited about diapers...? I've had friends who've tried to use cloth diapers in the past, but without support from friends who are also using them, they quickly gave up. And I don't blame them! It's a bit overwhelming at first, but I'm so lucky to have a lot of friends here in Tempe who use (and love!) cloth diapers. My friend Jenna is an EXPERT on cloth diapering, so she's been a huge help to me so far. With her help, and the help of my sweet friend Kristin, I have already purchased all the diapers baby will need for at least the first 6 months, all for just $150! Oh, the savings! I know it will be a challenge, but I'm so excited to take this on. It's just so much better for baby, for us (saving $$$!) and it's an added bonus knowing we won't be adding to the incredible number of "disposable" diapers sitting in landfills across the world. Yay cloth diapers! (Side note- I want to give props to my sweet husband, who didn't even flinch when I told him I wanted to try cloth diapers! He is such a good sport, and is even a little bit excited about it. Love him so.)

My parents, my sister Shea, and her sweet college roommate came to visit us a couple weeks ago. It was SO NICE having them here! My parents spent part of their trip staying at the Arizona Biltmore since my dad had a seminar there that week, so we spent a couple glorious, 80 degree afternoons lounging at the Biltmore pool. SO NICE. We also did some shopping for the baby- my parents, being their wonderful generous selves, bought us his crib and changing table for the nursery. My mom even helped put the crib together! It was a really great week- we got so much done and it was just really nice to be with some of my family. I'm planning a trip home to Augusta next month, so now I'm counting down the days. I can't wait to take this baby home with me, introduce him to all the people who love him already, and to all my favorite foods! Nacho Mama's here we come!!

We're planning on painting the nursery this weekend, then I'll hang the curtains and put up shelves and start to get the room put together. Stay tuned for pictures!