Friends

Avery told me today that I was her friend! I hope it stays that way forever!

So I haven't taken any baby belly pictures since the last one. I keep telling myself I am going to but then I forget. Maybe this week. I have gotten a lot bigger in the last couple weeks so now I am noticeably pregnant. I have also started having some aches and pains. Boo! The back pain started a lot sooner last pregnancy so I was kinda hopeful when it hadn't started yet. This time last pregnancy I was already swollen quite a bit and so far I haven't had an swelling issues. Let's hope it stays that way...and more importantly that it means I wont have pre-eclampsia this time. I am having trouble getting comfortable at night already. Baby boy doesn't make it any easier either because he moves and kicks non stop when I am laying down. I don't remember Avery moving this much. Its nice to know he is okay in there, but its really not that pleasant to be kicked and jabbed on the inside all day and night! He is super strong already--I don't look forward to when he gets bigger. We still haven't picked a name. It is so hard! With Avery we saw it and instantly knew that was it...not this time. I think I have read every name ever used in the history of mankind and nothing really speaks to me like "avery" did. We have a couple on our list that we like so maybe one of those is just gonna have to work...its only a name, right? Ha ha.

This week we have another ultrasound and I am going to do my glucose tolerance test and get some other blood tests done. I have a new book to take along with me so I am actually kinda excited. And I get an hour to myself without Avery climbing on me or yelling my name or asking for something. I get to just sit and read (and drink straight sugar)...what else could be better? Okay, maybe going to the spa or something but I will take what I can get!

Hopefully, we will get some good pictures at the ultrasound for me to post. Otherwise,  I will try to get a new belly shot posted...

Oh, and I am going to have a new niece soon! Josh's brother (Chris) and his wife (Jessica) are scheduled to be induced tomorrow morning. She is days past her due date so I hope it all goes well. I can't imagine being pregnant longer than needful...I actually can't imagine even getting close to 40 weeks since Avery was born at 36 weeks. Despite all the problems I had with her and being super overwhelmed with having a baby that early,  it was kinda nice to have a whole month shaved off of pregnancy. Anyways, I am super excited for them and I can't wait to see her the next time I make it up to Provo/Salt Lake.

27

Yesterday was my 27th birthday. I don't think it has hit me yet that I am only 3 years away from 30. I don't feel any older and I certainly don't feel any wiser. I feel exactly the same. In fact, I think I still tell people I am 25--not realizing I am a couple years off. I guess that's a good thing to not feel my age. Hopefully, it stays this way forever. One thing that has changed in my old(er) age is my inability to stay up late. I have always been a night owl. Not so much anymore. Actually, not at all. I stayed up past midnight on New Years Eve and sadly I can't remember the last time I did that before then. Other than going to bed earlier I really don't think much has changed...(besides my weight, which I will blame on pregnancy).

So back to my birthday. Luckily, my birthday happened to fall on one of Josh's days off. We woke up early (only bc I drive my nieces to school). Josh ended up taking them while I watched my overnight monkey bread bake. It was my first attempt and it turned out perfectly. I ate way too much of it and swore I wouldn't eat anything else till dinner...that of course didn't happen. I failed when we went to the mall to shop and browse around. Oh, before the mall I opened some presents. Josh got me some jewelry and a super cool iHome to play the new ipod I got for Christmas. I got some new m.a.c. makeup at the mall and tried to find some new headbands but was unsuccessful. I recently decided I liked headbands and bought myself one for Christmas but haven't found anymore since that I just absolutely love.  I'll keep looking. After the mall we got ready for dinner, dropped Avery off at my mom's and drove to Phoenix to dine at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Best. Steak. Ever. Seriously, I've never had better. We shared a couple or sides and had the complimentary dessert they give for birthdays. It was the perfect amount but we LOVE their cheesecake so we ordered some to go. Dinner was amazing. We picked up Avery and came home.  We just relaxed and (like every night) went to bed early.

Speaking of bed...I think its calling my name. Birthday week is still in progress so I better get my rest for more celebrating...

22 weeks

I guess I better start taking some belly pictures now that I am over half way there. I didn't with Avery so this time I am going to try it out (unless I get super swollen and big).

So check back for more of my growing belly...