26 Weeks and Baby Shower

How far along? 26 weeks + 5 days (Feeling proud I’m only a week late posting this update, lol!)
Total weight gain: 14-15 pounds
Maternity clothes? Still wearing a mix of maternity and non-maternity. Considering buying a couple tops from H&M maternity (cute & affordable) to get me through these last few months.
Stretch marks: No. Skin still feeling good too – no itchy tummy.
Sleep: Sleep is problematic related to being unable to find a comfy sleeping position. I get very achy shoulders and hips. Trying not to sleep on the couch because I like being in bed with Justin but I want us both to get good rest. Starting in bed and then moving out to the couch for an hour or two more of sleep is becoming more of a pattern.
Best moment this week: The arrival of the crib and jogging stroller in the mail as well as picking out items for the nursery. We have a lot of work to do in the nursery before anything can go in it but it’s fun envisioning how the space will be.
Miss Anything? A full night of sleep!
Movement: Lots of kicks and waves of movement on a daily basis. This is truly the best part of pregnancy!
Food cravings: Sweet anything. Fruit and baked goods. My baking habit remains unchecked.
Food aversions: None. All food tasting great but heartburn is getting worse.
Symptoms? Heartburn, which presents itself as a deep ache in my upper right abdomen just under my ribs. At first I thought it was related to my gallbladder but since I’m having symptoms most of the time, I am pretty certain its heartburn. I’m not a fan of antacids so I deal with it. Smaller meals are a must and staying upright after eating. Happy to report I am still going strong with my modest exercise routine!
Belly button in or out: In. Getting more shallow but I think it’ll hang in for the whole pregnancy.
Wedding rings on or off: On. No issues with this yet.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and excited to meet baby girl! I still have fits of emotion when I get overly tired – always feel so ridiculous afterwards and apologize profusely to poor Justin. I also have anxiety when I see news stories about children with cancer or getting injured – baby J isn’t even here yet and I am so worried about keeping her safe!
Looking forward to: Getting my glucose tolerance test over with! Also, my sweet co-worker is hosting a baby shower for me in April. Can’t wait to celebrate baby girl!

Now onto some photos of my baby shower in Palm Springs hosted by my grandma, mom, and aunt. It was on Valentine’s Day and as such had a red, white, and pink theme. One of my favorite details was the Nevada local strawberry jam shower favors (I grew up in Nevada). Also, my mom dug out a few school projects I had done when I was little – one outlined what kind of parent I thought I would be and another showed pictures and handwritten captions of all my favorite people and things. Everything about the shower was a complete surprise, and I just loved all the thoughtfulness that went into the planning! And it was so touching to see how already well loved Baby J is with all the sweet baby gifts we received.

My mom received this wonderful book from our cousins – it really is the sweetest story and I highly recommend it as a gift for any grandparent-to-be! Her face says it all, tears of joy!

The whole group feeling well sated after a sumptuous brunch followed by red velvet cake for dessert. 🙂