Baby Update: 28 Weeks

The Bump:

Here's the bump at 28 weeks!

Maternity Clothes:

My sister-in-law Angie lent me her amazingly comfortable pajama bottoms. I am in heaven. If I could lounge around in them all day I would. I actually got them for her when she was pregnant and on bed rest. Thanks for letting me use them Angie! You are a complete lifesaver. 

I'm wearing a lot of my old pants with the help of my bella band. I can still fit into my lowrise jeans and capris which is a good feeling considering I can't see my legs when I look down anymore.

Best Moment This Week:

Taking Wednesday off work for a doctor's appointment and then spending the morning with Brett. We had a lazy morning, went to the appointment, heard our little girl's heartbeat, and then got lunch at the Olive Garden. It was so fun to spend that time together.

Movement:

Our daughter is one active girl. She keeps me up at night with her tossing and turning. Sometimes I feel (and see) an elbow or heel slide from one side of my belly to the other. It is a really strange feeling. Baby girl especially enjoys kicking me in the ribs and tickling the bottom of my tummy with her fingers. She also gets hiccups occasionally which makes me smile. 

I've been getting a little worried for when this baby comes out. She literally moves all day long and I wonder if she ever sleeps. I'm hoping she is just an active sleeper tossing and turning and jabbing me while dreaming about whatever fetuses dream about.

Food Craving:

Still loving my grapefruit, guacamole, apples, green olives, orange juice, milkshakes, and hummus. My newer cravings have been for Pace Juice Bars (especially the peach and lime flavor), omelets, chips & salsa, steak, and grilled cheese sandwiches (mozzarella).

 

The item that really "hit the spot" this week was the strawberry cheesecake swirl frozen yogurt from Frogurt.

I added kiwi, strawberries, and granola. It was absolute heaven in a cup.

What I Miss:

I miss being able to lean over and pick things up. 

If I ever drop something I grunt like a cantankerous old man and then reluctantly prepare myself to lean over and pick it up. After spreading my legs apart as if I were attempting some yoga pose I reach down with my fingertips and I finally pick up the cursed object. 

Something that used to take me 2 seconds to pick up now takes me about 10. 

It is so humiliating.

Sleep:

Sleep is hit and miss at the moment. I can sleep pretty well but I often wake up either because the baby is moving so much, I'm uncomfortable, or my squished bladder is full. I do consider myself lucky though. I know most women at 28 weeks don't get as much sleep as I am enjoying.

What I Am Looking Forward To:

Spring Break! Brett and I have set some fun plans here in Utah for the week of Spring Break. We're going to go to the planetarium, the aquarium, a few nice dinners, a picnic, and some hikes. Can't wait!

I am also looking forward to the wedding of my incredible best friend Chelsey Kaplar to my equally amazing friend from high school Parry Cutler. They are getting married on August 5th in the Salt Lake temple. This was seriously a match that was years in the making. When I first met Chelsey in 2006 I tried to get her to write to Elder Cutler on his mission. But she didn't. Then when Parry got back from his mission I tried to set them up on a date. Again, didn't happen. They finally ended up meeting three years ago when I set them up on blind dates with other people (sneaky sneaky huh?). I set up Parry with my little sister and Chelsey with one of Brett's friends. A year after that group date (and after months of hanging out randomly) they finally started dating and now they are engaged. Chelsey says they just had to get together when the timing was right for them. :)

Symptoms:

I'm happy to report I haven't thrown up in a month! I'm so happy to have the whole morning sickness out of the way. Sadly, the fatigue that I struggled with through the first trimester is back with a vengeance. As if fatigue in the third trimester isn't bad enough I also just found out this week that I am anemic so I'm on an iron supplement to get my red blood count back up. Hopefully my energy improves a bit.

I have braxton hicks contractions everyday but I don't really feel pain (usually). I can just feel my stomach tightening for 30-90 seconds and then it goes back to normal.

Baby Bump Photoshoot: 19 1/2 weeks

Brett and I went to a nearby park with our Canon Powershot and played model and photographer (since I finally have a bump to show off). It made for a really fun date. 

Here are the highlights, along with some of my favorite quotes about pregnancy.  

Before you were born I carried you under my heart. From the moment you arrived in this world until the moment I leave it, I will always carry you in my heart.

~ Mandy Harrison

I begin to love this creature,
and to anticipate her birth
as a fresh twist to a knot,
which I do not wish to untie.
~ Mary Wollstonecraft

A baby is something you carry inside you for nine months, 

in your arms for three years and in your heart till the day you die. ~ Mary Mason

 

Making a decision to have a child--it's momentous. 

It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.

~ Elizabeth Stone

 

 A great joy is coming.

~ Author Unknown

No language can express the power and beauty and heroism 

of a mother's love. ~ Edwin H. Chapin

 Life is always a rich and steady time when you

are waiting for something to happen or to hatch ~ E.B. White

 

Everything grows rounder and wider and weirder, 

and I sit here in the middle of it all and wonder 

who in the world you will turn out to be. 

~ Carrie Fisher

Exciting news but not exactly the kind of news you want to announce...

I quit my job. ***

(*** Technically I turned down a job offer. The company that I worked for went out of business in January. The owner of the company started a new business and invited me on board... but I declined.)

I know this may not seem like exciting news (especially considering the poo dump that is our economy) but I must say this is a very very good thing.

I enjoyed my job and it was a great learning experience for me, but a lot of the reason why I decided to work instead of earn a graduate degree or teaching certificate was because I thought this job had a great opportunity for me to receive benefits and great pay to help get us through Brett's schooling. But alas, 2009 was quite the doosey and neither perk came through. To make matters worse, not only was I not getting a raise or benefits, but soon all employees lost benefits and then shortly after that the business went under. Though the owner of the company kept some of us on for a new endeavor, I found out that with this new company I'd go from being an hourly employee with some security to a contracted employee with little security. That demotion was a bit hard to take considering I was working so much harder than I ever had before and because I had been told to expect a promotion and a raise for over a year.
Besides all the new developments with my job, I have also been struggling with the fact that I work from home and don't have face to face interactions with my clients or coworkers. Moving to Provo and simultaneously finishing school and track was already hard enough. I went from being a busy student and member of an amazing track team who I saw every single day, to working online 40 hours a week and rarely leaving the house. It is very common for me to go days without seeing anyone but Brett. (Not that I don't love spending time with Brett, but everyone needs other friendships and daily social interactions) It's been difficult for me, Miss People Person, to not have those valuable interactions and to be at home all day.

In short, the stress of this job took quite a toll on me and at the end of the day keeping the job wasn't worth the cost of our happiness and sanity. Brett and I made the decision together to not sign with the new company and my boss was very understanding and supportive.

Brett and I have always stressed the importance pursuing a career we love. I want to have a career in something I am passionate about and I know that I am passionate about working with youth and teaching. There is never a better time to get cracking on pursuing that goal than the present right? Now is the best time to pursue what I want to do before Brett and I decide to start a family.

I am currently in the process of applying to the ARL (Alternate Route to Lincensure) Program through the state. Once accepted, I will be able to teach 7th-12th grade English full-time while I earn my teaching certificate.

In the meantime, I am looking for a tutoring, teaching assistant, paraprofessional, after-school, or coaching position. Pretty much anything that involves working with youth. I'd also be open to working as an editor, content writer, or assistant so long as I can work in an office environment and not from home. So if any of you know of anything, please let me know.

It's stressful job hunting, but a good stressful. I am just happy that I am finally on my way to pursuing a rewarding career that I am passionate about. I already feel as if this huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Please be understanding and avoid judgment at this time. Brett and I weighed our options carefully and made this very difficult decision together. We really need all of your love and support right now.

Things, people, and places I miss

This is the first weekend that Brett and I will be apart since we tied the knot... and to be quite honest... it sucks. Brett is traveling with his team this weekend to New Mexico for a big track invitational. While I am really excited for him, I am also being totally selfish and wishing he could just be with me. I'm sure being apart will be easier when we are both super busy competing at meets... at least I hope so.

He's been gone for a little over an hour and a half and I am already antsy for him to come home. Anyway, sitting here missing him got me thinking about the all the things I miss. I am a big fan of lists, so here comes a list of things I miss.

1. Brett



I know I know, I spent 2 years missing him so I should be used to it by now... But after spending every spare moment together for a month, even a few hours apart feels like an eternity. The things I miss in particular about Brett are his dimples, his sweet kisses, his calm and reassuring voice, and his gentle protecting arms. While he is gone I don't know how I am going to be able to fall asleep without him next to me. I am also going to miss teasing him and making him laugh so hard he cries.

2. Chelsey Kaplar



Chelsey Kaplar is my best friend, teammate, and was my roomie for most of college. I still see her almost everyday for track, but it's just not the same. Chelsey has the most infectious laugh and genuinely loves life. We have one of those relationships where we can meet eyes and know exactly what the other person is thinking. It can make for some awkward moments for other people, because no one can really follow our humor. I miss our dance parties, staying up late talking, Chelsey's waffles w/ peanut butter, sledding at 3 am in trash cans, teasing her for her hour long showers, and "just lookin' at ya." Marriage is the shiz, but I still really miss my roomie.

3. Camp Starlight

So for those of you who don't know, I worked at a Jewish camp during summer 2007. Kinda random I know... but it was such an amazing experience and I made friendships that will last the rest of my life.



I can't even begin to describe how much I miss my camp friends. Especially Jackie Sedore, Kali and Danya Foster, and Katie Tillis.

I miss the Danya and Kali for their fun and outgoing personalities and laundry nights. They kept me going through camp and made even the most minuscule tasks or getting lost... somehow fun! :)

I miss Katie Tillis and her Katie-isms like "question of the day," "what is it... what is it?" and quoting our "favorite camper".... "I don't eat cheese... This place is a death camp... and I'm allergic to cats."

And Ms. Jackie Sedore. I can't even begin to describe how much I miss Jackie Sedore. I miss our Deep and Meaningfuls and our walks. I miss having someone to cry with and talk to about everything. I miss her crazy laugh and tubing down the river. I miss being old ladies and sharing knitting patterns. I miss writing notes like we were in Jr. High. I miss having someone who didn't even know Brett root for him and be such a support to me through the time he was away. (You too Danya. :)



I miss my girls! All 10 of them. I spent a summer being Mom to 10 of the most amazing 10 year olds, and it's been a year and a half since I have seen or talked to them. I miss braiding their hair and singing them lullabys at night. I miss playing sports and dancing with them. I miss being silly and making them laugh. I miss waking up to them climbing up my bunk bed waiting for me to wake up in the morning. I miss Love Shack, "Haiilleee I can't poop", shake your napkin, taking care of them when they were sick, talking one on one with them when they were having a hard time, swimming with them for their swim tests, fruit break, and having three or more of them sit on my lap at night activities because they couldn't compromise. I miss hearing them say, "I love you" and I miss hugging them at random points in the day.

To all the girls of Bunk 9... I miss you!!! I Love you!!! And I am so proud of you!







So I am going to post this now... even though I have like 10 more people to add... and I started this this morning... but for now I will just leave it here with some more names to come.

4. My Mom

5. My Dad

6. The Siblings

7. Neices and Nephews

8. Ashley Patterson

9. Jessica "Suddababy"

10. Kim... the Ertel Turtle

if you are not on my list that does not mean that I do not miss you... This is just one list for one day highlighting just a few of my MANY favorite people. If you are reading this... chances are I LOVE you and MISS you. Promise. :)