26 Weeks

How far along? 26 weeks

Baby size: Lettuce, 1.68 lb, 14.02 in (crown to heel)

Total weight gain/loss: I went to the doctor this past Friday and have gained 16 pounds!!  So apparently I have gained 2 pounds in one week.  YIKES!  I hope this is not a trend I continue since I have 14 weeks to go. 
Maternity clothes? Yes!
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Sleep has been pretty good.  I do wake up hot sometimes and have to tuck one leg in and one leg out of the covers, but I usually fall right back to sleep.
Best moment this week: I received the results from my glucose test and I passed : )  My blood sugar level was 92 and they want it under 140.  I also got good results from  my thyroid blood work.  I don't think I have listed this in here, but towards the middle of May my thyroid blood work came back with my TSH level too high (meaning underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism).  My doctor started me on a low dosage of synthroid to try to correct it, and my levels are now normal.  My prayer now is that after the pregnancy I will be able to come off the synthroid; however, my energy level has been much better since taking the medicine and I am no longer falling asleep at 7pm every night... well at least not most nights : )  This week Daniel and I were also able to go visit my friend Diana, who is 20 weeks pregnant, and her husband Allan in Hickory, NC for the day.  It was wonderful to spend time with them and catch up on life.  Sadly, I forgot to take a picture with Diana and our "bumps."  That just means I will have to see her again soon.  Also, on Sunday I attended a baby shower for my friend Jeanna who is due August 12th.  I did get a picture of us together because she will soon no longer have her bump, but a beautiful baby girl to hold instead. 
Miss Anything? Being able to lift heavy stuff without worrying.  Daniel and I are preparing for a yard sale this Saturday, and being the independent person I am, it is very hard for me to remember I am not supposed to lift heavy things.  I also have been trying to get my classroom ready for the upcoming school year, and for any of you who are teachers you know how much climbing it takes to do bulletin boards, word walls, etc.  It is SO hard for me to avoid climbing on things, but thankfully my mama is helping me when she can.
Movement: Yes, still mostly when I am very still and quiet.  Friday, after I drank the orange sugar drink before my glucose test, she was moving like crazy... sugar high I guess : )
Food cravings: I really have not had many cravings this week other than the usuals. I  have enjoyed snacking on raw carrots lately, which is a new thing. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: I am having to be more careful about what I eat for dinner because I get so full and bloated so easily.  For some reason salads have been the worst to bloat me lately.  I guess because lettuce is a harder thing to digest.
Have you started to show yet: Yes
Gender: It's a Girl!!
Symptoms: Bloating at night, back pain, swelling in the bottom portion of my legs, and the burning in my throat has returned.  For some reason in the later afternoon my throat burns terribly.  I am not sure if it is a form of indigestion or what.  Chewing gum or sucking on mints seems to really help.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Looking forward to: We are in the process of really getting the baby's room ready now.  We are adding a closet to the room for extra storage since I currently have my winter clothes in her closet.  Daniel and his dad are going to start painting her room baby pink this Friday, and we have several other pieces that need painting.  I am ready to see it all come together!!  I am also looking forward to my friend Brantley's baby shower this weekend.  Two of my college roommates and I are hosting the shower for her, and I am excited to see everyone at one time. 

My friend Jeanna and me at her baby shower.