27 weeks

How Far Along: 27 weeks- which means THIRD trimester!!!! Time to panic and run around the house to get everything done that we do not have done.

Size of baby: I think my app is acting weird. Last week it said cucumber. This week it says a head of cauliflower. I don't know! But I do know he likes to bounce off of my hip bone and punch me in the ribs at the same time so I know he is bigger.

Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants all the way and of course my yoga pants. I have put the non-maternity scrub tops away. I wore one to the office this week and went home after an hour to change cause I could not breath in it.

Gender: Aaron Marcous

Movement: Moving moving moving all the time!

What I miss: Sleeping or just laying on my stomach

Sleep: I slept better this week only because I took a benadryl several nights. We also did not have power one night so it was hot but I slept okay and then jumped up at 3:30 when the power came on so I could turn on the air and the fans (yes, two fans in my room now). My father in-law and husband put a new ceiling fan up in our room this week. The old one would make so much noise and Stephen would throw a fit if I tried to sleep with it on. So he bought a new one this week and it is MUCH better!

Symptoms: Very tired. Third trimester has brought back the exhaustion of the first trimester. Everyone told me this would happen but I just tried to ignore it. I have been going to work and then crashing just like the first 12 weeks. I have a feeling this will only get worse. Also, my patience seems to be not in abundance lately. I am trying to be very aware of it and take extra steps guard my mouth. We will see. Stephen did admit this morning that he is looking forward to living with his non-pregnant Casey soon. Ha! I bet! Me too!

Cravings: I have just been HUNGRY this week! Of course, I had planned to cut back and eat super healthy since my glucose test is next week. So far, it has been a FAIL! I have eaten what ever is in front of me. Pretty sure I have gained weight too because I feel HUGE this week.

This has been a very big week in our lives. I started the third trimester which like I said has brought on some major anxiety for me. This is it! There is nothing after this but giving birth. We really have done nothing around this house to prepare. Even Stephen is panicked about the fact that the nursery is not done. Oh well, it will get done. We have the bassinet so I know what is what he will sleep in when we first get home anyway. Also this week, we had the deadliest tornadoes that this state has ever seen. The devastation has been very overwhelming. We are currently under a state of emergency. Tuscaloosa will never be the same. I can not imagine our lives here without Tuscaloosa. That is where we go for everything- to shop, celebrate birthdays, go to football games. The main office of our health department is located there. We still have not heard from any of the employees there. Communication has been hit or miss in most areas. We have been working, but without phones, internet or our charting system. We are very blessed that all our family is fine and none of our homes were damaged. The relief efforts are in full swing today. I am going to head to the store soon to buy formula and diapers to send. I cannot imagine facing the loss of everything with a newborn! I wonder how long it will take Alabama to get back on its feet and things will feel "normal" again.

We do go to the doctor next Friday. Stephen is going to try to go with me since he has not been to an appointment in awhile and I'm nervous about my glucose test. Pray I pass on the first try. Not sure if we will get an ultrasound or not. If we do, I will post pics.

Headed to church on Easter Sunday

After church Stephen was taking photos of the flowers in the yard and made me pose with the roses. This week was the first time that I have had strangers commenting on my belly. So far everyone tells me I'm small for having a baby in July. Thanks! Ill take that even if you are all lying to me :)

Week 26

How Far Along: 26 weeks

Size of baby: this week my app says a cucumber which is weird because it was a eggplant last week. Anyway, he is 15 inches head to toe and 2 1/2 pounds now! Wow! Big boy!

Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants all the way and of course my yoga pants. I am wearing all maternity tops and even think I'm done with my scrub tops for now. I can get them on but I can't get anything in or out of the pockets cause it is so tight!

Gender: Aaron Marcous

Movement: He is kicking up a storm this week. He even kept kicking Dr. Otey during my appointment.

What I miss: Sleeping on my stomach!!

Sleep: I give up! I am to the point when I cannot turn over without waking myself and Stephen up. And as of last night, my arms kept falling asleep! So if you cant sleep on your belly or your back. And, now your hips hurt and your arms fall asleep when you sleep on your side, what is a girl supposed to do!?! Sleep standing up!?!?

Symptoms: Still tired (see above :p)

Cravings: Still wanting chocolate. I did breakdown at Walmart and pickup my favorite Easter candy. The only problem is Stephen doesn't like it so now I have a whole bag to eat by myself. Not good considering I have my glucose test in t-two weeks! (dreading this!!)

Went to the doctor Thursday. Got a good report. Weight is right on target. Aaron's heart rate was 122. Took awhile to get his heart rate because every time they pushed the doppler into my belly he would kick it and move away. He also kicked my doctor. He does not like people bothering him. My blood pressure was also the lowest it has been so far! Woohoo! I know I have not had a weekly "look how big I am" picture in awhile. I will get Stephen to take one tomorrow when I get dressed for church.

Week 25

How Far Along: 25 weeks! (this felt like a big deal to me! 25 weeks!!!!)

Size of baby: an eggplant! My app still says eggplant but says he is up to two pounds this week

Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants all the way and of course my yoga pants. I am wearing all maternity tops now except for my scrub tops. But they probably wont last much longer.

Gender: Aaron Marcous

Movement: Mom got to feel him kick this week for the first time. I have found that when we are in the middle of a storm, he moves alot. Not sure if it has to do with the change in pressure in the atmosphere or the fact that he's a Richards. The Richards boys are infamous for standing outside in the yard to watch the tornados pass by. Aaron may be joining them for that. Heaven help me!

What I miss: bending over without grunting. Ha ha! I sound like an old fat person every time I try to pick something up off the floor.

Sleep: I slept about 12 hours last night. Of course, that was along with a couple bathroom trips.

Symptoms: Tired this week and not the most emotionally balanced (yea hormones!)

Cravings: Still want chocolate this week. Last night I wanted warm chocolate chip cookies and ice cream. Of course, we did not have cookies so I had to settle for sugar free ice cream.

I was supposed to go to the doctor yesterday but we had a crazy Alabama weather day. Lots of tornados and severe storms. I ended up canceling it which was good because a tornado went through that town right when my appointment was scheduled. I was re-scheduled for next Thursday. Can't believe I will start my third trimester in just a few weeks. Crazy!

24 Weeks

How Far Along: 24 weeks!

Size of baby: an eggplant!

Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants all the way and of course my yoga pants. I am wearing all maternity tops now except for my scrub tops. But they probably wont last much longer.

Gender: Aaron Marcous

Movement: Still moving mostly in the afternoon and night (in fact he is playing his favorite game right now where he kicks my bladder)

What I miss: Shaving my legs easily. Cut myself twice this week.

Sleep: Its hit or miss. I sleep well until I wake up to go to the bathroom the first time then it takes awhile to get comfortable and find the perfect position with all my pillows.

Symptoms: Belly has been getting alot tighter this week. I told Stephen yesterday it fells like my ribs have been in a fight. My abs having really starting pulling and staying very tight this week which is very uncomfortable at times.

Cravings: Candy and chocolate! Nothing healthy this week. I have not been much of an eater at meals (which has happened alot during this pregnancy). Have been mainly snacking this week.

My hours at work were cut back alot starting this week along with my driving. I have felt much better and have actually had some energy at the end of the day. I text my mom that I had gone to Walmart for groceries and done laundry twice this week! That hasn't happened in a while. I'm still ready to crash at the end of the day but I guess my energy will continue to dwindle as I continue to get bigger and it gets hotter outside.

Next doctors appointment is next Friday. Should be a quick one except for the dreaded weigh in--gag!!!!!

(took this when we crossed the Louisiana State line this weekend headed to our baby shower. Ignore the homeless look! I had been in the car a long time and didn't bother with makeup or fixing the hair)

How Far Along: 23 weeks!

Size of baby: ear of corn

Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants all the way and of course my yoga pants. Pretty much all maternity shirts now.

Gender: Aaron Marcous

Movement: Moving alot still mostly at night. Had an icee yesterday and that really got him moving too

What I miss: Energy!

Sleep: Had a few bad nights this week due to back pain. Slept well the last two nights.

Symptoms: ALOT of back pain! Don't ever care to repeat this week again. Went back to the doctor and then tried two different chiropractors. Feeling much better now.

Cravings: Yesterday during church I wanted cajun turkey so badly! This weekend I really did not want much at the meals just snacks.

We had our first baby shower this weekend. We were so blessed! Will share all about it later when I get the pictures. Ill make it a separate post. Maybe this week.