Time flies when you're having fun

 

Before I begin, I have to tell you about this picture.  I'm 26 weeks in the picture, which was taken this Sunday.  I realized I only had one "belly" picture on here, and that was just not acceptable.  I had Mike be the photographer as I tried to show off my belly.  This picture is FIVE outfits later.  Seriously, I changed for this, so please enjoy it.  Would you like to know the reason?  Mike's exact words after taking the picture in the previous FOUR outfits was "no, you don't look pregnant enough".  So off I went to change.  I suppose he was going for the whale look, but I couldn't quite pull it off.  This is apparently the closest outfit to whale that would work.  We couldn't get Aspen out of the pictures, so I guess she wanted a cameo in this update.

I have been super busy since the last time I have updated this page, hence the super long delay.  Sorry about that.  It seems like my weekends have been filled with tons of activities lately.  Work is super busy, so my weekdays go by way fast.  All of a sudden, I realize I'm 7 1/2 months pregnant and a little freaked out.  Not a lot, just a little.  I thought it would take FOREVER to finally get to the stage of embarking on the third trimester.  But with how busy I have been, it has gone way faster than I braced myself for.  My mind frame says I should be about 5 months along, not almost 8.  Yikes!

Pregnancy and Bryson have been very kind to me so far, and I can't be more thankful of that.  Other than some pretty rough lower back pain, it's been a breeze making a baby.  I've read several books on preparing for pregnancy, and they mention some pretty scary stuff could happen.  So I feel very fortunate this has been easy and I can enjoy it.  According to the prenancy books I mentioned, Bryson weighs a little over 2 pounds.  He is still a little fella in there and has lots of time to grow.  I, on the other hand, have gained 13 pounds so far.  That may seem like a lot, but the doc says I'm right on schedule, even a little under.

Speaking of the doc, I have a cute story.  I went to the doctor for my monthly check up (soon to be bi-monthly starting Nov. 29) last week. She was searching for Bryson's heartbeat on that handheld monitor thing (not sure of the technical word), but she couldn't hear it very well.  She pushed on the left side of my stomach to move him around a bit.  He was not a happy camper about being pushed on without his permission, so he kicked her hand VERY hard.  Three times in a row, to be exact.  He was not a fan of being mashed on, and I can't say that I blame him.  But none the less, it was funny.  She jerked her hand back after the first one and seemed surprised that he kicked her so quickly.  But she didn't let a little kick deter her, because there she went again, mashing away in the same spot.  That's where the other two kicks came in to play.  His heartbeat was 154, and I was told that was excellent.  I was a proud momma.

Bryson is starting to do other things besides kick (at least that I can feel).  I can feel him when he turns or changes positions.  I can feel him stretch.  I can feel him kick me as hard as his little legs will kick.  It's all incredible.  I do have to admit when I feel him changing positions it is a bit alien like.  I can't quite describe how it feels, but it's definitely something I haven't gotten used to yet, but then again it's still new.  I love his kicks, and I have from day one.  Maybe I'll get used to him turning around.  But for now, it feels completely weird...in a good way though.

I have been trying to stay in the gym as much as can.  It seems to get a bit more difficult the larger I get.  I love the treadmill, but it hates my back.  I had to move on the bikes because the treadmill has been unforgiving to my situation.  Not nice, treadmill...I miss you!  Don't get me wrong, the bikes are fine.  But I like having the option to choose the bike, not to be forced on it because my back is a big sissy.  My goal for the gym has been to go at least 3 times a week.  I have been doing really well with that, except for last week. I went twice.  But I have a great excuse to missing the third day (Friday).  Girls Night!!  Who could pass up girls night for the gym?  Not me!  Here's a shot of us. 

Mike has been very busy with school the past few months.  He is set to graduate on December 18, and I couldn't be more proud of him.  He has worked his tail off trying to get everything finished by December, and he is doing a fantastic job.  When he tells me all the assignments he has to complete each week, it is unreal.  So here's a shout out to my honey for doing an amazing job and working hard to get his Masters.  Bryson and I are oh so proud!