24.5 weeks, and yes I'm counting

We had another "successful" doctor's visit yesterday. Those things are a joke- check your weight, your blood pressure and measure your tummy.
On the positive side, everything is progressing well. I got another "lecture" about eating. I really don't think these doctors have any idea how much I actually put away. Last time it was, "Maybe have an extra piece of toast, or a bigger piece of chicken." On which helping, my second or third?! This visit, the doctor (a different one) wanted to be sure I felt "nourished" and that I was eating and not vomiting.
I have to say, I don't remember ever feeling "good" when I was pregnant with Duke. And I feel good right now. Yes, there has been some problems with sciatic pain (which they tried to prescribe me narcotics for!) and the usual discomforts, but all in all I feel pretty great. I've been able to exercise on a somewhat regular basis and I think not gaining so much weight is really helping me feel better. I still breathe like a very large overweight person when just getting up and walking around, but I guess that comes with the territory.
I hope I can continue to make healthier choices, and that the evening chocolate chips don't catch up to me (is it bad to eat half a bag in one sitting?) or my hips and butt!

On another note, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of round 2 of Lilly's room decor. The first one (pictured on a different date) was not at all what I had expected. From the picture I was imagining a soft blue and pink. What arrived was a turquoise and coral horror show. So that was returned, I started from scratch and picked out something a little louder but still cute. In fact, it might be better as it probably will be more appropriate for a somewhat older girl than my first choice was.

We've started cleaning out the guest room and slowly but surely I am trying to get organized. A little over 3.5 months left!!!! Crazy... and oh so much stuff to do!

Knowing is Half the Battle

Well, well. Looks like the balance of the household will be tipped back to a more level playing field. You are a girl, and awfully cute at that. You are still quite the mover and shaker, and so far I feel pretty good. At 21+ weeks I am getting back into the groove of moderate exercise 2 times a week. Nothing spectacular, but better than nothing I suppose. I'm going to try adding yoga in there once or twice a week since I am getting awfully stiff.

As of last week's appointment my weight gain was right on track- 8 pounds. Quite different from your brother where I gained 13 pounds in 4 weeks!!!! Of course by now I might have upped that a few more pounds so I'm trying to eat healthily and take care of the both of us. (Meaning I really am trying to cut back on the chocolates, jelly beans and sugar- currently 'conversation hearts' which are in season for Valentine's Day. Oh, and the cheese!) I think you like food as much as I do- at first I thought you were going bananas when I ate sweets, but now I notice it every time I eat. That's my girl!!! Don't worry, we love food around here!

I am officially out of my clothes. I have no desire to be squeezed that tightly, so instead we are dealing with plumber's butt when the maternity elastic slips down too far. The Bella Band is great! I wish I had used it more with Duke. Maternity tops are still for the most part overkill, but a lot of mine aren't quite big enough in the right places, if you know what I mean.

Finding out that you're a girl was shocking to say the least, but your Daddy was so excited that it helped a lot. Also, I registered for lots of cute girl things and that made me start to anticipate your arrival eagerly. Not that we're ready for you! Heavens, no. In fact, if you show up too soon you'll be sleeping in a shoe box!

I've been telling Duke about you and he said he's going to teach you songs and read you stories. He says he's going to be a good big brother, and I think he will.

I can't wait to decorate your room- here's a preview...