Bump Update - Week 26

Really quick post this week. Things are all good here. I've been reading a ton, trying to catch up on my reading challenge of 70 books for the year. I'm at 58... last year my challenge was to get to 60. I may have to settle for a final count of 65... fingers crossed! I'm working on Visitation Street by Ivy Pochoda right now.

I'm listening to The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling and I'm hoping to get my hands on Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls by David Sedaris. 

I refuse to read his books because while they would still be enjoyable, listening to him read his essays takes it to a whole different level of hilarity.

We went to see Hunger Games: Catching Fire in the theater. It was worth it, good theater movie. I was surprised how much I had forgotten from the books... that being said, I liked each book less and less as the series went on so I really shouldn't be too surprised. 

I've been trying to swim about every other day and that's going well. Makes me feel a bit like I did when I was really into running. My bathing suit is starting to protest my belly's growing size. I'm hoping Ed will let me know before it pops right off of me. Ed's been keeping active as well. He was cleared to try riding his bike a bit and has been testing that out. Small steps, but it's hugely freeing. He's added in occupational therapy to his scheduled therapies so we're out and about a little more. 

We were up to some other shenanigans this week but I'm going to save them for next week's big holiday post. That's about all for now!

Bump time! 

How far along? 26 Weeks

How Big Is Baby? A 14 inch hot house cucumber - I eat these all the time... imagining something that large goofing around in my belly is pretty freaky. When I imagine baby, it's much smaller. So hard to fathom.

Sleep: I'm feeling a bit more of my size when I attempt to turn over in bed. I'm getting a great upper body workout using our bed frame to hoist myself from side to side.

Best moment this week: I'm holding off on this section until next week's post to include in our Turkey Day recap! 

Movement: Baby likes to make a statement. If we're watching something scary it's like baby knows and will try to freak out right at the perfect time to scare the bejesus out of me. Baby has Ed's sense of humor apparently! 

Symptoms: Heartburn, as usual. Tailbone pain comes and goes. I travel with pillows now and I've set up a throne on the couch that involves multiple pillows. It's a bit ridiculous looking but it's getting the job done.

Food cravings/aversions: Pickles and the smell of mole or enchilada sauce are on my no go list. Craving wise? I'm still eating pretty much anything. I was desperate for strawberry cheesecake ice cream this week. Thank goodness for a sale on ice cream :) 

Gender: Can we talk about how adorable all baby clothing is? Boy or girl, we're looking at the most irresistible striped, colorful, patterned craziness and I just do not know what to do with myself! Damn you black friday temptations! Especially Old Navy. You just don't know what you do to me, sale section.

Belly Button in or out? In... but it's starting to get a little freaky. When I'm on my back and try to roll from side to side, it sooooorta pops out. Eeep!

What I miss: Not bumping into things. I'm constantly underestimating my belly and knocking into doorways, chairs, the fridge door, etc.

What I am looking forward to: Heading over to see Dad & Debbie for Thanksgiving! Which means decorating the apartment for Christmas will be close behind. 

Funny moment of the week: Apparently pregnancy has made me very defensive. Ed did a normal 'scare' where he snapped my book shut, startling me. I nearly punched him out. He was pretty shocked how angry I got and I came down pretty quick, but I felt a bit like Amy Poehler on Ellen... she does not like to be scared:

Labor Signs: nope

Weekly Wisdom: It really isn't worth it to beat yourself up when you forget things or say the wrong word or rerun your mistakes over and over in your head. Just sucks the life and joy right out of you. When that rerun reel starts, try your best to wiggle your toes, recognize it's happening, let it go and move on to the next thought.  

Milestones: I've passed the 100 days left mark! 100 still seems like a good deal of days so I'm not feeling any pressure, but when I start thinking it's only a couple months, that gets me a little keyed up. 

And your weekly dose of my crazy-haired, sweet niece: