17 Weeks & A Vacation!

HOW FAR ALONG?: 17 Weeks!

TOTAL WEIGHT GAIN?: At the doc last Wednesday, doc said I had only gained 4 pounds, and that she was very happy! (Which made me happy...) Then I went and ruined it...err...celebrated with a cupcake...or 3 (this week). :)

MATERNITY CLOTHES: Ohhhh yeah. I made the mistake of shopping in the "regular" section on Saturday...Kind of wanted to cry. Don't, I repeat DON'T shop in regular stores after your belly pops out. Mine isn't even that big yet and I still didn't fit. Also, we're going to California for a week and a half vaca to see our families, and I already washed and packed all my maternity things...so I am having to get inventive with the "regular sized" outfits that I am wearing to work until we leave. Lol. Man I wish it was socially acceptable to wear sweatpants to work.

STRETCH MARKS?: Not yet, but this week in my weekly "The Bump" email updates, they warned me that they'd be coming soon. Yikes. BTW - thank you to an awesome reader who suggested coconut oil. Sadly, however, I am allergic to coconut.

SLEEP?: Still having the craziest dreams, wake up a lot, am having bloody noses and can't ever get enough sleep. I do feel more energized when I'm awake though, but it does wear off quickly.

BEST MOMENT/S THIS WEEK?: 3 fun things:

1 - We went to the doctor on Wednesday (16 Weeks and 1 Day) who not only broke the amazing news that I am on track with weight gain (even though I feel like a cow), but more importantly...that Baby K's nuchal screening tests came back with fantastic results. Our risk for having a special baby with downs was reduced - normally it's 1 in 600 or something. Since our tests came back so great, they lowered our risk to 1 in 10,000. Regarding trisomy, 1 in just under 10,000. This was so reassuring! We got to hear the heartbeat, but didn't get to see Baby this week. Our next appointment is April 25th, and we will learn if Baby is a BOY or a GIRL. Can.not.wait! Still placing bets. It seems like 60% of people think it's a girl, but I still think it's a boy. And yes, we do have names picked out either way! :) Yay!

2 - Eric had band practice on Friday night, and was due home at 10 - but practice ended up going longer. I texted him at 10:00 saying "I need a cupcake" and I was only kind of joking. He responded saying that he was sorry and wished he could get me one. I said it was okay, but I really wanted that frosting that had "like the birthday confetti in it." Yes, that is how I described it. He didn't get home until after midnight, but surprised me...he had stopped at Kroger, gotten cupcakes, scraped off the original (not as good frosting) and iced me a perfect cupcake with the rainbow frosting!!! Yes. I ate a cupcake at probably 12:30 AM. I'm not ashamed. And I am SOOOO in love with my ridiculously incredibly thoughtful husband.

3 - Our buddies Ryan and Kaeli visited Nashville, and just got engaged. We had a lot of fun with them, and they're moving here in a month! They were so thoughtful and got Baby a cute onesie and a terrycloth robe...I can't wait to dress our stylin' baby!

WORST MOMENT/S THIS WEEK?: Took Banjo to the vet because she's been acting a little less "Banjo-y" lately...ie-has been a bit depressed, and her gums were even a little white. Doc said it's probably because she's in pain, and both of her knees are grinding bone on bone, were out of place, and were just sliding around. Poor little baby. We had NO idea she was in pain - she runs around, jumps on the couch / bed, etc....like it is nothing. Anyway - she needs surgery on BOTH of her knees. Doc doesn't think we should do them simultaneously because Banjo is on the bigger size for a small dog, and doesn't think she could handle it. Plus recovery for her, and for Eric and me would be much more difficult. If it is done simultaneously, it would be around $2200+ (with insurance)....if it is done one knee at a time, it would be $1500 each knee, so about $3K.
There are a few other things on top of that, and I just feel that things are being dumped on us right now - I'm having a hard time with it. Eric is calm and is like, "Don't worry - we'll be fine. Everything is great, life is good." While I love his carefree attitude, sometimes, I just want to scream. :) But I agree. We'll make it through, it's just a little frustrating.

MISS ANYTHING?: Sure do. But my answer hasn't changed. ;)

MOVEMENT?: YES!!! I started to feel baby move last Monday evening. I wasn't sure, but it kept happening. Just little flutters so far - but I can't wait for Eric to be able to feel it too!

FOOD CRAVINGS?: Apparently cupcakes. ;)

ANYTHING MAKING ME QUEASY / SICK?: Same ol'.

GENDER?: 3 WEEKS until the Ultrasound appt! Yay!

LABOR SIGNS?: Nope. Pretty sure I will pass out when the answer to this question is YES!

SYMPTOMS / MOODS?: Back pain is increasing. Just feels like it needs to pop 24/7. I get full / uncomfortable really easily too. My moods are mostly great, but I did have a hormonal episode or 2 this week. Lol...ahhh, my poor husband. ;) Jk.

BELLY BUTTON IN or OUT?: In.

WEDDING RINGS OFF or ON?: On.

HAPPY or MOODY MOST OF THE TIME?: Happy.

LOOKING FORWARD TO...?: We head to California tomorrow! We'll spend a few days in my husband's hometown - which is peaceful and awesome, go to our friends wedding, and then spend the rest of the vacation in fabulous Orange County with my family (and some of Eric's). Then...when we return to Nashville...we'll only have 1.5 more weeks until we know if Baby is Baby Boy Kambestad, or Baby Girl Kambestad. I don't know which I am more excited for!!! (Yes Mom, I know it should be, "I don't know for which I am more excited.") ;)