24 days...

Today we went "browsing" at Babies R Us. Elliott was very patient and let me look at everything. His eyes were also opened to how many things we need to buy to get ready for this baby. I could see his little mental calculator computing all the numbers. I picked out a few different bouncers and swings and he immediately logs in to Craigslist on his phone and finds them for way less. We've actually bought quite a few things from friends and from Craigslist. There are some things we want brand-new, but we're not opposed to buying some things used...especially those things they'll grow out of in just a few months. Today's Craigslist purchase was a bassinet to use by our bed for the first few weeks. We're going to look at a swing tomorrow. Here's a picture of what the swing looks like new. I hope it'll work for us! Elliott will buy ANYTHING if it's a good deal...haha! This might work to my advantage... ;-) Again, we're looking forward to finding out if it's a boy or girl, so we can get the crib, bedding, and really start designing the room. Only 24 more days to wait! Plus I am DYING to buy some tiny baby clothes!!!! Hopefully the winter clothes will be out by August because I don't think I'll be able to wait much longer.

Here's a picture of the "little lamb" swing we're thinking about buying.

It's very neutral, so it's good for a boy or girl. All this baby stuff around the house is making everything seem more real. Now we just have to keep the cat out of it until January!

Here are the belly shots from the last few weeks. It's definitely looking a little rounder. This dress really shows everything. Most of the time my clothes aren't that fitted and it's hard to tell there's anything there. Some days I wish it would be more obvious, so I don't just feel fat and gross. 

looking a little chubby...

side shot...it's hard not to look at the camera!

At 14 weeks, our baby is the size of a lemon. :-)

Biggest Cravings: ice cream, CANDY, goldfish crackers, sandwiches, and cereal. I've been eating a 4th meal of a sandwich or a bowl of cereal in the evenings before bed. Guacamole and turkey bacon are out now...YUCK. I think I over did it on both of those. I've started eating Mexican food again (thank goodness-Elliott was not happy about skipping that). I still can't eat hamburgers or very much meat at all, besides deli meat- which I'm not really supposed to have...

Clothes: This is a sore subject. My summer wardrobe options are dwindling. I now have just 2 pairs of shorts that fit, one pair of jeans, and a couple stretchy skirts that sometimes make me feel fatter. My shirts are getting a little small too. They just don't fit as comfortably. It doesn't help that it has been 100+ degrees every day. I don't want to wear tight clothes when it's that hot. I've tried the Bella Band and hated it. I've tried leaving my pants unbuttoned and I can do that sometimes...depends on the shirt. Today Elliott found me standing in front of my closet crying. It just gets so frustrating to stare at 2 closets full of clothes (Yes, I have both closets...) and know that nothing in there is going to fit. I'm going to look online tonight for a few more summer things to get me through the next few months. Wish me luck!

Energy/Mood: I feel like the mood swings are disappearing. Those were like being on the "Erin Roller Coaster." Hang on and ride it out!!! I can still cry at the drop of a hat. That might be getting worse. For some reason I thought it would be a good idea to watch Marley and Me the other day. I was completely sobbing by the end of it. Elliott was looking at me like I was crazy. I had snot and tears rolling down my face. RIDICULOUS! Why does that dang dog have to die at the end?!? However, my energy has been way better. I worked out several times last week and felt pretty good. I really want to keep up the workouts as long as I can! I'm glad Elliott likes to go because he can drag me along with him. Although those mirrors in the gym are not friendly!!! The only other thing I've been dealing with lately are a few headaches here and there. I've always had headaches, so not sure if it's pregnancy related, but they seem to knock me down a little more than usual. Taking a nap when those happen are the best cure for me so far.

Now that we're starting to shop for baby stuff, I thought it might be a good idea to get opinions from some veteran moms. I know every baby and family is different, but in your opinion, what item(s) do I NEED? What item(s) can I live without?

Love Always,


Erin