27 Weeks

Our baby is still approximately the size of an eggplant so no new picture to compare the size of Hudson to a fruit.

I have been having some seasonal allergies but ever since my appointment on Monday, I have been taking medication to relieve some of my symptoms. I have only taken 1/2 a pill of Claritin on Monday night for my allergies and a few Tums here and there for heartburn. They seem to really be helping and the doctor said that they are a good source of calcium. They also are surprisingly not bad tasting. They have new flavors since the last time I took Tums such as mixed berry. Hudson has been getting more active this week. His kicks and movements seem to be occurring more throughout the day and night, and I am noticing ever punch and kick. My dad and Brandon have still not felt him so I am hoping that they can sometime soon. One of my co-workers told me today that, "Feeling the baby move is such an awesome experience and you will never feel as close to that baby again as you did when you could feel their every kick and move inside of you."

We are suppose to be going to the Springfield Cardinals game tonight for Jessica and Brandon's couples shower/party before they get hitched in two weeks. The weather is not looking good but we are hoping that it will clear off before game time. I am looking forward to seeing some good friends and having some nice conversation with them. We are also still trying to sell our house. It is getting a little frustrating because we are not getting many calls on the house. We are hoping that our plans to build and sell our house to the builder will come through.

At 27 weeks, Hudson is approximately two pounds and is around 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He is now sleeping and waking at regular intervals with his eyes opening and shutting. He may even be sucking his fingers at this point in the pregnancy. His brain is very active now with more brain tissue developing. Although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning with medical help if he was born now. Any rhythmic movements at this point are hiccups and this will continue throughout the rest of the pregnancy. Each episode of hiccups only last for a few moments.

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 27 weeks 0 days
Total Weight Gain/Loss: +11
Maternity Clothes: Yes almost exclusively
Best Moment this week: Hearing his heartbeat at the doctor's appointment
Gender: Boy- Hudson Ray Elliott (received many compliments about his name this week at a friend's baby shower)
Movement: Hard, frequent, and consistent, feeling hiccups now too
Food Craving: Andy's ice cream, cereal, fruit, cheez-its, sushi (but not eating sushi)
What I miss: Sleeping through the night
Sleep: Still pretty good but having to get up to use the restroom or change positions.
What I am looking forward to: Registering this weekend
Belly Button: In
Symptoms: Some ligament pain, growing belly, using the bathroom constantly, some heartburn, and allergies.
Note: Can't wait for my dad and Brandon to feel Hudson move! Have my baby shower scheduled now for Saturday June 19th.

Heartbeat

Hearing Hudson's heartbeat is the most amazing thing, well that and feeling him move. We had our last 4 week appointment today. Our appointments now will be occurring every 2 weeks. I am excited that I will get to hear his heartbeat and see how much he is growing every 2 weeks instead of waiting a whole month.

Today at our appointment, I had gained another four pounds from my previous appointment so I am up to 11 pounds total that I have gained from my pre-pregnancy weight. Doesn't seem too shabby to me since most resources at this point say that the average weight gain is like 16-22 pounds. My blood pressure was the lowest and best it has been since I got pregnant. Hudson's heart rate was 150 beats per minute and was louder and stronger than previous times. I just love hearing that sound. I also measured 2 cm ahead but that doesn't mean that he will come early but could possibly be a big baby. At this point, my doctor is just going to monitor it and may possibly do another ultrasound in the 3rd trimester to check his size.

I had many questions for my doctor about medications I can and can't take since I am now suffering from occasional heartburn, seasonal allergies, and some asthma. I have put off taking anything up to this point because I don't want to put anything in my system that could effect Hudson. I have gotten to the point where I can't stand it much longer, and she assured me that the medications she recommended are safe during pregnancy. I made a trip by Walgreens to pick up a few items after our appointment.

I have my glucose test to check for gestational diabetes next week. I am praying that they will tell me everything is normal. It seems I have craved sweets more than most things but then again I crave those things even when I am not pregnant.

I just wanted to update after this appointment. We feel so blessed to be pregnant with our precious baby boy Hudson, and we can't wait to meet him.

Week 26 Photo

26 Weeks

Baby Hudson is still around the size of an eggplant so no fruit comparison this week.

We are currently 26 weeks pregnant. Hudson is an active baby. His kicks are becoming much harder and frequent. He is now more active throughout the day as well as the typical morning and night. I love feeling him move, turn, and kick. As I type this on my laptop, I lie here with my puppy on my chest and my baby boy in my stomach kicking away! What an awesome feeling!!!

I still feel pretty good with lots of energy and am getting restful sleep. I do have to get up a couple times in the night to use the restroom or change positions but nothing that is too uncomfortable yet! I am suffering from Spring allergies right now which is not fun since I am unwilling to take medicine at this point. One thing that is getting harder for me as my tummy grows is the ability to shave and bend over to pick things up off the ground. ha!

Hudson now weighs around 1 2/3 pounds and is around 14 inches from head to heel. The nerves in his ears are more developed and sensitive than before. He can now hear both Jeremy and my voice. He also can probably hear our voices when we are chatting with one another. Hudson is inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid which helps him get ready for the outside world and helps his lungs develop. At this point in the pregnancy, he continues to put on baby fat. His testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum which takes around 2-3 days.

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 26 weeks 0 days
Total Weight Gain/Loss: +11
Maternity Clothes: Yes almost exclusively....not much else is comfortable anymore.
Best Moment this week: Having Jess feel him punch/kick during church service and in the car.....two times in one week!
Gender: Boy- Hudson Ray Elliott
Movement: Hard, frequent, and consistent
Food Craving: Andy's ice cream, cereal, fruit
What I miss: Sleeping through the night
Sleep: Still pretty good but having to get up to use the restroom or change positions.
What I am looking forward to: My next appointment this coming Monday and registering, buying his bedding.
Belly Button: In
Symptoms: Some ligament pain, growing belly, using the bathroom constantly, some heartburn, and allergies.
Note: Can't wait for my dad and Brandon to feel Hudson move! Excited to hear his heartbeat again at this next appointment.

Allergies stink....

Well I had a nice day at school but felt very tired. I assumed it was just from all of the weekend festivities. I came home from school and immediately laid down for a nap. I didn't realize until I woke up that I was miserable from allergies. I blew my nose on and off for the rest of the night. My throat and ears itch, and I am going to try my best not to take any medicine. I just don't see the need to put anything in my system that could effect Hudson in anyway. I will just endure and suffer and hope it goes away soon. If it does not, I will be putting a call into my doctor to see what the best thing is to take that will not hurt my precious baby. I pray that my Spring allergies go away soon!

Week 25 Photo

25 Weeks........Our eggplant

I am 25 weeks pregnant as of today. I am feeling wonderful with lots of energy. Hudson has been moving alot lately and his kicks are getting harder with each day. I love feeling him move! He is still a little stubborn when it comes to other people being able to feel him. My dad still hasn't felt him but I know he will soon. We recently got more baby clothes for him. Jeremy's aunt and uncle were so generous to give us a bassinet and tons of clothes. I bought a huge stack of clothing for all ages for Hudson from my friend Maria who is pregnant with her second and is having a girl this time. We will probably register in the next few weeks.

Hudson is around the size of an eggplant now. He is approximately 13 1/2 inches long and weighs around 1 1/2 pounds. His body is beginning to change from a long and lean shape to some baby fat. His hair has come in now and if you could see it you could determine it's color and texture. It also states that at this point in your pregnancy that often times if someone puts their ear on your belly, they could detect the baby's heartbeat without a doppler. Hudson has developed tiny capillaries giving him a pink glow to his skin. He is also soaking up antibodies from me to build up his immune system for when he is outside of the womb. His eyes are developing and he will soon be able to blink. His eyelashes are already in.

My grandma passed away this morning, and I have been thinking about her all day. I know she is happy and riding her motorcycle with my grandpa in heaven!! Her funeral is going to be on Monday so if you would keep my family in your prayers I would appreciate that.

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 25 weeks 0 days
Total Weight Gain/Loss: +7
Maternity Clothes: Yes almost exclusively....not much else is comfortable anymore.
Best Moment this week: Enjoying the home opener Springfield Cardinals game with perfect weather, good food, a handsome husband, and Hudson kicking during the game.
Gender: Boy- Hudson Ray Elliott
Movement: Hardest it has ever been and what a wonderful feeling!
Food Craving: Andy's ice cream, cereal, fruit
What I miss: Sleeping through the night
Sleep: Not great but preparing me for when he gets here.
What I am looking forward to: Registering and buying his bedding.
Belly Button: In
Symptoms: Lots more energy, some ligament pain, growing belly, using the bathroom constantly, some heartburn, and cramping legs in the middle of the night (just happened once but very painful).
Note: Loving this weather and getting to be outside more often!!

Gone to be with Grandpa

My grandma was put on hospice on Wednesday afternoon. She passed away this morning at around 7:10. I got to say my goodbyes on Wednesday and then see her again on Thursday after work. She seemed so peaceful, and I believe that she left this world for a better place without any struggle.

She is now with her parents, a brother and sister, my grandpa, one grandson, and two of her children that died before her. I have a picture in my mind of my grandpa waiting for her at heaven's door saying, "What took you so long Mary?".

She was a wonderful grandma, and I have so many great memories with her. She will be missed greatly but I know she is where she wants to be. She was 88 and had a full life!

Funeral plans are being arranged but I believe she will be laid to rest on Monday morning. Thank you all for keeping my family in your thoughts and prayers. God Bless each of you!

Week 24 Photo

24 Weeks

No new fruit picture this week as Hudson is roughly the same size as he was last week which is the size of a papaya.

24 weeks! I am feeling great but not sleeping wonderful. I have been quite tired this week. I think it is a combination of stress from work (alot to get done the last 2 months), Hudson moving more in the night, and me becoming more uncomfortable when I sleep and having to toss and turn. I told my mom on the phone that he is just preparing me for what it will be like once he is here. ha!

My sister got to feel Hudson kick on Easter Sunday for the first time. She really enjoyed this as she laid next to me with her hands on my belly waiting for him to move for about 30 minutes (remember he is stubborn). AND my mom got to feel Hudson last night for the first time. We were at David's Bridal for my sister to get her dress altered. He only did it once for her, but I was sure excited for my momma to feel him move. His kicks and movements have been more regular and harder as the weeks go by. On Tuesday at school as I sat and ate my lunch, he kicked right above my belly button the hardest he ever had that I actually jumped a little. It didn't hurt but startled me. It is such a neat feeling!!

Jessie and I are headed to Kansas City this weekend to shop, eat, and see some friends. It should be a nice and relaxing weekend. I will post my weekly picture on Sunday when I return from KC.

At 24 weeks, Hudson is around 12 inches long and weighs just a little over a pound. He is still pretty lean but will begin to plump up very soon. His brain is growing rapidly now and his taste buds are continuing to develop. Hudson's lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory tree at this point. His skin is still thin but will start to change soon.

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 24 weeks 0 days
Total Weight Gain/Loss: +7
Maternity Clothes: Yes almost exclusively....not much else is comfortable anymore.
Best Moment this week: My sister and mom feeling him move for the first time.
Gender: Boy- Hudson Ray Elliott
Movement: Hardest it has ever been and what a wonderful feeling!
Food Craving: ice cream
What I miss: Sleeping through the night without having to get up to use the restroom or switch positions because I am uncomfortable.
Sleep: Not great but preparing me for when he gets here.
What I am looking forward to: Registering and buying his bedding, and having my friends see my belly and hopefully feel him move while we are in KC.
Belly Button: In
Symptoms: Lots more energy, some ligament pain, growing belly, using the bathroom constantly, and some heartburn.
Note: Daddy loves Hudson so much. He talks to him and kisses my belly almost everyday! It is so sweet.

Week 23 Photo

Another blessing

Just a few minutes ago I walked out of my office to come back to two missed calls from my sister. We had emailed today about my baby shower so I was assuming she was calling about that, but she wasn't. She was calling to let me know that she got the job that she had interviewed for last week.

Jessie graduated in December with her degree in Psychology. She was hoping to find a job similar to what she was doing now at the police department (clerical/data entry). A few jobs had come and gone that she had applied for but didn't get to interview for. I know she was getting a little discouraged. She just really wanted a job that she would be good at and that would provide her with full-time hours, benefits, and insurance.

Well today is the day! She got a job as an administrative assistant for the Greene County Public Administrator's Office. I am so proud of her and know that she will do a wonderful job for their department. She said she was sad to have to break the news to her current job at the police department but realizes that they understand her situation. She was limited in the hours she could have there plus she was not receiving any benefits. She starts her new job on Monday. I know my sister is going to be the best administrative assistant their department has ever had!

I love you sis and am so very proud of you. Yeah for more money, full-time hours, insurance, and benefits. You are a BIG GIRL NOW!! Congrats again!

23 Weeks

I guess from week 21-24 the baby stays mostly the same size so there is no new fruit comparison this week....bummer!

I am now 23 weeks along in this pregnancy. I can't believe I am more than halfway there! The time sure has flown by for Jeremy and I. It still seems like yesterday when I found out that we were expecting. Hudson continues to move frequently but is more active in the mornings and at night. Jeremy has been able to feel him a few more times now which is very neat. Still waiting for him to move for my parents and sister to feel. I went and bought a maternity dress last night that I will probably wear to my sister's wedding rehearsal that is in a month. I also bought some khaki capris and another one of my favorite tops. It is crazy how just a few weeks go by and now I can barely fit into any of my pants without them being uncomfortable.

At 23 weeks, Hudson is now a little over 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound. His sense of movement is well developed now and he can feel me move or dance at this point. Blood vessels in his lungs are preparing for breathing. His good sense of hearing is adjusting to all sounds and preparing him for the outside world. Noises such as our dog barking or the vacuum cleaner will probably not even faze him once he is born because he is hearing all of those sounds now.

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 23 weeks 0 days
Total Weight Gain/Loss: +7
Maternity Clothes: Yes pants and tops now.
Best Moment this week: Finding out at doctor's appointment that Hudson's measurements all looked normal on the ultrasound and that he is a healthy boy!!
Gender: Boy- Hudson Ray Elliott
Movement: More regular and harder with each day and week
Food Craving: ice cream
What I miss: Sleeping through the night without having to get up to use the restroom or switch positions because I am uncomfortable.
Sleep: Waking up 2-3 times a night to use the restroom.
What I am looking forward to: Registering and buying his bedding, having my family feel Hudson move for the first time.
Belly Button: In
Symptoms: Lots more energy, some ligament pain, growing belly, using the bathroom constantly, and some heartburn.
Note: Love my sweet boy so much already!!!