24 Weeks

24 Weeks
Guinness had to make his presence known by refusing to move out of the photo... bone and all.

How far along: 24 Weeks
Gender: Boy
Weight gain: Still not sure. Due to all the snow days I only had a zillion meetings that had to be rescheduled. I ended up rescheduling my doctor's apt. to this week. I WILL know my updated weight this week.
Maternity clothes: Still using the belly band. I did find some super comfortable nursing tanks from Target that I have been wearing under my shirts. Other than that I am still in my regular clothes... for now.
Stretch marks: I had a minor meltdown this past week because I was almost sure that I had one on my side. As I yelled for Brian to come check it out I frantically slathered cocoa butter on it. I was politely informed by my husband it wasn't a stretch mark, but rather an indent from my yoga pants being too tight. Ironically, I was still depressed at the end of that convo. Go figure.
Belly button in or out: In
Sleep: Great! My latest dream was that our dog Guinness (featured in this week's photo.) was able to walk on two legs and insisted on wearing Brian's gym shorts.
Best moment this week: Due to the placement of my placenta I hadn't really felt Brady move at all. My doctor said that instead of feeling slight movements and them gradually increasing I would most likely go from no movement to a ton of movement all within a short period of time. Boy, oh boy was she right! Last Wednesday Brian and I were laying in bed and BOOM DANCE PARTY COMMENCE! It was so incredible! Brian was able to feel multiple movements and I am pretty sure I am starting to sense a sleep/wake pattern with little man.
Worst moment this week: Playing the crazy game of catch-up at work as been super fun... not. Looking forward to some routine and getting back into the normal swing of things.
Miss anything: Being able to squat, take the stairs, and exercise without feeling like an old woman that needs an oxygen tank.
Movement: Yes, yes, yes!
Cravings: No real cravings or aversions. Just trying to stick to healthy snacks and meals.
Queasy or sick: Nope.
Looking forward to: SPRING WEATHER! I busted my flip-flops out for the first time this week. They broke within an hour of me wearing them. Sooooo.... I am hoping I can convince Brian I need a new pair of Jack Rogers to get me through the upcoming warm season. I am so excited for pastel color palettes, open windows, and tons of outside time with the pups.

23 Weeks & Snow Day

23 Weeks

How far along: 23 Weeks
Gender: Boy
Weight gain: I will know for sure at next week's appointment.
Maternity clothes: Same old, same old. Nothing other than the usual leggings and long sleeve t's.
Stretch marks: Nope
Belly button in or out: In
Sleep: Amazing with all these days out of school. I am going to have to re-train my body to sleep properly next week when we go back.
Best moment this week: Because of the crazy weather I have been able to spend 2 full days at home with Brian. That NEVER happens. It has been so nice to run errands, play with the dogs and lay around the house.
Worst moment this week: As great as these days off are I know it means we will probably loose some of our Spring Break days. Wah!
Miss anything: My flip-flops. I love playing in the snow every once in a while, but this southern girl is ready for some fun in the sun.
Movement: No major changes. Just a little flutter here and there. I definitely feel like he should be picking it up more movement soon. Anyone else have little movement with their pregnancies?
Cravings: Warm cocoa and soup! Pretty sure that is due to the weather, not pregnancy though.
Queasy or sick: Nope
Looking forward to: We started to put Brady's room together and I am loving the results! We are planning to pick out out a glider here in the next few weeks. Can't wait!



                Happy Snow Day from the Andersons!!!

22 Weeks


22 Weeks

How far along: 22 (plus a few days) weeks
Gender: Precious Baby Boy
Weight gain: I am estimating 10 lbs total. I will know for sure at my next apt. in a few weeks.
Maternity clothes: Yes and no. I am wearing my pre-pregnancy trousers and blouses to work without any trouble. However, jeans are no longer wearable unless I pair them with the belly band. I also bought a couple of the maternity shirts like the one in my pictures. They are still pretty big, but I know by summer I will be glad I went a size up.
Stretch marks: Nope
Belly button in or out: In
Sleep: Great! No weird dreams and I have been able to sleep the last week without getting up to go to the bathroom! Hey, it is the small things, right?!
Best moment this week: My mom and Mema came to town. They spoiled Brady like crazy. The child is quickly catching up to my wardrobe size. It was sad to see them go, but I am so blessed to have been able to spend time with them both.
Worst moment this week: I know that I always say there isn't one, but truly there hasn't been one. I have been feeling great and am constantly reminded of how blessed I am.
Miss anything: My mom! Having her here made me realize how much I wish we had more family around.
Movement: Very little. I do think my placenta is shifting though. Before I would only feel light movement on my right side. This past week there was twice I felt movement in the center of my belly.
Cravings: I got a new recipe for Greek chicken wraps. I have been eating it like crazy!
Queasy or sick: Nope
Looking forward to: Another week of school. I have to give some mad props to my students. They seriously kicked butt this week and I am (knocking on wood) hoping they keep it up. Also, I have my Beginning Teacher of the Year interview Monday. I am pretty excited to talk about some of the awesome things my team and students are doing in the classroom!

Gender & Name Reveal

The gender of our baby has been one of the hardest things I have ever had to wait for.  After nannying two amazing boys for almost two years and then having a fifth grade class of 16 boys something about those little stinkers has me wrapped. It was easy to say I wanted a boy! However, I knew that God would give Brian and I exactly what we needed no matter the gender.  

The weeks leading up to our initial anatomy screening were so exciting.  Our appointment was scheduled for the day before closing the doctor's office for Christmas. Wouldn't ya know it... the ultrasound tech had called out and there were no sonogram machines in our regular doctor's office. So we had to wait another 3 weeks! Oh the suspense was building! About a week prior to our next visit we discovered that Brian was scheduled to work. We really wanted to find out together so a Gender Reveal party really was a perfect option for us. 

Thankfully, my friend and e-group leader, Jada, offered to throw the reveal at her house.  This was an easy decision especially since she has killer hospitality. She came with me to the ultrasound and off she went with the sealed envelope with our baby's gender inside! I made myself go into work on an optional workday to keep my mind off of the reveal.  It I hadn't I am pretty sure I would have broken into Jada's house and wrestled her for the envelope.

The night was absolutely amazing.  We were able to facetime in a few family and friends.  A huge thank you to Jada and Dan for opening up their home for us, Katie for helping with planning and decoration, and the rest of our e-group for making the night so special and sharing in such a wonderful time in our lives.  God has blessed us beyond belief with such an inspirational group of people.

One last BIG thank you to Kristin Dustman.  She is an up and coming photographer in the Charlotte area who does amazing work for affordable prices. She also did our pregnancy announcement photos. If you are interested in having family, maternity, or newborn photos please check her out! You can visit her facebook page here for more information. 


   

Super anxious!










 

























It is a boy! 

Brady Walker Anderson

Mama and Daddy can not wait to meet you! We love you so much already!










21 Weeks

21 Weeks

How far along: 21 Weeks
Gender: Boy!
Weight gain: Total weight is right around 127. Gain total is 7-8 lbs.
Maternity clothes: Just bought the belly band. I was told to get one with silcone around the top so that it would stay put. However, that one made my skin red and itchy. Once that one was returned I got the universal one from target and it has been great. I love not having to button my pants!
Stretch marks: Nope
Belly button in or out: In
Sleep: Still great. I think the key to kicking these weird dreams is toning down on the Starbucks.
Best moment this week: Spending the weekend in Greenville for my best friend's baby shower was so great! She is also having a boy at the end of the month and I couldn't be happier for her!
Worst moment this week: Feeling so behind at work. Between 2 snow days, one morning delay, and fire evacuation it was a hellish week. Hopefully we can kick butt and get caught up next week.
Miss anything: My brain. Pregnancy brain is a real struggle.... I was an unbeliever before, but now I totally empathize with those preggo women that suffer from this condition.
Movement: Small, light movements once a week. I am hoping my placenta will move out the way so that I can feel little man move more.
Cravings: Water. Water. Water. I can not drink enough.
Queasy or sick: Nope!
Looking forward to: Honestly, a full 5 day school week would be wonderful. My kids and I are in desperate need of a set routine. Also, Brian and I are starting to refurbisher the dresser/changing table. I am planning on doing a post on this around the end of the month.

And for your viewing pleasure....


Here is what fully cooked looks like versus half baked!