13 WEEKS (My lucky number)!!!

**This is a pregnancy-related post, so please feel free to skip this post if you're not up for it. I do not want anyone to feel unnecessarily sad or hurt, as I completely and 100% understand how that feels. God bless.**

13 weeks. You read it right, 13 is my lucky number!!! I plan on enjoying this week TO THE MAX and collecting whatever "luck" God decides to toss my way :)

13, wow. So strange. So amazing. Thank you, Jesus. And helloooooooooooo second trimester!!!

(Yes, I know I said that last week was the beginning of the second trimester...my pregnancy app tells me it's this week. And yet another app tells me next week. Just more reasons to celebrate!)

This week has been A-OK. Well, great if you consider the fact that I am pregnant with a miracle child. But mood/symptoms-wise, it seems I have taken a dip back into weeks 7-10. What's the dealio?! I mean, that's okay, I will certainly take it, but it's a little confusing when your pregnancy app tells you the next few months will be "smooth sailing," that you'll have a burst in energy and be in a terrific mood, and that you'll basically enter pregnancy utopia. Has not been the case exactly, but like I said, I'll take it.

A little recap of the week's festivities for ya...sorry I don't have much, had to delete all my photos for a stupid phone update! UgggHHhhHHHhHhHHhh.

T had one of his best friends in town this weekend, and they decided to go kayaking. In matching water shirts. Even though his poor friend is afraid of water.

A little explanation... I love my sweet T so so so much, even more so now that we're on the road to parenthood, and he has so many unique qualities. One of which is his desire to basically be an adult camp counselor. I kid you not. Where I can be a homebody sometimes, low-energy occasionally (especially now), and prefer structured plans as opposed to spontaneous shenanigans, T is the opposite. Whenever we have a guest (or several), he makes it his personal mission to schedule as many activities as possible to maximize fun! And I love it, really--he has such a young soul. But when your guest is afraid of water and is nearly terrified to engage in said-plans, it becomes a little tricky, ha! Luckily he was a good sport and agreed to give it a try. I had to snap the above photo before they left for the day...I told them it looked like an engagement photo. Presh, right?

I forgot to mention that Wes brought his lovely fiancee Emily for the weekend. While the men adventured on the wild rapids of the western suburbs (a creek about 18 inches deep), we spent the day shopping and catching up. It was so nice to have some girl time! And, of course, the three of them ended the night with Midori margaritas. I watched in envy while I sipped my frozen lemonade.

And WHAT did I stumble upon when I went outside the other night, but  my very own T smoking a cigar!!!!!! Backstory: my dad has smoked cigars since I was a little girl, so I actually don't  mind the smell...it reminds me of being little! But of course I wish he smoked less for health reasons. So seeing T follow in my dad's footsteps for a brief moment was...strange! As long as it doesn't become a constant habit, mister.

My bridesmaid dress arrived in the mail yesterday! My very good friend is getting married in D.C. the second weekend of September, and I had to make sure I had a bit of room to "grow" before then. Turns out the dress is super comfy, so, win!!! Just hope I don't turn and knock anyone over with that bowling ball.

And, of course, the obligatory weekly belly picture (as if you all care, ha...I'm so sorry, please humor me! I just need a record of this miracle)! I did not wear this to work today (tried it on last night) because, believe it or not, I am still hiding this melon at work. Well, at least I think I am. Not sure if I am failing or succeeding at this point...I just need a few more weeks!

How far along?  13 weeks, and according to my phone app, DONE with the 1st-tri!!! WOOO!!! Baby is the size of a jalapeno, three whole inches long!

Clothing? Normal clothes mixed in with my maternity pants. And just received three cute maternity dresses in the mail for my EIGHT weddings this year...you bet I will be rotating those bad boys!

Stretch marks? To be honest, yes, a few. Might as well keep it real, right? I did not expect them so early, but honestly, it's hard to be vain when I know why they're there!

Sleep? Sleeping fine...minus the bathroom trips! Those have not disappeared yet!

Best moment of this week? Sharing the news with a few more folks, gawking over my little wiggleworm videos, and watching my belly get even bigger! OH, and receiving our FIRST baby clothes from Wes and Emily...a little White Sox onesie! Yes, I cried.

Worst moment of this week? Random aches and pains are no fun, but BIG WHOOP as my mom likes to say.

Miss anything? STILL CRAVING COFFEE! Why oh why?! Also, the wine/beer craving is coming back as the summer days get hotter and hotter...

Movement? I just don't know if this is even worth mentioning, but I SWORE I was feeling some flutters yesterday and earlier this week. I fully realize that this is probably too early, so I will say NO for now, but anxiously awaiting that special day :)

Symptoms? Fatigueeee, afternoon-evening migraines, some rib pain (?), breast tenderness, lower ab stretching/mild cramping/RLP, morning nausea (back this week for some reason), general soreness (especially my lower back and hip), clumsiness, dumbness, a growing belly, and a faint linea nigra! 

Food cravings? Coffee, bread&butter, cheese, Italian beef sandwiches...lots of aversions this week, too. 

Gender? Still calling her by her girl name, but three people have told me this week they are getting a "boy vibe." Hmmm.

Labor Signs? No siree.

Belly button in or out? In, but spreading more and more.

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Mood? So so so so so so happy!!!!!!!! And sometimes a little grumpy. But mostly happy!!!!

Rituals? Nighttime lullaby, holy water on the belly in the morning, holy oil on the belly at night. And staring at the ultrasound pictures/watching the videos as often as I can!!!!! Along with routine bedtime chats.

Looking forward to? Finally letting the cat out of the bag at work (officially), vacation in a few weeks, getting EVEN ROUNDER, and AUGUST 4TH...my 16-week appointment. 

Peace and blessings for a great week.