(NEARLY) HALF-BAKED!

YAY! Here we are! I was honestly nervous to write this post, because over the last week I have felt a lot less movement than before. It's the eternal pessimist in me to assume the worst, so I wanted to get through my next appointment before sharing any news. Thankfully, and as everyone has been assuring me, everything is completely fine. I have a very healthy 20-week old baby (tomorrow) with normal anatomy, and an anterior placenta that is cushioning those kicks. Sigh. Looking forward to some harder kicks soon!

We have had a great week so far!

We colored with grandpa.

We drank smoothies (and spilled them) while mom got her flu shot.

We ate some "on the go" meals (hoping to get back to cooking tonight!).

We looked like super models while eating PB crackers.

We lounged with toys.

We gave lots of hugs and kisses (and actually a few gentle ones, too!).

We posed with fruit on staircases.

We went FISHING and caught our VERY FIRST BLUE GILL!

We ate meals and made lots of messes.

We posed casually in lovely dresses on benches.

Another smoothie, you say? Okay.

And, of course, we visited this lil guy...

HI BABY!!!

Lots of activities, which leads to sleepy ladies. But that's okay. Actually, as referenced above, Eileen has been extra sweet with her sister this week which is just melting my heart. She walks across the room with one of Charlotte's toys and says "look what your sister has for you!" She is also so funny all of the sudden. This morning she crossed her eyes and laughed as she said "look, two mommies!" She also says "OKAY!" to everything I suggest lately, whether she intends on doing it or not, but she's so enthusiastic and it just cracks me up. Oh, and she's starting to shout "woo hoo!" Hilarious.

Kiki is WALKING Y'ALL!!!! Finally! A light bulb went off overnight and last Thursday she woke up ready to do it. She started cruising right after breakfast and I immediately noticed how confident she was. We have only taken a few spills since then, thankfully, and with minimal injuries. So proud of my little baby. She is also talking more all of the sudden, imitating words like crazy and trying to copy her sister whenever she can. I swear, it's like she grew up over night! But she still gives me plenty of bedtime cuddles, thank goodness. This morning, she walked across the kitchen and gave me a big kiss on my cheek, unprompted. I almost melted into the floor. My sweet, sweet girls. Not quite sure how I got so lucky.

I am also so, so, SO thankful to be half-way through my pregnancy with this baby. Moms, tell me being pregnant with two toddlers through the winter months is not so bad?! I LOVE being pregnant, really, but I am slightly dreading being huge and cooped up at home with my kids through the cold weather months. We are trying little to no TV these days, so that's out, unless I get desperate. I will have to get pretty creative. Suggestions welcome!

Okay, check out this bump.

A rare shot from my guest bedroom (ignore all of the boxes, ha!) because I had my first ever PROFESSIONAL DEEP CLEAN OF MY HOUSE THIS WEEK and man, I am in heaven. It's cleaner than it's ever been. Should last about...another day, max?!

How far along? 19 weeks + 6 days!

Clothing? Well we've hit a random heat wave, so that's made things tricky. Trying to find dresses that fit is a sport this week.

Stretch marks? Yes.

Sleep? About to nap. Not sleeping great in general. Oh well.

Best moment of this week? My ultrasound! I got an AWESOME profile view of the baby and was able to check out all of its little parts...I never get tired of that, or of hearing its little heart beating. So so so special. Oh, and having my house cleaned. Secondary, but so amazing. Ha!

Worst moment of this week? Stressing about the lack of movement. But I feel much calmer now!

Miss anything? Meh, I'll be fine.

Movement? Slightly more yesterday night, and I do still feel the occasional pops and rolls. Hoping that baby is strong enough to kick through the placenta soon... I LOVE me some baby kicks!

Symptoms? Kinda light-headed this week because of the heat, and lots of head aches. Tired. Some indigestion. Oh, and crazy weight gain over the last two weeks. Boooo.

Food cravings? Corn flakes. PASTA. Chips

Gender? Saw nothing at the US, but all of the sudden feeling girl.

Labor Signs? Nope.

Belly button in or out? Outie.

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Mood? Happy!!!!

Looking forward to? My 24-week ultrasound! A wonderful FREE weekend at home with my little family! Another 24 hours of a clean house!

Have a great week, people!