26 wks and Lazy

Today, I am 26 weeks along with Reid, and we are almost in the home stretch. In just a mere two weeks, I'll be in the third trimester already! Where has the time gone? Honestly??? The weeks fly by so quickly anymore, I'm almost afraid to shut my eyes to take a nap in fear that I will be holding Reid when I open my eyes.

 I've started to slow down, and get a little bit more tired, but Hayleigh keeps me going, and going, and going. I'm happy to have her around for the simple fact that if she wasn't here- like when I was pregnant with her, I would be laying on the couch, and on our bed, being a total couch potato. She keeps me up and running- partially why I think I've only gained 5 lbs this whole time- still in the minus for the total pregnancy. I had lost 8lbs to start off with, and have 3 lbs left to go before I am back to where I started out at. As long as Reid doesn't go crazy on weight gain, and neither do I, I think it is very realistic to come in gaining 5-10lbs less than what I had when I was pregnant with Hayleigh. I gained 20lbs with Hayleigh, and I'm happy that I have not had any weight gain lectures so far. I still dread climbing on the scale with every visit, and Allen seems to laugh at me every time.  He says, " You are supposed to gain weight, not lose it. You're PREGNANT." I scoff at him, I know, and usually am surprised at only gaining 1lb per 4 week visit lately. The reason I'm surprised is that I eat terrible with this pregnancy. I manage to eat some healthy stuff, but Reid makes me crave some of the most ridiculous things. I've craved potatoes of all forms, pop cycles, cold precooked brats with cheese inside of them, sliced ham with cheese chunks, peaches, chocolate, and now root beer floats. Right now, I'm wanting black liquorish right this minute. I eat pretty much what ever I'm told to eat by Reid right now, because if I don't, I'm frustrated the rest of the day with cravings that get stronger and stronger.

I'm still scared to death of having 2 kids 2 years of age and younger in the house, all by myself. Allen worries, and wishes he could help me out more. It's going to be tough without the help of family and friends to help get me out of the house, and just help give me a break every now and then, but I know I can handle it. I might be pulling my hair out some days, I'm sure, but I know we will manage to survive.

So, for now, I will enjoy our lazy days. I know they will be few and far between really soon, and I'll be reminiscing about these days I could lay down on the couch, and watch Hayleigh play without a baby on the boob, crying every couple of hours.

Your Baby

Seeing light and hearing sounds 
Your baby weighs almost 2 pounds, measures around 14 inches from head to heel, and hears noises, responds to light, and is generally more aware of its surroundings. In the same way that you can see a flashlight if you hold it against your palm, your baby can see the light coming through your belly. You may notice increased activity when in brighter light and decreased activity in darkened rooms. Its hearing is fully developed, and as he or she reacts to sounds, its pulse increases. Your baby may even move in rhythm to music!

Your Pregnant Body

Discomfort and what to do about it 
Ashley, you may experience an increased level of discomfort over the next several weeks and months. For many women, the end of pregnancy is uncomfortable due to gas pains, bloating, swelling (edema), and, of course, a cumbersome belly. Most back pain is caused by the stretching of your ligaments and pressure from your expanding uterus. Some women experience sciatica, which is a sharp pain in their lower back and legs. This is usually not bothersome in the morning, but the pain can increase later in the day, depending on your level of activity. Try some gentle stretching to relieve the pain and help you relax. But if your pain becomes significant, tell your doctor right away.