snow days

Under normal circumstances, a snow day is very welcomed.
It is completely unappreciated when you have stayed in town for the specific purpose of going to school and then end up spending your days doing this:

I'm just saying...

30 weeks

My "do it yourself" picture since Justin isn't here:

Not the most flattering angle (or picture), but I didn't want to disappoint.

He still likes to stay low, I haven't felt him in my ribcage at all. He moves ALL THE TIME which is cute except for during class when it is a little distracting.

Sadie snuggled my belly last night and if she could feel him kicking through the covers she didn't complain. Usually she'll relocate if I am not still enough, but she wasn't even bothered with all the kicking I did last night trying to uncramp my legs. I definitely think that is the most uncomfortable part of pregnancy!

We're still snowed in. My nice neighbor shoveled around the car this morning so I could get out for work in the morning. Hopefully the plow won't block me in again!

it doesn't show signs of stopping...

It's hard to tell how much snow fell today. There were several inches when I woke this morning and has not stopped since.

The is the view of our bedroom window tonight, mostly due to drifting.

The parking lot was plowed twice which allowed Sadie to get out. It is way too deep in the back yard for her!

I made a snow-angel - an attempt at least. I found a nice deep drift and "fell" back into it. When I tried moving my arms all the snow around me was displaced onto my face :)

We'll see if the firehydrant is still around in the morning...

Sadie and I spent the day baking, grading papers, and watching Christmas movies.

29 weeks

How far along? 29 weeks... there are about 75 days left!

Weight gain: plenty! Pregnancy and the holidays do not mix!

Funniest moment this week: After my phone rang in class:
me - "It is my doctor calling." (as I turn off the phone)
student - "Is the baby coming?!?" (completely serious)
me - "I think I would know better than the doctor if the baby was coming"
other student - "yeah, and there would be a big splash!"
me - "i don't think anyone needs to worry about that anytime soon"

movement: constantly! He still has lots of wiggle room and he isn't afraid to use it :)

what i miss: manuverability. this big belly gets in the way!

what i'm looking forward to: Going home next week!

28 weeks, with a side of snow

Here's a little something different for you, a holiday shot featuring our cute little tree (I'm just glad it is wider than I am!). We're doing well, baby is moving a lot, but stays pretty low. I'm not looking forward to sharing my rib cage with him just yet, I still like to breathe. And then I remember that we still have 12 weeks left!

One of my students asked if my stomach was very firm and before I could answer, she stretched out one long bony finger and poked me to check for herself. Weekly wisdom: Ask your questions and then wait for an answer. No need to take matters into your own hands!

The snow has finally reached us here in Baltimore, and Sadie is pretty excited. Since we took her out, she's been sitting at the door watching the snow fall. Better than Animal Planet? We'll see. It's already too deep to play fetch, her tennis ball sinks down into the snow and she can't find it. We're already over three inches above the normal amount of precipitation for the year, but if we're going to have more I prefer it in the form of snow.

27 weeks

We made it to third trimester!

I can still zip my coat.

My belly button is going to pop out.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Aunt Suzie and Uncle Randy. I cooked my third turkey and forgot to take a picture until it had already been carved. By then we were ready to eat, and put off other picture taking for later, which was promptly forgotten.

We're thankful for so much this year!

Justin had Friday off so we drove out to a Christmas tree farm and picked out a very cute fraiser fir. Justin cut the tree down and hauled it back to the Jeep. It was so windy and colder than it has been all month. On the way home we were pelted with a little bit of ice (it was too small to call hail) and are not looking forward to winter weather!
Sadie watched Muppet Christmas Carol while Justin and I decorated the tree.This weekend has been so nice and relaxing. It may be our last long weekend without anything to do for a very long time!

26 weeks

"she blew up" - Justin

how far along: 26 weeks
movement: Tons! and he's getting stronger. I can see him moving through my clothes now.
what I'm looking forward to: Thanksgiving. My maternity pants' stretchy stomach panel will add a new level of comfort to post Turkey bloat - think about that when you're loosening your belt on Thursday.
weekly wisdom: there isn't as much time left as I've been telling myself. February keeps getting closer and closer and we have a lot left to do i.e. decide on a name, actually start buying things...

25 weeks

Sucess! When it rains it pours - yesterday I received TWO stranger comments :) The first was the cashier at Barnes and Noble. When he asked if I wanted to become a member (for only $25) I politely declined - I don't spend enough in the store to get $25 off in member benefits. His response - "well, you will be." Point taken.
The second was at Pizza Hut where Justin and I were picking up our dinner.
Cashier "Are you pregnant?"
me - "yes"
Cashier "how far along are you?"
me - "6 months"
Cashier "no way. you don't look very big at all! When i was six months I was HUGE"
cashier to co-workers "can you believe she's 6 months pregnant?!"
The general consensus was that I didn't look very big to which I wanted to respond - just wait until I eat half of this pizza!

apparently not that obvious...

So yesterday I went to help the Kappa Delta girls at Towson University with their initiation. I've been advising the new member program this semester and most of the girls in the chapter know who I am, even if they haven't ever met me.

After initiation we were all changing back into our regular clothes and this girl looks over and starts talking to me.

her : "Are those maternity pants?"
me: (stretching up the elastic paneling) "yes"
her: "they look so comfortable. whenever I walk by the maternity section of target I always think that I should get a pair, they would always fit me and be so comfortable"
me: "well, I'm actually pregnant"
her: "oh... well that makes more sense"

So I guess it really isn't that obvious that I'm 6 months pregnant!

24 weeks

You would think it would be obvious to strangers that I'm pregnant. I mean come on, look at me! I thought I was going to get my first comment yesterday from the hostess of the restaurant I went to with the girls from work... at least she looked like she wanted to say something. But she didn't.
Maybe I should get out more :)
Other than that things are fine :)

Family picture night

Here's the best picture we got at my ultrasound today. Even baby Skweres is embarassed enough to kick me as I'm typing this.

And I figured since today was picture day, I'd include one of Justin. He's been left out of the blog lately.
And why not include one of big sister Sadie?

23 weeks

how far along: 23 weeks

weight gain: all in my face. I really don't think I look this big until I see my weekly picture.

movement: Tons! Sometimes he'll push right up against my skin and make a hard little bulge.

what i'm looking forward to: Ending the name games. Who would have known this would be such a struggle?!?

best moment this week: Spending time with Christina. She got to feel baby Skweres kick :) And we worked on the registry (read: went crazy shopping for cute baby things!). Christina was the voice of reason when I tried talking myself out of buying maternity clothes yet again and I ended up with several cute things. Thank goodness for Christina!

weekly wisdom: don't smile in pictures. it just encourages your cheeks to swallow up your jaw bone.

22 weeks

OH BOY! This week I feel like I doubled in size - I don't think I'll fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans much longer.

movement: Lots of movement. Baby Skweres loves oranges and beef. When I lay on my stomach (yes I can still do that) I can really feel him move around - probably because I'm smooshing him.

what i'm looking forward to: Still waiting for my first stranger comment!

middle school moment of the week:
male student: "Can you feel the baby move yet?"
me: "yes"
male student: "I want to feel it"
me: "No."

weekly wisdom: You can't always get what you want. Even when you are pregnant. Justin and I went shopping for a car seat/stroller system and chose a model that I didn't think was very cute, but was very functional. Because that brand has lots of cute patterns, I figured it would be available in one I liked. Nope. Apparently Baby Skweres and I can't have cute AND functional.
:(

21 weeks

how far along: 21 weeks

gender: BOY!

movement: yes, and his kicks are getting stronger. When I lay on my back, his kicks move my stomach. Justin, my mom, and Sara have all felt him move, too!

what i miss: my jaw. It's having a mid-pregnancy crisis and acting more like an extension of my cheek. gross.

what i'm looking forward to: my first stranger comment. hopefully they will be polite but i feel like it is a sure sign that the world can see my belly is a product of baby making and not potato chip eating.

weight gain: 10 pounds as of this morning. So far I'm staying on track according to Dr. Skweres' recommendations, but i'm sure I'll balloon out soon (especially since I'm always hungry!).

best moment this week: Hearing the heartbeat at my checkup. I like being reassured every four weeks that baby Skweres is doing well.

weekly wisdom: When you are pregnant, it is wise to lean forward while you eat. Otherwise crumbs and such land on your belly. This seriously detracts from the cuteness of said belly.

milestones: We're half way through the 40 week wait to meet baby Skweres!

excuses, excuses

This is the reason why I didn't post a 20 week post: I spent the weekend in Dallas with my parents at Sara and Chris' house. We were in town for Lizzie's wedding, but didn't mind the excuse to get together and love on baby Skweres. He has two new outfits now, too :)

I think you might be surprised when I post my 21 week picture this weekend - my belly is HUGE (thank you, texas barbeque)!

Baby's first picture

Here he is!

I think we all agree that this ultrasound picture puts his 8 week picture to shame. The ultrasound tech even complimented him on being photogenic, but that was more because he cooperated position wise for 45 minutes while he was measured from head to toe.

When I first went in for the ultrasound, the tech explained that they were learning how to use the 3D imaging ultrasound and if the baby was in a good position we might get a few pictures. He only held the wand to my stomach for 5 seconds before he rushed out of the room to get the other tech. I had mixed feelings about 3D... all the ones I've seen look kind of creepy. So I was pretty hesitant, even though both techs were so excited that baby Skweres was in the perfect position for a 3D scan. They played around with it for a while and got a great shot of his face. At this point all I had seen was the face, and still had no clue about the gender. When they printed out the picture though, my misgivings about 3D instantly disappeared. Baby Skweres doesn't look creepy at all - he looked adorable! And for some reason he looked like a HE and not a SHE.

Then they called Justin into the room, and he got to see the pictures too. We both had the same feeling that this baby was a boy, just by looking at his face. And then we had to wait around for forever for the tech to get around to the genitals :)

Let's just say there's no doubt this baby is a boy.

Baby Skweres is measuring right on target. He weighs about 9 ounces and is six inches long.

And I know you are so curious to see this 3D picture, right? I promise I'll post it soon :) For now you have to make do with this low-tech 2D picture!

It's a...

good thing I have Sadie because I'm going to be outnumbered.

That's right - baby Skweres is a BOY!

More on the ultrasound and pictures to come soon...

Stay tuned :)

Last chance to take a guess!

OR

Baby Skweres will have a gender in 24 hours! Get excited :)

19 weeks

I really had no idea that I looked like this until the picture was taken! My weight has stayed steady for the past two weeks, so I was surprised to see so much change in my bump. I'm still not entirely convinced that I look pregnant in any other outfit, but as you can tell, I'm working on it.

Movement: Baby Skweres is definitely more active this week. Mostly around meal/snack times but I've even noticed some moving while I'm teaching.

What I'm looking forward to: Being able to feel more specific movement, like kicks and flips. Plus it will be cool to see Baby Skweres move from outside my belly.

Best moment this week: Deciding to take the full 12 week maternity leave. Justin and I weren't sure how much time I was going to stay at home, but I'm really excited to be able to spend all that time bonding with baby and not worrying about school. Now all I have to do is call HR...

Weekly wisdom: Don't put your hands on my belly unless we have a very close relationship - or I extend an invitation. This includes you, assistant principal... you are my BOSS.

18 weeks

How far along? 18 weeks.

Movement: The flutter/bubbles/vibrations are still pretty infrequent and weak. I love feeling the baby and can't wait for more regular moving.

What I miss: A fully stocked wardrobe. My new pants are awesome (!) but I feel so limited by what shirts are long enough to hide the elastic panel (yes, the one that fits from my hips to my ribs). This means one thing - more shopping!

What I'm looking forward to: Justin to be able to feel baby Skweres kick!

Best moment this week: Catching my reflection in a window at school and thinking "oh, she looks pregnant" ...but really I think it was because I had just eaten three pieces of pizza at a meeting. I just couldn't stop eating!

Weekly wisdom: Don't exhale on your way back up from bending down. At school on Friday I picked up a transparency that had fallen to the floor (a task that sadly is getting uncomfortable). As I straightened up, I exhaled and the sound ended up being louder and "gruntier" than I meant. Sweet student of mine decided to share this lovely tidbit:

"my grandma makes that sound when she leans over too"

Thanks honey. That makes me feel better.

17 weeks

How far along? 17 weeks.
Maternity clothes? Check. And let me just say that 1. the experience was way better than I thought it would be - I'm excited to have pants fit again! and 2. as comfortable as they are, it is still going to take time to adjust to the dramatic change from pants that sit on my hips to pants that have an elastic panel up above my rib cage (but hey, I need room to grow as you can see from the picture above!). And thanks to Justin for tagging along and not laughing at the "padding" they provided to make sure clothes would still fit in three months (it's a bump, not a lump).

Movement: Yes! It's hard to explain what it feels like though. Its a mix of flutters, Bubbles, and Vibrations. It is really cool to feel, and after the past few weeks without any first tri symptoms, it is nice to have some confirmation that baby Skweres is okay.

What I miss: You. Okay, so I may have become a little more emotional this past week... no crying (well not really) but I miss my family!

What I'm looking forward to: October 5. Our ultrasound is scheduled :)

Best moment this week: Maybe a combination of feeling the baby and feeling more comfortable in maternity pants.

16 weeks

How far along? 16 weeks.

Weight gained: 6.6 lbs - I don't look any different than last week so I'm not sure where this weight is going...

Maternity clothes? As much as I've managed to avoid this, it is becoming more and more a reality. I fit into my jeans, but I can't wear them to work so I have a pair of brown pants and a pair of black pants that I can zip and button without being uncomfortable all day. Pretty limiting, right? And you'd think that would be motivation to go ahead and invest in some pants (I mean come on I still have 24 weeks and have to wear SOMETHING)...

What I miss: needing to wear a belt. now I can't even wear one as an accessory

What I'm looking forward to: Making the transition from "is she fat?" to "she's obviously pregnant!" hopefully that will happen in the next couple weeks.

Best moment this week: Narrowing down the name game (okay...so not so much "game" as "stressful never-ending conversation") to a few top choices. And no, we're not sharing yet...

Weekly wisdom: Don't use your hands to make the motion/outline of a large pregnant belly as a way of asking me if I'm pregnant. It would be really embarassing for you if I wasn't.

Milestones: I think I may have felt the baby! (and don't tell me it is gas, after 25 years I know what that feels like)

15 weeks

How far along? 15 weeks.
Maternity clothes? Not yet, but my wardrobe options are shrinking. Especially in the pants department.
Best moment this week: Surviving the first week of school!
What I am looking forward to: A four day school week, since Monday is Labor Day.
Weekly Wisdom: 8th grade boys are more observant than you think.
Case in point: Stephen - "Senora Skweres, tell John you aren't pregnant"
John - "Everyone thinks you look pregnant, Senora Skweres"
Candace - turns to boys, "Don't you know that is rude to say?"
So the cat's out of the bag at school. I couldn't lie to them about not being pregnant and then take it back in a few weeks when I couldn't deny it anymore. I wasn't expecting anyone to catch on so fast! Later that class John asked "So does that mean you're going to go all hormonal and crazy on us?" I told him I had it under control...
Milestones: Baby Skweres is the size of an orange and can wiggle his/her fingers!

Baby's first bib

This summer I spent some time with my Aunt Suzie who lives nearby. We both enjoy crafting projects and I had just found out I was pregnant. I made my first (and only...so far) baby purchase: Baby Skweres' first baby bib. I spent several afternoons with Aunt Suzie stitching and talking about babies. We really enjoyed our time together, and I hope baby Skweres doesn't make too much of a mess wearing it (i.e. we will not be eating spaghetti).

14 Weeks

Not much has changed...

13 weeks

How far along? 13 weeks.
Total weight gain: ~5 lbs (which is amazing considering I can’t stop eating)
Maternity clothes? Not yet. But I'm thinking of starting a small collection to grow into when I go back to school shopping.
Best moment this week: Hearing the heartbeat Monday at our second appointment.
What I miss: having a beer with Justin
What I am looking forward to: Everything! Mostly the “big” ultrasound where you get a good picture of the baby; the one from my 8 week appointment just looks like a smudge (it is posted on the side bar if you haven’t seen it).
Weekly Wisdom: Don’t think people aren’t being completely serious when they are brainstorming names for your first born child.
Milestones: We made it through first trimester!

Ashtin Justley

Yesterday I had my first day of in service at school. I was worried I wouldn't be able to make it all day without looking like a total hog constantly snacking every hour to keep from getting sick. I was even more nervous to tell my boss I'm pregnant. So later in the afternoon, I went to my Principal, Kevin's office to share the big news. Our Assistant Principal, Lakecia, was there too, so I figured we'd just get it all over with once. They were totally excited :) And brought up the second big question: (and by the way, yes, they asked #1... see previous post for clarification)

Have you decided on names?

The short answer is no. Yes, we've talked about lots of names, of course, but we haven't even come close to any one light bulb/eureka!/"fo sho" name.

So, Lakecia straightens her shoulders, grabs a pen and paper and becomes very businesslike. "What's your husband's name?"

"Justin"

She writes "Ashley + Justin" and they both lean in to the paper, thinking caps on.

Lakecia: What about Ashtin?
Kevin: Oohhh that's nice!
me: It's nice, but it might get confusing with my name, Ashley and Ashtin.
Lakecia: But it's really cute.
Kevin: Okay what about Justley?
Lakecia: Now that's a name
me: Yeah, and it could be a boy's name or a girl's name...
Kevin: How about Ashtin Justley? (Lakecia nods in approval)
Me: We could just tell everyone that's what we're naming the baby while we decide on a real name.

When they both looked up from their paper, heads cocked to the side like "huh?" the music came to a screeching halt. I realized they were being for real for real. Y'all this was not the playful silly name game brainstorm I was thinking. It was an honest attempt to find the perfect name for our child using a combination of our syllables. And I had just turned it into a joke.

ooops.

Kevin: (clears his throat) Well there's always Leytin. Leytin has a nice sound to it.
Lakecia: Now there's a name that can stand alone. I have a friend named Astarte' (pronounce: A-star-tay) and that's a solid name.

And that's when the conversation went a little too far out of my comfort zone. Little baby Skweres already has a solid "stand-alone" surname... adding some ghetto to it just wouldn't be fair.

So I changed the topic of conversation. And from now until further notice, Baby Skweres will be affectionately called Ashtin Justley... maybe it is the motivation we need to buckle down and really pick a name.

Vote!

As Justin and I have been spreading the news about Baby Skweres, the first question a lot of people have asked is "is it a girl or a boy?" which is funny because it is way too early to tell. Even one of our medical school friends (who definitely should have known better) asked. We've also received several predictions, and I want to know what you think. I made a poll on the right where you can cast your vote.

First comes love, then comes marriage...

and now we're having a baby!

Justin and I are so excited to share the big news with you!

i have to share this with someone...

So I was watching food network for lunch inspiration and instead lost my appetite.

Paula Dean just frosted a salad with mayonaise. I'm pretty sure she said "just like any good southern girl" as she spread a thick layer over her salad.

That's when she lost me. I would throw up but I'm still in shock that someone would think to do this!

playing catch up

So I haven't been wasting away on the couch all this time, being the lady of leisure I am. I've been thinking for a while it's about time I updated. (I imagine you agree.) So let's play catch up.

1.
My parents came to visit! We went on a road trip through Pennsylvania to New York for my cousin Ben's graduation from West Point.

2. Justin and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary :)

3. Justin and I flew home for a whirl wind weekend where we got to see

A)

Mom's new house out in the country and

B)

Ben and Jordan's beautiful Messina Hof wedding

4. I finished my first year teaching middle school and Justin finished the OB/GYN rotation

5. Justin celebrated his 26th birthday.

We drove up to Pennsylvania and toured the Yeungling brewery (oldest brewery in the US). It is our favorite beer since we've been here.

6. Dad, Chris, and Grayson came to Baltimore for a fun filled vacation where we toured Baltimore, D.C., Philadephia, enjoyed roller coasters at Hershey Park, and taste tested fabulous crab crakes.

7. Justin moved to Hoboken, NJ for a new rotation. Since he's been there we've toured ground zero, been to the top of the empire state building,

stood in times square, visited rockefeller plaza, browsed in Macy's, and strolled through Central Park. We watched the national debt clock climb and Justin tickled Elmo.

We've also really enjoyed seeing our friends Christina and Andrew who also live in NJ.

And there you have it! I think we're just about caught up :)