20 weeks

Nellie Louise Stowell is the name we chose for our sweet baby girl! Just like Blaykleigh's name, there are family ties to her name. Nellie is Jason's Great Grandma's name and it's vintage, peaking in popularity in the 1880's and I LOVE it!!! It also means shining light or bright one. Louise is Jason's Momma's middle name and just fits so perfectly with Nellie. 

Today I reached the half-way mark and boy does it feel good, like really good. This pregnancy has certainly been stressful with so many ups and downs but I haven't stopped praying for her since the moment I found out I was expecting and our Heavenly Father has kept her safe and calmed my soul.

Baby Size? - About the size of a banana. Roughly 10" inches in length from head to toe. I go to the doctor on Monday so I will know her exact length then :) 

Total weight gain? - I think I've gained around 5-lbs so far but there are 20 more-ish weeks to go so that number is bound to creep on up there! 

Maternity clothes? - I have worn a pair of maternity jeans just because they are so comfy, but they are definitely a little baggy right now. So far I have survived with the good old rubber band trick, giving me that little bit of extra wiggle room I need in my regular jeans. Oh, and when the weather has been nice, wearing maxi dresses are my favorite. 

Miss anything? - Wine, wine, wine, wine, wine....wine. Hehehe. Oh and deli sandwiches. 

Movement? - I started feeling little flutters pretty early on, I think like 14 weeks. Now, her movements are much bigger than a flutter and both Jason and Blaykleigh have felt her movements over the last few weeks! Blaykleigh thinks it's so neat getting to feel her little sister move about in my belly. 

Symptoms? - Main symptoms that I've been having are early contractions, some are rather painful. But my doctor has been keeping a close eye on everything and so far just keeps saying to take it easy and get a lot of rest. I am also tired all.the.time. I could sleep all day but it might have something to do with my nightly routine. Seriously, I wake up every 1.5-2.5 hours with contractions at night so I go empty my bladder hoping they stop, sometimes they do other times they go on for awhile before stopping. So, I don't get a good nights rest ever, c'est la vie. 

Belly button in or out? - In. ;)

Wedding ring on or off? - On! 

Sleep? - Covered that up above....but no bueno. 

Best moment this week? - Reaching the 20 week milestone! Like I mentioned earlier, it's been a hard pregnancy and some days I didn't know if I would get this far but my fears don't have anything on His plans!!! 

Exercise? - Nada. Walking through the grocery store sends me into a fit of contractions and my placenta is currently completely covering my cervix, soooo a lot of my time is spent on the couch with my feet up, resting...doctors orders I promise! 

Cravings? - Over the last few weeks I have had a strong craving for Swedish Fish - yum! I also want fruit all the time. Oh, and wine, definitely craving a big glass of cabernet sauvignon!!!! 

Happy or Moody? - Depends on the moment hehe. Definitely have some moodiness in me more so than usual, just ask the husband. 

Looking forward to? - My 20 week appointment on Monday, always a good day when you get to see your baby! Oh, and reaching 23 weeks; viability week! I feel like I will be able to breathe a bit easier knowing if these contractions did start actual labor that medical advances could help our sweet Nellie to live outside of my womb. 

Thank you! Everything in me says "thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "thank you!". Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. - Psalm 138:2