28 Weeks *Third Trimester!!*

How far along: 28 weeks today (can't believe we only have roughly 12 more to go!!!)

Size of baby: she weighs about 2.25 pounds and is about 14.8 inches long

Total weight gain/loss: +17 pounds (although by tomorrow it will likely be +22 due to my sweet friend Kim bringing me the most delicious cupcakes for my birthday)

Maternity clothes: a good mixture. The other day my outfit consisted of only non-maternity clothes (I was pretty pumped to still be able to do that at 7 months pregnant!), but most days I'll have at least one maternity item on, either pants/shorts/skirts or a top. I've been wearing really fitted tops lately because all of my loose dresses make me feel even bigger than I already look, but it's also already in the mid-90's here so I think I'll suck it up and pull out the dresses! Anything to make it feel less scorching!

Gender: a GIRL! Allison Neal Gentry

Movement: Yes!! She definitely has more of a pattern than Lila did. I can always feel her moving around 9am and 9pm no matter what I'm doing. Here lately, I feel her more squirming around rather than strong kicks, which is exactly what Lila did. I think I'm due to have two squirmy babies, which will be sure to make airplane rides fun :)

Contractions: I started having Braxton-Hicks contractions at around 18 weeks, which is MUCH earlier than last time, which I hear is completely normal for your second pregnancy. Although they are annoying, it's good that my body is already starting to get ready for labor. I get them a lot when I'm walking on the treadmill or outside for exercise. 

Sleep: I'm actually sleeping really well right now, although every now and then my hip will start hurting and I need to switch to the other side. 

What I miss: everything!! I have wanted wine and champagne much more this pregnancy.  I gave in recently and had half a glass of white wine, but it felt really weird and wrong so I think I'll hold off imbibing until after she is born. I've got a bottle of Cakebread Chardonnay reserve waiting for me in the refrigerator for when we come home from the hospital! I've also wanted sushi (the good, raw kind!) more than last time. 

Cravings: Cheetos, anything sweet (mainly chocolate and cake), and deli sandwiches (yeah I know they're supposed to be a no-no, but I just try to not have them everyday!). Also, Chick-fil-A chicken biscuits and McDonald's sausage and cheese biscuits (I'm getting hungry just typing this). 

Best moment this week: This past weekend was Easter as well as my birthday (on the same day). Easter is one of my absolute favorite holidays, and having Lila made it even better. I love the Easter pastel clothes and the smocked outfits that the kids wear, and it was extra fun dressing Lila up for church and the Easter egg hunt. Next Easter I will have two precious girls to dress up in Easter pastels, and I can't wait!!!

I've also started to get my pjs, delivery gowns, nursing bras, and nursing pads out for the hospital bag. I'm resisting the strong urge to pack for the hospital, knowing full well that I am a nutcase that likes to have everything done WAAAAY too early :) I will make myself wait at least until 30 weeks to pack!