It’s only just begun…

This kid of ours has two teeth now. TWO. She’s not even five months old yet. They are the cutest little teeth I’ve ever seen. And it’s possible that we don’t refer to them as teeth, but rather “teef” or “teefers.” Ugh. We are those parents. Tess has done remarkably well considering she’s been teething for the past couple of months (or maybe since she’s been born!) She drools like a little monster and sometimes has rosy cheeks and a slight fever, but that’s about it. Thank you Jesus. And now for the obligatory picture.

Tessa Jane: 4 months

While we were pregnant we received loads of advice from anyone and everyone, most of it welcomed with some of going in one ear and out the other. Some of the advice was excellent while some of it was “eh”. There was one phrase that we seemed to hear from almost everyone though: they grow so fast. I cannot believe how true that is. Our little Tessa Bean is 4 months now. FOUR MONTHS. Now you know why I haven’t posted in so long. We have a freaking 4 month old! And to further explain why this post may be a tad short – because this sweet little girl is now rolling over, squealing in the cutest voice ever, scooting around on all fours (not quite crawling), reaching for things, chewing on things, teething (we think), eating a few mushy things (food, that is), and making us fall more in love with her every day. And because no post is truly complete without a picture, here’s her 4 month old pic (along with all the nicknames we call our little bug!)

Update: 37 Weeks!

• How far along: 37 weeks!
• How big is the baby: She’s huge if my belly is an indicator! She’s probably around 6-7 lbs and according to my midwife, I’m measuring just under average so she’s perfect.
• Total weight gain/loss: Yep. : )
• Stretch marks: Boo.
• Best moment this week: We’ve had a monumental week filled with a weekend visit from my mom, our home visit with our midwife and a wonderful shower with our family and friends.
• Food cravings: Sno cones. All. The. Time. My current fav flavor is 1/2 Georgia peach and 1/2 toasted coconut. YUM! So far we’ve found out that there are two Sno Biz locations in town and we have their hours down pat. And sushi. I’m always craving sushi, pregnant or not.
• Gender: Baby girl!
• Labor signs: As of April 16, I am 1/2 centimeter dilated and 60% effaced, with some good Braxton-Hicks mixed in there.
• Belly button in or out: It’s just kind of there. Sort of donut-like if that makes sense.
• Current mood: I haven’t felt too hot today – headache thanks to the rain, heartburn, swollen feet and just being tired in general. I can’t complain too much though because I feel great most days.
• What I am looking forward to: Finishing the nursery and another sno cone : )
• Milestones: I guess being dilated and effaced counts as a milestone. We are also keeping track of kick counts now since we’re only 3ish weeks away from meeting our baby Tess!

And now for the pictures!

31 (almost 32) Weeks!

• How far along: 31 weeks and 5 days!
• How big is the baby: She’s probably over 3 lbs and over 16 inches long (Baby Center compares her to a squash.)
• Total weight gain/loss: My next appt is this Thursday so we’ll find out then.
• Stretch marks: Boo.
• Best moment this week: We’ve had a lot of great moments since the last post, but one of the coolest things was that Tessa had her first communion at church yesterday. Very sweet moment for mom and dad-to-be.
• Food cravings: That incredible chocolate lava cake from Chili’s, but I have resisted (even though I’ve learned to make it at home and it takes all but 20 minutes.)
• Gender: A wee beanette.
• Labor signs: I think I may have felt a Braxton-Hicks or two, but I’m not completely positive.
• Belly button in or out: Still in, but just barely.
• Current mood: Happy and enjoying my day off.
• What I am looking forward to: Receiving our Anthro quilt we ordered for the nursery! And our baby shower because I’ll get to see my mom finally!
• Milestones: We have seen waves rippling across my belly as Tessa does soccer practice or her gymnastics routine. And let me just say, it’s weird. Bizarre. Alien-like even. I mean, we’re just sitting on the couch catching up on 24 or Lost and this protrusion starts dancing across my stomach without any kind of warning and part of me thinks, “What if it just pops right out of my skin? What if?!” I know that’s not how it works and I know I should be more motherly and think, “Oh, how sweet and lovely that Tessa is saying hello to us,” but I don’t usually. Now don’t get your panties or boxers all wadded up and think I’m a horrible person for not thinking that way – I do recognize how miraculous it is to be carrying around offspring in my womb, but I still can’t help but think how bizarre it is at the same time. Some women immediately feel a strong bond and connection to their unborn child and they get all ooey-gooey and lovey-dovey and talk baby-talk to their stomachs. I don’t think there is anything wrong with this at all, but it’s not the natural direction I took. This doesn’t mean that Ben and I don’t talk to Tessa or that we haven’t shed a few tears over the fact that we’ll have a little girl in our arms in a few short weeks, but more than just being overly emotional about being pregnant and talking baby-talk, I am more in awe of the whole process of pregnancy. I feel like I’m a part of a Nat Geo or Discovery Channel documentary as my body changes and naturally makes accommodations for this new life that’s growing inside of me. It is just amazing how God created my body to do this. To create and incubate and nourish until the time comes to birth and bring a new life into this world. And yes, it is a little weird and bizarre in my opinion. I’m sure though, once we see our little girl, that baby-talk and ooey-gooeyness will overtake our lives and we’ll gladly let it.

Sorry for the rambling and onto the picture of the week (and yes, I’m barefoot):

Update: 24 Weeks!

• How far along: 24 weeks!
• How big is the baby: She’s about as long as an ear of corn.
• Total weight gain/loss: Not sure because I missed my last appointment and I’m definitely not keeping track on my own ; )
• Stretch marks: Ugh. At least they have stopped multiplying.
• Best moment this week: Getting our home office finished so we can begin work on the nursery.
• Food cravings: Sushi. Always. And ice cream still. And homemade ranch dressing.
• Gender: GIRL!
• Labor signs: Nope.
• Belly button in or out: In.
• Current mood: Happy and relieved.
• What I am looking forward to: Working on the nursery.
• Milestones: I’m beginning to feel “waddly.” I’m not sure if that’s even a word, but it perfectly describes my physical state. Also, we have decided to have a home birth so I’d say that’s a pretty significant milestone. More to come on that.

And now I present the obligatory belly shot:

We’re Back!!!

Can you believe how long it’s been since the last post?! Geez. So sorry to everyone who’s been waiting with bated breath for the lastest updates from the Williams household…although the only person who probably reads our blog is my mom and I’m sure even she’s given up on an update by now. : )

Well, the latest news (not really news news anymore) is that we’re having a baby! Hurrah! And a sweet little girl at that. I wanted to wait until my new website was completed before resuming posting, but there will be too much news and updates to share to wait for that.

I’ve just hit the 22 week mark in the pregnancy and I thought I would fill out a fun little survey each week to document how things are coming along. So let’s get started!

• How far along: 22 weeks – over halfway done growing our little bean.
• How big is the baby: They say it’s around the size of a papaya. Holy cow. And we’ve got to get all the way to the size of a watermelon?!
• Total weight gain/loss: Yes, there’s been gain. let’s leave it at that.
• Stretch marks: Um, yes. I hold grudges against anyone who did not experience this during pregnancy.
• Best moment this week: Being told our offices would be closed on Friday for a snow day so I can stay in and keep me and the little bean warm and toasty.
• Food cravings: Hot wing sauce. And ice cream. And watermelon. And Chili’s Chicken Ranch Sandwiches (which I’ve perfected at home.)
• Gender: GIRL!
• Labor signs: Nope.
• Belly button in or out: In.
• Current mood: Is hungry a mood? : )
• What I miss: Sleeping through the night without taking 3+ bathrooms breaks.
• What I am looking forward to: Eating dinner.
• Milestones: I had my first lightheaded/dizzy spell this morning. It was slightly scary and I considered calling someone to drive me to the hospital. And I’m not usually one to dramatize medical situations.

And there you have it. 22 weeks in a nutshell. Oh, and we have a name for our lovely new addition: Tessa Jane. Next time I will post pictures! Promise!