A Cauliflower and a Sweet Surprise

This last week was only the beginning. The beginning of smiles, double takes, questions like how far along are you? and girl or boy? and have you picked a name? and then there's the advice, oh I wouldn't go for that swing! as I'm perusing the swings at Walmart. It feels great to finally be noticed by complete strangers, from the cashier at Aldi's to our postman. It makes it feel like being pregnant isn't just my imagination and Juice Drop is really coming in approximately 105 days, whether we're ready or not! 

How far along? 25 weeks 
Total weight gain: 16 lbs 
Maternity clothes? I'm so thankful for my friend, Heather, who just had Kiah last week (you can read about her here and on her blog). She gave me her maternity clothes since she doesn't need them anymore :)
Stretch marks? no :)
Sleep: getting better now that I'm getting used to using 2 extra pillows for my back and legs
Best moment this week: getting the opportunity to speak at a church this past Sunday about the Urban Eagles and receiving encouraging words and support from the 25 people who attended the meeting. God is Good! 
Miss Anything? eating without rib pain or heartburn after
Movement: several times throughout the day and at night and especially after eating pretzels! :)
Food cravings: mac and cheese 
Anything making you queasy or sick: no
Gender: GIRL!!!
Labor Signs: still nope lol
Symptoms: rib pain after eating, heartburn
Belly Button in or out? outie 
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: I'm finally starting to get weepy. The other day Travis and I were walking beside a lake and saw a Mama and Daddy duck with their little babies. Only they weren't little babies anymore--they were like toddlers. I just broke down and started crying because they grew up so fast and I thought about our own little Juice Drop growing up so fast! 
Looking forward to: our appointment next Monday and hearing Juice Drop's heartbeat again! :)

Although our immediate family is still in Ohio, we are lucky enough to have Travis' cousins here in Charlotte with us. They have been absolutely amazing and have taken care of us so well. We are so thankful for them and believe they are truly a blessing from God. Earlier today one of Travis' cousins, Jeni, stopped by to drop off her son's old pack-n-play and a few other baby items. We would've been over the moon with just those things but she didn't stop there...she surprised us with a brand new Britax stroller (the one that I've been wanting!) and we were just floored! She said is was an early shower gift from her, her husband, and Travis' Uncle Larry. We were shocked and beyond grateful for their generosity. We were so excited we had to put it together right away. The whole time we were assembling the stroller we couldn't keep from saying three and a half months can't come soon enough!

Looks like Daddy is ready for a stroll in the park :)