32 Weeks

How far along? 32 weeks   
Maternity clothes? Yes!
Stretch marks? I noticed I have a few purple stretch marks on my sides. :( Hopefully they will go away after delivery. 
Sleep: Much better and able to squeeze in a lot of naps when I have time. 
Best moment this week: Seeing an arm or foot shoot across my belly. 
Miss Anything? Being able to put my shoes on with no effort/struggle. 
Movement: Lots of movement. 
Food cravings: Nothing in particular... although I do love my chocolate milk in the evenings. 
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nothing out of the ordinary. 
Have you started to show yet: Indeed!
Gender: Unknown.  After my last doctor's appointment I am now thinking boy, but want a girl. Never fails... as soon as I'm convinced its one gender, I hope for the other. lol  In reality, of course I will take either just as long as he/she is healthy! 
Labor Signs: No. Do have lots of Braxton Hick contractions. 
Belly Button in or out? Still an inny... just about level with my belly! 
Wedding rings on or off? Still off. Tried again last week and I couldn't even make it half way up my finger. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy/Anxious
Looking forward to: The weekend! Getting a few last minute big baby items at Buy Buy Baby... love that store!! 

More diaper shower pictures

Lindsay decorated the cupcakes. 

Ignore the large arms and legs AND face. I've officially started to swell. :( Was hoping to be one of the lucky ones and not swell up. Oh well... at least I know it's short term and will be well worth it in the end. 

First Communion

I've been so wrapped up with the baby coming that I completely forgot about having pictures of my first communion. Never even looked at them until a couple days ago when I came across the CD from the church. Oops!

I had started the beginning of my second trimester as a Catholic. I always thought growing up and even up until I met Mike that Catholics believed differently than what I was used to, like more into the saints and not God himself. I was completely wrong! So glad I was wrong and my little family can be the same religion. St. Elizabeth is such a wonderful community and I'm glad I got the opportunity to know Fr. Ben more. I actually miss our weekly classes just to hear him talk and tell his jokes or stories about Nigeria. I had also grown up thinking I would never leave Vienna nor the area. I'm happy to know there is other communities just as welcoming like I've always been here my whole life. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Now if little Holtmeyer would cooperate so mommy can actually enjoy church, listen to the message and not feel like I'm going to pass out every time. Apparently the little stinker ALWAYS lays wrong as soon as I get to church for the past 2 months to where I am super clammy, fanning myself to cool down when I know it's cold in there, and feeling the need to pass out even while sitting. Mike had told me to just stay home and not go to church. I can't just not go to church until after the baby gets here. lol I had told Dr. Su what Mike said, she laughed and laughed. She said I had one funny husband.

Going to church was one definite promise I made to God. That I would go to church more frequently than I ever had before if he blessed me with a child. Wasn't too long after those prayers that we found out we were expecting. God works in mysterious ways and answered my prayers. Now I need to do my part and attend more... so this little one needs to get the hint!!  :)

Mike looks so thrilled. lol 

Receiving my first communion.

Drinking the wine, although I didn't even get a taste.  I kept tipping it up and thought I may as well quit... didn't want to appear like a lush especially while being preggo. :) 

Flood Damage

It makes you sick to your stomach seeing all the flood damage here in Miller County. Especially when news stations talk about how pretty and such a rare occasion to see when the Bagnell Dam released all that water. Mike's family lost a lot of corn. Some area farmers lost several hay bales and cows. Should have taken a picture to the left of the field in the first few pictures of the hill/bluff. You could see how high the water had got, probably 10-12 feet high and this was just from a creek.

Here's a few pictures of their farm and surrounding areas on the county roads that connects to theirs.

Lower bottom of the field behind Mike's mom and dads house. 

Another field of theirs on down the road at their old homestead.

The was a little creek and it's 'was' on the left side of the road. As you can see we couldn't cross it and only could if we had a four wheeler. 

Same area.. you can't tell but there was a huge drop off, maybe 5 feet. 

Looking back at the same area. 

Huge hole in a field along Hwy 52 at the Blue Hole bridge. 

Diaper & Wipes Party

Friday, our close friends and immediate families joined us for a Diaper & Wipes Party. Had a great evening visiting and baby got lots of goodies.

30 Weeks

How far along? 30 weeks, 10 weeks left!!   
Maternity clothes? Yes!
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Getting somewhat better. 
Best moment this week: Baby has been constantly pushing its little butt up. 
Miss Anything? Being able to paint my toenails without a struggle/battle with my body! :) 
Movement: Lots. Lately it feels like the baby has been kicking a nerve and my pelvic bone. 
Food cravings: Nothing in particular...
Anything making you queasy or sick:  I've noticed the smell of fresh cut grass has made me a little queasy feeling. 
Have you started to show yet: Yep, feel like I swallowed a watermelon. 
Gender: Unknown.  Been thinking girl lately.  Any guesses?
Labor Signs: No. 
Belly Button in or out? Still an inny! 
Wedding rings on or off? Still off. Probably will stay that way... doctor's orders. Well not really, but Dr. Su advised not to since she's seen so many have to get their ring cut off. I would hate for that to happen. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: My doctor's appointment tomorrow. Hopefully baby Holtmeyer will corporate and we can get a good profile shot this time. Last two visits the baby was too comfy and wouldn't roll over for nothing; therefore, we saw a scary baby. The skeleton view and one shot I swear looks like a clown face. lol I may have to find that picture and post it sometime. 

28 Weeks

How far along? 28 weeks.  
Total weight gain/loss: 2lbs.  8lbs total. as of last time... go to the doctor next Tuesday.  Already down to 2 week appointments! 
Maternity clothes? Yes!
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Some. 
Best moment this week: Baby had the hiccups. 
Miss Anything? Sleeping on my stomach
Movement: Lots. Kicks a lot on my right side. 
Food cravings: Nothing in particular.... although I could go for a Maidrite and chocolate shake! If only Rolla was closer...
Anything making you queasy or sick:  No
Have you started to show yet: Indeed, I have! I feel like a giant marshmallow. Really bothering me with the added water weight I am starting to get. Wish I would have schedule maternity pictures before now. 
Gender: Unknown.  
Labor Signs: No. 
Belly Button in or out? Still an inny! 
Wedding rings on or off? Off! Swelling has made it impossible to even get my ring up to my knuckle. :( 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: My next doctor's appointment and when this water weight will be gone for good! 

26 Weeks

How far along? 26 weeks.  
Total weight gain/loss: 2lbs.  8lbs total. 
Maternity clothes? Yep! Got lucky and found some shirts at Ross for $5! 
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: It's getting pretty uncomfortable to sleep. Once I find a comfy position, the baby thinks otherwise and kicks until I move back to my uncomfortable side. :) 
Best moment this week: Seeing the baby on the ultrasound.  Little feet were kicking away just chillin' up by his/her head. 
Miss Anything? Sleep and cappuccino 
Movement: Lots. 
Food cravings: Nothing I dire in need of.  I have found a healthy snack that I love thanks to a co-worker.... fresh blueberries frozen. 
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Fresh cut grass makes me want to gag lately. 
Have you started to show yet: Of course, no denying this baby belly.  
Gender: Unknown.  I like the guessing game and think it will help me get the endurance I need to push even more come delivery time to see what the baby is. 
Labor Signs: No. 
Belly Button in or out? Still an inny! 
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: Spoiling two little boys this weekend who think they will get lost in the shuffle once we have the baby.  :) 

24 Weeks

How far along? 24 weeks.  Ignore the no makeup look! :) 
Total weight gain/loss: ?? Go to the doctor next week in Jeff.  
Maternity clothes? Yes. It's so hard to find good maternity clothes that don't look so 'maternity/old lady looking'.  Not much out there. I did find a website, pinkblushmaternity.com where I got the dress below.  I could wear it everyday, it's so comfortable! 
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Some
Best moment this week: Baby loves music! Danced in my belly during the whole reception for Mike's cousins wedding yesterday.  At first my stomach was sore, guess the baby calmed down a little after getting used to the loud music. 
Miss Anything? Coffee and soda.
Movement: Lots. 
Food cravings: No cravings that I can think of.  My favorite food right now is a big bowl of Honey Nut cereal with bananas cut up in it, the box only lasted me three days. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: No. 
Have you started to show yet: Yep, it's officially been a hand magnet!  A cousin of Mike's,  daughter Keely had to constantly touch my belly.  She confirms it's a baby girl, the size of her baby doll right now and loves to talk (as she put her ear up to my belly and said the baby was talking to her). :) 
Gender: Unknown.  Everyone's guesses at the wedding was split about 50/50.  Carrying high - girl.  Belly is up and down and not side to side (like a barrel) - boy.  
Labor Signs: No. 
Belly Button in or out? In. Although my belly button is slowly making it's way to being even with my belly. 
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: My next doctor's appointment. 

At Matt & Whitney Holtmeyer's wedding! 

22 Weeks

How far along? 22 weeks.  
Total weight gain/loss: 6 pounds since being pregnant.  
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Getting better
Best moment this week: Probably seeing the baby on the ultrasound.... very stubborn baby and wouldn't turn over for anything, so we could get a profile picture. 
Miss Anything? Coffee
Movement: Few kicks here and there. 
Food cravings: Nothing this week. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: No. 
Have you started to show yet: Yes! 
Gender: Unknown. We for sure can't guess with the heart rate. Tuesday the heart rate was 165, then 135 for the Dr. in Columbia. For the most part, it's been staying pretty low. 
Labor Signs: No. 
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: Sleep! 

20 Weeks.... HALF WAY THERE!!!

How far along? 20 weeks.    Few days late posting! :) 
Total weight gain/loss: ??
Maternity clothes? Yep. Didn't expect my belly to grow this low, so its making it harder and harder to wear my regular jeans when I can. 
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: Still needs work... maybe I can when the baby gets here! Ha!  
Best moment this week: Couldn't sleep, baby has been keeping me entertained with little jabs and nudges late at night. Feels like there is a mini party in my belly. 
Miss Anything? Cappuccino
Movement: Jabs and nudges.... mostly at night when I'm ready for sleep! 
Food cravings: I think I had my official cravings the past week. I really wanted pickles and chocolate milk. Didn't have any pickles so I settled for just chocolate milk. Last night at 9, I was very tempted to drive to Jeff for some sherbet ice cream.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not that I can recall. 
Have you started to show yet: Yep, looks like I swallowed a small kickball. 
Gender: Unknown. Found out over the weekend many thought my profile picture was the most up to date photo revealing the gender. It's the best ultrasound picture we have and it's from 10-12 weeks, so no gender revealing there! :) Doctors office now gives me pictures from the waist up. Go back next week, so more pictures!! 
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: The weekend and doctors appointment next week. If I can remember, I will try to record it on my phone. Really wished I would have the first appointment in Columbia. Baby was very entertaining!

19 Weeks

How far along? 19 weeks.   Wish I wouldn't have been sick last week making me miss my 18 week update... seems like an on going thing these past few weeks. Hopefully it will rain this week and clear all the allergens in the air. 
Total weight gain/loss: 2lbs. as of last week at my doctors appointment in Jeff, which everything went great! Back on track and baby appears healthy and quite the wiggle worm! 
Maternity clothes? Occasionally.  Thought I could get by with regular jeans for a lot longer. This past week has proven I need to go shopping. The zipper lining was literally coming out of my jeans! lol 
Stretch marks? No, been faithfully putting on Palmers in the morning and occasionally Mothers Friend on at night since it's oily. 
Sleep: Sleeping has improved, but still not the greatest. 
Best moment this week: Been feeling some flutters here and there. Won't be long and I'll wish those little jabs and kicks were just flutters! :) 
Miss Anything? Cappuccino
Movement: Few flutters every now and then. 
Food cravings: Maybe bananas? Wish they kept longer, which Mike's been eating just as much.  He's the one having most of the cravings and appetite gain. lol 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not that I can recall. Smoke bothers me, but it did before pregnancy as well. 
Have you started to show yet: Yep, no longer rocking the beer gut as co-workers pointed out this week to me. 
Gender: Could have found out last week, but we chose not to. 
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: The weekend, luckily it falls on my half day Friday so it will be a 3.5 day weekend for me!