Goodbye First Trimester and Hello Second Trimester! Officially 14 weeks! Baby is the size of a peach! š I could just scream with joy! I canāt believe it! š
This weekās symptoms include round ligament pain, fatigue, cravings, shiny thick hair, shiny skin, increased appetite, sciatica, bloating and a little bump. š„°
I had a recent appointment at 13 weeks and 6 days. Babyās heart rate is 155! Our next appointment is not until August 4th, for another check in with the midwife, and our anatomy scan on August 19th!!!
Since it is officially the second trimester, I guess Iāll start doing some planning. In the next few weeks I hope toā¦
- Finish my Registry
- Sign up for a Birthing Class
- Research what big things I want for baby (Car Seat, Stroller, Crib, Pack and Play, High Chair)
- Completely switch my closet over to Maternity clothes
- Start cleaning and organizing the apartment.
14 Weeks! Letās have a great second trimester!!!! šššš¼š„°

Is that a baby bump? Officially 15 weeks pregnant! Baby is the size of a orange!
This weeks symptoms include sciatica, heartburn, fatigue, moodiness, increased appetite, and round ligament pain.
Iām hoping to feel baby kick soon, but at my last ultrasound I was told I have an anterior placenta. So, it might be awhile. In just over a month we find out if we are having a boy or girl!
Charles and I have started discussing names⦠finally. Thereās a few that we both like but nothing is picked out just yet. For now babyās nicknames are Baby, Bug, and Mochachino.
This weekās craving include lemons and pickles. In fact Iām having dreams about them until Iām actually able to wake up and eat them. Oh and one more exciting thing that happened this week⦠I can finally drink coffee!

16 Weeks Pregnant! Baby is the size of an avocado. š„
This week I am feeling great! My skin, hair and nails have never been better!
Iām still really tired when I get home from work each day, but not to the point where I crash. This week I have also started to experience a lot of baby brain. I mean ALOT. Iāve also noticed a lot of changes up top as well⦠if you know what I mean.
I thought this week it would be fun to share a little comparison photo. The first is from when I was 11 weeks pregnant, and the second is now at 16 weeks pregnant. Man, what a difference 5 weeks can make.

I am still anxiously waiting to feel baby move. I kind of feel like Iāve felt baby but then I doubt myself and think itās gas. Hopefully babyās movements will be more clear soon enough.
Hereās to 16 weeks of pregnancy and entering the 5th month!

Yesterday, something amazing happened. After finishing a kale salad with a homemade lemon dressing, I was sitting on the couch relaxing. I kept feeling some weird nudging sensations, between my belly button and my underwear line.
At first I didnāt think much of these sensations and just assumed it was gas. Maybe 20 minutes later I felt them again. This time I felt them with my hand over my belly. It was an indescribable feeling.
I told Charles I couldnāt tell what it was but I almost wondered if I was feeling the baby kick. I asked Charles to put his hand on my belly and feel. Immediately the nudging sensation happened again. He said āThat!? I felt it. Itās a kick!ā
It was a really exciting moment. Thank Jesus for this beautiful human growing inside me. ā¤ļø

17 weeks! Baby is the size of a pomegranate!!! And only 3 weeks until our anatomy scan and we find out the gender! š š
This past week has been very exciting as I have been able to feel little flutters and movements from baby! Others symptoms I have been experiencing include fatigue, cravings, colostrum, some shortness of breath, crazy vivid dreams, and round ligament pain.
This upcoming week I have one appointment and it is just a check in with the midwife.
17 weeks has me enjoying this sweet time of pregnancy!

18 weeks pregnant, and baby is the size of an artichoke! This week has been pretty crazy, so allow me to catch you up.
On Wednesday, I had a check in appointment with my midwife. We discussed my pregnancy symptoms, getting the Covid vaccine, birth classes and local pediatricians. My midwife checked babyās heartbeat and baby was definitely moving around in there. She said everything sounded perfect and babyās heartbeat was 150.
One issue that came up during the appointment is Iām not gaining any weight. In fact, I havenāt gained back the weight I lost in the first trimester which is about 6 lbs. My midwife encouraged me to increase my calorie intake by 300 a day and try to start gaining a little weight.
On Thursday morning I went to work like any other morning feeling completely normal. While at work I went to the bathroom and noticed a tiny bit of light brown blood in my underwear and when I wiped. It was faint but enough that I could see it. I prayed and tried to stay calm.
I let someone from the admin team know what was going on and that I needed to call my doctor. I called the after hours nurse service. I explained that I wasnāt feeling any pain or cramps, and that the blood was light brown. The nurse told me that itās likely just old blood or I could have over did it. She said if I start to experience pain, cramps/contractions; I start leaking fluid; or the bleeding gets worse then I would need to call back and possibly go into labor and delivery triage.
Throughout the day I tried taking it easy. I sat down in my classroom more than I usually do, I drank lots of water and I didnāt lift anything over 10 lbs. Thankfully I didnāt experience anymore bleeding/spotting except that one episode.
Despite the scare this week, I am really enjoying feeling babyās little flutters and I canāt wait to find out what we are having in 2 WEEKS! š

19 weeks pregnant! Baby is the size of a mango!!! š„ I canāt believe Iām almost half way there!!!
This weekās symptoms include increased hunger, fatigue, sore hips, round ligament pain, ranging emotions, and a little bit of spotting.
Between 18 and 19 weeks I received my first dose of the Covid vaccine. Coming to this decision wasnāt easy but I decided to get it for a couple reasons.
1) I know I am high risk because I am pregnant and want to avoid as many complications as I can.
2) When I am giving birth, it will not only be flu season, but Covid will still be present and I want to build up my immune system as best I can, especially when I am in the hospital and the most at risk.
3) I wanted to have a fighting chance. I know getting the vaccine doesnāt mean I wonāt ever get Covid, but if I do get Covid, I want to have a fighting chance and still be here for my baby.
At 18 weeks pregnant I had an episode of spotting. At 19 weeks pregnant I had another episode of spotting and some cramping. I called my doctor and they asked me to come in and get checked out.
At the appointment they first checked baby. Baby decided to move around every time the nurse pushed on my belly. As she pressed the Doppler on my belly, she caught the heartbeat for only a minute. Babyās heart rate was 145. After that, baby decided to be a stinker and hide behind my placenta. š
The nurse reassured me that baby was fine, and I likely just have a fragile cervix. This just basically means I am more likely to spot after a pelvic exam, intercourse, heavy lifting, etc. She encouraged me just to take it easy through my pregnancy. And as far as the cramping, itās likely a combination of my uterus growing and baby pressing on my bladder.
This week I am very excited because when I hit 20 weeks, we will be having our anatomy scan! I canāt wait to find out if Baby Rhames is a Boy or Girl!!!

Whoa! Weāre half way there! š¶ Officially 20 weeks, baby is the size of a banana! š
This week has been super exciting for many reasons. Not only has nesting officially kicked in, but we also had our anatomy scan and found out babyās gender! I will be revealing that in my next blog post!
This weekās symptoms include heartburn, cravings, increased hunger, fatigue, mood swings, slight back pain, slight feet swelling, insomnia, colostrum and itchiness around my breasts and naval.
Baby is still moving around and having a ball in my tummy! Baby is mostly active in the evenings and at night. š
I feel like in many ways this pregnancy has been super fast and super slow. So far I already have a bouncer, car seat, stroller, and high chair. Iām hoping to order my pack and play this week!
20 weeks down and 20 weeks to go! šŖ

On Thursday August 19th, Charles and I had a very special appointment. I was officially 20 weeks pregnant, and we were scheduled for our anatomy scan that afternoon. Before our appointment I asked many of our friends, family and coworkers what they thought baby was. I would say about 80% of people were guessing girl. Charlesā guess was he wasnāt really sure. From the very beginning I have thought that we are having a boy. However, within the last few weeks I was suspecting that we may be having a girl. Either way Charles and I were going to be thrilled with whatever the gender of our baby would be.

Before the anatomy scan, I was a nervous wreck. I tried to stay calm, pray and reassure myself that baby was just fine. We waited in the waiting room for about 20 minutes before getting called back.
Before starting the scan, the tech told us she would be looking at all of babyās organs. She explained that she was allowed to tell us the gender if we wanted to know, and all the organs that she was taking pictures of. However, she was not allowed to tell us if she found anything normal or abnormal. After she was finished she would write up her report and give it to the doctor. The doctor would then come in, go over the report and do an additional scan.
The tech tried looking at the gender first since Charles and I had both decided we really wanted to know what we were having. However, baby was being slightly stubborn and sitting criss cross so it was very difficult to see babyās genitalia. The tech decided to come back in a few minutes and see if baby decided to move.
The tech took pictures of the heart, stomach, bladder, kidneys, diaphragm, and brain. She then went back to see if she could determine babyās gender. Baby was still sitting cross legged. The tech waited a moment, and the baby started to move itās legs a little. The tech was then able to get a quick pic. She froze the screen and said āOh wait, do you see what Iām seeing?ā I said no because I had no idea what I was looking at. She then drew an arrow, and said āWhat do you think this is right here?ā Charles and I looked at each other and said we werenāt sure. The tech then said āYouāre having a boy, congratulations!ā Charles and I were over joyed. A baby boy, and we couldnāt believe it.
Throughout the anatomy scan, I was slightly uncomfortable. It was very difficult to lay on my back as it makes me dizzy and have a headache. The tech allowed me to lay on my side to help relieve the back pain. I also had a full bladder that made my back pain worse, and the pushing of the probe very uncomfortable. After the 45 minute scan I was able to go to the bathroom and rest on my side. The tech left and said the doctor would be in shortly.
When the doctor came in, I held my breath. I was afraid of what the tech might have found. The doctor introduced himself and said the tech didnāt find anything abnormal. And the tech is usually right but it doesnāt hurt to have a second opinion. The doctor confirmed that baby is definitely a boy. Baby weighs approximately 12 oz. and in the 62nd percentile. Baby Boyās heart rate was 143 and looked completely healthy. Charles and I felt so relieved that our baby was doing just fine.

After getting a burger and fries, Charles and I headed home. We called my parents and grandma and told them we are having a bouncing baby boy. We then ate our food, and put together a cute little gender reveal for social media. I shared with others that baby is healthy and that we would be revealing the gender at 7pm.
Before 7, I texted some close friends and family and told them we were having a boy. And at 7pm we made our big announcement and shared that Baby Rhames is a Boy and posted the picture above. People were shocked but very excited for us.
I am so thrilled to be a Boy Mom! Boys are just goofy, and energized and something else. I canāt wait to snuggle my baby bear, and raise him up to be a polite gentlemen. š
21 weeks, and only 7 weeks until the third trimester! Crazy how this pregnancy is starting to fly by. This week, baby is the size of a endive. I asked a few people what an endive is, and I guess itās just like a fancy lettuce.
This weekās symptoms include cravings, increased hunger, fatigue, round ligament pain, overall aches and pain, headaches, colostrum and minor sciatica.
This week I have been able to feel baby boy move more and more. His flutters, and taps at 16 weeks have turned into nudges and kicks this week.
Soon I will be doing a quick baby haul and show you a few things I have bought and received for baby boy! š

22 Weeks!!! Baby is the size of a coconut š„„ and the count down begins with only 18 weeks to go!
This weekās symptoms include heartburn, fatigue, increased hunger and thirst, moodiness, slight back pain, round ligament pain, Braxton Hicks, body aches, vivid dreams, colostrum and cravings.
No prenatal appointments until I hit 23 weeks. Soon my appointments will be increasing to twice a month.
Still in the process of nesting, cleaning and organizing. Part of me feels like I have plenty of time while another part of me feels like baby could come home tomorrow.
Also, we have decided on a name, but I wonāt be sharing it for awhile. š¤«
22 weeks, here we go!!!

23 Weeks! Baby is the size of a Grapefruit! Both Mommy and Baby are doing well!
We had a OB check up on Friday and everything is looking good. Baby Boyās heart rate was 135, and he was just chilling at the appointment since he was up all night kicking mommy. My uterus was measured and since I am 23 weeks, they were wanting the measurements to be between 21 and 25 cm. My uterus was measuring at 22 cm so everything is on track. Iāve also gained 6 lbs since my last appointment 5 weeks ago. So, I now weigh the same amount I did when I got pregnant and have gained back what I lost in the first trimester. Later in the appointment we discussed that Iām fully vaccinated, have been and will likely continue experiencing Braxton Hicks, and what signs to look for if I feel I may be going into labor.
At 23 weeks, this weekās symptoms include hot flashes, shortness of breath, round ligament pain, fatigue, hunger and cravings, baby movements everyday, slight swelling in my feet, and the start of some stretch marks.
Pregnancy is starting to go by very quickly. Iām excited but also feeling a little overwhelmed as I try to get what I can done and ready for baby.

24 Weeks! š
168 Days
6 months pregnant with 4 months to go!
Baby is the size of a Cantaloupe.
Everyday, every hour and every moment is a blessing.
I have back pain, fatigue, constant hunger, Braxton Hicks, the constant urge to pee, round ligament pain and other dailly body aches. But you know what else? Everyday I feel little baby kicks and wiggles, I experience joy when I am gifted fun baby supplies, and I fall more and more in love with every ultrasound as I get to see my beautiful Baby Boy. Itās all worth it. All of it. I still have my fears and anxieties of course, but I try not to let that steal my joy. I am so incredibly in love with this baby, and I canāt wait to meet him in January. ššššš

25 Weeks pregnant, and baby boy is the size of a head of cauliflower. 15 weeks to go and 3 weeks until the third trimester!
This weekās symptoms include heartburn, fatigue, anxiety, gas and bloating, frequent urination, swelling feet, Braxton Hicks, colostrum and some dry skin.
My next appointment isnāt until October 8th, and after that I will start being seen every two weeks. I also still need to have some blood work done, and do my glucose test.
This week has been full of ups and downs, between working long hours, and grieving for a friend who suffered a loss. Itās been hard for me to enjoy my pregnancy when I see my friend going through so much pain and heartache. But it also encourages me to hold my rainbow baby belly a little closer and cherish my angel babies. I try to tell myself to breathe, and to just count my blessings. Donāt take life and every little moment for granted. ā¤ļø

26 weeks pregnant and 14 weeks to go! This week baby is the size of a bushel of Kale!
This weekās symptoms include fatigue, hunger and cravings, heart palpitations, lots of baby kicks, round ligament pain, swelling feet, Braxton Hicks, slight leg cramps, and some intense emotions.
The day after I hit 26 weeks, I went and had some blood work done. I had a normal check of CBC as well as the second trimester glucose test. Unfortunately, I failed my glucose test and will now have to go in for the 3 hour glucose test some time next week. I am also slightly anemic. Iām not entirely sure what all of this means, but I am hoping that my doctor will get in touch with me very soon and offer me some guidance.
On a better note, I have an OB appointment coming up this week as well as a virtual Baby Book Shower! I am slowly but surely getting what I need for Baby Boy! My birth plan is written and ready to go, and I plan to start on my hospital bag this week!
26 weeks, here we go! š

27 weeks! Baby is the size of a head of lettuce! This is our last week of the second trimester, and then we are in the final stretch!
This weekās symptoms include Braxton Hicks, leg cramps, swollen feet, back pain, fatigue, hot flashes, strong and unpredictable emotions, round ligament pain, heartburn and baby kicks!
This week we had a little bit of a scare. While working on Monday I started feeling some minor contractions. I felt tightness across my belly, and pain around and under my bump.
I called into work the next day and talked to a nurse at my OB office. She said from what I was describing, it sounded more like the beginning of contractions verses Braxton Hicks. She told me it was a good sign that the pain went away with rest.
Tomorrow I have an appointment with my OB to discuss any restrictions I may need so I donāt start getting contractions too early again. I am also having just a regular check for me and baby.
After my appointment I have to take the 3 hour glucose test, because I failed the 1 hour last week. Iām praying everything is okay and baby and I continue to stay healthy.

On Thursday, October 7th I hit 27 weeks. My very last week of the second trimester. I was already starting to feel really pregnant. I went to work that morning tired and sore from Braxton Hicks and possibly some small contractions earlier in the week. When I walked in the door, my boss notified me that we had some extra people and she said I could go home early that day if I wanted. I decided to listen to my body and take the opportunity to go home. So for the rest of the day I napped and relaxed.
Later that evening I started feeling very uncomfortable. My bump felt tight like Braxton Hicks, but I felt pain under and around my bump, I also felt some pain in my pelvis. I tried to just ignore this sensation and sleep it off. Rest didnāt really help and it was hard for me to get comfortable. After a few hours of this pain coming and going, I decided to call Labor and Delivery to see what they say. After everything I told them, they said I needed to come in and get checked out.
Charles and I headed to Labor and Delivery at 1:30am. I texted Alli and let her know what was going on since she is my second support person for birth. Alli headed to the hospital too. When we got there they took my vitals, asked me questions, I gave them a urine sample and they hooked up the baby heart monitors.
After the initial check in it was a lot of just sit and wait. Babyās heart rate was anywhere between 139-150. They didnāt see any contractions on the monitor, and no sort of infection was seen from my urine. Around 3 the midwife came in to talk to us. And she said the pain could be a variety of things: Braxton Hicks, baby sitting on a nerve, baby growing, round ligament pain and lightning crotch. But we never fully determined what it was.
The nurses gave me some Tylenol and ice to see if that helped, and after about a half hour I was 100% better. I was released around 3:45-4pm. We headed home to get a little more sleep before my normal OB appointment in a few hours at 7am.
I went to my OB appointment at 7am. I discussed a variety of things including Braxton Hicks, work restrictions, breast pump, anxiety, and my 1 hour glucose test. The midwife measured my uterus and I was measuring at 27 cm. Right on track! Babyās heart rate was also great between 139-145.
After my appointment I headed to the lab to complete my 3 hour glucose test. By this point in the morning I was starting to feel very sick as I had been awake off and on throughout the night and I had been fasting since 10pm. The test wasnāt terrible but it wasnāt wonderful either. I had to have a blood draw before the test, and every hour throughout. With each blood draw I felt more and more nauseated. It felt like time dragged on, and I was so glad once it was over.
I got done with the test around 11:30 and headed home. I ate some pizza, felt a little better and headed to work at 12:30. Before going in to work I received my glucose test results. To my disappointment, I again failed my glucose test. When I got to work I gave the admin team a note from my doctor stating I couldnāt work over 40 hours a week. I
I worked 12:30-6 and as I dragged my feet at the end of my shift I was done. It had been a very long day. When I got home, and got out of the car I looked up at the sky. In between glimmers of sunshine and rain clouds I spotted a beautiful rainbow. My day did not go as planned, but I was definitely being taken care of. Seeing the rainbow gave me hope. Hope for my current circumstances, hope for the future and hope for the rainbow baby I was carrying. š
