We're Moving to Kentucky!

I didn't feel like I could post anything related to a job search that I've been doing, just in case our friends here at Centenary were reading this blog. Now the word is out and I feel like a weight has been lifted. On top of experiencing pregnancy for the first time this fall, I have been going through the interview process for a position closer to family (unbeknown by our colleagues). I have been offered and have accepted a position at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky! It's a great school with a wonderful mission of which I will proudly be a part. We have been blessed with supportive colleagues and friends here, but we want to be closer to family. I broke the news to my department chair on Sunday who shared that information with my department. This morning I met with the Dean to make sure he heard it straight from me and not through the grapevine. Andrew and I have just told one of our best friends here, Scott, and he was very supportive, encouraging, and congratulated me on the offer. Now I think I might be able to sleep tonight without thinking about what I was going to say to someone or dreaming about one of our colleagues learning of the move and being upset. So, there has been a lot that I've left out of my posts since the beginning of November related to stress and travel, but now it's out in the open. We're really looking forward to this move, but will be sad to leave the great friends we've made in the last year and a half.

Almost 25 Weeks

This past week I've been feeling big. I keep walking into people or the eye-wash stations in the labs, and frequently opening doors into my belly. Don't get me wrong, I know it's essential to get bigger since there is a baby growing inside of me, but it's just weird. How big will I get? Also, since I've been pregnant my nose has been constantly stuffed up making it difficult to breathe at night. I've read that it happens because you have increased blood flow, so it's completely normal. It becomes a pain when I wake up a couple of hours early and am not able to breathe out of my nose. I breathe through my mouth which stays very dry. Then, I have trouble going back to sleep. Last night I found that using a nasal spray really helped my situation and I was able to breathe and rest as long as I wanted.

Today's weight = 135 lbs.

Button Closures on Maternity Pants

Was it someone's idea of a cruel joke to put a button closure on a pair of maternity pants? I put on a pair yesterday that I had only worn 4 or 5 times and sure enough, the button popped off. This is not a good time in a woman's life (really no time is) to have your pants tell you that you're getting too big. Oh well. I do love the pants with the elastic that covers your entire belly. Now those are some good pants.

Almost 24 Weeks

This past week, Andrew and I have registered for a few baby items at both Target and Babies R Us. We decided not to do the Pooh theme, but a little more "girlie" look with flowers in pinks, yellows and greens (shown above). I never thought I'd be up for the "girlie" look, but there are probably going to be quite a few things that I learn about myself in the process of becoming a parent. Baby Garrett has been very active this past week and we look forward to seeing the 3D image of her at our 28 week visit.

Today's weight = 133.5 lbs.

23 Week Appointment

Our Dr.'s appointment went well this morning. My uterus measurement is right on target as well as my weight gain, blood pressure, and sugar levels. The baby's heartbeat was strong. We made our next appointment which will be a big one for January 8th (at 28 weeks). At that time they'll test me for gestational diabetes and do the 4D ultrasound. It should be exciting. After that our appointments will be every 2 weeks.