The sappy post...

So, physically there are some differences...

We've arrived at week 25, and a lot of time has been sent speculating what this baby is going to look like when she comes out. As I'm sure you may have noticed, Jeff and I have a lot of physical differences. As for our personalities, there are some things we share, and other facets of our being that make us individuals.

While of course we want our baby to be her own little person, there are a few things that I hope she will have that we can pass down, both physically and otherwise.

We'll love her no matter who she grows up to be, but it will be fun to look back and see what she took from each of us.

It'd be neat if she got:

Jeff's...
Beautiful eyes that everyone comments on
Carmel skin that allows him to actually go outside in the sun without burning
Long, luscious eyelashes
Height (unless she's going to be a gymnast!)
Love/understanding of government and politics
Easy-going nature
Calm and collected response in any situation
Whatever it is that makes him not care what others may think
Friendly personality that makes anyone feel comfortable
Tendency to let people know how much he loves them
Affectionate nature
Devotion to hard work
Cavity-free teeth (word is his teeth are the best in the family)

My...
Red hair
Freckles
Sense of humor
Creativity
Love of books and reading
Appreciation for art
Love of movies
Enthusiasm for exercise
Attraction to the water

Both of our...
Devotion to all things Illini, Cubs and Bears (and Red Wings I suppose)
Sports appreciation
Intelligence
Great taste in TV

Well, it seems that Jeff's list may be a tad longer. Now if I can get him to post on this blog, I'd like to see what his list looks like...

Everything good at Week 24

Today we had our Week 24 doctor's visit, and everything looks A-OK. Well, mom has gained a little too much weight, but everything is fine with Baby Parker. And that's what matters most, right?

Though the visit happened to being at Week 24, it very well could have been at 23 or 27. Basically we're on a schedule of checkups every 4 weeks, so this visit happened to fall during Week 24.

We met with Dr. Mcdonald this time, which means we've now met 2 out of 3. Dr. Reuben is the last doctor on the list, and then we'll have completed the circuit. Dr. McDonald was fine, and like Dr. Hardesty she looks about 21 years old.

Like every visit, we started out with some questions. I'll spare you the details, but if you must know I'm having a little bit of trouble with heartburn. It could be a lot worse I suppose. I also was curious about the random pressure on my right side, but she said that it's not in a spot that we should worry about. I spoke with her about this issue over the phone, but it was nice to look at her and point and say HERE is where it's weird. She wasn't the slightest bit concerned and thinks it could be a nerve or some sort of growing pain, but nothing to worry about. So yay.

I'd like to point out that Dr. M. was not going to say that I'm getting too porky, but that I posed the question, "hey, have I gained too much weight?"She commented that it's a little high from last visit. So really she commented because I ASKED. But that means we need to layoff the cookies and and maybe I don't need that extra bowl of tasty Golden Grahams in the morning. With temps below 0 and snow falling every day, cutting out the sweets is easier than attempting to get to the gym.

After all the formalities, we got to the fun stuff. She actually measured my gut for the first time, and though I didn't get a number (I don't know why I didn't ask), I was told everything is measuring fine. Then we got to hear the heartbeat again! For whatever reason this always freaks me out, because I'm scared it won't be there, but it was.

In fact, Baby Parker apparently didn't want us to listen because it sounded like she punched the little machine midway through. Dr. M. rolled around some more until we heard that everything was fine. She did comment that our little one is active. Which is kind of weird because I couldn't even feel it, but there might have been some somersaults. So she's taking after her mom.

Next visit will be the glucose test, so wish us luck! Other than that, we just need to keep chugging forward...

I went ahead and took a pregnant selfie

It's been a while since I've posted any pictures of my "bump," and this morning I picked an outfit that made ME think that I actually look pregnant. 

From what I can gather, a lot of it really does depend on what I'm wearing, and I tend to wear baggier outfits. Partly because seeing that big belly is a bit of a shock, and I feel like that's all anybody will look at when they see me (which is true).

Today I went all out and picked a shirt that I was lucky enough to nab from my friend Kelli from her maternity castoff pile that doesn't fit her big belly. 

So that's me at 22 weeks and 4 days! Or 22 weeks and 2 days, it depends on who you ask (don't get me started). 

Or, to some, this is me after eating a really, really big meal. 

Cravings

Another popular question is whether or not I'm having any weird cravings like pickles and ice cream or crazy stuff like that. Weird cravings, not really. But desires for specific things? I guess you could say yeah.

For one thing, I've become a huge fan of eggs. I mean, I've always been fine with eggs, but I've never really desired them. Now I want them often. We're not really brunch people, but if it means I can have an omelet with fruit and a side of pancakes I'm all up on it.

So that's not so weird. Protein is probably what my body wants.

But along those same lines, I'm newly obsessed with the "egg sandwich," and specifically those of the Dunkin' Donuts persuasion.

For just $2.59, I can get an egg and cheese sandwich bagel!! I get my dairy, my protein and my whole grain (I opt for the wheat bagel) all in one cheap shot. And man, oh man, are they tasty. In fact, just scarfed one down for lunch and I could go for another, but I'll hold back.

I suppose it could be worse?