25 weeks

I had to look back at my post from last week because I couldn't remember if I was 25 or 26 weeks now. 26 would have been nice, but that's okay, there is still pleeeeenty to do to prepare for this babe, so the extra week won't hurt!

It was during the 26th week (this week) of my pregnancy with Addison that I received my last chemo cocktail of Adriamycin and Cytoxan, the last chemo I would have until Addison arrived. I needed to take a chemo break prior to my mastectomy, which occurred just less than a month later. By that time, the nursery was painted and most of the finishing touches had at least been planned, as we didn't know if Addison would be making her grand appearance during that surgery and what exactly my recovery would entail. It's weird to think back to that time, only 2 years ago. I don't really remember much of it.

Like I was just telling a friend the other day, I really think I was so deep in survivor mode (for myself and Addison), that my mind just blocked out all of the "bad stuff". It's amazing how the body has a convenient way of doing such a thing.

I remember my shower and my "pre-mastectomy" (aka last wearing a swimsuit with both original breasts) vacation to Florida with my best friend, Emily. I remember my baby shower prior to surgery. I remember bonding with my unborn child. I don't remember the chemo or the anticipation of surgery or the fears that I would have a baby born at 29 weeks. I just remember the good.

With this pregnancy, there is nothing that my mind needs to forget. It's all good! I haven't had any nausea. My aches are minor. My fatigue is very manageable. My mind is lucid. My fears are at bay more times than not. I have a lot to look forward to and a positive outlook on my future with my children. And it feels darn good.

It's been a great 25 weeks and I look for the next 15 to be just as wonderful. I thank God every day for putting me in this better place; for allowing me to experience a healthy pregnancy filled with ALL joy. No fear. No sadness. Just innocent, carefree joy. The chance to enjoy all of my children to the fullest...Dustin and my fur-guy, Bubba, included. :)

Addison brings more joy to my life than I ever imagined and I can't wait to see what this one brings. I think my heart might burst from happiness!

Addison remains to be absolutely adorable with her soon-to-be baby brother (whom she has named "Rella", after Cinderella, and told the man at Home Depot was going to be her sister). At music class a couple of weeks ago, she asked for an extra set of sticks for the baby in mommy's belly. (She is really into making sure everyone is included these days.) She is just a riot and is so sweet.

I think this babe is going to be just as animated and outgoing. His kicks and movements just tickle me (quite literally!). I never experienced Addison's kicks tickling me. It's weird!

Almost every single time I am reading to Addison with her on my lap, he moves. I think he just wants to be a part of what his mommy and sissy are doing...and we don't mind! I say this now, curious about how much she will mind her brother being so involved in our daily activities in about 3 months! But for now, we are really enjoying our peaceful time together. :)

Tomorrow is my glucose test. I can't wait to drink that delicious, sugary, orange drink that has been staring me in the face every time I've opened my refrigerator for the last 3 weeks. Mmmmmmm, yummy! I am showing no signs of gestational diabetes, so am sure all will be fine...but please wish me luck, anyway!

Maybe I'll get lucky enough to see the baby again. Remember a few weeks ago when I said I wasn't sure what to expect at my appointment because I had never before been to the OB without having an ultrasound? I was totally expecting for that to be my first time. Well, it wasn't. I think my OB is ultrasound happy. He loves showing me my baby and I won't complain! Granted, it's just a quick viewing on his little laptop screen, but it's still fun! Who knows what tomorrow will bring. I'll let ya know.

-----------------------------------------------------
How your baby's growing
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.
-----------------------------------------------------

I decided to take pictures with the belly both covered and exposed to give a general idea of what I look like on a daily basis. You know, since I typically don't go in public with my shirt pulled up. Not in the winter months, at least. Summer months...crop tops all the way. Haaaaaa - LOL (at myself)!

One of these days, I think I'll have to stop posting pictures of the bare belly, but I don't think it's reached that "Ewwww, gross, I didn't need to see that/must look at the pictures with one eye closed and the other barely open" point yet. OR has it???

I barely look pregnant in this picture. Must be the lighting.