Pregnancy Update: 27 Weeks

HOW FAR ALONG: 27+3 weeks

HIS SIZE: 15 inches long & over 2 pounds; the size of a butternut squash

WEIGHT GAIN: 17 lbs (I feel so much bigger this time around!)

SLEEP: Still getting up at the crack of dawn but sleeping sound at night.

SYMPTOMS: Sore legs and groin. I feel like am already carrying him very low and can feel the pressure.

STRETCH MARKS: Zero.

MOVEMENT: A lot of moving and shaking.

THREE THINGS I AM LOVING RIGHT NOW: 
1: Christmas Decorations - We debated back and forth this year if we were going to put up Christmas decorations and a tree this year. Jeremiah had elbow surgery on Wednesday and we knew if we going to do it, it had to be finished before then. Needless to say, we pulled the trigger and went all out. We needed a new tree this year and we were set on a pre-lit tree. We selected a 12 foot (it didn't seem that big in the store) tree from At Home and it was a beast to decorate. We ran into an issue when putting it up with a section not lighting. After some frustration and an exchange at the store, the tree turned out beautiful. Considering it took up almost 8 hours to decorate the house, I am glad we will get to enjoy the decor for over a month!

2: Ashton's Newton Crib Mattress - Who knew I could be so excited about a crib mattress. We did our due diligence 5 years back when we purchased Ryann an organic mattress but man, has technology come a long way! This mattress is made from a food-grade polymer and it 100% breathable. Trust me, I tested it and could breath face down on the mattress. Another bonus is it comes with a cover and the mattress itself is washable! What!?! I will definitely have peace of mind with baby boy resting on this piece of innovation.

3: How the Grinch Stole Christmas - It is obvious that I love the holidays? This is my favorite Christmas book. Ryann and I read it today and I was reminded how fond I am of this Dr. Seuss classic. It just so happened to have a very relevant message today. As we sat at breakfast with Ryann and talked about our Angel's we had adopted, we talked about why it was important to give during the holidays. She mentioned that she thought Christmas was all about getting presents. Ugh! This moment felt like a huge parent fail and had us irrationally wanting to ban the consumer-driven holiday plagued with gifts and the idea that it was all about Santa coming to town. Luckily, we didn't fly off the handle and vowed to focus on the real reason we celebrate Christmas. The Grinch said it best:

And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow, Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?" "It came with out ribbons! It came without tags!" "It came without packages, boxes or bags!" And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! "Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store." "Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"

I am hopeful our little four year old has a better appreciation of the true reason for the season after the year. It may also be a good reminder for her parents, especially this mom who spent too much time this morning indulging in Black Friday shopping. The truths you discover through your child...

BOOKS I AM READING [OR LISTENING TO]: