26 Weeks and Counting!

Wow, I'm so sorry it's been so long since I posted last. Things have been C-R-A-Z-Y!! As many of you probably know, I got a job in my hometown of St. Augustine, Florida, working as a Public Affairs Officer for the Florida National Guard. In late May, I packed up some of my stuff, loaded it and my dogs into David's truck and (with my Dad's help) took three days driving from Omaha to Florida. It was actually a pretty fun trip, even though staying in hotels with two huge and unruly dogs is not something I would recommend for the faint of heart!

Anyway, we got here alright and are staying at my parent's house until David gets back from his deployment. Then we will start working to get him moved here with a job in the Florida National Guard, and start looking for a new house. We are so excited about this new chapter in our lives...we've missed living in the South (and the warm weather!) so much, and love the idea of raising this baby close to both of our families. We can't wait to take the baby to the beach and spend weekend at Disney World (David is especially excited about that one!).

Speaking of the baby, he/she is doing just great! Next week will be the start of my seventh month, and my third (and last!) trimester. I've started to feel a little tired again, but have been lucky to not be working (I don't start my new job until June 21), so I've been able to take a nap almost every day. I'm busy trying to find an OB that I like here...it looks like I'll have to deliver in Jacksonville (about 45 minutes away) because of Tricare restrictions, but I'm sure it will all work out fine.

The baby's kicks have gotten out of control...sometimes I think there MUST be more than one in there, but the doctors assure me that's not the case :). Sometimes he/she kicks me so hard that you can actually see my stomach jump...it's such a weird sensation. Lately my cravings have been pretty healthy...I want a lot of fresh things (like fruit and salad), and probably eat about five Sugar Free Popsicles a day (at least they've only got 15 calories each!). It's helping me keep my weight gain in check...my doctors and all the baby books say that by this point I should've gained between 16 and 22 pounds, and I'm right at 18 or 19, so that's good!

All in all, the pregnancy is still progressing smoothly and easily...I really have no complaints to speak of. I've been very blessed to get through it with no morning sickness, no heartburn, and no extreme fatigue yet (talk to me again when I'm eight months pregnant in August, and we'll see how I feel then!). Thank you to everyone for your kind words and well wishes...David and I truly appreciate them! I promise to post a new belly shot soon...I'll have to do it quick before I lose the battle to stretch marks!

Love you all!
Caitlin