26 Weeks Pregnant {Hothouse Cucumber}

Hey there, my little "cucumber"!  We've made it through 26 weeks, together :)

(Average measurements: 14 inches, 1.75 pounds)

• I went off my uterus relaxing medication.  All week long, I've been a tad bit nervous that my contractions may show their ugly face again.  So far...nada.
• As posted here, I was surprised with the Back 'N Belly Chic!  I've been praying to the pillow gods to bless me with some sweet, cushioned back support.  Well ask, and ye shall receive.  My darling fiance (oh, how I love thee) ordered this bad boy for me online and on my bed it now lays.  I call it my "pea pod."  I feel so secure and cozy in it.  My one complaint: I don't want to get out of bed in the morning when my alarm clock goes off.  It takes me about 15 minutes to exit the "pea pod."
• I've been doing a poor job of getting to bed early.  Sleep is gold.  Current goal: asleep by 10pm.
• We've checked out more houses for rent this week.  Still haven't found something we can both agree on.  They haven't been horrible, but not real winners either.  The search continues...
• Thursday, I went home from work an hour early due to bad heartburn and back pain/cramping.  Ugh, double whammy!  My salad's dressing was way to vinegary and was trying to burn a hole through my stomach.  I was on my feet most of the day, more than I'd prefer, and my back was killing.  I went home and spent an hour just trying to get comfortable.  I finally felt normal after dinner.  I get the message, tummy...bland/mild food from here on out.  Boring...but worth it.  If anyone has any tips on avoiding heartburn, or how to alleviate it once it starts...SPILL THE BEANS!
• My little Mia has been noticeably LESS active this week.  What happened, baby?  I only feel her maybe a handful of times in the day, and the movements I do feel are small flutters.  Slight concern has settled in.
• More of my students are noticing my baby bump.  I already mentioned that my 2nd graders all know because their teacher told them.  One of those kids said to me the other day, "Miss Misty, my baby cousin was born with a hole in his heart.  I think it's because God has to make babies so fast, and then he uses a sling shot to fling them down into the mommy's belly."  I had a few other younger students actually notice all on their own.  "Are you pregnant?"  Yup...got the bump for sure, folks.

Photo via www.babycenter.com

My BabyBump phone app says, "By now, your baby's lungs and brain are much more developed.  In fact, your baby can likely detect light and dark through the optic nerve.  Your baby can now also hear more than just your rumbling tummy, such as outside noises like your partner's voice.  Earlier in your pregnancy your blood pressure probably dropped.  But now, the reverse is in effect with your blood pressure increasing a bit.  And it's likely you'll still have an aching back as the weight of your belly continues to grow and shift forward.  When moving or bending and lifting, it's important to maintain proper posture.  For additional back support, some women favor maternity belts which provide support under your belly and stabilize your back."