I loathe my sciatic nerve

So for about the last week, I've been suffering from random, sudden surges of pain in my lower back and leg. Until yesterday, I was able to manage. Yesterday was another story. I've never experienced so much pain in my life (and yes, I realize I still have labor to look forward to :)

I knew it was going to be a rough day when I struggled to get my shoes on in the morning without searing pain. As I went to work and went about my morning, the pain continued to get worse. At the point where I was tearing up as I walked and when the ladies at work forced me to sit down (and offered to wheel me out on a chair!) I knew I needed to call my doctor.

I had been putting it off, because I knew more than likely it was my sciatic nerve from researching online, and I also knew that there isn't much doctors can do to help the pain - but I didn't know what else to do. Upon the advice of one of the nurses, I went home, put my feet up, used a heating pad, and didn't get off the couch the rest of the day. I woke up able to walk again (hallelujah) with limited pain.

I did go to the doctor today to make sure everything was fine - the baby and I both checked out very healthy, so no issues there. My doctor told me if I continue to suffer from sciatic nerve pain that she will refer me to a physical therapist.

I've realized today that yesterday was just a minor irritation in what has otherwise been an easy pregnancy. But it also made me realize that I need to slow down and not push myself too hard. I certainly don't want to relive what I went through yesterday, so I'm willing to cut back a little to make sure we all stay healthy.

I'M HUGE

Here are pictures of me at 26 weeks:

I know that every pregnancy is different, and I know that we all show differently, but I've run into two women in the past week who are two weeks ahead of me and MUCH smaller. I know I shouldn't compare myself to them, but I've already outgrown my first round of maternity clothes and with the heat setting in, I'm really starting to feel huge. And yes, I know all that matters is the baby is healthy, and that it will all be worth it in the end, but for now I've definitely hit a rough spot.

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing all you moms out there a wonderful Mother's Day! I hope each of you have had the day you've hoped for and have celebrated well.

I came home from a wonderful, very-needed, relaxing vacation to an assembled crib and changing table (Jon even put the bedding in so I could see the whole thing together) - it was a great mother's day surprise! We still have work to do in organizing and clearing out the space (ignore the bookshelves!) but it's a great start to see it come together.

Scare and realization

We had a good day yesterday - we had a great date night (dinner and movie...and I highly recommend How to Train Your Dragon...super cute!). We got home and took the dogs for a walk. When we got home, the dogs crashed in the front yard, so we were all hanging out enjoying the weather. I don't pretend we have the most well-behaved dogs, but given they were exhausted from the walk, I didn't think much about it when a woman came down the sidewalk with her two dogs. Capone decided he HAD to play with the dogs, and I was not at all prepared to hold him back. Somehow I ended up twisted, on my stomach, and dragged across the yard. In normal circumstances, I would have found the entire situation funny (embarrassing due to my poorly behaved dog, but still funny).

However, I.freaked.out. I was terrified that I had somehow just injured the baby. I broke down in tears, scared of what may have just happened. And then I realized (yet again) what an amazing husband I have - he may not always say the right thing, but he sure knows when it's the right time to make it count. After reassuring me that my body is built to take way more than that, I calmed down. I've felt her move a lot today, so I know she's doing well.

I knew I loved this little girl, but I had NO IDEA how incredibly attached I am to her. The realization that I would do absolutely anything to protect her was quite amazing.

Nursery and daycare...under way!

The crib, changing table and bedding have been purchased! Here are some pics of what looks like(once it's put together!).

We've also started checking out daycare options for when our little one arrives. We have yet to actually visit, but that's next on our list. The one I'm most interested in (at my work - a hands-on, interactive childcare center which also serves as a learning laboratory for early childhood education students) has had great reviews - by other parents and even by other daycare centers we've talked to (I figure that's a good sign). But this center enrolls students by birthdate, so if our little girls shows up in August as expected, she won't be able to start until September 2011. So we're looking into some of our other options and while I'm still overwhelmed by this whole process, I realize we have some great choices and I'm feeling a little less stressed about some of these decisions :)

Long Overdue Belly Pics

I always have good intentions to post weekly belly pics, but these last few weeks have been crazy. I've worked the last two weeks straight, and I'm looking forward to a long awaited vacation to California and some girl time!

Here I am at 22 weeks. It's hard to believe how time is flying by. I've been so fortunate to feel pretty good during most of the pregnancy so far. I ran some errands today and after a lot of walking, am definitely feeling some tension in my back and feet - a new (not-so-welcome) feeling for me. I'm really looking forward to a massage in a few days!