How far along? 30 weeks. 

Size of baby: The produce comparison this week is absurd. Apparently, she's now the size of a cucumber. I'm just imagining this super long and skinny string bean of a baby. She should be about 15.5 inches long and 3 pounds. 
Sleep: I've been going to bed a little earlier than usual because I've been tired. The first few days this week, I had no probably getting out of bed. The last two days have been a struggle. Still having weird dreams, and I woke up once last night, but overall, I've been sleeping fine.
Total weight gain: Unsure. 
Unglamorous body changes: This is not a change, but according to the secretary at school, I still don't have a butt. This is true. 
Best moment this week: Jacob and I went on a date up in Midway, about an hour from our apartment. First we went on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, which has been on my bucket list for years. I thought it was charmingly delightful; Jacob says he'll never spend money on something like that again. Then we went to the ice castle, which was also pretty cool. 
Movement: I'm feeling her more often during the day, and she's still most active right before I go to bed. Early this week Jacob and I were in bed reading scriptures and I had to stop him to show how my belly was making waves. It was fascinating and creepy at the same time. 
Maternity clothes: No change from last week. 
Food cravings/aversions: Right now I wish I had a cheesecake. I've also been dipping into my candy stash after work recently. And I may or may not have just had a piece of toast spread with leftover frosting. I am not ashamed. 
Symptoms: I've been a lot more tired this week. I wanted to take a nap after work today, but to no avail. I may turn in by 9. Or 8:30, if I'm super grandma-ish.
Currently looking forward to: The Olympics! I can hardly wait! We're going shopping tomorrow for groceries, including for our traditional opening ceremony celebration dinner. I'm also looking forward to having food in the house again. My lunches have been a little bleak this week.
Realization of the week: The actual hospital bill may be cheaper than I was anticipating. Of course, our insurance plan is going to roll over before my due date, so that may change things, but if we really only have to pay what the insurance website estimates, that will not be too shabby!

Milestones: Only ten weeks to go! Unless I go over. Heather is hoping I hold out until April 16th, the day after tax day. At this point, I'd be okay with that (fewer days I'd have to take unpaid if I end up not going back after maternity leave), but I may change my tune come the end of March. Also, not that I'm counting, but I also have fewer than 50 days of work left if I deliver on my due date.
Other tidbits: I still don't know whether I have gestational diabetes or not. I'm assuming I don't, since my doctor said they call in the abnormal scores first and it's been a week since my screening. So I'm going to continue to eat whatever I please (within reason, of course). (Edit: My test results finally came back! My value was well below the cutoff mark for the 3 hour diagnostic test. Hooray for not having diabetes!)

How far along? 29 weeks. 

Size of baby: Now the size of an acorn squash, she's about 15 inches long and 2.5 lbs.
Sleep: I've been sleeping pretty well, but I've definitely noticed a drop in energy this week. Wednesday after work I came home, laid down, and very well could have fallen asleep if Jacob hadn't made me get up after a half hour rest. Last night I slept about ten hours and was still pretty tired when I woke up. 
Total weight gain: Roughly +14 pounds.
Unglamorous body changes: Nothing noticeable. 
Best moment this week: Can we say three day work week? And I was surprisingly productive on my day off today, which is good.
Movement: She's getting more active during the day. I felt her at work a few times, which I haven't really noticed before. 
Maternity clothes: Nothing new. Maternity pants are a must. Tops, not so much.
Food cravings/aversions: Peanut butter and chocolate. This week I've had peanut butter and chocolate chip toast, ants on a log, and today I made these chocolate and peanut butter oat bars that I found on Pinterest and just had to try. They're delish, in case you were wondering. I've already had three. Maybe four. 
Symptoms: Heartburn: Jacob was a peach and picked up some antacid tablets this evening, so I'm hoping those help. Clumsiness: I dropped my phone at least three times in one day, in addition to dropping keys, papers, and various other items. Forgetfulness: Tuesday I forgot my badge that lets me into the school and had to go back home to get it. I haven't done that since the first month of work last year. Today I went to HR to talk to someone about maternity leave, and when she asked for my social security number, I first started giving my phone number, then Jacob's social, before I finally remembered my own. And numerous times I've walked to the copy room, made some copies, walked back to my room, and then remembered something else I meant to make a copy of. 
Currently looking forward to: A hot date with the mista tomorrow afternoon. Although since it'll be outdoors, it'll be more like a cold date. Better bundle up!
Realization of the week: I found out that I only get 22 days of paid maternity leave. I was hoping for 30. This may complicate things. Also, homegirl needs a haircut. Things are starting to look scraggly. 

Milestones: On Wednesday one teacher asked me if anyone has touched my stomach yet, to which I responded in the negative. The next day, a different teacher made a move to touch my belly while making a comment about how small I am. I was wearing a sweatshirt, so I don't think she actually felt anything, but I'm still counting it as my first unsolicited belly rub.
Other tidbits: I had my glucose screening test today. The drink wasn't as bad as I was anticipating. I'll find out Monday whether I need to come back for the three hour test -- fingers crossed I don't! I also received the TDap vaccine today. Perhaps all those injections I received this summer desensitized me, but I barely felt anything during the shot. Glory be. (I'm sure it helped that it was a thinner needle and not an intramuscular injection, ha.)

How far along? 28 weeks 1 day. 

Size of baby: Baby girl is the size of an eggplant, just under 15 inches long and weighing about 2.25 lbs.
Sleep: A few times this week I went to bed later than usual, so I've been more tired this week. The actual sleeping part has been fine, for the most part, save some crazy dreams. As usual. But yesterday morning I woke up with the most painful charley horse in my left calf. I think I freaked Jacob out a little with the crying, incoherent babbling, and frantic gesturing toward my leg. He massaged it out, but my leg is still sore today. 
Total weight gain: If I go to the gym today, I'll weigh myself and update it here. No promises, though. (Edit: Still at +13.)
Unglamorous body changes: My belly button continues to both amaze and weird me out. I poke it daily.
Best moment this week: My friends and I had our monthly Pinterest party this week. I've had to deal with some drama at work this week, so it was nice to get away from that and eat delicious food and make a craft and laugh and such. It was good for my soul.
Movement: Jacob is able to feel her pretty consistently when she moves, now. If her current activity patterns are any indication, we're going to have a night owl on our hands. 
Maternity clothes: I finally buckled down and bought two pairs of maternity pants for work. I almost gave up when I went shopping on Saturday because apparently I'm a moron who lacks the ability to read mall maps and couldn't find the store for the longest time. But then I thought about facing another week of work wearing my other pants and pressed on. The angels sang on Monday when I got dressed that morning and didn't have to attempt to squeeze into pants that no longer fit. (Although I discovered that one pair doesn't have any pockets -- after I cut off the tags, of course -- which is a little annoying.)
Food cravings/aversions: I made these cookies for our Pinterest party, and I'm ashamed to admit how many of them I've consumed since. They are so delicious. Go try them. Right now.
Symptoms: I had some hot flashes at work this week, which was a little odd. (Side note: They finally fixed the heat in my room on Wednesday. Glory be!) Jacob and I went to the temple last night and toward the end I was starting to feel a little light-headed. I've caught myself a little short of breath (awkward feeling the need to pause to get enough air while giving a spelling test), and let's not mention the awful hormonal breakdown I had yesterday after work. I won't go into details, but it involved weeping, wailing, and shuddering sobs. It was ugly. 
Currently looking forward to: Sleeping in tomorrow and Monday. Huzzah for three day weekends! And eating more of those cookies . . . 
Realization of the week: From a teacher's standpoint, I think I'm going to be an awesome parent. By which I mean I hope that I'll show appreciation for our children's teachers and volunteer in helpful ways. Also, I certainly don't want to be a helicopter parent, and if issues do arise, I hope I'll be able to see them from multiple viewpoints.

Milestones: I'm officially in the third trimester! At this point, baby girl can now recognize my voice. I feel a little silly talking to her, but Jacob has taken to telling her not to be as emotional as her mother. Ha.
Other tidbits: Several people at work have asked me what my plans are after the baby is born. I've told them that I'm hoping to stay home, but I'll come back for financial reasons if necessary. I really hope it isn't necessary . . . after waiting this long to have a baby, I don't want somebody else to raise her! Currently, Jacob and I are thinking that I can sub on his days off to make some extra income. I think that should suffice, but it's going to be a lot harder to save up for a down payment on a house with only one main income. 

How far along? 27 weeks. 

Size of baby: Now the size of a rutabaga (which I'm pretty sure I have never seen in real life before), she is approximately 14.5 inches and 2 pounds. 
Sleep: I've actually been sleeping better this week. Perhaps going back to work was good for me? I have been getting leg cramps in the middle of the night, but if I'm careful they aren't too bad. 
Total weight gain: I'm sure there's been some increase from last week. I just don't know by how much.
Unglamorous body changes: You may not care about my chilbs, but they have now spread to my fingers. My pinky is all sorts of swollen and my ring fingers are itchy. Also, I've been unable to remove my ring for my shower for the first time in my life. I didn't expect this ailment to come for a couple more months, at least. 
Best moment this week: Perhaps just chillin' and watching Invincible with Jacob yesterday evening. I didn't have much grading to work on, so I cross stitched (I know, that makes me sound terribly old ladyish) as we watched the movie. It was relaxing. 
Movement: She's gotten in a couple rather strong kicks -- once in the bladder, which was a surprise -- a few times this week. I still feel her mostly in the evenings, right before I go to bed. She's had an increasing amount of some spasm-y flutters, so I don't really know what she's doing in there. 
Maternity clothes: Remember that time I had two full weeks off of work for Christmas break? I was woefully unprepared to return to the world of semi-professional dress this week. Allow me to share with you my pants debacle: Monday I wore the maternity pants I bought from DI. They worked, in a sense, but since the elastic around the waist is all stretched out, I had to keep hitching them up every five minutes. And then they ended up dragging in the snow on the way to the car after work, so they were all sorts of filthy and unfit for wearing the rest of the week. Tuesday I wore my pair of black pants paired with the belly band. Since they don't zip up all the way, I was praying they wouldn't fall down in front of the class. AND THEY NEARLY DID. At the end of the day, I was holding them up with one hand while high-fiving my students with the other. I went to the library after work to pick up a book I needed for an upcoming lesson, and when I came home I was unable to carry in my books, roll my teacher crate, and hold my pants up at the same time. (Fortunately, Jacob came home at the same time and was able to take my stuff in for me so I could hold my pants up and not expose myself to the neighbors.) Wednesday I wore a different pair of pants, and the first thing my coworker said to me was "you're unzipped." Thursday I finally wised up and put a safety pin under the zipper after zipping my pants as high as possible. Still, not ideal. At least today I was able to wear the maternity jeans that do fit. (And there goes way more information than I'm sure anyone every cared to read about my clothes. So be it.)
Food cravings/aversions: Mostly just food in general. An hour or so after dinner, I hanker for a snack. I bought a jar of peanuts a few weeks ago to make peanut clusters, and I've been snacking on those quite a bit, despite the fact that peanuts are my least favorite nut. 
Symptoms: Lately I've been hearing my pulse in my ears. Apparently this may be due to the increased volume of blood pumping through my body. Also, the other night I sneezed and I'm 95% sure I would have wet my pants a little had I not emptied my bladder two minutes prior. Oh, and at the beginning of the week I definitely started crying after Jacob reminded me to properly turn the Wii off all the way when I finished using it. Ridiculous. 
Currently looking forward to: Getting pants that fit! I do believe some shopping is in order. Not that I necessarily like shopping . . . at ALL. But it will be nice to be able to get dressed without panicking about what to wear. Also, I'm looking forward to getting the heat fixed in my classroom. It hasn't been working properly since we came back from break. (I can wear a sweater and a coat and STILL be cold these days.) 
Realization of the week: I'm nervous about breastfeeding! I want it to be a good experience and I know it's best for the baby, but I keep hearing accounts of how difficult and painful it can be. I need to read a book or go to a class or something to get better prepared, I think. 

Milestones: Baby is practicing her breathing. And according to some calculations, I might be in my third trimester -- according to others, I won't be until next week. But still. Three months from tomorrow until my due date. Oh snap!
Other tidbits: I think I've been shedding less. I mean, I still shed when I wash or comb my hair, but not the massive quantities I usually do. Which probably means I'm going to lose hair by the handful after giving birth. 

How far along? 26 weeks. 

Size of baby: Now the size of a head of lettuce, she's about 14 inches long and weighs just under two pounds.
Sleep: Again, the pattern of waking up in the middle of the night continues. Usually it's because I'm sooo thirsty. I've taken to keeping a water bottle on my nightstand, and a couple of nights it's been nearly completely drained by the time I've woken up for the day. On a related note, I've woken up all sweaty and gross several times this week as well. I'm not sure if that's due to the "heater effect" of the baby finally kicking in (in which case, I wish it would be in effect during the day, too, when I'm all bundled up in multiple layers), or the fact that I go to bed with multiple blankets.
Total weight gain: +13 lbs. I've decided to go by my pre-IVF weight, not the weight my OB first recorded. It's less frightening that way.
Unglamorous body changes: My chilblains have gotten out of hand this week. My poor toes.
Best moment this week: On Monday Jacob and I went on a date to an Octapella concert, and then afterward we hit up Applebee's for half-off appetizers. Apparently 2013 was the year of concerts for us. We went nearly 4 years together without ever going to a concert, and then we went to three in the space of two months. Runner up belongs to New Year's Eve: we met up with my brother- and sister-in-law and their kids at a mall to hang out while they're in Utah, and then we went to Heather's house to ring in the new year with a movie, games, and delicious foodstuffs.
Movement: This may sound strange, but last Saturday I did prenatal yoga for the first time in probably a month, and then the next morning I didn't even look pregnant anymore. Along with that, the baby's movements were a lot less noticeable, which made me a little nervous. It's possible that the yoga really did "increase space for the growing baby", like the instructor says, and that my uterus moved more toward my back or something. Or maybe it's all in my head. Anyway, while her movements aren't quite as strong as they were last week, from the way my belly was spasming last night, I think baby girl had the hiccups. Aw. She takes after me. I could feel her movements on both the right and left side of my belly, which was a first for me. 
Maternity clothes: I wore a couple maternity tops from my cousin this week, not because I needed them, necessarily, but because her clothes are cuter than mine.
Food cravings/aversions: Not a food item, but I can't get enough water. Is excessive thirst a symptom of diabetes? I want to say I read a book where it was. Hopefully I don't have it! I guess I'll find out in a few weeks.
Symptoms: I had heartburn a few nights this week -- not necessarily a burning feeling in my chest, but more like an acid taste at the back of my throat. And my back has been a little achey here and there. Still, can't complain. 
Currently looking forward to: Getting the second bedroom ready for baby. It has a loooong way to go. 
Realization of the week: Going through the struggle of infertility has been by far the hardest thing I've been through thus far. But looking back, we're in such a better position to bring a baby into this world now than we were three years ago. Our relationship is stronger, and we're much more financially secure. If I had gotten pregnant when we first started trying, I never would have even looked for a teaching position, and Jacob would've been the sole provider all this time. I suppose there would've been no need to get a second car or to pay for IVF, but things definitely would have been tight. 

Milestones: At 26 weeks, baby girl has approached viability -- meaning, should I go into labor today (heaven forbid), she would have an 80 to 90 percent shot at surviving. This also means that Jacob and I no longer qualify to get any money back from our IVF cycle -- had I given birth yesterday, we would've received a portion back with the guarantee plan we paid for. Keep the money, I say! I'll take a healthy baby instead, thanks.
Other tidbits: Costco has a coupon out for diapers and wipes, so yesterday Jacob and I bought two boxes of each, for a total of close to 400 diapers and 2,250 wipes. We had a debate over which sizes to get -- two boxes of size one or a box each of size one and two? -- which was settled with a phone call to my sister. (In case you're burning with curiosity, we bought a box of each, since we don't know how big baby girl will be or how fast she'll grow.) So, while we still need to get newborn size diapers, we should have the essentials covered -- right? Carseat, stroller, pack and play, diapers, clothes. Never mind the fact that everything is still packaged up in boxes or bags.