If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them, and half as much money.

ABIGAIL VAN BUREN

I’m putting my new chalkboard to test today! Not only do I adore drawing with chalk, but also it’s even better when it is on a chalkboard I made myself. Here is my weekly bump update:

How Far Along: 16 weeks with baby bump in full effect

Total Weight Gain: 9 pounds, I lost a pound from last week and still blame Mexico.

Food Cravings: Potatoes in every way, shape, or form. You would think in 100 plus temps I wouldn’t crave potato soup.

What I Miss: Running! My doctor only advised low impact cardio and I miss the intensity of my former workouts.

Symptoms: Never being one to have been on pimple control, I am now in a full-fledged battle against my hormones.

Baby Movement: There is definitely movement down there, but I can’t decipher whether it is from indigestion or the baby.

Maternity Attire: Still in my dresses, but they are looking more and more like maternity clothing everyday. I have even gotten two comments this week asking when I’m due.

Hurl Factor: The salads I once loved now I’m having trouble choking down.

Annoyances: Well hello Sciatic Nerve. After standing for 10 hours on Friday, I was nearly crippled from back pain. Keeping my fingers crossed this baby repositions itself because the stretching isn’t getting me far.

Weekly Highlight: Purchasing my first baby items. Chris picked up an adorable bottle drying rack, while I bought two major purchases of a diaper bag and baby monitor. Chris saved $5 with a Bed, Bath, and Beyond Coupon, and I saved $175 just being a smart shopper. Thank you TJMAXX and Nordstom!

What was your first baby purchase?