Baby #2 :: 32 weeks

Holy baby belly!!  32 weeks and going strong.  The belly has officially taken over.  

And as of today, May 8, we are an official 50 days away from meeting the newest little punkin that will be joining our family.

Consider this your eviction notice, baby boy. :-)

No, I did not stuff a basketball under my shirt, contrary to how it appears.  

And this photo has convinced me to stop attempting to fit into non-maternity clothes.  Just not working out.  

So here's the low down on baby #2:

Today's date: May 7, 2012

How far along: 32 weeks + 3 days

Total weight gain: 20-21 lbs.   

Size and growth of the baby: By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama - {a what?}) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby.

Sex: Still a baby brother!

Maternity clothes: See picture above.  I am now convinced I have a need for maternity clothes.

Sleep: Hips and pelvic bone ACHE.  Rolling over is painful.  But I'm still sleeping most of the night, thanks to Unisom from time to time.

Best moment(s) of the week:  We are working on Jude's big boy room!  So, that is exciting!  I can't wait to see it come together.

Movement: I'm not sure when (if?) this boy sleeps.  He is crazy active.  Sitting and watching my belly is way more entertaining than any TV show.

Food cravings/aversions:  I'm loving the sour stuff.  I bought a bunch of lemons a couple of weeks ago at the grocery store.  And this weekend got some sour patch kids. Mmmm.  

Morning sickness: Not feeling nauseous if that is the question.

 
Symptoms: I am about 99% sure I have pubic symphysis diastasis.  Basically your pubic bone loosening and separating due to the relaxin in your body.  It is PAINFUL.  I feel like I am about to split in half.  Walking hurts.  Rolling over in bed hurts.  Even sitting hurts.  The cure?  Stop being pregnant.  *sigh*  I plan to get a hip brace postpartum to help things go back where they should be, especially since I still felt hip pain after Jude was born.

 
Labor signs:  Braxton hicks here and there, but not daily right now.

Belly button in or out:   I think it is as out as it can go.

What I miss:  Not being pregnant.  I told Jordan, even if I say I want more kids - MAKE ME WAIT at least 2 years before having the conversation!!!  My body needs a break from pregnancy.  Badly.

What I'm looking forward to: A doctors appointment tomorrow and then mother's day weekend!  

See how things were going when I was 32 weeks pregnant with Jude!

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Baby #2 :: 28 weeks

We are in 3rd trimester!  Ummm... wow?  When did that happen?  Again... can't believe how fast time is flying.

But, here we are.

Today's date: April 7, 2012

How far along: 28 weeks

Total weight gain: 15 lbs.   

Size and growth of the baby: By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels.

Sex: Still a baby brother!

Maternity clothes: Umm...EVERYTHING!!

Sleep: Varies every night.  I still have a hard time getting comfy, but I've been doing okay lately.

Best moment(s) of the week:  I loved having a little ladies get-away on Monday and Tuesday.  I spent my first night away from Jude and it went better than expected!!  

Movement: He is crazy.  We are getting to the point where I have to have regular talks with him to tell him NOT to suddenly jab Mama in the bladder and that really, the ribs are not the most comfortable place for him to take a nap.

Food cravings/aversions:  Nothing really, except that I can't eat as much when I eat and then I'm starving 2 hours later again.

Morning sickness: Feeling good!!

 
Symptoms: I never had this with Jude, but my feet just ache.  Sometimes they feel swollen, but I don't think they actually have by looking at them.  They just ache and throb.

 
Labor signs:  Braxton hicks here and there, but not daily right now.

Belly button in or out:   In - but definitely feeling shallower!  And my belly-button is SUPER sensitive.  Yick!

What I miss:  Probably my abs.  Not the fact that I ever had a six-pack (because I didn't), but just using those muscles for everyday things.  Like rolling over in bed.  And moving like a normal person.  Picking up toys off the floor is getting to be a task.  I didn't have to do that when I was pregnant with Jude. :-)

What I'm looking forward to: Easter is tomorrow!  I have another Dr's appt this week.  And a few play-dates lined up.  Then next weekend is a little get-away before baby brother arrives!  

See how things were going when I was 28 weeks pregnant with Jude!

...

That's a big belly.

 

{"That's a big belly." - what I say to Jordan every morning when I get ready for the day.}

36 weeks.

One month from today I will either be a mom... or a very frustrated pregnant woman on her due date. :-)

No, really - I know that due dates are just estimates and I have a 4 week window in which this baby could ideally be born.  Crazy part is that window starts at 38 weeks... which is 2 weeks from today... which is just CRAZY.

I feel ready.  I have everything I need.  My body feels like it has nearly had enough.  And seriously - in another 2 weeks I'll be thrilled to meet this little guy.  At the same time, I am preparing myself for the possibility of being pregnant until April.  In any case - I feel ready.  The nursery is pretty much done and I'm going to take pictures tomorrow to share with all of you. :-)  I think it turned out pretty good, if I may say so myself.

Today's date: February 27, 2011

How far along: 36 weeks

Total weight gain: 27-ish lbs. (official weigh-in will be at the Dr's on Tuesday)

Size and growth of the baby: Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long.

Sex: BOY BOY BOY!!

Maternity clothes: Sweatpants.

Sleep: My achy hips have kept me tossing and turning for the past few nights.  Even though I fully expect a lack of sleep when the baby come, I hope that the sleep I DO get will be pain-free... and I'm looking forward to that.

 
Best moment(s) of the week:  The arrival of Molly Jean Boes!!  We got to go visit her today and she is so itty bitty and cute!!  I forget how tiny they are when they come out... but I am very VERY thankful they are so tiny.

Movement: Lots and lots, still.  I think he thinks he just comes out of my belly button, the way he pushes and kicks.  Not so, little boy.

 
Food cravings/aversions:  Haha... let's just say I had a few days of "I just don't care" this week.  I got McDonalds (I NEVER eat fast food), Thai food, and Jimmy John's this week... I was hungry and just didn't care.  I'll get back on the health wagon tomorrow....

Morning sickness: No morning sickness, but a general "blah" feeling sometimes.

 
Symptoms: I've had cramping, which I haven't had in awhile.  I am hoping that it means that my body is doing what it should.  Heartburn as always, as well.  Oh - and also a moving human being growing inside of me.  

 
Labor signs:  Nothing nothing nothing.  I'm beginning to wish for contractions just so I know what they feel like.

Belly button in or out:   Very much on the verge.

 
What I miss:  Sleeping on my back or stomach... definitely what I miss the most.  And just feeling fit.  I feel very out of shape... like I can't breathe well, and like my joints can't support my weight sometimes.  I just want to feel in-shape again.  

What I'm looking forward to:  I have a Dr's appt on Tuesday... the start of the weekly appointments.  They'll check me to see if I'm dilated or anything.  However, that doesn't really mean jack squat in terms of when Baby G will arrive and I know that.

What's happening this week:

He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely he's in a head-down position. But if he isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying he'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating him from the outside of your belly. {as far as I know - baby G is head down... and he darn well better stay that way!!}

 

 

{what the heck is a crenshaw melon???} 

  

{WOAH baby}

 {Macy loves her little brother already}

 

{Just when I thought I couldn't get any bigger...}

 

{And to think I felt "fat" at 12 weeks... if I ever get back to that it'll be a sure miracle}

32 weeks.

8 weeks to go.  EIGHT.  I am slowly feeling more and more ready.  We got our crib mattress this weekend, and I washed all the baby clothes and packed the diaper bag the best I could.  :-)  Just because I wanted to.  In the next month or so, I'll work on our hospital bag.  I just want to have that done by the end of February, so I have tons of time.  Still, the weeks are flying by and I can't believe how close we are to meeting our little guy.

Today's date: January 31, 2011

How far along: 32 weeks

Total weight gain: I think I made up for last week.  I was stagnant for a few weeks but just made the jump this week it seems.  Around 23-24lbs gained this week (TOTAL).  I go to the doctor tomorrow so we'll see what his "official" scale says.

Size and growth of the baby: By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama - {WHAT is that anyway?!}) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby.

Sex: BOY BOY BOY!!

Maternity clothes: EVERYTHING!!... and mainly in sweatpants at home.  Jeans are a pain.

Sleep: Still having a difficult time, but I have had a few nights where I have had amazingly good sleep.  I figure it'll be this way until the end, most likely.

 
Best moment(s) of the week:  My amazing husband turned 29 this weekend!!  It was a BUSY weekend, full of lots of live music, so you know he was a happy camper.  It was fun to spend time together and go out like that, because in a couple months it'll get a lot more difficult.  Although, I don't think I got to bed before midnight at all the past 3 nights, and that is VERY not normal for me.  I think I will sleep well tonight.

Movement: Lots and lots.  He seems to drift to my right and I get kicked in my right ribs and straight out my right side a lot.  I think he is still head down, but might have really long legs.  I'm sure I'll find out more at my appointment tomorrow.  I am pretty sure he isn't sideways though. 

 
Food cravings/aversions:  I want thai food... and I haven't gotten it yet. 

Morning sickness: None of that nonsense!

 
Symptoms: Pretty constant heartburn. :-P  It doesn't take much at this point.  In general I am feeling pretty squished.  I feel super out of shape - getting winded going up the stairs at work... but I have an excuse. :-)  I am beginning to understand how women feel totally ready to push the baby out by the time their pregnancy is full term.

 
Labor signs:  Nothing yet.  Not even any braxton hicks.

Belly button in or out:   I think they call this a "flatty".  Not in our out - just flat.

What I miss:  Sleeping on my back or stomach.    And red wine.

What I'm looking forward to:  Dr.'s appointment tomorrow!  I don't think we'll get an ultrasound or anything, but I'm just anxious to hear how this little guy is doing.

What's happening this week:

 

You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz).  His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.  To accommodate you and your baby's growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you got pregnant. With your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm and crowding your stomach, the consequences may be shortness of breath and heartburn {yes and yes}.

 

 {I've never heard of a jimaca - but apparently my baby weighs as much as this thing}

 

{and we will only get BIGGER from here... oye!}

28 weeks.

Holy Moly we are in 3rd trimester!!!  Ahh!!  12 weeks until this little one is due to arrive... which could be anywhere from 10-14 weeks (hopefully not earlier).  But I can hardly believe we are in the home stretch.

Today's date: January 2, 2011 {Happy New Year!}

How far along: 28 weeks

Total weight gain: 19 lbs. (according to babycenter.com most women gain 11 pounds in the 3rd trimester... oye!) 

Size and growth of the baby: By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels.

Sex: BOY BOY BOY!!

Maternity clothes: EVERYTHING!!

Sleep: Varies every night.  I still have a hard time getting comfy, but I've been doing okay lately.

Best moment(s) of the week:  Just another week off work!  I was able to get some sewing done and relaxed a LOT.  And we celebrated New Years with our friends. :-)

Movement: He's a movin'... lots and lots!  Now if only he could tell night and day (I know, I know... it is only preparing me for what's to come).

Food cravings/aversions:  Nothing at the moment!

Morning sickness: Feeling good!!

 
Symptoms: Achy back.  Heartburn... it is usually one or the other.

 
Labor signs:  Nothing yet.  Not even any braxton hicks.

Belly button in or out:   In - but definitely feeling shallower!  It is super uncomfortable when Baby G rubs against my belly button... or if I rub against something from the outside.  You know - that icky someone-poked-my-belly-button feeling.  Yick!!

What I miss:  Being able to stand/walk for long periods of time... I am getting more and more achy every day.

What I'm looking forward to: I have another Dr's appt this week.  I don't expect anything exciting to happen, but I think after this I may move to appointments every 2 weeks?!?  

What's happening this week:

 

He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

 

 

 

{And as promised... belly shot.  I am not sure I am going to enjoy this as I get huger and huger.}

 

{I. feel. HUGE... and I still have 12 weeks to go.} 

 

 

Update in photos.

I have been a horrible blogger the past 2 weeks.  So here is your update in photos.

THANKSGIVING

 

{Jordan's dad and brothers Kevin (18) & Joel (16) watching football on Thanksgiving}

 

{Jordan's mom getting dinner started}

 

{Typical Drew... who turned 14 this week, so happy birthday by the way!}

 

{The boys watching football... pretty much depicts our Thanksgiving}

 

 

{Jordan chatting it up with his Uncle Karl and Dad} 

CHICAGO WEEKEND

 

{Chicago belly shot.  I was 23w6d here. :-)}

 

{We tried to get a pic of us together... but didn't have a tripod or a good place to put the camera... so this is what happened.  I kind of like it though...}

 

{Is the timer working??}

 

{Finally a semi-decent, albeit dark shot.}

 

{Then we went here... and LOVED it.}

NURSERY UPDATE ... a work in progress as we speak!!!

 

{Before... the guest room... ignore all the diapers, baby clothes, and crib box.}

 

{Dori, say goodbye to your favorite sleeping spot}

 

{Before again... and my two shadows that follow me around.}

 

{Our WONDERFUL friends Jon and Dave (not pictured) helped to paint!  It will be a beautiful light grey.  My nursery inspiration can be found here.}

 

{Doing great guys!! :-D}

 

{Poor little Mae-pup gated away from the painted room.  Sorry girly!}

24 weeks.

The weeks continue to fly by.  I am happy to know that in just a few short weeks, if anything were to happen, I know this little guy would still have a 90-95% chance of surviving.  I hear of stories of babies born at 26 or 27 weeks and after a long stay in the NICU - ending up completely normal.  Of course - that is NOT my wish by any means... but it sure feels great to know technology could keep this little guy alive if for some reason I can't.

One of my friends asked me the other day what surprised me most about pregnancy.  I didn't have a quick answer for her then, but after thinking about it - I think I have been most surprised at how pregnancy COMPLETELY changes your body chemistry.  My skin, for example, has gotten to be SUPER sensitive and dry.  I continue to have weird dry patches that pop up for no reason.  Also - all of the sudden this year I am allergic to pine needles.  Never happened before pregnancy, but in setting up some Christmasy decorations I brushed up against some pine needles and immediately broke out in hives.  Thank goodness we have a fake tree.  I've also recently realized that my body temperature is WAY hotter than it normally is and have started experiencing some hot flashes.  Oh the joys!!

Anyway - on to 24 weeks!!

 

Today's date: December 5, 2010 

How far along: 24 weeks

Total weight gain: 14 lbs.  (I guess I made up for not gaining at Thanksgiving - still doing well though!)

Size and growth of the baby: Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up.

Sex: BOY BOY BOY!!

Maternity clothes: All maternity pants, and went to Chi-town this weekend and got some maternity tops on sale!!  Yippee for clothes that fit!!

Sleep: Sleeping well for the most part!!  Baby woke me up this morning with all his kicking though. :-)

Best moment(s) of the week: Jordan and I went to Chicago this weekend - TONS of fun!! 

Movement: Still have a baby acrobat in there. :-)

Food cravings/aversions:  Nothing much! 

Morning sickness: Feeling good!!

 
Symptoms: Tired, expanding belly, horrible dry skin, acid reflux, and getting kicked/punched in the bladder. :-) 

 
Labor signs: WAY too soon.

Belly button in or out:   In - but definitely feeling shallower! 

What I miss:  Cute clothes.

What I'm looking forward to:  We are painting the nursery this weekend!!  Also lots and lots of Christmas parties coming up!    

What's happening this week:

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.  

 

And another belly shot!! 

 

 {24 weeks!  And I look like I just rode in a car for 3 hours. :-)}

 

{I wasn't sure how much bigger I would look - but definitely a couple of inches growth!}