Baby #2 :: 36 weeks

I feel like a whale.

A whale whose body can only handle about 25 more days of carrying this wild boy in my womb.  Thank God 25 days is all I have left.

Let's cut to the chase...

I'm massive.

I'm not totally sure, but I'm PRETTY sure that I'm bigger than with Jude.  My belly button agrees with me.

So, here are the stats.

Today's date: June 2, 2012

How far along: 36 weeks

Total weight gain: 25 lbs... ish.  I've found that one day I'll be up 3 lbs and the next I'll be back down.  Wacky body.   

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: Still a baby brother!

Maternity clothes: Must you ask??  Look at me!

Sleep: Ask me again when I don't have a sinus infection.  Sleep?

Best moment(s) of the week:  We got to spend some time with family the past few weeks as Jordan's brother graduated from High School {Yay Joel!} and we got to see his sister Rachel from Texas!  Pretty much as soon as we got back from that, I've been bed-ridden trying to kick a sinus infection.  Today I at least got out of the house to go to Jordan's other brother's track State Finals.  Fun fun!  

Movement: He's wild.  He particularly likes to party around 10:30pm - when I am trying to fall asleep.  

Food cravings/aversions:  I don't have as big of an appetite these days.  Not sure what that's about.  

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

 
Symptoms: I feel like my right leg is about to crack off any minute.  That will probably happen at the same time I split in half.  

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

Belly button in or out:   It's OUT baby.  

What I miss:  My body... of course I will forget all of these pregnancy aches and pains about .2 seconds after I meet my son.  

What I'm looking forward to:  Chiro appointment on Monday (maybe I'll get some relief?) and then an OB appointment on Wednesday.  I think sometime this week we'll pack the bags, seeing as I'll be full-term in a week {WHAT?!?@@!#)$} 

See how things were going when I was 36 weeks pregnant with Jude!

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!

...

Oh, motherhood.

I remember, when I was pregnant with Jude, I thought I would never forget every little precious detail.  Every moment, every fear, every symptom, every joy.

Oh, how quickly we do.

I've been freaking out concerned the past day or two because I couldn't feel little G2 moving much... if at all.  I know, anterior placenta, blah blah blah.  But when you had felt the babe, and then... nothing... you can't help but be concerned as a mama.  

I prayed and prayed that I would get some sign that he/she was still wiggling about in there.

Still nothing yesterday.  I feel like I was awake most of the night because I didn't want to miss the slightest movement.  That, and insomnia is one of my lovely pregnancy symptoms.

Then today.  This kid won't. stop. moving.

And I remembered.  Jude had similar patterns.  He'd be kinda calm and quiet for a day or two and then be a crazy man.  I usually grew a bit at that time too.  I always thought it was a growth spurt.  And eventually, I got used to it and stopped worrying if a day passed where he seemed to be sleeping a bit more.

Motherhood... keeps you on your knees, that is for sure.

* * * 

On another note, we've been having nap battles over here.

One nap, or two?  That is the question.

My boy has always been such a good sleeper, and he is such a happy boy.  Honestly, if I didn't have a video monitor I'd think he was sleeping like an angel.  But, thank goodness for the video, I realize that he is not sleeping, but rather standing in his crib, walking around the edges over and over.  He's also sitting down, throwing his blankie around and trying to give his stuffed giraffe his paci.  Not making a peep (aside from the occasional squeal of joy)... and this went on for an hour and a half this afternoon.  I went in a few times to lay him back down and every time was greeted by a tremendous smile.  I kept at it thinking surely he would give in soon.

Nope.

So, today was a one nap day.  We'll see what tomorrow brings.  But I feel like my baby 10-month old can't possibly be old enough for one nap?!  Can he?

Oh, motherhood.

Look at this after-bathtime hair.

...

Baby #2 :: 12 weeks

Well, here we are!  Baby #2 is well on his/her way and it's time for the first monthly update!  Craziness.

Today's date: December 17, 2011

How far along: 12 weeks

Total weight gain:  None.  I'm actually about 6-7lbs under where I was when I got pregnant with Jude.  Although I look like I'm about a month further along.

Size and growth of the baby: From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a plumb) and weighs half an ounce.   His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. 

Sex: Too soon.

Maternity clothes: I'm refusing maternity clothes.  Funny how different it is from the first time around.  I couldn't get into those stretchy pants soon enough the first time.  Now I am cherishing my skinny jeans because I know how sick I'm going to get of them in about 6 months.  But I may or may not be leaving my pants unbuttoned these days.

Sleep: I suck at sleep when I'm pregnant.  Thank goodness Jude has been an amazing sleeper lately.

Best moment(s) of the week: My appetite has returned!!  It is amazing to eat like a normal person!!

Movement: Too soon to feel, though it's happening. :)

Food cravings/aversions: None today!!  Yippee!!

Morning sickness: Here and there.  I feel great today, so I REALLY hope this means we're over it.

Symptoms: Exhaustion, a bit of cramping, bloating, headaches.

Labor signs: Way too soon.

Belly button in or out: In.

What I miss: My energy.  It's different with an almost-9-month-old using you as a human jungle-gym.  Oh, to have my energy back.  I can't wait for 2nd tri.

What I'm looking forward to: Another Dr. appt on Thursday and 2nd trimester on Saturday!  Oh, and Christmas on Sunday.  And Jude's 9 month birthday on the following Wednesday.  Holy moly where has time gone??

See how things were going when I was 12 weeks pregnant with Jude.

The second time around.

I really don't like to complain about being pregnant.  It is a huge blessing that we got pregnant so easily (too easily?) this time around.  But there are some huge differences between being pregnant for the first time and being pregnant this time.

Mainly, this little guy.

Nausea and wretched, foul, gag-inducing diapers do not mix well.  Nausea and just taking care of my 8 month old don't mix well.  I don't know if I feel sicker this time or not (funny how we forget), but I am pretty much feeling an all-day sick-to-my-stomach uggghhhh type of feeling.  To which my doctor says, "awesome, you know how to make my day!".  

I know this means I have a healthy little bean growing inside me.  For that I am thankful.  But, in the meantime... I just feel like a deadbeat mom.  I am exhausted beyond belief and I love my little guy to pieces, but I am simply wiped out.  I am on Zofran, which seems to keep the puking at bay, but hasn't done much for the all-day nausea. 

Another difference?  Those "rumors" that you show earlier with your second?  Uhhh yeah!  At 8 weeks pregnant my mom was already telling me I was popping!  Now at 10 weeks I'm refusing to wear the bella-band, but some pants just demand it.  I'm planning on taking monthly pictures like last time, but kind of dreading the comparison.  I'm afraid I'll look more like the 20 week picture from last time at 12 weeks.  

I am NOT planning on doing weekly blog updates again this time.  Sorry second child.  I promise I will try to take as many pictures of you once you are here.  But as far as blogging weekly?  Just not going to happen.  I WILL try to blog monthly along with my monthly pictures.  But things change when you have an 8 month old {and apparently when you're the second child}.

Bitty Baby Jude... at 2 weeks old.

 

 All in all, every day the idea of bringing another baby into the world becomes more and more real.  I find myself more and more excited to have a little snuggly bundle again, to nurse again, and more than anything, see my children grow up together, love each other, play with each other.  I just know that is going to be such a blessing.

There is just something special about siblings.

Sisters... in 2005!

Surprise!!

It is October 25.  I've been feeling a bit "off" for a few days.  Extra cranky maybe.  Tired... exhausted, really.  But I've had a sick baby, so that accounts for that, right?  Oh, and I'm STARVING.  But, I'm still nursing... and sometimes this appetite gets out of control.  

But it is "that time"... and someone isn't showing up.  You know who I mean {Aunt Flow}.  But of course I've always been irregular.  I could have my dates off.  And it would be a very off chance that we'd be... ya know.  BUT... just to prove that little nagging thought in my head wrong, I got a pregnancy test.  

I tell myself on the morning of October 25, if "you know who" hasn't shown up I'll take a test.  So, I did.  That morning, I grabbed the test, did my thing, and stuck it on the dresser while I went to get Jude up for the day.  I start our morning nursing session and take a look at it.  And wouldn't ya know...

You might remember my complete shock when we found out we were pregnant with Jude.  But we were trying.  We had been for over a year, actually.  So the idea of being pregnant was one that I was expecting sooner or later.  My shock this time absolutely does not compare.  TOTALLY FLOORED.  

I never understood people who weren't completely thrilled when they found out they were pregnant.  We tried so long with Jude, I just couldn't wrap my mind around not being excited about a baby.  But now I get it.  I think my first thought was "oh crap".  {I hate that that was my first reaction} And I am full of fear.  We're still nursing and that means I might have to wean... and I'm not ready for that.  I just bought brand new non-maternity clothes.  What about Jude?  Will he feel second-best or jealous?  Crap, they're going to be 15 MONTHS APART!!  I had a mini big-time freak-out.  I called Jordan in and just showed him the test.  "No way!!".  Yes way.  

It is a weird place to be in.  It wasn't too long ago that an announcement like mine would have cut like a knife while we spent over a year trying to get pregnant with Jude.  I remember I honestly did not understand how people "accidentally" got pregnant after I had everything perfect month after month after month.  It's painful for some to hear these announcements.  I don't want to just let that acknowledgement slide.

It still has taken some time to sink in.  I had a lot of fear at first.  Mostly about how this would change my relationship with Jude.  But after spending some time in prayer, I have come to a few realizations.

1.  Fear is not of the Lord.

2. The Lord gave me this precious child... NOT by accident.

3. My children are not mine... but the Lord's... and He will give me all I need to be a good parent to both of them.

4. Siblings are an amazing gift!

5. My kids are going to keep growing up... and I can't stop them.

So, now I am super excited.  I always said that two weeks after Jude was born I was ready to do it all over again, and that's true.  Somehow, I just freaked out when it happened.  But I can't wait to add to our family and for Jude to have a little brother or sister so close in age!  I will say that pregnancy and all of it's wonderful symptoms are a lot more fun and easier when you aren't wrestling an almost 8-month-old most of the day!  Thank the Lord for Zofran. :-)  My doctor has kept a very close eye on me since first trimester is always kinda scary for me.  Thank goodness we've seen a healthy heartbeat twice and everything is looking perfect!

Due date... June 30ish. :-)  It's about to be a wild ride folks.

39 weeks.

I had a fairly uneventful week.  No weird nights full of contractions.  Nothing out of the ordinary.  Still pregnant... waiting waiting waiting.  I am officially on maternity leave and my full-time job is to get ready for this little guy.  Jordan and I had a "day of nesting extravaganza" yesterday and organized our offices, book shelves, closets, etc.  I'm now wondering what the heck I am going to do if this guy seriously doesn't come for another two plus weeks.  It is totally possible.  Luckily I still have my sewing machine and lots of cute things to make. :-)  I will do a post soon on all the things I have made so far.

Anyway - 39 weeks down... ONE to go!!

Today's date: March 20, 2011

How far along: 39 weeks

Total weight gain: I wish I had never started this section... 30lbs this week... wah wah wah.

Size and growth of the baby: He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon {finally a normal fruit}. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.)

Sex: BOY BOY BOY!!

Maternity clothes: Sweatpants.

Sleep: There are good nights and bad nights.  Contractions at night have become a regular thing - but it is usually just once or twice and they're gone.  I haven't stayed up for hours wondering if this is it in a couple of weeks.  I read, though, that when your bladder is really full it can stimulate contractions.  The uterus is a sensitive thing, I guess!

 
Best moment(s) of the week:  I love weekends without plans.  Jordan and I have had ZERO plans all weekend and it was glorious.  We had another mini-date on Friday night and went out to T.G.I. Friday's because I had a coupon.  Then Saturday was our cleaning day extravaganza - that and watching March Madness (which I have surprisingly come to enjoy - especially since I filled out a bracket and can actually root for a certain team).

Movement: Same old same old.  Still trying to convince him that he's not supposed to come out of my belly button - so he can stop trying.

 
Food cravings/aversions:  Just hungry all the time.

 
Morning sickness: Feeling good!

 
Symptoms: Cramping, achy, some braxton hicks/contractions.

 
Labor signs:  Some random contractions.  Otherwise - the doctor didn't check me this week (he doesn't unless you are overdue or in labor) so I can't be sure.  Any day now!

Belly button in or out:  It is definitely not "in" anymore... I think it is as out as it is going to be.

 
What I miss:  My not-pregnant body... although, I hear when I am not pregnant I will miss my pregnant body.  The grass is always greener, huh? 

What I'm looking forward to:  I am looking forward to having this BABY!! 

What's happening this week:

Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

 

38 weeks.

I have a feeling that the next two weeks are going to feel just as long as the last 9 months combined.  I say this every week, but I can't believe how close we are to meeting our little guy.  I am SO EXCITED.  This is my last week of work before maternity leave.  I am ready.  I am looking forward to having time to myself to just focus on preparing for giving birth and parenthood (as much as I can).

Today's date: March 13, 2011

How far along: 38 weeks

Total weight gain: 28.5 lbs

Size and growth of the baby: Your baby has really plumped up. He weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek).

Sex: BOY BOY BOY!!

Maternity clothes: Sweatpants.

Sleep: I am great at napping... sleeping at night - not so much.  I guess I better get used to it.

 
Best moment(s) of the week:  Our wonderful house church threw us a mini baby-shower yesterday. :-)  I am just overwhelmed with the wonderful community we have around us.  While we don't live close by any family - we have an AWESOME church family and group of friends that I know pray for us and will be instrumental in the life of our child.  I just feel so blessed.

Movement: We won't talk about how he was air drumming on my ribs last night at 1am.

 
Food cravings/aversions:  I'm feeling guilty of my recent indulgences - so I'm really trying to eat healthy this week. 

 
Morning sickness: Not since last week - thank goodness!

 
Symptoms: Cramping, achy, some braxton hicks.

 
Labor signs:  Some random contractions.  Otherwise - the doctor didn't check me this week (no need to really) so I can't be sure.  Any day now!

Belly button in or out:  On the verge.

 
What I miss:  Sleep.  I have a feeling it'll be awhile before we reunite.  

What I'm looking forward to:  I am looking forward to having this BABY!!  And the next two weekends are pretty much clear so he can come any time.  If he doesn't - then I have another laid back weekend with Jordan and that is fine too. :-)

What's happening this week:

He has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold his hand for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb. Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If he's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If he's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time he's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after he's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.) {this baby will DEFINITELY have blue eyes}

 

 

{baby is about as long as a leek... seriously - what is with the odd and ugly fruit comparisons?}

10 Most Annoying Things People Say & Do to Pregnant Women

I remember my friend posting this when she was pregnant and decided to find it and see if I could relate.  Ummm -- YES!!  So here it is... the 10 most annoying things people say and do to pregnant women... humor with a little truth to it. ;-)

1. Old wives tales as gospel. As scientific as it is, it's annoying when people tell you with certainty what sex the baby will be based on how you're carrying.

2. Manhandling. Suddenly your globe of a stomach becomes public domain. Old women and customers in grocery stores suddenly flock to molest your belly as if it is the most accepted and natural thing in the world. More common than a handshake.

3. Horror stories. While pregnancy brings kinship between women who otherwise had nothing in common, it also brings out their burning desire to regale you with stories of their horrific stories of birth. Never will you hear more about botched episiotomies and days of fruitless labor and stopped baby heartbeats. Why anyone thinks someone with labor on the horizon would want to hear this is beyond me.

4. The just wait until...syndrome. Nothing is less pleasing than to have your current station in pregnancy belittled with just wait until... (insert anecdote here). Sometimes it is only limited to how much worse your pregnancy will get (as if it hasn't been bad in different ways throughout) but it can also extend to just wait until you get no sleep when the baby is here. When does this end? When I have a baby I guarantee I will start hearing about the terrible twos...when I have a 5 year old it will be "Just wait until you have a tween" and then just wait until you have a teenager. Thank you harbingers of doom, but I think I will take my torture one day at a time.

5. The belly reactions. Pregnant women are hormonal; they are seldom happy with their expanding waistline and are self-conscious in regards to their looks. Why do people feel the need to point out how big they are? "Oh my god! You're huge" are NEVER words a woman wants to hear. Similarly, "Are you sure you aren't having twins?" should have a moratorium slapped on it.

6. Unsolicited opinions on birth plans and breast feeding. The debates between no drugs vs. drugs in labor and breastfeeding vs. not breast feeding can be hot ones...but it should be relegated to the no talk zone along with religion and politics. I am sure that everyone feels like their information is true and correct, but it is a personal choice.

7. Ingestion Nazis. The people that watch you like a hawk just waiting for you to eat or drink something that they think is on the no no list. Pregnancy is hard enough without people commenting on nitrates or caffeine. What self respecting pregnant person isn't going to be aware of the do not eat or drink items and the risk associated with each? Everyone's Dr. is different and new information is being uncovered every day.

8. Unsolicited name advice. A name choice is a privilege bestowed upon people carrying and raising the child. Yet, despite varying tastes, everyone wants to weigh in on name choices. Even the most well meaning person offering up names puts the pregnant couple in the uncomfortable position of having to shoot down names. One man's Bertha is another man's treasure.

9. The “expert” syndrome. It seems that some women who have been pregnant, even forty years ago, feel like they know everything there is to know about all pregnancies. Even though all pregnancies are different they feel the need to weigh in of what is normal or not normal in a pregnancy. Even if they are directly contradicting scores of baby books and professionally trained medical workers, they toil on, spreading misinformation and causing panic or feelings of abnormality.

10. Unhelpful weight advice. Yes I know it is better not to gain too much weight. Yes I am aware of how hard it is to take off weight. Yes I know that breast feeding will not melt away my fat. Yes I’m aware that stretch marks are no fun to have. Enough said.