35 Weeks!

We've made it to 35 weeks today. If Little Brother decides to come on time there are only about 35 days to go! You can see my bump picture with Ralphie at 35 weeks - also my last bump picture with him, since he was born just 5 days later. Carrying lower, carrying bigger this time around.

This baby is a blessing, and we are so eager to meet him!

How far along?: 35 weeks

Total Weight Gain: 25+ :/ Officially more than I gained with Ralphie.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? **sigh** I think a few

Sleep: Intermittent. Back to taking naps more often after a couple months without them.

Best moment this week: It's been exciting to make it to 35 weeks and remember how things were when we were this far along with Ralphie. Even though we know this baby will not come quite so early, the end is certainly in sight and that is exciting!

Movement: Nearly always. Does he ever sleep?

Cravings: Not really.

Gender: Another lil boy

Labor Signs: Just Braxton hicks occasionally.

Wedding rings on or off: On

Happy or Moody most days: A little of both. Burst into tears this morning trying to put Ralphie's carseat in the car. Haha. 

Belly Button in or out? Out!

What I miss: Having a waist... ;)

Starting to show yet: Isn't that obvious?

Anything causing sickness or nausea: Nope.

What I am looking forward to: 36 week appointment next week, reaching full term, and meeting this baby! (in that order!)

Milestones: Final month approaching.

28 Weeks | Baby #2

How far along?: 28 weeks! Woohoo 3rd Trimester! Here I am at 28 weeks with Ralphie. Feeling about the same size-wise.

Total Weight Gain: Prenatal appointment tomorrow. I think about +18.

Maternity clothes? Nearly always.

Stretch marks? No.

Sleep: Getting better. Re-teaching myself to sleep on my side. 

Best moment this week: I loved the relaxing visit we had to the beach. Digging a hole for my belly in the sand was great.

Movement: Now in more than one place at once. Generally still just bumps and kicks, but occasionally he really goes at it. He also likes to curl up right on my bladder.

Cravings: Strawberries and dark chocolate. Mmm.

Gender: Sweet, darling baby boy.

Labor Signs: Nothing lately.

Wedding rings on or off: On. So thankful for zero swelling. Hopefully that will last through the hot summer days that are coming.

Happy or Moody most days: This past month started with nightmarish moodiness, and ended with mountain-top happiness.

Belly Button in or out? Half out! 

What I miss: Sleeping on my back. And I really wanted to drink a big margarita last week at the beach.

Starting to show yet: Everyone says so! My midwife told me, "Well, you finally did it! He's just popped right out." :)

Anything causing sickness or nausea: No.

What I am looking forward to: soaking up every minute of this coming summer!

Milestones: 3rd and final trimester! 

24 Weeks | Baby #2

How far along?: 24 weeks. Here I am with Ralphie at 24 weeks - definitely bigger this time!

Total Weight Gain: Up 14 pounds

Maternity clothes? Mmhm!

Stretch marks? No.

Sleep: Good, though my back aches a lot.

Best moment this week: I'm soaking up all this activity! 

Movement: Still as active as ever. Punches and kicks have moved to above my belly button, proving just how big baby is getting.

Cravings: I love food, it's true.

Gender: Baby boy :)

Labor Signs: no - except some Braxton Hicks. Need to load up on my water!

Wedding rings on or off: On.

Happy or Moody most days: Happy, though I'll be honest, my buttons are easily pushed these days. :/

Belly Button in or out? Still in, but not as in. 

What I miss: Still nothing

Starting to show yet: mmhm.

Anything causing sickness or nausea: No.

What I am looking forward to: Tanning my belly in Florida sunshine in 3 weeks!

Milestones: 6 Month mark next week!

22 Weeks | Baby #2

Oops. I forgot to smile. :/ But look at this baby grow! It's been a whole month since my last update, and as you can see Little Brother has wasted no time. I feel bigger than I look, which is probably not a good thing, considering I still have 4 hot summer months to go before we can kiss this little boy's sweet face. But, overall, this second pregnancy has been a delight! It is so much easier to be pregnant when you know what's normal, and all the anxieties of your first pregnancy are distant memories you heartily laugh at.

How far along?: 22 weeks, and rolling right along. Here I am at 23 weeks with Ralphie.

Total Weight Gain: Up 10 pounds

Maternity clothes? Mostly always, because I love summer maternity clothes! I still have a handful of my regular tops, and a few bottoms that I rotate in, too. 

Stretch marks? No.

Sleep: Been kind of restless lately. 

Best moment this week: This little one is just a growin' and a growin'. Thankful to have had a healthy pregnancy and baby so far.

Movement: He's a mover and a puncher. This kid doesn't stop! Sometimes I wonder if he is twice as active as his brother. It could just be I recognize the movement more the second time around.

Cravings: Just that chocolate milkshake my husband had to go get me Monday evening. And Tuesday... man, did I want another one... haha. But I had to draw the line there.

Gender: Precious baby brother!

Labor Signs: no

Wedding rings on or off: On.

Happy or Moody most days: Happy!

Belly Button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: Nothing right now. Loving this second trimester.

Starting to show yet: yep!

Anything causing sickness or nausea: Not really. Preparing meat...

What I am looking forward to: Seeing my belly grow, and knowing it means Little Brother is growing, too!

Milestones: Over halfway there (hopefully).

Gender Reveal | Baby #2

Sometimes, the pictures just say it all.

This is one of those times.

We are thankful. Very, very thankful.

(So scared because Mama was crying and screaming!)

TWO little boys. I was wrong. And I couldn't be happier.

18 Weeks | Baby #2

 How far along?: 18 weeks! Seems like such a big number. Nearly half way. Here I am at 19 weeks with Ralphie.

Total Weight Gain: Still about 5 pounds. Lost some, then started gaining again.

Maternity clothes? Sometimes. All my jeans are still comfortable, but I feel better if I've got a maternity shirt on. :)

Stretch marks? No.

Sleep: Pretty good!

Best moment this week: Flutters have continued, and then last night I felt some real bounces and punches! 

Movement: Definitely something in there! Every night I just lie and wait for something. Don't always feel anything, though.

Cravings: Uhm... FOOD?! Yesterday I had to have a Moe's steak burrito.  I generally don't have the same craving repeatedly, but there are definitely days when I just have to have something.

Gender Predictions: Still thinking girl.

Labor Signs: no

Wedding rings on or off: On.

Happy or Moody most days: Been a little weepier lately, but overall happy.

Belly Button in or out? Still way on in, but I can feel pressure behind the top of it, and still have hope it'll pop soon! I love me a good, popped pregnant belly button.

What I miss: Nursing Ralphie. :(

Starting to show yet: I think so. A couple close friends have noticed.

Anything causing sickness or nausea: Still have that gag reflex kick in every time I brush my teeth. Meat that I prepare is also a queasiness-causer.

What I am looking forward to: The ultrasound is next Friday!!! Can't wait to see this sweet itty bitty's face. <3

Milestones: Fo' real movement!

One Year Ago...

... two blue lines changed our lives forever.

It was the forth of July weekend. I was "late," and we both had a gut feeling that the baby we were hoping for was coming sooner than we imagined. But we were nervous. Nervous the test would read negative, and we would be sorely disappointed. 

So we kept putting it off.

Friday, July 1st we left to spend a weekend with my family in Michigan. We arrived, the fun began, and yet we couldn't shake the idea. On the plane ride up we agreed we would enjoy the weekend and try not to worry one way or another about the results of an eventual test. We planned to take a test Tuesday morning, together, alone, in our home. 

But within hours of our arrival my sister was on to us, and by Saturday evening she had her husband persuading mine that we should take a pregnancy test soon. Like today... Or tomorrow. 

So Daniel "surprised" me (he's always looking for an excuse to surprise me) by bringing home a test, and we snuck/sneaked/whatever into the basement, alone.

I couldn't look. There were knots in my stomach. Daniel took my hands and we prayed for the Lord's will, whatever the outcome. We prayed we would know his joy, whether positive or negative. But both our hearts were racing with excitement! 30 long seconds passed. I squinted my eyes tightly shut, and squeezed Daniel's hand. 

"What's it doing? Does it say anything yet?" I asked.

"Well, yeah... what does a plus sign mean?" Daniel asked, genuinely confused.

I beamed from ear-to-ear. A smile I could not shake from my face for the next week. "That means I'm pregnant! We're gonna have a baby!"

I was wrapped in a big bear hug. He squeezed me so tight. He was so happy.

We were so happy.

We told his mom first, and then my family after dinner that evening. Then grandparents, and best friends as the days passed.

I remember pure joy, being able to share news that made everyone so happy.

When we got home, we went to Wednesday night prayer meeting at the church we had come to as newlyweds a year before. I thought the room was going to explode with excitement and delight when Daniel made our announcement.

Babies are such a gift. The happiness that surrounds them is infectious.

And now, a year later, we're bouncing our sweet boy, and remembering...

Pregnancy Recap

I loved being pregnant. I wish I had looked pregnant sooner, but even without a visible bump, carrying life inside of me was incredible. 

1st Trimester:

Morning sickness was nasty, but not as bad as some women have it. I never had to run to the toilet to puke - I just felt like I could all day long. Saltine crackers, strawberries and potatoes were about all I ate. I fell asleep almost immediately after dinner every night. 

2nd Trimester:

Was not my babymoon trimester. My bump still had not appeared. I didn't look pregnant, and I felt fat many days (blaming that on infrequent exercise). But we got to see baby's face on the ultrasound, and feel him move daily! The 2nd trimester flew by for me. Having the holidays fall during this time helped that, I'm sure. I was sick of being asked "Are you sure you're [that far] along?" I ate nearly everything in sight, and was still hungry all the time - consequently, I gained all but 3 pounds of my total weight gain during this trimester. :-/ I had nasty heartburn beginning this trimester until the end. Tums were my good friend.But the 2nd Tri wasn't all bad! Feeling him move for the first time, and in the following days was something I won't forget. Feeling your baby move inside of you is indescribable. 

3rd Trimester:

This was my babymoon trimester. I felt amazing, and finally looked pregnant all the time! I did prenatal yoga nearly every day, and loved feeling him move so often. I did get a horrible case of sciatica that left me limping for about three weeks until his head dropped, the week before he was born. Sciatica, I've determined, is worse than morning sickness. My appetite slowed down (some) and the heartburn cooled quite a bit. Nesting hit like crazy. I know I missed out on those last four weeks, so I can't complain of swollen feet, or an aching back - or feeling as big as an elephant. I'm kind of sad that I did. Sure, there are annoying things that come in that last month, but the excitement and anticipation of knowing your baby is coming builds with every day! I missed out on that expectancy, too. Of course, I wouldn't change his birthday for anything... just being honest. :)

Overall, I missed sleeping on my back, and feeling my muscles burn and ache during work outs. (I think I worked out less, because it took me so long to find something that actually made me feel like it was worth my time.)

But whatdaya know... I've tried sleeping on my back in the last 6 weeks, and it just feels strange. Maybe I'm a side sleeper for life now... guess it'll make the transition easier for the next pregnancy. :)

I had a normal, healthy pregnancy, and a completely natural delivery. I am so thankful.

And now, I have this beautiful baby boy to kiss and love all day long.

35 Weeks!

35 Weeks Down, 35 days to go!!! We can hardly believe how fast time is flying by. So thankful for health and safety this far. We are both getting anxious for our little one's arrival, though... :)




Not a whole lot of change in my answers from Week 33...


 How far along?: 35 weeks!

Total Weight Gain: 20-25

Maternity clothes? Yes :)

Stretch marks? not on my belly ;)

Sleep: Ok. Restless.
Best moment this week: Made two crib sheets for the crib (tutorial and pictures coming soon!) and Daniel put the crib together. SO EXCITING

Movement: You bet.

Cravings: Nothing particularly this week. Really hungry at night though. Like famished.

Gender Predictions: I'm going to stick with girl, but good grief, I really am not sure!

Labor Signs: no . . . I still don't even know what a Braxton Hicks feels like! :-/

Belly Button in or out? Out, and I'm proud of it.

What I miss: still miss sleeping on my back, and working out hard!

What I am looking forward to: Seeing sweet Baby's face <3

Weekly Wisdom: Find something, be it big or little, to marvel and ponder over about your baby, every day. It makes the aches and pains and impatient feelings more bearable.

Milestones: Starting weekly midwife visits this week or next!




P.S.
GO GIANTS!!!

I'm told this is the "Heisman pose"

33 Weeks!

 How far along?: 33 weeks - 7 weeks or 49 days to go. Wow!

Total Weight Gain: 20+

Maternity clothes? Yes :)

Stretch marks? not on my belly ;)

Sleep: eh... it's alright. I get it somehow, right? That's what's important.
Best moment this week: Baby's kicks and punches are getting much, much stronger, and one evening this week I had Daniel feel for it. He was completely AMAZED. "That's the baby? Is it supposed to be that strong? Wow!" Then he was bragging to friends later about how active and strong his baby was. <3 <3 The shower last weekend was also really special.

Movement: O, yes.

Cravings: potatoes and sugar snap peas... not together.

Gender Predictions: I was so confident about Baby being a girl until I announced aloud at my shower that I thought it was a girl. Ever since then I can't shake the thought that maybe it's a boy!... gah.

Labor Signs: no

Belly Button in or out? Out, and I'm proud of it.

What I miss: still miss sleeping on my back, but other than that I am super lovin' bein' pregnant.

What I am looking forward to: Making progress on the nursery, and slowly filling the dresser drawers with little things. :) We start birthing classes on Tuesday, and are doing a Taking Care of Baby and Infant CPR class this Thursday, as well as a Breastfeeding class on Saturday - busy week!

Weekly Wisdom: This isn't wisdom... it's more of an observation I've made about myself. Most people say that the 2nd trimester is the honeymoon, or "babymoon," but I've found my 3rd to be the most enjoyable so far. I feel pregnant, I look pregnant, and the expectancy of this little one's arrival heightens every day!

Milestones: Nothing major, I don't think... we're just movin' right along. :)

32 Weeks

Dear Baby,

In two months time you'll be here. It seems surreal to me. I feel you bump around inside of me every day, I hear your strong, healthy heartbeat at every midwife appointment, my belly keeps growing and growing, and Daddy and I are slowly getting things ready in the nursery - in your room. But the realization that there inside of me is a complete little person who will be ours to care for and love is often beyond my comprehension.

You are a miracle.

I am head over heels in love with you already.

You are worth every ache, every pain, every pound. I am so very thankful for you.

I sometimes want to burst into a fit of giggles as you jump around inside of me. You are so active! Daddy says maybe you'll be the next Tim Tebow, if you're a boy.

I think you're a girl, though. I wasn't sure for a long time. I kept going back and forth, back and forth. But now I would be very surprised if you were born a boy. I'm nearly certain you'll be our sweet baby girl.

And if you're not, I will be beyond delighted to be wrong, and call you our handsome lil man.

Either way, I'm hoping you have red hair. Dark and rich like your daddy's, and thick and wavy like my moms was when she was born. I hope you don't mind. I think it's beautiful. If you do have red hair and you don't like it, you can say it's all my fault, since I prayed for it.

(If you are born bald and end up having muddy colored hair like I do I'll still love you to pieces. I promise.)

I have always loved springtime, especially since we have lived in Charlotte. But now, springtime is even more dear to me, and I will always look forward to it with more expectancy because it will be the time when we will celebrate your birth. Getting married at the beginning of summer, in June, always seemed just perfect to me, and having a baby in the first weeks of spring when everything is beginning to bud and bloom again seems just as wonderful. But I'm biased.

I cannot wait to make memories with you. To bring you home from the hospital. To take you to church for the first time. To dress you up, and give you your first bath. I can't wait to see your first smiles, and hear the sound of your coos.

I am preparing to be completely enraptured with you, and with everything you do. If I don't set you down for more than ten minutes the first two weeks of your life here, I don't think the world will end. But, I suppose I should share you with your daddy... he is so excited, too. He loves knowing your gender, even though I don't. He says that sometimes he pictures your face and thinks of you by a certain name (even though we still don't know what we'll call you for sure). I know that is so precious for him, especially since he doesn't get to hold you like I do every moment of the day right now.

Dear Baby, we pray for you daily. We pray for your healthy and safety. We pray you will be born complete and whole. We thank our heavenly Father for you daily, because we know you are wonderfully made, and we rejoice in your life. Our deepest desire, our most fervent prayer is that you will not know a day, or even an hour, when you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.

All my love,

Mama

30 Weeks!

 How far along?: 30 weeks (3/4 of the way there!)

Total Weight Gain: about 20

Maternity clothes? Yes :)

Stretch marks? no

Sleep: OK

Best moment this week: Having my little sisters rub and kiss my belly all week was pretty sweet.

Movement: O, yes.

Cravings: Had to have oatmeal chocolate chip cookies yesterday... but that happened before pregnancy, too, so I don't think it counts. ;)

Gender Predictions: This week I'll say girl... or boy...

Labor Signs: no

Belly Button in or out? out, out, out! It's a miracle!

What I miss: sleeping on my back, most definitely.

What I am looking forward to: Decorating the nursery this month, and a baby shower in just two weeks!

Weekly Wisdom: Heartburn is nasty stuff. However, avoiding food completely does not solve the problem, it only creates a new one. There's no wisdom in that... Just thought I'd let y'all know what's been new with me this week! ;) On the positive side, I've heard and read that heartburn can actually increase the hair on your baby's head, in which case I cautiously say, "Bring it on!"

Milestones: We hit the 30s! Woot!