3/10/16
I have been hoarding photos. So, here’s a review of some of our past few weekends through and excessive series of photos…
Category Archives: Second Pregnancy
31 Weeks Here! Single Digits Left…
How far along: 31 Weeks!! Holy crap guys. Remember when I was going to post weekly bumpdates? Oops. Things got a little busy these past couple of weeks, but here’s one… and right on time!
Also, only 9 weeks till the big due date. That’s pretty crazy, huh? Especially since time is literally just flying by. This little nugget will be here before I know it!
Total weight gain: I have an appointment with my OB on Monday, so the answer to this one will have to wait. How do I feel? Like I wish someone could walk around with me holding up my belly. That would help.
But really, I definitely don’t feel as pregnant as I look in photos. Every so often I see a photo or a mirror glance at a weird angle and I’m totally thrown off. Holy hell! Who is that?
I don’t recognize myself.
But that’s okay! The positive is that this baby is such a wiggler… makes me feel like we’re “spending time together.”
Maternity clothes: I bought a couple new shirts and a pair of faux leather leggings. Clearly a maternity must-have. I haven’t worn them yet, but maybe this weekend.
Stretch marks: Still going strong with no stretchies.
Sleep: Sleep has been on and off. Last night was an off night. Definitely could have done without my bout of insomnia from 3-5… but what can you do?
Best moment of this week: Well, these past few weekends have been great! I’ll post more about those in a separate post, but it’s been a happy week. Charlie turned 20 months, Mark and I celebrated 3 years… all good stuff!
Miss anything: Putting my socks on with ease.
Movement: The other night during our parenting class, my back was killing me. To get a little relief, I put my hands under my belly and essentially held it up with my hands. Apparently, the lift caused the little man to require a readjustment because he instantly made a huge movement. The cool part is that he moved in a way that it literally felt like he was in my hands… like I was holding him. I spent the rest of class trying to replicate the experience with no luck.
Food cravings: Nothing too crazy these days.
Anything making you queasy or sick: My toddler… but I don’t think that’s what this question is referring to. But dang it… C and I are cold-ridden again.
Have you started to show yet: Big ass belly.
Gender: A Mister.
Labor signs: Just the run-of-the-mill Braxton Hicks.
Belly button in or out: It’s a very strange crater-like inny outty. Don’t ask…
Wedding rings on or off: On!
Happy or moody most of the time: I’ve been good these past few weeks! We’ve had a lot of fun.
Looking forward to: We are celebrating our anniversary this weekend! Hot date with my hubs at a fancy shmance restaurant… what could be bad? Also looking forward to my OB appointment. I don’t know why, but I am. Hmmm. I am hoping to schedule a hair appointment, so that’s exciting, too! All good things.
Three Years ❤️
Today marks three years of marriage with my love. While it feels like time has just flown by so quickly, it’s also hard to believe it’s only been three years. It’s hard to imagine a time without my husband by my side.
I’m a very lucky woman. While we’re not always rainbows and butterflies, we’re always working… on our marriage, on our communication, on our love.
As parenting becomes less about simply keeping Charlotte alive and healthy, and more about shaping a human mind and heart, it becomes more clear. I have truly ended up with a man who gets me. Someone who shares my passions. Someone who wants to live and love in the same way.
I’m married to a very amazing man, husband, father. My children and I are beyond lucky to have such strength and love and silliness from now until forever.
Happy Anniversary, sweet man of mine. Being your wife and starting a family with you has been seamless… like, this is the way it was always meant to be. I can’t imagine my world without you. Thanks for being you and for choosing me. I love you deeply.
A Big Girl in a Big Girl Bed
The weekend I’ve been stressing over for MONTHS finally arrived: C’s big transition from crib to big girl bed. Let’s just say, we were a little ill-prepared.
We decided that we would start on Friday evening to maximize the number of sleeps (night and naps) in the big girl bed over the weekend. However, the room wasn’t totally ready for a toddler’s free reign.
So before bed, Mark and I were hauling around to complete the following:
- Install video baby monitor
- Install little lock purchased on Amazon for sliding door closet
- Take Charlotte’s side table (that’s way too tippable) and mini person table and chairs out of the room
- Tie up “reading nook” canopy netting
- Put plug protectors in all of the outlets
- Switch the door handles so that the lock is on the outside (we don’t need the tot locking herself in the room… or us out)
By the time we finished, it was around 7:30. Kind of a late start for nighttime routine, but we got on our way. We both tried very hard to relax and settle into the routine, but I’m not sure how well we did. I think we were both still feeling a little rushed from our last minute toddler-proofing tasks and definitely anxious about the transition.
Anyway, we read books, brushed teeth and then took Charlotte into her new room. Instantly, she seemed on edge. We did her normal bedroom routine of saying goodnight to all her “guys” and cranking her music box. Then, we put her in her bed. She refused to lay down and was clinging her teddy.
Mommy: It’s okay. You don’t have to lay down. Here are your guys and here’s your blanky. There are books if you want to read, but it’s time for bed, so Mommy and Daddy are going to leave. We’ll see you in the morning. We love you!
Charlotte: <Cue the sobbing>
Daddy (to Mommy): Should we stay until she settles or falls asleep?
Mommy (to Daddy): Nope! We have to believe that she can do it! (To Charlie): We love you! You’re such a big girl.
Charlotte: <More sobbing>
Mark and I scurried out of the bedroom and immediately grabbed the monitor. While Charlotte cried, Mark began making suggestions, “Maybe we should send Toby in there?”
I don’t know where all of my inner mom strength was coming from, but I reassured him that she could do it and that we had to give her a minute. Through the monitor speaker, I told her that we loved her and were so proud of her and that we’d see her in the morning.
Then, she was quiet. She probably only cried for about a minute after we left her room. Then, she sat very quiet and still, clinging onto her teddy, for a good few minutes.
And all of a sudden, she seemed to relax.
She grabbed a book and had a nice little read.
She laid down and chatted.
Throughout the night, she rolled around enjoying her newfound space. And, she slept without a peep until 7am. Not to mention the fact that she stayed in bed the ENTIRE time!!
Wake up time!
The next day for naptime, the anxiety of the new bed was gone. She laid down and started to chat and play as she normally does. Then, Teddy fell out of the bed. She stared at him for a few moments until she decided to go after him. She crawled out of bed, picked up Teddy, and marched around to the other side of the bed where the step stool is located, and climbed right back into bed. A minute later, she threw Teddy out and repeated the process. Then, she went to sleep.
The rest of her naps and night sleeps went just as well.
So, it’s official! Our tiny tot is officially a BIG GIRL sleeping in a giant, full-sized bed.
As I mentioned before, I purchased these bumpers to put under her sheets and help keep her from rolling off the bed. I’m a huge fan.
28-Week Check Up
Last Monday (2/29), I had my 28-week OB Check. I meant to post this little update sooner, because I’m sure I’ve already forgotten things… but better late than never.
Glucose & HGB/HCT Test
This week was the ever exciting Glucose Test where I got to consume a ridiculous amount of orange drink in record time. Thankfully, despite getting in a fight less than an hour before my test, I PASSED!
In terms of the HGB/HCT test, my results came in a little low; HOWEVER, according to the doc, they’re normal for pregnancy. Regardless, I have decided that I should try to make a concious effort to eat more protein/iron-rich foods.
Stats
Heartrate: 96 bpm (a bit high… maybe from the special orange drink?)
Weight: Up 21 lbs – Also, due to the endless amounts of comments I’ve received (you’re carrying bigger this time, you seem to be eating differently this time, yada yada I’m giant), I asked my doctor to compare my weight gain with my pregnancy with C and this little man. Brace yourself, folks! IT’S THE SAME.
Here’s the kicker… I started 4 lbs heavier this time. So, with that said, when you’re commenting on me looking bigger, it’s actually my non-pregnant self who gained the extra LBS and we would never insult a non-pregnant woman by saying she looks big, right? Moral of the story, back off!
Q&A Session
Q: I’ve had random soreness on what feels like the exterior of my belly. The pain is sharp like a bruise and comes and goes. Should I be worried?
A: No. This is likely just baby pressing on a nerve, etc.
Q: I seem to have an excessive amount of braxton hicks. Should I be worried?
A: No. Likely you notice them more this time. Not a concern.
Q: Let’s talk VBAC’s. If my pregnancy is looking different (aka I’m actually progressing, baby is engaging, etc), will you allow me to go late and/or have pitocin?
A: Yes. If everything is the same, it is my recommendation that you schedule a c-section. If everything is different, I have no problem giving you additional time past your due date. In terms of pitocin, I will use pitocin to augment labor, but not to initiate. Initiating labor with pitocin will put you at more risk.
Big Girl Room Sneak Peek!
We made SUCH great progress on C’s big girl room this weekend! The closet was a bit of a hiccup, as it ended up requiring some patching and painting, but nothing that could slow us the hubby down!
Freshly painted pink closet with grey and gold triangle wall decals! I had purchased them thinking I’d put them on a wall in the main room and then changed my mind. Figured I might as well get some use out of them in the closet. PLEASE also note that the damn growth chart ruler FINALLY made it up on a wall… 2 years later. Next step, marking her height!
We worked extra late last night so that we could have the room in a functioning state to show Charlie this morning! (As we’ve been working on the room, we’ve kept the little one out so that we could do more of a grand reveal.)
Well, this morning was that big reveal. We’re not quite done, but we’re close enough that this week we will begin doing nighttime routine in her new room (reading books, drinking milk) and have opened the room up for playing and loving. The hope is then to make the big crib-to-bed transition beginning as early as this weekend!
Anyway, since Charlie got to see it, I figured I’d share a few little sneak peek pictures on here. Once everything is complete, I’ll do a full post on all of the little things in the room, but for now, here are a few pics…
Loving her toddler mirror! She kept saying, “Hiiii! Hii! Hi!”
Loving her new bed. Should I be scared that within minutes of entering the room, she had already climbed in and out of her bed multiple times? I forsee a few nights of Charlie falling asleep on the floor after she decides she does not want to stay in her bed.
Dress up clothes box!
Story time with Nana ❤
We were only able to spend a few minutes in the room with her, but from what we could tell, she LOVED it!
Still on the agenda:
- Paint closet doors and bedroom door white (we are waiting until spring so we can spray paint outside)
- Doll up C’s tiny person art table, make cushions for the chairs and hang her art display rack and art suppplies rack
- Remove baby boy items from C’s closet, transfer all of her clothes to the room.
- Put light plate on new dimmer switch
- Install some sort or blackout roman or cellular blinds
- Get a furry bean bag chair for C’s reading corner
- Install legs on C’s chair (World Market has had some issues getting us the appropriate hardware)
28 Weeks Bumpdate
Taken 2/27/16
Total weight gain: So I finally decided to break down and ask my doctor how my weight gain this pregnancy compares with last pregnancy. AND, the consensus? The same! However, I am currently about 4 lbs heavier than last pregnancy, which is where I started out (AKA: my pre-pregnancy weight for this pregnancy was 4 lbs above last pregnancy).
I was actually really relieved to hear that. I don’t know why exactly, but it felt good.
And honestly, I’ve been doing really quite well with my workout routine over the past 2-3 months. I’ve been going strong at around 3 workouts per week (there were a few weeks I skipped because I was sick, etc) and actually increased to 4 times starting last week. We’ll see if I can keep it up.
It’s crazy how much better I feel when I’m working out. I feel more energized and flexible and just all around less achy and less like a giant monster hobbling around.
Maternity clothes: I still haven’t made any progress here. I should get another pair of workout pants and a sports bra and could also use a new top or two… but I haven’t decided what I’ll do with that.
Stretch marks: Still going strong with no stretchies.
Sleep: I’ve been sleeping pretty well lately. Although last night I was up with poor Charlie. She had a nightmare and woke up SCREAMING… and I mean SCREAMING at the top of her lungs… last night. Daddy went in first, but within 15 minutes of him getting back to bed, she was screaming again. It was Mommy’s turn.
Despite it being 3:30 in the morning, it was actually really sweet time with my girl. She was such a cuddle bug and just so warm and innocent.
Anyway, I digress. My sleep has been just fine.
Best moment of this week: My sweet Katiekins was back in town this weekend for her shower! I was able to see her Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The only way for it to be.
Her shower was a lot of fun! Great food and even better company!
Then Sunday, we all got together for brunch with the babies. Yes, more baby brunching! It’s so fun to have all the kiddies together. 
The other fun little snipit is that we’re continuing to make progress in Charlotte’s new room. The big girl room and bed transition is coming quickly!
Miss anything: I could go for a nice little happy hour date.
Movement: I’ll keep saying it, but this little mister is a mover and a shaker. He’s busy busy in there.
Food cravings: I haven’t been to “crave-y” this week. I mean, I love sweets, but whatever. OH! Wait… the other night I ate… hmm. What did I eat? An orange, a bag of cheddar skinny pop and a bowl of cherrios. Mark claimed it was my first little pregnancy random food binge. It was tasty.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nada.
Have you started to show yet: Today some very sweet women told me that they didn’t even notice that I was pregnant! Yahoo! Go me.
Gender: little man!
Labor signs: The Braxton Hicks have slowed down a bit, which is nice. Doc said it’s no biggy.
Belly button in or out: My belly button is a weird little stretched bump now.
Wedding rings on or off: On, but sometimes I wish off.
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy unless people are being mean. I have a very low tolerance for mean.
Looking forward to: We should be pretty darn close to done with C’s room by the end of this weekend. I literally cannot wait. We are going to start doing nighttime routine in there (reading her books in her new bed, etc) and playing in there and just sleeping in her crib at night. Then, a week or two after that, we’ll make the big transition.
And then we get to decorate the nursery! Big things.
There is still a TON to finish, which is quite overwhelming. And I just feel like there are so many things I want to get done. And of course, whenever you feel like that, you get hit with a ton of other random stupid things that try to derail you. One being my broken windshield. Definitely going to be a very unwanted expense and time-suck to get that stupid thing fixed.
Universe, please just let me spend this final trimester nesting in peace.
27 Big Bumpdate Weeks
bump close up
Total weight gain: Yesterday (last week) our sales guy was in the office for the first time since the holidays. As we were chatting, he interupted himself and said, “WOW! You’re really getting big.” I barely looked up at him and said, “Yeah, you, too!” Without a smile, laugh or hint of a joke.
Oops.
Maybe that was a little harsh, but he caught me in a sensitive moment (week? month? 10 months?).
Maternity clothes: I need some new stuff and don’t know where to go. I was thinking maybe I’d head over to Destination Maternity/Pea in the Pod this weekend. I think I have $50 in store credit from my last pregnancy.
Stretch marks: Body is definitely stretching, but thankfully no marks yet.
Sleep: Last night I had the weirdest dream that I could feel the baby falling and flipping when I rolled from one side to the other. I’m thinking that he was up all night squiggling (I’m not 100% sure what squiggling is, but that’s what his movements feel like. A combo of twisty pinchy movements.).
Otherwise my sleep has been okay. Definitely a lot of weird/loud dreams lately. I need to calm it down. Maybe I need to go back to reading books (instead of Facebook or Pinterest) before bed.
Best moment of this week: I had such a great weekend and a lovely time brunching with my ladies, their men and all of the babes. It just makes my heart happy. I’ll post more pics, but here’s one of all the kiddies…
Miss anything: not today! Today I’m feeling good.
Movement: So. Much. Movement. He’s really starting to feel giant! Tonight I felt an elbow or knee. I just love it! I feel like he’s going to be here in no time!
Food cravings: This weekend at brunch, I ate a half a donut. Mmmmmmmm.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nada.
Have you started to show yet: I’m a walking show.
Gender: little man!
Labor signs: Still having a pretty decent amount of Braxton Hicks contractions. But nothing real.
Belly button in or out: My belly button is getting weird. It pokes out a little, but only because it’s so stretched.
Wedding rings on or off: On, but sometimes I wish off.
Happy or moody most of the time: I’m happy today!
Looking forward to: My sweetie pie Kate is coming home this weekend for her shower! I’m excited to see her and to catch up.
26 Week Bumpdate
How far along: 26 Weeks, 5 Days
Total weight gain: Haven’t been on the scale this week. Probably a good thing. I also haven’t been to the gym this week. I’d been doing SO well, but dropped the ball over the past week or so, as we’ve been super busy.
To add to my lack of gym time, my lovely father said to me yesterday, “You’re really carrying much bigger this time!” Add that to the list of comments that require a follow-up punch in the gut.
Maternity clothes: I still need more maternity clothes. Haven’t bought anything since I last mentioned that.
Stretch marks: Still stretch mark free… which reminds me, I STILL need to buy more vitamin e oil.
Sleep: I’ve been sleeping pretty well lately. I’ve actually been comfortable on my back. I have to be inclined and angled, but still. I’m pretty comfy.
Best moment of this week: We had a really great Valentine’s Day Weekend! It was a ton of fun! AND, we started our Love & Logic Class that I won… FOR FREE! The class is 6 weeks, 2 hours per week. We’ve had one class and already it’s great. I just love talking parenting and learning new ways to stay sane and better handle the tot.
Miss anything: I miss not feeling chubby. The past few days, I’ve not been feeling so pretty. I think I need to get my butt back to the gym.
Movement: This tiny man creature is SUCH a mover and a shaker. Multiple times this week, I’ve literally jumped out of my seat because he’s poked in such a way that feels like a part tickle, part inside pinch. Silly bugger.
Food cravings: I like sweet things. And pizza. I’ve also still been craving donuts. Before this pregnancy is over, I will have a donut.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!
Have you started to show yet: Just a bit.
Gender: A gentleman.
Labor signs: I have a decent amount of very mild braxton hicks.
Belly button in or out: My belly button is disappearing.
Wedding rings on or off: Mornings are my fingers’ least favorite time of day.
Happy or moody most of the time: I think I’ve been a happy little lady lately. As long as you’re not calling my fat. That tends to piss me off pretty quickly.
Looking forward to: We’re going to make some good progress on the rooms this weekend! I’m looking forward to that, because it’s really starting to stress me out.
A Busy Valentine’s Day Weekend
My Vday weekend update starts with a mini celebration this past Tuesday. Like the geek that he is, the hubs has spent 12+ hours over the past two(ish) months re-watching (in order) all of the Star Wars movies to refresh his memory before seeing the new movie on the big screen.
Now, if you’ve been to our house, you know that we have a pretty small TV. So, each of these 12 Star Wars Hours were spent curled up about 2 feet from the TV. Anyway, I told Mark I needed him home early so I could workout on Tuesday night, but instead surprised him with tickets to go see Star Wars at the iMax 3D theater. He was very pleased 🙂
On Thursday, Charlie brought in a little gift for her classmates. Because this is a religious school that does not celebrate Valentine’s Day, we kept it nice and general. But of course, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to give valentines 🙂
I’ll do a full blog on the sensory bottles “we” made for her class, but the gist is that while I had hoped it would be something C and I could do together, it turned into me binge watching “The Fall” and making 12 sensory bottles until around midnight. BUT, the kids loved them!
On Friday, we went to my parents’ house for dinner with my bro! As always, it was great being able to see him and giving C the opportunity to fall even more in love with her quirky uncle.
Saturday morning, C went to gymnastics (where she was a little gymnast rockstar, according to Daddy) and then we went to our favorite spot, the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, for a Valentine’s Day Ice Cream Social with our friends.
Charlotte loved it! She pointed out every single baby she saw, she peeked into every stroller, ate her first cup of ice cream and about 2.5 cheese sticks, she discovered Mr. Potato Head, did her first exercise class, and played with her best girls, Ellie & Ari.
C’s face when Mommy says, “Say Cheese!”
And when Mommy says, “Say puppy dog!”
That evening, it was time for Marky’s VDay date that he planned for me. Not only was I surprised that he had planned anything (no offense, love), but I was so pleasantly surprised by our activity.
We went to Sur La Table for an Italian cooking class and it was fabulous! We had so much fun. (Thanks to Milly for watching the tiny one and giving us a night out!) We cooked a tasty salad, tenderloin and pasta carbonera… with custard for dessert. We had such a great time cooking and enjoying each other.
Definitely a perfect Valentine’s Day celebration.
On Sunday, the actual Vday, I decorated the bathroom mirror with little hearts (cut out from Charlotte’s beautiful artwork) that listed just some of the ways I love my sweet man.
Then, we were off! It was Baby Day!
First stop: the hospital to visit my beautiful friend who just had a tiny little man on Friday. Will. Oy. How cute, huh?
Then, we played cupid fairy and dropped off some cupcakes at a friend’s house who just recently had a little guy.
With all the driving (probably 2 hours total), I decided to give C her Valentine’s Day gift from Mommy early. I’ll do a separate post, but I made her a memory game with cards featuring our family. She LOVES THEM!
And our next stop: Another baby visit! This time we were off to our friends’ house to meet their newest addition, Mackenzie, and play with their older daughter, Madison. We brought lunch and caught up and watched the girls play. Charlotte is finally at an age where she’s really playing with her friends. It’s a blast to watch.
By the time we got home, it was 2 or 230 (we left the house at 9am). Thankfully, Charlotte napped right away so we could all get a little rest in. Then, Mark’s dad and step mom came over to see the little lady and brought us some dinner on the cold snowy evening. It was great!
All in all, a total whirlwind of fun and love.
Playing House 
