Category Archives: Second Pregnancy

24 Week Bumpdate & Check Up

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  How far along: 24 Weeks, 3 Days (OVER 6 MONTHS! That’s insane. Time really is flying by. Some moments I feel like this entire pregnancy has just been a giant blur. When I look down, I have moments of complete surprise. Like somehow I’ve totally forgotten that I’m pregnant. I guess a toddler will do that to you.)

Total weight gain: Oh goodness… I had my 24-week check up today and of course it was at 2:30… right after I downed my lunch. Remind me next time to eat AFTER I have to step on the scale. SO, I’m up 5.5 lbs this MONTH. And 15 total. But I’m going to justify that at least 1-2 lbs was my food baby.

As a side, I had hoped to work out after my appointment. Unfortunately, it ended too early that I couldn’t justify not going back to work. So, what did I do instead? Yes, I stopped at Starbucks for an iced chai and a warm cookie (PS: they heat up your cookie for you…). Shit. That was pretty much the opposite of what I had planned and probably the last thing a rational person does after feeling disappointed by a weight check. Oh well. Tomorrow will be better, right?

Maternity clothes: I need some more basic maternity shirts. Nice stretchy, soft long ones. I was thinking H&M. Any other suggestions?

Stretch marks: Still stretch mark free… which reminds me, I need to buy more vitamin e oil.

Sleep: I’m feeling pretty tired today, so this probably isn’t a good time to ask. This morning I was woken up by the silliest toddler ever. At 4am, the tiny one decided it was meeting time with Teddy & the gang. I’m not sure if it was Teddy or Baby, but someone was cracking jokes that had Charlie giggling away in her crib. Her little one-sided chat (and giggle fest) lasted at least a half an hour until she suddenly got quiet and passed out. Such a strange little babes.

Best moment of this week: Not to make a habit of highlighting the worst parts of my week when answering this question… BUT, can I just mention that we had the worst family photo session ever on Saturday? Oy. Charlotte was in mega beast mode. She was whiney and totally unwilling to smile or even come near us. She kept bursting into tears, wouldn’t put down this damn minnie stuffed animal and a tiny jar of paint (yep, both items – neither of which are ours – will appear in many of the photos), and just didn’t play Mommy’s adorable photo session game.

I was so hopeful that we’d get these sweet photos of Charlie giving us kisses and hugs. Pictures that showed our little family of three (and growing fourth). Instead, it will likely depict two stressed parents and a pissed off toddler. I guess that’s life, huh?

On a positive note, I got to see my friend Erica’s little man last night…  

Miss anything: Vacation. I’ve sooooo been craving vacation. We had talked about babymooning, but ultimately decided that it isn’t really worth it. Traveling pregnant is a bit of a buzz kill. We’ll save our dollars for post-eviction travel.

Movement: I officially saw the baby bumpkins attempting escape through my belly this week. I’m sure I’m wrong, but I felt like I couldn’t see C moving around (aka my belly hopping all over) until later in my pregnancy. Either way, it’s great! He’s such a squiggler. I love it.

Food cravings: See above comment regarding chocolate chip cookies. Damn you, sweets!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Have you started to show yet: Don’t patronize me! I think I need to remove this question…

Gender: A gentleman.

Labor signs: None to speak of!

Belly button in or out: Wide open button.

Wedding rings on or off: Mornings are my fingers’ least favorite time of day.

Happy or moody most of the time: Well, I don’t know. I think happy. I’ve been feeling really good. Energized (except today) and productive. I think that’s kept me in a good mood. I guess if you really wanted to know, we’d have to fact-check with the hubs. He is usually the first to know when I’m leaning towards the moody variety.

Looking forward to: Wednesday I have lunch with my girls and their babies! I’m hoping the snow doesn’t delay us… unless it totally cancels work, in which case, I might be okay with it. Then, this weekend, we have plans with our friends who have two kiddies. We haven’t seen them since New Years, so I’m excited to catch up and see how life with a newborn and toddler is treating them. Other excitements… I don’t know. I’m ready to be home with my hubby. I’ll be happy to get home, smoosh my little baby and relax with hubs.

OTHER CHECK UP UPDATES

I was so tired, I literally didn’t ask any questions. So here are my stats:

Weight Gain: see above.

BP: 108/… shit. 60 maybe? I can’t remember now.

Heartrate: 88 bpm (I’m so consistent!)

Baby’s Heartrate: I totally forgot to ask. I was too distracted by the tiny little man punching the doppler every few seconds. Clearly he was enjoying his food coma and did not want to be poked.

Next appointment (at 28 weeks) will be my glucose test and I have to get my tetanus shot. FML. Guys, I hate shots. Nevermind 24 hours of unmedicated labor… I’m terrified of needles.

23 Weeks, 4 Days

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I took this photo on the 23 week mark (aka last Friday), but didn’t post it because my face looked especially bloated and was hoping to do a retake but have ultimately given up. With that said, ignore my puffy face.

 

1/22/16 – Got my little love bug with me 🙂

How far along: 23 Weeks, 4 Days

Total weight gain: I meant to check and then I forgot. Truly. I’m not even just saying that but really avoiding the scale. I’ll try to remember.

Maternity clothes: Maternity leggings are my best friend. I swear, my body just aint what it used to be. My boobs feel like at any given moment they’re literally going to explode. Ugh.

Stretch marks: Still none… so there’s that! Go me!

Sleep: Sleeping is okay. A bit uncomfortable with the side sleeping. My arm and shoulder tend to go numb depending on which side I’m laying on. I have found a comfortable position though… I have to be pretty well propped up and maybe a hint angled to one side and then I’m able to sleep on my back without feeling winded.

Best moment of this week: This past week (and through the weekend), we moved our office to another building. This was not the best moment of my week; however, being all moved in and done with the madness feels pretty good. Let’s just say that moving your work office… with your parents… well, it’s not that fun. Thankfully, we managed to have only one screaming argument (this week) and it was quickly resolved. To add to the joys of moving, our furnace at home died, we found out our shower was leaking into the basement (in the unfinished and finished portion) and we’re all sick… AGAIN. Somehow, we’re managing to stay in good spirits.

Miss anything: Cold meds. I would love a little nyquil or sudafed right about now.

Movement: The bugger must be getting big. The movements are definitely getting stronger! I absoltely love it. It’s just my favorite. I think he’s going to be a little food lover just like his parents because every time I put a tiny bit of food in my belly, he jumps for joy. Or at least that’s what I tell myself. I’m looking forward to having Charlotte feel him move. We got close the other day, but then Miss Bossy realized I was holding onto her hand and the game ended.

Food cravings: Cake. Cake. Cake. Donuts. Cake. Ice Cream. It’s terrible. Thankfully I haven’t indulged, but I feel myself caving. I need a sweet treat ASAP. Last night I was so desperate for a treat that I made homemade chocolate milk. It was actually very easy and pretty tasty (just milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla, and sugar). I drank about half of my glass and then gave it to Mark. Tasty, but no wedding cake.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Have you started to show yet: The question is, “are there any angles where you’re managing not to show?” Answer: None that I can see.

Gender: A little newsie.

Labor signs: No, but I have been thinking about labor a lot. At first, I felt 100% convinced that I was going to end up having a c-section and now, for whatever reason, I feel more worried (if I’m being honest) that this baby is going to come naturally. I really do want a natural birth experience, but with my experience with Charlotte looming in my mind, I can’t help but feel a little nervous about the whole thing. I don’t feel as mentally strong as I felt last time. I’m a wounded soldier.

Belly button in or out: I would die of shock if my belly button popped out.

Wedding rings on or off: Ugh, my fingers are already swelling…

Happy or moody most of the time: With the move this past week, I tried VERY hard to focus my energies on not being cranky. To just be relaxed and go-with-the-flowish… a quality that isn’t really in my wheelhouse. Regardless, I think it worked. Although that might be what’s left me feeling desperate for cake. Eat your feelings, anyone?

Looking forward to: Tonight we get C’s newly painted big girl bed. The girl who’s refinishing the furniture for us sent us a sneak peek and it’s looking great! So I’m excited to see it. Hmmm. What else? That might be it…

 

How gorgeous is this bed??

 

Left: Before in all its green glory, Right: After!!

 

The dresser that I absolutely adore.

 

Look how well she cleaned up the original hardware…

 

22 Weeks & 4 Days

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  For some reason, I thought I was 23 weeks this week, which was a bit of a disappointment. BUT, 22 weeks is still pretty far. This little nugget is already 11 inches and I believe a pound. A real big guy 🙂

How far along: 22 Weeks, 4 Days

Total weight gain: I haven’t gotten on the scale since last week. I ate like crap this weekend, so I don’t anticipate loving the number. I’ll check next week!

Maternity clothes: Yes, yes, yes!

Stretch marks: Nope!

Sleep: Sleep has been pretty good… EXCEPT, my pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel is back. GRR. Needless to say, I wake up with a lot of pain in my hands. Hopefully it doesn’t get much worse.

Best moment of this week: We had a GREAT time with my cousin and uncle who were in town from Cali. I’ll do a separate post, but it was a lot of fun and Charlotte had a blast. Definitely the highlight of my month. If only they lived closer.

Miss anything: Not too bad this week!

Movement: I know I said this last week, but the little one is such a wiggler. He squirms all day every day. If I wake up in the middle of the night, there he goes, flip flopping around. And actually, he’s definitely a bit quieter during the day. PLEASE, LITTLE GUY, GET YOUR DAYS AND NIGHTS FIGURED OUT NOW… oy. That’s a scary thought. 

Food cravings: I’m ready to get back to home-cooked healthy meals.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Have you started to show yet: Bump, bump, bummmmmp.

Gender: Can’t wait to meet our little man.

Labor signs: I feel like I’ve had Braxton Hicks lately. Typically when I have to pee or when I’m doing something strenuous. I can’t remember when they started last time. Regardless, they’re super mild.

Belly button in or out: The gaping pregnancy belly hole. That sucker isn’t going anywhere.

Wedding rings on or off: On! But they’re tight in the morning.

Happy or moody most of the time: Hmmm. I’ve been pretty split this week. I’m still really on edge. We’re moving office locations at work, which I think is lending to the mood. My parents (who I work with) are stressed, I’m stressed and together, it’s a bit tense. But at home, I feel like I’ve been great. Very happy. Charlie has been a little muffin face and I’ve been loving every minute of this silly toddler age. Except those moments where I want to bang my head against the wall. That’s normal, right?

Looking forward to: We finish off the move this weekend, so I’m excited for that to be over and done. I’m also still looking forward to getting things going on the two kiddie rooms. I’d love to get the new light fixture installed in the nursery and the chandelier moved to C’s new room. Progress, progress, progress.

Babies GALORE

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To say that I’m surrounded by babies would be an understatement. If we’re just talking “Facebook Friends” I could literally say that I know someone who births a baby every single day. Maybe not really, but it’s close.

I am 100% surrounded by people with babies under 6 months old or who are pregnant. And, it’s amazing! I absolutely love it.

Just this week… yes, it’s only Tuesday, two of my good friends just had babies. One yesterday morning and one this morning. Can you believe it?

Even better, both of these girls delivered vaginally! GO MOMMA POWER!

And actually, another girl from my high school just had a successful VBAC. I think it was yesterday? I emailed her and asked her to chat when things settle down and already heard back.

Besides all those babies, three of my other besties have babes 6 months or under (and another friend with a babe who’s 8 months). Then I have two friends due next month and my Seattle bestie and another friend who was pregnant with me last time due within weeks of my due date.

That makes it seem like I have tons of friends.

I don’t.

I have literally just accounted for all of my friends. SO. MANY. BABIES.

I absolutely love it. Seeing all of these tiny babies is getting me pretty excited for our little bundle. Such happy times.

A Couple Presents for Bumpkins

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Aside from making some nursery purchases yesterday (we are switching over the nursery from Charlotte’s zen little princess space to bumpkins’ rustic lodge), I’ve made a couple other budget purchases.

Since finding out baby bump is a boy, I just couldn’t resist. Thankfully, I am SO fortunate (yet again) to have excessive hand-me-downs coming my way from my sister (and nephew), so we really don’t need much. But, who can resist a good (and adorable) deal?

Here’s the loot…

One 6-12 month romper by Baby Boden purchased on a Facebook Buy, Sell, Trade Group (my new obsession) for only $3!

  
So cute, right? Thanks to my Milly for doing the dirty work and picking this one up for me!

And #2, some brand I can’t remember, but literally the softest and coziest jammy (that I wish came in my size but is instead 6-9 months) for only $4 from Marshalls.

  
I love good deals and can’t wait to meet the little mister who’s going to bring these cute little outfits to life! 

21 Weeks, 1 Day

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How far along: 21 Weeks, 1 Day

Total weight gain: My total is anywhere between 11-13 depending on the scale. Right on track! As a side, baby is over 10″ now! Such a big little guy!

Maternity clothes: All day, every day.

Stretch marks: Nada… yet.

Sleep: I’ve been sleeping better lately! Only waking up once a night or not at all! Still pretty tired, but not too bad!

Best moment of this week: I’m really feeling the little guy dance around these days! My placenta is in the front, so it look a little longer, but now he’s a moving machine. It’s interesting because I mostly feel him super low. Like, essentially where my c-section scar is. It’s pretty crazy. 

Miss anything: There is something about this weather that makes me crave red wine or a dirty martini… But I’m surviving 🙂 I also miss being able to buy normal clothes.

Movement: Yes, yes! He’s a wiggle worm in the afternoons and at night. I love it!

Food cravings: We’ve been back to cooking three healthy meals a day, which feels great!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Feeling good!

Have you started to show yet: Yes!

Gender: he’s a sweet pumpkin of a boy!

Labor signs: No, no.

Belly button in or out: holding onto my inny.

Wedding rings on or off: On! But in not going to lie, they’re tight when I first wake up.

Happy or moody most of the time: Well, at the beginning of the week, I was still in quite the funk. Thankfully a good friend helped me pull my head out of it and I’m feeling a lot better. I definitely get crabby faster than normal, but hoping that will pass.

Looking forward to: I’m making progress on both Charlotte’s room and new baby’s. I ordered some stuff that should be arriving soon, so I’m looking forward to getting the rooms set up. BUT, more importantly, my little partner in crime is coming to town! My sweet Cali cousin will be here THURSDAY to play house with us and this time, my uncle is coming, too!! I can’t wait 🙂 

20 Week Check Up

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 Today marks Week 20, Day 4 of my pregnancy! Wahoo! Over halfway through. To date, my OB Checks have been pretty quick and harmless.

Here are my stats from today:

Weight: Up 9 lbs (total) – as an FYI, I started at the exact weight I had measured in at with Charlotte and have gained less. Last time, I had gained 10 lbs at 19 weeks. This mom bod just aint the same as it used to be.

BP: 100 something/54 ? Ugh I don’t know. I wasn’t paying attention.

Pulse: 88 bpm

Fetal Heart Rate: PERFECT! I forgot to ask the actual rate, but it sounded great and little boo decided to play. He pushed and pushed and pushed that little doppler until finally he gave up and switched positions. Apparently he was not in the mood to be bothered.

I also decided to ask a few questions this time… and to preface, I should mention that I had a c-section the first time after 20 some hours of labor (Here’s our labor story and our delivery story). The c-section didn’t go perfectly because our little Charlie got stuck.

Needless to say, while I will be allowed to try for a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section), there are some stipulations. Today I asked about those stipulations:

Question 1: How long will I be able to stay pregnant before having to schedule a c-section?

Answer 1: My doctor will not induce me, as she does not deem it safe for my VBAC attempt. However, she will let me go just a couple of days past my due date in hopes that I go into labor naturally.

Question 2: IF I have to have a planned c-section, can baby be put on me immediately for skin-to-skin?

Answer 2: I’ve worked with the nurses to come up with a plan that works for our moms and babies and the nurses. I will hand the baby immediately to the nurses who will check them VERY briefly (less than one minute) and put them on mom’s chest. All testing (APGAR), baths, etc will happen later.

Question 3: If I have to have a c-section, will you still do the prolonged cord cutting?

Answer 3: I will typically wait a minute, but don’t feel comfortable waiting any longer, as the mom is still open and bleeding from the edges.

What Not to Say…

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Yesterday at the nail salon, which my mother, sister and I frequent:

Nail Tech: Your face get a little fat (as she uses her fingers to show roundness in the face)

Me: Uhhhhhh…

Mom: NO! That’s not true…

Nail Tech: Yes! You gain the pounds, no?

Me: Uhhh… I mean… uhh.. I’ve gained weight…

Nail Tech (while smiling and nodding): Yes, see!?

Me: That’s uhh… I’m pregnant. So, yeah.

Somehow, the conversation wouldn’t go away and my sweet mother added in, “It’s interesting to see how your diet is different this time around.”

Me: (More silence and furious texting to my husband)

<End Scene>

WHAT. THE. F…

I literally went home and proceeded to cry to my husband.

So, for those of you who have never been pregnant or it’s been too long to remember the emotions, let me share a few things with you:

  1. Just because it’s inevitable (and healthy and wonderful, blah blah) that you’ll gain weight, does NOT mean it’s open for analyzation. Keep your opinions to yourself. I don’t want to know which part of my body you think got bigger or how YOU feel about what I’m eating. In fact, you can keep all of your opinions regarding me and/or my pregnancy to yourself.
  2. Despite the happiness that pregnancy brings, it also brings a heavy load of body insecurity. It is literally a time where you no longer recognize your own body. It’s also a time where your body just totally does its own thing. At moments, that’s a lot to handle, so simply be kind.
  3. I REALLY don’t want to hear about how little weight you gained when pregnant. 100% uninterested.
  4. When in doubt, ask yourself, “if she wasn’t pregnant, would I say that?” Or better yet, “what would it feel like if someone said that to me?”

Today I told a colleague my nail tech story and she responded by saying, “shut up! I constantly think about how annoying it is that you can barely notice that you’re pregnant except for your little bump.”

That, my friends, is how you speak to a pregnant woman.

We’re Having A…

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Charlotte is very excited to announce that come May of THIS YEAR (Happy New Year, All!), she’ll welcome a little brother into our family! 

    
    

C’s “I Love My Brother” onesie: $4 from Kohl’s 

 We had our anatomy scan ultrasound this past Tuesday (12/29) and it went perfectly! Baby is healthy and adorable. 

He was a little wiggle worm and smooshed his hands in his face and laid with his legs over his head like a goon. It was so fun to see him play around in there and just such a relief to hear that he’s seemingly healthy!

The doc said that a positive anatomy scan reduces chances of any genetic disorders by 50%! 

And gender… Let’s just say the hubs is pretty darn pleased! Me too! I envision a cuddly little buddy and I just can’t wait to snuggle this sweet little guy.

My heart is bursting.

Check out this little stud…

   
    
    
   

18 Weeks, 4 Days

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12/22/15

  How far along: 18 Weeks, 4 Days

Total weight gain: When I checked last, I hadn’t gained any since last time. According to my doc, it’s 2 lbs… but my guess is that I’m closer to 5-7 lbs.

Maternity clothes: All day, every day.

Stretch marks: Nada… yet.

Sleep: I thought we were past the toddler night terrors, but they’ve returned this week. Between the toddler and the puppy, I’ve had a couple sleepless nights lately… but there is a big positive. One that I’m very proud of. I recently took a break from my typical “chick lit” books and picked up Pride & Prejudice… and with my recent night wakings, managed to finish it! Take that, high school self! Not only did I finish it, but I REALLY enjoyed it! Go me!

Best moment of this week: My little bug is doing SO well at school. I cannot even begin to tell you how happy it makes me to see her loving school so much and thriving and growing as she is. She’s just such an amazing little lady.

Miss anything: Maybe a glass of red wine.

Movement: Yes!! Still just little bumps here and there… but it’s so fun! I can’t wait for the big kicks!

Food cravings: Food and I are not in a good place. I’m in my low confidence in my body place right now. SO, I’m trying very hard to make better choices and get my preggo butt to the gym. I have to stay healthy for this little nugget inside of me!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Feeling good!

Have you started to show yet: Yes!

Gender: My cousin claims to be 100% sure it’s another girl. Everyone else thinks boy. I just don’t know!

Labor signs: No, no.

Belly button in or out: It’s a gaping hole.

Wedding rings on or off: On!

Happy or moody most of the time: I’ve got to be honest, I have been operating on a fine line of wanting to punch people in the face. My crabby switch gets flipped SO easily these days. I can feel myself getting wildly offended by things I’m not sure are actually an issue. I’m trying to take deep breaths. Maybe next week will be better! haha

Looking forward to: We find out the sex of the baby NEXT WEEK!!! AHH!! I can’t even believe I’m already almost at the halfway point! How has time whizzed by so quickly? Another exciting thing… Marky and I are going to paint C’s big girl room this weekend! YAY! I can’t wait to get it all set up!