Tag Archives: second pregnancy

Charlie & Henry

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I have thought a lot about the introduction of Henry to Charlie over the past 42 weeks. It’s been unclear as to what Charlotte was truly anticipating with all the talk of Baby Henry, but regardless, she seemed to be excited.

Henry arrived on Thursday and on Friday evening, Charlotte came to the hospital to meet her brother.When my parents arrived at the hospital, we had Mark meet them downstairs and take C to get her a bit more comfortable (aka bribe her with some graham crackers). Then, he brought her up to see Mommy and meet her new brother.

The introduction could not have gone ant better. Charlotte was completely enamored and so deeply happy and excited. The video and pictures say much more than I ever could… get ready for heart-melting stuff…

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41 Weeks, 4 Days

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How far along: 41 Weeks, 4 Days – So, I survived the worst sinus infection to date in my 31 years and I’m feeling good. Baby and I are still hanging out in this ginormous bod of mine. Somehow, I’m still feeling pretty good (mentally and physically). Babes and I are sitting comfortably… well, bouncing comfortably.

Total weight gain: As of my last weigh-in on Friday (4 days ago), I had lost a pound or so. With that, I’m at a total weight gain of 32 lbs even. Like most 41.5 week pregnant mommas, I’m feeling SO SKINNY. haha But really, I don’t feel too bad!

Maternity clothes: I’m over maternity clothes… but still rocking nothing but.

Stretch marks: F this question. As of 41 weeks, I have stretch marks. Asshole stretch marks. My doc said they might go away post-birth. I’m not overly confident, but I will say, they look better than when I first discovered them. I’m scared for my post-birth stomach, but trying to stay optimistic. There’s always really fancy and expensive lasers to zap that shit off once I have tons of excess money just slapping me in the face… right?

Sleep: Since being sick and being totally unable to sleep for more than 1 hour at a time, I’m 1000% grateful for my “only woke up three times to pee last night” sleep. It’s so luxurious.

Best moment of this week: I had an amazing time this weekend. The weather was perfect and our little family of three really enjoyed every available minute. I’m very thankful we had the time together.

Miss anything: I could go for some oysters.

Movement: Yes, yes. Little bugger likes to try to widen my stomach with his tiny feet. I’m guessing my ritzy womb is getting a bit tight these days.

Food cravings: Oysters and champagne.

Anything making you queasy or sick: My sinuses were trying to murder me via facial explosion. But that since has passed.

Have you started to show yet: BOOM, BOOM, BOOM… that’s the sound I make crossing the room.

Gender: Comfy, cozy little dude.

Labor signs: Well, I am definitely not in labor… so I don’t know how to answer this question. But am I having contractions? Yes. I had a very friendly (and by friendly I mean breath-stealing, reached-my nostrils) membrane sweep on Friday. It didn’t kick me into labor, but I’m hoping it has at least helped me to progress. Fingers crossed that my doc can fit me in this afternoon for round two of Operation Torture Mommy to Get Baby Out.

Belly button in or out: Ihave the weirdest belly button. It’s outward, but still very inny. Anytime Charlotte sees it, she does a double take.

Wedding rings on or off: Still rocking the wedding band and can definitely still get my engagement ring on… but it’s off.

Happy or moody most of the time: Ihave somehow been in a great mood (post-sinus hell).

Looking forward to: Baby, baby, baby!

Still Alive & Still Pregnant

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My last post was pretty doom and gloom, so I figured it might be nice to share an update.

I have officially survived the worst of the most awful and painful sinus infection in my 31 years (hopefully). I’m three days into my antibiotic (not happy to be on antibiotics, but there was no denying that it was inescapable this time) and already feeling such improvements.

For two days, I was totally unable to sleep or lie down or do much of anything besides take steam showers, smash my face between ice packs and whimper. 

But, things are better. I can almost open my mouth all the way and didn’t have to smoosh my face in ice packs at all today. My sense of smell and taste are still pretty lost, but it can’t be long now!

I am also still very pregnant. 41 weeks, 1 day to be exact.

But, it’s Memorial Day weekend and we’re off to a good start. Hubs and I went for our ramen noodle obsession last night (thanks, Milly!) and today had a nice day with the tot and evening with my parents. 

Here are a few pics…


40 Weeks & 3 Days, OB Check & Continued Bouncing

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I’m sure some of you have been wondering if my recent disappearance is because I’m deep in those first few days of new mommyhood (again). Let me clarify… I am not. Instead, I am taking walks, having induction massages (talk about a dousy), eating dates, drinking red raspberry leaf tea, and bouncing incessantly on my birthing ball.


Photos taken on 5/20/16

How far along: 40 Weeks, 3 Days – Once again, it’s super weird to have this pretty arbitrary (at least in my case) date that you’re counting down to and then have it arrive and pass just like that. I’m not totally sure how it makes me feel. This morning as I was taking a nice long walk, I thought, this is it! I’m here. We did it. But then at moments, I get a little negative or at minimum, skeptical, and start thinking… uh oh… is this happening again?

Meaning, is this baby going to refuse to come on his own like his stubborn big sis?

Honestly, I don’t feel like that’s the case. This pregnancy feels different. But, only time will tell… and until then, I’ll be on my birthing ball bouncing away the days.

Total weight gain: I gained about 1.3 lbs this past week, taking my total weight gain to 33.4 lbs. Woot, woot! Go me! Also, my swelling is almost non existent. It’s crazy. Last pregnancy, I was in a puffy, swollen suit. This time, I still have arches AND bone structure in my feet.

Maternity clothes: IMaybe it was a bit premature, but I’ve started pulling some of my maternity clothes out of my drawers. I’m over it. Ready to wear real clothes again… and by real clothes, I mean yoga pants (that don’t tuck into my bra) and nursing tanks.

Stretch marks: I had SUCH a scare last Thursday. I’m not sure what I bumped into, but I had a nice thick line of broken blood vessels across my belly. I stared in the mirror for about 5 minutes before asking the hubs what the f*** I was looking at. There was no way that my body managed a 43-week pregnancy and 40 weeks of a second without a single stretch mark and than BAM… one right across the center of my belly.

Thankfully, it’s fading. I must have run into something and broke some blood vessels.

Sleep: Sleep still isn’t amazing. It’s not terrible, but not amazing. However, I’ve gotten REALLY good at napping. The past 4-5 days, I’ve taken a solid 2-3 hour nap every day. How great is that?

Although, the toddler was CRAZY last night. Oy. She woke up at 1 or so and was whimpering, then crying… Mark went in, then she was bawling. I talked to her over the monitor, then more tears. I went in… even more sobs.

Finally, we just let her whine it out, but she literally kept waking up randomly with the loudest shrieks. Oy. As a result, she’s got her spice on today.

Best moment of this week: I had such a great weekend with the family. The weather was beautiful, we didn’t have much we had to do… it was just nice. And Charlotte was a little doll.

Miss anything: I’m not really in “missing mode”… although, I’d be really happy if little man would arrive. This momma is ready to meet her man.

Movement: Yes! He’s still poking around in there. And hopefully making his way down the rabbit hole.

Food cravings: I don’t know… I’m getting pretty full pretty quickly these days.

Anything making you queasy or sick: My toddler and husband? Sorry to throw you two under the bus, but I’m over this cold! Thankfully, the worst seems to be behind me (knock on wood). I’m still VERY congested, but the exhaustion and sinus pressure/pain isn’t even a tiny fraction of what it was. I’ll call that a win.

Have you started to show yet: I’m at the point where everyone gives me a weird smile. I haven’t quite defined it, but I think it’s a cross between, “please don’t break them waters in my presence” and “aww, look at the wobbling weeble.”

Gender: Mister man.

Labor signs: I don’t know. I mean… baby’s still in there, so no?

Belly button in or out: I’ve gotta hand it to my belly button… it’s really doing some crazy things these days. Who knew it could manage such shapes and SUCH pressure. Do your thing, belly button.

Wedding rings on or off: So, I am still wearing my wedding band, but have taken off my engagement ring. It just became too much at night.

Happy or moody most of the time: I think I’ve been happy! Maybe a little crabby and “woes me” during the height of my cold, but generally happy. Shit… I’m about to have another baby! That’s happy stuff. Plus, I really can’t complain about my physical comfort. I’m really feeling good. My weekly chiropractor visits are paying off!

Looking forward to: I wanna meet my baby!!!!

OB CHECK UPDATE

Weight Gain: 1.3 lbs from last visit, 33.4 total

Heart Rate: 96 bpm

BP: 106/64

Baby’s Heart Rate: Ranged between 138 (where it sat most of the time) to 154 when he got excited

Baby Bump: About 39-40 cm

Other: I had a nonstress test on Friday, too. After nearly 2 hours, baby is not stressed. I’m sure you can imagine how excited I am to do ANOTHER one tomorrow… oh yay.

39 Weeks, 3 Days & 39 Week OB Check

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I took this photo on Monday, but haven’t had a chance to post. I’m going to skip my weekly update and say generally speaking, week 39 was pretty good. I had a great acupuncture appointment and chiropractor appointment that left me feeling pretty darn comfortable, all things considered.

My mood was generally stable. And of course, I turned the big 31.

OB CHECK UPDATE

As for my OB check, it went really well!

Weight Gain: I actually went down a few ounces… I know… I’m so skinny. Still sitting at right around 32 lbs total weight gain.

Heart Rate: 96 bpm

BP: 122/58

Baby’s Heart Rate: 135 – chill little man.

Baby Bump: Measuring around 40 cm

I now have another OB check scheduled for tomorrow. I still have not had a cervical check or anything of the sort and we have not discussed any interventions at this point. My hope is that we can continue down that path for one more week and discuss next steps at 41 weeks. I will; however, have a Non-Stress Test tomorrow to check on the little bugger. Based on how I’m feeling and how he’s continuing to splash around, I think all is good.

What You’ve Missed…

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I’ve definitely been MIA from the blog-front. Things have been so incredibly busy this month. I can’t believe we’re only 1.5 weeks from the big due date and just how fast time is flying by. Which reminds me… I’m in my final days as a 30 year old lady… woof. 31 with two kids. My younger self would definitely call me old.

Anyway, I digress. In attempts to get all caught up, this will be a post filled with pictures of all our many activities lately.

Enjoy!

Passover Sedar & More Visiting with Mark’s Fam

Passover Sedar with My Fam

Charlie spent a lot of time with me at work while on Spring Break…

All dressed up for C’s BFF’s Baby Naming

 

Charlie loves laying on her brother.

Finally, I did a little freezer meal cooking for post-baby time. 36 breakfast sammies!

Dinner with friends (and enjoying the amazing weather)

Munchkin eating her challah on a stick.

Flowers for her favorite teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week

Charlotte got to hold her bestie, Charlie, at school.

Sun shine makes for two happy gals.

This cutie pie lovie keeping me company while I make dinner.

More baseball (my parents’ friend took some great pics!)

Rain or shine, she loves to be outside!

Naked baby!

Afternoon bubbles with Nana.

Despite being 38+ weeks preg, we still managed to host Mother’s Day Brunch!

Nature walking in the backyard with Grampie.

Kitchen snuggles with Nana.

37 Weeks, 3 Days & My OB Check

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How far along: 37 Weeks, 3 Days! Holy crap. I’m about 2.5 weeks from my due date. How is that even possible? I know I say this every SINGLE week, but time is seriously flying.

Taken on 4/29/16

Total weight gain: Weight gain is 3 lbs since my last appointment (2 weeks ago). Being that I had just eaten my delicious egg burrito breakfast, I’m okay with that. Total is 32lbs. Can I stay below 40?? Time will tell 🙂

Hopefully at minimum, I can stay below the 55+ I gained with Charlotte.

Maternity clothes: I’m rocking nothing but… but super excited to switch to my normal clothes! And thankful I’ve really only needed one season of clothing (cold weather).

Stretch marks: Way to go, skin! Still no stretchies!

Sleep: Sleep isn’t my strongest skill these days. My hips and my back and my shoulder get so damn sore. But it’s not terrible. With some solid tossing and turning, I still manage to sleep until about 615/630 every morning.

Best moment of this week: Be grateful that I waited until today to write this update. I was a bit cranky this week. BUT, now I’m back to happy so I can answer this question.

Highlights include more progress on the nursery…

 

Another Charlie poop on the potty! And also 4 farts! Yes, we had to strip down 4 individual times so the tiny gf could fart. She was proud.

More family time with the cousins!

And oy! Charlie’s first baseball game. It was SO much fun. She was just so incredibly happy. Nothing makes me happier.

Miss anything: Don’t judge, but yesterday morning, I woke up thinking about white sangria… at 630 am. How tasty does that sound?

Movement: The tiny man is such a mover and a shaker. I can’t even believe he’s going to be here soon. I haven’t spent a lot of time envisioning his tiny face, but I’m starting to. I see a mini Mark in my head.

Oy! I just want to squeeze him and smother him with kisses.

Food cravings: I ate so much at the game yesterday. I’m in “eat it while you’re still giant and getting more giant” mode. I had a hot dog, cheese curds and a giant soft pretzel. Whatever.

My point is that there isn’t much to crave when you’re eating everything.

Anything making you queasy or sick: My chiropractor actually helped a lot with my acid reflux. It’s definitely much more manageable since I went. But my back and hips. Oofta. They are having a hard time supporting the GIANT belly I’m rocking.

Have you started to show yet: Yesterday at the game, I was walking back to my seat and as I slipped into our row, my belly knocked the dude’s head in front of me… while I was carrying a giant soft pretzel dripping in butter.

I just shrugged.

Gender: Mister man.

Labor signs: I feel like my BHs contractions have slowed down. Speed up, contractions! Time to get ready for the show!

Belly button in or out: I laugh every time I see my belly button in the mirror.

Wedding rings on or off: Still on! Last night they were really tight, but back to being okay today.

Happy or moody most of the time: I am not going to lie… I’ve cried probably 5-6 times this past week and have found myself in an enraged state at least 4-5 times. So, I guess moody would be the overwhelming mood. BUT, today I feel happy and positive and good.

Looking forward to: I’ve got a lot of little things I’m looking forward to…

  1. Making more progress in the nursery! I just want everything hung up already.
  2. Checking more household tasks off the list and packing my damn hospital bag.
  3. We’re meeting with our doula tonight, which I’m excited about.
  4. Nice weather that’s in the forecast.
  5. We’re having dinner with friends (and their kiddies) on Friday!
  6. Mother’s Day is THIS Sunday! We are hosting brunch for the fam, which I’m excited about. I’m thinking of doing waffles again. Who doesn’t love a waffle bar?

OB CHECK UPDATE

Weight Gain: 3 lbs from last visit, 32 total

Heart Rate: 88 bpm (high, but way better than the 96 I was sitting at)

BP: 110/66

Baby’s Heart Rate: BOO! I forgot to ask, but she said it sounded perfect.

Baby Bump: Measuring between 37 and 38 cm, which she said likely means baby hasn’t dropped yet. However, she said that’s very common for second pregnancies. Many women don’t drop until they’re actually in labor or even right before they’re about to push. So no worries.

Other: I had my Strep B test today. Hopefully we’ll get some good news there (with a negative result). Also, I stayed strong and didn’t do the cervical check, which I feel good about. It really is such an insignificant test that literally makes you feel like shit or gets your hopes up without any validity.

On my way to the doc, I called my doula to keep me focused. Of course, I’m human and I want to read into something, so I started second guessing whether I should skip the cervical check or not. After speaking with her, I was really set in my decision. It helped me remember leaving the doctor’s office in tears last pregnancy when my cervix hadn’t changed. At this point, there is no need to read into anything. I just have to keep on going and just trust my body and see what happens!

Getting My Nest On

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My to do list seems to keep growing. In my little pregnancy app, my weekly activity a few weeks back was packing my hospital bag. So, last week, I decided it was time to start.

Toiletries seemed like a good place to start… BUT, upon beginning, I discovered that all of the drawers and cabinets in our master bath were a mess! Clearly the only reasonable thing to do was purge (severely) and clean out every single drawer and cabinet… To the point of emptying and cleaning the drawer itself.

Three hours later, my bathroom drawers and cabinets look great… I have yet to pack my bag.

Last night I decided to keep it going. It was time to tackle our “Charlie Cabinet” in the kitchen. This is a tiny cabinet that’s just packed with plastic cups, bottles, etc. 

Without going into crazy detail, let’s just say that I spent a good 4-5 hours cleaning out all of my kitchen cabinets, doing major purges and switching around the organization. And yes, this included the entire pantry. 

Needless to say, this morning is a stop for coffee morning because this crazy momma was up until after midnight. 

But dang that kitchen looks good. 

Next tasks?

Linen closet and the guest bedroom!

36 Weeks, 3 Days

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Taken on 4/22

How far along: 36 Weeks, 3 Days! Well sheesh! I’m over 9 months pregnant… To say that this milestone has hit hard would be an understatement. I’m all sorts of anxious and feeling a lot of pressure to get things squared away from a lot of angles: work, home, nursery, bris, general new baby stuff, labor/hospital stuff, etc. I feel like my to do list is miles upon miles long and I’m just feeling a lot of pressure.

While I don’t anticipate this little guy arriving early, I’d like to be prepared just in case. That means I’ve got a LOT of shit to do and pretty darn quickly. Oy.

With all of that said, I’m sure we’d be fine without a hospital bag or without the nursery finished or the house cleaned out… but it’s just not ideal. At all.

Total weight gain: As of last week, my weight gain was at 29 lbs. I think I’m starting to get used to my big, giant belly, because it doesn’t seem that shockingly large to me lately. However, I definitely still feel clunky and feel like the little man would like a bit more space. Or maybe I’d just like him to have a bit more space.

Maternity clothes: I’m done buying maternity clothes. However, there are a few postpartum items I need to buy (pair of fold over shorts from Old Navy – mine have a hole in them, fold over yoga pants, and a couple more nursing tanks.)

Stretch marks: The bod is still holding on strong. We can do this!!

Sleep: Ugh. So. Much. Tossing. And. Turning. I hate sleeping on my side. It’s just not good for you. I mean, I don’t know that for sure, but my shoulder seems to think it’s pretty terrible. My whole body feels crushed and my shoulder gets soooo achy. I’ve been trying to sleep on my back or in a weird side/belly position, but it all just leads me to toss and turn and get up to pee all night. I’m tired.

Best moment of this week: Mark made some good progress on the nursery wood working projects, which is always good. And baby hugs.

Changing table topper

Board that will hang over the crib with the first letter of the tiny dude’s name on it (metal patina letter)

Oh! We got all the baby clothes from my sis and ugh I just love, love, love them! So cute. I want to hug our little man.

And this past weekend we had two really nice Passover celebrations (technically not in my 36th week of Pregnancy, but whatever). Mark’s sis and her fam is in town… it’s been really silly watching Charlotte interact with her cousins. We’ve also discovered that her voice is SO SIMILAR to her cousin Audrey.

Best moment by far: my bestie had her sweet baby girl, Miss Josephine (Josie) 💕

Did I mention the C and I wore matching outfits?


Miss anything: Just general comfort.

Movement: This little guy is a cutie. No, I can’t see him, but his little pokes and movements are silly and cute. He does a lot of poking. IE: foot poking out of my side, knee jutting out of my belly, arms pushing on my pelvic bone, etc. Unfortunately, when he finds a “comfy spot” and just rests his little leg or knee on my innards, I get a tingly, numbing pain in my belly, which typically leads me to pushing him to a different spot. But I love feeling his tiny pokes.

Food cravings: I don’t think this week has been a big craving week…

Anything making you queasy or sick: Still struggling with the acid reflux this week, which is lovely. And my back and belly are sore.

Have you started to show yet: I think I might be showing…

Gender: Mister man.

Labor signs: Continued Braxton Hicks contractions. Hopefully they’re doing their job.

Belly button in or out: Oy. It just keeps getting weirder and weirder. I need to get the courage to take a picture, because it’s a strange little disappearing act.

Wedding rings on or off: Still on! For the most part, I feel pretty good. Every so often, towards the end of the day, things get a bit tight.

Happy or moody most of the time: I would probably say crabby; although, I do think it’s been more of a split. I lean towards crabby because those moments have definitely been more memorable.

I’m stressed and anxious and anyone who’s adding to that and/or not helping is in my war path. I think that’s a legit position to have, so I’m standing by it.

Looking forward to: I’m looking forward to making some VERY GOOD progress on my to do lists this week and weekend. I’m determined to check things off the list, so I’ll be working hard to do so. Wish me luck!

Oh! And this weekend, we’re taking C to her first baseball game!

35 Weeks

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Well shit. I officially only have 35 days until my due date. That’s just crazy.

How far along: 35 Weeks – can you believe that? While it’s super hard to grasp, I’ve got to admit that I’m grateful to be solidly in my final stretch. This baby is officially taking over my body. It’s getting harder to breathe and more importantly, harder to carry little Charlotte around. Poor gal hardly has any lap left to enjoy.

Total weight gain: No update since my last doc appointment. Will know Monday when I’m back in there. I’m sure it’s glorious. I’m feeling all sorts of sexy… in that waddle-into-a-room kind of way.

I haven’t taken my photo for this week, but here’s one from last week (taken 4/13):  

   
Maternity clothes: Today I bought two non-maternity tank tops for my post-partum body. Can you tell I’m a little excited? I caught some woman judging as I held a tank up to my bulging bod.

Stretch marks: I’m afraid to say it out loud, but so far, so good.

Sleep: I’m a zombie. I just cannot catch up this week. At all. Oy.

Best moment of this week: Marky started building the baby’s new changing table topper last night and it looks great! This excites me. I’m ready to have the room all set up so I can focus on other things… or just lay and relax.

Miss anything: Curling up. Sitting cross-legged. Being able to see all parts of my body without a mirror.

Movement: Today I literally JUMPED out of my chair. I swear, the kid scraped my insides with his toenail or something. Otherwise, he continues to be a wiggler.

Food cravings: I have been craving soda a lot, which sucks because I’ve REALLY been trying not to drink it. That might be it…

Anything making you queasy or sick: My acid reflux is going all sorts of crazy. I’m talking barf burps and all. This is what I was referring to when I mentioned feeling sexy. I’ve got my glam going.

Have you started to show yet: The inquiries about how many children I’m carrying and whether I’m ‘about to pop’ have increased… so I’m guessing that I’m showing just a bit.

Gender: Maybe a little mini Mark! With those freckles… oy. Please be a mini Mark.

Labor signs: Last night I felt like I was having a ton of Braxton Hicks contractions. Maybe I was dehydrated? But no real signs. Baby is still quite high. Although I do feel as if he’s trying to rearrange my pelvic bone.

Belly button in or out: We probably shouldn’t talk about it. It’s really goofy looking. ANYTIME C gets a glimpse of it, she chuckles and pokes it.

Wedding rings on or off: Still on!

Happy or moody most of the time: I can’t remember really? I had a GREAT day with my tiny girl yesterday. I mean, GREAT. DAY. She was just so sweet and lovely. Now, don’t get me wrong, she also had a few really useless meltdowns AND had the worst night of sleep ever (which in turn meant we did as well)… but other than that, it was the best day. I just wanted to eat her up. She was so sweet and delicious.

But I totally digressed. My mood… probably a bit on edge, but not too bad. Sleepy Melissa isn’t the best version.

Looking forward to: SO much! I’m excited to see the progression of the changing table topper. We’re also meeting with our Doula tomorrow morning, which will be good. I’m not sure what to expect, but I’m excited. AND my brother will be in town, so we’ll get some family time in tomorrow night.

AND the most exciting of all is that we’re headed to pick up all of the amazing hand-me-downs from my sister. YES! This means I will soon fill the closet and drawers with tiny little man outfits and I will hug them and be so excited.