12 Weeks Pregnant

Posted on December 22, 2015 by playinghousewi

11/6/15

How far along: 12 Weeks!!

Total weight gain: 1lb (2 lbs total)… damn you, Halloween! Although… 0 lbs according to the doctor’s office. So… somewhere between 1-2 total.

Maternity clothes: If you’re not leggings, don’t even think about it! Fine, I do wear two pairs of maternity jeans… but only on special occasions.

Stretch marks: Lotioning to avoid such evil warrior markings.

Sleep: I’ve actually been sleeping better, but I think that’s only due to the fact that I’ve been going to bed way later this week. I’m so chronically tired. The other day, I fell asleep in the 8 minutes it takes to put C down for a nap. I woke up to her little peepers staring at me from over her bottle and her tiny finger stuck up my nose. Sheesh. NEED. MORE. SLEEP.

Best moment of this week: My cuz was here this past weekend and it was total heaven! We had such a blast and it was so amazing to see her falling in love with our girl (and vice versa). Family really is the best.

Miss anything: Hmmm… energy? I miss energy. And sandwiches. We rarely eat deli meat because of the nitrates and preservatives, but man am I craving a delicious turkey sammy… or ham and cheese. Mmm.

Movement: None!

Food cravings: I feel like I’m starting to get back to a good place. I’ve been craving salads. (Thank goodness.) The poor eating was becoming a bit much.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I’ve been much better lately. Not too much to complain about.

Have you started to show yet: I have an impossible to hide belly bump.

Gender: Today while I was sitting in C’s nursery, which will be the new baby’s nursery, I was thinking, “I’d be pretty happy if it were a boy!” I’m so indifferent. I really have no clue. I guess my instinct is saying girl… but I can’t tell what it’s based on.

Labor signs: No, no.

Belly button in or out: Very deeply in, but definitely widening.

Wedding rings on or off: On!

Happy or moody most of the time: I’ve been good this week! Happy to have so much time to play with my cousin and love on my babes (hubs and little one). It’s been a good week.

Looking forward to: My appointment on Monday. I feel like this is such a huge milestone. I’m desperate to hear that heartbeat and feel more secure that things are going to be okay. I still feel so apprehensive about telling people, but it’s become pretty hard not to with this growing bump.

A Pregnant Momma’s Dream Come True

Posted on December 22, 2015 by playinghousewi

10/29/15

About three weeks ago, I literally had the best day ever and my husband proved to me (for the millionth time) just how lucky I am. On Tuesday night, hubby informed me that I would not be going to work the following day and that he had a special pregnant lady surprise for me!

He had scheduled an appointment for me with my accupuncturist that I saw when I was pregnant with Charlotte in the morning. YES! I love her and it was amazing. I spent a good 2-2.5 hours with her and loved every second of it.

After my appointment, I went into the city and had lunch at one of my favorite spots. I realized that it was my first time having a casual and luxurious dining experience out by myself. I’ve grabbed a quick bite on a work break or something, but have never actually gone to a restaurant alone to just relax and enjoy. And man did I enjoy it.

It was a perfectly sunny day. I spent over an hour slowly eating my DELICIOUS food and reading my book. It was perfection. I was on Cloud 9.

After lunch, I walked around the city. Went into an antique shop, went to Urban Outfitters and bought a new sweater, went to my favorite coffee shop for a chai (and a giant oatmeal raisin cookie). I was the happiest girl on the block.

Then it was time for me to head back towards home for the MASSAGE that my husband had scheduled for me. I was so excited. SO, imagine how hard my bubble burst when they informed me that for some unknown f-ing reason, they had cancelled my appointment. The same appointment that they called the night before to confirm. And, of course, had no additional openings. <<TEARS>>

Okay, not real tears, but I got crabby. And then I felt guilty for feeling crabby. I had had such a wonderful day, I couldn’t let them ruin it. I went next door to do a little shopping at Marshalls only to discover that I was no longer in the mood. I needed to get back to my quiet, happy place. So I got in my car and headed over to a park by my house where I laid on the grass for a couple hours and read my book. I totally got back to that relaxed, unphased spot.

After my quiet time, I returned home for a Thai food takeout night! Mmmmm

All in all, the best day and best surprise ever!

11 Weeks Pregnant

Posted on December 22, 2015 by playinghousewi

10/29/15

How far along: 11 Weeks

Total weight gain: No additional weight this week, still 1 lb total.

Maternity clothes: I bought a pair of H&M Mama jeans last week and a few new shirts… I’m pretty happy with the new purchases!

Stretch marks: Not if I can help it!

Sleep: More insomnia this week, but I did finish two entertaining chick lit books: Life & Other Near Death Experiences and Eight Hundred Grapes – As a side, I can’t tell you the last time I read a book in two days… pretty much never. But you’d be surprised what 4 hours in the middle of the night will do for ya!

Best moment of this week: Charlie’s swim class was a blast this week! It was so sweet seeing her splash around. Also, I finally told my cousin, Aunt, Uncle and friends that I’m pregnant! I don’t know why I waited so long!

Miss anything: I’ve had the worst headache for the past two days. So maybe a healthy head? Also, my severe heartburn restricts any and all coffee intake (even decaf)… I miss my morning coffee.

Movement: None!

Food cravings: I could go for an ice cream sundae.

Anything making you queasy or sick: My headache.

Have you started to show yet: Giant bump.

Gender: Ugh who knows! haha Maybe a girl? Or is it a boy???

Labor signs: No, no.

Belly button in or out: Very deeply in.

Wedding rings on or off: On!

Happy or moody most of the time: I think I’ve been generally happy this week… except for today. Ugh. My parents (mainly my father) was an ass today. Imagine screaming argument level. So fun.

Looking forward to: My cousin is coming tomorrow!! We have such a fun weekend planned and I just love her to pieces. I’m really happy to see her. Plus C has her 15 month check up tomorrow. I’m looking forward to seeing her growth progress.

8 Weeks!!

Posted on December 22, 2015 by playinghousewi

10/6/15
I know that 8 weeks doesn’t sound that far along, but during my first pregnancy and now, it feels like a big accomplishment. I still haven’t had my first doctor’s appointment yet, meaning no confirmation of a heartbeat, BUT, my belly keeps growing and I have daily bouts of nausea. PLEASE say that’s a good sign!

How far along: 8 weeks! 2 big months!

Total weight gain: 0… maybe .2 lbs, but my scale isn’t that good that I trust it.

Maternity clothes: Gotta love those over-the-belly pants. I’m not wearing them every day, but my b-bump is getting pretty in charge for 8 weeks. Add in my end-of-day bloat, and regular pants just don’t work..

Stretch marks: None (fingers crossed)

Sleep: Mark was out of town this weekend, so that didn’t help. I was up literally 5-7 times per night. Now I’m at about 2-3 times per night. Ughhh. SO.DAMN.TIRED.

Best moment of this week: Mark came home yesterday! It was really nice to have him home! And Miss C took about 6-7 steps across the room! She was so excited. Her face was literally beaming. She was proud.

Miss anything: With the way I’ve been indulging, how could I miss anything?

Movement: Not yet!

Food cravings: Gummy bears & candy, chocolate milkshakes, dessert, BAGELS (in a big way)… everything.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Late afternoon and evening. Just existing during those times. And my prenatals.

Have you started to show yet: Holy cow… yes. It’s so shocking.

Gender: I’m thinking a little lady. My symptoms feel so much like they did with Charlotte. And, according to the Chinese Gender Predictor Chart, it’s a girl… and you know that’s legit.

Labor signs: Thank goodness, no!

Belly button in or out: Very deeply in.

Wedding rings on or off: On!

Happy or moody most of the time: I’ve been good. Charlotte has been such a sweet little munchkin. It’s been really sweet and heartwarming to be around her.

Looking forward to: Dinner with my girlfriend and her family on Friday! And potentially seeing Dirty Dancing the musical on Thursday! AND!! Most importantly, my first doctor’s appointment is NEXT WEEK!

10 Weeks Pregnant

Posted on December 22, 2015 by playinghousewi

10/22/15

How far along: 10 Weeks

Total weight gain: 1 lb… I definitely blame this 1″ baby… not the excessive carbs I’ve been downing. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Maternity clothes: H&M Mama leggings have my heart.

Stretch marks: I’ve been lotioning!

Sleep: UGH! PREGNANCY INSOMNIA, I HATE YOU! Seriously, the struggle is real. Every few days, I wake up at 12, 1, 2 am and am awake for literally 3-4 hours. It’s horrible. I’m so tired anyway and then add that… ugh. Plus side, I’ve been reading a lot.

Best moment of this week: Our first doc visit!!!!!! YAY!! Baby is healthy and heart is beating! First relief milestone hit!

Miss anything: Sleep! I feel like I dread going to sleep.

Movement: I don’t think so. But I swear, sometimes these gas bubbles really throw me.

Food cravings: I really love cake.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I switched prenatals and that’s REALLY been helping!

Have you started to show yet: Ummm YES. It’s hard to hide this beast of a bump!

Gender: I’m back to thinking girl!

Labor signs: No, no.

Belly button in or out: Very deeply in.

Wedding rings on or off: On!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy??? Mark?

Looking forward to: My cousin is coming next week!!

The 3am News

Posted on December 22, 2015 by playinghousewi

9/12/15

On Wednesday, September 9th at 3 am, we got news that will forever change our lives, hearts, and future. Our little Charlie is gaining a sibling 🙂

Now, it might seem weird that the news came at 3am… and that’s because it is weird. I had been feeling sick for a week, so I decided to buy some pregnancy tests. I planned to wait until Thursday, which was the day I was expecting my period… BUT, for those of you who remember the last time (when I took 10 pregnancy tests before testing positive), I have an issue with patience.

Anyway, I woke up at 3 am to pee (I will discuss this and other pre-pregnancy symptoms in another post), and decided… why not test now? I mean… it’s the good morning pee. I didn’t want to waste it.

So, I quietly unwrapped the test, did my thing and waited. I walked back and forth from one side of the bathroom to the other. Finally, I let my eyes reach the test: Pregnant. I can’t explain the feeling in one word. At first it was like, “duh”… I knew I was. And then came the “holy crap!” factor… not scared, but kind of “here we go again!” And of course excitement! So much excitement that I was awake for the next 2.5 hours googling, downloading baby apps, and trying to distract myself.

I duplicated my message to hubs from last time, but instead of putting the announcement sign near the toilet (which didn’t work as planned last time), I put it near the toothbrushes. After reaching over the sign and pregnancy test three times, he finally saw the message and ran out of the bathroom with a full face of toothpaste and half screamed, “REALLY?!” with a big sudsy smile!

The sign when I told Hubs we were pregnant with Charlie:

The sign to announce our newest miracle:

We’re really happy and really lucky. We literally just started trying this month. Mark said I must have hungry eggs. haha Nice, huh?

We let Charlie break the news to the parents:

When to Break the Pregnancy News

Posted on December 22, 2015 by playinghousewi

9/24/15

With my first pregnancy, my blog was such a great place for me to share all of my pregnancy woes and also, to let my secret out a bit. This go around, my blog isn’t the secret place it used to be.

The whole thing has left me wondering, when do I tell people I’m pregnant?

Part of me would like to just not say anuthing and just start blogging about it. It’s weird because I don’t feel that pregnant and I’m definitely not as fixated on every feeling like I was the first time. With a toddler to care for, it’s harder to focus on every little change going on inside my body. If I told everyone, maybe it would help me fixate on it a little more and make it feel more real.

The other side of it is that I’m only 6 weeks along and don’t have my first doctor’s appointment until October 15th. That feels like forever. With all these moments of not feeling pregnant and no ultrasound confirmation, I just feel worried about telling people. I mean, I know I’m pregnant, but I just feel worried.

With Charlotte, I was worried about miscarriage, but only because I thought I should worry. Now, with our second baby, I find myself much more legitimately worried. I’ve seen a lot of friends go through the heartache of losing a baby during the first trimester and I’m just much more afraid of that pain and loss.

Despite my saying that I forget I’m pregnant, I’ve already grown attached to the new world we are creating. Another sweet ball of love to add to our family. A warm, cuddly, lovey of a babe. A sibling for my girl. Another element to our family.

Anyway, if I were to lose this sweet baby, I’m sure I would tell everyone… but it would be on my terms.

I don’t know. I’m stuck.

Maybe once we have our first appointment, I’ll break the news. Ugh who knows?

How do you really know when you’re ready?

6 Weeks Along

Posted on December 22, 2015 by playinghousewi

9/24/15

I haven’t decided if I’m going to take bump pictures this time around, but I definitely want to try to track my symptoms. I feel like it’s so easy to forget EVERYTHING. With that said, I’m going to (try) to fill out these questions every week or at least every couple of weeks.

How far along: 6 weeks, 2 days

Total weight gain: 0

Maternity clothes: Not yet, BUT, I tried. I wore my maternity pants because I’ve been getting SO bloated at night and we were driving to Chicago (1.5 hours) for a family dinner… the idea of feeling my body passionately fight its way out of my pants all night did not sound appealing. I was comfortable, EXCEPT, every time I stood up, my pants slipped down. I have been rocking my leggings and baggy sweaters more often.

Stretch marks: Nope (please, please, please stay that way!)

Sleep: Probably since the night we conceived, I’ve been waking up 1-2 times a night to pee, which I NEVER do when I’m not pregs. Okay, I’m exaggerating. But the night wakings to pee started rright away. That was the first symptom that made me think I might be with child again.

Best moment of this week: Yesterday, a college friend of mine came to pick up the first of three pieces of bedroom furniture (really cool old stuff from Mark’s Grandparents) to be refinished for Charlie’s big girl room!! I’m super excited about it. I’m sure there were other great things this week, but my memory sucks and I was pretty crabby this week… so who knows!

Miss anything: Nahh… maybe feeling alert! I’ve been so tired lately.

Movement: Do gas bubbles count? No, no movement.

Food cravings: Ugh I love food. I’ve been having some serious cravings for crispy crust pizza. The craving has lasted for days and days and I haven’t given in… today might be the day! Also, iced chai latte. Mmm.

Anything making you queasy or sick: When I get hungry, I tend to get uneasy. Also, cooked mushrooms. I haven’t felt as nauseous this time around.

Have you started to show yet: Nope!

Gender: No idea!

Labor signs: Thank goodness, no!

Belly button in or out: Very deeply in.

Wedding rings on or off: On!

Happy or moody most of the time: This week, a bit crabby during the day.

Looking forward to: I’m taking Charlie to the zoo on Saturday and we’re going apple picking on Sunday! Great weekend ahead.