Baby #3, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #3 33 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear Sweet Pea,

Today started out with an unexpected visit to the Dr’s office. I woke up around 5 am this morning and was pretty itchy. I have been itchy in periodic spots for the past couple days but chalked it up to dry skin and didn’t think it could be cholestasis because the itchiness wasn’t concentrated to the soles of my feet or the palms of my hand and until last night, it didn’t seem worse at night. Given that I woke up from being itchy made me want to do a little bit of research on cholestasis to make sure I understood all of the symptoms. Sure enough, itchy hands and feet are the most common symptoms but you can also have itchiness all over. Part of this information went straight to my head and I think I started to think I was more itchy than prior to this information. Regardless, I decided I would call the Dr. to get their thoughts on it. The nurse on the phone said my symptoms sounded like cholestasis and that they would want to do some blood work and check on me. After getting my blood drawn, I chatted with the nurse to get a better understanding of this condition. I was curious, ‘Are there varying levels of it and you have more intense symptoms if you have higher levels? ‘Can it go away?’ ‘If the medicine is working, would they still induce or can you go to full term?’ Unfortunately, this is a pretty rare condition so she didn’t know a ton about it and just had to google it, annoying because I had already done that. So basically, I need to wait until the blood work comes back to get more information and figure out a plan with Dr. G.

What I do know is that I had this same condition with Lexi, but it showed up closer to 37 weeks and I had the intense itching on my palms and soles. When the blood work came back positive, I was 39 weeks and was induced within 2 hours. Essentially, cholestasis is a condition that prevents bile from flowing out of your liver. As a result, it builds up in your liver and the acids from the bile enter your bloodstream and cause your skin to itch. These acids are harmful to you and since we’re sharing bloodflow, it can cause babies to be stillborn. I’ve read there are medicines you can take to help ‘fix’ this if you aren’t full term yet.

I may be jumping the gun as it hasn’t even been confirmed that I have this yet, but emotionally I’m kind of all over the board. For the past 8 months, I’ve been mentally preparing to have a baby in mid-July and be on leave until October. We’ve made plans around this including Daddy’s transition plan, Lexi’s tonsil surgery, work transition plans, vacations, how I’ll use my PTO and I’m having a hard time realizing how none of what we had planned may work. I should know better than to make plans and anticipate because you little ones like to do everything to disrupt those plans but it is really hard not to. Overall, all of those things are trivial and what really matters is making sure you arrive as a healthy baby and I’m willing to do anything to make sure that happens. It would just be more convenient if we didn’t have to. Additionally, the thought of you arriving before 37 weeks is a pretty terrifying thought for me. Adding a 3rd munchkin to the mix will be challenging enough the way it is, BUT if you’re a premie and I have to figure out how to split my time between your big siblings and you at a hospital, I am really, really going to struggle. Your daddy and I are both praying for your safe arrival and any strength we’ll need to help us get through this unpredictable transition, whatever that may look like.

Aside from those major updates, many of my symptoms remain as they were last week. Lots of bathroom breaks, shortness of breath continues to get worse, heartburn, restless feet syndrome, difficulty sleeping at night and lots of braxton hicks contractions. Either they are getting stronger or are shifting to some real contractions as several of them have been somewhat painful. You continue to be very active and I can often feel a little foot or hand moving across my belly.

 

I continue to get lots of questions at work, ‘when are you due again?’ ‘July’ ‘It’s coming up’ and have recently had several people tell me I look great for being so far along. They’re probably lying, but I’ll take a compliment when I can get one!

This past weekend was Lexi’s first dance recital and she rocked it! I was a little nervous as the dress rehearsal didn’t go great, but we practiced that evening and the next morning and she did so great! It was so fun to watch her and I was so proud to see her out there on the stage with the lights and all these people watching her, especially as she has been a pretty shy little girl.

baby bump 3 33 weeks

More updates to come about my test results!

Love,

Mama

Lexi

Lexi’s 1st Dance Recital

peanutsmiles

Little Love bug,

Congrats! You just completed your first dance recital and I couldn’t be more proud of you! There were two songs you performed: Edelweiss for ballet and Broadway Babies for tap.

You started your first dance classes back in September learning many of the basics of ballet and tap and would also spend time in most classes doing an obstacle course to work on other coordination skills.

Lexi Dance 2016

Around halloween time, you had your first performance for us. All of the parents were invited to come into the class and watch you perform three little songs. At Christmas time, you had a little more formal performance and Grandma B and Papa were able to come. Then came January and you started learning your routine for your recital songs.

IMG_7559

It was so fun to watch you practice and learn these routines each week. I loved how they would practice turning off the lights and quietly walking across stage and teaching you how to bow. So sweet! After many many weeks of practice, it was finally time for the big recital. On Friday evening we had dress rehearsal. We got you all glammed up with your fake hair and outfits on. Unfortunately, we were a little late as you were trying to put bows in your brothers hair and although we both told you to stop on two different occasions, you continued and he bit you in the stomach. Given that we were a little late and you were still upset about your owie, I think you were a little flustered and you didn’t do super great on your tap routine, but did much better on the ballet. Regardless, I decided that we needed to spend some time practicing that evening and in the morning before the big show.

I had recorded the routines on my phone so we projected them onto the TV and you went through them a couple times each, but didn’t seem to improve a whole lot. The next morning we tried the same thing and it was just a struggle-fest, so instead of watching, we just played the music and you did SO much better. You remembered the cues in the music and what you were supposed to be doing verses trying to follow someone on the screen. I was so impressed! We even had a mini-practice show for Daddy downstairs. However, you told me that made you a little scared so I was nervous what you would do up on stage.

Eventually, the time came and you and mommy headed out. You LOVED getting to wear makeup–especially lipstick. For whatever reason, you really seem to love the smell of it. We didn’t go overboard on the makeup, just a little eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and blush. I dropped you off in the changing room, got you situated with your snacks, coloring book and water and headed out to meet all of your fans! Grandma B, Auntie Sheila, Grandma S, Great Grandma S, Auntie Teresa, Courtney and of course Daddy and William all came to watch you. The show was about an hour and a half with an intermission and you performed one song in each half and totally ROCKED it! You knew the routines and danced and didn’t appear to be nervous or scared at all.

Lexi Dance 2017 1

Lexi, this whole experience was such a proud moment for me as a mom! I was so impressed and excited to see how you responded to everything. It was amazing to see my shy and timid little girl who was scared of everything/everyone come out her shell and handle a fairly intimidating situation so well. Way to go girlfriend! That evening you were exhausted, but kept telling me how fun it was and asking when you get to do it again. You even cried that evening because you were sad you won’t get to do it for another year! The ONLY downfall for the weekend (aside from the biting) was that it down poured ALL day on Saturday. I was hoping we were going to be able to take some pictures of your all dolled up outside, but had to suffice for some indoor ones with less than ideal lighting.

Lexi Dance 2017 217-05-20 Lexi's First Dance Recital-2

Love you Lexi and am so proud of you!!

Love,

Mama

Baby #3, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #3 32 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Two months to go until we meet sweet sister! It feels so far away but yet so close at the same time. This past week has been a tough one for me.  A lot of my 1st Trimester symptoms returned, nausea (although I haven’t thrown up!!) sensitivity to smells, food aversions, peeing twice in the middle of the night and exhaustion. Plus I continue to have shortness of breath, heartburn and just a hard time moving around. I’ve also started to experience restless leg syndrome in my feet.  My feet feel like they need to be rubbed constantly while falling asleep. I’ve been putting lotion on them and giving them a little message and then putting some heavy socks at night. I also stopped drinking anything with caffeine and am going to try a magnesium supplement to manage. So all in all, fun times!

When I think about your arrival, it feels so far away but yet so close at the same time. When I’m tossing and turning for 3 hours at night before I fall asleep, I can’t help but think, how am I going to get through the next 8 weeks. But then, I think about all the plans we have between now and your due date and think, you’ll be here in no time.

Several weeks ago, I mentioned I had no patience and would snap on people, but I feel like my patience has returned to the level of a normal person. I don’t get quite as frustrated with the kids and am just a little more even tempered.

baby bump 3 32 weeks

In general, I feel like the bump is huge. William hates that he can’t sit on my lap to read books and I feel like I have a sign on my back that says ‘wide load, make way’. It is challenging to get up from sitting, bend over, get close to the mirror while getting ready, get in or out of the car, go up stairs, be comfortable sitting in a chair or laying down. However, while at the Dr. this week, I’m barely measuring over what I should be and am still under the 20 lb weight gain and know the bump is going to get a lot bigger. Your heart rate was at 140 and my blood pressure continues to be low or ‘really good’. I think you are officially my most active baby. You are constantly moving around, stretching out your legs or arms, and tap dancing those little toes almost to the point where it is painful.

Life updates:

We finished the bunk beds (and by we, I mean daddy). They look great and your big siblings LOVE them! Your auntie Sheila had her bachelorette party over the weekend and had an amazing time. Then, Lexi has her first dance recital this weekend which should be really fun! I’m eager to continue to make progress on house projects (finishing the mirror in the entry way, building a frame for the mirror in the bathroom, finishing the mudding and tiling in the basement and getting daddy’s office set up downstairs) and just getting rid of stuff we don’t need. Your daddy tends to be a bit of a pack rat and I tend to want to throw/give away anything that doesn’t have an immediate or known future purpose.

But the weather has been amazing this past week (temps in the high 70s and 80s) and I love it so much. Love wearing shorts and sandals or just bare feet and not having to deal with jacks and hats and mittens is so great. The big kids LOVE playing outside and it is so wonderful to send them into the backyard when we get home from school and have them play while I make dinner.

With Lexi at this point, things were going pretty well. I still had some minor kidney pain, but it was manageable and was also experiencing some hip pain. I was pretty confident she was a boy. With William, so many similarities to you. I had restless leg syndrome in my feet and was anxious about all the house projects I wanted done. We had just moved Lexi into her new bedroom and had gotten the nursery ready. I was also feeling the shortness of breath that I’m experiencing now and the frequent trips to the bathroom.

Love you sweet girl,

Mama

Baby #3, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #3 31 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear Little Nugs,

Another week down! I’m really starting to feel myself slow down. You continue to get bigger ( 18ins long and 3.2 lbs) making everyday tasks more challenging like rolling out of bed or getting in and out of the car. William is not a fan of the bump as he can’t get comfy while reading books or snuggling with me. Breathing continues to be a challenge for me. I tend to lean back a lot to make it a little more manageable, but I lean back too far that isn’t good either. My most comfortable position is laying on my right side with a pillow under my head and between my legs. When I’m in this position, I also get my best sleep.

You continue to be a very active little girl, potentially my most active baby yet. Knock on wood, but the 3 little stretch marks I earned with William haven’t really made an appearance yet and I haven’t noticed any others yet either. Cross my fingers it stays this way.

Overall, sleep has been pretty good. I need to reposition myself 4-5 times throughout the night but can still fall asleep relatively quickly. Also, I’m starting to enter peeing in the middle of the night again. I think my boobs are at the biggest they have every been and it is uncomfortable. Wearing a sports bra is pretty much out of the question and if I’m active will get a little heat rash around and between them. Yuck!

This upcoming weekend is your Auntie Sheila’s bachelorette weekend so I’ve been busy planning and prepping for that. I’m still on the hunt for a dress for her wedding, but I think I may have finally find one! It should arrive next week and really really want it to work!

baby bump 3 31 weeks

No update for Lexi this week, and with William, we are in a similar situation. I was in full nesting mode and was wanting the basement bedroom to get finished, funny (or not so funny) how it still isn’t finished 2.5 years later…. However, we were moving Lexi out of her crib at this point, and just did the same with William. Overall the transition went well. The two like to jibber-jabber a lot at night and I find myself sitting outside of their room for an hour or two, getting them to fall asleep. The bunk beds are in the painting process, so maybe it will be easier once they are sleeping in their bunk beds as they can’t see each other.

Thats it for now.

Love you sweet girl!

Love,

Mama

Baby #3, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #3 30 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Baby girl,

Holy smokes, 30 weeks! This feels like a big milestone. I can officially count down the weeks on my fingers now and 10 weeks to go doesn’t feel like very long, especially as I think about everything coming up in the next 10 weeks! I’ll probably curse myself later for making this statement, but please don’t come early! Most importantly, I want you to grow and develop inside of me as long as possible, regardless of how uncomfortable I am.  Additionally, an early arrival could impact our plans for the weeks leading up to your arrival. If I’m being completely honest, I also want to be on leave through September.

baby 3 bump 30 weeks

For the most part, no major pregnancy updates this week over last. The biggest difference is feeling body parts as you move verses just kicks. I’ll feel your foot or arm (maybe a knee or elbow) move across my belly or into my ribs as you stretch out. You’re most active around 11 in the evening and 9 in the morning. I started my bi-monthly Dr appointments this week. Everything continues to look good, your heart rate was in the 140s. My blood pressure was great and I’ve gained 17lbs–according to their records. I haven’t weighed myself at home for awhile, but our scale is different so this may not align to what I’ve stated previously.

Two other major life updates happening this week. We found out Lexi needs to have a tube put in her ear and needs her tonsils removed. More to come on this. Also, over the weekend, we officially finished the big kids bedroom (aside from the bunk beds) and William is going to spend his first night there tomorrow. Originally, I was a little sad about this and made a mental note to really enjoy these last couple nights of rocking/snuggling with him. However, over the past week, he has made it very easy to move forward. He is so ready for this new freedom. Over the past week or two, he has stopped falling asleep with us in the rocking chair and just plays around. Additionally, when he wakes up he screams at the top of his lungs ‘MOMMA’ ‘MOMMY’ until I come get him, but wakes up everyone else in the house. Lexi has been extra emotional at night about not wanting to be by herself, so I’m hoping this will solve several challenges we’re facing right now.

Back to you, you are still a nameless little girl. There are a couple of names on the list and we’re just going to wait until you arrive to decide.

I made two of the first purchases for you this week. After going to the ear Dr. with Lexi, she requested we go to Target to pick out a toy for you. Initially, we went to the bigger kid toys as I thought she would want to look at those, but she quickly noted that these toys were too big for a baby and we needed to find the baby toys. After lots of analysis, she decided on a soft whale that lights up and is so excited to bring it to you in the hospital! I also got a new baby monitor and a new diaper bag. With William’s clothes moved into the other bedroom, I can hang up the stuff I have for you to give me a better sense of what (if anything) I need to get for you. I would also like to get a new single stroller as I don’t like the one we have now and I figure we’ll still get a lot of use out of it as the big kids are less likely to ride in a stroller, but we’ll see. Other things on the list include an outfit to bring you home in, some girly headbands, a blanket with your name on it and that is all I can remember at this point.

Love,

Mama

Baby #3, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #3 29 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Little Nugs,

I’m starting to feel the exhaustion that comes in the 3rd trimester–much earlier than I remember with your siblings. Everything seems to take more work (getting up from the couch, chasing after the kids, going up a flight of stairs). I also did some projects around the house over the weekend and definitely felt it on Monday. I just pushed myself too hard. In continuing to prep the big kids rooms, I removed some stuff from the wall, which required patching drywall, (aka: pain in the butt)  It is putsy, takes forever and super messy. But as long as I had all the stuff out, thought I would patch several other spots too. Additionally, I couldn’t resist not doing some other kind of refresh and decided the half bath was it. I repainted it, bought new hardware, new mirror, shelfs and picture frames. I’m so excited about the change and I think it looks stellar, but that was a lot of work to take on over the weekend for someone that is nearly 30 weeks pregnant. And I felt it the whole week. Work was also pretty busy so that didn’t help things either.

Food is still hit or miss–nothing ever really sounds good, but it isn’t making me sick either. For the most part, still avoiding chocolate, spicy food and red-based sauces to help combat the heartburn.

The biggest challenge really is the breathing. I have a very hard time getting in a position that is comfortable. If I recline too far I can’t breath, if I am too far forward I can’t breath, if I’m flat on my back I can’t breath. While I was at the dentist this morning I was just not positioned right and had to interrupt the hygienist while she was cleaning my teeth and go to the bathroom and put my head between my legs because I was going to pass out. The one position that seems to work well for me is to lay on my side, so sleeping has been pretty good. I need to readjust a couple times in the night, but as long as I have a pillow between my legs, I’m out!

Movement continues to intensify. Your little dance moves can almost be uncomfortable at times as you’re kicking my organs around inside.

Last week at the Dr., things went well. Your heart rate was at 140. I got my Tdap shot to protect you from pertussis and had to get my blood drawn for something else that I don’t remember. I gained a good amount of weight this past month but am still under what is ‘average’ for this point so there weren’t any concerns.

Lexi continues to love on you like no other. She kisses you goodnight each evening and gives you a hug goodbye at school each day. She will be such a big sister to you. She loves watching out for William and have a feeling she will be pretty protective over you.

Reading over William’s post, there are lots of similarities. Was having trouble breathing, with the exact same issues I am this time around. We were also busy prepping for Christmas. With Lexi, I was prepping her nursery, registering for baby showers and enjoying her movement.

Thats all for this week. Keep growing little one! (you’re almost 3 lbs and about 17inches long!)

Love,

Mama

Baby #3, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #3 28 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Little Sweet Pea,

Another week down, which means we are just one week closer to meeting you, which I am SO excited by. I’m so excited to see how you a similar to your siblings and also how your are different. What kind of baby will you be? Will you be laid back and easy going or will you be a colicy and just a handful in general? Who will you look like? When will you come, how will you come? So many unknowns, which make things a little scary but also exciting at the same time.

baby bump 3 28 weeks

I’m sure I will feel differently after you are born, but I’m just not one of those people that ‘love’ being pregnant and find it so blissful. Its not that I want to wish this time away, but generally speaking, I’m find myself always looking forward to the next stage whether that be, your arrival or learning to sit or walk or whatever. I don’t find myself sad or missing previous stages of life. Maybe that will be different knowing you’re the last but so far, I’m just really looking forward to meeting you!

This past weekend was Easter and it was our turn to spend the day with Mommy’s family. We had a great day celebrating and the big kids loved searching for Easter baskets and eggs. Sweet Lexi has already picked out a basket for you to have next year!

easter 2017

This isn’t anything new to ‘this week’ but I don’t believe I’ve mentioned yet. Around 16 weeks or so, I finally started to notice my hair wasn’t falling out to the extent it usually does (gobbs in the shower) and is a typical symptom of pregnancy. However, I have noticed my hair is less greasy than it has ever been (pregnant or not pregnant). Previously, I would struggle to even go a day without washing my hair, but since I’ve been preggos, I can easily go 3 days and even a 4th if I put dry shampoo in. I’ve also noticed that my underarm and leg hair grows much slower. Again, I would typically need to shave every day to every other day and now, I can pretty much go a week, which is absolutely insane to me.

Movement has shifted from only feeling the random kicks to feeling you shift positions or stretch out your arms or legs, hiccups and little internal movements where it feels like you’re playing the piano on the inside of my belly.

No other major updates. Daddy is continuing to work on the bunk beds, currently he is sanding them and getting them ready for me to paint. Tomorrow, I have my 28 week checkup and hope things continue to go well. More to come on that next week.

Love,

Mama

Uncategorized

Baby #3 27 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Little nugs,

Supposedly, we nearing the end of the ‘sweet spot’ of pregnancy as I’m starting to enter the 3rd trimester. This is a little frightening considering I’ve only been feeling decent for 7 weeks, but I can start to feel the Braxton Hicks contractions increasing as well as the aches and pains.

IMG_8119

I’m in full on nesting mode. Over the weekend, I cleaned all of our ceiling fans,  (this hasn’t been done in 6 years-gross, I know!) washed the insides and outsides of all the upstairs windows and painted the pink and green stripes in Lexi’s room to a dark grey to match the new curtains. We also moved a bookcase and baskets into their room for more storage and added some drawers and another closet rod to the closet to make room for William. I’m loving the way the way the big kids bedroom is coming together and trying to resist painting every other room in the house too. (Seriously, I want to paint the downstairs bathroom, my bedroom, bathroom and completely remodel the kids bathroom). Pinterest is not helping this either.

I’ve mentioned this before but the further along in pregnancy, the less patience I get. I remember feeling this way while pregnant with William. In both instances, Lexi gets the short end of the stick. She seems to be the one I have the least patience with. I immediately get frustrated if she doesn’t listen the first time I ask her to do something and by the 5th time, I pretty much loose my mind. I asked Daddy if she was getting worse at listening, and he told me no, I just have less patience. Sigh. I’m working on this, but it is hard.

I’m pretty indifferent to food lately and most nights I don’t even eat dinner. Nothing sounds very good–but at least it doesn’t make me vom like it did in the beginning. However, I did have a bagel from HyVee the other day and it was so amazing, I went back and bought 6 more! So delish! Sweets are OK, but again, not really craving them the way I used to and I’m still a no-go on chocolate. In fact it is getting worse. If I have a little taste of it here and there I feel the burn immediately.

As I mentioned before, my hips get pretty sore and I notice this most while I’m sleeping. Other than that, sleep is going well.

No update for Lexi this week. With William, it was early December and I had just taken my gluclose test and made a note to myself to eat or drink before the test (too late for that!) William’s heartbeat was around 157 at this point and I had gained 14 lbs, so exactly where I was last week.

All in all, things are going well and I’m loving the warmer weather we’re starting to get.

Love,

Mama

Baby #3, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #3 26 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear little babe,

Another uneventful week. You continue to grow and become more active each day. Lots of dancing going on in there. Breathing continues to be an annoyance where I frequently catch myself out of breath just sitting and often have to lean back and arch my back to be comfortable. Heartburn is becoming more frequent and intense. At this point, I’m pretty much avoiding tomato-sauce based foods, citrus and chocolate as it is a guarantee heart-burn inducer.

I also forgot to take a photo this week!

At my last appointment (24 weeks), I had gained 5 lbs in the last 4 weeks for a total weight gain of 8 lbs. Yesterday I made the mistake of weighing myself and had gained 6 lbs in the last 2 weeks which is very alarming! I’m trying not to freak out about it because in total that is 14 lbs which isn’t very much given I’m heading into my 3rd trimester, but it still was a little eye-opening to see that kind of gain in 2 weeks!! I’m trying to have more self-control and not just eat sweets and chips whenever I want.

Sleep could definitely be worse. I need to sleep with a pillow between my legs and usually roll over 4-5 times a night and need to re-position the pillow, but I’m able to fall back asleep right away and am sleeping until my alarm goes off each morning. Knowing what is to come, I have nothing to complain about at this point.

On a non-pregnancy related update, we have a beautiful day this past Saturday and went to the zoo with the big kids and had a great time. It was very busy, but we hadn’t been since last summer and it was so fun to watch William see and react to the animals this year. He totally knows what they all are this year and was in awe of how big they are in real life (opposed to in a book).

Lexi and I were cuddling on the couch the other day and you were dancing away so I had her put her hand on my belly and of course you stopped then. However, as I was putting her to bed, and was sitting in our bedroom waiting for her to fall asleep, she gets out of bed, opens her door and yells to me, ‘Mom if the baby starts kicking again, come get me, cause I want to feel her, OK?’ Also, this evening while we were driving home from school, William was ‘feeding’ his raccoon his water, and asked him if he was going to help give the new baby bottles. Lexi immediately pipped in and said, ‘No, he can’t that is my job. I’m going to give the baby all of her bottles’

Over the past few weeks, I’ve ordered TONs of dresses for your Auntie Sheila’s wedding and am coming up dry. Everything I try isn’t very flattering on my backside, makes my boobs look even bigger than they are (which in my opinion they are already massively out of control) looks like I’m wearing a tent or the color isn’t good. I’m starting to get a little worried about this and hoping I find something soon!

Fairly random updates going on this week. Keep on growing little one!

Love,

Mama

Uncategorized

Baby #3 25 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear Nugs,

Last weeks monthly check in went well. I took and passed my gestational diabetes test and am so glad I’ll never take one of those again! You were busy moving around in there so it took a while to find your heart beat but you were fluctuating between 146 and 152 beats per minute and are measuring right on track! Other than that, not a whole lot going on. Daddy has been busy working on the bunk beds and I was busy taking care of the two other nuggets.

Size of Baby: You are the size of a rutabaga. Approximately 9 inches and 1.7 lbs

baby bump 3 25 weeks

The Bump: Daddy and I attended a wedding over the weekend. I attempted to wear a regular dress and it just felt too tight, so I pulled out a new maternity one and threw on a blazer to dress it up a little. It’s interesting how the bottom photo makes the bump look a little pointy.

Cravings/Aversions: nope nada! I’ve kind of had an upset stomach for the past week or so. Nothing sounds good, but nothing sounds terrible either. So just not eating a whole lot and sticking to pretty bland foods.

What I’m anticipating: Moving forward with the bunk beds. Daddy has made a lot of progress in the actual build of the beds and then it is my job to finish them. The big kids are heading to the cabin with Grandma and Grandpa for the weekend so hopefully we can get a lot done this weekend! Looks like lots of sanding and painting are in my future!

Miss anything: Nope

Worries: Not to much

Differences between pregnancies: With Lexi, the kidney issues I had improved, I was still in pain, but it was managable. I also traveled to Austin Texas for a photo shoot and it was like 90% humidity and 100+ degrees, which right now sounds amazing! With William, we had just gotten over colds, sleep seems to be fairly similar. Also noted that we had a boy name picked out but no girl name, just a few we kind of like–so same story here.

How I’m feeling: Overall, I have nothing to complain about and am in the sweet spot of pregnancy!

Sleep: This is all over the board. I have good nights and bad nights. Some nights I toss and turn a lot, other nights I wake in the middle of the night or early in the morning. I do feel bad that all my movement isn’t helping daddy sleep very well

Movement: Lots of movement. You get stronger every day! Lexi loves to feel you kicking around!

Milestones: I think this is the week of viability. IF something were to happen, you would have a good chance of surviving. Lots of hard work and complications, but you would likely survive. Also, passing the gestational diabetes test!

Best Moment of the Week: On Tuesday it was 60+ degrees and sunny and Lexi had a break from dance and the kids road bikes and we grilled and it was awesome and I can’t wait for the summer!

Sibling talk: Lexi and I were reading her Minnie Mouse books and she was looking at some other princess books. She stops, puts her hand on my arm and goes, “mom, I have a great idea, we can get these new princess books for the new baby and then we can trade princess and Minnie Mouse books, wouldn’t that be a good idea?”

Love,

Mama