Tag: pregnancy

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 27 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

It feels odd writing ‘just baby.’ You’ve been with me for 27 weeks now and it feels like I should  have a nickname for your or should refer to you by name or something more personal than ‘just baby’. But in reality, that’s how I talk about you and what I think of you–you’re just a baby to me. There is so much to discover about you, anything more than ‘baby’ seems too much. Are you going to be stubborn, have colic, have your nights and your days mixed up, be laid back like your sister, a good sleeper and eater, will you have trouble nursing, will you be healthy and that only tips the surface of what your little personality will unfold as your grow.

Today was a more eventful day than normal. My work team volunteered at the Ronald McDonald Home by decorating it for Christmas. It was fun to get out of the office and think about how grateful the families would be to experience a little bit of the Holiday’s during such a difficult time for them. It also stirred up some anxiety about how little control we have over health and I pray that you, your sister or anyone close never have to experience the challenges that come with cancer. It is such a scary and unpredictable thing.

Following the event, I had a doctor appointment and took my glucose test and passed, which is the important thing, but the test itself was pretty brutal. I started drinking the liquid and thought, huh, this isn’t as bad as I remember. By the end, it was nearly gagging as I drank it. Then, continued to get light-headed throughout the hour I had to wait before getting my blood drawn. Note to future self: make sure you eat and drink a lot of water before taking that test again, if I ever need to.

Overall the doctor appointment went well.  Your heartbeat was at 157 and I’m measuring 1 week early and have gained 14 lbs, so great news on all fronts. This week also started a middle of the night bathroom break. You continue to move around a lot, especially late in the evening. Sometimes it feels like you are typing on my tummy. Lexi continues to call you her sister and when we ask her what your name is, she says ‘Baby’. So I guess she is just like me.

The past week was Thanksgiving and it was nice to have a break from work and see family. We also started potty training Lexi so we only have you in diapers (hopefully)! Day 1 was rough, but each day has gotten better and easier. Heartburn has been relatively tame over the past week. I have moments but don’t need to take Tums consistently.

Until next week…

Love,

Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 26 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Little Babes,

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You’re definitely growing in there. There is no question that I look pregnant but, yesterday was the first time someone that I hadn’t told I was pregnant asked me when I was due. Kind of surprising it took 26 weeks for someone to say something. This week and maybe a little of last week, I’ve noticed my belly has changed from soft to hard. I have a more difficult time bending over and know that it is only going to get worse. I also have felt changes in movement this week. Activity level still seems comparable to Lexi, but now instead of just feeling kicks and punches, I can feel general movement, particularly when one of your body parts (like an elbow) is sticking out. I can’t identify which body parts they are, but i can feel you trying to squirm around.

Other than that, things are pretty uneventful. I feel good. I’m sleeping pretty good assuming I have a pillow under my leg while I’m on my side, which is close enough to feel like I’m sleeping on my stomach. No food cravings or aversions. I am starting to feel like I get full really quickly these days. Heart burn is in moderate shape. It flares up here and there but isn’t a daily occurrence. Still feeling like you’re a little boy, although Lexi solely refers to you as her sister. I’m loving scolding hot showers!

Thanksgiving is in two days so enjoy your feast little one!

Love,

Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 25 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear little nugget,

These weeks start to blend together for me. When Tuesday rolls around, I’m often questioning what week of pregnancy this really is. Unfortunately, I usually think I’m further along than I really am. This morning I was wondering, am I 26 weeks today?

Over the past week, I think you’ve shifted your position a little as I’m starting to feel and actually see kicks and movements from the outside. There is still a lot of internal kicks, but refreshing to have a little break from you kicking my stomach. With this shifted position, Daddy was also able to feel you thumping around this week too. You seem to be most active late in the evenings, between 10 and midnight. It hasn’t kept me from sleeping yet, but it is definitely the time you move the most and it feels the strongest.

I also think you had a growth spurt this week. I gained 3 lbs in the last two weeks and when Lexi and I went to swimming lessons yesterday, my swimsuit was significantly tighter around the belly then it was last week.

This week also brought some sickness to our house. All three of us had pretty nasty colds that took each of us down for 3 days. We all still have some lingering affects but for the most part are back in working order. And holy cow, does it stink not being able to take the strong medicine to help you feel better! Suddafed should not be taken for granted. Although, I was very impressed at what a difference a couple of Tylenol’s will do for you considering they aren’t very strong. This week also got disgustingly cold! Like 1 degrees cold–which also sucked all the humidity out of the air making it very dry. Usually, it doesn’t get this cold until January so I’m hoping that we’re getting our taste of it now and January/February will bring mild temperatures. I’ve been wearing Daddy’s jacket since it is the only one that can be zipped right now, and it doesn’t have a lot of room to spare. It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming months. I’m really hoping I don’t need to buy a winter maternity jacket. They are so expensive and will only get worn for a short period of time.

This past week Lexi has been telling us that you are a sister. She obviously has no idea what that means but it has been consistent. If we ask, are you going to have a brother, she says, ‘No, sister’. I still have strong feeling that you are a little boy. We do have a boy name picked out but not a girl name, we’ve talked anecdotely about girl names but never definitely settled on something. I also haven’t pushed it or brought it up cause I don’t think it is something we’re going to have to worry about.

Other notes, sleep seems to be going well as long as I prop my leg up on a pillow. No major cravings or aversions although there have been a couple moments where I would like a glass of wine after a long or stressful day. Yesterday, I had my first real stint of heartburn. It lasted all day and was just not a good feeling. I dug out my tums and am prepared for when it strikes again.

Take care little nugs,

Love, Mama

 

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 24 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

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Six months down and four to go until we get to meet your sweet little face. This week has brought a new level of discomfort. You’re getting much stronger and your kicks and punches have become uncomfortable and make me a little nauseous at times when you get me in the right organ–specifically the stomach. I still wouldn’t describe them as painful but there are moments of surprise when my eyes get wide from one of your kicks. At this point, movement still feels like kicks and punches and haven’t gotten to the whole body rolls yet. I still haven’t had any official heartburn to report which I will happily put off for as long as I can. The belly is getting big enough where it gets in the way when I bend down or try to put my socks on, but it doesn’t prevent me from doing these things yet. I can still sort of sleep on my stomach. I’m able to position myself where I am half on my stomach and half on my side, which as been satisfying my comfort need in wanting to fall asleep on my stomach, but then am perfectly happy to roll on my side or back once I am asleep. I’m also able to sleep through the night without having to get up to go to the bathroom. So overall, sleep feels pretty good. No major cravings or aversions at this point.

After being home from vacation for a whole week, it feels everyone was able to get back into a routine and Lexi is sleeping through the night again–eating like a maniac and just generally being her sweet self. Daddy was out of town over the weekend in Green Bay for a Packers game so Lexi and I went to the Children’s Museum, had a fun movie night and got her first haircut.

Let’s keep these posts uneventful little nugs. No need to repeat your big sister’s drama and send me to the hospital in excruciating pain with kidney issues.

Love,

Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 23 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

(sorry little babes, I forgot to take a picture this week)

Today we had your ultrasound and am happy to report that you appear to be a very healthy baby. Your heart, brain, stomach, diaphragm, arms, legs, kidney, umbilical cord all looked great. You had your hands in front of your face so we weren’t able to get a good 3D picture of your face but that is Ok. I was just thrilled to get more confirmation that you are healthy.

They also confirmed that my suspicions were correct and your spine is against the outside of my belly. So all that movement I’m feeling inside is you kicking my organs around. It isn’t painful but it is a very usual feeling and not super comfortable. Your heartbeat was a 163 and your measuring about 1 lb. 7 oz, which is about 7 oz above average. Also, according to your size they say I’m about 24 1/2 weeks–but that could just mean you’ve recently gone through a growth spurt and they’re keeping my due date as is.

Dr. G said everything looks healthy with mama, blood pressure is good, I’ve gained 10 lbs. which is right where I should be and everything looks good!

Outside of your ultrasound, we’ve had a pretty low key week after returning from Hawaii. Daddy and I have been working to get back on a regular sleep schedule, getting Lexi back into her routine and getting up to speed on everything at work again.

So grateful you’re healthy little nugget!

Love,

Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 22 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

IMG_4346 IMG_4348

Today is our last day in Hawaii. It was a great trip and we saw a ton but I’m ready to get back home and see that sweet sister of yours. I missed her more than I imagined and have never been more excited for a trip to be complete. This last week was eventful! Your Daddy and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary by taking a helicopter ride to the top of a volcano. It was cool to see, but we weren’t able to see any lava as it was slowly impeding a town and they didn’t want helicopters hoovering over their homes as they’re preparing for disaster. We also spent some more time relaxing by the pool and enjoying some beautiful scenery and sunsets on the Big Island. The second half of the week was spent in beautiful Maui where we swam in the ocean, drove the treacherous Hana highway, went for an exhausting hike to a waterfall that was absolutely spectacular, snorkeled and saw sea turtles and visited the historic pearl harbor.

Our flight leaves tonight at 10:00 pm and I’m a little nervous for 7 hours on an uncomfortable plane where I’m expected to sleep but know I won’t be able to. Things with you continue to move with ease. Your movements continue to grow in frequency and strength everyday. I continue to feel most of your movements internally, verses externally towards my belly, which is somewhat uncomfortable as you continue to kick my organs.

It is almost impossible to sleep on my stomach now as you’re just too big and a little painful. With that said, I can’t complain too much about sleep as I feel like I’m sleeping well. I fall asleep quickly and stay asleep. Food is also good for the most part. I’ve eaten a lot of fish in Hawaii (I heard that eating fish while pregnant can help make baby smarter 🙂 and haven’t had any heartburn as of yet. Overall, I feel like I have a hard time making a decision on what to eat as most food just doesn’t sound that appetizing, even through I’m hungry. No major cravings, although I did crave a beer here and there while other’s were enjoying by overall, feeling that things are pretty mellow.

We have our doctor’s appointment and big ultra sound next week and are very excited to see how you are doing and hear your heartbeat–it has been too long. Still feeling strongly that you’re a boy, but are officially waiting to find out until you are born.

Love,

Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 21 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

Aloha! Welcome to Hawaii! To begin your 21st week of gestation, you’ve joined myself and Daddy in Hawaii. We began our journey last Saturday and will be here through your 22nd week. So far, everything everyone has said about the beauty and serenity of the island is true. Originally, we were very nervous about our travel plans as a hurricane was headed to the island and was scheduled to hit the night we were arriving. Luckily, it changed directions and missed the island and the outer rings of the storm hit the island the day before we arrived.

We’ve been staying with Daddy’s cousin, Kris and John and they have been great hosts. Today we went for a helicopter ride and it was spectacular. Naturally, I was very nervous about something happening, but all was good and the water and waterfalls were amazing. I had seen pictures of this area before, but it was so different to see it in person and from the vantage point of a helicopter verses being on the ground.

I’ll do another post around our trip, but other things to note, the sun is SUPER strong. Much stronger than I anticipated and can literally feel myself burning with sunscreen on within 20 minutes. Daddy and I went snorkeling for the first time and it was pretty cool to see the coral and all the fish swimming around. I would love to see some sea turtles at some point but we’ll see. Also, the plane rides weren’t too terrible. We had three separate flights which helped break up the potential longness of some and was thankful to have the compression socks. They were slightly uncomfortable, but I could feel them working as they would get tighter if I was just sitting for a long period of time. The moment I got up and began moving around, I felt some relief.

I feel like a broken record with updates on your behalf in that everything is very mellow and everything seems to be going fine. I have seen a couple belly movements from the outside, but Daddy still hasn’t been able to feel them. Whenever either of us put a hand on the belly, you seem to stop moving all together. Once difference between you and Lexi is that almost all of Lexi’s kicks or movement was felt on the outside of my belly. Almost all of your movement is internal. It feels like you are constantly kicking my stomach, liver and other internal organs. It isn’t painful, but I wouldn’t say it is comfortable either.

Continue to be good to your mama!

Love,

Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 18 Weeks

peanutsmiles

IMG_4171

Dear Baby,

This week went by extremely fast! You’re about 5 1/2 inches long and about 7 oz right now. I continue to feel your little movements from time to time, mostly while I’m laying down and not distracted by anything. They’re always fast and very sporadic little jabs but they always make me smile and feel confident that things are going well in your little cocoon.

The past few weeks have been interesting for me. Throughout the 2nd trimester I’ve had several moments where is just feel off. I don’t feel dizzy and that I’m going to pass out, but just get on overwhelming sense that I need to sit down and rest for a moment or two. Typically this happens in the morning while I’m getting ready for work. I had been blaming it on the fact that I hadn’t eaten in 12 hours but I’m not so sure that is the case anymore. I’ve also noticed that I’m always very thirsty or like I don’t feel like I can get hydrated. I’ll chug 8 oz of water and still feel thirsty like I hadn’t drank anything. Then this past week or so, I’ve just felt off. The only way I feel like I can describe it is I feel like my body is missing some kind of nutrient or vitamin. I even went and drank some naked juice on a couple of occasions to see if that would make me feel better and give my body some nutrients that I felt I was missing. Finally, Saturday morning, I was drinking some juice and ate a muffin and felt worse than I did before and was just like, this isn’t right. Maybe my body had the nutrients I needed, but wasn’t processing sugar right? Maybe I have gestational diabetes??? I did a little reading on good old ‘Google’ and learned that being thirsty is a ‘symptom’ of gestational diabetes and drinking juice and eating muffins are some of the worst things for you. So, I’m working on controlling my carbs for a couple of days to see if I feel any better but will call the Dr. too just to see if she thinks I should come in and get anything checked out.

In other news, I’ve had a few flickering moments of heartburn and feel I’m just rounding the corner of beginning that experience again. I also weighed myself  this morning and I don’t remember what it was last time, but I’m up 8.5 lbs since I first found out…not to bad, I just hope I can maintain that slow gain.  I also felt the hardness of a belly for the first time this week and am noticing sleeping on my stomach is getting a little more uncomfortable. When I lay flat on my tummy, I can feel your little bump producing into the mattress, but if move my legs just a little, my body adjusts just enough where I can’t feel you and can soundly snooze away. I’m really hoping I can make it to 20 weeks of stomach sleeping so I’ll only have 20 weeks of uncomfortable sleeping.

I don’t think I’ve talked about gender at all to you yet. I’m 98% confident you are a boy. From the moment I knew I was pregnant, I had a very strong intuition that you were a boy and I haven’t had any wavering moments. When I go to the store or am shopping for clothes for your sister, I look at little boy clothes for you or blankets etc… In my opinion, this is a somewhat scary mental state because I am always wrong in my predictions. I just can’t comprehend the possibility of you being a little girl. Don’t get me wrong, I would love it if you were a little girl because I would love for Lexi to have a little sister and if you are a little girl, to have a big sister to look up to that you’re also close in age to, but at this point it seems comical that you could possibly be a girl. Daddy thinks you’re a girl, but I think that he just thinks that because it is important to him to have a boy to pass his name along to and have a little boy to enjoy fun boy things, even though Lexi enjoys more stereotypical boy things like airplanes, trains, cars, motorcycles etc… In the end we just pray that you are healthy, boy or girl.

Love,

Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2–11 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear lil’ nugget,

There has been so much change over the last couple weeks. For starters, you’re continuing to grow as fast as a race car. You’re approximately 2 inches long, are growing hair, fingernails and have distinct human characteristics including hands, feet, fingers, toes (non-webbed), ears, nose and a mouth. I can also feel my body starting to grow. I think I’m definitely starting to show and can feel a little hard belly and the discomfort that comes with that when I bend over. I wore a maternity skirt for the first time last week and could not button my pants at work yesterday. This is so much different than with your big sister. I don’t remember needing to wear maternity pants until I was 16+ weeks and wasn’t really showing until after 20 weeks. I feel large already and am nervous what that means for the rest of pregnancy.

Other notables: I’ve gained 4 lbs. so far, meat isn’t appetizing, pop doesn’t sit well and am blown away at how much plaque my teeth develop each day (it’s disgusting really).

I also started a new job last week. I was really nervous starting a new job and being pregnant, but I really like it so far and think I made a good decision in making the change. We’ve also started to share the news of your impeding arrival with many more people, which is also a deviation from the first time. I have a feeling you are going to be so different from your sister and you’ll want everything, including this pregnancy to be different and distinctly you.

Love, Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2–9 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear little babe,

This past week has been pretty good! Your big sister was getting over a summer fever sickness and bad rash that kept us on her toes, but now she is all in the clear. We also spent some time up at the b-well cabin on Lake Superior. While up there we shared the news of your upending arrival with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Joe and Auntie Angie. Grandma and Grandpa were very surprised and Joe and Angie suspected that you may be coming.

Overall, I’m feeling pretty good. I only had to take one nap this week and feel like the extreme exhaustion has passed. I feel much more confident after our appointment last week, but it still feels so different than my pregnancy with Lexi it makes me a little nervous.

1st Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms with Lexi:

  • Extreme EXHAUSTION (naps everyday after work, nap in the closet while getting ready for work in the morning, going to bed 2 1/2 hours earlier each night, non-funtioning at work from 3:00 on.)
  • Sore boobs
  • Nausea
  • Gagging while brushing my teeth
  • Food aversions: Eggs, Buffalo sauce
  • Food cravings: McDonalds & Strawberries
  • Extreme excitement and constant daydreaming about you

1st Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms with Baby 2:

  • Tired (but not nearly as bad as I was with Lexi and it only really lasted two weeks)
  • Face breaking out more
  • Food aversions: hamburgers (they don’t sound good, but I still can eat them if I have to)
  • Gaining weight faster (I’ve gained 2 lbs. so far, Lexi I didn’t gain a pound until I was 16 weeks.)
  • I can feel the hard belly starting to form, and am uncomfortable when I bend over.
  • A little panic of ‘what are we getting ourselves into?’ Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled to be blessed with you and wanted you and prayed for you, but I do have moments here and there where I’m ‘GULP, am I ready for this again? The pregnancy discomfort, labor, learning how to nurse again, the lack of sleep and just generally starting all over again.’

I know I need to stop complaining and should consider myself lucky, and I do, but I also want to be real about these moments and remember the true emotions I experienced. Because I physically feel different, emotionally I’m in a different place and am pre-occupied with big sissy, the reality of you just hasn’t set in yet. I feel like part of me is still waiting for something to go wrong. I know the likelihood is pretty small, but I just haven’t been able to let myself get there emotionally yet.

Additionally, this is my last week at UnitedHealthcare. Next week, I’ll be starting a new job at Best Buy! Lots of change is in the air my dear little babe. Cheers to hoping these last 4 weeks of summer slow down a bit and I’m able to get over this odd hump!

Love,

Mama