39 Weeks!!

I am beyond thankful to be able to type that and really wasn't sure that would happen, but here we are and we've made it to 39 weeks! I had my ob appt. today and all signs are pointing towards things happening soon and probably quickly. Not that anyone wants to know but so I have it documented I'm about 4cm and almost completely effaced. Won't be long!

How far along?
39 weeks

Total weight gain/loss:

23 pounds, weighing in at 138 today. I'm pretty sure I fluctuate a few pounds throughout the day. My morning appts. are always lighter and my afternoon appts. always heavier.

Maternity clothes?
This question is just silly now

Stretch marks?
No

Sleep:
Still tylenol pm-ing it up at night. I've found that if I wait to go to bed later I can sleep later and my back doesn't wake me up until its almost time to get up. i'll take it.

Best moment this week:

I think we're in Ruthie cuteness overload lately. She knows where Lainey is and will tell her night night, hug her, etc. Its so sweet.

Movement:
She has her most active time usually around 10pm. Her legs/feet are still all the way on the right and I feel hiccups in my left hip bone. I think she's a long one!

Food cravings:

I'm going to go with chic fil a lately. Its not a craving, but I know my time getting it is quickly coming to an end so if I'm out and its remotely close to eating time, chances are I'm stopping and getting a number one with extra pickles (def. a pregnancy thing)

Gender:
Still a girl...we hope!

Belly Button in or out?
Ugh, I don't want to talk about it.

Wedding rings on or off?
On

What I miss:

Having a lap Ruthie can sit on. She brings me books and tries to sit on my lap and it just isn't there anymore.

What I am looking forward to:
Having her here and not playing the waiting game.

Other:
We have an induction date set for Nov. 2 which is a week from today. The reasons are, I am group b strep positive (I was with Ruthie also) and since Ruthie came in 6 hours, we have an hour drive to the hospital and in all liklehood, Lainey will make a quicker appearance, it appears the best plan is to not risk not being able to get the antibiotics in time. It won't be a normal pitocin induction. The 'plan' (which I use loosely), is to go in, get the first antibiotic, wait the 4 hour period, get the second round, then have them break my water and the doc's think she'll make her appearance very quickly. I've thought a lot about it and talked with a lot of people about it and we believe that this point, going that route is the least amount of risk for Lainey, which is the most important to us. I have my doubts we will make it to Wednesday, but I also was told we wouldn't make it to today, so who knows! I just really hope I don't try to be like my sister and try and have her on the way to the hospital. I'm not sure Joel would recover ;-).

No updated pictures of me, I'm bigger than the last ones ;-), but here's a cute picture of Ruthie and her bff Callie. Ruthie really loved the cupcake on Callie's birthday shirt and wanted to make sure we saw it!

We did It! We did it! We did it! 37 weeks!

I kid you not, when I woke up this morning, the Dora song, we did it, we did it, we did it, was playing in my head. We don't even watch Dora so I don't know where that came from, but we made it to Thursday! Yipee!! First goal accomplished!

Today is 37 weeks, and while I'm still laying around and doing as little as possible (something that is driving me crazy, and driving Joel crazy that I'm doing more than he thinks I should), I feel like we can breathe a little easier and now work towards my goal of 39 weeks!

Heres my 37 week survey

How far along? 37 weeks exactly

Total weight gain/loss:

I think I'm at about 20 pounds, yesterday I weighed in at 135. I think when I had Ruthie I was at 142, so I think I'm about the same as I was with her.

Maternity clothes?

I hit the maternity jackpot from my friend Jennifer (THANK YOU!!). She mailed me 2 full boxes of cute cute stuff and it has been so nice to have some different things to wear. I am definitely wearing more of Joel's clothes now too!

Stretch marks?

Lots of veins but no stretch marks yet.

Sleep:

Ugh, sleep is taking a turn for the worse. I'm still taking tylenol pm, but my back wakes me up in the middle of the night. I've got the snoogle and I've tried other pillow options, but I think at this stage it just is what it is and with this size belly, my back is going to hurt.

Best moment this week:
Making it to 37 weeks and finding out there was no change from last Thursday! I was surprised since I've still been having contractions but am so thankful that she's holding off.

Movement:

Wow! This girl can take my breath away. She knocks me in the ribs and Joel thinks she's trying to come out my side. She completely has her feet/legs (and arms I'm assuming) on my right side and just her back on my left. I get kicked almost in my back, its crazy. She is a much stronger kicker/shifter than Ruthie was.

Food cravings:

Eating has definitely slowed down, I'm not near as hungry and really can't eat very much at one sitting. After being in the hospital, I've laid off the sweet tea, but I'm loving Black Cherry soda. Who knew it was caffeine free?

Gender:
Still a girl...we hope!

Belly Button in or out?

Ugh, I don't want to talk about it.

Wedding rings on or off?

On

What I miss:

I'm so happy to still be pregnant that I'm not going to comment on this, but it may or may not have to do with not having backaches anymore.

What I am looking forward to:

I am looking forward to meeting our sweet baby, and I'm also trying to enjoy these last few days as just the three of us. Its such a conflicting feeling. I had no idea the guilt I would feel about this in relation to Ruthie. I know rationally its irrational, but when we were in the hospital we both felt so guilty that she would wake up and we wouldn't be there, for a few days and that we were about to completely change her world. I feel guilty typing that out because we're so excited about our new baby, but man it is conflicting. I think thats normal? Or at least normal with all these crazy hormones. If not, we'll its us.

Other:

Wow, has Joel been working like crazy. Our house is almost completely put back together and looks absolutely gorgeous. I can't believe the difference and how much bigger and cleaner everything feels. I really need to get pictures up asap of all his hard work.

I think we've also 99% chosen a name. At this point (but not 100% until its on the birth certificate), her name is Lainey Wyn. We're 95% sure on the spelling of Lainey, but again not sold. It is the most natural way to sign it if you're writing it out, to us, so we'll see once we meet her. Wyn is after Joel's Aunt Wyn and His sister Jessica Wyn. What a relief! Plus, Ruthie says Naynie, which might be the cutest thing I've ever heard!

Alright sweet Lainey, we'll be seeing you soon and we can't wait!

I don't have any pictures from this week (that I'm willing to put online), but here is a cute picture of Ruthie after a day with her Daddy. let me just note this is FIRST time she has slept anywhere other than the crib, carseat or pack n play. She was WIPED!

Still here-Thank Goodness

We're still here and I'm still pregnant, thank the Lord. Thankfully Joel was home all weekend and also had Monday off for Columbus day so we've been staying pretty close to home and trying to get as much done as possible. I should rephrase that, Joel's been getting as much done as possible. I've been doing a lot of this

I can definitely tell when I start to do to much. I haven't had anymore regular, continuous contractions, but I know its time to slow down, sit down or lay down. For those of you that have had to go on bed rest, I don't know how you do it. I'm not on bedrest and I feel like I constantly need to be doing something.

Sunday, we were going to take a walk to our neighbors house to feed their cat, Chester (a complete highlight of Ruthie's day), and as soon as she saw Daddy's longboard out, not even Chester could get her off of it. Joel was really loving it. She seriously walked, climbed, and just hung out on his surfboard for 30 straight minutes. It was cute. Joel's been taking that board out more in preparation for his sidekick going out with him next summer. I think she'll be a natural.

I have a doctor's appointment Wednesday morning, we're hoping for no change!

False Alarm-Praise the Lord

**The above picture has nothing to do with this post, I just think its cute and that is her silly face.

Nothing like a little excitement on a Thursday night, right? This past Thursday was great. Ruthie and I had a great day at home, nothing exciting, just playing and enjoying the beautiful weather. Joel got home and we had so much fun playing, etc. It was a great night. We put Ruthie to bed, and about 7:30pm, they started.

They being real contractions...the kind that hurt.

And they continued, every 3-4 minutes for the next 2 hours. At this point, we kind of went into freak out mode. I was exactly 36 weeks on Thursday and that was too soon for us (like we have any say in it :-). I refused to say we needed to go because that made it real and I'm pretty sure Joel felt the same way.

I called the doctor and we headed to the hospital. The doctor (which is the one I really like) said they'd give me fluids and in an hour or so if it is false labor, they will usually subside and not be regular. Fast forward and hour and the contractions instead of disorganizing, became completely organized and like clockwork and I also had dilated to 3cm.

At that point, they made the decision to admit us and start the antibiotics for group b strep. We pretty much believed at that point this was it and she was coming (she also told me I could get the epidural the next time they checked me). I made it very clear to everyone who came in our room that we were not wanting her to come now and didn't want her to be early (again, because I really had a say in it ;-).

The contractions were painful but I had a few minute break in between them and that made a huge difference. I felt normal in between them (which was not how it was with Ruthie). About 5:30am, I closed my eyes after a contraction and didn't wake up for an hour. Praise the Lord, the contractions stopped. Well, they didn't stop, but they stopped hurting and I could sleep.

The doctor came in around 8:00am and I hadn't dilated anymore and since the contractions subsided we got to go home. I can't tell you how excited and thankful we were. Multiple people kept saying to me how strange it was I wanted to go home and most people were begging to not be pregnant anymore. I know I'm weird.

I know 36 weeks is a good point for a baby to be born, but we really want her to be full term and as big and healthy as possible. It was a pretty good wake up call for us (hello...time to pack a bag), and I think I said, I'm not ready for this 6,000 times. Our goal now is to make it to next Thursday when she will be 37 weeks (although my goal is to make it to Nov. they told us that is pretty unlikely).

This weekend I'm taking advantage of Joel being home and pretty much laying around continuously. I'm not on bedrest, just limited activity (which is really easy with a 17 month old), but they told me the more I lay down the less likely I am to go back into labor.

They also told us if I start having regular contractions (esp. if they're painful) to come right in because it probably won't be long, so hopefully it won't happen for another few weeks!

On the good side, from this hospital stay we got a really expensive insulated mug ;-). A huge thank you to our fantastic neighbor Debbi, for coming over and staying here until 2am when my parents arrived. Another huge thank you to Gigi and Papa for coming to our rescue in the middle of the night to take care of Ruthie. Not having to worry about her is priceless. Thank you Mosts!

We're asking for you to pray that we make it to as least next Thursday (and preferably until at least 39 weeks) before she comes. I can't wait to hold our sweet new baby, but she needs a few more weeks!! Thank you!!

Pregnancy through Week 32

Wow, this is really flying by...more than I ever expected. I can't believe we are less than 2 months from meeting our sweet baby girl. Are we ready?

Nope.

Will we be?

Probably not, but can you really ever be ready?

I'm hoping we'll have the crib put together, the kitchen put together and some diapers and I think thats as ready as I can hope for! I'm praying the new floors will be down, but man does poor Joel have a list a mile long! It would be fantastic if it could all be done and we have a week or so just to relax before our life changes for the better! Here is the 32 1/2 week update!

How far along? 32+ weeks

Total weight gain/loss: I'm still at about 18 pounds. I lost a pound the month I was sick, but the belly still grows so that is good. I can't imagine how much I would've gained if I hadn't been sick! I'm thankful I didn't lose more since I lost over 15 pounds when I had mono in college.

Maternity clothes? They are getting to the too short stage, the shirts at least! I don't understand why they make maternity shorts so weird? I wish they would just make them like they make maternity jeans, but they don't (at least in my budget). I have one pair of shorts I really love. I'm starting to switch over to Joel's clothes. I'm glad its starting to cool off a little bit, its giving me a few more options. Let me just say, I'm not winning any fashion contests these days (not that that's ever been a problem!).

Stretch marks? Not yet, but getting really dry skin. I need to get to couponing some lotion, its so expensive I can't stand to buy it and I'm so behind on my couponing this is definite motivation.

Sleep: Tylenol PM. I started waking up in the middle of the night and not able to go back to sleep and tylenol pm is sure helping.

Best moment this week: Helping with our kitchen reno and feeling normal. I was able to help Joel hang two of the upper cabinets and the microwave. It was GREAT to do something to contribute and even though what I did was minor (and involved screwing things into place) it was nice. I

can't tell you how happy I am to be feeling good. I'm so thankful to be well!

Movement: Lots. She's changing from kicks and jabs to gigantic rolls and shifts.

Food cravings: I'm running out of room for food. The main thing I want now is Sweet tea from McDonalds. I have a gallon in the fridge and I know its caffeinated which I know is not good.

Gender: Girl girl girl!

Belly Button in or out? I guess it was bound to happen. I don't like it and I'm not thrilled about it, but I'm over it sticking out. Its barely sticking out but to me looks huge. I've debated putting a band aid over it, but the thought of ripping it off freaks me out worse. Again, I know its ridiculous to care, I have no idea why I do.

Wedding rings on or off? On.

What I miss: Moving freely without groaning ;-).

What I am looking forward to: Picking out a name (man is that tough), getting the crib together, clothes together, pretty much just getting things ready so its not hanging over my head that it needs to be done.

Other: I'm having definite moments of being really overwhelmed with everything we've got going on here (the kitchen, house damage from the hurricane, etc). I think it stems from

pregnancy hormones because most of the things that freak me out are minor and not things I would normally think twice about but for some reason can't let go of. Its a really bad feeling and something I don't like That is what I'm looking forward to, no crazy pregnancy hormones! I think thats about it! We're getting really close!

Mom's Don't get Sick Days

Wow. These past two weeks have been a doozy. I got sick almost 2 weeks ago and was out of commission. Thankfully, my in-laws summer trip coincided with me getting sick and they have been majorly picking up the slack and taking care of Ruthie.

I know things take longer to heal when you're pregnant, but good grief, 2 weeks with a fever and feeling bad is seriously enough. I'm over it. I'm sick of laying around, sick of not doing things, and really sick of complaining about being sick. I'm sure everyone around me is ready for that to stop too!

So, for the past two weeks I've been on the couch and Ruthie has been having so much fun with Grandma
and Grandpa
Its definitely safe to say she absolutely loves her baby stroller, especially when Daddy races her around.

She also loves her new toy chest too.

Theres the last two week update! I am so incredibly thankful that we've had family here for this time period, it has made a huge difference.

On a side note, I failed my one hour gest. diabetes test last week so tomorrow I go back for the 3 hour. Even though I know its minor in the grand scheme of things I would love to pass this test and not have gest. diabetes. If you would pray that I pass I would really appreciate it.

Hopefully, I'm back up and blogging, there is a lot going on in our house to update on!

Just a picture

of me and my favorite girl. This probably one of my favorite pictures of her yet! I love her expression, she looks like such a big girl to me.

Excuse Me? I'm 6 what?

Somehow crazy to me, I realized this week I am now 6 months pregnant with our sweet, second baby girl. I 100% cannot believe how fast this pregnancy is going by, I think the next time I blink I'm going to be at home with a sweet new angel baby who sleeps through the night and a toddler who absolutely loves her and being a big sister (thats what happens in my head, no need to tell me it'll be any different, I like thinking that way).

Today marks 24 weeks and since I haven't done really any survey's this pregnancy, I guess its time to do one!


How far along? 24 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Holy Canoli. 18 pounds at my last doctors appointment. I'm up to 130 and I'm sure growing by the day. I couldn't believe how much I gained already and then I realized its been 6 months and thats what happens when you're pregnant....and then I ate more pizza.

Maternity clothes? Oh yeah. Summer maternity clothes are tougher for me than winter was. They have all these cute maternity dresses that are perfect for the heat, but they are not perfect for chasing a 14 month old around. I have one pair of shorts that are non-maternity that I can wear, and one pair of maternity shorts that just fit strange. I've been wearing my maternity jeans rolled up like capris, but lately its been too hot for that.

Stretch marks? Not yet.

Sleep: Pretty good, the snoogle takes up so much room and takes quite sometime to roll over and move around. I wake up with a pretty serious backache, but I know thats just part of it.

Best moment this week: I've started to see her move from the outside. I first felt her move around week 21 1/2 and Joel was able to to feel her kick about week 22. I can't believe how big she is now because I feel her one multiple sides of my stomach at once! Again, I'm just now realizing just how far along I am and how close we are to meeting her!

Movement: I think I just answered this one.

Food cravings: trouble. bottom line. I bought nutella (at costco no less) and it is trouble. big trouble. I'm still loving salty stuff, and I think I could eat watermelon all day every day. That would be much better than nutella.

Gender: Girl girl girl!

Belly Button in or out? Oh man, freak me out belly button. It is majorly threatening to stick out and it is really freaking me out. It didn't pot with Ruthie and I do not want it to pop out, there is just something that weirds me out about it. I know its ridiculous, but its just one of those things.

Wedding rings on or off? On.

What I miss: I don't know, I'm liking this stage.

What I am looking forward to: Of course meeting our sweet girl, choosing a name that we're happy with, figuring out the pseudo-nursery situation, getting started on our house projects (Nesting is in FULL swing).

Other: Heartburn, welcome back. I didn't miss you. Thankfully, I also bought tums at Costco last time and they're still good! The heat is also no joke. Its not that I'm just hot, its that it turns me into a slug, I can't stand it. I walk 25 feet outside and I'm wiped out. I've started to take Ruthie to little things around here that are inside and its really been a lot nicer. Although I think the beach is calling us again, but we're getting close to not being able to go by ourselves because pulling the stroller over the walkover by myself is getting to be too much. I can't stand that I might not be able to do that anymore, but baby comes first and I need to realize that when I'm breathing hard and wiped out its not good for her.

I don't have a sideways shot so you can't the full effect of the belly, but for now, this will have to do! Not much longer!

It's a .....

GIRL!!! We're so excited for Ruthie to have a little sister, and I am still in shock that she is a she since I was so convinced she was a he! More to come later!

Month 4-5

I am almost halfway through this pregnancy and I cannot believe it. It is flying! I am huge. I am eating enough for 6 adults.

I've had several of the same questions about this pregnancy, so I thought I'd answer a few of them, let me know if you have others I missed.

Nursing while pregnant. Really?
-Not something I ever thought I'd do, or ever thought I would have to think about doing. I committed to nursing Ruthie until she was a year old and found out I was pregnant when she was about 9 months old. I won't lie, it is hard. Really hard. I'm not sure if it is the pregnancy exhaustion and that makes it so much harder, but it is exhausting. Around 10 months, I dropped an afternoon feeding, and we were just nursing 3 times a day, which was much more bearable. I had some formula we got when she was born and tried giving her that just in case she needed more milk, but she absolutely hated it and would have NOTHING to do with it. About 11 months old, I dropped the mid day feeding and was just doing morning and night. It was so much easier. Still exhausting, but not as bad. Mid way through her 11th month, I started mixing formula with whole milk and she loved it. We made it to just shy of her birthday before she was completely on whole milk. I absolutely love it. It is a very nice break, and since my break will probably only be a few months I'm really enjoying the freedom weaning has brought me and our family.

Planned or Surprise?
-I'm going to go with surprise. We knew we wanted to have more kids, and were hoping sometime this year I would get pregnant. We didn't think it could happen when it did. After the surprise wore off, we were both really excited and grateful. We know so many people who have struggled to have children and would never take for granted that I was able to get pregnant so quickly and when I didn't think I could yet.

What are the biggest differences between this pregnancy and the last?
-I haven't thrown up once. Absolutely amazing. I've felt sick and exhausted, but not throwing up is my badge of honor! Plus, I'm so much bigger this time, and eating so much more and much more that is so bad for you. Thinking about some of the things I'm eating grosses me out, but I have absolutely no problem eating them. weird!

Where is the new baby going to go?
-TBD. Really we have no idea. It really depends (I guess) if its a boy or a girl. We think that the baby will stay in our room in the pack n play probably for the first 6 months or so. This will be a big change for us as Ruthie was in her room and in her crib from the very first day she came home for all her naps and nighttime. I'm hoping by the time this baby is 6 months old, Ruthie will be able to go into a big girl bed (or a toddler bed) and we won't have to buy a crib (I really can't stand the thought of that). If its a girl, we're thinking they'll share a room. If its a boy (which I'm convinced it is), I have no idea. We've got time.

One thing we laugh about is that with Ruthie every detail of her nursery was planned out and this baby isn't going to even have a nursery! It will be loved just as much, but just won't have its own room starting out.

I think those are the questions I've gotten the most, ask away if you've got others!

I just don't know

if it gets any cuter! Man I love this girl!

Cravings

Written April 13, 2011

Cravings...a comparison

With Ruthie:
-cantaloupe
-milkshakes

With baby #2:
-meat, meat, and more meat
-specifically steak
-french fries
-bbq
-pickles
-chick-fil-a
-olive garden salad
-Carrabbas
-mexican food with lots of white cheese
-wedge salad with a LOT of ranch dressing
-hummus
-did I mention steak?


I'm going to weigh 600 lbs by November.

Help.

Doctors Appt!

Written April 4, 2011

Well, after what seemed like the longest 6 weeks of my life, we went to the doctor today and got to see our sweet tiny baby on ultrasound. Everything looked great, the heart rate was high (182), they told me anything over 185 is cause for concern, so that was a little too close for comfort! Thankfully still in the normal range though.

The baby looked just like a little teddy graham and was moving its arms! I measured at 9 weeks 4 days and our due date is Nov. 3, 2011! Which is almost 18 months to the day after Ruthie's birthday! Wow.

Wow.

It definitely made it more real today and very exciting. It was fun to see the ultrasound, that is always my favorite part! I can't believe we're having another baby, I am so excited! If this baby decides to come when Ruthie did at 39 weeks, 4days.....Halloween baby! Really, a cinco de mayo and Halloween baby?!?! Its nice to have good reasons for those holidays I suppose!

We will be able to find out the sex the first week of June and definitely will. Joel and I have both had dreams it is a boy, but we'll see! I've been calling the baby a he, so hopefully if its a girl, she won't hold it against me ;-)! The ultrasound tech and doctor said that higher heartbeats tend to be girls...we'll see!

I still can't believe it, but seeing that sweet tiny baby's heart just beating made it just a little more real!

6 weeks...I think

*Thanks for all your sweet comments, here are a few early posts from March!

Written March 12, 2011

Its now been about 2 weeks since we found out I'm pregnant and we've told our families and a few close friends. It still doesn't feel real. I think after we got to the doctor in a few weeks it will. I can't wait for the ultrasound!

I'm definitely feeling different, pretty tired, but really different than when I was pregnant with Ruthie. The past few days, I've had intense moments of feeling like either I'm completely starving or I'm going to throw up and I haven't been able to tell which it is. Each time, I've eaten something and for the most part felt better.

I feel like I'm eating like a cow. Last night I ate four (count them FOUR) slices of a large pizza. That is half of an entire pizza, also known as way more than Joel ate. After eating, I didn't feel sick, I felt so much better, it was so strange to me.

I'm wondering if I'm going to have the cravings side of pregnancy this time that I missed out on last time. In the last 2 days, I've wanted a bbq sandwich (which I want about once every 2-3 years), spaghetti and meatballs, pizza (and lots of it), and pretty much all things meat. Strange enough, sweets aren't appealing to me. Just salty, salty, salty! and more salty stuff. That really makes me realize I'm pregnant! It seems really early to be feeling like this? Maybe because I missed out last time, I just assume it happens later on?

I'm trying to eat as much as I can also because I'm still nursing Ruthie. I'm going to keep on as long as I'm able but am not going to overdo it. I'm hoping we can make it 2 more months (until her 1st birthday), we're so close.

I definitely have a pooch and that is a lot sooner than the last time! This is going to be a completely opposite pregnancy (with regards to the time of year), so I guess I need to get some maternity shorts. I do love my maternity jeans, so we'll see if I get to wear them!

Thats all for this week! Praying the sickness stays away!

Written March 20, 2011

As Joel has said many times, we're really not going to be able to keep this a secret much longer! Not because we don't want to, but because I look 4-5 months pregnant! I can't believe how much faster this has happened and just how pregnant I look! People aren't joking when they say you pop quicker the second time around.

I really assumed all pregnancies would be similar and so far this is very different from when I was pregnant with Ruthie (thankfully). I definitely have many, many moments of feeling sick, but as long as I eat something (or a lot of something) I generally feel better quickly. Pretty much at all times, I have a sandwich, a few granola bars and a bottle of water. I'm going to be gaining weight quickly at this pace!! With Ruthie I couldn't put anything in my mouth without gagging or throwing up, I will take it.

The other symptom is the fatigue, and I've gone back to sleep when the baby sleeps advice! When Ruthie naps, I'm asleep. The one piece of advice I have for pregnant Mama's with their first baby, if you're tired sleep, because next time, your little one needs you whether you're tired or not!

I can't believe we've known I was pregnant for three weeks! That time has really gone by quickly and I can't wait to go for the ultrasound. It feels like forever and I think by the time we go, I'll be 10-11 weeks! Hopefully we'll be able to get a good shot of our sweet baby then!

I wasn't joking when I said I was eating like a cow. I have gained 3 pounds in 3 weeks!!! YIKES!!

Blogging Break

So a few weeks ago I took a break from blogging and figured I better explain a little bit about it. Everytime someone on my blogroll takes a break I automatically assume one of two things.

First: They're starting a new business

or,

Second: They're pregnant.

I thought I better clarify.

The break started with my Dad, sister and I seriously looking into a business opportunity that we all thought was going to materialize. We spent about a month looking into it, researching locations, demographics, etc. In the end, we decided that at this time it just wasn't the right thing for us right now.





I guess there is one other little thing






coming Nov. 3, Baby #2! Which crazy enough makes me 16 weeks now, and it is FLYING BY.




I've been writing posts about this pregnancy throughout, so will be posting those soon. Ruthie and the new baby will be almost exactly 18 months apart, and if you call us crazy... well, you won't be the first :-) We can't wait and are so excited and thankful for this new baby!

A little story I find funny

There is one memory I want to keep that I had when I was pregnant....mainly because it was so incredibly ridiculous. Now that I've had our little munchkin and have been through one labor and delivery, I find what I expected labor to be absolutely hilarious. For example....

Like most people now, I made a playlist.

I was convinced I wanted music I found relaxing playing. I thought it would give me something to concentrate on and relax to. I was certain that would make all the difference in the world since I knew it would relax me.

A few artists I had on my playlist were:
-Jack Johnson (no surprise there)
-Bob Marley
-James Taylor
-Lady A
-songs from the Phantom of the Opera
and on and on

I thought I would get to the hospital and walk and walk and walk and when I couldn't walk I would sway to the beat of the songs to help me through it.

I actually believed that and I had visualized it numerous times while pregnant. It was the way it was going to happen.

I thought I could dance my way through labor. To the beat. Not Joking.

H A H.

I completely left out the idea of my water breaking and walking AT ALL being OUT the window. I also didn't think the contractions would be so intense and back to back that I wouldn't even hear any noise let alone dance to it.

I believe that if I actually had any time between contractions, maybe...maybe I could've listened to music. That's a very loose maybe because I really think if had time in between contractions, hopefully I would've tried to sleep and not have a dance party while trying to deliver a baby.

I have heard of the 'labor dance'. I can't imagine being able to do it or feeling the need to do it. I couldn't hardly open my eyes, let alone move my body to a beat.

This is not to scare any soon to be Moms, really the day I had Ruthie I would've immediately done it again and was actually sad it was over. That surprised me.

If we're fortunate enough to have other children, I'll have a better understanding of what to expect. Even though the labor and delivery will probably be different, the next time I won't be expecting a choreographed dance to Phantom of the Opera along with a baby. I think I'll just take the baby.

:-)

Three Weeks!!

Its so hard to believe our baby girl is already three weeks old. I think now our life is going to move much quicker! We're working on getting her weight up as she is not gaining as fast as we would like. We head back for another weight check on Friday and hopefully she will be on her way to chunky thighs and rubber band arms! **Update, her weight was up at the doctor and now we don't have to go back until 2 months!! We're thrilled!

This week has been great for Ruthie. We're really trying to learn about her and what she likes/dislikes thusfar as well as distinguishing what her cries mean. I've read both Babywise and Secrets of the baby whisperer and have found some really good ideas from both. Since she isn't gaining weight quickly enough our focus is completely on feeding her when she cries. I'm feeding her every 2-3 hours and I've decided we'll have the rest of our lives to sleep for now I've got to fill that belly:-). Its my new full time job.

We have not been good about taking pictures now that all our company have left. I need to keep the camera out and easily accessible!

As promised here are my top ten things I Do NOT miss about being pregnant:
10. While I love the snoogle and it helped me sleep, i do not miss it taking up the entire bed.
9. Not being able to hug Joel because my belly was so big.
8. Getting food ALL OVER me when eating. I still can't believe how much food landed on my belly at every meal! Thank goodness for Chloe.
7. Not being able to help with any projects (I realize this was on both lists and that is accurate!)
6. Not being able to walk long distances.
5. Being physically exhausted from not doing anything.
4. Not being able to sleep through the night. I know I'm not anywhere close to sleeping through the night now with our baby, but getting up and seeing her is completely different to just not sleeping and having to go to the bathroom throughout the night. Waking up with her is great.
3. The aching back and feet.
2. It taking about 10 minutes to change positions and being uncomfortable almost all the time.
1. The first 16 weeks of constant throwing up, nausea and complete and utter exhaustion!

Coming up with that list was much harder than I thought it would be (when I was thinking about it while pregnant). The stories I heard about labor/delivery amnesia must apply to the downsides of pregnancy too as I've all but forgotten the bad parts of the pregnancy, labor and delivery and can easily remember all the good parts!

I need to take more pictures but for now its time for a nap!

Things I will Miss about being Pregnant

Since we're coming down to the wire, I thought I'd make a list of things I'll miss about being pregnant and things I'm thankful for regarding this pregnancy. I thought this would help me with the last few days thinking positively about all the good things with this pregnancy. After I have the baby, I'm going to publish the things I don't miss about being pregnant :-).

What I'm thankful for with this pregnancy:
-I haven't had swelling or high blood pressure consistently
-I didn't have gestational diabetes
-So far our baby looks perfectly healthy and a little angel ;-)
-The last 23 weeks have been great (first 16 weeks will go on the other list I put up after she's here!)
-Our baby loves ice cream and cantaloupe
-I have had very few days of being uncomfortable
-Although I can't walk for as long as I'd like, I am able to get out and move around multiple times a day
-I mowed our grass last week
-Joel
-being surrounded by so many people who love us and are excited for us and can't wait to meet our baby.
-Finding a Doctor's office I like and feel comfortable at
-Federal Employee Insurance coverage of OB visits and delivery
-Having a few days of maternity leave to myself before she arrives
-She is full term
-too many other things to list!


What I will miss about being pregnant:

-Feeling this sweet baby roll around and kick all the time
-Having Ruthie almost instantaneously react when Joel is close by and talking
-Knowing she is safe
-Talking about being pregnant with other people
-Dreaming and talking about what she's going to look like, be like, when she's going to be here, etc.
-Maternity jeans, can I keep wearing these???
-I really hate to put this one down, but its the truth; I will miss having everything done for me because I'm pregnant! I think this is the only time in my adult life this will happen, so I've enjoyed it!
-Being able to take a nap whenever and as much as possible and it being okay because I'm pregnant
-Eating whatever I want and it being okay because I'm pregnant
-Getting a pass on about anything because I'm pregnant
-People asking me when we're due (although I really hope that question stops after she's here :-)
-Not feeling the pressure to exercise
-Watching my stomach move around like crazy


I think I could keep going, but thats a good start. I had my last Doctor's appointment yesterday, gained .2 pounds, blood pressure was up a bit and I'm still making progress. We're praying she comes on or before her due date (May 8), but either way, she'll be here within a week! Our lives are about to change, and we can't wait!

New Pictures

First things first,
**Can anyone tell me how to make the header photo not so huge and take up most of the page? is it the layout I've chosen? I need to play with it some more.

Our sweet friend Emily offered to take some maternity photos for us and this past weekend (38 weeks) we took her up on it. My favorite is the picture in the header. Its so us, relaxed on the beach with Chloe, just hanging out enjoying life. I'm really impressed at the ones she got on the beach because it was so cloudy and windy, we were getting blown around everywhere! Here is another one of my favorites. I love how the water is coming up in the corner and of course her name. I think this one is a framer:
And another one that I think shows pretty well how big I am, definitely bigger than a basketball!
She is getting me a disc with the rest of the photos, I can't wait! Thank you again Emily, you are the BEST!

Baby Update, I didn't gain any weight this past week and my blood pressure was way down thankfully. I think last week it was up because I was shocked how much I gained in one week (and they took it right after they weighed me, why do they do that??)!

The contractions have all but stopped the past few days (The painful ones at least) and I guess if she's staying put for the long haul I'd rather them stop and just be comfortable and enjoy the last week or so of this pregnancy.

I'm starting to see every spec of dust in our house and NEED to clean it (even though I haven't...yet). I'm a morning person and by the time I'm off work for the day and Joel and I have gone for a walk and had dinner, I'm about spent. Since this is my last 2 days at work before maternity leave (which is insane, I really can't imagine not working), I'm hoping this weekend and next week while I'm off I'll be able to get to cleaning and get this house ready and de-pollened! I have loved this weather and keeping the doors and windows open but the dust and pollen is crazy! Is this the next phase of nesting?

My prediction is Ruthie will arrive May 4, at 11:45am. Any guesses? Due date is May 8 :-).

How to make the end of Pregnancy last even longer

Here are a few tips I have if you want to make the last few weeks of being pregnant last even longer :-)
1. Wake up at 5:11am every morning and have your first thought of the day be, "I wonder if today is the day?".
2. Hope you can make it to the bathroom in the morning and wonder, "what if my water breaks today?"
3. Go back to bed and try and sleep but you really can't because you're too busy wondering if today is the day.
4. Finally get up at 7am, go for a walk and wonder how fast Joel can get home from work when you do go into labor.
5. Go to work, have a few contractions and wonder, is this the start of it, only to realize they've been coming every five minutes and then they completely stop.
6. Continue to wonder all day long if today is the day, how its going to happen, etc.

Repeat these thoughts continuously throughout the day until its time for bed where it changes to, what if I go into labor/water breaks tonight while we're asleep.

Repeat at 5:11am the next morning.

The #1 tip I have make it seem even longer is have the Doctor tell you at your last appointment she doesn't think you'll make it another week, and here we sit :-)

I have to remind myself we're still not at our due date, and our baby is perfectly happy and comfy. Its been a great thing to make it this far considering I'm the only one of my sisters to make it this long, they all had early baby's and because of that we just assumed I would also. Guess not!!