40 weeks

How Far Along:
40 weeks - overdue! haha

How Big is Baby and what Baby is up to (baby center copy and paste):
It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weights about 7 1.2 pounds (a small pumpkin) and is about 20 inches long. His skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "moulding' is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after birth. Rest assured - it's normal and temporary.

 

Weight Gain:

4 weeks and have not gained! So still hovering around 20lbs. 

Best Moment of the Week:
Mother's day. Had fun with Evie and this dude didn't want to come out. 

Movement:

Mostly get stretches lately. 

Belly Button:

Almost fully flat

What I miss:

Energy, getting things easily, not belly getting wet when doing dishes. 

How I am feeling:

OK overall. Really not that bad. But lots of pressure when I stand. So maybe I need to stand and sit on the exercise ball more often!

Cravings/Aversions:

Heartburn has gone down, but eating smaller meals. 

What I am looking forward to:
Having this kid!

Had my 40 week appointment today. Had a cervical check and am 3.5 almost 4 cm dilated. 70% effaced. Cervix is still back, but lots of good progress. And the doctor said I did drop, so should be soon! 

If this dude does not come by next Monday, I will be induced. Hoping it won't come to that, but ok if it does.

40 weeks with this guy:

40 weeks with Evie:

Come Out! Come Out! Come Out!

"Come Out!"
"I'm Done!"

Those are the words I say the most in my head and whisper to myself. Seriously though, I am done!

The past few days have been icky. Moving takes so much effort, especially at night. I have a constant feeling of a stomach bug. Nausea that runs on and off. Loose Stools for a few days. I go pee every 15 minutes. It is just awesome here.

Yes I am still working. I don't want to talk to anyone. Don't have much motivation or concentration. Even though it was August, I think I felt better with Evie at the end than I do with this one. It is the sick feeling that just makes it SUCK. But still at work trying to get things done. I may take off some of next week to rest up a bit. That is if the kid is not here yet.

My appetite is on and off. I blame that on the nausea. Sometimes I want to eat something. Other times just the smell of food makes me want to puke.

Due on Saturday. So I am 39 weeks 4 days today. At the point (I remember doing this at the end with Evie) every time I go to bed wonder if I will wake up in the middle of the night in labor. And am disappointed each morning when my alarm goes off. Will I go overdue? Will this be a due date baby (that would be so cool)?

39 weeks

How Far Along:
39 weeks. Now when someone asks when I am due - I can now say Saturday...

How Big is Baby and what Baby is up to (baby center copy and paste):
Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

Weight Gain:

3 weeks and have not gained! So still hovering around 20lbs. 

Best Moment of the Week:
Hmm... Does this have to be pregnancy related? How about one evening Evie and I were going upstairs. I was carrying her and she told me she liked me. Love is one thing, but like...aww hunny I love/like you too!

Movement:

Slowing as he runs out of room. But still get some dance movements. Seem to be more arm movements than legs lately. 

Belly Button:

Has not changed much this week. So flat/poking out on top and inny at bottom

What I miss:

Bending over to get something. Even bending to get something on the ottoman is difficult. Not to be so exhausted at the end of the day, but that won't come back for a while. 

How I am feeling:

I have energy, but get tired quickly too. Motivation is starting to dwindle. Peeing is increasing. Lots of pain down low. Have to think for a second if I really want to get up. Funny when laying on the couch, I have to do it in multiple steps. First sit up. Second wait for energy/boost to stand up. 

Cravings/Aversions:

Nothing much. Not feeling anything spicy right now, but know that is spawned from killer heartburn

What I am looking forward to:
Giving Birth. Yep that would be it. And really introducing Evie to her baby brother. Watching them interact, grow up together, play, fight, etc. I am realistic and know how my sister and I grew up (now super close). 

39 weeks with Evie:

37 weeks

How Far Along:
37 weeks (yep missed updating for 36 weeks)

How Big is Baby and what Baby is up to (baby center copy and paste):

Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)
Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

Weight Gain:

Around 20 lbs still. Gaining slightly but not bad at all.

Best Moment of the Week:
Actually last night I painted my toe nails. Kind of proud of that. It was difficult, but now sporting a fun blue for the non shoe weather we are having!

Movement:

Stretching, punching, etc. Yep this kid is more active than I remember Evie being. Movement has slowed and not as active as before - meaning get more stretches than I do dancing.

Belly Button:

Still an innie, but getting nice and flat on the top

What I miss:

not carrying a bowling ball on my pelvis. Every time I stand up I have to pee. Just leaning to get something is difficult. 

How I am feeling:

See "What I miss". I have energy here and there. But get tired out so easily now. No matter how much water I drink I am still thirsty. 

Cravings/Aversions:

Not sure. Ice Cream. And grilling lots of stuff this week since it is so nice out!

What I am looking forward to:
Having this kid. Really any time now. you are more than welcome to come out little dude. We have diapers, clean clothing. Bassinet is together. Swing is together. Just waiting on you. come out come out wherever you are!

37 weeks with this dude:

37 weeks with Evie:

Wow how the bump is very different now. Much lower and not out as much. Interesting. Very Interesting.

Nesting

OK yes nesting has really kicked in.

Saturday - cleaned 2 bathrooms + 1 toilet. did a ton of laundry and put them all away.

Sunday - cleaned the car (vacuumed, dusted, cleaned doors, windows). Washed Evie's and baby's car seat. Washed bassinet and its linens. Brought up swing and bouncy seat, washed their covers. Set up new wine rack to organize wine in basement. Cleaned/Organized linen closet. Shaved my legs. Dusted our room. Put clothing away in baby's room. Got stuff out of there for it to be ready. Setup changing pad.

This morning - took covers off couch to wash and covered the cushions so the dogs don't destroy it.

So kid - so ready for you!

35 weeks

How Far Along:
35 weeks

How Big is Baby and what Baby is up to (baby center copy and paste):
Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds. Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

Weight Gain:

I'll stick with last weeks 20 lbs. Will find out at my 36 week appointment on monday :)

Best Moment of the Week:
I do enjoy the movement. And realizing what I was feeling was a foot. Was not able to decipher body parts when pregnant with Evie but now I actually know what is what!

Movement:

All the time. Loves to stretch out, kick, squirm, etc. 

Belly Button:

Innie still :)

What I miss:

Bending over. Having energy. 

How I am feeling:

Tired. Just feelling blah. Nauseous on and off. My cold is going away. Starting to waddle. Lately get a braxton hick whenever I stand. just lovely.

Cravings/Aversions:

Nothing really. Been nicer out and have been enjoying salads.

What I am looking forward to:
Having this kid.

And 35 weeks with Evie:

Wow yes this kid is lower. Loved that I used the same shirt!

34 weeks!

How Far Along:
34 weeks

How Big is Baby and what Baby is up to (baby center copy and paste):
Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

Weight Gain:
20 pounds. Ehh. But doctor says it is looking good.

Best Moment of the Week:
hmm. Not pregnancy related, but Easter with Evie!

Movement:
So So So much! Really constantly pushing against things. Dancing. Punching my cervix and bladder. But this kid is low so not much going on in my ribs yet. I'll take that.

Belly Button:
Innie still :)

What I miss:
Sleeping all night (yep I remember this won't happen for a good year). Not being sick. Talked to my doctor today and she said, yep colds last forever in pregnancy and you continue to catch a different one constantly. lovely. Bending over easily, have not been able to do this for a few weeks.

How I am feeling:
Yep I get to complain.
1. I hate how long colds are lasting and how easily I am catching things. I have always gotten colds easily, and feel like I have something all winter, but this year just sucks. At least *knock on wood* we have not had the stomach bug go through the house.
2. This has to do with #1, and is very embarrassing. Incontinence when coughing sucks. yes I do a lot of kegles (should do more), just not what it was like down there.
3. Night Sweats. They have started. Not every night, but hate waking up in the middle of the night drenched. Lovely. 
4. Waking up in the middle of the night to pee 3-6 times a night. Wonderful, especially when combined with night sweats. Means I get so much uninterrupted sleep. Thank you Evie for sleeping well lately.
5. Back pain. Yep have woken up a few times at night and my lower back is killing me. Doesn't help that a few nights ago while rolling from my left side to my right side  that I pulled a muscle in my top mid left side. Hurt so bad this weekend while out at Target that I had to cut the trip short and came home and had to lay on the couch with a pillow under it to put pressure on it. 
6. Heartburn SUCKS. I take 2 Zantac 75 a day (one in morning one at night). And now at night, I wake up with heartburn. ugh. So much worse than it was with Evie, at least I have not threw up due to heartburn
7. Gag reflex. Yep it is lovely. Have thrown up due to brushing my teeth/tongue. Have thrown up due to coughing too hard. It is great. At least I didn't have morning sickness and this does not happen too often.

Cravings/Aversions:
Pizza. But satisfied that so not much right now. 

What I am looking forward to:
Just wondering when this kid will makes its appearance. I know that it is still early, but I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Doctor's Appointment Update:
Had my 34 week appointment today. Went well. Blood pressure was a little high, but is attributed to me waking up with a head cold and full stuffyness. I have my Group B Strep test in 2 weeks, so wondering if I am dialated at all, since the doctor will be in there so might as well check :) Kid is head down, but I have know that for a few weeks since I felt hands low and kicks high. She says that this one should not have to be induced, but I'm not putting my money on it. (I think it is better to prepare for the worst but expect the best). I made all my appointments for the rest of this pregnancy. Wow. 

And pictures!

34 weeks with this dude:

34 weeks with Evie:

Questioning Gender

So last night I had a dream. They told me the baby is a boy, then in the delivery room, gave birth to a girl.

But yes that sums up what this post is about. At our 20 week ultrasound, we found out the gender. They said it is a boy, but I didn't see it. The dude was not cooperating much and napping during the ultrasound so the tech did not get a great shot. He was laying sideways, curled up, so yeah... I know they are good, they know what they are looking for, but still I question it. The ultrasound tech did not give me a shot of what she saw so I cannot share it to get opinions.

I believe I would feel this way if they said girl too. Just one of those things, unless it is 100% clear, I will question it.

I have bought boy clothing. I am excited for a baby boy. I am very happy in our decision not to find out Evie's gender since everything is gender neutral.

I guess I will have this thought in my head until this baby is born. So a good 3-8 weeks (thinking 37 - 42 weeks of pregnancy). Wow that is really not much time!

Ah, would have been better to not find out, then I would not be questioning anything and would be relying on mommy gut (which I got right with Evie).

Also they say boys and girls carry differently. Well I am similar as I carried Evie. Still all out front, only thing that looks pregnant is my belly, just it is lower.

Breastfeeding the second kid thoughts

Just thinking and typing so sorry if this is rambling and go from topic to topic. I know I am not a good writer, hey I am an engineer and did not take an english or writing class since High School.

So yes I am very excited to nurse this baby. I loved loved loved nursing Evie. She was breastfed exclusively (except the first week where we supplemented) for a good 5.5 months until we introduced solids. Then pumped at work and nursed her many times a day until 1 year. Then I dropped pumping at work and nursed her morning and night until 22 months. She started dropping the morning nursing session around 19 months(?). And 22 months she was done with the evening session. Shows that yes your body does adjust to what the baby/child needs. Was wonderful. Was a great cuddle session. She would look up at me with that milk grin. The look in her eyes of full love. Amazing.

She still remembers nursing. When I don't have a shirt on, she will point to my boobs and say milk, and we talk about how she used to drink milk from there. Love that she remembers! Lately I am telling her that yes she used to get milk from there, but the new baby will be getting milk from there now on. I think she understands. But love the fact that she will really understand what the baby is doing when he nurses.

Then I started thinking:

Will my milk will come in faster this time around? I hope so, since I know what foods to eat this time to help production and what foods hinder production. I plan on making lactation cookies and start drinking mom's milk tea from the beginning (why don't they offer this in the hospital? I know I will bring some!). Also wondering if the 2 month break from not nursing Evie to getting pregnant will help me. When this kid is born, it will have been 11 months since I last nursed, so maybe my body will quickly remember? Actually maybe less time since I was still producing milk for a bit until I got pregnant.

Will the first week be as much hell as it was with Evie (nurse, give bottle (mom milk or formula), pump, wash things)? I hope not! I know so much more starting this time around than the last. I know what the "I'm Hungry" cues look like. I know what is normal for a latch, and know how often they will be nursing.

Will I need a nipple shield again? I needed it since Evie could not latch, but yes my nipples have changed with nursing her 22 months so I hope not. I'll just say this, they are much more obvious now then when I started nursing Evie.

Will Evie be ok with me nursing the new baby? I hope so. Just worry about her wanting my full attention then... Very happy that Nick now does Evie's bed time so I can be nursing or tending to the new one and her bedtime schedule will stay the same.

Will Evie want to nurse again when she sees the new baby nursing? I really wonder about this since yes she does remember. It will only be 11 months since she last nursed. Will she ask to nurse? Will she just try to nurse? Will she say that is her milk? Do I let her nurse and tandem nurse? Do I tell her that no the milk is now for the baby? This is really where I don't have any idea of answers.

How long will I last with a toddler to take care of also? I hope I can last as long. Hope I don't get sick of pumping. But I did enjoy the break from work, and the ability to read a lot of books. I found a pumping bra and reading to get my mind off everything really helped. But with work as busy as it is, and me wanting to work out and really run more, will I have time to pump AND work out / run?

 So many questions and thoughts about how this will all work out. Only time will tell, and I am so much more prepared to nurse this baby than I was with Evie!

32 weeks

How Far Along:
32 weeks! Wow!

How Big is Baby and what Baby is up to (baby center copy and paste):
By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

Weight Gain:
18 pounds. Not bad....

Best Moment of the Week:
Evie kissing my belly when I asked her to give her brother a kiss :)

Movement:
OH yea. Punches to the cervix are fun. He likes to stretch out to all edges. Nice and uncomfortable.

Belly Button:
Innie still :)

What I miss:
Not having to get up to pee many times in the middle of the night. Going pee and thinking after...that is it? Yep bladder getting smooshed.

How I am feeling:
Blah. But not that bad and I should not complain. Just uncomfortable. Walking is difficult when he is really low. Get nauseous when I don't eat. Get icky if I eat too much. A small sweet spot that is hard to hit, especially on the weekends.

Cravings/Aversions:
Yep ice cream. I made Evie and I milkshakes this weeeknd and they were tasty. 

What I am looking forward to:
start getting things done on our list. We completed a chalkboard wall that I have been wanting to do. Just need the energy.

32 weeks with this dude:

32 weeks with Evie:

Yep I definitely look pregnant! I need to plan next weeks' picture and wear the same shirt. ok next weeks shirt is not in rotation anymore, so maybe 34 weeks.

Back into running

I have not run since I was 6 weeks pregnant. I think I tried once after that, but had a cold, fall allergies, and first trimester exhaustion  so I stopped running. That is 11 weeks of less than normal activity. I have gone to the gym here and there to use the elliptical and do some weights. I am doing my weekly dance class, which is a good workout once a week.

But today, I forced myself back running. I used the treadmill at the gym at work. I was afraid I would fall off. Had no clue where I would be after taking a long break.

I did pretty well. Took it easy since:
- 1 - it has been a while
- 2 - I am pregnant.

Was not as bad as I thought it would be. I peed before I started working out. The second I started running had to pee again. Surprise Surprise. Amazing how 11 weeks of pregnancy and the weight of the uterus, baby, etc on the bladder make this happen. So stopped after 6.5 minutes of running and a 1.5 minute warm up to pee. Then got back on (happy the treadmill didn't reset!) and ran for another 7 minutes. Well with a quick walk in the middle and at the end to cool down. Did 1.1 miles total. Not great, but a good start.

I will continue this till my bump can't take it anymore. Then will move back to the elliptical. I could have gone longer, but don't want to push myself as hard as I would have not pregnant.

And I did NOT fall off the treadmill. Was not as hard as it was when I tried it at the beginning of the year. I guess I mentally and physically remembered how to run :)

Baby #2!

Yes I have been slacking on this blog. I have some things I want to write up, just have not had the time.

But anyways, we are expecting Baby #2 in May 2013! Estimated Due Date May 11, 2013, but I am adding 2 weeks onto that so I can be surprised if it does come early/on time.

We are very excited! Evie and this baby will be 2 years 9 months apart! Hopefully they will be best friends. Evie still has no idea there is a baby coming. I tell her there is a baby in my belly, but then she says it is in hers. Maybe as I get bigger, she will understand.

This pregnancy has been going really well. Not much morning sickness. Not many aversions  Yes cravings for fatty foods, fried foods, etc. Same cravings I had when pregnant with Evie. Exhaustion is there still. Most likely since I have a toddler at home and cannot relax when I come home from work. I do miss those after work naps, but a lot of 2nd time moms say the same thing.

So right now I am 17 weeks pregnant! This pregnancy has been flying by. Almost half way there and I do not know where the time has gone!

Definitively have a noticeable bump already. I had round ligament stretching early, and if I sneeze just right I know I pull something. Had more odd pains this time around. I am using a mini snoogle to sleep with sometimes since I just cannot get comfortable. Started wearing maternity pants at 8 weeks. I could have made real pants maybe last a week longer, but they were getting tight. One reason I think 2nd time moms are in maternity clothing earlier are: you get bigger earlier, and you remember how comfy maternity pants are!

I have been exercising this pregnancy too. I was running but fall came, allergies picked up and I was not taking full breaths. I had a cold too so that did not help. I am doing a great dance class once a week - dancing for birth. I started this dance class before I got pregnant. It is a good work out, fun, builds self confidence, and full of women so you don't have to worry if you look stupid dancing. Just go out, feel the music, work out, and have fun! I am going to start running again on the treadmill during the winter. There is a color run 5K in Boston in July of 2013 I want to do, so have to make sure my body can do it quickly after birth. I miss running and need to get back on the grind.

But no pregnancy is around without drama...

I wanted to have a homebirth with this baby. Started seeing a midwife practice. They are welcoming, answer my questions and don't make me feel rushed.

BUT their office organization sucks. The main person who handles calls works with her 7ish month old there and 3 year old there. I do see that as a big distraction. I am a working mom too, but would not get any work done, and done well if I had my kid with me at work. Even as a newborn.

Early November, I met with HR about if they knew Midwives and Homebirth were covered by our insurance plan. We are a self funded insurance, which makes things tricky (meaning our company actually pays the claims up to a certain price). NH has a law that insurance covers midwives, BUT this does not apply for self funded plans.

I call up the midwife practice about this, and they don't get back to me until almost a week later. Frustrating. They said they heard different and would look into it and mail me something before my next appointment about what would be covered for having a birth there, at home, splitting the care up to billing insurance all at once and billing prenatal and birth. My appointment comes and they still have not run the numbers. OK the  person pulls it up on the screen, says she will finish it today and get it in the mail to me.

That was 2 weeks ago. Talking to my husband, he is too stressed that we will get stuck with a 6K bill, which at this point seems possible and I am worried about it too. I have called and left messages (no one ever picks up the phone is seems).

So at this point, we have decided to go back to the OB I used with Evie. They were fine with me calling and setting up appointments. I see them next week.

I am fine and happy with this decision. We know what to expect financially  The drive is so much easier (and tell you the truth 30 min one way to the midwives was annoying with being stressed at work). And I had no issues with their care with Evie. I enjoyed all my care I had there with Evie. Her birth was fantastic and smooth.

My plan is to leave the hospital ASAP. Preferably a few hours after birth, but will spend the night if necessary. Still going to do med free, going to try to hold off on induction (but I remember how it is at the end and just want to be done). Now to decide if we want a doula.

Now ultrasound pictures! These are from the NT scan around 11ish weeks.


And the creapy 3D ultrasound Pictures. I still find these odd, and prefer the 2D ones.

 I do have some bump pictures to share too. 

An old one, we are not good at taking weekly. We were trying but failed. This one is between 11 and 12 weeks. (Why does blogger make it so hard to format?)

From last week, 16 - 17 weeks