31 weeks

How Far Along:
31 weeks as of Saturday! I still cannot believe I am in the home stretch!

How Big is Baby and what Baby is up to (baby center copy and paste):
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Weight Gain:
around 20 pounds. Yeah not a fan of the scale. But trying to keep it there and have been good about it.

Best Moment of the Week:
Taking Evie to a big sister class and her doing wonderfully. Listening, helping diaper her doll. Pointing that babies wear diapers, etc! I think she will do good!

Movement:
This kid is so active. So much more than Evie ever was. Constant movements, kicks, stretches, etc. I would like to say there is a time of day, but each day it varies and feel like I feel him at least once every hour. Usually every few minutes!

Belly Button:
Innie. But can see the bottom
What I miss:
Lame, but Beer. I have had a very small glass here and there. Not like I drank that much anyways, but want a nice cold dark beer.
How I am feeling:
Not bad. I sleep with a mini snoogle. It has really helped keep my hips and back happier. Around 3-4 am I do toss it off the bed since it is a pain to flip with. 

I am starting some hip pain/looseness at random times. Ligaments are starting to loosen. I feel a slight waddle at times too. yikes!

Heartburn SUCKS. I take Zantac 75 twice a day, and usually have tums to go with it. Bed time I get a bit of heartburn while laying down, but a cup of water helps and I can usually fall asleep. Need to start a spoonful of honey before bed. 

I have a wonderful cold from Evie. It is mostly a cough, but the pregnancy mucus production does not help. I feel like I cough so much up at when I get out of bed. I use a breathright nose strip when I sleep. I do a sinus saline wash every evening. 

Also not hungry at all in the evenings. Indigestion combined with heartburn just makes me not want to eat.

Cravings/Aversions:
Been really wanting soft serve or a milk shake. Not in the mood for acidy stuff because of heartburn.

What I am looking forward to:
I want to make this baby a ring sling. Need to get to the fabric store to see what they have, if not order some fabric online. Instructions for a pleated one that I want to make. Also to start crossing things off the list of what I want done in the house before the baby comes. 

31 weeks with this dude:

31 weeks with Evie:

Hello bigger bum! Also this dude is lower!

18 Weeks with Baby#2!

Written December 10th-ish, 2012

How Far Along: 18 weeks

How Big is Baby: Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces

What is Baby up to: . He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

Total Weight Gain: Have not stepped on the scale in 2ish weeks.

Best Moment this Week: Done decorating for Christmas!  For the baby, feeling it move again

Movement: Every once and a while. 

Belly Button: Unchanged

What I Miss: A glass of beer or wine every once and a while.

How am I feeling: Not bad. This weekend realized I do have a limit. And it is much shorter than when I was pregnant with Evie. Did not get as much done as I wanted to this weekend but I was so done. My abs were sore when I was loading dishes in the dishwasher. Also having 1 nap on the weekend is a necessity and sad I missed it this past weekend.

Cravings/Aversions: Nothing much really. Within the past 2 weeks, I have been enjoying milk more.  Still not wanting crunchy vegetables (lettuce, raw veggies, etc). Have been eating cooked veggies and drinking V-8 Fusion to up my intake of vegetables. My fried food cravings have been subsiding which is really nice.

What I am Looking Forward To: Finding out the gender since we decided to find out. Appointments with my old OB practice this week!

Gender: No idea...Hope to find out soon. I have had mixed dreams about the gender. I kept dreaming about a girl, but last night I had a dream about a boy, so who knows.

Computer Programming needs to be part of early education

Saw this today and I completely agree
http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2013/02/27/coding-you-should-learn-it/

Watch it. Yes it is 9 minutes long, but shows how important it is to teach simple programming to everyone. note: not every programming job has those awesome perks... oh to work at google... :-P

I had a computer programming class in High School, taught by a woman who was in the industry and decided to teach computers. It was great! yes our first program was "Hello World" like everyone elses. But it opened my eyes to an industry that I had not thought of. I started college my freshman year as a Computer Engineering Major and did not change it. I knew this is what I wanted to do.

I do not know if I would have chose that major if it was not for the introduction of programming in High School. Really do not know, most likely mathematics.

But yes, introducing our children to computers and programming at an early age is so important. Especially in the classroom.

There are fantastic extra curricular activities for kids to introduce them to the engineering field and into programming - such as FIRST. FIRST is a great program, actually put on by the person who owns my company (Dean Kamen). Kids work with engineers to accomplish a task. It incorporates all aspects of engineering, and they get to compete. I know Nick and my kids will be doing this program and we will work with them! Actually a bit excited to do that with them one day. The lego league (ages 6-9 grades K-3) is only 3.5 years away for Evie! Wow...

And our kids, having two computer engineering parents, will learn to program. I know Nick is so excited to get robot kits and build one with Evie and his son. We are geeks, and will do all those kind of things with kids.

But back to the point of this post, schools do not introduce programming to kids at all. It is up to the child to learn on their own or for the parent to introduce it to their kids.

Really thinking about this, I could see this being a career change at some point for me. Teaching programming to kids. I love what I do and do not want to leave. I love developing medical products. I love R&D! I love working with machines and making them do things.

Update

Yep I am a bad blogger. I know that. I just don't have the time much anymore to sit down and write out my thoughts. It sucks. I hate that I am missing memories. But it is life.

Work is busy. I have a lot of things to get done before I head out on maternity leave. I try not to get distracted at work and focus on what needs to get done. And I have been getting better of not farting around on the computer at home and actually watching TV with Nick. Though lately I have been playing a game on my phone (candy crush).

I have some weekly pregnancy updates to post, just waiting to link up pictures. I have not been very good this pregnancy documenting it. I know I am going to be sad about it. We take bump pictures maybe every 3 weeks. BAD. I just don't want a bump picture of me in my jammies, which are not fitting due to the bump. But I want to get better about documenting, so I need to force myself to.

This pregnancy has been going well. Heartburn started early, around 20 weeks. I take Zantac 75 2 times a day and usually have 2-5 tums a day. I am craving milk again and drink at least 1 large glass of milk a day, usually chocolate. I am loving cereal and sweets, but I always love sweets, they are my downfall.

This kid is definitively lower than Evie was. I feel fingers really low and kicks up high. He is a big dancer/kicker. Much more so than Evie. And he loves to push against the edge of my uterus and make me uncomfortable.

I have braxton hicks every once and a while, but they are not bad. Just means I need to relax and drink more water. But overall my body does not ache yet. I attribute that to going to dancing for birth class. Really, if you have one of those in your area, check it out. It is never too early in pregnancy to start dancing. It helps with all pregnancy aches and pains. And you get a good workout. I was sweating last night!

Names are an issue with this kid. We keep increasing the name list and not removing names. It is over 20 names long. Will be a last minute decision....

Hmm. What else. We have gotten a lot of snow lately and I love it. I don't have to clear the driveway, and I get to play outside with my girl. So what is not to love! I have a nice pair of snowpants that are not working, but pair it with my beBand and they work well! My jacket does not zip well and feel like soon I won't be able to zip it (I only zip it when playing in the snow right now, not worth it to be squished daily!).

I have started to feel the nesting instinct here and there. Starting making the list of what needs to get done before the end of April. It isn't bad. We don't need much stuff for this kid at least!

Disney World Day 3

After a BIG day at the Magic Kingdom, we decided to head to the Animal Kingdom. The lodge is so close to the park and we were there quick. The line to get in was HUGE but moved very quickly. We went straight for the Safari Ride, which was only a 20 minute wait.

Very happy our camera has an action mode and will take many consecutive picture in a row. I was able to get some good shots of the animals on the 'safari'.

Here is a small collection of the animals we saw:
(oh blogger why do you make it so hard to tile photos)

Hippo

Bloat of Hippos in the water

Giraffes

   

Elephant (Evie's Favorite)

Baby Elephant

Flamingos

White Rhinos

Zebras

Evie had a BLAST on the Safari. She loved looking at all the animals. Her favorite were the Elephants of course since they have a nice nose :) This is one of my favorite pictures because I get to remember the moment. Was trying to take a picture but Evie was having fun and doing the elephant arm raise. The ride is long, but 100% worth it, kids or not!

After the Safari ride, we walked around to look at monkeys. Evie especially wanted to see Gorillas. On our way there she had fun looking at fish, birds, turtles, and just having fun!

My girl running around

Fascinated by this bullfrog

We stopped at this big area where there were no animals. But this guy there gave Evie some coloring pages. Which this girl loved! We spent a good 10 minutes coloring. Daddy colored with Evie, Mommy colored with Evie, and Papou colored with Evie. This really nice guy who works there (do not remember where from Africa he is from) made Eve the cutest beaded bracelet! She wore it on and off all day!

Then we were off to see the gorillas! I don't have any good pictures. But the gorilla pooped, and went in a corner and ate it... Seriously. He picked it up and ate it! They said this is something gorillas in captivity do since they do not need to mark their territory. Was a wonderful sight.

Then it was lunch time and we at at the Flame Tree Grill (BBQ).  Was so tasty. Just what we wanted on a hot day. The pulled pork was tasty. Nick's ribs were good. YUM! Some of the best food at that park I think!

After we decided to take it easy and go see some characters. She saw Balou and King Louie from Jungle Book (has never seen the movie). Evie thought the bear was the bear from Brave. So had to meet them. When we got to them, they had to go get a quick snack (love how disney tells kids that when they need a small water snack break). Came back and Evie got to meet them! At first she was a little afraid, I think because how tall they were. Her Papou picked her up and she was able to meet them. 

Next was Minnie and Mickey! She knew who Minnie was and ran straight to her. She was not sure about Mickey. Most likely the outfit. 

 

After that we knew Evie was tired. It was hot. Time for a nap! During her nap, Evie and I left her with Yia Yia and Papou and headed to Epcot! We headed to the World Showcase mostly since we knew Evie would not enjoy it much. 

We met everyone at the Tangerine Cafe for dinner. Was excited because they have Shawarma. If you have not seen the latest Avengers movie, they talk about it a lot in it. The chicken Shawarma was only OK, very grisly. I am not a fan of lamb (animal is so cute!), but Nick said that was much better. The hummus was good as was the couscous. Should have gotten the falafel wrap. I love falafel! On the way out of the park we stopped at France to pick up some pastries! We did not leave the park till almost 9pm! Went back to the hotel and CRASHED. Well Nick and I did go out for another drink that evening (same as the day before), but I fell asleep quick.

Disney World Day 2

Evie slept pretty well the first night. She was an exhausted little girl from all the traveling and no nap. From what I remember she got up at 7, not bad for her. We walked outside on the balcony and saw Giraffes sleeping! Could not get a good picture without a flash and I didn't want to startle them. Surprisingly they sleep in a ball like a dog. They look like a rock when they do so that must be the reason for it.

Her and Papou went for breakfast at the cafe in the hotel. Got Bagels, cinnamon rolls, etc for everyone. Yum!

For the first day we HAD to go to Magic Kingdom. It was more crowded than I expected. But the entry line moved quickly.

First we got fast passes to see Tangled (Rapunzel) and Mickey. While waiting we wandered. Saw that the line for Brave (Mirida) was not long so got in line. While there Evie's Papou decided to spoil her and get some ice cream since she was asking for it. What grandparents get to do. She loved it of course.

The line was taking much longer than we thought it should, but Mirida needed a drink of water. Then we got in. Wow when it was Evie's turn, she RAN to Brave. It was amazing. Hugs and just amazement. Of course I wanted a family picture too :)

Then it was time to meet Tangled. The line was a good hour long and we got to walk right in with the fast pass. Really is the way to go. Evie's jaw dropped when she walked into the room and saw Tangled. Dropped. She could not believe she was real. Star Struck. Cutest thing EVER. We had to wait in a small line and Evie just stood there taking it all in.

Then it was her turn. Rapunzel saw Evie in her dress and came running over to her and took her hand. Walked her over to the picture area and got down to her level. Evie showed her the Tangled pin on her dress and they talked. Then posed for pictures. Just seeing my little girl in such amazement was one of the best moments I have witnessed.

Next was Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). I was not a big fan of Sleeping Beauty growing up, neither was Nick (surprise, a guy). Evie had no clue who she was. But she still gave a hug. Here she is dancing with her. 

And next was Cinderella.  Another one Evie didn't know who she was. But She was great with Evie. 

Then time to go see Mickey! Same with the previous fast pass. Got right into the room immediatly. And Evie ran straight to Mickey. Was great how we were first in line and she ran under the velvet rope to get to him! Hugs Hugs Hugs! Of course no talking. But he did give her a kiss on the cheek and she gave him a kiss on the nose. All day she pointed there and said Mickey Kiss. 

Evie went potty and had to change out of her dress since it was so hot. Speaking of that. Evie did wonderful using the potty at disney and not having accidents. She only had one accident the whole time we were there!

We wondered around for a bit looking at things. Ate at Columbia Harbor House. Everyone but me got Fried Shrimp (which the portion was huge) but I got a salad. The heat really makes me want to eat light and lots of veggies. I am a summer girl. Then we decided that Its a Small World is a must and got in line. She just kept looking around. I do enjoy that ride. But we all almost fell asleep except Evie at the end. Knew it was nap time. So we headed back to the hotel/time share.

While walking around, we saw them building Tangled's Tower. Will be so cool once opened up!

Evie napped. I fell asleep on the couch. Nick napped in bed. YiaYia and Papou napped. Yep we all needed it. Once everyone was up, had some snacks and headed out to Epcot for dinner. Stopped at Figment Imagination Ride. Evie loved the first time through and asked for more. We decided to do it again and she FREAKED out. Do not know why, but I think she was tired. I think she was saying more rides, not more of the same ride. After we ate at the Land Sunshine Seasons for dinner. That is really a good quick service restaurant. Fresh healthy food. After we ate went back to the hotel for the night. Put on a movie and all chilled.

Well after Evie was in bed, Nick and I wondered the hotel. Got drinks and sat outside near the fire pit and just chatted. Of course mine was virgin but yummy. I had a virgin Lava Flow (Pina Colada with strawberries) and Nick had an Old Fashioned.

Was a great second day at Disney/First day in the parks!

Disney World Day 1

Well our first day at Disney World we did not make it to the park. Oh well.

We got up at 5:30 to take an 8am flight. Lucky that we used the local airport near us that is in the same town we live in :).  Another benefit of driving ourselves to a local airport, we packed the car the night before. We got Evie up right before we left. We were very smart and kept her in jammies. Woke her up, changed her pull up and put her in the car. Yes she is potty trained, but don't want to deal with "gotta pee" and the mess that could go with an accident during take off and landing. But she was fantastic and did not pee in the pull up at all.

The airport is maybe 15 minutes away. About half way there, we realized we forgot Evie's pillow, so had to turn around and grab it. Not a big deal, but an added little stress. She sleeps so well with her pillow that we didn't want to forget it.

We got to the airport. Decided to park in the parking garage over the long term parking. The rational behind this: we get in at 9:30 at night, would rather not wait for a shuttle to get to the car an possibly clear off snow. Those with kids, if traveling during the winter - DO THIS. You do not want to sit there and dig your car out at the end of the trip. Checked in quickly (Southwest did not have a line surprisingly!) and got through security fast. Was able to pick up breakfast at the airport once through security and we ate on the plane.

The way down is around 3.5 hours. So much faster than our previous flight to California. Food, potty, movie, etc kept her entertained. I brought some gel window clings that entertained her for a good 20 minutes. Best $1 spent at Target for the trip. She pulled them off and put them on. They were Valentine's Day themed, so had X and O. Was able to teach her those two letters to. The flight attendants were quite entertained with her, they had never thought to bring those on the plane and work SO WELL!

Also for this trip, I wore sea bands. The trips to California I was queazy and did not feel well. The result of pregnancy. The sea bands helped so much. Worth the $7 to have them incase you need them.

Orlando Airport is HUGE. So happy I brought my ergo and was able to wear Evie on my back. Baby bump in the front and 2 year old on my back. Where southwest gets into Orlando Airport, you need to take a tram to the main terminal. Then you walk a ways to get baggage. Then even further to the car rentals. All on different floors. So if flying into Orlando, make sure you have a stroller or carrier for you kids!

Should have gotten a good full picture of Evie and I and my bump, but here is us when waiting for our luggage to arrive. Some how (knock on wood) we are very lucky and our luggage arrives very quickly. Do not know how that happens, but I'll take it.

Went to Alamo to pick up our car. Was very quick and a large line formed behind us. Alamo is nice since you get to pick out your car in the lot. Orlando Airport is amazing in that the car rentals are across the street and you don't need a shuttle. We had to go through the whole line of midsized cars to find one we wanted. Ended up getting a Toyota Corolla. Not a bad car and drives well.

Left the airport. Florida knows lots of tourists travel from the airport. Within 5 miles we hit 2 tolls. $2.25 I believe is what we spent on tolls. Not bad, just wish they had one toll. Directions were easy from the airport to Disney. Have to say everything is labeled really well. Did not need our garmin at all :)

Got to the Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House. So cool when you walk in. We checked our luggage when we arrived. Before kids we never did this, but with kids, it is worth the tip to have people help with luggage. Checked in and got our room keys. But our room was not ready yet. It was 3pm. So we walked around the main floor. Evie and I went outside and saw giraffes while Nick ran to the car to put the parking pass in it. Then we wandered around more and found Evie's YiaYia and Papou! We all met and went to lunch at Mara (the quick service restaurant there) since we had the quick service dining plan. 

Lunch was yummy. I had a african stew which was yummy. Evie even loved it! Checked and our room was not ready yet, so let Evie run around the playground they had. AFter still not ready so we chilled on a couch. The 2 year old had not had a nap yet, so was starting to get cranky. Finally at 4:45 or 5 our room was ready! 

 

Was able to quickly unpack and we headed out to Port Orleans Riverside Food Court. They have a great pasta bar where you choose your pasta ( fettuccine, spaghetti, penne ), sauce, chicken or shrimp, and a ton of veggies to put into it. Was yummy and a TON of food. 

Went back to the hotel and just chilled. We were all exhausted. We watched animals outside our balcony (AMAZING). We all went to bed early to start the day relaxed.

Were not sad we didn't go to a park. Would have been nice to get in to the room and put Evie down for a nap. But oh well. Was a fun day since we were staying in such a nice hotel :)