30+ weeks!

Hey friends!

It has been a while since I updated - we have started back to school and things have been BUSY with a capital B.  I am almost three weeks into working and happy to say I am doing well. The first week was hard - it was SO hot here and I went home every day feeling pretty miserable and swollen.  But the last week or so has been easier - the weather has cooled down (temporarily, probably) and I guess my body is getting used to working.  My goal is to make it to Fall Break (first week of October, I'll be 37 weeks) which is only about 33 more school days!  Not that I am counting, or anything! ;o)

We have had several OB appointments since I last updated.  Baby is doing great! Heartrate has been around 150ish.  I have gained around 30 lbs, more than this time with Lilli, which scares me.  I would love to keep it under 40 lbs, but so much of the weight I gained last time was fluid and I can't control that, so I am trying not to worry about it.  I am trying to eat lots of protein, iron, and fiber.  It is tough!  I still have some nausea/heartburn but my midwife told me to try Prilosec and it has helped tremendously!  I am not able to eat certain foods (ranch, boo) but most things are fine. 

We were able to see the baby on a 4/d ultrasound on Friday and it was a lot of fun!  Baby actually showed his/her face, unlike big sis a few years ago.  So far baby is measuring a little big, estimated at 4 lbs already.  This doesn't worry me too much, as the u/s measurements are far from perfect and I still have a while to go.  Baby WAS head down, so that was good!  Hope it stays that way.

Here are some pics from the appointment-

Pretty neat how you can see those full cheeks and features!  I can't wait to see their face in person!

I haven't been doing my pregnancy workout this week, I have just been SO busy and not waking up in time to do it. I really need to get back on track.  I am hoping to go for a short walk tonight if the weather stays cool.  However, I have been having lots of Braxton Hicks (I think) contractions and especially while walking...so I might not make it very far.

Lilli really seems to "get" that Mommy has a baby in her belly.  She is super sweet about it.  She is calling it a Baby Boy - the first real guess she has made (usually she says something different every time) however, she told me she wanted a baby sister - haha.

Well that is about all about Baby Pumpkin - We are going to the doctor every two weeks now, and things are going by so quickly.  With 3 new babies born in the past 2 weeks I am feeling anxious to hold my own!!

4th of July + more

This post is going to be all over the place, sorry!

Last time I blogged was before the 4th of July holiday, so I'll backtrack a bit.  That weekend we went to eat with Nana and Pawpaw at a place called Chow 45.  It is in Mayfield and was a nice change!  Mom had the best steak I have had in a LONG time - yum!  Dad had crabcakes (also yummy) and Jason had swordfish.  Seriously, you can get swordfish in Mayfield!?  I had a yummy chicken dish and Lilli ate a little off everyone's plate!

She loves drinking tea from anyone who will share!

On July 3rd we noticed they were shooting some small fireworks at the park next door.  So we sat outside and watched.  Lilli LOVED them - enough that we changed our minds and decided TO attend the fireworks the next night.

So on the 4th we headed to Calvert City after dinner. We didn't catch the parade but we did get their early enough for Lilli to play and scare her Momma to death on this crazy tall slide -

"Where are the fireworks going to be, Lilli?"

She loved the show.  I loved her commentary - "that's a big one, Mommy!" and "Look, Daddy, FIREWORKS!" and then she would list all the colors or tell how much she liked each one.  It was a perfect night and she is already asking to see more.  She doesn't understand we have to wait another year! 


I hosted our monthly devotional "Sisterhood" group from church this week.  In preparation, I told Jason I wanted to finally tackle the Cubby Bookshelves from Ana White that I found months ago.  These are modeled after the Pottery Barn bookshelves that are over 300 a piece - and I wanted two!  Thankfully we came well under budget - each bookshelf was about 70 dollars.   It took us a week - Jason constructed and I primed and painted.  I was NOT happy painting in the heat we have had this week, but the finished product was worth it! 

 

I think the molding on the sides really makes it look like something we bought, not made!

Mom also came over last weekend to finish the mural on the wall.  She drew Curious George but we wanted something more - so we decided to add the dog and cat from the show, Hundley and Gnocchi.  Especially since they look just like our pets, Cooper and Brady!

I actually helped her do the details on the kitty - so I am really proud of him!

 
 The playroom is really coming together.  Remember her kitchen that we built before Christmas?

She also has a table and chair set that was mine when I was a child.  I love that she can use it now!

 This bunk bed set was also mine - it matches the desk.

 The playroom is the first room you see when you come in the house, so I am glad it is almost finished.  I just need to find some fabric so mom can make a valance for the window.  I am thinking I might want Jason to make a window seat/toy chest, but I had better give him a break or he might slap me. ;o)


Since I had my camera out I went ahead and took some pictures of Lillian's Big Girl Room.  It was impossible to get all of the bed in one picture!  It is a full size.  We wanted something she could have for a long time and I already had a mattress that I bought in college.

I painted this monogram for her after I saw something similar on Etsy for 250+ dollars.  Um, no.  I LOVED doing it and how it looks in the room.

I picked this bedding out from Pottery Barn but didn't want to pay full price.  So I found a set (they have several!) on Ebay that was brand new and HALF the price.  I even found this little pillow for like 8 dollars (its about 20 on the website) and had mom monogram it for me.  

 I still need new curtains and a new lampshade, they match her old set.  See the owls above - mom made all those, including the weighted bookends.  She is so crafty!

I am thinking of painting the white beadboard green to match the bedding and make the white furniture really stand out.  The chair rail and baseboards match the bed, but the beadboard is more white and I can't stand that it all doesn't match.   So I need to paint it - either creamy white or green.  I just can't bite the bullet just yet.  I need to be 100% sure before I make the decision (like everything in my house - I hem and haw for a long time before I make changes!)


We bought her furniture at Feagan's in Fredonia - it is Legacy Classic Kids "Summer Breeze" and we love it.  It was a perfect combination of girly without being over the top princess.  I wanted to have it in a future guest bedroom some day and some of the sets didn't fit that requirement.  The price was great, too.

We moved all her old baby furniture into what is now the nursery.  It will stay navy and white - either with red accents (boy) or hot pink (girl).  I am still searching for the perfect bedding and need to find it soon!

Speaking of Baby Pumpkin, I had an appointment a couple weeks ago and everything is going well.  Baby's heartrate was 154.  Hard to guess gender based on that!  I am a little concerned with swelling/weight gain since it is SO HOT.  So this morning I woke up a little early and did this -
Perfect Pregnancy Workout

 Hehehehe - It was funny since I have not done ANY workouts in over 6 months!  However, I enjoyed the DVD and plan to do it from here out maybe 3 times a week.  I have gained about 20 lbs and would LOVE to not gain the 50 I did last time...and since I refuse to watch my food I guess I need to do something active!

Can't believe I am sharing this, but here is my BARE belly at 25+weeks -

The growing belly I am ok with...it is the growing arms, thighs, chins, etc that bother me!

The baby still doesn't have a definite name!  Any suggestions are welcome! ;o)



Finishing up - last night Lilli wanted to help me clean up.  So Jason took these pictures.  We thought she looked so big!!

Here is a yummy recipe for you - I made if for Sisterhood and plan to make it again on Friday night when we go to a couple's get-together.  It is SO simple and yummy!  I use my pressure cooker to cook 2 boneless chicken breasts (simple and QUICK) because I hate canned chicken.  And I use "Franks Red Hots" Buffalo Wing Sauce.  I baked mine in the oven but I an to try the crockpot on Friday
Buffalo Chicken Dip


Have a great week!

Baby Pumpkin!

It really is true that the 2nd (and 3rd, 4th, etc) do not get the same treatment from the get go.  Poor baby is already 20 weeks old and I am just NOW doing an update about him/her!

We found out on February 8 that I was pregnant with our 2nd child.  I am a charter - so I knew when to expect my period and when I could test.  I tested early and was excited to see the faint lines!  I was out that day for snow but I managed to drive to the Dollar Store for a test AND to the Doctor for a blood test without anyone knowing!  I told J as soon as he got home - but we waited until about 7/8 weeks to tell everyone.  I wanted to tell the world, but also keep it our little secret as long as possible!

Unlike my previous pregnancies, they only did one round of bloodwork and said they would see me in about a month.  The wait was tough, but since I was already so sick I knew everything was going well!  The morning/night/all day sickness started exactly at 6 weeks and was pretty rough until about 14-15 weeks.  I did have one hospital stay for dehydration, but otherwise I am managing with a coctail of B6, Unisom, and Dramamine.  Other than being weak/groggy because of all the meds (and consistent low blood pressure) I am feeling good most days.  I have even tapered off the meds with some success.

Here are some stats from my appointments -
1st time to hear heartbeat - it was 167
2nd time (around 8 weeks, while in hospital) it was 174
3rd time (12 weeks 4 days) it was 164
4th time (at big ultrasound) it was 147
Here is a picture, same that I posted last week (and I don't know why it is upright but I can't get it to turn)

Ultrasound

We have had 3.  Last appointment was the "growth and development" ultrasound.  We were excited to see that the baby is growing perfectly!  They could see all chambers of the heart, all the parts of the brain, etc.  I don't know exactly how big the baby is, but based on the measurements on the screen it looked like Pumpkin was measuring ahead with long bones - so maybe tall like Big Sis??  The baby is currently breech (head up, feet down) like Lilli was, apparently my babies find a good spot and stick with it.  Lilli turned before our u/s at 30 weeks so hopefully this one will do the same.  In fact, I had a dream 2 nights ago that I felt the baby turning correctly - so we shall see!

Gender

We chose NOT to find out the sex of the baby.  It was HARD!  The ultrasound tech was more nervous that us, I believe.  She was afraid she would see it and give it away later.  However - she was great and said later she wasn't even sure if she knew the gender since she didn't investigate. So the surprise is still on!  I go back and forth - some days I feel it is a boy, others I swear it is a girl.  We really don't have names settled for either so it will all be a surprise when the birth day arrives! 

Weight-

So far I have gained about 11 lbs, which is 12 more than I had at this point with Lilli.  However, with her I was still sick until about 26 weeks or so, so that is to blame.  I ended up gaining 49 lbs with her in those last 13 weeks - eek!  So much was water but with a hot summer coming up I can only imagine it will be worse!  The swelling hasn't started but I know it is coming!

Movement-

I swore I felt flutters around 14 weeks.  I felt strong kicks around 18 weeks.  Just last Friday (on our anniversary) Jason felt the baby kick from the outside!  Such a special moment!!  I didn't feel Lilli until about 22 weeks, so this is a nice change!  Now I feel low kicks all the time and I LOVE them!  Baby is quite active!

Cravings-

I am loving fresh fruits and vegetables.  Not enjoying grilled chicken or ground beef as much as I do when not pregnant.  I was wanting red meat (which I rarely eat) for a few weeks but I think that has passed.  I don't crave anything long term - but when I get something in my head I HAVE to have it or it won't go away.   Last week it was this - A "brownie earthquake" from Dairy Queen. It was HEAVEN.

Today it is this -

Subway Chipotle Chicken and Cheese Melt.  I had it yesterday and it was so yummy I want another!  It is the "5 Dollar Footlong" for June - so next time I am getting the big one! :o)

Belly-

The belly is definitely growing!  I love having a belly at this stage of the pregnancy.  After about 32 weeks I am miserable...so I am enjoing the look of it this summer!  In general I feel prettier while pregnant (at least in the mirror - for some reason my pictures look not so great so I must be delusional!)

This was my first belly shot, taken at 20 weeks on Sunday-

My ankles are NOT swollen - I have permanent cankles.  It is unfortunate.



Jason-

Jason is, as usual, treating me like a queen.  I get foot rubs after a long day and back scratches when needed.  He constantly tells me to go sit (even though I feel like that's all I do some days) and does most of the chores.  He is an amazing Daddy and so excited about Baby Pumpkin.  We talk about the baby and both seem amazed that it is happening - and quickly!  Sometimes I think we are in denial since we don't know the gender and don't have a name or a nursery or anything concrete yet.  But the belly is so undeniable we have that constant reminder!

Lillian-

I am still not sure she knows what is going on.  Just last week I bought some baby clothes and she has loved playing with those, but has no idea an actual BABY will be in them soon!  It is going to rock her world.  I worry that she will be jealous - and I know she will at times, but I just hope she enjoys having a baby sibling.  I hate changing her routine and her life - especially when I think about how spoiled she is (only child and grandchild) but hopefully she will forgive us someday! ;o)  She has recently started saying the baby is a boy...but that changes and will change again, I'm sure!

Well, I guess that is all I can think of for now!  I will try to update again in about a month and keep that up, now that things are changing more.  Hard to believe we are already half way to meeting our little one!!

Better late than never!

Two posts in one week - you readers should be proud!  (All 12 of you!)

Last post was all about Lilli.  I didn't want to take away anything from her so I created a new post for this -
 We are having another baby in October!

That makes me almost 17 weeks - almost halfway done.  So yeah, I'm a little late in updating and hopefully most that read this already know.  If not, surprise!  I told Jason by writing "due 10.23.11" on a small (fake) pumpkin - which led to the nickname "Baby Pumpkin."  Since Lilli was "Baby Peep" (due on Easter) this just fits!  I am very sure that Big Sis expects an actual orange pumpkin to pop out of me and for that she will be disappointed.  But she sure is adorable talking about Baby Pumpkin and rubbing my ever growing belly! 

We are not finding out the gender of this baby until delivery.  We have our big "growth and development" ultrasound on Tuesday, May 24.  It IS very tempting to find out what is growing in my uterus but ultimately, we are holding out for one of life's true surprises.  Besides, it drives my mother and sister batty and I love it. :o)

As for how I'm feeling - BETTER!  Better than I was at this point with Lilli.  Better than I was just a month ago.  Better than I expected to feel.  So yay for that!  The 2nd trimester is typically the best in the pregnancy, and I am hoping to enjoy it this summer.  Laying in the pool, traveling to St. Louis with J and L, and playing outside.  Once August comes I will be big as a barn and NOT happy about going back to work, but I am trying not to think about that.  After baby arrives in October I won't return to work until the following school year in August, which will give me lots of time as a stay-at-home mom to 2 kids.  I figure by August 2012 I will be ready to go back to teaching!

I hope to update more now that school is almost out.  My pictures are all on my laptop and facebook, neither of which I can access right now.  So sorry for the picture-less post. 


Here are some topics I plan to post about in the coming days/weeks:
*VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section) Planning,
*Potty Training
*House decorating - new nursery + new big girl room + new playroom = one busy summer

Stay tuned!