Showing posts with label baby #3. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baby #3. Show all posts

2/02/2015

Baby #3 - 40 weeks DUE DATE!

How far along: 40 weeks

How big is baby: size of a small pumpkin, about 7 1/2 lbs and 20 inches long




Weight gain/loss: Not sure, averaging about a lb a week at each appointment and definitely hit the 40 lb mark. Not the best, but also not the worst.

Maternity clothes: I'm basically wearing 4 outfits on repeat. I am soooo ready to wear the maternity clothes I outgrew for post baby. Some of them hardly got any use so I never got sick of them (wrong season, mostly) and some of them work great for transition pieces even though they are technically maternity. 

Stretch marks: no new ones, thankfully.

Sleep: It's been okay. I nap most days, and sometimes go to bed early (on the couch... I just can't keep my eyes open some nights) but thankfully the sleep has been relatively good and I wake up feeling pretty good.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: Not much appetite. I usually just eat the three meals a day with a lot of ice water and maybe a snack at night (chocolate, oranges, nachos if hubby makes them.... so going to miss those when I'm not pregnant as they don't necessarily help the waistline).

Exercise: I went for a few walks this week and my body is not loving that! I can't wait to be able to move without feeling it in the most uncomfortable places. 

Gender: another sweet baby girl.

Movement: She's slowed down a lot, and just when I start to worry she reassures me with a little nudge. It does wonders to my mental stage. I've had to stop and pray numerous times this week when my anxiousness gets ridiculous. I know that no matter what, God has a plan for this baby, but I also just want to see her, feel her, and get to know her... I know she's pretty safe in there but I still find myself worrying when I shouldn't be. It's been a good exercise in trusting God for me. She still does have marathon moving times where my stomach morphs all over or hiccups that seem to go on forever. 

The belly: She's as low as she can go without coming out! She does stretch out and kick me in the ribs often, but I simply have to move her with my palm and she settles back into a little ball. It's crazy that I can do that! I feel like we are fighting over that space sometimes. She generally stays pretty curled up so when she does choose to stretch out, I feel it!

What I'm loving: Knowing that this is most likely the last week of being pregnant, picturing what she might look like, hearing the girls' excitement as they know she's coming soon too.

What I miss: The occasional beer, regular exercise, being able to jump off the couch, all the regular movements...

Symptoms: All of them! Except no heartburn, thankfully.

The nursery: My part is done! Hubby is working on a few bookshelves and then we are truly done. I can't wait to share it with you. It's come a long way from the dump room/guest room it used to be.

What's different/the same this time: I had one day of a really bad attitude last week, but thankfully was able to work through it (haha, no, I prayed through it and God blessed me with a change of heart. Can't take credit for that). The rest of the week went smoothly. I'm definitely not as hard on myself as I was with Josie and I know I had a pretty good attitude when I was overdue with Audrey. It's such a mental game this time since I know that I am 10 days overdue from the original due date but also know that I'm only "just" 40 weeks with the adjusted date. I'm guessing that it will be 40w3d which is Thursday or 40w5d which is Saturday. That would be 13 days overdue or 15 days overdue from the original due date. Who knows?

Last appointment details: Blood pressure was a tad bit high but she wasn't concerned. She does want to strip my membranes this week, when I'll be 40w3d. I'm fine with that. She didn't check me upon my request since I didn't want to get my hopes up. All is well. Baby is measuring a week behind, just like Audrey did and just like she has this whole pregnancy.

Next appointment: Thursday, 3 days from now.





40 weeks with baby #3, 41 weeks with Audrey, and 39 weeks with Josie

1/28/2015

Rainboots, recoveries, and more nesting

Last week, we battled a cold and fever with Josie that just didn't want to go away. I had the cold part too and I was terrified that I'd go into labor with sinus congestion and a bad cough. Can you imagine?? Thankfully, we are both fully recovered. And I'll probably still be pregnant for another solid week and half. 

I'm due next Monday, 5 days from now. I fully expect to go past that date, as always. We'll be celebrating the Superbowl by staying at home and eating pizza with my parents and sister. Chances are good that I'll fall asleep during the game. Any bets on what time?

My attitude lately has been questionable. I am trying so very hard to not have the late pregnancy blues, but each day feels like 10 days and the thought of being this large and pregnant for another 8-? days makes me want to hang my head and cry. Monday was particularly awful, so I prayed extra hard (seriously) and woke up with a much better attitude on Tuesday. I cleaned out the fridge (which for some crazy reason is actually one of my favorite/most satisfying chores even though I don't do it often enough) and did some moving of utensils and counter clutter to get it as cleaned off as possible. The joy that brings me is just insane. Walking into a kitchen with clean, clutter-free counters keeps me sane just a little bit. It's like my happy place, opposed to the opposite where it is the place that brings me closest to losing it. Does that even make sense? Regardless, after much work and time, our kitchen is functioning better and looks a whole lot better. It's still hopelessly outdated and all that fun stuff, but at least it's cleaner.

Remember last January? When we were stuck inside for the second month of real witner not even knowing that we'd be stuck inside for almost three months more? It's still fresh in my mind because of the scars it left, but this January has very much redeemed itself. On Monday, we walked to Grandma's house (there and back) with jackets, light gloves, and rainboots. Unheard of. The kids couldn't believe it when I pulled out their rainboots and told them to go ahead and jump. It was probably their favorite day of this new year. I love when the little things make them so happy. Probably one of the best parts of staying home with them all day.

Also, let's mention that my maternity coat still fits, even this far along, but I haven't been wearing it because light sweaters with mittens and a scarf have been enough for me. That's a small miracle in itself. 

I plan on doing at least one more pregnancy update post, but need to take pictures first and am in no place to do that right now (haven't even gotten dressed or brushed my teeth. Rough morning, apparently). On the bright side, I was just thinking how my hair was not working out with this current outgrown hair style, and how I wouldn't get to cut it again for a month or more with a newborn and no appointment date in sight, when lo' and behold, my hairstylist posted on FB that she had a cancellation for today during the girls' nap times. Yes please! So excited for a fresh cut, right when I'm feeling not so lovely. It will be a great pick-me-up. :)

Happy Wednesday, friends.

(some pictures of the last few weeks)














1/12/2015

Baby #3 - 37 weeks

How far along: 37 weeks

How big is baby: 6.3-8.5 lbs, 19-21 inches, the size of a watermelon


Weight gain/loss: Gained another 5 lbs this month. Yikes! Can't wait to see that scale go the other direction soon.

Maternity clothes: All the time, rotating about a week's worth of clothes and that's juuuuust fine. Soon enough I'll be able to wear the rest of the maternity stuff that I've outgrown... as postpartum clothes. :)

Stretch marks: No new ones.

Sleep: Surprisingly good! Considering that I was pretty whiny about it in the last update, I can't complain this time. If I do have time for a nap, I sleep very hard for longer, usually an hour+. I am sleeping pretty hard at night as well and have no trouble falling asleep again after numerous bathroom trips. I have had just a few nights of insomnia where I am starving and can't sleep until 1:00 or 2:00 AM, but thankfully naps the next day catch me right up.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: Food is so bleh right now. I've been loving apples and oranges, ice water (always), cereal, and toast. Large variety over here.

Exercise: Just daily life stuff. I brought up some of the baby gear from the basement (multiple trips running up and down the stairs) which got my heartrate up, and oh did I love it! I can't wait to start working out again. I know it'll be hard right away, but I'm in the "daydream about post baby" stage and movement is so desirable.

Gender: Another girl!

Movement: Yes, of course, but she has slowed down since she can't move as much. When she is awake, the movements are very visible and often cause me to reposition as she makes it known how she wants to be positioned. She wins most of the time, although I can now grab her feet a little and push her to the side or down a little if she's pushing hard in the rib area. Most of the time, it's just off to my right side.

The belly: A few weeks ago, she flipped over and dropped down a ton. It was very obvious that it happened... weird alien like body movement. A few days later, she dropped down even more and suddenly, my whole life improved greatly! I have never been as comfortable, especially this far into a pregnancy, and it's just fabulous. I have more energy and just don't get as worn down as I did in the past. She's sitting lower too, of course, which you can see visually. My midwife kind of brushed me off when I told her that had happened, but when she went to measure her, she couldn't because she was so far down. I have no idea what size she is going to be at this point. I'm guessing about the same as Audrey, around 8 lb 6 oz.

What I'm loving: See above! I feel as though I could be pregnant for a few more months. Of course, I don't prefer that, but I feel so good that these last few weeks don't feel so long. I'm also loving that the nursery is coming along. We really are mostly ready.

What I miss: I've been missing wine a little bit and definitely physical exercise/feeling good in my skin.

Symptoms: My feet are a bit swollen but nothing too uncomfortable.

The nursery: Prints are all up on the wall, sheets are done, chair cushions should be coming soon, baby clothes are in place. Now we are waiting on shelves that hubby will build for a little reading area, the crib skirt that I'm still working on, another changing table cover, and the chair cushions to come. I got out the bassinet, car seat, and we are borrowing a friend's baby swing, so there really isn't much else to do.

What's different/the same this time: The girls are so excited. We talk about baby _____(name) all the time and they have a great grasp on what will be happening. Josie keeps telling me that the baby will be coming in a few weeks and that she and Audrey will go stay with Grandma and Grandpa. She gets that Mommy will be at the hospital with the baby for a few days and that daddy will come and get them so she'll get to visit us. Audrey is always so go-with-the-flow with everything, but I do think she gets it for the most part. Her biggest concern was about going to stay with Grandma and Grandpa. When I explained it to them, she looked at me with her big serious blue eyes and said, "but I'm going to go with you." I tried not to laugh and explained that she would come home when we came home from the hospital and that it would be so.much.fun to be at Grandma and Grandpa's. She was fine after that. Love that girl!

Best moment of the week: See above. Explaining what will be happening to the girls was fun. Also, they "rubbed" the baby the other day while we sang every nursery rhyme that we knew. They were mostly avoiding naps, but I indulged them a bit and it ended up being a sweet moment.

Last appointment details: Everything looks good. I think I am Strep B positive again, which is frustrating because I don't want to have to be at the hospital early on in labor just to have the IV hooked up for the 4+ hours it takes. I so hoped I could labor at home a lot more, but who knows how it will go this time around. My midwife did agree to not have another appointment for two more weeks, and then it will be weekly. My original due date is just a week and a half away! I fully expect to see that date come and go, plus another week and half or so. I schedule out past the adjusted due date but I would be a bit surprised if I haven't had baby girl by that point. That would put me 13 days overdue from the original due date. It's possible, I mean that is when the other two girls came, but I hope she comes a little earlier!

Next appointment: Next week, Thursday.One day before the original due date, a week and half before adjusted due date.


Definitely looking full-term nowadays!




37 weeks with Baby #3, Audrey, and 38 weeks with Josie
I remember thinking that I looked decent for 38 weeks with Josie (I did look fine) but that this picture wasn't accurate, too flattering. I know I was swollen and large at this point, but I don't mind a picture that keeps me looking back fondly. :) Audrey still looks pointy, and I'd say that you can tell how low baby girl #3 is by this picture, although she really is even lower than it looks. It's hard to explain... trust me though. She's low, and beautifully head down.


12/22/2014

34 weeks with Baby #3

How far along: 34 weeks

How big is baby: 17.2-18.7 inches and 4.2-5.8 lbs, about the size of a butternut squash


Weight gain/loss: Not sure, although I do think I've reached 40+ lbs. Not ideal but also not that crazy compared to the previous two.

Maternity clothes: All the time, and running out of options. I'm in the homestretch of wearing the same seven shirts over and over. Boring.

Stretch marks: No new ones, thankfully.

Sleep: Sleep has been so sporadic. I have the hardest time getting comfortable, and then once I do get positioned just right I have to go to the bathroom. Now, even with a pillow between my legs and another one propping up my back or belly, I am still feeling hip pain in the mornings. I think I'll just have to wait this out til baby girl is here because there doesn't seem to be a good solution that lasts throughout the night. Some nights I can get comfortable enough to sleep for most of the night (minus the bathroom break or two) and some nights I toss and turn all night and really feel it the next day. Naps are almost nonexistent. I would say I sleep for maybe 10 minutes during the week if I do lay down. The weekend, however? Whew! I napped for over an hour both Saturday and Sunday. It was glorious.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: Love water, citrus fruits, and the Christmas cookies that are everywhere. My appetite has greatly reduced. No more snacking at night, just never feel good at that point. Minimal snacks throughout the day unless I start to get light headed. Yep, that's back. If I'm not eating often enough I get shaky and light headed. I try to avoid it, obviously, but with a lack of appetite I just kind of forget about it. Thankfully, we're home most days so if I do get like that, I can grab something small to eat and a big glass of water and sit down til it goes away. It's just more annoying than anything else.

Exercise: Nothing planned out, just daily life. I'm happy with that at this point. I have no problems with walking around a bunch for shopping outings (which seem to happen so frequently this time of year - hello Christmas shopping).

Gender: sweet baby girl!

Movement: I don't remember this as much with the other two, but her movements are actually pretty painful some of the time. My guess is that she stretches out as much as possible even if there isn't much room. If she's transverse, then her movements would hit me right on both sides instead of ribs and bladder. There is no cushion there so it really hurts. I also have a feeling that she moved a bit more towards being head down in the last couple of days. One day, she rolled or really wiggled and I jumped (yes, I really did) out of my seat just to make room for it. Once she moved, there was a little bit of a release of pressure towards my rib area, which is why I figure she moved down just a teeny bit. It isn't enough to be noticeable from the outside, but since then I haven't been as nauseous and I feel like I can breathe again.

So other than that, movement is all the time and I love it! Hubby has got to feel quite often, and the girls will "feel" her kick but don't have the patience to actually wait to feel anything.

The belly: This week's picture comparisons make me look like she's a little lower, but I think that's just the angle. If she is transverse, then that would make sense why my belly is less pointy looking than it was with Audrey. Obviously I'm bigger than with my first pregnancy (Josie).

What I'm loving: I had a realization recently that next year's Christmas season will include a 10 month old. That first year goes so fast. She could be walking already by then! Isn't that insane?

Another thing that hit us pretty hard this week was when I mentioned to hubby that if we hadn't adjusted our due date, we'd be sitting at 36 weeks right now. That really made this upcoming labor and delivery a reality!

Other than that, the girls and I talk about this baby all the time. They are calling her by name and both seem to really understand that she's coming soon. It helps that the nursery is getting all set up for her. I've stressed that this is her room, not theirs, so they aren't allowed to play in there or be in there without mom or dad. That rule won't last forever, but for now it's good to keep it clear for them that it isn't theirs. It's harder for Audrey because she naps in there, but overall she follows Josie around anyways. If Josie listens, so does Audrey.

What I miss: I mostly just miss regular movement! Getting up off the couch without practically grunting, not being short of breath, having minimal pressure on the bladder. I feel pretty good most of the time, though, so I'm not complaining. It's only a matter of time.

Symptoms: See above! No heartburn although I wouldn't be surprised if she has hair. I never had heartburn with the other girls and each of them had a full head of dark brown hair at birth. My fingers have swollen up on occasion but it isn't uncomfortable or even that often.

The nursery: Progress has been made! Hubby painted the walls a light gray. We got the valence built and done, the furniture in the right spots, and baskets purchased to put in the changing table. They are remarkably perfect for it and add a bit more class to the room instead of screaming "child's room" like the girls' room looked like when it was a nursery. The three frames above the crib are hung but I haven't decided what to put in them yet. I have fabric for a changing table mat cover and sheets. I will also be making a crib skirt although I haven't found the perfect fabric for that yet. Overall, the room is close to done! I still need to solidify what I want to do on the last open wall, but I have a few ideas bouncing around. Finishing touches are fun, so there is no stress at all.

Now, the other stuff, car seat, bassinet, baby swing, etc are not ready. But I know that won't take long so I'm not stressing out about that either. Oh! And all of the newborn and 0-3 month clothes are washed and put away in the drawers. I feel quite on top of it because of that.

What's different/the same this time: I think I'm about the same amount prepared. I think about this baby more than with Audrey since I have more time (the girls entertain themselves more so I'm not just chasing them around all the time).

Best moment of the week:  By far, the best moment was all of us in the nursery, me in the rocker, just taking it all in. Josie decided to cover up the baby with her blanket (my belly, therefore, was covered in her little doll blanket). She then "rubbed the baby to sleep" and even sang to her a little bit. A couple of minutes later, Audrey wanted to sit with me, so I pulled her up and she snuggled in, hugging the belly with her head laying on top and arms around as much of it as she could reach. She still makes a point to say "Hi baby, my name Audrey" every time she remembers. It's just the sweetest

Last appointment details: My weight gain was higher than my midwife expected, although not higher than I expected. I think she was looking for signs of preeclampsia, but my swelling is very minimal and blood pressure was actually lower than it usually is. That's good to see! She had me measuring just under 32 weeks at that 32 week appointment, so we laughed about how my babies hide themselves in there more than most. Audrey always measured behind but was a healthy 8 lb 6 oz, so we aren't concerned. Thankfully, she remembers that and even expects it this time instead of getting concerned.

Next appointment: 35 weeks, so next week, and then another one right away after that for 36 weeks. Christmas week really screwed it up so now it'll basically be weekly.

And the bump! Feeling large but I can tell that I will be getting larger. Just the general shape of the belly and the way clothes are fitting, I'm not disillusioned. I know that I will keep growing!




Baby #3 at 34 weeks, Audrey at 35 weeks, and Josie at 35 weeks


11/28/2014

30 weeks with baby #3




How far along: 30 weeks


How big is baby: 3 lbs and 15 3/4 inches long, about the size of a cabbage




Weight gain/loss: Not sure, pretending it's been healthy and normal. :)


Maternity clothes:  Almost all the time. Looking at my options each morning is less and less fun as less and less fits. I wouldn't be surprised if I end up with just three or four shirts that I rotate as we get closer to 40 weeks. I really don't want to buy more at this point because I have a lot that will fit post baby when I still have baby pouch. I can't even use that as an excuse to go shopping!  I sometimes forget that I have dresses with leggings I can wear... much more comfortable that maternity pants if you ask me.



Stretch marks: No new ones, thankfully.


Sleep: I've been waking up more and more each night, sometimes from discomfort and sometimes to use the bathroom. I fall asleep pretty quickly again, but I can tell that I'm not quite as rested as I was a few weeks ago. A ten minute nap in the afternoon helps tremendously.
 

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: I have definitely hit the small meals only stage. I don't feel super hungry ever and have been snacking a lot less. I do, however, get frantically thirsty when I'm not drinking enough water. I downed 72 oz of water in about 2 hours last night and still felt thirsty but knew it would be a long night of bathroom wake ups if I didn't stop. If only I was better at drinking it consistently all day long.


Coffee hasn't been as good but I still love the warmth of it. I have been eating a lot of citrus fruit (grapefruits because I bought them on accident and clementines because they are always in the house for the girls). Also, cereal and yogurt are awesome. And carbs. Of course.


Exercise: Some really good stretch sessions here and there. Pelvic discomfort is preventing me from doing too much because once I am feeling sore, walking and standing a lot more only makes it worse. Thankfully, I'm not sore all the time. Just on the long days. I've been playing piano for the high school for a couple of hours twice a week and whew can I feel it after that! Sitting on that hard piano bench for 2-3 hours is so hard on this big old belly. I'll be done with that after this week and that is just fine with me. The timing is kind of perfect since I don't think I could do it much longer anyways.



Gender: Another girl!

Movement: Often, at least once an hour. She has the hiccups pretty much every day and I'm wondering if she is head down now since I feel kicks up near my ribs a lot. If I am sitting down, I have braxton hicks constantly and she must not like being as scrunched up because she really goes to town kicking and squirming.



The belly: Seems to be growing right on track with Audrey's pregnancy. Different shape as you can see below, but still about the same size.


What I'm loving: Holding my friends' newborns and thinking about the baby that will be here very soon in our house. Now that winter is here and holidays are started, we have more weekends home meaning more time to work on the nursery. That will be fun (I hope)!



What I miss: Normal moving without aches and pains. Having options for shoeware (my feet are so much larger when I'm pregnant!)

Symptoms: Everything? See all the things mentioned above plus no bladder longevity. Bathroom runs are ever so frequent these days.



The nursery: We will be picking out paint colors this week and hopefully fabric for the curtains. I hope to make some visible progress soon.



What's different/the same this time: The biggest difference is the shape of my belly. Much less pointy, I think she's sitting higher up. I can definitely feel that in my ribs, more like how I felt with Josie. The pelvic discomfort and lack of back pain at this point in pregnancy is very similar to Audrey's pregnancy.

Best moment of the week: We celebrated Thangsiving with my mom's side of the family and it was so fun! I got some baby snuggles from my cousin's newborn baby girl, who has dark brown hair just like our girls did. She reminded me so much of our girls and was crazy to think about it being us again so soon. And also fun to have a "cousin" so close in age to our baby, just three to four months apart. Also, Josie is still all about babies and loves to help with the pacifier, bottle, and loving pats. It warms everyone's hearts, as corny as that sounds. She's just so sweet.


Last appointment details: No gestational diabetes!

Next appointment: Two more weeks



30 weeks with Baby #3 (left) and Audrey (right). No photo this week of Josie.





11/05/2014

Baby #3 - 27 weeks

How far along: 27 weeks

How big is baby: About 2 lbs and about 14 1/2 inches long (cauliflower)


Weight gain/loss: Not sure, don't want to know

Maternity clothes: Pretty much all the time

Stretch marks: No new ones, thankfully

Sleep: Pretty good! I'm getting up once or twice a night for a bathroom break but overall sleep is pretty good. I'd say I take a 10-20 min nap about three times a week. It's nice to not feel so tired in the middle of the day (especially since I know that is coming).

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: Halloween candy... glad that's over with. I just started getting that super full feeling after each meal even though I haven't eaten that much. Then, an hour or so later I'll be starving. I'm still probably eating the same amount at this point, but I can tell the slow descent into tiny meals all day long is upon me. So much work! I feel like all I do is eat snacks all day. I did stock up on fruit, yogurt, and meat snack sticks. Much less junk being consumed which will help with that good old double chin.

Exercise:  Just daily life for exercise... so not too much! I think I'm physically less active this pregnancy than I was the other two. Not something to be proud of.

Gender: Girl!

Movement: All the time. When I wake up, I usually wait until she wakes up and then just enjoy her kicks. Same at night... it's pretty regular. It's amazing to me that a baby who has no concept of time can be so regular and predictable.

Last week, I got to feel her move or flip completely around. It didn't feel great, but it was amazing to watch. The belly morphed. It was kind of strange, but also pretty sweet.

This week, I felt hiccups from her for the first time. Love all the firsts!

The belly: Very round, feeling large, definitely looking larger this time.

What I'm loving: We have a tentative baby name (not ready to share yet) and I've been saying it to the girls to get them used to it and see if it sounds right. It's so fun to hear them register this new name and connect it with a new sister. They still regularly say that baby's in mommy's tummy and I will get kisses and hugs for the baby randomly almost every day.

What I miss: Unlimited caffeine, a normal eating schedule/appetite, a drink every once in a while

Symptoms: Most of the back pain has disappeared and now comes the pelvic/hip pain. Unfortunately, prior pregnancies show that this will not go away until baby is here. So... woo hoo for the next 13 weeks! It feels so long at the end of the day when I'm in pain and getting up or moving around makes me want to groan like an old lady. Thankfully I usually feel good to go after a night of good sleep.

The nursery: Ideas are swirling in my head but none have come into fruition yet. Hopefully soon.

What's different/the same this time: Right now, it all seems very similar. Similar back pain, similar eating habits.

Best moment of the week: The hiccups were pretty special. Seeing a friend's newborn baby got me even more excited for this little lady to make her appearance.

Last appointment details: Nothing new, no appointment for one more week. 



It's so awkward to smile at a timed camera... but here you go. Huge belly to start out this last trimester.  Click here to see my growing stomach with Baby #3...

and below is a comparison with previous babes.



27 weeks with baby #3 and Audrey and Josie

I am not looking as pointy and baby seems to be sitting much higher although it doesn't feel like it. Sidenote:  I miss my long hair. 


10/21/2014

Baby # 3 - 25 weeks

How far along: 25 weeks

How big is baby: About 1 1/2 lbs and about 13 1/2 inches long (rutabaga)


Weight gain/loss: Not sure, don't want to know

Maternity clothes: Pretty much all the time

Stretch marks: No new ones, thankfully

Sleep: Much better the last two weeks! In fact, hardly any dreams and none that made me wake up in a panic. So thankful for this! I am able to get comfortable and don't feel exhausted all day. Hallelujah.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: I've been eating less junk, but still probably too much junk. Coffee is my very best friend (I think I say that every week...?)

Exercise:  I've been walking a little more, stretching a little more, and just today I bought a BodyPump dvd that I am super excited about. Hopefully, it will be here within a week and I'll try to ease into it without burning out on it. BodyPump was my favorite when I had a membership at the Y and I know other pregnant women do it all the way up until baby comes. Cannot wait!

Gender: Girl!

Movement: Very often, almost every hour or two. A few times, I've paused and thought, "I haven't felt her all day is everything ok!!" and of course within a minute or two I get a little kick or jab. She's great already, considering my feelings like that.

The belly: Very round, feeling large

What I'm loving: Well, the obvious. The weather is amazing. This Fall has been amazing. I feel like a broken record but I can't stop myself from oohing and ahhing over it and generally just enjoying it. We aren't outside all day every day, but it is pretty fantastic when we are.

What I miss: No double chin, no back pain, but otherwise, things are good. Yay 2nd trimester glory days.

Symptoms: Lower back pain, always thirsty...looking very obviously pregnant

The nursery: Ideas are swirling in my head but none have come into fruition yet. Hopefully soon.

What's different/the same this time: Right now, it all seems very similar. Similar back pain, similar eating habits... yada yada yada

Best moment of the week: Nothing specific, but all the baby kicks have been so wonderful.

Last appointment details: Nothing new, no appointment for 3 more weeks.




Definitely pregnant... I know baby is going through a growth spurt but whew! Click here to see my growing stomach with Baby #3...

and below is a comparison with previous babes.



25 weeks with baby #3 and Audrey (apparently I skipped this week with Josie)

10/08/2014

Baby #3 - 23 weeks

How far along: 23 weeks

How big is baby: Just over a pound and about 11 inches long (large mango)


Weight gain/loss: Not sure, but I'm feeling huge. See comparison pictures below...

Maternity clothes: Pretty much all the time

Stretch marks: No new ones, thankfully.

Sleep: Terrible, terrible dreams. Vivid dreams of hubby leaving me (different circumstances every time), something being wrong with one of the girls, being in serious danger and having to put myself in terrible situations to solve the problem... Thankfully the last few days have been better which  means my sleep is a lot deeper and I'm not exhausted all the time. I so hope we are past the dreams stage because I can't handle being so tired from lack of sleep. It's just been intense. 

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: Sweets have been my friend too much lately. Still loving ice water and coffee is amazing.

Exercise:  I've been doing stretching and flexibility pilates to help with lower back pain that has been pretty bad. It's almost to the exact same week as my pregnancy with Audrey. My hips are stretching and are constantly getting out of alignment and then my back freaks out in response. Thankfully, my dear physical therapist friend (who explained to me why my back gets so sore - makes way more sense now!) has adjusted me a few times and it has helped. The stretching and elbow-to-the-back back rubs help a lot too. Mostly, I just have to take it easy as the day goes on. I can really tell when I've over done it.

Also, for exercise, I have been working in the garden getting it cleaned up. Not alone, thankfully as that would be completely overwhelming! Harvesting that beast (the garden) is almost done and I am quite happy about that. I keep telling myself that while I will have a little baby next year, I won't be pregnant and will have more energy when it is time to harvest it.

Gender: Girl!

Movement: Very often, almost every hour or two. Hubby got to feel movement this week! I'm certain that is the earliest he has felt it. Just this week, she has moved and kicked enough to make me feel like I'm going to pee my pants. We're getting to THAT stage. :)

The belly: Very round, feeling large

What I'm loving: The girls love all things baby and cannot get enough of their new baby cousin, Clara. It's fun watching them love on her knowing that soon it'll be their very own sister they are loving.

What I miss: Life without back pain. Good, deep sleep.

Symptoms: Lower back pain, vivid dreams, always thirsty

The nursery: Ideas are swirling in my head but none have come into fruition yet. Hopefully soon.

What's different/the same this time: With the dreams, I've been more tired. That's about it.

Best moment of the week: Hubby feeling little girl kick. It was fun to see him connect with her so soon.

Last appointment details: Nothing new, no appointment for 5 more weeks.





Baby #3, pregnant with Audrey, pregnant with Josie


Isn't it amazing how much rounder my belly is this time? Looking more like Josie's pregnancy than Audrey's but thankfully I'm feeling a lot less swollen and miserable than I did that first time around.