Piper Pie 7 months

Oops. I'm three weeks late. With Sienna, I was so good about being on time. About milestones being recorded. With two kiddos, I find myself more in the moment and less focused on when things happen.

 Pipey pies, you are the most interesting, cute little lady. When I think about you at 7 months, I think of your big smile first. You are always smiling. You're grin is infectious. I think about the way you suck down an apple packet in three minutes, but if I take too long to get you a spoon for other food you screech to remind me you're in charge. I think of your smell-your sweet baby smell that I know damn well is fleeting. I know it because your big sister's smell is still "Sienna" but it's laced with mud from playing outside and ketchup from dinner. I think about your soft hair and how it feels when my lips drift across your head before bedtime. I think about how you smile at me in the morning, in your little sleep sack, after you wake up and remind me that you're such a large part of my purpose here. I think about the way you bounce. I pick you up and you do your happy bounce. It's hilariously adorable. I think about how you laugh at Sienna- but how you are also learning to hold your own and you will scream or cry at her if she hits the wrong button. It's this real sister relationship that's happening. You guys are best friends already.

You want to move. You fling yourself forward from sitting up (with quiet good posture I might add) and then land on your tummy and get so mad you can't crawl yet. You'll get there. You are hot and cold with the jumparoo which for some reason makes me laugh. You are jumping like a crazy person then complaining 5 minutes later. You are enamored with the outdoors. When we open the front door or put you in the car seat you get so excited wondering where our adventure will take us. The swing on our playground in the backyard is your favorite. You especially love when Sienna pushes you.

You light up when Daddy gets home from work, but make sure I don't leave. You want us both around and prefer daddy to hold you looking out, so you can see the world.

You are a lover of naps and a hater of overnight sleep. Mama is tired. You are lucky you are cute. It's getting old. And yet, my heart can't take it when you scream and so I go in and ask you what's wrong and sometimes I feel like you snuggle in and are saying, "I just needed you mama"...We've tried sleep training but you protest. One day I'll sleep again.

You kiss me on the face in a big slobbery way. You grab my arms when the water turns on in the bath and startles you. You love me with your hugs and your squeals. When you want me you say this weird noise that sort of sounds like "MMMM-MA!" But not mama. You're my hip attachment from 5pm on. You want to stay close and see what's going on. I love this age because it's the age of real reciprocity. You not only want to be physically comforted by me, but you're interested in what I'm doing. You laugh at things that are actually funny. I love watching you learn. You're going to shatter the world with your curiosity, I just know it...

Happy 7 months to my sweet little peanut. We love you, Piper!

38 weeks, 4 days, and waiting for baby....

Weeks:  38 weeks, 4 days when I took this yesterday. These maternity jeans are still hanging in with me. It was rainy and cooler so I got to wear pants yesterday- what a concept!
Feeling: Contractions super frequently. Tired. I wake up every hour to pee at night if not more. I can't stop drinking because they the crampy contractions get worse.  Doing a lot of questioning if I am in labor but so far, nope!
Belly:  Huge. I can no longer effectively shave my legs or tie shoes. Thank goodness for flip flops!
Movement: A ton- and big movements. I actually had my OB check her position today with a little fear of her being transverse but she was not!
Craving:  Still thirsty alllll the time. Big meals are out, but I want random little snacks through the day. Probably better anyway. Dinner is no longer my friend and I end up with a 8pm little snack instead.
Gender: Girly girl and miss Sienna is super pumped about her "BABY SISTER!" 
Other symptoms: Nausea! Yuck! Still there. Back pain. Nose bleeds almost daily. Umm... peeing 8 billion times a day which I can't wait to stop doing!
Random thoughts: Just like with Sienna, I cannot believe I am progressing so much but not in labor. But last time I was not in pain, this time tons of pain. I hope baby holds on until Monday when my OB is back in office, but Sat or Sun would be okay too.
Looking forward to: Meeting our girl. That's really it. And praying this does not happen middle of night and freak Sienna out!


Here's to hoping this is the last official pregnancy post...

Thirty Six Weeks. Five Days.

Weeks:  36 weeks, 5 days. FRIDAY is 37 weeks! Yay! This sweatshirt was the same one I wore in my 20 week shot, it apparently isn't fully doing its job anymore. But it's still super comfy!
Feeling: Crampy contractions and back pain constantly. Waiver between wanting baby to get here and getting some of body back and wanting her to stay put a few more weeks!
Belly:  Oh my goodness, if you can't tell in this photo, it's SO LOW. I don't think I ever dropped this low with Sienna. It's almost comical!
Movement: Losing space in there for sure, so movements are slow but steady.
Craving:  Just liquids all the time. Gatorade mixed with water is still the go to, but occasionally I crave a little bit of soda and am allowing myself to go for it at this point. Bananas and peanut butter are my fav snack.
Gender: I sure hope it's still a girl, Sienna is SURE her name will be Minnie.  
Other symptoms: Nausea! Yuck! Thought I got rid of that first tri but it's back. More nose bleeds. Leg pain that is not fun.
Random thoughts: Thankful to almost be 37 weeks.  Annoyed with all the contractions because I don't think I should be in pain and not sleeping BEFORE the new baby comes, isn't that what the first 6 weeks postpartum is for? Can't wait to see what this little one looks like and if she's Sienna's twin when she arrives.  I AM SO THANKFUL FOR MY PARENTS. They have been helping with Sienna endlessly on my bad days and I cannot even imagine not having them. Jamie and I are the luckiest luckiest people to have them, especially my forever self-less mama.
Looking forward to: Doctor's appointment Friday and getting another update on my status. One day, no day soon, sleeping again for more than a few hours and on my stomach. Seeing Sienna meet baby the first time- she is getting excited and keeps asking when she's coming. J put the double stroller together the other day and she said "I need my baby sister!!!"

Getting Ready... .

First: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU MOM & DAD. My parents stepped in big time this week. Ever since my trip to the hospital a few weeks ago for contractions, there is no end in sight. No full labor, but no end of the pain and the annoyance. It's worrisome because I want her to cook longer, and it's tiring because Sienna wants me to run around and I just can't do it all the time.

Sunday my dad came, helped J clean out the baby room, and we now have some semblance of organization. He then insisted he wanted to take Sienna home with him- and the two of them drove back to Yardley to give me a break. A much needed break even though I do miss my little monkey. Having more time in the morning to slowly get up, and last night being able to relax after work were both huge. My parents are my heroes. My mom especially since she was also taking care of my grandma who broke her arm!

Anyway.... here we are. 37 weeks on Friday. And it's becoming a real possibility that this baby will make her appearance in the next few weeks. I am in no huge rush, because I want the last days of Sienna as an only child to be special. And I want this little one's lungs to keep working and developing. But my body is starting to really give out on me and I am frustrated at that- so when she decides to make her appearance, I know it's time.

The room:
A crib is set up! Yay! We made the decision awhile ago to keep the guest bed in that room, so we went with a blue and bright pink theme. Also J hung the tv that was on a stand up on the wall in the corner so when guests visits (or when I'm nursing and Sienna neeeeds to watch Mickey) we still have it there. We ordered Sienna a new dresser for her room and will swap out the changing table to the baby's room once that arrives. She's cool with it because she says she needs a "medium sized" dresser because she has "too many clothes!" True story kiddo. We need to hang the art on the wall but I want to wait until we get the changing table in the right place. Andddd we are going to attempt to fit the glider in there - at some point- maybe.

Clothes:
All set for now. Things are washed and ready. We plan to bring Baby 2.0 home in the same outfit as Sienna as long as it fits her. We have plenty of newborn and 0-3 onesies and a few special outfits for little girl. For now, they are in a big Land of Nod pink and white basket until we set up the changing table and have space for clothes.

Stuff:
Pretty much we have all the newborn things we need. We got a wipes warmer this time, as I previously discussed.  A new pump. A new boppy cover. And some new tommee tippees. We washed the car seat cover and the rock n play cover, the swing is ready.... I mean really we will be nursing, sleeping (god help us I hope...), and amusing big sister while doing those things. I am not as concerned with the "stuff" as I was last time.

Hospital Bag:
Semi packed. I have baby blankets, baby outfit, some comfy clothes for me, socks, and a nursing bra and tank. I'll have to throw things like my brush and contacts in at the last minute anyway. We are super lucky in that we live 5-10 minutes from the hospital and we can have friends or family bring us what we need, when we need it if we do forget.

Big sister Prep:
We've been reading big sister books nightly. We talk about baby.  Sienna asks for her to come out. This will be a huge adjustment, and I know that... but I am so looking forward to seeing the sweet sisters together! We also have some small gifts that the baby can give Sienna. And we ordered a super cute big sis tee for when they first meet!


Overall... I am sick of being pregnant but glad baby has stayed put as long as she has.  I think we are as ready as we will ever be mentally. Hoping to get as much rest as possible before she arrives and spend some good time with big sister Sienna!

34 weeks. And why I have a 16 day countdown.

Here we are at 34 weeks. Two days until 35 weeks. Why does 35 matter? That is the point they no longer stop your labor if it starts on its own. I think it's safe to say that they wouldn't stop me two days shy of that either. The contractions I mentioned last post are hanging in strong. 2-6/hr but never getting regular. More of an annoyance and constant worry of real labor kicking in- or my water breaking.

Weeks:  34 weeks, 5 days.
Feeling: At the risk of being the complainy/whiny pregnant woman in the room, I feel lousy. I have my good hours for sure, but the braxton hicks/perhaps real contractions that seem to be occuring every 7-30 minutes are really driving me crazy and they are painful. My back and sides feel crampy constantly and my GI system is wacky. Five more weeks of this feels insane, but I am also praying she hands in another 16 days. That's the countdown until 37 weeks. That's the first goal to make it to. After that, 39 will be my next hoorah!
 On the upside, I am feeling way more prepared for labor and a newborn than the first go round. It's a whole different world with some perspective from the other side.
Belly:  Belly button totally popped out. Belly definitely a lot lower- no more difficulty breathing unless I sit in a bad position. And I have to say, at least everyone knows I'm pregnant and no one is wondering if I am waddling or gaining weight for no reason.
Movement: Huge movements. Especially if laying on my side. Sometimes it is a huge elbow or knee I see protruding, other times I feel her entire butt move across my rib cage. I also feel movement REALLY low down- always makes me have to pee!
Craving:  Waterade (aka half water half gatorade, with ice). Still sleep. Sweets again. Uh oh. And also regular milk which is bizarre because I'm lactose intollerant.
Gender: GIRL. 
Other symptoms: Still worried about this little poptart staying in there long enough. My legs and back feel tired. Oh! And nosebleeds!
Random thoughts: I am so so tired of worrying about impending labor. Every time I get a really painful contraction, I start timing but without fail nothing consistent or regular has occurred yet.  I just want to make it to at least 37 weeks. Sick of sitting around with my feet up for sure!
Looking forward to: Doctor's appointment Friday. Hoping I can make it to friends' wedding this weekend. Not yet, I don't want this just yet... But eventually having my body (half) my body again when I deliver (but am still nursing).

33.. almost 34 weeks.

Weeks:  33 weeks, 6 days.
Feeling: Wellllll I sure took a wrong turn last week. I probably way overdid it and was exhausted. We had a wedding on Friday and by Saturday morning I was off. Really off. By 1:30pm I landed myself in L&D for contractions that were super painful and super frequent. After 4.5 hours of being hooked up to monitors, I was released on pelvic rest, told not to lift anything over 10 lbs (umm my kid??), and to take it easy. Since Saturday just feeling off still but better. Less contractions per hour, but still feeling some overall unease. It could just really be that it all made me anxious. We will see! I just want to make it to 37 weeks!

Belly:  Belly button totally popped. Belly feels so heavy!
Movement: Holy moly. No doubting this girlfriend is on the go! I can feel her entire body stretch out sometimes. It's crazy but cool.
Craving:  Waterade (aka half water half gatorade, with ice). Sleep. So much sleep.
Gender: Girly girlfriend.
Other symptoms: Anxiety! All related to Saturday's preterm labor threat, but with each passing day that chills out a bit too.
Random thoughts: The pool is still my best friend. We REALLY need to get on top of ordering things for baby and creating a space for her! Also I am so so so uber thankful for a wonderful nanny, supportive friends, and people rallying behind me this week to make sure I took it easy as the doctor suggested. You're all my gems.
Looking forward to: Doctor's appointment this afternoon to make sure all is still well. My parent's celebrate their 40th anniversary this weekend- a dinner to honor the couple!

We better order a crib soon...

We're in the "home stretch" almost! 32.5 weeks feels that way. At 34 weeks all the major major worries start to assuage as the baby gets bigger and lungs get stronger. I am thinking a nice 39-40 weeks would be wonderful, just like with Sienna, but we will see what the future holds!

We have no crib. We have no baby room set up. Last time I am pretty sure we were all set by 33 weeks. This time? We will be lucky to have the rock n play up from the basement by my due date! 

{Excuse the random sink faucet, snapped this quickly at work}

Weeks:  32 weeks, 4 days.
Feeling: Overall, pretty good! My OB put suggested taking 2 zantac a day and it is amazing what it does to help with acid reflux. I feel really pregnant and wonder how I can last another 8 weeks, but otherwise pretty good!
Belly:  Belly button half popped out. Measuring around where I should, if not a teeny bit big.
Movement: We have moved from the nice gentle kicks to the whole entire body rolls and pushes where I feel hands and feet and a butt pressing out. Still super super active.  
Craving:  Cold water. Cold gatorade. Cold lemonade. These things still. Occasionally a cup of hot coffee or a latte which tells me third tri is really here, I never crave caffeine early on. Loving cold fruit and ice pops too!
Gender: As far as I know, still a little girl.
Other symptoms: Braxton hicks still happening all the time. Especially after a long car ride this weekend. Restless leg syndrome at night like crazy. Tired, but not awful. Starting to nest and think about baby's room and outfits and what life will be like when she gets here!
Random thoughts: The pool is my BEST FRIEND. We should really finish our kitchen table before the baby comes and we have even less time.
Looking forward to: A short work week for 4th of July, a wedding this weekend, hopefully some pool time on Saturday and Sunday, and napping when Sienna does for sure.

{T E N} weeks to go!

Thirty weeks pregnant. Ten weeks left and this pregnancy is flying by much faster than the last one. It's also reminding me why third tri exists- to prep you for baby and remember how nice it felt to breathe without something pushing on your airway.

Weeks:  30 + a few days.
Feeling: This week I am feeling pretty good. We had an amazing father's day weekend with the family and got to have a little downtime both days during Sienna's nap. I find that if I have an hour or two to rest during the day, I overall feel better. I'm totally looking forward to meeting this little one and find myself talking to her more these days (sometimes about random things, sometimes to tell her to please move away from my ribs).
Belly:  My belly button looks like it may pop out this time! It never did when pregnant with Sienna. At night it feels heavy so I need a pillow under it even when on my side.
Movement: All the darn time. It's honestly such a great feeling. Last pregnancy S gave me a run for my money and even landed me in triage one night to check on her. This pregnancy it's so nice that every few minutes I get a "tap tap hi mom!"
Craving:  Cold water. Cold gatorade. Cold lemonade. It's getting hot. I am wanting less heavy food and more really cold beverages. I carry my insulated cup around 24/7 and am a water monster. Soon I'll float away.
Gender: Still a girl. Sienna now calls her baby SISTER. AH! Adorable! 
Other symptoms: Braxton hicks any time I have to pee. Sort of weird. Insomnia circa 4 am.  Oh and I get random periods when she must be resting funny on my airway but I really can't breathe- I have to take these slow exaggerated breaths. It also happens after dinner but I should blame that on the decreasing stomach space and food and not the baby maybe? But... also a dose of the happy hormones- really getting excited to meet this little girl and picturing her and Sienna loving each other.
Random thoughts: We did join a pool as I said we needed to a couple weeks ago. It's still hot.  What do you do with a toddler on the 15th rainy day of the summer? I have to bring Sienna to my OB appointment tomorrow, I'm terrified.
Looking forward to: A little pseudo babymoon this weekend with J- Rehoboth for a few nights and leaving Sienna with her two favorite humans- grammy and grandpa. Wish I could indulge in a nice glass of wine!

10 Things I'll do differently with Baby #2.

Last time I had a newborn, I was a new mama. I had no idea about the joy, or the worry, or the countless other emotions that come with having your own tiny little being come home with you from the hospital for the first time. I think we did a pretty good job- we tried our best.  But looking back there are things that I think could have.  And things I'll try to do this time. I say try because we all know what life with a newborn looks like.

1. Pumping: I was so engorged and everyone told me not to pump because I'd produce more milk. That statement was correct- but turns out I needed more milk! Those first few months my supply waxed and waned and I was joyous on the nights I leaked and had too much milk. So I'll pump earlier on if I am engorged. It will be relief and also help me start building my supply and the freezer supply.

2. Nursing in the evenings: I tried really hard to nurse on demand, but between the hours of 6pm and 10pm I often got frustrated. In my mind, if I could hold Sienna off another half hour between feedings I'd have a little more milk and she would be more full. I need to go with the cluster feeding in the evening, especially if it means less screaming from the baby. And there's that supply thing too.

3. Saying no to guests: I was bad at this. ONCE I said no but made Jamie say no for me. This time, if you text or call and I'm crying or nursing and it isn't a good time for a visitor- I will say no. This means at the hospital too. That time is so precious and so exhausting and sometimes the best thing is to have no one bothering you (except you mom, you're welcome anytime).

4. Saying YES when people ask if I need anything: Since becoming a mom, I make every attempt to help my mom friends when their newborns come. I shoot a text saying I'm dropping off dinner. I bring over little presents for the siblings. I throw their dishes in the dishwasher if they are in the sink. Last time when people asked, I would always say I was fine. This time? Yes, please bring me a frozen dinner. Yes, you can indeed throw that load of baby clothes in the washer. Yes, you can take Sienna outside for a half hour. Yes, to whatever you are offering.

5. Not letting it all fall on me: I was under the impression with Sienna that because I was nursing anytime she cried it was totally up to me to make her stop. Jamie was (and is) the best dad and offers continuously to help anytime I need it. I am determined this time to hand her off at 4am if I have already nursed the baby and she's still crying. I'm determined to go take a long hot shower while my dad offers to sing the new little one to sleep when she's fussing. It's too much to do it all alone, and I still struggle with that daily with Sienna. This time, I hope to start off on a better foot.

6. Be more gentle and kind to myself: I beat myself up last time if I ended up a bawling mess when Sienna was crying, or if I was so tired I couldn't see straight. This time, I know it's coming. The crazy hormonal crash after the joy. The feelings of Oh god what did we do... And I know that my mom friends will text or call me back saying, "it's so normal". I also think that due to a few close friends going through it, I will be better prepared to know what is normal vs PPD/PPA and make sure to deal with it if it comes my way.

7. Getting out of the house sooner: I don't mean heading to the club. I mean heading to Target without fearing the newborn will wail. Because she might- but she will be fine and so will I. Taking a shower and walking outside with Sienna to play, going to the grocery store. I might need help, but moving instead of just sitting has always been a good thing for me- no matter what it is that's difficult at that point in life. This shouldn't be any different. And I can take 3 minutes to shower, even if it means frizzy hair, because it makes me feel like more of a person.

8. Taking more photos with me in them: I don't care if I look tired and bleary eyed. I don't care if my hair is a mess- in 20 years I know 100% I will look back thinking I looked way better than I thought. And probably way better than in 20 years.

9. Showing up to groups- breastfeeding, play, whatever before 6 months: Social support has been my #1 gift as a mom. My mom, my friends. My closest mama friend is moving this week (tears) and I know that I will need others to hold me up and share my joys. Since we are keeping our amazing nanny on, there's no reason I can't kick myself out of the house at 8 weeks to get to the breastfeeding groups at the hospital or show up to a 2-4 month old parents as teachers playgroup. Never know where a new good mama friend is lurking. And no one judges if you show up in yoga pants and non-matching shoes. While I'm at it, making sure to thank my friends who support me, whether it be via text or phone calls or showing up with lunch.

10. Be less crazy about sleep (Sarah! don't laugh at me, I said TRY!): This is kid #2. There will be days car naps are necessary. There will be days when I will likely be nursing #2 when #1 wants breakfast and we have to take a break. Sleep is my biggest source of anxiety as a parent, probably because S thrives on good sleep and is so cranky when she doesn't get it- true for all kids but especially true for her. I am going to try to relax. I am going to remember that sleeping "through the night" means 5-6 hours, not 12. I am going to remember that this baby will be happy and loved, and while I will 100% still keep her on a schedule when possible, the days of nazi sleep mom may have to be relinquished. Someone remind me of this when I am texting people at 4 am saying that this is it and I am running away to a convent. 

I'm hoping this will make for an easier newborn transition for me and for the new baby. 10 weeks to go until we try all of this out!

(Then again... doesn't look like we did so bad, right?)

Third Trimester Home Stretch (or so I tell myself as the heat creeps up...)

Friday marked the 28 week third trimester rites of passage. Third trimester is lovely in some ways- no one doubts if you are pregnant, you know there is an end in sight, the baby moves all the time so the worries -for me at least- are easier to keep at bay. It also comes with a bigger belly, more weight to carry around, and the thoughts of oh sh&%t, are we really prepared? Also it appears my cut off jean shots from Pea in the Pod & this GAP long sleeve maternity shirt that is making its second round of wear (a fav during my pregnancy with S too) are my go-tos. Hoping these shorts survive summer!

Weeks: 28.5
Feeling: Pregnancy wise? Pretty good. A little bit of leg cramping and needing to put my feet up once in awhile but have been able to still run around and play with Sienna. Otherwise? I pulled a muscle in my back/shoulder the other day (okay fine maybe from lifting Sienna soooo much) and in the past the best way to cure is to sleep flat on my back with a heating pad. Since that's a no- go and so is ibuprofen, having a little bit of trouble getting it under control. Advice wanted.
Belly:  Bigger daily.  My toes are still in sight, but soon they may be gone too. Belly button is half popped out which actually never fully happened last time!
Movement: Still a ton of movement, mostly at night when I am cuddled up with S reading stories which is adorable, at work in the late morning after tea, and anytime I eat sugar.
Craving: Sweets cravings have FINALLY subsided. Maybe it was that disgusting glucose test that kicked them to the curb. But lately I'm back to menu planning and just trying to put a lot of savory foods on there (side note: make this Orange Chicken in your crock pot- you'll thank me. Throw some broccoli and other veggies in with it too).
Gender: Girly girlfriend, who has been lucky enough lately to collect a few new outfits. Sienna picked out a pair of pink pajamas with cats on them, proudly declaring they were for the baby.
Other symptoms: Braxton hicks are actually less frequent lately, so maybe I'm hydrating better. Still a little bit of leg/butt pain that comes and goes. Reminder not to gain this much weight when not pregnant!
Random thoughts: The glucose test was *as* horrible as I remember. Shaky and nauseous for awhile afterwards. Summer is going to be really hot- we are joining a pool ASAP. Also these pics tell me that my mirrors are dirty and need a good cleaning.
Looking forward to: Sleeping on my stomach again (though last time I nursed that didn't happen for another 6 months post baby), a cold glass of rose on the deck , meeting this little one.

26. Some people call this third tri...

Well, we rounded the corner of the 26th week on Friday.  This weekend was full of fun and I am still feeling pretty good. I am sort of dreading the really hot summer days of late pregnancy and taking in all the glorious breezy spring moments of this that I can. Saturday we had a BBQ with my fam and on Sunday I trekked to Brooklyn on the most gorgeous sunny spring day to see Sarah for the day. A wonderful weekend and now back to reality.

Weeks: 26.5ish. This photo was on Friday during torrential downpour rain, hence the Hunter boots and leggings. S and I also wore rain coats and hoods and our day included stomping in puddles.
Feeling: Pretty good and like this is the height of the glory days. I am having major major insomnia right now which means I feel sleepy when I wake up in the morning. I've added an iced tea or half caf coffee to my routine which helps pep me up. But sometimes on days I'm home with Sienna nap time sounds ever so inticing.
Belly:  Well it's there. No one would question me being pregnant. And sometimes it moves with the little lady now.
Movement: It is so crazy but I never remember Sienna moving like this. It feels almost constant with this kid, and she lets me know if I'm in a position she doesn't like by squirming around until I move. Her favorite time of the day to move around is late morning and late night. Sienna can feel the kicks now and every time she feels baby says "Baby is coming out!!!"
Craving: Sweets still, darn it. Trying to curb the craving but a soft cookie is my best friend. But also savory. I could live on mozz cheese, tomatoes, avocado, and some delish balsamic vinegar (and maybe some bread).
Gender: Girly girlfriend. We are reading the sisters book nightly to Sienna.
Other symptoms: Braxton hicks still holding on strong. Two days ago during nap time I had about 4 in two hours, the most yet. But they never get worse and they are super sporadic so not too concerned. Some annoying ligament pain and leg pain, which is par for the course at this point. Also noticing weight gain in places other than the belly- guess the hips are prepping to do their thing. UGH. Still hot all the time.
Random thoughts: Glucose test this Friday. Last time I did the orange and almost barfed. This time I'm thinking I'll try the fruit punch- my OB said it's less syrupy. Any suggestions? 

25 weeks.

Soooo... how did we get this far? No one would mistake me for not pregnant at this point. Not even me, which was happening a lot before! But this tummy is growing and it's getting more real every day.

Weeks: 25
Feeling: Pretty good physically. Tired as usual ha! But not bad.  Guilty that I can't carry Sienna as much, but it hurts my back and I feel ligament pain if I pick her up too quickly. Oh and super emotional. Crying at everything.
Belly:  Feels huge and heavy, but I am no fool- I know I have a loooong way to go.
Movement: Tons. Jabs and kicks and punches.
Craving: Uh oh, sweets. I never had sweets craving with Sienna that I remember. But, on the plus side, salad is the other craving with home made Italian dressing. So that's good. Also, a good strong cocktail would be welcomed.
Gender: Still a girl haha! We really need to talk names soon. What goes well with Sienna?
Other symptoms: Braxton Hicks like crazy. Every few hours, sometimes a few an hour. I am hoping that it is like last pregnancy when they meant I was slowly prepping and can walk into delivery for a quick 4 hour turn around. And I'm hot ALL THE TIME. At night I find myself checking the thermostat. I am in such big trouble for summer.
Random thoughts: Baby #2 needs to get some of her own things, so this morning Sienna and I went shopping. Maternity shorts are not as bad as I thought.

22 weeks and counting.. Also we are going to DISNEY WORLD.

This weekend marked 22 weeks. Do second pregnancies always go faster than first pregnancies? The days are flying by and I find myself having to think hard about what we need and what we don't. When we first found out we were having a girl, I was soooo organized and started to go through clothes. That hasn't happened since that week. I guess that's what summer is for, right? I also realized that a lot of my non maternity stretch dresses are the PERFECT solution to in between super preggo and non preggo. This one in the photo below is a cheapy Old Navy purchase from the fall after I had Sienna. Pays to keep things around!

Weeks: 22
Feeling: Stilllll tired. Another been there before mama told me recently that the second trimester energy surge doesn't happen once you already have a kid at home. This is true so far, but I still feel far better than trimester one. And more excited too.
Belly:  In the words of my friend Sarah, people would likely offer me a subway seat now. I'm loving being out of the weird stage and onto the actual pregnant belly.
Movement: Tons. A lot is straight down. It wakes me up. If the cat lays on my belly and purrs, she moves so much more. It's so nice to be into the "I can feel her moving and know she's doing okay in there" stage.
Craving: With Easter passing, jelly beans (eek) were this week's craze. But generally still hanging in there with my fruit, veggie, and cheese desires. Meat still isn't big on my list. But I did have a delish grilled burger this weekend that hit the spot.
Gender: Girly girl and Sienna thinks her name should be "Minnie". Sometimes "Sarah".
Random thoughts: Excited for another ultrasound on Weds. They need to check my placenta but as far as I'm concerned just another chance to see the little one in there!

Other thoughts include: Was I crazy to book a trip to Disney pregnant with a toddler? It's going to be 90 degrees. Send water and prayers. And advice. And any recommendations for good comfy sneakers. Wish us luck!

 

H A L F W A Y there...

So here we are twenty weeks. Halfway there.

Sort of crazy because halfway there with Sienna seemed to take forever. Halfway there with baby two seems like it happened overnight. Here we are moving along with the belly. Sweatshirt on the left? I live in it. It's not maternity but makes me feel like a half normal person.

Weeks: 20! HALFWAY THERE.
Feeling: Still tired. More excited.
Belly: Growing daily. Last night my mom said "no one would mistake that you're pregnant now"
Movement: Yes, but once again my placenta is anterior so it's dull. Except when I feel movement straight down. Not my favorite. Mostly in the morning, which is complete opposite from Sienna.
Craving: Lots of salt. And lots of water. I guess this makes sense.
Gender: GIRL! Sienna is getting a baby sister!
Random thoughts: I need to figure out where this baby is going to sleep. We know we won't stay in this house forever, and sort of don't want to turn another room into a nursery. TBD.

Here we go again...

Well. We took the plunge. Baby Walls 2.0 is on the way! Sienna is going to be a big sister! (She still does not know this, we tried telling her once which only confused her. We will wait a little longer til the bump is apparent and then try again)

My goodness second pregnancy is different from the first. The day I found out I was pregnant with Sienna I spent hours googling pregnancy symptoms and babys r us and who knows what. The day I found out I was pregnant with this baby: I tell Jamie and hand him the test and Sienna pushes me out of the room and says "bye mommy, hiding with daddy!" and I carried on making dinner for the family. Having a toddler means that sometimes (sometimes now that I am no longer sick 24 hours a day) I forget I am even pregnant. Then my pants don't button and I remember.

This time I went to get my blood test on the way to work. There was a little sense of good anxiety, but nothing like this day which I still remember fondly. There's no collapsing on the couch after work. First time preggo mamas: SOAK IT UP!

In the beginning days I felt awful this time. Not like with Sienna. Awful vomiting and not being able to eat anything, stomach pains, the fatigue was intense, and nothing I did helped (preggo pops are great but weren't cutting it). My OB put me on Diclegis. It's a lifesaver.

18.5 weeks in and I feel human again. Still tired which leaves me suspicious that this is a mom-of-a-toddler problem in combination with a pregnancy problem and that it may indeed plague me this entire 40 weeks. We have our gender ultrasound this week and I am super excited! I can't decide what I think this baby is and with Sienna I was 100% sure it was a girl.

So at 18 weeks..

Weeks: 18.5 in the photo.
Feeling: Tired. Way less nauseous. Excited to find out gender.  Consistently a mix between ecstatic and terrified of how I'll parent two kids. At the same time.
Belly: Bigger than last time at 18 weeks for sure! Uterus remembers what to do!
Movement: Just a little, mostly little jabs at night. I feel like I felt more with S??
Craving: Cucumbers & hummus, mozz cheese with tomatoes. NOTHING meat related. Wine. How I miss my wine this time.
Gender: Find out Friday. J says girl. Chinese calendar says girl
Random thoughts: Poor baby #2. He/She has nothing to their name yet. I should really buy something new. I will do that Friday after our appointment, maybe.

So here we go again!

XOXO