Currently...24 weeks!

This week has been SO much better than last. It all started on Tuesday when I was having a serious hormone and stress-induced meltdown in my office. I was so completely overwhelmed by the three classes I was taking that I was certain I had to change my work schedule to make it work. Then came the voice of reason from my sweet husband who encouraged me to just drop one of the classes. I had not considered that option and the moment I clicked "web drop" I felt a weight lift from my shoulders and everything has been so much better this week. Not to mention I have been drinking coffee in the am which totally helps my mood and keeps the headaches away.

Logan IS CURRENTLY....

 

WISHING he could possess control of every single light bulb and lamp in existence  specifically in our house. He has incredible hand-eye coordination and can twist off the top of a lamp, remove the shade, and twist out the light bulb. Then he take the bulb to another lamp that already has a bulb, removes it and replaces it with the bulb from the first lamp. We have really cracked down on him NOT doing this as it's just not safe. And he hates that.

 

MISSING his little cousin River who lived with us. He's only a few months older and of the three children, R is the one he talks about the most. Breaks my heart.

 

WORRYING about our DVD player pausing/skipping his Curious George shows all.the.time. He wants to take the thing apart and fix it, or for us to do it for him.

I AM CURRENTLY....

 

LOVING ice packs. God-send for this low back/tailbone pain. I try to ice every night after work for like, an hour.

 

WISHING that my body loved pregnancy as much as I do.  Seriously, I feel like I'm already in the third tri. Everything feels so heavy and the aches in my back are making me waddle already.

 

CRAVING milk shakes! I have to make them at home with lactose free ice cream and almond milk, which has turned out awesome!  But I do miss the only thing good that McDonalds offers and that is their vanilla milk shakes. Mmmm

 

MISSING my energy level. It's below zero right now.

 

WORRYING kinda sorta about the little baby bean. He/she is measuring a solid 2 weeks behind right now which could mean a  number of things, including genetics, wrong dates or worse, IUGR or SGA. We will have another ultrasound at 28wks to check things out but for now, everything is okay.

how far along? 24wks, measuring 22wks.
total weight gain: 19.5 pounds
maternity clothes? yes.
sleep: not too bad this week. Lots of crazy dreams.
best moment this week: Logan feeling the baby move.
movement: Oh yes!
sex: team green!
labor signs: none
belly button in or out? getting flatter.
food cravings: vodka pasta sauce, ramen noodles
what i miss: The warmer weather. I just want to play outside with my son!
what i am looking forward to: Logan's birthday next week!
weekly wisdom: Every pregnancy, even for the same person, is different.

Bump day, on a Monday

I didn't post last week. Work was insanely busy and my brain felt like fried mush every night. This morning, I had a follow-up ultrasound to check out baby's heart, brain and face. Here is a lil photo:

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="612"] Baby Bean 21.5wks[/caption]

The scan was great. Baby was so much bigger and moving around a lot more, which made a huge difference in how decent the shots were of what they needed. Still Team Green and going strong! I'm not going to lie: waiting is hard! But we have less than 20 weeks to wait now so I can manage.

Because I need prompting, here are the 'deets for the week:

how far along? 21.5, measuring at 20.1wks
total weight gain: 14 pounds
maternity clothes? yes.
sleep: Getting worse. I toss and turn a lot more and baby is so active that it keeps me awake.
best moment this week: Baby doing yoga all.day.long yesterday. Non-stop movement!
movement: See above.
sex: team green!
labor signs: none
belly button in or out? getting flatter.
food cravings: vodka pasta sauce, ramen noodles
what i miss: Going a day without a head ache/migraine
what i am looking forward to: Continuing to have a healthy pregnancy.
weekly wisdom: It's okay to watch TV all weekend.

Our Baby

This morning we had our big ultrasound. I have been really distracted with other things the last week or so and was not really excited about it until last night. I'm glad the excitement was short because waiting is so hard! For the last three weeks B and I, along with many of you, our family and friends, have been praying for my placenta to move away from the cervix. I was mentally preparing myself for a high risk pregnancy, bed rest and an early c-section. While all that was premature, I had to have my emotions in check for me to maintain any sanity about the entire situation. I know way too much about the condition and gave everything I knew up to God because I had no control. There was nothing we could do and so I settled with the worst case scenario. In a way, I believe this worked in my favor. I was less emotional and more accepting about it the last week or so, not to mention Christmas and time off from work is a huge distraction.

We arrived and waited for our tech. She has been a sonographer for 30 years so I knew she would tell us everything. Our practice has their own techs so, unlike in a hospital, they can give us details right away. I asked her if my care would be transferred and she said no, not for a previa. So that was a relief. I really was bumming on missing out on my experience with a midwife, even if I did end up with a c-section.

Baby looks amazing! So healthy and very happy. He/she is measuring a week behind, just like their older brother had been. Baby is also very low so we were unable to get the good profile shots. I go back in two weeks so she can check the head, face, brain and heart out in more detail.

Lastly, we finished up with a TV ultrasound to check on the placenta's placement. Right away it was obvious: my placenta was no longer covering the cervix! And not only that, but was a good 2.4cm away from the opening meaning I don't even have a marginal previa. I am no longer high risk and can carry on with a normal, vaginal birth if all else works out that way!! We are elated! I cannot even tell you how it felt to hear B's sigh of relief. We had both been really careful about my carrying things, etc for the last few weeks and while I will still be careful, we have a lot less to worry about.

Our year could not have ended any better! Tonight we are celebrating by a quiet dinner at home, sipping on sparkling cider, and watching the ball drop.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Bump Bump (19wks)

This weekend has been so nice! I know it's Wednesday but since Christmas was yesterday, it feels like a weekend. I'll post about Christmas next week, so onward with the baby bump update.

• Eating: Lots of pasta, salads, and peanut M&Ms


• Wearing: All maternity pants (work and jeans) and some maternity tops, though I have several tops that are longer tunics that fit great.


• Baby is…bouncing around quite a bit!


• Differences: This is a good 1-2 weeks earlier that I have been feeling this baby than the first time.


• Predictions: Still thinking (and HOPING!) this baby is a girl.


• No fun: I'm out of breath climbing the stairs! And by the end of the day I am achy all over and just want to sleep.


• Way fun: The baby movement and heading to Steamboat later today!


• Decided: on a name for this baby if it's a boy!

Have a great week, friends! I will be away from the blog for a little while. (I have a year in review post scheduled for this weekend.)

Currently...17wks

I know I know!! I've been MIA from an update for a few weeks. I just feel like this pregnancy has been a lot harder than the first time and it's hard for me to write about. But first, currently I am...

Reading... tons of blogs. I am out of school now for winter break and I have time to catch up on a ton that I do not frequent as often.

Listening to... lots of Christmas music. I love Christmas and I love the music. O Holy Night is my most favorite song.

Hating... all the little issues I've had the last two weeks.

Laughing... at my kid. He is so dang funny! Two nights ago he told me to go to time out.

Ignoring... nothing. I am so in-tune with everything right now. It's kind of driving me a little crazy! So hopefully things will settle down soon.

At 17 weeks...

• Eating: TONS of Caesar salad. I love it.


• Wearing: Regular clothes up until this morning. The pair of pants that still fit are dirty so I had to resort to my mat pants for work and am so much more comfortable!


• Baby is…being awesome. I got to see his/her little face two days ago and everything looks great (with the baby).


• Differences: Gosh, everything seems different. I did not have any infections with Logan and I am fighting two different ones right now. UGH


• Predictions: Still thinking (and HOPING!) this baby is a girl.


• No fun: Low back pain. Ouchies! And finding out a I have a complete placenta previa. More on that later.


• Way fun: gearing up for Christmas! We have two family parties this weekend. Oh and my cousin is moving out today! So bitter-sweet!


• Undecided: On how much to share. It's tough. B is way more private than I am, which is why I have strayed from sharing too much about some of the issues going on. Just know the baby is doing great!

Tuesday Night

Last night (Monday) I took my final for my human growth class and left feeling pretty damn good about it. I came home and learned that my cousin finally got the funds she has been waiting for and is set to move into the most adorable early 1900s house downtown in less than two days. We were/are so elated! B and I laid in bed and congratulated each other on getting through the last almost four months with four house guests and surviving. WHEW! B made a margarita in front of me, I smelled it, and wished I could have one myself. Then I turned into bed and slept well.

During the day (Monday) I had a pain return. Last week I was treated for an infection which I was certain was the source of the pain, but alas, it came back and I was worried. Fast forward to this morning. I called my midwife and told them what was going on. They asked that I come in right away. I wasn't too worried. I had a pretty good idea of what was going on. Then. THEN it took the midwife almost FIVE WHOLE minutes to find the bean's heart beat. DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW MUCH THAT SUCKED?! I didn't start to worry until she said something like, "Well, if we don't find it then you get an ultrasound!" Not 30 seconds later the little turkey finally made itself known. Healthy 150BPM. She checked everything else out, took some swabs and was still puzzled. We decided an ultrasound was a good idea. The pain I've been having starts in my belly button and travels straight down. All the way down. It's sharp and very uncomfortable. Could be muscles, even after the results of the ultrasound. Who knows.

So I worked some more, ate an awesome Caesar salad, and walked back over to the clinic. And I must say....I LOVE that my midwife is across the street from the hospital. Plus, I see them almost every day. I love it. B met me for the ultrasound. He was not with me the first time around 13wks so we were both a little excited. Baby looks amazing. It was being very quiet and relaxed. Healthy heart beat again. Measuring well. The "oh shit" moment? I noticed that my placenta was laying flat below the baby (as seen in this photo):



I am no ultrasound expert, but the thought crossed my mind, "Is my placenta covering my cervix?" I brushed it off since the tech had been talking to us about everything the entire time and didn't mention it. Then at the end she asked if I'd had any bleeding. Nope. None. Now, I know why. I waited to talk to my midwife while the tech made her notes. She confirmed I do have another weird infection so new antibiotics were prescribed and then, the bomb: I have a complete placenta previa. This means exactly what I suspected: my placenta is totally covering my cervix which means I am at a very high risk for bleeding, especially as the baby grows more. I have been restricted to only doing light jobs and tasks, no heavy lifting, jumping, etc.

Since it's still early, there is a very good chance the placenta will move away from the cervix as the baby and my uterus grows. However, if it doesn't, then I'm looking at an automatic c-section. This scares the hell out of me. Actually, all of this is scary. The bleeding in PP doesn't usually start until the middle of the 2nd trimester and can result in moderate to complete bedrest. I am trying to stay hopeful and pray that it will move away in time for me to have a normal vaginal delivery without any bleeding complications along the way. The hard part is that I just know too much. I did a huge case study on this exact diagnosis for my med term class. So please send happy thoughts and prayers that all will be well and that the placenta will move. Physically, it doesn't actually move...it moves with the growth of the uterus. I'm just hanging in there and staying positive. So thankful for an otherwise very healthy baby.

le bump, 15wks (currently...)

 

So...I'm like, 40% DONE with this pregnancy already! Can you believe it? Because I can't. Seriously, no space of time has gone faster. I am so grateful to be flying through it, with an almost healthy card, but it could slow down a bit and I would be just fine with that.

I'm over the bump survey thing, so there is my personal version of that:

• Eating: everything in sight! Especially ceasar salad, tomato soup, and any kind of pasta with vodka sauce. YUMMMM!


• Wearing: Non-maternity clothes! I know, right?! 15 weeks and I fit perfectly into a pair of work pants that have hung in my closet because they've always hung weird on me...well not anymore! They fit perfectly and I don't need a belly band to hold them up. Also, no mat. tops either. I'm loving still wearing my regular clothes.


• Baby is...starting to make itself known! The other night I was up with Logan and as I settled back into bed, I felt three distinct thump.thump.thumps! It was so sweet! And now, if I'm really still and paying attention, I can feel the flutters. This is 4 weeks earlier than the first time I started to feel Logan. Wow.


• Differences: So far, this baby is right on track, whereas Logan was always nearly 2 weeks behind in size, which explains his 6.6 pounds at 41 weeks. My peanut.


• Predictions: I think this baby is a GIRL and that I will deliver on time.


• No fun: migraines and low back pain. I am seeing a chiropractor this afternoon and I cannot wait!


• Way fun: Logan kisses my belly and if prompted, will say hi to the baby, whom he is now saying is a girl (before, for weeks, he kept saying "boy" and "brother").


• Undecided: on a boy name. I hope that works out for us in the long run! ;)

There. That was a lot more fun.

a little late

Tomorrow, I'm 14 weeks and officially in the 2nd trimester of this very fast-moving pregnancy! I really cannot believe how fast it feels.

The ups:

I feel like I am carrying this baby higher than I did with Logan. I can still wear my work pants and today, I just discovered that I really don't even need the belly band. Maybe I really did need it for the last few weeks, but the baby/my uterus has moved up some.

I look pregnant. People notice and comment. I love this stage where it is obvious and the attention to my belly is nice. I've always loved having a pregnant belly.

B and I had a date night on Saturday. It was amazing. I love him so much.

Heidi has found a house to move into! She and her kiddos should be making their way out of our digs in the next week or two. We are all so happy and excited for the next step in her transition here.

The downs:

I have been having pregnancy-induced migraines. I never had migraines prior to this pregnancy and they suuuuuuuck. I have a script for powerful tylenol and they're upping the dose because NOTHING is working. I am also scheduling a massage and maybe even a chiropractor adjustment. I'm even looking into buying a 10s unit.

Logan is in a weird phase, one which I am sure is going to last awhile. He cries over almost everything he wants and cannot have. It's exhausting.

Wordless Wednesday

Currently...12 weeks

Anticipating...the day my cousin moves out. That sounds bad, but it's not. She's anticipating it too. We are all ready for her to be on her own and continue taking the right steps to starting over.

Buying...some maternity shirts and some new black boots! Let me say this: I hate maternity shirts and hope that I really only need them in the end. They are gigantic and unflattering. I was able to find some nice shirts that were just more flowey and non-maternity. Love those shirts much more!

Needing...a year long nap. I mean really, bears know where it's at with their hibernating business. I have been so tired lately I can barely function into the evening. Been going to bed around 830!

Thinking...about what books to read when school is out for winter break! I have a few new ones on my kindle, only one of which is pregnancy related.

Ignoring...all the political out-roar, both out in public (a car said "RIP America") and on FB. I know most people have been pretty tame, but wow. Some have been downright mean and I'm not going to give those folks the attention they're seeking.

12 wks with Logan, braving a bikini!

How far along? 12wks
Total weight gain/loss: +8.2 pounds
How big is baby?  Size of a plum!
Maternity clothes?  sometimes, still trying to make the belly band work as my work maternity pants are just too big right now.
Sleep: Meh...I have been going to bed really early and while I am exhausted, it still takes me a little while to fall asleep. But then I stay asleep.
Best moment this week: We heard an amazingly strong heartbeat this morning! Right at 170BPM.
Movement: none yet
Food cravings: peanut butter, smarties, pasta, anything with tomatoes
Food aversions: none
Gender: Team GREEN!
Labor Signs: na
Symptoms:  very tired, some round ligament pains here and there.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off?  On
Stretchmarks? none
How are you feeling? So tired. I know, I keep saying that but seriously, I've been happy and in a pretty good mood most of the time, minus some stress here and there, but very VERY tired.
 What I am looking forward to: DU hockey game on Saturday night with B.
What I miss:  WINE!!
Weekly Wisdom: Going to bed before your child is okay.
Milestones:  Heard a heartbeat! Almost out of the 1st tri!
Pregnancy Moments: So happy that B was with me this morning to hear our baby's heart beating away!

Currently...11wks

(11wks with Logan)

As I've already said, this pregnancy has been so different than my first with Logan. I know all pregnancies can be different but I am truly surprised by how night and day they really are. First of all, I cannot BELIEVE I am already 11wks. Feels like just last week we were finding out! This time did not seem to go as quickly with Logan. I remember the 1st trimester dragging on and on and that that the 2nd trimester was much quicker. Secondly, all my cravings, symptoms, etc are just different. Most of the morning sickness is gone. Only every so often will I feel yucky and like nothing sounds good to eat. Also, the fatigue is wearing off, which is nice (though as I type I am really tired--must be from getting up early to do my face make-up!). Last time I feel like I was tired forever. All the time. Staying up past 9pm has been nice.

And can I just say WOW to my bump?! I seriously had to go back through my photos to see what I looked like last time (thank goodness for those photos!) and this bump is more defined, for sure. Click the link above to see for yourself. Another major difference is how laid back I am about all the aches and pains that are normal. I feel like my experience and education in pregnancy and childbirth has eased my mind. I know that if the pain is sudden and goes away, it has to be round ligament pain, which I had lots of last time. I know that if it sticks around, I can call my midwife and she will tell me what to do. But guess what? I have only called her ONCE this entire pregnancy when I had food poisoning. Last time, I called the nurses all.the.time. I knew them all on a first-name basis. Maybe it was a first-time-mom worry or just that I did have a few issues. I have not had any spotting whatsoever, cramps, or anything else which might be concerning. I feel so lucky this time. I feel so blessed that I know what my body is doing and is capable of.  Do all second timers feel like this?

Our lives are in such a different place this time, which must be why it feels like the weeks are just flying by. My cousin is living with us, I'm in school, working full time, and dealing with a toddler who fights his naps and doesn't go to bed until 10pm (more on that later). Whatever these differences mean, I feel positive that all is well. We should hear a heart beat next week (Thursday) when I'm 12wks.

Stats:

Total Weight Gain: 4.5 pounds. I lost a pound somewhere in there last week. I'm sure after all the candy I've been enjoying that my weigh in on Monday will be different!

Continuing Symptoms: fatigue, though less often.

Maternity Clothes: I love maternity pants. The belly band is working out fine, but not having to readjust it every so often is nice!

Sleep: sleeping well!

What I’m Eating: I am a walking cliche: I ate 3 pickles without stopping last night.

Cravings: salty things, smarties, BBQ chicken, spaghetti

Movement: none

Labor Signs: n/a

Special Pregnancy Moments: When a co-worker pointed out how cute my bump is looking. I love getting to that point where I finally look pregnant and not chubby!

***

Logan is currently...

Loving his dinosaur costume and plastic pumpkin bucket. He was very excited to take it to school today and he carries his pumpkin around the house and puts odd items in it like socks and a stuffed kitty.

Looking at everything out the car windows. He is constantly telling me "Mama, look at that ______!" Fill in the blank. Car lights, moon, orange sky, school bus, truck...you name it.

Cooking water. The kitchen is not the most kid-friendly arena in our home right now. I feel like once the space is just our own again I will let him in the kitchen with me more. But for now, he is obsessed with taking my egg beater/salad dressing maker and filling it with water and ice and then passing the water between the cup and other bowls. He loves water play!

Catching a cold that's been caught. We're going on almost 2 weeks now and his cough is just terrible, however he has no other symptoms and just has to ride it out. We treat it with benedryl at night to help him sleep and the same if he's extra snotty in the morning.

Missing his grandparents. He talks about them every time we are in the car. His memory is amazing. I picked my mom up one day and took her home. The next several days after he kept asking if we were going to pick up Lolly. I hate meeting that question with a "no, not today honey".

I am currently...

Loving being pregnant again. I loved it the first time and I love it again. I love the experience and how growing a baby simplifies the important things in life.

Looking for boots and some damn leggings!! I've looked everywhere. I think I tried on 30 different pairs of boots this weekend and NO place I went had a decent pair of legging. I'd like to live in those for the remainder of my pregnancy and one pair is not going to cut it.

Cooking very little lately. I'm not much for cooking anyway and even less so while pregnant. The microwave is my friend. And my cousin, who's an amazing cook.

Catching up on Call the Midwife! I did not realize I'd missed three episodes! So I caught up yesterday and oh, how I love that show!! I love how ever birth is depicted with real, raw labor and pushing and that not every birth is dramatic (as shown in TV and movies so often). I could go on forever.

Missing my family out East. There little beach town is under water and sand right now. I wish I could be there to help clean up.

Currently...10 weeks!

I am currently..... 

 

Worrying about my sanity. My plate is so full right now. I need a major break from EVERYTHING.

 

Listening to lots of classical music at work. And sometimes, nothing. I rarely get a moment of silence right now and classical music is mellow, calming and peaceful.

 

Wishing that I was a stay at home mom who could send my kid to day care and sleeeeeeeeeeeep.

 

Observing the lovely snow outside!! So pretty!

 

Considering who I am going to vote for in this damned election. There, I said it. This election sucks and is so hard for me. Ugh I cannot wait for it to be over!

***

10 weeks

Total Weight Gain: 5.5 pounds. Still all in the girls. ;)

Continuing Symptoms: Nausea had gone away for several days, until today of course. I'm also still really tired, even if I get 10 hours of solid sleep.

Maternity Clothes: Since my belly is growing more, the belly band is working out better, so no not this week.

Sleep: sleeping well!

What I’m Eating: Whatever sounds good. Right now, nothing sounds good and I usually resort to chicken noodle soup on days like today.

Cravings: I was craving pasta yesterday.

Movement: none

Labor Signs: n/a

Special Pregnancy Moments: Nothing more special that STILL being pregnant!! That is always such a blessing. I wanted so badly to make it to the 10th week. Even though it is still the first trimester, I felt like that was a huge accomplishment health wise. Grow baby Grow!!

Currently...

I am going to start including a weekly or biweekly bump update with the currently posts as I feel they can work together. Find the bump update below.

Logan is currently....

Feeling like a two and a half year old. He's been extra stubborn, saying "no" to just about everything and doing the opposite of what he's asked. I've been told that three is worse than two and I think that might be true.


Drinking juice and milk, his faves.

Looking for something for him to get into that he's not supposed to be messing with. He wants to mess with anything mechanical, switches, buttons, etc.

Dreaming of going back to the farm. Logan loved the animals and the pumpkins, he's asked to go back almost every day this week.

Making his own decisions. Since I'm in a human growth class, it is very obvious that he is in a "just right" stage in which everything must be just right for him. For example, he refused to take his pjs off yesterday morning and so he went to day care in his pjs. Not the battle I'm willing to fight.


I am currently.....

Feeling yucky most days. I'm insanely tired, nauseous and overall not in the best mood.

Drinking tons of water! Gotta stay hydrated!

Looking for ummmm I'm not sure. I have sat her an thought about it and I have no idea what I'm looking for! haha

Dreaming of SLEEEEEEEP.

Making an effort with everything I do. Pregnancy is so much harder with a toddler, full house and busy job.

***

9 weeks

Total Weight Gain: 3.5 pounds. I lost a good pound last weekend with the food poisoning.

Continuing Symptoms: nausea, fatigue, hunger

Maternity Clothes: ummm I'm embarrassed to admit that I'm in my work mat pants now. I was just too uncomfy and my belly band is annoying.

Sleep: sleeping well!

What I’m Eating: just about anything. Not a fan of meat right now.

Cravings: Veggies, greasy foods

Movement: none

Labor Signs: n/a

Special Pregnancy Moments: I suppose a little bump qualifies. I love looking pregnant and everyone at work points it out to me. A boss even asks if I'm having twins and as far as I know, just one is in there.

Epic.

My weekend was epic. Epic in that nothing went as planned, everything pretty much sucked and the only epic part that was good is how much time Logan got to spend with his grandparents.

Early last week, B and I decided it was time to get away. We were overdue for some quality alone time and what better way to spend alone time than in Black Hawk, the only place in CO where you can gamble your little heart (and money) away. It's in the mountains and not a long drive so we booked a hotel and looked forward to the getaway.

Friday night we packed up and left. Logan spent the weekend with his grandparents, which he LOVED, as did they. You will NEVER hear me say this again, but thank goodness for facebook! My mom was awesome in posting photos from their weekend:



 

Watching the sun rise.

 

Morning paper with Pop Pop.

Chess, of course! With Pop Pop.

We arrived and checked into our hotel, which was also a major casino and I think that is just how it works there. Most hotels are also casinos. Anyway, we were starving and headed down the hill to a bigger casino for what we were hoping to be a fancy-ish dinner. We ordered our food and waited awhile. It was almost 9pm by the time we ate. I had some pasta with chicken and B had an omelet. Yes, an omelet. Then we went and lost a lot of money. It was weird and disappointing, but we tried. We've both had luck in the past, but that was just not our night.

Then we went back to the hotel and withing 4 hours, I was in the bathroom all.night.long with food poisoning. Ever had that? Ever had that AND been pregnant?! No fun. In fact, I would not wish such a night on Mitt Romney. We barely slept. There was not a store in town so B had to drive into the canyon to get me some meds. The ride home was horrible. We had plans to play poker, watch a movie and have another nice dinner and NONE of that happened. In stead, I remained in the fetal position all weekend.

I'm at work today and it sucks. I'm tired and weak. Drinking tons of water to stay hydrated. And all I want to do is leave and go to bed. Sometimes, though, you have to tough it out and that is exactly what I'm doing now.

1st Prenatal Appointment

I had my first appointment this morning with the midwife. The practice has four midwives and they encourage you to see all throughout the pregnancy as one of them is on call when you go into labor. This is much like my experience with the OBs, however THAT is the ONLY similarity.

I waited less than 5 minutes and was taken back right at my appointment time. The midwife emphasized the shorter wait times, longer appointments with her, and a general sense of attention being on me, her patient, as the utmost priority. Obviously, I know this to be true for most midwives, but there are some out there who practice along a more medical, OB-type model and I am so relieve to say that these midwives are going to be awesome!

This first appointment was simply a time for us to take, get to know each other, ask questions, to a pap and quick pelvic exam and attempt to hear a heart beat. My little bean is so tiny and swimming around in there so quickly right now that we were unable to catch one. That does not mean anything is wrong, though, just too early to tell. :)

Our conversation was great. I told her right off that I chose the midwives because I want to be one myself and I want the experience of a midwife-attended pregnancy and birth.  She was so intrigued by my interest; we instantly had something in common.

The rest of the appointment went well and I spent 30 whole minutes with her!! This is unheard of with an OB unless there is a problem. I also loved how she actually said, "we don't like putting things in your vagina that don't belong there", like a trans vaginal ultrasound! While I would have loved to have seen the bean on the screen, I am so glad and at peace by how low intervention these folks are. If I had asked for the ultrasound, that would have sent a mixed message to the midwife and simply been selfish of me. My first appointment with the OB last time was JUST with the TV ultrasound. We loved seeing a blob on the screen, but the differences in practice are so obvious. I am so proud of be going into this profession and even more excited to have a real, midwife experience. Remember, if you want to follow my journey into midwifery you can follow my other blog, Midwife101.

Back Seat Driver and other things...

 (8ish-weeks)

I took this photo last night. My belly is really nothing to hide anymore and I'm barely 8 weeks pregnant! I say 8ish weeks because I'm not entirely sure of my dates. One place says I'm due May 21st, another says May 23rd. So I'm choosing Wednesday, the middle day, to declare the new week and until I have a growth scan it will stay that way. I'm feeling okay-ish. Good days and bad days, mostly of nausea and fatigue. Like today, I am SO dead tired. And I have a huge test in my Human Growth class tonight. Praying for strength!

Logan has become a back seat driver. He has been for awhile now, but it's getting worse. He tells me every morning to "go faster, mama!", "no music, mama!", "turn AC on, mama!", and so on. I explain to him that it is much too cold for AC, I'm not turning the music off, and I'm going slow through a school zone. He doesn't argue, yet. But when he does, I snapped a photo of him picking his nose this morning and I'll share it on FB if he starts arguing too much. ;)

Happy Hump Day!

Pregnancy #2 Survey

How old are you and the father?

• We are both 28

Where did you meet?

• At school in our senior seminar class. Read our story in three parts: Part 1, Part II, Part III

Are you boyfriend/girlfriend, engaged, married, or not together?

• Married 4 years

Was it planned?

• Nonyabiznass. ;)

When is your due date?

• May 21, 2013

What week are you in?

• 7.5 weeks

What was your weight pre-pregnancy?

• 130

What is your current weight?

• 132

Do you plan on a natural birth or using an epidural or other drugs?

• Natural

Is this your first baby?

• Second

How did yours and the baby’s father’s parents react?

• They are all thrilled for us!

When did you tell them?

• I told my parents the day after we found out. I had Logan say "big brother" but it did not sound like he was saying that so I had to share it. We called B's mom a few days ago and she is so happy for us!

What were your first symptoms?

• Very little so far. Tender bewbs, tired, and some nausea, but I'm nauseous all the time so no difference yet. Plus some major bloat going on.

How did you find out?

• On Sunday night I picked up a test. I was only a day late and was not expecting to be pregnant. The next morning I took the test and the line appeared before the control line! Total shock.

Have you had an ultrasound?

• Not yet and I don't plan to until the 20 week scan.

Have you heard the heart beat?

• Not yet, hopefully at our appointment next week.

Do you know the sex?

• No, and we will be waiting until the birth. We're both hoping for a girl though. :)

Do you have a name picked out? What?

• For a girl, yes. Boy, no.

Does the name you chose have any special significance?

• Yes, the girl name is after my paternal grandmother.

Do you have any supplies yet?

• Lots of left over things from my first pregnancy with Logan including maternity clothes and some baby things. We will need a new car seat and crib.

Have you felt the baby kick yet?

• No, way too early.

When is your baby shower?

• Probably won't have one since this is baby #2.

What are you looking forward to?

• Everything. I loved being pregnant the first time, despite the aches and pains. I love seeing my belly grow and I cannot wait to see Logan become a big brother. He is going to be incredible.

Have you had any cravings?

• Not anything specific, but I am hungry more often.

Do you wear maternity clothes?

• Not yet

Has anything major changed in your life since your pregnancy?

• Well we had four other people move into our house before we found out! But that will not affect our having a baby. In fact, having them with us makes this experience even richer and more exciting.

Do you take prenatal vitamins?

• I was not happy with the prenatal vitamins so I take individual vitamins. I'll write a post about it soon.

Are you going to breastfeed or use formula?

• Breastfeed

Disposable or cloth diapers?

• Cloth

Has your baby had the hiccups?

• Too early for that, but I loved it when Logan had the hiccups!

Do you have any stretch marks?

• A few left over from the first time.

Any complications with your pregnancy?

• None so far. Hope it stays that way!

Do you get any criticism?

• Nope.

The Stats: Week 7

(7wks with Logan)

Size of Baby: blueberry

Total Weight Gain: two pounds

Continuing Symptoms: nausea, fatigue, hunger

Maternity Clothes: none, HOWEVER I will admit to wearing my mat pants the last two days to work ONLY because everything else is dirty.

Sleep: sleeping well!

What I'm Eating: just about anything. Not a fan of meat right now.

Cravings: Veggies, greasy foods

Movement: none

Labor Signs: n/a

Special Pregnancy Moments: Sharing our news with everyone this week! It has been so exciting!

Here comes number two!

On September 17th before the sun was up, I saw a plus sign appear, the first sign confirming pregnancy. Wow. We're doing this again! We are in shock. We had talked about wanting to have another baby soon, but since our housing arrangements changed we decided to wait. I guess someone else had other plans!

The last few weeks have been insanely stressful with a full house of people to take care of on top of school and work. The first indication I had that I *might* be pregnant was four weeks ago when I broke out all over my face. I rarely ever get acne and when I was pregnant with Logan that was the prime reason for my break outs. Secondly, my work pants are getting tight. No, I am in no way "showing" yet but I noticed a huge (3 pounds!) weight gain in less than two weeks. I had assumed it was because I have been doing a great job with my diet. Weight gain is still a goal, though more important now, and when I noticed the snugness I raised an eyebrow. Then, on Saturday September 15th, there was no sign of the monthly friend showing. This is not entirely unusual, but I decided it was time to take a test on Monday morning.

I was not expecting anything to show up. And there it was. I'm pregnant!

At first I had been feeling okay with a few waves of nausea here and there, though that is not unusual for me with the GERD. I feel nauseous most of the time anyway. But the last two weeks have been so rough. I'm a lot sicker-feeling this time than I was the first time with Logan.

So I guess this is it! We're going to be a family of four sometime in May! I can hardly believe it!!