At nine months pregnant, I have come to a realization. (Which is amazing, actually, since any thinking at this point is a miracle.) My discovery is that my two and a half year old and I have quite a bit in common these days. In honor of being full-term today, I've compiled a list below of the top ten similarities between us:
1. Tantrums. Though they can be brought on or aggravated by hunger and frustration, they often appear without warning and at the worst possible time.
2. Mood swings and drama. In addition to tantrums, we can both go from complete highs to bummed out lows in no time. Or one second there are bursts of energy and the next we're lying down on the couch exhausted, wanting to rest and be left alone. I haven't started sucking my thumb for comfort lately, but if someone suggested it would work for insomnia, I totally would.
3. Bladdar issues. Neither of us have a whole lot of control these days of when and where we have to go. Just be ready to get out of our way when we do and treat us to an M&M afterward.
4. Lack of communication skills. Though Audrey is quite the little talker, she often likes to make up nonsensical words and rhymes that no one understands at all. Which is exactly what I'm sure I sound like to David most of the time, either from insanity or forgetfulness of basic English vocabulary.
5. Need for naps and early bedtime. I'm not sure who is requiring more sleep at this point. She's still got the lead on actually getting more, though.
6. The inability to put on our own shoes. One of us from lack of skill, the other from lack of breath and reach.
7. Klutziness. Between my center of gravity having completely shifted and her still being relatively new (having only done it 17 months) to the whole walking/running/climbing/moving thing, neither of us should attempt steps without holding on to an adult's hand.
8. Requiring regular snacks and meals. We both need to be fed often to keep our blood sugar levels stable. See #1 for what happens if we get hungry.
9. Messy eating. On top of having to eat often, I can't have a meal these days without wearing it on my "shelf." I'm tempted to put both of us in bibs.
10. Growth rate. She's growing up, I'm growing out, but we are both getting so big so fast. The difference is that she keeps getting cuter as she grows and I just keep getting, well...larger.
And I'll leave you with one more good laugh at my expense. This is a clip from one of my favorite shows, Scrubs. Totally relatable right now. Enjoy!
Showing posts with label Second Pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Second Pregnancy. Show all posts
Ramblings of a Pregnant Insomniac
Sunday, January 29, 2012
It's 4:20am and for what seems to be the one millionth time this pregnancy, I find myself unable to sleep. I remember going through this with Audrey's pregnancy, but not to this extent. We're finally all able to breathe at night, she is sleeping soundly with no coughing, and my bladder is momentarily empty. Yet here I am, wide awake. Usually, however, my thoughts aren't as anxious as they are right now. For the most part, I'm not worrying or even thinking about Luke necessarily. I'm just awake. Which has lead to some pretty productive things over the past few months. You should see how much I already have done for Audrey's birthday party. It's gonna be SO cute...but I digress. :)
But tonight is different. As I sit here with my mug of warm milk (which is disgusting, by the way, and about to be poured out), my mind is racing and my stomach is in knots. I'm not sure if it's the labor and delivery DVD David and I have been watching lately to re-familiarize ourselves or the baby shower gifts that have taken over our family room or the sheer realization that I have 3-5 weeks left, but I'm suddenly a bundle of nerves.
At this point, it's not about what's left to be done. I could finish those tasks in about three days...or not at all...and things would still be okay. It's more about what's coming that I can't control with excel spreadsheets, lists, and careful planning.
There's the freaking out about delivery: When is he going to come? Will we have time to get Audrey settled or be in a frantic rush? Will I have to be induced? Will it go fast or slow? Safe or troubled? Pain-free with drugs or hurt like hell?
Then there are the questions about him and the moments and hours after delivery: Will he be healthy? What will he look like? Will he be able to nurse? Will I remember how to nurse? Will I remember anything about holding and caring for a newborn?
Then there are the questions about settling in as a family of four: How are we going to do this without screwing up either child or our marriage? (There are about a dozen others in this category, but that one pretty much sums them all up.)
As a friend once told me, I know that what we're giving Audrey in having a sibling is worth way more than anything we're taking away from her attention or material-wise, but STILL.
How is this gonna go? And will we survive it? And not just survive, because life is meant to be more than merely endured, but enjoy it?
Oy.
So that's what's on my brain and in my knotted intestines at this late (early?) hour. Just that our world is about to be flipped upside down. Again. And yes, it sure did turn out great the first time, but boy was it a lot of hard, exhausting work. Are all three of us up to the challenge? How long is it going to take before we hit a new normal? Do I really have the patience, strength, and know-how for this? Will I even come close?
Double Oy.
I know there's nothing to be done but pray and trust. And try to get some rest. So before I attempt all three and then channel surf through horrible 5am programming, I'll conclude with these verses:
"This is my command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Phil 4:6-8
I'm gonna try, Lord! Prayers, please!
But tonight is different. As I sit here with my mug of warm milk (which is disgusting, by the way, and about to be poured out), my mind is racing and my stomach is in knots. I'm not sure if it's the labor and delivery DVD David and I have been watching lately to re-familiarize ourselves or the baby shower gifts that have taken over our family room or the sheer realization that I have 3-5 weeks left, but I'm suddenly a bundle of nerves.
At this point, it's not about what's left to be done. I could finish those tasks in about three days...or not at all...and things would still be okay. It's more about what's coming that I can't control with excel spreadsheets, lists, and careful planning.
There's the freaking out about delivery: When is he going to come? Will we have time to get Audrey settled or be in a frantic rush? Will I have to be induced? Will it go fast or slow? Safe or troubled? Pain-free with drugs or hurt like hell?
Then there are the questions about him and the moments and hours after delivery: Will he be healthy? What will he look like? Will he be able to nurse? Will I remember how to nurse? Will I remember anything about holding and caring for a newborn?
Then there are the questions about settling in as a family of four: How are we going to do this without screwing up either child or our marriage? (There are about a dozen others in this category, but that one pretty much sums them all up.)
As a friend once told me, I know that what we're giving Audrey in having a sibling is worth way more than anything we're taking away from her attention or material-wise, but STILL.
How is this gonna go? And will we survive it? And not just survive, because life is meant to be more than merely endured, but enjoy it?
Oy.
So that's what's on my brain and in my knotted intestines at this late (early?) hour. Just that our world is about to be flipped upside down. Again. And yes, it sure did turn out great the first time, but boy was it a lot of hard, exhausting work. Are all three of us up to the challenge? How long is it going to take before we hit a new normal? Do I really have the patience, strength, and know-how for this? Will I even come close?
Double Oy.
I know there's nothing to be done but pray and trust. And try to get some rest. So before I attempt all three and then channel surf through horrible 5am programming, I'll conclude with these verses:
"This is my command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Phil 4:6-8
I'm gonna try, Lord! Prayers, please!
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Home Stretch, Baby!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Tomorrow marks the start of my third and final trimester. Final, final, final, trimester, because as I've mentioned before, unless God surprises us, we're done. And as soon as the little booger is a bit older, we plan on ensuring against such a surprise. In fact, I'm trying to talk David into getting it done while I'm in the hospital so we can recover simultaneously, but he's not going for it. (Kidding...sorta.)
Overall, this has been a great pregnancy, as my first was with Audrey. I was sick the first trimester, but not as badly as many women. And except for some sleep issues, I have felt relatively good during the second trimester. Still, even with such a great experience, I am not one of those women who just love being pregnant. I struggle quite a bit with my weight during pregnancy, which in turn means I struggle mentally about my looks, lack of physical fitness, food, etc. I love feeling life inside of me, but I don't particularly enjoy putting my body and my mind through all that pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding require. Obviously it's worth it, though. That's a given.
So now that we're in the home stretch, I'm finding myself more relieved than freaked out. I feel like we'll be as prepared as we can be as far as having the house, room, and baby stuff ready. What's left is the anxiety over things you can't do anything about. Those nagging questions like, "When is he going to get here?" and "Holy cow, how on earth are we ever going to manage two?" and "Will we ever be able to give them both enough attention?" or "Will we ever be able to give each other and ourselves any attention again? EVER?"
Of course, there is a little sadness mixed in there as well. I don't want to wish or rush these last couple of months away. Every kick and punch reminds me of how incredible it all is. Every time someone asks me what we're having or when I'm due, I remember it's such a special time.
So, bring it, third trimester. I promise to try and enjoy the blessing of it. Just be good to me...and don't overstay your welcome.
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Friendly Reminder of What NOT to Say to Pregnant Women
Saturday, October 8, 2011
When I was pregnant with Audrey I wrote a post about the top 12 things not to say to a pregnant woman. Unfortunately, I've been experiencing deja vu and hearing a number of them again lately. If you haven't already (or even if you have), do all expecting women everywhere a favor and read it here:
http://thesinyards.blogspot.com/2009/04/what-not-to-say-to-pregnant-woman.html
Of course, were I writing it now, the gender would change, I'd have my own horrifying labor and delivery story that didn't include an epidural after all, and I'd add asking if we're done (we are - and, YES, we still would've been if it was a girl) and then following up with the "But why?!" (Many reasons. But unless you are gonna carry, birth, raise, and pay for a 3rd for us, you don't need to ask.) But you get the gist.
Enjoy it. And offer a sweet compliment to the next preggo momma you see.
http://thesinyards.blogspot.com/2009/04/what-not-to-say-to-pregnant-woman.html
Of course, were I writing it now, the gender would change, I'd have my own horrifying labor and delivery story that didn't include an epidural after all, and I'd add asking if we're done (we are - and, YES, we still would've been if it was a girl) and then following up with the "But why?!" (Many reasons. But unless you are gonna carry, birth, raise, and pay for a 3rd for us, you don't need to ask.) But you get the gist.
Enjoy it. And offer a sweet compliment to the next preggo momma you see.
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First Trimester: Notes to My Second Baby
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
June 27, 2011
I found out about you today, dear one. Several times over, as your mother likes nothing more than to be certain I'm right. The lines on the first two tests were so light, I almost wondered if they were figments of my imagination. So I went to the store and bought one that shows the digital words "Pregnant" or "Not pregnant." With your big sister distracted by the TV for a minute, I escaped to the bathroom and took the test. Before the three minutes were even up, the result stared back at me in bold: Pregnant. PREGNANT! My heart was bursting inside me!
Your Daddy got home and we sat down for dinner. Afterwards, I set up the tripod and told him I wanted to take a picture since we hadn't gotten a great one of the three of us at Audrey's party. This is not out of the ordinary for me, so he never thought twice. We stood in front of the fire place and I said, "Say 'We're expecting!'" just as the camera's timer went off. I had timed it too late. Plan foiled. Your Daddy let out a small laugh and then, as the words sank in, he looked at me surprised, and said, "REALLY?!" Audrey had no clue what was going on, which was exactly my intention. One day you'll realize you never tell a two year old something you A) Aren't ready to have repeated and B) Don't want to hear about endlessly for at least the next several weeks.
We hugged, we laughed, I explained my multiple tests, and we hugged some more. That night we talked about your possible due date and how we were going to share the news with everyone. We were ecstatic. You are wanted and loved even now, sweet baby. We cannot wait to find out more about you, prepare for you, and meet you.
July 2, 2011
We told your Grandmom and Granddad about you tonight. We were at dinner at Ippolito's and just after we ordered, I handed them a small album of Audrey's two year old photo session. At the end were a few shots of her in a "Big Sister" t-shirt and then a picture of the pregnancy test. Pam was looking at them and I watched as her face shifted to confusion, then recognition, then joy. As she showed Ed, he practically knocked the table over to jump up and hug me. They are so excited!
July 6, 2011
Today your Nana found out about you. She came over to visit and help with your big sister while I cleaned house. As Audrey was eating her snack, I pulled out another copy of the photo album and showed her. She missed the first two "big sister" pictures, but thankfully I'd put several in there. She looked up at me, shocked, and I just nodded. We talked about when you might come, how far apart you'll be from Audrey, and how far apart you'll be from your cousin who is due to arrive in November. She, too, can hardly believe you're on your way.
July 7, 2011
This evening we met your Grandpa for dinner. We handed him an album as we'd done with your other grandparents. He was in the middle of a story, so it took him a second, but once he caught on his face lit up and he kept saying how wonderful it was. He hugged me and I could tell how thrilled he is. The next day he sent us an Edible Arrangement bouquet of fresh fruit so I could stock up on good vitamins and nutrients for you.
July 8, 2011
I told your uncles and aunts about your today. I sent Brian and Kevin two emails around 8:30 this morning with some pictures attached. The first was just pictures from Audrey's party and the second was a pic from the party and one with Audrey wearing her "Big Sister" shirt. In the body of the email I wrote: "Couple more great shots. Give me a call soon! Love y'all!" Forty-five agonizing minutes later, Uncle Kevin's number appeared on my cell phone screen. He said, "Heather! Does Audrey know what that shirt says?" I answered, "No." He said, "Do YOU know what that shirt says?!" We laughed and talked a while about due dates, pregnancy symptoms, second children, boys vs. girls, and life in general. Your Uncle Brian beeped in about fifteen minutes into the conversation so we wrapped it up and I called him back on our way out the door. He said he wasn't even shocked or surprised, but just laughed at how like me it was to tell them with a picture. He too was excited and we talked awhile about all the details. Then your Aunt Jenny beeped in and I had to call her back. She was gracious about me sharing the pregnancy spotlight (with Audrey I was pregnant with Kim. I'm sure your aunts wish I could go it alone just once!) and we happily talked details and symptoms. Later your Aunt Kimmy called squealing and saying she had picked up the "pregnancy vibe" from me at Audrey's party. She asked if you were a Puerto Rican souvenir so I could give you a beautiful Spanish name. I told her no, you weren't, but given where we live I could still give you a beautiful Spanish name. Don't worry, though. We aren't that exciting.
Everyone is so thrilled to learn of you and it's been so fun getting to share our news. We're going to tell two of our close couple friends and then wait until after the first doctor's appointment to share with more family and maybe 2-3 other friends. At the end of the first trimester we'll let Audrey, and therefore everyone else, in on our secret. I can't wait!
July 11, 2011
July 8, 2011
I told your uncles and aunts about your today. I sent Brian and Kevin two emails around 8:30 this morning with some pictures attached. The first was just pictures from Audrey's party and the second was a pic from the party and one with Audrey wearing her "Big Sister" shirt. In the body of the email I wrote: "Couple more great shots. Give me a call soon! Love y'all!" Forty-five agonizing minutes later, Uncle Kevin's number appeared on my cell phone screen. He said, "Heather! Does Audrey know what that shirt says?" I answered, "No." He said, "Do YOU know what that shirt says?!" We laughed and talked a while about due dates, pregnancy symptoms, second children, boys vs. girls, and life in general. Your Uncle Brian beeped in about fifteen minutes into the conversation so we wrapped it up and I called him back on our way out the door. He said he wasn't even shocked or surprised, but just laughed at how like me it was to tell them with a picture. He too was excited and we talked awhile about all the details. Then your Aunt Jenny beeped in and I had to call her back. She was gracious about me sharing the pregnancy spotlight (with Audrey I was pregnant with Kim. I'm sure your aunts wish I could go it alone just once!) and we happily talked details and symptoms. Later your Aunt Kimmy called squealing and saying she had picked up the "pregnancy vibe" from me at Audrey's party. She asked if you were a Puerto Rican souvenir so I could give you a beautiful Spanish name. I told her no, you weren't, but given where we live I could still give you a beautiful Spanish name. Don't worry, though. We aren't that exciting.
Everyone is so thrilled to learn of you and it's been so fun getting to share our news. We're going to tell two of our close couple friends and then wait until after the first doctor's appointment to share with more family and maybe 2-3 other friends. At the end of the first trimester we'll let Audrey, and therefore everyone else, in on our secret. I can't wait!
July 11, 2011
I'm worried about you, sweetheart. You'll find that Mommas worry a lot, especially yours. I'm about five and half weeks and haven't had too many symptoms yet, which is what's making me anxious. I've had some pretty consistent, though not serious, cramping, which I remember with Audrey. Other than that and some, ahem, upper tenderness, I don't feel pregnant at all. Of course I don't remember symptoms starting with your sister until six weeks, but that's not helping to comfort me a whole lot. Like many pregnant women, I can't wait to hurry up and get sick so I'll know you're there and okay, and then I'm sure I'll be desperate for the sickness to end. Maybe there won't even be any nausea. Wouldn't that be a treat! Still, I expect to feel something - exhaustion, frequent bathroom trips, smell aversions - any day now I hope. Until then, I keep praying for God to grow and protect you and for me to rest in knowing that the Great Creator is knitting you together in my womb. Snuggle in deep, Little One.
July 13, 2011
Well, I got what I asked for I supposed. I started having morning nausea today. Just as expected since I'm almost six weeks along. The nausea isn't unbearable, but still enough to be uncomfortable. Of course your sister chose today to have her first poop accident and I nearly lost my breakfast. Maybe potty training during the first trimester wasn't such a good idea after all. I've just got to find the balance of not letting myself get hungry and then not stuffing myself. Both feelings make me ill, so it takes careful planning, selection, and self control to find that happy medium.
July 18, 2011
Today I was reminded that I cannot do the things I could do pre-pregnancy. It's hard to remember that when you don't have (much of) a tummy to show for it yet, but you made your voice heard loud and clear today. About six weeks ago I could run 2-3 miles in the heat no problem, but today walking barely two miles nearly gave me heat stroke. Audrey and I met Mrs. Kara, Charleigh, and Reagan at the park today (I can't wait to introduce you to them, they're so sweet!) and we went for a walk before playing on the playground. I haven't gotten much exercise in lately and I pushed a little farther and harder than I should have. After our walk I had to go sit down in the shaded pavilion and cool off as if I was an 80 year old elderly woman. While I tried to get the black spots to go away from my vision and my stomach to quit turning, Mrs. Kara pushed Audrey and Charleigh on the swings while holding Reagan in her carrier. She makes it look so easy and I have a lot to learn from her! I came home and it took me a bottle of water, a Sprite, a cold shower, a nap, and the better part of the afternoon before I felt fully recovered. Ridiculous. Point taken, Baby...I'll back off a little. Not the first time you'll remind me of my human limitations, I'm sure.
July 25, 2011
My first doctor's appointment is this Thursday and I'm so excited/nervous that I can hardly stand it. Last night I asked your Daddy whether I was this worried with Audrey and he answered, "At least as much." He knows me well. It's just such a long time between watching the little line appear on the pregnancy test to hearing a heartbeat! I've been trying to stay busy, though, and have lined up a lot of projects, play dates, and lunches to pass the time. I've been feeling about the same - off and on nausea throughout the day, especially when I let myself get hungry. It seems worse in the mornings and around dinner time. I'm not terribly tired yet, but I must admit I don't seem to have a lot of extra energy, either. The cleaning supplies have been sitting in our bathroom for a solid week. It was the last thing on my cleaning to-do list, but now it's almost time to start over with cleaning the rest of the house! Ah, well. It'll happen eventually.
As far as my growing tummy, well let's just say that they're right about showing earlier with the second. I think a lot of it is bloating, but I'm already down to two skirts and two pairs of shorts that still fit. No weight gain, but stuff is shifting for sure. I have a mental block about being in maternity clothes before at least ten weeks, though, so we'll see how long I can last.
Hurry up and get here, Thursday! I want to see a picture of our little peanut!
July 28, 2011
I saw you today. We'd been waiting for that moment for a month. Actually a lot longer as I knew I wanted you before we were even married. The first thing I noticed on the ultrasound screen was your heart. It was beating so strong and fast and I knew right away you were okay. Your Daddy and I held hands and listened as the doctor told us where your head, your limbs, your spinal cord, and the umbilical cord were. I told him I'd take his word for it. No offense, but it's really difficult to make all of that out right now. But the heart I saw. And seeing your heart made mine so happy.
We went out to lunch afterwards and laughed and talked about you and our family. We were so relieved and ecstatic. Eventually your Daddy had to go back to work. On the way home I called your grandparents and uncles to update them with the good news and your due date, which is March 10, 2012. That sounds so much earlier than Audrey's due date did at my first appointment with her! When I think about all that needs to be done before then, I get a little overwhelmed. As your Daddy said, though, you truly need so little in the beginning. So don't worry, we'll be ready. You just focus on growing and try to aim for digesting more of the prenatal vitamins I'm giving you and less of the cookies.
Nice to meet you, little one. You, like your sister, are no doubt going to rock our world.
July 31, 2011
Today is very special day - it's the seventh wedding anniversary for your Daddy and me. Audrey spent the night at Grandmom and Granddad's on Friday night so he and I had some nice date time to ourselves. That turned out to be great timing because I officially feel terrible today. The nausea is worse and I'm exhausted. After we got home from church I laid down on the couch and barely moved for the rest of the day. We went out to dinner and the grocery store this evening, but that was as much crazy activity as I could muster. When we got home, I put on our wedding video and the three of us watched it. That was such a special, perfect day for us. I am so blessed to be married to your Daddy. I pray one day you and your sister each find a spouse as amazing as I have. There is no one else on earth I'd rather have by my side on this journey than him. You're getting a fantastic father, kiddo.
August 5, 2011
I am (read: you are) officially showing. Big time and at only nine weeks, it's come quite early. I don't think I had this big of a stomach with Audrey until I was about four months. We really want to hold of sharing the news with everyone until the end of the first trimester, but I gotta wonder whether you're going to let us do that.
In my (and your) defense, I think a good bit of it is bloating as the gut is not as big in the morning. After I eat a meal though, there is no question you're in there! Still no weight gain, but I do need to step it up in the exercise department nonetheless.
I cleaned out my closet of things that no longer fit this week and moved in my maternity stuff. I haven't worn any of it yet, but I suspect it'll make an appearance next week. Maybe I'll make it to my ten week mark after all. I think I hear the elastic waist bands calling my name...
August 21, 2011
We bought a minivan today. A 2008 Toyota Sienna. Your Daddy sold his Mustang about a week ago. Two kids and a manual sports car just don't mix. But don't let him hold that against you one day. Truth is, he loves the van. It's pretty awesome, really. I hope you like it too. You and your sister won't even have to have "she's-touching-me-wars" because the middle rows are captain's chairs. Nice, huh? Just try not to get too many Goldfish or Cheerio crumbs ground in the carpet, okay? And for pete's sake, no barfing in it.
August 23, 2011
Where have the past two weeks gone? I gotta tell you, as much as I love you, you have not made them easy for me! I thought the "morning sickness" (such a misnomer because for one thing it sounds too nice and for another it's not just in the morning) would start out at its worst and then progressively get better. Wrong. It began at week six, heightened in weeks eight through ten and is finally, here in week eleven, beginning to taper off. I shouldn't say "finally" because I know some women have it so terribly rough during their pregnancies. Still, walking around on the verge of cookie-tossing or actually...well...tossing them, is extremely unpleasant for any amount of time, even if it is "only" six weeks. I was definitely not this sick with Audrey. I think I only recall actually vomiting once or twice with her, but you child, you have given me that pleasure more than I'd care to experience it. BUT, as I said, I think we're over the worst (Please, Lord) and lately I'm also able to function most days without being exhausted by 2pm. Don't worry - I'm not going to hold these symptoms against you. I won't bring it up during every argument we ever have. Really. Water under the bridge...unless you sass me.
On a nicer note, we get to see you again tomorrow for my 12 week check-up. They'll do another ultrasound and we'll get to peek at how much you've grown. I think I read that you're about the size of a lime now. From a poppyseed to a lime is a big deal, you know! Keep up all that hard work and I'll try to write a little more in the next week or so before it's time to publish this post. How is it almost the second trimester already?! (I have a feeling I'm going to be saying things like that a lot this time around!) Babycenter.com tells me we have 200 days left until you're due! Wow. That seems soon! Have I mentioned lately how loved you are already and how we can't wait to meet you?
August 24, 2011
We saw you today. You looked much more like a human baby than the peanut you appeared to be four weeks ago. You're adorable, but more importantly, you're healthy. For that I thank the Lord! You measured about a week ahead of the due date, but the doctor says we'll stick with March 10th for now. They'll be able to tell more as time progresses. It's okay with me if you want to come a little early. No more than two weeks, though, ya hear? For now, you just keep up that good growing. You are an amazing miracle to your Daddy and me and we can't wait to see you again!
September 4, 2011
You just got to spend a week at the beach! Your Daddy, big sister, Grandmom, Granddad, Grandma, Pawpaw, and I just returned from six wonderful days in Destin. You must have loved it because I haven't felt this good in two months. I don't think I realized how crummy I felt until it went away. I appreciate you cutting me some slack.
We made a lot of great memories on the trip, one of them being that we finally told everyone about you! Your Daddy wrote a message in the sand that we took a picture of and then emailed to your great aunts, uncles, and second cousins. They got it right away and are all so thrilled! Two days later, I made it "Facebook Official" (will you even know what that is when you read this one day? Google it...if that's even still around!) News of you has made so many people so happy.
When we got home, your Daddy began nesting like I've never seen him do before. I guess it must have been the time off and coming back to a three day weekend, because he wrote out a list and started tackling projects immediately. I can't ever remember him doing that! I'm usually the one driving the project management around here. It was great to get a lot finished, though, including cleaning out your closet and putting in some new shelves. Just two more weeks and we'll start hanging some pink or blue clothes in there! For now, though, I'm going to try and soak up a few more hours of having help around before I have to go it alone with your sister tomorrow. Thinking about handling both of you by myself is enough to make me need a nap.
September 9, 2011
Today officially marks the last day of my first trimester. Tomorrow I'll be 14 weeks along and will start my second trimester. I cannot believe how fast it's gone. I cannot believe that we basically have six months left. Less if you decide to come early like AJ did. It all both excites and worries me. But mostly excites.
A new baby in our house again. A tiny little one. So sleepy and cuddly and sweet. So soft and warm and heavenly smelling. Oh sure, there will be lots of crying (yours and mine) and many sleepless nights. I imagine I'm going to lose my mind a little...and some of it may never come back. But it'll be so worth it. We'll be a family of four. Something I've dreamed about long before the line appeared on the stick.
I love you, Precious and I pray for you:
Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for blessing us with a new addition and getting us this far. I pray for health and growth for this baby. I ask for a safe pregnancy and delivery. I pray he or she will come out wailing with strength and exude it from that moment on. I pray he or she will want to know You, will seek and find You, and will follow hard after You all the days of his or her life. Give this baby a heart that cares for others and the gifts, talents, and skills that he or she will need to carry out Your plans. Please grant us wisdom and patience as parents and I plead with You to fill in the gaps with your grace and protection. Father, bless this baby abundantly as only You have and as only You can. I love you, Lord. Amen.
July 13, 2011
Well, I got what I asked for I supposed. I started having morning nausea today. Just as expected since I'm almost six weeks along. The nausea isn't unbearable, but still enough to be uncomfortable. Of course your sister chose today to have her first poop accident and I nearly lost my breakfast. Maybe potty training during the first trimester wasn't such a good idea after all. I've just got to find the balance of not letting myself get hungry and then not stuffing myself. Both feelings make me ill, so it takes careful planning, selection, and self control to find that happy medium.
July 18, 2011
Today I was reminded that I cannot do the things I could do pre-pregnancy. It's hard to remember that when you don't have (much of) a tummy to show for it yet, but you made your voice heard loud and clear today. About six weeks ago I could run 2-3 miles in the heat no problem, but today walking barely two miles nearly gave me heat stroke. Audrey and I met Mrs. Kara, Charleigh, and Reagan at the park today (I can't wait to introduce you to them, they're so sweet!) and we went for a walk before playing on the playground. I haven't gotten much exercise in lately and I pushed a little farther and harder than I should have. After our walk I had to go sit down in the shaded pavilion and cool off as if I was an 80 year old elderly woman. While I tried to get the black spots to go away from my vision and my stomach to quit turning, Mrs. Kara pushed Audrey and Charleigh on the swings while holding Reagan in her carrier. She makes it look so easy and I have a lot to learn from her! I came home and it took me a bottle of water, a Sprite, a cold shower, a nap, and the better part of the afternoon before I felt fully recovered. Ridiculous. Point taken, Baby...I'll back off a little. Not the first time you'll remind me of my human limitations, I'm sure.
July 25, 2011
My first doctor's appointment is this Thursday and I'm so excited/nervous that I can hardly stand it. Last night I asked your Daddy whether I was this worried with Audrey and he answered, "At least as much." He knows me well. It's just such a long time between watching the little line appear on the pregnancy test to hearing a heartbeat! I've been trying to stay busy, though, and have lined up a lot of projects, play dates, and lunches to pass the time. I've been feeling about the same - off and on nausea throughout the day, especially when I let myself get hungry. It seems worse in the mornings and around dinner time. I'm not terribly tired yet, but I must admit I don't seem to have a lot of extra energy, either. The cleaning supplies have been sitting in our bathroom for a solid week. It was the last thing on my cleaning to-do list, but now it's almost time to start over with cleaning the rest of the house! Ah, well. It'll happen eventually.
As far as my growing tummy, well let's just say that they're right about showing earlier with the second. I think a lot of it is bloating, but I'm already down to two skirts and two pairs of shorts that still fit. No weight gain, but stuff is shifting for sure. I have a mental block about being in maternity clothes before at least ten weeks, though, so we'll see how long I can last.
Hurry up and get here, Thursday! I want to see a picture of our little peanut!
July 28, 2011
I saw you today. We'd been waiting for that moment for a month. Actually a lot longer as I knew I wanted you before we were even married. The first thing I noticed on the ultrasound screen was your heart. It was beating so strong and fast and I knew right away you were okay. Your Daddy and I held hands and listened as the doctor told us where your head, your limbs, your spinal cord, and the umbilical cord were. I told him I'd take his word for it. No offense, but it's really difficult to make all of that out right now. But the heart I saw. And seeing your heart made mine so happy.
We went out to lunch afterwards and laughed and talked about you and our family. We were so relieved and ecstatic. Eventually your Daddy had to go back to work. On the way home I called your grandparents and uncles to update them with the good news and your due date, which is March 10, 2012. That sounds so much earlier than Audrey's due date did at my first appointment with her! When I think about all that needs to be done before then, I get a little overwhelmed. As your Daddy said, though, you truly need so little in the beginning. So don't worry, we'll be ready. You just focus on growing and try to aim for digesting more of the prenatal vitamins I'm giving you and less of the cookies.
Nice to meet you, little one. You, like your sister, are no doubt going to rock our world.
July 31, 2011
Today is very special day - it's the seventh wedding anniversary for your Daddy and me. Audrey spent the night at Grandmom and Granddad's on Friday night so he and I had some nice date time to ourselves. That turned out to be great timing because I officially feel terrible today. The nausea is worse and I'm exhausted. After we got home from church I laid down on the couch and barely moved for the rest of the day. We went out to dinner and the grocery store this evening, but that was as much crazy activity as I could muster. When we got home, I put on our wedding video and the three of us watched it. That was such a special, perfect day for us. I am so blessed to be married to your Daddy. I pray one day you and your sister each find a spouse as amazing as I have. There is no one else on earth I'd rather have by my side on this journey than him. You're getting a fantastic father, kiddo.
August 5, 2011
I am (read: you are) officially showing. Big time and at only nine weeks, it's come quite early. I don't think I had this big of a stomach with Audrey until I was about four months. We really want to hold of sharing the news with everyone until the end of the first trimester, but I gotta wonder whether you're going to let us do that.
In my (and your) defense, I think a good bit of it is bloating as the gut is not as big in the morning. After I eat a meal though, there is no question you're in there! Still no weight gain, but I do need to step it up in the exercise department nonetheless.
I cleaned out my closet of things that no longer fit this week and moved in my maternity stuff. I haven't worn any of it yet, but I suspect it'll make an appearance next week. Maybe I'll make it to my ten week mark after all. I think I hear the elastic waist bands calling my name...
August 21, 2011
We bought a minivan today. A 2008 Toyota Sienna. Your Daddy sold his Mustang about a week ago. Two kids and a manual sports car just don't mix. But don't let him hold that against you one day. Truth is, he loves the van. It's pretty awesome, really. I hope you like it too. You and your sister won't even have to have "she's-touching-me-wars" because the middle rows are captain's chairs. Nice, huh? Just try not to get too many Goldfish or Cheerio crumbs ground in the carpet, okay? And for pete's sake, no barfing in it.
August 23, 2011
Where have the past two weeks gone? I gotta tell you, as much as I love you, you have not made them easy for me! I thought the "morning sickness" (such a misnomer because for one thing it sounds too nice and for another it's not just in the morning) would start out at its worst and then progressively get better. Wrong. It began at week six, heightened in weeks eight through ten and is finally, here in week eleven, beginning to taper off. I shouldn't say "finally" because I know some women have it so terribly rough during their pregnancies. Still, walking around on the verge of cookie-tossing or actually...well...tossing them, is extremely unpleasant for any amount of time, even if it is "only" six weeks. I was definitely not this sick with Audrey. I think I only recall actually vomiting once or twice with her, but you child, you have given me that pleasure more than I'd care to experience it. BUT, as I said, I think we're over the worst (Please, Lord) and lately I'm also able to function most days without being exhausted by 2pm. Don't worry - I'm not going to hold these symptoms against you. I won't bring it up during every argument we ever have. Really. Water under the bridge...unless you sass me.
On a nicer note, we get to see you again tomorrow for my 12 week check-up. They'll do another ultrasound and we'll get to peek at how much you've grown. I think I read that you're about the size of a lime now. From a poppyseed to a lime is a big deal, you know! Keep up all that hard work and I'll try to write a little more in the next week or so before it's time to publish this post. How is it almost the second trimester already?! (I have a feeling I'm going to be saying things like that a lot this time around!) Babycenter.com tells me we have 200 days left until you're due! Wow. That seems soon! Have I mentioned lately how loved you are already and how we can't wait to meet you?
August 24, 2011
We saw you today. You looked much more like a human baby than the peanut you appeared to be four weeks ago. You're adorable, but more importantly, you're healthy. For that I thank the Lord! You measured about a week ahead of the due date, but the doctor says we'll stick with March 10th for now. They'll be able to tell more as time progresses. It's okay with me if you want to come a little early. No more than two weeks, though, ya hear? For now, you just keep up that good growing. You are an amazing miracle to your Daddy and me and we can't wait to see you again!
September 4, 2011
You just got to spend a week at the beach! Your Daddy, big sister, Grandmom, Granddad, Grandma, Pawpaw, and I just returned from six wonderful days in Destin. You must have loved it because I haven't felt this good in two months. I don't think I realized how crummy I felt until it went away. I appreciate you cutting me some slack.
We made a lot of great memories on the trip, one of them being that we finally told everyone about you! Your Daddy wrote a message in the sand that we took a picture of and then emailed to your great aunts, uncles, and second cousins. They got it right away and are all so thrilled! Two days later, I made it "Facebook Official" (will you even know what that is when you read this one day? Google it...if that's even still around!) News of you has made so many people so happy.
When we got home, your Daddy began nesting like I've never seen him do before. I guess it must have been the time off and coming back to a three day weekend, because he wrote out a list and started tackling projects immediately. I can't ever remember him doing that! I'm usually the one driving the project management around here. It was great to get a lot finished, though, including cleaning out your closet and putting in some new shelves. Just two more weeks and we'll start hanging some pink or blue clothes in there! For now, though, I'm going to try and soak up a few more hours of having help around before I have to go it alone with your sister tomorrow. Thinking about handling both of you by myself is enough to make me need a nap.
September 9, 2011
Today officially marks the last day of my first trimester. Tomorrow I'll be 14 weeks along and will start my second trimester. I cannot believe how fast it's gone. I cannot believe that we basically have six months left. Less if you decide to come early like AJ did. It all both excites and worries me. But mostly excites.
A new baby in our house again. A tiny little one. So sleepy and cuddly and sweet. So soft and warm and heavenly smelling. Oh sure, there will be lots of crying (yours and mine) and many sleepless nights. I imagine I'm going to lose my mind a little...and some of it may never come back. But it'll be so worth it. We'll be a family of four. Something I've dreamed about long before the line appeared on the stick.
I love you, Precious and I pray for you:
Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for blessing us with a new addition and getting us this far. I pray for health and growth for this baby. I ask for a safe pregnancy and delivery. I pray he or she will come out wailing with strength and exude it from that moment on. I pray he or she will want to know You, will seek and find You, and will follow hard after You all the days of his or her life. Give this baby a heart that cares for others and the gifts, talents, and skills that he or she will need to carry out Your plans. Please grant us wisdom and patience as parents and I plead with You to fill in the gaps with your grace and protection. Father, bless this baby abundantly as only You have and as only You can. I love you, Lord. Amen.
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