Baby #2 Bumpdate // 23 Weeks

Screenshot 2017-06-28 08.46.56
Time truly does fly in your second pregnancy! It doesn’t seem like it on a day-to-day basis, but then I look up and three weeks have passed. I can barely remember how far along I am. Since my last bumpdate, we’ve moved to a new apartment and added a new baby girl to our family (my niece, Cori). I can’t even tell you how tiring moving is while pregnant, especially when you already have an extremely busy toddler to take care of. I’ve been doing everything veryyyy slowlyyyy so I don’t tire myself out. I went a little too hard the first few days and it really took a toll on my body. So now I’m taking my time, focusing on the most important spaces (living room/kitchen, Harper’s room and playroom), getting everything situated and organized and then I’ll add the cute finishing touches last. But anyway, I’ll talk about the move in a future post. Let’s get back to pregnancy talk…

How far along are you? 23 weeks, 3 days

How big is baby? According to The Bump, she’s approximately the size of a grapefruit and weighs about one pound.

Total weight gain? No idea. I don’t have another prenatal appointment until July 10th and I forgot my scale at my mom’s house. I would be shocked if I haven’t gained at least a few pounds by now though. My belly is getting bigger (and heavier) everyday.

How are you feeling? So much better! I mentioned last time that my morning sickness and vomiting had come back. Well thanks to another miracle from heaven, it went away just a few days after we moved into our new place! *Insert praise hands emoji* I cannot even explain how much of a relief that is. It was so difficult to deal with that sickness throughout the night and in the morning while also taking care of Harper. Ever since it went away, my heartburn has also gotten better again. Unfortunately with pregnancy, if it isn’t one symptom it’s another though. I’m now dealing with sciatic pain and leg aches. I don’t think I ever had sciatic pain with Harper and I still haven’t really figured out how to deal with it, so if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know in the comment section! My last symptom is rib pain from baby girl’s cute little feet. It amazes me that she can sit so low in my belly and still stretch out so far. Feels like we have another long baby on the way!

Any food cravings or aversions? I’m actually back in that phase where I’m hungry, but nothing really sounds good. I just eat to satisfy hunger. All of the things I want — pizza, Mexican food, etc. — are things I have to avoid, so I just eat boring stuff. And tons of carbs!

What are you wearing lately? On weekdays, I live in maternity workout leggings or my maternity shorts from Target. On weekends, I wear maxi dresses.

Best moment this week? I’ve been talking to Harper about the baby ever since I got pregnant, but she’s still little (18 months) and she doesn’t talk much yet so she usually just ignores me. The other day, though, Sam was praying for the baby with his hand on my belly and Harper came over and put her hand on my belly too. Now, she’ll randomly come up to me, place her hand on my belly and say “Amen!” I’m sure she still doesn’t understand, but it’s still the cutest thing ever.

What are you looking forward to? Nesting! When we were packing, I rediscovered all of Harper’s old clothes and I got so excited to wash them all and get them ready for the new baby. Nesting was probably my favorite part of my last pregnancy, so I can’t wait for that phase to start again.

 Fellow Pregnant Mamas: How far along are you this week and what are your main symptoms right now? 

image

 
You Might Also Like
 

Baby #2 Bumpdate // 20 Weeks

18836992_10103942950148169_9218600413148737487_oWe made it to the halfway point! The 20 week mark is so exciting, but also daunting because you still have so long to go! 20 weeks for me is also the point when my bump really starts to make itself known. On Saturday, I was at my mom’s boutique talking to a customer. We were talking about Harper and then all of a sudden she looked down and said, “Oh and you’re expecting another one!” It caught me so off guard because, although everyone in my life knows that I’m pregnant, I didn’t realize I had reached the point where strangers feel comfortable enough to ask me about it. That’s how you know you’re definitely showing! Well anyone, let’s get to the bumpdate…

How far along are you? 20 weeks, 3 days

How big is baby? According to the Bump, she’s the length of a banana now. It also says she’s around 10.1 ounces, but she was 9 ounces at 18 weeks back so I know that’s off.

Total weight gain? Still zero pounds which makes zero sense, but I’m expecting that to change soon.

How are you feeling? Yesterday, my morning sickness came back. So far, it was just that one fluke day, but it totally freaked me out. I immediately started having flashbacks to my last pregnancy where I was still throwing up right at the end, but I talked myself out of the pity party. I’m thinking I just ate something the baby didn’t like the day before. Otherwise, I’ve been having lots of headaches and occasional dizziness lately. I think it’s because I haven’t been drinking enough water or getting enough sleep. Harper had croup last week so there was a lot of co-sleeping and crying and cuddling happening. So this week, I’m trying to take it easy and rest. My hip pain hasn’t been nearly as bad ever since I started sleeping with a pregnancy pillow, but my pelvis is still creaky and sore a lot. I was telling my midwife about it last week and she said it’s because I have “good birthing hips.” Those are great for labor and delivery, but it means that baby stays low and I stay uncomfortable until she comes out.

Any food cravings or aversions? I’m still avoiding fish and I’m also off of beef at the moment. Just thinking about eating a burger gives me indigestion. As far as cravings, my sweet tooth has returned in a major way. I’m trying to satisfy it with fruit, but that doesn’t always work.

What are you wearing a lot of lately? I’ve noticed that maternity bottoms are crucial for me this time. My babies like to hang low so even though I can still fit my looser jeans and pants, I get so uncomfortable in them. I have one pair of maternity jeans and one pair of maternity shorts and they’ve been enough so far, but I’ll probably need one more pair of shorts or cropped jeans to make it through the Summer. I can still fit my looser tops, but anything tight is starting to ride up at the bottom. Thankfully, it’s maxi dress weather so I’ll be living in those for the next few months.

Have you noticed any stretch marks? I have a handful around my belly button from Harper, but I haven’t noticed any new ones yet. My belly has been super itchy lately though so I know the stretching phase has begun. I’ve been using my Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil, but I need to get a thicker cream too.

Best moment this week? This is going to make me sound so selfish, but it was the night that Harper slept in her crib again. She had been in bed with us all week since her cough was so bad. I love letting her get in our bed in the mornings, but sleeping with her all night is brutal, especially when pregnant. I spent the entire night scooting her over and shielding my belly from her kicks. So this tired mama is definitely glad to have her health baby and her bed back!

I also officially hired my doula team last week and I am so so excited about that. I want to have a natural birth this time and I believe that hiring a doula (and working with a midwife) will give me the best chance at achieving that. I’ll do a separate post all about my birth goals and why I want to do it naturally soon.

What are you looking forward to? Being able to feel baby’s kicks on the outside of my belly. She moves around a lot, but my placenta is anterior (in the front of my belly) so I only feel her movements when they’re down low. I’m really excited for Sam and Harper to be able to feel her kick. Harper is too young to understand all of this, but I know she’ll have a funny reaction when she feels her sister kick for the first time.

 

 
You Might Also Like
 

Baby #2 Bumpdate // 18 Weeks

It's A Girl!If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve already heard our exciting (and surprising!) news…IT’S A(NOTHER) GIRL! I say “surprising” because I was actually convinced that we were having a boy. This pregnancy just felt so different. I was so shocked when the nurse called and told me. So shocked, in fact, that I called back a few hours later to make sure I heard her correctly! Despite my surprise, I am so excited! This baby will be the 5th GrandGirl on both sides of her family so she has a big sister and five (soon to be six!) first cousins waiting to play with her and teach her all about playing dress-up and watching Frozen and baking cupcakes. So with all of that said, let’s get into the bumpdate…

How far along with you? 18 weeks, 1 day

How big is baby? According to the apps, she’s as big as a sweet potato or artichoke. According to the anatomy scan I had today, she’s 9oz and in the 64th (or 66th? Can’t remember the exact number), percentile. As the mother of a 4lb 14.9oz baby, I love hearing that she’s measuring bigger than average. I hope she stays that way!

Total weight gain? I’m sure all of my fellow pregnant ladies are tired of hearing this, but I still haven’t gained any weight. I asked my doctor about it today and she said that as long as the baby is gaining weight and measuring well, she’s not concerned about my weight. So I’m just going to enjoy it while I can!

How are you feeling? Overall, I feel pretty great. But I am experiencing a few typical pregnancy symptoms. I am dealing with lots of hip and groin soreness. I took most of last week off from exercising because Harper was sick so I’m thinking that’s why my body was feeling so sore. I’m determined to get back to walking and doing prenatal yoga this week. I’m also having bladder issues. I have to pee constantly and if I sneeze, cough or laugh too hard, I literally have to run to the bathroom. I guess I need to start doing my kegel exercises! Baby girl is already head down and my kids tend to hang out pretty low so I know this is a symptom that’s here to stay. I’m sure I’m forgetting something, but those are the symptoms that immediately come to mind.

Best moment this week? Telling Harper and her cousins that we’re having a girl! Harper obviously has no idea what we’re talking about, but she was still super excited (as seen here). I made a girly fun box (pictured above) for Harper and her cousins and they had a ball with it. I included pink baby bottles filled with “It’s a girl!” confetti, a pink tiara, pink Minnie Mouse lollipops and more pink confetti. They played with all of it for at least an hour. We also picked a name (I’ll share it soon!) and everyone in our family loves it which makes me very happy.

What are you looking forward to? I’m really looking forward to the halfway point (20 weeks). October feels very far away right now, but I know how quickly time flies after hitting that halfway point. I’m also looking forward to feeling more distinct kicks. I can’t wait until Sam and Harper can feel them too!

 
You Might Also Like
 

Baby #2 Bumpdate // 17 Weeks

18489678_10103883743957849_7203614002429505215_oIt’s crazy how many things can change in a week (or two) during pregnancy. I have SO many things to update you all on so let’s jump right in…

How far along are you? 17 weeks, 1 day.

How big is baby? The size of a pomegranate. According to The Bump, the baby is 5.9 ounces, but at my ultrasound last Monday (16 weeks, 1 day), baby was measuring at 6 ounces so who knows how big this baby actually is.

Total weight gain? None. I fluctuate a pound or two depending on the time of day, but I’m still two pounds down from my starting weight. This is so baffling to me because my belly is growing everyday. A stranger congratulated me on the baby yesterday so I know I’m definitely showing, but it isn’t showing on the scale. Weird. But I’m not complaining! Based on my last pregnancy, the pounds won’t start packing on until the end.

How are you feeling? You guys! Is this what normal pregnant women feel like during the second trimester? I feel really great. It’s not all perfect of course; I still get tired and achy. I still have headaches every now and then. I still feel nauseous when I wait too long to eat. But I have energy during the day, I have a healthy appetite, and I even started exercising! My main complaint is just that my body tires out easily. Carrying Harper up and down the stairs leaves me completely out of breath. And my hips and lower back scream at me when I’ve done too much. But overall, I’m feeling really great.

Any food cravings or aversions? I’m still not a huge fan of fish and seafood. My sugar cravings are back, but that’s not pregnancy related – I have a major sweet tooth anyway. I eat a lot of carbs: oatmeal or toast for breakfast, baked potatoes with dinner, etc. Nothing too exciting in the food department though.

Best moment this week? In order to tell you my best moment, I have to give a little backstory. Last Monday, I had a pre-anatomy scan and cervix check at my Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist’s office. During the ultrasound, the baby was curled up in a tiny ball so we couldn’t see the sex, which I was totally bummed about. When the doctor came in, I told her I was upset and she said, “Well don’t worry because we’re doing a Cell Free DNA test so you’ll know in about a week.” She then proceeded to tell me that the ultrasound tech found a small spot on the baby’s heart that, in rare cases, is associated with Down’s Syndrome. She also explained that the spot wasn’t worrisome and would disappear before the baby is born. I think she said it was a calcium deposit or something like that? (Does anyone else completely zone out when getting seemingly scary news at the doctor’s office?) My first trimester screening had shown that the baby was low risk for chromosomal abnormalities, but she wanted to do the Cell Free DNA test (or NIPT screening) just to be completely sure. I was nervous, but she assured me that it would all be fine so I just focused on finding out what we were having. This morning, exactly one week later for anyone wondering how long the results take, I got the call that the baby is still low risk for Trisomy 13, 18 and 21 and I know what we’re having! But you’ll have to wait until I tell the rest of my family before I post it here. So sorry to be a tease! So that’s my best moment this week! I cannot wait to share the news with everyone else!

What are you looking forward to? Revealing the gender to the rest of my family. I’m also excited about my full anatomy scan next Monday. I hate having to go to the doctor so much during this pregnancy, but I always love seeing our little nugget during ultrasounds. It’s so cool to see how much the baby changes and grows throughout the pregnancy. I’m also really looking forward to shopping and planning everything now that I know who is joining our family in October! So many things to be excited about!

Thank you all for following along! Have a great week!

 

 
You Might Also Like
 

Baby #2 Bumpdate // 15 Weeks

17972098_10103808511848599_5258456618955275842_o

How far along are you? 15 weeks, 2 days.

How big is baby? Baby is the size of a navel orange. Or a pear, depending on which app you ask.

Total weight gain? I’m 2ish pounds down from my starting weight, but I don’t think I’m losing weight anymore which is a good thing. Somehow, it’s very clear that I’m pregnant when you look at me, even though I haven’t gained a pound.

How are you feeling? I experienced a real miracle this weekend: my husband and a family friend from our church prayed for me and my vomiting stopped the next morning. My acid reflux has also greatly diminished. Praise the Lord! I had gotten to the point where I dreaded going to bed at night because I didn’t want to wake up in the morning and have to throw up again. I think it was worse this time because I knew how long it lasted with Harper and the thought of facing months of that again was depressing. But I am so blessed to say that it is gone. With Harper it came and went a few times, but I have full confidence that it’s gone for good this time. Other than that, my body is feeling the wear and tear of being pregnant while chasing and carrying a 22 pound toddler. Also, I got a random symptom I never had with my first pregnancy: foot cramps. Does anyone have any remedies for this? I’ve been trying to avoid bananas (which I know are full of potassium and help with cramps) because they give me heartburn. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Any food cravings or aversions? My biggest craving this time is Japanese food. I could eat a bowl of miso soup every single day. I’ve also really been craving Lebanese food, specifically this chicken shawarma salad I used to eat multiple times a week when I lived in New Orleans. So weird, I know. I haven’t been able to find a good one here yet and it’s killing me. I don’t currently have any food aversions thankfully.

Best moment this week? I had a prenatal appointment yesterday and, when my midwife was using the doppler to hear the baby’s heartbeat, we heard him/her kick the doppler away. The baby was moving so much that it took forever to hear the heartbeat for more than just a second. It was such a cool moment.

What are you looking forward to? Hiring a doula. I just started my search this week and I’m really looking forward to finding someone who can help me achieve a natural birth this time.

That’s it for this quick bumpdate! I’ll have a lot more to share in the coming weeks as I start my progesterone shots and begin bi-weekly visits with my Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist. I also have a few posts planned about other pregnancy and motherhood topics. If there’s something specific you’d like me to write about, please let me know in the comments below!

 

 
You Might Also Like
 

1 2 3 … 15