Pregnancy #2: Week 30

Well, we've had a whirlwind few weeks since I posted last about this pregnancy.

In the time since I did my last preg post I went from having the worst week ever to being back to feeling fantastic!

On the morning of the Friday before last I woke up with excruciating leg cramps and started going down hill from there.

For an entire week my body was so sore I could barely move or even roll over in bed. 

My hips, pelvis, legs, back, everything just ached and hurt.

I had a doctor's appointment on the 26th and I was so glad to go since I had so much to talk to my doctor about.

I had also been worrying because my belly hadn't had much growth in quite a few weeks and I was a lot smaller than I was at this point with Viv. 

My appointment left me rather sullen.

My uterus hadn't grown at all since my last visit 3 weeks earlier and according to my doctor it's supposed to be growing at 1cm per week right now.

So, I was measuring at around 26 weeks instead of 29. 

We scheduled an ultrasound just to make sure that everything is okay and that Penny is still growing like she's supposed to be. 

I go for that this coming Wednesday and I can't wait because I keep worrying even though I know everything is fine.

The doctor isn't worried and thinks that Penny is just going to be a "normal" sized baby instead of the 10 pound Viv that I had - so that's good to hear.

Over the weekend though I had a ton of energy and am feeling back to my normal energetic self and couldn't be happier! 

My belly seems to have grown majorly since my doctor visit and I'm so excited! 

I go to the doctor every 2 weeks now so I'm at the point of knowing that things are happening SOON!

I can't believe that we only have just over 2 months to go!

It's getting so surreal! 

We still have SO much to do to get ready for a new baby but now that Easter and all of it's busyness is over we're going to start working on preparing for her.

We're ordering Viv a toddler bed (which I'll leave for a separate post on why we've decided to go that route so early - also, potty training!!) this week and hopefully starting on a new schedule.

We still have to order (and pick out) a double stroller, bassinet, and a few other little things.

Oh, and the biggest thing we have to do before Baby comes...get a new vehicle!!

Our car literally could not fit two car seats in it so we really have no choice but to find something else.

I'm pretty excited about that and just hoping that we can find something to suit us and that we can afford!

I'm hoping the nice weather stays now that it's April even though today it was snowing when we woke up!

I'm so ready to be outside every day!

Pregnancy #2: Week 26

I had another maternity photo shoot with my lovely friend Caitlin this week and it was just so hard for me to decide which pictures to post from it! 

Cait is so much fun to work with and I just am so thankful for her offering to do this fun little series! 

The day we had our shoot it was a whopping 50 degrees and sunny outside and it felt so wonderful!

After so many months of weather in the 30s and below, 50 degrees felt like fresh springtime.

It did my soul so much good to traipse around the woods for an hour without freezing to death. 

This outfit was a pregnant women's dream.

Dressing this baby bump is starting to become a bit more challenging but I'm loving it.

I think I will probably wear this outfit a dozen more times before the baby is born - it was that good.

Here are a couple tips for dressing your baby bump:

1. Elastic waistbands are your best friend - embrace them. I'm not talking yoga pant waistbands or leggings-as-pants waistbands (just say no to those unless you're staying at home all day). I mean elastic waistbands in skirts and dresses! They will be your saving grace when you can't comfortably fit into your favorite jeans anymore and you don't want to look like a frumpy mess. This particular skirt has an elastic waistband and I can wear it under my belly, on my belly, or even over my belly for 3 different styles - there really isn't anything more versatile during pregnancy than an elastic waist maxi skirt.

2.  Layering Tanks. This is probably a super obvious and basic thing that everyone already knows but I think is so important to mention. With a basic layering tank you don't have to worry about that belly popping out from under your regular shirts (because I'm sure you're not only wearing maternity shirts). They're also a great support for your newly acquired "chub". I get all my tanks from Forever 21 for less than $4 each and they come in every color imaginable. 

3. A Flowy Shawl. A flowy shawl or cardigan is perfect for throwing on over a boring tank to dress up a little bit. You still get the comfort of wearing your simple tank but without feeling under-dressed or frumpy. 

My outfit details:

Skirt: Forever 21 (they have a bunch more colors in-store)

Tank: Forever 21 (tunic length is my favorite because they're extra long and provide more belly coverage!)

Shawl: H&M (a few seasons ago)

Thanks again, Cait for more beautiful photos!

You're the best! 

Pregnancy #2: Week 24

I don't think that I can wear dark colored clothes anymore.

I'm too ready for spring and too over winter and wearing bright colors just makes me feel a little happier!

I meant to do this post yesterday but Viv and I went out on a date in the morning and then my mom came for the afternoon so I didn't really have time. 

I can't wait to get my new camera all figured out so I can start using it!

We had a wonderful Valentine's Day. 

Josh had school for a lot of the day but during one of his breaks he came home and took Viv out for a special lunch at one of our favorite places.

He gave us girls some roses (one for Penny too) and I gave him a big bag of treats and fun things.

I made Viv a little basket too with a new book, some new clothes and some other little fun things. 

I'm all about celebrating and making every holiday special - it's so fun to surprise my loves with little things.

Her Size: She is about 12 inches and approximately 14 ounces! They say that she is about the size of a canteloupe right now, which is a little weird to think about because I just cut one up for breakfast this morning and it didn't seem very big! 

How Far Along: 24 weeks! I feel like I've been pregnant for long! 

Total Weight Gain: About 4 pounds. But I lost 12 at the beginning of my pregnancy so I'm still gaining that back. I really feel like I'm not gaining as much this time as I did with Viv - my belly is also a lot smaller than it was with her at this time if you look at pictures. I'm so curious to see if Penny is going to be huge like Viv or a little more petite. 

Sleep: Great! Now that we're not sick anymore I've been sleeping so soundly. After I fall asleep at night I don't really wake up at all until about 9 am and Viv usually still sleeps until 10! 

Maternity Clothes: None. Like I said last week, I'm trying to go this whole pregnancy without any maternity clothes. I think it's going to be really easy - dressing a bump is so much fun and not as hard as people make it seem. Lots of maxi dresses this spring! 

Cravings: Smoothies, fresh pineapple, apples

Aversions: None! 

Symptoms I Have: I haven't really had any this week. No leg cramps or anything! I'll take it though!

Doctor's Appointment: I went to the doctor on Tuesday. Just the normal routine monthly visit: weight, measure, heartbeat. I love these appointments because the office is one minute down the street and I'm usually home from the entire visit within 20 minutes! This coming Tuesday I have my glucose blood test - ugh, the worst...but maybe I should stop eating all this Valentine candy that's sitting around here. 

Movement: She is still literally moving around all day long and all night. I don't think that she ever sleeps! I feel every little movement from her but I love it so much. Josh always loves to feel her move and talk to her.

Best Moment of the Week: Kicking our virus in the butt! We're finally better (well, Viv still had a little bit of a runny nose) and we're so happy to be well again! 

Looking Forward To: Florida, Easter, Spring, PENNY! I think these things will consistently all be the same . 

What I Miss: Nothing! I love being pregnant, I love raising babies, I love the lifestyle we life and I love all of the changes that come with our life. I'm the kind of person who loves to always be changing, evolving and moving. I like new things and take everything as an exciting new adventure. 

Pregnancy #2: 23 weeks

Here we are at 23 weeks.

I didn't have the motivation to really take pictures for this week.

Last night we were up all night with a sick Viv and today hasn't been much better.

I will say though that I have some very exciting things in store coming up in the next few weeks!!

I guess it's more exciting for me but will make things a little more aesthetically pleasing around here.

I can barely contain myself.

Her size: She is about 11.5 inches and approximately 13 ounces - or about the size of a grapefruit

How far along: 23 weeks today. 

Total weight gain: Probably a couple pounds by now. I'll know at the doctor's next week. 

Sleep: Still sleeping fine - actually I've been sleeping great this week (well, aside from being up with Viv last night). 

Maternity clothes: None. I'm making it my goal to not wear any "maternity" clothes at all during this pregnancy. They're just all so awful and not in style. This week we went to the mall and I searched Forever 21 for a long time looking for maxi skirts and flowy tops. I got a whole bunch of great things that will be perfect throughout the rest of my pregnancy. They were just getting in more spring looks so I can't wait to go back in a few weeks and grab some more. Forever 21 is perfect for finding things to fit through pregnancy and their prices are so good that you don't have to worry if you don't wear their pieces after only a few times!

Cravings: I've been totally craving the frozen Bacardi drinks: specifically Pina Colada. Just use water instead of rum and they're a perfect, non-alcoholic treat! Also, I'm still craving cereal of any kind. I had a little meltdown the other night because we were all out!

Aversions: Nothing!

Symptoms I have: Leg cramps and hives. I get both almost every night. 

Doctor's appointment: I think my next one is on Tuesday - I'll have to double check so I don't forget!

Movement: She's still moving all the time. I can't believe how active she is - she rolls around all day long! I love feeling her all the time, it's a nice distraction to my day.

Best moment of the week: Viv's birthday parties! I still can't believe my baby is a year old!

Looking forward to: Spring! Right now we're having a whiteout blizzard and I'm so sick of the snow.

What I miss: Nothing! This pregnancy is so good!

Maternity Shoot!

On Tuesday I got together with my friend, Caitlin, to do a "week 22" maternity photo shoot!

I've been following Cait's blog A Daily Dose of Dress for what seems like years and we just finally met this week! 

I may or may not have been a little starstruck, hehe. 

As wonderful as she is on her blog, she's even better in person!

When she offered to do a photo shoot with me awhile back I got super excited and anticipated the day until it came - I felt like a giddy little girl. 

This is the first set of photos in what we're planning on being a fantastic maternity series throughout the rest of my pregnancy!

(p.s.  you seriously need to check out Cait's blog. She has a vintage wardrobe (that I constantly envy) that is to die for and her photos are always perfection. Sometimes I visit her blog just to get cheered up on a bad day because of all the lovely things she does.)

I was originally going to make this post one of my weekly pregnancy update posts but I didn't want to take away from the photos with all my boring statistics! 

So I'll do a separate post for that tomorrow.

It's kind of hard finding outfits that works with being a mom to a one year old AND being pregnant without looking drab and frumpy. 

One of the things I'm most passionate about (hobby-wise) is fashion, so it's hard for me not to try and look my best all of the time (and also on a budget).

I kind of have to be selective now that my belly is starting to grow and I'm always chasing after Vivienne because there aren't many options that really work.

I wore this outfit twice this week because it was cute enough for a photo shoot and also great for running around trying to keep up with my toddler. 

(Though Cait did have to brush off some kid food from my elbow at one point even though I was sure I scoured my outfit for food, boogers and poop before heading over to meet her!).

My go-to outfit these days is:

- a comfy but fitted dress

- some fun colored/patterned tights

- a pair of oxford shoes

----

Thank again, Cait! 

You're the best and I can't wait for more adventures! 

Pregnancy #2: Week 21

When I sat down to write this I had to check the calender on my computer to make sure that it really was Friday again! 

I feel like I just did a pregnancy post yesterday! 

The weeks are just flying by so fast that I can hardly keep up. 

I feel HUGE this week.

This baby has done some serious growing in the past few days and it's definitely showing.

I had plans to meet with a photographer/fashion blogger friend of mine this week since she so kindly offered to do some pregnancy shoots for me but I sadly had to cancel because my face was so swollen from my tooth extraction. 

It wouldn't have made for very pretty pictures.

So we're hoping to reschedule for next week!

I brought a cute outfit with me to my mom's yesterday in hopes of doing some pictures outside but it was only 8* outside and I couldn't bear the thought of standing in the snow in a dress. 

I can't wait for warmer weather so I can do my pictures outside! 

Her size: Right now Penny is about the size of a pomegranate and approximately 10.5 inches and 12.5 ounces!

How far along: 21 weeks! More than half way done already - I can't believe it!

Total weight gain: I haven't weighed myself since my last doctor visit but I know I'm starting to stop losing weight because my belly is getting huge!

Sleep: I go to bed around midnight and 1am every night and sleep through until about 8am. Viv is so great about sleeping through the night so I'm pretty undisturbed except for when I have to pee!

Maternity clothes: None yet. All my clothes are still comfortable and I use my Bella Band a lot. I think I'm going to order a new pair of Gap maternity jeans this week though because I have a feeling I'll be wanting to wear them soon. I've been wearing a lot of yoga pants around the house too.

Cravings: This week I've craved pistachios, strawberries, kiwi fruit and big salads.

Aversions: None!

Symptoms I have: None really. I have to pee all the time but that's it.

Doctor's appointment: I have one sometime near the end of February. Just another routine appointment. At my last visit she said I probably wouldn't have any more ultrasounds until Penny is born unless something goes wrong or I go over my due date. So that's a little depressing. I remember going all these months when I was pregnant with Viv and not being able to see her for so long drove me crazy.

Movement: SO MUCH MOVEMENT! Man, this girl is so strong and so energetic! All day long she kicks and pushes on me. Last night we were laying in bed watching a movie and Josh had his hand on my belly feeling her kicking and he couldn't believe how strong she is already. You can already visibly see my belly move when she's moving around. I get so excited each and every time I feel her throughout the day because I know that she's strong and healthy in there.

Belly button: No change.

Best moment of the week: Getting my tooth pulled! As bad as it was I am so excited to finally have it gone and no longer risking infection or harm to the baby. I was so worried that it would start to effect Penny and I couldn't deal with that. Plus, I can eat and drink without any pain again! Hurray!

Looking forward to: Viv's birthday next week! She's turning a whole year old already! Her actual birthday is on the same day as the Super Bowl so we're not having her party then because everyone is so busy with that. We'll celebrate small and sing to her but we're not having her party until closer to Valentines Day. We're just doing it very, very small this year with just our parents. Our apartment is so small and I just didn't want to do a huge bash.

What I miss: The warm weather! I'm so sick of it being so frigid and being stuck in the house all the time. I can't wait to be pregnant during the spring. So many cute dresses and sandals!

Pregnancy #2: Week 19

My brother took some really quick pictures of me the other day while we were at my mom's house. 

It was so bitter cold and neither of us really wanted to be outside, so they kind of suck.

I need someone who actually enjoys taking pictures for me through the rest of this pregnancy! 

These men are always complaining, hehe. 

This week was a pretty fun week - we had our anatomy scan ultrasound and my belly is finally starting to really pop! 

I love being pregnant even more this time than I did when I was pregnant with Viv. 

I just can't wait to have two children.

I can't wait to have a newborn and actually know what I'm doing instead of being a brand new (first-time) mom. 

I'm most looking forward to Spring!

Oh my, I'm going to love being pregnant in the spring and early summertime! 

So many long maxi dresses, sunshine and warmth - I can't wait! 

Her size: About the size of a mango! Approximately 6.5 inches long and 8.5 ounces 

How far along: 19 weeks today! I can't believe next week I'll be halfway through my second pregnancy! Time is going by way, way too fast! 

Total weight gain: None yet. Still slowly trying to make up for the weight I lost in my second trimester due to breastfeeding. 

Sleep: I've been a night owl this week. After we put Viv to sleep I get back up and clean, bake, craft or peruse the internet until about 2am. Viv's been sleeping until after 10 every morning lately so I get up around 8:30 and get ready for the day, make breakfast and clean up a little. So I'm getting about 6 hours of sleep every night - though that's because I'm choosing to stay up so late. 

Maternity clothes: Only my Bella Band. Man, I love that thing - it's a pregnancy lifesaver. I never have to wear maternity pants since the band allows me to keep my regular pants unbuttoned without anyone being able to tell! I have a few cute maternity dresses that I got as gifts that I'm going to wear soon just because they're cute. 

Cravings: Oh man, the other day I went grocery shopping on an empty stomach and I swear I was craving the entire store! Some specific things I've been craving are: hot roast beef sandwiches, kettle popcorn, frozen yogurt, coke, fresh pineapple and kiwi fruit, cereal, orange juice. I could keep going but I'll spare you. 

Aversions: Nothing anymore. 

Symptoms I have: I had a brief few minutes of heartburn last night. I'm hoping it was just a fluke though - my heartburn was brutal in my third trimester with Viv. 

Doctor's appointment: I see my doctor on Monday next week - thought the appointments are just boring routine ones now. At least I'll get to hear Penny's heartbeat again - my favorite thing! 

Movement: This little girl is SO active! I feel her moving around constantly throughout the day. When I lay down in bed at night she is moving the most - kicking and squirming like crazy! You can even feel her now if your hand is on my belly! So much different than when I was with Viv (I didn't feel her at all until after 22weeks). It's my favorite thing in the world feeling my little girl so healthy and active inside of my belly. 

Belly button: Normal. No change yet - probably not for quite awhile at the rate my belly is so slowly growing. 

Gender: GIRL!!!

Best moment of the week: Our ultrasound for sure! Finding out that we were having another precious baby girl! I am still just so giddy with excitement! 

Looking forward to: The 22nd of this month. I'm FINALLY getting my tooth pulled! No more pain or worry that I'm going to get an infection and harm my baby! I'm SO excited for this. 

What I miss: Not much really. This pregnancy has been so good to me and I'm so thankful. I love being pregnant and have no complaints :)

Holiday Style: Part 1

We have so many parties, church events, family shin-digs to go to in the next week it's crazy! 

I just love the holidays and especially the clothes I get to wear at this time.

Sparkles, pearls, fancy dresses, lace...I just love it all!

I decided I would do a little post about every holiday outfit I throw together and see what I come up with.

It'll be fun to incorporate my pregnancy in my outfits and show you that it's easy to still look cute even with a growing bump!

I loved this dress so much that I think I might have to wear it again to church on Sunday!

Anyway, these pictures are pretty lousy since it was late, dark and I was tired. 

We had just gotten home and Viv was cranky so I didn't have much time.

Hopefully the next ones will turn out a little better!

Dress: Forever 21
Necklace: Macy's
Earrings: Gift
Glasses: Forever 21

Fashion Friday: Blazer Girls

Mama's wearing:

Blazer: H&M/ Dress: F21 (last summer)/Necklace: Fossil

Vivi's wearing:

Blazer: BabyGap (from a garage sale last summer 25cents!)/Dress: H&M