Pregnancy #2: Week 33

Here are the newest photos from my maternity series with the lovely Caitlin! 

( You can see our other shoots here at 22 weeks and here at 26 weeks)

We got together on Sunday after church for this shoot and I just love how they came out!

Cait really is just so inspiring - I was literally flopping around on the ground feeling fat and awkward but Cait was able to make it look graceful and serene.

Thanks Cait for helping boost my self esteem a little ;) 

I will treasure these photos forever!

P.S.

If you haven't check out Caitlin's blog The Merrythought yet you really need to get over there and check it out!

She along with some other beautiful ladies share some of the most inspiring projects, home tours, and recipes! 

I'm completely smitten with them and their blog! 

xoxo. 

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: Weeks 28 and 29

28 weeks

29 weeks

Well, I missed week 27 because we were just so busy getting ready/going on vacation.

I can't believe I'm almost at 30 weeks! 

I've been going back and forth thinking about my due date ( my original date was May 29th and my current date is June 7th) and I think that in my mind I'm going to stick with May 29th as my actual DD. 

It's so crazy that I'm going to be having another daughter in just a few short weeks! 

Now that we're home from vacation and back to our normal routines I can't wait to start getting things ready for Penelope's arrival! 

Yesterday Josh took a crazy amount of bins and boxes over to store in his parents basement because the nursery turned into a storage room. 

We're going to re-paint and redecorate the girl's room over the next few weeks.

I was never 100% happy with it and even though we don't know how long we'll actually be living in this apartment after Penny's born, I want it to be fresh and new for her when she comes home. 

Since I haven't done stats in quite a long time...

Her Size: She is about the size of a cucumber. Average size: 15.2 -16.7 inches, 2.5-3.8 lb. Baby’s strong enough to grasp a finger now!

How Far Along: Just about 30 weeks! 

Total Weight Gain: Well, I've officially gained back the 12 pounds that I lost during my first and (beginning of) my second trimesters. I guess it's not that back since I had lost it and it's not weight that I'm just gaining on top of my original weight. I don't think I'm going to gain nearly as much as I gained when I was pregnant with Viv. My belly is *so* much smaller than with my first pregnancy at this point. 

Sleep: I'm still sleeping like normal. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable because of my growing belly but I'm usually so tired that I just sleep through the night (if Viv does too that is). 

Maternity Clothes: Still not wearing any (not that I couldn't) at all. I put on a pair of maternity jeans this week but they were just too big and bulky. My favorite skinny jeans still fit fine and other than that I've been wearing lots of maxi skirts and dresses with elastic waistbands! 

Cravings: None specifically. But I do have a fierce appetite! 

Aversions: None.

Symptoms I Have: I've had heartburn a few times (nothing compared to the horrible heartburn I suffered with during my first pregnancy) and a whole lot of Braxton Hicks contractions. Also, peeing about every hour and if I don't go right away when I have the urge then I can't really walk...it's bad! I've had a couple mild leg cramps but again, nothing like with my first pregnancy. 

Doctor's Appointment: I have another visit next week. I'm going to request another ultrasound because I've been a little nervous because my belly really isn't growing at all. I'm sure everything is fine but I just worry a lot even when I shouldn't. My doctor is so wonderful and always is so accommodating. I know that a lot of women only have one of two ultrasounds during their pregnancies but I just get nervous when I don't get to see my baby from 17 weeks until 40!     

Movement: Always moving around and sticking her elbows into my ribs! Since my belly is so small I can literally feel her elbows, butt, head, and feet sometimes - it's really weird! 

Best Moment of the Week: Our last days in Florida soaking up the sun!  

Looking Forward To: My brother and sister-in-law coming next weekend to stay with us! They're going to tell us if they're having a girl or a boy! I can't wait to know if I'm going to have a niece or nephew! 

What I Miss: Wearing whatever I want to. It's getting a little annoying having to wear flowy or stretchy clothes all the time. I miss all my skinny jeans and fitted dresses! 

Left: 29 weeks with Viv.

Right: 29 weeks with Penny.

Told you I'm a lot smaller this time around! 

Normally I would be really happy about not being as huge as I was with Viv but after having a 9.5 pound baby it makes me worry a little bit that Penny is too small.

But, I know I shouldn't worry and that every baby is different...

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!

Pregnancy #2: Week 22

I really can't fathom how another week has gone by.

In my "new year's resolution" to keep busy and active I am kind of shocked how fast the days go by when I'm making sure we do something fun everyday (even if it's very small). 

I was stuck in such a rut for so long after having Viv where I just wanted to stay home a lot because it was easier - but this keeping busy thing is pretty great! 

I'm sitting here with Viv eating our strawberries and english muffins and we're looking out the window at a heavy snowfall. 

Just the day before yesterday I had all the windows open and we were wearing skirts without tights!

This weather is really starting to bum me out with all the springtime fake-outs we've been having. 

Okay...week 22...here we go...

( All photos taken by the lovely Caitlin McGrath!) 

Her size: She is about the size of a papaya! Approximately 11 inches and 13 ounces! 

How far along: 22 weeks 

Total weight gain: Well, I had gained a pound or two but now I'm back down about 4 pounds...but my weight always fluctuates so much that I'll just wait and see what the doctor says next time. 

Sleep: Still pretty good. I sleep about 7 hours every night but that's just because I don't go to bed until late every night. 

Maternity clothes: None yet but I've been debating on ordering a pair from Gap...but seriously, 80 bucks for a pair of jeans I won't be wearing for long? I don't know if I can swing that...but it does seem like I'm always pregnant so maybe it's a good investment...ha ha ha....

Cravings: Iced coffee's this week! Ugh, so bad! 

Aversions: Nothing! 

Symptoms I have: Let's make a list...Leg cramps, very frequent peeing, Braxton Hicks (already?!?!?), and I drop everything that I touch...I'm starting to really, really feel pregnant now. 

Doctor's appointment: I actually have forgotten when my next appointment is because, oh yeah, I have baby brain, but I think it's the week  of Valentine's Day but I think I will call and make sure exactly. 

Movement: Tons! She is still always stretching and rolling around. They say she's in the stage where she should be sleeping 12-14 hours a day but I really don't think she sleeps AT ALL! 

Belly button: No change. 

Best moment of the week: Going out for coffee with two of my pregnant girlfriends and talking about babies and pregnancies for like 5 hours straight. One of the girls' husbands stayed with Josh and helped him watch Viv - we didn't realize how late it was getting and by the time it was almost midnight I think they thought that we were gone forever. But seriously, girl time is so good for the soul. 

Looking forward to: Viv's birthday Sunday!! It also happens to be the same day as the Super Bowl and we have a big party to go to which means...tons of food to help me drown the sorrows of my baby girls turning ONE YEAR OLD! 

What I miss: Being able to wear whatever I want. It's still fun to have a little bit of a styling challenge with my wardrobe but I miss not having to pick and choose what fits well or not. And this is only the beginning...