Pregnancy #2: Week 35

Wow!

I seriously can't believe that I'm almost 36 weeks pregnant with my second baby!

I feel like this pregnancy is taking so long but at the same time, I can't believe how soon we're going to be welcoming a new baby into the family. 

Last Wednesday I had an ultrasound to check my fluid levels and unfortunately they're still elevated.

The good thing though is that Penny is in position and it's super unlikely that it would even be possible to change positions since she is so heavy and so far down already....

so that means that I don't really have to worry about anything for delivery because of the polyhydramnios!

I guess they really only worry if delivery time comes and baby is not in positon - then that can cause a lot of complications.

So this means that we won't have to do a 38 week induction! Hurray!

Wednesday I also had an NST at the hospital and was able to do all the paperwork needed for the hospital so I won't have to worry about any of that come labor time. 

So that's one more thing I don't have to think about.

This coming Wednesday I have an appointment with my OB and another NST and also an internal exam to see how things are going. Fun, fun.

This week I'm doing some major nesting around the apartment and am determined to get things all done and ready for the baby.

My mom is coming out to help me and we're going to paint the nursery white and move our bedroom into that room since it's a whole lot smaller than our current bedroom and put the girls' room in what is now our bedroom.

I was hesitant on doing such a big change since we probably won't be living in this apartment for longer than the summer but I really want to have things fresh and new before Penny is born.

The girls' really need a bigger space than the room that they have now so the bigger bedroom will be perfect for all the toys, toddler bed and the rest of the furniture. 

I really want to paint the kitchen white so that I feel fresh and clean - it's pretty small and really would only take an hour or two to slap on a few white coats.

I just have to get motivated.

All we've been wanting to do lately is spend all of the daylight hours playing outside! 

Her Size: She is SO big! On Wednesday they estimated that she was almost 6 pounds! So that means if she keeps growing at this rate she'll most likely be in the 9 pound range if I go until 40 weeks! Viv was 9lb6oz so I won't be surprised to have another that size.

How Far Along: 35 weeks 3 days. Almost full-term! Woah! 

Total Weight Gain: I'm thinking that I'm up about 23 pounds though that's not an exact guess. My face is starting to get chubbier and my belly is getting seriously huge - so I'm definitely gaining. I can't wait to be done and start losing!  

Sleep: I don't even want to talk about sleep. Ugh. This week has been awful. I've had to pee about 4-5 times per night and we're also trying really hard to get Viv weaned from nursing. Every night for the past 5 days she has been waking up around 4am and will scream bloody murder because I won't nurse her back to sleep. We were planning on just nursing her through until Penny comes but my body is preparing for the new baby and it's starting to get extremely painful to nurse. Also, every time Viv does nurse I get really intense contractions that I know are more than just Braxton Hicks and that's scaring me a little bit. I'm just hoping that Viv learns soon that she can't nurse in the middle of the night anymore because I need sleep!

Maternity Clothes: Just one pair of jeggings. All my other clothes are starting not to fit very comfortably and I'm running out of outfit options! 

Cravings: vanilla custard ice cream still, blue raspberry slush puppies ( so bad, I know!)

Aversions: I haven't had any aversions this whole pregnancy but I haven't had much of an appetite lately at all. It's hard to get anything down lately just because I don't feel hungry at all. Penny is just taking up so much space! 

Symptoms I Have: Braxton Hicks, definite labor contractions though nothing serious yet (let's hope it stays that way for a few more weeks), heartburn like crazy at night.

Doctor's Appointment: I have one this week and she's going to do a cervix check because of all my contractions and also it's time for the group b strep test.

Movement: She's still a crazy little lady. She's constantly moving around and I just love it so much! She gets most active if Viv is talking to us or crying. It's like she knows that there's another little person out here and she just wants to meet her! 

Best Moment of the Week: Our ultrasound! Seeing her chubby little cheeks and lips was the best thing ever! 

Looking Forward To: Getting all the projects around the apartment finished and getting everything settled and ready for Penny to come! I just cannot wait to have her here with us...it's all I can think about. 

What I Miss: Being thin and in shape, running and chasing Viv around and being able to hold her tight and close to me, not having to pee every single second of my life, not having a constant waddle to my walk. 

Okay, I just have to add this random photo of Joshua and I because I love it so much.

We were out for a walk when he randomly stopped and said:

"Let's take some pictures of us in love and kissing."

I love him and his spirit so much. 

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: 32 Weeks

32 weeks...that's it?! 

Oy.

Oh, but technically I'm just about 33 weeks - I'm a slacker. 

I feel like with the way I've been feeling lately that I should be about 46 weeks pregnant...or else just 96 years old.

Yesterday while we were at the beach all I wanted was to be able to run and chase after Viv without feeling out of breath after 15 feet.

I imagined what it would be like to have a toddler and *not* be pregnant during all these adventures that we have.

I miss crawling through the playgrounds and rolling around on the ground.

While Josh was running around playing with her I had to waddle to the bathroom...twice - fun stuff.

I remember feeling huge and uncomfortable in the last weeks when I was pregnant with Viv but this time it's ridiculous.

Chasing a baby around all the time, having 4 pounds of extra fluid, AND having another "big" baby is hard work!

Anyway, I'll catch you up on this polyhydramnios business real quick. 

Because of all the extra fluid that I have I've been having to go in to the doctor's office once a week for a non-stress test and see my doctor once a week during a different appointment.

This week I had to have blood drawn too...

It's getting to the point that going in to the office is actually fun because all of the receptionists and nurses are like friends to me. 

We have conversations about life, kids, and every thing else.

They give Viv snacks and she runs around and hangs out with everyone.

Everything looks fine with Penny and there's nothing to be concerned about right now.

But because things *could* change and change very quickly is why we have to take precautions and keep checking everything weekly. 

I have another ultrasound in two weeks and if my fluid levels haven't decreased enough then we can start to think about what measures will need to be taken to make sure everything goes well up until I deliver.

If my fluid levels haven't lowered to a normal number by my ultrasound then we will talk about induction at 38 weeks...which holy crap is 5 weeks away! 

Induction by 38 weeks would drastically lower the chance of having to have an emergency c-section, lower the risk of a cord prolapse, and lower the risk of Penny being in distress during labor due to the extra amount of fluid. 

So, for now everything is fine, Penny is totally healthy (and big) and there's nothing to worry about!

Her Size: Two weeks ago she was measuring at 4.6 pounds and by now she should be gaining about 1/2 pound per week which would put her at about 5.6 pounds! But she's growing fast and she's big so I wouldn't be surprised if she was more than that already. 

How Far Along: 32 weeks! 

Total Weight Gain: I lost 3 pounds since last week (which was probably just because I ate a lot before my last appointment - or maybe I'm losing fluid like I'm supposed to be!!) so I'm at about +17 pounds

Sleep: Still sleeping pretty well. I'm now sleeping with about five pillows placed strategically around my body to help with my achy bones and muscles...it helps so much! 

Maternity Clothes: I ordered a pair of maternity jeggings from Old Navy and just got them today...they're probably won't be coming off until I'm in labor. They're amazing. 

Cravings: Ice Cream Sandwiches, cold pasta salads, cold green tea, vanilla custard ice cream

Aversions: None.

Symptoms I Have: Braxton Hicks which aren't bad at all, A few labor contractions but thankfully they are very sporadic and don't last long, achy hips. 

Doctor's Appointment: Twice a week now - once for a non-stress test and once for a regular check-up.

Movement: All the time still! Sometimes Josh can feel her move from the other side of the bed! 

Best Moment of the Week: Letting Viv feel Penny move and having her laugh hysterically. She probably thinks I'm such a crazy person. 

Looking Forward To: Our ultrasound in two weeks! Having a second daughter so soon! I held one of our friend's newborn babies this weekend and my heart just melted into a puddle - I cannot wait to have another new baby to snuggle and love! 

What I Miss: Being able to hold Viv close without the pain of her heavy body on my belly, being able to be as active with Viv as I'm used to. 

Pregnancy #2: Week 31

Today as I'm writing this my heart is a little heavy.

I got a call from my doctor this morning informing me that I have something called Polyhydramnios.

Basically, my amniotic fluid levels are elevated.

I know that I shouldn't worry but it's a terrifying thing to know that something is abnormal with your pregnancy and that it could effect your baby.

My doctor said that the normal level of fluid goes up to 24 and my levels as of Wednesday were 25.1

She stressed that there is nothing to worry about...but still.

I have to visit the doctor now once a week until I deliver to have a non-stress test done and also have a ultrasound every 3 weeks until delivery.

I'm sure that they're just being extra cautious and that everything will be fine - I have faith.

Of course though as soon as I was off the phone with the doctor started Googling "elevated fluid levels" and that's always a bad thing to do! 

Only 2 out of every 100 pregnant women have this happen - scary thing number 1.

There are a lot of risk including: preterm labor, emergency c-section, birth defects including trouble swallowing, women who have this have a much higher risk of having a child born with down syndrome....the list seems to go on and on.

The most common cause for this seems to be caused by gestational diabetes - which I don't have nor was I even anywhere close to being at risk for. 

We are putting all our trust in the Lord and know that He is going to give us the perfect baby for our family.

He is constantly pouring His blessings out on our little family and I am certain that He will again with our little Penny. 

I still have time that my fluid levels can decrease and go back to normal so we're just going to be watching closely to make sure everything stays okay.

Okay, now just for fun I'm going to do some stats because now that I'm in the home stretch of this pregnancy things are constantly changing!

Her Size: As of my ultrasound on Wednesday she was measuring at 4.6 pounds! 

How Far Along: 31 weeks and measuring perfectly on track

Total Weight Gain: About 20 pounds so far - 12 of which I lost at the beginning of my pregnancy so really I've only gained about 8 - half of which is baby and I have extra fluid so it makes sense even though 20 pounds is a scary number.

Sleep: It's been getting harder to sleep at night because my body is just so sore - it's getting difficult to even just roll over in bed. Plus the past few nights I've been getting up 3 times to use the bathroom. 

Maternity Clothes: None but I've been tempted to snag a pair of Gap maternity jeans but have resisted since the weather is getting warmer and I'll just be wearing dresses most of the time anyway.

Cravings: had my first Taco Bell craving this week! When I hit 30 weeks in my first pregnancy I craved Taco Bell ALL the time!! I've also been wanting a lot of ice cream lately which I never really want unless it's summer and we go somewhere for it. 

Aversions: None. 

Symptoms I Have: An obnoxious pain in my back that I get every now and then, extremely sore hips and pelvis - the doctor said that my high fluid levels are probably causing all this bodily discomfort since I'm carrying around even more extra weight than what I would normally be carrying so that explains that. I never had any of these pains with Viv. 

Doctor's Appointment: I go this Wednesday (10th) for a non-stress test, check up, and a test of my fluids and to talk more with my doctor. 

Movement: So much movement still! She is forever stretching, moving, and punching me - I love it so much.

Best Moment of the Week: Seeing Penny at the ultrasound for the first time since week 18! She's getting so cute and plump!

Looking Forward To: Talking more with my doctor on Wednesday.

What I Miss: Wearing whatever I want, being able to move without discomfort, being able to hold Viv close without a huge belly in the way - but it's all so worth it!

Ultrasound Update

So, this morning I had an ultrasound to check and just make sure that everything was a-okay with Penny and make sure that she was growing like she should.

I mentioned in my last pregnancy update that at my last doctor's visit I was told that my uterus was measuring almost 3 weeks behind (basically my uterus hadn't grown in 3 weeks). 

I knew that I wasn't as big as I felt that I should be and it was starting to become a little bit of a concern.

I really didn't worry at all and knew that from how insanely active she always is that everything was fine but it's still a little scary to hear that you're not growing like you should be!

I knew that the Lord was growing Penny as perfectly as he planned and that maybe He just made her to be a little bit more of a peanut than her big sister was.

Anyway, at the ultrasound today we discovered what I knew was always true...Penny is growing absolutely perfectly and is as healthy as can be!

Surprisingly enough she's actually bigger than average babies at (approximately) 4 pounds 6 ounces already at only 30 weeks 5 days! 

Thank you Jesus!

My ultrasound technician said this to me:

"I wouldn't cross my fingers for a small baby!"

So relieved to hear that she's growing properly.

The only thing is that she's in the breach position (obviously there's time for her to flip) and is literally standing on my bladder and totally stretched out! 

No wonder I've been SO uncomfortable lately and no wonder I feel like she's going to fall out! 

Viv was breach all the way up until week 39 so I'm not worried about that yet.

Just in the past couple days my belly has totally popped and I'm feeling totally pregnant and it's even getting hard to hold Viv! 

I am so completely thankful for this little one growing inside me and cannot wait to bring her into our lives!

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!

Florida Wedding

 On our last day of our Florida vacation we went to Josh's aunt's wedding at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota!

It was probably the fanciest wedding we'll ever go to - Upstate New York weddings tend to be a bit more low-key ;)

I was a little nervous that Viv wouldn't behave and that we would have to miss most of the wedding due to having to keep her out but like always, she impressed us and was a total angel.

We kept her out of the ceremony just in case she decided to start being wild and crazy.

I think I would have had a breakdown if she ruined this wedding.

We had such a wonderful time visiting with all our family that we don't get to see very often.

It's always so fun to get together!

All of Josh's family is so great to be around and we always have a blast!

Viv loved walking around in her pretty dress and getting all the attention of the guests.

She's such a little princess. 

We partied late into the night and Viv was so tired when we got back to the house that she didn't even wake up when we moved her from her carseat to the bed, changed her into jammies, and changed her diaper!

The next morning we woke up early to pack and enjoy the morning before heading the the airport to catch our flight back to Rochester!

Viv slept on her grandma's lap almost the entire flight home - though it was only 2.5 hours.

We had such a wonderful vacation with the family but it's always nice to be back home in your own bed, functioning on our own schedule.

Thanks for putting up with so many posts and not leaving me!

xoxo.