Quick Update.

 So, quick update...

I'm still pregnant!

We were supposed to go in Saturday morning for an induction but they sent us home because they were full with emergencies and I wasn't a priority. 

I was definitely thankful for this because I wanted so badly for Penny to come naturally.

Sunday we went in for a non-stress test and everything looked perfect...so still, no induction. 

We've tried every form of natural induction that I could think of...

Walking (oh man, so much walking), sex, acupressure, evening primrose oil, raspberry tea, dancing, yoga, spicy food, even castor oil (with absolutely no effect whatsoever!). 

You name it, I've tried it. 

I have an appointment this afternoon and I'm hoping that maybe she can just call and get me in for my induction and make it a priority. 

At this point I don't care how my baby is born just as long as she gets here!

She is huge. 

Huge.

I'm impatient and just ready to get settled into life with a new baby. 

Come on Penny!! 

We're waiting for you!

Pregnancy #2: Week 40!

 Last weekly update for this pregnancy!!

It's really blowing my mind that we're at the end already!

This pregnancy has been so much more of a whirlwind than my first was. 

This time around there was so much less worry because I had already done it before but also so much less time to soak up the little details of pregnancy.

It's hard to remember all the little things when you're constantly chasing a toddler around!

My pregnancies are super easy though and I am so thankful for that.

Aside from the minor scare of the polyhydramnios issue closer to the end we haven't had any bumps in the road. 

It's a little harder to convince my husband that we only want 4 kids though when I have such breezy pregnancies!

It's hard at the end when you've gained a bunch of extra weight, you're carrying around a heavy baby (and toddler) and your body is preparing to give birth but I am so thankful for the miracle that is pregnancy. 

All I can do now is think about having my sweet new little daughter in my arms within the next few days!

I'm skipping stats today.

Nothing has really changed since last week other than the fact that my patience is wearing thin. 

I am scheduled for an induction Saturday (6/8) at 7:30am so Penny will definitely be here before the weekend in through. 

At my visit with my OB on Tuesday I was already almost 100% effaced and 4.5cm dilated!

--when I went into the hospital in labor with Viv I had already been in labor for 6 hours and was only 2cm dilated and after 16 hours of full-on labor I was 5cm!! So this is kind of crazy to me that I'm already so progressed and labor hasn't even started yet!--

My OB stripped my membranes Tuesday also to try and help speed things along but it didn't help.

Yesterday we walked quite a few miles, I ran around a bit, chased Viv around playgrounds, did jumping jacks, drank raspberry teas for days, evening primrose oil....NOTHING IS WORKING!

I'm a little desperate to start natural labor before Saturday morning because I really don't want to be induced but I just don't feel like Penny is going to come on her own.

I haven't even had a single Braxton Hicks in days....AH!

Josh keeps urging me to drink castor oil again (I did with Viv and was in labor within about 3 hours) but I just don't feel like that's a good choice right now. 

Maybe Viv and I will have a dance party today. 

Anyway, next post will probably be a baby announcement so stay posted!

I'm going to go do some lunges now.

Ha!

xoxo. 

Pregnancy #2: Week 39

This post is SUPER long and probably really, really boring for anyone but myself...

I went back and forth debating if I would write all this or just keep it to stats but then I realized that I would like to remember all this in the future...

Also, like most of the time, I didn't proof-read so don't judge my terrible grammar. 

I feel like the day I hit 39 weeks my body and my patience began to test me.

On Thursday (39 week mark) I woke up feeling really great and motivated.

It was supposed to be 90 degrees that day so I dropped Josh off at work and Viv and I went to meet up with our church's play group at the nearby splash park. 

That's when the discomforts of pregnancy *really* hit me for the first time.

We got to the park and met up with all our friends, laid out our picnic blanket, got Viv in her swimsuit and then that was it...she turned into the most hyper-active child ever.

She usually is pretty crazy but I've been able to handle it thus far without a problem and things are especially easier when Josh is with us.

Anyway, on that particular day I literally felt like Penny was going to fall out of me because she was SO far down and SO heavy!

Add that to a toddler who insists on running as fast as she can through a sea of hundreds of children on a 90 degree day and I thought I might faint. 

I tried my best to chase her all around the playground and go down slides but honestly, I just couldn't bend my body around enough. 

After about two hours, two changes of clothes for Viv, an exploded diaper, and an entire quart of strawberries later I decided I did my motherly duties of the day and said goodbye to our friends and packed up the car. 

That's when I discovered that the AC in the car wasn't working too btw. 

For the rest of the I was miserable and mean.

Our apartment didn't have AC either at this point and it got up to 94 degree in there since we can't open the windows (we're on the 2nd story and Viv is obsessed with climbing to look out the windows). 

Viv wouldn't nap because it was so hot and I knew we had to leave again soon to pick Josh up from work so there was no rest to be had.

For the rest of the evening I just laid on the couch and cried about my hips, back, heartburn, swollen feet, etc etc. 

Friday was a much better day.

It was 90 degrees again but we were able to do things to keep cool.

Josh had the day off so we all went to get groceries in the morning then went to the library for a while to keep cool and let Viv play. 

I was feeling a little better physically but the heat was making me swell so bad. 

We spent the evening going out to dinner, to the beach and out for ice cream with our friends and that was good for all of our souls. 

That night after we got home around 10pm I started feeling a little weird.

I thought maybe it was going to turn into labor but didn't get my hopes too high.

I went to sleep and throughout the night I kept tossing and turning and not really feeling able to rest. 

The next morning by the time Viv and I woke up Josh was already gone to work so we got up and had breakfast and took a bath.

Josh's parents were coming to get Viv to take her for the afternoon and it couldn't have been a better time!

As the morning progressed I kept feeling worse and worse and my body just kept doing crazy things.

My eyes felt so tired and I kept seeing floaters, I had a bad headache that felt like it was going to turn into a migraine, I was too nauseous to eat, my heart was racing and my hands were shaking, and I could literally watch as my ankles and hands swelled up! 

I knew these were all signs of preeclampsia and I knew that because of the polyhydramnios issue I've had for months that I was higher risk for pre-e.

I laid down in bed for awhile and I felt a little better after a few hours.

Josh got home and his parents brought Viv back and they spent awhile installing some AC units (hallelujah!) that they had bought for us (!!!) so I was still able to rest awhile while they were here helping with Viv.

Everyone left and Josh, Viv and I took a little afternoon rest in bed before we were going to go over to his parent's house for dinner. 

By the time it was time to leave I just kept feeling worse and feeling like I should call my doctor and see what she said - but it was a Saturday and I knew she probably wouldn't be the doctor on-call. 

The only thing we hadn't checked yet was my blood pressure so I told Josh that we should stop at the pharmacy and get my BP checked and that if that was high then I would call the doctor and if it was normal 

I would just ignore all my other symptoms and chalk it up to the heat making me feel so awful. 

My BP was 140/80 so I called my doctor's office and they transferred me to the hospital where they said to come in right away for some tests. 

Ugh.

All I wanted was to relax, enjoy a nice steak dinner, and watch the huge thunderstorm that was rolling in. 

So, we left Viv at Josh's parents house and raced home to pack our bags just in case they didn't let us come back home from the hospital.

I couldn't stop crying because we left Viv in such a hurry and I wasn't ready for that to be the last time that she was my only little girl. 

I had no peace about it and I was distraught. 

We got to the hospital around 7pm and got right into triage.

They hooked me up to monitors and ran a bunch of tests.

My BP was down to a normal level which gave me hope that we were going to be able to leave.

After almost 2 hours of waiting for doctors and test results they came in and let us know that I didn't have preeclampsia and that I was just really dehydrated! 

I was so, so relieved and happy!

I felt like a stupid little girl for freaking out and going into the hospital but since it was a weekend and I couldn't just go into my dr's office I really didn't want to take a chance that my baby could be in danger. 

Josh was almost in tears he was so disappointed that Penny wasn't going to be born - he was more excited than I've ever seen him before thinking about his new daughter coming.

Since I had the polyhydramnios for so many months though they wanted to put me on an induction list but I refused. 

I really just want natural labor to begin and have my baby when she feels she is ready and that's the only way I will have a peace (unless something urgent happens that I would do whatever it takes to make sure she is safe) but right now I have no risks and there's no real reason for me to be induced. 

I was more thankful than ever before to go home to Viv and sleep another night with her in my arms.

She's only my baby girl for a few more days and I was so thankful to get her for at least one more night.

I know that once labor happens naturally that I will be less emotional about leaving Viv because I know that it will be the right time and how it supposed to be. 

I just hated so much being rushed away from her like I was when I wasn't even in labor!  

We went to church this morning and I felt such a peace in my soul.

I felt peaceful about this coming week and I felt peaceful about Viv, myself, and all the things that are going to be happening soon.

*on our way to the hospital*

I feel like this week is going to be refreshment and relaxation and that when Penny does decide to come that I will be mentally and physically ready for her.

Being in that hospital birthing center again brought a rush of so many emotions.

It was just less than a year and a half ago that we were there for the first time...becoming parents.

It was the weirdest feeling being in there and knowing that I would be giving birth again so soon.

All the feelings and emotions were just pulsing through me and I felt so scared and yet so energized.

When it's time I know I will be so ready to give birth. 

It's such an incredible experience and all of the pain and fear goes away as soon as that baby is in your arms.

Her Size: Well, two weeks ago at our ultrasound she was close to 8 pounds. They say that at this point babies grow about a 1/2 pound per week which would put her at just under 9 pounds! We'll see soon though - I really don't trust those ultrasound measurements. I just hope that they aren't underestimating like with Viv (they said she was about 6.5 pounds a few days before she was born and she ended up being 9.6!)

How Far Along: 39 weeks 3 days

Total Weight Gain: Ugh. I don't know about total (and honestly, I don't want to know) but the other day I had lost 14 pounds and then was up 16 pounds by that night - THIS WATER RETENTION IS KILLING ME! Because of the extra amniotic fluid I had for so many months, the edema is so much worse than for a normal pregnant woman. I am however very thankful that I haven't had hardly any swelling in my face! It's stayed pretty much in my legs and feet and only a little in my hands. So it's easy to hide under maxi skirts! Another thing that I'm super thankful for is that I'll probably lose most of my weight right away since most of the weight I've gained has been in water (plus having a huge baby). My last pregnancy I had lost all the weight plus about 8 extra pounds just in the first 2 weeks and was down to much less than I've ever weighed before after just about a month. I'm praying I can lose the weight and tone up fast again so I can enjoy swimsuit season! And not a single stretch mark again - hallelujah! 

Sleep: I've basically given up any hope of having a good night's sleep. I'm up every 3 hours to pee and to drink a big glass of water and the rest of the time I'm constantly tossing and turning. I figure it will help when the baby comes if she's not a great sleeper like Viv was. I'm a little nervous to have another baby because I'm afraid we won't get another good sleeper - Viv has slept at least 8-12 hours a night since the ay we brought her home! 

Maternity Clothes: None. I'm growing out of all my clothes and if I don't have this baby soon I'll literally have nothing to wear!

Cravings: Taco Bell, ice cream, hot dogs, lifesavor mints, peaches and watermelon. I only have a few days left to cash-in on my cravings!!

Aversions: None - my appetite is still pretty much none (most of the time)

Symptoms I Have: You name it, I have it. 

Doctor's Appointment: Tuesday! She'll be checking my cervix so let's cross our fingers for some progress! 

Movement: Tons! And it's getting so painful because she's so big!

Best Moment of the Week: My in-laws getting us air conditioners!! Thank you again! 

Looking Forward To: Meeting Penny! Not being pregnant anymore! 

What I Miss: Everything that I could do when I wasn't pregnant. I'm so done with this! 

Pregnancy #2: 38 weeks!

Oh my, I feel like I'm constantly doing these weekly updates! 

Only a few more weeks to go though!

I'll keep this post short and sweet though, I promise. 

So, good news!

I no longer have Polyhydramnios! 

My fluid levels are back to normal and so we don't have to induce next week!

I'm so, so excited about this!

Now I don't have to worry about any delivery risks that can be caused from Poly, I don't need to be induced a week before my due date, and I just don't have to stress!

Other exciting news...

I really, really thought I was in labor last night.

Like full blown cramping and steady contractions!

I felt in my heart though that it really wasn't labor and didn't panic.

I took my time putting Viv to sleep and then clean the house just in case!

I packed all my clothes and toiletries and straightened my hair but still I wasn't *really* feeling like it was for real. 

Josh and I hung out and then just went to bed like normal.

Josh said he woke up all throughout the night to check on me to make sure my water hadn't broke - so cute!

Anyway, I woke up this morning and have been feeling normal all day so I guess it was just a false alarm.

I'm so ready to have this baby and have her home with us. 

My belly is getting so big and it's just so uncomfortable to do little every day things. 

I think that this week calls for a pedicure, lots of spicy food, and a lot of walking to see if we can get this baby moving!

If I don't go into natural labor by my due date (June 7th) then my doctor really suggests that we induce that day because of how big she's measuring. 

So, I know I can at least hold out until then!

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 34

Ah!

We're getting so, so close to the end!

Only six short weeks left until we welcome our sweet girl into the world!

This past week was so delightful.

We were busy, busy, busy every single day but the weather was gorgeous and we were so happy.

Viv and I's allergies flared up pretty bad during the beginning of the week causing us to cancel a few play dates which is always sad but we made up for it with other adventures.

The weather lately has been perking up and this week is supposed to be even better!

Josh was surprised because Viv and I were rarely home at all this week but I keep telling him that it's because we've been cooped up during the awfully long winter and we're ready to explore! 

In just a few weeks it's going to get a little bit harder to just get out of the house with a newborn so I'm enjoying being able to so easily just grab Viv and get out.

My mom keeps telling me to rest and take it easy but really, it's so much better for my soul to be busy and active. 

I really don't feel like I'm over-doing it (even though I didn't get a single nap all week!) and I'm happier than ever!

Her Size: About the size of a butternut squash! We'll find out on Wednesday at our ultrasound approximately how long and what her weight is! 

How Far Along: 34 weeks and 3 days! 

Total Weight Gain: I lost a couple pounds last week from all of our activity so I'm not sure what the exact number is right now. 

Sleep: Sleeping great! I get up a few times in the night to use the bathroom but I've been able to go right back to sleep. 

Maternity Clothes: The only maternity thing that I've been wearing are a pair of jeggings from Old Navy that I got a couple weeks ago...they're amazing!

Cravings: shells and cheese, vanilla custard ice cream, any kind of cold or icy drink 

Aversions: None! 

Symptoms I Have: Heartburn has been pretty bad at night until I take a couple of Melaleuca anti-acid tablets. All my aches and pains that were so terrible a few weeks ago have disappeared and I'm definitely crediting all of our activity and exercise to that...I've been feeling pretty fantastic lately!

Doctor's Appointment: Wednesday I go for an ultrasound and my weekly NST. I can't wait to see my little Penny! I'm a little sad though because Josh has to work and can't come see her too :(

Movement: ALWAYS MOVING. Seriously, this little baby is ridiculously active. 

Best Moment of the Week: I was taking a bath on Tuesday and I literally watched Penny move from the breech position into the head-down position. I could see all of her limbs and visibly see her change such a drastic position...it was so cool! Then at my doctor appointment that day she confirmed that she was in fact, head-down...yay! Now if she just stays that way ;)

Looking Forward To: Wednesday's ultrasound! 

What I Miss: Being skinny!! 

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!

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...