More Baby Pix!

Overjoyed today. Had our second ultrasound and baby girl is doing great! Spine, brain, and heart all look perfect! When the nurse came in, she must have been sleeping (the baby – not the nurse) because she didn’t move around much. However, when the doc came in, she was all sorts of active. It was fun because I could feel it and see it! We got some great pics that you'll see at the bottom.

Not so shocking is that she's big just like her brother. We have an official due date of 10/3, but she is measuring 1 week and 1 day bigger than that (putting an estimated due date at 9/25). It's funny because 4 weeks ago she was measuring exactly at 10/3. She weighs almost 1.5 lbs right now. I'm sure Doctor Johnson will keep an eye on her growth just like she did with Braden. Hopefully she'll have a small head like Braden did, too =)

Update on the rest of the family – Braden is doing great and enjoying summer! He loves dirt, bugs, and all of the other things little boys are supposed to love! He's having a blast with his friends at school and here at home, too. Brad and I are doing well and almost done with getting the house ready. Maybe one more day of work. It's going on the market today so think good thoughts. We both have very mixed feelings about leaving this house and this neighborhood, but at the end of the day both agree we need the space.

Now that the house is done, I've started working on the baby's room. I sewed her blanket for the crib the other night. It turned out super cute! I'll try to send pictures soon. It's light pink and green with flowers and lady bugs and a link pink ruffle on the sides. I am very pleased with how it turned out. I've got a couple of more blankets to make and then I'll dive into the wall hangings. I think I've decided I'm going to do 2d bubbles. I found some super cute fabric so my plan is to cut out some foam and cover it with the polka dot fabric to hang on the falls. We shall see how it turns out. I've also got an idea for a lamp and a memory board. Now all I need is the time and energy to get it all done! I promise pictures sometime…

Here's the ultrasound pix…
First one is the profile and bottom one is the baby pointing up toward mommy =)



First one is another profile. Second is the face.
The third and fourth are each of her feet
Fifth and 6th are another profile and face.

Rants and Raves

Starting today with a rant, but ending on a good note. But, before the rant – baby girl is alive and kicking! ALL THE TIME! She kicks way more than I remembered Braden kicking (but perhaps I just forgot what he did). She tends to kick in the morning and then at night, but not too much from about 2-6 or 7pm. Anyway – I have another ultrasound next Friday morning so I'm excited about that. Next appt. with our doctor is June 15th, but right now all is well.

Ok, so for my rant – maternity clothes. I know I spend way too much time on the blog talking about them, but I'm in them a lot these days! Where did all of the cheap Maternity clothes go? Let's be real… I don't spend all that much money on my "real" wardrobe, so the thought of spending hundreds and hundreds on a maternity wardrobe irritates me to no end. I was lucky enough to have my mom and Brad's mom help me out with my summertime maternity wardrobe earlier this year, so that has been nice.

But – Wal Mart no longer sells maternity, Target, JCP, Babies R Us, Kohls, etc all have exactly 2 racks in their maternity sections. Leaving me two options – 1) shop at the high end stores or 2) drive all over God's creation trying to find the two simple items I needed (leggings and a swim suit). I chose option 2. Target, thank goodness, had my leggings and I'm loving them, but I literally went to 8 stores in search of a maternity swimsuit under $45. I FINALLY found one on clearance at the 8th store I went to. Madness! I am just wondering where all of the pregnant women I see walking around get their clothes… They must all either be willing to spend a boatload of money OR make their own clothes because I promise they aren't getting them anyplace else!

So, enough of the rant. I have to end this wonderful start to a holiday weekend blog on a high note. I have noticed lately that Braden is in what I call the "fascination stage". He is fascinated and amused by literally everything. Yesterday he and Brad spent time galloping around the kitchen and you would have thought that they had just been to see Adam Sandler live the way Braden was laughing. He shrikes with glee every time he runs through a bubble or finds a worm. I wonder though, when did we lose that? I miss being amazed by things like that and loving life that much. I am going to make an effort over the next several months to pattern my life more after Braden's and less like my sulky co-workers. I encourage you to do the same and get back to the "fascination stage".

Enjoy your holiday weekends! We'll keep you updated!

It's a... GIRL!

May 10, 2010

So, I'm going to stop starting every blog with "I'm a slacker". Let's just all agree that I'm a slacker when it comes to the blog and move on. I do have good reason to have been a slacker this time, but you'll see below.

So, for any of you that haven't heard – IT'S A GIRL!!!!! Needless to say I'm over the moon excited. I had steeled myself for a boy so when we heard the news I cried! I didn't cry when we found out what Braden was, but I guess that is because it was the first and I knew I wanted one of each so the fact that he was a boy was a bonus. With this one, I cried for sure. She is healthy and content to hang out at the bottom of my belly right now. We go back June 4th for another ultra sound. Yippee!

With Braden I had the nursery picked out before we knew the sex. With this one I've changed my mind no less than 3 times per day for the last week. I have finally decided on a nursery fabric and theme. It is going to be mainly bright pinks and greens with flowers and lady bugs. It is super cute! I'm also making a balloon bouquet out of different fabrics to hang on the wall and a name hanging once we figure out what that's going to be.

And as for the name – we don't have one yet, but even once we do, no one will know it until the day she is born. That is Brad's small piece of info that he gets to hold on to. He has told me I can release the first letter for those who need it for embroidery reasons. We have decided on a middle name and pretty much narrowed the first name down to two names. One is a family name (though I won't tell you whose family) and one is not. Neither is a common name so you probably wouldn't ever guess =)

That being said I'm feeling good (other than crazy hormones) and the back pain is pretty much gone. At least the constant back pain is gone, which is nice.

We are working feverishly to get the house ready to put on the market by June 1st. We have also recently made the decision to start house hunting. Obviously our preference would be for our house to sell and then we buy a new one, but that was stressing me out (and in turn stressing Brad out) so we have slightly changed directions. Pretty much we want an offer on a new house by August time frame. It was just too stressful for me not to know where I am bringing a baby home from the hospital to. I've got our first appt set up with our realtor on Thursday to see 2 houses. Will keep you all updated.

Now back to baby. So far I have only bought her 6 outfits and those were all consignment outfits so I feel very restrained! I've got fabric to make 2 blankets (not the nursery bedding) and I got one small thing for the wall. For me having known for over a week I feel very restrained =)

Talk to you all soon. We've got a busy rest of the month and an even busier June!

May 19, 2010

So is it sad that it's been so long since I posted a blog that I forgot my password? Ahh. Anyway, it's another double addition, but this one will be short.

First – I'm feeling well still. I seem to have exploded over the weekend and am not loving that. My back is also starting to hurt when I sit in one place too long, but other than that – I'm good.

Baby seems to still be doing well. I've got an appointment on Friday. Hopefully I'll get my iron levels checked because I think I'm a little low again. One more pill each morning won't kill me though!

I guess that’s about it for the update. We're busy, busy, busy getting the house ready to put on the market and looking at new houses to buy. Such an exciting time! Braden is reading his big brother book and trying to get the hang of things!

Will check in soon!

17 weeks appointment

So I heard my morning show DJ say something I think it pretty prolific this morning. He has 2 younger children and mentioned that every action he takes or doesn't take towards his children will affect branches of his family tree for generations to come.

When I first heard this, I thought – Ludacris! Then when I started thinking about it, it makes sense. How many studies have been published that children who were abused grow up to be abusers, or children of domestic violence often continue the cycle with their own children? And on the other hand, how many children who grown up in wonderful families go on to have happy, normal families of their own?

Now some people might think that is a scary situation to be in – that your actions – good or bad – can shape your family for years and decades to come. I think it is an amazing and awesome responsibility and gladly accept the challenge.

Of course, some days it is easier said than done! We make it our first priority to raise Braden (and peanut) in a safe, nurturing environment. But beyond that, what is our responsibility? We are teaching him manners and I take no greater pride than when adults tell me that my 2 year old tells them thank you. We teach him how to enjoy life – both the simple and exciting things. We are working to teach him patience and in the meantime trying to learn it ourselves. We teach him that hitting is not a way to solve things by not using that method for discipline. Not that I see anything wrong with it, but we learned very early on that he mimicked our actions and started hitting us and other children.

I think some people are afraid to bear children into the world we live in today because it is a scarier place than when we were kids. We face oil shortages, child predators, school shootings, environmental issues, and the list goes on. But how exciting is it that I can the opportunity to change that world starting with 2 children – my own. They say some teachers have an impact that stay with children forever, but how much more true is that for parents? I am excited at the prospect of being able to teach my children the way I'd like the world to be – a courteous, non-violent, wonderful world. That doesn't mean I put blinders on them, but I can change this world – even if it is a small step at a time.

Anyway, I know this is a bit chipper – maybe it's the hormones, but I just wanted to share my excitement with you!

16 week Checkup

Ok – so I'm not sure if I've shared this with all of you, but I'm making my "sex" prediction now. I'm pretty sure it's a boy. Don't ask me why – I just am. In the beginning I really, really wanted a girl, but now that it's almost time to find out, I am becoming more and more excited just about finding out and more and more comfortable with the idea of having 2 boys.

Anyway, had my almost 17 week appointment last Friday (April 23rd) and all was well with mommy and baby. My blood pressure is super great and the doc even said she was "proud" of my weight management.

She and I also got into a very humerous discussion about how I'm a weird (my words not hers) preggo woman. Example – most women's allergies get worse when they are pregnant or have a baby. Mine have almost cured themselves. I still have occasional attacks (mainly when I'm visiting relatives) but at home – nada. I went from twice a week – could not drive – attacks to nothing. Then there is the eye color. After I had Braden my eyes turned more green than blue. Now that I'm pregnant again, my eyes are back to blue. Then there is the teeth thing. Most women's teeth get better after they deliver – I never had a single tooth problem (other than braces) in my life until after I delivered Braden. Now that I'm pregnant again – 1st cavity. Go figure!

Anyway, it's just funny how different things are and you don't realize it until you compare notes!

Next doc appointment with my doc is May 21st…and by then we'll know the sex! I got May 3rd to find out the sex! At this point Brad and I just want to know! Braden still wants a doggie so I'm pretty sure we can rule out that he's getting what he wants out of this =)

One more fun announcement (I may have said this already but I can't remember anything to save my life these days!) We're putting the house on the market at the end of May. Wish us luck!

More Big News (No not the sex!)

3 weeks ago

Well – the lines have been clearly drawn in our household. While Braden still wavers from day to day between doogie and baby, he has come down firmly on the baby brother side.

It's actually very cute. We've been trying to get Braden used to the idea of a baby and why he has to be more gently with mommy, so I started pointing to my belly and telling him he can rub on the baby. That's all well and good until he wants to see the baby. I still haven't quite figured out how to explain to him that the baby is inside mommy. For now I just tell him the baby is napping…

Feeling pretty good – especially compared to last week. I still have a little bit of swelling, but nothing like last week. I'm starting to not be able to fit into my wedding ring, which is a bummer. Other than that we're just enjoying the beautiful week we're having outside and getting ready for more visits with family.

Baby is kicking a little bit, so I guess maybe she's trying to say hi.

Today:
So I always have good intentions of blogging, but obviously since I started one 3 weeks ago and never published it, those intentions are not being followed through on!

Starting to get a bump. I'm at the point where if I don't wear maternity clothes folks must wonder if I'm fat or pregnant. Maternity shirts from here on out for me =)

Feeling great though. My back has finally started to feel better for the most part. Hopefully it stays this way. Still swollen, so apparently that isn't going to change.

Doc appt next week (17 weeks) so hopefully the week after we'll have our ultrasound to determine the sex. Yay!

One other big note – we're in the process over the next 6 weeks of getting the house ready to put on the market. Over 17 hours of driving to and from Arkansas, Brad and I determined that now is the perfect time to buy a bigger house. We realize we may not get everything out of this house that we've put into it, but Duluth seems to be really rich in foreclosure houses in our size and our budget. That means that we get to stay in the area we've come to love, and get the house we need. Anyway, wish us luck. I know we're crazy to attempt to do this right now, but for us I think it just may be the right decision for now.

So – don't be surprised later this year if I come begging for help moving. Doctor already won't be life anything over 30 pounds (Braden is only 28!) so I won't be too much help.

One more update – as I mentioned earlier, we just got back from a quick weekend trip to Arkansas. We stopped by Ross and Amie's house and saw Murfreesboro and my friend Ashley. Then onto Arkansas to stay with Bobby and Melissa for the weekend. They were nice enough to host a bday party for Braden for some family and friends. Thanks to all who made our weekend so great. It was the perfect mini vacation. Always great catching up with people who we don't get to see that often.

Fat Feet and all that Jazz...

We had our second doctor visit today. Baby is looking good. I think I'm the one that's in trouble =) Now that I'm over the nausea and exhaustion, I've got back pains and feet that don't fit into shoes. Doctor Johnson wasn't super happy about the symptoms being so early, but said sometimes it just happens. The only medicine is to put my feet up a lot and rest =)

Anyway, baby looks good. Heartbeat was right around 148. Not much else happened at the visit. Still about 5-6 more weeks until we find out the sex of the baby. So hopefully shortly after our next doctor visit we'll have an update.

Other than the aching back and swollen feet I guess I've got nothing else. I have found though that where in the first pregnancy everyone loved to scare me with their labor stories, for the second one people love to tell stories about how much weight they gained, or how it is so much harder to take the weight off, or how the symptoms are worse and sooner. Joy Joy.!

We're off to Auburn this weekend for my cousin Jenny's baby shower. There must be something in the water. Everyone seems to be pregnant!

Another Update

First of all, I know I'm a slacker! It's been almost 3 weeks and I haven't written a new blog. I have no excuses, just that we're trying desperately to find our way into the terrible 2's at home! I will not lie, it hasn't been the easiest transition for the toddler or the parents!

But, this blog is supposed to be about our #2, so let me give you all an update! I have found yet another difference with this pregnancy… The first time around every thought was centered around the baby that we were going to get at the end. Since we already have kind of an idea what that is like, I'm trying to focus on some of the perks of being pregnant. I have decided that the #1 perk of being pregnant (outside of getting a baby of course) is maternity clothes! I have started wearing some the past few days because I just can't get the jeans zipped up anymore (even though I've only gained 1 pound since our last visit which is truly remarkable considering how I hate on the cruise!). I forgot how great maternity clothes are!

As you all may notice by the way I dress, I prefer comfort over fashion any day of the week. If the two happen to coincide one day, all the better. Well, I truly believe that maternity pants are the ultimate in comfort! It's like wearing pajama pants to work every day! I've got this nice little soft ring around the top of my pants that is made of elastic. It's like wearing your Thanksgiving elastic pants every day!

Ok – so enough about my pants. I have started to feel the baby kicking and I have noticed a few things. 1) She's (yes – I'm wishful thinking again!) a night owl and likes to get up and play around (oh – just felt a small jab – she must know I'm talking about her!) 8:00 every night and generally does some sort of acrobatic feat near my bladder! And 2) she either really likes or really hates spicy food because that usually gets her up and moving.

And speaking of spicy food, that is one downfall for me right now. I get incredible heart burn after eating anything remotely spicy, and for me, that's definitely NOT NORMAL!
Other than that and getting the timing of my vitamins down, I'm feeling pretty good again. Looking forward to the 2nd trimester and all that spring and summer have to bring.

I cannot promise it will not be this long again before I write another one, but our next doc appt is March 26th at 9am. No – we won't know the sex by then. Probably another 7 weeks at least (another kick). As for other news – 2 days from now I will be the mother of a 2 year old. Wish me luck!