Hello 2013!

Well, a lot has been going on around here... and yet, not that much all at the same time!  The holidays were filled with family and fun to be had for all.  Matt and I just celebrated our 5 year anniversary.  We've certainly managed to have a lot going on in the past 5 years... and there's no slowing down for us anytime soon!

1 day shy of 13 weeks with baby #3!

That's right folks, baby #3 is on his or her way!  Christopher has zero clue even though I daily talk to him about the baby in Mommy's belly.  Jack on the other hand the experienced big brother and is convinced we're having a girl.  We've been trying to come up with boy names (since we've already used the two we knew we liked) and Jack is no help.  When I ask him what some names for a baby boy should be, I am told in a very matter-of-fact tone of voice "No Mom, it's a baby girl!".  Well, excuse me!  Baby's due date is July 29th.  So if he or she is like her brother's it will be within a day of that... but I'm sure now that I've said that it will be way off!  Ha!

I am definitely going to try to blog more often... and coming out of the 1st trimester I think I should start having the energy to do it!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Years!

39 Weeks and Hanging in There!

Today I'm officially 39 weeks according to my estimated due date of October 26th!  I've really been feeling pretty good most days... some I am far more worn out than others, but I can't (and try to remind myself I shouldn't) complain.  I am more than ready to meet this baby of ours, but I guess I've made quite the cozy little home for the past 9 months that he or she is not quite ready to come out.  Here's the belly shot (feel free to compare it to my 34 week picture):

39 weeks along.  The belly button is popped out slightly.. I think that means he or she is done cookin'

As of my appointment yesterday I was still only 2 centimeters dilated and about 50% effaced... that's pretty much no change from the past 2 appointments, ugh!  I have been having a more consistent number contractions every day, but they're not progressing closer together or getting stronger... yet.  I've also been trying to work on my pride, because I have to come to terms that the longer baby stays inside of me the larger he or she is getting and the risk of having to deliver a big baby, could increase the risk of history repeating itself.  I am trying to let myself trust my doctor a little more on the fact that a more controlled labor and delivery might help lower my risk factors.  The doctor I saw this week (because mine is out on vacation this week) mentioned the same reasons induction might be helpful with my history.  My next appointment is the day before my due date, so the topic is likely to be brought up as a possibility again.  As a coworker and good friend pointed out to me, she scheduled her induction for one day, and her son was born after midnight the day she was supposed to come in for induction.

At this point every time I see a coworker that I don't see daily I get the "oh, how much longer do you have?"  Well, today I kept wanting to say "One away!" just as Brian Regan says "Two away" from his baseball sketch... Please enjoy a little comedy as much as it was going through my head all day today:



Here are my top reasons why I'd like to have this baby on or before Sunday, October 23rd:

1. My dad will be traveling next week.  (He was traveling when Jack was born so he didn't get to meet him until we were home from the hospital.)
2. October 23rd is Mole Day, so having a baby on that day would be pretty awesome for this chemist mama!
3. Matt is off work Friday, Saturday and Sunday so it would simply be easier if we were both off work when I went into labor.  (Matt's theory is that I'll go into labor tomorrow sometime because he's got the whole weekend off already!)
4. It would give us time to be home from the hospital and I would be able to go visit Jack at school next Thursday for his Halloween party!
5. The final pieces of the baby & Jack's Halloween costumes arrived today!
6. We are so very ready to meet this baby of ours!

Lots of Prayers Needed!

I am writing to ask for your thoughts & prayers for quite a few special intentions in my heart these days. 

A very dear friend's mother was hospitalized late last week after emergency surgery.  She is recovering, but still has the road of recovery ahead of her.

A family member of Matt's boss is pregnant and went into preterm labor, the doctors and nurses are working very hard to stop her labor from progressing.  She is only 28 weeks along, so prayers for the health of both her and her baby are greatly appreciated.

Prayers for my sister-in-law as her due date quickly approaches and this is her first child.  Please pray for the safe delivery of our nephew, as well as calm and confidence for her as labor and delivery draws nearer. 

Selfishly, I request prayers for myself and our family as we prepare for for the arrival for our second child, whenever he or she decides to make their appearance!

Friday Fill-ins 10.14.2011

1. It's easy to get so frustrated at work these days.

2. Shh, my darling.
3. Once upon a time, there was a 38 1/2 week pregnant woman who is ready to meet her baby.

4. Every children's story has to end with: ... the end.

5. What is your favorite childhood vacation?

6. To keep myself motivated, I have to keep reminding myself that the baby will be here sooner than later.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to exciting amounts of laundry (and waiting to see if I go into labor), tomorrow my plans include hanging out with my little guy while Matt works (and waiting to see if I go into labor) and Sunday, I want to make it to Mass, if I haven't gone into labor!

I'm a little pathetic these days, huh?

37 Week Check-up!

I apologize but this blog is going to be pretty pregnancy & baby centric over the next few weeks... its the nature of being full-term and all of the excitement (craziness, etc.) that comes with it.  I also started this blog as a way to keep family up to date with our family happenings.

Today was my 37 week check-up and I had an ultrasound to check baby's size.  She estimates baby to be 6 pounds 2 ounces and said baby should likely only be gaining a 1/2 pound each week.  That would put me with having a baby slightly smaller (weight wise) than Jack was at 40 weeks.  Jack was 8 lbs. 2 oz. at 40 weeks exactly.  Of course an ultrasound is only an estimate... I'm not going to lie, an ultrasound at 37 weeks is very hard to see baby all squished at this point so I don't have any pictures to share.  I didn't even get to see the classic profile shot because baby is so low.  Oh well!  I did get to see that beautiful heart beating.  I was joking with Matt that I was going to find out what we were having, but I definitely didn't see anything even if it was up on the screen at all.  I am having a very hard time waiting to find out if this is a baby boy or girl, mainly because I want to meet him or her!

I was also about 2 centimeters dilated at 36 weeks, but not effaced.  This week I was still about 2 centimeters dilated but 50% effaced, so definitely seeing some progress!  I know this kind of progress is not any predictor of when labor might start, but I think its very encouraging to know that my body is taking steps in the right direction for full blown labor and delivery.  She mentioned induction as a possibility in the future, but was not saying it would provide any sort of guarantee that I would not tear like I did with Jack.  She also did not push induction at all, which I appreciate... I've heard of other people having doctors encouraging induction for the sake of scheduling.  I'm not against induction by any means, but for me personally if there's no medical reason I'd prefer not to go that route.  I would definitely say if she could guarantee an induction would mean not tearing like last time I'd be all ears and definitely qualify that as a medical reason.  The recovery from a 4th degree tear was definitely no picnic and I only had a newborn to hold during recovery... not a toddler running around in addition.  (Did you know that some women have to undergo physical therapy after that kind of tearing?  I'm very lucky I did not.)

My goal is to not to not go into labor before 38 weeks (one week from tomorrow)... that would put me at being "guaranteed" having maternity leave through the holidays by taking the full 12 weeks allowed.  Ha ha, I know I might be somewhat silly thinking I might go early, but I know 3 women (first-time mothers) who had their babies before 37 weeks last month.  I have been noticing quite a few more contractions this time around then I remember with Jack.  I suppose that could likely be because I actually know what I'm feeling.

I am still working full-time and feeling pretty good!  I think my body is actually handling this pregnancy better than my first.  I'm also being forced to stay active enough to keep up with a 2 year old, which could make things worse, I think is actually beneficial to me.  My maternity leave back-up plan is almost in a finalized format that I'll just need to updated at the end of each day, so I feel okay with how I'll be leaving my projects while I'm out.  I can only be prepared so much because I can not predict what might happen when I'm out on leave.

Babies, Babies Everywhere!

So, quite an unusual (at least I think) trend has started occurring with the people in my life... we knew of 6 babies originally due in October (including ours).  Well, as of last week (the 2nd week of September) 3 of them (or 50%) had already been born!  Technically all 3 of them were before 37 weeks, or preterm, but they're all happy & healthy and at home now.  Thank God for those beautiful healthy babies!  Needless to say, I was motivated enough to start packing my hospital bag...

I'm only about 34 weeks and as of my doctor's appointment this week I don't have any dilation occurring.  (I don't remember being checked this early with Jack, but maybe I did?)  Now, I know things can change quickly as far as pregnancy and labor & delivery but I take that as a good sign (for now) that I won't be having this baby early.  I go back to the doctor around 36 weeks and then every week afterwards.  I have been noticing a slight swelling these days and my nose looking swollen/wide, the joys of the last couple of months.  I think I will probably get to about 37 weeks and wonder what's taking so long, but I feel like that's pretty typical pregnancy feelings at that stage!

34 weeks and 1 day... I really didn't feel that big until I saw this picture.  We are doing maternity/family pictures with my friend Brooke on Saturday.  We will be doing them with an A-Z theme and I can't wait to share the link to those pictures.

While Jack was at his first day of preschool, my mom and I went to the store and she got us our double stroller!  It's the Chicco Cortina Together stroller and it fits the infant car seat we already have.  We're so thankful for how generous of a gift it is and I know we will all put it to good use.  We I was so excited that we put it together that evening!  (I have a thing with putting things together, I kind of love it.)  Matt calls it the Escalade of strollers and Jack "made" us push him around the house a bit in it before bed.

Jack checking out the back seat.

The infant seat can go in either the front or the back seat, in case Jack wants to lay down he can be fully reclined in the back while the baby is up front.  Odds are that Jack will spend 99% of his time riding in the front (where he can see everything), but it is very nice to have the option.  Because the infant car seat can go either place, it also means that we could fit two infant car seats if we ever have twins... ha ha!

The basket down below is huge (goes practically the full length of the stroller), and when the backseat is fully reclined you just unzip the back to access the diaper bag.  The front seat also has the option of being open with two cup holders as end caps or to have a bar that goes across the front.  I suppose it will depend on the situation and how contained we need to keep Jack!

Folding the stroller isn't too cumbersome, but the fact that I am under 5' tall, trying to fold any double stroller is going to take some coordination.  I can do it pretty easily while this pregnant, so that's a good sign! 

Can you tell I'm pretty excited for the double stroller?!  I'm already thinking our "big" outing this fall/winter will be either (or both) a) cutting down this year's Christmas tree or b) going to see the Christmas lights at the zoo!

Less than 10 Weeks Until...

Baby #2's due date!  I'm definitely starting to get more physically exhausted as the days go on... even the swelling is starting to kick in.  I'm grateful that its not been too bad so far.  I am attributing it to the fact that I've been much better this pregnancy about drinking my water!  Here's a belly shot of me at 30 weeks pregnant:

August 17, 2011 (30 weeks pregnant)

I'm very happy to say that my net weight gain so far is less than where I was with my pregnancy for Jack.  This pregnancy I am definitely carrying much lower (my doctor has commented recently) which has led to a bit more back pain at this point.  I even wear a pregnancy support belt most days, especially to work.  It helps some I believe, even though wearing the belt itself is not the most comfortable thing. 

Laying on my side (as your supposed to in pregnancy) has proven very difficult more recently.  I noticed during the 2nd trimester that my hips already felt very "loose"... not that I was surprised since it is my second.  After laying on my side for any amount of time, trying to get up to either a sitting or eventually standing position has been painful.  I brought it up at my last doctors appointment and after she examined my alignment told me my alignment looks good and my hips don't hurt when walking around, it might be a bit of arthritis brought on by pregnancy.  (She asked if I had noticed any postpartum joint pain after Jack, I said no, but I wasn't sure if I would've noticed since I was recovering from fourth degree tearing.)  Right now my options are heat (i.e. a warm bath or compress) and/or Tylenol at bed to try and take the edge off of the pain every time I switch sides and when I get up in the morning.  If these things aren't helping or things get worse, she might lean towards some steroid treatment.  I really don't want to medicate myself nightly for the next 9 weeks or start steroids, but we might get to that point...

In more fun topics, our newborn cloth diaper stash is COMPLETE!  At least as complete as it is going to be until the baby is born (we will learn what fits and what doesn't at that point).  The only thing we might get more of would be a few more covers, but we're within the "guidelines" I've read online.  Here are pictures of our complete newborn stash:

A picture of our whole stash! (34 diapers total)

5 pocket diapers and 5 all-in-ones

12 prefolds (you know, the old fashioned kind), 12 fitted diapers, 5 wrap style diaper covers, and 1 wool pull on diaper cover.

Yes, we have more than the "recommended" 24 diapers but mainly because I highly doubt everything will fit during the newborn phase.  I'm very thankful that once we figure out what doesn't work I will be able to sell some of those at the next swap our local cloth diapering store does twice a year.

Feeling very excited for the baby to make his or her appearance in October!  Jack has been saying the past couple of days "baby come out Mommy belly" and rubbing my belly... he's such a sweet boy!  I can't wait to see him as a big brother!

2011 Natural Family Planning Week

I know this post comes as NFP awareness week is actually wrapped up, but better late than never!

My husband and I started practicing Natural Family Planning after the birth of our first son (he was about 7 months old and I was still nursing).  We took a course through our Roman Catholic diocese and haven't looked back!  Here are the posts I did as we went through our classes:
Class number 1
Class number 2
Final class

Marquette University (yes, a Catholic university) is actually conducting federally (not religiously) funded scientific research on the effectiveness of Natural Family Planning.  You can read things like definitions, different methods, instructions/guidelines and read more about their research here and here.  The reason I emphasize that their research was federally funded is because so often NFP is looked upon as something for people with faith-based reasons, but this is something that is based on the natural biorhythms of a woman's reproductive system.

Also, the Couple to Couple League has many resources for every stage in life, as well as a home course!  Their bookstore is an excellent resource to reference throughout the different stages of life (postpartum, menopausal, etc.).



Some other entries I've really enjoyed reading from other bloggers about NFP are:
Part of a Conversion to Catholicism Story (she's linked Part 1 and 2 in this entry if you're in her conversion to Catholicism)
Interesting Correlations between Breast Cancer and Contraception (with references)
Trust & NFP (last year's theme of NFP awareness week was Trust: God has a Plan for Your Marriage)
NFP from a Husband's Perspective (a Top Ten list)

Thank you to these writers for eloquently expressing their NFP experience and perspectives!

Whether for religious or other personal convictions, NFP really is something for everyone.  While it is something that has helped us postpone pregnancy for reasons my husband and I decided with God's guidance, when the time was right we have also been blessed to conceive our 2nd child easily!

Random Updates!

I just realized I never got to post any pictures from 4th of July!  Here are a couple of my favorites from our walk to the downtown parade.

Jack loves his American flag that they handed out to the kids.  This picture of my guys is pretty much adorable if you ask me!

Jack and I walking home... he looks so big here!  You can see that he definitely takes after his father because he's so tall!

We also attended a baby shower for Matt's cousin and his other cousin's wife while they were in town from Georgia!  It was actually the first time one couple had gotten to see Jack.

All of us pregnant ladies!  That's me on the left (I got my hair chopped off!), my SIL (due less than a week after me), Megan (Matt's cousin), and Lauren (Matt's cousin's wife)... I love being pregnant in groups apparently!

Last week, I had another doctor's appointment and got my blood work done for my glucose screening.  My doctor was happy with my weight gain catching up to approximately where it should be at this point in my pregnancy.  I wasn't necessarily surprised that I had caught up because I have been feeling big (and sore) lately.  Back pain has definitely gotten worse and just this week I'm starting to notice more pressure in my hips.  My doctor mentioned that I'm carrying low, especially compared to how I did with Jack, and said that can make the back pain worse.  She recommended a pregnancy support belt, so I got one and will be trying it out for a couple of days to see if it helps.  I just hope it doesn't make this week's unbearable heat any less bearable.  Here's a belly picture from yesterday:

Approximately 25 1/2 weeks along!  I don't think I look much bigger than my last picture, but I feel it!

We're having a...

Baby!  Surprise, surprise.. I know, that's the point!  We're waiting until baby is born to know if we're having a boy or girl.  We all want a healthy baby, bottom line... but I can't help but admit I'd like a little pink in my life (eventually)!  I have a good feeling that with all of the pregnancies I know of (just in October alone) someone is bound to bring pink into this world!  I've added a poll on the right side of my blog so you can vote on whether you think we're having a boy or girl!

Here are some pictures from our ultrasound!  The technician said Pumpkin has long, skinny feet!

Baby Pumpkin's profile... this shot was VERY hard for the technician to get because baby kept looking directly at the ultrasound wand.

The 4-chamber heart... my favorite part of the 20 week ultrasound!  A still picture doesn't do it justice... I just love looking at the little heart beat on and on!

 
I talked to the doctor because due to morning sickness (and a little bit due to chasing a toddler) I lost weight in my 1st trimester.  I was worried I am not gaining enough (compared to Jack where I started gaining weight from the moment the extra line showed up on the test).  She said she'd like to see me gain a pound a week from here on out and that I'm not far behind the average weight gain they like to see at 20 weeks.  See below for my latest "belly shot"... I've also included a picture of me around the same time when I was pregnant with Jack.

21 weeks 1 day (June 16, 2011)... excuse my exhaustion, I caught Jack's strep throat.

Approximately 22 weeks, February 2009

Pregnancy Update!

Finally into the second trimester and it feels so good! 

I am starting to get my energy back.  This is easier said than done with a toddler who loves to be outside and is constantly on the go.  I am much better than I was the first trimester as far as my energy level.  My nausea was pretty much a constant during the first trimester and it has gone away for the most part.  I still get nauseous if I don't eat for an extended period of time.  That doesn't happen often because I feel like I'm ALWAYS hungry the past week or so.  I've started to pop out a bit and its uncomfortable to sleep on my back (due to the extra weight on my spine) or stomach.  Here's a side-shot Matt took this evening:

I'm about 14.5 weeks today.  Please excuse the messy hair...

With all things in motherhood, the things I've learned (or so I'd like to think) from having one child, I'm trying to apply to the one I have yet to give birth to.  Namely, I've become obsessed with looking at newborn cloth diapers!  I simply can not resist researching and looking at the teeny, tiny little things!  Yes, I've even purchased a few... and I did so way too early in my pregnancy, but oh well!  Here's the beginning of our newborn diaper stash:

Rumparooz Lil' Joeys... They come in two-packs!  How cute is that?!  They are all-in-one diapers, so that kind of makes me nervous because I prefer pockets.  They have a snap down for the umbilical cord stump so I feel as though I should give them a shot!  Plus, my favorite color is green, illustrated by my green shirt in the picture above.

This is a pocket newborn diaper, that snaps down to two different rises.  This might help with the umbilical cord stump.  I've read good reviews, better than the ones for Happy Heiny's one-size pocket diapers, so I'm hoping they'll work for us!

I also plan on getting a number of prefolds and covers for the newborn days too.  The reason I want at least some pockets/all-in-ones is because I think they're much more convenient for trips outside the house.  If I'm going to have a toddler and a newborn outside the house, I need convenience!  I've also heard rave reviews about fitted diapers with wool diaper covers.  I have a friend who will be trying some with her newborn this summer so I can't wait to hear how she likes them!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

Day 1 & 2 of April Photo Challenge

So, I'm a little late on the first photo... but better late then never!  I'm joining in on Angie's (from Blessed Beyond Words) April photo contest.  You can find out more details and join in if you have a blog.

1st picture: Self-portrait

I'll call this "1st Trimester Motherhood" because I look so tired & yuck!

You may be wondering if I actually took this picture myself... well, technically I used a mini-tripod that we got for Christmas from my parents.  If you don't have one, I highly recommend it... we have a JOBY mini-tripod with flexible legs.  Its really helpful when I try to do family photos of us when we're by ourselves, and it sits in our junk drawer so we can pull it out and put it on the counter or on top of the tv for picture taking!

2nd picture: flight

We went for a walk but I couldn't get any pictures of a bird in flight, but it turns out my husband is an excellent paper airplane maker!  Can't wait to show Jack how it flies tomorrow... he'll love it!