Wednesday, November 27, 2013

23 Weeks

I can not believe I am over half way through this pregnancy!  It is really scary/exciting/overwhelming!

I am so excited about having another baby, but naturally I worry about how NK will handle having another baby in her mama's lap.

BabyBoy is moving around like crazy.  He still don't seem to be as active as what Norah Kate was though, so maybe he will be more laid back :)

Our last ultrasound was the anatomy ultrasound and I was 21 weeks.  They estimated his weight at 12 ounces and he is most definitely still a boy!  He was measuring 20 weeks and 2 days which they said is normal.

My cravings still include fruit and cottage cheese, but also dark chocolate, hot chocolate, Cranberry Splash Sierra Mist, French toast, eggs, and bacon.

I feel great!  This chiropractor really helped my hip and back.  I have joined the Y because running is more difficult so I am mostly doing the elliptical, stationary bike, squats and lunges (without weights).  I still run some, but it just depends on how bad he is jumping on my bladder as to how well it goes.  So far I have gained 12 pounds which about right on target where I was at this point with Norah Kate :)

I am not near as tired or as moody as what I was the first trimester.

The only negative thing has been pee-ing on myself when I cough, sneeze, or laugh with a full bladder!!  I have been doing Kegel's like crazy but they aren't helping.  I can only imagine how bad it will be with future pregnancies!

I am starting to feel Braxton Hicks more and more... mostly when I work and I think it is because I don't drink enough water (yes, please, slap my pregnant hand... Drinking water is the biggest challenge!)

So far I have done nothing yet to prepare for this baby!  It is so different than with Norah Kate. By this point with Norah Kate I had a whole room full of decorations for her nursery, clothes, etc.  I also had her nursery mentally decorated in my mind and probably would have had her room finished had we been in our house.  I have bought BabyBoy a few outfits, a thing of bottles, pacis, and a few packs of diapers and wipes.  I know now that a newborn requires a lot less "stuff."  We will be just fine with a bassinet or Pack and Play in our room, a few sleepers, and some wipes and diapers! 

My next appointment is December 11 and I have my glucose test (yuck!).  I will 25 weeks then!  Amazing!  It is crazy to think about because then I will have one more appointment before it goes to every two-week appointments which will then make my pregnancy fly by even faster!

Funny Sayings from NK

Let me just tell ya.. this girl can talk!  She is really starting to get very expressive and it is quite hilarious to me on most days.  Honestly though, I am so used to her talking so good that when she does regress and whine and fuss like a two year old I get frustrated.

NK: Mama, I'm ready!
Me: Ready? For where?
NK: Church.
(This can be said on any given day, not just Sundays.)

NK: Hold you. (Translates into Hold Me).

NK: Show me. (Translates into Show you).  Yes we have pronoun confusion.

NK: (Lifts up my shirt.) Baby brudder in dere!  Hey brudder!

NK: (Hands me her baby) Hold her just a second, k?  I be right back. (Nodding her head the whole time).

NK: Yeah. Um (smacks lips like she is thinking... we are working really hard on "Yes ma'am")

NK: Eek!  A sizzard! (lizard)

NK: (in a deep, creepy voice) Dere's a 'pider in dere. (There's a spider in there!)

NK: Hossy! 'Mere! Sit! 'Ay down! Bood boy (good boy).

NK: Baby cryin'.  It needs a paci.

NK: Awe wee.

NK: You hurt?  I fiss it (I fix it/kiss it, not reallll sure because she kisses the "boo-boo".)

NK: Bwankwet (blanket)  Her "l"s are funny to me because she has a hard time saying them but when she does she really rolls her tongue out very dramatically.  My brother used to do the same thing.

NK: I get it.  (She says this with an insistent look on her face, while nodding, usually for stuff she knows she is not supposed to have like more candy, my make up, Hoss's food, etc.)

NK: Ew. Gross.

NK: I 'cared (scared)!  (She says this with a "scary" look on her face.)

 
The other day she was driving down the drive way in Matt's lap.  What's the first thing she does?  Tries to turn the music on of course!

We were at Mama's a few weeks ago (by the way, she still has not named my poor Mama... she calls her Granna and Mimi pretty equally, so we jokingly call my mama GrannaMimi.  We were joking that my next baby will name Mama, but for real, I think he will have to!)  Anyways, Norah Kate was watching the Wizard of Oz (very, intently, which was weird because she would not sit still and watch anything!) and she runs in the other room to get Papa.  Meanwhile, she runs across a bug.  Well, instead of freaking out my daddy is telling her to stomp on it.  She tries to stomp on it but couldn't because she was barefoot, so without being told she ran put her shoes on as fast as she could and then stomped on the bug.  Then she spit on it.  Oh. My. Goodness.  The funniest thing I had ever seen.  Of course I couldn't get my phone to record this event until the very end.  It was priceless!

Her new thing is "tattling."  For instance, I get on to her for something so then she runs to Matt and points a me and says "Ugh. Mama!"

NK: Dopen it! (Open it, she adds a "D" to open for some reason).

Me: It's cold in here, Norah Kate.
NK: Put your jacket on, Mama.

I know this isn't funny. And I swear I never thought kids really did this because it is a really bratty thing but it caught me so off guard that I didn't know what to think.. but NK has starting blowing "rasberries" (you know, sticking her tongue out and blowing making a spitting sound) when she doesn't get her way or get in trouble.  I hope we out grow this one fast!

Okay, last one.

Me: Night, night Norah Kate.
NK: Night, night.
Me: I love you.
NK: Lub you.
(The sweetest, most precious words any mama can hear :))



Tuesday, October 29, 2013

18 Weeks- It's a....

BOY!!!!!



 

 

I went for my ultrasound on October 17 and they are 99% sure its a little boy!!  The ultrasound tech's words exactly, "I am pretty sure that isn't going anywhere!"
 
We are so ecstatic to be having one of each.  While I would have been tickled with another little girl, it would have been sweet for Norah Kate to have a sister... every daddy needs a son, and I would have been disappointed to Matt's sake. :)
 
We are still discussing names... Matt is so picky when it comes to naming our kids!
 
Everything looked good on the ultrasound but I will get a more detailed anatomy scan for my 20 week visit in November.  I can't wait to see him again!!
 
How is Mama feeling?  Great!  I am still running some, but mostly walking.  Honestly I have been so busy with work and school that I am lucky to exercise two days a week.  I need to do better.  I have much more energy than I did, but come 8:30 pm and I am ready for bed.  I have no nausea and am starving 90% of the time.  I still have random cravings but my favorite thing to eat is fruit and cottage cheese. 
Cravings: Yummy!  I also crave fried chicken and BBQ a lot and get hungry for greens about once a week. 
Clothes: I have just started wearing some maternity jeans because they are more comfortable, but I can still fit into my stretchy skinny jeans and most shirts/tops.  Fortunately the style is blouse-y tops, so they are plenty big enough to grow over my growing belly!  I have gained 4 pounds so far, and I know that the weight gain is about to start piling up!  I gained 25 with Norah Kate :)
 
Hip Pain: My only complaint right now is pain down my right hip and leg.  I have started going to a chiropractor and I am getting some relief.  He uses a mixed method of adjustments, massage therapy, and physical therapy.  He said it is sciatic nerve problems created by the way the pelvis tilts to make room for baby. I can see his massage therapist on Wednesday and it is covered by insurance!  Best thing ever!!  I had the pain with NK but it wasn't quite as bad... but I always wasn't toting around a 25lb two year old while I was pregnant with her.  I bought a pregnancy pillow, but unfortunately it isn't helping much.
 
That is honestly my ONLY complaint.  I have been blessed with another healthy pregnancy!!
 
Over the last 2 weeks I have felt like bubbles are popping in my belly.  However, this week, I am feeling those very family kicks and nudges.  They are getting stronger and stronger every day!  I love feeling him move around in there... it is such a comforting feeling.


Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Exciting News!


Weeks 4-6

I found out July 19 that I was going to be a mommy again!  I had taken two tests earlier in the week because I had been pretty tired and had that same familiar soreness in my boobs, but they were both negative.  Then I spotted on Thursday, the day I normally “start” so I figured I wasn’t.  (This really made me realize how people can go a while without realizing they are pregnant)  When Friday and Saturday rolled around and the spotting went away, I thought maybe I should test again.  It was one of those things where I really wasn’t expecting that second line, but there it came!  It was light, but it was there.

My mind probably had fifty different thoughts run through it before it all soaked in… “Oh my goodness, boy or girl, my hands will be full, how exciting!” Then a big smile broke out and I couldn’t contain my excitement.

This pregnancy was different in the fact that I couldn’t let my excitement overtake me and immediately begin Googl-ing baby clothes, furniture, and names.  I had another little one needing my attention J  I know Norah Kate will be a great big sister!  She knows just what to do with her baby dolls.  In fact, this month has been so weird because she picked out a baby doll at Target that she insisted on getting that said “Little Brother” and then one night when me and Matt were laying in bed she poked my belly and said “baby” that was definitely out of the ordinary!!  I think she definitely knew before I did!

How do I feel?

Great!  I actually was more tired the week or two before I tested.  When we were at Steinhatchee, it felt like all I wanted to do was sleep.  Now, though, I feel fine.  I am kinda used to a normal baseline level of exhaustion… but it definitely isn’t like it was with Norah Kate.  With her, it felt like I could sleep for days, I felt like a zombie.  I was working nightshift then though and I think that had a lot to do with it.  I have gotten nauseated twice, but it quickly went away with a snack and a carbonated drink or sweet tea.  I stayed nauseated with Norah Kate, I didn’t throw up but a handful of times, but all I could eat was watermelon, mac & cheese, fruit cups, and tomatoes.  This time, I truly don’t feel very different.  I think on most days I feel better than I have in a year!

Cravings?

Fruit (pineapple, blueberries, watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe), Sweet Heat BBQ chips, FRIED CHICKEN with ketchup and hotsauce (I could eat this for every meal I think) and oatmeal.  I have fallen in love with the oatmeal at work- with brown sugar and strawberries and blueberries… yum!

Weight gain?

None… yet.  I know this will come quickly though.  I gained most of my weight in the first two trimesters with NK.  I already feel like I look bloated though.

Other noticeables?

Peeing all the time, thirsting for water, weird, weird dreams….

We can’t wait to welcome our little bundle of joy in March!!
 
 

The Terrible 22 Months

I have dreaded this blog post for quite some time now... the point where NK has reached her terrible two's.  Eek!!

Unfortunately my child has zero patience and a horrible temper. However, I know this is all part of her growing, learning, and testing her boundaries.

We have starting hitting, biting, saying "No!" in response to almost any instructions given.  She pitches fits at bedtime and for a few weeks REFUSED to sleep in her crib, or really sleep at all in general.  Well, I don't know about you but dealing with a  cranky two year old when you both are exhausted is practically an impossible task.  She melts to the floor when she don't get her way, and whines for things she wants after you tell her no. 

For instance, she wakes up at 8 am wanting a sucker.  "Mama, sucker!  Mamaaaaaaa, sucker! Sucker mama.  Peas.  Suckerrrrr!!! Waaaaa!"  Well, the suckers are for special, special treats, not for breakfast.  So I continue to tell her no. And she continues to cry.  So I walk outside on the porch while she is rolling on the floor whining.  Then suddenly it stops (I only left her in there for a few minutes, basically to let her know she wasn't going to get any attention for that behavior, I had already tried distraction multiple times with failed attempts.)  When I walk back in she was singing a different tune, she was fine.

I have also had to leave a grocery cart full of groceries in the middle of Walmart recently.  She was out of control.  She was leaping over the side of the buggy, running from me, wanting me to hold her then when I would hold her, she would wrestle out of my arms.  It was disastrous.  I was so mad. I just picked her up, walked out, and left.  I probably shouldn't admit this, but if I could have left her there and KNEW she would have been safe, I might would have, just until I cooled off for a minute.  I am a terrible mama.

Part of all this has made me realize just how impatient I am, and how quick tempered I am.  You know how you see those parents with the kids that are sitting stone still in the buggy, or in the restaurant, or church, those kids that have the most laid back temperament and always seem to be on the best behavior.  Haha!  I just wonder what their secret is???  Seriously!  I think it has a lot to do with the temperament of the child and parent.  Norah Kate is a very busy, active, smart, independent little girl and I am not very laid back, and have pretty high expectations for how my children are supposed to act in public so therefor, my child usually acts like a heathen.  Most days I feel like I don't know what the heck I am doing. 

Let me also say that she does not act this way without getting in trouble.  We always try distraction and speaking in calm, firm voices first.  When that don't work we do time out or .... well you know.  Time out hasn't been very successful, she just gets up crying and comes to me... I re-direct her back to the chair but usually spend more time re-directing than her actually sitting in timeout.  I swear she cries harder over time out than a spanking. 

The only time she really gets a "spanking" (more like a swat on the diaper) is when she is doing something that is going to hurt her after being told no, hitting, and biting.  Those are absolute no-no's.  I always explain why she is getting in trouble.  Like the other day when she hit me with the wooden spoon.  She had been told no several times for going after Hoss with the spoon and had it taken away from her, well she somehow got it back and I was sitting on the couch and WHACK... right in the back of the head with the spoon.  Boy, she knew she was gonna get in BIG trouble as soon as she did it.

I know I am making it sound like she is terrible, but really she is not.  We have more good days than bad.  I call the bad times my "Bad Mommy Days"  where it just seems like God is testing my every ability to be a parent.  I praise her way more than I scold her.  For any and everything, for when she does something by herself, for when she does something sweet, for just be sweet, and mot important when she is behaving. 

Along with the "Terrible 2s" has also come some very sweet moments.  She now tells us she loves us and misses us.  She gives tight, squeeze hugs.  The best and sweetest kisses.  She tries to share her suckers and cookies.

She can sing her ABCs "A,B,C,D,E,J"- It's a start :)
And count to 10- 1,2,3,4,5,7,9,10.

She knows her body parts, has started peepee-ing in the potty some, can put on her own shoes (and usually on the right foot!) and is trying to put on her own shirt and pants.  She "reads" Llama Llama Nighty, Night.  I have been reading that book to her since she was in-utero so she really does almost know it word-for-word.

She says "Amen!" after the blessing and night time prayers.  She says "Bless you!" when someone sneezes and says "Thank you, your welcome."

She is the absolute sweetest, smartest little girl I know... and while there are days where I could hang her up by her feet, any time she isn't with me I miss her SO much.  It is just way to quiet when she isn't here or when she is sleeping.

I know that the "terrible twos" is just a phase, and it is going to teach me to be a more patient, better person.  I also have a higher respect for single parents too and military moms.  I could NOT do this by myself.  There is no way.  I am just trying to learn not to sweat the small stuff, be as patient as I can, and give her as much cuddly, TLC time as I can during this time in her life.

Funny faces with mama!


This sweet face could never be bad :)

This hardly ever happens!!
Big girl didn't even cry when she got her flu shot!

Styling with her Hello Kitty jammies and pink Crocs!

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Week 6-8

How do I feel?  Tired.  Haha!  This too shall pass. It is HARD work growing a baby!  I was grateful, and thought I was going to be lucky, when I was tired a couple weeks ago.  Some days I will be fine, and others I can't hardly put one foot in front of the other.  I have occasional nausea, but nothing too bad.  I haven't had to stop what I am doing or take any medicine for it.  Usually I just get nauseated if I get too hungry.  Which I am hungry every 2 hours or so.

I am still running, and plan on continuing until either Matt or my body tells me no more.  Matt will probably tell me no first.  He isn't too crazy about it, but everything I have researched has said it is safe if you were used to doing it before, which I was.  The doctor said it is fine too.

I went for my first appointment on my birthday!! What a great birthday present!!  The little blob was there and the heartbeat was nice and strong at 156 bpm.  That is such an amazing sound.  I feel so blessed that God is going to let me be a mommy again.  I feel that there is no greater privilege! 

I am taking my One A Day prenatal vitamins.  I took those with NK and they didn't make me very sick.  I am trying to drink plenty of water, because that is something they stress to you at the doctor, but I will be honest, it is hard.  I like water, but remembering to drink 48-64 ounces is the difficult part. 

My cravings aren't too random... chicken and hot sauce, Kit Kat bars, sweet-tarts, orange juice, Chic-Fil-A salads.  Mmmm.  I LOVE the side salads from Chic-Fil-A with the Berry Balsamic dressing.  Yummy.

I will go back to the doctor September 19 for my next check up! 

8-10 Weeks

While, we still haven't made it Facebook official, we have told our family, friends, and co workers.  We are so excited about baby #2!!  It still seems  surreal.

How is mama feeling?  Bloated... I feel like I am constantly carrying around a food baby  But oh well.  It just means things are growing.  I haven't gained but a pound or two.  & Very tired... I am so sleepy.  When I am at work though, I actually feel better.  I guess because I am too busy to be tired, or nauseated.  On my days off though, I feel like all I could do is nap. Ha! Which is impossible with a 20 month old ruling the roost!

I am having bad dreams.  I remember having them with NK and I know it is probably something to do with hormones.  However, that doesn't make them any less disturbing.

I have officially lost my verbal filter.  If I think it, the words are coming out.  Ooops. Hopefully this won't get me into too much trouble :)  I had just gained my filter back from having NK.  I am a little moody, but most of my mood swings come with stress from school and I feel like they aren't so much pregnancy related.

I am still craving fried chicken and hot sauce.  Another craving has been peaches and cottage cheese.  This is a weird one because I have never cared anything about cottage cheese before.  And Doritos... not such a healthy craving but oh well.  Pregnancy cravings are crazy... because if I don't satisfy my craving nothing else tastes good or right.  A week or so ago I was craving a sub.  I swear I could have had the whole sub made with banana peppers, pickles, onions, jalapeƱos and oil and vinegar. Haha!

I haven't been able to Doppler the heartbeat at home yet, but I am trying not to panic.  I know some women can't until the are 13 or 14 weeks.  I will be grateful to be through the first trimester :)  Luckily though, I still have practically no nausea.  I will have waves occasionally from a smell or if I let myself get too hungry.