Nursery Update & To do lists

So I think Tallen's nursery is basically finished. However, I am limited to posting photos because its Christmas time and we have some Christmas stuff still lurking in his room! We just don't have anywhere else to store/hide it! We have a 3 bedroom house and we are basically outgrowing it like super quick!

I will get pictures hopefully soon, but here is our to do list:

-To create more room we are going to redo our closet. Its a walk in but its not a large walk in. So we are going to pull out the hanger shelf things and do some built ins. One large like 7-8 foot built in that is about 3ish foot wide. So this will be Tyler's "dresser". Pretty much ALL of his stuff should fit in there. If not he needs to get rid of some. Then on my side which is the longer side of the closet will have a built-in  in the center. Not large, maybe 2 foot wide. On each side it will have upper and lower hanger rods for our clothing that needs to be hung. The dresser that is currently Tyler's will go into Tallen's closet. The nursery is really small and already has a small dresser in there, but we do need more storage and the dresser in the closet worked great for Lakelyn and allows more room space so we're going it again for his. Plus the dresser matches the "big boy" bed he will eventually be getting too! So this is a big project that we need to get done before he comes because again we'll have to store all our closet stuff in his room to get it done!

-The new monitors need to be installed and hooked up

-We still need to get down the swing, pack and play, the breast pump, and a few other baby items

-The stroller and rock and play needs to be put together and carseats need to be installed and Lakelyn's moved over in both vehicles

-Christmas stuff will have to be taken down and put up before he comes, but obviously not until after Christmas!

-Hospital bags need to get packed for both of us. Tyler will come home again to take care of the dogs and shower and change clothes (hopefully he only has to do this ONCE this time not 5 days). Lakleyn will stay with his parents while we're at the hospital. She shouldn't need a bag packed she has stuff at their house, but I will probably add some stuff to her current diaper bag which basically consists of pull ups and wipes in case of accidents.

-I need to get January and probably February's bills set up and taken care of so i'm not worried about that after he comes.

-Our back door needs to be replaced and some of the flooring too because of water damage. We are putting the same door, but adding a screen door this time to hopefully help keep the dogs from scratching to get in. They know good and well they don't get left outside I don't understand why they can't just chill and wait for us to get back to the door!

-The ceiling in my bathroom needs to be repainted. My bathroom is super small and this would literally take 20 minutes, but I can't reach it and don't trust the setup I have to do to reach it while i'm this large.

-The guest bathroom "Tyler's" bathroom needs to be repainted and I need to get a new shower curtain in there. Again, painting issues. I have the pain and everything just need help. I guess this isn't something that HAS to be done, but I would feel so much better with all of out "to dos" DONE before he gets here that way if we decide to sell its ready to be put on the market and i'm not worried about getting stuff done with 2 kids!

34 week dr. appointment

I have not done well at all updating these appointments, but I think its because nothing has been going on. They're really boring actually, but since this was the last of the 2 week appointments and next week starts the weekly checks. I guess i'll go ahead and do a recap!

My weight is typically good. only a few pounds every 2 weeks. However yesterday I got on a different scale in their office than I normally do and it said I gained 9 pounds in 2 weeks! I almost died!! That is sooo much, but when I got home I used my scale which I have been using since the beginning and it for sure wasn't that much. It was closer to the 5ish pounds like I assumed. So I didn't let that get me too much and neither did the doctor. Plus I am starting to retain water AKA swell.. so theres that!

My blood pressure has been spot on every visit. Usually around 110-116 / 78-80

My urine samples have been good!

His heartbeat has been good around 140-150 and we did have it in the 160s one time, but I think it was just something I drank. Could have even been the day I had my glucose test! I can't remember!

Belly has been measuring good I suppose. He actually hasn't said what its measuring like he did with Lakelyn. With her he would say its good at 34 weeks. My belly with her measured a week to two weeks ahead which is why we thought she would be a big baby until we did her ultrasound. This time he just measures it and then does the heartbeat. So i'm guessing its right on?

That is basically how it goes.

We have discussed that if things start to go down like they did with lakelyn like tons of swelling, high blood pressure, traces of protein in my urine then we will induce at 39 weeks again unless for some reason it gets worse sooner then we will monitor it and do what is needed.

I don't think I plan on scheduling an induction date this time. As much as I really want him to be the one that delivers Tallen too I just rather try my best to progress at home so that i'm not in the hospital so long again. I think being stuck in the hospital bed and not encouraged to get up and move around with Lakelyn during the induction is what took things so long. I feel like if I would have stayed at home and continued everyday things like I was doing I honestly feel like I would have still had her that week. I was already having regular contractions and starting to really dilate when I walked in the hospital with her that morning, I just didn't realize it because they weren't too bad yet. I went from barely a cm dilated and not effaced at all to 2 cm and 70% with regular contractions in just 2 days. So I believe she was coming! Anyway, that is my plan is to just hopefully get things done at home and then go in and have him and pray its during the day and my dr. is able to deliver. If not, then hopefully its at least a good nurse and dr. My nurse with Lakelyn (the one that actually delivered not the other overnight one) was AMAZING! I would LOVE her to be the one to deliver Tallen. If she even works there still!

That is about it though. Everything is just moving along and I have mixed emotions about it. I know once he is here it'll be different, but I just have the mom guilt that Lakelyn won't be getting all of my time. At the same time I'm ready to meet him and see her transform into such a great big sister! I hope they are so super close <3

Anyway, next week we will be doing the ultrasound to measure how big he is and start checks. I am actually kind of scared that he will be a lot bigger than Lakelyn and i'm scared i'll be dilated or effaced some already. I know that doesn't necessarily mean much since I've had a baby before, but I just really want to make it as close to my due date as possible! I feel like there is still a lot that needs to be done. I'll make another post about that :)

34 weeks

How far along: 34 weeks 3 days!
Baby Growth: Tallen is about 18 inches long and weighs about 4 1/2 pounds! His central nervous system and lungs are just about mature. If he were born now he would do generally fine!
My Symptoms: I get out of breath super easily these days. I still have the pelvic pain on the right side which mainly bothers me when i'm laying down and sometimes sitting for long periods of time.

 Heartburn is awful lately! Way worse than it was with Lakelyn, so i'm hoping he comes out with a lot of hair!

 

I've been feeling those sharp pains when I walk here and there. Like he is hitting my cervix or something. Some of them hurt pretty bad. Enough to make you say ouch out loud.

 

swelling is starting to kick in as well. Mainly my feet, but face is starting too as well. I don't feel like i'm as swollen as I was with Lakelyn, but any amount sucks!

 

Gender: Boy!
Weight gain: I am calculating around 25 pounds I think.

Maternity clothes: All day, everyday!

Stretch marks: The old ones are visable and its hard to tell if its just that, old ones. Or if new ones are coming up too. I guess i'll have to keep watching.

Belly button in or out: flat and I did notice one day it trying to poke out a little. That never happened with lakelyn so i'm curious if it will actually do it with Tallen.

Sleep: It has been rough lately. Just getting comfortable is tough. Once I do I have to end up rolling over to the other side because of the pain in my hips or pelvis.

Best moment this week: It was my birthday on Tuesday when I actually hit 34 weeks.

Worst moment this week: Nothing really.

Miss anything:  just being able to sleep without pain.

Movement: All of the time. He moves constantly! Never stops!

Cravings: hmm.. been into sweets lately. Mostly chocolate.

Queasy or sick: feel good.. sometimes eating a chocolate poptart or drinking coffee makes me feel sick, but overall I feel good.

Wedding rings on or off: On

Looking forward to:  Christmas is 10 days away. I love Christmas and I cannot wait to see Lakelyn's face opening all of her gifts and just spending our last weeks together. I will miss it just being me and her, but I know I'll love having Tallen here with us too!

Belly Pictures:  Bare Belly pictures this week to see stretch marks. I'm super pale though right now so you can see my veins too!

 

 

 

33 weeks

How far along: 33 weeks!
Baby Growth: Tallen is about 17 inches long and weighs about 4.25 pounds. His bones are hardening and he is keeping  his eyes open more and more!
My Symptoms: I am still pretty tired. I get out of breath way to quickly. Its hard to get up from sitting or laying down.

The pressure I feel down there mainly comes when i'm laying down or sitting down for a long time. I did start getting sciatica nerve pains on the left side around thanksgiving. it comes and goes and hasn't been too bad the past few days and hopefully it stays away.

 

Sleeping .. is good, but rolling from right side to left is super hard and hurts so bad. Sleeping on the left side is most comfortable, but hurts my hips after awhile so I have to roll over.

 

swelling on my feet happens quite often, especially by the end of the day.

 

Gender: Boy!
Weight gain: I haven't used my scale lately to measure gain, but at my last appointment about a week ago I was at 19ish pounds.

Maternity clothes: All day, everyday! or sweats and a sweatshirt

Stretch marks: I haven't seen any new ones yet, but I can see the old ones and cannot tell if they're getting dark again or if its going to be new ones or if its just how my belly looks or what is going on.

Belly button in or out: flat.

Sleep: pretty good if its cold out. I get super hot easily even when i'm not pregnant, so being hot on top of having to roll over a lot makes it rough, but overall i'd say its ok.

Best moment this week: Finishing up all of my Christmas wrapping!

Worst moment this week: It was super warm the past couple of days which made for terrible sleep!

Miss anything:  being able to sleep on my belly or roll over easily. Breathing better was nice too!

Movement: He is all over the place. He is so active and opposite of Lakelyn!

Cravings: I want soda a lot, pizza and junk!

Queasy or sick: I usually feel good, but coffee makes me feel sick and sometimes chocolate poptarts will make me feel sick too.

Wedding rings on or off: On.

Looking forward to:  The cooler weather that is coming in tonight and will be here for awhile!! My birthday is next week, Christmas is coming, New Year's and then this little boy will be here!

Belly Pictures: 

28 weeks

How far along: 28 weeks 6 days! 
Baby Growth: Tallen is about 14 1/2 inches long stretched out and weighs about 2 pounds!
My Symptoms: I have energy, somewhat! It’s tough because I just get tired so quickly and it’s hard to breathe! 

 

Heartburn still comes and goes

 

Back pain comes and goes. It really isn’t as bad as it was with Lakelyn. It normally happens at the end of the day when I’m just exhausted and been up all day. 

 

Sleeping at night is still tough! I would sleep in a recliner when I was pregnant with lakelyn but we don’t have that recliner anymore. Our sectional does have a recliner on it so I may try that and see how it goes. I’m not sure if it’ll help or not.

 

My feet still on and off swell and hurt

 

I have been trying to watch my weight and what I eat lately. I did have my glucose test and assume I passed because I haven’t heard anything else about it! 

 

Gender: Boy

Weight gain:  I think I’m at like 15-16 pounds. Trying to watch it

Maternity clothes: officially need all maternity clothes.. unless its sweats or leggings or tshirts

Stretch marks: No new ones, but I can see those old ones :/

Belly button in or out: In but totally flat

Sleep: pelvic and hip pain and sweating. 

Best moment this week: Halloween was so much fun! We enjoyed every bit of it with our sweet Lakelyn! We also went to the fair twice and she Loved all the rides! She was wanting to do all the big rides and would get upset and cry when she couldn’t because she wasn’t big enough. She was exactly 36” and able to ride a good bit of the kid rides by herself! She keeps talking about Halloween and the fair <3 we also had our baby shower this weekend. We got some great things, but still have some things to purchase!

Worst moment this week: just being so busy

Miss anything:  no pelvic pain when I move!

Movement: He moves a good bit.

Cravings: I'd say Soda for sure

Queasy or sick: feeling great!

Wedding rings on or off: On

Looking forward to:  more Christmas decorating and activities with my baby girl! Spending as much time with her as possible.

Belly Pictures:  I have to catch these up!

27 weeks

I've got so much catching up to do! I will get it done!

How far along: 27 weeks 3 days! Third Trimester!
Baby Growth: Tallen is about 14 1/2 inches long stretched out and weighs about 2 pounds!
My Symptoms: I have energy, but I get exhausted fast. It has been so busy and keeping up with a toddler on top of it all is hard. Were making it though!

 

Heartburn has been a hit and miss. It comes randomly like the nausea did with this pregnancy! Usually at night and sometimes drinking a glass of chocolate milk helps it. Sometimes it doesn't!

 

Boobs are still huge and I still hate them.

 

Back pain comes and goes. If i'm on my feet for a while it starts to bother me.

 

Sleeping at night has been tough. Two nights in a row I was just so HOT. Like literally woke up sweating. Then finally we had a couple nights of cool weather which helped me sleep better kinda. Then I also have to toss from left to right side with a pillow between my legs all night. The pelvic pain is so bad. Only on the right side this time, but still.. I was hoping it would go away for a little bit, but its here to stay I suppose.

 

My feet tend to bother my too if I'm on them for a good period of time.Or if I let them hang down instead of being propped up they will start to ache and swell. No good!

 

I feel like I've been eating like a horse lately. Basically always hungry.

 

I get out of breath sooooo easily and feel like I can't breathe often. My legs will also feel so tired like ive ran a marathon when I literally have only walked to the bathroom. It kind of worries me, but I think its just all apart of the pregnancy.

 

Gender: Boy

Weight gain:  I stepped on the scale the other night and almost died! I have gained 15 pounds! I really am stuck between that its pretty normal and that is awful because the Holidays are here. Like Halloween is next week! 

Maternity clothes: officially need all maternity clothes.. unless its sweats or leggings or tshirts

Stretch marks: No new ones, but I can see those old ones :/

Belly button in or out: In but kind of flat now

Sleep: It has been hit or miss this week. Up until now though, its been pretty good. just some insomnia at all hours of the night, pelvic and hip pain and sweating.

Best moment this week: We got some GREAT cooler weather, the fair has started and the holidays are basically here!

Worst moment this week: nothing really..

Miss anything:  this is a tough one because I love the moments of pregnancy, but also miss being able to move and see and wear clothes and hold my baby and such... but i'll miss it as soon as its gone.

Movement: He moves more than Lakelyn for sure. I have been feeling him pretty good and so has Tyler.

Cravings: I'd say Coke or chocolate.

Queasy or sick: feeling great!

Wedding rings on or off: On

Looking forward to:  The fair in a few hours, Halloween next week, finishing his nursery hopefully next week, our baby shower in a week and a half, Christmas decorating, maternity pictures, thanksgiving, black Friday, another 3D ultrasound, hanging out with my baby girl enjoying every last moment of her being an only child. Life is good my friends.

Belly Pictures:  

26 weeks

27 weeks

 

24 weeks

I am so bad about updating at this point! I didn't have an update with Lakelyn from 21-27 weeks I think it was! That is horrible!
I had my 24 week appointment today and it was nice and boring which is a good thing. Everything I have going on is normal and heartbeat was in the 140s!

How far along: 24 weeks, 1 day

Baby Growth: Tallen is about 12.5 inches and about 1.25 pounds! He is moving amniotic fluid in and out preparing for breathing!

My Symptoms: I'm still fairly tired a lot of the time, but I think its just life with a toddler and work and being pregnant. It's October and i'm trying to schedule all of my photo sessions in this month because I will be taking a break until after Tallen comes, so I'm just busy!

 

Heartburn is started to come around. It is really hit or miss, but mainly comes at night before bed. Chocolate milk will help sometimes, but not everytime like it did with lakelyn!

 

My boobs are ginormous! I hate them!

 

Lower back soreness comes sometimes if i'm sitting for too long and I think its because I have bad posture with a big belly and big boobs.. just doomed I guess!

 

I have been having pelvic bone pain only on my right side. It hurts pretty bad if I walk or sit a lot. The main times I really feel it are when i'm laying down and need to sit up or roll over. There is nothing to do about it and i'm dreading third trimester with it!

 

I have been feeling this guy move around a lot more recently! Nobody has really felt him from outside yet, but he is a wiggle worm once he gets started for sure! I love it and that is for sure my favorite part of pregnancy!

 

Gender:  Little Boy!

Weight gain:  I have hit the 10 pounds gained mark :/ I mean I know its totally fine and actually I have gained less this time at this point than with Lakelyn. I just know that its now the holidays and all the bad food is coming up and I really need to watch my weight!

Maternity clothes: I literally just had to go spend about $200 on maternity clothing. I tried to get more of the cardigans, tank tops and leggings and just a few pair of jeans so that I can continue wearing these even after i'm not pregnant. there is no getting around it anymore..

Stretch marks: Nothing new

Belly button in or out: In, and getting flatter.

Sleep: It has been pretty good lately.

Best moment this week: The weather has cooled down just a tad this past week which has been amazing because I just can't deal with hot weather and being pregnant! This past weekend the low was in the 50s which was so nice. The highs are still in the 80s but i'll take that over 90s anyday! We also had a 3D ultrasound last Friday, but have to go back tomorrow because he's stubborn too! I'll post about that after tomorrows!

Worst moment this week: Just trying to juggle everything and get everything done this month so that I can enjoy the rest of this time with Lakelyn

Miss anything:  I can't say that I do.

Movement: Tons lately!

Cravings: Some of the things that I have been wanting lately are: chocolate and soda! terrible for someone that A) is trying to watch their weight and B) has their glucose test in 4 weeks literally 2 days after Halloween? I mean really!

Queasy or sick: Been having more nausea lately which is no fun!

Wedding rings on or off: On

Looking forward to:  Our 3D ultrasound tomorrow <3

Belly Pictures:  One day I will get to updating these belly pictures! they're all on facebook so I do have them I just need to get them on here!

20 weeks

Apparently I am really good at skipping weeks 16-20! I guess at this point things are pretty good that I just don't even realize i'm already halfway through the pregnancy!

There wasn't much to update between those weeks. We found out we were having a boy which I already posted about. We just got back from a cruise 2 days ago, so most of my time was prepping for that so there wasn't much noticed. I felt flutters here and there, but nothing too distinct!

I did have a check up before the cruise and I had lost 4 pounds!! whoop whoop! I did really well with watching what I ate because I knew I would be eating a lot on the cruise and would be gaining the weight back.  I had all the genetic testing done and that all came back perfect!

 How far along: 20 weeks, 2 days
Baby Growth: Tallen weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel – about the length of a small banana. He is swallowing more and producing meconium.

My Symptoms: I'm doing pretty good as far as symptoms go. Have more energy even though I could pretty much nap everyday. That is just me.

 

My boobs are ginormous! I hate them!

 

Starting to pee a lot more frequently!

 

I have been feeling movements here and there, but nothing very strong really. I do have an anterior placenta so this plays a huge roll in why I don't feel much, but he is definitely a very active and moving baby!

 

Gender: Boy!!

Weight gain:  At my appointment a few weeks ago I had lost 4 pounds!! I knew I had a cruise coming and I would gain the weight back and I did! From my last appointment to my appointment Monday I gained 6 pounds!! I only count it as 2 pounds though because i'm only 2 above this pre-pregnancy weight. I really want to make sure I don't gain much!

Maternity clothes: I definitely need them.. bottom line.

Stretch marks: those old ones are there still.

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: It has been pretty good lately

Best moment this week: Our vacation, our ultrasound and seeing his cute self! Plus we have a cold front starting tonight so the high will only be in the 70s! Fall is coming <3 <3

Worst moment this week: There is a strong category 5 hurricane coming at us...

Miss anything:  I miss being skinny.

Movement: Starting to get more and more lately! My placenta is anterior though so it makes it harder to feel movements.

Cravings: Still can't say I've been craving anything. I for sure have a better appetite than I did, but nothing that is like I really want or need that.

Queasy or sick: Been feeling great!

Wedding rings on or off: On

Looking forward to:  Fall and cooler weather! All of the holidays, getting the nursery finished, planning a 3D ultrasound and maternity photos!

Belly Pictures:  I have  no clue where the 20 week photo went, but here is 16 & 18!

 

16 weeks

 

 18 weeks with deodorant marks :/

 

15 weeks!

How far along: 15 weeks,  2 days
Baby Growth: Tallen is about 4 inches long and 2 1/2 ounces!

My Symptoms: Not too much going on. Had some nausea and headaches going on, but I wasn't sleeping well and was under some stress so that could have triggered it. I have more energy lately, but the weather has been amazing so that could also have something to do with my motivation!

Gender:  BOY!!!!

Weight gain:  None just yet! I'm still so surprised, but I know its coming!

Maternity clothes: Shorts and some shirts, but other than that nothing. I wore regular capris to my gender ultrasound Tuesday and they fit perfect!

Stretch marks: No

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: It has been on and off.

Best moment this week: Obviously finding out we're having a BOY! and the weather has been so great for August!

Worst moment this week: Some stress, but hopefully its over with now!

Miss anything:  Still haven't been doing well with finding foods to eat so I guess I miss just wanting something.

Movement: Here and there i'll feel flutters, but nothing too distinct yet.

Cravings: Nothing really :/

Queasy or sick: Had some queasy moments

Wedding rings on or off: On

Looking forward to:  Getting things going with the nursery! I'm sure it will be a struggle because our home is only 3 bedrooms and I just have no space for any of the extra things that are currently stored in the nursey!

Belly Pictures: 

Gender Reveal!

 

We had our gender ultrasound on Tuesday at 15 weeks exactly! Baby was on his belly basically the entire time! We didn't get any good profile photos and he was just not trying to roll over! He was moving all around though!

It wasn't difficult at all to tell what this baby was! He was showing it all and it was super obvious! Tyler was so excited! He was asking if the tech was sure it was definitely a boy! He loves lakelyn more than anything,  but when we found out she was a girl he wasn't quite as excited as he was finding out this was a boy!

We are so excited to be welcoming Mr. Tallen Slade to our family! He and Tyler will share the same initials TSV. I'm not big into the "jr" thing, but I felt this worked well since Lakelyn and I have the same initials (different order, but still the same).

 

 

14 weeks!

How far along: 14 weeks, 2 days

Baby Growth: Baby is about 3 and 1/2 inches long and weighs about 1 and 1/2 ounces! He or she  can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his or her thumb!   

My Symptoms: Still get tired and some nausea,  but for the most part i'm starting to feel pretty good. I do have more energy, but I could still take a nap during the day. Still having a difficult time when it comes to food to eat. Nothing sounds all that great.

Gender:  Still thinking boy! We will know soon!

Weight gain:  None yet!

Maternity clothes: If I actually get dressed I wear maternity shorts and I have been trying to wear maternity shirts to work. I did wear a pair of jeans the other day and they were just my regular jeans. They still fit pretty good! We are going on a cruise at the end of August and we went shopping last weekend. I bought a regular formal gown just in a bigger size, a few other regular dresses in normal size, and a maternity tank top! I will get maybe one more pair of maternity shorts and then I wont be buying anymore. I should have enough to last me until winter. I have some maternity jeans already and winter shirts. So I should be pretty set. I don't want to invest into much more since this could be my last pregnancy!

Stretch marks: No new ones

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: I have been sleeping pretty good! The dreams have calmed down some lately!

Best moment this week: Knowing we're finding out what we are having in just a few days!

Worst moment this week: The terrible twos! These tantrums are something else!

Miss anything:  Not feeling fat.

Movement: I think its safe to say I've been feeling baby move around! Its not like distinct kicks, but more of like rolling/ flutters.

Cravings: I don't believe in cravings anymore. I think cravings are more of what sounds good to you vs what makes you want to barf! So if this is what "cravings" really are then I've been doing it wrong the entire time.

But we're going to go with my definition of it. And therefore, I've been "craving" chef Boyardee spaghetti (yeah I know), fried foods, popcorn, soda, sunflower seeds.. you know all the "good stuff"

Queasy or sick: Been feeling pretty good!

Wedding rings on or off: On

Looking forward to:  Our gender ultrasound Friday! Being able to call baby by name. Our cruise and football is right around the corner!

Belly Pictures:  I really should do better, but it is what it is at this point!

Talk about popping

13 weeks

How far along: 13 weeks,  days
Baby Growth: Baby is about 3 inches long and weighs about an ounce! He or she now has fingerprints!
My Symptoms: Still having some nausea which I thought was gone because I had a few days straight where I felt pretty good, but it's still around!

I have this severe cramping every time I eat and I asked the doctor about it and he said it's common and its from the progesterone and that typically by 16 weeks it'll stop! I sure hope so because it hurts!

I still am tired  good bit. Have more energy than a few weeks ago, but on most days I could still nap.
Gender:  Still going to say boy until we confirm in less than 2 weeks!
Weight gain:  NONE! YAY!!!
Maternity clothes: I will wear maternity shorts and prefer maternity shirts, but I wore regular jeans today to my appointment because its usually freezing in there and they fit and button! I mean I look like I have a belly, but at least I got them to button comfortably for half of the day!
Stretch marks: Nothing new
Belly button in or out: In
Sleep: Still sleeping great! Most nights.
Best moment this week: Having our 13 week NT ultrasound and getting to see baby! I also got a new camera!
Worst moment this week: I'm not really sure. It has been pretty good so far! The weather is hot obviously since its still July, but that is what it is.
Miss anything:  Enjoying the food I eat and not having horrible cramping afterwards! Also football season and cooler weather! I'm so ready for it!
Movement: maybe a few here and there. I think it's baby anyway.
Cravings: Still don't think I've really had any. I mean maybe coffee.. I finally have been able to drink just a little bit of coffee and it was so good!
Queasy or sick: Still hanging around some.
Questions/Concerns: I asked about my concern today.. nothing to do for the cramping.
Looking forward to:  Our gender ultrasound on the 1st! Football! Cruise! Cooler weather! Shopping for baby!
Belly Pictures: I will update with photos!

13 week NT ultrasound

I had my NT screening today so we got to see baby on ultrasound! We were actually in there for quite some time because baby was being so stubborn and laying on its belly and not letting us see everything we needed to see! I didn't mind some extra time though :)

 

Baby measured right on track at 13 weeks 2 days although one measurement said 13 weeks 3 days! The first thing we saw were baby's legs! This little one has some long legs it seems!

 

We heard the heartbeat, which I have heard on the Doppler, but the measurement was 153 bpm. This heartbeat is right on with Lakelyn's heartbeat when I was pregnant with her!

 

The NT measurement which is a measurement behind the neck (I think they measure fluid, but don't quote me on that) was .95mm which in theory is normal. They did do blood work on me and such today and I go back in 4 weeks to have more blood work done to rule out Downs Syndrome.

 

She did take a peek between the legs and gave us her guess on what this baby's gender is! I won't be saying what she said until we confirm on August 1st which is less than 2 weeks away!

 

Here's some of our ultrasound images as well as a comparison of both babies!

Lakelyn is on the Left and Baby 2 is on the Right!

Old Wives Tales of Pregnancy

I thought since we will be finding out what this baby's gender will be in a few weeks that it would be fun to compare the two pregnancies with Old Wives tales.

For starters, I started progesterone supplements immediately after finding out I was pregnant and I had early ultrasounds right away.

With Lakelyn:

Heart Rate: If the heart rate beats faster than 140bpm the tale says girl, less than 140 says boy.
-her heartrate on ultrasound was always around 150bpm.
Shape of Belly: If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy.
-i'd say my belly with her was round!
Carrying high or low: If you carry high the tale says girl, carrying low says boy.
-my torso is not long at all so it felt like I was carrying her low, but I had several people say I was carrying her high.
Acne: If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones
-I did not have acne while I was pregnant, my skin used to be oily until I got pregnant with her then it got really dry. Once I got into the second trimester though it cleared up and was great!
Cravings: People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl
-I didn't really have cravings, but if I were given the option of meat or cake, i'd choose the cake (or fruits) which was not like me. Before pregnancy I would always choose a second round of meat vs. dessert.
Mom's Beauty: Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, a little boy it is.
-During my first trimester with Lakelyn I definitely feel like she stole my beauty
Dreaming of Gender: If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy.
-I cannot remember. I do  believe the night before our gender reveal I dreamt boy.
Clumsy vs Graceful: If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy.
-eh I cannot remember
Side you rest on: If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl.
-again, i'm not sure. I just know towards the end I tossed and turned so I was sleeping on all sides.
Dad's weight: If dad is gaining just as much weight, signs say girl.
- I think Tyler did gain weight when I was pregnant with her. I do remember him having sweet cravings during her pregnancy lol.
Morning sickness: Tons of morning sickness points to girl, little to no morning sickness points to boy.
-I remember being so nauseated all of the time with her. It was like every morning until about 10-11 weeks I believe. I was having to take Zofran everyday. I never actually vomited, but nausea was horrible.
Headaches: If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy.
-I've been a headache sufferer my entire life. My headaches actually got better while I was pregnant,  but around 12 weeks/beginning of second trimester I was waking up with headaches every day. This went on for a couple of weeks.
Protein: If you are only wanting meats or cheese signs say boy.
-I was fine with chicken, but any red meats made me want to barf!
Hairy: If you notice your legs have more hair than usual signs point to boy!
-I don't think I was all that hairy while pregnant with her. If I was maybe I just didn't care because it was winter and I wore jeans all of the time :)
Gender Chart: Using https://www.chinesegenderchart.info/gender-prediction.php with expected due date
-predicts girl

This Pregnancy:

Heart Rate: If the heart rate beats faster than 140bpm the tale says girl, less than 140 says boy.
-The first ultrasound we saw the heartbeat it was 127bpm, the second was 160 something bpm I believe. So that is total opposite sides of the scale there.
Shape of Belly: If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy.
-I'm only 12 weeks so I can't really tell.
Carrying high or low: If you carry high the tale says girl, carrying low says boy.
-Again, I'm only 12 weeks so its hard to tell, but I feel like this one is lower? At least when I found the heartbeat on the Doppler it was wayyy down lower by my pubic bone, with Lakelyn she was way up high near my belly button.
Acne: If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones
-No acne really.
Cravings: People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl
-Definitely more on the salty side. Sweets and fruits made me nauseated during the first trimester.
Mom's Beauty: Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, a little boy it is.
-I don't think there was much change in my "beauty" this time.
Dreaming of Gender: If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy.
-I've only had one dream and it was that I had a boy.
Clumsy vs Graceful: If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy.
-eh, i'm not really sure.
Side you rest on: If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl.
-I sleep on both sides, but I typically have been turning on my left to fall asleep.
Dad's weight: If dad is gaining just as much weight, signs say girl.
-So far I think he is holding steady. It is the summer time still though. It could change.
Morning sickness: Tons of morning sickness points to girl, little to no morning sickness points to boy.
-The nausea held off longer before starting this time and it wasn't everyday. It was more random and I still needed meds, but I didn't need them everyday like I did with Lakelyn.
Headaches:If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy.
-I have only had 1 headache so far and it did last 2 days at 12 weeks. Still have a ways to go, but overall i'd say its been fairly headache free.
Protein: If you are only wanting meats or cheese signs say boy.
-I'm much better with red meats this time, but still can't manage to even try to eat steak. It makes me want to vomit. Cheeseburgers have been at the top of the list of foods to eat.
Hairy: If you notice your legs have more hair than usual signs point to boy!
-I do feel like my legs are a lot hairier this time. I feel like I shave and the next day I need to shave again. It could just be because its summer and i'm having to wear shorts!
Gender Chart: Using https://www.chinesegenderchart.info/gender-prediction.php with expected due date

-predicts girl

Overall, my pregnancy with Lakelyn was for the most part a typical "girl" pregnancy and so far this one seems to be more "boy". I feel like this one is a boy, but I also think that maybe I just want a boy so i'm making it seem more boy? We will find out in 19 days!

12 weeks

 How far along: 12 weeks

Baby Growth: Baby is about 2 inches long and weighs about half an ounce! Reflexes are starting to happen and if I were to mess with my belly where baby is he or she would probably squirm in response. He or she can open and close fingers and hands! Baby even looks like a tiny human now!!! woohoo!

My Symptoms: I've  been feeling pretty good, however 12 weeks has rolled in with headaches which I haven't had in a while!

 

Nausea is for the most part gone. I have still had some issues here and there, but nothing like it was which in all honesty wasn't too bad.

 

I still don't want most foods and find it hard to think of something good to eat. I've been eating more though it seems, so I need to watch it because I really want to watch my weight this time. I want to start walking every night or morning, but I have to get rid of the headache/nausea before I can get myself out there to do it!

Gender:  I still think maybe a boy

Weight gain:  I haven't weighed myself today. I don't think I have gained anything. if so its only a pound.

Maternity clothes: Not really. I basically live in tshirts, yoga shorts/pants, or scrubs. If I do get dressed up I will typically wear maternity shorts, but regular shirts are still ok if they fit loosely. I need to also make myself start actually getting dressed instead of being so lazy. 

Stretch marks: No new ones, but the old ones are still there and visable

Belly button in or out: In, but it seems bigger?

Sleep: Still sleeping great! Most nights anyway. dreams are still weird. I don't remember having this many weird dreams with Lakelyn. I know I did have some weird vivid ones with her, but not every night like this time.

Best moment this week: We have had some decent mornings the past couple of days. By no means is it "amazing" or "cool" weather, but you can sit outside with out sweating or having a heat stroke. So we've spent the morning outside for a bit before coming back in. I'm so ready for the heat to go away for good. although, i'm assuming it'll be another hot fall/winter around here :(

Worst moment this week: The headaches for sure. Its also making me short tempered and lose my patience easier with Lakelyn which I feel so bad about.

Miss anything:  I wasn't totally happy with my body before this pregnancy, but I was getting close to pre-Lakelyn weight. I am just at a point in pregnancy where it just looks like i'm gaining weight and getting fat instead of pregnant and I hate it.

Movement: nope.

Cravings: No

Queasy or sick: queasy if I don't eat still!

Questions/Concerns: none at the moment

Looking forward to:  Our ultrasound next week! Hoping they will let us sneak a peek between the legs! Cooler weather and feeling good so we can get outside and start doing some walking.

Belly Pictures: I did a normal belly picture, I created the chalkboard, but I haven't gotten dressed and taken a picture with the chalk board yet. It is progress though right?

11 weeks!

How far along: 11 weeks 3 days

Baby Growth:  Baby is just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig and is now almost fully formed. Baby's hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under the gums, and some of the bones are beginning to harden. Baby is already busy kicking and stretching and I wish I could fee it!

My Symptoms: I've been feeling pretty good lately. Most of my symptoms have gone. I have more energy now,  but still get tired easily. If I don't eat or if I drink chocolate milk or eat something sweet sometimes i'll get nauseous. 

Gender:  I still am not sure. With Lakelyn I knew by now in my gut she was a girl, but I still feel like this is a boy, but i'm not certain like I was with her.  

Weight gain:  Maybe a pound or two. I really want to do good with weight gain this time and since i'm starting to feel better and will be heading into the second trimester soon, I want to at least get out and start walking more.

Maternity clothes: Here and there still. I mostly wear scrubs to work which most of those are not fitting or I wear like yoga pants or shorts and a t-shirt during the day. My t-shirts are getting tight on my belly though so I'm sure it wont be long until its all maternity stuff. However, I don't have many maternity shirts. I can never find cute stuff :/

Stretch marks: No new ones..

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: Still sleeping great! Still having crazy dreams.

Best moment this week: A couple of good things. I have been looking for the baby's heartbeat on the Doppler on and off for a couple of weeks now and haven't been able to find it. I didn't really freak that much because I didn't think my Doppler was that great of one anyway, plus I just didn't have a bad feeling. Well I found the baby's heartbeat today!!! Turns out I have been looking in the wrong spot. This baby is literally on my left side down basically on my pubic bone. With Lakelyn I found her on my right side midway between hip bone and belly button (diagonally). It felt so good to hear it because like I mentioned i'm feeling really good lately so there isn't anything to really remind me i'm pregnant (other than the belly of course) but no movements anything like that.

Also, in other good news.. we booked a cruise for the end of August! Totally in the middle of hurricane season, but i'm still super excited.

Worst moment this week: I don't think we have had any bad moments this week really. The weather is ridiculously hot, we did have an inmate escape from the prison a few miles down the road from me (he has been caught).

Miss anything:  Not going to lie, I miss not looking fat. My belly is at that stage where its not fat, but it looks like its fat. :(
Movement: nope, but I thought I might have felt something today, but I think it was just gas.. hoping soon!

Cravings: No, not really. I have been wanting coffee, but not able to have it because it made me nauseous and I got some today and it was fine! I need to drink more water and lay off the drinks with sugar! I need to break out my oils and add them to my water for flavor!

Queasy or sick: queasy if I don't eat, but feeling fairly good. I did have a bad day yesterday I think it was where I felt nauseous, but I drank a whole cup of chocolate milk and then later could only find chocolate cereal to eat. That was probably what triggered it.

Questions/Concerns: none at the moment

Looking forward to:  Our ultrasound is on the 20th of this month so about 2 weeks away. I'll be 13 weeks and 2 days. I'm hoping they will peak between the legs at this one like they did with Lakelyn. I want to say I wasn't quite as far with lakelyn at this ultrasound so the tech claimed she was 50/50, but ya know.. Of course I am looking forward to finding out the gender and our cruise! I am also looking forward to cooler weather! It is just so hot some days you walk outside and just can't breathe! ugh.

Belly Pictures:  I know I said I was going to do something cuter, but I forgot. Lakelyn is napping right now so I might go do a chalkboard.. Let's be honest.. i'm probably going to take a nap. But I have to update with belly pictures before week 12!

10 weeks

How far along: 10 weeks!
Baby Growth: Baby is a little over an inch or so long and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce. Baby has now completed the most critical portion of his or her development. He or she is swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm.  Tiny nails are forming on fingers and toes and peach-fuzz hair is beginning to grow on his or her tender skin.
My Symptoms: I've just started the 10th week, and if i'm honest my 9 week post was done yesterday lol. so symptoms are basically the same still. tired, nauseated on and off at random times. Boobs hurt. If I can remember I want to come back in a few days and update my symptoms.. updated: basically all the same symptoms. Nausea is getting better, but I have to eat before I get hungry.
Gender:  Ugh.. I don't know. I still feel like its a boy, but still worried I think its a boy because that is what we want. I don't have that lingering gut feeling its a girl like I did with Lakelyn, but I still can't say i'm positive this one is a boy.
Weight gain:  Still no weight gain!
Maternity clothes: Need to probably get some out, but I seriously either wear scrubs to work or i'm home all day in gym clothes aka: pjs!
Stretch marks: No new ones
Belly button in or out: In
Sleep: Still sleeping great! Still having weird vivid dreams
Best moment this week: This week has just began, so I can't give one just yet, but I will hopefully update this too in a few days! Tyler took Friday off and we went to the lake Thursday night and just had a good day just the 3 of us (plus baby in the belly) even though the weather was stormy and not good. It was nice to not have any cell signal, tv, or extra "stuff" going on. We made breakfast, went fishing through 2 down pours, let lakelyn nap in the camper while we just sat outside under the awning watching the storm. It was also pretty chilly once the storms rolled in which was amazing!
Worst moment this week: Just going to assume it'll be the heat! Actually though, today really isn't all that bad (knock on wood) but i'm still so ready for cold weather, hoodies and fires :) yeah.. updated to say the heat and gnats we had at the lake.
Miss anything:  Being able to eat things. Not like I just want to pig out and gain a ton of weight, but like I really cannot think of ANYTHING that sounds good. It makes it so difficult to eat at all. Movement: nope, but I so am ready for it
Cravings: Not really. Nothing really sounds any good. I will go to the fridge a few times and see the jar of pickles and be like "i kind of want a pickle" but I don't die if I end up not eating one.
Queasy or sick: depends on the time of day and which way the wind blows I suppose. Its so random and will hit at any moment. Yesterday evening I did have a headache, but it was easing up and I was feeling great. went for a ride on the hunting club with Tyler and Lakelyn to put corn out and stopped by his parents land and then as we were about to pull in the drive way it hit me and I was not feeling well for the rest of the night.
Questions/Concerns: none at the moment
Looking forward to:  Feeling baby move, finding the heartbeat on the Doppler, the next ultrasound you know the typical :)
Belly Pictures: ya'll my belly pictures are not cute at all! I need to step up my game and do something cute. Maybe i'll pull out the ole chalk board and start using it again! But until then here is today's 10 week picture! PS. you can see my marks from my bed because I literally just woke up and then took this :)

 

 

9 weeks

How far along: 9 weeks 6 days
Baby Growth: sd

My Symptoms: I still get nauseous and super tired. Bloating is still there and boobs are so sore! some stretching and cramping in my uterus here and there. All of the basic first trimester symptoms. I haven't been having headaches until recently. I have had a few this week!

Gender:  I'm thinking boy

Weight gain:  According to my scale at home (which I prefer to use since I have been using it for years) I have not gained any weight so far which is good because I am still about 7ish pounds over my pre-Lakelyn pregnancy! My goal is to not gain much this pregnancy and to get back to pre-Lakelyn weight!

Maternity clothes: I am definitely showing, but to some people they would might think i'm just chubby. My clothes are tight on my belly so for shorts and scrubs its kind of uncomfortable and I don't like how it makes my stomach look. So I should probably pull them out and wear them but I just feel like its so early!

Stretch marks: Just the old ones from Lakelyn

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: It has been pretty good. I have been on progesterone which makes me sleep pretty good. I got the ok from my doctor last week to stop them and sleep has still been good,  but the dreams. oh the weird dreams!

Best moment this week: Seeing baby with a heartbeat at our ultrasound! I was so nervous because this is when we found out that our last baby did not have a heartbeat :(

Worst moment this week: The crazy hot weather! Gahh.. the older I get the MORE I dislike the summer. Its so miserable. It's not just like a normal hot day. it gets so hot you can barely breathe when you walk outside. It is just gross!

Miss anything:  I miss being able to just eat. Like I have to really think and amp up what I am going to eat so it will sound good and not make me feel nauseated!

Movement: Not yet,  but I cannot WAIT!

Cravings: Still don't want much of anything. I would say I did have a craving for pizza the other day. It was just what sounded good at the time.

Queasy or sick: Been feeling off and on. The nausea started later in this pregnancy. I didn't really feel sick until after 7 weeks and it hasn't been everyday or anything. I mean I still have it and some days its bad, but its totally unpredictable.

Wedding rings on or off: On

Looking forward to:  Feeling baby move, my next ultrasound in 4 weeks and gender ultrasound in 6!

Belly Pictures: 

Baby #2 catch up

So once it was official and I missed my period and had some pretty convincing tests that said I was pregnant I called my doctor. He wanted me in as soon as possible. We did blood work and early ultrasounds and got me on some progesterone supplements just as a precaution. We did everything in our power to make sure our end was covered for this pregnancy.

My first appointment I was about 6 weeks. We did an ultrasound that showed a sac and yolk measuring about 5 weeks 5 days. This was good and he said he would bring me back in a week to see a baby and a heartbeat.
At this point we went ahead and told our immediate family and told them not to tell anyone just yet. I did go ahead and also tell my boss at work because my doctor wanted me on light duty which for me means no moving patients, no helping on and off the xray table, no sliding or rolling them, none of that. So i had to have help at all times.

So I went back the next week and we were measuring right on track at 7 weeks and we saw a baby and a heartbeat at 123bpm!

After this ultrasound we decided to announce on facebook and to everyone else. At this point I was getting some nausea, but for the most part I was feeling pretty good, just very hungry. I was so bloated though it was crazy.

Once I saw him we discussed I would come back in 2 weeks for my first official appointment and we would do another ultrasound. This catches us up to yesterday's visit. I was very nervous for this appointment because this is the same point in my last pregnancy when we went in and baby didn't have a heartbeat. We got there and I had to meet with the lady and discuss what not to eat and medications and all that boring stuff that I already know and then we went into the ultrasound room. We immediately saw the baby, but she didn't zoom in on it yet as she was checking ovaries and stuff first. I was freaking a little bit because the heartbeat wasn't as noticeable as it normally is to me. Once she zoomed in some I saw it right away and it was a relief! Baby was measuring right on at 9 weeks 1 day and had a healthy heartbeat at 167bpm!

Everything looked great, we did more blood work and I got the ok to come off of the progesterone. I am still on light duty and this will be for the remainder of my pregnancy. I had the dreaded pap smear done and wont have to worry about that for another year!! I go back on July 20th for our 12 week ultrasound and visit and then we scheduled our gender ultrasound for August 1st!! I cannot wait!