Signs of Spring

Daffodils blooming, tulips sprouting, trees budding:









Family walks:



Working the soil and prepping the garden:






Baby chicks:






I'm so excited for this season of new life!

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12 Weeks - March 6, 2012

(Compared to 12 weeks with Isaac)

Poor Isaac was sick on Sunday, so he stayed home with GoGo while Chad and I went to church, which is why he's still in his jammies. Also, I feel like this picture is weird because I don't think my dress stuck out that far at my stomach...I think I must be leaning forward some. And I've had some requests to take a photo in something fitted so you can really see the bump, and I will, I just have to remember to do that at some point...

How far along: 12 weeks.

How big is baby: A plum.

Weight gain/loss: Still down 5 pounds from starting weight.

Stretch marks: No.

Sleep: Good.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: My diet was significantly better this week, which was nice. I haven't had any consistent cravings for aversions - it really changes day to day and sometimes even hour to hour. Basically, I eat what sounds good and avoid what doesn't.

Exercise: Other than some walks with Isaac, no exercise. I think I'll be able to get back into a routine very soon though, as long as Isaac gets better so he can hang out at the gym daycare.

Gender: We'll know for sure in September, but I'm still feeling girl. And I feel the need to say this: while I do feel like the baby is a girl, I truly do not care in the slightest what gender the baby is. I've actually been a little hesitant to tell anyone in real life that I feel like it might be a girl because I really hate the idea that a "perfect" family consists of one boy and one girl and I would be beyond upset if someone voiced the opinion that this baby *should* be a girl or that they would be disappointed if the baby is a boy. I would be so stinking thrilled with a little boy - Isaac is seriously the coolest kid ever and I can't imagine wishing that a baby would be the opposite gender than him. And at the same time, I would be so stinking thrilled with a little girl, because what mama doesn't want a girl to do girlie stuff with? This is a win/win situation for me - I just needed to get that off my chest.

Movement: Still just a maybe. What I'm feeling isn't even bumps and thumps, it's more like tightening of muscles, like the baby is pushing against the wall of my uterus as it moves. Weird to explain, and I'm still not totally convinced it's actually the baby.

The belly: It's there and it's growing. It's very obvious to me if I'm wearing something fitted, but I'm not so sure it's obvious to the general public yet.

Worries: I'm going to share an incredibly shallow worry - and I couldn't be happier that my worries this week were this non-important. I realized that the 2012 SEMO District Fair is September 8-15...mere days before my due date. I really hope that the baby knows to time itself accordingly, because I most certainly do not want to miss it this year, especially since Isaac is at an age that he will just love it.

What I'm loving: Feeling like I'm entering the "safe" zone of pregnancy. While I realize that nothing is ever a guarantee, it is nice to know that I'm coming out of the scary first trimester.

Symptoms: Actually, symptoms were a little different this week. I felt great most of the week - no nausea, no exhaustion, no puking. I got all of our laundry caught up, cleaned the house, and spent a ton of time outside with Isaac, all of which was amazing. On Saturday, I started to feel a little sick again, I felt pretty awful on Sunday, and on Monday I was so so. I'm not sure if I'm slowly moving out of the morning sickness stage or if I just got lucky with a little hiatus. I guess time will tell. Also, I think I'm entering the weepy part of pregnancy, as everything makes me tear up (moreso than normal).

What's different this time: Looking back at my 12 week post with Isaac, we were in the process of touring hospitals at this point. I cannot even begin to express how happy I am that we don't have to deal with all that this time around. (And yes, I know I've gotten a ton of questions in the comments about our home birth, and I'll do a post about it at some point) Also, I most definitely did not have a reprieve from the morning sickness at 12 weeks last time, so I'm hoping that means I'm on the up swing and not just that I got a little break.

What I'm looking forward to: Knowing for sure I'm feeling the baby. I'm ready to have that consistent reminder!

Best moment of the week: Tuesday through Friday were all excellent. After 6 weeks of feeling sick all day and puking several times each day, four whole days of feeling like a normal human being were pretty much the best thing ever. And a clean house AND clean laundry AND beautiful weather? Yep, fabulous all around.

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11 Weeks - February 28, 2012

Caught up now! I am 11 weeks today, so the posts will be weekly from here on out.

And because dresses seem to do a pretty good job of hiding the bump, a better pic of my growing belly:

Dress: Bisou Bisou from JCPenney
Leggings: Forever 21
Boots: Target

I had planned on taking the second picture alone, but when Isaac realized I wasn't going to include him, he got very upset. I think that's why he looks so distraught in that picture, haha!

How far along: 11 weeks. Baby is moving around and her finger and toes are no longer webbed. She's starting to look like a baby and her tooth buds, hair follicles, and nail beds are forming.

How big is baby: A lime! Weird...that seems like a pretty decent size, actually.

Weight gain/loss: Down 4 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight.

Stretch marks: No.

Sleep: Oddly enough, it's starting to get uncomfortable. My joints are getting sore easily when I'm sleeping. Yikes, seems way too early for that!! Also had some insomnia lately. But I'm not nearly as tired as I've been the past few weeks, so that's a plus.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: I'm still sick, so food is still touch and go. I've discovered Italian is absolutely off limits right now, which is sad. Also, I've been so thirsty lately but if I drink too much water, I get sick. So I'm trying to find a balance, which is hard when all I wanna do is suck down an ice cold jug of water.

Exercise: I'm embarrassed to say we didn't make it to the gym at all this week. The weather has been awesome here, though, so we have been on walks.

Gender: We'll find out in September. I'm starting to get a strong girl feeling. But don't tell my mom, because she's already bought a few pink sleepers.

Movement: hmmmm...maybe. Definitely started feeling some bumps at the end of this week...we'll see of they remain consistent or if it's just random rumblings.

The belly: It's growing. I'd say my current bump is about equivalent to my 17 week bump with Isaac, maybe a touch smaller now. It's not nearly as firm yet though, which makes me think my body is really just moving stuff around to make room, but my uterus isn't necessarily that big yet.

What I'm spazzing about: The fact that I can hear the baby's heartbeat in two distinct places on my belly with the Doppler. That could just be an echo, right? Or it's just picking the same heartbeat up in two places? Surely it doesn't mean twins.

What I'm loving: 11 weeks, people!! That seems for real pregnant to me.

Symptoms: Still tired, but not as tired as I've been. Still dealing with morning sickness, and that really hasn't lessened at all. Also, this horrible persistent taste in my mouth. That's been around since about 6 weeks and I keep forgetting to mention it, but I feel like it's a huge source of my feeling sick, yet I can't get rid of it regardless of brushing my teeth, chewing gum, or sucking on a mint. Yuck.

What's different this time: I feel like I'm experiencing a lot of things way earlier this time. Heartburn, joint aches, trouble sleeping...I didn't have any of that until way later with Isaac.

What I'm looking forward to: The second trimester! I'm so close - only 2 weeks to go. Also? Spring. The weather here has been amazing - daffodils are blooming, our tulips are popping up, birds are migrating back - I'm so ready for lots of outside time with Isaac!

Best moment of the week: We had our first appt with our midwife and it went great. I love her and I am so excited for our home birth!

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10 Weeks - February 21, 2012

Dress: Bisou Bisou from JCPenney
Tights: Kohls
Boots: Target

How far along: 10 weeks. Baby has working arm joints and her cartilage and bones are forming. Her vital organs are fully developed (wow...how cool is that?!) and are starting to function. Her fingernails and hair are starting to appear and she's swallowing and kicking.

How big is baby: The size of a prune. Yikes, not very cute.

Weight gain/loss: -5 pounds from my starting weight.

Stretch marks: Nope.

Sleep: Good, I just always need more.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: Diet is so so. Just eating what I can keep down. Definitely getting random cravings, but they are different every day. But I'm still craving salty things more than anything. Pickles and olives, yes please.

Exercise: Eh. Isaac and I went on a few walks this week but never made it to the gym.

Gender: We'll find out in September!

Movement: Nope.

The belly: Pouchy, but no real bump yet.

What I'm spazzing about: Nada, thanks to my doppler. :)

What I'm loving: Hearing that sweet heartbeat on the regular.

Symptoms: Lots of nausea and puking, super sense of smell, and heartburn.

What's different this time: Well, according to my posts with Isaac, I had a little break from the morning sickness around this time. It looks like I was sick from weeks 6-8, then again from weeks 11-15. No break this time though. Which obviously means I won't be sick for as long...right?? :)

What I'm looking forward to: Our first appointment with the midwife.

Best moment of the week: Duh - hearing the baby's heartbeat on the doppler!! SUCH a sweet and comforting sound. This was super cool for me because I've never heard my babies' heartbeats on a doppler. With Isaac, my OB used ultrasound, not dopplers and the last baby never made it far enough to have a heartbeat picked up by the doppler. So it was really neat hearing that sound. Also, interesting enough, the baby is consistently in the same place, right next to where I thought I was finding the placenta. So I think I am actually hearing the placenta pump. How cool!!

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9 Weeks - February 14, 2012

Isaac and I didn't go to church this week so we aren't as dressed up. And poor Isaac's face is so chapped! Also, I hate the fact that the crop of this picture basically hides the disaster of a living room we are standing in. I was totally going to clean up before we took the picture. But then a) I really didn't have the energy and b) I thought it was a pretty accurate picture of our lives right now. The house is in total disarray because I am generally a first trimester pregnant blob.

Top: Kohl's
Scarf: from Africa, a gift from a friend
Jeans: JCPenney (maternity)

How far along: 9 weeks! This week, baby officially loses his embryo title and becomes a fetus. He's developing distinct facial features and his heartbeat might even be strong enough now to be picked up by a doppler.

How big is baby: A green olive

Weight gain/loss: -5 pounds from my starting weight. Surely this has nothing to do with the fact that I'm hurling on the regular.

Stretch marks: Nope.

Sleep: Good, but there is never enough. Even sweet Isaac recognizes this issue. When I'm laying on the couch trying to keep the nausea at bay, he'll often come over, pat my face or arm, and say "You sleep, mama. Sleep."

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: My overall diet is improving weekly, but still not where I'd like it to be. I've had major cravings for protein, as it seems to help with the morning sickness, and it seems everyone around me has been talking about BLT's lately, so I've been eating them almost daily. Definitely cannot eat eggs right now (totally called that one) and sadly, my morning smoothie had to take a temporary hiatus as well.

Exercise: Yes, finally. I actually felt decent enough to go to BodyPump one day this week, plus Isaac and I went on a couple of long walks, so I feel like I wasn't a complete blob. BodyPump nearly killed me, as I hadn't been in two weeks, but it was much needed!

Gender: We'll find out in September.

Movement: No, but all kinds of aches and pains in my uterus right now. I was looking back at my pregnancy posts from Isaac's pregnancy and didn't seem to be complaining about these until about 17 weeks with him, which blows my mind because they've pretty much been happening since week 4 this time around. They've definitely ramped up in the past week, though.

The belly: Very firm and definitely rounding out. Still only noticeable to me, but it's most definitely changing. Some of my jeans don't fit anymore - specifically, the ones that button across my hip line. I actually think I have a tiny bump in my picture this week, but I'm probably the only one who sees it.

What I'm spazzing about: Ahem. This is going to get long...

I hate to even write this because I don't want to complain, but I'm spazzing about how sick I've been and the thought that it could go on for another 6+ weeks. I was sick until 15 or 16 weeks with Isaac, so I'm anticipating being sick at least that long this time, if not longer, since everything seems to be ramped up this time. And I remember when morning sickness didn't go away at 12 weeks the last time that I started freaking out thinking, "what if I'm one of those people who are sick the entire time they're pregnant?!" and I'm already starting to have those same thoughts this time.

On top of that, up until this point, I've taken the morning sickness as the sign of a healthy pregnancy, since it seems to be the case in my personal experience (sick with Isaac, not sick with the last baby). But it seems like in this past week, I've heard story after story of women being sick in the first trimester and them miscarrying, which has not at all put my mind at ease. I hate to even say this, but I am more than ready to fast forward to two weeks when I have an appointment with my midwife and should hear the heartbeat on the doppler.

Speaking of the doppler, let's add a little more spazzing here. So, I bought a doppler. I am seriously cringing at myself for even typing that out because I hate that I'm that crazy pregnant lady. It came maybe a week and a half ago and I've already tried it several times. Yes that's totally stupid, considering I'm just now 9 weeks, but I couldn't help myself. The first couple of times I wasn't worried at all because I knew how early it was, but now that I'm 9 weeks, I feel like I should be hearing the heartbeat and I'm not. No, this doesn't make logical sense, considering many don't hear it until 12 weeks, but I'm not exactly a ball of logic right now.

Also, not exactly a spaz, but a totally weird thing about the doppler...I'm about 90% sure I can hear the placenta. Based on what I've seen on YouTube (totally reliable, obviously), I can find the artery that runs through the pelvic region and I can find the placenta. I was a little surprised that I was hearing the placenta already, though, which kinda makes me doubt my diagnosis. Also, the fact that I can hear it SO clearly makes me wonder if it's anterior again (like it was with Isaac). I've found conflicting info on when exactly the placenta attaches to the uterine wall, so I'm not sure the current location holds any permanent value, but I did find out that an anterior placenta makes it harder to hear the baby's heart tones on a doppler, which stresses me out, because I want to hear them already, darn it!!

And one last insight into the crazy brain of someone pregnant after a loss...so, I had a ton of pregnancy tests left over and I peed on every single one of them the first two weeks after getting my BFP just to make sure that they got darker every day. They did. I eventually ran out and hadn't tested in a few weeks but I randomly got the urge to test again this week. I didn't have any pregnancy tests but I do have whole heck of a lot of ovulation predictor tests. Well, random thing about OPK's - when you are pregnant, they test positive. They aren't as accurate as home pregnancy tests, but they can get the job done in a cinch. So I thought, OK, I'll just use one of those! Before I even tested, I prepped myself for the line to not be super dark. As you progress in pregnancy, your HCG (the pregnancy hormone that pregnancy tests test for) gets higher and higher, and eventually gets so high that the test has a hard time registering it, so it doesn't get as dark as it once was. So I prepared myself to NOT freak out if the line wasn't blindingly dark. I take the test - and man, I have never seen a test line pop up so quickly and so be so darn dark. I mean, it was literally at least three times as dark as the control line. So at first, I'm all "woohoo, that's awesome!!" But not two seconds later, I start spazzing. "wait...I'm 8 weeks...shouldn't I have enough HCG in my system that the test isn't that dark?" And then I seriously start having a mini panic attack in the shower because the line was so dark. And you guys. IT WASN'T EVEN A PREGNANCY TEST!! It was a flipping OPK, and I was STILL freaking out about it. Basically, moral of the story - there was no winning that one. Light test line - I freak out. Dark test line - I freak out. So stupid.

What I'm loving: Days I don't feel like I'm dying. :)

Symptoms: Exhaustion, morning sickness, super sense of smell, and heartburn (already?! ack!).

What's different this time: The fact that morning sickness is accompanied by me regularly throwing up is definitely different. With Isaac, I was nauseous all day but I only threw up one time the entire 10 weeks I was sick. This time, I seem to be throwing up every other day, although on bad days, it's as often as 3 times a day. One totally random thing I worried about was how Isaac would react to me throwing up. He tends to be very protective of me and any time he sees me doing something that is unfamiliar to him, he gets a bit leery. But wouldn't you know, he thinks throwing up is hilarious. Not only that, but he calls it pooping, haha.

Also, the heightened sense of smell is new. I definitely didn't have that with my pregnancy with Isaac. And this is so so sad, but the way Isaac smells totally triggers my gag reflex. He has the sweetest little boy smell, but right now it seems so overly sweet that it grosses me out. :(

What I'm looking forward to: Not being sick. Yes, I realize this entire week's post revolves around me having morning sickness, but it seems to be ruling my life right now, so it's an accurate portrayal.

Best moment of the week: While this won't be nearly as funny to you as it was to me, I need to record this one of the history books: one time when I ran to the bathroom to hurl, Isaac stayed behind in the living room. When I came out about 5 minutes later, he had found his markers, taken them out, and colored all over his legs. I immediately started laughing because it was such a classic moment. Little guy always knows how to give me a laugh. :)

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8 Weeks - February 7, 2012

(I'm posting 3 of these today so I can be caught up for my 11 week post tomorrow.)



Ha, poor Isaac. He looks a little stunned in this photo.

Dress: NY&CO
Tights: Forever 21

How far along: 8 weeks. Baby is moving his newly formed arms and legs like crazy. His fingers and toes are only slightly webbed now and he's lost his tail. And, he's forming taste buds!

How big is baby: A raspberry.

Weight gain/loss: I gained 2 pounds, so I'm down 2 pounds from my starting weight.

Stretch marks: Nope.

Sleep: Same as last week. I'm sleeping well at night, but I never feel like I've gotten enough sleep.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: Eh. Better than last week, as I can actually eat fruits and veggies again. Protein seems to help the morning sickness quite a bit, so I've been eating lots of meat. Eggs are completely out of the question and I expect they will be for the rest of my pregnancy.

Exercise: Ugh. None. Hopefully I'll do better next week.

Gender: We'll find out in September.

Movement: Obviously not yet, but my uterus is stretching a growing like crazy! I'm already feeling some round ligament pain and getting the sharp shooting pains when I sneeze or cough or just move too quickly.

The belly: The bump is totally weird. Sometimes, it's so prevalent I can't hide it but other times it's completely non existent. I think I look a little thick through the waist in my belly picture from this week, but definitely not pregnant. This picture was taken the same week though:



So yeah. Not sure what all that's about. Some bloat, I'm sure, but that's just craziness.

What I'm spazzing about: Being a crap mom to Isaac. For real. I have been so sick that I feel like I'm totally failing at taking care of Isaac. I hate how much time we are spending in front of his DVD player and we haven't been doing nearly as many activities as we normally do. I really hope the morning sickness eases up for his sake. :-/

What I'm loving: Being 8 weeks pregnant. It's technically more pregnant than I ever was the last time, plus 8 weeks just sounds so real to me - much more so than any previous weeks.

Symptoms: Morning sickness. Exhaustion. And lots of twinges, stretches, and pains in my uterus.

What's different this time: I am definitely more sick this time than I was with Isaac. I had a couple good days last week (thankfully, Isaac's birthday party fell on one of them) but the last few days have been killer.

What I'm looking forward to: A week that's not full to the brim with stuff to do! We've had a blast the past couple weeks, but I'm ready for some low key time. Also, we should hit a big milestone this week. Last pregnancy, I started spotting at 7w2d and actually miscarried at 7w6d. Which means that I am more pregnant now than I ever was the last time.

Best moment of the week: Isaac's birthday party. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it and so did he!

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7 Weeks - January 31, 2012

Birthday Edition belly picture!

Dress: Boden (hmmmm...I'm sensing a theme here. I didn't realize how many Boden dresses I have, but they are one of the few places I can consistently find long sleeve dresses, so I seem to wear them a lot in the winter. They can be expensive, but if you catch sales, you can get some awesome deals. Plus, their clothes are so darn cute!)
Tights: Kohls
Shoes: Target

How far along: 7 weeks. Baby is developing at a break neck speed: he's generating about 100 new brain cells each minute, his brain and heart are becoming more complex, he's developing a permanent set of kidneys, and his arm and leg joints are forming.

How big is baby: The size of a blueberry.

Weight gain/loss: +4, which brings me back to my starting weight, so a net gain of 0. I gaurantee that has nothing to do with pregnancy and everything to do with my crap eating.

Stretch marks: No

Sleep: I need it more of it. I'm sleeping well, I'm just always tired.

Diet/Cravings/Aversions: Ugh. Giant Paleo fail this week. Morning sickness is kicking my butt and bread is the only thing that helps. One day, I literally ate nothing but bread the entire day. And then there was the night that Chad made me Hibachi soup at 10pm because I was craving it. I ate Chick-Fil-A four times this week because it was the only thing that sounded good and I even ate at McDonald's once, something I haven't done in over 3 years. I'm feeling the need for salt salt and more salt, which really isn't like me at all and I feel like I have to constantly eat to keep the nausea at bay.

Exercise: Another fail. Between the morning sickness and being busy, I only made it to the gym once this week.

Gender: We'll know in September. I have no intuition at all towards one gender or the other so be interesting to see if that changes over the next 7 months.

The belly: Well, I guess I'm not crazy like I considered last week. My belly has definitely rounded out and is starting to pouch out, enough so that some of my dresses have been momentarily retired because they are too fitted through the waist. At this point, the bump just looks like I'm fat, not like I'm pregnant, so maybe those dresses can make a come back once I pop. Also, definitely feeling the full and heavy uterus feeling now.

What I'm spazzing about: Honestly, nothing this week. I've seriously been too busy to stress over the pregnancy. Thank goodness.

Symptoms: Morning sickness. It totally caught me off guard and knocked me on my butt, but I'm happy to have it because it seems to be the way my body handles a healthy pregnancy. So I'll take it. Also, I've been really tired. I usually end up napping with Isaac, I go to bed at my normal bed time, and I still wake up groggy.

What's different this time: The morning sickness is more severe but is also significantly easier to manage this time around. On severity: I definitely don't remember being this sick this early with Isaac. I know it started around 6 weeks, but it seemed to take a while to rev up. Not at all the case this time. Also, with Isaac, I only threw up once and don't ever remember dry heaving. I was severely nauseous all day and couldn't eat much, but managed to avoid puking on a daily basis. This time, I haven't barfed yet, but I've dry heaved several times, which is lots of fun, let me tell ya. On being easier to manage: not working outside the home makes a world of difference. The flexibility is saving me, no question. Mornings are worst for me, so we can be lazy in the mornings and give my lemon ginger tea a chance to do its job. I can eat when I need to and I even have the ability to rest throughout the day should need be. Being able to create my own schedule within Isaac's routine makes such a difference.

What I'm looking forward to: Isaac's birthday party tomorrow! Holy cow, I cannot wait. :) Also, we are celebrating my in-laws' 40th wedding anniversary this weekend by treating them to dinner at Celebrations (my favorite!).

Best moment of the week: Taking Isaac to his birthday dinner at Shogun's (a local Hibachi place). We went with both our families and Isaac was totally into it. It was SO fun to watch him completely mesmerized by the hibachi chef. It was my mom's idea to go there and I'm so glad she suggested it. We had a total blast!

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