August 31, 2014 - 29 Weeks

Officially my last week in the 20s.  Then only 10 weeks left.  Things are getting real!

Not much new pregnancy-wise.  I'm getting to the "I'm done point" which isn't great considering I still have 2.5ish months left.  I no longer can paint my toes or do any sort of bending over without seriously squishing this little guy.  I get so tired by the end of the day or start having serious braxton hicks contractions that I try not to overdo it, but then I feel like I'm jipping Zoe and being a lazy bum.  Thankfully, she's content when I read or do puzzles with her.  And she could care less if I sit and watch her play outside rather then partaking in all the fun.  It's my own guilt I guess.  She prefers to sit on my lap though now for everything which is starting to get tricky since I'm running out of lap room as this belly keeps getting bigger.

I'm trying so hard to get her to grasp that there will be a little human here soon.  I just don't think she has any clue.  I'll tell her baby brother is in my belly and she looks at me and lifts up my shirt and looks at me again and just pokes my belly button and does her "I'm tickling you" squeal.  I'm praying that her transition goes ok. 

We made our one and only trip up north this weekend.  So much fun and too short as always!  Traffic wasn't bad at all thankfully.  Zoe is great in the car (especially now that she can face forward), but she only lasts so long.  And 5 hours is long as it is...add in traffic and that's tough. 

While some our meals out weren't so great (mom and dad are still trying to figure out what places have good food and which don't - we definitely helped with the do not go back list), we made up for it with lots of trips to the playground, a little children's museum, walks, shopping, feeding the ducks, camp fires, etc.  Zoe had so much fun, slept great, and misses her camper already :)

August 24, 2014 - 28 Weeks

(I've had this saved for a week now waiting to add the picture, but the picture never happened.  Oops!)

Third trimester!  Things are getting real now.  Once we are back from up north, we are going to need to start getting our last few projects done.  It's really all cosmetic at this point, so I suppose everyone will live if we don't get it done.  Although, we still have not discussed names at all.  I finally put my list out so I would remember that we absolutely need to figure this out.  Don't worry baby boy, we really are excited!  Your sister is just a busy body during the day and I'm a blob on the couch by 8pm :)

While I went from being REALLY nervous about having a baby when Zoe was JUST turning 2, to mildy nervous, I'm really getting ready to meet this little guy.  Not only so that I can do all of my normal daily activities without feeling like I just ran a marathon, but also to have that newborn smell, and that teeny tiny baby to love all over.  It's hard to believe that we'll be able to love another little nugget as much as we love Zoe, because man, she's adorable and hilarious and smart and SO MUCH FUN and steals my heart every day.  But somehow, I know it's going to explode all over again.

My appointment this week went great.  I'm up 21 lbs total.  For a brief moment, I did the math wrong and thought it was 30 and had a mental freak out.  I'm trying to remember though it is what it is.  I feel like I say this after every appointment.  I guess I don't need to write down my mental struggle every time.

Apparently I'm also measuring right on track which I was shocked about.  I feel like I look quite a bit bigger already this time around.  The doctor assured me I'm not going to birth a 12 pounder (yet).

I start going every two weeks.  Crazy that I'm to that point already!  I think it stays this way until week 36, then I go once a week.

We had a nice, lazy weekend after the chaos from the week before.  I've realized Zoe has a shopping addiction like her mom.  I'll tell her we're going shopping and she whines and whines "Shopppppiinnnngggg!" until we are actually there.  Oh boy.  Target is one of her favorites.  Thankfully, she's all about the people watching and doesn't want everything she sees (yet).  Her and I ran errands most of the morning until her nap.  Then we played until it was time for dinner.  She's very into our neighbor Morgane and loves playing when they are out.  We only saw them for about 5 minutes before we ran to dinner.  Maybe this week!

Sunday we went to the zoo.  We realized that Zoe likes the animals for about an hour, then prefers to just run around and have fun with everything but the animals.  She was still good and not mischevious at all, she just didn't care about what we were seeing.  We decided that we'll have to go around backwards next time so she can enjoy the end animals a little more.

Next weekend is up north!

August 10, 2014 - 26 weeks

Time is just moving right along over here.  We are trying to soak up the last month of true summer as much as we can and balance getting Zoe's room ready. We are almost to the "putting up the decorations phase" which is way more fun then all of the moving and patching the wall crap.  In just 3 short weeks, we get to finally make our way up north.

I had an unexpected appointment this week (more on that later) and I'm still up about 20-21 lbs.  If I only gain a pound every other week, I'll end up about right where I was with Zoe which doesn't feel too daunting at all.  However, in my past experience, I was at about a pound a week towards the end.  In my defense, I think a lot was water weight when I look at pictures Aaron took.  My face really did swell up more than I noticed in the moment.

Sleep is still fabulous!  Zoe always sleeps well but sometimes will cry in her sleep.  It usually doesn't last long, but it wakes me up.  This hasn't happened in a while and has been glorious.  It did happen 3 times last night which is super unusual for her.  I went in and rocked her at one point just to make sure she was ok.  Again, she was totally asleep and unaware.  I just wanted to enjoy some extra snuggles.  Her nap at school was horrible though which usually always equates to bad sleep all around for her.  Hopefully today is better.  I can't complain though.  One bad night out of the month is nothing to worry about.

I'm currently obsessed with peaches still.  I could eat a handfull a day.  I'm trying to limit it to two at the most.  I have no idea how I would survive being pregnant in the winter here in MI.  I just can't stop with the fruit!

I am getting super full fast now though.  And I still have 14 weeks to go.  I don't feel like I look exceptionally bigger than I did with Zoe at this point.  But I can tell my stomach just has no where to expand at this point.

No huge worries this week.  I did go to the doctor to get a weird feeling I've been having on and off checked out.  It was almost like I felt like my bones down "there" were growing because they were aching when I walked.  The nurse thought it was probably fine but had me come in to get checked just to be safe.  Sure enough, baby boy is locked up tight.  Let's stay that way for a while, ok?

The sore hips while sleeping are making there way back :(  No heartburn though.  Definitely hitting the uncomfortable point though.  I'm just done by the end of the day.  I'd love to go for a walk or go to the gym but I just want to crash.  And then I get uncomfortable and my back hurts.  Complain, complain :)

August 3, 2014 - 25 Weeks

 

It's August already...where is the summer going??  I knew this would happen especially with how busy our calendar was from the end of June through July, but seriously.  I feel like it just got warm.  Only 4 weeks until Labor Day!  Which I'm excited for since it's our only trip up north this year but still! 

I realized that I forgot to document my weight gain from my last appointment....ugh.  I don't really want to, but I do like being able to look back.  And IN CASE we have a third, I know I'll want to know.  19-20 lbs already.  I'm hoping now that vacation is over, this will slow way down.

I'm still sleeping fine.  Now that I'm back in my own bed, my hips don't hurt nearly as bad.  It is starting to get a little harder to roll over and to get out of bed from laying down.  Those ab muscles aren't what they used to be.

Loving fruit as always.  Peaches have been my favorite lately.  Thankfully they are coming into season here in MI soon.  Jimmy Johns still sounds...so so.  I still haven't been to the one that opened within walking distance.  What is wrong with me???

I have one name that's been on my list that's really growing on me.  But I don't know if I like it for an adult.  I think it's super cute for a baby/little kid, but I don't want this baby boy to hate us when he's older :)

I'm starting to be able to see movement from the outside now.  Those jabs are getting stronger and stronger!  I can also feel body parts from the outside poking out (no idea what they are though - butt or head).  The movement still feels really low this time around.

Not too many worries this week.  One small second of spotting but it was gone as soon as it arrived.  Then I've also had these weird "zings" or aches down in the nether region.  They are very random and I only notice them once or twice a day when I'm walking.  I called the nurse and she had no idea what I was describing...probably because I was going a horrible job at describing them.  She described what I should be worried about (basically the start of contractions or the need to push) which I know about and it's definitely neither.  For now, they've gone away so I'll just mention them at my next appointment.

I'm also starting to freak out at how much I feel like we have left to do.  We are making progress.  And once the office is cleared out (Sunday), I'll feel much better.  Then we can start assembling some of Zoe's stuff, I can lay out what needs to go on the wall that I already have to figure out what we still need to buy, etc.

And the worry that we'll have no one to watch Zoe when I go into labor is creeping up.  I cannot do this without Aaron, and what if it's the middle of the night and not when she's in day care?  Aaron has assured me that there are people who will help and I know that.  But what if randomly everyone is unavailable??

With Zoe, I had a lot more heartburn.  It's almost nonexistent right now.  We may be looking at a bald baby... :)

Overall, things are great with just a few worries.  15 weeks left!!!  Can't wait to meet this little man :)

July 27, 2014 - 24 Weeks

Some sources say this is the week of viability!  Although, I feel like 26 weeks sticks out more in my head.  But either way, we're close.  Granted, this little guy better stay put for a while longer :)  It's just reassuring when I hit that point where things "should" be ok no matter what happens.

Another crazy week around here.  We were busy catching up on sleep, getting back into our daily routine at home, and unpacking from vacation.  

Then Zoe and I hit the road yet again to head back to Rockford.  Aaron decided to stay back and relax (I don't blame him).  Zoe and I had a great weekend at Cody Lake with Nana, Great Grandpa, etc.  She LOVED the lake as to be expected.  Nana would chase and and Zoe would splash and run…"Catch you!" she screams :)  Then we got back and made it to church and pizza with Papa.  Sunday was my family reunion.  It was fun to catch up with family I don't get to see very often.  Zoe had fun playing with her cousin Cameron and Matt.  She's definitely coming out of her shell and finally starting to venture out on her own and becoming less timid.

Aaron got started on clearing out the office.  We'll get there slowly but surely with this baby :) We are home now for a good chunk of August until Labor Day weekend, so I'm hoping to check a few big things off of the list.  

I had another appointment last week.  It went well.  The weight gain was eye opening, but I guess I should have been ready for it after being on vacation and being terrible at working out lately.  I have four weeks until the next appointment and then I have the glucose test and start going every 2 weeks already!  

July 20, 2014 - 23 Weeks

It's always sad saying goodbye to vacation.  While I was getting ready to get home to our own space, I definitely didn't want to leave Zoe and go back to work.  Oh well...I suppose it's work that allows us to take such fun vacations :)

Nothing really new pregnancy-wise.  It's definitely exhausting trying to do everything with everyone with a 20 month old and pregnant.  Thankfully there were plenty of hands to help out.  I was able to do most everything, but there were a few things I had to sit out of.  And obviously no drinking which was a major bummer....there were a few night I really could have had a glass (or bottle) of wine.

Zoe slept essentially the entire way from the airport to Glenwood Springs.  She woke up with maybe 30 minutes left and just watched out the window.  We didn't do much Sunday - just unpacked and went to Chile's with Papa (exciting dinner I know) and quickly grocery shopped for the week.

Monday we headed to Snowmass to meet my BFF and her family for a few hours.  We had fun but didn't take many pictures!  It's funny how our time together has changed a bit now that Zoe is older.  It's getting harder to just sit and chat like the old days!  But it's fun to see how it's changed too watching the little ones run around (or sit quietly as is Harper's case for now :) ).  Monday night we made dinner and somehow clogged the sink....so many dishes and no where to put them.

Tuesday we decorated the reception venue....for FIVE hours.  It was gorgeous in the end, but it took FOREVER and only a few disagreements :)

Wednesday everyone else went hiking to Hanging Lake while Zoe and I found a park.  I made the mistake of trying to tell her where we were going and she cried and cried about the swings until we finally got there.  I think we swinged for about 35 minutes before I could finally coax her off of them :)  That night we went out to dinner for my dad's birthday (60th! later this month).  After dinner was music in the park and Little Miss definitely got her groove on. She LOVES to dance.

I'm glad Andrew can fake it.

Rockin' it out with Beeba.

Thursday was our rafting day.  Zoe and I went down the lower portion after the rapids.  She had so.much.fun.  I have never heard her squeel and laugh so much in 2 hours in my life.  Unfortunately, we couldn't take phones, so I don't have any pictures, but she was so freakin' cute.  Whee!!!  Whoa.... were common words heard from the front.  There was one wave that caught her off guard but she quickly recovered and was squeeling again.  She definitely passed out that afternoon for her nap.  We had to finally wake her up at 4:30 to get going to the park for our bbq.

Friday Aaron and Zoe went for a LONG bike ride where Aaron saw a bear (Zoe was napping).  Us girls got out nails done and finished decorating and got ready super fast for the rehearsal.  Zoe did GREAT walking down the aisle with the ring bearer...our only hope was that it would go just as well on the actual wedding day.  She was crabby at dinner so we didn't stay long.

Saturday was the big day!  Zoe did perfect again :)  So cute!

And other randoms from the week...

Feeding the fish every morning.

She warmed up to the ring bearer really fast once she realized he had an iPad.

It only took about 5 days for her to finally become friends with Aunt Cathy :)

Petting the many wildlife in the backyard.

July 13, 2014 - 22 Weeks

I really am writing this one late so hopefully I can remember a week ago :)  Things can slow down any time now....

Vacation has started!!  It was exhausting cleaning the house (I clean Fridays and didn't want to come home to a messy house) and packing but it was worth it.  Zoe was a champ on the plane and loved every second of the bus ride to the airport (no car seat!) and takeoff and landing.  She did get bored and fussed for all of 15 minutes, but I don't blame her.  I was antsy too.

Eating some cereal on the landing.

What mom? Everyone else is holding onto these poles.

Besides being tired, I'm feeling great.  I feel like this will be the story of my life for the next who knows how long so maybe I should just stop complaining about it.

Still trying to think of a baby name.  I have a list and can't tell how Aaron feels about any of the contenders.  We haven't had time to really sit down and talk about them (I told him while he was feeding Zoe so it was hectic).  No progress on Zoe's room or baby's room either.  I do have lists!  But haven't had time to do anything.  That's August's project :)

Sorry for the horrible post....I guess I should have been better about writing as the week went by!

July 6, 2014 - 21 Weeks

I hate that I can't be on top of these posts.  I guess that's to be expected with a toddler to run after and the fact that this feels like the busiest summer EVER.  I am writing them on time.  I've just been lazy uploading pictures.

Nothing really new or exciting pregnancy-wise to talk about.  Still feeling generally good.  I'm getting more tired by the end of the day with swollen feet here and there.  I was SO SWOLLEN by the end with Zoe, so I was hoping to avoid that this time around.  But maybe it's going to be in my cards again.  I'm also starting to get out of breath really easily.  I don't remember this happening so early before. And makes me a little nervous as to how I'm going to last 19 more weeks!

The highlight of the week was our weekend, adult getaway.  Beeba and Papa took Zoe up north while Aaron and I enjoyed a trip to Holland and then back for a night in GR.  We missed our little girl like crazy but it was so nice to just nap whenever, not worry about how late I was staying up because I knew I'd get to sleep in, not worry about eating at a certain time or nap time or any of the scheduling.  Don't get me wrong, I love every second (or almost every second ;) ) with that little girl.  Mommy just needs a little break to recharge once in a while.

Holland was filled with shopping and beach time.  It was crazy how quiet it was on the 4th.  The summer is their tourist season so I would have thought it would have been busier.  Nope, lots of stores and restaurants were closed.  GR was also fun.  The restaurant we wanted to go to was closed too (what?!), but we made do.  The fireworks were literally on top of our hotel so we were able to have a really good view.  Then Sunday it was back to my parents to pick up Little Miss who was so excited to see us.  She did have tons of fun though and had a few mini meltdowns when having to leave the "sings" and "wawa" (swings and water).  Story of our life so nothing new there :)  I think Beeba and Papa were exhausted too but had fun!

Next weekend it's off to CO!  Crazy busy summer!

June 29, 2014 - 20 Weeks

(Written on time…posted way late!)  20 WEEKS!  Halfway...that's just so crazy to me.

I think I'm up about 10 or 11 lbs.  The bump is definitely there.  Generally, it's not in the way yet, but I noticed painting my toe nails is getting a little harder.  Zoe LOVES to help me put my shoes on...if only I could teach her to paint my toe nails too :)  Still feeling like I don't look too huge.  I've noticed that my legs are getting to the not nearly as toned as they were point.  But I know from past experience, that I can't worry too much.  It is what it is at this point, and I'll do what I can workout-wise.  Knock on wood, they should go back to normal within a few weeks of delivery.  My ankles are looking a little bigger at the end of the day, so I'm wondering if some of it is water retention.

We had our big appointment this week!  And.....it's a BOY!!!!  So whether or not we go for #3, we have one of each.  Our perfect little family...so cheesy but it's how I feel :)  It might be because we already have had a girl and have history on the ultra sound, but it was so obvious to both of us that it was a boy.  She waited until the end to tell us, but we both saw the goods well before she said anything.  Definitely no mistaking it. Everything looks great though.  No worries.  Heart rate is in the 150s.  He's measuring about 12 oz. and right on track.

This profile looks awfully familiar :)

Ummm…please stop taking pictures of me and trying to make me move.  I'm sleeping!

Now I just need to figure out what to do with a few of the nursery items, get clothes and oh yeah, come up with a name ;)  I'm trying to not even worry about much until the beginning of August when I can breathe again after all of our traveling. 

No real worries this week.  It was so reassuring to see baby and know that's he's ok.  I also feel those taps all day long to remind me that he's in there :)

This weekend we traveled to Wisconsin for our niece's first birthday party.  It was a long drive, but so worth it to see everyone.  And Zoe is definitely starting to vie for attention and show off.  She was sprawling out on the ground and rolling around and we all thought it was funny.  Well then anytime she wanted any one's attention (especially Nana's), she'd plop down and roll around.  Such a cheese ball :)  She was amazing in the car for the most part.  She had a brief meltdown on the way there but it was 8 hours so I don't blame her (daddy was getting just as antsy).  She was a little crankier on the way home but still not too bad. 

What?? You don't lawn swim to get exercise?

Nana got her an American flag, and she is constantly pointing at the flag now and saying "Nana!"  So cute :)  It's so cute how she latches onto Beeba and Nana when she's with them.  She does not want them to put her down.  Nana will have her hands full in November with 4 little ones wanting her attention!  I know she loves it though :)  It's so neat to see them all together. 

Nana got the grand kids matching outfits and had a photo shoot.  Surprisingly, they all cooperated and they turned out really cute.  Sorry, photo shoot overload!

Leaving was hard and reminded me how much we miss family and living closer.  We should see Baby Ben at the end of July and then we won't see everyone again until Christmas :(  That just seems so far away!

June 22, 2014 - 19 Weeks

Maybe soon I'll actually post on the actual date (taken 6/22).

 

19 Weeks.  That means Friday is the ultra sound!  And so crazy to think that it's probably the last time we'll see baby until his/her birthday if everything goes normal.  We did have one extra ultra sound with Zoe, because the doctor was worried she was too small at one of our appointments - turned out she was right on track.  But we didn't complain about that extra sneak peak :)

I don't feel like I've grown too much from last week.  I'm sporting 100% maternity clothes now (except my scrub clothes - my t-shirts and gym shorts still fit).  I've started having Zoe point to my belly and say "baby" which she does willingly.  And it usually turns into her lifting my shirt and trying to poke my belly button because that's one of her favorite games :)

This girl loves to say "seese (cheese)!"  Thankfully it gets her to smile on queue.

Still craving all that is salt - McDonalds in particular.  Luckily, I don't indulge in that craving too often.  This week was horrible for working out, so I need to keep the fast food to a minimum.

Our anniversary was on Saturday!  6 years!  My mom made the trip over so that we could go out to dinner and not have to eat at super speeds to make sure we avoided an antsy toddler.  Mom and I also made the treck to IKEA to get what we both needed.  Check a few more things off this to do list.  And another visit to the splash park. This girl loves water!

No huge worries this week.  I did have some VERY minor spotting on Wednesday.  I had to travel to Chicago for work.  It was a LONG day.  Our flight left at 7:45 am and because of weather, we got stuck in Chicago.  We tried to get a rental, no luck - sold out.  We tried flights out of O'Hare - all cancelled as well.  So, we went back to the city and stayed the night.  Too bad it was already 10pm or we could have enjoyed some of it.  We got up the next day and headed back to the airport and thankfully left right on time.  Not fun traveling with no change of clothes though.  Oh well.  We survived!

Apparently with Zoe at this time, I had horrible hip pain while sleeping which I haven't experienced yet at all this time around.  I do miss non-side sleeping positions.  Similar symptom with Zoe - gagging.  I feel like my teeth must be rotting.  And I had a horrible time on our way to Chicago.  That is the closest I've ever come to puking on a plain.  We had out big ultra sound with Zoe at 19 weeks so this time around we have to wait one more week.

Movement is pretty consistent each day.  Not all day but at least a few times a day.  Which is always nice especially after the spotting.

Still hanging in there and just trying to enjoy the summer!  Things are going so fast!

June 8, 2014 - 17 Weeks

I feel like there was quite the jump from 16-17 weeks.

The doctors appointment went great on Friday.  I think I've gained around 9 lbs so far so very close to where I was at with Zoe.  I know it is what it is, but I just like to see where I'm at compared to with her.

The heart rate is in the 150s and sounded perfect!  I also scheduled the BIG ultra sound.  It's so crazy to know that will probably be the last time we'll see baby before he/she comes out.  And we are actually finding out the sex!  It makes it even more exciting :)  Then maybe I'll finally get moving on clearing out Zoe's new room and putting it together with the new stuff we've been accumulating.  I've bought a few things here and there already, and I mostly know exactly what else I need.  I'm still up in the air on what bedding I want, and if I want a chair in the room (I think it'll be too bare).  We also need to find a rug at some point.

I've been comparing these posts to my posts with Zoe and of course I didn't record the heart rate from my visit with her.  I just am trying to tell if I have any predictions...Part of me thinks girl because of how crappy I felt early on.  But then again there were a lot of other things that happened with Zoe that haven't happened this time.  So I basically still have no idea.  Everyone at daycare is thinking girl so that I can reuse all of Zoe's clothes.  They just think she has the cutest outfits.

This weekend was my sister's bridal shower.  It was jam packed with activities, but we had so much fun!  Friday we got in late because of horrible traffic.  Zoe was a champ though and fell asleep then woke up when we got home to have a drowsy bath (she was covered in sand from school or else we would have waited until Saturday) and then headed to bed.  We stayed up and chatted with my parents and got decorations ready for the shower. 

Saturday we got to meet our new nephew Ben.  Precious!  I can't believe Zoe was ever that tiny.  She was in complete awe of the "Baby" and did really well.  She wanted to be very close while we held him, but she wasn't by any means super jealous.  She got to touch his little feet and hands and even gave him a kiss before we left. 

After Zoe's nap, my mom, Jodi, Zoe, and I headed to Meijer Gardens to check out the kids area.  Zoe had a blast.  We stopped at the water features first and she did not want to leave.  She just sobbed and sobbed.  When we got to the next stop, she finally dried her tears.  Later, we made it to the giant rock querry (aka sand box) and she was in heaven there too.  It was getting close to closing time so we enticed her away with one more stop at the water.  Again, she sobbed when we left the sand...and again when we left the water.  At least we know she had fun :)  Picture overload…

That night we went out to dinner with some of my dad's side to see my uncle while he was in town.  Zoe stayed up too late again but was a champ.

Staying up way too late.

Sunday was the shower and Zoe came for a little bit before going over to Nana's.  The shower was perfect...the food was so good and it was so nice to see everyone that we don't get to see very often.  That afternoon we just relaxed out on the patio until it was time for dinner and to head home.

Showing Aunt Jodi and Poppa her drawings.

It was busy but fun!  I can't wait for CO in a few weeks :)