75% of the way there!!

Baby girl is still cooking for several more weeks but we are definitely in the home stretch!! Her little body can regulate body temperature on it's own now. She may have a full head of hair and if the old wives tales are true, that could explain my recent heartburn.

I celebrated my 35th birthday on Saturday!! It was the perfect weekend! I got to spend it with Nick and Carli and then our friends and their families joined us in the afternoon for our annual summer cookout. We had nine kids under 9. They were all so good, played great together, and had a ball. Currently, it is 5 boys and 4 girls but next year, we will be even!  I am sure everyone passed out and slept well Saturday night....including me!

Sunday was the hottest day of the year thus far so....I stayed inside all day! We went mamaw's house to make homemade pizzas, eat Aunt Gertie's Angel Food Cake, and celebrate Kelli and I aging another year:) We had a ball and really enjoyed the day together.

My birthday picture!!



 Friends of ours came over last night with their sweet baby girl, Julianne. She is almost 4 months old and Carli could not get enough. It was so sweet to watch her hold her and help take care of her. She helped give her a bottle, sang her a lullaby, and "read" her the story of the three little bears...which put her to sleep. Her proudest moment ever!!! She took a very short nap in the crib and I must say, it was pretty surreal to see a sleeping baby in that room.

I snapped this picture this morning. It is Carli looking through her "pregnancy book" that I made for her. She loved seeing pictures of us preparing for her and her in my tummy.

Being the "list-maker" that I am, I have finally started crossing a few items off the list. We ordered our new baby monitor, bought a diaper bag (I wanted a new one), and diaper genie. Just as fast as I am crossing things off, I am adding more....

TO DO:

-stock up on diapers

-purchase the sit and stand stroller

-Pre-register at the hospital

-Spray paint the book shelf for the nursery and hang

-Complete maternity leave paperwork for work

-Dig out and sterilize bottles

-Wash new (and old) baby clothes

-Wash covers for swing and rock-and-play

-Pack bag  (still seems early but this is something that didn't get done until after my water broke 4   years ago so I thought I would be a little more prepared this time).

-Install car seat (also didn't happen until after baby arrived before....ha!)

To be continued.....



The great debate!

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and everything went smooth. We started discussing options for delivery. I had a C-section with Carli so I have that as an option but because there wasn't a problem with my body actually delivering a baby...I just never got into full labor, I also could do a vbac (vaginal birth after C-section). She explained the risks of both and now we have a decision to make.
The pros and cons of each:


Vbac
Pros-
-Not getting cut open (this one is kind of big)
-Faster recovery time (this will be important with 2 kids)
-Less hospital time
-Different birthing experience than with Carli


Cons-
-Risk of rupture in uterus b/c of existing incision....1 out of 100. If this happens there is greater risk for other problems for both me and baby.
-Only 60-80% of women's body's can do a vbac so could still end up with C-section after labor.
-Doctors can't do anything to induce or speed along labor (Pitocin) so it happens when it happens....


C-section
Pro's
-It is scheduled and planned
-Arrangement for Carli are made
-I know what to expect
-Little risk to baby


Cons-
-Slower recovery time. This will be tough for Carli and I...she likes to cuddle mama.
-Longer hospital stay
-Normal surgery risk (hemorrhaging, blood clots, infection)




Needless to say, we will continue to discuss. My doctor said I am a good candidate for either and she supports whatever I decide. With that being said, because the OR at Ohio State books up fast, she did go ahead and schedule our C-section, just to save the date, in the event that is what we decide. We are scheduled for September 30th at 10am. If that is the way we go...we will definitely have our baby girl by then. If she decides to make an earlier arrival, they will follow through with whatever course of delivery we have chosen at that point.


It is crazy to see that date on the calendar....along with the rest of my check up appointments scheduled though birth. Realistically, she could be here in as little as 8 weeks and still be considered full term.
No matter what we decide, our main priority is a safe delivery for and a healthy baby and mommy. We just have to determine her exit strategy!!

29 weeks!

Baby girl #2 weighs about 3lbs and mama is feeling the extra weight! I had to attend a training for 2 days in Cincinnati this week and sitting still was really difficult. I was stiff and sore at the end of each day. She is probably about 17 inches long and for the next 2 months will just add that extra baby fat.

The crib is assembled in place. That is the one item that really makes it look like a nursery. We love the way it is all coming together. Last weekend, we spent the day at the zoo with Aunt Megan and then did a little shopping for some accessories and décor for the room. Curtains arrived yesterday and I can see our vision coming together perfectly!

Big sister loves the crib....a baby doll has occupied it every night for the last week.

While spending the day with Megan, Carli also got asked to be a part of Shane and Megan's wedding day next summer.  Originally, we talked about both girls being included but I don't think baby girl will be ready to stroll down the aisle. We will definitely make sure she is included in family pictures and decked out in a fancy dress!

My mom sent me this picture of Carli reading books to her baby...or maybe practicing reading to her baby sister. I love it and can easily picture my girls cuddled up. So very sweet!!

I saw this and thought it was so funny...and so true! Just last night I was up 5 times to pee. I was only in bed for 8 hours....how crazy is that!!

How far along? 29 weeks

Total Weight Gain? 14lbs...and doc said to expect about a pound a week moving forward.

Maternity Clothes? when it comes to pants, yes! Some dresses with stretch don't have to be maternity.

Stretch Marks? no

Sleep: Between sleeping in a hotel for 2 nights and all my potty breaks, it is hit or miss each night.

Best moment this week: Loved getting crib put together and spending the entire weekend doing fun family stuff.

Miss anything?  I missed happy hour..that leads into late night hours with co-workers in Cincy...but got to catch up with my bestie so it was totally worth it.

Movement:  Lots! What a wiggle worm!

Food Cravings? Nothing...in fact, not much of an appetite. It's so hot and the idea of a full meal doesn't appeal to me at all.

Anything make you sick or queasy? No

Gender: GIRL:)

Labor signs: We are good here for awhile!

Symptoms:  I have noticed a little swelling of my ankles at the end of the day but it is nothing like I experienced the first time. I have had heartburn ALOT the last few days.  

Belly button in or out? in...but getting shallow.

Wedding rings on or off? Wedding bands fit but my engagement ring is really snug. I know the heat isn't helping that. It has been in the 90's for a week!

Happy or Moody most of the time:  Oh, so happy!

Looking forward to:  My birthday!! I think Carli and Nick have something up their sleeve...her excitement about other people's special day is so sweet. I can't wait to spend time with family and friends this weekend!



28 weeks

Our sweet baby girl is already settling into proper position for birth with head downward. Her punches and kicks are getting harder (and more painful at times) so I know she is getting bigger and stronger. She is about 2.5lbs. She can also blink and hiccup now. I haven't felt any hiccups yet but that is always a funny feeling and I am sure it will happen soon!


We had a nice weekend at home and didn't have to run around much...although we still stayed busy. Saturday morning we took advantage of the sunshine and cooler temps and played putt-putt. Carli surprised us with her putting skills and we all really had fun. Nick and I tied!! ha! We spent the evening at the Seymour's watching Ku-Fu Panda in 3D. The kids had a blast eating pizza and snacks. Carli fell asleep at the end of the moving and daddy had to carry her home.

Sunday, Nick got to play a quick 9 holes of golf in the morning and I got to finish painting the dresser and side table for the nursery. I am so happy with how it turned out. The paint is a perfect match to the crib. I FINALLY found curtains that I like and can't wait to see everything come together with the colors and textiles. It is starting to look more and more like a baby's room every week. Sneak peak coming soon....

Before and After...

I have been sleeping like a champ the last few days...such a relief because I was crazy tired last week. 



Nothing sweeter than early morning cuddles from this angel.

Time is ticking by and with each passing day we all get more and more excited to meet this new baby!!

We still need to take a shopping trip to Babies R' Us and pick up a few things....diaper genie, new diaper bag, and dual screen monitor (I want to see both my girls).

We also registered for a sibling class at Ohio State Medical Center. It will help prepare big sister, give us a tour of the hospital, and teach her how to hold a baby and help mom and dad. I know she will love it!



27 weeks

Hello third trimester!! It must be apparent that I am clearly pregnant because multiple strangers have made comments this week. And here I thought I have looked pregnant for a few months! ha!

Baby girl is putting on weight at a rapid pace and has even started to build some muscle tone from all that moving around. I have seen kicks and punches from the outside now too. I love it every time!

We are living the "cool" life and our A/C is officially installed and amazing! Thank goodness because temps were back up in the 90's this week.


We enjoyed a great long weekend and lots of fun celebrating 4th of July! The weather was a little dreary but that didn't keep us down. Carli loved the sparklers and the fireworks this year! She was so brave and the noise didn't bother her (a change from the last few years).

The nursery is completely painted!! I am going to re-finish a dresser and nightstand this weekend. I have been looking at window coverings, decor, and other sweet baby things to add. We also picked out a new rocker and got it ordered. It feels SO good to finally see progress there.

We have also been keeping busy with a few other home improvement projects that we want done this summer. I love checking things off of the list!!





How far along?  27 weeks

Total Weight Gain? 10lbs. I really haven't had much of a big appetite in the heat.

Maternity Clothes? everyday...trying to get creative.

Stretch Marks? no

Sleep: It has been a rough few nights. My hips are starting to hurt after laying on them for several hours and I am restless. I hope this isn't a new normal.

Best moment this week: Quality time with Carli on Monday when Nick played golf with his dad and brothers.

Miss anything?  Lots of yummy and creative drinks at 4th of July.

Movement: Every day!!

Food Cravings? Frosty's and cheese.

Anything make you sick or queasy? No

Gender: GIRL:)

Labor signs: I had a few Braxton hicks contractions on Thursday night. A little alarming but it has seemed to subside.

Symptoms:  Pretty tired at the end of the day....I am sure my restless nights are contributing to that.

Belly button in or out? in

Wedding rings on or off? on...but they are snug some mornings.

Happy or Moody most of the time:  Feeling so lucky!

Looking forward to: A beautiful weekend in the 80's with no major plans! Hoping to get a few things accomplished and have some fun family time.

26 weeks

Baby girl is now up to 2lbs and over a foot long.  Her eyelids are starting to open although there isn't too much to see in there. She is more and more active each week and I would love to get a sneak peak at her and how much she has grown but we don't have another ultrasound scheduled until August 12th.


I have been sleeping SO much better this week because the weather has cooled down....our new AC unit will be installed today and we are so thankful because the temps are climbing back into the 90's very soon!  It was hot earlier this week when we got home from work....so we hung out at the neighbors all night. We are so lucky to have great friends!

I was able to get a little more painting done on Sunday morning before the heat of the day. I am loving the color and I am determined to finish the last two walls this weekend!

We attended a wedding  last weekend and remembered to snap a picture of ourselves all fancied up!

The next day Carli had a bday party to attend and we both crashed afterwards. Nick caught that on camera too!

I had my 26 week appointment yesterday. This is the fun one where I get to chug a super sugary drink and then have my blood drawn. The check-up went great! Strong heartbeat at 150bpm and growth is right on track. According to my doctors scale, I am up 10lbs...so we are going to go with that instead of the 14lbs that our broken, sometimes working....sometimes not...scale at home is telling me. My blood work came back with low levels of hemoglobin and RBC count. I am guessing they are going to put me on a iron supplement. From what I understand, anemia in pregnancy is pretty common since you have such a large amount of blood volume in your body. The iron just doesn't produce at that same rate.

Yum!! (yuck)