29 Weeks

We finally had another ultrasound last week & were delighted to see our little girl again.  Her feet are huge (just like her daddy and Jackson's feet), and she had a pouty bottom lip.  All of the potential health issues the doctor had mentioned after our 16 week ultrasound have resolved as expected, and everything looks great.  Ella already weighs over 3 lbs and is measuring 2 weeks ahead.  I've gained 18 lbs., although I haven't weighed since our weekend away which included cheesecake, cupcakes, Chipolte, and pizza....

The unfortunate pregnancy side effects of heart burn and indigestion have heightened to the point that Tums aren't very effective, so I've started eating dinner earlier and sleeping a bit propped up.  The last week I've felt really worn out, and while I still managed my two gym workouts I think we only walked one day and it was cut short by the rain.  I'm hoping my tiredness is more a reflection of the cold & wet weather we've had than of this stage of pregnancy because I'm a much less fun mom to Jackson when I feel so tired.  We took a walk last night, and again it was cut short because it started raining.  I'm sure I'm quite the sight--pushing a stroller, pregnant, holding Thatcher's leash, and running to avoid a downpour.  I have start feeling a lot of pressure and some swelling if I overdo it, and I've had a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions the last few weeks, especially when I'm exercising or walking.  I'm carrying Ella so much lower than Jackson, so I guess that may be why the pressure seems worse.

I'm trying to remember to get a few bump photographs, and Jackson insists on getting in every single one.  He just keeps reaching up until I let him join in, and I don't mind having the photos taken nearly as much since I have some company. 

Thankfully I haven't had back pain in weeks, and I found some dresses on our shopping trip that will make maternity dressing easier this summer.  Two of the 3 dresses aren't even maternity, and while I don't usually wear maxi-style dresses, I figure I might still wear these after Ella is born and I'm not fitting back in my normal clothes.  They are so much more comfortable than belly panels and trying to find the right shirt that will cover the panel, etc.  Speaking of shopping, a lot of pink things have entered our home now....a pink Pottery Barn anywhere chair, Boppy cover, crib sheet, hooded bunny towel, and a navy & pink diaper bag.  I love it! Can't wait to meet this little girl, and if she's like her brother and comes early she should be here in 2 months.

p.s. Thankful for a great workout today with my friend Maggie. The elliptical is much less painful with company.

15 Months

Dear Jackson,

In a few days you'll be 15 months old, and I enjoyed writing your one year old post so much that I thought I would write another one.  I plan to print these and add them to your baby book, so you can read about what you and your life was like at a particular point in time.

Thankfully your days are beginning a bit later now with a wake up around 7:00.  We often begin the day slowly by watching Baby Einstein or Sesame Street, and then it's time for breakfast.  Your favorite breakfast foods are smoothies, scrambled eggs, whole wheat pancakes, and whole wheat blueberry waffles (no syrup yet). You can easily eat 3 scrambled eggs! Your dad and I take turns taking showers and getting ready for the day while you eat and we do various chores, and then your daddy heads to work.  I usually clean the kitchen and start some laundry while you play on your own or "help" me.  You like to play with the broom and Swiffer.  When the washing machine agitates you dance, and it cracks me up every time.  I glad you can hear a beat :)   Some days you're really amenable to reading, and we'll read as many as 15 books together before you wiggle your way out of my lap. 

You take a morning nap around 10:00 and sleep for an hour.  Thatcher and I usually nap while you do.  When you wake I start thinking about lunch because I am so hungry these days (probably because your baby sister is growing so much).  I usually start you off with a vegetable.  If it's sweet potatoes, you gobble it all up.  If it's peas, brocolli, cauliflower, corn, or carrots, your response varies.  After veggies, you may eat a peanut butter or almond butter sandwich, deconstucted chili or soup, pieces of grilled chicken, couscous, rice, or pieces of pizza.  You love grated cheese and pretzels, and sometimes I'll give you those just so I have more time to finish my lunch.  You often demand some of whatever I'm having and feed yourself 90% of the time.  You're still glad for me to feed you yogurt, applesauce, or baby food though.

After lunch we may run errands to Whole Foods or the library, but I usually don't go too far because I don't want you to fall asleep in the car.  You get drowsy in the car fairly easily and like to zone out.  You grin at people as we shop and love our little field trips.  If it's pretty out, we often take a wagon ride and let Thatcher come along. Some afternoons or evenings we play with Holden in his backyard, and you get so dirty.  You eat rocks, dirt, toilet paper, cardboard, and anything else you find on the ground, and there's not much we can do about it.  I'm hoping you'll outgrow this stage of putting everything in your mouth soon.  You laugh at much of what Holden does, and he's often rough with you but you don't seem to mind it at all.

You had your first (very slight) fever recently, and it only lasted a few hours.  You've had such a healthy life so far, although we think you had a few weeks of allergies.  The pollen has been awful and hard to avoid, especially since we enjoy being outside so much. 

Your afternoon nap is usually from 3:00 to 4:00, and afterwards we often go for a long walk with a friend or occasionally we'll go to the gym where you hang in the nursery.  You had a few rough weeks of separation anxiety when I left you with strangers (but you continued to do well with babysitters and family), so we took a break from the gym for about two months.  You eat an early dinner around 5:00, and then we have playtime outside or on the porch so you can get good and dirty before bath time.  When your daddy gets home, you two like to wrestle on our bed, and sometimes all 4 of us take a family walk.  You're finally able to stay up a bit later, so your bedtime isn't until almost 7:30.  If you're not melting, we read you a book or two, turn on the sound machine, and then put you down on your belly with a lovey or two.  You've recently become attached to your loveys and insist that when you get out of bed that we also get whatever animals you slept with as well as your blanket.  If we forget, you carry on almost hysterically.  You may be a bit spoiled :)  You've also started demanding that I read particular books. 

You're still such a pleasant child, giving out lots of smiles and hugs.  You walk and almost run very easily, especially if a door to a typically forbidden room is open.  Some days you're extremely verbal and sound like you're speaking a foreign language.  We've heard you say "Dada," "Mama," "Thatch," "bad dog," "hi," "hey," and several other words, but then you may go days without saying anything discernible (other than Dada which you say all the time:).  You love the remote control and are very proud when you change a channel.  You've figured out how to go through the doggy door and are so fast!  You haven't noticed my belly and have no idea that you'll be in a big brother soon.  You're an absolute joy, and I'm so thankful you're mine.

Much love for you,
Mommy

p.s. I'm thankful that we got to see baby Ella during an ultrasound yesterday. Jackson, she has your very long feet!

Wordless Wednesday: Friends

 

p.s I'm thankful for some time away with friends, good food, and safe travels.

My Foray into Craigslisting

One of my goals (for years now) has been to sell something on Craigslist.  This afternoon I finally got around to listing an item: our broken washing machine. 

Side note: Can you believe our approximately $1000 1 1/2 year old Whirlpool Duet washing machine broke? The repair cost was estimated to be $800 and would involve replacing a bearing with the same poor quality Whirlpool bearing. No thanks.  Whirlpool offered the part for free if we would use their technicians, but the other repairmen I spoke with recommended cutting my losses.  I am now a proud owner of a used top loader (with agitator) washing machine that cost $200.

Since the washer was broken and needed an expensive repair we had planned to list it for free if someone would just come pick it up, but then I figured why not shoot for the stars? :)  I listed it for $30 and planned to drop it to free if it didn't sell within a day or so since it's sitting on our back porch and an eyesore.  I gave the first responder a call, and after negotiations, he was on his way to our house.  I quickly realized how annoying the process would be: emailing/phone calls, giving out my address to a complete stranger, and coordinating a time in the evening when Blake would be home too (and cutting my workout short to accommodate the process).  So when my buyer arrived I asked if he'd be interested in purchasing the pedestal too.  I planned to list it tomorrow and could have easily gotten more money for it, but I'm happy with the $40 we made for less than an hour of effort.  Plus the stupid washer isn't on our porch anymore.  Hoping to list more stuff this week! Yeah for spring cleaning.

p.s. I'm thankful my allergy-related sore throat and yuckiness is starting to let up a little. 

Pregnancy #1 Versus Pregnancy #2

It's been interesting to compare pregnancies, and I've been thankful for some of the ways this pregnancy has been easier than my first.  So here's a list:

Differences

1. Morning sickness ended much sooner! About a day after I started taking progesterone, my morning sickness decreased by 80%.  All morning sickness was over by 10-12 weeks, whereas I had bouts of sickness during my first pregnancy until around 18 weeks.

2. No pregnancy acne or backacne.  So thankful! Having zits on my neck, chest, and back only added to the vanity-destroying state known as pregnancy, so I'm glad to skip it this time.

3. Back pain started much sooner this go around.  During the later parts of my second trimester and third trimester I would have back pain beginning around 1:00 p.m. most days and particularly if I was on my feet a lot.  With this pregnancy, I've had days of back pain that is on-going as early as about 18 weeks.  I'm sure it has to do with lifting a 14 month old out of the crib & carseat, etc.  Thankfully I haven't experienced it recently, and my husband is great about doing all of the carseat in/out when we're together.

4. I think about being pregnant about 75% less than I did during my first pregnancy.  A lot of that is because so much of my mental capacity is consumed with a 14 month old and his nap schedule, 3 meals and snacking schedule, and all of the rest of his needs, and I'm sure an equal part is that this isn't new to me.

(Photo just taken:)

Similarities

1.  It feels like a miracle....that we're being blessed with a child and that conception and pregnancy have both been so easy.  Both pregnancies are huge reminders of God's goodness.

2. Weight gain feels out of my control, too quick, and in places other than my belly.  When I'm not pregnant I have a decently easy time of maintaining my weight, so it's been frustrating to gain weight so quickly (like 3 pounds in 3 days).  I'd like to gain a pound a week for a total of 25-30 pounds (and only in my belly region:), but it doesn't seem to be in my pregnancy cards.  The second trimester dramatically increases my appetite, so I've been trying to exercise more and make better food choices.  It's weird to be pregnant and almost feel like I'm dieting, although don't get me wrong...dieting for me means only having 2-3 pieces of pizza when I'm wanting much more because I'm a bottomless pregnant pit :)  I've gained 16 pounds so far (all in the last 12 weeks) and am almost 26 weeks pregnant.  I gained a total of 40 pounds with my first pregnancy (and delivered at 37.5 weeks).

3. First trimester scares.  With Jackson I passed tissue that really scared us, and with this pregnancy, I had spotting for several weeks. 

4.  I hate maternity clothes.  Thankfully I'm not having to navigate maternity professional wear this go-round since I can't even seem to find casual wear that is cute, affordable, and doesn't fall apart after being laundered.  Good thing I'm at home most of the time in pjs or leggings.  Next month I get to figure out what kind of bathing suit to wear at 30 weeks preggo at the beach! Regardless I'm very excited about going to St. Simons.

p.s. I'm thankful it's Friday. Love spending the weekends with my family.

Wordless Wednesday: Backyard Fun

 

p.s. I'm thankful that so many of our neighbors are good friends too.

Five Things I'm Liking Now

1. Our wagon.  Poppy & Gan gave Jackson a wagon for his birthday, and we use it all the time.  It's perfect for short walks and when I don't want Jackson to get sleepy during a walk (like he might in his stroller).  It has a seat belt too, which keeps him inside, and it has an extra seat which is perfect for when we run into our neighbor Holden on our evening walks.

2. Ebates.  I heard about Ebates several years ago but never looked into it.  I'm doing more online shopping now since it's a little harder to get out and about amidst nap/eating schedules, etc., and Ebates has netted me $60 in about 6 months just for clicking through its website prior to making a purchase.  It's really that easy.  I love a deal, so it makes me happy.  If you're interested, I'm glad to send you an invite (since they pay you for referring using customers).

3. ZoLi Bot Sippy Cup.  Yes, I'm now finding joy in finally discovering  a sippy cup that does not leak.  It's been about a 7 month quest with lots of wasted money, spills, etc.  This cup is $15, and you have to order it online, but if continues to work, it's worth every penny.  Jackson loves it too.  One of my recent favorite bloggers recommended it.

4. Sleeping Until 7:00.  Miraculously our son has started sleeping later--as late as 7:20 and often until 7:00.  He's much happier in the morning and so am I.  When daylight savings time came around I used it as an opportunity to start pushing his bedtime a little later (like 7:15-7:30:), but really the biggest change has been that he's just sleeping about 11 and a 1/2 hours at night instead of 10.8-11.    Maybe it's because he is so extremely busy all of the time! Regardless I'll take it :)

5. Otterbox.  I managed just fine without an Iphone case until recently.  My relatively new Iphone 4S fell out of the stroller pocket when my husband collapsed it last fall, so we spent $100 having the exterior replaced.  Then Jackson knocked it off the dining room table, and the back is cracked again.  So I finally bit the bullet and ordered an Otterbox.  I've been really surprised that it doesn't bother me at all and has a very minimal effect on my use.

p.s. I'm so grateful for this spring/summer weather.  We spent 2 hours walking on Monday, and it was just wonderful to be outside.

Happy Easter!

We didn't really have any big Easter plans again this year.  We read scripture this morning, then worshipped, and had lunch with Blake's mom, step-dad, and sister.  I think next year Jackson would enjoy an egg hunt, so we may try to plan something fun at our home.

I'm not really one to buy special Easter outfits, so thankfully my mom had recently given Jackson some very preppy items from the Polo outfit.  He looked like such a cute prepster today (even though I'm generally not a sweater vest fan:)  Sadly the three stores we tried this afternoon were all sold out of Cadbury eggs, so I had to settle for some Robin Eggs to satiate my Easter sweet tooth.  I hope you all had a wonderful day of celebration!

 

p.s. I'm thankful for a project-oriented and handy husband who is currently installing wainscoting in our dining room.  Then we'll be hitting the rest of our serious nesting list, like Jackson's big boy room.

You're Already Pregnant, AGAIN?

"Is he your only child?" the lady behind me in line asked.

"Yes, but he'll become a big brother this summer." I replied.  And that's when the twenty-something year old in front of me whipped around and said "You're already pregnant, again?!!"  You would have thought I was 16 and unmarried or otherwise appearing totally irresponsible by the shock and derision in her tone.  Lately the response has been more to the tune of "Wow. You're going to have your hands full."  I don't doubt that is true.  Honestly I think I'd have my hands full no matter when we were to have our second child because infants are incredibly labor-intensive and adding a person to your family is a tremendous adjustment.  Sure, Jackson won't be able to help me like an older child might be able to do, but there are upsides to siblings being really close in age.  And really given our ages (34 & 38) and desire to adopt our third child, I feel blessed the Lord chose to give us another child so soon.

Today, however, I was really encouraged by a stranger.  Jackson and I were shopping at Sam's Club (yeah for all of the free samples he enjoyed), and a lady told me how adorable Jackson was and how she had three sons.  I told her we were having a daughter in July, and she exclaimed "Oh you'll love having them so close together.  Mine were 18 and 20 months apart, and I would do it again in a heartbeat."  Her obvious joy was such a pleasure to see as is my friend Michelle's Instagram photographs of her 3 boys (each about 18 months apart).  An older one often has his arm around a younger one, or they're playing together or helping one another.  It's just precious to see.

These examples stand in such stark contrast to the woman at Walmart who told me her 2 children were 18 months apart and that she was suicidal for years and that it was awful.  I hadn't even told her I was having another child but what a warning!  I'm guessing she probably really needed some help but didn't receive it.

Thankfully I'm not very sensitive to these comments, or all of the other insensitive things people say to pregnant people, but more find it a source of entertainment--or today a source of encouragement as I think about all that my family has to look forward to.  Sure it's going to be hard and stressful, but it's also going to be joyful, exciting, and sweet.

p.s. I'm thankful for a day at the aquarium with my mom, niece Mallie, and Jackson.  Such a fun day!

 

I Wonder....

how I can be so blessed yet still find things to complain about throughout the day.

how many more intrusive or annoying things Facebook will have to do before I'll quit.

why my belly itches all the time even though I'm using Bio-Oil & lotion twice a day.

why Jackson has been waking up every other morning around 5:30 and only able to put himself back to sleep for a few minutes.

how some people make it through life given how complicated it can be (I'm working on our taxes, tag renewal, will, and medical bills today).

how I will be different with a second child.

if our dog will run away when we bring home another baby.

how many Cadbury Eggs I'd have to eat to satisfy my craving.

when I'll see my next really great movie (recommendations welcome).

p.s. I'm grateful for the internet as I sit in an eight hour CLE course all day.