Baby #2 BUMP REPORT – 27 Weeks

PREGNANCY WEEK 27 – July 25, 2015

The baby is now over two pounds and more than 14 inches. This marks the last week of the 2nd trimester, the home stretch is around the corner. Wow. I’ve enjoyed this 2nd trimester and hopefully the third will treat me well too.

I called around and finally found a chiropractor that accepts insurance and treats my Pubis Symphysis Dysfunction. I had an appointment with him on Thursday and he is confident that he can get me in working order. After an examination, he adjusted me. My pubic pain is lesser and I feel better overall. I return for another appointment next week. I am grateful that I can get some help for this issue. So far I’m happy with the result of my first adjustment. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is only positive, so I look forward to getting treated regularly.

On Friday I got a real treat. One of my good friends offered to take Winter for the day so that I could get a “day off” and do whatever I wanted. It was so nice! I went to see a movie, got a manicure, went to the mall, and overall enjoyed my day. It was much needed and very refreshing!

Today I ran a 5K race and it went pretty well. The course had ZERO flat areas, it was either uphill or downhill the entire time. My foot didn’t give me any trouble, neither did my pubic bone give me any pain. I wore my maternity support belt. I ran the majority of the race but did take walking breaks on some of the uphill portions. It felt great when I would occasionally pass other runners. I heard one lady sigh really loud as I passed her.

Eric and I celebrate 7 years of marriage on July 26. We are going to spend one night away in the mountains to celebrate!

My age: 29

How far along: 27 weeks

How big is baby: the size of a head of lettuce (14.5 inches and 2.2 pounds)

Gender: Girl

Events of this week: Went to a surprise birthday party, went to the movies, went to the park, went swimming at the pool, had a “day off,” had a girl’s night, ran a 5K, went to a jewelry party, and our friends from small group had their baby girl.

Symptoms: Pubis Symphysis Dysfunction, growing belly, mild heartburn and got my first Braxton Hicks contractions. Started to feel the urgency to go to the bathroom frequently now–with there only being a trickle….so annoying!

Exercise/Activity: 5 days of exercise! One of those being my 5K race that I ran today. Feeling good about working out, although I did pull a muscle in my back while lifting weights the other day.

Sleep: Decent sleep because of my pillow cave. Up a lot to pee.

Maternity clothes:  Yes.

Stretch marks: No.

Belly Button: Out.

Food cravings: Swiss cheese.

Food aversions: None.

Movement: Lots.

Best Moment of the Week: Our friends FINALLY had their baby girl 9 days overdue!

Worst Moment of the Week: None.

What I’m looking forward to: Seeing our baby on the ultrasound on Friday.

What I’m nervous about/praying for: Hoping for good results on the ultrasound. We are looking to see a bigger spacing between where my placenta is compared to my cervix than at 20 weeks.

What I miss: Nothing.

Next appointment: Friday, July 31 @ 8:00 am – checkup, 28 week ultrasound & glucose test.

Pregnancy comparison:

27 Weeks Pregnant with baby #2:

Baby #2 BUMP REPORT – 26 Weeks

PREGNANCY WEEK 26 – July 18, 2015

At 26 weeks, the pregnancy is already 65% complete…it’s going so fast! She will be here in approximately 3 months, how am I already 6+ months pregnant?! The baby is the size of a cucumber, weighing it at almost 2 pounds and 14 inches long.

We went camping as a family (just Eric, Winter and I) this weekend and had an enjoyable time. We bought a new air mattress because the one we had on our camping trip a few weeks ago had a leak. That one got thrown away since it gave us such a terrible night of sleep! The new air matress held up great and Eric, Winter and I all slept fantastic this weekend! (Winter slept in a pack n play in the tent.) It was fun to go camping with just the three of us, even if it did pour rain for a good 45 minutes on Saturday afternoon. Winter was frightened by the storm, but that just meant I got to cuddle her for a while (I loved that)!

I’m back to running and feel so grateful to be doing so. My foot is holding up great. I plan to run my 5K race next weekend!

This week there has been a major baby boom. I’ve known of 8 friends who have given birth within one week! Wow! And I have several more friends who are currently due or due within the next week or two. I guess 9 months ago there must have been a major blizzard, if you know what I mean. 🙂

My age: 29

How far along: 26 weeks

How big is baby: the size of a cucumber (14 inches and 1.9 pounds)

Gender: Girl

Events of this week: Celebrated with friends at a couples baby shower for their baby boy, met with friends to walk, dressed up at a cow to get free food at ChickFilA on “cow appreciation day,” went on a date night, had some play dates, completed more sewing projects for the nursery, celebrated birthdays with our life group, went camping.

Symptoms: Growing belly, slight heartburn, and a new symptom….(sorry if TMI) pubic bone pain! It’s like I get lightning strikes to that area that are super painful, especially if I shift from side to side or pick up something really heavy. It’s called Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction. I looked it up and it seems to be related to the fact that the hormone relaxin is loosening my joints and can cause this symptom. It’s actually very uncomfortable, and I have never experienced this with my first pregnancy.

Exercise/Activity: Logged my 5 days this week. I am proud to say that my foot has recovered enough that I’ve been back to running! I completed 3 runs this week and lifted weights 4-5 times this week. My calves feel SUPER tight when I run. I experienced tight calves much earlier in my pregnancy last time, so I feel grateful that it started up so much later this time.

Sleep: I’m not sleeping the greatest, but not terribly. I am 100% getting up nightly to use the bathroom at this point. At least once, if not more.

Maternity clothes:  Yes.

Stretch marks: No.

Belly Button: Out.

Food cravings: Swiss cheese.

Food aversions: None.

Movement: Moving like crazy.

Best Moment of the Week: Camping with my family this weekend. It was fun to see Winter enjoying herself so much.

Worst Moment of the Week: None.

What I’m looking forward to: Our ultrasound in less than 2 weeks!

What I’m nervous about/praying for: Nothing.

What I miss: Nothing.

Next appointment: Friday, July 31 @ 8:00 am – checkup, 28 week ultrasound & glucose test.

Comparison of pregnancies:

26 weeks with baby #2:

 

Baby #2 – BUMP REPORT – 25 Weeks

PREGNANCY WEEK 25 – July 11, 2015

My belly is the size of a soccer ball this week according to my sources. Baby girl sure seems to get that memo since she is kicking like a soccer player in there. We have officially chosen her name, though we won’t share what that is until her birth. If your guess is “Spring,” “Summer,” or “Autumn,” I can tell you right now, you are wrong! Believe me, I wish I had a dollar for every time someone asks me that…I’d be rich! Haha. I’m a good sport though. I do like the names Summer and Autumn, but with Winter already in our family, I’d never use one of those names. Though it may drive my friends crazy, baby #2’s name is top secret for a few more months! It’s fun knowing that we have chosen her name. Eric has started praying for her by name, and Winter can even pronounce her baby sister’s name fairly well (is that a hint?).

I am ecstatic that my foot is feeling majorly improved. I took the doctor’s advice and have been wearing good sturdy shoes nearly all of the time (even when I’m at home inside). This has made a big difference. I think my shoe essentially acted like a cast or brace to keep it from continuing to move around too much and worsen. I’ve been walking like a crazy woman and lifting weights like it’s my job, so my body is not feeling deprived of exercise. In fact, all this strength training is helping me stay lean. With my foot feeling SO MUCH better, I hope to add some running back into my exercise routine soon, as I have a 5K race coming up that I’d like to run. The race is in two weeks.

We suddenly have had big progress in baby’s nursery. Because Winter is such a great sleeper, we want to keep her in her own crib as long as possible. We bought another crib for the baby and changing table this week and set them up. Having those items made me excited to start working on the decor of the nursery, so I bought fabric and began working on some projects. I also bought a sewing machine so that I can sew items myself. This week I sewed a teething rail guard, crib skirt (no sew skirt, just like the one I made for Winter’s crib) and diaper changing pad cover. We also bought curtains and crib sheets. The room is coming along nicely and I am so excited it’s coming together. I will post more about the nursery down the road as it comes together.

There are many of my friends who are also pregnant this year, and some of the due dates are coming up now that it’s July. There was one girl who had her baby this week and another who is due this week. Seeing others having their babies is making this feel all the more real for me that I’ve only got a few short months left until we have ours. Crazy! Time, slow down!

My mom is a nurse, and she was telling me about a little one year old baby she was caring for this week who was born prematurely at only 25 weeks! He was due October 25 of last year. That would be like my baby being born now! Wow. I’m grateful that God has given this baby a good safe place to grow, and I hope to be blessed to carry her to 40 weeks. It’s amazing knowing that if she were born now, she could survive though.

My age: 29

How far along: 25 weeks

How big is baby: the size of a cauliflower (13 inches and 1.5 pounds)

Gender: Girl

Events of this week: Watched the fireworks with friends, went to church, set up the baby’s crib, went to story time at the library, saw a movie at the theatre with Winter, went to the zoo, went on a few walks with friends, had bible study, went to FAM night at church with our small group, going to a baby shower tomorrow.

Symptoms: Belly is growing.

Exercise/Activity: I exercised 5 days this week. My muscles are getting strong and toned from all of this weight training. Since my foot is starting to feel so much better, I am going to attempt adding running back in this week. I’m signed up to run a 5K race in two weeks.

Sleep: Decent, no complaints.

Maternity clothes:  Yes.

Stretch marks: No.

Belly Button: Partially out.

Food cravings: Smoothies, swiss cheese, cherries.

Food aversions: None.

Movement: She is kicking and moving like crazy. Sometimes I lie in bed and wonder if she’ll ever quiet down.

Best Moment of the Week: Getting the baby’s crib set up and started to work on the nursery projects.

Worst Moment of the Week: Seeing Winter so terrified of the fireworks on 4th of July.

What I’m looking forward to: Running again.

What I’m nervous about/praying for: Nothing.

What I miss: Nothing.

Next appointment: Friday, July 31 @ 8:00 am – checkup, 28 week ultrasound & glucose test.

Comparison with first pregnancy:

25 weeks pregnant with baby #2:

Baby #2 BUMP REPORT – 24 Weeks

PREGNANCY WEEK 24 – July 4, 2015

Happy 4th of July! Tonight we will watch fireworks with friends. Since we didn’t watch them last year, this will be Winter’s first official time watching a fireworks show.

My 24 week appointment went great. The midwife measured my fundal height for the first time, which was exactly 24 centimeters. I am fairly sure I always measured slightly under with Winter, but I’m not surprised that I’m measuring the full length this pregnancy. In fact, I am surprised I wasn’t measuring AHEAD with how huge my belly feels! She said that my weight gain and size looks perfect and on track. My goal is to stay within the 25-35 pound recommended gain, though under 30 is my true goal. I’m up 18.5 pounds at 24 weeks, so we shall see where I end up at 40 weeks. As long as I continue working hard through healthy eating and exercise, I am not worried…I know I can reach my goal!

I also saw my PCP this week for an annual physical (for wellness health and also for insurance benefits). At my appointment, I expressed concern about my injured foot. She did an examination and she feels that it very well could be a stress fracture. Because I’m pregnant, she would like to avoid taking an x-ray if possible. She recommended that I not run or do any high impact movements as this could worsen my condition. I also and supposed to avoid wearing flip flops or going barefoot–instead I’m supposed to wear good supportive shoes. I’ll continue following the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation). She said if my foot isn’t starting to feel better within 2-3 weeks, to come back for another check. I’ve been still exercising, but trying to walk, lift weights and do low impact cardio exercises. All this strength training will keep me nice and toned!

My age: 29

How far along: 24 weeks

How big is baby: the size of an ear of corn (12 inches and 1.3 pounds)

Gender: Girl

Events of this week: Went walking several days with girlfriends, went to the pool, had several doctor appointments, went to the library, spent time with a college/high school friend who visited, went to Garden of the Gods, went to Manitou Springs, watched an outdoor movie at the park, went to the splash park, celebrated 4th of July.

Symptoms: Growing belly, feeling great overall.

Exercise/Activity: 5 days of exercise completed this week. As I mentioned, my foot injury is limiting my cardio. So I’ve been doing strength training circuits, walking and any type of low impact cardio that I can.

Sleep: Pretty good. Found a happy place with arranging my pillows around me.

Maternity clothes:  Yes.

Stretch marks: No.

Belly Button: I can’t really say 100% in anymore. Part of it is now poking out. This didn’t happen to me in my first pregnancy until 30+ weeks.

Food cravings: Fresh cherries, swiss cheese, berry smoothies.

Food aversions: None, though I still don’t really desire much chicken.

Movement: Moving like crazy. Visible from the outside too.

Best Moment of the Week: Having a good checkup with the midwife.

Worst Moment of the Week: Finding out my foot is indeed injured.

What I’m looking forward to: Healing my foot and getting back to normal life.

What I’m nervous about/praying for: My foot…I just want it to cooperate and get better.

What I miss: Walking without limping.

Next appointment: Friday, July 31 @ 8:00 am – checkup, 28 week ultrasound & glucose test.

Winter wanted to take a picture with the chalkboard just like mommy! Too adorable.

Comparison of first and second pregnancies

24 weeks with baby #2

Baby #2 BUMP REPORT – 23 Weeks

PREGNANCY WEEK 23 – June 27, 2015

We went camping this weekend. It was fun to spend time with friends and enjoy the fresh air and outdoors. We bought a new tent that is much bigger than our old tent. That way it can hold a pack ‘n play, air mattress and still have plenty of room. The first night we were so excited to sleep on an air mattress, but were left very disappointed as the air slowly released throughout the night. We called it our sinking ship! VERY uncomfortable to sleep on a deflated air mattress. The second night we decided to forego the faulty air mattress and sleep on the ground….let’s just say my hips are hurting today! We really enjoyed spending the weekend with friends from small group.

In the past few weeks (especially this week), I notice DAILY how much my belly seems to be growing. It is incredible…it’s almost like it gets bigger overnight. My belly button is on the verge of popping out, which didn’t happen until 30 weeks last pregnancy. In addition to noticing visually the growing belly, I am really FEELING those growths too. I feel like I’m slowing down and just “feeling more pregnant.” It feels like I have a bowling ball attached to me! Carrying Winter is getting to be more challenging.

As far as working out goes, I am pleased to say that I’m maintaining a high level of fitness between strength training, circuits, and running. Running is only happening one or two days per week. But I’m happy to still be regularly running, even if it’s not my main form of exercise. I don’t want to think too much into it, but my right foot has been giving me a lot of trouble since a little over two weeks ago. I have had to change my stride/gait when I run to compensate for my hurting foot. Eric says I should get it checked out at the doctor, but honestly I’m afraid of what they are going to say. My fear is that I’ll have to give up running or give up exercise, which is not something I want to do. This weekend it’s been bothering me even more, I’m beginning to think it’s either a sprain or a stress fracture. Neither option is good. Perhaps I’ll get it checked out soon. I just pray that it’s a minor sprain.

My age: 29

How far along: 23 weeks

How big is baby: the size of a grapefruit (11.5 inches and 1.1 pounds)

Gender: Girl

Events of this week: Went to the splash park, had an IKEA lunch date, met with several friends to go to the pool, had our small group where I shared my testimony, went to the zoo, and spent the weekend camping.

Symptoms: Increasing belly size, tired (though not as tired as last week), feeling slower and heavier.

Exercise/Activity: I exercised 5 days this week: 2 days running, 2 days of strength or circuits, and 1 day hiking while camping. See above for ailing foot condition.

Sleep: Sleeping decent, though I get up usually once a night to pee.

Maternity clothes:  Yes.

Stretch marks: No.

Belly Button: In, though for not much longer. It’s pretty flat.

Food cravings: Smoothies, swiss cheese.

Food aversions: I FINALLY ATE CHICKEN! I don’t think it’ll be back in my regular diet, but I can now say I don’t hate the thought of it anymore.

Movement: Strong movements daily. I can see and feel them from the outside. This all seems to be happening much quicker.

Best Moment of the Week: Camping trip.

Worst Moment of the Week: None.

What I’m looking forward to: Spending time outdoors enjoying the summer (pool, splash parks, etc).

What I’m nervous about/praying for: My foot. I really hope it’s a minor issue and it goes away on it’s own. I really don’t want to go to the doctor in fear that they’ll make me stop exercising.

What I miss: Having a healthy foot!

Next appointment: Monday, July 6th at 9:40 a.m.

Here’s proof of my ever-growing belly the past few weeks:

Comparison with 1st pregnancy:

23 Week picture baby #2:

Baby #2 BUMP REPORT – 22 Weeks

PREGNANCY WEEK 22 – June 20, 2015

22 weeks means that the baby is now one pound and 11 inches.  Dang, it really takes the baby a while to reach that one pound mark, but then she’ll be two pounds within a few more weeks! I feel like she has hit a growth spurt recently because my belly seems to have really grown a lot lately. In fact, I have started to “feel” more pregnant. My body feels a bit of the aches and pains that I wasn’t noticing before this week. When I workout, I have been wearing my Gabrialla maternity support belt when I run for several weeks now, but I am now feeling the need to also wear it for my other workouts too. Moves like jumping jacks don’t feel comfortable unless I’ve got it snugly on there supporting my belly. I think this means there has been some big growth lately. I am feeling that way. Also, I have been told that I’ve “popped” more suddenly.

My sleep is also starting to go down the toilet. I am having trouble getting comfortable at night, leaving me restless and tossing and turning. At this point my body still wants to sleep on my back, but I know that I better cut that out soon since it’s not the safest practice. I wake up on my back a lot. That is probably contributing to my feeling of being exhausted all the time.

It’s like I have suddenly hit a wall in the past week. I feel more tired. It could be that the heat has finally set in and perhaps that’s what is slowing me down and making me feel lethargic. I’m still doing great at eating healthy and exercising daily, so I know that is only positive for me….yet I am feeling SO TIRED all of the sudden. I need to get my energy back!

Winter is so adorable. She grabbed the Ipad the other day and was trying to find the video we took a few weeks ago of us using the dopplar to hear the baby’s heartbeat. She said, “baby, baby!” until she found the video. Also, Eric said that the other night she was in our bedroom and saw the dopplar on my nightstand and grabbed it and said, “baby!” Yesterday we were playing in her bedroom and she suddenly ran away. About two minutes later she ran back into the room with the dopplar in hand and said, “baby, baby!” So then we listened to the baby’s heartbeat. She really is going to be a great big sister.

Here’s proof that this baby has done a lot of growing in just the past few weeks!

My age: 29

How far along: 22 weeks

How big is baby: the size of a spaghetti squash (11 inches and 1 pound)

Gender: Girl

Events of this week: Went to the park several times, worked on some Father’s Day crafts, went to the splash park, went on a walk and let Winter play in the creek, went to a mom’s night out.

Symptoms: Increasing belly size, feeling a bit more achy, a bit of sciatic pain in my right side, exhausted and ready to nap all the time, hot with this HEAT!

Exercise/Activity: Exercises 5 days again this week.  I feel great, but since I’ve been more tired, I’ve really had to force myself to get myself active and moving. Yesterday I got a nice good run in on the treadmill, all of the other days were circuit training (cardio and strength).  Having to wear my maternity support belt ALL the time when I exercise now, not just for running. Also, I did decrease my pace a bit…I typically run at 6.0 mph on the treadmill, but I bumped it down to 5.8 mph since it feels a bit more comfortable.

Sleep: Can’t get comfortable, tossing and turning. Waking up on my back a lot.

Maternity clothes:  Yes.

Stretch marks: No.

Belly Button: In.

Food cravings: Mixed berry smoothies from Einsteins. Swiss cheese.

Food aversions: Chicken.

Movement: Feeling stronger movements all the time. I can regularly feel her from the outside now too.

Best Moment of the Week: Spending time outside with Winter and Eric.

Worst Moment of the Week: None.

What I’m looking forward to: Next weekend we are going camping with several couples from our small group. We just bought a new tent that can house a pack n play, an air mattress and our dog (with PLENTY of extra room to spare), and I can’t wait to try it out! Last summer when we camped we made do with our tiny 3-man tent, which meant there was no room to use a pack n play. Now, with this giant 8-man tent, we will have tons of room to spread out–it even has two separate rooms! I know that Winter will have a blast going camping and being able to run around outside and play in the dirt all day long for an entire weekend.

What I’m nervous about/praying for: Hoping to get my energy back.

What I miss: Feeling more energetic.

Next appointment: Monday, July 6th at 9:40 a.m.

Comparison from first pregnancy at 22 weeks

22 Week Picture

Baby #2 BUMP REPORT – 21 Weeks

PREGNANCY WEEK 21 – June 13, 2015

Swirls, twirls and curls….we are going to have a house full of GIRLS! We are so excited to have found out that the baby is a healthy girl. We would have been happy with either gender, but I was really hoping for a little sister for Winter. Since the two girls will be exactly two years apart, I am hopeful that they will grow up as best friends and playmates. I am close with my sisters and hope for the same experience for my daughters. Plus, let’s be honest, it will be SO NICE to reuse all of Winter’s baby things and clothing, especially because all of the sizes will fall in the same seasons since we are having another October baby.  Well–that is, unless this baby turns out to be a giant or exceptionally small. We couldn’t be more happy for another girl.

On the ultrasound she looked great and is measuring right on track. She appears to look very similar to Winter’s ultrasound, as much as you can really tell from looking at a 2D ultrasound. Same round head, button nose, chubby cheeks. I hope they look alike since Winter is so adorable!

There was only one slight “concern” noted at the ultrasound. “Concern” might not even be the right term. More like something to watch for as the pregnancy progresses. I already knew my placenta was anterior, on the front of my belly, but now I have what is called a “low lying placenta.” This means that the placenta is down low and in close proximity to my cervix, though not covering or touching it. My midwife said it’s 16 mm (1 cm) away from my cervix. She said that typically as the baby grows, the placenta will continue to grow upward and away from the cervix. She was not concerned, but she said it’s something to be noted and check again later in the pregnancy. Because of this, we will have a follow up ultrasound at 28 weeks just to make sure things move in the right direction. If for some reason my placenta would be any less than 15 mm away from my cervix, there is the possibly of needing a c-section for safety purposes. I’m praying that a c-section isn’t necessary as I’m really hopeful to have a 100% all natural drug-free birth experience.

My age: 29

How far along: 21 weeks

How big is baby: the size of a carrot (10.5 inches and 12.7 ounces)

Gender: Baby girl!

Events of this week: Had our anatomy ultrasound, got pedicures with a few mom friends, babysat, pet sat for two dogs, went swimming at a friend’s pool, went to Tiny Town, went to an outdoor concert at the park, hosted a play date, had small group, went to my women’s bible study, went out on a date to see Jurassic World on opening night, and went to a BBQ/movie at church.  Busy week!

Symptoms: Growing belly, feeling really great overall.

Exercise/Activity: Got 5 days of exercise this week; two days of running and three days of workout DVDs. In my workout DVDs I skip a lot of the ab exercises and instead do cardio in it’s place (like jumping jacks, etc). Feeling really strong and fit! Signed up for a local 5K at the end of July when I’ll be 27 weeks pregnant.

Sleep: Pretty good, minus trying to force myself to sleep on my side. I wake up on my back.

Maternity clothes:  Yes.

Stretch marks: No.

Belly Button: In.

Food cravings: Mixed berry smoothies from Einsteins.

Food aversions: Chicken.

Movement: Yes. Eric felt the baby from the outside last week too!

Best Moment of the Week: The ultrasound!

Worst Moment of the Week: None.

What I’m looking forward to: Enjoying the summer days with Winter now that the weather has been great. We have a baby pool in the backyard that she uses nearly every day. I love being outside and so does she. Over the weekend I sported a bikini so I could get some sun while she played. I normally wear tankinis while pregnant, but I figure in my own back yard no one is looking!

What I’m nervous about/praying for: Nothing.

What I miss: Nothing.

Next appointment: Monday, July 6th at 9:40 a.m.

Comparison with my first pregnancy:

A look back at the entire week by week pictures so far:

And finally, this week’s pic on it’s own:

 

Baby #2 BUMP REPORT – 20 Weeks

PREGNANCY WEEK 20 – June 6, 2015

This pregnancy is already halfway done, really? Wow. That went fast. I can ask for time to just slow down a bit, as I’m in no rush to get this show on the road. 20 weeks marks a special time…the ultrasound is coming up! Within a few days we will know whether there is a boy or girl growing inside my belly. We are really excited to see the baby on the ultrasound. Last time we saw him or her was in mid March, so much has changed since then. It will be fun to see! Eric and I both want a healthy baby, gender doesn’t matter. Eric has no strong feeling but I feel like it’s a girl. We will know very soon!

My age: 29

How far along: 20 weeks – HALFWAY MARK!

How big is baby: the size of a banana (6.5 inches and 10.5 ounces)

Gender: Unknown – find out on Monday!

Events of this week: Recovered from a cold, went to the splash park, went to the dentist, had a few girls’ days and nights, and went to a baby shower.

Symptoms: Feeling great, occasional hip flexor pain/ligament stretching.

Exercise/Activity: I exercised 5 days this week, and I feel accomplished and great. I’m over my cold and regaining my strength. I bumped up to the next level in my workout DVD and I have to do some of the modifications because of pregnancy. I’m really proud of myself to sticking to healthy diet and exercise these past weeks. It’s become a natural habit now.

Sleep: Sleeping well overall, minus having to hoist myself from side to side.

Maternity clothes:  Yes.

Stretch marks: No.

Belly Button: In.

Food cravings: Swiss cheese and berry smoothies.

Food aversions: Chicken.

Movement: Feeling the baby moving every day. It’s getting more noticeable.

Best Moment of the Week: One night we listened to the baby’s heartbeat on our home doppler, and Winter was loving it.  She was “dancing” to the beat of the baby’s heart.  It melted me.

Worst Moment of the Week: None.

What I’m looking forward to: Ultrasound!

What I’m nervous about/praying for: In addition to finding out the gender at the ultrasound, we also find out if the baby is healthy or not.  Praying that everything is good!

What I miss: Nothing.

Next appointment: Monday, June 8, 2015 @ 10:30 a.m. – ultrasound day!

Here’s a comparison of 20 weeks with last pregnancy.  I feel like my belly is sort of leveling out and not as “big” as it was in comparison in my earlier weeks.

Baby #2 BUMP REPORT – 19 Weeks

PREGNANCY WEEK 19 – May 30, 2015

Oh boy, I have contracted a cold and I am miserable. I’ve felt sick for over 48 hours and since it’s been over the weekend (thankfully), Eric has taken main duty of Winter so that I can rest. My head feels like it wants to explode, my throat is very sore, my nasal passage is either clogged or running, my poor nose is raw from blowing it so much, I have trouble sleeping at night, and I’m weak from eating not much. There’s been no signs of fever or any other flu-like symptoms, thankfully. It makes me so grateful that I can take Tylenol Cold & Sinus since it’s on the approved list for pregnancy, though I admit there’s guilt when I take it. I am not much of a medicine person, but it has helped me feel slightly better. It’s now Sunday night and I feel like I’m through the worst of it–hoping for better health soon!

On an up note, I have continued to stick to my health goals when it comes to healthy eating and increased activity for over a week and a half (with a short break in exercise due to this cold). I am feeling amazing and I’m getting good results from healthier practices. I exercised 6 days this past week and because I’m now doing weight training, my body is feeling leaner, tighter and stronger than it had been.  My trouble zones tend to be my legs, hips and butt, and all of those areas feel tighter and smaller within the past week or so! I feel great and proud of myself for making a change.

My age: 29

How far along: 19 weeks

How big is baby: the size of a mango (6 inches and 8.5 ounces)

Gender: Unknown, we find out in a week. Still feeling like I’ve got a sister in there for Winter.

Events of this week: Celebrated Memorial Day, went to the splash park, spent a lot of time outdoors since the weather is finally warm/sunny/fantastic after weeks of rain, had life group, bible study, and spent the past few days lying on the couch due to being sick.

Symptoms: Have a cold, otherwise but having basic pregnancy symptoms–growing belly, ligament stretching, moody.

Exercise/Activity: My health goals are getting achieved and I’m doing great. Got in 6 days of exercise this week, including 2 runs and 4 days of my Jillian Michael’s strength/cardio circuit DVD.  I really feel like incorporating Jillian Michaels has been a really positive thing for me. I feel some good results from healthy eating and increased activity these past few weeks.  My legs, butt and hips are all feeling smaller and tighter already! I felt like I was getting thicker in my midsection (more-so than just the baby), but now I feel like that’s gone. I am so happy and feeling fit and strong.

Sleep: I toss and turn from side to side but other nights and sleep great.

Maternity clothes:  Yes.

Stretch marks: No.

Belly Button: In.

Food cravings: EATING HEALTHY! Proud of myself.  I’ve been eating a lot of fresh produce, salad, hardboiled eggs, and greek yogurt. I’ve suddenly become obsessed with swiss cheese. I bought the thin slices so I can eat a few at a time without going crazy on the calories.

Food aversions: Chicken.

Movement: Feeling more movements this week.

Best Moment of the Week: Fitting in my clothes better and feeling leaner, stronger and healthier.

Worst Moment of the Week: Getting a cold.

What I’m looking forward to: Getting over this sickness.

What I’m nervous about/praying for: I feel slightly guilty when I take Tylenol, even though I know it’s approved for pregnancy. I just pray that God protects my baby while my body is fighting off this cold.

What I miss: Being able to breathe (because of my cold).

Next appointment: Monday, June 8, 2015 @ 10:30 a.m. – ultrasound day!

Baby #2 BUMP REPORT – 18 Weeks

PREGNANCY WEEK 18 – May 23, 2015

Friends, eating healthy and exercising regularly work! After 5 days (so far) of a healthier mindset and practices, I feel much better in my skin. I’m sore in muscles all over my body since I’ve been using my new Jillian Michaels workout DVD. I do feel irritable because I’m going through sugar withdrawals, but I know it will eventually fade away the longer I stick with this. I’m proud of myself because it’s always hard to create new habits, but I know it will be worth it when I feel great and stay healthy for my growing baby.

My age: 29

How far along: 18 weeks

How big is baby: the size of a bell pepper (5.5 inches and 7 ounces)

Gender: Unknown, but in two weeks we will know!

Events of this week: Got home from Texas, hosted a playdate, been helping Eric with a house project (he is painting all of our wood doors white) and I’m helping with painting the trim work around the doors.  Looking forward to nicer weather–this has been an intensely rainy month, especially for Colorado! Winter and I are dying to get outdoors instead of being cooped up inside.

Symptoms: Moody, ligament stretching, growing belly, get winded more easily, heartburn.

Exercise/Activity: I am really proud of myself in this department. Last week after I returned from traveling, I decided to get with the program and start being more mindful about staying healthy. I’ve been following my new 5 healthy goals the past 5 days, and I already feel better! In the past 5 days, I have exercised 4 times and eaten more healthy everyday. I’ve been doing a Jillian Michaels DVD that is making me VERY SORE, wow!

Sleep: Having trouble getting comfortable. My belly is starting to get big enough where I have to use momentum to hoist myself from one side to the other.  I still find that I sleep on my back but it feels heavy in my midsection. It’s important that I get off my back soon!

Maternity clothes:  Yes.

Stretch marks: No.

Belly Button: In.

Food cravings: Trying to ignore cravings.  Since I’m on a health kick and being more purposeful about the foods I put into my body, there have been sugar withdrawals going on–leaving me irritable. But I know within another few days, the withdrawals will fade.  I feel much better already just from 5 days of healthier eating and no sweets!

Food aversions: Chicken.

Movement: Here and there…but not a lot.  I have an anterior placenta which cushions the movements.

Best Moment of the Week: Getting home from our TX trip and seeing my hubby after a week apart.

Worst Moment of the Week: None.

What I’m looking forward to: Counting down the days until our anatomy ultrasound.  I just FEEL LIKE THERE IS A GIRL IN THERE!  But we won’t know officially until 2 weeks from now.

What I’m nervous about/praying for: Not really nervous about anything.

What I miss: Sugar 🙂

Next appointment: Monday, June 8, 2015 @ 10:30 a.m. – ultrasound day!