Baby Sunshine: Week 39

Size: Baby Sunshine is the size of a mini watermelon, weighing in at slightly over 7 pounds and measuring about 20 inches.

Total Weight Gain: Ugh. 39 pounds (Three pounds more than my total weight gain with Sophia).

Maternity Clothes: Yepper.

Gender:It won't be long before we find out!

Cravings: Water. I am still thirsty all the time.

Symptoms: Lots of braxton hicks contractions still. Unfortunately no real contractions. I am also having some hip pain from extra walking and sitting on an exercise ball.

Movement: The little one is still having lots of hiccups and moving around the best he/she can.

Sleep: Sleep was awful this week (meaning I was also extra cranky and emotional).

Moments of the Week: Taking Sophia to her Big Sister Class. She loved looking in the nursery and playing with the realistic baby dolls. Her big takeaway from class was that new babies have black belly buttons. We heard the heartbeat again this week and it was in the 120s, which is boy range. Dave and I finally chose our girl name and boy name...but there is still time for one of us to change our minds.

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night (shame that will not be returning to normal any time soon) and moving around without a belly in the way.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Meeting this little one.

Big Sister: Sophia has been talking about the baby constantly. She is ready to be a big sister now! This week whenever she talks to Baby Sunshine she has lifted up my shirt and spoken directly into my belly button. It is the cutest thing ever. Sophia wasn't feeling great this week and wanted to cuddle all the time. I loved every minute of it, especially when she used my belly as a pillow.

Looking Back: Sophia was born shortly after I reached 38 weeks. We had a one week old on our hands at this point (and survived)!

Baby Sunshine: Week 38

Sophia wanted to take pictures on her terms this week. At least it wasn't a battle to get her involved.

Size: Baby Sunshine is about the size of a leek, weighing in at 6.8 pounds and measuring in at 19.5 inches long.

Total Weight Gain: Up 38 pounds (two pounds more than my total weight gain with Sophia).

Maternity Clothes: Pretty much.

Gender: Only TWO more weeks until we find out.

Cravings: I am so thirsty but over constantly drinking water and going to the bathroom.

Symptoms: The Braxton Hicks contractions are at an all-time high, but no contractions involving major discomfort yet. I was rather emotional this week. Not only did I cry easy, but I was quick to get frustrated. 

Movement: All the time and lots of hiccups.

Sleep: Sleep? What is sleep? I have had a few good stretches of sleep, but I am up multiple times per night for extended periods of time.

Moments of the Week: Hearing the little one's heartbeat at the doctor. As much as I am ready to meet this baby, I know that it is best to cook just a bit longer.

What I Miss: Too many things to list, just trying to enjoy the end of this pregnancy as much as I can.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Sophia has her Big Sister class at the hospital tomorrow. And of course, we can't wait to meet this little one. Our next doctor's appointment is Tuesday and the doctor is encouraging me to be induced if Sunshine has not arrived by 39 weeks since my labor with Sophia was so fast. I would rather not go that route, so I am trying out as many of those old wives tales as possible.

Big Sister: Sophia is ready to meet Baby Sunshine and had repeatedly asked for me to take the baby out of my belly. She is still going back and forth about the gender of the baby, but yesterday she randomly told me that the baby is a boy.

Looking Back: Little did I know that we were about to meet Sophia She was born at 38 weeks one day. Read more about my pregnancy with Sophia here.

Baby Sunshine: Week 37

Size: Baby Sunshine is right on track weighing in at a little over 6 pounds and measuring in at about 19 inches.

Total Weight Gain: Down one pound for a total of 36 pounds (even with my weight gain when I was pregnant with Sophia).

Maternity Clothes: Pretty much.

Gender: Only THREE more weeks until we find out (if I last that long).

Cravings: Thirsty all the time. Not exactly cravings, but I have requested sushi and grilled ham and cheese to be brought to the hospital.

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions are very prevalent and I feel slightly 'off', but that could just be my sinuses with all of the weather fluctuations we have been experiencing. New stretch marks have made an appearance (I got a small patch on my left side when I was pregnant with Sophia).

Movement: The baby is doing its best to move around in there, but space is limited.

Sleep: Sleep has not been great. Fortunately I am still able to function on less.

Moments of the Week: I had a little bit of pampering this week and loved time without my sidekick to get a massage and my hair cut. 

At my doctor's appointment on Tuesday I got to hear the heartbeat and learned that I am making progress toward Baby Sunshine joining us. 

Wednesday Dave and I decided to do a little practice run to the hospital. I was having contractions that were four minutes apart, They weren't painful but after drinking three bottles of water and not noticing any relief, we decided we had better be safe and go in to get checked out. It was determined that since my cervix had not changed from the day before, they were just Braxton Hicks contractions. While the baby was being monitored there were slight drops in the heartbeat, so I was given an ultrasound to check fluid levels for the baby. Fluids were on the low range of normal. We were sent on our way with a follow up appointment at the doctor.

Yesterday we had another ultrasound where we got to see the Baby Sunshine again and all looked good. Fluid levels were normal, heartbeat sounded good, and we are at 4 cm. The doctor thinks that I have about a week left. I am hoping to keep the kid in at least that long. I am doing my best to resist the urge to move all of the furniture and deep clean and force myself to sit and relax.
Lots of good moments this week, but the best was learning that I tested negative for Strep B, meaning one less night at the hospital.

What I Miss: Although I am trying to enjoy these last few weeks of pregnancy, I just miss being comfortable.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Tackling our before-baby checklist and meeting this sweet babe. Oh, and finalizing a name for this little one. Even after a trip to the hospital we still do not have a girl and boy name set in stone.

Big Sister: Sophia has loved using Baby Sunshine's things with her babies. She is still pretending to be a baby frequently. We have been doing our best to prep Sophia about what will happen when I go into labor. She still doesn't fully grasp the concept, but I am just thankful that she will be in good hands while Baby Sunshine makes an appearance. She had a practice sleepover next door thanks to our hospital visit.

Looking Back: When I was looking over Sophia's post it make me smile remembering how surreal it was learning that I was 3 cm dilated and yet still insisting that I had plenty of time until a baby joined us. Read more about my pregnancy with Sophia here.

Five on Friday

Happy Friday!

Linking up with April, Christina, Darci, & Natasha for another Five on Friday!

one

Sophia has decided that she no longer needs an afternoon nap. Perfect timing in my opinion since she is about to become a big sister and I will certainly need a nap. She will tolerate a rest time in her room, but I need to do a better job of providing her with some quiet time activities. Sometimes it sounds like a herd of elephants are in her room while she is 'resting'.

She has a little more than a month until she turns three, but this article resonates with her personality right now. The pictures below are from instagram - follow along @jenhimmel.

hot chocolate with the grinch; showing her sassy side; giving Baby Sunshine a kiss (on the wrong side)

two

I am going to attempt to join in on The 52 Project for a second year. I know that having a new addition to our family will complicate the process a bit, but I am hoping to keep up with taking a portrait a week. If you want to know more about the project head over to visit Jodi.

"A portrait of my little love, once a week, every week, in 2015."

I just received our 2014 photobook from Shutterfly. Thanks to some amazing coupon codes I only had to pay shipping and I love how it turned out!

three

Sophia wrapped up her semester at The Little Gym. She loves her classes and teachers. She has participated in the parent-child classes up to this point. She graduates to independent classes when she returns after the baby joins us. I can't wait to see what she is capable of!

four

Nesting is in full effect at our house. For some reason I feel the need to organize all the things, but the house cleaning has taken a bit of a back burner. I have been much more interested in stocking the pantry and freezer in preparation for our new addition in February. If you have a favorite freezer recipe, please share! We are stocked up on chili, soups, meatballs, and taquitos, but I am hoping to add a few more meals to the stash.

five

Do you know that song Closing Time by Semisonic? I saw this on facebook via Grounded Parents. I never realized what this song was about. As we are about to have our second child, I was just a bit misty-eyed listening to this song.

Baby Sunshine: Week 36

Size: Baby Sunshine is about the size of a head of romaine lettuce, measures in at 18.5 inches and weighs almost six pounds.

Total Weight Gain: Up one pound for a total of 37 pounds (one pound more than my total weight gain with Sophia).

Maternity Clothes: Yep.

Gender: Only four more weeks until we find out!

Cravings: I am not craving sweets, but I am snacking on them frequently. The little baking kick we have been on is not good for my weight gain.

Symptoms: Nesting (I am wondering if I resist the urge to organize everything I can hold off delivery). Braxton Hicks contractions picked up this week and my veins continue to be a little sore, but I have been taking more time to elevate my legs. The belly is getting tight and I am keeping my fingers crossed that most stretch marks stay away.

Movement: My poor ribs have been taking a beating. The little one seems more active at night.

Sleep: As good as can be expected at this point. I really need a nap each day, but if I take one then I have trouble sleeping at night so I just try to make it through without one.

Moments of the Week: All of the baby's things are washed and ready to be assembled. Dave is nesting right along with me. He has been helping to make sense of the disaster that is our basement. He also makes little comments like "I can't believe we are going to have one of those soon" whenever we see babies. I just wish we could decide on a name for this little one. We have narrowed the list, but now we are back to debating a boy middle name. 

What I Miss: Bending over easily. Going more than thirty minutes without needing to use the bathroom.

What I'm Looking Forward to: I have a little bit of pampering scheduled for myself next week. Hooray for some time for me! Although I am not exactly looking forward to my first pants off doctor appointment (fingers crossed for a negative Strep B test), I am excited to hear the heartbeat again.

Big Sister: Sophia is still impatient for Baby Sunshine to arrive. We have been talking a lot about what it will be like for her once the baby is here. She is excited to help, but still has no clue about what she is in for. I have been enjoying all of the extra cuddles I have been getting. She has only been napping twice a week, but fortunately will tolerate a rest time in her room.

Looking Back: I didn't get my first internal exam until I was 37 weeks with Sophia. I remember being completely freaked out that I was already dilated to 3 cm. Read more about my pregnancy with Sophia here.

Baby Sunshine: Week 35

Size: Baby Sunshine is about the size of a honeydew melon, weighing in at 5.25 pounds and measures over 18 inches long.

Total Weight Gain: Up 36 pounds (even with my total weight gain from when I was pregnant with Sophia).

Maternity Clothes: Yes. Most things are getting a little tight. Thank goodness for my favorite gap maternity tanks to keep my belly from hanging out.

Gender: Only five more weeks until we find out!

Cravings: Nothing stands out. Eating more sweet and salty foods than usual. Always thirsty and drinking lots of water.

Symptoms: My right leg has some slight swelling and itchiness thanks to my lovely veins. Other than that, just enjoying all of the uncomfortable feelings that go along with being 35 weeks pregnant.

Movement: All.the.time. Since there is little room left it can be quite comical. My ribs are taking a beating though.

Sleep: Sleep is overrated. Even on the nights I am able to sleep for longer stretches, I don't wake up feeling rested.

Moments of the Week: Visiting the doctor is always a highlight. Love hearing that sweet little heartbeat. Sophia and I always play doctor while we wait for the doctor to come in and it was definitely a highlight of the week.

What I Miss: Sleep. Energy. Warm weather and clothes that fit properly.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Getting things ready for the babe. Hoping to get most of the gear prepped and set up this week.

Big Sister: Sophia has had a few meltdowns because Baby Sunshine is not here yet. Sweet thing doesn't realize how much her world is going to change once the babe does get here. She has been very helpful in wanting to get space ready for the baby. We have read her new big sister books multiple times each day. She has been very concerned about the veins in my legs. Every time she catches a glimpse of them she asks me if I am going to be okay.

Looking Back: Things seem pretty similar at this point between both pregnancies. Keeping my weight under what I gained with Sophia has gone out the window though. Hopefully breastfeeding is successful and helps me knock off the pounds. Read more about my pregnancy with Sophia here. 

Baby Sunshine: Week 34

My sidekick was too busy to join in our picture this week.

Size: Baby Sunshine is about 4.75 pounds, measures in at almost 18 inches long, and is the size of a cantaloupe.

Total Weight Gain: Up two pounds for a total of 35 pounds (two pounds above my weight with Sophia).

Maternity Clothes: Yes.Yes.Yes.

Gender: Only six more weeks until we find out!

Cravings: No real cravings this week, but thirsty all the time.

Symptoms: Uncomfortable veins was the biggest issue this week. Sleep has become rather erratic, but I seem to be a bit less grumpy.

Movement: All the time and lots of hiccups. Space is limited and movement is not always comfortable.

Sleep: Some good nights and some sleepless nights. Two am and five am have become new favorites.

Moments of the Week: Starting to get organized. We are not doing a formal nursery for the little one since he/she will be rooming in with us, but we have started to make space.

What I Miss: Bending over. Thankfully my little helper is usually cooperative when I need something picked up. I also miss eating a real dinner. By the end of the day there is little room for food. The nights I have tried to eat a full plate I just end up feeling uncomfortable.

What I'm Looking Forward to: We have a doctor appointment on Monday and I can't wait to hear that sweet little heartbeat.

Big Sister: Sophia is still talking about the baby in her belly and how big her belly is getting. She has been using my bump as a pillow lately, which I love. She has started talking about how she is a 'big girl' and Baby Sunshine is the 'baby', although she still likes to play the role of baby.

Looking Back: This seems to be the point when sleep started to go downhill last time I was pregnant. Bumping into things with the belly also seems to be consistent with both pregnancies. Read more about my pregnancy with Sophia here. 

Baby Sunshine: Week 33

Size; Baby Sunshine is about the size of a pineapple, weighing in at over four pounds and measuring over seventeen inches.

Total Weight Gain: 33 pounds (up three pounds from my weight gain with Sophia).

Maternity Clothes: Yep.

Gender: Only seven more weeks until we find out!

Cravings: All the sweet and salty things.

Symptoms: Very emotional this week. This week I also had major shortness of breath and general achiness. The worst was major leg cramps from all of the awkward bending over that I have been doing.

Movement: All.the.time. Just wish the little one would avoid my ribs a bit more.

Sleep: Not a good week for sleep. Thankful that I was only awake for an extended time one night. I did manage to fit in a few catnaps this week.

Moments of the Week: Celebrating Christmas with our little family and hearing that sweet little heartbeat at the doctors. I also got some peace of mind with answers to a few of my questions while at the doctors.

What I Miss: Being able to move around and bend over easily.

What I'm Looking Forward to: An easy week at home with my little love.

Big Sister: Sophia has been pretending to be a baby frequently and wants to be cradled and carried around like one. She got a baby car seat and new doll for Christmas so hopefully she will start playing mommy a little more.

Looking Back: Sophia's heartbeat was significantly higher than this little ones has been. I am still flip flopping as to whether I am carrying a little lady or gent. Read more about my pregnancy with Sophia here.

Baby Sunshine: Week 32

My little sidekick chose not to join in on a picture this week.

Size: Baby Sunshine is about the size of a large jicama, weighing in at 3.75 pounds and is almost 17 inches long.

Total Weight Gain: Thirty-one pounds (up one pound from my weight with Sophia).

Maternity Clothes: Yes. Just wishing I had a little more variety in my winter clothes. Most of my sweaters don't fit around the bump and are a bit too short...only eight weeks left to make due.

Gender: Surprise! We find out in February.

Cravings: Chocolate and salty foods.

Symptoms: Lots of vein discomfort, shortness of breath, a belly button that is flattening out, and little patience.

Movement: Yes and I can tell it is getting much harder to move around in there since things seem to be much more pronounced.

Sleep: Pretty good this week. I am still waking frequently, but I am able to fall back to sleep quickly.

Moment of the Week: Lots of good moments this week, but nothing pregnancy related stands out. I am loving seeing Christmas festivities through the eyes of a toddler.

What I Miss: Alcohol. Enough said.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Our doctor's appointment on Monday. Can't wait to hear that sweet little heartbeat.

Big Sister: Sophia has been using my belly as a pillow and constantly wanting to feeling Baby Sunshine bump around. This week found her offering to hold Baby Sunshine frequently so that I could run with her and crawl around on the floor with her.

Looking Back: Sophia had hiccups frequently while I was pregnant, this little one has only had them a few times, but I love when they happen. The thing that stood out to me the most from our last pregnancy was just having Dave around to help tackle projects. Maybe after the holiday festivities I will have him around a bit more. Read more about my pregnancy with Sophia here.

Baby Sunshine: Week 31

Picture taking was fun this week. 

Enjoying these last few weeks with my favorite almost three year old.

Size: Baby Sunshine is about the size of a coconut, weighing a little over three pounds and measuring over 16 inches long.

Total Weight Gain: My scale and I are not friends this week.

Maternity Clothes: Yes and I am still loving Dave's over-sized comfy clothes.

Gender: Surprise! We find out in February.

Cravings: All.the.food. Everything I see looks delicious. Salty foods and chocolate are still high on the list.

Symptoms: My patience is very thin. I have had to put myself in time out more than once this week. I had more cramping and some achiness. I think nesting has started. I am sorting through everything and currently have three bags of things to donate. I also seem to be moving like a turtle, which is not ideal when I am trying to run multiple errands with a toddler.

Movement: Yes. Yes. Yes. Baby Sunshine is still hanging out under my right ribs. Very comfortable.

Sleep: Not a good week for sleep (which might be adding to my crankiness) and I have been having trouble taking an afternoon nap, but I have been making time to rest.

Moment of the Week: I love having Sophia rub my belly and sing to the baby. She always wants to feel the 'bumps' but the baby doesn't seem to cooperate. I also registered with the hospital and signed Sophia up for her Big Sister class.

What I Miss: Fighting congestion with cold medicine (and yes, I know that some are safe when you are pregnant, but I choose not to take them).

What I'm Looking Forward to: Ten more days until we get to hear the heartbeat again.

Big Sister: Sophia has switched to thinking the baby is a girl and has consistently stated she is having a baby sister. She also made a decision on our girl name (if only Dave and I would finalize it).

Looking Back: When I was pregnant with Sophia I had just returned back to school after winter break at this point. I do not miss being in the classroom during the third trimester. I am useless enough at home. Read more about my pregnancy with Sophia here.

Gender Myths Revisited

When we were pregnant with Sophia, we chose not to find our her gender until delivery. I felt for the majority of our pregnancy that she was a boy. Even after she was delivered I had to check for myself to see that she was a girl - she looked so much like her Daddy. We did not find out the gender again this time around so I thought I would look back at some of the old wives tales with this pregnancy. Go here to see how Sophia's gender predictor turned out.

If you carry low it is a boy; high it is a girl.

If you carry in front (basketball) it is a boy; if you are wide at the middle (watermelon) it is a girl.

30 weeks with Baby Sunshine

Much like when I was pregnant with Sophia, I have no clue how I am carrying. Strangers have told me they think it is a boy based on the way I am carrying. What do you think?

30 week comparison: Sophia on the left, Baby Sunshine on the right.

Dave has not had any sympathy symptoms - GIRL

Morning Sickness (I felt lousy at the beginning, but didn't have morning sickness) - BOY

Heart Rate (below 140) - BOY

Gender Dreams - BOY

Chinese Gender Predictor - GIRL if you look at 'lunar' age; BOY if you look at actual age.

Mayan Even and Odd (age at conception and year of conception - both even) - GIRL

Complexion (no change) - BOY

Dry hands - BOY

Ring Swing (ring swings in a circle, boy; back and forth, girl) GIRL

Sophia has consistently stated that the baby is a boy (except for about 24 hours when she decided she was a princess). Most of the time I think the baby is a boy, but I have moments of little girl thoughts. Either way we will be thrilled, but I can't wait to find out!

What gender do you think Baby Sunshine is?

Just for fun take the poll on the sidebar!

Baby Sunshine: Week 30

Size: Baby Sunshine weighs almost three pounds and is about the size of a head of cabbage.

Total Weight Gain: Back on track with my weight gain, total gain of 28 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: Yes and Dave's sweatshirts and lounge pants.

Gender: Surprise! We find out in February.

Cravings: Nothing in particular. Just loving food still. The only unfortunate part is that I get full faster so I can't eat as much as I would like to.

Symptoms: Little achy and starting to feel the need for an afternoon nap.

Movement: Movement is definitely more pronounced when it is happening. Baby Sunshine has also found my ribs and likes to hang out under them at times.

Sleep: Just okay this week. Feeling a little uncomfortable and not as well rested when I wake up.

Moment of the Week: Dave had a rare two days off back to back and it was so fun to have him home. Sophia loved making meals with him and decorating for Christmas. I was also nice for me to have a little break.

What I Miss: Life before constant bathroom breaks, moving and shifting positions easily.

What I'm Looking Forward to: The magic of the season and lots of good mail days in the near future. I chose to wait until 32 weeks until my next appointment. Can't believe how fast this pregnancy has gone!

Big Sister: Sophia has been talking a lot about the baby in her belly again this week. Her favorite topic is how my baby will be born, her baby will be born, and then it will be her birthday. She loves to put lotion on my belly and talk to the baby through my belly button.

Looking Back: I was eating more dairy when I was pregnant with Sophia. this time around I tend to go for more salty and sweet snacks. Read more about my pregnancy with Sophia here.

Baby Sunshine: Week 29

Size: Baby Sunshine is the size of a butternut squash weighing in at about 2.5 pounds and measuring about 15 inches.

Total Weight Gain: About 26 pounds. (Sigh. This is the first week that I am ahead of my weight gain from when I was pregnant with Sophia.)

Maternity Clothes: Yes...or Dave's clothes. Comfort is key.

Gender: Surprise! We find out in February.

Cravings: Nothing in particular, but snacking all the time.

Symptoms: This was the most uncomfortable I have been this pregnancy. All normal, but the baby is making my belly feel rather tight.

Movement: Baby Sunshine is a little mover! I love watching the belly show in the evenings. I just wish it was understood that middle of the night bathroom breaks do not mean that it is time for a dance party.

Sleep: Not all that great this week, but I am still feeling somewhat rested.

Moment of the Week: Hearing the sweet heartbeat at the doctor. The heart rate is in the 130s, which could mean boy, but since my blood pressure is typically on the low side, it could also mean there is a little girl in there.

What I Miss: Getting up from the ground without getting on all fours, which is especially fun when Sophia has gym class.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Our little family turkey day this weekend and breaking out the Christmas decorations.

Big Sister: Sophia has been extra sweet this week. I will take all the cuddles and belly rubs I can get! She asks if the baby is okay when she accidentally bumps into my belly.

Looking Back: Things continue to be similar between both pregnancies. I just seem to be more aware of all of the little aches and pains since I am home this time around. Read more about my pregnancy with Sophia here.

Baby Sunshine: Week 28

Welcome Third Trimester!

Size: Baby Sunshine weighs about 2.25 pounds and is about the size of an eggplant.

Total Weight Gain: The home scale says 24 pounds. I will get an official weigh-in on Tuesday at the doctor.

Maternity Clothes: Yes. I have even started raiding the husbands clothes. Hooray for more variety in lounge pants.

Gender: Surprise! We find out in February.

Cravings: No real cravings, but snacking all the time.

Symptoms: I had some major back pain after our long car ride and my poor posture. The Braxton-Hicks contractions, leg cramps, and nasty veins continue.

Movement: Sophia has had little interest in putting her hand on my belly, but she was able to feel some good movement and has just recently wanted to put her hand on me to feel more bumps.

Sleep: A little better since getting home to my own bed, not great overall this week.

Moment of the Week: Sharing the bump in person with family.

What I Miss: Carrying the toddler as much as she would like.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Our doctor appointment in a few days. I am looking forward to hearing that sweet little heartbeat again.

Big Sister: Sophia spent about 24 hours telling me that Baby Sunshine was a girl (and she decided that she is not a boy or a girl, but a princess) now she is back to telling me that there is a boy in my belly. Her favorite baby phrase this week as she looks at her own belly "Why is my belly getting bigger? Is the baby growing?"

Looking Back: I was about a month ahead in my pregnancy last time - it was almost Christmas when I was 28 weeks with Sophia. I am happy to report that I am still meeting my goal of gaining less weight this time around, even if it is only by two pounds. Read more about my pregnancy with Sophia here.