24 Weeks and Things Just Got Real

Disclaimer: This is my second pregnancy.  With my first pregnancy my daughter was born preterm, breech and via C-section.  Due to my age, my medical history (hello, incompetent cervix!) and my daughter being delivered preterm I am being classified as high-risk.  Things could get a little crazy in here so proceed with caution.


How far along: 24 weeks

Total weight gain: 29 pounds.  Over the last month, I just haven't been able to do much.  I move around a lot at work, but once I am home I am usually parked in the sitting position.  I know, I know, not good.  Once I get us into a new normal routine and the weather warms up, I'll be taking out dog, Leia, for lots of walks.  

Maternity clothes: Yes!  And I hate them.  No matter what size I buy my shirts ride up while my pants slide down.  

Stretch marks: Nope.  

Sleep: Not bad.  I usually wake up once during the night.  

Best moment of this week: Scarlett kissing my belly and saying, "I love you Vivienne.  I love you so much!"

Miss anything: Just the usual stuff.  Going for a run regularly and relaxing with a drink with my husband.  

Movement: Boy, is she a wiggle worm!  I just went through a 4 day period where she non-stop flipped, kicked and punched me.  Luckily, she seems to have slowed down now.  

Food cravings: No, although sugar is hard to resist!  

Anything making you queasy or sick: Just nasty smelling things.  

Have you started to show yet: Yes!

Gender: Still a girl!  I had another ultrasound this week and I had the tech checked. She assured me that nothing had "sprouted" yet.  

Labor signs: Here is where things get sticky.  At the start of my pregnancy, my OB laid out a plan to check my cervix at the 20 and 24 week mark.  Why?  Well, I have an incompetent cervix and my daughter was born a month early when my water unexpectedly broke.  She felt this was the best plan of action since I had no other signs that my body would deliver early.  

My 19 week ultrasound showed that I had 4 cm of cervix - "oodles of cervix" my OB said.  Then, my 24 week ultrasound showed that my cervix had thinned to just under 3 cm.  I had "lost" about a centimeter of cervix thickness in 5 weeks.  

At this point, my OB assured me there is nothing to be done.  It is still thankfully closed, but it has thinned.  I'm not in the danger zone yet, which is less than 2.5 CM, but I'm getting close.  Given this information, it is not hard to surmise how it happened that my daughter was born a month early.  If logic dictates, which it rarely does with our pregnant bodies, I'll continue to lose another centimeter a month which leads me to believe that by 36 weeks I'll be having a baby again.  Let's just hope she waits until AFTER Memorial Day so I can help her big sister at her big yearly dance recital.  

Belly button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off: Off

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy, but getting stressed with everything that needs to be done before this bambino arrives.  

Looking forward to: I can tell you what I am NOT looking forward to:  My blood glucose test at my next appoint at 28 weeks.  Yuck to drinking that stuff.

* Since we did not spill the beans on this pregnancy to our family until I was 14 weeks pregnant, there will be a fair amount of backtracking until I can get caught up.  Hang in there! 

20 Weeks Pregnant and Halfway Baked!

Disclaimer: This is my second pregnancy.  With my first pregnancy my daughter was born preterm, breech and via C-section.  Due to my age, my medical history (hello, incompetent cervix!) and my daughter being delivered preterm I am being classified as high-risk.  Things could get a little crazy in here so proceed with caution.

How far along: 20 weeks

Total weight gain: 30 pounds, but my weight gain seems to be slowing down. 

Maternity clothes: All of the time.

Stretch marks: Nothing new.

Sleep: Yes, please!

Best moment of this week: The OB let Scarlett hold the wand for the doppler so she could find the baby's heartbeat.  I really wish I'd had my camera ready to snap a picture.  She was thrilled that she could be a big helper and she loves doctors!  

Miss anything: Being able to relax and unwind - there is so much to do.

Movement: Oh yeah.  She's been moving quite a bit.  

Food cravings: I just really want bland foods which means carbs which leads to unnecessary weight gain because my body hates yeast. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Really flavorful foods.  My tastebuds just can't handle it.  

Have you started to show yet: I think so!

Gender: Another girl!  We are so lucky!  You can watch our 4 year old daughter finding out that she is having a sister HERE.

Labor signs: Nope, in fact I have "lots of cervix" according to my OB.  I have an incompetent cervix so they are monitoring me closely to see if I will deliver early again.  

Belly button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off: On, but I think I'm going to have to take it off soon.  

Happy or moody most of the time: Tired.  Just so tired.  

Looking forward to: Another ultrasound at 24 weeks to make sure my cervix is still holding up!

* Since we did not spill the beans on this pregnancy to our family until I was 14 weeks pregnant, there will be a fair amount of backtracking until I can get caught up.  Hang in there! 

18 Weeks Pregnant and SO CLOSE To Finding Out the Gender!

Disclaimer: This is my second pregnancy.  With my first pregnancy my daughter was born preterm, breech and via C-section.  Due to my age, my medical history (hello, incompetent cervix!) and my daughter being delivered preterm I am being classified as high-risk.  Things could get a little crazy in here so proceed with caution.

We now know what the gender of our summer baby will be. To watch the video of when our daughter found out click HERE.  

How far along: 18 weeks!

Total weight gain:  25 pounds?  Too much in my opinion!

Maternity clothes: Oh yes, all of the time.

Stretch marks: Just the usual.

Sleep: I take what I can.

Best moment of this week:  I had to take Scarlett into the baby room at school so she could see what a little baby looked like.  She made a comment that the baby was going to come out of me walking.  Pretty sure she is confused on the difference between a toddler and a baby.   

Miss anything: I miss being able to workout all if the time and eating healthy foods.  I feel like I've been eating too many carbs and sugar.  

Movement:  Starting to feel some movement, little kicks and punches. 

Food cravings: Not really. I do get in moods where I could eat and eat and eat some more. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Still can't stand chicken.  

Have you started to show yet: Oh yes!

Gender: Everyone is still Team Pink!  We find out on January 30 .

Labor signs: Nope. 

Belly button in or out: Still in. 

Wedding rings on or off: On, but not sure for how much longer. 

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy but tired of feeling gross.  

Looking forward to:  Finding out if we are having a boy or a girl and then telling everyone!  


* Since we did not spill the beans on this pregnancy to our family until I was 14 weeks pregnant, there will be a fair amount of backtracking until I can get caught up.  Hang in there! 

16 Weeks Pregnant

Disclaimer: This is my second pregnancy.  With my first pregnancy my daughter was born preterm, breech and via C-section.  Due to my age, my medical history (hello, incompetent cervix!) and my daughter being delivered preterm I am being classified as high-risk.  Things could get a little crazy in here so proceed with caution.

How far along: 16 weeks!

Total weight gain: 25 Pounds!

Maternity clothes: Oh yes!  I was using a button extender on my jeans but it was just too uncomfortable to wear any more.  Besides, I was getting tired of pulling up my sagging pants.  

Stretch marks: Nothing new.

Sleep:  Sometimes I sleep like the dead.  Other times I barely sleep.  

Best moment of this week: All of the running and working out I was able to squeeze in.  My body is happy to be moving again. The funniest moment though was when my 4 year old got to hear the baby's heart beat for the first time at my 16 week appointment.  It was very strong and loud.  She was immediately quieted down by it.  When the doctor explained to her what it was she quipped, "That is so weird!" 

Miss anything: Not really.

Movement: Nope. 

Food cravings: No although I have a hard time with food that has a lot of flavor.  I think I've been craving a lot of carbs because the taste is so bland.  

Anything making you queasy or sick: No thank God!

Have you started to show yet: I've had a lot more remarks on my baby bump!

Gender: My husband and daughter are convinced it is a girl.  I've switched from Team Blue to Team Pink, but I had a friend tell me she had a dream that I was having a boy too (she's pregnant with her third.)

Labor signs: No!

Belly button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off:  On 

Happy or moody most of the time: I think no different than normal.  

Looking forward to: Finding out the sex in 3 weeks!

* Since we did not spill the beans on this pregnancy to our family until I was 14 weeks pregnant, there will be a fair amount of backtracking until I can get caught up.  Hang in there! 

14 Weeks Pregnant and Our Secret is OUT!

Disclaimer: This is my second pregnancy.  With my first pregnancy my daughter was born preterm (36 weeks), breech and via C-section.  Due to my age, my medical history (hello, incompetent cervix!) and my daughter being delivered preterm I am being classified as high-risk.  Things could get a little crazy in here so proceed with caution.  

How far along: 14 Weeks!

Total weight gain:  14 pounds, but I look like I've gained 30!

Maternity clothes:  Yes!  I've given in to maternity pants because they are way more comfortable.  My jeans still fit with a button extender but they were always falling down.

Stretch marks: Just the usual ones.

Sleep: It's hit or miss.  Some nights I sleep solid, other nights I'm up after 5 hours.  Since my diet and exercise are so off I don't know what is related to pregnancy and what is due to the adrenal fatigue. 

Best moment of this week: Telling our parents on Christmas Day that they are going to be grandparents again!

Miss anything: I would have loved a couple of glasses of wine on Christmas especially since we had to say good-bye to our 12 year old dog on Christmas Eve.

Movement: Felt like I had something stuck in my hips around where my jeans sit the other day.  When I poked at it it moved but then came back.  Don't know if it is my ligaments stretching or movement.  

Food cravings: Not really.  The hunger is starting to slow down.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Chicken still.  Blech.  

Have you started to show yet: Oh yeah!

Gender: Still thinking boy.

Labor signs:  Nope.  Nope. Nope. 

Belly button in or out:  Still in.  

Wedding rings on or off:  On.

Happy or moody most of the time: This has been a crapshoot lately especially since we put our dog down on Christmas Eve.  

Looking forward to: Being able to talk about the pregnancy openly and getting back into a workout routine.

* Since we did not spill the beans on this pregnancy to our family until I was 14 weeks pregnant, there will be a fair amount of backtracking until I can get caught up.  Hang in there! 

12 Weeks Pregnant and Finally Heard the Heartbeat!

Disclaimer: This is my second pregnancy.  With my first pregnancy my daughter was born preterm, breech and via C-section.  Due to my age, my medical history (hello, incompetent cervix!) and my daughter being delivered preterm I am being classified as high-risk.  Things could get a little crazy in here so proceed with caution.

How far along: 12 weeks!

Total weight gain:  Around 14 pounds, but I was weighed on a full stomach having just eaten prior to my doctors appointment. 

Maternity clothes: Still just my shirts for the length.  Definitely can't button my pants anymore.  

Stretch marks: Same old same old.

Sleep: I ran out of Magnesium Citrate which I take for my adrenal fatigue and I'm actually sleeping better without it.  

Best moment of this week:  Hearing the baby's heartbeat at my appointment.  Our 4 year old still doesn't officially know there is a baby in my belly yet.  Our doctor was really good about not letting on either.  When she listened to the heartbeat my daughter was full of questions and she simply told her that sometimes we use a stethoscope to listen to mommy's heart and sometimes we use the Doppler.  My daughter quickly said, "Or a baby."  I think she is on to us.  

Miss anything:  A nice glass of wine to relax with at the end of a hellish week.  

Movement: Not yet, but we could hear baby kicks along with the heartbeat! 

Food cravings: No, just hungry all of the time.  

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Chicken and pork, sometimes salad.  

Have you started to show yet: I think I am!  

Gender:  Still thinking it is a boy since this pregnancy is far less brutal than my last.  

Labor signs: No!

Belly button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off: On

Happy or moody most of the time: Tired.  Just really tired.  

Looking forward to:  Our anatomy scan where we find out if this is a boy or a girl, is set for January 30!

* Since we did not spill the beans on this pregnancy to our family until I was 14 weeks pregnant, there will be a fair amount of backtracking until I can get caught up.  Hang in there! 

10 Weeks Pregnant and Impatient to Spill the Beans

Disclaimer: This is my second pregnancy.  With my first pregnancy my daughter was born preterm (36 weeks), breech and via C-section.  Due to my age, my medical history (hello, incompetent cervix!) and my daughter being delivered preterm I am being classified as high-risk.  Things could get a little crazy in here so proceed with caution.  

How far along: 10 Weeks!

Total weight gain: I'm guessing still around 10 pounds of bloat.

Maternity clothes: Yes, but only because of the length.

Stretch marks: No more than usual.

Sleep: Eh, it's not great. 

Best moment of this week: Getting as much rest as possible while on Thanksgiving break. 

Miss anything: My friends.  I feel like I've been avoiding them so I don't have to spill the beans. 

Movement: Just gas bubbles.  

Food cravings: Anything sweet and carby.  I really just want comfort foods. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Chicken

Have you started to show yet: I definitey look bloated. 

Gender: Not sure yet.  

Labor signs: No!

Belly button in or out: Still in.

Wedding rings on or off: On

Happy or moody most of the time: Just plain tired all.the.time. 

Looking forward to: Sharing the good news with everyone at Christmas.  It is getting harder and harder to keep the secret lately especially with all the holiday parties and everyone wanting to pour me a drink. 

8 Weeks Pregnant and I Look Like I've Popped!

Disclaimer: This is my second pregnancy.  With my first pregnancy my daughter was born preterm, breech and via C-section.  Due to my age, my medical history (hello, incompetent cervix!) and my daughter being delivered preterm I am being classified as high-risk.  Things could get a little crazy in here so proceed with caution.  

How far along: 8 weeks although at my 8 week ultrasound baby was already measuring 2 days ahead so I'm closer to 9 weeks now.  

Total weight gain: 10 pounds of bloat!

Maternity clothes:  Some shirts, but I wear them mostly because of the length.  I can't button my pants that well so I need the length to hide them.  

Stretch marks: Just what was there before.  

Sleep: If I didn't need to pee after 6 hours then I'd be sleeping all of the time!

Best moment of this week:  Getting to see baby on the ultrasound.  There really is a baby in there! 

Miss anything: I miss not having terrible stomach pains.  

Movement: Nope!

Food cravings: Bagels and cream cheese.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Chicken.  This happened the last time.  Even my daughter's chicken nuggets make me want to barf.

Have you started to show yet: I look like I've popped even though I know it is mostly just bloat.

Gender:  Still thinking boy just because this one isn't trying to kill me like his sister.   

Labor signs: Dear lord, no!

Belly button in or out: Still in, but it never popped out the last time.  

Wedding rings on or off: Still on, but my fingers are already starting to bloat out.  

Happy or moody most of the time: Just tired and tired of having a belly ache. 

Looking forward to: Telling our family over Christmas.

* Since we did not spill the beans on this pregnancy to our family until I was 14 weeks pregnant, there will be a fair amount of backtracking until I can get caught up.  Hang in there!