I see

We just woke up and are sitting watching Mickey. I have the laptop in my lap while I do my morning emails and Facebook and whatnot. I could feel baby kicking and then a good kick made the whole laptop shake. He did it a few more times before I moved the laptop to watch and sure enough I could see a kick. So awesome.

23 week update

Thanksgiving day and I am 23 weeks pregnant. That I am incredibly thankful for. I am also very thankful for feeling more and more kicks. I love every minute of it. We are finally over being sick for the most part. A lingering cough but otherwise feeling better. I've been cleaning like crazy getting ready for Tim getting home next week.

My belly doesn't seem any bigger but I notice I am gaining some weight. I still can't fall asleep at night which means I am exhausted when we finally wake up. I sleep on my stomach most times still which is the most comfortable position.

Really nothing has been going on this wise pregnancy related. I have my anatomy scan in just 11 more days. Can't wait to see this little guy again and how big he has gotten.

Baby is the size of a mango, just over 11 inches, and right about a pound in weight.

22 week update

Weight - 184

Feeling pretty good. Getting over a cold I've had for over a week now. I am sick of coughing fits and blowing my nose. I am best to be sitting on the toilet when either happens because well - I tend to pee a little. It's getting worse and worse as the cold goes on. Embarrassing yes but still true. Because I have been sick I haven't had a big appetite other than soup and popsicles. Also eating lots of hard candies for my throat and cough.

Baby has been moving a whole lot more and stronger lately. He also has the hiccups every so often which I don't recall ever feeling with Leiland. My belly is definitely growing, belly button becoming more shallow, and I am getting a few red spots leading to new stretch marks. I don't mind though, I have plenty already so why not add some more.

I have been sleeping ok this week and been exhausted from all I have left to get done. Tim gets home in 2 weeks and I have so much left to do.

I have listened to the HB a few times lately, and Leiland loves it so much he now brings me the doppler to listen to brother. Its the cutest thing ever. He has a new boy baby doll as well which he loves so much. He also likes to hug and kiss my belly/ his brother. Its really cute. If I am rubbing my belly he comes over and rubs too.

Its really starting to cool off here finally and I broke down and turned the heat on downstairs today. I find I don't really like my maternity clothes a whole lot lately, so I am living in my black comfy pants, sweats, or jammies. Not sure what I will do for a winter coat this winter either.

It's crazy to me that I am 22 weeks. I feel like I have forever to go but at the same time I can't believe I am already this far already. The baby is about the size of a papaya (10.9" from head to heel).

Cravings lately have been limited to chicken noodle soup, salty foods, and fruit smoothies. Today I made some pretty awesome sweet potatoes that were incredible so I just might need to make some more. Potatoes and fruit as the most consistent cravings I have had this pregnancy. Sweets are not hitting the spot either. Leiland still craves pizza - its a food group to that kid.

More Movement

I've noticed a LOT more movement over the past few days. Its still light but much stronger then it was, and much more often. Makes me happy. Some women complain about how much their baby moves and I just crave it. I love feeling movement, did the whole pregnancy with Leiland. Not long and we will be seeing some kicks from the little man.

21 week update

21 weeks today. I was a little nervous coming into this week just because 21 weeks was when Ruth was born. I still don't feel him move a lot and still worry about him here and there. It will pass but for now we move forward.

 Weight - 183.6 - up 3.6 pounds this pregnancy.

 I feel good. I have still been getting heartburn and nausea that make it nearly impossible to eat. I've taken tums a few times and sometimes the help others not at all. I try to eat but food just never sounds good. I don't want to cook because I end up throwing so much away because I just can't eat it. Even a lot of cereals don't sound good. Apples are pretty good to me though, they always hit the spot. And salty chips.

 I am to the point that I get winded easily already. Going up the stairs or talking while doing too much. Its too early for this, I have a LONG way to go still. I don't feel like my stomach is getting big. I just feel fat most days. Compared to Leilands pregnancy I don't think I am any bigger than I was with him. If anything I am smaller.

 I have started nesting. All I want is the house to be clean and organized. I wish I had the energy to match the desire. Leiland is moving to the spare room and I am almost done getting his stuff moved over. The baby has his NB and 3m clothes hanging in what will become his room.

 According to the app on my phone the baby is the size of a carrot. About 10.5" from head to heel. That seems so big.

 I really don't have anything to report this week. Not much happening.

Yay technically half way there. As long as I don't go overdue like I did with Leiland. I'm excited to say I'm pretty sure I felt the baby move last night and today. It's hard to tell and not very often but I'm pretty certain it's him. Can't wait to really feel him good. Belly is growing. I am terrible at taking pictures this pregnancy. My stretch marks are just about flush with my skin and stretched out. My belly button is getting more shallow by the day it seems. I'm certain my belly button will stick out much sooner this time. I'm curious if ill get a lot more stretch marks this time. I honestly don't care if I do. I feel pretty good. Sleep on my belly still. Pee less often then those early 16ish weeks. Can eat. I have begun getting heartburn though. I guess if its not one thing it's another. I wish I could sleep in. I have had a better time falling asleep and that's been much needed. Leiland teething though is kicking my butt. And he wakes at least once a night right now. I don't really crave any one item yet. I will crave a food but almost always when I get it it just doesn't hit the spot. Like Applebee's chips and salsa. Or my BBQ chicken salad I got yesterday. I don't know food just lost its appeal. I did eat a fantastic grape Popsicle today. That hit the spot. I need to freeze some oj and eat that. It's always a favorite. Not too much happening here though. Acne is getting worse, constipation slightly better, still able to sleep and trying to cherish it. I feel like ice been nesting a lot lately. More so than I even did with Leilands pregnancy. And way earlier then I k we was possible. Problem is I just don't have the energy to keep it all up. I already get tired so quick. I've been working on Leiland coming down the stairs on his own. He wants me to carry him especially when he's just woke up. I get it but its also pretty hard for me. As is going up holding him. He's almost 28 pounds now. Tim will be home soon and I'm so excited about it. Can't wait to have him within reach again. Less than a month.

Today's appt

19 weeks 6 days Hb sounded great and we could hear him kicking. BP 116/80 Weight 184.4 pounds. Leiland weighed 27.8 pounds

19 week update

Wow I can't believe next week will be the "half way" point. I don't know my weight. It's been about a month since I checked it. My appetite came back then the last two weeks we've been sick. Normally it doesn't affect my appetite but it did. And now I'm nauseous again. All day the past couple days. One day ill enjoy food again. My belly is growing but I feel like its slowed down. My boobs feel bigger and are still sore. I don't feel movements yet. I keep thinking it could be him but nothing. I push on my uterus to try to get him moving and no luck. I do have a spot on the right side though that hurts when pushed. I want to ask my dr about it because its hurt for awhile now. I don't seem to have to pee as often. I think because he's moved up some. I still sleep on my tummy and that's the best position. My exhaustion is gone now too and I'm very grateful. While we were gone for our 3 week trip I was so bummed not to have my Doppler. So the first night home (3 nights ago) I was so excited to sit and listen to him. We've started discussing names but that's going to take awhile I think... I'm so indecisive. Anyway not much else to report. Overall I feel good. Can't wait to feel kicks though.

We're home

Our 3 week jaunt to visit friends is over and we are both pretty happy to be home. We drove to Vegas, flew to Fargo, visiting Connie and the kids for two weeks, flew back to Vegas, spent a few days, and drove home. 3 weeks is really long to be gone. I've missed my bed, and my animals. It was so good to cuddle them all once we got home. Leiland was even really excited to see them. For 3 weeks Leiland and I have shared a bed, so tonight is the first night back in his own bed. Even since Tim deployed he wakes at least once a night and usually comes to our bed. Since he already has to readjust to being home and in bed without me, I am taking this time to try and reestablish him sleeping the whole night in his bed. I love cuddling him but I would rather he get a better night sleep and I want the bed free when its time for baby to join. Leiland had a great trip overall, however we both got sick a week in and its still going. He has also been teething hard core and got his first 2 year molar to break through the gums. Two more are making good progress and one is just waiting (he always has slower teeth in that spot on the top right). So pictures are to come, but for now we rest, and clean the house. I still need to unpack.

16 Week update

Oops just a day late. We're out of town this week and next so I missed my day. No biggie. Feeling great and sleeping better. Last night had horribly vivid bad dreams which kept me up but till got more sleep then I have recently. My appetite is definitely back. I didn't eat much traveling though. Everything I tried made me want to puke. But since we have gotten to my friends I have been able to eat just fine and above normal quantities. I feel huge. Don't have a weight check this week but wearing maternity tops and bottoms now. I am dying to feel this baby move. Before my bad dreams last night I had a dream I could feel movement. Man I wish that had been true. Not much to report really.

It's back!!!!

My appetite that is. Felt good to actually be able to eat today. I had 4 waffels for breakfast, a full size salad at panera, then I had a snack on the drive home, and a 6" sub for dinner. I am ready for a snack too. This is probably more than double what I have been able to eat these days. Felt great.

15 week update

Some days I feel like this pregnancy is taking forever and others I am shocked I'm already x weeks. Today marks 15 weeks. YAY. For the most part feeling great, but the past few days getting nauseous. Both because I'm hungry, and also making it impossible to eat certain things. Today I went to eat lunch and once it was in front of me I just struggled to take a bit. I only are about half and had to force myself to eat that much. Could be worse I suppose. I still pee like a race horse. I don't know why I have to go so often and it hurts SO bad to hold it. Pretty sure people think I am nuts. At dinner last night I had to go 3 times while we had dinner in front of us. Oops. Oh well though.

So I weighed myself this morning - 178.8 so still down 1.2 pounds but slowly climbing back to my starting weight. Not worried about that at all. I think thats pretty good. I think that puts me about the same weight at this point with Leiland. Just with him I started at 170 not 180. Either way looks good at the moment.

Tomorrow is my elective gender scan. 15 weeks and 1 day. I can't wait to see for myself what this baby is. Even though I have already been given the blood results from the maternity 21 test.

Still no feeling baby move. That is the part I am most excited for this pregnancy. I have seen how active this kid is and I just can't wait to feel it for myself. I absolutely loved it with Leiland and he moved so little. This one I know will be more active.

My back has been bothering me for a few days now. A warm bath didn't help any and I don't really know how else to help it. I am going to try and get in for a massage but not sure if I can make that work. I really struggle to carry Leiland now, but he is getting better walking places and holding my hand if its not too far. We are working hard on walking and listening while going through a store. Some days I just don't' have the patience to deal with taking twice as long on a shopping trip. So he goes in the cart per my request.

I have noticed my sense of smell is definitely stronger. Lets just say my toilet is cleaned more often and the trash emptied more frequently. I just can't stand the smell of either. Oh and milk gone bad? Make me puke.

I was really constipated for a couple weeks, but it seems a little better this week. Drinking water and upping fiber gummies isn't helping ANY.

I definitely think my belly is getting bigger. Forgot again today to take a picture, so I will just take it tomorrow a day late. No big deal I suppose. I am in maternity pants now and some tops. I don't have much for short sleeves and my shirts ride up real bad, so this weekend I am headed to motherhood maternity.

Thats all I really have for now. Not too much to report. I have my OB appt Tuesday and I will update after that.

2 year molar progress

I feel like poor leiland has been working on these two year molars forever. Today he's super cranky so I checked them out and found progress. His left side has been farther along then the right side for awhile. Today I could actually feel the tip of one of the cuspids right at the surface. It hasn't broke through just yet but I can actually feel it. No other have made noticeable progress but this is a big deal to me. I hope they come quick. His left side always gets them quicker where the right side tends to lag and take forever to fully come through. 

MY Pros and Cons of baby wearing

So, Leiland is now 2 years and 4 1/2 months old. I still wear him on occasion and I do love it.

My only carrier with him as a newborn was a moby style wrap. Its a stretchy wrap. It never bothered me having to wrap it, pretty easy. I liked that I could wear it to a store and just load him in when needed. I didn't like wrapping it in a parking lot because I could never keep the material off the floor. The downside to that style wrap for me was Leiland would sweat like crazy in it. He was a hot body as am I and I wanted to use it more then I actually could. I also had a lot of issues with my chunky boy sinking. I could start with him up high when I started a trip in Joanns and by the end he was down a good 18-20 inches lower. So that was disappointing to me. I did also like the option to face him out in that carrier and be able to build him a seat so the pressure wasn't on his hips. Thats the big reason most new carriers don't forward face, it is terrible for their hips.

The other carrier I love is my ergo. They are pricey but worth every penny. I have been using it since he was about 4 months. I never bought the infant insert for it and his couldn't open his hips well so I would wear him on my hips. That works for me. As he got bigger he did continue to love it. I liked that it didn't bother my back. I can also wear him on my back and I'd say since 18 months thats the only way I wear him anymore.

Ok so my cons to baby wearing.
 - As he got bigger wearing him on my front became hard because his head was in my face making it hard for me to see. I photograph a lot and it definitely interfered a lot.
 - I still get scared putting him on my back. Its not comfortable to me putting him back there, I always worry I might drop him.
 - I can not carry a diaper bag. Or a purse. The shoulder straps always interfere with me carrying our stuff. Its frustrating. If I wear him in somewhere like target I can just throw it in the cart, but if I go somewhere like the mall, I have no way to really carry my stuff. I think this is my biggest con. AndI found with Leiland I mostly wore him outside the house. I have a feeling the next baby will get more baby wearing in the house. Since well we have a toddler to entertain and take care of.
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PROS of baby wearing
 - I love carrying my baby around. I never liked putting Leiland down and sometimes I just needed more close time.
 - Great for a fussy baby
 - GREAT for reflux baby. Leiland puked so much and always preferred upright. So wearing him kept him in the upright position. That was great for us.
 - Hands free - very nice when you have a sick baby who won't let you put them down. I loved that if he was sick and I just HAD to do something, I could still have him with me.
 - Easy bonding for mom or dad. In the beginning its what they know to just go with you everywhere and constantly be moving.

For me I will keep baby wearing. I think this next time around I will also add a nice ring sling in the mix. I have a mesh one for showers and swimming, but I will get a real one this time around. I love carrying my baby and still do it while pregnant. Leiland also loves it still. I can tell when we get to a store if he will be good in the cart. If he throws a fit going in then I ask if he wants to go on my back. Usually its a yes. He doesn't like my front anymore because he likes to be up higher to lay his head on my shoulder. And he can't do that with the ergo. No biggie though.

Maternity 21 results

So two weeks and two days ago I took the maternity 21 test. It's super simple to do and take two weeks for results. Awesome. I knew I'd have my nt scan before the results but wanted the test anyway.

Today I called and the the results are all negative. Yay. I knew things were ok because the nt scan went great. 

Then there is the gender. I did ask. And I've read a few things saying the earlier you do the test the more likely it is to be inaccurate for gender. But I think that's more in regards to girl results vs boy results. Not sure though. 

Anyway our results are in and it said we are having a 

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!!!!! BOY!!!!!!!!

I'm not shocked. I had boy feelings off and on. And two dreams where I had another boy.