Kennedy ~ 1 Month

Beautiful baby girl, you are a month old already! As I sit here typing this with one hand because you are just falling asleep in my other arm, I'm reminded of how quickly time flies. We've adjusted pretty well to life as a family of four so far, but, daddy goes back to work now and we'll see how it goes without his added help. Overall, you are a great baby; you eat like a champ and sleep well.

I'm SOOO big! :)

Memories from the first half of month 1:
-You sneeze and cough a lot. You often will sneeze 5 times in a row!!
-You are a "barracuda" feeder. You chug. Which leads to the next point...
-You spit up a lot and sometimes vomit large amounts. We actually had to call the on-call pediatrician on a weekend because you had vomited twice that day. Turns out it's mostly due to my crazy milk flow. Sorry baby girl.
-You are a projectile pooper. Warning: poop story ahead. ;) You like to shoot (literally) poo out of your butt in a mathematical arc when we are changing your diaper. We've learned to prepare for it now and lovingly call it "poopageddon" but the first couple of times you made mom scream and hit the fan. Excuse the french, but we can't ignore the phrase that "S*#% hit the fan". Twice. Yes, your fan is next to the changing table and we've had to clean it (with a q-tip) a few times.
-You also pee sometimes when we change you, but since you are a girl, it doesn't cause quite the same commotion as it did with Blake. ;)
-You're not a big fan of sponge baths.
-After your middle of the night feedings we hold you for 30 min. Then you are sound asleep and we can swaddle you, lay you down, and go back to bed without a peep from you. It works like a charm for us!
-Daddy and Grandpa built more shelves in the basement knowing that more tubs of clothes are coming. :) They also discovered that we need a new hot water heater....so they were quite busy working on all of that your first few days home.
-Blake mostly ignores you and is probably sick of people asking him about his baby sister. He has had some sleep regression and is a bit more emotional.
-You eat every 2 or 3 hours. You have days and nights mixed up and like to stay awake during the 11pm -2am time range. Mommy sometimes just sleeps on the couch in the living room with you since I get anxious about the baby monitor in the bedroom. (I don't know how to explain that anxiety...it's weird). Daddy keeps the monitor on his side of the bed now so I can sleep better in bed.
-It only takes you about 20-30 min total to nurse which is fabulous!
-Daddy and Mommy pretty much split kid duties. I'm with you and Dad is with Blake. It won't be like this forever, but....survival.
-You have a little bit of jaundice but it never became a concern and resolved on it's own.
-Your umbilical stump got ripped a couple of times so we had a few days where we had to keep you stripped or in a onesie we didn't mind getting blood on because we were trying to let it dry up again.
-You don't like: diaper changes, getting strapped into the car seat, having clothes pulled over your head, and your feet being touched.
-You do like: snuggling, sleeping, and eating.
-You weighed: At birth: 7 lbs 9 oz
                         Discharge: 6 lbs 13 oz
                         2/1/18: 7 lbs 1.5 oz (38th percentile)
                         1.5 weeks (at breastfeeding group): 7 lbs 9.9 oz (Back to birthweight!)
                         2/19/18: 8 lbs 5.5 oz (40th percentile)
-Your height: Hospital: 21 inches
                      2/1/18: 20.75 inches (94th percentile)
                      2/19/18: 21.5 inches (87th percentile)
-Clothes: Size newborn and even some of that is baggy. You have two pairs of TINY socks that fit you. They're adorable. :)

Memories from the second half of month 1:
-Your umbilical stump finally came off and you had your first few baths in the kitchen sink. You didn't like it at first but it's growing on you. :)
-You graduated to size 1 diapers during week 3.We will be switching to our cloth diapers soon. Mommy bought you some pink ones!
-You are still in newborn clothes with no end in sight (okay I'm sure it won't be too long).
-When I last weighed you on 2/22/18 you were 8 lbs 12 oz before eating and 8 lbs 15.5 oz after eating. You're getting bigger!
-You have a pretty consistent schedule with feedings around 6:30 am, 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm, 10 pm, and 3:30 am. We let you sleep without setting an alarm at night now since you are back to birth weight.
 -Three nights before you were officially 1 month old you started sleeping 11pm until 6 am (5 am the last night)....you scared mommy the first night when we got up and saw it was 6! I'm not sure if this will stick, nothing ever does with baby schedules, but we'll take the extra sleep! Dad's especially excited since it coincided with his first week back to work.
-You are starting to coo and it's adorable. You squeak and surprise yourself!
-You also have the highest pitched cry when you're feeling upset. It's very girly. :)
-If spitting up were a sport, you'd be a world champ. You still spit up a LOT and we go through several burp cloths a day. We're working on finding solutions to this but part of it is probably just your age.
-We've started venturing out of the house a lot more. Mommy is not good at staying home for extended stretches. ;) You've been out to eat a couple of times and to lots of stores. You're already an excellent shopper. Haha!
-I wear you in the Onya (baby carrier) when I'm out alone with you and Blake. You love it and fall right asleep. However, getting you in and out of it in parking lots is still a work in progress.
-Honestly you're a very easy going baby. The only thing that makes you cry is gas after some feedings.
-Blake tries to smother you with kisses and love all the time now. We have to watch him because he also tries to pick you up....by your butt.
-Zoey also wants to smother you with love....but is told to go lay down. Poor dog.
-Your hair is still strawberry blonde but getting a little darker.
-You developed some cradle cap already on your eyebrows. We've got a great shampoo that takes care of it at least. You also have some infant acne on your face and a little on your back.
-I *think* you might end up being a snuggly baby. Blake was not (sigh). You like to push yourself up until you're nuzzled into my neck and you hold your arm tightly around my shoulder. Melts my heart.
-Today (when you are exactly 1 month old) I put away most of your newborn sleepers because you've outgrown the length. You are so long! We'll see how 0-3 month clothes fit....might be baggy but at least you'll be able to extend your legs if you want to!
-You love to sleep with your hand up by your face. Adorable.

PICTURES:
-These mostly go in order from when we came home from the hospital until now.
-I promised myself I wouldn't take too many pictures because we print and label them all and it's annoying to label 5,000 newborn pics....but how can you limit yourself!? You're only this little for such a short period of time.

Zoey meeting Kennedy for the first time!

Cousin Maddie visiting

Aunt Billi visiting

The mess we finally worked through (Grandma to the rescue)!

Visiting with Mrs. L

First bath!

First doctor's appointment

You look like an old man but we caught a smile! ;)

1 week old (excuse the terrible lighting!)

This was one of the first times you had a longer period of alert time. You love staring at the dining room light.

2 weeks old!

Met Uncle Neil for the first time. Ya'll took a nap together. :)

Celebration of Life

Your first family walk (in February!)

3 weeks old!

Meeting Great-Grandma for the first time!

"I WILL not burp mom, I want to sleep." 

Stay awake a little longer baby girl!

Brother saying hi

Sweet siblings :)

4 weeks

Kennedy Leigh, you are such a sweet gift from God. We can't wait to watch you grow and learn. Love you baby girl!

Baby #2 has arrived - Birth Story!

We welcomed a healthy baby girl, Kennedy Leigh, into the world on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 9:19 am! She was 7 lbs, 9 oz and 21 inches long! She has a head full of hair that we suspect is strawberry blonde and dark blue eyes.

I was 38 weeks and 1 day when she decided to make her appearance (or 39 weeks, 1 day if we go by original due date but I'm going with the doctor's due date of Feb. 10). My labor and delivery was fast and furious. I woke up at 5:30 am to go potty, stood up out of bed and my water broke! I just kind of stood there not knowing what to do, haha! Then I softly called for Brandon, then more loudly when he didn't stir and we turned the light on. I felt the need to check that it wasn't blood. At that point I wasn't really having any contractions but we called the doctor and she told me to go right in and that my contractions would probably be going by the time we got to the hospital. So, we called my mom to come get Blake. I woke him up and remember thinking this was the "last" time he'd be my only child (emotional mom moment). Grandma arrived and took Blake, who luckily went right back to bed at her house. We finished packing, Brandon took a shower while I made him breakfast. My contractions started, just crampy ones, nothing bad. Then we left for the hospital. We arrived at 7 am exactly, right at shift change. :) I got checked into triage and was there for maybe an hour while they got an IV hooked up because I was Group B strep positive (google it) so I had to have antibiotics pumping through me during labor and delivery (delivery came quicker than expected so I had to keep the IV port in all day). They also checked to make sure it really was my water that broke. By the time they got me a wheelchair to wheel me up to the L&D room I was breathing through my contractions and making Brandon fan me with our "Birth binder" from a class we took when pregnant with Blake. He fanned me and fanned me and fanned me. He was a saint. :) We arrived in the L&D room and the nurse immediately started preparing all of the things needed for delivery. I stood over the bed starting to really feel the bad contractions and trying to breathe through them. With Blake I hyperventilated multiple times so I was trying really hard to keep my breaths steady. The nurse kept saying, "tell me if I need to page the doctor" in kind of a sarcastic voice that was irritating to me! (I promise she was not being snarky....it was definitely just my perception through my pain) Then I climbed up onto the bed and labored on my hands and knees until it was time to push which came shortly after. The nurses at the desk were apparently impressed (amused?) by me because when they paged the doctor all they could hear through the monitor was me yelling when only a few minutes ago I was wheeled by their desk smiling. The doctor arrived in the nick of time (just like with Blake) because I was starting to push. I was stuck on my side through my first push because I hadn't flipped over yet. I remember thinking well I'll just push the baby out this way, whatever, as long as it comes out, haha! However, after that push I did manage to flip over all the way and continue. She came after two more pushes (I think). They asked if I wanted to know what gender she was and promptly held her parts in my face! :) I was so sure it was a boy that I was questioning what I was seeing but quickly saw that it really was a GIRL! Then I burst into tears of happiness and exhaustion. (I remember in the throes of all the pain wanting so badly to go to sleep...) They put her on my chest and pretty soon after I nursed her. As I was nursing her I noticed that she had turned completely blue. The nurse whipped her away from me and she immediately started to return to a normal color but then they monitored her for a while. She ended up being just fine.

Sitting in Triage

First photo as a family of 4!

Our time in the hospital went smoothly after that. We had to stay until Tuesday afternoon because they had to continue monitoring both of us with the Group B strep stuff. (Not strep throat) After we were moved up to the recovery room, Grandma and Grandpa brought big brother Blake up to meet her. He was curious and held her but mostly he like to play with the buttons on my bed that moved it up and down. :) My parents were thrilled that it was a girl! Brandon's parents came the next day (through a terrible snowstorm) and were equally as thrilled! We had lots of visitors to keep us company but also had decent downtime to bond with Kennedy. Kennedy is a fantastic nurser so it was SO much less stressful than with Blake who struggled in the beginning with latching. We were able to go home without any special instructions and she is back to birth-weight at just a couple days shy of 2 weeks old (she weighed 6 lbs 13 oz at discharge).

Uncle Tyler and Aunt Shannon

Miss Lynn

Nancy and Chris

Grandma (I forgot to get a picture with Grandpa....whoops!)

Grandma

Combing gunk out of her hair after her first bath

Opa

Aunt Judy

Kennedy, you have brought such joy and love to our family already; I can't wait to see what the future holds for you!

37 Weeks - Baby #2

37 Weeks, 5 days - Good morning! :)

How far along? 37 weeks, 6 days 

Total weight gain/loss: I'm officially at +30 pounds. I was +29 at my 36 week appointment and gained 1 more pound at my 37 week appointment. My doctor cancelled my 38 week appointment since it was scheduled (due to conflicts on her part) for only 5 days later. So I will be seen next at my 39 week appointment in 9 days, if I'm still pregnant! ;) 

Maternity clothes? Yes and I'm definitely getting sick of dressing up for work, haha! I would love to be in PJ's all day. However, work itself is not bothering me. I have enough energy and am able to sit a lot when I need to but I also get a lot of walking in. It helps that we are wrapping up the semester and my classes will all be online next marking period so I can just sit in a lab and not have to directly teach lessons. Perfect last week or two of a working pregnancy if you ask me. ;)

Stretch marks? Yes, two small symmetrical spots on the bottom of my belly. One is about an inch long and the other is more like a centimeter. I'm curious how they'll look postpartum.
Sleep: I am sleeping less. I still fall asleep in the afternoons when I am able to. 20 minute catnaps are just the best thing after work! However, I'm not sleeping as soundly at night. I am not uncomfortable, besides having to go to the bathroom a lot, I just don't seem to get as much sleep. It's been hard waking up with my alarm the last couple of days!

Best moments this week: 

1) A surprise baby shower! My co-workers surprised me on one of our half days (exam week) with a lunch and a few small gifts for baby. They also got Brandon and I a gift card for a night out. So thoughtful. :)

2) First wedding shower for my future sister-in-law! It's always so fun to gather and celebrate with someone. :)

3) We found daycare for BOTH kiddos next year! We had quite a lot of stress these past two weeks because we thought we had a daycare situation sort of figured out and then it ended up not working. (Unfortunately our current daycare will not have a spot for the baby next year....hence looking for a new daycare) But, through God's provision, I believe we have found a great fit for our family. Blake will not be attending preschool (3-school) next year which was our "back-up" plan if we couldn't find a daycare spot for both kids. It is like trying to get into an NYC prep school finding an infant daycare spot. This kid's not even born yet and people have waiting lists til next Spring! Crazy! So thankful we are set. 

4) I went through some serious nesting last weekend: finished the hospital bag, sanitized ALL pump parts/bottles/pacifiers, cleaned out every cupboard in the kitchen (with Brandon's help), and made 19 freezer meals. I was tired. But I just couldn't stop cleaning things. I was so on top of the dishes it was miraculous. Unfortunately, the weariness has settled back in this week. :)

Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss anything yet? I miss being able to carry Blake and play with him more actively. He seems to sense that the new baby is coming soon and is becoming a bit more clingy and even emotional (not in a bad way). It makes me feel some mom-guilt that we are changing his world in so many ways even though we are so happy to welcome a new life to our family. I know he'll adjust because every kid does; it just makes me a little sad to watch him struggle with coping. Don't get me wrong, sometimes he seems completely ambivalent and at other times excited...but overall, just a bit more attached to mom and dad.
Movement: There were two days last week that I swear baby was moving less. I even did an actual "kick count" and counted 9 movements in an hour (should be 10) but since then movement has resumed it's "normal" activity. :) The doctor did not seem worried. I mostly just feel squirms now and lots of hiccups!
Food cravings: Food. Haha! I'm hungry like a MAN during the day. However, I'm not very hungry before bed which is normally my prime snack time. I'm also still thirsty 24/7.
Anything making you queasy or sick? Heartburn.
Have you started to show yet: Definitely! I overheard a stranger at a restaurant yesterday say, "She's about to blow" as I walked by. I don't take offense; I know I'm huge, lol. A few have mentioned that they think I've dropped but I think I've just carried low this entire pregnancy. Brandon also says that my belly is wider than it was with Blake and I agree. I still carry all in my belly, but it is wider this time.
Gender prediction: Boy. My parents and their friends placed bets and they all think boy too. (They also guessed weight and birth date) Brandon thinks girl. Most of my co-workers and extended family think girl.
Labor signs: Doctor said I am 3 cm dilated already. I was dilated early with Blake too. Doesn't mean too much in terms of being any closer to labor and delivery. Baby is head down as far as I know. And I frequently have Braxton Hicks contractions so I know my body is preparing! I constantly have in the back of my mind that my original due date was Feb. 3 and it was changed to Feb. 10 so I have a feeling I may go in between (my guess is Feb. 7), however, I am okay with baby baking right up until Feb. 10.
Belly button in or out? It's pretty much become an outie and seems less sensitive than it was 2 weeks ago.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I'm pretty happy lately. :) A bit grumpy in the early morning and my students blame any irritation I have on the baby....but it's just normal irritation, trust me! They could have it much worse, hahaha!
Looking forward to: Wrapping up this semester at school so I can shift my attention to resting and preparing for baby's arrival (even though I will keep working up until labor starts!).

34-35 Weeks - Baby #2

34 weeks, 3 days (Please excuse how gross I look....I was SO sick!)

35 Weeks, 6 days

How far along? As I'm writing this I am 35 weeks, 6 days. In the top picture I was 34 weeks, 3 days.

Total weight gain/loss: +27 pounds. Wowzers. I just was looking back at my pregnancy with Blake and I had only gained 13 pounds which was abnormal because I hadn't gained in 10 weeks. I am completely within normal weight gain range this time around (and I feel fine) but that number just bugs me, ya know! ;)

Maternity clothes? Well, the ones that still fit! Hahaha! I put a dress shirt on for work yesterday that I wore just a week or two ago and it was too tight. Oh my! Also, my cutest pair of maternity skinny jeans cut into me right wear baby's head is so I don't wear those much if I'm going to be sitting a lot. I also have abandoned my work khakis because they don't have a "full" maternity panel and therefore are uncomfortable to wear because the small panel just rolls down. My wish right now is that my maternity yoga pants were acceptable work attire. Lol! However, most of my shirts still fit and I have enough to get by at work these last few weeks. 

Stretch marks? Just the two tiny ones I mentioned last time on the bottom of my belly.
Sleep: Sleep is the greatest thing, though my husband disagrees. I am pretty worn out most days. It takes a week's work-up of motivation to get me to go to the grocery store (and normally I don't mind). I grocery shopped last night and when I got home we noticed we needed more mayonnaise. I offered to order it from Target online....Brandon laughed because he knew I was dead serious. But anyways, I am sleeping pretty well, besides the 2+ times I get up to use the bathroom. On Christmas Break I averaged 9.5 hours every night plus an afternoon nap. Now that I'm back to work I am usually falling asleep on the couch around 9 and going to bed around 9:45. I don't nap after school but I do usually sit on the couch and relax until it's time to make dinner. Oh, and we still need mayonnaise. ;)

Best moments this week: 

1) Well a funny moment first. At my last doctor's appointment I met a doctor that I haven't seen before. He literally walked in rambling that if I went into labor now they wouldn't do anything to stop it and then was going on and on about how there's not really much of a difference between a 9 and 10 pound baby while he was checking me. I could hardly get a word in and really didn't even know why he was talking about weight because it wasn't something I inquired about. I can only assume my baby is measuring large! Then he walked out without asking if I had any questions. Blake was 9 pounds so I'm betting he saw that in my chart and thought we should discuss size in case I was nervous. I have no clue! I was in a fog; I literally hadn't left the house in 3 days because I was sick, so maybe my experience feels so funny because of that. 

2) We were productive over break! I got a pretty large load of baby laundry done, we purchased a bunch of things we need before baby's arrival, Brandon got the infant car seat installed (sorry Zoey, you lost your seat), my new pump arrived, and I started packing a hospital bag. I still have a lot of organizing to do in the nursery and kitchen. And I probably need to re-sanitize all of my pump parts, bottles, etc.
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss anything yet? I love my pregnant belly (and will miss it when it's gone) but I find myself envying thin people right now. I am constantly having to move chairs out of my way at school to get around the classroom. Also, I always take too much food onto my plate! It's a normal amount but my stomach is so squished right now that I can never finish my food and I almost always get crazy bad heartburn afterwards. But, most of all, I miss being able to pick up and hold Blake. :(
Movement: Yes! Less kicks/punches and more squirms and adjustments. Baby is running out of room! I get random bumps on my belly when baby shoves out a knee, elbow, butt, etc. Of course, I never know what body part it might be; I am terrible at distinguishing that stuff! Sometimes the baby will stretch and it actually hurts (and sometimes tickles) my skin and I push back hoping to move the baby back. :) Also, this baby hiccups pretty frequently. I don't remember Blake hiccuping much in the womb.
Food cravings: Milk and sweets. I like ice cream again except my old favorite, triple peanut butter cup, STILL does not sound good. I hope I didn't ruin that forever!
Anything making you queasy or sick? Sometimes the heartburn is so intense I'm worried I might throw up. :(
Have you started to show yet: OH yeah. Even strangers make comments about when I'm due. Definitely in the home stretch (no pun intended!).
Gender prediction: For the last few weeks I have felt very strongly that it's a little boy. Like, I don't even glance towards the girl clothes in the store. Brandon thinks it's a girl. Blake says it's a "brother/sister" (oh and upon questioning he would like 10 sisters and 11 brothers, ha!). My mom thinks boy (I think).
Labor signs: I had one slightly painful contraction a couple of weeks ago that lasted until I laid down. Besides that I get Braxton Hicks pretty frequently.
Belly button in or out? Well, it's flat. If I eat a lot it's more flat; otherwise sometimes it's still slightly in. It's incredibly sensitive and very easily irritated. I have to keep my lanyard/keys at school off to the side of my belly or it drives my belly button nuts. Same with the hairdryer cord, haha!
Wedding rings on or off? On. I really haven't had any swelling. It might help that the windchill has been in the negatives lately. ;)
Happy or Moody most of the time: I'd like to say happy but I probably come off as a little moody, especially at home, because I am just so tired. But I feel happy inside!
Looking forward to: Meeting this baby and finding out the gender! Also, maternity leave. :)

Blake’s Big Boy Room!

I finally got around to snapping pictures of Blake's Big Boy Room! We love it so much and Blake thinks it's pretty cool too. ;) Some days he admits that the nursery is for the baby and other days everything in the nursery is, "MINE!" Baby steps, haha!

He has been sleeping in his big boy bed for a couple of months now. He does a great job and never gets out of bed until we come up to get him. There were a couple weeks of transition time where he woke up during the night crying but he seems to be content now. He still sleeps in a crib at grandma's and a pack'n'play at daycare but the transitions do not seem to bother him at all.

His room has a dinosaur theme and we picked out a lot of the pieces especially for that. We did not do an ABC theme....all things in moderation!

The view coming in:

We got the bunk bed for free(!) from a family at church. That sure was a blessing!And it's low profile so it fit! The bedding and tee-pee/cushion are all from the Land of Nod, my favorite children's store! The walls were pale yellow before this was his room and we didn't change anything about them. They actually match his bedding perfectly!

In this picture you can see his PBK chair that I just brought up from the living room (time to make room for some baby gear), his personalized growth chart (it says Blake at the bottom but you can hardly tell here), and a made-up bed....definitely only for pictures, haha!

His nightstand is not really used except for his camera monitor. We do love the "rock" shaped lamp we got from the Land of Nod and use it occasionally. We also keep some of his extra stuffed animals on the bottom and the books we read every night.

 Here's some of the wall art in his room. The only thing we haven't done yet is put up his metallic letters that were over his crib (they spell BLAKE).

Nemo, Dory, and MeeMaw (the red panda) are his go to animals for bed. Nemo is an absolute must have.

He got a new dresser in his big boy room! The white one is staying in the nursery. Just a few knick-knacks and his fan are there for now; his dino shelf and glow-in-the-dark dinosaur are pretty cool though. ;)

And finally, the most loved space is the Tee-Pee that fits perfectly in the nook. This is where bedtime stories are read under the glow of Christmas lights (that stay up year round)!

Hope you enjoyed the mini tour!

32 Weeks - Baby #2

My current view when I look down!

How far along? 32 weeks, 3 days. We keep forgetting to take the picture at home so I took a few selfies at work....on ugly Christmas Sweater day. :) P.S. It's Brandon's sweater...mine would be a crop top right now, haha!

Total weight gain/loss: +22 lbs at my 30 week appt. I have another appointment tomorrow and we'll see if I've gained some more. I'm on a much more "average" weight gain track with this baby. I gained below average with Blake. I still seem to be carrying in my belly; it's almost identical to the way I carried Blake except this baby carries lower and my bladder notices. ;)

Maternity clothes? Yes (except today's sweater)!

Stretch marks? For the first time I might say yes(?). I *think* I have two tiny spots on the underside of my belly on either side. They are like dots, not lines (yet). Though it doesn't make me excited, I do feel like they will be little marks to remind me of this time if they stick around. I have a dot (literally) of stretch mark right on my belly button from Blake that I didn't even notice until after he was born and it reminds me of my time spent pregnant with him. :)
Sleep: I'm sleeping alright. Not as tired during the day but I wake up feeling un-rested a lot. I think I toss and turn pretty frequently (and it's becoming a lot of work to flip over, haha!) and I've also been having some very vivid and strange dreams. Last night I had two nightmares....that's no fun. It's also the week before Christmas and I have a lot to get done and some crazy hyper students to deal with at work so there's that too....

Best moments this week: 

-Friday will be a great moment...when Christmas Break starts! ;)

-Spending the weekend with Brandon's family and taking Blake to visit Santa!

-I officially did the first thing at home to prepare for a new baby: cleaned out part of a cupboard to make room for bottles and cleaned up Blake's bib and silverware drawer to make room for some baby bibs. (I just have to point out that at this time with Blake we were like 95% ready I think.....haha)

-I didn't pack a hospital bag, but I wrote a list.

-I passed my glucose test. (a while ago....but it still counts!)

-I wrapped a bunch of presents and have *almost* all of our Christmas shopping done. 

-Brandon and I set an intention to start getting stuff ready for baby on vacation next week. :)

Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss anything yet? Not having constant sciatica/hip pains. My memory, lol.
Movement: This baby moves a lot in the late afternoon and late evening. It may move during the work day and I just don't notice it as much, but, once I leave school it seems to move like crazy! Baby loves music on the iPad and seemed to be dancing to the music when we saw "Finding Neverland" live this past weekend!
Food cravings: Milk, candy, caffeine (okay maybe not a craving as much as a want)
Anything making you queasy or sick? When I ate too much chex mix the other day....yeah, Christmas treats are the best when you don't eat like an elephant, haha!
Have you started to show yet: Oh yeah. Sorry in advance if I hit you with my belly.
Gender prediction: I'm definitely thinking boy this week. I just have this strong feeling.
Labor signs: None thank goodness!
Belly button in or out? Still in but so so so shallow. If I eat too much or baby shifts it can be flat.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Pretty happy! Definitely ready for Christmas break though!
Looking forward to: Christmas and lots of time with family!!!

26/27 Weeks - Baby #2

26 weeks, 1 day

27 weeks

How far along? 27 weeks, 3 days

Total weight gain/loss: +18 lbs at my 24 week appointment. The doctor said I'm measuring a little big (surprise surprise) but that it's not a big deal, especially since it's my second baby. Everything else was great! Baby's heartbeat was 161 I think.

Maternity clothes? Yes!

Stretch marks? No!
Sleep: Sleep is life. Hahaha! I have had a new wave of exhaustion sweep over me in the last few days (hello third trimester?). I literally can barely stay awake on my way home from work and then I snooze after work if I can. Last night I fell asleep on the couch at 8:30 and went to bed at 9:30. I am just SO stinking tired. My motivation for anything (except shopping) is zero....which is a problem when I have a 12 page paper due next week. Sleep at night is good. I sleep pretty solidly and wake up to potty about every other night. It is getting harder to flip over and I have a new symptom: random leg cramps during the night. So far they're not too bad, let's hope they stay that way!
Best moment this week: Seeing my soon to be sister-in-law's wedding dress she picked out! It's beautiful! Also baby got his/her first cloth diapers this week. Most will be hand me downs from Blake but these are especially for this baby. :) And we finally got all of Blake's stuff moved into his big boy room (except his letters on the wall) so I can start getting the nursery ready again. 

Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss anything yet? A normal bladder (just keeping it real) and a functioning brain. ;)
Movement: When this baby is awake, it's AWAKE. Strong punches, shoves, and kicks that sometimes make me jump! It's all great though. I love feeling baby move. And "awake" times are becoming more predictable.
Food cravings: Sweets and milk.
Anything making you queasy or sick? Not that I can think of.
Have you started to show yet: Yes. Strangers are nicer and most of my students are nicer too. :) My belly is starting to feel very stretched. I feel like I look farther along than I am, but when I compare to pictures of me with Blake I think I'm about the same. People always ask when I'm due with a look like "you're about to pop" on their face, haha!
Gender prediction: I HAVE NO IDEA! And when I'm out shopping, I wish I did. ;)
Labor signs: I've had a few Braxton Hicks contractions here and there; mostly when I'm at work because I've been standing for too long and I'm dehydrated. I'm getting those uterine muscles prepped!
Belly button in or out? Very shallow and sensitive. Do NOT touch it. ;)
Wedding rings on or off? On. My fingers do swell a little when I get hot but it's not bad.
Happy or Moody most of the time: So MOODY this week. Momma needs some rest.
Looking forward to: Finishing this paper for my class and Thanksgiving Break!