31 weeks

Well, I haven't updated in what feels like forever.  Things have been so ridiculously busy, it's been difficult to find any time.  I cannot believe we are nearing the home stretch so quickly.  There are sooo many things to do and not nearly enough time to get it all done.  Brad and I were miracously able to keep this coming weekend open so that we could spend time getting some items marked off of our to-do list.  Maybe I'll feel a little better after that. 

This little chick has been so active.  Way more than I remember with Olivia.  Some of her movements are already causing some pain-she's got some muscles.

How far along?
31 weeks 2 day

How are you feeling? 
I hate to complain but I have not been doing as good as I hoped to be doing.  I feel like I didn't feel this crummy until the very end with Olivia.  For about a week now the pelvic pain has been fairly prevalent.  Both getting up and sitting down has become pretty intense and can be painful by the end of the day.  Laying down at night or moving in the middle of the night hurts now as well.  Until I'm all set up with my pillows in the appropriate positions, everything is super achy.  I think I'm going to really force myself to get some walks in this week and see if that will help at all.

Acid reflux has become almost constant some days.  It seems like no matter what I do, it's there within an hour after I eat.  I told Brad that I'm going to make a genuine effort to cut out most processed foods and sugar to see if that will help.

I actually don't have any real swelling to speak of just yet.  I notice just a tiny bit in my legs at the end of the day.  It that holds off for a few weeks, I'll be a happy camper.

Overall, I'm starting to be more sluggish and tired making me feel even worse about not being able to get things done.  9 more weeks keeps running through my mind.  Those last few should prove to be interesting if I already feel like this.

I am however, enjoying all the positive attention I've been getting.  I forgot how much people (strangers included) seem to like pregnant people.  It's a good reminder that what I'm doing-bringing a baby into the world- is important and cherished by so many people.       

New Symptoms?
Tail bone pain started at 28 weeks and has continued on and off depending on the chair I sit in.  It hasn't been too bad...yet.

I've been snoring a lot more and enough for Brad to have to wake me up almost every night.

Not really a symptom but I had to increase my iron intake because I'm borderline anemic.  So far the iron pills haven't seemed to change my digestion at all, so that's good.

Upper back pain started several days ago.  Basically everything from my neck to between my shoulder blades is achy and sore.  Seems so odd to me.

Also,  a weird crampy thing on the left side of my abdomen occurred the last 2 nights in a row.  Both times it happened when I moved just slightly while laying on my right side in the middle of the night.  It's an intense, deep pain on my lower left abdomen that doesn't get better unless I lay on my left side.  Maybe it's from laying too long on my right side?

Cravings? 
I'm still loving junk food.  I seriously need to stop to try and help the acid reflux and control my weight.  It will probably make me feel better overall too.  It's so difficult!

What are you missing?
I miss having a normal body that doesn't hurt all the time.  I want to get around like I used to.  Everything is taking me forever and I don't have any patience for myself, lol.

Maternity Clothes?
I've reached that point in the pregnancy where I can already tell that there will be a few items that I may have to stop wearing in my final month.  That's always a feel good moment- when you grow out of your maternity clothes.  :(

What are you looking forward to? 
I'm really looking forward to soaking up all the time we have left as a family of three and getting ready for the holidays.  Olivia is at such a great age and so much fun right now.  She'll be such a great big sister.

Baby Purchases?
Ugh, working on this one soon I hope.  Basically, we've bought some diapers and wipes; that's it.  I'm going to be making a list this week and get some things marked off soon.

Oh, I did get a prescription for the breast pump.  I'll be sending that through to my insurance and get the ball rolling there.

Weight Gain/Loss?
+22 lbs

25 weeks

I typed this up last week and never posted it.  Oops!  I'm hoping to get another update done this week but things are hectic. 

How far along?
25 weeks 3 days

How are you feeling? 
I'm feeling pretty good except for this stupid cold I've acquired.  I'm hoping that I can get some relief soon.  I need to be able to sleep at night and the last 2 nights have been so restless!   

I think I'm done running.  I have no motivation to actually run these days.  Walking is so much better and doesn't hurt!  I feel so much bigger than I was last time at this time.  Even comparing pictures from last time shows a noticeable difference between this pregnancy and the last.  That may have something to do with why I stopped running earlier than last time?  Or it could be the fact that finding time to get away is a lot harder when you have a toddler.  Not to mention, I don't want to take away from any time that we have together in the evenings or weekends.

Acid reflux is definitely

New Symptoms?
I think I may have started retaining water a little bit.  Last week on Friday, I noticed marks on my legs from the pants I was wearing that took a while to go away.  I've noticed my watch (which is normally tight anyways) has been feeling even more snug the last few days.  I hope I've got a least a month more of wearing my rings though! 

Cravings? 
Sugar has a tight grip on me.  I made a conscious decision to cut out about half of the sweets I've been eating.  If I don't do something soon, I'll really pay for it later when I have to work even harder to get this weight off.  Wish me luck!

What are you missing?
I miss being able to work out like a non-pregnant girl.  I wish it wasn't so hard to get motivated to run.  I didn't go at all last week.  Even when there is a little time to squeeze it in, I don't want to deal with the discomfort both during and after.  Either way, if I'm not going to run, I need to make sure I'm getting some nice walks in.

Maternity Clothes?
Yes and thank goodness for them.  I feel so huge already and I still have 16 + weeks to go.  I'm going to be a house!

What are you looking forward to? 
Just enjoying this pregnancy and Olivia for now.  Nothing too exciting coming up and I'm okay with that.

Baby Purchases?
Nada.  I'm going to see if the doctor will give me the prescription for my breast pump at my next appointment.  I'm sure we'll start buying a few items within the next month.

Weight Gain/Loss?
+14

23 week update

How far along?
23 weeks 5 days

How are you feeling? 
I'm still in the sweet spot; feeling great, sleeping better now, energy levels are up and I'm not too big (yet).  Although the bump has really started getting in my way. 

I'm so happy to be sleeping better lately.  It felt like I was never going to get a restful night of sleep for a while.  Maybe it's the fact that I've got sleeping with the body pillow down pat now, so I'm able to be much more comfortable?

Movement has picked up and I can feel her above my belly button now sometimes.  I absolutely love being able to feel her moving around in there.  It's so relaxing and makes me feel bonded with her. I'm hoping to be able to have Olivia be able to feel her moving in the next couple of weeks.  That will be so much fun! 

New Symptoms?
Acid reflux has made it's return into my life.  I've had it here and there for the last couple of weeks but it has gotten a little stronger at times.  Last time, it got to be a nuisance in the middle of the night and would wake me up regularly.  I wonder how long it will take for that to happen?

Cravings? 
Sugar has a tight grip on me.  I made a conscious decision to cut out about half of the sweets I've been eating.  If I don't do something soon, I'll really pay for it later when I have to work even harder to get this weight off.  Wish me luck!

What are you missing?
I miss being able to work out like a non-pregnant girl.  I wish it wasn't so hard to get motivated to run.  I didn't go at all last week.  Even when there is a little time to squeeze it in, I don't want to deal with the discomfort both during and after.  Either way, if I'm not going to run, I need to make sure I'm getting some nice walks in.

Maternity Clothes?
Yes and thank goodness for them.  I feel so huge already and I still have 16 + weeks to go.  I'm going to be a house!

What are you looking forward to? 
Just enjoying this pregnancy and Olivia for now.  Nothing too exciting coming up and I'm okay with that.

Baby Purchases?
Nada.  I'm going to see if the doctor will give me the prescription for my breast pump at my next appointment.  I'm sure we'll start buying a few items within the next month.

Weight Gain/Loss?
+14

22 weeks!

I love summer.  Even though it's been super hot throughout the last week, I'm still loving every second.  Before long, I know it's going to turn cold and we'll be stuck indoors.  I wonder if this winter will go faster or slower with the addition of the new baby in December? 

Honestly, if all of our family and friends weren't here I would be having some serious conversations with Brad about moving south.  These Chicago winters that last well through March and into April are wearing on my last nerve.  It would be so great to just pack up and move to somewhere like North Carolina!  Ahh, I don't ever truly see that happening so I might as well try to accept it.  :(

In other news, we had our ultrasound last week and it went great.  Baby girl is still a girl and was in there wiggling around.  It looked like she had her fingers in her mouth at one point.  It was so cute!  I loved watching her and enjoyed every second.  Apparently, Brad did not share my enthusiasm.  He said that through the majority of the scan, he couldn't really tell what the tech was looking at.  Bummer for him I guess.

How far along?
22 weeks 3 days

How are you feeling? 
I'm feeling great and getting things done.  It's really amazing how much I can accomplish around the house these days.  Yes, I am sore at the end of the day when I've been cleaning the house and staying active, but my energy levels are allowing me to get so much done that I absolutely have to take advantage of this time!

Even through I really love summer, these 90 degree temps make it difficult to get any runs in during the day.  I just can't justify running inside when it's summer.  I still go at night after Olivia is down, but that won't last much longer.  I'm running out of daylight after 8 pm.

I hope I'm just in a sleep slump the last couple of weeks. My sleep is interrupted frequently at night and I would love to feel like I'm sleeping all the way through.  Even though I have enough energy, I'm still pretty tired when I wake up and feel like I could sleep for a couple more hours.

I'm still running but the idea of walking has been entering my mind more and more the last couple of weeks.  We'll see how much longer I can continue to run with this belly.

Cravings? 
I really wish I wasn't craving junk food so much!  I just know I'm going to pay for giving in to these cravings all the time.  Normally, I don't buy any sugary foods.  However, I just can't seem to stop myself throughout this pregnancy so far.  I'm trying to make up for it and getting a lot of fresh fruits and veggies, but I still just want sweets so badly.  I guess I'll just keep trying and hope that this extreme sweet tooth lets up a little bit.

What are you missing?
I haven't been missing alcohol very much the last couple of weeks.

I do really miss being able to work out at a good pace and not being so sore afterward.  It's hard to stay motivated to go run when I know I'm going to be limping and waddling for the next day.

Maternity Clothes?
I washed most of the clothes I had in storage, so they're ready to go as soon as the weather turns.  I thought I would be more excited to see those clothes....nope, they really underwhelmed me and made me feel like I need to get a few new options for the winter.

What are you looking forward to?
I still don't have curtains picked out or the wall decal.  Maybe sometime soon?

Baby Purchases?
Nothing new.  I think I'll start buying newborn and size 1 diapers when I go to the store so I can be stocked up.  That might help with some of the costs in the beginning.

Weight Gain/Loss?
+ 13 lbs - I feel like this fluctuates a lot by 2 lbs or so.  Maybe I'm retaining more water these days?

21 weeks

I feel like I just did last week's update yesterday.  Time is going by so quickly!

We got a fair amount done this weekend on the nursery.  The room is painted (accent wall and all), Brad installed the new fan, and I ordered the rug for her room.  I'm hoping we can make a decision tonight or tomorrow on the wall decal that we'll be getting for the accent wall.  Then, I just need to decide on curtains.  If I can get all of that done by the end of the week, I'll be happy. 

I think my goals after that will be to wash the rest of my packed away maternity clothes so they are ready to use when the weather starts to turn and go through my feeding supplies to see what new items I'll need to purchase.

How far along? 21 weeks 4 days

How are you feeling? 
Still feeling pretty great, all things considered.  My energy level continues to be pretty high and I'm able to keep up with things around the house for the most part. 

My runs are still enjoyable.  I enjoy going in the evenings after Olivia is in bed.  Usually, it has cooled off and I know that I'm not missing out on any time with her by going late like that. 

Sleeping is starting to become a little uncomfortable.  I put the snoogle in my bed, but it's not always helping all that much.  I think I just need to get used to it and move my regular pillow out of the way.  That may help the neck issues it seems to cause me.

Cravings? 
Anything with a lot of sugar in it sounds good.  Also, cereal is my friend right now.  There are 4 boxes in the pantry, all of which are mine.

What are you missing?
I'm starting to miss being able to move around the way I always could.  This belly gets in the way sometimes. 

Maternity Clothes?
I love that they're so comfortable.  At least since I have to wear all these frumpy clothes, they're soft and stretchy.

What are you looking forward to?
We have our anatomy scan later today.  I'm looking forward to seeing this baby on ultrasound for the first time since I was almost 7 weeks.  It was a bummer that this new doctor didn't do a 12 week scan.  It will be so awesome to see our little girl swimming away in there.

Baby Purchases?
Besides items to decorate the nursery, we haven't really purchased anything to speak of yet.  I know that I will want to get some new outfits together.  That can always come later.  For now, I'd rather focus on getting any supplies that need to be replaced.

Weight Gain/Loss?
+ 11 lbs

20 Weeks- Halfway there!

Things have been busy and I missed last week's update.  And now this week's is a little late as well.  I'll be 21 weeks in just 2 days.  I just know that I'm going to turn around once more and I'll be closing in on my due date. 

I'm both happy and sad that time is going so quickly.  I can't wait for this little lady to get here and I'm anxious to be a family of four.  Seriously, I get all gooey inside just thinking about my two girls growing up together.  :)  On the other hand, this could end up being my last pregnancy.  While, I think I'm okay with that idea, it still saddens me to potentially not be able to experience this again.  I mean, all things considered, this has been an enjoyable pregnancy so far....and I really hope it stays that way.  Yes, I was pretty sick in the beginning but I feel like that is almost a necessary evil.  It definitely hasn't ruined my opinion of this pregnancy.

So now that I'm over halfway baked, Brad and I seriously need to step up our game in getting some things taken off the to-do list.  First up is painting her room and installing a new ceiling fan this weekend.  I also need to order the rug, the curtains, and decided on a vinyl wall decal for her.  My goal for those last 3 items is before the end of next week.  Decisions, decisions!

How far along?
20 weeks 5 days

How are you feeling? 
I'm still feeling pretty good.  I didn't run this week and I'm kind of glad that I've taken a little time to let my pelvis recover.  The discomfort I was experiencing was increasing but is now back in check.  I'm hoping to get a couple of runs in before the week is out. 

My stomach is starting to get in the way of things and prohibiting my movement.  I'm not really looking forward to the significant decrease in flexibility that is coming my way.  I remember from last time how much effort it took to get socks and shoes on.  It was interesting, that's for sure.

My need for naps or even extra sleeps seemed to have waned in the last week or two.  It's kind of nice to be operating on a pre-pregnancy amount of sleep and still feeling good enough to get a lot accomplished.  I'm sure it won't last, but I'm relishing in it for now.

This babe is starting to be more active.  Either that, or I'm able to feel a lot more of the movements.  It's really great!

Cravings?
Oh my gosh, all I want to eat for dinner is sugar!  I've been forcing vegetables upon myself and other options that are at least better for me than the chips ahoy cookies, gummy lifesavers, dark chocolate mini bars, milky ways, and variety of ice cream treats that are calling me name the second I walk in the door in the evenings.  It's funny, because I don't feel like that when I'm at work.  I eat the lunch I packed and am usually satisfied without craving junk food.  I hope this craving wanes a little in the coming weeks.  My willpower is non-existent!

What are you missing?
Not really missing much right now.

Maternity Clothes? 
Overall, I'm in all maternity.  There are still some tops that are in my rotation.  Maybe only a couple more weeks on those.  I was trying to make the small amount of summer maternity tops last until the weather the starts to change.  I have plenty of items from last time that I can wear this fall and winter.  Hopefully, I can stretch my summer wardrobe out a little bit longer.

What are you looking forward to? 
Getting some projects done!

Something you're loving about being pregnant?
People I don't know are starting to notice.  It's fun. :)

Weight Gain/Loss
+ 10 lbs

Here's a fun comparison picture from my first pregnancy.  I'm definitely bigger this time around.

18 weeks

I'm chugging along at 18 weeks now and feeling pretty good.  All the nausea and extreme fatigue feel like a distant memory, which is funny considering that it was only 3-4 weeks ago that I was able to get some relief. 

There are still times when I have some strong food aversions and overall I have quite a bit less energy than pre-pregnancy.  All in all, I'm happy with the way I'm feeling these days.  It would be great if I could continue to feel this way until as close to my due date as possible!

How far along?
18 weeks 2 days

How are you feeling? 
I started running again last which has dramatically increased the RLP pain in my pelvis.  Its a familiar feeling from my first pregnancy.  It's been fairly intense at times throughout the week but I'm hoping that gets a little better as I get back into running.  With the increase in discomfort I may need to put the snoogle in bed soon.  I've been holding out because it's just so huge.  It takes up quite a bit of room in my bed and it's annoying to move when I want to get in and out of bed. 

It feels so good to be working out again.  It would be great if I can continue yoga and running for at least a couple of months.

The pigment splotches on my face (cheeks and forehead) got worse this past weekend.  I'm not sure if it's because I got a little sun or if its just because of normal pregnancy hormone fluctuations.  It's not too bad but definitely noticeable if you know me.   

Cravings?
 My sweet tooth seems to have kicked in again.  Dessert is on my mind a lot these days.

What are you missing?
After having such discomfort when finished working out last week, I definitely miss being able to walk like a normal person post work-out.  Instead I kind of waddle for a few minutes after I first get up from sitting.

Maternity Clothes? 
I'm wearing my first maternity top to work today.  It's nice not to have to worry about keeping it pulled down over the elastic on my pants.

There are still some jeans/shorts that I can wear using a hair tie on the button.  I should probably stop doing that soon.  I learned my lesson last time around when I broke the zipper on one of my favorite pairs of jeans, trying to make them last.  I'll go ahead and get my maternity jeans out this week.

What are you looking forward to? 
I have a 4 day weekend coming up.  It will be nice to spend some quality time with Olivia.  Maybe I'll make some decisions on her sister's room for paint colors too.

Something you're loving about being pregnant?
I still really love that I can feel her squirming around in there.  The movement is starting to get a little more noticeable than a couple of weeks ago.  I haven't been able to feel it from the outside yet...maybe a couple more weeks.

Weight Gain/Loss
+ 7-8 lbs

17 week update

I never posted this last week.  Oops. :)

17 weeks already...time is certainly going by pretty quickly. 

We still haven't decided on a color for the nursery.  I'm going to try and get that done this week so that we can get it painted before the end of July.  It'll probably end up being a shade of purple.  Oh, did I mention it's a girl?!?!?!  Olivia will have a little sister to enjoy in a few short months.  :)  I was shocked to see that it was a girl, especially being that I had a feeling that I couldn't shake from the beginning of this pregnancy, that it was a boy.  No mother's intuition for me, I guess.

 I made the plunge to wear a fitted a shirt to work this week. For some reason, I've been very self conscious in dressing myself for work this pregnancy.  I have not worn a single top that was not loose and flowy until this week.  At this point, even with the flowy shirts, its obvious.  So, why not wear some of the other tops I have that won't fit me in a couple of weeks.

 How far along?
17 weeks 3 days

How are you feeling? 
Overall, I'm feeling great.  The exhaustion and sickness are still gone.  Yay!  Although, when I don't get enough sleep, I'm SUPER tired the next day and have to drag myself through the day's activities. 

I did yoga this weekend and oh my gosh, I'm so sore.  That is all the more reason that I need to make sure that I'm working out on a regular basis.  I think if I can get to yoga at least once a week and run a couple of times a week, I'll be content. 

I'm definitely having some round ligament pain more frequently in the form of general soreness in my pelvic area. 

Cravings?
I'm just having some general food aversions still.  I definitely know what I don't want to eat.

What are you missing?
Having a beer or a glass of wine.  Brad bought me some ODoule's this past weekend and I was at least able to feel like I was having a beer. 

Maternity Clothes? 
I finally found one pair of maternity shorts that work for me.  I guess I'll get by with one pair because I really don't feel like putting any more effort into looking for other options that fit.  I can still wear my non-maternity shorts, just with a very long shirt and using the hair tie trick. 

As for tops, I'm thinking within the next week or so, I'll be adding some maternity tops in to the rotation.  Hey, maybe even this week.  It's just easier, especially with that ugly band at the top of maternity pants.  With a longer shirt, there's less of a chance of that elastic band showing.

What are you looking forward to? 
Working out more consistently to be more healthy.  I know that it will make me feel good to do that.

Something you're loving about being pregnant?
I'm definitely feeling movement.  It's great and I'm shocked that it happened so early this time around.  This was a full 3 weeks earlier than with my first pregnancy. 

I feel it at least a couple times/day and it's still really light.  It seems that I only notice it if I'm sitting still.  So far, I haven't been able to detect movement on the outside of my belly.  Once I can do that, it will be nice to have Brad feel the baby too. 

Weight Gain/Loss
+ 7ish lbs

16 weeks

How far along?
16 weeks 3days

How are you feeling? 
Still feeling fabulous for the most part.  I'm oh so happy be back to normalish again!  I've had enough energy to get quite a bit done around the house and have been eating pretty well. 

I think I'm really looking pregnant these days.  Even if you don't know me....well, maybe.  I'm sure within the next week or two, it will be obvious.

I really, really, really want to start working out again.  Life is so incredibly busy right now that I don't know when I can squeeze it in.  I think I need to just start going at lunch time or I won't be able to pull the trigger.  I would love to take Olivia with me on a run because it seems like Brad and I are never home at the same time.  However, pushing that stroller is hard work and I wouldn't make it very far at all.  If I wasn't pregnant, I'd be all for running with the jogging stroller...too much work for this momma right now though.

I think that I might be feeling some movement,... maybe.  I've felt a few little taps the last 3 nights when I'm on the couch right before bed.  It's so light that I'm not sure.  I guess time will tell and by this time next week I should know if it was movement or not.

Cravings? 
nada

What are you missing?
I'm starting to miss just putting on a pair of regular pants/shorts.  I'm in the weird in between stage with my non work pants and shorts.  Maternity shorts suck!  So far I can't find anything that actually fits.

Maternity Clothes?  Oh yes.  I retired all but one pair of dress pants and have made the switch.  If I could find something suitable for my bottom half when I'm not at work, I will probably be wearing those within a week or so. 

I'm good on tops for now.  I want to try to hold out for a few more weeks.  I remember being really sick of my maternity clothes last time.  Although, there is a change in seasons for me in this pregnancy, so maybe I won't be quite as annoyed with my clothes.

What are you looking forward to? 

Well, we reorganized the front two bedrooms and purged quite a bit of crap to make room for the shifting of furniture.  Everything fits nicely.  The new nursery has basically all the furniture in it now and Olivia has her big girl bed and new furniture.  Mark that one off the list!

I'm getting excited for decorating the new nursery.  I've been pinning some things on pinterest and I'm getting excited to actually make some purchases and pick out paint in the next few weeks.

Something you're loving about being pregnant?
Just feeling normal again.

Weight Gain/Loss
+5-6 lbs, depending on the day.

15 weeks already

It's funny; at times I feel like I have a long way to go until this baby is here and at other times I can't believe that I'm already 15 weeks.  I have roughly 5 1/2 months to get ready for this new babe.  Seems like a lot of time when you say it like that but I know each week is going to fly by and before I know it, it will be December.  I think I'm most stressed about making sure everything is taken care of at work.  That will be a feat in itself since I've been put in a very odd situation in which I can't really lean on anyone that I work with currently and will have to bring in outside help.  We'll see how that goes. :(

I'm really looking forward to the 8 weeks I'll be off with this new baby and Olivia.  I know it will go by in the blink of an eye, but it will still be so wonderful to bond with my 2 kids.  This could be the last time I go on maternity leave.  It makes me kind of sad to think that all of these pregnancy experiences and everything going forward, could be the last time we go through each stage.  Not that everything Olivia is doing right now isn't amazing.  I feel like I'm always saying this but, I love the age she's at right now.  So much fun!  We ordered her big girl bed this week and I'm ready to kick off some serious potty training in the next couple of weeks.  My little baby is growing into a big girl.  And while I love going through all of these stages, I'm sad to see her grow up.  I sound like the cliché mom, but its all so true!

How far along?
15 weeks 2 days

How are you feeling? 
Well, I have had some pretty good days lately.  The nausea is getting better with very little occurence the last 4-5 days.  The exhaustion is easing as well.  I had more energy this weekend that I can remember having since I got pregnant.  It was wonderful being able to get a lot done!  I hope that this continues now.  :)

My pelvis was a little sore from being so active on Saturday but I remember that feeling the last time around after I would work out.  It's just a dull ache on and off to let you know, hey you did something today.  It was a welcome feeling.

Now that I'm not so incredibly tired, I feel better even from the moment I wake up.  It's so nice!

I'm starting to notice a little stiffness when I first get up from sitting for a while on the couch.  I remember this from last time too.  Nothing super noticeable yet, but its happened several times in the last week. I feel like I have a hitch in my step for the first couple of steps I take when I get up from the couch in the evenings.  It could also have something to do with the way I sit on the couch.

Cravings? 
No, not really.  I'm definitely more hungry these days though.

What are you missing?
I could go for a few cold beers or glasses of wine on a Friday or Saturday.  Up until this past weekend, I hadn't really missed it at all.  I'll just pretend with my carbonated juice beverage and virgin blood Mary's.  There's still a long way to go before alcohol is in my future.  Even after this little babe is here, I'm sure it will be a good month before I get to partake in anything.  Last time I remember being pretty overwhelmed in the beginning. I couldn't even think about having a couple of drinks for a while.

Maternity Clothes?I ordered some more maternity dress pants last week and I'm hoping I have them before next week because the few pairs on non-maternity dress pants that have lots of stretch, are now at the end of their life for this pregnancy.  I don't think I'll fit in them by next week.

My jeans and shorts still fit decently well although I had to do the hair tie trick with one of my pairs of capris this weekend.  I'm thinking within 2-3 weeks I'll need some maternity shorts and/or capris.  It will be a good month or more before I need maternity tops but I may indulge and wear some of what I have before then just out of comfort.  Their length is nice when you're wearing maternity pants and need to cover up that huge elastic waistband.


What are you looking forward to? 
The countdown for when I'll feel movement is on.  While I'm hoping to feel it within the next 2-3 weeks, I realize I may have a little longer to wait.  I was almost 20 weeks with Olivia when I felt movement.

We will be moving most of the nursery furniture into the new room this coming weekend when Olivia gets her new bedroom furniture.  I need to find a place for all the furniture that is currently occupying the baby's room this week.  Not sure where everything is going to fit.  Some things will have to end up in the basement for now.  We need a bigger house, haha.  That is still 2-3 years down the road, so until then, I guess we'll figure out how to organize all of our stuff.

Something you're loving about being pregnant?
The bigger boobs is pretty nice.  :)  I wish they weren't so sore most of the time though. 

Weight Gain/Loss
+5 lbs.  I've also gained some love handles...fun  I'm not sure if those are due to the pregnancy or if my poor choice in foods the last 3 1/2 months has caused them to appear.  I'm not going to agonize over them.  I'll have plenty of time after the pregnancy to get fit again.

Courtesy of the work bathroom:

14 weeks

So it turns out that I was wrong about the fatigue...I've been so incredibly exhausted on and off since last week.  I'm wondering if maybe I need to increase my iron intake or something?  Maybe it has nothing to do with my iron level and I'm just tired because I'm making a person...whatever the reason, I'm seriously feeling drained.  What I wouldn't give to take a nap at my desk right now for like 3 hours. 

Not only have I been pretty tired lately, but my nausea seems to have come back for an on & off version of round 2.  It's not nearly what it was in first tri, but I'm definitely feeling sick at different points in the day.  Food aversions are very present too.  Most of the time, very little sounds good enough to eat. 

I'm not sure if I'm using these symptoms as an excuse or the fact that life is crazy busy, but I have not worked out in what feels like forever (and I'm not counting the beach yoga I did on vacation).  I seriously wish I could summon the ambition to make a workout happen.  I'd love to go for a run or even go to yoga.  Hopefully, soon that will become a reality.

Ok, so enough of the whining.  Outside of what I described above, there's a lot of good going on right now.  Our genetic screening results all came back normal.  Yay!  We celebrated father's day yesterday by telling our families the sex of the baby.  We got Olivia to tell my parents, which was super adorable!  I'll be spilling the beans here in a couple of weeks after we've told the rest of our family and friends.

Also, I told the majority of my co-workers about my news last week.  Apparently some people had already been inquiring about whether or not I was KU, so I figured rather than people whispering about it, I would just try to tell most everyone and let them know its not a secret.  I guess my loose, flowy tops weren't hiding my bump anymore.  :)

How far along?
14 weeks 2 days

How are you feeling? 
Not fantastic but not terrible.  I'm hoping that the return of the exhaustion and nausea is a short term thing and that next week I'll be feeling better.

I've had a couple of times in the last few days when I've had to stop in my tracks due to round ligament pain.  It seems to happen right now when I go to move too quickly and I have to stop in my tracks and re-adjust.

Oh, I've also got some issues with my contacts that I'm convinced is pregnancy related.  It's been going on for at least 3 weeks now.  I can't seem to wear my contacts for more than 6 hours without my eyes getting irritated.  I think I want to ask my doctor about switching to daily's to see if that helps with the irritation.

Not so much a feeling, but another symptom: I've got some pigment discoloration on my face.  I should have mentioned this last week as it became really noticeable in Florida when I was out in the sun.  So, since about 12 weeks I get a little splotchy on my forehead and cheeks after being in the sun.  I wonder if it will go away if I'm not in the sun as much?

Cravings? 
Nope, not really very hungry.

What are you missing?
I wish I could wear my contacts.

Maternity Clothes?
The morning after last week's post, I must have popped because almost all my work pants no longer fit (even the ones a size up).  I broke out my new maternity dress pants on Thursday and it was glorious.  I'm going to order a couple more pairs this week.  All my non-dress pants still fit and I think I've still got 2-3 weeks with those items before I'll have to make a switch.

I also picked up some maternity tops in a quick shopping trip that was only to return some pants that didn't work.  All well, I'm glad I bought the tops.  It will probably be at least 3-4 weeks before I start wearing any maternity tops though.  Plenty of my regular shirts still fit just fine, albeit a little tighter than before.

What are you looking forward to? 
I'm starting to think about when I'll get to feel this little baby move.  I'm hoping within the next month?

Also, Brad and I verbally went through a list of what we need to start working on to get ready for this babe.  I'm excited to start really putting together some plans for his/her arrival.  It's funny how you don't realize how much there is to do until you start actually make a list.  Eek!

Something you're loving about being pregnant?
Having people notice my little bump.  I'm sure it will be a little while until strangers ask, but it's fun when friends and family make mention that they can certainly tell I have a baby bump.

Weight Gain/Loss
+4 lbs.  This has been varying the last several days, so who knows.  It was about time that I added a couple more pounds since I hadn't gained any real weight since I was 8 weeks.