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.
  

13 weeks

We're home from vacation and back to the daily grind. :(  We had a great time in Florida and I'm so happy we went.  Olivia had so much fun swimming in the ocean and in the pool.  That kid is like a fish, I swear! 

I felt pretty good while we were down there too.  My morning sickness has pretty much evaporated and the exhaustion is much better as well.  That stupid cold is still lingering and was annoying while we were away but it was better than dealing with m/s.

Today marks 13 weeks 4 days and in my book that puts me in the second trimester.  Hooray!  I have an appointment tonight and they will be handing me a sealed envelope with the sex of the baby in it.  I guess Brad and I have some talking to do so that we can figure out if or when we should open it.

Here's this week's stats:

How far along?
13 weeks 4 days

How are you feeling? 
 I think the morning sickness is gone for the most part.  I still have had a couple of moments here and there during the last week where I haven't felt very good, but its sooo much better.  There's actually somewhat of a new twist.  I haven't been very hungry since the sickness has gone away.  Like, I don't really feel like eating much at all throughout the day.  I still make sure that I'm eating and getting enough, but it's so weird.  I wonder if it has something to do with this cold?

The exhaustion is also much better, although there are still nights like last night were I feel completely out of energy by 7 pm.

I've been getting cramps on and off in my lower abdomen.  Nothing that is concerning, just growing pains I'm sure.  And while my stomach hasn't really grown all that much, it has already started to become itchy.  I thought it was rather early for this so who knows.  I've been putting on cocoa butter just like last time in case that helped prevent me from getting stretch marks.  If I can make it out of this pregnancy with no stretch marks I will seriously be so happy!

Cravings? 
Being that I'm not hungry, there's nothing that I'm craving lately. 

What are you missing?
 Nada

Maternity Clothes?
Nope, not yet.  I've got a couple of pairs of dress pants that are a size up from what I was wearing, so I'm working on wearing those right now.  I'm hoping I've got another 2-3 weeks until I have to make the switch to maternity dress pants.  I finally found a fantastic pair from the Gap that I love and will be happy to wear when the time comes, so that makes me feel a little better.  I think I really need to make some time very soon to get some more pants and maybe some shirts so that I've got them when the time comes.

What are you looking forward to? Continuing to feel better.  And maybe finding out the sex.  We'll see about the later.

Something you're loving about being pregnant?
I get to chose where we eat. :)

Weight Gain/Loss
+2 lbs.  Last week's 1 lb loss rebounded back to the 2 lb gain.  I'm sure I'll start seeing the scale go up though.  It's time to probably start gaining about a pound/week.

 

Here are some pics from vacation with a 13 week bump shot.

12 weeks

I know I'm technically not out of first tri yet, but I'm celebrating and out with my news!  It feels good that it's not a secret anymore.  Although the majority of my co-workers don't know, that will not last long with this bump that has really seemed to pop the last few days.  While I've thought for a while that I had a bump in the evenings, it's still there when I wake up in the morning now....yay!

Since about Thursday of last week, my all day sickness has started to wane.  I still definitely have little bouts here and there at different times during the day but I'm getting a glimpse at what it feels like to be normal again.  Thank goodness! 

In other news, I seem to have caught a cold.  Not cool.  Especially since we leave for vacation tomorrow.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is really short-lived and that when I wake up tomorrow morning (day 4 of the cold), I'll be getting better.  It's funny, its like I swapped the m/s sickness for a cold instead.  Not being able to take anything for my super sore throat and this runny nose is irritating to say the least.  I have gotten very little sleep the last 3 nights.  I feel like I could just fall over right now.  Maybe a nap at lunch is in order?  :)   

I'm going to need some more energy to get me through this day. I have to work late tonight and then finish packing (which is taking forever, btw) and getting the house ready tonight before bed.  Oh, and it would be great if I could somehow magically get to bed earlier that usual also because I have to come into work tomorrow by 5 am so that I can wrap up my payroll activities and be done and leaving the office by 10 at the latest.  I'm going to be soooo tired!  But hey, I'll be sleeping on the plane from the drammamine.  Either way, vacation starts tomorrow and I'll get a chance to sleep then, so I'm fine going without for a few days I guess.

Here's this week's official update.

How far along?
12 weeks 2 days

How are you feeling? 
The morning sickness seems to be going away.  If I can get through this week feeling this good, I'll be so very happy.  It's nice to feel somewhat normal again.  I'm eating less the last 4 or 5 days too.  I think because I'm not sick 24/7 I don't feel the need to be constantly munching on carbs and other terrible things for my body.  I actually lost a pound this weekend.  Could be a fluke or could be from eating less in general and less of the foods that don't have much nutritional value.

Exhaustion is still hanging on but might be getting better.  I'm not sure.  It's so hard to tell since I've been getting  terrible sleep for the last 3 nights in a row.

Cravings? 
Nothing right now really.  Maybe cereal if I had to pick something.  It's not so much of a craving, but more like a go-to when I want to eat. 

What are you missing?
 Not a whole lot right now.  I could go for some more sleep these days, that's for sure.

Maternity Clothes?
Still not wearing anything maternity.  I'm pretty sure that I will be breaking out the maternity dress pants next week.  Things are getting snug.  I only have to work 2 days this week so I'll get by with my regular pants at work today and tomorrow.  Shirts will still be a while but I probably need to get serious about finding some new tops for work. 

What are you looking forward to? 
Vacation tomorrow!!!  Oh, and some sleep.  Sleep would be wonderful!

Something you're loving about being pregnant?It's fun to watch the little baby bump grow.

Weight Gain/Loss
+1 lb.  I lost a pound this weekend.  Something tells me that I'm due to gain a couple of pounds here shortly.

** I realize that I haven't posted any bump pics yet.  Maybe next week I'll post something.  Stay tuned!