Hello There! + 20 Weeks with the Gummy Bear

Hi there! Remember me??? It's been almost 5 months since I've written anything on this 'ol blog and I have to say I've missed it! I'm not saying I'm back for good, but hopefully I'll be posting a little more often than every 5 months! 

Let's see, what's happened in the last 5 months...? Well... Emerson turned ONE! Zach is half way through is first year of residency! Two of Zach's sisters got engaged! We made it through the holiday season in one piece! The Seahawks just made it to the Super Bowl AGAIN! And................. We are expecting Baby No. 2 (fondly referred to as the Gummy Bear)!!! It's been a busy 5 months and while the first trimester was rough with Emerson, it has been equally exhausting if not more with the Gummy Bear. I thought being pregnant was tiring enough but being pregnant with a one year old running around is flat out exhausting. At least I haven't been nearly as sick with Gummy Bear. 

Wondering why we call it the Gummy Bear? Here's your proof! :)

This was our 9 week ultrasound and I was so amazed that it looked like a little gummy bear! With Emerson our first ultrasound was at 8 weeks and she just looked like a little bean/alien. This little guy was already growing arm and leg buds! So awesome.

We just had our 20 week ultrasound and got to find out that we are having a baby BOY!!! We are so excited! I'm still a little in shock because whattheheckdoidowithaboy?!?! :)

I had a feeling that it would be a boy this time around just based on how different this pregnancy has been already. I wasn't as sick in the first trimester (and halfway through the second) as I was with Emerson (thank goodness!). I've been wanting more salty foods instead of sweet. My skin has been freaking out - very dry and my complexion is not great. I remember my complexion was amazing with Emerson. And some other little things that have just been different that I can't remember right now. :)

Since I'm already so behind on this pregnancy with my weekly bump photos and my interviews, I thought I'd do a little catch up! I doubt I'll be up for doing them every week like I did with Emerson (how nice it was to have all that free time!) but I'll try to keep up every few weeks.

20 Week Interview

How far along? 20 weeks

Baby’s size? A banana! 

Days until next doc appointment? 10 days

Total weight gain/loss? Last appointment I had a net gain of one (after losing a bunch of pounds from a 24 hour bug)

Maternity clothes?  I busted those maternity pants back out over Thanksgiving and haven't looked back! :)

Stretch marks?  Probably, I've lost count at this point.

Sleep:  Sleeping well since I'm so exhausted these days. Trying to go to bed early on nights that the Bachelor isn't on. :)

Best moment this week: Feeling him kick and become more active - by far my favorite part of the entire pregnancy.

Movement:  Significantly more this past week! It's the best!

Food cravings:  No cravings, but definitely not feeling the sweets. Salty foods all the way this time around.

Anything make you queasy or sick?  Some smells... like perhaps changing dirty diapers on a certain one year old... (gag)

Have you started to show yet?  Definitely. I feel like I "popped" a lot earlier this time around. I guess it's like they say that your body kind of already knows what to do. 

Missing anything?  Having more energy.

Gender: Little man!

Labor signs?  None yet

Belly button: Innie

Wedding rings on or off?  On

Happy or moody most of the time?  Mostly happy, but definitely very emotional.

Weekly symptoms:  Just tired.

Looking forward to: Getting the house organized and the nursery together. Which means also getting Em's big girl room ready too! 

Now taking name suggestions too! Boys names are hard so let me hear what you've got! (Except for Logan Michael because my father in law has already worn that one out... and that will definitely NOT be his name) :)

Weekly Bump Photo (Week 40)

Just had to finish what I started. :) So crazy to think that my little monkey fit in there some how!

Also, thought it would be fun to look back on the progress over weeks 8 - 40. So crazy how your body can change and adapt!

Here's beginning and end:

And here's the whole 40 week progression!

Weekly Bump Photos (Weeks 8 - 40)

Yes yes, I know what you're thinking. Emerson is here so why am I posting another belly pic?! Well, it's the last one! Before we went to the hospital on the 24th, we took one last bump photo at 40 weeks. We had to finish what we started! It's so fun seeing how much my body changed over those 9 months. I'm still in awe (and kind of disbelief - am I really old enough to have a baby?!) that I have an almost one month old now... so crazy! And the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth and all that. It's weird. It's shocking. It's amazing. It's disgusting. Pretty much every emotion and descriptive word you could think of all wrapped into one perfect little bundle of joy that you never imagined you could love so much. :) Anyways, before I get totally sappy and start crying, let's just look back at my weekly bump photos, shall we?

Weekly Bump Photo (Week 39)

YUP. Just one week to go over here. I am SO ready for this little girl to come out and meet us! SO. READY. It's been quite a hot summer and I've been sweating. A lot. She's getting bigger and bigger and I'm kinda just over this pregnancy thing. It's been an interesting 9 months and I feel like I've gotten the full pregnancy experience - I think I've gotten almost every symptom. Morning sickness (bad), leg cramps, exhaustion, small bladder, sweating, heartburn, shortness of breath, waddling (I don't know if that is an actual "symptom" but in my book it counts). You name it, I've experienced it. I always said I wanted the full pregnancy experience and I guess I got it! Honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way though... it really is a miracle such a crazy thing to go through. It's pretty amazing how mother nature takes over and does her thing. But now, I'm over it. Let's get this baby out!

This weekend we went to the Seahawks preseason game vs. the Broncos and it was so awesome! Little BK's first Hawks game and they won (I don't care if it was a preseason game - we whooped on Peyton!). I was a little nervous that it would put me into labor (and slightly hopeful that it would), but here I am, still prego. We even did a lot of walking and nothing. We were going to take the elevator up to our 300 level seats, but 1) we didn't have much time before the game started and 2) the line was super long. So I sucked it up and walked up the round about ramp all the way to the top (and glared at the perfectly abled 20-somethings in line for the elevator as I did). We may have taken a few breaks, but I made it just in time for them to announce Russell Wilson! We stayed for the first half (which is only when the starters were playing anyways) and by that time the Hawks were already way out in the lead. It was such a fun and exciting game for preseason - it felt more like a regular season game with the sold out crowd and the noise level was amazing as usual! BK got her first taste of cheering on her soon to be favorite player - RW! #gohawks

39 Week Interview

How far along? 39 weeks... we are so close!

Baby’s size? Watermelon. This is really getting out of control... :)

Days until next doc appointment? Tuesday. At my last appointment she was measuring right on track at 38 and her heart rate was great at 150! She's doing awesome, but my doctor said that she must like it in there because there isn't any sign of her coming before my next appointment. Oh well. I guess I should take it as a complement that she likes it so much in there. :)

Total weight gain/loss? 28 lbs

Maternity clothes?  It's a make it work moment. More like a suck it up and keep wearing my last 4 dresses or so that still fit. I'm so jonesing to do a little shopping and buy some regular cute normal clothes! I'm ready to not have a belly again!

Stretch marks?  A couple little ones unfortunately... 

Sleep:  Not great. Not great at all. It's getting harder and harder to get comfortable and stay comfortable throughout the night. I guess there is no going back to normal now though, so I should probably just get used to it!

Best moment this week:  Having a family BBQ with the Boehme's and Kane's - last one before BK gets here and we had a blast. Loving our new house and how great it is for entertaining. Also, just hearing her heartbeat at my appointment. It's seriously the best sound ever! :)

Movement:  She was so active this week! Loving every kick and punch. She is getting stronger though! Getting some weird and very pointy kicks (or most likely stretches) on my right side. Looks so crazy!

Food cravings:  Chocolate and ice cream. 

Anything make you queasy or sick?  Nothing really these days...

Have you started to show yet?  Yup. It's so funny the different reactions I get from people. Some people are like "Whoa! You must be ready to pop!" and others are like "You don't even look that big!" A lot of mixed messages, but I feel like I'm doing pretty good size-wise and she is growing normally, so that is what's most important!

Missing anything?  Eating cookie dough, bending over to pick things up, having lots of energy. Oh, and regular coke! I might sneak a little taste every once and a while... :)

Gender: Little Miss

Labor signs?  None yet (and still not dilated at all). She still hasn't dropped either - looking forward to that happening so I can feel like I'm taking a full deep breath again!

Belly button: It's almost completely out, we should probably just call it because it's as good as it will probably get. 

Wedding rings on or off?  Off... too hot these days! Still wearing my band though.

Happy or moody most of the time?  So happy! And did I mention I was ready for her to come?

Weekly symptoms:  Heartburn... still heartburn... not sleeping well... 

Looking forward to: Meeting out little one. Come on BK! We are ready for you!!!

Weekly Bump Photo (Week 37)

37 Week Interview

How far along? 37 weeks! Full term - WOOT! 

Baby’s size? Winter Melon, about 19 inches, about 6.5 pounds

Days until next doc appointment? Today! Baby girl is doing good! She's measuring at 38 today, so a little ahead! Doctor said she is on track to be an 8-8.5 lb baby - Eeeek!

Total weight gain/loss? 28 lbs

Maternity clothes?  Yes! Getting so uncomfortable!

Stretch marks?  A couple little ones...

Sleep:  About the same as before... waking up to use the bathroom and tossing and turning, but I'm so tired I usually go right back to sleep.

Best moment this week:  Getting our maternity photos taken by the amazing Katia Hudson! Can't wait to share them! Also, having a sewing day with my Mama to finish up some nursery projects. :) 

Movement:  Feeling a little less movement this week, but I think it's due to me being so busy and not taking time to notice the movements. Tonight she was going crazy though!

Food cravings:  Nothing too exciting, just have to have my ice cream every night! Tilamook Mudslide is the best!

Anything make you queasy or sick?  Can you guess???

Have you started to show yet?  She's getting big and it's getting even harder to do things... I'm hoping I don't have a 10 pound baby in there! :) 

Missing anything?  Being able to do normal things like bend over to pick something up without groaning or having to ask my hubby to pick it up for me. :) I don't like not being as mobile as I used to be... but it will all be worth it! Only three more weeks...

Gender: Baby girl!

Labor signs?  None yet, although I'm wondering about the Braxton Hicks contractions and if I've possibly had a couple? I'm just not sure what to expect...

Belly button: Still not completely out, but almost there! 

Wedding rings on or off?  Off... too hot! Still wear my wedding band all the time though.

Happy or moody most of the time?  Happy and a little moody just because I'm anxious to get the house fully unpacked an organized (can you say nesting?!?!). But mostly happy to meet my little nugget!

Weekly symptoms:  Heartburn. Shortness of breath. Not fun.

Looking forward to: My weekly checkup (mainly hearing her heartbeat) and finishing the nursery. I just can't wait to meet her!!! I am finally feeling ready. If she came now I know we would be fine. I guess we should probably get that car seat installed just in case though.... ;)

OK now back to the Bachelorette finale!!!

Weekly Bump Photo (Week 36)

36 Week Interview

How far along? 36 weeks!

Baby’s size? Honeydew

Days until next doc appointment? Had an appointment today (today started the weekly appointments) and everything is on track. I got confirmation that we can have a natural birth (woot!) and baby is measuring right at 36. My doctor said to plan on having a 7 1/2 - 8 lb baby. Hopefully she won't get much bigger than that!

Total weight gain/loss? 26 lbs

Maternity clothes?  Broke down and bought two more dresses - one maxi and one knee length - because I am getting bored with my rotation of other dresses. I love Old Navy! The prices are great and they are super comfy. 

Stretch marks?  Finally getting a couple... I think due to moving. :( Oh yeah, and maybe because I'm growing a human in my belly!

Sleep:  I'm so tired and never have a problem going to sleep and lately I've had a few nights where I don't even have to get up! But still tossing and turning...

Best moment this week:  Finding out we could have a natural birth!!! Also, setting up the nursery (finally!).

Movement:  She's a movin' and a shakin' - they hurt too! Especially the ones up in my ribs!

Food cravings:  Nothing really crazy (thank goodness no pickles), just sweet stuff and treat receipts from Starbucks (decaf, of course). :)

Anything make you queasy or sick?  Can you guess?

Have you started to show yet?  Yes, she's getting so big! I don't know how there's any more room in there, or room to grow... how much more can she expand?! It's crazy.

Missing anything?  Being able to lift things and not have to ask the husband to do a million things for me because I can't.

Gender: GIRL

Labor signs?  None yet

Belly button: I'd say it's about 3/4 out right now. At some times it pokes farther out than others.

Wedding rings on or off?  Off... too hot!

Happy or moody most of the time?  Happy! So excited for her to get here already! Trying to just relax and enjoy these last few weeks of pregnancy.

Weekly symptoms:  I've been getting some nasty heartburn. The kind that wakes you up at night and boy does it burn. Ugh. Tums are my saving grace.

Looking forward to: Finishing the nursery and soaking up these last few weeks with just the husband and me (oh yeah, and the pups). 

Weekly Bump Photo (Week 35) & Some Good News!

Hey everyone! I'm a little late with week 35, but we have been super busy this past week and a half. We moved into a bigger house! I'm so excited to have more room. It has three bedrooms plus a bonus/man cave room for Zach! Best part - we have a nursery! And there's plenty of storage. I think we might even have an extra cupboard or two in the kitchen that isn't being used. Just how I like it - everything has a place. :)

No interview this week, but I did have an ultrasound today! Zach got to come with me, too. I've been having so many ultrasounds because I had Placenta Previa (marginal) which means my placenta was very close to my cervix (not covering it though). When it's too close or covering the cervix you have to have a C Section because you either won't be able to deliver vaginally (because it's blocked by the placenta) or delivering vaginally could cause hemorrhaging and put you and the baby at risk. 

We've been hoping and praying for a few months now that it would resolve itself (my doctor said it was fairly common and does usually resolve itself) but after two extra ultrasounds through 32 weeks, I was keeping my expectations low and assuming the worst (because that's what I do) that I would have to have a C section. It wouldn't be the end of the world, and ultimately I just want Little BK (and myself) to be safe and healthy through the delivery, but I would definitely prefer a regular vaginal birth. 

Good news today at our last ultrasound (last chance for change!) - no more previa!!!! Woohoo! We are all in the clear and hopefully after my next regular appointment on Monday my doctor will clear me for a regular birth! Such a good day and we are both really excited! Although, now I better seriously prepare for some hard core pushing! :)

On top of that, we got to see our beautiful little girl and she finally showed us a good profile pic. At first she was being shy, but then she moved her little hands so we could see her sweet face. I'm so in love already, I just can't wait til she's here. :) 

I might continue to be a little slow with posts this week, but once I get unpacked I promise I'll be back with some more fun projects (mostly for the nursery). Can't wait to share with you!

Weekly Bump Photo (Week 34)

Yes, the nightie still fits! We had our Childbirth Preparation class yesterday and it wasn't as bad as I thought. Not too much of the breathing stuff, but a lot of information. Makes me feel just slightly more prepared for what's to come. Zach already knew pretty much all of it though - he was a good sport for coming with me! Thanks husband! :)

34 Week Interview

How far along? 34 weeks!

Baby’s size? Large cantaloupe/butternut squash

Days until next doc appointment? Had my appointment today and everything is looking good! Measuring at 36 and BK's heart rate was awesome. I love that sound so much!!!

Total weight gain/loss? 23 lbs

Maternity clothes?  Mmmmhmmmm

Stretch marks?  None so far. 

Sleep:  Not great... lots of interruptions (bathroom, tossing and turning). It probably takes me a full minute to turn over to my other side now. Not fun! But when I'm asleep, I'm out - definitely more exhausted these days!

Best moment this week:  Seeing her crazy movements! I took a video of her squirming around it was so awesome! Literally she pokes her knee/foot/elbow out on my right side and it is kinda freaky. It just looks so unreal and weird. Like, there's not supposed to be anything protruding from my stomach regularly. But it is so amazing at the same time because I love seeing her in there kicking butt!

Movement:  She is so strong! Getting more and more of those kicks that make me stop and go whoa!

Food cravings:  Chocolate. Definitely feeling the sweets lately - chocolate croissants, cookies, brownies, etc.

Anything make you queasy or sick?  Still eggs. I'd probably be fine, but I'm just staying away.

Have you started to show yet?  Getting bigger and bigger! No twin comments this week though, thank goodness. :)

Missing anything?  Sleeping soundly. Moving around easily. 

Gender: Girlie girl (or maybe probably tomboy)

Labor signs?  None yet

Belly button: We're at about half innie/half outie status... still! Come on, man!

Wedding rings on or off?  Off these past couple days - the heat is getting to me!

Happy or moody most of the time?  Happy happy time. But, very emotional this past week. I feel like I could start crying at the drop of a hat for no reason (and maybe I have once... or twice). Also, feeling anxious and nervous for all the changes to come... 

Weekly symptoms:  Leg cramping, exhaustion, heartburn, swelling feet, insomnia... you name it!

Looking forward to: My next ultrasound next week and moving into our new place so I can (finally!) set up the nursery!!!

Weekly Bump Photo (Week 33)

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend! I'm a little behind this week... been super tired lately! It was nice to have a long weekend. I got to catch up with friends and do a little shopping while Zach worked all weekend... also got a little packing done (thanks to mi madre).

33 Week Interview

How far along? 33 weeks!

Baby’s size? Durian Fruit - I have no idea what that is or tastes like? But, she's at least 4 pounds 11 ounces! Possibly up to 5 pounds already? I have a feeling she is going to be a big baby girl!

Days until next doc appointment? Monday

Total weight gain/loss? 18 lbs (ish)

Maternity clothes?  Yes, same four dresses each week to work... I'm determined not to buy any more maternity clothes! haha.

Stretch marks?  None so far. 

Sleep:  Not too horrible, but not great. Tossing and turning is hard when you have a basketball on your stomach. Also, waking up to use the bathroom at least once a night is annoying!

Best moment this week:  Getting packed and ready to move... but most of all, seeing Buster snuggle with Little Miss. He may have been scared out of his mind because of the fireworks, but it was still really sweet.

Movement:  She is so active, my little pistol! Today it felt like she was rotating around in there. There is less and less room for her to move, too, so her little kicks and punches are starting to hurt a little (but mostly just feel weird). She still just loves poking me in the ribs on my right side. 

Food cravings:  Chocolate croissants. The new ones at Starbucks are THE BEST and so yummy, but expensive. Luckily, it's Safeway to the rescue! They sell them 10 for $5! Booyah.

Anything make you queasy or sick?  Still eggs. I'd probably be fine, but I'm just staying away.

Have you started to show yet?  Um, you could say that... another comment today about if I'm having twins... Oy Vey.  

Missing anything?  Being able to move without having to think about it. I was so sore yesterday after packing some boxes this weekend. I felt like I wasn't even doing much (definitely no lifting) but still sore and super tired.

Gender: Little Miss.

Labor signs?  None yet

Belly button: Still at halvsies.

Wedding rings on or off?  Just wearing my band now. Summer = swelling.

Happy or moody most of the time?  Happy happy time.

Weekly symptoms:  Leg cramping, exhaustion, heartburn, swelling feet, insomnia... you name it! My heartburn has really crept up this past week too... popping those tums like they are candy.

Looking forward to: Moving!!!