Two Weeks Postpartum:

So it's now been two weeks since my teeny tiny princess blessed us with her presence. I still am bleeding a little, but very little compared to my pregnancy with Sophia. I am down to 124.6 lbs now, so still have 4 more pounds to go before I'm back to pre-pregnancy weight. Unfortunately, I can't do any of my nice long walks or exercise for another 2-4 weeks, which has kind of bummed me out, because we really like our nightly walks, and it's been two weeks since I've been able to. 

Rosalie eats like a champ, and is such a little sweetiepie. She's so good, and so happy (except when she's hungry or getting her diaper changed). She sleeps and eats a ton, but when she's awake, she's so bright eyed and alert. She checks out everything, and she loves her sister a bunch. Sophia (while a little aggressive) knows just how to calm her little sister down when she does get upset. It's so sweet to watch. 

In good news, I've been able to go to the bathroom now, and have probably gone more in the past week than I have in the past year, which is probably in part that I've been eating a box of frosted mini weeks pretty much every 2-3 days. Pretty crazy. It also appears that my stitches have dissolved. 

Oh, and Rosalie lost her umbilical cord on day 8, so she has a cute little belly button now. :)

So Scary....TMI ahead..One Week Update

Oh my god. So today I am officially one week postpartum, and today I had my first postpartum BM. Mind you, I had 2nd degree tearing, which from what I've recently learned, is basically the equivalent to having had an episiotomy. I have been TERRIFIED of this moment. So afraid I would just tear back open, and the pain that would come from it. I am so happy to say that it was all in my head. There was no pain, only some strange pressure, and I didn't realize how much I'd been suppressing it due to fear, but my god. It was a lot. I am so glad now to know though that it's totally okay, and safe, and that I'm not going to be turning over in pain. Milestone complete.

I've been breastfeeding like a beast, I'm down to 126.6 lbs., and bleeding is minimal this time.

In other sweet baby news...at 2 days old, Rosalie turned over onto her side, and also lifts her head quite high when laying on my chest. :) 

Please Join Me in Welcoming the Beautiful, Rosalie!

On Monday, October 6th, I went in for my 39 week checkup. When they did the pelvic exam, I was 4 cm and 70% effaced, then she stripped my membranes again, and when I left I was 5cm. We started talking about setting an induction date if I didn't go into labor before the end of the week, since they didn't want me going past the 40 weeks because of the gestational diabetes. The idea of an induction gave me so much anxiety and stress, mainly because when I hear the term induction, to me it means the use of pitocin to chemically begin contractions, which tends to not only extend labor and make it more painful, but increases the likelihood of needing a c-section. This was not an option for me. That's when she mentioned that with how far along I am (when I went in with Sophia at 39 weeks, 6 days, I was only 3 cm and 50%) and having had contractions for the two weeks prior, that she would just break my water. After talking with David, we decided that with both the timing of not much going on at work, the staff we liked being on call, my sister being available to watch Sophia, etc. that it seemed like the best option, so we scheduled our "induction" for Wednesday. To extents it was kind of nice to have an actual expiration date set, so that we knew how much time we had to get what we needed done. I was even able to make some yummy homemade blueberry muffins to bring in for the Dr.'s and nurses the night before, along with the two batches of snickerdoodles I'd made. 

(our last picture as a family of three)

(final belly shot - 39 weeks)

Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep, 3.5 hours maybe. We were scheduled to be at the hospital at 6:30am, so we got up at 5:45am, got the last little bit ready, and waited for my mom and sister to show up at 6am. My sister swapped spots with me in bed to stay with Sophia, and mom left with David and I to head to the hospital. The timing was awesome, because at 6:25am as we were pulling into the hospital, the beautiful bloodmoon was in full effect. Talk about neat! 

I'd already pre-registered so it didn't take long for the registration process and I was up there by 5 minutes to 7am. They had me change, and hooked me up like they did for my regular NSTs. I had contractions but not really any that I felt much. Around 7:15am the Dr. came in and did a cervical check, and I was still the same 5 cm 70%, then next thing I knew, there was a small leak of fluid. I hadn't even realized she'd broken my water while she was doing it. I didn't even feel it, which apparently is impressive, or at least the nurses seemed to think so that I hadn't even flinched. After about 30 or so minutes, they told me that they wanted me to get up and start walking to hopefully jumpstart the contractions. I didn't end up really walking though, because by the time I got up and out, they already had a room for me, so we went in, and a few minutes later, contractions started happening, so I sat on the big ball for a bit and tried to relax. It was probably around 8am at this point. I think somewhere between 9am and 10am, I had David call my photographer, just to let her know that the contractions were getting closer, and that I didn't think it'd be too terribly much longer. Shortly after she arrived, the contractions got closer and closer and stronger and stronger. 

I'd decided after my last pregnancy that this time I wanted to do it completely natural, with no drugs at all. With Sophia, that'd been my initial goal as well, but I ended up asking for Nubain (which is nowhere near as strong as an epidural, and goes away after 3 hours and is done through IV) and learned after the fact that in the end, I'd had her naturally because my drugs had already worn off. So knowing that, I felt a little more confident in my decision this time. Something I hadn't taken into consideration though was that I'd still had medicinal help for those three hours, so it wasn't as bad. I clearly didn't realize what I was in for, but also, a lot of women get to have short breaks in between contractions. I barely had time to get 5 words out before the next one came with a vengeance. I was almost in tears with the pain, (which made me feel weak and pathetic) and I was seconds away multiple times from begging for drugs, but add to my incredible birthing experience luck, that my photographer who was well aware of my birthing wants (I'd discussed water births with her early in the pregnancy because she birthed where I'd tried to initially) and basically turned into my doula. She kept talking me through my contractions and reminding me to calm my breathing and try to relax. If not for her, I absolutely would have given in. So, I am super grateful to her, for both the gorgeous pictures you will get to see, but also for helping me complete my mission. 

My amazing midwife had come in to check up on me, and had just walked out to go downstairs when my nurse convinced me to go sit in the shower to help with pain (like had worked with Sophia). I got in, sat down, and not two minutes later, that urge to push came and I started to panic. I told the nurse to get my midwife NOW, that this baby was coming. I was completely convinced I was going to have her in the shower on that stool and got really scared. David and the nurse helped get me on the bed as my midwife came in, threw on gloves and checked me and shook her head and said "okay, push whenever you're ready." Then the next contraction came. I pushed. They could see her head. The next contraction came. I pushed harder. Her head was out. The third contraction came. I pushed sooo hard and continued to push straight through the fourth contraction and her body was out. I did tear again, but kind of expected it. 

I'd asked to have delayed cord clamping this time, so they put her on my chest immediately. This time I was overwhelmed with emotion and am pretty sure I was bawling. She was so beautiful and perfect. So much hair! Within the first two minutes, she already had found my breast and began nursing. Because of that, I didn't need the pitocin to get the placenta out. I continued nursing while she stitched me up. I am so grateful to my incredible team, who through some insanely ridiculous luck ended up being my same team as Sophia. I could not be more happy with my experience. I love them all so very much! And on top of it all, I got my placenta encapsulated which is awesome. They were so supportive of every single thing that I wanted. Overall, an amazing experience, and now I have two amazing and incredibly beautiful baby girls. I am so very blessed. 

P.S. The beautiful pictures were done by ThunderClap Photography!! If you live in Central Florida, definitely check them out! So worth it!

38 Weeks Pregnant With Baby #2:

How far along? 38 Weeks 

Total weight gain: ~ 17 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Best moment this week: Spending time with family in the most beautiful fall weather
Miss anything? Being able to bend over to reach things, being able to stand for more than 5 minutes, not being so emotional, not having anxiety attacks, not having teasing contractions

Movement: Super active

Food cravings: Pumpkin everything, olive garden

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not at the moment

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: Contractions, lots of contractions

Symptoms: exhaustion, frequent urination, unable to stand for long periods of time, contractions, leaking breasts

Belly button in or out? Out just a smidge

Wedding rings on or off? On, and very loose

Happy or moody most of the time: Stressed, but mostly happy

Looking forward to: Meeting my baby girl in a few days

This week the baby is still approximately the size of a watermelon, at 6.80 lbs. in weight, and 19.61 inches in length.

"Your baby's skull is still soft to allow for the trip through your birth canal. Some of the tiny bones in his body won't fuse together until after birth. At this point your little one is ingesting a lot of amniotic fluid, which is resulting in the build-up of meconium, (the first bowel movement that he will have after birth). Your baby's tiny fingernails continue to grow but are kept soft inside your uterus. Be prepared to cut them shortly after giving birth. Your baby is gaining about one ounce every day at this stage. The lubricant that will keep the lungs from sticking together during breathing is being readily produced."

Today I went in for my 39 week checkup. I was 4 cm, 70% effaced when I came in and 5 cm when I left, after she re-stripped my membranes. Also, we will officially have our baby girl no later than midweek. :) I am feeling both ecstatic, nervous, and anxious. I can't wait, and yet there's that tiny tinge that yells "Omg, am I really ready for this?! Can't I really do it!?" I know ultimately that I am and that we are going to be just the happiest family of four ever, but at the moment it's all just a rush of emotion. I've found myself crying like three times today and just feeling so overwhelmed. I tidied up the living room just a little today, and am going to make some homemade blueberry muffins tomorrow to bring to the hospital with us. The plans are all in place for different scenarios for Sophia. The only things left to put in my bag are the toiletries and such. I never did get a baby book. We looked today and the only place that had them was Hallmark, and there was this beautiful pink one that I loved, and wanted to get. It even had two little pockets in there for her first tooth and first haircut, but when I flipped it over and saw it was $40, I shot it a "hell no you aren't coming home with me" look. Tomorrow I'm also going to try to remember to make David set up the tripod when he gets home from work, so that we can take one last "family of three" photo, and an updated "hey, I'm about to pop" photo. :) I'm so glad we got to take Sophia to Seaworld this weekend though so that we could at least do one last fun thing with her before her baby sister comes. On the flip side though, she said the sweetest thing tonight when I was getting her ready for bed. "Mommy, I'm going to be sad while Rosalie is still in your tummy. Rosalie is sad too, but when she comes out, we are going to be so happy! Melt...That kid is going to be the best big sister ever! I love her so damn much!

Welp...TMI

The "bloody show" is occurring. 

37 Weeks Pregnant With Baby #2:

How far along? 37 Weeks 

Total weight gain: ~ 16 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Best moment this week: Spending time with family
Miss anything? Being able to bend over to reach things, being able to stand for more than 5 minutes, not being so emotional, not having anxiety attacks, not having teasing contractions

Movement: Super active

Food cravings: Pumpkin everything, olive garden

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not at the moment

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: Contractions, lost mucus plug

Symptoms: exhaustion, frequent urination, back pain, unable to stand for long periods of time, contractions

Belly button in or out? Out just a smidge

Wedding rings on or off? On, and very loose

Happy or moody most of the time: Getting a little better

Looking forward to: Meeting my baby girl

This week the baby is still approximately the size of a watermelon, at 6.30 lbs. in weight, and 19.13 inches in length.

"Your baby will weigh between six and six and a half pounds this week. Growth slows down at this point and your baby is busy practicing for life after birth. Your little one is plumper and if born now, he would not require an incubator to keep warm due to the presence of sufficient fat stores. Lungs are fully developed, which means he would be able to breathe on its own if born now. Usually babies are head down at this point, but they can drop right until the time of birth. If you're having twins, they will weigh between five and six pounds at this point, but if they are smaller, they may need to be kept in an incubator for some time after birth to keep them warm."

This week I went in for my 38 week update. I am still 70% effaced, and now am 3 cm dilated. She also went ahead and stripped my membranes, and said there is a good chance that I may end up going into labor tonight. I guess we shall see. Fingers are crossed. 

False Alarm:

No baby yet. 

Starting to feel anxious:

Not trying to totally jump the gun here, but I'm questioning if today is going to be the day. I woke up and 6am and haven't been able to go back to sleep. I've got the period cramp like stuff going on, which last time was my early labor starting at like 1:30am. Keeping an eye on it, so we shall see. 

TMI:

So I definitely feel like it'll be happening soonish. The past few nights, I've been having moderately strong contractions rather frequently for a few hours until around 2am, when the seem to stop and I got to bed. Today they started in late morning, but seem to have subsided a little, but I have pooped twice in the past two days (yes, I realize for most people this is normal), but in my case, I rarely go, so I'm thinking that that is all happening because of all of the movement and contractions, which hopefully means we're once again, one step closer. Heading for another NST this afternoon. 

36 Weeks Pregnant With Baby #2:

How far along? 36 Weeks 

Total weight gain: ~ 16 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Best moment this week: Having my baby shower
Miss anything? Being able to bend over to reach things, being able to stand for more than 5 minutes, not being so emotional, not having anxiety attacks

Movement: Super active

Food cravings: Pumpkin everything

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not at the moment

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks

Symptoms: exhaustion, braxton hicks, frequent urination, back pain, unable to stand for long periods of time

Belly button in or out? Out just a smidge

Wedding rings on or off? On, and very loose

Happy or moody most of the time: Getting a little better

Looking forward to: Meeting my baby girl

This week the baby is still approximately the size of a honeydew melon, at 5.78 lbs. in weight, and 18.66 inches in length.

"Your baby weighs about six pounds (2.5kg) and will gain approximately one half of a pound per week from now until birth. The protective fat layer will make up about 15 percent of his weight at birth. Even though his gums have ridges that look a bit like teeth, the real ones won't make their appearance until about four or five months after birth. His cheeks are developing fat, creating that lovely chubby appearance. If you're carrying twins, you may go into labor anytime. Your baby is probably sleeping about 90 percent of the time. There isn't much room to move around anymore, although you will still be feeling regular movements. If you notice a dramatic increase or decrease in movement compared to your baby's normal daily activity, call your doctor immediately for further advice and directions. Don't wait for your next appointment, and never think your concern is silly. The doctor will probably ask you to come in for an ultrasound, so as to check your baby's heartbeat."

This week I went in for my 37 weeks update, and she started on the pelvic exams. We discussed that next week I'd like to get my membranes stripped to help hopefully jumpstart labor, so that I don't have to be induced in 3 weeks, and then she did the exam and said that she doesn't think I'll need it because I'm already 2cm and 70% effaced. I think with Sophia when I went in to have her after having my membranes stripped twice, I was 3 cm and 50% effaced. So I'll also be walking and sexing a lot. Haha. Also, later that day, I lost my plug at Target, and then went to my NSTs later that evening and they told me that I was having a lot of contraction activity, and I continued to until around 2am that morning, so fingers are crossed that she is coming soon.  Everything has been put together, her co-sleeper is up and in my room, her clothes have all been washed, the carseat has been installed, my hospital bag is packed except for my going home outfit, and toiletries. Sophia's "sibling gift" is already in the car so it doesn't get forgotten. My sister is going to come over today so that we can talk about what she'll need to know if it happens in the middle of the night and she comes over to stay with Sophia. It's all becoming very very real, and I'm so excited. 

35 Weeks Pregnant With Baby #2:

How far along? 35 Weeks 

Total weight gain: ~ 16 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Best moment this week: Taking Sophia to the snow festival and spending time with family
Miss anything? Being able to bend over to reach things, being able to stand for more than 5 minutes, not being so emotional, not having anxiety attacks

Movement: Super active

Food cravings: Olive Garden

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not at the moment

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks

Symptoms: exhaustion, braxton hicks, frequent urination, back pain, unable to stand for long periods of time

Belly button in or out? Still just barely flush

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Getting a little better

Looking forward to: My baby shower

This week the baby is still approximately the size of a honeydew melon, at 5.25 lbs. in weight, and 18.19 inches in length.

"Your baby weighs about five pounds and a half pounds now. Your baby (not you) will start with a period of rapid weight gain this week. If you're carrying twins, they will weigh slightly less, as they don't have as much room to grow. The average birth weight of full-term twins (37 weeks or later, compared to 39-40 weeks for singletons) is around five and a half pounds each. However, one baby often weighs more than the other. From now until birth, your baby will gain approximately one third of a pound per week. A lot of this weight is the all-important brown fat to keep your little one warm for the first few weeks after birth. This brown fat contains more cells that produce body heat and this in turn prevents hypothermia. This brown fat appears on his upper spine, back and shoulders. When Grandma pinches his adorable chubby cheeks, it's the white fat that she's turning pink."

This week I started my NST's that will now take place twice a week, every week until the baby gets here. Today, I was told that my amniotic fluid is a little low, so I need to drink as much as I can to try and replenish it. It's not me a little nervous. 

34 Weeks Pregnant With Baby #2:

How far along? 34 Weeks 

Total weight gain: ~ 16 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Best moment this week: Wedding dress shopping with the girls
Miss anything? Being able to bend over to reach things, being able to stand for more than 5 minutes, not being so emotional, not having anxiety attacks

Movement: Super active

Food cravings: Cereals, pasta, bread (basically the things I can't have)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not at the moment

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks

Symptoms: exhaustion, braxton hicks, frequent urination, back pain, unable to stand for long periods of time

Belly button in or out? It is finally starting to stick out just a little

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Getting a little better

Looking forward to: My baby shower

This week the baby is still approximately the size of a honeydew melon, at 4.73 lbs. in weight, and 17.72 inches in length.

"Your baby weighs about five pounds (2kg) now. By this time most of the lanugo (body hair) is gone. His immune system is no longer relying on the antibodies from the placenta. This self-immunity is important to protect your little one at birth and for the rest of your baby's life. The vernix (thick white layer of protection present on your baby's skin) is disappearing; however, a little bit of it will still be left at birth. The digestive system is fully working by itself. Moreover, he is peeing up to a pint of urine a day into the amniotic fluid. Hopefully you've stocked up on nappies (diapers). Even though the placenta is capable of supporting your baby until birth, it will start to age this week."

33 Weeks Pregnant With Baby #2:

How far along? 33 Weeks 

Total weight gain: ~ 15 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Best moment this week: Not really having any..
Miss anything? Being able to bend over to reach things, being able to stand for more than 5 minutes, not being so emotional, not having anxiety attacks

Movement: Super active

Food cravings: Cereals, pasta, bread (basically the things I can't have)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Random throwing up occasionally

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks

Symptoms: exhaustion, braxton hicks, frequent urination, back pain, unable to stand for long periods of time

Belly button in or out? It is finally starting to stick out just a little

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: An emotional wreck

Looking forward to: My baby shower

This week the baby is still approximately the size of a honeydew melon, at 4.23 lbs. in weight, and 17.20 inches in length.

"Even though his bones are hardening, the skull is still not solid and the skull bones are not fused together. This allows for his head to reduce its diameter as it passes through your birth canal. His brain is developing more distinct functions and is capable of controlling breathing, digestive functions and body temperature. He can now tell the difference between day and night. Lungs are almost completely ready for breathing on their own and if your baby is born now, he would need only a little medical support."

It is getting to be so much more real/closer. I'm only about 6 weeks out now, and it feels like it's flying now. It's got me both excited and anxious. I'm excited to meet our beautiful little girl, but still have that feeling of being overwhelmed. My emotions have been so out of the whack the past two weeks, I'm worried that this time around, I will end up having PPD and that scares me. 

32 Weeks Pregnant With Baby #2:

How far along? 32 Weeks 

Total weight gain: ~ 15 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Best moment this week: Not really having any..
Miss anything? Being able to bend over to reach things, being able to stand for more than 5 minutes, not being so emotional

Movement: Super active

Food cravings: None at the moment. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Random throwing up occasionally

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks

Symptoms: exhaustion, braxton hicks, frequent urination, back pain, unable to stand for long periods of time

Belly button in or out? It is still just flush

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: An emotional wreck

Looking forward to: Getting out of the house

This week the baby is still approximately the size of a winter squash, at 3.75 lbs. in weight, and 16.69 inches in length.

"Space inside your womb is becoming increasingly scarce for our baby, making its movements less dramatic and much slower, almost as if your little one is practicing a synchronized swimming routine. The fetal position is becoming a familiar position for him. Your baby can now use all of the five senses. He is busy looking around, practicing breathing, grabbing whatever in reach, tasting amniotic fluid and listening to the sound of both you and your partner's voice. If you're carrying twins, there is even less space for your babies to move and they may decide to make an early appearance this month. Your baby will weigh about three and a half pounds at this point."

Had my 32 week appointment, and the Dr. said I'm no longer measuring small and that everything looks good. Been having more and more anxiety attacks. 

31 Weeks Pregnant With Baby #2:

How far along? 31 Weeks 

Total weight gain: ~ 15 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Best moment this week: Sophia telling me that I am the "best, best, best.....(x50) mommy ever!" and finishing Sophia's big girl room finally.
Miss anything? Being able to bend over to reach things, being able to stand for more than 5 minutes.

Movement: Super active

Food cravings: None at the moment. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Random sickness occasionally

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks

Symptoms: exhaustion, braxton hicks, frequent urination, back pain, unable to stand for long periods of time

Belly button in or out? It is still just flush

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Varies, been a little emotional this week

Looking forward to: Finishing our Halloween costumes

This week the baby is still approximately the size of a winter squash, at 3.31 lbs. in weight, and 16.18 inches in length.

"Your baby weighs about 3.5 pounds (1.5 kg) now and fat continues to accumulate under the skin. While he can gain as much as half a pound a week from now until birth, the weight gain varies from baby to baby. The lanugo (body hair) is continuing to shed, although babies born prematurely may still have some of this at birth. Even though the lungs are the last of all organs to develop fully, he is practicing breathing 30 to 40 percent of the time. Bones are busy hardening and preparing to support his body after birth. The adrenal glands, which produce those important hormones called steroids, have doubled in size in the last ten weeks. Steroids are responsible for the growth and development of sex organs."

I went to meet with the gestational diabetes nurse this week, and we got my new testing equipment. I meet in an hour with the dietician, but luckily, I remember the diet from last time, so I've been trying to keep to it for the past week. The majority of my numbers have been good and in range, or at least close to range, but I did have two days that got thrown off by being out and about. Hoping that all goes well today. Then Friday I have my 32 week appointment, and they will remeasure me to see if I am still measuring small, and potentially order an ultrasound for me to see what's going on. 

30 Weeks Pregnant With Baby #2:

How far along? 30 Weeks 

Total weight gain: ~ 15 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Best moment this week: Completing a bunch of my projects

Miss anything? Not being the size of a house and being able to do things without getting so run down so fast, not getting overheated so easily.

Movement: Super active

Food cravings: None at the moment. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Random throwing up occasionally

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks

Symptoms: exhaustion, braxton hicks, frequent urination, back pain

Belly button in or out? It is still just flush

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Varies

Looking forward to: Finishing our Halloween costumes

This week the baby is still approximately the size of a winter squash, at 2.91 lbs. in weight, and 15.71 inches in length.

"Your baby is now able to see, and even though it's dark inside your uterus, the eyes are wide open and scoping out the environment. His brain is growing rapidly, due to which it will not fain much weight or height this week. Red blood cells are now forming in your baby's bone marrow. He is shedding the lanugo present on the skin. However, the hair on his head is actually growing thicker at this point. Fluid is now present in the alveoli (air sacs) inside the lungs to help your little one take that first breath at birth. He may begin to position itself for birth anytime from now on."

So I went and got my 3 hour glucose tolerance test done, and of course, failed that one as well. So I officially have gestational diabetes again, which really sucks. I go on Tuesday to meet with my nurse about it, and the following Tuesday with the dietician. Since I already know the diet though, hopefully we'll be able to get my new machine relatively quickly so that I can just get started with it. I guess it ended up working out too, that I ultimately am back with my prior doctors, and not at the birthing center, because now I am considered "high risk" and wouldn't be allowed to birth at the birthing center anyway, so it would've been a big waste. :( 

29 Weeks Pregnant With Baby #2:

How far along? 29 Weeks 

Total weight gain: ~ 15 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Best moment this week: Getting to see our sweet Rosalie again at the 3D ultrasound

Miss anything? Not being the size of a house and being able to do things without getting so run down so fast

Movement: Super active

Food cravings: None at the moment. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not at the moment

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks

Symptoms: exhaustion, braxton hicks, frequent urination, back pain

Belly button in or out? It is officially flush.

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Varies

Looking forward to: Going to Seaworld this weekend

This week the baby is approximately the size of a winter squash, at 2.54 lbs. in weight, and 15.2 inches in length.

"Whether you are carrying one baby or two babies, they will each weigh approximately the same, i.e. about two and a half pounds. His brain is now in charge of maintaining body temperature and also controls breathing. His irises can now respond to light by dilating and contracting. All the internal organs are maturing and preparing to function on their own at birth. You may even feel him cough. Your baby's skin is beginning to look less wrinkly and more like it will look at birth. The extra fat under the skin will help to regulate the body temperature at birth. His head is much more proportionate to the rest of the body. Your baby is bursting with energy at this point and you'll be feeling every bit of it."

In crappy news, I did not pass my second 1 hour glucose tolerance test, and now have to go take the 3 hour. :( 

28 Weeks Pregnant With Baby #2:

How far along? 28 Weeks 

Total weight gain: ~ 15 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Best moment this week: Seeing the joy of Sophia in the pool

Miss anything? Not being the size of a house.

Movement: Super active

Food cravings: None at the moment. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not at the moment

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks

Symptoms: exhaustion, braxton hicks, frequent urination

Belly button in or out? In, but barely. Definitely thinking it's going to become an outtie this time around

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Varies

Looking forward to: Our last 3D ultrasound session

This week the baby is still approximately the size of a papaya, at 2.22 lbs. in weight, and 14.80 inches in length.

"Your baby's eyes are now partially open and those tiny eyelids are able to blink. Event hough the eyes may have some color, the final pigmentation requires exposure to light. In some cases the final color of the eyes cannot be determined with certainty until at least nine months after birth. Your baby is able to recognize different levels of light, even inside your womb. Even though he still has to grow a lot, the little body is getting chubbier as fat is depositing under the wrinkled skin. Muscles are developing some tone as well. He has a 95 percent chance of survival if born at the end of this week. The lungs are better prepared to breathe, but would still need medical assistance. If you're carrying twins, each baby will have its own sleep cycle (which you should likely be very aware of)."

27 Weeks Pregnant With Baby #2:

How far along? 27 Weeks 

Total weight gain: ~ 15 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Best moment this week: Our family reunion!

Miss anything? Not being the size of a house.

Movement: Super active

Food cravings: None at the moment. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not at the moment

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks

Symptoms: exhaustion, braxton hicks, frequent urination, back aches

Belly button in or out? In, but barely. Definitely thinking it's going to become an outtie this time around

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Mostly happy

Looking forward to: Our second mini vacation with my family

This week the baby is still approximately the size of a papaya, at 1.93 lbs. in weight, and 14.41 inches in length.

"This week marks the end of the second trimester. Babies who are born between twenty seven and thirty two weeks have a good chance of survival. 80-95% of the babies survive depending on the week of gestation, the mother's health, the reason for premature labor, and the quality of medical care received. Your baby is beginning to enter a very active phase in its cramped quarters. The amniotic fluid has decreased, which means you'll feel every movement of your baby much more than ever before. He will be practicing the sucking reflex in order to prepare for breastfeeding. His neurons and brain tissue are developing rapidly and the brain waves are working like new born brain waves. Event hough your baby's skeleton is completely developed, the joints are not yet connected. If you are carrying a boy, his testes will have finished their descent at this point. His immune system, liver and lungs are still continuing to develop and preparing to function on their own. His tiny eyelids have begun to open and retinas begun to develop."

26 Weeks Pregnant With Baby #2:

How far along? 26 Weeks 

Total weight gain: ~ 14 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Best moment this week: Playdates with friends before our trip

Miss anything? Being able to be outside for more than two minutes at a time.

Movement: Super active

Food cravings: None at the moment. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not at the moment

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks

Symptoms: exhaustion, braxton hicks, frequent urination

Belly button in or out? In, but barely. Definitely thinking it's going to become an outtie this time around

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Mostly happy

Looking forward to: Our family reunion and mini vacation

This week the baby is still approximately the size of a papaya, at 1.68 lbs. in weight, and 14.02 inches in length.


"While listening to music, you might notice that he moves 'rhythmically' in response to the sounds. He weighs about one and a half pounds now. The little brain is beginning a period of growth and over 50 percent of your baby's energy will be used for this purpose. The lungs are developing air sacks (alveoli) and the membrane that allows for the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen is now thin though to let him take a breath by the end of the week. Even though his skin is loose and wrinkly at this point, it will fill with fat during the third trimester. His eyes are completely developed and the brain is able to register various stimuli such as sound and light."

25 Weeks Pregnant With Baby #2:

How far along? 25 Weeks 

Total weight gain: ~ 12 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Best moment this week: Going to see the fireworks at Disney with my babes. 

Miss anything? Being able to be outside for more than two minutes at a time.

Movement: Super active

Food cravings: None at the moment. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not at the moment

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks

Symptoms: exhaustion, braxton hicks, frequent urination, back aches

Belly button in or out? In, but barely. Definitely thinking it's going to become an outtie this time around

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Mostly happy

Looking forward to: Our family reunion and mini vacation

This week the baby is still approximately the size of a papaya, at 1.46 lbs. in weight, and 13.62 inches in length.

"Your baby's primitive memory is beginning to develop, implying that music and voices will be leaving an impression in your little one's brain. His spine has 1000 ligaments, 150 joints and 33 vertebrae. Blood vessels are busy developing inside the lungs and nostrils are beginning to open. Now that he has finally developed hands, loud noises may even prompt junior to cover the tiny ears to shield them from sounds. His skin has now changed from translucent to a more opaque in appearance. The cerebral cortex, the part of your baby's brain that is responsible for emotions, reasoning, planning and ability to solve problems, is the most prominent part of the brain at this point."

This week, I need to remember to call back the ultrasound place and schedule my last 3D ultrasound since it's coming up in about 2 weeks. Around then, I should also be having my next (and hopefully last) glucose testing done. 

24 Weeks Pregnant With Baby #2:

How far along? 24 Weeks 

Total weight gain: ~ 14 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Best moment this week: Getting my parents to watch Sophia so David and I could have a get things done day.

Miss anything? Being able to be outside for more than two minutes at a time.

Movement: This little girl is doing acrobatics all over the place. She is sooo active! I love it!

Food cravings: None at the moment. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not at the moment

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks

Symptoms: exhaustion, braxton hicks

Belly button in or out? In, but barely. Definitely thinking it's going to become an outtie this time around

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Mostly happy

Looking forward to: Our family reunion and mini vacation

This week the baby is still approximately the size of an eggplant, at 1.32 lbs. in weight, and 11.81 inches in length.

"Your baby's hair is beginning to change to the color that it will have at birth. His weight will double in the next four weeks. Right now he weighs about the same as a lengthy paperback novel. The lungs are developing and preparing for their first breaths. They are also producing a substance called surfactant that helps in keeping the lungs from collapsing or sticking together during exhalation. Loud noises may startle your baby, causing a sudden jolt in your uterus. Due to his growth, space in your uterus is getting reduced even further, a situation made worse by multiples."