Round 2: 30 weeks

How far along:  30 weeks.  30!!! That's 3/4 of the way done. 

Baby Size: A loaf of sliced bread or a baseball cap

Weight:  It was down about 1 1/2 pounds but I'm not consistent with when I take it.  Today was probably the most accurate though (before getting dressed and eating in the morning)

Symptoms:   

• Restless legs
• Exhaustion
• Back pain
• Reflux
• Pain in my legs

Maternity Clothes:  Mostly tops still, I've found a few non maternity that work.  Maternity jeans and pants unless they are leggings or yoga pants.  Some of my underwear and a pair of my pajamas are to snug on my hips

Sleep:  I wish I could sleep.  Between restless legs, getting up to pee and a toddler who has been waking up for the last few weeks in the middle of then night I get about 3-4 hours a night.

Cravings/Food Aversions:   I've been loving crunchy peanut butter lately. Still eating lots of triscuts and cheese and all the chocolate!

Belly Button: Out

Rings on or off: On but getting snug

Gender:  It's got to be a boy right?  Logically since everyone else is having boys this baby will be too.

Name:  Girl name we still have to figure out a middle name, boy is set.

Movement:  A lot more.  Rob was able to feel it again. 

Stretch Marks: The belly ones have darkened a lot. 

Best moment:  I had my first night away this past weekend ever since Eleanor was born.  I didn't want the first time to be when we were in the hospital and Rob was with her so I felt good.  I went shopping with my sister and her friend.  Of course it snowed like crazy and all the stores closed and roads were terrible (thankfully we already had the hotel), but it was a nice breather.  I was hoping to get to sleep in a little but nope; still up at 7 am. 

Looking forward to:  Meeting this baby!  

Nervous about:  The birth.  So many ways it could go.  I could go into labor on my own and have a vaginal birth, my water could break and then I never go into labor and need pitocin (like with Eleanor),  I could never go into labor and need a c-section or I could go into labor and the whole process and then still wind up with a c-section.   I'm slightly anxious about it.  My ob gave me vbac consent forms at my last appointment.  Any questions I should ask?

What I miss:  Being able to sit comfortable.  Too far reclined hurts my back, and leaning forward doesn't work so well with the belly.


Labor signs:  I've been having some Braxton Hicks this week.  They aren't really painful (maybe a 2), but slightly uncomfortable. 

Appointments:   December 1st 

Misc. I just found out that my sister will be gone from a few days before my due date until a few days after.  She will be on vacation.  When she told me the dates and I told her that falls around my due date she was super bummed  (she didn't plan the vacation).   It's likely she will miss the first bit of the baby's life.  It's not a big deal because baby won't even know and she can't plan her life around this anyway.

10, 20, 30 weeks this time

30 weeks with Eleanor and this baby

Pregnancy the second time around

It's not the same at all.  It's harder in my opinion

Symptoms kick in earlier and seem more intense.   The restless legs I had late second trimester/third trimester last time were here in the first trimester.   Same with the sciatic nerve issues.

Although I only actually threw up a few times with Eleanor and this baby, nausea seemed worse this time.

I'm sure that a lot of these things are worse when you have other kids to care for because you just don't have the ability to sit down and take it easy.  Eleanor and the little one I care for still needed to eat and have their diapers changed etc...

I did my best to limit tv so that when I really needed it I wouldn't feel guilty about it.  Really though it was survival mode at times.  I did the bare minimum when I had to.  As long as Eleanor and the little one were fed and changed I knew they would survive.

Knowing what to expect somewhat was reassuring as well, but it's really hard to not play the comparison game.  You know the whole but Eleanor did this at this point game...

I felt the baby move much earlier this time.  With Eleanor I was 18 weeks and this time 14.  I wasn't sure initially if that's what it even was, but later on I realized it was.  Even so movement was still sporadic until the same point I first felt it with Eleanor.

With Eleanor I was super prepared with lists and plans and had things done early.  This time I still have a list of things to do and get but other than wash some baby laundry this week (which was a waste since I know I will wash it again) and see what I had in terms of newborn winter appropriate attire.  I've done nothing other than those things.

It's not that I'm not excited, it's just that with a toddler and working full time (I wasn't last time) I don't have as much time and attention to give to the baby.

On the other hand it's kind of fun to see how Eleanor is responding.  I know that she really doesn't fully get it.  She's been around babies and other kids and she's had to share me so that's helped to prepare her.  She will often try to lift my shirt and kiss my belly or say things like 'come to big sister baby'  I've told her that the baby will cry a lot and she will repeat this.   But I do think she will be more of a good big sister than a bad one.   She's pretty good at sharing things (toys, snacks etc...) and is an easy going kid which will help.

Another way that pregnancy is different the second time around is the worrying about how the older sibling will adjust.  Like I mentioned, Eleanor is used to sharing me somewhat but that's just between 7 and 6 during the week.   I think about it all the time though.    There is the guilt although I guess this goes along with worry that comes with adding a sibling that wasn't there when I was pregnant the first time.  I did read this article that made me cry a little.

With Eleanor I worried a little about my water breaking in public or having to call Rob at work to come home etc...  With this one I more worry about how I'm going to take care of Eleanor if I'm in labor.  Who's going to watch her?  What if everyone else is at work etc...?

Really though I've had easy pregnancies really and I'm not complaining and I'm happy about it.

If I'm blessed to do it a third time I'm sure I'll be an old pro at it. :)

Round 2: 29 Weeks

How far along:  29 weeks

Baby Size: 

For some reason this blows my mind.  Eleanor was 20 1/2 inches when she was born.  To have a baby that is likely at least 15 is crazy to me.  That means baby isn't going to grow that much more in length over the next 11 weeks (5-6 inches is a lot still but not much change probably week to week)

Weight:  Up a little from last week, but not much.  Total gained is more than I'd prefer (like 26

lbs)

Symptoms:   

• Reflux
• Out of breath really easy
• Restless legs
• Back pain

Maternity Clothes:  Yes, almost all my tops are maternity (and judging from this weeks picture I'm already outgrowing them).  Most of my bottoms aren't but they are leggings and sweatpants so those work.

Sleep:  This wasn't a good week for sleep.  Rob was gone Friday-Monday and Eleanor decided to nap strike and wake up in the middle of the night screaming.  So I'm tired.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  I feel like I've eaten less overall (still junk food when I do though).  I'm at the point where nothing sounds good.

Belly Button:  A little bit of in and out.  Out if I'm sitting down. 

Rings on or off: On

Gender:   I don't know!

Name:  Boy name is decided, girl first name we are pretty sure of.  Not sure of a middle name. 

Movement: Yep.  I ate a little bit of raw cookie dough the other day and then regretted it and kept pushing my belly and was convinced movement decreased. 

Stretch Marks: Yep and they are getting darker

Best moment: I went through some of the newborn size stuff to see what I had.  I actually don't have that much in terms of newborn winter stuff (like fleece one pieces etc...) for either gender but the itty bitty little girl pants were killing me. 

Looking forward to:  Being done with work at the end of December.  I've got a to do list  and I'm trying to wait until then when I'l have more time.   Plus getting up and down and lifting two toddlers is getting to be a lot. 

Nervous about:  Eleanor adjusting.  She's sweet and all to my belly but until the baby is here I can't be sure how she will really respond. 

What I miss:  Bending over comfortably.  Walking up the steps without being out of breath.


Labor signs:  Nope

Appointments:  December 1 & December 15 (I'll probably have another one that last week of December) and then weekly in January. 

Misc. 

Buttons Diaper Giveaway

I recently had the chance to check out Button's diapers again (see my review here) and I loved them.   This is a brand I always recommend when asked about cloth diapers.  They come in adorable prints and colors and are a great affordable way to cloth diaper.

Button's Diapers has generously offered one lucky reader a cover and daytime insert of their choice!  To enter use the rafflecopter form below.  

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Round 2: 28 Weeks

How far along: 28 weeks

Baby Size:  An egg plant, 

Weight:  When I stepped on the scale earlier I was up 26 lbs.  26!!!  Eeek!

Symptoms:   

• Back pain
• Exhaustion
• Reflux

Maternity Clothes: Yes, lots of them.

Sleep:  I am so tired.  I have a hard time falling asleep - usually because of restless legs. But by the time I fall asleep it's late, and then waking up every few hours (anywhere between 1 1/2 to 2 hours) I'm just tired. Some days I am in dire need of a nap and could nap, but a nap will also keep me at night so I have to be sure it's not worth it.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  Give me all the junk food and keep chicken (other than nuggets) away from me.

Belly Button:  Out mostly, occasionally in a tiny bit. 

Rings on or off: On

Gender:  Unknown.  This week I think boy.

Name:  I think we are back to the girl name we had planned on; just need to pick a middle name.  Boy name still set. 

Movement:  Much more this week.  Still some periods of quiet, but overall more movement.  

Stretch Marks: Yes, the ones from Eleanor

Best moment: More movement.  Eleanor being so adorable.  I know she doesn't fully get it.  She will repeat what I tell her, things like the baby is going to cry a lot when it's born.   She knows the baby is under my skin (that seemed the easiest way to explain it).  She hugged my belly the other day and said she was hugging the baby.  And she will lift up my shirt and say come to big sister to my belly.  I melt every time. 

Looking forward to:  Rob feeling the baby.  He's only felt the baby one time so far.  

Nervous about:  My relationship with Eleanor changing.  I know it will, but I'm so scared of it.  

What I miss:  Bending over easily.


Labor signs:  Nope

Appointments:  December 1 and December 15

Misc.  I want to get a little brother or little sister outfit for the baby.  I looked at once upon a child over the weekend but their prices weren't that much lower than new for that stuff and I was tired of sorting through all the racks (they should keep that stuff separate lol) so  I went to Carter's.  They had some cute onesies and outfits, but I decided that was a bad idea since by the time I get back to returning what we don't use it will be to late.  So maybe in a few months I'll get something. 

TMI warning on this one - it's about boobs.  I weaned a few months ago (when she was 22 months) so it's been a while since she's nursed.  But in the last few weeks she's been about my boobs.  Trying to see them, snuggle with them through my shirt etc..  I don't know if there is changes that she can sense but for some reason it kind of weirds me out the way she's been.  It's silly since I nursed her for so long without issues.  I don't want to nurse her again when the baby is born now that we have stopped and  feel guilty about that.

Buttons Cloth Diapers Review

One of the very first cloth diapers I used on Eleanor was from Buttons.  I actually had the opportunity to review them when she was a newborn (see it here.)

These diapers are one of the ones I recommend the most when people ask me about diapers.  They are easy to use (a cover with a snap in insert) and are an affordable way to cloth diaper.   The covers are $11 for solids and $12.50 for prints.  Inserts range from $10.50 (for a 3 pack of microfiber) to $23.25 (3 pack of hemp/cotton).  So if you reuse a cover more than once by changing the insert- which I do as long as it's just wet and not dirty - it's a good affordable option. 

Since that first review I've acquired several more covers and inserts when Eleanor needed a bigger size.  

And with a new baby on the way I want to get even more.  I don't really need any more diapers, BUT.... I could totally justify it by saying that since these worked early on and still are working I can get a good 2 years out of them and make it worth it.   And there is the fact that Rob has said I can get some more if this baby is a boy.  When he said that I was a little surprised, but ready to spend all the money, lol!

So  getting back to the diaper, I was sent a microfiber insert as well as a hemp/cotton one.  I've tried the microfiber before and just like with those, this one was no different.  It absorbed well even after one wash cycle.   The hemp/cotton was actually a new experience.  Again I didn't prep this one as long as was recommended because I'm impatient, so I didn't leave it on as long as I may have but I liked it.  Converting to natural fibers is a goal of mine for this next baby. 

I apologize for the picture quality.  Eleanor didn't want to sit for pictures (can't blame her-she is 2), so I hope they are enough to convey how it fits. 

It fits well with no gaping at the thighs and back.   I have used this cover a few times now (with several insert changes each change), and have yet to experience leaking.  She hasn't had a dirty diaper in it yet (surprisingly since that's usually the first thing she does with a new diaper-lol), but I'm confident it would hold in any mess (and her poops range from peanut butter to ploppable to the loose ones that I'm thankful are held in).

I've tried both the microfiber and hemp/cotton blend inserts and after several washes the absorbency has improved- which is why they say to wash it several times first. 

As far as trimness it actually is pretty trim as you can see in the pictures above and below (and it totally looks like she's posing). 

Overall, I love these diapers.  They come in lots of adorable colors and prints (the one I reviewed was MIDNIGHT), and have several insert options (two sizes, doubles and different materials).  I would (and do) recommend them to anyone cloth diapering- especially those on more of a budget).

To see all their product offerings and to order check out their site here

You can also connect with them on facebook, twitter, pinterest and youtube

Round 2: 27 weeks

How far along: 27 weeks- Third trimester!!!

Baby Size:  A rutabaga, a work glove or a double gulp.  

Weight:  Up 20lbs

Symptoms:   

• Restless legs - It was really bad this last week.  I was up until 2 am for several nights pacing.  I was exhausted
• Acid reflux - that lovely warm feeling in your stomach
• Gas - mostly results in burping, but not always.
• Bathroom trips are often
• So tired - could be from the restless leg incidents, but I'm just exhausted lately.
• Hungry constantly

Maternity Clothes: I tried wearing a regular t-shirt yesterday and it was pretty short.  So I'll probably stick with maternity tops.  Pants I can do non maternity if they are yoga/sweatpants or lularoe leggings (which they almost always are).  Otherwise they are maternity pants.

Sleep:  Not great; Restless legs will do that though.  To sleep I take half a unisom, use this sleepy spray made with essential oils and put a frozen water bottle under my sheets (I don't know if it really helps with the restless legs but I'm trying it)

Cravings/Food Aversions:  I want all the candy all the time. And have no will power to resist

Belly Button: I said last week it was out, but it kind of goes back and forth between being way out to kind of in

Rings on or off: On

Gender:  I've said before that I picture sisters, but I've had some boy visions this week.

Name:  Boy name is set, girl name is not but we have two choices and one sounds better with out last name so I lean towards that (and it was our girl name for the last few months anyway)

Movement: It's decreased a lot and I hate it.  Last night I was getting some movement for a little bit though while I sat on the computer. It wasn't a lot but it was more I've had in a small period of time in a while. 

Stretch Marks: Some from Eleanor that have darkened, 

Best moment:  Anytime the baby moves - because it's all about the reassurance.  

Looking forward to:  Hearing the heartbeat tomorrow and feeling reassured.

Nervous about: The actual birth.  I'm pretty okay with a c-section because I've prepared myself for that since havign Eleanor and going into it I know what to expect and what to do differently.  That being said I also want to be able to have a vaginal birth since this most likely is our last baby.  But I also don't want to go through labor and then still have the c-section.  So a planned one appeals to me and I feel guilty about that.  Plus I have to actually go into labor on my own to have a vaginal birth and while my water broke with Eleanor I never actually went into labor on my own. 

What I miss:  It's starting to be tough to bend over.


Labor signs: Nope

Appointments:  Tomorrow 

Misc.  I'm an anxious pregnant person.  I'm constantly worrying about things and movement and assuming the worst even when I have no reason to think anything is wrong.   I don't want to say no for sure to a third but not sure I can handle the anxiety again. 

I've done nothing to prep for this baby.  I mean not much needs to be done since the nursery is  but I have a list of things I want still. 

• A new glider- ours is fine, but it was a hand me down and the cushion is pretty thin.  I spent hundreds of hours in that thing feeding Eleanor so something else may be nice.  If I could do something with the cushion it would be fine though
• A video monitor.  One that isn't wifi because I didn't like when the internet out went out the monitor wouldn't work.  Plus the app had to be open for it to work.  So I'm thinking about moving that one to Eleanor's big girl room along with the cheap back up one we use mostly for sound.  I still need to see her when she's out of the crib.  So then I'll get a better/different one for the nursery.
• A ring sling.  This is a must for me.
• A double stroller.  This can probably wait until Spring though
• I don't intend on pumping much - hopefully anyway - but I need to replace some of the pump parts. 
• Newborn diapers.  I want to cloth diaper from the start but I don't think I will full time.  I didn't last time because of not having enough.  I used what we had and then did disposables which I might do again

27 Weeks With Eleanor