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: 14 Weeks

How far along:   14 weeks

Baby Size: 


Weight:  By this mornings weight I was up 3 1/2 pounds, but it varies depending on when I weigh myself so it's between 3 1/2 and 5 pounds

Symptoms:   Still nauseous, cramping/stretching, random bouts of exhaustion

Maternity Clothes:  I've started mixing in a few maternity tops.  It's not so much that I need them, but that I'm bored with the clothes I have.

Sleep:  It's gotten a little better.  Instead of waking up every hour, it's every one and a half to two hours.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  No cravings, lots of things don't sound good.

Belly Button: In

Rings on or off:  On

Gender:  The other day I had a dream the baby was a boy, last week I dreamt it was a girl so I don't know.

Name:  Nothing if this is a girl; we have our boy name from Eleanor

Movement:  Nope

Stretch Marks:  Still what I have from Eleanor

Best moment:  I don't really have one specific moment, but I pulled out the newborn diapers for Eleanor to use with her dolls and I was so excited for cute baby fluff!

Looking forward to:  Hearing the heartbeat tomorrow

Nervous about: Appointment tomorrow.  The what if's get to me?

What I miss:  Not worrying about every twinge etc....


Labor signs:  Nope

Appointments:  Tomorrow 

Misc.  Another girl on my birth month board just lost her baby (the baby stopped growing a few weeks ago) and she was only week behind me and that stuff freaks me out.  I know my baby has grown, I've seen the heartbeat several times, but my mind always goes there.  I can't help it. 

Round 2: 12 weeks

How far along:  12 weeks

Baby Size:  A chicken nugget

Weight:  120

Symptoms:   Nausea, cramping and my brain is mush lately.  I am so forgetful. 

Maternity Clothes:  No but some of my pants are getting snug.

Sleep:   I'm not really sure what that is anymore

Cravings/Food Aversions:  I have been eating oatmeal for breakfast since milk/dairy isn't working so well for me.

Belly Button:  In

Rings on or off:  On, but I only wear my rings when I leave the house

Gender:   I don't know.  I picture 2 girls, but I'm nervous if I convince myself it's a girl and it's a boy I'll be disappointed.  Well not disappointed, still thrilled, but I'll just have to adjust my mindset which is fine really.

Name:  Yes to boy, no to girl

Movement: No

Stretch Marks:  Lots from Eleanor

Best moment: 12 weeks is almost out of first trimester (I go by 13 weeks) and that's kind of exciting to me!

Looking forward to:   The nausea passing

Nervous about:   The Nt Scan Friday.  I'm excited to see baby, but paranoid something is wrong.  Although not in the advanced maternal age zone, I will be 30 when this baby is born so risks just increase with age.

What I miss:   Sleep.  I've always been a terrible sleeper but it's just getting worse.


Labor signs: No

Appointments:   July 24 (Friday) for the nt scan, August 6 is a regular prenatal checkup

Misc. 

Round 2: 11 weeks

How far along:  11 weeks

Baby Size:  A donut hole/golf ball

Weight:  I forgot to weigh myself.

Symptoms:   Nausea was better for the most part but got worse again last night.  Lots of pooping.

Maternity Clothes:  no

Sleep:   4-5 hours a night.  I even tried a unisom last week and it made me tired but I still slept terribly.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  No cravings.  Food was starting to sound good and now it's back to being gross

Belly Button:  In

Rings on or off:  On, but I only wear my rings when I leave the house

Gender:   Thinking boy, but in my mind I see always another girl

Name:  Yes to boy, no to girl

Movement: No

Stretch Marks:  Lots from Eleanor

Best moment: telling the rest of our immediate family

Looking forward to:   the nt scan nest week and seeing baby again

Nervous about:   The scan. 

What I miss:   Not being paranoid over everything.


Labor signs: No

Appointments:   July 24 for the nt scan

Misc. 

Round 2: 10 weeks

How far along:  10 weeks

Baby Size:  An ice cube or a poker chip

Weight:  119.2

Symptoms:   Nausea all the time. 

Maternity Clothes:  no

Sleep:   I'm not really sure what that is anymore

Cravings/Food Aversions:  No cravings but food is finally starting to sound good again

Belly Button:  In

Rings on or off:  On, but I only wear my rings when I leave the house

Gender:   Thinking boy, although had some girl vibes.

Name:  Yes to boy, no to girl

Movement: No

Stretch Marks:  Lots from Eleanor

Best moment: My unexpected ultrasound at my appointment yesterday and then telling my parents and Rob's dad about the baby

Looking forward to:   Being out of first trimester

Nervous about:   Telling people.  I don't know why but it makes me nervous.

What I miss:   Not being paranoid over everything.


Labor signs: No

Appointments:   July 24 for the nt scan

Misc. 

Round 2: 9 weeks

How far along:  9 weeks

Baby Size:  tater tot I think

Weight:  121

Symptoms:   Nausea all the time. 

Maternity Clothes:  no

Sleep:   terrible.  I started tracking sleep with my fit bit and I get so litle sleep

Cravings/Food Aversions:  Meat is starting to gross me out a little, but for the most part nothing sounds good ever.

Belly Button:  In

Rings on or off:  On, but I only wear my rings when I leave the house

Gender:   Thinking boy, although had some girl vibes.

Name:  Yes to boy, no to girl

Movement: No

Stretch Marks:  Lots from Eleanor

Best moment: 

Looking forward to:   My appointment next week

Nervous about:   My appointment next week

What I miss:   Not being paranoid over everything.


Labor signs: No

Appointments:   July 7

Misc. 

Round 2: 8 weeks

How far along:  8 weeks

Baby Size:  raspberry I think

Weight:  Forgot to check

Symptoms:   so so tired.  I'm up every single hour all night long to pee.  I'm always nauseous although manageable at times. 

Maternity Clothes: no

Sleep:   I'm only getting a few hours a night.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  

Belly Button:  In

Rings on or off:  On, but I only wear my rings when I leave the house

Gender:   Thinking boy

Name:  Yes to boy, no to girl

Movement: No

Stretch Marks:  Lots from Eleanor

Best moment: 

Looking forward to:   My next appointment

Nervous about:  How I'm going to handle work and appointments.  

What I miss:   Sleep


Labor signs: No

Appointments:   July 7

Misc. 

Round 2: 7 weeks

How far along: 7 weeks

Baby Size:  Blueberry

Weight:  118.6

Symptoms:   Nausea, 

Maternity Clothes: No

Sleep:  Up every single hour once I finally do fall asleep.  So maybe 4 hours a night.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  I have times where nothing at all sounds good, but I eat anyway because I need to.

Belly Button:  In

Rings on or off: On

Gender:   I'm still thinking boy

Name:   Boy name yes, girl name nothing

Movement: No

Stretch Marks: I have so many left from Eleanor

Best moment: Seeing one baby and it's beating little heart at the ultrasound.

Looking forward to:  Telling more people

Nervous about:  Eleanor weaning.  I'm trying to do it so I can have a little break before the next baby but she's not ready to.

What I miss:  Wine- especially on a day like today.


Labor signs:  No

Appointments:   July 10

Misc.  I had the ultrasound picture on the clipboard in the bedroom and Eleanor saw it and said 'baby'.  I showed it to Eleanor when we first got it and I was blown away when she said that.  I also wanted to melt and squeeze Eleanor because it was so precious. 

Round 2: 6 weeks

How far along: 6 weeks

Baby Size:  Sweet pea

Weight:  118

Symptoms:   nausea, cramping, tiredness, my nipples are sore- I wonder if that's because of the nursing because that's when I notice it the most, and bloating

Maternity Clothes:  No, but I have been doing the hair tie trick with my pants, and I am going to need some more sleeping shorts I think

Sleep:  It's terrible already.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  No real cravings or aversions but nothing really sounds good at this point so I've been trying to eat fruit since it's lighter food and cheese for the calcium.

Belly Button:  in

Rings on or off: on

Gender:  boy

Name:  Girl name no, boy name yes

Movement: None

Stretch Marks: I already have a ton from Eleanor

Best moment: Rob downloaded a baby app and I thought it was so cute. 

Looking forward to:  Ultrasound on Friday

Nervous about:  Ultrasound Friday, 

What I miss:  There have been a few rough days where I would have ended the evening with wine or a margarita if I could.


Labor signs: Nothing yet.  Hopefully not for a long long time. 

Appointments:  Ultrasound Friday

Misc. 

Round 2: 5 weeks

How far along: 5 weeks

Baby Size:  Sesame Seed

Weight:  188.8  So I'm up from 117.2 the day after I found out.

Symptoms:   nausea, cramping, tiredness

Maternity Clothes: nope, and I'm probably going to need some.  Most of my I'm so huge nothing fits are warm weather stuff.

Sleep:  It's terrible.  Between Eleanor's wakeups and the restless legs which are already kicking in and 2 different kids sleeping on different schedules I'm tired.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  Nothing yet

Belly Button:  in

Rings on or off: on

Gender:  girl

Name:  Girl name no, boy name yes

Movement: None

Stretch Marks: I already have a ton from Eleanor

Best moment: I told my sister today.  That was fun!

Looking forward to:  Ultrasound next week and telling more people

Nervous about:  Next weeks appointment

What I miss:  Wine.  I've had a few rough days with the girls and I was in the need for something but nope.


Labor signs: Nothing yet.  Hopefully not for a long long time. 

Appointments:  Ultrasound next Friday

Misc. 

Round 2: 4 weeks

How far along: 4 weeks

Baby Size: A teeny tiny poppy seed

Weight:  117.4 (As of the day after I found out)

Symptoms:   Nausea, Cramping

Maternity Clothes: Nope

Sleep:  Last night I was hit with a sudden wave of exhaustion and couldn't even stand.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  Nothing yet

Belly Button: In

Rings on or off: On

Gender:  Unknown.  I say girl

Name:  We have our boy name from when I was pregnant with Eleanor, but no clue at all for a girl

Movement: Waaay to early.  I felt Eleanor at 18 weeks so I've got a while to go

Stretch Marks: I have a ton left over from Eleanor

Best moment: Finding out!  I tested at 10dpo.  I knew it was early, but I've had positives at this point so I just decided to test on a cheapie test.  I tested, and hopped in the shower.  When I got out I looked at the test and saw that second line.   My first thought was that I maybe read it after the time frame (I probably did) or that it was expired but it wasn't.  I didn't say to Rob, but left to run some errands.  While I was out I picked up some more tests and a big sister book.  I got home, tested and then when that turned positive I gave the book to Eleanor, and told Rob she wanted him to read her a story.  

Looking forward to:   Seeing baby, hearing the heartbeat. 

Nervous about:  Everything.  Even though I've had a healthy full term pregnancy, having two early losses makes me a nervous Nelly.   Eleanor is still nursing-and she is not going to give it up easily, but I want to have a break before this baby. 

What I miss:  Nothing yet.


Labor signs: Nope.

Appointments:  None yet, waiting on betas

Misc.   4 weeks with Eleanor  Beta 1: Progesterone 38, HCG 237 (with Eleanor it was drawn the same day in the pregnancy and was 13.7 & 32 so these numbers are great)

Round 2: 13 weeks

In case you missed the announcement on facebook or instagram baby number 2 is coming next year!

How far along:  13 weeks

Baby Size:  A scoop of ice cream or a peach


Weight:  119.4  (I'm up between 2 and 4 pounds depending on when I weigh myself.

Symptoms:    Still nauseous at times, although it's better.  Sleep is waking up every single hour and using the bathroom 10 times before falling asleep.   

Maternity Clothes:  I pulled out some of my summer stuff.  Not because I really 'need' it but my non maternity shorts are getting snug and I don't want to buy more.

Sleep:  Up every hour at night.  This is an improvement from waking up every half an hour though.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  Meat generally is a no go (especially chicken).  Having issues with dairy.

Belly Button:  In

Rings on or off: On, but I usually don't wear them since I'm mostly home.

Gender:  I had a dream the other night that it was a girl.  When I picture this baby I see a girl, but sometimes I have boy vibes.

Name:  We are stuck on a girl name.  There is one we kind of agree on but it has a meaning that I don't love.  I don't necessarily care about meanings, but I don't want a daughter to have a bad meaning.

Movement: No and I didn't feel Eleanor until 18 weeks so I don't expect anything for a few months. 

Stretch Marks: Yes, but nothing that wasn't already there

Best moment:  This was a good week!  I had the NT scan on Friday and while they couldn't get the measurements they needed because the baby had it's chin down I got to see baby and it was bouncing all over.  I loved it!

Then I called my best fiend Friday to tell her and she was so excited.  She was one of the people I was most excited to tell.  

Monday night I shared on facebook so now it's official.  I shared this picture with the caption 'Just reading a bedtime story'

Looking forward to:  Feeling the baby move, nausea being gone

Nervous about: I'm nervous before every appointment paranoid that something will be wrong.  I'm nervous about having 2 kids and then going back to work and having 3 little ones under 3.

What I miss:  I was noticing last night that bending over is already uncomfortable


Labor signs:  Nope

Appointments:  Next Thursday (the 6th) is just a prenatal appointment, and September 11th is the anatomy scan.  

Misc.  Just excited to finally be public and not feel like I'm keeping a secret. 

First Response Pregnancy Test #IC #ad

I participated in a Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for First Response. I received product samples as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

When I suspected I was pregnant with Eleanor I tested using a First Response Early Result Test.  They were kind of gold standard on the message board I was on and are often referred to as FRER's  

My tests from Eleanor (Jan. 2013)

When I thought I was pregnant I tested as soon as I thought I could.  The top test in the picture above is 10 dpo, so well before my missed period.


Rob & I are hoping to expand our family in the nearish future (now that he's finally feeling better), and so when I was given the opportunity to review a new design from First Response, it was such a perfect fit.

I'm guilty of having peed on my hand trying to test in the past.  The new design of this stick should help eliminate that moment.  The handle is longer, the curved design makes it easier to hold and it has a  50% wider tip.    These may not seem like big deals, but they really will make it easier to test with. 

No matter how faint the line is, a line is a line when your trying to get pregnant. The second line means that there is urinary hcg (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is the pregnancy hormone, detected. 

This test can detect the hcg up to 6 days sooner, and if you test the day of your missed period the test is 99% accurate, and the results can be read in just 3 minutes.  I may be guilty of watching the test just wiling that second line to show up so 3 minutes is no time at all really, but still feels like a lifetime when your hopeful.   

The tests are good no matter when you take it (sometimes women are advised to use first morning urine) and are FDA approved.  You can buy them at drugstores, grocery stores and mass retailers for between $8.99-$15.99

For more information check out the First Response site here

One Year Can Change So Much

This was one year ago...

(Those lines may be faint, but they are there.)

Here is that first post & the how I found out post

and this is today...



I'm amazed at how much my life has changed in this last year, and how I wouldn't have it any other way.  Waking up to that little girl giving me that huge grin is worth all the worry and the stress and the pain of the last year.

I'm so excited to see what this next year will bring with it.

Pregnancy Reflections

As I enter the hopefully final days of this pregnancy (I'm 40 weeks 3 days), I've been thinking back on what the whole journey to get to this point was like. 

I'm doing my best to make this post flow, but it may be choppy so I apologize. 

When we first made the decision to try and start a family I thought we would be trying for a while.  I knew the odds of conceiving each month and didn't want to get my hopes up of it happening so soon. To my surprise cycle 2 was successful, but that ended shortly after finding out.  Then cycle 3 was another success and another early loss.  On cycle 6 we got lucky again, and that pregnancy is about to result in a baby girl.   

I do credit the fact that getting pregnant easily was in part due to my charting, which helped me determine the most fertile days. (Charting supplies).   I would recommend charting any day to anyone who wants to become pregnant. 

I expected to be constantly throwing up the first trimester, and I was lucky and didn't throw up more than a few times.  I was however nauseous almost all the time, but that wasn't a complete surprise. 

(Finding out I'm pregnant post)

Maybe it was me just being hopeful but I thought Rob would be one of those super helpful husbands. And I mean there are times where he's picked up something when I needed, but I've been stuck doing stuff on my own a lot. I have to beg a foot rub or back rub, and then when I do, it's for 2 minutes while he plays on his phone with the other hand.  Or maybe it's not really true and just feels that way. 

He has gotten better the closer to the end we have gotten.

Sorry for the over share but I never got the pregnancy libido increase.  I don't enjoy sex because its awkward and uncomfortable now.  We started off the pregnancy having pretty regular sex, and then it dropped down to once a week, and now it's once every few weeks that we even attempt it.   Rob's response is to imply and make references to it multiple times a day (but maybe this is just a guy thing), although when I say okay, even he doesn't want to do it then. I know women on my birth month board who have had sex only a few times since January so consider yourself lucky.  Lol. 

I thought that this pregnancy I would have a constant job and job security and that wasn't the case.  I had 4 different jobs this pregnancy. It caused a lot of stress on us and still does.  I'm sure we will be okay, but it would have been nice to not have to worry about it.

I planned to be active throughout the whole pregnancy and take walks daily, but by week 30 it was clear that wasn't going to happen.  I had (and still have) a lot of back pain.  My back has always curved more than normal, and pregnancy just made it worse.  Plus I gained most of my weight in my belly (and I'm thankful for that, I think), but that was another reason it put pressure on my back.

I wasn't sure how I would feel about being pregnant and feeling the baby move, but I have loved it.  At times her movements have actually hurt, but I'm still pretty sure I'm going to miss feeling her from the inside.

I actually thought I might have this baby early.  While I had been saying she would come past her date, I kind of thought she might be earlier.  I'm only basing that on the fact that I was early (as was my brother and sister) and my sister had her baby early also.

Considering I'm now past my due date, and am experiencing no labor signs, I have no idea when she will show up.

I never fully understand how people could wish their babies here early (before 38 weeks), but I get it. I really have enjoyed being pregnant, but the last few months have been tough.  I'm sore, in pain, and just uncomfortable.  I'm so ready for her to get here and meet her. 

My hope for labor

Welcome to the October 2013 Carnival of Natural Mothering! 

This article is a part of the Carnival of Natural Mothering hosted by GrowingSlower, Every Breath I Take, I Thought I Knew Mama, African Babies Don't Cry, and Adventures of Captain Destructo. This month's topic is Natural Birth Choices. Be sure to check out all of the participants' posts through the links at the bottom of this page.

I'm sure I'm not alone in saying this, but the term natural child birth bugs me when used in reference to not using drugs to ease pain.  To me the term that should be used, and the one that I do use, is un-medicated.  

The term natural childbirth to me means a vaginal delivery.

Baby isn't here yet (as of the time I'm writing this I am 39 weeks & 6 days), and while I wish she would be here when this post goes live, it's not going to be happening. 

I'd love to be able to go into labor on my own, without an induction and I'd love to be able to complete the process and delivery her vaginally without using medicine.  I don't like the idea of being stuck in a bed if I choose an epidural.  I want to be able to have the freedom to move around and labor in the way that works best for me. 

I'd prefer to use alternative pain management techniques such as a tub or hot shower, massage, walking around or using a birthing ball. 

From what I've heard, recovery goes a little better when you have an un-medicated vaginal delivery and as a first time mom already unsure what to expect I'd welcome any sort of relief I can get. 

So going into the (hopefully) final few days of this pregnancy, my goal is to go into labor on my own and deliver her without intervention.  Each day that passes though I get more nervous that scenario is less likely. 

As always though the ultimate goal is a healthy baby and if that means my plans change, I'm prepared for that as well.  I don't want to wind up disappointed that the birth didn't go the way I hoped. 

Bloggers, visit GrowingSlower to sign up to be a part of next month's carnival. 

~38 Week Update~

It's my birthday (and my dads!) today!

How far along:  38 weeks

Baby Size:  

Weight:  It was up again.  It's right around the 35 lbs gained mark.

Symptoms:   

• Restless legs.  Rob told me I was annoying him the other day because it was 10:45 and I wouldn't sit down and relax.  I just couldn't sit.
• Itchy belly
• Insomnia
• Nauseousness 

Maternity Clothes:  If it doesn't have a stretchy waist I'm not fitting into it. Or I just don't to wear it.  Anything tighter I can't stand.  I wore yoga pants to the grocery store the other day.  It was 7 on a Sunday night.  Rob didn't want me to, but I'm nine months pregnant and don't care.  I saw a few people I knew actually.  But no one better say anything to me for wanting to be comfortable :)

Sleep:  I have developed this wierd sleep thing.  As if my sleep wasn't already messed up enough, I will get up, go to the bathroom, go back to sleep and then wake up 10 minutes later.  I can fall back asleep the second time, but it's annoying.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  

Yummy Jonamac Michigan Apples!

Belly Button: I don't think it popped out, but it's flat. 

Rings on or off: Off.  I feel like an unmarried underage (because I look young) mother most of the time.  If I'm with Rob than it's not so bad.

Gender:  Girl

Name:  Eleanor Rose

Movement: I've said before I think it's hilarious when she moves my stomach.  She did it a few days ago and I laughed.  Rob looked over and saw it.  I thought he had seen the alien-esqe movements, but I guess not.  The look on his face was awesome. It was like a disgusted, oh my word, what was that look.  

Stretch Marks: All over, but I don't think I've developed any new ones in the last week. 

Best moment: Not related to her, but celebrating my birthday and my sister in laws on Saturday

Looking forward to:  Meeting her

Nervous about: Money, being on my own with a newborn

What I miss:  

• Bending over.  I need one of those little grabber picker upper things. 
• Sleeping
• Walking without pain

Labor signs: So many braxton hicks

Appointments:  Later this afternoon

Misc. I have some sort of bladder infection or Uti.  I started to have pain when I peed on Sunday night.  It was very sudden and so I called yesterday and had my urine tested and the doctor called in a antibiotic prescription (which turns my pee orange like a pumpkin).  I saw the lab results this morning and my white blood cell count is really high (the normal range is 0-5, mine was 41).  Dr. google says that means an infection.  Obviously. So I'll follow up with that at my appointment this afternoon and see what they say. 

36 Week Update

How far along:  36 weeks

Baby Size: 

Weight:  It was back up this week.  Gained 2lbs, total of just under 35.

Symptoms:   

• The restless legs was really bad this week. Like up for hours in the middle of the night bad.  I even stopped drinking caffeinated pop because I think that triggers it, but it didn't make a difference.
• Sciatic nerve pain.  It was awful over the weekend.  I couldn't stand up, sit down (although once I sat down it was okay), or really walk without limping.  Tylenol and the heating pad were my friends. 
• I have been so grumpy lately.  I don't have patience at all.  And really it's just with Rob.  But I've decided not to use pregnancy as an excuse and I'm going to be a happier person.  Read why here

• 
  
  

Maternity Clothes:  I bought a couple of tank tops on clearance at Kohl's.

Sleep:  I had a few 2 1/2 hour stretches Friday and Saturday night.  That was nice.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  Chocolate

Belly Button: It's kind of out

Rings on or off: Off.  Occasionally my wedding ring will fit, but I've given up on it.

Gender:  Girl

Name:   Eleanor Rose

Movement: Yes, I feel her all over.

Stretch Marks: Yep.  Stomach, hips, back. 

Best moment:  I don't really have a specific moment.  We were with family on Sunday and it was kind of crazy to realize that the next time we would see most of them would be after the baby is born. 

Looking forward to:  We have the hospital tour tomorrow. 

Nervous about: For the first time I'm actually starting to get nervous about the actual labor process.

What I miss:  Walking without pain


Labor signs: Just lots of BH.

Appointments:  Down to weekly appointments.  I have one this Thursday.  Last week I made 5 appointments.  I'm really hoping I don't need the last one since it is after my due date.  

Misc.  At my appointment last week I hadn't really made any progress in terms of dilation etc...  I know that things can change really quickly so I'm trying not to be bummed. 

We have almost everything that we need.  I realized the other day I didn't have burp clothes and then in a moment of brilliance realized I had plenty of receiving blankets I could use instead.  Money saved! 

And I'm pretty sure I passed the Group B Strep test.  My results were posted online and it said 'not isolated' which I wasn't sure what it meant until I asked my birth month board and they said it was a negative!

Pretty Mommies Skin Care Giveaway Ends 8/31

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There are lots of new things happening at Pretty Mommies. If you're a Zulily fan then you might have noticed them pop up there this past week! Not only are they now reaching their target audience online, you might also see Pretty Mommies in your OBGYN's or Midwifes office. And if you're in China - you can now get Pretty Mommies there, too!

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To celebrate all these new and exciting events (and their newly redesigned website) Pretty Mommies has partnered with the Blogging Mamas Network to answer your questions about safe skin care and giveaway LOTS of Pretty Mommies products!

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The Blogging Mamas Network and participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Participating bloggers did not receive compensation for this post, although they may be eligible for a reward upon completion.

Things I've cried about this week

Clearly I'm pregnant.

1) I cried because Rob wouldn't give me the computer on Sunday so I could order baby leggings from this co-op I'm part of and I couldn't do it on the ipad.  He gave me the computer and I ordered these and the ones pictured (the pictures are links)

    

Thanks to the co-op I am paying under $14 for all with shipping.  I didn't really need to get them for baby girl, but I wanted to, and I wanted to get so many more styles as well.

I wish I would have seen these though.  I see amazon carries them, and I have gift cards to amazon so maybe...?
\ 

2) I cried because we started getting ants in the kitchen this week and I can't seem to keep them away.  I'm tired of seeing them crawling all over the floor and the counter every time I go into the kitchen.

3) I didn't actually cry over this, but tonight there was a beer tent for our local town celebration and I dropped Rob off and it was crazy crazy busy.  Like there must have been hundreds and hundreds of people there.  If there wasn't a cover charge I would have gone just to hang out, but I didn't want to pay the cover (it was $5) because I'm cheap and wouldn't have stayed long at all.   A beer tent when your 29 weeks pregnant.  Not so much fun.

4) I've been close to crying because I can't sleep and I can't get comfortable when I'm sitting (the couch, the floor, etc...)

Yeah, I'm ridiculous sometimes.