32 weeks and counting

I'm updating this post. Why you ask? Well, I just took a stroll down memory lane (aka looked back at my Cole prego posts) and I want to slap my past-self! Seriously! What the hell was I thinking saying "oh, look how big I was" or "this belly is out of control"... 

NOT. THE. CASE.

Take this post for instance. I was at about the same place in my pregnancy as I am now... 

If I wasn't feeling massive before, I sure am now. Look at this itty bitty tummy. Yep. That was with 45 days left... The picture above... about 55 days left. I sure hope I was doing some creative posing back then... 

Venting

I’m mad at my friends who have two kids. Why you ask? Because they never gave me any insight into how much harder/suckier the second pregnancy is than the first. I refuse to think it’s just me who have noticed these glaring differences.

So for all you ladies who are thinking about having another, here are some hard truths (because I’m a good friend and will tell you):

1. Weight Gain. Like instant weight gain. There’ no delay like the first. Your body has already made the epic shifts, so it’s old hat to have that belly pop. And thighs. And ass. Not to mention you don’t have the luxury to go to the gym every night since you have baby numero uno at home.
2. Veins. I had NO issues with weird vein things my first time around, but this one! I’ve got fun little splotches making themselves known on my feet and ankles. Not cool body-circulation-system. Not cool. 
3. Bowel Movements. I’m not going into any detail here except to say “stool softner”
4. B.I.T.C.H. Yep. I wrote it. I wrote it because hormones make you a raging one. Again, since none of my so-called-friends told me any of this, I don’t know if these mood swings are due to it being my second, or if I just skipped this part with the first. In any case, I’m sorry Jason.
5. Tiredness. This was way worse for the first five months (yep, not just the first three like with your first). And it’s the this total body, wrap me in a blanket, put a fork in me because I’m done, type of tired.
6. Swelling. Again, something I didn’t have with Cole, but most mornings I wake-up with fingers that would make Oscar Meyer proud.
7. Non-nesting. I looked back at where I was in the whole nesting thing with Cole at this point in my pregnancy. I had the nursery painted. Clothes washed in Dreft and hung neatly in the closet. Baby book started. Infant diapers purchased. Books read. Named picked out. Hell, I was even talking to my stomach. This go ‘round. We still have an air mattress in the nursery, old books, a space heater, some random purses, about 5,001 wire hangers from the dry cleaners and unknown stains on the carpet. This poor kid is already getting the shaft and he’s not even born yet!

Wow. That was cathartic.

As much as I complain, there are some things that are better the second go around.

1. Clothes. You already have prego clothes from your first 9-months of chunkiness so you don’t need to buy too much.
2. Time flies. I’m already in my third trimester but it feels like I just peed on a stick yesterday!
3. Peace of mind. You have more of it since this ain’t your first rodeo. You take things more in stride and you’re not calling your doctor with every little nuance.
4. Understanding. This is mainly from your significant other. I feel like they understand what you’re going through, and what a horrific-event you have to look forward to (labor for those who didn’t catch that. New baby/birth is amazing. The act of getting that pumpkin out… not so much), so there’s a deeper level of “looking the other way/biting ones tongue”. For that, I’m grateful.

I’m sure there are more things that are lovelier this go around… but probably not. I’ll just count my blessings that through all of this, I’ve had a strong stomach, a high pain tolerance, low glucose levels, perfect blood pressure, a kick-ass kid who understands that he can’t form-tackle mama, and a healthy munchkin in my stomach that likes to do the polka during client meetings. 

My, How Time Makes the Belly Larger!

I thought before we have our ultrasound tomorrow, and find out how big this kid is, I would take a little trip down memory lane.

First picture was taken on 9.10.10

This one, today... Wow!

Like I said... it's crazy how large a belly can get in three months!

A very special congrats goes out to Kimmy and Eric who are expecting in June!!!!

Wonderful Weekend

I was pretty spoiled this weekend... and I'm totally ok with that!

Saturday I headed out to MOA with my parents to do a little x-mas shopping. Well, I didn't buy anything for the holidays but I was treated to an early-birthday shopping spree at Lululemon (my FAVORITE store) with Mama Pugh! I got a couple new tanks and a pair of wunder unders that I can't wait to wear. Kris even got herself a couple of tanks - she will look oh so cute at the gym!

After a long day of shopping I was a total bore and went to bed at 9:00. I tried my best of make it to SNL but that was not in the cards.

I woke-up on Sunday to a skating rink - driveway was PURE ice - but I somehow made it to Lifetime to teach yoga. With so few classes left I just couldn't cancel. I was surprised to have 10 people in class since the roads were such a mess... Good ole yoga addicts!

After class it was off to the Rogowski's for my baby shower! Pat and Jenna did such an amazing job. We played some great games (one where people had to cut a string that they THOUGHT would fit around my belly - most people were way off and cut it too long) and had some yummy food. Pat remembered my love of baked brie so there was plenty to go around.

Here are two pictures from the shower - I should take one of all the cute stuff we got... I'll add that to the to-do list for the week!

I hope everyone has a great week and Thanksgiving. Expect lots of baking posts later the in week... including two new, never been made before items!

Happy Birthday to my lil' cousin Maliq (now 18!), Stacy and Kim Slota (ah!)

Almost forgot - congrats to my manly hubby for getting an 8-point deer Saturday morning!!! Looks like we'll have food this winter... I was very worried [written in sarcasm font]...

It's Started

On Wednesday my amazing co-workers threw me a shower with lots of yummy food (chocolate chip cookies, puppy chow, chips/salsa, etc.) and gave 'Los some awesome gifts. My favorite part was the oh-so cute diaper cake that Ashley and Elie made. Here it is playing co-pilot on my ride home:

Last night (Thursday) J and I finished our prenatal/baby classes. Last night's class was my favorite thus far since it was all about POSTpartum... once Los is finally here. We watched The Happiest Baby on the Block (I have the book as well) which was amazing - this guy is a total baby whisperer. I was quite crabby this morning so Jason tried out a few techniques on me... He deducted that it's for infants only and not for large crabby pregos!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. J will be out "providing" while I get to attend another shower hosted by my adorable sister-in-law! I think I'm more excited to see her then to open gifts!!!!

Closing Comment:

"And I wonder why people stare at the gym"

35 Days to Go!

Just a quick post and picture for today.

Since Los is supposed to gain 1/2 lb a week I figure I should probably be taking more belly pictures.

I'll also be sending lots of good thoughts to all the ladies heading down to Mexico today to celebrate Kim and Adam's wedding... I really wish I could be there but we don't need little 'Los making his debut in Mexico (it would be fitting though). Hope they all have a fun time and take LOTS of pictures!

Oh - it's also my first baby shower today! Oh so excited!

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45 Days to Go

How big is baby? At our last ultra sound he was measuring average! My last doc appointment (this past Friday) my stomach was measuring on track with my weeks. Guess all the fear of having this humongous baby might have been for nothing. Our doc isn’t so positive so I’ll still be getting one more ultrasound on December 3^rd.

Maternity Clothes? I think I’m running a 5 outfit rotation from here on out. This belly will not be hidden any longer and non-maternity dresses are about 6 inches higher in the front than the back! Not very cute...

Sleep: It’s pretty much clockwork that at 3:45am I wake-up to pee… after that it usually takes a while to fall back asleep since Los thinks its fun to show-off his yoga moves. His little butt likes to move up into my ribs and then back down (downdog to plank?) several times before finally settling down.

Movement: As mentioned above, he’s taking a break from his soccer skills and is now deepening his yoga practice. I guess it’s my own doing but the near constant stretching is starting to get annoying!

Food cravings: No cravings but per the last “weigh in” I will be laying off my Sunday baking routine! Carrots and apples anyone????

What I miss: Not having to wonder if the bottom of my belly is hanging out :: caring if my belly is hanging out :: having people stare at you because you spilled on yourself and not because you look like you have a boulder under your shirt

What I am looking forward to: 'LOS! Every time I’m in one of our birthing classes or prenatal yoga sessions I realize more and more how much I just want this little guy here. I feel like I’ve seen enough births, heard the term “squat” more than necessary, taken too many trips to Babies R Us… let’s get this show on the road! [note: I know it’s still too soon… he still needs to cook for a bit longer]

Milestones: The nursery is almost done and I put together the glider all by myself!

Say What?: Strangers don’t really approach me (again, I think I must look angry all the time) but the comments of (after looking me up-and-down) “wow, you must be close” or “looks like your about done” are really not that awesome. 1) I’m already counting down the days so I really don’t need your reminder; and 2) That comment tells me that I look like I’m smuggling an exercise ball under my shirt and/or look miserable – either way it’s not nice.

The BEST comments I’ve gotten (all from women who have surely been pregnant before): “Oh my gosh, you look so small for being that far along!” To these women I say "thank you" and "I love you"

10 In One Hand :: 70 In The Other

How big is baby? This kid is definitely still on the hefty-track. According to Dr. Gosen he’s still about two weeks ahead which puts him at about 3 ½ lbs and 17 inches long. My doc appointments are now every other week so they’ll be keeping a close eye on how big he gets. Next week I’ll be having another ultrasound to measure his shoulder width/tummy size to make sure he’s going to “fit” – if not, then good bye six pack!

Maternity Clothes? I’m getting a little sick of my wardrobe at this point. I’m used to a much deeper rotation and right now it’s limited to about 5 dresses, one pair of jeans (one pair of my maternity jeans makes my legs feel like squished sausages so I’ve retired those) and yoga pants. Since it’s somewhat frowned upon to rock lululemon’s at work I’m getting a bit tired of my dresses.

Sleep: Not too shabby! It helps that I’m usually falling asleep on the couch by 9:45 but I’m sleeping through the night. Now, with sleeping through the night comes the 6:25am wake-up. Every morning. No fail. That part is not as much fun on Saturday mornings BUT, I shouldn’t complain since I’m getting a solid 9 hours every night.

Movement: ‘Los definitely has his key exercise times. Typically first thing in the morning (I’m guessing Sun Salutations to start the day), while I have my morning [decaf] coffee at work, a little jog after lunch (to work off those calories), and then some nighttime stretching before bed.

Food cravings: Still no cravings but boy have I been baking (re: the past four posts)

What I miss: Being able to get off the couch without help (I’m a turtle stuck on my back) :: being able to tell the difference between my dreams and reality :: red wine :: touching my toes :: seeing my toes

What I am looking forward to: Having a baby! Since my last doc appointment I’ve had to think a little more about labor and the fact that it’s pretty much all out of my control – I’ve realized that I’m totally fine with that and that no matter what happens I’ll get to leave with my lil’ guy. Now, I’d like to go out walking on my own without (A) stitches in my tummy or (B) stitches down below… but I have a feeling one of the two is going to happen so I should just stop worrying about it.

Milestones: We got the crib put together and in the nursery. We finished registering (Target). We start birthing classes this week. I’ll be certified to teach prenatal yoga soon. Only 10 weeks left!

Say What?: I finally started getting random stranger comments. I’m not a fan but I know these weirdoes mean well.

Lady at Great Harvest: Congrats!

Me: On What?

Lady: The baby…. (said very cautiously)

Me: Oh! That’s right. Thanks!

Guy at convenience store: No peanut butter and pickles?

[Apparently my Root Beer, Doritos and Fruit Mentos was not an odd enough combination for him]

Manager at Caribou and some yoga students: Every time I see you that stomach gets bigger and bigger!

Me: No shit!

[Ok, I didn't say that but I wanted to…. ]

193 Down... 87 To Go

Nothing like a good belly shot after a long walk!

101 Days to Go

23 Weeks/Almost 6 Months

How big is baby? Our little guy, according to the Bump, is just over a pound and about the size of a papaya. Don’t see many papayas here in MN so I’m going to just say “bigger than a cantaloupe” since that was last month’s fruit.

Maternity Clothes? Only “maternity” items are my GAP jeans but I’m thinking I might have to add a new pair into the mix. I feel like such a skeeze-ball wearing them so often. Besides the jeans, my normal attire consists of dresses and tight t-shirts. I’m not much for the baggy/mu-mu look… might as well show this bad-boy off!

Sleep: Waking up a lot more but luckily I’m able to fall back asleep. Jason was very proud of me this past weekend as I was able to sleep in until 8:00! Still having odd dreams but at least I’m well rested.

Movement: This kid loves to move! I notice him the most when I’m sitting at work or lying in bed. Had fun watching my stomach move around the other night… J thought it was like something out of Alien which I wasn’t too offended by as I sometimes feel the same way.

Food cravings: Nothing these past few weeks. I think my cravings haven’t been as apparent since I don’t really deprive myself… Maybe I should start laying off the ice cream cups then I will have something better to write here.

What I miss: I’m starting to miss the things in my wardrobe that I’ve now moved into the “can’t fit into these anymore” closet. Not that I’m limited in my choices… you just always want what you can’t have and right now that’s my white button-up dress shirt and mustard-yellow belt.

What I am looking forward to: In the short term I’m really looking forward to decorating the nursery and registering for baby stuff. We’ve done a really good job on waiting to do stuff (I’m looking at that from a positive angle) so the idea of getting started is really exciting. Obviously I have no idea what I need to register for (that’s what my handy new-moms are for) and am totally circling on how to decorate his room but I think it will be a fun adventure.

Milestones: Seeing my belly move was pretty fricken cool but I think those Irish jigs are taking a toll on my bladder. I’ve feel like I’m wearing down a path in the carpet from my office to the bathroom! I think one other milestone might be attending my first prenatal yoga class. My non-prego-yogi friend went with me and we giggled our way through all the “dancing” and goddess poses. I’m sure we killed the experience for all the other mamas in the room but I had a damn good time.

Say What?: Haven’t had too many yet but my friend Katye has had some very colorful comments. I can’t share too many (due to language and overall crudeness) but here is my fav:

“You’re boobs are going to be out of control!”

Weekend Highlights and More...

Oh, what a weekend! A couple highlights:

Eat, Pray, Love (with Nicole): Great company. So-so movie

First Prenatal Yoga Class (with Katye): Very touchy-feely but great hip opener poses. May have ruined the experience for some with how much we were laughing!

Scott pilgrim vs. the World (with Sam, Nicole and J): Great company. Great movie. If you have a slight case of ADD and loved old-school Nintendo then this movie is for you!

Sunday Yoga teaching: Smaller group class but then took J and Brian through a private session. They are really getting good and it’s so much fun to see them become addicted to the post-class high!

BBQ Night and True Blood (with a whole mess of people): Not my best burger but the DQ Cake was a hit! And in typical True Blood fashion, the last 5 minutes had you in shock.

And what most of you are waiting for…

Come December Jason and I will be welcoming a baby boy! I thought about posting the ultrasound picture of the lil’ guys “stuff” but I’ll save that for his wedding…

Belly Update:

"I think my feet are down there..."

5 Month Update

I found this on a few other blogs and I thought it would be a fun thing to add instead of my weekly updates… Might not be as often but it’s a little more detail for you (whether you want it or not).

How far along?: 5 Months; aka 20 weeks; aka HALF-WAY THERE!

How big is baby? Carlos is about 10.6 ounces but at last check-up he/she was measuring about a week larger… everything is in weeks with these guys!

Maternity Clothes? I tried to keep my regular jeans/pants as long as possible but the belly band is not as comfortable as advertised. GAP Maternity Long and Leans are now my most favorite thing in my closet. I’m thinking about breaking them out post-pregnancy!

Stretch marks? Not sure if I like this question…

Sleep: I haven’t had any problems yet. Even the nightly pee breaks have slowed down. I will say my dreams have been a lot more vivid and active over the past few months. What’s odd about them is the fact that they are SO normal. I dream about friends, yoga, work – nothing crazy or spectacular. Just going to a yoga class… how I normally would check-in and get ready to start class. The one thing that always amazes me is that I’m pregnant in all my dreams! I’m laughing it up at dinner (dream style) with all my friends and then saying to “drink up – I’m sober cab tonight”. Guess my subconscious isn’t as creative as I thought!

Movement: Little bits here and there though I’m wondering if that’s just a reaction to the DQ or Sour Patch Kids. I’m anxiously waiting for the day the kid really kicks me so I know he’s/she’s there… and so J can feel them.

Food cravings: Had my first real craving the other night. At about 9:45 we went to Rainbow to get a jar of Apple Sauce. I just couldn’t stop thinking about it so we went and got it. Wasn’t as good as I had imagined but it still did the trick.

What I miss: I think it’s still pretty early to really miss anything… Plus there are so many great substitutes out there: O’Douls, decaf coffee, veggie Jimmy Johns... The only thing that I miss is Hot Yoga. I’m still practicing on my own but I miss the 95-105 degree heat and all the postures that I can no longer do.

What I am looking forward to: Near future response: Finding out what Carlos is… Then I can stop writing “he/she” – it just doesn’t sound right.

Milestones: Umm, half-way point! Pretty damn exciting!

Say What?: Oddly enough I haven’t had very many comments. People are staring a little bit more… women tend to smile at me (“how you doing”) but no one has really said anything.

Oh, and THIS: I know past-pregnant women will hate me but this has been pretty easy. I never got sick, the heartburn hasn’t kicked in yet, I’m sleeping comfortably and the prego-brain is getting better. The only thing that frustrates me is the inability to control my moods at times. It’s not all the time but there have defiantly been nights were I go from HIGH to LOW. Most of the time I realize that it’s just my hormones making my head spin so I go for a bike ride or do something to work out the blahs… Again, this isn’t an all the time thing so this will (hopefully) be the last time you have to read this.