39 Weeks

How far along: 39 weeks.

The Bambean's size: 19-22 inches and 7 pounds. Baby is as big as a watermelon.

Maternity clothes: Maxi Dresses.

Sleep: I am feeling about as exhausted as I was in the first trimester lately. Too much peeing and trying to get comfortable at night.

Cravings/aversions: Nothing new.

Pregnancy Symptoms: You name it, I am probably experiencing it.   

Best moment(s) this last week: Going to the beautiful Johnson wedding and spending some quality time with Kev.

Movement: It's getting pretty uncomfortable at times, but still so amazing and fun to watch.

Gender Prediction: I think baby is a boy for sure.

Belly button in or out: Flush with my belly or popped out.

Happy or moody: I am on quite the pregnancy hormone roller coaster lately. 

Looking forward to: Moving into our house, pleeeaaassseeee, this mama needs to nest.

Bumpity Bump:

37 Weeks

How far along: 37 weeks 5 days. I am basically 38 weeks already, time is really flying! I can't believe I have actually made it this far this time, it's kind of an odd feeling.

The Bambean's size: 19-22 inches and 6.5 pounds. Baby is about the size of a watermelon.

Maternity clothes: Even the maternity clothes I have are having a hard time covering this baby belly. Dresses it is!

Sleep: I would just love to sleep through the night without having to lift, roll and haul this watermelon to the bathroom 15+ times a night.

Cravings/aversions: Cherry dipped cones from Dairy Queen.

Pregnancy Symptoms: My most recent and quite annoying pregnancy symptom has been my hands and fingers falling asleep at night, and getting really stiff fingers. My doctor says that this is a normal symptom towards the end of pregnancy, but it sure isn't helping in the sleep department.   

Best moment(s) this last week: Taking Ellie to the fair with my mom and Kelci. She loved seeing the "sheepies" :)

Eating her ice cream cone that Meemaw got her at the fair.

Movement: Not too much, there just isn't enough room to do a whole lot in there.

Gender Prediction: Boy.

Belly button in or out: Flush with my belly or popped out.

Happy or moody: Moody.

Looking forward to: Meeting this little (actually probably quite large) peanut!

Bumpity Bump:

Ellie is convinced that baby is a girl and that she is getting a sister. I'm getting so anxious to know!!

35 Weeks

How far along: Welp, it has officially happened. I have fully missed an entire week's update. I'm actually kind of impressed that I made it this far without that happening yet, even though last week was a pretty close call. I am 35 weeks and 1 day pregnant today. If this baby is like big sister Ellie, it will decide to break my water in exactly one week from today. I can honestly say that I am NOT ready! Eek! Please keep cooking little one. 

The Bambean's size: 19-22 inches and 5.5 pounds. Baby is as big as a large cantaloupe.

Maternity clothes: I have kind of run out of things to wear besides my trusty dresses and a pair of extremely comfortable maternity shorts, but it is pretty pointless to buy anything at this point.

Sleep: Ellie is still waking up crying a lot at night, I think from nightmares. That combined with bathroom trips, well I have explained this one before... I am tired.

Cravings/aversions: A vanilla ice cream and chocolate crunch bar sounds reeeaalllly good lately.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Swelling and fatigue have really been getting to me lately. I also have some lovely skin spots that are darkening, as well as a few of those dreaded stretch marks :( I'm sweaty, large, gassy, forgetful, and haven't shaved my legs in forever and a day. Life is pretty glamorous.   

Best moment(s) this last week: We have had a lot going on lately! We went up to Seattle for a few days last weekend and stayed in a house that my relatives from Texas had rented. Sara is living there now too, so we got to spend some good time with her as well, and see her new place for the first time. The mid 90 degree weather unfortunately followed us up there, and made for some pretty uncomfortable pregnancy moments. Also Ellie did not do very well sleeping in a strange place or riding in her carseat for an extended period of time, resulting in quite an exhausting weekend. It was still really fun and way worth it to see my relatives that I never get to see and spend time with Kevin, Ellie, Sara, my mom, and Kelci too.

We spent a day at the Seattle Zoo where Ellie had so much fun seeing all of the animals, and being a turtle :) I, on the other hand, ended up drenched in sweat with swollen fingers and contractions by the end of it all, not to mention they didn't even have a rhino! I couldn't believe it, a zoo without a rhino. It was still fun though, and so worth it to spend time with everyone and see Ellie's face light up at the sight of every little thing.

My best friend Jennifer got married yesterday!!! Twice... and they were both such beautiful ceremonies. The first was in a pretty little church where Ellie got to be a part of the big day by throwing rose petals as she walked down the aisle. She was pretty funny to watch, walking a few steps and then turning around to wind up and chuck a petal behind her before turning forward again to repeat the process. The second ceremony was outside, where Jennifer and David shared their own personally written vows that of course made me cry. Jen looked so amazingly beautiful, and the love between her and David was so obviously strong and real, it was really inspiring. The reception was a ton of fun with amazing live music, fun dancing and people, and yummy food :) 

Dancing with daddy

My handsome date :)

The bride and groom.

Movement: Bambean seems to spend a lot of time a bit sideways lately, which is helpful in terms of avoiding little feet in my ribs, but a little bit uncomfortable being stretched out to the sides so much. Also head down, which is often confirmed by the hiccups I feel lower down toward my pelvis.

Gender Prediction: I still feel that baby is a boy, but I have found a lot of people calling it a she lately without thinking. This is probably just because they are used to me already having a little "she" or "her" but it is still amusing :)

Belly button in or out: Both but mostly out.

Happy or moody: Both.

Looking forward to: Meeting baby Bryson!!!!!!

Bumpity Bump:

33 Weeks

How far along: 33 weeks 6 days, so basically 34 weeks. Whoops.

The Bambean's size: 19-22 inches and 4.9 pounds. Baby is about the size of a pineapple.

Maternity clothes: If it covers my belly I will probably wear it.

Sleep: It's not going so well...

Cravings/aversions: Craving blueberries and cherry slurpees. Yay for free slurpee day :)

Pregnancy Symptoms: Pretty much have them all going on. 

Best moment(s) this last week: Kevin and I celebrated four years of marriage yesterday with a yummy dinner and some dessert on the riverfront, just the two of us. The traditional four year anniversary gift is apparently fruit and flowers, so I had some fun carving up some strawberry roses for my love :)

Oddly enough, the modern version of the four year traditional anniversary gift is appliances, which we purchased for our new kitchen together on Tuesday night. I am pretty darn excited about that one! 

Also getting all of the painting in our new house done except for the bathrooms and trim (there is seriously a never ending supply of trim that needs to be sanded, and then have the nail holes filled, and then sanded again, and then painted...with at least 3 coats of paint.) A huge thank you to my sister Kelci for so much help with all of this.

Movement: Has slowed down quite a bit. I have also been extremely busy and not really paying as much attention to all of the movement.

Gender Prediction: Boy.

Belly button in or out: It spends a lot of time popped out now.

Happy or moody: Both.

Looking forward to: Our trip to Seattle this weekend to see Sara and some of my family that lives in Texas. 

Bumpity Bump:

But really more like 34...remembering to get these photos keeps getting harder and harder!

32 Weeks

How far along: 32 weeks 4 days. Sometimes I think about how far along I am, and I can't believe how time is flying. Other times, like right now for example, I sit and think about how long this seems to be taking, and that I have pretty much been pregnant for a whole year now (minus about 2 months). It was summer of last year when I found out that I was pregnant with Grace, and my body and mind just can't help but feel like I should already be holding a baby by now. I hate to complain, but it's a little bit exhausting.

The Bambean's size: 19 inches and 3.9 pounds. Baby is about the size of a head of lettuce.

Maternity clothes: It has been freaking hot out, and if I didn't look like a sweaty, bloated, dimply-legged penguin waddling around with a melon (or maybe two) stuck in my belly I would seriously consider the necessity of clothing.

Sleep: It's getting harder to rest well at night. The frequent bathroom trips involving small trickles as opposed to what initially feels like gallons of pee about to make my bladder burst have multiplied. Also, trying to situate myself into a comfortable sleeping position with a basketball sized stomach that is apparently housing a nocturnal gymnast is pretty much impossible.

Cravings/aversions: Berries and chocolate milk.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Getting huge, along with many other things that I can't specifically think of right now because my brain is mush, and I have to waddle my way to the bathroom really quickly...

Best moment(s) this last week: We went to a fun BBQ to celebrate Ellie's friend Alegra turning 2! It's always neat to watch the kids play together. Ellie hoarded a bubble making lawnmower pretty much the entire time, telling everyone around her it was "Ellie's" at least 5 times while I stuffed my face with delicious food. I also went to my childhood friend Renee's baby shower, which was amazingly put together and pretty much trumped any Pinterest photos I have ever seen. It was so fun to see her and her adorable little belly.

Movement: Bambean gets the hiccups every night at approximately 11 pm, and frequently attempts to escape out of my right side throughout the day and night.

Gender Prediction: Boy.

Belly button in or out: It spends a lot of time popped out now.

Happy or moody: Moody. I am hot and tired.

Looking forward to: Having our own house to grow our little family in. Things have been moving a little slowly lately, but I am confident it will be picking up here soon!

Bumpity Bump:

Showed up to Renee's shower wearing pretty much the exact same thing as her, just with the colors inverted. It gave us a good laugh :) She's due with a little girl just 11 days before me!

31 Weeks

How far along: 31 weeks 2 days.

The Bambean's size: 17 inches and 3.3 pounds. Baby is about the size of 4 navel oranges.

Maternity clothes: I basically just wear the same two maxi dresses over and over again. I had pretty much the easiest packing experience ever this last weekend for a bachelorette getaway at the coast seeing as how I can only wear a few of the things I own anymore. I guess that is one positive thing about the situation that I can focus on.

Sleep: Naps are kind of a daily thing now when Ellie takes one. After working full time while pregnant with Ellie and not being able to do the whole nap thing, I am taking full advantage of it while I can this time around, and boy am I grateful that I can.

Cravings/aversions: Craving Chocolate milk over ice.

Pregnancy Symptoms: I'm pretty sure I have been getting hot flashes and have just accepted being sweaty a lot of the time. Also I will randomly get heartburn, but luckily it isn't really too often or severe. Crazy dreams have also been a nightly occurrence lately.  

Best moment(s) this last week: Last Sunday for Father's Day Ellie and I went with Kelci and my mom to see my Grandpa, Uncle Ken, Auntie, Uncle Andy, and cousins Megan, Rohan and Caitlin in Chiloquin, Oregon. It was a fun little road trip and I got to spend some time with family that I don't get to see regularly, which was really nice. I really wish I saw them more often.

Ellie twinning with her new little friend, my Auntie's pup Sable.

On Friday I left for a weekend trip to the coast in Manzanita to celebrate my good friend Jen's Bachelorette weekend. It was tough to leave my loves at home, but it was nice to get away for a girl's weekend as well. I did a lot of eating, sleeping in, and rare Oregon Coast sunshine enjoying :) Also, I'm pretty sure Bambean had the time of his/her life dancing away to Beyonce inside of my tummy at all hours of the night. It sure looked that way at least, he/she was quite the active little one. Although I wasn't able to participate in some of the festivities that would usually accompany a Bachelorette weekend, I still had a ton of fun with everyone, and I'm so glad I got to help my mother Hen celebrate becoming a Mrs. so soon!

Movement: Still loving watching and feeling it all. This kid is STRONG!

Gender Prediction: Boy. I had an odd dream over the weekend that I was pregnant with triplet boys. Actually let's just go ahead and classify that one as a nightmare... okay that sounds a little terrible. Seriously though, I would be pretty horrified.

Belly button in or out: It spends a lot of time popped out now.

Happy or moody: Happy, but also moody and stressed about getting our house done before our little bundle arrives...

Looking forward to: A nap tomorrow.

Bumpity Bump:

In beautiful Manzanita, Oregon.

30 Weeks

How far along: 30 weeks 2 days.

The Bambean's size: 17 inches and 3.1 pounds. Baby is about the size of a butternut squash.

Maternity clothes: I hate that maternity clothes are so expensive for something you aren't going to wear for very long. When things do go on sale, it is usually hardly even on sale at all. I think it is because there isn't really a "season" for maternity. Women will always be getting pregnant and always be needing the maternity clothes. Okay rant done.

Sleep: Going okay, getting enough but always wanting more.

Cravings/aversions: I have been wanting berries lately. We discovered that our new house has a blueberry bush in the backyard and I am soooo excited for this.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Same glamorous things as usual.  

Best moment(s) this last week: Kelci and I finished putting the kitchen cabinet frames together! We were at the house until about midnight two nights in a row, but it was actually really fun to spend the time with just her, especially since I am usually sharing her with Ellie, who idolizes her every move and demands her complete attention at all times. I can't tell you how many times a day I hear the phrases "Titi do" or "Where's Titi?" I absolutely love watching them together, but getting time with Kelci alone is always really fun too.

Movement: Happening all of the time and I still love it :)

Gender Prediction: It has to be a boy. I'm convinced.

Belly button in or out: I would say in about half of the time and out about half of the time.

Happy or moody: Happy. 

Looking forward to: My mommy being done with work for the summer! She has one more day of work at the school left, and then she will be here at the house all day for the summer!

Bumpity Bump:

29 Weeks

How far along: 29 weeks 4 days. At my appointment last week I scheduled out all of my remaining appointments for this pregnancy. It really brought the fact that this babe will be here before we know it to my attention! Especially if he or she decides to follow in big sister Ellie's footsteps and arrive early.

The Bambean's size: 17 inches and 2.9 pounds. Baby is about the size of a butternut squash.

Maternity clothes: Same ol' same ol'. Some of my tops I have been using are starting to not completely cover the belly anymore though :(

Sleep: A lot of tossing and turning. The bed we are staying on at my parent's house is much lower to the ground than I am used to, and I embarrassingly am starting to have a hard time rolling myself out of bed several times a night to pee.

Cravings/aversions: I am still obsessed with the mocha cookie crumble frappuccino :)

Pregnancy Symptoms: Puffy fingers (and really just puffy everything I guess), peeing all of the time, fatigue, and my pregnancy brain just keeps getting worse. This does give me some great opportunities to practice being more okay with laughing at myself though.  

Best moment(s) this last week: I got to go help celebrate baby boy Bryson at Holly's fun little baby shower. I can't wait to meet him. Leslie you make one delicious cake!

Movement: Punches and jabs have turned more into pushes and rolling as space runs out. I have fun attempting to guess what body part is causing my belly to protrude or is sweeping it's way across. It's all very Alienesque.

Gender Prediction: I have been feeling a little neutral this last week. I have no feelings one way or the other.

Belly button in or out: Still in.

Happy or moody: Happy. 

Looking forward to: Putting some kitchen cabinets together with Kelci! Progress on the house is indeed happening! We recently received a giant delivery of kitchen cabinets from Ikea, and by kitchen cabinets I mean pieces upon pieces of kitchen cabinets that need to be COMPLETELY assembled.

Bumpity Bump:

28 Weeks

How far along: 28 weeks 2 days. Third trimester baby!!

The Bambean's size: 16 inches and 2.5 pounds. Baby is about the size of chinese cabbage.

Maternity clothes: Dresses and PJ's are working swell.

Sleep: Ohhh boy this big ol' pregnant body is aching like never before, making it tough to sleep. I think it doesn't appreciate all of the bending, lifting, heaving, deep cleaning and two-year-old-chasing that was involved with moving out of our condo over the last week or so. I know I probably sound like a little old lady but yikes. This mama would love an extensive massage, a hot tub and some ice cream please.

Cravings/aversions: I constantly want Starbucks Frappuccinos, particularly the mocha cookie crumble one :)

Pregnancy Symptoms: Sore muscles! Also fatigue has unfortunately made a wicked comeback. 

Best moment(s) this last week: We got all moved out of our condo! On Saturday we finished up moving completely, including giving the place a good scrubbing in preparation for it's next occupant. It was a bittersweet moment, moving on from our little home where we shared so many "firsts" as a family. I cried seeing Ellie's nursery completely bare, and shed a little tear for erasing the family portrait from our bathtub wall as well. I am so excited for the next adventure we are taking, but I can't help but miss that little bit of our past as well.

Also both of my seesters are here now! Enough said.

Movement: It has slowed down substantially. Baby is running out of wiggle room in there, literally, but I also haven't really had much time to focus on movement either.

Gender Prediction: Stiiillllll boy. Any name suggestions are welcome :)

Belly button in or out: In, unless I have just eaten, then it is a little more flush with my belly than in.

Happy or moody: Exhausted. 

Looking forward to: Spending time with my sisters and hearing Bambean's little heartbeat tomorrow.

Bumpity Bump:

27 Weeks

How far along: 27 weeks 1 day.

The Bambean's size: 15 inches and 2 pounds. Baby is about the size of cauliflower.

Maternity clothes: I usually go through about three outfit attempts when trying to get dressed before finally settling on one of my dresses. I guess I just need to get over my belly looking big in everything. It seems odd since there is a baby growing in there and everything, but the body changes are still hard to accept for some reason.

Sleep: The crazy dreams are starting to interfere with sleep which is no fun.

Cravings/aversions: S'mores! A big thanks to the Kimbles for helping out with that one :)

Pregnancy Symptoms: Heartburn, crazy dreams, mush for a brain, hungry hungry hungry.

Best moment(s) this last week: WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!! We officially got the keys to our first home together as a family on Friday afternoon! I am so incredibly terrified and excited at the same time to start this next adventure in our lives together. There will be a bit of work that we plan to do to the home, and while we are probably a little crazy taking it all on with a two year old and a little one on the way, it is really fun and exciting to be putting our own personal touches on the place we will call home. Plus, it has a yard and I will actually have a washer and dryer IN MY OWN HOME!! I cannot believe I have been gathering and hauling laundry to my parent's house to use their washer and dryer for about seven years now. I'm so excited! I could not be more grateful for my amazing husband who has worked so hard for us to be able to live this little dream.

Movement: I wish this kid would stop using my bladder as a punching bag, but I still love feeling movement. 

Gender Prediction: Boy.

Belly button in or out: In.

Happy or moody: Happy!!

Looking forward to: Tracking progress on the house :) 

Bumpity Bump:

26 Weeks

How far along: 26 weeks

The Bambean's size: 14 inches and 1.75 pounds. According to my Baby Bump app baby is about the size of a hothouse cucumber. I have no idea what that is.

Maternity clothes: Mmm hmm. 

Sleep: Can't complain.

Cravings/aversions: Cereal.

Pregnancy Symptoms: I have been having some crazzzyyy weird dreams lately. Also pregnancy brain has been hitting me pretty hard lately. 

Best moment(s) this last week: My birthday was a pretty good day. I got a giant free frap from Starbucks after an hour of figuring out that I needed an app first, thanks to Tiffany hanging out with the impatient toddlers :) then we went for a nice walk. Then Kevin and Ellie took me to American Dream Pizza for dinner, which is always delicious. 

Movement: Bambean is bumping around like crazy again. 

Gender Prediction: Boy.

Belly button in or out: In.

Happy or moody: Happy.

Looking forward to: Jen's bridal shower tomorrow!! 

Bumpity Bump:

25 Weeks

How far along: 25 weeks

The Bambean's size: 13.5 inches and 1.5 pounds. Baby is about the size of an eggplant.

Maternity clothes: Pajamas please and thank you.

Sleep: Can't complain.

Cravings/aversions: Craving mint chocolate chip ice cream lately, and the smell of jalapenos makes me ill.

Pregnancy Symptoms: I didn't think it was possible to be any more hungry, but it feels like my appetite has tripled recently. I am ALWAYS hungry. 

Best moment(s) this last week: We got to have dinner with our friends the Kimbles which is always a good time, and meet new baby Aidyn, she is so little and sweet! Also had a nice dinner with Tony, Holly and Bryson. I love seeing that little belly grow! I can't wait for our babies to be buddies on the outside :)

Movement: Bambean has slowed down (or maybe moved positions) a little this last week and I haven't felt as much. Unless it's time for me to sleep, then it's party time in there.

Gender Prediction: Back to boy.

Belly button in or out: In.

Happy or moody: Happy.

Looking forward to: Seeing my seesters! I didn't realize how close it actually is to them both being here and I am so excited!

Bumpity Bump:

24 Weeks

How far along: 24 weeks

The Bambean's size: 12.5 inches and 1.25 pounds. Baby is about the size of an ear of corn.

Maternity clothes: I got to try the dresses out with the warm weather and I am SO happy I got them. Now I just need a good T-shirt and tank top to rotate through the dresses for my bigger belly days and I think I will be set!

Sleep: Tossing and turning a lot, but after that awful virus that lasted forever I really can't complain.

Cravings/aversions: I am loving roast beef sandwiches with pickles. If it doesn't have pickles I don't want it. Also when Kevin toasts an everything bagel I get queasy.

Pregnancy Symptoms: My wedding ring is getting tough to get off at the end of some days.

Best moment(s) this last week: Kevin and I had a little spur of the moment date at American Dream Pizza Thursday night, thanks to Jamie coming over from next door to hang out while Ellie slept (sort of). He wasn't aware of her extensive noise-making prior to actually falling asleep at night and went in to check on her, only to get sucked into her nighttime routine of putting her animals nigh-night. He also learned that she must have her "2 blankies" before you can leave her :) When I went in to get her up the next morning her first words were "Where did Jamie go??" It was so cute.

Movement: It's getting crazy! I love it though, my favorite part! I spend a lot of time watching my tummy.

Gender Prediction: I'm going to say girl this week. I so want Ellie to get a sister to grow up with.

Belly button in or out: In.

Happy or moody: Happy.

Looking forward to: Summer time and sun.

Bumpity Bump:

23 Weeks

How far along: 23 weeks 2 days.

The Bambean's size: 11.5 inches and 1.1 pound. Baby is about the size of a papaya.

Maternity clothes: But of course.

Sleep: Our house is healthy and sleeping again! Ellie is going through one of her phases where she wants to get up really early though. Hopefully it doesn't last too long.

Cravings/aversions: Starburst Jellybeans ;)

Pregnancy Symptoms: I have been getting some heartburn :(

Best moment(s) this last week: Just spending time with my little family without the plague among us. Easter Sunday was pretty fun too. We had just planned to stay home as a family for the day but Ellie had something else in mind and barfed all over her crib the night before, resulting in a laundry day at my parent's house Easter Sunday. It's times like these that you realize how nice your own washer and dryer in your own home would actually be. Ellie had so much fun helping Meemaw "garden," which really consisted of filling her watering can and watering the same lavender plant over and over again. While the laundry was going I worked on making a yummy hot cross bun recipe into cute little bunnies like I had seen on Pinterest...

Movement: All the time, I love putting Kevin's hand on my belly at night to feel bumps and jumps.

Gender Prediction: Blue.

Belly button in or out: In.

Happy or moody: Happy.

Looking forward to: Hearing baby's heartbeat at the next appointment.

Bumpity Bump:

My other new maxi dress!

22 Weeks

How far along: 22 weeks. How did this happen already???

The Bambean's size: 11 inches and 1 pound. Baby is about the size of a spaghetti squash and can officially be referred to in pounds, whoop whoop!

Maternity clothes: I love the dresses I ordered online and I am pretty sure I will basically be living in them once the weather warms up. They are so light and comfortable. Now bring on that summer sun!

Sleep: Well, Ellie and I are sick either STILL, or again. I give up. You win lack of sleep.

Cravings/aversions: Wanting coffee (or sugary milk with some coffee flavor aka white chocolate mochas to be exact) and scones again.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Not too much besides a growing belly.

Best moment(s) this last week: Sara came to visit and even though it was for a short time Ellie and I had a lot of fun with her. I love seeing Ellie with her Aunties :)

Movement: I feel movement a lot more now, not just when I am sitting still. Sometimes it still catches me off guard when I do something like sit on the floor to play with Ellie and am quickly reminded that Bambean might need a little more space than my crouched stance is providing.

Gender Prediction: My intuition is still telling me boy, but I did have a girl dream this last week!

Belly button in or out: In.

Happy or moody: Both equally. I mean isn't that kind of what being pregnant is about? Feeling like you are on top of the world one minute and then crying about a commercial for something like gum the next?

Looking forward to: Some big changes hopefully happening for our little family soon :)

Bumpity Bump:

New dress!!

Ellie taking a picture of her little sibling with her own little camera.

21 Weeks

How far along: 21 weeks

The Bambean's size: 10.5 inches, 12.7 ounces. Baby is about the size of a banana.

Maternity clothes: Excited about some dresses I finally ordered online, we will see how I like them once I get to try them on though.

Sleep: Ellie has started having bad dreams :( she wakes up screaming at random times. It is so sad, and also a bit tiring.

Cravings/aversions: Nothing new. I got my chocolate acai berries (thank you mom) and coffee ice cream :)

Pregnancy Symptoms: A lot of emotions and having a hard time sleeping at night. My brain just doesn't stop.

Best moment(s) this last week: Seeing Bambean on the ultrasound. Baby was very sleepy and we got to see it yawn several times, it was so cute! I was really happy we were able to keep the gender a secret too, I was so worried we would see something on accident. Also, the little one was measuring right on track this time, so I guess we are going to stick with August 23rd for a due date. Ellie's birthday today was also so much fun. As hard as it is to watch my baby grow up, we had a really fun day of exploring with some little friends at the children's museum in Salem.

Movement: Baby is still moving a ton. It is definitely my favorite part about being pregnant.

Gender Prediction: I still think I am growing a little boy. Here's the picture, any guesses?

Belly button in or out: In.

Happy or moody: I think I have been pretty moody lately. These mood swings are a little crazy.

Looking forward to: Seeing Sara this week.

Bumpity Bump:

My big ol' belly after a long day. Bambean, giant hamburger and cupcake included. And yes, I know how big I look, Kevin made sure to point that out tonight (not something an emotional pregnant girl really wants to hear but oh well)

20 Weeks

How far along: 20 weeks, I can't believe I am halfway there! 

The Bambean's size: 6.5 inches, 10.6 ounces. Baby is as big as a small cantaloupe.

Maternity clothes: They are a must.

Sleep: I would like more of it please. I have finally been able to get more sleep the last couple of nights at least.

Cravings/aversions: Craving dark chocolate covered acai berries and coffee ice cream.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Nothing new.

Best moment(s) this last week: Sleeping in this morning. 

Movement: Still a lot of movement, this little one does not like to sit still! I am loving watching my tummy twitch.

Gender Prediction: Bambin-O.

Belly button in or out: In.

Happy or moody: Moody because I am tired, happy because I think I am finally getting better.

Looking forward to: Our ultrasound and appointment this week!!! 

Bumpity Bump:

19 Weeks

How far along: 19 weeks 4 days

The Bambean's size: 6 inches, 8 ounces. Baby is about the size of a mango.

Maternity clothes: I don't think I have made it out of my pajamas this week.

Sleep: Yes pleeeeaaaaasssse. Sleep has been a distant memory lately. Ellie got sick on Sunday morning, and then I inevitably caught something that I can only describe as death in the form of a throbbing sore throat and a cough that rips my throat even more raw, even when I think there can't possibly even be tissue left in there anymore. I pretty much haven't slept for more than 20-30 minutes straight since Wednesday night. I'm feeling a little craaaazzzyyyy, and a lot of pain. I have found myself at the kitchen sink at 2 or 3 in the morning most nights gargling salt water while mixing honey in my tea, texting doctor seester Sara for advice and searching the cabinets for marshmallows because someone somewhere on the internet claimed that they help, and I will try pretty much anything at this point.

Cravings/aversions: Well I probably won't want tea or chicken soup for quite sometime now. I still haven't gotten tired of my popsicles yet though.

Pregnancy Symptoms: A lot of growing and stretching. Also the stairs make me breathe like I just ran a marathon on most days.

Best moment(s) this last week: Pretty much anything before illness struck. Seriously though, I did get to see my dear friend Jen and her lovely family (minus Ecca, boo) and eat delicious food and chat wedding things which was fun. Yes, I consumed about half (or more) of the bowl of Deb's salsa all to myself and yes, it was magnificent.

Movement: Bambean likes basketball and gets rowdy when Kevin watches the Blazers on TV just like Ellie used to in there :) I have been enjoying actually feeling the kicks and jabs from the outside of my belly now too. This is something I have been spending a lot of time doing at all hours of the day/night when I am not busy concocting home remedies in the kitchen or desperately searching the internet to see if I am dying of cancer or not.

Gender Prediction: Bambin-O.

Belly button in or out: In.

Happy or moody: Moody for sure. Pregnancy hormones + extreme pain + no sleep = sorry Kevin, I love you.

Looking forward to: Sleeping again. 

Bumpity Bump:

The Bambean and Me this morning in all of our sickness glory.

18 Weeks

How far along: 18 weeks 

The Bambean's size: 5.6 inches, 6.7 ounces. Baby is as big as a sweet potato.

Maternity clothes: Still loving my pj's and sweatshirts. If I go out in public I am feeling better in maternity tops and jeans. I am really wanting to find a few good dresses and skirts for the whale of a summer days ahead!

Sleep: A lot of tossing and turning this last week. I keep waking up on my back, and although my doctor said not to worry about it too much and that my body will shift on it's own before any harm is really done it still makes me nervous.

Cravings/aversions: Craving American Dream's Edward Abbey pizza and sour candy.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Soooooo hungry!! I can already tell my balance is shifting too as my belly grows.

Best moment(s) this last week: Enjoying a walk at Peavy Arboretum with Kevin, Ellie and Winston. Also picking out and ordering summer clothes for Ellie, H&M had a really great sale and I couldn't help myself!

I'm so excited about this romper!!

Movement: Still a lot of it and I am still loving it. Baby does not appreciate it when I bend over or curl up on the couch and protests with kicks and jabs :) Unfortunately Bambean's favorite place to kick already is my bladder.

Gender Prediction: I still think team blue, but there is a lot of time to finalize my prediction.

Belly button in or out: In.

Happy or moody: Mostly happy! 

Looking forward to: Seeing my seester Sara in April! Also, she is moving back to the west coast again!!! 

Bumpity Bump:

Beans, Beans, Beans

Sometimes I find myself scanning Pinterest in search of new ideas for how to keep Ellie busy, but I quickly get overwhelmed with stuff, or start to question whether or not I am giving Ellie enough variety in her life to make sure she is reaching her full learning potential, or worst of all, and most commonly, drooling over dessert recipes that I really don't need to be thinking about. Doing the same thing over and over with the same toys over and over in the same spot over and over can become a bit mundane, and while it is a well known fact that toddlers appreciate a schedule and love repetition, this isn't always the case when it comes to keeping them entertained for a prolonged period of time. I always love the idea of a classic gooey sensory bin, or playing with some sort of home-made play dough type of concoction, or even painting. Then I visualize the mess that would be created within approximately the first five seconds of any of these activities, and I usually decide to save something like this for a different day when I have ample time and energy for cleaning up and bathing Ellie.

One of the simplest activities that Ellie LOVES to do, and that keeps her busy for quite some time, is playing with dry beans. It is so simple, yet because it is not something that she gets to do every day, and because the textures and noises are just intriguing to her, it keeps her attention. Also, while the beans quite obviously don't stay in the bowls or cups they are originally presented in, they are so easy to clean up when it is time, no bathing or wet-wipes required. I must admit that I (often with the help of my cat, Balto) do usually find a little bean that was left behind even a few days after the activity has taken place, but a bean or two under a table or in a couch never really hurt anyone :)

I think it would be fun to have one of those water tables that are specifically made for play with water or something like rice or beans, but any tubs, bowls or cups will do. With our lack of space it just wouldn't make sense to have something big like that to have to store anyway. Then we just add spoons, measuring cups, various toys, etc. and I get to enjoy some down time with my little toddler, which has been something I can really appreciate these days. I love to watch her happily think and explore :)

17 Weeks

How far along: 17 weeks

The Bambean's size: 5.1 inches, 5.9 ounces. Baby is as big as an Onion.

Maternity clothes: Definitely need maternity pants, mixing my normal tops and maternity tops. Let's be honest though, most days I spend at home in my pajama pants and a sweatshirt :)

Sleep: I am still sleeping fairly well. I usually wake up around 6 am and have a hard time falling back asleep as hard as I may try, but it kind of makes sense considering the old-timer hours I have been heading to bed at lately. 

Cravings/aversions: Nothing new.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Belly's getting big :) acne :( Also I feel like I could eat a horse at any moment in time.

Best moment(s) this last week: Enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather with walks and parks with Ellie. Also we got to go to a really fun and beautiful baby shower today, it was amazing and so fun to get out and see people.

Movement: Lots of it and I am loving it. Still happening mostly when I am sitting or laying down though.

Gender Prediction: Still thinking it is a little man. No dreams or anything though.

Belly button in or out: In.

Happy or moody: Pretty happy these days.

Looking forward to: Our next ultrasound and appointment, even though it is 3 weeks away. I can't wait to see the little bambean again and have a chat with my doctor to hopefully see if my due date is looking right or not.  

Bumpity Bump:

Tell-All Tuesday: Today is Grace's Due Date

Today has been, as expected, a pretty hard day. Not as hard as I have been anticipating it to be though. I guess I never really expected her to make her big debut exactly on today anyway, so it has really just been the last month or so in general that has been tough all around, knowing that she could have been here this day, or that day. Seeing so many other little newborns making their way into the world, but not mine. Adorable names, first photos, first sibling moments. Today was once a day I looked forward to. The day that my pregnancy app counted down to. The day on my calendar that I would check periodically and count days and weeks from while attempting to guess when my baby would actually make it's appearance.

Now it is a day to remember her by. Kevin lit her candle this morning, and it will burn all day long. I have thought about her a lot, and have been giving Ellie extra hugs, kisses and I love you's. I can't help but wonder what she would have been like. Would she have looked like Ellie?

I find that it has really been awkward when strangers ask me that all too familiar question of "is this your first baby?" My answer so far has simply been "no, it is my third." I'm not sure why it feels so strange. She will always be my second baby, even if I don't get to hold her, or see her or talk to her. I am hoping this will get easier with time.

I love her so very much, and I always will.

16 Weeks

I hope to keep up with my weekly pregnancy progress on here. I HOPE to :) Both to share with others, but also for myself to look back on later. In the past I have done the weekly bump photo updates, but this time around I think it will be fun to track my progress with little facts and happenings about each week. I am pretty excited!

How far along: 16 weeks 1 day today, but I am still convinced that I am really 17 weeks. ;)

The Bambean's size: 4-5 inches, 3-5 ounces. Baby is as big as an Avocado!

Maternity clothes: Psh, I think I was in them maternity jeans at about 10 weeks this time around. I pretty much had just hardly stopped wearing them since last time. I suppose they aren't lying when they say you will show sooner with each subsequent pregnancy. I haven't quite jumped in with the maternity tops just yet, but sweatshirts are definitely my best friend during this "is that a baby or beer gut?" stage.

Sleep: I have been sleeping pretty well. I am finally only getting up about 2 to 3 times a night now to use the bathroom, so that has helped a lot. Falling back asleep during the first 13 weeks of the pregnancy was pretty much pointless knowing that I would feel Niagara Falls coming on again within 15 minutes or so, only to find that my super inconvenient trip to the bathroom had resulted in nothing more than a trickle. I probably could have cried more liquid in tears from being so tired, hormonal and just wanting to SLEEP. If my memory is correct this fun little game will return at some point later on, but for now I am enjoying all of the uninterrupted sleep I can get.

Cravings/aversions: I have been craving stir fry, strawberries, cereal, SOMEONE PLEASE BRING ME A SCONE! Seriously though, I want a scone and coffee pretty much every day.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Well the growing belly is a pretty obvious one. My nausea is pretty much gone completely, and while my fatigue is deciding to stick around it is definitely much less intense now. Not too much else going on.

Best moment(s) this last week: Sharing seeing the little nugget looking like a baby and not just a blob on an ultrasound with the love of my life. Also hearing from the doctor that everything looked great on that same ultrasound.

Movement: Call me crazy, but I am pretty sure I felt this little person around 12 or 13 weeks this time! I have felt a few weak jabs this week, especially if I am able to sit still and really concentrate on it.

Gender Prediction: I have been thinking boy from the start. Nothing really in particular to explain this except that I have been less sick this time, and I just feel that the odds of making 3 girls in a row are against us. I suppose my parents did it though so who knows! Also Kevin informed me of a dream he had where I had the baby and it was a boy. It was also a flesh colored elephant, but a boy flesh colored elephant for sure.

Belly button in or out: In.

Happy or moody: Both. Although I'm sure Kevin would argue moody even when I say happy :)

Looking forward to: Meeting new baby Hadley and seeing her sweet little family tonight!

Bumpity Bump:

Round 3

I can't believe it has been an entire month since I have been on here! Actually, I kind of can. There has obviously been a lot going on here for us. I am over the moon excited about having the miracle of life happening inside of me once again, but at the same time it has also been a whirlwind of scary and unpredictable thoughts and emotions. Not to mention doing two first trimesters of a pregnancy in a row has been a little bit exhausting to say the least. Did I love seeing those two pink lines on that pregnancy test that I couldn't wait just a few more days to take? Absolutely. I wanted it so badly it hurt. Did it also remind me of the little baby that was supposed to still be growing in my tummy? Of the time that I went to see Kevin for lunch and surprised him with a positive pregnancy test in a paper bag? Of the thoughts and expectations of Ellie with a new baby in her life? All of it and more. Did I smile ear to ear and have my full heart filled up even more with love than I thought ever possible when I saw that little being dancing around on the ultrasound? You bet. But that same heart that is full of love also ached in pain from the little hole that Grace left in it as I remembered her in the exam room. And I almost passed out from holding my breath in fear as I waited to see what that tiny new baby would look like on the screen. I over analyzed every movement, every still photo snapped, every length of time spent examining. That has just been the reality of things this third time around. Any exciting and joyful event one would experience with a pregnancy has also been accompanied by sheer terror and an array of sad thoughts. I miss the naive innocence I had with my pregnancy with Ellie. I miss Grace.

But I am pregnant again, and I am so very excited. I have been going back and forth for some time now, wanting to shout my news from the rooftops one moment and then wanting to keep it a secret until I am holding a baby in my arms the next.

I had this announcement all ready for Valentine's Day but then chickened out.

We found out we were expecting again on December 8th. It was so fun to actually take the test with Kevin and Ellie there, since it happened by myself the last two times. We both had a good feeling about it, and even though it was still a few days early, I convinced Kevin to take me to the store to buy a stick.

I had the first appointment an agonizing three and a half weeks later, on New Year's Eve. It was a bit stressful since Kevin had just accepted his new job and I had to go alone. All went well, but the tiny nugget was measuring a little bit smaller than we had thought. My due date was set for August 23rd.

Our little summer babe! Or blob. I still love that blob just the same though.

My amazing vacation to Hawaii was met with some unwanted, yet expected, morning sickness and fatigue. Having Kelci there was seriously a life saver. Some might say that I shouldn't complain, that I should be happy to have felt these things because it meant that I was pregnant. I say that's not fair, and I am going to bitch about it like anyone else might ;) nausea and exhaustion are not fun! Is it all worth it in the end though? Of course, it is more than worth it.

About 9 weeks in beautiful, sunny Hawaii.

12 weeks.

14 weeks.

15 weeks.

I have been feeling pretty good so far with this pregnancy. Aside from some normal nausea and wanting to take a nap for pretty much just the rest of my life, as well as the added nerves, it has all been going smoothly. I just can't wait for August when I can meet this little person at last.

The bebe. We have been calling it Bambean because we don't know whether to put an a or an o on the end :)