1 week pp

The easy part - Well right now DS2 just sleeps all the time. When he's not sleeping he's nursing. It's funny because when I just had DS1 the newborn stage seemed hard. Now that I have 2 - a newborn is really easy. He nurses, sleeps and poops. I've lucked out and he's a pretty good sleeper at night. He nurses around 9pm - sleeps for 3-4 hours - nurses again around midnight - sleeps for 3 hours - nurses around 3am and then again around 5 or 6. It's really not too bad especially since he usually falls right back to sleep.

The hard part - Getting enough quality time with DS1. Nursing takes a lot of my time. During the day DS2 wants to nurse every 1 1/2 - 2 hours. DS1 loves his little brother but I think he gets jealous sometimes and he wants to cuddle too. Luckily I have a mother's helper that plays with him 2 days a week for 2 hours. Once we're able to get out and about and DS1 can get back to play dates and having fun I think it will be easier with him (being out with DS2 will be another story - that will probably be harder)

weight - down 16.5 lbs (23.5 lbs to go)

baby 2.0 is here!!

It's a BOY!! DH and I are just thrilled. He is absolutely perfect and big brother adores him. I'll have to work on a birth story soon - but here's the short of it.

Started getting contractions On Wednesday sept 15. I had my 39 week OB appointment that morning and then got a wonderful pedicure. The contractions started around 4 pm and were every 15 min apart. The continued through the night and in the morning were closer together but still not that regular. I was admitted into the hospital at 7:30 pm (Thursday) and after pushing for only 13 mintues DS2 was born early Friday morning (Sept 17) at 3:53 am - weighing 9 lbs 2 oz and 21 inches. We are so in love!

39 weeks

How far along: 39 weeks

I had my 39 week appointment today. I'm about 1 - 1 1/2 cm dilated. Cervix still long. Tomorrow I have a growth u/s to see how big baby is. Tuesday I have a NST (non stress test) and my 40 week appointment. We'll be setting up a date to induce if baby isn't here yet. However I have been having contractions for the past 4 hours about 15 minutes apart. Maybe they'll turn into something?

How big is baby?: Baby's the size of a Watermelon!

What is baby doing? Baby's brain is still developing rapidly, and his skin has taken on a paler shade thanks to a thicker layer of fat around the blood vessels. (Don't worry; he'll change color again soon after birth.) He's now able to flex his limbs, and his nails might extend past his fingertips.

Total weight gain: 39.5 lbs

Sleep: Last night was horrible- but that's because I have toddler with an ear infection.

Movement: It's slowed done but baby is still moving.

Milestones: ?

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting this baby! I'm just about ready. All my other September mom friends (there are 4 others I know IRL due in September) have had their babies.

39 week belly picture

38 weeks

So D-day is approaching - quite fast! I had my 38 week appointment. I'm 1/2 cm dilated and my cervix is still long. I know that doesn't mean anything. I was barely 1 cm when I went into labor with DS. I still hope to have at least another week. Honestly I wouldn't mind making it to my due date.

How big is baby?: Baby's the size of a Watermelon!

What is baby doing? The last bits of vernix caseosa (the white goo keeping baby's skin moist) and lanugo (downy hair) are slowly shedding into your amniotic fluid. Baby's head is about the same circumference as her abdomen, and her head could be covered in an inch or so of hair.

Total weight gain: 39 lbs

Sleep: Not too bad considering I'm 8 1/2 months pg

Movement: Baby's running out of room - but still moving

Milestones: ?

What I'm looking forward to: Soon I'll find out if baby is a boy or girl! I can't believe I'm at the end.

38 week belly picture

Happy September!

Wow - it is September 1st and I am full term today! I am in denial. I knew what we were getting into but I'm not quite ready for this baby! I still have things I need to do.

How far along: 37 weeks - FULL TERM!


How big is baby?: Baby's the size of a Watermelon!

What is baby doing? Your full-term (yay!) baby is gaining about 1/2 ounce a day and getting his first sticky poop (called meconium) ready. He's also brushing up on skills for the outside world: blinking, sucking, inhaling, exhaling, and gripping (it's getting strong!).

Total weight gain: 39 lbs (I blame it on all the ice cream I ate this week)

Sleep: Not as good as it used to be but I'm still only waking up once so I can't really complain.

Movement: Baby's running out of room - but still moving

Milestones: Full Term!

What I'm looking forward to: Finishing all the final things that need to get done. Pack a bag, freezer meals, a little more laundry. We're almost there!

37 week belly picture

36 weeks

How far along: 36 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's the size of a Honeydew!

What is baby doing? Baby's skin is getting smooth and soft, her gums are rigid, her liver and kidneys are in working order, and her circulation and immune system are basically good to go. Her lungs are the only organs that still need to fully mature, but every day she gets a little closer to breathing on her own.

Total weight gain: 36 lbs

Sleep: Not as good as it used to be but I'm still only waking up once so I can't really complain.

Movement: Baby's running out of room - but still moving

Milestones: Lots and lots of baby hiccups. I don't think I had many of them with DS. Oh and according to a friend I have dropped.

What I'm looking forward to: one more week until I'm full term!

36 week belly picture

35/35

35 weeks down - 35 days to go. You think this would make me more motivated - but it still hasn't really hit.

How far along: 35 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's the size of a Honeydew!

What is baby doing? From now on, baby's growth is mostly in the plumping up department -- though he won't get much longer, he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth. (He's about 15 percent right now and will be about 30 percent by full-term.) His hearing is totally developed (tip: baby responds best to higher pitches), and if he really is a "he," his testes have probably completed their descent.

Total weight gain: 35.5 lbs

Sleep: It probably has to do with our weekend away and the horrible beds we slept on but I've been waking up constantly.

Movement: I think the baby's slowed down a little bit - but still moving around quite a bit

Milestones: 35/35 - 35 weeks down with 35 days to go.

What I'm looking forward to: I need another nesting spurt. The closet is done but there is still so many things in the baby's room that don't belong there. I also need to catch up on some scrapbooking. I'm only up to June 2008.

35 week belly picture

34 weeks

Yikes - I keep on getting behind!

How far along: 34 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's the size of a Honeydew!

What is baby doing? Baby can recognize and react to simple songs...time to start practicing your lullabies! In fact, baby will recognize frequently sung tunes after birth and probably find them soothing. Less cute news: She now urinates about one pint per day. Get the diapers ready!

Total weight gain: 33 lbs

Sleep: A little tossing and turning but not too bad

Movement: I'm going to have a soccer player

Milestones: none?

What I'm looking forward to: Still cooler weather! I'm ready to go apple picking.

no picture

33 weeks

How far along: 33 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's the size of a Honeydew!


What is baby doing? Things are heating up inside as well: Baby may grow up to a full inch this week alone, and his brain is developing like crazy. Pretty soon, he'll be able to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. Also, his bones are hardening, and he's started to keep his eyes open when he's awake.

Total weight gain: 31 lbs

Sleep: A little tossing and turning but not too bad

Movement: I'm going to have a soccer player

Milestones: Less than 50 days to go. Let the countdown begin- as if I hadn't already started the countdown.

What I'm looking forward to: Cooler weather. This humidity is brutal. We don't go outside after 11am.

Belly picture

32 weeks

Just a little behind....


How far along: 32 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's the size of an Squash!

What is baby doing? Ready or not, baby's getting ready to emerge. She's probably in the head-down position by now, with her bottom facing up. This is the comfiest way for her body to fit in your increasingly cramped womb and will make her eventual exit (only a few months away now!) much easier. (If she's still head-up, don't panic -- there's still time for a flip before birth.)

Total weight gain: I think 31?

Sleep: Not too bad considering I'm 32 weeks.

Movement: I'm going to have a soccer player

Milestones: none

What I'm looking forward to: not pregnant related - but I just got a new lens and my external flash is in the mail. I can't wait to test everything out.

No picture this week

Maternity photos

We had a family photo session 2 weeks ago and took a couple maternity photos. I was 30 weeks.

31 weeks

How far along: 31 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's the size of an Squash!

What is baby doing? Baby's going through major brain and nerve development these days. His irises now react to light, and all five senses are in working order. (He won't pick up anything from his nose until after birth, though -- smell is transferred through air, not amniotic fluid.)

Total weight gain: 29 lbs

Sleep: I've actually been sleeping a little better. It helps that DS is back to sleeping through the night.

Movement: same as last week - this little one loves to move!

Milestones: none

What I'm looking forward to: working more on the closet. I hope my gift card comes in the mail soon (from credit card points) so we can get the closet organizer.

31 week belly picture

nesting has begun

Last week I mentioned that I had started nesting. DH and I had seperate closets. Our master was really a double room made into one large room. This winter DH will put a wall up so LO can have his/her own bedroom. Now DH and I share a closet (sigh).

So here's what we did. We moved our dressers out of the other half of the room into what will be our new master. I reaaranged my closet making room for DH's clothes and shoes. We then emptied DH's previous closet and he invaded mine. I've been working on getting all of the baby stuff out of storage and now most of it is in baby's new room. I can't believe how much clothes we already have! Some outfits DS never wore!

Here's a picture of some new holiday clothes I purchased for LO

Here's the closet so far. We plan on doing a DIY custom closet so I'll be updating on that.

3-0 weeks!

Oh my - 10 weeks to go!

How far along: 30 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's the size of an Squash!

What is baby doing? As baby's skin smoothes out, her brain just keeps getting more wrinkled. All those grooves and indentations increase surface area, meaning more room for that oh-so-essential brain tissue. She's also adding some brawn -- her grip is now strong enough to grasp a finger.

Total weight gain: 28 lbs

Sleep: same as last week

Movement: same as last week

Milestones: The big 3-0 and nesting has begun!

What I'm looking forward to: More nesting! I was afraid it wasn't going to hit this time. I got so much accomplished yesterday. I'll post more on that later.

DH was home yesterday and I forgot to have him take a picture!

29 weeks

How far along: 29 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's the size of an Squash!


What is baby doing? Baby's energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath his skin. And since he's growing so fast (weight will triple by birth), things are getting kind of cramped in the womb. What all this means for you: Get ready for some more kicks and jabs to the ribs.

Total weight gain: 26.5 lbs

Sleep: same as last week

Movement: same as last week

Milestones: none

What I'm looking forward to: The weather to cool down! We've been having humid weather in the mid to upper 90's. The past couple of days there's been a heat advisory and an air quality alert. I want to go back to playing outside!

29 week belly picture

eat less exercise more

"Eat less exercise more" is the short version of how my 28 week appointment went on Friday. Sigh.

I had gained 9 lbs from 24 - 28 weeks. A nurse made a comment and then when I asked my midwife what she recommended in regards to a c-section she made another comment about my weight gain. At 28 weeks I had gained a total of 26 lbs.

We discussed the pros and cons of vaginal vs. c-section delivery. My midwife said that vaginal is the best way to go and went over complications that could arise in future pregnancies from having a c-section such as uterine eruption and placenta something (starts with an A). I think that's where the placenta doesn't attach to the uterine wall but attaches through it. Right now I'm measuring 3 weeks ahead and she thinks it will be an 8-9 lb baby. She wants me to keep my weight down so that the baby will not be as big. If the baby is less than 8 lbs she recommends a vaginal birth and if baby is more than 8 lbs a c-section. They'll be doing a growth ultrasound when it gets closer.

However I really don't agree with her advice. I feel the size of baby mostly has to do with genetics. I gained 60 lbs with DS and he was 7 lbs 13 oz. I am on track to gain at least 20 lbs less this time around and the baby is bigger. From my understanding the baby takes what it needs first and then whatever is left over is from mom. If I follow the instructions of "eat less exercise more" I'd basically be depriving myself and possibly baby of any nutrician s/he needs. I'm already working out 3-4 days a week and I'm not eating a huge amount of junk food. So I guess my appointment really didn't help out with the decision I need to make.

28 weeks

Time is flying by!

How far along: 28 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's the size of an eggplant!

What is baby doing? Baby's lungs are mature enough that, if born right now, she has a pretty good chance of surviving (with help from medical technology). Her skin is still pretty wrinkly (one byproduct of living in amniotic fluid) but will smoothen as fat continues to deposit.

Total weight gain: 26 lbs

Sleep: Pretty good. I usually wake up 1-2 times to pee but can fall right back asleep. DS has been sleeping too so that's a plus!

Movement: All the time. This LO is more active than DS. I'm in trouble!

Milestones: I passed my 1 hour glucose test! I am so excited. With DS I failed and had to take the 3 hour. I was really hoping I wouldn't have to take the 3 hour this time around.

What I'm looking forward to: Nesting instict. I have so many things to do but I just haven't started. We moved into our new house in December and the office is still a mess and needs to get unpacked. I'm such a procrastinator. Hopefully nesting will kick in soon and I can get the house in order. Until then I'll be lazy.

27 weeks

27 weeks and 3rd tri is officially here!! Hopefully nesting kicks in soon because I have a lot of cleaning and organizing that needs to get done.

How far along: 27 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's the size of an eggplant!

What is baby doing? Baby's lungs are going through some major developments these days, which (combined with the opening of previously plugged nostrils) means he's now able to practice inhaling and exhaling. The lack of air in your womb means every "breath" is filled with amniotic fluid, but hey -- it's progress.

Total weight gain: 23.5

Sleep: It would be much better if DS didn't wake up in the middle of the night! I think we need to do some more sleep training before #2 gets here

Movement: Not feeling kicks anymore but a lot of moving. I think I've felt a leg or an arm go moving by.

Milestones: 3rd tri is here!! I also bought my first baby related item (well that I'm counting. In first tri I bought some holiday sleepers that were on clearance and I also got a new nursing cover but I'm not counting those). I had a coupon to BRU and yesterday I got a Supreme Snuggle Nest. One of these could have come in handy when I had DS. He would only sleep on top of me for the first 2 months!

What I'm looking forward to: I have one more trip to make to look at double strollers and then I think I'll have my final decision!

27 week belly picture

can you believe there is only 1 baby in there!?

26 weeks

For some reason last night I thought I was 27 weeks and in my 3rd trimester. I almost had a mini freak out. I'll have to save that for next week - LOL

How far along: 26 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's the size of an eggplant!

What is baby doing? Baby's soaking up your antibodies, getting her immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and she'll soon be practicing the blink...perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

Total weight gain: 20.5 lbs - I was hoping to hold off another week or 2 before hitting the 20 lb mark but oh well. I'm still working out 3-4 days a week and eating relatively healthy.

Sleep: It would be much better if DS didn't wake up in the middle of the night!

Movement: Lots of movement and kicks.

Milestones: Bf'ing class is all scheduled and so is the hospital tour. I probably don't need to do any of these since it's the same hospital I had DS at but I figured it wouldn't hurt to refresh my memory.

What I'm (NOT) looking forward to: My glucose tolerance test is next week. I failed the 1 hour with DS and had to take the dreaded 3 hour. Hopefully this time around I'll pass the 1 hour!!

no picture this week

baby jogger city mini double vs. bumbleride indie twin

Last weekend we went to Long Island and there was a buy buy baby 15 minutes from where we were staying. Of course I convinced DH that was just HAD to go there. It was much better than driving an hour to look at strollers and I needed his opinion too.

It's really difficult to compare these 2 strollers because they serve different purposes. One is an all terrain stroller and the other isn't. That being said I just need one of them (although I would love both it's just not in the budget!)

Baby Jogger City Mini
price - $399.99 - no accessories included
weight- 23 lbs - lighter than some single strollers!
weight capacity - 50 lbs per seat

Pros-
easy to fold
light weight at 23 lbs
50 lb capacity per seat
one handed push
can fit through doorways
large canopy
both seats independantly recline (full recline)
baby jogger has a glider board coming out (could be helpful if/when we have 3)

Cons:
Not all terrain - 8" foam rubber wheels
accessories add up
basket is hard to access
not too much growing room height wise
non-adjustable handle

Comments: I have the single. I LOVE the single. So getting the double just makes sense, right? I'm trying to think of the long run though. Eventually DS won't be in the stroller as much. He'll be in for trips to the zoo, stroller strides class & walks around the block. Basically it will be only for outdoor outings. For trips like Target, Kohls he'll probably be in the cart or he'll walk. While I use my city mini single for all these things I'm thinking an all terrain might be better for the long run.

Bumbleride Indie Twin
price- $679.99 included car seat attachment, bumper bars, rain cover, air pump, cup holder
weight - 34 lbs
weight capacity - 45 lbs per seat

Pros:
Includes many accessories - most strollers don't
easy to access large basket
can fit through doorways (without the cup holder)
car seat attachment is actually the bumper bar.
room to grow height wise
all terrain tires
adjustable handle (DH is tall)
large canopy

Cons:
much heavier than the city mini
bulky fold - will barely fit in trunk if at all
fold has a couple steps (not too bad though)

Comments: I really really like this stroller. It will be great for all the time we spend in the stroller outdoors. It seems heavy duty and will hold up well on uneven pavement and for going over grass. Maybe even sand? It's pretty expensive but you won't have to purcahse extra accessories like the car seat attachment. I think in the long run this would be the best stroller for us. I'm just not sure if I can get over the bulky fold and how heavy it is.

Price comparison: DH likes to compare apples to apples. Just looking at the base price it appears that the City Mini is nearly $300 less than the Indie Twin. However the Indie Twin comes with many accessories the City Mini doesn't. I went through and added up all the accessories it would need to be the same as the Indie Twin.
City Mini
Stroller: $399.99
Belly Bar: $39.95
Adapter: $89.98
raincover: $39.95
air pump: $9.99 (now the City Mini doesn't need the air pump but to compare apples to apples...)
_____
$579.86

Indie Twin
Stroller: $679.99
belly bar: $0
adapter: $0
raincover: $0
air pump: $0
____
$679.99

So when you compare the strollers that way the Indie Twin is only $100 more. What we need to do is figure out if it is worth that extra $100 for the all terrain tires.

Folded next to each other - We weren't able to get the City Mini as flat as they say it can go. It seems to be just as wide as the Indie Twin but the Indie Twin has some height on it. I'll have to try the fold again with the strollers laying on the floor.

Width: They both seemed to measure 30 inches. I believe they claim to be a little less (around 29) but DH measured at the widest point.

Indie Twin

City Mini
Room to grow - maybe 3 or so inches in the city mini
room to grow - seems to be about 5+ inches although it's hard to tell because DS moved his head.

25 weeks

How far along: 25 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's the size of an eggplant!


What is baby doing? That oh-so-handy sense of equilibrium is kicking in, and baby's learning to distinguish right side up from upside down.

Total weight gain: 18.5 lbs

Sleep: Same as before

Movement: Lots of movement and kicks.

Milestones: wore a maternity bathing suit at the beach

What I'm looking forward to: My next appointment where I can talk to my midwife about my concerns

25 week belly picture

Itzbeen giveaway

http://ourlifewithjake.blogspot.com/2010/06/itzbeen-giveaway.html

I had one of these nifty little gadgets when DS was born. I actually didn't get it until he was 2 months but it was a life saver!

I did get some slack from older family members but it helped me remember which side I last fed him on and how long it had been since he ate, was changed and how long he was sleeping or awake for. It was much better than a paper & pen!

Decisions

And I'm not talking about strollers (although that still needs to be decided)

To fully understand the decision I need to make I'm going to back track a little to when I had DS. When I was in labor and pushing with DS his head was sideways. I tore and then gave me an episiotomy and I think I tore some more. They ended up using a suction/vacuum to help him come out. I ended up with a 4th degree tear - all the way to my rectum including some muscle. Yes - ouch is correct. At 2 weeks pp I went for a check-up and one of my stitches had popped. I was put on bed rest for 2 weeks. It was a pretty painful recovery but I got through it and a year later was even ready for another baby! In the back of my mind I had concerns about tearing like that again but figured I'd bring it up when I was 30+ weeks.

Now fast forward to my 20 week OB appointment. In my practice there are several OBs. Whoever is on-call with deliver your baby. During your pregnancy you rotate through them so you have at least met them once. I had my 20 week appointment with an OB I have met only a handful of times. She brought up my delivery with DS and said that she was giving me the option of an elective c-section. Basically if I have another severe tear I could have urinary and bowel complications in the future such as incontinence. I asked how likely it was that I would have another severe tear and there was no answer. It depends on the size of that baby and position of the head.

So now I'm torn on what to do. Both things scare the hell out of me. I'm going to be working on a set of questions because I didn't have too many at my last appointment. I was more in shock over the whole idea. A c/s scares me because well it's major surgery. I've never had surgery before. There are more risks to myself and to my baby as well. However after having the vaginal birth I did last time I often thought that I would've had an easier time recovering for a c/s than I did with the 4th degree tear. Plus I really really really don't want to deal with incontinence. It's not definite that it'll happen to me but I guess there is an increased chance. Sigh. I have the 24 week appointment tomorrow with an OB I don't know that well. I might ask a few questions but not anything in depth. I plan on making my next appointment with my midwife who I usually see and then the following one with the OB I would want to do the c/s if I take that route. I'm also going to have questions for DS's pediatrician. Luckily I don't need to make the decision today but the days are flying by so I need to figure out what I want to do sooner than later.

24 weeks

How far along: 24 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's still the size of a papaya!

What is baby doing? Baby's skin is becoming more opaque as the fat starts to pack on. And, thanks to the formation of small capillaries, her newly thick skin is taking on a fresh pink glow.

Total weight gain: 17 lbs (I think baby had a growth spurt)

Sleep: Same as before

Movement: Lots of movement and kicks.

Milestones: 24 weeks = viability day. Keep on baking baby.

What I'm looking forward to: the pool! It has been hot and humid here.

24 week belly picture

comparison picture (I apologize in advance for the bathing suit!)

23 weeks

How far along: 23 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's now the size of a papaya! (again?)


What is baby doing? Baby's little face is fully formed...minus the baby fat, of course. The next task at hand for baby: sprouting two teeny-tiny nipples!

Total weight gain: 13 lbs

Sleep: This hot weather is not helping (yesterday was in the 90's and very humid) - but I can't complain too much. I'm sleeping pretty well for being 5 months pg.

Movement: Lots of movement and kicks.

Milestones: ?

What I'm looking forward to: NEXT WEEK!

23 week belly picture - I feel HUGE! I'll have to do a comparison picture soon. I didn't have a good one of 23 weeks from last time.

22 weeks

How far along: 22 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's now the size of a papaya!

What is baby doing? Baby's settling into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

Total weight gain: 11 lbs

Maternity clothes: I did wear a non maternity shirt the other day but it barely fits anymore.

Sleep: I've been tossing and turning a little more than usual.

Movement: Lots of movement and kicks.

Milestones: My mom felt baby kick. She was so excited!

What I'm looking forward to: V-day in 2 weeks!

22 week belly picture

21 weeks

How far along: 21 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's now the size of a banana!
What is baby doing? Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion, and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, if baby is a girl, her womb is now stocked up with her lifetime supply of six million eggs (the number will drop to around one million by birth).

Total weight gain: 8.5 lbs

Maternity clothes: I'm pretty much 100% in maternity. I just put on maternity jeans the other day because I was tired of fiddling around with the be band. I still use the band to help my maternity pants stay up though. It was a great investment!

Sleep: I've been tossing and turning a little more than usual.

Movement: Feel a lot of little kicks at night

Milestones: 21 weeks! 3 more weeks till v-day

What I'm looking forward to: Nice summer days at the pool and summer dresses! The weather is finally starting to warm up!

No pictures this week.

20 week anatomy u/s

Last Tuesday we had the anatomy u/s. It was so great to see our little one. The last time we had an u/s I was 8 weeks. The tech said everything looked really good. I have my OB appointment tomorrow so they'll probably tell me any other info I need.

We did good and are still team green! Baby is 14 oz and the heartrate was 138.

$6 double stroller

Last weekend I went to a semi-annual consignment event. There were a few tandem strollers that I took a look at. I'm still not a fan of tandem strollers but figured if one was cheap enough it could come in handy in certain situations. Most of the Graco doubles were priced between $35 and $45. But there was one ugly stroller that was $6! Wow - $6. I couldn't pass that up. I think it's probably the ugliest stroller out there (hope I didn't offend anyone that has the same one!). It's a Graco Duo Glider but pretty old. I'm not sure the year but I looked on-line at the new ones and this one doesn't have some of the same features. Anyway it was $6 so who am I to complain!


I plan on washing the seats and then hosing everything off real well.

Half Baked!

How far along: 20 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's now the size of a cantelope!
What is baby doing? Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies respond best to tastes they've already had via amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you'd like your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.

Total weight gain: 8 lbs

Maternity clothes: I'm wearing about 90% maternity. My regular shirts are getting a little short and snug.

Sleep: I've been tossing and turning a little more than usual. It doesn't help that my 16 mo old hasn't been sleeping well lately.

Movement: Feel a lot of little kicks at night

Milestones: Half way there! Had the anatomy u/s yesterday! Still team green :)

What I'm looking forward to: Nice summer days at the pool

20 week belly picture

Maternity clothes are expensive!

When I was pg with DS I figured all the maternity clothes I bought I'd be able to reuse with my future pregnancies. Little did I realize that:

1. I would be pregnant in a completely different season
2. Some of the clothes wouldn't even fit me because of body change and gaining weight differently, etc.
3. My taste in clothes would change and some stuff I just don't like! I made the mistake of buying tent like shirts and the shirts with ties annoy me while I'm driving or sitting in a chair.

It's really hard to find decent maternity clothes at a decent price. A lot of my wardobe is from Kohls (especially when I have a coupon!) However they are hit or miss.

Luckily I'm a SAHM so most things I need are just for chasing DS around the house and going to the park. I found some great tanks at Kohls that I can use for working out or just hanging outside with DS in. I have 3 in different colors I got for about $6 each! They are NOT like a tent and they show off your bump!

I'm going to have to stalk Kohls for some more t-shirts that are the kind that scrunch on the side. They are much more flattering than the tent like shirts - especially for mid pregnancy when you're not huge.

For the most part I'm a thify shopper - especially when it comes to myself. It's rare I buy new clothes - but maternity clothes are a must. This summer I have both my sisters graduations - one from college and one from High School. Then they will be their graduation parties and a bridal shower. Plus I have a wedding to go to in August when I'll be 32 weeks pregnant!

For that stuff I find that Destination Maternity has the best selection. Unfortunately there's not much bargain shopping there and they have the worst return police EVER! I passed right by the Pea in a Pod selection since that stuff costs an arm and a leg and went right to Motherhood which is reasonably priced. I bought 5 items and spent $144.90!! At Kohls I could have bought 5 items for roughly $50-60.

I still need a dress for the August wedding but after I find tha I should be pretty much set. I hope! Here's what I got today.

I promise this next dress isn't as bright as it looks in the picture.

And since IL's have a pool and I'm going swimming lessons with DS in July I needed a maternity bathing suit and cover up.

I still can't believe how much I spent on these! Too bad I don't have any friends that need to get rid of summer maternity clothes.

19 weeks

How far along: 19 weeks

How big is baby?: Baby's now the size of a mango!

What is baby doing? Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil, and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature.

Total weight gain: 5.5 lbs

Maternity clothes: I'm wearing some shirts - but still fit in my pre pregnancy clothes. I have a feeling I'll be outgrowing them VERY soon. I'm hoping it warms up soon because my maternity jeans are too big this time around and I don't want to invest in another pair.

Sleep: I'm still sleeping pretty well. Half on my side and stomach. I'm normally a stomach sleeper.

Movement: I've been feeling some little kicks.

Milestones: Last night DH felt the baby kick! I couldn't believe it!

What I'm looking forward to: Making the final decision on the double stroller

19 week belly picture