Mall of America Spree

Today we (Chad, Ellery and I) went to the Mall of America to walk around a bit and get some new maternity clothes. It was a success...for me anyways...Chad got NOTHING! I spent under $100 and got 12 new shirts and a pair of jeans. I think I am set for the rest of this pregnancy.
We also were looking for a "going home" outfit for this baby, but not finding out the gender means it has to be gender neutral. Otherwise I need to bring 2 outfits pending what exactly pops out of me. I am leading towards bringing 2 outfits because in the WHOLE mall, not one gender neutral outfit. Everything is blue or says "handsome" on it or it has glitter and ruffles on it. I will continue to look but I may need to find one really cute boy and one really cute girl outfit in my hospital bag. :)

Double Stroller Dilemma

I need a double stroller by the time baby #2 arrives. I know I have plenty of time, but I also like to shop for a deal so if I can figure out what I want exactly I can start searching for the best price and coupons. I know that with Ellery walking most of the time, but still getting tired like every other 2 year old other there, I need some version of the Sit N Stand stroller. Problem is that there are multiple brands and prices ranging from $100-$300+. I figure more than anything I need to go to the stores and try them out, folding them up and pushing them around. My current stroller is okay but I hate shopping with it because it is bulky and turns horribly. (I can only imagine a 2 kid stroller to be more bulky). Searching online,through consumer reports, and asking other moms on facebook I am thinking I need to check out the Joovy Ultralight and the Baby Trend. Both appear to be compatible with our carseat (very important) and both look like they fold up pretty small to fit in our car's trunk. Now question is how heavy and bulky the two are. Appearance wise the joovy one is ADORABLE and comes in so many colors! However, price wise the Joovy Ultralight is $249.00 and the Baby Trend is $150. So that is a big difference. I guess I will get Chad to make a trip to Babies R Us and try both of hem out with Ellery. Then I can pick which one is right for us and our growing family. :)

Bump Comparison

Today I am 19w2d and thought it would be interesting to take a bump picture, in the same shirt as I wore at that time with Ellery to show how much faster I am growing this time around.

Pregnancy #1 with Ellery:                      Pregnancy #2 with baby on the way:

19 Weeks: Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! It is Christmas Eve and I am 19 weeks pregnant (One more week till I am half way there!) The baby is the size of a large tomato. He/She is getting more and more active as the days pass by. Last night, I rolled over to my belly and the baby was not liking that...kick*kick*kick! However, I was torn, roll over and let the baby be comfortable or stay there and keep feeling the amazing feeling... I am guilty of staying for a couple extra kicks and then flipping back over. The same thing happened this morning when Ellery was laying on my belly as a pillow...baby didn't like that she was taking up his/her space. It is still not very consistent though. There are still days that I feel nothing. It will be nice to start feeling it more consistently and for others to get to feel it on the outside.
Next week we get to see the baby and officially get to make the inevitable decision to not find out the gender. (doesn't mean I wont continue to read up and test out any old gender predicting wives tales...)
Grow Grow Grow Baby!

Quad Screen Results

After yet another long talk and discussion, Chad and I decided to have the Quad Screen Test (quadruple screen, AFP4, or multiple marker is a blood test that can tell you whether your baby is at an increased risk for certain problems: down syndrome and trisomy 18, which are chromosomal abnormalities, as well as neural tube defects, such as spina bifida) for this pregnancy. I personally like to be as prepared and educated as possible. If there were to be something my child and family are going to have to face in life, why not do the research while I can and be mentally as well as physically ready for the challenges ahead of us. Everyone dreams of a healthy and easy pregnancy and child, does it always pan out that way...? NO but in my mind that is a risk you take when choosing to bring a child into this world.
I gave blood for the test at my 18 week appointment last Tuesday and have waited anxiously all week for the results (knowing they would be a bit delayed with the holiday season upon us). Today at Ellery's 2 year check up, the dr gave me the results in person. Everything came back negative! This was great news.
I know that the results are not 100% accurate. In fact, after researching more I found the quad screen detects at least 70 percent of babies with trisomy 18 and about 85 percent of those with neural tube defects. For Down syndrome, the quad screen detects about 80 percent of affected babies. But for now I am using this as positive information and am not going to stress about it. I am celebrating in fact with a large decaf iced coffee! :)

18 Weeks

This is a fun survey I used to take every month or so with Ellery. Thought this is a great point to start at 18 weeks. The baby is currently the size of a large mango.

How far along? 18 Weeks (Almost 1/2 way there already!)

Total weight gain/loss: +11 lbs (not happy about that, but its hard around the holidays with cookies and all)

Baby's heart rate: At my 18 week appointment his/her heart rate was 150bpm
 
Maternity clothes? Yes they are all I wear when I comes to my pants. Tops I can still get away with a lot of non maternity shirts. I have been putting a belt above my belly to really "show it off" :)

Stretch marks? None yet (or hopefully ever)

Sleep: I fall asleep early (8:30-ish pm) but am up at least 3-4 times a night for no reason and then usually by 5:30/6am I am wide awake for the day

Best moment this week: Seeing my belly "bulge" in a spot where the baby was. I couldn't feel anything, but looking down on my belly I saw a specific area sticking out further than the rest, Chad came over to feel it and it was a hard bulge like it was the baby. This was really cool to have him feel. 

Movement: I swear I feel something very random about 1-2 times a day but I can't say for sure if I have felt him/her move yet.  

Food cravings: Pop, Potato Chips, and Subway!

Belly Button in or out? Oh dear, it is definitely already starting to make its way out. I guarantee I will have an outie belly button in the next month or so. 

Wedding rings on or off? No swelling of the hands, my ring is actually lose (because it has been so cold outside lately)
What I miss: Lately I really just miss getting a good nights sleep. I just want one of those: a night where I fall alseep and stay asleep until at least my alarm goes off. 

What I am looking forward to: Seeing at our 20 week ultrasound how much he/she has grown since our last ultrasound. I also love, love, love when you get to see the little fingers and toes at this ultrasound. :)

Weekly Wisdom: The 2nd time around (pregnancy) isn't easy. You think going into it, "I've done this,  I know it all" but I don't remember everything, and things are definitely different this time around. But I can say that hearing the heartbeat for the first time, feeling the first kicks are all just as exciting and amazing as they were with the first pregnancy. 

First Kicks!

For the past few days I have wondered if I was feeling kicks or not. It was nothing strong or consistent before, so I would think I would feel something but then it wouldn't happen again so I guessed it was nothing really. Well tonight, laying on the couch, I felt a very distinct "kick" and then about 2 minutes later in the same area I felt it again. :) I will tell you that even with this being the 2nd pregnancy, it is still just as magical and exciting as if it was the first. :) I can't wait to start feeling this more and more in the upcoming weeks. But I really can't wait for them to get strong for Chad and Ellery to start feeling them! :)
Kick baby kick!!!

Beautiful

HO HO HO!

I was told today at school that I looked like Santa Clause today!
 HAHAHA
My outfit really did (red sweater, white shirt and big black belt) and the baby bump just added to the look! :)
Yay for still embracing the bump!

17 Week Bump

Oh how time is flying by and oh how good I have been feeling lately. I feel almost normal. Well normal, minus the fact that my clothes are tight, pants don't button and have to leave my cardigans open. :) Baby is the size of a pear this week. He/She is about 5" long and weighs about 5oz now. That is a lot bigger than when he/she was the size of a grape. Like I said I have felt relatively well lately. I Still sleeping a ton (bed time is definitely right around 8:30) but when I fall asleep it is really hard to STAY asleep. I wake up for no reason multiple times a night and then I am just wide awake. It is no fun at all.
My next dr. appointment is in a week. I go see Dr. Brandes on the 17th and then I will have all the genetic testing done and schedule my anatomy ultrasound. I am excited to see the baby again but sad because usually this is when we get the "its a girl or its as boy" announcement but this time we will have to wait till May for that. I am really hoping the dr just tells me the baby has his/her legs crossed and even if I wanted to know I wouldn't get to find out. Then it's like it's a sign that it was meant to be that we are waiting till the birth...only 23+ weeks away. HA
Grow strong little one!

Ice Cream and Baby Names

We have a boy name for sure (we have had it since our first pregnancy) but the girl names are always the hardest. We have a short list of ones we like but not just one that really sticks out as "the one". So tonight I am indulging in ice cream while I search for more girl names.

Embrace the Bump!

Mark it on my calender! Today is the day where I quit calling myself fat, and embrace the baby bump. I wore a tighter shirt today and a belt above the belly. I thought it was a cute outfit and many people complimented it. Many people and students at school also complimented on my "popped" belly. So it's here, and only going to get bigger...better get used to it and embrace it!

16 Weeks Bump

It sure is hard gaining weight and not fitting in your clothes as your pregnancy moves on. I am 16 weeks now and much bigger than I was at this point with Elle. The baby is the size of an avocado! He/She is supposedly moving a ton in there. I feel like I may be feeling little things sometimes, but nothing for sure. When I think I feel something I sit completely still and just wait to feel it all again, and nothing...oh well soon enough. Keep moving in there, kick a little bit harder, I would like to feel something soon! :D

15 week bump

Ellery stayed with Grandma today, so no help holding my sign in my picture this week. This week the baby is the size of an apple! Yumm! I could go for an apple dipped in caramel! :) My regular pants are already pretty much out of the question. I am feeling like a whale. Seriously, the baby is the size of an apple, so why do I look like I have a pumpkin under my shirt? Too many trips to Arby's for their delicious curly fries I guess, but they are just sooooooooooo tasty. Also, Thanksgiving coming up isn't going to help with my weight gain. Oh well, Chad keeps telling me we will worry about the weight after he/she arrives. It will be spring/summer, so we can work off the weight I gain by walking outside lots. Sounds like a plan to me! 

14 Week Bump

Hello 14 weeks! Baby is the size of a lemon. I have had soooooo much side aching pain lately. Everything I read says it is my muscles starting to stretch and accommodate a bigger belly but OUCH! It hurts to stand, roll over when I am sleeping, or really just move in any direction. Hopefully this stops real soon. I have been trying to drink more water to see if that helps, but so far no change that I have really noticed. Nothing really else exciting happening yet. Chad is going hunting this weekend, so Elle and I will be having a girls weekend! That should be lots of fun!
Keep growing baby!

13.5 Week Dr. Appointment

Had my monthly check up today. According to the dr. I have only gained 2.5 lbs. (I know its a bit more but I will take that). We talked about having the chromosome blood test at my next appointment and the risks and information I would get by doing it. So now it is something Chad and I will talk about to see if we want to do it or not. With Ellery we did it because I wanted that feeling of being prepared. We also got to hear the baby's heartbeat with the Doppler at the appointment today. Dr. had no problems finding him/her. The heart was beating at 160bpm (faster than Ellery ever way). Going off of the old wives tale, that may be a sign we have another girl in our future...both grandma's are now guessing Girl... I guess only 26 more weeks till we can actually find out though....

No one wants to be called FAT, even if they are pregnant

My students walked into my classroom today and one little boys says "Whoa you are fat today!"...awkward right...well then another little boy (trying to be polite) said to him "She's having a baby, she should be getting fatter everyday...". It just reminded me that yes, getting a bigger belly is a sign that hopefully baby is healthy and growing. However even a pregnant women does not take being called "FAT" in any sort a compliment.

Baking Soda Gender Test

I did this with Ellery and thought I would do it again this time (even though it was wrong for her).
There are a million and one different tests, gimmicks, and old wives' tales abounding that supposedly there to help determine gender of your unborn child, and I figured this was just one more.

The test itself is easy enough. Put a tablespoon or two of baking soda in a glass. Then add some of your urine to the baking soda. If the combination fizzes, like a soft drink that has been shaken up, then you are having a boy. On the other hand if there is no reaction at all from the baking soda and urine, you're having a girl.

The science behind this idea suggests that the gender of the baby changes some of the hormones in the mother's body, which may then change some of the acid content of her urine. If you've ever seen vinegar and baking soda together then you know why acidity is an important concept where this test is concerned.

Well it FIZZED, so yet again the Baking Soda Gender Test says the Weiland Family is expecting a boy (but don't start buying blue, because like I said when I was pregnant with Ellery it also fizzed).

Waiting to hear from dr.

I have been super sore feeling (I'm sure just stretching) and I called the dr to check that it was all okay. Especially because I had a bit of spotting yesterday. Now I'm just waiting to hear back from the dr on if I should just wait till my appt to come in (on Friday) or come in today to check things out. This morning Chad used the Doppler and found the baby's heartbeat this morning. Baby was in the 170s so I feel like all is fine. Still would like some reassurance from the dr. Stay strong baby!

UPDATE:
I realized today (11/14) , because a friend told me that she has been reading my blog, I never gave an update on my convo with the dr. She called and said as long as the spotting stopped and no cramping, all should be fine. Since then, I have been feeling great and all. I go to the dr on Friday for my monthly check up and hopefully will get more reassurance that day. :)

11 1/2 Week Bump

I feel like we're cruising through this pregnancy. Baby is the size of a plum. Only a week and a half and I'm through my first trimester.  Baby bump sure comes a whole lot faster with baby #2. I swear with Elle I didn't look this big till I was closer to 20 weeks. I have been feeling less nauseous lately but still only ever wanting to eat carbs.  I had ice cream last night and still ended with a belly ache. :( I am pretty sure I have drank more sprite in the past 11 weeks than I have drank the rest of my life combined.  It just makes me feel good when I drink it :).
Happy 11 1/2 weeks baby!

Names, Names, Names

Why is picking a name the hardest part about having a baby. The pregnancy isn't fun always, but its not horrible, the epidural makes labor and delivery tolerable, but picking a name isn't easy at all. It is a name the person will have for life. Does it work for them as a kid? Does it for them as a teenager or adult? Will they get teased? Will people be able to pronounce it correctly the first time? Will people spell it correctly? Will people just think it is "interesting" (a nice way of saying weird)? Is it so popular that they will always have 2-3 friends with the same name each year? These are the things going through my head constantly....
We have a boy name, and have had it for a long time...which is probably why Ellery was a girl. It would have been too easy to have a boy. Well same dilemma this time around. We still have that boy name but struggle to find a girl name. (probably going to be a girl again too-just a feeling I have). But we are making progress. No for sure names yet, but we did get a girl name we both liked and Chad said I could put it on the "short" list we are creating. It's a step in the right direction..even though we still have plenty of time ahead of us. :D

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween! We spent the evening walking the main street in New Richmond with Ellery to take her trick or treating. She was a clown (she actually wore the same costume I wore when I was two). After trick or treating around town we came home, turn our lights on hoping for some kids to come on by. A few came, then a break of no one, and then a few more came. Honestly not that many came this year...so baby and I ate lots of the candy on our own...Ellery and Chad had a couple pieces too. ;) Can't wait till we can dress both kiddos in coordinating costumes.

Happy 28th Birthday to Me!

Today I am the BIG 2-8! I tell you, the older you get, the more low key the celebrating gets. Also being pregnant doesn't make celebrating that easy. My bronchitis has been feeling much better today, but my "morning" (ALL DAY) sickness has been at its worst. I am nauseous all day long, am hungry, but eat and then feel worse. The only food that looks appealing to me are carbs...which probably explains why I have already gained about 5-7 lbs. **FATTY** Today was even the day I officially broke out my maternity pants.
Overall though it was a good birthday. My friend Jenny from work brought me a coffee, I recieved a few cards in the mail (which are always fun) and had Ellery attempt to say "happy birthday mamma" (but it sounded more like "habby bamma"). Chad and Ellery also gave me an amazingly sweet gift. They found me cupcake accessories (scoops and two tone dividers), kitchen containers (for flour, sugar, etc) and an adorable pink and black bag to use for when we go to the gym (BUT IT IS SOOOOO CUTE, I'm going to use it for my teacher bag tomorrow :D haha)
For dinner I had the most random cravings- subway sandwich and McDonalds french fries. Odd I know, but amazing Chad went and picked both up for me so we could spend a relaxing family night on the couch.
It has been a great birthday :) now on forward to an great (and exciting) year of being 28.

Bronchitis

Coughing, coughing, coughing...story of my life the past week or so. I don't sleep anymore (literally-last night the last I looked at the clock it said 3:30am and my alarm when off at 6:15am) and that is killing my body. Plus its making it impossible for me to attempt to put up any type of a fight towards this "cold". I tried calling the clinic's nurse line to ask them what I can do because apparently most meds are off limits when in your first trimester. Well I was coughing so bad on the phone, the nurse suggested I just come in to see Dr. B. Saw the doctor and she said I have bronchitis and that normally she would tell someone to just tough it out and it will be a pain, but will go away. However, because I am not sleeping well and because I am pregnant she wanted to put me on meds to help my body fight this. She worries otherwise it will just get worse. After reassuring me the "z-pak" she prescribed me was the best choice and safe for the baby on the way I was off to pick up my prescription. Hopefully this kicks this cough and helps me get some rest in the next couple days. I sure need it.

Facebook Official!

"Chad Weiland and I are excited for this next chapter in our life we have been blessed with. Baby #2 is due May 20, 2014! Ellery is very excited to be a BIG sister"

10 Week Ultrasound

Today was the first moment we saw you baby, and my oh my it was more amazing that I could have imagined. Just that relief of seeing a baby and knowing instantly everything is perfect. What a miracle. The baby was moving all around and upside down for the ultrasound. When measured, the baby was 3.4cm long and that gives me a due date of May 20th. We were able to hear the heart beating strong at 163bpm. You  have long legs and arms right now, and a HUGE head, but yet so adorable. You look like a little gummy bear.


On the 3-D ultrasound we were able to see the umbilical cord. The Dr. even pointed out if you look close enough you can see the ear. How crazy! I can't wait to have you grow more and eventually feel you moving.

Keep growing strong baby!

Cough, Cold, Congestion...

Why yes it is 4:00 in the morning....oh and yes I have been awake since 3:00. Why you ask?
For the fun of it? Nope
There is good tv on right now? Nope
Ellery isn't sleeping well? Nope she is sound asleep.
Then what on earth could be the reason I am up at this ungodly hour...I'M SICK! YUCK! I have a sore throat, stuffed nose and can not stop coughing. Problem is being pregnant pretty much takes away any meds I would normally take for this type of sickness. So instead of laying awake in bed, coughing and waking up Chad, I am wide awake blogging and trying to drink a cup of hot chocolate (with hope that soothes my throat enough to maybe get back to bed for an hour before my alarm goes off).

Sour Candy

I have found something to help with this nauseous  / hung over feeling to subside: SOUR CANDY. Sour gummy worms and sour patch kids have taken over my desk drawer, but its the only thing to get me through my day comfortably.

10 Week Bump

We are a 1/4 of the way done already! The baby is now the size of a kumquat! Felling overly huge now. I officially am back to the stage of no longer buttoning my pants. Yesterday I used a hair band when in public to keep my pants closed. I hate this stage because you don't really look pregnant, just fat. I have belly fat and my love handles are worse then ever. Chad keeps telling me its a good thing and a good sign the baby is growing and my body is getting ready for him/her. I guess it's all for the baby but this never is the easy part. I can't wait till this Friday, hopefully we will have a successful ultrasound and get to see the little one moving all around in there. :)
Happy 10 weeks baby! Hope you are comfortable, you have a long time left!

Making the work announcement

Today was the big day at work. The day I decided to tell everyone about me being pregnant. So I found these amazingly cute fortune cookies on Etsy that I could personalize with my own fortune in them. So I put the fortune "Guess what...I'm PREGNANT! :) Due May 2014" in them.
It was a rainy and gloomy day, so I walked around to all the teachers and said "hey it's a cruddy day out, maybe a good fortune will bring your spirits up for the day". Everyone was very excited when they finally opened them. It was nice having everyone know. I feel like I can now walk the hallways without sucking in my already big belly (which totally happens faster with baby #2).
 Now to tell the rest of the family and then the facebook world.

9 Week Bump

I think I am about 9 weeks pregnant now. Based on what the doctor could tell by my uterus size, I may be anywhere from 8-9 weeks now. So I'll know more in 2 weeks when I get to see you for the first time at my ultrasound little one. :) The baby is the size of a grape this week. He or She is very busy Growing, Growing Growing a lot lately. I feel like my body is doing the same. My pants are already snug...seems early but the dr said it'll happen a lot faster this time since my body/skin has already stretched out once before. :( Still feeling gross and dairy products are my enemy lately. The night I had ice cream the baby sent me a very clear message that he/she didn't want that. Same thing when I drink a lot of milk (like I typically do). Usually my go to when my stomach starts to hurt or feel icky is Sprite. Not the best tasting, but the bubbles seem to calm things down.
Nothing else too exciting happening around here. I am going to tell my team at work about you baby this week. Can't wait to see their reactions because I don't feel like they have any idea right now.
Happy 9 weeks baby!

Telling Chad's Family

We had "family" pictures today with Chad's side of the family. This summer, his mom requested that "all she wants for Christmas are updated pictures of the family and grand kids". So we all met in St. Paul at Irvine Park to accomplish this goal. It was great because it provided Chad and I an opportunity to tell his side of the family we are pregnant. What we did was when we were taking pictures of the grand kids all together, we stopped the photographer and said "wait, can we add these little booties (we brought little shoes with) in the picture for the grand kid on the way..?" It took a while, but eventually everyone got what we were hinting at, and all were really surprised and really excited!
Hopefully they all can keep a secret though from his mom for a little over a week. We wont see her until we are scheduled to have dinner with her on the 22nd.

1st Dr. Appointment

Today we had our first doctors appointment with Dr. Brandes. It was pretty simple and uneventful. I peed in a cup, gave about 5 little vials of blood, and the Dr checked that my uterus was growing. Currently she said based on my uterus sized the baby is due somewhere between May 17-23rd. Yes, that is a big window so we will get a more exact date when I have my first ultrasound (October 25th, 2013). Ellery and I also got our flu shots today at the clinic...OUCH!
So I have my ultrasound coming up in 2 weeks and then my next appointment will be with Dr. Brandes in a month.

My hair is falling out...

I have entered that stage once again where my hair is starting to fall out...more than typical amounts of hair that falls out daily. Oh Chad is saying that it is that sign that the baby is a girl and "taking my beauty from me". Only time will tell...

Exhausted!

Will I ever feel like my energetic self again? I sleep great and yet wake up tired, I take a nap during the day but still yawn constantly and now it is 8:30 at night and I can barely keep my heavy eyes open. I am SO tired!

8 Week Bump

8 weeks pregnant now. The baby is the size of a raspberry this week. Still seems so tiny but a lot bigger than when we started this journey 2 months ago. On Friday I have my first OB appointment with Dr. Brandes. I am excited to have her as our OB again this time around. She is great! After that appointment, I will get to schedule our first ultrasound, which I can not wait for. I just want to see this little baby to get that reassurance that everything is growing accordingly and all is good.
I have been HIT with exhaustion like a bat in the face. I can barely keep my eyes open after I put Ellery to bed each night. I also yawn and my eyes feel heavy all day long. My boobs and back also hurt constantly. Unfortunately no real cravings yet, if anything nothing sounds good. When I am hungry I am really struggling finding something that sounds good to eat (waffles have been my go to lately).
Happy 8 weeks baby!

Dreaming

I have been dreaming about you baby A LOT. Almost every night and some nights, more than once a night. Almost always in my dream you are a boy, but that could be more me just wanting a boy this time around or I am not sure what that means. It probably means you are a sweet little girl, because last time I thought for sure Ellery was a boy, and when our ultrasound said differently I was shocked. I guess we will eventually find out, except this time not until you come into this world. We did it moms way the first time (finding out gender at 20 weeks) and this time we will do it dads way (waiting and wondering the whole 40+ weeks). It is going to be a long, anxious journey while we wait to meet you. xoxo

7 Week Bump

We are at 7 weeks already. The baby is the size of a blueberry. I have been having crazy insomnia. I wake up every night around midnight and again at 3, and each time I am up for at least an hour just wishing I could fall back asleep. I don't feel sick but I also don't feel great. I told Chad today, if I had to describe how I have been feeling the past few days I would say "Hung Over". My body aches, I'm tired and unmotivated. Hopefully that changes real soon. Other than that, boobs have grown and starting to get extra fat around my belly button. Even Chad noticed it, but tries to not make me feel bad by saying "it's a good thing, because it's your body getting ready for the baby". All I know is it is making me have the urge to tell people about this baby real soon before they start to question my eating habits...
Happy 7 weeks baby!

6 Week Bump

Today I am 6 weeks, still completely at the beginning of this long journey but wow it is definitely feeling more real every day. The baby is officially the size of a pea. I have only gained a pound or two so far but feel like my clothes are tight. It may be because no one really knows I am pregnant yet, so I am self conscious that someone is going to just notice. I still feel pretty good, here and there I get an "odd" feeling but not ever like I am going to puke. I pee constantly and have had heartburn and HORRIBLE back pain this past week. Let's hope that goes away and things continue to progress smoothly and the little one continues to grow.
Happy 6 weeks baby!

Heartburn and Back Pain

As with the first pregnancy, for the most part I am feeling good. I have had minimal symptoms except for major heartburn all day long and everyday. I also have on and off lower back pain. Considering the other symptoms of pregnancy many have their first trimester....I will take these.

Pregnancy + Toddler = Stress

Having a toddler and being pregnant is quite different than I expected. She wants to jump, tumble and sit on my belly all the time. I'm sure it's fine because the baby is tiny right now and well protected, but I also don't want something to happen. The problem is she doesn't understand. We told her that "mommy has a baby in her belly" but she just says "HI BABY", kisses my belly and then continues to play. She doesn't comprehend that she could be hurting her little brother/sister in there. It is stressful on me, because I don't want to yell at her for being a normal toddler, but I also need her to realize that she can't be jumping on my belly. Hopefully this becomes more clear to her in the next couple weeks.

Here We Go Again...

So it may not have been as planned out as #1, but it sure doesn't change how exciting it is.

We are pregnant again! 

It has caught both Chad and I by surprise, because we weren't going to start trying until next month (because I have a new job and wanted to prevent missing any of the school year if possible) but it seems that God had a different plan and feels like we are ready to expand our family. It is quite a journey we have ahead of ourselves, eventually needing to explain to Ellery that she is no longer the one and only, but it will be a great journey. 

Life is sure exciting and unpredictable at times!