35 Weeks of Pregnancy

How far along: 35 Weeks

Total weight gain: 37 pounds

Maternity clothes: I have a few shirts that still cover and now I am totally in love with maternity pants that come up really high above your belly button because otherwise the belly hangs out! And you can feel the cold air on your belly.

Stretch marks: Yep. Got some. And they get bigger as you get bigger. Guess you really can't "prevent" them- but I still love coconut oil for making it feel good. Not itchy. Oh and I decided that this is another sign it's a girl because the wive's tales say that a girl will steal your beauty so there ya go.

Sleep: Such a joke you guys. Such a joke.

Best moment of this week: Having ENERGY! Am I nesting? I don't know but I love this energy I've had for like 2 days in a row- I've been going crazy at organizing and running around getting supplies for the new babe.

Thankful for: My new i-pod! I lost Jay's shuffle- I think when I went on a walk the other week and I was sooooo sad. But then we just found out about the Apple program to replace a defective one and guess what? We had a defective one that for some reason we had hung on to so we sent that in and I have a brand spankin' new i-pod touch shuffle and it's wonderful! I can't wait to use it during labor!!!! Or right now!!!!

Movement: For a few days I wasn't really feeling a whole lot- of course enough that I know everything is fine- but now all of a sudden this baby is PUSHING on everything down there and I constantly wonder if I am having Braxton hicks or if it's just the baby being strong....I'm so glad to feel strong movements.

Food cravings: Cereal. I just love cereal. I make myself eat other things and cereal is reserved for my snack before bed if I need one or else I think I would eat it for breakfast and snacks throughout the day all day.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Yah! Water! For sure way better than with G's pregnancy but it will hit randomly and I'm like, "I should have put lemon with that" but then it passes and it's fine.

How you feel: Nervous. Excited. Nervous. Scared. Ready. Not ready. Want the baby in my arms and out of my belly but know there is only one way to really do that....

Gender: I still think girl....

Labor signs: Nada- which is good- I have another 12 days before the baby is full term.

Belly button in or out: I don't know if it can go out any further.

Exercise and preparation for birth: I just do stretches a lot now and squat when I pick up G's toys. I just don't want to go outside anymore. Poor G. He's stuck in the house with me.

Happy or moody most of the time: I've been just normal which is way good considering the weird emotions I had the passed few weeks.

Looking forward to: Seeing my baby. Smelling my baby. Holding my baby in my arms and falling in love with the baby.

Grant 19 and 20 Month Video Time

Are you ready to die from cuteness?

Or from annoyance from my laughing?

Either one proceed:

Grant learned how to push down the handle on the spray bottle the other day. But he only could do it if it was pointed directly at his face.....

The next video shows how creative G is getting in communicating. He is learning so many new words and how to put words together and just talking up a storm. Well, every morning I take my prenantals and Grant asks for "some" "vvvv-bl-vvvs". Vitamins is a very complicated word for him right now so he has his own way, using his hand, of making his version of the word:

The last vid just doesn't do it justice but is the only one I've been able to capture so far. He has this evil/fun laugh that sounds just like the minions on Despicable Me. He gets REally into it sometimes and will go on and on- it's almost embarrassing when you're in public kind of thing. I am just surprised because he is showing so much goofiness and personality by doing this:

34 Weeks of Pregnancy--- A Pregnancy Comparison

We're going to do something different this week for the update....

Grant's pregnancy vs. this current one:


1. I hardly EVER have heartburn- maybe two or three times I can remember having it this time...pretty sure first pregnancy it kept me up at night, was uncomfortable after eating, etc. I LOVE not having heartburn, it is soooo nice (does that mean this baby is going to be bald? ha ha)

2. I am carrying this baby completely differently I have realized. It's not that I really have gained that much more weight or anything but really this baby is being carried out far so I have a "bigger belly".

3. I do indeed have stretch marks this time- it is apparent under my belly and as they start out little, they do get bigger as you grow bigger- guess it makes sense- I had NONE with Grant's pregnancy- none and now I have 2 or 3- I don't mind as much as I thought I would though-  honestly I think they're kind of cool- am I weird? Maybe. Okay fine, I'm weird. And I'm happy that my belly doesn't itch or anything-

4. I for sure am not as in good of shape as last time- doing yoga and walking I can tell I am physically behind with stretching and feeling energized as far as that goes.

5. I am a lot more tired this time...well duh...there's a toddler in the house...first pregnancy was awesome- I could nap whenever and wherever- this time I have a kid to take care of so that changes a lot with me catching some zzzzs.

6. Back to the "bigger belly"- I don't fit in anything that I fit in with G's pregnancy- seriously- my belly pokes out of all those shirts that lasted me 'till the end. That's a little bit of a bummer.

7. Can't forget this one: with Grant's pregnancy, I constantly had the aching, throbbing pain in my mid/right back. This pregnancy I've felt it a few times but only for an hour or so at a time and 2 or 3 days in between. And when I do feel the pain, it never reaches the level of pain I would feel before....it's much milder- still an annoyance and still not fun but sooooooo much better.  I also found a chiropractor who actually really cares (as in takes the time to ask me where the pain is and not just assume I'm like every other pregnant lady who goes in for adjustments because of pain on the low back- I've never had that problem and that's what I think the other chiropractor thought- nice guy but just assumed he knew exactly what was wrong) and is working on it for me. It's amazing.

8. We knew Grant was going to be a boy....we are waiting for a surprise with this one! It has been SO fun not knowing- even though everyone thinks we're weird- but once you get over that it's so much fun. I mean you are excited for a new baby (baby boy or baby girl= pretty much a pooping, eating, little helpless thing that cuddles all day long and melts your heart in the process of not sleeping at all) and just having a little mystery makes something to really look forward to. Birth isn't something that I will probably ever just look forward to (I guess who knows right?) but having something on that day that will be fun to discover just makes me look forward to it a little more. I can't wait!!! (Well, obviously I can, but you know what I mean)

9. I was very sick the first trimester with both. I don't lose a lot of food I eat (hardly ever actually vomit) but I have a very strong food aversion and nausea that lasts All. Day. Long. I did better though this time about actually forcing myself to eat things. The first time I had help from my mom but this time we were keeping it a surprise until after 12 weeks so I had to make myself eat things and I think I did okay.  I am hoping that some of this nutrition stuff I'm learning about will help with the next pregnancy (a lot of women are low on good salt...who knew? And that contributes to nausea).

10. I did HypnoBabies during my first pregnancy....this one, yes I listen to some of the relaxation scripts but mostly I am hoping to hire a doula and really use some more support and suggestions for trying different positions/massage/oils/water- things that I know calm me down. I am planning on listening to the birthing scripts but I am thinking this time will be less about doing everything "right" and just going with how I feel and see if I can keep going with all this help and changing things up. I would really love to experience a natural birth but it has to be done right...if I am freaking out and just suffering, then I will get some sort of pain relief....however, if I'm trying different things, and they are working and I'm able to stay calm, I'm going to go for it. So my planning is realllllly different. Plus I know a little about what to expect to feel during contractions and such so I'm not as scared about the laboring part and I know my body can birth a baby, which is comforting....I'm still a little nervous about FEELing everything since I got the epidural in transition last time.


So Which One is the BEST Pregnancy?
Overall, I'm not sure which pregnancy has been "better" because they have both been so different. I definitely prefer being smaller- it's just more comfortable and I fit in my clothes better, etc. etc. But I really like this little to no pain pregnancy much better in regards to my back. I for sure prefer the surprise- I don't think I can ever find out again- it's too fun for me. I loved being able to nap with the first...
I really can't decide which was better because they are just so different. I honestly don't really enjoy the process of being pregnant and growing a baby but the end result is where you go- yah- of course it's worth it. All of it and more would be worth bringing this life here. It's amazing the love you feel for your children and I wonder if part of that has to do with the sacrifices you make for them with your body and emotions and sleep and changing your life for them. It's the most amazing thing and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Christmas 2013- Ignore the year date on the camera...it is 2013 Christmas;)

I know, I'm "late" on posting Christmas- but I was waiting to take a picture of my snowflakes and I just went about my days without taking it. So I finally took the picture and put it on the computer so here it is:
Snowflakes!

I really, really, REALLY wanted so bad a nativity set to be my one decoration for this year to focus on Christ and the beauty of what Christmas is about. BUT....sometimes you just have to be creative so VOILA:

This was my little nightly project for a few days and I got to use all those toilet paper rolls I'd been saving....Cute Nativity set printout for kids I found here: http://www.ucreatewithkids.com/2012/12/5-free-printable-nativity-sets-for-kids.html . They didn't last that long...Grant got a hold of them and would bite them...it was fun though for a little while.

Santa Pancakes were fun and easy and soooo cute. My homemade whipped cream didn't make the beard look as cool as the pictures I'd seen....

But...didn't seem to matter to Grantster.

Or Jay:) They looved them! 

Christmas Eve before we left to family's house we let Grant open a couple of gifts we had gotten a few months before, hoping he would like them because he can change so much every month....I put the pictures in a series because his face is so serious until the gift is unwrapped.

He did not like that the toy was wrapped in plastic

That's acceptable...

Cute note: He played with his train for a minute then quietly and sweetly said, "Thank you". It was the sweetest moment. Jay and I just turned to each other amazed that he wasn't prompted and realized that our little boy appreciated our gesture and it was just sooo sweet. I wanted to record his cute voice saying thank you so here's him after being prompted:

That afternoon we were off to Nana and Papa's!!!

My favorite game is the white elephant exchange and the silly gifts- I just love getting random things and I actually got some nice things that I had been needing (namely a cute owl kitchen timer...how I have gone this long without one?) One of the gift we made was this lovely ornament using my last year's calendar of Justin Beiber which was promptly put over the head of the sock monkey on the top of the tree:

We did get a family photo but yikes! Nobody told me my butt looked like it was growing out of someone's head and my belly looked just squished and just no. Nobody should let a pregnant woman sit like that for a photo- really? Nobody told me that I looked like a squashed potato! Come On!!! Everyone else looks great ugh...that will be one thing that I will always remember from now on when I'm pregnant- I just won't sit like that for photos. Ever.

Oh did I mention what they got us this year? A DEEP FREEZER!!!! I didn't realize how much I would be obsessed with it but I am already stocking up with cooked meat to add to dishes, homemade chicken stock, homemade tortillas, breads, veggie mixes and now I just got some ingredients to make homemade enchilada sauce to stick in there! It's soooooooo fun to be able to make things from scratch and stick them in there. I don't think there is any other way to do this and I can't believe I've lived this long without one! Oh and it's perfect because I've started making meals for after the baby is born so I have some things on hand to prepare easy meals. I am so in love.  That was the best and most thoughtful gift and we appreciate it so much. You guys are the best.

Then Christmas night....
Off to my side of the family's celebration. We did some white elephant exchanges there which was fun because my sweet little grandma got into the spirit of things and stole my gift! It was a plastic back massage device which actually I kind of liked but I opened the next present and there was another one in that one- ha ha guess my family pulled together the gifts super fast after they had opened their Christmas gifts. It was still a lot of fun.

We got some deep blue (I need to try it on my mid-back to see if it will help that little throb I get during pregnancy- well this time it's a throb, with Grant's pregnancy it was a lot more uncomfortable so that's a great thing right there). And Doterra OnGaurd- we looooove OnGaurd and use it when we start feeling a little under the weather- we really feel it helps our bodies stay healthier and get better quicker than when we don't use it and it's sooooo nice. We also got pjs and G got some Monster trucks that do wheelies- he loves it! And Jay's neck has been suffering in his white shirts for church so we are glad to have a bigger necked shirt for him to not be strangling himself while at church. Thanks ma and pa!!! We are soooooo grateful!


We partied that night then Jay left to work the next few days while Grant and I hung out at my parent's house. Grant loved running around a big house and I got kind of lazy because I really didn't have to do anything- even take Grant outside because he was so content with all his aunts and uncles and their devoted attention to him. It was fun relaxing and "shooting the breeze" as Jay would say...I wonder what that means- like with guns? You shoot the air? Just for fun? Well, that phrase seems to fit how I would like to describe the feelings associated with these lazy days so we'll just say it. It also kind of makes me think someone farted but I don't know if that's just because of our family's potty humor? Okay- anyway....

Overall the best part of Christmas break was just doing what we wanted. Just hanging out with family and doing things we normally wouldn't be able to do with a work day/ staying at home. So THANK you to all our wonderful family that made this year's Christmas one to remember!

32 Weeks of Pregnancy

This is totally a picture from a few weeks ago but this was my other "cute pregnancy shirt" that I probably don't fit anymore so we needed one of those plus I was too lazy to take a picture today.

How far along: 32 Weeks

Total weight gain: over 30- let's guess 32 because it matches the week and that would be neat to be matching.

Maternity clothes: I really need to invest in a maternity coat and some boots that make pregnancy in the winter more mangeable. Right now I just have to layer sweaters and such and have my coat open and my boots are ridiculous for a big bellied lady walking around on the ice

Stretch marks: Yep- there were some creepers under the belly. I'm just glad the coconut oil helped the ones all over- a couple ain't bad.

Sleep: Bah humbug.

Best moment of this week: Oh my goodness- my chiropractic adjustment! Are you kidding me? Where has Stephanie Hoglund been my whole life? She is amazing. My other chiropractor never even checked where I told him I had the pain- she found that 3 of my ribs on the right side protrude more than the other side and I have tension along the right side of my back (causing that achy pain I always feel with these pregnancies). It feels a lot better today and I hope that she can really help it go away forEVER! That would be the most amazingist thing in the world right now.

Thankful for: Healthy no-bakes...yummy. Sometimes you just need some chocolate and I love that I can make a little healthier version to stick with my no-sugar thing.

Movement: So much! Stephanie told me that the optimal placement for baby to be is on the left side. So I am going to be lightly rubbing my belly in that direction to hopefully persuade baby to side over on that side since he/she is following Grant and staying on the right. Having the baby on the right means the baby can turn easier to face forward which makes for back labor- so if I really am going to do this natural birth thing I would love the baby to stay facing my back and not flip around- that would be nice.

Food cravings: chocolate.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Water is starting to kind of make me queasy if I don't eat something with it.

How you feel: skipping this question :)

Gender: I still think girl. I just think that is going to be my guess.

Labor signs: I have only had one round of braxton hicks and that was a month or so ago- I thought my body would be practicing more.

Belly button in or out: out

Exercise and preparation for birth: I'm doing well on my exercise log- it actually makes me think I have been exercising more than I thought but now I have a record so I have evidence for myself that I am doing something.

Happy or moody most of the time: skip.

Looking forward to: Some sleep. I think I might call a friend and nap one day and catch up on some housework....that would be wonderful.

31 Weeks of Pregnancy

How far along: 31 Weeks

Total weight gain: 30 pounds

Maternity clothes: This picture features probably the last time I will wear my "pregnancy cute shirt" I bought to feel good....booooo. Oh well, two months isn't that long to wait in the grand scheme of things and these shirts will be perfect for AFTER pregnancy while I'm working on the stomach area...so it's all good.

Stretch marks: I found a couple under my belly...I think...I'm actually not quite sure.

Sleep: I hope we'll be getting more now that Jay's in school and the holidays are over.

Best moment of this week: Learning the little one is turned head down! Yay!!!! I just can't believe what a worrier I am so now that's one less thing to worry about;)

Thankful for: Healthy pregnancy thus far. Even though I may not be in as good of shape as I was with the first, I am learning that exercise is clearly important to really feel good. I am going to be making that more of a priority.

Movement: Tons- this babe doesn't kick as much or as hard as G did but it feels like he/she is going to climb right out of my stomach- very strong and forceful limbs sliding around trying to find a way out...

Food cravings: grapefruit. Yummy yummy yummy.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I am getting a little more heartburn lately....

How you feel: How I feel? About what? Well, I do have to admit this week I don't want a natural birth. It just seems like too much work and it just sounds really nice to just have what happened last time...no feeling...just nap and watch a movie and then push and there's the baby! I don't know if I really want to concentrate and focus and breathe and go through all those emotions and doubts and feeling everything. I don't know....I did not expect to feel that way but maybe that's just because of this week? Maybe I'll change again?

Gender: Let's guess boy this week because I need to start thinking of boy names just in case it is a boy. We have one name we like but I really want a few to choose from to see and hold the baby and feel what he most looks like/seems like.

Labor signs: My joints are getting looser- I can feel that when I'm sleeping on my side- I need to start putting a pillow between my legs to help them from pulling down.

Belly button in or out: out.

Wedding rings on or off: off.

Exercise and preparation for birth: So my family lent me a DDR pad so I'm going to start dancing! Yay! And G and I now go for walks to a place where I let him run around. I have to walk at least 15 minutes is the new rule while I push him in the stroller, then I will let him play at a park (we bundle up really good) and then it's 15 minutes back at a brisk walk. My goal is a daily jaunt but I'm also fine if it ends up being every other day at this point as I'm kind of easing into exercising for me- our walks beforehand have always been for G- he sets the pace etc. so this is going to be really good for me I think.

Happy or moody most of the time: Blah. I don't like answering this question honestly sometimes- I am moody moody monster mom- I mean I think I keep it together pretty good then all of a sudden out of nowhere there's tears and moping and non-motivation to do things but I hope exercising will help with this. I am hopeful.

Looking forward to: Meeting Brenda tomorrow- the doula in training- finally I am meeting her so we'll see what happens....as in we'll see if she still wants to come if I am going back and forth on going natural.

30 Weeks of Pregnancy

How far along: 30 weeks

Total weight gain: 30 pounds

Maternity clothes: So I bought these button-up blouses and when I tried them on I knew I would fit in them through pregnancy. Um.....ha ha....I think this might be my last week fitting in all of them but one.

Stretch marks: nopers

Sleep: I am very tired this week...of course it's been vacation so I go to bed suuuuper late and wake up with Grant so I need to catch up some zzzzs before Jay starts school.

Best moment of this week: Seeing Frozen! My dad said he would pay me so he could watch Grant while I go to a movie. I guess it was a pretty fair deal- it was sooooo cute and I have not been in a theater in so long- especially a real theater. That was a treat.

Thankful for: Not having to cook this week. Being home is awesome- food just appears (thanks mom!!!!)

Movement: Yes- baby is sometimes going crazy. It's usually around midnightish- just jumping out of my belly almost! It's kind of shocking. This baby doesn't hurt me as much as Grant did though- this one has good placement of kicks- Grant's was always in the ribs and this one only once in a rare while will place a jab there- it's kind of nice.

Food cravings: Mainly sugar- but we are starting a competition regarding the eating of sugar. Everyone is putting in $10 to a pot and we made a contract and everything- it's very legit. So we are going till March 8th (which is my brother's wedding day and reception) and I know I am at least going until the baby is born.

How you feel: Just tired.

Gender: I am guessing girl again because Jay has gained weight with this baby- he didn't with the boy's pregnancy so according to wive's tales if the hubs is gaining with the wife then it's a girl you are expecting! I think it might be right.

Belly button in or out: out

Exercise and preparation for birth: I bought some more raspberry leaf tea and I'm taking some whole food vitamins which make me feel so good but you do have to remember to take 2 in the morning and 2 at night and sometimes I really just forget. I've started walking more hard-core- I've done 2 good walks this week (one 1 hour and one 1/2 hour- I think the 1/2 hour is more realistic with the cold/Grant/pregnancy bladder).

Happy or moody most of the time: Moody lady here- soooo moody. Probably has something to do with the sweets I'm guessing and needing more sleep.

Looking forward to: Home- as fun as it is to vacation, sometimes you just like sleeping in your own bed- I am excited for that.