39 Weeks

In case you're wondering, I'm still pregnant and this baby is content hanging out in my belly.  Being 39 weeks pregnant is rough and I definitely don't remember feeling like this with Henry at this point.  My body aches, I can't sleep, I'm having contractions and feeling lots of pressure down there.  I know he will come when he is ready and I'm trying to have patience and just be thankful that he is safe and has made it full term.  When I went to the doctor last week I was actually 3 cm dilated and he was positioned pretty far down.  She wasn't sure I would make it to December but here I am :)  The plan is to actually induce later this week if he hasn't come by then so hopefully he'll be making his big arrival soon.  I'm off from work at this point and it's nice to be able to get some last minute things done and be able to rest.  I know it's going to be pretty crazy in our house real soon!

And lastly, here's a few pics and commentary from Henry at our 39 week photoshoot...  :)

"My brother is coming in less than a week?!?"

"He is in Mama's belly?? I'm so confused..."

"But she is my Mama... I don't want to share her..."

 "I can have a snack if I smile??... Oh, OK!" 

Hopefully my next pregnancy update will be announcing the arrival of our latest addition.  Prayers for a healthy and safe delivery are much appreciated!

36 Weeks

We're officially in the last month.... woohoo!!  I feel like the first few months of this pregnancy were so slow but lately it seems to be flying by.  It's hard to believe we only have 28 more days until my due date and I actually wouldn't mind if it was a little less.  I've started my weekly appointments with my doctor and when she checked me I was 1 cm dilated.  I was that way with Henry at this many weeks so who knows if that means he'll come soon or we still have some time.  I've also been having braxton hicks a lot and even some contractions in my back.  We did actually talk to my doctor about inducing again and we're going to see how I progress over the next couple of weeks but it looks like she may be willing to induce us the week of December 2nd so we'll see!

I'm definitely feeling the aches and pains lately and I find myself having trouble doing simple tasks like getting up off the floor, bending over, putting on shoes, etc.  I also find myself laying awake quite a bit at night or getting up at the crack of dawn even on the weekends.

We've been lucky the past two weekends to have help with Henry from both of our parents so we can have some time to get things ready.  We've also been able to get in some alone time for dinner and a movie which is always nice.

At this point most of the baby clothes are washed and everything is organized.  I need to make some lists and start figuring out what I'll take to the hospital for myself and the baby  These next few weekends are going to be busy since we're having Henry's 2nd birthday party next Saturday and I know we're going to be busy with Thanksgiving.  I'm trying to take it easy but it's hard with so much going on!

Again, we're so thankful for a healthy pregnancy so far and hoping for a safe labor and delivery.  I plan to be back again soon with more baby updates before December 8th!

32 Weeks

We're officially in the home stretch!  The first half of this pregnancy seemed to drag on and lately it seems to be flying by.  I feel like we're just checking off each week and it's crazy to think this past Sunday was 32 weeks.  I honestly am feeling great and feel so blessed to have such an easy pregnancy so far.

We went to the doctor this morning for one last ultrasound and it was great to see this little boy again.  It feels so real now and I seriously can't wait to meet him.  This was the first time he cooperated during an ultrasound so we could see his face which was so exciting.  The technician said everything looked good and he was measuring about 4 pounds, 4 ounces.  I go back to the doctor in 3 weeks and they will start "checking" me which is crazy to think that we are at that point.  I also registered at the hospital so we should be ready to go!

This past weekend I had Ryan get out the baby clothes from the attic so I need to wash all of that but for the most part there is not much to do.  Henry is officially in his new room so now I can do a few final touches to the baby room and get everything put up in his closet.  I have a few things to hang but will have to wait until he's here so we don't reveal the name :)

And lastly, here's a pic with my first baby who couldn't stand to not be included in the picture taking.... Should be interesting to see how he does with the new baby!

28 Weeks

This past Sunday marked 28 weeks which means I'm officially in the third trimester... Let the countdown begin!  I went to the doctor this week and all is going well.  I will have an ultrasound at my next appointment and then I'll start seeing her every two weeks.  I can't believe we're already at this point.  Where did the time go?

I can definitely tell my belly is getting larger and I'm now at the point where almost everyone feels the need to comment on my pregnancy.  They are constantly asking when I'm due and seem surprised when I tell them I still have 12 weeks to go.  Makes me a little nervous to think what this belly will look like at 40 weeks.  The next question is if it's a boy or girl and then the look on their face when I'm telling them it's another boy and that Henry and this baby will only be two years apart is very sympathetic.  They try to be upbeat but I know what they are really thinking.... Yes, I know it will be a little crazy at first when they are young but I also know we'll survive and that they will love having a brother close in age.  It just may require a lot of wine in the evenings for Ryan and I :)

Sleeping has become harder lately and I find myself waking up several times during the night to go to the bathroom and then I can't fall back asleep quickly.  I have a hard time getting comfortable and it doesn't help that there is a certain big black dog that is taking up all my leg room!

All in all, things continue to go well and no major complaints here.  Just looking forward to meeting this sweet baby boy!

24 Weeks

Crazy to think I'm 6 months along!  It seems like it's only been a week since we last took my monthly picture so time definitely is flying by.  There's not much to update this month as everything is going well in the baby department.  I honestly sometimes forget I'm even pregnant until I'm reminded with a sharp kick which seems to be happening much more frequently now.  I've still been feeling great and the only thing I would really complain about is the lack of sleep at night.  I seem to be getting up at least once and sometimes twice during the night to use the bathroom and then I can't ever seem to fall back asleep.  The other complaint I have right now is the heat. I'm so ready for fall and cooler temps!

My belly is definitely growing as shown in the pic below.  I've done a few comparisons to my belly pics from when I was pregnant with Henry and I'd definitely say I am a little bigger this time around at 6 months.  I'm also not crazy about this monthly picture but Henry was screaming because he wasn't getting his way so I only had two options to pick from :).  I also look at this picture and think it's crazy how much my hair has grown.  I used to be able to go 6 weeks before getting a haircut but at the rate it's growing I should be in there at least every 4 weeks!

I had my monthly appointment last week and all is well.  I did the glucose-screening test and drank the "yummy juice" before they did blood work to determine if I have gestational diabetes.  I didn't have any issues with this with Henry so I'm hoping that's the case here.

Thankful for a healthy pregnancy so far.  Can't believe we'll meet this sweet little boy in just a few months!

20 Weeks

We are officially halfway to meeting this sweet baby boy!  My belly is pretty large and honestly this shirt is really hiding the fact that I look as pregnant as I do.  I've been mostly wearing flowy tops this time around but every time I wear something more fitting I definitely get a lot of comments!

I've been feeling great and I'm enjoying the fact that I'm not nearly as tired during the day and able to get a full nights sleep right now.  I know that will change in just a matter a weeks so I'm trying to get as much accomplished now as I can.  We've decided to move Henry into a big boy room and we've had fun working on that.  We've ordered a bed and dresser and picked out bedding and a few fun pieces of art for the room. We've got to pick out a color for the walls and as soon as I have more progress in the room I will post pics!  I plan on making a few changes to the nursery but I have really loved that room and I'm actually excited that I get to use everything again.

We had another ultrasound at 18 weeks and it was confirmed again that this baby is definitely a boy!  They took measurements of the baby and everything checked out great and we were so thankful to hear that news.  She even said he looked like he was measuring a few days ahead so maybe he'll be here early December.  I just hope it's not on Thanksgiving :)

We have about three names picked out and think we have it narrowed down to one but are not sure yet.  I don't think we'll make everyone wait until he is born but want to be sure before we share anything.

And lastly, I had to share a few pics with my first baby :)  Can't believe he's 20 months and I'm 20 weeks!

And one shot of us comparing bellies.  His is pretty large but I'm pretty sure I win!

Baby Rudy #2 is...

A BOY!!

Henry's going crazy over his new baby brother! 

 Or maybe it's just the fact that he has balloons...

  Either way, we're all excited about welcoming another boy to our family!

16 Weeks

Today marks 16 weeks!  Time sure is flying and it's hard to believe we're at the 4th month mark.  I mentioned that to Ryan this morning and I think he had a mini freak out moment.  For some reason 16 weeks didn't feel like 4 months to him and I think we both realized that it will be December before we know it.

This week we have an ultrasound and I'm so excited to see this baby.  We also find out the gender and it's been all I can think about lately.  It really doesn't matter to us either way but we're just anxious to know we've got a healthy baby growing.

I've been feeling great and not near as tired as I was during the first trimester.  I am having a hard time keeping up with Henry right now and I'm not sure if it's because I'm pregnant or just that this child is constantly on the move!

I haven't been as good with exercising this time around but I am going for walks in the mornings on the weekend and once Henry goes down at night during the week when it's not so hot.  I wish I was doing more but thankful that I've at least been good about keeping up with walking.  I haven't seemed as hungry as I was during the first trimester but I am eating a few more snacks during the day and weight gain seems to have slowed a bit.  For now at least :/

Be back in a few days with a gender update!

12 Weeks

I meant to get this post up before now seeing that I'll be 13 weeks tomorrow but better late than never :)

I'm 12 weeks along and we had an appointment at 11 1/2 weeks.  We didn't have an ultrasound but we heard the heartbeat again which is always a good thing.  We also told everyone our exciting news this past week which is always fun.  I'm really started to feel normal again and not near as tired as I was these past few weeks.  My appetite is still up as is the number on the scale.... I feel like the weight is coming on quicker this time as well as the bump!  I've started to wear some maternity pants and feel that I'll be out of all my normal pants in the next week or so.  I've skipped the belly band this time and just went straight for the maternity pants or skirts.  Might as well be comfortable!

I'm not sure I've had any specific cravings but for some reason every time I see chocolate cake I can't get it out of my mind.  This is very odd for me as I've never really been a fan of chocolate cake and I'm trying not to give into this craving but I have a feeling I'm going to cave sooner than later....

We have our next appointment at 16 weeks and we'll do an ultrasound to find out the gender.  Honestly I would be so happy with a boy or girl but I'm just excited to know.  I think it would be so fun for Henry to have a brother but I would also love to have a little girl to spoil :).  We haven't really made any plans yet and as soon as we know the gender we'll decide if we're going to do another nursery for a little girl or make a big boy room for Henry and put the baby in his old room.

So far so good and we're thankful for a healthy pregnancy so far!

8 Weeks

Ryan and I are expecting our second child this December and we feel very blessed and excited about this new chapter in our lives.  We found out I was pregnant on Friday, March 29th and I was only about four weeks along at that time.  It happened very quickly for us this time and honestly took us by surprise a little bit.  It took a little while for the news to sink in but we are so excited and grateful for this child.  We're also excited that we can finally get everything out in the open :)

I took this picture and wrote this post back when I was 8 weeks along and I want to go ahead and share it for documentation.  A 12 week post will be coming soon!

So far I've had it fairly easy but things have been somewhat different this time around.  For starters, I have a small bump at 8 weeks!  I'm still wearing my normal clothes but shirts definitely feel more snug in the middle.  I've also gained a few more pounds than I care to mention but I'm trying to remember it's all part of this wonderful process.   I feel like I'm constantly hungry and find myself feeling sick if I haven't eaten every few hours.  I also find myself very tired in the afternoons.  This time I can't come home and relax on the couch since I have a toddler to chase after so that may be contributing to the fatigue   I'm trying to get to bed early but that's not always easy to do.

We had our first ultrasound at 7 weeks and heard the heartbeat.  It's such an amazing sound and I'm looking forward to seeing that baby continue to grow.  All in all, I've been feeling pretty well and hoping for a healthy pregnancy again.  Looking forward to the weeks to come!

Henry's Big News....

Baby Rudy #2 arriving this December!  We're all very excited and feeling very blessed!