Week 39

With Darling Daughter:

With Natalie:
My last belly photo! My c-section is scheduled for two days from now. I can't believe we're going to meet our little girl so soon. This pregnancy went by so quickly. We're really excited to get to bring her home so soon. It will be so fun to see her and Natalie interact. I'm also looking forward to being done being pregnant.

I had my 39 week appointment yesterday. Originally it was scheduled for today but I have been feeling so sick since last Wednesday that I wanted to get into see someone soon so I could start to feel better soon. I have an upper respiratory infection that Dr. Anya gave me an antibiotic for. Hopefully I'm feeling better by Thursday before my c-section. Our little girl's heartbeat sounded good on the Doppler and I'm still measuring on track. I didn't bother to have her check my progress because she's breech so the c-section is my only option at this point.

I started maternity leave today. I figured if I got this far without going into labor having a few days off before my scheduled c-section would be helpful for getting a few last minute items taken care of and spending some extra time with Natalie. Plus, I have my pre-test appointment at Rex tomorrow afternoon anyways. It was nice being able to sleep in a little bit more and to take a nap.

Our baby is about 21.5 inches long from head to toe and weighs a little more than 7 pounds. Toenails and fingernails have grown to tips of toes and fingers. Muscles of our baby's arms and legs are strong, and she's practicing lung movements.

Week 38

With Darling Daughter #2:

With Natalie:
I had my 38 week and c-section pre-op appt today with Dr. Gaines. I had him do an internal even though I have a c-section scheduled for next week since I had still hoped to try for a VBAC if I went into labor on my own before then. I wanted to know if I've made any progress which like last week, I haven't. Only fingertip dilated still.

Because of still wanting to possibly try for a VBAC we started discussing whether she was actually head down. Last week he said he wasn't sure she was head down. In order to attempt the VBAC, she would need to be. He decided to do an ultrasound to double check. Sure enough, she's breech! That explains why her hiccups feel more like they're at the top of my belly and her kicks feeling more like they're hitting me in the pelvic bone. Plus, there is a hard lump at the top of my belly which turns out to be her head and not her butt (way to hard for her butt).

I now feel validated in making the decision to go forward with the scheduled c-section. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders from wondering if I was making the right decision in not committing to doing a VBAC.

Here's a photo of my 38 week ultrasound. Late term ultrasounds look so different than early on. It's hard to make out her image because she takes up so much of the view. Your actually looking at her head on the left.

Dr. Gaines said everything else looked good also. I'm measuring on track for 38 weeks and her heart rate was great.

Our baby is about 21 inches from head to toe and weighs about 6.8 pounds. Most of the her downy hair, lanugo, and whitish coating, vernix, is disappearing. She is getting her antibodies from me to protect against illness. Our baby's growth is slowing, but fat cells under skin get plumper for life outside the womb. Almost ready for birth, she would do well if born now.

I'm exhausted all the time now and have pretty intense lower back pain. I have to go to the bathroom constantly. I'm definitely looking forward to meeting our little girl and being done being pregnant. I've forgotten what it's like to not be carry around all this extra weight.

Week 37 - Full Term

With Darling Daughter #2:

With Natalie:

I had my 37 week appointment with Dr. Gaines today. He confirmed that my Group B Streph test was negative which is great -- no antibiotics needed during delivery. He also did an internal check; I'm only finger tip dilated. This was about where I was with Natalie at this time. I'm feeling so crampy. I wish these were actually doing something towards progress. Even though I have a scheduled c-section, I'm still holding out hope that I will go into labor on my own. I'm ready to go into labor, meet our little girl and be done being pregnant.

Dr. Gaines stated he wasn't 100% sure that she was head down (which won't matter if I end up in a c-section). He thought the top of my belly seemed harder than he'd expect for her butt etc. so it's possible she's actually breech. No way to know at this point without doing an ultrasound. I'll see what he says next Tuesday at my pre-op and 38 week appointment.

It's amazing to be already full term. This pregnancy has gone so much faster than it did with Natalie.

According to what I've read, our baby is now surrounded by a peak volume of 1,000 mL of amniotic fluid which is approximately equal to 4 cups. From this point on this amount will decrease gradually. Her nervous system is maturing now, almost ready to be on her own. The lanugo on our baby's skin is wearing off. In addition, the cortisone that is being produced by her endocrine system will help her lungs to take over the job of delivering oxygen to her blood stream after birth.

We put the car seat back in the car this past weekend and have finalized our top three choices of names for her. We're looking forward to finding out which name fits her the best.

Week 36

With Darling Daughter #2:


With Natalie:

As I've mentioned before, this pregnancy has been pretty low key which is great. It's actually probably been less problematic than with Natalie in that I haven't had hip pain, very much of an itchy skin rash or swelling, and not being that uncomfortable. But I'm now getting stretch marks which I didn't get with Natalie. I realize I'm lucky I didn't get any with Natalie but it doesn't take away from the disappointment that I'm getting some now. Luckily there aren't too many but there are enough for me to notice and being bother by it. Hopefully I don't get many more before I'm finished.

I had my 36 week appointment with Dr. Placide today. Emile and Natalie came with and got to hear the baby's heartbeat (~140 bpm). Dr. Placide did the Group B Streph test on me which I should find the results of in the next few days. He also checked to see if I've progressed any yet and as I expected given how things went last time, I haven't. I now start weekly appointments and so I'll be going in again next Tuesday.

We've gotten a lot of things set up for the new baby -- nursery is ready, infant car seat is back in the car and the Pack N Play is set up in our room. I only need to pack my hospital bag.

Our baby's fat is dimpling on the elbows and knees as well as forming creases in the neck and wrists. Her gums are now very rigid.

Week 35 - 8 Months!

With Darling Daughter #2:

With Natalie:

It's hard to believe that I have finished my 8th month of pregnancy! I can't get over how quickly this pregnancy has gone. Within one month from today, we will have another child. Very exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Especially now that one of my friends, Suzi, had her second daughter yesterday -- I'm the next one due out of the woman I know. It makes it feel much closer now! I'm definitely getting ready to be done being pregnant again. I feel huge and cumbersome.

This week I've noticed that I'm starting to get more of a itchy skin rash, mostly on my hands. Definitely not too bothersome yet but noticeable. Mostly I've been dealing with the crotch pain, especially when sleeping and rolling over. I am starting to feel more crampy now -- just some subtle achiness.

I've started moving my projects at work over to others for my upcoming maternity leave. I want to make sure everything is taken care of well before I head to the hospital. My plan is to work up through November 30 assuming I don't go into labor before my scheduled c-section on December 3rd. This will give me two days to relax and spend some special one on one time with Natalie. The weekend before is Thanksgiving and my parents will be here. With the long weekend and only working the following Monday, I'll only be working one day in week before my scheduled c-section.

We have officially moved Natalie over to her big girl room so I've started setting up the nursery again for the baby. We made some minor changes with how it looks compared to how it was set up for Natalie. We've moved my rocking chair from my childhood to the room and added some new green (instead of purple) curtains that Riet made. I still need to get some stuffed animals and some picture frames for baby girl #2. Kinsey helped get all of the baby clothes washed, organized and put away. Natalie likes to pull out the baby toys like the bouncer and exersaucer to play with them while I'm working in the room. Hopefully she shares well when the baby arrives.

Our little girl is probably around five and a half pounds now! Her crown-to-rump length is about 13 1/2 inches. The fat accumulations plump up the arms and legs this week. She has gotten big enough to take up most of the uterus, and there's less room to move around. She continues to punch and kick me frequently. My belly frequently has body parts pushing out of it.

Week 34

With Darling Daughter #2:

With Natalie:
I am definitely wobbling a lot now and feel the weight of my pregnant belly. We had such a busy weekend that by the end of each day I was so sore and beat; I couldn't get into bed fast enough. Plus, my ankles started swelling. And the crotch pain is starting to get pretty bothersome like last time. There have been a few times that my hands have started itching. I'm hoping this is not the beginning signs of the itchy skin rash forming that I got while pregnant with Natalie. It's hard to believe that in no more than a little over 5 weeks our little girl will be joining us!

Two big milestones this week -- Airlines will no longer allow me to fly on their planes and most importantly, if our little girl comes early, I won't need steroid shots to speed up development of her lungs. Her lungs should be developed enough to handle it if she comes early. Relieving news!

Our baby responds as a newborn with its eyes open while awake and closed while sleeping. She is developing immunities to fight mild infection. Those sharp little fingernails are at the ends of the fingertips already. She probably weighs close to 5.5 lbs now.

My book club friends threw me and another friend, Suzi (she's having her baby no later than Nov. 2 -- very soon!), a baby shower for both of our second babies. It was very sweet of them and I had a great time. They all gave me board books for baby #2 which was such a great idea for a book club group. I'm sure baby girl #2 will enjoy having new books that haven't been chewed on by Natalie. And it turns out we didn't have any of the ones they got it. And of course, the cake and baked goods were delicious.


Some of the woman brought their little ones. We got a cute photo of the five of them hanging out together. I decided not to bring Natalie because she had a costume party that afternoon that she needed her nap beforehand. She would of had fun though hanging out with Brandon, Lily, Jude, Emma and Lucy.

Week 33

With Darling Daughter #2: With Natalie:
I had my 33 week appointment yesterday with Dr. Gunter. Given that my pregnancy has thankfully been low key and I've worked out my approach to VBAC vs. c/s, my appointments are pretty quick. He checked for her heartbeat with the Doppler (140 bpm), measured my fundal height (on track for 33 weeks) and confirmed that she is head down right now. He said everything looked good. I also got my seasonal flu shot during my appointment but will need to wait on H1N1 since they didn't have any available. I also saw Nurse Hilbert last Thursday; I was pretty sick with a cold last week. She put me on an antibiotic since it appeared like it was leaning towards bronchitis. I'm feeling much better now.

I got together with some other mothers last Wednesday for a Mom's-night-out dinner. They surprised me with a homemade cake that said Baby on it (made by Marie!), cupcakes from Callie and a few gifts for the baby from Callie (a dress) and Jen (a board book). It was very sweet of them and totally a surprised! We had a great time hanging out and chit chatting.

The baby is constantly punching and kicking me. It feels very different than it did with Natalie since the punches are all along my pelvic area -- it feels a little weird when she does it. I'm glad she's so active though. I am starting to get a little bit of the crotch pain that I got last time; however, it's no where near how it was before. Mostly I feel a little sore when I stand up from sitting or laying for too long. And I can feel it when I roll over. I have to support my belly with a pillow pretty much all the time now when I'm laying on my side unless my belly is resting directly on the bed or couch. Although I took my rings off a few weeks ago, I can still wear my middle finger ring and my engagement ring without it being too tight yet. I definitely can not wear my wedding band -- it feels so uncomfortable and hard to get on and off. Overall, my pregnancy is going great. We're looking forward to meeting our little girl soon!

Because of the swine flu (H1N1) that is going around, Rex Hospital has a new policy that anyone under 18 is not allowed in the hospital unless being admitted so this means we can not have Natalie come up to visit me and the baby after delivery. I'm sad about this as I always envisioned her getting to meet her little sister in the hospital with us. I'm slightly worried about being gone a few days and then just showing up at home with a new baby - that she might not react well to this but we're thinking we might have her at least come to the lobby when we are getting checked out. That way she can see the baby and me at the hospital and we can all drive home together. I suppose one good thing about her not coming up to the hospital is that she won't have to deal with separation anxiety of seeing me for a little while and then having to leave again while I stay there. Also, if I have a c-section, she wouldn't be able to climb all over me like I'm sure she would want to once she sees me.

Our little girl is probably about 4.5 to 5 lbs now. She will gain more than half her birth weight in the next seven weeks. She'll begin to move less now as she runs out of room and curls up with knees bent, chin resting on chest and arms and legs crossed. At this point, the amniotic fluid is at the highest level in the pregnancy. The amount will remain constant until delivery. Rapid brain growth has increased the baby's head size approximately 3/8 of an inch this week. Fat continues to accumulate which turns the baby's skin color from red to pink.

Week 32

With Darling Daughter #2:
With Natalie:

I'm starting to get pretty uncomfortable sleeping. I have to get up frequently to use the bathroom plus turning over in bed is very tedious. My tailbone hasn't been hurting that much which is a nice relief but my hips are a little sensitive while sleeping. DD#2 is still punching and kicking me a lot more than I recall Natalie doing. A lot of weird pelvic punches/pushes. The lower part of my belly is feeling very sensitive and a lot of pulling sensations. And not surprising, but my c-section scar itches a lot now. But overall, it's still been a very low key pregnancy which is a relief.

Our little girl is probably about 4-4.5 pounds now! Her irises are now responsive to light, dilating and contracting as needed. Due to deposits of fat under the skin, her skin is now pink rather than red. Her nails are now long enough to reach to the tip of her fingers or beyond and may need trimming as soon as she's born so she doesn't scratch herself. A loud noise near me may actually cause our little one to jump. She pushes back when we push on her feet or butt that pushes out of my belly.

Week 31

With Darling Daughter #2:
With Natalie:

Technically I'm 31 weeks 1 day today. Yesterday we were flying back from MN where we visited Natalie's Oma and Opa; I didn't get a chance to upload my photo. Last Thursday, I had an appointment with Dr. Gaines to discuss my VBAC vs. c-section decision. As I expected Dr. Gaines was very clinical and too the point about my options. In retrospect, I was pretty emotional about my decision and probably should have had Emile come with me to the appointment. In general, I came to the conclusion that I would schedule a repeat c-section. It was a hard decision for me; however, one of the main reasons for my decision was I don't think I was emotionally on-board for committing to the VBAC like I thought I should be for getting over my fears of the potential complications. My c-section has been scheduled for December 3rd at 12:30 p.m. I have a pre-test appointment the day before and a pre-op appointment on November 24th. If I go into labor before then on my own and I actually progress (unlike last time) quickly, then I may still decide to try for the VBAC. If I don't appear to be progressing, I will more than likely still end up in a c-section. I will be full term as of November 17th so I could of course still go into labor on my own between then and December 3rd (of course, hopefully I don't go into labor before 37 weeks). At the latest, our little girl will be here by the 3rd.

Having the c-section scheduled definitely makes her arrival seem so much closer. It's very exciting and coming up sooner than I keep thinking.

My tail bone pain has subsided thankfully. My belly feels pretty heavy when I lay on my side if it is not supported. My Braxton Hicks contractions are still pretty consistent -- a few everyday. She kicks and punches me constantly, making her presence known.

Our baby probably measures about 18 inches long from head to toe and weighs about 3.5 pounds right now. Rather than hearing vibrations, her nerve endings in her ears are connected now so that she can hear distinct sounds, like familiar voices and music. This week, a layer of fat will form underneath the thin, wrinkly skin. She'll also start practicing opening her eyes and breathing.

Week 30 - 7 months

With Darling Daughter #2:

With Natalie:

I am shocked that I'm now 7 months pregnant and starting my 8th month! Time has flown by. The biggest change for me recently has been that I'm starting to get a lot of pain in my tail bone. It's not exactly the crotch pain that I got last time but it's getting close. I don't think I mentioned previously but I've also started snoring again, on and off. I'm getting a ton of Braxton Hicks contractions all the time. And she's a big kicker and puncher.

Our little girl measures about 17 inches from head to toe and weighs about 3 pounds. She is growing plumper and beginning to control her own body temperature. Eyebrows and eyelashes are fully developed, and hair on her head is getting thicker. Her head and body are now proportioned like a newborn's. Hands are now fully formed and fingernails are growing.

Week 29

With Darling Daughter #2:

With Natalie:

This past Friday I had my 28 week appointment with Nurse Hilbert. Blue Ridge has two nurse practitioners that they like everyone to see in addition to the doctors. She was very friendly and comforting. She administered my RhoGam shot, although this time in my hip instead of my arm. It hurts a lot more in the hip! I had planned to schedule a c-section date for 40 weeks. I am comfortable going with a c-section then if I haven't started to progress or go into labor on my own and thus, attempt a VBAC. However, Blue Ridge likes to schedule c-sections for 39 weeks (which would be around December 1). Because I was proposing a different time, Nurse Hilbert needed to clear it with the doctor I would like to do my c-section, Dr. Gaines. He instead wants me to come back into the office in 2 weeks (October 1) in hopes that I will have either committed to doing a c-section (and thus, schedule it around 39 weeks) or go for the VBAC with out pre-scheduling a c-section. I have been going back and forth on this for 29 weeks -- what is 1-2 more weeks going to do for me! I honestly don't get why it matters when I choose to schedule my c-section, assuming it's later than 39 weeks. If I decide at this point to fully commit to doing a VBAC, I could still change my mind come 39 weeks if I have no progress and schedule a c-section for a week later at that time. I could also wait it out for labor to start on its own and if it doesn't by 40-41 weeks, I'd still have to schedule a later c-section date so I'm not sure why he wants to discuss this more with me.

I am still very torn about doing a VBAC. I have many reasons for wanting to try for a VBAC and other reasons for wanting to just go with a c-section. VBAC: getting to experience a vaginal birth, not having to deal with recovery from surgery; c-section: having a date set, knowing how I respond to surgery already (recovery went well for me last time), getting my previous raised c-section scar removed (which I have to say is really annoying how much it always itches with it rubbing on my clothes), and getting two extra weeks of STD. And then of course there are reasons that I'm scared to choose either option: VBAC - potential complications, not knowing how my body will respond to a vaginal birth (since I never progressed on my own previously), the pains of vaginal birth which I haven't experienced fully yet; c-section - another major surgery, missing out on knowing what it feels like to push my child out, once I have another c-section I will have to have a third if we have more children. I'm also so unsure of going forward with the VBAC because I feel unprepared and unsupported by the doctors at Blue Ridge. They don't really give me a good cozy feeling about attempting a VBAC. Even those who say it is possible to try for a VBAC still make it sound like they'd recommend a c-section. To me, it seems most say this because scheduling a c-section is the easy thing to do. I'm really unsure what to do.

As always I'm exhausted all the time. I can't get my pants or socks on very easily and it's a struggle just to turn over in bed. Luckily, I'm still not experiencing the hip pain I had my last pregnancy and am able to sleep pretty well except for having to get up to use the bathroom once at night. My fundal height (pelvic bone to top of my uterus) is actually measuring one week behind my EDD which is within normal range (and yet people still say I look so big for how far along I am in my pregnancy).

Our baby now weighs about 2 3/4 pounds and has a crown-to-rump length of about 10.5 inches. Space is getting really tight for the baby. She will have her knees tucked up to her chest now all the time in the 'fetal position'. Nurse Hilbert thinks she is head down located more on the left side of my body which is consistent with where I feel most of the kicks, pushes and her butt.

Her bone marrow has now taken over production of red blood cells. Now that almost all of the our baby's organs are functioning, her growth will focus on maturing those organs and growing muscle mass and fat stores. She should more than double her weight again between now and birth. All 300 bones in the little one's body are present and accounted for now, though some of them will fuse after birth, leaving a grand, lifetime total of 206.

Week 28

With Darling Daughter #2:

With Natalie:

I'm actually 28 weeks 2 days today. I was in California this week for work and didn't bring my camera with to take a photo on Tuesday. The biggest change I've noticed is that I have to pee all the time now. She's definitely sitting on my bladder all the time. I'm getting up 3-4 times a night to use the bathroom. She is moving all the time now. I can feel her butt and head pushing out at different times.

Many people have been commenting on how I look further along than I am as if I'm about to give birth tomorrow. Not the most flattering comments but oh, well. This is how I carried Natalie and apparently how I'm carry this daughter too.

Our baby's eyebrows and eyelashes are now present, and the hair on the head is growing. The eyelids open, and the eyes are completely formed. Her body is getting plumper and rounder (weighs about 2 pounds) and is composed of around 2 to 3% body fat. Muscle tone is gradually improving. Her lungs are capable of breathing air.

Week 27

With Darling Daughter #2:

With Natalie:
To sum up this week, I've just been exhausted! It is getting very tiring trying to keep up with Natalie and work requirements at this point -- I could sleep all day if allowed. But I'm still trying to be as active with Natalie as I can. Not so much rolling around and chasing each other but we have been coloring, playing with play-do and chalk a lot. Plus, there's always the fun of pretending to feed and cover up her babies. We got her a big girl (twin) bed this weekend in preparation for the transition to the her new room before the baby arrives. We're planning to see how she do with a twin bed starting the last weekend in October. This will give her about a month to hopefully get used to it before the baby arrives. I'm planning to start taking out the baby items (swing, car seat, etc.) around then also so she starts to get used to seeing the items and knowing that they're for the baby to use.

Our baby measures about 9.6 inches from crown to rump and weighs a little more than 2 pounds. Hands are active and muscle coordination is such that she can get her thumb into her mouth. Thumb-sucking calms the baby and strengthens her cheek and jaw muscles. She can also cry now.

So far I'm a few weeks past when the linea negra line on my belly showed with Natalie and also from when I started getting pretty bad hip pain. I'm curious to see if either of these show up again with this pregnancy at a later date.

Week 26 - 6 months

With Darling Daughter #2:
With Natalie:

I can't believe I'm already 6 months pregnant and I have less than 100 days till my due date! I'm now starting my 3rd trimester!! I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy is going compared to last time. Now that it's September and I have roughly 3 months to go, I think I should start tackling my list of things to do which include coming up with a list of names for this little one, getting Natalie's big girl room set up, buying the additional baby items and clothes we'll need, and then a few projects around the house. Given I'm due the beginning of December, I think I'm also going to tackle Christmas shopping beforehand; I'm sure I won't be up for going to the malls right after my delivery! Laura Brett will also be coming to our house after the baby is born to take her newborn photos so I want to get Natalie and DD#2 some Christmas dresses for the photos. I need to get moving!

I had my 25 week appointment last Thursday with Dr. Corvin. Everything went well -- the baby's heartbeat was very strong and she has been kicking up a storm. I also was tested for gestational diabetes at that time in which I had to drink this very sweet orange drink fairly quickly and then get my blood drawn an hour later. I got my results on Monday -- everything looked normal; I don't have gestational diabetes which is a relief! Dr. Corvin was more towards me doing a c-section but only because she thought it was easier to just plan it than wait to go into labor. She did say that because my c-section last time was not due to Natalie not fitting in my pelvis (and given that 2nd babies tend to be bigger) that she thought it was possible to try for a VBAC. She did state that if I decide to do a planned c-section, they like to schedule them for week 39 so that I would possibly avoid going into labor on my own. They would like to get it on the books at my next appointment which is in 2 more weeks. I'm still very torn! I've also put on more weight since my last appointment than I had between previous appointments. Dr. Corvin said my weight is still within range but I should expect another 10 pounds before delivery. I'm hoping it doesn't go over that. Now if I could just figure out how to fit in working out with hanging out with Natalie and resting at night.

I've been come much more tired with everything I do. When I sleep at night, my belly now feels heavy while laying on my side. I definitely can't get up and down as easily anymore. Luckily I'm still doing ok with carrying Natalie around but get tired if I do it for too long.

One difference I've noticed with this pregnancy compared to my first is that I feel more like I'm going through it alone. Not that others aren't support and Emile has been great but because our focus during the day is more on Natalie playing and running around, that others around me are not as focused on me being pregnant since Natalie is more of an immediate focus. Plus the doctor's treat me differently, or at least that's how I've perceived it. I don't have as many questions so it feels more like I'm rushed through my appointments quicker; there's no time to get the warm fuzzy feeling from my doctor's like I did before, even though I've meet them all previously during my pregnancy with Natalie. This pregnancy is just more internal for me (which has it's own advantages). But we're all excited to meet our new addition at which point I'm sure she'll be showered with as much affection as Natalie is.

Our baby measures about 9.2 inches from crown to rump and weighs almost 2 pounds now. Her hearing is fully developed. As she reacts to sounds, her pulse increases. Our baby will even move in rhythm to music. Lungs are still growing but are not yet mature. Patterns of our baby's brain waves appear like a full-term newborn. It also has patterns of sleeping and waking.

Week 25

With Darling Daughter #2:
With Natalie:Our little girl has now formed all 33 rings, 150 joints and 1,000 ligaments in the structure of her spine. The surfactant that is essential for lung function after birth is also beginning to develop. All five senses are fully developed. She's close to 1 1/2 to 2 lbs now and starting to fill out!

I'm definitely having a harder time bending over and so forth now. I make a lot of grunting noises which Emile finds entertaining. She's kicking a lot which I feel really low -- I'm guessing she's breech right now. And the never ending need to pee has started! My Braxton Hicks continue to be pretty frequent, although not painful. Tomorrow I have my next appointment in which they'll test me for Gestational Diabetes. I'm looking forward to hearing her heartbeat again and finding out how everything is going.

Natalie finds it amusing to push on my belly button that sticks out pretty predominately now. We captured a photo of her doing it recently:

When we ask her where her belly is, she'll pull up her shirt and point to it and then come over to me and pull up my shirt to point to my belly button.

Week 24

With Darling Daughter #2:
With Natalie:
I'm getting a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions now, at least 3-4 a day. It's mostly just a tightening of my uterus that goes away in about 30 seconds. It seems to occur less if I drink more water so I'm trying to stay well hydrated. I can feel her kicking all the time now which is a great feeling. She's more active in the afternoon and evening. I can now see her kicking from the outside as of last Friday (23w 3 d). Emile felt her kick on Sunday (23w 5d). I'm glad he was finally able to feel her. It helps make it feel more really for him (not that my big belly doesn't help).

She now weighs about a pound and a half and is probably around 8.5 inches long. Her lungs are gaining blood vessels now, preparing them for taking over the task of getting oxygen into the blood stream. Our baby is working out her own waking and sleeping periods.

Week 23

With Darling Daughter #2:

With Natalie:
Sound sleep is a thing of the past. I'm now waking up a few times a night from both being uncomfortable and to pee. Of course, Natalie waking up and turning her Rainforest crib soother on hasn't helped. I'm definitely feeling the baby a lot more right now. A few times a day I can feel her kick and roll around. I think I may be starting to get Braxton Hicks contractions -- at least once or twice a day my belly starts tightening up, just like with Natalie (it started around week 25 with her). My c-section scar itches a lot lately also.

Our baby's pancreas is developing well and is even beginning to produce insulin. The bones in the little one's middle ear are hardening now. She weighs about a pound and is about 8 inches in length - she's the size of a small doll.

Week 22

With Darling Daughter #2:
With Natalie:

I'm definitely starting to feel our baby more. Not every day, but more frequently than before. I even felt her kick with my hand from the outside of my belly last week Wednesday (21w 1d). I'm starting to feel more sluggish and am making more noises when I get up.

She's probably around 7.5 inches long now and by the end of this week getting close to, if not more than, a pound! She's starting to get plumper now. Her body and face are starting to take on more of an appearance of what she'll look like as an infant -- how exciting! Our baby's liver is now starting to function also.

Week 21 - 5 months!

With Darling Daughter #2:
With Natalie:I am now 5 months pregnant!

I had my 20 week appointment last Thursday with Dr. Gaines. Everything looked good -- he was able to find her heartbeat right away. We discussed how I'm not feeling her as much as I did with Natalie. If I'm not feeling her within 2 weeks, I can call in to get another ultrasound just to be sure my placenta isn't blocking her kicks etc. I am starting to feel her a little bit more (maybe every few days) but I may still go in for the extra ultrasound if she doesn't pick up more -- just for the added reassurance that all is good.

We also discussed my VBAC vs. c-section options. As I expected from him, he's more for going straight for a c-section mostly because my last c-section was not due to fetal distress (which would be dependent on the baby) but rather my body not laboring on it's own. I'm still planning to wait and see how things are going come 37-38 weeks.

I'm starting to get sore hips at night sleeping (so it begins!). I have to keep rolling over periodically throughout the night. I expect this to only get worse here on out.

My belly is starting to feel harder with my uterus up much higher.

Our baby girl is about the size of a large banana right now. She probably weighs around 10.5 ounces by now. Baby's legs have grown longer and are now in the proper proportion to the rest of his body. Our baby can now swallow and has started swallowing amniotic fluid.

Week 20 -- Half Way!

With Darling Daughter #2:

With Natalie:
Wow...half way already! I can't believe how much faster this pregnancy is going compared to my pregnancy with Natalie.

This week our daughter should be about 9-10 oz. and have a crown-to-rump length of about 6 inches. The amniotic fluid has reached a volume of about 12 ounces. Our baby's heart is beating at a rate of 120 to 160 beats per minute. The baby's sense of smell is present now.

I can feel that the top of my uterus is now right at my belly button. I have to pee all the time -- especially at night. I've started getting up 2-3 times a night now. I think I've started feeling her move around as of last Wednesday (19w1d); however, the feels are very different than they were with Natalie that I'm still not entirely sure. I'm looking forward to my doctor's appointment on Thursday to discuss the type of movements I think I'm feeling and to find out if he thinks I have an anterior placenta.