Brooklyn {One Week}

One week old as of 4/5/2016. It has been a hectic week around here, so I am a few days late and into week #2 already:)

Update: Brooklyn has been AHHH-mazing!! Honestly, our biggest struggle has been Bennett. He is so very active and LOUD! You do not realize how loud he really is or how much he talks (bless his little heart, I just love his personality, so do not get me wrong, I love his outgoing, talkative nature) until all you want him to do is quiet down. On the plus side, it does not seem to phase Brooklyn whatsoever. This girl has spent the first week of her life asleep. We have been able to give Bennett some of the attention he is craving and luckily Brooklyn's constant state of sleepiness has allowed us this time with him. Plus, my mom spent the first few days home with us and I cannot begin to tell you how much of a help she was, especially with Bennett and cooking us some meals!!
 

Length, Weight, Percentiles: Brooklyn had her 1 week checkup a bit early as she had lost more than 8% of her birth weight when we left the hospital. When we left the hospital, she was 7 lbs 12 oz. and as of 6 days old, she was back up to 8 lbs 4 oz, so no concerns with weight gain.

Features: Brooklyn very much resembles Bennett, but in a very dainty, girly way. She has the same dark grey eyes and light brown/blonde hair. Their noses are the only thing that I can tell is different. The shape of their eyes and mouths are very similar. Bennett had baby acne from the first day he was born and as of 1 week old, I haven't noticed any baby acne on Brooklyn.

Sleep: Rocking it. The first few nights she woke up more frequently but at 5 days old and through today, she has been going down at 10-10:30 PM and waking up once between 2-3 AM, and back down again until 6:30-7 AM. I remember Bennett having a very similar nighttime schedule. Currently, Brooklyn is sleeping in our room and I have no issues with it. Bennett was a very noisy nighttime sleeper and Brooklyn is so quiet. We moved Bennett into his room after 1 week. As of right now, Brooklyn is just fine sleeping in our room. During the day she still sleeps a lot. She wakes up to eat and for diaper changes, but for the most part, getting a lot of sleep in and very content. This has made it an easy transition for us with Bennett. We have been able to pay some extra attention to him.

Diet: This is also going very well. My milk did not come in until 4 days after she was born, so on Saturday we supplemented with 1/2 oz. of formula which homegirl sucked right down, and promptly went right back to sleep for 4 or 5 hours! We figured she was getting more hungry. Since then, my milk came in, and she has been eating every 3-4 hours. I have also been pumping 2 or 3 times a day to provide bottles for Bennett to help (and Josh of course). Brooklyn got her first bottle at 4 days old and Bennett was 11 days old. Case in point, I just am not worrying about that little stuff like I did with Bennett:)

First time at church. Bennett refused to be in a family picture. We had to take a separate one with him.

Us asking him to please get in the picture. The struggle is real.

First walk. It was extremely windy. The walk was a disaster.

Clothes: All newborn but also will not last as long as they did on Bennett. Glad we did not buy a whole lot of newborn stuff!

Diapering: Newborn diapers, which will not last long on this little (big) girl.

Social: She spends about an hour awake first thing in the morning, then 20-30 minutes here and there during the day, and again about an hour at 8:30-9 PM in the evening. She has the most adorable/funny faces as if she is just WOW'ed by everything around her that does catch her eye.

Likes: Just like her big brother, movement and vibration and so far a great car rider. Eating, being cuddled and warm, skin to skin, being swaddled at nighttime.

Dislikes: Pretty standard for an infant-Baths and Diaper Changes. 

Mama: Recovery has been much easier this time around. Not sure if it is because I knew what to expect or if it just is easier because I had less......damage. I had some lower back pain in the end of my pregnancy with Brooklyn that I am seeing a Chiropractor for now since I noticed it hasn't gone away. I also took Brooklyn to see the Chiropractor at 6 days old. I find myself so much more laid back this time around with her. Less worried about her eating/sleeping/pooping patterns and just letting her tell me what she needs. I worry most about Bennett and his transition. I can definitely notice a difference in his little personality, it is much more attention-seeking. If we do something or respond to something with him, and he notices it gets our attention, he will continue to do that and take it to the next extreme. I am hoping it is all normal and soon he will settle into our "new normal." Don't get me wrong, he is SO incredibly sweet with Brooklyn and is constantly kissing her, asking about her, asking to hold her, but he definitely knows she is getting attention that he is accustomed to.

Overall, Week #1 was fairly easy. Day 1 and 2 was hectic at home and getting used to Bennett, Brooklyn and life but the week has gotten easier. And overall easier than I remembered with Bennett. It is amazing how well Brooklyn has fit into our routine and life so quickly, maybe it is because she is always asleep so we hardly notice she is around (ha I tease, but no seriously). I find myself really soaking up all the baby cuddles. I worry less about her and enjoy my time with her. Monday Josh goes back to work and Bennett heads back to daycare a few days a week. I'd be lying if I said I am not a little excited. It is bittersweet. I love having Josh and Bennett home!!! But ready to get some rest and soak up these precious newborn days with her. My maternity leave with her is going to go by so quickly, so I want to enjoy every last moment. 

Introducing {Brooklyn Kate}

Date of Birth: Tuesday, March 29th, 2016

Time of Birth: 6:32 AM

Length: 19.5 inches long

Weight: 8 lbs 10 oz.

Head Circumference:13.5 inches

Brooklyn's Birth Story

I had been having contractions for 3 weeks so when I started having contractions on the afternoon of Monday March 28th, I really didn't think much of it. My contractions those past 3 weeks had been a mixture of Braxton Hicks and real contractions. I would time them, but after an hour or so they would go away. It was frustrating, to say the least. That past Sunday was Easter, and we had gone on a long walk, touring houses in the neighborhood being built, so lots of opportunities for stairs and walking! I woke up Monday feeling extremely sore, so I decided to work from home. That afternoon I told Josh that I had been having regular contractions, but of course, he didn't think much of it either since I had been saying this for weeks. That evening, I walked around the block with Bennett while he rode his bike and we went to the grocery store, so again, lots of walking! At the grocery store I was feeling contractions and a lot of pressure so I had a hard time getting through the entire store. Around 8 PM I asked Josh if he thought it would be a good idea to take Bennett to his mom's. Again, he didn't really think much of my "contractions" so we put Bennett to bed. At this point, nothing was painful, just tightening, so I still wasn't 100% sure this was "IT." Around 9:30 PM, I texted Emily (thank goodness my sister in law is a labor and delivery nurse, because both with Bennett and now Brooklyn, I needed her advice!!!). She suggested that I try to go to bed and get some sleep and if I wake up in the middle of the night, the hospital is close, and to not worry about Bennett. My biggest fear was thinking I was in labor and going in, dragging Josh's mom out of bed, all the way to our house, only to find out it was nothing......I was also fearful that if I was in labor, I wouldn't make it to the hospital in time to get an epidural. I had a very quick labor with Bennett and I knew in the middle of the night an anesthesiologist would have to be called in, which could take some time. I went to sleep at 10:30 PM and woke up twice to use the bathroom. I felt contractions while I was awake, but again nothing too painful, so I fell right back asleep. Then at 1:30 AM I woke up again to use the bathroom, and it was then that I felt painful contractions. I laid back down and remember thinking to myself "ok, if I can just get to 5 AM, I will feel better about waking Kate up to come over to stay with Bennett." I made it about 10 minutes before I woke Josh up and said "I think you need to call your mom, I want to go to the hospital."

We scrambled around getting everything together. My bags had been packed for a week, but added toiletries, phone charger, and clothes that I didn't want to pack right away, etc. Josh's mom arrived and I was crying. Like most women at this point, I was excited, scared, nervous, anxious, etc. My contractions were timing about 5 minutes apart and were getting very painful. We drove the short few miles to Methodist West Hospital and walked into the ER entrance since it was so late. A nurse came to get us in the ER and we walked up to the maternity center. I was thinking this whole time how different this was than when I went into labor with Bennett. For starters, it was 2 AM, the world was quiet, there were hardly any cars out on the road, the maternity center was still, sleeping. The triage room was much nicer than the triage room at hospital downtown where I delivered Bennett. Everything moved so quickly though. We sat in the triage room with Bennett for what seemed like ages, but with Brooklyn, the nurse quickly came in, hooked me up to a heart monitor and checked me to see how dilated I was within minutes. At around 2:30 AM I was 5cm dilated. She told me that she was going to admit me and get me into a room. I remember telling her at this point that I want an epidural and to call the Doctor, she smiled and said she would, but she can't call him until we are set up in the other room. Once we got settled in my room, she checked me again and within 15 minutes, I had progressed to 6 cm dilated. She said she would call the anesthesiologist right away since I was progressing so quickly. She called the Doctor on call, who was not answering his phone, to let him know that I was in labor and that I had had a very quick labor with my last, so I think she was a bit concerned too that he might not make it in time! She called the Doctor 3 or 4 times before she called the backup Docter on call. Not sure how she got a hold of the first Doctor, but a few minutes later she got a call back that he was on his way in. Josh decided to run outside to get our bags, but while on his way out, ran into our nurse and the Anesthesiologist and came back in to sit with me while I got my epidural. The worst part about the epidural is the numbing shot they give you right before! But around 3:30 AM I received the epidural and within 10 minutes, started feeling its wonderful relief:) However, after about 30 or 45 minutes, I noticed that I was still feeling pain on my left side. It wasn't horrible, but I definitely did not want to feel it either! It was making me anxious that I felt it and it wasn't getting better, if anything, feeling worse or more pain. My nurse instructed me to lay on my left side and give it another 30 or 45 minutes to work its way down. Around 5 AM, she checked me again and I was right around 9 cm dilated. She said something about not rushing it, and that she was going to let us rest for a little bit. I was to call her if I got the urge to push, which at this point, I had not. Josh and I fell asleep (and by fell asleep, I mean, it was a very very light sleep, but enough to give me some rest). At 6 AM, she came back in, and at that point I was VERY numb, almost TOO numb! She said that since I was so numb, we were going to do a few practice pushes to see how I do. We set up, waited for a contraction, and I pushed, and then she was telling me to stop and slow down! She said that I was ready to push and if I kept practicing I was going to push the baby right out, and she was not ready to deliver a baby without the Doctor. About 5 minutes later, lights were on, lots of people surrounded my bed, the Doctor was ready. I started pushing and remember thinking how awkward I felt. I didn't remember feeling this way with Bennett. There were just so many people!! At one point while pushing, I remember someone saying "oh she's a big girl!!" That was not something I wanted to hear!! It only took about 3 or 4 pushes during 1 contraction and Brooklyn Kate came out and met the world!! 

Our First Day

Since Brooklyn was born at 6:32 AM, the world was just waking up. Most of our friends and family woke up to a surprise text letting them know she was here. No one even knew we were in labor (except for Josh's mom, and well, Emily had an idea......), so it was a nice way to wake up for most:) From 7 AM until 11 AM, Josh, Brooklyn and I just relaxed and spent some time alone. Obviously, there were several people coming and going during those 4 hours to check on me and her, but as for visitors, we had none, and it was perfect. It was important to us to have Bennett be the first visitor. I loved the quiet, alone time we had, just the 3 of us for those first few hours. I remember feeling obligated? pressure? to invite our visitors into our room right away after Bennett was born. Albeit, he was born at 8 PM, so people were around and available, which was fine and I wanted it that way. Although being awake almost all night in labor results in extremely tired parents, so there is something to be said about having your baby in the middle of the night or early morning. 

Brooklyn was extremely alert the first day of her life. She hardly slept and seemed to be taking in everything around her. I am nursing her, and she latched very well, much better than Bennett did.
Kate brought Bennett to the hospital around 11 AM. I was strangely nervous for him to meet her. I did not know what to expect. Maybe I was afraid he wouldn't like her, or maybe he would be jealous, or reject her, but he came running in with a gift and went straight to her to open her gift for her. He kissed her and asked to hold her almost immediately.

We were able to nap from 2-4 and took full advantage of the nursery! We crashed around 9 PM. Brooklyn's first night she woke up at 11 PM, 1 AM and 3 AM to nurse and up for the day around 7 AM. 

I am still shocked how quickly it all happened. I knew after Bennett that I would most likely deliver very quickly again, but every labor is different so how do you ever truly know? I was always very anxious about going into labor again. Either way, Brooklyn arrived and she is perfect. It is amazing how well she fits into our family already. It feels like she has always been here (I know, it sounds so cliche, but it is true!). I could not wait to get out of the hospital. I know everyone says to take advantage of the nursery and help, but those beds are just so uncomfortable! I could not wait to be back home. We were in the hospital until Thursday and left around 10 AM Thursday 3/31.

Stay tuned to hear how our first week went!

39 Week Update {Baby B #2}

 

How Far Along: 39 weeks and 2 days 

Weight Gain: +30 lbs

Symptoms: Sciatica Nerve Pain, Pressure, Lower Back pain, Swollen ankles/toes/fingers, Contractions or Braxton Hicks Contractions-I have a mixture of both. Frequent Urination

Cravings/Aversions: Actually feeling less hungry this past week or two. Not sure if that has anything to do with being VERY pregnant or the fact that I have been battling a cold. No cravings.

What I am Missing: beer, wine, champagne, Being able to move-being able to bend over, being able to get up easily, being able to put on socks or shoes with ease. Being able to pick up Bennett without feeling pain, being able to play with him on the floor. Being able to sleep on my back or stomach. Not feeling tired or in pain/sore.

Size of Baby: Approx. 7 lbs and 20 inches long. About the size of a small watermelon

Sleep: Not Horrible, not great. Every night is different. Some nights I sleep great and fall back asleep immediately after using the restroom. Other nights I wake up with contraction pain and am awake timing contractions for an hour or two, but then they just go away:( Such a tease. My body is SO close!!! Waking up about every 2-4 hours to use the restroom, so 3 or 4 times a night.

Clothing: My maternity shirts barely cover my belly, my maternity pants barely fit me and if they do they are highly uncomfortable. Even leggings are a struggle at this point. Maxi skirts, dresses, and Josh's pajama pants are the best thing I have right now. I rarely want to spend much time outside of the house because that would require "real clothes" and my go to wardrobe at home right now is a pair of Josh's pajama pants and one of his t shirts!

Gender: Hoping for no surprises here, but planning on a baby girl!

Nursery: Nursery is completed, baby and mom's bags are packed, we are ready!

Baby Purchases: Bows and headbands, a swimsuit for summer, some BabyGap clothes on sale this past week. I am going to have issues buying clothes for this little lady!

Best Moment this Week: Visiting the Dr. at my 38 week appointment and hearing that I am SOOOO close. I am 3 cm dialated and just need her to push a little bit more and we should be good to go! Come on girl!!!

Big Brother: Like the rest of us, ready to meet baby sister. As excited as I am to meet her myself, I might be more excited to introduce Bennett to her. I get tears just thinking about it. 

Looking forward to: Meeting our baby girl anytime this week!!! Highly doubt I am going to go over due and if we do, I plan to induce. I am due on Saturday April 2 and if I go to our Dr. appointment on Friday April 1, I will plan to induce on Monday the 4th, so there is light at the end of the tunnel. Please send us your prayers that we do not have to induce. I know that my body is ready and just needs to decide when the time is right. I have had an intense nesting instinct the past couple of days, that in addition to a few other "labor symptoms," I know she is close. Some warmer weather this week will give me an opportunity to go on a few walks and hopefully help things along here. I cannot put into words how excited, nervous, anxious, scared, or happy I am right now. My emotions are all over the place. Wish us luck and the next time you hear from me, we will have a baby girl!!!

36 Week Update {Baby B #2}

How Far Along: technically writing this I am 37 Weeks. I am a week behind.

 

Weight Gain: +30 lbs

Symptoms: Same as last update-Restless leg syndrome, itchy belly (mostly bellybutton), frequent urination, vivid dreams, lower back pain, pure and utter exhaustion. Adding in Sciatica Nerve Pain which sometimes brings me to my knees. Swollen fingers, feet, and ankles. Intense pressure (down there.....)

Cravings/Aversions: Craving Red Velvet Oreos

What I am Missing: being able to bend over, being able to pick things up, feeling comfortable sitting/laying in general. Wearing my wedding ring (currently it is rocking my pinky)

  
Size Of Baby: 18 inches long and approx. 6 lbs. Around the size of a head of lettuce

Sleep: Sleep has been hit and miss these past couple of weeks. I have been battling a slight cold, which has not helped matters (stuffy nose, coughing). Turning over and getting comfortable in general takes a little time, but once I am asleep, I am in a DEEP sleep, or what feels like a deep sleep. Waking up a couple of times a night to use the bathroom. 

Clothing: The weather has been AHHH-mazing the past few weeks. This has allowed me to start wearing more dresses and maxi skirts and has definitely helped me feel more comfortable. Pants continue to be my nemesis, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Gender: Girl

Nursery: Should be all ready for baby girl. Pictures posted below:) I am really really pleased with how it came together. 

Baby Purchase: Baby Girl Clothes, diapers, wipes, Desitin, lots of baby necessities in general. I am a little bow-crazy, so lots of headbands and bows.

Best Moment This Week: Warmer weather has been a lifesaver in entertaining Bennett, plus it really just helps everyone's moods in general. Baby shopping, finishing the nursery, Bennett kissing my belly. It's the little things lately.

Big Brother: Probably tired of waiting for baby sister to come out. We talk about her all the time and I am sure he has no clue how close this is to actually happening. He is so sweet already and kisses my belly and talks about where baby sister is going to sit in the car. I would like to go find him a "big brother" gift sometime in the next week.

Looking forward to: Weekly Dr. appointments, Warmer weather, Daylight Savings time, First day of Spring, Easter (I am SO ready for spring!!!)

Little preview of Baby Girl's nursery. A few finishing touches but for the most part it is ready for her!

Bennett Update {2.5 years old}

I realized it has been some time since I updated everyone on Bennett! He used to get all the love on the blog. In reality, as he gets older, some of the milestones and exciting updates don't seem to happen as quickly. Toddlers are fun, hilarious, and energetic, but also erratic, stubborn, and difficult at times and Bennett is no exception.

 

  

Shortly after his 2nd birthday, we transitioned Bennett's crib to a day/toddler bed. He had no issues with the change, and surprisingly never fell out! He loves being big and will tell you "No, I am big!" if you tell him he is too small or too little to do something. In November, we transitioned the crib/toddler bed to a twin bed. Again, no issues at all with the transition. In fact, it probably helped him sleep better! He seems more comfortable and warmer, which therefore allows him to sleep in a bit longer.

Speaking of sleep, he is a night owl! If we allowed him to, he would stay away until 10 or 11 every night. He just never wants to slow down. He has no time for sleep. But, once he lays down and falls asleep, he is a great sleeper. We have never had any issues with him waking up in the middle of the night. But, regardless of what time we put him to bed, he always wakes up around 6:30 AM. We sometimes get lucky and he will stretch it to 7 or 7:30 but it is not consistently. One hope I have for baby #2 is that Bennett's sleep patterns rub off on her. We have never had an issue putting him down or him waking up in the middle of the night. If the biggest complaint I have is that he doesn't sleep in as late as we would like, I will take that over the other two issues any day!

(First night in his big boy bed-such excitement!)

One of the biggest milestones from the past 6 months was successful potty training! I dreaded potty training Bennett. I just felt like it was going to be so much work. If I have one bit of advice for other parents or future parents I would say, just let it happen on its own! I know this is a hard concept to understand, and even I would scoff at that statement and be like, "well, how do I know when it is going to happen on its own?!?! what do you mean???" For around 6 months, Bennett would show interest in the potty. We would let him sit on it, play on it, explore, but he never really went (maybe once or twice here and there). Then, one night he decided, again, that he wanted to sit on it but this time he actually went! And the same thing happened again in the morning. We asked our babysitter to just keep putting him on the potty to try and the next 2-3 days he kept doing it. That weekend we bought underwear and officially stopped using diapers during the daytime. The first couple of weeks came with some accidents, maybe 1-2 a day, but never enough to make us feel he wasn't ready. It has now been 3 months and he has been doing great. I don't remember the last accident he had during the day. Night time has been a little different, we go back and forth between using pull ups and letting him wear underwear to bed. He has absolutely no interest in the pull ups and usually it is not worth the fight to make him put them on. The last couple of weeks he has done really well, for the most part, and has either made it completely through the night or woken us up to go potty.

Bennett is very much a tv junkie. I almost hate writing this, but being 8 months pregnant, can't say I haven't been using it as a crutch during this pregnancy. Oops:) His favorite TV shows are Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Team Umizoomi, Blaze and the Monster Machines, and he will have spurts of PJ Masks and Paw Patrol. But really, he would watch any cartoon if we would let him. We have taken him to a couple of movies and he seems to really enjoy that also. He loves playing with Monster Trucks, Hot Wheels, Play-do, his Paw Patrol game and trucks, his "tools", legos, and Batman. Batman has recently become an OB-SESS-ION around here. He refuses to take off his batman clothes and does not understand when they are dirty. He will run around the house, put his hands on his hips, and pronounce "I AM BATMAN!" And of course, Mommy and Daddy are characters too, I am Batgirl and Daddy is Superman. Bennett absolutely loves playing hide and seek and could play for hours, although he is the absolute WORST hide and seeker:) He also craves being outside. We are all dealing with a bit of cabin fever, so the moment the weather gets above 25, we are usually outside for a bit playing.

(A little shy around Santa this year, but no tears!)

 (A big boy bike from Santa)

Bennett says the most hilarious things at times. This is what I love most about toddlers! He is very big on the word "Why?" right now.

For a while, while he ate, he would stop and say "mmmmm Delicious!"

His vocabulary amazes me. I love being able to have little conversations with him. I also love that he is able to tell me he loves us, he misses us, ask questions, etc.

Recently he has started saying "Baby Sister come out!" and it just melts my heart.

Eating is probably the biggest struggle we have with this little dude. How a kid with so much energy can run on such little food is mind boggling. He rarely eats more than 3 or 4 bites of anything. He hardly snacks. He just runs and runs, no time to eat. Dinner time is the biggest hurdle of the day and usually can be frustrating. We try to have him take one or two bites of everything on his plate, but honestly, sometimes the battle is just not worth it. Instead, we just say no snacks later, and sometimes it works and sometimes it does not.

 

(This kid LOVES Monster Jam!)

At 2 years old, Bennett has been sticking around the same size clothes for a while. Typically, he will wear 24 mos. We are finally outgrowing some of the last remaining 18 months clothes. And 2T is making appearances in his wardrobe. He is a bit short for most of his pants. Shirts seem to fit fine. And his feet are small compared to other toddlers his age. He has been wearing size 6 shoes for 6 months now.

Bennett is extremely social and loves attention. But, if we try to introduce him to someone, he will then get shy. He loves kids his age and always wants to "be friends." He will try to grab their hands or follow them around to play.

Watching him learn has been so exciting. He can count to 15 (misses a few numbers here and there), sing 2 or 3 songs (with some help), point out colors, understands red means stop/green-go,yellow-slow down. I hate to say it but the TV shows now are so educational and I honestly feel that some of these shows have helped him learn counting, colors, etc. I don't feel like I have ever had the time to sit down with him and really work on these things.

We have truly enjoyed having it be just us three for the past 2.5 years, but ready for our next adventure! I am trying to enjoy these last few weeks with just Bennett. I gave up my phone for lent while I am around Bennett, an effort to be "more present." I only get 5 short weeks with just him left (give or take!) and I want to take full advantage of it. We have been trying really hard to get Bennett to go to Daddy with more requests, and I think it has been working. Either way, once baby sister arrives, he will have no choice but to give up on me some (tear!). We are so SO SOOOOOO excited for this next chapter and this summer is going to be a lot of fun (let's hope!).

31 Week Update {Baby B #2}

How Far Along: 31 weeks-and feeling more like 40+ weeks......
 

Weight Gain: +24 lbs

Symptoms: Restless leg syndrome, itchy belly (mostly bellybutton), frequent urination, vivid dreams, lower back pain, pure and utter exhaustion.

Cravings/Aversions: Nothing to report here

What I am Missing: Not being pregnant. I do not remember being this uncomfortable so early with Bennett. I feel so helpless/useless, maybe it is because we are also chasing around a VERY ACTIVE toddler.

 
Size Of Baby: 16 inches long and approx. 3.3 lbs. Around the size of a coconut.

Sleep: Sleep is better than you would expect. I get up 2-3 times a night to pee, but still have no issues falling back asleep. Finding a comfortable sleeping position has been tough. I usually revert to my bed around 7 or 8 every night because our bed is just so much more comfortable for me to sit/lay in than our couches.

Clothing: Still hating pants in general. If I can wear sweatpants or leggings, I will. I will be positive here though and say tops/cardigans are easier in the winter. I can wear just about anything in my closet since most of my tops are looser fitting.

Gender: A sweet little princess

Nursery: Finally coming together!!! Spent some time this past week hanging blinds and curtains. Also painted some frames and started putting things together to put on the walls. Just a few more "crafty" projects and it should be close to being done!

Baby Purchase: mostly nursery items. We plan on taking a trip to Target or Babies R Us next week to get a bunch of necessities; diapers, soaps, wipes, bottles, etc. I am really really excited for this!

Best Moment This Week: My family surprised me with a little baby shower. It was so sweet and SO unexpected. We got a lot of great clothes and I am so so thankful!!! Also, loving how little lady's room is turning out. I am feeling less anxious, but my nesting instinct has really taken over lately. I just want it to be done and stop worrying about it!

Big Brother:Bennett is still interested in my belly, well as interested as he could be. He doesn't quite understand why I can't hold him as long, or why I can't sit on the floor with him to play (seriously, this is the worst part of Baby #2!!!), but at the baby shower the week before he received a Big Brother book. He loves to read it and points out all the characters in the book- "mommy" "daddy" "Bennett" "Mommy's baby."

Looking forward to: Finishing the nursery. Going shopping for baby essentials, washing baby girl's little clothes.

 

Here's a little fun comparison picture. At least I am looking a little better this time around at 31 weeks:) 

I can see the "swollen-ness" of my face from the first time I was pregnant.

28 Week Update {Baby B#2}

How Far Along: 28 weeks
 

Weight Gain: +22 lbs

Symptoms: Restless leg syndrome, itchy belly, frequent (and I mean, all the time) urination, swollen fingers/hands, more frequent movement, exhausted all the time, very vivid dreams

Cravings/Aversions: I have been craving chocolate milk lately. No aversions though. 

What I am Missing: Being able to bend over comfortably, being able to sit on the floor comfortably, being able to sleep on my belly (or get comfortable at all), being able to shave my legs with ease. Can you tell the fun part of being pregnant is starting to set in?

 
Size Of Baby: She weighs just over 2 lbs and is around 14.5 inches long, about the size of an eggplant.

Sleep: Worse. I wake up to pee 2-3 times a night. Way more than I did with Bennett surprisingly. Luckily I have no issues falling back asleep, I just hate waking up in general every 2-3 hours.

Clothing: I live in leggings, if I can. I absolutely despise work clothes and maternity pants in general. I wish it were warmer out so I can wear more dresses, I loved that about being pregnant with Bennett. I am not having any issues with tops or sweaters, but still struggling in the pants department.

Gender: Still a girl

Nursery: Finally making some progress here! We have made some purchases this past week to start putting the nursery together. I went through and organized everything from when Bennett was a baby and made a list of everything we will need to buy in the next 12 weeks. Her nursery is going to be a blend of Navy (using some of Bennett's old stuff), Coral, Mint, and Gold. I bought a bunch of adorable prints off Etsy. Hopefully by the next update I can give a picture of some progress.

Baby Purchases: Like I said above, mostly for the nursery. I bought a sound machine/night light for her room, curtains, prints, boppy cover, changing pad cover, and a lamp. 

Best Moment This Week: The past three weeks have been rougher. Christmas was wonderful. Bennett had fun seeing all of his family and opening gifts, and baby girl got some adorable gifts also. We spent 4 days in California at the Rose Bowl. For the most part, I did good, but some of the exhaustion and walking took a toll on my body early in the trip and after we got home. I got a tad anxious on the airplane because I was stuck by the window and the guy next to us was sleeping (ie, dead, would not wake up when I poked him several times to let me out!) and I really really had to use the bathroom. That is the last time I book a window seat 7 months pregnant! We had a lot of fun though! I also had my glucose test last week and so far no news is good news. 

Big Brother: Bennett is still very good about knowing there is a baby in mommy's belly. We ask his opinion on names, but he is no help:) go figure. He believes it is only "mommy's baby" even when Josh tells him it is his baby too. I can see how that is difficult for him to understand, considering the baby is in MY belly.

Looking forward to: Continuing to work on the nursery. Hoping to buy some more baby clothes:) 

Here are some pictures from the last few weeks too:)

Christmas Day

In California at the beach