Baby C: Final Fourth Week 16 Update

I had this all written up on the 23rd, but I was too tired at the end of the day to take my picture. Then I realized today, {2/28}, I never hit publish! Ugh, pregnancy brain! So I'm backdating it, even though I'm publishing it at nearly 17 weeks.

Today's date: February 23, 2017

How far along: 16 Weeks 

Total weight gain: I lost a tiny bit, so I'm at a loss of 7.5 pounds

Size and growth of baby: Final Fourth is the size of a dill pickle, or an action figure! They can hear my voice, and should recognize it once they are out and in the world! They are also forming taste buds. Final Fourth has eyelashes and eyebrows {via}

Baby is a: baby! I'm hoping to schedule the appointment next week :D

Maternity clothing: Still the same. Maternity or lounge clothes all the time. 

Sleep: Sleep is ok. I'm tired all the time, but I don't wake up too often during the night. No real complaints.

Movement: I still don't feel much, so I'm hoping this is the week I finally do!

Cravings/Aversions: Cravings are chicken and strawberries. Those are the two things that consistently sound good to me. Sometimes a food will sound good, but then I won't want more if I eat it. Aversions are better. My gag reflex has calmed quite a bit. However, once it gets going, it's hard to stop :(

Morning Sickness: Much improved! It's not 100%, but I'm functioning much better.

Symptoms: A little heartburn, sore breast, little nausea, headaches, gassy, cranky, peeing a fair amount, and exhausted.

Labor Signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

How this pregnancy is different than the first three: I've not really gained much weight back. I've held pretty steady, which is different by this point with the other pregnancies. My temper is much harder to control, which is why I'm going to guess the gender that I have. {Still a secret for now ;)} Gag reflex still sensitive, though getting better. I don't feel like I do a great job eating and drinking water this time.

The best moment of this past week: Having a quieter week in terms of things to do, starting to get more organized, (nesting already!), and having a successful bible study for my youth group girls!

What I miss: Nothing at all!

I'm looking forward to: My appointment when I get to hear the heartbeat again, feeling more movement, and visiting my folks soon :)

{Jillian's Week 16 Update}

{David's Week 16 Update}
{Lottie's Week 16 Update}

Now to compare pictures :)

{Left: Jillian 2011 Middle Left: David 2013} 
{Middle Right: Lottie 2016 Right: Lexie 2017}

Baby C: Final Fourth Week 15 Update

It's hard to believe we're chugging along at 15 weeks already! It's slow days combined with fast weeks for sure. Phil has taken to calling baby Chaos. While it's true, I'm not sure that'll stick! {At least, I hope it doesn't!} Lots of flu and allergy stuff going around. I'm a little sniffly today, but so far, (*knocks on wood*), we've escaped major illnesses for now. Let's pray that continues!!

Today's date: February 16, 2017

How far along: 15 Weeks 

Total weight gain: I maintained this week, (well, added 0.2 pounds, which is barely anything!), so I'm at a loss of 7 pounds!

Size and growth of baby: Final Fourth is the size of an naval orange, or an eclair! Legs are longer than the arms as baby continues to grow. They are wiggling around with functioning joints, and swallowing amniotic fluid! {via}

Baby is a: baby! I should be able to make my ultrasound appointment at my next OB appointment in March!

Maternity clothing: I wear maternity pants consistently, but shirts are still a mix of maternity and regular. I need replacement PJ pants because two of my ripped this week :(

Sleep: I am not getting restful sleep. I have some ideas why, but it makes me very tired and irritable during the day. Hopefully, I'll find a solution soon. Even Phil seems to be tossing and turning more than usual.

Movement: I have felt some flutters recently, and even Phil felt a little movement the other night! Keep it up baby :)

Cravings/Aversions: Cravings are salad with ranch, chicken, pumpkin, (like pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cake pops...), baby carrots, and fruit. Aversions are the same.

Morning Sickness: In terms of nausea, I'm doing good. Smells still get to me, and I need to remember to eat on a schedule. Other than that, pretty good comparatively :)

Symptoms: A little heartburn, some nausea, headaches, gassy, cranky, peeing a fair amount, and exhausted.

Labor Signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

How this pregnancy is different than the first three: My weight is pretty steady, and I'm getting daily headaches. Otherwise, it's similar to at least one part of all three.

The best moment of this past week: The gender reveal for my niece(!) this past weekend, finding out about another pregnancy at church, (yay for babies!), and getting a chance to just relax a little.

What I miss: Nothing at all!

I'm looking forward to: Getting to week 16 without any bleeding, finding out the gender of our baby, and visiting my folks in the next few months!

{Jillian's Week 15 Update}

{David's Week 15 Update}
{Lottie's Week 15 Update}

Now to compare pictures :)

{Left: Jillian 2011 Middle Left: David 2013} 
{Middle Right: Lottie 2016 Right: Lexie 2017}

Baby C: Final Fourth Week 14 Update

It's been a whirlwind week for us since my last update! Lots of appointments, tests, applications, etc. We're getting Jillian ready for Kindergarten, we're trying to keep everyone healthy, and we're still in the process of figuring out the best way to help Jillian's hearing loss, (meaning, if she would benefit from hardware or not). On top of all that, we have new health insurance, so that's been fun to navigate. {Hmph} Otherwise, we're just chugging along!

Today's date: February 9, 2017

How far along: 14 Weeks 

Total weight gain: I gained a little this week, but I am still at a loss of 7 pounds from my pre pregnancy weight.

Size and growth of baby: Final Fourth is the size of a lemon or a beet! Kidney, liver, and spleen are functioning, and they are probably sucking their thumb. They are also growing lanugo to keep warm in there! {via}

Baby is a: baby for now. We should find out near the end of March!

Maternity clothing: Living in them really. That, and my pjs or sweatpants. I'm a frumpy, hot mess express.

Sleep: I am still really tired, and don't seem to get very restful sleep. The one nice thing seems to be that I don't have to get up to pee in the middle of the night. Well, it's fine until the morning when my bladder wants to burst!

Movement: I haven't felt something that made me believe without a doubt it was baby, but I know they're very active in there. Hopefully I'll feel more soon! Come on baby!

Cravings/Aversions: Cravings are Chai Tea Lattes with Soy, salad with ranch, spicy food, chicken, cinnamon, and fruit. If I want sweet, it has to be fruit flavored. I'm not super into chocolate right now, which is very strange to me! Aversions are the same - no meat (aside from chicken), no cooking meat, no lime juice, no raw onions, no mustard, and no ice cream.

Morning Sickness: I am feeling better, and my gag reflex seems to have settled down for now. Let's hope that continues :)

Symptoms: A little heartburn, some nausea, headaches, gassy, cranky, peeing a fair amount, and exhausted.

Labor Signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

How this pregnancy is different than the first three: My gag reflex is very sensitive, my sense of smell is heightened, (but not overwhelmingly so), and I feel much more irritable this time.

The best moment of this past week: Getting through the week. It was a mentally tough one.

What I miss: Nothing at all!

I'm looking forward to: Finding out the gender of my niece or nephew this weekend, getting to week 16 without any bleeding, and visiting my folks in the next few months!

{Jillian's Week 14 Update}

{David's Week 14 Update}
{Lottie's Week 14 Update}

Now to compare pictures :)

{Left: Jillian 2011 Middle Left: David 2013} 
{Middle Right: Lottie 2016 Right: Lexie 2017}

Baby C: Final Fourth Week 13 Update

I finally got to meet my new OB/GYN today! She's really nice, and I know she'll take good care of me :) 

Today's date: February 2, 2017

How far along: 13 Weeks - YAY 2nd trimester! (or last week of the 1st... whichever you go by!)

Total weight gain: I am 8.5 pounds under my pre-pregnancy weight.

Size and growth of baby: Final Fourth is the size of a peach or a clownfish! The vocal chords are forming, and the intestines are moving from the umbilical chord to bébé's tummy. They also have fingerprints! {via}

Baby is a: baby for now. We should find out in about 6 weeks!

Maternity clothing: I wear maternity pants all the time, shirts part of the time, and sweatpants the rest of the time! I'm wearing lots of sweaters and jackets because I'm just so cold, even when it's nice outside.

Sleep: I have not been able to go to sleep before midnight, even if I'm exhausted. This obviously does not mesh well with our schedule/lifestyle :-/ I may need to start doing some Sleepytime tea before bed.

Movement: I think I've felt a flutter or two, but nothing huge yet. I did get to see baby today on ultrasound and they moved all over the place!

Cravings/Aversions: Cravings are Chai Tea Lattes with Soy, salad with ranch, spicy food, sweet tea, and chicken quesadillas. Aversions are the same - no fish, no cooking meat, no lime juice, no raw onions, no mustard, no root beer, and no hamburger meat.

Morning Sickness: I had a rough weekend, (which included throwing up once, and gagging several times), but am doing better now. Hopefully it'll go away soon.

Symptoms: A little heartburn, some nausea, gassy, cranky, peeing a fair amount, and tired.

Labor Signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

How this pregnancy is different than the first three: My gag reflex is very sensitive, my sense of smell is heightened, (but not overwhelmingly so), and I feel much more irritable this time.

The best moment of this past week: Seeing baby on the ultrasound and watching them move all around :) Even without a picture to take home, I am so glad I have the mental picture!

What I miss: Nothing at all!

I'm looking forward to: Finding out the gender of my niece or nephew this week, feeling better with food, and visiting my folks in the next few months!

{Jillian's Week 13 Update}

{David's Week 13 Update}
{Lottie's Week 13 Update}

Now to compare pictures :)

{Left: Jillian 2011 Middle Left: David 2013} 
{Middle Right: Lottie 2016 Right: Lexie 2017}

Lottie: {Six Months}

Lottie –

You are six months old today! How are we already here with you halfway through the first year of your life? Oh, I just can't wait to see what's in store for you :)

According to our measurements at home, you are 15 lbs, 14 oz and 25-3/4 inches long. We'll update with your official stats after your appointment on Tuesday.

A few 3-6 Month and 6 Month clothes are what you are wearing these days. You wear size 2 diapers, but we'll switching you to size 3 when this last pack is empty. You are not wearing shoes just yet.

You are eating an average of 34 oz of formula a day, and you get 5-6 feedings a day total. You drink Similac formula, with a little mix of Similac AR to help with spit up. We do a mixture of the two formulas to make sure it helps with your spit up, but also keeps you from getting backed up in the other department. You started solids! You like oatmeal ok, but you're getting tired of it already. You've also tried green beans, apples, and prunes. Green beans are your least favorite, but you LOVE prunes. You're also having a hard time adjusting to solids on the other end, so hopefully we'll figure out how to help you :)

No major illnesses this month, (hurray! and *knocks on wood*), but your sissy did get a bad gash on her forehead last week. We ended up all going to the emergency room to get her stitches late at night. You only cried when sissy was crying during the stitches. Otherwise, you were very well behaved!

You sleep for about 9-1/2 to 10-1/2 hours most nights. Lately, you really fight going to bed as soon as your bottle is empty. I don't know if you're lonely in your room alone, or just what. However, after a little holding and rocking, you'll drift off and sleep through the night. For naps, you nap off and on with no real "schedule", but that seems to work for you. If you do nap, you usually sleep for about 45 minutes or so. You can nap even with lots of noise, and you like the fastest swing setting accompanied by lullaby music! You still like to sleep with your face mostly covered.

Bath time is just ok. I think you've realized you get a bottle afterwards, so you're not usually too fussy.

No teeth yet, but we think your bottom right tooth is almost out! We'll see what happens! You do not like teething pain at all though. You don't seem impressed with teething rings either. You want either a cold wash cloth, or our hands/fingers. Whatever works!

We are constantly complimented about how sweet and well behaved you are. You do get fussy from time to time, but overall have a sweet demeanor. When you want to talk, you chat up a storm! You smile at us, and I think you are just starting to realize your name.

Things you love: the jumperoo (if you're in the mood), being tickled, food (especially your bottle), watching brother make silly faces, getting attention from sissy, the octopus on your playmat, your bear lovie, your sound machine giraffe, and being held. You don't enjoy: being hungry, being tired, being in a chair or swing when you want to be held instead, and loud barking.

You can roll both directions, and have begun scooting around a bit. No crawling yet, but you definitely want to! Sitting up is still a little wobbly for you. You're getting better every day! You also learned how to click your tongue this week, and it is hilarious!

You seem to have more hair than either Jillian or David at this point. We also feel like your eyes are lighter as well.

Lottie, we just love having you in our family. You are precious, and cuddle-y, and such a good baby! We love your smile as well as your stink face. It's a priviledge to watch you grow and learn more about you. May the next 6 months be as enjoyable as the first 6! We love you, Sugie!

And now a few outtakes:

{Kicking up that foot}

{What a nice face, sweet Lottie ;)}

{I caught her mid sentence. Whatever she was saying, she wanted to be heard!}

{She leans right into the bear when I put her next to it!}

{Kisses}

{I don't know what she's looking at, but this face cracks me up!}

And a few comparisons :)

{Months 1-3}

{Months 4-6}

{Left: Jillian 6/2012 Middle: David 6/2014 Right: Lottie 2/2017}

{Read Jillian's 6 Month Update Here}
{Read David's 6 Month Update Here}