BB-3 Week 19 Update

Shortly after my post last week, I jumped on a plane, and headed to Las Vegas! My almost-sister-in-law wanted a bachelorette weekend there with as many of her friends as possible. {Which is funny, because if you met the group, (all 8 of us), Vegas isn't really our style. We had a few awkward moments, but overall had a good time doing more "classy" things like brunch, and Cirque du Soleil} I had a fun 48 hour trip, and I met some really nice people! I'm just excited that the wedding is almost here :) Other than that, we've had a challenging week parenting-wise while everyone adjusted to regular life again. Hopefully our appointment with Jillian's counselor today will prove to be helpful. It's hard to believe the big ultrasound is soon! I'm a little bummed I have to wait almost 2 weeks to find out myself, but I know it'll be worth it. It's just hard when Phil knows something I don't ;) Be sure to vote on the side of what gender you think BB-3 is, because that'll be included in a special post tomorrow!

Today's date: March 11, 2016

How far along: 19 Weeks 

Total weight gain: I gained a lot from my trip, so I'm at 6 pounds above prepregnancy weight. {Whoops!}

Size and growth of baby: BB-3 is the size of a mango, heirloom tomato, or (original) Gameboy! BB-3 is developing the protective coating of vernix. They also are working on developing all 5 senses this week {via}

Baby is a: baby! Phil finds out on the 14th, and I'll find out on my birthday :)

Maternity clothing: Still the same. I bought a few more pieces to round out my wardrobe, but I still need two pairs of shoes before I'm done. I also got a maternity swimsuit, which I'm sure will come in handy in the next few weeks!

Sleep: I am so so so so so tired. Even when I got a nice, leisurely nap over the weekend, it wasn't enough. I feel like I may never have energy this pregnancy to get stuff done :(

Movement: BB-3 is moving a little bit everyday! One time, they literally were rolling around, which made me queasy. Jillian only did that once, and I thought I was going to get sick. David never somersaulted like that.

Cravings/Aversions: Cravings were fruit (this is almost an obsession!), Twizzlers, beef jerky, caramel, and kettle corn. Aversions are: the smell of cooking meats, fish, pork, mushrooms, anything overly sweet, peanut butter, greasy food, mayo, rice, and anything that just happens to sound or smell awful at the time.

Morning Sickness: I felt great during my trip over the weekend, but I've been queasy off and on since I've been home. Not enough to worry about throwing up, but enough that I considered taking an old Zofran of mine just to be comfortable. Hopefully this subsides soon!

Symptoms: Sore boobs, lots of round ligament pain, thirsty, a little nausea, gassy, emotional, peeing a fair amount, headaches, tired feet, the beginnings of lower back pain, and feeling really tired.

Labor Signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

How this pregnancy is different than the first two: I was still sick with Jillian (though had the occasional moment with David), and also lost more weight with Jillian and David. I am way more tired. My cravings and aversions are a weird mixture from both of my previous pregnancies. BB-3 seems to be a quieter baby in utero... at least so far ;) I also never had spotting with the first two. {I did have a small amount of spotting right before I got on my plane for my trip, but it never showed back up!}

The best moment of this past week: Having a fun and safe trip to Vegas for my almost-sister-in-law's bachelorette party, getting home because I missed my family/I'm a terrible flier, getting some news about a possible trip in May, and being able to smell/taste again!! {I'm still only at about 60-70% for both, but hey, that's progress!}

What I miss: Besides my parents, nothing :)

I'm looking forward to: My ultrasound on the 14th, my birthday, the possibility of a cool trip with Phil, seeing my folks again someday, and my brother's wedding in April!

{Jillian's Week 19 Update}
{David's Week 19 Update}

Bump Comparison:

{Left: Jillian 2011 Middle: David 2013 Right: BB-3 2016}

BB-3 Week 18 Update

I've had to battle a cold all this week. I think I'm finally almost over it, but boy was it rough going! I was a mouth breather for at least 4 days, and I had to make myself eat because I just wasn't hungry at all. Poor BB-3! Anyways, I'm finally getting better. David's cold became a double ear infection, but he's doing better now. Now I hear Type A Flu is going around, including at church! Is sick season over yet?!?

Today's date: March 4, 2016

How far along: 18 Weeks 

Total weight gain: I lost this week because of my cold. I am at 3 pounds gained.

Size and growth of baby: BB-3 is the size of a sweet potato or bell pepper! BB-3 is becoming amazingly mobile, passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking, and swallowing. They also have unique finger and toe prints {via}

Baby is a: baby! Phil finds out on the 14th, and I'll find out on my birthday!* (see note below)

Maternity clothing: Still the same. I wear maternity pants consistently, but shirts are still a mix of maternity and regular. I just have a few things to complete my wardrobe, and I'll be all set. Well, until I'm too big/it's too hot to wear much of anything!

Sleep: I slept decently at night, even when I was sick. However, I'm still so so so tired, and could really use a nap everyday. I never get one, but I most certainly could use it.

Movement: BB-3 had a few quiet days when I was sick, but I've felt some good movements the last 2 days! I have Phil put his hand on my belly every night, and he can usually feel something :)

Cravings/Aversions: Cravings were not around this week, but I just wasn't hungry. Aversions are: the smell of cooking meats, fish, pork, mushrooms, anything overly sweet, peanut butter, greasy food, mayo (sometimes), rice, and anything that just happens to sound awful at the time. Luckily, the aversions didn't get to me, because I couldn't smell this week! I also couldn't taste anything I ate...

Morning Sickness: I got queasy a few times from my cold, but otherwise I felt ok morning sickness-wise. I was sick, just not with that type ;)

Symptoms: Sore boobs, lots of stretching and round ligament pain, thirsty, a little nausea, peeing a fair amount, headaches, a nasty cold this week, and feeling really tired.

Labor Signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

How this pregnancy is different than the first two: I was still sick with Jillian (though had the occasional moment with David), and also lost more weight with Jillian and David. I feel like I'm way more tired. My cravings and aversions are a weird mixture from both of my previous pregnancies. I also never had spotting with the first two. I also don't recall having such a bad cold to battle with either pregnancy before this one.

The best moment of this past week: Getting a Mom Mobile, feeling some good movement, finally breathing through my nose a little more, and hearing some good news that was an answer to prayers!

What I miss: Besides my parents, nothing :)

I'm looking forward to: My ultrasound on the 14th, the girl's weekend I'm going to soon, seeing my folks again someday, and my brother's wedding in April!

{Jillian's Week 18 Update}
{David's Week 18 Update}

Bump Comparison:

{Left: Jillian 2011 Middle: David 2013 Right: BB-3 2016}

*I do have some "bad" news on the gender front. Phil and I have decided that we are going to find out the gender, but we'll keep it our secret until the baby is here. We will share our name choices, as well as our gender guesses before the ultrasound. Now, of course, if we slip, I'll announce it here. Also, if Jillian ever figures it out, it'll be game over as well! LOL So just know that we don't have plans to publicly share that info as of now. If that changes, I'll be sure to include y'all :)

February Highlights

Another quiet month simply because we had so many illnesses going around. They kids even passed a stomach bug to each other that luckily missed the adults. However, colds came back with a vengeance, and no soul, (besides the dog), was spared! Here are the few highlights of our month.

{Sickies selfie. This was the stomach bug phase :(}
{We bought the movie "Dumbo," and Jillian and Davey both really like it}

{I don't even know how he did this! LOL}

{Poor Olive! She was needing some stimulation since we were stuck indoors for weeks this winter :(}

{I will say this: we adopted her because we figured she'd be a good match for our family. Little did we know, she is the perfect dog for us. She is so good with the kids, and I can't believe she's as laid back with them as she is. She gets some really strong hugs, sometimes some swipes from David, and didn't even snap or growl at David when he took food from her dish, (while she was eating), to try it for himself. She's the best, and we're so glad she's a member of our family!}

{My little artist! She loves to paint, and she worked hard to have good reports the entire week at preschool!}

{Jillian had a great Valentine's Day party at school, then rocked her 4 year well check that required 4 shots in her leg. She was really sore the next day, but now she doesn't need any shots, (minus her annual flu shot), until she's 11 years old!}

{I got all the ingredients together to try a new pregnancy friendly smoothie. Just when I went to hit the button, the power went out. It was only out for about 3 hours, but I was still annoyed!}

{David's pencil stab wound}

{He had a mechanical pencil from my ken ken puzzle book in his hand. He pretended to fall on my bed while holding it. As I started to ask for the pencil if he was going to do that, he did it a second time, and, you guessed it, he stabbed himself with it. Now he is not allowed to hold a pencil in his hand until I feel he's ready!}

{Helicopter looking at the wildfire across the street from our neighborhood. Lots of fires going on because it's pretty dry around here! This is the closest I've ever been to a wildfire, but I wasn't worried about it coming to our neighborhood}

{The preschool at church was going to toss this, so we were offered this slide. The kids don't play on it much, but I'm sure if we gave it away, they'd ask for it!}

{This is not David's first offense. I'm sure it won't be his last either}

{The kiddos certainly love their daddy :) <3}

{This was Phil's selfie to prove he wasn't mugged in the parking lot of the grocery store! HAHA So thankful for a husband who puts up with my crazy, pregnant or not ;)}

{This is our family according to Jillian. Originally she had Daddy, herself, Olive, and the baby, (you know, outside of my tummy). When I asked where David and I were, she responded with, "Oh! I forgot Davey!" Thanks darling daughter. She did add me too. It's nice to know she loves the baby so much that she already sees them as a separate person from mommy}

{Good report at preschool, so another lemonade treat!}

{I tried a new kind of grapefruit from the health food store. It was slightly sweeter, and really delicious. Glad I bought two!}

{Went to the zoo with friends, and had a nice time! I was worried it might be too cold, but the weather turned out perfect!}

{Lots of cold symptoms that would just not let up for me. I tried Breathe Right strips for the first time. It helped a little, but I wasn't super impressed. If nothing else, I think it saved Phil from my snoring for awhile ;)}

BB-3 Week 17 Update

Overall, this week was a little better. Not only did I get to the doctor and got some face to face reassurance, I also felt so relieved to make it to week 17. I think after a short trip I'm taking next weekend comes and goes with nothing happening, then I'll be a little more at ease. Jillian has been sick for most of the week, but we did everything we could to give her the care she needed. It sounds like a nasty virus that David seems to be showing signs of as of dinner time. She's on the mend, and hope it passes through David quickly! Also, I look super happy in the photos because we got news that Phil may have to leave town for work for a few days. Not a big deal, except for the fact that he'd be coming home on my birthday. At least he'll be there for part of it? It's still not ideal, and upset me :(

Today's date: February 26, 2016

How far along: 17 Weeks 

Total weight gain: I have gained 3.5 pounds.

Size and growth of baby: BB-3 is the size of an onion or a pomegranate! Cartilage is hardening into bone, fat is starting to accumulate, and the umbilical chord is getting thicker and stronger :) {via}

Baby is a: baby! In just over 2 weeks, we'll have the ultrasound to find out! I'll give more details about all that later.

Maternity clothing: Still the same. I wear maternity pants consistently, but shirts are still a mix of maternity and regular. I feel like I'm just now showing, but even then it's not really noticeable. I'm sure I'll be wearing non maternity shirts comfortably for a while longer.

Sleep: I'm still exhausted. Between Jillian coughing at night before getting sick, and just general tiredness from being pregnant while chase 2 active kiddos at home, I have a feeling this will be a continual symptom.

Movement: I feel something most nights! Even if I don't feel it strongly, Phil can feel rolling around and stuff as we lay in bed. Also, I either had a muscle spasm, or BB-3 had their first round of hiccups :)

Cravings/Aversions: Cravings are fresh fruit, spicy food, caramel, and salad. Aversions are: the smell of cooking meats, fish, pork (including bacon), mushrooms, anything overly sweet, peanut butter, greasy food, mayo (sometimes), rice, and anything that just happens to sound awful at the time.

Morning Sickness: I felt pretty good most of this week! However, I've had about 3 nights in a row where I'll get sick to my stomach around bedtime. I only got nervous that I'd throw up one time, but it passed before anything happened.

Symptoms: Sore boobs, lots of stretching and sensations as my uterus grows, thirsty, round ligament pain (especially when I sneeze), a little nausea, peeing a fair amount, headaches, and feeling really tired.

Labor Signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

How this pregnancy is different than the first two: I was still really sick, and also lost more weight with Jillian and David. I feel like I'm way more tired. My cravings and aversions are a weird mixture from both of my previous pregnancies. I also never had spotting with the first two.

The best moment of this past week: Hearing BB-3's heartbeat, and confirming that everything is still going well!

What I miss: Besides my parents, nothing :)

I'm looking forward to: My ultrasound on the 14th, the girl's weekend I'm going to next weekend, seeing my folks again someday, and my brother's wedding in April!

{Jillian's Week 17 Update}
{David's Week 17 Update}

Bump Comparison:

{Left: Jillian 2011 Middle: David 2013 Right: BB-3 2016}

BB-3 Week 16 Update

This week, I've been more emotional than normal. I was starting to get scared that maybe my post-partum depression was going to manifest during pregnancy. However, after consulting with a few of my trusted sources, I think I was just having a harder week than usual. {More on that below} I know having the depression wouldn't be the end of the world, but I am incredibly worried about going on any medication due to a very specific heart defect that may result from the medicine. For now, I'm just looking more towards my Savior in hopes that he will continue to bring people in my life that can help me get through this rough patch. {Like the poor woman in my bible study that asked me a simple question, and I ended up bawling. Thankfully she didn't run away, and we had a really good conversation!}

I'm also going to talk about something that happened last night up here instead of in the update. It's a little TMI, so be prepared. Also, in case you've had this happen yourself, this may be a trigger, so be warned.

Due to my history of fertility issues, once I became pregnant with Jillian, I would check for bleeding/spotting every single time I went to the bathroom. {And trust me, that's checking several times a day} This continued until she was delivered. Then when I was pregnant with David, I did the same thing. It's almost second nature to me now. With BB-3, it has not been any different. Well, that is until last night.

After choir practice, I took Jillian with me to the restroom before we got in the car to head home. She went first, then I did. When I wiped, I had some light brown on the toilet paper piece. When I wiped again, a large piece of dark brown cervical mucus came out. I've never had anything like this, even when I was warned I could have spotting at various times. The entire pregnancy for Jillian and David, I never had anything even close to this. I tried to remind myself of my small subchorionic hematoma, but it was becoming increasingly harder to remain calm. We made it home, where I proceeded to worry about every feeling and twinge in my body. It never did start actively bleeding, and it was always a shade of brown. I did ask Phil to pray with me before bed, because I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep at all without doing that first.

This morning, I emailed my doctor. I have an appointment Wednesday, but I knew I wouldn't last that long without consulting her. It sounds like, as long as it's brown, and never becomes period like bleeding, BB-3 and I will be ok. I think hearing the heartbeat on Wednesday will help too. It was just really scary to look, and actually see something this time. I feel a little more at ease now, but I'm probably going to be extra sensitive for the rest of this pregnancy. I was just not expecting this to happen.

Today's date: February 19, 2016

How far along: 16 Weeks 

Total weight gain: I maintained this week, so I'm at 2.5 pounds gained

Size and growth of baby: BB-3 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. {Hope they like spicy food ;)} BB-3 has eyelashes and eyebrows {via}

Baby is a: baby! At my appointment on Wednesday, I should be able to schedule my ultrasound! I have a guess, but I'll save that for another post :)

Maternity clothing: Still the same. I wear maternity pants consistently, but shirts are still a mix of maternity and regular. I feel like I'm just now showing, but even then it's not really noticeable. I'm sure I'll be wearing non maternity shirts comfortably for awhile longer.

Sleep: I'm still really tired, no matter how long I get sleep. I think it's due in part to some of the nightmares I've been having. A few happened between 5 am, (when David will wake up the first time), and 7 am. They may be short, but they are always intense. I certainly didn't miss this part of pregnancy!

Movement: I feel something about 3 times a week. Phil may have felt a little "shift" in my tummy the other day, but no real big movements. That's a few more weeks before I feel stuff like that.

Cravings/Aversions: Cravings are Hot Cheetos, lime anything, fresh fruit, spicy food, Coke Icee, and salad. Aversions are: the smell of cooking meats, fish, pork (including bacon), mushrooms, anything overly sweet, peanut butter, greasy food, mayo (sometimes), rice, and anything that just happens to sound awful at the time.

Morning Sickness: I felt pretty good most of this week! Just certain smells made my stomach flip-flop. 

Symptoms: Sore boobs, brown spotting, lots of stretching and sensations as my uterus grows, thirsty, round ligament pain (especially when I sneeze), a little nausea, peeing a fair amount, headaches, and feeling really tired.

Labor Signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

How this pregnancy is different than the first two: I was still really sick, and also lost more weight with Jillian and David. I feel like I'm way more tired. My cravings and aversions are a weird mixture from both of my previous pregnancies. I also never had spotting with the first two.

The best moment of this past week: Connecting with someone at bible study, getting reassurance from my doctor, and feeling more movement.

What I miss: Besides my parents, nothing :)

I'm looking forward to: My next appointment, scheduling the big ultrasound, starting workouts again, (whoops! Dropping the ball on that one!), seeing my folks again someday, and my brother's wedding in April!

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

Bump Comparison:

{Left: Jillian 2011 Middle: David 2013 Right: BB-3 2016}

2016 To Do List

The last few years, I've made a To Do List, {thanks to my love of lists ;)}, along with a scripture and word for the year. After a lot of thought, I have decided to just do a To Do List. In the last few years, I feel like, although I picked some good scriptures and words, I am just not able to truly focus on either. I'm sure it's partially due to the fact that I don't spend enough time praying or spiritually reflecting. However, until my life gets a little less crazy, I feel it is better for me to just have the To-Do List :)

2016 To Do List
1) Install Ceiling Fans in 4 rooms
2) Get my brother married
3) Visit Wisconsin
4) Have a healthy baby
5) Buy a mini van {Bought in March - post here}
6) Fund raise for Jillian's Cochlear Implant & Surgery
7) Have Jillian get a cochlear implant
8) Write a prayer for each member of my family
9) Make a home binder
10) Look into earthquake insurance
11) Go on 4 dates with Phil*
12) Treat myself to a haircut, massage or pedicure 4 times

*A date is defined by the following factors: 1. I take a shower, style my hair, and put on make-up, 2. someone watches the kids for more than 90 minutes, and we are not in the same building for the full 90 minutes, 3. a food item must be consumed at some point before going home, 4. I cannot suggest we run errands or go to Target, and 5. we must take the car, and not the mini van to our destination.

BB-3 Week 15 Update

This week was better, but busy! I had lots to do, but everything got done, and everyone stayed alive. {Trust me, that was a challenge this week :-/} I would say this pregnancy is flying by, but it seems like the days are slow, but the weeks are fast. It's hard to imagine in about a month I'll be halfway there! Considering I figured out I was pregnant at 3 weeks and 6 days, it feels like I've been pregnant forever!

Today's date: February 12, 2016

How far along: 15 Weeks 

Total weight gain: I lost a little this week, so I'm at 2.5 pounds above my pre-pregnancy weight. I figure, as long as I'm eating as best I can, and taking my prenatal vitamins, I should be ok!

Size and growth of baby: BB-3 is the size of an naval orange, or a multi-tool! 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! In less than 2 weeks, I should be able to make the appointment :D

Maternity clothing: I wear maternity pants consistently, but shirts are still a mix of maternity and regular.

Sleep: Better this week. I slept really hard the last two nights. I wish I could nap in the afternoons because I'm still pretty fatigued, but having two little ones is not conducive to that. Oh well!

Movement: I feel something every so often, but it's not everyday. I do get worried at times, but only because David was more active at this point. Maybe this is our mellow child! *crosses fingers*

Cravings/Aversions: Cravings are Taco Bell (cheesy gordita crunch), lime anything, Mexican food, fresh fruit, spicy food, Coke Icee, and salad. I also eat the same breakfast about every morning: hot chocolate, a bowl of Cocoa Pebbles or maple and brown sugar oatmeal, and a plain bagel with strawberry cream cheese. Aversions are: the smell of cooking meats (especially fish), pork (including bacon), mushrooms, anything overly sweet, peanut butter, greasy food, and anything that just happens to sound awful at the time.

Morning Sickness: I had a few days where I didn't feel "sick" per say, but I definitely felt off. I'm over it now :)

Symptoms: Sore/heavy boobs, lots of stretching and sensations as my uterus grows, thirsty, round ligament pain (especially when I sneeze), a little heartburn, a little nausea, peeing a fair amount, headaches, and feeling really tired.

Labor Signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

How this pregnancy is different than the first two: I was still really sick, and also lost more weight with Jillian and David. I feel like I'm way more tired. My cravings and aversions are a weird mixture from both of my previous pregnancies.  

The best moment of this past week: Getting through another week! (It was a dozy!)

What I miss: Nothing at all!

I'm looking forward to: My next appointment, scheduling the big ultrasound soon, starting workouts again, seeing my folks again someday, and my brother's wedding in April!

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

Bump Comparison:

{Left: Jillian 2011 Middle: David 2013 Right: BB-3 2016}