BB-3 Week 29 Update

First of all, I want to wish my wonderful hubby a happy birthday! He's 32 this year, and looking better than ever :)
I had a good doctor's appointment where BB-3's heart rate was 132, my blood pressure was 118/72, and doctor still thinks everything is going well! I did have to get a Tdap booster, so my arm is just now feeling better. I don't think I'll get to have a flu shot before BB-3 is born, so whatever I can do for BB-3, I will. I forgot to ask about the chiropractor, so I may just ask the chiropractor if he can move the table so I don't have to lay on my stomach without modulation next month. I feel like I'm too big to do it the normal way anymore. I'm sure if I'm polite about it, it won't be a big deal :) Plus, I never know if he remembers I'm pregnant or not.
Also, over the weekend, Phil and I had to do a quick road trip to Kansas City to do some business for our trip to France. His folks watched the kids, but we had to wake up super early to get there in time. It was a long day in the car, but that is the longest we've been together sans kids since Jillian was a 1 year-old. I had a good time with Phil, and now we have lots of new inside jokes ;)

Today's date: May 20, 2016

How far along: 29 Weeks

Total weight gain: 24 pounds

Size and growth of baby: BB-3 is the size of an acorn squash, a Hawaiian pineapple, a Barbie convertible, or a fougasse! They are between 2-3/4 and 3 pounds, and about 15 inches long. BB-3 is squirming around and growing rapidly! They are growing white fat deposits under their skin, which is making energy surge. BB-3's movements are giving a sneak peek to their personality, (which seems to be a mix of their siblings! Lots of squirms in the morning and evening, quiet during the day, and loving attention from their daddy). Feeling a subtle twitch? It could be hiccuping! {via}

Baby is a: baby!

Maternity clothing: All maternity, except for bedtime where I wear XXL shirts. 

Sleep: I fell asleep at 9 pm the other night, and it was glorious! I usually don't fall asleep until closer to midnight, no matter how tired I am. Thank goodness for my Snoogle, because I doubt I'd be comfortable at all at night. I have to switch sides a few times a night because my arm or neck will be sore from sleeping hard. I usually fall back asleep easily. Unless I've had lots to drink right before bed, I don't usually have to get up for the bathroom, which is nice. (I figure that's due to being in the habit of drinking a gallon of water a day before I got pregnant. My bladder control is still pretty good!) If I've ever accidently taken a nap, the kids get into stuff, so I have to keep myself awake during the day.

Movement: I started kick counts this week. I do it once in the morning, and once at night. So far, BB-3 is just like their siblings, and gets the 10 counts in 1 hour easily. I think the new recommendation is 10 kick in 2 hours, but I don't know if that'll ever be a problem. We make squirmy babies!

Cravings/Aversions: I craved sour dough bread (with and without jam), spicy food, Coke Icee, and fruit (especially fresh cherries and strawberries!). Aversions are raw meat (I can cook with it, but I can't be around it for longer than sticking it into whatever it's being cooked in), pork, rice, peanut butter, curry, and mushrooms. I made a curry dish for dinner this week, and between the curry and coconut milk, BB-3 was not having it! So I had cereal, then a taco after the kids were in bed.

Morning Sickness: Only if I smell something BB-3 hates!

Symptoms: Big baby bump, bump feeling heavy, out of breath, baby kicks, sore boobs, round ligament pain, pimples, really gassy (sorry family!), nesting, tired feet, mild heartburn, pelvic pain, feet no longer in sight, nose being on the edge of a bleed, and tired, yet not going to sleep right away.

Labor Signs: None for now

Belly button in or out: In

How this pregnancy is different than the first two: No medicine, more weight gain, more anxiety, more out-of-breath feelings, crazy mix of cravings and aversions from both previous pregnancies, more nasal issues, more dental issues, more exhaustion, and more painful pelvic sensations.

The best moment of this past week: Getting to-do list stuff done, having a few sweet moments with the kids (which is rare nowadays), and spending some one on one time with Phil!

What I miss: Not much :)

I'm looking forward to: Travel plans, summer time, more fresh fruit, and starting my appointments every two weeks!

{Jillian's Week 29 Update}
{David's Week 29 Update}

Bump Comparison:

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

BB-3 Bump Comparison:

BB-3 Week 28 Update

I know I was a bit on the dramatic side with my vlog yesterday. It was meant to be somewhat light-hearted, but I had just finished a round of discipline with Jillian where she accused me of being a mean mommy. She is literally calling myself, and Phil, mean parents if we follow through on any consequence that we give her warnings for. First of all, thank you for all the comments and texts, as well as thoughts, prayers, and hugs you mentally sent my way. It means a lot to me, and I know I just need to just keep doing what I'm doing. I've got so much going on that I have to do physically, emotionally, and mentally for the next month, so I think I'm just overwhelmed. It's when I'm overwhelmed and tired that I tend to be the most fearful about everything else in my life. One more week of preschool for Jillian, and a little more time before our big trip, and hopefully I'll get the mental reset that I desperately need. Secondly, even though I just saw them, I still really miss my parents lately. I'm not 100% sure, but I think it has to do with the shift that came once I realized my last grandparent was gone. It just makes me feel like my time with them is that much more precious than before!

Today's date: May 13, 2016

How far along: 28 Weeks {Officially the 3rd trimester!! :D}

Total weight gain: 22 pounds

Size and growth of baby: BB-3 is the size of a large eggplant, tropical coconut, or Couronne Bread! {In case you're curious, I've been using the Ovia pregnancy app, and the setting is on Parisian Bakery for BB-3's size every week. Hence the random bakery items ;)} They are around 2-3/4 pounds, and nearly 15 inches long. BB-3 can blink and notice light in the womb. Their lungs are developed enough that they could survive outside of the womb, (with lots of medical intervention). BB-3 is continuing to fatten up and get some chubby cheeks like their siblings :) {via and via}

Baby is a: baby!

Maternity clothing: All maternity, except for bedtime. 

Sleep: I feel so exhausted. The few times I do have energy, my body will be aching, so I can hardly do anything. I woke up at 3:30 this morning to pee, but otherwise I just move positions about 4-5 times a night and fall back asleep. I haven't been tired enough to go to bed until nearly midnight the last 3 days. Hopefully that changes! I accidently took a 5 minute nap the other day, and the kids were getting into things that were potentially unsafe, (like medicine and toothpaste). So no more naps if I can help it until they start listening to me. {HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA *gasp* HAHAHAHAHAHAHA}

Movement: BB-3 moves every day, and close to the same time every day. I notice quieter times or days, but I officially start kick counts after my appointment on Tuesday. I have no worries that BB-3 will do well with those. Like I mentioned in my vlog, sometimes there are movements like are more like vibrations for lack of a better term. I'm sure it's fine, but neither Jillian nor David ever did that. It's on my list for my doctor to ask about.

Cravings/Aversions: I craved sour dough bread (with and without jam), chocolate anything, and fruit. Aversions are raw meat (the smell!), pork, rice (the texture!), peanut butter (the smell AND texture!), and mushrooms.

Morning Sickness: No quesiness this week!

Symptoms: Big baby bump, bump feeling heavy, out of breath, baby kicks, sore boobs, round ligament pain, pimples (SO bad this week!), gassy, emotional, nesting, tired feet, a little lower back pain, heartburn, pelvic pain (pretty intense at times), feet no longer in sight, nasal sensitivity, and feeling really tired.

Labor Signs: A few Braxton Hicks, but that's all.

Belly button in or out: In

How this pregnancy is different than the first two: Less morning sickness, no medicine, more weight gain, more anxiety, more out-of-breath feelings, crazy mix of cravings and aversions from both previous pregnancies, more nasal issues, more dental issues, more exhaustion, and more painful pelvic sensations.

The best moment of this past week: Passing my glucose test, and surviving the week.

What I miss: Nothing at all

I'm looking forward to: Final week of school before summer, seeing my doctor and getting a few questions answered, finalizing some trip plans, and cleaning! {Yes, cleaning! I told you, nesting is in full force. I just physically can't do much}

{Jillian's Week 28 Update}
{David's Week 28 Update}

Bump Comparison:

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

BB-3 Bump Comparison:

Glucose Test Results and Why I Need Hugs

I feel like I've been silent all week, but it was for good reason. Let's start with some happy news first!

On Friday, I did my 1 hour glucose test. I got the results on Monday evening, so I made a vlog about it, just like I did with Jillian and David. {Gotta keep it fair amongst siblings!}


Like I said in the video, it's been rough parenting-wise yet again. It's even worse now because a) I have less patience thanks to all my extra hormones, and b) because of said hormones, anytime I get on to my children, I cry because I think I'm being a bad mom. So there's that.

I'm also starting to feel more and more like Jabba the Hut. Hear me out. I'm at the point where I'm getting stuck on the couch because it sinks so far back. I no longer have the muscle strength/capacity to do more than roll off the couch, so I'm usually stuck. {Plus, the doctor may not be, but I'm concerned with my weight gain, so I feel like I'm going to be humongous by the time BB-3 gets here} Then, because my kids are misbehaving, I'm using my outdoor voice to get my point across, and parent from the couch. That's why I'm feeling like Jabba.

Also, Mother's Day is still hard for me because it's not short of guilt. Guilt that all I want is time to myself instead of spending it with my kids. Guilt that Phil has to parent alone for that "me time" because I know how hard it is to do right now. Guilt that I can't see my own mother or MIL on the actual day. Guilt that I didn't get them a better gift. And so on, and so on, and so on. This is a cross between my personality and hormones (again). {Plus, Phil is an awesome husband, but unless I specifically ask for something, like a card, I usually don't get it. He makes sure I get what I need, but he doesn't always think of things like cards. Don't misunderstand, he does PLENTY of other things well! So lesson learned on my part for that one.}

Then, I recently read an article on People.com (no judgies!) written by a celebrity. I don't always click on these, but this one seemed like something I could relate to. Boy, was I right! The article, written by Eva Amurri Martino, hit a nerve I knew was already there. It basically states exactly how I feel right now.

I am incredible grateful and thankful to be carrying BB-3, but I'm also terrified. I'm scared every single day. Now, fear may not win everyday, but some days it does. Those are the days that poor Phil gets calls, my poor mom gets calls, and my poor kids get the shorter end of my patience. I still have yet to have a moment of true peace about this pregnancy. Yet, so far, everything is going well. My blood count is good, no gestational diabetes, no birth defects, no heart defects, good blood pressure, decent weight gain, movement, and even with the bleeding episode at week 15, nothing to worry the doctor whatsoever. She's allowing me to travel to Europe for crying out loud. Why can't I be at peace? Why can't I seem to be as calm as everyone else about it. Why am I waiting for something to pop up? Then, of course, I made the mistake of reading some birth stories online, and a few really scared me. One of them involved a woman delivering her 6th baby. All the other 5 deliveries before that were smooth, easy, and full of health for mama and baby. Yet with this baby, she had a worry in the back of her mind. In the end, baby had some trouble breathing, and had to be in the NICU a few days. Baby is healthy and thriving now, but the mom felt like maybe God was preparing her for that little hiccup in the beginning. So, of course, I am now really freaked out. Is God preparing me for something? Will I give birth in France or Spain? Will something happen?

So if you see me, please give me a hug. I need all the ones I can get right now. I have 1208468375619359375 things on my mind, and I can't seem to calm myself. If you're the prayer, or good vibes type, I'm down for that too. I keep thinking that, maybe if I improve my prayer life, I will be better. But I also know God is not a magic 8 ball, and that's not how it works. I may not get an answer until BB-3 is here. I may just have these doubts because I'm scared in general, not because I'm being prepared for something. Whatever the reason, a hug and a smile really lifts my spirit. Whether in person or electronically, send some my way, please?

Mother's Day 2016

Mother's Day was not very exciting for me. I wanted a little alone time to crochet, and instead of going to a movie by myself, the weather was supposed to turn severe. I ended up just staying home. My heart was heavy, and I was feeling a little guilty, but I was able to have a few moments where I really thought about the mothers in my life. Those that raised me, those that saw me through various points in my life, and those that are a constant force of Godly guidance. I was thankful for every one of them, and so very thankful for those little ones who call me "mom" as well. This season of mothering is hard, but I know it'll be a point that I'll miss some day. A few hugs is all I need to be reminded that I'm doing my best :)

Here are the few pictures I took for Mother's Day 2016:

{My sweet ones}

{If this doesn't describe the current season we're in, I'm not sure what would!}

{Jillian sprawled out on the floor in the back of the sanctuary with the flower she was supposed to give to me. She decided it must be for her, and only gave it to me when...}

{the stem broke... twice. Happy Mother's Day to me! LOL}

BB-3 Week 27 Update

3 months until D-Day for BB-3. How crazy is that?!

This week had a few extra challenges. We're coming off of a really rough week behavioral/parenting-wise, and I've been having more physical pains this week now that I'm so far along. I also did my 1 hour glucose test this morning, so hopefully I will find out if I passed on Monday. Just in case, I'm going to live it up with carbs over the weekend ;)

Today's date: May 6, 2016

How far along: 27 Weeks

Total weight gain: 19 pounds

Size and growth of baby: BB-3 is the size of a head of cauliflower, or a Charlotte Royale! They are around 2-1/2 pounds, and 14-1/2 inches long. Their taste buds are more numerous now than they will be at birth, so BB-3 can really taste what I'm eating via the amniotic fluid. BB-3's brain is showing activity as it becomes more complex. {via}

Baby is a: baby!

Maternity clothing: All maternity, except for bedtime. 

Sleep: I am tired, and going to sleep ok for now. I could use a nap, but that never happens without repercussions since the kids won't even sit still for "quiet time" these days. At night, even if I'm tired, I never fall asleep right away. I prefer laying on my right side, even though I know the left is better circulation-wise. I usually end up on my back at some point, but will always move before it hurts me or BB-3. Also, I never need to pee until 5 am at the earliest, but my lower abs hurt from the pressure of my bladder. I'd pee sooner if my body would let me!

Movement: BB-3 had a quieter week than last week, but I can still feel and see movements a few times every day. It's fun to watch them move, and I love how they snuggle up to Phil's hand when he talks to them before bed. 

Cravings/Aversions: I craved strawberries, sour dough bread, Cheesy Gordita Crunches, and Coke Icees.. Aversions are raw meat, pork, rice, peanut butter, and mushrooms.

Morning Sickness: Felt good all week! My aversions make me gag a little, and hearing people gag or throw up on TV makes me feel like I'm going to, but I'm not actually worried about throwing up. I can't believe I've gone 6 months completely Zofran-free! That would have been unheard of for Jillian's pregnancy!

Symptoms: Big baby bump, baby kicks, sore boobs, round ligament pain, pimples, gassy, emotional, nesting, tired feet, a little lower back pain, heartburn, pelvic pain, swollen gums, feet no longer in sight, nasal sensitivity, and feeling really tired.

Labor Signs: I had a few Braxton Hicks this week, but I can definitely tell that's what it is.

Belly button in or out: In

How this pregnancy is different than the first two: Less morning sickness, no medicine, more weight gain, more anxiety, more out-of-breath, crazy mix of cravings and aversions from both previous pregnancies, more nasal issues, more dental issues, more exhaustion, and more painful pelvic sensations.

The best moment of this past week: Having a weekend at home, and getting back to normal just in time to change to a summer schedule ;)

What I miss: Nothing at all

I'm looking forward to: Finding out my glucose test results, planning our trip for France/Spain, and knowing we are about to enter the last trimester!

{Jillian's Week 27 Update}
{David's Week 27 Update}

Bump Comparison:

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

BB-3 Bump Comparison:

April Highlights

I knew going into April that it would be a busy month. However, things got really crazy starting in the middle. Here are the highlights of the month:

{We started the month with Phil in Pittsburgh for work. He technically left in March, but didn't return until April. It's always sad to see so many states between us!}

{I was craving a strawberry shake, so I treated myself. However, I got so cold that I had to put on socks and wrap myself in a blanket to finish the shake. #pregoprobs}

{My skin has been really crazy thanks to hormones, so I also treated myself to a LUSH face mask! It not only helped a bit, it smelled delicious.}

{This is the obligatory duck face selfie}

{And a normal one just for kicks :)}

{This boy <3}

{2 is such a hard age, and he is really crabby/cranky some days. However, he'll have moments where cuddling and giggling while taking selfies is a thing. I love those moments :)}

{Another special booth test for Jillian in hopes of helping with a cochlear implant surgery. It didn't tell us anything we didn't already know. This time, we tried using a loaner hearing aid from the clinic. It did not work on any level. We knew it wouldn't, but it was something we needed to test for insurance purposes. Jillian was such a trooper, and I was super proud of her}

{Poor Olive had a rough start to the month. I fed her dinner one night, and she proceeded to throw up several times. She even threw up her breakfast the next morning. I wasn't sure what to make of it, so I called my mom on the way to take Jillian to preschool. While I was explaining to my mom what was going on, Jillian said nonchalantly that "Maybe I fed her too many gummy worms." Turns out, she had taken the nearly 1/2 pound bag of gummy worms into her bedroom, and let Olive eat as much as her little heart desired. Oh boy. So we called the vet who gave us some advice. Luckily we were able to treat her at home, and we didn't need to pump her stomach or pay for a stomach surgery. She is a lucky dog for sure. And FYI, gummy worms are banned from the house for now}

{I found this map someone made of the OKC Metro. It cracked me up!}

{Apparently my cheese block was too hard for this poor knife. We may need to start saving for a new set now...}

{No bodily harm was caused by the breakage}

{David found Jillian's eye patch I bought her when she was really into Octonauts. He wanted to be a pirate too! This is his "Arrrr!" face :)}

{I love that he kind of looks like a Goonie in this one!}

{Jillian was invited to a birthday party for a friend at school. She was excited ALL morning to go. They had pony rides the first hour of the party!}

{Jillian had a fun time at the party, but she was definitely mostly in love with this pony, Oreo}

{Got my hair done the weekend before my brother's wedding. The goal is eventually all blonde, but I'm taking it nice and slow ;)}

{I've gotten this soup twice from Panera and I really like it! I only took a picture because Phil handed me a fork. Thanks to Scrubs, all I could think of was "Fork! Me no eat soup!"}

{The kiddos waiting for my parents' late arrival. They drove all day Thursday from Wisconsin for the wedding, so I insisted that they come and sleep in our king sized bed. This is blurry, but it was so true to form. The kids were beyond excited to see Jemma and Gee-Chaz since our last face-to-face meeting was Thanksgiving}

{I already shared a post about my brother's wedding, but I did take this screenshot on my phone. I remember putting in their wedding date on this event countdown months and months ago. It was awesome to finally see it was the day!}

{We all took Jillian to her soccer class, then we had a special morning snack at Krispy Kreme. I love that it's a snack AND entertainment :)}

{My grandma passed away 3 days before my brother's wedding. Because of that, my mom and I drove with the kids to Iowa 3 days after the wedding to go to her funeral. My dad left a day earlier because my folks had rented a car and needed to return it before joining us in Iowa. The first full day we were there, my mom found this cool children's museum that opened recently. David LOVED the food area. They had crops, chickens, cows, pigs, a market, and an ice cream parlor that were all interactive. It was a neat place! Jillian has already asked to go back :)}

{This is Jillian during one of the few times we got her away from a water table. She was soaking wet! However, she had a blast, which is what was important. Minus the meltdowns when it was time to leave, we had a great time. Plus, with my mom there, we could both focus on one kid and gave them some individual attention, which is rare nowadays}

{We had a lovely memorial service for my grandma. I really wanted to drive past my grandparents' old house before I went back to the hotel. My grandma moved out years ago, but I have such fond memories of that house. I had to take a quick picture before we left <3}

{Davey surprised us all and took a 2-1/2 hour nap after the service! We didn't question it, and I think it really helped him not be so cranky at the family dinner we had at my aunt's house that evening. I just love how he slept with one foot in the air for an hour}

{I was allowed to take a yellow rose from the arrangement on my grandma's casket before they took it away. She'll be buried next to my grandpa in California. She may not have been perfect, but she was a wonderful woman. She and I will be connected as long as I live, and I'm so thankful for the time I had with her. It also makes me very thankful for the relationship I have with my mom}

{Jillian told me she had to draw a cross on her forehead so she could "remember that Jesus died on the cross for her." While I applaud that answer, I told her to use her finger from now on. What a smart cookie she is!}

{This just cracked me up! HAHAHA}

{We got our first round of severe weather for the season. For whatever reason, the station I usually watch was really over-emphasizing the fact that our tornado watch came with a PDS (potentially dangerous situation). While most severe storms are potentially dangerous in my opinion, we went from worrying about hail and strong winds to being told there'd be a large, (EF-4), tornado most likely in our area. I tuned in to Channel 9, and they were being much calmer, and more straight-forward with what was going on. I felt much more at ease watching them, so I did. This was just before things got really ramped up}

{View of some really nasty clouds headed our way}

{There was a small tornado just west of us that ended up just spinning in the clouds above our neighborhood. To be safe, we went into the closet, where I told the kids we'd be watching "Little Bear" on the iPad while wearing our special helmets. They didn't seemed bothered, except when the lights flickered a few times. We didn't hear much thunder while we were in the closet, which was good for them. There was a small tornado that popped up once the storms moved past us, but we were safe. I'm not looking forward to doing this much more. I told Phil that I really want a storm shelter for next season. We'll see what happens :)}

{This week, Jillian had her Mother's Day Program at preschool! She did a great job with singing, and other surprises she gave me. However, I learned some new things about myself, (like my favorite restaurant is Wendy's?). Overall, it was a good day, I was happy to be with my girl!}

{This was a tweet from me the other day. I think it is self-explanatory! HAHAHA}

{I have a few different apps on my phone for BB-3. I really love this feature on the Ovia app, and I point it out to Phil every week. It's been so cool to watch the hand size go from a super tiny dot to this! I can't wait to hold those sweet hands in person soon <3}