19 Weeks with Baby Number 3

Currently 20 weeks and 5 days pregnant. 

And just for fun....a comparison. 19 weeks with Sam. 3rd pregnancies are no joke! ha ha! 

This Week:

19 weeks! Almost half way...weh! 

Baby This Week: 

Baby is the size of a game boy (?) right now. But I think there may be a growth spurt or something this week because I have been HUNGRY and tired! 

Maternity Clothes:

This hot weather has been a killer! My maternity work clothes are long sleeved so while I am OK when sitting in the office, it is BOILING when I step outside! Plus I have no shorts or t-shirts that fit me. So I've been trying to get away with Yoga pants and one of Ryan's t-shirts. I really want some cooler weather again so I can use my maternity jeans and leggings with sweaters. 

Stretch Marks/Weight: 

At my doctors appointment this week I was actually down a few pounds. This is likely due to my new gallbladder diet. 

As the belly moves upward and is getting bigger, my old stretch marks are turning more purple then the skin color they were. It's funny, last pregnancy I was lathering on the cream to "help" but this time I only put it on after a shower or when I'm itchy. It's just inevitable that I'm gonna have stretchmarks so I'm not going to waste time or money on products to prevent it. 

Movement:

SO much movement again this week. On the weekend I could feel maybe a leg above my belly button. If I lay still with my hand on my belly I can sometimes feel it from the outside but it's too sporadic for Ryan and Sam. 

Food Aversions/Cravings:

This week has all been about the new Gallbladder diet plan. It's not too bad yet. Basically, no greasy or fatty foods. Lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and lots of water. While this won't make the stones go away, hopefully it will keep attacks at bay. 

I am craving a BIG cinnamon bun dripping in cream cheese icing. Any fat free recipes you can share? ha ha! 

Symptoms:

Very hungry and tired this week. I woke up for the first time at midnight STARVING one night. I was too tired to get up to get something to eat however. I have been fighting a cold this week too which adds to the tiredness I'm sure. Also OVERHEATING with this heat wave. Props to you Momma's who are pregnant all summer long, it sucks. 

What I Miss:

Cold medicine. I would usually not take anything in the daytime but I loved taking nighttime NyQuil for a good nights sleep! Boo! 

Labor Signs/Health Update:

No Gallstone attacks this week which is great but also not expected as it was two weeks between my other two. Went for an ultrasound this week and doctors appointment. It was the anatomy scan which meant a nice and long look at baby! Everything is looking good and on track. Since they measure the baby via ultrasound every 2 weeks, they never do a belly measurement on me or use a doppler (as we see the heart beating). At the beginning of this pregnancy they gave me the option of a precautionary cerclage. Basically a "stitch" to keep everything closed. They didn't say it was necessary but that it was an option. The measured my cervix every appointment with no change but did give us (Ryan was there too) one last chance at a cerclage if it made us feel more comfortable as 19 weeks is the cut off as to the latest you can get one. We asked their medical opinions, talked pro's and cons and finally decided to decline. Pretty final. Now we pray and have faith that all will be good until the 24 week mark. 

Gender:

SO hard to stay team green this week during our ultrasound but we stayed firm in our decision. The general has actually been very helpful and courteous with this. Going above and beyond to make sure we don't know.  

Wedding Rings/Belly Button

No changes! Although with the heat I feel like my "work" wedding ring is getting tighter as it is half a size smaller then my good rings. 

What I'm Looking Forward To/Best Moment:

Ultrasound day! Getting my new Mom-mobile! I am now an official Minivan Momma! Bring on the sliding doors! Exciting week!

Daddy This Week:

Ryan was able to come with me to this last appointment which was awesome. It was a big ultrasound but with it being our busy season, it's harder for him to get away too. I actually like when Ryan comes for the ultrasounds. He is good all the time but after re-affirming and seeing the kid in my belly, for the next week or so he goes ABOVE and beyond his catering to me. ha ha! 

Big Brother Sam:

Sam has been going through a weird stage the last 2 weeks or so. He requests me for EVERYTHING and wants nothing to do with Ryan. I don't know if he is trying to get as much Mommy time in when he can or something. 

Wisdom:

Basements are cool. As in cold. Sleep in the basement when the temperature feels like 40 degrees outside. 

xo 

Weekend Recap - Maybe More Nesting Than I Planned

Happy Monday everyone! Holy smokes it was a hot one in this area! And I said it once and I'll say it again, SERIOUS props to you Momma's out there that are pregnant all summer long! It is DEADLY! I can't breath on good days but add in this heat and it is even worse. My fingers are swelling and I just feel like I am overheating in minutes. I REALLY want to break out my leggings and boots already! 

The weekend started out pretty exciting! After almost 6 years, we traded in the Ford Edge for a 2018 Kia Sedona. Yup, I'm officially a Minivan Mom now! I have loved minivans for their practicality for a long time and we even began looking when I was pregnant with baby number 2. But we finally bit the bullet rather then sink some money into my car this Fall. So why a van when technically we only have 2 kids? Well, we figured with future hockey equipment, friends and family, it would be a nice solution for fitting many people. Plus, I am super excited about putting a baby in and out of the car with sliding doors! Yes, this will be our last baby but we are still open to the possibility of a future adoption for us. Basically, it just made sense for our family for many reasons.  

Mr..."I'm never driving a van", driving the van! :) 

All week Sam has been doing a count down for the weekend. Mostly, I think he has just been excited to sleep in! Ryan had to work Saturday but Sam and I had a lazy morning of cartoons, breakfast and playing inside! 

I eventually convinced him to go outside for a few hours to enjoy the weather while it was still technically "cooler". He played himself out with his typical sandbox fun! We also did water on the farm too which involves RTV drives which helped keep us cool.  

I've been pretty adamant about not doing too much "get ready for baby" stuff and nesting until I reach the 24 week mark. I just don't want to jinx anything and doing that kind of stuff makes me feel like I am. 

But the lists have been running through my head. One item was to prepare the cloth diapers that I used for Sam. This is a pretty big job because it involves washing the outside and stripping the inserts. 

I woke up early on Saturday and decided it was the perfect day to accomplish this task because not only was I home all day, but the weather was PERFECT for hanging them on the line. They'd be dry in no time. I did a 2 hour wash cycle for the covers and then took the inserts outside in a big tub with boiling water, dawn soap and bleach and swirl it all around for 15 minutes and then let it sit for another 15. Wash the inserts on a hot cycle with an extra rinse, hang everything to dry and VOILA, literally like brand new! Even soft and perfectly white (thanks sun). I re-stuffed the diapers and made them into the smallest size (sooo cute). They are all ready and I feel glad to cross something off the list!  

Ryan got home after nap and we had a fun night of pizza by the pool, a swim and then a fire to enjoy before bed. It really calmed down Sam before bed and he was so snugly. 

Sunday was another scorcher! But we were up for church and our regular routine. Had to find some summer stuff to get away with to wear. My belly has grown substantially I find this last week. Sam just wanted to spend the afternoon inside playing with Duplo which was OK with me! 

How was your weekend? 

xo 

18 Weeks With Baby Number 3

Currently 19 Weeks, 6 Days 

This Week:

Made it to 18 weeks! Very relieved! 

Baby This Week: 

Baby is the size of a sling shot (?) according to my app. I feel like baby has really gotten stronger because movements have been very intense. 

Maternity Clothes:

Since I am pregnant around the same time as I was before with Sam, I am not finding it that hard to find something to wear. The hotter weather this week does make it more difficult though. I bought myself 3 new maternity pieces. 1 new pair of Skinny jeans that I LOVE! They were what I would call expensive but I go to them EVERY time I get dressed in something besides work clothes! I love them and consider the cost worth it. I also got a blouse that I am wearing in the above picture for 70% off and I've also got a cardigan that I plan on wearing post baby as well! 

Stretch Marks/Weight: 

At my last appointment at 17 weeks and some days, I was up 4 pounds then 2 weeks ago!! WOAH! I guess the Shawville Fair food got the best of me. Woops. 

Movement:

So much movement! Love that feeling. I am excited for when Sam (Ryan too! ha ha) can feel it from the outside! 

Food Aversions/Cravings:

French fries, meats...the usual. Because of it being Fall, I am cravings apple and pumpkin flavored things! 

A homemade "Fall" coffee at the office this week really hit the spot! 

Symptoms:

The headaches have subsided this week. Thankfully! The belly I feel is very pronounced now. Umm...the backed up thing that goes with pregnancy, not so fun! And I've been getting lots of heartburn this week. 

What I Miss:

Not a lot I miss actually! 

Labor Signs/Health Update:

Well I had an interesting week in the health department. At 18 weeks and 5 days, I woke up to INTENSE back and chest pain. I had experienced this about 2 weeks prior but thought it was just back spasms. Well it was back and I could hardly handle the pain. I was laying on cold floor, trying yoga poses, having sweats and chills and feeling sick! I called the nurse hotline and she told me to call an ambulance. I said no but we did head to the General right away. At first with the chest pains they were going to hook me up an EKG but after some pain meds, blood work and ultrasound, it turns out I have Gallstones and a lot of them. He referred me to a surgeon but he said they may not operate until after the baby comes. If/when another attack comes, I am to take pain meds to try and manage. I am trying to monitor my diet to hopefully keep attacks at bay. 

Gender:

Still team green! I think so far the vote for boy versus girl is taking the lead! 

Wedding Rings/Belly Button

No changes! 

What I'm Looking Forward To/Best Moment:

Well at over 18 weeks we got our ultrasound and baby was really putting on a show and again during the ultrasound for gallstones, the tech took a peak. 

Daddy This Week:

Poor Ryan had a rough week with my gallstone attack. He had to try and help me during the pain, and then drive me at 3 AM to the hospital during the attack. It must be so stressful for him to go through that. He proceeded to sit at the hospital in an uncomfortable chair for almost 12 hours waiting on the results. I sometimes complain about him, but truthfully he is such a strong man and great partner. Through this pregnancy he has really stepped up in helping around the house, with Sam and just being there for me. I asked him one night if he still would have married me if he knew what kind of trouble I would have with giving him children. Without hesitation he said that he would do everything exactly the same.

Big Brother Sam:

I was a little worried about my early morning/all day doctor visit and it worrying Sam. He is a sensitive and receptive little dude. As soon as I saw him, he asked where I was and I just told him, "Momma has rocks in her belly and doctor is going to make it better". Then proceeded with normal routine including the next morning. 

Wisdom:

When learning what my new diet would entail, I was at first a little depressed about all the food I would be missing. But after a little time on Pinterest, I found some new recipes and food ideas to make myself excited. I am trying to keep it positive and find food I will truly enjoy! 

xo 

17 Weeks Pregnant with Baby Number 3

17 Weeks

My new weeks land on Saturdays so updates are a little behind.

 I am currently 18 weeks and 6 days. 

This Week:

We made it! 17 weeks! Wow...I feel like I've been waiting for this milestone FOREVER! 

Baby This Week: 

Baby this week is apparently the size of a gaming remote. The cartilage is turning into bone and cord is getting stronger and thicker. 

Maternity Clothes:

I feel like I've been in maternity clothes forever. Third pregnancies are no joke! My body had no problem figuring out where to expand! But maternity clothes are SO comfortable so I am not complaining at least! Give me stretchy clothes and button-less pants ANYDAY! 

Stretch Marks/Weight: 

I've actually developed some new stretch marks around my boobs. They seem to be bigger this time then my previous two pregnancies. My weight was the same as my starting weight according to my last appointment about 1.5 weeks ago. Which is also surprising as usually I am down at this point. 

Movement:

I have been feeling "flutters" for quite some time but they are getting more distinct. I can feel when the baby moves from one end to the other (flipping) the most. 

Food Aversions/Cravings:

Pregnancy is so weird. This pregnancy I can't stand french fries. Or really anything deep fried in general really makes me feel yucky. I don't like meat either which has been consistent with previous pregnancies. I am really loving crisp cold veggies and fruit of any kind! Sweets for sure or the sweet and salty combination like chocolate covered pretzels. Yum! This week is the Shawville Fair and so I can't wait to get my usual favorites. Pizza, donuts and beavertail! 

Symptoms:

I'm feeling very....pregnant! The sickness has ended (WOO HOO!!!!!). It's a weird feeling not to be getting sick as with both my other pregnancies I had been still at this point. What a relief! I feel the normal other pregnant things. Second trimester headaches, sore boobs and etc. I am finding with this pregnancy my hips and pelvis are way more sore then my other two. 

What I Miss:

French fries mostly but also walking without pain in my hips/pelvis. 

Labor Signs/Health Update:

Being followed this pregnancy by the General hospital in Ottawa. I am considering "high risk" and so I have appointments and ultrasounds every 2 weeks. I am also on daily progesterone. I have no restrictions at this point. 

Gender:

We will be surprised again. This time for then the other two I didn't want to know the gender. We REALLY do only care for a healthy baby. 

Wedding Rings/Belly Button:

Nothing new in this department! 

What I'm Looking Forward To/Best Moment 

Looking forward to 17 weeks + 1 day the most! The best moment was Saturday at the Fair. We hadn't really been telling too many people that we were expecting again. We just kind of let the word spread naturally. On Friday, I wore a baggy non-maternity shirt and some were looking at me but didn't say anything in case they were wrong. On Saturday morning I wore a maternity shirt and it accentuated the belly and people felt more comfortable coming up to congratulate us. 

Daddy This Week:

Well back to Ryan and his crazy baby names! We love the Babyname app and I think some of my husbands choices for girls are a little umm...."stripperish". Mercedes? Angel? Destiny? Desiree? 

Big Brother Sam:

Sam has a baby in his belly too! Mine is a girl because I'm a girl and his is a boy because he is a boy. Makes sense to me! ha ha! Sam knows what is going on although at first he was very confused as he knew Baby Sister went to heaven. He is consistent in his "baby seeester" predictions and he tries to feel baby move on the outside when I tell him I can feel it. He is getting use to Mommy not lifting him up. 

Wisdom:

Days are going by so slowly right now but I know that years from now the time will actually seem to have been short. Trying to remember this and take it all one day at a time. 

xo 

Shawville Fair 2017

In passed years, Shawville Fair was an all weekend affair. From Thursday until Monday afternoon we were at the grounds enjoying friends, drinks, Fair food and entertainment. Since Sam, life and interests have changed. Now we spent the limited time we are there in the midway. We are home early in the night. Sam loves the Fair but all the excitement is short lived before he is over-tired. 

But we can't pass up the Fair. Despite the cooler and gloomy temperatures this year, we couldn't pass up some time enjoying the festivities! 

We decided our "big" day at the Fair would be Friday evening. We headed up after work and it was quiet enough that Sam could literally walk onto any ride he wanted. His favorites were the helicopters and flying airplane! 

But this year Sam really enjoyed some of the other things the Fair had to offer. The games, petting zoo and tractor display was a huge hit! 

We squeezed in about 3 hours of Fair time before we took a kicking and screaming toddler to the car. Not without some cotton candy for his first taste, which he loved! 

The next morning we lounged around home and Sam got to work on "practicing pulling a cow" with Tucker. Friends Brodee and Kerry picked up Sam the Monday before to take him to the farm where Brodee was preparing his calf for the 4H show at the Fair. Sam showed great interest and so they offered to help him show for his first time in the Pee Wee division. 

In some show whites, we headed back to the Fair. Sam seemed really excited to be showing but I was a nervous wreck. Sam's typical nature is to shy away at new situations before he warms up. I was worried he would get out into the ring and shy/growling Sam would appear. 

We headed to the barns early to familiarize ourselves with Evalina the calf again and get lined up for showtime! Again, Sam was acting excited but not shying away. 

Well Mr.Shy must not have stage fright because he walked with his calf, leading her where he was suppose to without hesitation! 

He even spoke his name clearly into the mic when asked! Who the heck was this performer? I have to admit, I was beaming with pride watching him! 

He got his ribbon and was SOO excited. You would have thought it was the best thing he's ever been given! 

It was such a fun experience and while we won't push him to be in 4H, we definitely won't hesitate to help him if that is the route he wants to go. Thank you so much Brodee and KL! 

We left the Fair right after the show. Sam went home with Ryan for a nap and I got a visit in with baby Oliver! 

The rest of the weekend was rainy and not appealing for standing around a midway. Instead, we stuck around home and relaxed, enjoyed some outdoor time between showers, napped and got some stuff done around home! 

This included picking (probably) the last of the blackberries! The farm has been polluted with them this year that we haven't been able to keep them all picked before they fall or get eaten by birds! While my garden was pathetic this year (another post for another day), the farm has provided us with other treats for our freezer like blackberries and raspberries! 

xo 

17 Weeks Pregnant

Well, I made it. I made it to the "dreaded" 17 week mark. At exactly 17 weeks, we lost our baby girl. So while I was in normal pregnancy "safe" zone, I still didn't feel like I was out of the waters until I was at 17 weeks. 

At 17 weeks pregnant with baby number 3 and I was hoping there would be a calmness over me when I reached this milestone. Instead, I am thinking ahead like I normally do to the 24 week mark which would mean a baby born at this time would have a 50%-70% chance of survival. And then 27 weeks where there will be a 90% chance of survival...It's all a big numbers game in my head. 

But there has been nothing to make me or doctors believe I won't make it that far. The at first "annoying" every 2 week appointment and ultrasound has began to give me comfort. I am finding myself looking forward to those appointments to make sure that everything is happening the way it is suppose to. 

Besides those trips to the city every two weeks, the doctors have me on Progesterone every night until 34 weeks to help in uterus strength. The ultrasound is not always peachy. The latest ones they have let me look at the baby through my stomach but all further ultrasounds are actually trans-vaginal and with a "pressure test" which with a full bladder is not fun. Basically, they push hard on my stomach 3 times to check how the cervix is holding up to added weight. I can't even see the baby during those which is disappointing. 

I still feel very lonely at the appointments as it is out of my comfort zone however, so far I have always had someone with me which has helped. I have learnt that I need to pack a lunch as my ultrasound at 11 AM and my appointment at 1 PM means no lunch. 

One thing I am loving about the system they have at the General versus my other hospital is the nurse practitioners! They do all the routine checks like weight, blood pressure, urine and etc. Then they sit down with you and ask me in depth health questions every two weeks. Then we sit and chat about questions/concerns for however long I like. The doctor rushes in for the last bit to check up but other then that it's mostly the nurse. They have been a big comfort as they really give you the time you need to ask even the littlest of questions. Feeling like your questions are getting properly answered and explained has been a great help in my anxiety. 

I was reading back on some of my older posts from pregnancy number 2 around the same timeline as I am now. I think it was in the 15 or 16 week update that I mentioned besides feeling and being sick all the time, I didn't feel pregnant. At the time I guess it should have been a warning sigh but every pregnancy is different. Little did I know something was actually wrong. This pregnancy however has all of the normal pregnancy symptoms that you read about. Headaches, constipation, round ligament pains, tender breasts and the sickness. 

I was also telling my Dad over the weekend that at 16 weeks pregnant I remember telling Ryan that something was different with baby number 2. I had some movements but the baby felt like it was going to fall out of my cervix at any time. Little did we know that there was a partial abruption (soon to be full) that was causing this discomfort. As I went into my 16th week, I was paying attention to those feelings and thankfully, it is not the same. Baby is higher and movements are just below the belly button. 

Things are definitely different this time and I am looking forward to 17 weeks and 1 day, getting father along than last time and then hoping to hit every milestone after that! 

I want to begin documenting this pregnancy more now because I really do read back on my prior pregnancies and will likely want to with this one as well. Until then, 16 weeks last week and rocking a very prominent bump already! 

xo