My Girl

I remember when I went back to work when Emily was about 8 weeks old.  I had conversations with other moms about how much it sucked to leave them right when they are getting to a "fun" age where they can interact with you.  Emily also hit a "fun" age at about 6 months when she was crawling all over the place, and at 9 months when she started walking (and subsequently running)... and at 12 months... and 18 months....

The point I'm trying to make is that I have discovered that one "fun" age is followed, almost immediately by another.

Emily turned 2 just over a month ago.  Everyone has heard of the "terrible twos", and, for about a week, I thought someone had flipped some baby banshee switch on us, but the last month has been awesome.  I SO much enjoy having a little person who has some personality and independence.  Who can dress herself, and play alone for awhile, and TELL ME WHAT SHE WANTS. 

I love that I can let her outside in the backyard to play while I make dinner and she "checks in" with me every few minutes by piggy-pressing her nose up against the screen door.  I love that she no longer cries to be let out of her room when she wakes up, but rather yells "Mama!" or, simply, knocks on her bedroom door.

I love that I can set her clothes out for her, and she will put them on herself!  I love that, after a meal, I can tell her to go wash her hands and she can go into the bathroom, climb up on her stool and "wash" her hands (even if she needs a second pass at it with an adult to get all the sticky off).

I love that I can tell her to get me a spoon and she'll open the drawer and grab a spoon for me.  I love that I can ask her to get me the green box of crackers and she does! 

I love that she UNDERSTANDS me when I'm not being very clear.  For example, trying to get a garden tool outside the other day... I asked her to bring me that "thing" with the "green handle" that she likes to "pound in the rocks"... and she found and brought me exactly what I was asking for me!

I love that I can ask her about her day and she tells me that it was "good" and lists off the people that she played with.

I love that she wants to spend time with me, and "help" whenever she can (I know that stage won't last for long!)

I love that she says "Bless You" when I sneeze, and pats me on the back when I cough (and sometimes asks me if I need some water).  I love that she asks me "All done?" before she tries to drag me away from the dinner table to play with her.

I love that she has so much love inside of her.  She is going to be an amazing big sister, and an awesome kid.  I can't wait to experience the next "fun" ages with her.  It really feels like life gets more and more wonderful and fulfilling with each new day.

18 Weeks!

18 Weeks

Size of baby: According to BabyCenter, you’re about the size of a bell pepper..

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I don't really care to know today.  ;).

Maternity Clothes: Made the transition to maternity pants last weekend... but I'm in that weird awkward stage where I'm too big around for my normal pants, but not big enough to hold up the maternity ones yet... so my pants keep slipping down.  =P

Gender: June 4th is the big day!  =)

Movement: A little movement here and there, but not a lot and not consistently.

What I miss: Alcohol.  I would have killed for a glass or two of wine this week.

Sleep: Sleep has sucked recently, not because of pregnancy stuff, but because I have this awful cough that wakes me up in the middle of the night. I was quarantined for the last half of the week as my doctor suspected that I may have whooping cough.  The test came back negative, but I still have this awful cough AND I missed three days of work for nothing.  

Symptoms: Not much to report on this front.  I have a "maybe baby, maybe beer belly" gut going on.  =)

Cravings:Not really craving anything... except brownies and Target's S'more ice cream... but that's not really usual.

Best Moment this week: Finding out that my whooping cough test was negative and feeling comfortable hugging on Emily and your dad again.  I was feeling very deprived of physical attention, and I think Emily was, too.  =(

What I am looking forward to:  THE ultrasound in a couple of weeks.  Can't wait to find out if we're going to have a little boy or another little girl.  I don't really care either way.  I know most parents say that, but it's really the truth.  I wanted a girl the first time around, just to make sure that I got one, but this time I'd be happy either way.  =)  At first I wanted to have one of each, but I've seen the relationships that female friends and family have with their sisters, and I would love for Emily to have that close female companionship, too.  So, like I said, boy, girl, doesn't really matter... I'm just anxious to know!

16 Weeks!

16 Weeks

Size of baby: According to BabyCenter, you’re about the size of an avocado.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Up about 12 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: Have pulled out a few maternity tops/dresses (more to change up my wardrobe than from necessity).  However, I am weighing my post-prego pants as my waist has widened a bit.

Gender: Should find out in about a month.  I suspect that it’s another girl, but only time will tell.  =)

Movement: Feeling some movement now occasionally.  Some rolling around and a couple of sharp jabs last week. 

What I miss: I miss not having to second guess everything I eat and whether it’s on the “do not eat list”.  Went to Jimmy Johns for lunch yesterday and had a hell of time trying to find a sandwich that was “safe” without being heated up.

Sleep: Eh, wrong day to ask.  Sleep sucked hard last night.  For the most part it’s ok.  Still waking up to use the bathroom though.

Symptoms: Not a whole lot of symptoms.  Not starving-hungry anymore, my weird, weird dreams seem to have subsided.  Aside from getting fatter, I seem to be doing ok.  =)

Cravings: Not a whole lot of cravings these days.

Best Moment this week: As I haven’t written in 5 weeks, there have been a lot of great moments, I’m sure.  But yesterday was Mother’s Day, so that sticks out.  We didn’t really do anything that out of the ordinary, but I reflected a lot on how happy I felt being a mother to a lively, funny, beautiful, friendly little girl, and a to-be mommy to a (currently) mellow little one.  My life has been blessed in so many ways.

What I am looking forward to:  Have a doctor’s appointment later this morning, so will get to hear the heart beat again.  =)  Also, kind of looking forward to making the transition to maternity clothes as I think I may be a little more comfortable… and it means that I get to do some shopping as I was never pregnant in the summer before.  I’ll need to stock up on some skirts and light pants. 

Pregnancy #2: Weeks!

I've decided to do the same "weekly" posts that I did when I was pregnant with Emily so that I can later compare and contrast the two pregnancies.  (In case anyone missed/didn't get my last post, I'm expecting another little one at the end of October!).

I haven't been particularly great about remembering to write every week (and I doubt I will be for the next 24), but here's what I have written so far in secret while I waited to make it public.  =)

Also, for reference and comparison, I've linked each week to my first pregnancy.  

March 1: 6 Weeks

Size of baby: According to babyzone.com, our little one is about the size of a pumpkin seed.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I’m not sure how much, if any that I’ve gained.  Just before I got pregnant I lost just over 20 pounds.  I really wanted to get back down to pre-baby weight before getting pregnant again.  I think that I *almost* made it.  =)  We found out about 2 weeks ago, and since that time I’ve lost another half a pound, so who knows when it will start the upward hill again.  Though, after last time, I know what kinds of mistakes I made (i.e. brownies and milkshakes) and I’m determined to take better care of my body this time around so that I don’t have as much to lose this time next year!

Maternity Clothes: Still several weeks away.  Pretty excited though that I made it back into my pre-prego pants before having to worry about maternity wear again! lol

Gender: I keep going back and forth between what my “feeling” is…

Movement: All the movement in my life right now is coming from the outside… from a 22 month old! Lol 

What I miss: Not really missing anything quite yet.  In all honesty, sometimes I even forget that I’m pregnant.  It hasn’t quite sunk in yet.

Sleep: No problems with the sleep.  Everything is a-ok!

Symptoms: So far, I’m not sure what’s been pregnancy-related stuff and what’s not.  Last week I woke up with an upset stomach.  I went to work because I assumed that it was morning sickness, and it quickly went downhill.  The nausea continued, and I had to make myself sit down several times because I was dizzy and/or thought I was going to puke.  I tried to take public transportation home and had to get off the train THREE times because I was micro-seconds away from losing my lunch on the moving max.  I got home and laid in bed for the rest of the night (except to go to the bathroom and empty my stomach…from the other end…).  I didn’t really eat anything the next day and my stomach was still feeling week a couple of days later.  I was really nervous that THAT was going to be my morning sickness this time around, and I was scared.  Stocked up/read all about anti-nauseau aids.  Then, come to find out, two of my coworkers had similar symptoms within a couple of days of mine.  So, either all three of us are secretly pregnant and having the exact same symptoms, OR we caught some kind of stomach bug.  My stomach is just now getting back to normal, and now I’m at the same stage that I was at this time last pregnancy… I want to eat everything in sight.  I’m hungry every 1-2 hours.  This is the stage where I really need to check myself before I get into some really awful habits.

Cravings: No real cravings.  Just whatever is quick and easy.

Best Moment this week: Jacob broached the subject of selling his 2-door Scion and getting a second, back-up “family” car.  I have been thinking this since before Emily was born, but I didn’t want to push him into getting rid of his last piece of his “youth”. Lol.  So, I was surprised (and, honestly, a little sad, too!) when he mentioned it at dinner last night. The end of an era… =)

What I am looking forward to: Our first doctor’s appointment/ultra-sound and telling our families… still have to wait a couple of weeks though!

March 19: 8.5 Weeks

(It’s been super busy here the last couple of weeks… the only reason that I’m getting around to writing this now is because I’m home sick –gotta love the pregnancy head colds—and I’m out of TV shows to watch. Lol)

Size of baby: According to BabyCenter, you’re halfway between a kidney bean and a grape.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I’m trying not to think about this one too much right now.  As one of my symptoms is that I’ve been starving all the time, I’ve gained more than I would like.  I’m hoping it will settle down here soon.

Maternity Clothes: Still several weeks away. 

Gender: If you believe the Chinese predictors online, it’s a girl.  If you believe the wives tales about food cravings, it’s a boy.  If you believe the heart rate predictors, it’s a girl.  =)

Movement: No movement yet.  =) 

What I miss: Not feeling like I’m keeping a big secret from everyone.  We have told family and a couple of close friends, but we’re keeping it on the DL for another few weeks.

Sleep: For the last few days I’ve woken up in the middle of the night and had to pee.  Not sure if I’m waking up BECAUSE I had to go, or if I wake up for some other reason and realize I need to… either way, I haven’t slept all the way through the night in at least 3 days.

Symptoms: I’m starving… all the time.  I have to eat something every 60-90 minutes… though, it seems to be more intense during the first part of the day.  I can go a couple of hours in the afternoon.  ;)

Cravings: Protein and carbs… meat, cheese, and bread.

Best Moment this week: We told our parents over the last week and sent out baby “save the dates” to our siblings.  =)  We also had our first ultra-sound and got to see the “bean”… shit got real after that!  =)

What I am looking forward to: Coming clean at work. Lol.  And also starting to feel a little bit better/less stressed with life in general so that I can start going to the gym again.  I want to be in better shape through this pregnancy and feel the need to start moving again.  

April 5, 2014, 11 Weeks

Size of baby: According to BabyCenter, you’re about the size of a fig.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Finally stepped on the scale today… only up about 5 lbs!  I am TOTALLY ok with that!

Maternity Clothes: Still several weeks away.  And still fitting into my pre-prego jeans!  Yay!

Gender: Don’t know… but super excited to find out in a few weeks!

Movement: I’m feeling stuff… but I’m guessing it’s not baby… but, who knows, maybe it is. 

What I miss: Not really missing anything right now… wait, no, I take that back.  Was really missing alcohol a few days ago after a tough day at work.

Sleep: Sleep is better than it was.  Not getting up in the middle of the night to pee for at least a week.  It’s great.  =)

Symptoms: My symptoms have kind of subsided.  Sometimes it’s really easy to forget that I’m pregnant… which also makes me really nervous.  I can’t help but worry that something could be wrong.  I can’t wait until I’m feeling movement and then have constant reminders that everything is ok.  =)

Cravings: More craving sweets now.  It’s kind of weird how it’s flip flopped over the last couple of weeks.

Best Moment this week: Stepping on the scale and seeing that I’ve only gained five pounds. Lol.  After working so hard to get weight off, and being so concerned about not gorging myself while, at the same time, being STARVING all of the time, I was really worried.  I think I actually probably gained and then lost a bit.  I’m just really, really happy.

What I am looking forward to: My  next doctor’s appointment in a week.  Just to hear the heart beat again and know that everything is ok. 

So... I Have Some News...

TWO Year Photos!

Thanks to a sweet deal through Velour Photography, we got some beautiful photos taken to commemorate Emily turning two years old!  =)  These were taken one rainy day at Laurelhurst Park, here in Portland.

It took Emily a little time to warm up, but once she was allowed to stop posing, and start running, she was all smiles.  =)

24 Months!

I am SOO behind in my blogging!  I have SOO much to share from the last few weeks... will do as much as I can as soon as I can!

Emily turned TWO years old on April 23rd.  I can't believe it!  Here's her 24 month post (this will be her final "monthly" update).

Weight/Length- It was a bit difficult to get your height and weight at the doctor, you were too scared/remembered the shots... though you didn't have to get any vaccines this time.  You weighed in at just over 27 llbs. and measured 36 inches tall.  You hit the 50th percentile for weight and 95th (!) for height.  You are, so far, your mother's daughter.  =)

Eating- You're not snacking as much as you were before.  Sometimes you can actually go between meals without a snack.  Though, when you're hungry, you let me know.  The other day you grabbed a box full of brownie mix and brought it to me in another room. lol  I don't think you knew what it was exactly, but it was in the "snack" cupboard, so it must be good, right?  ;)

Teeth- No sign of those 2-year molars yet.

Sleep- You sleep from about 8 pm to somewhere between 7 and 8 am on average... and take about a 1.5-2 hour nap after lunch. 

 Clothes- 24/2T clothes, about a size 7/8 toddler shoe.  Problem is, you're too skinny so your pants tend to sag.  I wish I could find some baby drawstring pants.  =)

Personality- You are so friendly and so loving.  You're starting to get a bit of an attitude and are testing your limits, but I LOVE your "BIG hugs!" and your kisses.  You smile constantly and love to run around and jump and play.  You are also REALLY independent.  You have to do so many things yourself, including getting your pajamas on... which includes your diaper.  I've had to start putting your diaper together and then giving it to you so that you slide it on like a pull up. lol  Once I figured out that trick (and bought you some non-footie jammes) the bedtime routine got so much easier!

Likes/Dislikes-

• You like to name the things that you see and ask for mom or dad to identify things that you don't know the words to yet, and then repeat them back to us.  =)
• You love books and reading.  Sometimes you'll even "read" your books to yourself.  I'll hear you "moo"ing and "roar"ing to yourself while you read your animal books.  ;)
• As has been the same for a few months now, you also love Curious George and Elmo.
• You love being outside.  The last couple of days you have asked to go out and play in the backyard... it's been great to let you out there while I'm cooking dinner or resting a bit after a long day at work and you play by yourself on the back patio and occasionally "talk" to me while I cook.  =)
• You like going to Daddy's futsal games and kicking your ball around and playing with your friend.

•  You don't like going to the doctor apparently!  You threw quite the fit with the nurses this month!
• You don't like foods that you liked yesterday.  For some reason one day you'll love something, and the next day you want nothing to do with it.  You're a fickled little kid.  =)

Milestones-

• You went on a ferry for the first time!  And a taxi!  We went on vacation (need to blog about that, too!) to Catalina Island in Southern California and you got to do both for the first time... and a golf cart!  And you saw a buffalo!  It was a fun trip, more to come!  =)
• You had your "first" birthday.  I'm saying your "first" because I think that this was the first one that you actually understood/cared about.  Gotta blog about that, too!  Geez... I've got my work cut out for me.  ;)
• You are putting up to three to four words together to form small sentences.  Things like "Daddy, where are you?" and "more ____, please!"  You can also "count" to 10... from 6. lol  You used to be able to count "1, 2, 3"... now you count "1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10".  not really sure what happened to 2-5!