12 Months!

Weight/Length- Your dad took you to your 12 month appointment... and forgot to remember/write down your stats!  So I had to call the doctor's office yesterday to get them.  =)  You are currently 23 lbs, 10 oz. and 30" "long" (I consider it "tall" now as you are walking around, but doctor still calls it "long").  Still mid-range with height (54 percentile) and above average with weight (80-something) and head circumference (70-something), but you are starting to even out a bit.  ;)

Eating- Pretty much everything that I wrote for this category last month could be written again.  Still a picky eater (we had to put cheerios ON YOUR BIRTHDAY CAKE just so you would taste it!).  Trying to offer you more and more table foods, but still resorting to cheerios and baby snack food thingies to get SOMETHING in your stomach during meal times.  Really hope that this stage passes soon!

Teeth-  I *think* (hope!) that you are currently teething.  You're moody, clingy, whiny and have a runny nose.  I really hoping your first molars are the reason...

Sleep- You've been getting to bed a little earlier these days, around 7:30.  Wake up is anywhere between 6:30 and 7:15 generally (more often closer to the 6:30).

 Clothes-Can still fit in to most of your 9 months clothes, but since we are unpacking (just moved!) I decided to phase out all of the 9 months (except pants, you little shorty) and pull in all your 12 month stuff.  You've got some cute, comfy sweats.  I'm jealous.

Personality- See above... whiny, moody, clingy... and starting to through tantrums when you don't get what you want.  Woo hoo to the toddler years! lol.  Pretty much your fits break down to the fact hat you want to be eye level with mommy (and sometimes daddy).  Which means that we either need to be down on the ground with you (at which point you tend to ignore us and play with whatever toy is down there, too, and check in every few minutes for a hug before you go on your way) or you want to be up in our arms so that you're up high, too.  This is starting to get painful... you're a big guy and I can only do so much one handed!  (And I can't cook dinner while sitting on the floor!)

Likes/Dislikes-

-You like running around with/chasing your sister and LAUGHING hysterically when she "chases" you, too.
- You like playing catch with a ball and rolling your cars/trucks across the floor.
- You like opening and closing doors... I'm just so worried about your little fingers!
- You like chasing the kitty around and "petting him"... he's not so much a fan of this new stage.  ;)

-You don't like playing by yourself.  You want someone with you, even if they are just sitting on the floor doing something else.
- You don't like not being able to go up and down the stairs like your sister! 
- You don't like the fact that mom won't let you walk/run and eat at the same time.  "Places to go, woman!"

Milestones-

- First haircut!  Check out the difference between weeks 51 and 52 below.  ;)
- First swim lessons!  You got upset when I wouldn't let you lap up the water... off the deck floor.  =P
- First time moving!  More to dome on this later!  I think you like the new house... so much more room to run around with your sister!

10... and 11... Months

*These last couple of months have been nuts... and Sam's growth progression blog posts have suffered.  =(  I'm hoping to write more about it later, but in the last couple of months we've put our house on the market, started the process of buying a new house, had two work trips (one for Jacob and one for me) and two bouts of pneumonia (also one each), both ending up in hospital visits.  So.. better late than never?



Weight/Length- Not sure on current stats... I'm assuming not much different than your 9 month appt... seeing as you're STILL able to get squeezed into some of your 6 month clothes...

Eating- You are a goober when it comes to food.  You'll put anything in your month... if it's not supposed to be there.  Food though, you poke at, taste, and then throw on the floor (at which point you'll eat it, off the floor, at a later time).  You're all about the cheerios and the goldfish... trying hard to introduce more a variety of foods, especially since you're getting so close to your first birthday!

Teeth-  You JUST got a couple more teeth this month, bringing the total up to 8... 4 each on bottom and top!

Sleep- Go to bed at 8, wake up sometime between 6:30 and 7:30 (though usually closer to the 6:30 mark).  The other morning though, you were up at 5:15!  We were not having that, so I gave you a toy and you talked to yourself until 6:00.

 Clothes-Primarily wearing 9 month clothes... with the occasional 12 (and 6) month item thrown in.  You have several cute fall shirts and pants, so looking forward to the weather cooling down so that we can mix it up a bit.  =)

Personality- This last month I went on a three day work trip, followed by being sick on the couch/in bed for four days, followed by 3 days in the hospital... by the time I came home you seemed to have gotten over the "only mommy" stage.  I miss it sometimes... but I'm SOO grateful to be able to sit down and/or go to the bathroom by myself on occasion!  You are still a very happy little guy, and very vocal!  You talk to yourself a lot!

Likes/Dislikes-

-You like electronics... cell phones, tablets, remote controls... you are going to be your daddy's little side kick!
- You LOVE your sister!  You two are finally starting to be able to play together (though sometimes she gets a little rough and makes me nervous).  You two giggle and roll around... it's so cute.  I'm so happy that you'll have a sibling to love you!
- You like cheerios... a lot.  Sometimes I'll put you in your high chair with a handful of cheerios just so I can get stuff down in the kitchen... I'm sorry for any issues that may cause you later in life.  ;)
- You LOVE trucks/cars/anything with wheels.  You will zip around the house pushing a toy car.  It's so funny how gender conforming you and your sister both are... even though we definitely didn't push either of you in that way.

-You don't like sitting still.  You have to be moving around... even if you don't really know where you want to be/what you want to be doing.
- You don't like trying new foods... you give them some pretty funny looks!
- You don't like laying down long enough for a diaper change.  It's getting a bit challenging to change your diaper, and I've had to resort to doing it on your bedroom floor a couple of times recently as I'm so afraid that you're going to fall off the changing table!

Milestones-

- First you stood by yourself for a few seconds without holding on to anything.  Then you took a pivot step or two to get from couch to ottoman, etc.  As of a couple of days ago though, you are WALKING!  Toddling around all over the place (unless your dad is trying to get a video... and then you are quite uncooperative!).  So, you started walking just before your 11 month mark!
- First time visiting someone in the hospital (me... ugh).
- First Powwow.  I had to work, so your dad brought you and Emily to check it out.
- First times being away from mom and dad over night... first so that we could go on a long weekend trip for our 5 year wedding anniversary in August (you stayed with Grandma and Grandpa), and then so dad could be with me in the hospital for a little while (you stayed at daycare over night).

9 Months!

*What do I do when I get a babysitter and a couple of hours to myself on a Sunday afternoon?  Go to Shari's, eat pie and catch up on week-late blog posts... such a wild life I lead...  ;)

OK... so Sam, you turned 9 months a week ago.  This summer and been busy and exhausting... I'm sorry about being late, but I'm just happy that I remembered to take all of the photos.  ;)

Weight/Length- At your 9 month appointment you measured in at 27.75" and 21 lbs 10.5 oz... That puts you in the 81st percentile for weight and 23rd for height.  My short, squat little man.  ;)

Eating- Trying to introduce more table foods now.  You love breads, your teething biscuits, blueberries (in your little mesh pouch thing), cereal, occasionally bananas... and anything on the floor.  You still refuse to let mom or dad feed you, as you seem to be just as independent as your sister was at this age! 

Teeth-  We're up to 6!  Four on top and two on the bottom.

Sleep- Sleeping through the night (for the most part!)  Hip Hip Hooray!!!  We did a few days of the dreaded 4 am night weaning, and now you're sleeping form 8ish to 6:30ish.  I hate getting up at 6:30 on a Saturday, but at least I'm not up at 4 every morning for a bottle break!

 Clothes- i don't know that you've changed much since last month... going back and forth between 6 and 9 month stuff.  Your 6 month stuff may be getting a LITTLE snug, but more in girth than length.  ;)

Personality- You have reached the dreaded "I don't want anyone else if mommy is in the room" stage.  It's a big exhausting.  I love that you love to love on me... but I'm tired and sometimes want to sit down with my feet up without having to hide in another room.  ;)

Likes/Dislikes-

-You like to move.  You want to be standing and "walking" (even though you can't walk on your own yet).  You've started to find objects that move (plastic patio chairs) and will use them to "walk" around.  I wonder how long it's going to be before you're running around with your sister...
- You LOVE your sister.  I'm so happy that the two of you get along so well.  She loves her "baby" and will let you crawl all over her (and only gets upset with you pull her hair).
- You like exploring and observing new surroundings.  Watching cars go by, checking out the doctor's office... doesn't matter.  You want to see what there is to see!

-You don't like hanging out with other people if mom is in the room.
- You don't like getting OUT of the bath tub.  You have way too much fun playing in there!
- You don't like laying still to get your diaper changed.  We have to bribe you with some kind of a toy so that you don't heave yourself off the changing table or stick a hand in something disgusting.

Milestones-

- First camping trip... and first trip to the beach!  You loved wandering around the beach... but weren't too fond of mom and dad blocking you from eating the sand.
- First Fourth of July.... didn't mean much to you though.  You slept.  ;)
- First time eating at a food cart... I think.  =)  You shared your sister's quesadillas. 

Eight Months!

Weight/Length- Probably won't have anything to update here until next month when you have your 9 month doctor's appointment.  I think you're starting to thin out a bit though, especially since you've been working out your legs so much this last month!

Eating- Exclusively formula at this point (not sure if I've mentioned that in previous posts yet).  Starting to experiment with more solids.  You really went to town with blue berries the other night, and seem to enjoy my sweet potato fries.  =)

Teeth-  You currently have 4 teeth (two top, two bottom), but it looks like another top tooth is coming in right now!

Sleep- Sleep hasn't changed much since last month.  Still going to bed around 8ish, waking up sometime between 3-5, having another bottle and then going back to sleep until around 7or so (depending on what time your mid-night wake up was).  We got a couple of 8-12, 12-6 stretches this month, and I wasn't sure if I preferred sleeping for a longer stretch of time, or sleeping later.  It was a toss up.  =)

 Clothes- We pulled out your 9 month clothes this month.  You're still wearing most of your 6 month stuff, but you have some new pieces to add to your summer wardrobe.  ;)

Personality- Still very happy, very observant, and very motivated to MOVE!

Likes/Dislikes-

-You like to play in the water.  I actually seem to enjoy putting your face in the path of the shower head when you're showering with Dad.
- You like chasing the cat around the house.... I don't know that he likes it much though!
- You like standing up.  You want to stand up ALL THE TIME, and get annoyed when mom's back just can't handle the hunching any more. 

-You don't like being stationary.  You can move now, and that's all you want to do.  Lying on your back to get your diaper changed is, like, the worst thing ever.
- You don't like... hmm... I don't know.  There isn't really anything else that I can think of!

Milestones-

-So, in the last month you went from just figuring out how to get into a seated position to crawling, pulling yourself into a standing position, and cruising along the furniture.  I kind of fear what the next month is going to bring! lol

Seven Months!

Well, I'm a couple weeks late, but better late than never, right?  =)

Weight/Length- No idea.  Still easily fitting in your 6 month clothes, so I'm guess you haven't grown too much since last month.

Eating- Still trying to get you to eat some more solids.  You seem to enjoy the feeling of cucumbers and sliced peppers... I think it's the nice, cool temperature over anything else though.  You are not a fan of me putting anything in your mouth, so traditional baby food is out.  I bought some little finger-food teething things that you seem to enjoy, but don't have quite the hand-eye coordination to get more than 50% of anything in your mouth.  =)

Sleep- So, you're doing SOO much better with sleep.  And I think I have the pediatrician to thank.  You're going to bed at 8ish, waking up to eat around 4ish, and then going back to sleep until 7:30ish.  When we went in for your 6 month check up, the doctor noticed that you had some dry skin and suggested giving you some Benadryl for a couple of nights in addition to putting lotion on to give the skin a chance to heal.  She mentioned that the dry skin may be itching a lot at night which is waking you up.  I don't know if that was it or not, but your skin is so much better and you're only waking up once at night so, I'm calling it a win.  =)

 Clothes-As I mentioned before, still in 6 month sizes.

Personality- You are a happy, curious little man who loves his sister and finds her absolutely hilarious!

Likes/Dislikes-

-You like to watch the world go by... ie cars driving down the street.  We were out to eat at a food cart pod the other day and your dad positioned your car seat so that you were looking at the street.  You fell asleep to your "favorite show".  =)
- You love your sister.  Seeing the two of you together is pretty amazing.  We lucked out.  =)
- You like standing up.  You can't do it on your own yet, but you love it when we hold you up so that you can "stand".  I bought you a walker at the consignment store the other day.  Best purchase ever.  My back thanks me!

-You don't like getting your nose wiped.  It's like the worst thing in the entire world apparently.
- You don't like not being able to move around.  You desperately want to move but you're not quite as mobile as you'd like to be.
- You don't like face planting on the ground... not that I blame you, but you've got to figure out how to get those arms to work so that you can crawl and not just fall over when you try!

Milestones-

-You can wiggle yourself into a seated position from a laying down position (and go in reverse).  You surprised us all as I thought most babies crawled before they could do this!  (Or, at the very least, could get themselves up on all fours!)
- You can "army crawl".
- First swimming pool experience.  You weren't sure what to think, but seemed to enjoy it!
- First overnight away from Mommy... I took a night to stay by myself in a hotel for Mother's Day.  Still woke up several times throughout the night, so didn't get very good sleep, but the quite was awfully nice!

Six Months!

Weight/Length- Had your 6 month check up today... 18 lbs 5 oz, and 26.5 inches long.... putting into the 36% for length, 63% for height and 80% for head.  My short, squat, big headed little man.  lol

Eating- Over the last month we've transitioned to 50/50 formula and breast milk.  I'm enjoying the freedom that comes from not having to pump 3+ times per day.  You've also started to munch on some solid foods... mostly cereals (Cheerios and Life).  You also love pancakes.  We've tried bananas and avocados, but I think you get more on your clothes than in your mouth!

Sleep- Still kind of a crappy sleeper.  You got to bed around 8, wake up around 10:30 (put yourself back to sleep), wake up around 1:30 (need comforting), again at 4:00 to eat, and up for day between 6:30 and 7:30.  We're kind of at a loss of what to do at this point. 

 Clothes-Still wearing 6 month sizes... by the looks of your length, may be in them for awhile.  ;)

Personality- Happy, happy, happy little guy... as long as you're being held or entertained.  True story... at your doctor's appointment today the nurse gave you two shots.  You gave her this look like, "What the hell was that?"  And then you laughed!  I commented to the nurse that I bet that was the first time she ever made a baby laugh with a shot!  You're also quite the little flirt.  Always making eyes/grins at everyone and doing the bashful face cover thing.  =)

Likes/Dislikes-

-You like water.  You're quite the splasher and love taking showers with dad.
- You like Cheerios... a lot.  You are doing really well  eating them!
- You like sitting up!  You are finally able to sit up by yourself and you are so much happier not having to lay on your back and look up at the world.
- You like watching the cars go by out the window.  It's a good way to keep you occupied when I'm tired.  ;)
- You like standing up.  You can't do it on your own yet, but you like us holding you so that you can stand and "walk".

-You don't like playing by yourself for very long.  You want to be held/entertained frequently.
- You don't like us wiping your nose... you've been suffering from/getting over a cold for the past week or so and you HATE it when we try to clean your nose up!

Milestones-

-You can it up now!  You do really good at not falling over until you reach too far for something or turn too quickly.  =)
- You have your two bottom teeth... curious when the others are going to come in!
- You've started to eat solid foods.
- You had your first cold (and subsequent pink eye).

Five Months!

Weight/Length- At your 4 month check a couple of weeks back you weighed in at a little over 17 lbs... but, of course, I can't remember the length now.  I know that you were in the 55% for length, 72% for weight and 99% for head!  My big-headed little man!  =)

Eating- Still eating well, as is evident by the baby pudge.  =)  (for which I'm very excited as your sister never really got the pudge!).  We've tried to offer you a couple of "people food" items, but you are still refusing.  It's kind of funny as you'll put anything and everything else in your mouth... just nothing that is food like.

Sleep- Slowly improving... we did some sleep training this weekend (more to come in another post) and last night you slept for a 7.5 hour stretch... just which it hadn't started at 8 pm!

 Clothes- Still wearing 6 month sizes... though we've had to discard some onesies that don't have a big enough head hole.  ;)

Personality- Still quite a happy little man... unless you're being ignored.  It seems like you need to be constantly engaged (I remember the same with your sister).

Likes/Dislikes-

-You like your chew toy... I've thought that you were teething for the last month, but still no teeth!  not sure what's going on!
-You like, no LOVE, your sister!  You laugh so hard at her and love to pull her hair and poke at her.  ;)
-You like to the roll over... even at bedtime when it's totally inconvenient... especially since you can only roll in one direction so end up getting stuck up against one side of the crib.
-You like to sleep on your side... we're a family of side sleepers.  =)

-You don't like normal foods... you make some pretty interesting faces when we offer you something edible.
-I can't think of anything else that you don't like right now...

Milestones-

-You can roll from back to front now!  But only to the left... lol
- You went on your first family vacation to Bend.  =)  You did ok (I was pleasantly surprised at the mellow car ride), but refused to sleep in your pack and play... so, instead you spent too nights in your car seat.  =P
- You went to your first birthday party!
- You went to your first Easter egg hunt and saw your first helicopter! 

Four Months!

I'm not really sure when to post Sam's 4-month post... as he won't actually have an official 4-month birthday... being born on the 30th kind of screws over the weird month of February.  So, I guess the last day of the month will have to do.  =)

Weight/Length- You have your 4-month check with the doctor in a couple of weeks... I'll do my best to remember to update this post.  You're getting big though... that's for sure!

Eating- Taking a bottle now just fine.  Thank GOD!  You're eating around the clock... literally.  I'm exhausted. 

Sleep- Awake every 2-3 hours... still.  Like I said, I'm exhausted.  I'm so looking forward to the point when you realize that sleep is good and mommy is happier with at least 6 hours of good solid sleep.  We have managed to transition you out of needing to be swaddled to sleep... but we replaced the swaddle with a pacifier (only for bed).  I figured that I'd rather deal with that later than constantly be worried about you rolling over while swaddled and not being able to roll back/push your head up, etc.

 Clothes- Transitioned to 6 months clothes last weekend!

Personality- Still a happy, happy, smiley baby!  And really a big sweet heart who loves to be engaged and talked to. You LOVE your big sister (who keeps you VERY entertained!) and it's so sweet to see the two of you together.  I hope you continue to grow into best friends. 

Likes/Dislikes-

-You like to be entertained.  You love to watch your sister and the other kids at daycare playing and dancing.  And, in the dislike pile... you don't like when you aren't entertained (or can't see someone else... I sweat we're not magically disappearing every time we walk down the hall).
- You like to be held and up high (making us walk around with you)... a lot like your sister did at this age.  We've started to put you in the high chair at meals hoping that that will suffice... but you'd still much rather be held by one of us... and grabbing for our plates/forks/napkins/etc.
- You like to put things in your mouth... pretty sure that you're teething because you are drooling EVERYWHERE and chewing on everything you can fit in there.

-You don't like the Ergo... at least, not yet.  I remember that Em didn't like it until she could see over the arm straps.  I think that you may be right there with her.
- You don't like waiting.  We're definitely going to have to work on your patience as you get older!
- You don't like to sleep through the night.  Argh.

Milestones-

-You can roll from front to back!  You mastered that skill a week or two ago.
- You are in the reach and grab stage... my hair stays up in a pony tail at home these days.
- Celebrated your first Valentine's Day... thought that really just consisted of watching the rest of your family eat a heart shaped Papa Murphy's pizza.  =)

Three Months!

A few days late... again.  =) Sam's 3-monthiversary was on Jan. 30th. 

Weight/Length- Not really sure how much you weigh... I'm thinking it's around the 15 lbs mark.  You'll have another official weigh in at your 4-month check up in about a month.

Eating- You are FINALLY getting better at taking a bottle.  You've been at day care 4 full-days a week for about 3 weeks now and you don't fuss anymore when you have to drink out of a bottle.  And you're drinking more, too.  So, I am feeling MUCH better about this back to work thing!

Sleep-You WERE sleeping for 8-9 hour stretches at night about a week ago... now you're waking up 2-3 times per night.  I really want that 0-1 back.  =(

 Clothes- Still in 3-month sizes, but I don't expect that to last very much longer.

Personality- Definitely a smiley, happy guy!  You are very observant and like to watching your sister do a variety of things.  You are also starting to grab at toys so have been not hating your car seat as much these days as there are dangley things for you to play with.

Likes/Dislikes-

-You love your sister.  Sometimes you will just stop crying the moment that you see her. 
- You like having something to do.  You tend to get bored if you're not actively engaged in some kind of activity, observation or interaction.  You're starting to spend more time on your play mat swatting at things.

-You don't like being left along... even if you're not really alone.  If you're sitting in your chair and can't see someone, you aren't a happy camper.
-You don't like baths... at first.  You aren't a fan of your body hitting the water... but after a few minutes (and some play time with your sister) you seem to enjoy kicking around in it.

Milestones-

- "Celebrated" your first new year... by sleeping through it.  =)
- First trip to a salon... to watch your sister get her hair cut.
- First "full time" day care experience.
- Discovered your fingers and toes.  You have started to grab your feet when you're laying on your back, and have started to suck on your fingers (middle and index together).

Two Months!

A few days late... Sam's 2-month mark was on Dec. 30th. 

Weight/Length- You have your official 2-month appointment in a few days.  If I remember to update, I will.  =)  I will say that a couple of weeks ago I went to an appointment with a lactation consultant and you were a little over 13 lbs with an empty tummy.

Eating- I have absolutely no concern with your eating when I'm feeding you, but you are NOT a fan of the bottle.  After WEEKS of dealing with screaming and rejecting, your dad can finally get you to suck on a bottle, but you consistently only drink about an ounce.  The couple of times that you've been to day care you've only had about an ounce in the SIX HOURS that you're there.  You are one stubborn little guy!

Sleep-Sleeps going pretty good.  You are only waking up about once per "night" (depending on who's definition of night we're talking about), and a couple of times you've slept through the night.  Last night you were down for the night at about 11:30 and slept until 4:30 and then were awake (briefly) to eat again at 6:30 and then "up" at about 9:00.  It's great when I'm able to catch the same long stretch of sleep that you do.  =)

 Clothes- We have you in 3 month sized clothes now.  You're just too long for the 0-3 month onesies.

Personality- You are a smiley little man!  For the most part you are pretty happy.  When you're supper cranky it's usually because you're tired, need to burp, or just want to interact more with someone.  Usually pretty easy to remedy. 

Likes/Dislikes-

-You like white noise.  You won't really fall asleep without it.
-You like interacting with people.  Smiling, sticking out your tongue, "talking" with your coos.
-You like your sister.  You will watch her do pretty much anything.  =)

-You don't like being tired.  You fight sleep and it's a bit of a pain to get you to close your eyes sometimes.
-You don't like drinking out of a bottle... you much prefer the real deal.
-You don't like being ignored.  If you're sitting in your seat/laying on the floor you need to be interacting with someone or you get grumpy.

Milestones-

- Celebrated your first Christmas and "saw" your first Christmas lights (you slept through them all).
- First trip to OMSI.
- First overnight trip.... went down to Junction City for Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa
- First days at day care.  Sounds like you do well, but you barely eat anything.  I don't like that.  =P

38 Weeks!

38 Weeks

Size of baby: According to BabyCenter, you’re about the size of a leek (not really sure how big that is)

Total Weight Gain/Loss:I'm doing my best not to think about it.  Everyone keeps telling me that I'm huge/ready to pop though... which really doesn't make me feel all that great about things.  My brother's asked if I was bigger this time around than I was with Emily.  I don't know as I haven't really been photographing my "progress" as I did the first time around, but, by everyone's comments, I'm starting to wonder if I'm looking like a freakin' house. lol

Maternity Clothes:Yup... and even they are starting to get a big tight/uncomfortable.

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: Lots of stretching and shifting. He definitely makes his presence known.

What I miss: Alcohol! lol  Of all the times in one's life not to be able to drink, this is the time that you REALLY want to.

Sleep:  It pretty much sucks.  I'm waking up every couple of hours.  I'm pretty sure that I'm having BH contractions which is causing me to either a) wake up, or b) have to pee really bad due to the sudden pressure to the bladder, causing me to wake up.  Either way, it sucks and I just want to sleep.  I REALLY hope I get a decent nigh tor two in before he decides to come.

Symptoms: Same old, same old.  Plus, now I seem to be getting heartburn.  This was not an issue with Emily, so I really hope that the old wives tales are true and this means that the little guy is going to have HAIR! lol  It took Em FOREVER to get her locks, I'd really love to have a little guy with some killer hair.  ;)

Cravings: Pretty much same as it's been.... hamburgers and other meat products.

Best Moment this week: Not really sure... just knowing that it's getting close.  And the fact that we've been getting our house cleaned up/organized has been pretty great. 

What I am looking forward to: Maternity leave!  I have one week of work left.  I'm pretty pumped.  =)

36 Weeks!

36 Weeks

Size of baby: According to BabyCenter, you’re about the size of a head of romaine lettuce!

Total Weight Gain/Loss:Remember how I wasn't worrying about my weight and didn't even know how much I'd gained?  Well that's shot to hell now.  =P  At my last doctor's appointment I scheduled out the rest of my appointments (since I'm at a once-a-week visit schedule now).  Since I did this, the receptionist printed out my appointment review sheet (or whatever it's called) as it would show all of my upcoming appointments on one sheet... and, apparently, also show all of my vitals... including my weight.  =P  Well, I am NOT happy about  my weight gain currently.  I have gained more at this point in time than I gained the entire time I was pregnant with Emily.  I"m actually wondering if loosing so much weight right before I got pregnant was actually detrimental... if maybe my body was more than willing to gain it back quickly.  Or, maybe (hopefully) a bunch of it is water weight... I'm having a lot of swelling issues... so maybe that's it.  Ugh.

Maternity Clothes: Yuppers

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: As I type this, baby boy has the hiccups.  =)  He's doing a LOT of stretching, too.

What I miss: Sleeping comfortably.  It has certainly been difficult recently.  As has been walking any real distance... including to the bathroom at my office.  =(

Sleep:  See above.  It pretty much sucks.  Having so much pain in my pubic bone area that I can't really lie on my left side at all... and sometimes the right causes problems too.  Last week I slept propped up on the couch for most of the week... and slept better there than I've gotten in my own bed in quite awhile.

Symptoms:REALLY swollen feet and ankles (extending up the calves).  It's actually kind of nice to have an ailment that Jacob can see... I often worry that people think that I'm just being a big baby.  Also a LOT of pain/discomfort in the pubic/pelvic/tailbone region.  I am REALLY ready to be done with that.  Also, this isn't a new symptom, but one that I don't think I've mentioned before... my right eyebrow sweats a lot.  Not really sure what's up with that.  The left one is fine, but, for some reason the right one has issues.  =)

Cravings: Same... hamburgers... yum

Best Moment this week: I think the "nesting" thing is solidly in place.  I'm starting to get stuff organized/put away/cleaned up and am getting my house back from the piles that have been sitting around for months.

What I am looking forward to:This whole thing being over.  ;)  I am NOT a fan of pregnancy, and all of the ailments are just making me grumpy.

34 Weeks!

34 Weeks

Size of baby: According to BabyCenter, you’re about the size of a cantaloupe!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've made a conscious decision this time around not to keep track of my weight.  As long as my doctor doesn't mention any concerns, I'm not going to be concerned either.  I'll deal with losing what's left after the little guy gets here.  But it's not worth stressing about it now.

Maternity Clothes: Yup... definitely in those at this point.  =)  Bought a few more tops today as I'm getting sick of my current selection.

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: Not only do a feel it, but I see it, too... as do other people!  =)

What I miss: Being able to eat whatever I want to try at sushi restaurants. lol  I've also been missing hard ciders... which is weird because it's never really been something that I've craved.  But seeing everyone else with a nice cold beer on a hot day is kind of making me want something, too.  I'm also missing the cooler temperatures!

Sleep:  For the most part, sleep has gotten better... but I'm still getting up at least once (usually more) throughout the night to use the bathroom.

Symptoms: Swollen feet/ankles.  Kind of difficult to walk some afternoons as I can barely bend at the ankle.  Still having the pelvic pain/discomfort, and I'm exhausted.  Yesterday I stayed home from work due to nausea and dizziness as well... I'm hoping those two pass.

Cravings: I think that the theme of this pregnancy is "Give me a hamburger". lol

Best Moment this week: The nursery looks like a nursery!  We also got some "last minute" items from our baby registry with our discount so that we now have what we need (and also a few of the things that I wanted).  In terms of supplies and space, I think we are now officially ready to go.

What I am looking forward to: Getting out of town for the weekend with Jacob this weekend to see a concert.  Not sure how I'm going to fare sitting on the grass, but I'm looking forward to a mini baby-moon.  =)  Also have another "baby shower" next weekend.  Looking forward to one more celebration!

30 Weeks!

30 Weeks

Size of baby: According to BabyCenter, you’re about the size of a large cabbage!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I don't care. :). I know that it's going to be a bitch to get off one way or the other, so I'm trying not to stress about it.  I haven't had a single milkshake though! ;)

Maternity Clothes: Pretty much all maternity, all the time.

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: I felt the first hiccups and the first elbow/shoulder/knee/whatever across my stomach last week. Definitely moving around in there!

What I miss: Ditto-ing last post, being comfortable and not in pain. Having a lot of pelvic separation pain/discomfort. It comes and goes, but the last week has been difficult.

Sleep:  Too many bathroom breaks and sometimes I have a hard time falling asleep/staying asleep. The only position that sounds comfortable to me some nights is on my back... The one place I'm not supposed to be. :P

Symptoms: Moody. Lol.  Don't know if this is directly caused by pregnancy hormones, an effect of always being hungry (there's that, too), or the fact that it's so bloody hot under this belly, but I feel like I've been extra cranky lately.

Cravings: Still hamburgers. And carbs.  Jacob and I are going out to celebrate our anniversary this evening and I keep thinking about what restaurants have the best burgers. Lol

Best Moment this week: The last couple weeks have been good. We got Emily's "big girl room" painted and some furniture in there/out together. I ordered some organizational stuff from Amazon, so as soon as that gets here w can finish the switch and get the crib and stuff set up in the nursery again.

We also went camping at the coast last weekend. It was about 25° cooler there than at home... And I loved it!  ;)

What I am looking forward to:  I'm on the train right now headed to a baby shower that my mom is hosting for my side of the family and some friends... So there's that. ;). Also looking forward to finally getting this little guy out!

26 Weeks!

26 Weeks

Size of baby: According to BabyCenter, you’re about the length of a scallion!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I haven't been as focused on my weight gain this time around.  I know that I'm gaining more quickly than I did with Emily, but I"m not stressing about it too much.

Maternity Clothes: Pretty much all maternity.  There's a couple of things that I can still wear that aren't, but I'm trying not to stretch out my "normal" clothes.

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: Definitely moving and kicking up a storm!  You'll even kick your sister when she's sitting on my lap.  She seems to be a bit oblivious to it, though!  ;)

What I miss: Not being in pain... back, pelvic, it's always something.

Sleep: Sleep is reasonably ok.  Last night was not good at all, but, for the most part I'm making it through the night with (at most) one bathroom break.  =)  Some nights I actually make it all the way through!

Symptoms: Just the back/pelvic pain.  If it's not one, it's the other.  Seeing a chiropractor and massage therapist regularly to try to help with it.

Cravings: I'm still really loving my hamburgers and BBQ'd meats.  Love sweets, but I'm not really craving them that frequently.  Prior to pregnancy I never really desired I big juicy hamburger, but now it sounds SOOO good.

Best Moment this week: Hmm... got the rug for the new nursery.  =)  We're having a garage sale this weekend to try to get ride of some stuff and make some cash to help with nursery/Emily's room decor and in a couple of weeks we're going to do the "remodel".

What I am looking forward to:  Doing the nursery/"big sister" remodel.  My parents are going to take Emily for a week at the beginning of August, so we're going to use that time to paint, rearrange, and decorate.  =) 

23 Weeks (and 2 days!)

23 Weeks

Size of baby: According to BabyCenter, you’re about the size of a mango!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I haven't weighed myself recently... I'm happily oblivious.  =)

Maternity Clothes: 80% maternity.  A few of my pre-prego shirts still fit, but my pants (with the exception of yoga/sweats) are all maternity now.  I tried to wear a pair of pre-prego jammy pants the other night and, when I shifted in my chair, the drawstring popped.  =(

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: We've got a mover!  Not quite as active as I remember Emily being, but it's getting there.  Jacob was able to feel him move for the first time last night as well.  =)

What I miss: Being able to walk/stand/carry things without discomfort.  The pelvic pain isn't as bad recently, but it still very uncomfortable.

Sleep:Several nights this past week I have slept straight through without having to get up at 2 AM to use the bathroom.  Knock on wood, I hope it continues for a bit longer!  I am, however, waking up at oddly early times (this morning was 5:30) for no apparent reason.

Symptoms: Nothing really  new to report.  Same ol', same ol'.

Cravings: Hamburgers always sound delicious and I smell BBQ sauce everywhere. lol

Best Moment this week: Jacob finally feeling a kick.  I've been waiting, but it seemed like every time he tried the movement would stop.  He got three kicks last night!

What I am looking forward to:  Getting Emily's new "big girl room" sorted out.  We moved the office out of the third bedroom this weekend, so now I can start thinking about paint and furniture.  We're going to have a garage sale in a couple of weeks to get rid of some stuff, and then the fun with decorating will begin.  =)

21 weeks!

21 Weeks

Size of baby: According to BabyCenter, you’re about the length of a carrot

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Roughly 20 pounds.  Apparently 10 is "normal".  What can I say, my body just loves being pregnant I guess.

Maternity Clothes: Primarily maternity clothes these days.  Went shopping yesterday for some more summery stuff.

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: Still a little movement here and there, but nothing constant.  Every now and then I'll get a sharp jab, though.  =)  At my 20 week ultrasound the tech told me that my placenta was in front of the little guy, so that it may take a bit longer to feel regular movements.

What I miss: My regular pants.  My maternity pants are still sliding down... driving me nuts.  =P

Sleep: I think that sleep has gotten better for me over the last week.  Jacob bought me a big ol' maternity pillow, and that has helped.  I don't even think I've woken up to pee in the middle of the night for a couple of days now.  =)

Symptoms: Have to use the bathroom every hour or so, even though only a thimble-full comes out. lol.  Tonight I've also been experience some pretty bad pain in my pubic region.  All that damn relaxin.  I just really, really, hope that it clears up and doesn't get worse as I still have several weeks to go!

Cravings: Not really craving anything.  I've tried to be better about my diet with this pregnancy than I was with the last one, but I don't know if it's going anywhere. lol.  So far I have avoided chocolate milkshakes though.  They were my downfall last time!

Best Moment this week: It was a couple weeks ago, but the ultrasound was great, being able to see the little guy and finally have some questions answered.

What I am looking forward to:  Getting Emily's new room and the nursery all sorted out.  Not sure when that will happen though... but I want to at least go to Home Depot and grab some paint color strips so I can start plotting.  =)

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.