30 Weeks
Half-Way There!
The first half seemed to fly by, and I'm a little terrified that my due date will be here before I know it. I have a lot to get done between now and then:
- work trip and music festival, back-to-back in April
- anniversary/baby-moon/finally passed all our AREs* trip to Savannah in May
- plan and execute Luke's 3rd birthday party
- whip the house into shape to make room for another kiddo
*ARE = Architectural Registration Exam. There are 7 total (yes 7) and we took the first one when I was 8 months pregnant with Luke, and took the last one when I was 8 weeks pregnant with Baby #2.
Maternity Clothes: All day, every day. Nothing but maternity pants from here on out. I'm big enough to wear most of my maternity tops/dresses now, but I have a few regular shirts that still fit. I'm trying to wear them now, while I still can, because I know at the end I will be down to a rotation of the same 6 shirts that are big enough for a 40+ week belly.
Small success: When I unboxed my stash of maternity clothes all of my pants (and some of the tops) were too big! I've lost weight since I was pregnant with Luke so I've gone down a size in maternity pants. I've bought a few pairs of pants for myself, but a friend of mine let me go through her stash, so now I have a decent wardrobe again. Thanks, Kelli!
Cravings/Aversions: I've been craving Gatorade (which I drink constantly) and sushi (which I can't have). What's up with that? I still can't stand the smell of seafood.
Symptoms: Heartburn and indigestion, mild but chronic back pain. I'm sleeping well, for the most part, but I've had some night sweats and insane pregnancy dreams. I can tell my pelvis has loosened and I've started to walk funny. When I sit or lay down, it always feels like something's in the wrong place. No Braxton Hicks contractions yet but I have "growing pains" multiple times a day. I can feel the baby kicking and it won't be much longer before others will get to feel it too!
OB Appointments: Yesterday was my 20 week check-up and anatomy ultrasound. We opted not to learn the gender, but other than that the baby looks normal. I learned that for second-time moms, pregnancy will be a little different than the first time because your body is looser, in every since of the word. This usually means more discomfort, earlier start of labor, shorter labor and slightly bigger baby. Nothing I can't handle. I was a bit concerned that the baby seemed to always have his/her hands and arms up around the face. Not a medical crisis, but Luke favored that position and came out elbow-first, causing quite a bit of tearing for me. According to the midwife an elbow-first birthing position is common, but if it happens again it will be less painful for me since everything is already stretched out. Not a fun visual, but it makes me feel better.
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18 Weeks
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| 18 weeks :: disco bump |
Last time around the gestation block, I did weekly bump photos. I kept saying I was going to do it again this time but haven't gotten around to it. It's not as dramatic, having already seen my body transform to grow a baby. Plus I've just felt less prone to over-sharing lately, which was one of the reasons I put my other blog on hiatus. So here I am, 18 weeks along with a sizable little bump and just a photo or 2 to show for it.
So here's my new plan: take pictures (most likely awkward self-portraits like you see here, but every once in a while I might use a tripod or find some decent lighting) when I feel like it and give a little State of the Uterus Address. Maybe I'm being vain, but the main reason I want to document this pregnancy is because my pre-pregnancy weight is lower the second time around and I want to have photographic proof of the thinner, cuter pregnant me. Down 28 pounds - suck it 2009 self!
Maternity Clothes: You bet. I have been wearing maternity pants for over 4 weeks, and I'm wearing a mix of maternity and regular tops. Blousy maternity tops are still too big, but knit tanks and t-shirts are just right.
Cravings/Aversions: I'm not liking really greasy food, like fried chicken, I can't stand the smell of fish, and the texture of cooked onions makes me want to barf. No specific cravings, but I'm insanely hungry and thirsty all the time. Just like my last pregnancy, I am very susceptible to food commercials. Once I see a food I want, I fixate on it until I have it. Most recent obsession: Sonic tater tots.
Symptoms: Exhaustion and light-headedness have passed, and I never had morning sickness. I am now in the phase of heartburn and indigestion. Tums are back to being my best friends. Still able to sleep comfortably, and I rarely wake up to pee so that's a good thing.
OB Appointments: I had a check-up last week. Everything's fine, baby's heart rate sounds good. We could hear a loud wooshing sound over the doppler and the midwife said that was the sound of the baby moving around. Seems like quite the acrobat! I have my next check-up and the anatomy ultrasound in 2 weeks, but we're not going to learn the gender. So far I have declined all optional tests and screenings and I'm glad my OB practice isn't pushing them.
Bump Photo - The Aftermath
Yesterday Luke turned 4 weeks old and Steven turned 26! To celebrate, we took a few pictures in the backyard, bump photo style.
Here's me and my little man. I have to admit, I have an agenda for this post. The main reason I wanted to show a picture of myself is so I can show you my post-baby body. That's right folks, I have lost all my baby weight and then some! That doesn't mean you'll see me in a bikini anytime soon, because 1) I was fat before I got pregnant, so that means I'm still fat now and 2) the weight is gone but things have shifted. I now have, how do you say it, extra skin in places.

On Me
Tank: Old Navy
Skirt: thrifted
Cardigan: Target
Sandals: Old Navy
Jewelry: made by me
On Luke
Polo: Oshkosh B'Gosh
Notice how I held the distractingly cute baby in front of my mommy pooch. Clever Mama.

Now, here are the birthday boys. Aren't they handsome? Yes, they are both wearing brown polos. Yes, I made them dress alike. I am that mom.
Bump Photo - Week 37
Bump Photo - Week 36

There's not much to say about this outfit. We were out running weekend errands yesterday and I just wanted to be comfortable, and this cotton sundress was perfect for that. It has gotten so hot lately that I can hardly stand to wear pants, and sadly I only have 1 pair of maternity shorts. Luckily I can still wear several of my non-maternity skirts and dresses - stretchy is the name of the game!
Dress: Wal-Mart
Sunglasses: Nautica
Older Photos
Week 35
Week 34
Bump Photo - Week 35
Here's me, with only 5 weeks until my due date. It's hard to believe how big I've gotten! One thing I am thankful for is my office's relaxed dress code. There are only 4 of us so we can get away with being fairly casual, which is a good thing when I'm this big and it's this hot.
Tank: Liz Lange Maternity, for Target
Jeans: free from Freecycle, hemmed into capris by Cydney
Older Photos
Week 34
Bump Photo - Week 34
At this point, comfort is pretty much the name of the game. I do not normally consider myself a leggings enthusiast, nor do I believe they are a substitute for pants. However, I'm pregnant and therefore exempt from fashion rules.My maternity leggings are one of the few bottoms I own that don't bunch, sag or fall down. Leggings win.
I wanted to show off more of my shirt because I love it! I picked it up at Merlefest and not only is it pretty but the cotton is insanely soft (back to comfort again).

Bump Photo - Week 32
What all that means to you is that I haven't had time to take all my bump photos, much less do any nursery projects.
But in the spirit of 'better late than never' I bring you my 32 week baby bump:

This is me dressed up to attend my SIL's college graduation. Admittedly 'dressed up' is a relative term. This outfit is decidedly not fancy, but getting a preggo in high heels has to count for something. Right? Fancy or no, I thought this outfit was pretty darn cute - if I do say so myself. Forgive the pathetic expression on my face. It wasn't even noon and my feet were already starting to swell.
As you can see from the close-up, I have entered the 'smuggling a basketball' phase.
Jacket: Mossimo, for Target
Tank: Old Navy
Capris: Liz Lange Maternity, for Target Espadrilles: LOFT Beads: thrifted Older Photos Week 30 Week 29Bump Photo - Week 30

I seriously cannot believe how big my bump has gotten! After catching my reflection the other day I told Steven that I felt like was moving past the adorable pregnant phase, and beginning to look like a cow. Instead of offering words of encouragement or (false) flattery, he just said "Moo."
Moo indeed.
Bump Photo - Week 29
Bump Photo - Week 28

So, this is the first picture from my third trimester! I can't believe I'm this far along already! This pregnancy just seems to be flying by and, with the exception of a few minor symptoms, I have felt great.

I had to show you this close-up of my top because it was designed and made right here in Raleigh! It's a non-maternity tank, but it's stretchy enough to make it through the day. I love how the ship makes an awesome bump accessory! And yes, I'm wearing Birkenstocks - they may be granola shoes, but the arch support is a pregnant woman's best friend!
Older Photos
Bump Photo - Week 27

Ok, ok, I'm a TERRIBLE blogger. We were slack and didn't take a picture for week 26 - but you can look at this week and Week 25 and have a pretty good guess what I looked like. Since the weather has improved (and the sun is still out when I get home) I have moved the weekly pictures to our backyard. I hope you enjoy the change of scenery!
Bump Photo - Week 25
Bump Photo - Week 24
First, let me say I looked a lot cuter this morning. I had a meeting with clients at Fort Bragg, so I was all dressed up for work. But then the car ride was long, I felt all wrinkled and gross, so I stripped down to my undershirt and threw on some jeans before I remembered it was picture day. Sigh.
I also wanted to share a quick story to prove that no man is perfect. You see that little pink streak right in the corner where my tank is touching my pants? Well, Steven spied it and said "Look, you got your first stretch mark!" It's legal to kill for that, right?
During our little photo shoot I wanted to pose with my oldest 'child' Pop-Tart. She's 3 and quite uncooperative for pictures, but I love her dearly. Please excuse her glowing eyes.
Or if you can't look past them, at least pretend they're something awesome, like laser-eyes.
Tank: Old Navy
Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Bump Photo - Week 23
Bump Photo - Week 22
Bump Photo - Week 21
Bump Photo - Week 20

As you will see in my posts I have switched, almost entirely, to actual maternity pants. The belly bands were working well for a while but now I am more comfortable in my big-girl jeans. For me, the belly band has gotten to the point where it's either riding up in the back - crack attack! - or riding up in the front, exposing my fly in its unzipped glory. Don't get me wrong - those little miracles got me through the early days of 'too big for my pants but still too small for maternity pants' and I for sure will break them out again post-delivery to transition back to my pre-pregnancy state.
Sweater: thrifted, maternity
Beads: Target
Jeans: Old Navy Maternity

I also thought I would include this close up. Steven keeps taking zoomed in shots of my belly even though I tell him not to. Maybe he is overly proud of the visible fruits of his manly fertilizin' or maybe he just finds it funny. I'll never know.
Older Photos
Week 18Bump Photo - Week 19

This photo marks a milestone because my bump is now distinguishable with my shirt still on. This makes me happy because, 1) it's cold! and 2) I don't know some of you that well, so I prefer to keep my nekkid-ness under wraps.
Shirt: Old Navy Maternity
Cardigan: Old Navy
Jeans: Ann Taylor Loft
Older Photos
Week 18
Week 17




