Update: 27 weeks

Baby update:  He's definitely more active and getting stronger which is reassuring.  We finally got a partial face shot of him.  He is measuring 28 weeks (at 27 weeks) but Dr B said he's 60% percentile when I was a little confused at him being a week ahead.  Maybe my app is wrong or I just misunderstood something.  Estimated weight would be a little over 8 lbs if I go full term (honestly hoping not to but we'll see).

Cravings:  Salads and sandwiches.  Chocolate, peanut butter...my usual weaknesses.  I made homemade chicken salad and ate so much of it.  It was super yummy.  Sadly a lot of it went down the sink after a few days (have to make a smaller batch next time).

Weight Gain:  about 8 lbs up from pre-pregnancy weight.  I must have passed my glucose test as I never heard back and they said I would if there was a problem.

Movement / Symptoms:  Feeling more movement and typically every day.  Definitely feeling more uncomfortable with movement and more growth.

Day to Day:  Pretty lame here.  Go to play groups with friends and stay inside a little too much due to it being so stinking hot (hitting 100 *F this past week a couple times).  Starting to want my body back and look forward to sitting, walking and just doing things more easily (even though compared to many I probably have little to complain about).  I loathe bra shopping and bra wearing.  Can't find a solution and only have one bra I remotely like or fit right now.

Baby Prep:  Super Mario nursery decor.  Still haven't done anything with this.

The Girls:  They are doing well and loving summer.  We got to the splash pad and Seren likes it okay but generally I bribe Kendall to get wet or she won't and she doesn't like it either way.  They LOVED the fireworks this year which was so much fun.  We also took them bowling for the first time and they had a great time.

Looking forward to:  Cooler months.  Getting some nursery stuff made.  I feel like a slacker on this as we may not even put up the crib until after my parents visit (depending on how it fits) so I feel no pressure to make bedding...which is nice.  I would like to paint this room but not sure.  Just realized with taking things out of it and off walls that it's a little more beat up than I previously thought.

Next visit:  July 31st.  Then it will be every two weeks.

Baby Boy at 27 weeks

Free Slurpee Day 7/11/2014 -  These girls love slurpees

No Right or Wrong Way...

My closest friend recently shared an "8 Things to Never Say to a Mom of an Only Child" on Facebook.  I initially thought well this is good and probably informative of another side to life and choice or non-choice to be in that situation.  She has a little girl who is a couple months younger than my two girls and they experienced a early second-trimester miscarriage last September and are still trying again from my understanding.  She has told me of the insensitivity of people asking "when are you going to have another?" type questions.  But the one point in this list she points out to agreeing with most is parents/moms saying "It's so hard with three kids".  I'm sorry...what?  Even the author of the article admits that if you stay at home with your (three) kids or work full time and come home to them that you are an exception to her complaint saying her complaint is against those who send their kids to day care or "school" and aren't attached to them ALL the time.  Obviously it's harder to juggle more children by simple math.  I kind of think the author rewrote/reworded after backlash from parents of multiple children.

Now I get that this "complaint" (at least by my friend) is probably more geared at women that complain about having more children.  Honestly I try not to ever complain about the number of kids I have.  I'm grateful for my girls even on days when I've hit my patience breaking point and bedtime can't come soon enough.  I don't complain about my pregnancy or act like I'm put out by any discomfort I have (well maybe to myself, Jeff or the dog).  I don't have an only child (never did) and I'm grateful.  I hope I would be grateful with only one as well but I can see the struggle. 

Anyway I have sidetracked from my even more annoyed declaration about this discussion that ensued after her posting.  Her sister-in-law, who has suffered 3 miscarriages, replies first and points out that she's not sure she's in agreement with the article because she doesn't think most people are being "insensitive jerks" (as the article calls them) for asking about having other children or just generally inquiring about family and kids.  She went on to say that she doesn't think talking about miscarriages should be taboo and she likes having the opportunity to educate people.  I can understand that.  When I get asked about my twins I feel the same way about it giving me a chance to shed light on infertility and maybe be supportive to someone going through it or who might have questions.  

But no understanding or empathy was to be had for her points...strong disagreement came pouring in from my friend's husband and his best friend (mutual close friend to my friend as well).  Knowing some of my friend's recent irritated feelings towards this sister-in-law (announcing her pregnancy too early for my friends liking, complaining about morning sickness to my friend, etc) I wonder if some of the attack that followed was due to a general dislike of her and her handling of current pregnancy.  Anyway both men went on to say...How dare she call miscarriage talk "taboo".  It's not taboo it's painful they both say and basically shame her for wanting to be public about her experience.  In my opinion obviously my friend's husband is defending his wife and their good friend is defending his mother who is still emotional when it comes to her own loss many years ago.  I get that.  Defend away.  But calmly express your opinion don't tell someone they are wrong for how they are handling it.  

Seriously?  You have to argue over how someone is supposed to deal with their grief.  How is this even a topic where there is a right or wrong answer.  Granted I've never had a miscarriage and I don't know what that is like but for me I think being told "you'll never have children" and having to go to the furthest extremes to have children passes pretty close up there to something emotionally similar.  Maybe for those that have had miscarriages that will take offense to that and for that I apologize.  But the point I'm trying to make is basically just to say that I know what it's like to be emotionally gutted and left with what feels like a dark abyss of no hope and no understanding.

Why compare?  Why argue about the appropriate way to handle how you discuss or don't discuss it?  There is no right or wrong way to handle yourself or your emotions.  Unless you are forcing that way onto someone else.  So for them to tell her (someone who has been through repeated miscarriages) that she is wrong about her opinion of the subject just really pissed me off.  You just don't go there.  You don't tell someone who knows how it feels and has had the same type of loss that they are wrong in how they deal with it.  Seriously it just steams me still but that's all I have to say on the subject without going into some long rant and tirade about it (if I haven't already).  I deleted my comment towards the article (which was lighthearted and before the attack) and will leave it at that.

Anatomy Scan...23 weeks 1 day

Baby update:  Baby boy was doing well.  He is very much decidedly not a mover and shaker (at least for appointments).  The tech measured what she needed to and everything looks good and is on target.  Little man is approximately 1.5 lbs right now and had a heart rate of 154 bpm.  He was pretty stubborn in showing his face...in fact didn't really show it enough for the anatomy scan to be complete but the tech didn't seem all that worried (or super friendly for that matter haha).  She made a note about not being able to measure or visualize the face well and said Dr B could follow up with this if he wanted to.  My ob/gyn has my due date for October 7th and since everything keeps measuring accurate for this I've decided to adopt it over my October 9th given by UCRM's office.

Cravings:  Salads and sandwiches.  Sweets (unfortunately).  Chinese...I have yet to enjoy some good crab/cream cheese wontons.  I figure the crab is imitation so therefore probably safe.

Weight Gain:  4 lbs up from pre-pregnancy weight.

Movement / Symptoms:  Feeling more movement and typically every day, usually around my bladder.  I think the anterior placenta has kept things pretty quiet on this front so far.

Day to Day:  Definitely feeling better and more energy.  We went to Zions National Park and enjoyed some nature walks/hikes.  It was nice to have our girls in tow as I was able to go at a slow pace.  I'm not in great shape and probably even slower with pregnancy.  Hoping to get some cleaning and organizing going before I get to the uncomfortable stage again.

Baby Prep:  Super Mario nursery decor although I haven't started on this still.

The Girls:  They are doing well and loving summer.  They loved staying at the condo for Zion and going hiking and swimming.  We're going to head to a movie in the park with them tonight.

Looking forward to:  An actual 3D scan where we can baby boy's face haha  We haven't really had any great u/s pictures with this pregnancy so far.  Maybe they try harder to give you some cute pictures with your first pregnancy or maybe he really is this stubborn.  Anyway hoping to see a cute chubby cheeked picture in the next bit.

Next visit:  July 10th glucose test and appointment.

Update: 22 weeks

Baby update:  Baby boy was doing well at our appointment.  He doesn't seem to be much of a mover and is always pretty chill.  Hopefully he'll be a wonderful mellow baby as well.  He measured a couple days ahead again and was about 0.75 lbs.  Dr B estimated he would be about 7.5 lbs or so if I go full term.

Cravings:  Nothing really.  I like salads still and sandwiches like Subway (probably shouldn't).  Nothing ever sends me running to the store or restaurant to go eat it though.

Weight Gain:  2 lbs up from pre-pregnancy weight.

Symptoms:  Feeling a little more movement but not always.  Did find out I have an anterior placenta though so that is probably muffling some of the movement going on.  Usually he starts wiggling if I haven't eaten breakfast and right after I eat or when I lay down to sleep at night.

Day to Day:  Definitely feeling better and more energy.  Painted two of our larger walls in our house (as in ladder needed).  They were a creamy yellow neutral from the previous owner and I finally got my way (love ya Jeff) and we splurged on a copy gallons of nice cream light brown/tan to paint it all).  Still many walls to go but hey it's getting there.  I am trying not to paint the baby's room this time but who knows what will happen.

Baby Prep:  Super Mario nursery it is.  I ordered some sheets to use for material and a plush Mario.  I'm excited to get going on it.  I've also bought some gently used baby boy clothes, a gently used nursing pillow, a carseat and a couple new outfits courtesy of Khols sending me a $10 off $10 or more coupon.

The Girls:  They are doing well and loving summer.  We've been sick with fevers and sniffles the last couple weeks which is no fun but we're heading into the clear now and going to hit more parks and splash pad fun.  Our little blow up pool is waiting in the backyard as we speak (might need an upgrade as it really is quite little hehe)

Looking forward to:  We are heading down with the girls to our southern state for some relaxing and hiking this weekend and into the week for a few days.  We'll stay at a condo we're renting in St. George and then do some hiking and exploring in Zions National Park.  Sooooo looking forward to it.  The condo has a community pool and playground and other fun stuff (hope my swimsuit will fit).  Plus some good eats will be had :)

Next visit:  June 12th for targeted ultrasound/anatomy scan.

Gotta love selfies in the mirror :P 

I bought tops a couple sizes up from my normal on clearance at Walmart and was going to rouche them with elastic thread so they weren't so frumpy...getting to the "eh who cares" point though HAHA

HAHA...Like I said it's small.  Time for an upgrade I think.  They still LOVED it. 

Update: 20 weeks...Halfway there

Baby update:  Supposedly he's a small cantaloupe.  Our next appointment is a week away but it's been 3 weeks since I've written anything.  So as far as we know he's doing fine.

Cookie Tossing Count:  Nothing for a couple weeks.  Yeah!  I think it's safe to drop this topic finally.

Cravings:  Nothing really.  Most food doesn't sound good to me.  Jeff claims I never eat much when I'm pregnant so maybe this is my norm.  Eggs and toast is usually tasty enough.  Fruit is good.  Milk is usually yummy.  I made homemade Fettuccine Alfredo last week which was sooooo good...I really shouldn't have learned that simple recipe (or maybe I should share it so we can all "suffer" together haha)

Weight Gain:  I think I'm about at pre-pregnancy weight now or a pound up.  Not great but good enough.

Symptoms:  Depending on the day I feel bloated and like I'm getting a belly.  Some days I feel like I am just pudgy looking.  Still not a lot of movement.  I feel a flutter once in a while, maybe once a day or every other.  But not a whole lot.  Sometimes it concerns me but I just figure hold out until the 29th and ask about it.

Day to Day:  I feel like I have more energy but nothing to run marathons or even a few blocks with.  I am motivated some days and darn right unmotivated others.  I am trying to organize and sell stuff from the girls clothing so let's hope we don't get a switch-a-roo gender and need it.  So in my effort to organize there is more disarray than organization...blah!

Nursery Theme:  I am really thinking I'd like to do a Super Mario nursery theme.  Jeff would love it and I'm not really into sports, airplane, pooh and other boy themes that are out there.

The Girls:  Kendall was pretty upset the other day when she insisted there were two baby brothers and I told there was only one.  She had a meltdown.  Seren still tells us that baby brother is in her tummy and that he will crawl out someday.  They are doing good and the are excited for a baby brother.

Next visit:  May 29th for regular check up.  June 12th for targeted ultrasound/anatomy scan.

Update: 17 weeks

Baby update:  Our appointment was yesterday (May 1st).  Baby is doing well.  We asked to confirm gender but he wasn't being cooperative so we only caught the quickest glimpse so nothing is 100% but probably 98% based on the ultrasound at 13 weeks.  He is measuring between 17-18 weeks so right on target.  Heart rate was fine everything is developing great.

Cookie Tossing Count:  I haven't tossed my cookies for a good while (yeah!).  Sugar has started making me feel like crap though...especially if I eat it at night.  Let's face it I have toddlers that sniff out sugar so this was typically when I would indulge in a treat after they went to bed.  But no longer the best option...boo!

Cravings:  Toasted bread, heated turkey, tomato, lettuce, mayo and mustard sandwich.  I had two for lunch today (okay lunch and post lunch a couple hours later).  Yum!

Weight Gain:  I'm not sure I'm gaining enough but considering I was trying to and could stand to lose some when the second FET was successful it's probably okay.  I am still down from my initial pregnancy weight by a pound or two.

Symptoms:  A little more bloated and "full" feeling depending on the day.  Which I think is crazy since he is about 5-6 inches and 1/2 lb.  I don't feel like there is that much baby in there and I'm not showing still, only a little more belly than I'm used to.

Day to Day:  I feel tired a lot of the time.  I need to get some more iron or take the prenatal with iron (gummy ones do not have iron).  I am doing a little better day to day getting things done around the house but it's still not like old habit used to be.

The Girls:  The girls were excited to see their baby brother again on the ultrasound.  Seren was asking if the gel and ultrasound tickled.  They love our ob/gyn's office as it has a big Little Tykes play set in a room so they can play while we wait (Dr B was out on a delivery this time so the wait was bearable with them entertained as well).  Seren tells us that baby brother is in her tummy and in mine.  She will jump around or dance and say "I'm dancing with my baby brother.  He likes it".  Kendall agrees that he is in Seren's tummy and in my tummy but not in her tummy.  I guess to them babies only come in sets of two haha.

Next visit:  May 29th for regular check up.  June 12th for targeted ultrasound/anatomy scan.

Update: 16 weeks

Baby update:  I am feeling more bloated and not as comfortable in my regular pants and it's not so comfortable to pull my knee up to my chest when I sit on the couch or at the computer.  Those are my indicators of growth because I still don't really see a big difference with a baby bump or such.  Also my bras are starting to not fit so well again...seriously?  So annoying and I already hated bra shopping.

Cookie Tossing Count:  This is pretty much gone.

Cravings:  I don't really find myself wanting to eat anything particular.  Sometimes I have no desire to eat.  I love milk.  Also we went to Zupas last night and I got the mushroom soup and chicken chop salad...the mushroom soup always hits the spot even in non-pregnant times.

Symptoms:  Just more bloat feeling and annoying enlarged breasts.  No real weight gain yet still.  I still think this is a balance of gaining baby weight but losing some with hormones in being in balance.

Movement:  I don't think so yet.  Occasionally I'll feel very small twinge type stuff where I think it would be but nothing convincing yet.

Day to Day:  Energy is starting to come back.  I tried to clean house yesterday.  Managed to shift some things around in the spare bedroom/nursery.  We're moving our make-shift office into our bedroom until further notice (blah! but it may be a while as the basement will need finishing before it can really go anywhere else).

The Girls:  Kendall and Seren are adorable.  They make small mentions of "baby brother" on their own now...like when they see me taking my vitamins or see other babies.  They are so fun and smart and sassy.  Seren loves to say "you silly" now when she corrects your or tells you what to do.  Kendall still loves to raise her voice and say "right now!" when asking for something, which just gets chuckles from us (occasionally time outs when she goes overboard).  Kendall is still a very tender heart.  We bought twin by twin bunk beds for them recently but haven't fully put them together yet.

Next appointment:  May 1st.