I know, I know. I haven't written in a long while. We have been busy! Hospital work, photography is nearing the end of a busy season, Nathan was traveling a lot for work (which meant extra work for this pregnant mama with a 2 year old!) This is going to be a tough time this year I think. Two days from now last year, my sweet Doodad passed away from pancreatic cancer. It's hard to celebrate the holidays knowing that. It hasn't really hit me yet, and as it always does, it hits random times, so I'm sure it will emerge sometime that day. I will be able to spend some time with my brother though which I think will be good. I wish he could have met our sweet baby #2. I know he knows, and is watching over us. I miss calling him and hearing a "what you know?" from him, giving medical advice, and his hugs. I miss his laugh, and hearing him play guitar. I miss watching him play with Benjamin. I have videos and photos, and if I close my eyes it's almost like he's here. I miss him a lot. But knowing that I will see him again makes me happy.
On a happier note, we are so close to meeting our new baby boy!
How big is baby? The size of a bunch of asparagus? We had a 3D ultrasound done last week, and he was measuring 4lbs and 18 inches long!
Total weight gain/loss: Like 20 something. My OB wasn't worried and told me that I will probably gain in the high 30's by the end. I'm trying to eat better...
Maternity clothes? YES! only.
Sleep: What the heck is that? I'm getting very comfortable with my couch, my mile-high stack of pillows, and my late night TV. My heartburn (or rather, what feels like constant regurgitation) has been insufferable, along with the never ending rib pain makes it damn near impossible to sleep for more than a few hours at a time. Which mostly means 2-3 hours a night.
Best moment this week: Feeling that movement is still magical even though it hurts sometimes. Knowing my baby is rolling around in there is wonderful.
Movement: Everyone can see the movement now! He's twisting and turning and just rolling around like he'a slam dancing.
Food cravings: Always carbs. Breads, stuffing, potatoes... fruit as well.
Food Aversions: Nah.
Gender: We are having another boy! :)
Labor Signs: I had some bad back cramping the other day after my BLS checkoff at work. I knew I shouldn't have done it... but I had to for work. They went away after I rested a little bit.
Pregnancy symptoms: I've got some constipation, very mild swelling in my face and toes and hands (but not NEARLY as bad as with Benjamin! I think I'm moving around more this time). Leaky boobs... Braxton Hicks contractions every once in awhile. Heartburn city, intense aching rib pain...
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Being able to sleep!
What I am looking forward to: Normally I would say Thanksgiving (tomorrow) but I'm scheduled to work. But I'm looking forward to my OB appointment Monday to check baby's position. He was frank breech at my ultrasound, which could mean a cesarean section (which is okay as long as I'm prepared for it...) But I am looking forward to this weekend off with my boys! Maybe we can get some Christmas shopping done!
Upcoming appointments/events: Monday!
Weekly Wisdom: Invest in a ton (literally) of pillows and Rolaids/Tums, stool softeners, and water flavoring so you can drink a ton of that as well.
Milestones: Baby should be turning into position soon, and his skin is no longer transparent! His digestive system is mature as well!
