Pregnancy #2- Week 20

(Work Selfie)

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 20 Weeks    

Size of Baby:  10.5 ounces .. the size of a banana

Total Weight Gain: +7 lbs

Movement: Yes, sporadic! I felt Noah at about week 15, so I was really anxious to feel baby girl soon, too. It turned out not being the case! I finally began to feel her about 2 weeks ago on and off. She moves a lot at night when I am laying down. I don’t feel her much during the day. I love this part of being pregnant!

Cravings: Chick-Fil-A almost every single day. I am craving chick-fil-a chicken sandwiches with American cheese, fries and a large sweet tea. I also am loving Italian food with this baby just like I did with Noah. I love Dr. Pepper, too. I do NOT want any red meat. I got sick twice early in this pregnancy after eating a cheese burger and I really haven’t wanted one since.           

Sick or Queasy: Here and there. About 3-4 weeks ago I went from taking 3 Zofran a day to only 1 in the morning. There have been a few days I have had to take 2, but not many. I am not sure if I am, in fact, sicker this time OR if my sickness has been the result of not as much rest and down time due to chasing a toddler. Overall, I am much better, but I still have a few sick periods that come and go.

Symptoms: Lots of going to the bathroom. Hard to breathe! I am sure the humidity has not helped. I went to the doctor last week and he said that a lot of it was all the extra fluid. I do not remember having trouble with Noah. But, I forget all the bad too. Also, nose bleeds. . Worse this time. My sinuses messed up almost immediately.

Best Moment of the Week: Spending a relaxing weekend at the lake with Jason and Noah as well as my family!

Looking Forward To: More movement! Her bedding is due to arrive this week as well, so I am looking forward to seeing how everything comes together.

Coming Back ..

Can you come back to writing after being gone for 18 months? I miss my little space here. . . even if I am the only one who reads it! I didn't realize how much I did miss writing about our lives. I have gone back several times recently to look at some things from my pregnancy with Noah and was so grateful that those things could be found here. I only wish I would have been more consistent and dedicated.

I have decided to give this another try!

A little catch up ...

Noah Christopher Gold, obviously, made his appearance on February 26, 2013 

I will blog his birth story soon. This boy has been the biggest surprise of our entire lives! We love him more than I can put into words.

We just thought Noah was the surprise of our lives! This Spring God blew us away .. again! 

We are absolutely thrilled that we will welcome Noah's sister .. our daughter ... in late December/early January. God is so good.

Let's see, what else? Oh yes, there is so much more! 2013 brought us .. a new baby, a new house and a move. It brought me closer to God than I have ever experienced. All of which, I hope to write about soon.

This is more than enough for today. Especially with it being a Monday and all. 

Almost There

It amazes me what the human body is capable of.

Here we are . . WEEK 38!

I'm not going to pretend this last leg has not been tough. Not impossible (obviously!), but just difficult. I did want to remember what these last weeks were like, though. 

Sleep has been hit or miss. I have never struggled with sleeping. Not so much these days. It's not that I am all that uncomfortable. It totally depends on my state of mind. I know that is so weird. For whatever reason my mind goes in one thousand different directions at night. It's hard to get my thoughts contained and put to rest for the night. That coupled with Noah's position and Gracie have made for some interesting nights at our house! 

I have been on maternity leave for a week now. That was also a difficult transition, especially with no baby yet. I have always either been in school or worked. Not sure how to handle days at home. I am learning. I am cooking . . alot! I am cleaning. I am doing loads of laundry everyday. Jason has not been complaining too much ;) Don't know how much of that will continue when Noah gets here!

My nausea from early on has come back :( I was so glad to be over all of that and really enjoying eating. Again, I think alot of that is his position and movements. I have been really sensitive to those 2 things the last few weeks. I have read it ends immediately when he is out so that is something to look forward to! Another thing that has not been fun has been acid reflux. I have been lucky in that I have not had that or heartburn up until recently. I would rather have the heartburn then the reflux. I about lost my lunch all over the table at my grandmas yesterday because it came very unexpectedly!

Up until about 31-32 weeks Noah was breech. The doctor started talking about trying to manually flip him if that was something I may want to attempt. Um .  . no thank you. I had mentally prepared myself for a csection, but he was able to get turned head down! Instead of a bulging head in my ribs these last 6 weeks I have been enjoying his little bottom, feet and legs. At times when he is really active I will go to grab a foot that feels like it is getting ready to break through my stomach and he will jerk it away. That has been fun! 

Enough complaining . . this pregnancy has been absolutely wonderful. Compared to others, I realize how blessed I am. My blood pressure has always been great, I have been able to work everyday, have felt good and I have had hardly any swelling. I thank God for these things because He has sustained us. 

I have been going to the doctor weekly now for the last 4 weeks. As of 2 weeks ago I was 1 cm dilated and 90% effaced. And I thought he was well on his way! HA! He must be very comfortable in there. I go back this week to be checked so we will see how progression is coming along. Lord willing . . NO MUCH LONGER!

 

Third Trimester

Well, we have officially hit the third trimester. 

I never thought we would see this day! It seemed like light years away when I was 8 weeks in looking forward to it. We are on the down swing!! Whoohoo! This is us, 27 weeks 5 days this morning. The third trimester has brought its own set of challenges . . as did the other 2! More frequent hip pain, trouble sleeping ( I am up a minimum of 2 hours consecutively every night), some queasiness, some weird "spells" we shall call them . . . and a much dreaded test. 

Meet the glucose drink.

They say the drink is best ice cold and in a separate glass.

Check. I choose fruit punch. The only other option was orange. I can't stomach orange flavored anything on a good day! This has to be downed in 5 minutes. Then, wait an hour to have blood drawn. Luckily I didn't have to fast but for 2 hours before drinking this and 3 total hours before blood was drawn. I ate some plain cheerios in 2 % milk for breakfast and a few swigs of Dr. Pepper. Here goes nothing . . 

Finished with a minute and 10 seconds to spare! Hey, 5 minutes goes by quicker than you think when you have to have something finished. It wasn't terrible! Actually it tasted like Hawaiian punch. The first sip was the worst and then it got tolerable.

I passed! I was so happy! I was really afraid that I was going to have to do the 3 hour test WHEN I failed this one. Thank YOU Lord that is is over!!

Gracie loves the new Christmas tree skirt. She has also decided she loves one of the gifts under the tree. She has NEVER tried to play with a gift. Jason found her the other night with the shiniest, prettiest wrapped  gift we have. What can I say but that she is her mama's daughter! We have actually had to move it because she keeps going back to it. 

Happy Weekend! 

Christmas Puppy and Pickles

I thought this was too funny and cute not to post!

We put up our Christmas tree this weekend. Gracie has never payed any attention to it. I got a new tree skirt to go with this new cheap tree we bought (another story for another time) and she loves it.

Here is where I found her Saturday for about half the day:

Mind you, this is the cheapest tree skirt out there. It is felt material that I got at Target for like $5. She has made herself a little spot there.

Last night Jason heard her in the living room playing. She got her little Santa toy stuck in the tree and got it down. So sweet!

Beth, this picture is for you (but especially Ben! ha!) ! We had lunch after church yesterday at our favorite place in Boiling Springs NC. Jason and I dominated this plate of fried pickles. We were about to eat the last 2 when I stopped him so that I could get a picture for my friend Beth who loves them too, and her husband who does NOT love them. 

I hope you have a great start to this special Thanksgiving week. We had a great sermon yesterday in which Pastor Terry reminded us that being thankful isn't determined by our circumstances. We always have a hope in Christ and the assurance of our salvation (and the cost of that salvation) to be most thankful for. 

 

24

Well, we have hit the 24 week mark! LESS than 16 weeks to go!

This picture is funny. I was holding my dress back because you really can't tell just how BIG my stomach is without me pulling my clothes tight! It just looks weird in clothes that fit a little loose. 

Everything is great! I started doing a prenatal yoga dvd at home this past week. I have had some bad sciatic pain and just general stretching/pulling/aches/pains. I read that yoga helps with stretching your muscles so I thought I would give it a try. It has helped! I have been trying to drink a ton of water also. 

My mom and grandmother and I went Christmas shopping on Saturday. I knew that it would be challenging this year carrying around extra weight . . alot of extra weight! I did really well until late afternoon. I finally just had to go sit in my car to get some support in my lower back. Luckily we went home after about an hour of me sitting. It was nice to be off my feet. Sunday, I could not move! My body was just screaming rest. So, that is what we did. . . ALL day. I felt better by Monday. 

Our little boy has been very active the last couple of days. Jason has actually been able to feel him and see him move from the outside. I laugh each time he makes those drastic movements. It is truly amazing. Jason says it won't be near as fun when feet are in my ribs. I told him I would wait and see before I commented.

Happy Tuesday!

 

Long Overdue Update!

Well, it has been a few weeks! No excuses, just life!

 We have made the half way point!! YAY! When I first found out I was pregnant, my best friend told me that there were certain milestones that would mean so much. The first one was making it to 12 weeks. The risk of miscarriage goes down significantly after this point. The second was getting past the first trimester because all your sicknesses and ailments should slow up (not in my case, but close enough!). The third was the half way point (20 weeks) - just because you are half way there! The forth was 24 weeks because at that point the baby has a fairly good chance of survival if something should happen and you deliver then. The fifth was sometime during the 30 week period because if you deliver at that point things would not be as critical with the baby. The sixth was actual delivery because he is here!

Here we are this morning at 22 weeks and some days :

I got so tickled at this photo this morning in comparing to my last update at 15 weeks. I really thought my stomach was big then! HA!

We are doing really good. I have hit the point that I feel good, have SOME energy back and am really starting to get excited (and scared). I feel him moving a pretty good bit now. Mostly from the inside and occasionally from the outside if I am quick enough. Jason has not felt him yet. He really just enjoys what I call swimming at this point. It really feels like he is just making laps down there. I would not trade that feeling for anything in the world.

We have had a couple of ultrasounds. The most important was last week when we had the anatomy scan where they check the sizes and makeup of all his organs. Praise God, we have a healthy baby. He is also alittle bigger than most his size at this point in pregnancy, but we somewhat expected that. His daddy is no small man. Here is a sweet little shot of him all curled up:

I have to tell you, ultra sound pics freak me out alittle bit. I mostly enjoy watching him move when we have them done. I am excited that I have scheduled his 3D/4D ultrasound in December! We can't wait to see his little features in detail. These black and whites are just alittle scary to me! I have one with his eyes open that really looks weird. Ha! 

We have the nursery done - well, all except for accessories! Things are really starting to fall into place and the reality that a little person will be joining us in early March is starting to settle in. Very surreal! 

It's good to be back! Hope you all have a great Thursday! November is here and that means that the crazy holiday season is short to follow. I can't wait :)!

 

15 Weeks

These self portraits keep getting worse! Hopefully last one and Jason can take back over. Ignore all the bathroom surroundings. It is usually not like that.

How Far Along: 15 Weeks

Size of Baby:    Avocado        

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  + 3 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Yes and I love them. I could no longer fit in any work pants. Instead of buying a bigger size, I went ahead and got some small maternity pants and have not looked back since! So nice to be able to breathe again!

Gender:  A BOY ! Details to come.

Movement: Flutters, finally! It is the most amazing feeling. I have only felt them 3 times over the last week. It is a feeling I could get used to.

Food Cravings: ice water, bubble gum, chocolate doughnuts, chicken alfredo, apple juice, Frosted Flakes

What I Miss: Nothing!  

Sleep: Hit or Miss. Depends on the night and circumstances.  

Symptoms: Nosebleeds, lower back pain, still tired, indigestion. Other than that, feeling pretty good!

Best Moment This Week:  Finding out that we are having a baby boy, and seeing him move around a lot!  

What I am Looking Forward To: Getting his nursery together! Starting this week! 

 

Life Lately

I really did not intend for this to turn into only a weekly update my pregnancy blog. 

Truth be told, I feel like I am just now entering the land of the living. I wanted to start the weekly updates at 12 weeks so that I could keep up with everything from early on. I have not been inspired much beyond that!!

But, I am feeling better! Funny, at one point, feeling good was something I never thought I would see or feel ever again. Ha! Life is good. Jason and I are feeling so beyond blessed and many days I wonder when the bubble is going to pop. I know that is not a good outlook to have, but most days I feel like I am in a dream. 

This sweet girl has been adjusting to pregnant life in our house great! 

She especially enjoys all my last bites of all the junk food I have been craving, in particular, chocolate covered doughnuts! Jason is not fairing so well. He says he is going to gain more weight than I do if I don't stop buying the junk. I am trying. But, it is super hard.

I am loving this cooler weather! I am inspired to walk a lot longer at lunch when I take Gracie out rather than running in and out as quickly as possible. We both have been reaping the benefits! Unfortunately, last week on one of our outings I stepped in a big ole ant hill. As a result, I got about 6 bites on the top of my foot. Some people will tell you to try this remedy or that one. Here is one that will never fail you: go ahead and scratch them until they bleed. Once they are broken open, they will not itch near as bad. Jason thinks this is insane, but I was talking to a friend this weekend and she does the exact same thing! It took me one whole night of agony before I was able to bust them open, but after that . . smooth sailing :)

TV is much less important in my life at this point . . not NEAR as important as sleep! HA! But, I have been managing to keep up with Big Brother, Army Wives and 19 Kids and Counting. Granted, mostly through DVR, but I am still watching! 8:00 bed time comes early! We have so many shows that we love that are getting ready to start back up this fall, so I am hoping I get some energy and stamina back before too long!

I think that pretty much sums up life lately. Work, eat, sleep, walk Gracie, more sleep, watch some TV, sleep, clean when absolutely necessary and sleep a little more. You get the picture :)

14 Weeks

How Far Along: 14 weeks

Size of Baby: Naval orange

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Possibly. Have not checked, but have been eating like crazy!

Maternity Clothes: Not yet. . but soon. None of my regular pants fit. Thank goodness I saved a few of my bigger pants from a couple of years ago. Hoping they get me through the next couple of weeks. I bought a few new shirts on sale at GAP this week and they are so comfortable. I just went a size up than normal. 

Gender: . . we will see sooner rather than later, hopefully!

Movement: I am not sure. This weekend I felt a few weird things that were not normal things like gas, etc. It was mainly on the right side, but then I had some flutters on the left side yesterday. I don’t really know! 

Food Cravings: ice water, ice cream (finally!! . . it has made me sick up until this point), anything that looks or sounds good at the time.

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night soundly.

Sleep: See above. I am learning to stack pillows around me and that helps some. I have read in places where after 12 weeks it is not good to sleep on your back because the baby doesn’t get as much oxygen. Basically I flip from one side to the other all night long. I wake up EVERYTIME I flip.

Symptoms: Still a few nauseous episodes, but nothing like in the beginning. Very tolerable. More sleepy and out of it in the evenings. I can stay up a little later than normal and not pay for it the next day which is progress! A few nose bleeds. I think it has been the humidity.

Best Moment This Week: Spending time with our friends and family over the holiday weekend!

What I am Looking Forward To: A fun appointment on Saturday, also our 5 year anniversary!

13 Weeks

Late AND no photo. I had Jason take one with my iPhone, but the quality was not great enough for me to be able to edit it on my computer.

 How Far Along: 13 weeks

Size of Baby: Lemon

Total Weight Gain/Loss: None

Maternity Clothes: Not yet

Gender: I have a guess  . . but not sharing in case I am wrong! Everyone thinks one way and I am the only one who thinks the exact opposite. Well, my sister in law jumped on board with me this week!

Movement: Nope

Food Cravings: cold pastas, chicken salad, and water with crushed ice 

What I Miss: Nothing this week !

Sleep: Not too good. Still waking up a couple of times a night, but usually I go right back to sleep, so no big deal.

Symptoms: Tired! A few other things I don’t feel comfortable mentioning on the blog :)

Best Moment This Week: Buying a few baby goodies!

What I am Looking Forward To: Energy!

 

12 Weeks

How Far Along: 12 weeks

Size of Baby: Peach

Total Weight Gain/Loss: ¼ of a pound. A few of my blue jean pants and work pants are getting alittle snug. I can still wear them, but sometimes I just unbutton them!

Maternity Clothes: Not yet

Gender: No idea… not even a guess at this point!

Movement: Nope

Food Cravings: Ice cream cones, pizza and pastas.. anything Italian!!

What I Miss: Deli meat. I know how weird that sounds. Before I got pregnant, I ate a turkey and cheese sandwich everyday for lunch. I know all I have to do is heat up the meat, but I would rather have no meat than hot meat. That’s just gross to me.

Sleep: Some nights are good. Some nights are not great. The first 9 weeks I slept like the dead. I guess I am not requiring as much. I am having CRAZY dreams. I tell Jason that every night I feel like I am going to sleep only to tune into a series of short movies. The dreams are so vivid and real! Some have been entertaining and others have been terrifying.

Symptoms: Some tiredness during the day and especially during the early evening; Hungry a good bit now; The constant nausea has turned into occasional nausea and just a gagging feeling (not all day, but at least everyday) . . . overall, feeling pretty good now!

Best Moment This Week: Getting to see the baby at our 11 week appointment for the second time and hear the heart beat! It is amazing how much the baby has grown in just 4 short weeks! (The heartbeat was 171 at the 11 week appointment- we will see if the old wives tale holds true about high heartbeats and girls!!)

What I am Looking Forward To: The end of the first trimester!!

A Sweet Surprise

Jason and I have some pretty big news we have been keeping kind of a secret . .

As if 1 confirmation isn't enough .... I did 2 more.

We can't wait to welcome Baby Gold in early March! We are thrilled and blessed beyond anything we ever deserve :)

"You will show me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - Psalm 16:11

 

Put These Books on Your MUST READ List!

I have not been very good this summer about reading. I have tried to get into a couple of books, but I am going through a stage where nothing is really holding my interest. However, that changed last week. I have been dying to read Angie Smith's book I Will Carry You.

I don't even feel competent enough to give this book its proper review. All I can tell you is to read it as soon as possible. Mercy, what a woman of faith. She is one of my absolute favorite writers and this book did not disappoint. 

I also read The Hiding Place this weekend. 

Yet another book that I can't quite put my feelings into words. Amazing story. This book is one that I will read time and time again. I have already lent it out, but Beth you can have it next!! (You will LOVE it!)

Awesome books that will not disappoint! I read both within a week :)

Last Day

Friday was our last full day in the city, and we had a bunch still left to do! 

 Friday morning our group decided to part company. My mom, Clary and me decided that we wanted to go to Madame Tussauds wax museum. None of us had ever been and we really wanted to go! After that, we wanted to head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). The other group wanted to spend their morning back in China Town doing some more bargaining for goodies! We were all to meet back up at the hotel late in the afternoon because we were going to Brooklyn to have dinner with my great aunt's son and his family who actually live there. We took a car ride over and were able to get very close to Ground Zero. Very neat. 

I took a TON of pics at the wax museum, but only included my favorites! HA!

Best President . . .ever.

This is supposed to be Donald Trump, but it looked nothing like him to me.

Very special tribute to 9/11 firemen

 Mama and J Cash

Biggie!

 Entrance to the MET. . Very busy this day. HUGE facility!

 Loved these gold crosses.

This is Henry VIII suit of armor. Back this Spring I got into watching the Tudors on Netflix. I really wanted to see this once I found out that it was there. So neat.

Rebuilding Ground Zero

 Streets of Brooklyn! Major change of pace from NYC, being only about 30 mins away, to this . . bliss!

We ate at the best pizza place I have ever been to. Which, honestly, isn't saying alot, but it was GOOD. So good, in fact, that its frequent visitors are J*yZ and Bey*nce! 

This was one of the best trips I have ever been on! I can't wait for the girls to get back!! It may be awhile though ;)