26 weeks!

     One more week in the second trimester! I cannot believe I will be in the third trimester next week! It is insane. I feel so gigantic, and I know I'm only going to get bigger. Other than just feeling huge and seeing everything jiggle, I feel okay. I'm a bit slower to move these days. Connor wants me in one room and then in another room. He grabs my hand and gets frustrated if it takes me 10 seconds to stand. Haha. Ya can't really explain why you are so incredibly slow to a 22 month old. I haven't started swelling yet. My rings still fit, my feet are still boney, and I haven't really been retaining any water. I've been pretty careful about the sodium intake though, and I drink a lot of water. Hopefully that will keep me from swelling too terribly. The weight gain sucks, but I'm still "on target" according to the calculators. I know it will come off, but I'm at the point of just feeling big and uncomfortable. I'm so excited though! Things are really coming together, we have the double stroller set up, and I finalllly bought Austin a couple of outfits. I am having a really hard time buying him clothes though since Austin and Connor are the same seasons in size. I'm going to a "Just Between friends" sale tomorrow, so I will hopefully get more stuff there as well. :) Well, there isn't a whole lot else going on, so here's my survey and a couple of pics!

How far along?: 26 weeks
Sleep: ehh, it's getting tough.
Best moment this week: The double stroller!
Movement: Yes! I love it.
Symptoms: kicks, cramps, back pain, growing...
Food cravings: ice cream.
Food aversions: Nah.
Gender: BOY!
Labor Signs: Oh no, no.
Belly Button in or out?: IN.
What I miss: Being quick!
What I am looking forward to: Mom, Kristen and Finn coming to visit!
Weekly Wisdom: Rest rest rest. The house can wait.
Milestones: Austin is almost 2 lbs and 14 inches long from head to heel! :)

24 weeks... (missed 22 and 23)

     I am SO bad about updating. What is wrong with me? Not like I'm 6 months pregnant with an extremely tiring 21 month old to tend to. ;) But, really I've been so tired. I was reading through the blog when I was pregnant with Connor. I was really great about updating then.. and I read my post at 23 weeks. It said something a long the lines of "He must have hit a growth spurt because I've been sleeping alll day." Man, that must have been tough for me. HA. But, other than just being down right tired, I am good. I have a few aches and pains (mainly in my back at night), but I am still sleeping well and am enjoying feeling Austin kick and squirm. I did hit a major growth spurt between weeks 21 and 24 though. I will post pics in that order. I just got huge. And I'm at that point now, where it's not just a cute little baby bump. I am getting the "baby" ass, "baby" thighs, "baby" arms.. well you get my drift. It ain't pretty. My weight gain isn't crazy. I've gained the same so far as I did with Con at this point. I didn't gain a whole lot with Con until the end when I started retaining tons of water, so I feel good about it. Besides, my best friend said it best... "How many times in your life are you pregnant? And how many times can you enjoy that red velvet cake and not feel bad about it?" hahaha. I love Lauren and how she makes me feel great even when I feel like a walrus :) Calm down, I eat my fruits and veggies and am careful about what I put in my body, but I give in a little if I really want ice cream and cake and cake. (I sang that as I wrote it) But, really, I remember this point in pregnancy with Connor when I started looking in the mirror and cringing instead of smiling. I know I have so  much to be thankful for, and I'm incredibly blessed, so I'm trying to be positive about every little bit. I am lucky, and I really do enjoy being pregnant. I really enjoyed being pregnant with Connor as well. The end got a little rough, but despite the bad delivery, it was a peaceful pregnancy. I have my 24 week appointment on Monday! I can't believe I'm already 6 months, and Austin is "viable." This past weekend, Adam and I got the nursery together! I still have to make his bedding and decorate, but we removed the guest room furniture and set up the crib. It's so weird to see Connor in his big boy room and then look next to his room and see the baby nursery. I feel like he should still be in the crib, but he does so well in his big boy bed! He is getting so smart, sweet, and big! He has been communicating really well, and he loves to hug Mommy and Daddy and give us kisses. At night, we read before bed, and he runs in his room saying "read read read!" He doesn't really enjoy us reading to him, but he loves to point out everything he sees. Dog, girl, elephant, balloon, cat (eeeoww), lion, tractor, cow, apple.. etc. He can count too! He has a counting book, and he will point and count. He can count to 10. He usually skips a few numbers, but he did it on his own today, and I'm SO proud! I cannot wait to see my boys play and learn together. :)

Until next time, I'll leave ya with a survey and my gigantor growing belly!

How far along?: 24 weeks
Sleep: Doing well
Best moment this week: getting the nursery together.
Movement: Yes!
Symptoms: kicks, back pain
Food cravings: Nothing particular. Maybe twizzlers:)
 Food aversions: Not so much anymore.
Gender: BOY!
Labor Signs: Oh no, no.
Belly Button in or out?: IN.
What I miss: a glass of wine.
What I am looking forward to: Mom, Kristen and Finn coming to visit!
Weekly Wisdom: Rest rest rest. The house can wait.
Milestones: our baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

 21 weeks

 22 weeks

 23 weeks

 24 weeks

Identity

    I'm a mom and a military wife. Lately, I've really been struggling with who I am instead of what I am. Let's not get confused here, I absolutely adore my life, my beautiful son, beautiful boy #2 on the way, and my amazing husband. I also feel incredibly blessed to be able to stay home with my son. My husband works extremely hard and the hours are long. Most days, I wake up with my son, fulfill household duties, play with my toddler, and put him to bed. I usually rush rush rush to pick up after he is in bed, and then I plop down on the couch and have "me" time. I realized that by putting everyone else first, I've really let myself get put on the back burner, and I've kinda just lost my identity. Last Thursday a friend of mine was asking people to call a Mary Kay live call so she can be in the running for a new car. I thought, what the hell? I'll help! Connor was in bed, and I was bored anyway. Listening to the lady talk, I was intrigued. Not only because it seemed like a great way to make some extra money for my family, that we can always use, but because it seemed like something to get excited about that would be just for ME. I talked to Adam, signed up, and haven't looked back. Now, it's only been a week, but I know it's going to be a great thing. I didn't sing up to make a million bucks. I really signed up to help bring in any extra money, and also to help me get excited about something for myself. My husband has been incredibly supportive, and he has actually pushed me and helped spread the word that I am now selling Mary Kay. I want to be the absolute best mommy and wife that I can be, but I know in order to be great at what I am, I have to love who I am. Yes, I can now add Mary Kay beauty consultant to what I am, but it's more than that for me. I'm embarking on something that gives me pride and accomplishment, and in that I can be proud of who I am. I'm excited to continue on this journey, and I'm overwhelmed by all of the support I have gotten from family and friends. I even got to talk to a friend I haven't talked to in so long on the phone today because she also sells Mary Kay, and called to offer me advice and words of encouragement. How awesome is that? I'm excited to start 2013 out in a way I didn't think I would!

www.marykay.com/lhill63088

21 weeks and changes!

      21 weeks, and holy growth spurt! I knew Austin was going through a growth spurt because I was so exhausted all last week.. and hungry. I was starving. The scale hates me this week, but I remember being pregnant with Connor and having weeks of major weight gain and weeks and weeks with none! By major, I mean 3 lbs. Not to mention, he was kicking less for a couple of days, but he is back at it full force today. Speaking of growth spurts, Connor has been eating us out of house and home! If this is a glimpse into out future, Adam and I are in for it! I'm feeling good these days. Besides being tired and hungry last week, I feel good. This is definitely my favorite time in pregnancy, so I'm trying to enjoy it as much as I can because I know how exhausting it gets in the weeks to come. When it hasn't been raining, Connor and I have been enjoying the park and the zoo! Yesterday we met up with our friends Kelly and Brady at the Houston Zoo. The boys had so much fun, and Connor slept the entire way home. It wasn't as long as his normal nap, but I was fine with it because last night was his first night in his toddler bed! He did awesome! I am so proud of him. Last night it only took 2 walks back to his room and an explanation that this was his "big boy bed and it is night night." He cried off and on, but never came back out and when I went in to check on him, he was passed out in his bed. Not on the floor, not half on the floor, but fully asleep in his big boy bed! Nap time today was the same deal, but it was only 1 walk back to his room, fewer tears, and he is asleep :) I was really worried he would have such a hard time, but he seems to love his bed. I hardly slept last night because I was sure he was going to roam the house, but he did not, and when he woke up this morning, he was talking to his stuffed animals until I went in to get him. Now, we have to finish decorating his fire truck themed room. Adam spray painted the guest room furniture for Con's room, and I ordered fire truck drawer knobs and fabric to hang on the wall. I have a few more things to get, but I'm putting it together bit by bit because we have to also start on Austin's nursery! I plan on making/sewing the majority of Austin's bedding and nursery decorations. I'm excited! I keep thinking, "oh I have time," but the time is really flying by!! Anyway, until next time..

 How far along?: 21 weeks
Sleep: Good these days!
Best moment this week: hanging out with friends at the zoo!
Movement: Yes!
Symptoms: aches, pains, movements :)
Food cravings: I keep craving chipotle, but have only given in once!
Food aversions: Not so much anymore.
Gender: BOY!
Labor Signs: Oh no, no.
Belly Button in or out?: IN.
What I miss: a glass of wine.
What I am looking forward to: Getting the nursery together!
Weekly Wisdom: Pregnancy comes with its random aches, pains, and strange symptoms. Enjoy your pregnancy and try not to be paranoid.
 Milestones:
Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.

3 years married to my love!

   Yesterday, January 14th, Husband and I celebrated our third anniversary! Wow, we have come a long way in three years. We have had a lot thrown our way in three years. From Adam getting flagged for recruiting duty, moving from NC to TX, My traumatic delivery of Connor and Adam sticking by my side and proving how amazing he truly is, and now we are expecting another sweet boy. It has been a crazy three year ride, and I am so happy with my life. Next year Adam is done with recruiting duty, and his USMC contract is up. We are not sure what life will throw our way, (whether he will stay in or follow a different path) but we will surely go through it together as a family of four! I've been a stay at home mom since pregnant with Connor, and we are not planning for that to change for a few more years. I truly feel so blessed to be able to share this journey with the one man I cannot imagine my life without. Adam is my best friend, and even through the times when I want to ring his neck, he somehow brings a smile to my face. He is funny, genuine, thoughtful, and so sweet. He loves me despite my many flaws, and for that I am incredibly grateful. Love you babe. Happy 3 years, and here is to MANY more!

20 weeks. HALFWAY through!

            WHAT?! I cannot even believe I am really over halfway through! (Scheduled c-section is usually a week-ish earlier than the due date) Bonkers! I have so much to do, and I keep thinking I have all of this time, but I don't. Connor came over 4 weeks early, and I am really praying Austin stays put for at least 38/39 weeks, but I want to be prepared early enough! We are starting on the boys' rooms probably this week or the next, and I'm so excited! Ready to move Con up to the big boy bed! I think he is ready. He doesn't try to escape from his crib, but I want to move him into his big boy bed before he thinks it is a game to escape. He is really great about going to bed too, so hopefully it won't be that hard. I'm sure we will have a long few nights though. We are all sickness free in the house, besides Con's snot face and little cough. I am pretty sure we will be fighting colds all winter long though. RSV symptoms linger. No, he doesn't have it, but the symptoms linger since it affected his respiratory system and whatnot. Speaking of Connor, he has really started to throw tantrums. It is lovely! He gently lays himself on the floor and THEN starts crying. bahaha. My method with this is walking away. It usually works. Connor is incredibly happy outdoors, and as long as he isn't bored, he doesn't usually throw a temper tantrum. Busy little bee. The sun is finally shining, but I don't think it will last. We spent over a week indoors due to rain. Hello CABIN FEVER. We were miserable. I hate having him watch a lot of t.v., so I turned it off or put it on music and we played and read books.. every day. Cleaning is overrated. (just kidding), but I'm trying to spend more time playing and laughing with my sweet boy, and less time worrying about little messes. I think the hard part is really that at the end of the day I'm too exhausted to run around and clean clean clean, pick up pick up pick up, like I used to do. So, to hell with it! .. Moving On ..

      Today, at the anatomy scan, Austin looked fabulous!! I just absolutely love seeing his sweet face on the ultrasound. Can't say he was as happy to see us. (Not that he can actually see us, but you get it). He was not feeling it, but the sonographer said all of his organs and everything look perfect. :) I asked her about the "sore spot" on the upper right side of my stomach, and she checked the spot, but it looked fine. Everything looked fine, and she even checked my kidneys, gall bladder, etc. (said she technically isn't supposed to, but it looked fine). The doctor came in later and I asked her. She said that is where my bowels are. Bahha. sweet. Pretty fantastic. Gotta love how pregnancy can affect your body. I've gained about 10 lbs. Not great, not bad. Not really worried about it. I'm aware of what I put in my body, and I am busy all day every day. My blood pressure was fine, and the doctor just said we will wish any pre-eclampsia and thrombocytopenia away, but that usually doesn't show up until the 3rd trimester anyway. I'm confident in this team of doctors I have, and I'm confident in my God. :) For now, all is perfect, and I'm in love with my baby boy!

 How far along?: 20 weeks
Sleep: Eh. I have to be careful turning over. It hurts if I make sudden movements!
Best moment this week: Seeing my baby's sweet face on the ultrasound!
Movement: Yes!
Symptoms: aches, pains, movements :)
Food cravings: crap! lol
 Food aversions: Not so much anymore.
Gender: BOY!
Labor Signs: Oh no, no.
Belly Button in or out?: IN.
What I miss: Being able to bend over without thinking about ti.
What I am looking forward to: Getting the nursery together!
Weekly Wisdom: Everything is pretty much "normal" in pregnancy, but don't be afraid to mention any aches and pains to you doctor.
 Milestones: our baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)
He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).

  

16, 17, 18 weeks..

      Oh, wow, I am way way behind on my updates! Again, I have been busy prepping for travel, traveling, and you know... chasing a toddler. I can't believe I missed 2+ weeks though! Yikes. Nothing too exciting has been going on with me in my pregnancy, except that I'm expanding by the day. It's really hard trying to keep Connor off of my belly when we lay down/snuggle, and it's even harder trying to explain to him why he can't climb on mommy. I have noticed my belly feeling sore off and on from ligaments stretching. Austin is definitely kicking me more and more. It still isn't consistent to where I can "count" kicks and whatnot, but I feel him at least a few times a day. I really love that feeling. That is by far my favorite part of pregnancy. I have been on a pregnancy forum and read that in second and subsequent pregnancies, the ligament pains/stretching is more painful. Uhm, yes. I'd agree. I turned over in bed last night and seriously wanted to cry it hurt so bad. Then there is Austin, kicking away. I am enjoying the expansion of my tummy though. Not so much enjoying the expansion of my ass. Good grief :( Oh well! I've been much better about not "chowing down" this time around.. for the most part!
...continued Dec. 30, 2012
       Anyway, week 16 of pregnancy was spent preparing for vacation plus a doctor's appt that went great. Week 17 was spent in VA, and week 18 was spent over the toilet with the stomach bug! Oy! We got home Thursday night, and I started feeling sick in the middle of the night into Friday morning. Friday I was absolutely miserable. Adam had to go back to work, so I had to play Mommy while feeling like someone was punching me in the stomach. Finally, I called Adam and he was able to come home and help. He sent me to our room and took over :) He is great. Saturday Connor woke up vomiting. Ugh. I have to say that is the absolute worst part of being a parent. Not being able to take the pain/sickness away from your baby. Especially because I know I am the one who got him sick! He has a cough/runny  nose, but luckily, the bug only seemed to be a 24 hr thing. Adam woke up this morning feeling terrible, but he didn't seem to have it as bad. He usually skates away with minor symptoms.. punk! I really don't wish for anyone to feel how we felt though. It plain sucked, but we are good now! Gonna ring in 2013 with some sparkling grape juice and my boys! :) Here is my survey for week 18.. might as well skip weeks 16 and 17. I promise I'll get better.. if anyone cares.

How far along?: 18 weeks
Sleep: Eh. I have to be careful turning over. It hurts if I make sudden movements!
Best moment this week: Feeling sweet Austin kicking more and more!
Movement: Yes!
Symptoms: stretching pains!
Food cravings: nah.
Food aversions: Not so much anymore.
Gender: BOY!
Labor Signs: Oh no, no.
Belly Button in or out?: IN.
What I miss: Medicine besides Tylenol!
What I am looking forward to: My anatomy scan on the 7th!
Weekly Wisdom: I don't really have any "wisdom" to give ya this week. ;)
 Milestones: Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.