Week 24 - little late but here I am!!

How far along? 24 weeks

Total weight gain: No change. Next week we see the doctor again...  

  

Size of baby:   Grapefruit (According to the Bump)

Milestones (What BabyCenter says:):

Your 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.

Maternity clothes?  I wore a maternity shirt this week!  Same shirt I wore plenty of times while pregnant with Anderson!  Still wearing all my regular clothes, they are getting snug and the shirts are getting short.   

Food cravings or aversions: The cravings have continued to be relatively calm, but I still crave sweets (especially at night).  Still no aversions that I can recall...     

  

Sleep:  Continue to sleep in the upright position (propped with pillows) and alternating with sleeping on my left side with the full body pillow.  Pretty much no change from last week.            

Symptoms:  Early this week was difficult with belly hardening and pain (especially on Monday - but walking helped).  I have also had bathroom (or lack thereof) issues.  I finally ate some prunes (one day), took some Metamucil (the next) and stopped my prenatal for one day (on the third day) and that seemed to work. I have to be more consistent with the fiber and walking! 

Medications: I am currently taking 82 units of NPH at night time to help with the fasting numbers.  The goal is still to have less than 90 for fasting and less than 120 two hours after meals.  This week has been very good and most of my fasting numbers have been around 90!   BP medication twice a day (no change). 

Gender:  Still not finding out.  But I am curious.  I have no strong feelings if it is a boy or a girl.  Just be strong and grow and be healthy!! 

What I'm looking forward to the most:  Knowing if it is a boy and girl and then going shopping!!  And a healthy baby, of course...      

Worries: This week has been a lot better with my insecurities.  I'm not sure why I am also doubting myself.  I know once this baby comes I will have to make some changes and work out a new system with two babies, but live will be normal again once we have a routine down.  Repeat, Repeat...  

 

What is different this time around:  Focus has been a lot more on incorporating new baby to life with a toddler...as opposed to being incorporating a baby into a babyless home...both huge changes. 

Miss Anything?  Nothing.  Life is good.             

Movement:   Yes, lots! I love it.  I can't wait for Daddy to feel the baby (and maybe Anderson - he may freak).  My little miracle at work.          

Labor Signs: None. Other than Monday the hard belly has been ok.   

Best moment of the week:  Feeling better after my long walk on Monday...I was in some pain but it went away after a nice walk, thank goodness.  Also being outside during the lovely weather and seeing all the kids outside...I love it!  Soon there will be one more added to the mix!      I also sang to the baby in the car (with the music nice and loud) - that was fun! 

Big Brother moment of the week:  The weather was unseasonable warm this week.  All the neighbors were out and about on our block and it was fun seeing everyone.  My neighbor has a little boy who is 10 months old and I held him.  Once Anderson saw me, que the water works!  He SOBBED.  I tried to show him the baby (he loves babies and loves to say hi) but he was not having it.  Ugh.  He is going to have a hard time with his sibling.  Praying that it all goes smoothly...

Have a great week!

Week 23 -slow and steady - a good week!

How far along? 23 weeks

Total weight gain: No update...next week we are going to the doctor so we should have an update.  In total it must be a pound or two.

  

Size of baby:   Pomegranate (According to the Bump)

Milestones (What the BabyCenter says:):

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

Maternity clothes?  I am wearing some maternity pants (the black pants are super comfy) but the jeans are still big.  Still wearing all my regular clothes, they just fit differently and snugly. 

Food cravings or aversions: The cravings have been calm this week.  I did have a sweet here and there (but nothing more than one carbs worth).  I think its because some of the intense stress from recent weeks have calmed a bit (I'm a comfort eater).  I definitely feel hungrier at times and like to feed this baby!  No aversions that I can recall...     

  

Sleep:  Still sleeping in the upright position (propped with pillows) and this is still going well.  Sometimes I cuddle with Alex (I love leaning my belly on his back - soon he will feel the baby).  I also alternate between the upright position and sleeping on my left side with the full body pillow (which continues to be comfortable but I wake up more frequently).  Waking up during the night is NOT happening as much!  However I am having trouble falling asleep when I get to bed.  I'm exhausted, but wide awake (which leads me to think of all there is to do, then stress and continue not sleep - viscous cycle).          

Symptoms:  This week has been great and no complaints.  My belly has NOT hurt much or become hard by the end of the day (which is great).  I continue to be tired by the end of the day, but not as bad this week.  I did have a day or two of nausea, where I felt a little dizzy; like I wanted to vomit.  Not sure if that was due to rushing around or what I ate or the baby hormones...but it did not last long and the feeling has past.    

Medications: I am currently taking 80 units of NPH at night time to help with the fasting numbers.  The goal is still to have less than 90 for fasting and less than 120 two hours after meals.  This week has been very good and most of my fasting numbers have been under 90.   BP medication twice a day (no change). 

Gender:  We have the envelope on the night stand and we have not looked at it or discussed it!  I cannot believe it I swear it's because we have the option to find out now, so are not inclined to find out!   I have no strong feelings if it is a boy or a girl.   

What I'm looking forward to the most:  Feeling like my family is complete once this baby is born.  I can't wait to hold my baby and have my two boys with me (Daddy, and Anderson).       

Worries: This week has been calmer with the stress department.  My worries are still there and I think it is more my insecurities.  I'm so insecure and question whether I am doing enough for my family.  The responsibilities are overwhelming.  Will I be able to handle (and thrive) two kids?  Will I like it?  Will my kids turn out ok?  Am I doing enough, what can I cut out, what should I do differently, where can I save some time.   

 

What is different this time around:  Knowing that the kicks I feel in my belly are definitely the baby!  With Anderson I always doubted what I was feeling.  Now I know better.  We are also not worried about the babies room and all the baby stuff (swing, bouncy, car seats, etc).  I'm looking forward to buying some new bibs and a double stroller and not much else (unless it's a girl then we are going shopping). 

Miss Anything?  Nothing.  Should I mention drinking again?  Tonight is girls night and I'm sure I will miss having a cocktail with the ladies.  Also, I miss ice cream after dinner with Daddy.  I love being pregnant and I feel pretty good, so I'm not missing much.           

Movement:   Lots and lots of movement these last few days!  I love it!!!  It makes me happy because I know that all is going well in there!  This is as close to a miracle as it gets (for me).      

Labor Signs: None.  I read somewhere that the baby could possibly survive if born at 23 weeks!  Wow.  Stay put little person, keep growing inside where it is nice and cozy! 

Best moment of the week:  I loved that my fasting numbers were under 90!  Yeah!  Also all the baby movement!     

Big Brother moment of the week:  Anderson has begun to like to read his new "big brother" book!  I'm so happy he likes it.  The book mentions giving the baby a diaper change and Anderson pointed to his diapers!

Heres to another great week. 

Week 22 - Ultra Sound and hearing the heart beat!

How far along? 22 weeks

Total weight gain: no weight gain (loss one pound from last weigh in, which brings me back to my starting weight, which my doctors were very happy about.    

Size of baby:   Papaya (According to the Bump)

 

Milestones (What the BabyCenter says:):

At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment.  If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

Maternity clothes?  Same as last week.  I want to wear the jeans, because they are comfy, but they are still a bit big.  I feel like I am showing now.  Still wearing all my regular clothes, they just fit differently. 

Food cravings or aversions: Cravings have calmed a bit this week, maybe because I actually caved and got some sweets.  I enjoyed some chocolate pudding (and my sugar readings were higher than normal all day) and I caved and got skittles from the vending machine (didn't effect my sugars too much).  They were yummy (I feel like an addict).  I am trying to limit sweets and processed foods, and stick to almonds, yogurt, fruit and cheese and crackers.  Some days are betting the others.  I do better when I have a stash of “good” snacks at my desk at work.  No aversions that I can recall...     

  

Sleep:  Still sleeping in the upright position (propped with pillows) and this is going well.  Sometimes I alternate between the upright position and the full body pillow (which is comfortable as well).  Bathroom visits at night have been a lot better (just once or twice).         

Symptoms:  Overall no complaints.  My belly hurts by the end of the day but not as bad as it has been.  By the end of the day I am exhausted and just have to stop and rest for 15 minutes...usually I feel better and get on with my night (making dinner, cleaning up, bedtime routine for Anderson, making lunches, etc).  

My sugar numbers have been creeping higher and I thought the doctor would be unhappy, but he actually said that he was very impressed with my numbers.  He said that I am doing a very good job managing my sugars with my diet.  I was floored.  With that said he did say I should increase my insulin to 78 (up from 69).           

Medications: I am currently taking 78 units of NPH at night time to help with the fasting numbers.  The goal is still to have less than 90 for fasting.   BP medication twice a day (no change). 

Gender:  We had part two of the ultrasound this week.  It was so awesome to see the baby moving around.  I could see the baby’s feet hitting the wall and I could see the heart and brain and arms and legs…AMAZING.  Truly is a miracle.  Anderson did much better this week (the whole experience was much faster and seamless this time).  I did bring an envelope and asked the tech to indicate the gender on the paper and seal the envelope.  While the tech looked in the area I didn't see a penis, so I am thinking a girl.  My mom said the same thing (she went out and got a pink outfit)!  We still have not opened the envelope.  (Either way I don't care as long as the baby is healthy). 

What I'm looking forward to the most:  Meeting this baby and singing to her, kissing her, loving on her...  I know those baby moments don’t last long so I will savor every minute.         

Worries: This week has been a stressful week (family wise) and I felt the pressures of being a busy working mom.  I know I shouldn’t complain because my mom helps me so much but life is overwhelming at times and I need things to calm down a bit.  I wish I could tune everything out and just cocoon myself into a nest and take care of my family.  Hopefully next week will be calmer. 

I had a lot of doctor appointments this week (the OB, endocrinologist, and ultra sound) and I see my appointments getting busier and busier as the pregnancy progresses. What is going to give? 

 

What is different this time around:  Not having the time to eat, breath, and sleep all things baby.  Not being super anxious about everything (that is a bit comforting).  Everything was new and research was necessary last time, but this time not so much research is going on.  The biggest difference has been worrying about the effects on Anderson and the dynamics to our young family.               

Miss Anything?  Nothing.  I like being pregnant and knowing that I have a baby growing inside of me.  I have been feeling great and happy and content.  Tonight I am having dinner with the girls and they asked me to bring the wine (not nice sending me into a package store).  This week was a pretty hectic/stressful week, it would be nice to have a glass of wine with the girls.         

Movement:   Definitely feeling movement now!  I love the feeling.  I'm so glad to feel it as it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.  This feels like a miracle.      

Labor Signs: None.  My “hard belly” moments have changed more to pain and soreness in the abs section.       

Looking forward to:  Singing to my baby and snuggling...and taking lots of photos.  Loving and doting on my baby.  I want to squish her cheeks (and if it a girl buy lots of tu tus and ruffles).    

Best moment of the week:  I actually looked in the mirror and felt I looked pregnant (to others may not be so apparent).  It's so awesome to feel movement.  This feels so real!!   

Big Brother moment of the week:  Anderson is constantly touching my belly and even gives my belly kisses.  This kid is so cute.  Anderson doesn't even want the dog near his toys, he is so in for it when this baby comes.   

21 Months - March 2012

21 Months old!!  3 More months before the big 0-2!  Tick Tock time is flying by...

I love my big boy so much. 

You are my sunshine!! 

Love
Mommy

21 Weeks - Feeling Some Movement!

How far along? 21 weeks

Total weight gain: 1 pound (no officially update)  

Size of baby:   Carrot according to the BabyCenter

Milestones (What the BabyCenter says:):

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.

Maternity clothes?  I tried my maternity jeans and they are still too big.  My pants are definitely getting tight (and they are stretchy). 

Food cravings or aversions: Still craving sweets - it must be because I can't have them with the diabetes.  I try to limit sweets to small snack size but the spiral effect does me in.     

  

Sleep:  Still sleeping in the upright position (propped with pillows) but it isn't as comfortable.  I hope I can figure out a better position.  I have been waking up less during the night for bathroom visits (yeah).  It was on the hour, now just once or twice.         

Symptoms:  I feel good, and not tired (until the end of the day).  My belly hurts by the end of the day and sometimes it stops me in my tracks (ouch).  I'm concerned but I mentioned it to the doctor during my list visit and they say it is normal.  My sugar numbers have been high almost every day this week (fasting #;s),  I have to get back on the treadmill but I only did it once this week.  I did find myself running around at the office this week and that helped with belly pain.  It has been a stressful week at work (busy IRS audit) and my brother had surgery this week (which caused some stress at home).  I believe that is affecting my sugar numbers.      

Medications: I am currently taking 66 units of NPH at night time to help with the fasting numbers (I have been increasing daily!).   Sugar readings have been high in the morning.  I'm sure the diabetes doctor will be concerned during our visit on Tuesday (3/6/12) as I am concerned as well (so glad we have a lot of visits, I am feeling very lucky to have my health insurance).  I'm sure he will be adding to the nightly insulin shots.    BP medication twice a day (no change). 

Gender:  I mentioned to Alex yesterday that we should find out and he agreed.  Looks like we will find out (I will decide on game day).  Some people are so sure and this is a no brainer.  For me, the surprise on the day was awesome.  Plus we have forever to shop for a boy/girl - why push it.  I am still undecided, but I regretted not doing it last week.  Plus all this back and forth (in my mind) for a name is driving me nuts.  Plus I want to know if the boys will share a room or if we will be under construction to finish a girl's room (even if it is some time in the future).  We'll see if I change my mind before Tuesday. 

What I'm looking forward to the most:  Still meeting this baby and being use to our routine as a family of four.  I am feeling super blessed.       

Worries: The diabetes is always on my mind.  How I will be feeling come June ... the end is going to be rough (I suspect), even though I am feeling great now.  Dividing my time between my babies, Anderson's adjustment, being the best mom I can be, raising functional adults, fitting in working full time, being the wife Alex deserves (and needs), how am I going to handle daycare drops if both cry (ugh), managing a home, being over burdened with family responsibilities/drama (I'm not talking about my kids)...so many worries. Breathe, one day at a time...        

What is different this time around:  Last time I was so scared to take insulin.  I am still nervous about it, but the "been there done that" factor is at least taking some stress off.  But I still worry about the well being of my baby and the effects of my diabetes on the baby (not to mention my blood pressure issues).  We were preparing to register at Baby's R Us.  I remember how every decision was such a tough decision to make because everything was so new.  I had no clue.  I'm no expert but it is not so scary now.             

Miss Anything?  The occasional drink with the girls and glass of wine with Alex.  I also miss snacking at night before bedtime.  Since night time snacks effect morning sugar numbers I avoid snacking.  I realize how much I snack after dinner (which is not good I suppose).  Especially the ice cream we indulge in after Anderson has gone to bed.       

Movement:   This week I felt puttering going on in the belly (I think)!!  I felt the movement a lot on Tuesday (high stress day) and off/on during the rest of the week.  Not sure what it is I am feeling, but it reminded me of what I felt with Anderson.   

Labor Signs: Nothing.  My “hard belly” moments have changed more to pain and soreness in the abs section.       

Looking forward to:  Same as last week - Part II of the anatomy scan and having everything turn out ok (and finding out the gender of the baby!).  Also looking forward to seeing all the baby newborn clothes and remembering Anderson that little (which those memories are so long ago).   

Best moment of the week:  Feeling the baby move this week!  This baby is growing and time is going by so fast!   

Big Brother moment of the week:  We have shown Anderson my belly and told him that there is a baby inside.  He has no clue, but it is our cute way to introduce baby.  However, Anderson routinely points to his own belly and says "baby there".  He also points to Daddy's belly and says "baby there" as well.   Too stinking cute. 

 

20 Months - February

How did I forget 20 months!  One day I will update these with more than just a love note. 

Anderson, February is the month of love.  I love you more than a 100 Valenties...

Love,
Mommy

20 Weeks - Half way there!!

How far along? 20 weeks

Total weight gain: 1 pound

Size of baby:   Banana according to the BabyCenter

Milestones (What the BabyCenter says:):

Your 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).
See what your baby looks like this week.

Maternity clothes?  Wore maternity pants for the first time.  I love them!   

Food cravings or aversions: Chocolate, sweets in general .  I feel like a spiral effect once I have a little for Valentine's day, I have to have more and more.  Ugh.   

  

Sleep:  Good this week, as long as I sleep in the upright position (propped with pillows).  I can no longer lay straight and sleep on my back.  It's weird how my belly gets in to a "cone" shape when I lay on my back - but it is not comfortable.        

Symptoms:  I feel good, not tired or overly emotional.  Still some belly hardening at night and I asked the doctor about it.  She thinks I need some type of support for my belly.  I have tried to do the treadmill as often as I can as it seems to help with overall well being (stress, constipation, sugar readings, hard belly, etc).    

Medications: I am currently taking 60 units of NPH at night time to help with the fasting numbers.  BP medication twice a day (no change).  Sugar readings have been high in the morning.   

Gender:  So tempting to find out.  I am so undecided. We had the anatomy scan this past week and Alex and I debated all week but never really resolved/decided.  I can tell that Alex doesn't really care and he says it is up to me.  I couldn't decide so I said no.  I want the surprise on the day, but knowing would be super helpful to know (for planning purposes).  If the ultrasound were today, I would find out because I regret not finding out on Tuesday.  We will have the opportunity in two weeks because the baby was hiding and they need to finish the evaluation/scan.        

What I'm looking forward to the most:  Meeting this baby.  Taking pictures of Anderson meeting baby..I'm so excited to have my "entire" family meet and come together (even though I know we will have some adjusting to do during the first few months).     

Worries: That I can be strong enough and have the resolve to eat well and tackle the diabetes.  I struggle with sugar cravings and I want to be better about it and resist.  It is hard to make the best choices all the time.        

What is different this time around:  We were shopping for furniture and making a shower list and starting to get the nursery ready.  This time we are not doing much since the babies will share a room (at least at first).           

Miss Anything? A nice frozen margarita would be great (especially since I am meeting a friend for dinner tonight).  Did I miss wine during our date night last week, YES.  Soon enough I guess.  I'm such a lush.      

Movement:   Not yet.  

Labor Signs: Nothing.  Continue to have “hard belly” moments.     

Looking forward to:  Part II of the anatomy scan and having everything turn out ok (and finding out the gender of the baby?). 

Best moment of the week:  Watching the baby during the ultra sound, and hearing the heartbeat at the OB's office.  

Big Brother moment of the week:  Wearing his Big Brother shirt to the Anatomy scan!  Anderson looked so cute. 

Week 19 Update

How far along? 19 weeks

Total weight gain: 1 pound (no update)

Size of baby:  Mango according Mango according to the bump - for week 19.

 

Milestones (What the BabyCenter says:):

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.
Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.
See what your baby looks like this week.

Maternity clothes?  Not Yet. Belly seems ready for some maternity clothes!   

Food cravings or aversions: Chocolate, sweets in general (I'm sure that has to do with Valentine's day!).  My appetite  is back and craving sweets. 
  

Sleep: Was good this week.  Nasal congestion is finally better!  I am still using a pillow to prop me and I am sleeping in the upright position (nearly sitting) and putting the long pillow on my side.  It seems to cradel my belly and I feel comfortable.      

Symptoms: This week has been pretty good.  I feel good, not too tired.  Still some belly hardening at night (I think it is trying to tell me REST, STOP).   I occasionally get sharp pains on the lower left side of my abodomen (very painful) when I cough or sit for too long.  Walking helps.  The treadmill/walking is still not back to 100% but I know I hve to get back to it.  

Medications: I am currently taking 56 units of NPH at night time to help with the fasting numbers.     BP medication twice a day. 

Gender: No idea yet.  Should we find out???  I am so torn.  I want the surprise.  But I want to know!!  UGH.  Feb 21 is decision day.  If the ultrasound were today, I would NOT find out because I can't wait to call everyone once the baby is born to let them know. .      

What I'm looking forward to the most:  Same as last week...A health anatomy scan, better sugar numbers.  Holding the baby in my arms.  Plus eating some sweets (skittles and caramel and chocolate).   

Worries: That I can be a good mom to both my children.  I want to raise happy healthy well rounded children who become productive members of society and loving/happy/successful adults.  Is that too much to ask?  Can I do it?   So much on my shoulders.      

What is different this time around: Last time I was wearing maternity clothes around this time.  I am almost ready to get those maternity jeans and just might pull them out this weekend.            

Miss Anything? Nope.  Maybe tonight I will miss wine when we have dinner with a friend.  And tomorrow I will miss having dessert during date night...and miss the wine during dinner.     

Movement:   Not yet.  

Labor Signs: Nothing.  Had a couple of “hard belly” moments.     

Looking forward to:  Tuesday's scan!!  Holding my two babies.  OH boy. 

Best moment of the week:  Getting over this cold.  Getting a Valentine's day card from both my babies!  So much love I think I may bust!!

18 Weeks of Baby #2 - Hearing the HEART BEAT!!

How far along? 18 weeks

Total weight gain: 1 pound

Size of baby:  Bell Pepper according to Baby Center.

Milestones (What the BabyCenter says:):

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.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Maternity clothes?  Not Yet. Belly seems to be fuller.

Food cravings or aversions: None.  My appetite was not the greatest this week, due to fighting a cold and nasal congestion.  

Sleep: Was pretty good this week (thanks to some help – I took some Tylenol PM).  My nose is still blocked (worse than ever – I was sure I had a sinus infection).  I am using a pillow to prop me and I am sleeping in the upright position (nearly sitting) because of my stuffy nose and cough.    

Symptoms: This week has been pretty good.  I have had some aches and pains in the belly area (and some hardening).  I get sharp pains on the lower left (and right) side of my abs (very painful) when I cough - OUCH.   I asked the doctor, nothing to worry about.  I have been fighting a cold and have been super tired, but I forced myself to rest.  (The treadmill has been dropped, but I will get back on it this week!). 

Medications: I am currently taking 55 units of NPH at night time to help with the fasting numbers.     BP medication twice a day. 

Gender: No idea yet.  This week has leaned toward a girl.  Still not sure if I want to find out.  Feb 21 is decision day.  If the ultrasound were today, I would find out.  I want to KNOW.    

What I'm looking forward to the most:  A health anatomy scan, better sugar numbers.  Holding the baby in my arms. 

Worries: Insulin and diabetes.  I would like to stabilize my sugar readings (especially in the am fasting).  The doctor made a comment on the amount of insulin I am taking and I am worried.  I feel like I am taking so much and I am not even half way there (and I just started).  I need to cut out carbs and get better about my nutrition.     

What is different this time around: I worry that this baby is not getting enough attention from me.  I love being pregnant and the baby, but this pregnancy is different than Anderson’s, because my attention is focused on so many things (especially Anderson).  Here is a blog post from someone in a similar situation…          

Miss Anything? At the Super Bowl party I could have had a nice cold beer.  I settled for Water!   

Movement:   Not yet.  

Labor Signs: Nothing.  Had a couple of “hard belly” moments.  They must be Braxton Hicks.     

Looking forward to: Feeling some baby movement!

Best moment of the week:  Hearing the heartbeat for the first time.  On Tuesday February 7, 2012 I had a follow up OB appointment and we finally heard the heartbeat on the Doppler!!  YEAH!!

Week 17 for BABY B part Deux

How far along? 17 weeks

Total weight gain: 4 pounds (have not weighed in this week)

Size of baby:  Turnip according to Baby Center.

Milestones (What the BabyCenter says:):

Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Maternity clothes?  Not Yet.  (Clothes do feel a bit tighter, stomach seems “fuller and harder” – first time I noticed a pouch in my bully!)

Food cravings or aversions: None.  I did have days that I felt very hungry – increased appetite.    

Sleep: Continues to be un-restful.  I continue to have weird dreams and I wake up so frequently to pee.  My nose is still blocked (worse than ever).  I am using a pillow to prop me up because of my stuffy nose.  I really need a good night sleep.   

Symptoms: Bloating has been better this week (!), aches and pains in the belly area seem a bit better(!), but every once in a while I get sharp pains on the lower left hand side of my ab (very painful).  The end of the day sleepiness seems a bit better this week too.  (Maybe I feel better because I have been trying to walk on the treadmill lately.  I'm glad to have started that, but I find myself dragging myself on, but feeling good after.)  

Gender: No idea yet.  No strong feeling either way.  Still not sure if I want to find out.  Feb 21 is decision day.  If the ultrasound were today, I would not find out.     

What I'm looking forward to the most:  A health anatomy scan, better sugar numbers.  Holding the baby in my arms. 

Worries: Insulin and diabetes.  I would like to stabilize my sugar readings (especially in the am fasting).  I would like to eat better and work on my diet to avoid a lot of this.  This week I have not had any sugary treats (like skittles, ice cream, etc).  I feel like my body has gone through withdrawals.  Funny how your body craves them less if you don't give in to the cravings!  I have to work on pasta and rice next...

What is different this time around: I worry on the effects of the new baby on Anderson (but I am getting better about it!).  I wonder if they will be friends and if Anderson will want to kiss the baby as soon as his the baby is born or will he be stand offish?  I feel I was more disciplined with sugar testing last time.  I am finally getting into a routine of testing my sugars more routinely (but I have to still get better).     

Miss Anything? Not really, but at a recent party at my neighbors house – I could have used a nice glass of Sangria…My favorite.  Also we went out for dinner on Sunday and I nice mixed drink would have been nice.  

Movement: None yet. 

Labor Signs: Nothing.  No severe pains like last week.  

Looking forward to: Feeling some baby movement!

Best moment of the week:  Teaching Anderson that there is a baby in mommy’s belly!!