Baby Bump #2: 33 Weeks

How Far Along?:  33 weeks and 6 days!
Size of Baby:  Should be around 4 pounds now! The size of a cauliflower! 
Gender:  Lil' baby boy!
Weight Gain:  According to my last appointment, I'm up about 17 pounds now.
Maternity Clothes:  Absolutely. 
Stretch Marks:  Yes... some dreaded marks have appeared on the front of my belly. Noooo! 
Movement:  This boy is definitely growing. As the days go by and we get closer to due date, I can tell he is running out of room. His moving never ceases to amaze me, though. I'm so thankful for every move he makes.
Symptoms:  Mostly normal! Just feeling YUGE these days. Walking is fun... my center of gravity is off, my hips and joints feel like those of an 80-year-old woman, and the back pain is REAL.
Sleep:  Sleeping like a log, except for this week, as big brother Jackson has decided he wants mommy in the middle of the night, every night. Then once he's back to bed, the insomnia kicks in for me. :(
Cravings:  STILL Asiago cheese bagels from Panera. And mac and cheese. And pop... so much pop. What a healthy pregnancy.
Nursery:  Baby brother's room has definitely made some progress! Crib is up and bedding is on. I was even able to wash up some clothes, blankets, and towels for the little one. Just some minor organizing left!
Belly Button in or out?:  Straight up outie these days.
Wedding rings on or off?:  On!
Mood:  I'm so so happy and thankful, but I'd be lying if I said the stress hasn't hit me. Two. Babes. I'm so nervous for this... and the lack of sleep I know will hit all of us. I'm worried how these little ones will affect each other's sleep schedules, life schedules. Lord, help us.
What I Miss:  I'm going to need a frozen margarita approximately 30 seconds after this child leaves my body, LOL.
Best Moment This Week:  I love the few minutes in the early morning hours when Matt says goodbye to me before leaving for work. It's 5:40 AM, with the sun just starting to rise, and I feel sometimes that's when our hearts connect the most. He rubs my belly just after a quick kiss for mama. It's so sweet and heartfelt... my eyes are tearing up just thinking about it. I love him more than words could ever say.

For My Boy

When the rain is blowing in your face
and the whole world is on your case,
I could offer you a warm embrace
to make you feel my love.

When the evening shadows and the stars appear
and there is no one there to dry your tears,
I will you hold you for a million years
to make you feel my love.

I know you haven't made your mind up yet,
but I would never do you wrong.
I've known it from the moment that we met,
no doubt in my mind where you belong.

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue,
I'd go crawling down the avenue.
No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do
to make you feel my love.

The storms are raging on the rolling sea
and on the highway of regret.
The winds of change are blowing wild and free.
You ain't seen nothing like me yet.

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true.
There's nothing that I wouldn't do.
I'd go to the ends of the earth for you
to make you feel my love.

Baby Bump #2: 29 Weeks

How Far Along?:  29 weeks and 2 days!
Size of Baby:  Found out Thursday that our little dude is growing right on track! He's almost 3 pounds now, and is measuring about a week ahead of schedule. 
Gender:  Lil' baby boy!
Weight Gain:  Up about 12 pounds now!
Maternity Clothes:  All day, every day. 
Stretch Marks:  Just some oldies on my hips and thighs. 
Movement:  Boy is definitely a mover! And I can tell he's getting bigger just by the way he moves... these are no longer subtle jabs, but big boy punches! I'm going to have my hands full.
Symptoms:  I'm still feeling normal for the most part! Other than being hungry ALL the time and feeling some back pain here and there. Lugging around big brother Jackson is getting harder and harder the bigger we both get!
Sleep:  Sleeping pretty good for the most part. I still have my bad nights, though, mostly if I have caffeine at all during the day. 
Cravings:  My jam this pregnancy has been Asiago cheese bagels from Panera, LOL. I never turn down carbs or candy... probably not something to brag about.
Nursery:  Baby brother's room is FINALLY coming along! Daddy got it painted and has arranged the furniture. I have some clothes put away but still so much washing up and organizing to do. We also still need to put Jackson's new crib together and move his to baby brother's room. We'll get there! 10 MORE WEEKS.
Belly Button in or out?:  Starting to become an outie. :(
Wedding rings on or off?:  On!
Mood:  Incredibly happy, with episodes of sadness here and there. I'm so excited to meet our newest little one, but slightly overwhelmed at the thought of having two babies under the age of two. I know we'll need to adjust but this is going to be a big change for all of us! Lord help us!
What I Miss:  Seriously, alcohol. Any kind.
Best Moment This Week:  Seeing little man at our ultrasound Thursday! He's doing so well. We got to see his little face, his fingers and toes, his sweet heart. I'm extremely grateful for two healthy boys. I'm just praying delivery goes just as smoothly. <3

Baby Bump #2: 25 Weeks

How Far Along?:  25 weeks exactly!
Size of Baby:  Found out Thursday that little man is weighing in at 1 pound, 11 oz!
Gender:  Lil' baby boy!
Weight Gain:  I would say about 8 pounds so far.
Maternity Clothes:  All day, every day. This bump has certainly arrived.
Stretch Marks:  Old ones on my hips, of course.
Movement:  ALL the time, and I love it! This little boy seems to be a rock n' roller. He's pretty active in there nowadays, and was being a moving little stinker for the ultrasound tech the other day!
Symptoms:  Still so much hunger. Other than that, I've had a lot of booty cramps and back pain, LOL. Wouldn't trade it for anything! About a month ago, we had a bit of a scare... found out my placenta was reeeally close to my cervix, too close for comfort... which could have caused a number of issues later (preterm labor, bleeding, etc.). Well, at my ultrasound this past Thursday, we found out my placenta moved up on its own and we no longer need to worry! Thank God!
Sleep:  Sleeping has been hit or miss... one night, I'm sleeping like a log. The next, I am up EVERY hour.
Cravings:  ALL the food. But mostly carbs and sugar. Healthy, right?
Nursery:  Is still currently a disorganized, chaotic guest room. We have at least ordered bedding, curtains, and have picked out paint! Just waiting on daddio to paint the room and then this mama can start the decorating!
Belly Button in or out?:  In! But creeping out...
Wedding rings on or off?:  On!
Mood:  Couldn't be happier. Life is so good. Little J man is getting so big, Spring is here (warm weather!), and little baby brother is growing perfectly. <3
What I Miss:  Wiiiiiiine.
Best Moment This Week:  Seeing baby brother at the ultrasound the other day! We got some good photos of his little face and his cute little toesies. And he's growing right on track and doing well. I can't wait to meet this precious babe!

Baby Bump #2: 21 Weeks

How Far Along?:  21 weeks and 2 days!
Size of Baby:  About 7 inches, size of a banana. Or a pomegranate, depending on the app.
Gender:  We found out this past Wednesday, aaaaaaand...

It's a BOY! Yay for baby brother!

Weight Gain:  My weight has been all over the place. I'm still sitting at about a 5-pound weight gain so far. We'll see how that goes.
Maternity Clothes:  All day, err day. :)
Stretch Marks:  Some oldies making their grand reappearance.
Movement:  Yesss, feeling baby brother ALL the time now, and life is so good. It's so reassuring to feel his little movements. Makes this mama happy.
Symptoms:  Still hungry, but now am dealing with some major back pain... way more than I ever had with little J man. Butt cramps accompany, so it has been a joy. I wouldn't trade it for the world, though! At the ultrasound last week, we discovered I have a low-lying placenta... which could mean placenta previa if it doesn't move up naturally on its own. Ugh, I hope it does or else it's a c-section for me (terrifying). 
Sleep:  Sleeping really well right now! It helps that our little man sleeps 12 hours a night... he's such a champ. Hopefully baby brother follows suit!
Cravings:  Lots and lots of sweets... ice cream, cookies, candy... which isn't totally like me. I could also eat an Asiago cheese bagel from Panera EVERY DAY. 
Nursery:  ...is a big fat MESS right now! The beginning stages of clean up and purge have begun... so naturally, a huge garage sale is happening in May!
Belly Button in or out?:  In!
Wedding rings on or off?:  On!
Mood:  Happy as ever. Slightly emotional and on edge, though. I know I've been irritable lately. Poor hubs. He's the best.
What I Miss:  I would LOVE a large margarita, most days...
Best Moment This Week:  Absolutely finding out this babe's gender! Of course, most of the family wanted a girl. Even Matt wanted a girl. BUT baby brother is healthy and that's all we could ever ask for. I'm even more excited for July than ever. <3

Love, 
S

Baby Bump #2: 18 Weeks

How Far Along?:  18 weeks and 2 days.
Size of Baby:  About 5 1/2 inches, the size of a sweet, sweet potato!
Gender:  We find out TWO WEEKS from Wednesday and I cannot WAIT!
Weight Gain:  I'm up only about 5 pounds so far.
Maternity Clothes:  Oh man, I'm already there. I'm much bigger this time around than I was at this time with Jackson, so goodbye, regular pants.
Stretch Marks:  Just some oldies coming out to play.
Movement:  Feeling little bubble kicks here and there! :) With the occasional jab. Nothing consistent yet.
Symptoms:  H-U-N-G-R-Y. I seriously could eat a whole cow. Okay, maybe not (gross) but still... my appetite has certainly been noticeably different.
Sleep:  Sleeping well! Still with crazy dreams I don't seem to remember when I wake up. Matt finally agreed to trade me sides of the bed this weekend... which means this mama is closer to the bathroom. :)
Cravings:  Ahhh, food. I just had my Mexican fix over the weekend. Staple cravings seem to be cake, mac and cheese, Mexican, pasta, ya know... carbs.
Nursery:  Is currently a guest room that needs a MAJOR overhaul! As soon as we find out the gender, it's game on.
Belly Button in or out?:  In!
Wedding rings on or off?:  On!
Mood:  Happy as can be. We are beyond *blessed* to be going through this journey again with another little angel babe. I can't wait to meet this little one and I love growing my family.
What I Miss:  A glass of wine does sound good every now and then...
Best Moment This Week:  Hearing little one's heartbeat again at my appointment last week. Matt took the morning off work to be there with me, so he got to hear it for the first time. Such a sweet, sweet sound.

Love, 
S

Jackson's First Birthday

My little Jackson boy,

My oh my, it seems impossible that you are already one year old. Time really does fly even faster when you become a parent. And although it's been emotional for your mama to think about you growing up, it has been one of the greatest joys of my life to be right next to you while you do. Happy first birthday, my boy.

One year ago today, mommy, daddy, and Gammy rushed to the hospital, even though you wouldn't officially be born for another 12 hours. It was a long, hard day, with a long, hard recovery, but oh, how perfect you were... in every single way... and still are. You were the most perfect newborn. Really, we heard it from so many people! You had the most glowing, beautiful skin and looked identical to daddy. And so many members of our family were there to see you right after you came into the world.

Those first few weeks home with you were so bittersweet. Daddy and I tried so hard to figure out what we were doing! Oh, what a precious, precious time it was for us... endlessly counting your little fingers and toes, caressing your cheeks, marveling over the one million photos we took of you, daily. You fit into our lives seamlessly, and we can never imagine life without you in it.

Being your mommy has been such an adventure. I love watching you learn new things. Nowadays, you love to stand up against furniture, all by yourself! You love being in the walker and flying around the house, screaming and squealing while you do it, sometimes chasing after Bella. And forget sitting around playing with toys on the floor... you want to constantly walk around the house with the help of mommy or daddy holding on. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse ("MeMe Mouse") is your jam, especially when that dang Hot Dog song comes on. That's an instant pleaser to you, along with any kind of food. You love cheerios, Gerber puffs, peas, carrots, yogurt, pasta, and literally anything we give you. There's nothing you won't eat!

You have the greatest personality... so gentle, yet so boyish. You love to laugh and play with mommy and daddy, and you're starting to mimic words... Bella (your current favorite), more, and bye. You really love music, and it warms my heart that I can still soothe you by singing to you. You love the Itsy Bitsy Spider, You Are My Sunshine, and I've Been Working on the Railroad. You could listen to music and singing all day long.

Big boy, pretty soon you'll be a big brother, and mommy is going to need you to be my right-hand man! I can't wait to watch you with your little brother or sister. I just know you'll be incredible. 

Mommy and daddy love you more than you'll ever know, our little Jackson boy. Happiest first birthday to you, my sweetheart.

Love,
Mommy

Baby Bump #2: 15 Weeks

Just a fun little bumpdate on baby number two!

How Far Along?:  15 weeks and 2 days.
Size of Baby:  About 4 inches, the size of a sweet little pear.
Gender:  Don't know yet! Doctor is making me wait until I'm 20 weeks along, so our ultrasound is scheduled for March 1st! Worst waiting game ever.
Weight Gain:  I was down about 7 pounds at my last appointment. Haven't weighed myself recently but my hunch is that I've gained at least a couple of pounds!
Maternity Clothes:  I've busted out a few maternity shirts this week. :)
Stretch Marks:  Just oldies making a comeback. Yay.
Movement:  Not yet! Patiently waiting for this. I love the constant reassurance that little babe is doing well. Praying every day.
Symptoms:  The hunger has hit me hard. I feel like I'm eating so much all the time and if I don't, I feel starving! But hey, that's part of the beauty of pregnancy. ;)
Sleep:  Sleeping really well, with vivid dreams, and nightly trips to the bathroom.
Cravings:  Pretty much anything... sweets, pizza, mac and cheese, pasta in general, Chipotle, I could go on forever!
Nursery:  Is currently a guest room that needs a MAJOR overhaul!
Belly Button in or out?:  In!
Wedding rings on or off?:  On!
Mood:  Generally happy, with a touch of worry. I'm ready to feel this little one move around in my belly! Also, trying to come to terms mentally and emotionally that my baby Jackson will be one this coming weekend. :(
What I Miss:  Nothing at all right now!
Best Moment This Week:  Matt giving my belly a little rub goodbye on his way to work this morning. Love that man.

Love, 
S

Hello 2017

No better time than now to finally write a post in 2017! So many incredible things are in store for this year, and I'm very excited, and also nervous, but mostly excited. A new year is so refreshing... I get hopeful and optimistic, which is nice after the post-holiday slump.

In a little over a week, my sweet baby Jackson will be turning ONE! What? Huh? How? I'm feeling ALL of the emotions over here. Someone help me out. I can't handle it! I am telling you... the first year of your baby's life flies at lightning speed... and I'm constantly trailing behind, trying to soak in every single moment before he hits another milestone, grows another inch, becomes more and more independent. I just love that boy so much. I can't tell you how many conversations I've had with Matt that only consist of how much we love Jackson. Or how many times we just sit and look at his pictures. GAH, that babe. Melts my heart every day.

And now, the next little babe SURE to steal our hearts this year... baby K number two! I'm just about 15 weeks along with this sweet one. And I admit, I feel as though I'm not giving my belly the attention it had when it held J man. Life is just so hectic and busy... sure to get 20 times worse when I have two babies under the age of two!

I've been feeling great so far in this pregnancy. Absolutely no complaints! Had to dig out the old floogle (Snoogle) pregnancy pillow... haha... because I already think my hip and pelvic bones are breaking at night! Other than that, no sickness, fatigue is (almost) gone, and my appetite is back. Bring on the carbs, baby! Last week, we got to hear the sweetest sound on earth... baby's heartbeat. Just beating away. It is incredibly reassuring that everything will be okay, that we're doing well and will have an angel in our arms come July!

I do find myself getting more and more excited about having a wee little newborn again. They are just so snuggly and delicious! We'll get to find out the gender of the little babe on March 1st, which seems sooooo far away right now. :( Matt wants a little girl! Well, the entire family does, ha! I'd be lying if I said I didn't, but if Jackson ends up with a baby brother first, I will be just as happy. They'll be two peas in a pod, just 18 months apart. Keep on growing, little one. Mommy and Daddy already love you WAY more than you'll ever know.

My babies just fill my heart so full. Having a family with Matt has been the greatest blessing and privilege of my life. I will try so hard not to EVER take this for granted, even during the tough times.

Cheers to a wonderful 2017, despite the political climate! YAY.

Love,

S