Bumpdate: Week 36

Well, we're down to four weeks until d-day!  That's less than a month!  Of course, I realize I could still be pregnant in a month's time, but I'm hoping to have this baby right around my due date (April 22)!  I hate being late to things (and I hate waiting on habitually late people), so I have a feeling that a late baby might make me slightly annoyed!  But like I've been saying for a few weeks, I also don't want to have this baby too soon because of my perfectly-planned maternity leave.  The thought of leaving unfinished business and/or ungraded papers for my sub stresses me out big time.  As does not saying good-bye to my students.  It sure was easier to plan for a baby in July like last time!

As for my intuition on when he'll arrive?  I don't know that I have one yet!  And if I'm being honest, it still doesn't feel quite real that we're going to be a family of four in such a short amount of time!

Our "to-buy" list for Baby #2 is now complete.  There wasn't much on it.  Some warmer-weather newborn clothes, letters to spell his name above the crib, an extra camera for our video monitor, and a double stroller. Check, check, check, and check!  We finally decided on a double stroller - the lightweight, narrow, and easy-to-fold Joovy Caboose Ultralight that allows the older child to sit or stand on the back.  I had so many Facebook friends recommend this brand/model and as soon as one of my co-workers showed me hers, I was sold.  We got lucky and found one on Craigslist--a $260 stroller for $70!  Yes please!  A huge thank you to another co-worker of mine, Lindsey, for picking it up in Manhattan on her way back from Colorado!


Here's Brantley testing it out last week!  He approved and was a proud BIG BOY sitting on the back!  I can't wait to use it for real!



How Far Along: 36 weeks

Size of Baby: ~18.5+ inches, ~6 pounds; the size of a head of romaine lettuce

Gender: BOY

Weight Gain: 29-30 pounds

Food Cravings: Sweets and ice cream...every night after dinner

Food Aversions: None

Movement: I know he's supposedly getting bigger and running out of room, but I still feel him moving in there quite frequently!  Feeling appendages through my skin, as well.  Though it's cool, that will never not freak me out!  I've had some co-workers ask if he's dropped...but honestly, I can't tell a difference and could never tell with Brantley, either.

Sleep: Decent to great!

Clothing: Trying to spice up my maternity wardrobe (see below).  I'm getting tired of the non-variety, but I am still appreciating the spring-time clothes!

Other Pregnancy Symptoms: The newest - sore, achy, and restless legs!  I truly feel sorry for people who have to deal with this all the time.  It's miserable!  I've noticed my hands/arms falling asleep easier (like when I blow dry my hair??) and my hands have been really sore and achy (carpel-tunnelish) in the mornings.  My belly button, which has also always been flat throughout both of my pregnancies, is starting to pop!  I guess that means Baby is fully cooked! :)  And the usual - acid reflux.  I will say I don't feel quite as tired/exhausted/big as I did a few weeks ago, but perhaps I'm just coming to the realization that I won't be pregnant much longer.  *Tear*
  
What I Miss: Shopping for regular clothes, especially now that my fave places (Target) have busted out their sun dresses and spring clothes!

Best Moment: Getting our double stroller and being really excited to put it to good use!

Looking Forward To: The unknown of these next four(ish) weeks!  Here we go!

And the bump.  I swear it's there.  It just blends in...and my photographer (i.e. hubby) doesn't notice things like that!


 

#Ornery (Again)

I did a similar post last summer, but I think this kid gets ornerier by the day!  Here are some more recent #ornery photos of Brantley boy!


Just chillin' on the kitchen floor.

Attempting to stand on his mega block wagon.

Hiding in the pantry.

Hard to tell in the picture, but he loves to hit the magnetic board and knock his letters off.  Multiple times per day.  That, or throw balls at it, making the letters fall to the floor.   

Hiding in the storage ottoman.

Sitting in the dryer.

Sitting in a decor box.

Attempting to draw on Daddy's March Madness bracket

Trying to get ahold of Mommy's Firehouse Sub

Crazy kid.  That I love more than anything!

Spring Break

Another Spring Break is in the books, and though I've spent prior Spring Breaks in Cancun, the Bahamas, Chicago, Vegas, San Francisco, and San Diego, I must admit, this one {in Olathe} was one of my favorites!  I am so thankful for the extra time I got to spend with Brantley...his last break as an only child and my last break as a mom of one.  I'm also thankful (very thankful) for the spring-like weather.  It gave us the opportunity to enjoy some much needed time outside and made Spring Break actually feel like it for the first time in a couple of years!

Among our favorite Spring Break activities:
  • Lunch(es) on our deck
  • Doughnuts on St. Paddy's Day morning
  • A trip to the dog park
  • A trip to the neighborhood park
  • Lots of time in our backyard
  • A trip to Rainbow Play Systems
  • Orange Leaf
  • Garage saling
  • A trip to the mall (and first carousel ride)
  • And just some sweet mommy-son moments at home
And as always, I have an abundance of photos to share from our fantastic SB2014.
























It's always bittersweet to return to school after a break, especially one as great as this.  But now that Spring Break is a thing of the past, the baby countdown is officially on!  20 school days (or less) and counting...

{The Little Things} || Manners


Like any other mom, I want my children to grow up having learned decent manners.  I feel like between what we teach Brantley at home and what he learns at daycare, he's well on his way with his multiple "peas" (please) and "thoo toos" (thank yous) each day.  But this one takes the cake.  In no way can I take credit for teaching him this.  It was all Miss Stephanie at daycare.  Just one of the many reasons I love our daycare!


Bumpdate: Week 35

I absolutely cannot believe I'm five short weeks away from my due date!  Though we're as ready for Baby as can be, I feel like the time is just ticking and the countdown is truly on!  Having been through (and survived) labor and delivery once before, I've been the least bit nervous about that whole process this time around (and more nervous about life with two kids), but the nerves are growing as my due date gets closer.  The pain, the IVs, the pain, the potential problems, the pain, the unknown...I'd be lying if I said I still wasn't worried! 

I had an appointment yesterday - the last appointment at 2-week intervals and now I start going weekly!  Fortunately (or unfortunately...I can't quite decide), I haven't progressed any down there and was zero centimeters dilated.  Not surprising because I haven't noticed many contractions.  (At 35.5 weeks with Brantley, I was already one centimeter.)  Like I said last week though, I'd like Baby to stay put until I get through the next four weeks of school, so maybe it's good my cervix is still closed.

I'm feeling good other than horrible headaches and acid reflux.  Today was actually the first day in about a week that I was completely sans headache.  I don't know that they were pregnancy related headaches, but being pregnant sure makes them worse when it means no ibuprofen.  The acid reflux is also in full force each evening and often wakes me up overnight due to the awful burning/tingling in the throat.

How Far Along: 35 weeks

Size of Baby: ~18+ inches, 5 1/4 pounds; the size of a honeydew melon

Gender: BOY

Weight Gain: 28-29 pounds.  Anything beyond this is uncharted territory for me...yikes!  Keeping my fingers crossed to gain less than 35 total, though still eating cookies and ice cream in the meantime. :)

Food Cravings: None

Food Aversions: None

Movement: A lot of pressure as he pushes his body parts outwards against my belly.  I felt him hiccup for the first time last Wednesday, at 34 weeks & 1 day.  And now I've noticed him hiccuping about once per night ever since.  I also woke up last Thursday to the sorest, most-bruised ribs of my life.  I seriously felt like I had been through an awful fight.  Which was weird because I didn't ever notice the baby kicking my ribs or movement that was anything out of the ordinary.  Thankfully, they've healed and I feel back to normal, but that was definitely the sorest I've felt throughout both of my pregnancies!

Sleep: Not great, but not bad either.  Most of my complaints are due to acid reflux.

Clothing: Still loving my spring maternity wardrobe!

Other Pregnancy Symptoms: Acid reflux, a few more Charlie-horse type leg cramps, minimal swelling (rings are still on!), sore feet that constitute foot rubs from the hubs every couple of days.  :)
  
What I Miss: My regular clothes and an ice-cold beer on our deck, especially since we've been grilling out!

Best Moment: Spring Break this week!!!!  And I had a pedi last Friday, which was pretty great, too.  I told her I was 34 weeks pregnant, which I think earned me a few extra minutes on the foot rub!

Looking Forward To: My last month of pregnancy #2.

Here's my bump!  I feel as if it's more pointy this time??



{The Little Things} || Rise and Shine, Brantley Boy!



One of my all-time favorite parts of my day is getting Brantley out of bed each morning. I have about fifteen precious minutes to spend with him before I have to jet off to work at 7am.  Sometimes he's already awake; other times I have to wake him.  Regardless, he's always in a good mood immediately upon waking.  And the look he gives me when I first walk into his room - priceless.  It's part confusion, part ornery, and part excitement for his day.  Such a little thing that seriously gives me the biggest smile each morning.






 

Bumpdate: Week 34

34.weeks.pregnant.

This is the week of pregnancy that I was born!  Which is crazy to me!  And definitely a bit of a wake up call!  I realize it's highly unlikely, but I could go into labor any day now!  As ready as I am to get this baby out, I'd really prefer to wait until 39.5 weeks.  Simply due to a little thing called work.  I'm a major planner and I know I won't do well if I happen to go into labor early...leaving on a whim, not having sub plans ready, not tying up all loose ends, not saying good-bye to my students...it stresses me out just thinking about it.  My last official day is already planned for April 18 and it just so happens to be a nice transition point in each of my classes.  A nice day (a Friday) for me to say good-bye and for the sub to start her long-term duty.  Let alone the fact that I don't want to take any more time away - unpaid.  Which is what happens the second time around when you don't have as many sick days built up.  I'll be paid for two weeks.  But the other three?  Not so much.  So, Baby, if you could please stay put for now, you are welcome anytime after April 18. :)

At 34 weeks pregnant, I can say we've officially decided on a name.  One week later than we did with Brantley. :)  His initials: HBS.  We haven't been as secretive with the name this time around and have mentioned it to some friends and family members.  Still, I'm not sure I'll post on here until after he's born.  When you do, you always open the door to criticism and unwanted opinions and the last thing I want to do is start doubting our decision.  Besides, an element of surprise is always nice!
 
How Far Along: 34 weeks

Size of Baby: ~18 inches, 4 3/4 pounds; the size of a cantaloupe

Gender: BOY

Weight Gain: 26-27 pounds

Food Cravings: None. 

Food Aversions: None

Movement: The same

Sleep: Okay.  I've been waking up (sometimes multiple times per night) due to horrible acid reflux in my throat. 

Clothing: Spring maternity dresses for two days in a row now!!!  And it's been amazing!  I love my spring/summer maternity clothes!  So much comfier than winter pants and long sleeves!  To those who say that being pregnant in the hot, humid summer months is miserable...you're crazy.  I much prefer it to winter!

Other Pregnancy Symptoms: Braxton Hicks - maybe once per day?  Acid reflux galore, especially overnight.  Charlie-horse type legs cramps overnight and/or in the early morning hours, shortly before getting out of bed (not every night, just a few times).  Some swelling, though nothing consistent.  (My rings still fit and I don't yet have cankles...)  Weird side aches/cramps, almost like I need to stretch.  I can tell things are getting less roomy in there.  I still feel huge and uncomfortable, especially come 7pm each day.
  
What I Miss: Everything about being not pregnant.

Differences from First Pregnancy: I remember loving every moment of my pregnancy with Brantley.  I don't remember feeling miserable like I do this time.  Or maybe that's just my memory deceiving me because Craig seems to remember it.  I'm definitely not loving being pregnant {as much} this time.  Maybe it's because I'm still working, or because I have a toddler to care for, or because I can't rest as much?  I feel so much bigger and less comfortable this time.  40 weeks can't come soon enough!

Best Moment: Three days in a row of spring/summer-like temps!  Which meant wearing my lightweight, ultra-comfy, spring maternity clothes and sandals!  And grilling out.  And going for walks.  Also, seeing the third quarter at school come to an end - my last full quarter of the school year!  It seemed so far away in October when I announced my pregnancy...

Looking Forward To: Spring Break next week.  And my last four weeks of the school year once break is over!  Hooray!



Brantley, the Starfish

In January, I had the fun idea to sign Brantley up for swim lessons.  He's always been a fan of bath time and he enjoyed his time at our neighborhood pool last summer.  Not that swim lessons for a 1 1/2 year old really teach much, but 1) we want Brantley to feel comfortable/confident in the pool as he grows up, 2) you can never start too early, and 3) I thought the lessons would give us something to look forward to in the dead of winter. 

Initially, I signed up for Wednesday nights in February.  But then we got hit with that huge winter storm four weeks ago.  Because the lessons continuously start over every four weeks, our session that was snowed out was not rescheduled.  So, I asked to change our lessons from February to March instead!

So here we are!  Night one was last night.  Brantley loved splashing around in the pool with the other 18 month to three year olds - or the Starfish group as Blue Valley Rec calls them.  Together with Daddy, he spent 30 minutes floating on his tummy, floating on his back (didn't love), singing songs, wading in two feet of water, and even going down for a few dunks! 

I'm also happy to report that he was a very good student and listened every time his teacher spoke.  According to Craig, he kept repeating 'teacher' anytime they swam past her!  He sure makes his mama proud!

Night one of swim lessons = a success!  Three sessions to go until we have ourselves a Starfish graduate!