20 Weeks - Mini Coop #2

Due Date: May 11, 2013 - HALF WAY THERE!!!!!!!!!!

Total Weight Gain (CRINGE): 7 lbs

Exercise:
M - Group Power
T - Arrichion (Warrior)
W - Insanity
T - Arrichion (MMA)

Symptoms: No symptoms other than a growing mid section, a little insomnia and getting up twice a night to go to the bathroom.  Oh and the tatas are getting OOC!

Thyroid: Next follow up appointment is in March.  Lab work came back great after increasing my dosage so hopefully I can keep my appointment in March and not have to go back before then. 

Maternity Clothes:  It's officially belly band time in everything but my work pants.  I'm still good on work pants, but for how much longer, who knows - I think I may get by another two weeks.  Again, at this point I am ready to start looking like I'm pregnant.  I'm such a late bloomer when it comes to looking pregnant!  It was the same last go around.  Bring it on!

Gender:  It's a GIRL!!!!!!!!! 

Movement:  A flutter here and there.  After my last ultrasound, the tech said that I would probably not feel anything significant for a few weeks due to the way the baby is positioned in my uterus. 

Food Cravings: My co-worker brought me a cinnamon crumb cake to work this week and no lie - it is AMAZING or should I say was AMAZING!!!  I had to take some to a g/f to prevent me from eating the entire thing!  Even when packing her chunk, I secretly wanted to short her b/c it was that good.  I've got a feeling, that won't be the last time I devour one of those!

Food Aversions: CHICKEN, CHICKEN, CHICKEN!!!!!!!!!  I think I'm over it now, but will NOT be baking it or having it cooked the same way for a very long time. 

Best Moment of the Week:  I felt my biggest flutter so far laying in bed reading one night.  I tried to feel the flutter from the outside, but still not able. 

What I Miss: I've missed my family more than words can describe this past week, but thankfully they are home safe and sound.  I am soaking them in!

Differences Between 1st Pregnancy & 2nd Pregnancy: Last pregnancy I just kept telling myself that once I got through the holidays, Lottie would soon be here.  This time around I've got another 4 months to go before the baby gets here.  I can't wait to meet her!!!! 

Fears/Dreading: Dreading the zoo that I call WORK and what sort of shape it will be in when I get back from maternity leave.  I am hoping to have 12 weeks off again, but as of now, it has not really been talked about.  Just dreading having to prep for the time off.

Follow Up Appointments/Ultrasounds: Next f/u appt. with my doctor is December 27th. 

Bump Photo:  Getting bigger every week right????

 

 

Withdrawals

This mama is going through MAJOR withdrawals this week not seeing and having my sweet girl and husband around.  I have been trying to make the most of living in a clean house because let's face it with those two around, it is almost impossible to keep clean.  I think Steve may be worse than Lottie.

Steve and Lottie are staying the night in London tonight in anticipation of their flight home tomorrow morning.  I can not even tell you how excited I am to see them.  I am going NUTS!  :)

It sounds as though they have had a great trip.  She has been absolutely spoiled rotten by her grandparents with Steve bringing back more toys and clothes than I know what to do with.  It also sounds like they've really turned her into quite the little English girl.  I wouldn't be surprised if she came back with an accent. 

Here is a little breakdown of all the healthy habits Lottie has picked up while she's been in England:

• She hasn't had a vegetable all week by the sounds of it.  But she has been eating lots of mince pies, crisps, chips, chocolate, peaches, sausages and juice.  See, this is what happens when you leave Steve in charge of meal time!!!!!!!!!!!!!  The rate she's going, she is going to have diabetes by the time she gets home.  Goodness gracious!
• Apparently she's only getting her teeth brushed once a day (if that!)
• She's been given no MILK all week (WTH!!)
• She's taken to drinking tea.  In England, you tend to drink several cups of hot tea a day - it is just the way it is.  So, at tea time, Lottie has been insisting on having her own cup.  Steve has been making her a cup (extra milky) in her sippy cup.  Apparently, when she's handed her tea, she takes a small sip, then looks at her grandfather.  If the tea is to her satisfaction, she gives him a nod, then sucks it down. 
• Bed time has been around 10:00 / 11:00 every night!! 

It sounds like this week has been all about QUEEN Lottie.  She has been running the show. 

Oh and apparently she's been saying three word sentences!!!!!!!!!  I heard her say, "Where is it?" and "I got it" over the phone.  It just made me miss her even more!! 

Hopefully Steve took photos from their daddy/daughter trip to England for me to share.  BUT, he is a man after all, so I wouldn't be surprised if that didn't happen. 

Please pray for a safe trip home tomorrow for my little family.  It is a 9 hour flight home!  Poor Steve! 

I can't wait to hug and love on these two tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Gosh I miss them!!

Lottie's Christmas Photos

I took Lottie to good ole JC Penney for her Christmas photos a couple of weeks ago.  You can't beat the prices.  $4 a sheet!  Crazy!

How freaking cute is she???????  Oh My Goodness!!  I just fall more and more in love with this little girl every day! 

1 week until Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Hope everyone is enjoying this part of the year as much as we are!

19 Weeks - Mini Coop #2

Due Date: May 11, 2013

Total Weight Gain (CRINGE): 7 lbs

Exercise:
M - Insanity
T - FOOD POISONING
T - Arrichion (MMA)

Symptoms: No symptoms other than a growing mid section and getting up twice a night to go to the bathroom. 

Thyroid: Next follow up appointment is in March.  Lab work came back great after increasing my dosage so hopefully I can keep my appointment in March and not have to go back before then. 

Maternity Clothes:  It's officially belly band time in everything but my work pants.  I think I will be good on work pants for awhile since I have bigger sizes in those, but my jeans are not happening without the belly band.    My g/f and I went to Destination Maternity over the weekend b/c I am in need of some new work out gear.  I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in and saw all of their new arrivals!!  Really stinking cute!  At this point I am ready to start looking like I'm pregnant.  I'm such a late bloomer when it comes to looking pregnant!  It was the same last go around. 

Gender:  It's a GIRL!!!!!!!!!  I knew it!  I had hoped to have one of each, but when she told me it was a girl, I couldn't have been more happy.  Who knows, maybe the third time around, we'll get that boy!  J/K!!!!  Steve would have a heart attack! 

Movement:  Nothing really - maybe a flutter here and there.  After my last ultrasound, the tech said that I would probably not feel anything significant for a few weeks due to the way the baby is positioned in my uterus. 

Food Cravings: No cravings this past week. 

Food Aversions: CHICKEN, CHICKEN, CHICKEN!!!!!!!!!  Last Monday night, I made a new chicken dish and cooked it in the oven like I normally would.  They were pretty thick pieces so am pretty positive they were not cooked through all the way because at 2:30 a.m. Steve jumped up and started throwing up.  30 minutes later, I was throwing up.  I didn't stop until around 10:00 a.m.  7 times I counted.  It was the most miserable experience I've had in a long time.  Of course, I was freaking out b/c of the baby, but tried to force fluids down as best I could.  Thankfully, Lottie did not eat any of that chicken.  Steve and I were both out for the count all day Tuesday.  I can't even think about eating chicken anytime soon!

Best Moment of the Week:  Seeing my little lady on the big screen.  I had a bit of a scare during the ultrasound which had me balling crying and freaking out, but after the doctor came in and took a look, he assured me that everything was just fine so am VERY, VERY thankful that everything looks great and Mini Coop looks beautiful! 

What I Miss: I desperately miss my family.  Steve and Lottie took off to England on Friday and I have been doing everything in my power to stay busy cleaning and hanging with friends.  I broke down yesterday (dang hormones) and cried, but just keep telling myself they will be home in a few days.  I just feel so empty without the two of them around.  My life just isn't the same.  4 more days - counting down the minutes!!! 



Differences Between 1st Pregnancy & 2nd Pregnancy: Last pregnancy I picked up every pregnancy book under the sun at the children's consignment sales and read through all of them.  I must have 10 books at home, even a few from England.  This time around, I haven't touched a book other than the 100,000 baby names book that I picked back up this past week.  On a funny note - in the category of REDNECK NAMES - Tonya made the list......... WTH!  :)

Fears/Dreading: After my little scare this past week during my ultrasound, I am just praying for a healthy delivery and to hear that baby cry and being told that everything is perfect.  That is what I fear the most as I know most moms do.  Everything was so perfect the first time around, that I just hope I am lucky enough for that to happen again. 

Follow Up Appointments/Ultrasounds: Next f/u appt. with my doctor is December 27th. 



Bump Photo: Hello Belly Band!!!

Getting Into the Holiday Spirit

The month between Thanksgiving and Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year.  I just love it.  This past Friday, I met up with my BFFs Jeanette and Lottie for dinner.  We went to a little place over in Blakeney for a casual dinner while Steve went out with a buddy to the hockey game.  Mickey, Frosty and Sponge Bob Square Pants were all there to greet the kiddos .  I don't know what it is, but kids really do make the holidays special. 

Lottie didn't think much to Sponge Bob - she doesn't watch him!  She was like, "Get him away!!"

This was about as close as she got to Mickey.  She would wave and that was it.  I think she is a little intimidated / scared of the size of the characters.

Jeanette and Lottie

On Saturday, Steve, Lottie and myself ran out to do some shopping for the kiddos in England and other things needed for their upcoming trip.  On our way around town, we stopped into Stonecrest where they were doing a breakfast with Santa.  They had food, a craft table, a balloon artist and of course a really great Santa. 

While getting out of the car, Lottie spotted her hat that has been sitting in my car since the summer.  First off, it is clearly a summer hat. Secondly, it was filthy.  But she was determined to wear it, so in she went with her filthy hat!

Then Mommy wore the filthy hat!

No, I don't wannna!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This time around, Santa did not go so well!!! 

"I hate him mommy!!!"

"HELP!!!!"

Naturally Steve and I got a big ole kick out of this!  Makes for great photos and memories!!! 

I can't believe we are less than two weeks away from Christmas.  I've got a feeling Santa plans on spoiling a certain little girl come Christmas morning.  I can't wait to see her opening presents and the look on her face this year.  It is going to be a great Christmas!!!  :)

Boy or Girl????????

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are certainly blessed.  While I had hoped for one of each, I couldn't be more happier to hear that we are having another girl.  Most importantly, everything during the ultrasound looked great.  The baby looks perfect and healthy.  At the end of the day, that is all I anyone can hope for!  :)

18 Weeks - Mini Coop #2

Due Date: May 11, 2013

Total Weight Gain (CRINGE): 7 lbs

Exercise:
M - Insanity
T - Arrichion (circuit training)
W - Yoga
T - Arrichion (MMA)

Symptoms: Finally kicked the cold!!!  I am feeling great!  Symptoms - let's see..... my gums started bleeding a little bit this past week which is expected.  The same thing happened during my last pregnancy.  I'm also getting up at least 2 times each night to go to the bathroom. 

Thyroid: Next follow up appointment is in March.  I already had a previous appointment scheduled in March before I learned I was pregnant.  If my blood work comes back great, then I will keep the March appt.  If not, then I will follow up sooner.  I am currently on 88mcg dose.  The last two visits I had were late in the afternoon and I was there for almost two hours!  Awful! 

Maternity Clothes:  It is definitely about that time!!!!!!!!  I officially broke out the belly band yesterday!  I had Steve get my two bins of maternity clothes down so that I can start going through it all.  My belly is really starting to get bigger.  It is like it grew over the weekend.  I think I will be good on work pants for awhile since I have bigger sizes in those, but my jeans will definitely need to be worn with the belly band.  I plan to sort through all of my maternity clothes when Steve and Lottie head for England.

Gender:  We find out the sex today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I am thinking it is a girl!  Hoping for a boy, but either way as long as I have a healthy baby, I could care less.  Either is going to be just fine.  Steve did give me a warning the other day that if it is a girl, we are NOT going to try for a boy.  He said that is it...........  HA!  We shall see!

Movement:  A few flutters here and there, but nothing too noticeable.  I'm ready though!


Food Cravings: Anything sweet (that is why I'm thinking girl).  I also had a crazy craving for Nakatos and Cheerios this past week. 

Food Aversions: Another week where nothing was averted!!!!  Geeezzzz!!!


Best Moment of the Week:  Lottie sitting on my legs looking at my belly, saying, "Hi baby".  So cute!   

What I Miss: Sleeping on my stomach.  I am a stomach sleeper - always have been!!  I've just recently this last week been unable to sleep on my stomach as it has become uncomfortable. 

Differences Between 1st Pregnancy & 2nd Pregnancy: My belly really grew this past weekend!  During my first pregnancy I didn't really start showing until I was 23/24 weeks along.  I remember the first time I went maternity clothes shopping wasn't until around 24 weeks. 

Fears/Dreading: Lottie accidentally jumping on me, ripping my incision open.  Why do I keep having these horrific thoughts???????  I think it must be b/c everything with my incision and the surgery went so smoothly the first time around.  I also think it may have something to do with me handling medical malpractice claims that makes me so uneasy about surgery, etc.   Geezzzz

Follow Up Appointments/Ultrasounds: I have an ultrasound today!!  Next f/u appt. with my doctor is December 27th. 

Bump Photo: Tailgating - I see a belly!!!!!

My Little Helper

It is so hard to believe that Lottie will be turning 2 in February!  She is growing and changing every day.  Her vocabulary is getting bigger and bigger and she is just starting to put together 2 word sentences.  I'm guessing by the time she reaches 2, we might be putting together at least 3 word sentences or more.  She's also counting.  The other day we were all in the car running errands and next thing we know, Lottie is in the back seat counting.  She was very quiet about it, but counted to 10!!!!!!!!  Steve and I about lost it.  We knew she could count to 3, but 10, we had no idea!!!!  Looks like all that money we are putting into day care each week is paying off!  :)

Another one of her favorite things is to help mommy.  Whether it be putting away groceries, helping me put my shoes on (the girl is obsessed with shoes), taking anything and throwing it in the trash, cleaning up any mess she has made with a towel, unloading the dishwasher, etc.  The girl loves to feel like she is helping!

This past weekend, we decided to finally tackle the leaves in our yard.  We sit on almost an acre of land out in the Haw and the leaves are OOC as you may have seen in some of my bump photos. 

Of course, when Lottie saw me raking leaves, she had to have a part in it.  She has a little rake that a friend of ours gave us to use.  She was so cute in her puffy vest that I just had to take a couple of quick photos.  And get this, I distracted her long enough to get her hair into a little pony tail.  Of course it didn't last long, but what can I do............

 

Dad of the Year

This morning I get an e-mail from Steve that read:

Ok, this is embarrassing - is Madison one D or two D's?  I put one - who doesn't know how to spell their own kid's name???????

I was hysterically laughing when I read his e-mail!  He is right - who doesn't know how to spell their own kid's middle name?????  :)

In other news, Steve is starting a new job in a month.  He is taking about 3 weeks off before he starts to spend time with Lottie and to enjoy the holidays.  Since he has the additional time off, he is taking Lottie to England to visit his parents before Christmas.  OMG - talk about being a nervous wreck!!!  Steve is a great dad and he will be fine, but to be 4,000 miles away from my little girl for a whole week is going to make me crazy!  Of course, we plan to skype every day so that will help, but I've never been away from her for more than two days. 

I'm sure I will be one crazy, worried mama for a week, but I am so excited that she is going to spend time with her grandparents!  She is going to have a ball!  Steve is so excited - he can hardly stand it.  He can't wait to get to a football (soccer) match, hockey game, you name it - the guy has gone through serious English sports withdrawals for awhile, not to mention the food withdrawals! 

I plan to compile a list of goodies for him to bring back especially since I'm letting him take my little lady away!  Gosh, I am so JEALOUS!!!  This will make Lottie's 3rd trip to England - the girl is already a world traveler!

The local pub!  Sunday Funday w/ the Whitwick crowd

Cricket match

Big girl on a plane!  Steve is going to have his hands full doing this journey alone - poor guy!

Finally, the g-parents!  Will miss seeing them!

17 Weeks - Mini Coop #2

Due Date: May 11, 2013

Total Weight Gain (CRINGE): 7 lbs


Exercise:
ZERO this last week.  :( Another cold that kicked my pregnant bum!  No worries though, Shaun T kicked my behind this morning!  Ugghhh, it was a rough one! 

Symptoms: Just getting over this nasty cold I caught.  My doctor recommended Mucinex this past week which definitely helped me breathe a bit better.  I am feeling much, much better.  Other than that, no pregnancy symptoms.  Overall, feeling great!! 

Thyroid: Next follow up appointment is tomorrow.

Maternity Clothes:  Still no maternity clothes yet.  Standing my ground!!  :)

Gender:  We find out the sex exactly 1 week from today!!  So anxious!!  Comparing this pregnancy to the last, I have a feeling it is another girl.  I have exactly the same symptoms which are practically non existent. 



Movement:  A few flutters here and there, but nothing too noticeable. 



Food Cravings: Anything sweet (have really been dreaming about making butter cookies but know that if I do, I will eat all of them)

Food Aversions: Another week where nothing was averted!!!!


Best Moment of the Week:  Hearing my little one's heartbeat always gives me comfort and hearing it this past week just made me weak in my knees.  Since there isn't much movement this stage of the game, hearing that little heartbeat is the only way I can be assured that everything is okay. 

What I Miss: Planning a ski trip with my girlfriends.  They are talking about going skiing for New Years - so bummed!  I can't wait to get Lottie out on the slopes with me in the next couple of years. 

Differences Between 1st Pregnancy & 2nd Pregnancy: Steve has been very well behaved.  I don't know if fear set in or he just had some things to get out of his system, but I have never seen him get so tipsy in all the years I've known him during my first pregnancy.  The stories I have during that time will forever be told and used against him - :) J/K! 


Fears/Dreading: Oh just the usual this week - just praying for a healthy, safe delivery!

Follow Up Appointments/Ultrasounds: I had my 16 week follow up appointment last week which went great.  I got a flu shot since I've been so sickly lately.  I heard my baby's heartbeat and got blood work done.  Overall, good visit.  My next follow up appointment is December 27 and my next ultrasound is December 10.

Bump Photo: "Still in the Chubby Phase"

 

Santa

Lottie and Santa

(This was the closest thing to a smile we could get - she was pretty unsure of the big guy!)

I can't believe next year, I will have two little ones sitting on Santa's lap - WOW!



16 Weeks - Mini Coop #2

Due Date: May 11, 2013

Total Weight Gain (CRINGE): The big weigh in is this afternoon - YIKES!

Exercise:
I took Thanksgiving week off!!!!!!!!  :)  I overindulged big time!!!!!!! 

Symptoms:  I've caught another stinking cold!!!!!!!  This time my nose is so stuffy I can't breathe!  Ugghh, miserable!  As far as pregnancy symptoms go, I have none really other than getting up to potty twice a night!  Hoping it continues!  :)

Thyroid: Next follow up appointment is December 4th for blood work.


Maternity Clothes:  Still no maternity clothes yet.  I definitely thought about it yesterday!  I was seriously tempted to get down the two bins of clothes I've got, but decided against it.  :)  I think the real reason I decided against it is because I didn't feel like going through it all right then. 

Gender:  We find out the sex December 10th!  Less than 2 weeks!  Exciting!!! 


Movement:  Since I was off work the past week, I haven't really noticed the flutters.  As I've said before, the only time I've really seemed to notice the flutters is when I am sitting quietly at my desk.  I'm guessing since I'm back at work, I will soon start noticing again.

Food Cravings: I literally attacked my honey baked ham this past week!!  I was so excited to tear into it.  It is one of my favorites!  I finished off the last of it last night in a white bean and ham soup.  It was delicious!

Food Aversions: This week I was just a total fatty so nothing was averted!!!!!!!  :)


Best Moment of the Week:  Pointing to my belly asking Lottie, "What's in Mommy's Belly?" and hearing her respond, "BABY!!"  So cute!

What I Miss: I missed having a glass of wine with my girlfriends over Thanksgiving.

Differences Between 1st Pregnancy & 2nd Pregnancy: I can't reiterate how quickly time is passing by!!!!!  It must be having Lottie in the picture this time that makes it seem that way.  I mean, the days are flying by!

Fears/Dreading: Leaving Lottie alone in the same room as the baby!  This is terrible but I had a dream that Lottie accidentally suffocated the baby!  Ugghhhhh - I know - terrible!  I have a really good feeling that Lottie is going to be a very loving, nurturing big sister so am hoping any scary, negative, fearful thoughts like these won't creep up again!

Follow Up Appointments/Ultrasounds: Follow up appointment is today and next ultrasound is 12/10/12.


Bump Photo: "Chubby Phase"

DIY - Thanksgiving

After pinning DIY idea after DIY idea on Pinterest, I decided to finally give something a go.  With the holidays right around the corner, it just seemed appropriate to have a little fun with glitter.  I love glitter - but it is MESSY! 

After seeing these vases, I fell in love with them and knew I wanted to try to replicate these along with other ideas I had seen on Pinterest. 

After the glitter and glue dried, I broke out my hairspray and applied over the top to prevent the glitter from getting everywhere!  It worked like a charm! 

My neighbor has a giant pine tree that produces the largest pine cones you have ever seen!  They are gorgeous.  I had Steve run over to see if we could have some and of course they didn't mind, even said that if Steve wanted to rake his yard he could do that to.  :) 

I bought a can of gold spray paint and went to town.  I had a small can of red that I tried out which came out fine, but I really preferred the look of the gold ones.  They came out so cute and perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas!  :)

Thanksgiving itself was nice.  It was just the five of us - Steve, Lottie, myself, my sister and her husband.  Steve fried up a turkey while my sister and I cooked about 8 different dishes.  Holy food coma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  It was ridiculous!  This preggo was worn out by 5:00 p.m.

Lottie's favorite was the honey glazed ham and the roasted carrots.  She didn't really eat much else.  No wonder she stays so little, unlike her mama!

Later that day / night, my two girlfriends came over for dessert.  Lottie gave everyone their Thanksgiving cards and we all stuffed ourselves with sweets all over again! 

 

All in all, I ate wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too much as usual!  I put myself to bed around 10:30 and took a 4 hour nap.  Then, Steve and I did some Black Friday shopping at 3:00 a.m.!  It was great!  No lines, no traffic, no craziness and I got most of my shopping done!  We were out for about 4.5 to 5 hours and got home just in time for Lottie to wake up. 

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving.  I go for my 16 week check up today so am not looking forward to the big weigh in!  :)  YIKES!