25 Weeks - Mini Coop #2

Due Date: May 11, 2013

SURGERY DATE: MAY 3, 2013 - STILL FREAKING OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  14 weeks to go!  YIKES!

Total Weight Gain (CRINGE): 16 lbs..............................My eating has been totally OOC this past month and the scales certainly showed it!!!!!!!!  Whoa!  I need to get myself in check!  I can't stop eating!! 

Exercise:
M- Yoga & Group Power
W - Insanity
T - Arrichion (MMA)
F- Insanity

Symptoms: INSOMNIA, bloody gums when flossing/brushing and getting up two to three times a night to go to the bathroom.  I am also starting to get that uncomfortable feeling of not being able to breathe as freely as before.  I feel a bit more winded when going up stairs and bending over to pick up Lottie or anything off the floor is becoming a little uncomfortable.

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:  EVERYTHING is full on maternity now!  My belly really shot out there these last couple of weeks.  I swear I didn't start showing until I was 25 weeks along the last time around.  I definitely feel like I am growing by the meal!!  :)

Gender: It's a GIRL!!!!!!!!!

Movement:  She is moving more and more every day.  Most active times seem to be in the morning at my desk and right before bed.

Food Cravings: Oranges!!!!  No lie, I am eating like 4 to 5 of them a day!  So delicious!  Now, if I only I can find someone to start peeling them for me!

Food Aversions: Chinese food - the last couple of times I've had it has just been BLAH!

Best Moment of the Week:  Spending a little quality time w/ my BFFs for restaurant week.  We met on Thursday night at Zink.  We laughed and ate our faces off.  It was just good to be out and about with the girls!  I miss my girl's nights out here and there! 

What I Miss: My sanity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :)  I swear this past week my hormones really got the best of me!  Steve and Lottie were driving me nuts!  Between the whining, crying and tantrums, I honestly just wanted to lock myself in my bedroom!  Most of the time, I tend not to let it get to me b/c I know it is only a phase, but this past week really made me feel like I was going crazy.  I also felt like I was the only one doing any of the disciplining, which made me bite Steve's head off a couple of times.  He just laughed which made me even more crazy!

Differences Between 1st Pregnancy & 2nd Pregnancy: I know exactly when I am planning on having this baby!!!!!!!  Of course, I realize there is a possibility of that not happening, but for the most part, this baby is coming on May 3!!!!!!!!

Fears/Dreading: TO TIE OR NOT TO TIE..............  Do I or don't I???????????  Since I'll be having a c-section, it is going to be very easy to go ahead and get the tubes tied while she's in there.  The question is should I???????  I know only I can answer that, but if anyone would like to chime in, please do!!!!  Steve is 100% saying no more babies, but I just wonder if 5 years down the road I'll regret not having anymore.

Follow Up Appointments/Ultrasounds: Next f/u appt. with my doctor is February 14.  I will also have the glucose screening test to check for gestational diabetes.

Bump Photo: Sunday Brunch (Steve refers to this dress as "a bedsheet" - such a sweetheart!)

Plaza Fiesta

Or what Steve and I like to call it - The Mexican Mall!!!!  We are very PC you see.

We love the Mexican Mall!  It is right beside Carowinds in Fort Mill, SC.  They have a food court, a HUGE and I mean HUGE indoor play area, an arcade and small carousel rides for the little kiddos. 

They also have some very interesting little booths / stores to look around in.  Here are a few of my faves!

A gown fit for the ball!

A mini suit / tux for the little guy!

The only place to get your ready to CLUB wear!

The boots in this store were nothing short of AMAZING!!!!  Lottie (my shoe obsessed child) was itching for a pair herself!

 

My absolute fave!!!!!!!!!! 

The indoor play ground was packed out with kiddos running everywhere.  It was MLK day so most kids had the day off from school.  Lottie desperately wanted to play on the playground but I was fearful that she would get trampled, so we passed on that.  However, we did get in on some fun on the mini carousel rides and the arcade!  I forgot how much fun an arcade can be!!!  I loved it!

Guess who's been wearing a bow lately?????????????  I can't tell you how HAPPY that makes me!  She is still pretty anti-bow, but we are making some progress!

I adore this pic! 

I gave Lottie a penny and told her to make a wish and throw it in the fountain.  Pretty sure no wishes were made, but I can tell you there were several pennies thrown in the fountain.  Once she threw one, she wanted to keep throwing more in!  It was cute!

Ski Ball - A Classic!

Bowling - she was going nuts with excitement every time she knocked down a few pins!

 

Mommy, Lottie & Mini Coop #2 bowling it up! :)

Monday was one of those great family days out!  As we were leaving the Mexican Mall,  I got myself a large ICEE - perfect way to end the day!  Can I just say, that cherry ICEE may have been the greatest thing I have sucked down in a long time!  OMG - I could have had three or four of them easily.  Delicious! 



24 Weeks - Mini Coop #2

Due Date: May 11, 2013

SURGERY DATE: MAY 3, 2013 - TOTALLY FREAKING OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  During yesterday's appointment, my doctor went ahead and scheduled my c-section and gave me the information to pre-register for the hospital!  I don't know why, but I guess seeing the date set in stone has gotten me a little anxious!  It is a good thing my blood pressure was checked at the beginning of the appointment because after that bit of info. was laid on me, I could feel my blood pressure shoot through the roof! 

Total Weight Gain (CRINGE): 16 lbs..............................Holy crap - so my eating has been totally OOC this past month and the scales certainly showed it!!!!!!!!  Whoa!  I need to get myself in check!

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

Symptoms: INSOMNIA, bloody gums when flossing/brushing and getting up two to three times a night to go to the bathroom.  Honestly though, I feel pretty darn amazing!!!! 

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:  Okay, so the time has come.............Maternity everything from here on out!!!  :)  I took a little trip to Destination Maternity this past weekend and picked up a couple more tops and a pair of work pants.  That place will suck you in if you aren't careful.  Of course, they have all of your designer clothes hanging in the front of the store and everything is adorable!  I found myself trying on a $150 dress.  Thank goodness it looked hideous on, b/c the last thing I need to do is buy a $150 anything especially b/c we just got a letter stating Lottie's and the new baby's day care has gone up in price AGAIN!  Awesome!

Gender: It's a GIRL!!!!!!!!!

Movement:  Most days I can feel her move pretty regularly throughout the day, but sometimes as I am lying in bed after a long work day, I think back and realize that I've not felt much movement throughout the day.  At that point, I try talking to her - asking her to give her mama a little nudge to let me know she's okay in there.  I try not to worry about much, but when I'm pregnant, I become the world's biggest worry wart.  Poor Steve is all I can say! 

Food Cravings: Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Last week, I ate 4 of them!  Yep!  I haven't had one in years, but for whatever reason, I was craving a sweet sandwich and thought that would be perfect.  I brought one for lunch on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and had one on Saturday.  It was the most delicious sandwich I've put in my mouth in a really long time!

Food Aversions: No aversions this past week - I was in full fat mode!  (See above weight gain!!)

Best Moment of the Week:  Picking out Mini Coop #2's first name!!!  I asked Lottie to repeat after me and Lottie has nailed the name!  It is so freaking cute to hear her say it!  I can't hardly stand it!  However, we are a very long ways away from picking out a middle name!  So difficult!

What I Miss: This past week I was really having a hankering for sushi!  It's one of those things that I can NOT wait to have again!  Just over 3 months now!

Differences Between 1st Pregnancy & 2nd Pregnancy: During my first pregnancy, I did not exercise one bit.  It took Steve and I about a year and a half to conceive Lottie after numerous tests and a fertility medication, so there was no way I was taking any chances on anything happening to that baby.  However, this time around I have been trying to maintain a pretty regular work out routine and because of that, I feel wonderful!  Don't get me wrong, I had a really easy pregnancy with Lottie as well, but I think my energy levels have really skyrocketed this time around because of it. 

Fears/Dreading: I am dreading cleaning bottles again!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Steve and I were talking about it the other day and we were both like, "UGGGHHHHH"

Follow Up Appointments/Ultrasounds: Next f/u appt. with my doctor is February 14.  I will also have the glucose screening test to check for gestational diabetes.

Bump Photo: Date night!!  Can you believe we have not been out alone since August????????  Long overdue!  It was much needed!  (Steve's man room by the way)

 

23 Weeks - Mini Coop #2

Due Date: May 11, 2013 - 17 weeks to go!!

Total Weight Gain (CRINGE): 7 lbs - not for long, I've got another weigh in next week!

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

Symptoms: A fast growing mid section, major insomnia, bloody gums when flossing/brushing, getting up three times a night to go to the bathroom and ACNE!  Ugghhh.  Overall though, I feel pretty amazing and blessed that I've had another easy breezy pregnancy!

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:  Okay, so I've got one pair of non maternity work pants that I can fit into at this point.  That will probably take me through this week, but after that, I will no longer be in anything w/out the belly band or full on maternity pants.  I tried on a couple of pairs of maternity work pants last night and they were huge!  I mean I just don't see myself getting into them until at least 28 weeks plus.  They fit fine in the waist area - it's the hips, bum and leg areas that are big.  I guess I will be sporting the belly band a little longer than I thought.

Gender: It's a GIRL!!!!!!!!!

Movement:  The baby is moving more and more each week!  Every week the movement gets stronger and stronger.  Feeling her move on the outside is one of my favorite things!  It really is the most amazing part about being pregnant!  This morning in my Group Power class, she was jamming out to the music (next time I will need to remind myself to not stand directly beside the speakers!!)

Food Cravings: PANCAKES!!!  Yep, still pancakes.........  Even though I haven't had any this past week, every time I see IHOP advertise for all you can eat pancakes, I want to jump in my car and head there immediately!!

Food Aversions: No aversions this past week!  Although Steve made himself chicken livers wrapped in bacon and it took every part of me not to want to throw up!  GROSS!!!

Best Moment of the Week:  It has nothing to do with the baby, but every day I picked up Lottie from school, she had her hair in pigtails.  I couldn't believe it!!!  Her teachers tell me that she asks them to put her hair up.  WHAT???????  I am hoping this trend continues, but with Lottie you never know.

What I Miss: A good night's sleep!! Don't get me wrong, I have suffered from insomnia for years, but have always gotten through it by simply taking a sleeping pill or sleeping on my stomach.  Now that I can't do either, I am wide awake for most of the night.  :(

Differences Between 1st Pregnancy & 2nd Pregnancy: During my first pregnancy, Steve and I did the whole childbirth and breastfeeding classes.  We also did the hospital tour.  This time around, we won't be doing any of that!!  YAY!  While it was fun experiencing those classes with Steve, I am just so glad I don't have to bother with it this time around. 

Fears/Dreading: I am dreading breastfeeding again.  I could do an entire post on breastfeeding alone.  It is truly one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life.  I had more than my fair share of let downs while trying to breastfeed Lottie including, never being able to produce enough milk to her pulling away, sleeping and not gaining enough weight during check ups.  During that first month of Lottie's life, I honestly felt like I was just a feeding machine.  I felt like I couldn't go anywhere or do anything between nursing and pumping.  It would take at least an hour to nurse and pump, then an hour and a half later, I'd be at it again.  After Lottie's check ups at her doctor's office and learning that she wasn't gaining enough weight, I felt like such a failure.  I would cry and cry.  Finally after another visit with no weight gain I was told that I would have to start supplementing formula into every feeding.  Well, that just made me feel even worse.  But after supplementing formula into her feeding routine, I started noticing how much more happy she was and how much more satisfied she seemed.  That was all it took.  Since my milk production was so small (I was jumping for joy if I produced 2 oz), I decided to stop breastfeeding all together.  I breastfed for two months and after that, I never looked back.  Lottie and I were both so much happier and the time we were able to spend together not nursing and pumping was so worth it.  I am a big believer in breastfeeding, but if it isn't for you or if it doesn't work, don't fret.  Most of us babies born in the 80s were formula fed babies and we turned out just fine.  I am definitely planning on breastfeeding again and seeing a lactation specialist again.  I am hopeful that things will go a little differently this time around.  If not, then I refuse to allow myself to cry and feel like a failure.  Being a mom is the hardest, most rewarding job in the world.  It is not a cake walk, especially those first couple of months.  But time goes by so fast, that before you know it, your baby will be turning two. 

Follow Up Appointments/Ultrasounds: Next f/u appt. with my doctor is January 22nd! 1 more week!

Bump Photo: Blue skinnies from Old Navy - $14.95

Our First Duke Basketball Game

I have been following Duke basketball since I was a kid.  My dad was a huge fan so naturally I followed in his footsteps.  Watching Duke play basketball was one of the many loves we shared.  Of course being a Duke fan, we naturally can NOT stand UNC!!  It is one of the oldest rivalries in sports history and I love it.  It is a known fact that if you were raised either a Duke or Carolina fan, you HATE the other team.  In my house, we are Duke fans through and through so there is no love for Carolina fans.  Of course, I have many friends who are Carolina fans, but that just makes the trash talking so much sweeter.

One of the many things to do on my bucket list is to watch Duke play at Cameron Indoor Stadium.  I would freak!! So, for our anniversary, Steve bought me tickets to go see Duke play Davidson here in Charlotte on the 2nd.  Not your typical anniversary gift, but I was one happy wife! 

Steve being an Englishman does not get down with basketball, but when it comes to Duke, he reaches somewhere deep within and watches it with me.  A good man!

This was Lottie's first time at the arena since she was about 8 months old and by her reaction, she loved every minute it.  She must have clapped the entire time. Every time the crowd clapped whether it be for Duke or Davidson, she would stand up and clap.  I tried telling her to hold her claps for Duke but there was no stopping that clapping machine.  She also enjoyed her first bucket of popcorn.  I've tried giving her the fat free, butter free kind I made in the past at the house, but she turned her nose up to that.  Sure enough though, when it came to the full fat buttery goodness, she ate it up!  Preggers definitely enjoyed her fair share as well!

Here are a few pics from our time at the game!  We had a blast!  Duke won!!  They are off to a great start this season!!!  14-0!  I can't wait for the ACC tournament to come back to Charlotte so we can see them again!  I loved every minute!  College basketball knocks the socks off of pro basketball!

My man, Coach K!

 

Checking out the scoreboard!  Thankfully we had aisle seats!

 

So focused!!

 

Sweet face!

22 Weeks - Mini Coop #2

Due Date: May 11, 2013 - 18 weeks to go!!

Total Weight Gain (CRINGE): 7 lbs - unreal!!!!!!!!!  I think the scale must be broke! 

Exercise:
W - Insanity
(Not a great week to get back into it w/ NYE, etc!)

Symptoms: A growing mid section, major insomnia, bloody gums when flossing/brushing and getting up three times a night to go to the bathroom - it's like the baby just loves hanging out on top of my bladder at night. I think that may be one reason for the insomnia!  Overall, I feel really healthy and great!

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:  I've held out as long as possible, but this past week, I broke out my first pair of maternity jeans.  Most of my maternity jeans are too big in the booty / hip part right now, so the only pair I have that I really feel comfortable in, I have been rocking!  I am wearing my belly band with everything though now.  There is no way my gut is getting into any regular work pants / jeans without it.  The great thing about the belly band for me is that it allows me to still get into pants that fit great in the booty / leg area but not at all in the waste.  With maternity pants, I find they tend to expand in the booty / leg area, which will work out great in the next few weeks when my bum grows another bum!  On another note, I went to Old Navy the other day to look around and ended up buying a pair of maternity work out pants, a pair of blue skinny jeans and two dresses that were all on sale!  By now you know Frugal McDougal loves a bargain!! 

Gender: It's a GIRL!!!!!!!!!

Movement:  I felt the baby move from the outside this past week!!!  It was amazing!  I just can't believe that I am able to feel her move from the outside so much sooner than the last pregnancy.  What's even better is that Steve put his hand on my stomach yesterday at just the right time and was able to feel her kick.  :)

Food Cravings: PANCAKES!!!  Steve and I went to IHOP on New Years Day for breakfast b/c he had never been before and it is all I can do not to think about pancakes.  I ordered the whole grain, walnut, oats stack and it was amazing!!  I have not had a pancake in months but now it is all I can think about.  So much so that while out grocery shopping yesterday, I picked up some Bisquick to whip up my own at home.  Obsessed to say the least!  Geezzzz

Food Aversions: CHICKEN - yep, we are still avoiding it!  I think I am about over it, but Steve squirms when I mention the word chicken! 

Best Moment of the Week:  Every night before bed, I apply my tummy rub to help prevent any kind of stretch marks due to a growing belly.  My favorite is the Mama Mio Tubby Rub Butter.  It is brilliant!!!!!!!  It is kind of pricey ($35 for a small tub) but I swear by it.  I used it the last time around and thank goodness, no stretch marks to report.  I also alternate sometimes as to keep costs down with Palmers Stretch Mark Cream.  Steve actually put two tubes of that in my stocking for Christmas (guess he is trying to make sure no stretch marks happen either).  Anyways - Lottie is such a little copy cat - everything I do to prep for bed time, she has to do as well, so we both make sure our teeth are brushed, faces are clean, etc.  It is super cute.  The best is now that I am lathering the belly up before bed, Lottie wants to make sure she helps.  So, I give her the tiniest amount of lotion and she helps rub my belly down all the while saying, "baby".  She's so sweet while doing it.  I have a feeling Lottie is going to be a great little helper when the baby comes, which is such a relief to this mama to be. 

What I Miss: I've said it before - I miss sleeping on my stomach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I think it is a MAJOR contributor to my insomnia!!  I just can NOT get comfortable sleeping on my side!  I hate it! 

Differences Between 1st Pregnancy & 2nd Pregnancy: My face keeps breaking out!!!!!!!!!!!  During my first pregnancy, my face really broke out during the first trimester, but afterwards, it was smooth sailing.  For the love of hormones, my face keeps breaking out!!!!!!!!  Ugghhh, I hate zits!  I feel like a dang 15 year old girl!  Hopefully, this will be my last break out!  I mean come on hormones!  Give this chinny chin a break!

Fears/Dreading: Dreading losing the baby weight again!!!!!!!! 

Follow Up Appointments/Ultrasounds: Next f/u appt. with my doctor is January 22nd!

Bump Photo: Hello baby bump!

Christmas Staycation 2012

I had a whole 11 days off from work and it was heaven!!!!!!!!  It was great that the three of us could spend the entire time together without having to worry about work and daycare, etc.  I will say though that it is a bit of a relief for me to be back on some kind of routine!  I'm pretty sure I ate my way through the holidays.  Just thinking about it, makes me a little ill!  :)  Not kidding - my sweet tooth is beyond what a "normal" craving should be!!  But hey, that is what the holidays are all about - great food, great company and spending time with your loved ones. 

This year was especially fun watching Lottie tear into her presents.  She knew exactly what she was doing!  Not only did she want to rip into her presents, but everyone else as well.  It was cute!  Santa was very good to all of us. 

Here is an obnoxious amount of photos I took over the break!  SORRY!

My 96 year old grandma, myself, Amy & Lottie

Christmas Eve morning dance party / baking party

The girl loves to dance (especially when she hears rap music!)  HA!

Pecan Rolo Pretzel goodies!  So yummy!!  Ate way too many of these!

Prosciutto wrapped melon

My first attempt at Whoopie Pies - they were massive!  I sent them home w/ friends - a little toooooooooo sweet for me!

Christmas night spread - we typically do finger foods and a ham.  I made a Tex Mex Pimento Cheese Dip that was to die for!  I got it out of my new Christmas Southern Cook Book.  Delish!

Christmas Eve at the LaRoccas - Lottie and I spent most of our evening around the food! 

Lottie stuffing her face!

Lottie and her Aunt Amy - she loves her to pieces!  Finally - she smiles! 

Ripping into her first present

After every gift she opened, she would hold it up and say, "Wow Mommy"

Bella, Lottie and Ari

Lottie loves these girls to death - she thinks she is such a big girl when playing with them!

It's a tea set!  (Don't worry, I cut her hair again the following day - it grew so fast in the front!)

Bella & Lottie dancing to Bella's new Twister dance game

Christmas Morning!!!!!!!!!!  Lottie was ready to go!!

Lottie and I with the roaring fire on in the background!!  Steve hates the roaring fire DVD!  HA - I play it to just get him wound up!  :)

HUGE mistake made by me!!!  I bought Lottie a candy necklace for her stocking and she immediately had to have it - that is all she had any interest in the rest of the morning until it was all gone!  She didn't even want to open any more gifts - just wanted to eat her necklace and sit on my lap!

Steve knows me oh so well!!  I LOVE the Housewives franchise - so he bought me the cutest wine glass ever!! I heart it!

Checking out her new shirt - showing us "how pretty"

The perfect mess free gift for the child who loves to color!!!!!!!!!

Christmas night - crowding around the food once again!

Mrs. Beverly and Lottie

She loves Mrs. Beverly!!!

Crocs from her aunt Jeanette

And that about wraps up our time together at Christmas!!!!!!!!!!  Of course after Christmas, we spent time relaxing, napping, working on Lottie's big girl room, buying furniture, cleaning, watching movies, playing with new toys, eating, etc. 

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and 2013 is a great year for us all!  :)