My, How She Has Grown!

     

Birth

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

4 Months

5 Months

6 Months

7 Months

8 Months

9 Months

10 Months

11 Months

12 Months

13 Months

14 Months

15 Months

16 Months

17 Months

18 Months

19 Months

20 Months

21 Months

22 Months

23 Months

24 Months

16 Weeks

How far along? 16 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Yup. I lost 12 pounds before getting pregnant, so I can still fit into a lot of my old (pre-weight loss) pants and jeans. I am starting to get a nice muffin top from them though, so I figured I should just go ahead and start wearing some maternity pants. I'm also wearing dresses and skirts a lot to work. I am all about being comfortable.
Stretch marks? No new ones. Sophie did a pretty good job on those, so hopefully this baby has some mercy on me.
Sleep: I keep waking up in the middle of the night. Some nights it is only once, but there were a few nights this week when I woke up 2 or 3 times. I feel so unrested.
Best moment this week: Possibly feeling some movement
Miss Anything? Coke Zero and all those jeans that I used to fit into after I lost weight.
Movement: I've thought that I've felt a little something a few times, but I can't be sure if it is the baby or gas.
Food cravings: Nothing really
Anything making you queasy or sick: I actually puked for the first time on Thursday, but I have no idea why. I don't think I ate anything that made me sick, so who knows.
Any pregnancy complications?:  My sciatic nerve has been acting up. It likes to focus on my right butt check. Joy. Sometimes walking and getting up really hurts. Sleeping with a body pillow helps some, but teaching all day makes it act up. Hopefully that will stop soon.
Have you started to show yet: Yeah, you can tell now. It is still that early phase where you just look super chubby, but I think you can definitely tell I'm pregnant. 
Gender prediction: I've been saying all along that this is a girl. However, this week I have caught myself calling the baby a boy. Who knows.
Looking forward to: Feeling more movement (or being sure that is what I've been feeling) and knowing the gender of little Raz.

15 Weeks

Today was the day that I have been dreading: the first day of school. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy teaching and I love getting to know my students each year. I just am not ready to give up my days with Sophie (and my daily naps). The day went well, but I missed my girl. It is going to be even harder when I have to leave two kids behind.

In other news, I went for a check-up yesterday. My mom went with me so that she could entertain Sophie and hear the heartbeat. Oh, that heartbeat. I was so excited to hear it again. I waited patiently while the doctor searched for the heartbeat...and searched...and searched. You could hear my pulse very loudly, but no baby heartbeat. Again and again the doctor searched. I just heard static and my pulse. I was trying very hard not to freak out and to be patient. (Earlier this week I had actually had thought this same scenario would happen.) The doctor finally found a spot where he was able to hear the baby's heartbeat in the background of my pulse (heartbeat in the 150s). Thank goodness! I turned around to see Sophie's reaction, and she had her fingers in her ears. Goofball. I asked why my pulse was so strong this time, and the doctor thinks maybe my placenta is more in the front of my stomach and the baby is behind it. If that is the case then I hope it changes because I don't want to go through that worry of not finding a heartbeat right away again.

How far along? 15 Weeks
Maternity clothes? No, but I think I'm going to have to start wearing dresses to work all the time if I don't start pulling out some maternity dress pants.
Stretch marks? No new ones
Sleep: I am always tired, but some energy is coming back
Best moment this week: hearing the heartbeat again. This would probably be the scariest moment of the well, too. 
Miss Anything? Coke Zero and wine
Movement: No
Food cravings: No big cravings this week
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really
Any pregnancy complications?:  No *knock on wood*
Have you started to show yet: Yeah. Well, if you know I am pregnant you would think so as my stomach definitely has a bulge to it. If you haven't seen me in awhile or you didn't know I was pregnant you would probably just think I was fat.
Gender prediction: girl
Looking forward to: Feeling the baby kick and knowing what I am having

The End of Summer

It is that time of year again...the end of the summer and back to school for me. I've been feeling bad this past month because Sophie and I have spent more time indoors than out doing different activities. I really wanted her to have a special summer since it is our last one that we will have alone together. Sure she won't remember it, but it still meant something to me. The problem is that it has been so hot this summer so I really didn't want to go outside much unless I was in the pool. Sophie wasn't allowed to go in a pool until her finger was healed, so that took away 2 weeks. Plus, I have been so exhausted since I am pregnant that I just wanted to lounge around on the couch. Those things together have equaled a lazy July/beginning of August. We still did a few activities, but not as much as I had hoped for. I still think we had a good time together though. Sophie can always find something to get into.

Today was our last day before I had to go back to school. I really wanted to make it special, but we both had doctors appointments to go to. So, instead of trying to sleep in a little, we woke up bright and early to head over to Children's Hospital for Sophie's cardiology follow-up. They performed an EKG which came back fine. Everything else sounded normal, besides her bicuspid valve. It is still very minor and the doctor told me that if she were to have bigger issues with it, it wouldn't be until she was a lot older. She shouldn't have any issues with sports or anything else growing up. I love good news like that. They told me that Sophie doesn't have to come back for another year. I however need to go back in a month. Ha! I asked the doctor if any of Sophie's heart issues were genetic issues that her new sibling could have. He told me that the bicuspid valve is genetic and that he would suggest the new baby be checked out. I told him that my doctor wanted a fetal echo performed to check for any abnormalities. He recommended that I have my echo done at Children's with his department (he went on about how only they do echos and everyone else does ultrasounds...I'm pretty sure I had a fetal echo with Sophie, but who knows. I was at least told that is what it was. I'm not sure I understand the difference. I mean they looked at Sophie's heart in utero, so...) I agreed to go there for the echo, especially since Sophie's bicuspid valve wasn't caught during my last fetal echo ultrasound echo (and the doctor told me that it should have been picked up). Hopefully no issues will be found, but if they are I feel good knowing that Sophie's doctor will take care of the new baby.

After Sophie's appointment, we headed to the zoo. As always, Sophie had a wonderful time. We went around searching for animals that she hasn't seen yet this summer. She enjoyed looking at them all, and would tell them each "bye-bye" when she was finished looking at them. I also took her on the carousel when we were there. It was her first time on one and I though that she would cry and scream like all the other kids where were on there. Nope. Sophie held on tight, smiled and didn't make a peep. I'm so glad that she enjoyed it! After a quick nap and lunch at home, we went to my check up. Sophie and my mom got to hang out and listen to the new baby's heartbeat. It took awhile to be able to hear it, but eventually we did. When I turned around to see Sophie's reaction, she had her fingers stuck in her ears. Silly girl.

Even though we had to hang out waiting for doctors for part of the time, I still think that it was a pretty darn good last day of summer for the two of us. I can't wait until next summer when I have both of my babies to spend time with!

14 Weeks

I picked up a cold and I have been miserable the past couple of days. I hate not being able to breathe! It makes me crabby and whiney.
How far along? 14 Weeks
Maternity clothes? No, but my pants are getting tighter. My pile of jeans that I can wear is getting smaller and smaller. I haven't even started trying on my clothes for work. I need to get on that though, as school starts next week!
Stretch marks? No 
Sleep: I am always tired, but some energy is coming back
Best moment this week: Sophie kissing my belly/the baby and saying, 'luv ouu' to it
Miss Anything? Being able to take good cold medicine!
Movement: No
Food cravings: I really wanted a steak one day. I'm a chicken kind of girl, and it has probably been 6+ months since I had a steak. The steak I had this week was soooooo good. Yum!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Just this stupid cold.
Any pregnancy complications?: No
Have you started to show yet: My stomach is still growing.
Looking forward to: Finding out what we are having.



14 weeks 6 days - This dress makes my stomach look even bigger. (It makes my butt look bigger, too. Hmmm...)

13 Weeks

Everyone knows now! I'm still not sure if that is a good or bad thing.
When I was pregnant with Sophie, I made a little photo book of family pictures for my mom. The last picture in the book was a picture of my positive pregnancy test. My mom mentioned once that I would have a hard time topping that surprise. Challenge accepted. While playing on Pinterest one day, I came across this. I knew it was the prefect way to announce a future pregnancy. I couldn't wait to not only make Sophie a big sister, but also to take those photos of her. Once I had my ultrasound I was able to have a little photo shoot with Sophie. (see last week's post for a link to the pictures.)
I mailed out cards with Sophie's sibling announcement on Tuesday night. Each of our parents called on Wednesday, but they still had no idea. Thursday afternoon though I received a call from Joe's mom. She was very excited for us. Then came a call from a sister-in-law, as well as text messages from other sister-in-laws. Still nothing from my mom though. After an hour of waiting, Sophie and I laid down for a nap. About 30 minutes into my glorious slumber, the phone rang. It was my mom. "You're pregnant?"
"Yes." (I was pretty groggy though, so it might have sounded more like, "Ylesh")
"Due in February."
"Uh huh."
"When were you going to tell me?"
"Um, the card did that for me."
"What card? I didn't get a card. I just saw Joe's post on Facebook..."
At this point I sit straight up and panic a bit. I had no idea what she was talking about, nor why it was on Facebook already. "Um, you are getting a card in the mail...today...That is what was going to tell you I was pregnant. What are you talking about with Facebook?"
My mom explains that Joe posted something on Facebook. I immediately hang up on her to go call Joe (I  looked on Facebook first, and sure enough, there was a post by my dear, sweet husband.) I told Joe that my mom hadn't received her card yet and that his post kinda ruined the surprise. Plus, there were a few friends I wanted to tell first before all of Facebook knew (Oh, Facebook...I have such a love/hate relationship with you.). He apologized and set off to delete the post. I called my mom back and apologized some more about the ruined surprise. She didn't care; she was too happy. She did call later to say that she received the card and loved it. Maybe I should stop with the 'surprises' next time. It is kinda fun though...



How far along? 13 Weeks
Maternity clothes? No
Stretch marks? No 
Sleep: I am so tired when I go to bed at night, but it takes forever to fall asleep!
Best moment this week: Our friends and family finding out.
Miss Anything? Wine and Coke Zero (I gave up caffeine this time. I didn't when I was pregnant with Sophie-I still kept within the suggested limit-but I am trying it this time.)
Movement: No
Food cravings: Not really
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Any pregnancy complications?: No *knock on wood*
Have you started to show yet: My stomach is getting bigger, but it still just looks like I have been eating too much.
Gender prediction: girl
Looking forward to: Finding out what we are having. We still have awhile though.

Sophie Has Some News...

I started a blog for the new baby. http://workingtitle-becky.blogspot.com/

12 Weeks

Yesterday we had an ultrasound. I am so glad that we were allowed to have one. Hearing our baby's heartbeat was reassuring, but I was still a little worried that something could be wrong. Seeing our baby took all of those worries away. Everything seemed fine with the baby so far (it is still too small/early to know much, including if the umbilical cord has 2 or 3 vessels). The baby kicked her (prediction only-we still have awhile until we find out) little legs and waved  her little arms for us. She is already a spunky little thing. (I think the baby has it in for big sis, Sophie. Since being pregnant Sophie has been locked in my car and got her finger stuck/cut up. Pregnancy brain is no good.)

This is how we are announcing the pregnancy to people (on Sophie's website. Our parents will receive the actual pictures.)

How far along? 12 Weeks
Maternity clothes? No
Stretch marks? No 
Sleep: I've been super tired this week and haven't been sleeping well during the night
Best moment this week: Seeing our baby!
Have you told family and friends: I've sent out cards to our parents with pictures of Sophie saying I am pregnant, so we're just waiting for a call from all of them saying they know. I did tell my co-workers at our team meeting yesterday, since we were planning for the year and all.
Miss Anything? Wine
Movement: No
Food cravings: Dill pickles. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nah
Any pregnancy complications?: No
Have you started to show yet: I look fatter this week
Gender prediction: Girl
Looking forward to: People knowing

23 Months

One more month until my girl turns 2! I can't wait!

Sophie is at such a fun age right now. She has such a big personality and never fails to make us laugh. Her vocabulary keeps growing and I can't get over how smart she is. I get so impressed at the words/directions that she understands and the things that she remembers. She is like a little sponge, absorbing everything. I also love how helpful she is. She puts toys away (for the most part) when she is asked, will throw trash away, go get items for me, take my hand and direct me to what she wants, etc. Nice! This girl just amazes me. I love her so much.

When I took Sophie to the doctor's for her finger last week (click here for the story), she weighed 16 lb 4 oz. She hasn't even gained 3 pounds this year. Geez! Still, Joe and I have decided not to worry about her weight anymore (we've said this before, but really mean it this time). No more tests being run, no more GI visits, no more agonizing over each ounce. As long as Sophie is healthy, active and eating and drinking, we are satisfied and will let her do her own thing. However, if any of those things change, we will go right back to the doctors for help. I discussed this with Sophie's nurse case manager from Humana (the awesome Tonya, who helped me a lot when we had tests to be approved for and feeding tube supplies to deal with) and she agreed with our decision. I have to say, it is very freeing to let go of the worry over her weight. She is going to be small and that is just fine with us.

We went on vacation earlier this month to Coldwater Lake, Michigan. We used to always go when I was little, so I love being able to share the lake with Sophie. Last year when we went, Sophie had her first ear infection. Her fevers were so high and she was miserable. Luckily we didn't have that problem this year. Sophie was in good health (minus a little heat rash) and she had so much fun! She loved the water and was not afraid to walk right in and sit down and play in it. (The lake water was actually pretty darn warm and it is really shallow. We would go 1/3 of the way across the lake and it would still only be up to our waist). Sophie especially loved playing with her cousin all week long.  The girls had so much fun together. Sophie even started to like 'Aunt Beba' again (she was bribed by an unlimited amount of popsicles).

Sophie still isn't that interested in potty training. She has peed on the potty a few more times, but it very random. She can tell us when she poops but doesn't want to do it on the potty. A few weeks ago I saw that she was starting to poop (leaned up again the couch with her head down). I asked her if she wanted to poop on the potty and she looked up at me and yelled, "NO!" before putting her head back down. That is okay. There is no big rush to get her trained. Besides, I still can't find any underwear small enough for her.

Sophie has started to drink out of  a cup this month. She doesn't use one all of the time, but she is getting good practice. We've had a few spills on the floor and dribbles down her shirt, but she has done surprisingly well. Sophie is pretty specific about what she will drink out of certain containers. She will only drink milk out of a bottle. She will only drink water out of sippy cups. She will only drink juice out of juice pouches. For cups though, she will drink water or lemonade. As soon as she sees me get lemonade out of the fridge, she will say, "Want some!" We'll sit and drink our lemonade together, giving obnoxious lip smacks and 'ahhhh's after each drink. Oh, how I love Sophie.

Ahhhhh

Enjoy some pictures from this month after the jump:

I was going to try breaking her pacifier habit after we came back from vacation. Then the finger incident happened and I just couldn't bring myself to take away her comfort object when she is in pain. 

Walking with the cousins

Popcorn party!

Going for a morning walk at the lake. 

Swim diapers and bathing suits are fine and all, but a plain old diaper works just as well.

Kaci's shadow

This little fisherman statue was one the shore at our cottage. Sophie  loved him, cobwebs and  all.

After playing in a dirt pile.

Touching the fish Kaci caught. (Kaci was a fishing master!)

Watching Mickey Mouse. Interesting seating choice, Sophie.