Baby #2: 37 Weeks!

Posted on July 7, 2015 by thefasteryoupedal

How far along: 37 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Gym clothes, Mike’s shirts, yoga pants, large shirts, long skirts

Stretch marks: It is a miracle…none. My skin feels like plastic around my stomach. My arm and leg skin is extra soft with all of the fat I have gained. It is so strange to see how different my body is right now.

Sleep: Not too good, but then again it is not a surprise.

Best moment this week: Getting to see little one in his last ultrasound. The doctors were monitoring him because he was so big, but he is doing alright. I get to go hear his heartbeat tomorrow. It always makes me feel better when they monitor him at the doctor.

Miss anything: I admit I had a huge pity party for myself on the 4th of July. My family went tubing and mountain biking and I was so emotional about it. I had to give myself a pep talk and realize that I should be grateful for this opportunity.

Morning sickness: I’ve been okay. I really don’t like to eat certain foods now. I am really burned out on the meat and veggie combination (protein and good carb) that I try to follow for Mike’s diet and mine. For some reason, I just don’t want to eat the dinners I make. I pretty much just snack during the day.

Movement:.He scared me one day last week when he wouldn’t move, so I put an ice pack on my stomach and that got him going. It’s usually one day of little kicks and then the next day he will be rolling all over the place. He dropped last week, so he is head down, which makes me waddle like a penguin. He is super low. He stuck his butt out the other day and my skin went numb all around my belly button.

Food cravings: Carbs. But then again, even when I am not pregnant, carbs are my downfall. I am in for a major shock when I start the 21 day fix in September. I already have my meals planned out and my exercise routines. I’m actually pretty excited about it.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Like I said, some meats and veggies and definitely leftovers. Even throwing them away makes me gag.

Have you started to show yet: Now that is a dumb question.

Gender prediction: Boy. I am still so nervous about it.

Labor signs: He dropped and one day last week I had some Braxton-Hicks contractions going on. I swear my hormones are going extra crazy because this has been a super emotional week for me. I cry about everything. I feel anxious and nervous a lot for no reason.

Belly button in or out: If it could go out, it would have weeks ago.

Wedding rings on or off: Off. I have swollen hands right now. I haven’t had swollen ankles like I did with Olivia.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Like I said, I have been so moody and naggy this week. Everything is making me sad. I think it’s the anxiousness of what is to come. I like my ducks in a row. I am also nervous because this will be the first time I am away from Olivia and it will be for three days. I hope the healing process is quick.

Looking forward to: Meeting with my actual doctor this week who is going to perform my C-section. I’ve talked to a lot of people who have had them, including nurses, so I feel like mentally I am getting there.

Baby #2: Week 35!

Posted on June 27, 2015 by thefasteryoupedal

Last minute picture because I will be 36 weeks tomorrow…so pajamas and picture in front of a fan it is!

How far along: 35 Weeks

Maternity clothes: I can’t fit into some of my maternity clothes now…so long awesome maternity jeans (until after baby when I still look like I am pregnant). As soon as we get an actual paycheck, I am ordering a Bellefit…they look kind of cool to use!

Stretch marks: I thought I saw stretch marks coming in…but so far I am safe. I thought it was funny that when I give Olivia lotion, she immediately starts putting it on her belly. I think she is watching me a little too closely. Ha ha

Sleep: Not cool. Mainly because I can’t breathe laying straight down, so I sit up a lot. I move around the house at night because I get Charlie horses too.

Best moment this week: Celebrating Father’s Day and realizing it is Mike’s last time being a dad to one kid!

Miss anything: Mike went up to Cloudcroft to ride with his friends and I admit I cried when I said goodbye to him. A lot of people don’t even know I really like to mountain bike and road bike and that I raced. I miss running, racing, biking…believe it or not, I used to do it and PLAN on doing it soon.

Morning sickness: No. I just really don’t like to eat a lot now, and especially certain foods. What kind you say? It depends on what day it is.

Movement: I’m now at the point where I am actually counting how many times he kicks, just to make sure he is okay. He dropped and moved his position. He hurts me a lot by getting into my ribs. Today he was way over on my left side, so I was super lop-sided.

Food cravings:Definitely not as hungry at night. I do crave BBQ a lot and have since the beginning of this pregnancy. I BBQ at least once a week now that it’s summer, so it helps with my cravings!

Anything making you queasy or sick: No more eggs for me, and I am really sick of toast and sandwiches.

Have you started to show yet: I went through the grocery line today and the lady told me I looked like I was about to bust!

Gender prediction: Our last ultrasound definitely showed the boy parts!

Labor signs: I kind of overdid it last Wednesday when I worked out and went swimming in the same day. I had major back pain that night and was so scared I was going into early labor. It stopped by noon the next day…thank goodness.

Belly button in or out: If it could be out, it would.

Wedding rings on or off: Off.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Tired. Mainly because Olivia decided to turn into the devil this week ( I miss my sweet kid!). She really can make or break your day with her attitude.

Looking forward to: The next few weekends. It’s weird we only have a few weekends left and we have been planning them all out to make sure we use them wisely before he comes!! Also, we get another ultrasound next week because he is such a big boy and so they can monitor him. That should be pretty cool.

Baby #2: Week 33!

Posted on June 13, 2015 by thefasteryoupedal

How far along: 33 Weeks

Maternity clothes: This is the point where I want to go into hiding. Mainly because I don’t have anything to wear so I walk around in pajama pants and Mike’s t shirts at home. I wish I could wear long flowy dresses every day of my life. I refuse to buy any more maternity clothes. Most of the stuff I have will fit post pregnancy, just not in the “about to bust” phase. I did manage to “squeeze” into a bathing suit this week and go swimming.

Stretch marks: No. Just dimples on my legs. Come on skin! Hang in there!!!

Sleep: I sleep mainly on my left side at night, but then eventually end up sleeping sitting up. I have to lay with one or both arms above my head to lengthen out my torso so I can actually breathe. I’ve had a hard time breathing this week…and it’s not from being out of shape. When just sitting and doing nothing, I feel like I am suffocating.

Best moment this week: I washed all of his clothes and set up his drawers with his pajamas and onesies. It’s neat to think he will be wearing all this stuff I have.

Raising his fist in fury!!

Miss anything: Like I said in the previous post, being pregnant in the summer is not fun when you like to play. I really do miss laying on my stomach. I love to lay on it and snuggle with a pillow. I will be looking forward to that! I really miss doing ab workouts at the gym too.

Morning sickness: Not really. I just have a few food aversions now where I don’t like being around certain foods like eggs and chicken.

Movement: He moves a lot! I love to see my stomach move like an ocean. He seems to move more during the day, which I am hoping is a good sign of things to come (meaning: he likes to sleep at night) !

Food cravings:I’m not as hungry as I was a couple of weeks ago. I think a lot of it is that I ran out of room. I eat big lunches and then really small dinners.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Eggs, leftover chicken, microwave meals, mushy apples

It is definitely a boy. He he

Have you started to show yet: I lie about my due date and tell people I only have a couple more weeks and they still give me a hard time!

Gender prediction: Boy. Did any of you guys check a Chinese calender for the gender of your baby? Mine was dead on for both. Not that I am into that stuff but my ultrasound tech told me about it and had me all curious when I was pregnant with Olivia.

Labor signs: I had my first set of Braxton-Hicks this week. Other than that, nothing.

Belly button in or out: If it could be out, it would.

Wedding rings on or off: Off.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Can I say sleepy? All I do is sleep lately. I’ve been taking some naps during the day and it’s been awesome.

Looking forward to: Taking time out the next five or six weekends to live it up before my life turns into baby jail again.

Baby #2: 30 Weeks!

Posted on May 19, 2015 by thefasteryoupedal

How far along: 30 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Pretty much gym clothes..unless I have to go to church…then it’s a long dress or skirt. I love my maternity jeans.

Stretch marks: No. Still a miracle.

Sleep: Pretty good. I’ve been sleeping really hard and having the craziest dreams. I keep having teacher dreams where my classroom is out of control. They never go away!! Also, the problem is that I have a toddler who decided not to sleep through the night anymore, so I keep having to sleep in spurts to go calm her down and get her back to sleep. I think working out every day during nap time has worn me out too. I seriously have gotten so tired the last week. I usually pop out of bed ready to do chores, but find myself dragging a lot more in the morning. It takes me at least two hours to get out the door.

Best moment this week: The realization that this is going to happen soon. I think hitting the 30 mark makes it real. I can feel him kick more and more too. I think he is running out of space in there, because I can see him moving around a lot now.

Miss anything: I miss a lot of things. This time of year gets me so excited to travel and go to the beach and bike and run races and then I realize I can’t do any of that. The thing is I know this is just temporary, so I don’t feel sorry for myself at all. I love summertime. It totally brings me back to the college days of trying to figure out what I was going to do for the summer and then going on my adventures.

Morning sickness: I’ve been very lucky. No morning sickness at all. The only bad thing I have is heartburn. Tums and I are friends.

Movement: Like I said, he is definitely moving a lot more now. He is a night owl and is starting to get more aggressive with his kicks, especially if I am making him uncomfortable with the way I am sitting. He gave me a few big kicks tonight to let me know he wanted to move.

Food cravings: Sweets. I’ve noticed this week though that I am not as hungry at night. I chalk that up to not having any stomach space by the end of the day.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I made some leftovers the other day and had to throw them out. It seems just the thought of leftover food is gross to me.

Have you started to show yet: I still have people asking if I am due any day now. I went to a baby shower last week with a few girls that were also pregnant and I was pretty much the largest one there. Thank you short torso!

Gender prediction: Boy. It still is so crazy to think a boy will be in our house! Ah!

Labor signs: He is super low so I don’t think I will ever know if he drops. It looks like I am going a week earlier than my due date, so I may not even go through the labor signs like I did with Olivia.

Belly button in or out: Flat and weird. I don’t think it can pop out, which is nice.

Wedding rings on or off: Off.

Happy or Moody most of the time: A lot happier now that I am getting a routine of working out and some normalcy at home. Chicago really screwed things up emotionally, physically, and mentally for me, so it is nice to try to get things calm here.

Looking forward to: I actually started pulling everything out and getting a hospital bag together. I pretty much am nesting right now where I want to deep clean the whole house! And I will!

Baby #2: 28 Weeks!

Posted on May 5, 2015 by thefasteryoupedal

If you look closely, you will see a smooshed baby face turned sideways and two little fists below the face….hello baby Luke!

How far along: 28 Weeks

Maternity clothes: I found some really long shirts at Kohl’s that I went a size up in that weren’t maternity and love them. I also love yoga pants…a lot. Maxi dresses, maternity jeans, maternity black pants, maxi skirts, long tank tops and shirts, and up-sized workout clothes are the way to go!

Stretch marks: No. Still a miracle.

Sleep: Seeing that it is two in the morning as I type this, not so good. Tonight the culprit was heartburn. Other nights, it is usually Olivia and worrying about something dumb.

Best moment this week: The ultrasound, of course. I seriously was stressing about it because we had a red flag on our last ultrasound, but everything was measuring great. He is 2 pounds 11 ounces right now and dead on for all of the other stats! Phew. I thought that the stress of the Chicago trip would have caused something!

Miss anything: I have boxes of clothes sitting behind me that cannot be worn. I really missed the bike this week because of the beautiful weather. I keep planning out my future races and workout routines for this fall. It gets me pumped! I think I had such a bad attitude after having Olivia because I kept thinking in the back of my mind that I was just going to gain weight again, when I got pregnant again…not a good attitude by the way!

(Another face shot. Sideways. Ultrasounds are creepy.)

Morning sickness: I’ve been very lucky. The unfortunate side effects for me are heartburn (like three hours later) and extreme hunger. It is ridiculous. I’ll eat a meal and still feel hungry.

Movement: I actually can see my stomach move now. He has some big kickers! He loves to kick and move. He switched positions this week from sideways to vertical. It was so weird. Now he is back to his feet on my left side and his head on my right. He is sitting really low!

Food cravings: I was not this ravenous with Olivia.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anymore. Once the second trimester hit, I was okay.

Have you started to show yet: Of course. People think I’m going to pop any second. Sleeping is super uncomfortable. They didn’t measure my stomach, but I feel like I am measuring bigger. I blame it on the fact that I had no core at the beginning of this pregnancy so all my belly fat is laying on top of him.

Gender prediction: Boy. Mike was able to see the parts again during the ultrasound and congratulated him for staying a boy.

Labor signs: No. I was told that I will be having the baby a week earlier than expected. I will find out a few weeks from now what my exact schedule will look like this last trimester. So crazy that I am in the final stretch. We are not in as much of a hurry this time. Hmm…I wonder why.

Belly button in or out: Flat and weird, as usual.

The large kickers!

Wedding rings on or off: Off.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Let’s just say that I don’t hold back when it comes to what I think, when I am pregnant. Little things bother me more than when I am normal, so I am quick to let people know what is on my mind. Not sure that is a good thing. I’ve been a lot happier the last few weeks because my mom has been here to cut me some breaks with Olivia when she is driving me bananas…and she is driving me bananas with her two year old ways!

Looking forward to: Taking in as much time as possible with one child before the craziness of two kids enters my life!

Baby #2: Week 26!

Posted on April 26, 2015 by thefasteryoupedal

How far along: 26 Weeks

Maternity clothes: This is the largest I have ever been, even with Olivia, so I’ve had to be really creative. I still wear a lot of gym clothes, but I found a few more maternity clothes while out and about with my mom. I love how maxi dresses are in.

Stretch marks: No. It is a miracle. Do I think I will get them? Yes.

Sleep: I’m hit or miss. Lately, it has been Olivia keeping me up, but little boy definitely likes to party at night while I am trying to sleep! Also, I get the worst cramps in my legs at night where I am paralyzed. Sleeping is definitely an art with pillows between my legs and sitting up.

Best moment this week: I was sitting in a movie and he was having a good old-time kicking and moving. This was the first time I actually saw my belly move.

Miss anything: Not gaining weight. I did so well the first trimester and then it ended. I miss biking a lot. I miss running in 5K’s and training for races. I definitely miss my clothes. A lot.

Morning sickness: I have been very fortunate to not have to deal with this! Unfortunately, I have to go get some dental work done, which really hurts and sucks so I count that towards the pain of morning sickness.

Movement: Oh ya, totally moving and kicking and I love it!

Food cravings: Everything. Food is my enemy right now!

Anything making you queasy or sick: It’s weird, but the smell of Mike’s deodorant makes me kind of queasy.

Have you started to show yet: Yes. I actually lie to people about when I am due because they give me this look like I am about to bust any minute. I told a lady yesterday that I was due in June and she told me I was in for a long pregnancy. Nice. (If you calculate, I am due mid-July.)

Gender prediction: Boy. I’ve had two people walk up to me on the street and say “you are having a boy, huh?”. I must be carrying him like a boy! I didn’t know there was a certain way we carried the sex of the baby. I still think it’s an old wives tale.

Labor signs: No, but my belly seems to be getting lower.

Belly button in or out: Flat and weird and shows through when I wear white shirts.

Wedding rings on or off: Off.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Moody. I am really defensive about people being in my personal space. I also have this paranoia thing going on where I think people are trying to control me, even though they are just trying to be nice. Seriously, pregnancy makes me so nuts.

Looking forward to: Ultrasound next Monday where I can see him and see how he is doing! Nerve wracking, yet awesome at the same time!

Baby #2: Week 24!

Posted on April 11, 2015 by thefasteryoupedal

How far along: 24 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Being stuck in some semi-winter weather is nice so I can wear cute maternity sweaters. Target and Kohl’s are my “go to ” stores to find things to wear. Thankfully I am out of town so I can get away with wearing the same clothes all of the time!

Stretch marks: No.

Sleep: I forgot how much I like to sleep on my stomach. I have found by having three pillows has helped me sleep better, so it’s improved this week.

Best moment this week: Feeling him kick a lot harder. Olivia was leaning on my belly and he kept kicking her. Already having the sibling rivalry!

Miss anything: Being in shape. It’s going to be a long process to get back to what I used to be (even before Olivia), but I have some major motivation coming up with a husband in remission and some planned mountain bike and running races.

Morning sickness: I’ve been a little nauseous this week. I honestly think it’s because I am always just grabbing quick things and need to slow down a little bit.

Movement: Like I said, he is definitely kicking a lot harder. I love it.

Food cravings: Sweets. I go in for another glucose test this week so if it is positive, I am in really big trouble.

Anything making you queasy or sick: The smelly cab I took today. Definitely sitting in a car for a long period of time. I have been getting car sick so bad!

Have you started to show yet: Yes. It made me feel better to hear stories from my friends this week about how rude people were to them about their pregnancy size. I have been hearing comments and gasps all week as I walk around and it gets to me at times. I know it will get to the “I don’t care” stage eventually.

Gender prediction: Boy.

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out: Still flat and weird.

Wedding rings on or off: Off.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Sleepy. Is that an option? I don’t think Olivia helps!

Looking forward to: Being home soon. It will be good to get everything back to normal. Can’t wait for Mike to get back home and we can have some down time before little boy arrives!

Baby #2 : 22 Weeks!

Posted on March 28, 2015 by thefasteryoupedal

-How far along: 22 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Hoodies, yoga pants, loose shirts, big jackets, workout pants, and really long shirts. Yep, that is my wardrobe!

Stretch marks: No.

Sleep: A little better this week. Olivia is starting to get used to sleeping in the play pen again. I’ve been getting leg cramps at night so it kept me up for a few days.

Best moment this week: Getting some of Mike’s medical work done and realizing we are getting the ball rolling so he can be home safe and sound when the baby is born. I also am so appreciative of all the friends and family surrounding us right now trying to make our life as normal as possible.

Miss anything: Sushi. I want to eat every kind of sushi possible, especially since there are so many awesome restaurants that serve it here.

Morning sickness: None. Just waking up starving!

Movement: He likes to kick in the evening and when I am sleeping. He is definitely a night owl like his dad.

Food cravings: I seriously feel like I eat all of the time. No wonder I am huge. I am definitely hungrier this pregnancy. I crave all sorts of things like fruit and chocolate.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I haven’t felt queasy or sick this week at all.

Have you started to show yet: Yes. Still huge as ever.

Gender prediction: Boy.

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out: Still flat and weird.

Wedding rings on or off: Off. So glad I left them at home. Just one less thing to worry about losing.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happier this week. I think because we have been chilling a lot and just having a lot of family time. I really want to work out more and I know that will make me happier.

Looking forward to: Going Easter shopping this weekend and hanging out and having family time.

Baby #2: 21 Weeks!

Posted on March 20, 2015 by thefasteryoupedal

How far along: 21 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Since being in Chicago this week, I feel like all I wear are big hoodies and gym clothes. They are baggy on me, so often I even forget that I am pregnant, until I bend over to grab something or someone asks me about the baby. I wish I was more stylish, but I feel like now is not the time to turn over that new leaf..haha.

Stretch marks: No.I didn’t get them with Olivia, but wonder if I will with him.

Sleep: So So.. I’ve always been a bad sleeper since I became a mom. I’m hoping to get more naps in this week while Mike is sleeping away from this chemo treatment. It’s weird to see my husband sleep more than I am!

Best moment this week: Flying to Chicago and exploring the city. Going to the Chicago Children’s Museum and The “Bean”. This little guy will see all of these pictures and know he was in my belly. Hopefully one day I can bring him back and have some fun with him here.

Miss anything: Stylish clothes. I think it is on the brain, because my hotel was a half a mile from the Magnificent Mile, where there were so many cute clothing stores. I admit I was coveting when I shouldn’t have been.

Morning sickness: None. Both pregnancies. I have been very lucky!

Movement: His fluttering is a lot harder this week, which means he is getting a lot stronger! I love it, because he lets me know he is there and hanging out and I don’t have to worry about him.

Food cravings: I swear I am hungry all of the time. I want sweets now more than ever…especially ice cream and candy. I really like to eat eggs and toast too. I hated eggs when I was pregnant with Olivia.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not getting enough sleep. I get really emotional and crazy too when I haven’t had a nap or it’s been a strenuous day!

Have you started to show yet: Yes. Still huge as ever.

Gender prediction: Boy.

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out: Still flat and weird.

Wedding rings on or off: Off. I left them in Las Cruces, so I wouldn’t lose them. I always do that on trips for some reason. I’m notorious for losing things on trips (including this week, when I lost my drivers license on the streets of Chicago and now have to walk around with a temporary one until my mom can mail me my new one).

Happy or Moody most of the time: Moody. Mike says I have gotten meaner (not to him, just mean in general about things). I’ve noticed I’ve turned really grumpy too and it drives me nuts. I even dream about being mad. It’s super crazy.

Looking forward to: Hanging out in Aurora this week and visiting the Science and Industry Museum on Saturday.

Baby #2 : 20 Weeks!

Posted on March 14, 2015 by thefasteryoupedal

How far along: 20 Weeks

Maternity clothes: I really like having a pair of black pants and a pair of maternity jeans to fall back on. Otherwise I have been buying workout clothes a size bigger and pretty much wear those all the time. Maxi skirts are awesome too.

Stretch marks: No. I have a feeling I am getting them this time though.

Sleep: Not too good this week. I don’t blame him though. Just as I write this I am up at the crack of dawn because I can’t shut off my brain! Chicago is looming…

Best moment this week: Feeling him flutter. I am definitely starting to feel him a little bit more. Also, getting super cute clothes from my mom and sister. It’s fun to see boy clothes around the house.

Miss anything: Running (I feel so large and awkward when I run that I stopped running…I am kind of regretting it), mountain biking (it was such a beautiful day out yesterday), and feeling self-confident (for some reason being bigger this time has made me super self-conscious).

Morning sickness: None. I have been very lucky.

Movement: Just little fluttering…

Food cravings: Still eating my apple a day. I’ve had to fight my sweet tooth with this one…chocolate is my weakness this time around. Also, I get SO HUNGRY in the evening when I am trying not to eat. I feel like I am starving and I know I am not!

Anything making you queasy or sick: The smell of most vegetables and pasta. Chicken has always smelled funky to me, especially leftover chicken. Heartburn is creeping up on me too at the weirdest times!

Have you started to show yet: Yes. Too much.

Gender prediction: Boy.

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out: Flat and weird.

Wedding rings on or off: Off, but like I said, I hardly wear jewelry in general, except when I am going out on the town.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Moody. I have been so easily offended all week. I’ve had a few good cries where I am so angry at people for the stupidest reasons. I forgot how everything seems so much more dramatic than it should (it doesn’t help when people trigger it). I remember last time I would get so mad when people would make comments on how big I am and when I look back I see how dumb I was…hello, you are pregnant. This time I am really touchy about people saying things about me in general. So crazy.

Looking forward to: Going to the doctor this week for one last visit before I head off to Chicago! I look forward to Mike getting this treatment done!