Single Digit Weeks Left

I have less than 9 weeks left before we meet this little baby. I can't believe we are getting so close. The nursery is almost complete. We just need to get a matress and a rug and the nursery is done. We are getting so excited.

I am feeling great. There are some days that I forget I am even pregnant. It was so nice this week, while I was driving home with the windows down, I thought "I should go running"...then I realized at 31 weeks, I probably can't just pick up and go running! Hopefully, I will be able to back into the swing of things quickly.

Little one is moving a lot lately, you can see the baby move all the time. I think it's awesome, Josh is still semi weirded out when he sees or feels baby move.

Mia is doing great and getting closer by the day to her 2nd birthday. She now sings Happy Birthday to herself and when asked how old she will be on her birthday she says "Two". Her words are becoming more clear and she loves to tell stories and point EVERYTHING out. She also loves helping mommy set the table for dinner every night. She is such a good helper (when she's in a good mood)! She has started throwing temper tantrums which is a real treat. She screams, flops on the floor and cries uncontrollably...sometimes it takes everything we have not to laugh. But overall, she is such a joy! She is full of personality and love being with her everyday.

So here are the pictures for the week. I gained back the pound I lost last week, plus 1. YIKES!! Oh well...that's okay. Here is the picture of my belly covered, it's getting big!

And here is the naked belly. Look how round that belly is!!
And one full length picture for fun. Also, a picture with my hair actually down. It's getting long!

Infertility Ads That Hit Home!

I stole these from my friend's blog (Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Baby) and definitely thought they were worth sharing. It is amazing to me that after having Mia and being pregnant with this baby that the feelings of Infertility NEVER go away. I have been so blessed on my journey to have had Mia and to be welcoming a new baby VERY soon. Yet, when I watched these ads, my heart ached, the tears flowed and I saw myself and so many of my friends sitting on that couch having that conversation.

I have said this before, but I will say it again. I have always believed that everything happens for a reason in life. Infertility is something I wish I NEVER would have had to endure, but I realize why I did:
*I became a better mother, appreciating and treasuring every moment of pregnancy (Even the vomiting), delivery and my daughter. I learned to appreciate the very thing we had worked so hard to achieve.
*I made amazing friendships and strengthened other ones. I had an amazing support team, most of whom have now welcomed their own little miracles. These are the ones I laughed with, cried with and who listened to me vent at the top of my lungs.
*I learned to trust God with everything I had and all that I am. I knew that only faith would get me through this time...and it did.
*I learned to love a man more than I ever thought was possible. My husband, became my biggest supporter, loving me when I was completely unlovable in the midst of infertility, telling me he would love me if I could never give him a child. He reminded me how blessed we were to have each other, how love always prevails. And while the journey was not and has not been easy, we have a bond that can not be broken. We have been to the pits of hell and survived. He is my rock, my everything and the most amazing daddy and husband anyone could ask for.

Through everything I learned, and all the blessings I have been given, the reality still remains that there are those out there who are still hurting, yearning for their baby. I continue to pray for those who have not yet received their miracle, their healing in the process.

Just as a friendly reminder, if you have never experienced infertility or loss, you will never REALLY know how we feel, we can't relax, it won't just happen. Yes, we will cry and even become angry. It's not about you or your child, it's just that the hurt is sometimes unbearable. So if you know someone struggling, be supportive, let them cry and rejoice like you never have when they share the news of the blessing they will soon hold in their arms.

30 weeks, 10 weeks (or less) to go!

Another week has past and that means we are another week closer to meeting this precious gift from God. I can't believe I am already at the 30 week mark. That means after today I am down to single digit weeks. It's amazing. Each week has brought us closer to the ultimate gift, and we couldn't be more excited.

The nursery is almost all the way completed, just need to finish some last minute details (Rug, blinds, curtain rods hung up, and buying a crib mattress. It's so fun watching it all come together. It's hard to think sooner than later, I will be putting our baby to bed in there!

For fun, I thought I would add some comparison pictures to see how much I've grown over the last 30 weeks.

Here I am at 10 weeks

And here I am at the halfway mark...20 weeks
And today, 30 weeks pregnant.

Overall, I am still feeling great. The weather has been beautiful, I've been playing outside with Mia and enjoying her more and more everyday. She has been such a blessing to our family and I can't wait to see how she is with this new baby. I think she is going to make such an amazing big sister.

On an exciting note, I lost a pound this week. That means my weight gain is about 1/2 what is was at this point in my pregnancy with Mia...that is VERY exciting to me! :)
Here is a full view shot.

And the classic bare belly

3D ultrasound, and a peek at our baby

Yesterday, Josh and I headed to Naperville, IL to Stork Snapshots to see our little baby in 3D. We did the same thing when I was pregnant with Mia and I loved being able to see her before she actually arrived...plus I had a gift certificate.

We made sure to tell the tech right away that we did NOT want to know the gender. She agreed, but later asked if we wanted her to take pictures of the gender and save them to the CD so we would have them for later (after the baby came). I IMMEDIATELY said "NO". I knew if she did that I would look the second I got home. So still a surprise baby!

However, I have to say after the ultrasound I will be SHOCKED if it is a girl. This baby looks JUST like Mia and Josh, the lips, chin, everything is the same, but something about this baby looks like a boy.

So enjoy looking at our little baby! I think this baby is beautiful, of course, I'm probably a little partial!

Look at those lips (they are identical to Mia and Josh)

Here is a great shot of the baby's chin AKA Josh's chin

This is the one that I think SCREAMS boy.
And here is a comparison with Mia's pictures on the left and Baby Stocking on the right.
What do you think?

Mia busting a move!

Just for fun, I thought I would had a video of little Miss Mia busting a move!
Enjoy.

29 weeks and an exciting week!

Here we are at the end of another week. Today marks 29 weeks down and 11 to go. I can't believe we are getting so close to meeting this sweet little baby. Overall I am still feeling great, besides the occasional backache. I am still working out (cardio and strength training) 3 days a week, and I added in a yoga class once a week. I think all those things have helped me continue to feel as good as I do. It's amazing how 2 pregnancies can be so different. With Mia, I was still vomiting every day, and this one I am working out, playing with Mia and feeling great.

This week has been exciting though for another reason. Mia has been using the big girl potty!! YAY!! Now, it's not consistent yet, but 3 days in a row, we have had at least one time a day of going in the potty chair. Now, THAT'S exciting. She is so funny when she goes, she stands up, looks inside and we all clap and cheer really loud. Then we say bye to the pottys and go get our potty treat (a dum-dum sucker). I am pretty excited that we are at least making progress, especially since she isn't even 2 yet. I'm not pushing anything, but we are definately starting to encourage it.
The other exciting thing that will be happpening this coming week is Saturday Josh and I are heading to Naperville (Chicago area) for a 3D ultrasound of this baby. We are so excited to see what it looks like again!! We will share pictures as soon as we get them!

So here are the pictures from the week, I actually lost a 1/2 pound this week. So the weight is still looking good. Sorry for the no makeup look, it was the end of the night and I still fighting off a little bit of a cold.

And a close up of the belly covered

And here is the naked belly (you made need sunglasses...it's pretty pasty white)

Changing Pad Cover I made.

I found a pattern online for making a changing pad cover, and thought I would give it a try. I am pretty pleased with how it turned out. I used 100% cotton flannel in two different fabrics. Here is the finish project. I love it!! I am so excited.
And here is the finished project in the room. It was super easy to make (completed during one of Mia's naps) and I am looking forward to making more, especially once we find out who this baby is!

28 weeks and 29 years old!

So today marked a very special day for many reasons. Today marked my 29th birthday. I can't believe this is the last birthday I will spend in my 20's. Wow!! Looking back, I never realized this is where I would be in life. I can't believe that as I celebrate my 29th birthday, this is the year that I will have been with Josh 8 years, married for 6 years and shortly after my 29th birthday I will become a mom to 2 precious children. I just can't believe how blessed I have been during my lifetime. I continue to be amazed.
This birthday was special for me for another reason too. My niece and nephew (my sister's twins) celebrated their first birthday today. It is so amazing to be able to share this time with them. We have started a sort of tradition on "our" birthdays. We are going to take a picture of the 3 of us on our birthdays to celebrate the very special bond that we have.

Here are me and the twins on my 28th birthday and their "birth" day.

Auggi on the left and Milli on the right

And here we are today, me celebrating my 29th birthday and the twins celebrating their 1st.
Auggi on the left, Milli on the right

The twins had a birthday party at Jungle Bungle and because my sister is so sweet, she got me my very own cake and sang happy birthday to me! It was great. I am so blessed to have such an awesome family!

This week had some serious effects on my weight! I'm going to blame the birthday dinner, trivia night snacks and other food that I've induldged in this week for the 3 pound weight gain. I know I shouldn't be concerned...and I'm not really, I just don't want to see anymore 3 pound weight gains in a week!
This past week I also had my glucose test and I PASSED!! YAY!!! Baby is measuring great and the heartbeat continues to be around 147. I am still feeling great and continue to work out with my Stroller Strides girls 3 days a week and teaching dance 1 day a week.
We also put up the crib and dresser this week. Josh finished painting the room and installed the new closet system. It is becoming more and more real that this baby is coming soon. I can't believe it.
Here are the pictures from this week. I decided to actually include one with my face!! haha!!

Check out the size that belly is getting

And the bare belly shot.

Ultrasound pictures

Here are the ultrasound pictures that I had done a couple weeks ago. It was so amazing to see this little baby and it was crazy to see how much this baby looks like Mia. Here are some of the pictures for you to enjoy.

Profile with the arm in front of the face

Another profile picture with the hand in front of the face...this is how Mia use to sleep too!

A front view of the face...look at those cheeks and Mia and Josh's chin!

Look at those little toes. Mia has the same little gap between her big toe and the rest of her toes.

3rd trimester here we come!

27 weeks down, 13 to go. I can't believe we are in the 3rd trimester already. That means we are getting closer by the day to meeting this little baby and giving it a name. YAY!!! I am still feeling great. There are days that I suppose forget I am pregnant, that is, until I go and try to find something to wear!! haha! My clothes are getting tighter, but honestly, I am feeling great. I credit that to still working out 3 times a week. I am doing Stroller Strides 3 days a week, and now I have added a Yoga class with Stroller Strides on Saturday mornings. I am still teaching dance 1 night a week and still chasing and playing with a 22 month old! So all in all, I feel wonderful.

I also had the blessing of seeing the baby this week via ultrasound (pics to come soon). A local radiology clinic needed to do a 2nd trimester scan, and a friend suggested me, so I got to go see the baby. It was AMAZING!! I love being able to see the baby move around. I'll write more when I post the pictures.

Well, I gained another pound this week, it was probably all the cookies Mia and I made this week!! Oh well! :)
Here are the pictures of the week.

The bare belly!
And just for fun, here is a view from the front.

Our Little Artist

So one of the ideas I had for when I have my maternity pictures done is to let Mia paint on my belly. However, Mia HATES being dirty and so I figured it would probably be a no-go. So I decided to buy some finger paints and see what she would do. Here is how the evening progressed.
She started by only using one finger, dipping it carefully in a color and then making a small dot on the paper...
This was followed by mommy showing her how to make a snake and some serious giggles...

Then she realized how funny it was to paint on her own belly AND the paper...
And it was even more funny to get to paint mommy's baby...
Here she is looking at the paint she put on mommy's baby...
And we finished with lots of giggles, messy bellys, messy hands and a bath!
It was so much fun to see her do this and I am really hoping we can get a cute professional picture of the event as well.

I got a Doula!!

So I am really excited about this. For those of you that don't know what a doula is, here is information from the DONA International site.

What is a doula?
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

A Birth Doula
*Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
*Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
*Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
*Stays with the woman throughout the labor
*Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
*Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
*Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
*Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level


The doula I am using is finishing her Doula Certification and so I am getting the service for free. I feel like this is really a GOD thing because I really feel like a Doula will help me achieve my goal of having a VBAC, however, we weren't sure we could afford one. I am meeting with her soon to develop my birth plan.

Everyone I have talked to that has used a Doula, has highly recommended using one. So I will keep everyone updated on my thoughts, but I am expecting them to be great!!

26 weeks and 22 months

And here is my final post of the night. 3 in one night, that must be motivation!! :) So I thought I would start this post with some pictures of Mia on her 22month birthday. I can't believe that today (2/22) Mia is 22 months old! She is at such a fun age, but let me tell you, taking pictures is getting harder and harder. I told her to sit next to her bear....the one I've taken her picture next to since she was born and instead she put her "stink" over it, so it could go "night night"!

And her famous "cheese" face. Man, I just love this little girl to pieces.

Here is mommy (26 weeks) and Mia with our matching boots. She loves to talk about boots and shoes, so she thinks it's really fun when Mommy and Mia have boots on.

And here I am 26 weeks pregnant. I am still feeling great, continuing to feel more and more movement, sometimes to the point it keeps me up at night, or even wakes me up from sleeping. I gained 2 pounds this week! Oops!! Oh well. That's okay, that's still only 9.5 pounds. So here are this weeks pictures.

And the bare belly!

Our little Fashionista

So, if you haven't noticed yet, I LOVE dressing Mia up. Maybe it's because she lets me and maybe it's because I just can't help myself...I think she's ADORABLE!!! So I dressed her up for church on Sunday and decided I needed to take some pictures of our little Fashionista. Here is she is with her lollipop (and no, she didn't eat that whole thing, which had 92 grams of Sugar. Actually she took about 5 licks and then mean mommy took it away).

Cheese! Check out those wings on the side
Strutting her stuff. Seriously, this is like America's Next Top Model heading down the runway!

I love her face here. Isn't she too cute?

Hmm...I think she's thinking about hard it is to be that cute!

Okay, so I know I'm biased, but I just think she is so cute. Her personality probably makes it even cuter, but these pictures make me smile lots...hope you enjoyed them too.

"Upcakes", Marriage and Working Out

So, if I haven't said it before, I'll say it now. Mia is "strong-willed", in other words she knows what she wants, when she wants it and has a hard time waiting for things. We especially see this when she is hungry or isn't getting the attention "She" thinks she deserves. So we have started having her help out more with things that mommy and daddy are doing (putting about dishes, throwing things away, putting things in the fridge, and setting the table) She seems to LOVE these activities. I think she loves being a "helper" but also it distracts her from whatever was making her sassy.

So the other day I decided to make some muffins and thought I'd have her help...She LOVED it! She kept talking about the "upcakes" (Cupcakes) she was making. She lined the muffin pan with liners, poured the milk in the bowl and helped mommy stir. It was adorable!! I loved it!
Here she is stirring the muffins.

So proud of herself
On Friday, Josh and I attended Marriage Enrichment night at church. This is an evening put on once a year through the church, celebrating marriage. They cater in dinner, have a program, and close with a dance. Josh had to work, so we didn't stay for the dance. This is the 6th year we have attended. Once again, it was amazing. It is amazing to belong to a church that celebrates marriage, that talks openly and honestly about the joys and struggles of marriage. They talk about keeping God at the center of your relationship and how important that is. At the end of the evening, you have a chance to recommit to your vows, even sealed with a kiss. Every time I leave, I feel refreshed and renewed. I realize how lucky I am to have been blessed with such an amazing husband. It is even more amazing to sit at this event carrying our 2nd child and reflecting on our good we really have it.
Here are Josh and I after dinner.Here I am almost 26 weeks pregnant, all dressed up for the night.

Mia dressed up in her White Sox Jersey (thanks Kerri) and my heels for the night!

And just to make you smile here are Mia's "Jane Fonda" pictures. She is in a photo contest and we had to come up with a theme, so since Josh and I both enjoy working out, we thought this would be funny! This isn't the actual outfit she is wearing for her photo shoot, but it's close. Enjoy!

CHEESE!

Posing in her workout gear!! haha!