24 weeks

Another awkward pregnancy side pose (at least I'm smiling this time)...


Notice the belly button has started to pop a bit! Since my last pregnancy update I have had my first real antenatal appointment (yup, at 22 weeks). I feel good about the program they have here. My midwife was a really nice lady who actually listened to me when I talked to her and she didn't ask me if I had any questions or concerns as she was walking out of the room (sorry, a little bitterness from past pregnancies). My favorite part of the appointment was when she asked me what my birthing plan was and I just stared at her blankly. I had no idea what a birthing plan was. Pretty sad considering this is my 3rd baby. I was thinking, 'you mean I wont be put in a hospital bed as soon as I arrive in the hospital? And I won't have to stay there until I have the baby and you give me permission to leave?' (more bitterness...). I had to ask one of my friends in a midwifery program what exactly was included in a birthing plan. I still don't know what mine is but I am feeling excited about being a little more in charge this time around.

It seems I have symphysis pubis dysfunction, so that has been awesome. Basically it hurts to walk, get dressed, turn over in my sleep, etc. Don't feel too sorry for me. As long as I know my limits and try not to do too much in one day I am fine. I get to take a lot of breaks throughout the day so I don't wear myself out. If I don't take it easy I pay for it the next day. I was sent to physio and had my 2nd appointment today. She has given me some exercises to strengthen the muscles under my belly. I think with those and lots of rest I'll make it through the next 16 weeks just fine.

The other day when I was picking Liam up from school 2 moms who I had talked to a little before shockingly asked me if I was pregnant. That cracked me up! I feel like I am huge and have been for a while but they insisted that I look great for twenty-something weeks and just started showing. I do think the belly growing has slowed down a little bit which is a relief. I was scared of how big I would be if I kept growing like I was.

She has been moving a lot lately. I love feeling her move and watching my belly bumping around.

Layla

Each day when Liam comes home from school I hear things like:

"I made a new girlfriend today. Her name is Layla."

"Today at recess I played dragons with Layla."

"You know what Mom, Layla sits at the same table as me."

"Don't you think Layla is a nice name? We could name the baby Layla."

"Layla gave me a compliment today on my work and I gave her a compliment too. Isn't that nice of Layla?"

"I didn't have any fun at recess today. I didn't play with anyone because Layla didn't want to play Iron Man with me."

"Do you want to see the picture that I drew with Layla today?"

I think he might have his first crush...

My Sweet Boy

I wanted to share something my sweet little Jonas said to me today. I was walking down the stairs and Jonas was sitting in the living room watching me. He started laughing so I said "What are you laughing at?" and he said "Your fat belly!" and kept on laughing. Stinker!

It's a...

GIRL!

I am so excited I am having a hard time believing its true! But we saw it with our own eyes (or maybe it's what we didn't see...). During the ultrasound she was holding her hands above her head, crossing her feet and wiggling her toes. Everything looked great!

When we told Jonas he didn't seem to care. Of course he was staying at his favorite person's house while we went to the appointment and was not happy to see us because it meant he had to leave. Liam was all smiles! So excited to have a sister and not another brother.

Now we just have to pick a name!? Good thing we have a few more months!

20 weeks

I'm halfway there! I have been feeling pretty good lately (except for the tiredness, headaches, leg pain and pelvic pain). I have started to feel the baby move in the last couple weeks but it hasn't been strong enough for Nate or the boys to feel it yet. We have an ultrasound scheduled for Friday and if all goes well, we will be finding out if we are having a boy or a girl! I am really excited! The baby's room is already painted in a light green with white stripes (it was like that when we moved in) and I have all of these plans in my head of how to make it cute. Is it too early for nesting?

I have different cravings every hour of the day it seems. Some of the most recent are: big fat burrito (I finally tried one here at the only burrito place we have found and it was not satisfying. Everything about it was wrong. I think I'll give it another try and get something completely different), In-N-Out, turkey/swiss/pesto panini, blueberry pancakes, milkshakes, McDonald's french fries, corn tortillas, Alfredo sauce, pasta in general. Tomorrow I'm sure I could come up with a whole new list!

Liam and Jonas are excited about their new sibling. Liam was telling me just this morning how happy he will be to have a sister and how unexcited he will be to have another brother. Jonas doesn't care either way but loves the baby already. Sometimes when I am lying down he will come lay next to me and ask "is your baby sleeping?" I usually tell him yes and then he wants to give it(my belly) a kiss and hug. He tells me all the time, "Mom, your baby is so cute!" He is so sweet about it. I hope it continues after the baby is born.

I'll make sure to update after the ultrasound!