Happy 2nd Birthday to our little girl!

The birthday girl, facing the front in the car!

Since I'm catching up on my blogging, why not post something about Ava's 2nd birthday?  What an amazing year our little girl has had.  She's grown so much, and has really blossomed into such a bright, fun, exciting little girl.  We are so impressed with her growth and love spending the time with her.  She went through teething, getting new sleep patterns, meeting new friends at school, playing and talking so much more.  We love this little ball of energy and love spending time with her.  She loves going to the zoo, reading books, playing with Coco, coloring, painting, playing in her little pool.  It's just been great. I love her beautiful hair, how she loves to have her little piggies polished and how she's my shadow.  She has had her moments, don't get me wrong, but she is such a great little person. It's funny how much she's changed and become a little person.  Wow!

on the rocking horse Papa made
for Ava (by hand!)

So for Ava's 2nd birthday party, I figured we could do something fun for her.  Her bestie from school had such a fun party last December, with a petting zoo, and pony rides at her house, and Ava loved it. She wanted to stay on the pony the entire time. So I did some research and looked up a few places. We decided it would be super fun for her, and pulled the trigger on this petting zoo idea.  Originally, I wasn't going to do the pony rides, but last minute changed my mind.  Super glad that we did.  Ava loved it all over again!  She's really got a calm about her when she's on the pony, and that impressed all of us.  We may have a little cowgirl on our hands.  (And that's ok!)

little cowgirl!

Part 2, Here we grow again (from the 1st trimester)

There's a much-needed update, being that we're at 6 months now of no posts, pictures, etc.  I'm ashamed, but human, so cut me some slack please.  ;)  (I have filled out most of Beau's baby book already, so I'm ahead of that, thank you very much!) For part 1, see this previous post.  "Here we grow again"
 For the first trimester, after finding out that I was  pregnant, we didn't tell anyone.  No, I take that back, my friend knew, she had to while I was keeping it from even Don, and Don spilled to one of his long time friends.  Our family, they were in the dark.  I made my appointment at what I had marked as 8 weeks, and things were great.  We really didn't want to tell anyone until we were past the first trimester.  Mostly because we were still in shock, I think.

Our special Easter announcement!

Mom found out a few weeks later, in the heat of a "discussion" we were having - as mothers and daughters often do. And she was super happy. We told the family after the first trimester, on Easter Sunday (April 5), and right after.   Everyone happy and super excited.   We told a few super close friends, but nothing public.    I didn't tell my work that I was pregnant until I was just over 12 weeks, after we had heard the heartbeat.  I had to wear loose clothing, because I was feeling like the bump was starting to show.  It was April 15 when I told them. (They didn't believe me!)  I just waited and didn't want to share much.  We found out the baby's sex at 20 weeks, right before Father's Day. I had hoped it was going to reveal a boy, and make such a great Father's Day gift for Don, his dad, my dad, his step-dad.  Well, yay!  It sure did!  Don was elated. We both were so happy!

Happy Easter from our growing family! 

For the first trimester, I was happy, not ill, things were going pretty well, as they had with Ava, thank goodness.  I was sensitive to smells, but that's not really out of the ordinary considering.  So all in all, trimester 1 was good to me.  (I did get super moody come the 2nd trimester, exhausted by the 3rd, but 1st was ok.) Baby H was nameless for quite a while, into the 2nd trimester, which you've read about in my other posts.  I think this pretty much takes care of the 1st trimester at this point.  :)  Thanks for stopping by, and pardon the delay.  I don't know why I was having such a hard time completing this.  Well, I do, it's because it's in the past.

Beau - already 1 month

Look who's already a month old!  While I'm ready for him to be about 5 months old, I still can't believe that he's already a month old.  This first month has been something else.  While Ava was my great sleeper, Beau is not so much. That being said, he will do his share of sleeping. But he cluster fed like a monster for the first couple of weeks. Either I didn't remember, or I do, but he and Ava are very different.  She had longer stretches of sleeping, and he does not.  He eats a lot more!  He is a boy, what do I expect, huh?

Ava is finally coming around to the idea of having a little brother.  She helps push his stroller, will sit with him while I prepare meals, gently gives him his paci, and recognizes when he doesn't want it - by saying,  "Beau don't  want his paci, mommy."  She even kisses him now, and will ask to hold him occasionally  (with my help).  It's very sweet.  And she's going to be a great sister as he grows.

We've already introduced him to formula,  because I was afraid he wasn't getting enough milk when he nursed.  He would be hungry all the time, so we decided to give it a try.  Fortunately,  for all of us, he adjusted well.  He's not completely on formula, but supplementing it. I didn't think I would have done this so soon, but adjustments are made as time goes by.  Things don't always go as planned, as we know, so it's been an emotional time getting accustomed to different ways.

It's been an interesting month, and we love seeing Beau change so much. From his smiles and coo's to holding his head up (for moments) and sleeping on us, we love it all!

What they don't tell you about being a mom again

There are some things that people don't really tell you about having another child that probably need to be said.  I mean, I don't go searching online for these types of blogs or things, but no one even vocalized it to me prior to having another baby.  I was told that I would quickly learn that I am capable of loving another baby just as much as the first, and that my heart would grow in size.  I learned that with Ava and Coco - yes, you read that right.  People tell you that your child #1 may act out, get jealous, be rough, misbehave, etc. Their world is going to be rocked, and turned upside down, bringing in another child.  They will have to learn how to share mommy and daddy with another person, and not understand.  Well, what no one told me was that I had to learn to share myself with both children.  I had to find a way to equally distribute myself between the two.  Now, while obviously the baby will require more attention, I can't technically distribute myself equally.  I have a spouse, and he is extremely helpful.  I'm not dismissing that.  As a mother, I don't expect him to understand what I go through in that aspect.  And mom's, you know what I'm talking about.  Ava is 2 1/2.  She has such a great personality, and she and I were really starting to get into a little groove and have fun. She is my little shadow, my bestie.  We had a little thing going.  Now I have to share myself with another child.  I know that she and I will always have our relationship, but the reality of it changing, even if only slightly and temporarily, really hurt me.  I cried.  Like every day.  And if you know me, you know I am not a crier.  I barely shed a tear with both children being born!  But I will cry when I watch tv... So weird.  But anyway, that was hard for me in the first couple of weeks.  During the last trimester of my pregnancy with Beau, I was short with Ava. I was exhausted and grew impatient with her. I will admit that.  And she is 2.  She's perfectly, terribly 2, every bit of it.  She acts out and pushes my buttons already, not because of her baby brother.  So I've been dealing with her toddler ways already.  I was prepared. So I guess now, in retrospect, I can be thankful for her being such a turd sometimes.  She's really growing and being so sweet, and now, 5wks after bringing Beau home, she no longer pulls away from him and tells me, "I don't want that baby," but rather she will pet him, kiss him, lay by him, give him his paci, turn on his swing, and tell him that she loves him.  She'll sit next to him, but still maintain her independence.  She's been that way since she's been 1 1/2, and is fine going off separately to her room, his room, her table to play or now her favorite, washing her hands all the time and playing with mommy's makeup.  Ava and I will be able to go off on our own soon, and with her still being so young, when Beau is her age, she'll still be sweet and young and even more helpful with Beau.  (Oh, let's hope!) So I won't miss her little years.  Reminding myself of this made me feel much better and less sad.    

So what I want to convey to you new moms of your 2nd children is that your world will be turned upside down, too.  This is a big change, bringing another life into the world.  Stuff gets "real" now that there's another human to be responsible for.  You're starting all over being a new mom and dad.  That freedom is now a couple of years away again (of sleeping in, or going out late, or having a glass of wine...)  You may secretly reminisce of the day that you had only one child, and what it would be like if you only had that one child.  And you know what? That's ok. You're human.  And you're a mom.  You can handle this.  You will move past it (really in like 2 weeks maybe, like I did), but it may take some prayer, or some reassurance from another mom, or just by taking a step back and realizing that you're not alone in this.  I have no regrets, and wouldn't change the way this worked out.  I do fantasize about having just Ava from time to time. But knowing that we now have a little boy too, reminds us how much we wanted this. We wanted 2 children, and we are so completely blessed beyond words with a beautiful family and 2 amazing children.  While are lives are completely changed, they are changed for the better.  And that's how I want it to stay.  

Introducing Beau Fisher

As promised, here is the story of our little Beau's introduction into the world.  It's not what we had expected, nor what we "planned" at all, which in itself is a joke according to the big man upstairs.  He had much different plans for us, and looking back at it now, I am so thankful that it worked out the way it did.
As many of you know, that have followed my blog, Don and I had decided that a c-section was the best option for us, along with the agreement of my doctors and np.  This is because of the issues that I had with the delivery of Ava, and she was a tiny little thing.  We had also decided that I was going to have my tubes tied at the same time, so it was all planned out to happen the week before Beau's due date, which was 10/29/15, the Thursday before Halloween (his actual due date).  So working up to the week before I was to go out, I was pretty stressed out.  I was overdoing myself, and wearing myself as thin as I could.  I was on auto-pilot, and didn't know how to just stop.  I felt bad about cutting hours short at work, but knew that I had to do it, because I was at the end of my rope.  Pair that with a very diva-licious 2yr old, and I had little left in my tank.
The weekend before my appointment, my brother had come over to paint Beau's room.  Don had a fishing tournament that he was going to be in on Sunday.  So he was at home before the day he would be gone.  (It was inshore, and in town, so he would get back as soon as I needed him, if necessary.)  I had a feeling that Beau would be "early," and this Saturday, things just felt so real.  I was taking it easy, trying to give Ava my all, and even napped with her, knowing it would probably be the last nap that we would have as just the two of us.  It was very sweet.  In the early evening, I looked at Don and told him he probably needed to cancel his fishing tournament - this baby is going to come early.  Again, the feeling.  My brother was laughing, he probably didn't know what to expect.  I had been updating my mother throughout the day/night, so she was prepared.  So on the evening went, and we put Ava to bed.  I decided that I would just sleep with her, in her "big bed," because I started having contractions.  Fast forward to about 10pm, and they were about 10-15 minutes apart.  I started timing them at that point.  Yes, it's real!  I showered, washed my hair, and you know I made sure my eyebrows were on!  I text mom around 11 and told her that she needed to come on out to the house, because they were getting closer.  Much closer.  I called the dr's office and was able to speak with the nurse on call, and got the "instructions" that I had already pretty much known.  Mom got out at midnight, and we sent her straight to bed!  On and on the contractions came, closer and closer.  By 2am, they were 7-5 min apart, I called the nurse and told her I was going to get to the hospital shortly.  I have to add, while I was going through the contractions, I was calm, not as scared, and even joked to Don, "thank God for modern medicine, and not having to feel this birth! Imagine how it's been for women all through the years with no meds!" We had a chuckle.  So after a brow touchup, and whispering to mom that we were leaving, we left for the hospital and arrived at 3a.m.  As we were walking up to the hospital, the contractions were much stronger, and I was ready to get some meds.
By the time I was wheeled up to triage, they were much stronger.  It was like Beau knew where he was.  I had to go through bloodwork, and all the questions - including multiple, "are you sure you want to get a c-section? It's major surgery..."  "Yes!  It was the plan. I'm getting my tubes tied, too. Why do you keep asking me? When can I get my meds?!"  I was told it would be 30+ minutes to get any kind of meds, and the contractions were getting more intense by the minute. And closer!  I hadn't been checked to see how dilated I was because I was up for a c-section, so when they checked me, I was at 5-6cm!  Fortunately, the doctor that was performing my c-section was the doctor on call, and she arrived quickly.  I asked her why they kept asking me about the c-section, and reminded me that we were still waiting on blood work to get back for any meds to be administered.  I asked when the blood work would be back and they said "he" was coming upstairs.  I said, "he's coming?" and they said, "he's coming? Are you ready to push?" They thought I was talking about Beau, but I wasn't. But when they asked me if I was ready to push, my response was, "he's coming. Yes, I need to push."  They checked me again, and I was at 8cm.  Don and I just looked at each other and I said I was ready.  Whatever!  We didn't know what else to do, I wanted to get drugs, I didn't want to tear like I did with Ava.  I was scared, but ready to do something. I felt like Beau was right there!! They got to it and rushed me to a room at that point.  Send up the anesthesiologist anyway!

I got to a room around 4am, and was just going with the contractions, and NOT quietly.  The anesthesiologist arrived and he just looked at me like a crazy person.  I couldn't be still, I was in pain. I asked him how long it would take to get the epidural, and he said, "ten minutes." I was like, "forget it!" Don told me later that he was at the door talking to the nurses, saying he couldn't do anything with me, because I couldn't be still.  Shortly after 4-something, the doctor broke my water (weird feeling), and I felt like I had to push.  At the right time, I gave it my all, nothing.  But the Dr very calmly said, "I'm looking at his head, right here, and his black hair."  OMG.  Really?  I had my nurse's hand and locked eyes with her while Don fanned me.  I had no meds, I had no iv of anything (it fell out!), I pushed.  Oh wow.  Y'all, what they say about the 2nd baby being easier, for me, it was true.  The doctor had to only make a very small tear, which I didn't care about at that time, I pushed a couple more times, felt that "ring of fire," told them my a** felt like it was going to explode, but pushed with my all.  The feeling of a baby popping out was incredible.  Phenomenal.  And then the body.  The relief was immediate.  It was literally the best feeling in the world.  (And then the placenta, that was weird, but almost equally relieving.)  Out came a beautiful baby boy!!  A perfect, 7lb, 5oz, 19 3/4" long baby, with a head full of dark brown hair.  He was absolutely beautiful, and looked exactly like daddy!  I have a baby pic of Don and they are twins.  I still haven't found it, but when I do, I will do a side-by-side comparison.  I clung to this baby, lots of skin-to-skin contact and it was so awesome.  I'm telling you, that feeling of pushing a baby, feeling every bit of it, and then literally forgetting it once you feel that release - I get it now.  I just looked at my doctor, as she was stitching me up (lol!) and kept saying how that was phenomenal, incredible.  I couldn't really talk - it was just amazing.  And so completely different from Ava's delivery.  I was so happy to be done, and so completely grateful that it didn't take as long as hers, and that I didn't tear like I did with hers.  I was up shortly afterwards, and walking, going to the bathroom, just so different.
Later on that same day, I made the decision to not get my tubes tied.  Don said he would consider getting it taken care of on his end, and I will completely go with him on that!  I just was over the entire thing.  I was super happy with the way things went, I wasn't in pain like I could've been, and wanted to ride that high as long as I could.  So I did.
My mom brought Ava up later to visit, and she wasn't really into the baby.  I wasn't too surprised, nor was I hurt - I almost would rather her not be too touchy-feely with him at first.  Plus, we were in a hospital, and mommy was in a bed, so she didn't know what to think.  Don actually went home Sunday night, and gave mom some rest.  They spent the day together, daddy & daughter, so that was special.  I'm actually not super into a lot of visitors, so it was nice to have that quiet time alone with the baby. Being "healthy" and able to walk around myself, made it easier and much less stressful, alone.  I had a couple of girlfriends come to see me, so that was nice.  And Don brought Ava up later.  He had to go back to work Tuesday, so I was alone again, enjoying our time.  Came home Wednesday and boy was I ready.  I missed my little girl, and wanted to get home.  Mom came to get me (finally), and we made the trip home.  Don had to work, and felt so bad that he couldn't bring me home, but that's the life of a business owner.  I really have no harsh feelings about that, I reassured him.  If the delivery had gone differently, so would the homecoming and his time off.  But thankfully, it all went well, and according to God's plan.  Which we were totally on board with.
Thank you, God for our perfect, beautiful baby boy.  Our family, while forever changed, is complete.

39 weeks

How far along: 39 weeks, the magic number. C section scheduled for Thursday... but this little boy had plans of his own! 
Name: Beau Fisher
Boy/girl: boy!!
Movement:  All kinds of movement
Contractions: Yes. I had a feeling they would officially begin today. At 10pm they started.
Total weight gain:  19 or 20 lbs
Maternity clothes: what fits...
Mood: very emotional. Exhausted and just done.

Sleep: Some nights are better than others.  

Cravings: No. 

Anything make me sick: no

Miss anything: Feeling normal, touching my toes.
Belly button in/out: stayed in
Wedding rings on/off: off
Best moment this week: Beau's room got painted by my bro, so that's great!
Looking forward to: meeting Beau!

*and by the time I hit 39weeks, as y'all know, Beau decided he was ready to be with us.  I will share his story separately, in another post.  And I will leave you with a pic of the last nap Ava and I had alone, for a while. I knew it would be our last just the 2 of us bc I just had that feeling Beau was coming.  It was bittersweet and precious with my angel. 

38 weeks - and I am so ready!

How far along: 38 weeks - and I'm about ready to be not pregnant anymore
Name: Beau Fisher
Boy/girl: boy!!
Movement: He's still moving around in there, but I'm pretty sure that he's running out of room
Contractions: Not since over a week ago with the "Toni Braxton Hicks" contractions, as my husband called them
Total weight gain: down 19lbs
Maternity clothes: Yes, but I pretty much don't feel comfortable in anything.  At all.
Mood: Fine, but emotional.  I think I'm stretching myself too thin at this point.  I'm still working, but cut back my hours (1hr a day only), but on this day, I realize that I don't have much more to give.  I am beyond exhausted, but somehow cannot bring myself to just call in.  I am stubborn in that I just keep working.  My mom thinks I should've started my leave last week, but I figured, "why not one more week? I'll just start the leave the week of my appointment."  Well, it may be backfiring on me now.  I have a feeling Beau won't wait until next Thursday.  I'm pretty sure he'll make an appearance early.  And that makes me anxious.  Call me dedicated, or just plain stupid.   This pregnancy is just so different from my first.  I'm older, I have a toddler, I am beat! 

Sleep: Some nights are better than others.  

Cravings: No. 

Anything make me sick: no

Miss anything: Feeling normal.
Belly button in/out: in - but looks like it's out when I lean back sometimes!
Wedding rings on/off: off
Best moment this week: Getting a few more things for Beau, doing the laundry and folding all his sweet little clothes. Oh, let's not forget the most important part of this week, my hair appt!  Roots are gone, and my hair is looking good!
Looking forward to: Honestly, not working. Being able to rest a little more before I go into this c-section and tubal fiasco.  

37 weeks

How far along: Wowzah, time sure does fly by quickly with baby #2. It's insane. I thought it was going slowly,  and then boom,  here I am at 37 weeks.  Goodness.
Name: Beau Fisher
Boy/girl: boy!!
Movement: all the time
Contractions: yes, first time having the braxton hicks. not cool, but glad it was just that.
Total weight gain: down 2lbs, so 17lbs gained
Maternity clothes: you know it!
Mood: ehh.. exhausted

Sleep: not as much as I'd like bc it's hard to get comfortable. 

Cravings: chocolate and chips and salsa

Anything make me sick: no

Miss anything: reaching my toes
Belly button in/out: in
Wedding rings on/off: off
Best moment this week: Daddy and I went shopping for Beau, and we picked up a few more things for his room.  And we accomplished the task of getting Ava's room moved. I still have some decorating to finish, but her furniture is all set up. Pretty much all of her things are moved in, but she'll be in her crib for a little longer, until our family leaves after Beau arrives. No rush since she'll have to sleep in her crib then, anyway.
Looking forward to: Putting the finishing touches on Beau's room, and getting it painted.  Or really I should say, getting in his room and starting on it. Oh ya, and getting closer to my appt!

36 weeks & Baby watch is officially on!

3 weeks (or less) until we meet our Beau Fisher!

How far along: 36 weeks
Gender: boy
Name: Beau Fisher (he finally has a middle name, that Don picked out & I think it's great!)
Movement: yes - so much movement. Even during my ultrasound I had yesterday to measure his size.  (Can't really tell, but was told that he'll probably be long like Ava - only longer, and not chunky.
Total weight gain/loss: 19lb - at least I haven't gained more in the last 2 weeks!
Stretch marks: a few marks.
Belly button in/out: In
Wedding rings on/off: off, just wearing a band
Sleep:  For sure. I had started sleeping in the other room, on Ava's "big bed" (our queen bed we used to have in our master - it's very soft and easy on my hips, although I miss my hubby!!)
Food/drink cravings: sweets... such bad things!  Once I break the seal on a sweet, it's all over.
Anything makes me sick: No
Miss anything: Comfort - in sitting, standing, walking, sleeping.
Mood: Still doing good.

Happy Ava = Happy mama

Best moment this week: Meeting the Dr. that is scheduled to do my c-section, after seeing Beau on the ultrasound and his cute face (no, not 3d, just regular; I could tell he was precious!).  She made me feel ok about the unknown that I'm getting into, and reassured that I will be ok during and after.  I have no idea what to expect this time around, just as I didn't the first time with Ava.  But I am scared that Beau will come early, and that kinda stresses me out with work, and being even the slightest bit "ready" for what is going to be coming.  I mean, the part about me being opened up, rearranged, sewn back together, etc.  Then the gas pains, and the soreness.  Of course I have no clue how this will feel.  The recovery from the first delivery was painful and dreadful. But at least I'll be able to sit on my tooshie this time, rather than being in so much pain that I hated even sitting down or going to the bathroom.  So I guess I've just got to wait and see... Also, the office ladies threw a shower for me today and got me some super cute things. And the office got the car seat I registered for.  So sweet!! Oh, and one more highlight of the week - our office hired a temp to fill in while I'm out.  I've been training her since Monday and am so relieved that she's picking it all up nicely.  And oh ya, my super clean house!!
Looking forward to: Going through Beau's gift's and organizing. I want to go pick up some things that I didn't get from the registry, and try to get his room set up.  Which means moving things into Ava's new room. Obviously she'll be in her crib still, but I would like to attempt to get her room ready. OMG and I have got to pack my  hospital bag!  Don reminded me of that the other day - just because we don't know when Beau is coming, I've got to be prepared.  My appt is in 3 weeks.  3 weeks.  Let that sink in.

34 weeks

Seriously, how tired do I look?

How far along: 34weeks
Gender: boy
Name: Beau
Movement: yes
Total weight gain/loss: 19lb
Stretch marks: a few small marks. Ugh
Belly button in/out: still in
Wedding rings on/off: off, just wearing a band
Sleep: yes, and naps on the weekend
Food/drink cravings: sweets...
Anything makes me sick: nah
Miss anything: the ability to shave and bend over
Mood: better than last week, but Ava had a rough week. I had to leave her with daddy one night and go out on my own.  I met up with another pregnant friend and had a vent session, which was so needed and appreciated. And over ice cream!! Perfection.
Best moment this week: honestly,  the day after Ava's meltdown, and she was a little sweetie. That and I am preregistered at the hospital,  and have scheduley csection for 10/29.
Looking forward to: getting closer to Beau's due date!

35 weeks

Less than 5 weeks until we meet our baby boy!  (let that sink in...)

How far along: 35weeks
Gender: boy
Name: Beau
Movement: yep
Total weight gain/loss: 19lb 
Stretch marks: a few...
Belly button in/out: still in - barely
Wedding rings on/off: wearing a simple band
Sleep: yes, and naps!
Food/drink cravings: chocolate ice cream
Anything makes me sick: no
Miss anything: walking normal
Mood: roller coaster-y, but mostly good (thanks to Ava's good behavior)
Best moment this week: Believe it or not, actually calling a "cleaning lady" that was recommended by a co-worker. I even lined up an appt with her, and am already excited to have her come!

Perfect shower thrown by my friend Michele.

Looking forward to: My baby shower this weekend!! My girlfriend has put together some pretty great ideas, and I've really been looking forward to seeing everything! The theme was "Ahoy!  It's a boy!" and the decorations were so perfect.  From the names of the foods, the yummy cake and the home made salt scrub (that she made herself), she really outdid herself.  I was so happy!  It's great to have such an amazing friend, and on top of that, our girls, 3 weeks apart, are besties.  All of my girlfriends were there, and we had a great time. I'm so fortunate to have such great friends!!

Ava & Olivia! 

33 weeks

How far along: 33 weeks
Gender: boy
Name: Beau David (we think... again)
Movement:like 20hrs out of the day!
Total weight gain: 14lbs (maybe more this week... just sayin')
Belly button in/out : still in
Stretch marks: a couple, sadly.
Wedding rings on/off: On - put them back on, but my hands are still cracking from all the washing, so I put the little band back on.
Sleep: Yes, and I'm flat exhausted at the 6 o'clock hour - which is when we're driving home from work/school.
Miss anything: comfort - in sitting, standing, walking, you name it.  And non-puffy feet.  Oh my.
Craving food/drink: fruits and sweet tea.  And then salty. Oh, last week I forgot to mention that I was craving a specific sub from a local shop and it's all deli meat.  So thankfully, they offer it warm, and I enjoyed every bite of it.
Anything make me sick: nah - strong smells are getting to me, again, too.
Mood: still hangin in there.  I'm tired.
Best moment this week:  A foot massage from my husband - after he pointed out sympathetically that they were so puffy.
Looking forward to: Doing more to Ava's new room, and maybe getting some things for Beau's room.

32 weeks down!

How far along: 32 weeks down
Gender: boy
Name: Beau
Movement: heck yes
Total weight gain: 14lbs (my max between both prenancies!)
Belly button in/out :  technically still in
Wedding rings on/off: I was wearing a single band this week, only because my hands are so dry and cracked - bc I have to go to the bathroom a million times a day and wash like crazy. But I put my wedding rings back on tonight bc I miss them!
Sleep: for the most part. Although when I wake  to pee around 2 or 3 or whenever (I don't look at the time on purpose), I'm usually awake for an hour after, peeing again, and not able to fall back asleep.
Anything make me sick: no. I'm taking nexium,  thanks to another pregnant friend, and it seems to be working better thus far.
Miss anything: red, red wine 
Mood: much easier to control. No more potty mouth (sorry mama), and I feel more calm now, even with Ava. I still short a few times, but I am doing my best to breathe,  ignore, or walk away. Even went out for a few hours Saturday to run some errands alone.  Daddy was just fine napping while the beast, I mean angel Ava napped.
Best moment this week: getting the c-section approved by the dr.  Just a relief knowing that my concern for difficulty in delivery is legitimate makes me feel better. I'm not going through what I went through with Ava, a 6.10lb baby, and a level 4 tear. No thank you sir. The nurse practitioner also told me that she has told my story to people, I guess I'm just special. lol...
We also have begun the transition for Ava into her new room, with some decorative things and moving the bed. She is ready for her big bed! Maybe it'll be easier to move her than we dreamed!
Looking forward to: decorating Ava's room, and picking out paint for Beau's room. My sweet brother said he would paint it.  Yay!

Raising a diva

I have no one to blame but myself, and I've accepted that.  But my name is Lara, and I have a mini diva in the house.  Under my care.  Acting just like me.  With the facial expressions, quirks, silliness, and comments that I make.  Oh good heavens, she's a mini-me.  And you know what?  I love it.  Every part of it.  From her stubbornness, to her loving little ways.  She is my shadow.  My light.  My purpose.  I have always wanted to be a mother. I have dreamed about this time in my life.  I never imagined it would be this amazing, frustrating, crazy and awesome at one time.  If my shirt rides up over the bump, she is right there to pull it down.  She needs help, she gives me her hand to help show her how to trace a new letter.  When I do the dishes, she pulls her chair up right next to me and starts doing the dishes with me.  I leaned over to give her a kiss, and she air-kissed me as I got her cheek - without skipping a beat.  She kisses her brother's bump.  Her songs come on the radio, and she gets excited & starts to dance.  She reads to me.  I can only hope and pray that she's this loving to her little brother as she is to me.  If not, that's ok, as long as she's helpful. I have a great relationship with my mother, and I cherish that we have these moments, and can read each other so well. Sometimes too well, or not even at all and we get in our little spats.  But it all works out in the end, and we get past it.  There are definitely things to change asap, and I hope that I can with my daughter.  I never realized I would have this much love for someone so adorably perfect.  She may not look just like me, but she's precious, annoying, beautiful, terrible, sweet and sassy, and she's mine.
Mama loves you, Ava Elizabeth.   Always and forever.    

31 weeks

How far along: 31 weeks
Gender: boy
Name: Beau (back to "undecided" on the middle name)
Weight gain: 12lbs
Stretch marks: yes... found some on my tum
Belly button in/out: in
Wedding rings on/off: on
Sleep: yes, but the waking at 2 a.m. to pee usually ends up with me wide awake for an hour
Food/drink cravings: no
Anything make me sick: nah
Miss anything: going an hour without having to pee 8 times, sitting comfortably and not peeing all the time.
Mood: much better hallelujah
Best moment this week: making it 4 hours to Augusta for my step bro's wedding. Fun times and Ava was a perfect angel.  Even having to sleep with me, and it was so sweet. (But no, it's not going to be a regular thing.) And that tablet that we bought Ava, I've already returned.  The kindle fire 6, and it was a little much for us.  The storage is tiny, and really, she is probably better off with one of those leap frog things, so she's more kid-ready.  She likes my phone b/c it's on the sprint network, and can look up apps and watch things all the time when we drive, which really is all around town, since we're not huge travelers.  So thank goodness for Amazon's easy returns, and we'll just wait to get something different.  Soon.  And not that this is a good thing, but I got a trim this week, and it was a few inches.  I feel like it was a ton! But i definitely needed it.  
Looking forward to: just trying to figureout Beau's middle name and room decor!

30 weeks - omg... 10 weeks to go until the due date!

How far along: 30weeks
Gender: boy
Name: Beau David (we think...)
Movement: Still constantly. I told him that he needs to get it all out of his system now. Please.
Total weight gain/loss: 12lbs. The nurse practitioner was not upset, thank goodness, and said that it's probably all baby.  (and I added, maybe the ice cream I may or may not have eaten on a few occasions...)
Stretch marks: no
Belly button in/out: In, shallow.
Wedding rings on/off: on
Sleep: Yes! Although, I can't seem to make myself get in the bed early.
Food/drink cravings: Currently - veggies and fruit. I feel like I've carbed out and I really need to do a cleanse.  Like all I want are smoothies - homemade, of course.  Had a berry beet one from a local shop and it was so good!
Anything makes me sick: no
Miss anything: Not peeing every 10 min.
Mood: Better than last week. Did some serious thinking/reflecting on how I acted and am vowing to change that.  I did raise my voice at Ava just today, and Don stepped in and told me to walk away.  Just little things - but I can't rationalize with a 2yr old.  Something as little as "stand up, so I can hold you," just doesn't work out.  So... patience is not my strong point really.
Best moment this week: Otherwise having a great week being a mom.  Ava is sleeping just fine now, thankfully, and she's so animated and fun.  We had a great week.  Also, at my 30 wk appt, I got a lot of questions answered.  I have decided, after serious talk with my husband & mother, that I'll be having this baby via c-section.  I spoke w/the NP about it and there is no problem doing so.  I had such a time w/Ava and she was so little.  I'm just narrow and I don't want to go through the same, or worse with a bigger baby.  So at my 36wk appt, I'll have another ultrasound to see how big Beau is, and then we can set a date.  I feel that I have a pretty level head about it, and can equally weigh out the unknown of that, and the experience I went through with Ava.  I feel like some of my joy was taken from me, due to the pain that I felt for weeks afterwards.  I value my time and body more than to go through it all over again. Besides, now Ava can go trick-or-treating with her daddy, and we can watch the FL/GA game at home!!
Looking forward to: Seeing my dad & family this weekend for my step-bro's wedding. Staying w/an aunt & uncle to visit and then wedding festivities.  It'll be great to see them!  (And we ordered a tablet for Ava in the car.  That delivered today, so that'll be fun setting it up for her.)

29 weeks - already?!

How far along: 29weeks
Gender: boy
Name: Beau
Movement: Constantly
Total weight gain/loss: 10lb I think
Stretch marks: no
Belly button in/out: still in, pretty shallow already
Wedding rings on/off: on
Sleep: Oh yes. I need it.
Food/drink cravings: m&m's, and caffeine. I limit my intake to one a day, if that, so don't worry...
Anything makes me sick: nah
Miss anything: Still Ava's angelic behavior, listening and my sanity!
Mood: Um... not the best.  I had a very rough time this weekend, and it was insane. I snapped, and was ugly to my mother, and it hurt me so much later to know that I could be so ugly.  I totally blame it on the hormones, and I feel like this is a terrible excuse.  I cannot wait to be done with pregnancy. Thank goodness I'm almost 37 and am not going to go through this again. (until menopause, but omg let's not even go there!!)
Best moment this week: The plus side of my mother being here, was to prep Ava's new room. We purged a lot and got rid of so much. We even organized some things throughout the house. I was nesting big time.  It was great, and felt good to accomplish so much.  Much more to do still, but we finally got started.
Looking forward to: Doing more to get Ava ready for her move, and then finding some decor for Beau's room!

Ava is making sure that my top is just right, but I love how her face looks - like she's in awe of this bump! 

28 weeks

How far along: 28 weeks
Gender: boy
Name: Beau Hejtmanek -- middle name still tbd
Movement: Lots and lots! 
Total weight gain/loss: 10lb I think.
Stretch marks: no
Belly button in/out: still in, and shallow
Wedding rings on/off: on
Sleep: Yes, and napping on the weekends. Ava's sleeping again so that's a huge blessing.
Food/drink cravings: nothing crazy. I love bagels and coffee for breakfast.
Anything makes me sick: nah
Miss anything: walking normal,  sans waddle
Mood: much better than in past weeks. Thank the good Lord.
Best moment this week: hearing someone say Beau's name out loud (outside of my office). I had to think twice and when it hit me, I loved it!
Looking forward to: starting the registry! (Did it online... easy peasy)

27 weeks - Put a name on it!

How far along: 27 weeks
Gender: boy
Name: Beau Hejtmanek -- middle name tbd (but 1 out of 2 ain't bad) I wanted a strong, southern, handsome name, and daddy liked it, too!
Movement: Lots - and he's still so low.  All below my belly button. Fun times!
Total weight gain/loss: 8lb I think, as of yesterday's appt. And I think the nurse said I'm measuring a week ahead of schedule as far as baby's growth goes - or something.  It's all a jumbled mess of talk when I go in there. (esp when Ava's with me)
Stretch marks: no
Belly button in/out: still in
Wedding rings on/off: on
Sleep: Yes. And now I nap on the weekend.  I napped one day this week for 2 hours, and then slept thru the night - even with Ava crying two times!  Sleep is mah frieeeend.
Food/drink cravings: coffee, cookies sometimes!
Anything makes me sick: nah
Miss anything: Still Ava's angelic behavior, listening and my sanity!
Mood: omg.... I did a lot of praying thus far. My 2yr old is out of school this week and I spent one day with her - one day, and turned into the hulk!!  It's the hormones, and she's 2.  Terribly, testy 2.  I also snapped last week at work, but that was month end, scrambling stuff.  Oh, and week 26 so it doesn't count.  ;) haha  I will say that she's so super fun when she's in good spirits.  She's been staying w/a girlfriend this week and that's been awesome. This is one amazing friend!  Ava is happy, funny and fun when she comes home. I guess she just craves that stimulation of being around other kiddos during the day - which is great to know she's social.  And we're fine on the weekends, but she has a schedule that she goes by, and it's become apparent to me in one day.  Oy vey.
Best moment this week: settling on a name for baby boy!!
Looking forward to: telling the family Beau's name, and maybe picking out some colors for his room.

26 weeks

How far along: 26 weeks

Gender: boy

Name: Still undecided!  We truly don't know, but have narrowed it down to a few we like.  More like a couple.  We are stumped!

Movement: you bet!  

Total wt gain/loss: about 7lbs gained

Stretch marks: no

Belly button in/out: in - and getting more shallow!

Wedding rings on/off: on

Sleep: Yes, and I love it. Until Ava wakes me up in the middle of the night, crying b/c she's hungry or something. Oh this growing girl!

Food/drink cravings: Nothing in particular, but I get a little sweet tooth at night. Still love my coffee.

Anything makes me sick: no

Miss anything: Ava's angelic behavior...

Mood: better - but watch out still!

Best moment this week: every day is a new day! (oh, and I got a good review at work, and a bonus!)

Looking forward to: meeting w/my girlfriend this weekend to discuss shower details! 

25 weeks

How far along: 25 weeks
Gender: boy
Name: believe it or not, we have no idea. We have a couple we like but nothing in stone. (And no, that's not our way of keeping a secret.)
Movement: yes, a lot. All low which = fun.
Total wt gain/loss: up 7lb since prebaby
Maternity clothes: you bet! I actually only had a few tops (for summer) so I had to go refill my wardrobe. HAD to. I scored a ton of new tops from  destination maternity on a crazy sale!
Stretch marks: no
Belly button in/out: in, but Don thinks it'll be out this go around.
Wedding ring on/off: on
Sleep: well, unless interrupted by the need to pee, which is every night by 2a.m.
Food/drink cravings: nothing in particular but I'm loving Luna bars, and I love starbucks or Gevalia coffee. Everything gives me heartburn anyway.
Anything that makes me sick: no
Miss anything: sleeping thru the night
Mood: better, thank goodness. Calmer, Ava and I are better, and my patience seems to have returned. Phew!
Best moment this week: Don finally saw my stomach pop - baby must've kicked hard!
Looking forward to: picking out baby room decor  (that I can't seem to wrap my head around!)