Great Expectations II: 27 weeks

How Far: 27 weeks

Weight/ Clothes: Not much has changed on the weight/ clothing front since last week. I'm still loving my newly borrowed and purchased lighter weight pieces! It's warmed up in Boston and I'm definitely sitting pretty in my more summery maternity wear. It is crazy to be in the latter portion of my pregnancy in such extreme opposite climates this time around! It will be interesting to see if the warmer weather and therefore more skin showing effects my weight gain...only time will tell I guess. I could feel puffier because of the effects of the heat on swelling, though I've been lucky in terms of swelling thus far...or perhaps I'll be able to stay a little lighter this time around since I won't be quite as covered up in layers and sweaters. We shall see!

Cravings: Nothing to report in terms of cravings:/.

Movement: There's lots of movement these days! One moment the baby is kicking me in the ribs or trying to climb up into my lungs behind my ribs, or so it feels and the next moment I'm getting flicked in the bladder down below. I guess this baby is quite the gymnast because he must be doing summersaults in the womb or getting a really good arm AND leg work out!

Symptoms: My ribs are KILLING ME! I think it's the combination of acid reflux and my ribs expanding since it isn't quite as bad once I take Zantac, but once the medicine runs its course I'm am back to sore city! It's at its worst at night when I'm trying to sleep. I wind up take turns on each side to bring some relief, but this symptom is NO FUN!

There was also a waddle sighting this week! A friend commented on how I'm beginning to get my mommy waddle on. Uh OH! I definitely wasn't ready to hear that, but it's all good, not much to be done about loosening ligaments and such.

I also had my first bout of Braxton Hicks this week. Gotta love those little practice contractions...of course nothing like the real deal, but still it is a strange feeling when your entire stomach suddenly goes hard as a rock and it become a little hard to breath.

Mental State: I watched Baby John for a friend this week while Levi napped for the most part and it was a little crazy to think this will soon be our new normal. Levi was really sweet with him upon waking from his nap giving hugs and bringing him toys, so that was nice to see because he didn't act as jealous this time around unlike previous episodes with other friends' babies. Perhaps Levi was more comfortable on his own turf.

We also celebrated Father's Day this week with a cookout on Sunday (which was also to thank our youth leaders)...so that was followed by brunch on Monday where Levi and I gave Adam his Father's Day card and gift. I'm so thankful to have such an amazing partner in this parenting adventure! He is wonderful with Levi and Levi ADORES him! He has so much patience with our son especially in this season where Levi gets frustrated when he lacks the words to communicate what he wants. There is always so much laughter and adventure when these two are together and watching them just makes my heart explode. I know this feeling will only get stronger with the addition of another baby to our family!

Appointment Updates: I have an appointment next week during which I get to enjoy my sugar test! YAY!

Best Moment of the Week: Celebrating Father's Day!

PS...Someone was much happier having his pictures taken this week.

Great Expectations II: 26 weeks

How Far: 26 weeks

Weight/ Clothes: No idea how I'm doing in terms of weight, but I feel good...so hopefully I'm right on track.

In terms of clothes, it was a big week for the maternity wardrobe. I had to bust out what I like to call my "big girl" bras because I needed more coverage and support. It's funny that I've made it this long without wearing them, but the time has come. I think the girls didn't expand as quickly this time because I went from nursing to not nursing, so they shrunk and have taken a few months to begin preparing to nurse Jellybean. Crazy what our bodies are able to do to sustain life!

Also in maternity wardrobe news as I was packing up sweaters to lend to my sister who will be in her third trimester through the cooler fall months, I was lent a bunch of adorable tops that will hopefully help get me through my third trimester this summer. Thanks LINDS! I feel like I have so many warmer weather options now and a super cute updated maternity wardrobe without needing to spend a fortune. It's so great when you can share these items since you literally wear them for a somewhat short period of life and yet you need the clothes and they can really cost.

Cravings: Fruit salad! YUM!

Gender: I'm going to take this category out since I don't expect much to change here...I'll add it back in if something related comes up in the coming weeks.

Movement: The baby is continuously on the move when I'm still, especially when I lay down to sleep...so begins the whole day and night confusion right! The baby is also up in my ribs this week! YIKES!

Symptoms: I feel like I am constantly having to pee...but such is pregnancy when a person is growing on top of your bladder I guess. I'm also on my zantac regimen because my heartburn is killer these days. Perhaps this baby will have a head of hair like Levi did.


Mental State: This was a fun week in terms of food for thought because Courtney and I traveled to Atlanta to visit our best friend Lindsey who just had her first baby six weeks ago on Easter. It was amazing to hold Ethan and think about having another little baby in my arms in just a few more months! Levi was great for my mom over the weekend while I was away. She would send me pictures of what they were up to periodically and he looks like such a little boy now rather than a baby, especially when compared with a now 9 lb, six week old baby. Baby's have such simple needs of eating, sleeping and needing fresh diapers in the beginning. Crazy to think we'll be back to basics soon while also balancing a toddlers needs. I know we'll figure out the balance, but it's going to be an adventure for sure! I'm so thankful I was able to go to Atlanta and actually help Linds with a number of new mom things from testing out baby carriers and playmats, to a little cooking, as well as rocking and changing little Ethan to give Mom a break. It really does take a village! It was so much fun catching up and sharing all sorts of motherly experiences.

Appointment Updates: No appointments this week.

Best Moment of the Week: Getting to meet Ethan and spend quality time with Lindsey (and Courtney)!

Thanks Nana for helping Adam with Levi over the weekend, so I could go and actually be helpful rather than running around after my sweet toddler.


A behind the scenes moment from this week's photoshoot...Someone was not a huge fan this week of taking pictures...sorry little man, but you're pretty cute even when you're mad.

Great Expectations II: 25 weeks

How Far: 25 weeks

Weight/ Clothes: This week started out with a mini family vacation to the Cape with the Park Street Staff and I got to wear my maternity swim suit at the indoor pool. That swimsuit was SUCH a STEAL at $5 when I was pregnant with Levi and I know it's going to get lots of great use the remainder of this pregnancy as well! I am so glad I own it and don't have to stress about finding something to wear this summer.

Then the week ended with a wonderful visit to see one of my very best friends, Lindsey, and her new baby, Ethan. Lucky girl is already back in her pre-pregnancy jeans at six weeks postpartum...YOU ROCK FRIEND. I lucked out too because she sent me back to Boston with what feels like a whole new wardrobe of light weight maternity tops I'll be able to wear this summer since my summer gear is pretty limited since I was mostly pregnant through the bigger months in the winter with Levi. I'll pass some of my sweaters and warmer gear along to my sister who will be pregnant through the fall. I love sharing maternity clothes because you're in it for a year or so a few times depending how many children you have and it can be quite the investment, so being able to share is a huge help in providing some wardrobe variety, which I truly appreciate and helps me feeling good in my newly shaped body.

Cravings: Nothing fun to report.

Gender: Nothing new here either.

Movement: The baby is moving enough now that you can see movement now and then when looking at my belly! I always think that is so crazy! Seeing the ripple of movement is one of the strangest things in pregnancy I think.

Symptoms: Nothing new...just more of the same...see previous weeks.

Mental State: This was my first trip away from Levi for a few days, which is now easy since I'm no longer breast feeding. It's all so crazy...that I have been with my child day in and day out for the most part while breast feeding and then suddenly I have the freedom to be gone for a few days. Of course I missed Levi like CRAZY and was so ready to get back to him by the end of the long weekend. Thankfully he had a wonderful time with Nana and Daddy while I was away.

It was also amazing to think about how small Levi once was as I was holding six week old Ethan. This also got me thinking about all the newborn stuff again and how I'll be doing all of it over again in just a few short months...also crazy! I'm excited and curious to see how the whole transition will go since this time I'll have a little more of a clue, but then again every baby is different, so who knows what will and won't work with Jellybean plus the added challenge and fun of juggling a toddlers needs at the same time as caring for a newborn. I'm sure it will be a little chaotic, but we'll get the hang of things and find our stride. I'm getting more and more excited to meet this little one, especially after spending so much time with sweet Ethan!

Appointment Updates: No appointment updates this week.

Best Moment of the Week: Getting to hold Ethan and love on my newest mommy friend Lindsey this weekend. It was wonderful to hang out with her and Courtney and chat about our experiences as mothers.

We even got to attend a breastfeeding support group while we were in town and it was REALLY cool...a bunch of moms hanging out with their babies, asking questions and sharing their thoughts, solutions and experiences all facilitated by a lactation consultant. I don't know if such a thing exists here in Boston, but boy would it have been helpful when I was struggling with breastfeeding the first six weeks of Levi's life.

Great Expectations II: 24 weeks

How Far: 24 weeks

Weight/ Clothes: Hello SIX months! No wonder I look/feel pretty pregnant. That explains A LOT!

I feel like I'm carrying lower this time, which I hear is pretty normal since my muscles are already all stretched out from Levi. I really noticed because there is more space between my chest and my belly and it's easier to breath. I still get out of breath occasionally, but it's nothing like when I would take the stairs with Levi or walk a ways. With him I would get SO winded and think there is no way I can be THIS out of shape...but it was just my lungs being squished and this time around they have a little more room= easier breathing.

I am also getting in LOTS of walking now that the weather is nice. This occasionally leads to sciatica, but thankfully it's very occasional and only if I really over do it. I plan to do my best keeping up the walking and hopefully it will help with keeping the weight gain under control. My gain was always fine with Levi, but now that I've experienced the afterwards portion where you work to lose the pounds, I wouldn't mind gaining a little less. Of course this baby can have what he needs and if that means the same amount of gain, no problem...whatever he needs to be happy and healthy in the end.

Cravings: I'm craving sweets a little more this time around. I like my occasional dessert, milkshake, ice cream or smoothie here and there normally, but lately I REALLY like these items. I'm keeping it under control though since I don't wish to pack on the pounds. It's just funny because I'm just more interested in sweets than I ever was with Levi or in my day to day living not pregnant.

Gender: Nothing new to report gender wise.

Movement: This week I felt a leg or foot or some appendage...it wasn't like an outline or anything...just an obvious appendage and Adam felt it too. SO CRAZY!

Symptoms: I had my first charlie horse in my leg this week. YIKES! I didn't have any of those with Levi and hope they'll be far and few with this baby.

Otherwise more of the same...heartburn and eye twitching and occasional fatigue, but I'm still doing good on the energy front (thank goodness!)

Mental State: I had a cleaning service out to our condo this week, which my mom is now renting so that she can have her own place up here when she visits. It is going to be so nice when she has it all furnished and baby proofed since Levi will be able to stay with her for a couple days when the new baby arrives amongst other visits.

I also brought a meal to a friend who just had her second baby and things seem to be going well for them, so it will be nice to pick her brain when I'm juggling an infant and a toddler as well. It also reminded me of WHAT a HUGE help meals are in those early weeks when you're getting to know your new baby and your family's new way of life. Such a blessing to not have to worry about cooking on top of everything. So thankful for everyone's help when Levi arrived!

Appointment Updates: I had an appointment with my midwife this week and everything was great. I'm so thankful. There was a great heartbeat. Levi came with me to the appointment and was really good in the appointment. I think he was happy to not be getting any shots, which have been the norm at his pediatrician appointments. My midwife is pleased with my weight...I've gained 18lbs thus far.

I have my sugar test to look forward to at the next appointment. Yippee...NOT!

Best Moment of the Week: I took Levi to a sing along at the library as well as his music class this week and he was such a hoot, especially at the sing along since there were so many kids there for him to imitate. His dancing and excitement were such a joy to watch. I can't wait to be doing these fun activities with him and his little brother. I am also going to try to take advantage of kids programs at the library more because the sing along was fantastic this week!

Great Expectations II: 23 weeks

How Far: 23 weeks

Weight/ Clothes: Looking and feeling very pregnant ...haha... gotta love how it all happens so easily the second time around. Oh muscle memory! I am also however getting a lot of walking in now that the weather is nice and we've started grilling more which makes for healthier dinners with WAY more veggies because I LOVE grilled veggies!

Cravings: nada...I wonder if I'll ever be that pregnant woman who wants pickles and ice cream or some weird combo. Never really happened with Levi and I don't see it happening this time around either.

Gender: There's a funny article going around about being a boy mom...oh the things to look forward to...though most of it I was somewhat already aware of from watching and talking to other boy moms. You just have to embrace the messiness, the love of bugs, dirt and bodily sounds/functions. Thankfully Levi does enjoy bathtime which I'm sure will be come all the more important the dirtier/smellier he gets as he gets older. Hopefully Jellybean loves the bath too! Levi is a pretty good eater...so with two boys I'm sure our grocery list will also be growing in the months and years to come! It is exciting that Levi will have a built in playmate when his brother arrives...though it will take a few months to get there, but I'm sure time will fly like it continues to do and they'll be rough housing before we know it.

Movement: Adam felt the baby kick for the first time this week. Jellybean is rocking and rolling a good bit these days.

Symptoms: Nothing new this week...eye twitch, and heartburn and feeling a little tired since we've been keeping pretty busy.

OH and the big one...HUGE pregnancy brain here...I tried to take Levi to his first music class this week and thought we were right on time at 3:30pm when in reality the class had started at 3pm, so we were locked out. The silly part is it was in my calendar correctly and everything. I was SUPER bummed and emotional over it (may have been teary on and off for the next few hours) because I was really excited to take him. He of course had no idea what we were going to or in the end what we were missing.

Mental State: Just pondering the importance of family this week as we celebrated the life of Adam's grandpa. I am so thankful to be blessed with such a wonderful family. Even though we don't live close by, I am grateful that all the grandparents are willing to travel pretty regularly to see us and be a major part of our boys lives. I also love that we live close enough to New York to visit with my aunts, uncles and cousins there as well as my sister and Chris while they were there the past two years, and that we get to see tons of Adam's family at the cabin every year because I love that our kids will grow up knowing a huge portion of our families. It's always fun to see Levi play with the new generation of cousins and hopefully there'll be some more opportunities this summer when we're visiting Virginia.

While we were in Northern Virginia for the memorial we also had a chance to catch up with a group of our college buddies and meet Madison and Austin, the McCormick twins. It's mind blowing that Levi was once that small and that the new baby will also be tiny as babies tend to be. Levi also had an interesting time with us holding the twins. If I was holding a baby, Levi would want up and if I handed said baby off to Adam then he would switch to wanting him. In fact I got a picture where Levi literally climbed up in Adam's lap while he was holding a baby on the couch. Can we say there was a touch of jealousy?! I wasn't surprised because even in Chicago he'd occasionally get jealous if I was holding James, my Godson. Oh boy...he has not idea what's headed his way. We try to tell him about his brother and the baby in mommy's belly, but at this point he has no concept. I want to tell him to trust me, it'll be his best friend and a built in playmate right here at home soon enough.

Appointment Updates: I have a midwife appointment scheduled for next week. Otherwise nothing new to report.

Best Moment of the Week: My sister announced her pregnancy this week! Can you believe we're expecting at the same time. It's mind blowing and so cool. With our age gap (7 years) I would have never thought we'd be in this same season of life and yet here we are...how cool! She's due in November, so our little Jellybean will have a very close in age cousin, little nugget. We'll see a few weeks from now if we'll be adding another little fellow or little lady to the family mix. I already have shower plans and gift ideas in the works since I've known since she was about 5 weeks along...can you tell I'm a very excited Auntie (or Tati)...wonder what her kiddos will call me?!

Great Expectations II: 22 weeks

How Far: 22 weeks

Weight/ Clothes: Feeling about the same as last week weight wise. Trying to eat plenty of salad and well balanced meals. I also got out for a nice long walk this week with my friend Laura, we estimated it was about 4 miles. I'm trying to keep the walking up now that the weather has warmed up.

I got a really cute polka dot maternity dress from Adam and Levi as my Mother's Day gift. It was super thoughtful because I had shown it to Adam earlier in the week to see if he even liked it. I'm on the look out for a great maternity dress to wear to my cousin's wedding in June. He said it was cute but probably not formal enough for the wedding, so I didn't get it that day. It was so thoughtful of him to get me a dress plus I always like when he surprises me with clothes.

Cravings: Nothing fun to report.

Gender: It's a boy and Adam used the baby's name in my Mother's Day card. I really like the rare times when we use it and it just feels right. That card is hidden away so curious friends and family won't come across the name prematurely.

Movement: I feel the baby every night and occasionally during the day nowadays. It's still pretty subtle and nothing that can be felt externally, but the baby makes his presence known on a regular basis.

Symptoms: Heartburn, eye twitching and the occasional sciatic nerve pain...but nothing really new thankfully. My face had gotten a bit broken out, but it seems to finally be clearing up, phew!

Mental State: Adam was gone for four days doing his Airforce Chaplancy work, which makes for pretty long days for me and Levi since it's just the two of us. I don't know how single parents do it and I so appreciate having my husband to do this whole parenting thing together. We take turns getting up with Levi early in the morning and I love the break I get when Adam gets home from work at the end of the day. He comes home itching to play with Levi and I'm ready for a breather after a busy day keeping Levi out of danger...he likes to climb up on things and doesn't understand the whole time out thing yet. He thinks it's a game of come and get me! Plus I really enjoy the adult interaction which can go missing some days when it's just me and the baby (more like toddler these days). It's got me thinking about how days when he's away for reserve time and the missions trip will become even more interesting when I have both kiddos, but champions adjust, so I'll figure it out and hopefully have time to ease into it as well.

Appointment Updates: No appointments for me this week. Levi did have his 15 month appointment and he only has one more set of vaccines until he's 4! Wow! We'll be done with shots just in time to start over with the new baby.

Best Moment of the Week: Adam surprised me on Friday with a Mother's Day lunch. He asked me if I thought we just weren't going to do anything together since he knew I had lunch plans with friends on the actual Mother's Day. I said I figured we were going to but not until after we'd gotten through the next couple weeks since they are pretty darn busy between his Airforce time and travel to DC for his Grandpa's memorial.

This was such a sweet surprise. He had gotten me flowers, the dress I mentioned earlier and ordered a delicious Thai lunch. My favorite moment from lunch was probably when he asked me what my favorite part about being a mom has been thus far? I thought about it for a minute because there are so many fun moments and I love seeing Levi learn and grow, but right now my favorite thing about being a mom is the special bond I have with Levi...that bond where he comes to me for comfort when he takes a tumble, his baby snuggles and how he loves it when I hold him in my arms quietly singing to him as I rock him to sleep. It's just such a sweet time with my baby boy.

Great Expectations II: 21 weeks

How Far: 21 weeks

Weight/ Clothes: I've felt heavy this week, but the doc said I was right on course with my weight gain and I believe I'm still behind my weight gain with Levi.

I have been enjoying my new maternity items. I had an excuse to  buy a new dress for a 30th birthday cocktail party over the weekend. I really love it and can't wait to wear it some more. The nice thing is it's dressy enough to wear to nicer occasions but casual enough to wear for church. I also got a couple cute pairs of linen maternity pants, a great cotton maxi dress and a few more tees. Thanks Mom for always spoiling me!

Cravings: salad...perhaps because I feel so full after I eat and salads feel lighter.

Gender: It's funny to get people reactions now to the fact that we're having another boy meaning two boys pretty close in age. I pretty much get the feeling that they wish us luck as there'll be a lot of energy to burn as the boys get bigger and of course they'll probably eat us out of house and home. But I also know they'll be great for each other when it comes to being playmates. I know it will be chaotic a lot of the time, but God knows what He's doing.

Movement: Definitely feeling the baby move on the inside each day...mostly at night when I get ready to go to sleep because I'm finally still and the baby isn't being rocked to sleep by my being in motion. My placenta is on the front, so it's still too hard to feel anything from outside. Sorry Adam... hopefully soon.

Symptoms: I've been feeling super full when I eat this week...must mean my stomach is good and squished! Otherwise more of the same...eye twitches, heartburn and the occasional headache.

Mental State: We've left Levi with a baby sitter a couple times in the past few weeks...the gender reveal and our friend's birthday party this week...it was nice to get out for some adults only occasions. I know we need to enjoy these opportunities while we can over the next few months because there will surely be a period after the baby is born when we're limited again and now it's bound to get a little more tricky and expensive getting a babysitter for two kiddos.

Appointment Updates: I had a good appointment with my midwife. She was very pleased with how everything is going and says I'll probably continue to just skate right on through this pregnancy.

Best Moment of the Week: Getting all gussied up for my friend's 30th birthday celebration. I felt super cute in my new dress and even wore dangly earrings since Levi wouldn't be pulling at them all evening. The icing on the cake is that she's expecting too, so there were three different fun mocktails to enjoy at the party, which was truly enjoyed and appreciated by this preggo. We had such a fun time!