PREGNANCY: THE SEQUEL (33-35 weeks)

How far along? 36 weeks currently

Maternity clothes? None of the clothes I’m wearing in these pics are maternity clothes, though I’m rocking them more frequently.

Stretch marks? Nope. I heard that you’re far less likely to get them in your second pregnancy. I didn’t have any the first time around, so maybe that’ll be true this time around.

Sleep: Sleep is still induced by OTC melatonin or benadryl depending on if I’m having uncomfortable contractions. It definitely isn’t comfortable, and I’m extremely exhausted ALL THE TIME.

Best moment this week: Going to the zoo with my little family.

Miss Anything?: Clear skin. Energy.

Movement:He’s still moving at a normal pace.

Food cravings: I honestly have no appetite. I don’t feel hungry, I just know when I need to eat because I feel like I’m going to pass out or turn into the hulk. Though I will say that I’ve wanted sour candy a couple of times.

Anything making you queasy or sick? I get heartburn from chocolate and sometimes water, but I have resorted to taking Zantac because I was having heartburn constantly.

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs: I have contractions pretty much all of the time. It doesn’t take much to make them consistent. I get checked this week to see if there’s been any further dilation or effacement. I’ve started using my EPO (evening primrose oil)  this week.

Belly Button in or out? Um, open and stretching.

Rings on or off? Oh they still fit. They have just turned into a flesh eating nuisance. I can’t wear my ring without them causing ooze filled blisters on my finger. I think I’m just going to put them away until my hormones decide to behave properly.

Happy or Moody: Moody. I’ve been a grump a few times this last week in particular. I’m just so tired and uncomfortable.

Reading: Nothing other than story books and the Bible.

I finally got my hospital bag packed, sort of. It’s ready enough to go if I do go into labor a little early. I haven’t really had any nesting instincts yet. I just want sleep. All. The. Time. Baby boys room is pretty much finished. To me it’s good enough. Everything in the house is good enough for now. I think we’ve actually done pretty well for moving into a newer bigger house just a little over a month ago. We’re pretty much completely unpacked!

I’m definitely feeling this pregnancy wearing on me. I’m so incredibly thankful to have made it this far, because he can truly come at anytime and be perfectly fine. I might just be hopeful, but I really do not feel like I will make to my due date. I don’t even tell people my due date because I don’t truly believe in them.

PREGNANCY:THE SEQUEL (32 Weeks)

How far along? 32 weeks

Maternity clothes? Maternity top. A lot of my maternity tops are actually getting a wee bit too short.

Stretch marks? Nope. I heard that you’re far less likely to get them in your second pregnancy. I didn’t have any the first time around, so maybe that’ll be true this time around.

Sleep: Sleep is still induced by OTC melatonin, BUT it’s been pretty good these last few weeks. I’ve figured out how to make the most perfect cocoon with my Snoogle, pillows, and covers.

Best moment this week: Painting with big sister outside.

Miss Anything?: Clear skin. Energy.

Movement:He’s still moving at a normal pace, but he’s starting to slow down because he’s running out of womb.

Food cravings: I honestly have no appetite. I don’t feel hungry, I just know when I need to eat because I feel like I’m going to pass out or turn into the hulk.

Anything making you queasy or sick? I get heartburn from chocolate and sometimes water.

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs:  I ended up in the hospital a few weeks ago with contractions coming every 2 minutes. I was only 1 cm dilated and 0% effaced so they weren’t really worried. I had a 32 hour span of time a couple of weeks ago where I had constant contractions. I probably should’ve went to the hospital, but I could tell that there was no cervical change so I didn’t even want to waste the gas. It was just mildly uncomfortable and more annoying than anything. I feel like this baby will come a before his due date for sure.

Belly Button in or out? Flat and wide.

Rings on or off? Oh they still fit. They have just turned into a flesh eating nuisance. I can’t wear my ring without them causing ooze filled blisters on my finger. You can see it on my ring finger above. I think I’m just going to put them away until my hormones decide to behave properly.

Happy or Moody: Both, I guess. I’m a little anxious because he could be born in as little as 4 weeks, and he would be perfectly fine.

Reading: Totes cliche, but I found my old copy of What to Expect When You’re Expecting, and I’ve been brushing up on this whole last few weeks thing.

I totally skipped weeks 27-31. Sorry new baby, mommy and daddy just made a big move by buying and moving into our first home. It’s much bigger than the old one, so it can accommodate you and your sister. Please forgive me for not documenting this part of your pregnancy experience.

I haven’t been energetic at all during this pregnancy, but the last couple of weeks have been h a r d. I’m exhausted. I could probably stay in bed all day long if my almost 2 year old boss would let me. I think it’s a combination of things that’s making me feel this way, but mostly the fact that I’m pretty anemic. I’ve been choking down the iron supplements and iron rich foods for about three weeks now, so I’m hoping that my next blood test will show a significant increase.

I had a really good weekend seeing friends and family.I know that it shouldn’t matter, but I’m a woman and it’s hard to not be concerned with how you look especially when you feel like a fattened calf covered in scaly, pox marked skin. I had a lot of encouragement coming from people telling my how healthy and small I look. I told my husband that someone’s going to tell me I look like I’m having twins since I’ve been getting such encouraging words. It’s only fair. I just didn’t expect it to come from a loving, close family member who is very surprised that I’m actually much smaller than I was during my last pregnancy and was sure that I had another baby in my belly last week. Precious, endearing sentiments indeed.

I’m truly going to try and keep up with the rest of this pregnancy to be fair to this little boy. I’m hoping my nesting instinct kicks in soon because we are so not ready for him to come. Like at all. I do look forward to holding him close to my heart, sniffing his little head, and snuggling him to sleep.

Until next time…..

Pregnancy:The Sequel(24-26 weeks)

How far along? As I write this, I’m actually 27 weeks.

Maternity clothes? I’m actually not wearing any maternity clothes in these pics. I did buy some denim maternity shorts this past week, and I’ve been rocking them pretty regularly on hot days.

Stretch marks? Nope. I heard that you’re far less likely to get them in your second pregnancy. I didn’t have any the first time around, so maybe that’ll be true this time around.

Sleep: Sleep is still induced by OTC melatonin, BUT it’s been pretty good these last few weeks. I’ve figured out how to make the most perfect cocoon with my Snoogle, pillows, and covers.

Best moment this week: I’ve gotten to hear baby boy’s strong heartbeat, refinish some furniture, and to get a little excited about moving into a new house at the end of this month!

Miss Anything?: Clear skin. Energy.

Movement:He’s totally a mover and a shaker.Especially when I lay down at night.

Food cravings: Cookout’s BBQ sandwiches. Holy geez. I went over a month without a single craving. I lost four pounds in one week, which I have slowly gained back. At my last doctor’s appointment, I had only gained 10lbs which is about 7lbs less than where I should be. My blood pressure has been super low, like 95/55-85/50 low. This is pretty sweet expect it makes me feel very faint. I almost passed out dropping big sister off at the nursery at church one Sunday. I almost passed out while grocery shopping. I can’t put on my makeup or dry my hair without stopping for a break. My doctor told me that I needed to eat much more protein all throughout the day and drink even more water than I already am. So far it’s somewhat helped. I know that I’ve gained some weight in the last two weeks, so that’s a plus. However, everyday for about two weeks, I would want a BBQ sandwich from this native to NC fast food place called Cookout. It’s vinegar based and delicious. I’ve eaten at least 8 of them in the last two weeks. Come to find out, one sandwich has about 23 grams of protein! That’s a whopping load of protein, and my body knew that I needed it. I also crave PB sandwiches like they’re going out of style.

Anything making you queasy or sick? My hips have started giving me trouble, but other than that, no. I can’t believe that I don’t have more heartburn with this kid. I guess it’s because I’m carrying him lower.

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs:  Not yet, PTL!

Belly Button in or out? I guess because it got stretched out last time, it has already started to expand. This did not happen until about 32 weeks last time. My diastisis recti has already begun too. Maybe that is where the itching is coming from.

Rings on or off? On, but my skin is starting to react to the metal like it did last time so I don’t wear it everyday.

Happy or Moody: Feeling hopeful.

Reading: Started reading about the third trimester, because I realized that I don’t remember as much.

I met with a doula during the last couple of weeks. I’m excited that she’ll be attending the labor and delivery. It was so nice having one last time, and it will be a huge help having that extra support. 

I also had my first rude comment about my pregnancy. A postal worker at our local post office asked if I was having two boys. Not a “Hey, how are you? I haven’t seen you in a couple of months.” Not even a “Hello.” He just went straight for the jugular. I was very taken back by his comment, and when I told him I was in fact only having one boy he looked over his glasses at my belly! If he was not a federal worker, I would have smacked him. Keep your idiotic, mindless comments to yourself when speaking to a pregnant woman. On a more positive note, I have enjoyed people actually noticing I’m pregnant. I wear this belly with pride!

Pregnancy:The Sequel (21-23 Weeks)

How far along? 24 weeks currently.

Maternity clothes? I’m not wearing any maternity tops in these pics. I only wear maternity or athletic pants or shorts anymore though. I found the long black and gray striped t-shirt dress at a discount store in my little town for $7! It’s like wearing a night gown. I sort of feel like a Duggar when I wear, but I think they’re cool so I don’t care.

Stretch marks? No way. But my belly has been more itchy this time. Maybe I’ll get them this time?

Sleep: Only induced by a melatonin supplement.

Best moment this week: Well, since I’ve not written in the last three weeks so I have a couple. I got to see some of my best friends that I haven’t seen much of in the last little bit. It’s always great to catch with your girlfriends in person. We also may finally, really be buying a house. We’ve tried so many other times, but every single one of them fell through for some odd reason or another.

Miss Anything?: Clear skin. Energy. Good moods.

Movement:HEYY MACARENA! I don’t why I said that. Probably because he moves all. the. time. Which I love. Big sister always responded to music. Little guy responds to spoken prayers.

Food cravings: NONE. I don’t even have an appetite. I lost about 4 pounds a couple of weeks ago, and have barely gained it back. I only a bowl of cereal for dinner because that’s all I can hold. I don’t really mind not eating a lot at night because my heart burn has not been as bad lately. I have to remind myself to drink a big glass of water and eat something within the first 30 minutes of waking up or I will pass out.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Not this week.

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs:  Some practice contractions here and there. Nothing major. I jut crossed over into my 24th week which I’ll write about later, but I’m a little more relieved because the baby is now viable! If he were to be born now, the NICU here would have a huge percentage of saving him.

Belly Button in or out? I guess because it got stretched out last time, it has already started to expand. This did not happen until about 32 weeks last time. My diastisis recti has already begun too. Maybe that is where the itching is coming from.

Rings on or off? On.

Happy or Moody: The last three weeks have been tough.

Reading: Lots of story books to big sister, home decor articles, and beauty articles.

The last few weeks have been miserable to be honest. I haven’t been well this entire pregnancy, and it came to an ultimate head a few weeks ago. I’m just incredibly grateful for the amazing support system that I have. My husband, mother, and in-laws have immensely supportive, and I’m pretty sure that there is nothing I could ever do to repay their love and kindness. Say a prayer for me when you think of it.

Pregnancy: The Sequel (18-20 weeks)

How far along? 20 weeks currently.

Maternity clothes? Not in the top two photos, but I’m wearing a maternity top in the last one. I found some really c u t e maternity clothes at Ross Dress for Less the other week for an amazing bargain.

Stretch marks? None. I finally started using coconut oil on my belly this week though.

Sleep: Only induced by a melatonin supplement. My loving husband bought me a snoogle for Valentine’s Day, and it’s the best non-person thing in my life right now. I do not know how I made it through my last pregnancy without it.

Best moment this week: Well, since I’ve not written in three weeks, I have a few. First off, we’ve had some nasty winter weather, so we went further south to the beach for a couple of days. It was sunny and 70 so it was undoubtedly amazing. Getting my snoogle was pretty awesome. We added a new member to our family. My daughter loves fish, so we got her a little betta of her own. She named him Fee. Finding out we’re having a BOY was pretty alright too, I guess, 😉

Miss Anything?: Clear skin. Energy. Good moods.

Movement:He is so strong because he knows mommy isn’t right now.

Food cravings: Sweet tea and bacon and bleu burgers. I live in the south, and I HATE sweet tea. I like my tea to taste like tea, not syrupy sugar. However, I’ve indulged in two iced teas in the last couple weeks that I’ve had to water down because I can’t handle the sweetness. Nevertheless they were refreshing. I’ve also visited the ever healthy Wendy’s to partake in their new bacon and bleu brioche burger. Fast food burgers are pretty gross (unless you’re in Boone, NC and you eat here), but this new Wendy’s burger is pretty tasty probably because of it’s bun, sauce, and the fact that it uses leafy greens instead of wilted mayonnaise greased iceberg lettuce. I have two in the last three weeks.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Not this week.

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs:  I’ve been having lots of uncomfortable contractions and even some cramping. Baby boy is OK, though.

Belly Button in or out? I guess because it got stretched out last time, it’s starting to open up.

Rings on or off? On.

Happy or Moody: I’m living in my own little version of hell most of the time.

Reading: The New York Times, too much Buzzfeed, and beauty articles. I need to read up on what to do with a little boy. Because you know they’re so vastly different than little girls. 😉

50 Shades of Cray

I’m typically a pretty chill person. I’m nice to people. I like to make people feel comfortable around me. If I say something that could be perceived as offensive, I’m quick to do damage control and offer my deepest regrets.

However, that’s a different shade of Fatima. That’s the non-pregnant me. Fat, aching, hormonal Fatima is a force to be reckoned with.

Seriously, I’ve become a monster. When I’m not out terrorizing the innocent, I just appear guano crazy.

For instance, I was shopping for maternity clothes at Ross. While flipping through the clothing on the rack , I catch in my periphery a woman who appears to be staring at me. A little socially awkward, I don’t look at her, but just strum up some conversation about how surprised I was to find some cute maternity clothes. She wasn’t amused, and kept staring and smiling.  Freaked out, I scooted to the end of the rack. I decided to be bold and look at her in a way to let her know that she’s creepy.

She was in fact a picture of a woman, a model, that was placed at the end of the rack in such a way that it looked like she was some big headed stalker.

Naturally I felt like a babbling moron, but fortunately only one person witnessed my one sided conversation with a poster.

Then there was the time I was watching Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood with my daughter, and cried the whole episode because it was about the arrival of Daniel’s new little sister. I sat on the couch with tears billowing down my cheeks. Big sister didn’t help because she just climbed in my lap and patted my leg. She takes very good care of me on crazy days.

The pinnacle of my craziness came when I was just innocently waiting in line at Starbucks trying to decide on whether or not to subject new baby to a few milligrams of caffeine or just go with a low fat steamer. Then I felt it. Someone’s breath on top of my head. I turned slightly to see if maybe it was air blowing out the vent. No. Instead it was a man that was about a foot and a half taller than me staring straight ahead with a book tucked under his left arm. I turned back around and took a step forward, trying not to infringe on the personal space of the patron in front of me because people who do that are as welcome as an abscessed molar.
He stepped up closer. I looked him in the face and gave him a district frown. Lurch kept looking forward.

Now I’m a small woman, but I don’t take kindly to being run over. So when I stepped up to place my order, and he scooted up so close that he was kind of standing beside/behind me, crazy pregnant me was unleashed. I whipped my hair back over my shoulder, slammed my wallet on the counter and asked him “have you seen 50 Shades of Grey? Because you’re about to see 50 shades of crazy if you don’t back off my heels.” Dumbfounded, he looked like he didn’t know whether to open his butt or scratch his wallet. I ordered a hot herbal tea, and was gone.

I pretty sure that my filter is busted, and that I’m not going to make it to end of this pregnancy without getting into a knock down, drag out fight with someone. It’ll probably some poor bystander who just glances at me, and because I don’t want anyone looking at me, he’ll get body slammed.

18 Week Gender Reveal

Yesterday I told you that we were going to find out if we’re having a boy or a girl this morning. Well, we did. However, let me first give some back story. When I took the pregnancy test for this pregnancy, I watched as the second line immediately appeared. In disbelief I said “I’m having a boy.”

Later I found out that my husband and both of our mother’s initially thought baby numero dos was going to be a boy.

Somewhere over the last few weeks, most of us changed our minds. I was pretty certain this baby was a girl. Then a few weeks ago, I decided that I had no idea.

My husband pretty much stuck to his initial thought that it was a boy though.

I asked big sister if she was going to have a brother or a sister, and she said “siser” every single time.

                                        Big sister helped decorate the box.

We asked our parents what they thought new baby is right before we told them.

 

But…

Our family is growing by two big feet this summer, and our girl is going to be a big sister to a little MISTER.

How to Guess Your Baby’s Gender Give Away

During my first pregnancy, I could not wait to find out if we were having a boy or girl. Our 18 weeks gender appointment seemed to be 100 years away. I remember looking over all of the old wive’s tales and trying to guess what the little bean might be, and most of them pointed to Girl.

I had a dream months before we got pregnant and just after I had been told that I would have a very slim chance of ever conceiving that there was this little blonde chunk sitting on the floor looking up at me. She had wild hair and blue eyes. I called her by a name I had never heard before. When I woke up, I looked up the meaning of the name which is Jehovah increases a profound affection. Obviously I loved the meaning so I told my husband, and he approved.

Fast forward to our 18 week appointment, while I was lying on the table, I was waiting for the ultrasound tech to find her gender region. I knew she would say girl. I knew from the time I knew I conceived. She found it. GIRL.

This was the face I saw in my dream.

Here we are again, 18 weeks pregnant, and about to find out if this baby is a boy or girl. I guess it’s because it’s the second child, but I haven’t been as anxious to find out. I definitely don’t have the confidence in knowing what it is like I did last time. I suppose I have a little hunch, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m wrong. As cliche as it sounds, I truly just want to this baby to free of any health issues.

For fun, I have done a couple of gender prediction tests.

The first is one that I didn’t hear about my first time around probably because you can only do it if you already have a child. Here’s what you do. You look at the back of your kids head. If their hairline is straight, then the new baby is going to be the same gender as that kid. If the hairline comes to a point, then it will be the opposite gender. This was easy to tell for us because big sister has so. much. hair. Her hairline is straight so according to this we’re having a GIRL.

The next thing I looked at was the Chinese gender predictor thing. I have no idea how it works, but it has a 50% chance of being right. For us it says BOY.

I also tried the baking soda test. Basically you pour your urine over some baking soda. If it has a big reaction, meaning that there are a lot of bubbles, then you’re apparently having a boy. For me there were no bubbles at all which means we’re having a GIRL. I went ahead and did you a solid by not providing a photo of this. However, if you want to look at another woman’s pee check this out.

I heard of this theory that I wasn’t as popular during my first pregnancy. It’s called Ramzi’s theory for gender prediction. You can read a medical article about it here. It supposedly 97% accurate. You can look at your 6-8 week ultrasound and determine the gender by looking to see which side the placenta is on. It says if your placenta is on the right side of the uterus then it’s a boy. However, if it’s on the left side then it will be a girl. If the ultrasound is transabdominal meaning that it’s done externally on your belly then you need to flip the image for it to be true. If you had a transvaginal ultrasound, the image is true.

The placenta is on the right.

Here is my 1st ultrasound with my 1st baby. The placenta is on the right which means this baby is a boy. However, we already know that she was in fact a girl.

Placenta is on the left.

Here is the new baby’s ultrasound. The placenta is on the left. So according to this we’re having a GIRL.

I did the test where you tie your wedding band to a string and hang it over your belly. Apparently if it swings back and forth it’s a boy. However, if it swings in a circle like mine did, you’re having a GIRL.

The final thing that I’ve noted is my appearance. They say that boys make you more beautiful while girls steal your beauty. This little baby has left me with dry, rosacea marked skin. I definitely feel like this booger has stolen all of my beauty so GIRL.

Obviously there is no 100% way of knowing until this little is here in our arms, but it’s fun to guess. Hopefully we’ll get a peek tomorrow at what this darling is. We have two beautiful names picked out, and we’re ready to love him or her no matter what they are.

What do you think we’re having? Vote here. If you share this post on facebook or wordpress and guess correctly you’ll be entered in for a change to win a little baby prize pack!

Pregnancy:The Sequel (17 Weeks)

How far along? 17 Weeks

Maternity clothes? Not in this pic. I can actually still wear most of my regular pants much to my surprise. I still prefer yoga pants.

Stretch marks? None.

Sleep: What is this?

Best moment this week: Hearing baby’s 160 bpm heartbeat.

Miss Anything?: Clear skin. Energy. Good moods.

Movement:Getting stronger every single day.

Food cravings: Nothing in particular this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Not this week.

Gender: We find out this week!!!!!!!!!

Labor Signs:  No Braxton Hicks this week.

Belly Button in or out? In. My belly has barely popped.

Rings on or off? On.

Happy or Moody: Happy days are few and far between.

Reading: Really nothing baby related.

This whole second pregnancy thing is weird. I feel like I should already be almost done with this pregnancy because I feel SO pregnant. However, at times it’s hard for me to believe that I’m pretty much half way through it.

Pregnancy: The Sequel (16 Weeks)

How far along? 16 Weeks

Maternity clothes? Not in this pic. I can actually still wear most of my regular pants much to my surprise. I still prefer yoga pants.

Stretch marks? None.

Sleep: What is this?

Best moment this week: Spending a couple of days away with my husband for our anniversary.

Miss Anything?: Clear skin. Energy. Good moods.

Movement:Getting stronger every single day.

Food cravings: I petitioned my facebook friends to see if anyone knew where I could get my hands on some honey BBQ chicken nachos this week. One friend pointed me in the right direction, and they were soo good.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Not this week.

Gender: We find out soon!

Labor Signs:  So I’ve had a few contractions already. I started having Braxton Hicks pretty early last time, but this seems like it’s even earlier.

Belly Button in or out? In. My belly has barely popped.

Rings on or off? On.

Happy or Moody: Happy days are few and far between.

Reading: Articles here and there. I’ve been most interested in learning even more than I already know about vaccination in light of the measles outbreak.

I get to hear the baby’s heartbeat this week and get to find out if we’re having another miss or a mister.