10 Weeks Pregnant

Today is: September 30, 2012

How far along: 10 weeks

Total weight gain: ~3.5 pounds

Baby is the size of: A prune, about 1.2" and 0.14 oz.

What's going on with the babe: Baby is swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm! Vital organs are in place and are beginning to function. Tiny, little nails are forming, no more webbed toes and fingers, and peach fuzz hair is growing! Limbs can bend now.

What's going on with the mama: There's a visible, pregnant bump now. By this week, my uterus is the size of a grapefruit.

Baby is a: Boy or a girl... but I'm betting girl.

Maternity clothing: Not really, just broke out my "bigger" (size 2/4) jeans instead. Looking forward to breaking out the comfy clothes though :)

Sleep: Strangely, I've been staying up later recently, and sleeping pretty deeply, now we just need to get Hudson back on track so I'll only have to get up when I have to pee.

Movement: It's happening, but I've yet to feel it.

Cravings/Aversions: This week's been pretty boring in this aspect, thank goodness!

Symptoms:
- Acne a little better this week! Hoping it's on its way out altogether.
- Energy is still eh.
- Nausea. I had my first Zofran-free days this week, but I'm keeping them closeby, just in case.

How this pregnancy is different than before: I think I've put on quite a bit more weight this time around, but I'm hoping that it's from vacation and not a trend to look forward to.

How the big brother was this week: He's had a rough few days.  He seems to be very anxious after our travelling and we've got to get him back on track.  His waving is adorable and being perfected - and he'll do it on command now - "hi" is the royal wave with his left hand and "bye bye" is up/down waving with his palm facing up with his right hand.  He's started using his thumb to rub my hand when he's holding it before going to sleep... so cute!

The best moment(s) of this past week: Finally closed on our refi! An OB appointment. She said that I might feel a little further along than we'd originally thought, so we're having an ultrasound next week. Seeing Hudson snuggle with Daddy and Sissies now that we're home.

I'm looking forward to: Our ultrasound next week!

Week 39: 9/23/12-9/29/12

Sunday, September 23rd: Today we're saying goodbye to Georgia and making the drive back to NC.  It's about 5.5 hours to Mimi's house, a quick loving for Pop, then a little over an hour back to see Daddy after nearly 2 weeks!

Monday, September 24th: Hudson is a master at pulling himself up on everything now, no matter what, where, how high, or what strange angle he started in, but he seems the most thrilled when he does it in the bathtub.  He still loves Daddy's toothbrush (only that one, not mine, not the one we specifically bought him, just Daddy's), so I'm hoping this is the beginning of some really great hygiene.

Tuesday, September 25th: Today's picture caused quite a stir on FB... I promise that he was 100% supervised, that our house is baby-proofed and that he's constantly watched like a hawk.  That being said, we DO let him explore, even things that are considered traditionally "off limits" - don't tell me how to raise my child and I'll let you lose yours without scathing remarks, kay? >.<

Wednesday, September 26th: Ethan came to play with us today, so Hudson was thrilled!  After both boys had a pretty decent nap, I decided to trek out with them both, lol. Though, honestly, it was harder to push the double stroller than it was to carry them both.  Just need to get my practice in :)  Then we had our first OB visit where we convinced the midwife that we needed to be considered high risk again (for the lawsuit mostly) and started the bloodwork - ick!  She said she thinks I might be a little further along than we'd originally thought (or my uterus is just a little larger than normal) so we're having an ultrasound next week to be sure of where we're at.

Thursday, September 27th: Hudson had a ROUGH night last night.  He woke up around 1145 and just couldn't get back to sleep.  He wouldn't let go of Nate and wouldn't let me out of his sight; didn't want to cuddle, nurse, come to bed with us, walk, rock... then he finally fell asleep around 2 and got up a few more times before deciding that 7 was it, no more sleep, and no more quiet.  He screamed until about 11 when he fitfully crashed (see below) for 3 hours.  When he woke up, he was still out of sorts, but I'm hoping that tonight will be better.

Friday, September 28th: Hudson just loves to work out with Daddy in the mornings before work!  I talked to Grammy today about when they're all leaving tomorrow and the word is super early, so we'll be packing up here in a minute and heading to Raleigh to say goodbye.

Saturday, September 29th: Saying goodbye to Grammy (again) this morning.  She's moving to Minnesota with her brother and sister-in-law.  While we're happy that she'll be around her siblings, it's tough for us since she's lived either with or near us for the last 12 years.

9 Weeks Pregnant

Today is: September 22, 2012

How far along: 9 weeks (sorry, no picture, we've been on the road ALL day and it totally slipped my mind)

Total weight gain: Still not tracking since we're on vacation.  I might not document next week either, depending on how quickly I can get back into a good eating routine, otherwise the weight might just be food rather than pregnancy.

Baby is the size of: A grape, 1" and about 0.7 oz.

What's going on with the babe: Lots going on this week! Baby is no longer an embryo, but is now a fetus! Essential body parts are accounted for. This week, baby's heart finishes dividing into the four chambers, and the valves start to form, as do his/her tiny teeth! Organs, muscles and nerves are kicking into gear. External sex organs are there, but wouldn't be distinguishable for a few weeks, yet. Eyes are fully formed, and eyelids are fused shut until about 27 weeks. Baby has tiny earlobes, and the mouth, nose and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough to take over now.

What's going on with the mama: Just feeling pregnant and trying to come to grips with it.  I think it'll be more real when I hear the heartbeat, see the baby (please, can't I have an ultrasound to date the pregnancy?), and/or feel movement (whenever that happens).

Baby is a: ?? I'm thinking girl.

Maternity clothing: Just the super comfy gouchos, but only when I'm at "home."

Sleep: Same eh-ness as last week.

Movement: It's happening, but it's too soon to feel it, yet.

Cravings/Aversions: Nothing really stands out, but being around really potent smells upsets my stomach.

Symptoms: acne, nausea, exhaustion, a little bloating, lots of pottying, and the begining of smell aversion.

How this pregnancy is different than the first: I'm starting to bloat sooner than before, but don't have an actual "baby bump" yet, luckily.

How the big brother was this week: Phew!  He's been under the weather, but hanging in there considering the circumstances.  He's learned to wave "hi" and "bye-bye" (and they're different motions with different hands), can successfully pick food up off his tray and get it into his mouth consistently, he'll stand on his own steadily and for multiple minutes, and I think his gums are starting to itch with more teeth.

The best moment(s) of this past week: getting to see friends and family, watching how big Hudson has gotten and all the things he's learned/perfected.

I'm looking forward to: finally being home... not that seeing everyone is bad, but it'll be nice to find a routine;  our first OB appointment (they don't do ultrasounds until 20 weeks, supposedly, but we'll see since I was so high risk before), closing the refinance on our house, which will drop our mortgage payment by over $300.

Week 38: 9/16/12-9/22/12

Sunday, September 16th: Hudson went to church for the first time today (don't get me started on beliefs vs attendance), we had a great lunch at Chili's, and a FANTASTIC afternoon nap.

Monday, September 17th: Since the Turoskis all had work/school today, we went to see Eloise, Mimi's old boss from around the time when I was Hudson's age.

Tuesday, September 18th: On the way to our super awesome hotel in Hilton Head today.

Wednesday, September 19th: Well the hotel experience was craptastic yesterday, but we had a great day on the beach - but I got french fried!

Thursday, September 20th: Heading to Augusta-ish to see Sandie, Bobby, and Clay for Clay's 18th birthday.

Friday, September 21st: Girl day! Bobby had to work today... unexpectedly... and Clay went to school then on a double-date with his girlfriend.  We had Cracker Barrel, got Sandie's check, had pedicures and eyebrow waxing, then shopped at Target and ate Mexican food.

Saturday, September 22nd: Georgia Bulldogs!! Bobby and Clay (plus his friend and girlfriend) went to the game while we (and the neighbors from across the street) introduced Hudson to college football.

Week 37: 9/9/12-9/15/12

Sunday, September 9th: First public post about our newest addition.  Hudson spent a few hours at Ethan's house while Nate and I went to Ruth's Chris for our anniversary date... and I managed to get through the entire evening without checking up on him!  So thankful to Meagan (and Aaron before he left for work) for watching him :)

Monday, September 10th: Went in for the paperwork appointment at the new OB... still not sure if I'm sold, but we'll see after our first appointment on the 26th.  I'm frantically rushing around to get together everything for leaving tomorrow... meal plans, packing lists, luggage galore and more laundry than I've ever dealt with at once. Whew, travelling with a baby is rough... can't imagine what it'll be like with two (plus hubby and two teenagers? Yikes!)

Tuesday, September 11th: Remembering 9/11 today.  I can't believe how long it's been; seems like just yesterday.  Today starts the beginning of our long trip... well we made it to Raleigh today and start the trek tomorrow.  We went to a softball game for one of the companies that Mimi does a meeting for - they lost miserably, but it was fun to watch :)

Wednesday, September 12th: Happy 2nd Anniversary to my sweet hubby!  Just because I'm not home doesn't mean I'm not thinking about you <3  Today, we started the journey to North Myrtle Beach.  We had delicious ice cream for desert and Hudson made the baby-O-face, lol.

Thursday, September 13th: Hudson LOVES the Lazy river... and Twizzlers for breakfast.

Friday, September 14th: We're leaving for Bill & Sherry's today.  The trip was estimated around 7.5 hours and took us about 11 because of all the stops we had to take because of pottying, fussy baby, and the new addition of morning/motion sickness.
Saturday, September 15th: Emma (my cousin that's 8) decided that today, we were going to Chehaw Park today, so Hudson got to see a bunch of different zoo/farm animals, but WOW, was it hot and humid!

8 Weeks Pregnant

Today is: September 15, 2012

How far along: 8  weeks

Total weight gain: not tracking right now since we're on vacation - I like to use the same scale and the same clothing (or lack thereof in this case)... plus we're on vacation and I'm sure I've put on like 25 pounds!

Baby is the size of: About the size of a kidney bean or a raspberry. Just over 1/2 an inch, and about .04 oz.

What's going on with the babe: Baby's "tail" is gone. In the brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect to one another. Taste buds are now forming!

What's going on with the mama: Oh hello feeling pregnant, I'm not sure I'm ready for you.

Baby is a: boy or a girl... too soon to tell.

Maternity clothing: I brought a pair of workout gouchos that I got at the end of my Hudson pregnancy that were WAY too tight, but they're just stretchy pants with a fold-over waistband.  They still fall down a bit, but they're really comfy.

Sleep: Ugh! Hudson's so out of whack with all this travelling that sleep has been an elusive beast.  I hope things get back to normal once we get home... and that the nausea will stay away at night.

Movement: Too soon to feel.

Food cravings/aversions: Smells are starting to become more pronounced, delicious one second and stomach-churning the next. 

Symptoms: nasty acne, nausea, and potty breaks like crazy; a little more exhaustion, but that might just be because of all the travelling.

How this pregnancy is different than before: Still a little crampy, but this pregnancy is screaming "girl" to me with all the similarities to Kylie and all the crap I didn't have with Hudson.

How the big brother was this week: Teeth #3 and #4 are in!!  Hudson is really steady standing alone now and will do it for multiple minutes, but gets scared/frustrated and just bends over and gives up rather than taking a step.  He's out of whack, and I'm sure will love getting back to Daddy soon-ish.  As soon as we got to Georgia, his allergies went haywire.  He can't breathe, has swollen/itchy eyes, and is clingy.

The best moment(s) of this past week: Myrtle was amazing... so relaxing!  Aside from the weirdness of having to actually sleep in the bed with Hud, it's been a nice break.

I'm looking forward to: The rest of the roadtrip!! It was great starting out our vacation seeing Bill & Sherry, and I can't wait to see everyone else too.

Here We Go Again!!

On September 1st, we found out that we're having another baby!  Nate and I have differing opinions on how this sort of news should be revealed - he wants me to just tell him, so I don't freak him out.  I on the other hand, like to make a production out of everything!

We haven't actually been "trying" persay, but we haven't been against the idea.  Alyssa and Natalie are 19 months apart and we knew that we'd like to have another rather quickly so that Hudson and s/he can be close too - so we're looking at about 16.5-17 months.

I started looking for a new OB/GYN, not that there was anything wrong with the practice that I saw while pregnant with Hudson (I LOVED THE NURSE, TINA) but I really would like to get back to seeing a midwife, and that practice doesn't have one on staff.  I picked a place in Burlington - which would mean delivering at a different hospital too - and went for my initial appointment where they told me I'm pregnant (yes, I know, I've taken a million tests) and set up my appointment to go over paperwork before we leave for Georgia next week.  Then, after we get back, I'll have my first appointment with my midwife, but they don't do early ultrasounds to date the baby... which I'm particularly against.  My cycle just isn't reliable enough (okay, really? 3 periods in 3 years? I don't think so!) to date an entire pregnancy off of.  The first ultrasound they do is at 20 weeks when you find out the gender... so we're going to be having a discussion about how high risk I was previously and see if they'll change their policy because of that... and if not, looks like I'll be looking elsewhere.

So my due date is April 28, 2013 if I go to term, though if this one follows the same funneling trend as Hudson did, we may be rushing against the tax-time-deadline for Nate's schedule.  I was really bad about keeping up with updates with Hudson, and one of the blogs I read Between the Lines is written by a lady who's having her #2 at the end of March/beginning of April.  She has a great format for updating the same things every week, so you readers get less garbledygook, so I might just have to *adopt* it.

Today is: September 9, 2012

How far along: 7 weeks

Total weight gain: +0.2 pounds

Baby is the size of: A blueberry, about 1/2 an inch. Doubled since last week!

What's going on with the babe: This week, hands and feet are emerging from developing arms and legs. He or she is developing kidneys, and generating about 100 new brain cells each minute!

What's going on with the mama: Just trying to keep my head above the water, helping Nate out however I can, keeping the house tolerably tidy, wrestling with an almost-mobile, ornery 9-month-old, juggling schedules and chauffeuring two teenagers, working part-time, visiting my family a few days each week, and getting ready for our upcoming roadtrip.

Baby is a: boy or a girl... too soon to tell.

Maternity clothing: I literally JUST finished putting away all the clothes from being pregnant with Hudson and it's time to start pulling them out again.  I don't need to wear them yet, but I'd like to have them handy.  Mom bought a bunch for me when we were in Raleigh on Tuesday/Wednesday because Target has just about everything on sale right now.

Sleep: Hahaha, like I sleep! Remember, I'm the one with the 9-month-old who gets up 6-10+ times a night still.  But, the upside is that when potty-time strikes, I'm usually up already.

Movement: Too soon to feel, but it was ~11 weeks with Hudson, so hopefully not too much longer.  I seem to feel more secure in the pregnancy when I can feel the little booger wiggling around.

Food cravings/aversions: Nothing too new/different yet.  My sweet tooth has been a little stronger, but I'm always a sugar junkie so I'm not surprised.

Symptoms: nasty acne (now I super look 16!), slight nausea, and more frequent trips to the bathroom, but overall feeling pretty good!

How this pregnancy is different than before: I never cramped before, either time. I was nauseous both times (and now) but never got sick with Hudson.  I've been close but we'll have to see which pregnancy this trends after.  I never had acne with Hud, but I look like a pizza face this time around.

How the big brother was this week: Tooth #3 has just a thin film of skin left over it and #4 is right behind it, so he's been moody.  On the upside, though, he's been napping better during the day (nighttime is still a nightmare) and has been super cuddly.

The best moment(s) of this past week: We got a new car! We knew that we'd have to look at an SUV or van with a third row once we got the positive, since we just can't fit 4 big people and 2 car seats into a 4 seater car (ok, it seats 5, but not comfortably). So when the Aviator popped up on Nate's radar, we jumped at the opportunity. It's got a hefty number of miles on it, but it's in really good condition and we got it for a steal... plus Nate just LOVES his Lincolns!

I'm looking forward to: Roadtrip!! On Tuesday, Hudson and I are heading to Raleigh, where we'll pack up the Odyssey like a clown car and head to Georgia with Mimi and Auntie until the 23rd.  And our anniversary dinner date tonight... just the two of us!  My awesome friend, Meagan, has agreed to watch Hud so Nate and I can go to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for an early anniversary dinner.

Week 36: 9/2/12-9/8/12

Sunday, September 2nd: We bought Hudson some really cute shoes over the last few days, and I just wanted to document how stylin' my little guy is :)  He's also recently developed a love for "soft blankie" which is silly because he has one he sleeps on, but isn't partial to, at my mom's house, and we tried to have him sleep on this one to get him sleeping longer... to no avail... but now he's obsessed!

Monday, September 3rd: Crazy curl day!  No matter what I tried to do with his hair today, that Whoville curl just kept going bonkers :)  Hudson has learned over the last few days how to push up on his knees and/or feet, but hasn't made any more progress in the traditional crawling movement.  He did realize that the vacuum makes noise, though (along with the springy doorstops), and is now enthralled.  The only problem is that his new loves are near outlets, so we had to break out the outlet covers today!

Tuesday, September 4th: We've started planning Hudson's first birthday party, and though he showed no interest in them whatsoever, we decided that it would be dinosaur themed.  Today, when we were waiting FOREVER at the chiropractor, I gave him a dino out of their toy box and he actually preferred playing with it over my keys (unheard of!), giving it kisses (okay, nose bumps, but those are his version), snuggling, and hamming it up for the camera.  To celebrate his 9 month "birthday" we went to Chili's for lunch, where Hudson dined in style on grilled chicken, ham, tomato, avocado, and french fries... which he learned to bite off for the first time!!

Wednesday, September 5th: My friend from middle school, Alex, lives in Utah and has an adorable little 10 (+ a little bit) month old boy named Charlie.  When I found out that they were coming east for a visit, I jumped on the opportunity for the boys to have a play date... okay, I just wanted to get  together and catch up, but it was a great excuse.  Charlie was napping when we showed up, and was awoken to find a strange little baby (okay, Hudson weighs more than him, but is a couple inches shorter) who wanted to tackle him to give kisses... and he was rather terrified!  All in all, they were adorable, though not really interactive, and we (us baby's mommies and our mommies too) got a chance to compare notes, catch up on everything we missed in the last 11 years, and spend some girl time together!  Hudson and I had to leave Raleigh in a rush though, because WE GOT A NEW CAR!  Nate had seen it pop up on the radar, and we knew that we couldn't beat the price, so we snatched it up.  Happy (early) anniversary to me :)

Thursday, September 6th: Rather uneventful day today... I spent most of it on conference calls (did I mention I went back to "work" - work from home, part time, like 10-15 hours a week starting at the beginning of the month?  No?  Oops.)  Hudson was, of course, a mile a minute today until he crashed in my arms for a great snuggley nap, then was back to wild until bedtime.  He's started unplugging the tub every time I put him in it... usually once he's done, but tonight was before I'd even rinsed him to start the lathering.  Silly stinker!

Friday, September 7th: Lyssie is having her first lock-in tonight.  The NJROTC is doing gate guard at the football game, sleeping in the annex, then leaving for a field trip to Conover at 5am.  Today, I had a doctor's appointment so they could tell me what I already knew... don't you just love paying doctors for doing nothing?  Yeah, me too >.<  Every time I turned around today, Hudson was playing with the doorstop.  It's springy and noisy, so why wouldn't he be drawn to it?

Saturday, September 8th: Lots of grocery shopping, meal planning, list-making, and cooking as I try to prepare a stash of food for while I'm gone.  I know, I know, they managed for years before they met me, but they've gotten spoiled, and I want to make sure they're eating more than mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, and hot dogs.