35 Weeks, 5 to Go!

I can't believe its been five weeks since my last entry. I was trying to write at least every week but I guess I sort of slacked off... Lets see if I can recap what has been going on these last five weeks...
So, two weeks after my last post, I had an appointment with my midwife an my doula came along with me. It was nice to have her support, and also to have another set of ears to listen to the answers of questions I had for my midwife. We got a lot of questions answered and as far as what I plan to have happen during this birth experience, I think things are going to go pretty good.
Two days after Thanksgiving, we decided to go cut down a Christmas tree. When we got it home, I realized that we made a mistake. It was so hard for me to breathe, that I had to sleep with our bedroom door closed and the windows open. I am allergic to most Christmas trees, but the past two years I hadn't had any trouble so I didn't think I would have trouble this year, but boy was I wrong! A couple days after we got our tree I went to a friends house and she has a monstrous tree, about 8.5 feet tall! Well, the next day I was sure paying for it... My allergies were in full swing and it started to flare up my asthma as well. Here we are about two and a half weeks later, and I am still coughing, but now I think its due to the cedar allergies. I just cannot win! Fortunately this is the first time I have really suffered with allergies this year. Normally I have allergies every time the seasons change, but ever since I had Bryelle, I haven't really had any trouble.
My last appointment was on the 11th of this month and Bryan was able to go with me to that one. I was advised to still check my blood sugar, but that I could check it every other day instead of every day. If my numbers stay where they are suppose to be, I will be given the OK at my next appointment to check every three days. I am praying that my numbers will stay good! It is such a pain sometimes to have to check my numbers and only be able to eat at certain times. I know it is all for a good reason though, so that helps a little.
I started swelling a little in my hands and ankles this week. I officially cannot wear my wedding rings anymore, and several of my shoes are starting to feel snug. I still cant complain though. This pregnancy has been such a breeze compare to the one with Bryelle. I still haven't gained as much weight as I did with Bryelle either. I believe I am up 32 pounds, and with Bryelle I had gained 42 until I went on the gestational diabetes diet and then ended up only gaining 36 pounds. I am not too worried about the weight though. I only have a little over 4 weeks left and then Isabelle will be here and hopefully taking care of a newborn and chasing after a toddler, the weight will fall off...
I have been getting a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions lately, and even feel like Isabelle is trying to make her way out at times, but I know I still have a ways to go. I am trying to get everything prepared and ready though just in case. Last week I packed my hospital bag and bought a few last minute things for Isabelle. I still need to write my birth plan and do a few other things before her arrival. I know that I have time, but I think with the holidays coming up soon, the time is going to slip right on by very quickly. We cant wait for Isabelle to make her debut. I still cant believe that I will have another baby to love.

Thirty Weeks Means 10 Weeks Left!

Yesterday I reached the 30 week mark of my pregnancy. This milestone in my pregnancy brings on many emotions. Happiness, Anxiety, Excitement... Just to name a few. I feel like I still have so much to do to get myself prepared for Isabelle's arrival. I know that I have plenty of time, its the energy that I am lacking. Lately I find myself completely drained most of the day. I know that its because I have a toddler. She is my world, but lately I have found myself distancing from her. I am on edge a lot of the time, and my patience is close to non-existent these days. I feel bad... She loves me so much, and wants to share every part of her day with me. She is a sweetheart, but at the same time, she is a typical toddler. She wants her way, and she wants it now. She is beginning to play the 20 questions game with me, but instead of 20 different questions, it is the same 3 questions over and over again. I know that I need to cherish this time with her though. Not only because I will miss it someday... but because pretty soon I will have another child that will need my attention, and I will have to learn how to divide it between the two. I also need to realize, that there is someone out there who would LOVE to have a child constantly under their feet, asking them the same questions over and over again, following them around the house, wanting to do everything that mommy does... But they have tried to have a child and cant... It really helps to change your perspective and think of things a little differently. I know that the irritability and lack of patience and just wanting peace and quiet is just my pregnancy hormones talking, but it still makes me feel like a terrible mother...
As I sit here and write this, my energetic, talkative toddler is laying in my bed, fast asleep. She doesn't know that mommy is drained, or that mommy just might not feel like answering 20 questions today, or that mommy doesn't want to clean up the same messes over and over again... But one thing she does know is that she loves her mommy, and just wants her attention. I just hope and pray that tomorrow I can take a deep breath, have a little patience, and remember that this wont last forever, and although I don't think so now, someday I will miss these moments and wish that my sweet little Bryelle was following me around the house, asking me what I am doing for the umpteenth time...

On another note, Isabelle seems to be doing great. She is still a very active baby and is constantly moving. Her movements have becoming a lot stronger these days, and actually quite uncomfortable. She REALLY likes my ribs lately. 
I have been having to check my blood sugar again, but unfortunately I ran out of my test strips a few days ago and haven't been able to get more yet. I am not sure what they will have me do but hopefully I wont have to start the two weeks over. My next appointment is this coming Friday so we shall see.
Last week I met up with the woman who is training to be a doula and will be attending Isabelle's birth. I am really excited. She brought her bag of goodies that she will be using to help me stay comfortable during labor. I am really glad that I found her and I really think she is going to do a great job as a doula. She already seems very passionate about it and that is SO important. We will meet up with her again in December, but this time it will be Bryan and I together. Its important for the dad to meet with the doula to make sure that they get along and that dad knows that the doula is there to help him, not replace him.
I cant believe that we have a little over two months left until Isabelle's arrival. It seems like it was just yesterday that I found out I was expecting, and how I never thought I would get over the morning sickness, and now here we are, less than 10 weeks away.  I cannot complain about anything except the awful heartburn that plagues me every single day... That, and my joints in my hips and pelvis are starting to loosen up, so after I have been walking a while, or sitting for a long period of time, it is a little difficult to walk. I have also been getting spasms in my lower back the last few days so I will have to remember to mention that to my midwife. Other than all that, everything is great :) 
If this blog post seems all over the place, its because I am exhausted, but I wanted to write a little something just to get things off of my chest and to clear my mind a little. That is all for now! Until next time. :)

28 Weeks, 12 to Go!

This past Sunday I reached the 28 week mark, which also put me in the third trimester. I cannot believe I am already 2/3 of the way done with this pregnancy. It has all gone by so fast, that I am starting to feel like I don't have enough time to get everything done before Isabelle comes. I know that 12 weeks is a long time, but at the same time, I just know that those 12 weeks are going to fly by also. I just need to remember to take it one day at a time, getting a little bit done here and there, and everything will be just fine.
One thing that has come back since I have been in my third trimester is the nausea and lack of appetite. Its not all the time, so that is good, but its still often enough to bother me a little bit. Its really weird because I never experienced this with Bryelle, but I hear that it is quite common. I guess I got lucky with Bryelle. :) 
On Saturday, the day before I hit 28 weeks, we got to go and do a 3D/4D ultrasound. While I anticipated tears, I did not shed a single one. Its amazing how different your emotions are the second time around. I am overjoyed to be bringing another child into the world, but I don't think there is anything quite like your first child. After all, your first child is the child that made you a mother, and turned your life upside down, for the better of course.
Anyways, the ultrasound was amazing nonetheless. Since I was only just about 28 weeks along, we were able to see a lot more than we were able to see with Bryelle, who was 34 weeks when we went with her. Isabelle looks just like her big sister, but at the same time, they both have different features. I think that Isabelle has her daddy's nose, while Bryelle has mine. I think they both have my cheeks. It looks like Isabelle will have daddy's lips, while Bryelle has mine. We will have to wait and see though... when we will be able to see our precious girl in person.

Isabelle is SO very active these days. There is practically not a single moment where she is not jabbing, rolling, kicking, or bouncing around in there. I have a feeling she is going to be my wild child! Bryelle was so much more calm, only moving at night mainly. I know a lot of it could have to do with me working while I was pregnant with her, but I still chase after a toddler all day so I am not sure, but I definitely do feel a lot more this time! Could also be the placement of my placenta! I love it though! She definitely has a little personality already too. Daddy was messing with her and he would push on my belly and she would kick back at him. It was too cute. 
On Tuesday I had my 28 week doctors appointment. Everything looks great. My blood pressure was great, like it has been this whole pregnancy. I don't have a single bit of swelling, which is so different with my pregnancy with Bryelle, because my swelling was so bad with her! In the past month I have only gained 1 pound, which I found a little strange considering you're "suppose" to gain at least 1/2 a pound to a pound a week in the second trimester. I am not sure what the guidelines are for the third trimester though. I dont really have to worry about the weight gain though because even if I gained a pound a week from here on out, it would put me at a 36 pound gain which isn't terrible. And even then, the midwife I will be seeing from now on said that as long as mom is healthy and baby is healthy, she doesn't really pay too much attention to weight gain... Which is nice, because for most people, weight gain during pregnancy is inevitable...So far I have gained 23 pounds this preganancy, where with Bryelle I had gained 27 by this time. I know 4 pounds isn't a huge difference but I bet the difference is the swelling that I had with her.
One disappointing thing I was told at my appointment was that since I am at 28 weeks and I have decided to decline the glucose tolerance test, I have to do finger pricks again for two weeks. Although it was disappointing, I am just glad I dont have to drink that glucola. And I have good news, I started checking my blood sugar yesterday and so far all of my numbers have been excellent! That makes me so happy because if I were to have gestational diabetes this time around, I would be considered high risk since I have already had gestational diabetes in the past. So, lets just pray that my numbers continue to stay good for the next couple of weeks!
I go back in two weeks to turn in my glucometer so they can analyze the numbers and rule out (or rule in) gestational diabetes. I have confidence that everything will be ok though! After that appointment I go back in another two weeks for my regular follow up appointment, and then I believe that I will have one more regular monthly appointment before I start going every two weeks. Its crazy to think that I probably only have about 5 or 6 appointments before Isabelle's arrival.
The midwife told me that I need to start writing up my birth plan. We talked a little about my birth wishes while I was at my last appointment and she seemed confident that we'd be able to follow my plan as long as there weren't any complications (ie;gestational diabetes) So we shall see!  If nothing else, I really would like to labor in the hydrotherapy tub to help with pain management. I am going to avoid the epidural at all costs. I really had a bad experience with the epidural when I was in labor with Bryelle and I am actually more afraid of the epidural than I am about the pain of pushing her out... Which is a lot!  I will be ok though! My friend gave me some affirmations to read everyday, so I think if I get in the right mindset, that is going to help me a lot. I still need to find something to be my focal point. I will more than likely bring a framed photo of Isabelle from the 3D ultrasound to look at and be my main focus, since she will be the goal that I am trying to reach! Wow, all this is really overwhelming but I know that I can do this. :)  I dont have to worry about it so much right now though. I still have a ways to go!
Well that is all for today! As always, I thank you for reading, and I hope that you look forward to the next update. :)

Twenty-Seven

It's been a few weeks since I have blogged. I actually wrote a blog around week 25 on my phone, but for some reason the blogger app would not publish it. Nothing much has been new the past couple of weeks.
Today I did go into Labor and Delivery because I had been cramping off and on the last three or four days. More so than cramping, I was getting a lot of very frequent Braxton-Hicks contractions. Although they are normal during pregnancy, I didn't feel that the frequency at which I was getting them was normal. Especially since I had been staying hydrated, and being sure not to over do it. A lot of the time they were happening when I was sitting or laying down, which was odd to me.
They monitored the baby's heart rate and also monitored any contractions I may have been having. They told me that it was really strange that they were able to pick baby up on the monitor so clearly since I am only 27 weeks along, and that even at 28 weeks they have a hard time picking up the baby as clear as they did with Isabelle... Thats a good thing, but it made the nurse wonder if maybe I am a little further along... Who knows...
Everything looked good so they decided to take me off of the monitors and then had me give a urine sample, and they also did a speculum exam where they took swabs to get cultures to check for any infection. Everything came back normal and I was told that I am probably just experiencing normal pregnancy symptoms but I was advised to come back if I experience any sort of bleeding or very painful contractions or cramping.
I am glad that everything was normal, it just sucks that I will probably have to just "deal" with the tightening for as long as it decides to last. I've been relaxing and trying to stay off of my feet for the rest of the day.
On Saturday we will be having our 3D ultrasound and I am so excited for that. I cant wait to get a glimpse of what our little Isabelle looks like, and to make sure she really is an Isabelle, and not an Ezra ;) I am looking forward to the DVD we will get with it too.
Next week I have an appointment with my midwife, and I believe it is my second to last monthly appointment... After that I will have appointments every two weeks until 38 weeks and then after that will be weekly. I cannot believe how quickly we are approaching the end of my pregnancy. Soon its going to be all over, so I am trying to enjoy what little bit of time being pregnant, and being a mommy to one child, that I can.
Well, that is all for now. This momma is beat!

23 Weeks Down, 17 to Go

Today was a good day. We took Bryelle to the park and had a picnic. It was really fun and something we haven't done with her til now. I think she enjoyed it though.
Lately my wrists and forearms have been hurting. I'm pretty sure its carpel tunnel. I had it with Bryelle too but not this bad I dont think. I am hoping if it continues the midwife will be able to let me know of something I can do to get some relief. 
It was interesting to see my comparison pictures today. I am a lot smaller this time around. I am not complaining though! 
Bryelle sure is going through her terrible 2's these days. She is driving me and her dad crazy. Today was exceptionally crazy. She had so much energy and wouldn't calm down. She finally got tired after throwing a fit and fell asleep. And to think we will go through all this over again with Isabelle. Oh well, it will be worth it. 
Isabelle has been moving around and kicking me like crazy lately. She moves all day long. Most of her movement is still pretty low but I anticipate her moving up to my ribs fairly soon. This weekend we got her room picked up a little and realized that a lot of the clothes that Bryelle wore will work for Isabelle too. We just need to get some warm outfits for the winter. I just cant wait for her to be here and I can't believe in just four short months she will. A lot of people I know who are pregnant are due in the next couple of months, and most are having baby girls. Can't wait to see pictures of them all...
At my appointment the other day, the doctor said that Isabelle was growing right on track. This is good to hear. At least she isnt bigger than she is suppose to be at this point. I'm getting a little nervous thinking about how big she is going to be. I am sure it will be fine though. I have also gained close to 20 pounds already but the doctor said it was fine.  Well, that is all for now. Stay tuned for my next update in a week. 

22 Weeks

According to one of my pregnancy apps, Isabelle weighs about a pound these days. I am definitely starting to feel her wiggling around a lot more lately too. She kicks me all the time and I think she does flips at night because all day long I will feel her kicking really low, but first thing in the morning she always kicks up by my ribs. I have been getting heartburn every day for the last two weeks it seems. I'm anticipating it for the rest of my pregnancy and for only to get worse. Maybe, just maybe, Isabelle will have more hair than Bryelle did. 

Last week I decided I wasn't going to test my blood sugar anymore except for in the mornings for my fasting numbers. I am hoping to talk to the doctor on Thursday about my choice and see what they say about a second opinion. For now I am going to try and eat as healthy as I can, and really get into a good workout routine when I get back to Texas. 

I am so excited to start decorating for fall and really start getting Isabelle's room together. I have lots if hand me down clothes to wash and put away. We are also planning on having a small garage sale in the near future to make more room in our home our new addition. 

Im looking forward to the next few months. We will be getting Bryelle's 2nd birthday photos taken as well as having her second birthday party, maternity photos done, a baby shower in Texas, thanksgiving, Christmas (the first one we've spent in our own home) and then comes Isabelle. I have a feeling the next few months will fly by. I also started Isabelle's baby registry the other day and that was exciting. Not too much on it because we have a lot of what we need already. It was fun to look at baby things again. I know I say this every time almost but I still can't believe I will be having another baby. I don't think I will believe it until she is here. The second pregnancy is definitely different than the first. 

Well that is all for now. Have a good night everyone. This mama is tired! 

Twenty-One

I can't believe I am over halfway done with this pregnancy. I actually still haven't wrapped my head around the fact that I will become a mommy of two. It is still so surreal that I am pregnant again, but I am thrilled to be doing it all over again. The infant stage is probably my favorite stage so far. There is nothing sweeter than the smell of a just-bathed baby, or the way they curl up when they first wake up, that first little giggle, or even just something as simple as when they fall asleep on your chest. I cannot wait to hold my second daughter. I hope that both of my daughters will someday look up to me and that I will guide them both in the right direction and be a good example for them. 

My Braxton hicks contractions have gotten a little more frequent. I have been on my feet a lot so I'm sure that has something to do with it. I am trying to make sure that I get enough water intake.  I don't think it's anything to be worried about but if they get worse I think I will mention it to my doctor at my next appointment. 

Yesterday was the first day since I was "diagnosed" with gestational diabetes that I didn't check my blood sugar. It was my sisters wedding day and I really didn't have time to check it each time I was suppose to. Today I decided to do a little bit of research on gestational diabetes and what I found on it made me want to get a second opinion. Often times gestational diabetes is over-diagnosed. I have not have any numbers higher than 140 and that is normal for someone without gestational diabetes and without being pregnant, so why is it any different when someone is pregnant? It doesn't really make any sense to me. I also read that often times when a woman is pregnant her absorption of glucose slows down in order to be sure that the baby is getting the nutrients. From what it sounds like, it isn't a good idea to cut out carbs while pregnant. However, I do feel a little sick if I eat too many. I think I am just going to eat in moderation and not worry about my blood sugar. I am not worried that Isabelle will be too big. Bryelle was only 6 pounds 4 ounces when she was born. I am hoping that the doctor I see on the 18th will be able to explain things better to me about why the normal numbers for a non pregnant woman or person for that matter would be any different for a pregnant woman. From what I have read most women with gestational diabetes have numbers well into the 200s, and mine have never even been close to that.  I'm not going to dwell on this. It will all be fine and so will Isabelle. 

20 Weeks! Halfway Done!

Ive been waiting for this day for a while. We finally made it to the halfway point. I can't believe in 20 weeks we will be holding another beautiful baby girl in our arms. I can't even begin to describe all the different emotions this brings. It will definitely be a roller coaster ride, but I am ready for all that life with two kids will bring. 

We have been in California for my sisters wedding for the past few days. Her wedding is just under a week away. We've been doing little things here and there to get ready for the wedding. One being trying on my bridesmaid dress and getting it altered so it will fit just right. 

I have had to watch my blood sugar still while we have been here and so far I've gotten good numbers except for the first night. I am really proud of myself for how well I am doing. I really am trying to avoid medicine at all costs. We have an appointment the day after we get back to see if my numbers have been good enough to be able to see a midwife again instead of a doctor. We shall see... 

Besides being extremely exhausted this trimester, everything is good. I am feeling Isabelle move more and more every day. Her kicks and nudges are starting to get stronger and can be felt on the outside now. I can't wait for her to join our family. I always said I wanted a boy and a girl and then I would be done having kids, but I think my heart will be complete with my two little girls. 

I am hoping my energy will come back soon but so far it's looking like it won't. I remember with Bryelle I had energy my whole second trimester and it was great. I guess havig a toddler this time around really is weighing me down. It will be ok though. I still have about 6 weeks left in this trimester to gain some energy back before I start getting really big. 

Anyways, I don't have much of an update, but things are going well. That is all for now!

Week 19 and Feeling Exhausted!

I literally feel like I could fall over at any second. I am so tired! I bet Isabelle is going through a growth spurt or something. I will definitely be sleeping good tonight. 

With the discouraging day I had on Thursday at the doctors office, I will say that I have been doing really well with keeping my glucose levels where they should be. Except for today after lunch. I had too many carbs at lunch and my numbers were 11 above where they should be. Fortunately the doctor told me on Thursday that they mainly look at the fasting numbers so that is good. Still, I want to start being extra careful with what I eat. The hard part about following a diet for gestational diabetes is that if you want to eat something with a lot of carbs, you can only have a very small amount and you have to decide if it is worth it or not. Otherwise it's best to stick with foods that are low in carbs and high in protein so that you stay full longer. There is something so satisfying about something with a lot of carbs though. Not to mention I have a sweet tooth I inherited from both of my grandmas. Anyways, onto other things :)

Wednesday will be our first plane ride together as a family. Bryelle will be sitting on Bryan's lap and maybe some of the time on mine. I originally thought that my belly would be a bit bigger by now but I am actually doing really good! We are going to CA for my sisters wedding and it will be nice to get away and to see family and friends. 

I really have to step up my game and watch really closely what I eat and make sure to get exercise while we are gone. It is my only chance to prove to the doctors that I can manage my diabetes with diet as well as exercise. I have an appointment the day after we get back so it literally is my only chance. I really don't want to have to take medication or be considered high risk so I will do what it takes to make sure that doesn't happen. 

Yesterday we got down a bunch of boxes from the attic of clothes that were Bryelle's. The funny thing is we just put them up there back in April. Surprisingly she doesn't have as much newborn clothes as I thought she did. She was in newborn for quite a while. Even at 3 months her 3 month clothes were still really big so she still wore some newborn. I will have to get some more for Isabelle that are warm because since Bryelle was born in October it was not very cold. There are so many cute girl outfits out there. I bought the girls matching outfits for when Isabelle comes home from the hospital and I can't wait to see them both in them and take a picture of the two of them together. :) 

Well, that is all for now. Talk to you all again soon :) 

        

Overwhelming Day!

Hello there! By now I am sure you have all heard the news! We are expecting another baby girl! Isabelle Grace! We are thrilled! As much as I wanted a little boy, I really wanted another girl. It is going to be so much fun! Poor daddy will be outnumbered still but its ok! Anyways, I wanted to tell you a little bit about my OB appointment that I had before my ultrasound.
First off, I did not see my normal midwife, as she was on vacation. Right away I didnt really get a good vibe from her. She seemed pushy and sarcastic. Totally not my style. I told her I was concerned that my glucometer may not be functioning properly. Since I did have a few high numbers she went out to search for a doctor to come and talk to me. The doctor told me that since half of my fasting numbers for the week were high, I need to either go on medication to get the numbers in control, or I need to really watch my diet and start exercising. I told the doctor that I didn't want to take medication and that I would be controlling it with diet and exercise. I pray that I will be able to, otherwise I will be considered high-risk and will have to see a DR for the remainder of my pregnancy and potentially have to be induced.
The OB told me that since I have a history of asthma that I need to go see an asthma specialist to set up an asthma action plan. I haven't really had any issues with my asthma since I was pregnant with Bryelle, so I feel like this is a waste of time.. Oh well, better safe than sorry I suppose.
Lastly, the OB asked me if I had any questions. I asked her a couple, and then I asked her if my weight gain was on track. I was expecting her to say yes since I had only gained 5.5 pounds at my last appointment, and I had only gained about 5 pounds since then... Well, my weight gain to her was NOT ok... She pretty much told me that since I started out overweight that I should have only gained TWO pounds total so far. I dont see how that is possible but it really upset me a lot. I left the doctors office almost in tears. I dont care what she says, I think I am doing really good. I am already almost halfway through my pregnancy and have only gained 10.7 pounds... That is pretty darn good if you ask me!
Anyways, although my day didnt start out the greatest, our ultrasound turned it all around! I cannot wait to meet my second daughter, Isabelle Grace!

PS. My Blood Pressure was good today, 118/77 and baby girls heartrate was in the 140's. :)

Baby Nichelson #2 Is......

A GIRL!!!!

Last Chance to Take a Guess!

Tomorrow is the big day! Stay tuned tomorrow for the updated version of the picture below to see what our little bundle of joy will be. :) 

18 Weeks, Gender Scan Week!

I can't begin to describe how happy I am to see this week. I have been waiting for this week for a while now. In less than two days we will be getting to see our little one who we haven't seen in about two months. I'm sure so much has changed since the first time we saw him or her and now we will be finding out if this baby is a boy or girl. As long as the baby cooperates, we should know on Thursday. I am so anxious, I cannot wait. 

I am still very torn on what I want the baby to be. It would only be natural for me to want a boy since I have a girl already, but at the same time it would be awesome to have another baby girl. Either way I will be happy but then again slightly disappointed. Not disappointed in the sense that I won't be happy for what I will be having, but just in the sense that I just wish I could have one of each and just get it over with. I guess we could always try for another later if we wanted to. Edited:*** I need to be mindful of those who cannot have children or who have been trying for many years, and be thankful that we were given this sweet gift, which I am--VERY grateful. No matter what the gender I will still be so happy, especially if the baby has a clean bill of health. That is all that matters. ***

On another note, my numbers for my blood glucose haven't been the greatest. They are pretty inconsistent actually. Some days they are good and other days they are a little higher than what they should be. I'm just praying that the next few days they stay in the range they are suppose to be and that it turns out that I won't have gestational diabetes. If I do, I know how to handle it, it's just not very fun. 

I also wanted to add, I have been feeling the baby kick every day for the past week and it's amazing how fresh in my memory this feeling is from when I was pregnant with Bryelle. I love this part of being pregnant :)

Well, that is all for now. Stay tuned for the next blog entry which I think will be on Thursday after I find out what we are having :) 

Four Finger-Pricks a Day, For Seven Days

In my last entry, I told you that I would be having to check my blood sugar for a week to make sure that I do not have gestational diabetes. That started today. So far I have had to check it three times and so far its been good. I am not sure why they are having me check it so early on in my pregnancy. Normally when they check for gestational diabetes its between 26-28 weeks, I believe. Maybe since I have already had it, they wanted to check sooner. Either way, I just hope that if all goes well for this coming week, I will be cleared and not have to be on that strict diet I was on with Bryelle. Not that I would really mind, I got to eat pretty much the same foods. I just had to limit the amounts that I ate if it was something with high carbs, which in turn made it almost not worth it at times.
Anyways, my first reading this morning was a little weird... It was 78, and I thought that was kind of low considering I ate a good amount of tortilla chips last night. So I tested again right after and it said 92, and then again and it said 90. So I am really not sure what number is the right one but I guess it will be fine... Then, two hours after I ate breakfast I tested again and it was 88. Two hours after lunch it was 92. These are all really good readings... In order for me to not be considered to have gestational diabetes, my fasting levels have to be 90 or below, and my levels two hours after a meal need to be below 120. So far I am doing really well. I just hope this keeps up through the weekend and the rest of the week. Normally people tend to consume more carbs over the weekend... At least I know I do.
Well, that is just a little update on what I have to do this week. Cannot believe that in a week we will hopefully find out if this is a baby boy or baby girl, and that in three days I will be 18 weeks along! Crazy how fast time is flying by. I am getting nervous for labor already and I still have a ways to go!
Well, that is all for now! Enjoy the rest of your week everyone!

17 Weeks, 23 Weeks to Go!

Cant believe we are at 17 weeks already! I remember 17 weeks when I was pregnant with Bryelle and that is when I first started feeling her kick. I've been feeling this baby move for a few weeks now, and kicks for a couple weeks.  Still nothing very consistent. We find out in a week and a half what we are having. The anticipation is killing me! I have been so tempted to make an appointment at the 3D ultrasound place, but we will wait. I am still getting a little nausea here and there even though I thought it was gone. Hopefully I don't end up like those women who have nausea their whole pregnancy! 

Today we took a bunch of stuff down from the attic. Mostly just gender neutral stuff. I don't want to take all the baby stuff down only to have to put most of it back up if the baby ends up being a boy, which I hope is the case! I want a boy, but I will be just as happy with a healthy baby girl. 

Bryelle thought we took the baby stuff down for her. She was playing with some of it and putting her baby doll in the infant car seat. It was cute. I am wondering how she will take to having a new baby in the house. I think she is going to be a good big sister. I just hope she is a nice sister and shares with her baby brother or sister. I think she will do fine. 

Thursday I start monitoring my blood sugar four times a day for a week. Not really fun but it's something I have to do to make sure I don't have gestational diabetes and it's better that having to drink that gross glucola drink! It may not taste bad but it sure makes you feel sick the rest of the day! No thanks!

Well, that is all for now. I still don't know how much weight I have gained since the last drs appointment but in a week and a half I will find out at the next one. Hoping it's under 5 pounds but we will see! 

Week Sixteen

I didn't blog last week but nothing really changed much from the previous week. Here we are in week 16. I am 16 weeks and 2 days pregnant today and the baby's kicks have been getting stronger the last couple of days. I remember the first time Bryelle started kicking, like it was yesterday. I was 17.5 weeks when I felt the first kick with her. I've always heard that you feel the second baby sooner. That seems to be true in my case. :)

Last week we picked out some boy names. We have had a girl name picked out since early on, but I had the hardest time with choosing a boy name. I am pretty sure that we have our boys name picked out now. I can't wait to find out what I am having. I will be happy either way. Only 2 weeks left til we have our ultrasound :) 

I was able to go to the gym yesterday after being unable to get up the energy to go for the last few months. I am hoping to keep it up and go at least three times a week. Gotta keep myself and this baby healthy! My nausea is almost completely gone too but if I don't eat enough during the day I start feeling weak and sick. 

I have been really tired lately though. It's been hard to get anything done around this house because my energy levels are so low. I'm hoping in a few weeks I will get some energy back :) 

Other than not having energy, everything is going good. I'm curious to know how much weight I have gained now. My scale stopped working and I haven't gotten new batteries for it yet. 

Well that is all for now. :) 

14 Week Happenings

This past Tuesday we had our 14 week check up. The baby's heart rate was 163 and my weight is going up at a good rate. My blood pressure looked awesome too which is a good thing. We got to schedule our second trimester ultrasound where we will get to find out the baby's sex. We are so excited and can't wait for that day! August 21st!

During my appointment we also talked about my last pregnancy and how I had gestational diabetes. I opted out this time around to do the glucose test where I would have to drink the glucola. I have heard not so good things about what that drink is made out of, so I requested that I do a week long finger prick test instead. So, before my next appointment I will need to test my blood sugar four times a day. I will then bring my meter to my next appointment and they will hook it up to a computer to get my readings and evaluate them to determine if I will need to monitor my blood sugar the remainder of my pregnancy, go on a special diet, or in a worst case scenario take pills or administer shots. Let's pray that I won't resort to having to do the latter.  

Other than all that everything is going good and my nausea is finally starting to come to an end. Yay! My clothes have started getting a little snug around my middle but that is to be expected. Feeling a little more movement here and there and I think I may have even felt a couple of gentle kicks yesterday but I am not sure. 

13.5 Weeks and Baby Nichelson is Moving!

Yes, that is right, I am feeling movement. Before it was just little flutters but now I am feeling my little one move around. Yesterday I swear I felt a flip. In a few weeks I should start feeling little kicks. So exciting! Next week I have an appointment on Tuesday and I'm hoping that they will send me to make my 2nd trimester ultrasound appointment. 

I am so excited that physically I am feeling much better than I have the last 7 weeks. My nausea is almost completely gone. I think if I would make sure to take a nap every day I wouldn't have any nausea at all. I am extremely tired but sometimes taking a nap isn't an option. I get headaches here and there but nothing I have to take anything for. My joints are already starting to loosen up and I feel like a box of rice crispys with all the snap crackle popping my body has been doing. Other than those little things, the only thing that has showed up now is my allergies. I was just saying a couple days ago how my allergies haven't acted up all year and BAM! They decide to show their pretty face. So I've been having watery eyes and sneezing. All this dust in my house doesn't help I'm sure. Bryan? Where are you my little dust man? LOL. No really though. That is HIS job because if I dust, I will be paying for it the next day. Maybe once this house gets completely dusted and we change our air filter my allergies will go away. 

Anyways, we are really still anxious and overwhelmed at the thought of a new baby but I think we are going to be ok. I seem to be not gaining weight as fast this time so that is good. Although, I have been eating like a pig lately. I guess the verdict will exposed be at my appointment next week. I really need to get back to exercising. I am hoping this next trimester will allow that. Well, that is all for now! Thanks for stopping by!

12 Weeks and Counting

Well, Sunday marked 12 weeks of pregnancy. I have been waiting for 6 weeks now to get to this point. I am FINALLY starting to feel a little more like my self again. At the same time, my clothes are starting to get a little more snug, and I am starting to enjoy looking in the mirror less and less. I have got to get my butt moving. Since I have been dealing with morning sickness, it is hard to get up and go to the gym, but I need to. I really didn't stay active with Bryelle, and I gained about 42 pounds (until I lost 8 of them after my diet change) but still, I dont want to gain that much this time. I can slowly see myself falling into the same patterns, so I need to start doing things differently.
This weekend we had a great time celebrating the 4th of July. I felt great almost all day, of course, until we were going to have company over. Zofran still isn't helping the nausea much. I have found though, that if I make sure to eat frequent small meals, and get my rest, I seem to feel much better throughout the day. The frequent meals has been a little easier, but I can't seem to get my rest during the day lately. I need to work on that more, and make it a point to rest when Bryelle rests, and leave the housework for later.
So far I have gained about 3.5 pounds. Not so bad for 12 weeks along. I am still in my regular clothes, although I have worn a couple maternity bottoms here and there, just because they feel comfortable. I need to invest in some maxi dresses for the rest of the summer. I remember them being so comfortable when I was pregnant with Bryelle. I did get some money for my birthday last month, so maybe I will put it to good use.
Some of the other things I have going on are a very weak gag reflex... I cant even brush my teeth without gagging, and often after I eat I have to clear my throat, and that causes me to gag a lot too. Its not fun... Boobs are still super sore. I do get low back aches here and there, and a little bit of cramping if I haven't drank enough water during the day. Other than that, just the normal sensitivity to smells, and occasional nausea. I am hoping that in the next 2.5 weeks I will be all done with the nausea. I am sure that my husband is hoping that too. He doesn't like seeing me like this. It will be a nice change for all of us!
We are slowly starting to get the bedrooms ready for baby. We moved all of Bryelle's toys to the spare bedroom and we are working on getting her a bedroom set for in there.  I cannot wait til she has her big girl room! I am sure she will be excited too. We cant wait to find out what we are having so we can figure out if we need to paint over the pink stripes in Bryelle's current room. If we do, it will be an easy fix since the rest of the room is green and white. I am still very overwhelmed at the thought of having two kids, but I am sure everything is going to be just fine...
Well, that is all for now!

First Ultrasound, First OB Appointment and a Darn Cute Announcement

Yesterday was an exciting day to say the least. We had a lot going on and it was a day I looked forward to for almost a month. It was the day we would see our baby on the ultrasound for the first time, and also have our first OB appointment. 

We got up super early, 4AM. My appointment for my ultrasound was at 5AM. I got up and showered and then got Bryelle's things ready to go so we could drop her off with my friend Jessica. At about 4:30 we finally left the house and drove around the corner to drop off Bryelle. Then we were headed to the hospital. It kind of felt like we were going to the hospital to deliver the baby, being so early in the morning, but I can assure you that is not for a very long time from now. 

We arrived at the hospital around 4:45 and headed to radiology. We checked in and had a seat in the waiting room for which felt like an eternity seeing as I had an extremely full bladder. But we were finally called back about 10 minutes later. 

The exam was thorough yet quick. The ultrasound tech measured everything and told us that baby measured 3.8cm. She told us that the baby was measuring a little big, 10wks and 6days, and I was only 10wks and 4days. She said the heart rate was 174 beats per minute which was good. At first the baby was just snoozing so he/she wasn't really moving around at all. But then it started waving it's arms around and kicking it's little legs. It was so cute and definitely a sight to see. It was beautiful. It even opened it's mouth a couple of times and had a couple of hiccups. That concluded our ultrasound appointment. We picked up Bryelle and her and I went back to bed while daddy had to go to work. 

Later that day, we had our first OB appointment. It was with our midwife that we saw with Bryelle and we were both extatic to see each other. When we got in the exam room and sat down, she told me some disappointing news. She told me that she was leaving and that her last day was Monday. I was so sad. I had looked forward to her being the one I saw my whole pregnancy and delivering the baby. But she did recommend my second choice so I felt a little better. 

She told me all of my bloodwork looked good. She said my blood count was amazing. My weight had only gone up by 1.3lbs in a month so that is good. She did the exam and then did a short ultrasound so that Bryelle could see her little baby brother or sister. It was neat. :) She also told me that I didn't have to do the glucose test since I know how to monitor myself for gestational diabetes so that was good because that test is not fun at all. She sent me off with some Zofran for nausea and slipped me her phone number and told me that she wants to know what I end up having. I think I will update her during my pregnancy. She is such a sweet lady and I'm definitely going to miss her and still super sad that we won't be seeing her for the pregnancy. My next appointment is July 22nd with the other lady and while I can't say I'm as excited as I was with my other midwife, I'm still happy that I know I will be in good hands. 

When we got home from the appointment I decided to get everything ready to take a picture of Bryelle for the announcement. It took a few tries of writing on the chalkboard but I finally got it right. We went out to the backyard and set things up and I took a few photos. I had to be quick because Bryelle was restless. When I got back in to load them on the computer it took forever. I finally got them uploaded and cropped and then was able to share them on my Facebook page. The amount of love we got from our announcement was just amazing. We feel so blessed to have each and every one of you in our lives. I hope you are enjoying my pregnancy story so far. :) Goodbye for now!

                              

Almost 10 Weeks

I haven't posted in a while. Partly because I've been so tired. This baby has been taking a lot out of me and I can tell when it's going through a growth spurt. During those times I'm more tired but also more nauseous. The nausea has settled a little but it still is full force at night. That is when my appetite is the weakest. 

I am getting excited for our appointment next week. I will be 10 weeks and 4 days along. We get to see the baby for the first time at our first trimester ultrasound and then later that day is our appointment. I am not looking forward to the pelvic exam. I've actually had a little bit of anxiety about it, and a bad dream. I'm sure it will be ok though. 

A couple of days ago my husband Bryan gave me my birthday present a little early. It is a sonoline B fetal Doppler. I was able to hear Baby Nichelson #2's heartbeat. It was music to my ears and really brightened up my day. It is hard not to want to listen to it all the time, but it definitely makes me feel closer to the baby. 

So far I haven't really gained any weight. I am hoping to only gain a pound or two this trimester and only 5-10 or so in the next trimester and of course I will gain in the last. I just don't want to gain as much as I did when I was pregnant with Bryelle.

Anyways, just wanted to give an update on how I have been lately. Next time I blog it will be about our experience seeing our little one for the first time :) 

8 Weeks and Feeling It

So I am 8 weeks and 4 days pregnant today and definitely feeling it. I am already so over being nauseous. Some days I wake up feeling great and feel great most of the day, but most days I don't feel well. It's not all day luckily but it's the better part of the day. Afternoon and evening mostly. I've tried a lot of remedies and so far haven't had a whole lot of relief. Let's see... I tried ginger candies and those make me want to vomit... I've tried peppermint lifesavers and they helped at first but now they too make me want to vomit. I tried ginger gum... Yuck. I've tried sea bands and they seem to help a little. Ginger ale kind of helps as well as ice cold water. I got some peppermint tea and that seemed to help. What really helps me though is sleep. I try and nap at least once a day. I just wish I didn't feel so crappy at dinner time. 

Today I started having a little carpel tunnel in my right hand. It's pretty uncomfortable which makes it hard to write this blog. I am actually going to end with this and I will be back later to write some more. Goodnight y'all. 

Feeling So Much Better

Wow this has been quite a week! I was pretty sick every other day. It's really weird how that happened. Except for yesterday and today, I had been sick every other day. Not going to say on the off days I wasn't sick at all, but let's just say that there were days when I couldn't even get out of bed. 

Yesterday I used my friends fetal Doppler and got to hear baby's heart beat. It was reassuring. I haven't been able to hear it since though. :-/ and the fact that I don't really feel at all sick today, ok maybe a little, but hardly at all.. Makes me worry a little that maybe the HCG hormone isn't as strong as it was. Then again I did read something that said that this is around the time the placenta starts taking over so that my body doesn't have to work as hard to provide for the baby. 

I am 7 weeks and 5 days pregnant today. On Sunday I will be 8 weeks. It seems to be going kind of slow. Sunday will be the day that I announce my pregnancy. I am still thinking of an idea on how to do it. We will see. 

7 Weeks

Well here we are at 7 weeks and 1 day. I have been having a terrible time with nausea. It is definitely worse than it was with my daughter. Friday night was awful. I was up from 3 until about 8 or 9 and just felt so sick. All day Saturday I spent either on the couch or in bed and had no appetite. Sunday I felt much better and got a lot of relief but now today I am back to how I was feelin on Saturday. I can't bare the thought of maybe seven more weeks of this. It just sounds horrible. I just want to cry. I feel like a bad mom because I'm finding it hard to even take care of my daughter at times. I am just glad my husband has been so helpful. Well I will leave this short at sweet because I need to close my eyes and get some rest. Maybe it will help me to feel better. We shall see. 

Aversions

So, up until yesterday I really haven't had any food aversions, but I figured out today that one of my aversions so far is spaghetti. Even just typing out the word I am trying not to gag. My husband had leftover spaghetti last night and the smell was repulsive. Then, he said tonight at his meeting they had spaghetti. Totally grossed me out. Yuck. It's been really hard lately to eat healthy but I had a taco salad for dinner. You have to start somewhere. And I've noticed that if I want to eat healthy I pretty much have to force feed myself, unless it's fruit and then I'm all for it. Which reminds me, I bought some organic green grapes today and they are amazing. I'm so glad I bought them. They even helped my nausea. I do have quite the sweet tooth though. As I type I am snacking on some Haagen Dazs ice cream. It's definitely hitting the spot. I've noticed that cold stuff really helps the nausea. Especially iced cold water. 

My husband has been really helpful lately and I'm so grateful. I made a huge mess today in the kitchen and he is totally cleaning up after me with no complaints. My nausea has been pretty bad today but that is a good thing because it means the baby is growing. It still doesn't seem as bad as it did with Bryelle but it could get worse. We will see in no time. I have my first appointment on Wednesday and although it's only an intake appointment I am still hoping I can stop in and see the midwife I saw with Bryelle. 

Today I got up a little energy to take a walk. Bryelle and I went to the park and walked a mile before it got dark and started raining again. A little over half way through the walk I got the urge to use the restroom, and I had just went before we left the house. I guess my uterus is pushing on my bladder already. As if it weren't already weak! Oh well just another good sign that baby Nichelson number two is growing like he or she should. :)

Hello There 6 Weeks!

Today I've reached the 6 week mark in my pregnancy with Baby Nichelson number two and let me tell you, I am feeling it! 

Today I've had a lot of nausea and headaches. I did notice that my nausea hasn't been as bad as it was when I was pregnant with Bryelle, but then again it is still very early. There is still plenty of time for that nausea to kick in full swing! 

I had to run a few errands in Austin today and I had my first meltdown for this pregnancy. I was talking to my mom and aunt about the dress for my sisters wedding and just saying how I didn't really want to get pregnant before the wedding because I didn't want to have to worry about the dress, and I just started bawling. Don't get me wrong, I am super excited about having another baby, it's just that the timing is kind of bad because I am in a wedding, but I need to remember that my timing may not always be the best but Gods is and He knows what He is doing. 

I was craving Panera Bread today so my friend and I went since we were already in the area, and my food settled pretty well at first. After we ate I stopped by a store really quick and as I was talking to a salesperson I started feeling really queasy. When I got back to the car my friend suggested that I get one of my ginger candies, but they really didn't sound good. I did put one in my mouth and felt a little better. I sure was tired after lunch though! 

For dinner all I could really tolerate was a smoothie. I made it with spinach, strawberries, blueberries, a banana, yogurt, almond milk and ice. And now that I'm writing this I realized that I should have used the frozen bananas. Oh well... I also had a bit of popcorn but it didn't sit right. 

So today at 6 weeks Emotionally I am feeling overwhelmed a little.. Also excited and anxious for my first appointment. Physically I am exhausted and nauseated. I have super sore boobs and my stomach is starting to bloat... Yay... Lol. That is all until next time. 

The "Not Feeling Pregnant" Stage

I remember this stage all too well from my first pregnancy. It was right around the same time also. I have been looking back on my journal to kind of compare what is happening now, with what happened during the first pregnancy. I looked at what today's entry from last time said, because I remember a point in the beginning where I didn't feel pregnant. It was as if my symptoms disappeared for a little while. I definitely feel like I have a little more energy than I did last time. But no nausea (yet), no aversions really, I have noticed I've had to use the restroom a little more but not a lot, and I have tender breasts... I guess since I am still early, my symptoms are subtle. I should count my blessings. I am sure that the morning sickness will be here before I know it. I just cant wait to see my little one on the ultrasound. I am guessing in about 5 or 6 weeks. That feels like forever away! Well, thats all for now!

And So it Begins...

At least I think it has... The awful morning sickness... Either that or I am just really really hungry this morning. I am sure I will feel better once I have something in my stomach, but right now I am not feeling too great. I'm sure it doesn't help that I have a headache also. It will all be ok. Its all part of the process and its a good thing! I am still trying to think of an idea to announce the good news with everyone. I know that I want to use Bryelle to do it. Something to do with her becoming a big sister. Well, that is all for now. I really need to get something in my stomach before I really start feeling sick.

Week 5

      Welcome to Week 5 of my pregnancy journey with Baby Nichelson #2.  So far I don't have too many symptoms, but just enough to confirm in my mind that I am truly indeed pregnant. It still seems so surreal to me. Our first daughter Bryelle was planned and while we were still shocked to find out we were pregnant with her, we had at least somewhat expected it. With this baby, I really had no clue that it would happen. We had planned to start trying the end of September after my sisters wedding, as I am the Matron of Honor and have already purchased my dress. I am hoping it will fit!
      It is day 2 of Week 5 and I feel exhausted. I haven't had any food aversions yet, nor cravings but I am sure they are coming soon. No morning sickness yet, although I do have a butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling. I still have a low back ache and stiffness in my lower back. Cramping comes and goes too, and I feel a fullness in my uterus. Looking back on my pregnancy with my first child, my morning sickness started at the end of the 5th week. I am praying that I get a little bit longer before it starts with this one, or at least that I don't get it as bad. Only time will tell! I think I am going to have weekly questions that I will answer about my pregnancy, as well as monthly questions. I wanted to buy a pregnancy journal, but I decided that I will just blog about this pregnancy instead. I couldn't find a journal that I liked...

How I am Feeling: Physically I am exhausted! Mentally, I am anxious for my appointment next week, overwhelmed about adding a new addition to the family.

I found out I was pregnant on Thursday May 15, 2014.
I was at home when I found out.
I was in shock because we hadn't been planning to have a baby for a while.
My husband was shocked also, but he said he had a feeling I was pregnant.
How I told him was by showing him the test and telling him I was pregnant.
We told our immediate family members and a couple of friends so far.

I weigh 143 pounds. My goal is to only gain between 15-25 pounds during this pregnancy.

That Blue Plus Sign

      I am really excited to start this blog, and really hoping that I can keep up with it and document everything in a timely manner. I am overwhelmed with the idea of going from one to two kids but I am also very overjoyed that I will become a mommy again and that I will make my daughter a big sister. 

      It all began on Tuesday May 13th, 2014.  I woke up extremely tired and I believe I drank two cups of coffee that day. I was still dragging all throughout the day, but I blamed it on not sleeping much the night before, plus I watch two young children and run around after my own daughter so I thought maybe the combination of that and lack of sleep was catching up to me. 

      The following day, I woke up with a really bad ache in my lower back. I knew I hadn't been drinking enough water so I contributed the pain to that and thought that maybe I was getting a kidney infection or UTI. I was talking with a friend later that day and she jokingly said "Maybe your back hurts because you are pregnant?" "Yeah right..." I thought to myself. There was NO way. Or was there?  I kind of shrugged it off, but then just out of curiosity I decided to check out my pregnancy journal from when I was pregnant with Bryelle and see what kind of symptoms I had back then. 

      Week 4 Day 6: My lower back hurts today. Went to the urgent care clinic and got a pregnancy test and will be referred to the OB on post soon. Slight cramping and breast tenderness. Very emotional.

      That journal entry really got me thinking... I had been cramping but I contributed it to my period starting in a couple of days. My breasts were feeling tender, and that was weird because they hadn't felt that way since I was pregnant with Bryelle. Maybe I WAS pregnant. There was only one way to find out, but I wanted to try and wait it out a little bit longer.

      The next day, Thursday May 15th, my back hurt even more than the day before. I drank a ton of water thinking that it would help, but to no avail, my back still hurt. I was also feeling a lot more crampy than I did the past couple of days. Also, while making dinner that night, I got a little queasy at the sight and smell of the beef cooking for lentil soup... So, I finally decided that night that I would get a pregnancy test so I could rule out pregnancy and get myself the help that I really needed to start feeling better. 

      What happened that night was complete deja vu. I took the test, and there it was... I immediately saw the plus sign and thought to myself "No way."  Then, I went to tell my husband. As I was walking through the bathroom door, he was walking into the bedroom door towards me. "Well?" he said. "I'm pregnant!" I told him.  He told me he had a feeling that I was.  We hugged for what seemed like forever and when we parted, we were both shaking. I had so many things going through my mind at that moment, but I was excited to tell my family. I called each immediate family member one by one and told them all the great news. 

      According to the first day of my last period, I was 4 weeks and 5 days pregnant when I took the pregnancy test. We have our registration appointment on May 28, 2014. :)