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 :)