Eeek, I skipped 22 and 23 weeks, but now I'm a day early with 24 weeks!

How I'm feeling: I had been feeling fabulous over the past few weeks, and then randomly there were a couple days last week where I had my first heartburn this pregnancy!  I'm not really sure why, as I was eating the same foods, and not any more than usual, but it seems to have gone away since then, so who knows.  Maybe baby boy was in a weird position, squishing things inside of me more than usual?  Aside from that, over the last few days I've been having a few more aches than usual, but really only a few times a day, and it's hardly worth mentioning.  So overall, still feeling pretty great

Weight gain this week: 5 pounds over the past 3 weeks
Total weight gain: 14 pounds!

Cravings: meringue cookies.  but i can't find them anywhere, at the moment. diet coke.
Aversions: none

Best part of the week: riley has made my day just about every single day lately.  I mean, she always makes me happy, but this week in particular she has been so incredibly funny and smart and it blows my mind how much she knows and is capable of!  There have been MANY moments this week where I have been like, "did she really just do that?"  So fun!  Also, 24 weeks = VIABILITY, which means baby could survive outside the womb at this point!

Worst part of the week: The night where Mark wasn't home, Riley was in bed, and we had no good food in the house! 

Exercise:  Not good.  Not good at all.  Zero runs, zero weights, only walking.  I did have the intention of going swimming one day... but it didn't happen.  I'll do better next week, otherwise I'm going to gain WAY too much weight and not be as healthy as I should .

Movement: definitely getting more frequent and stronger.  I feel him all evening long, every time I'm trying to fall asleep (of course), and early in the morning.

About baby:  With Riley I feel like I always knew how big she was, what new fun developments were going on, and all those little pregnancy development details.  This time, I often have no idea.  But I did look it up this week, just out of curiosity.  At 23 weeks, baby was about 11 1/2 inches long, and weighed about a pound (apparently the size of a large mango?), so now is a little bit longer and bigger (sorry, didn't look up the exact stats for 24 weeks).  His skin is becoming less see through, and he's busy packing on the fat!  He is practicing "breathing" amniotic fluid, and he's picking up tons of sounds from outside the womb (which means he's apparently going to know all of Riley's favorite songs and books right from birth)...  :)

How I'm feeling this week:  Great!  Feeling really good, even slightly less tired than last week I think.  It's getting a little boring to report, but everything is pretty darn good!  No heartburn, no backaches, sleeping decently (aside from my crazy baby who now always wants to sleep in bed with me), overall really great!

Best part of the week: Buying some SUPER cute baby clothes!!  And sooooort of semi narrowing down our list of potential names.  Not even close to deciding, but we're getting there?

Cravings: Salads, as usual.  Almonds.  Gummy bears.
Aversions:  I seriously almost threw up changing one of Riley's dirty diapers.  I mean, those never smell GOOD, but changing them lately is a huge battle for me, ugh I gag just thinking about it.

Weight gain this week: 0 pounds... in fact, maybe even lost 1/2 a pound?
Total weight gain: 8.5 pounds

Movement: Quite a lot these days!  Lots of movement in the evenings, but I feel him throughout the day.  We're still at the "aww this is cute" stage of movement and not the "ouch!" or "this is so uncomfortable" stage, so I'm enjoying that for sure.  Feeling big movements from the outside is not that common yet, but happens a couple times a day probably.

Exercise:  Because I've been feeling so good, I've been more motivated to work out.  I went for 2 short runs, and started doing a modified version of 30 day shred again, which is good for making me feel like my body is not turning into a big muscle-less blob!  Plus, added bonus, Riley thinks watching me do 30 day shred is HILARIOUS.  She even learned how to do the warm-up hip circles with me (if any of you do 30 day shred, you know what I'm talking about).

Ok so bear with me... I'm actually 21 weeks now, but never posted this from last week, so I'm posting it today before I write my 21 week post.  I also didn't take a picture for 20 weeks, oops!  In my defense, I left my computer at my parents' house so I was computer-less for the past 3 days, hence the lack of blogging.  Anyway... this was written and saved as a draft last week:

Technically this is the halfway point, although I didn't make it to 40 weeks with Riley, so maybe I'm more than halfway done already!!  Either way, 20 weeks, wow!

How I'm feeling this week:  Good! I've been feeling pretty good, basically the same as last week, almost nothing has changed. 

Weight gain this week: 1 pound
Total weight gain: 9 pounds

Best PARTS of the week:  There were a lot!! (1) Feeling and seeing the baby move from the outside!  And Mark got to feel it to for the first time!  It's funny to feel how faint it feels compared to how big and strong I know it will get in the upcoming weeks.  Right now it feels so cute and I love feeling every movement, but I remember all too well how strong and even painful these kicks can become!  For now though, I'll just enjoy these cute little ones.  Oh yeah, and (2) Finding out we're having a BOY!!! 

Exercise:  Back in action!  I went for a few runs, did some strengthening stuff, and walked a ton, and felt really really good about it all. Except for when it was raining, then I just snuggled with my baby and read a million books and did the same 5 puzzles over and over and over again. :)

Cravings: Salads (of all kinds), raspberries, 7-11 slurpee, sushi
Aversions: none.

This week my mom and I went to look at double strollers, which was probably a mistake, because I fell in love even more with the stroller I wanted.  I have had my eye on the Baby Jogger City Select, and it is pretty much everything that I want in a double stroller.  It looks like this:

Too bad it is totally not in my budget.  I tried to look at other less expensive strollers and convince myself they were just as good, but no such luck.  I'm attached to this one.  And it's apparently a totally hot item, I can't find it used ANYWHERE!  Siiiiiiiigh.

And speaking of shopping, my mom is the best in the whole entire world, and bought our little baby boy his very first clothes!  Some onesies, some adorable sleepers, and a blue blanket (since we currently only have pink ones)!  I have to say though, I was definitely not as impressed with boy clothes as I was with the girl clothes, but we only went to two places so I'm sure I will find some more that I love elsewhere (although not for cheap, I'm sure).

Ok so stay tuned for the 21 week post coming... tomorrow. :)  With pictures, I swear.  And maybe some pictures of Riley bug.

BOY BOY BOY!!!

I was convinced it was a girl, for no reason really than we already had a girl and it was just second nature to think about being pregnant with a girl again.  Mark was very hopeful for a boy, although obviously we'd both be totally thrilled either way.  So I was really shocked that it was a boy and still can't believe it!!  And there was (according to the ultrasound tech) absolutely no question that this little baby was a boy!

I had grand plans for a "gender reveal" photo shoot, but due to rainy weather we had to delay, so I may or may not still do it, we'll see.  We had to settle for a few indoor photos of Riley with a blue lollipop and some new purchases we made.  And let me tell you, the meltdown that occurred after taking that lollipop away was HUGE. 

Now let the name discussions begin!  Yikes I don't even know where to start!

How I'm feeling:  Same as last week, really.  Not a whole lot is changing lately, and I don't feel like I'm getting THAT much bigger these past weeks.  I feel like I'm bigger sooner than I was last time, but am not growing as fast anymore, so maybe I won't end up being that huge at the end of it all??  But I could be wrong.  I've been struggling a little bit with how I look this pregnancy, I feel I just look so much bigger than last time (even though I weight pretty much the same), and I think it must be because in New Zealand, we only have 2 mirrors in our entire house, and neither of them is full length.  In fact, they are pretty much only chest height.  Here I feel like I'm surrounded by full length mirrors, which really lets me see how my body looks.  Can't say that I'm loving it, but I know it's all worth it in the end. 

Weight gained:  Since I messed up last week by not weighing myself, I don't know what I gained this week either, but I am now at a total of 8 pounds gained.

Cravings: none really that I can think of.
Aversions: none. Boring, I know.

Movement:  Lots of movement these days, especially noticeable in the evenings when I'm relaxing on the couch.  Still can't feel or see it from the outside, so Mark hasn't been able to feel anything yet.  I'm excited for him to be able to feel it because I think it really makes the pregnancy more real for him.

Exciting things this week:  I heard the heartbeat for the first time!  You might be thinking, wow, that's pretty late in the game to be hearing it for the first time, and you're right.  At my last 2 doctor's appointments my OB tried to hear the heartbeat for maybe a total of 2 seconds, and then was like, eh, we'll just do an ultrasound.  We could see the heartbeat (and baby, obviously), but didn't actually hear it.  So this time she heard it right away, a strong heartbeat of around 160.  I'm thinking we're having another girl, but we'll find out next Wednesday!!  And I'm trying to come up with a fun way to share it with you all, so get excited!

I'm not really a big fan of sharing bare belly shots, but I wanted one from the front, and you couldn't really see anything with my black shirt on, so this is the closest to bare belly you'll probably see.  Can you see my little bruises (they look like red dots sort of) on either side of my belly?  That's from the lovenox injections.  Those bruises are actually the smallest ones I've had since I started these injections, so that's a plus!

Wow this pregnancy is FLYING by!  It's funny, the first time around, I was dying to meet my little girl.  To hold her in her arms, to sing to her and kiss her face and just snuggle with her for hours and hours.  And obviously I'm excited for that again, but I don't want the time to go too quickly.  I want to cherish my last months with just Riley as my baby, because after baby #2 gets here, everything is going to change!  So for now, I'm just trying to enjoy my little Riley baby, while patiently waiting for her little brother or sister. :)

I am a little behind on this post since I was out of town all weekend, but better late than never.  Unfortunately I didn't get around to taking a picture, but that's alright.  Anyway, here goes:

How I'm feeling:  Overall, I'd say I'm doing pretty well.  Still tired all the time, but I think that's just going to be a given when pregnant while raising a toddler.  I'm done with morning sickness for the most part, but for some reason this week I have been really sensitive to smells.  Seriously changing Riley's poopy diapers is next to impossible!

Movement:  Yes.  Definitely feeling it.  I haven't been sure the past couple weeks, but now I'm sure.  It's just that I remember the huge strong kicks from the end of my pregnancy with Riley, so these are so little and delicate that I kept second guessing if it was real!  But it definitely is, I'm sure of it now.

Cravings:  I really wanted a steak from outback steakhouse one day.  I've also been really wanting salads or veggies with ceasar or ranch dressing.
Aversions:  None really.

Weight gained this week: 1 pound?  I didn't actually weight myself, so I'm not totally sure. 
Total weight gained: also not sure... 7-9 pounds?  I'll get an accurate number for next week.

Things to look forward to: OB appointment on Wednesday, then the big ultrasound next week!  Can't wait to find out the sex of this little baby!!  Oh yeah, AND, my birthday is next week!  Woohoo!

Other symptoms: none!  Still no heartburn or swelling or headaches or any of those potential nasty pregnancy symptoms.  Id like to put those off as long as possible!!

We'll start with some photos:

How I'm feeling: Fine, mostly.  Still tired, of course, but I don't expect that to change for a very, very long time.  :) Other than that, feeling fine!  No heartburn, no back pain, no cramping, no nothing, really.  Sleeping decently, aside from getting up to pee 2-3x per night, which is always annoying. Oh yeah, and aside from Riley deciding randomly to wake up multiple times all week long.  She's had a low grade fever and has been unusually irritable, so maybe it's teething?  Not sure, but I hope she gets back to better sleep habits soon!!

Movement:  I don't know anymore.  Maybe I've been feeling it, maybe not.  I would be surprised if what I was feeling was actually not movement since I have an anterior placenta this time around, but who knows.

Weight gain this week: Another pound
Total weight gain:  I think that puts me at 6 pounds.  That's more than I had gained last time around at this point, but not by much I don't think.

Cravings: strawberries, jello, juice, frozen yogurt, these weird veggie cracker things, pizza.
Aversions: none that I can think of.

I am so excited to find out the sex of our baby.  I don't know why, but knowing the sex makes everything seem more real to us.  We can start thinking of names and buying clothes (well, only if it's a boy since we already have so many girl clothes).  We will hopefully find out in about 3 weeks if baby cooperates during the ultrasound!  We've had 3 ultrasound so far, and couldn't tell in any of them, so we really have no idea!  I'm thinking girl (even though I've had 3 dreams that it's a boy), and Mark is thinking/hoping/praying it's a boy.  Of course, I'd be thrilled if it's a boy, and Mark would be thrilled if it's a girl, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see. 

This week I also went maternity clothes shopping with my mom, which was... okay.  I did end up with a few things, some I actually really liked, some that were just okay but will probably be needed as I get bigger.  I did find one really nice pair of jeans from "A pea in the pod" but we only bought then because they were on sale- everything in that store is way too expensive!!  I also ordered some stuff from old navy online, but it's totally hit or miss if any of it will fit correctly, so I guess we'll see.  I'll be sporting all my new clothes in upcoming weekly photos, so get excited!!

I've been trying to tell Riley all about her new future brother or sister, but it's so hard because she's still so little, I have no idea how much she will understand!   But before we both know it another little bubba will be entering our household, and I'm sure she'll get the picture then!  This pregnancy is pretty much flying by, hard to believe we're at 17 weeks already!!

Sort of forgot to do my 15 week update, sooooo I'll include my mini 15 week update with this week's 16 week one.

AT 15 WEEKS:
How I (was) feeling:  Pretty good, although feeling a lot larger these days.  Pretty much done with morning sickness, unless I have an empty or totally overfull stomach, and then I do not feel so great. 

Movement:  Some days I swear I'm feeling the baby, but then when I try and lay still and really wait to feel it again...nothing.  So maybe it's real, maybe I'm dreaming.  You'd think I'd know for sure, ya know, second time around and all.

Weight gain this week: 1 pound
Total weight gain: 4 pounds

Cravings: salads!
Aversions: none.

Worst part of the week:  Trying to shop for some maternity shirts and they are all just plain awful (or way overpriced!!)
Best part of the week:  Getting to see the little baby bug 2.0 on the ultrasound again at my doctor's appointment!  It never gets old. :)

16 WEEKS:
How I'm feeling:  Good!  I don't feel like I need a nap every single day, but if I don't take a nap, I need to be in bed by like 9pm.  Riley wears me out!  I would say morning sickness is mostly gone, although the gag reflex is still pretty strong, and I remember that sticking around for quite a while last time, so I don't see that going away any time soon.

Movement:  Same as last week- I think I feel it, but it's pretty faint, and not that frequent yet.

Cravings: sushi again, bell peppers, cilantro vinaigrette salad dressing, guacamole, and pizza
Aversions:  Meaty pizza (sausage, pepperoni, etc)

Weight gain this week: 1 pound
Total weight gain: 5 pounds

Exercise:  I went for a run this week!  Well, I wouldn't call it a run, more of a slow jog, but it felt really good to be out and exercising, even though I was really sore afterwards.  Definitely inspired to continue this trend for as long as I'm comfortable!  With Riley I ran until around 20-22 weeks (can't remember exactly) and then stuck to just walking after that.  So if I can get a few more weeks of running in that would be great!

Best part of the week:  Two things.  (1) Our fabulous family vacation to Tahoe with my parents!  Lots of fun, totally worth it!  And (2) my arm FINALLY feels almost normal from my blood draw a few weeks ago!

How I'm feeling: Depends on the time of day. :)  Usually pretty good, although carrying Riley around and lifting her up and putting her down is really starting to take a toll on my back.  By the end of the day my back just aches and aches.  Not sure how I'm going to cope when I'm much much bigger!  But other than that, not much to complain about.  I'm starting to feel a little bit of ligament pain- proof my belly is expanding!

Weight gain this week: one pound
Total weight gain: 2.5-3 pounds

Cravings: I really really felt like having sushi, but haven't had any because I don't know enough about sushi to pick something I'm actually allowed to eat.  So I'll look into it, figure out what's okay to have, and then maybe go out and get it at some point.  Oh and tomato soup from Safeway, YUM!!

Aversions:  Nothing too bad- alfredo sauce, and orange juice (off and on, some days I want it, some days I hate it).  I think that's it.

Best part of the week:  Daily naps (except for today), and almost daily sleep-ins (8am) thanks to my amazing husband who usually gets up with Riley early in the morning.

Movement: none felt yet, apparently I have an anterior placenta this time around, which means it can take a lot longer for me to feel any movement.  Last time I first felt movement around 17 weeks, but it could be a while before I feel anything this time.  Guess we'll see!

Worst part of the week: My stupid arm still feels awful from my blood draw last week when she struck a nerve.  OUCH.  I guess something to ask my Dr. about at my appointment on Monday.

About baby:  Baby is now about the size of a lemon, somewhere in the 3.5-4" range, weighing in at a whole 1.5 ounces (all approximate, of course).  Baby can now grimace, frown, pee, and possibly suck his or her thumb.  Fun fact (thanks to parentsconnect.com)- the baby has tripled in size in the last 3 weeks!

Aaaaaaaand, a photo with some more fun facts.

To be perfectly honest, I have been horrible about taking belly pictures.  BUT, I have a feeling (and by "feeling," I mean evidence) that I am going to be way bigger way earlier this pregnancy than I was with Riley, so I need to start taking weekly pictures and stop putting it off!  With Riley, I didn't take regular weekly pictures until around 20 weeks because there was barely any change.  But here I am, 13.5 weeks pregnant, looking, well, much more pregnant than I did last time.  So, as promised, a few pictures for you.  :)  And umm, pretend the mirror isn't super dirty.

And in case you don't believe me that I'm way bigger already?  Here's a little comparison from last time around... me pregnant with Riley at TWENTY THREE WEEKS, and me now at THIRTEEN WEEKS.  Siiiiiiiiiiiiigh.