Week 38, Baby 2

So here we are...still waiting to meet Baby Mousel even after being very far along last week. My doctor had not even walked into the room at my appointment yesterday and was already saying she was sure that she was not going to see me this week and thought I would have delivered last weekend! Everything continues to move in the right direction and baby is moving the best it can in its tight quarters. Luckily, I am feeling really good and sleeping wonderfully for the 3rd trimester. We are just so ready to meet our new little one and I am ready to be done with work.

Here are the stats from the appointment:

• Baby bpm: 135 (As she showed me the monitor, I noticed that the heart rate ranged from 122-145 in a matter of 20-30 seconds...I learned that the heart rate should fluctuate greatly, and if it doesn't they could worry about neurological issues. Amazing what you can learn, when you ask questions!) 
• Measurement: 40 weeks
• Weight: Steady (no gain/loss...which again is typical as the body readies for labor)
• Dilation: 5cm (half-way there!)
• Effacement: 80% 

My doctor also commented that she has another patient that basically parallels me right now...similar due dates, and we are both measuring and dilating at the same rate. And we have both proven her wrong about delivery. She said she is going to end up running between our two delivery rooms as we will end up delivering at the same time. The other funny part of the comment: I figured out who the other patient is!

In other BIG news...
Isabel pooped for the first time in the potty at Barbie's yesterday so she got to wear big girl panties! The rest of Friday she did awesome, so we will see how today goes...crossing our fingers!

Isabel cuddling and resting on Mama's bump (for the time being)

Week 37, Baby 2

Like I said last week, I didn't mind seeing a different OB, but there is something comforting about seeing my doctor who knows what this pregnancy has brought. My shortness of breath and heart palpitations have greatly subsided since the baby has dropped so that has brought relief leading us to believe everything will go back to normal after baby is born. I am not big on the "how much weight have you gained?" game in pregnancy, but I have to laugh as the doctor I saw last week said that I put on exactly what she would want me to be; whereas my doctor would have liked me to put on a little more weight. I truly believe having stomach bugs three different times during this pregnancy is the main culprit of lower weight gain...I would totally have put on more weight if I could have avoided the misery of being sick! 

Contractions are still random and mild. The most consistency I have had is three contractions each 20 minutes apart. Baby is growing and moving like a champ. He/she likes to move most at night when I crawl into bed, around about 4:00pm (when I am done with work), and in the early morning hours 4-5:00am. I am measuring at 40 weeks, dilated to 4cm, and 70% effaced...sounds good to me! She informed me of the on-call doctor this weekend and when she was on call next so maybe that was her telling me her prediction. Not that I want her to, but she said she cannot strip membranes until 39 weeks so really it just becomes a waiting game at this point until my body and baby say everything is ready...not just when mama, dada, Isabel, and the rest of us are ready!

Oh and by the way, the overwhelming prediction is Baby Mousel will be a boy probably by 95% to 5%...here is praying we will find out soon, very soon!

36 Weeks, Baby 2

So now that we are almost 37 weeks, I should catch you up on 36 weeks, but in order to do that we should probably quick discuss week 34. I started really feeling those early, low contractions right at 34 weeks so I knew things moving along, but much too early to meet the little one (however, I have been ready since then). For most of the pregnancy, I have been measuring two weeks ahead, which is in the normal range; however, when I went in for my 34 week check-up, I was measuring four weeks ahead so an ultrasound was scheduled to check measurements and fluid levels. It was fun to peek at baby and, of course, again, he/she was very active so it was hard to get good shots. Nevertheless, the tech got what she needed and told us everything was good. Actually, according to her measurements baby was at 33 weeks, 3 days (at the time I was 34 weeks, 4 days) and baby was 4lbs, 10oz. So she was saying, I am just BIG. I am a little skeptical of the mathematical formula used to decipher weight, but I am not the expert so we will just wait and see what the little one comes out at.


On to 36 weeks...

I saw a different doctor than usual, which I was a little nervous about as I had not heard great things about her. We were pleasantly surprised, and I am glad I had seen her because now between both pregnancies, I have seen all the OB doctors at the clinic. It is interesting how every doctor conducts the check-ups. She didn't tell me what I was measuring at, she just said that is looks it good; probably because I was measuring way big and it contradicted what she just went through with us from the ultrasound. Okay, no more sassy pants from me. The baby's heart rate was around 145bpm. She also didn't tell me if I was or what percentage effaced I was, but did make the comment that I "ripen early." The word ripening is often used to describe effacement, which refers to cervical lining thinning. Last, but not least, I am dilated to 3cm. So all in all, I am moving towards labor, which is a good thing as I feel that this pregnancy has been very difficult and uncomfortable. I do keep in mind, though, that it could be a lot worse, and I am very fortunate.

I think we are all ready for baby to come and have been gearing up in different ways. Isabel has been soaking up every little second she can with mama and dada...needing to be carried, big hugs, and many kisses. She also asks about baby all the time.

Butter got all the "just in case" stuff done at work; however, he still needs to get a few things ready for the big day (cameras, bag packed, and choose which 3 books he is going to bring this time because you know he had sooo much time time to read the first time). As for me, I have definitely been nesting...random loads of laundry, cleaning bathrooms at 9:00pm at night (mind you, I am normally crawling into bed at 8:00pm), and my bags as well as Isabel's are packed waiting by the front door. We are ready!  

32 Weeks, Baby 2

The journey between week 28 and week 32 has been an eventful one, which is not always good when it comes to pregnancy. In my case, though, I am hoping it is just another wonderful "side effect" of pregnancy rather than any long term condition.

So let's get to the heart of the matter: I had mentioned on my 28 week post that I was experiencing completely normal shortness of breath, but new to me for this pregnancy as I was having it when relaxed adn lounging around after work. Along with the shortness of breath, though, I was having heart palpitations. When I told my OB, she first suggested I go see a family practice doctor, but as I continued to describe it and that Butter was able to feel the difference in heartbeat, she referred me to the cardiologist. Since, you know, the heart is kind of a vital organ and it is a little stressed during labor and delivery. :)

The cardiologist didn't seem overly concerned, but heart conditions and pregnancy share many similar symptoms so it was hard for her to feel confident in a diagnosis without further tests. The heart palpitations were pretty isolated to the evening hours so she was not able to hear/feel those, but she did say I had a heart murmur, which I have never been told I had before. She said the murmur could be something brought on by pregnancy and correct itself similar to how a baby born with a murmur can correct itself. In the next few days, I had blood drawn for lab tests, an Echo cardiogram, and wore a heart monitor for 24-hours. All tests came back "normal."

Pregnancy can do some crazy things, but to say what I am experiencing is normal just doesn't seem right to me. However, I am not the doctor so I trust her expert opinion, and the symptoms and results are in my file so when the time comes to have this baby, the doctor and nurses will be aware of this lovely side effect.

There is comfort that this is happening to me and Baby Mousel is a growing, stretching, healthy little one, and all comfy-cozy in my tummy!

My 32 week appointment was an interesting one as I think my OB is still a little concerned with the heart symptoms along with the swelling that has started within the last week or so. She is not concerned with pre-eclempsia as my blood pressure was excellent, but she won't mind seeing this baby come at 37 or 38 weeks. There was no talk about induction or anything, but I think she just wanted to put out there that going early would not be a bad thing. She did say that we would re-evaluate my symptoms after Spring Break, and she might consider ordering a work hour reduction. I really do not want that happen so I need to start saying no to all the "extras" I seem to take on work.     

Like I said earlier, baby continues to grow and heart rate is staying consistent. Fundal measurement is at 34in and baby's heart rate was at 145bpm. I now go back every two weeks for my 34 week and 36 week appointments then we start weekly appointments for weeks 37-40. When you start looking at the rest of this pregnancy in doctor visits, I cannot believe Baby Mousel is almost here!

24 Weeks, Baby 2

As 25.5 weeks are here, I thought now would be a good time to post about 24 weeks. Ha! When I look back on the last week and a half, I guess this is really the first time that I have had time or not completely exhausted to put together a post. A persons day is cut very short when they go to bed shortly after putting their child to bed!

So 24 weeks...my doctors appointment went well and everything is looking great. The baby's heart rate was averaging at 148bpm and my fundal measurement was at 26in., which means I am measuring two weeks ahead of schedule.  I am already playing the comparison game between my children (that is crazy to say, by the way!), but Isabel measured right on time and little below average at 20 weeks so a little worry is starting to creep in as Baby 2 is measuring ahead and was a little bigger than average at 20 weeks. I really wouldn't mind this baby coming early, but could be interesting if I go all the way to 40 weeks or beyond! We will just have to wait and see...

Pregnancy the second time around has been, for lack of better description, more intense than the first time. All the beautiful "side effects" that come along with pregnancy just have seemed greater. Maybe it is payback for me often forgetting that I am pregnant, not due to my size, but just so busy with everything else (particularly a wonderful 22 month old who is in full "terrible twos" mode!) that I don't have the time to just sit and think about what is to come. Right now, my hips and back are almost unbearable. Well, truth be told the worst was over Christmas break and the week back to school. To try and self-remedy that I have had to stop picking up Isabel as often and stop dancing at dance team practice. However, it doesn't help slipping down five stairs while carrying Isabel...yes, instead of falling outside in the winter on the fresh snow we received yesterday, I go down inside on the steps and land on the kitchen floor. The right side of my body is not liking me right now!

Believe it or not, in a week and half we will be in the third trimester already! We have a few projects on our to-do list, but the big one that has slowly started to take shape is Isabel's new room. Off to look at paint today...

20 Weeks, Baby 2

So here we are over half way through this pregnancy, and our house is healthy again (at least for now). With the exception of the flu bug, I have been feeling pretty good, relatively speaking: energy level is up, getting enough rest, and eating well. I have been having some aches and pains related to my ever-growing tummy, but that is to be expected (hip pain and back soreness here and there). Something different that I am more aware of this time around is more acute pain in the lower abdominal which, according to doctor, could be ligament stretching or contractions...neither to be concerned about as it normal with second pregnancy to feel more as your body knows whats going on this time. I am not sure how much sense that makes, but as long as it is normal, I am fine with it.

Our ultrasound was last week on Tuesday, December 13, and we had a much better and experienced technician this time around. Even with the experienced tech, baby was not all that cooperative. No, we did not find the gender of the baby, and even if we wanted to the tech said it would have been very difficult as Baby Mousel decided to have some fun of his/her own: twisting, turning, and somersaulting all through the visit. When we were all done, the tech even said so she had no idea what we are having...so its a good thing we didn't plan on finding out anyway. One nice surprise was that I got to go to the bathroom during the ultrasound...when pregnant there is very little more uncomfortable than told to drink a lot of water, not go to the bathroom one hour prior to the exam,and then have someone press and jiggle into your stomach. The tech thought my distended bladder was irritating the little one, but obviously, that was bearing no weight on his/her decision to be a trapeze artist at that time.

On Thursday, we went in to see the doctor and find out results of the ultrasound. Everything is normal, normal, normal...yeah, yeah, yeah! Currently, baby is in the breech position (but lots of time for baby to move and change positions from now until due date), heart rate was at 141bpm (at the doctor visit it was at 145bpm), and my placenta is anterior, which means it attached in the front like last time (no big implications there other than people on 'the outside' don't get to feel baby as soon or as often). At this point, baby is measuring at the 57th% (as a comparison Isabel was measuring at the 44th%), which is perfect. My clinical due date and ultrasound due date are 4 days apart, which as we know makes no difference as babies come when they are ready. Just for reference, though, my clinical due date is May 2 and my ultrasound due date is April 28.

Okay, on to the good stuff: pictures! Since the baby was so active, some of the pics did not turn out as good as we would have hoped and she was not able to get a lot of different shots. We did get some cute profile pictures, one picture of both the legs (like he/she is sitting on top of the lens), and one mid-somersault. Enjoy!

 

Profile...such a cutie!

 

Legs...so muscular! A dancer or a cyclist?

Somersault (legs are at the top)...showing off, are we? No idea where that trait comes from!

16 Weeks, Baby 2

Since I am now 18 weeks, I thought it would be a good time to finish up this post I started a week and half a ago about being 16 weeks!!

We hit the 16-week marker with little peanut #2! The doctor appointment went well and we even got to hear the heartbeat (4 weeks earlier than with Isabel; however, most people get to hear the heartbeat by around 12 weeks). Baby's heart rate was 140bpm, which is very similar to what Isabel's was most of her pregnancy. I am still growing quickly and measuring much bigger at this point on this journey, but I don't mind it as long as it evens out eventually! Other than the utter exhaustion that so nicely disappeared the first time around once I hit the second trimester but definitely not this time,this mama is feeling much better.

12 Weeks, Baby 2

So here we are 12 weeks into the pregnancy of Baby 2 and slowly, but surely I am feeling a little better each day. The start to this pregnancy was much harder than the last. There may be many reasons: the heart of my first trimester fell at the exact timing of school starting back up (I can honestly say this has been the hardest start to the school year for me yet); I was feeling nauseous most of the day unlike the first time where it was just at night; and pregnancy exhaustion takes on a whole new meaning with an 18 month old running around. The bright side is that I can tell the end of the first trimester is coming soon as I am now only feeling icky similar to the same time of day as when I was pregnant with Isabel...evening. Since this pregnancy has felt quite different so far, I am leaning towards this one being a boy right now, but with my love of surprises we will wait until May 2 (or around there) to find out. Put on your patience hats we are in for the long haul!

12-week photo...be careful the shadow can be a little deceiving;

however, comparing to the first pregnancy I look pretty darn close to 16 weeks.

Our 12-week appointment was short and sweet just as it should be as everything looked great. My normal OB was not in so we saw someone else, who we hadn't seen before. We have now seen all the OBs in the clinic except one, which is nice come delivery time when you never now who will end up catching the little peanut. As with Isabel, we could not hear the heartbeat so another quick visit to the ultrasound machine showed a healthy little babe. Hopefully, the notes Isabel left for Baby 2 are not too clear as we would love to hear the heartbeat of this little one sooner rather than later, like before 20 weeks!

What a Week for Birthdays!

Happy Birthday, Kerri! (Today, March 17)
Happy Birthday, Mom! (Tomorrow, March 18)
Happy Birthday, Colin Michael! (Literally, Monday, March 15)

Congratulations to Sara and Brendon on the birth of their son, Colin Michael! It has been tough making the transition from his womb name of Little Krieg to Colin, but what an adorable name. For those that do not know, Sara and I have been friends since sophomore year of college and lived together junior and senior years. She is the only other Chubby (the name of our college house we lived in senior year) to stay in Minnesota post-college, and we have been able to share being pregnant at the same time. Obviously, her being four weeks ahead of me, she has been more of a help to me than I probably was to her as she was very good at letting me know what to expect at my next appointment or what I should have done on my baby checklist. She is always on top of things! Fortunately for her, she is no longer in the uncomfortable pregnancy stage and has met their 8lb, 14oz son! Butter and I were able to stop by for a short visit yesterday to congratulate the new family. Colin slept so peacefully the whole visit and Sara looks great!

I do have to say upon entering the hospital and the birthing center, it made me a little anxious. Sara has been my measuring stick and as excited as I am to meet our little one, I all of sudden realized how close we are to being responsible for such a tiny, fragile life. I have been very focused on finishing out my school year (seven more days for those wondering!) and dwelling on the massive swelling of my feet and lack of sleep (yes, I know the sleep deprivation will only get worse) that I am not always focused on the actual baby. Our visit to the hospital struck a reality cord!

So today marks 36 weeks...four more weeks until due date. Early on I had prepared myself for an overdue baby, but lately I have felt that Mufasa might be ready to make an appearance earlier (or maybe it is wishful thinking). Tomorrow I have my first of weekly appointments and we will see if anything is happening!

5 Things

Unlike Kati, I have only read one book on what to expect during the epic journey called pregnancy. That book was titled "Pregnancy Sucks: FOR MEN". To my defense, I did not buy this book rather it was given to me by a friend and co-worker. See if you can guess who gave it to me. This book was filled with horror stories as to what a ragging (insert profane word) your otherwise lovely wife turns into as she is growing life's little miracle inside her. Luckily 90% of the horror stories have not turned out to be true for me. However there are a few things Kati and I will be happy to see end once little Mufasa is born and there are also a few we will miss.

Butter's 5 Things About Pregnancy That Suck:

1. Mood Swings - There really haven't been many but the couple that have occurred have not been fun.
2. Super Hyper-Sensitive Sense of Smell - Kati has a super power nose when she isn't pregnant and now I think she could out sniff a blood hound. Hmm, maybe we could make a little extra money in the remaining 5 weeks of pregnancy. I may have to give the sheriff's office a call and see if they need an extra sniffer...
3. Gas - I don't think I need to explain this one or could do it justice!
4. Extreme Tiredness - The 1st trimester is the worst and now it is starting to resurface.
5. Laugh Suffocation - This one you kind of need to witness to understand, but during pregnancy if Kati laughs too hard she loses her breath and it sounds like she is choking. This leads to tears (and actually turns into uncontrollable crying) and whatever we were laughing about is no longer funny. Definite buzz kill.

Butter's 5 Things About Pregnancy That Don't Suck:

1. Kati's pregnancy figure- I think she looks really good!
2. Pee Laughs- Occasionally, when Kati laughs she loses how should I say, a little self control and has to run to the bathroom. I think this may end up on Kati's sucks list, but it is entertaining for me.
3. A reason to buy a Burley! Kati says Mufasa can't ride in it until he/she is at least 1, but I think Mufasa will want to go for a ride this summer.
4. Mufasa's kicks.
5. The anticipation of having a boy or girl. I have had no desire to find out what we are having ahead of time and I can't wait for the ultimate surprise.
   

From the other side of the bump, I (Kati) have definitely enjoyed the ride called pregnancy, but in all actuality there are definitely some things I will not miss. As the light at the end of the journey is now a glimmer ahead, I do know that some things will get much worse and more uncomfortable before the little one becomes the central light in our life, but to this point here are my 5 things I am ready to be done with and 5 things I have really enjoyed and appreciated.

5 Things About Pregnancy I Will Not Miss At All:

1. Sleeping arrangements - There is still only two in the bed, but with all the extra pillows and blankets it takes to support my ever growing tummy you would think there are five of us!
2. Not being able to get myself up - I do not accept help all too often when it is something I truly should be able to do myself (oh, that lovely thing called pride...however, that very thing may come in quite handy come labor and delivery). It was a tough couple of weeks getting up off the couch before I finally gave in and accepted help. I could probably add tying shoes, putting on socks, bending over to pick things up, etc. to this list as well.
   
3. The numbness on the left side of "my shelf" and the pain parallel to it on the back side - for as long as I can remember during this pregnancy, I have had severe numbness at the top of my belly on the left side. Once I got much further along pain started in my back exactly across from the numbness. I don't know what Mufasa has decided to sit on in there, but he/she can move anytime.
4. The nighttime thirst and the four trips to the bathroom - It's a catch-22 (shout out to the Chub's). I have never in my life been as thirsty as I have been during pregnancy and especially at night; however, as many of you know a pregnant woman's bladder cannot hold even a teaspoon of liquid without the urge to go running to the bathroom. So do I go thirsty or get up four times during the night, practically fall down the stairs (because you know my feet are so swollen and tingly sometimes I don't know how stable they are) for yet another trip to the bathroom? On a positive note, the night pees are the most relieving in that you are able to actually empty a full bladder.
5. Sorry to dwell on the pee thing, but I will not miss the dribbles. Seriously, peeing yourself at 30 does not make you feel like the coolest person alive. I was hoping to not have to wear a pad for at least the duration of this pregnancy...that might not happen!

I could go on with a few other items, but Butter said I could only list 5 things!

5 Things That Have Been Pretty Cool During Pregnancy:

1. Having an excuse for EVERYTHING...when you are pregnant nobody can judge you for your comments or decisions. Raging hormones can be an awesome thing!
2. "Meeting" Mufasa through our 5 ultrasounds
3. A reason to have to reorganize the house and not being able to do a lot of it...I love you, dear! And a HUGE THANK YOU to mom and dad!!
   
4. Feeling Baby Mousel grow bigger and stronger through his/her movements (from flutters to hiccups to the big kicks and stretches) and watching my belly grow...it is pretty amazing that women's bodies were designed to go through this process (as unnatural as some of it seems sometimes :))
   
5. The anticipation of meeting our little one! The not knowing of what life is going to be like once the baby comes has been trying at times, but I guess that is one of the joys that comes with parenthood and I can't wait! It is almost surreal to think in less than six weeks Butter and I will be mom and dad.
   

With Love and Thanks

On Sunday, I had my first baby shower with college friends. Since Sara, one of my college roommates, is also pregnant and one month ahead of me, we had our shower together.



Theresa and her 18-month-old daughter, Cecelia, were kind enough to host...what fabulous hosts! Cecelia was so worn out from hosting she had to say goodbye early for a nap and missed the photo.



The whole afternoon was so laid back and relaxing with wonderful food and great company. A whole lot of advice was given and greatly appreciated, and Mufasa's mommy and daddy are feeling a little more prepared with the very generous gifts that were given. Even those dear friends who live afar thoughtfully sent things to help welcome Baby Mousel.



I just want to thank all those who helped make this afternoon such a warm and special time for baby and me. We feel very blessed to have you all in our lives!

With Love,
Butter, Kati, and Baby Mousel

A Rite of Passage?

Rite of Passage #1
So it finally happened...I discovered my first pregnancy related stretch mark. I say found because it is on the underside of my belly. The somewhat embarrassing part of it is I discovered it at school...yes, I was in the bathroom, and yes, it was a single stall bathroom. The week has been absolutely crazy, and I think I was just trying not to head back to my classroom anytime soon, so I was checking out my super sexy belly in the mirror when I saw a darker than usual spot. Again, I tried to "lift" my belly up to have a closer look, but that still does not work. Between the mirror and my experience knowing what a stretch mark feels like I was convinced. It is a rite of passage, right?! I was going to post a picture of it because I am sure many of you are dying to see it; however, my good judgment took hold and decided against it...you are welcome.

Rite of Passage #2
Butter and I started our four week journey into the unknown...Birthing Classes. For a class focusing on the miracle of child birth, our first class was not that miraculous. Just to give you an idea of the instructor we take this journey with, she used the word poppycock within the first five minutes of class, decided to take an hour and half to tell me to breathe during labor, and when going through the roster she asked a woman named Holly if she was born on Christmas! Well, because you know, the only reason you would name your child Holly is after the holiday it is most prevalent. Butter and I have now decided to name our child Rain...you know April and all.

The only thing that kept us going were the other couples in the class. There was a very uncomfortable couple across from us. The woman wanted to be all touchy-feely and continually tried to hold her husband's hand, and he was not really into it. At one point, she put his hand on her belly and he looked at her and said, "No, I am not doing that." I really would like to write about some of the other couples, but I don't think justice will be done.

PS The rendition of Thriller (see post below) the Middle School Team performed at school on Monday received 540 votes out of approximately 720 to claim the coveted title of "SACS Idol Champions (of the World)". The aggravating pain in my lower back all week has now all been worth it.

28 Weeks- Welcome to the 3rd Trimester!

Stop Obsessing Over My Belly Button!

Butter seems more preoccupied with the depth of my belly button than anything else...he checks it everyday.  He has been saying, "It soon won't be there anymore" and "What if you get a Simpson's bellybutton?"  Thanks, dear.  I think my belly button is the last thing I am worried about; however, it has been funny to feel it slowly shrink. As my second trimester comes to a close, I am starting to get a little nervous that things are going to take a turn for the worse - or at least get highly uncomfortable.  Over the last couple of months, I have felt really great and have enjoyed watching my belly grow. 

Funny thing is, as my belly grew I didn't even think about stretch marks; however, it is getting to that point that I am on watch.  This morning I was looking around the belly for them when I realized that I can't see the underbelly.  I even tried to 'lift" it up...just so you know it doesn't work.  Happy to report that the belly is still stretch mark free (well, if I am going to be honest here...no stretch marks from the pregnancy:)).

Another part of pregnancy that I dread is the bloated, water weight.  As many of you may know, I am one of the few people that actually like their feet.  As of late, however, my feet have started to look like a cavewoman's, and my ankles are so attractive with sock indents.  Sadly, I have stopped wearing my wedding ring because my fingers swell so badly throughout the day.  Don't worry though, I have a ring that has worked as a back-up.  Yes, Chubs, the Wal-Mart engagement ring lives on!  Let's not think about the fact that my finger in college was the size of bloated pregnant woman's finger, okay?!

One of the most enjoyable parts of the second trimester is the baby's movements.  Now that the baby moves way more often and Butter is able to feel the movements, I am trying to get used to the new permanent attachment to my belly...Butter's hand.  I can't blame him though, it is such an incredible feeling.  Earlier this week, Baby Mufasa decided to be very restful, making mommy very nervous.  I have gotten very used to the baby movements between 7-9am and after 7pm each and every day so I was having a small freak out when I barely felt any movement from Sunday - Tuesday.  What I thought was an "internal" freak out apparently wasn't so internal as my stress over the non-movement started to overflow onto Butter.  He then informed me, after a little research, it is completely normal to have a few days of little movement due to the baby growing and having less space to move.  He was right because on Tuesday night Mufasa was kicking more often and with a lot more force.  And the kicks haven't stopped since...whew!

Coming soon should be some updated nursery pictures as well as a belly picture as next week marks week 28...the beginning of the third trimester!  My dad has been very busy for the last couple weeks connecting the two closets in the baby's room making them one...knocking the wall out, removing the door and frame, sheet-rocking, mudding, sanding, and replacing base boards.  We are very thankful to my dad for coming down to work on the baby's room...ah, retirement.

Oh, one more piece of excitement...we are anxiously awaiting news of the newest addition to the Roder family...Butter is the oldest grandson and this one on the way "might" just be the last of the grandchildren for Grandpa and Grandma Roder.  Only a measly 30 years apart.  We are excited for Baby Roder and Baby Mousel to soon meet and grow up together!

I Am Definitely Pregnant!

One of the things that I have noticed about my pregnancy experience so far is that I am constantly waiting to "feel pregnant". Other than losing my appetite around dinner time and feeling quite tired, I hadn't come upon that moment yet.

On Saturday some things definitely changed. Butter and I got up, grabbed a quick breakfast and ran up to REI. We were also going to stop at USA Baby, but instead of looking up directions I decided I knew where it was, even though I had never been there or seen it. Needless to say, we did not make it to the baby store, but Butter did get another birthday gift for himself at REI (I'll let him share more on his birthday later this week...when his birthday actually gets here!).

Back on topic, on the drive home I could hardly keep my eyes open and no, I was not driving. When we got home, I went right to the couch and took an hour nap followed by three more naps! I could not for the life of me get off the couch. I know I am not always the most motivated person, but I am talking complete and utter exhaustion.

Butter, on the other hand, was full steam ahead; he organized the den, attended to some financial stuff (however, I am pretty sure he did not consider that work...my number nerd), and moved the day-bed down from the would be nursery to the den. All of his work made me feel pretty guilty and I started crying, which was the first crying episode of a few over the last couple of days...mood swings anyone?!

Monday mornings are always a little difficult, and not to mention when it is October 12th and snowing! So when I went to get dressed and tried on five different pairs of pants to no avail, I was definitely feeling pregnant. I have not fit into many of my pants for a while now, but this was not like before. I can hardly zip up my pants half way! I guess I will be heading out this weekend to invest in some maternity pants. A little earlier than planned, but I would rather feel comfortable than frustrated.

According to my due date, Wednesday marks my official entrance into the second trimester, and I am sure many more "feeling pregnancy" moments are to come.