25 weeks

My first belly shot of this pregnancy. I'm feeling pretty big already and I still have 14 weeks to go.

I have been utterly exhausted this week. I've had to take a nap just about every day. I haven't been motivated to do much of anything. I thought I'd at least be able to make it to the 3rd trimester before the tiredness started.
My pelvis has really been sore this week too. I feel pretty good when I wake up in the morning, but I think all of the getting up & down starts to wear on it.

Elz is moving like crazy! The other night I had my iPod resting on my stomach and she kept kicking it off. She's definitely getting stronger and hopefully everyone will be patient enough to feel her soon.

I have always been rather indecisive, but it has gotten worse lately. I can't decide on the exact fabric combination I want to use for the crib bedding; I made her an outfit that was supposed to be her coming home outfit, but now I want to make something else; the list is endless. I'm starting to resolve myself to the fact that her bedding will probably not be done by her due date. Bummed!
I also have a list of projects a mile long, but I just don't have the means to do them right now.

Otherwise, we're all still trucking along.

24 weeks

I had my doctors appointment last week. Everything is still going well.

Weight: -2 lbs.
BP: good
Fundal: I heard her say 20-something
Baby's HB: 146 bpm

I go back at the end of March and will get my lab slip for my glucose test. I had to do the 3-hour with Emory, so I won't be surprised if the same rings true for Eliza.
I'll also be starting the 3rd trimester. Whoa!

* Elz has been moving like crazy. She's still not kicking strong enough for anyone else to feel her. Daddy tried for a good while the other night.
* I really feel like I've popped. Ella & Evie got so tickled last night about how big my stomach's gotten.
* This week, I've started feeling really tired again and I'm wondering if my iron's getting low. I spent most of today on the couch dozing off/on. My pelvis has also really started to ache and I'm waddling!!!
* I haven't started taking belly shots yet. I need to add that to my to-do list.
* I am really anxious to get started on her crib bedding. I know that it's not something that she'll need when she's born, but I want to do it while I'm still wanting to sew. I'm sure I won't have much motivation once I hit the 3rd tri.

The past 2 weeks have been pretty big for Evie. She lost her first tooth last week and she turned 6 this week. I don't know what it is about losing teeth, but it seems to make the time speed up so fast. She seems like she's grown up overnight.

22 weeks

Over the past 2 weeks, the sickies have continued to spread throughout the family. We all seem to have had different versions of a pretty intense cold. I am so ready for everyone to start feeling better!!!!
After running a fever just about all last week, I took Em to the doctor on Thursday. She had a raging double ear infection. She tested negative for the flu and strep though. Her cough is still lingering, but she is doing so much better.
Evie woke up Saturday morning crying. When I went in to see what was wrong, she told me her ears were hurting. I gave her some motrin and she went back to sleep. Throughout the day, I kept asking how she was feeling, and she said they felt fine. Sunday, she said that her ears were stuffy and she couldn't hear, but no pain. Then Monday afternoon, the pain hit her again. Our pediatrician wasn't scheduled to come in Tuesday so we were going to see another doctor in the practice. I got a call back that she was coming in and they moved her appointment a little later. It turns out that our wonderful doctor came in just to see us and one other patient. Evie also had a double ear infection; her right ear was severely infected and her left one was flaring up. While we there, she also checked Ella's ears and hers were clear!
I have caught the horrible cough and I have a little congestion. The worst part about the cough is its intensity. I feel like I'm pulling stomach muscles and I fear poor Eliza's going to be born with Shaken baby syndrome. As long as it doesn't develop into pneumonia, we'll be good. It's been almost 6 years, to the day, that I had it last time; I was 37-38 weeks pregnant with Evie at the time.

Pregnancy wise, Eliza and I are doing great. I'm feeling her move all of the time now.
Still having infrequent bouts of heartburn and I usually have to get up at least once to go to the bathroom. I'm surprisingly feeling rested though. This week, I've noticed my pelvis is a little achy when I first get up in the morning. I am definitely looking, and feeling, bigger!

21 weeks

More accurately, I'm 21w3d. I turned 21 weeks on Sunday.

We ended week 20 welcoming my nephew into the family... 3 weeks early! We were so blessed that, unlike 2 of his older brothers, he did NOT have to be in the NICU. Harrison was born weighing in at 8 pounds, 15 ounces, 20.5 inches. My sister grows big babies! ;)
Seeing & holding that sweet baby made me so incredibly anxious. I'm usually the one having the baby first and then my sister. It's hard not wanting Eliza to be here right now! Then when I think about all of the things I want to complete before she arrives, I'm kind of glad I have more time. My poor sister has been so stressed because nothing was ready for his arrival; no diapers, no bottles, nothing! I have 3 more walls to put a second coat on in his room, the fabric for his bedding hasn't even been ordered, and his crib still isn't assembled. I'm relieved that we didn't put his baby shower off another week or we would have been hosting it in her hospital room. HA!

We have started week 21 with the girls being sick. Yucky coughs and fevers for all 3 of them. Ella and Evie missed school on Monday. They still have a cough, but have been fever-free since. Poor Emory has missed preschool all week! Since she's still running a fever, coughing, and napping off/on, it's safe to say she'll be missing tomorrow as well. I'm kind of glad that the girls don't have school on Friday or Monday; maybe they'll all be well by Tuesday.
At least Eliza is doing great. I am feeling her move numerous times a day now. Much to her sisters dismay, it's not strong enough for them to feel her yet. I still have about 2 weeks before I go back to the doctor, so being able to feel her is very reassuring.

I am feeling awesome! I still have enough energy that I'm getting things accomplished (most days). I've got to make decisions on fabric so I can get started on her crib bedding. I have a long list of sewing projects that I want to get done for Eliza and Harrison. I love sewing for babies!

We're half-way there - 20 weeks!!!!

Only 20 more weeks until I get to see Eliza's sweet face for the first time. On one hand that seems SO far away, on the other hand it seems like it'll be here before I know it. For the most part, I'm sitting back enjoying it all. I have my days where I am so anxious for her to just get here already. HA!

I've been feeling bumps & flutters for several weeks, but last night I felt her really move for the first time. It brought the biggest smile to my face and then I burst into tears. Oh, hormones!

I've been noticing more frequent heartburn and numerous nighttime trips to the bathroom. I have moments of being tired, but for the most part, I'm feeling pretty great. I'm still sleeping pretty well too.

I have been finding some awesome deals on baby equipment lately. I got rid of a lot of it or loaned it out after Emory. Oops!
I stumbled upon a consignment store last week and found a boppy for $9. This week they had a pink bouncy seat on clearance at Target for $12. I have someone that is loaning me a crib and my sister had a friend who was selling a nice infant car seat that I got for $35.
I have also done some sewing for baby girl. I've made her 2 outfits and some cloth wipes; I've made some cloth nursing pads for myself. I think my next Eliza-related project will be her crib bedding.

19 weeks

Weight: +1 lb.
BP: good
Fundal: again, she didn't tell me
Baby's hb: 141 bpm

So, basically nothing has changed since my last appointment. I gained another pound this week. Eliza made Sandi work to find her heartbeat again; it only took her a couple of minutes this time. I go back in 4 weeks, which just happens to also be my birthday.

18 weeks

We spent the start of week 18 naming Baby Girl. In sticking with the "E" trend, we had a very short list. I already had a name in my mind, but hubby wanted to keep his options open, and left me hanging for a few days. In the end, he didn't find anything that he liked better. Like I said, it's futile to resist. HA!
Her name is Eliza Korrine. It is such a relief, to me, for her to have a name. I feel like it makes her more "real" and it's a way for the girls to bond with her more. Evie is all about talking to my stomach and saying her name.

I have felt so giddy about this pregnancy. It's almost like this is my first time ever experiencing it. I think a lot of that stems from this pregnancy being totally unplanned. We were done with 3 (or so we thought!). I am so glad that God had this surprise in store for us.
I'm floating through this pregnancy and enjoying every second. The nausea has subsided except for when I brush my teeth. The tiredness has lessened and I'm nesting like crazy. I'm starting to feel her move more (my favorite part) and the girls are so anxious to feel her too.
I know that the heartburn, frequent bathroom trips, & being uncomfortable will be here before I know it. And being due in June will add another element of "fun" to things. I also think there will be some sadness as her due date approaches. Then, soon after, will be all of the excitement and getting everyone adjusted to our new addition (furry family members included).

My next appointment is coming up...

BIG u/s

My big ultrasound was yesterday morning. About 8:30, I started prepping - emptying my bladder and drinking 32oz. of water. I was nervous all morning.

My u/s was at 9:30. As I sat in the waiting room, I started to realize that I'd over-prepped. I had to use the bathroom SO bad!
It was closer to 10 when I was called back. The tech asked if my bladder was full and I replied, "Oh yeah!". She started the scan and told me that was bladder was super full; she said she was going to do the low lying scan first so that I could empty it (my new BFF!) She asked if I wanted to know the gender if she could find out; of course, I told her YES! She asked what the sex of my other children were and I told her I had 3 girls. She replied, "OH, the pressure's on!" Baby was in a complete ball.

This was the best tech I've ever had. She didn't sit there in complete silence clicking away. She turned the screen and showed me everything she was doing. After I'd gone to the bathroom, the baby had stretched out.
She was super thorough. Baby is measuring right along at my adjusted due date of June 24th. The heart rate was 147bpm and baby is measuring in at 7 oz. Baby looked perfect!

For the first time ever, I had a cooperative baby at the imaging center. I think this is the earliest I've ever been able to find out too. She said, "You should recognize that". Yep, we're having another sweet baby GIRL!
When asking everyone in my family, including my husband, what their guess was, they all said Boy! I also had a lot of friends thinking it was a boy. I'm feeling a lot of relief because I was having an awful time with boy names. The name we'd originally talked about just wasn't feeling like THE one. I feared a boy would remain nameless forever. HA!
Now, that's not to say that choosing another name for a girl isn't going to be hard. I have a name that I'm in love with, but my husband isn't committing to it yet. He should know by now, it's futile to resist. HA!

The girls and I did some shopping yesterday for Baby E. I bought 2 outfits, a blanket and socks from Gymbo's owl line. Then we celebrated with ice cream at Maggie Moo's. We got caught in the rain as we were leaving; the girls enjoyed skipping around in it. I think we celebrated her in style yesterday.

Welcome to our crazy family Baby Girl! We can't wait to meet you!

Beautiful profile


It's a Girl

17 (19) weeks & appointment

Weight: +1 lb.
BP: good
Fundal: Sandi measured, but she didn't tell me the number
Baby's hb: 141 bpm

Sandi has officially named this baby "Little Turkey". She spent 10 minutes trying to find the baby's heartbeat. We could hear the baby moving on the doppler, but she couldn't pick up the heart rate. She told me this baby was too big to be hiding from her. Baby was higher up than s/he has been in the past, still hanging out on my right side.
My next u/s at the imaging center is on Friday. I am so anxious! I'm trying not to get my hopes up that I will find out the gender; it has always proved disappointing in the past. And, honestly, I don't have any strong feelings one way or another. Most of my friends and family think it's a boy.

16 (18) weeks

That's not a confusing title, now is it? HA! I thought that I would use my adjusted due date, but I also want to keep my original just in case it gets moved back. I still think the 24th is wrong.

This pregnancy has been the best diet plan yet (and another possible reason that baby is smaller?). I can't eat anything without it making my stomach hurt & then I'm running to the bathroom. I think the main culprit is dairy. :( I never realized how much I eat of it, whether it be cheese or something made with milk. I'm turning into my mother! I have a newfound respect for how much stuff she can't eat & how sick it makes her when she does eat it.
Now, hopefully this lactose intolerance will go away after delivery. But my mom has told me that it was just the start of it for her. Boo!

I've also been experiencing round ligament pain. My ligaments must really be stretching this week (OUCH!).
Sleeping hasn't been too difficult or uncomfortable yet. Although, last night was the first night in awhile that I haven't had interrupted sleep or vivid dreams. I actually felt pretty rested this morning. And my body pillow has been my best friend.

My mom and I went shopping last night and I really wish I knew what I was having. I wanted to buy something so badly at Gymboree. They have the most adorable owl line for baby girls; I'm not quite as impressed with the boy clothes. Most of the boy clothes look more suited to toddlers (ie. long sleeve shirts layered under a button up shirt, paired with khakis). I'm kinda hoping for pink now. ;)

Doctor's appointment - 1/3/12

Weight: -3 lbs.
BP: good
Baby's HB: 152

After my last u/s at the imaging center, my due date has been moved back TWO WEEKS! My new due date is June 24th.
At the u/s, baby was measuring about 13 weeks; my original due date had me at 15 weeks. So, now I'm supposedly at 15 weeks. I honestly think my due date will be pushed back up though. I know that I didn't have my period that late into September. I guess this baby is just going to be smaller.
Dr. H said that the u/s showed no abnormalities and I go back in 2 weeks.

The one positive to having my due date changed is that it could help my chances of finding out the sex, especially if it's wrong.

The past 2 days, I have been really struggling with nausea. Even though my stomach was revolting yesterday morning, I made myself eat breakfast anyway. I paid for that! This morning, I had to wait until my stomach settled before I could even eat. So far, so good.

U/S #3

I sometimes think that u/s tech's are trained to make you sweat. I think this was probably the most nerve-wracking u/s I've ever had. He kept asking me questions about how far along I was "supposed" to be and leaving the room. Finally, while he was doing measurements, he told me that he was having a hard time because the baby was so wiggly. Whew! I was then able to relax and breathe.
The baby's heart rate was 157. Compared to the girls, this baby's is higher. Ella had a few times when hers was in the 160's and even once in the 180's. So that was no help with gender guesses.
The tech didn't even offer to check the sex of the baby and with the way s/he was positioned, I probably wouldn't have been able to find out anyway. Baby had its legs bent and tucked up under it's bottom, successfully covering any hopes of a money shot. I'll have one more u/s at the imaging center and if they can't find out there, Dr. H will do one more. Hopefully baby will be cooperative!

The tech told me that, according to measurements, the baby is probably more like 13'ish weeks and that I'm most likely due mid-June. My husband will be happy because it will push the baby's due date closer to HIS birthday on the 15th.

15 weeks

Baby's 1st official picture


15w1d
Weight: -2 lbs
BP: good

Today was my 15 week u/s to measure the baby's growth. I took my oldest two with me, while Em stayed home with Nana.
Dr. H wasn't able to really get any of the measurements that he needed, so I'm scheduled for another u/s tomorrow at an imaging center. Maybe, if I'm lucky, I'll be able to find out the sex. ;)

For real?

I still don't think that this pregnancy has sunk in. It still seems very surreal to me.

My symptoms are changing a little. I'm still battling with some nausea, especially if I wait too long to eat. And there are some smells that just make my stomach churn and I'm unable to eat at all. I find I do best if I eat small, frequent meals.

I know it's still early, but I think I'm starting to feel slight movement. I usually feel it if I'm wearing jeans or sitting forward where my stomach is compressed. I'm really looking forward to the girls being able to feel the baby move.

The tiredness is still lingering. It hits the hardest around late afternoon. Between 3-5pm, it's almost impossible for me to stay awake if I'm sitting still.

I'm still feeling like this is a boy. I will hopefully find out for sure around mid-January. Please cooperate baby! I am not good at waiting and I'm already dying to start buying/making stuff.
I actually don't have a lot that I need to buy equipment-wise. My sister has a friend who gave her 3 infant car seats, so I can save that money for new boosters for Ella & Evie. I'm going to buy a pack & play and I'd like a new boppy, but that's about it except for diapers and clothing. I think I'm going to try gdiapers once we get out of the newborn stage. I can even make my own inserts instead of having to buy them. My "to make" list is much bigger.
If this is a boy, I really want to go with a sock monkey theme. I won't be decorating a nursery, but everything else will probably follow along those lines. I haven't really decided on a theme for a girl.
We also have a name picked out for a boy, but still a little unsure about a girl name. I have some ideas, but we haven't set anything in stone.

Now, looking at that, Murphy's Law will dictate that we're having a girl. HA!

My first appointment - 12/1/11

I was able to get an appointment much quicker than I'd anticipated. I believe I called on Monday and had an appointment for that Thursday.
You would think, since I've already done this 3 times, it would be a breeze. But I think this was the most nerve wracking 1st appointment ever.

I absolutely adore Dr. H and his staff. My favorite nurse was almost in tears, she was laughing so hard. She jinxed me when I went with my sister to her 1st u/s.
I was 12w5d and my due date was estimated for June 10, 2012. Since I was so far along, Sandi tried to find the heartbeat. Stinker #4 decided s/he wasn't going to cooperate, so I was moved to the u/s room. While I waited for Dr. H, my stomach was in knots. I prayed for calm & peace with whatever I was about to find out. It seemed like an eternity before he came in.
Dr. H wanted to do the u/s first before doing my exam. He put the wand on my stomach and I was able to immediately see the baby. He didn't have a great view of the heart, but could see a vague blipping. The baby was moving like crazy! I don't think my girls have ever been that active during an u/s before.

So, everything seems to be progressing. I go back on the 19th, where he'll do another u/s to measure the baby. Since the girls will be out of school for Christmas break, I'm going to take them with me. They are so excited!