33 Weeks Pregnant

Dear Nicolas,

I went for my 32 week appt last week. Your heartbeat was 145 and I gained (another!) 3 pounds. I'm not that worried about my weight gain (I know I will lose it), except my pants feel tight and I don't want to have to buy new pants in January! I guess I'll have to stick to just yoga pants pretty soon. LOL :-D

I asked my doc about my chances of a successful VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section) and she said since it wasn't that I pushed for 2 hours or labor stalled and it was more baby (Donovan) not tolerating it well, my chances are a good 80%. That made me happy b/c all this time even though I wanted to try, I was thinking it was more 20% chance it would happen. So, I'm happy about that. My plan is to try not to have any medication as early this time. I'm not sure if I can go completely natural, though. :-O Not how I remember those contractions! But, I'll try. I have to wonder why I really want to even try for a vaginal birth. In a lot of ways it sounds more painful and "messy". LOL! But, I guess, as a woman, I want to experience it, if I can and this is my last chance. For one, we will likely stop at 2 and also if I ended up with another c-section, even IF we had a 3rd...big *IF*...I'd have to have a c-section, for sure.

So, we have 7 weeks left. My back is hurting BAD!! I'm not sure if I just don't remember it hurting this much before, or if it's b/c I'm not going to the chiropractor this time, or I'm not exercising much, or another reason, but it hurts a lot. Add the fact that I'm tired every morning when I wake up, even if I've had a relatively "good" night's sleep, I'm getting pretty bad off here. Ha! I remember the last month with Donovan being pretty bad, but I'm thinking the last 2 months with you is going to be the "bad" stretch. I can't rest as much this time, either, so I'm sure that's a factor. You must be getting pretty cramped in there, too, how you keep trying to break through my belly. :-p

So, I think Donovan is really grasping this baby thing more and more. We went for pro pictures last weekend and he really cooperated very well, giving you kisses and all. We were looking at 2 penguins, a mommy and daddy, and when I asked where the baby penguin was, he said "momma's tummy", which I didn't even expect. We got a Christmas card from my friend and neighbor who just had her 2nd and I told him how that was her 2-year old's baby brother and then he said again how the baby was in momma's tummy. So, that seems to be going well. He asked what the carseat was hanging out and I told him and then asked "Do you want the baby to sit next to you in the car?" and he said "yes". So, that's good, too! :-) I know he will likely be jealous at times, but I'm sure he will be a great big brother to you in no time.

Lastly, I think your brother is trying to tell me I'm gaining too much weight. Sure, he's rubbed my tummy and said "daby", but now a couple times he's rubbed my butt/hip area and said "daby" too. So not funny! LOL! :-D

Love,
Mommy

31 Weeks and another ultrasound!

Dear Nicolas,

Oh boy! You have really filled out!! We saw you today at our last 3D ultrasound. You've gained a lot of weight, it looks like. It was great to see you again. I'm measuring about a week early, still. She estimated that if I go 40 weeks you'd be in the high 7 lbs and probably 20 in. But, she said the height is only based on the femur so you could have long legs and shorter upper body. Donovan was 19 inches when he was born, so we'll see. Anywho...all was well and here are some of the pics (there were over 50!!).

Love,
Mommy





Pouting:


Still a boy! LOL


Tongue action

30 Weeks Pregnant -- 10 more weeks to go! Eek!

Dear Nicolas,

I'm playing with the spelling of your name here. I'm not sure if I like it better with or without the "h" yet, so bear with me. I keep hearing your name around now. At the mall play area, Nicolas Cage in the movies, etc. :-)

So, we only have 10 more weeks to go until we meet you and that's if I go to the due date! :-O How exciting, yet nerve-racking! :-D I'm excited to meet you and have another baby, but nervous what it will be like with 2 kiddos. I'm sure it will be very hard, at first, but just like with your brother, in due time we won't remember what life was without you. You will be loved very much.

I went to the doctor today and your heartbeat was 142. My belly is measuring "30", which means growth has slowed considering I have been measuring 2 more than the # of weeks pregnant. I certainly don't feel that way b/c I feel HUGE!!! :-D My belly is really in the way these days. Soreness is setting in and it's really hard getting out of bed to go to the bathroom. But, you're worth it, right? ;-) We are in the home stretch as I now go see the doctor every 2 weeks! Yikes! That hit home today. I gained another 5 pounds (I'm blaming Thanksgiving), so I'm up to 30 total, so far. I'm sure Christmas won't be nice to me, so I'll probably end up gaining more than I did with your brother (37 total), but that's ok. His came off, so I'm hoping the same of yours. ;-)

The nursery is coming along. I have lots of laundry to do and need to pick up a couple other things, like a double stroller, but overall I feel good at our progress. Oh and, guess what? Yesterday your dad picked up our first minivan!! :-O Yep, you read that right. I'm a minivan mom, now! Woah! I never thought that would happen, but the SUV (Acura MDX) just didn't seem like it was going to work because of how tall your dad is. You see, you have to ride backwards for the 1st year, so you really can't go behind him since he needs his seat all the way back. And, your brother's feet were really smashed behind your dad, hence the minivan. Your brother can climb in all by himself now, so I'm sure he'll like that. We'll be keeping this van for 10+ years so we got a 2008, brand new, with all the bells & whistles. It is REALLY nice!

I'll close here. We get to see you again on 12/9 for our next 3D ultrasound. I'm looking forward to that! And, we go for professional pictures the following weekend, where we hope your brother will give you kisses. And, then the holidays will be upon us and in no time, you will be entering our lives in the flesh. :-) Can't wait to see you!

Love,
Mommy

These are my 29 week pics:

The Final Trimester - 27 Weeks Pregnant

Dear Nicholas,

How are you doing in there? I feel you moving around a lot, but I bet you're starting to get cramped a little, huh? Well, we have 3 months to go, so get comfortable. :-)

I saw the doctor today and your heartbeat was 130. I gained 6 more pounds, so I think I'm up to 22 now. My belly measured a "29", which the doctor said was "perfect". I also gave blood after drinking a special drink to test for gestational diabetes. I have to wait for those results. Other than that a quick and painless appointment.

I'm feeling pretty good these days. My pelvis is sore alot and I have to take my time getting out of bed or changing positions, but all in all, I don't think my hips hurt as much this time. Maybe it's because I'm barely exercising except for chasing Donovan around sometimes. ;-) My headaches have pretty much gone away except for the occasional one, so I'm really happy about that. We get to see you again on Dec 8th for our next ultrasound. I'm excited!

Donovan is really getting much more aware of you, now. I'm sure my growing belly is hard to ignore. :-) He even knows where Nicholas is and will point to my belly. He rubs my belly and says "baby" and gives you kisses too. You can see some pics below. I doubt he can REALLY grasp that we will have a new baby here to stay, but it's fun nonetheless. We are going to get professional pictures taken of our whole family in December. I hope he cooperates. ;-)

There are moments that I'm very excited to hold you. I don't think I was *as* able to be excited about a baby when I was pregnant with Donovan. I was excited to have a baby, but being a first time mom I was also very nervous, but now that I've been doing this for a couple years, I can relax sometimes and be excited. Don't get me wrong, I'm still nervous what life will be like with 2, but I think we will make a very happy family and am looking forward to it. I went shopping for some necesseties last week and have started working on the nursery. I have some ways to go and plan to be done by Christmas in case exhaustion really sets in like I remember last time. Your mommy is nothing if not a planner. :-)

Well, I'll close here. Can't wait to see you in a few weeks!

Love,
Mommy

What a smarty pants!

I was putting Donovan to bed and said it was time for mommy to go, which he didn't like (last 2 days he doesn't want me to leave), so I said "It's eight three oh and that means it's time for me to leave." (Sue me, I was rounding!) He's really into the clock now. So, he sits up, looks at the clock and says:

"Nenenenene! Eight two eight." So, I said "Okay, you have 2 more minutes." Smarty pants!! LOL! I'm sure he didn't know it was just 2 minutes, but all he knew is that it was NOT when I said it was. Hahaha! He cracks me up! And, when eight thirty came around, you better believe that he looked at that clock and made sure I was right this time. And, I was, and I left with a content, but still a little disappointed boy to go to sleep.

***************
Another funny story that I want to remember one day is that one day he was *this* close to a tantrum and I started to say in a funny voice "Are you trying to drive mommy crazy??!?!" and started tickling him. He thought it was so funny and it averted the tantrum. Yay! So, I tried it the next day and again he thought it was hilarious. Then he started doing this thing with his arms, raising them up. I didn't know what he was doing, so I just ignored it, basically. Well, then Donny says, "He's driving." LOL! He was literally trying to "drive" mommy crazy. How cute is that?!?! :-D

25 Weeks Pregnant

Dear Nicholas,

I'm getting used to using your name, now. When I talk to you I'm trying use your name, now, except to your brother who knows the term "baby". :-)

You are going to be STRONG! You are very active in there lately and your kicks and punches are really strong. I can even see my tummy jump a bit from the outside, too. I think you are really trying to stretch out in there too because I sometimes feel you both on the bottom and the top at the same time. I feel reassured when I feel you move and am looking forward to seeing you again at our next 3D ultrasound in about 5 weeks or so. I still need to make the appointment.

A few people, including your dad, have commented I'm bigger this time around. While I am probably 1-2 weeks ahead of where I was with Donovan, that's about it. Even though the pictures, the doctor's measurements, and the ultrasound tell me I'm only measuring 1-2 weeks ahead, I find it amusing people think they can remember where I was specifically at 25 weeks pregnant with Donovan. I think our human brain cannot possibly remember that detail. LOL! But, let people think what they want, right? I look at pictures from my 39th week of pregnancy with Donovan and know I have a WAYS to go!! Wow, am I going to get BIG! :-D

Well, that's it for now. Keep warm in there and be safe. By the way, do you feel when your brother smashes you?? Just wondering. You know you kicked him in the elbow the other day, but he didn't really mind. At least not yet. He is grasping your presence more and more now that we are reading books about a new baby and the like. I'm sure he will be jealous, at first, when you are born but over time I'm sure you two will be peas in a pod and love each other dearly. I think he's going to make a great big brother.

Love,
Mommy

Donovan turned TWO!! Wow! Already?

I can't believe Donovan turned 2 already. He is growing up sooo fast! It was an eventful week. The day of his birthday was pretty low key. His nanny, Paula, brought him a gift and made him a cake and he was able to open a few presents. He is very much into cars and trucks, so those were his favorite gifts all around this year. He can't seem to get enough of them!

We also had a birthday party for him yesterday (Click here for pics). He had a lot of fun, especially opening presents...well, if they were cars or trucks or something that moved. LOL! He played fairly nicely, getting upset a few times when one of the other kids touched his stuff...particularly the new gifts. This is understandable at this age as they are still learning to share, right? ;-)

Donovan's doctor's appointment went fairly well, for a 2-year old, but I wish I had brought Donny with me. :-p He hated most things about the appointment, but then wouldn't leave the waiting room to go home. Typical 2 year old. LOL! He's about 34 3/4 inches tall and 27+ pounds, so he's growing nicely.

He is talking up a storm, although we probably are most apt to understand him, still. Some things are clear as day and other things we only know what he's saying in context because we interact with him daily. Most of his sign language has been replaced with words, which is expected. I am VERY curious, though, if he will remember them and use them with the new baby or at least understand the new baby when we teach him signs too. He has a few signs left and I think "more" will be the last to go, even though I've noticed he's not using that one as much, either. He knows all his basic colors, I'm pretty sure all of his numbers, knows many letters of the alphabet and the sounds they make, and knows that letters make words, but obviously can't read yet. I think he can be an early reader if we keep fostering it. He is really grasping the concept of time, too, and will look at the clock and say the numbers on it. I used it sometimes to say "At Eight Oh Oh, we will...". It works...sometimes. ;-) He still LOVES to read a lot and can read the same book 20 times or 20 different books after one another. We think he is very smart, but of course we are biased. :-) He also moved into a "big boy room" and is doing very well staying in bed...so far. I'm so glad that has gone better than I ever anticipated!

Finally, unfortunately, his nanny found out her grandmother in Brazil is in the hospital and very ill. :( She decided to go back to Brazil for a little while for her grandmother and to help her family through it. Because travel is so expensive back and forth, she has decided to stay for a longer period of time, probably through Christmas. :( Well, unfortunately, although we really love Paula, this means we needed to look for a new nanny because her absence is undetermined and we really need to be settled a couple months before the baby is born. Donovan is going to have a lot of changes and we need to make sure we limit them as much as possible around January and February. But, we are pleased to welcome Jerri Sue to our family!! She is a professional nanny and has been doing it for 20 years. She has been with her past 2 families for 5 years each and so we feel confident that she wants to become a part of our family and stay with us for a long time. We are really looking forward to working with her and getting to know her better. She is obviously very warm and loving. I find it very impressive and encouraging she's done mission work in other countries, as well. :-)

I'll close here by saying that Donovan is so wonderful. This is such a fun age!! It's a challenging one, but the interaction is just so awesome! I love when he says he loves me or night night or just gives me a hug or a kiss without prompting. It's so wonderful and I don't remember my life before we had him...much. LOL

23 Weeks Pregnant and I think you have a name!

Dear Baby Bean,

You are getting strong in there! You were doing some acrobatic work the night before last at 3am for about an hour! Maybe you were hungry because I sure was!! :-) I feel you move now many times a day, every day. I love this part! Your daddy has felt you moving now too and he said "Oh wow!" when you kicked his hand several times.

My doctor's appointment last week was uneventful, which is always good during pregnancy. Your heartbeat was a strong 155. Your mommy gained 8 pounds in a month, though! Yikes! That brings my total weight gain to about 16 pounds, already. It's all these sweets. I've eaten a lot more this time around. :-p My belly is measuring bigger this time around, too. She measured it at "25" and usually it matches the number of weeks pregnant you are. I think because my belly has already stretched, it just knows what to do this time. ;-) So far, so good on the stretch marks. Maybe one day I'll get in a bikini again. ;-)

So, I think you may have a name! I think we are 90% sure. First, let me tell you the names we considered. If you were a girl, you were going to be Mikala Renee, just like your brother if he had been a girl. Renee was both your dad and my sister's middle names, both deceased a year apart. But, since you aren't a girl, that name will go away now. Perhaps either you or your brother will name a daughter that one day. :-) We wanted you to have a meaningful name like your brother, whose name sounds similar to your dad's and has the same initials as him. But, we were out of D names we like to do the same for you (let me assure you this does not mean we love you any less haha). We considered "L" middle names and after my father, your grandfather, Leon. But, "Leon Johnson" w/ first or middle name just doesn't sound right to us. :-( We looked at the same meaning, but slight variation like "Lionel" or "Leo", but not really working either. I even considered trying to incorporate his love of crosswords. LOL! No go. Sooooo...your father liked "Xavier Michael", but I don't love it and it doesn't have as much "meaning" to me, so I liked "Nicholas" so you are named after me. I considered your initials to match mine like "Nicholas Alexander" (a little long) or "Nicholas Aaron" (your father didn't like either), so I think we have compromised on "Nicholas Xavier". What do you think? Do you like it? Let me tell you one reason your father likes "Xavier" is because if you decide to be an athlete, he wants to bang his arms together and make an "X" and chant your name. LOL! Your dad is so funny and silly. :-D Well, there ya go.

We are anxiously looking forward to meeting you in a few months. We have a few things to buy and we need to clean up your room, but we are almost ready for you. Not as much to do this second time around.

Love,
Your mommy

21 Weeks Pregnant and we know what you are!

Dear Baby Bean,

We had our 3D ultrasound today and it was soooo cool! It really made it sooo real to see you moving so much, the music in the background, cheek bone structure (which I think looks like your daddy's), other detailed features, etc. Seeing you in 3D was so awesome and the technology was so cool to be able to see the blood flow in (red) and out (blue). They gave me a CD w/ all the pics and a video, too. We have a very practical reason for getting a 3D ultrasound this time, that we didn't get for your brother. Insurance wasn't going to cover the ultrasound and the doctor was going to charge us $257. Well, a 3D ultrasound is actually cheaper! Now that we've actually done it, I'd do it again in a heartbeat! It was way cooler than a 2D. ;-)

Everything was measuring a little ahead (consistently) at 22w2d so she said to maybe expect you a little early (1/28 rather than 2/5/2008). She estimated your size at 12 ounces right now, almost a foot long, including legs, and you had long fingers. I think your brother Donovan did too! Everything physically was perfect, she said (fluid, spine, etc.).

So, without further ado, Donovan is going to have a baby BROTHER!!!! I knew it before she said something. It was REALLY obvious! You lucky guy. LOL I got tears in my eyes. I mean I sorta wanted to know what it was like to have a girl (and you will most likely be our last baby), but I'm super happy you are a boy and now you and your brother can play together, be best buds (hopefully) and all that good stuff. And, now I know what to do with a boy. :-D I do hope you sleep a little more than your brother did in the those early months, though. LOL!

Your daddy and I are very excited and will start working on your name. We had a name all picked out from last time for a girl, but the boy name we had a runner up for Donovan, but now it just doesn't sound like you, so we're going to think of a new name. We can't wait to meet you!

Love,
Mommy

Here are some pics:





And, the money shot:



And, mommy:

19 Weeks Pregnant

Dear Baby Bean,

I had a doctor's appointment today. I had gained 5 pounds for a total of 11 so far. The doctor said that was perfect. I am not gaining as much weight this time and I'm sure chasing a toddler around has something to do with it. Donovan loves to go on walks and such and loves to "race" us too, so it gets me up and moving which is a great thing! Your heartbeat was 137 today, which is within normal range. I am wondering whether the old wive's tale is true that a slower heartbeat means you are a boy. Lately I have been having more and more feelings that you are a boy. We find out next Wednesday at 1:45 for sure! :-) I can't wait!! Aside from that, it was a somewhat uneventful appointment, which are good when you are pregnant. I was able to see the top of your head during an ultrasound to check my cervical length (which was in great shape). I gave blood for an AFP blood test to ensure you don't have Spina Ebifida. I'm not worried. We get those results in a week. By then I'm sure I'll forget I even gave blood. :-)

Here are a couple of pics of your growing momma! Still can't wait to meet you and I've been daydreaming about holding you in my arms.

Love,
Mommy




Compare to when I was pregnant with your brother:

Walked a mile in his shoes

Seriously. Last night Donovan must have walked a mile or more! :-O I need to take the car and measure. We went on a walk last night and it was sooo nice out. I let him lead the way and we ended up going much further and longer than I intended. We each pushed a stroller. He walked almost the whole way on his own! I only had to pick him up one place that did not have a sidewalk that was busier and the last 1/4 block he wanted "up" b/c he finally got tired. LOL

But, get this. He still didn't fall asleep til almost 10pm! What do I have to do to tire this kid out?!?!? Hahahahaha!

We had such a nice mommy and me time, though. I cherish these moments and at least he's getting his growing mommy off her butt and walking. ;-)

17 Weeks Pregnant

Dear Baby Bean,

Boy have I popped!! It looks like I'm pooching out a bit sooner this time around, which I read was normal. Comparing my pictures from when I was pregnant with Donovan, it looks like I'm showing about 2-3 weeks earlier this time. I'm sure it will level out. Your grandmother said all her 5 kids were about the same size, so I very much doubt this means anything in terms of your size. :)

Headaches continue to plague me, which is not very fun. I started getting a migraine one morning at 2am, so I took a strong pain med and I still had it when I woke up. Ugh. Then, it got worse again so I took another one right before lunch and it made me feel sooooo weird. I'm never doing that again! It made me feel bad b/c if I was feeling that way, how were YOU feeling? Sorry. Hope you're ok in there. :-) My allergies are also affecting me more than I remember last time, however, it could just be the time of year. It is sooooo hot this summer! I'll be glad when it cools down.

Your big brother still doesn't know what's going on. I don't even think he notices my belly getting bigger yet, although I've noticed sometimes he has trouble getting comfortable while rocking before bed. :-D He is doing well and becoming very social. His nanny, Paula, is so good at taking him out and meeting people and letting him experience a lot. We love her so much and are so glad she's with us!

We get to find out whether you are a boy or girl in the coming weeks. We may get a 3D/4D ultrasound this time because I was having trouble getting an appointment with our doctor when your dad could be there. We'll see.

Well, here are pics of you in my belly in the last week.

Love,
Mommy

Week 17:




Compare to last time:

Week 17:


Week 19:

15 Weeks Pregnant

Dear Baby Bean,

I heard your heartbeat today at my doctor's appointment. It was a strong 150. I gained 6 pounds since my last appointment, but that wasn't too bad considering I haven't gained too much so far. I have been getting a lot of headaches this time around and I'm not sure why. Last week I had a migraine for 3 days and had to get approval for the doctor to take an equivalent to Percoset. I was nervous, but could not take the headache anymore. Finally they seem to be gone for the time being. Does this mean you are a girl since I stopped having headaches with Donovan earlier than this? :-) Or, maybe it's simply because I've been unable to give up caffeine this time around. Being pregnant with a toddler does that to a mommy. Sorry. LOL! My doctor assures me my 1/2 cup of coffee per day is just fine.

I think you're going to be a strong baby. Why? Because I really haven't been able to slow down much and you are right there with me. Yesterday I was running around the backyard with Donovan and some of his cousins at a BBQ at your great Aunt's house. It was so much fun!

I swear I have felt you moving in there in my belly. I think "they" say it's still too early, but I just know I've felt you. I think you like to move a lot, just like your brother. :-)

Let me tell you what your brother is up to right now. He is 22 months old now. He is reaching those terrible two's we have often heard about. He has quite a temper sometimes! It's always worse when he's tired or hungry, of course. He is really talking a lot more now. Some pronunciation is still not there just yet, but I can understand a lot of what he says. Your daddy too. He is, overall, a very well-behaved little boy and very smart. He knows all his colors, how to count to 10 (tho difficult for others to understand his numbers), and even knows what certain letters sound like and can tell me some of his letters. If I point to "H", he'll say "ha ha ha". If I verbally ask him what sound H makes, he says the same thing. He can look at A, B, D, E (sometimes), H, I (points to his eye), M, O, and T (sometimes) and knows what sound they make or what letter it is. We think this is fantastic at his age and are very proud! He ***LOVES*** cars right now, including the movie Cars. He even wants to sleep with them in his bed. :-) We will be working on making his big-boy room soon, so you will have a room when you are born. We think a cars theme would be obvious and hope he loves his new room.

We can't wait to meet you and for you and your big brother to meet. We get to find out if you are a boy or a girl in about 5 weeks. How exciting! Take care in there.

Love,
Mommy

We saw you again today

Dear Baby Bean,

We saw you again today during a procedure called an UltraScreen®. It was a more detailed ultrasound that tests you for any chromosomal abnormalities. Technology is so amazing and by the time you are our age, it will probably be even more detailed! We could have opted for just a blood test like we did for your big brother, Donovan, but we wanted to see you again :-) and didn’t have this option when we were pregnant with him. We loved seeing your heartbeat. We heard it too and that was so awesome!! Your heart rate was a strong 159.

I (your mommy) am feeling pretty well, except for being a bit tired and having some pretty wild and crazy dreams almost nightly. What are you doing in there? According to the ultrasound, you look pretty active in there. It looks like you might have the same amount of energy as your brother. Lucky for us, your daddy and I are energetic people too. I am starting to grow pretty rapidly and am already getting my maternity clothes out. This is common for second pregnancies, though. I haven’t gained that much weight (maybe 2-3 pounds), but definitely getting bigger. Maybe you can see it in the pictures. I really feel like sometimes I can feel you moving in there, but it’s supposed to be too early for that. Your brother, Donovan, is still too young to grasp the concept that you are growing inside me, but he’s looked at your pictures and likes to see you. :-)

I can’t wait to find out if you are a boy or girl, but that has to wait several more weeks until around 20 weeks. Next appointment, we’ll be able to hear your heartbeat again, at least. I can’t wait! Take care in there and if you don’t mind, stop any aerobics in the wee early mornings, so my dreams stop. Thanks! We love you!

Symptoms

Minor cramps
Crazy, detailed dreams
Tired