Poppy Seed to Pumpkin

Consolidating

2008-12-13T12:54:00.001-06:00

I have been consolidating a lot lately. Cutting down the bulk. Doing anything to make our busy, overly-detailed, hectic life a little more simple.

So.

I decided I am going to consolidate my blogs too. I am (obviously) no longer able to keep up with posting on three seperate blogs. And rather than not blogging at all, I am going to only post on Dialgoue of a Wallflower from now on. So check here for updates on the family, the babies, my thoughts, exciting news, trials we face, and any other tidbits I find time to write about.

Songs of an Angel

2008-11-23T22:22:00.003-06:00

Oh look! Jazlyn is singing again...

aaaawww, aaaaaaaahhhh

Boy! Way to hit that high note!

The end. Song over.

Elf Ears!

2008-11-14T18:21:00.001-06:00

Yoda?

Jazzle Dazzle at Play

2008-11-14T18:13:00.003-06:00

Pooped.

So much to look at

Who do you see?

Who is that good lookin baby in the mirror!

Bath time!

Princess Jaz

2008-11-10T09:14:00.000-06:00

First Halloween

2008-11-02T23:55:00.000-06:00

Sister Love

2008-10-23T20:31:00.002-05:00

Sleepy Girl

2008-10-23T20:26:00.001-05:00

She's a Sucker

2008-10-19T14:00:00.003-05:00

Jazzie got the hang of her nuk last night! We had been trying a different kind, and she gagged every time. So I brought out our supply of pacifiers, and popped one in after another. She took to this one right away. Yay!

Happy baby, happy mama

First Days at Home

2008-10-15T20:34:00.003-05:00

Swing time

Beautiful eyes

Sleeping beauty

First smiles...

A Birth Story

2008-10-11T11:18:00.007-05:00

I cannot even begin to believe how much different this birth story is from the last. Everything, from the moment the first labor pain struck, to the moment I held my precious new girl in my arms, went far better than I could have ever hoped for. Here's the story...

Tuesday, October 7th, I woke up, hopeful. I had several strong contractions during the night, and I hoped they would continue. But, once again, they stopped completely the moment I got up. I was dismayed, but had to keep going. So Jared and I went about our day as normal. We packed up Sophie after breakfast, and headed out to run some errands. By 11:30, I started feeling very crampy. Before long, I realized that the cramps were actually painful contractions! They were about 7 minutes apart, and getting closer. I knew by noon that this was it!

After four hours of laboring at home, my parents came to stay with Sophie, and we left for the hospital. When we arrived at 4:30pm, I was dilated to 5cm, 80% effaced and -1 station. My water had not broken yet. They hooked me up to an IV for my dose of penicillin (for the GBS). As I sat there, the contractions slowly increased in strength. I had my disc-man, and when each contraction came on, I cranked Chris Tomlin. With the words of those songs filling my head so loudly, it was easier to keep my mind off the pain. I thought about the words, and let myself be immersed in them.

Me and Chris T.
At 6pm, the midwife broke my water. Almost immediately, I reached transition, the most painful part of the whole day. I got in the waterbirth tub by 6:30, still cranking Chris with each labor pain. By 7:25, I started to push with all my strength. At 7:36pm, Jazlyn entered the world. Jared checked right away, and announced that we had another little girl!

Jazlyn Lucia, 3 minutes old

First glimpses of Mama

First moments with Mama

With Mommy and Daddy

First moments with Daddy

Melissa Hasler, our midwife (who also delivered Sophia!!!)
All wrapped up and warm

Sophia meeting her baby sister, and giving her kisses
Our family four

It's a Girl!!!

2008-10-08T00:00:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the world,
Jazlyn Lucia Nourse!!!
Born on October 7, 2008
at 7:37 pm
Weighing 7lbs, 7oz
Measuring 20.25"

We have been waiting and waiting for you!

You are very loved, sweet girl.

*Photos of the sisters coming soon!

38 Week Check-Up

2008-10-02T15:44:00.002-05:00

Here are the exciting stats from my 38 week check-up today!

BP: 98/62
WG: 1/2 lb.
Fetal HR: 140 bpm
Fundal Height: 38 cm
Dilated: 3cm
Effaced: 60-75%
Station: -1

They said I'm a labor waiting to happen! Woot! Woot!

38 Weeks: Leek

2008-09-30T20:12:00.007-05:00

Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb. Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. (Babycenter.com)

I am slightly discouraged to be writing this week's update. On Monday, I had contractions ALL DAY, ranging from 3-12 minutes apart. However, they never got painful, or consistent. When I went to bed, I was still having contractions, and during the night I was awakened several times by strong ones. This encouraged me, and I thought that when I got up Tuesday morning and started moving around, things would progress. Instead, they died off completely. Bummer. I was pretty disappointed, but I believe that God is teaching me to trust Him, and be patient. Hard lessons to learn when you are this uncomfortable.

I'm feeling very tired and achy again this week. My joints are loose, and ready for delivery. I continue to feel my stomach muscles slowly ripping apart, which has been happening for 3 straight weeks now. My skin is stretching again too, causing more stretch marks and and insatiable, constant itch. On a normal day, I have probably around 20 contractions. This week, hopefully, brought more progress with having so many on Monday. With every contraction, I'm sure my body is getting that much closer to being ready. I just hope it's almost there.

To go along with my bodily aches, I just feel discouraged at this point. It hurts every time I move, I can NEVER get comfortable, I itch like crazy, I don't have nearly enough energy or agility to keep up with Sophia, much less the house... I realize that having this baby will create a whole new challenge, but I'm ready to try that one now. At least I will be able to move. I'd really appreciate any prayers for my attitude and emotional state in these last days. I am fighting so hard every day to be patient and trust God, and do it with a good attitude. God is helping me through these days and making them bearable, when I let Him. But on those days when I get stubborn and try to do things on my own, my world seems to crumble.

Got Sleep?

2008-09-26T18:24:00.001-05:00

I'M

SOOOOOOOOOO

TIRED.

37 Week Check-Up

2008-09-25T17:26:00.002-05:00

Had my check up today. Not quite as much progress as I was hoping for.

Blood pressure: 98/62
WG: -1 lb.
Fundal Height: 38cm
Fetal heart rate: 145 bpm
Dilated: 2cm
Effaced: 30%
Station: -1

On the bright side, my midwife told me that with this being my second pregnancy, everything will happen faster, and I will do most of the dilating/effacing during actual labor, whereas with first pregnancies, you need to dilate and efface some before labor begins. She was also very pleased with all the cramping I've been having, and left saying, "Well, maybe we'll see you next week for your check up. Otherwise, I'll see you upstairs for delivery!"

Any day now. I'm waaaaaaaiting.

37 Weeks: Swiss Chard

2008-09-23T09:13:00.010-05:00

Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard*). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz. (Babycenter.com)

*Note: The comparisons they are drawing between the size of my baby, and produce, are getting reeeeally weird. So if you were thinking that too, I'm with ya. And if you are one of those people who has actually heard of all this produce, maybe we should be better friends. You'd probably be a healthy addition to my life.

Exciting progress this week! I have started to feel my body change in preparation for delivery. I have been really crampy for the past four days now. I woke up this morning, and still have cramps (prementrual type cramps). I remembered this happening before Sophia was born too, so yesterday I went back and looked at her blog to see when I felt that way. It was EXACTLY the same week last year, about a week before I delivered. If my dates are more accurate for when I'm due, then this would be right on track (Sept 25th was the original due date).

I have also been feeling extremely sore and achy all week from loose joints, especially in my hips/pelvis, and neck. It's hard to explain, but my joints really do feel loose, and like they are not supporting the weight of my body as well.

As always, I have been extremely tired. A little more so this week than normal. I think my body is working overtime with all the changes taking place.

I believe the time is drawing near. I really don't think I have three full weeks left. I believe Poppy will make an appearance before that. My prediction is that within the next 2 weeks, baby will be in my arms, not my belly. Don't hold me to it, that is just my guess from the way my body is feeling these days.

UPDATE: Baby dropped last night! I have been feeling a significant increase in pressure on my pelvis today, and still very crampy all day. Getting closer!

36 Week Check-Up

2008-09-19T11:32:00.003-05:00

This week started the cervix checks, and weekly visits. From here on out I have appointments every Thursday til the baby arrives.

Here's the progress report:
BP: 108/66
WG: 2 lbs
FH: 34 cm
Fetal HR: 136bpm
Dilated: 1 cm
Effaced: very soft (didn't give me a percent)

We confirmed that the baby is head down. I also signed my waterbirth consent form, and pre-registered at the hospital and with our insurance. We're ready for ya Poppy! You can come on out anytime.

36 Weeks: Crenshaw Melon

2008-09-16T11:23:00.009-05:00

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement. (Babycenter.com)

I can feel my body beginning to prepare for delivery. Whatever the hormone is that causes your joints to loosen (progesterone?) is in full effect. My hips and pelvis have been extremely achy and sore at the end of each day. As I lay in bed every night, I feel like I attempted a rigorous exercise regimen because of how sore I feel. In reality, just normal daily activities (and very loose joints!) are the cause of my pain.

I am also positive that this baby is sitting up higher this time. The one stretch mark over my belly button (from last year) is stretching further each day, and my muscles at the very top of my torso constantly hurt. I believe they are splitting the rest of the way up (last time they only split about halfway up my torso). I've quickly discovered that because of the high position of the baby, there is absolutely no way I can position my body that feels comfortable. Sitting down, or laying down is always extremely uncomfortable, as Poppy is growing INTO my ribs. The only time that Poppy is not digging into my ribs is when I'm standing. But then my lower back and legs begin to ache tremendously. It's a constant battle;)

All this to say-- screw what I said about not in a hurry to be done. After this week, I am so there. This baby can come out anytime. I'd be totally down with that.

I finished packing the hospital bag as much as I can. Everything else will have to be packed last minute, as we use those items on a daily basis (camera, toiletries, boppy, etc). I made a last-minute packing list too. I am ready and waiting.

I have my 36 week check-up on Thursday, which begins the weekly visits. It also begins the cervix checks. Cannot wait to hear that I am 4cm dilated already and will deliver within the week. (Here's to dreaming.) Until next week, dear readers...

35 Weeks: Honeydew

2008-09-10T06:57:00.010-05:00

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight. (Babycenter.com)

Things feel much the same this week. I am tired. I don't want to eat. My belly is getting heavier every day. All natural during these final weeks. I am feeling more and more ready to be over with it now. I suppose a week of horrid discomfort and a lack of sleep could account for my waning patience.

But as my patience is shrinking, our anticipation to meet this little one is growing. Jared and I have had several discussions about how strange, yet wonderful, it will be to start all over again. I know I will have a hard time remembering what to expect, despite watching Sophia develop through each stage so recently. But it will be fun to learn all over again.

We continue to prepare for the arrival. This week, we picked out a "coming home" outfit for a girl. We already had one for a boy. Now they are both packed and waiting to clothe our wee babe. I also picked up a baby memory book, and filled out as much as I could. We have that packed in the hospital bag too, so we can get those precious little footprints stamped in it!

Like I said, I have been very tired lately. I find that my motivation to do much of anything is dwindling, and as I stare at the pile of dishes, I dream of the bed. And down comforter. And squishy pillows. Mmmmm. I received a really wonderful book from a friend this week, and have spent much of my free time resting in bed with my book. It has been a great way to relax and spend some quiet moments to myself. I know moments to myself will soon become a rare commodity, so I am relishing these quiet times.

Good news! I think we have finally decided on a beautiful name for a girl! You'll have to wait and see if we have a girl. If not, then I guess you'll have to wait til next time around, which isn't going to be for a long time...;)

Mom Body

2008-09-07T23:20:00.002-05:00

I cried a little today when Poppy kicked my boob.

34 Week Check-up

2008-09-04T21:14:00.003-05:00

We had our 34 week check up this morning. All is well.

BP: 102/62
W.G.: 3 lbs.
Fundal Height: 33cm
Heart Rate: 143 bpm

The thought struck me the other day that I am still breastfeeding, and what am I going to do during labor and ready to explode? So I asked my midwife today, and she said that I should just plan on pumping during labor, if needed, and that oftentimes that will help stimulate more contractions. No biggie. Ah, good.

We have been having some trouble with finding the perfect name for a girl. We have our boy name chosen, but have been struggling a little with the girl's name. Choosing a name for our baby is extremely important to me, and not something I take lightly. Time is running out, and it has really been bothering me, so I am off scour the name book once again (just like every night)! It may not seem like a big deal to anyone else, but I would really appreciate any prayers that God would show us that perfect name reserved for our girl, should we have another daughter. (Isn't it neat to think that God already knows the name of our baby, even though we don't yet!?)

34 Weeks: Cantaloupe

2008-09-02T19:24:00.009-05:00

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which she'll need to regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. (Babycenter.com)

This past week has been all about preparation. It started on Thursday when we totally gutted the basement, setting aside any and everything we wanted to get rid of. That made a lot of space (for baby swings, exersaucers, bassinet, etc)!! We listed several items on Craigslist and have sold over half of them! This has brought in some extra cash that will definitely come in handy when it's time to buy diapers;)
I also dug through all the preemie and newborn clothes we had stashed, and put all the "neutral" colored ones into a drawer. I even started a hospital bag (even though there is only a blanket we bought for Poppy in it so far. It's a start!).
I feel like God is preparing us for the arrival. I have felt an urgency to get everything ready. Last night, I dreamt that my water broke! When I woke up, I found that it was just a dream. Whew.

I am not sleeping well anymore, and don't expect to again until Poppy starts sleeping through the night in about 3 months. My belly feels heavy and very uncomfortable, and I wake up every time I roll over. But it is so worth it! I love knowing what is under that bursting belly... my precious little Poppy! I must say that while we are extremely excited to meet Poppy, I do not feel in such a hurry to be done this time around. At least not yet. I am enjoying these last weeks of feeling Poppy within me, and preparing for his/her arrival.

Oh yeah, and the perma-peeing has begun.

Next appointment is this Thursday. Will update then.

Crankalicious

2008-09-01T10:14:00.004-05:00

I am cranky today. I mean cranky.

I suppose that is normal in the last month, right?

And after a horrible night's sleep, right?

And after reaching for the toilet paper when I finished my business, and finding out there is none in the house, right?

And after pouring my bowl of breakfast cereal, which is the ONLY thing that sounds palpable, and finding there is no milk left, right?

And after spending the morning trying to squeeze my mammoth belly into the tapered-ceiling-cubby-hole-closet p-a-c-k-e-d with miscellaneous boxes of baby items, in search of anything we will need for Poppy, right?

And after listening to Sophia spend a full hour screaming herself to sleep while I was trying to squeeze my mammoth belly into the tapered-ceiling-cubby-hole closet, right?

This is normal, right?

33 Weeks: Pineapple

2008-08-26T13:53:00.008-05:00

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood. (Babycenter.com)

Nesting has set in. I surged with a new-found strength and ambition this week, and tore into the house. My desire to make room for the new baby was strong and urgent, and thus, I have been on a cleaning kick. Eliminating any object that is not useful has been exhilarating and relieving. So far, I have been doing a pretty decent job. The basement has a lot more space, and I feel a little more prepared to welcome another precious babe into the house. The thought that my due date could possibly be off by almost 2 whole weeks (which would put me at 35 weeks) is constantly looming in the back of my mind. I believe that could account for some of the urgency I've been feeling. Jared has been struck with the same urgency, (which I am so grateful for!) and we have been working together to get everything in line.

I have been feeling really good again this week! I am getting more and more uncomfortable now and it is getting somewhat difficult to move around a lot. It is especially difficult to get up off the floor, bend down to pick up Sophia, and turn over in bed. I am constantly letting out a little "oof" under my breath, without meaning to.

Poppy is a mover. Sophia is also a mover. I am going to have my hands FULL. Poppy is in constant motion, riddling my belly with kicks and squirms all day long. It is reassuring and wonderful to feel my baby move inside of me. I love every moment.

I must admit I am getting nervous about what the next few weeks are going to bring. Not the baby, just what it takes to get the baby here.

Labor.

This time I know what to expect. I know how much pain is coming my way. I am HOPING this knowledge helps me through labor, rather than makes me more scared of it. I like to think of it this way... You now how when you are going somewhere for the first time and you don't know the way, it always seems to take longer than the next time you go, and the path is familiar? I am really hoping that is what labor is like. Now that I know what to expect, I hope it seems shorter and a little easier than last time. I can feel my body preparing for it already. I have been getting several (8-10) braxton hicks contractions per day.

32 Weeks: Jicama

2008-08-20T07:53:00.009-05:00

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

My life is a roller coaster ride these days. From one day to the next, you never know which version of Naomi you're gonna get. Heck, I don't even know. I have been incredibly emotional this week and have spent about 1/3 of each day crying about something. It is to the point where I am annoying myself. I feel sad and overwhelmed much of the time and have a hard time handling the riggers our busy life. Jared has been incredible through all this. Sometimes I can hardly fathom the undying patience and support his gives me so freely. He always pulls me close when I need to cry, and just holds me until I'm done. Then invites me to come back anytime I need to cry some more. I know that soon we will be holding a precious new gift on our arms once again! In only a matter of weeks! As the end draws closer, I find my excitement growing with each passing day. Unfortunately, my stress levels are growing as well, as I attempt to figure out how we are going to fit another baby and everything that goes with it in this basement. I haven't pieced together that puzzle just yet. Baby might be sleeping in the living room. Or bathroom. Or kitchen.

I have had a horrible appetite this week. I am simply not interested in eating, and have, thus, lost a few pounds.Once again, Jared to the rescue. He has been keeping a close watch on me and making me eat more when he knows I haven't had as much as I should. (Such a good husband!)

I had my 32 week check up today. Everything is normal and well.
Heartrate: 144 bpm
BP: 104/62
Weight gain: 2 lbs.

Now I start going in every 2 weeks for a check up.

31 Weeks: Navel Oranges

2008-08-13T08:29:00.009-05:00

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy. (Babycenter.com)

I had a somewhat emotional week. I've been dealing with fluctuating hormones causing me a wide range of emotions, mainly focusing on frustration, sadness, and self-esteem issues. Not a stellar combination. I do have my happy moments too though-- like when I think about meeting Poppy for the first time, discovering whether we have a little boy, or a little girl, choosing a name for this precious life, and enjoying the tender first moments together in the hospital.

The wild pregnancy dreams have begun. Two nights ago, we were fighting for our lives against a monstrous tornado that would not leave us alone. Last night, I had to be hospitalized and have surgery (I'm not sure on what, they didn't tell me). I was terribly worried about having surgery so close to giving birth, but they went ahead with it anyway. When I woke up from the anesthesia, I had apparently given birth, naturally I might add, while I was out (yeah, I'm Wonder Women). Unfortunately, the baby was brought to me with the bottom half missing, but was still happy and alive. I turned to my mom and asked if it was a boy, since there were no genitalia to clue me in. She said, "Nope! You've got another little girl." (It looked very much like a boy. A 6-month-old boy.) Totally amazing what the mind comes up with while its in sleep mode.

I have been struggling with appetite again this week. Food just isn't appealing most of the time. One thing that I have been enjoying is a glass of homemade chocolate milk here and there. Vitamin D milk mixed with some chocolate syrup has been sitting quite nicely!

My Glider

2008-08-08T00:45:00.004-05:00

A-MAZ-ING.

30 Weeks: Cabbage

2008-08-06T21:52:00.007-05:00

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Feeling great this week, but exhausted. I have been leading a crew of kindergarten boys this week at VBS! I have 5 of them, and they are ACTIVE! We have been having a blast each morning, but I am ready for a looooooong hard nap every afternoon. Up. Down. Up. Down. Up. Every. Single. Morning. That's hard on this heavy body! I think God has been supplying me with an extra shot of energy this week:)

Most exciting news of the week: I got a new Amish glider! It is FAB.UL.OUS!!! (I will post pictures tomorrow.) We drove to Nelson, WI this afternoon to pick it up and I am totally thrilled. It is sooooooo comfy, and it's the perfect nursing chair. I'll basically be living in it pretty soon;)

I am very pleased to have made it to 30 weeks. I feel like I'm in the home stretch now. I think the rest of the pregnancy will go quickly, and Poppy will be here before we know it.

Poppy is still moving as frequently as ever. Squirming and kicking all day. When I snuggle Jared, he often feels Poppy's kicks through my belly. Both Jared and I are very excited to meet our second precious gem. We've been working on narrowing our name list lately, but don't bother asking-- names are TOP SECRET this time.

Special Report

2008-08-01T05:09:00.003-05:00

Here's a special treat for ya. A mid-week-middle-of-the-night update.

I can't sleep. My body feels worn out and tired, but I can't sleep.

I have no desire to eat. I get hungry, but I do not want to eat anything. Nothing sounds even remotely appealing. (Although, I have been dreaming about fresh, hand-squeezed lemonade. I'm supposing that doesn't count as food though.)

Water just gave me heartburn.

And my parting gift...

I got a message yesterday from a midwife who told me "they found something in my urine culture that I need to be treated for. You have a prescription waiting at your pharmacy." WHAT? Way to be vague.

A call to my beloved nurse, Patti, revealed that I am Group B Strep positive*, and need to take penicillin for 10 days, and be treated with antibiotics via IV during labor. I felt pools forming in my eyes. Before the waterworks could gush out, I squeezed out the one question pounding through my head "Can I still do a waterbirth?"

Yes. Phew.

*The group B streptococcus (GBS) bacteria is usually harmless in healthy adults, but it can cause a relatively rare but very serious infection in newborns, such as sepsis (an infection in the blood), pneumonia or meningitis. Between 10 and 30 percent of pregnant women carry GBS bacteria and may pass it to their babies during labor or birth. With proper treatment during labor, though, the risk is small (1 in 4,000).
(Babycenter.com)

29 Weeks: Butternut Squash

2008-07-29T18:19:00.014-05:00

Your baby is growing rapidly now. This week he weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is getting bigger to accommodate his growing brain — which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton, which is now hardening. (Babycenter.com)

I realize I never gave any details of the ultrasound. It was an amazing experience seeing our child at such a late fetal age. I have never witnessed one this far along in the pregnancy, so it was pretty interesting. We were able to see the facial features fairly clearly (much more so than the 20 week ultrasound!), down to the skin, and eyelids. We even got to watch our baby open and close it's eye. Poppy was in a jack-knife position, with one foot next to the cheek, and the other leg stretched straight. Poppsters also had one arm raised above the head, and the other tucked under the bottom. And they say the womb is comfortable... I don't know how that could be! We also got to see clearly that this babe, too, has daddy's toes. It's apparently a very dominant trait. My best friend, Abby got to witness this ultrasound with us! We have been buds since we were 10, and been through pretty much every major milestone together, so it was very special to me that she was there. My mom, Anna, and Yo Jung (their Korean guest for the summer), also got to sit in for the last few minutes.

The other highlight of the day was hearing that this ultrasound put my due date as October 4th (rather than 14th), which is closer to the original date again. This makes so much more sense in my mind, and believe that it is more accurate. The midwife, however, did not officially change the due date since it was only 10 days off (they only change it if it's more than 14 days off). So we remain at October 14th, with hopes of an "early" delivery.

I have been feeling okay this week. I have been annoyed by a lingering cold that doesn't seem to be clearing up. I have also found that balancing this heavy belly during daily activities is becoming a bit of a struggle. It's pretty difficult to roll over in bed, play on the floor with Sophia, bend over for any reason, or reach high above my head! Sophie and I have been perfecting the nursing dance as my belly grows as well. It is getting interesting at this point as she has to lay on top of my tummy. Poppy usually rebels and riddles me (and big sis) with kicks! Poppy is getting strong enough now that when he/she kicks, my whole belly moves.

I am growing out of some of my maternity clothes now as well. I have two sizes: 1st half, and 2nd half. The 1st half fit when my belly isn't too big yet, and are a little fitted. They are the "cute" pregnancy clothes that are actually somewhat stylish. The 2nd half clothes are basically patterned tents and never reach any level of "flattering." I always hesitate to dig into the tent clothes, for obvious reasons. No one likes looking like a blimp. Once I get over my hesitation (usually out of desperation), and submit to blimphood, I reach a new level of (semi) comfort again. Clothes that fit right (no matter how unflattering), are just plain comfy.

Beautiful Baby

2008-07-26T11:33:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures from our second ultra sound yesterday! Looks like another cutie (with daddy's toes!)

Beautiful profile

Cute little button nose:)

Daddy's long toes!
We got to watch the right eye open and close! The sonographer was even excited and said she had never seen that before!

28 Weeks: Chinese Cabbage

2008-07-22T20:25:00.008-05:00

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world. (Babycenter.com)

I feel myself slowing down these days. I can't get around as fast or as efficiently anymore. I've already reached the point that when I drop something, I debate whether or not it is worth picking up. Bending over (especially while holding Sophia) is quite the undertaking, and uses a lot of strength and energy. I have been getting tired faster than ever, and usually sneak in at least one nap a day.

On the up side, my hair has been growing fast! It is thick and soft, and getting longer with each hormone-packed pregnant day. I really have very little to complain about. I have no nausea, no heartburn, no swelling, and no complications of any kind. Other than my belly getting heavier and slightly more uncomfortable, I am doing just fine.

I have been dreaming about the arrival of Baby Nourse #2. During these revelries, I always pan a range of emotions. I start with excitement, travel through fear, then panic, then peace, and then circle back to extreme excitement again. I love this baby so much already and can hardly wait to meet him/her! I am excited see the similarities and differences to Sophia. I'm excited to see what he/she looks like. Heck, I am excited to see if it is a he or she! Sometimes I worry about how I will manage mothering two babies- one that is so mobile and already into everything, and one that is so helpless and needs me for everything. Then I remember that God has never let me down, and has chosen to bless us again with one of the best gifts in all of life. That makes me ecstatic! I am very happy that our children will be so close in age, as well. It will be so wonderful for Sophia and her sibling to have a playmate in each other.

This Friday will be a busy "pregnancy" day for me. I have my ultrasound (SOOOO excited for that!!!), my glucose test, and my 28 week check up.

27 Weeks: Califlower

2008-07-15T18:32:00.008-05:00

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. (Babycenter.com)

I am getting tired much easier these days. Luckily, my fatigue has not dampened my summer spirit to get out with Sophia. We have both been enjoying the numerous activities summer has to offer, including swimming, walks, picnics, day trips and visiting the zoo! Poppy loves coming along for the ride too, and always lets me know so with kicks of excitement.

Today while Sophie was swimming in her pool, I attempted to lay on my belly in the sun. Poppy quickly vetoed that idea and pelted my abdomen with kicks. ("Get off me, Mommy!")

Pregnancy is one of those weird stages in life that seem to creep by at a snail's pace until you reach the end. Then looking back, it seems like the time raced by before you knew it. I can hardly believe I am already 27 weeks along, yet only 27 weeks along. I am getting uncomfortable now, and am not thrilled about what I know the remaining months will bring. Like I said before, pregnancy is not the fantastic utopia I always dreamed it to be. Don't get me wrong, the FINAL result, will make it all worth while. Being a mother has not only fulfilled my lifelong dreams, but surpassed them in so many ways. Mothering Sophia (and Poppy too!) has satisfied me in a way I didn't know possible.

CRAVINGS OF THE WEEK: S'mores, Peppermint Bon Bon ice cream, Blazin' Buffalo & Ranch Doritos

Ultrasound Countdown: 10 DAYS!!!

26 Weeks: Cucumber

2008-07-08T20:15:00.005-05:00

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. (Babycenter.com)

Bagels. Toasted, with a little butter. Mmmm. I can't get enough of them this week. I would seriously eat them for every meal, and snack time, if I could. For some reason, my inner mom voice tells me that would not provide enough nutrients for little Poppsters.

I have been feeling a little sick this week, which could possibly be something I picked up in Mexico. My tummy was extremely queasy for a full day accompanied by a throbbing headache. The following few days have been comprised of occasional sharp abdominal cramping. I cannot tell if the cramping is in my uterus or stomach though. It stretches right across the middle of my belly. I have been trying to take it easy and not overdo it until I feel restored.

I have also been completely exhausted lately. When I sleep, I sleep hard. I nap almost every time Sophia does, and still fall into bed at night, worn out. I think my ideal day would be: eat a bagel, take a nap, eat 2 bagels, take a nap, eat a bagel and yogurt, play outside, go to bed. But that is definitely not how it goes! Sophia keeps me so busy and running all day, which is good for me and baby. We also try to get out on a walk everyday when possible.

Poppy is such a mover! I know I talk about this every week, but it such a huge part of the pregnancy that I can't neglect it. I feel Poppy moving, thrusting, kicking, poking, punching, wiggling and flip-flopping around at least once an hour, generally more than that. There has even been the occasional kick that is painful, and always in the same spot (lower, right abdomen). Sometimes I stop in my tracks, clutch my belly and yelp. Even Jared recognizes what that means now. Yesterday when that happened, Jared looked at me and asked, "Poppy kicking you again?"

25 Weeks: Rutabaga

2008-07-05T21:36:00.006-05:00

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture. (Babycenter.com)

Jared and I took an amazing vacation this week to Akumal, Mexico (an hour south of Cancun). As far as the pregnancy is concerned, it was a great trip. We stayed at an all-inclusive resort, so I could eat as much as I wanted. I was a little concerned going into it about getting sick from the food or water, but it wasn't an issue.

The weather was extremely humid, and intensely hot. Poppy was very active and was a constant companion on the trip. Baby never let me forget that he/she was along for the ride! A few weeks ago, I said this baby isn't as active as Sophia. That's history. Poppy has far surpassed big sis in the kicking and squirming department. I feel Poppy moving around all the time throughout the day. I did indulge in a few more cappuccinos than normal on the trip, so that could attribute for some of the activity from within.

My feet began to ache and get a little swollen this week, but I know that was from the hot weather and all the walking we did (in flip flops). Jared, amazing husband that he is, gave be extensive foot-rubs that eased the pain. Thank you Sweetie!

It was wonderful to have one last big vacation as husband and wife before our family of three becomes family of four!

24 Week Check-up

2008-06-26T13:10:00.003-05:00

I had my 3rd prenatal appointment today (seriously! Six months pregnant and only 3 appointments! That's really okay with me though. I don't have time for more.)
Everything went well and fast.

BP: 99/62
Fundal Height: 25 cm
Fetal HR: 154/bpm
Weight gain to date: 14.5lbs

I also got the OK to travel to Mexico on Monday, armed with all my medical records and advice to take a baby aspirin for the plane ride.

24 Weeks: Corn

2008-06-24T19:36:00.005-05:00

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon. (Babycenter.com)

I have already started having Braxton-hicks contractions this week. I have had 4-5 today alone. One as I write this even.

Poppy has been a busy little beaver inside the womb this week, hosting dance parties, boxing tournies, and yoga classes. Just last week I said that Poppy isn't as active is big sis, Sophia, which still holds true, though he/she certainly has been trying to keep up with the big sib.

I am just getting to the uncomfortable stage. Last night, Jared took me on a date to see Prince Caspian at the theater, and I squirmed and wiggled the entire 2 hours and 20 minutes. I could not get comfortable. My belly is getting heavier and larger and starting to get in the way a little.

I have my 24 week appointment on Thursday. Nothing exciting (in fact, she wasn't even sure she wanted to see me at all, even though it's been 6 weeks since my last appointment!). The following appointment, (at 28 weeks) we get a 2nd view of Poppy via ultrasound, and I have my glucose test. So that one will be more exciting.

I have been out in the sun a lot this week. My skin got a nice tan, which surprised me since last year I just got red blotches from any sun exposure. Well, three days after my glorious tan, the blotches appeared. Oh well:)

We leave on Monday for Mexico (coming home Friday the 4th), so next weeks update will be late!

23 Weeks: Mango

2008-06-19T09:45:00.011-05:00

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb. (Babycenter.com)

This week has been a good one on the pregnancy front. It has been a very boring-in-a-good-way week. I have not felt sick or queasy at all. I have been sleeping like a rock. I am hungry all the time. I can eat all day and not gain a ton (!!!) thanks to my super-high need for calories-- feeding three takes a lot of food! I feel Poppy kicking several times a day, though he/she is definitely less active than Sophia ever was. And I have been extremely emotional this week, which is to be expected I suppose.

My belly is just starting to feel heavy now. I notice it when I roll over in bed at night, and when we take long walks each day. Yesterday on our family walk, I found myself lagging farther and farther behind. My mom also commented this week that I am starting to "waddle." I feel it.

Jared and I have been starting to look at some name possibilities again! It is so fun (and a little scary) picking out a name that our child will bear forever. I am pretty excited about some of the names on our list, and can't wait to share one very special name with all of you in a few short months!

22 Weeks: Spaghetti Squash

2008-06-11T18:44:00.008-05:00

At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

Baby must be growing rapidly this week. Yesterday I had a monster appetite-- the kind that gives pregnant women their reputation, the kind that is embarrassing to let anyone see! But, the silver lining yesterday showed up in the form of an outrageous motivation to clean! I cleaned Gary's place upstairs (he hires us to do so), and then felt in such a cleaning mood that I scoured our place as well. I really need to take advantage of these moods, as they don't show up too often. It is finally on a level of cleanliness that I actually wouldn't be embarrassed to have people over!

Old Poppsters has been hosting a boxing match, right there in my womb. I'm serious, the kid won't stop kicking and punching! I am a little nervous for life after it exits the womb. I think this one's gonna be a handful!

I am happy to report that my skin has not been nearly as sensitive to the sun this time. On the few sunny days we've actually had this year, Sophia and I spend as much time as possible outside. Last year, I would break out in heat rash if I stayed in the sun for more than an hour. No sign of heat rash this time! Woohoo!

Sugar Overload

2008-06-08T16:53:00.005-05:00

A strange phenomenon has occurred this week.

Like I mentioned previously, sweets have taken the back burner when it comes to my recent cravings. Salty wins almost every time these days. However, I have apparently been in the mood to make sweets, just not eat them. A few days ago, I whipped up some dessert to bring to a friend's house, but was not satisfied with it when it was finished. So I ran to the store and bought a cake mix. Well, the cake never got made that night. So the following day I made it for us. Yesterday morning I rose at 5:45am to begin the 3 hour process of making homemade cinnamon rolls (which taste EXACTLY like Cinnabons, thank-you-very-much!). When I was finished, I turned and stared at the counter. A smile grew on my face as I said, "Hee hee. Sorry Jared, I guess I will stop making sweets for awhile." He laughed out loud and nodded his head.

My eyes were resting on a full pan of brownies, 3/4 of an angel food cake, a small pan of almond joy bars, and a tray of 8 remaining cinnamon rolls.

Anyone want some dessert? Come on over.

21 Weeks: Carrot

2008-06-04T19:15:00.007-05:00

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well. (Babycenter.com)

I have had a hard week. Stress levels have been high this week, which makes everything go downhill. Especially milk production. If pregnancy doesn't kill it enough, extra stress will pretty much wipe it out completely. That has been a constant struggle since January when I got pregnant. After awhile, battling my own body to nourish my growing fetus, and my growing infant at the same time takes a big toll. I keep wondering why God did not make it more possible to breastfeed, and be pregnant at the same time, with sufficient nourishment for both. Please pray for me in this area, as I am feeling weary and frustrated.

Along with the added stress, I have felt exhausted all week. It has also been affecting my appetite. Last night, I made a huge, delicious dinner that took 1 1/2 hours to prepare, and when it was finished, it looked absolutely repulsive to me. I ate a few bites, but that's all I could handle.

Usually, Sophia and I take a walk everyday when the weather is nice. It is something I look forward to, and I think she does too. This week we have not gotten out much because of the crummy weather (Come on! It's JUNE!!), but we were finally able to go around our usual loop yesterday. The fresh air and exercise felt good.

20 Weeks: Banana

2008-05-27T20:24:00.009-05:00

Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about the length of a banana. A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first messy diaper. (Babycenter.com)

I. am. HUNGRY.

That about sums up this week.

Poppy must be growing a lot this week. All I know is that I am hungry all the time. I can't go more than an hour or two without a little snack, and am eating as much (or more) as Jared at dinner. I am downing a tall glass of water every hour too. I have been trying to increase my milk supply this week too, since pregnancy basically kills it. I think that has a lot to do with the need for extra calories.

Poppy has been kicking like crazy now. I feel the babe moving around usually around lunchtime, dinnertime, and always at bedtime. Poppy also kicks back whenever Sophia bounces on, sits on, pokes, or squishes my belly. Ahhh, siblings already.

I am now down to three pairs of jeans and almost ready to move into my maternity pants. I have grown a lot over the past week, eliminating several options quickly.

I am still very comfortable, though I am starting to loose my breath quicker now.

My desire for sweets is quickly beginning to wane. When I do indulge in a sweet treat, I usually pay for it with an upset stomach and immediate regret. Salty foods and proteins are replacing my cravings to sugar. I have been flying through eggs like you wouldn't believe. Milk is another hot item in my fridge (pun intended). Meat of almost any kind sounds incredible. Potatoes sound heavenly... I could go on for awhile.

Overall, a good week.

Belly Check

2008-05-22T22:20:00.004-05:00

19 week belly check

SOPHIA POPPY

I still think I'm showing slower than last time. I think Poppy is going to be a little babe. Watch me have a 10-pounder now ;)

19 Weeks: Heirloom Tomato

2008-05-20T22:29:00.008-05:00

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces, and he measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. His arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of his body now. His kidneys continue to make urine, and the hair on his scalp is sprouting. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Your baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. If your baby is a girl, she has an astonishing 6 million eggs in her ovaries. They'll dwindle to fewer than two million by the time she's born. (Babycenter.com)

(I totally forgot to change the sign from "22 weeks" to "19 weeks." I'll get it right next week. I hope.)

I feel like I've popped out over the past week or two. I have actually been enjoying my new silhouette. It is starting to look like I'm actually pregnant now, instead of a little chubby. I have found myself subconsciously caressing my belly with endearment. I am falling in love with another child I have never met.

The itchies have returned a little. Mostly on my lower belly where my stretch marks are. I am hoping this will only be a temporary phase and not last the remaining four months.

I have felt really good this week. I have felt slightly more energetic (always a plus!), but am still having a few food aversions. Everyday, I get ravenously hungry, but when I go to eat something, nothing sounds appealing. I have been extremely thirsty lately too. I am guzzling liquids, and still feel thirsty!

Most of my normal pants are too tight now. I am moving up to the next size in my jean collection. Most of my maternity pants are capris or light pants meant for warmer weather, so I haven't gotten much use out of them yet. (Dumb weather!)

Jared is on vacation in Florida this week, enjoying some much needed R&R. He promises and insists that I plan a little vacation for myself in the near future. I can hardly wait;)

The Reveal

2008-05-17T09:56:00.006-05:00

BOY!

The end.

Prophetic

2008-05-16T15:12:00.003-05:00

Last night I had a dream...

I gave birth to Poppy. It only took 5 minutes. But I was so exhausted that immediatly after the baby was out, I fell fast asleep. I didn't even know the gender of my baby. When I awoke, the room was empty and dim. I wandered into the hall and found Jared showing off the new babe to Richard. I asked eagerly what sex our baby was. Jared pulled the legs apart to show me.

It was a...

Tune in tomorrow for the rest of the dream.

(18 Week) 21 Week Check-up....NOT!

2008-05-16T14:26:00.005-05:00

NEW DUE DATE: October 14th, 2008

It's true, they changed my due date. I am only 18 weeks, 3 days pregnant. They said the "20-week" ultrasound has a two week margin of error, but since I was almost 3 weeks off, they decided to change it. Oh well, I'd rather have a new due date, then watch September 25th pass me by and wait around for another two weeks, thinking I'm overdue. All that matters is that baby is healthy, and still on the way, no matter when it arrives!

I went back and changed the titles of each post, putting the accurate week in parenthesis. For the next three weeks, you will have to bear with me as I repost some of the same material.

My appointment was good. Gained 3 lbs. BP: 102/54. Baby's heart rate: 160bpm! I'm measuring at 20cm, which she said was great for either 21 weeks, or 18 weeks. So all's well. My midwife said I need to come back in for another ultrasound in about 10 weeks, just to make sure baby's growing well and still lining up with the new due date.

(18 Weeks) 21 Weeks: Carrot

2008-05-16T08:05:00.011-05:00

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. His eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed. And you can certainly feel him move. He's oblivious to your schedule, though, so don't be surprised if he starts working out just when you're settling down for the night. If you're having a girl, her vagina is formed now, though it will continue to develop until birth. (Babycenter.com)

The pregnancy hormones are in full effect. I have been so emotional and sensitive this week, and believe I have cried at least once every day, for no apparent reason. I'm just sad. Then happy. Then crabby. Then cheerful. Then exhausted. I get so annoyed with myself that sometimes I cry because I am so annoying. It really is quite a sad state of affairs. I apoligize in advance if you are ever subject to one of my roller coaster mood swings.

I am starting to feel a little more pregnant now. My body is changing the way it operates, and I am trying to adjust. Yesterday, I found myself waddling like a did toward the end of my last pregnancy. I was so disgusted that I stopped walking and forced myself to walk normal again.

I still haven't been feeling Poppy very often, but the movements are slowly turning into gentle little kicks. The only time of day that I normally feel the little squirt is around 10pm.

I am in that horrible state of clothing-transition. Up to this point, I have easily gotten away with wearing all my normal clothes, but now about half of my jeans are getting snug. It is a little funny to me when I sift through my jeans and find a 6 size range! But that is about the range I go through during the pregnancy. My trusty jean collection will last me to the end!

(17 Weeks) 20 Weeks: Banana

2008-05-09T19:58:00.009-05:00

I know I am day late in writing this update, but somehow I don't feel as motivated knowing that I may be writing this same post again in 3 weeks. Being 17 weeks pregnant right now would explain a few things though, such as: Why am I way smaller now than I was at 20 weeks last time? You are supposed to show faster the second time around, not slower. Also, I was confused as to why I hadn't felt Poppy moving much yet. Last time I felt Sophia by 19 weeks, and supposedly you feel the second baby faster. Not so though. If I am only 17 weeks however, I am feeling baby two weeks faster.

I took the calendar out today and tried to figure things out. Jared and I had pinned January 10th as the date of conception (Happy Birthday Andy and Ben!). I counted backwards 17 weeks from Tuesday, and landed on January 8th. So that makes perfect sense. The only part that puzzles me is that I would have gotten pregnant on Day 21 of my cycle, which is very late. I know that my last period was December 20th, and according to the due date calculators, it still comes up with September 25th as a due date.

All this to say, I am sure that I am only 17 weeks pregnant. Somehow, because it I got pregnant so late in my cycle, it is screwing up the due date calculator. So I am guessing my new due date will be October 14th. Like I said, I will keep you posted.

I feel Poppy moving around every day now! I have only felt a few gentle kicks so far, but lots of wiggles. I have started getting a similar ache in my foot as I did last year. I am sure a foot rub from the huz will remedy that;)

Belly pictures will be posted later. I plan on taking them tonight. Like I said, I haven't felt as motivated knowing that everything I have posted thus far may be rendered inaccurate.

Meet Poppy!

2008-05-07T15:12:00.006-05:00

We had our "20-week" ultrasound this morning! It was amazing as always. We invited our parents, and my sister to come witness the grand event. It was fun having everyone in the room with us, marveling at the miracle within.

Poppy looks healthy and beautiful! However, we did have one huge surprise: the ultrasound put my due date at October 14th, which would mean I am only 17 weeks, 1 day pregnant (which I cannot work out in my mind at all). That means I have to rewind and relive the past three weeks of pregnancy again. This was quite a big disappointment to me. Then over our breakfast date, Jared gently reminded me of the amazing miracle I get to experience carrying a child. He pointed out that he would never get to feel a baby kick and grow inside him, and that I need to remember how incredibly special the gift of pregnancy is. I am so grateful to have a husband to help me adjust my perspective.

My due date has not officially changed yet. For now I will continue with my updates as normal. At my appointment next week, the midwife will decide if we should change the date or not. I will keep you posted.

Poppy's foot, toes pointing north-west

Poppy's hand
Poppy's profile, very similar to Sophia's in-utero

(16 Weeks) 19 Weeks: Heirloom Tomato

2008-05-02T11:16:00.007-05:00

I am now moving into my "fat pants." So far, I have not needed to wear any maternity clothes, though I have on occasion because they are so cute:)

I had a horrible headache on Monday, that I suspect was a migraine. My head throbbed and pounded for ten hours straight. I drank more water than I ever have in a day (peed every 20 minutes) and took two tylenol, but it just pounded on through. Finally, the next morning my head ache went away. (Thank you Lord!) I have been experiencing frequent headaches over the past few weeks, but none that bad.

I have also started to notice a little ligament pain now when I jump off the couch. It has only happened twice so far, but I suspect that will increase in the near future.

I have been so blessed by all my recently-pregnant friends showering me with their maternity clothes and baby items they will not use. It is so wonderful to go through this with so many good friends!

Next time I post, we will have seen our beautiful Poppy for the first time! We have our 20-week ultrasound scheduled for next Wednesday! We are very excited!

I'm Drooling

2008-04-28T15:55:00.008-05:00

This would be my dream come true...

I may need run to the store.

(15 Weeks) 18 Weeks: Bell Pepper

2008-04-24T08:43:00.013-05:00

Head to bottom, your baby is approximately 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and she weighs almost 7 ounces. She's busy flexing her arms and legs — movements that you'll likely start noticing more and more. Her blood vessels are visible through her thin skin and her ears are now in position and stand out from her head. Myelin (a protective covering) is beginning to form around her nerves, a process that will continue for a year after she's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and Fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If your baby is a boy, his genitals are noticeable, though he may hide them from you during an ultrasound. (Babycenter.com)

I have come to realize that my "morning sickness" is actually "afternoon sickness" and consistently strikes the second Jared walks in the door after work. Please don't take this the wrong way. I promise it is NOT Jared that makes me feel sick! He usually makes me feel better in the midst of my illness. Gin Gins help a lot too ;)

Overall, I have been gradually feeling better and better over the past few months. I feel like some of my energy has been renewed, along with a new resolve to attempt a healthier diet. During most of the first trimester, I threw caution to the wind and indulged in many sweet treats. Luckily, this has not shown in my weight gain whatsoever. I am sure breastfeeding has something to do with that. (woohoo!) I am also very encouraged that I have started to crave some healthier options this week too. Several kinds of veggies and leafy greens sound very appealing. For breakfast almost everyday I make egg toast, which is delicious and gives me precious protein and grains (wheat bread). For a sweet treat, I sliced up some bananas and popped them in the freezer. It is a really healthy, satisfying fix for my sweet tooth!

Yesterday I transferred many of my summer maternity clothes into the closet, and packed away most of my heavy winter clothes. I am so happy about the warming weather! I quickly forgot how sensitive pregnant skin is, and got a nasty sunburn in a matter of an hour or two under the rays. That's not going to stop me from soaking up the sun at every chance I get though. I will just slather on the sunscreen next time!

I have started to feel the baby wiggling around a little now!

BELLY CHECK

SOPHIA......................POPPY

(14 Weeks) 17 Weeks: Turnip

2008-04-17T21:10:00.009-05:00

Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and he's around 5 inches long. He can move his joints, and his skeleton is starting to harden to bone. His sense of hearing is also developing. The umbilical cord, his lifeline to the placenta, is growing stronger and thicker. (Babycenter.com)

Best news of the week-- no sciatic pain! That has been a true blessing. I hope that it stays away. But my darling Poppy, if it doesn't, you are SO worth the pain. ;)

I have still been getting queasy every so often, so I finally got around to buying some Gin-Gins (hard ginger candy). So far I have only used one, but it helped settle my stomach.

I scheduled my ultrasound for May 7th, which is only three weeks away! I can hardly believe how quickly time is going with this pregnancy. I like it that way though. Sophia has been keeping me busy so I am not constantly dwelling on the pregnancy. That means that we will get to meet Poppy before we know it! I bet Sophia will LOVE having a sibling to play with!

I have been feeling some small flutterings that I believe Poppy is responsible for. I have not felt any distinctive kicks yet though.

What Nobody Tells You

2008-04-15T22:37:00.001-05:00

Nobody tells you that the second time around you can't hold your pee anymore. When you gotta pee (which is all the time), DON'T try to hold it.

(13 Weeks) 16 Weeks: Avacado

2008-04-10T22:52:00.008-05:00

At 4 1/2 inches long (head to bottom) and 3 1/2 ounces, your baby is about the size of an avocado. In the next three weeks, she'll go through a tremendous growth spurt. Some of her more advanced body systems are working, including her circulatory system and urinary tract. Her heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, circulating her total blood volume through her body many times. Although closed, her eyes are moving (slowly), and she's even started growing toenails. (Babycenter.com)

Everything is much the same as last week. I am at a point in the pregnancy where change is slow. I am perfectly okay with that. The longer I feel comfortable the better! I am sure that very soon I will start feeling the growth of my belly, and the little one within.

I had my 16 week check-up today. It was short and sweet, but the highlight was hearing Poppy's heart beating sweetly 155 times a minute. I measured at 12.5cm, which the midwife said was just right.

Unfortunately I have started feeling sciatic nerve pain this week. I have heard it is very common during pregnancy. Otherwise, I have been very comfortable and haven't been queasy at all this week.

Quality Nutrition

2008-04-06T11:27:00.006-05:00

So far today, I have eaten:

Two chocolate donuts
One brownie
One very tall glass of root beer milk

Off to a good start.

Sigh.

Cravings of the Week

2008-04-04T18:36:00.003-05:00

Root beer milk
Ice cold plain milk
Ice cream Snicker bars
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Oreos

(12 Weeks) 15 Weeks: Apple

2008-04-02T19:57:00.014-05:00

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces. She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. (Babycenter.com)

I have been feeling wonderful this week for the most part. I feel queasy and uninterested in food about two days per week on average. I don't think that's too much to handle.

I am starting to pop out just the slightest bit now. I am still able to wear all my normal clothes, which is nice. Jared bought me some very cute summer maternity clothes this week that I am very excited to put to use in the coming months!

My next appointment is a week from today (next Thursday), and we are excited to hear Poppy's heartbeat for the first time. As I mentioned in an earlier post, my first appointment was at 10 weeks along, and we couldn't pick it up that early.

I still have not felt any defined movement from within. I have felt a slight fluttering that very well could be gas. I just can't tell yet. I get a weekly pregnancy email, and this week it said something like "If this is your second child, you will probably be able to feel your baby sooner than first timers. Second-time moms can easily distinguish kicking from gas bubbles." Um. No I can't. Does that make me a bad mom?

I have been craving SWEETS like crazy again. Pretty much anything sweet sounds appealing, which is quite dangerous. I remember a few years ago before I was pregnant, hoping to myself that I wouldn't be one of those pregnant ladies who craved sweets all the time. No such luck. Why couldn't I crave raw veggies? And fruit? And all the healthy food that I actually need to be eating as a breast-feeding preggy? Oh well. I have been trying to eat as healthy as I can. At my last appointment my midwife asked what I was doing for an exercise routine. I laughed at her. I nearly told her "I am a mom. That is my exercise routine."

I could hardly believe how similar I look to when I was 15 weeks pregnant with Sophia!
Left: Pregnant with Sophia
Right: Pregnant with Poppy

A view of Poppy's development

(11 Weeks) 14 Weeks: Lemon

2008-03-26T20:43:00.007-05:00

Baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches, and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little one's hands and feet, which now measure about 1/2 inch long, are more flexible and active. (Babycenter.com)

I am offically in the second trimester now! One down, two to go before we meet little Poppy. I can hardly believe how quickly the time is flying by. I suppose that is partially due to the fact that I have a precious little girly now to distract me. First time around, I was just waiting and waiting with no distractions, which obviously drags things out. I have been feeling great this week. No queasiness! I definately get tired pretty fast though, and have been lucky enough to take naps with Sophia several days a week.

Poppy has been on my mind a lot this week. I just witnessed three of my friends having babies (ok, not literally) in the last month. Seeing how tiny and precious their little ones are reminds me that I will soon have another one too! Last night, Jared and I came across a photo of Sophia when she was about a week old. We both let out an "awwww" in unison. We immediatly jumped on the computer and scrolled through about 200 pictures from right after Soph was born. It makes me so happy and excited to know we are going to do it all again in a few months. Jared is thrilled too.

Because of my excitement (and growing waistline), I have started searching for some maternity clothes. I will be able to use most my collection from last time of course, but there are a few more things I need to make it a more comfortable summer. Ebay has proved to be full of nice maternity clothing lots. I love it, because I can look up very specific criteria (such as summer maternity clothing in M), and they have it. Several of the listings are from women who go out an buy new maternity clothes and arrange them into outfits, then sell them on ebay. Takes all the work out of mixing an matching for me! And boy are there some CUTE, trendy maternity clothes out there these days! It actually makes me excited to wear them again.

I will start posting the weekly belly pictures next week.

(10 Weeks) 13 Weeks: Shrimp

2008-03-20T10:25:00.008-05:00

Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries (Wow! Isn't that amazing?!). Your baby is almost 3 inches long and weighs nearly an ounce. (babycenter.com)

The past few weeks have been especially hard when it comes to food. Nearly everything we had was making me gag. So my amazing husband brought me shopping and let me wander the aisles for 45 minutes, grabbing anything that looked appealing to me. This week has been a dream. Everything I eat is sitting really well, and I am actually enjoying mealtime again. Jared has been very protective of my food too, not letting anyone else feast upon it.

I only have one more week in this first trimester! That means that next week the chance of miscarriage reduces significantly. Hopefully, the second trimester will bring an end to my food aversons and queasiness too.

Pregnancy is such a long road. Honestly, I have been trying to think about it as little as possible, because I am a very impatient person, and dwelling on it would only make it seem longer. I am very excited for the coming weeks when Poppy starts to make movements strong enough for me to feel. I think once I begin to feel those tiny kicks again, it will seem more real to me, and then I will start to get really excited. At this point, it is still hard for me to believe there is another little miracle growing inside of me. We have not even heard the heartbeat yet, so it doesn't seem quite real to me yet. I believe the next few weeks will solidify this miracle in my mind, and open the doors of anticipation.

Crazy Cravings

2008-03-14T12:11:00.004-05:00

As I was telling my family this week, my pregnancy symptoms have really been magnified this time around. I have been feeling a lot more queasy and have a very sensitive nose.

But now let's talk about the cravings...

EVERY SINGLE DAY I see some certain food on TV that strikes my fancy, and then cannot get it out of my head until I have some. Last night, I was watching "Everybody Loves Raymond" and saw a disgusting, lopsided white-frosted cake. That was enough to trigger my erratic hormones, and suddenly I needed to have some gooey, chocolate cake. Weird thing? I normally hate cake, AND it was 10:30pm. But, if I do not take action and eat whatever I am craving, I cannot stop thinking about it. I have tried to ignore these stupid cravings before, but then they just bounce around in my head all day until I go crazy. So now, I just try to find a way to get my hands on whatever crazy craving I am having asap.

So last night I set to work on my fudgy chocolate cake and finished it around 11:45pm. I was so eager to dig in that I didn't wait long enough before frosting it and the frosting melted a little. No problem! I enjoyed a big plateful of warm, drippy, gooey chocolate decadance. It was fabulous. Then the cake when in the fridge to harden up a little. Yum!

(9 Weeks) 12 Weeks: Lime

2008-03-13T19:41:00.009-05:00

Poppy's biggest development this week is reflexes. Baby will be able to wiggle fingers and toes. Sucking motions will start now too. If mommy's abdomen is prodded, baby will squirm in response. Poppy is just over 2 inches from head to butt now. (babycenter.com)

As for me this week... I have been sick as a dog-- but not from the pregnancy. Jared brought home some horrible form of influenza and we were both pitiful invalids all week. We finally went to the doctor after being sick for four days, and got some medication. Unfortunately, this medication had no pain reliever in it, and I was not allowed to take Tylenol as it can interfere with the prescription. So I had one horrible night, but by the following day I was feeling much better. I have just about made a full recovery at this point. Praise the Lord!

My stomach has been fairly sensitive lately. I can never predict was is going to send me into a fit of overwhelming naseau. Tonight, for example, I made parmesan red potatoes thinking they sounded good with meatballs! Um, wrong. One bite of potatoes later, my stomach was in upheaval and my bowl was handed imediately to Jared. Ah, the joys of pregnancy. This is really the only "symptom" I have had this week. I feel really great in all other areas.

Just starting to get a little fuller in the waist now. My pants are fitting a little tighter and I can see my belly beginning to show a little, though I'm not sure anyone else would notice yet.

Favorite pregnancy treat this week: Creamy Coconut Fruit Bars from Edy's (OH MY GOSH, to die for!!)

(8 Weeks) 11 Weeks: Fig

2008-03-06T08:45:00.009-06:00

Poppy is just over 1 1/2 inches long (about the size of a fig), and is now almost fully formed. Hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under the gums, and some of the bones are beginning to harden. Baby is already busy kicking and stretching. These movements will become more frequent as the body grows and becomes more developed and functional. I won't be able to feel Poppy's acrobatics for several more weeks. (Babycenter.com)

I have noticed a few things that happen to me during pregnancy. The first time around, I didn't make the connection that it was the pregnancy causing these occurances. But now that they are happening again, it finally clicked. For one, I shed. I loose so much hair that one would think I am going bald. In the shower, I run my fingers through my hair and come out with handfuls of hair. Not just once- every single time I run my fingers through my hair. Every morning, my pillow is so covered with hair that it looks like Delilah snuck in with her strength-robbing shears... which would also explain why I am so tired al the time. My strength has been robbed.

Second, I go through a phase of incurable unattractiveness. This is the phase that comes before the miraculous pregnancy glow. In this first stage, nothing can be done to make me feel attractive. I mean nothing. No amount of make-up. It doesn't matter how long I spend on my hair. Not even my favorite, most flattering outfit. It is all in vain. But I know the clouds will soon part, and the sun will shine down on me causing me to glow. In this second stage, nothing can be done to make me feel unattractive. During this special time, I often feel more attractive than I ever did before I was pregnant! It is wonderful. Knowing that this second stage is on the horizen is what gets me through this horrible first one.

The "normal" pregnancy feelings I have been experiencing are fatigue, queasiness, dizziness, food aversions, and sensitivity to smells. The queasiness is more prevalent this time around. Most food does not sound appealing whatsoever, and I generally have to force myself to eat. I feel queasy when I don't eat. Then after I force something down, I feel queasy from the food. Yuck. So far, I have not been so sick to my stomach that I need to vomit. That's a blessing! I would still say that God has blessed me with easy pregnancies. I feel very lucky, and for the most part am feeling really good.

Week 10 Check-Up

2008-03-04T09:51:00.003-06:00

I had my first appointment yesterday. It was quite amusing. The nurse that works with the midwives was so surprised and happy to see me again! She told me that before my appointment, she had looked at the schedule for the day, and saw my name. She knew that name sounded really familiar, and when I walked in, she started laughing. Anyways, we really like her and were happy to see her again too.

Here's the lowdown:
Blood pressure: 92/50
Weight gain: 0
We tried to listen to the heartbeat, but couldn't find it. They said Poppy is still a little too small and tucked behind my pubic bone, so the doppler couldn't pick it up.
Then they sent me down to the lab to do some bloodwork. Overall the appointment went well. There were no surprises, and it looks like mom and baby are healthy thus far.

(7 Weeks) 10 Weeks: Kumquat

2008-02-26T22:08:00.007-06:00

What the heck is a kumquat? Poppy- you aren't one, okay? You are just the size of one.

Poppy is about an inch long from head to rump, and has finished the most critical time of development. Some vital organs — including kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver are in place and starting to function. Also, the arms and legs can bend now, and the hands are curled up over the chest. Cute! Poppy's tiny fingernails are starting to grow too! Watch out-- those things get sharp, as I recently discovered!

I have been feeling really great this week! Again, the only indication of pregnancy is my constant fatigue. I just get tired so fast! I have slowly been unpacking and settling into our new home at Gary's. I want to create a nice, comfy home for my family, so I have been working for hours everyday getting things put away. All that organizing robs me of precious energy too!

(6 Weeks) 9 Weeks: Grape

2008-02-20T13:00:00.007-06:00

Poppy, you are growing SO much this week! The changes are abundant! You are nearly an inch long, about the size of a grape! You weigh just a fraction of an ounce. All of your essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll grow much more over the coming months. Your heart will finish dividing into four chambers this week, and the valves start to form. (I am praying that all the chambers are closed at birth!) Your tiny little teeth are forming too! Your eyes are fully formed, but your eyelids are fused shut and won't open for a long time. Your tiny earlobes, mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct now too. (Babycenter.com)

I can't believe how much God continues to bless me with easy pregnancies. I really don't feel like I am pregnant at all, except for the growing love I have for Poppy. I have found myself daydreaming about his or her arrival and how fun life will be with two young kiddos. I am sure it will be quite a challenge at times, but a fun challenge nonetheless. I have been feeling very tired this week, but then again I have been up several times a night with Sophia, packing like crazy, moving boxes around, cleaning, unpacking, cooking, and of course, blogging. My pregnancy appetite has returned as well! I am able to eat a normal sized meal and within three hours I am ready for another! :)

First prenatal visit (@ Woodwinds again!!): March 3rd

(5 Weeks) 8 Weeks: Kidney Bean

2008-02-18T13:24:00.009-06:00

(finally caught up)

"This week, webbed fingers and toes are poking out from your hands and feet, your eyelids practically cover your eyes, breathing tubes extend from your throat to the branches of your developing lungs, and your "tail" is just about gone. In your brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. You are about the size of a kidney bean now, and constantly moving and shifting, though I still can't feel it." (Babycenter.com)

We were able to tell all of our friends and family our exciting news within a few days of finding out ourselves. I think some of them were more surprised this time around than when we told them Sophia was coming! We used the "big sister" shirt to tell most people.

Honorable Mention:
To tell Erin and Richard, we put this photo in a stack of other photos for them to look through...

...Erin was holding the stack of photos with this one on top. She smiled and said it was cute and then went on. The next two photos in the stack were ones of Sophia in her "big sister" shirt. She thought those were cute too. After she went through all the photos and came back to this one, she looked at it a little longer. All of the sudden, words came stumbing out of her mouth, so fast that they all got jumbled up and didn't make sense (duh? wha? uh?...) Finally she managed "What's this!?" She showed it to Richard. He looked at the photo for a minute, then slowly shifted his gaze to Jared and started shaking his head, shocked. I think he had a shocked look on his face for a full five minutes before he said anything! It was fantastic!

I have been feeling a little crampy and slightly nauseous this week. Nothing serious, but I have been trying to take it easy. The other thing that has been knockin' at my door is sleep, it wants to take over my body. I would willingly give in, but sadly sleep and Sophia are not friends. Sigh.

Sophia Helped Us Tell

2008-02-12T11:17:00.003-06:00

Mommy: "Sophia! You are going to be a big sister!"
Sophia: "What?"

Daddy: "You are going to have a little brother or sister!"
Sophia: "Ooooooh! Yipee! I am going to be a big sister!"

This was Sophia's special "big sister" shirt that she wore to dinner with Papa Nourse, Papar and Grandma, Auntie Anna and Uncle Nay Nay. After an hour and a half, and no one had said anything about her shirt, I had to step in. I told Sophia to show everyone her pretty shirt that I made for her. Grandma read it aloud with confusion, "Big sister?" and then looked up at us. Then her eyes got wide. Papar jumped in, "Is this one of those prego things again?"

I said, "Maybe!" with a wry smile. Then everyone laughed and got very excited!

(4 Weeks) 7 Weeks: Blueberry

2008-02-08T23:06:00.007-06:00

Dear Poppy,
Tonight mommy and daddy finally found out you are on the way. It came as quite a shock, but there is no better surprise than a baby. We already love you. Your big sister, Sophia, is only four months old right now, and she can't wait to meet you. I can hardly believe how much you have grown without my knowledge. You are already the size of a blueberry! I even read that you are starting to grow your arms and legs this week. I can't wait until those precious little arms can wrap themselves around my neck.

After daddy and I found out about you, we sat on the kitchen floor for a long time and talked about you. We decided we are not going to find out if you are a boy or girl. We want you to surprise us on your birthday! We talked and laughed about how to tell everyone you are coming. We both love you very much. I am excited to track your progress as you grow inside of me. We are so excited to meet you, little one.

Love,

Daddy and Mommy

"Big news this week! Your hands and feet are emerging from your arms and legs — although they look more like paddles at this point than the tiny, pudgy extremities we're daydreaming about holding and tickling. You have doubled in size since last week and now measure half an inch long, about the size of a blueberry!" (Babycenter.com)

6 Weeks: Lentil

2008-02-08T23:05:00.005-06:00

"Your nose, mouth, and ears that I'll spend so much time kissing in eight months are beginning to take shape. If I could see you right now, I'd find an oversize head and dark spots where your eyes and nostrils are starting to form. Your emerging ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head, and your arms and legs by protruding buds. Your heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute — almost twice as fast as mine — and blood is beginning to course through your body. Your intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will give rise to your lungs has appeared. Your pituitary gland is forming, as are the rest of the brain, muscles, and bones. Right now, you are a quarter of an inch long, about the size of a lentil bean." (Babycenter.com)

I started to feel a little more tired than normal this week and made daddy promise to take care of Sophia for one night so I could get a good night's sleep. I, of course, attributed my drowsiness to the fact that Sophia was having a rough week transitioning into her crib and I was not getting much sleep. I am sure that contributed to my fatigue. Little did I know that both of my children were helping in that aspect!

5 Weeks: Sesame Seed

2008-02-08T23:00:00.005-06:00

Poppy has grown so much in a week! I am told baby looks like a tiny tadpole right now! I think it was about this point that I started getting ferociously hungry all the time. It was such a big difference from my normal appetite that I even told Jared about my gnawing hunger. We both assumed it was because I was breastfeeding Sophia still. In the back of my mind the thought of pregnancy sprung up though I did not seriously think it was true. I just increased my food intake and went on my way, never the wiser.

"You are now made up of three layers — the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm — which will later form all of your organs and tissues." (Babycenter.com)

4 Weeks: Poppy Seed

2008-02-08T22:51:00.003-06:00

"You are an embryo the size of a poppy seed, consisting of two layers: the epiblast and the hypoblast, from which all of your organs and body parts will develop." (Babycenter.com) Also present is the amniotic sac and primitive placenta.

All of this is happening deep within my womb, and I don't even have a clue that you are growing inside of me, my little poppy seed! But you are beautiful and so intricate, and so very tiny. I love you already, even when I don't know you are there.

Surprise!!

2008-02-08T22:47:00.002-06:00

Yes, it's true! Papooska number two is on the way!! I can hardly believe it myself. I now officially have an uneasy fear of Christmas break. Want to know why? Apparently I am abundantly fertile during the holiday season. I was due with Sophia September 30, 2007. I am due with this little peanut September 25, 2008. You getting this? It all leads back to Christmas week ;)
I think I am going to blame this on my Grandma Edie. My dad and his brother are 53 weeks apart. Sophia and her sib will be about 52.