Baby Update · Daily living

Baby #2: Week 17

Well, I started out week 17 with a burst of energy! I had the urge to clean after weeks of wanting to do nothing, and I took advantage of it. I’ve set up a new cleaning schedule for myself (haven’t done this since before I was pregnant with Gerrit!), and it’s definitely helping me stay on top of things. Unfortunately, the energy did not last… fatigue was probably my top symptom this week.

How far along: 17 weeks on 19 Dec 2017
Approximate size of Baby: the size of a pomegranate… or a chipmunk haha (4.5-5″ long)
Gender: still leaning toward boy
Weight gain: none (-1 lb)
Symptoms: fatigue, headaches, nausea?
  • I’m sure some of my fatigue this week was pregnancy-related, but it was also my own doing. I’ve been in Christmas crunch mode, trying to get all of the things done (since I’m a known procrastinator), which means late nights. This is when I really mourn the loss of naptime. Ahh, those good ol’ days…
  • I had several days in a row of headaches that were pretty persistent.
  • I think my nausea is pretty much gone! I still listed it with a question mark, because I find myself randomly having the urge to throw up (dry heaving almost), but it comes out of nowhere! No nausea leading up to it, or very minor at least. It’s weird.

Maternity clothes: Well, the day I hit 17 weeks, I pulled out the maternity jeans. My regular jeans are just too uncomfortable now, and sometimes I actually get sick of wearing leggings haha. I washed a bunch of maternity sweaters, because I just realized that this is my last time wearing them! And who knows how long cooler weather will last in Del Rio. So they’re out and will hopefully get some wear before getting packed up again.
Stretch marks: no new ones
Belly button in or out: in
Sleep: Eh… despite the fatigue, I’ve had a harder time falling asleep. I feel like I can’t shut my brain off some nights. I’ve definitely been craving naps, but they don’t happen with my little anti-sleep kid. 
Best moment this week: I don’t even know! We spent a lot more time out of the house meeting up with different friends on and off base, and it was a lot of fun! I know I can be a homebody, but I definitely like getting out to break up the days. I’d say that overall it was just a good week. 🙂 
Miss anything: Having energy. When I get a burst of it, it feels so good to get things done! But I’m usually feeling tired.
Movement: Still not sure
Cravings: extra sharp cheddar cheese and green apples
Looking forward to: Christmas! I seriously can’t believe it’s less than a week away!

Baby Update · Daily living · Parenting

Baby #2: Week 16

I was really tired this week. Gerrit was waking more often again, and I think I just wasn’t getting enough consecutive hours of sleep at night. But overall it was a better week! No throwing up, and a decrease in nausea by the end of the week. There’s definitely more pressure on my bladder all of a sudden though… I have to go to the bathroom so much more than normal.

Well, we might have to do some indoor photos for awhile… Andrew just gets home too late to take advantage of the daylight.

How far along: 16 weeks on 12 Dec 2017
Approximate size of Baby: the size of an avocado (about 4.5 inches)
Gender: still leaning toward boy
Weight gain: none (-2 lbs)
Symptoms: back pain, nausea, fatigue, food aversion, headache, cramps
  • Back pain isn’t horrible, but I definitely feel it when I’m on my feet for a lot.
  • Still had nausea most days, but it’s subsiding, I think.
  • Gerrit was having some rough nights for no apparent reason. He went through about a week of waking every 2-3 hours, and the worst night was up every hour and 45 minutes until about 3:30 am. I was pretty tired to say the least! It didn’t help that I can only stomach a few ounces of coffee every day too.
  • Food aversion is going away finally! I mean, I have my days, but it’s getting better.
  • Once in awhile I get a day with a really persistent headache that just doesn’t want to go away.
  • The cramps were only on one day and were pretty minor.

Maternity clothes: I think I’m giving up on the jeans. But I’m not feeling ready for maternity jeans… so leggings it is.
Stretch marks: no new ones
Belly button in or out: in
Sleep: Pretty good… not falling asleep quite as easily, but once I’m asleep I’m good. And then Gerrit would wake up… 
Best moment this week: Sleeping in on Sunday. Andrew was gone Friday night until Saturday late afternoon, so sleeping in on Sunday felt AMAZING. 
Miss anything: Not feeling like I have the bladder the size of a walnut.
Movement: Still not sure
Cravings: extra sharp cheddar cheese and green apples
Looking forward to: Christmas! I LOVE this time of year so much!

Baby Update · Daily living · Holiday

Baby #2: Week 15

I was so hopeful that things would magically turn around for me this week, but my body had other ideas. The day before we hit 15 weeks, I had an appointment with my OB, and he assured me that everything is looking good. Gerrit and I got to see the baby again during an ultrasound, and we heard a good strong heartbeat in the 160s.

How far along: 15 weeks on 05 Dec 2017
Approximate size of Baby: the size of an apple (about 4 inches)
Gender: still defaulting to masculine pronouns
Weight gain: none (-4 lbs)
Symptoms: back pain, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, food aversion, headache, dizziness, nasal congestion
  • Back pain is still pretty minor & not every day
  • My boobs only really hurt when someone (ahem, Gerrit) leans on them or shoves an elbow into them.
  • Still quite a bit of nausea, although it’s not constant or anything. I feel like I had a lot of gagging this week though.
  • I threw up twice this week. 😦 Both times it was late afternoon. The 2nd time was after my OB appointment, and I had to convince myself to hold it together until I got home so I didn’t have to pull the car over!
  • Most days I feel like the fatigue has lifted, but then I’ll have a day or two where I feel so tired during the day.
  • Food aversion is still mostly reserved for vegetables, although sometimes I just don’t feel like eating anything.
  • Once in awhile I get a day with a really persistent headache that just doesn’t want to go away.
  • I get dizzy when I stand up lately, but I had one day where it really lasted all day. I’m glad it happened on the weekend so I could just avoid standing most of the day, but I hate feeling stuck on the couch too.
  • The nasal congestion & dry nose feeling has started. I remember this from my last pregnancy, but I can’t remember how long it lasted.

Maternity clothes: Still fitting into one pair of regular jeans! And when I’m not wearing those, I’m in leggings.
Stretch marks: no new ones
Belly button in or out: in
Sleep: Good, although it still takes me awhile to fall back to sleep if I have to get up with Gerrit (usually only once a night). 
Best moment this week: It’s always one of my best moments when I can see the baby at a doctor visit! My other best moment was decorating the tree with my family. Gerrit is really excited about everything Christmas this year, and it’s so fun to see that!

Miss anything: Still missing my patience, although it’s starting to come back… I think. Also missing just feeling normal.
Movement: I’m not sure. There have been a few instances where I think I feel something, but then I wonder if it was just a gas bubble haha!
Cravings: chips and guacamole, sushi (not that I’ve had any)
Looking forward to: Christmas! I know it’s a few weeks away, but I’ve already been wrapping gifts, and I’m excited to see Gerrit open his.