No way it's been a year...

Holy moly. It's been a whole year since I posted? No way. But yes way. My last post was a year ago this past Friday. There is no explaining how much it has NOT felt like a year. So much has happened. At my last post,  Peyton was at 21 weeks gestation and the size of a pomegranate. She is now going to be 8 months old in 2 days!!!! She is up over 17 pounds now and keeps growing every day. This little girl had stolen my heart in a way I never thought she would. I was so scared about how I was going to be able to love two kids the same. Hunter had been everything for over 5 years, so having to share my heart and attention scared me to no end! I am so happy to report that my heart WAS big enough for the both of them!! They are the light of my life and I can't imagine my life without either of them! Here is a brief catch up from then to now!! 

That being said, Steven and I never want to worry that our children will have to grow up without us, so we are taking a long hard look at our lives and changing the way we do things. We will be changing our eating habits and our activity level in hopes that we can become healthier people. We want to teach our kids about health and the importance of being healthy. From this point forward, we want to be different people. It won't happen overnight, but I am confident that it WILL happen! The is no excuse not to make it happen. If we can't do it for our kids, what better reason is there??! So I hope you follow our journey. I'm excited about what the future may hold for us! 

21 weeks

Size:    You are the size of a pomegranate this week!!!  Though I don't thing I have ever seen a pomegranate, the web tells me that you continue to grow bigger and stronger!  It seems that I keep neglecting my weekly posts, so I have to again catch up for 4 weeks in 1 post.  The last time I posted, you were the size of an onion at 5.1 inches long.  Since then, you have progressed through a sweet potato, mango, and banana!  Currently, you are about 10.5 inches long from head to heel.  To think of how far you have come in just a few short weeks is nothing short of miraculous!  You are now able to gulp down amniotic fluid as your tiny body prepares your digestive system for entering the world.  Your skin is protected by a greasy film that will keep you from looking like a shriveled up prune after a 9 month bath!  You're becoming more and more like a "real" baby every day.  You can hiccup, yawn, stretch, kick, punch, flip, and roll all on your own.  You even pee!!!  We know this because you peed on the ultrasound tech at your last scan.  Your tiny bladder went from a black blob to nothing right before our eyes.  Never thought that would be something I would be so very proud of, but I am!  How God created you from two tiny little cells is something beyond my comprehension.  How anyone could see the miracle of life created and still not believe in God's divine hand, I will truly never understand.  I am more and more thankful and amazed by God's gifts every day and you and your brother are 2 of the very best! 

Weight:  12.7 oz (you have more than doubled in size in the past 4 weeks!)

Total weight gain so far:  Argh, as of my last doc appointment I was up 1 pound!  That brings my total loss to 38 instead of 39.  Still happy with the overall picture, though!  I figured it's bound to happen sometime as you get bigger in there!

Sleep:  Sleep is okay recently.  Actually not getting up to pee quite as much.  I do have a cold though, so it is harder to sleep through a stuffy nose!  I toss and turn a lot at night with back pain, but for the most part, I get enough.

 

Symptoms:  Nausea has improved significantly!  I still get nauseated when I brush my teeth, but otherwise most of the day is okay.  My appetite has some back somewhat, but I still can't eat as much as I used to.  I pick a lot at my food and almost always end up leaving something on the plate.  Aside from the nausea, my main symptom now is exhaustion.  I get tired just walking from one end of the house to the other.  That and back pain, of course.  All things that are tolerable at this point as long as you are comfortable!

Cravings:  I really don't have any cravings in particular.  I would rather eat fruit and steak any day, but it's not something I "crave." 

Aversions:  Still grilled or baked chicken.  To be more specific, boneless skinless chicken breasts.  I can tolerate other kinds of chicken and I can eat it if its barbequed, but that's about it. 

Best moment of the week:  We got to visit family in Indiana this weekend that we hadn't seen in a couple of years!  It was nice to be able to catch up.  Hopefully will see them again soon.

Big brother's excitement level:  Still super excited.  He likes to talk to you every day and can't wait for you to get here.  He knows to expect you sometime in January, even though your due date is actually February 3rd.  We are all excited to meet you!

Movement: Some days you just lay there like a lump on a log, but other days you act like you're practicing your ninja moves in there!  Sunday you were doing somersaults and bouncing around like Tigger!  I don't mind you pouncing around though...just reminds me that you are there!

Gender:  You're a GIRL!  At least the tech said so with fairly good certainty.  She said she can't be 100% because you were not cooperating well, but from what she saw, she said there were no boy parts and she saw the 3 lines indicative of a girl.  We would be happy either way, but knowing you are a girl makes us excited to start buying pink!  Even if that changes and they decide you are a boy, we will be just as happy as long as you are healthy!

Next doctor appointment:  October 3, 2013 for repeat anatomy scan - they want to make sure you are good and healthy and that they were right on their gender guess :)

    Assuming they were right, we are excited to meet our little Peyton Abigail!



17 weeks (missed a few weeks)





Size:    You are the size of an onion this week!!!  I have neglected to post your size over the past few weeks.  The last time I posted, you were only 2.1 inches at 12 weeks old.  5 weeks later, you are now 5.1 inches!  That's almost triple what you were just those few weeks ago!  You're bones are hardening now and your fingers officially have your one-of-a-kind fingerprints!  You are starting to get some meat on those skinny bones of yours, too.  That's what will give you those cute chubby cheeks in just a few months!  Last week you started getting eyebrows, eyelashes, and all that baby hair.  You can hear my voice now!  Good thing you can hear, because your brother keeps screaming into my belly button or my mouth to talk to you and say hello or goodnight.  You have grown so much in the past few weeks.  It's amazing how fast you have changed!

Weight:  5.9 oz (at my last post 5 weeks ago, you only weighed .49 oz!  That's a HUGE change!)

Total weight gain so far:  As of last Thursday, I am down by a total of 39 pounds.  Still have yet to gain a pound!  Eating better and watching my blood sugars have truly done a lot of good for me and for YOU!

Sleep:  I'm currently getting up 2-3 times per night to pee, thanks to you!  Sleep is okay, but I'm having some crazy dreams! 

 

Symptoms:  Nausea is still the primary symptom.  I have started throwing up more when I brush my teeth.  Most of the time it's just gagging, but this morning, it was all the way!  I'm ready to be able to get a good brushing in without having to yak in the middle of it!

Cravings:  Fruit, fruit, and more fruit!  Sour fruit, actually.  Apples, grapes, oranges...not so much bananas.  I eat them on cereal, but I'd rather have the other!

Aversions:  Not as much as I used to have, but still not a fan of grilled chicken.  That seems to be something I just won't get over until you get here. 

Best moment of the week:  Going to the doctor last week and getting to see you jump on the ultrasound again!  The nurse practitioner said she saw all 4 chambers of your heart and everything looked healthy.  Praise the Lord for healthy hearts!

Big brother's excitement level:  Oh he is getting super excited!  Like I mentioned earlier, he is screaming in my belly button and in my mouth thinking that you can hear him.  Your ears are working now, so you might be able to hear him.  He loves you so much and doesn't even know you yet.  He can't wait for you to come out so that he can teach you all kinds of things, hopefully good things!

Movement: I have been feeling you a lot lately!  Mostly in the evenings when I'm quiet and lying down.  You don't like it when I have my laptop on my belly, like now.  You are kicking me to let me know your dissatisfaction!

Gender:  Tried to see last week, but the ultrasound machine wasn't clear enough she said.  Anatomy scan scheduled on September 12th and we should know then!  Everyone still thinks girl...we shall see!

Next doctor appointment:  September 12, 2013

 

12 weeks

Size:  You are the size of a plum this week!  Growing so fast, you are now over 2 inches long!    Your organ systems are fully formed and now it's just time for them to keep on growing and working.  You are squirming around in there and now you are developing your reflexes!  If I poke on you, you will probably curl away from me!  Baby fingers and toes are developed and you can curl them now!  Can't wait to kiss those fingers and toes in a few months! 

Weight:  0.49 oz

Total weight gain so far:  I've been able to eat slightly better this week, so may not have lost any more.  As of last week, I was down a total of 23 pounds!

Sleep:  Sometimes good, sometimes not so good.  I have a cold this week so with my stuffed up nose, it's hard to breathe!  Makes it very hard to get a good night's sleep.

Symptoms:  Today the nausea was back with a vengeance!  I tried to eat lunch and it just wasn't happening!  The apple this afternoon was a fabulous snack!  Still very fatigued and want to sleep all the time.  Still hoping the negative symptoms will go away in the next week and a half when I finish the first trimester!

Cravings:  This week has been fresh sliced tomatoes.  Yum!  Thank goodness for the garden!  I think I overdid it a bit though because I don't want to see another sliced tomato for awhile :)  Oh, and sweet corn this week.  Your papaw bought a bunch of fresh sweet corn and gave us some, so we have enjoyed that this week!

Aversions:  Still grilled chicken.  Keep it away from me unless you wanna see something not-so-nice!  Otherwise, I can eat most things. 

Best moment of the week:  Feeling you flutter!!!!!  I was sitting in the Subway drive through when all of a sudden you started doing flips in there!  It was such an exciting feeling!!!  I have felt you a couple of times since then and love it every time.  Can't wait for it to get more frequent!

Big brother's excitement level:  He has been very excited this week!!!  He always wants to know how big you are and this week has started talking to you in my belly :)  You probably can't hear him yet, but there is plenty of time for that :)

Movement: First flutters at exactly 12 weeks!  Only a couple movements this week that I could tell so far, but I'm sure it will start to get more frequent.  It's so exciting to finally feel you in there!

Gender:  Not much longer now!  Hopefully by the end of August, we will know what you are!!!  I will be happy when I can say he or she instead of he/she :)

Next doctor appointment:  August 1, 2013

11 weeks

Size:  You are the size of a lime this week!  Over an inch and a half long.  The green is fitting considering the fact that your daddy and some other people said your ultrasound picture from today made you look like an alien!  I thought you were beautiful, alien features and all!  I can't feel you yet, but you are squirming around in there!  Your head is as big as your body right now, but don't worry...that will change over the coming weeks as you continue to grow.  You are starting to get tooth buds and hair follicles this week for all that cute little fuzzy baby hair!  Grow, baby, grow! 

Weight:  0.25 oz

Total weight gain so far:  Had my follow-up doctor's appointment today and I'm down another 6 pounds.  So far, I've lost a total of 23 pounds!  They aren't worried about it though and actually think it's good for me.  I'm doing my best to take care of you, so here's to hoping that it continues long after you are here with us!

Sleep:  Oh my goodness, the dreams!  I have been having crazy baby dreams lately and wake up feeling like they are so real!  Having to pee more overnight, so that makes sleeping a bit rough.  Trying to stay on my side, but always wind up on my back somehow.  That just makes for a sore back!   

Symptoms:  Biggest symptom this week is fatigue!  I'm super tired and want to do nothing but sleep.  The nausea is still there some days, but some days I feel perfectly fine.  Today, not so much.  Still moody, but less than last week I think.  Hopefully most of my negative symptoms will subside soon and I can start feeling better! 

Cravings:  Ice cream!  Which, being a diabetic, is not necessarily a good thing.  I did find a carb smart vanilla version, which has only 4 grams of sugar per serving.  Just had some, so we'll see how my sugar is in an hour!  Also craved a Krystal today.  I had 2 for lunch and was stuffed afterwards!  what is it with you making me feel full after just a little bit of food!  Not such a bad thing, though.  Oh, and mac & cheese!!!  Good thing dreamfields makes a lower glycemic index pasta so I can enjoy some without feeling totally guilty!

Aversions:  Still grilled chicken.  Keep it away from me unless you wanna see something not-so-nice!  Otherwise, I can eat most things. 

Best moment of the week:  Getting to see you on the ultrasound!  I wasn't planning one today, but they surprised me with one!  I'm never going to turn down the chance to see your cute little face!  You are measuring right on target and have a strong heart beat of 167 bpm.  SO happy to know you are okay and growing well in there!  I'm doing all I can to take care of you, so you keep growing like you do best! 

Big brother's excitement level:  Excited this week!  I showed him pictures today of baby brother/sister and he said "it's getting so big!"  Then he asked if he could talk to the baby and leaned down to whisper to my belly.  That was the sweetest thing I think I have ever witnessed.  He kept saying how much he would love the baby and take care of it.  That's my sweet hearted boy :)

Movement: Still none that are confirmed.  Occasionally I feel little bubble like movements down there, but that could either be you or gas.  No way to tell yet :)  I like to think it's you having a dance party in there.  Get you're groove on, baby!

Gender:  Now that I'm almost 12 weeks, not much longer to go until the big reveal!  Sometime in the next 4-8 weeks we will find out.  I'm super excited and can't wait to know if you are a boy or a girl.  Everyone I know is convinced you are a girl.  The fast heartbeat of 167 bpm is a clue since girls typically have a higher heartbeat.  I am thinking pink, but if it turns out to be blue, I'm completely okay with that too!  As long as you are healthy, I don't care if you're a girl or a boy :)  You will still be MINE!

Next doctor appointment:  August 1, 2013

10 weeks

Size:  You are the size of a shriveled up 'ole prune this week!  Over an inch long.  Good thing you don't actually look like a prune.  They aren't the most appealing of fruits.  Your organs are fully formed and starting to function now.  Your arms even have joints now and your bones are starting to form in your tiny little body!  You're getting fingernails too, which if you are anything like your brother, I will have to clip every 2 days or you will scratch your own eyes out!  You can also swallow and kick now.  Oh, you are growing so fast!!!!

Weight:  0.14 oz

Total weight gain so far:  None that I can tell.  Was down 17 lbs as of my last doctor visit.  Will find out more at my next appointment!

Sleep:  Your daddy bought me some sleepy time herbal tea that I tried last night and I was asleep within 20 minutes!  That might be my new favorite bedtime treasure! 

Symptoms:  My biggest symptom right now, besides the daily nausea, is the massive mood swings!  I think your daddy would agree.  I can be find one minute and be angry the next or a blubbering mess!  I cried during the ending of a cartoon movie and got mad at the electric people for working on a power line!  I have to eat a snack every night before bed to keep my blood sugar down overnight so when I was sleepy last night, your daddy told me to get up and get a snack.  I didn't want to, so apparently I cried and begged him not to make me eat.  I only vaguely remember this, so I'm not sure how much is true and how much is daddy's exaggeration!  Though I suppose it wouldn't surprise me if it were true.  I'm a crazy mess lately! 

Cravings:  Still varies.  Still craving the yogurt dip, but wasn't able to find it at Food City!  Opted for the French onion instead.  That will suffice I suppose!  I have also been craving English muffins!  Found some whole grain ones that are healthier than the traditional.  Just have to be very careful what I eat so my blood sugars stay down and you stay healthy! 

Aversions:  Ugh, grilled chicken is still the worst!  I normally love it, but I haven't eaten it in weeks because I just can't seem to stomach the idea.  Randomly, I do have other food aversions.  It varies a lot!

Best moment of the week:  It's only Tuesday, so I will have to revise this question a bit.  How about the thing I am looking most forward to this week?  SLEEPING IN!  I love my Saturdays where I get to lay around and be lazy!  That's the best time of the week for me.  I snuggle with your brother and we watch cartoons all day.  Can't wait until you can snuggle with us!

Big brother's excitement level:  Mostly excited.  No more episodes of saying he doesn't think it's a good idea, so that's good.  He is convinced he is having a brother, so it should be fun if you come out as a girl!  I think he might get the hint if we buy enough pink!

Movement:  I have still had a couple of times where I have felt the little bubble flips when I am still and it is quiet.  I could be crazy (which if you see earlier in this post, is entirely possible).  It may not be you, but I don't see any harm in believing it to be you :)  Makes me feel more connected to you!

Gender:  Hoping to find out sometime towards the end of August through mid-September!  I know they can usually tell between 16-20 weeks!

Next doctor appointment:  July 18, 2013

9 weeks (a bit late)

Size:  You are the size of a green olive this week!  Almost an inch long.  You are actually starting to look more like a baby this week.  Your features are starting to develop and the biggest news this week?  You are now considered a fetus instead of just an embryo!  Go, fetus!  Of course to me, you are just my baby :) Your heartbeat continues to grow stronger every day! 

Weight:  0.07 oz

Total weight gain so far:  Still none!  I was actually down 17 lbs as of my last appointment on June 26!

Sleep:  Sleeping better, just still not enough!  I'm tired most of the time and fall asleep just about anywhere.  My back seems to be hurting more than normal.  Of course, that could be from all the coughing that the hormone supplements are causing!

Symptoms:  Nausea is actually a lot better!  I gag on occasion and brushing my teeth is still a challenge.  I feel sorry for your daddy because he's the one that has to live with me!  Still cold all the time.  I have to carry a blanket with me almost everywhere I go!  The heartburn is still raging!  I take my "candy" with me everywhere I go (a.k.a. Tums). 

Cravings:  This varies widely!!!  This week, I have begun craving a new greek yogurt herb ranch dip!  That is thanks to my husband's aunt turning me onto it.  I still crave fruit from time to time, but lately I have been wanting more sweets.  That is a NO NO!!!!!  I have to watch my blood sugar so that you stay healthy, so if I eat sweets, it is in major moderation. 

Aversions:  This isn't quite as bad as it was, but again it depends on the time of day and how I'm feeling.  My biggest aversion is grilled chicken, which is the same as it was when I was pregnant with your big brother. 

Best moment of the week:  Taking big brother to see Despicable Me 2!  He has been waiting for over a year to see it, so I was excited to make it happen. He LOVED it!

Big brother's excitement level:  Still excited mostly, but once this week said he thinks having a baby brother or sister "isn't such a good idea." We got to go see fireworks with my best friend Jamie on Saturday and he got to see a little baby, so I think he enjoyed playing with her and practicing with a baby!

Movement:  Everyone everywhere says it's too early for that, which I believe for the most part, but I have felt tiny gas bubbles on occasion that I SWEAR feel like it felt when I first noticed your brother move!  I'm thinking it will still be 4 or more weeks before I can be sure that it's you in there :)

Gender:  Hoping to find out sometime towards the end of August through mid-September!  I know they can usually tell between 16-20 weeks!

Next doctor appointment:  July 18, 2013