My Pregnancy Journal for Baby #2: Week 37

Baby at 37 Weeks:

Baby BOY is as big as a Winter Melon!

He's practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking. He's getting his first sticky poop (called meconium) ready for his first diaper!

My Symptoms: Contractions, sore hips and legs when sleeping, slow to get up from a sitting or laying down position, acid reflux, exhaustion... etc. I just feel really big and I have to get up very slowly whenever I'm seated or laying down and even then it's painful at times.

Maternity clothes? Those and only those. 

Sleep? It's getting super uncomfortable now. When I wake up to use the restroom (which is about every 2-3 hours), my hips kill me. These are the times I have to make sure I switch to laying on the other side when I get back.

Best moment last week? I don't remember too much about last week, but this past weekend was very nice (apart from a hospital visit). Pops and Maria came to spend the night with Agnes late on Friday night while Paul took me to the hospital because I had painful contractions. The next morning Pops and Maria went back home, but also took Agnes for an overnight visit, giving Paul and I much needed rest. We even went on a date 4th of July evening and had a very relaxing night in while listening to the fireworks go off. It was a nice, quiet (well, somewhat) night.

Movement? SO MUCH! And sometimes it's a pain, but so thankful he's healthy!

Weight Gain: I weighed myself at the doctor's office the last time I went because the nurse forgot (I guess?) and it was up to 164 lbs. I gained 4 lbs. in a week. All for the baby!!

Cravings: Loving the junk food and the sweets :P

Food Aversions: Still Cilantro and Basil. I guess a lot of the common spices like Oregano, Cumin, Parsley, etc. are on my list of aversions. That hasn't changed and I haven't found any new aversions. I don't think my food aversions will ever change, pregnant or not unfortunately. (this answer has not changed the whole pregnancy...)

What made me cry this week: Frustration when it comes to not being able to do things easily with maneuvering this bigger body, an infuriating incident I heard that has to do with family, and lastly a tragedy that has hurt my relatives in New York. Very sad and praying so hard for them!

Medical Stuff: Well, this past Friday night, July 3rd, I thought it was the real deal. My contractions were getting closer together and more intense. It was getting late (I had already put Agnes to bed) so Paul and I decided that, after calling the hospital, we should pack and go in. My friend, Treva, came to be at the apt. with Agnes and we honestly thought that that was it! It wasn't and even though I am now at 4cm and 75% effaced, I was not progressing within the 2-3 hours I was there. Therefore, we went home. Frustrating and expensive!! UGH. I will make sure my water breaks and I'm in excruciating pain before going back there (Ha, just kidding... maybe). 2 hospital visits with this pregnancy so far! 

All smiles, but feeling very defeated!

Something I am excited about: The real deal when it comes to meeting "Baby Brother!" Also, coming up with a name for this little prince.

Something I am anxious about: All the change that is about to happen.

My Pregnancy Journal for Baby #2: Week 36

Baby at 36 Weeks:

Baby BOY is as big as a Honeydew!

He's getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on his own. His skin is getting smooth and soft and his gums are rigid. His liver and kidneys are in working order and circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too!

I took these pictures on the day of turning 37 weeks. I guess I just forgot to do my Sunday after church bathroom photo shoot. BUT here is a picture of our family #selfieSunday:

My Symptoms: Contractions, sore hips and legs when sleeping, slow to get up from a sitting or laying down position, acid reflux, exhaustion, 

Maternity clothes? I'm now wearing Paul's boxers and t-shirts to bed and that's when I know it has to be almost time for this little guy to come. 

Sleep? I'm starting to have difficulty staying asleep due to hip pain and rolling over is extremely uncomfortable. But I'm not experiencing insomnia so I'm very thankful for that, I'm too tired to stay up at night.

Best moment last week? A wonderful Father's Day celebration with Paul's parents and sister. They came out for the day to celebrate (and celebrate my birthday) and even took Agnes out for a few hours to give Paul study time and me down time. Very nice.

Movement? SO MUCH! And sometimes it's a pain, but so thankful he's healthy!

Weight Gain: Last weigh in at the Doctor's was 160 lbs. 4 weeks and the same weight... I guess that's normal for the second child.

Cravings: No real cravings. I'm just hungry a lot for snacks and when I do eat, I just keep on eating. 

Food Aversions: Still Cilantro and Basil. I guess a lot of the common spices like Oregano, Cumin, Parsley, etc. are on my list of aversions. That hasn't changed and I haven't found any new aversions. I don't think my food aversions will ever change, pregnant or not unfortunately. (this answer has not changed the whole pregnancy...)

What made me cry this week: Nothing.

Medical Stuff: Saw the Dr. last Wednesday on June 24 and all looks well with baby boy measuring on time and Doctor Kate is confident I'll make it to 37 weeks at least, but she thinks baby will still come before 40 weeks. I also started laboring Sunday afternoon with regular contractions starting at around 1-2pm and they didn't stop until about 9-10pm. They got as close at 2 minutes apart at one point but the intensity hardly ever changed so I guess it was false labor. Uncomfortable, though, and frustrating at times.

Something I am excited about: Meeting this little guy in hopefully at least another 1-2 weeks!

Something I am anxious about: A change in routine, sleep deprivation, not giving Agnes enough Mommy time, and being all around a bad mommy when it comes to two kids instead of one. I'm just anxious about the new life we will have when baby boy comes.

My Pregnancy Journal for Baby #2: Week 35

Baby at 35 Weeks:

Baby BOY is as big as a Coconut!

Now his hearing is fully developed and he responds best to high-pitched noises. His testes have probably descended by now, too.

 My Symptoms: Contractions... getting uncomfortable, but still could be Braxton Hicks. Rolling over in bed is really hard, and getting up from lying down or from a seated position sometimes hurts. 

Maternity clothes? Yes, and I don't hate it like I did last pregnancy :P

Sleep? I'm starting to have difficulty staying asleep due to hip pain and rolling over is extremely uncomfortable.

Best moment last week? When my mom came and helped me out with Agnes and did all the cooking and cleaning. Even though I felt horrible just taking it easy, it was so nice to have her taking care of me again and spending time with her. Every time I have to say goodbye to her, I always end up sobbing, but it was still so nice of her to be here.

Movement? SO MUCH! He loves his movement and his hiccups :P

Weight Gain: Last weigh in at the Doctor's was 160 lbs. Still the same for the past 3 weeks. Not bad.

Cravings: No real cravings. I'm just hungry a lot for snacks and when I do eat, I just keep on eating.

Food Aversions: Still Cilantro and Basil. I guess a lot of the common spices like Oregano, Cumin, Parsley, etc. are on my list of aversions. That hasn't changed and I haven't found any new aversions. I don't think my food aversions will ever change, pregnant or not unfortunately. (this answer has not changed the whole pregnancy...)

What made me cry this week: My mom leaving after a week long visit to take care of me while I needed to take it as easy as possible.

Medical Stuff: Saw the Dr. last Wednesday on June 17. All seems well, baby's heart rate is normal and so is my health so good good! The next appointment is June 24.

Something I am excited about: Meeting this little guy in hopefully at least another 1-2 weeks!

Something I am anxious about: Contracting again like I did the other night. I refused to go to the hospital and just went to bed after drinking a lot of water, but at one point they were 8-10 minutes apart... scary.

My Pregnancy Journal for Baby #2: Week 34

Baby at 34 Weeks:

Baby BOY is as big as a Butternut Squash!

He's recognizing and reacting to simple songs, if you're singing them. He's also urinating about a pint a day.

My Symptoms: Contractions... big hips, sore hips when sleeping, slow getting up, varicose veins, acid reflux,

Maternity clothes? Yes, and very comfy too!

Sleep? Still no problems sleeping. I do have to switch positions a lot at night (sore hips also make this happen), as well as use the restroom but sleep isn't being effected and it's wonderful this late in the pregnancy.

Best moment last week? My mother in law, husband, and mother all made my PP freezer meals. I mean it was under the worst circumstances since I'm on bed rest, BUT now I feel ready for baby to come. And it's been so nice having my mom here. I always miss her so much since she lives 2 states away. I always cry when she has to leave.

Movement? A lot of movement, hiccups every day, and he loves to do flips. Mama isn't much of a fan but it's only going to get more uncomfortable so this is nothing compared to what's to come! And since we are scared of preterm labor, him moving is just another blessing. 

Weight Gain: Last weigh in at the Doctor's was 160 lbs. Meaning I didn't gain anything in the week and a half time between doctors visits. Hopeful for only gaining a few more pounds... although of baby needs it, bring it on!

Cravings: No real cravings. I'm just hungry a lot for snacks and when I do eat, I just keep on eating.

Food Aversions: Still Cilantro and Basil. I guess a lot of the common spices like Oregano, Cumin, Parsley, etc. are on my list of aversions. That hasn't changed and I haven't found any new aversions. I don't think my food aversions will ever change, pregnant or not unfortunately. (this answer has not changed the whole pregnancy...)

What made me cry this week: Nothing. Although I have to say I am impressed with myself. A few times I did feel very emotional and scared about what would happen if they weren't able to stop the contractions. I didn't, though, and I may need to break down sometime soon since this whole bed rest thing makes me feel bad about not being able to do anything.

Medical Stuff: Saw the doctor on June 10. Baby is measuring normal and his heart rate is perfect. I have my next appointment next week on the 17th when I hopefully hit 35 weeks!!

Something I am excited about: Being able to keep baby in for another couple of weeks. I'm also excited for the day we get to meet this little guy and him be healthy!

Something I am anxious about: Contracting more than 6 times in one hour. That's when I will have to go to the hospital again :/ And if I don't make it to 35 weeks, they will try and stop them again and I know it can be dangerous... but also dangerous if they can't and he has to be delivered. I'm just anxious about delivering too soon and him having to go to the NICU.

My Pregnancy Journal for Baby #2: Week 33

Baby at 33 Weeks:

Baby BOY is as big as a Durian!

He's keeping his eyes open while awake and also starting to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. His bones are hardening and he is going through (more) major brain development!

My Symptoms: Varicose veins, BH contractions, heavy belly, acid reflux, feeling baby move a lot and becoming more uncomfortable as he does, pressure on my bladder, I'm blaming my acne on this pregnancy ;)

Maternity clothes? Yes, but I still wear my bigger t-shirts, as well as pj pants, while I'm home.

Sleep? Still no problems or bad discomfort, thankfully. I still get up to use the restroom and that is when I will readjust myself (and snoogle) and switch to sleeping on my other side.

Best moment last week? Surviving last weekend when Paul went down to Dallas. Agnes was perfect in church (she even got complimented on how good she was!) and all in all I couldn't have asked for a smoother weekend with it just being us.

Movement? A lot of movement, hiccups every day, and he loves to do flips. Mama isn't much of a fan but it's only going to get more uncomfortable so this is nothing compared to what's to come!

Weight Gain: Last weigh in at the Doctor's was 160 lbs. I gained a few pounds. I'm crossing my fingers hoping and wishing I don't gain 20+ lbs. in the next 6-7 weeks.

Cravings: No real cravings... I just like to snack. I don't mind snacking on fruit but it has to be something.

Food Aversions: Still Cilantro and Basil. I guess a lot of the common spices like Oregano, Cumin, Parsley, etc. are on my list of aversions. That hasn't changed and I haven't found any new aversions. I don't think my food aversions will ever change, pregnant or not unfortunately.

What made me cry this week: Nothing.

Medical Stuff: Saw my Dr. June 1st and she saw a little protein in my urine but she wasn't that worried and said we would check again the next week (June 10). 

Sunday night (June 7), I went into preterm labor and was admitted to the hospital with contractions being every 2-3 minutes. I was checked and was 3 cm dilated, 50% effaced. I was in Labor and Delivery overnight with constant monitoring (those contractions were annoying so I only got 2 hrs of sleep). The contractions finally slowed down a bit and after checking me a couple more times to see that I hadn't progressed with dilation, I was moved the next morning up to anti-partum for the day and another night. They monitored me a couple of times throughout the day and I took more meds to stop the contractions. The next morning at 4am I was monitored again and baby's heart beat was pretty erratic and had been fine up until then so they moved me back down to Labor and Delivery to do more monitoring and once I was hooked up, his bpm was leveled... still a bit low (120s) but the doctors weren't worried. I was discharged that morning and am now on bed rest. In that visit, I got my Group B strep testing done, got put on medication to keep the contractions away for the next week (until 35 weeks) as well as stool softeners, and received 2 steroid shots to help the baby's lungs develop faster just in case I give birth sooner rather than later.  

Agnes came with us to the hospital and stayed until at least 10-10:30pm. This is a picture of us watching Brave in the Labor and Delivery room.

It was quite a scare... there was a chance I would've given birth that night since the contractions were so close and getting strong. Also if they couldn't get them to completely stop, I would've been there for a couple of weeks. This was the best possible outcome and I am so so blessed to have had Paul there with me (Mimi came and took care of Agnes and my best friend Treva even came to keep me company for a little bit while Paul had to get some stuff done at home).

Something I am excited about: Well I WAS excited for my maternity photo shoot that Treva was going to take... but i don't know if that will happen now :( We will see. Maybe baby will stay in until next weekend and we can do it then!! The only thing is I wanted her to take a picture of me holding Agnes with her legs straddling my bump... like this:

But since I'm not allowed to lift her, I guess maybe we can do a sit down one if we are able to do the photo shoot.

Something I am anxious about: Ha! Last week I put, "Gaining too much weight"... well I have more recent anxieties like trying to keep this baby in for another 3 weeks!! Never thought I'd be at risk for preterm labor! :/

My Pregnancy Journal for Baby #2: Week 32

Baby at 32 Weeks:

Baby BOY is as big as a Squash!

He's getting ready for his descent and likely in the head-down position now. He's probably feeling even more cramped.

My Symptoms: Varicose veins... not painful anymore (I have been putting grapefruit oil as well as lavender oil on them), but they are still noticeable and in one spot there is bruising. Feeling the BH contractions more and more. It's getting more challenging to carry Agnes and the groceries up the three flights of stairs to our apartment (only when she needs it) as well as maneuvering in general.  

Maternity clothes? Yes, and I'm quite happy with my wardrobe choices this time around.

Sleep? Good! Just the wriggling out of my snoogle when I have to go to the bathroom every 2 hours at night is a challenge but no insomnia as of now. I'm surprised how well I am sleeping this time around.

Best moment last week? Any time we are together as a family is a best moment. Paul has been very busy these last few weeks so whenever we have time together is cherished.

Movement? Baby boy is moving quite a bit and he gets hiccups every day now.

Weight Gain: Not sure, my next appointment is this coming Monday. I'm thinking I gained about 3 lbs since I haven't been consciously eating well... and this is the time I think I pack on the most weight. Here's to hoping it's only a pound or 2.

Cravings: Nothing in particular. Just wanting to keep snacking and finding very unhealthy food :) (i.e. fun pops and chips)

Food Aversions: Still Cilantro and Basil. I guess a lot of the common spices like Oregano, Cumin, Parsley, etc. are on my list of aversions. That hasn't changed and I haven't found any new aversions. I don't think my food aversions will ever change, pregnant or not unfortunately.

What made me cry this week: Nothing; staying strong and beating the hormones :P

Medical Stuff: Everything looks fine since May 13th (my last appointment) so I'm not concerned with going almost 3 weeks since seeing my doctor and she thinks it's fine so yay!

Something I am excited about: Deciding on a name for baby boy, instead of just always calling him, "Baby Brother." It's cute but I WANT A NAME!!

Something I am anxious about: New responsibilities and juggling two kids by myself. Paul works hard and a lot so it would be just me and Agnes has been throwing Terrible Two tantrums that I have a tough time dealing with when it's just me... sooooo I'm anxious about two children.

My Pregnancy Journal for Baby #2: Week 31

Baby at 31 Weeks:

Baby BOY is as big as a Pineapple!

Baby boy is going through major brain and nerve development; eye development, too. His irises now react to light! All five of his senses are in working order.

My Symptoms: Varicose vein pain (I think I got a blood clot; superficial thrombophlebitis), feeling big, acid reflux, frequent bathroom visits, getting harder to move around.

Maternity clothes? Yes... and might get a few more things before baby gets here.

Sleep? Good! Just the wriggling out of my snoogle when I have to go to the bathroom every 2 hours at night is a challenge but no insomnia as of now.

Best moment last week? My MIL and SIL came for a visit during the week. Agnes loves when she gets to spend time with relatives or friends.

Movement? A lot! And now it's noticeable through clothing, my belly looks like a wave at times. Also, baby boy is starting to get hiccups every day.

Weight Gain: Last weighing experience, I was 159 lbs. so we will see how much I gained in about 2 weeks.

Cravings: I'm lucky to not have violent cravings. I have been seeing sushi around my FB news feed and would love to get some but it's not especially needed.

Food Aversions: Still Cilantro and Basil. I guess a lot of the common spices like Oregano, Cumin, Parsley, etc. are on my list of aversions. That hasn't changed and I haven't found any new aversions.

What made me cry this week: Nothing; staying strong and beating the hormones :P

Medical Stuff: Haven't seen the doc in about a week and a half and I'll go another week and a half before I see her again. Not worried; this has been a good pregnancy (except for the varicose veins... ugh.)

Something I am excited about: Deciding on a name for this little guy. It's so hard!!! We have a few options. One name I can remember right now is Vincent Edward or Vincent Joseph... Paul still throws the name Enzo around still (maybe a Lorenzo or Vincenzo?). Jude Gabriel; Christian Gabriel... I really don't know!!

Something I am anxious about: I think I've been anxious about how Agnes takes this change. I already have Mommy guilt when it comes to not being able to put my full attention to her and have "Baby Brother" all the time. I just don't want her to feel left out.