Reese Makena Holcomb

Reese Makena Holcomb was born on September 21st, 2011 at 6:13 am. She weighed 7 lbs 8 oz, was 19 1/2 inches long, and absolutely perfect in every way.

Here's the story of her quick arrival:

At 2 am on Wednesday I woke up with a contraction. I could tell it was more of a real contraction than previous ones I had felt, it was more painful. But it didn't last long and I tried timing them but they kind of seemed all over the board. Plus, they didn't seem quite as painful as I had remembered. I went to the bathroom a few times and I lost my mucous plug (or the rest of it since I had lost it a week prior) so I was hopeful that things were happening, but didn't want to get ahead of myself. At 3:15 am I was in the bathroom kind of walking around, wondering if it was real labor and I hear Brian get up to take Bria potty. When he came back I was back in bed and let him know I thought I was having contractions. We laid there for awhile but it was obvious neither of us were going to be able to go back to sleep. So we got up and started getting things ready in case this was it. I showered and started doing my hair and makeup. The contractions were starting to get incredibly painful, really sharp and hard to breath through, but they seemed a little shorter in length. Brian had gotten his laptop out and we were timing the contractions on contractionmaster.com. Well apparently my contractions were 2 minutes apart pretty consistently, so Brian was urging me to call people. I continued getting ready but worried about waking people in case this was false labor.

I have no idea why I go into denial mode when I'm in labor, I did the same thing with Bria. Although with Bria I didn't shower or get ready, this time there was no way I was going to the hospital without doing my hair and make up :)

Finally we called my Mom to head up. I think that was around 4 am or so. I continued laboring and oh my goodness was I in pain. I was having such a hard time breathing through them, I would feel them come on and then BAM, it would be so intense I could barely stand it. I could not sit, sitting or squatting of any kind brought the pain to a whole new level. So I would rest on Brian in that middle school slow dance position and that was the only way to get through the contraction. Brian was begging me to let him call someone else so that we could get to the hospital and at 4:50 am I finally gave in and decided we probably should head to the hospital. So he called Amy and she came right over, bless her heart. Heather was in Arizona as was my cousin Lanie, darn Arizona for stealing my girls! ;)

Amy arrived shortly after 5 am and we headed out to the car, I think I had 3 contractions while trying to get out to the car and Amy was nervous we weren't going to make it to the hospital, as was Brian.

We decided to take our Bug so that the grandma's could take Bria in our car for outings. I looked at that Bug and told Brian there was no way I could crawl inside there, I just couldn't. But I didn't really have a choice, so I got in the front seat, facing backwards up on my knees. I was mentally daring a cop to try and pull me over, he would've ended up delivering a baby or getting an ear full from a pregnant woman in labor. Realisitically Brian just wouldn't have pulled over, and I would've flipped the guy the bird ;)

We arrived at the hospital at 5:30 am. I walked up to the check in counter and said, "My name is Lindsey Holcomb and I want an epidural. Now." They laughed, I glared, then closed my eyes as I went through another contraction.

They brought me back to an exam room so they could check me and make sure I was really in labor. They told me to get into the gown and they would be back. I took off all my clothes except my comfortable Ahh Bra and attempted to put the gown on but threw it on the ground because it felt like sand paper. They also wanted me to put that band thing around my belly so they could monitor the baby and that thing was SO UNCOMFORTABLE. Pretty much anything that touched my skin made me so hot and angry, I just wanted to be naked. So anyway, there I was in my bra and belly thing feeling like I was dying and she asked me to lay on the bed. She might as well have asked me to stab myself in the eye. The contractions were so painful. More painful than anything in the entire world, seriously. I thought I was going to die with each one. Somehow I managed to do as she said and got up on the bed and when I wasn't having a contraction she checked my cervix, I was a 6. I immediately asked, "But I can still have the epidural right?" She said definitely and they were rushing the order. I liked her.

She moved me across the hall to a real room, the room we'd give birth in. They had the phlebotomist come in and draw blood for the epidural and then they put my IV in. I can't tell you how much pain I was in, I'm the type that doesn't like watching needles go in my skin. I don't really mind shots, I just have to look away. Well, I watched my nurse put my IV in to help me get through a contraction. I focused on the pain of that needle breaking my skin and going into my vein, it helped a little. Everytime I had a contraction I would close my eyes or find a focus point. I didn't say anything, or grunt, or even curse (well there was 1 or 2 times), I just held it all in. I knew if I started to let go I would lose control and end up screaming, so I just closed my eyes. I think it was 6 am or shortly after when the nurse said she was going to go check on the anesthesiologist (bless her heart, she knew how much I needed that epidural) and as she walked away I let out a loud grunt as I pushed. I didn't even mean to, my body just convulsed and pushed on it's own. It felt kind of good.

The nurse stopped in her tracks and said, "Let me just check you before I do that." She announced I was a 9 1/2.

This was my response: "But I can still get an epidural right?"

The sweet nurse said, "Honey, you're gonna have a baby before there's time to have an epidural."

I didn't say anything, I had another contraction and my body started pushing again. The nurse called for back up since the doctor still had not arrived. One other nurse came in and they had me roll on my other side since Reese's heart rate was a little lower than they liked. I had another contraction and pushed and pushed which felt sooooo good. It was the only thing that somewhat took the pain away. As soon as I stopped pushing I felt the contraction full force so I continued pushing. Before I knew it I could feel her head coming out and they had me slow down. Then her head was out and her body followed in one fluid motion.

They laid that sweet baby girl on my chest and I was in shock. Reese was here, she was here. Wait, how is this possible? I was just pregnant, then in labor, and now she's here in a matter of 4 hours?!

Oh my goodness were we in heaven. Brian and I looked at each other with tears in our eyes and took in the miracle that had just taken place. Our sweet Reese Makena was finally in our arms and we were on cloud 9. She was crying loudly and looked perfect in every way. I held her and cuddled her and talked to her and just loved on her.

Brian was in shock at how quickly it all went. He kept saying how proud he was of me and he could not believe how awesome I just did. I'm not gonna lie, it felt wonderful to hear him say that. He was so good through it all. He was there for me without getting in my face, he was supportive and helpful and just amazing. He's the best coach.

The doctor came in about 10 minutes later, I was still holding Reese and my placenta had not been delivered yet. He pushed on my belly (I mentally smacked him) and very quickly delivered the placenta, which felt awesome. It's amazing how the weight of it just comes pouring out and you feel 20 pounds lighter. He checked me over and shockingly enough I didn't tear. I thought for sure I would since she came out so quickly but her head molded pretty well as she came out. Since she wasn't in the birth canal long she had a perfectly round little head too.

We were curious as to when my water broke and it technically never did, or it came out afterwards, the nurse wasn't really sure. Odd.

Once the doctor was done and gone, the nurses cleaned up Reese a little and then weighed and measured her. I couldn't believe how close in size she was to Bria, not only that but she was born 1 day before her due date and Bria was born on her due date, talk about efficient babies :)

I nursed her within an hour of her being born and she was a champion nurser. I was so happy. Brian and I marveled at our sweet baby girl and looked at each other in amazement. We kept saying how we couldn't believe the speed of everything, it went so fast. Brian likes to rub in the fact that he was right, we should've come to the hospital sooner. He was right, I was being stubborn and I was so afraid of being turned away at the hospital that I kept delaying. I'm not really sure what the big deal is to me, so what if the hospital sends me home because I'm not in real labor, at least we would've known. Plus, if I had gone sooner I could've had an epidural. But that just wasn't in the cards this time and although that was the most pain I've ever had, I do kind of like that I got to experience it without pain meds. Not that I'm recommending it :)

So there we sat in the hospital and realized we had calls to make. We barely notified anyone that I was in labor since it went so fast so we had lots of people to inform. Everyone was in shock and curious about her name since we'd kept it a secret. We sent out pictures on our phone, texted people, and called a few. We were definitely on an adrenaline rush and just so excited that Reese was here safe and sound and healthy.

Around 10:30 am or so we had the Grandma's bring Bria over to meet her little sister. As soon as Bria walked in the door I started crying. I loved having both my girls in the same room. Bria wanted to hold her right away and when it was time for the Grandma's to take their turn Bria was not too thrilled to say the least. She didn't want to share Reese at all. I breathed a sigh of relief that at least she didn't resent her sister, she just wanted her all to herself. Can't blame her ;)

So there is how our little Reese entered this world, fast and efficiently. Once she decided she was ready to enter this world, there was no stopping her. We are enjoying our bundle immensly and can't kiss her soft checks enough. She is such a good baby and I'm in love beyond words. I don't feel as overwhelmed as I did with Bria since it's not my first. I just feel good and happy and content. I'm able to sleep so much better, I'm relaxed, and I'm just really trying to slow things down and enjoy this newborn phase. She's already growing too fast in my opinion so I'm making sure I hold her tons and just sit back and watch her.

Birth is a miraculous thing, it truly is. What the body can do is beyond me. I'm so grateful to have been chosen to be Reese's mom and I feel so blessed that she is healthy and happy. Thank You God for your many many blessings.

0-60 in 4 hours :)

She's here!

I can't tell you how excited I am to be posting this.

May I introduce to you, our newest addition:

Reese Makena Holcomb

7 lbs 8 oz 19 1/2 inches long

Born on September 21st, 2011 at 6:13 am

Healthy and perfect in every way.

My birth story is crazy and when I feel like sitting on the computer chair for more than 5 minutes at a time I will post it in detail but here's a quick run down.

• 2 am contractions start, but aren't lasting long and I'm not certain it's the real thing
• Lose the rest of my mucous plug
• 3:30 am, contractions are very painful, 2 minutes apart but only lasting 45 seconds so I'm in denial
• 4:50 am, I am having the worst contractions known to man.
• 5:30 am, get to the hospital
• 6:13 am, have baby :)
• No time for an epidural and no time for the doctor to get there, two sweet nurses delivered her

Family of 4!

Bria is a very proud and possessive big sister, she doesn't like sharing her with anyone :)

Brian is still the best Dad ever and is so helpful and caring, I love him.

I am in heaven with my sweet girl and could not be more thrilled.

This time around has been so different, we are relaxed and happy and just on cloud 9. I'm loving it and hope that feeling stays :)

We got home yesterday and have had so much help from family, it's been WONDERFUL! But now they are all gone and we get to do it ourselves tomorrow, wish us luck :)

39 w 4 d

Still here, still no baby, still uncomfortable.

I had a doctor's appointment this morning and she stripped my membranes. She said I'll probably have contractions and definitely spotting, but we'll know in 12-24 hours if I'm actually in labor. So far I've had no contractions and no spotting. My body is making me so angry. I am uncomfortable, I can't sleep to save my life, and I am so anxious. I'm definitely being taught a lesson: I cannot control everything.

The newborn phase is hard, it's hard once these babies get here, but it's also hard being 9 months pregnant. I'm ready for this baby girl to come out, please come out!

39 weeks

It's been a rough week, I haven't slept well and I'm just in a funk. Hence, why my post is late and not complete with pictures, I'll try to remember and take some tonight.

How far along: 39 weeks

Total weight gain: 36 pounds

Sleep: Not good

Movement: Yes

Food cravings: Nothing

Labor signs: Lost my MP on Monday but nothing since :'(

Belly button: In, barely. It hurts

What I miss: EVERYTHING, especially sleeping comfortably in any position I desire

What I am looking forward to: Getting labor started and meeting this girl! Also, sleeping on my back.

Milestones: 1 week until my due date

38 weeks

It's been an ok week, I've had good and bad days. We had a very busy Labor Day weekend and I'm happy to say I survived and had fun doing it. I think I'm paying for it the rest of the week though because I'm pretty tired and cranky. I just feel huge and I'm so uncomfortable. It's really hot this week which I don't mind too much, except when I try to go to sleep at night. I'm sleeping okay, lots of dreams about having this little girl so when I wake up I'm sad that I'm still pregnant. But I'm still trying hard to remember and enjoy this last little bit and enjoy feeling her move around in there. She's slowed down a little this week but is still my squirmy, active baby.

I'm feeling really swollen in my face, hands, and thighs now. I wear my wedding ring sometimes, other times I wear my fake one that's bigger. I just don't want my wedding ring to get stuck on there and have to saw it off!

We are seriously ready for this little girl to come, the diaper bag is packed, I have some of my stuff packed (the rest is toiletry stuff that will wait until I actually go into labor), everything is washed, and most of all she is healthy and developed.

I had a doctor's appointment this morning and it went well. I really liked this doctor, Dr. Jordan. She took the time to sit and talk and ask questions and she was just super nice, I really hope she's on call when I go into labor. She checked my cervix and I was happy to hear that I'm 1 cm dilated! That's not very much to some people but with Bria I was never dilated at any of my appointments. The bad news is that I was pretty thick so she couldn't really strip my membranes. Hopefully at my appointment on Monday I'm thinner and they can strip them then.

I'm looking forward to tonight because we have the hospital tour. Brian and I haven't been there before so it'll be nice to figure out where everything is.

38 week belly!

How far along? 38 weeks

Total weight gain: 34 pounds

Sleep: Ok

Movement: Yep

Food cravings: candy

Labor signs: No :(

Belly button: In

What I miss: Being comfortable

What I am looking forward to: Giving birth

Milestones: Um, I got nothing.

37 weeks

I am full term now, this little girl is healthy and ready to survive outside the womb! So...let's get this labor started! ;)

I've had a pretty good week. Brian went on his guys hike so I had my mom and sisters and nieces and nephew stay with me and it was so wonderful! Bria was entertained, I was pampered, and there was just lots of fun going on here. I was so sad when it was all over. But, it was really nice having Brian home safe and sound and I'm ecstatic that he didn't miss the birth of our child ;)

I did hit a bit of a wall this week, on Tuesday I was almost in tears because I just feel so physically defeated. I hurt all the time and it's getting very difficult to take care of Bria, just the day to day things hurt so much. I'm still going for 45 minute walks every morning (5-6 times a week) and I'm really proud of that, but the rest of the day I just struggle. My skin feels like it's stretched to the max and I am just having a hard time making it through the day.

But, I'm trying to remember that once this little girl arrives it's going to get really tough and I'll be dealing with different challenges. So I'll try to remember that and hope I can push through.

My swelling is not too bad at all this time around and I'm both surprised and happy about that. I'm still wearing my toe ring and my wedding ring. So basically the swelling has limited itself to my face, fabulous. I actually wish some would drain from my face and go to my hands, I can hide my hands but I can't hide my enormous face. I'm about done with pictures because I just can't stand to look at my marshmallow face.

While I don't have a belly picture for this week, I do have maternity shoot photos! Jaime took some while she was here and I'm so glad. I do wish Brian was in them of course, but we wanted to at least make sure and get some, I don't want this little girl to feel gipped before she even gets here!

Proud big sister!

Precious

Love

Me and my two girls :)

How far along? 37 weeks

Total weight gain: 33 pounds

Sleep: Not too bad

Movement: Tons and tons!

Food cravings: candy and breakfast food

Labor signs: None

Belly button: In

What I miss: Bending over

What I am looking forward to: Meeting this sweet baby girl!

Milestones: Full term!!

36 weeks

Alright, I'm 9 months pregnant. At this point, they won't stop me if I go into labor. It was surreal to hear the doctor say that, I remember when I was pregnant with Bria and they said that I literally thought I was going to go into labor within 24 hours. Funny me :)

My appointment on Monday went well. I had the strep B test and she offered to check my cervix but I declined, I'll wait until my next appointment which is Monday. This little girl's heartbeat sounded slower than last week which was good since it was so high, I think we did just catch her at a really active time. My belly measured 35 weeks so almost right on.

This week went pretty well, I slept a little better which was nice. I'm slowing down for sure, on Tuesdays swim lessons with Bria I kept thinking how glad I was that it was our last week because I wasn't sure I could do it much longer. I really enjoy swim lessons and obviously Bria does so I didn't think I'd be anxious for them to be over, but that's how tired I am I guess.

I had my family baby shower on Sunday and it was so much fun. I loved how intimate it was and loved being able to celebrate this little girl and her impending arrival. We got some adorable footed sleepers for her, lots of diapers, burp rags, bows, and I am thrilled to pieces. I've already done all the laundry from it and I am just so excited to meet this little girl.

She's been staying pretty active and Tuesday night she was stretching and rolling all over the place, it was so painful! I seriously never remember it being so painful. I'm still sore from it, I think she bruised my insides, strong little girl in there!

Brian's big 4 day hike around Mt. Hood is this weekend and I wish I could say I was excited for him because he is like a little boy awaiting Christmas, but I'm just looking forward to it being done. I just hate that I won't be able to reach him if something were to happen, plus I don't like that he'll be doing somewhat dangerous hiking right before I birth our second child. So if ya'll want to say some extra prayers that all goes well that would be fabulous :)

I didn't realize I was hiding the belly so much with my outfit, next week I'll make sure to wear something that allows you to see just how big this belly is!

My arm is kind of in the way here too, I seriously have a huge belly.

Front shot of the belly :)

How far along? 36 weeks

Total weight gain: 32 pounds

Sleep: Not horrible, not great.

Movement: Oh yeah!

Food cravings: sweethearts and cereal

Labor signs: Just braxton hicks, they are getting pretty uncomfortable

Belly button: In

What I miss: Sleeping

What I am looking forward to: Getting a pedicure

Milestones: Being at the stage where I can go into labor safely!

35 weeks

Holy cow, I cannot believe I am 35 weeks along!!! 35 weeks along and 35 days to go, insane.

I'm being really good about going for walks, every morning after breakfast I get ready and put Bria in the jogging stroller along with snacks, books and a doll. I do a fast paced walk for about 40 minutes and it feels really good. I pretty much have one long braxton hick while I walk, I remember getting them a lot when I was pregnant with Bria and doing my walks with MJ at night. Poor MJ, I know she wishes she was my walking buddy but there is no way I could handle her and Bria, it would be way too much.

Physically I'm feeling pretty darn good...during the day anyway. The nights are difficult, it is nearly impossible to get comfortable, I pee a lot, and I have a hard time getting back to sleep. Mix that with Bria getting a molar in and I am seriously behind on sleep. And don't even tell me that it's natures way of preparing me for the newborn days, that is crap. I should be getting extra sleep right now to get ready, but it's just not in the cards right now.

My mom and sisters are throwing me a little intimate baby shower this Sunday and I can't wait. Since this is our second child and it's another girl I felt bad having another shower, plus we have almost everything we need. But I'm really happy that this little girl still gets a little celebration party and it'll be a lot of fun. Plus, my moms group totally surprised me by having a shower for me! It's in about 2 weeks and I was so floored that they offered, such sweet friends.

I had an appointment yesterday and the doctor was good. She wasn't overly friendly, but I honestly liked her. She asked about my previous pregnancy, about this one so far, and looked at my chart and history. That right there made me very happy since no other doctor has taken the time to do that. She said I'm measuring right on and felt that this little girl was head down. She said at my next appointment they will do the strep B test and then do an internal.

Here are some pictures of the nursery. We still don't have anything on the walls and the brown rocking chair will soon be replaced with the glider that Sara got us (the brown rocking chair is going downstairs in the playroom so I have a place to sit and nurse her while Bria plays). Also, the room is small so it's hard to take a picture but you get the idea.

The crib

I love the color of purple, it's perfect.

*I'll have belly pictures later tonight

So there's the nursery, like I said, we still have finishing touches to make but I'm really happy with it so far.

How far along? 35 weeks!

Total weight gain: 31 pounds

Sleep: Horrible, absolutely horrible.

Movement: Tons, I love it.

Food cravings: cereal, sweethearts, and fruit

Labor signs: Nope

Belly button: In

What I miss: Sleep

What I am looking forward to: Putting the ottoman together (thanks Sara and Jon!) :)

Milestones: 35/35!

34 weeks

I've had a pretty good week pregnancy wise, my only complaint is sleep. The past few nights I have a hard time getting back to sleep after I've gotten up to use the restroom, which is once or twice. So I try to take naps but they don't always happen, either I can't get to sleep or I'm nesting and trying to get things done.

We got the bedding! Not only that but we got the nursery all set up! I'm so happy to have that room all set up, it makes a huge difference and even Brian admitted that. He was giving me a hard time about wanting to do it since we still have another month and a half but after it was all set up he said he was really glad we did it. Something about having that visual helps make everything more real. Since everything was all set up I decided to do my next favorite thing: wash and hang baby clothes :) I LOVE going through baby clothes so I know it's a little early but it's just so fun. Plus this time it was extra fun since I had memories of baby Bria in the outfits.

With the room all set up it was easier to take inventory and see what last minute things we need. We just got our new monitor in the mail today and we're really excited. It's an Angelcare and I think it's gonna be so nice to have. It's pretty fancy and already it's gone up in price from when we purchased it, score us!

Anyway, there's only a few things I think we'll get before she arrives:

changing pad & cover for the changing table (ours is really old)

laundry hamper

mattress cover (again, ours is really old)

closet organizer (something like this maybe)

bottles

I think that is about it, then of course diapers and wipes.

I called today and got a tour of the hospital scheduled for September 8th, I'm excited for that. We are also looking into registering for an infant CPR class, I really want to take one and think it's so important.

My next appointment is on Tuesday and it's with a doctor I haven't met yet so I'm hoping it goes well, I'd really like to get a better feeling about this doctor's office soon.

The belly

How far along? 34 weeks

Total weight gain: 29 pounds

Sleep: Not great

Movement: Lots and lots, she is strong!

Food cravings: cereal

Labor signs: Nope, just braxton hicks

Belly button in or out? In, it's funny because it totally looks like an outtie through shirts, but I swear, it's not.

What I miss: Sleeping all snuggled up in any position that I want.

What I am looking forward to: Putting lots of pretty headbands in her hair :)

Milestones: Her lungs are almost fully developed.

33 weeks

Look at me just sprinting through this pregnancy, my word!

Bria and I both had colds this week so it's been pretty rough. It was Monday or Tuesday that I wanted to "call in sick" so bad, but couldn't because Brian had meetings. I was up with Bria at least twice a night and then up myself since I had no medications I could take in the house so I didn't get much sleep. For some reason I couldn't nap either, I think because I was so incredibly uncomfortable and too lazy to go to the store to get pregnancy safe drugs.

Last night we finally both slept a lot better and I'm grateful for that. Due to the lack of sleep, being sick, taking care of a sick toddler, and being very pregnant I had my worst pregnancy day this week, thus far. A day where I cried and cried for no apparent reason and just wanted to call my mom but didn't have anything to say, just wanted to cry.

I'm feeling better now thankfully. My mom and I talked for an hour last night and she gave me courage to call and reschedule my next appointment with a different doctor in the group, I'm done with Dr. B, aka Dr. Bitch.

Since I've been sick I haven't gone on walks in a few days and I really miss it so I'm anxious to feel better and get back out there. I've been eating fruit like it's going out of style, I made a big thing of fruit salad today so that when I'm hungry I can just grab some of that. It's seriously delicious: pears, nectarines, grapes, strawberries, watermelon, bananas, and clementines. The only things missing are raspberries and blueberries. I'm seriously loving fruit.

This week it's been very difficult to hold Bria, I use to be able to hold her above the belly with her kind of resting on it but it's getting really painful. I guess I assumed that I would be able to hold Bria right up until I delivered, but I don't think that's going to be the case. It really is so incredibly hard to pick her up. Makes me sad, but we still cuddle when I'm sitting so that'll do for now.

The bedding is suppose to be delivered tomorrow and I can't wait! I told Brian in order to prepare him to get the furniture and stuff arranged in the nursery, if I could do it myself I totally would, but it requires big muscles.

Pregnancy wise I've felt very lucky, I don't have near the cramps or aches and pains that I did with Bria (knock on wood). I really just feel large in the tummy region...and the thigh region...and the butt region. But otherwise I'm feeling good and am enjoying feeling her move all over in every direction :)

33 week belly

How far along? 33 weeks

Total weight gain: 28 pounds

Sleep: Horrible, it's not fun being sick :( Propping 53 pillows up behind me helped though.

Movement: Tons, she kicked so hard the other night it was really painful! But I still laughed. I love feeling her little feet stick out my side.

Food cravings: fruit and coffee

Labor signs: Nope

Belly button in or out? In

What I miss: Holding Bria comfortably while standing/walking

What I am looking forward to: Touring the hospital, gotta call them

Milestones: She's gaining 1/2 a pound a week at this point...that's what the books say anyway :)

32 weeks

I have to rave about my husband for a minute. He has always been a thoughtful person, but the last few weeks especially he has totally stepped it up. It is getting increasingly difficult for me to do every day things with Bria: taking her potty, cleaning her up after meals (rinsing off her face and hands at the sink which entails a balancing act on my part), putting her to bed, getting her in and out of the car, etc. Since pregnancy happens so gradually I was getting frustrated that things were so much harder for me and I think it took me awhile to realize this growing belly is making things tougher and tougher by the day. Brian has totally realized this and does everything he can to help, he takes over the little things when he gets home and offers to take Bria to the park so I can relax. It has made a huge difference and I really appreciate it. It's funny how a simple thing like putting Bria to bed can be daunting when you have a big belly, bathtub is literally painful for me. Fortunately Brian is usually the one to give a bath and get her dressed, and wrestle with her on the bed :) I'm sure grateful he's mine.

I had a little panic attack this week with all of Bria's fits and anger, it seems she wasn't dealing with our visitors (Sara and Gabriel) all that well and I got so scared that it was a sign of things to come. Maybe it is but the more I thought about it the more I feel that Bria doesn't like when other adults take away attention from her. So I don't think her acting out was all about Gabriel being getting more attention, which makes me hopeful that she won't completely melt down when the baby gets here. Also, I know I need to cut her some slack. I just get embarrassed when she acts out so much because she is such a sweetheart when it's just me and Brian (for the most part).

I've felt good this week, nothing crazy uncomfortable. This little girl is definitely strong, man she can kick! There are times at night when I cringe for 10 minutes while she does some karate moves, they are painful but hilarious at the same time. I think she's flipped to the other side, so her back is on my right and her feet are on my left. Although there are times I feel like she is somersaulting and her legs are kicking every part of my belly.

I have full on hit the nesting mode of pregnancy. I'm nesting so bad that it kept me up one night because I couldn't stop my mind from racing with all the things we need to do. It doesn't help that we have done very little in preparation for this baby girl, partly because we have most of the things we need. Also, we're just a little bit more relaxed this time around since we know what to expect and what are essentials versus wants. I got the bedding ordered and I'm in LOVE, I cannot wait for it to get here :)

It's a 13 piece set that I found on Amazon for a smokin' deal. The only things it didn't come with are the lamp and mobile. I ordered the mobile too but thought I should try and save money by not ordering the lamp, hopefully I can find a purple one that matches.

This weekend Brian is obliging me by putting the nursery together which means packing up the guest bed and storing it in the garage (don't worry future guests, we'll get a nice mattress cover for it so it's not attacked by bed bugs). Then pretty soon I want to get all the newborn clothes washed and hung, that is my favorite part and I just can't wait any longer.

My sleep has not been the greatest this week, I have a hard time getting back to sleep once I wake for one of my pee breaks. Again, I think it's the nesting thing and my mind races with everything I want to do.

A large and tired Lindsey, be kind, I have no make-up on and it is close to bedtime.

32 week belly

How far along? 32 weeks

Total weight gain: 27 pounds

Sleep: Not great, not completely horrible

Best moment this week: Hearing her heartbeat

Movement: Yes ma'am

Food cravings: Cereal and toast

Labor signs: No, just braxton hicks everytime I go for a walk

Belly button in or out? In

What I miss: Sleeping comfortably and whatever position I wanted

What I am looking forward to: Arranging the nursery!!!

Milestones: Um, I guess the 8th month of pregnancy?

So I had my doctor's appointment today (Friday, I'm editing my post from last night) and I just need to vent. I don't like any of the doctor's I've seen at the practice (just 2). I wanted to keep with the same doctor so that I would build a relationship with her, but she didn't have a lot of personality, she was gone for two months getting married, and I recently found out she's leaving the practice in October. I decided to start meeting with another doctor that had seen me while mine was gone because she seemed to have another bedside manner, her name is Dr. B. My appointment was with Dr. B today. It didn't go well. She noted that I had gained a total of 27 pounds and said that was on the high end. If she had left it at that I would've been fine, I realize it's on the high end and I'm trying to fix that. But she didn't leave it at that, she went into a speech about how I should be eating more fruits and vegetables, snack less, blah blah. This following conversation occurred:

Dr. B: "I know it's hard when you're pregnant and people come up to you and say, Oh you're so cute here's a cookie, but we need to avoid sweets."

Me: Whuck? No one has EVER said that to me. I'm not 2 years old, I'm a grown adult. Instead of saying that I just looked at her like she was crazy, because clearly she's a little looney.

Dr. B: "What are you doing for exercise?"

Me: "Walking almost every day." I'm also in shock that we are still talking about this. Is 27 pounds really that bad? Do I look unhealthy and obese? Would I get in trouble if I punched her in the mouth?

Dr. B: Good.

Me: Staring off into space so we can be done with the weight lecture.

I'm not going to lie, I'm sensitive about how much weight I gained with Bria (43 pounds) and was hoping to avoid that this time so I am frustrated at my 27 pounds, but I don't feel it's anything I need to get lectured on. My last doctors weren't concerned at all with my weight gain and said I was totally fine. Blerg.

I'm pretty happy with where I'm at overall so I'm trying not to let this get to me, I'm sensitive though...and pregnant.

Anyway, she measured my belly and said it measured right at 32 cm which was right on. However, I could've sworn I measured 32 cm at my last appointment which would be cause for concern. But do you think she took the time to look? Nope. In fact, everytime I go in for an appointment my doctor whips out that stupid circle calendar to calculate how far along I am. Good to know they are keeping such good track of things, grrr.

Alright, vent done. Thanks for listening :) I'm going to attempt to move on with my day and be happy that I'm pregnant and feeling good.

31 weeks

The dreams have started. Now that I've entered the 30's (in weeks, not age...yet) I have started dreaming about this girl's big arrival. I remember doing this with Bria too and it got me so incredibly anxious to meet her and hold her in my arms. When we got pregnant this time around I thought to myself, I know what the newborn phase is like (wonderful but very hard due to lack of sleep) so I'm going to enjoy being pregnant the whole time and not rush it. Well, that's hard to do now because I truly cannot wait to meet this little girl. She makes her presence known a lot, she is such a mover and it makes me smile every time...even at 3 am after I've just gone to the bathroom and am trying to get back to sleep. But when I get so anxious I can barely stand it, I remind myself how much I love feeling her move inside me and how much I enjoy being pregnant so I should just enjoy this time and not will it to go faster. That usually works, but I'm still so excited to meet her and hold her and give her lots of kisses and cuddle with her.

I've been sleeping pretty well this week, even if I have to get up twice to pee, and then a 3rd because Bria has to pee. I usually go to sleep fairly quickly afterwards, probably because I'm exhausted. I'm also trying to take a nap each day, I'd say maybe 4 days a week I do. It's taken Brian 8 years to convince me that naps are good, but I think he has finally succeeded. I use to HATE when he would take a nap, I just felt like it was a huge waste of time. But now, oh now I think they are pretty wonderful. It may be the pregnancy, or having a toddler, or a mix of both, but I sure love to lay down for a quick cat nap during the day.

I'm feeling incredibly large which scares me a little since I have 9 weeks to go and this girl is gaining 1/2 a pound a week, yikes. It's hard to get comfortable, whether I'm sitting or laying down, or even standing I have a hard time finding just the right position.

This little girl gets the hiccups a lot, like at least 2 or 3 times a day. I seriously wonder how in the heck babies in the womb get hiccups, so crazy.

Don't be alarmed, the white pants are pj's, not my actual pants.

And they usually don't fit that tight, yikes. Good thing I just wear them at home, eh?

31 week belly with baby girl #2

31 weeks with Bria

How far along? 31 weeks

Total weight gain: 26 pounds

Maternity clothes: Definitely, some are starting to get tight. Eeek.

Sleep: Not bad in between peeing and taking Bria to the bathroom

Best moment this week: Getting her coming home outfit!

Movement: Oh yes! Anytime I get up and go to the bathroom I must wake her up because she moves around for a few minutes, probably trying to get comfortable.

Food cravings: Pretty much food all day long. The past few days I've started to crack down more and resist the urge to snack on everything in site. I've even started eating a big bowl of fruit before some of my meals to be healthy.

Labor signs: Nope

Belly button in or out? In

What I miss: Going more than an hour without peeing

What I am looking forward to: Ordering her bedding

Milestones: She's apparently practicing breathing on her own this week :)