BUMPDATE // BABY #2 // 21 WEEKS

HOW FAR ALONG// 21 Weeks

BABY SIZE// Size of a carrot.
MY SYMPTOMS// 
Some days this week I've had tons of energy and other days I feel like I won't even be able to get out of the bed. I need a massage or adjustment so bad. I know I've been a little more stressed than normal so my upper back has been killing me since I carry my stress there. Somebody asked me last week how I was felt and my response was "large and in charge". And I do. I just feel massive. Especially in my thighs. 
I had a checkup on December 12th. My BP was great, iron was checked and it was great but I had gained 10 lbs in 4 weeks. This was really frustrating to me because I purposely did NOT fill my plate up at Thanksgiving and I had not been eating the bread like I did in the first 3-4 months (it's really all I could stomach at the time and half the time, it didn't even have anything on it). I was told to walk everyday and got a pretty big lashing from my doctor in the nicest way possible but left there feeling pretty deflated. I'm already dreading my next appt in two weeks and I really don't care to hear how much more weight I have or haven't gained. I am really at a loss too doing more exercising than I did with Finley at this point, running after her when we are home and being up and down with her all the time, and just being busy. I remember laying around with Finley because I could... it just seems so backwards since I feel I'm constantly on the move this time.
MATERNITY CLOTHES//
Yes, I've been rocking the leggings most of the time. I loved my ripped maternity jeans but I feel like I look 10 times bigger in them so I haven't worn them much. It would be nice to wear a pair of jeans but I don't even feel like trying to find a pair of my regular ones that I may could do the rubberband trick with. I did buy 2 long sleeved materinty tops from Target the week before.. those have been nice but I feel like I wash clothes ALL the time and where the same thing over and over.
SLEEP// 
Good nights and bad nights. Dreams are insane. I wish I would quit having them. I've been going to be around midnight and then wake up around 4ish and can't go back to sleep. Then when I finally feel like I'm almost there, Finley cries out and wakes me up again. It really makes for long exhausting days. I have woken up on my back a few times which scares me.. and sometimes I've even been on my right side. 
MOVEMENT//
The kicks have really picked up!! I love feeling her kick as I did with Finley. Last night I really thought Shane would be able to feel her, and she did kick hard twice, but he wasn't able to feel her just yet.
CRAVINGS//
Well, just get me pregnant and I want everything that's horrible for you. I had a orange Fanta at my Grandmother's and I've craved one ever since. I don't even drink those!! I love this organic Mama's best cereal that's like cocoa puffs... I did have a few turkey sandwiches which now I can't believe I even ate it... I cooked my favorite vegetables last night and made a burger and it was all I could do to eat the veggies. I could care less about them and they were absolutely disgusting to me.  I've been able to drink water with the Mio flavoring in it... for the past few weeks I've really been keeping up with my vitamins too.  I had gone a little crazy getting a coffee every time I went out of the house and one day I was just over it. The same with me craving Cran Grape juice and apple juice. I guess I just had too much. I've been able to drink milk again which has been great.
GENDER//
It's a girl!
WHAT I MISS//
Being small.. energy.. great sleep.
WORKOUTS//
The past few days, I've done weights, body squats, and even t25. At this point with Finley I don't think I did anything so I feel proud for doing what I've done but at the same time I don't feel like it's been enough. I'm just going to try and keep moving.
EMOTIONS//
I've been really irritated at times the past couple weeks. Like a ticking time bomb. Finley's hurt my feelings a couple times and I know I don't need to take things personally that she does (as ridiculous as all that sounds) but I do.  I've had a couple breakdown sobbing moments and my stress has been out the roof. I'm ready to get started on the nursery which means Project turn-the-porch-into-a-new-livingroom needs to get going. This pregnancy is flying by and I do NOT want this house a wreck bringing home a new baby.
DREAMS//
Yes still having crazy dreams I wish I wouldn't have.
HUBBY'S THOUGHTS//
He may be a little stressed as well. I have been reminding him how much time we have left after Jan 1 until our new little one gets here.
3 AMIGAS THOUGHTS//
The same as last week.
BEST PREGNANCY MOMENT THIS WEEK//
Celebrating Christmas!!

BUMPDATE // BABY #2 // 20 WEEKS

HOW FAR ALONG// 20 weeks

BABY SIZE// About the size of a banana
MY SYMPTOMS//
I'm writing this a little late so I don't remember anything specific. This week was also a little bit of a blur with my Grandfather's visitation and funeral.
MATERNITY CLOTHES//
For the most part and I do have one pair of black pants I can wear my belly bands with. Maternity compression tights are a must. I've really been in the mood lately to have super cute maternity clothes. At least tops but at the same time I don't see the need to spend the money on them. I just feel super frumpy.
SLEEP//
Some nights are good and some nights not so much. I have started drinking tart cherry juice again. Why in the world did I ever stop?? One morning I woke up and felt like I wasn't going to fall back asleep and I drank what I wasn't able to when I went to bed and the next thing I knew I was waking up hours later. It was great.
MOVEMENT//
Yes! Feeling much more!
CRAVINGS//
I really don't think I have.
GENDER//  
Girl!
WHAT I MISS//
Being small.
WORKOUTS//
Slim to none. At 19 weeks we lost my Grandfather and I really didn't have the energy between late nights/early mornings at the hospital and then everything that followed.
EMOTIONS//
All over the place. Very emotional times with the visitation and funeral. 
DREAMS//
Yes, I've had some crazy dreams. One night I had a nightmare of Shane and Finley falling off the back of stadium seats. I watched it happen from across the football field and when I got to Finley she was on the ground and not moving. I know that's somewhat graphic image .. I haven't even watched or thought of anything football so I have no idea what this dream means or why I even had it. I hope these nightmares stop tho.
HUBBY'S THOUGHTS//
He's been talking to the baby and checking on us!
3 AMIGAS THOUGHTS//
Well, Mara and Sox are doing great and Kyli has been mad at me and jealous that she's been peeing in the floor. I had the carpets cleaned and you can't even tell it because the carpets smell like pee again!! It's SO irritating!!!! 
BEST PREGNANCY MOMENT THIS WEEK//
Being with family more, even tho it was under circumstances that no one likes to go through.

BUMPDATE // BABY #2 // 18 WEEKS

HOW FAR ALONG// 18 weeks

BABY SIZE// A bell pepper.
MY SYMPTOMS// 
I've had some good energy this week but have had times of exhaustion. Especially at work. Sometimes I wonder if standing behind my chair wears me out more than running after Finley. I try to sit down at work when I have the chance and I'm really sticking to working 5 hours. I will have 2 long days the week of Christmas but I had already booked that before I started feeling like this.
MATERNITY CLOTHES//
Maternity leggings, jeans, jeans with rubberband trick, different types of shirts, t-shirts and pajama pants. I looked back thru my emails and found the company I ordered the compression tights from and I'll be doing that this week. I know it will help with this discomfort.
SLEEP//
Off and on good and bad. There was one night this week I woke up so happy because I knew I had not moved all night long. We had our Biltmore trip for our anniversary and I slept HORRIBLE. I think I fell asleep long enough to have a horrific nightmare that I was leaving our hotel and a gunman was outside shooting people as they were leaving. He caught me outside while I was trying to hide and ended up not shooting me. The whole time I was contemplating how I could take him down and my dream ended with him waving his gun in my face and I grabbed it and we went to the ground fighting. If I wasn't moving and flailing in my sleep I would be very surprised. My body was so sore as well from walking all over the estate. As we got towards the end of our tour I kept thinking if this isn't over ASAP I don't know that I'll make it. Even when we got to our hotel I felt like I was cramping and having pains in my stomach. I couldn't have walked anymore than what we did so I'm glad we went when we did.
MOVEMENT// 
Definitley feeling more and one afternoon at work it felt like an elbow or a knee went all the way across the left side of my belly. Which I actually chuckled a bit because that's the same side Finley stayed on.
CRAVINGS//
None really. No food sounds good.
GENDER//
We find out Monday!! We are not doing a reveal but I am taking an envelope for the nurse (hopefully we won't see anything), I'm taking it to Ingle's for them to make a cupcake and I'm surprising Coach. He found out in the office the last time and I really want to record his face and so family and friends can see as well.
WHAT I MISS//
Being able to carry Finley comfortably and not be out of breath.
WORKOUTS//
I think I did do t25 once? I can't remember for this week. Doesn't all the walking at the Biltmore count? My calves are still sore!!
EMOTIONS//
This anniversary trip was the first time I was away from Fin over night. I didn't sleep but about 3 hours the night before and I cried a little before we left and on the way to Asheville. Part of that was hurt feelings from me taking something Shane said the wrong way. Ha! 
DREAMS//
Crazy crazy!! See 'sleep'.
HUBBY'S THOUGHTS// 
One night we were talking about how close it was to finding out the gender and I asked him was he going to be super disappointed if this one is not a boy. He tells me no but I feel like I'm going to be sad for him if it's not a boy. I really don't feel like I have a feeling either way right now except I feel nervous about it for some reason. No reason to be nervous so not sure what that is about. Maybe I'm just ready for it to be here already even tho we are this close! I also asked him did he want to try for another one if it was a girl and he quickly said NO. Whew!!
3 AMIGAS THOUGHTS//
Hanging out. Kyli has been so cuddly almost to the point of annoying me but she's seriously gaurding my belly.
BEST PREGNANCY MOMENT THIS WEEK//
Having some one on one with this handsome guy! The Biltmore was gorgeous and we saw more this time than we did when we went for our wedding gift in 2012. I would love to go back in every season but my it's expensive, even getting discounted tickets. When these 2 babies get old enough to remember, I want us to take them as well. 

BUMPDATE // BABY #2 // 17 Weeks

HOW FAR ALONG// 17 weeks

BABY SIZE// About the size of a pear.

MY SYMPTOMS//
The nausea has pretty much left the premises praise the Lord! My legs have started killing me and I know its spider veins. I've noticed even more on my right leg and I've got to order more maternity compression tights. I had a pair with Finley but I think I threw them away because they ended up with a huge run in them. My legs felt SO much better when I wore them with Finley. I hope some of these go away after I have this baby but I'm not so sure.

MATERNITY CLOTHES//
Maternity leggings.. certain jeans with rubber band trick.. I've still been able to wear several different types of tops in my closet from maternity to my long tunic tops. T-shirts and pajama pants when I get home.
SLEEP//
Some nights I feel like I don't move and I've been in a heavy sleep all night and other nights I feel like I've ran a marathon in my sleep. I'm out of my oils and I'm trying to be frugal right now so I can't bring myself to spend the money on them right now. Sometimes I've remembered tart cherry juice as soon as I get comfortable and I literally cannot bring myself to get back out of bed. There have been many times I've woken up on my back and talk about UNCOMFORTABLE! I feel like it takes 20 minutes for my guts to go back into place and its painful. I've been taking naps whenever I can when I get to the point where I just can't keep going.
MOVEMENT// 
I HAVE started feeling more movement! Dr Elder told me I should around Thanksgiving and although I feel like I've felt he/she more at other times, there still has been some kicks and punches.
CRAVINGS//
I really don't think I've had any cravings necessarily. I'm at the point where nothing sounds good but I have been loving this Mama's Best (?) cocoa cereal. I can't keep it in the pantry.
GENDER//
Find out Dec. 5th
WHAT I MISS//
Being able to move quickly and energy and feeling my best.
WORKOUTS//
I said I was going to work out the week of Thanksgiving every day and I didn't do it but once. My focus was cleaning the house and getting the rest of our Christmas decorations up. One afternoon I dusted everything, vacuumed, mopped, and cloroxed the baseboards. I paid for it the next 2 days and I still haven't gotten our foyer tree decorated all they way yet. It has about 6 ornaments on it, lights and ribbon.
EMOTIONS//
I went a little psycho over Thanksgiving weekend for sure. I think I had cabin fever and I left the house and went to Michaels for about 45 minutes and ate at Barberitos by myself. I showed up at the Bethlehem shopping center just in time for some kidnapping drama from another county.. all kinds of cops were EVERYWHERE. I finished my food and left in a hurry.
DREAMS//
Yes they have started and continued into this week.
HUBBY'S THOUGHTS//
I caught him staring into the distance one night and asked him what he was thinking about. He responded with just everything from the house the bringing another baby home. There wasn't much said after that but we are both overwhelmed at times I think.
3 AMIGAS THOUGHTS//
Just hanging out!
BEST PREGNANCY MOMENT THIS WEEK//
Feeling more movement and not just the popcorn bubble feelings.

BUMPDATE // Baby #2 // 16 Weeks

HOW FAR ALONG// 16 Weeks

I spelled FLYING wrong. Ha!

BABY SIZE// About the size of an avocado.

MY SYMPTOMS//

I think I've felt much better this week as far as not having any nausea unless something has a horrific smell or I'm stuck changing one of Finley's poo diapers. I haven't had as much sleep as I'd like but she has been crying out around 4AM and I'm stuck staring at the walls praying that I'll fall back asleep. Since I have been feeling better, I've been doing way too much probably. I even have 2 of our trees up. I can defnitley tell when I have done a lot because the next day, I'm paying for it.  I've found this week that between 5 and 6 hours of working my body starts feeling like it's going to shut down. I've gotten really shaky a couple times at work like my sugar dropping and like I could just fall asleep right there on the spot. I guess it's my age, how long I've been working BTC, and not getting enough rest that even after just a couple of hours of standing, I'm ready to get off my feet and go home. After Thanksgiving, my hours are going to be cut back for sure. When I've gotten up from sitting, I've gotten really dizzy. My legs hurt so bad and a couple of nights this week, I've felt like I've had restless body syndrome. I know 2 nights I tossed and turned and my legs would not be still. I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin. Finally, I fell asleep. I had a doctor appt on Monday 14th and everything was perfect! I gained 2 lbs since my last appt so 5 lbs total. My bp was 100/64 and the heartbeat was 140. I saw Dr Elder this time so that was nice and he was very pleased with everything.

MATERNITY CLOTHES//

I've been living in my new maternity leggings but did wear a pair of jeans this week with rubberband trick and belly band. I'm scared I'm going to wear out the leggings like I did my maxi skirts. I did NOT wear them ONE time this summer. I should probably just give them away to someone.

SLEEP//

Not very good and I'm so exhausted when I go to bed. I feel like I get in a deep sleep but if I hear anything, I'm awake and it takes me forever to fall back asleep.. if I ever get there before my appetite kicks in.

MOVEMENT//

I felt pretty good movement for the first time on November 17th, on my way home from work. I turned down the radio like I thought that would help me feel the movement better! LOL! I felt him/her into the night at the top of my belly.

GENDER// We find out December 5th.

WHAT I MISS//

Great sleep.. energy to its fullest.

WORKOUTS//

I think I got in one workout this week. Honestly I've just been really busy at work, and I sleep and lay around as long as I can before I have to get ready and then go straight to work. I've just been working too long of hours and I'm going to start listening to my body.

EMOTIONS//

I'm feeling much better and feeling the baby move for the first time was amazing. We've still had some mild weather and being outside with Finley when we can has been great as well.

DREAMS//

Yes, I've been having some crazy dreams this week.

HUBBY'S THOUGHTS//

He's been calling the baby a he and just trying to speak it into existance! He said he wants his own mini me around the house.

3 AMIGAS THOUGHTS//

Behaving and loving on Finley.

BEST PREGNANCY MOMENT THIS WEEK//

Celebrating our anniversary and feeling Baby Hopper #2 moving pretty good.

Happy Anniversary // 4 Years

Happy Anniversary to the one whom my soul loves!

Yesterday, Coach and I celebrated 4 years together! It hasn't always been easy but I can tell you that we have grown and our love for one another has grown even more. 

I did have to work but I came home to a clean kitchen, roses, chocolates, a sweet card, and I got a hot meal cooked on the egg. I was home with my family and that's all that mattered. Coach did offer to take us out to eat but after a long day of work, I just wanted to be home. We can go out to eat another time.

Here's to many more loving, healthy years together!

BUMPDATE // Baby #2 // 15 Weeks

HOW FAR ALONG// 15 Weeks

BABY SIZE// About the size of a baseball or an apple

MY SYMPTOMS// 
Starting to feel much better as far as nausea but still having some extremely tired moments and long days at work that have really started to get to me.
MATERNITY CLOTHES//
I broke down and bought 2 pair of maternity leggings and I could buy more for every day of the week so I didn't have to do laundry every other day. Ha! I'm still able to wear several of my loose tops which has been nice. 
SLEEP//
I feel like mostly I have some kind of pregnancy insomnia. And then sometimes I can get to sleep great but if I hear Finley cry out at night, it's O.V.A. So frustrating. Especially when my body tells me that I need more rest and sleep.
MOVEMENT//
This week I have felt little popcorn bubbles but not anything big.
GENDER// Shane is hoping for a boy!
WHAT I MISS//
That dead sleep.
WORKOUTS//
Well, my 3 months was up with my trainer and I opted to pass on signing up again because it was getting hard for me to get there and I'd rather save my money and start over again after I get cleared. I've been able to do t25 and even weights.
EMOTIONS//
I mentioned the week before that I felt like I really didn't have a connection with this pregnancy. That Sunday after I wrote that post, our Pastor taught on prayer and at the end of the service we did something a little different. We had to pair up in partners, share (not in detail) something we wished to be prayed for, and then pray for that person. I received prayer over the way I was feeling disconnected, and no lie, I felt so much better after that. The power of prayer works! I had already scheduled a meeting with my Pastor as well for this reason, but I decided not to cancel last minute, and after that session, I felt even better.
DREAMS//
And let the crazy dreams begin! I dreamt that Finley was asleep on her changing table (of all places!!), and she fell off head first onto the floor. Talk about that waking you up!
HUBBY'S THOUGHTS//
I think he's just patiently waiting to find out boy or girl!
3 AMIGAS THOUGHTS//
They have been behaving pretty well and also been right up under me. 
BEST PREGNANCY MOMENT THIS WEEK//
Starting to feel the little popcorn bubbles in my belly!

BUMPDATE // Baby #2 // 14 Weeks

HOW FAR ALONG// 14 Weeks

BABY SIZE// About the size of a lemon.

MY SYMPTOMS//
This week I've felt much better except my stomach has still felt sour at times, with some nausea.. I've had some pains at times which I think is round ligament pain? From what I've read this seems like it should be lower but it's been around my oblique area. My sleeping seems to be a little better using my oils. I do get bad headaches at times which I feel like that's from me needing to drink more water. It's just still a little challenging to stomach.
MATERNITY CLOTHES//
I've still been doing the rubberband trick with my pants and loose tops. It's been SO HOT still here in Georgia that you could wear shorts and a t-shirt still. I have NOT wanted to wear shorts with these pasty legs so it's been a little challenging in the clothes dept as far as dressing for weather and being comfortable. I did try on a maternity dress this week I already had and it just looked ridiculous with my belling not filling the stomach area out all the way. Ha. I had a meltdown in my closet Thursday but there were several things that were going on while I was trying to get ready and I just let all of it get to me.
SLEEP//
Much better using my oils. I don't think I've had to get up as much for the bathroom so that's been great but I do have to flip from side to side.
MOVEMENT// none yet
CRAVINGS//
This pregnancy has been so different than with Finley. In the beginning of this one, I just ate whatever I could. Which really wasn't much except for saltines and sprite, a few milkshakes, bread, and oatmeal. I could NOT eat anything. It's gotten much better at times but I haven't really been able to do spicy foods. With Finley, I couldn't get food hot enough!! Dairy makes me sick, so really my diet has consisted of carbs, fruit, and occasional protein. I'm hoping that also gets better from here on out.
GENDER// find out at 20 weeks
WHAT I MISS// Waking up and just feeling amazing. It takes me so much time to get going and for my stomach to feel OK.
WORKOUTS//
Besides my every Wednesday apt with my trainer, I maybe do t25 once or twice a week. I'm not sure if this past Wed was my last one or if I have another month with her. I can tell when I do workout that I do feel much better .. so if I could just muster up the energy to initially get out of bed early enough before Finley wakes up, I know I would probably feel even better.
EMOTIONS//
I honestly don't feel "connected" to this pregnancy as I did with Fin. Is it because you are so busy with a 1 year old, work, and keeping up in general with your daily life? I feel like there are many factors that are making me feel disconnected. I'm really trying to be positive and have a better attitude but, after all, I am human and I'm just not one to pretend that I'm superwoman or perfect.
DREAMS//
I know I've had a couple this week but nothing stands out in my mind that seemed to be odd. When I have dreamt, I wake up feeling like I haven't slept AT ALL and I just want to go back to bed.
HUBBY'S THOUGHTS//
He's been touching my belly more and we have officially nicknamed this one, squirt. In a text message not too long ago, it just came to me, and that's what I wrote and its stuck ever since.
3 AMIGAS THOUGHTS//
Kyli has continued to be all over me and they are just enjoying having all of us home most of the time. Finley has really become buddy buddy with Kyli and Mara.
BEST PREGNANCY MOMENT THIS WEEK//
Continuing to have a healthy pregnancy and having no serious problems arise.

Washington Farms 2016

Friday I took off work and that afternoon we went to Washington Farms for the first time. I'm loving these fall activities even tho it is still in the 80's. Oh my goodness so hot!!

Finley fell asleep on the way there and napped FOREVER! So Coach and I found this AWESOME country store and got some snacks and drinks and chilled in the truck for awhile until Finley woke up. Although she never did on her own so we woke her before it got too late. And she was totally fine and didn't fuss at all. The only thing she didn't want was to be put in her stroller at first so Coach carried her a good bit. I feel like my belly is already getting in the way and it kills my back most of the time.

We paid and got our wristbands, walked up to all the festivities, got our picture made, and then began with seeing the animals. Before we got there, I had to take a bathroom break and Finley found a ball in the meantime. She carried that thing around with her and we finally were able to throw it back without a fuss.

O. M. G. the smell was so strong to me and if we didn't get out when we did I may have gotten sick. 

Finley wasn't too sure about this piggie and it squealing.

These goats were so cute. I'd love to have some at home!

The peacocks were gorgeous and I wish they would've fanned their feathers. She wanted them to come to her so bad.

She loved being able to pet the animals that she could and I was SO happy to find a soap and water station where she could wash her hands after.

Shane got one of the baby cows to come up to him while we were riding in the cow cart (I have no idea what else to call it) but I think I scared it away when we walked back up before we got to pet her good. Oops.

I enjoyed this myself! Ha!

Fin saw these frogs and had to check them out for herself! And Shane said, "hoppy.. you gotta get a picture in front of that!"

haha this face.

 And this one too. 

She loved this thing!

We ended the night by getting something to eat and I was dying to get some of their fresh squeezed lemonade. I could've bought a whole gallon and brought it home with me. I made myself refrain from buying another. Whew!
It was dark by the time we left and when we got in the truck Shane said, "well I think she enjoyed that and I guess we have a new tradition". I said yes she did and yes, setting traditions and making memories is my goal. It's so much better than buying something.  This weekend was the last weekend and I'm so glad we went. We will definitley be going back next year and now I'm wanting to check out their spring and summer activities. There was so much more to do that Finley just wasn't big enough for this time but I know she should enjoy when she does get a little bigger. We are looking forward to next time!