Baby Wassel # 2: It's A GIRL!

Greg is officially the only man of the house. We had our ultrasound on Friday and everything checked out great. I forgot how detailed the ultrasounds can be and it's amazing that they can measure all aspects of the baby, including the sections of the brain.

IT'S A GIRL! We are beyond excited and Emma said that she wanted a baby sister. (Baby girl had her legs crossed and the doctor had to bump the ultrasound around on the belly to get her to move.) Now, I need Greg to clean out the guest bedroom, paint it and decorate Emma's room so that we can get the nursery ready again. Also need to pick out a name!

After the ultrasound, we went down the street to have a regular checkup with my doctor. All they did was weigh, blood pressure and checked heart beat. I had gained + 7 pounds over the past month. BP: 112/74.

Next checkup is at 24 weeks for the glucose test and regular visit. Time is flying by!

If you look very closely, you can see Baby girl's butt crack and three small lines to indicate it's a GIRL!

Baby Wassel # 2: 19 Weeks Pregnant

How Far Along:  19 Weeks

Size of baby:  6 inches (size of an heirloom tomato) and weighs 8.5 ounces

Gender: Countdown of 7 days.

Maternity Clothes: Yes. Maternity bottoms and maternity & regular tops.

Weight gain:  + 3 pounds

Movement: Yes. Slight, inconsistent movement in lower abdomen area. Feels like baby is doing flips sometimes.

Sleep: Sleeping well, for the most part. Usually up to go to the bathroom once.

Symptoms: Ligament stretching. Feeling tired, which might have to do with chasing around a toddler.

What I miss: Energy

Cravings: Pickles. Firehouse subs. Tuna salad.

Best moment this week: Walking/exercising as a family for a few days this week. I could barely keep up towards the end.

What I am looking forward to: Looking forward to Savannah in a few days and gender reveal in 7 days!

Baby Wassel # 2: 18 Weeks Pregnant

How Far Along: 18 weeks

Size of baby: 5.5 inches long(length of a bell pepper) and weighs 7 ounces.

Gender: We'll find out March 21

Maternity Clothes: mixture of maternity and regular clothes. I'm in maternity jeans all the time.
Weight gain: + 3 pounds

Movement:Yes, feel movement sporadically throughout the day, mostly at night around bedtime. 
Sleep: I finally bought a body pillow! I refused to purchase a maternity pillow because of the $$ so I just bought a regular body pillow and it has been a lifesaver. I have been sleeping great, except for the crazy dreams.
Symptoms: I'm exhausted this week and have been feeling ligament pain/stretching. Holy cow with the stomach popping out too!

What I miss: Nothing :)

Cravings: Anything and everything. Pickles are a favorite though!

Best moment this week: Baby movement

What I am looking forward to: Enjoying the 70 + weather next week and walking a little.

** weekly pictures start next week. 

Baby Wassel # 2: 17 Weeks Pregnant

How Far Along: 17 weeks

Size of baby: 5 inches long and 5 ounces (Weighs as much as a turnip.)

Gender: We'll find out March 21!

Maternity Clothes: Mixture of maternity and regular clothes. Definitely maternity pants or yoga pants.
Weight gain: + 3 pounds

Movement: Yes. Have been startled by the movements lately as they seem to be stronger.

Sleep: Sleeping on side and back. Crazy dreams and getting up to go to the bathroom.

Symptoms: Increased appetite.Snoring has gotten worse, per Greg. Belly popped on Saturday, after eating a large quantity of pizza.

What I miss: Deli Meat!

Cravings: Pickles, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

Best moment this week: AFP test results came back negative (good). Going outside to walk and play with Emma.

What I am looking forward to: 3 more weeks until gender.

Baby Wassel # 2: 16 Weeks Pregnant

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 16 weeks

Size of baby: Size of an avocado. 4.5 inches long and 3.5 ounces

Gender: We'll find out March 21!

Maternity Clothes: Yes in addition to regular clothes

Weight gain: + 3 pounds

Movement: Yes, I feel movement about once a day, mostly at night.

Sleep: Sleeping on side. Crazy dreams and getting up to go to the bathroom in addition to getting up to get Emma back to sleep.

Symptoms: Cold that won't go away.

What I miss: Sleeping on my stomach.

Cravings: Definitely have more cravings the second time around. For example, I had chocolate milk and a pickle for dessert. Also, tuna salad since no deli meat.

Best moment this week: Finally feeling pregnant and not fat.

What I am looking forward to: The cold going away and people stop saying how tired I look!

Baby Appointment:  I had my bloodwork done and everything tested negative for screening. The doctor easily found the heartbeat and I had gained 2 pounds since my last appointment. BP: 102/60. Next appointment is March 21 for level II Ultrasound at Specialist and regular appointment at OB's office. 

Baby Wassel # 2: First 2 Appointments

Appointment # 1: We had our first appointment right before Christmas, on December 23. We took Emma and it was a little nerve wrecking, just like Emma's first appointment. I just needed to hear confirmation of the heartbeat. Sure enough, baby was checking out just fine and we received our first ultrasound picture. Baby measured right on track at 7 weeks 3 days. (Emma always measured three days behind and ended up being 3 days late!)

Emma did not enjoy the appointment because it was right before nap and we had to wait a little while. Poor thing also didn't like her Mama laying down on the table and was frightened when the doctor examined me.  We wanted Emma to go to most of the appointments but it might be too much for her in the beginning

Appointment # 2: Our 12 week appointment was January 24. Sure enough, baby was measuring right on track and we ended up getting another ultrasound (surprise!) According to the pictures, I think the "dangle" looks like a girl ... what do you think? (We have no preference in regards to gender, just want a healthy baby!) Emma did not go with us to this appointment.

Emma: Big Sister

Emma will be a big sister in August 2014. My due date is August 8, 2014 and Emma is excited enough for her age. She doesn't know too much but she kisses my belly button to kiss the baby.

I missed my period on Thanksgiving while we were in Savannah so I knew immediately since I have been regular. I took a test the following Monday. (I also ordered fried pickles while in Savannah; the cravings had already started.) We told our families over Christmas; my family knew before we said anything because I was drinking water.

I have felt fantastic so far and love being pregnant. Greg says that I have been very mean and I will admit that I have been easily frustrated. Our doctors visits have gone by breezily and we will find out the gender on March 21. I have definitely been showing a lot earlier, although it felt like fat for a long while. I also started the pregnancy 12 pounds lighter than with Emma. 

Emma: 2 Year Check Up

Emma did great at her two year check up; she had a finger prick and vaccine shot and she didn't cry much. The NP was very impressed with Emma's verbal skills and said that Emma is right on track with everything. I have been charting her growth since birth and it's great to see that Emma has maintained the same curve that the doctors are looking for.

Stats:
Weight: 26 lbs 8 oz. 25%
Height: 34 1/2 inches. 50 - 75 %
Head: 47 cm. 10%

Emma will return for her 2 1/2 year appointment; at that point, Greg and I will be wrangling 2 at the doctor's office!

Emma turns 2!

Emma had a fantastic Ariel/Little Mermaid/Under the Sea Birthday Party! And I had a fun time with the decorations. I will admit to doing something a little silly: I had two games planned. A fishing game with magnets and buried treasure, which was jewels and eye patches under confetti. The kids sure did enjoy making a mess with the confetti but they could have cared less about the games.

Emma had fun wearing her Ariel costume and running around with her friends. With all of our practicing with the Birthday song and candles, Emma still cried. At least we had a smile afterwards, with tears. Hope everyone had a great time! Here are pictures:

Emma's Birthday Party: Decorations

I had the best time decorating for Emma's Under the Sea birthday party. Emma is obsessed with Ariel so we went along with that theme. I had more ideas but ran out of time.:

Treasure chest made from styrofoam cooler and spray paint. Also made the cutest whales/fish from clay pots and pipe cleaners that are sitting on this table: 

 I had an idea for a fishing game with magnets and paper clips but the kids weren't interested. They did love running around with the balloons and playing in the pool:

 Standard party food fare: veggies, fruit, cheese/crackers, nugget tray, gold fish and assorted drinks and cocktails:

 Sign, Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian were made by me (and the Cricut):

 Ariel themed cake made by Kroger:

Emma: 24 Months

* We are snowed in again and I was so worried that Emma's birthday party would have to be postponed. Gymnastics cancelled again!
* Greg was working from home during the ice/snow storm, which makes Emma grumpy because she wants to play with Daddy. We painted a lot and went outside a few times. Emma's favorite part about the snow was sledding down the hill in the laundry basket.
* Emma and Daddy built their first snowman!
* Emma's birthday party weekend and family in town. Yay for Aunt Stacy, Mimi and Granddad visiting.
* Clipped Emma's 3 pacifiers and Emma decided she didn't like them so we put them in the mailbox as Emma requested. She said that she is helping babies. Been doing great without them, although we are still having trouble falling asleep without Mama or Dada staying in the room. She also still wakes about several nights a week. Luckily, all I need to do is go in there and lay her back down and Emma goes back to sleep on her own. An easy transition with her gigis!

Emma: 1 Year 52 weeks

* Still loves to "help" me make dinner, including such dangerous things at stirring pots. She also likes to shove a kitchen chair to the fridge to get her own water.
* Very independent, almost too-independent!
* Had a medal ceremony at the end of gymnastics. Emma was so excited to receive her medal, although I think that the growing class size is getting to be too much for Emma. She still enjoys running around the big gym; however, she doesn't like to "work on her skills" in the small gym.
* Trying to put pants on by herself. She can pull up in the front, but her booty hangs out in the back.
* Emma and Daddy had a fun day on Saturday so that Mama can clean up for Emma's birthday party. They bought an Ariel costume at the Disney store and had a Daddy/Daughter date at CFA. I love that CFA runs these special nights. Emma and Greg had reservations at CFA and included tablecloths and roses on the table.
* Been practicing Happy Birthday song and candle blowing with Emma all week. She is great at blowing out the candle but cries when we sing to her the HB song.
* Obsessed with suckers, her treat for burying her baby pacifier.
* Ice and a little snow on her birthday. Emma's favorite part: riding down the hill in the laundry basket. 

Emma: 1 year 51 weeks

 * Buried her baby pacifier so a surprise could grow the next morning. We are starting to transition her out of the pacifier. 7 suckers grew in place of the 1 pacifier!
* We are snowed in and missing gymnastics (again!) At least Emma enjoys playing outside for brief periods. Emma likes to eat icicles.
* Potty training is going okay; still have about 5 pee accidents a week because she's not telling me when she needs to go.
* Replaced A/C units over the weekend.
* Took Emma to see General Lee, the state Groundhog on Groundhog's Day. Emma loved helping her Daddy feed all of the animals.
* Helps Mama cook dinner every night; making pizza is a favorite because she can taste everything while helping. 
* Enjoyed going outside for once without a jacket!