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.