Prego update

As is typical with second babies, the craziness of life has sort of overtaken this pregnancy. I'm enjoying and cherishing every second, but also feel like time is flying by! The need for weekly belly photos and meticulous cleaning has gone by the wayside, and with just six or seven weeks until number two arrives, I've started to come to the realization that I need to get my act together, so as to not have a nervous breakdown when I go into labor! So, here are a few belly shots, and a blogger's pledge to myself and cyberspace to face the reality of what the next couple of months has in store for this thankful and blessed momma!

28 weeks (Chesney and McGraw concert)

31 weeks (at CE's second birthday party!)

 

32 weeks (dear friend Katie's baby shower- she's 34 weeks in this pic!)

 

 

33 weeks

 

And just for comparison, here's what I looked like at 33 weeks with Claire-bear:

 

 

Second Baby Stuff

I am basically prepared ("stuff"-wise!) for the arrival of Baby #2 but there are a few things I would love to add to my collection before he or she comes along. Some are things that you just need with two kiddos others are just essentials that weren't as popular when Claire was born. Any other suggestions?

Muslin Swaddling Blankets- great for swaddling, keeping baby cool, and easy to stuff in a diaper bag! These are by Aden and Anais



ERGO Carrier- I loved my over-the-shoulder sling for Claire, but I'd like one that SJ can use, be a little easier on my back, and be usable into the toddler stage since I'll be chasing two around before I know it. Love the new Petunia Pickle Bottom prints, but would probably go with a neutral black or grey so the hubs would actually wear it in public!



Double Stroller-  I'm still up in the air about this one. Some people love their side-by-sides, some love their sit-and-stands, others are all about the jogging-style strollers that tend to be quite a bit larger and more expensive. I've talked to some moms who skipped the double stroller all-together. Hoping maybe I can find one in good used condition to save a few hundred bucks! Here are a few I'm considering...suggestions welcome!

Chicco Cortina ($250-300)



Britax B-Ready Inline ($450-500)


Phil and Ted's Inline Jogger ($400-500)



Baby Jogger City Mini Double ($349)



Pumping Bra-  I've heard great things about these bras, and although they look absolutely ridiculous, I actually think I'd use it a lot while juggling the needs of a a toddler and a newborn.



This photo needs the caption, "Pin while you pump!"

Marc Jacobs Nylon Bag- Most definitely not a "need," but wouldn't mind having one of these comfy, over-the-shoulder style bags by Marc Jacobs. The price is a little extreme for a "baby" bag, but a girl can wish, right?!

 

Fossil's version is actually a little bit bigger and would probably do the trick, especially for about half the price. It comes in great bold colors, too!

 
Have other suggestions for second-baby must-haves?! Please share!

Welcome to the third trimester.....

Wow! The third trimester already?! I'm now 28 weeks and feeling great...although I am seeing my energy level starting to fall (could it be that I'm up four times a night to pee?!) and carrying around a toddler in her clinging-to-mommy-for-dear-life-phase is proving to be more and more difficult. Baby is quite active (as was CE) and I absolutely love feeling and watching this nugget try to make more room in there! Here's to twelve more, complication-free weeks of growing, growing, growing...

Pre-country concert extravaganza....loved my Jake, Kenney and Tim!

It's getting hairy...

Dear Post-Pregnancy Hair Thief,
Please stop stealing my hair. It's getting really disgusting, annoying and scary...and there's a distinct possibility I will be bald by February. I'm not convinced I can pull off that look as well as my husband, daughter, or adorable oncology patients. I expect prompt action in regards to this request.
Sincerely,

t..hi....r...t...y.......n..i..ne......w....e..e...k...s

I'M ABOUT TO EXPLODE (physically and emotionally!) I've been fully effaced for two weeks now, having contractions every day (and most nights) but still no dilation or baby!! I'm starting to have back pain and sharp nerve pains radiating from my groin down my legs- the joys of being nine months pregnant!! No idea where this peanut gets it's stubbornness ; )  I'm walking, cooking, eating spicy food, cleaning incessantly, and really starting to contemplate the whole castor oil idea! Needless to say, I'm getting really exhausted so we pretty much have decided that working isn't the best idea for me until munchkin arrives.....with my job, I have to be clear-minded and alert, neither of which I am at this point in time. Tomorrow I have my 39 week appointment, so I'm hoping that maybe we can schedule an induction for next week if there is still no progress. I will keep everyone updated....Here are a few belly pics:

Fully-baked!!

In pregnancy progress, I had my 37 (and a half!!) week appt on Thursday and I am 70% effaced and just starting to dilate...doctor said it could be anytime but I"m trying not to get my hopes up too high. I'm officially "full-term" so BabyK, you can make your entrance anytime peanut!! I'm feeling good...having contractions here and there, trying to walk a lot, and the nesting phenomenon has officially set-in. Yesterday, I vacuumed the entire house, dusted baseboards and  mopped the hardwoods, cleaned out the refrigerator, organized the loft closet and nursery dresser/closet, washed every sheet and towel in the house, put together the baby swing, and made tuna salad, cookies, and a bunch of taco meat!! Haha...ridiculous : )

Now for the photos....I am so lucky to have such a talented brother who was willing to take some maternity shots of us this past weekend at the house- I will treasure them forever and have a hard time looking at some of them without tearing up. This baby is going to be so amazingly loved!! Thanks uncle Adam for capturing such sweet memories for us...

PS: If you click on the collage, you should be able to see the photos in more detail!!

T-minus one month...

So I officially am nine months pregnant!!! I can't believe that in 30 days we will have a newborn baby! I also am having a hard time believing that this baby is going to grow 1/2 a pound a week for the next month...I guess I'm in denial that my skin can really stretch anymore than it already has- OUCH!! I'm feeling tired but good...my feet kill me by the end of my 12 hour shifts and I'm tossing and turning most nights BUT my blood pressure is good, baby is head-down and really no swelling to date- not so bad for such a blazing hot Indiana summer! Here are some 36 week belly shots....WARNING: big bare belly ahead!!

Will it bee, a he or she??

Baby shower #3 was here in Indy...my uber-creative and amazing friend Christine (with help from her sister Katie) threw me the most adorable bumble bee-themed shower! It was so great to catch up with old friends, new friends, and family...

Baby Burt's Bees diaper cake

Newly Cairns, previously Cairns, currently Cairns

Reliving sorority days?? Prettiest girls in the pledge class!!

The last few photos are from a game that we played where everyone had to guess what a number of wrapped-up baby "products" were by just feeling them....wanted to share a few of the responses that showed up on some lists- I can always count on these girls for a good laugh!

#10 responses: ear plugs, otoscope cover, ear cleaners, cone shaped things

*actual product: nasal aspirator covers

#12 responses:  bottle stopper, baby coins, rattle, bottle tops

*actual product: diaper pail deodorizers

#5 responses: portion of crib, something for a baby's mouth, silverware

*actual product: medicine spoon 

Baby Shower #2

Here are some photos from my baby shower in Ft. Wayne on July11th....I am so grateful to have married into such an amazing family!

Will it be a boy or girl??

Sisters-in-law

34 weeks

Momma and Grammie

Happy baby shower to me and happy 29th birthday to Spencer!!

All of "the girls"

Grandma #2

First baby shower!

I had my first shower today!! My sister-in-law Heidi threw me a shower at work and I am so lucky to have such amazing co-workers...I work with people who are so caring and willing to offer great baby advice!! There are 11 of us who are expecting within the next few months and I can't wait for our future playdates. I got some great baby gear and am already starting to wonder where all of this stuff is going to go! Here is a pic of me, Heidi and my neice Kaleah and the 33 week bump shot...

Thanks for all of the goodies, PMCH ladies!!!

32 week appointment

So I'm now on the every two week appointment schedule, and it feels like I was just at the doctor's office. Everything still looks great!! Baby's heartrate was 152 and I'm measuring right at 32 weeks, although this peanut is being stubborn and is breech as of right now. The MD reassured me that we still have 8 weeks for this baby to flip so no need to worry at this point. Here's a belly shot!

31 weeks

This was at about 31w4d...befoe heading to Dave and Chris's to celebate Shaun and Sarah's engagement- congratulations guys!!!

Third trimester is here!

So I am now 30 weeks pregnant and really having a hard time believing how fast this pregnancy is going....feeling pretty good and looking forward to meeting my munchkin in less than 10 weeks (hopefully!!) I'm definitely sporting the preggo waddle and Tums have become my best friend! This baby is still incredibly active and although I'm now getting some pretty aggressive rib kicks, I'm absolutely loving this time in my pregnancy....quality bonding time! Here are some recent pics:

30 weeks

Finished quilt

Daddy putting together the crib