24 weeks with baby #3

We're 24 weeks along!

I am backing up pictures from the last couple of years so reminiscing as I go through each folder, and have come across SO many favorites of Gwendolyn and Conrad when they were babies/little.

Like this one on the day we brought him home from the hospital:

Or these two..

(She was such a little helper and always so gentle with him.) 

I can hardly wait to have another baby in the house. It'll have it's hard moments I'm sure, but I am so excited. And we have SO much to look forward to even before baby B comes! I love this time of year!

Pregnancy Highlights

How far along: 24 weeks as of November 16th.

Total weight gain: I was a few pounds off on my estimate from my last post. Ha. I'm up 15 lbs, which is basically the TOTAL amount I gained with Conrad! Lovemyself.

Maternity clothes: Let's take the shirt I'm wearing above for example....this is one that Trisha wore when she was pregnant with Tenley. It's adorable but it looked pretty big so I had just left it hanging in my closet thinking it'd fit me down the road. I grabbed it on Sunday to try it out for church thinking it looked SO big that it'd even work with leggings. I put it on and it was actually tight. And definitely not wearable with leggings.

Apparently my perception of myself is not lining up with reality. Which I'm fine with. 

I've since tried on a few other things that also "looked" too big and they've fit perfectly. You are definitely 24 weeks pregnant, Sarah!

Gender: My midwife said at my appointment this week that the itchy legs have more to do with my varicose veins and possibly the weather than the gender. And baby's heartbeat was 145/150. So we're back to being clueless. Any guesses?! 

Sleep: This week has been a bit rough, but I'm hanging in there. Conrad has woke up at 6:15 three mornings this week. This morning he slept until almost 7:00 am (praise Jesus) but that was after NO nap at Miss Kathy's house yesterday (that hasn't happened in forever) and going to bed at 7:00 pm. Sounds great, right?! Well Gwendolyn decided this was the morning she'd wake up at 6:30 (she's normally our better sleeper inner.) I've just had to adjust how our mornings go and my attitude. :)

(I typed that as I yawned...ha)

Cravings: My mouth is also watering for OJ right now.

And guess what Trader Joe's has noooooow?!

PEPPERMINT JOE JOE'S!!

Message to baby: You're worth every ache and pain little one! Even when I have difficult days, I have nothing but joy and excitement to be your mommy, and I consider it an honor to carry you for these 40 weeks. Sissy and Brother got to come to my appointment this week and Gwendolyn was so excited to "push the button" and hear your heartbeat. They did great and I didn't even have to break out the snack buckets! I'm measuring right on track and you seem to be doing quite well in there. Praying you continue to grow and develop as you should. 

My lap seems to be getting smaller with each day, but somehow your big sister and brother both still manage to fit comfortably (most of the time.) And I think I have a couple more weeks zipping up my regular winter coat (I hope.) I can't wait for you to join in on this family fun. You'll love it here. I promise. Love, Mommy

22 weeks with baby #3

I'm 22 weeks as of November 2nd! I get asked almost daily how I'm feeling and to be honest, this is definitely the hardest of the three pregnancies, but I do think that's understandable considering:

a.) I somehow get older every single year.

b.) I'm a stay at home mom of a 3.5 year old and an 18 month old.

c.) I only exercise once a week so I'm not as active as I once was. 

and

d.) My 32 year old body sometimes acts much older than it is.

All in all though, I cherish every moment of every day and despite aches and pains, I love being pregnant. Tom is an amazing husband and daddy, and I often take him up on his request for me to sit down and put my feet up. Um, gladly. If it weren't for these darn varicose veins, I'd feel like a million bucks. 

I'm also an emotional mess. You know those new commercials from Hancock Next where they leave you hangin' and then you can go view the three possible endings online? I was sobbing at the old man entering the nursing home. (From "The Ride" commercial.) Tom really gets a kick out of my moments like this. I also completely overreacted when Conrad didn't get into the church nursery for the second Sunday in a row. I had to walk away rather abruptly because I had a giant frog in my throat. 

I just wanted to sit peacefully in church for the first time in a month. 

It was ridiculous. These hormones I tell ya....they're CRAZY right now.

Pregnancy Highlights

How far along: 22 weeks as of November 2nd.

Total weight gain: Thinking I'm probably pushing 12 lbs by now. This is considerably more than I had gained at this point with Conrad. Eeeek! Tom's explanation for this is that "you're two years older." 

Um....what?! Love him.

I'm definitely bigger than I was with Conrad and Gwendolyn at 22 weeks. (Love seeing the comparisons! Can we talk about how young I look with Gwendolyn? And how not stretched out my belly button looks?! Ha. Darn belly button ring.) 

Maternity clothes: Since 14 weeks! I just ordered another pair of yoga pants b/c I hate to stretch out my favorite Gap pair. 

Gender: Oh man...I LOVE dreaming about this. It's super hard not knowing, but I love the anticipation. I can see it going both ways, but the itchy legs would lead one to believe it may be another little blond-haired, brown-eyed boy.

Movement: Baby isn't super active so I'm thinking he/she will be really calm. :) I do love feeling him/her though and love sharing the excitement with Tom and Gwendolyn. Conrad pats my belly, but really has no clue. My favorite time of the day is right after I climb into bed and if I don't immediately drift off, I lay there with my hands on my belly taking it all in. 

Sleep: We're getting the best sleep ever right now. The kids sleep through the night (on rare occasions Sissy will have to go potty) and we're often heading to bed around 10:00 or 10:30. It's amazing and we love it. And not taking it for granted. 

What I miss: I miss being able to take legit pain meds. I had a few weeks where I had a constant headache and Tylenol is almost funny. I take it regularly just in case it helps in some little way, but I'm not sure that it does much. Thankfully the headaches are gone! Growing a human is hard work!

Cravings: I'm not sure I'd call them "cravings" but I love my cup of tea first thing in the morning, orange juice, cereal, grapes, and I treat myself to a pop every now and then. (Is it me or does pop taste incredible when pregnant?! How cruel. And I'm not even a pop drinker!)

Message to baby: Hi baby! We love you and think about you constantly and pray for you daily. Gwendolyn loves talking to you and saying "wake uuuup baby!" and Conrad pats my tummy with a smile on his face. You have several nick names (and Gwendolyn is always coming up with more names to name "her baby") but mostly we call you "Clea" around the house. If you're a boy, we apologize. "Cleo" would be more appropriate in that case so sometimes we slip that in just to keep it fair. There are lots and lots of people who are excited to love on you once you're here. I was looking at pictures of Conrad after he was born and while we were in the hospital the other night, and I absolutely can't WAIT to see what you look like. Will you look like Sissy or Brother?! I'm so excited to find out!

20 weeks with baby #3

I turned 20 weeks on October 18th, which means we're (more than!) halfway done! This is crazy. It seems like major "woah" some days, but then other days March 8th-ish feels like forever away. We have so many things to look forward to from now until then...Halloween (yes, Gwendolyn has been talking about it for weeks!), Thanksgiving, Christmas, a babymoon to Florida, and then BABY! I am thinking it'll be a pretty exciting and fun four months. We don't really have anything to prepare for...other than our lives being turned upside down...since he/she will be in our room for a few months like Conrad was. 

I thought I'd do a little Q & A since I've been getting a lot of the same questions.

Q: Are you staying in your town home?!

A: Yes! And I have zero reservations about this to be honest. I grew up in a 3-bedroom home with one shower (upstairs only had a bath tub) and no dishwasher so I'm thinking we'll all survive. We love our place and it's served us well in so many ways. Of course I'd love a single family home some day, but we're trying to be wise about that extremely large purchase. 

Q: Where will all the kids sleep?

A: Fingers are crossed that Conrad won't discover climbing for another year. Ha. But seriously, I'd love to keep him in the crib in our nursery for as long as possible. Gwendolyn is a trooper in our guest bedroom in her queen bed. Once C-rad is ready for a big boy bed, they'll share a room and baby will move into the nursery. Again, I'd love for these changes to be pushed out until next fall, but we'll see. Our crib is pretty small and Sissy climbed out at just over two years old; however, her transition to a big girl bed was no big deal thankfully.

Baby will sleep in our room for as long as needed. We have the rock n play and can use a pack n play if necessary.

Q: How are you feeling?!

A: Pretty good! I have pregnancy induced varicose veins that create some annoying issues, but I can deal. I had them with Conrad as well and they're definitely worse this time around, but I think some women get them even more severe so I'm thankful it's not worse. If you'd like more specific details, I'd be happy to provide them to you in person. :) 

I've noticed some ligament stretching happening as well, and I swear I am already waddling but I blame it on a constantly achy and stiff back. 

I have also started having braxton hicks contractions. It seems kind of early for those, but at the same time I'm not surprised since I had them like crazy with both kids before. I've heard they're actually good for your uterus in preparing you for labor/delivery so if something is going to make that part easier/go faster, then I'm all for it. 

I had gained 7 lbs in 5 weeks at my last appointment on the 17th so I'm up 10 lbs. My midwife walked in and said, "looks like you're feeling better based on your weight gain!" I laughed. Kind of. But yes, I definitely am. I most certainly have an appetite and I feel it most in my butt and thighs.

Q: Do you know the gender?

A: Nope. We decided to wait until baby is born this time. We didn't find out with Gwendolyn and we did find out with Conrad (remember his super fun balloon reveal?!) but I really missed not knowing. Since we have stuff for both genders and aren't decorating a room, we figured why not. (Actually, Tom would totally have found out, but I think he secretly loves the suspense and surprise as well.)

The results are sealed in an envelope for the baby book, but we have no intention of looking. I say that but must admit I've tried holding it up to every light in the house to see if I could see what it says, which is ridiculous since I DO NOT WANT TO KNOW. It was getting so tempting, I made Tom hide it from me. 

We both guess boy though. But only because I have itchy legs, which is often a boy thing. Who knows though, maybe I'll be in the very low percentage of itchy legged women who have girls. If I didn't have itchy legs, I'd be almost certain it's a girl. This pregnancy is definitely more similar to Gwendolyn's, but I know that basically means nothing. 

Q: What have the heart rates been?

A: 150's, 160, and 155 if my memory is serving me correctly. 

Q: How was your ultrasound?

A: Amazing and adorable. I layed there with tears streaming down my face almost the entire time, because I just.can't.get.over.it. That was our little baby, a gift from God. Changing and growing and developing every moment of every day until it's birth day. It kicks and moves it's hands and breathes and has a beating heart and flips around. How is that not incredible. How can anyone deny that there is a God after seeing such a crazy awesome miracle. It gets me every time. I didn't want it to end.

Our ultrasound tech wasn't super friendly or excited, which left me a bit nervous thinking something was wrong, but I think she was just having an off day. At least I hope so. :) Everything checked out great and we have a healthy babe who is growing right on track, if not a few days ahead of schedule. 

I think that covers the questions. I so appreciate the love and support of so many great friends and family who care about us!

I turn 22 weeks this next weekend so you'll be seeing more of this baby belly in a few days. 

August in Pictures

We had just come off of a crazy busy July, but it didn't stop us one bit from packing up and hitting the road again to go see two of my best friends from college. I hadn't seen Liz in almost 2 years and she hadn't yet met Conrad Cross, which is entirely ridiculous since she only lives in IOWA. We both have kiddos and busy schedules and a few attempts at getting together had fallen through, so when she threw out the idea of coming down for their county fair AND we were free on those days, I knew we had to go. And I'm so glad we did!

Gwendolyn and Anna became immediate friends and played dress up almost the entire time.

I had to take a picture of him eating grilled chicken. Grilled CHICKEN. It's a miracle!

Liz and Conrad....best buds.

Ohhhh this little stinker was in the middle of his waking up super early stage while we were there, but thankfully (since the rest of the household all slept in like champs) the two of us slept in Max's room and had plenty to keep us entertained for 1.5 hours before the others woke up.

Breakfast time!

Play time!

The Marcus Fair has a kiddie parade every year that Liz and Celeste typically do with their kiddos so we also took part. Liz (so creative) had the idea of "A formal af-fair" for the theme so all the participating kids in her group of friends wore "prom" attire. Liz and her younger brother wore these amazingly adorable outfits in her aunt's wedding way back in the day and they couldn't have been more perfect. And awesome. And hilarious. It about put me over the edge. And made my life. 

(He had been walking for two weeks at this point and wouldn't stay in one place, so Liz is behind Gwendolyn holding him down. Good thing she's so tiny.)

This is Conrad and his "date" who just so happens to be TWO months OLDER than him. Cracks me up!

The adorable crew!

They each got a ribbon, candy, ride tickets, and $1. So fun!

The Prom King and Queen

We're such animal lovers around here. Look at that puppy!

And baby lambs!

You bet I'm going to ask to hold that thing.

Gwendolyn, Anna, and Jocelyn riding rides like big girls. So fun to see the three of them together....just like their mommies!

Swinging with Jocelyn...

Love these girls and kiddos! So thankful for the time we had together. Finally!

(Also super fun to be able to tell them face to face about baby #3!)

Tenley stopped over on a random Saturday. We were all so happy she was here!

Can you see the love on Gwendolyn's face??!

August (and July) were rough for this mama. I was nauseous and exhausted and we just kind of survived for the most part. 

I'm with them all day, every day and even so.....they're all over me. Apparently it was time for mommy to wake up. 

If I didn't get the clue before, I got it after Conrad sat on my face. His face kills me.

Tenley's first time in the nursery was a week we were serving....she was right up there playing with all the bigger babes.

I had been craving crab legs (when am I not?) so Tom took me to Red Lobster. I hate to brag, but I'm somewhat of an expert crab leg cracker.

Even 15 months later and she still asks if she can hold him...melts my heart.

Same goes for Tenley Kay.

We had some fabulous weather in August and did lots of playing outside.

About to walk into our first appointment for baby #3 at 11 weeks!! Waiting those weeks before the first appt seems to take for.eeeeeever and it was so wonderful to hear that precious heartbeat. 

Me and our favorite midwife assistant, Patti. She's so sweet and has seen me throughout all three pregnancies.

We had dinner with some old neighbors in Stillwater and Gwendolyn loved playing with their girls. They had the cutest princess dresses.

All the kiddos. 

(Conrad definitely looking like a "kid" rather than a "baby." wah wah wah)

I can't believe we waited so long to check out Minnehaha Falls. They have a new-ish playground and splash pad that the kids absolutely loved!

This thing was so fun!

She actually pushes quite fast.

Gwendolyn:

We finally got around to making our Christmas ginger bread house in....August. NBD. Gwendolyn loved it and thought it was so fun.

This picture is pretty sad, but life's not always a sundae with a cherry on top.

This is what I had to say good-bye to almost every evening I'd have to run off to a session. Mind you, I'd be gone for maybe an hour and a half. Absolutely broke my heart. And made life difficult for daddy.

She'll go to "camp" knowing no one and be fine or leave us for five days when she went and stayed with Grandma and Grandpa and not cry once, but absolutely loses it when I'm gone for an hour. 

#dramatic #shegetsitfromherdad

When did she turn 15?

She told me she wasn't still sleepy....and then crawled up on our bed with her beloved blankie, lambie and pillow. Those are three favorite things. So sweet. She needs some time to wake up in the mornings.

Her first time riding in one of those. It was heavy to push around and squeaked (why is that always so embarrassing??), but quite adorable.

Off to Grandma and Grandpa's house she goes!

Just shy of being 3.5, Gwendolyn went and stayed for four nights, five days and never fussed or asked for us ONCE. She was too busy having the time of her life....

Helping Grandma with watering...

Assisting with delivering meals-on-wheels (she was in charge of the milk) and feeding the ducks...

Visiting the farm...

And painting and making homemade play-doh.

She had an awesome time, and when I asked her when she wanted to go back to their house she said, "forty days." Got it!

Conrad Cross:

This was back in the day he was waking up super early. He came home from church and was so sweepy. I didn't mind one bit. Love a baby head on my shoulder any time.

I felt badly for him, but smile when he throws his adorably chubby hands up over his eyes and tucks his head down when he gets frustrated. (He woke up much too early this particular morning so naturally was tired and cranky regretting his decision.)

He has the cutest sweetest sleeping face in the history of chubby-cheeked, squishy-lipped baby boys.

I pushed all thoughts and feelings aside.......and let him sit and play in the dirt.

:)

Another rough morning....

(that was a common theme in August)

He was all smiles again a short time later. Snuggles, a poopy diaper, and breakfast fixes a lot of life's problems in his little world.

Look at the joy on his face! What a big boy holdin' little cuz, Tenny Toots.

Love those boys.

He knows full well he's not obeying the rules. That little smirk is a dead giveaway. And very hard to resist.

I loved my time with just him while Sissy was away! One child is definitely easier than two.

He did seem a bit "off" while Gwendolyn was gone at my parent's. He'd just kind of wander around and randomly come over to me and lay down on my lap. I do think he missed his best friend.

Playing at the library...

With Sissy out of town, he was so excited to have some playmates.

We went to Woodbury Days and being a mini-horse/pony lover, of course I paid the money to have Conrad ride his first horse. I think I thought he'd be fine like Gwendolyn was when she went for the first time (same place and almost the exact same age) but I was WRONG. 

Conrad - 2014 vs Gwendolyn - 2012

He was fine here....but seemed a bit unsure/nervous.

See that lip come out? Oh, it was adorable/hilarious/heart-breaking. I think he's definitely more sensitive than his big sis is/was. They asked if I wanted to walk along side him and I was like "oh, no....he'll be fiiiine." (My mistake.) I think ultimately he would have been completely fine had I stayed beside him, but it was seeing me go behind the fence that made him uneasy.

Poor bud. The ride was cut shorter than normal due to our crying child. Sorry about that other riders!

Happier on the ground...

And even happier at the petting zoo part!

(Love his excited face and flailing hands.)

We broke out some of his fall clothes when the temps dropped suddenly...cousin Lukey had the best style!

Gwendolyn snapped these pictures of Conrad nursing on August 28th and I'm so thankful she did. Nursing isn't for everybody especially in long stints, but I'm a big advocate and am so thankful my two babes have been so good at it.

One of those moments you wish you could freeze and bottle up and never ever forget what it felt like...

I think he's ready for a nap.

Ok, August is done! September had plenty of adventures in it as well so hopefully I get to that soon. It's kind of nice to be back on my feet blogging again, and I'm thankful that the good Lord has renewed my energy and provided relief from first trimester icky symptoms that were a bit consuming. 

Hope everyone is enjoying this fantastic fall weather! What a gift!