24 weeks!

Starting my 6th month, hard to believe! This little one is moving all the time and her little movements remind me of what a miracle she is. I can't wait to meet her. We have lots to do to prepare for her arrival and hopefully we will get that started soon. I am hoping that my energy level will increase a bit for me to feel like doing some things. I know that is probably laughable but one can hope. Pregnancy is so much different the second time around for me. I feel so much more exhausted than I remember with Kati but maybe that's because I was able to stop and rest when I felt like it. Now it is the tale of every mom, moving forward even when you don't feel like it. Regardless of what it is, I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.

For those of you wondering, yes, we are working on names but haven't come to a conclusion yet. My wonderful mother-in-law is dying to know her name but we have so many good ones we can't decide.

I see the perinatolgist next week, and I am praying for another good report on growth.

Say String Cheese!

We had pictures taken this past Saturday at Portrait Innovations. That company is really amazing. They are so children oriented and very professional. They took some great shots of us and captured Kati's personality very well in a few photos. Kati told us on the way there that she would only smile if she could say string cheese, so that's what she said for each and every picture. It was cute and she thought each time was just as funny as the first time. She really enjoyed it. Enjoy the pictures.

Saturday was also Michael and I's 6th wedding Anniversary. We didn't do much, we were just together and that's all that mattered to us. Our lives have changed immensely in 6 years. He compliments me and I am so proud to see the man he has become. He knows me better than probably anyone else and I am proud to call him my husband and the father of my children. His father gave me a great compliment today, saying Michael didn't know how to smile until he met me. That was the sweetest thing I could ever be told.

Past the halfway mark!

Hard to believe that I passed the halfway mark last week. In some ways it seems that it was just last month that we found out and in others it seems like forever ago. I am finally allowing myself to get excited. Her movements are getting stronger and more frequent, which are very reassuring. She is an active little girl and she is making her mommy's tummy grow and grow. It seems very surreal at times. Here I am at 21 weeks

With temperatures soaring, Michael and Kati have been enjoying our pool a lot lately. Her imagination really comes out in the pool, it is so funny. She pretends so much. It seems like in the last week she has hit this creative burst and wants to do art time all the time, and she loves to do preschool work. Her great grandma bought her a preschool book that she absolutely loves. She is excited about becoming a big sister and tells us she is going to change stinky diapers! Hooray!

It's a Girl!

We are having a girl! The doctor is about 95% sure. Kati has received her wish. A few days ago she told me, "Mommy, I will only be happy if it's a sister." So it appears that we will be set for just about everything. There are a few things I will want to get new but other than that we are set. Now we just have to come up with a name.

One more day of waiting

Quick update, I went to the doctor yesterday and since my specialist appointment was moved to this Thursday, she canceled the ultrasound yesterday. She said we will get a much more in depth look with the maternal fetal specialist. The biggest things they are looking at are baby's size and functions of the placenta. With my genetic disorder, they will have to track this very closely to make sure everything is happening the way it should be. I believe in God to do mighty things and believe that everything will be okay, the check ups are just a precaution. My blood pressure was elevated yesterday, higher than it's ever been, but we are just going to watch it. I am also at a higher risk for pre-eclampsia so I am doing what I can to help by cutting salt. This morning when I woke up I had a hard time getting my wedding ring on and my shoes felt tight, so I am going to drink lots of water, which means I may be in the bathroom more than working today!

I'lll update again tomorrow for whoever may be following this....

Anticipation

The anticipation is growing. In about 24 hours, we will hopefully find out the baby's gender! I will be 19 weeks and to be at this point still surprises me from time to time. I have gained somewhere between 5-10 pounds. It took me forever to get to the 5 pound mark so now I have to watch what I eat. I have been pretty good about not giving into my wants and eating instead what I need. Eating chocolate instead of fruit is a lot more fun though!

I have been feeling baby move around which is a comforting feeling. Baby was pretty quiet yesterday and throughout the night, I felt movement but not the big thumps I was feeling the day before. I love putting my hands on my belly and being able to feel right where the baby is now. Such a cool feeling.

I will update tomorrow for anyone who may be checking this. Anyone have any predictions?

Family Update

It's been awhile since I last posted an update. We have been spending a lot of time with family lately. Michael's sister and her husband came to visit us with their 4 month old. He is just simply adorable. The day after they left, my in-laws came to visit for a few days. We had a really good time visiting with all of them. Kati is a little shy with her Uncle Chris and with her Papa at times but she seems to be that way with most men, which I think will suit her dad just fine in about 10-15 years.

I have no baby update yet. I am 17 weeks now and things are going okay. I go up to the OB floor here at the hospital just to hear the baby's heartbeat. It is a nice thing to do to put my mind at ease in between doctor appointments. I go see my OB on the 24th and if the baby cooperates, we will find out if we need to unpack the pink or buy some blue!

Here are pictures of the past few weeks...

Aidden looking adorable and happy!

Great Grandma "Gram" with her youngest grandson & great-grandchildren.

Aidden relaxing in the pool.
Aunt Leigh Leigh loves her some Aidden cheeks to kiss on.