LENNON'S MOVEMENTS ARE STARTING TO HURT!!!

Ok -- those wonderful little baby movements have become very hard, strong, and painful movements that have me doubling over in extreme discomfort. Most of it is tolerable -- although Lennon has given me a few swift kicks to the ribs that have made me yelp out in pain. He is running out of room very quickly, but has no plans to sit still. He doesn't seem to care that he's waaaaaay bigger than momma's womb should have allowed and he is all about stretching out in there. His movements are also causing mild, but uncomfortable contractions and many MANY braxton hicks contractions as well. Because he's so big in there -- the BH contractions are intensely uncomfortable and my belly gets very VERY hard. The BH's are lasting minutes long -- which feels like forever sometimes. Mark my words -- LENNON IS GOING TO BE LONGER THAN MILES WAS AT BIRTH!!!!

I AM ONE SPOILED PREGNANT MOMMA!!!

Jay Jay decided to make this Christmas all about giving me the princess/girlie girl treatment. I got tons of amazing girlie girl things to help make me feel like the beautiful princess that Jay Jay says I am!!! I was showered with tons of new makeup, makeup cases, makeup brushes, perfume, hair styling accessories, and -- OH YES -- pair of diamond stud earings and a gorgeous, antique wedding band set!!! There were a few other things in there as well. Jay Jay really went all out and I have been having a great time trying out all of the new eyeshadow palettes and getting glammed up. Thanks hunny bunny -- you really do know how to make a girl feel special!!!

32 WEEK PRENATAL APPOINTMENT

We met with Renee, yesterday morning, for our 32 week prenatal appointment. Jay Jay was able to be there once again -- which was such a wonderful treat -- and he even brought the camera along to chronicle the event. Everything seems to be moving along splendidly and there are no real issues to report. There is of course the fact that Lennon is going to be a ginormo little boy and that I should start watching my sugar and simple carb intake, but other than that everything is great. My weight gain these past two weeks was 2lbs. which is perfect. I was stunned that I had only gained the recommended 1lb. per week as I had really stuffed my face with tons of holiday goodies. We did talk about when I can start trying to get my body prepared for labor and what things I can do. Looks like I will be beginning an Evening Primrose Oil routine starting at 34 weeks to help soften my cervix and at 36 weeks I will begin a combination of herbs called Dr. Christopher's Prenatal Formula that is supposed to help my body along in the preparation process. Our hope is that Lennon comes at least on time and no later. With as big as he is already I just don't think I can handle going nearly 2 weeks overdue like I did with Miles. Here's to hoping. We did get to hear Lennon's heartbeat and Miles even got to help Renee hold the doppler. Miles was so into this part of the appointment and wanted to be right up where all the action was. He was so cute. When Renee got a good solid heartbeat Miles began bobbing his head to the rhythm of the beat. It was so melt your heart wonderful. Our next appointment is set for January 10 at 34 weeks -- we will probably test my titers once again just to make sure that there hasn't been an blood sensitization. Until then!!!

THE TANDEM STROLLER!!!!

Nana & Papa got us a ton of amazing Christmas gifts this year, including the Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller!!! We were sooooo excited to receive this very cool stroller that we woke up first thing Sunday morning and put it together. It is such a "bitchin'" set of wheels. I really hated the thought of pushing around those massive side by sides and wanted something that I could actually maneuver through tight spaces. Boy is this stroller it. We've already taken Miles out in it a few times and we are really pleased with it so far. Thanks so much Nana & Papa!!!! We can't wait to shuttle both of our little boys around in this!!! PS -- how cute is Miles helping put it together??? That kid is soooooo yummy!!!!

BELLY COMPARISONS

For some reason I can't find my 34 week belly pic anywhere. All I have for comparison is my 36+ week pic and -- well -- it's close. At 32 weeks this pregnancy my belly is not too far off from my 36 week shot last pregnancy. It's smaller, but not much. My midwife did express some concern today about how big baby Lennon is going to be. She urged me to stay away from sugar and refined flour and carbs. She says that it's important to try to keep the baby from gaining TOO much weight at this point -- as she is certain we are headed for a 9lbs.+ little boy. She has faith in my ability to birth a baby this big -- but she would rather I not. She mentioned the fact that Miles was 8lbs. 9oz. and he was a very tight fit!!! So, needless to say, I am taking her VERY seriously and watching my diet very closely.

32 WEEK BELLY PIC -- OHHH SO VERY TIGHT!!!

Here it is at 32 weeks!!! Only 8 weeks left, but I just don't know how much bigger my belly can stand to get before our little Lennon bursts right through my belly button!!! My belly is feeling heavy and tight as a drum these days. Lennon is certainly running out of room in his cozy little womb!!! If my suspicions are correct -- my 32 week belly is measuring a lot like my 34 week belly when I was pregnant with Miles. The photo comparisons will continue and I plan to post those later today!!!

32 WEEKS PREGNANT -- OUR LITTLE JICAMA -- 56 DAYS TO GO!!!

How your baby's growing:

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.

31 WEEKS PREGNANT -- OUR BAG OF NAVEL ORANGES???

How your baby's growing:

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

BABY DROPPED!!!

Hip hip - freaking -- hooray!!! I swear I felt Lennon drop while I was in line at Babies R Us a few hours ago. Suddenly, all of the pressure that I was feeling up in my stomach and organs disappeared. It was such sweet relief that I almost didn't notice the sudden and immediate pressure in my pelvis and against my cervix. My mom said that my bump even looked like it had dropped. Thank the good Lord for that!!! Now I am hoping I can breath a little easier.

28 WEEKS NOW VS. 32 WEEKS THEN

So -- there you have it. Pretty darn close. So -- at 28 weeks I was definitely looking about 4 weeks further along than I did last pregnancy. Ok -- maybe people are right. It does freak me out a little bit. I didn't think I could take getting any bigger at the end when I was pregnant with Miles -- if I am that much bigger now -- I just may pop after all.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE....

After a long of week of people's eyes bugging out of their heads and being bombarded by rude comments like "Whoa -- you look like you're gonna pop any day now" -- I got to thinking. Am I really that much bigger than last time? I mean -- I have 2 months left and people are telling me I look like I'm gonna pop now???? So -- I decided to do another belly comparison. I won't be 32 weeks until a week from Sunday, but I dug up both 28 week pics and here they are. I was definitely bigger this time around, but the most shocking difference is the belly shape!!! It's amazing how different the 2 bellies look. At 28 weeks I was carrying higher and more round. Maybe even a little more distributed width wise. This pregnancy my belly looks lower, narrower, and gosh darn pointy!!!! I can't wait to compare 32 week pics -- as my belly size at 28 weeks this pregnancy was more comparable to my first 32 week pic. I'll post that one too.

30 WEEK PRENATAL APPOINTMENT

We met with our Midwife once again. This time was our last 4 week appointment. From now on we go in to see her every 2 weeks. The visit was a smooth as can be and was probably our fastest yet. Jay Jay was able to make it along to this appointment, which was so exciting for me and Miles. Jason's work schedule has made it impossible for him to be at any of our appointments. So it was such a rare treat for him to be there. Everything is looking and feeling good. Lennon's heart rate was stellar (of course we already knew that from last weeks L&D stint) and we are still measuring big. OF COURSE WE ARE -- he's a BIG BOY!!!! This past months weight gain was -- DRUM ROLL PLEASE -- 6 POUNDS!!!! That's right. A whopping 6 pounds. I am CERTAIN that about 3 of those pounds are all him. My belly has really grown -- Plus -- his giant junk in the trunk booty is all up in my gallbladder. My mom was happy to hear that my weight gain was up, because she said that it looked like I had lost some weight. I have to say -- I love hearing that. She made my day when she said that. I feel like saying -- "Tell me again how skinny you think I look..."!!!! She's the best. I'm pretty sure that all of the walking I have been doing has helped me lose inches in my butt and thighs. So I think that's what she noticed. I have been feeling up an down about the weight gain -- but after my mom's compliment and the Jay Jay photo shoot -- I am feeling pretty darn gorgeous. A 24 lb. weight gain at 30 weeks is darn near perfect. If I gain 1 lb. every week for the next 10 weeks I will be at 34lbs. and you really can't ask for anything more healthy and perfect than that. We'll see. I am so interested to see how much bigger this little guy is going to be than his big brother. I hope not too much -- Miles paved a decent road for baby brother and I am hoping that Lennon doesn't plan to make the "streets wider"!!! LOLOLOLOL. Well -- we only about 10 short weeks left to wait. I think we're going to find that time is going to fly up until week 34 and then we're going to hit the January slow down. We've been so fortunate to have the holidays as a distraction. Time has flown by. But once January hits I have a feeling that the last 6 weeks are going to feel like an eternity!!! Maybe baby boy will come a week or two early?!?!?! Yeah right.

CELEBRATING 30 WEEKS WITH A PHOTO SHOOT JAY JAY STYLE

What better way to celebrate the beginning of our 10 week countdown than with a wonderful maternity photo shoot. My super, fantastically, talented with a camera, hubby gave me the wonderful gift of gorgeous pregnancy pics. The shoot was so much fun and we ended up with a ton of unbelievably beautiful shots. I've included a few here, but I plan on adding more over the next few days. There are just so many. Who needs to spend hundreds on a professional when you have Jay Jay buns? Of course, we will be getting pro ones done as well, because we want to have pics of us together. It's hard for Jay Jay to shoot and be shot at the same time. ;0) Thanks so much my love for such a fun day.

30 WEEKS PREGNANT -- OUR LITTLE CABBAGE

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

REALLY?

This blog site called The Pregnant Chicken posted some seriously awkward pregnancy photos and I just had to share. I mean -- are these people for real??? ROFL. You gotta check it out. Here's the link: http://pregnantchicken.squarespace.com/pregnant-chicken-blog/2010/12/10/awkward-pregnancy-photos.html

OH -- AND P.S. --

I have hit the third trimester wall!!! I am exhausted -- constantly and back to needing waaaaay more sleep. Being momma to an active little man like mister Miles just wipes me out -- as you can see!!! ;0)

THE SOLVANG CHRISTMAS PARADE

We had such a blast in Solvang last weekend. This pregnant momma really enjoyed spending some quality time with her favorite boys -- and really enjoyed introducing Miles to his first ever Christmas Parade!!! Miles really got into the whole experience. He was laughing and clapping and walking around kicking up leaves and picking up the candy that the people in the parade were throwing out. With baby Lennon growing so big and strong and my belly expanding by the minute -- it was a little more challenging than usual to stay bent over while walking Miles around. But it was soooooo worth the extra effort. Lennon was super active while we were in Solvang (per usual) and seemed to really enjoy all of the yummy fare that mommy partook in. I uploaded a few pics of me and Miles at the parade so you can see what 29 weeks is looking like. There were TONS of beautiful pics from the day and if anyone is interested in seeing them all you can jump over to our shutterfly site and check them out under Miles' page. Lots of love.

A VISIT TO THE ER

Well -- the "rib pain" came back again. I started experiencing it Tuesday morning. It really bugged me while I was sitting, which made work very uncomfortable, but I could get some relief while walking or lying down. As the day progressed it got worse and by yesterday afternoon I found the pain to be nearly unbearable. It actually doubled me over. It occurred to me that the pain was right where my gallbladder is located. So I called my Midwife and we agreed that a trip to the ER for a gallbladder ultrasound was in order. So Nana, Miles and I headed to Henry Mayo -- where Jay Jay met us. It was such a nightmare visit. I actually posted a thread about it on my BBC Birth Board. I am going to copy and paste the post here so that I don't have to rewrite it. The story goes a little something like this:

So I get there -- it's 4:00pm -- and of course I have to wait in line. Fine -- I'm not dying. Whatever. I get to the front desk and I give them all of the pertinent info but they refuse to take my insurance card. They tell me to give it to the nurse when I go back to a room. Fine. So -- because I'm 30 weeks pregnant they send me to the front of triage and get in right away. Yay!!! I sit down and they ask me a million questions and then ask what I'm there for. I tell them about the pain and that I believe it may be my gallbladder. They ask me if I'm sure they are not contractions. I say -- no -- this is under my right breast and is very localized -- it's not contractions. The nurse gives me a condescending look and says "Is this your first?" UMMMMMM -- NO!!!! Then she proceeds to tell me that it could be contractions and asks again if I'm sure. Thus begins a 45 minute long battle in the ER with the staff to get them to understand that I am having gallbladder pain. They all refuse to touch me with a 10 foot pole. Finally after sitting there in pain -- they all decide that this is a job for labor and delivery. So they pop me into a wheel chair and wheel me up to L&D where I am plopped into a bed and strapped up with a fetal monitor and left to lie there for another hour while there make sure that the baby is ok -- which he is because he has been moving and kicking this whole time -- and to make sure that I am not having contractions -- which I wasn't and they never recorded one. During this process the nurse comes in and asks another bazillion questions -- discovers I am working with a midwife and having a second home birth. She promptly leaves, comes back 20 minutes later and says -- Dr. such and such said to kick you back down to the ER. So now L&D won't have anything to do with me because I am a home birther and I have been stuck in this hell whole for over 2 hours, in excruciating pain, and I still haven't been seen. So back down to the ER I go where they put me in a room and tell me they need to draw blood and open an IV line. Draw blood I get -- but the IV line -- WHY? The nurse tells me that sometimes dehydration can cause contractions!!! CONTRACTIONS???? I told you I wan't having them -- L&D just monitored that I wasn't have them. What the hell is wrong with these people. So -- I just try to be polite and go with the flow. Fine put in the IV. Another hour passes. Then some guy comes in and tells me I need to give them a urine sample. I'm still waiting for them to look at my freaking gallbladder -- and still no doctor. So I pee for the guy. Then I notice that my saline bag is nearly empty and that the drip is moving really quickly. My mom who used to be a nurse tells me that it is moving way too fast and that would explain why my arm felt so freaking cold. Then finally a doctor comes in and tells me that they are just waiting for the blood and urine results and that the ultrasound tech would be there shortly. He also offered me a tylenol. WHAT? THE? HECK? IS? A? TYLENOL? GOING? TO? DO?????? I politely declined and told him that I would be ok. I just needed some water and to be able to eat -- I was starving. He said they would try to hurry things along. Well -- another hour later -- the U/S Tech finally shows up. She was the best part of this whole visit and I loved her. After she left I waited another 45 minutes for a new nurse to come in for shift change and to do another full round of vitals. Why do they need more vitals???? The Doc comes in shortly after and tells me that I do not have gallstones, but that, because I am so small and the baby is so big, the fundus of my uterus is pushing up into my gallbladder and liver (more so than usual) and causing pain and irritation. He said that there's is really nothing I can do but wait until the baby drops. Oh -- and I could take a tylenol. ;0) Ok -- so I have to live with it. I'm just glad that it's nothing more serious. He tells me that he's going to go ahead and let the nurse know to discharge me. YAY!!! Finally. So she comes back in about 30 minutes later and gives me some paper work to sign. I try to give her my insurance card and she refuses it, telling me that I need to give to the front desk. Sigh. So I tell her they said to give it to her and she said -- they will take it, up front, before you leave. Fine. I finish up, get dressed, go up front and explain to the lady that the nurse told me to give them my insurance card. She shakes her head very stearnly at me says --" We are not allowed to take it here because we are not allowed to turn anyone away for not having insurance." WHAT? I get that you can't turn people away -- but you won't take my card???? I HAVE INSURANCE!!! I WANT TO PAY WITH INSURANCE!!!! Who the hell will take my card? So I wait another 45 minutes while several people try to figure out how to take my freaking insurance information. Are you kidding me? I NEED TO EAT AND I AM HURTING!!!! I WANT TO LEAVE!!! So when all was said and done -- I spent 6 1/2 hours in the emergency room!!! 6 1/2 HOURS!!! Did I mention that I had my mom and 14 month old son with me??? What a nightmare. Anyhow -- that's my rant about stupid hospitals and I am so thankful to be blessed with an incredible midwife and the good fortune of healthy low risk pregnancies that afford me the opportunity to labor and birth in the comfort and security of my own home!!! Sheesh. I couldn't imagine having to deal with this while in labor.

So there you have it -- my first ever visit to the ER while pregnant. Baby Lennon and I are fine -- and it turns out that his squooshy tushy is pushing my fundus into my gallbladder and liver. OUCHIE!!! So now I keep telling baby boy to "get his booty out of my fundus!!!" LOL. My midwife suggested I see a chiropractor for an adjustment and to see if he can help get the baby in a different position. She also recommended getting on all fours to get the pressure and weight off and to do pelvic tilts. So far so good. Tomorrow I will see the chiropractor as well. I will update on the pain and let you all know how it's going. Who knows -- maybe it will work or maybe I will just have to wait for the little guy to drop.

OH I FEEL SOOOOO BIG AND PREGNANT ALREADY!!!

I'm trying to remember how I made through the last 11 weeks of my first pregnancy!!! I feel enormous, heavy, and lethargic. There is no way that I can possibly get any bigger. I know that other gals can get much bigger than I am currently and that I should feel blessed -- but -- well -- I just feel huge!!! Getting up to pee in the middle of the night is a joke. Well -- getting up at all is pretty funny -- but the sight of me trying to maneuver my way out of a lying down position is gut busting!!!! My whole pelvic region is achy and sore. My glutes even feel like I have been doing lunges all day long. I have not. I am assuming that the relaxin has finally started to really loosen the tendons and ligaments in my pelvis and that the soreness is just from the muscles and tissue shifting. Either way -- I needed a super booty massage last night and Jason came to the rescue. It was so amazing that I fell asleep in the middle of it!!! I will say that I am starting to get pretty self conscious about the growing size of my thighs and booty -- so it took some courage to ask the ole hubby to rub em!!!! I know I shouldn't care -- but I do. I just wish that I could maintain my figure and have a healthy baby. It's not possible. For some reason my butt and thighs need fat and cellulite to birth my babies!!! Oh well. On another note -- I did start having contractions this weekend. They are definitely contractions -- they are mild -- start in my back and then wrap to the front. They are almost 2 hours apart and come and go -- so nothing to worry about. I am a little hopeful that they are indicative of things getting started, slowly. I would love to go into labor a little early or at least on time and already be somewhat dilated and effaced. With Miles I was 9 days late and zero and zero!!!! Boy that was a lot of work. Well -- I will write more later -- Jay Jay just got back with my yummy tea and I must partake!!!

29 WEEKS PREGNANT -- OUR LITTLE BUTTERNUT SQUASH!!!

How your baby's growing:

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

WE'RE IN SOLVANG!!! AGAIN!!!

It's so beautiful here. I have always loved how much this place feels like Christmas year round and I just knew that coming here during the holidays would be absolutely magical. IT IS!!! Of course it's raining -- which sucks -- but we are making the best out of it. Miles didn't get to bed to last night until 10pm and he woke up at 6am --so he's already down for a nap and we are planning on lining up at the parade route as soon as he wakes up!!! We're hoping to get some good pictures of Miles and Lennon(in utero) visiting with Santa!!!! Will def. post pics later.

28 WEEKS PREGNANT - OUR LITTLE CHINESE CABBAGE -- LOL

How your baby's growing:

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

28 WEEK BELLY PIC

Here's what momma and baby Lennon are looking like at 7 months!!! It's one day early -- but I was thinking about it and didn't want to forget.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

I have so much to be thankful for this year!!! My list is ever growing -- but here it goes!!!!

- My amazing Hubby and best friend -- Jay Jay
- Stuffing
- The most beautiful son in all the world -- Miles Alexander
- The most beautiful "bun" in all the world -- Lennon Wyatt
- Mashed Potatoes with lots and lots of butter
- The best parents a girl could hope for -- NanaBee & PapaBee
- Unbeatable brothers and uncles -- Jaybo and Cris-o
- Wonderful friends and loved ones
- Turkey Legs with extra crispy skin
- Gainful employment
- A warm, cozy home
- An-- always full of healthy, quality food-- refrigerator
- Pumpkin Pie
- The blessing of good health and well being

I am beyond grateful for the many MANY ways in which God has blessed our lives and showers our days with light and love and hope. We have everything and more that we could ever hope to have!!!! Here's to a wonderful and prosperous year to come!!!

4 DAY COUNTDOWN TO THE THIRD TRIMESTER!!!

It's almost here. The final third of this pregnancy - THE LAST TRIMESTER!!! I am giddy with anticipation as we round the bend and make our way to 7 months!!! We officially had 3 months left on November 20 -- which means we have entered into 2 months and 27 days left!!! YAHOO!!! I am feeling very uber pregnant these days, but I have been trying to maintain a good spirit about it . Sometimes I do -- sometimes I don't. Little Lennon feels like he weighs a ton and my back and tummy ache from the heaviness. It also feels like Lennon is trying to climb out my belly button. My tummy feels tight, tight, tight like a drum and I am constantly rubbing it to make the weird stretching sensation go away. With Thanksgiving this week, and my plan to gorge myself on yummy holiday fare, the stretching feeling should be even more fun with a super full stomach as well!!! SPeaking of super full stomachs -- if I eat until I feel full -- I feel like garbage!!! My poor little stomach just does not have enough room in there anymore for sensible sized meals. I fear I m relegated to many tiny meals until Lennon "drops". Hmmmmm -- what else? I have been a lot more active the last two weeks and have added 2 - 1 mile walks a day. I feel pretty fantastic about it and Oh -- they are up and downhill -- So my booty has been getting some serious exercise lovin'!!! Let's just say that I have been enjoying the un-intended bonus of shrinking buns and thighs and panties that are suddenly too big!!! WHAT???? Love it. It's all so exciting and now we are ready to see what the last chapter has to offer. Oh -- how will it end???? We'll shall see.

I FEEL LIKE A BAG OF MICROWAVE POPCORN!!!

I swear -- I know exactly what a bag of microwave popcorn feels like. Lennon is literally "popping" around in there -- hands and feet jabbing my belly in rapid motion!!! My belly looks like it's loaded with jumping beans!!!

NOPE -- STILL AWAKE

Decided to light a fire and have a cup of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea.

INSOMNIA

That's right -- I can't sleep. Miles woke up crying, with teething pain, and now everyone is back to sleep -- EXCEPT ME!!! iPhoto is very entertaining when you can't sleep. Check out the 27 week "BELLY VOGUE"!!! lol

Oh -- it just started raining. I wonder if that will help me get back to sleep. I love the sound of rain on the rooftop.

27 WEEKS PREGNANT -- OUR LITTLE CAULIFLOWER

How your baby's growing:

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

PREGNANT GALS EVERYWHERE!!!

I swear -- IT'S BABY SEASON!!! I know so many people who are pregnant or just were recently. Yesterday I got a call from my cousin Adam, in Chicago, and he gave me their blessed news. They are expecting baby number 3, due June 25. He also informed me that my other cousin, Alex, is also expecting and that she is due FEBRUARY 12!!!! OMG -- my baby cousin is due to have her 2nd baby the same month as us!!! How exciting. My friend and co-worker's wife is due New's Year Eve and I am in the middle of planning their baby shower. And -- AND -- My cousin Les' wife had their baby last month, and my friend Christina had her little girl about 2 weeks ago. I also met a few lovely ladies through my friend Christina who have had or are having babies!!!! WOWZA!!!! You know what all of this means right???? There's lots of "LOVIN" happening around these parts!!!

FEELING LOTS OF PRESSURE...

Little Lennon's head must really be bearing down on my cervix tonight, because I am experiencing some really intense pressure. We're a little perplexed by it, as this kind of pressure did not start with the Miles pregnancy until around 36 weeks, but I'm thinking some R&R should help relieve it. We did just finish a 1 mile walk and then went to the grocery store -- so it's possible that I walked Lennon down snuggly against my cervix. The plan is to stay off of my feet and just chill tonight -- in front of a rip roaring fire!!!! I love cold nights!!!

HEIGHTENED SENSE OF SMELL

This little pregnancy symptom of mine deserves a blog of it's own. I have been lucky to not suffer many of the pregnancy ailments that a lot of women experience -- especially the first trimester ones. But this symptom seems to be plaguing me the most this time around. My sniffer is on serious over drive these days. It's so sensitive, in fact, that it is the culprit for my hormonal swings and shifts in mood. There are smells I just literally cannot tolerate. For instance -- the house -- despite how clean I keep it -- there always seems to be a "smell" about it. Our bedroom is the worst offender. I literally cannot stand the combination of smells that join in that room. No one else can smell a thing -- just me -- but good grief it drives me to intense irritation. The kitchen is another culprit. I can't stand the smell of the garbage can. It ALWAYS smells foul to me. ALWAYS!!! There's cigarette smoke, gasoline, unwashed hair, coffee -- so much more. But the weirdest one of all -- MEN!!! There's is something in the chemical or hormone that men put out that drives me absolutely batty these days. Maybe it's because I'm already pregnant and this is mother nature's way of telling me "keep those men away -- you don't need em anymore", but good grief it's so off putting. Each man has their own unique smell that drives me bonkers. Jason -- oh poor Jay Jay buns -- his smell is like a combination of coffee and alcohol -- both of which he does not drink. It can be really subtle or really intense. My good friend at work smells like bad coffee. Another man I know -- reminds me of motor oil. And for some reason the smells are very irritating to me. They set my nerves on fire. These poor men that I love so much -- what the heck???? I don't recall this happening with my first pregnancy. Although, I vaguely remember being sensitive to the way Jason smelled right after he got home from riding his motorcycle. He would absorb the smells of the road and it would take about an hour to dissipate -- but it never affected my mood like this. So strange -- it's unique to this pregnancy. I am really looking forward to getting some relief from this symptom. I know my sniffer will always be mom-a-fied, but I am certain that it will get less sensitive and less connected to my hormones. Damn estrogen -- oh well. BTW -- I read that they think this heightened sense of smell is linked to morning sickness. Thank goodness it hasn't affected me in that way. I'll take some irritation over nausea and vomiting any day!!!

I REMEMBER WHEN....

I couldn't wait for August 8, 2010 -- 12 WEEKS PREGNANT!!! You know -- that moment where you breath your first sigh of relief that baby is going to be okay. That moment when you know your risk for MC has dwindled to fractions!!!! It just struck me how long it felt to get there -- and now I am coming up on only 12 WEEKS left until Lennon comes home!!!! There will be 14 weeks in the middle there, once we get to 12 weeks left, and I am wondering -- "Where did the time go?" You know what else gets me??? The last 12 weeks will probably feel just as slow as the first. It's amazing how fast the middle of pregnancy flies by. Of course it does -- it's the best part. You feel the best -- look the best -- act the best!!!! Now that we are nearing the final descent things start to get harder. But the good news -- we've already climbed the mountain -- the up hill stuff is done and now we just have to "waddle" our way downhill to the finish line. Ooooooh how exciting!!!

TESTS CAME BACK NEGATIVE

No gestational diabetes and no RH antibodies!!!! Yippee!!! Baby Lennon is perfect and safe in his momma cocoon!!! There was never really any concern, but it is always nice to get a little reassurance that everything is going smoothly. Next up -- Group B Strep Test.

BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHER

I've been asking around about BIrth Photographers the last couple of weeks and I think we may have picked one. Lisa Bones (our sonogrpaher) and Renee (our Midwife) gave us a few names of some very talented ladies who do Birth Photos and I must say that all of their work is stunning. At this point I am trying to decide between Sandra Corell and Heather Keil. The cost difference is pretty significant, but Sandra Corell makes herself available for the total time of the labor and birth, as well as for the hour after. Heather Keil will be available for 2 hours or as long as we want but her price goes up $100 per every extra hour over 2. That could really add up. Either way -- we have to figure it out soon and book it because they obviously can only commit themselves to so many births in a month. Plus -- my Mom is giving me the Birth Photographer as a gift for Christmas!!!! That's right!!!! I need to get things squared away because MY SUPER AWESOME MOM needs to get everything together before Christmas!!!! How amazing is she? What an outstanding gift -- the gift of picture memories of the birth of our second little boy. I love you so much mom. Thanks!!!

THE INFLATABLE RING -- ABSOLUTE NECESSITY -- NUFF SAID

Here's my little tribut to the amazing "butt donut". Anyone who has a baby will tell you that in the first few days to weeks after labor -- this bad boy is a must. If you want to sit, that is. Rock on BUTT DONUT!!! Rock on.

Oh and P.S. -- No -- "hemi's" are not required for the Butt Donut to be a necessity.

PRENATAL APPOINTMENT TODAY - 26 WEEKS PREGNANT

I met with my midwife this afternoon for our 26 week appointment. We're off on our weeks as I didn't see her for the first time until 10 weeks -- but it doesn't really matter. She had me scarf down a banana and 16 oz. of Orange Juice about 2 hours before my appointment, so that she could do a blood draw for Gestational Diabetes. She's also testing my titers this week, as well. The results should be in tomorrow, but I have a pretty good feeling that all is well on both fronts. Miles has O neg blood like me so I was never exposed or sensitized to positive blood. I already told Renee that I will not be getting the Rhogam shot at 28 weeks (I also refused it with Miles), but that I would like to have it on hand at the birth in case Lennon is type positive. I see no reason to inject myself with something that could have potentially adverse affects on the baby if there is really no reason. Plus, if I test positive on my titers it's too late anyway. In other news, I am measuring 1 week ahead in my fundal height and am currently at "27 weeks". This 26 week momma is soooooo not surprised by this news!!! I feel like I'm bigger than I should be. Belly-wise. My weight is spot on perfect at 18lbs. gained -- although I was stunned to learn that I put on 5lbs. in the last month. My midwife was really pleased about it though as I had only gained 1lb. the previous month. I figure -- if I gain 5lbs. per month for the rest of the pregnancy that would put me at a 35lb. weight gain which is about 7 lbs. less than I gained with Miles -- so I'm feeling pretty good about that. I know I will probably put on a little more weight than that, but as long as I stay within the healthy range I'm happy. What else? Oooooh -- the big news -- Renee felt for Lennon's position and she found his perfect little head nudged snuggly against my cervix. I was so excited to learn that he is head down and that the pressure on my cervix is indeed from that. He is also crammed into a tiny little ball up against the right of my uterus and wiggled and squirmed and kicked like a mad man. Renee kept trying to get his heartbeat on the fetal doppler, but he moved so much that it took her several tries before she could conclude that it was about 140 bpm. I filled Renee in on some of the stressful occurances this past month and about the fact that I am way more irritable this pregnancy. She said it's perfectly normal -- especially for a second pregnancy and to just keep reassuring people that I love them. Mostly -- keep reassuring Jay Jay. Poor guy. He gets the brunt. I also mentioned the nightly calf cramping that has begun to occur and she recommended trying a different type of CALM. I said -- WILL DO!!! Oh and I'm supposed to try to get more leafy greens in my diet to up my calcium intake. That's about it -- except that at the end of the visit she mentioned that our next appointment would be at 30 WEEKS!!! 30 freaking weeks!!! Hearing it out loud threw me for a loop. I just looked at her with my jaw dropped and said -- "Here we go Renee -- it's the downhill race!!!"

LESS THAN 100 DAYS LEFT!!!

Just realized that we only have 98 days left!!! Wow. We're finally under 100!!! Time is really starting to fly.

26 WEEKS PREGNANT - OUR LITTLE CUCUMBER

How your baby's growing:

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

MY TOP BABY ITEMS - WHAT I LEARNED THE FIRST TIME AROUND

When I began the process of registering for all of the baby gear that we would need for baby Miles it was an overwhelming and mind boggling task. Where do we register? What do we register for? How much of it do we need? And each particular company you register with makes the decision making process that much harder by offering up a list of about 10,000 things that are MUST HAVES!!! I remember thinking -- "Do I really need a crib, bassinet, moses basket, co-sleeper, and a play yard? The obvious answer was no, but I still needed to figure out what I needed and what I could live without. This time around is so much easier and the been there done that feeling is sooooooo nice. There were things we registered for that we absolutely could not have lived without. Well -- we would have lived, but God knows it would have been waaaaaay harder. Those items are:

1. A Sight & Sound Monitor - We only "co-slept" for the first 2 weeks and then little Miles went straight into his crib. The microphone quality is outstanding and we could actually hear our little guy breathing while he slept. What peace of mind. And we never had to tip toe into his room, fearing that we would wake him, to check on his breathing. We also had a full visual on him at all times thanks to the night vision!!!!

2. Sling/Carrier (Specifically The Baby K'Tan) - Where do I even begin? These items were truly the holy grail of newborn-hood. I will start by saying -- those car seats ARE as heavy as they look. I was stunned that people actually lugged them around with baby in tow wherever they went. I found it so much easier and sooooooo much lighter to pop Miles into a sling or carrier and go. Plus Miles was colicky and had to be held A LOT!!! So having that much needed support was so nice. Miles would sleep in the sling and could fix lunch or clean up or do my hair and makeup or blog or pretty much whatever. I had a ton of these bad boys. I made 2 ring slings (which I loved until Miles outgrew them), I had a Moby Wrap, Ergobaby Sport, Bjorn, Peanut Pouch, and my all time favorite The Baby K'Tan. BTW -- I still "wear" Miles. I love it.

3. Diaper Covers - We thought we could brave the world of cloth diapering. But not too long after Miles was born, we realized that it was a pipe dream. There was no way we were capable or even willing to deal with the amount of work that was involved in that process. We had many other important priorities to attend to in dealing with our newborn. That being said -- nothing was wasted. We actually did use the cloth diaper covers. Miles was -- well -- his bladder worked really well -- and we found that he was leaking through many MANY diapers a day. So we started popping the water-proof diaper covers on over his disposable dipes and voila -- no more wet clothes or jammies. This proved to be very helpful with diaper blowouts, as well. Oops -- some poopie escaped the diaper. But not to worry -- the diaper cover caught it. We avoided changing full outfits this way. It was really nice. And let me tell you un-fun it is to do a full change in public!!! Good grief.

4. Swaddling Blankets (Specifically The Miracle Blanket) - Seriously -- we would never have made it without these. Miles had the strongest startle reflex. He would literally beat and badger his own face and head unless we "restrained" him in one of these. There was no way he could have slept without it. Oh -- and those adorable muslin swaddling blankets wouldn't cut it!!! We used those for wrapping our little guy up in to keep warm. That's it. For us it was the specially made swaddling wraps. The Velcro ones were really nice until about 3 months in when he got Strong enough to pull the Velcro apart. Then we had to get medieval and go Miracle Blanket on the kiddo. It was like a straight jacket for babies. Only way cuter.

5. Footie Jammies - You can not have too many of these. All the other clothes are nice, and cute, and fun. But Footie Jammies???? Absolute necessity. If I had known this when we were buying all of the clothes that we bought for MIles I would have only bought footies!!! Ok -- maybe not only -- but we would have been up to our eyeballs in them. For Lennon we plan on having at least 10 in each size. What can I say -- they are warm and easy to get on and off. You don't have to try to get it over the babies head and when you need to change the dipe -- voila -- just unbutton or unzip.

6. Diaper Backpack - We did the whole cute-sie diaper bag and diaper dude route. What a waste for us. Those things were such a hassle to lug around. We realized very early on that what we needed was a backpack that we would throw over each shoulder so that we would could handle all of the other things happen without the bag slipping off of our shoulders. We're really active people and are always out and about doing things -- so we needed something that was way more practical. So we got a diaper backpack. We fell in love after the first use.

7. The Bumbo - Once Miles culd hold his head up this was brilliant. We could sit him in it, fully supported, and he would play or eat or just hang. This gave us a ton of freedom. Loved it.

8. Jumperoo/Exercauser - Again -- once he was able to hold his head up -- these were freedom givers!!! We were able to pop Miles into one of these and he would play for 20 minutes straight. I remember feeling overjoyed when I realized that I could actually have 20 minutes to get something done. Like shower!!! WHAT????

9. Orbit Stroller - We had a Baby Trend Travel System. It was nice. Worked well. Looked good. I hated it!!!! It seemed that no matter what direction we were heading outdoors, the sun was always in Miles' face. The canopy on most strollers in useless. So I was determined to find a stroller that had a rotating seat so I could turn it whenever the sun was in Miles' face. That's when I discovered the Orbit. Rotates a full 360 degrees. Plus they have a car seat that snaps on and off and also rotates. It was a very pricey -- but very yummy find. We are sad to report that we will not be able to use this once Lennon arrives -- as they do not make double strollers yet. WHY??????

10. Full Strength Desitin - We were fooled by all of the cute-sie diaper balms on the market. The ones that touted all natural or had funny names like "Butt Paste" lol. We tried them all -- but were very VERY disappointed. None of them healed or helped to prevent diaper rash. Except -- the full strength, medicated Desitin!!!! That stuff works like magic!!! Miles would literally have a bout of diaper rash that would last one day tops. Once we noticed it -- we'd slather stuff on and it would be healed within a few diaper changes. Glorious. We purchase this stuff by the tub. Love it!!!

Other things we used a lot -- grooming kit and first aid kit, hooded towels, wash cloths, almond oil for cradle cap, gas relief drops.

Some of the things that we got and were useless -- receiving blankets (these things are waaaaaay too small to wrap a baby in), umbrella stroller, 4/5 oz bottles (we outgrew those so fast -- we should have just gotten the 8/9 oz-ers to begin with). There's is actually a ton more in this list -- but I can't remember them at the moment.

Thankfully, this time around, we know a little more and we'll be able to apply this knowledge. We've already got a ton of stuff on hand and the things that we don't have -- we know we will use!!! We can't wait to start using them allover again with Lennon!!!

Hey Jason and Nana -- did I forget anything????