A COMPARISON OF 24 WEEK BUMPS!!!

The image on the right was taken of me when I was 24 weeks pregnant with baby Miles. The one on the left is -- obviously -- current. I wanted to see what the difference was and sure enough I am showing a little more with little Lennon at 6 months than I did with Miles. I'm not surprised. I carried so tiny with Miles -- although I wouldn't say I'm carrying large with Lennon -- just a little bigger. Maybe even a little higher???? I'm wondering if this really has anything to do with the fact that it's my second pregnancy or if it's because Lennon is just a bigger baby. I'm thinking our second guy will be born in the 9 lb. range!!! Probably a few ounces bigger than MIles, but not much. By the looks of the two pictures, Lennon is not THAT much bigger....;0)

24 WEEKS PREGNANT -- OUR LITTLE COB OF YUMMY CORN!!!

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

BELLY PROGRESSION SO FAR....

6 MONTHS PREGNANT!!! 24 WEEK BELLY PIC

I know it has only been 2 weeks since the last belly pic and there's not much difference, but here it is anyway!!! We're 6 months preggo!!! How freaking exciting. We did the math and realized that we only have 3 months and 20 days left until our due date!!! Holy freaking fast!!!

REALLY DUDE? SERIOUSLY???

Jason seems to think that I have the mental capacity (with this pregnancy brain), let alone the desire to discuss a topic that involves the pictured formula. Ummmmmm -- no way jose!!! I swear I glazed over when he got about 5 words into his spiel. If anyone is interested -- this formula has something to do with post production and encoding red, green, and blue color information. YAWN. Gotta love that guys brain!!! Oh sweet Jay Jay buns -- How I love your zest for all things knowledge and the fact that you think I even get a fraction of it. LOL. Love you sweet man.

OH GOOD GOD -- I FORGOT ABOUT THE INTESTINAL CRAMPS

Holy Heck -- they're back. THE INTESTINAL CRAMPS!!! I was praying that those were a thing of the pregnancy past. I had hoped these evil little beasts were limited to my first pregnancy, but it turns out they were not. Oddly enough, they have struck at nearly the same time that they did when I was pregnant with Miles. I remember praying to God that labor would not hurt as badly as the intestinal cramps. Fortunately, it didn't. Thank God -- because with as much as labor did hurt, if I had to endure those intestinal cramps for 22 hours I probably would have died. Now -- I just need to make it through the next few months with these heinous morning invaders. Good grief.

RED RASPBERRY LEAF TEA

Miles loves to "SHARE" everything with momma!!! Even sips of her uteran toning, red raspberry leaf tea. I drank this tea by the gallons during my pregnancy with Miles and I have been enjoying many a cup of it during this pregnancy as well. I must admit that it's far more enjoyable when shared with my precious little man.

MILES AND HIS BABY BROTHER

A few "silly" people have asked whether or not Miles knows that he's going to be a big brother. Ummmmmmm -- really people????? He's one. ONE. He's still figuring out how to walk and say doggie. That being said -- Miles did notice my belly for the first time this past week. His eyes were glued to it one morning while I fed him in a sports bra. He's fascinated with my belly button and loves to poke at it and flick it. It's so adorable. We tell him all about the baby in momma's belly and about how he's going to be a big brother in a few months. So far he's got no clue and is only interested in the ever protruding belly button!!! He's so yummy cute. We're in for double trouble with two yummy cute little boys!!!

THE NURSERY - BEFORE PICTURES

Well -- here it is in all of it's unfinished glory. This room used to be Miles' play room, but since Lennon will be needing his own space, we've moved the play room to the dining room. We're really excited about getting started on building the nursery. The changing table and mattress have already arrived and the crib should be here today. Jason and I spent about an hour last night putting together the changing table and removing the wire racks from the wall. The room is starting to feel a little more like a nursery, bit we're a long ways from finished. We were really glad that we opted not to get a full size dresser/changing table as this room is smaller than Miles' and the changing table we did get feels far more substantial than we had planned on. That's a really good thing as we were worried that it might feel small. NOT AT ALL!!! It's really gorgeous and we can't wait to see what it looks like next to the matching crib!!! Tonights project will be getting that crib assembled!!! Yay!!!

THE WORLD OF PREGNANCY MATH

Most people LOVE a pregnant woman. Most people will ooh and ahh over the ever growing belly. Some will even lunge at it with both hands and rub and hug and kiss and talk to it. It's unavoidable. And EVERYONE will ask -- "How far along you?" It's such a great question. I wish I knew the correct answer. Most people want to know how far along you are in layman's terms. Most people don't get what the heck 23 weeks means. You can see the wheels turning in their brains as they try to figure out how many months that equals. People want to know months. And as any pregnant woman can attest to -- every website, every book, and every person will have a different answer. I have been trying to get my brain around this concept since I was pregnant with Miles. Here's what I have sort of concluded. A full-term pregnancy is roughly 40 weeks. About 10 months. A pregnancy is usually calculated from the first day of the last menstrual cycle. So you are already 4 weeks "pregnant" by the time you miss your period. Yeah yeah we all get that part. So -- I bump a week every Sunday and I bump a month every 20th day of the month. Counting from the date of my LMP I am 5 months and 5 days pregnant. If that is true then that would mean that I would have about 5 months left to go. Nope. If you count from October 20 to February 20 that's 4 months. You obviously don't need me to tell you that only equals 9 months. So what the heck gives? Am I 5 months along out of a 9 month pregnancy or am I 6 months along out of 10? I made my final decision on this. I know that not every month has the same number weeks. Some have more than 4 and yada yada yada. But I have decided to just take the average -- 4 weeks per month -- and go with that. Every 4 weeks I bump up a month. So for those of you who have been asking -- I will be 24 weeks along next Sunday and will therefore be 6 months pregnant!!! Now does any of this mean that sweet little Lennon will be making an appearance on time. Absolutely not. If he's anything like his big brother he'll show up very fashionably late.

23 WEEKS PREGNANT - OUR LITTLE MANGO!!!

How your baby's growing:

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

WE BOUGHT NURSERY FURNITURE!!!

Baby Lennon officially has his own crib and changing table!!! We've had them dropped shipped to our home and they should arrive next week some time. We opted for something a little less pricey than what Miles has in his room, but we did our research and looked at some floor models and decided that we'd go with the Graco Lauren Convertible 4in1 Fixed Side Crib and matching Changing Table. They are really beautiful, with sleek lines that we felt were a little more masculine than some of the curvier collections out there. We opted out of the dresser/changing table combo this time around, as we only use Miles' as a changing table and to hold diaper changing gear. So we're going to get a really nice bookcase or armoir instead!!! With all of these crib recalls lately we really had our work cut out for us, but we had a ton of fun doing it, and we found an affordeable option that was not on the recall list. Of course, the Graco Lauren Drop Side Crib was on the list, but I don't think those are even available anymore. Aye aye aye -- as if having a newborn isn't scary enough -- so many poor mommas and poppas have to worry too whether or not the crib they bought will harm their baby!!! It never ends. Either way -- we're really excited about adding the furniture to our completed list. Pretty soon we'll be putting it together and decorating the nursery....one of my all time favorite things!!!

THE KOLCRAFT CONTOURS TANDEM DOUBLE STROLLER!!!

After quite some time researching double strollers and weighing out the pros, cons, and cost variables -- we have decided on this beauty!!! The side by sides were absolutely out of the question and we needed something that was newborn/infant and toddler friendly. Oh and momma and daddy friendly. This seems to be the clear winner. It's loads more affordable than the other brand on the market that was similar and it has about 3 million different configurations. Ok -- that is a slight exaggeration -- but I do believe it has 8 or 9. The number one sell for us was the fact that it has a car seat adaptor that allows you to use your infant car seat with it. WINNER!!!! It also has the second toddler seat and you can face them both out, in, toward each other, or away from each other. You can remove one seat altogether for tons of storage and carry space. It has a gigantic basket underneath and folds very VERY easily!!! Plus the ruby red is super stylish!!! We already purchased the matching car seat from Baby Trend -- which is ironically the same infant car seat we used for Miles. We liked it and figured why not use the same brand again. And did we mention how affordable it is???? At $189 we couldn't pass this bad boy up. The other model was almost $700!!! Granted our Orbit Stroller cost that much -- but the seat on that rotates 360 degrees. No other stroller does that. I will admit I am greatly disappointed with Orbit for not producing a double stroller. I would spend the extra dough for that!!!! But they don't and aren't so we are now in love with this one!!!! I keep looking at it, online, drooling. I can't wait to add this to our arsenal. In time.... IN TIME!!!

HOMEMADE GINGERBREAD SYRUP RECIPE!!!

Ok -- so I may have just found the cure for my woes!!! Starbucks does not normally begin offering their super yummy Gingerbread flavored concoctions until around the middle of November, so I decided to see if I could find a way to make myself a yummy Gingerbread Steamer at home. I figured that it probably entailed purchasing a bottle of Gingerbread flavored syrup, but it turns out that that is not so!!!! I found this awesome recipe for homemade gingerbread syrup and I plan on trying it TONIGHT!!!! I will post on the results, but for now I have included the recipe here, in case anyone is interested in giving it whirl!!!

Ingredients:

2 cups water
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh espresso
8 ounces milk, steamed (with a little foam)
whipped cream
ground nutmeg

Directions:Prep Time: 10 minsTotal Time: 30 mins

1Make the gingerbread syrup by combining water, sugar, ginger, cinnamon and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Be sure the pan is not too small or the mixture could easily bubble over.2Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer syrup, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Remove the syrup from the heat when it's done and slap a lid on it.3Make a double shot of espresso (1/2 cup), using an espresso machine. Use the machine to steam 8 ounces of milk, or heat up the milk in the microwave if your machine does not foam and steam milk.4Make your latte by first adding 1/2 cup espresso to a 16-ounce cup. Add 1/4 cup gingerbread syrup, followed by the steamed milk. Stir.5Top off the drink with a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

THE WEEK FROM HELL... UGGGG

It's Saturday -- Jason only has to work a half day (thank God) and I am really looking forward to being able to stop, take a moment, and breathe. I won't get into the details, but when you've had a week like ours you wonder how you made it out alive or without killing someone else. The bullet points -- A major falling out with a friend, a death in the family, and an attempt at getting me fired. BAM. All three, in row, like dominoes. And I'm sure I don't have to mention the fact that being pregnant complicates all of this exponentially!!! I have to admit that I am proud of myself. Despite being in a very emotionally sensitive state I was able to maintain full composure when dealing with the friend and work issue. Tears were only shed in the privacy of my own home. I wasn't able to maintain such composure when I found out about Jason's Nana, but that is to be expected. The truth is -- I feel just like this sad panda. I want to climb out of this dark whole that has suddenly overwhelmed me, but I can't seem to lift my head off the counter!!! I'm hoping that some time with Jay Jay and Miles this weekend will help lift my spirits. We're planning on doing some shopping for baby Lennon and the nursery and there's probably a fire and a pumpkin steamer involved in it too!!! Plus, I get to go to Christina's Baby Shower. I love Christina and I love Baby Showers!!! So -- here's to hoping that this weekend offers up just what I need to snap out of this little funk!!!

BRA SHOPPING FOR THE PREGNANT JUBBLIES

I don't know why I hate this so much -- but I do. There is something so terrifying to me about the thought of out of control boobies!!! Jason, of course, loves the fact that along with pregnancy comes enormous jugs, but I would be so satisfied with staying at my normal size. This is why I hesitate to go out and spend the time and money on bigger bras. But, the ole' midwife insisted and Jason convinced me that it would be "fun" (for him), so we went. I absolutely refused to try the bras on and went with my best guestimate and it turns out that the ole twins are bigger this time around than they were at 22 weeks with Miles. Great. I went with a 36C which fits -- on the last hook -- with no room to spare. Sigh. I suppose there will be another trip to purchase bras in the future. Good grief -- will I be in an E cup while nursing???? Aye aye aye. I totally got away with no stretch marks on the ole jubblies with Miles, but I'm thinking I may not be so lucky this time around. It's a good thing these little boys are soooooooo worth the battle scars!!! By the way -- if anyone is looking for decent bras at waaaaay low prices -- Walmart kicks but. I'm wearing one of the new ones right now and the support and quality are pretty darn good. I paid $11 for each of them. I can't see forking out tons of money for bras that won't fit for me very long. Nursing bras??? Now that's a different story. Ok -- I'm done babbling about boobs and bras. For now...;0)

22 WEEK BELLY PIC

We completely missed our 20 week photo, but we figured 22 weeks is just as good!!! Baby Lennon is growing by leaps and bounds and my belly sure is showing it. I am really loving my bump during this "cute phase" and I'm planning on spending some time really reveling in it. That is until I move into the "too big to be cute" phase. Or at least the "too big to feel cute" phase!!! My midwife says that my uterus is measuring at exactly 22 weeks and that it looks and feels perfect. I have begun experiencing braxton hicks -- which is no big surprise seeing as how I started braxtoning with Miles at 16 weeks -- and I totally forgot how bizarre they feel. I'm not that fond of the hardening and the pressure, but it's nice to know that the good ole uterus is still in the habit of "practicing"!!! Baby Lennon is practicing too. He has been very hard at work kicking, punching, and head butting -- and we are now able to see him moving outside. Boy oh boy do we love that jello belly!!!

22 WEEKS PREGNANT - OUR NOT SO LITTLE SPAGHETTI SQUASH!!!

How your baby's growing:At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily

MOMMA'S LITTLE "PUMPKIN PATCH"

Oh how I love this little pumpkin growing inside my belly. His movements are so much stronger now and Daddy can feel just about everything he does!!! Lennon has already turned and is head down in the center of my uterus. Miles lived on the right side through that pregnancy and I could definitly feel him there. With Lennon, all of his little kicks and punches are so well distributed that it's obvious where he likes to live. Lennon also loves to give mommy some serious head-butts to the cervix!!! We did have another prenatal apointment yesterday, where we were able to listen to Lennon's ticker ticking away and sure enough -- there he was -- smack dab right in the middle!!! I told our midwife that I didn't even have to hear his heartbeat to know that he was doing fine, because this little guys never seems to stop moving. It's seems that with Miles there were days that would go by with little to no movement. But with baby Lennon it seems like there are minutes -- maybe hours that go by without movement!!! ;0)!!! We sure have one active little boy to look forward to!!! As far as the rest of the pregnancy -- it's been cake. I'm just loving this cutsie -- second trimester thing. I will say though that my hormonal mood swings have been a little more frequent during this pregnancy and my patience has been -- well - thin. Jason seems to be handling it like a real trooper though. Let's see -- anything else? Weight gain looks good -- although Renee thinks I won't gain the 40 that I gained with Miles. We'll see -- there's still 18 weeks left to go. Oh Renee also told me that I finally have to concede and buy bigger bras. I told her that I'm still in denial about the ever growing jubblies and that I will get new ones when the twins won't stay in!!! She laughed and then sent me a text message to get bigger bras!!! So -- we'll be bra shopping this weekend. Sigh. I think I covered it all. Until next time!!!

21 (and 5 days) WEEKS PREGNANT - OUR LITTLE CARROT

Sorry this is so late!!! I spent the last few days recovering from all of the party prep and what-not!!! Week 21 came and went so fast.... but here it is.

How your baby's growing:
Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like he's practicing martial arts as his initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to his activity as you get to know him better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.

PS -- we also missed our 20 week bump picture which we plan to take and post this weekend!!!

HALFWAY THERE!!! 20 WEEKS PREGNANT - OUR LITTLE BANANA

How your baby's growing:
Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)

He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).