Exiting the Second Trimester - Closing Remarks

At 24 weeks, I definitely didn't feel as large as I did with LM. I'm not sure why...but it's nice. I've continued to work hard to keep weight gain under control, and try to get plenty of exercise and drink plenty of fluids. I'm also eating a varied, healthy diet to give the Stowaway the best possible start.

Other than being a bit run down early this trimester, it has been a breeze. I'm glad to feel the Stowaway moving more and more...and getting stronger. I know he's doing well and growing because he's extremely active and strong. 

It's pretty funny, I like to read at night. I will often rest my Nook on my belly - this is more out of habit than anything else. As I go through the pages, the Stowaway will kick at the Nook. It makes me laugh. I wonder if he wants me to start reading to him. Maybe I should try that and see what he does.

So, here we go. Officially entering the third trimester. The home stretch, so to speak. Wish me luck in getting all of my projects done! Here is the list so far:

Make a crib quilt - Mickey Mouse theme.

Make a crib dust ruffle.

Make the nursery and playroom valances.

Make a Mickey Mouse lamp.

Paint the walls of the nursery (stripes, to match the Disney ship colors, really... so not having to paint the entire room...)

Paint the finials for the ends of the curtain rod in the nursery.

Make nursery wall art and find frames for it.

Paint the letters for the boys' names that will be hung on the wall in the nursery.

Paint the Mickey Mouse canvas art.

Make a nursery dirty clothes bag for the Stowaway.

Make a liner for the current laundry basket for LM.

Make decorator towels for the boys' bathroom.

Make fun throw pillows for the nursery... or playroom... not really sure where I'm going to put them yet.

Get and hang a stuffed animal net in the playroom to put away some of the crazy amounts of stuffed animals.

Clean the nursery closet and hang a new shelf and hanging clothing bar.

Arrange a "Meet the Stowaway" reception.

Put drawer pulls on LM's "big boy bed" drawers.

Fill the gap between the wall and the mattress on said "big boy bed" and put the railing up on the bed.

Clean/arrange the kiddo shelves in the cabinet in the kitchen.

Get the 3-6 month clothing out and go through it for the Stowaway - otherwise he will have to go nekkid in winter.

Yep, just to name a few things. Busy mommy!

I recently made a really adorable Jake costume (the Jake and the Neverland Pirate's main character) for LM. It is so stinkin' cute... and looks adorable on him!! I surprised myself, because I have never really done edging before... and it turned out looking pretty nice. LM told me the other day he wants to be Jake for Halloween.

The Belly - Weeks 21-24 - Late Second Trimester

We're winding up the second trimester. Things seem to be going well... and you're healthy and happy. I can feel the happiness every time you move. It's cute that you're moving in response to your brother's playful taps now. I think you two are going to be great buddies!

July 20, 2013 - Week 21

I'm most comfortable sleeping.... on my side.

I don't really ever sleep on my back or stomach normally... so I don't miss either of these positions. I do miss being able to move freely. It's tough to get situated when your belly sticks out. :)

I get up to pee about 1 time each night.

This is really nothing out of the ordinary. I get up at all sorts of crazy times, though.

Today is LM's 2nd birthday. There are only 4 months left until we get to hold the Stowaway.... and we can't believe it!

July 27, 2013 - Week 22

The Stowaway is still quite a mover! It seems he's getting more and more active as time goes on. That's alright, though. It makes kick counts pretty easy!

The Stowaway is large enough to feel on a consistent basis, and that makes it a lot easier on mommy. I love feeling the movements. I love feeling the progression of strength as well.

I find myself looking at blankets and outfits for the Stowaway to wear during our hospital stay. I was kind of unprepared for the hospital the last time. Now that I know what to expect, and my mom will be here to help me, I will be more capable of being able to move around and enjoy dressing the baby more.

August 03, 2013 - Week 23

The Stowaway is moving more and more. He kicked at his big brother's touch today - though LM didn't keep his hand on my belly enough to feel it. It was a strong kick, too!

It's cute that the Stowaway is already trying to interact. I think these two are going to be great buddies when the Stowaway is old enough to play. I know LM is really getting excited.

August 3, 2013 - Snapshot of My Life

Music we have been listening to lately:  80's, LMFAO, and Bridgit Mendler (LM's current favorites).
Recent movie I've seen: Monster's Inc. - a request by LM, who thoroughly enjoyed it! (I was actually quite surprised he sat still and watched the entire movie!)
Book I'm reading right now:  Kingdom Keepers 2 by Ridley Pearson
Top news stories right now: More issues in the Middle East - Americans were asked to evacuate Yemen due to terrorist threats. There never seems to be a peaceful moment in that area of the world.

August 6, 2013 - Week 24 and 3 days Appointment

We still see Dr. J about every 4 weeks. The report is almost always the same... everything looks great. The Stowaway is active and healthy, with a nice, strong heart rate.

We asked Dr. J to confirm the gender scan. Definitely a boy! You had no problems showing us this time! Of course, Dr. J is more gentle handed than the ultrasound tech was.

We talked about blood glucose levels - they still look pretty good. Dr. J waived the glucose challenge/tolerance test. He said that we're already watching levels, and the end result would be the same if I took the test and failed it anyway. So we'll just work together and keep an eye on blood sugars. Yay! I really can't express how much I appreciate him!

Now, it's time to find some nursery items for the nursery. We've chosen a Disney theme - LM's idea. So I need crib accessories, a valance, a lamp, and all sorts of fun new stuff. We are also going to paint in the room... so much to do, so little time!

15.5 weeks away from holding you, little Stowaway! Dr. J said he's going to look into the possibility of a November 23 delivery. My little Thanksgiving baby! We have so much more to be thankful for these days!

August 10, 2013 - Week 25

Today marks the end of this trimester. It's been a busy one, I can't believe we're 2/3 of the way to the end... and holding the Stowaway for the first time! 15 weeks.

I now think I have settled on a name for this precious little Stowaway, but I will be waiting to reveal the name. Yes, I know... party pooper! I just don't want to share it yet. I've waffled on it a few times... I don't think I will this time, though. Just not really in a sharing mood.