15(ish) weeks | first trimester update

I cant believe that time is flying! I have felt like the last month of life has been insane and busy and is just whipping right past me in a short blink.  I found out so early about this pregnancy and keeping it quiet had me so anxious to share and life felt like it was dragging on and on, and here I am in my second trimester- holy moly!  

I've been feeling great- except that I basically sleep on my face at night. I can 100% sleep anywhere I lay my head down and take naps about once a day.  over the weekend I didn't get in a nap everyday and I literally needed a day to recover- my life is busy and my kids are crazy and I'm getting old:)

and we are adding another one to the mix..

I CANNOT WAIT!

mama things

from week 7-14 I was nauseous just about every evening. I didn't really eat dinner for those 7 weeks and was ready for bed when I was putting all my girls down by 8pm.  the nausea has since past, but the food aversions have not. I've been having those much more than I ever had with any other pregnancies and food is completely disinteresting to me all together.  even my favorite peanut butter and banana toast has lost its magical touch at breakfast (and lunch and dinner) and I am totally grossed out by every component of a banana.  the idea of putting them on my toast gives me the heebee-geebees, so I have to skip them. other things.. migraines.  I've had four since I've been pregnant with this little guy and I can count on one hand how many I've had in my entire life!  the smallest things seem to trigger it, but lots of water, taking a couple tylenol when needed, and a nap usually gets me back into the swing of the day- usually in a fog, but c'est la vie.

I'm in full maternity wear- my belly is measuring almost 2 weeks larger than I actually should be.. I was at my regular OB check up at a little more than 14.5 weeks and my belly was measuring over 16 weeks.  my doctor giggled a little, but after the giant belly I held with Baker, she's not super surprised, and neither am I.  ever heard of muscle memory? I feel like my uterus can relate.  of course my belly is huge in the evening- and in the morning I would say its probably normal size for almost 16 weeks (I'll be 16 weeks on Sunday), but I am not complaining.  I've found easy ways to stay comfortable this time around- with a 14 month old + two 3 year olds I need to be able to bend to scrape pop tart or dried mac and cheese off the kitchen floor (this is why we have a dog!!) and get down to their level and move around relatively easy with my growing bump.  I have these exact jeans by jessica simpson in the under the belly option and wore them out during my other pregnancies- these jeans  from motherhood maternity are the over the belly version and I love them just as much!  no to mention they are butter soft and not super heavy in weight so wearing them while the weather is changing here in Texas has been awesome. 

I'm still working out 3-4 mornings out of the week.  bootcamp is still okay for me to do, but at my last appointment my OB gave me a laundry list of things I had to change since generally these workouts are pretty high intensity.  thankfully my trainers have been amazing and are helping me through making adjustments and giving me alternative success options while the rest of the group does their normal thing.  

baby things

we've had a couple of sonograms of our growing boy and he's just perfect.  such a sweet little profile and CHEEKS that resemble his sisters before him so much!  I feel like he looks a lot like Parker in these early sonograms- but we shall see, we have a lot of time left (??) for him to grow!  I am feeling him move here and there but not consistently at all.. mostly in the evenings and definitely after I've had something sweet like yogurt or fruit.  which by the way, I cannot seem to get enough of!  we go back for our anatomy screen in a couple weeks (18 weeks) to get a full look at this guy and seeing how big he's grown and hopefully get a better look at made how big he might be! 

I have relatively smaller babies (4lbs 8oz; 5lbs 15oz; 6lbs 7oz), but this boy might put a kink in that track record.. my brothers were all on the big side (9+ pounds) and my mother, in all her 5'3 and 90 pound frame might, pushed out every single one of them- all three now 6'4 or taller.

plus, my dad is just short of a giant.

not to mention my baby daddy ain't small either.

 I'll be honest and say that when I was pregnant with Baker I was terrified of the idea of having a boy.  but this time around I didn't even care. of course the girl option was the easy route.  I knew exactly what I was doing with a fourth girl in mind.. but ever since I found out this baby is a HE I cannot get enough of thinking and praying and preparing to be a boy mom.  something I honestly never thought I would get the chance to be.  the most exciting news of my LIFE was when that balloon exploded in blue. 

grow baby boy, grow.

also.  we still don't have a name:)

photography by b faith photography 

bar necklace c/o

4 little birds necklace c/o

bag c/o

cardigan / loft

striped top c/o

jeans c/o

booties c/o

38 Weeks

banner / little dovie  

tee // a pea in the pod

jeans c/o motherhood maternity 

How far along? 38 weeks + 3 days

Total weight gain: 24+ pounds.  I went for my last OB check yesterday morning with Dr. Walsh before baby girl makes her debut next week and after measuring fundal height - I am officially measuring 40 weeks along.  Littlest sister girl is growing big!  

Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes, yes.  In public.  Non-maternity clothes, yes.  At home - mostly.  My non-maternity t-shirts and tanks are honestly the funniest thing you have ever seen on this bod.  Parker and Jolie attempt in every way possible to cover the bare bottomed belly with very little success.  Its totally fine- its hot, I'm very pregnant and I'm comfortable.

Sleep: Much to my surprise, very, very well.  I really have come to refrain from the naps in the afternoon this week - after napping for nearly 3 hours by mistake over the weekend (I thought for sure my toddlers would wake me within the hour after waking from their own nap..but then they go on to nap themselves for 4 hours.. so..) and then only to wake at 3am that next morning and not being able to go back to sleep until 5am - the naps have been put into check.

Best moment this week:  The wait was finally over to meet my sweet little love, Grayson Daniel.  My bestie had her first babe yesterday and I am so, so in love.  

We share the same OB and deliver at the same hospital..and when we walked onto the postpartum floor last night the emotions came flooding back.  Jordan was reminiscing about walking the halls with our two tiny babies snuggled in a single bassinet - so surreal to be less than a week away from doing it all over again.  Jordan tried to get me to walk down to hall to the room we stayed in.. and I lost it. Tears.  Lots of them.

..and I hadn't even met Grayson yet.  

And then I got to meet him. 9 pounds 2 ounces of absolute perfection.  The rolls on that baby - ugh.  I died over and over again snuggling his baby head.  

..and then I cried.  Emotional much?  Cant help it.

 He looks so much like his mama.  100% Lally, thats for sure.  

Except he has his daddy's hair.  

Uncle J is bald.

..but we love him anyway.

We are taking the girls to meet Grayson this weekend, and I am so so excited for them to love on this sweet guy.

Cravings:  Sushi.  And its bad.  Jordan and I have a date night planned for Monday night and I am pretty sure we are going all out with hibachi and a tuna tower for each of us.  Yasss.

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks are killing me, literally.  They have become much more frequent and much more painful than anything I experienced with the twin pregnancy- but Dr. Walsh assured me that it was totally normal.  I have attempted to 'time' them, but they are pretty inconsistent.  The entire trip to my OB appointment I dreaded the thought of getting 'checked' and hoping and wishing it away.  Walsh had zero intention of checking me because I have had a fairly uneventful pregnancy and a planned c-section just days away, but when she said the words "..if it will make you feel better.."  I said yes.  Cervix is closed with zero signs of progression or labor.  Either way- she made sure to let me know she was on call this weekend, so if anything happens we are good to go. 

Looking forward to: We have officially reached our last weekend as a family of four!  We don't have anything planned, really.. except spending as much quality time together as possible - and I am excited for it to be just 'us'.  Today is my last day of work for the next three months of maternity leave and there is so much I am looking forward to, but for now..

..I am mostly just dying to meet our little lady in just a handful of days.  Eeeep - its like Christmas morning:)       

37 Weeks + Styled Bump // Stripes

Today is July 1st.  Its birth month, ya'll.

I still cannot believe how quickly time has flown by since finding out we were expecting on a random Saturday afternoon in November.

'Pregnancy' had become a four letter word in my book and I was so tired of the dreams and desires to continually be coupled with loss and sorrow.  And then, God chuckled at my own plans for this last year and breathed life + reality into our hopes for another baby.

Here we are.  I'm in the last days.  Thats right, days.  

f o u r t e e n days.

pocket tank c/o pink blush maternity

maxi skirt c/o pink blush maternity

How far along? 37 weeks + 2 days

Total weight gain: 24 pounds

Maternity clothes? Like I've mentioned time and time again - my all time favorite pregnancy wardrobe staple has been the maternity maxi skirt and a tank top.  My last pregnancy was spent in bed during the cooler fall and winter months with little need for trendy maternity clothes, so dealing with the need for comfort in my clothes as well as staying cool while pregnant during the heat of the Texas summer has been my priority this time around.  Maternity dresses are well and good - but the skirt gives me shape and helps to distinguish where my boobs begin and hips end.  I've been caught in a tent a time or two this last trimester, and its not super flattering.  The skirt I'm wearing by pink blush maternity is really comfy (I say that about all of them..), stretchy, and long.  I am not a short girl by any means - just under 5 feet 7 inches and this skims the floor when I wear it- the way I love it.  This maternity maxi skirt, this cute maternity dress, and this one are currently hanging in my closet and have been in regular rotation for the last 37 weeks - not to mention they are perfect for postpartum, too!

Sleep: Finding comfort has been really interesting this last month, but honestly I am sleeping really well.  I am getting into bed about 10pm and sleep until at least 4am before I wake to use the bathroom.  Naps in the afternoon are still a normal thing. 

Best moment this week: We got to peek in on our growing baby girl earlier this week! We loaded up the girls to come to the appointment with us (we usually bring them for the sonogram appointments) and the moment we pulled into the parking lot they started asking if they were getting to see "baby"  They have really made my heart explode this week with their excitement about the littlest sister.  They must know she's going to be here soon and can pick up on our excitement about it all, too.  

BABY GIRL

She is 6 1/2 pounds of baby squishy-ness with cheeks and lips for days.  She is head down and laying into the right side of my pelvis.  We did notice on the sonogram that the umbilical cord is right near the nape of her neck - and the sonographer couldn't tell if it was just laying there or if it was actually wrapped around her neck.  Parker had the same issue and she did in fact come out with the cord around her neck (twice).  I was instructed to count her kicks, and this child moves non-stop, so I would know if something was up pretty quickly.  As far as my OB can tell, the scheduled day of July 14th seems to be the d-day!  And we just cannot wait to meet her.

quilt / anthro

slouch beanies c/o sweet eloise designs // peplum tank / old navy // fox socks c/o top knots + twirls

Miss Anything? Nada

Cravings:  I have zero desire for food right now.  I don't feel the sensation of being hungry at all whatsoever and I have found myself lightheaded and feeling really sick to my stomach because I am actually hungry.  This baby girl is taking up all my space and my appetite, too.  Peanut butter + banana toast, yogurt, fruit, and cereal have been my go to.  I mentioned sushi for our last date night and Jordan about hit the roof with excitement- because, yea.. I'm ready for some sushi.

Symptoms: Heavy belly.  No appetite.  Exhaustion.  The usual. 

Looking forward to: Meeting our sweet girl.  We are so ready.  I mean, really ready.  Nursery is done- her space is just precious and I cannot wait to share.  Baby items that we lacked or needed to upgrade have been purchased.  Bags are packed.  Lets do this!

Special thank you to PinkBlush Maternity and B Faith Photography (as usual) for styling this 37 week bump!

36 Weeks

banner / little dovie  

tee // motherhood maternity

pants // maternal america

How far along? 36 weeks + 2 days

Total weight gain: 23+ pounds -- after my appointment yesterday, the belly's fundal height is measuring exactly 36 weeks.  She also, after feeling around a little, is convinced that this little girl has turned breech.  It wouldn't surprise me- she kept me up the entire night before moving her little body all over the place!  I have a sonogram scheduled for next Monday afternoon, so we shall see!  I am not doing a VBAC, so her position doesn't really matter.. but I am curious due to the fact that she's been head down for about 5 weeks already.  I know girl, I'd be tired of my sitting on your head, too. 

Maternity clothes? Nothing fits this bump unless it has side-ruching.  I try to fit into regular tees and tanks, but its laughable and clearly only acceptable amongst the family at home:)  I is SO hot these days - even if its only 95 (95 !!) degrees outside, the humidity makes it feel like 148.  Pants are optional - and that is no joke.  I am notorious for wearing sweatpants in the summer time, but not this summer.  The more lightweight the material is, the better.. including those yoga pants I'm wearing.  They are definitely a splurge (hello, Nordstrom Bucks) but I know for a fact that these will be amazing post-baby belly also.  I never stopped wearing my Gap tanks (which are 40% off right now) after pregnancy/nursing the twins.. and I have a feeling those will fall into the same line.  

Peek-a-Belly. I have thought long and hard about just giving up and wearing a tent for the next three weeks, or so.

quilt / anthropologie

Sleep: Yep.  How amazing it is to not have to deal with insomnia this time around in pregnancy. That was numero uno on my complaint list with the twins.. and I am oh-so thankful that I don't deal with that now.  I have a feeling it has to do with a couple of busy toddlers and their energy level times a billion for 99% of their wake hours.  The moment they are in bed, I am ready to hit the pillow, too!

Best moment this week: I had to take the twins with me while solo to my OB checkup  because Jordan was working.. they did SO good.  I was really impressed with my little sidekicks- because morning appointments can go a handful of ways, and most often it isn't in my favor.  I made sure to bring books and crayons for them to sprawl the exam room, but they were so interested in what my nurse and Dr. Walsh was doing pertaining to 'mama's tummy'.  Parker was the sweetest and laid her hand on my belly as we listened to the heartbeat,  and then again as Walsh measured me for growth.  She was saying her name non-stop (Dr. Walsh and her staff do know her name..) and it was just so precious.  In the last month they have really taken mind to the bump that is always in the way.. I'm curious as to how they will act once the bump is no longer an issue for them and fitting into my lap.   

Miss Anything? The usual: tummy sleeping, normal eating, being able to make it through the day without a cat nap, being heartburn-less..and basically fitting into my regular clothes with ease.

Cravings:  Nothing really new from the normal of the last 35 weeks - except I've come to desire an iced (half-caf) coffee from Starbucks.  Never been an iced coffee drinker, and it really must be beach my body reads at nine-hundred degrees and I need something to cool it down.  Oh- and we've had grilled steak twice since the weekend.  Its Wednesday.

Symptoms: Nada much to complain about really - BUT the congestion has returned.. even with the humidifier going at full blast every night.  Its super mild, and I'm assuming related to being late in my pregnancy.  I have also come to start taking off my rings before bed at night.  I'm swelling in my hands only over night and into the morning, making it so uncomfortable for the first few hours I'm awake.  If thats all I've got- I'll take it.  Braxton Hicks are becoming more regular - again, something I dealt with the twin pregnancy really earlier on (about 24 weeks), so I know the drill with these.  We've gotten to the point where her sudden movements in the womb will promote a BH.  No biggie.  Walsh did make the comment that if and when I start to have contractions that are 10 minutes apart, I needed to head to the hospital. I know thats not the normal recommendation - but with a previously high risk pregnancy under my belt, she's taking all cautions. 

Looking forward to: We have finished her nursery!  Just weeks away from her arrival.  Ok.. well- we still have no mattress to lay her on, but I picked up the bedding yesterday, which was really the final piece to the puzzle for the nursery completion.  I cannot wait to share!  I had a huge sign of her name made to hang over her crib, SO.. her nursery reveal will be post-birth, but I promise it will be quick.. because I cant hardly wait.  We hung everything on the wall over the weekend, and it totally made the room come together as complete.  Now- we just have to wait for this sweet baby girl to get here.  3 more weeks!

36 weeks / twins

35 Weeks + Styled Bump // Casual

I've been so grateful to have been able to work with many fun brands - not only for clothing and accessories special for the twins, but now for dressing this bump.  The versatility of maternity clothing has changed so much - and even since I first dressed my twin bump just about 3 years ago.

Special thank you to Motherhood Maternity, Nickel + Suede, and of course to B Faith Photography for capturing my 35 week bump! 

Whoa.  35 weeks, you guys.  

tee // hello apparel 

maxi skirt c/o motherhood  maternity 

bar necklace c/o shop shine life

How far along? 35 weeks + 1 days

Total weight gain: 23 pounds

Maternity clothes? maxi skirts and tank tops - the equivalent to pajamas in pregnancy lyfe, but easier to get away with while in public.  But, lets be real.. I would have zero shame to wear the p'jams in public, and I may have done it more than once.  Totally fine.  Trust me.  These boyfriend jeans made me nervous at first thought because I didn't want to wear anything making me look bigger than I already am.. but they are absolutely perfect and really comfortable. The looser fit makes it easy for me to get down on the toddler level.. bend for a sippy cup or kneel to clean up remnants of lunch all over the kitchen floor.  On the daily.

Sleep: Naps in the morning.  Naps mid-day.  Naps in the afternoon.. and when J is around and able to drive, I'll snooze in the car for a quick bit.  Oh- and sleeping in my own bed is fantastic as long as I'm on my left side.

Best moment this week: We went to visit Stella + JD and their sweet family to bring them a meal after having their newest addition: Magnolia (called Maggie - SO cute!).  While I was holding sweet Maggie girl, both Parker and Jolie were really interested in holding her also, touching her face and rubbing her head.  Parker kept calling her 'precious' and after Maggie yawned, Jolie giggled and said 'so cute, mama!'  Talk about confidence in these girls - I've never been so proud and excited to bring home a sibling to them is just a handful of weeks! 

Miss Anything? With having to sleep on my left side for most of the night- I am ready to sleep on my tummy again.  Now more than ever I am appreciating how much more comfortable I am to sleep on my tummy!

Cravings:  Nothing new from the normal, except I've been craving steak these last couple weeks - and we've been grilling it at least 1-2 times a week.  Pimento cheese, apples, peanut butter, Greek yogurt, sandwiches, decaf iced coffee, and carbonation. 

Symptoms:  I've been having a hard time finding a comfortable way to sit/lay/sleep.  I get nauseated/light headed really easily it seems like due to the reduced or limited blood flow to my brain if I am on my right side at all.  I got this really early on with the twins, and I'm thankful that the weight of this belly has held out until the end.  I wake at least one time a night because I am feeling sick to my stomach.. and I am almost always laying too far on my back or on my right side.  Nausea goes away almost instantly once I readjust. 

Looking forward to: I've been really stressed out about the days and process leading up to our littlest sister's arrival.  We finally have a game plan for how it will go the night before and the day of.. but up to this point, thinking about how we want to introduce her to the twins, wondering how it will go, worrying about the girls seeing me in the hospital and 'sick' and not in my normal state.. and not to mention that I have become really emotional about it.  I'm literally brought to tears when I have to think about that day the three sisters meet.  While this could easily turn into something of negative- I am so excited and trying to think about the positive.  I am not the first person in the entire world to birth and have to bring a second (third) baby into the house.. so I know it won't be a complete disaster and we will all survive:) 

leather earrings + fringe cuff c/o nickel + suede 

undershirt tank // gap maternity

mama bear tank // loved by hannah + eli

distressed boyfriend jeans c/o motherhood maternity

If you haven't seen or don't follow me (@masseya) on Instagram.. you don't want to miss the giveaway happening right now with the talented duo of (@bfaithphotographydfw) B Faith Photography!  

We are giving away a free (30 minute) mini session of your choice! 

Giveaway ends Thursday, June18th and the winner will be announced on Friday:)

35 weeks // twins

34 Weeks + Baby Update

banner / little dovie 

tee // a pea in the pod

jeans c/o motherhood maternity

How far along? 34 weeks + 3 days

Total weight gain: 22 pounds

Maternity clothes? After attempting to dress this bump for yet another week at work, I was eye-balling these shorts sitting on the chair in my bedroom.. for half a second I thought "how bad would it  actually be if I wore shorts and a tee shirt to work?"  I also thought that maybe my yoga capris would be a step above the shorts.. and then put on the same maxi skirt I wore three times the week before and called it a day.  I'm over it.  By this point in pregnancy with the twins I was wearing whatever fit the belly, and most all of it resembled pajamas.

Sleep:  Sleep is good- I sleep pretty hard all night with the exception of waking 3-5 times a night to use the bathroom.  All that and I am still really tried by 3pm every day.

Best moment this week: We took Parker and Jolie to the pediatrician earlier this week for their 2.5 year well visit, and after scheduling their 3 year appointment (wahh!), Dr. Butler waved goodbye and casually said "We'll see you in just a couple weeks!".. it took me a minute and then I realized that she was talking about this little girl growing in my belly!  

Miss Anything? Its been a good week.. nothing to complain about! 

Cravings: Along with the other items I've been craving this entire pregnancy, I really just about have a cup of ice in my hand at all times.  I know the signs and risks of PICA in pregnancy, but my blood work shows everything completely normal, and honestly, I was the same with my twin pregnancy.  The heat of the summer makes it hard not to want a popsicle or a huge glass of cold water at all times. We went from a comfy 75 degrees to 104 degrees yesterday.  Ouch.    

Symptoms:  Heartburn is terrible, but TUMS seems to do the trick.  No other real complaints.

Looking forward to: Marking things off our summer 'to-do' list before baby girl arrives - we are going to the water park this weekend and cant wait for the girls to have a blast!  We have been living in the pool, and it is so cute to watch them get excited about playing in the water.  We've gotten a few more things checked off the list - like hanging the shelves and frames that have been sitting on her changing table for the last couple weeks!  Small accessories continue to trickle in (I totally love my mailman..) and we are about done!  I am packing my hospital bag this weekend, too!  holy moly.. this is getting so real. 

34 weeks / twins

Baby Girl

via

I visited the perinatologist as well as my usual OB this week!  First up was the perinatologist, mainly to follow up on my high amniotic fluid situation.  Last time I saw Dr. Walsh she was no longer concerned, but wanted Dr. Koster to take a peak at my levels just to make sure.  Hey, I am totally fine with that.  I get to see this baby girl a few more times than usual, I'm all.. "gimme, gimme."

Things are getting really smooshed in there, and baby girl was hiding deep in my pelvis.  Her little face and hands were in the curve of my hip bone, making any chances of a decent profile photo slim.  I asked about 3D, and while I got an amazing view of her hands (she had ten fingers!) and the cord.. we couldn't see her face at all.  BUT- the real reason I went was for her to check on my fluid levels to ensure all was well- and finally after months of dealing with elevated levels, I was within normal range (high-five).  At 5 pounds and 4 ounces, this little girl is officially a full pound heavier than Jolie when we brought her home from the hospital just 5 days after she was born.  If I remember right, Parker was about 5 pounds, 8 ounces.  Thats so hard to believe! 

 34 weeks was also when Jolie's placenta started to decline and she all but just about stopped growing.  A mini milestone for this mama that I am so proud to have reached.  Definitely thankful for this baby girl's growth and progress.

I went to Dr. Walsh yesterday morning, and she was really pleased to see how well everything looks on the 'high risk' end of things, and I am officially no longer 'high-risk'.  Although, I still fall within that category due to my history of preterm labor with the twins.  Right now, at 34 weeks, my cervix is tight and closed and baby girl isn't expected to arrive sooner than scheduled on July 14th (39+1).

I signed my hospital release forms and was sent only way with instructions to get my whooping cough vaccine.  It was probably the shortest appointment I've ever been to!  

34 weeks was a good one, although I am confident to say that I don't think that I'll be seeing that baby nose again until she's arrived.. I couldn't hardly tell what I was looking at on the sono screen:) 

33 Weeks + Bare Belly

With the rain long gone, the sun is shining, and therefore we have basically lived at the pool this week.  When I am on my way home from work I'm texting Jordan before I even leave the office to make sure he's ready.  I am determined to tan this bod after blinding the internet for 32 weeks.  

I was nearly halfway through my 33rd week when I realized that I hadn't taken my weekly belly picture.. and we were walking out to the pool, hence the bare belly and two piece suit:)

Getting these pictures in every week seems to get harder and harder, but can you believe I just have f i v e more of these baby bump posts??  

banner / little dovie 

non-maternity swim top // target (similar) 

non-maternity swim bottom // old navy (similar) 

headband //  sweet t shoppe

How far along? 33 weeks + 3 days

Total weight gain: 19 pounds

Maternity clothes? yaaaas.  I am living in my favorite gap maternity tanks and tees, but as I am approaching the end of this pregnancy, my favorite maternity tops seem to be getting shorter and shorter.  I play a game of peek-a-bump at least once a day, and have honestly stopped caring when I'm at home.  Whatever fits and isn't constricting the belly is what I'm going with.  A maxi dress or skirt or my favorite white linen pants have been my go-to for work attire.  Again- comfort is what I'm going for.  If a top or pants are too tight I am absolutely miserable.

Sleep:  I am waking multiple times a night these days to use the bathroom - no matter what time of day I start to limit my fluid intake, it is inevitable that I will be waking to pee.  Other than that and the occasional hunger pangs at 2am, I cannot complain.  I sleep really well for the most part - but with the size of this belly and my lack of strength to flip over and backward easily, finding comfort has been tough.  

Best moment this week: I was sitting on the toilet, because no one in this house goes pee without an audience, and Parker was standing in front of me looking at my non-belly button.  She proceeded to lift my shirt, saying her littlest sisters name and asking if she could rub my belly.  A good belly rub/scratch is by far Parker's love language - we can't undress without a tummy rub from mom or dad.  So, for her to want to rub the baby belly speaks volumes of her understanding and subsequent love for this little babe.  I am most worried about Parker's acceptance of the baby as she has taken clingy-ness to an extreme the last couple months.  Nothing but mama is acceptable to do anything, so its the little things she does when she is referring to her new sister that are swelling my heart. 

Miss Anything? Complete comfort in all aspects.  My belly gets in the way of everything- there is no 'squeezing' through to anywhere.  The elbows, headbutts, and collisions with this belly are somewhat painful, but mostly uncomfortable.  Putting on my shoes with ease is non-existent.. and bending over to pick up toys, books, food..basically anything off the floor is a case for falling head first due to the gravitational pull of the universe or taking a solid 5 minutes to recover from.  

Cravings: Summer fruit of all kinds.  I am d y i n g for some sushi - not the cooked stuff, but raw tuna or salmon, or both.  Since the weather has warmed up over this last week, I am finding myself wanting freezing cold water, cups and cups of crunchy ice, and popsicles, two at a time.      

Symptoms:  Its official: heartburn sucks.  Pair it with reflux and I'm on edge more than any other time during this pregnancy.  We went to the pool the other night, and I made the mistake of eating an apple on our walk around the block, and I was totally miserable.  I sat on the side of the pool while I watched Jordan play with Parker and Jolie.  I was fearful that I would loose my partially digested apple and whatever lunch was left if I got too active in the pool.  Lame and graphic.  Sorry! 

Looking forward to: I was mapping out the month of June on my favorite great big calendar, and with sharpie in hand I wrote out our schedule for the next 30 days.  There are so many things that I can't wait to do with the girls.. I admit to have created a summer wish list, so to speak, and although the timeframe is limited, I am confident that we can squeeze it all in! I'm also looking forward to finishing up her nursery.  I got a ton checked off the 'to-do' list this last week, and really just the little things remain.  I've also been chatting all things baby with the bestest (both her baby and my own), including her planning of a sip-and-see once she arrives.  Is this real life?  My heart couldn't be more full.  

33 weeks / twins

32 Weeks + Baby Update

banner / little dovie 

(non-maternity) maxi dress c/o white plum

How far along? 32 weeks + 3 days

Total weight gain: 18 pounds

Maternity clothes? For sure, and often:)  what I have realized is that I am able to wear some non-maternity maxi dresses comfortably, and that is always a plus in expanding what seems like such a limited wardrobe of maternity in the first place.  This maxi dress has quickly become my favorite, as its length and material  makes it easy to wear whether I have a baby bump or not (I ordered my regular pre-pregnancy size for reference). At 32 weeks I'm fully embracing the fact that I'll were whatever fits.  Did you happen to catch the discount code I mentioned (here)?  White Plum has so graciously offered to my readers a special code!  Use OHBABY through the end of TODAY for 20% your entire purchase!  They are also having another amazing wardrobe giveaway! More on that tomorrow. 

Sleep: Yes. Yes. Yes.  I am having sleep trouble just 1-2 nights a week, but again.. the naps in the late afternoon don't always do me good for falling asleep at night.  I am a notorious stomach sleeper, and if I arrange the pillows just right, I can sleep soundly and nearly 'on my stomach' for most of the night.

Best moment this week: It may be strange to some, but it is my most favorite time ever to spend running errands with my little family.  Grabbing lunch with the the hubby and toddlers in tow, running errands.. grocery shopping.  All seems so silly, but really I enjoy it more than anything.  We got to do that several times this last week - errands for the nursery, lunches, appointments.. we even made it out to the mall to play and walk around one day this last week.  

Miss Anything? Its been a pretty great week!  I cant say that I am missing anything.

Cravings: The usual hasn't changed much from last week: Carbonation. Summer fruit. Greek yogurt. Peanut Butter.  Sub sandwiches (They are always 'toasted' or warmed),  Mexican food - and after the holiday weekend and when a steak met the grill.. steak.  I want steak every night.  Steak and sushi.  Sushi.. I totally miss it.

Symptoms:  Heartburn is officially the most annoying pregnancy symptom, ever.  I bought TUMS for the first time in my entire life, and holy moly those things basically work instantly.  Popping a couple about one a day has become regular. 

Looking forward to: Soaking in these last (7) weeks have become really important to me.  I had a wave of anxiety when I realized how quickly this pregnancy has flown, making my top priority be spending time with my two first babes before the littlest sister gets here.  I feel like our summer is getting cut short with her arrival and this rain we've been having, but the excitement of having here has been on my mind constantly!  We are making plans for the pool, splash parks, and even taking the girls for their first movie in the theater:)

my suit is non-maternity from Target last year // Jolie's suit is from Zara 

32 weeks/twins

Little Sister

We got to check up on this growing baby girl yesterday.  I LOVE getting to see her on the monitor.  Per the usual, she was moving and shaking in the womb, but Dixie was able to get some amazing images of her.  She has a full head of hair, or peach fuzz, and a healthy heartbeat of 154bpm.  

Over the last month this little thing has changed positions three times.  This week she's head down, but curled in a 'c' shape around my left side.  Her little feet and legs are to my right and her little bootie is on my left.  I could have totally guessed that seeing as she sticks out her back/bottom multiple times every day - giving me that lop-sided belly look.  

After measuring all her baby parts, she is measuring just about on track for 32 weeks - just a couple days ahead (which I am fine with over the 2 weeks ahead she's been measuring!)  At 4 and a half pounds it seems as those her growth has finally leveled out - just as Walsh suspected it would.  My fluid levels are still on the high side of normal at 21 (previous at a 29), but after experiencing all this, that number seems to be my 'normal'.  We go back in just a couple weeks to the perinatologist for one last follow up with her, and then its the home stretch!  

I've said it before, but I am just so thankful for my doctors and their care for me and this pregnancy.  I know they do it for all of their pregnant patients, but there is something in the comfort of knowing they have your care plan in your best interest that eases any all anxiety. 

So excited for this healthy baby girl!

The Littlest Sister Maternity Shoot | Part II

 

 One time, not too long ago it was just me and this guy.  It is so hard to believe what we've been through these last ten years of marriage.  PCOS, male infertility, treatments, twin pregnancy, bed rest, twin birth, more infertility, loss x 2, and now this rainbow baby of ours set to arrive in just a handful of short weeks.  So thankful for him and his devotion to leading this family.  I don't know what I would do without him!

Part I HERE
photo credit: b faith photography 

blouse c/o white plum

jeans c/o motherhood maternity

heels c/o white plum

(accessories are old)

Special thank you to White Plum for sharing their adorable pieces with this pregnant lady.  

They have generously offered a special discount code to my readers.. 

Use code OHBABY at checkout for 20% your entire purchase through Memorial Day weekend:)