Baby Little - 18 Weeks!

(By the way, I'm still waiting to look like a pregnant supermodel in one of these pictures . . . I believe I'll be waiting a while :)  These pictures aren't flattering, but I'll be glad I documented the experience, I guess?)

How far along?  18 weeks

Gender:  It's a BOY!!! 

Name:  Yikes!  We still don't have a name other than "Baby Brother" or "New Baby"!  I'm starting to panic a little, not because we don't have time to pick out a name, but because I feel like we may never agree on one!

What is baby up to?  He is about 5 1/2 inches long - about the size of a bell pepper - and weighs about 7 ounces.  He is busy flexing his arms and legs, which I can feel very faintly every now and then - so exciting!  His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position.  A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born.

Total weight gain:  I went to the doctor on Monday, and I believe the scale still showed a 6 lb. weight gain.

Maternity clothes:  I can still wear a couple pair of pants that aren't maternity (they are low enough that they don't smoosh the belly), but mostly it's maternity jeans and maternity tops with a few non-maternity tops mixed in.

Stretch marks:  Nope!

Sleep:  I've been sleeping very well lately, so hopefully this keeps up for a while!

Best moment this week:  Still love thinking about my boys together!
From last weeks post:  I've had so much fun thinking about my two little men growing up together and all the fun they'll have, matching outfits (when they're little - eek!), baseball games, etc.  All the things that will make having two little boys so much fun and such an adventure :)  

Miss anything?  Not really!

Food cravings:  Nothing fun to report here!

Anything make you queasy or sick?  Feeling hungry

Exercise:  I haven't done too well on the exercise this week :(  I'm going to try a new tactic:  get up and go before Jack wakes up.  We'll see if this actually happens.  I have great intentions at night and then morning comes, and I think, "what was I thinking?!?"  So, we'll see.  I'll report back :)

Labor signs:  None

Symptoms:  Feeling queasy when hungry and tired and out of breath sometimes - ok, a lot.

Most looking forward to:  Getting Jack's big boy room ready and the nursery ready for Baby Brother!

Baby Little #2 - 17 Weeks!

How far along?  17 weeks

Gender:  It's a BOY!!! 

Name:  We have a very short list of names, mostly consisting of family names.  I would like to do a little more research though into names on both sides of our families before we pick one.

What is baby up to?  He is about 5 inches long - about the size of an turnip - and weighs about 5 ounces.  Baby Brother's (his name until we pick one) skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the placenta is stronger and thicker!  He can move his joints, and his sweat glands are starting to develop.  

Total weight gain:  Last I checked at the gym it was 6 lbs. . . 

Maternity clothes:  I have uncovered a couple pair of regular pants that are low enough that they don't squoosh the belly, but my maternity jeans are most definitely my go-to pants these days.  Still rocking both regular and maternity shirts, although some of my regular shirts are getting to be a little short.  Last I checked, mid-drifts aren't too cute on pregnant ladies, or on anyone for that matter.

Stretch marks:  Still no sign of any, thank goodness!

Sleep:  Still sleeping pretty well!  Although sometimes I'll wake up in the night and not be able to fall back asleep, which never used to happen.

Best moment this week:  I've had so much fun thinking about my two little men growing up together and all the fun they'll have, matching outfits (when they're little - eek!), baseball games, etc.  All the things that will make having two little boys so much fun and such an adventure :)  

Miss anything?  Not missing too much this week!

Food cravings:  I had a delicious turkey sandwich yesterday in Vail Village with lettuce, tomato, cheese, sprouts, and avocado on it that fulfilled my deli sandwich craving for the week. I asked the girl to toast the bread and heat up the meat, and man, it. was. good.

Anything make you queasy or sick?  Feeling hungry

Exercise:  I went to the gym twice last week!  

Labor signs:  None

Symptoms:  Just feeling tired most days, chasing after Jack-man :)  And also feeling hungry.  Very hungry.  They said Baby Brother would be having a growth-spurt soon, and I believe he most definitely is!  

Most looking forward to:  Getting Jack's big boy room ready, the nursery ready for another little boy, and getting a few matching outfits for the boys.  I think matching siblings are so cute!

Baby Little #2 - 16 Weeks!

How far along?  16 weeks

Gender:  It's a BOY!!! 

Name:  We have a very short list of names, mostly consisting of family names.  I would like to do a little more research though into names on both sides of our families before we pick one.

What is baby up to?  He is about 4.5 inches long - about the size of an avocado - and weighs about three and a half ounces.  BabyCenter says that in the next few weeks, he'll have a major growth spurt, doubling in weight and adding several inches in length!  Right now, his legs are much more developed, and his head is much more erect than it has been.  His eyes have moved closer to the front of his head, and his ears are close to being in their final position.  

Total weight gain:  I believe it's still 5 lbs., although it feels like 50!

Maternity clothes:  Maternity jeans are a must!  Still wearing both regular tops and maternity tops.  I can still squeeze into some of my dresses, although pretty soon, I'm thinking they're going to look a tad inappropriate.  I can't wait for spring and summer, so I can pull out some of my maternity clothes that I wore when I was pregnant with Jack!

Stretch marks:  Nope 

Sleep:  Still good! 

Best moment this week:  Finding out that we have another precious little man on the way!

Miss anything?  My smaller clothes, my smaller body, and clearer skin 

Food cravings:  Haven't had many recently . . . If I think of something that sounds good though, I have to have it . . .  you just can't ever really tell what's it's going to be though. 

Anything make you queasy or sick?  Feeling hungry

Exercise:  The goal is to go AT LEAST three times a week, and I'm bound and determined to make this happen!

Labor signs:  None

Symptoms:  Skin issues - although I did switch makeup and moisturizer, and that seems to have helped.          

Most looking forward to:  Choosing a name and getting his nursery all ready for him :) 

Baby Little #2 - 15 Weeks!

How far along?  15 weeks

Gender:  We'll find out Saturday!  We don't care - boy or girl - we'll be ecstatic either way!

Name:  I wish I could say that we have a definite boy name and a definite girl name, but we don't.  We have a short list for both, but nothing for sure yet.  I think when we find out the gender this weekend, it'll make it a lot easier to choose.  For some reason, knowing the gender helps me to visualize the baby with his or her name.  Does that make sense?

What is baby up to?  He/she is about 4 inches long - about the size of an apple - and weighs about two and a half ounces.  His/her legs are growing faster than his/her arms, and he/she can move all of his/her joints and limbs.  Although his/her eyelids are still fused shut, he/she can sense light.  He/she is also forming taste buds!  (Sidenote:  I'll be glad when we know what it is, so I can stop with all this "he/she", "his/her" stuff :))

Total weight gain:  5 lbs. and holding strong :)  Which, I read on BabyCenter today is the normal weight gain at 15 weeks, so yay!   

Maternity clothes:  Still loving my maternity jeans and tights while it's still cold outside.  I'm excited for spring and summer, so I can break out some dresses!  

Stretch marks:  Nope 

Sleep:  Still sleeping well!  Right after I said that I had trouble getting comfortable, the very next night, I slept like a log.  

Best moment this week:  It WILL BE finding out the gender of our precious little one!  

Miss anything?  Still missing my smaller clothes and my smaller body

Food cravings:  Not much to report, but when the craving strikes, it is strong!  Like today, when I got a craving for Taco Bell . . .

Anything make you queasy or sick?  Feeling hungry

Exercise:  The goal is to go AT LEAST three times a week, and I'm bound and determined to make this happen!

Labor signs:  None

Symptoms:  These days I'm having trouble with my skin . . . With Jack, my skin actually cleared up, but this time it's gotten worse.         

Most looking forward to:  Finding out the gender this weekend!

Baby Little #2 - 14 Weeks!

*I am technically still in my 14th week, because I'm counting Tuesdays as my "day"* 

How far along?  14 weeks

Gender:  Don't know yet! We'll find out this weekend!

Name:  I think we've nailed down a boy and a girl name, so as soon as we find out what the gender is, we'll have to see if we are as confident in our choices as we think we are!

What is baby up to?  Baby Little is stretching out! He/she is about 3 1/2 inches long - about the size of a lemon - and weighs about one and a half ounce.  His/her body is now growing faster than his/her head.  Big development this week:  Baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his/her thumb!

Total weight gain:  5 lbs. and holding strong :) 

Maternity clothes:  I have officially brought out the maternity jeans, and they are glorious!  Not sure why I waited so long.  I'm still wearing mostly regular shirts with a few maternity ones mixed in here and there.   

Stretch marks:  Haven't seen any!  

Sleep:  Still sleeping pretty well, although it is a little difficult to get comfortable sometimes.  I hesitate to even say this, because I remember how uncomfortable I was with Jack there towards the end, and I KNOW this is going to get a lot worse!  

Best moment this week:  Feeling Baby Little kick!  Jonathan and I were sitting on the couch watching the Olympics and I felt a tiny, little kick way down low in my tummy.  I also felt him/her kick last night before I went to bed as I was laying on my back!  I don't feel it all that often, but it is definitely a feeling you never forget!   

Miss anything?  My smaller-sized clothes :(  Dressing for church is getting to be very difficult ALREADY!

Food cravings:  Not having too many food cravings these days!  I do still feel hungry basically all day though.

Anything make you queasy or sick?  Still have to eat pretty regularly to avoid feeling icky.

Exercise:  I did workout today!  Whoop, whoop!  I did 45 minutes on the treadmill (walked and ran) and 10 minutes on the bike :)

Labor signs:  None

Symptoms:  I still feel icky sometimes, but I really don't have many bad symptoms to report, thankfully.       

Most looking forward to:  Finding out the gender this weekend!

Baby Little #2 - 13 Weeks!

*I've already fallen off the wagon with the picture-taking . . . I'm 14 weeks this week, so this next post WILL have a picture!  Instead, I'll just post this picture again of our sweet baby at 13 weeks.*

How far along?  13 weeks

Gender:  Don't know yet! We'll find out February 22nd, and it can't get here fast enough!

Name:  We have options for both boy or girl, but nothing concrete yet. 

What is baby up to?  Baby Little is almost 3 inches long - about the size of a pea pod - and weighs nearly an ounce.  Fingerprints formed this week, his/her veins and organs are visible through his/her thin skin, and his/her body is starting to catch up with his/her head, which makes up just a third of his/her body size now. 

Total weight gain:  5 lbs. at my last appointment, which was yesterday!

Maternity clothes:  Still rockin' a few shirts, but no pants yet.   

Stretch marks:  Nope!  

Sleep:  So far, so good!

Best moment this week:  Going to the doctor, hearing that Baby is healthy and growing, and seeing that precious little angel kicking and squirming on the ultrasound.     

Miss anything?  Still probably a diet coke fountain drink and cold deli sandwiches

Food cravings:  Still wanting salty things and water . . . I feel like I can't get enough water!  Probably because I can't get enough salty food . . . I'm just now putting the two together . . .

Anything make you queasy or sick?  Not eating.  Still snacking like it's my job.

Exercise:  Nothing to report here.

Labor signs:  None

Symptoms:  The morning sickness has gotten a lot better, thank goodness!  I figured out that I have to eat almost immediately after waking up instead of waiting until I feel better.  Waiting to eat just made me feel worse.      

Most looking forward to:  Finding out the gender!!!

Baby Little #2 - 12 Weeks!

*Note:  I am actually 14 weeks along, but I'm playing catch-up :)

How far along?  12 weeks

Gender:  Don't know yet! We'll find out February 22nd!

Name:  We have a few boy names and a few girl names, so once we find out what it is, it may be difficult to decide!

What is baby up to?  Baby is just over two inches long - about the size of a lime - and weighs about a half an ounce.  According to BabyCenter, the most dramatic development this week:  reflexes.  Baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his/her toes will curl, his/her eye muscles will clench, and his/her mouth will make sucking movements.  Also, if you push on your belly, baby will squirm in response, although you can't feel it yet.

Total weight gain:  4 lbs.  Yikes.  If this keeps up . . . well, let's not go there.

Maternity clothes:  Not TOTALLY necessary yet, but oh-so-nice.  I have put a couple of maternity shirts into rotation, and I feel that pants aren't far behind.  

Stretch marks:  Nope, and let's hope these lovely things keep their distance.

Sleep:  Good!  No problems yet.

Best moment this week:  Starting to see more of a pregnant belly.  It really popped out a lot sooner this time!

Miss anything?  Diet coke and cold deli sandwiches

Food cravings:  I had A LOT of food cravings during the first 8 weeks  - sushi, greek salads, green olives.  Basically anything that was really salty was really good.  I haven't had many food cravings lately, although I did almost cause an accident the other day trying to pull into a Jersey Mike's Subs.  When the craving strikes, you just gotta go with it!  Even if you are in the far left lane and need to turn right . . .

Anything make you queasy or sick?  Not eating.  I basically have to snack all throughout the day.  Tough life, I know.

Exercise:  . . . hmmm . . . Not sure why I included this section.

Labor signs:  None

Symptoms:  I've had horrible morning sickness this time, and I didn't really have that at all with Jack.  So far, I have actually gotten sick three times, twice in the morning and once at night.  Other than that, I've been a little tired, but nothing too bad.  Gotta keep up with Jack-man!       

Most looking forward to:  Finding out the gender!!!

Christmas, Illinois, and Exciting News!

This blog has been SERIOUSLY neglected, and it was one of New Year's resolutions to do a better job of updating the blog!   Perhaps I should have made a resolution to NOT make resolutions . . .

Well, it's been months since I've updated, and it's not like I've had nothing to blog about - quite the contrary!  We have had lots going on!

For starters, we had a wonderfully busy Christmas!  We spent Christmas Eve Eve and Christmas Eve with my family in Trussville and then traveled up to Florence to spend Christmas morning with Jonathan's family for the first time since we've been married.  Yes, you read the correctly.  And, yes, I'm a bad wife and have a wonderfully understanding husband ;)

We enjoyed delicious holiday food and great company with both sides of the family.

And after that, we made a trip up to Springfield, IL to visit with the family up there!

Here are just a few pictures from Christmas this year, in no particular order :)

Jack obviously loved Santa!  Maybe next year, although I'm not hopeful.

Waiting to see Santa at Brookwood Mall in Birmingham with Mac and Babs.  The torture continues!

Christmas Eve morning at Mac and Babs house!

Our best attempt at a family picture that morning.

Giving Mickey kisses!

Our first artificial Christmas tree!  We usually get a real tree, but decided a fake one was cleaner and more economical!

We don't have stockings yet, but I plan to get some before next year.  AND I forgot to take a picture of the outside of our house all decorated :( Which makes me very sad, because I was acutally pretty proud of it, and thought it looked really cute.  Oh well.  We just had wreaths on the windows and door with burlap bows and lit garland around the door.

I was so excited to see It's a Wonderful Life at the Alabama theater this year!  It's my favorite Christmas movie, and I had never seen it on the big screen.  It was wonderful!

Christmas morning at Mummi and Doc's!

The boys went hunting . . .

and Virginia went shopping :)

. . . . . . . . .


Right after Christmas, Jonathan, Jack, Mummi, Kate, and I took a trip up to Illinois to visit the fam up there!  We had so much visiting and seeing some of the local attractions.

Jack and Kate were very good road-trip buddies!

Jack and Poppie were great buddies too!

We enjoyed getting to pet the horses out at Dave's farm!

Well, we didn't all enjoy it . . . Jack was a little nervous and didn't quite know how to react. The horses were a little bit bigger than Bitzy and Lily, my parents Shih tzu and Peekapoo!

Lunch at Emelio's.  It was delicious!

Union Square Park and Train Station - the station that Poppie left from as he headed off to fight in WWII.

Jonathan and I took a little day-date to the Lincoln Museum!  We had so much fun!

The Littles and the Lincolns

We got some coffee...

And Mummi and Jack went fishin'!

. . . . . . . . .

Now on to some really exciting news . . .

We are excited to announce that we are expecting BABY LITTLE #2!

I am currently 13 weeks along, and Baby Little #2 is set to arrive on or around August 12th - the hottest, most humid month of the year in Alabama!   

Jack and his new brother or sister will be 22 months apart, and I can't tell you how excited I am about that.  First of all, I always wanted a sibling, specifically a big brother.  So, whatever this next baby is, boy or girl, rest assured that they will have a wonderful big brother in Jack Little.  And he will love them with all of his might, because I will always tell him how lucky he is to have said brother or sister and how Mommy always wanted a sibling, so he should never fight with or speak ugly to him or her, his playmate, confidant, and life-long friend.  Of course this is wishful thinking on my part, but, hey, I guess it can't hurt, right?

I am so eager to find out the gender of this baby and start preparing everything for him or her!  We will travel up to Florence on February 22nd to have my sister-in-law scan me, and it just can't get here soon enough! Just for the record, Jonathan and I both think it's a girl.  There are so many reasons to be excited about either gender and we, of course, don't care either way.  We just pray that we have a healthy baby when it's all said and done with.

Here is a picture of the new baby that was taken at my doctor's appointment yesterday.

I knew it would look more like a baby this time, because the last time I had an ultrasound I was only 8 weeks along, but it still did not cease to amaze me to see that little baby on the screen!  As soon as she put the wand on my tummy, we (my mom went with me) saw that little thing kicking and squirming around with its little arms and legs flailing about . . . He/she was quite active, and it was just amazing to see it.  I know it's weird to say this, but sometimes I actually forget that I'm pregnant!  I mean, I don't look all that pregnant yet, and sometimes I don't feel pregnant, but yesterday's visit served as an excellent reminder that, yes, I am growing another life and very soon we will be a happy little family of FOUR!

I'm hoping to update each week with belly pictures and updates on how I'm feeling, so I can keep up with it just like I had hoped to do with Jack! Haha!  But I also just plan to update more in general - Jack updates, life updates, etc. 

Another post coming soon!