Mother's Day and a Bump-date!

This Mother's Day started off with a few hitches. We were supposed to camp Saturday-Tuesday. But due to weather and a certain little Bug our camping trip was postponed until Sunday.

Then we get to our campsite. The hubs gets there first and starts setting up. Bug and I aren't far behind. We finally get there with the rest of our stuff and start unloading. Bug misses the majority her nap, so she's not the happiest. As we're setting up, Bug is exploring. She's walking right beside me and missing a step and trips up onto the concrete driveway. Lands face first...Blood everywhere. It was horrible and we're still dealing with the side effects of said fall. It was brutal and it still breaks my heart. 

So that set this mama's stress level through the roof. Not the best start to Mother's Day. 

But things got better. We had two beautiful days and one night at the campsite. We didn't end up staying Monday night just with the way Bug was feeling. But we did enjoy the time we had.

A must for any camping trip: a kiddie pool! We used it while we were setting up (after the fall) and just put her toys in there and had her hang out in there without water while we busied ourselves. Then we were able to bring it by the lake and fill it up for her to splash around in. She's definitely a water bug!

She got her own camping chair for the trip and loved it! This was after the fall and you would have no idea that she was hurt there. Also, note the phone in her hand...she's a talker too. It must be a girl thing.

That tongue! I just can't get enough!

This girl made me a mommy and I am so lucky to have her as my daughter.

Where our site was must have been duck central. These two (husband and wife as we later found out) kept coming over to us. Our poor dog hated it. But Bug loved watching them.

Oh baby baby: 25 Week Bump-date!

I'm actually 24 weeks in this picture.

How far along: 25 Weeks

Trimester: 2nd 

Baby size: Rutabaga

Toes: It's sad, but they're getting harder to see every day!

Gender: BOY! It's still hard to believe...

Movement: He is a mover and a shaker!

Cravings: Spinach?

Aversions: My aversions are starting to change daily. 

Symptoms: Heartburn and hip pain is the worst.

Maternity clothes: There is nothing wrong with maternity clothes and I will proudly wear them. Baby has nowhere to go except out and my pants just don't fit anymore.

Best moment of the week: It's actually been a rough week. Bug got an infection from her fall and now has hand, foot, and mouth. It's been brutal and I'm ready for things to get back to normal!

What I'm looking forward to: The beach in just a few weeks.

Our Journey to Homebirth

I've been writing and rewriting this post for a while now. I really just don't know how to get this post started. It's not that I'm ashamed and scared that we're doing a homebirth, I'm actually quite excited, and it's probably that excitement that keeps me from getting my thoughts together.

This decision does not come out of the blue for me. I wanted a homebirth with Bug, but the hubs was not comfortable at all with that. So to the hospital we went. I am happy with my hospital birth, but it didn't go at all like I "planned" and really just wasn't comfortable there. Also, I would claim that I had "first time mom glasses" on. Everything was rose colored and I didn't  really know better. So when we got pregnant this time we went straight to the same OB we used with Bug and got the ball rolling (so to speak).

But something was different this time. I didn't have my "first time mom glasses" on anymore. I noticed that the practice was treating me differently now that I had been there done that. Something just didn't feel right. I started to entertain the thought of finding a midwife and having a homebirth. At first the hubs was against it again. He wanted to go with a hospital birth again. It was easy. It was safe. But it was no longer what I wanted.

There's a lot more emotion that goes into pregnancy and birth than you would think. And I wanted more. I wanted more support. Someone I could be friends with and trust and love to deliver my baby. I wanted someone who would support me completely, not a bunch of nurses in a white sterile environment. I wanted someone who I could trust completely to do what was best for me and my baby. And I didn't feel like I was getting that from my OB.

After talking with my husband, and my best friend who just delivered her first baby at home, I started researching midwives in the area. My wish was that I would find a Christian midwife that believes what I believe to deliver my baby. But Christian midwives are hard to come by! So we interviewed a midwife from the area, but there was something off. We just didn't click and the hubs was hesitant. The best thing that came from the interview was that the hubs was fully on board with a homebirth. But he still wanted to see who we could find. Through searching some more and a call to another midwife, I find that she's booked for my due date so we couldn't go with her, we find Margaret. God was looking out for us when He led us to her. She is everything we wanted in a midwife. And the best thing, the hubs is comfortable and likes her too!

So yes, halfway through my pregnancy, we made the switch from OB to midwife; from hospital birth to water birth at home. And you know what? I couldn't be more excited about it! I feel a different anticipation and a different excitement surrounding this pregnancy and birth. It feels so much calmer and filled with less anxiety.

This is our journey to homebirth and I'm excited to share it with y'all. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! I'd love to do a question and answer post, so if you have a question feel free to email me at beautifulfamilyaffairs{at}gmail{dot}com.

Oh baby baby: 20/21 weeks

This picture was taken at 21 weeks on Easter!

First up: 20 Week update

How far along: 20 Weeks

Trimester: 2nd - halfway there!

Baby size: Banana

Toes: It's sad, but they're getting harder to see every day!

Gender: BOY!

Movement: This little guy is getting stronger everyday! I just love feeling his kicks and punches!

Cravings: Spinach?

Aversions: My aversions are starting to change daily. 

Symptoms: Heartburn and hip pain is the worst.

Maternity clothes: There is nothing wrong with maternity clothes and I will proudly wear them. Baby has nowhere to go except out and my pants just don't fit anymore.

Best moment of the week: Deciding on a midwife!

What I'm looking forward to: Anatomy scan (it got moved)

And now for 21 weeks (where I'm at currently!)

How far along: 21 Weeks

Trimester: 2nd - less than halfway there!

Baby size: Cantaloupe 

Toes: It's sad, but they're getting harder to see every day!

Gender: It's a...(scroll down to see!)

Movement: More kicks and punches and some rolls even! I'm starting to be able to see him move and the hubs is able to now feel him kick!

Cravings: Spinach and feta

Aversions: They're still changing daily.

Symptoms: Heartburn, hip pain, and it's becoming harder to sleep at night.

Maternity clothes: There is nothing wrong with maternity clothes and I will proudly wear them. Baby has nowhere to go except out and my pants just don't fit anymore.

Best moment of the week: Our anatomy scan and our first midwife appointment!

What I'm looking forward to: Nesting! I'm hoping to start tackling our room soon! 

Oh baby baby: 19 weeks

American flag shirt: Motherhood two years ago

How far along: 19 Weeks (I'm a week behind)

Trimester: 2nd - and it's finally starting to feel like I'm actually in the second trimester!

Baby size: Mango 

Toes: It's sad, but they're getting harder to see every day!

Gender: BOY!

Movement: This little boy likes to kick his mommy, but doesn't like to let anybody else feel him kick, just like his sister.

Cravings: Anything salty, spicy, and spinach smoothies

Aversions: I can eat things, it just depends on the day. Oh! Salmon...there's an aversion for you.

Symptoms: Still exhausted, but it seems to be getting better. I am plagued by hip pain and charlie horses every once in a while, and if anyone has a good remedy for heartburn, I'd love to hear it!

Maternity clothes: There is nothing wrong with maternity clothes and I will proudly wear them. Baby has nowhere to go except out and my pants just don't fit anymore.

Best moment of the week: Getting to interview midwives!

What I'm looking forward to: At 19 weeks, I was looking forward to our second midwife interview (since then we have interviewed her...but that's for another blog post!)

Oh baby baby: 18 weeks, it's a...

How far along: 18 Weeks

Trimester: 2nd - and it's finally starting to feel like I'm actually in the second trimester!

Baby size: Bell pepper 

Toes: It's sad, but they're getting harder to see every day!

Gender: It's a...(scroll down to see!)

Movement: I feel flutters! They're getting stronger and stronger every day!

Cravings: Anything salty, spicy, and not sweet.

Aversions: Eggs, chicken, most sweet things...I'm having to cut out coffee which breaks my heart, but it's tearing my stomach up. Of the sacrifices we have to make.

Symptoms: Still exhausted, but the nausea seems to be lessoning. I am plagued by hip pain and charlie horses every once in a while, and if anyone has a good remedy for heartburn, I'd love to hear it!

Maternity clothes: There is nothing wrong with maternity clothes and I will proudly wear them. Baby has nowhere to go except out and my pants just don't fit anymore.

Best moment of the week: Our gender reveal photo shoot! Thank you, Mandi! You are amazing!

What I'm looking forward to: Sharing our wonderful news with everyone on what we're having (for those who aren't following along on Facebook) and our meeting with a potential midwife on Monday!

The following pictures are done by Mandi of Making Memories Photography. If you are ever in the Atlanta area and are searching for an amazing photographer, she is the best! 

IT'S A BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

We are so excited and beyond thrilled to be adding a little "Buck" to our family. Here's to slugs and snails and puppy-dogs' tails!

To see more of our gender reveal please click here

My dress: Motherhood, two years ago (same dress I wore for Bug's gender reveal ironically enough) Bug's outfit: dress - Gap; headband - Because Pink Designs; shoes - Minnetonka

Oh baby baby: 17 weeks

 mama bear sweatshirt: loved by hannah and eli

How far along: 17 Weeks

Trimester: 2nd - now where's that energy and morning sickness relief that's supposed to come along with this new trimester?

Baby size: Onion 

Toes: It's sad, but they're getting harder to see every day!

Gender: We know...but we're not telling! You'll have to wait until next week sometime!

Movement: I feel flutters! They're getting stronger and stronger every day!

Cravings: Anything salty, spicy, and not sweet.

Aversions: Eggs, chicken, most sweet things...I'm having to cut out coffee which breaks my heart, but it's tearing my stomach up. Of the sacrifices we have to make,

Symptoms: I'm still slightly nauseated, but I'm hoping the end is in sight. Growing pains have reared their ugly head and my hips are not very thankful for them. Holy heartburn. This kid better have some hair with all this heartburn I'm having. I'm no longer able to sleep on my right side because of it.

Maternity clothes: There is nothing wrong with maternity clothes and I will proudly wear them. Baby has nowhere to go except out and my pants just don't fit anymore.

Best moment of the week: Doctor appointment is Wednesday! I'm looking for hearing this little one's heartbeat and seeing how everything is going!

What I'm looking forward to: Everyone getting better. We've all been sick, and I'm just not a fan at all.

Comparisons: Baby 1 and Baby 2

Well, we officially know the gender of baby 2, but we don't know exactly when we'll announce. First we have to tell family and then we'll decide. I'm only 15 weeks, so we might wait until my 20 week anatomy scan before we officially announce. 

That being said, I thought I'd get a poll going (at the bottom of the post) to see what y'all thing. Before you vote though, I thought it'd be fun to compare both pregnancies. I got the idea from Callie over at Through Clouded Glass who is pregnant with her third! And she is absolutely glowing! If you're looking for a great Mommy blog, check her out!

"Every pregnancy is different." 

I can't tell you how many times I've heard that since becoming pregnant this go around, and boy has it rang true! Everything has been different. And I mean everything.

Cravings

With Bug: Dairy

With Baby 2: Salty, spicy, meat, chili

Aversions

With Bug: Meat, chicken

With Baby 2: Chicken, cheese, sweet things

What Side Do You Sleep On?

With Bug: Right side

With Baby 2: Left side or back 

Morning Sickness

With Bug: Come second trimester, it was slowly fading

With Baby 2: I'm still getting waves coming on 15+ weeks. This better end soon!

Carrying

With Bug: I feel like I carried her pretty low, definitely right out front.

With Baby 2: I feel like baby is either in the same place as Bug or slightly higher. 

Baby's Heartrate

With Bug: in the 160s

Baby 2: 140s and 150s

Pregnancy Acne

With Bug: Beautiful, glowing skin!

With Baby 2: I feel like I'm going through puberty again! 

Chinese Gender Chart

With Bug: Boy

With Baby 2: Girl

Heartburn

With Bug: Didn't hit until 3rd trimester

With Baby 2: Where did this heartburn come from and why is it here so early?

Oh baby baby: 15 Weeks

First off, let me say that I can't believe I'm already doing these again. I guess these posts make this whole thing more real than before. Also, when did I hit 15 weeks?! I feel like I'm way behind because this pregnancy has been speeding by! However, I don't know if I'll be saying that come July and August.

How far along: 15 Weeks

Trimester: 2nd - now where's that energy and morning sickness relief that's supposed to come along with this new trimester?

Baby size: Naval orange! 

Toes: I better be able to see them, I haven't popped that much yet!

Gender: I have no idea. 

Movement: I feel flutters! They're getting stronger and stronger every day!

Cravings: Anything salty, spicy, and not sweet.

Aversions: Everything I craved with Bug.

Symptoms: Zofran is my friend. I don't have to take it every day, but there are some days that I wouldn't make it without it. Round ligament pain is common with any sudden movements or sneezing. This go around, I've had horrible sciatic pain. I'll be going strong and all of a sudden my left hip will go out. Some heartburn, only occasionally and I'm kind of starting to feel those Braxton Hicks contractions already! They scared me at first, but I found out they're pretty common.

Maternity clothes: There is nothing wrong with maternity clothes and I will proudly wear them. Baby has nowhere to go except out and my pants just don't fit anymore.

Best moment of the week: Setting up our elective ultrasound to find out if baby #2 is a boy or girl!

What I'm looking forward to: Our elective ultrasound!

This pregnancy has been a complete 180* than my pregnancy with Bug. I hope to get a post all about comparisons sooner than later, but it's true what they say: every pregnancy is different!

Getting Back To It

Since December I know I've been here and there and everywhere, only posting randomly and without much content. For that I apologize. I feel like since I found out I was pregnant, things have been on a rocking roller coaster. Some great things. Some not so great things.

I feel like I'm getting out of the clouds. Finally, things are starting to settle down. I'm beginning to gain some energy here and there, but my nausea is still hit or miss. I guess there are good days and bad days with everyone, I just think pregnancy magnifies the good and the bad.

To top it all off, I've had the worst case of baby brain. I've had posts written out and had them all planned, only to either completely forget when I sit down to type or I fall asleep before I can write them down.

Starting Monday: pregnancy updates! I'll be 15 weeks and it's high time I get started on these things.

If you're curious as to what I've been up to, follow me on Instagram @alliw009

I know there is a light at the end of this tunnel. I just pray this "second trimester energy" thing isn't a myth. I remember it with Bug, but this time around it seems to be avoiding me!

Rainbows

Rainbows are beautiful. They hold so much meaning. They signify a promise. They represent hope after a storm.

Just a few days before Christmas, we received our rainbow...

As I sit here typing this out, I'm terrified. Terrified that though everything seems right, something might be wrong and we'll lose this precious rainbow. But I trust God. He will give us the desires of our hearts and he is keeping our baby safe.  

So today marks week 13 (plus 1 day) and we are truly excited and feel so blessed to be pregnant once again!