38 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 38 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a watermelon. Weighs about 6.8lbs and should be around 19-22 inches long
Maternity Clothes: Maternity jeans are officially too tight...I usually wear them out and about but change into yoga-like pants when I get home
Gender: It's a BOY! Bennett Robert
Movement: He's still bringing the pain with the roundhouses to my ribs. I can definitely tell that he has run out of room and can't quite move as much as he'd like to
Sleep: I wake up a LOT at night. I really haven't been sleeping well at all and lately have had major acid reflux issues at night. I've been trying a few home remedies (spoonful of honey) and up'd my prilosec to twice a day and that helps a bit.
What I miss: bending over, not having to roll out of bed at night, and a full night of sleep *yes, I realize I won't get this again until Bennett's 3.*
Cravings: I could live off coffee alone (I only have one cup a day now, if that) but nothing food-wise sounds good to me at all.
Symptoms: Contractions which my dr said are mostly irritability contractions and not anything to worry about.
Best Moment this week: Realizing that in ONE week we will have a baby!!!
Next Appointment: January 3rd- Ultrasound, NST (LAST ONE!) and final appointment!! :)

We are getting cloooooooooose! :)

Santa has arrived!

4 more days!!

Seems my gift is already under the tree!!

36 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 36 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a watermelon. Weighs 6.5lbs and should be around 19-22 inches long
Maternity Clothes: I am running out of anything that fits properly, I just have to make it through the holiday family parties and then I may live in yoga pants.
Gender: It's a BOY! Bennett Robert
Movement: I've read that he is supposed to be slowing down but this kid going nuts at night. He has taken a liking to my right ribs and I'm pretty sure he may break one soon.
Sleep: I wake up a lot at night, it's when I am the most uncomfortable and now Ben's movements are causing me to wake up as well.
What I miss: bending over
Cravings: I want Starbucks all.the.time.
Symptoms: Bladder=baby trampoline, braxton hicks contractions, back ache
Best Moment this week: We had an ultrasound I got to see Bennett moving around and swallowing. He looks like he's got a chubby face!
Next Appointment: December 19th. Another NST and appointment

The boys and I

Last week Dominic wanted to be in my bi-weekly picture. I can already tell that I am going to have my hands full with two boys!! (and love every minute of it!)

Less than one month until Bennett's scheduled eviction!! We are getting so close, I better start getting things together maybe pack my bag or something haha!

A bump of all trades

Who knew that my baby bump doubled as a parking lot for Dominic's cars? :)

34 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 34 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a pineapple. Weighs 4.75 lbs and should be around 18 inches long
Maternity Clothes: My maternity jeans are getting uncomfortable now and I've been living in these Old Navy fold over pants---soooo comfy!
Gender: It's a BOY! Bennett Robert
Movement: He's definitely a mover. He keeps me up every night and wakes me early in the morning. I think he's just preparing me for what is in store. I'm pretty certain that he has big feet like his big brother judging by what seems to be pushing against me at times.
Sleep: I wake up a lot at night, it's when I am the most uncomfortable and now Ben's movements are causing me to wake up as well.
What I miss: Not having to roll myself out of bed or peeing 50 times a night!
Cravings: I want Starbucks all.the.time.
Symptoms: Bladder=baby trampoline, braxton hicks contractions, back ache
Best Moment this week: Not going into labor after the stressful week we've had here!
Next Appointment: December 5th (Lou's 30th birthday!!!). I have been going for weekly NST tests and appointments after 32 weeks.

The power of prayer

Early Wednesday morning at 5:00 am I was awaken suddenly with an intense "feeling" that I needed to pray that Lou would have a safe drive to Akron in the morning. I did so and fell back asleep. There had been a light dusting of snow overnight but I hadn't seen it. I woke up before Lou left that morning and made sure that I told him to be extra careful driving. An hour later, he called me and told me that he had been in an accident. He hydroplaned going 60 miles per hour on the Ohio Turnpike and hit the median on all 4 sides of the car. Windows shattered, bumpers flew but Lou walked away completely fine. Needless to say it was scary, but I am sure glad that we had God watching over us. Lou was a bit sore yesterday from the impact but other than that all the damage was done to the car. We are waiting to hear back from the repair shop if the car is totalled. This car is almost paid off so we are hoping that it can be repaired!!! The most important thing is that everyone is okay! And to all of you....be careful during these winter months!! :)

Like Mother, like Son

Latte for Mommy and hot cocoa for Dominic!

32 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 32 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a large jicama? Weighs 3.75 lbs (he was 4 lbs already a week and a half ago in the ultrasound) and should be around 16.5 inches long
Maternity Clothes: Even those are gradually getting uncomfortable now
Gender: It's a BOY! Bennett Robert
Movement: He's been practicing karate using my ribs as a punching/kicking bag and it's no fun.
Sleep: I wake up a lot at night, it's when I am the most uncomfortable and now Ben's movements are causing me to wake up as well.
What I miss: Bending over and putting on my own socks/shoes
Cravings: Nothing really sounds good to me anymore.
Symptoms: Bladder=baby trampoline
Best Moment this week: Scheduled the C/S surgery for Monday, January 9th!!
Next Appointment: November 28th. They are out next week for Thanksgiving but from here on out it's weekly appointments and NST appts.

Birthday Pictures!

Here are some of the pictures from Dominic's 3rd Birthday party last weekend. We let him pick out the party theme this year and he chose Lightning McQueen/Angry Birds. Haha! I can already tell that three is going to be a very interesting age! :) Thank you to everyone who came to his party and/or sent birthday wishes his way!

Thankful for beautiful days

30 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 30 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a Butternut Squash! 17 in, 3.1 lbs estimate
Maternity Clothes: Even those are gradually getting uncomfortable now
Gender: It's a BOY! Bennett Robert
Movement: He's an active boy, especially from 11pm-2 am when he is rolling, kicking and pushing me awake
Sleep: Really not sleeping well at all but am back to feeling first trimester exhausted.
What I miss: Eating a full meal, bending over and not having to roll myself out of bed. lol
Cravings: Nothing really, can sleep be considered a craving??
Symptoms: heartburn--My OB told me to take Prilosec OTC and it has worked WONDERS! :)
Best Moment this week: Ordered Bennett's first outfit for the hospital and it's already shipped! :)
Next Appointment: November 9th

9 more weeks!!!!

Trick or Treat a little late

Happy Halloween!

More fall fun!

28 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 28 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a Small Cabbage! 17 in, 2.9 lbs estimate
Maternity Clothes: Oh of course. I'm a little peeved that when I wasn't pregnant stores were coming out with all sorts of cute maternity clothes and now--not so much. I really only wear maternity jeans with regular, long shirts.
Gender: It's a BOY! Bennett Robert
Movement: He's getting stronger! (Must be my new Iron supplements I've been prescribed!) His movements are starting to get painful. Bennett is located a lot higher up in my belly than Dominic ever was so I never really got to experience rib roundhouse kicks like I do with B.
Sleep: Not sleeping too well--if I lay in one position too long it really hurts my back and hips so I toss and turn all night.
What I miss: Being able to bend over!!! With Bennett so high up, it's getting really hard to bend over and do simple things like put socks on hah!
Cravings: I reallllllllly want Nachos with cheese and jalapenos but I the thought of the heartburn that would give me is enough to kill the craving.
Symptoms: heartburn
Best Moment this week: Dominic told me that he "loves baby Bennett" and he wants to "share his toys" with him. I get emotional excited when I think of the two boys playing and growing up together! :)
Next Appointment: October 26th

The Greatest Show on Earth

Tonight we went to the circus for the first time. We are super grateful to have gotten to sit in the Medical Mutual suite at Quicken loans Arena aka a pregnant woman's paradise!! The suite was filled with yummy food complete with a dessert cart! Dominic had a great time clapping along and yelling to the performers. I love seeing and experiencing things like this with him-just genuinely excited and seeing "magic". I'm sure this was just the first of many circus trips we take!

It's corny!

This weekend we went to a local greenhouse to play at their fall festival. Dominic loved this corn pit and looking at all the pumpkins. They were already setting up all the Christmas trees and decor in the midst of the festival. I'm so so excited for the holidays-it's my favorite time of year and usually goes by super fast! Which is kinda scary because Bennett will be here RIGHT after the New Year!!! Eek!

26 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 26 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a Eggplant! My uterus is the size of a basketball supossedly
Maternity Clothes: Yes! Although I squeezed into my shorts today that aren't maternity but luckilly have a drawstring.
Gender: It's a BOY! Bennett Robert
Movement: A lot of strong movement. I'm pretty sure this baby is nocturnal because he kicks and rolls from 12-2 each morning.
Sleep: I wake up at least 5 times a night. Needless to say I'm exhausted!
What I miss: Being able to bend over
Cravings: Honeycrisp apples!
Symptoms: heartburn is still kicking my butt-it seems like everything I eat/drink does me in
Best Moment this week: Not pregnancy related but I'm sure I'll take pictures with it--we preordered our iPhone 4S's!! :)
Next Appointment: October 26th

MS & baby appt updates

  MS doctor appointment: I went in August to my neurologist to discuss the pregnancy and multiple sclerosis and more importantly, what will be my plan for after I deliver. Originally I was told that it was in my best interest to not nurse at all, or only for about 2 weeks. They wanted me to continue with my treatment as soon as Bennett was born as most mothers experience a rough relapse after delivery.
   I was checked out for mobility and symptoms by the nurse and everything looked good. I was scheduled to have my annual MRI scan but due to the pregnancy, we couldn't do that. My doctor spoke with Lou and I about what to expect after delivery. He also proposed that I switch from Copaxone injections to the new MS pill form of treatment--Gilenya. This pill has been on the market for over a year with great results within the trial groups. I am still not sure what we are going to do. I have a couple more months to decide which treatment I want to continue with and weigh the pros and cons.
   Then I was able to sweet talk my way into nursing the baby for 6 weeks!!! I have to see the neurologist RIGHT after I deliver Ben to see how I am doing. I do not want to push my health or go against the doctor who obviously knows more than I do--so I am not going to attempt to get more than they have allowed. I still consider it a small victory (and money saved!!). 

OB appointment: We went in last week for our monthly appointment and the glucose test. Everything looked, measured and sounded perfect. I was given some surprising news though--starting at 32 weeks pregnant, I will have to go to see the doctor twice a week until I deliver. Because MS is such an unpredictable disease and other underlying factors--they want to monitor me closely. I'm crossing my fingers that this doesn't involve the stress testing. I swear concentrating on baby movements and pressing buttons causes ME more stress! lol I guess I'll find out more as the weeks go on. I also discussed scheduling the C-section and it looks like we will deliver sometime the week of January 8th.
   We had an ultrasound as well and Bennett was bouncing all over the place! It was neat to see how much he has changed in two months. We could see him yawning, waving, and "drinking" water. Very cute! It's hard to believe that in about 3 months we are going to have another little boy! :)

So that's it for updates! My next OB appointment is at the end of October. It's my last monthly appointment! I'll only have one 2 week appt then move on to twice weeklys! Thank goodness for great insurance haha! :)

Happy October!

I found this picture while browsing my iPhone pictures. This was
Dominic's first October. I can hardly remember him this small and
chubby!! Too cute!

It's freeeezing here today-a perfect excuse for a pumpkin spice latte
don't ya think! ;-)

"Birthday Party" pictures

It has been raining like crazy up here lately so we decided to take full advantage of a sunny, warm day. I mentioned to Dominic that I wanted to take some pictures of him and he insisted that the pictures were all for his "Birthday Party". I have NO CLUE where he is getting it from but everything revolves around his birthday lately. He looks through catalogs, iphone apps, books etc finding stuff for "my birthday party". It's so funny! I was hoping that the leaves were going to be a bit brighter but I've read that Northern Ohio is at it's peak the first week of October--guess we'll try again next week! :)

24 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 24 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a Papaya! Or an ear of corn according to some sites.
Maternity Clothes: Yes please. I feel like I am MUCH bigger this pregnancy way sooner.
Gender: It's a BOY! Bennett Robert
Movement: A lot of strong movement. I'm pretty sure this baby is nocturnal because he kicks and rolls from 12-2 each morning.
Sleep: Bennett seems to have moved away from my bladder which means I am up less throughout the night. I've been super exhausted the last couple weeks--possibly due to dealing with Dominic's surgery (he had his tonsils and adenoids out) and the cooler weather.
What I miss: more than one cup of caffeine a day
Cravings: Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks. I can't chalk this up to pregnancy--they are just so good!!
Symptoms: heartburn is still kicking my butt-it seems like everything I eat/drink does me in
Best Moment this week: The first day of fall!! I LOVE fall and the holiday season--which is just so much closer to Ben's birthday! :)
Next Appointment: September 28th-Glucose test day

22 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 22 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a Papaya!
Maternity Clothes: Last week we had some cooler weather and I was able to enjoy my old maternity jeans again. Aren't these just pajama jeans??
Gender: It's a BOY! Bennett Robert
Movement: LOTS of movement!! I really don't remember Dominic being so strong so early. It looks like Bennett is trying to break out of my belly some days. Lou has been able to feel him kicking already as well.
Sleep: I can count on one hand the number of decent nights of sleep I've gotten in the last few months. Hopefully crisp, fall temperatures will help!
What I miss: sleeping on my stomach
Cravings: Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks. I can't chalk this up to pregnancy--they are just so good
Symptoms: heartburn city
Best Moment this week: Lou getting to feel Ben kick and seeing him moving around in there. Instant reassurance.
Next Appointment: September 28th-Glucose test day

Poppin in!

I do have some updates to get caught up on but that will have to wait
until I have more than 5 minutes to myself at the computer! So in
celebration of the kickoff of football season here's a picture of
Dominic wearing one of Lou's shirts from when he was D's age. How
cute! Go Browns and Buckeyes!!

20 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 20 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a large banana!
Maternity Clothes: I'm ordering some maternity workout gear and other essentials today.
Gender: It's a BOY! Bennett Robert
Movement: Feeling flutters and kicks now, mostly at night.
Sleep: Not nearly as tired as I have been, but I count the minutes each day until the moment I can lay down.
What I miss: Eating without heartburn!
Cravings: Nachos, especially jalapenos
Symptoms: heartburn, growing pains, shiny nails (woohoo!)
Best Moment this week: feeling little kicks
Next Appointment: August 31st

Funny story

This afternoon, Dominic and I went to a nearby playground. While we
were there he took an interest in an area with a spaceship that can be
moved from planet to planet. After he "flew" the spaceship to each
planet I would tell him the name of the planet and he would repeat the
name after me. Everything was going well until we got to the planet
Uranus. This is how the exchange went down.
Me: this is Uranus. Say Uranus.
Dominic: My Anus.
Me: (cracking up) No, say Ur-anus.
Dominic: My. Anus.

I lost it at that point along with every other parent around us. It's
just one of those funny stories I hope I don't forget!

18 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 18 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a sweet potato!
Maternity Clothes: bought some maternity shirts and have been holding my shorts together with rubber bands.
Gender: It's a BOY! Bennett Robert
Movement: Not sure if I'm feeling anything-the last time I remember what it was like to feel a baby inside me it was knees jabbing me in the side. It's hard to distinguish right now what could be flutters.
Sleep: Not sleeping well at all lately. I swear this child is using my bladder as a trampoline.
What I miss: Lately a glass (or two!) of wine sound realllly good.
Cravings: Not really anything. I think I'm back to the point where everything sounds gross.
Symptoms: A bladder the size of a pea, heartburn, backpain
Best Moment this week: Winning a small battle with my neurologist to be able to postpone my treatment for 6 weeks after Bennett is born.
Next Appointment: August 31st

It's a .........

BOY!!!!!

We found out on Wednesday that we are having another baby boy!!! I am so excited for Dominic to get a little brother and a little best bud! It's doubly nice because Dominic was born in November and this baby will be born in early January so we will save a lot of moolah on clothing!

As of today, his name will be...

Bennett Robert G. 

16 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 16 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a avocado!
Maternity Clothes: No maternity clothes yet-my drawstring khaki shorts are on their last weekend of wear before I need to pack them away and find something more roomy 
Gender: Unknown (Wednesday we hopefully find out!)

Movement: Nothing yet-but hopefully I'll feel some flutters soon to put my mind at ease.
Sleep: I've slept terribly the last couple weeks. I have trouble falling asleep and wake up at least every hour. I can't seem to get comfortable temperature wise and have been battling a cold the last few days.
What I miss: Sleeping through the night and not having to use the bathroom 8,000 times at night.
Cravings: 2 days after our trip out to the candy store where we acquired a ton of sweets I think I am over my craving. hahah figures right?
Symptoms: A bladder the size of a pea, heartburn
Best Moment this week: We settled on our girl name. Now it's on to feeling out boy first names-we've got the middle name. <--still undecided on a boy name eek.
Next Appointment: August 3rd where we will hopefully find out if this little bean is a boy or girl. August 9th at the Mellen Center to check in with my neurologist and discuss the pregnancy/delivery + MS

Candy wonderland!

 Yesterday was Lou and I's 4th wedding anniversary. Lou took the day off of work and we decided to go somewhere fun. We chose BA Sweeties in Cleveland, OH. It's the largest candy store in the United States (and this pregnant gals dream!) and is stocked full of any and every candy you can think of even from your childhood. I have to admit that we went a bit loco. Dominic's eyes were as big as saucers when we walked through the door and he saw the wall of Pez Dispensers! We bought so much candy and devoured so much in the car on the way to lunch that we couldn't even put a dent in our meals! All in all, it was a very "sweet" anniversary! Unfortunetely, Lou and I got each other SICK as an anniversary gift and are presently battling fevers, chills, stuffiness and just feeling terrible. Looks like we'll be recooperating this weekend!

Candyland!

This is the new staple in our house. Although after my last sour patch
bender I barely have tastebuds left! Jellybelly jellybeans have caught
my fancy now as well. I may need to make a dentist appointment after
this craving passes!

14 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 14 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a lemon
Maternity Clothes: No maternity clothes yet but most of my clothes are within their last days 
Gender: Unknown (18 days until we hopefully find out!)

Movement: Not sure if I'm feeling little flickers every now and then. My uterus is retroverted (What?TMI? lol) so I may not feel it for a while even though this is my 2nd pregnancy.

Sleep: I'm falling asleep okay but I'm sleeping terribly. I wake up so many times at night and am tossing and turning which leaves me feeling extremely unrested in the morning.
What I miss: Sound sleep at this point!
Cravings: Still candy. Hey, at least it's stuff like Swedish Fish and Jelly Bellys now. As long as I'm not popping Snickers bars 6x a day! lol Actually, I would probably eat greek yogurt with cinnamon and splenda for breakfast, lunch and dinner right now.
Symptoms: 2nd trimester so any minute this acne should clear up right? RIGHT????!!!
Best Moment this week: We settled on our girl name. Now it's on to feeling out boy first names-we've got the middle name. 
Next Appointment: Next week I have to have the Quad screening test done and then an appt on August 3rd to hopefully find out if Dominic is getting a little brother or a little sister!!

Happy Birthday TJ!

Happy 8th birthday to our oldest dog TJ. Hard to believe he was ever
this tiny!!

Lesson fail

Today Dominic refused to get dressed, he wanted to remain in his pj
shirt and pantless all day. In an attempt to "trick" him into wanting
his shirt I put it on our dog TJ. I assumed that Dominic would freak
out (as he usually does) when he saw something of his with someone
else but..... Nope. Dominic thought it was the most hilarious thing in
the world and would not leave TJ's side. It was like he got a brand
new toy! When I took the shirt off the dog I witnessed a meltdown of
epic proportions! So instead of Dominic getting dressed, TJ wore the
shirt for 20 minutes (miserable) until I could distract Dom with
something. Looks like I learned MY lesson haha!!

12 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:


How Far Along: 12 Weeks
Size of baby: Baby is the size of a large plum
Maternity Clothes: Still not wearing any maternity clothes, but thank goodness for draw string Old Navy shorts!
Gender: Unknown (32 days until we hopefully find out!)

Movement: Nothing yet-but watching the ultrasounds this little one is moving all over the place!

Sleep: Still super sleepy but I think it's getting better. I can still fall asleep pretty easily but wake up 3 or 4 times each night.
What I miss: Bethenny Frankel came out with Skinnygirl Sangria this week in Ohio and it sounds delicious! But I can wait til 2012!

Cravings: I'm still on a candy kick-but I think my days of Sour patch kids are almost over I don't think I have many taste buds left lol!
Symptoms: fatigue and my skin hasn't really cleared up much. My hair texture also seems to be changing as well.
Best Moment this week: We had two ultrasounds this week and it was amazing to see how much this little one has grown in two weeks!
Next Appointment: End of July I have to have the Quad screening test done and then an appt on August 3rd to hopefully find out if Dominic is getting a little brother or a little sister!!