32 weeks

32 weeks already! Yes, we skipped a week. There’s really no excuse as to why either, it’s just by the time I’d get to thinking about taking a belly pic and writing in the blog it’d be 10 p.m. and I’d be DONE FOR THE DAY!

At 32 weeks, I am feeling good! I mean, the regular uncomfortable third trimester symptoms are all there, and having a toddler running around this time makes things a bit more tiresome but, other than that, I can’t complain. God has blessed us with two completely healthy as can be pregnancies that have truly been the most exciting times of my entire life so I am trying to relish these last few weeks of this precious time.

I’ve been going a mile a minute trying to get all the baby prep done and stuff bought so I can try and relax as much as possible the last month or so. October is a VERY busy month with so much going on. I’m trying to get all the major stuff out of the way now.

The nursery is going to be so stinking cute! I am very pleased with what we’ve done so far.

We went to our midwife today and baby is measuring right on time and couldn’t be healthier.

We’ve decided to labor mostly at home and then deliver at our birth center. I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to labor this way. Our birth center will have everything we need to birth the way we want to and in such a peaceful and relaxing environment. I highly recommend Fruitful Vine!

How far along? 32 weeks (yes, we skipped a week. Too much going on)
Total weight gain: Almost 30! EEEEK! At least I have all winter to lose it J
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Sleeping ok. Indigestion has kicked in a lot at night which means I’m up a lot.   

Miss Anything? There are a lot of non-pregnancy things I’m missing…but all can wait because before I know it…this pregnancy will be over. 
Movement: Yes. Baby is head down and kicks are steady in the ribs these days.
Food cravings: Ice, still, and it’s driving everyone around me insane.
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender: BOY
Labor Signs: Not yet but we are gearing up for this big event! Birth stories and Ina May quotes all day long to get mentally prepared…
Symptoms: Nothing new really…just very pregnant.
Belly Button in or out? Out
Wedding rings on or off? Off
Happy or Moody most of the time: Very Happy
Looking forward to: Our baby celebration with all our loved ones this weekend!

28 Weeks

Time is not slowing down. We are into our third trimester now and it seems unreal. Despite the uncomfortable symptoms this pregnancy has contained, I’m sad to see it coming to an end so soon, yet happy and excited all at the same time. Pregnancy is such a roller coaster ride of mixed emotions all at once. That’s the only way I can describe it.

How far along? 28 weeks
Total weight gain: I’m afraid to look! At least 20 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Sleeping ok minus the leg cramps  

Miss Anything? Nope…things are just as they should be.
Movement: Constant.
Food cravings: ICE…24/7…ice. And here’s another weird symptom I can add to the list of crazy symptoms from this special pregnancy...weird smells smell good to me. I’m talking about things that shouldn’t smell good like the smell of Randy’s garage/workshop, cleaners, building smells, etc. Isn’t that insane? No, it’s not pica. I don’t feel like munching on any of these things…I just like the smell of them. You probably think I’m nuts.
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender: BOY
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: New symptoms are the ice fetish, enjoying the odd smells of things, and the insanity that is LEG CRAMPS. I’m talking about calve leg cramps that hit me out of no-where while I’m in a dead sleep at night. Spasm Charlie horse type pains. I can’t even describe how painful. I’d take the transition phase of labor any day over those cramps. Luckily, I’ve got a few ways of dealing with them but they are no fun at all.
Belly Button in or out? Very very out
Wedding rings on or off? Off
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: Fall! Oh I love fall. It just puts me in an instant good mood. Cooler weather, autumn yankee candle scents, festivals, fairs, hunting, fires, football, holidays, baking, and BABIES! It can’t get better!

26 Weeks

We are rolling right along these days trying to make it through the end of the summer during what feels like the hottest weather EVER. I know it’s not, believe me, but it just feels so much hotter this summer pregnancy compared to Trents.

We’ve had so much fun celebrating Daddy’s and Trent’s birthdays these past couple of weeks! Birthdays are extra special in the Greene household and are meant to be celebrated no matter what age.

I’ll be almost 36 weeks pregnant come October 17^th when we celebrate my 30^th birthday. So, the celebration options, while limited, should be interesting. I’m sure I’ll be waddling by then. Normally, we go to the Great Smokey Mountains during my birthday week. It’s a great tradition to watch the beautiful leaves change color and really puts you in the mood for the upcoming holiday season. We might still go; it just depends on how I feel and how things are going.

We now have a BIG 2 YEAR OLD BOY on our hands and we couldn’t be prouder of our future best big brother! He exceeds anything and everything we could have ever imagined in having a son. To say he has the whole package would be an understatement. He’s handsome, smart, funny, gentle, and such a boy! He takes after his Daddy in so many ways and for that, I am truly grateful. I cannot wait to see him blow us away even more…especially when he becomes Big Brother.

How far along? 26 weeks
Total weight gain: Approx. 18 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Sleep is as good as it’s going to get for the moment.  

Miss Anything? There are numerous little non-important things I miss not being able to have or do while being pregnant, but none of them means more than the blessing of being able to carry another child. 
Movement: This baby boy never stops moving. Seems like he moves more than Trent did.
Food cravings: Nothing specific…just hungry all the time.
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender: BOY
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Hot and ready for fall weather. Most people said Sumter, S.C. was just as hot as down here…NOT! It’s way hotter to me. Maybe that’s because I don’t have a wonderful pool to relax in this go-around.
Belly Button in or out? Very very out
Wedding rings on or off? I’ve been keeping them off mostly lately because of the heat…I’d hate for them to get stuck if my fingers start to swell.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and anxious and tons of emotions all at once lately.
Looking forward to: Now that my two boys birthdays are out of the way, we can now focus on full time baby prep. Not that there’s a ton to do. It’s much easier this go around seeing as we’re having another boy and they aren’t that far apart. But, in the next month or so we’ll be getting the nursery completed and will really be able to start to get ready for our special Thanksgiving blessing!

24 Weeks

24 weeks

I’m feeling much better! It’s taken numerous prenatal chiropractic visits to get to this but THANKFULLY my lower back is feeling much better. I am so thankful I started going and will continue to go throughout the remainder of my pregnancy. My doctor even said she’d come give me an adjustment during labor if needed. That is so neat and I am grateful!

After going to the vein clinic a week or so ago, I am now in compression old lade hose!  I’ll take the yucky hose any day over getting any more varicose or spider veins!

We’ve had a great last couple of weeks and continue to get everything ready for our newest pride and joy! Believe it or not, I haven’t done the first thing to the nursery. With Trent, by this time, I had my nursery finished. Haha. My how 2^nd pregnancies change things! Seriously though, I would have at least started on it by now but I have to wait for our new guest bedroom to be completed so I can have an empty space to work with.

Trent had a great time playing with his cousin Lily this past week when Aunt Donna came to visit. It feels so good when she comes down for her yearly visit from North Carolina. We had a couple of fun filled family get togethers.

I went to the doctor today and you are as perfect as can be in there. Just keep baking away sweet boy of mine…only 3 months left until our lives are changed forever once again. We are forever blessed.

How far along? 24 weeks
Total weight gain: Approx. 17 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Much better now that my back pain is a little better.
Best moment this week: We've had a fun filled couple of weeks and had a great time taking your big brother to the Jags scrimmage game. His first football experience. So fun! 

Miss Anything? Yes ;)
Movement: All the time!
Food cravings: Everything at this point. Sweets are still #1
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender: BOY
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Pregnant
Belly Button in or out? Out…oh so out!
Wedding rings on or off? On sometimes but depending on the heat it comes off!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: EVERYTHING!

22 Weeks

I feel pregnant, and no, not the cutesy “I love my baby bump” kind of pregnant. I’m talking about the overly sensitive, back aching, varicose/spider vein looking, psychotic mood swings, hot as hell kind of pregnant feeling. Don’t worry though, I’m not complaining haha. I love being pregnant! I do! I really do! I have to keep telling myself this as I hold my breath and wait for the shocking nerve pain to finish before I get out of bed each morning.

Seriously though, I don’t know how women do the pregnancy thing in their late 30’s. I’ll be 30 this year and can so tell the difference in the way I felt carrying Trent at 27 vs. now.

But, what’s so odd is, I am trying to relish each and every second of this precious blessing we’ve been given. I remember a time when I actually thought I might not ever get a chance to feel these feelings.

It’s crunch time in the Greene house as we try and do 52,000 things at once, all while trying to throw in a little fun and relaxation during these hot summer months. We have a lot to look forward to starting the month of August.

I have your nursery all planned out in my head…I just can’t wait to actually be able to put it all together. And, we’re still trying to decide on your name. In my heart, I already know what your name is. I’ve just got to convince your Daddy now. <3

How far along? 22 weeks
Total weight gain: Approx. 13 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? No new ones…I did get a few small ones with Trent and those are def more noticeable. Bring em’ on I say…battle scars.
Sleep: Blah. Sleep is more of a pain in the ass then something to look forward to these days. This sacrum pain is not fun at all.
Best moment this week: You are moving around like crazy in there. I almost think you move more than Trent did. Your Daddy has been working like crazy to get some last minute renovations completed on the house so we can focus on your arrival. You and Trent are going to have the best play room ever!  

Miss Anything? Yes! Nice, non-varicose/spider vein legs…I miss not having those.
Movement: All over the place. You especially like to move around at 10:00 p.m.every single night.
Food cravings: Everything. This part of the pregnancy, my appetite is out of control. And it’s SO DANG HARD not to drink a nice ice cold coke every once in a while!
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender: BOY…now if only we can settle on your name.
Labor Signs: No but the Braxton hicks have started.
Symptoms: Feeling way pregnant lately. I think having a toddler running around at home makes for a more symptomatic pregnancy in general.
Belly Button in or out? Out…oh so out!
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Crazy moods lately. No one can keep up with my moods these days.
Looking forward to: So much to look forward to in the upcoming months…especially celebrating your Daddy and Big Brother’s birthdays!

20 weeks! Half way!

We got to see our handsome boys face at our 20 week visit. We were shocked at the resemblance between his and Trent’s ultrasound pictures.

The ultrasound tech was amazed at how healthy our strong boy is growing. It was probably one of the best ultrasounds I’ve ever had. She spent at least 45 minutes going over and pointing out each little body part and organ. Too cool!

I’m feeling great these days minus the lower back pain that will just not let up. Going to the prenatal chiropractor weekly (sometimes twice weekly) has been helping but, for some reason, my sacrum keeps getting jammed up. It’s so painful at night trying to sleep. More so at night since I’m not moving and it gets so stiff. I’m praying this lets up before labor or I am in for a wild experience!

At first I thought my belly was growing super fast compared to Trent’s, but now it seems as though it’s about the same size as I was this far along with him. My appetite sure seems heavier, though. I’m craving anything and everything…sweet and salty.

I’m still trying to decide where I’ll deliver. We’re so blessed to have options for choosing other than a typical hospital labor room filled with medical interventions.  We can have the baby at home, at the birth center, or at the hospital. I don’t have to know specifically for a few more months. Where you labor matters and it has an effect on the outcome of your birth and the interventions you entail while doing so. The less interventions, the better for both Mommy and Baby! Birth is a completely natural process…we want to keep it that was as much as possible. 

I can't believe we're at the half way mark...still seems unreal that we're about to have another little one....I don't think it will ever sink in...so excited! 

How far along? 20 weeks
Total weight gain: Approx 12 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Sleep has not been fun lately with this lower back pain.
Best moment this week: See our boys precious ultrasound! Oh it makes it so real and exciting! 

Miss Anything? Yes, comfortable sleep would be wonderful.
Movement: All over the place! I can even finally get it on video.
Food cravings: Everything.
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender: Baby boy!
Labor Signs: No…but started having Braxton Hicks.
Symptoms: Feeling pretty good these days...nights are a different story. Belly Button in or out? It's finally outWedding rings on or off? OnHappy or Moody most of the time: Happy!Looking forward to: August is going to be a fun month filled with Birthdays! I’m looking forward to fall…my favorite time of year and countdown for baby!

18 weeks

18 Weeks

We are so excited about another little boy joining our family! I know I would have been ecstatic over having a girl or boy but truthfully deep down I really longed for another boy this go around. I can’t wait to see my two boys grow up so close in age side by side. I pray they are best friends from the get go. What an honor and privilege to be able to raise these boys and watch them grow up into strong yet gentle men of God. I can’t think of a better gift to be given.

Randy’s been working so hard trying to get some of our endless list of house projects finished. I’ve never known another man to be so dedicated and hard working for his family. He’s got to get these projects done before hunting season of course…it’s just around the corner!

The past couple of weeks we’ve been working with Trent and swimming. I believe the earlier the better when it comes to teaching them how to swim. He’s comfortable in the water so we are slowly teaching him how to go under and learn to swim to the side for safety. I cannot wait to have a pool at our new home. It was so nice having one while being pregnant with Trent. Every evening after work I would get in the water just to relax and relieve some of that pressure and back pain.

Now starts the process of picking out all things baby: name, nursery décor, lists of what we need/don’t need, organizing…ahhh it’s oh so busy but fun at the same time.

We have so much to look forward to…Trent turns two in August…I can barely fathom the thought of my baby being two years old. I guess we will muster up enough courage to cut his precious curly blonde hair for his birthday. Only just a trim though…I’m not getting rid of that head of beautiful hair!

How far along? 18 weeks
Total weight gain: Approx 8 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? No BUT, Randy did point out a very new symptom of this crazy pregnancy. Varicose veins. He noticed one of my veins popping out of the back of my right leg the other night and was like “OMG you’re getting your Dad’s veins” haha. Just another pregnancy battle wound for this mama I guess.
Sleep: Sleep has been ok…it’s starting to get a tad bit uncomfortable finding a good position to sleep on my side. Speaking of sleep…Trent is doing great sleeping on his own in his room. He cried just a bit the first two nights, but after that nothing. I love going into his room in the morning and the first thing he does is clap his hands and say “yay” to congratulate himself for being such a big boy. It’s the little things…it truly is.
Best moment this week: We’ve had a wonderful couple of weeks after finding out another handsome boy is joining our crazy family. We had fun telling everyone and watching their expressions. I’m convinced those Greene boys just produce boys. I told Randy maybe we need to try for a 3^rd to see if that’s true…he just gave me this crazy look. 

Miss Anything? No. Everything is moving right along…wouldn’t want it any other way.
Movement: Baby boy is definitely moving around in there. I can’t wait for the movements to pick up and get stronger!
Food cravings: This past weekend I was craving salsa. I made my first home made regular salsa and fruit salsa for our gender reveal get together at Aunt Pat’s. Both were delicious.   
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender: Another BOY!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: My breathlessness has calmed way down…it’s pretty normal now actually. I have no clue what that was that I went through the past few weeks. I guess I’ll just chalk it up to being one of those unexplainable weird pregnancy symptoms and nothing more.
Belly Button in or out? In half way J
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: We are looking forward to fun 4^th of July festivities and starting the process of putting your nursery together.