Introducing Ryan Alexander Drennan.

I think a part of me is still in shock that Drennan Baby no 2 is officially outside of the womb. I can't believe he's actually here! We have been trying to cherish each and every moment with this little nugget, while also chasing around a toddler. I have been meaning to post something on the blog for days now, but when the day comes to an end all I want to do is sleep or read a book and the last thing I want to do is stare at a computer screen while trying to collect my thoughts.

I'll write so much more about his birth story, but for now, let's just say Ryan Alexander was born at 8:59 Monday, December 15th. He weighed in at 5 lbs 11 ounces and he was 18.5 inches long, a little different than his 4 lb 2 ounce, 16.5 inch brother. He feels so small to me, it's crazy for me to think that Jack was even smaller!

Needless to say, it was a beautiful experience. Such a far cry from our first birth experience with Jack, and it was so strange to have Ryan in my room that first night, and even stranger to pack up all of our stuff and leave the hospital WITH our baby at the 24 hour mark. Still feels so surreal. I can't believe it's almost been two weeks now. Every single thing just feels so much easier this time around. Ryan's a great sleeper and an even better eater - he latched on straight away, and I'm having to wake him up throughout the day and night to eat. I think this is starting to change though. We shall see.

We are truly praising God for a healthy baby and for such a different experience. I felt so incredibly blessed by our birthing team (my dear friend Erin, nurses, husband, etc) and by our Dr. Even though she wasn't there to deliver the baby or for any part of the labor, she kept checking in with us whether by phone or actual hospital visits in between her time at the clinic. She is amazing! If you are looking for an OB let me know as I recommend her wholeheartedely. 

Thank you Jesus for a new birth story, and for allowing me the opportunity to deliver this baby naturally, and thank you Jesus for a different Dr., one who empowered us to make our own medical decisions, one who encouraged us and supported us every single step of the way. 

Little Buddy #2 Update

Just wanted to write a quick update and say that I'm still pregnant! And it looks like I'll be carrying this bump around for a few more days. And if our ultrasound didn't come back on Tuesday saying baby was growing well, I'd have met LB2 today!! That is just crazy. 

On Tuesday AM we found out that LB2 is growing great and the ultrasound tech said he's in the 30th percentile and weighing 6 lbs +/- a lb. It's crazy for me to believe I could have a 7 lb baby, so if I'm honest, I automatically went the other way with the - a lb, and I'm still guessing he's going to weigh in the low 6's or maybe in the 5's. I could be completely wrong. Either way, he's going to look like a giant compared to Jack when he was born!! And I can't imagine he'll be wearing all those newborn clothes we have for far too long. 

Anyhow, my Dr. was really pleased seeing as LB2 was in the 17th percentile for the last ultrasound we had 3 weeks ago. Do keep in mind that each ultrasound tech measures things differently I'm sure...so who really knows what size he is, but we are just certain he's not tiny. 

I'm still in shock that we have made it this far as I thought for sure we were going to be having a baby today (Thursday). After the ultrasound, I felt such a sense of relief knowing we had one more week. I know it's not much, but right about now every single day matters to me. I mean I still had things to do...Christmas presents to buy, a new brother present for Jack to buy (bought him this - can't even wait to give it to him), meals to make, bookshelves to hang, things to wrap up at work, a hospital bag to pack, a birth plan to write, blah blah blah. I laid in bed for two hours last Saturday just thinking about all of these things and pleading to God to give me another week - haha, so selfish I know! But I'm so thankful that requested was granted and that we have one more weekend as a family of three.

I'm cherishing each and every day with Jack as my only. And I think a small part of me is grieving this transition from one to two, but I never imagined having just one child, so I think the grief will be very short lived. 

So this time next week we will be meeting LB2 - I will be induced next Wednesday night (at 38 weeks 2 days), and Dr. is guessing he'll be born sometime next Thursday. People have been asking me why I'm getting induced and the reasoning is that blood pressures tend to creep up at this stage regardless if you have high blood pressure throughout your entire pregnancy or not. So the Dr. wants to try to avoid this, which simply means avoiding me developing preeclampsia, which was an issue with Jack too, but I never did get it, and I don't think I will this time around either. We shall see! She did say we could push it a bit further if we wanted seeing as everything is going really well, and I said, nope, I'm done! Haha! We've both reached our goals, and I'm done. 

People keep asking me if I'm ready....and the reality is I'm never going to be. I have a slight idea as to what awaits me just because this is our second, but the reality is I have no idea what it looks like to have two children. I have no idea what it looks like to do the sleepless nights with a toddler to wake up to in the AM! I have no idea what it looks like to truly labor and have contractions and to have anything but a c-section. But what I do know is that Jack's first year is more or less a blur...thank goodness for blog posts and photos, lots of photos. And because of that blurriness we have the boldness and the courage to do it all over again! And God willing, we'll do it all over even again, as I can't imagine having only two. 

Thanks so much for the prayers throughout this entire journey! God is so good, and I'm still in awe at how different this pregnancy is and how different LB2's birth story will be. Praising God for new beginnings! I can't wait to meet him - think of us this time next week as we will most likely be snuggling the newest little Drennan. 

Little Buddy #2: 37 weeks

week 17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29 // 30 // 31 // 32 // 33 // 34 // 35 // 36

This last Drs. appointment, last Wednesday, we discussed an induction date, and we could have settled on something, but I think Peter and I just kind of want to wait and see what happens...so we could have baby this week or next. Honestly, it doesn't make much of a difference to me now. I have wrapped up a lot of things at work and I have nearly finished all my little nesting projects. I don't have my hospital bag packed, but I didn't with Jack either and it all worked out! I suppose I should do that Tuesday night. Nor have Peter and I sat down to write out a birth plan. We have talked about alot of things that we would like, but again, we know that quite often those things are simply preferences and sometime those preferences aren't a reality. Anyhow, I have a growth ultrasound on Tuesday to check how baby is growing and if he's in the 10th percentile or lower, then we start the induction process Wednesday night, and if he's in the 11th percentile, then I'll be pregnant for another week! I should say that at 34 weeks he was in the 17th percentile, so I won't be surprised if he's still in the 17th or lower than that to be honest.

My Drs. goal when we first met was to get me to 37 weeks and I remember my thoughts when she said that..."We shall see!" My response to her goal was that I just wanted to be able to bring my baby home from the hospital. Let's just say her goal has come true, and with each passing day, I'm imagining mine will too.

The nesting instinct is in full effect - just ask the husband. I even managed to hound him to wash the cars today as I wanted a clean car to bring the baby home in...now we just need to find the time to vacuum the car and install the infant car seat. I cleaned the house today from top to bottom and did tons of laundry, and it was all so satisfying!

Growing // They say that baby is now the size of a winter melon and that he should now weigh and between 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. I guess he's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day, but if I could guess how much LB2 would weigh, I would guess somewhere around the high fives or maybe six pounds? I'll know more Tuesday with the growth ultrasound as they guess their weight then - it will be interesting to see just how accurate it is in regards to weight. And they also say that he's measuring around 18.9 to 20.9 inches, and again, I'd imagine he's going to be on the lower end in regards to length - maybe 18 inches? We'll find out soon enough I suppose!

Eating + Sleeping // Nothing new with eating! I'm really loving smoothies lately and had a giant one for dinner last night...yummy. Had some major contractions before I went to bed last night, and I started to panic that I was going to go into labor all on my own. And I had absolutely no idea what to do...did we go to the hospital? How many contractions was enough to warrant that again? What about my hospital bag that isn't packed? What about Jack who is sleeping peacefully? What do we do!??? Hmm...I'll just lay here and wait till morning and maybe I should download a contraction app on my phone - and if I can sleep through the contractions, then I won't worry about them. Just go to sleep Malia....that was my little pep talk, and it worked! Funny really because isn't this what most pregnant women go through? Because I have just presumed I would be induced, I just figured we would have childcare sorted, I would be in the hospital already experiencing contractions and being monitored, and the hospital bag would be packed for the planned hospital stay. 

Feeling // You know I've been feeling really strong lately. It's strange carrying an extra thirty pounds on your body as it definitely does take it's toll on you, and it probably doesn't help that it's so disproportionate and I'm like top heavy. But I feel strong, especially when I lift up my nearly 30 lb child (guesstimate, I have absolutely no idea how much Jack weighs), and then I'm carrying like 60 extra pounds! And I'm feeling excited...I'm so ready to meet our little man. And I'm excited (and a little terrified) to see what it's like being a mom of two boys. 

Wearing // Anything that is comfortable. Still wearing all of my shoes - I did take off my wedding band a few weeks ago, and now I'm just wearing my engagement ring, but that is getting tight as well.

Milestones // It's crazy to think that we were bringing Jack home from the hospital at this stage in the game and he had been outside of my belly for 3 weeks already. And it's still crazy to think that LB2 is still nice and snug in my belly. A few days ago I sent an email to my Dr. a little concerned as baby hadn't been moving a ton throughout the day...I could have gone in for a non-stress test that night, but I didn't. And he was moving a ton the next day. The reality is...I have never been this pregnant and I have no idea what movements at 37 weeks feel like. Sometimes I feel a movement down in my hip bone, which is most likely a hand, and his highest body part tends to rest just a bit above my belly button. He has never lived up in my ribs as he is perfectly content resting his little head as far down as he possibly can without actually exiting, which simply means, the rest of his body is really low as well. Praise God for this pregnancy and for this growing baby! I never would have guessed we would make it this far. 

Pregnant with Jack week  17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29 // 30 // 31 // 32 // 33 

Little Buddy #2: 36 weeks

week 17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29 // 30 // 31 // 32 // 33 // 34 // 35

So I will give a brief update even though it really could be a post of it's own! At my 35 week check up, Dr. checked my cervix (forgive me if it's too much information!!) and declared that his head has definitely dropped. He's so low, I can't imagine him getting any lower. She also informed me that I'm 1 cm dilated and 100% effaced. She's thinking that the induction should kick me into labor really quickly! I guess those contractions are the real deal and having an impact. But I imagine I'll be at 1 cm for awhile - she did say that if I went into labor on my own, then they would let me labor and obviously an induction wouldn't be necessary.

Growing // They say that baby is now the size of a honeydew or a head of romaine lettuce and that he should now weigh between 4.2 to 5.8 lbs, which is quite the range if you ask me. And I'm guessing he's probably like 17.5 inches, or maybe that's asking too much! He's getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on his own. His liver and kidneys are in working order. Circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too.

Eating + Sleeping // Still loving the seltzer water! Will drink it whether it's flavored or not. Just love the fizziness of it and it makes me feel like I'm drinking something special! Can't wait for that ice cold adult beverage that I will be consuming in just a few weeks. And I'm sleeping fine to be honest - I'm so tired when my head hits the pillow. I wake up in the middle of the night and try to fight the urge to get up to go pee, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Waking up at at least once to go to the bathroom. Could be so much worse. 

Feeling // Still feeling pregnant!! But I'm feeling really good - heartburn really hasn't been much of an issue with this one, and that was really my only thing that was a bit of an inconvenience with both pregnancies. It's getting much harder to do things, like put my boots on or take them off or tie my shoes, or shave my legs, or bend over to pick things up. That belly is surely getting in the way of things! But if I'm honest, I'm still able to do everything I normally do. Carrying Jack far distances isn't my favorite thing to do these days, nor can he sit on my lap and read stories with me, alas, the bump gets in the way. I've been resting and nesting ALOT this past week, and it's felt so good. 

Wearing // Still living in my maternity dresses, but starting to wear some of the tighter ones as the other ones just make me feel wide and frumpy. Hardly ever wear pants unless they are leggings!

Milestones // Can't believe I've made it to 36 weeks. Can't wait to meet this little person who has been living inside my bump. Jack's now sleeping in his toddler bed - so the crib is now vacant and officially free to be used by another. We shall see if that changes when the baby actually arrives! I have started hanging things on the boys' walls - doing craft projects with their names and paper bunting and ordered bedding for Jack's toddler bed, bought a few newborn things so that LB2 has some things to wear that aren't hand me downs. I also wanted to make some new crib sheets for LB2 so he's not sleeping on the old, weathered sheets his brother slept on for the last 2 years. But I may have to nominate someone for that task as I don't own a sewing machine. Now we just need to hang the bookshelves and I need to order a rug, and their little room will be complete. I'm obsessed with it!

Pregnant with Jack week  17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29 // 30 // 31 // 32 // 33 

Little Buddy #2: 35 weeks

photo courtesy of lightworks360

week 17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29 // 30 // 31 // 32 // 33 // 34

So much to write, but I'll save that update for another day. I can't believe I've made it to 35 weeks - it seems like such a great accomplishment. I have fully entered into a realm of pregnancy that I am completely unfamiliar with and it seems strange. I am now doing two non stress tests a week and seeing my Dr. weekly and we may have another growth ultrasound at 37/38 weeks, but we shall see! LB2 has been cooperating for the most part at the non-stress tests, and both times so far they have walked away pleased with this heartbeat. I have been having some serious contractions so they told me to watch for those, but if I'm honest, I'm kind of in denial. This all just seems so surreal to me, and I think I want to pretend he's going to stay in the womb forever even though we know that's not the reality. And I will most likely be scheduling my induction date this week.

Growing // They say that baby is now the size of a coconut and that he should now weigh between 4.2 to 5.8 lbs, which is quite the range if you ask me. At our ultrasound last Tuesday they estimated his weight to be 4 lbs 11 oz, but he's definitely on the smaller end. I'd imagine we will have a 5 lb something baby, and I'd be surprised if he weighed 6 lbs seeing as he gained a lb in 4 weeks and we will most likely be meeting him in less than that. In regards to inches - Jack was 16.5 inches at nearly 34 weeks, so I'm guessing this baby is probably about 17 inches or so. They are growing really similarly which is interesting - big heads, short legs and small abdomen. I can definitely tell that he's growing as some of his movements are actually kind of painful and he's getting closer and closer to my ribs! However, he's so low that the ultrasound tech had the hardest time getting any type of head measurements.

Eating + Sleeping // Eating the usual items more or less, but I did buy Chili Cheese Fritos at the grocery store and you bet I blamed it on pregnancy cravings. What am I going to blame those grocery cart items on after I have the baby? Truly though being pregnant is an excuse to throw things like that into your shopping cart and to actually feel kind of okay about it! I have also been buying flavored seltzer water...yummy! Kind of nice to have a little treat. I've been waking up at least twice a night to go to the bathroom. Guess I'm getting prepared for when baby comes.

Feeling // Like I'm pregnant. I get out of breath so easily and it's so strange having my bump get in the way of things. My bed has never felt so good - truly, if I could, I would just go to bed early or lay in bed for hours every night. And I can't believe we are going to meet him so soon! I'm excited and terrified at the same time, and I feel like there's almost more uncertainty with this one than there was with Jack! I mean I could have a vaginal birth, I could have a c-section, I could have a natural birth, I could have an epidural, I could have baby tomorrow or I could have baby in a few weeks. Realistically baby will be arriving in a few weeks as I can't imagine he will be arriving early on his own, and I don't have any plans for a scheduled c-section. So if that happens, it will be for another reason.

Wearing // Still living in my maternity dresses. Hardly ever wear pants unless they are leggings!

Milestones // LB2 is such a mover and a shaker! Love watching my stomach contort from LB2's movements. This week is a milestone and every week after will be a continued milestone. And it's crazy to think I only have a few more weeks to go! We finally have a bed for LB2 - Jack's still in his crib, but we did buy a toddler bed, so we will need to transfer him one of these days. I'm in the process of finalizing the boys shared room - need to hang some bookshelves and order a rug and get my diy on for some projects on the walls. Who knows when that will happen, but a girl can dream
right? 

Pregnant with Jack week  17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29 // 30 // 31 // 32 // 33 

Little Buddy #2: 34 weeks

week 17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29 // 30 // 31 // 32 // 33

Strange to think this is where my bump photos end with Jack...I have a photo of him outside the womb and in the hospital at 35 weeks, but 34 weeks was missed! I suppose it's simply a photo the day after his birthday.

I can't believe I've made it to this point! I didn't think this day would come. Last Sunday I took my blood pressure, and it was high, like 150/90 high. And I knew my time had come when blood pressure medication would be in my future. And sure enough, I took my first dosage the next day. It felt like deja vu all over again, and as we went to bed that night, Peter turned to me and said we better enjoy this night in our bed together as it could be our last before the baby comes. Little did he know that we would have at least 6 more nights in our bed together! Who knows what the future holds for us, the Dr. said it's all just a waiting game. We will most likely be meeting our little person in 3-4 weeks or maybe even sooner. Dr. said we had a really great chance of making it to 36 weeks, but she wouldn't let me go further than 38 weeks. I will most likely be induced unless I go into labor sooner. And either the medication will stop working or the baby will stop growing, and we are hoping that all happens past the 36 weeks mark! But we shall see.

Growing // They say that baby is now the size of a cantaloupe or a butternut squash. He now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born are filling out, making him rounder. He's recognizing and reacting to simple songs and he's also urinating about a pint a day. I should know more about his size on Tuesday as I have an ultrasound scheduled for that morning!

Eating + Sleeping // Eating the usual items and waking up at least twice a night to go to the bathroom. This babies head is so low! It hurts sometimes!

Feeling // Like I have a lot of appointments scheduled now. Drs. appointment once a week and then non-stress tests twice a week and ultrasounds every three weeks. It could be worse though...I could be living at the hospital and I could have had loads of doctor's appointments throughout the entire pregnancy! So I suppose it's all relative really. The reality is, I'm still pregnant and hoping this baby bakes as long as he can! Definitely feeling the braxton hicks too. And I'm just tired...love just laying down to read my book or to write on the blog or to just rest. Feels so good to be off my feet!

Wearing // Nothing special to report. But I can barely zip some of my jackets - so I have started wearing one of Peter's on a regular basis.

Milestones // I can't even believe we've made it to this point! This pregnancy has just flown by. I'm sure baby weighs more than Jack by now. Here's to a new birth story, a different doctor and uncharted territory! I don't know what pregnancy looks like beyond this point. 

Pregnant with Jack week  17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29 // 30 // 31 // 32 // 33

Little Buddy #2: 33 weeks

week 17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29 // 30 // 31 // 32

I truly can't believe I'm already 33 weeks pregnant! It feel so surreal that I have even made it this far. I think my weekly photos are just going to go downhill from here as I think Peter is getting tired of taking photos every weekend! It's truly crazy to think that I was in the hospital at this stage with Jack. How is that even possible? And it's even stranger to think that I've never been 34 weeks pregnant - I've never taken a 34 week bump photo! So next Monday will be a big day for us. LB2's birth story is going to be so different, and I can't wait to find out how it all goes down!

Growing // They say that baby is now the size of a pineapple, weighing in around 4 lbs measuring over 17 inches. I basically have a little Jack inside of me. He's starting to coordinate breathing while sucking and swallowing - this is what Jack was working on during his time in the NICU. His little bones are starting to harden and he's going through some major brain development, and he's keeping his eyes open while awake.

Eating + Sleeping // I bought myself flavored seltzer water at the grocery store and when I got home I immediately filled my cup with ice and poured the liquid into a glass, and it was delicious! Can't wait till the day I can have an ice cold beer. I have had a few sips of wine, but have yet to indulge in a beer. In regards to sleeping nothing new to report!

Feeling // The common question to ask a pregnant lady is...how are you feeling? And my answer more often than not is...PREGNANT! I feel so pregnant. I'm sure I waddle, and I just feel so wide. And it's hard for me to get up from a sitting position, and all I want to do is lay down. I'm definitely experiencing shortness of breath. It's slightly emberassing! But such is life. Definitely feeling the heartburn but if I'm honest, I think it was much, much worse the first time around. 

Wearing // My shoes are getting tighter - hoping and praying I don't have to retire my boots, but they are getting trickier to put on and take off, not only because of the bump, but because I think my feet are swollen or something. I am also wearing one less ring on my ring finger, which feels so strange. I had to take one off because it just felt so tight on my finger and I started to get worried that there would come a time where I couldn't get it off! A time may come when I have to take the other one off too, but we aren't there yet.

Milestones // Peter and I took LB2 to his first Husky football game! We lost, but it was so fun to get out to see a game. My dear, dear friends threw a sprinkle for LB2 and it was so fun to celebrate the newest addition to our family with such good friends. We are so blessed!

Pregnant with Jack week  17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29 // 30 // 31 // 32 // 33

Little Buddy #2: 32 weeks

week 17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29 // 30 // 31

I can't stop thinking about the fact that I've made it this far considering I was hospitalized at 33 weeks with Jack. I keep thinking, we could have a baby in TWO weeks! That is just wild. And the funny thing is, I feel as though we still have so much to do to prepare for baby, but if he comes early, he'll be in the hospital for at least 3 weeks. So in reality, we have time, I just don't know how much time! This past weekend we put together the changing table seeing as we didn't use a changing table with Jack, just changed him on beds and other surfaces. Now we just need the changing pad and cover. I also painted a ton of bookshelves from Ikea to put up in the boys' room. We are trying to utilize all the wall space that we can for storage! And it's so fun to reconfigure this room for a baby and a toddler. And to rethink colors and decor, etc, but again, I'm sure the room will be a continual work in progress, and it's not going to be perfect by the time the baby comes...that's the reality. But my fantasy is that it will be perfect and everything will be created and hung and in it's place.

Well enough about that and without further ado...

Growing // They say that baby is now the size of a squash, weighing in around 3.5 lbs and measuring about 16.5 inches. It's strange to think that this baby is nearly the size Jack was when he was born! They say that I'm gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks. He now has toenails, fingernails and real hair! He is definitely in the head down position, ready for his exit.

Eating + Sleeping // I bought myself flavored seltzer water at the grocery store and when I got home I immediately filled my cup with ice and poured the liquid into a glass, and it was delicious! Can't wait till the day I can have an ice cold beer. I have had a few sips of wine, but have yet to indulge in a beer. In regards to sleeping nothing new to report!

Feeling // I am tired. So tired. And I'm terrible at taking care of myself and I'm always pushing myself too far, which then leads to me feeling even more tired. Today was the first day I started to feel a little anxious and overwhelmed thinking about the fact that I could be pregnant only for a few more weeks before we meet the newest member of our family. That is just wild! At this stage with Jack I was on moderate bed rest as they wanted to keep my blood pressure as low as they could. So my chores and my to do list was very limited - and when I think back to that time, I felt like I was being cursed but in reality it was such a blessing! I should be doing more of that, of resting, of reading, of writing, of just laying down and letting things sit undone. 

Wearing // Same old same old. 

Milestones // Each week truly is a milestone! The baby bump is getting big, and I'm definitely getting uncomfortable, but I suppose each day and each week is a blessing as it simply means LB2 is getting bigger and bigger. He's definitely moving around in there, but the movements are so different now that he is bigger!

Pregnant with Jack week  17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29 // 30 // 31 // 32

Little Buddy #2: 31 weeks

week 17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29 // 30

I can't stop thinking about the fact that I was basically put on moderate bed rest with Jack at this stage (around 31 weeks), our flights to Ireland for Christmas had already been canceled, and to top it all off the Dr. requested that I start working exclusively from home. I thought about all of that as I climbed the three flights of stairs today to my desk at work. It's amazing how different this pregnancy has been, and I can't help but wonder if it's simply because I have a different Dr. or if it's just a different birth story all together. 

Growing // They say that baby is now the size of a pineapple. All five of his senses are in working order, his irises react to light now, and he's going through major brain and nerve development. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates under his skin. And he's just getting smarter, which is great, because pregnancy brain is real! And I have a hard time keeping track of things, just ask the husband - oops. He's about 16.5 inches long and weighs about 3.5 lbs. and he's definitely starting to feel a little crowded in there.

We had an ultrasound appointment last week (30 weeks 2 days) to check LB2's growth, and if my weight gain and belly size are any indication of this kid's size, then I figured he was going to be just fine. He measured in at the 54th percentile, sorry Jack, but you never measured that big! 

At this stage in the game, a little after 32 weeks, Jack was definitely on the small side, his head measured big, and his body was measuring small, and his femur length was short, and he weighed about 3 lbs 5 oz. And with LB2, they said he weighed around 3 lbs. 10 oz, which isn't THAT far off from Jack's actual birth weight of 4 lbs. 2 oz. Everything else was measuring ahead of his gestational age, except for his femur length - his head circumference is in the 80th percentile, and his abdominal circumference is in the 79th percentile, and his femur length is in the 3rd percentile (poor child). The Dr. said that she was very pleased with his measurements and his growth and that the place to look for growth restriction would be in his abdominal circumference, but considering he's measuring on target for that, she's not concerned! So we keep on keeping on.

He's definitely in the head down position - the ultrasound tech had the hardest time getting his head measurements as he's so low. I don't know what it is, but both boys have remained in those deep head down positions from the very start - makes things a little uncomfortable for me, but such is life. 

Eating + Sleeping // I still love ice cold beverages. I haven't been eating much meat - loving all types of homemade soups though. Still love bread and cheese and crackers and toast smothered in butter. Yum, think I'll go put a piece of bread in the toaster! In regards to sleeping, still sleeping fine, using two extra pillows now rather than just one!

Feeling // I have definitely been feeling Braxton hicks contractions, which is funny because I never thought I felt contractions with Jack, and now that I know what they are, I'm fully aware of the tightening of the uterus. Our bodies are crazy! Definitely feeling out of breath these days - can't talk too fast or for too long before I start to feel out of breath, and climbing up stairs are a full days work! Heartburn has kicked itself up a notch and there was one day where I popped like 5 tablets. I'm sure the dosage will increase in time!!

Wearing // Same old same old. 

Milestones // I'm just so pleased I've made it to 31 weeks without being put on bed rest, without being told that I could have baby in a few weeks, without being hospitalized. I wrote this blog post titled the Drennan Family Update right around 31 weeks pregnant with Jack (I didn't post it till I was nearly 33 weeks, but the emotions are from a 31 week pregnant woman). I remember this woman, little did she know that she would be hospitalized the next day after posting it and meeting her son in a weeks time. Each day from here on out is a major milestone! 

 Pregnant with Jack week  17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29 // 30 // 31

Little Buddy #2: 30 weeks

week 17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29

So I thought we didn't get a bump photo this week, but turns out we did. It's just not a photo I would want to frame and put up in my house, so perhaps that's why I thought we didn't get one, but I suppose it reveals the realities of life, such as the pulled back hair which simply indicates the need for a shower and the fake smile which is a slight indication of the exhaustion.

Growing // LB2 weighs around 3 pounds and is roughly around 16 inches. They say he is the size of a cucumber - nice and skinny! Baby bump is definitely growing, and a few people have just now started to say...What? You are pregnant again! I can't believe it took them this long to notice - too funny. This time around though, no one is saying...oh you are so small. Actually, I lie, I have had a few people say that, but not nearly as many as I had with Jack. LB2's skin is getting smoother, and his brain is getting wrinklier. And he's now strong enough to grasp a finger!

Eating + Sleeping // Again, nothing too exciting to report. I'm sleeping fine. I sleep so soundly at night, until I have to wake up to go to the bathroom. And I'm sure I do dream, but I don't remember any of the crazy pregnancy dreams. 

Feeling // Heartburn has finally hit me, and I finally gave in and purchased my first box of antacid tablets. They are so good! If I'm honest though, it's not THAT bad, but there was one night last week where I literally couldn't get to sleep because the heartburn was so bad. I figured I had toughed it out long enough, and now was my time. I haven't noticed any swelling, but I'm sure there is some as my boots are getting a bit more tricky to put on. And my rings are getting tighter too! I can still pull them off, and I'm hoping the day doesn't come when I have to take them off, but we shall see. What else? I don't have any stretch marks, and I don't know if I'll get any as I didn't get any with Jack, but again, we shall see!

I had a Dr's appointment this past week, and I found out that I don't have gestational diabetes, but I also found out that my iron levels are low, just as they were with Jack. So Iron tablets it is. And the funny thing is, I still have some in my cupboard. Do they expire? We chatted about the future of this pregnancy and what the next 10 weeks could look like. The reality is, there is more uncertainty with this pregnancy than there was with Jack. With Jack, we knew he would come early, we just didn't know HOW early, and the closer we got, we knew there was a good chance that I would have a c-section. With Little Buddy #2, I have no idea when he'll arrive nor do I know how he will arrive. He could be here in the next few weeks via a c-section, or I could be induced around 37 weeks and attempt a VBAC or I could carry him full term or he could be overdue. One thing I do know is that I'm not scheduling a c-section, but other than that, everything else is up in the air. And if I'm honest, the uncertainty excites me. It's exciting to think that this baby will have a different birth story than his brothers and it all really hinges on my blood pressure and what happens there. It's been averaging around 130/80 and the Dr. told me not to worry about it until it hits 150/90. But as of now, I'm not on any medication at all, completely different than my experience with Jack.

Wearing // Still living in my maternity dresses, and sometimes I pull out my pre pregnancy dresses that still have some give room.

Milestones // I celebrated my 32nd birthday! And we bought your brother a toddler bed seeing as you are eventually going to be taking over his crib. We went to the pumpkin patch this week, but I didn't get any photos of the belly bump, only this family photo and this photo of sweet Jack. 

 Pregnant with Jack week  17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29 // 30 

Little Buddy #2: 29 weeks

week 17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28

Ughh...it's happened. I've gotten behind on my posts. I knew the day would come! So let's see what I can actually remember.

Growing // Baby now weighs about 2.5 lbs - about the size of a butternut squash and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. He's growing fat deposits under his skin, and his energy is surging because of it. 

Eating + Sleeping // Nothing too exciting to report in the realm of food. I just want good, yummy stuff, but don't want to take the time to cook it. I have been making big dishes of things on the weekends to last us throughout the week, and that has been such a blessing! Sleep is fine - I surround myself in pillows as my tummy is getting larger and quite uncomfortable. 

Feeling // I've had better days! I'm just so tired and out of breath and all I want to do all day long is just lay down, stretch out my stomach, and rest, but if I'm honest, that is rarely the case. Hard to rest when you have a toddler running around. But it's a joy to watch this little person move around in my tummy.

Wearing // I bought two new maternity dresses with my birthday money! So now I have 5 maternity items - all dresses. Oh and I bought a maternity tank top as well. I wear them all the time - nearly every day. I bought this one in black and this one in green. I never wear pants and hardly ever wear leggings as my maternity leggings are too big and the other pants cut right into my tummy.

Milestones // Definitely feeling you move around ALOT! Can't think of any specific milestones. We are discussing names, but haven't landed on anything officially. 

Pregnant with jack week 17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 29

Me with my sweet boys! Jack's checking out his blue socks and wondering why he's outside without shoes on.