2.0 | 36 Weeks

How far along? 36 Weeks

Baby’s Size: Honeydew Melon - Not sure if I agree with this, I think she is much bigger.

Total Weight Gain: 25 1/2 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Yes, but my options are quite limited considering Fall in New England is upon us.  I've also had to wear my sneakers a lot more lately since my feet get cold with flip flops and I can't wear any of my other shoes :-(  I'm starting to wonder if I may need an entirely new shoe wardrobe after this baby is born. 

Gender: Little girl #2!!

Movement: Lots and some of it is quite painful.  I wish I could see what she was doing in there!!  

Sleep: My sleep has started to suffer over the last week.  Luckily, Evelina hasn't slept in our bed for over 2 weeks (knock on wood), but I'm generally more uncomfortable, I sweat during the night like there's no tomorrow (even with central AC on), I have to get up and pee more often, and my carpel tunnel has been brutal at night.   

Symptoms: Carpel tunnel in both hands, right being the worst. I have been plagued by a new wave of exhaustion as well, some mornings on the way to work, I'm tempted to pull over and nap.  

Best Moments this week: Lots of progress on Evelina's big girl room. 

Food Aversions: Nothing.   

Food Cravings: Sweets. 

What I miss: Easily getting around, being able to easily get up off the floor after playing with Evelina, or having her sit on my lap to read books.   

What I am looking forward to: Making progress on the nursery.  Once I can get a few things done in the room, I will feel much more comfortable about Siby's arrival.  Of course, we are looking forward to meeting Siby as well!!  She will most likely arrive within the next 30 days!!  

What Else? Last week I had a little heart scare, made a trip to the ER and was admitted for an overnight stay so that my heart and Siby could be monitored.  I never thought that my next trip to the hospital would be for something other than labor and delivery, but this pregnancy has been full of surprises.  Long story short, my heart rate was about 180bpm for multiple hours and ultimately I was given medication via an IV push to get it back down to normal range.  We aren't really sure what the cause was, we only know it was related to a slight "electrical issue" in the heart which happens to many people, including many young people.  After multiple blood tests, EKGs, an Echocardiogram, and a couple non-stress tests from Siby, I was given the green light to go home.  My heart looks great...this was just a freaky incident that we hope doesn't happen again before Siby's birth (or during for that matter).   

I don't look much bigger compared to 32 weeks.

A dropped around 36 weeks with Evelina but I don't seem as low this time around.

32 Week Belly Shots

32 Week Belly Comparison

I couldn't resist a belly shadow shot on the beach

In the Buff | Part II

If you don't like viewing bare pregnancy belly, this isn't the post for you.  

At 30 weeks with Evelina, I decided to do a buff belly shot and therefore thought I should do it again for Siby.  I was also curious since I feel and *think* I am larger this time around. 

Based on the photos, not only do I look bigger, but I look to be carrying lower and I'm much rounder toward the top then I was with the petite Evelina.  All due to a gestational diabetes pregnancy perhaps, or just the fact that 2nd babies are typically bigger?! 

30 Weeks with Siby

30 Weeks with Evelina

2.0 | 28 Weeks

How far along? 28 Weeks...3rd trimester!!

Baby’s Size: Eggplant

Total Weight Gain: 14 ½ lbs. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes, and I need to stop buying!!

Gender: Little girl #2!!

Movement: This little one is a mover and a shaker.  She was head down at my last midwife appointment, but at this point, I doubt she is in the same position.  She loves to perform belly gymnastics all hours of the day, especially at bedtime or during the endless times I’m awaken by Evelina every night.   

Sleep: Oh sleep, sleep, sleep, how I miss you.  When I can sleep for an extended time, I sleep rather well.  The pregnancy isn’t disrupting my sleep much, yet, unless my heartburn acts up more than usual.  The problem with sleep has been our darling, adorable, Evelina Bambina.  In addition to her 2-year molars taking their sweet, sweet time to erupt, she had a horrible cold, complete with a never-ending fever for about 5 days this past week.  To keep her comfortable, we (Chris is the rock-star) have had to sit with her in the glider/rocker in her room for hours each night.  She continues to NOT want to sleep in her crib, except for her first sleep stretch, and if we do manage to put her down, instead of rocking (which she demands, mind you), it is in our bed.  As much as I desperately NEED sleep before Siby arrives, I keep telling myself that all of this is great practice in preparation for a newborn.  Oh, how am I going to survive?!?  

Symptoms:  Nothing new, other than becoming out of breath much more quickly than I used too.  
Best Moments this week: I'm not sure that I know of one.  I feel like I am in a daze of exhaustion everyday so I can't focus on much else, other than making it through each day.   
Food Aversions: Does not wanting to cook count as a food aversion?   
Food Cravings: Afternoon sweet treat.  
What I miss: Energy and sleep. 
What I am looking forward to: Our next ultrasound scheduled for this coming Monday.   
What Else? Praying that I pass my one-hour glucose test on the 3rd.

Monthly Belly Shots

I hadn't realize how skinny my face was at 15 weeks until looking at my 28 week photo. 

2.0 | 24 Weeks

How far along? 24 weeks 

Baby’s Size: Cantaloupe
Total Weight Gain: 14 ½ lbs. Yowza...a 9lb weight gain since my last appointment.  Siby must have gone through a growth spurt. 

Maternity Clothes: Most definitely.  I'll be sporting my first maternity bathing suit this weekend.  I'm sure I'm going to look hot :-) 

Gender: It's a Girl!!

Movement: A great deal of movement everyday.  She often frightens me when I'm not expecting a kick or a turn.  

Sleep: I'm sleeping pretty well, still sans body pillow.  Now, does anyone know how to stop a toddler from waking up bright-eyed and busy-tailed between 4:30 and 5am every few mornings?  If so, let us know!!   

Symptoms: Same old, same old. 

Best Moments this week: I had my 24 week appointment yesterday and got to check in on Siby and here her strong heartbeat, in the 150s.  It is always so fun to hear it. 

Food Aversions: None to note.  
Food Cravings: I always want something sweet. 

What I miss: Having the energy to keep up with Evelina!!  Man is it tough. 

What I am looking forward to: Another ultrasound scheduled for the beginning of July.  At my 20 week ultrasound, they noticed that my placenta has 2 lobes when it normally has one.  At the time it didn't look like it would be an issue, but they just want to check in again to make sure that it's still in a place where it will not impede on the cervix (I would need a c-section if it were).  We are not concerned about it. I'm mostly excited that we will get to see Siby again and perhaps get some 3-D pictures this time around. 

24 Week Belly Shot and Comparison

I can't really see a huge difference but I certainly feel different!!

24 Week Belly Comparison - looks pretty similar.

2.0 | 20 Weeks

How far along? 20 weeks 

Baby’s Size: Banana
Total Weight Gain: 5 ½ lbs.  By this time with Evelina I had gained more so I think I may need to start eating a little bit more.  I would like this baby to be at least in the 6lbs range...a tad bigger than Evelina was. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes, although I'm still wearing many non-maternity tops.

Gender: IT'S A GIRL!! 

Movement: Lot's of movement and I can even feel taps on the outside which is fun.  I even think Siby had a case of the hiccups the other night, teehee.  Luckily the movement isn't strong enough to keep me up at night yet. 

Sleep: Unfortunately, I've been plagued by a head cold accompanied by endless coughing for almost 2 weeks.  Evelina has suffered the same.  Needless to say, our sleep has been affected.  Not fun.  Benedryl has become my BFF once again.  I don't know what I would do without it.  

Symptoms: Minor heartburn and a cold (or a combination of allergies...man has the pollen been horrible).

Best Moments this week: We had the fetal survey last week and got to check in our Siby.  She was just chillin' out with her ankles crossed.  She must have been in a sleep cycle.  It was tough for the ultrasound technician to get a good look at everything, but she finally got what she needed and all looks great.  We almost left without knowing the gender...stubborn child.  Ultimately, I moved around slightly and we got a look at the goods.  Evelina was always so active during ultrasounds so maybe Siby will be more laid back.  We shall see. 

Food Aversions: None to note.  
Food Cravings: Still loving the Cocoa Pebbles still. 

What I miss: Being able to take cold medicine that is actually effective. 

What I am looking forward to: Having Chris and Evelina feel Siby from the outside.   

And, without further ado, belly shots!!  

Definitely slightly bigger than 5 weeks ago.  Higher for sure.

By popular demand:  20 week belly shot comparison

2.0 | 18 Weeks

How far along? 18 weeks 

Baby’s Size: Avocado
Total Weight Gain: 3 ½ lbs. 

Maternity Clothes: For sure. I did some shopping over the weekend and picked up some non-maternity tops that are flowy, maternity dresses, and a few maternity tanks. Not having much luck finding summer maternity pants quite yet. Luckily, it hasn’t been super warm here so I’ve still been able to wear my maternity jeans and pants from when I was pregnant with Evelina. The bella-band still comes in handy as well. 

Gender: We will find out this coming Thursday, May 24th. I’m feeling girl, but I did have a rather vivid dream last week where I delivered a larger baby boy with light green eyes…and the help of an epidural. 

Movement: It is so hard to tell at this stage, but I do believe I’ve been feeling the baby very low. It’s been a combination of flutters, little tickles, and popcorn popping. No strong kicks yet but it is still early. 

Sleep: Definitely better than it has been in weeks. It would be much better if Evelina would stop waking up 50% of nights. We're thinking it could be nightmares; she was quite frantic the other night. 

Symptoms: Minor heartburn and pregnancy rhinitis, which has been much less bothersome due to all of the rain we've been having, but once the sun shines, it is back in full force. Surprisingly, round ligament pain hasn’t been too bad with this pregnancy. 

Best Moments this week: My mother brought her doppler with her when she visited this past weekend so we got to listen to the heartbeat and could even hear the baby kicking around. 

Food Aversions: None to note. 

Food Cravings: Still loving Arnold Palmers, but can now add Cocoa Pebbles to the list and ranch dressing on salads. 
What I miss: Not much really. At this stage, I enjoy being pregnant for the most part. 

What I am looking forward to: This coming Thursday is our fetal survey AND we get to find out the gender!! Hopefully this little one will cooperate for the ultrasound technician.

2.0 | 16 Weeks

How far along? 16 weeks

Baby’s Size: Avocado 

Total Weight Gain: 3 ½ lbs. 

Maternity Clothes: I have started to wear some of my maternity jeans and pants since they are more comfortable than using the bella-band every day; although, the bella-band is my most prized possession at this point. I may go shopping this weekend for some staple items. 

Gender: We will find out on May 24th. I’m feeling girl. 

Movement: I may have felt some flutters, but still not certain yet. I felt my first flutters around the 16 week mark while pregnant with Evelina. 

Sleep: A little bit better than in previous weeks, but still not great. I sleep so lightly that I wake up lots and this usually results in a bathroom run. 

Symptoms: Pregnancy rhinitis that won’t quit (ugh, I HATE it), minor heartburn, and headaches…something I never really suffered from the first time around. 

Best Moments this week: The feeling of a tickling sensation below my belly button, it must have been the babe. Also, we received the results of our genetic testing and everything was negative; odds of Down Syndrome is 1 in 50,000. 

Food Aversions: Not many. Although, I’ve been trying to avoid any food that could have the potential of making my heartburn flare up in the evenings. 

Food Cravings: Arnold Palmers – lemonade mixed with ice tea; my version of a Summer cocktail.  
What I miss: Staying up happily until after 9pm. 

What I am looking forward to: Finding out the gender!! 

My first belly picture with Siby, taken last week.  Compared to my belly pictures with Evelina, I look almost 20 weeks pregnant already. Oh boy!! 

Historical Belly Shot

Exactly one year ago today, I looked like this.  36 weeks pregnant, my belly had dropped and my body was preparing to deliver the most beautiful little wee one that would change our lives forever...in only 2 short, unexpected, weeks.  This was my last belly shot while pregnant with Evelina.  I would love to have seen what I looked like the day before she arrived, but Miss Impatient had other plans. Gosh, I looked puffy and tired, but that didn't stop me from enjoying a beautiful and fun-filled day with friends in Portsmouth, dining al fresco by the water.  

Oh, Happy Day

One year ago today 2 little lines appeared that would change the course of our lives.  This most wonderful year has been full of anticipation, excitement and fear with the arrival of our precious, sweet and beautiful daughter. We can't wait for the next year, and the next, and the next.....

Due Date!!

Today I celebrate my due date!! Since most women deliver during their 40th week of pregnancy, I really believed that I would still be pregnant right now but alas, I only look about 16-20 weeks pregnant and my stomach is definitely NOT firm like it was when Evelina was in utero. Today I ventured out to Babies R Us (sans Evelina, we are too paranoid about bringing her out in public yet since she is tiny...maybe next week) and it just felt strange that I wasn't sporting my bump any longer and couldn't park in the reserved expectant mother's spots. I felt so excited for all of the pregnant women in the store since they too will get to experience the amazing moment of meeting their little ones for the first time soon.

In honor of Evelina's due date, I had to take a final belly shot (man do I look tired!!). Still so weird to think that she was in my belly less then two weeks ago deciding that she was going to arrive the next day. My goal for this week (other than napping and making some progress on the breastfeeding front) is to document her birth story so I won't forget and perhaps one day she would like to hear the sequence of events as well.

Favorite Maternity Photos

We received the proofs from our maternity photo session...now the hard part will be choosing which images to purchase and in what size. I don't want a house full of belly so we have to choose carefully. I wish we had all of the money in the world so I could get all of the images on CD and print my own but maybe I will wait for Cashina's newborn shoot to splurge. Here are a few of my favorite maternity pics.

36 Week Belly Shot

Here is my 36 week belly. From the looks of it I may have dropped slightly but don't know if it is just the shirt or not. Here is the week by week comparison.

Maternity Photo Preview

When I found out I was pregnant I just knew I wanted to have a maternity photo session to capture the beauty of the belly. Chris was ambivalent since he doesn’t love having his picture taken (neither do I for that matter) but I promised the shoot would focus more on my belly then anything else. So, we booked a session with Heidi Hope Photography after I laid eyes on her beautiful and stunning newborn and maternity images.

We had our session on Saturday and decided it would be nice to have her come to our house. I was awoken at 5:30am by thunderstorms and downpours and at that moment threw my visions of straight hair and outdoor photos out the window. When Heidi arrived we explained our fear of camera issues but she was so great that after a few shots, we felt a lot more comfortable. She took a variety of shots in different rooms of the house and also set-up a backdrop for more studio-like photos. I’m just thankful that our house gets lots of light which definitely helped the shoot to be more successful considering the ominous skies.

She posted a preview of some of her favorite images to her blog. The complete gallery will be available in a couple of weeks.

Now I can’t wait for her to capture Bambina Ciano in her first weeks!!

Violet Cuteness of the Week

We are completely aware that we spoil Violet with love and cuddles...I would like to see you try to resist her cute little face and see where it gets you. Here she is chilling with me and her little sis. I think she enjoys my belly as a platform but it doesn't seem to phase her when Cashina kicks or moves. Chris is worried that she won't get as much cuddle time once Cashina arrives but considering how high-maintenance she is, I am not too worried.

32 Week Belly Shot

Already time for a 32 week belly shot with a comparison of my 16, 20, 24 and 28 week shots. I couldn't bring myself to wear the same purple sweater on a beautiful sunny, 70 degree day. It definitely seems like my belly is much rounder/fuller and less pointy then previous shots.

Belly Comparison

Am I Pregnant?

Everyone tells me that I don't look pregnant from behind so I couldn't resist taking a photo (gosh, I have NO hips!!). Now, are there women that actually look pregnant from behind? I don't think I could tell if someone was preggers from just looking at their back side.

In the Buff

In honor of approaching my 30th week of pregnancy, I thought I would take a couple of bare belly shots. I have been enjoying my belly growth and think it is such beautiful part of me especially knowing there is a life inside kicking, tumbling and pushing away. Maybe I will be able to make out a foot soon but for now it just looks like Cashina’s back, knees or elbows.

My belly button is still just flat but you can notice it has popped out a bit when I am wearing a fitted top….I think it is cute. I also have a solid linea nigra (Latin for black line) under my belly button which has been there for most of the pregnancy and from the looks of it has started to form above my belly button…or maybe that is just a long stretch mark but hoping not. The linea nigra will slowly fade after birth but it may never disappear entirely. I suspect it will stick around since I had a slight version before I even got pregnant thanks to my olive skin tone. I don’t mind it but I will mind stretch marks (no sign of any just yet, knock on wood) and the extra hair that has been growing on my belly. Let’s hope those both go away!!

28 Week Belly Shot

Slowly but surely the bump is expanding. Here is my 28 week belly shot with 16, 20 and 24 week comparison. I definitely notice a bigger change from 20 to 24 weeks then 24 to 28 weeks. I may be the only pregnant lady without a scale in the house so I have no idea how much I've gained since my 24 week appointment. We shall find out this Thursday.

28 Weeks

Belly Comparison

24 Week Belly Shot

I appear to be growing which means that Cashina is as well!! Here is my 24 week self-portrait (snowmobile weekends are over for this year so Chris will be home for 28 weeks). For affect I wore the same outfit as my 20 week shot. And also next time I will be sure to wear make-up so I don't look as scary.

24 Weeks

16 and 20 Weeks (for comparison)