41 Weeks, Induction Day

I am back tracking a bit here so that we can compare the tummies at the time of induction.  Manna's birth story is coming up next!

Manna 41 Weeks

Blessing 41 Weeks, 4 days

It's D-Day!

Well today is D-day and I have a feeling Manna is in no hurry! Below are the comparison profile shots (40 weeks and 41 weeks); I think the tummy size is pretty similar but Manna looks lower to me!

I CANNOT WAIT TO MEET OUR LIL MANNA!!!!!

40 weeks with Manna

41 Weeks with our Blessing Addison

39 Week Doctor Appointment

Quick update from the doctor visit today....

• Progress: 3 cm dilated; 50-60% effaced still. Head down and in pelvis but not applied at. My babies like to just sit in my pelvis.
• Reviewed results of ultrasound last week: Doctor agreed my due date was probably off a week but that does not change anything this late in the game. Just means this one probably wont be as big as Addison. I HATE that they did not explain the entire report to me...they only focus on the size!!!! My friend Tonya went over it with me and helped me see that there is some great news in there, which distracts me from the size GUESSES. Manna scored an 8 out of 8 on the Biophysical Profile, the fluid levels were great and Manna had fluid in his/her stomach and bladder! YAY!!
• BP: 110/60
• Fetal Heart Rate: 130's. Took forever to find it; Manna did not cooperate.
• Fundal Height: Little to no change. The last few doctors believe this is just how I carry my babies at the end. They just sit in my pelvis, but do not fully engage which makes it difficult to obtain accurate fundal height and u/s measurements.
• Next Steps: My final appointment is Monday October 24. Assuming we do not have Manna between now and then that is the day we will set an induction. They will still only allow me to go 7 days late so it will more than likely take place on 26th or 27th. We shall see. However we are still hoping to go into labor naturally!!

Manna Pictures

My sweet friend Sheila took maternity pictures of Manna with Addison recently. She is a wonderful photographer and was looking to expand her portfolio into maternity photos, so I was VERY happy to help her with that. Although I do not LOVE the look on my face in many of the pictures (I was too busy watching Addison be silly) they turned out great. We particularly LOVE the ones with Addison :)

Just random pictures of Addison at The National Mall

Just random pictures of Addison at The National Mall

Just random pictures of Addison at The National Mall

WARNING...now starts a few bare belly pictures......

39 Week, 1 Day Ultrasound

Preliminary findings indicate the due date may be off by a week; in other words I am 39 weeks but the tech feels like this is probably a 38 week baby despite the estimated fetal weight of approximately 7.5 lbs. We have suspected this all along, but they do not change due dates if they are only off by a week or a week and a half. Unlike the 35 week ultrasound, Manna was very cooperative and actually has been really calm all day today.

What does this mean? Lots of "unofficial" (not official until the doctor complies his/her report) good things....

1. Estimated weight is 7.5 lbs, but (according to my doctors) this does not measure any body fat.
2. They will probably allow me to go up to 7 days late. That doesn't sound like good news to most people, but it IS good news when you REALLY want to go into labor on your own and naturally
3. Baby Manna is still the perfect size
4. No abnormalities
5. Head down and low low
6. Manna has lots of fluid still (not like big sister)

All in all I think it was all very positive. We will return to the doctor Tuesday (2 days before d-day) for our weekly check up; we are hoping they are supportive (and feel its safe) for us to allow Manna some time to come on his/her own. I think I am destine for an induction or something to help start my labor, but you never know.

Matthew and I tend to take the estimated weights with a grain of salt because they can be up to 25% off in either direction. Only the Lord knows whats going on with Manna and I have to remind myself constantly that HE is in control of timing and size and everything else.

Happy 39 Weeks

Just a profile picture update below; hard to compare the pictures because I am so silly in the one with Addison. Looking forward to our ultrasound tomorrow!!

39 weeks with Manna

Looks lower than last week, just a tiny bit

39 weeks with our Blessing Addison

38 Weeks, 3 Days

No picture this week, just wanted to update about the doctor's appointment today. Matthew and Addison came with me today since today is a federal holiday; it was nice to have him there to talk to while we waited!

I saw a doctor again today vs. a midwife, they always seem a little more anxious to get me into delivery than the midwives. Concerns still remain that this one could end up large despite my 35 week ultrasound indicating that its "average". AND we did end up with an exam today.

Summary:

• Heartbeat: 140's again, man this baby is trying to make it hard for us to speculate gender
• BP: 102/70, YAY!!! Although, I can't wait to get back to my normal BP of 90's/60's :)
• Fundal Height: No change/slightly smaller again. Apparently it's normal for this to be steady/decline towards then end as the baby descends.
• Position: Head down, very low but not fully engaged.
• Progress: "A good 1 cm dilated" to use the doctor's words and 60% effaced; translation: HARDLY ANYTHING SINCE 36 WEEKS. As with Addison I seem to get "stuck" around this point; with Addison I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced from week 36 until I was induced 11 days post due date.
• Movements/Contractions: I think I have been having braxton hicks contractions fairly regularly, however I don't know if I had any with Addison so I cannot be 100% certain that's what I am feeling. Manna is still a mover, much more than big sister Addison was.
• Next Steps: Ultrasound schedule for Friday afternoon to check on size again. The doctors are not convinced the baby will be average despite my 35 week ultrasound saying it was. They think it will still end up relatively large, especially if I go to the due date or beyond. At this point, babies are just packing on the pounds. Induction discussions already started, the doctor asked if I would be willing to consider inducing next week; we declined pending the ultrasound findings. She also asked if she could "strip my membranes" today, which we also declined pending the ultrasound findings. We declined because she said the baby is healthy, I am healthy and there is NOT an emergency situation. We will re-evaluate on Tuesday at my next appointment. We would like to get to the due date before intervening at all and the doctor thought that was perfectly fine. They just want me to have an "easier labor" this time (Addison was 36+ hours and 4 hours pushing) but we would like to allow Manna time to come on his/her's own time IF possible. We know that a post due date induction is highly likely, but since we are opting for no pain meds again, we would like it to be as natural yet as safe as possible.

Only 10 days to due date, hard to believe we are already here!! We cannot wait to add Manna to our family, although it already seems like he/she is. Please continue to pray for Manna's healthy arrival as well as our family as we prepare for the new arrival (emotionally, spiritually, financial, etc.).

13 DAYS!!!

Only 13 days until Manna is due...its really starting to set in how soon Manna will join our family! AND we will know the gender soon!!!!! I love the labor and delivery process so much, but I look most forward to hearing my wonderful husband tell me "ITS A GIRL" or "ITS A BOY" with excitement, joy and surprise in his voice; nothing is sweeter.

38 Weeks with Manna; check out my HALLOWEEN socks :)

38 weeks with Blessing/Addison

Comparing Bellies: All of a sudden, the way Manna used to spread all the way up and down my tummy seems to have changed a bit. Seems like Manna is poking way out and low whereas with Addison I was still high and spread out. Oh how I love being pregnant!!!

Doctor Appointment Summary (37 weeks 5 day):

• BP: 105/70
• Heartbeat: 140's..hmmm...girl??
• Measurement: Same as last week, 36. Doctor explained measurement can hold steady for a week or two when the baby begins to drop.
• Position: Head down, dropped slightly but not full engaged. No internal exam.
• Overall: Saw a doctor again this time; he said everything is looking good and he, like EVERYONE ELSE AT THE PRACTICE since my 35 wk ultrasound has all but done a jig that this one MIGHT be smaller than Addison. Ug, I admit--this is getting on my nerves. He thinks maybe I didnt gain as much weight this time around (i find that hard to believe) but he says he can tell I am in very good shape. I asked if my rigorous and regular exercise (up until this week) could have caused a smaller baby and he said absolutely not. Oh well, what can you do? It is nice that they keep reassuring me I have done nothing wrong IF this baby is smaller. I do not know why, but I have it stuck in my head that a BIG BABY = a healthy baby. And when I say big I mean 9 pounds. I KNOW this is not true. Matthew reminds me....trust God, I have done everything I can!
• Next Appointment: Monday October 10; 38 weeks 4 days. No internal exam planned, yay!

How am I feeling?

I do NOT feel over 38 weeks pregnant at all! I have been having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions and a few regular ones too. I am staying busy and loving all the movements---even the ones that hurt! Manna is a mover, especially at night when we have put Addison to bed; it's as if Manna knows that is when he/she can get attention! I still hope that Manna stays put until due date or even a few days late. I think thats what made Addison put the chunk on :) I will miss being pregnant even though it will be nice to get my body almost back and end this acid reflux. I cannot wait to start running again and doing sit ups---that's sick right?

Matthew and I say everyday how anxious we are to meet Manna. The experience is totally different the second time around, we know what to expect and we are so much more confident about being parents than with Addison (remember, Matthew and I had only been married about 2 months when we got pregnant with her by surprise). We look forward to seeing the two little ones interact too.

Prayer Requests:

• Pray for continued safety of Manna
• Praise him for protecting Manna and I for the last 9 months
• Pray for a safe delivery
• Pray for HIS timing and method of delivery
• Pray for Addison's adjustment
• Pray for Matthew and I as we prepare and as we continue to try to parent as God leads
• Pray for all the other new mommies and mommies to be for health and safety too; we know so many people who recently had babies or are expecting; Pray they seek God as they parent

36 weeks, 3 days

Less than FOUR weeks until d-day!

36 weeks 3 days with Manna

36 weeks with our "blessing" Addison

Little Info On Manna: Your baby is gaining about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. Next week, your baby will be considered full-term. Most likely she's in a head-down position (Manna is as of right now and all the kicks/movements support this as well---lets up he/she stays).

How am I feeling: Considering we are so close to the end, I feel great. Sure I have a few aches and pains here and there, but I am grateful that pregnancy has been very uneventful. I am anxious to meet Lil Manna, know if its a boy or girl, swaddle it, snuggle it, give it a name and watch my Addison be a big sister.

Doctor Appointment Summary:

• BP: 105/60
• Heartbeat: 138
• Measurement: Still on track
• Overall: Saw one of the doctors this time. She said they will not check my progress until 39 or 40 weeks again--YAY! She said everything looks good and really just reviewed how we were feeling about delivery---our birth plan has not change yet. She also said, if we go into labor they wont stop it (although I hope we make it all the way to the due date).

This is when Addison says "NECK" and wants to tickle your neck then you return the "favor" to her :)

35 Weeks, 4 Days

Quick Update without profile shots on Manna.

We had an ultrasound on Friday 9/16 since I have a history of macrosomia (giant babies). The day did not start off right as they changed the appointment time three times on me and made it where Matthew could not attend. I do not ask him to come to appointments, but ultrasounds are fun for the dad---they get to experience the baby whereas us mom's experience it every moment!!

Summary of results: Anticipating average sized baby (vs. giant Addison).

What was funny was the abdomen size was the one measurement pulling down the entire current size percentile; the head was 2 weeks ahead and the femur length was right on track. I TRIED to take it with a grain of salt since they predicted high 7 pounds with Addison and she was born 9.5 lbs but I was a little stressed when they said "average"!!! All these concerns flooded my head ranging from---"is this my fault" to "I dont know how to handle little babies". Then, I was reminded the baby is healthy AND these results mean we do not have to be induced before the due date!! THAT was the best news. So as of now, I am allowed to go 7 days overdue; we hope this will allow me to go on my own as well as allow Manna to get some chunk on :)

We did not get to bring any pictures home since Manna moved SO much during the u/s. The tech had trouble getting any shots that were good enough for measuring. Addison said "watch manna" and "Mommy is lie down" the entire time. LOL!!!

Summary of Doc Visit:

• BP: 120/60 Although this is normal; its high for my history. The doctors always laugh at me when I say that is high LOL.
• Heat beat: 140's...interesting as its been in the 130's until now. Hmmm....
• Tests: Had Strep B test.
• Overall: All seems/sounded well; Head down and "almost engaged"---that would explain the couple of contractions over the weekend and some of the slight pain. As we all know, head down status could still change.
• Progress: 1.5 cm dilated; 50% effaced. Apparently this is right on track for second babies at week 36, so we are a tiny bit ahead. Interestingly, this is where we were at with Addison at 37 weeks and then nothing changed after that :)

34 Weeks, 4 Days

Holy smokes, it's week 34!!! I have said it many times but I will say it again: feels like we are flying through this pregnancy!

34 Weeks, 4 days with Manna

34 Weeks with our Blessing Addison

Lil info about Manna: According to Babycenter.com Manna now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long.

Doctor Appointment Summary:

• BP: 110/68 High for me but normal for most :)
• Heartbeat: 130's
• Weight: NO WEIGHT GAIN, Woot Woot! I saw a doctor today and she said as long as I do not lose any weight it's ok :)
• Measurement: Right on track unlike Addison who always measured about 1-2 weeks behind
• Overall: I saw one of the doctors this time and she expressed her concerns IF we have a baby any bigger than Addison. I think they maybe be putting the cart before the horse but we have some more time to see if that is true. They want to get an idea of how big they THINK Manna will be, even though as we recall from our first pregnancy they were and can be WAY off in weight estimates. Last time, they guessed Addison would be about 7 lbs maybe 8 and she was 9.5 lbs!! However, I dont argue with the docs, I follow directions and so we are scheduled for an ultrasound Friday. From that, they will decide if I need additional ones to keep an eye on the size. We are not worried, we want a biggin :)
• Coming up: Weekly visits start now and on my next visit we get the lovely strep b test.

How Am I Feeling: Pretty great. It rained ALL week, so I was not able to walk everday so instead I started my Jillian Michael's 30 day shred. I substitute stair climbs for all the ab exercises, but MAN I AM SORE!! My back is sore pretty consistently, but nothing too terrible. I love each and every movement to remind me that lil Manna is doing well...even when the punches and kicks are uncomfortable. I am working in Addison's school for the next two weeks and its my church's consignment sale soon (I am on the leadership team for the sale) so I have a feeling I will be worn out by October. I would not have it any other way! We are SO blessed.

34 weeks 2 days, just a random one.

Addison saying "Kiss Manna Please" and giving Manna a lil sweet kiss

Addison after saying "hug, Manna, hug"

32 Weeks

It was this time in my pregnancy with Addison that we were in the hospital thinking an emergency c-section was eminent (see 32 Weeks-A bit of a doozie for the full story), so I am thankful nothing exciting has happened lately :) Although I still wonder if that dose of steroids is what made Addison so big...never know!

I feel like my tummy size is starting to even out to about what it was this time during my pregnancy with Addison.

32 weeks, 2 days with Manna

32 Weeks with Addison

A little info on Manna:

Manna is about 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long. If Manna is anything like his/her big sister we might can assume he/she is a little heavier and longer, HA!

Summary of 32 Week Doctor Visit:

• Heartbeat: 140's
• BP: 100/70
• Measurement: 32
• The midwife said this week, she thinks boy :)
• They have stopped internal exams (thankfully) until 38 weeks. Since I had already effaced some they wanted to monitor it until I stopped making progress and I did this time, yippie!
• Everything was fine, next appointment is in 2 weeks...I dont know what I will do when they become weekly again, EEK!

How am I feeling:

Pretty great, but I can feel my endurance is finally slowing down a bit. I am still not supposed to exercise much due to my back problems, so sometimes I feel like a beached whale. Manna is a MOVER and a SHAKER. I thought Addison kicked me a lot...Manna puts Addison's movement to shame. This thing is constantly bouncing around. We still maintain we would LOVE LOVE LOVE a big ole chunker again!!!!! I have been struggling with acid reflux and this is about when that started with Addison. I know now that avoiding dairy helps mitigate it, so....no more milk. Totally not a big deal.

Gender voting:

Get ready to head to the poles, in a few weeks I will start taking wagers on gender, birthday and weight for Manna!

Thoughts on delivery:

I decided to add this section going forward. So far, we have no reason to think we would need a planned c-section. Matthew and I both strive for a pain medication free labor and delivery. If Manna takes 36 hours like Addison, that's probably not feasible but----our goal is pain medication free as of right now. My doctor would love for me to schedule an induction right around the due date vs letting me go overdue, but they are leaving it up to us. As of now, we are going to pray that we are able to labor without induction this time but the doctor SAYS they will only let me go 7 days late this time vs. the 10-11 days late last time. I still reserve the right to change my mind about pain meds, but that is how we feel right now.

31 Weeks

I am a little behind on my post; I had intended on post at 30 weeks since I would have just gone to the doctor but it simply did not happen.

Below is the profile shot that I will do every other week now. I feel like I look like a totally different person with this pregnancy than with Addison.'s pregnancy; maybe because I am so tired from being with Addison all day by the time we take these! I think I am going to move the picture location even though that will mess up being able to see the growing tummy!

30 weeks 6 days with Manna

We had been playing outside, so I am all red and sweaty!

30 weeks with Addison (aka Blessing)

A little info on Manna: This week, Manna measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt.

30 week doctor appointment summary:

• BP was 95/60
• Measured almost 31
• Weight gain (believe or not) is pretty much on track not way too much and definitely not too little. I dont know the number (nor would I share anyways, lol) but they said it was in the normal range.
• Heartbeat fine, I did not ask number
• Head is sitting on my right hip
• No more effacement since last week
• Diagnosed with siatica; apparently only 1% of pregnancies cause true siatica, who knew (see more below)

How am I feeling: I am not one to announce to the world that I am in pain, but last week was quite challenging. I could barely walk all week due to my back pains which turned out to be siatica as I mentioned above. If I were ranking the pain on a scale of 0-10 with 10 being my non-medicated labor pains---this was an 8 at its worst. I was told to STOP exercising and just relax until I had a chance to see a physical therapist. Telling me not to exercise is torture!!!! I went to a P.T. and they agreed it was siatica and gave me some tips to avoid pain. I feel MUCH better now. Other than the rough week----feeling pretty darn good!!!

Addison wanted to join the picture fun!! As soon as she saw us pulling out the camera she starting saying CHEEESE and flashing her big goofy posed smile.

28 Weeks, 4 Days Doc Visit Review

First of all, I am SO excited that Matthew's cousin is expecting HER second baby in March!!!!! We are so happy and excited for them...AND that means there will be another one close to Manna's age when we visit Matthew's family, so fun!!

AND we have another friend who is expecting a baby in January---they have a daughter the same age as Addison. SO fun, our kids will all be in the same grade!!! So happy for them!!

On to the 28 Week Doctor visit summary:

• BP: 110/60
• Completed 1 hour glucose tolerance test
• Results for the glucose test should be back in 2-3 days--no news means I passed
• Heartbeat normal (did not ask exact number)
• Measuring 4-7 days ahead (aka measuring more like I am 29 weeks not 28); interesting because until this appointment I was measuring slightly behind. Maybe it IS a big baby, but who knows---it's all a guessing game really.
• Not dilated but just a teensy bit effaced; apparently that is normal with "two pregnancies so close together", I seem to hear that a lot :)

We start going to doctor's visits every other week now, yikes! Luckily, the appointments happen to fall on Matthew's day off so at least Addison will not have to attend all of them.

We are so excited to meet Manna yet---we are relishing every moment of sleep, quietness, structure and time as a family of three as possible!!!!!

Welcome to the Third Trimester

I cannot believe we are 2/3 of the way finished with our second pregnancy; it seems like I was just writing our blog post "Thus the Third Trimester" about Addison!

28 weeks with "Blessing"

Check out how HIGH I am carrying her!

28 weeks with Manna

Check out how low this one is....looks like my hips are pregnant and not my tummy!

Wowzers, as I look at the photos above it is unreal how much bigger I am the second go round. Maybe we will have a 10 pounder on our hands this time; I would be just fine with that!

A little info about Manna: By this week, Manna weighs about 2.25 pounds, like a Chinese cabbage, and measures about 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. She can open and close her eyes which now sport eye lashes!

Manna sure is a mover and seems to still have room to flip around. I rarely have a moment where Manna is not moving around some, it is my favorite part of being pregnant! I hope it keeps up!

How am I feeling: I did something to my knee this week and am trying to take several days off before I get back to exercising. Otherwise, I am just the usual tired and that is about it. Feeling good honestly. I hate gaining weight. It's THE only thing I do not like about being pregnant and if you have been around me for more than 15 minutes, you probably already know that. I have been exercising a lot to make me feel better about that whole aspect, but it does not seem to help much (course I also exercise a lot to prepare for labor and just to stay in shape generally). I just feel like a beached whale or something!!! It IS all worth it though and I must focus on having a healthy baby (which does not necessarily mean big, just healthy having been fed the good stuff not junk while pregnant). I dread the doctor sometimes because even though I do not let them tell me my weight---I know they see it!!!! Big picture. Big picture.

Coming up next: Glucose tolerance test and doc appointment is Monday. I do not mind the test, most people dread it. I will be excited to hear the results towards the end of the week.

My Two Little Owls' Room

Here are the pictures of the new room mostly set up for Addison AND Manna; I love how it turned out!! Special thanks to Mia for the decals on the wall and for your help!

My two little owls have such a special room now...all without painting!! The best thing is the decals can be easily removed and reused! The theme is a cute little outdoor nature land; Addison's side is a bit more finished since we know she is obviously a girl and once Manna is born we will add some touches. Addison's decor is a little bigger than Manna's since she is the big sister...bigger owl, bigger tree, etc.

Still deciding where to move Addison's bow holder; after we see if this is a boy or girl in October, we will decide.

Both beds. Addison got all new TODDLER bedding and Manna has her gender neutral baby bedding. Addison will remain in the crib as long as possible :)

Manna's bed with a little porcupine crawling across the rail and a tiny lil owl that matches Addison's hanging out in the tree. If it is a girl, I have lots more flowers to decorate with and if it is a boy---more animals!! Manna's name will be hanging on the wall above the long side of the crib.

Addison's almost toddler bed with new bedding!

More Addison's bed.

Better view of the bedding; she LOVES that stuffed owl. She hugs on it, gives it sugar and says "who who who" every time she sees it.

Close up of bedding.

Addison's decals.

Manna's decals.

More Manna Decals AND a lil monkey to keep him company.

All ready for Manna, swaddle sleep sack, wedge and all!

Baby Einstein Water Wonder World "mobile".

New glider location; I actually like it here better. It will be helpful to have it away from the beds in case one is sleeping and one is being cuddled.

Door out to the hallway.

LOVE the new storage cubes we got!

Brown: Manna Toys

Green: Addison's Toys

Pink: Addison's Toys

Open Areas: BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS

All but one of Addison's 12 monthly "birthday" pictures; we will add Manna's below these!

The ridiculously huge closet (one of two).