35 weeks (tomorrow)!

Size of baby: He is about 18 inches long and about 5 pounds (about the size of a butternut squash)!
Symptoms: I can definitely tell that I'm getting near the end. I've been feeling more "achy", lately... especially my back and ribs. I can no longer put my shoes on comfortably... the ONLY thing I miss about being pregnant in the summer is being able to wear flip flops. :) This week, I had to move my chair back in the car because my belly was bumping up against the steering wheel... haha!
The Braxton Hicks contractions have, also, increased a lot, lately. I've been getting anywhere from 5 to 10 a day. With T, I wasn't getting nearly that many. However, I also wasn't doing stairs, carrying and chasing a toddler, or "on the move" as much. My doctor says that as long as they don't intensify or stop when I lay down and drink water, they are completely fine... just super uncomfortable.
I've been really tired, again (almost like the first trimester). However, I think it's because I haven't been sleeping well.
Weight gain: At my last doctor's appointment (last week), I had gained 33 pounds. Honestly, I'm not super thrilled, but I'm also not surprised. I'm pretty much on the same weight gain track as I was with T, so I'm not worried. I wanted to stay closer to gaining 30 pounds, total, this time. Obviously that didn't happen, but I'm feeling ok about it.
Movement: He moves the most when I'm sitting or lying down (about ready to fall asleep). I've been trying to lie down (to read) about a half hour before I'm ready to fall asleep, so that he has time to "settle". If not, he keeps me awake.

We officially scheduled our cesarean section for March 28th (a month from today)! It's crazy to have an official birthday, already... unless he comes early, of course! I will be exactly 39 weeks at the time. At my last appointment, I started to get really nervous for the c-section. I mean I know that I've been in that situation before, but it was so fast, last time, that I had no time to think about what was actually happening. My doctor assured me, however, that this time will actually be better because things will be so much calmer. She also said that usually recovery is a lot quicker than the first time. Obviously, everyone is different, but that's the norm, apparently. I'll take it. The main thing I'm concerned about is recovering with a toddler at home. Last time, I was able to sleep, lie down, and rest. Besides nap time, I'm not sure if I'll be able to do that as often. My mom is going to stay with us a while and we will have more family coming, as well. That will be SO helpful. I'm so thankful for that!
I know that God will give me His grace and strength for that time. He always provides!

I'm so excited for our little one to arrive! I'm so excited to have a baby in the house, again. I can't imagine loving another child as much as I love T, but (according to what everyone says) I know that it happens! How exciting!!!

32 Weeks!

Size of baby: Our baby is about 16.7 inches and 3.8 pounds (about the size of a squash!).
Symptoms: I'm starting to have Braxton Hicks contractions a little more frequently, but it's usually after/during exercise (or going up and down stairs). I just rest and drink some water and they subside. It's not painful, just a little uncomfortable. My belly is starting to "get in the way", sometimes (when I play the piano, hold Tatum on my lap, empty the dishwasher, carry the laundry basket, paint my toe nails, etc.). However, sometimes it comes in handy. The other day, I dropped a spoon, and my belly "caught" it for me. :) It's been super uncomfortable bending over to pick things up, so that was so helpful!
I'm still wearing my wedding ring which I'm very excited about. I think this time, last pregnancy, my fingers were too swollen (plus, it was summer) to wear it. :( 
Maternity clothes: I hope that they'll all still fit me throughout the rest of my pregnancy! I feel like I've been growing so much and there's no more room!
Cravings: Lately,  I've been loving Stonyfield's french vanilla yogurt and blueberries! It's so weird because I couldn't even stand the thought of blueberries during the first and second trimesters.
Movement: I feel like this little guy has definitely flipped (head down). His kicking is a lot stronger at the top of my belly (like his feet?). It's so crazy feeling him "respond" to touch outside of the womb... he'll kick back if you touch him. He moves the most when I wake up on the morning and in the evening before I go to bed.

I'm 2 and a half...

... going on 16!!!
Things I like to do: I love to make soup in my little kitchen, play with my new doll house, read books, go on errands with Mommy (Walmart, the bank, and Fareway), play the piano, dance, color, have tea parties with Mommy, play "come back here" with Papa, play with play-doh,

help Mommy pick up things she drops (she's been doing that a lot, lately), play with Charlie, watch Elmo's World, Winnie the Pooh, Barney, and Funniest Home Videos.
Favorite toys: I love playing with my Elmo and Abby, my blue purse, my baby dolls, any little containers, Samantha, Legos, my memory game, and my little kitchen.
How I've been sleeping: I usually go to bed between 8 and 8:30. I wake up around 7:30 and play in my room until around 8. I usually nap from 1:30ish until around 3:30 or 4. I sometimes fight my nap, but I still definitely need a nap! I get grumpy when I don't nap. All in all, I'm a very good sleeper.
Favorite foods: Macaroni and cheese, frozen peas, green peppers, apples, pears, goldfish, cheerios, fig newtons, banana smoothies (that Papa makes for me), cottage cheese, whales, and chocolate.
Favorite songs to sing: Elmo's song, Jingle Bells, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, ABCs, Jesus Loves Me, The B-I-B-L-E, Old McDonald, and Happy Birthday.
Milestones: I'm learning new words everyday... and surprising Mommy and Papa all the time with my new words. I can count to 20 and can recognize 0 - 9. I do a good job describing things (cold, hot, soft, long, etc.) and carrying on a short conversation. When I ask for things, I now say "please" and "thank you", consistently. I, also, use a spoon and fork and usually don't spill! I can identify my colors and most "normal" animals. I can skip, jump and throw a ball.
Milestones I'm working on: Mommy still helps me get dressed and undressed and brush my teeth. I don't think I'll be using the "big girl" potty anytime soon. I'm just not ready, yet. I love my cloth diapers! :) I share pretty well, but I still have to be reminded, sometimes. I'm working on coloring more in the lines, and drawing specific shapes (copying). Mommy and Papa are trying to teach me to say "I'm" instead of "my". I sometimes say "My going to get my toys" instead of "I'm going to get my toys".

My personality: My mommy and papa still think that I have a very sensitive heart. I care about how others are feeling and want to make them happy. However, I do have a bit of a temper, at times. I'm learning that when I become angry or frustrated, I can't throw things or hit. I have to sit in time out when I do that. I'm learning how to handle my emotions and be a good listener and obeyer. I make Mommy and Papa laugh, and I love people, animals, and my friends.

30 Weeks!

(Don't mind the piece of hair sticking out of my head! I noticed it when I uploaded the picture. Haha!)

Size of baby: Our little guy is about 15.2 inches long and almost 3 pounds (about the size of a cucumber). That's crazy! 

Symptoms: I'm starting to feel more uncomfortable while I'm sitting... I'm almost more comfortable sitting on the floor, sometimes. I get "winded" more often, as well (shortness of breath), when I'm sitting down. However, I'm so thankful that I've been relatively comfortable, thus far! My skin is starting to clear up which is awesome. Last trimester, it was awful... hormones! I'm definitely more clumsy. I drop things a lot easier and I run into things, a lot. However, I'm yet to slip on the ice (hopefully that will never happen!)!

Weight gain: Still 25 pounds. I didn't gain any weight between my last two appointments (between weeks 28 and 30). I have to admit that I was a little glad/relieved to see a break in the weight gain department. :) My doctor assured me, however, that there is no need to be concerned about not gaining weight. I'm doing just fine. ;)

Maternity clothes: Still wearing all maternity clothes (except for a few longer tank tops). Because my tummy is SO different than my last pregnancy, some of my maternity clothes are fitting differently, too. Certain shirts that I wore up until delivery are barely covering my belly! I'm caring so low and out in front (as opposed to higher and wider with T). It's so interesting. I have noticed, though, that they are making maternity shirts a lot longer, these days, which has been great for my situation. :)

Movement: He's still moving like crazy! The nurse said that he'll most likely be positioning himself out of "breech position" soon. Honestly, I think he might of switched, today. Ever since this morning, he's been moving non stop!

Because I had an emergency cesarean section with Tatum, B and I knew that we would have to make the decision, this time around, whether or not we wanted a repeat c section or a vbac (fortunately, my two doctors are willing to do either). After a lot of talking, praying, asking questions, and doing a ton of research, we feel completely at peace with having a repeat/planned c section. I know that it can be a very controversial subject (just like so many other parenting decisions), and initially I was kind of afraid of what other people would think about our decision. However, we really feel good about it, and are so supported by our friends and family.... which we are so thankful for. At my most recent appointment, I asked my doctor a ton of questions regarding the planned c section. She was so calm and helpful... it made me feel so at ease. (Even though I've done it before, going into surgery... awake!!!... still freaks me out). However, I know that the God of all comfort will get all the glory in this situation! All glory to Him! :)

28 Weeks (Hello, 3rd Trimester!)!

Size of baby: Our baby is about 14.8 inches long and weighs about 2.5 pounds (about the size of a Chinese cabbage... I have no idea what that is, but that's what babycenter.com said!). It's crazy that when T was born, she was only 5 inches longer than the size of our son right now!
Symptoms: I can't think of any "new" symptoms. I'm still feeling large and in charge. My belly is growing so much more "out" compared to my pregnancy with T. I carried her a lot higher and wider. If we wouldn't have found out the sex ahead of time, B and I would totally know that this one is a boy!
I'm still not sleeping very well. Once I fall asleep, I do fine. However, once a wake up, I'm up for good. It's takes me forever to get comfortable and go back to sleep.
Weight gain: 25 lbs. Normally, I wouldn't be too happy about this because I had a set amount of what I wanted to gain during this pregnancy. However, I have shifted my mindset away from numbers to focus on eating what's healthy and getting some exercise for our little boy. Plus, I've been benefiting, as well. I feel much better during this pregnancy because I've been exercising... go figure. ;)
Maternity clothes: I'm officially out of all of my non maternity jeans. :) I still wear non maternity, stretchy tank tops, but the rest is all maternity!
Movement: This guy is strong! There are many times where I feel him on both sides of my stomach... like he's trying to get out. He just doesn't like to be contained. :) I know that he's going to be a busy little guy once he's finally here. I have asked, many times, if T would like to feel her baby brother move in Mommy's tummy. Every time, she politely declines. It must not be as exciting for her as it is for her Mommy and Papa.

It's crazy to think that baby de Waard will be here in less than 3 months! We're so excited! I've been brushing up on my baby book reading, and it's slowly all coming back! He will be here before we know it.

25 Weeks!

Size of baby: Our baby is about 13.5 inches and is about a pound and a half (about the size of an eggplant)!
Symptoms: I've had a little heartburn, this week, but tums have been doing just fine. I've been getting a little uncomfortable if I have to stay sitting in the same position for a long time (playing with Tatum on the floor, sitting on the couch for too long, on the piano bench at church, etc.). I've been doing a prenatal exercise dvd 3X a week. That, along with some stretching, has really helped a lot. I haven't been nearly as tired or as uncomfortable as I was last pregnancy. However, I have been sleeping horribly. :( I know that if I were to get a better night sleep, I would feel even better! My body is preparing me for those sleepless nights, soon to come!
Cravings: Anything salty!
Movement: Baby d is not only kicking, a lot, but also moving around so much. I sometimes feel him "rolling" all around. I'm, also, feeling him all over... not just on my right side or lower tummy like before.
Gender: I'm getting more and more excited for our SON to arrive! I still never pictured myself as a mother to a little boy (there are girls, everywhere, in our family!), but I'm getting used to the idea! I've been "nesting" in spurts, and absolutely love folding all the little boy clothes... I never knew boy clothes could be so cute!

23 weeks!

Size of baby: Our baby is more than 11 inches and a little over a pound (about the size of a large mango)! However, at my appointment, on Monday, my doctor said that this little guy is measuring at 25 weeks! So he's most likely bigger than that.
Symptoms: I really haven't had any new symptoms this week... just feeling bigger. I've been SO blessed with having a smooth pregnancy!
Weight gain: 17 pounds! Ugh! My doctor said that some of that is because I'm measuring at 25 weeks... this little guy probably went through a growth spurt... bless her heart! Honestly, he probably weighs no more than 2 pounds. :) That was nice of her to say, though. Honestly, Thanksgiving didn't help and the whole "carb craving" obviously doesn't help, either. I just have to be a little more intentional about what I eat (and what I don't!).
Cravings: Carbs and cheese! I, also, love fresh vegetables (I should stick with that craving!). :)
Movement: This little guy still loves to move! I've been feeling him all over, now. I sometimes feel like he's flipping around in there... he's a busy one!
Gender: Still a boy! :) We've picked out a name (and middle name) for sure, so that's been really exciting! We still don't call him by name when T is around (we don't want her to tell anyone). But, sometimes B and I will call him by name... so fun!