38 weeks!!

Holy smokes! 2 more weeks tops until we meet Levi. I'm getting so EXCITED! My nerves and anxiousness are wearing away, thank goodness! I'm just ready ready ready. I'm excited to see who Levi looks like, how much he weighs, and just to meet the sweet little boy. I'm also ready to sleep in ANY position other than my left side. I wake up after 2 hours and my hip hurts SO BAD! My heartburn has gotten ridiculous. How do people deal with this on a regular basis!? And I'm super excited to get this large baby off of my bladder :) I'm ready to tackle breastfeeding, too!

My appointment went very well. My blood pressure was good, Levi has dropped (not completely, but working on it), I'm 2 cm dilated now and 40% effaced. Getting ready :) I'm having a LOT of pressure in my low belly, back contractions, and insane sciatic nerve pain. 

I'm trying to decide if I want to be induced again or go into labor on my own. Obviously it all depends on my doctor and how Levi's doing. I definitely won't go over due. Thank goodness! I feel like he may come on his own a little before then, and I would kind of like to experience that. BUT, and induction, all planned out, is really nice! We can make sure Eric is off work and home, Brady & Sugar are taken care of... It's tempting. But there's also no guarantee that this induction will go as well as my last.. Other than I love my doctor and trust her. 

Anyways, I go back on Monday. They've got weird hours since Thursday is Thanksgiving. Can't wait to see my progress. After this weekend, we should have everything completely ready. Fingers crossed!!

36 & 37 Weeks

A lot has been going on! I am going to try to keep this one short and sweet though because I have a chance to get a nap :)

At my 35 week appointment, my blood pressure was high. About 142/88 and then 138/86. My doctor had me track my blood pressure at home for about a week and it was low every time. I stress myself out a lot and at that time I was getting ready for Halloween, Eric's birthday, and the Marine Corps ball. It was extra stressful with Eric being on color guard. At 37 weeks it was 132/82 which still is a little high for me, but safe by pregnancy standards so it's all good. Thank God! I have just started to get a tiny bit of swelling in my hands and my nose is looking larger. Nothing unusual for a 9 month pregnant lady.

At 36 weeks, we got an ultrasound. I felt like I hadn't seen Levi in so long! 16 weeks! It was wonderful to see him moving around. The tech said, “He is head down, spine going up your left side, feet in your right ribs.” I said that sounds about right ;) When Levi has hiccups I feel them in my lower left side and I feel his little feet in my right side regularly. He likes to stretch and push me at both ends. Yikes!

She also said that the amniotic fluid looks good and he is still very much a boy. We saw his cute chubby cheek. I can't wait to kiss it! After she was finished, surprised that she hadn't already mentioned it, I asked, “How big is he/will he be?” She said, “I was hoping you wouldn't ask.” Holy S***! Who says that?!?! Lol I laughed so hard. I told her we had an 8 lbs 5 oz baby and wouldn't expect anything smaller than that this time. Of course depending on when I have Levi, she thinks he will be around a 9 pounder! Buckle Up! She thinks he is already at 7 lbs. I've been telling Eric for weeks that I think Levi is and will be bigger than Brady. If Brady is our baseball player, Levi is our football player!

At 37 weeks, I've still gained 41 lbs. I was shocked to have held this weight for 3 weeks! It looks like I may keep my ultimate goal of 45 lbs. So thankful! 40 would've been great, but hey 45 is still a heck of an improvement! I'll take it :) I am 1 cm dilated. I'm also definitely having contractions. Back contractions mostly :( Not excited about that! I didn't have any of that with Brady and it was bad enough. We walked the mall yesterday and I felt like if we kept going I could easily go into labor! Lol Not ready for that just yet. I like to cook my babies for a full 40 weeks. We also found out that Christus (where we had Brady) is still open and fully running. So we may end up having Levi there. It's our choice. I'm leaning towards Christus since it's smaller, less busy, and we had a great experience.

Today, we have been cleaning house and getting some last minute things together for Levi. His hospital bag is packed, but I'm still working on mine. His clothes, blankets, swaddlers, sheets, are all washed and put away. We need to get the car seat out of the attic, put together his swing, and wash bottles and the pump. I really wish was family was close to help. I've been so homesick lately. My Momma and Sarah always know just how to help me with this stuff.

Brady has gone pee pee on the potty! :) This is HUGE! He absolutely hated it around the time he turned 2. Now he's enjoying it. Just trying to get him to go more regularly. I'm guessing it's going to have to wait until after we have Levi and Christmas. I'm too big and tired to tackle it right now.

                                                 36 weeks at the ball :)

                                    37 weeks (in the car because I was in a hurry :)

34 Weeks

Whew! I get so nervous when I say 34 weeks. It won't be long at all until we meet Levi. We are almost completely ready. We had our shower on Sunday. It was perfect weather! All of our closest family and friends in Houston came over. The kids all played really well together. Which means the parents were able to have a good time too :) Karen helped get the food, drinks, decorations, and even helped clean house. THANK YOU! Lauren helped so much by coming early to help set up, bringing food, cake, candy, and balloons. She helped throughout the whole shower and took pictures, all with a baby on her hip! She's an incredible friend :) Eric's Aunt Tonya came all the way from San Antonio. We got lots of beautiful gifts. Afterward, Eric said, “Today couldn't have been more perfect!” He was right!

I would probably have the last few things done already, but I have been SO TIRED. I feel like I'm in the 1st trimester again. I have big ambitions for each day, but with all the breaks I have to take for my back and belly.. I feel like not much gets done. At least not much 'extra' gets done after I take care of Brady, the house, bills, dinner..

Levi is almost 5 lbs and the size of a cantaloupe according to my pregnancy app. Let's face it, he's probably bigger than that since I don't have small boys. I've gained 37 lbs so I'm pretty happy with that. Just a little over where I wanted to be and compared to last time that's a HUGE improvement. I'm sure I gained 50 (at least) by this point with Brady. I'm tempted to ask my doctor to look it up for me, but then again.. better to just look forward. I crave a lot of cereal, Raisin Bran mostly, spicy foods, anything buffalo flavored! I craved sushi and steak in the 2nd trimester, but of course stayed away. I'm really looking forward to a big Thanksgiving meal. I think about it way too much! Haha.

At 31 weeks, I had some spotting. More than I ever experienced with Brady. I called my doctor and she sent us to the ER. Late on a Saturday night of course :/ But we had to go make sure everything was ok and thank God it was! I was not having any contractions. We went home and the bleeding stopped after 24 hours. I had to take it easy the rest of the week. That kind of thing is normally right up my alley! But it was easier said than done. I always have a lot of things I want to get done especially on weekends. With a toddler at home and a husband who works 23754 hours a week, it's hard to relax because that means letting things go. My house hasn't been clean, I'm barely keeping up with laundry, and we've had a lot of cereal for dinner. But I do notice a big difference when I take the time to put my feet up.

I knew this would be a crazy busy time of year. We went to Florida (which was perfect by the way!), had our shower, we're getting ready for Halloween, Eric's birthday, the USMC Ball, then Thanksgiving, Levi's birth, and Christmas. All in the next 2 months!! EEEK! Eric is always SO MUCH HELP to me. He's the most supportive and loving husband and daddy. He's got work, school, and constantly helping me with Brady and stuff around the house. He never complains and he puts up with me! How?!? :) I really couldn't do any thing without him. 

                                           FOOD! & the cutest punch :)

                                           Brady wanted to help open gifts

                                       The boys loved Brady's truck!

29 Weeks!

There's been a lot going on these last few weeks in the Weisinger house. I'll start with Eric's orders.

April 21, 2014 we are DONE with recruiting and will be moving to Camp Pendleton. I can't say I was shocked at the news. Numb is more like it. It was strange to finally just know! We've been wondering for 2 ½ years really. And very anxious for the last month knowing that orders could come any day. After we told family and friends, and I let go that we are not going back to our house, I started to get excited. I know there is so much to do out there, especially for kids, so it will be a great adventure for our family. Sea World, Disney Land, San Diego Zoo, LegoLand, and those beautiful beaches!

I'm obsessively looking at houses and schools (Brady will at the very least be in Pre K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade out there!) I've got a very specific list of things I want in our next home, so I'm always praying, that when the time comes, we find the perfect place to call home. Base won't allow pit bulls so that option is out. Not that we wanted to live on base anyways. I just don't think it's for us. However, Sugar has never done anything wrong and neither have we as her owners. So don't get me started on the injustice! The cost of living out there is ridiculous, so it would be nice to have the option!

Brady has been doing so well in school. Some days he gets a little upset when I drop him off, but just a little teary and a few hugs, then he's fine. He's always in a GREAT mood when I pick him up. I know he's loving it. Bit of a side note just because it's funny: When we get home, he immediately starts stripping! Shirt is usually first, then shoes. Yesterday, it was shirt and pants, and he played the rest of the day in just a diaper and his shoes. LOL.

I also started attending a women's bible study on Monday mornings. I LOVE IT!!!! We are studying the book of Jonah and how he ran from God's plan for him. And how poorly that turned out! It's a great lesson and coming at a great time for me. I've met several wonderful women there and love the table I sit with.

I had my appointment today, and as usual, Levi is doing very well :) My blood pressure was 118/78 (it's always spot on thank God), we heard his perfect little heartbeat at 144, and my belly measures exactly 29 weeks. The hospital where I delivered Brady and planned on delivering Levi, is closing :( I'm so bummed. I have to switch to a different hospital now, but it's bigger and my doctor really loves it. So we will just have to do a tour and pre-register. But that's really no biggie. I'm just thankful we found out a little early and not last minute!

FLORIDA!!! The first week of October, we will be in Florida again with my family. We contemplated not going this year since I will be rather large and pregnant, plus my bladder issues. BUT, the good outweighs the bad and my doctor gave me the green light. Sarah and her family will be there with my newphew. I've GOT to see him :) I'm so glad we decided to go, even though it's an expense, since we will be on the west coast next year. I think we will skip Florida trips while we are out there. Hopefully my family will make it a California trip for a few years :)

                                                  

                                                        27 weeks

                                                                28

                                                           and 29 weeks!

Nursery Update

I just wanted to add the pictures of Levi's nursery. We've made a lot of progress. I just need a few pillows for the chaise lounge. I was contemplating a rug in there, but I think I'm going to hold off on that. 

Brady is obsessed with playing in Levi's room. He plays cars in there, puts Mr. Bear "nigh nigh" in Levi's crib, and climbs all over the changing table. Poor second baby! First baby gets everything brand new and no one has even touched it until he's born. Second baby gets all hand me downs and everything is 'broken in' by big brother :)

                                 Brady headed to school. He turned around to
                                show me the back all on his own. Daddy's boy!                                                  

26 weeks

Oh Geez. The closer I get to 30 weeks, the more freaked out I get! I'm super excited to have Levi, but there is still lots to do. This weekend we will finish getting his nursery together. Or at least almost finish! I'm still searching for a chaise lounge to put in there. I am going to try to take it easy this weekend though. Last weekend I TOTALLY over did things and hurt so bad Sunday night. My whole body was achey and it hurt to move. I didn't think we really did that much, but I am pregnant. I just forget sometimes and over book our days and especially weekends! Plus, Eric is taking Algebra right now and needs my help. So we will have to get used to making more time for that. At least for the next 6 weeks until that class is over.

I had my diabetes test this week and it came back normal. Big relief. I really wasn't that worried I would have a problem, but I really fear that long 3.5 hour test! Lots of people have to take it that don't have gestational diabetes. One hour was long enough to walk around, keeping Brady entertained, on no caffeine! Momma needs her morning coffee! Even Brady knows when we pull in a Starbucks parking lot. He yells, “Coffee!!” Which is exactly where we went after my appointment ;) I feel like I should leave a disclaimer: I only drink two small cups each morning and then about 100-120 oz of water the rest of the day. This keeps my bladder happy and keeps me from swelling! I'm very pleased :) I had already reached the point of not being able to wear my wedding rings by probably 24 weeks pregnant with Brady.. Not so good! They still fit perfectly right now.

I've gained 22 lbs now. All I can do is compare my pregnancy to my other pregnancy. Nothing else! And I'm doing WAY better. I walk 4-6 miles on the treadmill each week. I mark it on the calender so I'm accountable. I drink tons of water. I watch my sodium and fat intake. No fast food! Those things are working for me. I compare pics each week to my pregnancy with Brady. BIG difference. Don't try to look for them on facebook.. they're private now ;) For good reason!

Brady and I are getting ready for his Preschool at our church to start on Tuesday. I'm so excited for him! I can't stop thinking about it and reading, ahem, rereading through all the paperwork. We met his teachers yesterday (they're great!) and saw his classroom (adorable!). It's the same room he is in for Sunday school. That helped A LOT! As soon as we walked in, he was down and playing with all the toys and totally comfortable. Ms. Lisa is also his Sunday school teacher! The routine of that will surely help us get used to things. Eric gets to come with us to drop Brady off on Tuesday morning! I'm so glad!

Brady and I are best buds and always together. It will be a huge adjustement for the both of us. They have a schedule they stick to every day and a new curriculum each month. So he will learn a lot, make new friends, and get used to listening to other adults and getting along with other kids when I'm not there. I get anxiety thinking about it, but I know he will be better for it! That's what matters. I don't wanna be a clingy mom! I trust our church and the teachers completely. That's a must!

There's also the bonus that I can now run errands, make doctor appointments, grocery shop, clean, and sleep on Tuesdays and Thursdays by.my.self! I don't remember what that's like!? I plan on making the most of the time before Levi gets here and then of course, I'll have 2 days a week with just Levi. That should help me transition to Mommy of 2 and keep Brady from being resentful that he's all cooped up because of the baby.

I'm planning out Levi's newborn pictures, which is so much fun! I didn't really plan much with Brady, I just let Melissa do her thing. This time, I know we've got to use Eric's cammies and blues. Do a few cute things since it's Christmas time and use Sugar :) It'll be fun for sure!

                                                       25 weeks

                                                      26 weeks

                                          Headed to Preschool Orientation!

                                                   His adorable shirt

23 weeks

Brady and I went to my appointment this morning. Levi is doing very well. He's perfectly healthy, measuring correctly, and has a strong heartbeat. He moves a TON! I'm always feeling jabs and pokes. Sometimes I jump because he loves shocking my bladder! Lol. I don't mind the constant peeing so much, but sometimes my bladder just aches :( But I've been drinking so much water that my bladder is hanging in there!

Other than always worrying about my bladder retention, I also have sciatic nerve pain. I did not experience this at all with Brady. It really surprised me to feel that sharp, pinching pain! I almost fell down it was so shocking and painful. Thankfully, it's been brief and only in the evening and night (so far anyway!) I think I'm carrying Levi A LOT lower than I carried Brady. That's just my theory!

Dr. Doan gave me the go ahead on attending the Marine Corps Ball this year!! :) Wouldn't normally need permission ;) But I will be 36 weeks and 1 day pregnant and the ball is in Galveston. Everything is going very well with this pregnancy and Galveston is only about 1 ½ or 2 hours away. Thank God I found a website with pretty maternity dresses at good prices. I was scared!! Being 6 feet tall and almost 9 months pregnant.. I thought a dress might just be impossible!

I go back on the 27 for my gestational diabetes test. By my next regular appointment, Brady will be in school =) I'm so excited for him! And me :) At today's appointment, Brady thought it was hilarious to take my flip flops off and put them in the magazine rack.. haha. I know it will be tough at first, since we have spent 2 years together all day, every day. But I know he will have a lot of fun, learn a lot, and make some good friends. Everyone that works at our church is so nice and wonderful to the kids. We picked up Brady from the nursery on Wednesday night after church and communion and Brady gave a big ol kissie to the lady who had been holding him. It was late and he was tired. She was so good to him. It's normally very difficult for me to leave Brady. And that's with family! Lol They make me feel great about it at church.

Levi's room is really coming along. We've got the furniture and bedding set up. The glider is in there. So is our deep freeze :/ Oops! Gotta find a new home for that!! Haha. This weekend, my goal is to get some clothes put away, find a new changing pad cover, get a little basket, spray paint the curtain rod, and get a new valance that matches :) Hobby Lobby & Target, here I come :)

                                                    Brady and his Bears :)

                                              Why didn't I move those boxes??