Newborn Cloth Diapers - The Good, The Bad, The Not Worth It

We began cloth diapering with RC around two months old. We had to wait because RC wasn't big enough to fit the BumGenius 4.0 one size diapers we had bought for him. We had opted to skip newborn cloth diapers due to the cost at the time and from the original research on cloth diapers I had done, I had found that he should have been able to fit the one size diapers. Well he would have had he been more of an 8-9 pound baby. Instead he was 6 pounds 15 ounces and super skinny!

Well then it was time for baby #2. We still have a great stash of one size diapers, but again no newborn cloth. We decided to invest in some newborn cloth to get us through the first month - two months. Yes I hate disposables that much that I opted for newborn cloth that would only be used a short time.

Tiny Tush Mini Elite

GroVia Newborn AIO

Thirsties Duo Wrap - size 1

Planet Wise Cover - size 1

Bummis Tiny Bots

Prowrap - newborn size

 For the fun of it and so it maybe helps someone else, I decided to post the pros/cons I saw for each of the newborn diaper we used.

My favorites were the Newborn Blueberry Basix & the Bummis Tiny Bots. The covers were great in the first few weeks, but now that he is about 2 months old, we are having major leaking/wicking issues in less than an hour. That means I get one use and then have to move onto a new diaper. The nice thing about covers is being able to reuse them and right now that isn't happening.

I also loved the fit of the GroVia's but those were quickly outgrown, especially in the rise. My Little Critter was in the 90th percentile for height at birth. Needless to say we may have many rise issues with him!

Overall I was happy with all the diapers I picked for the first several months. I think it was worth the money spent as well since he went through so many diapers in the beginning. Since Little Critter is gaining weight like crazy he has outgrown all but a few covers. Those probably won't last much longer either!
Now we are onto the one size diapers that big brother RC has used for the past two years. I did, however, just recently purchase a few new brands to try out with Little Critter.
*These are my own thoughts. No one paid me or provided any of the diapers. I purchased my diapers from Abby's Lane (not a referral link).

Brand/Type	Size/Weight	Price	Pros	Cons
Newborn Blueberry Basix	Fits 6-16 lbs	$17.95	Umbilical cord notch Prints & Solids Easy to stuff Fits longer	Snap only Slightly bulky Long air dry time
Thirsties Duo All In One	Size 1: 6-18 lbs	$15	Snap or Aplix Prints & Solids No stuffing Fits longer	Slightly bulky Leaks/wicks quickly with a heavy wetter Long air dry time
Bummis Tini Fit by Tots Bots-New!	Fits 5-14 lbs	$18.95	Trim Fit Good absorbency Fits longer	Aplix only Solid colors only Difficult to stuff Long air dry time
GroVia Newborn All In One	Fits 5-12 lbs	$14.95	Trim Fit Prints & Solids	Snap only Low Rise Leaks/wicks quickly with heavy wetters Quickly outgrow (especially rise if long baby) Long air dry time
Tiny Tush Elite Mini Pockets	Fits 4-15 lbs	$18.95	Snap or Aplix Prints & Solids 4 rise adjustment for better fit Easy to stuff Fits longer Air dries quickly	Slightly bulky Leaks/wicks quickly with heavy wetter
Thirsties Duo Diapers	Size 1: 6-18 lbs	$17.50	Double Gusset Prints & Solids for better fit Easy to stuff Fits longer Air dries quickly	Slightly bulky Leaks/wicks quickly with a heavy wetter
Thirsties Duo Wraps	Size 1: 6-18 lbs	$12.25	Double Gusset Snap or Aplix Prints & Solids Use with favorite insert for better fit Fits longer Air dries quickly	Leaks/wicks on the outside with heavy wetter
Planet Wise Diaper Cover	Size 1: 6-18 lbs	$17.95	Double Gusset Use with favorite insert Double row of snaps for better fit Fits longer Air dries quickly	Snap only Prints only Wicks on the outside with heavy wetter
Bummis Super Brite Cover	Small 8-16 lbs	$12.65	Double Gusset Use with favorite insert Fits longer Air dries quickly	Aplix only Prints only Leaks/wicks quickly with heavy wetter May not fit for a couple weeks
Prorap Classic Cover	Newborn 6-10 lbs	$8.50	Double Gusset Inexpensive Use with favorite insert Air dries quickly	Aplix only White only Leaks/wicks quickly outside with heavy wetter Quickly outgrow NB size

Pregnancy Update: 39 weeks

Today was my 39 week check up (one day shy technically)! The doctor and I discussed what I was going to do if I reached 40 weeks and still hadn't started labor yet. She said there really seems to be nothing that indicates that I won't labor well, so she convinced me to be induced rather than schedule a repeat c-section. She said I will be induced slowly so that should help allow me and baby to endure labor better.

Today when she checked me I am still just 1 cm dilated. She decided to go ahead and attempt to scrap my membranes which she did, but she didn't sound hopeful that that will help get labor started. We'll see what happens over the next few days. Hopefully it works and things get started so I don't have to be induced.

If not though, she let me pick when I wanted to be induced! So naturally I chose my due date since she said there was no reason to wait until I was 41 weeks to do it. So next Wednesday I will go into my 40 week check to get a foley catheter put into place and an NST to make sure Little Critter handles it well. Then Thursday morning (not sure of time yet) we'll head to the hospital for induction if the foley catheter doesn't work!

Hopefully things get started naturally and if they do, I predict this to happen this weekend when Travis and I are due to be in a preaching course all weekend at church!

No matter what we should be holding Little Critter by next Thursday (or maybe Friday if I labor long)!

Pregnancy Update - 37 weeks & 1 day

Officially full-term! Little Critter is welcome to come at any time now! Yesterday was my 37 week check. Things are still looking good. No additional dilation...still barely a 1. Currently just trying to get any last minute things done and keep up with things like the cloth diapers, house work, etc. all so that when he decides to come, there isn't 3 days worth of diapers to wash for RC and none for him to wear!

Next week at my 38 week check I will be having an ultrasound to check his estimated weight. Their purpose for this they say is for me to then decide if I still want to try for labor after c-section or just have another c-section. So far I don't think they will be able to sway me into another c-section unless they can come to me with medical proof why it is necessary. We'll see how it all goes.

I can't wait to meet Little Critter. Hopefully it won't be too much longer!

Pregnancy Update: Hospital Trial Run!

Oh a trial run was not what we were wanting Sunday...at least not at 10pm!

It all started on Saturday night after I was in bed. I rolled over and ouch was it painful. I could tell it wasn't a contraction it was just pain. It went away as soon as I got settled into a position. I'd roll and it would hurt again.

By Sunday morning, I was in excruciating pain. It didn't help that I ended up sitting on a hard floor at church with Richard for a while either. That day, I could barely walk. The pain was horrible. Once I got walking, it felt a little better. It was still there, but at least was a stabbing pain. I'd stop, sit down or lay down and as soon as I got up...stabbing pain. Once it almost sent me to the floor.

I called the doctor's after hour number, left a message to be called and took a nap. No call. Later I tried again. Still no return call. Finally I called back a third time and they physically called the person versus paging them. Verdict...go be checked out at labor and delivery since the pain had been constant all day. Though by this point with the research I had done, I was pretty sure it was all normal and I just had to deal with it. Oh the joys of pregnancy!

My poor hubby was exhausted and here I was having to go say..."no you're not going to bed, we're going to the hospital to be checked after all!" So here we were grabbing my bags just in case, telling one of our exchange students that was due to be driven to the airport at 7am the next day that we had to leave and be checked out. I told him, all should be okay and we should be back soon, but for some reason if we are not...we'll make sure someone is here by 7am to get you to the airport. At first, he thought I was joking with him!

At the hospital I get hooked up to be monitored and checked. It was very hard to describe the pain properly. It was constant yet by constant I mean it would be sharp pain all day if I moved...except if I walked for a really long time. LOL The nurse definitely looked confused.

All in all after Little Critter was stubborn with being on the monitor, she finally got enough reading to call the doctor. It was decided that it was just round ligament stretching and for me to go home, take Tylenol and perhaps a warm bath. Just as I figured...pretty much a waste of time to go up; however, I did get to realize I need to go buy some additional contact cases because apparently, I only have one! LOL

So here I am two days later, round ligament pain mostly gone and back to back pain! I suppose I'll take the back pains over the round ligament pains any day at least if it's as bad as it was Sunday. I think I much rather would have preferred being in labor!

I still am not 100% sure how I'll proceed with my delivery options of Little Critter. I want to try for labor after c-section, but I am thinking if Little Critter doesn't decide to come on his own and they were to need to induce me, that I would rather have a c-section instead.

What would you do if your first was emergency c-section due to cord around foot and no signs of labor started...second time around would you opt for c-section automatically or trying for labor?

Baby Shower from Church Friends

My friends at church threw me a baby shower recently. It was amazing. It was a great time of fellowship, eating yummy food, playing fun games, and celebrating my Little Critter.

The girls did an great job with everything. It really made me feel so loved with the effort that went into the shower and all those that came to show their support.

 The game they did was pretty funny. Since we cloth diaper, they were going to get scraps of cloth to have teams make a diaper out of. Instead toilet paper had to be used and the goal was to create a cloth diaper and I had to pick the winning team. Let's just say I couldn't stop laughing!

Here are 3rd and 4th place. We have on the left a cloth diaper with suspenders and "sumo" baby cloth diaper with a bonnet included. LOL
 

The top two where tough to decide between. The runner up included a tool belt with their cloth diaper. It holds things like paci's, bottles, etc.

The number one really had me laughing so hard I thought I was going to need to pause and use the restroom!

The whole "outfit" included a cloth bib that once the top was wet through, you could simply remove and the next available bib would be ready. The hat was an all weather hat. It had removable ear flaps for when it was too hot outside! The best part was the cloth diaper...it was a cloth diaper meant for newborn through toddler years and even had access for potty training! Genius idea!

 As I opened all my gifts, someone at the party creates a hat from parts of the wrapping paper and tissue. Here's mine...complete with curly bangs!

 The cup cakes were delicious and had homemade chocolate toppings on them!

Here's a shot of everyone at the party. It's hard to imagine that with RC, I had no one here and now I have all these lovely ladies in my life!

Pregnancy Update 34 Weeks

Wow it seems like forever since I updated last. Okay, in pregnancy life...4 weeks is forever! LOL

So far Little Critter is doing well. He is currently measuring slightly small; at least my belly is measuring slightly small. At 38 weeks the doctor said I will have an ultrasound to measure his weight to better determine if I still want to try for labor after c-section (TFLAC). That answer right now is not changing from YES!

My next appointment is at 36 weeks and then will be weekly from there. Next time I get to have all the "fun" stuff done. The strep test gets done and they are going to start checking for dilation, etc.

I gained another 3 pounds. Oops...I was a bit naughty with the whole carbs to protein ratio. Must do better at that! I don't want to blow my chance for a TFLAC after all! Over all weight gain though is still only about 10 pounds from where I started at my first OB appointment, so I am happy with that. We won't count the weight I lost and then gained back plus the 10! ;) LOL

I am also starting to have possible Braxton Hick's contractions. At least from what I described to the doctor she thinks that I am. Which is perfectly normal at this stage but also is pushing me to get my bag packed, instructions for washing diapers for Travis, and a bag for Richard together for when he needs to go with a friend! This time I really want to be ready and currently....I am NOT!

We did finally get a big chair out of our room and a small space started for Little Critter. He will be in our room for a week or more depending on when he comes until his room is available. Our last exchange student leaves around June 20th, so it won't be until then that Little Critter gets his own room. We are not co-sleepers here nor are we sharers of our bedroom.

 For now I am trying to get as much sleep as I can. Nights are starting to already get adjusted to up every few hours. It really is amazing how much one has to pee during pregnancy even when you don't drink anything! I guess it's the body's way of preparing for all those late night feedings!

Now it's time to get all the little details taken care of so we are prepared!

Pregnancy Update 30 Weeks

Finally getting to the home stretch. 30 weeks and counting! Today's doctor appointment was quick. Usually is when you don't have questions. This time I did have one and that was when would they determine if I had to have a repeat c-section.

The answer: it all depends...on whether or not I begin to progress naturally, whether I start to progress and stall, and whether baby or I are showing signs of not enduring labor.

So with that as an answer it still doesn't tell too much, but the doctor did tell me since my pregnancy with RC didn't even get to labor that his emergency c-section won't necessarily be a factor this time around.

She did tell me that they highly recommend those that are trying for labor after c-section have an epidural as early as possible because if an emergency c-section is needed they would have to knock me out instead which could effect the baby. If I already have the epidural then they can just go in and I can remain awake! All good information to know.

Travis probably still thinks I should just tell them to just schedule a c-section but I just don't want that unless it's medically needed. We'll see what happens!

I know am entering biweekly appointments so it won't be long now. While it's still about 10 weeks away...that 10 weeks is gonna fly by fast!

If only I could start setting Litter Critter's room up! Oh well...it will give me something to do later I suppose! I do need to get rid of a chair and make room in our room for the pack and play until his bedroom is available!

I also have my baby shower to look forward to. With RC, I had no friends out here in VA. This time around it will be nice to celebrate with my friends. Now if only some of my family could be here too! I guess I can't have everything! LOL

Happy Birthday RC!

Two years ago, RC came into our life. Our lives have been an adventure since. It's been amazing to see my little man grow and develop every day. It is hard to believe he is two sometimes with how he acts...then again there are those other days...you know the terrible two days to remind me!

RC's language has been exploding lately. He says a few simple sentences. His favorites are "I shee," I doo," and "Wuz dat?" My favorite thing he does is when he thinking he will go "hmm shee" while rubbing his chin. It is the cutest thing ever.

He runs...non stop...okay well when Veggie Tales is on he pretty much doesn't move...or blink. He loves animals...particularly birds. Not long ago we went out to feed the birds for the first time. He ran around the backyard holding a cracker calling the seagulls by saying "ha ha." It was adorable. Sadly (and thankfully) the seagulls wouldn't come eat from his hand!

Veggie Tales is his favorite show. We don't really let him watch other shows, but when he does watch a different show at a friends house, he has no interest in it. His only interest is for "uh uh" as he calls it.

Cheerios is by far his favorite snack. Especially right before bedtime. The boy is a bottomless pit already!

Ball and cars (riding style) are his favorite to play with but he also enjoys sitting down and looking at his books. That is usually what I find all over his floor in his room.

RC loves to change diapers on his stuffed animals. He loves helping with laundry, dishes, and sweeping. Come time for brother (SD) to be born, he will be a fantastic helper!

 

My little man really is just that...he isn't a baby anymore he really is a little man. When exactly that happened, I'm not sure. It's like he went from baby to little man over night!

Pregnancy Update Week 26 & 6 days

Today I had the glucose testing done. Now I just have to wait and see if they call with any dreaded news. I pray that they don't call. The lab tech said if I fail it, I'll have to be sent elsewhere with more lab techs because I am such a difficult blood giver. Maybe my body is just saying it doesn't have enough to spare! Okay so it really is that my veins are tiny and hard to find!

So far all seems to be going well. Little Critter #2 should be close to 2 pounds now. I did have a pretty significant weight gain since my last appointment 4 weeks ago, but the midwife said she isn't concerned unless I make another jump in weight! Officially I have gain just 2 pounds! Thank goodness for losing close to 10 in the 1st trimester!

We haven't completely settled on a name yet. At least I'm not 100% sure we have. We might have and just not fully realized it yet. Anyhow, when we do, I'll announce it in a fun way! Most likely just through my Facebook though.

For now I am just trying to keep weight off, praying I pass the glucose test, and prepping for the upcoming weeks to fly by before Little Critter #2 is here!

A Lesson in Love

Today for my quiet time I was doing another lesson in my Deep Convictions workbook. Today's lesson had to do with family and new relationships...specifically talking about Love. Through the various scriptures: Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Colossians 3:14, Galatians 5:6,13,14, 1 Peter 4:8-9, and 1 John 3:16 that love isn't just about the mushy stuff. It's about serving your brothers and sisters. It's about action and what you do to show your love. It's about laying your life down for others just as Jesus did for you and me.

Well...

A few weeks before Valentine's Day I found a giant package in our front hall closet. At first I though I had found my gift from my hubby even though he said he wasn't going to be buying me anything. I quickly closed the door and waited. Then Valentine's came and no gift. Hmm...okay maybe anniversary gift?

Well my curiosity got to me but I also was needing to get to some of my business supplies that the package just happened to be sitting on top of. I decided to email my hubby to question if the package was for me, could I move it when I needed my supplies. His response surprised me. He said he had no idea what I was even talking about and to email him a picture of it. 

I did, and he said he didn't know anything about it, but to open it and see what it was. So I did! And what did I find...the new car seat I wanted for Little Critter #2! I sent hubby a picture of it and after more emails back and forth he promises he did not do it and knew nothing about it. I contacted a couple of my friends and they denied having to do anything about it.

So why did I share this story today? It's about love...the love of one or more individuals that would do something so nice and to do so without expecting a thank you. No one has come forward to say...."hey I did it" to get a thank you or credit. They simply did it because they love me. I am absolutely certain that it definitely wasn't my hubby and it really is amazing to know there are others out there that care so much for me to do something so kind!

So while they may not want to step forward and claim the credit...a huge thank you to my Car Seat Fairy(ies) for such an amazing gift. And not just the gift of a car seat but for helping to remind me of Christ's love and that I too, need to show my love for others like Christ did for us!

Pregnancy Update Week 23 (well close enough!)

Each doctor appointment I look forward to going in and hearing Little Critter's heart beat. This week I had my (late) 22 week appointment on Tuesday. I love getting the early morning or first thing after lunch appointments...except this time! This time, I got to see one of the other doctors so that I could meet him and have a face to go with a name in case he were to be the one to deliver Little Critter. Well let's just say I didn't quite like him....well him keeping me waiting for an hour after his lunch break.

First thing he said when he came in was sorry, which is nice. Sometimes you don't even get that but what I couldn't figure out was what the heck he was doing as I saw what time he came back from lunch and I was the first appointment! Oh well...other than being annoyed to be kept waiting, he then literally found baby heart beat, kept it there for a couple of beats and then handed me my paper to leave.

I sat there with a thought of that's it? That's all. I get to listen for half a second and you send me on my way after keeping me waiting for an hour! Plus he didn't bother to even check the ultra sound notes to make sure everything was good. For all I knew, they forgot to call me with any issues that were found!

Thankfully all was great with the ultra sound. No low placenta like I was wondering. Not too much fluid at this stage like I had with RC. No abnormalities that they found! Little Critter is doing well.

Next appointment....glucose test! Yuck, but hoping they don't mess it up like they did someone else and I have to do it again! That would really tick this prego off! LOL

Prayerfully I will have no high risk issues this time around. With RC it was the too much amniotic fluid. This doctor does have me listed as high risk, but even the doctor yesterday when he asked I said my guess is because I had thyroid cancer or it's because my first came via emergency c-section. He kinda looked at me like I was nuts.

I'm sure you're all still waiting to know Little Critter's name. Well we haven't quite decided yet. Actually this time around I think we could have settled on a girl name before a boy name! With RC we were lacking big time in the girl name department...this time, we are lacking on boy names! Hopefully soon we'll have a name. I'd really like to start referring to him by his name, especially when I talk to him!

Pregnancy Update Week 22 & 1 Day

Well it seems instead of getting an update written here after my 20 week (well almost 21 week ultra sound) I only made the announcement on Facebook. Oops!

Well here is the update finally on how Little Critter #2 is doing and for those not connected to my Facebook...what Little Critter #2 is!

 So far Little Critter #2 is a very active one. During the ultrasound Little Critter was moving all about making it slightly difficult for the tech to get all the measurements needed! Guess this is what I'll have to look forward to as Little Critter gets even bigger and has less room to move.

So far everything is looking good with Little Critter. The tech was able to finally get good looks at things like the heart and brain and she said all is looking fabulous there. The tech estimated Little Critter to be approximately 13 ounces at the time and everything looked to check out. At least with what she was willing to tell me. I haven't had my next OB appointment yet (it's next Tuesday) so I'll find out then I guess if there were any issues they didn't bother calling me with.

Now, here are some pictures to enjoy of my Little Critter!

Face/head shot

When doing the finger count Little Critter gave us a thumbs up!

Saying hello to Big Brother

And introducing Little Critter #2 as

I think it's obvious but if not...IT'S A BOY!

I do hope that RC and Little Critter #2 will be best buds as they grow together!

Pregnancy Update Week 18 & 5 Days

Well here we are about a week from my last pregnancy update. I was still 2 weeks out from my next appointment, but due to some pain and pressure that didn't feel quite normal, I called today to question it and they gave me an appointment.

Weight wise I am down another .9 pounds! Go me...so long as baby is growing properly. I won't know that for another 2 weeks!

The pain and pressure...well apparently it's because I'm pregnant. Huh, who would have thought that? LOL The pain and pressure I am having seemed to be very low. With research it seemed that maybe a low lying placenta as the culprit. This could also explain the 1st Trimester bleeding I had. Well this could still be a possibility but won't know for sure until the 20 (well almost 21 week) ultrasound.

The other possibilities are a urinary tract infection or an unbalance in bacteria (kinda like a yeast infection, but not a yeast infection!). Well, it's neither of those. Which in my eyes is a good thing. That would have meant some sort of medicine to fix the problem.

Instead the midwife said it is most likely that I am more attuned to what is happening during this pregnancy because it's my second one. She also said that after your first pregnancy when the ligaments stretch it can feel more painful because they have already been stretched before. She said it's like a sports injury. If you get injured your more susceptible to being injured again and it hurting more the next time!

She also recommended I get a prenatal cradle. All I have to say is it's a good thing it goes under the clothes because I would never leave the house if it didn't! LOL

So okay...I went in today for being pregnant. Well, I'm still glad I did. I'd rather question things than leave them to just happen and find out that something was actually wrong. Especially since RC came a few weeks early by emergency c-section for his cord wrapped around his foot!

It also turns out that the last blood draw they did clotted and they never actually got the CBC ran so I had to give more blood today. So much for them calling me if I needed to come in again for that!

So 2 more weeks and we will hopefully find out what our Little Critter is. What do you think boy or girl?

Pregnancy Update Week 17 & 4 days

Well we have made it to the new year. The year our second little critter will be born in! Last week I had a check up. All seems well so far. I am down another 2 pounds, totally a little over 7 pounds lost since getting pregnant. Still praying that baby is developing well since I am losing weight. At the doctor I have chosen to see compared to with RC's, I am having less ultrasounds to track the growth. I won't know if the baby is developing properly until Jan. 30th.

Which is also when we will find out the gender. If s/he cooperates during the scan! This time around, I feel like I know what it is. With RC, I had no clue, but just comparing the two pregnancies, I feel this one might be a girl. If it is, I hope I can figure it out! I don't do girly...I don't do hair styles, especially on little girls...I don't do dresses...and I definitely don't do pink. Well okay maybe just a touch, but very rarely and it has to be just right! Oh how life will change if it is a girl and turns out to be a super girly girl!

Here are the differences between my two pregnancies. What do you think Little Critter #2 will be?

1st Pregnancy – RC	This Pregnancy
Hardly any morning sickness – I would just get a little dizzy sometimes.	I get sick almost every morning – was worse during the 1st trimester, but still happening.
My hair grew like crazy – it seemed like I was shaving everyday and getting my hair cut every couple of weeks.	My hair really isn't growing that fast – I can go a month or more without a hair cut and I can go days without shaving.
Hungry ALL the time.	Not that hungry. I still eat more often, but very small meals and don't snack much.
Weight gain – lots of it!	Weight loss.
Heart beat 160 about the whole pregnancy.	Heart beat started 160 and dropped to 140 around 16 weeks.
	Had bleeding issues during the 1st trimester.
	Random mood swings – mostly I get ticked off really easily!
	And lastly that I can think of right now – I ache in places that just didn't with RC's pregnancy...particularly around the chest area! You can probably figure out where. ;)

Pregnancy Update: Week 14

Not much as changed. I still have a few weeks before my next appointment. I don't go back until January.

The biggest thing right now is that it seems like "morning sickness" is not calming down with the 2nd trimester starting. Give it I am super grateful I do not get sick like some others do, but it still stinks to get sick almost every morning at this point just because I am hot.

At this rate, I am going to need to buy some new shorts and t-shirts as almost every morning I leave in basketball shorts and a t-shirt just to stay cool enough to not get sick, especially while driving the boys to school!

My energy is back up a bit. There are still times that I am just exhausted before noon, but most days I can get a nap in or push through it.

Sleeping is a bit better right now. Probably because the days I am so exhausted I hit the bed and pretty much fall asleep immediately.

I can't wait until Jan. 30th for the big ultrasound. Travis and I started talking names a bit last night, but will be so much easier once we know. Plus then we will know if we need new clothes (or cloth diapers) or not too!

Pregnancy Update: 13 weeks & 2nd Trimester

Things are definitely looking better now that I have made it to 13 weeks. Monday I had my 12 week appointment (was 12 weeks and 4 days at the time). I was able to ear my Little Critter's heartbeat which was a strong 160 bpm.

There is no more bleeding and the doctor said we should be okay now! Thank you all for the prayers!

When it comes to differences between RC's pregnancy and this one...of course the bleeding, but also what makes me sick. I still want to puke if I smell fresh fish or freshly ground coffee, but I'm talking more along the lines that with RC if I didn't eat quickly after getting out of bed, I would get sick. This time around, when I get up, if I don't stay cool I get sick. Almost every morning I am taking KJ and Billy, our exchange students, to school in shorts and a t-shirt. Poor KJ hates when he hears me sick in the morning because he means the heat in the car doesn't go above 70! LOL

The other big difference is how pregnant I look already. I have already had to switch to maternity pants and even some shirts! With RC it took much longer for my belly to pop. I couldn't find any pictures from my pregnancy with RC (because I hate taking pics of myself), but I already feel like I match what I looked like around the 5 month mark with RC! 

taken at 12 weeks 3 days

 I just hope I don't explode with this pregnancy. So far I have lost 4.6 pounds! This is really good. I am really trying to watch my weight this time so that I can try for labor after a c-section (TLAC or also a VBAC).

If all goes well through the pregnancy we should be able to end it naturally. I pray this can happen. My c-section wasn't bad, but more can actually go wrong during a c-section after you have already had one.

Wordless Wednesday

Photo editing courtesy of The Cloth Diaper Geek

Pregnancy babywearing humor.

This was option #2 for announcing our pregnancy...however, it was determined not enough people would understand it.

Pregnancy Update: 11 weeks 5 days

Well things are looking a bit better. At least I still hope and pray that they are! Bleeding stopped sometime last week and I still feel pregnant! So that's good! My next appointment is next Monday at 12 weeks 5 days. Hopefully I will get to see our little critter again to ensure he/she is still moving about.

With the 1st trimester almost over, hopefully some energy will return soon. I have been wiped this first trimester. The nausea is also going away. I haven't had horrible "morning sickness," but I have had instances where if I get too hot I get sick. Needless to say, I can easily wear shorts and a t-shirt right now and feel fine for the most part. Some smells aren't bothering me as much now either, though I think fish smells while I pregnant will always make me want to hurl!

Cravings, I don't have much of yet. That's a good thing as I really need to gain very very little weight with this pregnancy. The midwife thinks that I may have actually had gestational diabetes with RC even though I passed both tests that I took.

I also am battling allergies that seem to be turning into more of a cold now. I have an ear infection starting. I hate being sick...of course I don't know anyone that actually likes being sick, but being sick and a stay-at-home-mom means pretty much no rest. Though I am pretty sure Travis would stay home with RC if I begged and really really couldn't get out of bed. Depending on how my ear feels tomorrow, I may be taking a trip to the doctor.

For now, I continue praying for all to be well. I want to just get through the 1st trimester which is almost over. The doctor said if I get through it, then we should be good to go!

News and Prayer Request

It is our pleasure to announce that RC is going to...

Photo editing courtesy of The Cloth Diaper Geek

Did you catch that? It should have been pretty easy to figure out. If you didn't, we are expecting baby #2!

Currently, I am 10 weeks and 3 days along. So far baby is doing well. We have had a stressful week 9 and ask for your prayers as we are not out of the woods yet. I have been having possible signs of miscarriage, however while I am still having some bleeding, the doctor thinks it could be something else. We just have to wait it out and see.

We...well more I, have been wanting to share since day one but we have held off. I decided that extra prayers for baby #2 wouldn't hurt, so please, if you would take the time to send up a little prayer that baby #2 is okay and that we make it out of the woods! Please also pray for all the other babies and mommies in the same situation!

I'll try to do a weekly update, but really I sometimes have a hard time for that. I feel people don't want to see belly shots of me and well, that not much other than being exhausted and sometimes sick is that interesting to blog about! LOL

That's just me though. Perhaps you all actually want to see and hear that.

Anyhow here is an update up to now!

We found out I was pregnant around Oct. 10th. We have been trying for this one for around 6 - 9 months depending on when you count "really" trying. My hubby said when RC was around 9 months old that he wanted another as soon as possible. I wasn't wanting them that close, so I went off the pill but sorta avoided that prime time.

My first appointment was Nov. 6th. It was the first time I got to see my new little critter. He or she had a strong heartbeat and was doing well.

Two days later I started bleeding and cramping. We ended up in the ER that evening because of the cramping. We got to see the baby again and things looked good...though that doctor had horrible bedside manors. I called my doctor the next day and they said there was nothing that could be done and I just needed to wait it out until my next appointment, which is Dec. 3rd.

All I could think was your kidding me right? I have to stress about this for almost a MONTH! Yeah right! Over the weekend I didn't have cramping, but I have a few times the amount of blood freaked me out. Monday morning I called and pretty much begged to be see again. Finally the nurse called back and said I could be seen on Wednesday for a quick ultrasound. Woo hoo!

That day, Travis went with me, just in case. We had and still are praying like crazy for all to be okay. Got to see the baby a THIRD time within a week and a half and all was great! Okay, now time to calm down a little. I'm still bleeding, but less freaked. Prayers are still going up though that we will continue. My next appointment is still December 3rd, but at least now I can relax...just a little.