21 weeks

I had an appointment this week, with my dear Dr. Mc, and it went well. Though I knew I had gained a good bit of weight since the last month's check-up, he was not worried about it and said I looked healthy. I should pass that on to the strangers (and friends) who make such encouraging comments, as "Wow! You are really showing now!" and "When are you due - soon?" :-( Sheesh.

I was thrilled also when Dr. Mc asked what I was thinking regarding another c-section or a vaginal delivery, and I told him my strong desire to have a VBAC, and that Dr. R. had already encouraged me that I should be able to. He said he was fine with it too, and felt that since my body had gone into labor fine on its own with Abigail, that I'd probably be able to do this again. I'm very thankful and hopeful that it does cooperate. My c-section wasn't horrible, but I certainly rather have a normal delivery this time, and be able to recover easier, without the length of time it took dealing with the incision. Having a 2 year old this time, I don't really want to have to be restricted from lifting and all either!

Dr. Mc said I'm measuring a couple of weeks ahead now, which is also normal for me. He said that is not necessarily anything to put stock in, which I know. Owen does seem to be active and healthy from everything we can tell though, and that is the best news. I can even see my belly moving, so know he's bigger and stronger, which is exciting!

Halfway there?

Today is the 20 week mark in this pregnancy, so we are at least close to the halfway point to meeting Owen face-to-face! We are so excited to make it to this milestone!

He has been more and more noticeably active lately, and it is so neat to feel him wiggling. I felt Elijah weeks earlier, closer to 14, which was crazy, but with the placenta's location, everything was more noticeable and uncomfortable. This time the flutters were more faint and felt more seldom until just this last week or so, when I even felt him when my hand was resting on my belly. I love that feeling and it just never ceases to amaze me.

Our email update today said he is probably close to the length of a banana, and weighing approximately 10.5 ounces. The big kids love having an idea of his size, so it's fun to let them know that weekly. They never fail to ask! My leg cramps have increased a little bit, and I'm feeling a little larger and more awkward, especially trying to get out of the bed in the night to walk off a cramp. Overall though, I'm feeling good, with good energy. We even did a ton of yardwork this weekend, which I was so thankful about, though I was not as happy the next day when the poison oak started breaking out all over. The weather has been so nice these past few days, and that energizes all of us to be outdoors more, and we are loving that opportunity.

I'll have another appointment next week to see how things are going and look forward to that. We'll keep you posted! Happy October!

18 weeks

Here's what is happening with little Owen now:

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born.

17 weeks and photos!

Yesterday was our big ultrasound, and we found out who this new baby is! What a great day! More posting coming later, but here are photos for now.













Here is a little belly, criscrossed legs (you can see the knee of one), and one eye and a little nose.












Sweet face, heart pumping, and ribcage.












Precious profile, tummy, knees and legs tucked under, as he is curved with his back towards mine.












And, no doubt about this one. :-) It's another boy!

16 weeks

Wow - time is flying! Today I reached the 16 week mark in this pregnancy. Abigail requested to listen to the baby's heartbeat this morning, so we did hear him/her loud and clear. Elijah's eyes get so wide when he hears that "chugga chugga" sound, and he points to my belly often and says, "babay!" I know he doesn't have a clue what all this means, but it's still sweet to see him be involved a little.

I am feeling good almost all the time, with just little spells of nausea when I get to moving too fast and haven't eaten often enough. I've gained about 6 pounds so far, but unfortunately look like I've gained about 20! I'm assuming just being pregnant 18 months apart has something to do with the pooch happening so quickly. The only weird thing I have noticed is the occasional feeling like my heart is pounding, but my blood pressure is its normal-to-low range, and it must just be the extra volume of blood moving through my body. I've had only a few headaches and leg cramps, which are normal afflictions at this point each pregnancy, so I'm grateful for that!

Here is my email update from today. I love reading about what is probably going on in there, and how big our little baby O. is. We can't wait to see this little one next week, and find out who he or she exactly is! YAY!!! Abigail has mellowed some on her outspoken desire for a sister, and though a little girl seems like it would round out our family so well, we are all very content with whoever God has planned for us. She even recently said that she while did want a sister, she loves having Elijah for a baby brother so much, that she is sure she'll be fine with another one. I told her I'm glad, since we can't control that. :-)

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length . Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.