I just wanted to give an update of how the new baby is progressing. He or she is now 20 weeks old, has a strong heartbeat, and seems to be giving me an easy time. Morning sickness was minimal and the only issues I have had are heartburn and sciatic nerve pain. Both have been very manageable. We find out the gender of the baby around the 2nd - 3rd week of October, and will update you as soon as we know.
With Lauren, I gained a lot of weight (okay, I'll admit it was 60+lbs). And though I expected Lauren to come out a 40-lbs baby, she only weighed 6 lbs-ish. I lost all of what was probably baby weight but still had left over 25 lbs of "I just ate too much while I was pregnant" weight. So this time around, the worry of weight gain was a big issue for me to deal with at the beginning of the pregnancy. I have done much better and am very proud of how much better I eat - opting for fruit or lower calorie snacks as opposed to my good friend, the french fries. I am on track to gain about 35 lbs, still a little more than recommended, but that is something I can handle easier mentally. I probably could exercise more and stay away from the sweet tea, but come on, I am not suppose to live in deprivation while I am pregnant.
As expected, Ryan and Lauren are doing fine handling me being pregnant. Ryan eased into his role of doing mostly everything around the house (Yes, I know I am lucky and probably take advantage of his willingness to help just a little bit). And to be completely honest, he did a lot around the house before even Lauren arrived. I try not to play the pregnancy card with him too much (though I know I could get away with it). Lauren is adjusting as I expected her too - just fine. I hear of other families who claim that their older child (mostly around toddler age) is clingy and wets the bed, supposedly because the new baby is around. Respectfully, I don't know their children as well as they do, but I am skeptical of those claims and do get slightly irritated that the new baby gets blamed for the older children's actions. Lauren understands that I don't hold her sometimes, not because my tummy is getting bigger, but because it hurts my back to pick her up. When Lauren sees me grimmace getting off the sofa, she asks me "Mommy, does your booty hurt?" meaning my sciatic nerve pain. She hasn't equated my aches and pains to the growing baby, and I work hard not to ever tell her I can't do something with her because of the new baby. Lauren is excited about the new baby and tells me all the things she will "learn" the baby (meaning teach the baby).
As with all pregnancies, the unwanted advice started as soon as we told people about being pregnant. And not just about the what I shouldn't do while pregnant part (which I had forgot most of from Lauren), but also the lack of sleep, need to breastfeed, and how hard it will be dealing with more than one child. Poor Ryan has to hear me vent every time I get unwanted advice. So please, if I don't ask you, do not offer the advice (This doesn't apply if you are my mom, mother in law, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, sisters, sisters-in-law...your advice is always appreciated and welcome!). Back to those who I don't ask...I know you are trying to help (and I'm guilty of being too helpful, myself), but our life, new baby experience, and choices are our own and unique. Don't presume otherwise. I will always be pleasant, but know you are going on my "try to avoid lengthy conversations while pregnant" list.
Okay, I will end my therapeutic venting session, otherwise known as blogging. And long story short, we are good and healthy, blessed beyond all measures. We are all excited for the new baby to come and we know we are fortunate to have so many friends and family to share this exciting time with.
Hope to see you soon,
Sarah
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