Friday 25 May 2018

100 Days of Pregnancy: Day 54

Today was my youngest son's JK orientation. It's hard to believe that he will be starting school in September. He was pretty excited to go and to see his new school. There were 3 different stations set up for the kids to help get them acquainted with school. They were able to take a short bus ride to help ease the jitters they may have around riding a bus. G was the first one on the bus, sat down and just waited patiently. He waved at me once while he was waiting for everyone else to get on the bus and then they left. I was happy I was wearing sunglasses because I was fighting back tears. He just looked so sweet sitting on that bus and so grown up. When they were back from the bus ride, all of the kids got to go to the library and meet the librarian. They were read a story and then we were able to make a craft together. Next, we were able to go into a kindergarten classroom and explore. G was fascinated by the smart board for a bit but then settled in at the playdough station where he added marbles, feathers, rocks, and buttons to his playdough. And finally, we were able to go for a snack and juice box, which G was most excited for and was asking about the whole time. It's all about priorities!

I'm a little sad for G that he will be finishing daycare in about a month. I'm also sad that his favourite teacher won't be in his classroom for his last month.G forms strong bonds so it will be a big adjustment for him. And then to be done daycare, I feel like time is just flying by. He's been there since he was a year old, so it's hard to believe that this chapter of his life is closing and a new one is about to begin.

Thursday 24 May 2018

100 days of Pregnancy: Day 55

How far along? 32 weeks and 2 days

Total weight gain: Around 24 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes, every day, all day!

Stretch marks: Only around my ostomy and a couple of tiny ones around where my belly button ring is.

Sleep: I'm still sleeping well. I am just finding it harder to climb into bed and to roll over in bed.

Miss anything? I miss not having appointments all the time. Soon enough...I feel like I just have to get through May and it won't be so hectic.

Food cravings/aversions: Still craving that Mac and Cheese. The other night we went out so I could indulge myself and let me tell you, I would love another.

Showing: Yes. Everyone keeps telling me I look great which is really nice to hear.

Gender: We are still team green. And now that we are in the final stretch, I cannot wait to find out what baby is.

Labour signs: Not yet...baby still needs to grow for a few more weeks.

Symptoms: Growing bump, large breasts, my ankles are beginning to swell along with my feet a bit, heartburn, leg cramps, pain in my pelvic area.

Belly button in or out? Still half and half.

Wedding ring on or off? On :)

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: The weekend. I'm hoping it's a nice weekend so I can sit back and relax outside.

Wednesday 23 May 2018

100 Days of Pregnancy: Days 61-56

I dont remember the last time I have ever had so many appointments. I have had an appointment pretty much every day for the past two weeks and they still aren't done! I really hope they start to slow down. My van needs an oil change and I'm just like nope, I am so done with appointments.

I finally got to meet with my pediatric surgeon and it was great to see her again. She is excited to be doing the c-section with my OB and was excited to see me again. She also took the time to look at my stoma and she eased my worries about the spots that are on it. She isn't exactly sure what they are but since it's not bleeding and I'm not having any pain, she isn't concerned. Phew! Definitely a relief. So the next time I see her will be in the OR when we have our baby. She said that it's great she's there because she can take a good look over baby too and make sure everything is perfect.

We finally finished my gardens and they look amazing. I love how the front garden looks and am so grateful for all of the hard work Chris put into it for me. It was so fun being able to pick out flowers. I have some perennials and I also picked out some annuals because I love the colours and I want to be able to change up some of the colours and flowers each year. Around our patio, I have 3 planters that I've planted things like marigolds, lavender, and lemon grass to try to combat those pesky mosquitoes. And in the veggie garden, I planted tomatoes, peppers, jalapenos,  onions, peas, lettuce, and corn. I think I will also plant some potatoes, I am just waiting on the few I set aside to grow eyes.

I'm hoping this weekend is another nice weekend because I am ready to just sit back and relax on the patio with my book. We have been so busy and so go, go, go that it would be nice to just enjoy some down time, although Chris is still pretty go, go, go with our shed that he is building. Hopefully it's done before baby comes!

Thursday 17 May 2018

100 Days of Pregnancy: Days 74-62

This morning I had another OB appointment and it went well. Baby's heartbeat was good and my uterus is measuring on track. My OB is happy with how I am doing and if things stay the way they are, c-section can be done at 38 weeks instead of 37. I have one more ultrasound in 2 weeks to do a growth scan and check on the placenta. If the placenta has moved a bit, I will have one more to see if it moves enough to have a vaginal delivery. If the placenta hasn't moved than it will be a c-section for sure. I'm still not supposed to get my hopes up based on my last ultrasound but miracles do happen!

I have my pre-admit appointment tomorrow and hubby will be tagging along for that one. I plan on asking a few questions about how the process works for a c-section (not the surgery aspect but just afterwards and where baby goes and how long I have to be separated from baby).

Next week I have an appointment with my surgeon who will be in the OR with my OB. I am anxious for this appointment now because when I did my last ostomy bag change, I noticed 3 white spots on my stoma and I am really worried that they are ulcers. I am hoping she can tell me what it is and if something is going on, I am hoping she can refer me to a doctor on the adult side that she trusts and recommends. I have been so worried since that bag change. My mind has just been going crazy with different possibilities of what the white spots could be.

Hubby and I have been keeping busy. The beautiful weather is here so we have been busy outside. The boys love it because they aren't cooped up inside and they have quite a few outdoor doors, including a playground. Chris has been working on my front gardens, making them bigger for me and he has also started building our shed. He takes on so many projects that it stresses me out. I don't know how he does it. The other day when him and co-worker were digging up the spot for the shed and pouring the concrete, I sat back on the patio with my feet up and crocheted. I felt like a real housewife. Doctor's orders, I need to take it easy. This weekend the plan is to buy some veggies for my back garden and plants for my front garden. We were hoping to finish the front garden this weekend but the weather isn't looking so great for Saturday.


How far along? 31 weeks and 2 days

Total weight gain: Around 24 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes, every day, all day!

Stretch marks: Only around my ostomy and a couple of tiny ones around where my belly button ring is.

Sleep: I really can't complain about sleep. I'm back to feeling tired again by 9pm and am so ready for bed. Sometimes I stay up with Chris while he watches the Stanley Cup (and by stay up I mean fall asleep on the couch).

Miss anything? Having energy like being able to walk without getting winded. Small price to pay though. And I miss having a medium rare steak. Can't wait for summer days when hubby can BBQ me the perfect steak.

Food cravings/aversions: I've been wanting sushi for a while now so today for lunch I am having California rolls. I've never really ventured with sushi and have only ever stuck to fully cooked, even before I was pregnant. I also love mac and cheese, the homemade gooey cheesy kind. I could eat it all the time and anytime we go out for dinner, I search it out on the menu.

Showing: Yes. Everyone keeps telling me I look great which is really nice to hear.

Gender: We are still team green. And now that we are in the final stretch, I cannot wait to find out what baby is.

Labour signs: No, and I hope not for a while!!

Symptoms: Growing bump, large breasts, my ankles are beginning to swell along with my feet a bit, heartburn, leg cramps, pain in my pelvic area.

Belly button in or out? It's half and half right now. Part of it is out and the other part is in. I may have a full outtie this time by the end of the pregnancy.

Wedding ring on or off? On...my rings still swing around so I still have plenty of room for them.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: The long weekend. I have the day off tomorrow and then Monday is a holiday, so I have a super long weekend.

Wednesday 9 May 2018

100 days of Pregnancy: Days 88-75

Just realized I forgot to post this! Oops! Better later than never :)

I can't believe I lost track of blogging my days! I guess with the warmer weather coming I got busy. It's getting more and more real that this baby will be here very soon (2 months and counting).

I had another ultrasound the beginning of this week and my placenta still has not moved. So we are going with plan b. I'll have another ultrasound at 33 weeks and that will be the one to set the c-section in stone. My OB also confirmed that my pediatric surgeon will be in the OR with us! As long as everything goes according to plan and they don't need to do an emergency c-section. I was so happy about this bit of news. So I'm doing my best to have ym body co-operate, but you just never know what will happen. Praying everything goes according to plan because I really don't want to be admitted to hospital beforehand. My OB said the standard procedure is to be admitted a week before the c-section as a precaution but she said as long as I continue to have no bleeding that she will consider me just doing what I've been doing.

I'm still scared for the c-section. Stressed out and scared I should say. Stressed out about being away from the boys and what we will do with them while I am in hospital because I hate changing their routine. And I want Chris to spend as much time as he can with the baby and I when we are in hospital. But hopefully we can come up with more of a plan once I actually get a date.

Thursday 19 April 2018

100 Days of Pregnancy: Days 91-89

I received a great phone call today! My OB sent the referral consultation to my pediatric surgeon to ask who she would recommend on the adult side for me. I had all of my surgeries with my pedatric surgeon, even after I had crossed the threshold of 18...she was wonderful. Well, my peds surgeon is going to do the consult! I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping she will also be the one who will be present in the OR for the c-section. I'm not only worried about the c-section in general, but I am also worried that with things moving around in there that something could happen to my ileostomy. Since my surgeon is the one who did all of my surgeries, I would feel much more comfortable with her in the OR as well. So my fingers and toes are crossed! I get to meet with her on May 22nd, so just over a month from now. 

How far along? 27 weeks 2 days

Total weight gain: Around 22 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes, every day, all day!

Stretch marks: Only around my ostomy

Sleep: Sleep has been great this week. As hubby says to me in the morning "when you wake me up from snoring, I know you are having a good sleep." He knows better than to wake his pregnant wife. He's great that way!

Miss anything? Walking without a waddle, lol

Food cravings/aversions: I was craving shawarma last week and the beginning of this week so we made it at home for dinner the other night and my craving was satisfied.

Showing: Yes.

Gender: Team green. This week I all of a sudden wanted to start referring to baby as a she which is strange because this whole time I've thought it was a boy.

Labour signs: No, and I hope not for a while!!

Symptoms: Growing bump, large breasts, my ankles are beginning to swell along with my feet a bit, heartburn, leg cramps, pain in my pelvis area, sciatic nerve pain on my left side.

Belly button in or out? In and I still have my belly button ring in.

Wedding ring on or off? On!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: sunshine this weekend! Looks like our spring is finally on the way!

Monday 16 April 2018

100 Days of Pregnancy: Days 94 - 92

This past weekend we had quite the storm. Luckily, hubby made it home safe and sound before the rain/ice hit. Saturday we were able to get out and create our baby registry. We had fun doing it and are happy with the items on it. When we finished and they wrote down our final number of items on the list, I thought we had done well with 29 items...until I saw the other lists that were all 80+. I guess that's what happens when you saved everything from your first two. We added items like a new pack and play that comes with a changing pad and bassinet, bottles, bedding, toys, bath time items, monitor, changing pad, some sleep sacs. We added lots of things we knew that we needed.

Sunday was a nice lazy day for us. Being surrounded by ice, you can't do too much. I was able to finish the quilt I was working on for baby and I love how it turned out. Photos to come of both the quilt and the crocheted blanket I made. I have to spoil all of my babes with handmade goodies!

And today, well today we woke up with no power and it doesn't look like it will be restored until tomorrow evening. So this evening will be interesting. I'm not sure what I'm going to do without everything that we are accustomed to. Thank goodness for gas fireplaces though to heat the house a bit because I can only imagine how cold it is!

Friday 13 April 2018

100 Days of Pregnancy: Day 95

Today is the day! Hubby comes home this evening and I can't wait to see him. The boys and I had a great week though. They were both well behaved and we had quite a bit of fun. But they do miss him. G was so upset last night at bedtime. He just started to cry because he missed daddy and wanted him to be home. It broke my heart but at the same time, it was just the sweetest.

Last night was a rough night for me. As the baby gets bigger, it causes more problems for my ilesotomy. With less room for my intestines, it seems to create blockages more easily. A few weeks ago I had a terrible blockage that ended up in a visit to the hospital. Last night I had another blockage. It lasted around 5 hours; 5 hours of awful pain. I am calling myself lucky last night in that it only lasted 5 hours. The blockage passed slowly but once it did, I was able to get comfortable and get some rest. Fingers crossed I don't have anymore blockages.

Thursday 12 April 2018

100 Days of Pregnancy: Days 97 and 96

It's been a bit of a lonely week for me with my husband being away on a work trip (1 more sleep until he's home, but who's counting?). The boys keep me busy, but once they are in bed, it's quiet. It's made me really aware that even though Chris and I don't do too much once the boys are in bed, it's his company and his presence that are so comforting. Being able to have someone to talk to about my day and anything else that is on my mind (and believe me, sometimes there are a lot of small things). Luckily he will be home tomorrow. I'm grateful for technology in that the boys and I can video call him and we still get to see him and he gets to see us. G just loves it and thinks it's the coolest thing. 

To keep myself busy and occupied while Chris is away I've been finishing up some projects I had started (in case you don't know, I am a huge crocheter/knitter and I enjoy sewing as well). I finished the crochet blanket I was making for baby last night and added the minky to the back of the quilt I am making for baby. It kept me rather busy. I'm also making a sun pillow for the nursery that is in the works. But I'm about to get sidetracked with a beautiful crochet blanket that I plan to make for myself. I can't wait to get started and plan on diving into the pattern this evening! I'll have to remember to take some photos to share! 

Tuesday 10 April 2018

100 Days of Pregnancy: Day 98 - 26 Week Update

How far along? 26 weeks

Total weight gain: Around 22 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes, every day, all day!

Stretch marks: Only around my ostomy

Sleep: I am waking up more through the night because I am uncomfortable. The most comfortable sleep position is on my back, but I know that's no good. Next comfiest is my right side and least comfiest is my left side (which is what is recommended).

Miss anything? Sunshine

Food cravings/aversions: Nothing extreme at the moment.

Showing: Yes.

Gender: Team green. I seem to be the only one who thinks it's a boy.

Labour signs: No, and I hope not for a while!!

Symptoms: Growing bump, large breasts, my ankles are beginning to swell along with my feet a bit, heartburn, leg cramps, pain in my pelvis area.

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding ring on or off? On!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: Chris being home again from his business trip. The boys and I miss him!

Monday 9 April 2018

100 Days of Pregnancy

My last pregnancy, at the 100 day mark I started to write daily blogs so I could remember my last 100 days. I've decided I'm going to do it with this pregnancy too. Yesterday actually marked 100 days until baby's due date so today is day 99.

Yesterday, day 100, was a sad one for me. Hubby left in the morning for a business trip out of country and these pregnancy hormones had me missing him before he had even left. So needless to say, yesterday was a long day for me but I seem to be feeling better today (still missing him though).

This morning was an early morning for me as I had 2 ultrasounds scheduled at 7:15 and 8:15 followed by my OB appointment at 9. The one ultrasound was to measure my cervix and look at the placenta and the other was a growth scan. Baby's measurements were good and baby is approximately 1 lb 15 oz. My placenta still has not moved, liked at all. I'm praying that it will move but preparing myself for a c-section. I try not to think about a c-section too much because it really stresses me out and I'm still upset that I may not get to deliver vaginally. I really wanted that experience again and to be able to share it with Chris.  I just loved the whole labour and delivery last time and I'm sad that may not happen this time. My OB is going to get in touch with my pediatric surgeon to ask her who she recommends to be in the OR during the c-section and so that I can hopefully consult with this surgeon sooner rather than later about what type of incision they would be able to do. My OB explained why she is worried that the standard incision will not work. With the standard incision, they still have to be able to reach up pretty much to the belly button. With all of my scar tissue, she is worried that everything will be stuck and they won't have the free movement that they will need. I'm trying not to think too much into it because it gets me too worked up. At 35 weeks when it is set in stone, that's when I'll have to process it fully.

Wednesday 4 April 2018

25 Week Update

I cannot believe I am already 25 weeks pregnant. It's surreal at the moment. I feel like it was just January and I was just getting married and just barely in my second trimester. Now, there is only 15 weeks before we get to meet our little babe. Our nursery is almost done, we just have a few small details like the crib mattress and changing pad. But the big stuff is done (dresser, crib, glider, new flooring, new shag rug). I love it! It's my favourite room in the house at the moment. I can't wait to actually be using it.

How far along? 25 weeks 1 day

Total weight gain: I think I'm still around the 20 lb mark

Maternity clothes: Yes, every day, all day!

Stretch marks: Only around my ostomy

Sleep: So far so good. By the time I get home from work, I am exhausted. Once 9 pm rolls around, it's lights out for me.

Miss anything? Being outside. It's April, and it's snowing.

Food cravings/aversions: Canadian Maple Donuts and sour things. I could eat a lemon like an orange right now.

Showing: Yes.

Gender: Team green. And I still think it's a boy.

Labour signs: No, and I hope not for a while!!

Symptoms: Growing bump, large breasts, my ankles are beginning to swell along with my feet a bit, heartburn, leg cramps, pain in my pelvis area.

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding ring on or off? On!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: my OB appointment on Monday. I have 2 ultrasounds followed by the appt. I looking forward to seeing the little babe and finding out more about my placenta.

Thursday 29 March 2018

24 Week Update

I have to say, this pregnancy seems to be moving fairly quickly. We are more than half way and if my OB does induce me 2 weeks early like we discussed, we are only 14 weeks away from meeting this little one. After having a blockage a week and a half ago, I am guessing she will for sure induce me. Or, if my placenta does not move, schedule a c-section. I'm still upset about the possibility of a c-section. I go for 2 ultrasounds on April 9th (a regular one and an internal one) to get a better look at the placenta. I'm trying to hold out hope but I just think I'm going to be told that a c-section it is.

How far along? 24 weeks 2 days

Total weight gain: 20 lbs...I'm still around the 20 lb mark. The past 2 weeks I don't think I have gained much, maybe a pound. I'm hoping it slows down a bit for me and that with the nice weather coming I can be a bit more active.

Maternity clothes: They are a must

Stretch marks: Only around my ostomy

Sleep: Sleep is still going good.

Miss anything? I hate to say it, but being comfortable. I've been getting a lot of pain in my lower area...I think some refer to it as lightning crotch.

Food cravings/aversions: Canadian Maple Donuts and sour things. I could eat a lemon like an orange right now.

Showing: Yes.

Gender: Team green. And I still think it's a boy.

Labour signs: No, and I hope not for a while!!

Symptoms: Growing bump, large breasts, my ankles are beginning to swell along with my feet a bit, heartburn, leg cramps, pain in my pelvis area.

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding ring on or off? On!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: the Easter weekend and surprising the boys with a new bike for the youngest and rollers blades for the oldest.

Tuesday 13 March 2018

22 Week Update


How far along? 22 weeks

Total weight gain: 20 lbs.

Maternity clothes: They are a must

Stretch marks: Only around my ostomy

Sleep: Sleep is still going good.

Miss anything? Being able to stay up past 9, lol.

Food cravings/aversions: Canadian Maple Donuts and sour things. I could eat a lemon like an orange right now.

Showing: Yes.

Gender: Team green. But i'm beginning to lean towards a boy.

Labour signs: No, and I hope not for a while!!

Symptoms: Growing bump, large breasts, my ankles are beginning to swell along with my feet a bit, heartburn

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding ring on or off? On!

Happy or moody most of the time: Emotional would be the best way to describe my state at the moment.

Looking forward to: Relaxing this weekend.

Monday 12 March 2018

Anatomy Scan Follow Up

Today, first thing in the morning, I had my follow up anatomy scan followed by an appointment with my OB. Needless to say, I was worrying about nothing before when I was panicked baby didn't have a nose. All of baby's scans were great and my OB told me that they had already seen the nose on my NT scan.

During my last scan, it looked like the placenta was low lying and may have been covering the cervix a bit, but my OB thought maybe I was having a contraction when they took the picture and that's what caused it to appear that way. Well, today they also looked at the placenta and the placenta is fully covering my cervix. So, I am panicked a bit. The last thing I wanted was a csection and now it looks like that may happen; I was told not to get excited about a vaginal delivery. I have another ultrasound followed by an OB appointment in 4 weeks. They will do a growth scan on the baby and also do a vaginal ultrasound to get a better look at the placenta. My OB told me they give the placenta until 35 weeks to move up and if it doesn't then it is for sure csection. She also told me that if I need a csection that the OB team and a general surgery team would be in the operating room. I will also sit down with the general surgery team to discuss whether they would have to use the scar I already have which runs from my belly button down or if they could do the cut below the bikini line. Because of all of my previous surgeries I have a lot of scar tissue so a standard csection would be a few hours long for me and a bit more complicated.

And for now, I really need to stop reading about placenta previa. It's a scary thing that has a lot of risks for both baby and mom.

Wednesday 28 February 2018

20 Week Update

We had our anatomy scan and Monday and it was so exciting to see baby again. During the scan, the tech asked if I could feel the baby moving because she said baby was a wiggle worm. I could definitely feel baby moving all over the place. I tend to feel baby a lot more when I am lying on my back. Afterwards, I had an appointment with my OB where she said things looked good but that I would have to go back in two weeks because baby's hands were by the face and they couldn't get clear shots. So naturally I left my appointment so worried that baby has no nose or something else is wrong.

Baby seems to be waking up with me every morning which always brightens my day. When my alarm goes off, I always lie still for a few moments and normally I'll start to feel some movement. Hubby says the baby is trying to get my butt into gear.

How far along? 20 weeks + 1 day

Total weight gain: 16 lbs. I asked my OB about my weight because I was concerned it was too much but she said she was happy with the weight gain and it was just fine. I've noticed I've stopped weighing myself at home. When I do, it just worries me and puts me into a frenzy.

Maternity clothes: Yes. Normal clothes are so uncomfortable. I love the full band maternity pants and find them most comfortable so trying to wear normal pants (not like they'd fit) would just be too uncomfortable.

Stretch marks: So far, just the one that got worse around my ostomy.

Sleep: Sleep is still going good.

Miss anything? Not at the moment.

Food cravings/aversions: I don't seem to have any extreme cravings at the moment, but when food is mentioned, it normally sounds really good. I find I change my mind on dinner more often now though. I'll have a dinner planned and then completely change my mind by the end of the day.

Showing: Yes.

Gender: Still team green. I'm actually surprised with myself. At my appointment, my OB asked if they had told me yet and I said "No, we don't want to know?" *Big question mark, lol. I have been praying for the strength to wait it out. I really do want a surprise. During the ultrasound, the tech referred to baby as "he" twice and "it" the rest of the time so it made me wonder if she had a slip up or if that's just the pronoun she is used it.

Labour signs: No, and I hope not for a while!!

Symptoms: Growing bump, large breasts, my ankles are beginning to swell along with my feet a bit, and the heartburn has officially started!

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding ring on or off? On!

Happy or moody most of the time: This past weekend I was kind of moody and didn't seem to have much patience.

Looking forward to: Watching hubs play in a hockey tournament this weekend. I always enjoy watching him play. Our oldest also plays hockey and he was in a fun day tournament this past weekend and he had a blast! He is only 5 but he lives and breathes hockey.

Wednesday 21 February 2018

19 Week Update


This past Monday was Family Day so hubby and I took the kids out for a special day. Our oldest is in hockey and they were having their Timbits Jamboree at the big arena. There were a few fun activities for the kids and they also got to skate on the big ice. Afterwards, we went out for lunch and went back to the arena for the hockey game which the kids absolutely loved.

I've been feeling better and seem to be over the flu. My voice still isn't back to normal and I still have a cough, but other than that, I feel back to normal.

I've started to feel baby more and more which has been a lot of fun. I love the tiny reminders that I have a tiny human growing inside of me and that he or she is busy wiggling around and having a good old time in there.

How far along? 19 weeks + 1 day

Total weight gain: I think I have gained more than 12 lbs. At the moment I am trying my best to eat better and not just pig out. I did some meal prep on the weekend for my lunches so I'm hoping that helps. And currently I am munching on celery and cucumbers.

Maternity clothes: For sure!

Stretch marks: So far, just the one that got worse around my ostomy.

Sleep: Good. I seem to be sleeping better than when I wasn't pregnant. I think it's because being pregnant slows down your digestive system so my ostomy bag is not as active at night which means I'm not getting up 3-4 times a night to empty it.

Miss anything? I am missing having a full wardrobe. I don't have nearly as many maternity clothes as I do regular so I feel like I'm wearing the same things all of the time.

Food cravings/aversions: Craving anything and everything.

Showing: Yes. It's definitely obvious.

Gender: We are team green...waiting for the surprise!

Labour signs: No, and I hope not for a while!!

Symptoms: Growing bump, large breasts, my ankles are beginning to swell along with my feet a bit.

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding ring on or off? On!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy.

Looking forward to: Our anatomy scan on Monday to see the baby again.

Wednesday 14 February 2018

18 Week Update

So, I completely missed my 17 week update, but in all fairness, I was so sick. And I'm still sick. I've been put on antibiotics and they seemed to have help with my sore throat and the congestion in my lungs. I seemed to have had it all though: sore throat, fever, aches and pains, cough, extreme congestion (so bad the Neti Pot couldn't even drain properly). I lived in bed for a week. I'm out and about again but I still have a cough and my voice is finally starting to come back.

Some fun facts, I think with all the rest I have had, I have been able to feel baby a bit more. It's still not all the time, but I love feeling it when I can. And this morning, I felt a couple of kicks from the outside so I told hubby to rest his hand on my belly, but sure enough, baby stopped. This kid is already playing games.

How far along? 18 weeks + 1 day

Total weight gain: 12 lbs. I'm hoping this number stays this way for a bit. I really don't want to go over 20 lbs, 25 max!

Maternity clothes: For sure!

Stretch marks: So far, just the one that got worse around my ostomy.

Sleep: Sleeping has gotten better now that I'm on the mend from the bug I caught.

Miss anything? Today, I am missing steak. Hubby normally cooks me an amazing steak dinner for Valentine's Day, but we will have to hold off on that until the baby comes.

Food cravings/aversions: The smell of chicken almost had me tossing my cookies on the weekend. Oh my goodness, I could not stand it! Food cravings seem to come and go and they normally come after I see something (Pinterest has not been helpful with this).

Showing: Yes. I think it's pretty obvious now but some people may still wonder if I've just packed on the pounds.

Gender: We are team green...waiting for the surprise!

Labour signs: No, and I hope not for a while!!

Symptoms: Growing bump and large breasts.

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding ring on or off? On!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy.

Looking forward to: Giving the boys their Valentines tonight. It's just a small little surprise that has Kinder eggs in it, but they will be thrilled!

Tuesday 30 January 2018

16 Week Update

Sixteen weeks today! It's hard to believe. I've gotten a bit worried over the last few weeks about baby since I don't feel movement (the rational part of me is saying stop worrying, it's still too early), but after feeling it and then not, I can't help myself. I have an OB appointment on Monday morning so I'm hoping my OB will either bring in the ultrasound machine or listen to the heartbeat to ease my mind.

How far along? 16 weeks

Total weight gain: 12 lbs. I have decided to start working out with the hubby, so I hope that helps me slow down. Short and small workouts, but it's something.

Maternity clothes: For sure!

Stretch marks: So far, just the one that got worse around my ostomy.

Sleep: It's still okay. Over the past few days I've been extremely tired come bed time again, like falling asleep on the couch tired.

Miss anything? I miss wearing my regular ostomy appliance. But since the regular isn't flexible enough for my rounding belly, I had to switch.

Food cravings/aversions: I caved into my KD and hot dogs and funny story about that. I wasn't paying too much attention while making it and added too much milk. I was SO upset. I started to cry. It was a bit ridiculous actually, but it is what it is. The hot dogs were amazing! I don't seem to have one particular craving, but when I see something, I need it! Like macaroni salad at the moment.

Showing: Yes. The bump seems to be growing now each week.

Gender: The plan is for it to be a surprise!

Labour signs: No, and I hope not for a while!!

Symptoms: Growing bump and large breasts. Congestion as well...I am a mouth breather at night all of the time

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding ring on or off? On!

Happy or moody most of the time: I would say happy most of the time. Also emotional. I just start to cry and I try my best to stop it from happening. Kind of like a sneeze you feel coming on.

Looking forward to: My OB appointment on Monday so I can hopefully hear or see the little babe.

Tuesday 23 January 2018

15 Week Update

Today marks 15 weeks of pregnancy. The past two weeks have flown by for me. I got married to the man of my dreams on January 13th and I have to say, I was sad when the wedding was over. It was just so much fun. And everything leading up to the big day. All of our friends and family helped make it such a memorable day. And last week we were on our honeymoon. We went to a ski resort because both Chris and I snowboard. This mama did not do any snowboarding. Instead, I hung back the hotel, got cozy in coffee shops, and went snowshoeing twice. My first experience was awful though because I somehow ended up on a black diamond ski trail instead of the snowshoe trail and let me tell you, snowshoeing up a black diamond is torture. I definitely earned my hot chocolate that day!

Since I am 15 weeks already (it seems like it is passing rather quickly), I thought it would be fun to do the weekly pregnancy updates.

How far along? 15 weeks

Total weight gain: I am going to say 10 lbs and stick with my post IVF weight

Maternity clothes: Yes. I have been wearing maternity pants since I was 9 weeks along. My pants were squeezing and were so uncomfortable and I am definitely someone who likes to be comfy

Stretch marks: I had a few stretch marks from my last pregnancy around my stoma (I have an ileostomy) and it looks like the one has gotten worse.

Sleep: I seem to be sleeping okay but I don't think I get into very deep sleeps. And I feel like I toss and turn a lot to get comfy.

Miss anything? I missed snowboarding last week. It was a little emotional for me towards the end of our honeymoon that I couldn't snowboard. A small sacrifice though and I can't complain!

Food cravings/aversions: Sour candy is definitely a craving. Never mind the candy, just give me that sugar! Also, I have been craving KD and hot dogs...which I think is going to have to happen this week.

Showing: Yes. And the bump gets even bigger as the day goes on from bloat.

Gender: The plan is for it to be a surprise!

Labour signs: No, and I hope not for a while!!

Symptoms: Growing bump and large breasts. Congestion as well...I am a mouth breather at night all of the time

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding ring on or off? On! I just got it!

Happy or moody most of the time: I would say happy most of the time

Looking forward to: Feeling this babe move again. I am pretty positive at the beginning of my honeymoon I was feeling the babe move, but since then, I haven't felt anything.

Thursday 11 January 2018

Ready to Share

I know many of you have been following along on my journey and you have been waiting for me to share the outcome of our most recent IVF cycle. Thank you for being patience and giving us the time we needed.

Without further suspense for you all, we are pregnant!!! What a miracle God has given us. Throughout the entire IVF cycle, I had a sense of peace and calmness and I know that came from God. It was the same feeling God gave me when I did my frozen transfer with my now 3 year old. It seems that all along, God has been whispering to me that everything will be okay, enjoy this time. And that's what I've been doing.

With my last pregnancy, I worried every minute of every day and I missed a lot of the joy of being pregnant. With this pregnancy, I have enjoyed every second. We even started taking bump pics at 5 weeks because I was determined to enjoy every moment I could.

After our IVF transfer, I was anxious to be able to test. I don't think I would ever be one to wait the two weeks and wait for blood work. I was stocked and ready to go with pregnancy tests. On day 4 past my 5 day transfer, I took a test in the evening. It came back negative, which was not a surprise. What surprised me is I didn't feel any panic at all. I took it as good news that the trigger shot was out of my system. The next morning, I woke up at 4:30 in the morning with a full bladder and decided to take another test. I was only 5dp5dt so I told myself if it came back negative, I couldn't be upset. Well, it was a positive. A very faint positive, a squinter in fact, but it was there. I surprised myself and stayed calm and went back to bed until the morning. That morning, I decided to tell Chris and show him the test. He was excited but he seemed skeptical (obviously he doesn't have my trained squinting eyes). So later that day I decided to buy a FR test. When I took the test, I had a moment of panic because the line didn't appear right away. About 30 seconds later, it was there, clearly there. Clear enough for my to take a picture and send to Chris, a line he could trust was telling us we were pregnant.

The past 13 weeks have been amazing. I had morning sickness between weeks 6-8 where I felt like I had a hangover all day. Those were long days but everything has been so worth it. Our due date is officially July 17th and I cannot wait to meet our little miracle. God is so good!