22 weeks

New this time...
...are the Braxton Hicks contractions every fifteen seconds. If I stand up or move too fast I have contractions and it scares the shit out of me every time.
...is the constant worry. High risk pregnancies suck. I wish they had never uttered those words in my presence because I am a worrier by nature and that has put me over the top.
...I have heartburn 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It doesn't matter what I eat, the heartburn is inevitable.
...I am so thankful to be pregnant that I don't *THINK* I complain as much. I should seek confirmation from my hubby on this one though.

I don't miss...
...the God-forsaken back and hip pain. By this time last time I could hardly walk at times and I have none of that this time, even with carrying a twenty pound one-year-old all day every day. I figure everything has already spread out.
...obsessively worrying about stupid things like expensive strollers, birth plans and room decor. I figure as long as I have some Newborn diapers by October or so, we should be good to go.

This time is the same as last time because...
...I am still getting up every 15 seconds to pee.
...I am still eating every sweet thing in my path with a strong preference for anything mint.

I'm up about 18 pounds already, which is a measily five pounds from where I was WHEN RENEE WAS BORN. I DREAD getting on the scale and I DREAD this baby being born so that I have to worry about getting rid of the baby weight that I know will be more stubborn this time. I dread my weekly progesterone injections but am thankful that I feel as though I am doing something, anything to give this baby a fighting chance. I count the days until I can breathe a little easier that, should my body fail me, the baby has strong chance of survival.

My doctor referred to the baby as a she at my last appointment and when I looked at her like someone had punched me in the stomach, she backtracked and asked if we found out the sex. When I told her no, she said she didn't either but was apparently 'guessing girl.' Both Ski and I are 80% certain we are having another girl and to be honest, while I know I'll be happy either way, I sort of want another girl. I want Renee to have a sister, a best friend her age for life, a constant advocate. While I know she could have that relationship with a brother, I understand the relationship between sisters and I can't help but want that for her. I think it is really weird that everyone automatically assumes that I want a boy just because I already have a girl. Because that just isn't the case.

Even though I have had no time or desire to take a belly picture this pregnancy because I feel anything but cute, I told myself enough times over the weekend that I will regret it and finally took a couple anyways. Plus, my first belly picture with Renee was at 21 weeks so that was enough guilt to force me to do it. She got it, this kid deserves the same, right? Here is what I looked liked at 21 weeks with Renee and here is what I look like at 21.5 weeks with this new one. Either it really does "happen faster the second time" or I am not doing very good at warding off the Junior Mints cravings. I personally think it is the latter but admit that I do feel better when moms of multiples assure me they've been there.

Oh and that video of Renee walking? It's coming, mom. 

Comments

[kim]

aww, you look cute! and i'm glad to hear the back and hip pain are better... there's hope!

i feel the same way about the sex of our next baby. i guess i can't really imagine not having a girl, but at the same time, i do kind of want a brother for max (and i guess, for tom). i pretty much picture our next one as a boy 99% of the time. i wonder if it's just what i'm used to.

[Kim P]

I think you look great! And, on a positive note, it has always been a lot easier for me to lose the baby weight with each subsequent child. By Baby #3 I had lost almost all of it by 6 months!

I'm sure that whether it's a boy or a girl, they'll be best buds. Look at your hubby and his sis!

[Nicole]

YOU. LOOK. ADORABLE! I can't believe how quickly your pregnancy is going - easy for me to say, right?!

(And, just in case your were wondering, I will not be the least bit offended by any complaining that you want to do - it is my choice to read, and for whatever reason, it is only a select group of pregnant women who bother me - you are not one of them!)

And check-out http://www.strollerdepot.com
They have some good deals on double strollers, and often offer free shipping.

[jessica]

you are way, way, way too cute.

[AmandaH]

You look awesome! Eat as many mints as you freakin' want! You deserve it.

[Nicole]

You are so adorable!

[Leslie]

You look adorable. You have a great excuse right now for those junior mints. Don't worry about it. :)

[Davina]

You look great as you always do, quit trying to convince yourself otherwise:)

[anne]

You look awesome!!! Very skinny and cute, with just the little preggo bump. Daaaaahling!

[Sarah VM]

You are so pretty!

Your daughter is adorable! I have a 14 month old little girl. They are great!

[Amy Basaraba]

I miss my big ole pregnant belly!!!