2 is my lucky number!

Ava was born on December 2nd
She is now 2 years old
I will soon have 2 children
Jax will be born on August 2nd

That's right folks, we now have an official scheduled birthday for this little boy.  That is, unless something happens and they need to reschedule which I am praying does not happen.  Dr. Watson was a joy to see this morning considering I hadn't seen her since my very 1st appointment waaaaay back in early December.   Here she is, isn't she a sight for sore eyes?

(There are 3 OB's that I see on a rotating basis.) She answered my few questions with confidence and got me very excited discussing the date of surgery and the time (7am).  This means no fasting all day like I did with Ava (she was born at 5:01pm), and somewhat of a normal hospital stay without wonky hours etc.  I am already starting to imagine the day and leaving for the hospital in the wee dark hours of the morning and kissing my sleeping little girl goodbye....I already get teary just picturing it.  My dramatic pregnancy hormones are making me feel "mom guilt" about Ava not getting all of our attention and what an adjustment this is going to be for her.  I hope she still likes me when she sees me holding her baby brother at the hospital that day.  I am also sure that these feelings are totally normal for me to have.

Aside from all of that the pregnancy is progressing beautifully.   He moves, kicks, and tickles me ALL.THE.TIME.  I am feeling pretty good, not really any complaints except the onset of reflux.  (A bottle of Tums now resides on my bedside table.)  This has also caused my appetite to slow down quite a bit (thank god!).  I am hoping my recent rapid weight gain and ravenous appetite was just caused by normal growth spurts.

The baby is now the size of one of my all-time favorite Italian dishes....EGGPLANT!

Your Baby: Month 6

Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes. 

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New belly picture later on this week, promise :-)

Today marks 25 weeks exactly.

24 weeks=viability! (google is your friend)

This belly I am lugging around is getting heavy.  I've perfected the "bear roll" to get out of bed and I have achieved grunting status when sitting up.  Not much else to report, just starting to get uncomfortable and finding remedies any way I can.  I don't sit very lady-like anymore because my belly needs the room :-/  I plan to wear maxi dresses or peasant skirts until I deliver this little boy.

Next OB appointment is a week from today and I am so looking forward to scheduling D-day......then I know the end is in sight!  I have 3 months and 15 days left of this alien invasion.  He better be a momma's boy!!  haha

As Promised - Belly Pic (23 weeks, 1 day)

Here's my basketball!

Here is what he is up to for the next few weeks (Papaya):

Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

And the weekly update stats:

How far along? 23 weeks, 1 day

Total weight gain/loss: over 30 pounds I am sure

Maternity clothes? every day

Stretch marks? No thankfully

Sleep: well, just a pain to roll out of bed to pee 2 or 3 times

Best moment this week: Having Bobby's family & friends feel the baby kick

Movement: yes, lots & it tickles

Food cravings: back to Italian & pasta and also potato bread as of today

Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: I get BH contractions when my bladder is full

Belly Button in or out? 1/2 way out

What I miss: being thin & fit

What I am looking forward to: our first family portrait as a family of 4

Weekly Wisdom: pregnancy is only temporary

Milestones: finally getting started on the nursery (vintage surf shack)

Have a fantastic week, everyone!!!

Mi Familigia

Hello from New York!  I think I have gained 10 pounds in the last three days.  Sad part is I am not kidding.  I have been eating two of these every morning for breakfast (only with eggs, cheese mayo and garlic):

Ok more on the food.  Tonight we feasted on Italian sauce (they call it gravy), rigatoni, salad, meatballs, fresh sliced mozzarella, marinated mushrooms, peperoni bread, zucchini, roasted red peppers, and so many other things I can't remember.  For dessert I indulged in two different kinds of ice cream, 3 bowls LOL.

Mostly everyone up here has been able to feel the baby kick.  My daughter is way off schedule and just partying it up with her cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents.  Here's a quick shot of my husbands entire family I was able to capture using my trusty timer feature:

Yep that's me on the far left in all black as to disguise my mass.

I am hitting close to 23 weeks which I believe is starting my 6th month.  At my next OB appt. I will be scheduling little man's "extraction" or better known as c-section.  I am shooting for August 2nd. 

I have to give a huge thank you to my friend Lauren for surprising me with my fancy new header and button.  She's purty talented, eh??

Stay tuned for an updated belly pic later on this week.  It's really out there now, about the size of a basketball.