36 weeks... resistance is futile.

   So here we are, at 36 weeks! My ankles and feet started swelling Wednesday morning, which means Pecan's arrival should be soon. I'm guessing in about 2 weeks, since CC showed up about 2 weeks after the swelling arrived. I've been having a lot of hip/pelvic/sciatic pain. Carrying a 6-7 pound bowling body around inside my body is taking it's toll on my hips and the sciatic pain moved from my left side to the right a few weeks ago. The ligaments that connect my pelvis have been feeling loose and sore the last few weeks as well. Guys, aren't you happy your pelvis is fused? Anytime I go to switch sides in bed, or get out of bed, or out of a chair, or stand up, I'm always very conscious of how the front of my pelvic bone feels and honestly, a little afraid that something's going to pop. I know it's not, but still. At least I know the hormone Relaxin is doing it's job and getting my body ready to meet Pecan. My gait has definitely slowed this week, pretty much to a slow shuffle/waddle. And I've been having those wonderful Braxton-Hicks contractions. Nothing super painful, but uncomfortable at times and interesting, since I didn't notice them with Ayla.

   Starting today, I've reduced my hours at work from 10 hour shifts to 5 hour shifts. Initially and ideally, I was planning on working until the end of May (half a week before my due date on June 4th), but it doesn't look like Pecan likes that idea. I'm guessing CC left a little note in there saying 38 weeks is long enough. It will be nice to not be alternating between sitting at a reception desk and walking around the hospital for 10 hours a day. My job can be fairly demanding, both physically and mentally, especially on a very pregnant body ;) My plan today is to go home, put my feet up, and snuggle with my Baby Ayla (she spent the night at grandma's last night, so I need her kisses today!).

Big Sister finding Pecan's heartbeat with
 the Doppler

 Our midwife appointments are now once a week and CC still loves going with and helping measure and find a heartbeat. The plan is to have her at the birth, but of course we'll just have to see how things go. If it's as quick and fairly easy as her birth, she won't get too bored or have Chris run her around the block too many times.

   
     

Measuring that growing baby!

Using the stethoscope on dad

 

Runner family! Bridge to Brews runners

   We've done a few race events in the last month or so--Whidbey Island Marathon, Bridge to Brews, and Cinco de Mayo. CC ran in 2 of the 3, my dad ran the Half marathon/10k/10k, and I walked the 5k/8k but skipped Cinco.

Silly CC before the Bridge to Brews kid's race

Whidbey Island runners (minus Kiah, dad, and Josh).
Becky, Maddie, Ariel, me and Pecan

Whidbey Island. Pecan and I walked the 5k,
Grandpa Harry ran the Half Marathon!

CC being a ham before the
Cinco de Mayo kid's race

Ready for the Cinco de Mayo kids race!

CC and Grandpa Harry, pre-race at Cinco de Mayo

Pecan's last race event while "on the inside".
No walking today for me, just cheering on CC and grandpa

  








































                     






















We made it down to the Woodburn Tulip Festival, but it was so windy and rainy this year! CC got to do the egg hunt and we took a few pictures around the gardens by the gift shop, but didn't make it out to the tulip fields (which were planted pretty far away this year--they rotate the fields).

Ooh, windy! And that's her 'rawr' face!

CC enjoyed the easter egg hunt!

Me and my favorite Cupcake

Our annual family photo at the Tulip Festival,
Woodburn, OR


 

   CC turned 3 on April 28th! We went out to breakfast and then she wanted to play at the trampoline place (or the 'jumpoline' place, as she calls it). Her birthday party was the following Saturday and she had so much fun playing at the park with her friend, Lilly!

Birthday breakfast!

Birthday ice cream

Enjoying her party with Lilly

30 weeks (7 1/2 months)

Cupcake, made of awesome! Having fun playing at OMSI. March 2014

        I've finally hit the 30 week mark, which means I have about 10 weeks to go. Last quarter... it feels so far away, but I know I'll be at the 35 week mark soon, and then 38... and then Pecan will be here. I'm looking like I swallowed a basketball (like I did with CC at this point) and Pecan still has at least 4-5 pounds to gain and 3-4 inches to grow. It's hard to believe that I'll get bigger than I am already, ugh. I've gained about 25 pounds so far, and could gain another 10 or 15 or so by the time this is over (I gained 35 with Cupcake, but lost 20 of it by the day after she was born, so I'm not concerned. "Normal" weight gain during pregnancy is expected at 25-40 pounds). On the plus side, I'm not having a bunch of side effects! I've been over the nausea for about 2 1/2 months (YAY!), so no more Zofran (or dealing with THOSE side effects). I don't have any swelling in hands or feet. My hips/sciatica flares up from time to time, but I still managed to go to three Barre3 workout classes this week (60-minute workout that incorporates yoga, ballet, and pilates) and plan to keep doing a few more classes until it's too much or really uncomfortable. I do get short of breath a lot quicker (this has been going on throughout the whole pregnancy), but I still take the stairs most of the time. I haven't had any weird cravings and my sleep isn't really affected, compared to my sleep issues over the last 10 years or so (with the exception of painful hips sometimes).

Baby Pecan, maybe 6 or 6 1/2 months? Cupcake took this picture for us :)

   Cupcake has been enjoying going to the midwife/waterbirth center appointments. As soon as she walks in the room, she heads straight for the drawer that has the measuring tape, stethoscope and Doppler. She loves helping to find Pecan's whoosh-whoosh heartbeat and measuring my tummy. She's so excited to be a Big Sister! Every once in a while, she'll ask, "You still have your baby?" and I'll pat my tummy and say, "Yep!" The other day when she asked, I said, "You'll know when the baby is here. It's going to live with us forever and you'll be a Big Sister forever!" She got such a HUGE smile on her face! Randomly throughout some days, she'll come over and kiss my tummy or rub it and say, "Awww, it's okay, baby!" I bought her a Big Sister cape (and still need to get her Super Sister book), but need to take a picture of her wearing it before I forget or it gets lost or something.

Baby Pecan and Cupcake, enjoying a day at the park, March 25th? 7 1/2 months along 

Cupcake (a month shy of 3 years old) and Dawson, talkin' strategy.

    Cupcake has been working on potty training for the last few months and has been doing pretty well the last few weeks. We've even had a few days (4-5) of no accidents at all! She still wears diapers at night, because I don't expect her to hold it for 10-12 hours, but we've been doing underwear during the day. She loves her Thomas the Tank Engine and Dora the Explorer underwear! It takes a lot of reminding her to go upstairs to use the potty, since she's easily distracted and doesn't want to stop playing or reading. About 1/3 of the time, she'll tell someone she has to go potty, or just take herself to the bathroom, which is awesome! I'm definitely looking forward to being diaper-free (with the exception of nighttime) for a few months before Pecan gets here, though I've already bought couple newborn diapers, both disposable and cloth.

    CC is looking forward to her birthday next month! She has gotten very good at saying, "I'm 2!" and holding up two fingers. Sometimes she'll throw in, "I'm 2, and I'll be 3 after my birthday!"

She wanted to wear just her Thomas the Tank Engine underwear and nothing else. February 2014

Pecan Sandy... boy or girl?

   We just recently had our 5 month ultrasound (at 21 1/2 weeks) and are waiting to discover Baby Pecan's gender until they arrive in the tub at the water birth center. After our appointment, it was hard knowing that SOMEONE knew (the ultrasound tech), but that we didn't. By the end of the day though, I was happy with my decision to wait to find out. My dad had joked that we'd have to have a gender neutral name picked out, like Sandy (don't worry, we already have a boy name and girl name picked out), which made me think of a type of cookie called Pecan Sandy. And so a nickname was born :)

   I've had a few dreams about the gender of the baby, but Baby CC (our almost 3-year old daughter... yes, I still call her 'Baby') is wishy-washy on what she thinks Pecan will be. We'll have to start taking bets, for those of you who are interested. There are quite a few old wives tales and gender prediction theories out there, so feel free to ask any questions. I'll try to get the 12 week ultrasound pictures posted soon.

CC's going to be a big sister!!

One of CC's new favorite books!

     I'm just slightly over the halfway mark--21 1/2 weeks or so, with an expected due date of June 2nd. We're going in for the anatomy scan ultrasound this Saturday to get a look at Baby's heart, get measurements, etc. We had a 3-month ultrasound done (which we didn't do with Cupcake, aka CC) and it was nice to see another little baby-shaped Pecan growing.

      I haven't been keeping up on blogging (obviously), so here's a quick run down on this babe:

   1). Yes, this one was planned (yes, apparently some people have been asking my husband this question, which seems very weird to me and frankly, a little rude).

   2). No, we are not going to find out the gender (even though Chris is interested. I know it would get leaked accidently and I'm not okay with that). We have names picked out for either gender. A few people know them, so they aren't huge secrets, but I'm also not keen on posting them for the general public just yet.

   3). I'm finally over being nauseous 24 hours a day. I was so sick the first few months that I had to go in for IV fluids twice because I couldn't stomach even the thought of food or water. I was finally prescribed Zofran, an anti-nausea medication, which helped, but then I was treated to dealing with the side-effects of that. Whee.

   4). It's true when they say you are bigger with the second bambino. I felt this effect already at about week 5. As I type this, I feel extra stretched on my abdomen today. Guess I'll go home and slather on some lotion while I lay on the couch. CC brought on some stretch marks around month 8 or 9, but I have a feeling I'll have a whole new slew of 'em. It doesn't matter, I'm not a bikini model and I feel fortunate to even be able to carry babies for 9 months in my body.

   5). We are going back through the midwives at Andaluz Water Birth Center because we had such an amazing experience the first time. A medication-free, quick and fairly easy water birth that included a two-day stay, all meals taken care of, Baby in room with us, way more comfortable environment than a hospital, and a massage (for me) before leaving... it doesn't get much better, really. I'm also lucky enough to have one of my two midwives from the first time around, Dana, who I love. Here's the link for CC's birth story, if you're interested: http://acupcakeintheoven.blogspot.com/2011/05/birth-day-april-28-2011.html

   6). I'm still trying to stay active, like I did with Baby Cupcake. Since I became a runner after having CC, I'm trying to continue getting out for some runs (or, more accurately, shuffles). I ran the Portland Marathon (26.2 miles) at about 6 weeks pregnant, a 10k race (6 miles) 2 weeks after that in October, and the Seattle Half Marathon (13.1 miles) in December at 3 1/2 months. I've slowed my roll on training, running, and racing (I completed 17 race related events in 2012, the year after CC was born, and about 20 events in 2013). In 2014, I'm only signed up for the Bridge to Brews 8k race (4.97 miles), which Chris, CC and I have run the last two years. It's one of our annual races that I figured I could at least walk at a bulging 8 months along. But I can do you one better----I'm signed up for the Whidbey Island Half Marathon the week after that in mid-April. I signed up for it last year before I became pregnant, because I got a super huge discount ($30 for a half marathon?! Yes, please!). I am waiting until I get closer to the event to see if I need to drop down to a shorter race (they have a 5k and 10k available). I would LOVE to do this Half Marathon, since I ran the Full Marathon--my first-- last year. Plus, my dad and my island family (Becky, Maddie, Kiah, and Ariel) are all running it this year. Go figure, right? It would be awesome to run this with them! Alas, even if I am still able to walk/shuffle through 13.1 miles, I'll be at the back of the pack. I may just jump down to a shorter race so that I can cheer everyone in "on the other side". Plus, that means I'd get to get a walk in, but be done early enough to relax and eat while waiting for them. We'll see. Since I didn't run with CC, my plan is to just take it day by day and see how I feel. I have another low-risk pregnancy at this point and have been running for 2 1/2 years prior to this little Pecan, so no, I'm not worried about any negative effects.

   7). I haven't been doing weekly/monthly pictures with this growing Bump (sorry, dude or dudette), but will try to snap a few pictures along the way as proof that I am actually pregnant again (don't worry, if you've seen me in person, there isn't any question. I can't even hide it underneath my scrub top at work anymore).



     

Life gets busy!

Yes, it's been 8 months since I've last blogged about my little Snuggle Butt Cupcake. Days, weeks, and months go by so fast now. I'm not doing as much volunteering as I did last year (the S.M.A.R.T program through local elementary schools or Assistant Coaching with Girls on the Run, though I'm hoping to be a Running Buddy this year for the practice 5k and final 5k), still working full-time and doing my small cupcake business on the side. I've also heavily gotten into running, did a half marathon (13.1 miles) in May at the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon in Portland and again in Seattle on November 25th at the Seattle Half Marathon and am now currently in week 4 of a 5-month training plan for a full marathon (26.2 miles) on my beloved Whidbey Island (April 14th, 2013). Aaaaand I've gotten into trapeze/aerial (high-flying trapeze in Seattle every few months, low flying trapeze and aerial silks, aerial conditioning, circuit training here in Portland about 1-3 times a week). I'm definitely staying busy chasing after Ayla 3 1/2 days a week. She is a CLIMBER and into everything! She is non-stop, inquisitive, funny, loud, sweet, and sassy. I've never been so in love with anyone (including Johnny Depp).

It's hard to remember what all we've done in the last 8 months.... there was her 1 year birthday party (at Greenway Park, it was a beautiful day and we had a lot of friends and family members show up to celebrate), going up to Whidbey Island in June for my first year doing Relay for Life with my "island family", another trip to Whidbey in September (just me and Ayla), her first black eye, more teeth, some hair (FINALLY), working on the words 'mama', 'dada', and 'baby' (she understands when you talk to her, but besides those words, she does a lot of pointing and sounds), learning to sign the word 'more', sleeping through the night, saying goodbye to our sweet puppy dog, Macchiato (diagnosed with aggressive bone cancer in June, giving him final kisses in August)... and probably about a bajillion other things.
Just for reference, she's just past a year and a half now (20 months) and still wearing some 12, but mostly 18, month clothes (she's still tiny!).
So here are a bunch of pictures and the hopes that I'll keep up on blogging about once a month (or anything major at least)... maybe. ;)

Baby CC and Pogo, hanging out

Ayla and Dawson at the Oregon Zoo

The "in-laws"--Aaron, Omi, and Icen at CC's 1st birthday

Icen and Cupcake, bundled up on a stroller walk

Gotta stay warm on those cold days!

Ayla, Kirsten, and Chris, Whidbey Island Relay for Life 2012

Ayla reading to Pogo

Chris reading to the babies

Mama and Cupcake, Mother's Day Event 2012

Celebrating Ayla's birthday at the Tulip Festival 2012
with Pogo and Macchiato. Exactly 1 year earlier, I was in labor with her at this same farm!

Superheroes Blood Donor event, April 2012. Celebrating Macchiato being a canine blood donor
through DoveLewis Emergency Hospital. We had been at this event one year prior, when CC was
 2 days old!

Running with mama along City Beach waterfront in Oak Harbor, Washington
(Whidbey Island) September 2012

She's getting ready to bake!

Ooh, that baby! So cute. One of my favorite people in one of my favorite places,
Oak Harbor (Whidbey Island), WA

Pointing out Batman, who she loves (naturally)

Playing at one of the libraries I grew up in
(Oak Harbor, WA)

"Mama's training for a marathon!"

Deception Pass Bridge, 2012



Checking out the bikes

11 months!

Ayla Cupcake turned 11 months old on the 28th. Where has the time gone??

She now has 4 teeth (bottom two came in about a month or so ago. Top two just started poking out in the last two weeks, so they aren't on full show just yet) and Chris thinks he sees a back molar popping through! She has also started walking (at around 10 1/2 months)! Our friend Kelsey was watching Ayla while I was coaching for Girls on the Run and that's when the little Cupcake decided she'd take some steps. Sneaky girl! Not a big deal, she's been "cruising" (walking while "bordering" or holding onto the furniture), so we knew she'd be taking wobbly steps soon (she could have even possibly taken her first steps, but we hadn't seen it. I know she'd try and make it from the ottoman to the couch by leaning over and kind of falling head first into the couch). She's gone from taking 2-3 steps at a time to 7-8-9 steps (or more if she's really got her balance on that day!) in a row. She even walked a few steps, stopped to regain her balance for a few seconds and then continued walking. That takes skill! ;)

Mama, Daddy and Baby all attended the Shamrock Run 5k (3.1 miles) a few weeks ago in Portland. The Cupcake and I ran the ENTIRE 5k, which we've/I've never done before! I was pretty excited about it (she just slept through it). We were passing people left and right (yeah, we're pretty awesome like that) and finished with a time of 34 minutes and 30 seconds (which is a new record for me). It's not super fast, but I have little legs, so I'll take it! Chris finished just a few minutes behind us, which isn't bad considering he hasn't been training/running, he just does sporadic 5ks with us throughout the year. He and I will be doing an 8k (4.97 miles) with some friends on April 15th (Bridge to Brews through Terrapin Events), so Ayla is going to hang out with Grandma Peggy while we run (I could probably push the stroller an extra two miles, but this way Ayla can keep Grandma company while we crazy people run around Portland). I've got plans for a few more 5ks this year and even a race series (with obstacles to climb over, under, a mud pit, etc... Check out the website: ) ***Since starting this post a week or so ago, I ran the Race for the Roses 5k with my good friend Laura and we ran the whole thing together without stopping and finished in 34:03. A new personal record, woot!

Our friends, Liam and Kaiya, stopped for lunch on their way through Portland and they finally got to meet the Cupcake! The last time we saw them (I'm pretty sure) was our wedding a year and a half ago (and the Cupcake was baking at 3 months). We met up at the Lucky Lab right behind my work since they had their pup with them (and Lucky Lab has outside seating). I was able to run over real quick on my lunch break to get some aawesome hugs (seriously, Liam and Kaiya give some of the best hugs ever... it must be all the practice they get on trees), lunch, and baby kisses.

Ayla loves taking weekly trips to the library! We try and pick out some books that she would enjoy reading, but it's always a hit or miss. She has a few that she really likes (Monster Opposites, Hello Lulu, At The Beach, Dr. Seuss' The Foot Book, and her two cupcake books) and the ones she doesn't like... well, she doesn't sit still for very long. She likes a certain few and loves to read them a few times in a row. Funny girl.

We got to visit with my brother for just a little bit before he left for Texas (for National Air Guard). He'll be there for about 6 months, but at least it's still "here" (Texas).

We're trying to plan for Cupcake's 1st birthday! We'd really love to have it outside at a local park so we can barbecue and enjoy the nice weather. Our fingers are crossed that will work out. It's not going to be anything big, just a few family and friends, but we're excited about it!