Pregnancy 2.0

Perhaps the biggest news since I stopped blogging in May: we're expecting again! We're due in April 2013 with a beautiful baby girl. Here are all the details on pregnancy 2.0, including finding out, the first trimester, the gender reveal, and more.

Finding Out

I had been at a conference in Louisville for four days and just didn't feel "right". I was really tired and not feeling that hot, which I attributed to traveling.

After I got home I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, and over breakfast I said to Ben: "I bet you I'm pregnant." On my way to work that morning I had to pull over to dry heave, which pretty much confirmed my suspicions. Sure enough, a home pregnancy test later that evening was positive!

Oh, hello there!

To be honest, I was excited, but a bit freaked. I was thrilled we were having another baby, but getting pregnant wasn't supposed to happen until after I graduated in December. I still had my last semester of graduate school ahead of me, not to mention two demanding part-time jobs. Another lesson in having to go the flow... it turns out I can't plan everything!

The First Trimester

After my easy-breezy pregnancy with Will, I was shocked by how awful I felt this time around. I was exhausted and nauseous 24/7. I remember being tired with Will, but not like this. There were many days I would shut Will and I in his room and take a nap on the floor while he played. I physically couldn't keep my eyes open!

Then there was the morning sickness. Or all-day sickness as Ben liked to call it. I realize now how fortunate I was in my pregnancy with Will. It's still amazing to me how I managed to function. I very rarely vomited, but I was nauseous constantly. From the moment I woke up to the moment I went to bed. I pretty much existed on saltine crackers and water, as I couldn't stomach anything else. But just as quickly as it came, the sickness subsided seemingly overnight around week 13. Since then, I've been feeling great!

The Gender Reveal

Ben and I debated not finding out the gender this time around, but ultimately we wanted to help Will prepare for a brother or a sister. Right or wrong, we felt that being able to share the gender with him might help with explaining the pregnancy and the big changes that would be coming to our family.

We both suspected it was a girl early on, since my pregnancy had been so different. As a result, we started calling baby "BG" and "Beej" (short for Baby Girl) in my first trimester. I was eager to find out out the gender, but I was much more anxious about the ultrasound this time around. When I was pregnant with Will, I didn't fully realize all they were really looking at in the ultrasound (heart, brain, spine, overall development). I was just excited to go in for a peek at my baby! The second time around, your child feels so much more "real" than the first. You've done the parenting gig, and know first-hand just how precious and amazing their little lives are. Fortunately, she's perfectly healthy (and totally adorable)...

BG - 20 Weeks

The 20 week ultrasound was right before our six year wedding anniversary, so we decided to have the ultrasound tech write the gender in an envelope for us to open at our anniversary dinner. But instead of just opening the envelope at the table, we asked the chef to make us a pink or blue dessert to reveal the baby's gender. It was a really fun evening, and we were over the moon when a little pink cannoli arrived at our table...

It's a girl!

The Third Trimester and Beyond

I start my third trimester soon, which is just crazy. I can't believe how quickly things are going. As is the life of a second child though... they will never be your sole focus!

We've started throwing around ideas for girl names... Emma, Olivia, Norah and Charlotte currently top our list. The middle name will be either Frances or Louise, after my mom.

I hope to start on the nursery at the end of the month... we've been putting it off because we will no longer have a guest bedroom. We're going with a yellow and gray theme, which has been a lot of fun to pull pieces for. I find myself being drawn to a lot of bird decor (like this piece and this piece), so it will be interesting to see how it all comes together.

We've also been reading up on ways to prepare Will for BG's arrival. We got some books on being a big brother, and I've been reviewing ways to "introduce" siblings in the hospital. If you've done this before and have any tips, I'd greatly appreciate them.

Know anyone who's going to have an Easter baby?

Because this bunny hat and diaper cover is the cutest thing I've ever seen.

Photo courtesy of BP Designs

It would be the sweetest ensemble for newborn pictures. Swoon.

Ready for the weekend

We are actually at home this weekend, a rare treat in Ben and Sam land. We have so much to do before the baby comes, but we also want to build in some time to have some fun. Here's what's on our plate this Saturday and Sunday...

1) Find out Ben's blood type.

Either Ben or his brother are A negative. His mom can't remember. But we're hoping it's Ben. Because I'm A negative, and if Ben is A negative I don't have to get the 28 week rhogam shot.

According to the hospital, it's cheaper to give all A negative mothers the shot then test their partners' blood types. But I'd like to avoid any vaccines or medications unless absolutely necessary. So Ben will be giving blood at a local blood drive on Saturday. Part good deed, part selfish fact-finding mission.

2) Organize the kitchen.

We have to find room to put bottles and other baby gear. And since we're knocking a hole in our dining room for a new patio door, I also need to find a place to store all of our wine glasses (since the cabinet they live in now will no longer fit).

3) Make salad for dinner.

We're going to Amy and John's for dinner, and I'm bringing salad. I'm going to attempt to recreate my favorite salad from Cannova's. It has balsamic dressing, red onion, pine nuts, bacon and mozzarella. Yum.

4) Take Stella to the dog park.

Poor dog just needs to run. I've had a crazy week at work and she hasn't gotten the exercise she deserves.

5) Tour Casa de Horton.

Friends Jill and Tyler just bought a new place, so we're bringing over breakfast and taking a peek. It was incredibly darling on the virtual tour. I can't wait to see it in person.

I was so crazed about people seeing our house before it was "finished". But guess what? Four years later and it's still a work in progress. You may have your own vision, but everyone is going to love your place for what it is: your home.

6) Figure out baby storage solutions.

The walls are painted and the furniture is in. But we need to figure out some sort of dresser and shelving solution for the baby's room. You wouldn't believe the stuff we've already collected for this kid.

7) Make pancakes.

Just because. With butter and syrup. Pregnancy craving.

How to spend $721 in 5 minutes

It's easy! Simply purchase a crib, a changing table and a vacuum online. Proud to be pulling our economy out of the recession in just a few clicks. You're welcome.

First big purchase

We went baby shopping yesterday, with both our moms in tow. It was really fun, but a little overwhelming at first. There was so much to stuff to look at!

We went to shop for furniture, but left with a baby travel system (carrier, car seat, stroller). I was concerned about overpaying at a local children's speciality store, but their price was the same as Target's. And they repair any broken parts free of charge for the life of the product. Not too shabby!

Say cheese!

According to the baby book, the baby starts smiling this week. Smiling. Isn't that crazy?

Speaking of baby books, I'd be remiss not to pass on my suggestions...

Loves It

"A Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy" (funny, honest and practical, but doesn't include any information on your baby's development week by week)

"The Pregnancy Bible" (Ben and I read this every Sunday for updates on how baby is growing; has great full color pictures and interesting facts)

"The Complete Organic Pregnancy" (good suggestions on how to be your healthiest while pregnant, without convincing you that everything around you is harming your unborn child)

Hates It

"What To Expect When You're Expecting" (comes off as preachy and condescending; I have no idea how it's the #1 selling baby book)

I'm just now venturing into the books on birthing. But contractions and cold packs are still really freaking me out, so I may give those books some time.

Decor Dreamin'

Starting to think about the nursery. I want it to be gender-neutral, with no specific theme. I'm thinking "retro baby" (vintage-inspired art, decor, etc). White furniture and yellow walls.

And of course a homemade quilt from Nana (Francie).