Introducing baby Hank

It is official, we are a family of 4!

 I haven't updated the blog in a some time since we've been adjusting to our new normal. Our newest addition is baby Hank and what a sweet baby he is! I can't enough of those cheeks!

We are in love.

Hank was born May 31 at 1:08 am. He weighed 7 lbs 14 oz. and was 19.5 inches long. I made it 39 weeks and one day. This was the last pregnancy picture I took. I didn't even have time to post it because we went to the hospital that same day with contractions.

38 weeks

Oh hey, I'm still pregnant. I'm 38 weeks and baby boy is the size of Swiss chard, though it should be a watermelon! I have my last doctor's appointment this week and I am glad to have made it this far. Soon we'll meet our little man and begin life as a family of 4! Crazy! Here's the weekly post...

How far along: 38 weeks
Total weight gain: 35 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope. 
Sleep: With 3 pillows!
Best moment this week: Made freezer meals to help get us through the first few days at home
Movement: lots!
Food cravings: chocolate, bread, fruit
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Feeling sore and tired
Belly button in or out? out
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: Trying to enjoy this last week before life gets too crazy as a mom of 2!

37 Weeks... full-term!

We made it to 37 weeks and this baby is full-term! Baby boy is the size of a winter melon and I'm feeling it! I've never been THIS pregnant before. I'm so grateful to still have this little baby growing on the inside instead of the outside. Harvey was born at 34 weeks and considered late pre-term. He spent 9 days in the NICU. I know parents who spent much more time than that with their little ones who came much earlier than Harvey. Still, any length of stay in the NICU is trying; emotionally and physically. The nurses and doctors were excellent and took great care of Harvey, Brent and I but hopefully, our little guy will be healthy and ready to go home without a lengthy hospital stay.

I'm scheduled to be induced at 39 weeks if baby boy hasn't made his debut yet. Any guesses as to when he'll come?? While you're thinking it over, here's the weekly post...

How far along: 37 weeks
Total weight gain: 35 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope. 
Sleep: Is not the best... leg cramps, sore hips
Best moment this week: My weekly appt to hear the baby and getting all the little details taken care of.
Movement: lots!
Food cravings: chocolate, bread, fruit
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Feeling sore and tired
Belly button in or out? out
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: One last doctor's appointment, if we make it that far!

36 Weeks... nine months along!

I made it to my 9th month of pregnancy! I'm 36 weeks and baby boy is the size of a cantaloupe. The weekly shots I began at 21 weeks have paid off and now I'm finished with them. We can wait for baby to come! Here's the weekly post...

How far along: 36 weeks
Total weight gain: 34 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope. 
Sleep: Is not the best... leg cramps, sore hips
Best moment this week: My weekly appt to hear the baby!
Movement: lots!
Food cravings: chocolate, bread, fruit
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Feeling very heavy
Belly button in or out? out
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: Getting a few more things done around the house before D-day!

35 weeks!

I'm 35 weeks and nearing the end of my 8th month! This is uncharted territory! I didn't make it this far with Harvey. So far, there aren't any new symptoms I didn't experience with Harvey. I'm feeling tired and sitting for too long is uncomfortable but I'm glad to still be pregnant. I'm getting my weekly shots and so far, baby is still on the "inside". He's the size of a melon and everything is going well. Now for the weekly post...

How far along: 35 weeks
Total weight gain: 31 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope. 
Sleep: I'm sleeping a bit better now that I've a foam mattress topper on my bed.
Best moment this week: Reaching the 35-week milestone!
Movement: lots!
Food cravings: fruit, bread and sweets
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Feeling slow and heavy
Belly button in or out? out
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: Preparing for baby!

34 Weeks

34 weeks and baby boy is the size of a pineapple! This is the week Harvey was born so here's hoping those weekly injections pay off and baby boy stays in about three more weeks. So far, he's measuring on track and I'm doing well. His punches and kicks are a lot stronger and when he starts his "kickboxing" rounds, do I feel it!

How far along: 34 weeks
Total weight gain: 30 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope. 
Sleep: There's a little bit of tossing and turning, mainly because my hips get sore after laying on one side too long. 
Best moment this week: Had my weekly appointment and there's no sign of baby! This little guy needs to stay in a bit longer. 
Movement: lots!
Food cravings: fruit, bread and sweets
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Feeling slow and heavy
Belly button in or out? out
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: Preparing for baby!

33 Weeks

We've just about made it through week 33! Baby is doing well and is the size of a honeydew melon! I'm feeling bigger and more tired. Next week, I'll begin to visit the doctor weekly. I can't complain too much about this pregnancy. It's been pretty good and I haven't been sick. I'm grateful to still be pregnant! Hopefully baby stays in for a few more weeks!

How far along: 33 weeks
Total weight gain: 29 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope. 
Sleep: Is uncomfortable but it won't be forever.
Best moment this week: Harvey came with me to my doctor appointment and listened to the heartbeat of his little brother. I don't know exactly how much he comprehends but I think he does know that his sibling is on the way.
Movement: lots!
Food cravings: fruit, bread and sweets
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Feeling tired and heavy
Belly button in or out? In
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: Preparing for baby!

32 weeks!

We've made it 32 weeks so far! Baby boy is the size of a head of lettuce and tipping the scales at just under 4 pounds! He's so active! Here's the weekly post. Harvey wanted in the picture this week :)

How far along: 32 weeks
Total weight gain: 28 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope. 
Sleep: Is uncomfortable but it won't be forever.
Best moment this week: Having Brent watch my belly and him actually seeing the baby move! It seems I'm always, "look!" and he looks and baby stops moving :)
Movement: lots! 
Food cravings: fruit, bread and sweets
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Just feeling tired and heavy
Belly button in or out? In
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: My appt next week to hear the baby again!

31 Weeks... 8 months!

I'm 31 weeks along and 8 months now! Baby is the size of a coconut! He's really active and moves quite a bit at night. He's measuring on track and doing well. My doctor and I are just hoping my weekly injections pay off and he stays in at least until 36 weeks. 

How far along: 31 weeks
Total weight gain: 28 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope. 
Sleep: Is uncomfortable. I'm sleeping with 3 pillows and it helps but I still have hip pain.
Best moment this week: I tell Harvey about his baby brother who will be coming soon. He started waving at my belly! So cute!
Movement: lots! 
Food cravings: fruit, bread and sweets
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Can't bend over anymore and feeling tired and heavy.
Belly button in or out? In
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: Preparing for our little guy's arrival. I hope he stays in a while so I can get some things done!

30 Weeks

30 weeks! Baby boy will be here soon and there is so much to do! Baby is the size of a butternut squash and doing well! Still getting my weekly shots and praying baby stays until I'm full term. Now for the weekly post...

How far along: 30 weeks
Total weight gain: 27 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope. 
Sleep: Trying the best I can to get some rest but I wake up 2-3 times a night with hip pain :(
Best moment this week: Turning 30 and hitting the 30-week mark in the same week! Has to be lucky or something, right!
Movement: lots! 
Food cravings: fruit, bread and sweets
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Usual tiredness and bending over is getting to be a challenge.
Belly button in or out? In
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: Getting ready for our little man!

29 weeks

How far along: 29 weeks
Total weight gain: 25 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope. 
Sleep: Trying the best I can to get some rest but I wake up 2-3 times a night :(
Best moment this week: Brent's co-workers threw a shower, it was so sweet and baby boy has some new clothes!
Movement: lots! 
Food cravings: fruit, bread and sweets
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Usual tiredness and bending over is getting to be a challenge.
Belly button in or out? In
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: So much to do!

28 weeks

 Baby boy is so active! He rolls, kicks, jabs and punches. I love feeling him move about and it makes me so happy that he's healthy and growing as he should. This week was my regular doctor's appointment and I was poked and prodded but for a good cause :) I had my Rhogam shot, my weekly shot and had my blood drawn for a glucose test. Chugging that drink in five minutes makes me sick. Baby's heartbeat is strong and steady!

How far along: 28 weeks
Total weight gain: 24 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope. 
Sleep: It's getting a bit trickier to stay comfortable
Best moment this week: Hearing the baby's heartbeat
Movement: lots! 
Food cravings: bread and sweets
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Usual tiredness and bending over is getting to be a challenge.
Belly button in or out? In
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: Getting things done! There's so much to do before baby boy makes his debut!

27 weeks

How far along: 27 weeks
Total weight gain: 22 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope. 
Sleep: It's getting a bit trickier to stay comfortable
Best moment this week: I just love feeling the baby move
Movement: lots! 
Food cravings: bread and sweet things
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Usual tiredness and bending over is getting to be a challenge.
Belly button in or out? In
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: my next regular appointment

26 Weeks

Last week of my 2nd trimester! I'm 26 weeks and baby boy is the size of an eggplant. I'm feeling good and everything is going well with him. I had my weekly shot, which isn't so bad. Sometimes my hip is sore for a bit, but if it helps keep baby boy inside a little longer, it's worth it. Here's the weekly post...

How far along: 26 weeks
Total weight gain: 20 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope. 
Sleep: It's getting a bit trickier to stay comfortable
Best moment this week: Brent felt the baby give a big kick!
Movement: lots! 
Food cravings: fruit and sweet things
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Usual tiredness and bending over is getting to be a challenge.
Belly button in or out? In
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: Organizing baby's clothes

25 Weeks

Baby boy is the size of a very large turnip! He's been super active this week and moving a whole ton! Here's the weekly post...

How far along: 25 weeks
Total weight gain: 19 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope. 
Sleep: Hips are starting to feel sore
Best moment this week: Hearing baby's heart beat at my doctor's appointment. And now my appointments are every 3 weeks... D-day is getting closer!
Movement: lots! 
Food cravings: fruit and sweet things
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Usual tiredness and bending over is getting to be a challenge.
Belly button in or out? In
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: Getting the baby's room and stuff together

Baby bump(s) at 24 weeks

Baby #2 is the size of an ear of corn! I'm 24 weeks and continuing my weekly shots. Baby boy is really active at night. I love feeling him punch and kick! 

How far along: 24 weeks
Total weight gain: 12 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Sleeping with my pregnancy pillow
Best moment this week: Decorating the boys room!
Movement: punches and kicks!
Food cravings: fruit
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: feeling winded after climbing the stairs or taking a walk
Belly button in or out? In
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: My next appointment!

I decided to compare my ever-growing baby bump to my last pregnancy. On the left is a picture of when I was pregnant with Harvey at 24 weeks compared to baby boy #2. I think it's about the same! 

23 Weeks

Baby is the size of a papaya and moving a lot! 

How far along: 23 weeks
Total weight gain: 11 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Sleeping with my pregnancy pillow
Best moment this week: Continuing my shots... so far everything is going well!
Movement: punches and kicks!
Food cravings: chocolate milk and fruit
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: feeling winded after climbing the stairs and peeing a lot!
Belly button in or out? In
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: My next appointment

22 weeks

22 weeks and beginning my sixth month! Baby is the size of a spaghetti squash. He's doing wonderfully. I've had quite a few ultra sounds and so far everything looks great. He's quite the ninja and doing little jabs and kicks in my tummy. 

How far along: 22 weeks
Total weight gain: 10 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Sleeping with my pregnancy pillow
Best moment this week: Finding out Brent is getting a raise! It will help us save more for baby!
Movement: jabs and kicks!
Food cravings: Nothing really specific
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: low energy
Belly button in or out? In
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: My next appointment

Let's play!

The show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire held auditions in Utah over the summer. My sister said we should go and of course, I said yes! However, on the morning of auditions, my sister got called into work last minute. I was already up and ready to go, so I headed out the door by myself. Little did I know that my decision would lead to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Auditions were held at Valley Fair Mall. Potential contestants lined as early as 6 am. I got a spot in line and waited. Finally, we were ushered inside. I had no idea what to expect. I didn't know what the audition process entailed and took a seat at a table with other hopefuls. Producers from the show made everyone feel at ease then got down to business. We were assigned a number and got ready to take a timed test. Those who passed would move on to the next round. I did my best and finished the test. Afterwards, producers called out numbers. ME! I was moving on to the next round!

The next round of auditions consisted of interviews with producers. At the end of the process, a producer told me I would be contacted if selected or be put in a contestant pool. I went home feeling good about the day.

A few weeks later, I was filling in at KSL-TV. I get a call from a producer and she tells me I am to be a contestant on the show! My tape date is in two weeks! There's no question about it, I have to go! A couple weeks later, my husband, my sister, my one year old boy and myself are on a plane flying across the country to Connecticut.

Taping Millionaire was a fun experience! I met contestants from all around the country. I have been on set before but never on a nationally televised production! Producers and the crew acted like our personal cheerleaders, they were so supportive and encouraging! When it was my turn to play, I was taken to the set of Millionaire. It was so surreal! The new host, Terry Crews, is larger than life! He is a really nice guy and made me feel comfortable instantly. I loved being a contestant on a game show! I'm so happy with my experience and will never forget it. 

21 Weeks

21 weeks and baby is the size of a banana! He's getting stronger as I can feel his little jabs and kicks. This week I started my weekly shots. I will get them once a week until 36 weeks. Hopefully, we can keep this guy inside until he's full term!

How far along: 21 weeks
Total weight gain: 10 lbs
Maternity clothes? Of course!
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Sleeping with my pregnancy pillow
Best moment this week: Doctor visit to hear the heartbeat of this little man and though, I don't know if this counts as "best" but I started my Makena shots. I get them weekly but it's nice to know we're doing all we can to keep this baby inside me.
Movement: kicks!
Food cravings: Nothing really specific
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: low energy
Belly button in or out? In
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: My next appointment

20 weeks... We're halfway there!

20 weeks, baby! I hear that Bon Jovi song in my head... Oh, we're halfway there! It's all downhill from here, right? I'm feeling good and got a little baby bump to show off. Baby boy is the size of a mango and doing well. Keep fingers crossed I go full-term! 

How far along: 20 weeks
Total weight gain: 8 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes, seriously it's much more comfortable.
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: Bump is getting bigger. I think it's time to break out the pregnancy pillow.
Best moment this week: 
Movement: Little kicks!
Food cravings: Nothing really
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Tired and not much energy
Belly button in or out? In
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: My next appointment

19 Weeks

How far along: 19 weeks
Total weight gain: 7 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: need more
Best moment this week: Working on the boys' room
Movement: little flutters!
Food cravings: Nothing yet
Anything make you queasy or sick? No
Gender: BOY!
Symptoms: Just tired
Belly button in or out? In
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy
Looking forward to: Next appointment, I love hearing his heartbeat 

It's a...BOY!

We're gonna be pulling Harvey's newborn clothes out of storage... because baby #2 is a BOY!!! We are so excited! I love that Harvey is going to have a little brother and that they will be close in age.

 Here's the weekly post... I'm 18 weeks, just starting my 5th month! I'm feeling baby boy move and it's so exciting. I almost forgot how special it is to feel this little baby move inside me. I am still amazed by what a woman's body can do, it is truly a miracle. I feel very blessed to be a mother.