Week 15: I'm Baaaaack!

I'm not sure if anyone even reads this anymore or has any care to keep up with another 40 weeks of my rambling about my developing fetus, but it sure allows me an arena to share my thoughts, concerns, fears and excitements about becoming a mother of two.

Let me preface this post by saying that I have taken the time to read over my posts from the last pregnancy and in all ways this pregnancy is completely different. At this point I am reasonably established into the *2nd Trimester* the coveted achievement of pregnancy (short of the baby) in which you are sleeping through the night, have loads more energy and all of the morning sickness has subsided. Well...that's a CROCK! I'm not trying to sound ungrateful as I am ecstatic to be expecting our second child, however I am feeling miserable. I still have the *all day* sickness, headaches, exhaustion, and can't remember the last time I slept through the night. I'll warrant that the exhaustion might have something to do with chasing a toddler around all evening after working a full day, but it seems worse than what might be expected. At this point I am just trying to make it through each day--praying that the next will be better.

On a more positive note as I do find pregnancy to be a beautiful and exciting endeavor, I have begun to "show." In my mind it feels awfully early to be in maternity clothes even though I know that I was already in full maternity attire by this time with Michaela, however I also was eating everything in sight (go figure). I was able to purchase some new (and very fashionable) maternity clothes this weekend which helped with morale, even if nothing else. In other exciting news, I am fairly certain that late in the evenings when I'm lying in bed still and quiet that I can feel the flutter of my baby. Gentle, subtle little movements that I *think* are my baby. We have made every effort to include Michaela in the whole process while explaining to her that there is a baby in my tummy and that she is going to be a big sister. I know that her 16 month old mind only vaguely comprehends the concepts which are often abstract even for an adult but she very thoughtfully pats my tummy daily and says "baybee" in her adorable 16 month old speech. And ever so gently kisses my belly then smiles proudly as she says "baybee" again.

I can't imagine how another child could be nearly as cool or loving as my sweet little girl. I am so excited to see how her compassion will translate into the ever helpful big sister. So much is yet to come on this exciting journey. Next doctor's appointment is Monday--should be relatively uneventful but will hopefully get to hear the heartbeat again! Our BIG ultrasound is scheduled for October 13th when we will find out if we're having a boy or a girl. Until next time--here's hoping that the bliss of 2nd trimester will soon find me.