My pregancy so far...

Anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE being pregnant. Jonathan and I had a plan that we would like to "try" for another baby in the fall, and for me, fall couldn't have come soon enough. We were/are so blessed to have been able to get pregnant again for our second time (I took the pregnancy tests 11/30/09 - 2 positive tests). Weeks 5-9 have been the most challenging as I was constantly nauseous and my energy level was at an all time low. Knowing those were normal symptoms of a healthy pregnancy, I was able to stay positive and cruise through (with the constant care and consideration of my dear husband) to our first doctor appointment/ultra-sound at 9 weeks. We brought Ellison along to our appointment and we all got to see the future member of our family together! Since that appointment I have been feeling better physically. My energy is coming back slowly and the nausea comes in waves. Being a stay at home mom has definitely had it's advantages with this pregnancy since I have been able to take some naps when Elle naps. However, Elle's nap time is my workout time, which means my workouts have taken a back seat (lately I've only been working out every other day).

We told Ellison about the pregnancy right away (she was actually the first person we told). We told her that "mommy has a baby in her belly" and her immediate response was, "like Aunt Jenna"! Which led to our next challenge, explaining to her that Aunt Jenna's baby came out (Jack was born 12/2/09). She gets it now (for the most part, or at least as much as a 20 month old can understand). She will sometimes say to me "mommy has a baby in belly" out of no where and we both smile. We know already that Ellison will make an amazing big sister since she loves to help when she is given a task, she cares lovingly for her dolls and animals; changing their diapers, wiping their butts, getting tissues for their noses, and wanting to give them her pacifier, not to mention all of the hugs and kisses any doll or animal could ask for.

So here I am at 10 1/2 weeks! I'm really looking forward to feeling the baby move and also to having a "baby belly" (instead of my current bloated/thick look). I've started to wear my maternity pants already, and why not, they are so comfortable (by the way, I think all pants should be made like maternity pants with an elastic waste band like yoga pants)! *side note: I was not in maternity pants (in my pregnancy w/ Elle) until around 15 weeks. Speaking of my stomach, my appetite has been totally crazy! I don't have any specific cravings, but if anyone were to mention something they ate or a food idea, it always sounds great and I usually want it at that second (my mouth starts to water). I go from wanting naughty fast food things like salty french fries, to wanting a crisp apple. I also found these pina colada frozen fruit bars which have been really hitting the spot lately, but for the most part, any carb will also make me feel good. My only turn-offs are mint flavored tooth paste (so we use cinnamon) and sometimes leftovers are not an option for me. One thing I know that always makes me feel better is keeping food in my stomach, and since I love to eat, this really isn't a problem. Looking back to my pregnancy with Ellison, this is the exact same way I felt.

I have been able to listen to the baby's heartbeat recently through the doppler stethoscope that I have inherited from my cousin Steve and his wife Danielle (along with the hundreds of clothes and other baby items they have given us along the way - for which we will be forever grateful). Listening to the baby's heartbeat really gives me a peace of mind in between the 4 week doctor visits, which always seem like forever.

Well that's enough for now, I will be posting a 12 week belly pic of me in about 2 weeks, but in the mean time, I'll continue to post pictures of our adorable little Ellison. She has been talking up a storm lately (making Jonathan and I crack up) and also becoming even more independent when playing with her toys and during bath time.

Elle found her beads and put on ALL of them!

Elle talking on her play phone and illustrating how she never stops moving!