How can my 2nd Trimester be over?

Family and friends, can you believe that we are entering our third trimester? We are thrilled to have baby E in our lives in at most 13 weeks. I wanted to give you an update on how our second trimester has been for us. Today is a special day, and one that I didn’t know if I could handle before I found out I was pregnant with our miracle. Today would have been the due date of our previous angel. Of course I am still heartbroken that my sweet baby left us so soon as I wanted that baby SO, SO bad. Nonetheless, at the same time my heart is filled with joy and gratitude. I have a live and  moving baby growing inside me. I believe that our sweet angel baby spirit has helped carry me to where I am at today. I feel now I am able to understand more fully the love my Savior has for me, lifting me up when  I need it the most.

First thing first, Baby E now has the official spelling of her name, some of you know, but for now, and probably shortly after she is born she will go by baby E. Be prepared for lots of nicknames for her so far I think I have called her 6 different nicknames!

This trimester she has started kicking and literally doing flips in my belly. The first time I really felt her move, Spencer asked if it hurt. It absolutely does not hurt. It seriously is the BEST feeling ever! One that I can’t even describe, but if you’re a mom, I think you know what I am talking about. I can’t even put into words how much of a connection I felt when the movements started. It is the most rewarding feeling after being sick for 12 weeks of my pregnancy. I honestly don’t even know how to describe it other than it feels like bubbles moving around my belly. She is one active lil girl. Her big movement hours have been from 11am to 1pm then again from 5:30 pm to 9:30/10:30pm, but moves all day. She especially is active when I eat all fruit, vegetables (especially sweet potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes), and after each workout. She is also active when I lay on my right side, I am assuming because she doesn’t like it. What will she be? I am betting a soccer player or gymnast, ha but who knows!

Talk about hot flashes and body changes. This trimester I have been so hot, when Spencer is like, “Babe, it’s fine” “It’s cold in here” etc. I feel like that heat just radiates from my body. Also, I have experienced what it is like to have insulin resistance. It seriously is so frustrating, I will test my blood sugar and it’s normal or at least below 120 then 20 minutes later I am really, really high. There are times when I have had 15 units of insulin on board and no change in blood sugar. However, once my insulin starts acting, I drop fast and usually can’t come back up for hours. This roller coaster is the pits. I can eat the same thing every day and each day my numbers are different. There is no consistency. Luckily it hasn’t affected my overall A1c. It’s amazing what even my body, one that doesn’t have a working pancreas, is capable of doing. My chest has slowly started to get bigger, but my belly was the biggest change. But, I am still in my regular/pre-pregnancy jeans, thanks to my belly band! Also, my wedding ring still fits and spins on my finger. Growing a baby is seriously the best experience ever.

Some highlights and other stuff… baby girl is right on track and not measuring big (so far!!). We are grateful for her strong and healthy body, with ten little fingers, ten little toes, and long legs. Where she gets those from is beyond us. She has a strong heartbeat. She’s grown from the size of a lime to an eggplant. She’s been to Europe, a few flights, and on several hikes. I even continue to work out at least 4 days a week, and so far have only (I say this lightly, because it feels like a gazillion) gained 12 pounds, mostly my belly.  I am super grateful that swelling hasn’t showed up, that low back pain, and hip problems have almost been non-existent. This trimester, ice cream and otter pops have been my most craved treat, but most of the time I NEED to have fresh fruits, veggies, and ice cold water, not necessarily in that order. I also experienced my first (ever) bladder infection. That seriously was the most painful  and annoying thing. Our late night rush to the hospital was not fun and made us all tired the next day. Luckily it we caught it early and it went away very fast.

Here’s to the last couple of weeks of just my sweet hubby and myself. Are we ready for our lives to completely change? It is has been just us for over 5 years (courtship through marriage) and I love us. We have done so much and made many more memories than I ever thought. Although we feel prepared, we are nervous to become parents. We love you baby E keep growing strong and healthy!