Eleven Weeks

Another baby. I am so elated. Levi is growing up so fast these days, there are times I just miss snuggling him and holding him close. He has been so kind to me these last few weeks when I've been sick and exhausted, by the way. He gets scared when I throw up, but then whenever I lie down on the couch, he brings me a blanket. It's the cutest. I will forever miss sharing those moments with him, but am ecstatic to share those moments with another little one. Don't get me wrong, it scares me to death to think about what it will be like juggling two kids, especially right at the start of football season! How will I ever go to the store? Will I ever eat inside a restaurant again? I will be outnumbered most of my day, and Levi will probably hate me and said baby for an ungodly amount of time. Speaking of which, have you seen Levi around babies? He yells at them and sometimes even swats his hand at them, especially if I'm anywhere near them. Oh Lord, PROTECT ALL THE BABIES.

I don't think I'm alone in my thoughts as I'm sure every mom having additional children has had these doubts pop up in her mind. I remind myself continually that I'm not the first person to juggle more than 1 child, and if they can do it, so can I (I think!?) :) If nothing else, I will have a valid excuse when I'm found in public looking disheveled since I haven't showered in days. So I'll have that going for me.

I will say, being pregnant for the second time is soooo much easier than before. I'm not talking physically, although lucky for me, this one has been much more kind to me. But just mentally, not being surprised by as many things and not worrying as much. Don't get me wrong, I still worry about this little one. I hope and pray daily that he/she is safe and healthy and growing big and strong. But I also know that this is all out of my control. This baby is in the Lord's great care, and no matter how many vegetables I do or do not eat or how much water I drink, this sweet life is in the Author of Life's care. So yes, I take care of myself. But no, I don't deny the occasional pop (or soda, for you southern folk) or google every symptom (other than my blotchy skin patches...HAVE YOU SEEN MY BLOTCHY SKIN PATCHES?!) Instead, I wake up in the morning and say in my head, "Today I am pregnant, and I praise God for this gift." And if He chooses to take this baby Home with Him tomorrow, I will have delighted in all my days with this child and will weep and rest with the One whose grace is sufficient.

How far along?: 11 weeks

Baby is the size of a:  Lime, I think?

The Bump: Starting to look a little less like a food baby and more like a real baby

Symptoms: Nausea, occasionally throwing up, super sensitive to smells, blotchy dark patches of skin (wtf!?), heartburn, exhausted (although starting to have more energy these days!)

Food Cravings: No real cravings, just comfort food

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: dog food, smell of our pantry, even the smell of my makeup, garage, Sophie's breath...oh, also the scene in Elf when Buddy eats gum off the subway rail in NYC...that one sent me running!

Sleep: Waking up to pee at least once a night, which then it's hard to fall back asleep. If I don't wake up to pee, I wake up around 5:30 unable to go back to sleep. It's the pits.

What I miss: Nothing really

Weddings Rings On or Off: on

Any Names Picked Out Yet: I have names picked out....getting Brett to agree is always the challenge

Movement: I've felt little bubbles, wondering if it's the baby or just gas. I like to pretend it's the baby and that I'm a proper English lady who doesn't experience this said gas.

Maternity Clothes: I brought out my maternity jeans a few weeks ago, only to realize they were no good because they were, are you ready for it? RIPPED AT THE SEAMS. My poor prior pregnant belly really did them in. So I bought some new jeans and leggings to get me through...I'm hopeful warm weather will be here sooner than later (a girl can dream?) and I can just stick to maxi dresses and skirts

Labor Signs: Nope. Please stay that way until the last week of July :)

Best Moment of the Week: Hearing the baby's heartbeat with the doppler yesterday at my first appointment

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Getting to the 2nd trimester :)