Can I just start by saying that I LOVE being pregnant. Of course I'm writing this at 37 weeks rather than at 7 weeks, which is not quite as much fun. But this stage is amazing. I can not begin to tell you just how much I enjoy it. The baby bump is out in full force, and the baby is moving like a crazy woman - just like her little sister did. Feeling those kicks, jabs, and flips could not be more amazing. I wasn't sure whether I would be as excited every day to feels these movements as I was with my first pregnancy, but I have enjoyed every single one of them!
I've wondered how a second pregnancy would be in comparison to Ava's, and I thought that there would likely be differences - but I feel like this time has been a completely different experience!
As I said before, from the moment I found out I was pregnant (okay, really it was the day before) I was nauseated. Just the sight of a piece of chicken made my stomach turn. And I was pretty sick with Ava so I was bracing myself for a repeat with number 2. But, wow, I didn't anticipate the sickness with this one. With Ava, I ate constantly to keep myself from getting too sick. I snacked on every type of cracker imaginable, Teddy Grahams, almonds, Luna bars, Lara bars, fruit, and once in awhile threw in a chip or two. Eating constantly was the only thing that prevented me from feeling like I was going to lose my cookies. With this pregnancy, it was the exact opposite. Not only did the smell of food make my stomach lurch, but food itself made me incredibly sick. This resulted in losing 5 pounds in the first 16 weeks rather than gaining 12 like I did the first time.
I've been so thankful to feel even better with this little girl. I have had just a trace of swelling in my ankles, which comes and goes. My back and feet don't hurt, and I feel like I have a ton of energy. And carpal tunnel? No issues with it this time. I'm not sure if it's because I am working a lot less than I was with Ava (when I worked 80-100 hours a week for the last 9 weeks of pregnancy), or if it's the lack of the August heat that has contributed to feeling this great - but I'll take it!
Now that I am counting down the last few weeks, I am trying to enjoy the full nights of sleep, quiet moments to myself, and the wonderful moments of the this little girl. But it has been fun to remember these same moments I had with Ava, too.