32 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: ENOUGH! LoL, I have actually put on the exact amount with Parker as I did with Lena! Granted I started a bit heavier the second time around...but I am also much more toned this pregnancy than last...so whatever right!!??

Maternity clothes? Yes, and Yes!! I finally gave in a week ago and bought some maternity shorts (actually Josh's Stepmommy got them for my bday) I had been wearing my prepreggo bottoms with a belly band, but that was getting a bit ridiculous! LoL

Stretch marks? I have a few new ones, but they are really just on top of the old ones! Josh still loves me, so it's all good! LoL

Sleep: Horrible!! I am sooo hot at night, and soo uncomfortable! Not to mention Lena's still trying to break those stinking teeth through, and has taken comfort in sleeping on Mommy and Parker!!

Best moment this week: As exhausting as company can be, it's been great having family in and out of town! I've gotten several things done I've been putting off, plus some much needed nap time has been gained!! Oh and did I mention Lena pooped in her potty!!?? I wasn't with her, Josh was, but he was soo proud, it was cute, and gross at the same time! LoL Needless to say I think we will be investing in pullups and really cracking down on our training after we go see mom and dad!! Wouldn't it be great if she was out of diapers when Parker got here LoL (I shant hold my breath)

Movement: Tons, and it can be extremely uncomfortable!

Food cravings: No, not really!!

Gender: Baby Boy! Parker Scott..

Labor Signs: Lots of BH still!! I've also noticed some pressure/pain in my lower body, and a tailbone that is constantly aching! I'm not sure if he is still breach or not, or if hes getting into his head down position....


Belly Button in or out? Both...in when I lay down, out when I stand up!

Wedding rings on or off? Sadly they are off!! I can still get them on, but my swelling comes and goes and I am terrified they will get stuck on me! So I just decided to take them off while it's still safe! I wear the beautiful pearl/diamond ring my parents gave me for my wedding day on that finger now!

What I miss: Sleep...like that good deep, wake up refreshed sleep!

What I am looking forward to: Visiting my parents and brother and Katie Beth!! Hopefully the doctor clears me for travel tomorrow!!

Weekly Wisdom: Listen to your body...rest if you need to, or heck just want too!

Milestones: With Lena...our potty success story! With Parker...we are just about 4/5 weeks out from full term!! WHAT!!??

31 weeks!!

So I haven't done a pregnancy survey in a while!! Life has taken hold and hopefully I will have a before/after post on some of the house projects that have been consuming our time!! I am going to do a different survey this week..it's one I ran across while reading my surveys with Lena in comparing my two births....


Name: Ashley Belle
Birthdate: 06/06/1986
Current Age: 25
Height: 5'8"
Weight before pregnancy: We won't discuss!! I still had a bit of baby fat to lose with Lena!! ;0)

Current Weight: Still...it's a sore subject for me!

Partner's Name: Joshua Scott

Partner's Birthdate: 12/13/1985

Partner's Age: 25

Partner's Height: 5'10"

Partner's Weight before pregnancy: NO clue

Partner's Current Weight: No clue, but he has moved up a size in jeans since this whole marriage and kids thing!!
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When did you find out your were pregnant? I, personally, knew about a week or so after Thanksgiving, but we didn't have a positive on the test for a few more weeks!!!

What was your reaction? Total excitement!! We hadn't really decided to "try", but were beginning to feel that we wanted our kids close in age!!

Who did you tell first about the pregnancy? Joshua!! I took the positive test outside to show him while he was working on the yard! LoL, he laughed and told me not to get my hopes up, it was still early!! I just smiled and said no, you're wrong, I am pregnant!

Date of Conception? The week or so after Thanksgiving!!

Due Date? August 22.

Was the pregnancy planned? Yes, and no, it's hard to explain.

How did your parents react? I don't really remember!! I know we told my family and Josh's dad/stepmom on skype!! I'm sure they were happy, but their reactions were not nearly as commical as they were the first time around!

How did your partner's parents react? "see above"

Did you go to the doctor yet? Yuppers.

Did you have your first ultrasound? Yes, I have had several

Do you know the sex? Boy or Girl? Baby Boy

How is the baby's movement? He moves constantly.

How is the baby's heartbeat? It was in the 140s last week!

Baby's name? Parker Scott McCombs.

Who do you think the baby will look like? I am sure he will be just as perfect as his big sister!!

Mom to be's favorite foods? Any and Everything!! I've reached that point in pregnancy where you are just hungry...period!

Mom to be's latest cravings? I don't really have any cravings!!

Mom to be's latest "mom" moment? With an almost 15 month old running around, my day's are FULL of mom moments!

What was the first change you noticed in your body? This time was different! I wasn't nearly as sick...although I did have morning sickness...and my body really didn't look any different until sometime between four and five months! Then I just suddenly had this MASSIVE tummy!!
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What was the latest change in your body? Just a big ole belly really!! I work out almost daily, and can tell a bit of firming up in my arms and buttocks...hopefully that really pays off after delivery!

What is your sleep schedule? What's sleep?? Between the regular discomforts of gaining almost 20 pounds, having to pee constantly, and a teething toddler....sleep is a foreign word in this house

What is your work schedule? Stay at home mommy's work 24/7
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What is the last thing you bought for the baby? hmmm probably Christmas gifts...lots of toys!
What was the last thing you bought for yourself? Clothes for now, and some for after birth, earrings...mani pedi! I am definitely spoiling myself a bit more this time around!

Planned birth place? Hospital!!.

Who will be in the room with you? Joshua for sure...I hope!! He is planning on going to FL for a couple of days, and if that happens I will be in Ohio at my parents!! I'm terrified something will happen (i'll be about 34 weeks) and he won't be there!! Hopefully it all goes amazing like last time and we are able to be home, and have my mom in there with us!! If no one else is here, however, she will be taking care of Lena!

Are you going to use drugs? Probably. I know a LOT of people are really against the epidural, but I had an AMAZING delivery last time, and am crazy thankful I had the epi...esp after everything that happened after the delivery! God knows what you need! Just go into it trusting him, and the team of Dr's that you chose!!

How do you think you will react? No idea!! I was really hyper with Lena...well after the drugs kicked in!! I just ate my jello, drake my water, and talked non stop! I should have napped, but the excitement of it all was just too much to handle!! I think I will have some anxiety about not having Lena with me...I hate being away from her. And the obvious fears and praying that all will be ok...plus the excitement of my little boy arriving!! It's hard to say which emotion will take over!

How do you think your partner will react? No clue! He was really analitical with Lena! Had to know how it all worked...was right next to the Dr watching every move!! I don't know when the emotion really set in for him!! We will see what happens now that he's been through it before!

Have you started birthing classes? nope, don't plan to! I did this about a year ago, and feel pretty well educated on all of my choices, and decisions to be made! Plus I am not a shy patient...nothing is off limits to ask when it comes to doctors!! I like to be informed!!

What is the nursery theme? Antique baseball! It's super cute and I can't wait to have it done!

Are you going to breastfeed? Oh yes! I hated when I quit with Lena, but am praying things go more my way this time!! I am looking forward to that one on one time with him.

Happy Father's Day!!

Hope your day was as amazing as ours!!!

Misc..and Lena update!

I realize that since this pregnancy I haven't been keeping up with my blogging. It's one of those things I have let take a backseat to raising a toddler, and baking another one in my belly!! I find that with my down time these days I tend to go more for the shower, a nap, or nourishment!! And trust me, free time is few and far between since Lena has cut out her morning nap! I also feel that my blogging is lacking a sense of purpose. I started out to keep my family (8 hours away) informed, but to be honest we live pretty normal, boring lives! And while I find the antics of my 15 month old absolutely, ridiculously, adorable, I realize that not everyone will share in this sentiment. So I am looking at starting a new blog...I've been going back and forth with this idea for some while now, and feel that once we get all of our household "to dos" done, I am going to go for it!! I'll keep you updated....


On another note...life at this household has been pretty normal. Lena is learning and growing every single day. It's so amazing to get to stay home and watch her grow. I couldn't imagine missing anything from this first year. It also breaks my heart at the same time. Granted I'm pregnant, which calls for crying atleast once a day, but I also find myself sitting down and watching our hospital videos, or going through her picture with a sappy song in the background, tears a-flowin'! Why do I do that to myself!?

She has become so independent lately! Something I can remember desperately wanting...and now wishing I could go back. She does not like mommy and daddy to feed her. She insists on doing it herself. This usually results in more on the floor and in her hair. We have also gone potty a couple of times. We aren't really trying to train her, but since the "poop fiasco" we thought we'd give it a try and see what happens. Some days it goes well, others not so much. So we will just take it slow and see what happens!! (I will say she loves to flush her potty, it sings and daddy has recorded a nice little congratulatory message on there- I think it's creepy but she LOVES it!!)

I can also really see her starting to use her imagination. My parents bought her a playhouse while they were watching her a couple of weeks ago. I love to see her go in it, shut the door, clean something off in her sink, sit at the table, talk on the phone...it's adorable! And I can just see those little wheels turning! We also are enjoying reading more. She has a pretty short attention span, so we may only get through a few pages, but hey whatever!! And she is def. my kid in that she ADORES the television. I swear she could watch Toy Story over, and over, and over. She even knows when her favorite parts are coming!! (note we only really watch any kind of tv when it's time to eat, or we are trying to nap)

Our communication is getting better also. She can't always tell you what she wants, but if you ask the right question she will let you know with a simple "yeah". This has come in handy when she needs a diaper change, but I'd really rather not stick my nose in her bum to be sure!! Have I menioned how adorable she is with babies?? I'm not sure how this came about...be it from me teaching her to be sweet to the dog and her baby dolls, or being around little ones for a few weeks in her music class. But it's almost as if she knows they are fragile. She will hug, and kiss on them, and is genuinely worried when they cry. I guess I also have to chalk it up to her nature. She can throw little fits when she's really tired, or doesn't feel well, but generally speaking she is a sweetie. I can't tell you how many times a day she walks over to me just for a hug or kiss. Or the numerous times she grabs a sippy and just comes over to cuddle in mommy's lap for a moment. That is what I live for!!

Needless to say, our baby is slowly becoming a little girl. Even her haircut is past the point of infant. She is ALL girl...we love our purses, dolls, shoes, and anything just pretty. But she has also become a bit more of a daddy's girl...living for the moment when he gets home during the day!! We are loving every second of this little life. I can not WAIT to see her and Parker grow and learn together!

I truly pray that they love and lean on one another. There is no more amazing relationship than that of a sibling. It's having a best friend that will love you and be there for you despite all of your flaws and mistakes....what a blessing!!

Failing...but I can do it!

I could feel the tears welling up inside as my face turned a bright red. We were at Target, and again Lena was not happy. Her screaming was echoing through the aisles and I could sense the glares of other shoppers. What was wrong with her...she had milk, juice, 3 different kind of snacks, toys, and a mother who was willing do ANYTHING to get her to just stop screaming. It wasn't long until I realized she wanted a bottle, the one thing I didn't pack since we are trying to completely wean her from them. So I threw a pack in the cart. It was there in the baby aisle that I called Josh at work with my meltdown.

I was basically insisting that he leave work now. I had drove 30/45 minutes to Mooresville (where his work is located) just so he could meet me after to help load the groceries in the car. What was I thinking? Of course he can't just go to his boss and explain that his overly hormonal, pregnant wife, was having a meltdown at Target and it was urgent that he left. I knew this. I think what I was needing to hear was..."it's ok, you're a great mom..."!! Instead I got..."Ashley I can't leave work, just go home"!!

GO HOME!!???

I just packed up Lena's room, got her ready, me ready, battled the 98 degree weather, and drove our butts 45 minutes across town!! I am NOT going home empty handed. So I ran through the aisles, with a semi-happy baby (she had found her yogurt snacks, but they were quickly being devoured) trying to beat the crying I knew was about to ensue.
After getting the car, pouring her milk out of sippy into the 3 dollar bottle, I sat in the car and cried. It wasn't long before the four ounces of milk were in her tummy and the screaming began again. I had tried to call my mom for some sort of reassurance, but all I got was a "I don't know what to tell you, I'm at the hospital and can't talk"!! Another fail, I'd forgotten about my Grandmother's surgery.
We drove the 45 minutes back home, both welled up with tears and utter exhaustion. "I can't do this...I have a hard enough time handling one baby when I am out, what am I going to do when that number doubles...and it's two on one" My brain was nothing short of an enemy during that long drive. I was filled with thoughts of complete failure:

"My husband doesn't like me-and for good reason, he's definitely not getting the attention a husband deserves, my house is a mess, the laundry is piled up, my roots look horrible, I haven't had a haircut in months, there's nothing to eat in the house, I forgot the milk, theres a bag of day old dirty diapers stenching up the baby room....SERIOUSLY!!!!!"

Finally making it home, I got Lena stripped, changed, and into an empty pack n play, where I gave her an organic food pouch (one of the few things I successfully got) a fresh bottle of milk, and a sippy of juice, turned on Toy Story, and cried on the couch!!
During that time Josh called, twice, the second time he was greeted with my "what do you want"!! Poor guy, why do I do that! I don't want to yell at him, I don't want to be mean, but it's like this verbal puke that I just can't control, and I HATE myself for it, which isn't helping my self imposed loathing right now- not to mention he's not one of those husbands who realizes I am a hormonal preggo, instead he takes EVERYTHING personally and what develops is an argument based on nothing!! He asks if I need anything, and I blurt out milk (forget the bread, or nourishment for ourselves, atleast our baby will survive)
So I cry, and pity myself, while Lena gladly devours her pouch and bottle, enjoying her movie (of which I am positive by now she can entirely quote) I didn't see any glimmer of light until later that evening! We were all upstairs playing in Lena's toy area...well Josh was napping (I'm pretty sure I resented him for this) when Lena brought over her babydoll highchair, reached out her hands to me, and say "peez" (please) A word I had been attempting with her for sometime now, and she had just used it, correctly. A short lived smile came across my face and I thought...I can do this! I'm not always told I am good mother, I do 90 percent of the work on my own, I don't have my mom's lap to run to and cry everytime something goes wrong (she lives 8 hours away) I am tired, irritable, irrational, unmanicured, and seriously lacking in patience, but everyday my child learns something new because of me!!

I don't get job reviews that let me know I am doing everything right, or a paycheck to measure my worth, and very few thank you's ever embrace my ears, but my days are filled with hugs, kisses, cuddles, and amazement at this life I've created!! I can TOTALLY do this!! If only I could focus more on that stuff when my hormones take rage on my thoughts!!