Almost time.

So it is almost that time!  We have the C-section scheduled! These are just a few notes for me:

- I have basically been pregnant 2 YEARS!!  That is insane 😀

-I have had an extreme case of nesting this time so poor Ike and I have been busy!!!  Ike has been a trooper, and has taken on a ton of projects for me.  I plan to share those soon.  

-I am still stressing about how Brant will take having a baby brother.  He is such a sweet loving boy so I know he will love him.  I can tell he knows something is up because he is extra clingy to me. 

-My emotions have already started getting a bit crazy.  After I had Brant I definitely had some postpartum like issues.  I am hoping that I can avoid that this go around.   

We went to the doctor last week to see Spence and get an estimate of his weight.  They estimated that he weighed around 7lbs 13 ounces.  We even got a sneak peak at him.  Looks just like Brant's 4-d to me...same mouth and sweet cheeks.  

Here is 38 weeks with Spence.  

Pregnancy #2, Week 36

I have done such a terrible job lately of blogging.  I have just not had the energy.  I think about it sit down and just can't.  Just a slump I suppose.  My lack of blogging has definitely showed with my pregnancy updates this time.  I went back to look at the updates from this time..one really.  Terrible.  I thought it was much more so I am guessing I just "thought" those post but they never made it to the blog.  So here goes 36 weeks....

36 weeks

How far along: 36 weeks 

Weight gain/loss: I think I have gained around 35 (but that's not including the 10 I was holding onto from Brant's pregnancy)

Maternity Clothes: YES, and really most of those are getting too small! 

Stretch marks: This is an area I have been lucky with both times.  I haven't had any either time.  

Sleep:  Oh sleep it's terrible!! There is not a comfortable position at this point.

Diet: Nothing in particular.  I have had indigestion so bad this time (not as much heartburn which I had a lot of with Brant...who knew there was a difference)  

Gender: Boy! Spencer Allen

Movement: YES! Spence has been FAR MORE active than Brant.  He is honestly rarely still (which is always reassuring).

The belly: BIG! Like really big.  

What I miss: clothes fitting, running, walking normal, sleep

Symptoms: Indigestion, hips hurting. I have not swollen nearly as much this time which is very nice.  However, I have had MUCH more pressure and back pain.  Maybe this is associated with a baby being head down???

Thoughts:  Ike has been calling me negative Nancy, but I really have not felt very good these past few days.  Like I said more pressure, back pain, indigestion, etc.. have not been fun at all.  I am very aware of how blessed I am to have had such a healthy pregnancy.  This time I am much more realistic about the whole newborn phase.  Last time I had all these "projects" to accomplish, suppers to try fixing, books to read, etc...  I know those things will not happen.  I know I will not be sleeping and I WILL be feeding around the clock.  I think reality is a good thing, and with that I am ready for our little Spence to be here.  I am worried about Brant.  I have heard so many times how much a child even Brant's age loves the new baby so I am hoping he takes him as his and loves him.  We are excited, busy preparing for him, and feel extremely blessed!  We have 3 weeks at most left!!  That is unreal.  

iPhone dump

I feel so behind on updating.  Here is a little iPhone dump and probably the best way for me to get to up to date.

Brant LOVES balls (and balloons but we call those balls too).  He will bring you the ball and wants you to throw it for him to go get.  Yes, it is much like fetch with a puppy.  He loves this ball pit Mimi got for his birthday.  This ball pit, the bathtub, daddy's boots and the trash can are his "spots".  If we are missing something we always look in these first.  I am certain I have thrown away something important, and our tub looks like an episode of hoarders by the end of the day because of all the randomness he has thrown in it.  

We got a few boo boo's last month.  He threw a toy, tripped over it, and blacked his eye...only my child, and he got bit at school.



My work puts on an addiction school each year.  So I had to be out of town for a week.  Poor Ike...Brant had a reaction to his shots and ended up running 103-104 fever for most of the week so Ike was home with him.  Then of all things the air condition broke on the first VERY warm day.  He did great and handled it better than I would have actually.
Molly and I at the school.  Molly is now the director of the school... whoop whoop!

My lovely co-workers...

Oh we are in the midst of adventures in eating with Brant ...

Don't judge the Cheetos.... Not like he ate them anyway.



This child loves sleeping on daddy!

These two are becoming friends!

Look how grown Brant looks!  


Just for fun!

This boy loves to be outside and loves his car!


Baby Andrews #2 is growing growing!  I am not doing great at updates with this pregnancy, but I will say this one feels very different.  We had an appointment this past week (29 weeks), and they said he is head down and almost 4lbs!  He's a big boy.  I had predicted both of these.  I am not sure we will make it to 40 weeks.  He still has no name at the moment.  We are working on it.
Here is picture from 27 weeks.

24 weeks, baby #2

I have heard that the second pregnancy is so different, and it is true.  We are just as excited, but don't have as much time to express it or document it.  Baby boy does not yet have a name.  We are about 97% sure we know the name, but not quite ready to commit.  Here is 24 weeks...

How far along: 24 weeks
How big is baby: The size of a rutabaga or cauliflower....about 13 1/2 inches long and weighs a pound and a half 
Weight gain/loss: I have no idea!!!  I'm guessing 15lbs?
Maternity Clothes: YES.  I could wear my pants with the belly band but I don't really like that thing.
Stretch marks: No thankfully.
Sleep: This question is tricky when you have an 11 month old also.  We are sleeping better, but my back is killing me already.
Diet: ANYTHING! I'm starving all the time.  I can't eat salmon and don't love hamburger meat.
Gender: Boy!
Movement: YES! This baby boy is quite the little mover and shaker.  He moves a lot all day!
The belly: BIG! I feel like I am so much bigger this time.
What I miss: Warm weather but that has nothing to with the baby. :)  I am looking forward to summer dresses.  I think I will like those for pregnancy.  
Symptoms: Heartburn/indigestion, restless legs
What I'm looking forward to: I'm excited for him to be here.  I know it will be a crazy few years with two baby boys, but I really believe it is going to be a blast.  I think Brant will love having a buddy.
Best moment of the week: We had an EKG on the baby.  My sister was born with 2 holes in her heart, and she had to have open heart surgery at 4.  We told the doctor this with Brant.  We talked about doing it with that pregnancy but never did.  At my last appointment on the way out she handed me the appointment card for the EKG.  We didn't discuss it, and really Ike and I didn't give it much thought till we got there.  It was like all of the sudden it hit us, Why are we doing this, THIS time???  I was panicking as she did it.  It was a special pediatric cardiologist, not our normal US tech or doctor.  I couldn't see Ike or talk to him so I could not tell he was having the same reaction as me.  ANYWAY most importantly at the end she said that baby looked great.  However she did in a very American Idol way....She said ok now I'm going talk to you for a minute and then proceeds to giving us the stats on our chances of having a heart issue....then tells us our baby looks fine.  When we got out of there we were both like what in the world was that???????   I still plan to ask our doctor at the next appointment.  So best moment was hearing that all is well with our babies heart.  

Brant's Birth

I have to say a c-section seems a little boring.  There is none of the excitement of going into labor and rushing to the hospital.  However, there was also not an entire day of contractions and pain and ALL of our family could be there...so I will take it.  We got up early Friday morning and headed off to the hospital to have our baby boy.

heading to the hospital

 We got to the hospital and they immediately took me to the back and started getting me ready for surgery.  They told me to get into my gown.  I thought surely I had a few minutes to get into it...NO.  Mid change one of the nurses starts trying to come in the back door of the room, and have a conversation with me.  I'm not sure at this point do I try to put my clothes back on or continue with the change.  This of course doesn't phase her, and she tells me I have to leave my modesty at the door.  My friends had warned me, but I was still not quite ready.  But they were all right from here on out there was no modesty.

Ready for a baby!

 The worst part of the whole process was the catheter.  Uh!  They roll me back for surgery sit me up on this table and I feel a little pinch.  The end of labor pains :)  Once my body was numb they let Ike come in, and my fabulous nurse antithesis walks me through the whole process telling me what to expect.  It is weird because you can feel all the tugging, but you never feel the cut or anything.  About 5 minutes later I hear my doctor say, "there he is, butt first.  He's a big boy."  And they come around the curtain with the most beautiful baby I have ever seen.  Ike and I were both immediately in love!  

I knew at this moment our lives would never be the same!  God amazes me.  All those years of praying and praying for a child.  Every single moment of disappointment and waiting were all worth it.  At just the right time the Lord had blessed us with a beautiful healthy little baby boy!

Brant-
I don't think you can possible know how much love you have brought to your mom and dad.  I wish you could have seen the excitement in your daddy's face.  He (and I) have never been so proud of anything in our entire lives.  You had an amazing witness and story before you were ever born I can only imagine what God is going to do with your life.  We love you more than you can ever know!

38 weeks...the final week!

38 weeks!!

How far along: 38 weeks

How big is baby: the last time we had an ultrasound about 3 weeks ago Brant weighed 6lbs 3oz.  So I'm guessing he is about 7lbs or a little more.

Weight gain/loss: Uhhh... more than 40 is all I care to remember.

Maternity Clothes: YES, and really most of these ARE now too small.

Stretch marks: Still no thankfully. 

Sleep:  OH. MY. WORD.  not at all!!!  I'm guessing that is a thing of the past.  We should both be
pretty used to lack of sleep.

Diet:Cheeseburgers. Pizza. Gigi's cupcakes.  Anything bad for me.

Gender: Boy! Brantley Cleve

Movement: YES! Love it...  He is very active and very strong.  I know I will miss this part.

The belly: BIG! Bigger than I ever could have imagined. 

What I miss: clothes fitting, running, walking normal, shoes fitting (this issue has became a real problem this last week.)

Symptoms: Heartburn/indigestion, hips hurting, swelling, emotional.  The emotional and swelling have gotten worse this week...ditto from last time...   Pregnancy is tough.  This week I am honestly just so uncomfortable that I am thankful not to have to go another week.  I am NOT trying to sound ungrateful.  I am more than ever aware of what a blessing this pregnancy and baby is.  I am just documenting.  I would do EVERY bit of it again, and again, and again. 

What I'm looking forward to: Having a baby at the end of THIS week!!! 

Best moment of the week: Having Ike home.  He has been out of town the past few weeks and while everything is planned I felt a sigh of relief when he was back in town. 

35 weeks

35 weeks!

How far along: 35 weeks

How big is baby: the size of a honey dew melon.

Weight gain/loss: Uhhh... about 40 lbs!

Maternity Clothes: YES, and really most of those are getting too small! 

Stretch marks: Still no thankfully.  

Sleep:  This is still hard, but I feel like I have been sleeping more soundly this week.  I think it is because I am SO tired!

Diet: Food!  lots of it!  Sweets mostly!

Gender: Boy! Brantley Cleve

Movement: YES! Love it...  He is very active!

The belly: BIG! I don't think this answer will change.

What I miss: clothes fitting, running, walking normal, shoes fitting

Symptoms: Heartburn/indigestion, hips hurting, swelling, emotional.  The emotional and swelling have gotten worse this week.  Sunday I put braclets on and 3 hours later COULD NOT get them off!  Ike had to come help me.  These types of things always lead to melt downs! 

What I'm looking forward to: Doctor's appointment Friday when we get to see him again.  I'm SO excited for him to be here!  I have been having such mixed emotions lately.  I'm ready to see Brant, and have him with us but I also have a lot of fear!
Best moment of the week: Scheduling his arrival day!!!  So far we think he is still breech.  Friday we will double check, but more than likely we will have a c-section which is scheduled!  As much as I did not want to have a c-section, I feel better just knowing ahead of time and mentally preparing.  I would hate to labor all day and still have to have a section.  And I have to say having a date and being able to plan is nice. 

I have done terrible these past few weeks at my updates!  We are super excited about Brant's arrival!  We (especially Ike) have been so busy with work and preparing that it is hard to take time to enjoy these last few weeks of just the two of us.  I'm hoping we get to do that at some point!

More showers for Brant

Saturday morning some our sweet "Columbus Group" friends threw a baby shower brunch for Brant.  Ike has been friends with this group of guys since high school, and I had no idea what a great group of girl friends I would get from marrying Ike.  :)  These girls are precious to me.  They were all there for us during our journey to Baby Brant, and we are so thankful for their encouragement and prayers.  Also, a lot of new moms so I was able to get lots of much needed advice!  Thank you all for being so good to Ike and I, and for already loving Brant.  We are looking forward to our get together in July!  

Sunday afternoon some of the ladies in Ms. Susie's life group hosted a shower for us too.  This shower was so sweet because it was made of tons of the ladies in the church that have had a huge impact on mine and Ike's spiritual lives.  We are so thankful for each and everyone of them.  

Once again...We are so blessed!  We can't say it enough.  A special thank you to our mom's and my sweet sister who came to all Brant's showers and loved on me during this time!!  (We missed you, Rosie.  Who is waiting to come so she can meet Brant...the most important part :))

Baby Shower #2

Ike's sweet family (and mine too now :)) threw us a shower for Brant a few weekends ago!  It was so much fun to get to visit with everyone.  They really went above and beyond the shower was so nice.  The food was wonderful, the decorations were ADORABLE!, and the company was the best!  They also showered us with some precious gifts!  We are just beyond blessed!  After "my" family shower and "his" family shower we feel like there is hardly anything left!  We can never say thank you enough!  Like I have said already a thousand times I hope this baby boy will know how much he is loved and prayed for. 

30 and 31 weeks

How far along: 30 weeks

How big is baby: the size of a cucumber

Weight gain/loss: more than 25lbs not sure exactly, and don't think I want to know!

Maternity Clothes: YES! and even those feel as if they are getting snug.

Stretch marks: No thankfully.

Sleep:  still TERRIBLY!! Getting worse and worse! 

Diet: Still lots of sweets and hamburgers!  Terrible!  I really need to do better with eating healthy! 

Gender: Boy! Brantley Cleve

Movement: YES! It's still my favorite thing.  He has gotten big and stronger!

The belly: BIG!  

What I miss: sleep, clothes fitting, running...

Symptoms: Heartburn/indigestion, hips hurting, swelling, emotional and really I could name a few more but even I feel they are inappropriate to share here!

What I'm looking forward to: I'm looking forward to getting organized!  I feel like nesting is in full swing!  I am also very very ready to hold Brant!  I am getting eager to see him!
Best moment of the week: The baby shower was the best moment!  It was so fun to see everyone and celebrate Brant!

31 weeks!

How far along: 31 weeks

How big is baby: the size of a squash

Weight gain/loss: I'm not weighing.  :)  The doctor will at my next appointment, but I am not interested!  I know it's bad!

Maternity Clothes: YES! They are snug! 

Stretch marks: No thankfully.  I check daily too because I feel my skin stretching. 

Sleep: still TERRIBLY!! Getting worse and worse!

Diet: Still lots of sweets and hamburgers!  I am working on it.  I have been craving fruit some too.  

Gender: Boy! Brantley Cleve

Movement: YES! It's still my favorite thing. He seems to stay to one side so my stomach is usually lopsided!

The belly: BIG! I don't think this answer will change. 

What I miss: sleep, clothes fitting, running...

Symptoms: Heartburn/indigestion, hips hurting, swelling, emotional and really I could name a few more but even I feel they are inappropriate to share here! :) These haven't changed maybe gotten a little more intense this week. All so worth it though!. 

What I'm looking forward to: I'm looking forward to Ike's side of the family shower!
Best moment of the week: I can't think of just one moment.  Ike and I are just eating up getting to feel him move.  Every time Ike goes to hug me he immediately puts his hand on my stomach to feel Brant, and I love it!

Thursday we are 32 weeks!!!  WOOHOO!!!  and I will post the nursery soon.  It's not a totally completed project, but it is close.

Baby shower #1

Ike and I feel extremely blessed that people have been so sweet and thoughtful to us!  One of my mom's good friends and her daughter (my childhood best friend) threw us a shower!  They really went above and beyond with the shower, and we were extremely thankful. We were definitely showered and feel so humbled by how much people care about us and our baby boy.  We are so thankful for everyone who came to help us celebrate Brant's arrival!

Krystyna and Ms. Debra did a wonderful job on the decorations and food!!!

I left her out of the collages, but I definitely wanted her included, my mamaw!  Brant's great-grandma!

I tried to get pictures of everyone, but looking at them I know I missed several.  I just wanted Brant to be able to look at this and see just how excited people were about his arrival.  I also want him to know that he is a miracle (all babies are), but waiting and praying for him has allowed his daddy and I to see and better understand the Lord's perfect timing and will for our lives!  We can not wait to see what God does in his life!

27 and 28 weeks

27 Weeks

How far along: 27 weeks

How big is baby: The size of a rutabaga 

Weight gain/loss: probably like 20 now

Maternity Clothes: YES!

Stretch marks: No thankfully.

Sleep: TERRIBLY!!  Ike is already saying he may have to sleep in another room because I toss and turn so much.  My hips are killing me at night!  If they are not my ribs are hurting.  Oh well I guess I will be prepared for a lack of sleep.

Diet: ANYTHING! lots of food.

Gender: Boy! Brantley Cleve

Movement: YES! It's still my favorite thing.  He has started to ball up, and we can feel it. 

The belly: BIG!  

What I miss: sleep

Symptoms: Heartburn/indigestion and hips hurting

What I'm looking forward to: Our doctor's visit in January. We have another ultrasound, and we can't wait to see him!  

Best moment of the week:  Being with family and everyone being excited about Brantley's arrival.  

28 Weeks

How far along: 28 weeks

How big is baby: The size of a chinese cabbage? whatever that is.....He weighed 2 lbs and 7 ounces at the doctor's visit this week

Weight gain/loss: 25lbs!!!!!!!!!

Maternity Clothes: YES!

Stretch marks: No thankfully.

Sleep:  still TERRIBLY!!  

Diet: lots of sweets!

Gender: Boy! Brantley Cleve

Movement: YES! It's still my favorite thing.  He has gotten big and stronger!

The belly: BIG!  

What I miss: sleep

Symptoms: Heartburn/indigestion and hips hurting

What I'm looking forward to: I am starting to be really really ready for him to be here!  I told Ike the other day I am so ready to hold him, to which he said I have been holding and it will be his turn.  We may fight over holding him  :) 

Best moment of the week:  We went to the doctor this week.  It was a great visit, and we had another sonogram!  He had his foot in his mouth.  It was the sweetest thing!  We ended up having to have our 4D that same day.  Unfortunately Ike was in a meeting when we found out they could work us in so I went by myself.  BUT I did not look at anything until we got home.  We watched the DVD together.  The little booger would not take his foot and hand off his face, but we did get a little look at him.  

24 weeks

24 weeks



I'm 25 weeks now but here was 24.....Can't keep up!

How far along: 24 weeks

How big is baby: The size of a rutabaga or cauliflower....about 13 1/2 inches long and weighs a pound and a half
Weight gain/loss: well I am officially over this question...But I guess I will document. I went to the doctor this week and she said I have gained 17 pounds! She said it was normal..... :)
Maternity Clothes: YES!
Stretch marks:No thankfully.
Sleep: It's still ok. Ike and I have a king size bed but I have always liked to sleep close, but this may have to change (for a little while) because we are waking each other up a lot lately.
Diet: ANYTHING! I am eating ALL the time..... I need to do better about eating small meals. I think this would help with indigestion.
Gender: Boy! Brantley Cleve
Movement: YES! He is moving a good bit. I LOVE it!!! I really look forward to feeling him move, and I want Ike to feel it too as much as he can. :) My sister came to visit last weekend, and Brant was moving around so I got her to feel it. As soon as she put her hand on my stomach he kicked her hand.
The belly: BIG! I really really feel like it popped out this week!
What I miss: Diet coke.
Symptoms: Heartburn/indigestion.
What I'm looking forward to: Our doctor's visit in January. We have another ultrasound, and we can't wait to see him! AND Ms. Susie has finished his bedding and is bringing it to us this weekend!! I can't wait to have it all together!
Best moment of the week: We had a great doctor's visit and heard Brant's sweet heartbeat!

 

Baby Andrews has a name..

Baby Andrews has a name.....

Brantley Cleve

 

We really decided his name pretty early on, but getting Ike to commit was another thing.  Ike is a third, and he had already decided that he wanted to do something different.  He says it can be complicated sharing a name.  Ike's name is actually Ira Cleve.  He is the 4th generation to use Cleve, and we thought it would be really special to at least carry that on.  So we just had to find something we liked to go with it.  Ike actually came up with Brantley and I loved it.  I think we will call him Brant, but we will see.  I am excited that we finally have a name!  

21 weeks

 

I'm 22 Weeks, Sam says he is 25 weeks after thanksgiving lunch.

 I am currently 23 weeks but I don't have a picture to prove it, but here is a little catch up on our progress...

 

How far along: 23 weeks

How big is baby: should be just over a pound now and the size of a grapefruit

Weight gain/loss: about 12 pounds

Maternity Clothes: YES!

Stretch marks:no

Sleep: OK.  My hips have starting hurting some at night, but nothing too bad.

Diet:  ANYTHING!  Not craving anything and no aversions either.  Just hungry!

Gender: Boy!

Movement: YES!  Brantley is moving a good bit now. 

The belly: BIG! 

What I miss: Diet coke.

Symptoms: Heartburn/indigestion.  I had indigestion (I'm sure from WAY over eating) so bad over thanksgiving.  I threw up all night.

What I'm looking forward to:  Finishing the nursery, and most of all Holding our baby!

Best moment of the week: Ike felt Brantley really moving this week.  It is such an amazing thing for us to be able to feel him.



Half way!!!

I had no intention of the blog becoming only baby updates, BUT  life has been so busy that it's been about all I have had time to do.  Ike and I are both doing great both been really busy with work. We are looking forward to the holidays and seeing our family and friends at home.

Now to the baby update. Last week was week 20!  I can't believe we are already half way!  We celebrated by spending Saturday registering and getting a few more things we needed for the nursery.  I will put up some of the progress on the room soon!

20 Weeks

How far Along: 20 weeks
How big is baby: The baby is the size of a banana.
Weight gain/loss: 10 lbs
Maternity Clothes: Still a mix in shirts and dresses. Pants are strictly maternity
Stretch Marks: No
Sleep: much better
Diet: GREAT! hungry all the time!
Gender: Boy! confirmed again this week!
Movement: Yes just a little.  Ike still can't, and the few times I have tired to get him to he says that must be gas ewww. 
The belly: BIG!  It crazy when I look down and see such a belly!
What I miss: nothing in particular this week
Symptoms: Heartburn, frequent urination. I am really feeling pretty great!
What I'm looking forward to: Ike feeling him move, and holidays with him.  All the holidays have me thinking about how different next year will be. 
Best moment of the week: Getting to see him at the doctor's visit this week.

19 weeks

I have not fallen off the face of the earth, but work has been so busy and crazy!  I thought I would do so much better with these weekly updates.  But let's face it not a WHOLE lot has changes from week to week.  So here we are...

 

Week 19



 

 

How far Along: 19 weeks
How big is baby: The baby is the size of a mango.
Weight gain/loss: to be honest not real sure.  I think about 8lbs.
Maternity Clothes: Still a mix in shirts and dresses.  Pants are strictly maternity.
Stretch Marks: No
Sleep: uh not too great but that has nothing to do with baby.  Ike has been out of town for work.  I never sleep good when he's gone.
Diet: GREAT! hungry all the time!
Gender: Boy!
Movement: Yes, I can feel just a little every now and then. 
The belly: just take a look above!  It's GROWING!
What I miss: this is vain, but honest...feeling cute. (I thought I should clarify that this mostly means my wardrobe)
Symptoms: Heartburn, frequent urination. I am really feeling pretty great!
What I'm looking forward to: Feeling him move more, and I will be excited for Ike to feel him move.  AND our doctor's appointment next week when we get to see him again.
Best moment of the week: Starting to feel him some.