What Fruit are you? We’re officially at a mini watermelon!
Due date: May 9, 2014 … as in, next week.
How far along: 39 weeks
Gender: Baby girl!
Total weight gain/loss: 29/30 lbs
Exercise: I’ve done a purposeful workout maybe 4 times in 2 weeks? Elliptical, walking and some weights. Though the number of times I’ve worn workout clothes far exceeds the actual number of workouts!
Stretch marks: Nada.
Swelling: Nope.
Belly button: Oh, it’s out. And proud.
Sleep: Depends on the night. Sometimes I’m up to run to the bathroom 3-4 times and others, only once. Not too bad.
Food cravings: Honestly, I’m so apathetic about food at this point. My desire to cook is minimal at best. I look forward to my excitement for food to return!
Symptoms: Two weeks ago I had every symptom in the book. Now I feel great, which is wonderful for the most part. More sharp pains ‘down there’ and down my legs as I can tell she is pushing on different nerves.
Blood pressure: 93/62. Baby girl’s heartbeat: 130’s to low 140’s.
Now for some musings…
I have such mixed emotions at this point in pregnancy. Part of me is so ready to be done with pregnancy and I just want to hold my (please be healthy) baby girl in my arms and start moving forward as a family of four. The other part of me is saying to soak up the good sleep, the wiggles and pokes and the incredible (though not always comfortable) experience of carrying a life inside of me. This is most likely my last pregnancy and I want to appreciate it.
I had my 39 week appointment yesterday and left feeling a little defeated. It took a little while to find her heartbeat and the doctor concluded she is probably posterior (sunny side up) which would explain why I feel endless pokes from pointy body parts like knees and elbows. Hailey was born posterior, too, and he thinks it may just be the way my body is shaped. Unfortunately this position usually leads to a longer pregnancy, and increased likelihood on induction, a longer and more painful labor and a higher chance of needed intervention (c-section).
I have an ultrasound scheduled on Monday to check on position and growth. Until then, I’ll be on my hands and knees trying to get her to turn around. Any other suggestions are welcomed!
Moms of two or more, were you emotional about your first child losing their only child status? If it isn’t obvious, Hailey and I spend all our time together. She is my little buddy and is at such a (usually) fun age right now. Though she is really excited about her baby sister (as am I!), I am trying to wrap my head around the idea that it won’t be just the two of us anymore. After two and a half years, that special time is over. Thank you, pregnancy hormones, for making me feel nuts.
Reading back over this, I sound like quite the debbie downer. Sorry about that! I really am doing quite well and am grateful to be sitting here at 39 weeks pregnant! The paradox of emotions I’ve been feeling lately is just a bit exhausting… ready to move forward, wanting to freeze time, ready for wine, wanting to video hours of footage of baby girl wiggling in my stomach, ready to sweat again, excited to meet our sweet girl and learn about who she is, hesitant about the recovery period…
To lighten the mood: my post from being 2 days overdue with Hailey.
Nicole says
You don’t sound like a Debbie downer at all…just being honest about what you’re going through. I can imagine I’ll be feeling the same way right before our second! Hang in there mama. Hope you get your little girl to turn!
Jaclyn @ BumpSweat says
I didn’t get the debbie-downer vibe at all. I appreciate your honesty about what’s going through your head as life, again, is about to change for your family. I’m impressed you don’t have any swelling or stretch marks; I hope I’m the same way! 🙂
John J. says
You have an incredible ability to articulate your thoughts and feelings in a way that the reader connects with you at a deep level. No wonder you are so popular as you bring wholesome health ideas to your readers. Soon another beautiful baby and another chapter in the Dixon’s saga.
Juliene says
The way you feel is totally normal. Before i had my second (last may, wah he’s almost 1) I cried every day thinking about my first (who is 2.5). I worried he would think we didn’t love him enough, or that he would wonder why we needed a new baby, or how he would adjust to suddenly not having all the attention. My husband thought I was looney and I know some of it was just hormones but honestly I’m pretty sure most moms feel that way. But don’t worry, our first is perfectly well adjusted. He was mostly indifferent when his brother was little, he wanted to hold and kiss him sometimes but until his brother started touching his toys he loved him. Now they play, wrestle, and love on each other and it makes my heart so happy.
Brittany Dixon says
Aw, watching them play together must totally melt your heart! I look forward to that and in the meantime it certainly helps to hear I’m not alone in these feelings!
Ashley says
When we found out we were pregnant with baby #2 – I went straight from elation to a complete mess of sadness for Emily and our time together. I still have waves of it – and I’m sure it will be worse at the end of my pregnancy. Glad to hear that I’m not the only one!
Kelli says
You sound how I was when I was pregnant with my 2nd I was so close with Molly and she wasn’t even 2 when we had. My son Drew now they are 9 & 7 and it’s been amazing I promise you after you have her those emotions go out the window!! Best of luck! And congrats!
Elizabeth says
I remember feeling the same way about Katelyn not being the only child anymore. In fact, I probably cried about it a time or two. I didn’t want her to feel she wasn’t as important anymore. The guilty feelings last a while and I cried a few times after Brooklyn came home feeling guilty about someone else doing things for Katelyn I was used to doing. It all works out and will be good for Hailey to share her Mommy.
As far as being posterior, I believe Brooklyn was that way most of my pregnancy as my placenta was in the front. However from my research, many babies turn even during labor as its the most natural way for them to come out… Certainly not always the case, as you’ve seen, but in my case she did turn and came out the “right” way.
Good luck and enjoy every moment of Hailey! 🙂
Jen says
Aw, you don’t sound like a Debbie Downer, you sound like someone who is going through a huge life change! I’m due with my first tomorrow (!!!) and I have an equally complex set of emotions, so although I know they’re different from what you’re feeling when adding a second child to the mix, I definitely relate. Any time there is a big change, even one that we want, it’s like leaving one life and starting another, which is somewhat terrifying!
And about the stretch marks: Dang you! I made it until about 38.5 weeks before all of a sudden they appeared! I really, really thought I was going to make it through without any, bummer. And although I’m due tomorrow, I have a feeling she won’t be appearing for at least a few more days, so I’m hoping the stretch marks don’t decide to multiply 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Ah- tomorrow!! Any signs that labor is coming soon? I’m so excited for you, but you are right, huge life changes like this are sure to rock anyone’s world. I always was frustrated by people saying you’ll never do XYZ again after having kids. Sure, you cant be as spontaneous, but having front row seats to watching your child grow and develop is indescribable. You have so much joy ahead of you. I hope it’s a smooth labor and delivery for you!
And I haven’t delivered yet either, so stretchmarks still might creep up on me. They’d be totally worth it though 😉
Jen says
No, I have pretty much zero signs that she’s coming anytime soon! I just got out of an acupuncture appointment (we live outside Asheville, so it’s easy to get lots of alternative treatments done) and was talking to the acupuncturist about how I feel like I’m not quite ready and kind of want her to come next week, and she said my resistance definitely could slow things down. Hopefully she comes before we have to go the induction route, but obviously any way she gets here safely is fine with me.
Haha, yeah, you could still get some stretch marks, and you’re right, I don’t really care about mine since I know what the prize at the end is!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
You are doing great, Brittany! I’m sure all of these emotions are 100% normal! I just talked to my mom and asked her if she felt a little sad that our alone time was going to be up when my sister was born. She just laughed and said, “A little but I knew it would be the double the fun once she was here so it didn’t bother me all that much.” There you go! You have 2x the fun, laughter, and love to look forward to!
Brittany Dixon says
I love that you asked your mom that and her answer makes me smile!! I know you are right and I look forward to sipping wine and watching my girls play… how the heck am I old enough to have two kids?! 🙂
Cindy says
Yes, yes, yes!!! I cried on more than one occasion about my 1st son – the guilt over turning his world upside down. Losing those special moments where it was just the two of us. Much like you, he was my little buddy and pretty much my life! We did everything together. I was sad at the thought of not being able to put him to bed every night and not give him the attention he’d become accustomed to. So I can totally sympathize with how you are feeling. Now that we’re on the other side of it (baby #2 is almost 6 months!)….your heart will burst with love for your second baby and then even more when they start interacting or when baby 2 stares at Your first like they are the most entertaining thing ever!! It really does turn out ok! My 1st was younger (only 22 months) when baby bro was born and though his communication skills were lacking, he transitioned surprisingly well! It will all be fine. But yes, it’s totally normal and you are completely validated feeling what you are feeling! Soak up those last days as much as you can 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
You have no idea how much it helps to hear happy stories ‘from the other side’ of it all. Thank you so much for sharing! <3
Becky@TheSavedRunner says
First off, you look beautiful! Do you do anything to make sure you don’t get stretch marks? I have heard of things you can rub on your body to prevent them, but I didn’t know if they actually work. I think you will have so much fun when you will soon have two little buddies to spend all of your time with instead of just one! 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I hear a lot of it is good genes (thanks mom!!) but I also try and stay hydrated, gain weight at a steady pace and rub coconut oil all over my belly until I resemble a greased pig. Who knows if it helps, but it seems to have worked thus far!
Marjorie says
You look great! And you are not crazy, or a Debbie Downer. 🙂 I have those emotions about my son losing his only child status one day (not anytime soon, as I am NOT preggers). He is the center of our universe, and I wonder how he would handle being one of two.
You are in the home stretch now! I can’t wait to see pics and read the birth story. And I hope she turns around into a better position. Love and prayers for a safe delivery.
Regina says
You look adorable! Our 2nd son will be a month old tomorrow (say what?!?) I was more than ready to be done with my pregnancy, namely because a few days before he was born we found out he had some health issues relating to his kidney(s) and the only way to know for sure what was going on and help him was for him to come out. There was even talk of induction but I went into labor the next day. I spent most of the 22 hours of labor thinking about our older son and how much I missed him. Then when our little guy was born I couldn’t believe how much I loved him. And then I wished I’d spent more time soaking up and enjoying the end of my pregnancy (in addition to it being overshadowed by his kidney problems at the end, the month before he was born my husband had a seizure that we discovered was caused by a brain tumor so the last 2 months of pregnancy were consumed by tests for him and figuring out if he’d have to have brain surgery). Not fun. As much as I loved my older son before, seeing him become a big brother has filled my heart in ways I didn’t know we’re possible. You will love Hailey even more and become so proud and in awe of the ways she seems to grow into her new role. It’ll melt you. And the newest babe? Prepare to feel that same unconditional, all consuming love. It’s even better (albeit harder) the second time around. Your arms and heart will be full in ways you never knew they could be. I’m so excited for you!!!! And can’t wait to see her. I’m sure she’s as gorgeous as her mama and big sister 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
First off, much much love to your husband! I am assuming (hoping) that everything turned out ok? I can’t imagine the kind of stress that added onto those weeks for you.
Also, it is seriously heartwarming to hear that the love you have just grows. Deep down I know it will, but sometimes it’s so hard to fathom. Thank you so much for sharing and congratulations to you and your beautiful family!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
May 9th! Wow that went fast! Definitely not a Debbie Downer. I’ve heard much worse and I was one of them when I was 2 weeks overdue! You look amazing and hopefully baby turns for you 🙂
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
I appreciate your honest thoughts and feelings. I don’t think you’re being a Debbie-Downer at all. I also can totally understand where you’re coming from! You look amazing, and that little girl definitely looks LOW! Any day now… Hang in there!
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve heard a few people say I look like she might have dropped. Gosh I hope so!! Thanks Ashley 🙂
jade says
Interesting information about the posterior-ness of the baby. That’s what happened with me with our first and I’m still way too early to know for #2 (only at 20 weeks right now), and I had to be induced at 2 weeks overdue. I’m really hoping for natural labor for you and that she turns baby turn, I really want to be mostly natural for my second but at the same time you just want them out as safely as they can be for both of you. I’m also scared of how things will be when #2 arrives, #1 knows he is mommy’s only right now and he laps it up and I fear that those first few months are going to be very very tough making sure he still feels loved!
Heather says
You probably already know about Spinning Babies.com, but they have a lot of suggestions on getting baby to turn. I remember that last week well… or my Week 38, anyway since my girl came early. You want to meet them so bad, but at the same time you don’t necessarily want pregnancy to end either. We’re likely done with 2, so it’s almost bittersweet, but so wonderful when those little miracles do show up!
Lyndsey says
I am totally jealous as well of the no stretch mark thing! I on the other hand, get stretch marks if I merely gain 10 regular pounds. They’re on my legs, butt, arms, calfs, I just have thin skin i suppose! Anywho, I’ll probably get so many more when i become preg.
And although Hailey won’t be the only child anymore, you’ll revel in the relationship the two as sisters will have. They’ll have there moments, but when they’re 25, they’ll be each others BEST friends. It still makes me sad to this day that I don’t have a sister.
Katie @ Pick Any Two says
Even though I only have one, I think all of your emotions and normal and healthy! Even if they seem contradictory at times.
Lauren says
Just some encouragement…my last baby was born posterior and, while I did push for 2+ hours, it was not any more painful than my other deliveries. My actual labor was very fast and a week before my due date. I am excited for you! You can do this!!
Brittany Dixon says
I’ll take all the positive labor stories and predictions of quick labor that I can get! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Ellen says
Oh, Momma, you’re doing great! The last couple weeks are so tough, especially with a toddler to occupy at home. I feel every bit of this post. A few things to possibly ease your mind:
A large number of babies are posterior throughout pregnancy only to turn OA during labor. My first daughter was posterior and “late.” While she descended posterior she got the memo late on turning and came out in a super crummy position. However, second babies are like magic! My second daughter was posterior up until my last appointment…12hrs before her birth with no signs of labor. She sailed out in an OA position(still late, but whatever.) I’ve read somewhere that there is a body of research that believes many babies maintain the posterior position to prevent pre-term labor. So, don’t freak out about the position just yet!
And nuts to this being a longer and more painful labor! My second was born in a fast 6.5hr total labor/delivery while my first was 14hrs. Really, second babies are the best thing.
You’re not alone feeling emotional about Hailey not being your only child anymore. I continue to feel sad sometimes for my oldest and give her lots of extra kisses/hugs/special mom-time. It’s only been 2 weeks since her sister’s arrival, but she’s been great. All momma’s have a tough time adding more little loves. But think of it all as an addition of love…not subtraction!
Brittany Dixon says
I can’t tell you how much I loved reading your comment! You are leaving me some hope that spontaneous labor is possible and that she’ll turn! I’m so glad your second labor was such a positive experience and I hope that being a mommy to two is treating you well! Send tips 🙂
Natalie @ The Ravenous Mommy says
I would have those same thoughts! As a mom of a one year old, we are now thinking of trying for #2. It’s exciting and scary! What I have heard from moms of 2 is…. the first few months are a rough adjustment but then things settle into place. You CAN do it momma 🙂
CaitlinHTP says
You truly look so pretty and healthy. I love reading your updates! 🙂 You don’t sound like a Debbie Downer at all. It’s hard to hear “you’re not going into labor anytime soon” when you’re 39 weeks! But you never know.. no one knows except Little Miss Baby. Maybe she’ll come right on time. Good luck, sweetie. xoxox
Amy says
My oldest and only girl was my PIC (partner in crime). We did everything together. I cried as my due date with my son approached. At night when I put her to bed, I took longer to snuggle/rock her and apologized profusely for the life altering change that was headed her way. I also apologized that she would no longer be an only child. The night I went into labor, she woke up as we were getting ready to walk out the door. I wanted to go in one last time to put her back to bed. No one would let me which turned out to be a good thing as my son was born 40 minutes after we got to the hospital. I think your feelings are completely normal. My daughter has become a super sweet big sister and loves looking for her little brother first thing in the morning. It will all work out!
Jaclyn says
As a fellow SAHM I can completely relate to your torn feelings about bringing #2 into the mix. I just went through it myself in February, when our daughter was born and our son was just 17 months old. I was so excited to meet her, yet sad about losing my one-on-one time with her brother; terrified that he would think that I loved him less, and also (irrationally) afraid that somehow I wouldn’t love either of them as much as I would if they were only children. It was really stressful and I felt a lot of guilt, which looking back, seems really silly that I was so upset. Gotta love pregnancy hormones! Luckily, all my concerns went away the moment I saw her sweet face. I’m sure yours will too! 🙂
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
I hope she turns for you… but either way, a healthy baby is most important! I can definitely understand all the mixed emotions you’re experiencing. I’m starting to get nervous about going from 1 to 2 as well, and soaking up these one-on-one moments with L. But ultimately, I’m just SO excited that you’re this close to meeting her… you’re almost done! Woohoo!! 🙂
Ashli DeLaHunt says
You sound way more positive than I did! And mine was 3 weeks and 1 day early! I did A LOT of swimming during my last trimester as a workout and I was also told by a doula that swimming helps the baby get into position. I have bad knees from cheering and gymnastics over all those years that swimming was a great workout that was low impact for me. And it was cooling! (I was due AUg 29th, 2013) I just came across your blog and Instagram recently through other mutual friends from high school and such. I am so glad I found it! I love reading mommy blogs!!! Keep them coming!!!
Gcroft says
Looking great, Brittany. My midwife told me that when you have baby #2, your body knows what to do from the first time around. Sending positive vibes from across the pond. Baby girl will be with you when she’s ready x
Kim @ Fittin Pretty says
This was so interesting to read! I’m currently preggo with #2 and it’s helpful to see what my feelings/emotions might look like a few months from now. Hang in there, mama!! Almost to the finish line!
Rachel says
Oh man, do I remember all of those feelings! So many emotions all amplified by pregnancy hormones. I remember wanting to just have my baby, so I could bend over and put on my own shoes again!
My daughter was only a little older than Hailey , when my son was born. I was scheduled to have a c-section with him, but 2 days prior I woke up to my water breaking! We had to call our trusted babysitter to come to our house at 4am so we could go to the hospital (we don’t have any family close by). I was a weepy mess in the car, crying bc I didn’t get to say goodbye to my “original” baby and feeling so guilty that I wouldn’t be there when she woke up. Luckily all went well and my girl was not traumatized 😉 she was just super excited to meet her new baby bro!
Lauren B. says
Saying a prayer for you as the time gets closer! You got this!!
Emily says
Yay! May 3 is a good day, just sayin’ 🙂 (Parker’s birthday! He will be THREE Saturday 🙂
Can’t wait to see and meet the newest Dixon baby!
Maria says
I have no advice to give on how to maneuver a baby into the right direction (my medical terminology is astounding, right?)…but in regards to Hailey, I would suggest thinking of how much you love having a sibling now. I wouldn’t trade my two brothers for anything! So you are giving her a wonderful gift – a sister! My mom was incredible about making us all feel 110% loved and I know you will do the same! You are adding to her enjoyment of life, certainly not taking a single thing away.
p.s. you make 39 weeks pregnant look good 🙂
Laura @ FitMamaLove says
Aaah, you look so great! Getting so close! Siblings are so special. Date days with the older sibling are a great way to stay connected even with the change of having a new baby.
Lauren says
I’m due 2 days after you with my second and feeling all the same stuff you are… so you’re definitely not alone. I’m so stressed about rocking my son’s world and bummed about losing the one on one time I have with him. He’s also my little buddy :). I just read through all the comments here and it’s all been so reassuring!
Lisa O says
I’ve been following your blog for way too long without commenting and I’m sorry because I should have told you on numerous occasions that your blog brings me so much comfort and joy!
I’m 24 weeks pregnant with my 2nd & my first baby girl is almost 27 months so I think the age gap between ours will be similar too! I love your sweet musings, helpful forecasting for perhaps what was to come for me with my Stella and down-to-earth advice.
I feel exactly the same about my 2nd, so very excited and so very scared in equal measure for upsetting the beautiful equilibrium we have achieved! Stella, like Hailey, is just magnificent and an abundance of fun and sweetness. Oh and she sleeps like a champion!!! Newborns on the other hand, oh my…!!!!
Anyway thank you so much for blogging, I’m so grateful!!! Best of luck for birth round two (oh ps I was induced too but at 42 weeks and still had a brilliant labour, I’m sure our 2nd will come sooner and faster!!) I will be cheering you on from Perth in Western Australia, can’t wait to hear how you get on!! Xx
Michelle says
I was induced with Livie and I cried and cried those last few weeks before I had her. I felt so bad that B had to give up his “only” status. It does change things, but seeing them together and knowing they are there for each other makes the transition. In fact, last night I asked Livie who her best friend was and without even a pause she said, “Braeden.” You can’t make this stuff up!
I’m secretly hoping the baby will come on E’s birthday (12th) or the day before – on Mother’s Day because having a Mother’s Day baby was pretty great! Hope that baby girl turns into position 🙂
Rebekah Anderson says
Brittany,
I SO relate. I just had my 2nd last November, and I do still somewhat struggle with guilt over not being constantly available to my original sidekick (my 2.5 yr old daughter). BUT… we have all adjusted, and we are doing fine. She is great about waiting for him to nurse, etc, and I make sure to do at least 30 min of what we call “special time” with her daily. Some days we miss, but she knows why. I think the oldest kids grow up fast when they have to…but they also feel loved when they have a momma who cares so much for them. It wasn’t easy (the first couple of weeks were super hard with her behavior as she adjusted and sense the shift in my attention, ESP. when Grandma went back home), but it has smoothed out greatly.
I also def. felt guilty and sad that I was losing my one-on-one time, but that smoothed out too, with my hormones, her transition, and learning how to enjoy the 2 of them together. Now they are starting to talk and play with each other a bit and it is SO fun to see them smiling into each other’s eyes. 🙂
Good things ahead! Chin up, sweetheart. Hope delivery goes well. Blessings.
Lindsey says
My son was sunny side up. He came on his own 5 days early and my labor progressed nicely with no need for induction. I did have to push for awhile (2 hrs 11 min) but it didn’t seem that long. Just wanted to give you some encouragement that sunny side up isn’t all bad! You look awesome and I am so excited to hear your birth story!
char eats greens says
I love you (AND YOU’RE DUE TOMORROW BECAUSE I’M READING THIS LATE!!) and you never need to apologize! I think you are amazing, and all of your thoughts are justified!! I would be worried/mixed emotions about the exaaaaact same things! I hope that baby gets here safely!!