We're Pregnant and I'm 17 Weeks

How far along?17 weeks, yes I realize that I never blogged that we were pregnant or did any weeks up until this point.  I didn't want to start it until I was sure everything was ok.  I had a miscarriage in June and it was really hard.  I was so excited when we found out we were pregnant again in September.  For having such a hard time in the beginning, we seem to get pregnant quite easily now. I definitely think God has His hands in this.  For 2 years I have felt that we were supposed to have a 4th child.  Toby did not agree.  He told me a year ago that it was NOT going to happen.  But I prayed and asked God to change his heart if He wanted us to have another baby.  And here we are... Weight gain/loss: 5-7 lbs, but I started out heavier than ever before.  I started 10 lbs heavier than the last pregnancy and 20 higher than the first.  So, I need to really watch my weight.Maternity clothes? All, and I have been in pants since 8 weeks. :-/  I was so bloated in the beginning.Stretch marks? Nothing yetSleep? I fall right asleep every night.  I get up to go to the bathroom at least twice and usually I can fall back easily.  I get up between 6:30-7, depending on Jacob and Toby's alarm.Best moment this week? New Year's Eve!  We had my parents over to celebrate.  We ate Pizza Hut pizza and toasted with sparkling cider.  It was so fun, the boys loved it! After they went to bed we played Mexican Train (dominoes).Food cravings: OJ, Dunkin Donuts Chai Tea, Protein (meat, nuts)Gender: We found out through a blood test called Panorama that it's a GIRL!!!!  I can't wait for the ultra sound to confirm it.Belly button in or out? InMovement? Not often.  I worries me.  I keep thinking that something is wrong.  I really hope that I am just being silly and everything is ok.What I miss? Sushi, sleeping all night, not wanting a nap everyday.  I also miss sunshine, warm weather and the beach.  They are calling for a big snow storm tonight.  Awesome.What I'm looking forward to: Feeling the baby move consistently, picking a nameWeekly wisdom: Don't eat too much junk, especially at night when I am bored.  Try not to get too hormonalMilestones: We tried to put Levi in a toddler bed to get him ready for the twin (and out of the crib) before the baby comes.  BUT, it didn't go so well.  He kept coming downstairs or crying.  He was barely napping and getting up in the middle of the night.  He was falling out and losing all his sheets/blankets.  Poor boy, he just wanted his crib back.  It has been two days and he is so much happier.  I guess we will make that transition later.

2 Years Later...

It would be safe to say that I have slacked off in the blog department. Almost 2 years exactly- ouch!! Well, things got busy when Levi joined the family. 3 boys under 2 years old was exhausting. Plus our house was for sale and we were constantly cleaning for showings. Enough excuses, time to fill you in on what has happened since July 8,  2011...

We sold our house on Branch Street on December 14, 2011 and bough 2 Olde Towne Ct. It has 4 bedrooms, a basement, 2 car garage, big back yard, a sunroom and a master bathroom. We are thrilled!!! It had everything on our wish list and more!!! The sale transaction was stressful. It was a VA loan and it had a lot of requirements-paint outside trim, structural engineer, termite inspection, etc...

But we did it!! We moved with 2 little boys and a baby. Our families helped us SO much.  We are in our dream house, a place that we can grow into and the boys have lots of space.

THE BOYS

Benjamin- smart, bossy, thinks he is the oldest (he is by 1 min), sweet, makes awesome connections, loves iPads/iPhones, stays up late, plays well by himself, loves Grammy, doesn't like getting in trouble, loves the beach, loves chocolate and all junk food, very social, likes older kids, loves parks and Johnson's Farm, shy with new people, great memory

Jacob- sweet, silly, says funny things, loves to snuggle, gets up early, totally potty trained, throws toys, rough with Levi, cries a lot (he can dish it, but not take it), does great with new people, takes a lot in, remembers everything, great napper, ate clams, loves his car blanket, loving, imaginative, generous 

Levi- snuggly, sweet, smart, silly, loves his blanket and thumb, wants to be held all the time, takes everything in, wants to be lie big brothers, quiet, sweet, cute

39 Weeks...Levi Andrew Martin!

Levi is here! We are so excited. He came via c-section on July 8, 2011. Toby and I went to the hospital at 11am with a schedule c-section at 1:30pm. They hooked me up to machines and we filled out paperwork. And we waited. And waited. Finally it was 1:30 and the doctors were ready. First they did the spinal on me and then Toby was allowed to come in. As they started the procedure Toby and I talked about the baby. We were talking about his weight and I guessed that he would be 8 lbs 10 oz. Toby said he thought in the 7's was more likely. Dr Agar heard us talking and said she agreed with "dad" and that my guess was probably too big. Well at 1:58pm Levi Andrew Martin was born. He weighted 8 lbs 10 oz and was 21 inches long. Yes, I guessed his weight exactly! :-)

More of the story to come...

38 Weeks

How far along? 38 weeks

Weight gain/loss: 45+ lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes and they are starting to get tight!
Stretch marks? No and I am hoping for the best!
Sleep? I fall asleep easily, but I wake up often to go to the bathroom. Sometimes I am so awake that I check Facebook or write notes to myself of things I need to do.
Best moment this week? We picked the date for the c-section. It is going to be on July 8, 2011 with Dr. Agar. I am so excited to have it planned!
Food cravings: orange juice, milk, ice, ice cream

Gender: It's a boy.
Belly button in or out? Flat and weird. Some parts look in and some parts look out. But not "out" like some of them get.
Movement? Yes, he is constantly moving. I can feel his feet or elbows. It is crazy to watch my stomach move on its own!
What I miss? Not having contractions. Feeling rested and having energy. I am TIRED!
What I'm looking forward to: Meeting this little guy!
Weekly wisdom: Make lists, check stuff off, relax.
Milestones: This is it! We meet him at 39 weeks! I/We are all ready!!!!! :-)

37 Weeks

How far along? 37 weeks

Weight gain/loss: 43+ lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes and I am so thankful for my shorts and tank tops. There have been some HOT days already!
Stretch marks? Not yet.
Sleep? The last two nights have been rough. I have been hot and getting up a lot to go to the bathroom. I also wake up around 4:30 ready for the day. I check facebook and lay there forever. Then I finally fall back asleep and the boys get up....
Best moment this week? The little boys and I went to LBI for the weekend with Grammy and Poppop. Toby was working and we had 2 open houses. So, we needed to get out of town. :-) We had tons of fun playing at the beach, swimming in the ocean and bay, taking walks, eating ice cream and relaxing.
Food cravings: cookies, pizza, ice cream, milk, ice (I have been eating a lot of ice)

Gender: Boy... we had another ultra sound and she said boy too, so that is 4 people that told us a boy. I am feeling pretty confident. :-)
Belly button in or out? Honestly, it is almost out. It is so flat and strange, but I think it may have come past the middle and gone out just a little bit.
Movement? Constantly! I love it. It has probably been my favorite thing this pregnancy. It is the best. :-)
What I miss? Sleeping, not being hot, not huffing and puffing when I go up stairs
What I'm looking forward to: Spending the next few days enjoying Benjamin and Jacob.
Weekly wisdom: There is no place like the beach. :-)
Milestones: We had our final growth ultra sound. They guessed his weight at 7 lb 9 oz (at 36 weeks). They said he is big and will continue to get bigger. Everything looked good and we scheduled a c-section for July 7th or 8th. :-)

36 Weeks

How far along? 36 weeks

Weight gain/loss: 40+ lbs
Maternity clothes? Oh yes, there is no way anything else would cover this belly!
Stretch marks? No, and I am still very hopeful that I don't get any.
Sleep? It is hit and miss. Some nights are great and others I am so hot I can't sleep. I do think for the most part I wake up rested.
Best moment this week? We had our mini church beach day at my parents house. It was so much fun! The boys loved the beach and all the kids played and play. Ben swam with my dad and they both smiled bigger than I thought possible.
Food cravings: Chocolate.

Gender: Boy
Belly button in or out? Who knows. It is not "out," but I can't really call it "in" either.
Movement? ALL THE TIME! This baby is constantly moving. He was going crazy at the doctors this morning. She said he was putting on a show for her. Truthfully, if he is up, he is moving and he is up a lot!
What I miss? Getting around easier, not hating to bend over.
What I'm looking forward to: Getting a few things taken care of before he comes, then I can relax (ha!) and wait for his arrival.
Weekly wisdom: Let things go, don't stress and have fun!
Milestones: We picked a name! Yay! Only Toby, Benjamin, Jacob and I know it. Hopefully they won't spill the beans. Also, I am officially done wearing rings. My fingers are starting to swell, as are my ankles. I made it so much further this time, so I am thrilled. :-)

35 Weeks

How far along? 35 weeks

Weight gain/loss: 38+ lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes and I am thankful for them.
Stretch marks? No, and I am really hoping it stays that way. I didn't get them last time so I am hoping my body reacts the same way.
Sleep? I am sleeping so much better! I think I am not nearly as hot because of the a/c. I am also making an effort to drink less right before bed. I wake up refreshed and ready for the day. By 9:30 am I am exhausted though and could use a nap!
Best moment this week? The party that Kristi Peterson threw for me and the baby. It was so fun to be with so many of my girl friends. The food was delicious and the decorations were adorable. The gift card is much appreciated as was the advice! :-)
Food cravings: Orange juice, cheese, ice cream, hoagies (WaWa Hoagie Fest!)

Gender: Boy
Belly button in or out? In, but flat and ugly.
Movement? Always. Toby got to feel him a lot last night. It was so amazing. I am pretty sure it was a heel or elbow. :-)
What I miss? Having more energy and not being HOT.
What I'm looking forward to: At this point I am looking forward to some fun family memories with the 4 of us. Time at the beach, getting the nursery done, and enjoying the sunshine. But, overall, I am ready for this baby!
Weekly wisdom: Eat small meals often, don't carry the boys if you can help it and go to bed when you are tired.
Milestones: Jacob may be graduating from Early Intervention! His speech and walking have improved. Yay! Oh and the crib is built and the room is almost ready.