18 weeks

How far along?: 18 weeks
Total weight gain: 11lbs.
Maternity clothes: Not really. Wearing a lot of dresses and skirts lately though. 
Best moment this week: We had our anatomy scan on Wednesday and found out we're having a boy! We were gonna wait to open the envelope but wanted to open it just the three of us since my family would be out for Christmas. We're super excited that Finn will have a brother so close in age and I can't wait to watch them grow up together. 
Symptoms: I've had to slow down my runs a bit since I not too much pulling and a little soreness when I go fast during sprints. I've made my runs a bit longer to make up for it and it's been fine. I'm running the Maine half marathon in October (4 months postpartum) since I deferred my application last year when I found out I was pregnant and knowing how competitive I am didn't want to run it and push myself too hard when I was so early still. So keeping the miles long but a little slower is probably best. 
Miss anything?: Nothing really.
Movement: Still nothing. 
Food cravings: Holy sugar crave! Anything and everything sugar. 
Have you started to show yet?: Yes, but it's still that awkward stage when people at the gym probably think I'm fat or pregnant but don't want to ask and offend me if I'm not haha
Gender prediction: Little man 2!
Mood: Exhausted and moody as usual.
Looking forward to: Christmas with our families here in Vermont. I can't wait to see how excited Finn will be on Christmas :)

17 weeks

Yes I look like a bum! Technically 17w3d for this picture.

How far along?: 17 weeks
Total weight gain: 10lbs. - last week should have said 9lbs. but it autocorrected to something stupid
Maternity clothes: I was basically wearing the same two stretchy pair of jeans and some leggings everyday so I decided to wear a pair of maternity corduroys since I'm skipping the whole "wearing my pants unbuttoned" this time around. If they don't button then I'm packing them away - it's awkward and uncomfortable and I don't care. 
Best moment this week: We had a massive snow storm basically everyday this week and because of it we lost power at work on Thursday. My boss sent us a text after Finn was already at daycare so I stayed home alone did laundry, dishes and cleaned the house - it was veeeery needed! And of course it's always awesome to hear the heartbeat at my midwives since I had my appointment on Wednesday.
Symptoms: My stomach is definitely starting to stretch and get hard to the point where I'm sore. My stomach is already starting to get heavy when I stand for too long as well. 
Miss anything?: Not really this week.
Movement: I ate ice cream saturday night and laid around trying to feel something but nothing yet.
Food cravings: For whatever reason I wanted cheese fries a couple of times this week. I'm pretty sure I've had cheese fries maybe once in my life so not sure where the craving even came from. 
Have you started to show yet?: Definitely popped again this week, and I can even feel that I'm stretching.
Gender prediction: No clue. I feel like I have no time to think about it this time around. Which makes me feel guilty but I know I'll probably feel this way forever now that I'm a mom.
Mood: Exhausted!
Looking forward to: Going to our anatomy scan on Wednesday :)

Finn caught the stomach bug from a kid at daycare (there's only 4 kids at his home daycare so when one gets something they all do) on Tuesday and spent all night throwing up the poor little guy. He took three baths that night it smelled so bad. I stayed home with him Wednesday after my midwife appointment and he was pretty much fine by noon. He still hasn't eaten much but luckily he's happy!

16 Weeks

How far along?: 16 weeks
Total weight gain: albs. - oh, hello Thanksgiving week. We easily ate out every night we were home and ate crap most of the time soooo...
Maternity clothes: None yet. But today I was wearing non-stretchy jeans and after lunch they were very uncomfortable so no more non-stretchy jeans for me!
Best moment this week: Cutting down our Christmas tree on our way back from NY this weekend. We cut it at the same place every year in Middlebury, VT and Finn thought the trees were the best. Every time he sees it in the living room he gasps like he forgot it was there. 
Symptoms: I've been getting nauseous from my fish oil pills lately even when I take them on a full stomach. And very sensitive to smells lately, some have been giving me headaches. 
Miss anything?: Really wanting to eat ice cream every night but hoping that by not it will continue to keep me on track to only gain 30-35lbs.
Movement: Hopefully really soon!
Food cravings: Oh ya know just ice cream.
Have you started to show yet?: Yeah but the general public probably just thinks I'm chubby. Especially the people I see at the gym everyday, they must think I'm really indulging in holiday goods. 
Gender prediction: I want to say girl but Tom thinks boy so he has me second guessing myself since I haven't had that true gut feeling. I got the gut feeling like right before we found out with Finn so I think the same will happen this time too. 
Mood: Still slightly crazy haha
Looking forward to: Seeing our babe on Dec.17 and finding out the gender when we open our card Christmas morning :)

15 weeks

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Sorry for the crappy picture - it was taken post Thanksgiving drinking (photographer not me!)

far along?: 15 weeks
Total weight gain: 7lbs.
Maternity clothes: None yet. 
Best moment this week: Having a weekend at home and not having to travel!
Symptoms: I feel much more exhausted - like whole body exhausted though. 
Miss anything?: Eh not really.
Movement: Nothing yet but hopefully very soon!
Food cravings: Nothing really but I have definitely become more hungry than normal.
Have you started to show yet?: Um, woke up this morning (Thanksgiving) and even Tom noticed I had popped!
Gender prediction: All of the online questionnaires and Chinese calendar things tell me it's a girl - we shall see Dec. 17!
Mood: Ugh, still all over the place.
Looking forward to: Finding out the gender at our anatomy scan on Dec. 17 of course. But I am also excited to spend Thanksgiving with my family and hang out with friends and family all weekend :)

14 Weeks

A little bigger :)

How far along?: 14 weeks
Total weight gain: 6lbs. - definitely had a growth spurt this week with lots of tugging and growing pains!
Maternity clothes: None yet. 
Best moment this week: Going to Boston with my mom and Finn to visit my cousin and her family. Oh, and chopping another 4inches off my hair - hard to tell in this picture but love it when it's straight!
Symptoms: Lots of growing pains this week especially in my lower abs. I was running the other day and had to stop since my stomach muscles were so sore. 
Miss anything?: I've really been wanting a good glass of Sauvignon Blanc lately.
Movement: Nothing yet but hopefully in a couple weeks I will. 
Food cravings: Nothing in general this week. I gave in to my ice cream craving while in Boston though and had some soft serve vanilla at Sprinkles in Quincy Market - the best!
Have you started to show yet?: Definitely more than last week and a lot more in the last two days - even I noticed it, especially in my waist. I still feel I just look like I've been skipping the gym so I can't wait to actually pop!
Gender prediction: Erica at work thinks it's a girl and I'm slightly leaning that way now because of my face continuing to break out and wanting sweets and being extra moody this time - none of which was true with Finn. Although I did have a dream last night that it was a boy so who knows! 
Mood: I should let Tom answer this question haha My mood was very up and down this week still, I really hope it doesn't stay this way the whole pregnancy.
Looking forward to: Finding out the gender at our anatomy scan on Dec. 17! Although we are going to have the tech write it on a piece of paper and open it on Christmas so we can open it as a family and find out :) So Tom gets a slight surprise still since he didn't want to find out but I pull rank on that one seeing as I'm the one doing the natural birth!

Weeks 9-12 :)

How far along?: 9 weeks
Total weight gain: 2lbs. So lets be honest for a minute, I probably gained close to 50lbs with Finn. I also started off at about 138 since I was coming off a miscarriage 2 months prior and working out maybe once or twice a week. Right now I'm working out 4 times a week, and eating much better. I was sitting at 128-130 when I was nursing finn through the night still but once that stopped in August I was consistently at 133 so that's my starting weight this time and I'm in the best shape ever. The most I have ever lifted in the past was 7.5lbs dumbells and now I lift 12.5lbs. If I hadn't gotten pregnant I'd be up to 15lbs but I want to take it easy and not push too hard, especially in the first trimester. So there's me being honest. 
Maternity clothes: None yet. Everything fits exactly the same thankfully, nothing even feels snug yet.
Sleep: I feel like this shouldn't even be a topic now that I have a one year old. Some nights he sleeps, some nights he doesn't. Sleep basically depends on Finn at the moment.
Best moment this week: I taught Finn to kiss my belly! He has no ide why but I think it's cute :)
Symptoms: I realize I'm a lucky one who never really has anything to complain about in this department. No sickness or neausia. I don't feel like I'm as tired as I was with Finn but my perception of tired has shifted drastically! My only complaint is that I have acne like a 13 year old boy. My face cleared up so well with Finn and with nursing so it may just be because we only nurse once or twice a day now but I am so not happy about this.
Miss anything?: I just want a beer - preferably an IPA!
Movement: Nothing yet but hoping to start to feel it earlier since it's the second time around. 
Food cravings: I've had a craving for salty foods a couple of times but nothing other than that.
Have you started to show yet?: Nope. I think being in better shape has allowed me to not pop as quickly.  I'm just waiting to wake up one morning and it be there since this is number 2 it's more likely to get bigger quicker.
Gender prediction: My only reason for thinking it's a girl is because of my face breaking out and the old wives tale that girls steal your beauty haha
Mood: I've noticed my patience are running quickly. I've had to stop myself from getting frustrated wit Finn a few times recently which is so not normal. 
Looking forward to: Hearing the heartbeat at the midwives in 4 weeks :)

How far along?: 10 weeks
Total weight gain: 2lbs. still
Maternity clothes: None yet and I don't think I'll have to anytime soon either. Although I do have a wicked cute pair of gap maternity greyish purple pants that I've word a few times but only because I love the color and don't have anything in my normal pants that color! I bought 3 pairs of maternity pants from ThredUp that I am dying to wear since they are so cute but I'm holding out since I don't want to get bored with them since I'll be living in them this winter.
Best moment this week: Having a relaxing weekend at home with nothing to do!
Symptoms: A little more tired than normal and definitely some hormonal crazy moments but other than that nothing much.
Miss anything?: Still just want an IPA!
Movement: Nothing yet but hoping to start to feel it earlier since it's the second time around. 
Food cravings: Just more hungry than normal this week. I really expected to put on some pounds this week with how much I've been eating but this baby must be growing and going to the gym has helped!
Have you started to show yet?: Not yet, although I've begun to pop a little after eating lunch and dinner.
Gender prediction: Now I'm not sure, I haven't had any gut instincts this week and I feel on the fence right now.
Mood: Again, a few hormonal crazy moments!
Looking forward to: Hearing the heartbeat at the midwives in 3 weeks :)

We were in NYC this week so you get a picture of 15 month old Finn instead :)

How far along?: 11 weeks
Total weight gain: 2lbs. still
Maternity clothes: None yet. Thankfully my pants all fit the same and aren't even snug yet.
Best moment this week: My parents coming to visit. Finn loves my mom and has finally warmed up to my dad so its great to see a relationship even though we live far away. 
Symptoms: I definitely get short of breath much easier. I forgot how much of an impact that has on my running and how much I have to slow down. 
Miss anything?: Not much actually. 
Movement: Nothing yet but hoping to start to feel it earlier since it's the second time around. 
Food cravings: Can't wait to go to NYC and have lots of yummy foods and not feel the least bit guilty :)
Have you started to show yet?: Not really. I can still suck it in enough so no one at work notices but by night time theres definitely something there!
Gender prediction: Now I'm not sure, I haven't had any gut instincts this week and I feel on the fence right now.
Mood: Still a little hormonal thats for sure!
Looking forward to: Hearing the heartbeat at the midwives in 3 weeks :)

How far along?: 12 weeks
Total weight gain: 3lbs. - visiting NYC for 4 days and eating lots of food was totally worth it!
Maternity clothes: None yet. 
Best moment this week: Traveling to NYC for Tom to run in the NYC Marathon. We were able to visit with one of my best friends Charissa and eat a lot of realllly good food.  
Symptoms: I've been sick for almost a week now so my congestion and sore throat have trumped any other pregnancy symptoms I may have had. 
Miss anything?: Was definitely missing some good wine when we were in NYC. 
Movement: Nothing yet but hoping to start to feel it earlier since it's the second time around. 
Food cravings: All I wanted in NYC was a doughnut - which I had...twice :)
Have you started to show yet?: A little bit but it may just be a food baby/bloat from all the goodies this pat weekend.
Gender prediction: Leaning towards a girl again since my face looks horrible and I've even cut a lot of sugar from my diet and with Finn my face completely cleared up. 
Mood: Still a little hormonal and my patience have not come back yet either!
Looking forward to: Hearing the heartbeat at our midwife appointment next week!

Announcement!

Finn wasn't too keen on standing still!

How far along?: 13 weeks
Total weight gain: 4lbs.
Maternity clothes: None yet. 
Best moment this week: Hearing the heartbeat for the first time at the midwives.  
Symptoms: A little more tugging this week but otherwise everything is good. 
Miss anything?: Ice cream! I have a slight obsession with ice cream and was literally eating it every night after Finn was born. However, once I found out I was pregnant I've pretty much stopped eating sweets all together in hopes of keeping my weight under better control this time around. I've caved in a few times but I've realllllly been craving it this week!
Movement: Besides some light tugging nothing yet but hopefully in the next few weeks or so. 
Food cravings: We've discussed ice cream right?
Have you started to show yet?: Just a little bit but I just feel chubby at the moment.
Gender prediction: Tom is convinced its a boy. He was convinced it was a girl last time so maybe he's wrong again! 
Mood: Still a little hormonal - I was balling my eyes out on the way to work listening to NPR this week on multiple occasions.
Looking forward to: Visiting my cousin and her family in Boston this weekend! Finn and I are headed out to meet up with my mom and then hang out with my cousin and her son who is just about a year older than Finn. 

Weight Loss Update: Not on Point

34 Weeks Postpartum:

26 Weeks Postpartum:

I'm definitely starting to lean out more and I fit into all of my clothes [ even my "skinny" pants ]. My 34 weeks picture happens to be after a week of eating really well but that has not been the case for the majority of the last two months. The month of February was so up and down food wise and to be blunt, it makes me feel like crap and puts me in a crappy mood. I did better in March but not by much, but I did put in more of an effort which is a start. 

My body has definitely changed postpartum though, even though I fit into all of my old clothes, I do not have my old body. My legs are much smaller than they have ever been, even when I was at my smallest for our wedding my legs weren't this small and I was easily 5lbs lighter. My waist was always small and I never gained size there but now it has been the hardest place for me to loose inches. My hips seem to be the only part of me thats back to "normal" and they were the only spot I was worried about postpartum since they were always my "problem" area pre-pregnancy. To be honest, lifting weights and mainly eating healthy has done wonders and have definitely toned my hips and obliques more than they were pre-Finn which is pretty freakin awesome! 

I'm not sure if it's because I've now seen my body at its largest, but I definitely feel more confident in my body [wrinkly belly and all]. I thought I would dread my body after having Finn - and I did the first few months - but now I can see what my body can do. I see that I can bounce back and I can be strong and I have to give most of the credit to lifting weights. 

Now that I've met a majority of my goals I need to come up with a few more. I'll write a separate post later this week with updated goals, but for now here is my journey so far....

41 weeks pregnant = 185

8/21 weight = 160
9/6 weight = 156.6
9/20 = 154.2
11/1 = 147
11/21 = 143.8
1/8 = 140.2

1/30 = 136.2

3/31 = 130.2

Weight Loss in eight weeks = 6lbs
Total Weight loss since 8/21 = 29.8lbs
Weight Loss to go = 0lbs

Goals:
9/30 = 155 MET
10/12 = 150 MET
11/21 = 145 MET
1/31 = 140 MET
3/31 = 135 MET

Goal Measurements by 4/24 = These are all my pre-pregnancy measurements except for my bust

Bust = 36in (still nursing)
Waist = 25in
Hips = 36in
Thighs = 21in

Starting measurements 9/22= 

Bust = 38in [2in to go]

Waist = 30in [5in to go]
Hips = 41in [5into go]
L Thigh = 23in [2in to go]
R Thigh = 23in [2in to go]

Measurements 11/23:

Bust = 36in GOAL MET

Waist = 28in [3in to go]
Hips = 38in [2into go]
L Thigh = 21.75in [.75in to go]
R Thigh = 21.75in [.75in to go]

Measurements 12/28:

Bust = 36in GOAL MET

Waist = 27in [2in to go]
Hips = 37 [1in to go]
L Thigh = 21in GOAL MET
R Thigh = 21in GOAL MET

Measurements 1/30:

Bust = 35in GOAL MET
Waist = 26.5in 1.52in to go]
Hips = 36.75 [.75in to go]
L Thigh = 20.75in GOAL MET
R Thigh = 20.75in GOAL MET

Measurements 1/30:

Bust = 35in GOAL MET
Waist = 25.5in [.5in to go]
Hips = 36 GOAL MET
L Thigh = 20in GOAL MET
R Thigh = 20in GOAL MET

Life Lately in Pictures

I was doing so well with my blogging and then I sucked. So, an easy post for me, and an update for you. It's all pictures, lots of pictures, mostly of Finn and a few of Tom and I, all from my iPhone even though we have a DSLR which continues to collect dust other than twice a month. There are 23 pictures total, and they're probably not in chronological order, you've been warned! Enjoy!

We'll start with a cute one - Finn at the L.L. Bean Outlet in Freeport with his cool sunglasses!

 We went to Bangor, ME for our best friends baby shower (also Finn's Godparents) and made a few stops along the way. Of course I have no pictures from the shower so I stole one from Facebook (thanks Melissa!!)

Our first stop was at Allagash Brewery in Portland - I LOVE their white, easily in my top 5 favorites!

A quick walk around downtown Portland before we froze our butts off.

The ladies and Finn at the shower!

On our way back to VT showing off my new FAVORITE! Eaten my the spoonful or on toast or anything for that matter, it's the best.

Happy baby has been super happy for about the past month - fine by us!

I have naturally curly hair but never wear it that way (it's usually thrown in a bun) but lately I've been loving my curls.

First ride sitting in the cart - BEST DAY EVER MOM!

Snow storm in VT - surprise, surprise!

We visited my parents one weekend and went on a brewery tour at Saranac - Finn slept through the whole thing. 

No caption needed. 

Lunch at a pub with Nana and Pops. 

Ubu is currently top on Finn's favorite list.

Toes are a close second.

Although being naked may tie for second.  

ECHO aquarium in Burlington was a big hit!

Such a big man sitting on his own at the aquarium.

Finn now does this head tilt thing when he sees something he likes (yes like dogs do, although Ubu has ironically never done it).

We LOVE yogurt!

Price Chopper had a huge freezer with a sign that said "$1 for vegetarian frozen foods." Needless to say these vegetarians bought $130 worth of frozen food saving around $500 - score.

Just cute.

Combo of head tilt and yogurt.

Sweet potatoes and bananas - Finn's lunch for a week.

Weight Loss Update: Feeling Good!

26 Weeks Postpartum:

21 & 16 Weeks Postpartum:

It feels great to FINALLY feel like my old self again. Granted my skin is definitely still loose around my bellybutton, but it's certainly better than it was before and I know it will get better with time. I've increased my weights again and my arms are really starting to get more definition. I've been doing a lot of squats and leg work so I have a feeling I won't be loosing much size in my hips which is totally fine since all of my jeans fit perfectly fine. Well, I'll keep this short and sweet and leave you with my measurements and goals :)

41 weeks pregnant = 185

8/21 weight = 160
9/6 weight = 156.6
9/20 = 154.2
11/1 = 147
11/21 = 143.8
1/8 = 140.2

1/30 = 136.2

Weight Loss in three weeks = 4lbs
Total Weight loss since 8/21 = 23.8lbs
Weight Loss to go = 1.2lbs

Goals:
9/30 = 155 MET
10/12 = 150 MET
11/21 = 145 MET
1/31 = 140 MET
3/31 = 135

Goal Measurements by 4/24 = These are all my pre-pregnancy measurements except for my bust

Bust = 36in (still nursing)
Waist = 25in
Hips = 36in
Thighs = 21in

Starting measurements 9/22= 

Bust = 38in [2in to go]

Waist = 30in [5in to go]
Hips = 41in [5into go]
L Thigh = 23in [2in to go]
R Thigh = 23in [2in to go]

Measurements 11/23:

Bust = 36in GOAL MET

Waist = 28in [3in to go]
Hips = 38in [2into go]
L Thigh = 21.75in [.75in to go]
R Thigh = 21.75in [.75in to go]

Measurements 12/28:

Bust = 36in GOAL MET

Waist = 27in [2in to go]
Hips = 37 [1in to go]
L Thigh = 21in GOAL MET
R Thigh = 21in GOAL MET

Measurements 1/30:

Bust = 35in GOAL MET
Waist = 26.5in 1.52in to go]
Hips = 36.75 [.75in to go]
L Thigh = 20.75in GOAL MET
R Thigh = 20.75in GOAL MET