18 week update on Baby 3.0

 18 Week Bump Date with Baby #3

     

My age: 30

How far along: 18 weeks 4 days

How big is baby: The size of a bell pepper. At our ultrasound, the baby weighed 10 oz!

Weight Gain: 8 lbs. I started the pregnancy back at my pre-pregnancy weight of 135. From my 12-15 week appointment my weight stayed the same so my doctor was happy to see a 3 lb increase at my 18 week appointment.

Exercise/Activity Level:  I'm most proud of how well I have stuck to my exercise routine so far during this pregnancy. With the girls, I was restricted from all exercise at 10 weeks, so I am just so excited to be able to exercise this time around. I want to stay as healthy and fit as possible throughout the pregnancy to make getting into the best shape of my life post partum a little bit easier. I've consistently taken 3-4 group exercise classes a week that include Body Pump, Strength Intervals, Cardio Intervals, and my newest favorite class: Combo Intervals which is basically a toned down Crossfit class. I love pushing my body (safely) and feeling the benefits of a good workout, knowing I did more in a class than I would do to myself. I'm starting to feel "pregnant" and can feel my belly hit my knees during squats and the floor during pushups, but I'm hopeful to continue this routine throughout my pregnancy :)

Maternity clothes:  I'm happily wearing maternity clothes because they are so comfy! I can still wear my regular jeans and shorts, but may have popped a button on my size 6's the other week LOL

Stretch marks: No new ones :)

Belly button: Outie? Kinda?

Sleep: I still sleep amazingly.. for now!

Best moment this week: Having the anatomy scan on Monday was amazing! I am so busy with the girls that its hard to stop and really focus on this baby (especially since I am not feeling much movement yet). I sometimes "forget" that I'm pregnant and it doesn't seem real. Seeing this perfectly healthy baby bounce around on the screen for 20+ minutes while it seemed to try and show off every trick it knew was so amazing. I instantly felt more bonded to the baby and can not wait/believe I'm going to be having another baby in a short 5 months!

Food cravings: Tacos.. from Hardees are absolutely amazing. If you haven't tried them please do and then come thank me.

Food aversions: Barry's sausages that he was making EVERY MORNING for breakfast.. he now eats them at work.

Symptoms: Still taking my nausea medicine :( I stopped taking it when I turned 17 weeks and got sick that night. I'm feeling really good though besides when I forget to take my meds! Energy levels are back to normal and I feel like I'm not eating everything in site.. for now.

Movement: A little bit, at night if I really focus and lay still... nothing consistent yet. The ultrasound tech told me I have an anterior placenta which basically means there is a pillow between the baby and I :( This might make it harder for me to feel kicks as early or regularly.

Gender: Aren't finding out until the birth :)

Labor Signs? Nope

What I'm looking forward to:  Being able to feel the baby move and kick

What I’m nervous about:  Making it full term

What I miss: Still missing a summer cocktail every so often

Next appointment: Two weeks!

13 Week Update with Baby #3!

 13 Week Bump Date with Baby #3

My age: 30

How far along: 13 weeks

How big is baby: Size of a peach

Weight Gain: 2 lbs. I started the pregnancy back at my pre-pregnancy weight of 135. I feel huge so I'm not sure how I've only gained 2 pounds.

Exercise/Activity Level:  My exercise routine has been pretty good overall during my first trimester. I was actively trying to tone up/lose the last of my baby fluff when I found out I was pregnant, so that put a big halt to that! In the past couple of weeks I got back into Body Pump and my goal is to get there 2-3x's a week with 2-3 cardio workouts in-between.  My cardio workouts have consisted of intervals on the elliptical and treadmill. I have been jogging slowly on the treadmill (5.0-5.5 mph) for 1 min on, 1 min walking for 1 mile. If I can continue this during most of my second trimester I will be happy :)

Maternity clothes:  I'm happily wearing maternity clothes because they are so comfy! I can still wear my regular jeans and shorts, but why would I do that when I can wear stretchy pants?!

Stretch marks: No new ones :)

Belly button: My whole belly button situation is not cute after having the girls. Lets just leave it at that.

Sleep: I sleep like a baby! 9 hours+ a night.. I'm enjoying this while I can.

Best moment so far:  Announcing our pregnancy at the end of the girls 1st birthday party! I was 11.5 weeks along and felt comfortable to finally announce our news. Our family was all together so it was the perfect time. Everyone was shocked!

To watch the full reaction.. click HERE: TWINS 1ST BIRTHDAY SURPRISE!

Food cravings: I'm definitely craving more salty foods this pregnancy that with the girls. I just am hungry all the time and could eat.. ok I pretty much do eat, all day long. I want to eat out...Everyday I think about Chipotle several times, Taco Bell, etc but have resisted for the most part.

Food aversions: Barry's sausages that he was making EVERY MORNING for breakfast.. he now eats them at work.

Symptoms:

- Tired, nauseous, and ready for bed by 7pm most nights. 

Movement: Not yet, I thought I felt the baby one time last week but think its too soon.

Gender: Aren't finding out until the birth :)

Labor Signs? Nope

What I'm looking forward to:  Being able to feel the baby move and kick

What I’m nervous about:  Not much.. probably just how I'm going to take care of 18 month old twins and a newborn.

What I miss: A glass of wine in the evenings with my hubby & my flat tummy

Next appointment: Monday, May 23rd.. Nothing exciting. Just my 15 week check up. Next ultrasound will be between 18-20 weeks along for the anatomy scan.

A letter to my girls..9 months in :)

Lily & Maddie,

In many ways it seems like you both have been in my life forever, yet it's only been a short 9 months. Some days fly by while other days I'm counting down the seconds until your Dad walks through the door.

Finding our new "normal" has been a challenge, as any new parent struggles to find. In the midst of play time, reading books, baths, bottles, etc. I am trying to keep the house chores in order, dinner on the table, workouts completed,  groceries bought, meals planned and prepped while finding time for myself, Barry, family, and friends.

The first 2-3 months after you girls were born, we were in survival mode. I couldn't think about anything else but feeding you and caring for you. Food came from amazingly thoughtful friends and family members. I assume your Dad did the laundry because I can't even remember touching a load. Showering happened when I could no longer remember the last time I took one. You were my world and I spent every ounce of me trying to figure out how to do the best job possible.

Around 3 months, we started to gain some traction. I think I started cooking again. I started back at the gym and got into Body Pump which made me feel strong and healthy as my thoughts towards my body changed. I no longer cared about being "skinny". I wanted to be as healthy as I could be so I would be around for many more decades and to be a positive role model for you girls in this aspect.

By 6 months, I felt confident. I was regularly taking you out on adventures to Target, Main Street, or to the grocery store. Each outing became easier and took less time to gather everything we needed to leave the house. We even flew to Florida and then to D.C!

Now it's been 9 months. You both have officially been here longer than I was pregnant with you. Our new "normal" is everything I had hoped it would be and so much more. I still look at each of you in awe that you are mine. I cry happy tears randomly when I hold you and notice you are getting so big. I am so proud when you achieve a new milestone. You literally complete me. I was made to be a mother... YOUR mother. I have wanted this since I was a little girl and now it's my reality. When we weren't sure having kids was going to be a possibility, I can distinctly remember seeing a family walking down the street on a warm summer morning with their toddler, new baby, and dog. They had EVERYTHING I wanted. It seemed so simple to most, but that was my dream.

I'm now living my dream. I am able to stay at home with you girls everyday and not miss one moment with you. Many mothers would love to be in my position and I don't take this for granted. I love your Dad more now than I ever thought possible. Watching him sing to you, play with you, and laugh with you melts me. He works so hard for our family and then comes home and gives us 100% of his attention and time as we feed you, bathe you, and play before its time to go to bed.

I can't believe it's possible that you girls are turning 1 in just 3 short months. The day you were born forever changed me. I look at the world differently. I am trying to be the best mother I can be to you girls so that you are raised knowing how much you are loved. Watching the bond you two have is very special. I am so glad God chose me to be your Mom.

I love you both with all my heart,

Mom

Lily's 6 month update-10/24/15

Dear Liliana,

Six months ago you were ready to take on this world and you haven't stopped since that day! You are trying to crawl (you are going backwards more than forward) and can roll yourself around the room to get into almost anything. I told your Dad that we are going to have to invest in some baby gates and start baby proofing this house soon! Your blue eyes still capture everyone's attention. You have beautiful fair skin and your blond hair is starting to come in. Nearly every morning you are awake before Maddie. We think you are teething as you have been gnawing on everything you can get your mouth on including your hands, high chair tray, and toys. This has caused you (and I) some pain... (and tears) and several doses of "cherry mimi" which you LOVE!

When I was pregnant with you I always thought that you were the more calm child. Every time we would see an ultrasound you would be trying to get as far away from Maddie as you could. The exact opposite is happening now! You can't get enough of your sister. When you see her you squeal with excitement and try and either A. hug her B. kiss her or C. body slam her. I'm working with you to be "gentle" even though you have no idea what that means.

You are quite fascinated with Smokey. Your eyes don't leave his site when he is in the room. He hasn't quite figured out what to do when you crawl over to him and start petting (or licking) him. He wants to be around you too and usually brings his bone into your play area to enjoy while you figure out how to get to him.


We just got back from your first vacation and plane ride to Fort Myers Beach, Florida. You were an absolute rock star--even through the pain of teething! You slept in a pack n' play for the first time, swam in the pool like a fish, and even put your feet into the ocean and sand.

You are quickly going through your clothes and are wearing 6-9 month shirts and pants. You have been in size 2 diapers for several months now and still fit into them comfortable. At night your sister and you are both in size 3 diapers which has helped with the amount of "accidents" we were having.

You are a mommas girl-- which I LOVE! You love to cuddle with me and have even started to say "Momma." Your grin (and mine) goes from ear to ear when you see me in the mornings to get you out of your crib.

We are still trying to figure out who you look like. I think you look like you Grandpa Larry Gardner. You are interested in everything around you and are learning something new everyday. You know what you want (and what you don't want). I thank God everyday that he chose me to be your mom. I love you with all I have and love being able to spend everyday with you.

Love,
Mom

Maddie's 6 month update! 10-24-15

Dear Maddie Rose,

I have a bad habit of always writing about Lily first since she was "Baby A", so I thought I would change it up this month. You are becoming the happiest little baby I have ever met! When you wake up in the morning, I don't hear cries.. instead I hear your soft little voice sweetly "talking" as you look around your room, taking it all in. As soon as your Dad or I come in to get you, your huge smile erupts and melts our heart.

 Your happy personality continues most of the day along with your new learned skill of  blowing raspberries and "talking." You have learned to roll from your belly to your back, but have only done it a handful of times. You have never enjoyed tummy time, but are starting to last longer than before (max of 5 minutes). You are starting to pay more attention to Lily and get excited to see her. When anyone holds you, you place your hand on their face and study them. If they are male and you don't recognize them, your bottom lip comes out and you burst into tears. You just went to Florida for the 1st time at 5 1/2 months old and LOVED it! You swam in the ocean with your Dad, floated in the pool, and were happy wherever we took you.

 

You are still a tiny little thing with little "bird" legs and can still fit into size 3 month clothing, although I have started to put you into more 6 month outfits recently. Your eyes seem to be changing a little bit, but are a beautiful dark blue with almost a hint of brown/hazel. Your laugh is contagious. You have your Dad completely wrapped around your finger. When you see him you flirtatiously move your head to the side, blush, and smile. He eats it up.

Since your hernia went away, you have been eating like a champ. You started solids about a month and a half ago and always make a funny face after the first couple of bites. Once you realize what you are eating you look like a baby bird with your mouth wide open, ready for the next bite.

Your little bottom is still in size 1 diapers- mainly because we have so many and are trying to use them up :) You went from a little cat napper to being able to sleep in your crib for up to 3 hours at a time during the day. I think you are a good mix of your Dad, Poppy, and I. You love people singing to you, jumping in your jumperoo, and playing on your activity mat. Your legs kick continuously when you watch Baby Einstein or when we take you on walks in your stroller.

We love you to pieces and couldn't imagine our family without you in it!

Love,

Mom

 

3 month update- Gardner girls

Dear Lily,

Your big blue eyes catch the attention of everyone that meets you. According to Mom and Dad's scale, you weigh about 11.8 lbs and are growing by the day it seems. You have learned how to smile this month and have even started to coo a little. Your Dad calls you "hammers" for the way you ham it up as you grin from ear to ear. You are still in 0-3 month clothing, but I think you are quickly moving your way out of these and into the 3-6 months shortly. You are getting adorable rolls all over your thighs and arms. You love to "stand" up and can sit up if we are supporting you. You are always worried about your sister and want to be touching her if you are close. You have a laid back personality, but let us know when you need something. You fight naps and don't want to miss a thing. When we put down for the night, you want Dad and I to rock you, sing to you, and rub your head until you finally close your eyes. As much as you fight sleep, once you are down you are out. You have recently starting sleeping 11 hours a night (and we love you for it!). You love watching Baby Einstein movies and kick and wave your arms the whole time. Music is your favorite.  You always turn your head towards the sounds. You love your swing. You stare at the bears bouncing around over your head and turn to the music box until you fall asleep. We love watching you grow into your own person and see your personality emerging.

Love,
Mom

 

Dear Maddie,

You will always be my "little" baby, but this month you started to look and act like a big girl. Your beautiful blue eyes and sweet smile make me melt. You still look a lot like your Poppy with your dark hair and skin. You are getting very long, but still are very petite. According to our scale, you weigh 10.8 pounds... a whole pound less than Lily. You will kill me one day for saying this, but you are my gassy child. I switched up the formula I was mixing into your bottles of breast milk, and you quickly let me know you didn't agree with that choice. After a rough week or so, we got back on track and I got my happy, smiley girl back. We do lots of bicycle kicks and "running" to keep you happy. Also, bouncing is your favorite. If I could sit and bounce you on my lap all day long you would be in heaven. Baths are a blast with you. You kick and splash so hard that the water goes out of your little tub. Your least favorite part is when you have to get out of the bath... and you scream, loudly. You love to snuggle and curl your knees up just like you have since you were born. You are happy when you are moving and will lay and stare at your mobile in your crib for over an hour while your arms and legs squirm around the entire time. I have a feeling you are going to be quite feisty as we have started to see a little attitude appear when you are upset about something. You will look at me at try and scratch your bottle or my arms, whatever you can get your hands on. You are very easy to put down to bed at night, but have lately been wanting to wake up and party well before it's time to get up and eat.  Dad or I will come in and give you your paci and you will go back to sleep for an hour or so. We were getting up at 4am for a middle of the night feed, but have pushed that to 6:30am-7:30am. Am I so glad God chose me to be your Mom and I can't wait to continue to watch you grow. I have a feeling I will be chasing you around the house very soon and for many years to come!

Love,
Mom

 

 

 

Here's a quick rundown of a typical day:

(there are no typical days... but this is the game plan)

 

6am-7am: Wake up and feed both girls
7:30am-8:30am: Play time
8:30am-9:30am/10am: Morning nap time

10am: 2nd feeding of the day
10:45am: Change into clothes for the day/More play time usually in one of the cribs or activity mat
11:30am: Late morning snooze..(sometimes)

1pm: 3rd feeding of the day
1:45pm: Walk around the park
2:45pm: Play time/snooze


4pm: 4th feeding of the day
4:30pm: Play time / Dad comes home! :)

6:30pm: Bath time (every couple of nights)
7pm: 5th feeding of the day
7:30pm-8pm: Bed time 
 

Here's their 3 month pictures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This month the girls celebrated their first July 4th. We spend the afternoon at Hession Farms with family before coming home to watch fireworks and listen to the Rolling Stones concert from our house with a scared Smokey boy.

 

 

 

 Also this month, the girls were baptized! We had a wonderful evening on Saturday, July 11th celebrating with family and friends.

 

 

On Sunday, July 19th, the girls went to their first pool party and even got in for a couple minutes! They loved the warm water.

 

 

 

The Gardner Girls 2 month update

Eight weeks have quickly come and gone since the Friday evening birth of our little girls. I still can't believe God chose me to be their Mom and that I have TWO children! Life is currently amazing, sometimes stressful, and a little bit of craziness that I wouldn't trade for anything else in this world!

Liliana aka Lily aka Lily Bug

9 lbs 12 ounces 22 3/4 inches long

Lily is currently our little wide eyed child. She is full of life and doesn't want to miss a thing.

At 6 weeks old, she moved to size 1 diapers and out of newborn.

 (I may have teared up a bit!)

She also started eating 4 ounces at every feed due to this face...

 

Right at about 7 weeks, she started to wear size 0-3 month outfits and can fit into 3 month Carter outfits.

 

At 8 weeks, I could really notice her holding her head up really well and is starting to try and army crawl her way around...if she could only figure out how to get her arms moving at the same time! 

 

 

She likes looking around, staring at her sister, and burps like a champ. She has big blue eyes and blondish hair, that might have a slight reddish tint to it. She has loves her bath time, walks in the park with sister, and hanging out with her Dad. She recently discovered her love for music and will fall asleep in her swing.

Here's what Lily has been up to this month:

Snuggles with Dad

 

Busting out of her swaddle

Hanging in her new chair

Hanging out with Poppy, cousin Vaida, and her sister

She is going to love showing this picture to Maddie when she's older
 

 

Madelyn aka Maddie aka Maddie Rose

9 lbs 2 ounces 19.5 inches

 

Maddie is our quiet child (until she's hungry!) She is smaller in weight and length than her "older" sister and still acts very much like a newborn, which I'm 100% okay with :)

She looks a lot like her Poppy (my Dad) and loves when he comes over to visit and snuggle.

 

She is going to have dark olive skin, dark hair, and blue eyes.

 

 

She loves laying on her stomach and will lay/sleep on her Boppy for hours.

(supervised- of course!)

 

 

 

Maddie tends to let her sister steal the show. She is curious and will sit and stare while on her activity mat or in her Rock n' Play. Her feet and hands are always moving. She still dislikes diaper changes with a passion but loves bath time.

 Here's what Maddie has been up to this month:

Lounging on the couch

Great Grandpa comes every week.. and we love it!

1st time in her Bumbo chair

Sometimes I cry just so Daddy will hold me... even though I'm fine :)

Sleepy girl



Sister Time





First time in their big girl stroller



Ready for bed with sister

Activity mat time

Our 2 month photo shoot didn't go as planned.
Both girls were super sleepy and not happy campers!



 I may attempt new pictures soon... or just wait til next month :)
Thanks for reading their two month update! If you missed their 1 month update or my 6 week post partum update... check it out!