Today’s post is sponsored by Poise, but my love for their LBL products is all my own! #RecycleYourPeriodPad

Get your Poise Free Samples here!

I just got home from the hospital a couple of days ago after having my second child. While the recovery has seemed to be a little easier this time around, I have definitely been reminded of the importance of a few things I would not have made it without:

–Pads 
After two pregnancies, LBL is a real thing in my life. Just ask Ryan. He can make me laugh so hard sometimes that I pee. Literally. It’s not something I’m proud of, but it happens. It’s just part of life after babies, I suppose. Did you know 1 in 3 women experience LBL? It’s true. I love the new Poise Thin-Shaped liners because they are light and perfect for women who struggle with light bladder leakage.
-Compression Tanks 
These have been wonderful for postpartum. They really hold everything into place and feel so great. I bought a couple of them from Motherhood Maternity and I am so thankful for them.
-Help
My mom and sister have been amazing help this week. They have helped me do laundry, clean and have really helped with the kiddos. It has been so nice to have the extra hands around here while I am still recovering and it has made life so much easier.
-Easy Snacks
I forgot how breastfeeding makes you feel SO hungry all the time. It has been really nice to have easy snacks that I can just grab and eat while I’m feeding Sophie-Rae.
-Rest
Getting plenty of rest has been easier this time around with all of my mom and sister’s help around here. It has been so nice to be able to really rest so that I can be alert for Hampton and SR!

Get your Free Samples of Poise Thin-Shaped Pads HERE!


What would you add to my list of Postpartum Essentials?

Happy May! I thought today would be a very appropriate day to look back through my weeks of pregnancy. My due date is TOMORROW! So crazy! I loved putting together this post and looking back at my belly growth. While I gained much less during this pregnancy than I did my first, I still gained more than I wanted to. It will all be worth it when I see that sweet little girl. Here is a look back on my pregnancy:

Announcement

14 Weeks
15 Weeks
16 Weeks

17 Weeks
18 Weeks
21 Weeks

22 Weeks
23 Weeks
24 Weeks

25 Weeks

27 Weeks

29 Weeks
30 Weeks
32 Weeks

34 Weeks
35 Weeks

36 Weeks
37 Weeks
38 Weeks

39 Weeks

You might also enjoy reading How to Have a Healthy Pregnancy.

I have had a wonderful pregnancy this time around and I can’t believe it is almost over (any day now)! We can’t wait to meet our sweet angel!

As I’ve been packing for the hospital over the last couple of days, I decided, hey! Why not blog about it? So here is a list of things I have packed in our baby girl’s diaper bag:

Cute Diaper Bag
Wipes
Diapers
Baby’s first aid kit
Onesies
Swaddles
Pacifiers
Paci Wipes
Hand and Face Wipes
Tylenol
Teething gel or tablets
Plastic bag (for dirty clothes or diapers)
Bottles/snacks
Snacks and water bottle for mom especially if you’re nursing.
Teething toy
Taggie Blanket
Thermometer

I ended up buying the Petunia Pickle Bottom Sashay Satchel in Paris Noir and could not be happier with it! I can wear it as a tote or as a backpack which is a huge deal to me! I also love all the pockets and storage it has since I will be putting 2 kid’s things in it this time around.

With H, I learned the hard way to never ever leave without a plastic bag and at least 2 outfits packed. I had a couple of bad accidents with him in the beginning and it was not pleasant.

Speaking of outfits, I absolutely love this TuTu Sweet In Pink Boutique. They have the cutest onesies, and you are in luck because they are giving one away to my lucky readers! Go to TSIPB’s Facebook page and choose the onesie you want from this album! Enter in the rafflecopter below! Good luck!

Ryan laughs at me because I call newborns “new babies.” I’m not sure why, but I always have. I mean, they ARE new. Anyways… when I saw this adorable onesie, I knew I had to have it. First of all, I decided at the beginning of the year that my color was going to be gold. I’ve been loving gold sparkly everything lately. With the phrase and the fast that the letters are all gold and sparkly, I just couldn’t say no to this one. My baby girl had to have it. I have obviously packed it in our hospital bag, because she needs to wear it while she is “new.” 🙂

Be sure to check out TuTu Sweet in Pink Boutique’s Etsy Shop // Facebook // Instagram to keep up with their adorable clothes! Enter their giveaway below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What did you include in your diaper bag? Did I leave anything out?

ONE.
First of all, thank you all so much for your support, encouragement and advice on this post the other day. It was overwhelming and so encouraging and reassuring to read your comments on your experience with having a second child. It definitely made me feel better to write what has been on my heart the last few weeks and to share my fears with you. I never imagined you would all be so supportive. THAT is why I blog. I love you guys!

TWO.
I will be 37 weeks pregnant tomorrow. Full term, y’all! I can’t believe how fast this pregnancy has been. I’m feeling pretty good minus the normal aches and pains that come with the end of pregnancy. I won’t go into detail, but you know… I’m definitely ready to have her now. I’m ready to see what she looks like! I will be sharing more photos of her nursery very soon! I basically used all of Hampton’s nursery furniture and just added in a little pink. 🙂 I am looking very forward to my Doctor appointment next week because we are having an ultrasound to measure baby girl and talk about possibly inducing. While I had a positive experience being induced with Hamp, I haven’t totally decided if I want to be induced again. I’ll keep you all posted as best I can, but for more updates, follow my Instagram!

THREE.
Mother’s Day is coming up in one month from today! Have you thought about what you’re getting your mom? I shared a fun idea for a gift basket for all new mother’s in your life yesterday! Be sure to check it out!

FOUR.
We are taking Hampton to see and ride Thomas the Train tomorrow! I can’t wait!! He will be so excited and I can’t wait to see his little face! Let’s just pray I don’t go into labor while on that train ride. It could happen…

FIVE.
I officially have an Etsy addiction. It’s bad. You will see that more and more in the coming weeks. I have a few exciting giveaways coming up and so definitely check back in! Especially if you or someone you know is having a baby girl!

What is your favorite Etsy shop for a baby girl? What do you have planned this weekend?

I’m going to be very open and honest with you. I am so nervous about having a second child. As I’ve gotten bigger during this pregnancy, life has become a lot harder with Hampton. He doesn’t understand “mommy is hurting right now” or “mommy doesn’t feel good.” All he sees is a big round stomach he can bounce off of. My family is probably sitting here reading this and laughing hysterically because I actually want four children (as long as we are able and it is in God’s plan, of course). So why am I so nervous about baby #2?

 1. First off, SR was a bit of a surprise for us. We had originally planned to wait until around…now to start trying for baby #2 so that Hampton would be 2 years old. HA once again, God said, “Logan, you are not in control, I am.” I am so thankful for this sweet baby girl and I know once she is here, I woould’t have wanted to change a thing, because that’s how God works. His timing is perfect, always. Alas, I am an extreme planner and a little OCD when things don’t go according to plan, so this has been a big learning lesson for me.

2. How will I have time for BOTH of my children? So many people do this. I don’t know why I am even worried about time management with two kids, but I guess it’s because I haven’t done it yet. I know I will figure it out and I’m hoping my mommy instincts will kick in again and I will know exactly how to handle it. I am, after all their mother.

3. I’m scared that Hampton will take it really hard. He is my baby, y’all. He is only 17 months old. He is still very baby-like most of the time. He loves to be held and has been very clingy to me lately. He is always right up under me. I’m scared he will have a hard time adjusting to not being the only “baby” around here.

4. When will I sleep again? We just started sleeping through the night (consistently) about 5 months ago. We have been in a really good routine, and now we are about to start the newborn phase all over again. Back to square one we go! Yikes! And this time? with an 18 month old.

5. I’m terrified of giving birth. My friends and family who know me really well, know that I have extreme anxiety over all things needles. I’ve always hated going to the doctor and let’s just say, giving birth was a little traumatic for me. I did really well, but I was terrified. Now that I know what’s coming, I’m even more nervous about it.

Okay, so now that my mom is laughing and saying “And you want FOUR?” I will reiterate: I know I can do this. I know that God does not give us more than we can handle. I know that His plan is bigger and better than mine and I know that I will laugh at myself later on and think “why did I freak out?” Well, I freaked out over Hampton, too. It was something new that I hadn’t experienced before. This is new and it will be for a while, but I will figure it out and everything will turn out great.

What tips do you have for a mom going from 1 to 2 kids?

This pregnancy I have been determined not to buy maternity clothes. I have actually bought a couple pairs of pants for work/church, but for the most part, I have done really well just working with what I’ve got. Thank goodness leggings and tunics are in style. They have really been my go-to.

I found this open cardigan at The Loft, a.k.a. my obsession over the holidays and bought it with some of my Christmas money. I have worn it every other day since. Not kidding. It feels like a sweatshirt and is so comfortable. It’s also long enough to wear with leggings and actually cover my badonk! Win/win.

So, Hampton has his 8th tooth (and maybe more?) coming in right now. For the last week he has not been himself at all. He has had a fever off and on, runny nose, not sleeping etc. but he has also started pitching fits. I know it’s because he is in pain, but wow, I wasn’t expecting that for a few more months. He will literally throw himself in the floor and start screaming and hitting at me. It has been so tough and very tiring. I have given him Tylenol as he needs it, but that seems to make him even more grumpy. Teething has definitely gotten worse as he has gotten older.

Have any of you experienced this with your young toddlers? Do you have any advice on how to manage his pain and tantrums?

Linking up here and here!

P.S. Don’t forget to vote on our baby girl’s name on my sidebar!

Baby girl is already getting spoiled. Not only did she get a few gifts for Christmas, but she got her first pair of moccasins this week! They are so tiny and adorable! She even got a matching bow. I mean, how could she  not? I came across Mini Moccs and Bows on Instagram (of course) and fell in love with their baby moccs. I am very pleased with the quality and I can’t wait to dress her up in them. They’ve got a few new styles available and even have a pair of leopard moccs! I am in love. Why didn’t anyone warn me that having a girl would break me? 😉


Mini Moccs and Bows is so affordable. I will definitely be ordering from them in the future. Their baby bows and moccs would make a lovely baby gift as well. 

How far along: 24 weeks tomorrow!

Size of baby:1 and 1/3 pound and 12 inches long!

Gender: Our sweet baby Girl! 


Weight Gain: I officially hit the dreaded 10 lb. mark this week. I feel good and have been exercising a good bit and eating healthy, but I have a feeling those pounds are coming. I am 10 lbs. down from where I was with Hamp at this point which I am very thankful for.

Movement: She is moving all the time! She even wakes me up during the night. Ryan has felt her many times this week and he loves it!

How far along: 21 weeks tomorrow!

Size of baby: 10 1/2″ long]about the size of a carrot

Gender: Our sweet baby Girl! We are beyond excited! I can’t wait to buy dresses and bows and take her to ballet class! Eek!

Movement: I’m feeling movement more often and she is definitely getting stronger in there!

I am pretty much the same as last week. No maternity clothes. A little movement here and there. I still haven’t had any cravings and I still have zero intuition as to the baby’s gender. HOWEVER, we are 6 days away from finding out! I’m so excited to know who is growing in there.

This week, I wanted to have a little fun. I’m going to share some Old Wives Tales and see how I’m matching up to them. When I was pregnant with Hampton, most signs pointed to a girl, so I really don’t put a whole lot of stock into them, but just for fun…

Salty or Sweet? Neither Either
Headaches? No. Girl
High or Low Baby Bump? High Girl
Acne? Yes Girl
Heart rate below or above 140? Above Girl
Chinese Birth Chart? Girl
Morning Sickness? Yes Girl
Sleep on the left or right side? Right Girl


Well, all signs point to girl again, but I learned with my last pregnancy that these aren’t exactly good indications. I will say that I did sleep on my left side with Hamp, and I craved sweets all the time. I was also more sick with him. Hmm…

What do you think? Girl or Boy?


Announcement // 14 Weeks // 15 Weeks // 16 Weeks  // 17 Weeks