Way more than halfway there.  Time is flying.  FLYING!

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Here’s what I looked like with Henry at 22 weeks v. what I look like carrying Little One. 

22 weeks second pregnancy

It’s fun for me to read the old Henry recaps so I can compare what I was thinking and doing then to what I’m focusing on now.  At 22 weeks with Henry, I was in serious nesting mode (including registering for baby gear), and this time around – the urge is striking again!  In my circle of friends, it’s not common to have a second shower unless your kids are really far apart, so there’s no registering going on.  Plus – we need very, very few things.  That’s one of the many advantage of not knowing the baby’s sex – lots of neutral gear and gadgets that will work well for whoever comes comes!

 

But I have been sorting through Henry’s old clothes, organizing old baby gear, and generally trying to clean out our closets/wrap up half-completed projects.  I try to do a few projects every week… Hopefully, everything will be done before Little One arrives.

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The *really big* project on the list is doing Henry’s big boy room so he can vacate the nursery.  I need to pull the trigger and JUST DO IT.  Maybe I’ll manage to start and complete it this weekend.  I really want to get Henry settled in his new room/new bed before the baby comes.

 

Time for Random Thoughts (sorry all these updates end up being so random – I just have so many things to say!):

 

Workouts: 

 

Going really well.  I’m on a yoga kick lately and have gone to 3 yoga classes since Sunday.  I also did 30 minutes of cardio at the gym on Monday and went on a long walk on Wednesday.  Henry’s labor made me EXTREMELY grateful that I had been active the previous 40 weeks. I don’t know how I would’ve survived labor if I had not been semi-fit going into it.  So I’m pretty committed to doing the same thing this time around.  I may not be training for a big race right now, but I AM training for a really intense physical experience!

 

Emotions:

 

Good.  I have gotten over my freak outs about how Henry will feel when he goes from an only child to a big brother – I’m more and more convinced that he’s going to love it. 

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I’m really excited to meet this baby.  I’m still glad we are waiting to find out the sex, but I also can’t wait to know!  It’s this big question mark for our future – are we going to be a family of two boys or one of each?  When I talk about the baby, I call him a “he” and think of him like a boy, but every dream I’ve had features a baby girl.  I’ve explained to Henry that he could have a baby sister or baby brother and he always opts for “Baby Sister.”  My gut reaction says boy.  Everyone in our family says girl.  So – who knows?

 

I’ve been looking through some of Henry’s old baby pictures and getting really excited to have a newborn/baby again.  I seriously love the toddler stage (it is by far my favorite), but the baby stage is so special and cute.  Seriously – just look at Baby Henry!  He was a doll.

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Symptoms:

 

I’m up 21 pounds, which is about 5 more than I was with Henry at this point.  None of my underwear fit – I don’t remember that ever happening with Henry, but it must’ve! I feel pretty good on a daily basis, as long as I sleep enough.  I’m feeling baby kicks all the time, and the Husband has gotten to feel a few, too.  There’s been a few moments where I can tell the baby has a foot in my side and IT HURTS – he’s/she’s getting so big!  But overall, I’m in the sweet spot of the second trimester… I know from my last pregnancy that the heartburn, sciatica pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome is coming soon.

 

Birth Thoughts:

 

I have not put a lot of thought into labor and delivery… yet.  Goal is to go drug-free again.  I need to start wrapping my mind around it.  While we did Bradley Method classes last time (here are my pre-birth and post-birth reviews), my plan this time around is to simply re-read Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way.  My hospital also offers a “Childbirth Refresher” class that I may attend.

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Breastfeeding Thoughts:

 

I wrote about this a little more on the HTP Facebook page – there are SO MANY awesome comments back from readers offering advice.

 

And last, but not least…

 

Check out this photo of MomHTP in 1984, when she was pregnant with me!  Weird to think that I was the baby in her belly.

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More Baby Updates:

 

In the Oven {Again} (Announcement Post)

First Trimester Recap

17 weeks

All of Henry’s Weekly Updates and Birth Story

 

Are you pregnant, too? How are you feeling?

{ 50 comments }

 

  • Katie July 31, 2014, 2:53 pm

    Have you talked about moving to a different room with Henry or gotten any “big brother” books? I think prepping him a little before the change may help.

    • Caitlin July 31, 2014, 2:56 pm

      That’s a good idea – it certainly has gotten him excited about school.

      Any suggestions??

      • Amy July 31, 2014, 3:01 pm

        Find one that has things that Henry likes in it. For example, my son’s books talked about (eventually) playing ball with the baby and being patient when the baby touches the trains, etc. He’ll connect more with it then!

      • Abby July 31, 2014, 11:58 pm

        Julis the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes. It’s a great one!

  • Alisha July 31, 2014, 2:57 pm

    I’ve heard that the sibling sometimes knows what the baby will be, so maybe it’ll be a little girl! 🙂

  • Brynn July 31, 2014, 2:58 pm

    Congrats, you are looking great! I love the side-by-side comparisons. I am currently 31 weeks pregnant and feeling great. But I am so anxious for this little one to arrive. We did not find out the sex so I am eager to have the big reveal in a few weeks!!

  • Britt@MyOwnBalance July 31, 2014, 3:04 pm

    Yay! So exciting. I’m 25 weeks today. The baby is kicking me all.the.time. I like to think he is trying to tell me something (its a boy!). He especially likes to kick me at night when I’m sleeping. I feel like he is saying “Hey, get up! I want you rock me to sleep some more!”

  • Krista July 31, 2014, 3:05 pm

    I am very newly pregnant & awaiting the first ultrasound to hear the heartbeat. I’m hoping some of this first trimester nervousness will wear off after that! So far, I’m feeling pretty good, not too many discomforts to complain about.

    • Caitlin July 31, 2014, 3:49 pm

      It will 🙂 good luck and congrats!

  • Julie July 31, 2014, 3:16 pm

    I’m 22/23 weeks and look more like you now rather than you with Henry. Not knowing what we’re having is making registering kind of difficult, actually. No matter how “neutral” things seem, they seem to favor blue hues. No problem with me, though, I’m a girl, and I like blue!

    • Caitlin July 31, 2014, 3:48 pm

      Carters has some really nice neutral stuff. It’s usually green or yellow LOL

  • Regina July 31, 2014, 3:25 pm

    With my second babe none of my undies fit either! And my paneled maternity pants started to get really tight, neither of which happened with baby #1. I remember not giving much thought into labor and delivery the second time around, other then feeling like I got off too easy with only 3 pushes the first time around and being terrified I’d pay for it the second time around until I was admitted and walked into the delivery room. It all rushed back and I seriously started to freak out. I forgot they didn’t just magically fall out painlessly 😉 (no, number 2 took his sweet time…all 22 hours of it)

  • Katie July 31, 2014, 3:49 pm

    In response to your Facebook post about breastfeeding:

    You may not have the same issues this time around with flat nipples. For me, and for others I’ve spoken with, the second time around was easier because your nipples stay “out” from nursing/pumping the first time around. I didn’t have to use a shield this time! I remember you mentioned overactive letdown too, and you could let the first sprays of milk into a burp cloth and then latch the baby on to avoid the rush into his mouth.

    As for are you making enough milk, trust your body and your baby’s dirty diapers and weight gain! You made plenty the first time and with each pregnancy your breasts gain more milk-making tissue/ducts so you’ll be even better off. I had supply issues with my first that I resolved with hard work and thankfully no issues this time around. Obviously this isn’t the case for everyone but I think you had a great supply while pumping so I don’t think this is an issue for you.

    Ask for help with Henry! If he’s occupied or out with someone else for a few hours a day/every few days that gives you time to rest when the baby sleeps and really work to establish breastfeeding.

    And finally, remember that it is hard! It might hurt and that will go away as your nipples get used to it. If the pain doesn’t go away, continue to push the issue with an IBCLC and your pediatrician. Good luck!

  • Janelle July 31, 2014, 3:51 pm

    You are adorable. I love reading updates – even if they are “random.”

  • Catherine July 31, 2014, 3:52 pm

    I am 16 weeks in to my second pregnancy and none of my underwear fit either-ha! That did not happen to me in my first pregnancy so I’m glad to hear I’m not alone!

  • Sarah July 31, 2014, 3:53 pm

    I’m pregnant- due date is this Sunday :-).
    I grew out of my underwear, too, and ending up buying near-granny panties. I like the fabric and color, but they are less than sexy (and so necessary!

    I’ve stopped formal workouts due to all the cramping I’vebeen having, but I I’m already dreaming about getting back to it- yoga, barre,and hiking are on my list

    My idea of getto things done is also changing. One of the things I’m happy about accomplishing today is gettinganap. Ha! I will admit that some days (like today) I sleep with Nolan in his big boy bed. He sleeps longer, meaning I get more rest. Maybe that could work for you, too?!

  • Laura @ She Eats Well July 31, 2014, 3:59 pm

    Not pregnant, but I love these updates! I find them very inspiring. Especially because I know when I do get pregnant, working out will be so helpful to keeping me feeling good. You look great!

  • Lindsay July 31, 2014, 4:00 pm

    I’m 34 weeks with my second. My son is 3. I’m having a girl this time around. My pregnancies have been so different. I am so tired!!! I never had any aches and pains or yucky stuff the first time. Now, I’ve developed sciatic pain in my thigh, back pain, reflux, feeling really hungry and then getting full really quick, and feeling like I can’t breathe well because this baby is so high and large! Pregnancy aint for wusses! 🙂

  • Brynn July 31, 2014, 4:25 pm

    I’m also pregnant with my second…and we did not find out the sex with our first. We wanted a different experience this time so we did find out at 21 weeks. And I was shocked (SHOCKED) to find out that I was having another boy. Like you, my “gut” said one thing but my dreams said another. I was just sure that I was having a girl, but in every dream, the baby was a boy. Just had to share because I found it so interesting.

  • Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries July 31, 2014, 4:27 pm

    You look so great! I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling awesome too. 🙂 So fun to compare both pregnancies I’m sure!

    Curious (as I’m currently trying to figure out our own timeline of kids/life/etc.): Have you thought about potty training Henry and when/how you are going to do it? Wondering what your thoughts are regarding that paired with a newborn and whether you may try to do it before The Little One comes along or wait until after?

    • Caitlin July 31, 2014, 6:27 pm

      He sits in the potty and stuff now but I’m not going to train him until he seems more into it. Probably not for a few more months. I’m in zero rush!

  • Andrea July 31, 2014, 4:34 pm

    Nine weeks with #2 and totally nauseous. But, miraculously at around 6pm, I start to feel almost normal – that didn’t happen with my daughter. So ready for the first tri to be over as it’s definitely the worst part of pregnancy! I miss cooking and working out!

  • Amelia @i_heart_kale July 31, 2014, 4:53 pm

    I enjoy the comparisons between your two pregnancies and I just actually went through and read Henry’s birth story. I hope I can tough it out just as you did. We are doing the Bradley method too.
    I am 22 1/2 weeks pregnant with baby #1 and it too is a surprise gender! I am enjoying registering and not having to worry about picking a certain color or themes. Everything is pretty neutral around here. Grey, cream, yellow, white. Feeling good for the most part, keeping up with all of my pre-pregnancy workouts/classes but having to modify some moves and lift a bit lighter in body pump. I have to remember that there is already extra weight on me. 🙂
    Btw, I’ve been enjoying your ‘eats’ and recipe posts lately. They give me new ideas and have been reminding me of things I forget to eat. I’m also ensuring that I get at least 2 eggs in per day!

  • Mrs SPB July 31, 2014, 4:53 pm

    Due 1 month today! So excited and sooooo tired and feel enormous! Don’t know what we’re having and can’t wait to find out on the day. My son is 20mths and is excited when we talk about – we got him the Rachel Fuller books ‘my new baby’ and ‘waiting for baby’ which he loves. We like them too as they don’t specify whether baby is a boy or girl and show pregnant mummy napping which my son really relates to ATM 🙂 You’re looking great and I’m sure H will be an amazing big bro xxx

  • Sara @ LovingOnTheRun July 31, 2014, 4:55 pm

    Can’t wait to see what baby ends up being! Either way I am sure Henry will love having a little sister of a little brother!

  • Noelle Mullins Design July 31, 2014, 5:24 pm

    I’m so excited for you! Having a second baby is so so exciting. Henry will love his little baby sibling.

  • Stephanie C July 31, 2014, 5:50 pm

    I’m 14 weeks pregnant and still tired all the time but not nearly as bad as the first tri. What is not going away is this constant nausea/heartburn. Other than that I’m finally starting to get a little bump (this is my first) though I’m convinced strangers probably think I have a beer belly 😉 we found out this week we are having a boy! I have not been able to exercise much besides a walk around our neighborhood because I get winded too easily. I really wanted to be able to continue exercising and add in yoga but I feel so out of shape at this point.

  • Tricia July 31, 2014, 7:25 pm

    You look so cute! I refer to the baby as “he” too but I think it’s because I have a son and I only know saying “he” at this point. I am feeling pretty good, but we had our first ultrasound and it set our due date back by 2.5 weeks. WEEKS! Crazy. So, I feel like I’m in a bit of a time warp. I have also started getting the lovely pregnancy gas pains where you think you’re dying. So awesome. So, so awesome.

  • Bonnie July 31, 2014, 7:50 pm

    Want a weirder thought? When you were the baby in her belly, she also grew all of your eggs (as in you were born with them), so technically she grew that egg that became Henry! And if Little One is a girl, she grew that as well, and you’re growing your future grandchildren. Ah, life…

    Hope you enjoyed my nerdy fact for the day 🙂

    • Caitlin July 31, 2014, 8:29 pm

      Mind Blown.

  • Lekki Wood July 31, 2014, 7:54 pm

    I love the Little One updates! I just read this awesome post on bringing home a second baby, and found it very reassuring. I thought I would share:

    http://www.pregnantchicken.com/pregnant-chicken-blog/dos-and-donts-of-bringing-home-baby-20

  • Britt July 31, 2014, 10:02 pm

    Wow the positive breastfeeding baby #2, comments in the facebook page was really helpful to me crossing.my fingers for you that it’s easier this time around the mystery of the baby sex is soo hard.!

  • Carly @ Fine Fit Day July 31, 2014, 11:43 pm

    You look great! And I’m sure Henry will be an awesome big brother – it will be so exciting for him as well! We didn’t find out the sex with our baby either and it was so fun. And YES, we had so much neutral stuff. As soon as baby’s born all the pink or blue stuff gets given to you anyway (who can resist buying baby clothes??).

  • Lauren August 1, 2014, 12:03 am

    I am almost 18 weeks with our second kiddo. We have a 2-year-old daughter. We should be finding out the gender of this one at the end of next week! We are just planning on 2 and I want to know so bad (like you) if we will have 2 girls or a girl and a boy. Feeling great so far! Love seeing the updates!

  • Tiffany August 1, 2014, 6:12 am

    Breast feeding can be different the second time around! I had a horrible experience with my first. Her tongue tie led to extensive damage, plus oversupply caused some issues. Long story short I ended up in the hospital, lasted 11 painful weeks then switched to formula. My 2nd is now 8 weeks and breast feeding is going so smoothly! We’re totally in a groove, something I never experienced with my first. Just try to learn from your first experience and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. I was devastated that I didn’t exclusive breast feed my first, and I’m actually still trying to let go of guilt about it. So this time I told myself I would give it six weeks and if it didn’t go well we’d switch to formula – no guilt about it! I refused to be sick and depressed over it this time, and it’s going so well! Good luck and congrats to you and your family!

  • Jade August 1, 2014, 10:26 am

    We are prego with #2 (34 weeks along today! wow) and I’ve been so exhausted this entire pregnancy plus right now kiddo #1 got a cold from day care that got passed around the house and so I am feeling awful. That being said, we have a boy for #1 and this one is a girl. I had strong feelings right from the start that it was a boy as that was what I was used to, but before we had our 20 week ultrasound I had a dream that the little boy I was carrying some how my body absorbed his penis and he was now a girl. I still don’t believe it persay – except how I am carrying this belly is completely different from #1 – which I’d say you probably have a girl in yours too but we will see when they come out!

  • Catlady August 1, 2014, 10:38 am

    Glad things are going well and that you are feeling a bit better! Also, great picture of your mom!

  • Angela August 1, 2014, 11:33 am

    Such a cute bump!
    Put me down for guessing you are having a girl! I know you mentioned extreme fatigue this time around compared to last. We’re having a girl and my first trimester was brutal…could barely get off the couch some days! It was like someone hit me with a brick wall all day long. I’ve never had fatigue or nausea like that. My sister had two boys and never had nausea or major fatigue to speak of and my other sister said her fatigue was waaaay worse with her girl than the boy. Obviously this isn’t a scientific means of prediction (hahah), but it sure is fun to speculate about old wives tales. 😉 Major kudos for you being able to wait twice…I’m not good with surprises and prefer to know if I can. Maybe next time we’ll wait…

  • Nicole August 1, 2014, 1:29 pm

    I am almost 27 weeks! I really love being pregnant and cannot wait to meet my daughter. This is my first. I’ve been staying active with CrossFit, yoga, walking, swimming etc., however, with working 12 hour shifts as an RN in the ICU, my pelvis hurts. Also, I’ve been sitting to study a lot for my FNP boards, so i am all jacked up. I’ve been going to the chiro to get my body ready for birth and i went in today. I feel definitely more open as my sacrum kept sort of locking up. Hoping it doesn’t get worse!!

  • Lori August 1, 2014, 2:40 pm

    You are so beautiful!! You look so happy too! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

  • Rachel W August 1, 2014, 3:06 pm

    Im your pregnancy twin– due the same day. This is #3 for me and my pregnancy sounds so much like yours. The first two were boys and my weight gain was moderate… around 25lbs for the whole shebang… then this time at 22 weeks, I’m up 18lbs and having a girl… so my guess for you is a girl. : )

    Oh and I’ve run through all my pregnancies to the end, and intend to this time too… I like the idea of just moving some each day though!

  • Emily G August 1, 2014, 4:25 pm

    I am almost 33 weeks and I am feeling very…ready 🙂 This is my first and I think the third trimester has made the ups seem so much better but the lows are so much harder…I am trying my best to treasure every moment knowing I will miss this someday but I am also so ready for the next few weeks to fly by so I can meet my little one…and find out if we have a boy or a girl!

  • Juliet August 1, 2014, 8:16 pm

    I’m 15 weeks pregnant and we are also waiting to find the gender (we found out with my son) . It’s exhausting being preg with a toddler!

    You look wonderful!! Are you definitely finished having kids after this one or seeing how things go? We are deciding between 2 and 3 so I’m trying to cherish this pregnancy bc it may be my last

    • Caitlin August 1, 2014, 9:55 pm

      Yeah I think we are done. I mean, never say never but I think 2 is a good number for us.

  • Jos August 3, 2014, 10:22 am

    So fun to read your posts! I’m pregnant too, exactly 22 weeks with my first baby, so I love being able to check in on how you’re doing too.

    Congrats!

  • Amber August 3, 2014, 12:15 pm

    I just wanted to comment on the breastfeeding topic. I think the oversupply you experienced with Henry may just resolve on it’s own after 6-10 weeks when your body and baby become more efficient. And not introducing pumping until 6 weeks might help. I also thought I had flat nips in the hospital but then I talked with a different/better lactation consultant who showed me some helpful tips.

    I hope it goes well for you this time!!! Breastfeeding is so damn hard in the beginning but once you make it past a certain point it’s so awesome!

  • Raquel August 3, 2014, 6:57 pm

    I’m 33 weeks and also found that none of my undies fit by 2nd tri! I really don’t remember that at all with pregnancy #1. I am also freaking out more and more about how my almost 3 year old son is going to be a big brother! I am really trying to enjoy my last few weeks with just him before his brother comes along even thought I’m feeling super uncomfortable lately. It’s been a much different pregnancy this time around!

    • Sandy August 4, 2014, 10:03 pm

      You look amazing, and also you look just like your mom!

  • Heather B August 21, 2014, 11:05 pm

    I’d like to make a recommendation. Even with a second child, I think it’s fun to take time to savor the pregnancy and stages along the way, which you obviously to, too. I just came across this awesome new book called “The Wonder Within You” by Carey Wickersham. It’s an awesome combination of week-to-week pregnancy information, what’s going on with the baby, “Did you know?” plus health advice about what to eat, cravings, nutrition, etc, BUT also with awesome 3D/4D pictures and videos you can link or QR with your phone to and see what your baby looks like at each week stage. Even better than the typical week-to-week books, and so personal! It’s got mom stories and even a journal/note section to write your personal memories and letters to your baby. The pregnancy information is as up-to-date as it gets and it’s such a great keepsake. I want to get one for everybody I know who is expecting! Check it out…TheWonderWithinYou.com.

    • Caitlin August 22, 2014, 10:06 am

      Thanks!!

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