"Pain in my side"

That is what I have to say about our little girl! I remembered this feeling with Corban- cause how can you forget a constant ache that puts you in an irritable mood all day, every day? But I don't remember it starting as early as it has with this one- about 2 months ago! Poor Jared has to remind himself daily that this pain could be the reason I throw cups of ice on the airplane (and almost hit the people across the aisle- there is more to the story), or throw sandwiches in the car after spilling it down the front of me, or handing him Corban out of frustration, saying "It's your turn to take him." Unfortunately, there is probably so much more to add to the list to give the true side of Amanda during pregnancy. The other day, while conversing with Jared about how he remembers me dealing with the pain when I was pregnant with Corban, Jared asked me, "Does this make you want to have less children?" I don't know if that was out of hope that I would say "Yes". But my real answer is "No".

I really do LOVE being pregnant! From day 1 of finding out of this second little miracle, I have been so grateful for the blessing! I love the stage of questioning if the tests are really right and if so, what the future will bring. I love all of a sudden remembering that we are pregnant and that in 9 months our entire world will change all over again. I love the first doctors (or midwife in this case) appointment when you get another assurance that that "+" was for real. I LOVE the first ultrasound when you get to see that little bean moving around inside MY belly when I still can't feel a thing but morning sickness (which, as most pregnant women can attest to, doesn't only last the morning). I love those first flutters, and you start to realize "That's my baby!" (a little easier to decipher on the second one). I love the anticipation of finding out whether it will be another boy or an entirely different experience with a baby girl. I love the ultrasound when this little one is so much more developed and has much stronger, deliberate movements that make the ultrasound that much more interesting. I love the moment on the ultrasound that you are sure of being about to call this little one "SHE". And then those flutters start turning into pokes which turn into rumbly tummy, which turn into full blown tossing and turning. This baby girl feels like she is getting good practice with rolling over and stretching completely out- I expect her to be pretty advance when she arrives. I love when Jared gets to feel her move and when I can watch my belly changing shape with her every movement. I love (but maybe not so much) people asking when she is due to arrive and they are surprised I have so much time left :) I love preparing for her arrival by buying little girl outfits and putting away Corban's since we don't get to share (unless Jared has something to do with it...he wants to follow his father's example. Thank you Curtis!).

There is so much more I could add to this list, but overall, pregnancy is a gift I feel so overwhelmingly blessed to have experienced not only once, but twice! I don't know what plans our Father in Heaven has for our little family, but I feel I have used up every bit of blessing I could have, and have yet earned in this life. I sure hope I have enjoyed the moments enough!

Baby bump develops (not the best pictures, but you get the idea): January you start to notice there is something there (3 months)

February, people want to start asking (4 months)

March, no hiding her now (5 months/so weeks)

April, at least I can still fit in my normal pants (6 months)

And then Baby Bump grows in Greece:

I swear, after this trip this belly has been bigger than I remember Corban ever getting. I am sure I am just imagining Corban unrealistically. The funny thing is, I seem to be at a lower weight than I was with Corban at this point and there are still some of my regular jeans and shorts that I can fit in (knock on wood). Maternity clothes are a bit more comfortable, though.