I thought it about time that I update this blog (and you, my friends!) on baby #2.

I am officially out of the first trimester, which always gives me a huge sense of relief for many reasons. For one, most of the troublesome pregnancy symptoms have disappeared and I have some of my energy back. I have to tell you friends, it was rough there for awhile. Thank goodness Micah is such a great napper - because I needed them as much as he did! Yes, I napped twice a day.

Also, completing the first trimester is a huge accomplishment as far as knowing the baby is developing and the odds of a miscarriage go way down. I feel more comfortable documenting details on the blog now that the risky stage has passed.

I really didn't want to be the mom who wrote down every detail of her first born and then slacked on the rest of her children. Although, I totally understand and sense the struggle. It's hard to completely focus on my growing bump as much as I did with Micah, because I'm busy chasing him around the house! But that hasn't lessened my excitement any. I am super pumped for this next child to join our family and I think about what he or she will be like all the time. I want to continue to share my somewhat sporadic, weekly updates on this pregnancy just as I did the first time around with Micah. :)

So, as much as I've grown to become more uncomfortable with "selfies," the bump pics are making a comeback. For now.

>>> Click here to read about my pregnancy with Micah around this time.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 14 Weeks, 3 days Size of baby: Baby #2 is the size of a lemon. Growing! Total Weight Gain/Loss: + 2lbs. Can I talk about this for a minute? I know it's a touchy subject with women. But I feel like I need to share to maybe encourage others. I'm definitely keeping a closer eye on weight gain this time around. I stopped documenting weight last time with Micah, because it just got unreal. I ended up gaining 50lbs with him! I exercised, ate healthy and rarely drank anything but water! But the weight still piled on.  Most of my pregnancy was spent in the middle of summer, so the doctor mentioned it could have been a lot of water weight and swelling. Plus I was small to begin with. I was blessed to lose it all within a few months after giving birth, but I spent a lot of time sweating in the gym. This is not something I want to repeat. So any advice on how to keep weight down would be great! Maternity Clothes: I busted out the maternity clothes early this time, mostly because I knew how comfortable they were! But I'm still able to fit into my regular jeans using the hair-tie method or a belly band. :) Gender: We find out in TWO weeks!! Movement: There have been a few times that I think I may have felt something - but it's still too early to know for sure. :) Sleep: Sleep is going good so far. I know what's to come, so I'm enjoying it while I can! Cravings:Not much yet. I had a huge craving for lemons with Micah and I still want them in my water. But it's not anything unreal yet. I do know that I can NOT eat red sauce, specifically spaghetti, this pregnancy. I have had bad experiences both times I chose to eat it. Which is sad, because I love spaghetti! Symptoms: I am feeling exceptionally well (besides the heartburn issues with red sauce). Best Moment this week: Hearing the baby's heartbeat at the doctor's earlier today! It was 148bpm - which is exactly where Micah's was most of the time. :)