Megan Leah Brown

February 11, 2011 3:03 am

7 lbs, 11 oz.

19 inches

Out of his fullness we have all received grace upon grace.
John 1:16

38 weeks!

I can't believe I have less than 14 days before I meet this little one (actually if I want, they'll induce me next Sunday if I'm not in labor by then so really it'll be less than a week!). Based on the amount of contractions and preterm labor symptoms I've had thus far, I was POSITIVE this was going to be a January baby. But clearly this baby takes after Jake and I.... stubborn ;)

Anyway, for comparison sake, here's the belly a month ago and today:


Um yeah, I feel as huge as I look.

How far along: 38 weeks

Sleeping: It's difficult to sleep anymore, but I'm trying to enjoy as much sleep as I can get because I know it's short lived ;)

Total weight gain: 30ish lbs (I have lost 2 lbs in the past 2 week though!)

Movement: This is the movin-est, active baby I've ever had. It's constant and now that there's so little room left, you can actually see limbs poking out. Crazy.

Food craving: Nothing really; nothing sounds good anymore.

What I miss: To be honest, I'm ready to have my body back. I'm done feeling exhausted and sore all the time.

What I look forward too: Cuddling with our new baby.

Milestones: At my last OB appointment on Wednesday, I was 4 cm's dilated, 70% effaced and baby was"engaged". I'm not quite sure what s/he is waiting for, but clearly labor's on the horizon!

How I'm feeling: As excited as I am to have baby here, I'm worried about labor. I know there's a window of opportunity for getting the epidural, and that ends at 7 cm's. Seeing as how I'm at 4 cm's already, I'm scared to death that I won't make it to the hospital in time to have the epidural before I reach 7 cm's. I distinctly remember the excruciating pain I felt while waiting for the epidural with Lauren and I never, ever want to experience that again. So, say a prayer for a healthy baby... and for an epidural, would ya? ;)

Hangin' in there

Nothing much to report, hence the lack of updates. I've been EXHAUSTED the past few days, (more than usual) and combined with the frequent contractions, I don't have much energy lately. So I'm taking it easy and relying on the Hubster and my mom for help with the little people.

But I promise, if I go into labor, I'll be sure to update on here or Facebook to let you all know :)

34 weeks!

First off, here's the 30 week belly pic. Um, wow... look at me now!


How far along: 34 weeks

Sleeping: Sleeping sucks. I pee like 4-5 times a night now, and I'm getting very little sleep because of that AND it's hard to get comfy with a huge 'ole belly in the way.

Total weight gain: 23ish lbs

Movement: No more kicks and punches, only rolling movements. Baby is running out of room! Oh, and baby is still head down :)

Food craving: Breadsticks and marinara.

What I miss: not being uncomfortable 24/7. Baby is pretty low, and everything hurts nowadays.

What I look forward to: Finding out if I'll have another baby boy or baby girl :)

Milestones: We spent all night in Labor and Delivery a few nights ago with frequent, timeable contractions. I also found out I'm dilating. We're 2 weeks away from baby being full term, so they put me on meds to stop preterm labor. However, I was told that I'll be discontinuing the meds at 36 weeks and they'll let me go into labor at any time. So, we could quite possibly have a baby in less than 2 weeks. Eek!

How am I feeling: A little apprehensive. This pregnancy has flown by and I can't believe he/she will be here soon. I'm trying to get as much rest and sleep as possible now because I know it'll be short lived :)

Baby Brownie!

Baby was very cooperative yesterday at our 3D ultrasound and gave us over 140 pictures! Here are some of our faves:

Two things are clear to me now:

1) This baby looks exactly like Lauren did when she was a newborn :) I was thinking boy, but now I'm thinking girl!

2) Baby is certainly getting enough to eat. Did you see those cheeks?!?

30 weeks!

So here's the 14 week belly picture, 19 week belly picture, and 24 week belly picture for reference. Eek!

Anyway, I enlisted one of my little helpers this morning. For only being 3 1/2 years old, she's not too shabby :)


How far along: 30 weeks

Sleeping: Sleeping is awful now. It takes like a 5 point turn to change positions. So I'm either up trying to move my large belly to the other side, or peeing every 30 minutes.

Total weight gain: 20 lbs. Not wonderful, but a far cry from the 60+(!!!) I gained with Lauren.

Movement: Baby has been all over the last two months, but the past couple days I think he or she is starting to run out of somersault room. Also, I'm being kicked in the ribs constantly, so I think it's safe to say baby isn't breech :)

Food craving: Still chicken. I can't get enough protein these days.

What I miss: Not huffing and puffing. I'm starting to get winded a lot now.

What I look forward too: Finishing up the nursery. We're close!

Milestones: In the final trimester now! Also, both boy and girl names have been chosen, after a lot of discussion :)

How am I feeling: With only 7-10 weeks left, I'm excited! I know it'll be challenging at first, but really, is there anything more amazing than a newborn baby?!? :)

Double digits!

Um yeah. We're down to 99 days (roughly) until baby Brownie arrives It's hard to believe that so much time has passed so quickly, or that we only have (roughly) three months left before his/her arrival. Lots of things are happening in that time frame so time will certainly fly. The holiday months usually do...

Oh my gosh, this is happening so fast!

24 weeks!

Okay, so here's the 14 week belly picture and the 19 week belly picture for reference. But ACK! I'm 6 months already... where has the time gone?!?

I had the bright idea of enlisting my three year old in picture-taking this time. This was the first shot:


Um, yeah. And while not perfect, this is what she took the second time :)


How far along: 24 weeks

Sleeping: Sleeping sucks now. Having alot of round ligament pain and baby is sitting on my tailbone. OUCH!

Total weight gain: Not sure, I turn my head when the scale appears at the Dr.'s office :)

Movement: Baby is all over the place these days, esp. at night. Justin can feel him/her and even see my belly move now.

Food craving: Burritos and El Pollo Loco chicken.... an improvement from Chili cheese fries I suppose.

What I miss: Not feeling tired all the time. The exhaustion is setting in.

What I look forward too: the big ultrasound in two weeks. Still not finding out the sex, but it'll be nice to see the baby :)

Milestones: We've chosen a boy name and we're very close to choosing a girls!

How am I feeling: Like I finally have that "I'm done" feeling. I didn't feel like this after Jake was born, but I am really content with the knowledge that this will be our last baby. I truly feel like our family is complete, which brings me joy. Plus, my body is taking this pregnancy much, much harder than the other two. Three babies in 4 years takes it's toll, but it'll be worth having those close sibling relationships :)

Brownie #3

I just wanted to record that I finally felt the baby move this morning! And it wasn't just once, but several times. The funny thing is, I never felt flutters or teensy movements or anything like that. I guess that's what happens when you're stomach muscles are shot.

But this morning, I felt real kicks... the kind you could feel on the outside. And even Justin felt it :)

Exciting!

19 weeks

Seeing as how Jacob was 3 weeks early, I'm more than likely at the half-way mark (I know, crazy right?!?)

Anyway, to appease my friend Lindsay, here is the newest belly picture :)


The next milestone is the big ultrasound at 24 weeks, where we could find out if we're having a girl or a boy. But don't get your hopes up... I like making you all wait in suspense :)

Brownie #3 pregnancy update

How far along: 18 weeks

Sleeping: Waking up multiple times a night to pee but thankfully I can fall back to sleep.

Total weight gain: 5 lbs

Movement: Nothing yet. According to my midwife, you won't be able to feel third, fourth, fifth, etc, babies until much later because your abdominal muscles are stretched out. She said you show much earlier, but feel movement much later. Fabulous.

Food craving: Chili cheese fries and bread sticks. It's a wonder I've only gained 5 lbs. thus far!

What I miss: Not having to barf when I move suddenly :( I STILL have "morning" sickness, and it's not pleasant.

What I look forward too: The big ultrasound at 24 weeks. We won't be finding out the baby's sex, but it'll be nice to see her... I mean, him or her :)

Milestones: Second trimester baby!

How am I feeling: Today was a rough day. I haven't had a rough day in a while, so it took me by surprise. ALL day long the kids have been bickering and fighting and it's exhausting. So today, the thought of adding another Brownie scares the crap outta me, but most days I'm excited! AM I crazy or what?!? :)

14 weeks

My pal Lindsay has been asking for a belly picture for weeks now, so I caved and took one today.


Clearly not one of my best photos, but you can see the belly is growin'!

There Linds, you happy now?!?! :)

First Pregnancy craving...

I'm not really a seafood eater. It doesn't necessarily bother me, but I definitely prefer other things (hello Olive Garden!).

But last night all I could think about was crab cakes. CRAB CAKES! I've had them maybe once before a looooong time ago, and they weren't even that good. But I HAD to have them last night. At 10 pm. Poor Hubster called Red Lobster and placed an order and by 10:30, they were all mine ;)

Last night I loved them... this morning, notsomuch. The mere thought of eating those things sent me running to the bathroom.

Weird, weird hormones...

Still alive

Don't worry, I haven't died, although there are some days when that's all I've wanted to do :(

This nausea and puking is getting really old. Add to that taking care of a family and I'm left feeling overwhelmed. So yeah, this blog is last on my list for now. Sorry family and friends...

Just pray for me, k?

I love my friends

"Morning sickness" sounds almost quaint, more of an annoyance than a real malady, like a hang nail or a splinter or a touch of a cold. Well, I call it morning misery and even that's putting it nicely because it certainly doesn't end when noon rolls around...

Yesterday I threw a pity party for myself, complete with whining, tears and barfing. Between the crazy hormones, the debilitating nausea and the extreme exhaustion, I was a mess yesterday. So much so, that my girlfriend Mandy came over in the morning to keep me company (and to prevent me from curling up in a ball and dying). It was that bad.

So she comes over with a couple Sprite's, some Saltines, and a good shoulder to lean on. When I was done whining and crying, we talked and laughed. It was the best medicine I've received in a long time :)

And then last night, a knock on the door. There stood Mandy with a bag of pregnancy "goodies".


An entire box of Saltines, Gatorade (to prevent me from getting dehydrated), Sierra Mist's, peppermint candies, peppermint tea bags, sugar-free candies, ginger crystals, and Sea Bands.

I almost cried. Actually, I think I did. I am just so thankful and blessed to have a few really good girlfriends. And they each offer help in their own way; some by daily phone calls to make sure I'm still alive and kicking, some by offering to watch my kiddos so I can get a much needed break, and some by bringing goodies to help me muddle through the misery.

Thank you friends. I love you all.

“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.”

Morning sickness SUCKS!!!

That's all I got today :(

Guess what?!?

One Brownie is good, two Brownies are better and three Brownies?


Perfection :)

Prego pics

This is getting ridiculous. I am officially 32 weeks pregnant, 5 weeks until full term and 8 until the estimated due date, and I am as big as a house. Wait, more like a apartment building....I am as big as an apartment building. Blah.


The thing is, I have so many cute clothes hanging up in my closet that either have been worn once or still have the tags on them. After I had Miss Princess Pickadilly, I went on a serious quest to be less of a lard butt so I joined JC and lost a bunch of weight. After the weight loss, I splurged and bought a ton of new clothes but before I had a chance to wear most of them, wham! Baby boy Brownie was conceived and my goal of being a skinny-mini by summer was squashed. Therefore, all of my Size 2 clothes (hahaha!) clothes lay dormant in the closet, calling out my name whenever I enter. I mean, I try to ignore their plea's while I put on my ever-so-lovely MooMoo's but it's hard :)

Sure, being pregnant is wonderful in that you're growing another human being but it also bites... there is nothing attractive about draping yourself in neon colored, tight fitting tops and uncomfortable, hideous elastic-wasted fabric. I mean, c'mon...the beautiful chic pregnant women you see modeling maternity clothing don't fool me. The sole purpose of the outfits they're modeling is to conceal the rather large beachball sized "bump" under your shirt.

Sorry, I got off on a tangent.... Anyways, here is yours truly 8 months pregnant. And no, I'm not having twins :)

So that's what it feels like!

I've been moaning and groaning about how uncomfortable I'm getting lately. I mean, carrying around an extra 30+ lbs of weight plus chasing after an active 1 year old is really starting to wear on me. And because I can't really do anything about these circumstances, I've resorted to complaining...and poor Justin gets to hear it most. Now don't get me wrong...I know he thinks he understands how tiring it is, but he really has no clue because he has never been in my shoes before....

Anyways, this weekend we watched one of Lauren's Mommy and Me pals, 7 month old Cameron. Everything went fine, although poor Mr. Cameron is teething and this normally easygoing guy wasn't so easy going this time. Anyways, I'm fixing him a bottle in the kitchen when out walks the Hubster, looking like this:


Yeah, he's a super dad all right! Cameron thought the Bjorn idea was fabulous and was quite content being carried around the house. And Lauren, being the Princess that is, decided that this little guy shouldn't get all of her daddy's attention so he needed to figure out a way to carry her too!

After about 5 minutes of carrying the two tots around, the Hubster asks how much Cameron weighs. I tell him about 15 lbs or so...And then he says, "What about Diddle? How much does she weigh?" I tell him 20 lbs. So he gets quiet for a moment and says "D@mn, no wonder you're tired alot! I'm carrying 35 lbs and I'm exhausted!". Aha!!! Finally, he gets it! After toting the pint sized Princess around all day, plus carrying Baby Boy Brownie, you really start to feel the soreness and exhaustion setting in!!

Alright, Miss Piddle Diddle just woke up from a nap so it's time to cut this short but here's a couple pics of yours truly...7 months prego and waddling like a duck :)

Mish mash of stuff

Uh huh, that's what happens when you set Miss Clingy Britches down for a nanosecond to go to the bathroom....can you say "meltdown"?!? Hehehe...

Actually, although you can't tell from the pictures above, Miss Piddle Pot woke up the past 2 mornings pretty chipper and happy. Her voice sounds much better, and her nose is returning to that cute little button it once was...no more redness, running or sneezing! Yay! This morning she gobbled down some toast and a few strawberries like a champ, demanding to be fed more once she had finished...yeah, she's never been one to resist food!

We're still taking it easy though...lounging around the house and quietly playing with some new Birthday toys. Lauren still insists that she be held 24/7, which is getting really challenging with this third trimester exhaustion and protruding belly. And when I must set her down (hello exploding bladder!), she acts as if her world has come to an end! So, momma got smart and brought out the swing. Sure, she's over the weight limit and far too old to be as content as she is in it, but she likes it and I'm not messin' with a good thing! Now when the never-ending bathroom break calls, I just plop her in there for a minute and she's happy as a clam (with a bear of course!)


As for me, well, I'm doing great now! I was still feeling pretty crappy up until 2 days ago and knowing I've felt this way, my mom stopped by with goodies in hand! Miss Princess girl got lots of fresh fruits and I got these:


Have I ever mentioned I love Daffodils? Thanks mom :)

I still have a bit of a cough but it's really nothing to complain about. Little Baby Brownie is a kicking machine recently, so I haven't had much opportunity to complain about my cough...heck, I'm in the midst of being pummeled by our future soccer star :) Which reminds me...

Because Miss Busy Body has been so sick recently, she's discovered how nice it is to be cuddled and snuggled....a far cry from the child who can't sit still long enough to take a swig from her sippy cup! Anyways, I happily oblige and cuddle her as much as she'll allow because I know the day is approaching when she wants little to do with mommy's snuggling. So I'm rocking her to sleep this morning for her nap, kissing her sweet little forehead and singing lullabye's. I would caress her little cheeks and then gently sweep her bangs out of her eyes. I was totally enjoying this moment with her and mentally tucked the memory away for future use :) And as she lay there soaking it up and drifting off to sleep, WHAM! Baby Brownie kicks super hard and actually startled Lauren!! Sure enough, a party had begun in my belly and Baby Brownie must have been letting me know that he/she was still there and not to be forgotten! It's a rather odd feeling to be putting your baby to sleep as another one is attempting to wake her up :)

We're off today to run a few errands now that the two of us are back to normal...let's just hope Piddle Diddle remembers how to shop like the little pro she is!