Praying for a Rainbow

Last night we read Twas the Night Before Christmas (with Jan Brett's illustrations) to baby boy. It was bittersweet because I knew we should have been reading it to Faith for her first Christmas Eve. We remember her today but are also thankful for the blessing of her little brother who will join us next year.

How did I make it to 25 weeks already? I feel like time is flying lately. Just 20 days left in the 2nd trimester! I had an u/s last week, and baby boy is still growing strong and healthy. I have another growth scan on Dec. 28. Baby is very active! He is flipping around and kicking all over the place quite often. I don't mind because it reassures me that he is okay. My only real complaint is terrible hip/leg pain at night and insomnia. I've tried every suggestion given and nothing seems to help. I can handle it, though, because this will all be worth it when I am holding my healthy son in my arms. Here is a bump picture from a party on Saturday (24w6d):

8w5d 11w2d  15w4d  18w5d  20w0d 22w5d

17w3d ultrasound: Gender reveal! It's a BOY!!! 20w3d: More pictures and a video clip of BB sucking his thumb :) I am in love with this little man and still smile every time he kicks <3

I suppose it would be easier to recap more than one week at a time :) I should also explain that I have had so many u/s because I am seeing an MFM (maternal-fetal medicine specialist). She likes to do them every 2-3 weeks to check on baby's growth and development due to my previous loss. 7w2d: a little gummy bear 9w2d: starting to look like a real baby with arms and legs 11w2d: much more baby-like 14w2d:

Here is BB's very first ultrasound. He was only a gestational sac and yolk sac at this point!

"Rainbow Babies" is the understanding that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of the storm. When a rainbow appears, it doesn't mean the storm never happened or that the family is not still dealing with its aftermath. What it means is that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of color, energy and hope. On September 28, 2011, I lost a daughter, Faith, to stillbirth at 21 weeks gestation. No cause was ever found. On July 18, 2012, I found out I was pregnant again. I am now 22w3d along with this baby boy, and I am praying he is our rainbow - our take-home baby. This blog is for him , documenting my pregnancy and his life! I will go back and publish posts for events and ultrasounds that happened up until now. We have a name picked out but have decided to keep it a surprise, so for the purpose of this blog, I will call him BB (ba...