Over the past few months I've been growing our precious CaitieJane Marie. While I anxiously await her arrival, I can't help but notice that things are a little different this time around. I wouldn't say that there are glaring differences, since I have been fortunate with both Gardner and CaitieJane to have fantastic pregnancies... or at least so far. There are some subtle differences this time around though. 

Energy

One of the biggest differences with CaitieJane is that I have been exhausted. I kept thinking that the second trimester would bring me relief. Now that I'm more than halfway through the second trimester, I just don't see relief coming. While some people I talk with attribute this to having to chase Gardner around, I'm not so sure. I do think that caring for a toddler and growing a baby certainly increases the chances of exhaustion. Still, this constant feeling of tired is different. 

My personal opinion? It's related to the girl hormones. Gardner sleeps through the night, so it's not because I'm getting up with him that's causing this exhaustion. And yes, he requires my care and attention after work, and is up fairly early on the weekends, but not enough to be the culprit in my opinion. 

Exercise

This section is sort of related to energy. I was able to run when I was pregnant with Gardner. I even completed a 4 mile walk/run just 5 days before giving birth to him and I felt great. I was running 2-3 times a week when I was pregnant with Gardner. With CaitieJane I may have run 5 times total. 

Appetite

I was ravenous during my first pregnancy with Gardner. With our growing little girl this time around, I just don't feel insatiable in the same way that I did with Gardner. Studies show being pregnant with a boy can make the hunger pangs more prevalent, and I've definitely noticed a difference! 

Insomnia

During the past week I have experience pregnancy insomnia. Now this may be related to the additional stress I've been feeling from it being a busy time at work plus some other side projects I've taken on. Still, at just 22 weeks I haven't been able to get comfortable. I will fall asleep with ease at first, but if I wake up in the middle of the night it is hours before I get back to sleep. 

I woke up at the end of my last pregnancy with Gardner about once a night to use the bathroom, but that was during weeks 36-40, not at 22!

Bladder Control

I have been fighting a cold for about a month and have been coughing a lot. The next thing you know my kegels fail me and my bladder is leaking. Perhaps that's a little too much information for some of my readers, but pregnancy isn't always glamorous and I feel like I have to be honest here!

Conclusion

While this pregnancy may be different than the last in the end it's all worth it to meet the newest addition and bundle of joy. We will have so much to learn, and get experience love at first sight all over again. We can't wait for that day!