In the last few weeks my belly size has increased noticeably. I had physical therapy on Monday and again on Friday, and when I walked in on Friday the therapists were like, “HOLY CRAP YOUR STOMACH!” (the PT has made a HUGE improvement in my shoulder -it’s still very painful, but I can move so much easier.) I look at myself in the mirror most days so I don’t really notice by sight, but I’ve been putting on the maternity clothes I wore when I was pregnant with Madeline and they are just about at their limit. Binky hasn’t quite passed her sister’s gestational mark, but my stomach is definitely bigger than it ever was with Madeline. I’m already getting the “you look like you’re going to give birth any minute!” comments. When I tell them I have eleven more weeks, they can’t believe it.
I realize it’s somewhat hard to tell scale, so here is an example.
Rigby can lay across the top of my belly with no problem. I can even walk around with her on it. I wouldn’t, though, because I think she’d like that too much.
Last Tuesday I had my weekly appointment with Dr. Risky, and I had an ultrasound. It was scheduled for two reasons. The first is that the anti-contraction medicine I’m on can sometimes result in reduced amniotic fluid, so Dr. Risky wants to measure it every couple of weeks. The second reason is my stomach measured big two weeks ago, so she wanted to also measure Binky. I was very relieved that we were going to see Binky the day before Madeline’s birthday – I wanted to go into that day with no extra worries about my second child.
My regular vitals were good – my blood pressure was the same as the previous week, my urine had no ketones, and while I didn’t gain any weight, I didn’t lose any either. I always hold my breath during the first part of the ultrasound. Even though I can feel the baby wiggling, I just can’t relax until Dr. Risky has a good look and we hear Binky’s heartbeat. Luckily, we heard the heartbeat right away and Dr. Risky quickly announced that Binky’s fluid level was perfect.
After some maneuvering and measuring, Dr. Risky estimated that Binky weighed about two pounds four ounces. For a baby of her gestational age, that is in the 77th percentile. So, on the bigger side, but Madeline weighed three pounds when she was born so it seems Binky is following the same path. Dr. Risky also said that Binky has above-average leg length. She definitely doesn’t get that from me. I am 5’3″, and Mike is 6’3″. Maddie had tiny duplicates of my legs – she even had dimples in the same places. Hopefully this means Binky has her daddy’s long legs.
From my vantage point on the table, I couldn’t quite see the ultrasound screen, but Mike said he got some great looks at Binky’s face. We did get a print out, although he said just a split second before the detail had been amazing. I can still see her little face in this picture, though, even if it isn’t as sharp as what Mike saw.
If you can’t tell what you’re looking at, here’s a cheat sheet:
I’m hopeful that we’ll have another ultrasound soon. With Madeline’s gestational date looming in less than two weeks, nothing helps my anxiety more than seeing my little Binky moving around on the screen.
{ 97 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the pics! Youre gorgeous (and totally glowing) and Bink is going to be GOOOOORGEOUS!
.-= pamela´s last blog ..:still alive: =-.
It’s great to read that things are progressing well! Hopefully you’re not in as much physical pain these days. It sounds like at least some of the problems you were having are stabilized now and that’s great! I love the US photos! And I ‘lol’-ed at the “giant Spohrhead’ reference. She looks really cute in there. And you and Rigby look cute, too.
… Thinking of you guys.
I always have trouble recognizing features and limbs in ultrasounds, so thank you for the cheat sheet! I’m delighted that things are going so well.
.-= Maura´s last blog ..Premature Prognostication =-.
I think the term “yummy mummy” was invented to describe you!! GORGEOUS =)
Seems to me that Binky is following her mother on that front
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..crazy! =-.
She looks like she’s laughing! Having such a great time in there, wiggling and jiggling and kicking Mum (and Rigby!), I’m sure she’ll stay put for you until you’re both ready.
Awww Such cute belly photos. Binky is growing nicely. I am sure you will have some relief when she gets past the age when Madeline was born. Best of luck to you!
.-= Desiree´s last blog .."Product"tive Sunday =-.
You are BIG… I repeat: hard to believe that you still have eleven weeks to go… Are you sure there is only one inthere? I know, silly question, but one would wonder.
Keep up the good spirits if possible, and we are still all waiting with you. I can imagine that you are waiting for that special day that ended Madeline’s life in utero… We will all place a big sigh of relief after that date has passed!
.-= catherine lucas´s last blog ..A sandy nipple =-.
Awww love the explanation on the ultrasound ( or else I would have been lost!) : )
Glad Binky is doing well, and that Dr. Risky is keeping a close eye on yall.
((hugs))
.-= Kim´s last blog ..The Three G’s…… =-.
I am as filled with joy for you Spohrs as you are filled with Binky Baby – and as you well know, that is a LOT.
xxoo,
kristeneileen
THanks for the cheat sheet….NOW I SEE THAT BEAUTIFUL FACE!!!! As always Heather and Mike…thank you for sharing your girls with us. In a time of coming up good cheer and selfless giving, I am so thankful you continue to share your most prescious gifts with us….your little girls and I for one feel so incredibly lucky and blessed you do! Thank you!!!!
That picture of Rigby laying over your belly is hilarious he looks so comfy lol
Wonderful pictures, Heather! Admittedly, I needed the cheat sheet, because I can never decipher ultrasound pictures.
I’m also thrilled to hear that your shoulder is better! PT is amazing, isn’t it?
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..Lost time =-.
Even with the cheat sheet, I still can’t see it!!
I never could with my kids either- I totally lied and was all, oh yeah, a face! But it all looked like a big blur. A good blur, but still.
Your belly looks adorable, though. That, I can see.
.-= Scary Mommy´s last blog ..The boy who won’t carry a teddy bear =-.
Love the pics! So glad to hear everything is going well. Rigby is hilarious.
xo from CT,
Amanda
.-= amanda´s last blog ..weekend. update. =-.
Loving your baby belly! You look oh so cute! And Binky is oh so cute too!
.-= Krystal´s last blog ..Happy Birthday Gramma =-.
Cute belly pics and ADORABLE ultra sound pics!!! At first I couldn’t see the face, but once you pointed it out, OMG!!!! SO ADORABLE! Makes me wanna have another one…. lol!
.-= Young Momma´s last blog ..Weekend =-.
Glad to read that things are progressing well.
Cathy
my little binky boo! im going to have to call her long legs mcgee
Ohhh, I love the belly! So cute. I’m glad Binky’s doing well. Such good news.
xoxo
You look just perfect! I hope Miss Binky sees fit to stay put the entire 11 weeks! (And 11 weeks?! That’s it?! My sister-in-law is due the same time you are. I can’t believe it’s only 11 weeks.)
Wow you look good! Binky looks good too! I’m glad that you have such happy news today!
.-= charlane´s last blog ..Cry Baby =-.
I’m happy that PT is working for your shoulder, happy Binky is doing well.
Loved the picture of Rigby on your binky-belly
I refer to both ouf our babies’ (one out, one still gestating) ultrasounds that show their faces as the creepy skeleton face, but BInky’s is actually cute! Definitely going to be a cute baby in person!
.-= Lindsay´s last blog ..Paw-ee =-.
Lookin’ Good girl! Although it took me like an hour to figure it out. Ultrasound tech I am NOT! She is a cutie. Eleven more weeks? Do you know how fast that is going to go? Once Christmas is here, it’s like four more weeks! Yayyyy! Sit tight Bink, only a few more weeks girlfriend!
Even though I can’t seem to see ultrasounds like everyone else can, I know without a doubt, that Binky will be as gorgeous as her big sister Maddie. Keep strong, you are looking gorgeous, your belly is perfect and we are praying and hoping that everything keeps on track with this beautiful girl. You are an amazing woman – never forget that in your dark moments.
Much love,
Tricia and family xoxoxo
.-= Tricia (irishsamom)´s last blog ..Remembering 9/11 – Repost – 8 Years =-.
Binky is SO cute!!
One of the convenient things about a belly like that is when you’re hands are full, you can rest things on your stomach. It’s almost like having 3 hands but totally different.
.-= Karen Chatters´s last blog ..Rolling with it =-.
beautiful baby!
.-= Laurie´s last blog ..Travelin’ Gal =-.
What a great day it will be when you kiss that pretty face.
.-= Ms. Moon´s last blog ..I Am Not A Joiner =-.
Your belly is absolutely ridiculously perfect. You look fantastic – and that ultrasound is beautiful! Yay Bink, good growing!
Awww Heather you look wonderful, Rigby looks very comfy sitting on Binky!! Love the scan photo, Binky Bean is looking good. Thinking of you every day and sending you a big hug.
Love Erica
You’re looking great and Binky looks great. So happy things are progressing nicely!
XOXO
.-= AmazingGreis´s last blog ..Happy Birthday to ME… =-.
The giant spohr head made me laugh. Out loud. A couple of times.
She’ll be beautiful. How could she not be?
what a cutie you have in there! So glad things are going well, and that you are feeling better after your PT! Keep up the good work Binky!!
I thought of you at church yesterday and just prayed.
Prayed for Binky, prayed for you and Mike, and prayed for a safe delivery.
Thanks for another update. I get a little anxious sometimes
I’m so glad you had a good appt and ultrasound with Dr. Risky last week, I know you guys needed that.
Your pregnant belly looks so cute. I’ve heard that woman often are bigger with second and subsequent pregnancies than they are with their first since the muscles and skin were stretched the first time and stretch easier the second time. I love pregnant bellies just a beautiful indication of the life growing inside of you:)
Love and hugs
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Maybe She’s Born With It… =-.
Binky will be here perfectly healthy! I know you can’t wait to meet her and I can’t either.
Glad to know that she’s healthy and undoubtedly beautiful! Still sending lots of positive thoughts your way all the time.
Im so glad everything is going well with Binky. The time will be here before you know it. I love the pictures of your baby belly.. Hang in there.
Hugs,
It’s amazing to see how well Binky is progressing! God Bless!
binky’s got that fighting fist up and ready to make it to 40 weeks!!!
.-= Momma Uncensored´s last blog ..head tax =-.
Beautiful! Both you and Binky!
.-= jen´s last blog ..play it again =-.
You look great…What a cute belly!!!!! So happy that Binky is doing so well. I pray everyday that she stays put till atlest 34 weeks (even longer would be better!!!).
“Spohrhead” makes me giggle.
I can b/c I have a forehead made for slapping.
.-= Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing]´s last blog ..All I want for Christmas is Nanerpus =-.
So glad you got to see your Binky once again and that everything is moving along the way it should be.
Grow Binky Grow!!!
Big head = Big Brain! She will be mad smawht just like her Big Sister!
(((HUGS))) from Florida
Every time I see an ultrasound pic, I’m reminded of the Friends episode when Rachel saw Emma and had no clue what she was looking at. I laugh every time.
Glad to see things continue to progress well. Clearly, you’ll just have to go shopping. I mean, what’s a girl to do? You can’t be going around hanging out all over the place, can you?
So happy that Binky is growing healthy. Weird I had a dream that I met you and you told me you were having twins!!! Your Binky belly looks perfect! Sending you hugs XXX
Gorgeous baby bump! (Rigby does look mighty comfortable on her little perch!) And what girl doesn’t want long legs?! Binky is beautiful!
.-= Michelle Pixie´s last blog ..Shake-A-No =-.
Rigby on the belly is too much. You look great!
.-= Lindsey´s last blog ..Conversations From A Marriage: Part 6 =-.
It’s so nice to “see” Binky!
She’s beautiful
Glad your shoulder is feeling better!
.-= Katrina´s last blog ..Halloween =-.
I’m so glad to hear that Binky is doing so well! I’m sure that helps relieve some stress and anxiety. I’m praying that she will sail through Maddie’s gestational age and be born healthy and chunky!
Your belly is so cute! You’re always bigger with subsequent pregnancies, especially if they’re closer together, so don’t worry! Binky is growing and that’s awesome!
.-= Tara.´s last blog ..# 15. =-.
Big belly= big, beautiful healthy baby! You tell her to stay put for at least 10 more weeks!!
And big head= big brain. I just know Miss Binky will be smart and curious and spunky like her big sister Maddie!
Love the u/s and belly shots- keep ‘em coming!!
Hugs and prayers for both of your daughters! What true little miracles they both are!!!
xoxoxoxoxo
So wait, your due date is, hm, November 14 right?
I kid, I kid. My mother used to laugh when I walked in the room when I was pregnant with Mimi. Not because she was being mean, just because I looked funny. It was charming.
Also, you look adorable.
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..While I Was Out =-.
Great News!!! She is as big as my daughter was when she was born at 29 weeks!
(((HUGS))))
You are one hot oven, mama. Beautiful. My girls always moved extra wild-like when we listened to obscene music. Is that weird?
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Larger than life =-.
You look BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You look beautiful, Heather!
Binky is going to be adorable.
.-= Scatteredmom´s last blog ..Choices =-.
she totally has a giant head.
I LOVE IT!
.-= ali´s last blog ..That Time Albert Einstein Flossed… =-.
You look great! Love the belly pics!
Glad to hear that Binky is doing so well! Love that she has her fist up…ready to fight to make it another 11 weeks.
Also glad to hear that your shoulder is feeling better. That must be such a relief.
Take it easy and take care of yourself.
Hugs, Jenn in CA
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..The sweetest surprise =-.
You are SO gorgeous! Glowy and all that good stuff! Glad the shoulder is not giving you much trouble!
.-= Jenny @ http://motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com/´s last blog ..Strong =-.
So excited for your family. Hope your shoulder pain goes away soon.
She’s beautiful Heather.
.-= Issa´s last blog ..Yet another post I shouldn’t publish =-.
I’m glad to hear that everything is going well!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Not Me Monday! =-.
Your rockin that bump, and Rigby has the best seat in the house. Binky looks just beautiful, Congrats all around.
Binky is so cute! I love ultrasound pictures, even though I’m not always sure what I’m looking at.
Maybe you have a torn rotator cuff in your shoulder Heather. You could have gotten it from lifting Madeline, it happens more often than people realize. It is very painful, and your symptoms sound like you might have it. After Binky gets here safely, maybe after you’ve recovered a bit, you can have that looked into.
Continued prayers coming your way.
Heather,
You are so naturally funny! If I had been drinking I would have spit it out when I read the label “spohrhead”!! Also, many of the pictures you have taken capture somethig so funny I get it right away!
I know that your heart will always have a crack in it, but God has equipped you to live and thrive and be happy.
I so look forward to the funny predicaments you will capture Binky engaged in!
Take care of yourself.
That ultrasound photo is priceless. She’s looking right at the world! Hello little Binky!
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..China =-.
I cannot wait to someday lay a big kiss on that giant Spohrhead.
.-= cindy w´s last blog ..Two =-.
You and Binky look great! So happy for you that she is doing so well in there.
Gorgeous bump Heather! I’m so glad all is on track with Binky.
.-= Baking Mad Mama´s last blog ..Remembrance =-.
I can’t wait to meet little Binky-but not before she is done cooking!
.-= Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..Three….How can it Be? =-.
Hi Little Binky!
Heather,
a bit less anxious for you. I am so happy Maddie’s little sister is growing well. 11 more weeks!
Strange though this may sound, as I read this, I found myself thinking about the NEXT time you get pregnant. I know nothing will take away the fears, but I hope that a pregnancy that goes to term will make the next one
Love to you guys.
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Bus Burgers and the sound of (our) music =-.
Rigby has a perfect spot right there with Binky, watching over and waiting patiently for her. I just hope she realizes she can’t sit on Binky once she arrives :-p I know the world
can’t wait to meet you Binks but you stay put for now!
Love You, Love Maddie!
.-= Magda´s last blog ..Maddie =-.
Giant Sporhead? She’s going to be leggy AND smart! Congratulations!
.-= Jodi´s last blog ..Take me home I-5. =-.
I SEE THE FACE THIS TIME. (I’ve had trouble in all the previous posts distinguishing things, even w/ the road map drawings, hehe.) But I can see Binky’s features perfectly in this one.
And she’s beautiful.
Look at that beautiful baby! Heather, your belly is precious. That was sweet of Rigby to model.
Sending prayers and good vibes your way, as always.
.-= Jen L.´s last blog ..HuhGrrrrrBlehBlehBlaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah =-.
Your belly is soo CUTE! You should put a full picture of yourself i bet you look beautiful! Sending good wishes to you and ure fam!
.-= Marisol´s last blog ..Settling into Houston… =-.
(big grins)
.-= pgoodness´s last blog ..A letter to a little girl =-.
You can tell already that she will have the same eye brows and bright eyes as Maddie! Beyond precious!
I love to hear things are going well! What a great picture with Rigby.
These new ultrasound images when you can see everything so clearly kind of weirds me out. But then again my cousin Sophia mooned me from inside my aunt’s belly (I literally saw the outline of her butt) so I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised.
I think she’s going to be a tall, legy basketball player. maybe even a cheerleader.
Way to go, Binky! I also grow them big, and after having a premie that blew everyone away with his ginormous weight for his gestation, I know that it must be reassuring.
(I must say, I’m a few weeks ahead of you and I am selfishly happy to see someone else who is getting the “You must be due any minute!” crap.)
So happy for you and Mike!
you are beautiful and strong. sending peace your way.
.-= nic @mybottlesup´s last blog ..a vast perspective and treasures =-.
Hi heather – I don’t comment often, but I wanted to let you know I read your blog regularly and think about you, maddy and baby binky and send my thoughts and prayers and best wishes.
I’ve been reading about your shoulder pains and it sounds like something my aunt struggled with a few years ago known as “Frozen Shoulder” (sounds fake right?). I thought I would pass along the information, just as an FYI: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/frozen-shoulder/DS00416 (ps: contrary to what this link says, she did not have it for two-years).
Take care.
I’m glad to hear things are going well!
Keep up the strength!
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Warning…this could get messy =-.
Love that beautiful baby belly!!
Can I just say that Rigby is very cute?
Faith….Hope….Love….Peace.
.-= mythoughtsonthat´s last blog ..I Spend My Day With Children =-.
So glad to hear that Binky is doing fine. That’s so great. And I’ll continue on praying that she comes out a healthy baby girl. ;o)
“sporehead” *snort* it’s just handed to ya isn’t it
So cute honey. My prayers and my love. You don’t look near ready to pop.. although, because you’re tiny…. it’s more evident that your tummy has grown. You’re still darling and I’m so praying daily for Binky and the placenta
Adorable! (you AND Binky)
I was just thinking that this was new territory for you to be out and about with the big ole baby belly and I hoped you were enjoying it!
I know that nothing will be stress-free, but I sincerely hope you are getting a chance to have a few moments of joy at carrying around that fun round extra appendage.
Still praying, still thinking of all the Spohrs…
SJ
.-= Sara Joy´s last blog ..Over the Rainbow =-.
Oh, Heather,
you are simply gorgeous!
.-= Sara @heartmychloe´s last blog ..I’ve got a case of the yuckies =( =-.
Thank you for sharing your baby bump…it’s reassuring to us, too
Binky is adorable!
.-= Noelle´s last blog ..This is what happens when you tempt fate… =-.
LOVELY belleh, Rigby looks so cute perched on you like that!
Awesome Spohrhead! Hee. Thanks muchly for the cheat sheet, deciphering US pics can be tough!
SO glad your shoulder is improved!
xoxo
You do look WONDERFUL!! I am praying for you, it must be so frightening with Maddie’s gest age coming up. I’m praying for you so hard
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..The update of my life =-.
You look great!!!!!!!!!!!
Heather I can’t believe how close we are! Hubby told me 11 weeks and I almost threw up! Things are happening so fast! My belly looks much bigger this time too. People are already asking when I am due…as in like why aren’y you having this baby now?
I am so happy that this pregnancy is going well for you and I am praying for big fat healthy full term babies for both of us and all the other pregos out there!
You look great!
I always judged how big my belly was getting by if it finally stood out more than my boobs!
I can’t wait to see Binkys big smile. Maddy is going to be so proud of her little sister.
I think you look great! So glad to hear that all is well with your Binky!
.-= Elaine´s last blog ..PSF – Prettier Picture – UPDATED* =-.
Your belly is beautiful, truly. Large and beautiful
I’m glad your pregnancy is progressing so well. I follow your blog though I don’t always comment. I’m 24 weeks pregnant with boy/girl twins (and my belly is about your size, actually) and I worry every day about them. I can’t imagine how much you worry considering what you have already gone through! God bless you and your husband and your little one.