26 Weeks with #2

We are nearing the end of the second trimester over here. I can't really say that it's gone by fast but it is going by. The top picture was taken today and the bottom picture is when I was 26 weeks pregnant with Esther. 

I feel like I am way bigger this time but according to these pictures I guess the belly is about the same size. And apparently I really like doing that pose lol .

Things have been going well. I don't really have a lot of the bad symptoms that I had last time like reflux and swelling. Time will tell though. I am at the exact same weight I was last time at 26 weeks, despite trying to eat somewhat healthy this time around, Oh well. At least with a winter baby I can hide all the baby weight under hoodies and sweaters. I also don't have tons of pregnancy cravings like I did last time. Or maybe I'm just better at ignoring them. Last time I think I gave in to every craving I had lol. This time I like chocolate, ice cream and salty things. Basically I always want fast food too. 

I have started preparing for the actual birth. Since I am trying for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) we have hired a doula. She is great and I think she will help me a lot in labor. I have also been reading some natural birth books since this time I am going to try to go all natural. Both my Dr and the hospital here are very natural birth friendly so I am really hoping that things go much better with this birth. We are planning to avoid induction at all costs since I had a failed induction last time. So I am preparing myself to go up to 2 weeks "overdue". Which makes my real "due date" February 7th, aka the day that I have to give birth by according to hospital policy. Hopefully I'll go into labor on my own before then but if not I'm preparing myself just in case. 

I am super excited for another little girl to join our family. I love the newborn stage so much! It seems like we still have a long long time before she joins us but maybe the holidays will make it all go by faster. :)