Bump Board: 19 Weeks & Update!

Hello all! I know I missed my bump board blog post last week for 18 weeks, but I've been going through some personal issues that I needed to focus on. Everything still isn't completely 100% but a lot like my mama, I'm strong and always overcome the obstacles put in my way <3 & this will be no different. Life comes with trials and struggles and you can either run from them or learn from them. It's okay to step back once in awhile and just focus on YOU and your own life and issues. I'll update more on current things going on. But first... 

Here's my 18 week bump board from the week I missed...

I had the 2nd part of my sequential screen, and all my results came back normal. Nothing to be worried about on that front. Had an OB visit and little ladies heartbeat was 145 BPM. I love hearing that song. She was the size of a sweet potato last week! :) 

As I had mentioned before this is a successful pregnancy after a devastating loss. This pregnancy isn't something I expected to happen and it surely wasn't something we were trying for. We had tried for some time and after my cervical cancer issues the doctor told me my odds were pretty low of getting pregnant again, so although we tried nothing happened. I tracked my period, checked when I ovulated (but definitely tried to not focus on that) and still nothing happened. Every ailment and symptom I've experienced this time around has honestly been such a blessing, even if sometimes it drives me crazy. I wouldn't trade in anything I'm going through now for anything. Although the nerves I have this time around are like nothing I've experienced before. And then coupled with the personal issues I'm going through it didn't really help out too much. (Don't worry health wise I am all and so is my baby girl!<3)  I know some people are pro-choice and in some instances I believe I am too... but knowing the devastation I suffered over a unwanted loss I can't imagine anyone wanting to willingly go through that pain and know what they're doing is something they've CHOSEN. It's something I have never believed in fully. My views have changed as I've gotten older and I now believe in some cases it has to be done, but I definitely think theres better options out there. In my own opinion I believe that if you're being sexually active and you don't want to get pregnant, you should take all necessary precautions to ensure it doesn't happen. Birth control, condoms, etc. So many people out there want to have babies and so many people aren't able ... so it's just something that weighs on my mind from time to time when I think of women that just go out and have unprotected sex and are promiscuous and then they go and have abortions like it's nothing. And after so many you'd think they'd get a punch card for how many they have.... its just ridiculous to me. 

...Especially after what I went through and experienced and what I know so many other women have gone through. It's just God awful in my opinion. I have friends that have terminated pregnancies, and friends that are fully pro-choice and I don't think any less of them for it, but these are my own values and my own beliefs. I just feel as though abortion shouldn't be considered if you're not being careful yourself. You make the decision to lay down and have sex, so you should be mindful of possible consequences from it happening. Again, there are specific instances in which sometimes it is necessary - rape, incest, disease, a life of suffering for the child, etc. In those cases I truly understand. What I don't understand is someone willingly terminating a pregnancy because they "don't want it".

That's all I'm saying. 

On to happier things... 

my 19 week bump board <3 

She is the size of a mango! Can't believe that next week I'll already be halfway through my pregnancy. Now is when it usually flies by...except for the last month of pregnancy which I think has 749 days in it ;) Haha. I have been feeling little flutters and they seem pretty distinct. Nothing that can be felt from the outside just yet though. I swear any time I put my hands on my belly to feel her moving she stops...stubborn -- just like me. Imagine that ;) 

Little Miss is around 6 inches now and weighs about 8.5 ounces <3 

Pregnancy is so amazing to me. The changes a woman goes through and the struggles and different things she experiences just to bring new life into this world... All completely worth it. 

I'm pretty tired as of lately. Had some energy there but it's significantly diminished and I just want to sleep. A LOT. But obviously being the mommy of a busy 3 year old makes naps next to impossible. I've only gained 10 pounds at this point, and I am still carrying pretty small. My boobs feel like the heaviest part of me right now so that also means super fun backaches :( Luckily, Ray will help me out with a massage once in awhile, but I am going to be looking into a prenatal massage and hopefully that'll do some wonders for me. Although massages kinda creep me out, lol. I don't know why, but they do. I prefer my husbands hands to a strangers if that makes any sense. Bedtime is usually a fun routine these days... it takes me forever to get comfortable & then I'm restless a lot at night and I'm tossing and turning for a good portion of the night. My bed seems really comfy when I lay down in it at night but when I wake up I feel crippled. Shortness of breath has become my own worst enemy as well. I get out of breath over the littlest things. Walking up steps, around the grocery store, getting out of the car. I get really faint at times too. Which they say is all common during this stage in the game. Sciatic nerve pain has also returned and my bad hip is acting up - which is also thanks in large part to this crappy, cold winter! Also.... freaking hemorrhoids. Ugh! How embarrassing and awful. I asked my OB about it because they weren't going away, but they aren't bothering me. She said because I've been pregnant before and the pressure of my uterus I could have them the whole time or they could go away. The pressure makes them appear, plus constipation and all that fun stuff. It sucks, but like I said to be pregnant again is a real blessing, so as much as I want a normal butthole (hahaha) I can deal with this to have my healthy, beautiful baby girl <3 

My Pretty Pretty Princess <3 

• Developing a protective coating over her skin, called vernix caseosa. It's greasy and white and you may see some of it at her birth.
• Working on her five senses. Nerve cells for her sense of taste, hearing, sight and smell are developing in her brain.
• No quicks anyone else can feel yet, but I definitely feel them now.. somewhat frequent but not as frequent as they will be soon. Definitely something I can't wait for. <3 One of the most exciting parts of being pregnant. 
• Her anatomy scan is scheduled for March 16th <3 And I can't wait to see her on ultrasound again! <3 And I'm hopefully going to be feeling tons of kicks by then. I'll be drinking OJ beforehand again like my best friend had suggested before and I had a little wiggle worm in there =) 

Not much has been going on (other than the personal stuff) I work out when I can and I eat right... the cold weather is kind of a bother and I don't like to go out that much because I absolutely despise the cold. Been living in yoga pants and leggings and comfy clothes. I'm freaking out a little bit about weight gain but also not trying to let that consume me because I'm not overeating and making a big of myself just because I'm pregnant. 

Current Stresses:

1. Normal stresses of being pregnant after a loss. I worry more than I should but it's lessened a lot more than in the beginning. Im confident and I know that God's got this. But I worry a lot. Especially when I don't feel kicking yet and I'm almost 20 weeks but I felt them with Caleb a little later I think. Every pregnancy is also different. Gotta keep telling myself that.
2. Weight Gain. Something that can be completely handled and maintained the proper way without depriving myself or the baby girl of any nutrients. I just have a huge fear of becoming overweight *(logical right?)*  considering I lost a lot of weight. I try to work out as much as possible but back pain, hip pain and sciatic nerve pain make it kinda tough. Hoping to get an elliptical or something.
3. Biggest stress?? Where we live. We want to get out of here really bad. For a few reasons. Mainly the noise and the fact that nothing is done about it by our landlord. We have dealt with it for quite some time and now being pregnant makes it even worse. So we have some things to consider in terms of that and possibly breaking our lease without penalty. I am looking at a bunch of different rental properties and have emailed many realtors so I am hoping I can find something and all goes smoothly. Prayers appreciated <3 

That's about all that's going on in my neck of the woods. Got a baby shower to plan, things to do. And life to live. I can't wait for spring. And for summer. <3 

Hope everyone is having a good weekend :) 

- xoxo, Jenna 

Gender Reveal & 17 Week Bump Board!

The night before my 3D/4D ultrasound I had a dream we were having a baby girl 

and sure enough.... 

Baby Liczbinski is a Little Lady <3 

Words can't describe how incredible happy we are & just how blessed that we feel to be able to experience having Our Rainbow Baby :) Ecstatic doesn't even begin to describe what we are all feeling. Caleb has said it was his "baby sister" since the very beginning, and Ray felt the same way. Now that we know, we can start shopping, name picking, and really planning out our nursery (which I found another perfect idea, after being set on one idea) - Thanks a lot Pinterest ;) - I'll share that idea later with you. 

(I know this picture is blurry, but it shows our excitement. This is right after we popped the black balloons and found out we were having a little girl. <3 You can just see how happy we are and how excited we felt. Even though I felt like I was having a girl from the beginning, the Liczbinski side breeds a lot of boys. So to find out we were having a little girl was amazing. 

Tears were definitely shed.) 

Our Gender Reveal went wonderfully...we had a few people over; my dad came up, my sister Julia (who is also the Baby's Godmother), my best friends Jamie and Emily, my mother in law & brother in law, & Jamie's son (& Caleb's best friend Jackson), and Ray's best friend Ben came by later. The only thing I would have changed is how we did the reveal...why? Because Party City is absolutely terrible. They barely put any confetti in the balloons so the effect we were going for didn't happen. It was obvious there was pink in the balloon when we popped it, but it still wasn't at all what we had hoped for. Not to mention the balloons started deflating about 2 hours after we got them, so I was pretty pissed off because they're helium filled balloons!! We have gotten balloons for Caleb's birthday & they stay inflated for weeks and I wanna pull my hair out. It wasn't the first time I've had an issue with Party City, so I won't be getting balloons from that particular location anymore, if I go to the store at all. I would rather go elsewhere. Regardless, our gender reveal went wonderfully and we couldn't be any happier!! <3 Being able to experience pregnancy again & to have a healthy little miracle growing inside me is incredible and shows me just how great God's love is. It felt like my mom was with me yesterday too as we popped our balloons & found out we were having a baby girl. I know that she is shining down on me and looking out for all of us. <3 

& that brings me so much peace. 

I love this picture.

I couldn't be any more blessed to be able to bring a little princess into this world with him as her father. She will always be protected. Words can't begin to describe the love I have for this man. When I met Ray four years ago I would have never guessed that we would be married with our 2nd child on the way. We have experienced so much together and unfortunately a lot of tragedy, but so much joy. & this is bringing so much joy into our lives.

 He's everything I could have ever wanted in a man & then some. <3 

These are some of the pictures from our 3D Ultrasound that we had on 2/11. And it was just amazing. Having never experienced a 3D ultrasound before we were so anxious as to what to expect. From the moment she switched to the 4D real time I was mesmerized. I couldn't even believe how amazing it was to see our little baby moving around, sucking her thumb, and yawning. It was just beautiful. The baby also loved her daddy's voice! Any time Ray would talk she would become so active & wouldn't stop moving around. It was so precious. We went to Mommy's First Glance in Pottstown/Limerick and it was such a great experience. It's a business run by one woman and you can tell she loves her job and what she does. The office was so spa like, and so comfortable. There was a huge sectional couch for family and a tempurpedic bed for me. There was a big flat screen tv on the wall and we could watch the baby that way. It was AMAZING. We plan on going back when I'm between 30-36 weeks (depending on how I'm feeling and everything else) for another ultrasound when the baby is more developed and we can see more of who the baby looks like and everything else. We are going to do that later and I'm going to invite my mother in law along to experience it with us, since she's never seen a 3D/4D ultrasound before.

On to my Bump Board: 

Baby Girl is the size of an Onion this week! 

1. Her rubbery cartilage is now turning to bone.
2. And she's growing some meat on those bones — putting on some fat.
3. She's growing a stronger, thicker umbilical cord, too.
4. Baby Girl is practicing sucking and swallowing
5. Fingerprints are forming
6. Baby Girl can be startled by noise! 
7. Your baby's eyes (which have fortunately finished their migration to the front of her head) are making small side-to-side movements and can even perceive some light, though her eyelids are still sealed

I am so excited to know that we are having a little girl <3 And I am so happy to be pregnant :) Let the name picking & nursery planning begin!! =) <3 

Pregnancy Symptoms at 17 Weeks

• Vaginal discharge, sweat, mucus and more bodily fluids. They're in full force, because of your increased blood flow. Well...yes. Gross, but yes.
• Weird dreams. This might be hormonal, but it might also be the result of your nerves and anticipation. My dreams are so much more vivid now. And they are freaking weird but I love being able to actually remember my dreams - because when I'm not pregnant I never remember. But I do have dreams now that are insane.
• Itchy boobs and bump -- as they're growing, your skin is stretching thinner. My stomach itches a lot and my boobs on occasion. Speaking of they are humongous. 
• Rapid weight gain. You've probably gained about five to 10 pounds by now. As of my last visit I only gained 7 pounds, and my next appointment is on Tuesday the 17th of February. I am trying to work out as much as I can, but I get exhausted really quickly. Trying to do as much as I can though.

Other Common Symptoms:

- Increased Appetite --> definitely. Love all the food.

- Heartburn/Indigestion --> surprisingly not suffering from it really. I've had it a couple times but nothing like when I was pregnant with Caleb.  I still have time though, so we shall see. :) Baby Girl is all worth it. <3 

- Bloating & Gas --> ugh. gross. but yes... bloating has diminished somewhat but still keeping my water intake up as much as possible. and gas is the same and gross. hahaha. Ray hates it - but payback baby. Hahahaha.

- Occasional headaches --> I'm pretty good in this department, thank God.

- Faintness or Dizziness --> Ugh. Yes. I hate this feeling. Vertigo is the worst feeling. In the world. It happens to me a lot lately, like when we go grocery shopping I literally need to hold on to to the cart so I don't fall over. It's pretty scary. Trying to have small snacks more frequently and drink LOTS AND LOTS of water.

- Backaches --> Wahh. I always have back pain. And luckily an amazing husband that's willing to give me massages ;) I'm also expecting sciatica to happen because it's something I suffer from regularly, but when I'm pregnant it increases so bad as time progresses. 

- Stretch Marks --> No new ones thus far. But if I get more - my baby girl is 100% worth it. I used to be self conscious about mine, but guess what?! Its proof of the miracle of life. And the life I grew inside me. <3 

- Shortness of Breath --> I swear I walk up the steps & I'm winded. Walk to the bathroom, I'm winded. Minor things, I'm winded. & they say it's normal. An increase in progesterone causes this. You need more oxygen when you're pregnant, and it's one of the most annoying symptoms ever. 

- Hemorrhoids --> honestly. Gross. And I'm dealing with it...again. I had the same thing with Caleb. Must be because I married a Liczbinski... cause he's a pain in my butt the babies gotta be too ;) LOL. I'm kidding. ;) 

All in all I have been having a really great pregnancy. Minor symptoms, and I feel really good. This pregnancy is so different than when I was pregnant with Caleb. Easier... so I hope that means an easy labor, LOL. Especially because I'm going to be going natural this time. So lets pray <3 hahaha. 

Here is my other nursery idea... Now it's a toss up. So many decisions.

I love the ceiling and the walls... This is going to be so tough. 

I also convinced Ray to go to Target tonight to look at Baby Girl stuff. <3 

And I want macaroni salad. So there's that. ;) 

My precious little baby girl <3 

As always follow me on Instagram and find me on Facebook! 

Have a great weekend & an awesome Valentines Day!

Xoxo, Jenna

16 Weeks Pregnant & Gender Reveal Decision!

Officially hit the 16 week mark today and I couldn't be happier with my bump board. Let me just say that as much I really enjoyed doing the handmade boards I gotta say that doing the boards through Pic Monkey is 1000x easier!! Definitely less tedious and takes a lot less time especially when it comes to brightening colors and everything! 

6 Days Until We Find Out The Gender!! As long as Baby L cooperates that is ;) Last time we went for my 14 week scan (my NT scan) the baby stayed upside down and didn't move enough to show us anything. So I'm HOPING AND PRAYING that the little one shows us the goods because we have a gender reveal coming up on Thursday, February 12th! Our 3D scan is on the 11th. 

I'm still carrying small. That picture was taken when I was 15 weeks 5 days so only a couple of days ago. But my bump is still small and as of right now I have only gained 7 pounds.

Any suggestions on what you think I'm having?! Head over to My Instagram Page and 

I'm still unsure. I'm really leaning towards the fact that I'm having a little girl - just based off symptoms that I had with Gianna that are very similar in this one. It's funny though because the main thing I remember from being pregnant with Caleb was the heartburn!! Oh my goodness, the heartburn was like nothing I have ever experienced before in my life. But I can't really remember when it started. While we would love to have a baby girl, we ultimately want a healthy baby! But we wouldn't mind if that healthy baby could wear bows and dresses ;) We have officially come up with a gender reveal idea as well ... since it's February and it's so cold we will be be doing a confetti balloon in my living room. An idea I found on Pinterest...

I am still a little torn as to whether or not we are going to be surprised or not. I have found out with every pregnancy I've had and I think being surprised would be nice, but I am so torn on whether or not I can wait or not! I am thinking we should be surprised, but it's a tough decision. I would love to find out with everyone else! So I may have the tech look for gender, determine it and then write it down and fold it up and put it in a sealed envelope. & then (since I know I'll look) take it right to the party store and have them see and fill up a black balloon with pink or blue confetti and then we will pick it up on Thursday. 

More on my pregnancy this week!! 

Baby is the size of an Avocado this week! I love the food comparisons - although it makes eating certain things a little weird, LOL. 

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Baby's eyes are working & although his or her eyes are still sealed they can make small side to side movements. And baby is able to hear my voice now -- and will be able to recognize it when he or she is born thanks to tiny bones forming in those precious little ears! Baby is also growing hair, eyelashes and eyebrows and is forming taste buds. Can't wait to see my little nugget next week <3 

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Pregnancy Symptoms at 16 Weeks

• You might start feeling baby move!
• Back aches, another effect of pregnancy hormones. Make sure you're exercising, that you're sitting and standing up straight and do some stretches.
• bigger boobs -- they should be ready for breastfeeding by the end of the second trimester.
• Constipation, as your uterus starts pressing on your intestines.
• Forgetfulness (a.k.a. pregnancy brain). No one knows for sure what causes this!
• Faster hair and nail growth (a great excuse for a new cut and manicure).
• Dry, itchy, sensitive eyes. Blame the hormones once again.
• Glowing skin (finally -- that pregnancy glow that people are always talking about!)

1. Not feeling any movement yet, that I can tell at least. Today I have felt little flutters but I don't know if it's my mind psyching me out. I never felt this early before either... 17-18 weeks is usually when I feel some fluttering sensations. Definitely something I cannot wait for :) Movement is the best feeling & I can't wait for Caleb to experience it <3 <3

2. Back aches, sciatic nerve pain, round ligament pain, bloating = A BIG FAT YES! I have been doing T25 but even modified I find myself getting winded so I do what I can and then do little exercises I find on Pinterest. Bicep curls, tricep workouts, squats, donkey kicks, things that aren't vigorous but will keep me in shape. Because excess weight gain is something I'm concerned about. Although I have only gained 7 pounds so far and my doctor said I'm gaining nicely and I'm healthy. So that's good. Bloating has been a serious thing with me and it's beyond uncomfortable so I have been drinking A LOTTTTT of water. 

3. Bigger boobs = absolutely yes. Half the time I feel like they deserve their own zip code. I've already had to take 3 separate trips to target for new bras --> but I never wear regular bras. Forever comfy in sports bras. Target is my go to spot. If the Walmart near me was remotely decent I would venture there. But it's a scum dungeon so I steer clear. My boobs are getting a little tender again too. 

4. Constipation - ehhhh. I had a pretty regular schedule before so yeah I guess it's minor. Depending on what I eat and drink determines on if I can go easily or not. However gas is disgusting and makes me want to throw up. LOL. The good the bad and the ugly, remember? 

5. Forgetfulness? Nothing out of the ordinary. At least not that I notice as of this moment. Pregnancy brain was a good friend of mine later on in my pregnancy though before. So we shall see.

6. Hair & Nails are growing like weeds! And good thing because my hair was short and awkward and driving me nuts & it's finally looking good =) So I am most definitely happy about that. 

7. Itchy eyes? Nope. But I'm still dealing with the itchy downstairs thing. Gross I know. Hydrocortisone is working wonders though - as per doctors orders. 3x a day. So that helps me. I have also been having an itchy belly - also something I had with my other pregnancies. And it's common! 

8. Glowing Skin. I've been told I'm glowing but I don't see it. What I do see though is the random breakouts I keep having that are  driving me bonkers. All worth it in the long run though. :) I'm pregnant and that makes me happy. 

Weird cravings: Wendy's Baked Potatoes and fries w/their honey mustard; peanut M&M's; Chips and fresh salsa, Taco bowls, Nacho Cheese Doritos, Baby Carrots, Red Potatoes - Not much has changed in terms of that. So nothing out of the ordinary.

All in all my pregnancy has been going pretty well and I'm lucky. Which I hope this doesn't mean I will have a horrendous labor. Speaking of labor, still planning on a natural delivery - pain med free. However in terms of hospital location we are planning on touring both hospitals my doctor covers. PMMC and Einstein. Both have exceptional maternity floors. PMMC is close to us ...8 minutes <maybe> Einstein is 35 minutes - and that's depending on the time of day. PMMC is right by us so it would be easy to get there quick, but having someone to babysit Caleb nearby is tough. Unless I have a planned date for my membranes to get stripped which we obviously won't know until later. I am going to plan a hospital tour for both hospitals and see what we decide. 

That is all for this week, but I am looking forward to sharing my gender reveal with all of you next week! :) Have a great weekend! <3 

Xoxo, Jenna!