Gummy Bear at 17.5 weeks

I realized yesterday that we hadn't taken any belly pictures of Gummy Bear! Poor, neglected second child! He or she might carry the same grudge I do about having half the baby photo albums as my older brother. Oh well, I see how it happens now... Anyway, I've got a journal in which I've documented some of the differences between this pregnancy and my first, but overall I guess I could say they are just very different. Obviously, I "popped" out sooner this time, but I think I've gained about the same amount of weight and the baby measures exactly on target. Although I haven't had throwing up nausea with this or the last, I've definitely had more queasiness and general disinterest with food this time, and it's persisted longer. Nothing sounds good, if that makes sense. I had worse IBS this time, which actually caused a little bleeding around 8 weeks. I've been feeling rolling baby movement for the last week or so (from about 16.5 weeks), which is easily three weeks earlier than the first time, so that's really special. The biggest challenge for me, though, is dealing with my anxiety, which didn't really surface until postpartum with Chou-chou (I was ignorantly blissful about the new responsibilities of motherhood!). The insomnia has set back in, scary daydreams, and worry about how I'm going to juggle two kids and a new job, with no maternity leave. And still say semi-sane, or survive at least. We've just had a lot on our plate this summer as well, with Jarod's mom's death and all the mess that's still going on in that department. And the never-ending house remodel. Well, anyway, this is starting to sound awfully down! I'm taking care of things, and have seen multiple medical professionals in addition to my normal psychologist. Prayer and church community are also very helpful, and my exercise routine can't hurt either. All in all, I feel hopeful and so thankful for this baby. Just trying to take one day at a time, and soak up all the sweet fetal movement and celebrate this miracle.