17 Weeks!

I am definitely starting to show!

How far along: 17 Weeks! Baby size: About 5 1/2 in.  The size of a turnip! Total weight gain/loss: Not sure, but probably between 5-6 lbs. Maternity clothes: Not really, but I am carrying kind of high so the only thing that fits are the two pair of low rise pants I have.  So, I have one pair of jeans and one pair khakis that I always wear.  I did buy some incredibly cute maternity jeans that look totally normal and have like an elastic waist band and no panels.  They are crazy comfy but still a little big, and the best part is they were apparently on super clearance because when I got to the register they were only $7!! Sleep: I wake up several times to switch positions; I can’t sleep in one position for too long before I get uncomfortable.  Overall not too bad though. Best moment this week: Two things:  1. Seeing and talking to wonderful friends!  My best friend on the planet called me and we talked for a while, I got to see and hang out with my college roommate/bridesmaid, and I had lunch with two fabulous teachers I worked with at my old school last year.  It was amazing!   2. Waking up feeling like my heart was racing, only to then wonder I why could feel my heart beating in my stomach, and finally being awake enough to realize that it was the baby’s heartbeat I was feeling!! Movement: Still waiting…but I can feel the heartbeat when I lay really still! Food cravings: Still fruit and grapes in particular this week. What I miss: Not a thing right now, pregnant life is awesome.  I am sure I will regret saying that though, haha! What I am looking forward to: 1 week from today we do our anatomy ultrasound and finally find out boy or girl!!!  Nick and I both took the whole day off and after the ultrasound and Dr. we are going shopping! Milestones: The baby is getting finger prints!  We have picked a crib, just need to order it.  We decided we wanted an armoire but the one we wanted no longer comes in the color we want so we are still looking there, but if we have a girl I know the colors for the nursery.  Slowly but surely we are getting there! Pregnancy Symptoms: Some back pain has started, but nothing really.

Got a lot of nothing...

I am still pretty early in my pregnancy, which is a wonderful thing seeing as how we really have nothing yet that we will need for our little one.  However, I did want to share a couple of things that we do have!

Our cradle!

 










I mentioned before that my parents got it for us for Christmas, and we are absolutely in love!  I so did not want a bassinet because most are ugly and not the best for the baby to sleep in.  When I found this cradle I knew it was the one because it was not super expensive, the reviews are fabulous, and it is unbelievably precious!  My mom will be making bedding for it once Nick and I can decide on a fabric.


Diaper bag!

I got my Babymel diaper bag that I wanted!  Nick was able to find one for me a little cheaper than what most places were charging so he just went ahead and got it.  I love it, and it will be perfect.  It has tons of pockets, an insulated pocket for formula/milk, and a changing pad.  Nick has found the messenger bag that is a diaper bag that he wants so we will be getting that soon.



Slowly but surely we will get it all, and it will be even easier to get things after Jan. 26th when we find out if we are having a boy or girl!!

16 Weeks...

I know this picture is horrible, we just got back from the gym... How far along: 16 Weeks! Baby size: About 5 in. or so Total weight gain/loss: Not sure, but probably around 4-5 lbs. Maternity clothes: Not really, but Nick did take me shopping!  We found two super cute tops that I can wear now without looking ridiculous and a dress that is awesome and doesn’t look like a maternity dress at all. Sleep: Still good, I still have days where I get really tired but they aren’t as common. Best moment this week: Feeling better and not blowing my nose every 5 minutes! Movement: Still waiting…very impatiently I might add! Food cravings: Still fruit and I am big on oranges now. What I miss: Nothing really.  Being able to comfortably button my pants would be nice though, haha. What I am looking forward to: 13 days until we find out gender…it is killing us!! Milestones: The baby can recognize our voices.  Nick has read to my stomach also. Pregnancy Symptoms: Congestion and being a little snotty, but that is really it.  I am so thankful that I have had no nausea or vomiting!

15 Weeks! (Better late than never!)

How far along: 15 Weeks! Baby size: About the size of an avocado!  Around 5 in. and 4 oz. Total weight gain/loss: Not sure, but probably around 4lbs. Maternity clothes: I did break down and wear my BeBand to work one day this week with a pair of slacks!  My clothes are definitely getting snug… Sleep: Sleep hasn’t been too bad, and the Dr. gave me a cough syrup that has codeine in it so sleep has been pretty good this week. Best moment this week: Nick looking at me and saying, “Hey, you actually look pregnant and not fat!”  How sweet, haha!  Also, the secret is out at work!!  I waited to tell my dean and entire team until after the holidays, and they are all so excited and supportive.  I love that the baby news is totally out there! Movement: Nope, but we are SO ready! Food cravings: Nothing too crazy still fruit, fruit, and more fruit. I do eat a fair amount of pickles now too though, only dill! (Same as last week and pretty much the whole pregnancy) What I miss: Not blowing my nose.  Thank God for Puffs Plus with Aloe!! What I am looking forward to: This weekend!  For once we have no actual set in stone plans so we are going to relax and do some errands.  I have to get some loser/longer clothes, we are going to get some baby stuff, clean out closets, and just enjoy our weekend! Milestones: I am starting to show!  The baby has eyebrows and eyelashes! Pregnancy Symptoms: So, more on this cold…  It is more than just a cold because my mucus is green and I have had a low fever.  That is why the Dr. has given me so many prescriptions and been worried about me.  A cold I can live with, but this has been worse and been going on for almost 6 weeks.  My doc decided to put me on super power antibiotics, which seem to be working already, a cough syrup as needed, which is mostly just at night, and wants me to take Zyrtec D everyday.  I definitely feel a little better already, and now I have more of a cold then a sinus infection or anything.  It hasn’t been fun but it could totally be way worse.  Baby is healthy and that is all that we are really worried about!

14 Weeks!

This picture was in North Carolina so we just kinda worked with what he had, I didn't pack the usual "picture outfit". I am skipping 13 weeks because I was on the couch sick the whole week…no fun!  I am, however, going to squeeze 14 weeks in.  It is late because we spent the last 9 days in Chicago and North Carolina with Nick’s family. How far along: 14 Weeks!  Baby size: About the size of a large navel large! Total weight gain/loss: No idea because I have been sick, the holidays came and went, and we were out of town. Maternity clothes: Not yet, but my mom got me a BeBand for Christmas which I plan on using very soon! Sleep: I sleep pretty well at night, no complaints. Best moment this week: Getting Christmas presents for our little one.  My parents got us our cradle!!  I will be posting about that soon. Movement: Nope, and Nick is getting more anxious than I am! Food cravings: Nothing too crazy still fruit, fruit, and more fruit. I do eat a fair amount of pickles now too though, only dill!  I guess that is because of my sour craving. What I miss: Not having a cold ALL of the time. What I am looking forward to: Jan. 26th!  It is still weeks away, but that is the day we will find out gender and do our anatomy ultrasound!  We can’t wait! Milestones: I am in my second trimester!  Our wee one is growing hair, unless they are going to be a bald baby of course. Pregnancy Symptoms: I have perpetual cold!  I have pretty much been sick for the last month.  I had low immunities to start and with baby they are even lower.  Also, seeing as how it is cold/flu season AND I am a teacher I can’t seem to catch a break.  The Dr. gave me amoxicillin and a Z-pack that each made me feel a little better for maybe a week each, but it always comes back.  It could definitely be worse though…

12 Weeks!

How far along: 12 Weeks!
Baby size: About the size of a large plum!
Total weight gain/loss: Up about 3 lbs.

Maternity clothes: Not yet, but my pants are definitely starting to squeeze! I see a BeBand in my very near future.

Sleep: I am still pretty sleepy all of the time. I sleep pretty well at night though, no complaints.

Best moment this week: Knowing that it is my last week of school before Christmas break and that I have a Dr’s appt. next week.

Movement: Nope…I can’t wait though!

Food cravings: Nothing too crazy still fruit, fruit, and more fruit. Plus, sour candy.

What I miss: Nothing really...I wish I had more energy but that should be coming in the next week or so.

What I am looking forward to: Dec. 22nd is my next appt. Also, we leave for Chicago on Christmas Day and we haven’t seen any of Nick’s family (other than his parents) since we made our big announcement.

Milestones: The baby's fingers are starting to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. So unbelievable!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Still pretty tired and being in a car makes me want to vomit and gives me a headache. Nothing too horrible though…I again say, “Thank you Lord for no nausea/vomiting/morning sickness!!”

Baby on Board!

It has been an incredibly long time since I updated; however, I have the best excuse imaginable!  After almost 2 years of marriage, Nick and I have been blessed with a wonderful baby!  I am pregnant and beyond excited.  So, prepare yourself for a long post full of pregnancy talk and pictures…

Background:

As I have said before, I have poly cystic ovary syndrome, which is basically a hormone disorder, and it can cause issues when getting pregnant.  So, Nick and I decided that since it could take months or years to have a successful pregnancy we would start “trying”.  Well, apparently the combination of Nick and I and the medicine the endocrinologist had me on worked, and the first attempt was a success.  We were shocked and in disbelief at first, but so excited with the blessing God had given us.  We truly feel as though this is the baby that God made just for us and wanted us to have!

 Finding Out:

I really don’t know if I “felt pregnant” or just really, really wanted to be pregnant.  Either way, after being a week and a couple days late I couldn’t take it anymore and decided to buy a pregnancy test.  My off period and lunch are back to back so I walked across the street from the school to CVS to get my pee stick.  It was a good thing it came with three because on my first attempt I didn’t really have to pee so hardly anything found its way onto the test.  I figured it was a wasted attempt, and I would drink lots of water and try again in an hour when I had my next break.  Well, within seconds, seriously, not minutes, the pregnancy line was there and super dark.  I thought it was a fluke and something strange must have happened since the stick had not been thoroughly saturated and it had not been the 3 minutes.  An hour later, bladder full, attempt two occurred.  Again, it instantly said pregnant!  I spent my entire off period sitting in my classroom in utter disbelief.  Then I got so excited and knew I had to tell Nick.  I am horrible at keeping secrets, but I still wanted the actual telling to be special.

 Telling Nick:

Nick and I carpool to work since we work like 8 miles from each other.  I usually have about 30 mins. to kill at school before he comes to pick me up.  I couldn't stand the thought of keeping it a secret, and I didn’t have a car to really go anywhere.  So, the next best thing was shopping at the CVS and Walgreens across the street from my school!  It was the beginning of October and after much searching I found a my first Halloween bib at CVS.  I wasn’t satisfied, hence the trip to Walgreens.  I found a super cute pack of bibs there that said stuff like I love my daddy.  I got a plain gift bag, put the bibs and pee sticks in it, and hid it in my bag for the drive home.  Well, as we were driving (because of traffic our drive is about 40-45 mins) Nick says he got me a present.  Perfect, I thought, and told him that I got him something too.  His turned out to be some cookies he got a work, so mine was way better!  He said he wanted his present now and couldn’t wait until we got home.  So, while sitting at a red light I gave him his bag.  First he pulled out a bib and was like oh, that’s cool…very unexcited, he had that’s an odd gift written all over his face.  Then he pulled out the daddy bibs and was like does this mean what I think it means?!  I told him to keep going.  He then pulled out the pee sticks and freaked out!  He was super excited and didn’t believe me for a minute.

The "Wait, does this mean what I think it means face"

This is the only picture I was able to get of him figuring it out...not the best picture.

 

Going to Doctor:

We went to the Dr. at only 5 weeks because of my whole situation and the fact that we still weren't completely convinced.  Nick actually made me take the third pregnancy test before we went to the Dr. because we still couldn’t believe that I as actually pregnant!  At that point the ultrasound showed the ‘sack’, as she so lovely put it, and they did some blood work.  It turned out to be good we went so early because while I was pregnant, one of my hormone levels was lower than they liked so they gave me a prescription to take that would help increase it and help prevent a miscarriage.  We went back at 9 weeks and got to see our gorgeous baby moving all over the place.  The baby was so active it took a little while to get the heart beat, but once we did it was the most amazing and surreal moment of our lives!  The Dr. said everything looked perfect and gave us the ok to spread the news.  This was the day before Thanksgiving; therefore, we were super excited to give our parents a little something extra for us all to be thankful for!

Telling Family:

We did decide to wait on telling anyone until after that Dr. visit because of the risk of miscarriage and all of that.  (Side note: Nick’s Grandpa died the Monday before Thanksgiving so we had a sudden change of plans and flew to Chicago on Thanksgiving Day to be with his family and for the funeral.)  The night before Thanksgiving we stayed with my parents.  Every year they ask for our Christmas list, and this year we made a fake list with all kinds of baby stuff on it.  We made it less obvious at first, snoogle, beband, etc.  We gave each of my parents one, and my dad kept saying what the heck is a snoogle?  Then my mom says, “Dennis, she’s pregnant!”  My dad just looks me and says, “Are you really?”  I held up the ultrasound picture, and they both freaked out.  My mom says she already knew, and my dad was shocked.  Thanksgiving night in Chicago, once things had calmed down, we told Nick’s parents we had some early Christmas presents for them.  We handed Nick’s mom a onsie that said I’ve been good all year, just ask Grandma, and Nick’s dad the ultrasound picture.  Nick’s mom was like what does this mean, and then his dad showed her the picture.  They then did the freaking out.  It was fabulous!  About a week after the funeral we called and told Nick’s Grandma and some of his other family.  December 4^th was my family’s big Christmas get together.  I found a shirt that said mom in training at a maternity store and wore it to the party.  It took a little while, but eventually everyone read the shirt and was shocked and excited.

Pregnant Me:

I am now 12 weeks, almost finished with my first trimester, and due between June 24-29.  In all honesty I really cannot complain one bit about this pregnancy!  I have not had one ounce of morning sickness or nausea!!  I am more thankful about this than anything!  My symptoms have consisted of awful headaches and extreme exhaustion.  The tiredness is why no updates have been posted.  By the time I get home from work, eat dinner, and sit down I am ready for bed!  For the past three months now I have been going to bed around 8.  I don’t exactly have a job where I can nap so as soon as I get home I am done!!  Nick has been absolutely fabulous!  He now does most of the cooking and lots of the chores I was doing.  I told him I was sorry for being such a sucky wife lately, and he said not to ever say that because I wasn’t sucky I was pregnant and amazing.  How awesome and sweet is he!?  I will know attempt to do at least a weekly pregnancy update, and here are some of my weekly pictures.  I know, I don’t look pregnant but rather like I should lay off the donuts!