Week 17/18

This week hasn't had much exciting going on. 

I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday....well, I was supposed to. I got there right on time and waited, but around 2:15, the doctor called to tell the nurses he won't be in today because of 2 c-sections and 3 women in labor at the hospital. Understandably, he couldn't make it. However, I saw one of the nurses, who took my blood pressure/weight and all that good stuff. Then tried to get Baby's heartbeat. When I say "try", I mean it took her about 5 different tries to pinpoint where Baby was because apparently, Baby did not like the Doppler at all. Baby was running away. I thought it was the funniest thing, and figured I might be in for some trouble with this one. Though a freind poitned out Baby could be just shy or something. Nurse eventually got Baby's heartbeat, and it was going as fast as ever (150s!). 

Everything looks good. I have another appointment on Wed, and I hope this time around we'll be able to schedule the ultrasound! All in good time, I suppose. I'm just rather impatient. 

I've taken to telling Baby goodnight every night, rubbing my belly, and also singing (though that's mostly me jsut singing along to songs). Pretty sure I've been feeling Baby off and on. Been getting a lot stronger. It's pretty cool! Baby certainly was not happy after the Doppler. Totally was kicking me. 

I've been doing pretty well. Popped out over the week, which is pretty cool. Definitely pregnant! Been getting headaches and feeling some round ligament pain, which isn't so fun, but oh well. I also have had trouble sleeping at night cause my back hurts. I mostly toss and turn and wake up multiple times, but what can you do. Apparently, over the weekend, I rolled over and my back popped so loud that Hubby glanced over and asked if I was ok. Ouch. He's tried to give me some backrubs but nothing's helping too much. Also getting some stretch marks, but I don't care terribly. Just figure it comes with the territory. 

Overall though, been feeling rather amazing. I finally feel back to my normal self! Well, as normal as I can feel being pregnant, but not feeling constantly sick/nauseous/throwing up is a nice nice change. 

I also went through my drawers and put away clothes that haven't/won't fit for a while, just to kind of get my bearings on what I have, what I might need, and what I just plain old want. Haha. Drawers look a bit bare now, but at least I kind of have an idea of what I do have and what I probably will need more of. 

I can't believe Thanksgiving is in a week and a half! Where on earth is the time going? Before we know it, our Baby will be here in our arms. Yikes. I should get working on that shopping list! 

Here's the picture for today. I took it on Friday, cause I really liked my outfit. 

4 Months!

I am officially four months pregnant today! When on earth did that happen?? I know everyone said time would be flying by while being pregnant, but I feel like I blinked and suddenly there we are.

Baby has fully developed ears and can hear sounds now. He/she can recognize our voices (whoa!), and hear music. Also, has sensitivity to light. Hubby hasn't tried shining a flashlight on my belly to see if Baby moves. Hehe. Apparently also just growing a LOT physically now. Can swallow, and practice breathing. Makes fists and sucks thumb (Oh dear, Baby gets that from Momma). Apparently the practice of swallowing and even sucking thumbs is for when Baby is born so he/she can more easily breastfeed. How cool is that!

In other exciting news, this is the first week that I haven't suffered from any nausea nor have I thrown up once! First time since August! I am very very happy about this fact. I have also been feeling some very suspicious flutters going on in my lower belly area. I don't know for sure if it is Baby or not, but I'm beginning to suspect it just might be! If they keep getting stronger over the weeks, guess we'll then know for sure!

I was very suspicious though when we were listening to Hubby's uncle play piano really loudly and suddenly all these flutters started happening! Baby must take after Hubby, loves loud music!

I have an appointment on Tuesday. Hopefully the doctor is happy with where I'm at, growth wise, and Baby is at and such.  I should also hear back on all the tests they did too, so that will be interesting. I'm also pretty sure that we'll then schedule an ultrasound (I certainly hope so!) because the nurse said he usually does them 18-20 weeks, and I'll be 16 and a 1/2. So hopefully we'll then find out the gender and how many are in there! I am very excited.

I've been doing a lot of research into natural birth, as well. I actually really like the idea, and my doctor even said they try to get you to do that cause it's healthier all around for both momma and baby. So I'm thinking I will be trying a natural birth! Barring any medical emergencies or problems, of course. I just really do not like the idea of having an epidural which slows down contractions and then getting fed steroids to speed them up and thus making labor "faster" but can be even more painful and damaging.

But like most things, Baby has its own way of coming around and such, so if it's better and healthier to do it the other way, then that's the way it is! I want a good healthy baby and a healthy labor for me. That is what counts, in the end.

Here is the picture for this week!

P.s. It's finally cold here!! Yay winter!

15 weeks/Starting 16 Weeks!

I am officially 15 weeks pregnant! Oh my goodness. That seems crazy to me, but apparently that's where I am at! 


Baby did a lot of developing this week. Ears are developed (baby can hear us now! So strange but amazing!), eyelids are still fused shut but the eyes can sense light! And is the size of an apple. Seriously, who comes up with these descriptions?? Apples are all sorts of sizes. Is my baby the size of a fuji apple? Or a red apple? Or a granny smith apple? ALL different. Oh well.


I had a decently good week, except for Thursday-Friday. Thursday I had a horrible day. Morning sickness plus a migraine equals me not feeling good at all for all of Thursday and a good portion of Friday. I was rather miserable, and everyone knew it because I was super pale. I actually went straight to bed when I got home from work (after throwing up my lunch), and slept from 6:30pm to about 8pm, ate half a yogurt, and then slept until my alarm went off in the morning. A grand total of over 12 hours. Apparently I needed sleep! 


As a secretary at work joked, "Oh you'll feel better! Apparently someone's going through a growth spurt!" Which was a much more fun way to think about it! 


And another wonderful symptom has started to show itself: nasal congestion. Ugh. Oh well. Such is life! 


Other than some bouts of morning sickness here and there, I've been feeling really good. Second Trimester is kind of nice. I hope it keeps being nice to me! Hehe. 


I have an appointment on November 8th, and I'll be 16 1/2 weeks or so. And then the nurse said my doctor usually will schedule an ultrasound between 18 and 20 weeks. So I am hoping this appointment, we can get one scheduled! And yes, find out how many are in there and the sex! Exciting, no? 


And in other news, it's finally starting to feel slightly fallish around here! Which makes me very happy. Cold in the mornings, for hot chocolate and tea and boots and scarves. Makes me a very happy camper. I love the fall/winter time. So so much! Plus, I love the cute bundled up pregnant lady look.


That's about it for me. Here's Week 15! 

Week 14/Starting Week 15!

Sorry that this post is a bit late. Had quite the busy weekend/last week, actually. For starters, had a project due for my Wednesday night class, so was working on that for Monday/Tuesday (along with the weekly Monday night go hang out with a friend for DWTS). 


Then my Twin came to visit from Thursday-Saturday! It was quite fun and busy, though. She went to D-Land on Friday, then I met up with her and another friend Friday evening for hanging out/dinner at Downtown Disney. Saturday we spent all day together, and then that night Hubby and I had a birthday party.

Sunday, Hubby's uncle came to visit for dinner and hanging out. Which was awesome. He hadn't been out to visit in a long while, so it was great to hang out and show him our place and all that. 


As you might be able to tell, I've been feeling much much much  better! 


Baby is growing steadily as far as I can tell. I'm eating well. Sleeping has been a bit of an issue lately, along with Round Ligament Pain. Ouch. That hurts. I don't notice it too much except when I try to roll over in bed, or I'm stretching a certain way. Then it's a nice sharp *twinge*. Not so fun, but oh well. 


My next appointment is on November 8th, and I'll be four months by then. Halfway through! Oh my gosh. Where is the time going?? Seriously. It's just flying by now! So far, I haven't had strangers trying to touch my belly. However, each and every one of my friends is. It's rather cute and hilarious. I don't mind. Most ask, first, which I appreciate.


I really cannot wait for the ultrasound! It was so amazing to hear baby's heartbeat, I can't wait to actually see baby!! And see how many are in there, hehe. 


But honestly, this time--well, now that I'm not throwing up or nauseous--has been amazing. I've got so many books at home I need to read. And I should really start thinking about baby furniture and clothes and diapers and all that other stuff. Eep! For now, though, just going to enjoy. I'll probably worry about that next week. 


That's it for me! No picture this time around. But hey, not much change from last week to this week. Though I keep getting told I look like I've lost weight everywhere else. Makes me giggle slightly. I'll definitely post a picture for Week 16!

13 Weeks! Second Trimester!

This week has been very up and down for me. Lots of stress at work. Had some pretty bad morning sickness Wednesday-Friday. I had to call my doctor.

But! I got into the doctor on Tuesday!! I got my physical done, blood drawn, etc, and we got to hear the heartbeat of our baby! It was the most amazing/awesome/breathtaking sound I have ever heard. I was chatting with the nurse and the doctor about some questions and then all of a sudden this

 "thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump" 

sound! I just stopped and kind of giggled. Hubby just stared and then grinned. It was an amazing sound. Baby was coming in at 152bpm. Apparently it should be between 110-160, so very strong heartbeat and fast. 

Other than that, this week was a bit stressful. I couldn't keep food down for a couple days, and I had to call my doctor. He told me that if it kept up, I should go to the hospital to get IV'd (which, in an odd way, makes me happy that I can go to the hospital if I need to!). Thankfully, I've been eating pretty regularly now, and trying to keep things down. It seems like my first trimester was just trying to go out with a bang. 

Speaking of which, 13 weeks today! Which means, I am totally in my second trimester! A third of the way through my pregnancy. How strange is that? Well, technically, I am starting 14 weeks today. I guess. Anyway, Second Trimester! A third of the way through!! 

Baby is growing well and is moving about and has hair and finger/toes etc. And now is really moving about. I can't wait to see the ultrasound!

Anyway. That is this week. Here is the picture! First one I actually really like. 

Officially 3 months!

Today marks the day. I am officially three months pregnant! And starting Week 13 (which, I think, means one more week until the 2nd Trimester!).

Or as Hubby put it, I'm 1/3rd of the way through pregnancy! Whoa. Scary thought, isn't it??

I've been feeling pretty good, well, feeling better almost daily. My nausea still kicks in at times, but I can usually point at why (can you say not enough sleep?). The only real complaint I have had this week is that I caught a headcold (both Hubby and I did, his is worse than mine though), and I felt pretty miserable over the week. I stayed home from work yesterday because I felt awful, couldn't wake up, and almost passed out calling my boss. I then passed out until 4pm. I still feel pretty "bleh", but that extra sleep sure did help a lot. Because of being sick, I may or may not take a picture. I have one from earlier in the week I might post, but when I'm sick the last thing I want to do is take pictures. Hah.

Baby is growing! Apparently, Baby can suck his/her thumb, start making fists, and is also moving around a LOT. And, can cry silently. And feel pain. Which broke my heart to find out. Also, intestines are formed and moving to their rightful spots, and Baby weighs as much as a peach or something like that. I never can quite figure out the whole fruit/veggie analogies but oh well!

Exciting exciting news!! I received all of my insurance information, which means I am going to an OB on Thursday!! Finally! I hope I like him. I found out that an OB I had gone to a few years ago was on the list of ones I could see, but she doesn't do births anymore. So this is who she referred me to. The nurse I talked with was really nice, so I have hope I'll like this OB! I--we!--can't wait to hear our little one's heartbeat, and to make sure everything is going well. And yes, as so many have joked, find out if we're having twins or not. Lol.

That is about it for me. I'm sleeping a lot, drinking juice, and taking Vit C like crazy. Since I'm not allowed to take any cold medicine (joy).

I will definitely do an update on Thursday about how my appointment went!

So very happy

So, I will post an "official" update tomorrow about this past week. But one thing that I found out yesterday that makes me so happy:


AIM reviewed my application and it is APPROVED!! 


I should get the packet any day now, and can start getting into the doctor by October 8th! Such a huge relief and so exciting! 


Anyway, just wanted to let everyone know that. I'll do a more thorough official update tomorrow about Week 11 and starting Week 12 (and thus practically done with the First Trimester!). 

Picture!

Here I am starting 11 Weeks! :)

Week 11 (Or, the very bad no good awful week)

Good news, bad news, good news. 


Bad news first! 


First, had a pretty awful week. Didn't sleep enough, felt sick for most of it. Ate as regularly as I could, but stomach just wasn't liking it at all. Instant Breakfast has become my savior during the morning, because it is about the only thing that I can regularly drink without feeling worse. So this week just wasn't that great at all.


Then (now I want to preface this other thing as bad news but turns into good news. So don't freak out): 


I got my letter from AIM. It was a rejection, claiming we made "too much" money. Now, bright side, they totally did their math wrong. So we wrote a letter appealing the decision and faxed it in Friday morning along with our tax returns.


This will lead into the good news. Hubby then called that afternoon to make sure they got everything and if they needed anything else and to make sure they would correct their mistake. So good: They always take the lowest income you send in (even if you've already sent in paystubs that are higher), they will review it, and given that the only reason I didn't get accepted was because of income being "too high", that should fix the problem! Bad thing: It could take up to 15 business days to get it all done. So more waiting for us, I suppose. I'm hoping that since I'm already in the system it won't take that long. But we shall see. 


More good news, Hubby then took me out to Olive Garden because I was so stressed and tired and worn out after that, so that was lovely. I didn't eat as much as I wanted but oh well. My appetite is coming and going. It's very weird right now. But I'm glad I at least have some sort of appetite. 


Anyway, today marks the beginning of Week 11 for Baby! Which all I can say, is this past week has been the most tiring for me. I've been exhausted even going to bed early! I decided, last night, to take a nap around 7:15, thinking I'd sleep for an hour, wake up and watch a movie with Hubby. I ended up going to bed and not waking up at all until about 11am (not counting the run to the bathroom moments of waking up). I slept for almost 15 hours! Apparently I was tired! The bad thing about this though was the fact that I hadn't eaten since lunch yesterday. Yah, dizzy, tired, nauseated me in the morning. I finally did get up and eat and feel much better now. 


It's hard to believe that Baby is forming fists and is now moving about! And forming teeth! Apparently Baby will be practically fully formed by the end of this week. Wow! How amazing is that! And I'm almost done with the First Trimester! How crazy! Time is juts flying by! I cannot believe it. 


No picture (yet) today. I haven't been feeling so great all week, and definitely NOT in the mood to take a picture of myself. Maybe later or tomorrow, when I'm feeling better. 


Anyway though, I'm doing ok. I caught up on sleep, thankfully. Am eating more regularly. Insurance will hopefully be all taken care of, I just have to be patient for now. And I'm hoping that the 2nd Trimester, while not make me feel normal, will at least alleviate some of these annoying things. 


I am super excited to meet this Baby! I cannot wait to hear the heartbeat! 

Starting 10 Weeks!

I'm starting my 10th week today! Oh my goodness, time is flying by! It's been almost 5 1/2 weeks since we found out!

I have been feeling much better now, thank goodness. I have been eating pretty regularly, have figured out things that I can eat that help with my nausea. And I discovered stress and/or lack of sleep makes it worse (Oh imagine that!). Though I have discovered I haven't been able to sleep very well right now. Pillow under my knees have helped, but not much. Everything is kind of achy. And I definitely waking up much slower than normal. But trying to figure out my routine and getting there.

I can't believe Baby already has finger nails and toe nails! And fingers and toes. And forming joints, and vital organs. Baby is moving already too! And growing hair! Baby is only an inch long! This is mindblowing for me. Wow. 

In good news, I called AIM  Friday to make sure they got my application, and if I would receive  information soon. I sent it in on the 6th, and they received it on the 8th! So it was pending still on Friday, but they should be sending out my information Monday! So here is hoping everything is good, and I can get into the doctor by the end of this coming week! And we can see what's been going on with Baby and all that good stuff. 

I also found out one of my friends (pregnant buddy, yay!) is having twins!! They are sooo excited! 

All in all, things have been going well. I'm feeling pretty good except for nausea most of the day (but hey, at least I can eat!), and being exhausted and going to bed by 9pm. Which is very strange for this nightowl. 

Here I am at 9 weeks/Beginning of 10! 

Update

Well, hopefully not speaking too soon, but my morning sickness, for now, seems to have abated quite a bit. Wondering if perhaps I caught a flu...


I was able to keep down 3 pieces of toast yesterday, plus some chicken broth and more toast! And I woke up feeling a lot less nauseated and was actually a little hungry. 


So whether it was the flu or just morning sickness, I hope this trend keeps going. Or at the very least, the morning sickness only last a couple days, then I can eat for a few, etc. 


Will keep everyone updated, but so far, today seems like it'll be a nice day! 

Morning Sickness

So apparently my hope that I would only have minor nausea during the 1st Trimester was a false hope. Morning sickness is currently kicking my butt. I haven't been able to keep anything down since Tuesday evening, and I feel awful.

I've been trying everything people are suggesting, from ginger to sea-bands to Dramamine to Popsicles. The only things I have found that make it a bit easier to bear are a glass of milk, lots of sleep, and sometimes being able to choke down half a banana and praying I keep it down.

I open to other suggestions, because so far, this is miserable. Only 3 1/2weeks to go till my 2nd Tri and hopefully then I will be back to normal!

(Kind of) Wordless Wednesday

I took a picture of myself today, because I do want to start documenting the pregnancy. And because, I couldn't quite believe it myself. 


Here is Baby at 6.5 weeks. 

Was anyone else showing like this at 6.5 weeks? Cause I for sure did not expect to be. The two thoughts going through my head are "OMG Twins?" and "Maybe I'm much farther along than I expected." 


Any advice? I'm finishing up my insurance paperwork this week, and hopefully can get into the doctor for my ultrasound and such in a few weeks. I know, I know. I won't be able to really  know anything until then. But still, fun speculating, right? 

Baby: 7 Weeks

I am currently in my 7th week of pregnancy. This is mind-boggling and amazing to me. My--our--baby has a heartbeat already! And is forming baby teeth. And limbs that will soon have fingers and toes. 


This baby that is growing inside of me. 


It's a completely strange and wonderous feeling. I keep putting my hand on my stomach, as if I could feel he/she already. I can't, not really. And yet, I can. I feel different. More than just the whole morning sickness/bloating/dizziness. I can't quite put my finger on it. I want to say something like I'm part of something bigger than myself, which I suppose is true. 


I think it's more just a constant sense of wonderment. Life is different for me. In less than 9 months, I will have a beautiful baby boy or girl in my arms. This person that is entrusted to me but is still entirely their own person. That we will help shape and grow and develop but in the end, will be themselves, no matter what. I cannot wait to encourage that. 


I didn't realize how much love you can have for someone that's barely in existence. I think of this baby and my heart overflows already. I've started talking to him/her. Baby will recognize our voices from the womb. Can you believe that? Soon I'll start singing to him/her. (I need a better nickname for Baby). 


This is a strange, amazing, glorious new adventure. I cannot wait to see more of it. Even if I do feel huge already, my clothes are still fitting (thank god I own mostly leggings, skirts, and dresses!), and I have a crazy desire for bananas. Yes, bananas. And mexican food. No, I don't understand it. 


Just some of my thoughts at the moment. I am now about to fall asleep at the keyboard, so I will head to bed. Expect many more posts about the baby, though. After all, that's where my mind will be for the next several months. 


P.s., our vacation was lovely! Lots of good food, rest, relaxation, and just overall hanging out. It wasn't as exciting as last year's, but we think that that is because we had done it before. It wasn't new and we are ok with that. It was a much more relaxed not needing to do everything kind of vacation. We needed it. 


Classes have also started. They are going beautifully and I'm loving each and every one of them! 

Baby

So, as many have guessed, Hubby and I are expecting a new addition to our family in about 9 months! The estimated due date is April 21st, 2012. 


I got my blood-work done on Tuesday, got the results yesterday. Apparently I am very pregnant. I guess 371hcg is high but in normal range? Some friends have already started teasing about twins. So I guess we will see! Either way, we are having a baby! I am very very excited. We both are. 


With both of us getting raises and paying off debts, we decided that now was a great time to start our family! I went off birth control in July, and suddenly, here we are! Neither of us expected it to happen so quickly. I was sorta hoping, but I figured it would take a few months for my body to regulate back to being off birth control. Apparently not! 


We are both super super excited. And we were so happy we were able to find out while we were back in VA visiting family. We were able to tell them in person, instead of having to do a phone-call! We then spent the evening calling other family on speakerphone. Needless to say, everyone is super excited! 


It's very strange to think that in 9 months, I will be holding our baby. I still can't get over that I have a baby growing inside of me right now. Our very own baby.  Wow. It feels real and yet doesn't, quite. 


I'm sure the more time goes along, the more real everything will become. But for now, I'm going to bask in the joy and awe that there's a baby, growing. Inside of me! 




And also go eat lots of sour cream, tomatoes, and honey mustard. Cause apparently, that's what I want now. 


P.s. Also, CRUISE IS THIS WEEKEND! 

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