Week 28 Wrap-Up

I can hardly believe we are two thirds of the way done!!!

Weight gained: Overall, at my Dr's appointment on Monday, I am up about 10-12 pre-pregnancy pounds! I can tell now as the belly continues to grow regularly.  

Symptoms: Nothing out of the "normal".  Heart burn, acid reflux, uncomfortable, trouble sleeping, etc... It's all part of the motions... The being uncomfortable has become much more noticeable in the past week or two-- It's harder to find a comfortable position when trying to sleep, watch TV, pick things up.... And still so much longer and bigger to go. Totally worth it though!

Movement: All the time!  He's a mover and a shaker. He is especially active when I first wake up (apparently he enrolled us in a kickboxing class at 5am, and from around 9pm to midnight).  The strangest development here has been that I can feel him rolling around now, and the other night it felt like I had my own stadium doing the wave in there.  Sean and I couldn't help but start laughing- it was such a strange feeling (inside and out!).

Food Aversions:  Nothing really.  It's been pretty consistent that in the moment something may not sound good, or taste right and I will be turned out-- but give it a few hours and I'll probably be willing to eat it again.  It's been pretty consistent though- anything with a soft/mush texture (eggs, avocado, yogurt, etc.)

Food Cravings:  Hmmm... This is another tricky one, because again- I might crave it for an hour, but if I don't get it my world doesn't collapse or anything.  :)  I can continued to take any opportunity/excuse to go to Jamba Juice and get a fruit smoothie.  Last week, Sean and I went to a Food Truck Fest for dinner and I thought I wanted one thing, but ended up craving and eating Chicken Wings that were delicious.  I've craved cheese, chips, cherries, and plums.  On Saturday, I was craving nothing but breakfast foods, so my mom made me some delicious french toast and fruit for dinner.  I currently have a hankering for a bowl of frozen yogurt with Captain Crunch on top....  Why isn't there a fro-yo place close by?!

Sleep:  Oh sleep... That old majestic friend that continues to allude me these days... As mentioned earlier his most active times are times when this mama just wants to get comfy and get some shut eye.  It's alright though, I really enjoy feeling him kick, punch, wriggle, and roll.  His movements don't bother my sleep as much as just my own general discomfort.  I keep hoping as the belly grows, I will be more tired so sleep will come easier-- but it doesn't seem to be the case.  Ah well, good training for those first months when you don't sleep normal anyways.  

Exercise: I have taken Tilly-dog for a few walks over the last week for around a mile or so.  Starting next week, Drako will start the walking portion of his rehabilitation, so we will be doing hill walking everyday. 

Stretch marks?  None yet.  Let's keep that up stretchy skin!

Miss Anything?  Same old song and dance... SUSHI and comfy sleep!  I also miss having a drink on weekend evenings- especially now that we have an outdoor space.  A glass of wine, or an ice cold hard cider would be amazing.... eventually...

Happy or moody most of the time:  Happy!  I think I'm ready to start heading back to work though, I'm bored and feel generally unproductive most days (ie: can't work on fun baby stuff until after my shower).  

Belly Button in or out?  In, but quickly getting shallow and wide... I give it 4-6 more weeks before it is completely flat! 
Wedding rings on or off?  So.... Funny tangent story... my wedding band sits inside of my engagement ring, and should have been sautered together long ago to make one ring, buuuut I'm lazy and enjoy having two rings instead of one.  Well currently, I can't wear them the correct way... So, I am only wearing my engagement ring again and wearing the wedding band around my neck.  I really should get them resized after this pregnancy...
New Baby Items: So many things!  We have bought a couple more outfits- because I just can't pass up an outfit that is cheap and terribly cute.  We have our crib and mattress (Thanks to my in-laws!) and our car seat (Thanks to my parents!) We also bought these bedsheets for the crib and I love that they have bold colors and aren't too "baby".  I also bought some new maternity clothes, and am especially excited for the shirts I ordered from Cafepress, and will be modeling them as soon as I get them!
Fun and/or Interesting Things from the Week:  Hmm... I passed my Glucose Test! Yay! No gestational diabetes! Eat all the carbs!!!! I didn't pass my anemia test though, so now I'm taking iron supplements.  Feeling the little one move has definitely been the best part.  

Looking Forward To:  My baby shower in a few weeks.  Wrapping up summer and getting back into work mode before I go out on maternity leave.  Working on the nursery.  So many things! 

Week 24 Wrap-Up

Wow... So these haven't exactly been weekly. (Pregnancy Fail...).  With all the craziness going on, mentioned in the last post, We have definitely slacked off on weekly pictures.  Hopefully we can get back on the bandwagon now that there is actually something to see!
Without further delay... 

Sorry about the blur!  My normal photographer wasn't around...

Weight gained: According to the doctor's appointment today, I am up 10 pounds from the end of first trimester (approximately 4-7 pounds from my starting weight).  This is exactly where my doctor wanted me to be after dropping so much weight in the first months of pregnancy.  It's a huge accomplishment, and I'm proud to have gained weight in a healthy way!

Workouts: Not really... Walking and moving as often as possible, but with the weight issue I haven't wanted to push myself too much to do additional workouts and risk burning very necessary calories.  I did try out a new prenatal workout DVD and enjoyed it. Hopefully, now that I am back on track weight wise, I can start doing my yoga/pilates dvd.  

Symptoms: Much of the normal ones... Holy Round Ligament Pain! The past two weeks or so, it has definitely made itself known.  I'm getting short on breath easier when standing for too long, or moving too quickly which is annoying.  We got a new mattress recently and it is helping with sleeping through the night- still not getting up in the middle of the night at all (*Knock on wood*).  

Movement: Holy cow! It's amazing how quickly I went from no movement to "HI MOM! I'm HERE!" It has been incredible (read: incredibly weird) to feel him in there kicking and moving up a storm.  He moves most first thing in the morning, after dinner, and whenever I try to sit down and watch TV.  Sean has felt him kick a few times now, and even seen my belly move from his little movements.  

Food Aversions: None really.  Food has come easy lately.  The tricky part has been finding what I want in the moment.  I am avoiding PB&J like the plague lately- I've tried, just can't handle it.  

Food Cravings: Nothing crazy- anything LIQUID (I get so thirsty!).  Smoothies and otter pops have been top contenders lately, but if I don't have them it's okay.  Mostly, I've just craved food in general- anything munchy or crunchy.  I haven't really craved salty or sweet lately.  ....At this exact moment though- a doughnut or two would be amazing....

Sleep: As I mentioned, so much better the past two weeks.  We got a new Simmons BeautyRest Black, and it has been God-sent.  The first night or two I wasn't too sure, but I am only waking up maybe once a night now to readjust.  I also gave up on sleeping with a body pillow at night, and am thinking that has helped too... I move too much in my sleep and it just got in the way. 

Stretch marks? Not yet.  Getting itchy though...

Miss Anything? Not really.  Maybe a good glass of wine, or trying sips of Sean's beers... I do miss a good cut of Sushi... I will be indulging in that before I get out of the hospital after delivery- you can count on that.  

Happy or moody most of the time: I'd say happy most of the time.  I find myself getting stressed and overwhelmed rather easily which has made me mildly moody, but I'm doing my best all things considered...

Belly Button in or out? In- and strangely getting deeper by the week... Wider too.  It's been kind of a weird thing to watch happen.  I feel like the deepening has started to slow down, and the widening has started to pick up pace... Maybe we will even out and I'll just go flat?
Wedding rings on or off? On, but definitely snug.  I won't last being able to wear them the whole pregnancy.... Not a chance. Hopefully, I can at least wear them until after the baby shower?
New Baby Items: Fun and/or Interesting Things from the Week: Lots of things this week.  We have officially been putting a huge dent into our Registry lists, planning the nursery, and generally getting excited.  

Had our 24 week appointment today, and doctor said everything is measuring as it should, and I look healthy.  Happy Day.  She ordered my Glucose and Anemia Tests. Sad Day.  

we are preparing to order our crib and mattress in the next week or two which is fully exciting. Today I bought receiving blankets at Marshall's because I just couldn't resist! They are so cute, and bright and I just love!

Looking Forward To: So many things...  

We signed up for all of our Kaiser Baby Prep classes today at my appointment (ie: Breastfeeding, Newborn Care, Preparing for Childbirth, Coping with Natural Birth). We also scheduled my 28 week and 32 week appointments, and we have our Late Pregnancy Class in two weeks... So much baby stuff... Wow it's busy!

We also spent part of the past weekend, sitting down with our mom's and talking about what our "ideal" Baby Shower would look like.  We have decided to do one big one (both families, and friends) in a Co-Ed BBQ.  A little unconventional.  A little Disney.  A lot perfection.  

Week 15 Wrap-Up

 

Weight gained: Since I finally stopped losing weight, I believe I am up a pound or so.  Trying to look into some extra meal plan ideas to help pack on those "healthy pounds"

Symptoms: Besides California allergies?... Not too many to speak of.  A few bouts of round ligament pain this past week during testing, but otherwise it's started to get prety quiet in these parts.  After a rough start with Morning Sickness-- I will GLADLY take the quiet! :-)

Movement: Not yet.  Getting anxious for it though!

Food Aversions: Not too many at the moment.  This past week, onions have not sounded the most appealing, and fish of any kind smells way to strong- but after first trimester struggles, I feel much more like myself in the eatting department. 

Food Cravings: I was craving burgers this way in the worst way! All I wanted was to have burgers for dinner each night. Sean did give in and fulfill my cravings one night with a drive thru at Wendy's, and Saturday night at our family BBQ we had homemade burgers.  Best craving ever! Also, sour cream and avocados-- Oh! and fruit!

Sleep: Sleep has been pretty good.  I am waking up a few times each night, but not for bathroom trips or hunger pains... My allergies have caused me less than restful nights. I wake up with cotton mouth-- bad, and then can't easily fall back to sleep.  I can't take my allergy pills and hormones have left me even more stuffed up... It's a sad sight- I hope my nose clears up soon!

Exercise: Not enough.  I took the puppies for a few walks when I got home from work this week, not very long walks- maybe a mile or so- but walks none the less.  We also had standardized testing at work this past week. (Thank goodness those are only once a year! Holy BOREDOM!)

Stretch marks? Not yet!  Lotion each night or each morning.  I know it doesn't do much, but it does help releave the itching that is beginning to appear.

Miss Anything? Hard cider and sushi! Both are good for me to avoid, but oh my goodness what I wouldn't give for those.... and I miss my allergy meds.

Happy or moody most of the time: I would say.... mostly happy.  There have been a few movie related meltdowns in the last couple weeks, and I have found myself probably a little more snappy than necessary- but week 15 was pretty good on the emotion scale.

Belly Button in or out?  In, and I feel like it's getting deeper each day.... Strange.

 

Wedding rings on or off?

On, but not at night.  They already ran small, but I feel like they are getting a little bit tighter now...

 

New Baby Items:

 A Giant's onesie.  Hopefully, big enough to wear at the start of baseball season next year! Also, I took some time this weekend with my MIL to check out a baby boutique (very cute stuff-- EXTRA expensive stuff...) and to set up my Babies R Us registry.  I won a bottle drying rack, and got a bunch of coupons. 

Looking Forward To: My NT scan in 4 weeks. Finally being done with the school year (6 weeks).  And being completely done with moving again for a little while....

Fun and/or Interesting Things from the Week:

• He/she is about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces.
• His/her legs are growing longer than the arms now, and he/she can move all of the joints and limbs.
• Baby Tooth can sense light. If I were to shine a flashlight at my tummy, baby is likely to move away from the beam.
• He/she is forming taste buds.

The Big News!

So the big news is out!
Like...  Facebook Official!

Starting at the beginning...

How did you find out you were pregnant? We had been working with Kaiser's REI clinic so closely that it was hard not to assume that we had successfully gotten pregnant.  I learned, however, after months of disappointment to never count my "eggs" before they "implanted". I was supposed to go in Monday for a Pregnancy Blood Test, but I couldn't wait another 24 hours without having some idea what the results would be, so... I woke up Sunday morning and took a HPT.

What kind of Pregnancy test did you take? I think it was First Response?

How many? Only the one... I was tired of peeing in cups by that point! :p

What were your 1st symptoms? I started feeling nauseated not long after getting confirmation from the doctors. 

Who did you tell first? Sean, of course!  He was still in bed, and he suspected I had taking a HPT, but didn't want to ask. I finally woke him up enough to tell him it was positive.

Who was with you when you found out? Me. Myself. And I.

My 1st reaction: Shock.  I was definitely happy, excited, and in disbelief. I could hardly believe I was finally seeing TWO pink lines!

Was your baby planned? More than... It's hard to have an 'unplanned pregnancy' when you are working with an Infertility Clinic.

How far were you when you found out? Evidently, 4 weeks.

How did your parents/family react? We told my parents a week after we found out.  My mom was already suspicious and not entirely surprised.  The rest of my family reacted as follows: My dad: "Are you pregnant?! Shut up!" My brother: "What the hell?!" My SIL: "SHUT UP!"  They were all extremely surprised and happy.  We told Sean's parents the next day, they were equally suspicious and equally happy. 

How did you tell your friends? We told friends sporadically as we would talk to them, we didn't do some grand reveal with them, because they don't all live nearby.  Each announcement was perfect and special though.  

Gummy Bear

Due Date: October 13th, 2013

Do you know the sex? Not yet... 

Will you find out the sex? Definitely.  I can hardly wait for the NT Scan at 19 weeks, much less the full pregnancy! Thankfully, Sean wants to know as soon as possible too!  I believe it is still a surprise when you find out at the ultrasound- no reason to drag it out!

Any names? Nope.  We have a few favored names that we bounce back and forth, but no names have really stuck for a girl or a boy....

Were you trying long? We had been trying since May 2012, I was diagnosed with PCOS in September 2012 and our journey with REI began.

Any Ultrasounds? We have had THREE so far!  Each one more amazing than the last.  We had one at 6 weeks. Another at 9 weeks. And most recently at 12 weeks! (Pictures to come later...)

Have you heard the heart beat? At each ultrasound appointment they have been able to find and listen to the heartbeat.  Sean has been to two of the appointments and been able to hear it as well, most amazing feeling in the world!

Who do you think it will look like? No clue... We just hope gummy bear is cute! ;-)

Will the baby have siblings? Only the pups, Drako and Tilly, for now.  Eventually, we will have more babes...

Have you felt the baby move? I don't think so... but I don't really know what it 'should' feel like yet, so maybe?

Random Extras....

How do you feel? In a word: Tired.  I feel much better than previous weeks, and I haven't had too many migraines, but I have been just beyond, unbelievably tired- all. the. time.  I hope in the next few weeks to start getting some energy back.  Also, not being able to take my Zertec anymore has been a killer on my sinuses.  Allergy season is in full force around here lately- they're calling it one of the worst in recent times... Joy...

Do you have morning sickness? Not as badly anymore.  It was really bad during the first trimester (read: only able to keep it together at work- barely).  It seems to be improving though, I am not really getting sick anymore- just when my allergies flare up really bad.

Do you have any cravings? Oh man-- I have had a burger craving in the worst way this week. I had Wendy's on Wednesday night, and then had a burger at our Family BBQ yesterday.  Thankfully, none of my "cravings" have been too strong or required immediate attention....

Do you have any food aversions? So many aversions.  They come and go though, and vary by week.  I have decided to just ride most of them out though, and am assured that my body will tell me when I need to eat something to get any missing nutrients.

Do you have any mood swings? Not too terribly.  However, watching movies has become a dangerous gamble... I have cried (read: sobbed uncontrollably) at the end of the new Red Dawn and Les Miserable... It's pretty pitiful and embarrassing.... Ah, hormones. 

How far along are you now? 15 Weeks exactly!  Only 25 to go.... Crazy!