12 weeks -- bye bye nausea??

Hello & happy thanksgiving!!!

I'm blogging from beautiful, sunny, warm South Florida. We came down here on Thanksgiving morning and have had a fabulous few days!! It is so nice to talk about the baby with Josh's family -- everyone is so excited and getting ready for the baby's arrival. It feels so good to know that our little bean is already loved by so many. The flight down here wasn't too bad - I made sure to keep hydrated and sat in the aisle to get up every half hour.

We told Josh's family that we will be naming the baby after Josh's cousin, Jonathon. They were so very happy - despite tears, I know they were ecstatic to hear the news. From the moment we became pregnant, we decided this is something we wanted to do. I'm sad I never got to meet Jonathon but I love hearing stories about him, especially from Josh's grandmother.

On Saturday, Josh's mom, sister & I went shopping at Boca Towne Center (HELLO beautiful mall!) - my amazing mother-in-law took me on a fabulous shopping spree at Pea in a Pod, an awesome maternity store. I found some great deals and increased my maternity wardrobe 10 times! It was so much fun - they even had a 9-month belly pillow I could try to see how I'll look super duper pregnant.

I'm still feeling pretty icky - the nausea isn't constant but is still making it loud and clear it's not going anywhere - my exhaustion is also pretty rough. I keep hearing these two friends should start leaving any day, keeping my fingers crossed that's true! By some websites, today is the first day of my 2nd trimester - however, by others it states that December 5th is the official start. Either way, we're almost there!! I'm so excited for Wednesday - our ultrasound! Can't wait to see how the peanut has grown!!

I hope everyone had a great holiday -- now that we have told everyone our news (thanks, facebook!) - it feels good to know we have so many supportive family and friends. :) I am just so very thankful. The baby's wardrobe is growing too!! We now have a Heat Jersey (So cute), a UCF Onezie and an adorable teddy bear for the nursery!



12 weeks!!

•How far along?: We are officially 12 weeks along!!

•How big is baby?: The baby is officially a PLUM!!!!!!

•Weight gain: I'd like to say I'm still up about 2 1/2 pounds but after this past week of non-stop eating (including a bagel everyday, if not twice..) I'm pretty sure my bum is growing at a rapid rate. If baby craves bagels, who am I to ignore it?? ;) 

•Stretch marks?: None. Yet. I will start with the tummy cream this week.

•Maternity clothes?: I am still wearing jeans but they aren't as comfy without the belly band - I bought these awesome maternity leggings at Pea in the Pod and I'm pretty sure I'll wear them for the next 6 months.

•Sleep?: Still in insomniac despite extreme exhaustion. One of many funny pregnancy jokes on me!

•Food cravings?: CARBS!! And fruit. Salad and pizza (along with red sauce) make my nausea awful. Bizarre.

•Gender?: I am almost 100% positive it's a girl. I'll be happy either way but shocked if it's a boy!

•Movement?: No, but I am starting to think it's coming soon.. :)

•Labor signs?: Keep on cooking peanut!

•Belly button in or out?: In.

•What I miss: Energy!! But I'm so excited for everything to come.

•Milestone: The end of the 1st trimester...you will NOT be missed!! :)





Hello, belly band.

HAPPY 11 WEEKS DAY!

I'm feeling better & better with each day. I THINK the nausea, exhaustion and overall BLAH feeling are semi-starting to disappear.. this weekend was a little rough but I'm hoping over the next 2 weeks (2nd trimester officially begins December 5th) I'll be back to normal!

On November 18th, we had our first appointment with a doctor. Josh was able to come with me -- he had never been to an OBGYN and found it to be..bizarre? Haha. I met with the nurse first who used a Doppler to find the baby's heartbeat. After a few minutes of nothing but air, she smiled and said that the doctor would be in soon and not too worry. Of course I broke out in tears - fearing the worst. A while later, Dr Knight came in (a lovely younger doctor -she was very sweet) and informed us we'd be able to have a quick ultrasound in the office that day! Ecstatic, I felt better. She performed a check-up to make sure everything looked good (which it did, phew!) and sent us across the hall for an ultrasound. The technician was wonderful and made Josh & I feel very comfortable. She let us know because I didn't have a full bladder, it may take a few minutes to find the baby. Within seconds... our beautiful, perfect bean was on the screen. It was, hands down, the most incredible experience of my life. Josh & I cried, laughed, stared and watched our baby's heartbeat. We even got to see the baby move! The heart rate was 160 and perfect. We're still measuring a due date of June 13th. It was a great day.

We have our next ultrasound on December 1st - it's called a sequential screening and it looks for anything wrong (including Downs Syndrome,etc.) - I'm nervous but excited to see the little one again!




10 weeks, 3 days

11 weeks - I'm going to get a shirt that reads "I'm not fat, I'm pregnant" - I think right now I just look like I'm getting chubby. haha.



•How far along?: 11 weeks!!! Fingers and toes are no longer webbed and tiny teeth buds are forming!!

.•How big is baby?: The baby is now a LIME!!!! Tequilla anyone...?? ;)

•Weight gain: I'm officially up approximately 2-3 pounds. I'm supposed to gain between 3-5 pounds in the first trimester so I'm right on target!

•Maternity clothes?: Today is my first belly band day. So far, so good - it's a little more sheer then I would like but overall makes wearing jeans a lot more comfortable.

.•Sleep?: Still pretty bad but getting better. I'm waking up less and able to fall asleep quicker. My doctor recommended Benadryl if it becomes unbearable but I'm avoiding this until I really need it.

•Food cravings?: CARBS! Just all carbs. They make the nausea (which is almost gone... phew!) better. I'll add more protein, veggies & fruits as soon as I feel all better.

•Gender?: With a heartbeat of 160, I'm told this means girl...? I think it's a girl.

•Stretch marks?: None.

•Movement?: Negative.

•Labor signs?: Negative!

•Belly button in or out?: In.

•What I miss: At this moment, I'm so ecstatic to start getting a bit more energy back and feel a little bit better... I don't miss anything!!  

•Milestone: Our first ulrasound was one of the best moments of my life.

25% cooked!!

Howdy and welcome to 10 weeks -- or 25% the way there as I like to say ;)

This past week has been slightly better -- perhaps there is light at the end of the 1st trimester!!

This past week (in baby news) - we visited our first pediatrician. I received several forms to fill out for the hospital, including choosing a baby doctor. I decided to do a little bit of research and narrowed it down to 5 offices. One of them offered a quick tour so we decided to take advantage. I'm not quite certain we'll love it but the doctor was very sweet (and happened to be my physician when I was a tot at one point!) -- we'll see. We have to decide by February so we'll keep the search going.

We also scheduled our first ultrasound! December 1st at 3 PM - I'm SO looking forward to this - our first glimpse at the bean!

I'm currently sporting "sea bands" to help with nausea - they're wristbands that are apparently helpful? Who knows - at this point, I'll try anything. ;)

We go to our first official doctor's appointment on Thursday and we'll get to hear the heartbeat!! I CAN'T WAIIIIIIIIIT!! :)



10 weeks! And now you see why I purchased maternity jeans this weekend! ;)



•How far along?: 10 weeks!!! Arm joints are now working as bones and cartilage start to form!

•How big is baby?: The baby is now a PRUNE!! How cute is that??

•Movement?: Negative.

•Labor signs?: Negative!

•Belly button in or out?: In.

•What I miss: Sleep.. and have fun on the weekends. Hoping to get some energy back over these next couple of weeks!! 

•Milestone: Baby is growing at such rapid speeds, it's amazing. I'm so excited, so thankful, so lucky.

•Gender?: 10 weeks until we find out. The antipiation is killing me!

•Food cravings?: None.. last night I wanted peanut butter and jelly - Josh was fabulous and made me the best dinner - hummus, pita, peanut butter & jelly and.... PRUNES!! He loves me.

•Sleep?: BLAHHHHHHHH! I'm tired all the time and it stinks. I'm in bed by 8:00 PM every night but wake up 100 times. Insomnia is bizarre.

.•Stretch marks?: None.

•Maternity clothes?: I purchased my first pair of maternity jeans this weekend at The Gap thanks to a 30% off coupon. They're adorable - I went one size up from my normal in hopes that these will last me through my whole pregnancy. I'm eating way too many calories per day. It's gross.

•Weight gain: I didn't weigh myself this past Friday.. I wanted to but fear stopped me. I'll get weighed at the doctor on Thursday and I'll do it again on Friday.

Week 9 and feeling fine...ish.

Hello and welcome to week 9!!

Things have been decent this week (symptom-wise) - my exhaustion is bad but my nausea MAY be getting better...? Either that or my eating every 23 minutes is helping. I think I'm starting to see light at the end of the 1st trimester tunnel!!


Today was my first appointment with my OBGYN. I made this appointment the day I took my pregnancy test (1 month ago!) so I've been looking forward to this day for a while. The appointment went really well, although very boring. I met with a very sweet maternity nurse who took my weight, blood pressure and asked several questions regarding medial history. I was hoping for an ultrasound or heartbeat, but no such luck -- the good news is my next appointment (next Thursday!) we WILL get to hear the heartbeat!! I'm SO so excited to hear the sweet sound -- Josh is able to come with me so it'll be a fabulous day. 


We will have our first ultrasound between weeks 10-13 (I called to schedule the appointment and will hopefully hear back tomorrow) - it's called a sequential screening and it tests for various things (including Downs Syndrome, etc) - hopefully it's easy breezy and reveals the first pictures of our gorgeous little baby!! 


We will have an additional ultrasound around week 20 (mid-January) to find out the sex of the baby - I'm so torn. Some days I swear it's a boy and others I'm convinced it's a little lady! Either way, we're so very excited. I have began talking to the baby when I'm driving (it's therapeutic even if I look insane while doing it..) and I'm so excited. 31 more weeks to go!!

9 weeks! Saying goodbye to any abdominal muscles I once had ;)

•How far along?: 9 weeks!!! The little embryo is now officially a fetus!!

•How big is baby?: The baby is now a GRAPE or GREEN OLIVE!! The baby is an inch long and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. How cute!!

•Weight gain: I'm up about 2 1/2 pounds and beginning to not care. The only thing that helps the nausea is food so I eat. I haven't been to the gym in over 2 weeks but we'll get back on track in that department soon.

•Stretch marks?: None.

•Maternity clothes?: I am beginning to notice my jeans feeling less then comfortable...I think it's baby bloat but either way, it's not very ideal. I wonder when I'll make the switch to maternity? I'm thinking about investing in the belly band.

•Sleep?: Still pretty bad.. I'm up several times a night and napping during the day but I'm sleepy all the time.

•Food cravings?: None really.. each meal is different. I always want peanut butter (my sister & I are addicted) and even that hasn't sounded appealing. Geesh.

•Gender?: I don't knowww. I switch everyday. I can't wait to find out!

•Movement?: Negative.

•Labor signs?: Negative!

•Belly button in or out?: In.

•What I miss: Nothing. I'm so excited, I could BURST!! 

•Milestone: The first (of many..) appointments today!!

Week 8.

So.. here we are again.
Another week down. VERY exciting.
It's been a rough few days. My nausea/dizziness is increasing with each day. I'm trying not to complain (as my brother-in-law says.. everyone has a mother who has been through this) but it's really hard. I was lucky enough to be struck with a horrific stomach bug this weekend which was AWFUL in every way. That has since passed and I'm back to my normal, severe nausea. With Gatorade and pretzels by my side, I made it to work and I'm pushing through. Is it bad I know I have exactly 6 hours and 43 minutes left in the work day? Can't wait to take a NAP! On a positive note, my first doctor appointment is now less then ONE week away on November 8th. It's also November.. which means we go to Florida at the end of this month. I pray to Hashem (as my dearest friend, Jaime, always says) that I feel good enough to enjoy a lovely few days with my favorite in-laws!

On a side note - we lost the buyer for our house. It was a huge letdown. My guess it that we're going to stay in this house for another year or so - it'll be perfect for the time being - perhaps a little tight but nothing to go crazy over. Our little townhouse has been perfect (and it's the very spot where Josh proposed) so I'm not in a huge rush to let it go.

8 weeks -- AHHHH! I do believe we have solid bloat! I don't think it's baby because it's a bit too early and I don't think it's fat because I have barely eaten since Thursday.. lol.  

•How far along?: 8 weeks!!! :)  

•How big is baby?: The baby is now a RASPBERRY or KIDNEY BEAN!! I get two different weekly update emails and they both put the baby at approximately 5/8 of an inch. Our little chubster <3

•Weight gain: Ironically, I'm down about 2 pounds. Not happy about it but my doctor said it's fine - I'm sure I'll gain that back in no time!

•Stretch marks?: None.

•Maternity clothes?: My gorgeous mama bought me MORE maternity clothes which are all still in the bag - don't need them yet but I would guess over the next few weeks, my jeans won't be so comfy anymore.

•Sleep?: BAD :( Since last week, my sleep at night is dreadful. I'm up several times and having the weirdest dreams. Last night, it was all about my best friend Shari's wedding - I was sewing diamonds in her hair. She looked so pretty. haha.

•Food cravings?: This week, it's been a struggle to find anything that looks good to eat. Get this? Yesterday, PIZZA looked DISGUSTING! Can you imagine?!?!

•Gender?: In a short 12 weeks (or so...) we will find out!

•Movement?: Negative.

•Labor signs?: Negative!

•Belly button in or out?: In.

•What I miss: My zest for life. Lol. I can't seem to find the energy to do anything...it's sad. I missed seeing my nieces and nephews all dressed up for Halloween for the first time in 4 years :(

•Milestone: The baby's "tail" is just about gone! Also - webbed fingers and toes are poking out from baby's hands and feet. So cute.

Violet, you're turning Violet!

Hello & welcome to week 7!

.. I'm directly in the middle of the typical 1st trimester. The nausea, exhaustion and overall BLAH feeling it's beginning to take it's toll. I'm trying to stay positive (at least I haven't vomited yet!) but it's hard when I'm feeling so yucky 24/7. The only thing that keeps the nausea at bay is eating.. which is also taking it's toll. I've always tried to maintain a healthy body & weight -- getting pregnant is making this a tad difficult. I'm pushing through and repeating to myself... "I'm not fat, I'm pregnant!" :)

Josh has been an amazing daddy-to-be. He is extremely attentive and puts up with my complaints with a smile on his face. I cannot wait until the baby is here - he will be an incredible father.

I have officially picked out the baby bag in modern magenta-- Buy meeee <3 

7 weeks! Perhaps the funniest picture.. I took one in a bra at first but decided it was too risky for my blog. Josh thought it would be funny to wear this shirt. I think you can see my belly well enough!

•How far along?: 7 weeks!!! :)  


•How big is baby?: The baby is now a BLUEBERRY!! It's amazing how fast the little bugger is growing!!!

•Weight gain: I have gained an additional 2 pounds for a total weight gain of FOUR pounds. This is NOT good. I know I'm eating more but it's all fairly healthy food! I hope it's bloat or tissue or something else. We had a wedding on Saturday for our dear friends, Ariel & Rich, and the dress I bought just last month was tight. EEEEK!


•Stretch marks?: None. Yet. Staying optimistic.

•Maternity clothes?: No. Not yet. My clothes still feel good (minus that dress) so I'm going to hold out for as long as possible!

•Sleep?: Constant.. but I always wake up tired and feeling worse. The mornings seem to be the hardest.


•Food cravings?: I've been craving saltines and fruit.

•Gender?: I change my mind constantly. I keep having baby girl dreams.

•Movement?: Negative..so excited for this part.

•Labor signs?: Negative.. don't want any for the next 33 weeks!

•Belly button in or out?: In.

•What I miss: Feeling healthy.. and thin. But it's worth it. SO very worth it.


•Milestone: 5 weeks to go until the 1st trimester is complete!!! <3

6 weeeeeeks!!

Hello and welcome to week 6!! Feeling very happy. I can't wait for the first doctor appointment 3 weeks from today. Hopefully it starts feeling more & more real. I experienced my first bout of morning sickness this morning. It was as much fun as a hole in the head ;) Between the dizziness, nausea and dry heaving, it made for a lovely Monday morning.. Josh was fantastic in supporting me. I made it to work and have been getting better as the day goes on. Ginger-Ale seems to help.. I also bought saltines and jolly ranchers to keep the nausea at bay. Fun Fun!

The following is a list of things the bean has done in his/her short little life...

1. Trip to Boston with Aunt Kim

2. Girls Night: The Musical with Aunt Kim

3. Ingrid Michaelson concert with Aunt Melanie

4. Phillies Game (playoff series, game 1, we lost..wahhh)

About 6 weeks! (Please ignore messy hair, annoyed smile & sans make-up)

•How far along?: 6 weeks!!! :)  

•How big is baby?: The baby is the size of a LENTIL BEAN! SO CUTE!!

•Weight gain: I have gained TWO pounds. I'm so upset but what can I do? I think the constant eating has something to do with it... but Josh & I started working out on Saturday and I'm hoping to go again tonight (elliptical and bike for 15 minutes each).

•Stretch marks?: None. Yet. Staying optimistic.

•Maternity clothes?: No. ALTHOUGH..my mama & I took a trip to Kohl's yesterday and she bought me my first pair of maternity jeans. They're SO cute! I can't wait to wear them!! Also a few shirts..but so far, all my clothes fit..

•Sleep?: AWFUL! Up all through the night, but EXHAUSTED all through the day! Napping helps.

•Food cravings?: Today? Nothing tastes or sounds good.

•Gender?: GIRL?? I have a feeling.. we'll see.

•Movement?: Negative..

•Labor signs?: No way! 7 1/2 months lentil bean, keep on sprouting!

•Belly button in or out?: In.

•What I miss: Nothing.. I mean, the nausea/dizziness isn't totally fun but it makes this all feel a bit more real. The cramps & backaches are almost all gone so that's positive.

•Milestone: We are halfway through the 1st trimester. I'm going to pee my pants with excitement!!!

Our family is GROWING!!

Hello and welcome!!

I decided to create this blog to remember all of the exciting things happening with our first pregnancy. While we are very early (which makes me unbelievebly nervous/anxious), I didn't want to forget any of the details. With Baby England's (lovingly called Peanut, Skittle & Bean) grandma, grandpa, great-grandparents, Aunt Sydney and extended family living in Florida, I thought this was a great way to share the experience.

We will officially announce our pregnancy in December (once we enter the second trimester...) so please don't share this news with anyone yet.

On October 6th, exactly 1 month after deciding to add a babes to the party, Josh & I took a pregnancy test early in the morning. It was negative. With sadness, I left for work. After returning home, I noticed the test on the shower ledge had an apparent and lovely second line. WHAT. IS. THIS?? I slowly picked up the test and ran into the bedroom to show Josh. He immediately screamed “WE’RE PREGNANT!!” to which I replied.. no, we’re not. I called my mom and she advised us that the test may be invalid and to wait another few days before testing again. On Friday, October 8th (two days later) we re-tested and it was true. Two gorgeous lines appeared on the pregnancy test and our lives were forever changed. I left for Boston that night for a long weekend with my sister and celebrated in the best way possible – shopping, sleeping and eating. It was perfect and I’ll post pictures later.

In the meantime… here is the first of many posts. We couldn’t be more excited to start this next phase in our lives. The due date is somewhere between June 13th (my Mom-Mom Millie’s birthday!!) and June 19th. I have my first doctor appointment on November 8th and again on November 18th so I’ll have a better idea of how far along we are then.

Between 4 & 5 weeks preggo eggo!

•How far along?: Anywhere between 4 weeks, 3 days and 5 weeks, 3 days. My mom took my blood on Monday and we were measuring at about 4 weeks! I think the bloat in the picture looks like a little baby bump! But alas, it's just my lunch.

•How big is baby?: Somewhere between the size of a poppy seed and a sesame seed!!

•Weight gain: None yet, unless all that Boston eating caused a weight gain. I hope not. I’m only supposed to gain between 3-5 pounds in the first trimester. Josh & I joined the gym the other night in the hopes of keeping my weight down. I refuse to gain 100 pounds. I also refuse to turn down ice cream. 

•Stretch marks?: None. Yet. I ordered stretch mark cream from amazon yesterday. Hoping to keep those battles scars away!

•Maternity clothes?: No. Hoping to enjoy my size 4 and 6 pants and dresses as long as possible.

•Sleep?: Eh.. sleeping okay. I wake up a lot throughout the night and I’m having awful dreams.

•Food cravings?: Anything that resembles food. I’m hungry all the time.

•Gender?: No idea. I think it’s a girl. Josh thinks it's a boy. But who knows.. we’ll find out in January-ish.

•Movement?: No, but I can’t waaait for this!!

•Labor signs?: No and I don’t want any for another 8 months!! Keep on growing baby!!

•Belly button in or out?: In.

•What I miss: Absolutely nothing! I’m so thrilled. The lower back pain and cramping isn’t exactly amazing (and the cause of my first of many frantic phone calls to my doctor – she told me it’s perfectly normal, phew!) Otherwise no symptoms (knock.on.wood).

•Milestone: We are officially pregnant. YAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!