21 weeks.. wowza.

Miss LJE... 20 weeks, 3 days

What a fabulous (albeit, insane) past week this has been. Last Thursday, I had my level 2 ultrasound to determine everything was okay with our peanut. At our anatomy scan, the doctor noticed a couple of things but all in all, we're very lucky and our little girl is very healthy. I have a condition called partial placenta previa (if you're bored) -- it's nothing too serious but I am slightly restricted. Pelvic rest, no lifting over 10 pounds, no exercise.. basically, taking it easy and being careful. I have a follow-up ultrasound in 4 weeks. The end result is a possible C-Section - not the worst! I just have to remind myself to take it easy sometimes (especially with the lifting) but overall, I am very happy that our level 2 ultrasound only yielded this result. Josh was very sick last week so my sister came with me to my ultrasound - both the technician and the doctor was extremely nice. The baby was moving all over the place and looked amazing.

In other England news - we have officially sold our house! The home inspection went well. We will get the report today but other then some minor fixes, we're moving forward. It's amazing and exciting. Josh & I spent the last week on a major house search - we have narrowed it down to two and I hope to have our final decision by mid-week. It's pretty intense as the two houses are very different (in size, price, etc.) but KNOW wherever we end up will be the right place for us! They're both single home on quiet side streets with huge backyards. Perfect for us! We will be out of our house by the end of March -- so insane. And sad... I love our townhouse!!!

I am feeling good. Really, really good. Other then severe back pain from time to time, this trimester has been a blessing. I've been able to truly enjoy being pregnant and will miss it very much!!

A few side notes -
1 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEST FRIEND, RACHEL!!!
2 - I'm sick of all this snow, every week. It's been an insane winter and I'm ready for SPRING!
3 - While I feel like I look pregnant all the time, I have yet to have a stranger ask me about it... which makes me think I still look like I'm just chubby - ha ha.
4 - I can't stop thinking about the turmoil in Egypt. Very scary & upsetting.
5 - I have the best husband in the world. Hands down. :)



21 weeks!

 •How far along?: 21 weeks and loving the 2nd trimester!! 133 days to go.. so crazy! 

•How big is baby?: The baby is now a BANANA!! As I eat a banana every morning, this is crazy to me! At our last ultrasound, the baby was a whopping 12 ounces! 

•Weight gain: I gained 2.6 pounds these past two weeks. I am now up 14.8 pounds. UHHHHHHHHH! That's just ... well. Crazy. What can I do except continue to eat healthy and know that I'll lose it post-baby? :)  

•Maternity clothes?: All pants. I am ready to wear dresses as they're the most comfy... hence needing the warmer weather! 

.•Sleep?:  Not too bad!! Thanks to breathe-right strips for Josh and my cat's learning to sleep more soundly, I'm doing well in this department. I have some of the weirdest dreams EVER but that's about it.   

•Food cravings?: FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD! I'm hungry all the stinkin' time.  

•Gender?: LJE is a GIRL!! (confirmed again at the last ultrasound...) 

•Stretch marks?: Bio oil. All day. All night. Keep them AWAY!

•Movement?: Yup! Lots and lots... no solid kicks yet. I wish Josh could feel her but every time I throw his hand on my belly, she stops moving!! Hoping this week she gives him a solid punch :)  

•Labor signs?: nope!

Belly button in or out?: Still in. We will see how long!

•What I miss: NOTHINGGGGGGG! :) I'm becoming obsessed with my registry at babies-r-us making sure everything I get for the baby is the safest and the best.. it's very time consuming! But apparently this is common and I don't miss a thing.

•Milestone: I am now in the home stretch.... so crazy!! 133 days to go!

HALF WAY COOKED!!!!!

(An open letter to my daughter....that's right folks, out peanut is a GIRL!!! We have a name but it will most likely be announced after baby is born...somethings need to remain a bit of a surprise!)


Dear Peanut,


Here we are. 20 weeks along. A mere 16 weeks (or so) ago, your daddy and I woke up on a Friday morning and got the best gift a person can ask for - two pink lines. We jumped up and down in disbelief. And just like that, our lives were forever changed.


It's unimaginable how much you are loved. We say your name 100 times a day. I talk to you as soon as I wake up and see the first star in the sky. You move all around and I stop whatever I'm doing so I can feel you. I think often about what you will be like and can't wait to see your beautiful face. I worry about you all the time as well. Your anatomy scan was fascinating and terrifying all at the same time. We were so happy to see you moving around and showing us your 10 toes, 10 fingers, 2 arms and 2 legs. We have a follow-up ultrasound this week to ensure everything is okay but I know in my heart it will be, no matter what. 


I have to admit that I love taking you with me at all times - I never have to worry about changing your diaper, feeding you or making sure you're warm! (Not that I won't love these parts as well). But for now, my ever-expanding belly is a constant reminder of this beautiful girl growing away.


Our huge family is so excited to meet you as well. You already have 6 older cousins to watch after you, play with you and show you the ropes. (Ava, Abbey, Justin, Marley, Max & Andrew). Abbey was very convinced you were a girl and Ava was sure you were a boy - Abbey keeps reminding me she was right in the argument. It's very funny. You have 4 grandparents (Grandma Lisa, Grandpa Levi, Mom-Mom Andi & Pop-Pop Ron) and 4 great-grandparents (Grandma Rita, Grandpa Sandy, Mom-Mom Millie & Mom-Mom Rose) that love you beyond words and can't wait to take turns holding you. I have a feeling it will be a fight - hopefully Aunt Kim learns to share you! ;) You also have two furry brothers that are going to protect you from everything - Shluffy & Rigby are the cutest, fattest cats around and will love you immensely.


Keep on growing and know that we can't wait to meet you in June -- and remember, I loved you from the second I knew you were there.
Love,
Mama

Um, I don't think there is any question. Yes. I am pregnant! Haha!

•How far along?: 20 weeeeeeeks!!!! I'm so happy and excited we are half way there. My mom informed me I'm going into my 6th month of pregnancy...I find this very amazing and very confusing. Where is time going?! 

•How big is baby?: The baby is now a CANTALOUPE!! About 6 1/2 long and weighing over 10 ounces (she was 10 ounces as of our anatomy scan). 

•Weight gain: After my fabulous weekend in Key West complete with an obscene amount of calories taken in, my guess is a large weight gain. Vacations + pregnancy? Not good for the girl trying to watch her food intake. I didn't weigh myself due to being in Florida.. we'll see what happens on Friday.  

•Maternity clothes?: All maternity pants, regular shirts are still working but I'm noticing things that used to fit like a glove are beginning to make me look..well..really pregnant! 

.•Sleep?:  Still waking up several times a night.. I'm hoping and praying I sleep good tonight due to lack of sleep this weekend.   

•Food cravings?: Lately? Meat. And fruit.  

•Gender?: Our darling is a LADY BUG!! <3 

•Stretch marks?: Still praying to the stretch mark gods that I'm left out of that fun pregnancy symptom.

•Movement?: My favorite part of pregnancy, by far. She is most active in the morning. I think she hates being hungry, like her mama (and dada).  

•Labor signs?: Negative! KEEP ON COOKING MISSY!

•Belly button in or out?: In. I wonder how much longer. It feels like it's going to pop out and hit my cat in the eye.

•What I miss: I will admit while being away this weekend, it was a LITTLE hard not to share a cocktail along with the ladies and wear something a little tight and short. I felt fat and bloated all weekend...but I wouldn't give this up for anything. 

•Milestone: We have made it half way! This, my friends, is very exciting. Before I know it, my darling will be in my arms. 




(Josh & I are going to register at Babies R Us - wahooooo!!)

19 weeks!

Hi everyone!!!

They aren't kidding when they say the 2nd trimester is the best. I've been feeling REALLY good (besides bouts of nausea and exhaustion here & there...) - my energy levels are better each day and I overall just feel happy & healthy.

Josh has been in Key West since Thursday for our dear friends bachelor party (congrats Clay & Scott!) - I miss him terribly but I've caught up on naps and laundry, so that's good I suppose! I'm ready for him to be home (tomorrow!)

Saturday, I spent the day with my best friend, Rachel... we had manicures & pedicures (well needed, felt amazing...) and we later went to the bridal store where she bought her wedding dress! It was so exciting - she looked spectacular and I can't wait for her special day. That night, 5 of my favorite women and myself went out to dinner to start the celebration of Rachel's birthday.. it was a fabulous night and my insane appetite made me eat everything in sight. We went to Seasons 52 which was yummy and healthy, so I didn't feel (too) guilty!

Wednesday is our anatomy scan... FINALLY!!! I am so excited. I pray that everything measures great and the baby is healthy and happy. I also hope to confirm the gender... we are 90% sure but hoping to get that 100% confirmation!!

Thursday, I'm going to Key West to celebrate my dear friend Laura's bachelorette party (Clay's soon-to-be wife!) - I'm very excited!! I can't wait to get out of the cold and have a blast with some amazing women... I hope I continue to feel good so I can have fun (minus drinking!) -- it should be a blast and I'll post a couple of pictures if I can! I'm a little nervous to fly alone but I'll be sure to drink lots of water and walk around the plane a couple of times (important when pregnant!)

(On a side note... we received a bid on our house this past weekend. It wasn't on the market but a couple loved our development and actually loved our house, go figure!! We countered their offer and we're waiting to hear... if this works out, I'll be about 32 weeks when we move, ahhhhhhhh! This makes me SO nervous because I was all ready to set up the nursery in our current house, but that may be put on hold...we shall see! It's funny how things happen, isn't it?)

So that's that.... I'll see everyone next week with a bit of a tan (maybe?) and an announcement of the baby's sex, I hope! Say a prayer for a healthy anatomy scan!

19 weeks, my belly is there but I am ready for it to be huge... !!

•How far along?: 19 weeks!!! 1 more week until half way there, woooooo!


.•How big is baby?: The baby is now a LARGE MANGO!! About 6 inches long and around 7 ounces in weight... imagine a cute little 6-inch subway sub, mmm! ;)  

•Weight gain: I am now up 12.2 pounds.. I gained an additional 1.6 the week prior. I've over being sad about it. Clearly baby needs me to gain weight. I'm eating healthy, I'm feeling good and I'll lose it post-baby! ;)  

•Maternity clothes?: All maternity pants, regular shirts (for now!) 

.•Sleep?: Insomnia is haunting me...again. Rah. I wake up often to use the potty and end up staying up, tossing and turning.   

•Food cravings?: Shrimp. So, so weird. Cheese. And cookies, duh.  

•Gender?: Wednesday is the day... we now know 90% what the sex is, I hope to get confirmation at our anatomy scan!!

•Stretch marks?: I bathe in bio-oil and can only pray...haha.

•Movement?: YES! More & more, everyday.. especially in the morning. Lots of tossing and turning, I love it!! I can't wait for some solid kicks so Josh can feel them :)

•Labor signs?: Negative!

•Belly button in or out?: In. But it feels SO weird.. I feel like it's going to pop out randomly one day.

•What I miss: JOSH! haha.. he's been gone since  Thursday and I miss him dearly.

•Milestone: In a bunch of my books, it says today i s actually halfway there... I suppose because baby can be born anytime after 38 weeks! It's very exciting!! 

Hospitals, ultrasound, weight gain and flutters.. OH MY! ;)

Well hello again and welcome to 18 weeks!

...What a crazy few days we had, baby wise.

• Weight gain - I weigh myself every Friday to keep track of my weight and be sure I'm gaining enough. Prior to this past Friday, I was below target but knew I'd catch up. I was NOT prepared for the number on the scale.. 4.4 pounds in TWO WEEKS?! I couldn't believe my eyes! I suppose the holidays combined with a huge appetite is to blame... I cried for a long time but Josh assured me I need to realize I'm supposed to be gaining weight. I have been seriously body-conscious the past 10 years or so and it's hard to come to terms with the fact that gaining weight is a good thing. Don't get me wrong... I'm so happy and lucky to have this beautiful peanut growing away and I'm learning that I will lose this weight after baby is born. BUT.. I may need to let those cookies be eaten by someone else. :)

• Flutters - I can now feel baby in my belly, all day... everyday!!! SO COOL!!! So fun! I love it and can't help but smile every time I feel the babes.

• Hospital Visit - On Friday, in the midst of a snowstorm... we had a baby scare. After a hysterical call to my doctor (and sister...), we were off to check on baby. After hearing a solid heartbeat (149 beats/minute) and assorted other tests, we were relieved to find out baby was fine. I hope and pray we won't be back at the hospital again until June!!

• Ultrasounds - On Saturday night, after the snow calmed down and the roads were cleared up... Josh & I (on a complete whim!) decided to get an elective ultrasound to determine the gender. No lie... we could not wait the additional 11 days until our anatomy scan. We didn't tell anyone and just went. The woman took us on extremely short notice and could not have been sweeter. However.. it seemed that peanut was not ready to show us the goods!!! We tried for an hour.. literally, an hour. I ate chocolate, I walked around, but baby sat beautifully with his/her legs crossed... eventually opening up but not revealing what we needed to see. It was quite funny.. amazing as well. We saw the baby's hands, feet, head, hurt and spine... so so cute. At first, the ultrasound tech thought she saw a penis... "That's a wiener!" (her exact words). After not seeing testicles and checking for 45 minutes, the tech said she was 75% positive it was a girl. She then offered us another shot! SO... tonight, at 6:45... we're going again for another few minutes to see if baby is willing to show us the goods. I can't wait to know for sure... it's so very exciting!!!

SO that's that. Week 17 was eventful but good.. Josh is going to Key West this weekend for a bachelor party and when he gets back, it's anatomy scan time! Hope everyone is having a good week... to my (many!) pregnant friends... feel good!!

18 weeks....(ALMOST half way there!)

•How far along?: 18 weeks today! The baby is now hiccuping, rolling, yawning and kicking in there!!!

•How big is baby?: The baby is now a SWEET POTATO! That's big.. really, really big! I mean...this little poppy seed is growing fast.

•Weight gain: The cause of a solid 30 minute cry. In two weeks, I have gained 4.4 pounds for a total of 10.6 pounds in 18 weeks. I'm eating more but not an insane amount and I'm making sure it's all healthy and good for baby (with the occasional cookie!)

•Stretch marks?: Praying bio-oil helps in some form.

•Maternity clothes?: All maternity pants, all the time - still wearing normal shirts.

•Sleep?: Insomnia decided to make it's way back in my life like an old friend. Lovely. Maybe I'll sleep after the baby is born? ;)

•Food cravings?: I love food. Hummus, cereal, bagels, fruit, shrimp cocktail, pizza. I love food. OH! And orange juice.

•Gender?: Less then 12 hours until we know... if peanut lets us see!

•Movement?: Flutters EVERYDAY! I love this so much. I am waiting for a big ol' kick so Josh can feel it but the flutters are incredible. Mostly in the morning and if I'm laying on my left side.

•Labor signs?: Thankfully, no. 

•Belly button in or out?: In. But feels so weird.


•What I miss: Nothing at all.. the only thing I begin to worry about is having enough time to get the nursery together. But that's silly. We'll get it done.

•Milestone: Well... it was a big weekend of hospital visits and ultrasounds.. I'd say the big milestone is feeling good, feeling baby and feeling happy! :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

As sad as I am to see 2010 come to an end (the best year of my life, to date...including planning and marrying my very best friend on April 24th, lots of traveling to South Florida, the birth of my beautiful nephew, Andrew, our long vacation to Disney World, my first hospital stay thanks to vital meningitis, becoming better at my job, turning 27... and of course finding out we are pregnant!!), I'm so very excited to see what this new year has in store.

Last Wednesday, I went for the second part of my sequential screening (no ultrasound this time, just bloodwork) - afterwards, Josh & I were Atlantic City bound for a 3 day stay at Harrahs. We had a fabulous, relaxing time and really enjoyed the mini-vacation. We did not come home millionaires but that's okay...we still have a chance at 290 million in the Mega Millions lottery! haha!

Friday night (New Years Eve) - we headed to my sister & brother-in-law's house for a really fun, relaxing new year's eve. Unfortunately, this preggo was fast asleep on the sofa by 10:30 PM but woke up just in time to see Phish ring in the new years on TV and kiss my hubby.

Saturday, I basically spent the day in bed thanks to a huge wave of nausea. I blame it on lots of spinach dip and lack of an early bedtime the night prior.

Here's hoping for a fabulous and fun 2011...!!

17 weeks. Getting rounder!

 

 

•How far along?: 17 weeks today! The baby can now hear noises and voices and can jump when they are startled by a loud noise. I hope the peanut loves my singing!!!

•How big is baby?: The baby is now an ONION!! YUM! 6-1/2 inches long and weighs about 4 ounces.

•Weight gain: We were in Atlantic City on Friday (my normal weigh-in day) so we'll have to wait until Friday to see...something tells me the cookies, cakes and bagel consumption is starting to take it's toll ;) Back to normal, less sugar-consumed days now that the holidays are over.

•Stretch marks?: I practically bathe in bio-oil everyday in hopes it will keep these suckers away!

 

•Maternity clothes?: All maternity pants, all the time - still wearing normal shirts.

•Sleep?: Other then having to pee every 46 seconds, my sleep habits are getting better each night. I feel like I'm officially done with insomnia for a while, phew!

 

•Food cravings?: Cheese. I love string cheese.

•Gender?: 2 weeks from Wednesday until we know if we're painting the nursery blue or pink! (Not really.. we're probably painting it cream, haha).

•Movement?: More & more I feel little flutters... like popcorn popping? It's AMAZING.

 

•Labor signs?: NO WAY JOSE! ;)

•Belly button in or out?: In.

•What I miss: Not too much! I am feeling fairly good - my back is constantly sore but I'm learning to cope!

 

•Milestone: We are now in the year of the baby!!! So excited for what 2011 has to bring!! 

4 months, grow baby grow!

So, here we are...

 

another week, another blog, and I have a feeling -- before we know it -- our baby peanut will be sitting next to me on the sofa!!

 

We had a great week -- spent a lot of time with family and friends enjoying the holidays. It was my 12th year (I think?) going to my friend Karen Connor's house on Christmas Eve. It's amazing to see our group grow and include new friends and husbands :) It was so bizarre to think that next year, the baby will be with us - amazing feeling.

 

I have felt pretty good this week -- my energy is slowly returning, along with headaches, back pain and a bit of nausea ;) I'm dealing and excited to feel better and better everyday.

 

We had our first major snow storm last night - 12 inches! It's beautiful and I'm lucky to be able to work from home today.

 

We got our first piece of baby furniture this weekend as well - Matt & Danielle were awesome enough to give us a changing table for our basement. It's adorable and I can't wait to fill it with newborn diapers and lotions and baby wipes :) The baby also has 3 books to go in it's library (thanks Danielle & Heather!!) and I'm beginning to seriously think about how I want to set up the nursery.

 

So many exciting things to come..... bring on 2011!

 



16 weeks. Please excuse the bad picture but it's official.. My bump is starting to round out (albeit a little lumpy...!) :)



•How far along?: 16 weeks today! 4 months...insane. Just insane! Time was SO slow in the 1st trimester but now it's getting back to normal zoom speed. The baby is beginning to get hair & eyelashes..I wonder if he/she will be blond or brunette!

•How big is baby?: The baby is now a LARGE avocado!! 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces.

•Weight gain: With my scale back in order, I am officially up 6.2 pounds. (I gained a solid 3 pounds the past 2 weeks thanks to feeling better!) I'm exactly where I need to be, weight wise. From here on out, I'm supposed to gain approximately 1 pound per week.

•Stretch marks?: I'm beginning to notice these puppies slightly. I'm pretending it's not happening.

 

•Maternity clothes?: I'm just about officially in maternity jeans all the times - I can still use my belly band but it's not as comfortable. My sister in law, Heather, gifted me with two pairs of her own maternity jeans which is amazing!

•Sleep?: So, so. My back pain wakes me up often (along with the urge to use the potty every 3 seconds) but it's better then it was in the 1st trimester.

 

•Food cravings?: I had my first official craving last week... shrimp cocktail! Bizarre, I know! I woke up thinking about it and couldn't stop. Josh ran out to the grocery store that night and I ate 16 of them. They were divine.

•Gender?: Just another 3 weeks and a couple of days until we find out! I'm still fairly certain it's a girl!

•Movement?: I'm JUST starting to feel little flutters.. I can't tell if it's baby yet but according to my books, last week I could have felt baby--I'm waiting for a solid kick!

•Labor signs?: Nope..stay in there for another 5 months nugget.

•Belly button in or out?: In.

•What I miss: Nothing. Even with the random bout of nausea, extreme lower back pain and daily headaches, I'm happy to have more energy and feel better then I did. I'm just so excited.

 

•Milestone: We are officially 4 months along...this is a huge milestone and baby is growing more and more!!!!

Feeling NORMAL! ;)

Hi everyone!

First & foremost, I wanted to thank you all for reading. I figured out how to check the stats on this blog and am astounded by the numbers of hits it gets per day - we're so beyond lucky to have so much love for our little growing family!

SO - here we are, 15 weeks. Last Tuesday (14 weeks, 1 day) - I woke up feeling pretty good. Nausea at bay and a little more energy. I was nervous to admit this out loud (for fear it would jinx it).  We went out that night for our weekly dinner with my sister, brother-in-law, niece & nephew. We decided on Mexican -- as soon as we got there, I couldn't eat fast enough. My appetite was back! AND better then ever. I smiled and stuffed my face. This was just the beginning... the past 6 days, I've felt better & better each day! The nausea is (almost) a distant memory. The fatigue is still here but my energy level is slowly rising. Other then persistent lower back pain, I'm feeling pretty good! AHHHH! SO.. this is what the 2nd trimester bliss is supposed to feel like. I ate like a machine this past week and despite a possible large weight gain, I'm happy with it. I've now taken to snacking on hummus and fruit and limited my sugar intake. I also will admit I had taco bell for dinner this weekend and wanted to vomit everywhere - I'll never make that mistake again.

On December 16th, I had my 4 week check-up with the doctor. Everything looked great! We finally got to hear baby's heartbeat with the Doppler (it took a few minutes but then we heard the sweet gallop) - it was a solid 154 beats per minute. The doctor said everything was looking good and to keep up with whatever I was doing - success! We also made our anatomy ultrasound appointment... this is the day we'll get to answer the ultimate question... boy or girl! January 19th - can't wait!!

On Saturday, my sister & I went for massages - I had my first maternity massage and it CERTAINLY will not be my last - it was magical. I laid on my side (with a heated body pillow!) and it was perfect. I plan on getting another one sometime in February!

15 weeks. I officially no longer have a (semi) flat tummy anymore... bring on the baby bump! ;)

•How far along?: 15 weeks!! Baby's legs are out-measuring his/her arms for the first time. NICE!

•How big is baby?: The little bean is now a NAVAL ORANGE!

•Weight gain: HA! Well - I weigh myself every Friday. I was nervous for this past Friday (thanks to a week full of fattening and yummy goodness) - when I step on my scale, it flashes LOW BATTERY then SHUTS OFF! SO.. I wasn't able to weigh myself. Blah. We'll try again this Friday. Maybe it was a blessing?

•Stretch marks?: None but I'm getting to be really itchy...belly, legs, back, all of it. Lotion is the only thing that seems to help.

•Maternity clothes?: Yes. My jeans still fit but not comfortable anymore - I have been using the bellyband, the rubber band trick or just keeping them unbuttoned (shh!) but my two pairs of maternity pants are much more comfortable. Shirts are still fine.


•Sleep?: I'm finally starting to sleep through the night a little easier. The snoogle body pillow helps.

•Food cravings?: Everything bagels and cream cheese, pineapple, humus and pita, clementine oranges.

•Gender?: 1 month from yesterday until we find out!! Girl seems to be the consensus amongst the family. Even Josh admitted he thinks it's a girl ;)

•Movement?: NOOOO. I keep thinking I do but then whatever I felt vanishes..I'm on movement alert though.

•Labor signs?: 25 more weeks baby, keep on cookin'!

•Belly button in or out?: In.

•What I miss: NOTHING -- I'm so glad to feel a little better. I wish I looked pregnant instead of fat but I know this will come with time! I do miss going to the gym and I'm hoping to get back on the train this week. 

•Milestone: We have made our anatomy ultrasound appointment.. this is a big milestone and I can't wait to see our little nugget again! 

14 weeks!!!

Hello!

SO.. 14 weeks, here we are. Waiting for the moment I wake up and feel good. Despite it all, I'm just so very excited - time is FLYING by. Just another month until we find out the sex! (Any guesses...??) -- either way, I can't wait to start decorating the nursery and planning for our future little peanut.

We have our next doctor's appointment on Thursday which is always fun - until week 28, I go every 4 weeks. I'm so excited to finally hear the heartbeat (thus far, we've only seen it on our two ultrasounds).

Yesterday, we had a surprise 60th birthday party for my mama - it was an awesome day. It was also the first time I saw a lot of family since announcing our pregnancy - they all said they couldn't see my belly but I know it's there! I'm ready to just POP so I don't feel so fat. :)

14 weeks - belly!

•How far along?: 14 weeks!!! Baby is busy with thumb sucking, toe wiggling & making urine - so cute ;)

.•How big is baby?: The baby is now a LEMON!!!!

•Weight gain: As of Friday, I lost a pound in the previous week. I almost cried for fear that something was wrong (first time in my life losing weight wasn't exciting...) - I'm officially up 3.2 pounds. Moving forward, I should gain approximately 1 pound per week. 

•Maternity clothes?: I'm almost officially in maternity jeans only. My regular jeans just aren't cutting it anymore. I have 2 pairs that I switch off - plus a fat pair of jeans that were huge on me.. now, not so much. I think my whole body is shifting.

.•Sleep?: Despite my severe exhaustion combined with my 7 PM bedtime, I'm still exhausted. My middle of the night insomnia seems to be getting a little better, phew.  

•Food cravings?: The nausea is still here in full force, so I'm still eating whatever I can. Mainly bagels. Fore every meal. And cereal.

•Gender?: Now I'm totally confused... 4-6 more weeks until we find out!

•Stretch marks?: None.

•Movement?: Negative - BUT... Josh loves to keep his hand on my belly and swore he felt something the other day. I can't wait for this.

•Labor signs?: Negative!

•Belly button in or out?: In.

•What I miss: :) Nothing. I just want to feel better to truly experience this.

•Milestone: Per ALL standards, we are in the second trimester. This is so unbelievably exciting.

Random thoughts of a preggo.

The following is a list of things I need to do (before the baby comes). I keep jotting these down on random post-it notes but I figured the blog was a better place to keep it :)

1. Schedule our anatomy ultrasound for Mid-January (by the way, it seems everyone thinks it's a boy but me...can't wait to find out!)

2. Get rid of the futon in the basement (anyone in the Philadelphia area want a free futon? It's in great shape!)

3. Move the guest bedroom furniture in the nursery to the guest bedroom in the basement. Figure out what will fit and what we will get rid of.

4. Move the cat's litter box out of the nursery and down to the basement.

5. Clean out the two closets in the nursery. Get rid of everything wedding related. The wedding was 8 months ago (tear).

6. Paint the nursery (after we find out the sex).

7. Pick out and order our nursery furniture from Target (thanks to gifts cards galore).

8. Clean out the hallway closet.

9. Clean out the 4 junk drawers we have going on.

10. Get the hallway bathroom remodeled over the next couple of months - just need to find a good, reliable contractor (is that you...? if so, let me know!)

11. Register at babies-r-us in Feb/March.

12. Get my bum back in the gym!

Things I've done that I had on my to-do list:

1. Found a fabulous photographer for our newborn pictures- obviously we don't have an exact date but it will be when the baby is around 10 days old. She will come to the house - I'm so excited for this :)

2. Scheduled a 4d ultrasound - wooooo! I was on the fence about this but decided it will be the only ultrasound that I can have my sister, mom and best friends see the ultrasound. I couldn't resist!


.... um. so is this what they call nesting?!? :)

I'll be back for the fabulous 14 weeks!
(...hopefully without nausea, exhaustion, back pain and these AWFUL headaches!)

Hello 2nd trimester!!

So, here we are at week 13. A very exciting place to be as we are officially in the 2nd trimester! (Per some standards..others say not until 13 weeks, 3 days and even others say 14 weeks...but I'll go by my first book which said that December 5th was the first day of my second trimester). I'm not seeing much relief from nausea & exhaustion (yet) but keeping my fingers crossed this happens over the next couple of weeks. I have started making a list of things that need to get done in the house over the next 6 months and I'll need a lot of energy to complete that list!

On Wednesday, December 1st - Josh, my mom & I went for my sequential screening ultrasound. It's a combination of blood work and ultrasound to find out the probability of having a baby with an abnormality. I was nervous going in but ended up loving every second of it! They would only let one adult come back with me (Josh won, sorry mama..) - they took us early (which was great because I had to have a full bladder, ow!) The ultrasound technician was so sweet and kind. She made us feel very comfortable and as soon as she began, we saw our little peanut! It was waving it's arms and legs all over the place, jumping everywhere, and so very active! I loved it so much - the tech said everything looked great (phew!) but we'll get the results at our next doctor's appointment on December 16th.

Time is just flying by -- it felt really slow for a while but now that the holidays are here, the days and weeks are in fast forward. When I think that in 6 months, our little bean will be with us, I smile and realize how truly lucky we are.

13 weeks!

•How far along?: 13 weeks!!! Little teeth and vocal cords are forming!

.•How big is baby?: The baby is now a PEACH!!!!

•Weight gain: As of Friday, I'm up 4.2 pounds.. thanks to bagels for every meal, ha! From here on out, I'm supposed to gain approximately 1 pound per week.  

•Maternity clothes?: While I'm not officially in maternity clothes everyday, my regular jeans are becoming less & less comfortable. Shirts are still fine, so far.

.•Sleep?: Still not sleeping great.. up several times throughout the night. This weekend, I bought a snoogle - a huge maternity body pillow. It helps a bit with back pain (and is really comfy to use) but my lack of sleep is getting harder and harder.

•Food cravings?: The nausea makes it hard.. edamame is a craving, along with pineapple. It seems lettuce and red sauce cause me to feel worse, yet I keep eating both. Dumb..

•Gender?: With a heartbeat of 160 (again), I'm almost 100% it's a girl. We will find out in mid-January.

•Stretch marks?: None.

•Movement?: Negative.

•Labor signs?: Negative!

•Belly button in or out?: In.

•What I miss: Other then feeling healthy, NOTHING!!  :)

•Milestone: Our second ultrasound was just incredible - nothing is better then seeing your little baby wave at you!! :)

12 weeks, 2 days!