After a few weeks of feeling pretty good with very little nausea and a good week or so of having more energy, we had a little blunder on Christmas morning.
I woke up starving, as I had several mornings in a row (and later found out that the little bubs is going through a growth spurt) so I had a banana and a couple tangerines to tide me over before breakfast at Dad's. I was pretty tired because I hadn't slept well two nights in a row so I made a little coffee to take for the ride. We took my car and everything was going really well... until we were about halfway to my Dad's.
On the freeway after a few sips of coffee I started feeling a little queasy. I rolled down the windows and took deep breaths, thinking it would go away. I started feeling a little worse but really didn't think I was actually going to throw up. I started to merge from the fast lane towards the right shoulder and should have known things were bad when I had a hard time staying in the lanes as I moved over. Before I could get stopped, things got ugly. I'll spare you the details. I stopped on the shoulder and immediately started bawling; "What am I going to do?!" Dan immediately jumped into action and grabbed a blanket from the trunk to clean up a bit, then we headed back home. While I got cleaned up, Dan cleaned the car and I had some corn chips (the closest thing to crackers that we had at the house).
We headed back out and after nibbling on some corn chips and slowly eating breakfast at my Dad's, I started to feel much better. Once I finally got fully rehydrated by the afternoon and had another meal, I felt good. Overall, we just had a glitch in the morning and it was still a good day - probably one of the most memorable Christmas mornings I've had in a while.
I think the acid of the tangerines and the few sips of coffee was just too much on a very empty stomach! We keep joking that it was good practice for Dan, cleaning up baby messes.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Week 16: December 26-January 1
Baby K is now the size of an avocado; about 4.5 inches long and weighs about 3.5 ounces. He is going through a growth spurt. In the next few weeks he will double his weight and add inches to his length. (I've been saying he must be going through a growth spurt for a few days because I've been a ton hungrier and it was confirmed when I got my weekly email updates.) His heart pumps 25 quarts of blood a day! Eyebrows, lashes, and hair are starting to fill in and toe nails are developing. And he can now hear! Maybe he'll pick up some Calculus when I go back to work next week. I am supposed to start experiencing some benefits - quicker growing hair and nails, smooth and firm skin, and a healthy glow - but after my breakout last week who knows?
Monday, December 27, 2010 ~ Dan and I have a date tonight to discuss names. At this point, I just want to get a list of a few for each gender that we both really like. I don't know if I want to narrow it down to one name until we've met the baby. We might pick a name and then meet the baby and decide it's not right. He's not a Gorgonzola, she's not a Vinaigrette. (If you don't know the story, I'll have to tell you sometime.)
I'm also thinking more about the baby's room. I know that we want a bassinet in our room for a while when the baby is born but I'm seriously considering putting the crib in our room for the first year or so. If the baby's room were just a door away, like in most houses, I wouldn't even consider it, but down the hall and up the stairs several times in the middle of the night just doesn't sound fun. Also, I'm not sure what we'll do for heat upstairs. If you haven't been to our house, we have a little beach cottage in Huntington Beach with a standing heater near our bedroom. But it gets pretty cold upstairs. Any opinions out there?
I've been feeling the baby move a lot more over the last week. It's still not a distinct kick but I feel pretty certain that it's the baby moving around in there. Most things I've read say I won't feel him until this week but I think I've felt everything from a flutter to a bubble to a little push for at least a month now. I can't wait for Dan to be able to feel the baby! I'm also excited to feel that first distinct kick.
I have been much more hungry over the last 5 days to a week and was relieved to read that the baby is going through a growth spurt when I got my weekly email update. With the exception of last night, I've woken up at least once every night for about a week feeling so hungry that I couldn't fall back asleep until I ate something. Some days I eat and eat and don't ever feel full. I'm glad that it's not as bad as the week early in the pregnancy (week 5?) when I felt desperately starved no matter what I ate. This week I just don't ever feel satisfied but I'm only starving when I don't eat for a few hours.
I'm hoping not to gain a ton of weight with all of this eating but now that I'm able to get some exercise maybe it will balance out. I'm walking and doing some light upper body weights. This week I'm hoping to walk 16-20 miles and next week, when I'm back at work, I have a goal of walking at least 4 times per week, maybe 5, and about 3-4 miles per walk depending on how much time I have.
Well, my belly's telling me it's time to eat so I guess I'm signing off for now!
Saturday, January 1, 2011 ~ Happy New Year!
I didn't meet my 20 mile goal this week; I walked 16 miles. The day I skipped was a rough day. I woke up at 4:18 am to use the restroom and couldn't fall asleep. It felt like I had drank 10 lattes and was wired. At 6 am, when I finally gave up on sleep and moved out to the couch, I started bawling uncontrollably for about 10 minutes. Oh, the hormones! When I told Dan about it later, he said I should have woken him up. I told him that if I was crying over something serious I would have, but this was just silly.
Remember when I tore a muscle in my left shoulder about 6 years ago when I sneezed while on the elliptical machine? Well, somehow the injury has come back even though I haven't done anything to injure it. My only guess is that all of the hormones that are loosening up my ligaments to help make room for the bubs have caused it. I was debating on going to my GP this week but I know he's going to put me in a sling and I really don't want to be in a sling. If it just came back out of nowhere, why would I think that after I stop using the sling it won't come back again. I'll ask my OB/GYN at my appointment next Tuesday.
Monday, December 27, 2010 ~ Dan and I have a date tonight to discuss names. At this point, I just want to get a list of a few for each gender that we both really like. I don't know if I want to narrow it down to one name until we've met the baby. We might pick a name and then meet the baby and decide it's not right. He's not a Gorgonzola, she's not a Vinaigrette. (If you don't know the story, I'll have to tell you sometime.)
I'm also thinking more about the baby's room. I know that we want a bassinet in our room for a while when the baby is born but I'm seriously considering putting the crib in our room for the first year or so. If the baby's room were just a door away, like in most houses, I wouldn't even consider it, but down the hall and up the stairs several times in the middle of the night just doesn't sound fun. Also, I'm not sure what we'll do for heat upstairs. If you haven't been to our house, we have a little beach cottage in Huntington Beach with a standing heater near our bedroom. But it gets pretty cold upstairs. Any opinions out there?
I've been feeling the baby move a lot more over the last week. It's still not a distinct kick but I feel pretty certain that it's the baby moving around in there. Most things I've read say I won't feel him until this week but I think I've felt everything from a flutter to a bubble to a little push for at least a month now. I can't wait for Dan to be able to feel the baby! I'm also excited to feel that first distinct kick.
I have been much more hungry over the last 5 days to a week and was relieved to read that the baby is going through a growth spurt when I got my weekly email update. With the exception of last night, I've woken up at least once every night for about a week feeling so hungry that I couldn't fall back asleep until I ate something. Some days I eat and eat and don't ever feel full. I'm glad that it's not as bad as the week early in the pregnancy (week 5?) when I felt desperately starved no matter what I ate. This week I just don't ever feel satisfied but I'm only starving when I don't eat for a few hours.
I'm hoping not to gain a ton of weight with all of this eating but now that I'm able to get some exercise maybe it will balance out. I'm walking and doing some light upper body weights. This week I'm hoping to walk 16-20 miles and next week, when I'm back at work, I have a goal of walking at least 4 times per week, maybe 5, and about 3-4 miles per walk depending on how much time I have.
Well, my belly's telling me it's time to eat so I guess I'm signing off for now!
Saturday, January 1, 2011 ~ Happy New Year!
I didn't meet my 20 mile goal this week; I walked 16 miles. The day I skipped was a rough day. I woke up at 4:18 am to use the restroom and couldn't fall asleep. It felt like I had drank 10 lattes and was wired. At 6 am, when I finally gave up on sleep and moved out to the couch, I started bawling uncontrollably for about 10 minutes. Oh, the hormones! When I told Dan about it later, he said I should have woken him up. I told him that if I was crying over something serious I would have, but this was just silly.
Remember when I tore a muscle in my left shoulder about 6 years ago when I sneezed while on the elliptical machine? Well, somehow the injury has come back even though I haven't done anything to injure it. My only guess is that all of the hormones that are loosening up my ligaments to help make room for the bubs have caused it. I was debating on going to my GP this week but I know he's going to put me in a sling and I really don't want to be in a sling. If it just came back out of nowhere, why would I think that after I stop using the sling it won't come back again. I'll ask my OB/GYN at my appointment next Tuesday.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Week 15: December 19-25
The baby is now the size of a navel orange, approximately 4 inches long and weighs about 2.5 ounces. Hair on her eyebrows and head is growing and her legs are now longer than her arms. All four limbs have working joints now, too. Her bones are hardening and retaining calcium. Although her eyelids are still fused together, she can now sense light.
Sunday, December 19, 2010 ~ I don't think I mentioned it but at my appointment on Tuesday I asked the doctor about my small appetite. He said not to worry, the baby is quite a good parasite. I have been joking about it all week and woke up feeling the effects of a parasite growing in my body. I don't think I had enough water yesterday and also could have probably eaten more. I woke up feeling like I was getting a cold but after a few glasses of water and a meal, I felt much better and just had a headache to contend with.
Yesterday I finally got some exercise. I went for a 3 mile walk and actually jogged for 6 blocks. Right away my knees were screaming at me and after about 5 blocks, my leg muscles said they were done so I walked the rest. I'm looking forward to doing some upper body weights over my break to get some definition back in my arms.
I might be getting my appetite back although it's only been two days so we'll have to wait and see. Yesterday I had an amazing petite filet at Seasons 52 with Jess. I think I'm lacking protein or iron because red meat has been far more appealing than normal lately. Jessica got the baby her first gift and I started crying at the table - the cutest little duck pajamas, wash clothes, and a hooded towel. It definitely made this whole thing more real. We're going to have a little human that will fit in those pajamas in 6 months!
I don't think I mentioned that I've actually been cooking a little bit. It's nice to be able to eat a larger variety of foods, although I'm still more limited than before my pregnancy. I still can't stand the thought of bell peppers, which I don't understand.
I had a massage yesterday and when I laid on the table, it felt like the baby did a somersault or two to adjust. I can't be sure but I think I've felt the baby move several times over the last few weeks. Carrying the baby has been harder on my body than I expected but the most important thing to me is that she has a calm, healthy enviroment to live in for 9 months.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010 ~ Baby K must be going through a growth spurt or something because I am starving! I had a week at the beginning of the pregnancy during which nothing I ate filled me up: fat, protein, fiber, etc. I'm hoping I'm not going to experience that again because I gained a lot of weight that week (and subsequently lost most of it, but I don't see that happening at this point in the pregnancy). So far, I've been feeling this starvation for about a full day. This morning I'm trying fiber (oatmeal) and protein (peanut butter and milk). I think I'll make a beef chili for dinner to try to increase the protein even more. I'm still very weary of whole grain bread because it made me so sick earlier on but I know I should try to incorporate it back into my diet soon.
Sunday, December 19, 2010 ~ I don't think I mentioned it but at my appointment on Tuesday I asked the doctor about my small appetite. He said not to worry, the baby is quite a good parasite. I have been joking about it all week and woke up feeling the effects of a parasite growing in my body. I don't think I had enough water yesterday and also could have probably eaten more. I woke up feeling like I was getting a cold but after a few glasses of water and a meal, I felt much better and just had a headache to contend with.
Yesterday I finally got some exercise. I went for a 3 mile walk and actually jogged for 6 blocks. Right away my knees were screaming at me and after about 5 blocks, my leg muscles said they were done so I walked the rest. I'm looking forward to doing some upper body weights over my break to get some definition back in my arms.
I might be getting my appetite back although it's only been two days so we'll have to wait and see. Yesterday I had an amazing petite filet at Seasons 52 with Jess. I think I'm lacking protein or iron because red meat has been far more appealing than normal lately. Jessica got the baby her first gift and I started crying at the table - the cutest little duck pajamas, wash clothes, and a hooded towel. It definitely made this whole thing more real. We're going to have a little human that will fit in those pajamas in 6 months!
I don't think I mentioned that I've actually been cooking a little bit. It's nice to be able to eat a larger variety of foods, although I'm still more limited than before my pregnancy. I still can't stand the thought of bell peppers, which I don't understand.
I had a massage yesterday and when I laid on the table, it felt like the baby did a somersault or two to adjust. I can't be sure but I think I've felt the baby move several times over the last few weeks. Carrying the baby has been harder on my body than I expected but the most important thing to me is that she has a calm, healthy enviroment to live in for 9 months.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010 ~ Baby K must be going through a growth spurt or something because I am starving! I had a week at the beginning of the pregnancy during which nothing I ate filled me up: fat, protein, fiber, etc. I'm hoping I'm not going to experience that again because I gained a lot of weight that week (and subsequently lost most of it, but I don't see that happening at this point in the pregnancy). So far, I've been feeling this starvation for about a full day. This morning I'm trying fiber (oatmeal) and protein (peanut butter and milk). I think I'll make a beef chili for dinner to try to increase the protein even more. I'm still very weary of whole grain bread because it made me so sick earlier on but I know I should try to incorporate it back into my diet soon.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Week 14: December 12-18
The baby is now the size of a lemon, about 3.5 inches long and weighs about 1.5 ounces. A fuzzy layer of fine hair, called lanugo, is beginning to coat her entire body. Internally, the liver is starting to secrete bile and the spleen is helping produce red blood cells. As the brain continues to mature, she can make different facial expressions and may even react when someone gives my belly a little poke.
Sunday, December 12, 2010 ~ Tuesday we had our second ultrasound. The baby looks like a baby even though the head is still disproportionately large. The body and arms will grow more proportional to the head this week but it will be a few weeks before the legs get there. We saw and heard the baby's heartbeat and saw her moving her little mouth quite a bit. It was absolutely amazing! The tech said she could check for gender without a ton of accuracy but we still don't want to find out.
Wednesday I mailed out the Christmas cards announcing the baby and Thursday I got lots of fun texts and emails. I also told work this week. I walked into the principal's office and my department chair's classroom and told them I wanted to show them a really cool picture, then showed them a picture from the ultrasound. I wasn't sure when I was going to tell my students until one of my coworkers told me that some of my students have been suspicious for a while. I decided to wear my "I'm so crafty, I make people" t-shirt on Thursday. It was a lot of fun telling people and I'm so relieved that I don't have to hide my belly anymore. Although apparently I wasn't doing a good job of it - in each class period 5-6 students said they were suspicious that I was pregnant!
I think I have definitely "popped" over the last few days. I'm nervous to try on work pants tomorrow. I have been wearing a few pairs of "fat pants" over the last several weeks and they fit just fine. For the last 3-4 days, since I've popped, I've been wearing maternity pants so who knows if my fat pants will fit anymore.
Also, over the last three days I think I've felt the baby move a few times. Everything I read says I won't be able to feel the baby until 15 weeks but I've been feeling things that I've never felt before. Friday morning was a very distinct rumble and today I felt several flutters in the same spot over a couple minutes.
Tuesday is my monthly doctor appointment. I think it will be uneventful: pee, weight, and hear the heartbeat. Of course, hearing the heartbeat never gets old. In fact, we recorded video of the ultrasound with my new iPhone and I've watched it over and over. Should be a pretty uneventful few months. I should definitively feel the baby soon and for the remainder of the pregnancy. A few weeks after that, Dan should be able to feel kicks from the outside. We will have another ultrasound between 18 and 20 weeks for a full anatomy check and I will continue with regular monthly doctor appointments. I read that I should have my energy back at the beginning of the second trimester, which was a week ago. Hasn't happened quite yet. My bedtime is still around 9:30 pm and I'm pretty wiped out from the early afternoon for the rest of the day.
Next week, when I'm off work, I'll post more pictures and see if I can post the video of the ultrasound.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010 ~ Uneventful appointment, as expected. I've only gained a pound in the four weeks since I last saw the doctor. I know the weight gain will pick up but am glad to have it under control despite still not really working out. Since I keep reading that I should get my energy back anytime now, I don't see the point in pushing myself when I'm exhausted. However if I don't get my energy back soon, I think I'll get back to exercise and just do the best I can.
I have the last blood draw for the chromosomal screening coming up sometime in the next two weeks (I'll probably do it next week when I'm off of work), an ultrasound in three weeks, and my monthly doctor appt in four weeks. The doctor said the next ultrasound is the fun one; they examine the baby from head to toe!
Sunday, December 12, 2010 ~ Tuesday we had our second ultrasound. The baby looks like a baby even though the head is still disproportionately large. The body and arms will grow more proportional to the head this week but it will be a few weeks before the legs get there. We saw and heard the baby's heartbeat and saw her moving her little mouth quite a bit. It was absolutely amazing! The tech said she could check for gender without a ton of accuracy but we still don't want to find out.
Wednesday I mailed out the Christmas cards announcing the baby and Thursday I got lots of fun texts and emails. I also told work this week. I walked into the principal's office and my department chair's classroom and told them I wanted to show them a really cool picture, then showed them a picture from the ultrasound. I wasn't sure when I was going to tell my students until one of my coworkers told me that some of my students have been suspicious for a while. I decided to wear my "I'm so crafty, I make people" t-shirt on Thursday. It was a lot of fun telling people and I'm so relieved that I don't have to hide my belly anymore. Although apparently I wasn't doing a good job of it - in each class period 5-6 students said they were suspicious that I was pregnant!
I think I have definitely "popped" over the last few days. I'm nervous to try on work pants tomorrow. I have been wearing a few pairs of "fat pants" over the last several weeks and they fit just fine. For the last 3-4 days, since I've popped, I've been wearing maternity pants so who knows if my fat pants will fit anymore.
Also, over the last three days I think I've felt the baby move a few times. Everything I read says I won't be able to feel the baby until 15 weeks but I've been feeling things that I've never felt before. Friday morning was a very distinct rumble and today I felt several flutters in the same spot over a couple minutes.
Tuesday is my monthly doctor appointment. I think it will be uneventful: pee, weight, and hear the heartbeat. Of course, hearing the heartbeat never gets old. In fact, we recorded video of the ultrasound with my new iPhone and I've watched it over and over. Should be a pretty uneventful few months. I should definitively feel the baby soon and for the remainder of the pregnancy. A few weeks after that, Dan should be able to feel kicks from the outside. We will have another ultrasound between 18 and 20 weeks for a full anatomy check and I will continue with regular monthly doctor appointments. I read that I should have my energy back at the beginning of the second trimester, which was a week ago. Hasn't happened quite yet. My bedtime is still around 9:30 pm and I'm pretty wiped out from the early afternoon for the rest of the day.
Next week, when I'm off work, I'll post more pictures and see if I can post the video of the ultrasound.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010 ~ Uneventful appointment, as expected. I've only gained a pound in the four weeks since I last saw the doctor. I know the weight gain will pick up but am glad to have it under control despite still not really working out. Since I keep reading that I should get my energy back anytime now, I don't see the point in pushing myself when I'm exhausted. However if I don't get my energy back soon, I think I'll get back to exercise and just do the best I can.
I have the last blood draw for the chromosomal screening coming up sometime in the next two weeks (I'll probably do it next week when I'm off of work), an ultrasound in three weeks, and my monthly doctor appt in four weeks. The doctor said the next ultrasound is the fun one; they examine the baby from head to toe!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Week 13: December 5-11
We are now a peach! And the baby is covered in peach fuzz, too. The baby is almost 3 in long and weighs about an ounce. The body is fully formed although the head is still disproportionately large. And fingerprints are formed! If the baby is a girl, she already has over 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Pretty amazing! Most say I am now at the beginning of the second trimester although some give it an additional week.
Sunday, December 5, 2010 ~ I feel like a new woman! I've had almost a full week with very little nausea. The second trimester headaches that I've read about started several days ago but compared to the nausea, they've been easy! Surprisingly, Tylenol, which is the only thing I can take, has helped considerably (I used to have to take Excedrin to make a dent in headaches). I've also read that a little bit of caffeine helps and my doctor has said a glass or two of coffee per day is fine. So far, I've just had about half a cup of coffee or a can of soda.
I'm no longer worthless on weekends, which is also great! Yesterday we ran around and did a bunch of errands. We finally picked up Dan's birthday cuff links, I got a new phone (finally a smart phone!), I got my first maternity pants, and we spent some time at the Sawdust Festival and saw Mom's booth. Today, while Dan was at softball, I got some laundry done, cleaned up the kitchen, and started decorating for Christmas. It's so nice to do something besides lay on the couch in front of the TV feeling sick all weekend.
I got our Christmas cards in the mail on Friday. They look sooo good! The timing has worked out so well to use them as an announcement of our pregnancy. I'll post a picture soon. I can't wait to mail them out Wednesday morning and let everybody know. Dan and I generally aren't Christmas picture card people unless there are kids involved, which explains the reason I didn't include our heads in the picture. Dan's only sending cards to his parents. It's "not his style." When I got them in the mail I told him he better not look at them; they're so cute that he might change his mind!
My appetite is still really small. Today I wasn't even hungry for snacks in between meals. For the most part, I'm eating healthfully with a few treats here and there. I still have only gained 2 pounds and am really happy that I've been able to keep that low through the first trimester. I've read that starting soon (now?) I'll gain a pound a week. Hopefully I'll be able to start walking and lifting light weights soon to keep some muscle tone throughout the pregnancy.
Monday, December 6, 2010 ~ I'm just starting to feel different in the womb-region today. I was wondering when that would happen. It finally feels like there's something down there.
Despite being able to eat more, I'm so gaggy! I gag so much more now than I did when I was nauseated all of the time and it's getting really annoying! Smells are really making me gag and sometimes I have no idea why, I just gag.
I've been wanting a lot of fruit, which is unusual for me. I'm usually more of a veggie person. I wish I was craving protein because I don't generally eat a lot and I've read that I should be eating more than normal. I've been trying to eat hard boiled eggs and chicken as much as possible, as well as a little cheese here and there. Beans and beef are too hard to digest but I'm going to try to incorporate beef occasionally because I know it's a very good source of protein. I'm glad that my body will give up what it needs to support the baby. It's only fair, right?
I'm telling you, I definitely already have pregnancy brain. Earlier in this post I typed "semester" instead of trimester and just now I typed that beef is a good source of fiber instead of protein. Today when sixth period was leaving I told them to have a good weekend. That's just a few examples; things like this are happening VERY regularly. I'm losing my mind!
Sunday, December 5, 2010 ~ I feel like a new woman! I've had almost a full week with very little nausea. The second trimester headaches that I've read about started several days ago but compared to the nausea, they've been easy! Surprisingly, Tylenol, which is the only thing I can take, has helped considerably (I used to have to take Excedrin to make a dent in headaches). I've also read that a little bit of caffeine helps and my doctor has said a glass or two of coffee per day is fine. So far, I've just had about half a cup of coffee or a can of soda.
I'm no longer worthless on weekends, which is also great! Yesterday we ran around and did a bunch of errands. We finally picked up Dan's birthday cuff links, I got a new phone (finally a smart phone!), I got my first maternity pants, and we spent some time at the Sawdust Festival and saw Mom's booth. Today, while Dan was at softball, I got some laundry done, cleaned up the kitchen, and started decorating for Christmas. It's so nice to do something besides lay on the couch in front of the TV feeling sick all weekend.
I got our Christmas cards in the mail on Friday. They look sooo good! The timing has worked out so well to use them as an announcement of our pregnancy. I'll post a picture soon. I can't wait to mail them out Wednesday morning and let everybody know. Dan and I generally aren't Christmas picture card people unless there are kids involved, which explains the reason I didn't include our heads in the picture. Dan's only sending cards to his parents. It's "not his style." When I got them in the mail I told him he better not look at them; they're so cute that he might change his mind!
My appetite is still really small. Today I wasn't even hungry for snacks in between meals. For the most part, I'm eating healthfully with a few treats here and there. I still have only gained 2 pounds and am really happy that I've been able to keep that low through the first trimester. I've read that starting soon (now?) I'll gain a pound a week. Hopefully I'll be able to start walking and lifting light weights soon to keep some muscle tone throughout the pregnancy.
Monday, December 6, 2010 ~ I'm just starting to feel different in the womb-region today. I was wondering when that would happen. It finally feels like there's something down there.
Despite being able to eat more, I'm so gaggy! I gag so much more now than I did when I was nauseated all of the time and it's getting really annoying! Smells are really making me gag and sometimes I have no idea why, I just gag.
I've been wanting a lot of fruit, which is unusual for me. I'm usually more of a veggie person. I wish I was craving protein because I don't generally eat a lot and I've read that I should be eating more than normal. I've been trying to eat hard boiled eggs and chicken as much as possible, as well as a little cheese here and there. Beans and beef are too hard to digest but I'm going to try to incorporate beef occasionally because I know it's a very good source of protein. I'm glad that my body will give up what it needs to support the baby. It's only fair, right?
I'm telling you, I definitely already have pregnancy brain. Earlier in this post I typed "semester" instead of trimester and just now I typed that beef is a good source of fiber instead of protein. Today when sixth period was leaving I told them to have a good weekend. That's just a few examples; things like this are happening VERY regularly. I'm losing my mind!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Week 12: November 28-December 4
The baby is now the size of a plum. The crown-to-rump length is now almost 2.5 inches and she weighs in at around 0.5 ounces. The digestive system is now capable of making contractions that push food through the bowels, food being the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. The baby develops reflexes and the skin is very sensitive. The brain is fully formed and the baby can feel pain.
Sunday, November 28, 2010 ~ Today was another bad day although I'm thankful that Thanksgiving was one of my good days. Heck, I'm thankful that I'm having good days at all. I haven't eaten a whole lot today because the nausea hasn't really subsided in exchange for hunger like it usually does. Back to work tomorrow so I'm hoping I have a couple good days in a row. I'm not looking forward to being back on a schedule where I can't eat whenever I choose (haha, who am I kidding it's my body that does the choosing) and have to pack food for the entire day.
I'm really looking forward to our ultrasound a week from Tuesday. I need to see our little one again and have some joy! The good days are making me optimistic that I'm coming to the end of the nausea period but the bad days feel worse now that they are mixed in with good days. I think it's just disappointing when I have a bad day because I'm so optimistic when I have a good one.
This too shall pass!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 ~ Two good days in a row! I did get sick yesterday morning but after that, I've been feeling relatively good. And we're so close to the end of the first trimester. I bought a scrapbook and have been saving it until the end of the first trimester. I can't wait to start filling it up with fun stuff!!! I think I'll get some pictures developed this week and start putting them in this weekend.
I have my yearly formal observation on Thursday and I'm really hoping that I'm feeling well.
Thursday, December 2, 2010 ~ Four days with very little nausea and counting! I'm almost afraid to post this. Hope I don't jinx myself. Despite minor pregnancy discomforts and inconveniences, I'm feeling pretty good and am looking forward to getting out of the house this weekend!!! Going to head to South Coast Plaza for some shopping and then to Sawdust Festival to check out my Mom's booth on Saturday. Hopefully I'll get some maternity pants at the mall. Looking forward to checking out Heidi Klum's line at Motherhood Maternity.
Sunday, November 28, 2010 ~ Today was another bad day although I'm thankful that Thanksgiving was one of my good days. Heck, I'm thankful that I'm having good days at all. I haven't eaten a whole lot today because the nausea hasn't really subsided in exchange for hunger like it usually does. Back to work tomorrow so I'm hoping I have a couple good days in a row. I'm not looking forward to being back on a schedule where I can't eat whenever I choose (haha, who am I kidding it's my body that does the choosing) and have to pack food for the entire day.
I'm really looking forward to our ultrasound a week from Tuesday. I need to see our little one again and have some joy! The good days are making me optimistic that I'm coming to the end of the nausea period but the bad days feel worse now that they are mixed in with good days. I think it's just disappointing when I have a bad day because I'm so optimistic when I have a good one.
This too shall pass!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 ~ Two good days in a row! I did get sick yesterday morning but after that, I've been feeling relatively good. And we're so close to the end of the first trimester. I bought a scrapbook and have been saving it until the end of the first trimester. I can't wait to start filling it up with fun stuff!!! I think I'll get some pictures developed this week and start putting them in this weekend.
I have my yearly formal observation on Thursday and I'm really hoping that I'm feeling well.
Thursday, December 2, 2010 ~ Four days with very little nausea and counting! I'm almost afraid to post this. Hope I don't jinx myself. Despite minor pregnancy discomforts and inconveniences, I'm feeling pretty good and am looking forward to getting out of the house this weekend!!! Going to head to South Coast Plaza for some shopping and then to Sawdust Festival to check out my Mom's booth on Saturday. Hopefully I'll get some maternity pants at the mall. Looking forward to checking out Heidi Klum's line at Motherhood Maternity.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Week 11: November 21-27
The baby is now the size of a large lime. The crown-to-rump length is 1.75-2.4 inches and will double in the next three weeks. The baby's fingernails appear this week. External genitalia are beginning to show distinguishing features and the development of male or female will complete in three weeks. Inside the baby's abdomen, intestines are developing. The urinary system functions. All vital organs are formed and, for the most part, function normally.
Monday, November 22, 2010 ~ Three of the last four days have been pretty good days with regard to nausea and energy. It felt so good to be productive and get some cleaning done today. I still took it much easier than I would prepregnancy and it took me a lot longer to get stuff done, but it was nice to get anything done at all.
I've noticed that my spelling has become atrocious! I've found so many mistakes on this blog and in other writing, mixing up the order of letters and stuff. I can only guess that it's from the lack of energy I've had affecting my brain???
I've been having some pretty crazy dreams lately. I'm dreaming about high school quite a bit. The best one was the other day though. There were plants growing in the corner of our living room... in dirt! A tomato plant and a rose bush. I was so excited that the tomato plant was indoors because I planted two outside in the Spring and wasn't able to use any of the tomatoes because bugs were eating them. It's been driving me nuts for months and now I'm finally dreaming about it.
Dan and I are both getting really excited to tell people. We haven't officially decided when to start. Technically the first trimester isn't over until the end of week 12 but we've discussed telling people throughout week 12. I'm not telling work until the beginning of week 13. I already have an appointment scheduled with the principal that week, after my annual observation, so it only makes sense to wait to tell him then. I'll tell my department chair the same day or next day and everyone else that week at some point.
We have decided to go through with the fully integrated screening for chromosomal problems. It involves a blood test and an ultrasound. When the doctor mentioned it to me at 8 weeks I was all for it but became hesitant when I read that 5% of women will screen high risk but most of them will have babies with no problems. I am very against the idea of getting an amniocentesis to test further if I do screen high risk so the screening seemed a bit pointless. Also, I feel like we don't have risk factors (family history, age, weight). Dan was on the same page - we didn't want to present ourselves with any reason to worry unnecessarily. When we went in last week at 10 weeks, we talked to the doctor about it further. I told him that we were hesitant and the only thing keeping me from saying no completely was that it would be nice to see the baby again. He felt confident that everything would come out great and told us about another test that can be done between the screening and an amniocentesis. It's a full genetic ultrasound. His experience is that if a woman screens a little high risk, they have the full genetic ultrasound and their risk is brought down enough to not warrant the amnio. He also told us that the first ultrasound that comes with the screening might be 3D!!! We were both in agreement that it sounds like a good idea and we want to see the baby again. I had the blood work done on Thursday which, for some reason, hurt a lot more than the previous blood draws I've had to check my progesterone levels (I had the same phlebotomist each time). I'm scheduling the ultrasound tomorrow. We want to wait until as late as possible so that we can get better pictures of the baby. It has to be done by 13 weeks 6 days.
Monday, November 22, 2010 ~ Three of the last four days have been pretty good days with regard to nausea and energy. It felt so good to be productive and get some cleaning done today. I still took it much easier than I would prepregnancy and it took me a lot longer to get stuff done, but it was nice to get anything done at all.
I've noticed that my spelling has become atrocious! I've found so many mistakes on this blog and in other writing, mixing up the order of letters and stuff. I can only guess that it's from the lack of energy I've had affecting my brain???
I've been having some pretty crazy dreams lately. I'm dreaming about high school quite a bit. The best one was the other day though. There were plants growing in the corner of our living room... in dirt! A tomato plant and a rose bush. I was so excited that the tomato plant was indoors because I planted two outside in the Spring and wasn't able to use any of the tomatoes because bugs were eating them. It's been driving me nuts for months and now I'm finally dreaming about it.
Dan and I are both getting really excited to tell people. We haven't officially decided when to start. Technically the first trimester isn't over until the end of week 12 but we've discussed telling people throughout week 12. I'm not telling work until the beginning of week 13. I already have an appointment scheduled with the principal that week, after my annual observation, so it only makes sense to wait to tell him then. I'll tell my department chair the same day or next day and everyone else that week at some point.
We have decided to go through with the fully integrated screening for chromosomal problems. It involves a blood test and an ultrasound. When the doctor mentioned it to me at 8 weeks I was all for it but became hesitant when I read that 5% of women will screen high risk but most of them will have babies with no problems. I am very against the idea of getting an amniocentesis to test further if I do screen high risk so the screening seemed a bit pointless. Also, I feel like we don't have risk factors (family history, age, weight). Dan was on the same page - we didn't want to present ourselves with any reason to worry unnecessarily. When we went in last week at 10 weeks, we talked to the doctor about it further. I told him that we were hesitant and the only thing keeping me from saying no completely was that it would be nice to see the baby again. He felt confident that everything would come out great and told us about another test that can be done between the screening and an amniocentesis. It's a full genetic ultrasound. His experience is that if a woman screens a little high risk, they have the full genetic ultrasound and their risk is brought down enough to not warrant the amnio. He also told us that the first ultrasound that comes with the screening might be 3D!!! We were both in agreement that it sounds like a good idea and we want to see the baby again. I had the blood work done on Thursday which, for some reason, hurt a lot more than the previous blood draws I've had to check my progesterone levels (I had the same phlebotomist each time). I'm scheduling the ultrasound tomorrow. We want to wait until as late as possible so that we can get better pictures of the baby. It has to be done by 13 weeks 6 days.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Sweet, Sweet Sounds
I thought we were excited at the first appointment when the doctor said, "You definitely have a pregnant uterus." I thought we were excited when we saw the baby's heartbeat at our first ultrasound. That's nothing compared to the appointment yesterday.
First, the doctor told me that he's happy with the results of my last two blood draws; my progesterone is up and he is happy with where it's at. He said that things are looking really good, so good that it's as if I'm 11 weeks along.
The best part, though, was hearing the baby's heartbeat!!! I think both Dan and I got a little emotional upon hearing it and it has made this whole thing seem so much more real. There's a little person growing inside of me and he is going to look like Dan and I! (I don't think I've written this on here yet but I'm going to alternate genders.)
The doctor felt so good about things that he said I can stop the progesterone supplements and the weekly blood draws earlier than expected. I asked him when the end of the first trimester is because we're waiting to tell people. He said he actually wouldn't hesitate to tell people now because things look so good but that we might as well wait if we had planned on it. It's only a little while longer so we're both more comfortable waiting.
Such an exciting day!!!
First, the doctor told me that he's happy with the results of my last two blood draws; my progesterone is up and he is happy with where it's at. He said that things are looking really good, so good that it's as if I'm 11 weeks along.
The best part, though, was hearing the baby's heartbeat!!! I think both Dan and I got a little emotional upon hearing it and it has made this whole thing seem so much more real. There's a little person growing inside of me and he is going to look like Dan and I! (I don't think I've written this on here yet but I'm going to alternate genders.)
The doctor felt so good about things that he said I can stop the progesterone supplements and the weekly blood draws earlier than expected. I asked him when the end of the first trimester is because we're waiting to tell people. He said he actually wouldn't hesitate to tell people now because things look so good but that we might as well wait if we had planned on it. It's only a little while longer so we're both more comfortable waiting.
Such an exciting day!!!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Week 10: November 14-20
One site says the baby is now the size of a prune, another says it's the size of a plum. I like plums better than their dried up counterpart so I'm going with that. The baby is 1.25-1.7 inches long and weighs about 5 grams. The fingers and toes have separated and the tail is completely gone. Nearly a quarter of a million new neurons develop in the brain per minute! External genetalia are not apparent until next week but a male's testes will already start producing testosterone. The baby is moving quite a bit but at this point, it's not distinguishable from other things going on in my body. Check out this website that shows a sonogram of a baby boy and his movements at 10 weeks. Pretty incredible!
http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/encyclopedia/U/Ultrasound
Sunday, November 14, 2010 ~ Enough about food and nausea. I'm going to leave it at this for the time being - I dread getting hungry.
Yesterday at my weekly weigh in I noticed that, in one week, I lost all of the 1.8 pounds I'd gained over the previous four weeks. Actually I'll be honest, most of the gain was pretty quick, probably during my starving phase, and I'd maintained a pretty consistent weight for about three weeks and then dropped. I was a little surprised but my small appetite over the last week probably explains it. I've read not to worry about weight loss in the first trimester and technically I am just back to where I started. Even after miso soup and salty edamame last night I was still down in weight this morning.
Dan and I are both really excited to see the doctor on Tuesday and hear the baby's heartbeat. I should also know the results of Thursday's blood draw and will talk to the doctor about where we're at with my progesterone level, how many more weeks I'll take the supplement, and how much longer I'll get weekly blood draws. I'm not sure if I've written this yet but it's my understanding that by the end of the first trimester, the placenta takes over most of the progesterone-producing duties and is more reliable than the ovaries.
Thinking about the external genetalia developing over the next week has me thinking about the baby in more human terms, a boy or a girl? I've been thinking about different aspects of having both and am getting more and more excited for this little one to join us. I've started writing down names for both genders that I like and Dan has a "Sweet 16"-like bracket idea for how we're going to pick the name. I'm not exactly sure how it's going to work but I'll give it a try.
Wednesday, November 17 ~ At our first ultrasound we were bumped up 4 days and yesterday at our appointment the doctor said that things look so good, it's as if I'm even further along. I'm hoping this means that the baby will come early so that I'll have as much time to spend with her as possible before the school year starts!
My body seems to be doing everything that it should. I got the first nosebleed of my life over the weekend and was caught quite off guard by it. Yesterday while waiting in the lobby for my appointment I read a book in the doctor's office and it actually said it's normal to get more nosebleeds during pregnancy. In addition, the doctor was pleased to hear that I'm not feeling well and have no energy. He said that he knows I don't enjoy it but it's a good sign.
I'm looking forward to a potential trip to get my first maternity clothes this weekend. The baby is still far too small for me to be showing but my stomach is so bloated that almost none of my pants fit. It's amazing that I've only gained about a pound but nothing fits!
http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/encyclopedia/U/Ultrasound
Sunday, November 14, 2010 ~ Enough about food and nausea. I'm going to leave it at this for the time being - I dread getting hungry.
Yesterday at my weekly weigh in I noticed that, in one week, I lost all of the 1.8 pounds I'd gained over the previous four weeks. Actually I'll be honest, most of the gain was pretty quick, probably during my starving phase, and I'd maintained a pretty consistent weight for about three weeks and then dropped. I was a little surprised but my small appetite over the last week probably explains it. I've read not to worry about weight loss in the first trimester and technically I am just back to where I started. Even after miso soup and salty edamame last night I was still down in weight this morning.
Dan and I are both really excited to see the doctor on Tuesday and hear the baby's heartbeat. I should also know the results of Thursday's blood draw and will talk to the doctor about where we're at with my progesterone level, how many more weeks I'll take the supplement, and how much longer I'll get weekly blood draws. I'm not sure if I've written this yet but it's my understanding that by the end of the first trimester, the placenta takes over most of the progesterone-producing duties and is more reliable than the ovaries.
Thinking about the external genetalia developing over the next week has me thinking about the baby in more human terms, a boy or a girl? I've been thinking about different aspects of having both and am getting more and more excited for this little one to join us. I've started writing down names for both genders that I like and Dan has a "Sweet 16"-like bracket idea for how we're going to pick the name. I'm not exactly sure how it's going to work but I'll give it a try.
Wednesday, November 17 ~ At our first ultrasound we were bumped up 4 days and yesterday at our appointment the doctor said that things look so good, it's as if I'm even further along. I'm hoping this means that the baby will come early so that I'll have as much time to spend with her as possible before the school year starts!
My body seems to be doing everything that it should. I got the first nosebleed of my life over the weekend and was caught quite off guard by it. Yesterday while waiting in the lobby for my appointment I read a book in the doctor's office and it actually said it's normal to get more nosebleeds during pregnancy. In addition, the doctor was pleased to hear that I'm not feeling well and have no energy. He said that he knows I don't enjoy it but it's a good sign.
I'm looking forward to a potential trip to get my first maternity clothes this weekend. The baby is still far too small for me to be showing but my stomach is so bloated that almost none of my pants fit. It's amazing that I've only gained about a pound but nothing fits!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
My Husband is Wonderful
I'm a lucky girl. I knew when I met him that Dan was a rare gem and I have always said that, although I was worried my expectations grew unrealistically high as I got older, he far exceeded them and I could have never dreamed of a guy as great as he is. He continues to outdo himself even in the early stages of this pregnancy.
During my starving phase, Dan ran out to get food on a second's notice when I was instantly so hungry that I thought I would die. He has gone out to pick up dinner several times since then when I couldn't imagine eating anything but _____ (fill in the blank). Not that I've had cravings, more like aversions to almost everything on the planet. He has fended for himself when I've made plain pasta and baked chicken because I couldn't eat anything with flavor.
Normally we split the household chores 50/50 (which I am eternally greatful for). Lately it's been more like 90/10. Two weekends ago, Dan cleaned the entire house. I had told him that I wanted to take a Friday off to clean up around the house but felt that my nausea was worse when I was at home than at work, when my mind is off of it a bit more. He offered to clean the house so that I wouldn't have to worry about it. He scrubbed the shower and toilet, cleaned all of the counters in the kitchen and bathroom, etc, etc. Another chore that he's taken over that isn't the most fun is cleaning Emmers's litter. The doctor said I shouldn't do it and he gladly accepted the responsibility. Basically, he's picking up the slack everywhere around the house.
On top of all of that, he's been incredibly supportive and encouraging. He listens to me when I'm miserable with nausea and doesn't get annoyed, he is positive when I have fears that something might be going wrong, and he is so excited about having a baby!
He has also gotten more protective of me. He knows how tired I've been so when Emmers jumps on the bed or couch when I'm resting, he tries to shoe (how do you spell that?) her away so that she doesn't wake me up. I can only imagine that this protective instinct will grown stronger as my belly begins to grow.
Dan has been a bit more hesitant than me to share the news with people and I understand his reasoning. I can't wait for the time to come that he can start sharing the fun news with his friends because I know they will all be so happy for us.
This is one girl who is incredibly greatful for her husband!
During my starving phase, Dan ran out to get food on a second's notice when I was instantly so hungry that I thought I would die. He has gone out to pick up dinner several times since then when I couldn't imagine eating anything but _____ (fill in the blank). Not that I've had cravings, more like aversions to almost everything on the planet. He has fended for himself when I've made plain pasta and baked chicken because I couldn't eat anything with flavor.
Normally we split the household chores 50/50 (which I am eternally greatful for). Lately it's been more like 90/10. Two weekends ago, Dan cleaned the entire house. I had told him that I wanted to take a Friday off to clean up around the house but felt that my nausea was worse when I was at home than at work, when my mind is off of it a bit more. He offered to clean the house so that I wouldn't have to worry about it. He scrubbed the shower and toilet, cleaned all of the counters in the kitchen and bathroom, etc, etc. Another chore that he's taken over that isn't the most fun is cleaning Emmers's litter. The doctor said I shouldn't do it and he gladly accepted the responsibility. Basically, he's picking up the slack everywhere around the house.
On top of all of that, he's been incredibly supportive and encouraging. He listens to me when I'm miserable with nausea and doesn't get annoyed, he is positive when I have fears that something might be going wrong, and he is so excited about having a baby!
He has also gotten more protective of me. He knows how tired I've been so when Emmers jumps on the bed or couch when I'm resting, he tries to shoe (how do you spell that?) her away so that she doesn't wake me up. I can only imagine that this protective instinct will grown stronger as my belly begins to grow.
Dan has been a bit more hesitant than me to share the news with people and I understand his reasoning. I can't wait for the time to come that he can start sharing the fun news with his friends because I know they will all be so happy for us.
This is one girl who is incredibly greatful for her husband!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Week 9: November 7-13
The baby is now the size of a medium green olive. The back is straightening out and the tail is shrinking. The baby will begin to make tiny movements as muscles develop. The head is large and remains curved towards the chest. Some say the baby is officially a fetus this week, others say it's next week.
Sunday, November 7, 2010 ~ This weekend has been absolutely exhausting. I went to a math conference in Palm Springs on Friday with a coworker who has attended before and she said we needed to leave by 5:30 am because of the lines for registration! Turns out we really didn't need to leave that early but oh well. Fortunately my stomach was much more cooperative and didn't give me away. After eight hours on Friday and some sessions on Saturday, we headed home around 2 pm. Being away from home and on the go for a day and a half was tough.
Food is really getting frustrating. I'm happy that my nausea has eased up a bit but it seems like more and more foods are unappealing to me, including foods that were my favorites last week. Breakfast is still the worst but packing lunch is also a challenge because my tastes change so quickly and I have no idea what I'm going to want.
Sleeping on my back is no longer uncomfortable and hasn't been for at least a week, although I've read that you should try not to sleep on your back after the first trimester. My stomach increased 2.5 inches from morning to night the other day. The bloating is miserable and sometimes even pajamas with elastic waistbands are uncomfortable. I think I'm going to buy some Bella Bands on one of my days off this week (I have Thursday and Friday off for Veteran's Day). I'm really hoping I can get out of the house and go to a store but I might end up buying them online if I'm still not feeling well. I've only gained 1.5 pounds total, which is pretty good considering I haven't been able to exercise for three weeks because of my nausea and exhaustion. I'm really looking forward to feeling better soon so that I can get back to doing some upper body weights and at least get to walking, if not doing some light jogging.
Thursday, November 11, 2010 ~ Got my blood results today after having another blood draw. I'm a little tired of being poked with needles but I know there's a lot more of that to come and it will all be worthwhile. My progesterone is up and the nurse said it's good but based on what I've seen online, it still seems a little low to me. I'll talk to the doctor about it on Tuesday. I read a statistic that says once a heartbeat is detected the risk of miscarriage goes down to about 3%. This eased my mind a bit; we saw a healthy heartbeat on the ultrasound a couple weeks ago!
The newest phase of the food aversions seems to have hit. The nausea is nowhere near as bad and mostly in the evenings these days. However once I think or hear about something in the afternoon, it's the only thing I can eat for dinner. This afternoon I was reading about a gastropub and thought of salami and cheese. I didn't want to ask Dan to stop for food again so I tried to convince myself to eat something at home. Over the next 10 minutes, I got as close to being sick as I've been. It's pretty ridiculous! I've tried convincing myself that it's all in my head and once I start eating something, it will go away, but the one time I forced myself to eat something I didn't want I really didn't feel good. I'm still eating mostly bready foods all the way through lunch but today I was able to put strawberry jam on my toast, which was exciting.
Sunday, November 7, 2010 ~ This weekend has been absolutely exhausting. I went to a math conference in Palm Springs on Friday with a coworker who has attended before and she said we needed to leave by 5:30 am because of the lines for registration! Turns out we really didn't need to leave that early but oh well. Fortunately my stomach was much more cooperative and didn't give me away. After eight hours on Friday and some sessions on Saturday, we headed home around 2 pm. Being away from home and on the go for a day and a half was tough.
Food is really getting frustrating. I'm happy that my nausea has eased up a bit but it seems like more and more foods are unappealing to me, including foods that were my favorites last week. Breakfast is still the worst but packing lunch is also a challenge because my tastes change so quickly and I have no idea what I'm going to want.
Sleeping on my back is no longer uncomfortable and hasn't been for at least a week, although I've read that you should try not to sleep on your back after the first trimester. My stomach increased 2.5 inches from morning to night the other day. The bloating is miserable and sometimes even pajamas with elastic waistbands are uncomfortable. I think I'm going to buy some Bella Bands on one of my days off this week (I have Thursday and Friday off for Veteran's Day). I'm really hoping I can get out of the house and go to a store but I might end up buying them online if I'm still not feeling well. I've only gained 1.5 pounds total, which is pretty good considering I haven't been able to exercise for three weeks because of my nausea and exhaustion. I'm really looking forward to feeling better soon so that I can get back to doing some upper body weights and at least get to walking, if not doing some light jogging.
Thursday, November 11, 2010 ~ Got my blood results today after having another blood draw. I'm a little tired of being poked with needles but I know there's a lot more of that to come and it will all be worthwhile. My progesterone is up and the nurse said it's good but based on what I've seen online, it still seems a little low to me. I'll talk to the doctor about it on Tuesday. I read a statistic that says once a heartbeat is detected the risk of miscarriage goes down to about 3%. This eased my mind a bit; we saw a healthy heartbeat on the ultrasound a couple weeks ago!
The newest phase of the food aversions seems to have hit. The nausea is nowhere near as bad and mostly in the evenings these days. However once I think or hear about something in the afternoon, it's the only thing I can eat for dinner. This afternoon I was reading about a gastropub and thought of salami and cheese. I didn't want to ask Dan to stop for food again so I tried to convince myself to eat something at home. Over the next 10 minutes, I got as close to being sick as I've been. It's pretty ridiculous! I've tried convincing myself that it's all in my head and once I start eating something, it will go away, but the one time I forced myself to eat something I didn't want I really didn't feel good. I'm still eating mostly bready foods all the way through lunch but today I was able to put strawberry jam on my toast, which was exciting.
Week 8: __-November 6, 2010
The baby is the size of a raspberry. Eyelid folds and ears are forming. The tip of the nose is actually present at this time, as well. The elbows are present and the arms and legs extend forward and have grown longer. Fingers and toes are becoming visible, as well.
Thursday, November 4, 2010 ~ I saw Dr. DiRocco today - based on the ultrasound we were bumped from 8 weeks 0 days to 8 weeks 4 days with a new due date of 6/12/11. I know it's wrong but I'll take it; hopefully it means I get out of work earlier. He told me about a screening for chromosomal problems that is 100% non-invasive. Sounds like I'll get a special blood test in about two weeks and then a week later, an ultrasound to measure the skin fold on the back of the neck. He also went over my bloodwork from 3 weeks ago - everything's normal but my progesterone is a little low (it's 17 and he likes to see it at 20). I've been on a supplement for two weeks and had another blood draw today. Hoping it's higher! I'm going back in for blood draws over the next two weeks as well. While I was in the waiting room I heard him tell another girl the same instructions so I'm taking it as him being proactive and not a bad thing. I go back in two weeks for another check up and we should hear the heartbeat! I've been a little nervous because my nausea has gotten better over the last three days. Trying to enjoy it instead of stressing!
I threw up a little bit this morning. I can't brush anywhere near the back of my mouth in the morning otherwise I gag, which was the problem this morning. I'm also having a really hard time taking my vitamins. I switched to taking them with dinner a couple weeks ago because I was having a hard time in the morning and now I'm having a hard time in the evening.
Thursday, November 4, 2010 ~ I saw Dr. DiRocco today - based on the ultrasound we were bumped from 8 weeks 0 days to 8 weeks 4 days with a new due date of 6/12/11. I know it's wrong but I'll take it; hopefully it means I get out of work earlier. He told me about a screening for chromosomal problems that is 100% non-invasive. Sounds like I'll get a special blood test in about two weeks and then a week later, an ultrasound to measure the skin fold on the back of the neck. He also went over my bloodwork from 3 weeks ago - everything's normal but my progesterone is a little low (it's 17 and he likes to see it at 20). I've been on a supplement for two weeks and had another blood draw today. Hoping it's higher! I'm going back in for blood draws over the next two weeks as well. While I was in the waiting room I heard him tell another girl the same instructions so I'm taking it as him being proactive and not a bad thing. I go back in two weeks for another check up and we should hear the heartbeat! I've been a little nervous because my nausea has gotten better over the last three days. Trying to enjoy it instead of stressing!
I threw up a little bit this morning. I can't brush anywhere near the back of my mouth in the morning otherwise I gag, which was the problem this morning. I'm also having a really hard time taking my vitamins. I switched to taking them with dinner a couple weeks ago because I was having a hard time in the morning and now I'm having a hard time in the evening.
Week 7: October 28 - November 3
The baby is the size of a blueberry. The baby more than doubles in size this week. The legs and arm buds are longer now and have divided into segments where the hands and feet will form. The heart is bulging from the body and it has divided into right and left chambers.
Saturday, September 30, 2010 ~ We had our first ultrasound on Thursday! I drank the requisite amount of water an hour before the appointment but they were running late so by the time they got to me my bladder was actually too full for the technician to see anything. He told me to release half... how in the world am I supposed to know what half is? I didn't empty enough the first time and had to go back in. After some trial and error, he got some good pictures and I was able to see the baby's heartbeat almost immediately. It was pretty awesome! A strong 153 bpm. Everything's measuring right on schedule.
The nausea has persisted and just when I think I've figured out how to help it, it changes. It's still just an inconvenience, nothing that's making me miserable. The worst part is trying to figure out what I want to eat, especially for breakfast. It really is a chore that I wish I could avoid completely but the nausea is the worst when I don't eat for stretches of time.
I told Danielle last night. Since we had talked about trying so much together it didn't feel right to wait any longer to tell her, but I wanted to tell her in person and this was the first chance I had. We were getting together at her house for the Project Runway finale.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010 ~ This week, toast with the crusts cut off topped with margarine seems to be my friend. Why can't I eat the crusts? I don't know. Any kind of seasoning is virtually impossible to stomach. The Trader Joe's version of apple Nutri Grain bars seems to be the perfect 2 am snack. I had 3-4 really bad days and then started eating them in the middle of the night; I've now had 2 ok days. The Trader Joe's carrot muffins have become my mid-morning snack. The other day I was so excited to have a bagel with cream cheese in the afternoon but it ended up being too flavorful. I've had a taste for lunchmeat still, too. I'm having a Jersey Mike's sub NOT made Mike's way tonight! The oregano and vinegar would just be too much. It's only turkey, mayo, and lettuce on a white roll. Sooooo not like me!
Week 6: October 21-27
The baby is now the size of a sweet pea. The embryonic period has begun. The baby's early brain chambers are forming and the eyes are also beginning to form. Buds are beginning to form and develop into arms and legs in later weeks.
Saturday, October 23, 2010 ~ Let the nausea begin. Starting on Thursday, the first day of the sixth week, my starvation went away and the morning sickness kicked in. The morning is the worst, afternoons aren't great and in addition to the nausea I'm exhausted, and evenings are the best time. I'm super bloated. Today has been the worst day. I'm actually happier with the nausea than the constant hunger I was feeling. I just really hope I don't start throwing up!
I'm eating a lot of apples. Anything nut related makes me even more nauseated than normal. Dan kissed me goodnight after having trail mix and it made me queasy! My sense of smell is supersonic and anything with a strong smell, good or bad, has a negative effect on me.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010 ~ Stomach is all over the place. Mornings are still the worst. This morning I had an apple, saltines, and peppermint tea. One minute I'm queasy, the next I'm starving, then I have the worst heartburn I've ever experienced. The bloating isn't as bad. This is tough but I know it could be worse!
Finally going to satiate the craving for mashed potatoes tonight. Lunchmeat on soft, fluffy bread with mayo has sounded good and today a picture of a Kraft Singles grilled cheese had me swooning.
We're both very excited about the first ultrasound tomorrow. Hearing that little sweet pea's heartbeat is going to make everything worth it.
Saturday, October 23, 2010 ~ Let the nausea begin. Starting on Thursday, the first day of the sixth week, my starvation went away and the morning sickness kicked in. The morning is the worst, afternoons aren't great and in addition to the nausea I'm exhausted, and evenings are the best time. I'm super bloated. Today has been the worst day. I'm actually happier with the nausea than the constant hunger I was feeling. I just really hope I don't start throwing up!
I'm eating a lot of apples. Anything nut related makes me even more nauseated than normal. Dan kissed me goodnight after having trail mix and it made me queasy! My sense of smell is supersonic and anything with a strong smell, good or bad, has a negative effect on me.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010 ~ Stomach is all over the place. Mornings are still the worst. This morning I had an apple, saltines, and peppermint tea. One minute I'm queasy, the next I'm starving, then I have the worst heartburn I've ever experienced. The bloating isn't as bad. This is tough but I know it could be worse!
Finally going to satiate the craving for mashed potatoes tonight. Lunchmeat on soft, fluffy bread with mayo has sounded good and today a picture of a Kraft Singles grilled cheese had me swooning.
We're both very excited about the first ultrasound tomorrow. Hearing that little sweet pea's heartbeat is going to make everything worth it.
Week 5: October 14-20
The baby is the size of an apple seed. The plate that will become the heart has developed. The baby's brain, spinal cord, muscles, and bone formation are also beginning to form.
Friday, October 15, 2010 ~ I am surprisingly tired although I haven't been sleeping well so I'm not sure if the pregnancy is draining me or not. My breasts are still tender and I still have some minor pinching although not as much as last week. Lots of foods just don't sound good - I seem to be leaning towards bread products.
We had our first prenatal appointment yesterday. Dr. DiRocco did an annual exam and said that I definitely have a pregnant uterus! I was surprised that there were already changes and we were both excited to hear it. We went across the street for bloodwork. We'll get the bloodwork results in a week, have our first ultrasound in two weeks, and a check up in three weeks. We're both very excited for the first ultrasound!
Monday, October 18, 2010 ~ Ugh! I can't eat anything. Some of my favorite foods are now hard to choke down. The middle of the day seems to be the best time. In the morning I'm queasy and have the hardest time eating. This evening I'm only a little queasy and was able to eat a bean burrito and a piece of banana bread. I'm waiting for the starvation that I've been feeling at night to kick in on me.
I can't brush my tongue in the morning and am already uncomfortable laying on my back for any period of time. A few days ago I was tossing and turning in bed and was exhausted for a couple days. I've been sleeping on my side with pillows on either side and have been sleeping better.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 ~ Doc's office called and left a message - said everything's normal! But they want to prescribe something? I'll call in the morning to find out. First time in as long as I can remember that I forgot/don't want Golden Spoon while watching The Biggest Loser on a Tuesday night. I'm now eating two dinners per night, one at 5 pm and the other around 8 or 9 pm. I wasn't sick this morning so I'm thinking it's a blood sugar thing.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 ~ My numbers are all normal. In fact, my hCG is pretty stinkin' high! The doctor has me on a progesterone supplement for two weeks and the nurse said he puts everyone on it.
Friday, October 15, 2010 ~ I am surprisingly tired although I haven't been sleeping well so I'm not sure if the pregnancy is draining me or not. My breasts are still tender and I still have some minor pinching although not as much as last week. Lots of foods just don't sound good - I seem to be leaning towards bread products.
We had our first prenatal appointment yesterday. Dr. DiRocco did an annual exam and said that I definitely have a pregnant uterus! I was surprised that there were already changes and we were both excited to hear it. We went across the street for bloodwork. We'll get the bloodwork results in a week, have our first ultrasound in two weeks, and a check up in three weeks. We're both very excited for the first ultrasound!
Monday, October 18, 2010 ~ Ugh! I can't eat anything. Some of my favorite foods are now hard to choke down. The middle of the day seems to be the best time. In the morning I'm queasy and have the hardest time eating. This evening I'm only a little queasy and was able to eat a bean burrito and a piece of banana bread. I'm waiting for the starvation that I've been feeling at night to kick in on me.
I can't brush my tongue in the morning and am already uncomfortable laying on my back for any period of time. A few days ago I was tossing and turning in bed and was exhausted for a couple days. I've been sleeping on my side with pillows on either side and have been sleeping better.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 ~ Doc's office called and left a message - said everything's normal! But they want to prescribe something? I'll call in the morning to find out. First time in as long as I can remember that I forgot/don't want Golden Spoon while watching The Biggest Loser on a Tuesday night. I'm now eating two dinners per night, one at 5 pm and the other around 8 or 9 pm. I wasn't sick this morning so I'm thinking it's a blood sugar thing.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 ~ My numbers are all normal. In fact, my hCG is pretty stinkin' high! The doctor has me on a progesterone supplement for two weeks and the nurse said he puts everyone on it.
Week 4: October 7-13
The baby is the size of a poppy seed. The amniotic cavity and placenta are beginning to form. The embryo is made up of three layers.
Monday, October 11, 2010 ~ I am a bit nervous to be excited because of the fragility of early pregnancy but each day it seems more and more real. I can't wait to see the doctor to confirm and make it seem like it's really happening. I have some minor cramping and pinching in my lower abdomen, my breasts are sore, and I'm incredibly thirsty but other than that, no real symptoms. I've read that the thirst is because of the insane amount of extra blood my body is producing.
Monday, October 11, 2010 ~ I am a bit nervous to be excited because of the fragility of early pregnancy but each day it seems more and more real. I can't wait to see the doctor to confirm and make it seem like it's really happening. I have some minor cramping and pinching in my lower abdomen, my breasts are sore, and I'm incredibly thirsty but other than that, no real symptoms. I've read that the thirst is because of the insane amount of extra blood my body is producing.
The First Announcements
I couldn't contain my initial excitement so I texted my Mom and Jessica a picture of the positive result right when I got it. I had a lot of fun talking to them a little later that morning, when normal people were awake. Dan and I discussed telling the rest of my family in person at our monthly family dinner the next day, Sunday, October 10.
But... we had a little Oktoberfest party at our house Saturday night. It was a last minute plan about a week ahead and we had discussed holding off until we knew if I was pregnant or not but we both agreed that there was no chance I was and decided to go for it. Kyle, Tracy, and Doug stuck around for a bit longer than everybody else after the party and the conversation switched to pregnancy when Tracy mentioned that their friends recently announced. I looked at Dan, gave him a little shrug, and said "We might as well tell them." I was excited but a little nervous to tell them so early.
The next day was Kyle's turn to host family dinner. The host house makes the main dish and everybody else brings a side. In addition to my contribution, I brought a hot dog bun with "BUN" written on it and snuck it in the oven before Dad & Bec arrived. When they got there, I told them that I brought them something special to eat and told them to look in the oven. I wanted to grab my camera and asked them to wait but Rebecca knew what was going on and told my Dad to open it. It took my Dad a minute to realize what was going on but when Rebecca got emotional, he figured it out. That day I took my 4 week picture. Obviously, there wasn't anything to see.
But... we had a little Oktoberfest party at our house Saturday night. It was a last minute plan about a week ahead and we had discussed holding off until we knew if I was pregnant or not but we both agreed that there was no chance I was and decided to go for it. Kyle, Tracy, and Doug stuck around for a bit longer than everybody else after the party and the conversation switched to pregnancy when Tracy mentioned that their friends recently announced. I looked at Dan, gave him a little shrug, and said "We might as well tell them." I was excited but a little nervous to tell them so early.
The next day was Kyle's turn to host family dinner. The host house makes the main dish and everybody else brings a side. In addition to my contribution, I brought a hot dog bun with "BUN" written on it and snuck it in the oven before Dad & Bec arrived. When they got there, I told them that I brought them something special to eat and told them to look in the oven. I wanted to grab my camera and asked them to wait but Rebecca knew what was going on and told my Dad to open it. It took my Dad a minute to realize what was going on but when Rebecca got emotional, he figured it out. That day I took my 4 week picture. Obviously, there wasn't anything to see.
Positive? Is it Really Positive?!
Saturday, October 9, 2010 ~ Somehow in my mind I knew that there was no chance I was pregnant this cycle. After four disappointing cycles and a lot of emotional stress at the beginning of this one, I decided to give my body more time than I had originally hoped and decided to just live my life. I signed up for a 5K and planned on running a 10K in November and December, knowing it would take a while to go from the 3-3.5 miles I'd been running back to the 6-8 miles I was running a few months earlier. I also started acupuncture to help me relax more through the process.
When I was a couple days late, I was sure that it was because of the acupuncture. Dan and I both wanted to wait a bit longer before I took a pregnancy test but I decided that I just wanted to see a negative result so that I wouldn't allow myself to get excited. I woke up to use the restroom at 6:40 am and decided to take the test. I was nervous about doing it correctly, even though it's probably one of the easiest things to do.
I was ready to wait the standard 2 minutes but it came up positive within seconds and I just couldn't believe it! I was utterly shocked! I walked into the bedroom where Dan was still sleeping and told him that I needed to turn the light on. I walked over and said, "I think you should look at this." He was still half asleep so I had to repeat myself before he heard me. I sat on the edge of the bed and gave him a kiss as my eyes filled with tears. I was so excited that I couldn't fall back asleep for the rest of the morning.
You might think I'm crazy, but I think Emmers knew long before Dan and me. She was hanging around, sunggling up to me a lot more than usual for at least a week before I tested.
When I was a couple days late, I was sure that it was because of the acupuncture. Dan and I both wanted to wait a bit longer before I took a pregnancy test but I decided that I just wanted to see a negative result so that I wouldn't allow myself to get excited. I woke up to use the restroom at 6:40 am and decided to take the test. I was nervous about doing it correctly, even though it's probably one of the easiest things to do.
I was ready to wait the standard 2 minutes but it came up positive within seconds and I just couldn't believe it! I was utterly shocked! I walked into the bedroom where Dan was still sleeping and told him that I needed to turn the light on. I walked over and said, "I think you should look at this." He was still half asleep so I had to repeat myself before he heard me. I sat on the edge of the bed and gave him a kiss as my eyes filled with tears. I was so excited that I couldn't fall back asleep for the rest of the morning.
You might think I'm crazy, but I think Emmers knew long before Dan and me. She was hanging around, sunggling up to me a lot more than usual for at least a week before I tested.
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