Pregnancy: Week 17

Week 17 has come and gone so now, it's time for an update!

I had my first 'centering' appointment this week. Centering is a group of women who are all due around the same same time and we all have the same doctor and on call nurse. At each appointment we have time where we get to chat and talk about our experiences, class time where we learn about our pregnancy and what to expect, as well as our alone time with the doctor where we get our regular check up. As I said, this was my first appointment. At first I was kind of weary about trying this but certain things make it pretty near impossible for me to have the same doctor and nurse, every single visit unless I chose to do centering. After the appointment though, I feel that I definitely made the right decision. I met some great girls who are experiencing the same symptoms, etc. right along with me. Not to mention, I really like my doctor! =] My birthday was also this week! May 24th I turned 22 years old! My husband really made it a day to remember, too! I had a feeling he was up to something for about a week but I never expected what actually happened! The day started with my centering appointment, then we went to lunch and a friend of mine met us there. Zach and I had to go back to the hospital where I get seen to get some medication that my doctor had prescribed. That was taking FOREVER and my husband needed to 'get back to work' so I had my friend come pick me up once I had got my medicine and we went to the mall! Our first stop was motherhood maternity. The lady who helped us was so cute when she saw that we were both pregnant. She called up Mommy 1 and Mommy 2 the whole time. =] After a while there, my husband called and said he got off of work early and was already home. (really unexpected) When I got home it was about time to get ready to leave for our appointment. (I had a facial appt, he had a massage) After that, we came back home and as I was walking through the door, I noticed there was ribbon hanging everywhere and Happy Birthday signs. They obviously had not been there before! I looked from the living room into the kitchen when all of a sudden, a huge group of people come around the corner shouting HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! WOW!!! I could not believe it! It was most of our closest friends and they had all come and decorated the whole downstairs portion of our house!  I was right, Zach had been up to something! He orchestrated the entire thing! I never thought anyone could truly pull of a surprise party without the other person finding out about it but I was so wrong! It turned out to be the best birthday I have ever had. All thanks to my amazing husband and our wonderful friends =] Also, 'Koda Bump' (as my sister likes to call him) was squirming around all day, which I love!! It was like his own little way of saying "happy birthday, mommy!" Now, moving along to what this post is REALLY supposed to be about....Week 17 update!

How far along? 17 Weeks

Total weight gain: 4 lbs.

Maternity clothes? jeans, capris, and so far, one maternity top!

Stretch marks? none so far.

Sleep: Great! I have been having the strangest dreams though!

Best moment this week: Feeling him squirming around on my birthday =] and hearing his heartbeat at my appointment. The smile on Zach's face was priceless, too.

Miss Anything? A day without a headache! I have had one EVERY DAY lately.

Movement? more and more as time goes on

Food cravings?: Candy which is weird, because i didn't want anything to do with candy in the beginning!

Anything making you queasy or sick: when i get too hot, it's bad news.

Gender: boy!!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Headaches and heartburn

Belly Button in or out? still in for now.

Wedding rings on or off? on

Happy or Moody most of the time: In love with my little man!

Looking forward to: My baby shower!

I don't have a chalkboard picture to post but here's some pics from my birthday!

Zach and I at dinner 

 My cake

Some of our close friends who came out to dinner with us after the big surprise!

What NOT to say to a pregnant lady!

Throughout my pregnancy so far, I've had lots of comments made about how I look, how I am/should be feeling, and what's to come, along with some advice (sought after or otherwise). Some of these comments I appreciated and then others....not so much. At the time, it can tend to bring up emotions such as offense, and anger...among other things. But looking back, these comments turn into comical moments that can be fun to share. Personally, I am more low-key and usually I will keep my thoughts (and words) to myself if someone says something that I find...how should I put this?...rude. However, there are many women out there who would not bite their tongue in that sort of situation. With that said, I have created a list (mostly from my own, first hand experiences) of some things that you should NOT say to a pregnant lady, and also, the response you might receive if you were able to hear my thoughts. Enjoy! (Warning: Those with no sense of humor should not read!)

1. "You can't even tell you're pregnant!" 
Unless this woman is at the VERY BEGINNING of her pregnancy, this statement is NOT okay!

My thought: None of my pre-pregnancy pants fit, INCLUDING STRETCHY ONES, none of my old shirts cover my entire stomach because it's too big now, and you're telling me I don't look any different than before?? So basically, I've been fat all along! Great, this information will certainly be useful while I'm scrutinizing myself in the mirror for the next 2 weeks! Much appreciated!  

2. "Stop complaining, I've given birth 15 times and pregnancy is NOT that bad."

My thought: Oh really? Well this is my first go round and right now IT'S KICKING MY ASS now shut up before I have to kick yours, Supermom!!!

3. "Just wait, there's more to come!"

 My thought: Unless you're my mom, mother-in-law, or someone who is currently pregnant, do not say this to me. I'm perfectly aware that it's going to get more uncomfortable and inconvenient. I have plenty of pregnancy books, magazines, pamphlets, and people telling me so!

4. "There's no way you can already feel the baby!"

My thought: I felt the first flutters at around 13 weeks...maybe sooner! I talked to my doctor about it, along with my mom and a few other women and they all said the same thing. Yes, that's the baby! He's not doing karate or anything but a flutter, yes, it happens! Don't tell me what I am/am not feeling!

5."Are you really going to eat that?"

My thought: I eat extremely healthy for the most part. Whatever it takes to keep my baby healthy! So if you aren't around me all the time to look at what I'm eating, don't criticize me for one trip to taco bell if that's what I'm craving! The baby will be perfectly fine....and since you are so health conscious, I'm sure you know that big mac that you're chowing down on is SUPER healthy for you!

6."Can't you just settle for this?"

My thought: Here, I am referring to when I have a craving for a SPECIFIC thing. NO i cannot just     let it go and have whatever is there. Whatever craving I'm having WILL NOT go away until I have what it is that I'm craving. If I'm craving peaches, an apple is not going to cut it! It might sound like I'm being a brat but honestly, that's just the way it is....now, where's my peach?!

7. "Bro, I feel sorry for you, your wife must be going crazy!"

This comment is one directed at my husband.

My thoughts: Exactly WHY do you feel sorry for him?! Pregnancy hormones can sometimes bring on some crazy emotions but it's not like I became bi-polar over night or something! I'm not some lunatic berating him for every little thing he does! This is a HAPPY time for us and most of the time, that's how I feel and act...happy! Now get your negative comments the hell out of here or you just might see some of that CRAZY come out!!!

8. "I bet you miss your favorite wine/beer/etc!"

My thoughts: Why yes, I do!! Thank you for reminding me that I CAN'T have it and won't be able to for a long while! Here's to another night of being the permanent DD! You're so very kind....

9. "It's gonna hurt SO BAD!"

My thoughts: Thank you for the news flash! I thought it would be painless! Glad to know ahead of time, thanks to you!

10. "That's an....interesting name you've chosen"

My thoughts: Well I'm glad you find it so fascinating! My husband and I both love it though and think it will suit our child perfectly! We'll make sure our next child's name is approved though you first, though!

These are just some of the comments that I have been through or could come up with at the moment. I'm sure within these next 5 months I will experience many more, and when I do, I'll make sure to post them right here =]

Pregnancy: 16 Weeks and It's a....

Some interesting stuff going on this week! I guess I'll start with the ER visit. This past Friday I had a HORRIBLE headache. When I say horrible, I mean worst one I've ever had in my life! By then it was accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light...I couldn't even get to sleep to try and sleep it off! It had been going on for three days already and then it just decided to kick it up another notch and make me absolutely miserable! (tylenol could not touch this thing!) I had talked to my mother-in-law about it earlier that day and she told me that if it persisted or my nausea got any worse that I would need to go to the ER. I also looked it up in all of my pregnancy books and one thing that it says to go in for is sever headache. I tried to keep from going as much as I could because I used to  work in the ER and people used to come in for the most RIDICULOUS things. I guess I just didn't want to be one of those people and waste the care giver's time. Anyway, Zach came home from work and his mom called and asked how I was doing. Not any better, so she said to take me in. So, off we go!! The doctor checked me out and wanted to run a CAT scan to check for a brain bleed just to be on the safe side since that can sometimes occur in pregnancy. The CAT scan came back normal but did show a pretty severe sinus infection which would explain the headache. After loading me up with a cocktail for my headache, and a breathing treatment for my asthma, he sent me home with some meds to treat my sinuses. A few days later, and I'm almost back to normal! I still get little tinges of a headache here and there, but nothing THAT bad. Thank you Jesus!! Let me just say, I have a new appreciation for those of you that suffer from migraines because, that cannot be easy to handle!! Another occurrence this week that was completely out of the norm, I actually got sick! This is obviously not something I was hoping for or that I wanted but, seriously?! 16 weeks and I get sick for the very first time!! I actually think I just got a bit overheated but, it really did throw me for a loop! I feel blessed to have not had to experience that TRUE morning sickness. I have a couple of friends that have, and are having to go through it now. I hope it doesn't last long for them or anyone else having to go through that! If you have though, you have certainly earned your 'mommy stripes'!

Now for my weekly check-in:

How far along: 16 Weeks

Total weight gain: Still no weigh in. We will know on the 24th!

Maternity clothes? jeans and capris. I also have to dig through my wardrobe daily just to find a shirt that is long enough to cover my 'bump'!

Stretch marks? I've thought I found one a couple of times and I FREAK OUT! But so far, it's been false alarms.

Sleep: Great! But I've been waking up insanely early.

Best moment this week: Getting to see our precious baby and finally finding out the gender!!

Miss Anything? Zach took me to lunch yesterday and had a drink...eye stared it down the entire time!! It looked so summery and refreshing!

Movement: Here and there

Food cravings: Peaches! really just fruit in general.

Anything making you queasy or sick: not as of late.

Gender: you'll have to keep reading!! (and NO PEEKING!!)

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Headaches and heartburn

Belly Button in or out? in...getting more shallow already though.

Wedding rings on or off? on

Happy or Moody most of the time: Ecstatic!

Looking forward to: My birthday and baby shower!!

On to the BIG NEWS!!! Yesterday we had our gender detection ultrasound!! I highly recommend the location that we had it done. The staff was SO friendly and seemed genuinely interested and excited in having a part in such a special moment. They also offer AMAZING packages! Here is a link to their site:

Sweet Pea 3D

Since the beginning of this pregnancy, I was SURE I was having a boy! I even told a friend that if I was on the ultrasound table and they told me it was a girl, I would pass out just because I'd be so surprised! (Not that I wouldn't love to have a girl, I was just THAT sure it was a boy) So, before I tell you if I was right or wrong, here are some pictures from the ultrasound! 

 This is the side of baby's face, and the back is turned and you can see a little arm and leg and the bottom.

 Profile view

 A 3D view of the face. Arms are up by the face and mouth is open.

Another profile shot. (my favorite!)

Alright, enough waiting.... ;)

It's a BOY!!!!

His name is Dakota Lane, after a very special friend of Zach's.

Pregnancy : Week 15

Week 15 is already over BUT i still wanted to post how it went. I didn't end up doing a chalkboard picture for week 14 which is disappointing, for me at least. It's the first week I haven't done one! But here in week 15 I picked it back up! Here is a run down of this week:

 How far along? 15 weeks. Only 25 to go!

Total weight gain: I still haven't had another weigh in so, I'm not quite sure. But I'm almost positive at least a few pounds!
Maternity clothes? just jeans so far, I'm going to have to go get myself some new shirts soon though because all of my pre-pregnancy tops are belly-baring now!
Stretch marks? no
Sleep: Great! Except for the frequent trips to the bathroom
Best moment this week: feeling those little flutters!!

Miss Anything? YooHoo! Yes, the chocolate milk. They unfortunately do not provide a lactose free version and I have been craving one!!!! :(

Movement: Here and there. Mostly when I'm relaxing.
Food cravings: Yoohoo, peaches, orange juice and mexican food!
Anything making you queasy or sick: not as of late.
Gender: my prediction is a boy.
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Heartburn and headaches
Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: so very happy
Looking forward to: May 15!

As I am writing this, I am actually already in week 16 and some pretty interesting stuff has already happened that I will save for the next post, which will be going up tomorrow. However, I don't want to post until we know the answer to the question on the board!! We have a 3e/4d ultrasound scheduled for TOMORROW and we will finally get the first glimpse of our little one since the first ultrasound in which he/she was just a little flicker. Now, that little flicker has features and can move, smile and frown...along with many other exciting things! As soon as we find out whether it's a boy or girl, it's time to go get a little outfit! Just so I can have something to hold and look at as I wait for this precious baby to make their official debut! I really don't think I will be doing much sleeping tonight. I'm like a little kid waiting for Christmas morning! Much too excited to think about anything else. Let alone sleep!! I still have a gut feeling that we're having a boy but we will definitely know tomorrow! Either way, boy or girl, we are so happy and blessed! I'm curious what your opinion is. Boy or Girl? What do you think? 

Pregnancy: Week 14

I thought about going through all the weeks of my pregnancy, but I figure I might as well just start where I am now and continue from there! This is the same questionairre that the writer of 'little baby garvin' used. Seems fitting!

 

                                                                                  How far along? 14 weeks

Total weight gain: last weigh in, 4 oz. I'm sure it's more than that by now though
Maternity clothes? Just recently had to make the (most likely permanent) switch from regular jeans to maternity
Stretch marks? no
Sleep: Good for the most part. I've had a couple of nights that I've tossed and turned quite a bit
Best moment this week: feeling the baby. It always makes my day!

Miss Anything? Being able to have a glass, or a few, of my favorite wine!

Movement: Here and there! I sneezed earlier today and the baby went crazy!
Food cravings: juicy fruits like peaches and orange juice!
Anything making you queasy or sick: I have recently recovered from my aversion to meats! Thank goodness! Nothing has really set off my 'don't go there' radar lately.
Gender: We will be finding out soon!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Heartburn and back pain
Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: so very happy
Looking forward to: May 15, when we finally get to find out if our little one is a boy or girl! (My money is on boy! We'll see about this maternal instinct thing!)

 

 

Seems like just yesterday we were findiing out about this little one! Can't believe it's already been 14 WEEKS! Zach and I could not be more excited! It's so cool to watch my baby bump get bigger and bigger! Sometimes I'll catch a glimpse in the mirror and I'm still shocked! One of my favorite things to do is sing to the baby. I also love for Zach to kiss my belly. So Sweet! I will post my chalkboard picture for week 14 when it's taken!

 

 

Finding out!

Since this pregnancy I have become obsessed with reading the 'Little Baby Garvin' blog, which all started with seeing her chalkboard pictures on pinterest. After seeing them and learning I was pregnant myself, I started taking chalkboard pictures of my own, documenting my pregnancy and baby bump growth. After reading her blog for quite some time I began thinking 'I would love to do that!' So, I've decided to! I guess an appropriate place to start would be with the story of how we found out that Baby DQ was on his/her way!

It was February 13, 2012 and for a few days I had been noticing that I was getting hot and cold on and off. Strange for me since I'm normally freezing cold 100% of the time! My husband Zach would be comfortable and I would be burning up with the thermostat on 60, when normally I would be bundled up with 3 blankets and begging him to get up and turn the heater on! Also, I was smelling things that no one else could and our friend's baby had began to cling to me!

(she usually only wants to be held by her daddy) I didn't want to bring it up to Zach because I was sure I was just psyching myself out! But that day, a friend and i went shopping and got close to some cologne and all of those scents hit me at once. The combination did not agree with me. It was then I decided that a pregnancy test was definitely in order! So off to CVS we go! 10 minutes and 1 test later, Zach and I are sitting on the couch with our jaws on the floor! Very happy,very excited and also extremely shocked!! We had planned on waiting just a while longer before having a baby BUT you know what they say- If you wanna make God laugh, tell him your plans! However, we couldn't be more excited and in love with our little one who is estimated to be making their debut October 28, 2012!