It's a...

GIRL!!!

We couldn't be more excited!

It's a...

GIRL!!!

We couldn't be more excited!

Today is a BIG day!

Ah!!! I am so excited for this afternoon. Today is the day of our BIG ultrasound. If everything cooperates, we'll know if our baby is a boy or a girl!!!

Also exciting, we have an appointment to tour a daycare right after the u/s. I have been completely overwhelmed by the whole daycare thing, so I'm REALLY hoping we like this place. They have an opening just in time for our baby and everything!

I'll be sure to post an update on the events of our BIG DAY as soon as possible!

Today is a BIG day!

Ah!!! I am so excited for this afternoon. Today is the day of our BIG ultrasound. If everything cooperates, we'll know if our baby is a boy or a girl!!!

Also exciting, we have an appointment to tour a daycare right after the u/s. I have been completely overwhelmed by the whole daycare thing, so I'm REALLY hoping we like this place. They have an opening just in time for our baby and everything!

I'll be sure to post an update on the events of our BIG DAY as soon as possible!

Things they never tell you...

Nose bleeds.

You will innocently blow your eternally stuffy nose (something else you were shocked to find was caused by your growing bundle of joy). But instead of the normal, clear goo, you will be shocked to find a tissue covered in red! A bloody nose! The likes of which you haven't seen since childhood.

Why, Baby? Why must you give Mommy nosebleeds?

Things they never tell you...

Nose bleeds.

You will innocently blow your eternally stuffy nose (something else you were shocked to find was caused by your growing bundle of joy). But instead of the normal, clear goo, you will be shocked to find a tissue covered in red! A bloody nose! The likes of which you haven't seen since childhood.

Why, Baby? Why must you give Mommy nosebleeds?

17 weeks, 3 days!

Total weight gain/loss: Probably +7?
Maternity clothes? I had to buy new bras last night. 38D people!
Sleep: The three-pillow deal has been ok
Best moment this week: Finally feeling pregnant enough to enter the maternity stores
Movement: I'm still not sure
Food cravings: Pizza, breakfast sandwiches, ice cream
Gender: Still leaning towards Boy...
Labor Signs: NO!
Belly Button in or out? Still in. Still deep.
What I miss: My old, comfy bras
What I am looking forward to: 5 days till the anatomy scan!
Weekly Wisdom: Even if you really want that ice cream, you probably don't need it.
Milestones: Baby has fingerprints this week!

17 weeks, 3 days!

Total weight gain/loss: Probably +7?
Maternity clothes? I had to buy new bras last night. 38D people!
Sleep: The three-pillow deal has been ok
Best moment this week: Finally feeling pregnant enough to enter the maternity stores
Movement: I'm still not sure
Food cravings: Pizza, breakfast sandwiches, ice cream
Gender: Still leaning towards Boy...
Labor Signs: NO!
Belly Button in or out? Still in. Still deep.
What I miss: My old, comfy bras
What I am looking forward to: 5 days till the anatomy scan!
Weekly Wisdom: Even if you really want that ice cream, you probably don't need it.
Milestones: Baby has fingerprints this week!

L.A. Cotton Candy

I can't believe I read this: L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad

Desperation? Perhaps. I am on the beach, and I suppose it was a good (if fast) beach read. I mean, it's not like you have to think real hard about the plot. I was not expecting the end, and am actually a little upset that I will now be FORCED to read the sequel...

It's definitely a fluff read. Not terrible, actually. But not great. Who knew; Lauren Conrad can read!

**Disclaimer: I did not buy this book, nor had a planned to. I am at the beach, needed a book, and this is what my sister handed me.

***Another disclaimer: I don't watch "The Hills," nor do I plan to. On the other hand, I do not hate on people that might. Enjoy!

L.A. Cotton Candy

I can't believe I read this: L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad

Desperation? Perhaps. I am on the beach, and I suppose it was a good (if fast) beach read. I mean, it's not like you have to think real hard about the plot. I was not expecting the end, and am actually a little upset that I will now be FORCED to read the sequel...

It's definitely a fluff read. Not terrible, actually. But not great. Who knew; Lauren Conrad can read!

**Disclaimer: I did not buy this book, nor had a planned to. I am at the beach, needed a book, and this is what my sister handed me.

***Another disclaimer: I don't watch "The Hills," nor do I plan to. On the other hand, I do not hate on people that might. Enjoy!

The Heat is ON! (Things you never knew about pregnancy)

Things you never knew about pregnancy:
The hot flashes are unbearable and without respite!

I cannot begin to describe how hot I am. Well, I will try. For starters, I was sick all morning at work. Dry heaving! From how hot I felt. I will add that my office consistently registers temperatures below 60*, which is by no means normal or even warm. But there I was, sitting with my trash can between my legs.

I blamed this on wearing pants and sneakers to work. I haven't worn that much clothing in months. So obviously, my increase in body temperature must be due to the socks covering my toes.

Um, no. I think I am simply suffering from pregnancy hot flashes. I am attempting to remedy the solution by sleeping in undies with the sheet only, with a fan by my side in addition to the ceiling fan we keep on high and the A/C that is whirring away.

Hubby thinks I am nuts. But he gets some brownie points: Just now I said, "I love you. Even when I'm having a psychotic break, I love you." Hubby answered, "I know." Not much, but everything I needed to hear!

The Heat is ON! (Things you never knew about pregnancy)

Things you never knew about pregnancy:
The hot flashes are unbearable and without respite!

I cannot begin to describe how hot I am. Well, I will try. For starters, I was sick all morning at work. Dry heaving! From how hot I felt. I will add that my office consistently registers temperatures below 60*, which is by no means normal or even warm. But there I was, sitting with my trash can between my legs.

I blamed this on wearing pants and sneakers to work. I haven't worn that much clothing in months. So obviously, my increase in body temperature must be due to the socks covering my toes.

Um, no. I think I am simply suffering from pregnancy hot flashes. I am attempting to remedy the solution by sleeping in undies with the sheet only, with a fan by my side in addition to the ceiling fan we keep on high and the A/C that is whirring away.

Hubby thinks I am nuts. But he gets some brownie points: Just now I said, "I love you. Even when I'm having a psychotic break, I love you." Hubby answered, "I know." Not much, but everything I needed to hear!

Devil Update

Well, I just couldn't do it. I picked up Devil in the White City, read a page, and put it back down. Who wants to read the true account of a serial killer? In the summer?? When pregnant and thinking about happy things???

So instead, I went out and bought Jenny McCarthy's Belly Laughs

It's a quick read, so I read about half of it last night. I'll probably finish tonight! So far, I can say that she does have a wicked sense of humor and is completely open about everything pregnancy. It's a little refreshing to know that celebrities poop (and can't poop) just the same as everyone else.

At the same time, I was hoping for something a little more heartwarming. I wish the chapters were a little longer, with a bit more depth to them. And yet, I am glad I grabbed it.

Update: The book was indeed cute. But very short and lacking in depth. I like a little meat in a book!

Devil Update

Well, I just couldn't do it. I picked up Devil in the White City, read a page, and put it back down. Who wants to read the true account of a serial killer? In the summer?? When pregnant and thinking about happy things???

So instead, I went out and bought Jenny McCarthy's Belly Laughs

It's a quick read, so I read about half of it last night. I'll probably finish tonight! So far, I can say that she does have a wicked sense of humor and is completely open about everything pregnancy. It's a little refreshing to know that celebrities poop (and can't poop) just the same as everyone else.

At the same time, I was hoping for something a little more heartwarming. I wish the chapters were a little longer, with a bit more depth to them. And yet, I am glad I grabbed it.

Update: The book was indeed cute. But very short and lacking in depth. I like a little meat in a book!

16 Weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: I'm afraid of the scale... I think I'm holding steady at my +5 overall (meaning, no further weight gain since the last appointment)
Maternity clothes? Apparently my Target doesn't carry maternity anymore. So I'm going to keep rocking the stretchy skirts.
Sleep: Getting better. I found a three-pillow solution that is very comfy!
Best moment this week: Hubby has started getting more intimate with my tummy. He's been going through a rough patch with work, and hasn't gotten as excited about the baby as I had hoped. This seems to be turning around :-)
Movement: Maybe? I don't know...
Food cravings: Still pizza and fruit (of the grape and apple variety)
Gender: Still leaning towards Boy...
Labor Signs: NO!
Belly Button in or out? Still in. Still deep.
What I miss: Pooping
What I am looking forward to: A few days off this week and next!!
Weekly Wisdom: If you want a nap, take it.
Milestones: Two more weeks till the anatomy scan!

16 Weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: I'm afraid of the scale... I think I'm holding steady at my +5 overall (meaning, no further weight gain since the last appointment)
Maternity clothes? Apparently my Target doesn't carry maternity anymore. So I'm going to keep rocking the stretchy skirts.
Sleep: Getting better. I found a three-pillow solution that is very comfy!
Best moment this week: Hubby has started getting more intimate with my tummy. He's been going through a rough patch with work, and hasn't gotten as excited about the baby as I had hoped. This seems to be turning around :-)
Movement: Maybe? I don't know...
Food cravings: Still pizza and fruit (of the grape and apple variety)
Gender: Still leaning towards Boy...
Labor Signs: NO!
Belly Button in or out? Still in. Still deep.
What I miss: Pooping
What I am looking forward to: A few days off this week and next!!
Weekly Wisdom: If you want a nap, take it.
Milestones: Two more weeks till the anatomy scan!

Working for the Weekend

Even the baby is excited for the weekend! I have definitely been feeling somebody moving around in there. The more relaxed I am, the more movement I feel! So if my coworkers are wondering why I am all slouched at my desk, it's because I'm trying to feel the baby (and not entirely because I am done with being at work...)!

Hubby and I are going out for some Mexican tonight, and I can't wait. I am totally going to order some frosty frozen concoction and pretend it includes tequila!

Working for the Weekend

Even the baby is excited for the weekend! I have definitely been feeling somebody moving around in there. The more relaxed I am, the more movement I feel! So if my coworkers are wondering why I am all slouched at my desk, it's because I'm trying to feel the baby (and not entirely because I am done with being at work...)!

Hubby and I are going out for some Mexican tonight, and I can't wait. I am totally going to order some frosty frozen concoction and pretend it includes tequila!

Back to Reading!

Woohoo! Class is over this week (well, for two weeks). Which means I'll have a chance to get a little reading in! The first book I plan to devour is:
Devil in the White City, by Erik Larson. Has anyone read this? Let me know what you thought of it! I'll post my review after I have plowed through it.

Back to Reading!

Woohoo! Class is over this week (well, for two weeks). Which means I'll have a chance to get a little reading in! The first book I plan to devour is:
Devil in the White City, by Erik Larson. Has anyone read this? Let me know what you thought of it! I'll post my review after I have plowed through it.

15 Weeks!

Disclaimer for above: my family carries high, for boys and girls!

Total weight gain/loss: +5 overall (I think)
Maternity clothes? Thinking about making an Old Navy run soon...
Sleep: I have always loved sleep. I just wish that I didn't wake up so often and so achy.
Best moment this week: Eating pizza! Real pizza!!
Movement: Nothing...
Food cravings: Pizza. And fruit!
Gender: Still leaning towards Boy, but I don't know why.
Labor Signs: Let's hold off on this one.
Belly Button in or out? Still in. Still deep.
What I miss: Not being cranky for random things all the time (mainly directed at Hubby)
What I am looking forward to: Last day of Summer Session class on Thursday!
Weekly Wisdom: Cleaning feels good. Don't avoid it.
Milestones: Hubby and I have really started to get moving on the baby prep. The bookshelves are all moved, and we have a plan for how to fit the guest room into the office!

15 Weeks!

Disclaimer for above: my family carries high, for boys and girls!

Total weight gain/loss: +5 overall (I think)
Maternity clothes? Thinking about making an Old Navy run soon...
Sleep: I have always loved sleep. I just wish that I didn't wake up so often and so achy.
Best moment this week: Eating pizza! Real pizza!!
Movement: Nothing...
Food cravings: Pizza. And fruit!
Gender: Still leaning towards Boy, but I don't know why.
Labor Signs: Let's hold off on this one.
Belly Button in or out? Still in. Still deep.
What I miss: Not being cranky for random things all the time (mainly directed at Hubby)
What I am looking forward to: Last day of Summer Session class on Thursday!
Weekly Wisdom: Cleaning feels good. Don't avoid it.
Milestones: Hubby and I have really started to get moving on the baby prep. The bookshelves are all moved, and we have a plan for how to fit the guest room into the office!

Let the Betting Begin!

Hubby and I will see our little darling again on September 1st... And will find out if it's a boy or a girl!!!

I have been leaning slightly towards boy, but really feel like it could be either. And who cares! As long as it has fingers and toes (cute ones, which we will also see on the 1st), I will be happy!!!

Let the Betting Begin!

Hubby and I will see our little darling again on September 1st... And will find out if it's a boy or a girl!!!

I have been leaning slightly towards boy, but really feel like it could be either. And who cares! As long as it has fingers and toes (cute ones, which we will also see on the 1st), I will be happy!!!

Things they never tell you about pregnancy

You will soon realize what it feels like to be an old man with an enlarged prostate. On a scale of 0 (not at all) to 5 (almost always), let's rate our symptoms using the American Urological Associations Index:

1. INCOMPLETE EMPTYING: Over the last month or so, how often have you had a sensation of not emptying your bladder completely after you finished urinating?
5

2. FREQUENCY: During the last month or so, how often have you had to urinate again less than 2 hours after you finished urinating?
5

3. INTERMITTENCY: During the last month or so, how often have you stopped and started again several times when you urinated?
5

4. URGENCY: During the last month or so, how often have you found it difficult to postpone urination?
5

5. WEAK STREAM: During the last month or so, how often have you had a weak urinary stream?
5

6. STRAINING: During the last month or so, how often have you had to push or strain to begin urination?**
5

7. SLEEPING: During the last month, how many times did you most typically get up to urinate from the time you went to bed at night until the time you got up in the morning? (times at night)
5

**OMG. This might be TMI, but I woke up the other morning and had to pee so bad it HURT. I waddled to the toilet, sat down, and COULD NOT pee. I tried so hard, but nothing happened. I went back to bed, and immediately felt like I couldn't hold it. Back to the bathroom, and still nothing. After an HOUR I was finally able to pee, and this was after a concerted effort to get myself into sort of a lying down position on the toilet. I'm glad there were no witnesses. My mom tells me that this sort of "straining" is normal. Great.

Things they never tell you about pregnancy

You will soon realize what it feels like to be an old man with an enlarged prostate. On a scale of 0 (not at all) to 5 (almost always), let's rate our symptoms using the American Urological Associations Index:

1. INCOMPLETE EMPTYING: Over the last month or so, how often have you had a sensation of not emptying your bladder completely after you finished urinating?
5

2. FREQUENCY: During the last month or so, how often have you had to urinate again less than 2 hours after you finished urinating?
5

3. INTERMITTENCY: During the last month or so, how often have you stopped and started again several times when you urinated?
5

4. URGENCY: During the last month or so, how often have you found it difficult to postpone urination?
5

5. WEAK STREAM: During the last month or so, how often have you had a weak urinary stream?
5

6. STRAINING: During the last month or so, how often have you had to push or strain to begin urination?**
5

7. SLEEPING: During the last month, how many times did you most typically get up to urinate from the time you went to bed at night until the time you got up in the morning? (times at night)
5

**OMG. This might be TMI, but I woke up the other morning and had to pee so bad it HURT. I waddled to the toilet, sat down, and COULD NOT pee. I tried so hard, but nothing happened. I went back to bed, and immediately felt like I couldn't hold it. Back to the bathroom, and still nothing. After an HOUR I was finally able to pee, and this was after a concerted effort to get myself into sort of a lying down position on the toilet. I'm glad there were no witnesses. My mom tells me that this sort of "straining" is normal. Great.

Check-up

No pictures this visit! What's the deal?! We haven't even had a tummy U/S (only trans-v), so I felt sure that we would get more pictures this week.

Without the pictures, it was a rather boring appointment. She used the doppler to let us listen to the heartbeat (pretty cool, but not a picture!), but I forgot to ask what the heart rate was. I am guessing it wasn't very high... it sounded just a bit faster than an adult heart rate. Maybe boy??

We have another appointment at week 18, where we have the option of doing the quad screening. I'm undecided at this point, so we'll see when we get closer. After that, we'll have the BIG ultrasound. I can't wait to see my baby again, and find out if it's a boy or a girl!!!

Check-up

No pictures this visit! What's the deal?! We haven't even had a tummy U/S (only trans-v), so I felt sure that we would get more pictures this week.

Without the pictures, it was a rather boring appointment. She used the doppler to let us listen to the heartbeat (pretty cool, but not a picture!), but I forgot to ask what the heart rate was. I am guessing it wasn't very high... it sounded just a bit faster than an adult heart rate. Maybe boy??

We have another appointment at week 18, where we have the option of doing the quad screening. I'm undecided at this point, so we'll see when we get closer. After that, we'll have the BIG ultrasound. I can't wait to see my baby again, and find out if it's a boy or a girl!!!

My Mom is the Best.

So Hubby, Girly and I went on a whirlwind tour this weekend. We drove to Philly to see Hubby's family Thursday night. Left there at 3am to start the drive up to see my family on Friday. Left mid-day Saturday to see my high school friends, some of whom I haven't seen in 9 years! We finally headed South again on Sunday...

But the best part of this tour was seeing my mom. And not just seeing her, but seeing her so excited about the baby! She was so cute about my tummy. She carried up front and started showing within seconds of conception too! This made me feel so much better about how huge I am getting. We spent some time at a neighborhood cocktail party. Many of the guests were a little surprised by my bump (at a mere three months along), but my mom just smiled and said that our family always shows early. So there :-)

My Mom is the Best.

So Hubby, Girly and I went on a whirlwind tour this weekend. We drove to Philly to see Hubby's family Thursday night. Left there at 3am to start the drive up to see my family on Friday. Left mid-day Saturday to see my high school friends, some of whom I haven't seen in 9 years! We finally headed South again on Sunday...

But the best part of this tour was seeing my mom. And not just seeing her, but seeing her so excited about the baby! She was so cute about my tummy. She carried up front and started showing within seconds of conception too! This made me feel so much better about how huge I am getting. We spent some time at a neighborhood cocktail party. Many of the guests were a little surprised by my bump (at a mere three months along), but my mom just smiled and said that our family always shows early. So there :-)

Weekly Update

I am 14 weeks today! Sorry, no belly picture...

Total weight gain/loss: Not sure... afraid of the scale...

Maternity clothes? Still loving my stretchy skirts, but they are starting to get tighter.

Sleep: I slept really well all weekend on a new mattress at my parent's. And then not so great on my mattress at home. Time for an upgrade?

Best moment this week: Seeing my family for the first time since we got pregnant! Everyone is so excited, which I've known, but it's so nice to see! My mom was so cute about my tummy too, and totally justified my hugeness. "We carry up front!"

Movement: Maybe??

Food cravings: I want pizza sooooo badly, but the tomatoes still aren't agreeing.

Gender: Still no clue. Still slightly leaning toward boy.

Labor Signs: I hope I don't have an update for this one for a loooong time.

Belly Button in or out? In. And deep.

What I miss: Pizza. And tomatoes in any form.

What I am looking forward to: Next appointment - on Wednesday!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't try to drive a total of 19 1/2 hours in one weekend. And certainly don't skip lunch while attempting this drive!

Milestones: Second trimester!!

Weekly Update

I am 14 weeks today! Sorry, no belly picture...

Total weight gain/loss: Not sure... afraid of the scale...

Maternity clothes? Still loving my stretchy skirts, but they are starting to get tighter.

Sleep: I slept really well all weekend on a new mattress at my parent's. And then not so great on my mattress at home. Time for an upgrade?

Best moment this week: Seeing my family for the first time since we got pregnant! Everyone is so excited, which I've known, but it's so nice to see! My mom was so cute about my tummy too, and totally justified my hugeness. "We carry up front!"

Movement: Maybe??

Food cravings: I want pizza sooooo badly, but the tomatoes still aren't agreeing.

Gender: Still no clue. Still slightly leaning toward boy.

Labor Signs: I hope I don't have an update for this one for a loooong time.

Belly Button in or out? In. And deep.

What I miss: Pizza. And tomatoes in any form.

What I am looking forward to: Next appointment - on Wednesday!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't try to drive a total of 19 1/2 hours in one weekend. And certainly don't skip lunch while attempting this drive!

Milestones: Second trimester!!