::Baby G:: Week 13 Sweet as a Georgia Peach

Well I made it! I am officially out of the first trimester and into the second. It feels like it took forever but went so fast, all at the same time! I think I have finally hit my stride and I'm feeling good the majority of the time.

I worked out twice this week on the elliptical and it was really great, thinking about continuing on with the elliptical or treadmill 3 to 4 times per week.

How far along?  13 weeks

Total weight gain/loss:  0.6 lbs (lost a little weight but nothing crazy)

Maternity clothes? Waiting on my order now. Old Navy had a great deal on a bunch of items and I got some really great things!

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: Now that the Heat games are over, sleeping great!

Best moment this week: Making it to the 3rd trimester and turning 30!!

Have you told family and friends: Everyone is in the know and celebrating along with us

Miss Anything? Still miss running but the elliptical helped with that. Not really missing any food or drinks yet.

Movement: Not yet

Food cravings: Not many cravings this week, pretty normal

Anything making you queasy or sick: I didn't feel ick until today, I don't think lunch sat well with me but feeling much better.

Have you started to show yet: I think the baby bump is slowly getting there

Gender prediction: Girl!

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Weekly Wisdom: Take time to research. There is so much information out there on everything, I am glad I have plenty of time to understand everything and understand what I need. I bought a journal this week to keep notes and write things down so I don't forget!

Looking forward to: Starting my registry

::Baby G:: Week 12 with Fitz

We are almost out of the first trimester, it's crazy how fast it's going!

How far along?  12 weeks

Total weight gain/loss:  2 lbs

Maternity clothes? Purchased some jeans but aren't needed them yet. Jeans are snug but not too bad

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: A little less tired but staying up last night for the Heat game caused major exhaustion today. I still need a full night's sleep to function.

Best moment this week: Seeing the little one on the ultrasound today sucking it's thumb!

Have you told family and friends: Pretty much everything knows, work and family and friends.

Miss Anything? Running but I plan on starting back slowly this week

Movement: Not yet

Food cravings: Potato soup but hubs made me homemade potato soup tonight that was amazing.

Anything making you queasy or sick: This week has been really great, nothing specifically making me sick!

Have you started to show yet: I think I am starting to show a little, I always gain weight in my stomach first so it's not surprising it's already there.

Gender prediction: Still thinking girl.

Labor Signs: Not even close!

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, a few moments of emotion overload but nothing unbearable

Weekly Wisdom: Go to bed on time!

Looking forward to: Designing the nursery, I have a few ideas.

We went to the doctor today for my 12 week appointment. So far the doctor says everything looks really good and the baby is growing a little ahead of schedule. This is the first ultrasound where the little one looked like a real baby and it was sucking it's left thumb, which I was ecstatic about since I am a lefty! In the ultrasound below, the baby's back is showing and its right arm is by its ear. The spine is so prominent, it was really surprising!

I hope everyone is having a great week!!

:-) Mere

::Baby G:: Week 11 Lime!

Hello all!! How is this week treating you?! Mine is going really well!

How far along? 11 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 1 pound

Maternity clothes? Nope but I ordered maternity jeans from Old Navy

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: Sleeping really good!

Best moment this week: Announcing to my friends and family!

Have you told family and friends: Yep

Miss Anything? Starting to miss running and while I know I can run, I am so nervous!

Movement: Nope

Food cravings: None really

Anything making you queasy or sick: Actually doing pretty well with this. Here and there, smells rub me the wrong way but nothing major.

Have you started to show yet: A little but mostly bloat

Gender prediction: Girl!

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy with a few cranky moments

Weekly Wisdom: Eat balanced---make sure you are getting all of the nutrients and fiber you need, makes a world of difference

Looking forward to: Starting the nursery

This week has been pretty laid back. Since my symptoms are starting to go away a little bit, I am getting nervous that something is wrong. Four weeks is a long time to wait in between appointments to get confirmation that everything is ok. I know it is and I have faith but sometimes my mind wanders to a worrisome place. Can't wait for my appointment next week!

:-) Mere

::Baby G:: Week 10 First Bump Pictures

This week I am starting my bump pictures. I saw this awesome idea of using a chalkboard as a prop in the weekly pictures on the Little Baby Garvin Blog. I thought it was so cute so I thought I'd do a little chalkboard of my own!

How far along?  10 weeks

Total weight gain/loss:  None! Yay!

Maternity clothes? None yet, some clothes are pretty tight but nothing major yet.

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: All of the time! Even going to bed before 9 most nights

Best moment this week: Telling my boss and having one less thing to panic about.

Have you told family and friends: Yes---most everyone is now aware. We announced this week

Miss Anything? Lunch meat which is weird because I didn't eat tons of it before. I was missing Coke in the beginning but Caffiene-Free Coke is doing a good job of filling the void.

Movement: Not yet

Food cravings: Fuddruckers which we don't have here so I had to settle for a Five Guys Burger

Anything making you queasy or sick: The thought of fish has made me pretty queasy but most of the nausea is gone.

Have you started to show yet: I am showing a tad bit but it's mostly bloat

Gender prediction: I feel it's a girl. Most everyone in my family agrees, all except my brothers

Labor Signs: Not even close!

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, just tired and exhausted

Weekly Wisdom: Don't dread telling your boss, it won't be that bad!

Looking forward to: The next ultrasound

Today we (the other manager and myself) told our boss about the pregnancies. The anticipation over all of these past few weeks has been growing and growing--it ended up actually made me sick to my stomach. Last night I woke up, wide awake and couldn't sleep. I was worrying so much!

We planned on telling her first thing in the morning to get it over with. I was so nervous! The morning was horrible! Driving to work I got pulled over for speeding and I got a ticket ($161!). I grabbed my lunch box which had the empty containers from the day before (read: no snacks all day!) and then when I got to work, I had an email that my boss wouldn't be in until 11!!! Ugh! I was so nervous and mentally prepared to do it asap and I had to wait. Long story short, she got there at 11 and we told her right away. While she was visibly worried about what is going to happen for year-end, she was great and my nerves and worrying weren't necessary!

10 weeks down, 30 to go!

:-) Mere

::Baby G:: Week 9

I can't believe I am already at 9 weeks, baby is the size of a grape! I'm super excited that I have only one more week before I tell my boss at work. It's still a little early but I am so tired of having to watch everything I say and do. A lady I worked with  is about 55 or so and is kind of the "office mom". I was talking to her this week and she was looking at my stomach  over and over and being quite obvious. I finally asked her what she was looking (fully aware) and she said "Your belly". Needless to say she said she has been watching me and knows! Crazy!

I finished the book called The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy and I loved it. It was less medical jargon and more things that your best girlfriends would share with you, kind of like the inside scoop. I would recommend it to anyone that's expecting!

Not much going on this week so I'll see you at 10 weeks!

:-) Mere

::Baby G:: Week 8!

05.27.2012:

Time is flying by! I can't believe it's already week 8. This week has been pretty rough with all of the nausea and exhaustion. I am having a hard time staying up any time later than 10 and have been in bed, tucked away around 9:00 on average. We went to a Hockey Game that went into overtime and by the time that last buzzer rang out, all I could imagine was BED!

We saw "What to Expect" this weekend and it was so cute! I thought there would be a few funny parts here and there but I thought there were quite a few really great parts. There were also some moments that brought me to tears (imagine that right!) I'm sure I liked it more since it's very relevant to my life.

Lastly, the most exciting part of this week was our doctor's visit and ultrasound. We saw the little peanut again and we heard the heart beating very strongly, 176 bpm! This visit we discussed all of the financial plans, all of our genetic history, what I can and cannot do/have/eat, and of course the ultrasound. There is nothing like seeing and hearing the little one inside me! It's so surreal. 

Only two more weeks before I am comfortable sharing the news!

:-) Mere

::Baby G:: Week 7!

05.20.2012:

I am already in my seventh week and am so excited to be getting closer and closer to being able to let the cat all of the way out of that bag! Last week we let our families know. Friday night, we went to a hockey game with some good friends of ours and they noticed I wasn't drinking. After that they pretty much figured it out. It's hard to keep it a secret from people that know you so well.

This past week I got promoted to manager at work (yay!) and while I knew I was pregnant when I accepted the promotion, I am extremely nervous to let them know. I will be missing out on year end which is our busiest time of the year. Our department is structured with two managers that report to the assistant controller. The other manager has been trying to get pregnant for about a year and a half. This past week she came to me to let me know that she is pregnant with a due date a day or two off from mine! My jaw just dropped! I am so extremely happy for her but immediately started freaking out about work. I was already nervous about me and now we are both going to be out. The assistant controller knows we both have been trying so I'm sure she realized this was a possibility but she probably didn't expect it by any means. Talk about a coincidence. We have decided to wait until about 10 weeks or so to tell our boss together, we figured it isn't fair for the second person if we tell her separately. I'm pretty excited to have someone in the same position I am in going through the same thing with me. Once we let our boss know, I will feel a lot more at ease.

This week I have been really feeling the nausea and exhaustion I have been reading about in the first trimester, also I have some serious bionic sense of smell. This past week the husband made Indian food. When I thought about dinner at work that day, my stomach did a little turn, which I figured was not a good sign, but thought maybe it would pass.

While the rice was cooking, that smell alone was so strong and enough to make me a tad bit nauseous so add in the tandoori chicken and malikafta and I had to call a time out. I had to sit on the balcony just to get away from all of the smells and I took about 3 bites before throwing in the towel. I think the menu items are going to be a tad bit bland for a while.

I have been getting nauseous more at night than in the morning but this week I was feeling it at random times throughout the day. My boobs are extremely sensitive and I have been really tired, napping on the weekends and in bed by ten on the week days. So far these are my symptoms!

Week 7 has been good to me so far---my 8 week appointment is this week and we get to see the baby again. It's the size of a rasberry right now! Until next time...

:-) Mere

::Baby G:: Happy Mother's Day

Today we finally told our families about the Baby! It was such a great day.

We hosted a Mother's Day brunch at our house so around 11:00 my sister showed up and we decided to put the ultrasound picture up on the fridge and just wait and see how long it took for my mom to notice. She isn't very observant so I didn't expect her to see it right away----I was right to say the least.

(waiting for mom to arrive, I was so antsy!)

I was making the mix for the french toast right next to the fridge laughing to myself as my mom was at the bar counter facing both me and the fridge. My mom asked my sister to get her a glass of something to drink and my sister being the ever clever one told my mom to get it herself out of the fridge (so she would see it and we could just finally celebrate). At this point my mom had probably been over for 10-15 minutes.

She walked into the kitchen, got a drink, closed the door, and dudn't notice! My sister starts whsipering to me that she is amazed my mom hadn't noticed it. My mom, who didn't notice the ultrasound picture on an otherwise bare refridgerator, noticed us whispering and said "Are you girls talking about me?"  I reply "Yes Mom, you are killing me! Look at the fridge". She immediately gave me a hug and hugged my husband and was crying. It was such a great moment.

My brother came over with the kids shortly after and we shared the news with them. It really was a great time and I am so glad to tell them. Now if only my mom can hold it in a few more weeks until I am ready to tell everyone else.

The kids

...and the grandkids (dog and fetus included)

After my family left (and after I got a nice long nap in) we went to my hubs' dad's house to tell him. We put the ultrasound picture in a card and also gave him a onesie. After a little while, he finally got it and was so excited and moved. I was really surprised at how excited and moved he was. He was brought to tears and was repeating that he was going to be a Grandpa.

After dinner at the hubs dad's house, we Skyped with his mom, sister, and grandmother. It was so great to see them so excited. My mother in law wanted some pictures she took printed on canvas so we told her we printed them and they came out a little weird. We then held the ultrasound picture up and showed her. It took a minute but once they all got it, everyone was very excited. 

I'm so glad everyone (family at least) knows now and I have someone else to talk about it with. Tomorrow starts week 7! Yay!

:-) Mere

::Baby G:: Week 6

05.10.2012:

Today begins my sixth week of pregnancy and so far so good! I have some boob soreness and a little nausea but overall, I am just peeing frequently, very frequently!

My sister works at my OB office and was able to get me in two weeks early for an ultrasound. Before we started the ultrasound, the doctor mentioned that you can't always see or hear the heart beat this soon so I was prepared that I might not get to see or hear the baby today. We get all set up, he asked the typical questions and we started the ultrasound. I was immediately able to see it!! I saw the baby and I could see the little flicker that was the heart beat. He was even able to play the sound so I could hear it! It was so awesome. We got a picture printed and I took one with my phone. It's so surreal to realize there is a baby inside me!

 Now that I know for sure that the baby is there and growing as expected, I am ready to tell my mom on Mother's Day. I made a chalkboard similar to the one on the Little Baby Garvin blog. I decorated it last night. I am not quite sure how I am going to incorporate the chalkboard just yet but I am thinking of showing it to her when I hand her the picture and a grandma Mother's Day card..

Hopefully the rest of week six remains good and healthy! Baby is the size of a sweet pea!

:-) Mere

::Baby G:: 5 Weeks!

05.06.2012:

This week has been mostly all about realization---am I really pregnant? Is this really happening?? I have even caught myself just saying aloud "I'm pregnant". I always hoped I'd be pregnant at some point but now that it's here it feels so surreal.

I made my appointment with the OB last week and the first time they will see you is at 7-8 weeks. (OMG! That's so far away). Luckily my sister works for the same OB Practice as a Nursing Assistant and was able to get a confirmation ultrasound appointment two weeks earlier with the doctor she works directly with. I am going in on Thursday May 10th to see this little one! I am so nervous and excited all at once! I really hope I can see it and hear a heartbeat!

We have been planning how and when to tell everyone---so far here is how it has gone and what we are thinking.

BFF: Got the faintest positive line the day of our missed period and sent her the picture of the test. Immediately called her immediately for confirmation that she was seeing what I was seeing since the line was faint. There was a lot of OMG's and I can't believe it and is it really a line?? You see it too??  OMG I guess I'm pregnant!!

Sister: I had a picture of the pregnancy test in my phone and the picture before it was a picture of Fitz. We went to First Watch for breakfast and I handed her my phone and said "Look at these funny pictures of Fitz". She flipped for the next picture and looked up at me with the biggest eyes and just started crying, then I started crying. We were both sitting there bawling like babies in the middle of the restaurant. It was a great moment.

At this point, no other family members are aware. We are planning on telling everyone on Mother's Day which is a little sooner than I thought I would share but at this point if anything happens, I will want the love and support of my family so I feel it's the right thing for us to do. One week and I can finally share this news with those I love!

Can't wait!

Baby is the size of an appleseed!

:-) Mere

::Beauty:: Clear Skin Ahead!

As I announced yesterday, I am recently pregnant and as anyone might assume, with pregnancy comes hormones! The last 10 weeks for me have consisted of not only emotions running on high but also terrible skin! I have never really been one to have acne problems in the past so when this started and I couldn't take control of it, I became totally overwhelmed.

In the past, my face regimen was just washing my face with Philosophy Purity Soap and using a tinted moisturizer with an SPF.

When this just wasn't cutting it anymore, I decided to do some research and came across some great reviews for Philosophy Clear Line. I have to say it's only been three days but so far I am in LOVE! I have been using the Clear Gel Cleanser and the Treatment Pads and in just three short days my skin is 100% better.

The larger blemishes are still healing but my main issue was tons and tons of clogged pores. For the first time in weeks (and even before the pregnancy) they are clearing up. I have never really been one to go crazy for face products as I didn't "need" them but now I see the importance in having a great product. I just had to share!! I hope this post helps someone one----this product is amazing!

Have any of you tried this before?!  Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

:-) Mere

::Baby G:: Week 4!

04.28.2012:

I just found out this week that we are having a baby. I am pretty nervous as I won't really get confirmation of the pregnancy until my first doctor's visit on May 22. We are being positive and praying daily---who am I kidding, I pray for this little one every waking moment. I figured I'd start the weeks pictures and blogs as there is no time like the present.

Baby G is the size of a poppy seed!

05.03.2012:

I took another test this morning just to see and the line was so dark immediately! It's so awesome to see that pretty bright line! I'm still praying for you Baby G!

:-) Mere

::Baby G:: The Tests Are Positve!

I’m writing this now, April 26th, even though I won’t be able to post it on the blog for a while.

Teddy and I have been trying to get pregnant for about six months now. For those of you that know me, you know that I am quite the control freak and wanted to get pregnant in month one and have everything fall in line from there. Needless to say, God laughed in the face of my plan.

I’ve been charting my temperatures, using ovulation predictor kits, and taking prenatal vitamins now for six months and lo and behold---there is a BFP (big fat positive!). Yay!

This may be a little TMI for some of you but oh well---this is baby making in its finest. I think I may have conceived when the Heat lost big time to the Bulls. The game was going well, we almost won and then the Bulls tied the game in the last 20 seconds. The game went into overtime and the Heat lost by 10 points! –Are you kidding me?! To say I was upset is a huge understatement but if this little cupcake is the result of a little exercise to release my anger, then I’ll take a loss from the Heat any day.

The last week or so I can’t really say I had “symptoms” but I just had a feeling like I was pregnant. We went to my mom’s for dinner on Monday night to celebrate my sister-in-law’s birthday. We sat down for dinner and I was drinking a Coke, I looked over to my hubs and whispered “Hopefully this is the last Coke I will drink for a while”. Looks like I was right!

My period was supposed to start Tuesday or Wednesday. I usually do not even think about taking a pregnancy test unless I am late but I just had a feeling. I woke up Tuesday morning and was thinking should I take it, should I not, I didn’t want to get my hopes up. After much toiling in my mind, I decided to take it. I was in the bathroom waiting and waiting. Teddy asked me how it was going and came in the bathroom to check it out. The test was on the floor (we don’t have countertops in toilet room) and I was on my hands and knees eyeing that test like a crazy woman. I remember saying “I think I see a line, maybe I’m imagining it though”, Teddy came in and said “there is definitely a line”. The line got a little darker and was definitely there. It was faint but it was there for sure! We put the test on the bathroom counter and I just remember hugging Teddy like there was no tomorrow.

At lunch on Tuesday, I went to Target and bought two more boxes of tests, different brands of course, just to make sure.

I was still pretty skeptical at this point (that line was faint!). First thing I did when I got home was take test number 2---another, even fainter line. At this point I wasn’t 100% sure but I was getting closer---two faint lines are better than one. 

Wednesday morning test number three which was a digital test and has the words on it. The test is supposed to take 3 minutes but I had the word Pregnant in about 20 seconds! I’m convinced now!!!

I have been pondering ways and when to tell my family. I want to make it so special as my mom has no idea we are trying and she has been begging me for years! I cannot wait to see her expression and excitement.

It is killing me that I have to wait a month to go to the doctor. I need confirmation people. I need to know that I am not just some crazy person that peed on a stick. I need to know this cupcake is sticking and along for the ride. I can say that I have faith and I have prayed more this last week than I have ever before. This is such a gift from God and I cannot wait to start this journey. I hope you will all join me for the ride!

:-) Mere

::Baby G:: We Are Pregnant!

Just a quick note to say we are pregnant!!! I have been blogging and saving the posts for a few weeks now, I'll start posting them daily until we catch up to where I am now. I'm so EXCITED!!!! Baby G is on the way!