12 weeks!

How far along: 12

Total weight gain: I've lost 2 lbs since our first appointment

Maternity clothes: Yup. I am in LOVE with my maternity jeans. I might never stop wearing them...

Stretch Marks: None. 

Sleep: I slept a lot better this week, but Rich was home for 2 days, so that could be why!

Best moment this week: Having our unexpected ultrasound at our appointment & getting to see the baby! Also  sharing our news on Facebook & seeing all the well wishes.

Miss anything: Margaritas & fruity drinks- especially in this hot weather.

Movement: None yet.

Food cravings: Still craving fresh fruit (especially when it's cold) and lots of bread!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Things are getting better, but still not a fan of red meat.

Gender: Unknown!

Symptoms: Nausea is definitely getting better. My energy is coming back a little bit too. Yay!

Belly Button In or Out: In

Wedding Rings on or off: On

Happy or Moody: Happy! I am so excited to meet this baby.

Looking forward to: Getting to the point where it's obvious that I'm pregnant, not just awkwardly chubby only in my uterus region. {sorry if that was too graphic, Dad!}

 Maybe it's just the insanely hot weather, but I swear my bump got HUGE this week!

{Also, I'm ready for Rich to be home so that he can take my weekly photo instead of having to do the awkward mirror pictures}

{Above: This is the dresser that we are going to update & use as our changing table/dresser}

{Below: The rest of the baby's room. The bed will obviously be leaving soon!}

2nd Doctor's Appointment

Today we had our 2nd doctor's appointment. I was a little worried it would be cancelled because there was major storm damage in Wheaton & I wasn't sure if the office had power. Luckily they did, so we were good to go! Although we were about 15 min late due to all the down traffic lights...

The appointment was with Dr. Larry, who happens to be the son of the doctor who delivered my sister, Lauren. Funny. I think I mentioned it before, but we are required to see each of the 6 doctors in the practice at some point during our pregnancy. So today we met with the first "boy doctor". I am definitely not thrilled about some guy being all up in my business, and even though people say I'll get used to it, I don't think I will. Gross.

Moving on.

I wasn't sure what was on the agenda for this appointment, as things are still early. I was given a huge packet of info at our 1st appointment about all the different genetic testing they can do, so I thought they might bring that up again. Rich & I had talked about it, and we decided against doing any of the tests. If there is something majorly wrong, they will know at our big ultrasound appointment around 20 weeks. But really, no test result would make us change our mind about having this baby. We don't have a family history of anything and don't have any of the risk factors. Plus, not all of the tests are 100% positive anyway. So when the doctor asked today, we told him thanks but no thanks.

The nurse took all my vitals- another urine test, blood pressure, & weight. I lost 2 lbs, but they said that's not an issue at this point. I wasn't surprised given my total lack of appetite lately. Then she had me lay down so that she could listen to the baby's heart beat. She used a "doppler ultrasound" which looks like this:

It's a little portable, hand held device. She put some gel on my stomach and got to work. And...nothing. I tried to read her face & see if she was anxious or worried. I couldn't read her. I asked her if anything was wrong, and said that it was still early. Still, I was worried. I silently prayed over and over, "Lord please let there be a heartbeat. Let there be a strong heartbeat. Help them find it." She gave up after a few minutes, and the doctor came in. He was really friendly, and said that the doppler is a lot less sensitive than the big ultrasound machines and not to worry at all.

**Hey nurse- it would be been really great of you to share that info with the nervous 1st time pregnant lady you are poking in the gut. Whatever.

The doctor did not seem worried at all, and brought us into a different room to do the ultrasound. Thankfully, he found the heartbeat right away. He said it was strong & about 160+ bpm. I was so relieved! We were not expecting to have an ultrasound, and it was a special treat to get to see the baby! It actually had distinguishable arms & legs! WOW! The baby is about 2.5 inches long now- simply amazing. I don't think I'll ever get over how incredible this whole process is...

After we confirmed the heartbeat, the nurse came back in and took some blood (kind of a lot of blood actually). Our next appointment will be on August 7th at 1pm with our regular doctor! YAY!

11 weeks!

Okay, so here is the first "bump" picture. I had to wear a tighter shirt and push my stomach out a little bit, but there is definitely something there!!! Right?! Come on people, humor me.

How far along: 11

Total weight gain: Again, not weighing myself.

Maternity clothes: I have a pair of black, work appropriate maternity pants that have been a saving grace this week with how hot it's been. 

Stretch Marks: None. 

Sleep: Still up at least once a night. But at least I can fall asleep right away when I get back in bed!

Best moment this week: Taking my first "bump" picture!

Miss anything: Mexican food. I love it, but really can't tolerate it right now. Sad day.

Movement: None yet! 

Food cravings: Still really craving fresh fruit. And bread, especially sourdough from Panera.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Still the same list- eggs, fish, red meat, bbq sauce, greasy foods...

Gender: Unknown!

Symptoms: I don't want to jinx myself, but the nausea has been a TAD bit better.

Belly Button In or Out: In

Wedding Rings on or off: On

Happy or Moody: Happy, although I cry super easily now. Happy, sad, frustrated...cue the water works.

Looking forward to: Rich coming home on Saturday for 2 days! Three weeks is a long time to be apart.

So thankful

I need to take a few moments to share just how thankful Rich & I are for our WONDERFUL small group. For a solid 2 years after college, we both prayed hard for community. I was especially desperate to find a group of women similar to the incredible friends I had left in Iowa City. And for the longest time, we just waited. With no answer. Growing quite frustrated, and pretty lonely.

When we moved to Woodstock, we really felt like that was where the Lord wanted us. And we trusted that He would provide us with solid friendships. Oh, how He has provided! Our small group is filled with some of the most genuine, loving and Christ-like people I've ever met. We are constantly encouraged and challenged by the men & women we have the privilege of meeting with each week. We are so thankful for them!

The week before Rich left for Graduate school, we had group as usual. During group, our leaders shared that the men had set up a schedule to come mow the lawn for us while Rich is gone. At first I felt silly and prideful. I can mow the lawn. I've done it for years. Sure, I'm pregnant, but I can do this. No need to bother the guys.

Thankfully those thoughts were quickly replaced with an overwhelming sense of comfort. Up until that point, I had been putting on my brave face, pretending like having Rich gone for the summer wouldn't totally suck. Hearing the guys share with Rich their promise to look after and take care of anything I needed for the summer was so incredible. Of course, I cried. Big shock. I was just so overwhelmed by their generosity.

Yesterday, Jason & Kathy (our small group leaders) came over to take care of the yard. They even brought us dinner too! I had such a great time with them & their 3 sweet little ones. It was a really fun night together, and I was so thankful for all of Jason's hard work!

10 weeks!

I don't think I'm doing bump pictures until there is actually something to see. I think right now it's just a bloated little fat belly...and that I will keep to myself, sorry friends.

How far along: 10 weeks & 2 days

Total weight gain: Still not weighing myself. But my face looks a little puffy. Ugh- really don't want pregnant fat face.

Maternity clothes: Still rocking the Belly Band. I can hardly tolerate my pre-pregnancy pants though.

Stretch Marks: None. 

Sleep: I am now always up at least 1x/night to go to the bathroom. I have figured out a great set up with my pillows, so I am sleeping pretty well again.

Best moment this week: Having dinner with my mother & father-in-law and having baby talk with them!

Miss anything: Hot dogs. And margaritas, for sure. 

Movement: None yet! Still too early for that.

Food cravings: Fresh fruit. Peaches, blueberries, apples...YUM!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Still the same list- eggs, fish, red meat, bbq sauce, greasy foods...

Gender: Unknown!

Symptoms: Definitely still nausea. Except now it's pretty much any time of day

Belly Button In or Out: In

Wedding Rings on or off: On

Happy or Moody: Happy, although I cry super easily now. Happy, sad, frustrated...cue the water works.

Looking forward to: Our next doctor's appointment on July 2nd!

9 weeks!

As of yesterday, I am 9 weeks along. Here is my update for this week! I still need to take a picture, so that will have to be updated later.

How far along: 9 weeks & 1 day

Total weight gain: Not sure- I have not been weighing myself. But with my lack of appetite, my guess is I have probably lost weight.

Maternity clothes: I am definitely rocking the Belly Band. It's a little circular strip of stretchy fabric that you can wear to help hold up your unbuttoned pre-pregnancy pants. I have no problem with my normal shirts/tops, but my regular pants have become pretty uncomfortable. I just don't like the pressure, so I have been wearing skirts & dresses more often.

Stretch Marks: None. Although I did already start putting lotion on my torso 2x/day.

Sleep: I am usually up at least 1x/night to go to the bathroom. Around 1-2 in the afternoon I get really tired and often take a nap, which I have to limit to about an hour. Otherwise, I am all messed up when it's actually bed time. I like to fall asleep on my stomach, and that is definitely not an option anymore.

Best moment this week: being able to sit on the beach with my Mom and have non-stop baby talk with her & my Dad.

Miss anything: Hot dogs, blue cheese & Subway sandwiches. 

Movement: None yet! Still too early for that.

Food cravings: Ice cream, but that's pretty typical of me. And sort of carb & cheese combo makes me stomach feel better. And I have been eating Ginger Snaps whenever I feel pukey.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Most things, actually. Eggs, fish, red meat, bbq sauce, greasy foods...the list goes on!

Gender: Unknown!

Symptoms: Definitely nausea. Although, it hits me worst in the late afternoon, early evening. My breasts are still really sore too. 

Belly Button In or Out: In

Wedding Rings on or off: On

Happy or Moody: Generally pretty happy! Although, Rich left for Graduate school and it's hard being away from him, especially when I am not feeling great.

Looking forward to: Being done with our first trimester. I am ready to have my energy back & not feel nauseous most of the day.

Our first ultrasound

Like I mentioned before, our sweet doctor ordered an ultrasound for Friday at 10:45am so that Rich could be sure to make it. She wanted to confirm how far along I was, since there was a chance I could have been a month further along.

Rich & I were really excited and nervous for the appointment. We knew that we would probably be able to see the heartbeat, and there was a possibility that we could even hear it! We prayed in the car before walking inside the office, not quite sure of what we might see. Rich prayed over me, asking for peace and comfort, as well as a strong heart beat for our little one. Quick side note- I just adore that man. He can calm me down right away with just a hug or a quick prayer. I am so thankful for the way that he knows and loves me. What a guy!

The ultrasound was scheduled for the Warrenville office. It's one of the bigger offices, and sometimes the receptionists there are quite rude. However, we had a very pleasant experience since it was still early on a Friday. The waiting room was not crowded, and we didn't have to wait very long. That was a blessing, since they ask you to have a full bladder before the ultrasound. Yikes! 

The technician asked Rich to wait while she got things set up. I was a little anxious that he was not going to be with me right away, but he smiled at me and said he'd be right in. This might be TMI for some-- but the technician said she would try to do the ultrasound on my stomach first, but since it was early, she may have to do an internal ultrasound. The room was big and cool, and the lights were dim. She had me lay on the table and roll my yoga pants down a little bit. The ultrasound jelly {I'm sure it has a better name than that} was really warm- almost hot! That surprised me quite a bit actually. I laid on the table while she rolled the device across my stomach. I tried to watch her face for any sort of concern- she was an obvious pro and made quick work. Right away, she said she could see the heartbeat. She turned up the volume on the machine, and I heard a noise. She flashed a smile at me and said, "Let's bring your husband in!" 

Rich came in and stood next to me. The technician turned the screen around so that we could both see. She pointed out the yoke sack- a term I didn't realize was used for babies! And then just below it, she showed us the little flicker of a heartbeat! After starring at it for a few moments, she turned up the volume, and we could hear the heartbeat too! It was absolutely incredible. It blew my mind to know that there was another beating heart inside my body. She said the heartbeat was strong- about 159 bpm! Praise the Lord, we were both so happy. What a beautiful noise.

She printed us out two different images; one of the baby, and another with the heartbeat. She said that I was measuring about 7 weeks 2 days, but that with the room for error, they would probably not adjust my due date. 

So, January 18th, 2013 it is! And as soon as I scan in the ultrasound picture, I will update this post with it! We are so thankful to Jesus that things are going well so far. Our next appointment, again, will be July 2nd!