16 weeks - 4 months along!

Holy baby.  16 weeks!  

I am pretty excited to have hit 4 months :)  I take each week as another milestone that we have reached.  I just keep thanking God for the blessing that Billy and I have been given.  We were fortunate enough to only have to TTC for 2 months after making the decision in January to start trying.  I am so grateful for the pregnancy that I have experienced so far, even though the whole first trimester I was so sick.  My doctor continued to tell me that it was definitely a good sign and to be happy as much as possible.  It only assures that we are having a very healthy baby and pregnancy.

  

As you know, we were SUPPOSED to have an appointment on the 12.. But it ended up getting changed.  On Monday the 9th, I had just got done washing my hands.. to notice a black and blue spot where the ER in Seaside had drawn blood... called my OB and they got me into their office right away.   Baby McNabb was completely healthy and fine.  We had a 156bpm and I got to hear the heart beat for awhile.  Dr Te was very pleased to hear about my physical therapy and that I had only gained a pound!  Plus side of this appointment was Dr Te asked me if we had scheduled our 20 week appointment yet.. of course we hadn't UNTIL NOW!  July 18th we find out if we're having a BOY OR GIRL!!
Downside about going in that Monday, Billy wasn't there with me.. and we were supposed to have our mom's with us to hear the heart beat that day :(  I screwed EVERYONE out of hearing our little bundle and now they have to wait until our check up with Dr Te on July 9th.  Billy is going two months without hearing the heartbeat and our mom's still haven't go to experience the joy :(  Trying to talk Billy into letting me get a fetal doppler.. but not working! 
I wonder what is next....

 Swollen!

Mark from above

Billy's first Father's Day and last Father's Day without a rug rat was on Sunday.  Of course this gave me an excuse to buy baby clothes!  I ran to Fred Meyer that morning while Billy worked and got him two things for the baby.  Made sure I got a little boy and a little girl since we don't know the gender yet.

Little boys outfit

Little girls out fit

Father's Day was pretty low key and nice.  I was so happy to spend time with Billy and also be able to see our Dad's.

Billy even surprised me during the week with FINALLY buying baby McNabb something.  I was so excited to have it come in the mail.

Today's date: June 18, 2014

How far along: 16 weeks 3 days

16 weeks exactly

Today at work.. I once again got myself into a prepregnancy shirt somehow and feel comfortable enough to wear it.

Total weight gain: As of today, I am at 15 pounds.  I need to start weighing myself weekly instead of daily.  It moves around way too much to where weekly at the same time would be the better idea.  I just have an obsession with stepping onto the scale and seeing a number.. this even was happening prepregnancy.  Sick I know but I always paid attention to the number instead of what actually was happening to my body.
Maybe if I moved the scale into the guest bathroom that would help me.

Size and growth of the baby: Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces.
Baby's legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

Sex: Gender ultrasound is scheduled for July 18th!

Maternity clothes: All maternity pants definitely.  I can wear some regular shirts now but some are definitely maternity.  I go crazy if I feel like the shirt I am wearing is not long enough and that my belly is hanging out the bottom.

Sleep: I have been SUPER uncomfortable lately.  I am not supposed to lay on my back (except for when I am doing my stretching and strength training from my physical therapist. I feel like it is uncomfortable anyway at this point).  I used to be a stomach sleeper and have been trying to adapt to getting used to falling asleep on my sides.  I have surrounded myself in my pregnancy pillow and also about 5 other pillows trying to make it so I have support.  I know that if I don't get enough sleep (we're talking 10+ hours) I am a wreck.  I get the worse heart burn and just want to sleep!  Who ever said you get a boost of energy in the second trimester was crazy.. all I want to do is sleep!!

Best moment(s) of the week: Getting to schedule the gender ultrasound.

Movement: IT IS THERE!  I feel like popcorn is going off in my belly.  Not all the time but have felt some movement.  I could really feel the baby moving last night after having some mint chocolate chip ice cream :D

Food cravings/aversions: Orange juice and breaded chicken.  I made some last night and it has never taste so good.  I am still having some trouble with vegetables but will get there.  Going to attempt to start eating them some more instead of just fruits.

Morning sickness: Feeling pretty good.  Mostly just heart burn now.

Symptoms: Still super tired (where is that 2nd trimester energy burst??), terrible head aches are beginning.

Labor signs: Way too soon.

Belly button in or out: In.

What I miss: My energy!!  When will I feel "normal" again??

What I'm looking forward to: Gender appointment on the 18th of July!!!!  Means we can go register at the given places we have decided on and put together the nursery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

15 weeks.. Happy baby

15 weeks!  

I feel as if every week is a milestone for us to hit and I get more excited then the week before.  We are that much closer to 20 weeks, which is half way through the pregnancy!  I have finally hit a point where I am feeling GREAT!  I haven't been sick in over a week and finally am gaining energy!

I've been experiencing SCIATICA symptoms since week 9- some days where I can't even get up because the pain has been so bad.  At my last appointment, my OB gave us a referral to a physical therapist.  Well, since things were feeling pretty bad all over after our vacation- I finally made an appointment.

I could not be happier with my PT appointment.  I see why my OB recommends him and why he specializes in pregnancy physical therapy.  The lady before me was SUPER pregnant and the lady after me was probably about 20 weeks- though we looked the same size.  He helped get my pelvic bones back in align me and gave me ONE stretch to concentrate on for the moment.

HAPPY BABY.

I am to do a set of three on each leg- morning and night.  After the evening sets on each leg, we ice for 10 minutes while I lay on my left side.  

This week has been emotionally rough on me.  I have been going from straight happy and laughing to crying hysterically in 2 seconds.  Most of this because I am feeling HUGE and getting down on myself.  I know last week I didn't walk as much as I should have and definitely wasn't as active as I could have been.  I think that all ties into it. 

 I also know that I am in the second trimester and rates of anything happening go WAY WAY down. Most of the time, I don't worry.  We have seen a healthy baby, my doctor says everything is great, and I am able to just enjoy being pregnant.  Every once in awhile, though, all of the "what if's" that can go wrong creep into my mind.  It is so easy to dwell on those things that could possibly go wrong or harm my baby.

We have an appointment on Thursday morning at 9am... which will always help :D

Anyways. 

15 weeks!

HI baby McNabb bump.

I have been really rubbing my belly lately and talking to baby McNabb.  Billy and I have both hit that point where we will constantly have our hands on my belly, telling baby that we can't wait to meet baby McNabb.  I love looking down and telling baby McNabb how much I love baby and what a blessing it is to be pregnant.

7 weeks - bloated  and sick                                          vs                                           15 weeks

Feeling HUGE and I know this is only the beginning.

Today's date: June 9, 2014

How far along: 15 weeks 1 day

Total weight gain: Since my last appointment, lost 1 pound so we are at a total weight gain of 10 pounds.  I know my OB was very clear that to not gain 6 pounds every time I see her.  During the second trimester, the average weight gain is 1 pound a week so we will see!  I have been able to eat healthier now then I was during my first trimester.  Mostly fruits, veggies and protein.

Size and growth of the baby: Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces. She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs.  

Sex: Hoping this Thursday but if not we are going to schedule an appointment for next week to find out.  I'll have to update later this week with our fun old wives tales and what they say baby McNabb will be :D I can't wait to find out!!!

Maternity clothes: All maternity pants and my belly band.  This has done wonders.  I am still able to wear some normal shirts but have to wear a long tank top underneath.  This may not last much longer.

Sleep: Like a baby.  I have been sleeping through the night, only having to wake 2 to 3 times to go to the bathroom.  When I used to get up, I would get really sick but now have been going straight back to sleep.  I am sure Billy is very happy and glad we're both getting a great amount of sleep.  It has been great!!  10+ hours every night.

Best moment(s) of the week: Feeling so many flutters in my belly!!!  AHHH.  Plus feeling GREAT finally after an awful first trimester.  Though they say this is good news. Getting a pedicure and manicure with my mom was really nice too.  

Movement: Here and there but can't see anything yet.  Definitely flutters though! :D :D :D

Food cravings/aversions: No aversions!  YAY.  Food has been going great.  Craving PEACHES oh my gosh they are so good right now from Fred Meyer.  And my water intake has been GREAT!

Morning sickness: NONE.  FINALLY!!!!! Had a little heart burn but don't need to eat tums anymore.  A glass of 1% milk has been helping a lot and it's mostly in the morning when I am eating breakfast.  Other then that, great. 100% great.

Symptoms: Expanding belly which is causing round ligament pains, sciatica and always having to go the bathroom.

Labor signs: Way too soon.

Belly button in or out: In.

What I miss: Was putting away the laundry yesterday and being able to wear my old clothes.. 

What I'm looking forward to: Finding out the gender. Moving the stuff out of the spare bedroom and setting up an area in the master bedroom for Billy still to have a gaming area.  And putting together the crib.. painting and refinishing the dresser.. selecting colors! 

From Babies R Us 

14 week dance party!

What a pleasant surprise over our vacation!! I called my DR on Friday, forgetting that they were not in then :(  I know cramping CAN be normal... but it can also NOT be normal.  I also knew that I had done A LOT on my vacation.. but I was so afraid something was wrong.  I have been listening to those around me but also taking it with a grain of salt because EVERYONE is different!  Got to the ER on Friday afternoon.. checked for a UTI and did blood work.. then they did an ULTRASOUND to make sure baby was ok!  .. Fastest ER visit- guess being pregnant has its perks!

 A thumb sucking baby!!  The baby was wiggling around like crazy.  It was so surreal, because I can't feel it at all, but it is an active little bugger!!  I can't wait until I can feel it's little kicks. We are seeing my stomach pulse now which is fun to watch.. even though its just the extra blood flow to the baby.

Another view of baby McNabb.. and it's cute little nose :D

Hand going towards the mouth again!

Baby McNabb Arm shot- since our little one enjoyed flexing for the camera.

The baby had a nice strong heart rate of 156.6!  Not sure what the old wives tales would say about that one since it has now dropped.  Placenta is on the left of baby.  Think that means.. Boy? But we will find out soon enough if the babe is a "he" or "she".  The ultrasound tech continuously tried but we couldn't get the baby to spread it's legs.

So, the cause of the cramping?  In my doctors words, my uterus is just bitching and moaning (yes, his words) because it is doing something it has never done before.  We are experience round ligament pain..   My body seems to like to complain about change.  But - at least I can know that it is nothing to worry about... just growing pains, and I can expect that this is only the beginning of my physical discomfort!  We ordered me a belly band that should help keep the belly in place a bit and help with the discomfort I am experiencing.  We are measuring ahead so I was told not to be surprised if my due date changes.. We were 13 weeks and 5 days in the ER.. measuring at 14 weeks and 6 days.  November 25, 2014 Due Date possibly :D

Oh the joys of motherhood.   

On other exciting news- my brother in law and girlfriend (we'll call her sister in law :D ) finally announced to everyone they are expecting!  YAY!  I am so excited to finally be able to talk about it and share with everyone how excited I am to share this experience with her!  It will also be great of our babies to be a month and a half in age!  They are due in January :D

Anyway... we made it through another week successfully. :-)    We had a great vacation in Oregon and some real nice bonding time :)  

My favorite photo from the entire vacation- the baby bump and me talking to baby McNabb

B was so nice at taking photos of his family :)

Hi baby McNabb

Our first family of three photo while on vacation!  Pacific City, OR

Billy surprised me at the store with this sweet picture frame for Baby McNabb and me.  It was so sweet that he found this for me.

And here we go!  Touching base!

Today's date: June 2, 2014

How far along: 14 weeks + 1 day

14 weeks + 1 day

Total weight gain: Dropped actually. 10 lbs in total

Size and growth of the baby: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.)

Sex: Not yet!  We tried to find out when we were in the ER.

Maternity clothes: yup and LOVING it!

Sleep: Unless I am exhausted I sleep real well.  I had a BAD night on Saturday with throwing up again.. and then felt awful yesterday.  I think it was just being exhausted from vacation.

Best moment(s) of the week: Discussing baby McNabb's girl name.  We had liked the name Ava but it is on the top 10 baby names.. and we DIDNT want her to have 10 other Ava's in her class.. so name has changed :D And we decided on her middle name on vacation with watching the sunset :D

Movement: I have been feeling little *tap tap* feelings.. but not sure if it is gas or what since we are measuring a week + 1 day ahead.

Food cravings/aversions: Avocados.. still are GROSS!  Ugh I miss them though but they just gross me out!    Current craving.. Cantalope.  It is so so so good!

Morning sickness: Feeling good with exception of Friday (not morning sickness) and yesterday with puking all morning.

Symptoms: Fatigue, headaches, belly pains, expanding belly.

Labor signs: Way too soon.

Belly button in or out: In.

What I miss: Feeling somewhat NORMAL

What I'm looking forward to: Our next appointment on the 12th! Our mom's are joining us to hear the heart beat and possibly an ultra sound.  AND my brother and sister in laws first appointment on the 10th!  For me to actually ENJOY being pregnant- which has only been like 5 days I feel like.

13 weeks!

We've hit the BIG milestone! I am officially in 2nd trimester!!  Woo hoo!!  This was the slowest, yet FASTEST 12 weeks ever and I am so glad to have them OVER with.  I feel SO relieved to be here.  I feel like I am able to relax and enjoy this stage of pregnancy.  My nausea has not made an appearance since sometime in week 11.. which this momma could not be happier about!

All of week 12- I walked 3 miles a day.  Feeling pretty good that I was able to do that.  Even one day I walk/jogged 3.5 miles and had the most amazing feeling.  

Feeling GOOD after my run/walk. 

My route for my walks EVERY night. 

It has been really nice because my parents, brother and T-Dog have joined me every night so I have company.  Starting next week, Billy's schedule changes to 9-6 so he will be with us!

I have realized that if I do not get enough sleep every night, I wake up feeling like I am going to die of exhaustion.  That being said, I am sleeping 10+ hours a night.

Since FINALLY being released to work out- I have noticed the following: 

I miss running

I miss running outside

I miss 5:30AM strength training and spin classes.

I miss getting up and working out with Billy.

I have came to the conclusion that I can't get up at 4:45 to go work out in the AM.

I need to start lifting weights again.  I have found workouts on youtube of women lifting while pregnant.  Since I got the OK from my OB to lift no more then 25 lbs.. this is a must.  I want to try to keep ANY muscle definition left.

We had our Nuchal Translucency Screen at 11 weeks, 4 days.  We were measuring at 12 weeks 3 days in most of the photos that they have moved our due date already.. I know that everything is an "estimate" but they are now figuring November 25, 2014.

Waving hi to mom and dad :)

We got a good half an hour just looking at our baby.  We both couldn't believe how much our little one moved around already!  It was such a cool experience.  The tech did a real good job at really pinpointing the heart, legs, and hands from us.  Heart beat was 163bpm.  We are still waiting on the blood work but we're told from the ultrasound that everything looks great.  

This are really setting in mentally for me.  We are leaving on vacation this week and after we get back, I know it will be time to buckle down.  There are things we want to accomplish before the baby comes.  

-Organizing the storage and making a shelving unit in there.

-Hang the number of bikes we have.

-Savings account where it should be for our baby fund.

-Sell the Corolla.. Anyone looking for a starter car?  '97 Corolla with 154k miles. New tires. $2500 OBO

-Find a dresser for the baby's room and refinish it.

-Does someone know how to quilt?

Anyway... 13 week update!!
Today's date: Sunday, May 25th, 2014

How far along: 13 weeks (2nd TRIMESTER!!)

Total weight gain: 11 in total still

Size and growth of the baby: The size of a peach, about 2.9" and about .81oz.  Baby is approaching normal proportions, with a head now only one third the size of the body. 

Sex: Not yet!  I have an appointment scheduled for June 12th- in which we will probably be scheduling our gender ultra sound!!

Maternity clothes:  Jeans are definitely a must.  They are so comfortable.  I have got two pairs now of regular length jeans and a pair of capri length.  I can still fit into my regular jeans but they are just so uncomfortable to button that I'd rather just wear the maternity ones.  Plus you can't tell!  My mom took me shopping and we were able to get me some shirts to wear to work ALL on sale!  My biggest struggle is feeling like my belly is going to fall out the bottom of my shirts so I am very causious when I pick what to wear.  Mostly maternity shirts now.

Yay for maternity work pants (thanks to my husband) and shirts (thanks mom!)

Sleep: Sleeping good... some crazy dreams happening lately.  Getting up to pee more often.

Best moment(s) of the week: Having the nausea subside and feeling good!  I went on a hike on Friday with my mother in law and husband which felt great.  Being able to be more active has been a blessing.  Deciding what colors the nursery would be if we have a boy or girl.. both on the same page of colors! :)

Movement: Too soon to feel, though it's happening. :)  I hope I can feel it in about a month or so.

Food cravings/aversions: MUCH MUCH better.  I feel like I am having more cravings than aversions in this stage.  So.. TACOS and sweets!

Morning sickness: Feeling pretty good these days!

Symptoms: Fatigue, headaches are starting, expanding belly.

Labor signs: Way too soon.

Belly button in or out: In.

What I miss: My ability to work out like I used to..

What I'm looking forward to: Feeling the baby move... results from our Nuchal Translucency Screen.. VACATION!

What's going on this week:

Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, their veins and organs are clearly visible through their still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with their head — which makes up just a third of their body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries.  Your fetus is forming teeth and vocal cords...savor this, their nonfunctional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with his head now only one third the size of his body. And intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy -- much more convenient.

200

200.

200!!!  That is how many days are left until this little bean is due!  It seems like a long time when you think of it that way.  But I am OVER one quarter of the way through with this pregnancy deal.  When I think of it in that perspective, holy cow, time is flying!!  I am no longer having to take Progesterone, which of course worried me a bit.. always just a thought of course but my levels are great now.  Since week 6, I have been on 200mg per day and was told to ease back on working out.  Then again, I had been super sick!

BUT NOW THINGS ARE GOING GREAT!!!!  

I could jump up and down and have my own dance party! :)

  I am now 11.5 weeks and feeling better every day.  The nausea comes in spurts but is not all day every day by any means.  I am officially wearing maternity clothes.  We went last week and bought me a bunch at Old Navy.  Billy insisted after a terrible morning of me walking up and down the hall way freaking out because I couldn't wear a thing.  Thank God for him and EVERYTHING he is doing for me.  I couldn't ask for a better support system through these last 6 weeks then what I have received.

What I got:

3 pairs of shorts- two jean style and a gray comfortable pair.

2 pairs of jeans

4 shirts.. mostly striped which I have came to terms makes me look more pregnant then normal!

2 dresses which weren't maternity but they work.. and I love them!

We had our monthly appointment today. 

The times between each appointment are so LONG I feel like.  But a lot of good came out of this appointment.  I have been referred for physical therapy for my sciatica to help ease the issues.  The sooner I get in, the better.  I have been doing yoga but it will be nice to get some more ideas to help.   We had the pleasure of hearing the baby's STRONG  heart beat- 167bpm.  My sweet OB did inform me that yes I am showing a lot of 11 weeks 4 days but I also gained 6lbs since I last saw her.  WHOOPS.  She is not worried about that though because of how bad my nausea has been.  She was happy to hear it is subsiding and I am beginning to want to eat foods other then Raisin Bran or Cheerios.  I was given the OK to work out how I want to- just no contact sports.  This made me so thrilled!!! 
 We were also given a take home care package which also has all the information for Overlake Hospital and classes.

Recap of this week:

Pre Mothers Day:  I finally got out on a hike and it felt so good.  Over the weekend I accomplished working out each day.. it is so nice that my energy level is starting to increase and the nausea is going down!

Billy and I at the first bridge of Twin Falls

Hi Baby McNabb :)

Mother's Day:  

Was so wonderful.  I was blessed with flowers from my parents and my in laws.. plus these cute baby socks :)

Roses from my parents

The cute socks from my in laws and my flowers 

Billy gave me the sweet gift for Mother's Day.  A picture frame with our first ultra sound of baby McNabb!

My birthday:

Billy was the best.  He made me breakfast.. mm French toast.  Surprised me by getting off early to walk and cook dinner for me.  PLUS my mom joined us for the walk, which was the best gift :)

mmmmmmm

Today's date: May 15, 2014

 How far along: 11 weeks 4 days 

Total weight gain: 11 pounds since my pre pregnancy weight.  Now that I am going to be working out and eating healthier food- I am sure this won't be increasing as much :)

 Size and growth of the baby: Your baby, just about 2"  long and about the size of a fig (or a lime!), is now almost fully formed. Baby's hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under the gums, and some of the bones are beginning to harden.
Sex: Too soon... but just wanting a healthy baby :) 

Maternity clothes: Definitely pants.

Sleep: Finally getting sleep.  Only been waking up with MASSIVE heart burn that is causing some nausea at about 4:30 or 5.  Was given a prescription today to take before I go to bed that should help this.  

Best moment(s) of the week: Hearing the heart beat this morning by doppler!  There is no better feeling than hearing our baby's heart beat.

Movement: Too soon to feel, though it's happening. :) 

Food cravings/aversions: 2% MILK! mmmmmm and Fruit.  Any fruit.  It taste so good!  Especially apples with peanut butter.  It is bomb.com

Morning sickness: Seems to be going away!!!!!

Symptoms: Fatigue and a bit of constipation.. Heart burn is killer! but my finger nails are to die for!  They have NEVER been this strong!

Labor signs: Way too soon.

Belly button in or out: In...

What I miss: Feeling like I was in shape.. working out like I was so I am glad I got the ok.. and a COLD BEER ON A WARM DAY.  It has been SO SO SO nice out this week.. and work has been quiet stressful.. so not being able to enjoy a Corona on the back deck with my husband has sucked.

What I'm looking forward to: Getting out of 1st trimester (10 days to go)!!  Nuchal translucency screen tomorrow and we get to see the baby... and the OREGON COAST AT THE END OF THE MONTH!

This was definitely me babbling on and on...