Holy Baby Bump! 17 weeks 4 days

I woke up a few days ago and it looked like the stork had delivered my belly overnight! It was quite shocking and a happy arrival. I'm sure there was some bloat involved but wow. I haven't been able to button my jeans all week! Thank goodness for the Bella Band. I think I will actually have to get some maternity jeans next week though. Elastic banded pants, here I come...

I have been eating like a champ this week. A couple times I've over done it and felt sick at night or the next morning but other than that I'm really just happy to be eating regularly. Jimmy gets really excited when it's meal time because he's sure I'm going to start pigging out any day now and he can't wait to see that. Why? I have no idea. Because he's sick and he desperately wants to go to Golden Corral to see me tear it up.

I really wish we had some names picked out!!! We decided a while back that we would wait to have a serious discussion about names once we know if it's a boy or a girl, that way we only have to make one list. Makes sense, right? I agree, but lately I've really wanted to know what we're going to call the little gal or little guy. I have several girl names that I think are really cute, but maybe only one boy name I kind of like. Of course Jimmy hates every name a throw out. That is so frustrating. Naming this kid will be no easy task.

We find out if it's a boy or girl in three weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are so stoked. I'm taking the day off and we're going to register after we leave the doctor's office. I really would like to have a name shortly after we find out the gender. I think once we know the gender and have a name then it will be so much more real. And we can call the baby by his or her name instead of saying "it". I just can't wait. Knowing us I'll be in labor before we decide on a name.

• How far along?: 17 weeks
• Weight gain: -6 pounds
• Maternity clothes: Bella Band with all my jeans and some of my work pants. I'm having to wear longer shirts to cover the Band too.
  
• Sleep: Not bad. I have a hard time sleeping in but other than a little tossing and turning I get pretty good sleep.
  
• Stretch marks: Nope - I'm using Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Balm every chance I get.
  
• Movement: I think I might have felt a little something a couple days ago - but it could have been gas, I really don't know. But I am paying very close attention just in case!
  
• Gender: I still really think it's a girl.
  
• Best moment of this week: This week has been a little crazy - Grandma Z. had heart surgery on Monday and the entire family has been here all week. I don't remember the last time we all hung out this much so that has been really nice. I got to spend some good time chatting with my Grandma before she went into surgery and I really enjoyed that. And now it's Christmas eve, I'm snuggled up with the dogs and we're supposed to get snow later today, so all in all it's been a good week!
  
• Food cravings: Chinese food. Panda Express just opened up around the corner - they don't even know what's about to happen to their supply of egg rolls and fried rice...
  
• Belly button in or out: In
• What I miss most: My energy. I've felt really bummed that I don't go out much anymore, but then when I do go out I'm not into it - like I really don't care where I am or what I do. I just feel very blah all the time. I need to perk up!
  
• What I'm looking forward to: 20 week ultrasound!
• Weekly wisdom: Always carry a snack - you never know when hunger will strike!
  
• Milestones: The belly is here! The baby is about 5 inches long, weighs about 5 oz and is the size of a sweet potato.
  

Are you gonna eat that?...
Ash

Where has the time gone? 16 weeks 2 days

So it looks like I haven't been on here in almost three weeks. Guess I've been busy? To be honest I can't remember what I did yesterday, let alone three weeks ago. Will, Amy, Ryan Paul and Kate were here last week so we got the opportunity to experience what it's like having a newborn in the house. Kate is a really good baby - she does the usual sleeping, crying, eating thing every couple hours. Other than that she just kind of hangs out and poops. Ah, the life of a baby.

I've been feeling... "better" lately. I say "better" because I still can't eat much and even when I watch how much I eat I generally still feel crappy afterward. But I haven't thrown up in four weeks and I think I may have gained a pound. That makes me -9 pounds so far. I've been chugging water lately and am really making an effort to eat healthier now that I can actually eat. Bring on the baby weight - in the belly only, please.

The belly is slowly but surely popping out! When I woke up the day after Thanksgiving I felt huge! Could have been a result of all the tasty turkey day food, but I'm gonna say it was all baby. My favorite thing to do every morning is to give the belly a little rub and see how much it has grown from the day before. Jimmy likes to touch the belly as often as I will let him (I still feel flabby a lot of the time) and gets really excited when it feels especially firm. Some of my jeans are starting to get a little snug, but thanks to my Bella Band I haven't had to buy any maternity pants yet. I can't wait until I have an actual bump so I can wear clothes that fit me and I don't just look chubby anymore.

I stole this questionnaire from some other pregnant gal's blog. Thought it would be fun to fill it out every week.

• How far along?: 16 weeks
• Weight gain: -9 pounds
• Maternity clothes: Bella Band occasionally
  
• Sleep: Not as peaceful as it once was. I wake up several times a night, whether it's to get up to go to the bathroom or just turn over A LOT. And I wake up about 30-45 minutes before my alarm goes off every morning. I hate that.
  
• Stretch marks: No
• Movement: No :( But paying close attention for those little "flutters" everyone talks about.
  
• Gender: I really think it's a girl. Really.
  
• Best moment of this week: Hopefully tomorrow at the doctor when I get to hear the baby's heartbeat.
  
• Food cravings: Bacon, carbs or whatever doesn't sound gross.
  
• Belly button in or out: In
• What I miss most: Being able to eat whatever leftovers are in the fridge or whatever is handy. Now if I eat something once I never want it ever again.
  
• What I'm looking forward to: 20 week ultrasound!
• Weekly wisdom: Don't let the hormones get the best of you.
  
• Milestones: The baby has ears!

It's official! 13 weeks 6 days.

Thanksgiving was a couple days ago, and since all the families were together we took that opportunity to share the good news. And it was so great. It felt really good to tell everyone and see how surprised they were. My Grandma made a toast to us at her birthday party and announced it to everyone, which was really nice. She did a great job. The next day I announced on Facebook, which sounds totally lame but that actually felt pretty good also. No more secrets! Now if only the belly would pop out so I will actually look preggo...

I can actually feel some firmness in my lower abdomen now and some of my jeans are a little snug around the belly. I got this amazing stretchy/spandexy thing called a Bella Band that you put on over your unbuttoned jeans to get more usage out of your pre-pregnancy clothes. I tried it for the first time on Wednesday and let me tell you I have never felt so comfortable in my life! Oh man, it was glorious! I can't wait to get into maternity pants now - elastic waistbands, here I come!

We ordered our first big baby item online early Friday morning (Black Friday sale at BRU)! We will have our amazingly comfortable glider rocker in about a week, I can't wait!

The nausea is letting up a bit. I just have to watch myself and not eat too much and then I'm fine. It's only a matter of time before I start noshing all day long. I can't wait for that either. Still no weight gain but that will come with the noshing!

Nap time!
Ash

Silly wabbit.

I just read my old posts from week 7 and cracked up - I actually thought the nausea was fading five weeks ago! hahaha.... you wish, 7 week self!

Okay, that's all I have for now. Carry on.

It's alliiiiiiive!!! 12 weeks 2 days.

I had my 12 week appointment today! We got to hear the heartbeat via the doppler device, and let me tell you hearing the heartbeat never gets old. It took the doctor a couple minutes to locate the the baby but eventually there it was in my lower right abdomen. She said the heartbeat sounded strong and perfect, and of course we agreed. I could sit and listen to that woosh-woosh-woosh sound all day long. It's so comforting.

Since I haven't had any complications I've felt pretty confident since the 8 week ultrasound, but still cautious enough that I'm not spreading the good news to just anyone yet. I have to admit I went into this appointment today with a little trepidation after reading about ladies who have had missed miscarriages around this point in pregnancy. It's one thing to see blood and know what has happened, but to find out weeks later that the baby stopped growing but you never knew it has to somehow be more devastating. I was so worried we wouldn't hear the heartbeat and then the worrying would continue from there... Well I just have to stop worrying. I know it doesn't do any good - it's not going to stop anything bad from happening nor will it create only good things. I just need to be positive and think happy thoughts because a) I don't need anymore wrinkles, and 2) I want to enjoy being pregnant! I'm in the "safe zone" now so it's time to get that happy pregnant lady glow! Second trimester starts in 8 days... I cannot wait.

The nausea is getting a little better. I had a lot of energy and a good appetite yesterday, so why wouldn't I eat a two-piece and a biscuit (and mashed potatoes and some macaroni and cheese) for dinner? I totally noshed on my delicious home cookin' dinner and then proceeded to lose it all about 30 minutes later. It is so hard to slow down when you're starving and haven't eaten more than about 600 calories a day in the last 8 weeks. It feels so good to eat while I'm eating, but a few minutes later it's a whole other story. I know my limit, I just need to stick to it. I just ate a burger (and fries) and I'm really hoping I won't be revisiting that meal any time soon.

I still have to wait 9 days to tell my extended family! I have a strong desire to say something on Facebook right now. Not really sure why because I hate when people make dumb status updates like people really care what you're up to every minute of the day. I'm not assuming everyone on Facebook cares that I'm pregnant, but I think it will feel good to finally "out" myself and not hide my pregnancy anymore. I think I'll post it next week, the day after Thanksgiving when my whole family knows.

I really need to make some friends who have babies. Friends who understand this whole thing. My friends are very understanding but I know I'll need the support of fellow mothers pretty soon. I can already tell this little butter bean is going to drastically change my social life. I didn't have a wild and crazy night life to begin with, but I'm feeling pretty isolated at this point. I don't know if people think I just want to stay home all the time now or what but let's just say the phone has been quiet... hey, I don't have a baby yet! I need to get out and about before I'm waddling and my feet are too swollen to wear real shoes. I'm sure some of the isolation is in my head, but not all of it is. And some nights I do just want to stay home and relax. But I'm getting really sick of looking at the inside of my house. Something has to change or I'm going to lose it.

But right now all I feel is happy. I'm so glad the little butter bean is doing well and I have nothing to worry about. All is good.

Cheers,
Mama Bear

Lay off me I'm starving! 11 weeks 5 days.

Yesterday something strange happened - I was hungry. Like all day. I had to keep munching to keep the hunger pangs at bay. I thought I had turned a corner but today I didn't feel so great. I felt kind of full, dull stomach pains all day and yet still felt extremely hungry a few times out of nowhere. The nausea has gotten a little better from 5 weeks ago when I was so miserable I swore this would be our one and only child.

The big 12 week mark is coming up on Sunday! I have an appointment on Tuesday which I'm a little nervous about. I don't get another ultrasound until about week 20, so until then I guess they will be using a doppler to find the heartbeat. I've heard that it's sometimes hard to find the heartbeat this early with a doppler. Maybe the little butter bean will have a really strong, LOUD heartbeat and it will be no problem! I sure hope so, because I don't want to worry for the next four to eight weeks. Here comes Debbie Downer again...

I was almost outed on Facebook today. It was a total accident, and very subtle, and the comment was promptly deleted. Only one person found out as a result, and it was my Aunt Beth so I had no problem with that. And I swore her to secrecy. I want to tell as many people as possible in person and luckily I get to tell the whole family in two weeks! I can't wait!

Keeping it safe while keeping it real,
Smash

This fetus is kicking my ass. 11 weeks 1 day.

The baby is now the size of a key lime but it's doing the damage of a monster truck. I started to think last week that the "morning" sickness was subsiding, but oh - wait - not so fast there, mama bear. I can't wait for the day when I have more to write about than feeling queasy. What the heck, I'll give it a whirl!

...I bought a baby book last weekend. I filled in all the areas I could, glued in some pictures, and examined my work about 18 times.

...The pregnancy hormones are officially in full swing. I've had a few moments of rage, which strangely are quite therapeutic. Being direct and bitchy is fun sometimes, and can come in handy! For instance, when you are trying to turn left onto one of the busiest streets in Tulsa and the person behind you honks, you can give them the bird with no remorse. You can also hand out choice words to unruly football fans when they are trashing your team. Again, with no remorse. Pregnancy is quite liberating! On the flip side of that, poor Jimmy gets the wrong end of the rage every now and then too. Sorry shmoops.

...Not only do the hormones sometimes make me crazy, they often make me emotional. Even a particularly touching life lesson on "The Simpsons" can make me tear up.

...I'm down 10 pounds now. I've never lost 10 pounds in my life. Who knew that to lose weight all you have to do is stop eating? Quite a concept. Of course I'm not particularly excited to be losing weight at this point when I should be gaining. I know a lot of pregnant women lose weight in the first trimester, I guess this is normal. My concern is that I'm not getting all the nutrients the baby needs. I can't really eat vegetables, I haven't had more than 50 ounces of water in a day over the last six weeks (usually it's more like 20-30 ounces), and I sometimes have to skip my prenatal vitamin (it makes me barf). The food I eat isn't always the healthiest either. I eat a lot of carbs and other bland items. I'm definitely not getting enough fiber or leafy greens. The word on the street is that the "morning" sickness ends with the first trimester; if that's the case then I'm home free in two weeks! I cannot WAIT until food sounds good again and I'm chugging gallons of water every day.

...My Grandma's 75th birthday is the day before Thanksgiving so we're throwing her a giant surprise party Thanksgiving evening. I'm really excited about it because a) Grandma is awesome and deserves a kick-ass party, and b) I'm going to tell the family the good news that night! I don't want to steal Grandma's thunder but it's the perfect time to spread the news, when everyone will be together for the holidays.

Hey look, I did it! So there are other things going on besides feeling like crap.

TTFN, ta ta for now!
Ashers

WTF. 9 weeks 4 days.

I threw up in a parking lot last Sunday. It was awful. I would like to offer my formal apology to the owners and patrons of Tally's Good Food Cafe for the disgusting show I put on as I hung my head out the car door. Thank god it was 4:00 and no one was around (that I saw at least). I really wanted to do something to clean it up but all I could do was pour out the remainder of a bottle of Aquafina in an attempt to wash the evidence away. Needless to say the rest of my Sunday was spent on the couch watching some old movies with Jimmy. Did I tell you how much I love Netflix? So many great movies right at your fingertips. Who needs Blockbuster? Apparently no one since they're going bankrupt. But I digress...

Other than the barfing on Sunday I've been able to eat semi-decent amounts of food, probably a third to a half of what I used to eat, sometimes less. I went to Oktoberfest last Saturday and didn't get to enjoy any beer of course but I did sample some tasty bratwurst and kraut. Mazzio's pizza is my fave lately. Most things I eat once I never want to eat or smell again. Isn't that weird? BUT if I don't think about it and just go for it and start eating something usually I can make some good progress. It's the most annoying thing ever. I really hope I'm one of the lucky ones whose nausea ends with the first trimester. That would mean only have 3 more weeks of this crap!

Here's a breakdown of what I can and cannot enjoy these days. I miss food and eating and coffee so much. :(

Things I Cannot Eat/Drink:
chicken
ranch Style Beans
vegetables
beef
really cheesy food
coffee
non-bottled water
prenatal vitamins (don't worry I take them. I just don't like it.)

Okay I can't finish this list, it is making me feel like I might barf. Seriously.

Things I Can Eat/Drink:
pizza
pickles
fruit
soda
Aquafina
oatmeal
lemonade

It's a short list but it works.

Smells I Can't Stand:
fabric softener
laundry detergent
cleaning supplies
meatloaf
pan-cooked or Forman-grilled chicken
really savory smells
cologne/perfume
my vitamins
the dogs
my house
pretty much everything

I cannot wait for week 13..........................

Sad face, :(
ash

First Profile Shot. 8 weeks 5 days

Here I am! Of course there's nothing to show yet but this will serve as my starting point and it will be fun to see the belly grow from here...

I'm going to Oktoberfest today to NOT drink delicious beers. Hopefully the nausea will take a break and I can enjoy some knackwurst and kartoffelpouffen.

Here's hoping!
Ash

First Ultrasound! 8 weeks 3 days

I had my first 'real' Dr. appointment on Monday, October 19. Jimmy came along and they did my first ultrasound, which was soooo awesome. We actually got to see the little butter bean and hear the heartbeat in surround sound! The baby looked pretty much like a blob, but wow that heartbeat was so crazy! It was a super strong 169 bpm. The tech said everything looked perfect so that was good news. She also said I was measuring 8 weeks and 1 day, which gave me a two day jump! It's only two days but I will gladly take them.

Jimmy got to meet Dr. Ribaudo, who was very excited for us and very helpful and informative as usual. I really like my doctor. I got really lucky considering I didn't do much research or interview any other doctors before I decided on her. She prescribed me a generic of Zofran, which is given to people with severe nausea. I don't feel like mine is too 'severe' really, but it does pretty much ruin any time I spend awake so I figured I would try the medicine. And boy am I glad I did. I took one as soon as I could on Monday and I felt AMAZING the whole rest of the day! I'm pretty sure I even ate dinner that night. Then yesterday I had three whole meals - smaller of course than what I would have normally eaten, but three meals nonetheless. Today I didn't take any Zofran until around 6:00pm and I had a pretty good, nausea-free day. It looks like things are turning around! And I'm so glad, because there is nothing more frustrating than feeling sick and hungry all the time and being able to do nothing about it. I lost seven pounds these last three weeks but it looks like I may be putting it all back on soon (maybe in boob weight alone - yikes!).

I'll have ultrasound pictures up soon, as soon as Jimmy remembers to scan them.

With a pep in my step,
Ashley

Don't want to speak too soon buuut.... 7 weeks 3 days

...maybe this nausea thing is fading! Last night I actually ate in a restaurant, which has been one of my fears lately. All kinds of food smells make me sick these days so I wasn't so sure I could sit in a restaurant for long. Well, it went fine and I even ate real food! I had some fried rice (ate around the chicken) and didn't feel too bad until this morning. Success! Tonight I managed to make chili and enjoy some of it with the Fritos Scoops that Jimmy was so kind to pick up for me. Now I have to choke down my prenatal vitamin, which could ruin this whole thing.

First real doctor appointment is Monday! Should be hearing a little heartbeat if all goes well. Can't wait!

Hooray!
Ash

I'm such a wimp. 6 weeks 5 days

I've had this "morning" sickness crap for 10 days now and I'm already at my wit's end. It's not that I just feel a little queasy here and there, it also makes me moody and pissed off and hungry for I never know what exactly and totally cuts into my daily routine. I have been doing almost nothing besides going to work and then sitting on the couch for the last two weeks. Today I thought maybe I'll go out tonight, that will be a good change of pace. I'll get to see my friends and get out of the house and - oh no - wait. You have to be miserable all night, remember? You silly girl, who said you could have a life? I'm sure this sounds dramatic but I'm used to going out and about as I please. Not that I'm terribly adventurous but at least before I could go out to dinner with people, go out for a drink, go to the gym, shop, hell - whatever I felt like! Now I don't even feel like I have the will or the energy to go to Wal*Mart, and the Wal*Mart is literally in my neighborhood. My poor husband. He has to deal with me being depressed and not ever knowing what I feel like eating and being whiny and sad all the time. He's such a trooper.

Earlier today, before I felt like crap, Jimmy and I had a lovely afternoon together. I got us breakfast from Meritt's, we watched the OSU game at Leon's, then we went to Babies 'R' Us to get an idea of what this kid is going to cost us. It was shocking, to say the least, when we added up the tab; but it was also nice to get out of the house and talk about what colors we like for the room, what kind of stroller we want.... It was really funny to watch Jimmy walk through the store in amazement at all the stuff we will have to buy. I thought I knew more about what babies need than I do apparently. Thank goodness they had a handy checklist to really freak us out. According to the BRU people, we will need no less than four strollers, three swings, and roughly 97 bibs. I mean really.

Okay I'm going to bed so I can sleep off this nausea. Here's hoping tomorrow at Shalomfest will be more enjoyable!

Totally bitter,
Ashers

Not for the faint of heart. 6 weeks 4 days

I finally barfed. I actually had two meals and a snack yesterday. I sure was feeling like a champ. I took my prenatal vitamins before I went to bed and then it was all down hill. Not 10 minutes later I was praying to the porcelain god. Let me tell you, there is nothing worse than throwing up pills that contain fish oil. Oh, the horror.

I'm still feeling yucky all the time and not eating or drinking very much. I haven't had coffee in a week! But at least I only have the one job now so I have lots of time to relax in the evening. I don't know that I've ever had this much free time. In the past 10 years I've either had work and school or two jobs simultaneously. I find it very strange that I get to come home at 5:00 every day and do whatever I want. Strangely, I'm not quite sure what to do with myself most of the time. I thought once I had all this free time I would have lots of hobbies and fun things to do. Um, yeah, about that. I need a hobby. Any suggestions? I'm going to start creating my robot costume for Halloween soon so that will take up some time. Other than that I'm just chillin!

Amy and Will's baby is due tomorrow! I talked to Amy today and she is having some mild contractions but nothing to get too excited about. I should have a niece or nephew in the next few days!

Bored and barfy,
Smash

Blargh. 6 weeks

It started Thursday. I was doing fine except for a little back pain in week five, so I thought maybe I would be the lucky gal who never had morning sickness or the other usual pregnancy bothers. Then Thursday night I decided I hated chicken. If I even say the word the chunks start to rise. Friday and Saturday I managed a few small meals but I sure didn't enjoy it. Who would have ever thought that I of all people would turn away food? Sunday was awful. We were set to host family dinner that evening and every time I thought about what we should make for dinner I wanted to heave the toast I choked down that morning. I felt so sick that morning I figured the best thing to do was sleep as much as possible, that way I could be unconscious of my misery. I crashed for a couple hours, which made for a nice Sunday afternoon, and then Jimmy and I managed to throw a Tex-Mex dinner together for the fam.

I haven't blown chunks yet, thank goodness. I just feel a general sense of yuckiness mixed with nausea and dizziness at all times.

On a happier note, we told my family the good news yesterday and they were really excited. Amy and Will's baby is due on Saturday so we talked about how cool it is that our kids will only be 8 months apart. I can't believe I have to wait 34 more weeks.... oh well, we need the time.

Totally stoked and slightly queasy,
Ash

Wahoo!

My first post! I'm generally not into sharing my thoughts with jillions of people but I thought this would be a fun way to document all the excitement of impending motherhood. Stay tuned for the morning sickness, swollen feet, and fat pants-buying of this first timer. Should be a good time.