Fetal Movement :0)

You have to pay attention in the beginning! She kicks at about the 5 second mark. Hehe :0)

6 month pic

Do you see a difference?

5 Months with Outline

I'd say there's a baby in there! I gained two pounds since my last visit and five pounds in all.

I cannot believe it has already been five months!!!! Only 140 days to go!

Love at First Sight

Meet Abigail

It's a girl!

P.S.

PS - I no longer feel irritable...must have been the need for a vacation.

I do feel a bit down - but I really do not like to be alone and it will be a long week at this rate.

Blah

Well I'm on vacation and wish I was with my family. I'm not a fan of being alone.

I scrubbed the tub and the bathroom sink. I can't tell you how good the tub looks! It's amazing! I would have kept going and cleaned the whole bathroom but with the fumes and such...I decided to give the poor baby a break. I opened all the windows, left the room frequently, and worked quickly. I don't think it smelled that bad but didn't want to take any chances. The tub needed to be done so badly though. After cleaning I went downstairs to grab a bite to eat. This officially exhausted me. I don't know if I ate too much or what (just one quesadilla) but I suddenly feel yucky. So, I'm back in bed.

I slept like crap last night. Ed worked a night shift so I don't know if I was worried about him or hoping he would text me...but I literally tossed and turned all night. So much so that I was still awake at 4:30am when he texted to tell me he was on his way home. I continued to toss and turn until around 6:00am but the baby started moving around and for some reason that calmed my nerves. I fell right to sleep until 7:30am and then 10:30am.

I started prenatal yoga last night. It was nice; quiet and relaxing. On May 10th we will have an ultrasound to see if we can tell the sex of the baby. I cannot wait! Then, on May 17th we start Hypnobirthing. I am very excited about that as well.

I might take a quick nap. I feel pretty useless right about now.

Progress!

Sam made me this picture. She is so good at digital goodness. How was that for a sentence?

I feel EXCELLENT today!

Update

Sorry to keep you waiting blog world. Let’s see if I can catch you up to date.

I have been having a very difficult time holding down food. I am continuing to get sick at least once a day, but usually closer to three times. In the beginning of April it was bad enough that I went to the doctors. I had been getting dizzy and just didn’t have any food in me. They gave me some IV fluids because I was dehydrated. The next day I ended up leaving work because I was still feeling so crummy (believe me, I have to be feeling pretty crumby to go home because I’m doing EVERYTHING I CAN to keep as many sick days as I can for next year’s maternity leave.) The nurses had told me to go back to the Doctor’s if I was still getting sick and feeling dizzy so around 7pm that night I decided to go to the emergency room (Doctor’s office was closed.) I can’t say they did much for me. The doctor said I was fine and gave me some ginger-ale. I was pretty discouraged because I did NOT want to be there and I felt like they didn’t much care about me. We did, however, get an ultrasound. The Doctor said he wanted to show me the baby to boost my morale. The baby is H.U.G.E. We could see its spine, fingers, toes, and even its little heart beating! It has a big head compared to its body. Mom says that must mean it has her brain lol. My blood pressure was a little low (but still in the normal range). The Doctor said he’d rather it low than high because having high blood pressure can cause problems for the baby. Low blood pressure = dizziness so I guess I’ll just have to learn to deal with it. They prescribed me some Zofran which is an anti-nausea pill. Again, I was frustrated because they didn’t seem to understand that I’m not even nauseated; I just throw up without warning. They gave me 7 pills and I only have 2 left. It has been a difficult go of it that’s for sure.

On a good note…My mood has been great. I feel like I have a lot going on but am staying very positive. I stopped taking my Lexapro for about two weeks because I was just throwing it up. I still felt okay mood wise so I thought maybe I don’t need it right now. I talked to Ed, my mom, my Pastor, and my Doctor about the pros and cons of staying off it. We agreed I could give it a try. So…with the exception of Flinstone vitamins, I am medicine free for the first time in 11 years! I think I’m doing great although I’ve been a bit irritable. That could just be pregnancy though. I cannot stand when my students tap on me to get my attention. For the love of goodness please raise your hand or say my name!

I have my WIC check-up on Thursday, April 29th. I am a bit worried because I have not used all of the vouchers and I now weigh LESS than when I got pregnant in the first place!

My mom and dad came to visit last night. We went to Applebee’s to see my friend MLE. We had a good time. I ordered shrimp which is a bit crazy since I’ve never had a desire to try seafood. Lately it is all I’ve been craving! Silly pregnancy… My parents ended up leaving early today because I was exhausted. I am sad that they are gone but I can’t say they were having much fun. I threw up while shopping at Walmart…I don’t make for good company these days.

I slept for most of today. I just took a shower and now I think I will go back to bed. What a wasted day. That baby better come out good and healthy with as sick as s/he’s making me!

First four months

Sexy

A little baby sexiness ;-)

Baby's Heartbeat - 13 weeks

Today we went to the doctor's to listen to the baby's heartbeat. It took a little while because the baby was moving around. I cannot believe the baby has room to move around in there! The heartbeat is a strong 156bpm. So very exciting! We recorded it for your listening pleasure.

So Long Nap Time...

Well, well, well...today was my second day in a row without a nap!

Last night I went on a walk with my friend, Shoshanna. We walked and walked and walked. We ended up walking about 4 miles. I had a really great time. (Today my knee is swollen and my feet were sooo sore...I went to see the chiropractor and then to get a pedicure. I'm not a big pedicure kind of person because I'm not really a girly-girl but I REALLY needed the foot attention.) Before I left for the chiropractor I vacuumed the ENTIRE house. I mean, I moved furniture and everything. Phew! It felt great to get it done. (Believe me, I NEEDED the pedicure...) It was so nice to walk into a clean house when I got home tonight.

I took my peircing out on Monday. It was a bummer to have to spend all that time having it heal just to remove it, but it was time. The increased blood flow seemed to make the piercing pinch me somehow. I was constantly having to adjust it. It just hurt more than it was worth and I probably would have had to take it out before delivering the baby anyway.

I'm sure there is more to update but I am tres fatigue!

Lime

From Babycenter.com: "The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.

Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long and weighs half an ounce."

I went on Google to try to find what weighs half an ounce. Don't do this! You will quickly learn how much money you need to buy an ounce of marijuana. I'd like to refrain from comparing our baby to anything called "weed." :0) It turns out that half an ounce is 14.1745 grams. A dollar bill weighs 1 gram...so pull out 14 dollar bills (it doesn't matter what the bill actually is but if you have 14 twenties hanging around I will willingly take them off your hands!) I am guessing that 14 bills equals just under what the baby weighs.

First three months!

The first three months. And...for your viewing pleasure...

Anxiety Spanxiety

Well we didn't get the apartment we wanted BUT I have already found another apartment that might be better. Of course, I'm only going by the advertisement but this one will have two bedrooms AND an office. Plus, it's in Pembroke and I'm kind of partial to Pembroke. You never know what the Lord has in store for us. I'm disappointed but not worried. I truly 178% believe God has a plan.

You will not believe what I did tonight! First of all, I called my friend. That is a big step because I LOATHE the phone. Secondly, I asked her if she wanted to join me at a Tastefully Simple Party. This is a friend I've just met at church. Her and her husband are involved in a Lenten Study Group that Ed and I are also participating in. She is pregnant with twins so it has been fun to get to know her. It feels like it took forever, but I finally told her I was pregnant too. So, I've never done anything with Wendy, the aforementioned friend, outside of church but she often tells me to contact her anytime so...I DID! I am so very proud of myself. Really, it's a big step to call someone I am just getting to know to invite them to a party with more people I don't really know. This pregnancy thing has been really great for my anxiety! The school nurse says because of that I might have 15 kids and just be eternally pregnant. I think Ed and I disagree with her on that idea. lol

I went to the doctor's today. I saw a doctor I had never seen him before. He was a very sweet man but he basically told me to suck it up. lol My right ear is irritated (funny cuz it's the left one that hurts!) but that seems to be my only problem. Of course, my nose is VERY stuffed but that is also a "symptom" of pregnancy...He told me to use steam and to drink lots of water. He had very broken English so most of all I just enjoyed listening to him talk.

Well, I hope everyone enjoyed celebrating 200 days left of my pregnancy! 199 days left but I'm not rushing it! Just get me to my second trimester and I'll be happy as a poppyseed!

Off to the Tastefully Simple Party!

Party at YOUR house

I'm very stressed about baby affordability. Condoms are so much cheaper than babies.... But! This baby is our blessing. You know that thing with the string and the needle...where you find out if it's a boy or a girl? Where is Aunt Joan when I need her? I hesitate to rush the pregnancy (although getting me past the next two weeks would be fine with me) but I am looking forward to finding out the sex of the baby. I accidentally bought "girl" baby stickers. I will use them anyway. I'm sure most of them can be used for both sexes. I will just have to write "Not-a-" on the stickers that say "girl." I crack myself up.

Ugh! I have a cold. Let me tell you, non-pregnant Amanda is a BABY when she gets a cold. I used to just live off Day/Nyquil. Pregnant Amanda is doing remarkably well for not being able to down the meds! Tired, emotional, and unable to breathe...but coping just fine.

Everybody take out your calendars! I am hosting a party on Thursday, March 11th. How about, 4:15pm. Yup, and it's at YOUR house! Whatever you are doing at 4:15pm on Thursday, March 11th...you should stop and do a quiet dance. Heck, what am I saying? Do a loud, celebratory dance because on that very day there will be only 200 days left until my due date. I will have been pregnant for 80 days...EIGHTY. That's pretty crazy. Maybe, on Wednesday, March 31st, we should have a 100th day party like they do in Kindergarten...

Fig

That stem looks like it will hurt. :0)

From Babycenter.com:

How your baby's growing:

Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.

She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.

Holy Update Batman

Ahh, let's see...It's a BEAUTIFUL day outside and I just woke up from sleeping FIFTEEN hours so I am well rested and ready to go!

I suppose I should update this...hmm hmm hmm

Oh yes, well, fifth's disease is going around the school right now. It is a very typical thing for elementary schools. I had some blood drawn the day we found out it was going around but I haven't heard anything back. Generally that means there is no cause for concern. I am washing my hands extra-specially-sparkling clean so that should help ward away the germs.

My jeans don't fit. That feels pretty annoying to me since I'm not gaining any weight! But my once regularly sized uterus is now the size of a grapefruit so perhaps my jeans just didn't have any extra room for a grapefruit. Also, pregnancy has made all of my shirts shrink. They are suddenly too short which is almost more annoying then my pants not fitting! I'm not even in my second trimester yet! My boobies are growing like wild. I was a 42DD and now I'm a 44DDD. I got measured....maybe should have tried a 46DD because I don't like how the band hurts my sides. So, I bought two long shirts, a pair of jeans, a pair of slacks, and two bras. Good thing I got paid this week and hopefully nobody will notice if I wear the same thing everyday! Maternity clothes are uber expensive!

It feels like spring outside and I have felt pretty restless...I bought a Swiffer 2-in-1 so hopefully I will be able to clean this place up! If only I had a vacuum cleaner!

I've been craving twix bars, hawaiian punch, gummy bears, and Wendy's baked potatoes. So far I've only succumbed to the gummy bears - and immediately got sick so not sure if I am ready to try much else! I have been very hungry lately! That is an exciting feeling since I had been so sick for so long! I'll be in my second trimester in ONE week! Thank goodness!

We have been apartment searching - looks like we may have found a nice apartment in the outskirts of Concord. It has pretend hardwood floors, a dishwasher, a washer, dryer, 2 big bedrooms, HUGE livingroom, and TWO BATHROOMS. Both bathrooms have a shower too: one is stand up and the other is a tub. It is on the first floor, we pay all utilities but we don't have to pay for trash because they have dumpsters. We have one parking space designated to us and several other options for parking within the complex. It is only two minutes away from my friend Amanda and about fifteen minutes away from work and church. Now its time to fill out the paperwork and tell my landlord that I'm outta here...I don't want to tell him too soon because I don't want to be on the street if something doesn't work out but I'd like to give him 30 days notice so I'm feeling veclempt. What to do what to do...

Today I'm going to the park with Amanda and Alexis. We are going to go for a walk. That sounds nice and healthy but don't get too excited. I begged her to take me to Wendy's for a baked potato first! Yum yum yum! When we get back I have to get ready for church and then Ed is going to come get me. I left my keys in my jacket pocket which I stupidly left in Ed's car yesterday! I've been car-less for 24 hours...of course this was the time I got the energy to do laundry...but had no car so couldn't go to a laundromat.

My emotions have been MUCH better. A small misunderstanding got me to where I was the other day....You know, Ed was eatting supper and not by his phone when I texted him so I translated that to mean he was ignoring me. My mother called and I told her how silly I was being. I mean, I KNEW I was being completely irrational but I couldn't stop! The weather outside helps my mood a lot. It is so nice to see the sun!

Water Works

I feel like all I've done for two days is been angry and cry. It is not okay. I canceled my counseling appt because I was so tired I felt it would be impossible to even get there. I feel very lonely and so overwhelmed. There are so many decisions that have to be made and I feel like I just can't do it. I am very sad.

Kumquat!

From Babycenter.com: "Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.

He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.

In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long."

Sugar!

Quick! Put a teaspoon of sugar in your hand. Look at it. Feel it. The weight you are holding is approximately the same weight as our baby!!!! C.R.A.Z.Y. If you don't have sugar handy, search for a nickle. But know that a nickle is a whole gram more than what the baby weighs. So awesome.

Asking for Prayers

My anxiety is pretty high today. I read a message board this morning that said the woman had two miscarriages, one at 9.5 weeks, and one at 11 weeks. This is her third try at pregnancy.

I am 9 weeks, I'm so close to having the risk of miscarriage be greatly reduced. Get. me. there. I will feel so much better.

Please Lord, keep my baby safe. Help us to stay healthy. Grant me the serenity to leave things in Your hands and to remember You have a plan.

Grape

Our baby has teeth! How crazy is that?! It is also a boy or a girl this week but we won't be able to tell for a while longer. So exciting!!!! Only 217 days left! It is the size of a grape this week and now that all of it's body parts have formed it will start growing more rapidly.

Abacus Time - No Longer!

My blog is no longer on abacus time!!! I fixed it :-D

Morning Insomnia

Well from 2am-5am seems to be a time that I am wide awake these days. I decided to actually get up an do something instead of tossing and turning. I've woke up at this time all week long. One day I counted 167 sheep before singing the alphabet backwards, reciting the Pledge of Allegence backwards, and then planning a party. The planning a party thing always seems to help me fall asleep. It doesn't seem to make sense to force myself back to sleep when I could be a little bit productive and take a nap later. (It is inevitable that I'm going to take a nap anyway!)

I think I've been feeling pretty good. I have spurts during the day that are definitely uncomfortable but my overall days are getting much better. Don't tell anyone but hmm, how do I put this without jinxing myself? The thing above my shoulders has been feeling pretty okay lately! I think maybe I had some withdrawls from the Topamax in the first couple of weeks (thus getting really mean migraines) but things seem to be smooth sailing right now. If I do start feeling pain I know I have to eat or sleep and the pain goes away.

I've been waking up 2 and 3 times a night to go to the bathroom. I'm not talking, oh I'll just get up and try, I'm talking "You've been dreaming about peeing for an hour now, check the bed to make sure you knew you were dreaming." Seriously, urgent trips to the bathroom.

Nutrition continues to worry me. I've decided, if I like something I need to just eat it. Otherwise, I'm not getting anything in my tummy. So, yesterday I had two big bowls of macaroni salad, a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and a chicken nugget happy meal with two bottles of milk. Do you see why I'm worried about nutrition?! The Cinnamon Toast Crunch is whole grain and has vitamins in it. I think, if I can hold it down that it is okay to eat it. Plus, it comes with a race car inside the box! I've stuck my hand in the box looking for the car but so far I haven't found it....

Yesterday I wrote part of a paper for class, made macaroni salad, cleaned out the fridge and freezer, did all the dishes, and emptied all the trashes. I was impressed with my ambition! Today I HAVE to work on my paper for Research Design. Hopefully I'll be able to go to Border's to work on it all day. It is hard to focus on work when I'm sitting in bed... It seems to be one of those things that I am dreading, I feel like I don't know where to start but I will make a to-do list and just plug away. I am very lucky to be on vacation this week so I can get it done.

I tried to keep my week free so that I could concentrate on just my homework but I've seemed to make myself busy anyway. Tonight I have a meeting at church that I'm very excited about. Tomorrow we might get together with our friends, Jay and Betsy and then we all have a Lenten Study dinner at church. I'm excited about that too but not as excited as Monday night's meeting. I am worried (when am I not?) about Tuesday's Lenten dinner because it is soup and soup often has MSG in it. Oh well, I do know that there will be bread and dessert. I also know that the actual eating of the soup is NOT the point of the study so I will work around it! Wednesday night I have tried to leave free because we have a 7:30am doctor's appointment on Thursday and I will need my sleep! After our appointment I'm going to visit my parents. I am soooo excited I can hardly contain myself!! Hopefully my homework will be done so that I can truly enjoy myself. If not though, I can still visit while working on homework. I'll be gone from Thursday morning to Sunday morning. Hopefully my family will be able to get together to celebrate my mother's 35th birthday. Yes, I said 35. You can thank me later, Mom.

That's it for now! That was a LONG update! I'm 9 weeks pregnant today. I am so looking forward to being out of my first trimester! I especially can't wait to finally tell people! Kourtney Kardashian had her baby on TV tonight. They showed parts of the actual birth. Of course, after her water broke she got in the shower, shaved, and put on makeup. That cracked me up. When the time comes, somebody should remind me to put on makeup so the pictures turn out nice. (I'm thinking that will be the last thing on my mind!)

You're Always on my Mind

Dear Blogging world,

I haven't forgotten about you. I've just been very tired! I promise to come back soon.

Love,
Amanda

The First Two Months

Yuck!

Kidney Bean!

This is from Babycenter.com: "Your baby is now 5/8 of an inch long, about the size of a kidney bean. New this week: Webbed fingers and toes are poking out from your baby's hands and feet, his eyelids practically cover his eyes, breathing tubes extend from his throat to the branches of his developing lungs, and his "tail" is just about gone. His arms have lengthened, too, and his hands are now flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart. His knee joints have formed, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. In his brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways."

Isn't a blueberry bigger than a kidney bean?

Valentine's Day

I had a great Valentine's Day! I am sooo lucky!

Insurance Coverage

We are soooo blessed!

I called my insurance company today. Turns out my entire pregnancy will be covered 100% by my insurance company. I had to pay a $5.00 deductible on the day I took the pregnancy test at the doctor's but other than that...I'm covered. My insurance pays for my prenatal, delivery, and postpardom care. It covers any medically necessary labs (blood work, ultrasounds, etc).

Blueberry

The baby has doubled in size this week. That has a lot to do with the amount of morning sickness I have had.

It is now developing arms and legs. And can you believe it?! It has eyelids! That is so crazy!

In 7 more weeks the morning sickness should go away. Seems like a LLLOOONNNGGG time!

I can't believe our baby has eyelids.

Buh Hum Bug

My abs hurt from throwing up so much. NOT ONE PERSON EVER TELLS YOU THIS. Geez, even the Kardashian's only threw up like 3 times when they found out they were prego. That may not be true but it is all they showed on TV and they both stayed beautiful. You never saw them sick in bed or too tired to move. I'm beginning to think this pregnancy thing is a disease. Seriously, I want to glow. Aren't people supposed to glow? I want people to guess that I'm pregnant just by how happy I am. I don't ever want to say I can't do this because I'm petrified that God will take the baby away. But I'm scared, and sick, and lonely.

I know I'm supposed to eat a little at a time but I can't. I can't eat anything, what goes in must come out and I'm MISERABLE. I don't want to go to work, or school, I don't want to do my homework, and even going to church seems like it might be a chore. I just want to sleep, sleep, sleep.

Looking on the bright side, I was told morning sickness is the sign of strong hormones and a healthy baby. I sure hope that's true.

Description (I think)

It seems like in the ultrasound picture the baby might be flipped around.... I'm not sure what part of the baby connects to the yolk sac. I thought this was pretty sweet anyway!

Pregnancy Isn't Pretty

The morning sickness is hitting me hard. Turns out I vomit quite violently. I do tend to feel better after I get sick although things I've read says that isn't usually the case.

I've always had weak muscle control when it comes to trying not to to pee when I do anything forceful - like sneeze! Having an accident has accompanied my being sick every time. I bought some Depends. I'm not above wearing them if it will make me feel more comfortable in the long run. I also bought some SeaBands (generally used for motion sickness), ginger-ale and some B-Natal lollipops which are lollipops with B6 in them. I've heard them referred to as "pregopops." I promptly shook the ginger-ale in order to get it flat then I left the cover off for a couple hours. Mission accomplished. Luckily, I have been able to sleep. I've had several migraines but as long as I can sleep they are manageable. Emotionally, I think I'm doing well. It helps to have so much support.

The first trimester of pregnancy is NOT what you think.... I had never formed any ideas about it, but if I had, it wouldn't be this. So far, pregnancy isn't pretty.

Ultrasound!

Ed and I had an appointment with a nurse today and then to get an ultrasound.

The nurse was really nice. We just sat and talked. She gave us a binder full of information. Probably one of the best things she gave us was a sheet on what to expect at each visit. I will be going to the doctor's every two weeks until I'm in my third trimester. I'm not actually sure what week it changes but I know it is more toward the end of pregnancy. I will start going weekly.

Here is a picture of my ultrasound. The thing that looks like the baby's head is the yolk sac. The baby is just that little itty bitty spot that looks like the baby's body. So small, and yet, causes so much trouble already! It was super amazing to be at the Ultrasound. The lady was very nice and welcomed all sorts of questions. Originally my due date was September 26th because we assumed I was 6 weeks, 4 days pregnant. Turns out I was only 6 weeks, 3 days pregnant which OFFICIALLY makes my due date SEPTEMBER 27, 2010! Woot woot! The baby's heartbeat was 124.17. Pretty amazing.

Video of Weeks 1-9

Migraine number 5 yesterday. Luckily it went mostly away after I took a nap.

Sarah-Jean is in labor!

I am not sure how to get the video on my blog, but you should watch this! http://www.babycenter.com/2_inside-pregnancy-labor-and-birth_3658872.bc

Nose!

I just noticed the ticker at the bottom of the blog says the baby is starting to grow a nose. Gosh, I hope it has Ed's nose. I wonder if we'll be able to tell by looking at the ultrasound on Thursday. :0) Just kidding.

Gotta say, I'm a tad nervous about the ultrasound. It is the kind they stick up your wazoo. I had that done when I had a ruptured cyst and the mean nurse kept TOUCHING the spot that hurt with the magic wand. I think I have a little PTSD from that. As it is she had to leave the room and get someone else because my crying was "scaring" her. What a wuss! SHE was the one hurting ME!

Groceries - WIC

I cannot wait for my grad courses to be over. They are going to be the death of me. I. am. just. so. tired.

Being off my medication is kicking my butt. Ed has been VERY supportive. Thank goodness.

I got my first set of WIC groceries today. Saved myself $30.00! Well, sort of...I would have never bought TWO gallons of milk if it wasn't on the voucher to do so.

I got:
2 Gallons of 1% Milk
64 oz of Apple Juice
12 oz of Tortilla - Nasty corn kind
24 oz of Rice Krispies
12 oz of Plain Special K
16 oz of shredded Cheese
12 Eggs
1 Lemon
2 Oranges
5 Grapefruit
1 Bunch of Bananas and
3 cans of fruit cocktail

Not WIC related...I picked up
6 Yogurts
1 Sour Cream
1 Cream Cheese
1 Chocolate Syrup - If I have to drink all that milk I should get a treat every now and then!
1 Box of Lemonade Packets -Again, every so often I deserve something to get that water down!
1 Pound of Pork - Y'all should be proud!
1 Pound of Chuck Roast
1 Box of Oatmeal and of course
1 Cottage Cheese - The biggest I could find.

It still cost me 40 bucks but I think I did pretty well. Now I just need to know how to use the crock pot...

I've still done really well with no caffeine and no red dye. Red dye is tricky. It is in things that aren't even red!

Did you know caffeine-free tea has 5 mg of caffeine? Tricksters. All of them.

THREE DAYS until my ultrasound!!!

Migraine

Week two off Topamax....Migraine number two.

Ex. haus. ted.

That's all.

Only 240 days until I see my sunshine!

Lentil!

My baby is a the size of a lentil. It has dents where it's ears are and black spots for eyes. It has an overgrown head :-P

My Heart

My heart is beating out of my chest today. It has been doing that for a while now. It is the weirdest feeling.

I have been eating non-stop. I have to sssslllloooowwwww down.

Feeling Good

Woke up feeling great again! I just hope that today it isn't just a joke like yesterday was :-/

You Ruined Everything...

Ed sent me this song. I love that man soooo much.


"I was fine, I pulled myself together
Just in time to throw myself away
Once my perfect world was gone I knew
You ruined everything in the nicest way
You should know how great things were before you
Even so, they're better still today
I can't think of who I was before
You ruined everything in the nicest way
Bumps in the road remind us
The worst of the best behind us
Only good things will find us, me and you
Days will be clear and sunny
We're gonna need more money
Baby you know it's funny
All those stories coming true
Despite my better efforts it's all for you
The worst kind of cliche
I'll be with you til the day you leave
You ruined everything in the nicest way"

So Sick

I lied. I was soooo sick today. I hope this was just a migraine instead of "morning sickness" because it was soooo bad. Don't get me wrong, I am NOT wishing any migraines on myself!

For supper tonight I had two cheese quesadillas. The first one I made in the microwave. I put the second one in the microwave but then the fuse blew. You think I got worried? Nope! Whipped out my frying pan and fried that sucker up! Oh yea! Just call me Suzie.

2 hour delay

Woke up feeling GREAT! yay!

2 hour delay...double yay :0)

No More Cottage Cheese. Ever.

Well, yesterday I bought a big container of cottage cheese so that it would last me longer. Unfortunately, today I conquered it. Then I felt really gross, tried to take a nap but had a hard time doing that, got up to go to church, showered, left and snacked on pretzels throughout church to settle my stomach. When I got home I made some English muffin pizzas. Mainly, I made them so I could bring them to work for lunch tomorrow but I ate two tonight. Even that was difficult. Food and I just aren't getting along...I tried orange juice again tonight. Yup, still didn't like it. That really stinks.

2 FRUITS: Orange Juice x2, Blueberry Yogurt, Apple Juice, Tomato Sauce?
3 VEGETABLES: Sweet Potato Fries
6 GRAINS: Shredded Wheat, English Muffin x3, Pretzels?
2 MEATS AND BEANS: Peanut Butter
3 MILK AND DAIRY: Milk in Cereal, Yogurt, Shredded Cheese x2, Cottage Cheese x3
8 WATER: Water x2
JUNK FOOD:

I need help with ideas of what to eat for meats.

Hoping for an ice day tomorrow. (That's a snow day but because of ice, not snow)

I've started sleeping pretty much fully clothed in case I have to wake up suddenly to lose my cookies.

Took my first prenatal vitamin tonight! Didn't go down so well but it's in me...

Can't sleep

Didn't sleep well last night. I got up five times to use the restroom. At midnight I stayed up for a bit to read, then again at 4am and at 8am. Just as I drifted back to sleep I received an automated phone call about praying for Haiti. Will do.

I finally got out of bed to make myself some breakfast. I warmed up an English muffin with peanut butter, made a bowl of shredded wheat cereal and poured myself a big glass of orange juice. That sounds well rounded and should have been delicious! *EERRGGHH* (That is the sound of the buzzer that tells you you're wrong) It wasn't. I ate the English muffin and a little less than half of the cereal before having to dump the rest out. I managed half the glass of orange juice and then decided I don't like the taste of orange juice. Since when do I even like peanut butter!? As I've mentioned before, my food sits just above my tummy and yells at me all day so perhaps I just tried to eat too much at once. Will try again later.

2 FRUITS: Orange Juice
3 VEGETABLES:
6 GRAINS: Shredded Wheat, English Muffin
2 MEATS AND BEANS: Peanut Butter
3 MILK AND DAIRY: Milk in Cereal
8 WATER:
JUNK FOOD:

PS - My blog is on abacus time today.

Making Room for Baby

I had class today. It went from 9am - 2pm. I got there last so I had to sit way in the front and in the corner. That isn't a good place for a pregnant person to sit. Do you know how many times I had to get up to go to the bathroom? For the last hour I just sat there in agony waiting until I could get up again. I told the people next to me that I was pregnant. I didn't want them to think I was being a total loser by interrupting the class every five minutes. The person next to me said going to the bathroom is totally normal because my uterus is expanding to make room for the baby. That is good to hear. I mean, I know all pregnant woman have to pee but I am experiencing some cramping too. You hear horror stories of women cramping and then miscarrying. It is scary. What the lady said though, made sense. So I'll stick with that.

I made another meal tonight. Perhaps this one wasn't as thorough as the last one but it is what I really really wanted. I baked some frozen sweet potato fries in the oven and complemented them with a big huge whopping of cottage cheese. Seriously can't get enough of that. Yesterday I was standing in the middle of the hallway at school just eating cottage cheese out of the container. I hope it won't be a problem if I eat too much of it. I just bought a big container so it will hopefully last longer!

2 FRUITS: Banana, Fruit Cup, Fruit Cup, Clementine, Clementine, Apple Juice?
3 VEGETABLES: Sweet Potato Fries
6 GRAINS: Nutrigrain Bar, Sweet Potato Fries
2 MEATS AND BEANS:
3 MILK AND DAIRY: Yogurt, Yogurt, Cottage Cheese
8 WATER: Water
JUNK FOOD:

My heart seems to be jumping out of my chest today. It was feeling that way when I woke up and every now and then I can feel it again. Very strange.

I picked up my prenatal vitamins today. It says I can renew them even after the baby is born. Who knew you took prenatal vitamins postnatally? (Like that word? lol) I also picked up my refill of Lexapro. I read the paperwork that came with it and it said that it is excreted in breast milk. WHY am I taking Lexapro then?! I don't want to take something that I'll have to stop when I start breast feeding and I certainly don't want to harm the baby with antidepressant-filled breast milk. There has got to be an easier way to do this. I will have to look at Welbutrin and perhaps Prozac. I had told the doctor I much prefered staying on something I am already on and altering the dosage if I have to instead of switching meds altogether. That doesn't seem like a good idea, however, I am willing to see which is safest. I'd prefer not to be on anything at all.

Appt with OBGYN and Due Date 9/27/10

Today was certainly an interesting day. I couldn't wait for my appointment with Cynthia and then after I had it I was bummed. I think I had some postpartum depression...without the post part. She seemed to judge us at first. She asked us who else knew about the pregnancy, how long have we been together, and how did this happen? Really? Pretty sure she delivers babies all the time, I don't have to explain to her how it happened. I wasn't impressed. Cynthia has always been very good to me but if someone else asks me if I want to continue the pregnancy I might lose my cool. If I show up in the doctor's office with Ed by my side and with the purpose of making sure my medications will be safe for the baby then I am probably planning to continue with it. Maybe they have to ask, but I don't like it.

Together we decided I should stop taking all of my medications except for the Lexapro. I had to choose between Lexapro and Welbutrin (I was taking both). Welbutrin has a higher side effect of making people jumpy and I certainly don't need that, so I chose the Lexapro. She asked me about my symptoms. I told her I was okay for the most part. I've been having cramps, my breasts are super sore, and any food I eat seems to sit just above my belly daring me to make a wrong move. I've been exhausted, too exhausted. I threw up once the other day but I think it may just be because my gag reflex is whacked; I had been brushing my teeth. Also, my temperature this morning was 100.2, I only decided to take my temperature because I felt hot. She told me not to take my temperature because it would just worry me. Lastly, she told me not to read "What to Expect When You're Expecting." She said there tends to be some scare tactics in there that I don't need to see and that I could read other books. Sam sent me "What to Expect" so I will probably peruse it out of curiosity but will remember Cynthia's warning.

My next appointment is with the nurse on February 4th. The nurse will start my prenatal chart then I will go to the lab to have an ultrasound. This sounds so exciting! Unfortunately, Ed probably won't be able to be there. He got a job offer today that starts on February 1st. Who knows, they might be cool and he may be able to ask for the afternoon off but at the same time, we don't want to blow his chances of working there! We'll play it by ear.) My mom and dad will be flying to Minnesota that day. Too bad they couldn't change their flight a little so mom could accompany me to the ultrasound. That would be pretty neat. Cynthia thinks I am five weeks pregnant and should be due on September 27, 2010. It is my understanding that we are doing the ultrasound to get a better idea about timing (See where I'm at now, etc).

I made my own supper tonight. I was so tired and just wanted to buy a sub from the store next door but then I thought about it...I shouldn't eat deli meat and I refuse to put ANY risk on the baby. I could order a steak and cheese...mmm. OR...I could go home and make a steak and cheese quesadilla with the food I already have in my fridge. So, that's what I did. Boy, was I proud! Of course, I used a frying pan I had never used before...I didn't realize there was paper on the bottom of it so I almost burnt the house down. It is seriously a miracle that I didn't. I was so scared! The whole house smelled so bad and it was all my fault! I was very thankful my roommate wasn't home to witness my stupidity. And again, when I tried to get the paper off the burner I burnt my finger. It is already blistering.

I am really trying to do everything right for the baby. Amanda suggested I do my best to just pick from the food groups...I think that is working out well.
2 FRUITS: Banana, Fruit Cup, Fruit Cup, Clementine, Clementine
3 VEGETABLES: Green Beans, Green Beans
6 GRAINS: Quesadilla, Quesadilla
2 MEATS AND BEANS: Steak, Steak
3 DAIRY: Yogurt, Cottage Cheese, Shredded Cheese, Milk, Chocolate Milk, Sour Cream
JUNK FOOD:

I am in a funk today. Scared about what is to come. I've been so tired, how will I continue to take Graduate courses? I am half way through my degree program. How will I do this on my own? Will I be on my own? I know it will all work out; I know God has a plan for me and for us. Ed is certainly reassuring, but today I am just concerned. It is only 8pm and I'm going to bed. Told you I was tired.

Seseme Seed

My poppy seed is growing! I just got an email saying it is now the size of a seseme seed. This week the baby's heart is starting to divide into chambers and beat! Holy Moly! My baby is getting a heart beat this week. That's so incredible. I cannot wait until my Ultrasound.

Questions and Concerns

Ed just left. He makes me very happy. He is worried about things but he is very happy too. He couldn’t stop touching my belly. I tried telling him it was only a poppy seed right now but he doesn’t care. It’s HIS poppy seed. We talked a bit about becoming a family: Will we stay in New Hampshire? Will we move in together? I don’t think we need to worry about that right now. I’m sure I’ll have to move but I have several months before that happens. He says if we move in together we definitely have to get new bed sheets. Mine never stay on the bed. I’m pretty sure we can arrange that.

Today I talked to Sam about the baby having Ed’s last name. We just chit-chatted about it, kind of joked around, but if we are a happy family that is definitely what I want. I told her I would legally change my name too – just without getting married. That way we all have the same name. I think it’s a pretty clever idea!

The camera Sam and Jason bought us came in the mail today. It is so cute and small! I love it.

Food, Work, and Sleep!

Today I made an appointment to meet with the people at WIC. I will meet with them on Thursday, January 28th. I am nervous about that but hopefully they will help me know more about ways I can get help. I’ve been thinking of ways to save money. Tonight Amanda and I went grocery shopping and bought so much food! I spent $150.00 so hopefully that will save me money in the long run! I posted pictures of all my food but I promise you the alcohol is NOT mine! I’ve cut out alcohol and caffeine.

Tomorrow Ed is coming over to watch Grey’s Anatomy and since I just went shopping we are going to cook supper together. It will be fun. Everything is happening quickly. I want to just spend some alone time with him.

Me at 1 month

This is the best I could do by myself. Here is a picture of me at 4 weeks.

First PCP Appt, and Poppy Seed

Today Ed met me at the Primary Care doctor’s office. The doctor reviewed my medications. My pulse was 100! I was nervous. Good thing Ed was there because I couldn’t think straight. At the end of the appointment I went to the lab to take a pregnancy test.

After the appointment Ed and I drove around to chat a bit. It was very nice to see him. He had a previously scheduled appointment with Peter, our pastor from church. That worked out well! Certainly gave him plenty to talk about!

After Ed’s appointment he met me at work so we could talk some more. We have so much to think about! We have our next doctor’s appointment on Friday, January 22 at 1:40pm. This one is with Cynthia, our OBGYN. I can’t wait. We have a lot of questions. Again, thank goodness Ed has a smart head on his shoulders!

I told my mom and dad today. They are very excited. Jason and Sam are excited too. I am also very thankful to have Amanda in my life since she has already gone through a pregnancy. I also talked to Sarah-Jean today. She is due February 5th. She sent me a website to subscribe to: www.babycenter.com. Looks like the baby might be due September 25, 2010. That’s just what the website said though, given that my last period was December 20, 2009.

I also looked at an on-line ovulation calculator which is for people who are trying to get pregnant. It said that I should have been ovulating December 30th – January 4th. I guess I don’t know how to do the math. Ed and I have been using the counting method for quite a while now. Perhaps we really had no idea what we were doing. God had a plan for us anyway.

Ed and I spent the rest of the night at our respective houses researching questions we each have about medications, timelines, etc. He totally surprised me when he said “I guess we have to wait until June to find out the sex of the baby.” I had NO idea he had even thought that far in advance. He says he thinks he’d like to know the sex. I don’t think I have a preference, perhaps I will as it gets closer. I really do like to have a plan and I could get stuff in order if we knew what we were having.

For a little while I was worried about feeling too happy. This wasn’t in our plans. NONE of me was sad, I just wasn’t sure I should be super happy since the situation isn’t “perfect.” I told Ed and he said I was meant to be a mom. He said I am allowed to be happy, and then said, “I give you permission.” That made me smile.

Sam and Jason are buying us a camera because I told her I needed a new one. My old one won’t turn on so I had to take the pictures of the pregnancy test with my cell phone. I asked Ed to help me pick out a color. He picked sage green because it is gender neutral. How cute is that?!

Tomorrow I am going grocery shopping with Amanda. I do not have very healthy eating habits right now so she is going to help me. Plus, I need the basics like a pot and a cookie sheet, simple things. I should learn how to cook! I will also call WIC tomorrow to see what I need to do to get started.

I can’t wait for Friday’s appointment! Sarah thinks Cynthia will say I’m four weeks pregnant. When I looked online it said the baby is the size of a poppy seed. CRAZY!! I wonder if Ed has thought about names. I know he’s thinking about a lot.

I had an H1N1 shot today. It is highly recommended for pregnant women.

Pregnancy Test

I was three days late for my period and since I am usually regular I decided to take an at-home test. The first test was horrible! I pee’d everywhere but on the stick! I waited a while and tried again. You are supposed to wait three minutes to get your results but right away the stick read “pregnant.” It was a digital test so there was no mistaking the results.

I called Ed right away. He knew I had taken the test so when I called him he knew what I was going to say. He asked if I was okay. I told him I was and he said he was too. He said we would sit down to talk about it soon.

I called Amanda. She assured me everything will be okay. I am not very worried. I am concerned for Ed and our relationship, but not about being a mother.

Last I sent a text message to my sister-in-law, Sam. She was scared for me but very excited. Don’t tell anyone, but I’m excited too. I was born to be a mother. If Ed chooses, he will be a great father. He already is.

Before the night was over Ed and I text messaged each other for a while. There was a lot going through our minds. We have a lot to think about!