11 Weeks

We’re now at 11 weeks!  You’re about the size of a fig and almost fully formed! Tooth buds are beginning to appear and some of your bones are beginning to harden. I also learned you’re pretty active in there- kicking and stretching and all sorts of acrobatics. Though of course I can’t feel you just yet; nor can I feel your cute hiccups.

What’s also cool is you’re already developing a sleep and wake cycle! They usually last 5-10 minutes long, and just my coughing can wake you. Your vocal cords are also beginning to form- and you’re a fully developed boy or girl! We still have a little over a month before we get to see that part though.

I’m developing a bit of a pooch already, though I've been feeling pretty bloated for the past few weeks or more. It’s not a baby bump just yet. It’s mostly digestion, and the fact my uterus has more than doubled already to prepare for you.

As for weight, I've gained about 3 pounds from the start. I know gaining weight is healthy, but a part of me does not like seeing the scale go up- especially since I worked so hard to see it go down! I’m not exercising nearly as much as I should anymore, which is sad. I need to get back to it! I’m over the running thing. I read many articles about how running can loosen the abdominal walls, which can cause leakage even after pregnancy. So I’ll stick to walks, my stationary bike, light weights, and prenatal yoga. The key is to get started though!

Morning sickness started to finally lighten up a couple of days ago. I’m not exactly sure if it’s just the right time, or if it’s due to the medication I finally asked my doctor to prescribe. See, between weeks 8-10, it was rough. Really rough. I couldn't keep anything down; I had a hard time concentrating at work because I felt so ill, and I was getting headaches, feeling lightheaded, etc.

Finally I caved and e-mailed my doctor, and an hour later I had a prescription waiting for me. The prescription used to be primarily for chemo patients (it’s called Zofran), and used to cost $65 per pill. Now it’s used for other forms of nausea and insurance covers it. I took one that evening- and the next day I felt marvelous. I kept up this pattern for the next couple of days, and although I threw up my dinner tonight, I've been feeling nausea-free for 90%of the day- it’s wonderful!

Anyway, I get to see you again on November 12^th- I should be around 13 weeks at that time, so you’ll be much bigger! Yay!

Week 9

Baby Peanut,

I am currently in week 9! It still seems so early-I had never planned at all to announce as early as I did. I wanted to at 12-14 weeks, but after hearing that precious beating heart, I got too excited!

I gotta say, week 8 was horrendous. You're perfect, of course. Being as sick as I am means you're healthy! But goodness. I had to take a day off of work because I felt so sick. I've been trying hard to control throwing up because I HATE throwing up, but I realized it only drags it out longer. So, I just made sure to stay near a bathroom and allow myself to throw up. Not too much, of course- I don't want to smell (though I have mouthwash), and I don't want to make my teeth unhealthy. But now I'm letting nature take its course. Does this mean you might be a girl after all?

Here's what else is going on in the pregnancy world- daily headaches. This is accompanied by being lightheaded and dizzy. I have to make sure I'm moving around frequently and not sitting too long- and being sure I take walks every evening (which help tremendously). I realized when I'm inactive, I feel worse. Driving in my car so long (commuting to work, moving around different schools, etc.) doesn't help at all. I've had to walk out of certain rooms because of smells too. Let's see- the bloody nose thing started last week as well. I was play wrestling with your dad (no, he didn't hit me), and I bumped my own nose- but barely. I then noticed blood on my hand. Oh, a new adventure.

But, of course there are the good things! I've been sleeping really well each night. Like, amazingly well. It's been great! Your dad has been giving me an extra hour every morning and it's fantastic. Going from 5am to 6am really does make a difference. Plus, every time I think about that ultrasound, I smile. I have your "picture" on my fridge and I can't help but feel such joy when I see it. Your dad and I still like to go over names every now and then for the fun of it. What have we come up with? For a boy, we're looking at Alexander and Joshua- and I think a few others your dad likes. He picked those two out, but he's not hooked yet. For a girl, I'm pretty stuck on Anna, but we'll see if anything changes in the future ;). You are such a blessing!!

I don't have a bump yet this early, but considering my uterus has doubled in size already, my pants aren't as comfortable as they used to be. I've actually had to pull out my size 8's and 10's (though they're kind of baggy), just to be comfortable. My 6's aren't as comfortable anymore- and anything too tight around me makes the nausea much worse. So, sadly those 6's are put away. Before I knew I was pregnant, I went shopping for fall clothes- I got some really cute fall skirts and outfits (all size 6), but unfortunately will not be able to wear them when the weather cools off. But I have a plan! You are due to arrive in May- my goal is to fit those cute size 6 clothes when fall comes around. I will work hard to get back into those! But for now, let the fat phase begin. My weight hasn't changed (I actually lost a bit), but I'm definitely feeling the bloat. I'm not running though- my doctor said no running or cycling (okay, so I've sneaked in some small runs), and I'm not lifting as much as I used to. So some of the weight loss may actually be muscle loss. I need to get on the ball! I am going for my walks (3 miles or so), but I need to up my game. The food thing is hard for now- so I'm just going to eat what I can and watch my caloric intake. Once the 2nd trimester comes along, it's time to up my game and stay in shape!

I took this one about a week ago- even then I was feeling a little bloated, but then again, the last time I wore that outfit I was a bit lighter than I am now. No, this isn't a bump picture! People Magazine contacted me and wanted a photo THAT day to see where I was. I submitted this and told them about the pregnancy. 

Next on the agenda: find a dressy gown for your dad's upcoming Christmas party this December. It's going to be at this super fancy, oceanfront hotel in Santa Monica. It's gorgeous. Everything will be paid for and there's going to be some really awesome raffle giveaways. I'm definitely looking forward to it. I just need to find a nice dress/gown that will work with a bump- and not cost $200.

Anyway, looking forward to my next ultrasound- November 4th! 

My Perfect Peanut

Little Peanut,

Your dad has recently been calling you peanut. It began after a beautiful thing happened yesterday morning. It was your first official ultrasound! Your dad took some time off of work to be there. Was I nervous? I was. I told myself there was nothing to worry about and everything would be okay, but I couldn't help but feel a little anxious.

The doctor came into the room to ask me basic questions- how I was feeling, how my symptoms were, etc. He then said, "I have a good feeling about this one. There shouldn't be anything to worry about." Your dad came into the room and the doctor turned down the lights and began the ultrasound. First, silence. Then, with a smile, the Dr. Rao pointed to the screen. "There's your baby, right there."

"I can see a little flash!" was the first thing your dad said. The doctor confirmed it was indeed a heartbeat- and I saw it too. The cutest little thing I've ever seen. Then, with a flick of a switch, we heard it; the most beautiful sound of your beating heart! I had a big smile on my face and kept talking about how cool it was. Your dad was happy too, and even the doctor was smiling. What a blessing!

There you are- so little!

Turns out I was earlier than I thought! He put you as 7 weeks 3 days yesterday- boy was I off! No wonder I couldn't see you two weeks ago. This means your official due date is May 23rd.

I was going to wait until the end of the month to announce publicly, but your dad was too excited to wait. Plus, the doctor said, "once we hear a solid heartbeat like that, you're pretty secure." So we made an early announcement anyway!

Anyway, we already love you so much! We can't wait until we meet you. Your dad even taps on you and greets you when he gets home or says goodbye when he leaves. It's cute.

Our early gender test is on December 6th. So we'll see!