Shopping, Names, and Planning

Baby Alex,

We're approaching 19 weeks! We're almost halfway there! Things have been definitely feeling better on my part and I am so in love with you and definitely love feeling you move every now and then. I've finally gained some weight (another 4-5 lbs), and am trying to be sure I don't gain too much too quickly! I've been so hungry, which is the complete opposite of how I felt in the beginning.

Your dad and I have been planning and shopping already! We have a local used book store which recently opened up at our mall, and they have a pretty decent children's section. Your dad and I have been discussing some of our favorite books as kids, so we were pretty happy when we found some of those in the store! So, we bought them and have some books ready for you. He's also going to start reading to my belly soon!

We also went to a flea market last Saturday just because and found ourselves looking at more things for you than for ourselves! See, we're already in parent-mode :). Upon browsing, we can across a nicely built dresser (the owner bought it in the 70's and recently updated/painted it), and it also came with what looks like a changing table. There's a slot for a mirror too, but he didn't know where that could be. No big deal! For $35 it was ours! Well, now technically yours ;). We'll look into repainting it to a boy-ish color, but we'll see. It was a great deal!

Here's your dresser just sitting in our room. Looking forward to moving in a few weeks and starting on your actual nursery!!

 We've also been buying you some toys to place in your nursery. Your dad also suggested an idea for your nursery theme, and I loved it! So we're set on your theme too!

 As you can see, we've decided on your name- Alexander Samuel. Samuel is the name of your grandpa on your dad's side who passed away a few years ago. Your dad's middle name is also the name of his grandpa too! So we've been calling you Alex! So much love!

My Little Boy!

Your dad and I had an ultrasound yesterday! To our surprise, we discovered it wasn't actually an ultrasound day- it was just a heartbeat checkup with some blood work. Since Gary took the day off, he asked the doctor about an ultrasound- and the doctor was happy to go ahead and do it.

Now, I actually have another one at 20 weeks at the ultrasound center in Panorama City (where you're supposed to be born), but my doctor said he was 90% sure you're a boy! The last technician said a similar thing, so right now we're feeling pretty good about you being a little boy. 

The doctor said everything is going really well! All tests are good, you're an excellent size, my placenta is good and strong, and you're definitely healthy. Such good news!

I'm doing pretty well too. No throwing up this week so far! It's totally random. However, I did manage to get a cold virus which has been going around, forcing me to leave early today. The classroom (more specifically the child) I have been primarily working with has been sick with a head cold. He doesn't use tissues, sneezes in faces, and wipes his snot everywhere (he is not mentally challenged, just has some behavioral problems due to issues at home). As much as I tried to drown myself in sanitizer, throw tissues his way, sit away from him, and wash my hands consistently, I still managed to bring it home and get your dad sick. Close to a week later, it struck me too. I really wish parents would learn to keep their sick children home. I even called his mom and sent home notes, but I guess there was no stopping it. Half the children in the room were sick. Oh, well!

Besides that, everything is going so smoothly and I'm thrilled you're big and healthy! We've been calling you a specific name, so it may stick or we may change our minds down the road. We'll see!

Love you, little monkey!

Week 16

We're 16 weeks now! Your growth spurt is definitely on the way, if not already happening. My pregnant belly is starting to show even more now, to the point where people can see I'm actually pregnant and not just gaining belly fat. Relief! Your weight is going to double real soon! My weight still hasn't changed, but I know it will soon!

I was pretty sure I felt you for the first time while relaxed on the couch. I felt a bubble/popcorn sensation in my lower abdomen. It was sudden, but so cool. I just smiled and told your dad I was pretty sure I just felt you moving in there.

I threw up three times during the week- two times after breakfast during the weekday and once after dinner. Once again, the chronic nausea is gone, so it may have been something you just didn't want me eating. I had fruit one morning with my oatmeal and again the next. Darn fruit! I did eat an apple yesterday though and felt fine, but that was during lunch. The dinner was chicken noodle soup, which confused me, but okay! Sure! I was eating Fiber One bars regularly to help with digestion, which works great, until I realized a primary ingredient in there isn't safe for pregnancy! It's called chicory root extract. I'm sure it would have to be taken in great amounts for it to do any real harm, but I started cutting back to a few times per week instead of twice each day. See, I worry too much sometimes. 

I'm also getting body aches and could really use a nice massage! My back hurts and my shoulders and neck seem to be stressed the most- which leads to some pretty wicked headaches. Your dad has been helping out a bit, but I found a couple of deals for prenatal massages, so I might just have to get that done. I heard frequent massages can contribute to a shorter and easier labor. Count me in! ;) Anyway, the maternity pillow is now used every night. I'm feeling the stretching pains in my lower abs, so being curled up on my side seems to help out a lot, especially with the pillow.

You are a blessing, despite the aches and pains of pregnancy! It's all worth it, it really is. You're such a miracle and your dad and I love you so very much!

On Monday, we'll see you! We've got some names picked out whether you're a boy or a girl, so we'll see what the verdict is. No matter what, we'll be thrilled!