Week 22

Alex,

You are one active boy!! My goodness I just love feeling your kicks. You seem to be pretty alive at night, but maybe that's because I'm relaxed and laying down. I still feel you throughout the day though- and you have some pretty wicked kicks! You'll be on a kicking rampage, yet the moment your dad places his hand on my belly, all goes silent. He'll hopefully get you next time ;)

As for me, I've been feeling great! I've been exercising more and trying to manage my weight. Remember when I couldn't eat at all and my appetite was meh? Well, from week 16 to week 19, I gained 8 lbs! My doctor saw the numbers and told me to back off the sodium. He's right though- my appetite has come back and all I crave are foods that are high in sodium and fat. But now I've been able to drop a couple of those pounds and maintain it for now. I've been riding the stationary bike everyday as well as do strength training through a prenatal workout video I found. It's a tough one! It's a 45 minute workout with a warm up and cool down. Then they have another 15 minute segment right after of circuit training that involves your dad being my anchor and resistance. Holy moly! Your dad was actually smiling and said, "This is fun!" as I was drenched in sweat and out of breath. I was sore the next day- but totally worth it!

A nurse called out of the blue the other day and told me you have an echogenic focus on your left ventricle, which is a small bright spot found on your heart. It's thought to represent mineralization, or small deposits of calcium, in the muscle of your heart. Though it's on the heart, it doesn't have any association with heart problems, but is sometimes found in chromosomal abnormalities. While my worry jumped up the moment she mentioned it, she assured me it was common and likely nothing to worry about. She then scheduled me an appointment with a genetic consultant, who went over a pedigree family history chart, my blood tests results, and close up pictures of the ultrasound. From there, she said based off of my lab results, and ultrasound photos, the chances of there being chromosomal issues is 1 in 52,000. She even said she didn't recommend an amniocentesis because the risk of issues is so incredibly low for me. She said the EF is so very common and typically clears up after your birth or in the 3rd trimester. It was definitely neat seeing how detailed the ultrasound was though! I was able to see all four chambers of your heart, the details of your kidneys and other organs, and lots of cute shots of your face, limbs, hands, toes, and fingers. SO CUTE! The doctor kept mentioning how healthy and strong you look and said everything looks absolutely perfect! So absolutely no need to worry. Whew! You are definitely a strong boy in there!

Anyway, here we are! This is mommy after an exhausting day with a difficult client. And don't mind the chubby cat (Lila) and spots on the mirror!

20 Week Ultrasound

 I was so happy to see you again yesterday evening! It was also awesome your dad got off work early since it was New Year's Eve, so he was able to see you too! You were most definitely confirmed a boy. I was going to post the super obvious picture, but your dad wasn't down with showing your stuff off on the internet, haha. Oh, well! You'll probably thank him later.

You were so cute as you were actually napping in there and fully participating with everything. We also caught you drinking/sucking your lips in action. That was so neat! It was amazing- watching you on screen like a movie and realizing you were actually inside of me as it was happening. Completely surreal, but I loved it. So, here you are! 

Look at those legs!

Cutest little foot!

  We are just so happy and again, we can't wait until we finally meet you! 

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! 

14 Weeks

Little Monkey,

I am 14 weeks along with you now (might actually be slightly further based on my last ultrasound, but we'll stick to this for now). Let's just say I am happy to finally be in the 2nd trimester! My energy levels have gone up again and the nausea is gone for the most part. My back has been slightly aching along with some ligament pain, and I'm getting headaches, but for the most part, all is well! I'd rather deal with headaches than nausea and fatigue.

As for my weight, nothing has changed much. I've gained about 5 lbs. total from the start. I've been doing a lot of walking, but now that I'm finally in the 2nd trimester and feeling tons better, I'm ready to start working out a little harder (but not too hard) to stay in shape. I'm considering canceling my gym membership and signing up for prenatal exercise classes instead. But we'll see! I have prenatal videos at home, so I might just save the money and do it here instead.

My appetite has also come back for the most part. I still can't do sweets very well and I'm trying to warm up to fruits once again, but I can eat and drink without the urge to throw up. I still throw up sometimes, but it's much, much better!

We also bought me a maternity pillow- which is very comfy! I don't use it every night though, just because it's so big and I'm still early enough to roll around in different positions. But I'll be using it soon since you'll be growing pretty quickly this trimester! I'm excited to feel you grow; and some weeks for now, move around in there enough for me to feel you! Your cute daddy is also finding books he can read to you once your hearing kicks in. Every time we go anywhere to shop, he wants to stop by the baby section or a nearby baby store just to browse around and get ideas about your future. He was even looking at amazing playhouses to install or build once we have a yard. He's too fun how involved he is! He always asks about you and is very good about taking care of me when my back or head hurts. I'm so blessed!

Anyway, that's the update for now! I can't wait to see you again on the 9th. Your daddy will get to be there this time to confirm your gender. 

Almost 13 Week Ultrasound

Baby Gilg,

Today was another ultrasound! It was perfect! In the beginning, your dad and I weren't sure we were going to do the chromosomal testing, but after some urging from our doctor, I went ahead with it anyway (this is because I'd love you no matter what!).

Everything came back perfect! My risk of abnormalities is extremely low. The first test was blood drawn, but today was a 30 minute ultrasound with lots of pictures and recordings to make sure everything is functioning properly. The tech was laughing because you were moving around so much, it took a little more time to get a picture of your cute hands and arms. She also kept bumping you (slightly uncomfortable on my part) to get you to move your head so she could get the back of your neck. Oh, you are precious!

In the end, everything was wonderful and the doctor and tech were talking about how cute you are.

The only slight concern was revolved around me- my pulse was 44. It should be getting up there in the 80's by now. But looking at a history of my heart rate, the doctor said it's probably nothing and just means I'm in good shape. However, doc wants me to get an EKG just to rule out any underlying heart conditions. Bradycardia can has negative effects during pregnancy, so they just want to make sure everything is good. Upping my thyroid medication can also help since bradycardia can be linked to hypothyroidism.

Anyway, here you are! I couldn't help but giggle a few times when you were bouncing around in there.

 So CUTE!!

And here's me with your cute self (I was actually trying to suck in so you could see bump and not extra stuff ;) )

I was also told every woman is different in how much she shows during her pregnancy. So I'm good!

  Anyway, all is well. The morning sickness has finally backed off. Finally! Every now and then I'll throw something up, but the constant nausea is gone for the most part. Now it's sudden nausea, throwing up, then nothing. Before, I was chronically nauseated no matter if I threw up or not. I also feel a little energy coming back. If I take the Zofran before bed, I sleep marvelously and feel pretty good the next day. Even on some evenings when I skip the medicine, I've been feeling pretty good the next day. 

 I also started buying maternity pants. Look, nobody wants to see me squeeze into my regular jeans. Muffin top is not flattering (not this kind), plus, being pregnant and squeezing on jeans is way uncomfortable (and yes, I'm referring to gas). I only had three pairs of jeans that fit until one of the zippers broke on one of them, leaving me with two pairs of jeans total. Not wanting to buy bigger jeans and only stick to dresses and skirts, I went to Ross and found a pair for $13. I was actually there to buy my new purse, but stumbled across them. Heaven! So comfortable! Then I noticed Sears is having a buy one get one free sale in their maternity section. Hello two new pairs! These will be great to grow into and keep for next time.

Well, I think that's all for now!

And by the way, the technician and doctor are pretty sure they know what you are based on what the three of us saw. But I won't say until we confirm it on the 9th. ;)