15 weeks - Maternity update

Maybe on day I'll learn to stand up straight in pictures. :) Hello Neala, nice of you to join the picture too.

How far along: 15 weeks

Total weight gain: -1 lbs, I feel like I have put on weight this time, I'm sure the doctor will tell me I'm up some at my appointment on the 8th.

Maternity clothes: I officially bought a pair of maternity jeans. They were wonderful all weekend, so much so that I cried a little inside when I had to put on regular work pants.

Sleep: Sleep is great still. No big issues.

Best moment of the week: Finding out that one of my best friends is pregnant and only 4 days behind me. We've been missing each other at the OBG's by days. I'm soooooooo excited.

Movement: Maybe once a week ago but I haven't felt anything since, so I can't confirm.

Gender: Still feeling girl. Brad and I did the ring on a hair test and when I held the string it indicated girl, when Brad held it it showed boy.

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Not wondering if something is going to fit or not. Some things do and some don't so it's always a question.

What I'm looking forward to: A belly that isn't questionable

Weekly wisdom: Hmmm ........ nothing.

Milestones: No big milestones this week.

What's happening with the baby: Baby is now about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). Baby is busy moving amniotic fluid through their nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in the lungs begin to develop. Legs are growing longer then arms and all of his or her joints and limbs can move voluntarily. Baby can sense light through his or her fused eyelids and if you shine a flashlight on your belly baby will even move away from its beam. This week if you were to do an ultrasound you could finally find out what gender that little guy or girl is.

What's happening with you: You've probably gained about 5 pounds by now and are well into the swing of your pregnancy, but may be surprised by an unexpected symptom now and then. Stuffy nose is at the top of that list. It's so common that there is even a name for it: "rhinitis of pregnancy". Some women suffer from nose bleeds as a result of increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion in the nose. Don't be surprised if you and your partner are feeling a little stressed out these days. Many pregnant couples worry about their baby's health and how they'll handle the changes ahead. This is also the most wonderful trimester for most women. Physical discomforts wane and energy is on the rise.

How are you feeling: On Sunday I had the first shortness of breath sensation while singing at church. It was strange to feel like I couldn't breath just from singing. Other then that this week has been good. On Friday I had a GREAT day because spilled the prego beans. I had kind of had a feeling that she was pregnant and just not saying anything (she is the BEST secret keeper) and she IS!!! We are 4 days apart in our pregnancy and hearing about what it's been like for her this time, I'm glad I'm having my pregnancy and not hers. I was really tired this week but I didn't have my down time on Wednesday that I usually have. It made Thursday and Friday really tough. I wasn't too emotional this week, which is good. Overall, good but sleepy week.

Weekly Update - 11 weeks

Going to a ballet. Good timing Erin, my eyes are shut.

How far along: 11 weeks

Total weight gain: Don't know yet. Two doctors appointments next week, so I will know then.

Maternity clothes: Nothing yet. I did pick up a Be Band for when I can't button my jeans. But I haven't really gotten to any real stage of showing.

Sleep: This week I have been sleeping like a rock but waking up tired. This week two nights I haven't even woken up to go to the restroom throughout the night. I probably need to be drinking more water.

Best moment of the week: Seeing Requiem with Erin. It's been a while since I've had down time with her and it was really nice to spend time with her that wasn't driving to and from work.

Movement: None yet. The baby is supposedly kicking away but I can't feel it yet.

Gender: I had some pretty strong boy feelings at the beginning of the week but they have settled down to just a boy simmer.

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Sweets. I'm not having aversions to sweets they just don't sound tasty.

What I'm looking forward to: Seeing the baby at our Monday appointment and then hearing the baby again on Thursday with my mom.

Weekly wisdom: Take a minute every day or every other to check out your body. Notice what is changing and what isn't yet. It's amazing that our bodies can do this. Love it!

Milestones: We started cleaning out the study, in order to move stuff from the office into that room and get the office cleared out for a nursery. We also went into Babies-R-Us for the first time as parents-to-be (shopping for a baby shower). It's a little overwhelming, how many different kinds of pacifiers can really exist.

What's happening with the baby: Your baby is just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig. They are also almost fully formed. It's hands will soon open and close into fists and some of the bones are beginning to harden. They are already kicking away more frequently . You won't feel it for another couple of months. Also, the diaphragm is forming and hiccuping is becoming a regular thing.

What's happening with you: If your like most women, you may be starting to feel more energetic now and your nausea may be starting to wane. Unfortunately, you may be suffering from constipation and heartburn. It's all for a good cause, right? Your appetite will likely return soon, and you'll start to gain about a pound a week.

How are you feeling: This week has been a tired week for me. I don't feel like I'm getting enough sleep or exercise. My nephew comes over almost every day and wants to play and play and play and I just want to sleep. I play though and then fall into bed. Salty stuff was the craving of the week. That seems to have tapered off a bit but salty still sounds good. Nausea is mild but I picked up some prego drops to see if that would help or not. I'm trying to be better about drinking my water, I slacked off a bit for a few days. I also noticed the blue veins that they mentioned in the What to Expect book a few weeks ago. Kinda weird to see. Towards the end of the day I have been getting comments about my belly from people that know me really well and know my body, I keep saying it's just gas and they laugh at me.

Maternity Monday - 8 weeks

written 9-7-10



How far along: 8 weeks

Total weight gain: I was down 2lbs when I checked. But not really sure

Maternity clothes: Not yet

Sleep: Decent, Falling asleep well, getting up once a night for a bathroom trip. Napping is becoming my friend.

Best moment of the week: First pre-natal appointment. Seeing the little squish on the ultrasound machine. Brad not knowing where to stand so he doesn't get to see "it all" in a new way.

Movement: none

Gender: Not having any strong feelings. Probably feeling boy more then girl. Not sure.

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Eating anything I want. Like all the yummy cheeses.

What I'm looking forward to: Starting to show a little. I'm trying to love the stage I'm in though.

Weekly wisdom: Enjoy feeling good when you do. It could be fleeting.

Milestones: 1st Ultrasound. Saw the heartbeat!

What's happening with the baby: Webbed fingers and toes are poking out from it's little hands and feet. Our little smush has eyelids that practically cover it's eyes, breathing tubes extend from it's throat to the branches of it's little developing lungs. That little tail is just about gone. In it's brain, nerve cells are connecting to one another, forming primitive neural pathways. He or she is about the size of a kidney bean and is constantly moving and shifting, even though I can't feel it yet.

What's happening with me: You may notice that your bra is getting more snug. Soon you'll likely need a bigger size with better support. Don't be surprised if you go up a cup or two, especially if it's your first baby. Fatigue caused by hormonal changes may be contributing to your sluggishness. Nausea and vomiting can certainly cost you enery. And you may be having trouble getting a good night's sleep at this point, especially if you're uncomfortable or find you need to get up to pee.

How am I feeling: I'm still feeling really good. I'm more able to nap during the day but don't find myself needing one every day or anything. Nausea is still not a very big concern. My boobs are getting bigger and some of my pants just aren't as comfortable as they used to be. I'm not feeling as bloated as I was, but I do feel like I'm floating most of the time due to all this stinking water I have to drink. Good all around.

Maternity Mondays- 7 weeks

written 8-30-10

Ahh, not so bloated this week.

How far along: 7 weeks

Total weight gain: I didn't get on the scale today, maybe I'll update it later this week.

Maternity clothes: No but I did find a pair of jeans that I can no longer wear without using the hair band trick.

Sleep: Good for now. Still sleeping which ever way I want to. If I do wake up in the middle of the night I have to go to the restroom, but I don't think I wake up because I have to go.

Best moment of the week: The office figuring it out. I got called out for having a pickle that I didn't even eat. Brad and I had discussed that I wouldn't lie to the office if they called me out on it, but I was going to wait until at least after our first appointment. They were VERY excited for me though and it was fun to let them know.

Movement: none

Gender: This week I have been calling it a girl.

Labor signs: none

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Not having to worry about nausea.

What I'm looking forward to: Our first appointment on the 9th.

Weekly wisdom: Enjoy still mostly having your "normal body". It will go away soon enough.

Milestones: No big ones this week. Baby is about the size of a blueberry.

What's happening with the baby: Hands and feet are emerging from the developing arms and legs. Baby is still considered an embryo because it still has a small tail, which is an extension of the tailbone. Your baby has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long, about the size of a blueberry. Your baby is getting eyelids to cover those eyes, which already have some color.

What's happening with you: Your uterus has doubled in size in the past five weeks, and eating may feel like a chore - or worse - thanks to morning sickness. You may need to pee more then usual, to, thanks to your increasing blood volume and the extra fluid being processed through your kidneys. (You have about 10 percent more blood now then you did before you were pregnant.)

How are you feeling: I'm feeling pretty good still. Naps are wonderful, but not always needed. Eating is a bit of a pain. Getting to full is a really bad idea. It makes for some really miserable time after eating. Nausea comes and goes but breast tenderness seems to be here to stay. Over all though, still feeling pretty good.