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.

Maternity Update Day - 14 weeks

I started this update as Maternity Monday. It worked for...one time. Then I decided that if I'm updating on the 3rd day of that week then your not really getting a good idea of what that week was like for me. Also I'm not really going to get an accurate record of whats happening in my pregnancy. So I'm trying to post the week before update around mid week of the next week. Ex: I was 14 weeks on Oct 16th, my post won't be visible until probably the 27th-ish.

How far along: 14 weeks

Total weight gain: -1lb

Maternity clothes: Not yet but my goal this weekend is to pick up two pair of maternity work pants

Sleep: Actually, like a rock. I'm not waking up much to go to the bathroom and I'm not noticing Brad when he comes to bed, no matter what time. I usually wake up around 3 for the first time and then shortly before my alarm goes off at 6.

Best Moment of the Week: It was a pretty normal week, nothing exciting really happened.

Movement: No feelings yet, but it should be anytime in the next few weeks. I suspect sooner rather then later.

Gender: Still feeling girl. Still need to do the wedding ring test.

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: My flat belly. :(

What I'm looking forward to: The Pumpkin Show this weekend. It's a bit of a drive but it's worth it. Plus Katy and her man are coming with us.

Weekly wisdom: Keep trying to embrace your changing body. All those changes are for a good reason. At least this is what I have to keep telling myself.

Milestones: Second Trimester!!!!!! Miscarriage rate drops again!

What's happening with the baby: Baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee and maybe even suck it's thumb. Your baby is stretching out. From bottom to head, baby is about 3 1/2 inches (about the size of a lemon) and weighs 1 1/2 ounces. It's body is growing faster than his head, which now sits on a more distinct neck. By the end of the week, his or her arms will have grown to a length that is in proportion to the rest of it's body. Lanugo (ultra fine, downy hair) is starting to grow all over it's body. The liver is doing it's job and the spleen starts helping in production of red blood cells. Their little hands an feet are more flexible and active, though you probably can't feel those tiny kicks and punches yet.

What's happening with you:Your energy is likely returning, your breast may be feeling less tender and you queasiness may have completely abated by now. The top of your uterus is a bit above your pubic bone, which may be enough to push your tummy out a tad. Starting to show can be quite a thrill, giving you and your partner visible evidence of the baby you've been waiting for. Take some time to plan, daydream, and enjoy this amazing time. It's normal to worry a bit now and then, but try to focus on taking care of yourself and your baby, and having faith that you're well equipped for what's ahead.

How are you feeling: This week has actually been a sleepy week for me. I have wanted to nap most days after work and Thursday spent a good bit sleeping in the evening. I am finally starting to show a little bit. I can still fit in most of my pants but I'm thinking about grabbing a pair or two of maternity pants this weekend. My nausea is almost all gone. I have a tiny bit but just every once in a while. The pregnancy emotions though are awful. I'm much more weepy then I used to be. I need a lot more attention from Brad then I used to also, which is tough for him because I"m not great at letting him know until I'm already sad about it. I'm looking forward to starting to research baby things. We have started picking up things, just little things like onesies and little one piece jammies. I can't wait to feel those little flutters of movement. Overall, doing well.

weekly update - 13 weeks

Picture Fail. We have one for 14 weeks though.

How far along: 13 Weeks!



Total weight gain: My scale is officially broken. I was down one before so we'll see in 2 weeks when i see the doc.



Maternity clothes: Not yet. Some pants are getting tight though.



Sleep: pretty good still. Getting up about twice a night for potty breaks.



Best moment of the week: JJ kissing my baby belly goodnight.



Movement: None yet, but could be anytime.



Gender: Still feeling girl this week.



Labor signs: None yet.



Belly button in or out: In



What I miss: Not questioning everything that goes in my body or wondering if I've had too much caffeine for the day.



What I'm looking forward to: Second Trimester! Come on Saturday!



Weekly wisdom: Enjoy this time. Don't set your expectations too high on what you can handle and what you can't. Just do what you can.



Milestones: My dad buying an outfit for the baby. He is quietly excited but hadn't picked anything up yet. Last night I came home to a little jammie onsie that he had picked out at Little Darlings. It says Happy Camper on it. I hope our little bug will live up to that.



What's happening with the baby: Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips and their body is starting to catch up with their head, which makes up just one third of the body size now. Your baby is almost three inches long and weights nearly an ounce.



What's happening with you: This is the last week of your first trimester, and your risk of miscarriage is now much lower than earlier in pregnancy. Next week marks the beginning of your second trimester, a time of relative comfort for many women as morning sickness and fatigue subside. You may even notice a distinct libido lift around this time. Birth is still months away, but your breasts may have already begun to produce colostrum, the nutrient-rich fluid that feeds your baby for the first few days after birth, before your milk comes in.



How are you feeling: This week has been a tired week. I've been trying to eat more because of the pound I lost between my last two appointments. I'm enjoying the weather and starting to think about maternity clothes for the fall. My belly is rounding out a bit but I don't consider myself showing at all yet. I do need to get a pregnancy pillow and have been looking at the Snoogle as an option. I used to be a anyway I could sleeper. Sleeping on my tummy is beginning to feel different and not as comfortable. I also am noticing that my hands and feet are more dry then they used to be. I wonder if that is pregnancy or weather related. Looking forward to the second trimester and the comfort that comes with making it that far, even though I don't feel like there is even a chance of this baby going anywhere.

Maternity Update - 12 weeks

How far along: 12 weeks

Total weight gain: -1 lb

Maternity clothes: Not yet. OBG said it would probably be another month before I need new pants.

Sleep: Ok. I've been sleeping more soundly. I added a body pillow to our bed this week. It's nice but not necessary yet, I don't think.

Best moment of the week: Seeing the baby jumping bean around at our ultrasound on Monday and hearing the heartbeat twice in one week.

Movement: Not yet. Should be in the next few weeks.

Gender: I have been feeling girl the last week. I still refer to the baby as a boy though. Weird.

Labor signs: None yet.

Belly button in or out: In. I asked a girl at church when her turkey timer popped. She had an outie to begin with. Felt a little silly after I asked but it's one of the thing I've been wondering about. :)

What I miss: Evenings that aren't so jam packed full. I feel really busy right now.

What I'm looking forward to: The second Trimester!

Weekly wisdom: I'm not feeling very wise this week. Just emotional. :)

Milestones: I think the only big milestone is that baby is pretty developed. All the big things are there.

What's happening with the baby: This week the baby is developing it's reflexes. It's fingers will soon begin opening and closing, toes will curl, eye muscles will clench, and it's mouth will make sucking movements. Actually, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, not that you'll be able to feel it yet. It's intestines have grown so fast that they had to hang out in baby's umbilical cord, but now they will start moving into it's abdomen. Baby is now looking unquestionably human; it's eyes have moved from the sides of it's head to the front and it's ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over two inches long (about the size of a plum) and weighs a half an ounce.

What's happening with you: Your uterus has grown to the point where your OBG can now feel the top of it low in your abdomen, just above your pubic bone. If your still fairly small and not yet ready for maternity clothes, you've no doubt noticed your waist is thickening and that you're more comfortable in loose, less restrictive clothing. You may feel heartburn more often due to progesterone relaxing the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. For many women this doesn't begin until later in pregnancy when your uterus is pressing up on your stomach.

How are you feeling: This week was a great week. We had an appointment on Monday and got to see our wiggle worm. Then Thursday was our normal monthly check up. I got to hear the heartbeat for more then three seconds because the baby must not have been jumping around as much or something. We found out that we will have the anatomy scan on December 2nd. I have been feeling pretty good. Nausea still comes and goes. I have also been having a little bit of round ligament pain, or at least that's what my OB says it is. It should be here for a little while now and then go away until closer to the end. I still don't really feel pregnant, but am beginning to worry about what my body is going to look like as this pregnancy progresses. My belly is still pretty flat in the morning and expands as the day goes on. It's also almost time to invest in some new bras. I'm kind of putting it off though, because they are just going to keep growing.

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 - 9 weeks

How far along: 9 weeks



Total weight gain: I didn't get on the scale or get a picture taken this week.



Maternity clothes: Not yet.



Sleep: Starting to get up more frequently during the night. Not uncomfortable yet though.



Best Moment of the Week: Finding out how wonderful the Gas-x dissolving strips are.



Movement: None



Gender: Feeling boy still, I think.



Labor signs: Not yet



Belly Button in or out: In. Contemplating the belly ring... should it stay or should it go now?



What I miss: Not feeling sick half the day or more. Ahhh, I crave the days of no nausea.



What I'm looking forward to: Not baby related, but I'm looking forward to the Ren Fest this weekend.



Weekly wisdom: Enjoy when you are feeling good. Get some things done. You will inevitably return to not feeling great.



Milestones: The baby has graduated from embryo to the fetus stage! Is that exciting, yeah kinda.



What's happening with the baby: Your baby is about an inch long, that's grape sized for those of you who like the comparisons, and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. They are starting to look more human. All essential body parts are accounted for even though they will be doing fine tuning for months. Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers and the valves start to form this week. They have tiny ear lobes and teeth buds. The eyes are fully formed but their eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. The placenta is now taking over producing hormones. Most of the basics are in place so prepare your self for that little babe to start gaining weight.



What's happening with me: You still may not look pregnant even if your waist is thickening a bit. You probably feel pregnant, though. Not only are morning sickness and other physical symptoms out in full force, but you may feel like an emotional pinball. Mood swings are common. Try to cut yourself some slack. For most women, moodiness flares up at around six to ten weeks and eases up in the second trimester. Don't bid farewell to it completely though, it commonly reappears as pregnancy winds to a close.

How are you feeling: This week is the first week that I have really felt pregnant. I had a fair amount of nausea and was pretty sleepy. I also am starting to feel chubby, not pregnant, just like I'm gaining weight and that it mostly shows up when my tummy is full. After I eat I'm all pudgy looking and when I'm all full of ouchy tummy gas. The gas so far has been the worse. It's not the kind of gas that will come out, it just stays inside and makes me hurt. It will get better and I'm lucky that it's taken this long to get to the uncomfortable part so, I'll take it I guess.

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.

Maternity Monday - 6 weeks

written: 8-23-10

I think this pic was taken after I had eaten, so I'm more bloated then normal.

How far along: 6 weeks

Total weight gain: +0 so far according to our scale at home.

Maternity clothes: No bump or anything so no need for maternity clothes yet.

Sleep: I seem to be more fussy at night when I'm getting ready to sleep. I'm not falling asleep as easily as I used to. I can still sleep any way I want to.

Best moment of the week: Not baby related at all, but my sister getting a car.

Movement: Not yet. Gas doesn't count.

Gender: I have been feeling boy since we found out.

Labor signs: nope

Belly button in or out: In. It's pretty deep so I wonder if it will pop or not.

What I miss: Not having to worry about if I'm eating something that is on the no-no list

What I'm looking forward to: Our 1st appointment in 2 weeks and being able to let the cat out of the bag.

Weekly wisdom: Don't push yourself too much. You'll regret it later.

Milestones: We should have a heartbeat this week.

What is happening with the baby: Baby is now the size of a sweet pea! Growing like crazy, baby is starting to sprout eyes, ears, nose, cheeks, and chin. Those little hands and feet -- still webbed like paddles -- might wiggle by week's end, the heart is beating (almost twice as fast as your!), and blood is starting to circulate.

What is happening with you: You've probably stumbled on the truth by now: Thanks to your surging hormones, morning sickness can (and does) occur morning , noon, and night. As you feel yourself turning yet another shade of green, just try to remember it's for an amazing cause -- that rapidly growing baby inside your upset belly!

How are you feeling: It seems that the symptoms that I do have tend to come and go. I'm not having a problem with fatigue. I suspect that this will change soon. I get nauseous during the work week, no actual puking yet though. When I can go at my own pace on the weekends, I don't seem to have many issues with it. Breast tenderness comes and goes too. Although, I am noticing that they have a bit more movement then they used to.