18 Weeks

We are now at the 18 week mark. I am still feeling very well. I had a checkup today. Kris was able to go with me and hear the heartbeat. We took the video camera and Kris filmed the doctor finding the heartbeat. It was a very distinct heartbeat, and although she didn't tell me how many beats per minute, it was a very strong rhythm. I wished I could've filmed Kris' face because that was the first time he heard the heartbeat. He had such a big grin on his face.

Other measurements were good. I have not gained any weight since last month which confuses me a little bit. But, I think the time of day and whether or not I've eaten has a lot to do with it.

I've been feeling the fluttering of the baby for about a week. It's really interesting. I always wondered what it would feel like. I can't wait for it to get stronger. Already though, it's strong enough that I can feel some kicks and movements from outside. Kris even felt a kick the other morning. We're really looking forward to the stronger movements - the ones you can see.

On another front, Christmas has come and gone. It is so hard to believe! Seems like just yesterday it was Christmas last year. We had a good Christmas though. We were with our family and had plenty of good food and fun. We also received a few gifts for the baby for which I am thankful. We have a pack-and-play, a monitor system, an ear thermometer, and a set that we can use to hear the baby's heartbeat. It says it usually won't work well until later in the pregnancy, but I will be pulling it out often to try. It also has the capability to record the heartbeat - I am really looking forward to that.

Next month we will go back to the doctor to see the baby and hopefully find out the gender of the baby. I can't wait for Kris to see it. It's such a miracle. I am totally in awe of the pregnancy process. It's such a joy. I thank the Lord every day for this gift.

Clothing Issues

I don't want to whine about my changing body. I'm really excited about being pregnant and the changes that status brings. But, this in-between stage is getting old. I'm quickly growing out of my 'old' clothes, but maternity clothes don't fit yet. Where are the in-between clothes? I have many hand-me-down clothes, but they're too big. For us cost-conscious folks, buying a bunch of clothes for this stage is not an option. OK. That's out of my system. Just don't laugh if you see me wearing huge shirts and saggy pants with no belly to fill the empty space.

Crib Security

My dad posted a comment about the side of the crib looking like it wouldn't swing out. There's a story there...

When I was in my crib one night, my parents heard this thump and then me crying. Dad ran in to find me on the floor against the back wall. He picked me up, made sure I was ok, then put me back in bed. A little while later, another thump and me crying. He ran in again and this time caught the back side of the crib swinging. Apparently, I was a bouncer and a rocker and had managed to bounce and rock the bolts on the stationary (back) side of the crib loose. So, when I rolled over in my sleep... I fell out of the bed!

Lesson learned: Check the bolts and screws on a regular basis!

16 Weeks - Crib is Here!

Kris and I bought a crib yesterday. I spotted this one several weeks ago at Woodland. We kept looking elsewhere, but it seems this is the one meant for us. We assembled it yesterday (in about 45 minutes), and I am very pleased with it. It seems very sturdy, and it will transition to a toddler bed.

We will probably not make too many more purchases until later. I'll decide on bedding for the crib after we find out the gender of the baby. I've already been approached by a few people about giving me a shower, so I will probably register for almost everything we need and then buy whatever we don't have closer to the due date.

In other news, I am now 16 weeks pregnant. I'm at the "not looking pregnant, but not looking myself" stage. It's not too fun looking in the mirror at this point. But, I know it will get better. My belly will soon take shape, and it will be undeniable.

15 Weeks

It's hard to believe it's December already. I'm 15 weeks pregnant now.. just six short months until the baby comes. Once Christmas is past, I know the time will fly.

Although I don't feel the baby moving yet (and may not for a few more weeks), I am feeling my belly. I mean, when I bend over or lean against something, my belly is a little in the way. And I'm relieved that it's not just flab - there's definitely something in there!

14 Week Checkup

I went this morning for my 14-week checkup. The highlight was getting to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time. Those 144-146 beats per minute sounded awesome! It's such a blessing! I'd really like to have one of those machines at home so we could listen to it anytime.

I've gained two pounds since my last visit, and my blood pressure is still good (107/68). The top of my uterus is at the right place for my timeline - simply put, the growth of the baby is good.

Other info...

I've been blessed by my doctor to take an over-the-counter prenatal vitamin rather than getting the prescription. She said they are the same... they just do the prescription because so many patients are on medicare and it will pay 100% for the prescription.

Also, I had this blood vessel burst in my leg a couple of weekends ago. I didn't bump into anything, but I noticed this pain in my leg and then the next day a bruise appeared. All I could think of was that I stood for several hours. The doctor said that was very possibly the cause since during pregnancy, blood vessels are generally dilated more than usual. Nothing to be concerned about.

I turned down the flu shot. Why get poked unnecessarily? I have the blood of Jesus to cover me and protect me from all diseases!

Finally, my next appointment is December 26th. It's hard to believe they will be working the day after Christmas. I'm so thankful for my job that gives me good holidays! What's great about going during the holiday is that Kris will be able to go with me (without having to take off from work). I can't wait for him to hear the heartbeat! They will not do the next ultrasound until the January visit - he will also go then so he can see the baby. What a milestone!

Crib Decision

I think this is probably tougher than picking a name - THE CRIB DECISION. So many questions flood my mind when I think about/shop for a crib. About the only thing I know is that I want a white one. There are so many options: drop side, non-drop side, two drop sides; how many mattress height adjustments; convertible vs. non-convertible; wheels vs. no wheels...

I've consoled myself in this: every first-time parent goes through this. I am not the first, nor will I be the last. I'm sure everyone has their own opinion and I don't mind hearing/reading them. I will find something that works for me and be satisfied with my choice.

I'm 13 weeks now, and still feeling good. My energy is returning, my bathroom visits are less frequent, my belly is getting bigger, my clothes are getting tighter, and the decisions are starting to feel almost overwhelming. I think that's pretty normal!

I heard from my friend in Alabama. Cooper Douglas was born Friday weighing 9 pounds and 2 ounces; 21 1/2 inches long! I am glad they are both doing well. Maybe I'll make a crib-shopping trip over that way and stop in to see her while I'm there.

Babies, Babies, Babies

I have several friends having babies right now. It's kind of funny... I think they might have gotten a drink from the same fountain!

Shelia Fulgham had her baby yesterday. She was induced for the third time, and true to her previous patterns, her baby arrived around 12:00. Nathan Lane(?) is here and weighs somewhere around 6 lbs. 8 oz.

Another friend, Rebecca (Bailey) Rustin also had her baby yesterday. This is her first, and like Shelia, she was induced. She holds a record in my book... she even beat Shelia getting her baby here... Lily(?) arrived somewhere around 11:00. And, I hear she went from 5 to 10 cm in 15 minutes! I'm truly impressed.

Another friend, Dede Myl, who lives in Alabama, is scheduled for C-Section today. She has a pretty big baby boy according to the doctor. I will hopefully hear from them soon.

Then, there's Andi Gleeson out in California. She is 39 weeks pregnant (I think she feels like she's going on 43 weeks). I got the blog idea from her, as well as the counter at the top of the page... Thanks, Andi! She'll be having her baby boy soon.

As for us, Baby and I will be waiting until the end of May. We are going full-term with no complications! We are also going to have a quick and painless labor and delivery. How do I know? I have asked the LORD, and I believe I receive when I pray! If He did it for Shelia and Rebecca, He will do it for me!

12 Weeks

Hooray! I've hit a major milestone! While there's debate about when the second trimester actually begins, I'm going with now. I've been feeling really good except for being tired. I cannot complain about that really. Kris has been faithful to fill in for my chores so I can rest. I am starting to feel a little more energetic.. even been thinking about decorating for Christmas.

I've been thinking about documenting my belly growth with pictures. I guess I need to get started since I've already got a little bump.

I've also been thinking about life after birth. Besides the obvious changes of living with a baby, the responsibility of raising a child is pummeling towards me at a fast pace. Here are some things I've been thinking about lately...
* Day care vs. Staying at home
- staying at home brings LOTS of budgeting changes
- day care brings lots of emotional issues
* Public school vs. Private school vs. Home school
- public school... need I go there?
- private school... more budgeting issues
- home school... even more budgeting issues since I wouldn't be working
* College funding
- we really want to put our kid(s) through college
- how expensive will it be in 2015?!

I could go on and on. Before you start thinking I'm getting way ahead of myself... hey, I'm entitled to a little forethought - I am pregnant. BUT... I resolve all of those issues with this: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want! The seed of my body is blessed! We are more than conquerors and my LORD always causes me to triumph! He knows each and every need before I ask and He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all I could ever ask for, think about or imagine! Not only is He able, but I believe He will because He's a good Daddy! I lean not on my own understanding, but in all my ways acknowledge Him and He WILL direct my paths!

More Info

Now that we're up and running, maybe a little background info is appropriate. Kris and I have been married for seven years. We knew we wanted at least one child, but also knew we didn't want one right away. Seven years seems like a long time, but it has flown by. We have enjoyed our time alone together. The freedom that comes with just being the two of us has been great. BUT - it's time to move on!

We found out we were pregnant at the end of September. I had a few warning signs, but nothing I took too seriously. I just decided to get a pregnancy test and see if my suspicions were right.

Let me back up and say that I'd always wanted to surprise Kris when telling him I was pregnant. I wanted to do something really cute and unexpected. But, that was not to be this time. He knew I got the test. There was no sneaking involved. The positive line was there immediately. No waiting two minutes and maybe a faint line was there - IT WAS POSITIVE! I ran downstairs and showed it to Kris... no fanfare, no surprises - just news.

Long story short... here we are a few weeks later and very excited. Last week, I had my second doctor's visit. I've not gained any weight (which I hear is good for the first several weeks), my blood pressure was good, my blood sugar level was normal (after chugging down 16 oz of Coke), the results from previous blood tests were normal, and I got to see the baby on an ultrasound. This was exciting to be sure; but I was sad that Kris was not there. They did not plan this ultrasound, so he was working. :( Fortunately, this baby is not camera-shy and gave us a sweet little pose (see yesterday's post)!

Now, I'm almost 12 weeks pregnant and feeling great. I've had no morning sickness; just a little fatigue. I'm already feeling like my clothes don't fit, so I'm on the hunt for maternity clothes. I've had a few comments from people that know I'm pregnant about the size of my tummy. It's really whatever I just ate poking out, but I figure that's part of the process. Even if I'm showing a little too early, I'm going to enjoy this pregnancy.

11 Weeks - Feeling Great

I thought this would be a great way to let friends and family know what's going on with the pregnancy. Today, I am 11 weeks and 4 days pregnant. I really feel great - compared to others I have heard about. I have not experienced morning sickness at any time of the day. Other than being a little sleepy (especially at the end of the day), I have had a wonderful time so far!

I had an ultrasound last week. Here's the best picture: