I've been securely in my second trimester for about a month now, and I've been feeling great. I'm officially at 20 weeks today, which means I'm halfway to meeting our baby. The nausea, morning sickness, and weird taste in my mouth are largely behind me now. My energy is up these days. I've had very few and minor symptoms since entering the second trimester. Some minor heartburn/acid reflux. Maybe some minor constipation. But nothing at all to complain about. Overall, I'm feeling hopeful that this pregnancy will continue to progress. At this point, we've passed the anatomy scan and all of the genetic testing. It seems like she is healthy and well in there, which is such a relief!
Next bit of exciting news is that we found out last week we're having a girl! I didn't care either way, but it's good to know, so that now we can start really planning for names, nursery, registry, etc.
Speaking of planning, that nesting instinct is a real thing. I have been cleaning like nobody's business. Things in the house that were broken or needing work are suddenly getting my full attention. I'm happy about this because we've been letting things slide for way too long. We're planning to paint, re-decorate and fix up all the way up until she arrives, which will just make our house nicer anyway.
As far as baby movement, I've been feeling her move for about a month at this point. At first it started off as flutters, like someone was tickling me from inside. In hindsight, it was probably happening for a while and I just didn't realize what it was. But the first time it dawned on me that it may be Baby Girl moving around in there was around Christmas, and I was watching The Social Network with my family. Hmm...maybe she's trying to tell me that she plans to be an internet mogul one day? :)
Since that first instance, I have felt her move intermittently, but not often. Just this past week though, she started to kick it up a notch - literally. We went into Buy Buy Baby this past Saturday to start looking at baby registry stuff, and she was tickling away in there! But the first time I felt her actually kick was later that same night when I was working on my Target.com registry. I thought at first it was gnarly gas bubbles, but then I realized she was actually kicking. I called my husband down quickly so he could witness it. He didn't feel anything, but he saw her kick and make my belly pulse out. It's so surreal and absolutely special and wonderful to know she's in there hammering away.
I'm still in disbelief half the time that we are actually pregnant. I wake up sometimes in the morning in a half panic thinking I was just dreaming, and none of this is real. I've just been so so so happy. I'm actually happier and more excited about the baby than I was about being engaged. Is that weird? The sweetest thing of all is to see how happy and excited my husband has been too. Babies have never really excited him before, so it's heartwarming to watch him eagerly await the arrival of our daughter.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
13 Weeks
Size of baby: Medium shrimp (what happened to the fruit theme?)
Continuing symptoms: Week 4 of no vomiting! Nausea seemed to wane even more this week. In fact, it was pretty non-existent except for one particular night. Otherwise, it was more of a gaggy, gross feeling than nausea, and was worse when I was hungry. Other symptoms included sore boobs, weird taste in mouth, and acid reflux.
New symptoms this week: Acid reflux seemed to be worse than the previous week. It felt like a lump at the base of my throat that made swallowing bothersome. Kind of reminded me of the feeling of an allergic reaction, which was a bit scary.
Maternity clothes: Bump keeps growing! Definitely going to need maternity pants soon.
Sleep: Pretty good. I'm actually sleeping through the night. Then again, I've been running pretty nonestop with getting ready for Christmas, so I'm especially worn out.
What I'm eating: My eating continues to improve -- eating more and eating more of a variety. Still, the weird taste in my mouth has been interfering with my enjoyment, but hoping it will pass once I get into the second trimester.
Cravings: None
Special pregnancy moments: I had an ob/gyn appointment on Friday. My husband and I had decided that if that appointment went well, we would announce the news and go public! Well, everything went well (phew), and we told all of our church friends at the annual Christmas party. Plus, we told all of our extended family and friends. It was awesome being able to finally share the good news, and there was such an outpouring of excitement and happiness for us. Not everyone knew about our TTC struggles, but for those who did, they were especially happy for us. Even for those who didn't, I wonder if they might have suspected because they seemed super excited. I can't believe that I'm here, that I'm actually able to hear the words, "I'm pregnant," coming out of my mouth. It's still a crazy, surreal feeling for me, and such an honor and privilege. I am grateful for each day that this pregnancy continues, and I pray for those of you who are still waiting for your special little ones.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
12 Weeks
Size of baby: Lime
Continuing symptoms: Week 3 of no vomiting! Same symptoms as last week -- mild nausea (more like queasiness) that's mainly limited to the evenings, sore boobs, mild acid reflux, weird taste in mouth, hunger.
New symptoms this week: Acid reflux is more constant but nothing horrible.
Maternity clothes: Bump keeps growing! I bought some new wireless bras (in one size larger than I'm used to wearing!) and a button extender for my pants. It's getting harder to hide my bump at work. I've retired some of my tighter clothing items until after I make my announcement.
Sleep: I've been waking up once a night on average, either to pee or because I'm thinking about work.
What I'm eating: I'm eating a better variety and also eating more in one meal. Thankfully, eating is not as disgusting a task to me anymore. Still, it's not what it used to be -- food still tastes weird or the thought of it is unappealing at times.
Cravings: None
Special pregnancy moments: Had a midweek appointment for genetic counseling and testing where they did a blood draw and ultrasound. This visit I'd graduated from transvaginal ultrasounds to transabdominal! This feels like such a milestone to me. Before I'd gotten pregnant, I'd spent plenty of time with the wand, never sure if/when I would move beyond it. But now that day has finally come, and I'm excited to be progressing to the next stage. In other news, the tests came back with very low probability of Down Sydrome and trisomy 18, which I am so grateful for.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
11 Weeks
Size of baby: Fig
Continuing symptoms: Week 2 of no vomiting! Also, very limited nausea, and mostly in the evenings. Otherwise, same symptoms as usual -- sore/swollen boobs, occasional mild heartburn/acid reflux, heightened sense of smell, hunger. Also, symptoms come and go; nothing sticks with me constantly, thank goodness.
New symptoms this week: More heartburn/acid reflux than before.
Maternity clothes: Bump is definitely growing. :) I bought some new wireless bras and a button extender for my pants. It's getting a bit harder to hide my bump at work. I've retired some of my tighter clothing items until after I make my announcement.
Sleep: Still getting up to pee once or twice a night. I also had a stressful week at work, so that wasn't helping matters. You know how they say you have really vivid dreams when you're pregnant? Well, I had one where my co-worker called me a nasty name, and my boss didn't defend me. I woke up crying -- first time in my life that's every happened!
What I'm eating: Cereal and milk still. But the food aversions are getting better. I'm eating a better variety and finding the whole task of eating more enjoyable altogether.
Cravings: None
Special pregnancy moments: Shopping at a maternity store for the first time, and feeling like I belong in there! It was weird, but nice. :)
Continuing symptoms: Week 2 of no vomiting! Also, very limited nausea, and mostly in the evenings. Otherwise, same symptoms as usual -- sore/swollen boobs, occasional mild heartburn/acid reflux, heightened sense of smell, hunger. Also, symptoms come and go; nothing sticks with me constantly, thank goodness.
New symptoms this week: More heartburn/acid reflux than before.
Maternity clothes: Bump is definitely growing. :) I bought some new wireless bras and a button extender for my pants. It's getting a bit harder to hide my bump at work. I've retired some of my tighter clothing items until after I make my announcement.
Sleep: Still getting up to pee once or twice a night. I also had a stressful week at work, so that wasn't helping matters. You know how they say you have really vivid dreams when you're pregnant? Well, I had one where my co-worker called me a nasty name, and my boss didn't defend me. I woke up crying -- first time in my life that's every happened!
What I'm eating: Cereal and milk still. But the food aversions are getting better. I'm eating a better variety and finding the whole task of eating more enjoyable altogether.
Cravings: None
Special pregnancy moments: Shopping at a maternity store for the first time, and feeling like I belong in there! It was weird, but nice. :)
Saturday, November 24, 2012
10 Weeks
Size of baby: Kumquat
Continuing symptoms: No vomiting this week! And very limited nausea. Weird taste seems to be gone too, for the most part. Otherwise, sore/swollen boobs, occasional mild heartburn (only if I eat poorly), fatigue, heightened sense of smell. Also -- extreme hunger! Maybe this is making up for the past four weeks where I could barely eat anything. Seriously, I am ready to eat every hour and a half to two hours. It's ridiculous.
New symptoms this week: Instead of the nausea, a gaggy feeling in the back of my throat if I get too hungry or at the sight/smell of food. Hey, I'll take it. Hopefully this is the beginning of the end.
Maternity clothes: Ordered some maternity clothes online with my mother-in-law this week. They're my Christmas presents this year. :)
Sleep: Still getting up to pee once or twice a night. Followed by the realization that I'm hungry, so I go down and get some cereal and milk. Then I go back to bed.
What I'm eating: Cereal and milk still. Eating more variety, including some vegetables now. The sight of most food makes me gag until I actually try eating it -- then it's not so bad.
Cravings: None
Special pregnancy moments: Going in for my first ob/gyn appointment. Weird to have finally graduated! And then seeing the baby waving its arms and legs around like a crazy person! Definitely made me tear up. Finally, spending time with my husband's family this Thanksgiving, and talking about babies pretty much non-stop. :)
Continuing symptoms: No vomiting this week! And very limited nausea. Weird taste seems to be gone too, for the most part. Otherwise, sore/swollen boobs, occasional mild heartburn (only if I eat poorly), fatigue, heightened sense of smell. Also -- extreme hunger! Maybe this is making up for the past four weeks where I could barely eat anything. Seriously, I am ready to eat every hour and a half to two hours. It's ridiculous.
New symptoms this week: Instead of the nausea, a gaggy feeling in the back of my throat if I get too hungry or at the sight/smell of food. Hey, I'll take it. Hopefully this is the beginning of the end.
Maternity clothes: Ordered some maternity clothes online with my mother-in-law this week. They're my Christmas presents this year. :)
Sleep: Still getting up to pee once or twice a night. Followed by the realization that I'm hungry, so I go down and get some cereal and milk. Then I go back to bed.
What I'm eating: Cereal and milk still. Eating more variety, including some vegetables now. The sight of most food makes me gag until I actually try eating it -- then it's not so bad.
Cravings: None
Special pregnancy moments: Going in for my first ob/gyn appointment. Weird to have finally graduated! And then seeing the baby waving its arms and legs around like a crazy person! Definitely made me tear up. Finally, spending time with my husband's family this Thanksgiving, and talking about babies pretty much non-stop. :)
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
9 Weeks
Size of baby: Grape
Continuing symptoms: Same symptoms as the week before -- nausea/vomiting, weird taste in mouth, sore/swollen boobs, hunger, occasional mild heartburn. Again, symptoms come and go as far as intensity, but they're always lurking in the background. I've also noticed that I'm more tired this week.
New symptoms this week: Nothing of note.
Maternity clothes: Starting to look online for some cute options, which is a fun distraction from the pukiness. Pants are continuing to get tighter, and finally ordered a belly band online that will accomodate my expanding waistline while allowing me to continue to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes. Also, the yoga pants I lived in early in the pregnancy are starting to get tight, and I have moved onto my flannel PJ pants. I am starting to look more slobby. :)
Sleep: I need to get up and pee once a night. Soon after, I realize I'm hungry, so I go downstairs and eat a bowl of cereal around 5. After, I might surf the iPad a little and go back to sleep for another hour or two. This might be contributing to my tiredness.
What I'm eating: Cereal and milk continue to be my go-to. Most foods continue to turn me off, but I try to choke down what I can, especially as it helps keep the nausea at bay.
Cravings: None
Special pregnancy moments: Telling my best friend and her husband about the pregnancy. Yes, we're starting to slowly reveal the news to those closest to us, and especially those who were aware of our conception struggles. They were both so happy for us, and so excited. She said she had already been planning my baby shower for whenever we got pregnant (like, she has started Excel spreadsheets, I kid you not).
Continuing symptoms: Same symptoms as the week before -- nausea/vomiting, weird taste in mouth, sore/swollen boobs, hunger, occasional mild heartburn. Again, symptoms come and go as far as intensity, but they're always lurking in the background. I've also noticed that I'm more tired this week.
New symptoms this week: Nothing of note.
Maternity clothes: Starting to look online for some cute options, which is a fun distraction from the pukiness. Pants are continuing to get tighter, and finally ordered a belly band online that will accomodate my expanding waistline while allowing me to continue to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes. Also, the yoga pants I lived in early in the pregnancy are starting to get tight, and I have moved onto my flannel PJ pants. I am starting to look more slobby. :)
Sleep: I need to get up and pee once a night. Soon after, I realize I'm hungry, so I go downstairs and eat a bowl of cereal around 5. After, I might surf the iPad a little and go back to sleep for another hour or two. This might be contributing to my tiredness.
What I'm eating: Cereal and milk continue to be my go-to. Most foods continue to turn me off, but I try to choke down what I can, especially as it helps keep the nausea at bay.
Cravings: None
Special pregnancy moments: Telling my best friend and her husband about the pregnancy. Yes, we're starting to slowly reveal the news to those closest to us, and especially those who were aware of our conception struggles. They were both so happy for us, and so excited. She said she had already been planning my baby shower for whenever we got pregnant (like, she has started Excel spreadsheets, I kid you not).
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Moving On
We had our last RE appointment this past Friday where the baby had a great heartbeat and was measuring right on track.
This was the first time that the baby actually looked like a little baby and not just a blob. And it was the first time I really teared up. I can't believe we may be (please God) bringing a baby into the world next year that is half me and half my husband. It's such an incredible miracle.
During the appointment, my RE said that they are sometimes able to detect the sex. This shocked me since we were only about 8.5 weeks at that point. But he said that they usually try not to look. I'm sure they don't want to give people an incorrect sex, and in case anything happens to the baby, it might be that much more painful to have known the sex.
After he said that they usually try not to look, he then proceeded to start looking around, but quickly stopped himself. However at the end of the appointment, he said very cryptically to my husband, "It looks like you're going to have someone to play video games with." Which makes us wonder if it's a boy (something he and I suspected before this appointment). My husband had made a comment earlier in the appointment that he doesn't care if it's a boy or girl, though it would be fun to have a boy to play video games with. I guess we'll see. I'm happy either way. :)
So this is it. Our next appointment is this coming Monday where I see my regular ob/gyn. I know I will be in good hands, but it is sad to be leaving the fertility clinic. They were absolutely awesome, and so supportive and understanding of the infertile mindset.
Not only do we have our first ob/gyn appointment on Monday, but I also graduate to double digits that day too -- 10 weeks! I am really looking forward to getting out of the first trimester, so that I can finally be out of the danger zone, and so that this nausea (hopefully) will finally go away!
This was the first time that the baby actually looked like a little baby and not just a blob. And it was the first time I really teared up. I can't believe we may be (please God) bringing a baby into the world next year that is half me and half my husband. It's such an incredible miracle.
During the appointment, my RE said that they are sometimes able to detect the sex. This shocked me since we were only about 8.5 weeks at that point. But he said that they usually try not to look. I'm sure they don't want to give people an incorrect sex, and in case anything happens to the baby, it might be that much more painful to have known the sex.
After he said that they usually try not to look, he then proceeded to start looking around, but quickly stopped himself. However at the end of the appointment, he said very cryptically to my husband, "It looks like you're going to have someone to play video games with." Which makes us wonder if it's a boy (something he and I suspected before this appointment). My husband had made a comment earlier in the appointment that he doesn't care if it's a boy or girl, though it would be fun to have a boy to play video games with. I guess we'll see. I'm happy either way. :)
So this is it. Our next appointment is this coming Monday where I see my regular ob/gyn. I know I will be in good hands, but it is sad to be leaving the fertility clinic. They were absolutely awesome, and so supportive and understanding of the infertile mindset.
Not only do we have our first ob/gyn appointment on Monday, but I also graduate to double digits that day too -- 10 weeks! I am really looking forward to getting out of the first trimester, so that I can finally be out of the danger zone, and so that this nausea (hopefully) will finally go away!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)