22 Week Bump Pic...

I realize I'm closer to 23 weeks than I am 22.  I think I look bigger in my 20 week picture than I do this one, but I'm guessing its just the angle.  I always have Michael take them but may have to start doing them myself because he refuses to do re-takes if need be.  I met with the Dr. that will be delivering me today (Dr. Gratkins) I usually meet with the nurse practioner, Deb, and I LOVE her.  Today was kinda of a boring appointment (no U/S, so I refer to them as the "not fun ones", I mean I love going and hearing the heartbeat, but I'd much rather see him :).  I gained 2-2.5 lbs since the last time, which I thought for sure I'd gained at least another 5-6, so that made me happy.  Little mans heartbeat was in the 140's.  Other than that nothing else exciting really took place other than I go back in 4 weeks and then start going every 2 weeks after that- CrAzY!!! A lot is going to be changing around here in the next few months, I will update more on that later!  But for now I will leave you with my belly pics. :)

See I do have other sweatpants than the gray ones I always wear! :)

I need a tan!!

Before my appt. I made a few stops and one of them was to Motherhood-- O-M-Goodness, I coulda cried walking in there- nothing cute! I found stuff online but was not impressed with the actual store, I think I'll gladly pay the shipping! They don't have the selection in the store like they do online.  I just miss cute clothes! ha. :) Oh well only going to get bigger from here.

'Little Mans' name...

The name process wasn't the easiest for us, well it was for me.  I had a list of both boy and girl names, we had a girls name picked out and agreed on, boys not so much.  With Michael, choosing names isn't the easiest or maybe I like some off-the-wall names (according to him).  It seems like almost every name I would suggest he would have some wise comment or 'nickname' for it. We agreed on two boys names and then decided based on the fact that there was already someone in the area with the other name we liked so that is how we got to what we named him.  (Yes we realized that you can't avoid having the same name as someone in your area I mean Michael has one of the most heard of names out there.)  Michael really liked this name since 1. its the name of a UFC fighter and 2. it means badger (He thinks of the honey badger, which if you don't watch college football like my junkie-of-a- husband does you wouldn't understand ;) I love being able to talk about 'him' using his name now and not having to worry about slipping up with it, like I almost did the other night talking to my sister.  We haven't settled on a middle name yet but we have plenty of those to choose from so I'm not too worried about that.  If you scroll down you will see his name along with a cute little profile picture of him!! :)

This isn't a new picture, it was from my 19 week appointment.

22 Weeks

I was too lazy to take a belly picture tonight so I will be sure to get that up either tomorrow or Saturday, along with little mans name!! :)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 22 Weeks

Gender: BOY!!!

Maternity Clothes: Nope (I am having to use my belly band though most of the time) I'm thinking I may need to go start getting some maternity tops here soon though.

Weight gain: So far 7, I go to the Dr. Monday so we'll see then, I'm sure I've gained at least another 5.

Movement:  Yes! Ever since our scare a few weeks ago he has been a moving machine, although the last few days he's slowed down some.  He must have flipped or something this past weekend because it made me jump! I don't think he likes when I lay on my back because that is when I feel him the most.

Sleep: Not too bad

Symptoms: Acid reflux, I swear its almost everytime after I eat something-- Not fun!

Cravings: Haven't really had any cravings lately.

Aversions: Nothing really I can think of!

What I miss: Running and feeling in shape, I miss the feeling you get after a good run!

Best moment this week: Just feeling him move more, getting a much needed massage last night, and sharing his name with some of our family! :) I will be sure to post his name when I post my belly picture! :) I'll give you all a hint... it starts with a "B"!

So much to do

I'm starting to get stressed/anxious about the nursery.  We have NOTHING bought yet.  I know what crib I want, have to finish deciding on the bedding (I'm ordering it off a site where you can design your own) and I've emailed someone about a dresser I found on craigslist.  However, we can't really start on the room until it gets warm enough to put new windows in.  I LOVE our house, I know Michael probably thinks I hate it because I do get depressed every once in a while about how much updating it needs (luckily its all neutral in here and not some 70's orange or green color), but the truth is I would be sad if we had to move.  That being said were planning on not only putting new windows in but new carpet, new trim and doors in the babys room.  So yeah, a LOT to do.  As I sit here and type it all out it really starts to freak me out that we won't get it done in time.  Michael has reassured me that it can be done in a few weekends.  My mom is on spring break at the end of March and she loves to paint, so she may be painting some over her break.  I just feel like we have SO much to do and the time is just ticking away.  On top of wanting to do the nursery I'm wanting to get new living room furniture, paint, new curtains and carpet.  Yes I'm insane.  But a few weeks ago while I was shopping, Michael and one of his friends were wrestling around (yes he's 27 :) and they broke the back of our couch, no our couch wasn't anything fancy but its still a nice couch.  So Michael screwed himself there because now it makes a terrible noise when you go to sit on it.  Whats even better?  I didn't even know until about 4 days later my sister came over  and sat on it and it made a noise and Michael just started smiling and laughed! 

Okay I realize I'm just rambling--- these are just the thoughts that are going on in my head right now!!!
Please pray that we get little mans (that may be the last time he is called that because we'll be sharing his name soon enough) room done in time for him.

Our Friday the 13th....

** This post may gross some of you out.. So don't say I didn't warn you!

Friday the 13th I won't be sad to see you go.  It has been quite a long/emotional day.  Lets just say it started last night.  I went to the bathroom about a half hour before it was time to go home and when I wiped there was a little bit of blood, it happened 2 more times at home.  I called my Dr. when it happened at work freaking out, they told me to just watch it and to go home and get some rest and take it easy.  Fast forward to this morning (13th)....

Michael was off today so I woke him up so he could get the drive way clear before I left for work.  I got to work and everything was fine, I took a stool with me to prop my feet up.  It started sometime shortly after 9, my stomach was cramping (like menstral cramps) and my low back was hurting pretty bad.  At first I thought that my back was just hurting from the not-so-comfortable chair that I sit in.  Finally about 10:15 I text Michael and asked him if he was at his moms.  He said he was headed there so I told him to ask her what she thought about my cramps/back (shes a RN).  They told me I needed to go have my urine checked for a possible UTI, I hesitated for a while because I felt so bad leaving work on such short notice.  Michael started getting really upset/mad with me on the phone saying that I needed to get checked out.  So I decided that maybe I should just to be safe.  I went to the Health Department and they tested my urine for me- everything looked fine with it.  The nurses there told me I needed to at least go to the ER to get checked out (Dr. Gratkins office is closed on Fridays).  They told me Michael was on his way over, and sure enough like 5 minutes later Michael showed up. 

We went to the ER and they sent us up to the OB floor.  They checked us in and I got into a gown and they hooked me and the baby up to a monitor.  Once I heard the heartbeat chugging along I was SO relieved, thats all I wanted to hear.  Little man was NOT liking the monitor being on, he was kicking like CRAZY.  Michael was actually able to see my belly moving so that was neat!  After being there for a little over an hour, they said everything looked fine, my urine sample that I left for them looked fine.  They discharged me and told me to follow up with Dr. Gratkins. 

Once we got to the car I called Dr. Gratkins and they had to page him.  He called back a few minutes later and told me to come see him next Thursday,  I asked if he wanted to see me since they said everything looked fine, and he told me to see how I feel over the weekend and call on Monday if I decide I want to come in an they'll do an U/S.  I just feel awful for missing work, I know I shouldn't and my child comes first I just feel so bad for the other secretaries.  I may go Thursday just because I would feel more comfortable seeing my DR and I'm not a big fan of Pontiac hospital myself.  I was also disappointed they didn't check my cervix or anything else.  So for my peace of mind I may go Thursday just to be safe.

Well that was our CRAZY Friday, not how I wanted to spend it but so glad the little guy is okay.  Prayers definatley worked.  I prayed like crazy the whole way to the hospital and cried most of the way because I was so afraid something was wrong with my baby.

20 Week Belly Pics/ 19 Week Appt.

Look at that belly- its def. getting bigger--- ahh!!

And clothed, had to sport one of my Bama shirts today at work! :)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 20 Weeks-- half way already!

Gender: BOY!!! My Dad finally gets a boy!

Maternity Clothes: Nope (I am using my bella band though for some pants), but I broke down and ordered a pair of  maternity pants and two tops, I wanted to try the pants before I bought more in different colors.

Weight gain: Uhhh I'm ashamed to even write it but, I gained 5 freaking pounds since the last time, so a total of 7!!! I wanted to cry when I saw the number, but was reminded that its for a good reason.

Movement:  Yes!! He moves at night when I lay down to go to bed and in the morning before I get up and take my shower. It is so neat!!

Sleep: Not too bad

Symptoms: Stomach is still itchy and acid reflux, needless to say I have been munching on Tums.

Cravings: These Jamba juice smoothies, all you do is add 8 oz of apple juice and blend in the blender (they are good for you too) :)

Aversions: Nothing really I can think of!

What I miss: Running and feeling in shape, I miss the feeling you get after a good run! We just got an elliptical so I can't wait to switch off using that and the treadmill to get the baby weight off after little man arrives!!

Best moment this week: (this was last week at our appt)Finding out were having a BOY, I had a feeling all along it was a boy, hearing/seeing the baby and everything checking out okay last week at the appointment.  His heartbeat was 159 bpm.  And finding out my thyroid levels have come down, I'm still taking thyroid medicine but was glad to see they are where they need to be!

I am so excited to start the nursery, I have so many ideas and think I've got my bedding figured out for the most part.  I found a crib that I really like too, but I don't think that I want to buy a changing station/ dresser that comes with the crib set.  I'm hoping to find a dresser and paint it and put new knobs/handles on it and put the changing pad on that (we'll see though).  To me it is just a waste of money to buy the whole set because I probably won't use it after were done having kids (thats just my opinon).  I think thats all I have for now, I will upload pictures from last week when we shared the news!!

My Mommy and Daddy would like to tell you something....

ITS A BOY!!!!

Mother knows best, I had a gut feeling all along that it was a little boy in there. I will blog more about the appointment later, it has been a long and exciting day of sharing the news! :)

18 Week Bump Picture

Okay so I'm late on the 18 week picture and I realize its more like 19 weeks.  Better late than never though.  Only 2 more days till we find out what baby is! :)

Milestones/ Things to remember in 2011

2011 was a GREAT first year of "firsts"....

• It was Michael and I's first year of marriage and first year of living with each other, and well were both still alive so I'd say it went pretty well. ha! :)
• We went on two vacations, Cabo San Lucas and Gulf Shores, I perfer Gulf Shores- they have american food and normal ketchup!
• We had to put in a new air conditioner--- That wasn't cheap!
• I had my first flat tire, and wouldn't ya know it happened to be on a night when the hubs was working late, so I had to call the other most important man in my life, my Dad!
• In August we found out that my sister was expecting!! Only three more months until little Miss arrives!
• For fathers day we surprised my dad with tickets to the Alabama V. Arkansas game in Tuscloosa- I will never forget the look on his face- he was sooo SHOCKED!
• In September we headed down to Tuscaloosa for a long weekend of Bama football- It was one of the greatest weekends of 2011- My Dad and Michael were in heaven- My dad was worse than a kid at Christmas- It was great though.
• That Sunday we got back from Tuscaloosa (9/25/11) I came home and decided to take a pregnancy test--- annnnd the test was POSITIVE! This is our BIGGEST/ GREATEST news of 2011. 
• Erica decided to do 3 more years with the Coast Guard and will possibly be moving closer to home--- Like Chicago and you don't know how happy this makes me, she will only be a few hours away! :)

Two of these "firsts" will soon be two blessings of 2012, and I cannot wait to see what else the new year has in store for us! Michael and I didn't do a thing for new years, we ordered some food and ate at my mom and dads, I did my little sisters hair and makeup and then we came home and I was probably asleep by 10 or so.  Maybe next year we'll do dinner, but I'll probably want to take the babe with us! :)

Side note- I have a Dr's appt on Weds- We'll find out if baby is a boy or girl (as long as he/she cooperate)!!! I'm so excited.  Michael took off the afternoon as well. It will be a BUSY week around our house, My dad's birthday is Tuesday and my little sis goes back to Key West Friday! :(((

Hope you all had a great New Years! :)

18 Weeks

*** I will post a picture hopefully tomorrow ***

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 18 Weeks

Gender: Find out next week as long as baby cooperates!

Maternity Clothes: Nope, but some of my pants are fitting a little more snug!

Weight gain: 2 lbs, I go next week and I'm sure I've gained more!

Movement:  Yes I believe so! :)

Sleep: Not too bad

Symptoms: Nothing, other than my stomach being itchy!

Cravings: Lemon water, I sip on this ALL day at work and love it! I want more salty foods than I do sweets, cheese and crackers, pretzels things like that.

Aversions: Pizza (still), I use to love this but just the thought of it makes me wanna puke!

What I miss: Running and feeling in shape, I miss the feeling you get after a good run!

Best moment this week: Feeling the baby move (if thats for sure what I'm feeling)

Just some thoughts/ things that we've done this past week:

I'm still unsure of how I want to tell our families what we are having.  I had thought of having the tech just put the gender in an envelope and opening it up with everyone, but then I don't know that I could wait.  I  have a feeling I will just want to know that day.  I'm just ready to figure out what were having because I have ideas that I want to use and get the nursery started! :) I will post a picture hopefully tomorrow, the Hubs is at the Illini game so he's not here to take it!

16 Week Update

Sorry for the bluriness.  And yes I wear the same sweats each time.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 16 Weeks and 1 day

Gender: Don't know, we'll find out at the next appointmet. I believe its a boy, I've had a feeling from early on that it is, guess we'll see in a few weeks.

Maternity Clothes: Nope, but some of my pants are fitting a little more snug!

Weight gain: 2 lbs!!!

Movement: I don't know if it was movement but as I was laying in bed Sunday watching a movie my stomach felt really weird, I thought maybe thats what it was but who knows!

Sleep: Alright--- I have to pee at least once during the night and probably should go twice, I will hold it if I look at the clock and it says 4, lazy I know! ha

Symptoms: Still get times where I feel sick to my stomach!

Cravings:  Lemon water, I sip on this ALL day at work and love it! I want more salty foods than I do sweets, cheese and crackers, pretzels things like that.

Aversions: Pizza (still), I use to love this but just the thought of it makes me wanna puke!

             What I miss: Running and feeling in shape, I miss the feeling you get after a good run!

Best moment this week:  Reaching 16 weeks and hearing the babies heartbeat last week!

Just some thoughts/ things that we've done this past week:

-Michael and I went Christmas shopping last Saturday and we went to Toys R Us to get the kids gifts and he tried to park in the 'expectant mothers parking,' thank god they were all taken I told him I was still fully capable of walking.   

-My sister comes home next Tuesday for a couple weeks so I'm REALLY happy about that, we haven't seen her since August!! 

-I'm going back to see Sharri tomorrow night for a massage and I can't wait!!!

- I finally got my wedding rings back from being sautered, I wish I would have done it sooner! It's so much nicer not having to constantly adjust since they were always turning different directions.

- I'm still trying to figure out where to take our baby to daycare/sitter after I go back to work, the thought of it makes me sick to my stomach but I know it's something that I need to start looking into, so if any of you know of someone who will take on a newborn I'd love to hear.

15 Week Appt.

I had my 15 week appointment today- Unfortunately no U/S so no new pictures! :( I did get to hear little one's heartbeat and it was 155 bpm, so slower than last time but still beating strong.  'It' was also pretty active, 'it' would move and interrupt us listening to the heartbeat.  Dr. said I was right on track and everything looks good.  I did gain 2 lbs!!!! Ahh and so it begins the dreaded weight gain! I also had to have blood drawn to check my thyroid level. I go back in 4 weeks and we'll meet with Dr. Gratkins who will be delivering me and we get to find out if 'it' is a HE or SHE-- Except I scheduled it on the 'biggest day of the year' according to Michael, college football bowl games are on- So I may be switching that, but I told him if I switch Momma gets something in return, like oh perhaps a coach diaper bag! ;) I told him thats what the Baby is requesting if we have to move it--he didn't fall for that! ha!

14 Week Belly Pictures & Christmas Tree Pictures

These pics are more like 14 weeks and 5ish days.  Little late but better than never right?

Here is our Christmas tree- I LOVE cheetah print if ya can't tell so here is my cheetah tree! :)

My mom got me these two high heel ornaments and I LOVE them- If I could find a bunch of them I think I would have to have a high heel tree too!! :)

Back to the pregnancy, I know I don't look big in my pictures but let me tell ya I feel HUGE, I know I'm in for a rude awakening in a few more months if I feel huge now.  I almost had a break down at the mall yesterday- like bawling my eyes out break down because I am so frustrated on what to buy clothes wise.  My clothes are fitting more snug, not horribly but I just don't feel comfortable in them.  I know that I am pregnant but in my clothes I swear it just looks like I'm getting fat.  So if any of you out there have been pregnant feel free to comment/share what you did.  I bought the belly band yesterday- I don't know that I need it just yet, but I have it just in case.  I also ordered some flats tonight because I think wearing high heels to work e-v-e-r-y-d-a-y are far and few now.  I also bought a new pillow yesterday (since I didn't know what to buy clothes wise) I started out with it last night but then had to switch to my regular one- because its for side sleepers. Other than that I don't think there's anything else going on.  I'm hoping to get my Christmas cards mailed out early this week! :) Have a fabulous work week!

14 Weeks

No belly pic tonight, I will get it up sometime this week.  I've had kind of a rough afternoon, my lower back is KILLING me, I wanted to cry at work it hurt so bad.  I need to get in to get a massage, I've called the lady I went to before to see if she does prenatal massages but haven't heard anything back yet.  I'm hoping its just my chair at work that is bothering me, but even if it is that it is going to make for a LONG 6 more months!

 

 

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 14 Weeks

Gender: Don't know

Maternity Clothes: Nope, but some of my pants are fitting a little more snug!

Weight gain: Nothing that I know of, I go to the Dr. next week so we'll see then, I'm sure I've gained a few pounds.

Movement: Nothing I can feel

Sleep: I've been able to stay up a bit later, but this leads to wanting to sleep in later and during the week that just isn't possible.  I slept till almost 8 everyday of Thanksgiving break and it was WONDERFUL! :)

Symptoms: Nauseous, comes and goes-- Hoping I'm almost done with it.  Lower back pain as you read at the begining.

Cravings:  Fruit and Veggies(cold ones with ranch dip)- and a glass of Moscato D' Asti, but I will just have to wait oh another 6 months to satisfy that craving! :)

Aversions: Pizza, I use to love this but just the thought of it makes me wanna puke!

Best moment this week: I guess just being 14 weeks and being able to sleep in/stay up later, I was usually wide awake at 6:30- on the weekends, that drove me nuts!

Things I'm Thankful for

In no particular order these are some things that I am VERY thankful for this year.

My Hubby

These 3- and my Momma, she wasn't with us here.

Family in general- ALL OF YOU, even though I don't have a picture of everyone! :)

The greatest parents in the world and soon to be Nana and Paw Paw :) - I love them both SO much!!

BAMA football

This little peanut- we still don't know if it's a he or she! :) And I can't wait to find out!!

This place, Gulf Shores, it isn't vacation no matter where you go until you've come here once a year! It is seriously the greatest place EVER!! Better than the resort we went to in Cabo, in my opinion.

These girls, and some others that I don't have a picture with- Great friends! :)

I'm thankful for a wonderful job in a new building! :) And great people to work with as well!

These are just SOME of the many things that I am thankful for, I could write a veryyyy long post but that would take wayyy to much time.  I'm also thankful for my loved ones who have passed, I miss them all very much and have special memories with each, it's especially hard around the holidays!! Happy Turkey Day to Everyone!!

12 Week Belly Pictures

Well here they are, I can't promise that I will show my bare stomach each time, especially later on.  We'll see though.  The first picture its hard to see where my shirt and the wall are.  There's not a whole lot there, but lemme tell ya I feel huge!!!

That is all I really have to share.  We are moving tomorrow at work, so I'm sure I'll be exhaused come tomorrow night.  However, I am thankful to be moving into a brand new building/ brand new work area.  :)

12 Weeks

I had planned on putting a belly picture with this post but I have had a rough evening/ not feeling the greatest.  Hopefully tomorrow will be better and I will get one posted.  Other than that there's nothing really new to share.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 12 Weeks

Gender: Don't know

Maternity Clothes: Nope

Weight gain: Nothing

Movement: Nothing I can feel

Sleep: Going to bed between 7:30 and 8:30 because I am just so tired. I sleep well until midnight then it seems like I'm up every hour or two.

Symptoms: Nauseous, especially in the evening/night and still very tired.

Cravings:  Saltines and Strawberries -- And depending on the time of day I crave Steak n Shake, in the evening if I think about it it usually doesn't sound that good, but then again nothing does.

 

Aversions: Pizza, I use to love this but just the thought of it makes me wanna puke!

Best moment this week: Reaching 12 weeks, telling our family the news, telling people at work & seeing baby (last week) on the U/S.

Second Appt.

I went for my second appointment on Wednesday (11/9).  I went by myself this time since Michael was busy with work.  These are some of the neat pictures the tech got, I LOVED this tech, she switched it into 3D so you could really see the baby.  It reminds me of the little lego men.  So NEAT though.  The other pictures are too hard for someone like myself to make-out.  I do have a SIL who is a x-ray tech and does sono's so she was able to point everything out to me when I was showing her the pics, which was so nice! The tech took a ton of pics.  I met with the Dr after and she said everything looked excellent which was good to hear, the babys hearbeat was 170 bpm, so much faster from the first time.  I go back in another 4 weeks just for a regular visit and the next time we get an U/S is when we can find out the sex!!

Again, sorry the quality isn't the greatest. 

We're Expecting....

So my reasoning for not blogging much lately is due to the title of this post.  I have been EXHAUSTED, meaning in bed by usually 7:30 every night. 

If you look close you can see the very faint line.

Sorry for the poor quality of the photos.  Anyways, Michael and I have known for a while that we were pregnant.  We came home from the Bama game that Sunday (9/25) and I still hadn't started so I decided to take a test not really thinking it would be positive.  On a side note I had some cysts earlier this year and I thought that it may take us a little while to get pregnant.  So Michael was laying on the couch watching football and I kept saying I think I'm pregnant.  (I had been so tired, but it was hard to tell because we drove 10 hours to Tuscaloosa and my sleep pattern was so screwed up, but I really thought it when my mom and I were shopping at the mall in Tuscaloosa and I was sooo tired I couldn't even shop!)  So back to that Sunday, I decided I would take a test just to either confirm yes or to let me know that I'm just a few days late.  When it turned positive I was SO shocked, yes I couldn't believe what I was seeing, I was so scared, excited, nervous, everything.  I came running out and told Michael "OMG your never going to believe it, its positive"  He was soo excited, I will be honest I was still unsure, I didn't know what to think and I couldn't believe it had happened so quick. 

I ended up calling the doctor the next day (Monday 9/26) to see what I needed to do from here, they said I needed to have blood work done.  My Dr. is in Bloomington and I work in Pontiac and had just taken that past Friday off so the last thing I wanted to do was take off time to go to Bloomington to get blood work done.  Luckily they said I could go to the hospital in Pontiac and they would just send the results to my Dr. 

After that I had scheduled our first appointment for October 3, since I would be off for Columbus Day.  Michael went with to the first appointment.  Here is a picture from our 1st Ultrasound.  Again please excuse the blurriness, I'll have to start scanning them at my moms!! The tech said my sac was shaped like a heart, she thought it was cute.  I was still just in shock!! The heartbeat at that appointment was 140 bpm.  The doctor confirmed that my due date was May 29, 2012, which is what I thought after looking online. That is 3 days after my mom and I's Birthday which is May 26. 

We decided after this appointment we would wait till our next one to tell people which would put me just over 11 weeks.  We thought if everything looked good there then we would go ahead and share the news! I have some neat U/S pics from our last appt. that will be another post! I still can't believe I'm pregnant, maybe once my stomach pops out I'll believe it more, even though I already feel HUGE.  :)

Click play then read on....

Today is a HUGE day in Bama Football and I'm soooo EXCITED.  I hope they come out full force in the first half and don't wait until the second half to kick it in gear. 

The weird thing is... Michael was sooooo CLOSE to buying tickets to this game instead of the Bama/Arkansas game.  He has been kicking himself ALL week, anytime its brought up he just says "I don't wanna to talk about it."  It would have been neat to be there with game day... Oh well maybe next year! Anyways hopefully you'll all be cheering on the TIDE!! :)

 Happy Saturday and ROLL TIDE ROLL....