Large and in charge

Well its official. I'm feeling quite rotund. I'm noticing that my belly no longer just protrudes after a big meal or a big glass of water- it tends to maintain its melon-esque shape 24-7 now.

I am honestly the girl who looks like she swallowed a basketball. I guess having a 3 inch torso is really not to my advantage. I know people said that when they were pregnant they felt so beautiful and felt "the glow," well I apparently missed that memo, 'cause I feel gross!

Pregnancy has been very pretty kind to me (minus the 3 months of constant nauseau, and now the killer back pain) but for the most part I feel great. I have my energy almost fully back and find myself cooking and cleaning just as much as before. Could I be nesting already?

According to pregnancy weekly, Around the fifth month of pregnancy, the "nesting" instinct can set in. This is an uncontrollable urge to clean one's house brought on by a desire to prepare a nest for the new baby, to tie up loose ends of old projects and to organize your world.

You can confirm this with my husband, but I have been talking non-stop about all of the projects I have for us before baby's arrival (I'm sure he's overly excited about them all, but hey- men love tools right?).

We've finally agreed and fallen in love with a name: Riley Hope. Luke is the one who actually found the name, which was his first (and most important) baby girl name contribution. I feel like as I get further and further along, I can just picture this name for her. Riley means "courageous," which I absolutely love, and Hope is Luke's grandmothers name. After I shared this with my mom, who is battling breast cancer right now, she brought up the fact that Hope is kind of the theme for breast cancer, so we just kind of knew it was right. I mean, honestly, who knows where my hormones will take me in the next couple of months, but for now, I think we have a name!

Most importantly: Project Baby Nursery starts not the first weekend in January (because Luke is out of town on a man-cation) but the following weekend. WHO WANTS TO HELP?

Life so far

The past few weeks has been an absolute whirl wind of emotions. On the same day we found out the gender of our baby (GIRL) we had an appointment to meet a surgeon with my family, just days after we found out my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. It really was such an interesting feeling, because life brings us so many things, happiness, sadness, and sometimes a mixture of the two. While we were ecstatic about our news, we definitely felt sadness and mourned for my mom. There was the diagnosis, the waiting, the surgery, and now the healing, all while praying for her strength, and being thankful for the baby being healthy.

Besides the obvious troubles, this has been a good month, "baby wise." My belly is definitely growing, and people can now tell I'm actually pregnant and not just a fatty (some may still be confused).

I am feeling the baby move constantly; usually when I eat a big meal, lay down, or am still for a long time. It is honestly the most amazingly beautiful feeling in the world. If I ever forget why oh why my body is changing the way it is, I'm reminded by a little jab in the tummy that I've got something incredibly special growing inside of me. I find myself rushing to the bathroom more now than ever before, and it's always a rush, feeling like I can't hold it another moment. I hear it only gets worse. Luke and I registered at Target!

He was the designated scanner, and I was the list 'checker-offer'. It was a little overwhelming because Target has about 6 very compacted isles of baby items and it seemed like there was really no rhyme or reason to the way things were laid out. We ended up doing great, but making some changes online after we registered in store.

We found some adorable bedding, which is on our registry.

And I had to do everything in my power not to pick up these pink ballet slippers.

Little girl stuff is entirely too cute!

Can't believe time is going so quickly and this pregnancy journey is over 1/2 over. I have so much to be thankful for, I think it has really given me and my family the strength to overcome these obstacles and challenges. We are strong sons of guns! Next step in our journey is to get the nursery started- the guest bedroom is officially almost complete, so I'm excited to get started on baby Harvey's actual nest :)

Demolition

Honestly, in the first trimester, I thought I would never be able to have another child. For the simple fact that the sickness and fatigue were an all day occurrence for me made me think that the entire pregnancy would be more than I could handle. Boy was I wrong! Once the second trimester almost immediately began, I immediately fell like I had more energy, spunk, and determination to do "things." Now I find it almost easy tolerable to get up in the mornings, and easier to stay up late reading, or doing things around the house. I have ambition to get started on the nursery. I mean, everyone knows how much I love organization and decorating! Luke's sister gave us this gorgeous, bassinet from Pottery Barn that she was given for her children. I think she was excited to use the original bumper because it was intended to be for a girl :)

Right now, our basement is currently under complete reconstruction. Its kind of a demolition zone. We are switching what was originally our office to a guest bedroom, and what used to be our guest bedroom to our NURSERY! May be the more complicated way of doing things, but its the way I always envisioned the lay out. My husband is being a Godsend and is currently painting the guest bedroom alone. (I'm such a lucky woman) My goal this weekend is to complete the guest bedroom paint job, and get all of the furniture and decor up (most of these things require the assistance of my loving hubby). I'll keep you updated with the progress, but the pictures might scare you all right now.

After my 20 week ultrasound, I swear the baby has developed some sort of affinity for martial arts, because it feels like Bruce Lee is shooting a fight scene in my belly. I used to feel kicks mostly at night, but now throughout the day I am constantly feeling wiggles. It is, honestly, the most amazing feeling, and its a constant reminder that there is a miracle growing in my belly. Speaking of growing, is it normal to feel like a tank? My growing belly is not only result of a growing baby, but also a growing appetite. Man oh man, to think that in the first trimester I could barely stomach a meal. I'm fine as I continue to make healthy snack choices throughout the day, and honestly I feel like there's really not a LOT of room in my belly to fit food anyways, my torsos is sort of filled with a growing baby. Continuing to pray for a healthy and happy pregnancy!

1/2 way done!

Well,
Its official. I am over 1/2 way done with my first pregnancy! Wow- this has gone so quickly. I will admit, the first 12 weeks was slow, scary, and man was I sick, but now I find myself forgetting that my belly is growing what seems like 3 inches every day (Gosh, I hope its all in my head) and that there is so much going on inside of my belly.

Babycenter.com, one of my all time favorite pregnancy websites, keeps me updated weekly with the baby's progress and this is what week 20 brings:

Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, baby's measured from head to toe.)
Baby is swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his/her digestive system.

We had our 20 week ultrasound on Friday, and I will admit, the OBGYN who did the ultrasound was less focused on us getting a cute picture of our baby girl (oh yes- it's a baby GIRL), and more focused on ensuring that all of her major organs were functioning properly. I really cant complain, because now we know that baby girl Harvey is completely healthy, moving, and growing, but I really wanted that well-sought out profile pic that every first time mother yearns for. This is the best the Dr did for us:

The pic is taking as if you're looking at the baby at a downward, diagonal angle, you can see the chin (which kind of looks pointy), nose, eyes, and an open mouth. The baby was opening and closing her mouth all ultrasound, and even had the hiccups in there. Again, the picture is so hard to decipher, but it was easier to see when she was moving around what is what. She's a very active baby, and I am feeling rolls and flips constantly now.

I also made my first few cloth diaper purchases on black Friday. Littleneetchers, a cloth diaper and accessories store, had a killer black Friday sale, and I scored 4 diapers for $36. I got some awesome cloth diaper info from a friend, and from sister-in-law.

Seriously- could they GET any cuter? Anyone else use cloth diapers or have any tips? Happy Halfway point :)

Nursery planning beings

I'm finding it hard to believe we are already over 18 weeks through this remarkable journey to parenthood. I am reminded every time I look down that this is really happening as my growing belly is making itself even more evident than a week ago. Luke keeps reminding me how cute it is and I think that helps me cope a little bit with the fact that NONE of my old pants can be buttoned comfortably and attractively right now. I finally invested in a few new tops and a pair of jeans. I have never been so happy to slip on a pair of jeans with a big tummy panel. We have been talking a little bit more seriously about a nursery and have thrown around a few ideas. We have a beautiful white crib that was borrowed to us by my wonderful friend Shari, now we are looking for a dresser. I put an offer in on craigslist, lets hope it pans out. I love this DIY mobile that I found on one of my favorite blogs: younghouselove

These book shelves I found on pinterest that actually made up of $3.99 spice racks from Ikea

We will most likely take off the closet doors and convert it to something like this:

Equipped with a homemade draping that will match the home made drapes I hope to whip up.

As far as paint colors go, Obviously we want to do something a little more gender neutral, but we will add little hints of femininity or masculinity depending on what we find out December 2nd. (Countdown to gender determination has officially begun!)

We both love the idea of doing some sort of tree on the wall:

Or this:

Or this:

So, obviously we have a lot of work to do, because the nursery currently is all white and sparse with furniture, but I have no doubt that we are going to have a blast doing it all. We are also planning to get cracking on our guest bedroom as well. Wish us luck, everyone!

P.S. calling all crafty friends, your ideas and help is much appreciated :)

Baby bump, 17 weeks

17 weeks. . . this is going to be a long and large journey.

Chili con veggies

Wanted to post another delic recipe for ya'll. Since I'm trying to load up on veggies and pregnancy superfoods, I thought I'd share this one with everyone.

Chilli is an all time favorite of Luke and mine, especially at this time of year. I decided to throw together my own version of a veggie chili that is super hearty (and satisfies my constant craving for red/tomato based sauces).

Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey (can use beef, sausage, or chicken depending on preference)
1 pint of diced tomatoes (I use tomatoes my lovely grandma canned fresh from her garden)
1 can Rotel with green chiles
1 can black beans (rinsed)
I can chili beans
1 can sweet yellow corn
1 bell pepper (diced)
1/2 package of baby carrots (diced
3 cups fresh spinach
2 T chili powder
1 T garlic salt
1 t salt
1 t pepper
1/2 C grandma Bartolo's salsa (see me for the most delicious salsa in the world)
1/2 C Ketchup
2 T hot sauce
1 t of cayenne pepper


Now the easy part:
1. Brown meat or cook accordingly (drain if necessary)
2. steam diced peppers, carrots, and spinach
3. Mix everything together!

I usually throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning, but didn't have the energy to do so this morning, so I heated to a boil on the stove, covered, and simmered for about 30 minutes (or until veggies are cooked through). Also, we like spicy in our house, so feel free to dumb down the spiciness by eliminating some of the hot stuff.

I also topped it off with a little dollop of low fat sour cream and some diced onion

Saturday cooking sesh

I finally have energy! Like- energy and motivation to do things! In the mornings, my hubby and I have been waking up before work to do some yoga, and I usually find some sort of work out to do in the afternoon, whether its a run, a walk, prenatal yoga, or weight lifting, I've been actually wanting to work out. On the completely other end of the spectrum, I woke up early on Saturday (and today) and was yearning to go grocery shopping. I can't remember the last time I have actually done my grocery routine: clipping coupons, making a list, planning menus. I've just been too tired to do these things. So I did my routine, planned menus and came home with an urge to cook for lunches this week. I made meat and spinach lasagna (YUM!), home made chicken and veggie fried rice, and not one, but two whole wheat chocolate chip banana breads. I just have to share this recipe for the lasagna because it was so delicious. I don't like ricotta cheese so you'll see I substitute a mixture of sour cream, cream cheese, and cottage cheese.

Ingredients:

9 lasagna noodles
2 Johnsonville Hot sausages (or mild if you aren't as risky as us)
1/2 lb of ground turkey
1 bag or can of spinach (fresh spinach can be used as well
32 oz pasta sauce
1 pkg cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 container of cottage cheese
1 pkg mozzarella cheese
1 T olive oil


Directions:

Boil lasagna noodles according to package. Remove sausage from casing and place in a pan with olive oil and ground turkey mixture. Fry until brown, drain, and return to clean frying pan. Add pasta sauce, and drained spinach to the pan, and heat on low, stirring continuously. This is usually when I add in spices to taste: garlic salt, crushed red pepper, cayanne pepper, italian seasoning, and basil (all are optional, depending on how flavored your chosen sauce is).

In a separate bowl, add in softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese and set aside.

In the baking dish, coat the bottom of the dish with sauce, then layer noodles, sauce mixture, and cheese mixture, topping each cheese layer with mozzarella cheese. After the top layer of noodles is added, top with a thin layer of sauce mixture, mozzarella cheese, and italian seasoning.

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes, or until cheese is completely melted and slightly golden brown.

This makes a ton! We each had a big serving on Saturday and made 6 additional servings for lunches. Enjoy!

Flutters and fun

I bet if you ask any first time mother, she will remember the first time she felt the baby move. For a couple weeks now, people have been asking me, Have you felt any movement, kicks, flutters? I was really starting to worry that I wasn't feeling anything, because I remember at my 12 week ultrasound, the baby was doing flips and somersaults, and it just boggled my mind that I couldn't feel anything while that was going on inside of me. Well- for about the past week, I have been able to feel movement every now and then (usually when I'm laying in bed, absolutely still). People describe the feeling in a number of different ways, to me, it feels like little fingers fluttering back and forth, or little kernels of popcorn popping around. It is absolutely amazing to me. I just can't wait until the kicks can be felt externally, because I feel like my hand will always be on my belly.

This week was a big week for us. My lovely and amazing friend, brought over a TON of baby stuff for us that she used for her daughter (who is now 4). The items include: a crib, a changing table, a car seat, a high chair, and a bouncy thing. I'll admit, we were slightly overwhelmed, for a number of reasons. One, our nursery isn't even a nursery yet, and now doubles as a guest bed and furniture holding area, and Two, it all seems so real now. We are both so thankful and grateful to have friends like this who are willing to share their "baby stuff" with us. Once we find out the gender, we plan to get moving and grooving with the nursery. At least painting, and starting to buy little things here and there. Couldn't be more excited!

Update

I am feeling amazing- almost 16 weeks and going strong. It really is amazing because women say that in the 2nd trimester a switch goes off, and boy are they right. Well- maybe mine was more of a dimmer switched that flickered back and forth, but now my light is finally on (hope I didn’t go too far with that analogy). I currently have no nausea whatsoever, not really any food aversions, and have much more energy than I had the first couple months. I still have to peel myself out of bed in the morning, but I think that’s more of a personality trait than it is a side effect of pregnancy. I also have been a lot happier than I was the first three months. I think the count down and the worry and anxiety associated with all of the changes I was experiencing kind of dulled down my actual excitement. Now that baby is 4 ½ inches long, it seems real, and I’m feeling good, I have a lot more to be excied about.

I have been craving pasta lately. Mostly red sauce. I just can’t get enough of it. Spaghetti, with the thin noodles, any sort of meat and veggie, and a deliciously seasoned red sauce. Mmm- I wish I had some right now! Milk is something I’ve also begun craving for the first time. I find myself salivating over the thought of getting a tall, cold glass of milk when I get home from work. Not only does it satisfy my craving and refresh me, but its super good for my growing baby.

Luke and I are currently counting down the days to identifying the gender. We really had little to no discussion about whether or not we were going to find out, because- well. We both KNEW we wanted to- there was no question. I’m entirely too impatient and its much too exciting to have to wait for. Then we can buy all the cute little gender specific clothes (tutus for the girls, and little baseball gear for the boys). Ugh I can’t wait. I have an appointment scheduled for just around my 18 week mark, and I know they typically don’t do the gender ultrasound until 20 weeks, but I’m going to work my magic and hope that they’ll let us do it a little early, rather than have to wait an extra 4 weeks.

We still haven’t decided what we’re going to do for childcare during the workday. Luke and I will both work full time, my mom will watch the baby at least 1 day a week, and I’m hoping my little brother will be willing and interested in watching the baby a couple days a week too. It’s pretty convenient being that he works weekend nights. I’m trying my best not to stress about all these petty details since we’re not even ½ way through this pregnancy.

I’m also getting a huge urge to start decorating the nursery (or what will eventually be the nursery).

It's all in a name

Okay so, is it just us, or are their other couples who seem to be on completely different pages when it comes to choosing baby names. I've started to think it's never too early to start thinking about names, because, honestly, selecting a name is probably one of the only things my husband and I just can't seem to agree on. There are about 2 boy names I like, and 1 girl name I used to love, but am now so-so on. And Luke likes approximately 1 name, which also happens to be the name of this weirdy kid I had in my college English class. Eliminating names by association is probably the easiest way to remove names from your list, but what happens when youd don't have a list?

My mom was nice enough to get us a book of over 100,000 of the "best" baby names (Entitled The Complete Book of Baby Names), and boy does it have a lot of names in it! It will take me a year just to get through the thing! I will admit that in the time I have taken to look through the book, I have gotten some pretty cute ideas, though. I know, I know- you might be saying, It seems miniscule, but choosing a name is like choosing an identity for our child; he or she will have this for the rest of his/her life.

Here's a list of criteria we have so far

1. Easy to pronounce
2. Easy to read
2. Looks good on a resume (thinking far into the future)
3. Yields a good response from the people we tell
4. Doesn't remind us of some weirdy we've previously met

Easy enough, right? Wrong. Anyone have any tips as to how they chose a name?

The beauty of maternity pants

This weekend I had the pleasure of going shopping for maternity clothes with my lovely mother. She knew that my pants are getting uncomfortable and its causing quite a bit of discomfort during the work day. We made a whole day of it and headed to the Mall of America (where we also got some intense walking in). I have friends who have shopped at Motherhood Maternity before and I've heard nothing but good things, so we decided to make that our first stop. If you're looking for maternity pants, right now their dress pants are buy one get one 50% off! We also hit up Old Navy, which I didn't even know had a maternity section, and of course, browsed a little in the baby clothes as well. I don't know what it is about tiny "things" but we saw an itsy bitsy baby bikini and my mom and I both did the "AWWWWWWWW" out loud. It has been so difficult to refrain from buying anything for the baby, but honestly- we are waiting to see what the gender is. Then I can buy all the tutus and dresses, or ties, and little cargo pants as my heart desires.

If you don't think this is cute, you don't have a heart!

Back to the maternity pants. I tried on pairs from both Motherhood Maternity and Old Navy, and for some reason the ones at Old Navy fit like a glove. I mean, trying them on in the store gave me a good feel for how comfortable they were, but I wore them all day at work today, and asked myself why I haven't ALWAYS been wearing maternity clothes? (besides the fact that I didn't need them until now). I may never leave the comfort of these pants!

oldnavy.com

All in all it was an extremely successful day. Not only did I get to spend some quality time with one of my favorite people in the world, my momma, but I also got some cute stuff!

14 weeks

October 18th, 2011

This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.
In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active

Thanks to babycenter.com for providing me with the week by week updates of our baby's progress and growth.

October 13th, 2011

Well the 1st trimester fatigue is still oh-so-present, and I have finally been introduced to the lovely headaches and dizziness that come with the second trimester. I also have been introduced to cravings central. I didn’t really have any desire to eat for the first 12 weeks, but now, all I could think about when I was at work was nachos. I fought the craving for Chipotle, and settled with some whole wheat chips and salsa at home, accompanied by a healthy whole wheat pasta with meat and broccoli. Definitely not a burrito bowl, but it did the trick. I purchased some Palmers cocoa butter that I’ve been slabbing on my midsection twice a day in attempts to avoid stretchmarks. Who knows what’s going to happen. I have quite a small surface area on my belly, which means not a lot of room to for baby to grow. I have heard baby oil works too, so that will be my next purchase. My parents came over for dinner last night and had gotten us a book of baby “100,000+ baby names” and we have been finding some entertainment in some of the names people think are actually appropriate “names.” There’s still a select few names that Luke and I can even agree on, so I’m really hoping we end up being able to name our child. I know we’ve got plenty of time, but still- I tend to be a bit of a worrier. Welp- it’s 8:00, and I’m WORN OUT. Time to hit the hay.

The belly band is my savior

October 11th, 2011


Okay- so I’ve heard of pregnant women purchasing something called a Bella band, belly band, whatever you want to call. I wasn’t quite sure why it’d be necessary because even well into my 12th week, my clothes were still fitting appropriately and comfortably. That was until one lovely morning, I awoken as usual, and found it incredibly uncomfortable to leave my pants buttoned throughout the entirety of the day. So- I caved and purchased this simple invention. Basically, what this is- is a ring of fabric, designed to be worn around your torso atop an unbuttoned or unzipped pair of pants. It seems trashy, and kind of gross, but my oh- my how it has changed my life. My belly is protruding just enough that sitting in a pair of buttoned pants eventually wears on me (no pun intended) after an 8 hour day. I’ve found that my appetite is growing, which I anticipated since I was losing weight in the first trimester due to not being able to eat! I find myself having to eat every couple of hours, even if its just a bag of almonds, a piece of fruit, or a granola bar. I definitely try to keep it healthy. I also consume probably 60-100 oz of water per day, too. I’ve learned that I must find ways to satisfy my cravings, but STILL get those fruits and veggies as well. For example, I have been craving jalapeno macaroni & cheese for a few days now. I got an AWESOME recipe from my sis in law, and she suggested adding some cauliflower puree to get those extra vitamins and minerals. I boiled about ½ a head of cauliflower, and ran it through my magic bullet, added it to the mac & cheese mixture, and voila! It didn’t really take anything from the flavor, but added a ton of nutrients. (Don’t even harp on me about the cheese)

First ultrasound!

October 7th, 2011

Today was monumental. Not only does today mark the beginning of our 4 day anniversary weekend (YAY), but also, we had our first ultrasound and 12 week check up with our nurse midwife. Words can not begin to describe what an amazing day we had. I had a difficult time sleeping/staying asleep once I woke up the 3rd time-yes 3rd time during the night to go to the bathroom. There were so many emotions and thoughts going through my mind I just couldn’t wait for 9:40. It was well worth the wait and the stress of “holding it” as I had to go to the bathroom for an hour. We saw our babies eyes, developing jaw and spinal cord, ribs, 2 arms and 2 legs (all equipped with five little tiny digits), 2 hemispheres of the brain, and best of all, a strong and healthy beating heart. The baby was so active- doing flips, somersaults, waving and kicking its little arms and legs. I was so surprised at the amazing technology that allowed us to see our growing baby. It all feels real now. I also stepped on the scale and found that I haven’t gained any weight. This is probably because I have been pretty consistently doing pre-natal yoga, walking a lot, and having a difficult time eating. I have little to no desire to snack, because nausea is basically constant. Still feeling pretty fatigued, less nauseous, and overwhelmingly excited. Luke even got a recording on his cell phone of the baby’s heartbeat. I could listen to it all day long. Still can’t believe all of this is going on inside of my belly. I am so happy!

To tell or not to tell?

October 5th, 2011


So I have officially entered the second trimester of my pregnancy. Not feeling an ounce better than yesterday, but I’m looking forward to that in the near future. We have our first ultrasound scheduled for Friday, as well as another 12 week check up with the nurse midwife. The beauty of working with a certified nurse midwife instead of a OB, is that they are so much more personal and caring than doctors. When I called to schedule, I was told “Congratulations” by at least 3 different people on the phone. We also sat down and she said, “So tell me about yourselves. . . How you met and how long you’ve been together.” Questions I could never imagine my doctor asking me. Nurse midwifes to tend to be a lot more natural than doctors so they typically don’t give an ultrasound until the 20th week. I did request to get one sooner, because I’m convinced that once I see that picture of the baby inside of my belly, I think it will seem more real to me. I have been torn as to whether or not I should begin telling people. You know- the 12 week mark is supposed to be the safe-haven, but I’ve decided I can wait a FEW more days until I see the ultrasound. Not only is that happening on Friday, but our long anniversary weekend is beginning as well. I have a lot to be thankful for today!

Bye, bye 1st trimester

October 4th, 2011


Well I am nearing the end of my 1st trimester and I honestly thought this day would never come. Its like the entire time I’ve been pregnant, I have just counted down the moments to that ‘1/3rd of the way mark.’ The mark where every woman begins to feel comfortable telling people; the mark where I am supposed to start feeling better; the mark where the chances of miscarriage are dramatically reduced. I will be 12 weeks tomorrow. My baby is the size of a plum, which just so happens to be one of my recent daily cravings and obsessions. I sat during my lunch break looking at my plum. I found myself holding and examining it ever so carefully. Hmm something is alive and this size in my tummy, growing and growing. It almost felt weird eating it. But my pregnancy cravings got the best of me and I downed it in seconds. I have been waiting to begin feeling better. I found myself still nauseous and overwhelmingly tired today. In the back of my mind, I think that tomorrow, since I’ll be in my 2nd trimester, a switch will turn on and my energy level will be at an all time high. wishful thinking, I guess. I’m starting to really get excited, and connect with my what’s going on in my body. Appreciating the growth (even though now I just look fatter) and my new baby bump. I have started to take moments out of the day to wish my baby happy and healthy growth. Luke has started to make comments that make me happy, talking about how cute my “little baby bump” is and how I shouldn’t be concerned, because “our baby is growing in there.” It makes the physical changes all worth-while. Today I craved a Totino’s cheese Party Pizza, and a white Gatorade and honestly thought I couldn’t go on without one. Lucky for me, the hubby picked some up after work without me even asking ☺ One of my first pregnancy cravings and boy, are they weird! Bye, bye first trimester, and I’ll catch you all in phase 2!

Introducing BB Harvey's Nest

Hello all!
Thanks for checking out my new blog!
I am unbelievably excited to share with you all the NEWEST chapter of our lives-having kids. There has been so much going on these last 15 weeks, both mentally, physically, and emotionally. Between the sickness, the fatigue, the mood swings (which I only imagine will get worst), the cravings and just the emotional distress caused by a changing body and a changing live, I thought the best way to document this period of my life would be to blog about it!