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).
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
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?
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?
Monday, October 24, 2011
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!
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!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
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.
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)
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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