Week 22

The Date: June 12-18, 2013

How far along? 22 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 7 pounds!!! 

Baby Size: Baby is the size of a papaya! He is 10.5-11.8 inches long and about 13-20 ounces.

Things I learned about Baby:  He can now hear my heart beat, my stomach churn, and the sound of our voices pretty clearly. He also now has eyelids and more developed eyes that continue to sense light. His brain is growing and developing complex neurological connections. 

Maternity clothes:

 Definitly need to buy some more clothes now. I have really popped out this week. It's a pretty drastic change from two weeks ago when I took my last picture!

Changes I've noticed: My stomach is huge! I'm gained 5 of my 7 pounds in the last three weeks! I asked my doctor if I was doing something wrong and he said I was fine. So...I guess that is normal for first pregnancy.

Sleep: Sleep could be better. But it's not terrible. I just have to prop myself up the right way. I do miss laying on my stomach and back! 

Best Moment this week: Hearing babies heart beat at 155 and celebrating Landon's first Father's Day. We called if First-ish Father's Day. I served him breakfast (from the baby) and we played tennis together and swam. It was exciting to think about how different Father's Day will be next year.

I also received a pregnancy book in the mail about maternity fashion! That was fun! and I go my invitation to my Boca Shower! I'm so excited! :)

Miss anything: Sleeping on my stomach and back. I'm tired of my sides! I can sleep on my back in i lay on the couch, that doesn't seem to bother me or the baby. As soon as I lie down on the flat bed it just doesn't work anymore.

Crave anything: Not really. But watermelon is tasting pretty delicious.

Movement: So much movement! It's crazy though, he kicks and I grab Landon's hand and put it on my stomach and he stops...so he still hasn't felt him move yet. Hopefully soon! (I know I've been saying that for about 3 weeks now but....we'll see.) 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Well, people were talking potty humor the other day and I just about threw up! I was also really hot so that didn't help. I never do well with that kind of thing but for some reason it just seems to be worse right now.

Showing: Totally! I'm feeling like I have an inner-tube around my stomach! One that I can't ditch when I get out of the pool. haha

Labor Signs: none


Belly Button: still in! Thank goodness! I hope it doesn't pop out soon. 

Wedding Rings: Still fit! yay! 

Moods: I have been feeling great and normal until last night I just about cried over the tiniest thing. I just told myself that it wasn't real, just pregnancy hormones and I got over it in a few minutes. I can be so sensible to a fault! In this case it is working out for me. 

Dreams: Oh so many! I don't remember anything exciting at the moment. I don't like dreaming...I like solid peaceful sleep! I do miss that. 

Baby Preparations: Made a baby registry at Baby's R Us for my Boca Shower that is next week. I also made some more little baby booties! These were heather grey to go with a newborn outfit I'm hoping to get to take him home from the hospital in. :)

I am looking forward to...Looking forward to Dance camp this week, heading to Boca next week, and having a baby shower with my Boca friends and family!

It's a Boy!!!

The day finally came! The moment I had been waiting for since the moment I found out I was pregnant 14 weeks ago.

Landon and I got up early and made our way to the doctors office down town. We sat in the waiting room making our final guesses on the gender. We both decided it was a girl and sat close together waiting for my name to be called.

Finally! They called my name and Landon and I went back for the ultrasound. The technician didn't let Landon in the room at first and she blocked the screen from my view. She silently rolled the ultrasound tool around my belly and looked and look. After about 10 minutes of silence I asked, "Does everything look okay?"
"Oh yes!" she said. "I'm just trying to see the 4 chambered heart but baby is sleeping and won't turn over."
"Can you tell the gender?"
"Oh yes. I can. It's only the heart I'm trying to see now."

After almost 40 minutes she let Landon come into the room and she turned on the screen for us to watch.  She showed us the little face and we saw the little legs kicking as she poked it trying to get it to move to the right angle. Baby turned over on its belly and tried to fall asleep again. It got the hiccups and it was just the cutest thing you've ever seen! At the end she moved so we could tell if it was a boy or girl. I had been studying ultrasounds the night before so as soon as she moved to the correct area I knew right away what we were having.

Check out that little nose and tiny lips! 

I gasped loudly as soon as I knew what I was looking at. She moved over it so quickly the first time that Landon didn't see it but he knew from my reaction that it must not have been what I was predicting.

"It's a boy!" I said in amazement.

Just then the tech moved the picture back so that we could see clearly that it was a boy.

Landon and I smiled at each other shocked, amazing, and most of all excited! We were not expecting it to be a boy! I knew it was a 50/50 chance but for some reason I had already decided it was a girl. I guess I don't have that mother's intuition I keep hearing about. haha Anyway, Landon gave me a big kiss on the forehead and we didn't do anything but smile for the next few hours. The tech made a video for us and a few pictures and we left.

Landon and I had brunch at Panera and we sat and talked about baby boy for the next hour. Nothing but smiles.

Landon and I parted ways after brunch. He headed into work and I headed to the mall. Duh! I headed right for Baby Gap to buy a cute little boy outfit. Then I headed out to find something to wear for our gender reveal pictures. I picked out a few blue things and headed home. Of course the whole time I was shopping I was on the phone! I called my mom first and then all of my sisters. I shared many texts with my closest friends and we all freaked out together about all the fun we were going to start having in just 5 months! It was definitely an exciting day!

We took a few gender reveal photos at the Grandparent McKee's house. I made the banner with some pinterest ideas. I think it turned out pretty cute. It was fun putting the picture up on Facebook and seeing the reactions come in. Most people had guessed girl like me!

We are so excited for our son to be born in just 21 (ish) weeks! Next step...pick an awesome name! :)

Week 16

The Date: May 7th, 2013

How far along? 16 weeks and 6 days

I can't believe the baby is that big inside me! How come I don't feel it kicking around in there??

Total weight gain/loss: Lost 5, gained 5 back. So...I'm back to starting weight. Bye-bye starting weight! It will be a while before I see you again. 

Baby Size: 4 1/2 inches and 4 ounces. Baby is the size of an avocado.

Things I learned about Baby:  Baby's bones are hardening and it's arms and legs are becoming more active. Tiny bones are growing in the baby's ear so now it can hear my voice! How COOL! Baby is growing hair, lashes and eyebrows.

Maternity clothes:

 I did buy a simple black dress from target this week. It is was on sale so I bought it even though it is way to big for me right now. :) I'll save it for later. I heard there is a thrift store around here that is clean, neat, and has tons of maternity clothes. I've never bought clothes from a thrift store before but I think I'll check it out. Who knows! I might end up with an awesome pregnant wardrobe!

Maybe wear this to one of Whitney's bridal showers?

Changes I've noticed: Belly is popping out! All of the sudden my stomach felt like it was stretching and hurting last weekend. The next day I looked and my tummy had popped out! I look fat not pregnant...but I'll get there!


Sleep: Oh how I miss you, sleep! This morning I woke up at 3 and couldn't go back to sleep. I just can't get comfortable unless I'm on the couch. 

Best Moment this week:  Feeling the baby move again. Finishing up my last big paper for school. Going to the baseball game with Landon on Saturday. Ballet recital with students on Monday.

Miss anything: I miss good sleep. I also miss chocolate tasting good. Things that are sweet usually leave a bad taste in my mouth.

Crave anything: Not really. But fattening foods seem to taste better than anything else right now.

Movement: I was lying on my stomach and I could feel the baby moving around in there this morning. I don't know why I could feel it so well when I was on my stomach and never any other time but it was cool. Maybe I was squishing it and it didn't like it. haha I hope not! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: No! Thank you, Jesus! But if I have sweets close to bed time I have a bad taste in my mouth all night. It's terrible

Showing:  Yes! Bye bye waist! I can still see my toes!

Gender prediction: Everyone thinks it's a boy and I think it's a girl. Again, I don't know why. I found out in 10 days. 

Labor Signs:  no no no, hopefully not for a long time.

Belly Button: Belly is popping out but belly button is still in. 

Wedding Rings: Still fitting and still loose. 

Moods:  Almost cried this week for no reason. Then I had to do some public speaking and my face turned red and I fumbled around with my words...that is not normal for me. Hormones! 

Dreams: Since I didn't sleep last night...no dreams! 

Baby Preparations: Planning ideas to do a baby gender announcement! Also, I'm picking out a diaper bag this week. Some sweet moms at school want to buy it for me and I get to pick it out this week. So much fun!

I am looking forward to...10 days from now I'll found out he or she! yay!

Week 15

The Date: April 28th, 2013

How far along? Second Trimester: Week 15


Total weight gain/loss: Went to the doctor this week and I'm up one pound from the last time. I'm still one pound under my starting weight

Baby Size: Baby is the size of an orange. It is about 4 inches long and weighs about 2.5 ounces.

Things I learned about Baby:  Baby's legs are now growing and are longer than the little arms. Baby could be sucking it's thumb now! so cute! Baby can now see light and can track it. Baby can also rub it's eyes, yawn, and blink! 

Maternity clothes:

 Still none. I need to order some. I keep looking at stuff at Target.

Changes I've noticed: I'm starting to get bigger! My stomach feels harder and tighter. I feel the stretching.


Sleep: Sleep is getting better but I can't sleep for long periods of time. Just need to take naps often. 

Best Moment this week: I have three great moments! 1. Felt the baby move! 2. Heard the heart beat again. 157 bpm. 3. Marriage retreat with Landon. We had a great weekend together.

Miss anything: Nope, not really.

Crave anything: Just bread, but my doctor told me not to eat to much of it.

Movement: Felt the baby move for the first time! It was quick and felt like a little fish swimming or something and then I didn't feel it again. But it was cool! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Still brushing my teeth!

Showing: A little!


Gender prediction:  I was thinking girl! But after the heartbeat rate dropped I'm not so sure anymore. 

Labor Signs: none none none! :)

Belly Button: Still Inny! 

Wedding Rings: Still fit! 

Moods: Happy! Feel normal again. Not so irritable anymore. 

Dreams: OOOH the dreams that never end! I keep dreaming in back in college and forgot to go to class all semester and now I have finals! Ay yi yi! 

Baby Preparations: Not this week! Just kinda focused on school right now.

I am looking forward to...Feeling the baby move again and finding out the gender of the baby in 19 Days!

Week 14

The Date: April 20th, 2013

How far along? 14 1/2 weeks


Total weight gain/loss: Gained one pound but still under starting weight (but not far from it). 

Baby Size: Today baby is 3 1/2-4 inches long and the size of a lemon. It weighs 1.5 ounces now! Which is doubled from last week!

Things I learned about Baby: Baby is probably sucking his thumb and wiggling his toes! So cute! Baby's kidneys are now making urine, and his liver and spleen or working full time, too! Baby is growing lanugo, a thin, peach-fuzz-like hair, all over his body. Lanugo helps baby keep warm.
 

Maternity clothes:

 Still no maternity clothes yet. I keep looking at them at the stores but they are all so big. I'm just going to keep my eye out for cute things and good deals. I haven't seen any cute maternity clothes yet...everything has huge horizontal stripes! I wanted to order that cute maxi dress from target but it was sooo soo long. I guess I could hem it up. hmmmm....

Changes I've noticed: Um, my belly is really starting to pop out! Still don't look pregnant, just fat. I also have more energy now and can eat more foods. My lower abdomen feels more firm.

Sleep: Sleep is still weird. But now that I'm not sick all the time I do sleep a little better than before. 

Best Moment this week: Landon and I went to the fair together on Saturday and we had a blast. I was a good girl and didn't go on any ride that I shouldn't! Landon and I rode on the Ferris wheel together and enjoyed that. I filmed him on a big crazy flipping ride and got some good shots! We drank an amazing Pina Colada (virgin of course!). Saw some pig races! And walked around and took pictures together. :) Fun Date Day with the Hubby. :)

Miss anything: Shopping for clothes.

Crave anything: Nope.

Movement: I keep laying really still and seeing if I can feel the baby move but I never feel anything. Hopefully I will soon. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Brushing my teeth still has me gagging!

Showing: Yes! But I just look fat at this point.

Gender prediction: Girl. I'm not sure why...but that's what I'm thinking. 

Labor Signs: Nope nope nope!

Belly Button: Same. Innie 

Wedding Rings: Wearing them. Still a little to big. 

Moods: Happy! Excited! Tired! Moody. 

Dreams: Man! Everything I get to this question I can't remember any of my dreams...or they don't make sense to me anymore. haha I'll try to write them down sooner next week. 

Baby Preparations: Walked around Buy Buy Baby yesterday and was extremely overwhelmed! There were seriously 100 different strollers! But I did see some of the cutest baby clothes! I've also been all over Pottery Barn Kids. They have some of the cutest bedroom sets!

I am looking forward to...my next doctors appointment on Wednesday. It's just going to be a check up but it's comforting to go in to see if the baby is okay and get the latest updates. Also at my appointment we will set up the sonogram appointment to find out the gender.

Oak Mountain State Fair

Landon and I spent the day at the fair. It was my first time to go to the fair since I've been gluten free, and also since I've Ben pregnant (obviously). The fair is a very different place when you can't do rides or eat fair type foods but we still had a great time! We enjoyed the shows, walked around and took in the sights, had some tasty snacks, and rode the Ferris wheel together.

sporting the shades!

View of the small fair. :)

Riding the Mach 3!

Date night!

Riding the Ferris Wheel

Bump shot at the fair!

We love each other. :)

Good-bye fair!

Week 13

The Date: April 14th, 2013

How far along? 13 1/2 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Still below starting weight. Haven't gained any weight this week.

Baby Size: Almost three inches! I read the baby is the size of a peach or tangerine.

Things I learned about baby: Baby is forming vocal chords and teeth, he/she has fingerprints now, and his/her intestines are moving from the umbilical cord to more permanent place in the tummy! so so cute and tiny!

13 week baby

Maternity clothes: Still haven't bought anything yet, but I really like some cute maxi dresses they have at target that seem like they would be good. I can't find them at the store so I might order them online.

Not Maternity Dress, but it seems like it would work, right?

Changes I've noticed: I can eat even more this week! Today after church Landon bought me a milkshake and I drank most of it without feeling sick! I'm starting to feel a lot better!

Sleep: Oh, how I miss good sleep! It's frustrating that I toss and turn so much and can never seem to get comfortable. I can still lay in any position I want but nothing leaves me comfortable for long. I assumed that would come when I was LARGE but it is already here! I have also found myself needing little naps after work. When I get home I can hardly keep my eyes open. Crazy.

Best Moment this week: Fun weekend with Landon having lunch at the park, Pro Tennis Tournament in Pelham, walking together in the nice weather, Church, and yummy meals out and at home. :)

Miss anything: I'm still missing good sleep. I'm also missing normal shopping. I don't know what section to buy clothes in yet. haha I don't really fit into maternity but I know the normal clothes won't fit me for long so I don't buy those either. I usually end up buying nail polish and pretty spring scarves. haha

Crave anything: I haven't craved any food this week. Just craved naps and sleep. :)

Movement:  I haven't felt any movement this week but I did read something interesting about it. I read that the baby was moving a lot but if it's your first baby you probably don't feel it. Hmmm, does that mean a more experience mom can feel here baby at 13 weeks? Wow! that seems so early and it still so small.

Anything making you queasy or sick: If I stick to frequent small meals I do pretty well. I'm not as sick and queasy these days! Thank you, Lord! :)

Showing: I'm showing a little but I don't seem any bigger than last week. I'll try to make sure I get a 13 week picture this week. ( I failed to get a picture last week. oops! )

Gender prediction: This week when I sit back and image my little baby it's pretty equal in changing from boy to girl. I would be so excited with either! I want to eventually have both in my family. :)

Labor Signs: No...but I did watch a live birth online this week. BIG BIG mistake! I should have waited until a little closer to delivery to see that. Most of it I was okay with but there was one little part that freaked me out...I'll spare you the gory details. :) I am 6 months away from that though...

Belly Button: Still looks normal!

Wedding Rings: Still get to stare at the pretty sparkles on my hand every day! :)

Moods: I don't think I'm as irritable this week. I could be wrong though. Most of the time I'm just really happy and really tired. :)

Dreams: My pregnancy dreams never cease to amazing me! This week I dreamed all night long about cleaning my house. It felt like hours! When I woke up the house was still messy and dirty. Darn it! It felt so real!

Baby Preparations: Not anything physical. I look at stuff online but that is about it. I mainly spend time in prayer for baby.  I look at my information about what is going on with baby's body this week and pray for those things as they develop.

I am looking forward to... feeling the movement in the weeks to come.

So, can anyone think of other questions that would be good for me to journal? Things that I might want to remember in the future or the next time I'm pregnant?  If you have a good idea leave it in the comment section! :)

Week 12

The Date: April 8th, 2013

How far along? First Trimester: 12  1/2 weeks 

12 Week Baby

Total weight gain/loss: Still under my starting weight but I've gained a pound since last week. Food is finally tasting good again. 

Maternity clothes: I don't have any maternity clothes yet but I did buy a belly band! I wore it for the first time yesterday. I didn't really need it but I wanted to try it on. Pretty much a cami. 

Changes I've noticed: My belly is starting to pop out! Food tastes good again! Mostly. 

Sleep: Sooooo tired. Sleep is not working the way it used to. I'm still sleeping on my back and stomach comfortably though. I'll be sad when that goes away. 

Best Moment this week: Realizing I'm sort of in the second trimester! ( I can't tell if it's beginning the 13th week, or 13 complete weeks of pregnancy is second trimester. So...I'm saying i'm in the second trimester because I feel a sense of accomplishment! :) 

Miss anything: Good sleep

Crave anything: Cold water with Lemon, Popsicles, and bread. 

Movement: Not feeling anything yet. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Dairy 

Have you started to show yet: Yes! A tiny baby bump! 

Gender prediction: Girl! No wait! Maybe it's a boy!....I'll find out in 5 and a half weeks! :) 

Labor Signs: NO! 

Belly Button: Still in in in! 

Wedding Rings: Still wearing them, still loose. 

Moods: Happy Happy Happy, but I cry easily. 

Dreams: I dream about anything I talk about before I go to bed! All night long! 

Baby Preparations: Looking at tons of cribs online and thinking about cute baby room colors. 

I am looking forward to...Officially being or knowing I'm in the second trimester. :)

Week 9 Update

The Date: March 17th, 2013. St. Patrick's Day!

How far along? 9 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Lost 5 Pounds

Maternity clothes: None yet, but my jeans don't feel so comfortable.

Changes I’ve noticed: EVERYTHING seems to have changed. Tired after doing absolutely nothing. Breasts are so sore! Nose is stuffy. Metallic taste in my mouth. Food is not enjoyable. Light cramping. Queasy 24/7. Head aches. Gag easily...which leads to loosing my lunch.

Sleep: I'm usually such a great sleeper! No anymore. Although I'm so tired and I don't sleep well at night. It's a weird uneasy feeling that keeps me awake at night. Also the fact that I have to get up and go to the bathroom in the middle of every night. I have been able to take naps in the afternoon. This week was my Spring Break and I got plenty of rest during the day.

Best moment this week: Feeling good enough on Thursday to go to Lunch with a Friend.

Miss anything: I miss food tasting good.

Crave anything: I'm not really craving anything but the only things that taste good to me are fruit, water, veggies, and bread.

Movement: I haven't felt anything yet. The only movement I feel is in my stomach and that is not the kind I'm excited about.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I made chicken for Landon this week and just about lost it from the smell! It seemed so gross to me. Dairy also makes me sick. I tried to drink ginger ale, carbonated water, and sprite this week thinking that would help my queasy stomach...but it actually made it worse and made the metallic taste in my mouth worse. I'm sticking to water (and lemon water).

Have you started to show yet: I wouldn't say I'm showing yet...I just kinda look bloated. My tight clothes still fit but they feel uncomfortable.

Gender prediction: Today I'm predicting a girl! I woke up this morning with more acne than usual, and I'm feeling really sick so far...aren't those usually signs of girls?

Labor Signs: No!!! And this is a good thing.

Belly Button: I still have an innie! 

Wedding rings: Still loose and still wearing 'em!

Mood: Even though I feel terrible I'm happy and excited! I'm thankful for the morning sickness because it means Baby is growing and doing well. :)

Dreams: Oh wow! do I have the craziest dreams now! I rarely had dreams before but now I have the weirdest ones every night. Last night I had a dream that I was throwing my sister a wedding shower and my teeth were all falling out. Not cool.

Baby preparations: So far Landon and I have made preparations for me to stay home next year. I've let my boss know that I'm not teaching full time next year. I'm hoping to work part-time (6 hours a week), teaching ballet and maybe another after school activity to supply grocery/diaper/gas money for the family. :)

Looking forward to… My next ultra sound in 2 weeks! We will get to hear the heart beat and see our little baby again! So exciting!

Family Planning?

After getting married I began to study what the Bible says about what is modernly called "Family Planning." Is it right? Should you take these things into your own hands? Is birth control wrong? What does a quiver full even mean?

My blog will not give you all the answers because I don't have all the answers. I'm simply a student.

A friend of mine sent me this article by John Piper that I thought I'd post on my blog for anyone interested or just to keep for my own records. :)

John Piper: Is It Wrong to Use Birth Control?

House of Dreams

We have been in our house for one month now!!! We are almost completely unpacked and ready to hang things on the walls and begin some home repairs and remodeling. We feel so blessed to have our first home and we love it more each day.

We are so thankful to Mr. and Mrs. McKee and Dustin who helped us move all of our things from our apartment to our house in under 6 hours! We could have never done it without them!

I am so tempted to post pictures right now of our house but I want to wait until it is completely  moved in with pictures on the walls and everything organized...and maybe some dining room furniture. :)

This weekend I decided to read Anne's House of Dreams by L. M. Montgomery. I had read all the previous books in this series but had stopped at this one back in collage. I was looking for a good book to read and picked up this one because I loved the other books so much. This book begins when Anne is newly married to Gilbert and they buy there first home when Gilbert gets his first job. I'm so glad I waited until now to read it because it was the perfect time for me. I don't think I would have delighted in this book as much if I didn't identify with it so well. Anne has her first child in this book so I guess I can't continue on in the serious until I have at least one ( I hear by the next book she already has 5 children!).

Best book! :)

Landon and I are greatly enjoying our little house of dreams. :)

Visitors welcome!