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23 weeks

Only 17 more weeks to go.  Wow.  The day is drawing near for my last day at work.  I haven't yet decided on when my last day will be.  Possibly June 1st.  Then I should hopefully have a few weeks before my due date to make final preparations, baby shower, etc.

I have been with the same company for 11 years.  I have been looking forward to the day when I get my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, and can leave my current job for a permanent career.  However, now that I've decided to stay home with our baby, at least for a year,  the day I leave my job is closer than I expected.  I'm excited to be home with my baby ... but I'm starting to feel a little sad.  I've worked with the same people for 11 years!  It feels good to know I am needed there.  I think I will have a harder time adjusting than I thought.

23 week belly pic!

Video of baby's progress!

Baby Check-Up

Baby check-up went well!  Blood pressure is normal.  Baby's heartbeat is strong. I gained about 8 pounds. I now weigh 133 lbs!

The doctor said, "You may not feel the baby moving every day, but you should now start feeling her movements, and maybe your husband will feel the baby kick soon."   I said, "I feel her moving every day, and Aaron has felt her movements for a few weeks now."  She said, "That's unusual..."  but with a smile on her face... so I don't think it's a bad thing that our little girl is so active.

Next appointment will be our ultrasound on March 19, and also a blood test to check for gestational diabetes.  I hate needles :(   And I'm nervous about the ultrasound.   March 19 is going to be a nerve wracking day for me.  Please keep us in your prayers.  Thank you! ♥

Week 22

Aaron bought some pink paint for our little girl's room today.  I'm getting excited about making it all girly! :)   We still need a crib and a dresser for the room.  I can't wait to see the completed room.  I know I'm going to love it! Oh, and I'm curious to see if I can find some Strawberry Shortcake curtains for the room, too :)

Aaron and I were laying in bed this morning.  He had his hand on my tummy.  I've noticed that the baby likes the right side of my uterus more than the left side.  I told Aaron, "Maybe the umbilical cord is on the left side, and if she's anything like me, she doesn't like clutter so she's staying where she has more space."  Aaron said, "Yeah, if she's anything like you she probably coiled up the umbilical cord in a neat and tidy little stack like a garden hose."  Ha! I love him.  He ALWAYS makes me laugh.

Tomorrow is my next baby check-up.  Just a routine check to see how the baby is growing, check my weight and blood pressure, etc.   March 20th will be the long awaited ultrasound.

22 week belly pic!

My stomach is feeling really tight.  I usually feel the most uncomfortable in the evenings when I eat dinner, and drink lots of milk.  Then, when I put my hand on my stomach there is no give at all.  The skin doesn't even move!  Still, no stretch marks... yet.

Video of baby's progress...

Week 21

I feel my belly stretching as I speak! Well... as I type :)  Thankfully, no stretch marks yet.  I'm really enjoying feeling baby girl move around so much.  Unfortunately, it seems her favorite kicking spot is my bladder.  And she never kicks only once.  It's always in sets of 3 or 4.  Wham! Wham! Wham! on my bladder.

It's hard to believe that I'm half way done with my pregnancy.  Ever since my nausea dissipated, it seems like time has flew by.  We have to start getting the baby room ready.  I finally gave in and told Aaron he can paint one wall of the baby room.  In case some of you don't know, when I was fixing up this house I got sick from the fumes of paint, and I vowed to never paint again lol!  Every room in this house is white, but a pink accent wall in the baby's room will look nice.  I will take pictures of Aaron painting the wall when he begins :)

Aaron and I were out at Big Lots yesterday to look at some comfy rocking/recliners.  I wandered down the baby isle just to see what cute things I can say "Awww"  about.  I found the cutest Strawberry Shortcake pajamas.   I didn't buy them.  I just admired them :)

February 20 is my next baby check-up, and March 19 at 3:30 is when we take our next ultrasound to see if the cysts on her brain have gone away.  Keep us in your prayers.

21 week belly pic...

Video of baby's progress ...

Here is a recent picture of me and Aaron's beautiful nieces, Abby and Lilly.  I love them so much! Look at those faces :)  I can't wait to take pictures of them with their new baby cousin ♥

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day!  I can't wait to spend my very first Valentine's Day with my new Husband! ♥

Happy Birthday to Me! :)

I had a great weekend.  Friday was my 36th birthday, and Aaron and I went out to Cracker Barrel for dinner.  I had meatloaf, mashed potatoes, baby carrots, and the sweetest tartest lemonade. YUM!  On the way home we stopped and bought the cutest little mini Birthday cake :)

My Birthday wish was the most important wish I have ever made.  I wished for our little girl to be healthy. I wished my age won't be the cause of any abnormalities she could have.  I wished for our next ultrasound to show that her cysts on her brain are completely gone, and she is perfectly fine.

We went out for dinner again on Saturday night with a couple friends and their adorable little daughter, Kayla.  I think she is 4 or 5 years old.  When we all got there, Kayla was looking around with big eyes, and a small little mouth; standing close to her Mommy aww :)  She's shy.  As we were waiting for our table, she was sitting on her mom's lap swinging her feet.  Aaron moved his shin over to her feet so she would kick him.  He said, "Oww!"  And she started laughing.  Next thing you know, they were poking eachother and playing around.  Her smile was so big, so full of giggles and laughing eyes.  Aaron has this knack for making even the shyest of kids warm up to him and I LOVE watching this!  She had gotten so hyper she then started singing "the itsy bitsy spider when up the water spout"  and her little hands were crawling up Aaron's sleeve.  Aaron played along so well I was cracking up!  He quickly brushed off those imaginary spiders and Kayla was laughing her head off!  He is going to be such a wonderful and FUN Daddy.  I am so so lucky to have him.  When we were finally seated, Kayla said, "Mommy I want to sit next to him."  Lol!  He is just so great with kids.

Baby girl is moving around like crazy.  It's fun to feel her kicking.  I feel like I'm getting to know her better by her motions.  I now weigh about 130 which is great!  I'm about 5 pounds over my normal pre-pregnancy weight!  I still feel pretty good, and I have a fair amount of energy.  Aaron went out to the store right now to get strawberries and bananas because I really REALLY want a strawberry banana smoothie! :)  And he had just gotten home from the dentist after having a tooth pulled!  But he still went out to get strawberries and bananas.  Did I mention how lucky I am? ♥

My Fitness and Wellness class is going really well.  Last week we had to do a cardio workout to a fitness DVD.  I kept up with the guy on the DVD, and I noticed there were a couple younger girls in the back of the class just standing there; barely moving.  They had to be in their early 20's or younger.  I felt proud of myself working so hard, being pregnant, and 36 years old! :)  After the workout, our instructor said, "I noticed and appreciate the ones that gave their all. Thank you."  She wasn't happy about the younger girls who could have participated much more than they did.  After class she asked me if the workout was ok for me.  I told her it was.  I'm glad she is noticing how important it is to me to do well in this class, and that I'm up for the challenge despite my age, my asthma, and my pregnancy.   My legs were SO SORE for 3 full days afterwards, but now I feel pretty good :)

20 weeks belly pic!

Video of baby girl's progress!

She's movin' and groovin'!

Aaron finally felt the baby move!  I loved that first moment I saw his face when he just realized that little bump against his hand was the baby :)  I was so excited for him!

Although he wanted a boy first, you should have seen his face when we were having our ultrasound done, and I said, "It's a girl! It's a girl!"   I think my excitement is contagious to him.  His eyes lit up, and his smile grew wider.  His love for me is evident :)   I'm so blessed to have him ♥

I gained a little more weight.  I weighed 125 pounds at the Dr's office.  Nausea is still gone.  Appetite is growing.  Energy level is increasing.

I did a mile walk in my Fitness and Wellness class last week, and I was only 3 minutes behind the majority of students in their 20's.  I thought I did pretty good!  Unfortunately, according to the score I calculated, based on my age, height, weight, time it took to walk the mile, heartbeat, pulse, etc ... I didn't even make the category of "very poor."  How can that be?  I walked the mile in 19 minutes, and the younger students finished in 16 minutes.  I guess the whole class did poorly?  I'm really surprised I got such a low score.  I'm going to practice on the treadmill, and hope I can increase my speed without having to use my asthma medicine.

19 week belly pic!

This morning she was moving alot while we were still in bed.  She was rolling around and around!  It didn't feel like a kick or poke.  Even Aaron said it felt like a bump sliding across his hand.  She was spinning like a ballerina!

Video of baby's progress...

We are still thinking about the perfect name for our baby girl.  Right now it's nice to be talking about names just with Aaron, and hopefully in time we'll make a decision and let everyone know :)

Boy or Girl?

Aaron and I both were filled with nervous excitement as we walked into the Dr's office today.  It seemed like we were waiting for an eternity for our ultrasound.  FINALLY we made our way into the room, and I hopped up on the table.  Aaron started recording....

We are having a baby GIRL!  Yeah!!!

For those of you who don't know, when I was a teenager, the majority of my jobs were babysitting jobs, and almost all of them were caring for little boys.  Then in 2000, I became my nephew's primary caregiver when he was born until he was 9 years old.  I have had my fill of the movie Jurassic Park, and the cartoon Land Before time.  I have grown tired of picking rocks out of the washing machine, stepping on plastic dinosaurs, and listening to the incessant sound of farting noises and giggles.

Ah... a baby girl :)  I can't wait to fill her room with Strawberry Shortcake stuff!  I get to buy cute pink dresses, and flowery headbands, and get her ears pierced! :)  I get to play in a world of baby dolls, and princesses! 

However, if she decides she wants to play with dinosaurs, and bugs, I'll be prepared!  My daughter will be impressed to know that her mommy can name all of the dinosaurs, and knows all of the lines in the movies Jurassic Park, and Land Before time.  I also developed a love for catching frogs, and photographing bugs! Thanks to my nephew :)  And of course, she will be a huge Star Wars fan thanks to her Daddy ♥

I think I will buy these! ...

Here are some new ultrasound pictures...

There is one small concern that showed up on the ultrasound. There are two cysts on her brain. It's called "Choroid Plexus Cysts." or "CPCs." The ultrasound technician said it's nothing to lose sleep over, and our Dr. also said we shouldn't worry, but it can be linked to a chromosomal disorder in some cases.

Here is the information that our Dr. gave us ...

"The second trimester ultrasound examination (sonogram) will sometimes identify a cyst or cysts in the choroid plexus.  The choroid plexus is a tissue in the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid.  Fluid-filled cysts, called choroid plexus cysts or CPCs, are identified by ultrasound in approximately 1-3% of all pregnancies scanned between 16 and 24 weeks gestation.  In the majority of cases, CPCs disappear by the 28th week of pregnancy with no effect on the baby.  However, a fetal CPC is considered a "marker", indicating that the baby may have an increased risk for a chromosome abnormality.  When observed as an isolated ultrasound finding in women under 35 years of age, the risk for trisomy 18 is increased, but remains well within the normal range. The risk is higher for women age 35 or older.  Additional abnormal ultrasound findings significantly increase the risk for trisomy 18 .  CPCs do not increase the risk for Down syndrome in the pregnancy.

Trisomy 18 is a chromosome abnormality resulting from an extra copy of chromosome #18, thus three copies instead of two.  Chromosomes are the inherited structures in the cells of the body.  There should be 46 chromosomes in each cell, arranged into 23 pairs.  Chromosome abnormalities involving an entire missing or extra chromosome are not inherited and are not caused by an exposure during pregnancy.  Instead, they are caused by random mistakes in cell division at the time of conception and can occur in anyone's pregnancy.  Infants with trisomy 18 have severe mental retardation and multiple birth defects.  Many pregnancies with trisomy 18 result in a miscarriage or infant death, although a small percentage can live for several years.

When a CPC is identified on ultrasound, there is the option for additional testing.  Detailed ultrasound, to look for both major birth defects and minor findings associated with trisomy 18, may be recommended, depending upon the amount of detail that was obtained during previous ultrasounds. Maternal serum quad screening, if not previously performed, may be considered to screen the pregnancy for trisomy 18, as well as Down syndrome and open neural tube defects. Amniocentesis, to test for chromosome abnormalities in the baby, is also an option.

It is important to remember that isolated CPCs are usually normal variants that have no negative effect on the baby."

Our Dr. said that if the baby does have Trisomy 18, she would have noticed other abnormalities in the ultrasound.  With Trisomy 18 there would be thickening of the neck, and clenched hands for example.  There are NO abnormalities.  The ultrasound technician said that she is a beautiful baby girl.  Weight, and length are perfect.  Her body, and organs are perfect.  

In this 3d picture of her, you can see her hand is open, and she is touching her cheek.  No clenched hands.  This is a good sign.  This is a blurry picture because the ultrasound is trying to filter through the amniotic fluid so it's impossible to get a perfectly clear picture of her face.

I also found this additional information online....

"One minute you're thrilled by a glimpse of your baby during a routine ultrasound and the next you're told there is a problem. Here are the facts about one common ultrasound finding: choroid plexus cysts.

When Tina and Jim Angelman* of Brighton, Massachusetts saw their baby on the ultrasound screen, it was a moment of pure joy. Exclamations of "Is it a boy or a girl?" and "Look at those tiny hands!" filled the room, until Tina noticed the technician huddling closer to his screen. When he left to get the doctor, Tina filled with dread. The doctor's words fell heavily. "I'm sorry, but I see something that may indicate a problem. Your baby has a choroid plexus cyst."

At that moment, Tina and Jim's feelings about their baby and the pregnancy changed. "It's pretty hard to describe how it feels to go from cloud nine to the worst day of your life in the span of a two-minute conversation. I didn't know what to think—the radiologist didn't really give us a clear picture of what was going on, and it all seemed very vague," says Jim.

A similar scenario played out for Cindy Scoville of Phelps, New York during her 18-week ultrasound. "I was so stressed, worried, sad, and anxious," she said after the doctor revealed that her son had four choroid plexus cysts.

At least one out of one hundred parents will share this frightening experience during a routine ultrasound. What is a choroid plexus cyst? What does it mean? And what can parents do about it?

What is a Choroid Plexus Cyst?

The choroid plexus is an area of the brain that is not involved thinking or personality. Rather, the choroid plexus makes a fluid that protects and nourishes the brain and spinal cord. When a fluid-filled space is seen in the choroid plexus during an ultrasound, it is called a choroid plexus cyst (CPC). "We don't know why, but between 1 and 3 percent of all fetuses will manifest a CPC at 16 to 24 weeks of pregnancy," says Dr. Roy A. Filly, a Professor of Radiology and of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Chief of the Section of Diagnostic Sonography at University of California, San Francisco. CPCs can be found either on one side of the brain (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral). They can vary in size and shape, from small and round to large and irregular. Some fetuses have more than one.

Regardless of their number, shape or size, choroid plexus cysts are not harmful to the baby. "I am not aware of a single instance where a CPC caused damage to a fetus," says Dr. Filly.

Dr. Peter Doubilet, a Professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School, agrees, "That's one very important fact. CPCs are not harmful, and they nearly always go away by the third trimester of pregnancy."

If CPCs are found during an ultrasound, the radiologist will scrutinize every organ and body part to look for other abnormalities, such as a malformed heart, head, hands or feet, and stunted growth of the baby. When no other abnormalities are found, the diagnosis is called an "isolated CPC."

The Significance of an Isolated CPC

If CPCs do not cause any damage, why does anyone worry about them? The problem is really one of association—being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Wrong or right, CPCs have become associated with a severe genetic disease called Trisomy 18. It is well documented that about half of babies with Trisomy 18 show a CPC on ultrasound. But Dr. Bronsteen from the Division of Fetal Imaging at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan points out, "Nearly all babies with Trisomy 18 who have a CPC have other abnormalities on the ultrasound, especially in the heart, hand, and foot." The real question arises when a baby has a CPC with nothing else wrong: the "isolated CPC."

This is where the experts cannot precisely agree. "The vast majority of fetuses with [isolated] CPCs are completely normal, but when CPCs are seen, the chance of Trisomy 18 goes up," says Dr. Doubilet, "This risk is still very small: about 1 in 300." This means that if 300 fetuses have isolated CPCs, only one of them will have Trisomy 18. "While the risk is small, it is higher than the risk of approximately 1 in 3,000 among all pregnant women," points out Dr. Doubilet. Other doctors have reservations: "The problem with this research is that it studied a high-risk population instead of the general population of pregnant women," says Dr. Filly. "I have no instance in 25 years of experience of an isolated CPC indicating Trisomy 18."

Dr. Bronsteen notes, "You need to ask if the person doing the ultrasound exam has the expertise to look for all the abnormalities that are seen with Trisomy 18. In the dozen years we've been tracking it, we did have some babies with an diagnosis of isolated CPC turn out to have Trisomy 18, but in all those cases we did not get a complete look at the baby." His own research indicates that it is very important for the sonographer to view the baby's hands before concluding that the CPC is isolated.

This debate among experts can leave parents bewildered. But even if an isolated CPC does mean an increased risk, that risk is still extremely small. The take-home message? If a CPC is found with no other warning signs, the outcome is virtually always positive.

What Parents Can Do

When a baby is diagnosed with a CPC, there are several things that parents can do. After consultation with their doctor, they will usually undergo a Level II ultrasound. This is a detailed ultrasound exam that is targeted to look for fetal abnormalities. It's important not to rely on the results of a scan performed in a doctor's office or a scan done by someone who is not a trained expert in detecting abnormalities by ultrasound. Only after this kind of intense scan can the diagnosis of an isolated CPC be truly confirmed.

Once other abnormalities besides the CPC have been ruled out, there are two things parents can do: watch and wait, or have an amniocentesis. An amniocentesis is the only way to know for sure before birth that the baby does not have a genetic disease. But even though an amnio can give a sure answer, it carries its own risk. About one in 250 women will miscarry her baby after an amnio, regardless of whether the baby is healthy or not.

The other option is to watch and wait. Generally the doctor will track the progress of the fetus through several follow up ultrasound examinations. Most CPCs will resolve on their own by the sixth month of pregnancy, and a definitive exam of the baby's health can be made after the birth.

While no one can make this decision except the parents and their doctor, many experts suggest that the risk of an amnio is not worth it when the only abnormality the baby has is a CPC. "In our practice, we don't like to do an amnio on somebody whose baby has a very low risk of Trisomy 18 because you wind up losing more normal pregnancies…than you will find Trisomy 18 babies. It doesn't make sense to have a miscarriage of two or three normal babies to find one with Trisomy 18," says Dr. Bronsteen. Your doctor can tell you what his or her recommendation is for your unique situation.

The Angelmans discussed the diagnosis with their doctor and opted to have a Level II ultrasound, which showed no other problems. "It was on the back of our minds the whole pregnancy, and it made it hard not to worry. But our son was born healthy and happy," say Jim and Tina.

After talking with her doctor, Cindy Scoville also decided to have a Level II ultrasound. "At 24 weeks no other abnormalities were found and the sonographer was able to see everything very clearly." says Cindy. "Our little boy is beautiful, healthy and everything we dreamed of. Another happy ending to the worrisome beginning of dealing with a CPC diagnosis during pregnancy."

A CPC diagnosis is scary, no doubt about it. But rest assured that the experts agree that the vast majority of these babies are perfectly healthy, and their CPC is just a normal part of growth and development."

Our Dr. did schedule another ultrasound for us in 8 weeks.  She said that these cysts normally clear up by 28 weeks.  So we just have to wait 8 more weeks for another ultrasound to confirm that her cysts have disappeared, and everything is fine.

I know we shouldn't worry.  Aaron is not worried.  Our Dr. doesn't seem concerned, and neither does our ultrasound technician.  I can't help but worry a little.  Please everyone who is reading this, please keep our baby girl in your prayers.  Please pray that those cysts are gone soon! 

No matter what happens, I'm holding onto God's hand, always.  God has blessed us with this baby girl, and I have complete faith in Him.

Big Day Tomorrow!

Well, tomorrow we will be finding out if we're having a boy or girl!  I'm excited, and nervous.  I'm praying that the baby is healthy and perfect.  My age, and the fact that I'm an asthmatic having to take asthma medication is always a constant worry to me.  I will be 36 years old in only a couple weeks.  I pray that Baby Carpenter is perfectly fine.  I will be happy having a boy or a girl, because I do want to have both in our family.  I would just like to have a girl first :)   Lord, please consider this an early Birthday present for me :)  I'm so anxious to see what God has in store for us, and if problems come our way during my pregnancy, I just have to keep holding God's hand no matter what.

My appetite is finally back!  To celebrate, my hubby took me out on a date :)  I haven't been out to eat in at least 4 months because of my constant nausea.  It felt great to be at Longhorn Steakhouse, eating an oh so tender beef filet, buttery asparagus, hot bread and butter, and lobster/shrimp cheese dip.  Aaron was really happy :)  We even took home two huge slices of chocolate cake.  It was DELICIOUS!

Guess what!???  I am finally starting to feel the baby move!  I think it was that beef filet that made his/her muscles grow! :)  It feels like small little wiggles, or tiny pokes here and there.  I wish Aaron could feel them, but they're so subtle that only I can feel them right now :(  I sort of feel bad when the baby kicks because I can't yet share this with Aaron. 

I was able to talk with my Fitness and Wellness Professor about my pregnancy.  She is very accommodating, and now that she knows about my pregnancy, and asthma, she will be adjusting the exercise curriculum to suit my needs.  Yay!  I believe I still have a chance at excelling in the class, and getting my A!  :)

18 weeks belly pic!

Video of baby's progress!

I can't wait to share the news with you tomorrow!  Pink or blue nursery?  We will see!

Things are looking up!

I had a good week last week! Very productive.  I was able to make it a full week at work for the first time in a long time!  NO nausea! Yay!  My energy level is up! Yay!  I don't have tons of energy, but enough to get things done without feeling exhausted.  The only thing that's been bothering me is my sciatic nerve that gives me a zing of pain when I least expect it.  I've also been experiencing sharp pains in my lower abdomen when I stand up too fast.  I found out that this is normal.  It's called "round ligament pain."  "The round ligaments surround your uterus in your pelvis. As your uterus grows during pregnancy, the ligaments stretch and thicken to accommodate and support it. These changes can occasionally cause pain on one or both sides of your abdomen."   So I have nothing to worry about. Just grin and bare it :)

We were finally able to sell that huge mattress that doesn't fit our new bed frame. My brother bought it off of us.  I'm so happy we didn't have to waste $100 or more on shipping just to return it to the mattress company. Now that we have a pocket full of cash, we're back at square one; trying to find a thinner mattress that better fits our bed frame.

I started classes this week.  I'm taking History 101 online.  It seems fairly easy so far.  The other class I'm taking this semester is Fitness and Wellness.  I thought that this class would mainly be a typical lecture class where we learn about nutrition.  Well, it isn't.  In fact, it's only one hour of lecture, and TWO hours of physical activity!  I am all for exercise, but I am concerned about my physical limitations that I'm dealing with right now.  Not only am I 35, and pregnant.  The baby is pushing on my sciatic nerve, and it hurts just to walk.  I am also an asthmatic, and the dosage of my medication has been reduced because of my pregnancy.  My asthma is still under control, but I am NOT looking forward to deliberately aggravating my asthma every week, and needing to take my inhaler, because I have exercise requirements to fulfill in class.  I hate the fact that I have to expose our baby to my asthma medication, and want to minimize my need for it as much as possible!  I will be talking to my professor next week about my situation, and I REALLY hope this will not negatively effect my grade.  As you know, I am still striving for constant A's!  We will see what happens.

I think I felt the baby move last night, but I'm not completely sure.  I was lying in bed on my back.  It didn't feel like a kick or a poke.  It felt like my little sweet potato turned around.  I don't know if it was the baby or not, but I like to think it was :)

17 weeks belly pic!

Here's a video of baby's progress...

I'm getting so excited for January 23rd to be here!  We will find out if it's a girl or a boy! :)

4 Months Preggo!

This is my last weekend to myself before classes start back up again.  Back to class on Monday :(

I think my nausea has passed for the most part.  I think I have gained a couple more pounds. I am starting to get a bigger belly :)  I really need to get some bigger bras.

It seems I've swapped my nausea for a sore butt.  I'm not exactly sure what the problem is but I have what feels like a pinched nerve that hurts right around my tailbone area when I walk or make sudden movements.  It's been bothering me for about a week now.  I've heard women having posterior pelvic pain during pregnancy.  I'm guessing this is what I'm experiencing?  Or could it be my sciatic nerve?

Well we finally got our new California King size bed frame and mattress.  Once it was put together, and the mattress was placed on it, we were in shock.  The bed is too high to get onto!  I couldn't even jump on it!  It was as high as my waist!  Aaron had to help me up onto the bed haha!  I couldn't even stand up on the bed without my head touching the ceiling!  At first we were thinking about getting a stepping stool, but I don't want to have to deal with a stepping stool 5 or 6 times a night just to go pee!  And I don't want to deal with this when I'm 8 and 9 months pregnant.  Ugh!  We need to get a MUCH thinner mattress.  What sucks is that they won't give us a full refund on the mattress we just bought.  Now that the mattress is out of the box it was folded and packed into, FedEx can't fit this unpacked mattress into the truck to return it.  So we would have to pay for a trucking company to deliver the mattress back! :(  We would probably be losing a couple hundred dollars just to return it!  So I'm trying to sell it on Craigslist.  Anyone interested in a brand new California King size 13" pillow top mattress?  Here is the Craigslist link if you are ...  http://bloomington.craigslist.org/fuo/2786741503.html

Aaron and I had a really good New Year's Eve. We invited some friends over, and Aaron made some cheese dips.  We had lots to snack on, and we ordered a couple pizzas.  We also watched Horrible Bosses.  That movie is so funny!  We are now into 2012... the year our first baby will be born! ♥

I can't believe I am already 4 months pregnant.  It doesn't seem like I'm almost half way through my pregnancy :)

Here is a video of baby's progress!

January 23 is when we find out the sex of the baby! :)  Stay tuned!

I got my Christmas wish! ♥

Christmas turned out to be GREAT!  Christmas morning I woke up feeling fine.  My hubby and I opened presents.  Then, I finished packaging up my Christmas cookies, and then we went to my parents so I can give my nephew his gifts.  By noon I was feeling sick :(  I ate some crackers, hoping it would make me feel better, and we then headed to Aaron's parent's house for Christmas dinner and presents.  When I walked in the door, the food smelled amazing.  When we sat down to eat... I ate and loved it!  The ham was sooo good!  The baked beans were so sweet!  There were crackers, and cheeses, and pickles, and fruit, and the warm rolls were so soft!  I ate everything on my plate, and I didn't feel sick afterwards!  Did you hear that?  I DIDN'T FEEL SICK AFTERWARDS!  I felt fine!  I felt fine as we were opening up presents.  I felt fine while I was playing with Aaron's nieces.  I felt fine on the way home!  And when I got home... I ate some more ham!  I still felt fine when I went to bed!

Our baby gave me my Christmas wish :)  He/She really really did!  Christmas was perfect! ♥  THANK YOU Baby Carpenter!

I had another baby checkup a couple days ago, and everything is normal.  My blood pressure is normal, and I got to hear our baby's heartbeat again. Strong healthy heartbeat ♥  The nurse said I gained 4 pounds, but I really didn't.  Before I got pregnant I was around 125.  When I got pregnant, and started feeling nauseous, I dropped to 120.   A couple Dr. appointments ago, she weighed me at 118, so I lost even more weight.  Finally, when I was weighed a couple days ago, she said I weighed 122, so she said I gained 4 pounds.  It's a good sign that I'm getting some weight back, but in my mind I haven't GAINED any weight yet at all.  Once I start getting past my regular weight of 125 will I start to feel like I'm really gaining weight.  Since the beginning of my pregnancy I haven't gained an ounce!  I only lost weight... but it finally looks like I might be gaining it back.

Since Christmas I have went back to feeling nauseous.  I have given up thinking that I will just one day feel fine from now on.  This fatigue and sickness is just so random and unpredictable.  I am 15 weeks pregnant, and I can just as easily throw up now as I did when I was 6 weeks pregnant :(   Still, I'm thankful for the welcome relief of the days I feel good :)

On January 23 we will be finding out the sex of our baby!!!

Here's a 15 weeks belly pic!

I feel like I'm finally starting to get a bit of a belly :)

Here is a video of baby's progress! 

I got some additional good news!  I got a 4.0 GPA for the semester, and I got my Phi Theta Kappa certificate and pin in the mail!  I can't wait to see what scholarship opportunities are available to me this year!  I'm so excited, and ready for next semester to start!!!!

All I want for Christmas is my appetite ...

Today is my first day of vacation.  I won't be back to work until Janurary 3rd, and I won't have to be back to school until January 9th!  I took a nice hot bath, washed my hair with that Suave apple scented shampoo (love that stuff) and slipped back into fresh jammies.  Ahhh :)

I felt miserable yesterday after coming home from work.  I felt like I would feel better if I put something in my stomach so I ate some mashed potatoes, and a few spoonfuls of Aaron's chocolate ice cream.  Still didn't feel any better.  Aaron started to make me a grilled cheese sandwich while I went to brush my teeth.  Well, I threw everything up, but dammit I ate that grilled cheese sandwich, and two pickles afterwards!

I am just so so so tired of this nausea.  The first trimester is OVER!  Christmas is only 3 days away!  I guess I won't be having a nice Christmas feast afterall :(

I went to Kohls today.  Where are those pregnancy parking signs when you need them!?  I had to park at the end of the parking lot, and seems I walked a block to the store in the freezing cold. Yuck.  I found a couple pairs of maternity jeans.  They seem to fit pretty well.  I like them.  It feels good not to have my regular jeans unbuttoned and still digging into my waist.  It's really strange though... I haven't gained any weight still, but my waist is bigger.

I saw this AMAZING flash mob Christmas video that I just have to share...

I cried when I saw this. It's just an overwhelming feeling when you're in the midst of people worshiping God!  I keep watching this video over and over!

Here is a video of baby's progress this week!

 Belly pic at 14 weeks ...

I bought some of this...

Does anyone know if this works well in preventing stretch marks?  I know I have nothing to worry about right now, but I just want to be prepared for when I'll need extra support for my skin.  Does anyone have any suggestions on anything better?

I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS! ♥

13 Weeks...

I am feeling ok this morning!  I had some fruit that Aaron's parent's gave me.  Really yummy.  Cantelope, pineapple, and grapes.  I also ate some watermelon and clementines; a pancake and one sausage link.  And my stomach still feels ok!  Yay!

I still haven't gained any weight.  Initially, when I started feeling nauseous during the beginning of my pregnancy, I lost 5 pounds.  I haven't yet gained that back.   I am now officially into my 2nd trimester.  Hopefully I will get my long lost appetite back, and start gaining weight!

The semester has officially ended, and I got all A's! Yay me!  I am off school until January 9th.  I also will be off work for 2 weeks starting Wednesday!  Wow... no school, and NO work.  I will have so much free time!

Since I have this small window of opportunity to do other things.  This is the best time to begin preparing for the baby.  I have someone interested in buying my waterbed.  Once it's sold, Aaron and I will be getting a king size storage bed.  Here is a picture of what it will look like...

Aaron and I need all the extra storage space we can get, so this bed will be perfect.  Our house is just under 1000 sq. ft.  So during my Christmas break I have to do some major re-organizing to make our spare bedroom into the new baby room.  We have to combine closet space in order for the baby to have his/her own closet.  It's going to be a big job. 

Aaron's parents gave us some of Aaron's Christmas ornaments he made when he was a little kid :)  They're so cute.  I can't believe next weekend is Christmas!  In the next couple of days, I will start baking Christmas cookies!

Here is my 13th week belly pic!...

And here is a video of baby's progress!...

Will this ever end?

I am back to feeling nauseous.  I threw up this morning while brushing my teeth.  My stomach is still sour even though almost 12 hours have passed.  I really wish I would start feeling normal again.

It's strange.  Even when my stomach feels ok, I still feel bad.  Even when I sleep in, I still feel blah.  I never have an appetite, even when my stomach feels ok.  I never seem to have energy, even when I've slept for hours.   It seems like I can't shrug off this yucky feeling, even when I'm physically feeling ok.  I can't get relief.

I've learned that eating fruit doesn't make me feel nauseous.  I am in love with Mandarin oranges!  I've been eating lots of those.  And these ....

They are so yummy! Sweet and refreshing!  I've been eating lots of fruit.  Apples, oranges, and mixed fruit cups.  Even though I never have an actual HUNGRY feeling, it seems that fruit sits well in my stomach.  Yay :)

A friend posted this video on my Facebook wall the other day.  It looks so funny!  I can't wait to watch it!

I have some good news! ... This will be my last week of the semester!  I have been studying for my Biology final, and I can't wait for it all to be over!.   I am getting A's for the semester. Yay!  Studying hard, and never missing class, no matter how bad I've felt, really paid off!

Here is my 12 week belly pic.  Still not much change, although I can't comfortably button my jeans anymore...

Video of baby's progress ... and the last week of the 1st Trimester!  Woo hoo!  Last week of the school semester, and last week of baby's 1st Trimester! :)

11 weeks...

I am FINALLY starting to feel better!  This past weekend was pretty good.  NO nausea!  I am still feeling tired, but I would rather experience exhaustion instead of nausea any day!  I put up my Christmas decorations this weekend, and I even went to the mall to do a little Christmas shopping.  It felt good to be out somewhere else other than class or work.

I am feeling a little nauseous tonight, but not as bad as it has been.  I still have no appetite.  Eating is not really enjoyable yet, but at least I'm not puking it up!

I won a contest from George Street Photo!  They are the company that did my wedding photos.  I wore customized sneakers that I made for my Wedding.  Here is a picture of the winning photo!

I have to share this amazing video I saw.  It's about what babies actually learn before they are even born...





Here is my belly pic of 11 weeks!  Still not really showing yet ...

And here is a video of baby's progress!

10 weeks ...

I stayed home this Thanksgiving.  I haven't had an appetite for food in weeks.  My nausea seems to have plateaued, but it still feels like a chore to eat, and the smell of certain foods still upsets my stomach.  Aaron went to his parents for Thanksgiving dinner.  I stayed home and put up my Christmas tree :)  I haven't yet put the ornaments on, but the tree and lights are up!  Aaron put up the outdoor Christmas lights the other day.  I love the old fashioned look of the large Christmas bulbs outdoors.  I would like to get a vintage plastic Santa Clause for outside, too :)  I will post pictures of my Christmas tree and decorations soon!

I was able to make Aaron some Thanksgiving side dishes, and turkey breast.  I have to say, I really really love my stuffing and deviled eggs :)

Oh I hope and pray that by Christmas I will have an appetite!  A huge appetite so I can make lots and lots of holiday food!  Christmas cookies!  A gingerbread house!  More stuffing and deviled eggs!  A honey baked ham!  Crescent rolls!  Goodness I wish I had an appetite for this stuff NOW!

Here is baby's progress this week! ...

Here is my 10 week belly pic.  I know there hasn't been any difference in tummy size yet :(  Hopefully once my appetite comes back we will start noticing a difference!

Very First Ultrasound ♥

It was a cold and rainy afternoon today as Aaron and I drove to our second Doctor appointment, and had our very first ultrasound ♥

It looks like we have one happy and healthy baby with a nice strong heartbeat inside my tummy!

It looks like a little peanut with feet! :)

9 weeks...

Recently I was featured on topbabyblogs.com, and a woman who saw my blog through this site sent me a message.

"Hi Sherry,  I found your blog through top baby blogs (yours was the featured one). I cried with joy for you when I read about your pregnancy test! How wonderful! It is wonderful how God works.  God does give us the desires of our hearts.  I will be eagerly following your pregnancy and can't wait till you're due!  -Rachel"

Here is Rachel's blog ...

I love getting messages like this.  I love hearing about women like me who read my blog, and are going through the same journey.  Let me know you're out there! I would love to hear from you!

This week I feel as though I've finally went through some sort of pregnancy right of passage.  I puked.  I puked while I was brushing my teeth.  Yuck.  Nothing came up though.  I just had horrible dry heaving.  I actually did feel some relief after that happened, and later that morning my hubby got me a McGriddle sandwich and I ate all of it.  Later that evening, I cooked some carrots and potatoes in the crock pot, but I couldn't eat it :(  It seems like once the evening rolls around, I always feel worse, and I just want to go to bed.

I think it's time for a new bra.  I haven't really had much breast tenderness.  It's just that once I get out of bed I feel like I'm carrying a couple of densely packed cantaloupes.

I'm really bummed about Thanksgiving.  I don't see myself feeling better in just 4 days.  I don't think I will be sitting down to huge Thanksgiving meal this year.  Lately, it's the smell of meat that make my stomach crinkle up like a raisin, and also any strong smells like onions or garlic.  Still... I am hoping I can make some stuffing or pumpkin pie on Thursday.  I look forward to Holiday baking all year long!

Here is a video update on baby! ...

Belly pic at 9 weeks ...

Still sick :(

This week was pretty much like last week.  Still nauseous.  I lost 5 pounds.  Aaron went out to get me some raspberry sherbet.  That's the only thing that sounds good to me right now.  I've tried to drink ginger ale,  peppermint tea, ginger tea, and eat Altoids.  It doesn't take away my sour stomach.  Nothing does.

I did well on my Biology exam.  It was the most difficult exam yet, and I was feeling very sick when I was taking it.  I was predicting I would get a C.  It turns out I got a B.  I know this is a good grade, but I just want to keep striving for A's.  I don't want to just get good grades.  I want the best grades.  

Also this week, I took a test online for my other class I'm taking; Interpersonal Communications.  I had an hour to complete the test online.  I got it done in 12 minutes, and I got a 25 out of 25!  Yay me!!!

I'm thankful for the progress I'm making academically.  I'm also thankful that my husband has been so helpful these past couple weeks while I've been feeling so bad.  

Pregnancy is really a blessing when it's planned, and prepared for.  I waited for God to bring my Husband into my life, and then we prepared for a family.   It's a wonderful feeling to know that my Husband committed his life to me before he committed his life to fatherhood.  Our baby is going to be one lucky kid! ♥

I am 8 weeks pregnant, and here is video on baby's progress! ...

Here is my 8 week belly pic!