15 Weeks and Bumpdate

How many weeks:

15 Weeks

only 175 days left!

How big is baby:

The size of a navel orange

Maternity Clothes:

Yes and no.  I was so lucky to have a friend share her maternity clothes with me, but I still need more.  I have about a week's worth of wearing left in my black pants for work.  I've enjoyed wearing dresses, but being on my feet so much with the holidays is forcing me to wear sneakers more often.  I've also been lucky that longer shirts are in style and they help cover my belly.

Weight Gain Alert!

One more pound gained this week = 129 lbs

for a grand total of 6 lbs gained 

"Your weight gain should pick up to an average rate of about 1-1.5 pounds per week during months four through six (second trimester)."  

from What to Expect When You're Expecting

Movement:

I think I felt something this past week but it was quick.  I'm excited to start feeling The Sneak more in the coming weeks!

Food Cravings:

Full Moon BBQ- I eat there at least once a week.  

Chocolate milk in the mornings

Panera Creamy Tomato Soup

Homemade Chicken Salad

Food Aversions:

Fast Food is disgusting!
I made Pot Roast on Thursday and could only eat about two bites before putting it away for junk food. 

Gender:

I now think that our little one is a boy.  I just have a feeling.  BUT we will be thrilled either way.  We prayed so hard for this precious baby.

Symptoms:

Frequent urination, round ligament pain, acid reflux, mood swings, weepiness, indigestion, fatigue, vivid dreams, breast changes (bigger!), swolen belly, back pain, heightened sense of smell

What do I miss:

My Grandad- At so many points throughout this pregnancy, I've wanted to pick up the phone and call him.  He's been gone for quite some time now, but I still feel like he was here just yesterday.  He would be so excited about the baby and becoming a great-grandparent.  The holidays always make me miss him more because it was one of his favorite times of the year, and he passed on Christmas Eve.

Best moment of the week:

Hearing from a special friend (in real life) that she too is pregnant (after her first IVF) and should be due in August 2013.

What am I looking forward to:

Finding out The Sneak's gender so we can start calling him/her by their name (BSB or EJB).

Milestones:

The holidays were always difficult for me when we were trying to conceive.  This year I feel like a weight has been lifted.  Even though I'm exhausted most of the time, this year is already easier because we have the joy of this pregnancy.

"Baby's ears are positioned properly on the sides of the head, and the eyes are moving from the side of the head to the front of the face.  By now baby has the coordination, strength, and smarts to wiggle his or her fingers and toes and even suck a thumb.  He/She can also make breathing movements, suck, and swallow-all in preparation for life outside of my tummy."

from What to Expect When You're Expecting

Bumpdate

People who do not know me are beginning to see my bump and ask when I'm due.  It's still so surreal.

14 Weeks and Bumpdate

How many weeks:

14 weeks

How big is baby:

The size of a lemon

Maternity Clothes:

Yes and no.  My belly swells by the end of the day, so I wear either maternity pants or anything stretchy.

Weight Gain Alert!

I've gained two more pounds!

I now weigh 128 lbs.

Movement:

I think I've felt a few little flutter-like movements, but nothing definite.

Food Cravings:

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, Cornbread Dressing

Food Aversions:

Anything fried, Buffalo Wild Wings

Gender:

Still not exactly sure when we will know but I'm so excited to find out!

Symptoms:

Frequent urination, increased appetite, mood swings, weepiness, indigestion, breast changes, sensitive gums, heightened sense of smell, fatigue-but I'm feeling the 2nd Trimester burst of energy

What do I miss:

Nothing!

Best moment of the week:

Thanksgiving and the yummy food, spending quality time with Brandon, and just being pregnant.

What am I looking forward to:
A continued healthy pregnancy.

Milestones:
As strange as this may sound to most, I'm excited that I can actually feel the top of my uterus.

"Baby is now the size of my clenched fist.  Other developments this week include a roof in baby's mouth and intestinal activity.  Meconium is now being produced.  Lanugo now covers the baby's body for warmth."
from What to Expect When You're Expecting

Bumpdate
My tummy is still growing-I'm going to be one big pregnant lady!

Ramblings

I had a dream last night that I gave birth to the baby in the car.  So far, I've had some crazy and intense dreams.  The only details I remember are that Brandon was traveling, and my Mom and Uncle Chuck were driving me to the hospital.  The baby came in one quick push and was born in the car driving down the interstate.  Of course, I did not pay any attention to the baby's gender in this dream.

I'm still not sure if I think it's a boy or girl.  Is that strange?  After looking at furniture and clothes, I would love to have a little girl.  I love making hair bows, the clothes are precious, and it would be super easy to decorate her room.  But that's not to say that I wouldn't love having a little boy.  We have so many superhero things already put back for a little boy.

Before we were ever pregnant, I always said that I wanted to have a little boy first.  Now I'm just thankful that we're pregnant!  The suspense of not knowing the gender is fun though.  I can't wait until we find out and we're able to start decorating the baby's room!

Work, Holidays, and Pregnancy

For a while now I've only been posting about appointments and bumpdates.  I haven't had much to blog about.

Work is getting busy!  For those of you who don't know, I work in a locally owned jewelry store in Alabaster, Alabama.  We sell beautiful jewelry and included in that is the PANDORA collection.  Christmas is a chaotic time for us in the store with so many people purchasing gifts.  I've been completely surprised at the men already out shopping!  We have a Black Friday sale this week, but we also have the Iron Bowl here in Alabama as well.  I gave my ticket to my Dad.  He bought tickets for Brandon and I last year, so I wanted to return the favor.  Plus, there's no way that I am going to do all of that walking on a day off from work.

So far this pregnancy has been pretty uneventful.  I can't remember if I mentioned that my blood pressure was high last week (diastolic).  The acid reflux has gotten better and I've been able to decrease the amount of Tums I eat in a day.  My lactose intolerance has lessened and I can now drink chocolate milk and eat ice cream!  The fatigue is getting better, but I still take a three hour nap on my off days.  I've been amazed at the frequent urination though.  It's hilarious that I can barely drink anything and then trek to the bathroom four times within an hour.

I hope everyone has safe travels this week.  Happy Thanksgiving!

13 Weeks and Bumpdate

*We've made it to the 2nd Trimester!*

How many weeks:

13 Weeks
*4th Month of Pregnancy*

How big is baby:

The size of a peach

Maternity Clothes:
Yes.  I have one pair of jeans that fit that are not maternity.
Leggings and sweater dresses have also been super comfortable this past week.

Weight Gain Alert!
still 126 lbs

Movement:
The Sneak was waving on the ultrasound this week.

Food Cravings:
Chocolate Milk, Cinnamon Toast, Fruit, Dr. Pepper

Food Aversions:
Fried Food, Chick fil A, Arby's curly fries

Gender:
We should know either at the end of December or the first of January!

Symptoms:
Fatigue in the morning, backache, frequent urination, headaches, sensitive to smells, forgetfulness, increased appetite, thirsty, drooling, weepiness, mood swings, changes in breasts, dry and itchy skin, hot flashes

What do I miss:
Nothing! 

Best moment of the week:
Our first appointment with Dr. Mac was great.  This pregnancy already feels much less stressful with no more need for weekly visits.

What am I looking forward to:
Being pregnant through the holidays and finding out the baby's gender.

Milestones:
This week brings us to the 2nd Trimester!  The Sneak and I are a third of the way there.

"Tiny bones are beginning to form arms and legs, the intestines are beginning to move from the umbilical cord to the abdomen, and the vocal cords are well under construction.  Baby may also be able to get his/her thumb into their mouth."
from What to Expect When You're Expecting

Bumpdate:

I think it's funny that I'm showing so early, but have only gained 3 lbs so far.  

Gender Poll

Boy or Girl?

Do you think The Sneak is a boy or girl?  

You only get one chance to vote, and I cannot tell who votes or which gender they choose.  

*All you have to do is click your vote on the poll on the right of the screen!*

Brandon has wavered back and forth on his prediction and so have I.  Either way, we will be thrilled!  

We already have definite names picked out, but we would prefer to wait to announce any names until after the gender scan.

I cannot wait until we find out-which will be either late December or early January!

-----------------------------------------------

Chinese Gender Prediction Chart says

GIRL

Wedding Ring Tied to Hair (old wives tale) says

GIRL

November 13th Appointment

I had my first appointment with Dr. McKenzie (Dr. Mac) today.  After the appointment, I felt extremely positive about choosing him as our OB!

Today's appointment was a long one filled with paperwork, nursing consult, doctor consult, and labwork.

My nurse today was Mary, and she was super sweet.  She was very sensitive to my previous fertility history, and extremely excited to see how far we've come.  She was full of so much useful information about all of the aches and pains of pregnancy.  She sent me home with a list of medicines safe to take, foods and activities to avoid, a little pregnancy journal, and magazine about the baby's development.

While waiting for the doctor, a different nurse came in with the doppler to hear the baby's heartbeat.  The Sneak's heart was racing away today at 168 bpm.  I'll never get tired of hearing my precious baby's heart!

Meeting with Dr. Mac was super special.  We first met him when he spoke with Joy at church about Nesia's miracle story.  He remembered me and our situation and greeted me with a hug!  He discussed the first weeks of pregnancy and told me that how I got pregnant should not affect anything furthermore.  He was ready to take me to the exam room and he offered me an ultrasound to ween me away from them for a bit.  The Sneak was SUPER ACTIVE today, waving and dancing around.  I even saw the mouth open and close!  Dr. Mac sat and counted the fingers for me and gave me a few pictures.

12w3d

12w3d

12w3d

We could not have picked a better OB and practice.  His office is filled with scripture and caring staff.  Today's appointment made this pregnancy feel much more real and normal.  Don't get me wrong, I know it's real, but it's nice to be away from the fertility clinic.  God has given us this precious gift and I will forever be thankful.  

My next appointment is scheduled for December 11 at 16w3d.  It will still be a little early for the gender scan, but we will schedule it from there.  Dr. Mac's plan is to see me once every 4 weeks as long as everything looks good!

12 Weeks and Bumpdate

How many weeks:

12 weeks

How big is baby:

The size of a plum

The Sneak measured 4.5cm on Tuesday!

Maternity Clothes:

Yes!

A sweet friend, Trista, showed up with a box of maternity clothes at work last Saturday.  

I now have 2 pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of nice pants for work, numerous dresses and tops, along with some pajamas and nursing tops.  Thank you, Trista!

Weight Gain Alert!

Still weighing in at 126 lbs, so no weight gain this week.

Body Changes:
My bump is very pronounced, and I think I look further along than 12 weeks.
I've started rubbing cocoa/shea butter on my tummy to hopefully help reduce stretch marks/badges of honor.

Movement:
The baby is moving a lot, but he/she is still so small.  

I feel the occasional flutter every few days, but I cannot wait to feel The Sneak moving around all the time. 

Food Cravings:

Junk Food!  I craved BBQ, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Arby's this week.  

Also, Dr. Pepper and Starbucks (decaf)

My healthy cravings have flown out the window.

Food Aversions:

Chick fil A, Creamed Corn, Bacon

Gender:

6ish more weeks until we find out.

We will be scheduling the gender reveal appointment next week!

Symptoms:

Occasional fatigue, nausea when hungry, increased appetite, some acid reflux, thirsty all the time, bloated, indigestion, constipation, frequent urination, vivid dreams, weepiness, mood swings, back pain, tender tummy, tender breasts, headaches

What do I miss:

Nothing!  I'm starting to feel better this week.

Best moment of the week:

Graduating from the fertility clinic and taking my last Estrogen pill and Progesterone-in-Oil injection

What am I looking forward to:
Our first OB appointment with Dr. McKenzie and scheduling the gender reveal appointment

Milestones:

We have almost made it through the first trimester.  The Sneak is growing so much!

"The baby now weighs a full half ounce.  Most systems are in place, but much maturation needs to take place.  The pituitary gland has started producing the hormones that will allow The Sneak to have babies some day."

from What to Expect When You're Expecting

Bumpdate

It's an involuntary reflex for me to suck in my tummy when I smile.  ;)  

This is me completely relaxed standing normal.  

I am looking big already!! 

November 6th Graduation Appointment

We have graduated from the fertility clinic!

Today was a bittersweet day.  We are so grateful to ART for everything that they have done for us, but we are ready to move on with this pregnancy.  Weekly ultrasounds have been great, but I'm ready to be treated like this is a normal pregnancy (whatever that is!).

I'm far enough along now to have tummy ultrasounds instead of vaginal ultrasounds!  You do not know how happy I am about that.  If you've never experienced the joy accompanied by one, three, or maybe 30+ vaginal ultrasounds, you're not missing anything.

Our precious baby is measuring 11 weeks + 1 day with a heartrate of 171 bpm.  The Sneak was moving around once we started the ultrasound and was sleeping by the end.  We were able to see the fingers and toes, and the baby's precious little nose.  It's amazing how something so small could look like a baby when he/she's only the size of a lime.

If you're standing in front of me looking at my tummy, the baby's head is on my right and the feet are on my left.  The baby is laying on his/her back looking up at my tummy.  So far, this is how the baby's always been positioned, but I'm sure he/she will start moving around more soon.

Tammy (our nurse) was able to see the placenta, which is in the process of taking over right now.  She also measured my cervix, which is much more pleasant when the ultrasound wand is on my tummy!  Tammy said that everything looked great today.  We were even able to hear the precious baby's heartbeat again.

We are continuing the PIO injections and Estrace through Friday evening!  I'll be 12 weeks on Saturday, so my body should be completely capable of taking care of the baby without additional hormones.

We are scheduled to see Dr. McKenzie at Brookwood next Tuesday.  From there, we should only see the doctor every four weeks.  I am so thankful to have seen my little baby grow so much, from a tiny embryo to 4.5 centimeters.  God is good!

Day Three of Thankfulness

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart exults,
and with my song I shall thank Him.
Psalm 28:7

Without God and His unfailing grace, I have no idea where I would be.  He has helped me through so much. At so many times throughout our journey, I was ready to give up and ask why me.  Yesterday I talked about giving up control to God.  It's hard for anyone to trust, much less trust that God will provide in His timing.  I know that God knew what He was doing all along, but it didn't make the situation hurt any less.  Giving up control and trusting in Him was not something that happened over night for me.  It was a process that required much prayer.  Once I was able to trust in Him, the bad things didn't seem quite so bad anymore.  And believe me, a chemical pregnancy, having multiple surgeries and procedures along with hospitalization for five days was extremely far from being pleasant.  Somehow through all of that, Brandon and I were able to find joy and peace in the midst of our trials.  I know that without God's love we would be where we are today-11 weeks pregnant.