We're making progress!

Whoa it has been quite the day!

First, a HUGE congratulations to our good friends Stef & Andy, who welcomed their second adorable daughter, Alyssa Grace, into the world yesterday afternoon! She is absolutely beautiful, and big sister Kaitlyn is so proud! I was so happy to sneak in some snuggle time this morning after my OB appointment next door :) I rely on Stef a ton for tips, and answers to "is this normal?" I'm so thankful for her, and looking forward to "practicing" more with Alyssa!

Which brings me to more news...I passed my glucose test this morning! Yippeee! Doc said I passed so easily, and that I must be getting everything I need because the rest of my #s (iron, all that other good stuff) looked good too! Today was the first time he actually hauled out the tape measure and measured the 'ol belly, and he said I'm measuring right on track. Plus, I've gained approximately 18 lbs! I was worried because so many people have been giving me the "that's all the bigger you are at this point?" looks & questions. Stupid to care what they think, I know. He says I should be happy to carry the way I am since I'm so tall, and it's just the short people and the opinioned folks that are jealous :) So there! {At least it makes me feel better}

I did make a point to ask him about Miss S's kidneys--if it was just one, or if both were dilated. Sadly, he said both...but he did say it was barely "moderate," whatever that means. He's confident it will clear up on his own, but we have scheduled another ultrasound to monitor it. I go back in a week and a half, on 4/23. I do feel much better about it after hearing a friend of mine's daughter has the same thing, and that she's doing just fine {she still has it I guess--only very low grade} at 11 months old.

We also scheduled our Childbirth Education class! I say class, not classes, because our hospital only offers an all-day Saturday class. Not ideal if you ask me, but it should get the job done. We officially become "educated" May 5th!

As for the nursery, we have a little {err..LOT of} work to do. My mom came over last weekend to help me shampoo the carpets, so at least we're at the point of having a "clean slate" to work with right now. We actually painted the room a nice shade of chocolate brown {it's a sunny corner room} over a year ago--I'm so thankful not to have to worry about that! Maybe a future post on our progress later?

See? Lots being done. Sort of. Gaaahhh, there's just so much left though!

Seriously though, look at all this progress!
 

Holy cow! 26 weeks!!! That first shot makes me almost want to cry!!! Someday, maybe someday again. Note to self: husband is no longer allowed to touch the camera...I don't know what he does to make it so blurry!

bumpdate: weeks 21-25

OH MY LANTA. How did I let this go for so long? Busy, perhaps? Yikes. Life has been wild lately. This pregnancy is moving at the speed of light and it's starting to make me so weepy that in 10-14 short weeks, it will all be over! I am beginning to take time for myself here and there everyday to sit and reflect on this little miracle inside me. Seems that this "alone time" is just what I needed! I can't tell you how much I enjoy watching her little dance parties in my belly. This girl is quite the mover & shaker! Ross has been quite busy at work, and putting up their new barn most nights so he doesn't get home until after 10p. For some strange reason I'm starting to turn into a bit of a night owl, and am functioning {semi-normally} on less and less sleep. Must be the ol' bod's way to preparing me for motherhood! Between all these physiological and psychological changes, we've also been speaking with the realtor about the land we're looking, and possibly listing our house. I never thought I would see the day where we showed our home with even as much as a half-hearted intention of selling--especially while pregnant. What are we thinking?! Eh, really we haven't made any solid decisions yet, so the whole idea is still up in the air. Still, it has required cleaning and prep everytime this guy comes over to talk!

Ross has been great with helping out lately. I'm not sure what has happened, really. I was only gone for a few days in TN, but it was the first time that I've left him home. Usually it's the other way around--he goes out for work, or hunting. I was welcomed back with so much love and appreciation, and a clean house! It's like a "what have you done with my husband" sort of thing, but I'll take it! Maybe he sees that I can't quite accomplish all my responsibilities as well as I used to, and that I'm starting to slow down a bit. I don't know. His graciousness has thrown me for a loop, and I find myself with that feeling of "what more can I do for him" that brings me back to the days when we were first dating. I love it, and really felt the need to make a little note here on the ol' blog. You know, for the days when I feel like I've absolutely lost my mind and am going this alone? Not going to lie, it happens. Especially when he's working long hours. When you are the boss, you work around the clock. There's always "go-sees" and "bids" that need to be done even after the sun has set. At least I know when the sun sets he has to stop nailing boards and setting posts!

Anways, here's the good stuff you've been waiting for {you know, to see how much weight I've put on and what sort of monumental meltdowns have gone down in the past month}  kidding.

How far along? 25 weeks 4 days

Total weight gain: a whopping 17-ish pounds! we have a quickly growing babe here, folks!

Maternity clothes? Oh yes. I've got quite a few tops that still work, but the ever growing belly is quite visible now. Jeans are out of the question. Since the weather has been warming up, I'm loving dresses and maxi skirts for work. Thankfully, she's been carrying "like a boy" {what everyone has been telling me at least} and is mostly out front. Weeks ago, I thought I looked weird, but now I'm loving this belly!

Sleep: Starting to get worse. I have found myself functioning on less sleep, and going to bed much later. I don't know what's going on, but it's not so bad I guess. Better than going to bed at 8p like I did in the beginning!

Best moment this week: Video taping one of Miss S's dance parties. She is so active, and her kicks are quite visible! I can't wait to show my family at Easter how funny she is!

Miss Anything? I can't say that I do. While a nice cold beer has sounded pretty good lately, I'm not really feeling like I'm missing out on anything. I've been strangely optimistic lately--and I'm digging that!

Movement: All the time! Ross thinks I'm obsessed--and I might just be. It is so reassuring to see her wiggling around in there. I can tell when she reacts to loud noises, or Ross's voice. She already loves her Papi!

Food cravings: I've been having the "I don't know what I feel like eatings" lately. Cereal seems to do the trick nicely though. Still loving anything hot & spicy too. Last night I did catch myself making a preggo snack of a pickle spear on a piece of bread with a slice of cheese and mustard. And I liked it! I have also been doing some irrational food-hoarding lately. Like I won't make something specific because I "need to save it". I don't know what for?

Anything making you queasy or sick: No, thankfully. I do get really antsy when I go too long without a snack though. It is then that I generally end up making poor food choices that make me gain 7 lbs in one month.

Gender: Girl!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: let the waddling begin! The chiropractor really helped my SIJ feel better, but I'm starting to slow down and look weird getting up off the couch/bed.

Belly Button in or out? Flat! Also very weird looking, but I kind of like it. It's kind of like a sterotypical pregnancy look--but it's a cool little milestone to finally have that I suppose.

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: So happy! ....and so sappy! I've been wandering around with a perma-grin lately. Maybe it was the time off that helped me mellow out. Whatever it is, it's working!

Looking forward to: Easter weekend with the family. I have another appointment next Friday 4/13 for my glucose test, ack! {yes, somehow my appointments always get scheduled on "strange" days---2/29, Friday the 13th...not that I'm superstitious or anything, but yikes!} Looking forward to hearing more about what the doc has to say about her kidneys. Last time I was in too much shock to ask any questions, so I want to find out which one/both, and I'll have an opportunity to schedule the ultrasound appointment for 28 weeks.

I will try and get some more pics up this weekend! You'd think that having the internet and all, I'd have that all sorted out {not!} Sorry :(

It's a.........!!!

Oh goodness it's been a while since I've been on! Take working 53+ hours a week for the past month straight and tack on 10 hours of driving time and I'm out of the house almost 65 hours a week doing work-related things. The agony! Who needs sleep? Between coming home crying every night to the hubs and repeatedly telling my boss I'll quit unless he buys me home internet access...I have officially lost my mind!

So dear followers, I'm sorry I've abandoned you. I really do appreciate your comments/emails of concern, as my last post was talking about the big ultrasound. Come to find out {yes, I actually did forget} I never revealed it to you!

Such lame excuses. I'm so disappointed in myself! This was meant to be a monumental moment in bloggy history! I feel like there's really no way to bounce back from such a dry spell than to tell you that baby Schutter is a....

GIRL!!!

And a very active and healthy one at that! We are beyond thrilled! She measured one day ahead of schedule, so my due date is now July 16th. We received the news after an hour or so into the ultrasound, she did NOT want to show us the goods {a trait I hope she holds on to til she's 30--ha!}. Anyways, Ross was so right about it being a girl and it hasn't taken long to have him wrapped around her finger. Soon as we got home he wanted to start cleaning out the nursery! I can't tell you how happy it makes me to know she's doing great. We'll find out what the doctor has to say at our next appointment on 3/16. As always, I'm praying for another good report!

How far along? 22 weeks!
Total weight gain: a whopping 14 lbs! someone hit a MAJOR growth spurt!
Maternity clothes? Thank goodness for all those deals a few weeks ago. Other than my usual black work pants paired with the belly band, nothing fits! My booty has expanded beyond all my jeans :( I'm sporting a few maternity tops, but mostly because the others are just a wee bit too short now.
Sleep: Great!

Best moment this week: Finding out baby Schutter is a SHE!
Miss Anything? Time for myself to rest and do something, anything, that I want to do. The ol' work schedule has not allowed for much of that lately. I'm looking forward to the next few weeks of Spring and a long weekend trip to Tennessee with my mamaw!

Movement: Oh jeez yes! "S" has officially joined the soccer team this week. I don't know what's gotten into her, but she's all over the place lately! I can feel her most around lunch time and just before bed. Her little punches have been such a blessing in that they take my mind off the chaotic mess this month has been.

Food cravings: Everything! I swear my appetite has exploded...just like my massive weight gain in the past few weeks. That, or it's that I've finally given up on Zumba and haven't really started my walking routine yet.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Leftovers. The whole idea of cold food is just weird to me.
Gender: A bouncing, healthy baby girl! For some reason my mind is so much more at ease knowing "S" is a she. I can't wait to snuggle her!
Labor Signs: No, though I did experience my first Braxton Hicks a few nights ago. I had just gotten home from my last Zumba class, and upon sitting down on the couch my guts and back got really tense for a few seconds. It didn't hurt, but the little twinge surprised me! I haven't had another episode since.

Symptoms: Gas in the am, and let's just say I miss being "regular". Must drink more water!
Belly Button in or out? In, but barely. I'm getting a bit flatter everyday. If I'm wearing a thin tank or tee, it looks like I have the belly button of a linebacker...sick.
Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy despite the stress!

Looking forward to: Visiting my cousin in Tennessee in 2 weeks!

18/19/20 weeks!

How far along? 20 weeks!

Total weight gain: 9-10 lbs 

Maternity clothes? I hit the sale of all sales a couple of weekends ago, and picked up four pairs of pants, six tops, and two dresses for under $110! Three of the bottoms (jeans/white capris/black bermudas) were $2.99 each at Younkers! Both dresses were on clearance at Kohls for $5 a piece, and the rest are work clothes. Those kind of deals make me excited to finally sport the maternity threads...that and the fact that this belly is quickly outgrowing my normal clothes. I also adore my BeMaternity leggings from Target...amazing!

Sleep: Best sleep ever...and getting lots of it too!
Best moment this week: Waiting for the big gender reveal! We're scheduled for the anatomy scan on 2/29 (TOMORROW!) and can hardly wait. Every morning Ross wakes me up and says "x days until we know!" Also, we purchased a crib and dresser/changing table this weekend! They haven't been moved into their official resting place yet, we need to get that room cleaned out first! Lots to do!

Miss Anything? Nah, I really can't say I miss anything this week. I'm totally loving the extra sleep, extra snacks, and extra special little wiggles I get to experience everyday. Work has been extremely stressful, so I'm really enjoying my time at home lately.
Movement: Yes, every once and a while I'll feel a little flutter, though nothing really pronounced yet.

Food cravings: Anything with Franks Red Hot sauce.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Gender: We'll find out tomorrow! Use my voting buttons on the top right and cast your vote! Hubs thinks girl, but I'm leaning towards boy. Either way, healthy is best!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Slightly crampy this week (round ligaments). Need to drink more H20!

Belly Button in or out? In, but getting a bit flatter everyday. So far, this is the grossest thing about pregnancy. I can't even imagine my belly button looking like a saucer. Let's just hope it doesn't stay that way...ugh!

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, though I did have a bit of a moody/emotional spell this weekend. I chalk that up to blowing a tire on the highway during a blizzard, having S*%^ hit the fan at work on our big HEDIS audit, and working around 60 hours a week. That right there brought me to my knees!
Looking forward to: Tomorrow! Oh.my.achin' it's finally here!

My Valentine

I was able to hear our sweet little baby's heartbeat today, so fitting that it's Valentine's Day!

Thought it would be fun to give an overview of my most favorite heart's progress (18 weeks).

7 weeks: 143bpm
10 weeks: 170 bpm
14 weeks: 156 bpm
18 weeks: 146-153bpm

Baby S was all over the place this morning! Doctor was laughing because s/he was just a dancin' around in there! Makes complete sense that any child of mine cannot sit still! I frequently feel movement throughout the day and it is the most reassuring feeling ever! I love those little flutters and kicks.

I have a feeling Baby is going to be wiggling into the afternoon and evening as it seems everyone and their brother brought donuts to work today. Seeing the scale this morning at only +8lbs overall caused a complete lapse in judgement and before I knew it I had already eaten 1 and 1/2 krispie kremes. Talk about sugar overload! Normally, I'm pretty tame on the sweets, but those puppies are soooo good!

We'll be back to the whole grains and fruits/veggies tomorrow!

As for my other Valentine, I have a nice little supper planned for us. Ross loves nothing more than a homecooked meal and relaxing during the evening. Forget the candles, I think it'd probably be a treat if I was actually nice to him once this week. Mommas been a little stressed at work this week. :(

Hope ya'll have a fabulous Valentine's Day with your loved ones!

16/17 weeks {in Mexico!}

How far along? 17 weeks! {okay, so I'm technically a week late posting this!}

Total weight gain: Oh sweet dear lord. Prior to vacation I was +3 overall. When I weighed myself the day after we got home I was +9 overall. It literally took me all week to get back on schedule, if you know what I mean. The bloat was sickening and my guts hurt just thinking about it! I don't think I could ever go another week eating few fruits/veggies and NO dairy! Those are babe's favorite things! Now that I'm readjusted that total is closer to about +6 overall. Still not bad!

Maternity clothes? Just the belly bands so far. I wore a lot of dresses in Mexico which was nice! I was so happy my shorts fit with no problems as long as I used the belly bands. Let's see how long that lasts!

Sleep: Awesome. I could literally sleep all day, everyday! My bed, the couch, my desk at work...

Best moment this week: I have officially popped! While I think the bloat had much to do with it, I "popped" during the last few days of vacation {17 weeks}. It literally happened overnight! I was pleasantly surprised when I changed into the clothes I wore on the flight down the morning we were scheduled to fly back that the ol' babe was quite visible...thru my sweatshirt! Also, the mexicans love pregnant chicks. Once they found out I was expecting, I was treated like royalty!
Miss Anything? Drinking. Eating whatever I wanted on vacation. Partaking in all those overpriced excursions in Mexico. I felt like I couldn't do anything!

Movement: YES! This is the most reassuring feeling in the world! Baby would wiggle like crazy everytime I got in the pool to cool down. Can't wait for Ross to feel it!
Food cravings: Random things--everything. While on vacation it was fruits, veggies and dairy just because I had to really limit those things. I would have died for some "normal," "American" eggs.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Cheeseburgers. We at them everyday at the pool for lunch. I swear I don't need another cheeseburger for a while!
Gender: Our anatomy scan is scheduled for 2/29!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Had a few headaches this week, could be from the heat though.
Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On and loose!

Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!

Looking forward to: finding out the gender! I can hardly wait!

14/15 weeks

How far along? 15 weeks!

{I really need to get Ross to help me with this self-portrait business...yiiiiikes}

Total weight gain: From the Drs appointment on 1/20: +3lbs. As of today, 1/24 I'm pretty sure that # is more like +4. Not bad! The NP was happy with that, which made me even happier!

Maternity clothes? Not yet. I did purchase some things for Mexico, but haven't worn anything yet other than the belly band {not everyday} and my "fat" dress pants that are a size bigger than normal. I did have someone comment at my madre's birthday party that she could definately see "the bump." That was nice, however I feel like most of this babe weight has settled in my arse. The last thing I need is more badonkadonk. I'm so ready to be past this "too many tacos" stage!

Sleep: like a baby lately, it's pretty awesome!

Best moment this week: I've been at war with a nasty cold all week, so I was relieved to hear the little rascal's heart pumping away at 156 bpm at our appoinment on 1/20. We scheduled the next visit for 2/14, as well as the anatomy scan where we find out if Baby S is a boy or girl! I can hardly wait, the NP was a brat and won't schedule it before 20 weeks, so we don't go until 2/29...at 21 weeks! Who schedules that kind of thing on LEAP YEAR? It's not even a real day!  That's SO far away.

Miss Anything? We went to a chili cookoff at a local vineyard this past weekend, where I had just a taste of wine...but it made me really, really miss the days of guzzling down more than 2 ounces of those yummy dry reds in one sitting.

Movement: Nothing quite yet. NP did say that I should feel something soon...maybe while on vacation?! I could have sworn I felt flutters the other night after zumba...but it was just gas :( lots and lots of gas :(

As of 1/25 I'm almost positive I felt him/her! I scarfed half a bag of kettle chips on the way home from work tonight, followed by a cold bottle of water and felt this little "pop pop pop" on the lower right side of my abdomen. At first I thought it was the road, but it happened again after supper (and was not followed by gas!) Do you think that could be it? What is it supposed to feel like?

Food cravings: Babe certainly lets me know when s/he's hungry...which is all the time. I was driving home from work the other night and decided that I was for sure going to die if I didn't stop at BK for a spicy chicken crisp + extra pickles and a small fry {as long as they were piping hot}. Then I got home and of course Ross needed to be fed, so I had a grilled cheese on top of that. I still don't know where all this food is going, though I'm not complaining!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anymore! I can even eat a {little bit of}chicken now! It's amazing as long as I'm careful not to over-do it.

Gender: We find out 2/29. I am dying, that's too far away. Roseann, my friend at work, says she's always been pretty accurate. She thinks "boy". I don't know what to think, at first I was dead-set on girl. Any guesses? I can't wait to get started on the nursery!

Labor Signs: Goodness no!

Symptoms: Beside the nasty upper respiratory infection I've got going on, not much. I'm feeling pretty awesome, and so grateful that the "second-worst" part is over!

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On and loose!

Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!

Looking forward to: Mexico! We leave 1/30 and I can't.freaking.wait. I may never come back.

12/13 weeks

How far along? 13 week

Total weight gain: +2 to 3lbs total (wahoo! It seems to come & go everyday...but it just won't stick. I was getting worried there for a while, but I guess it's normal for a first pregnancy). Seems I opened my big mouth too soon last week.

Maternity clothes? ugh, yes! my mother has been dying to take me shopping, and i'm going to need some new swag for when i go here in 3 weeks...so, we made a trip to motherhood maternity where i purchased the beloved tummy sleeve. this is the best thing i've ever bought in my life! i also couldn't pass up a pair of $9 army green cargo capris from Kohl's and 2 {adorable} maxi skirts from Express. I figure elastic waistband is the way to go on vacation. Ya know, since I'm going for that, "effortlessly gorgeous while pregnant" look. Stretch marks? nope

Sleep: getting better

Best moment this week: the belly band or tummy sleeve, or whatever the hell it is. lord knows i don't even need it yet, but it's so comfortable folded down over my jeans, work pants, etc.
Miss Anything? Abs. Ok, what I used to call my "abs".

Movement: no

Food cravings: Fruit, chocolate, cheese, tortilla chips, mashed potatoes, some veggies. ALL meats kinda gross me out this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick: damn that chicken. there was an incredible sale on boneless, skinless breasts this week at Meijer, so i did buy a bag. i'm hoping to get over this aversion SOON!
Gender: Won't find out til next month! Note: we will be finding out. I have come to terms with the fact that I much rather enjoy when things go as planned, than surprises. F^%# surprises, I want my stuff to match.

Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Feeling good overall. Minus the fatigue (i had to take a breather while shopping...gasp!) and night peeing and food weirdness, I can hardly tell I'm toting around a 3 inch medium shrimp.

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!

Looking forward to: Drs appointment 1/20 & Vacation!

10/11 weeks

How far along? 11 weeks

Total weight gain: +1.5lbs...so many Christmas goodies!

 

Maternity clothes? no

Stretch marks? no

Sleep: getting much better

Best moment this week: Appointment 12/22, first time hearing the heartbeat on the doppler! Poor little thing must be high strung like her momma....170 bpm!

Miss Anything? It was my 24th birthday yesterday, and to celebrate my hubby took me out for a nice dinner downtown, followed by Mojo's dueling paino bar--so fun, but I think he felt bad enjoying the craft beers without me. I didn't care though, it was a great night out!

 

Movement: no

Food cravings: Fruit, sweets, cheese, any meat except for chicken. I can finally stomach veggies again this week though!

Anything making you queasy or sick: damn that chicken.

 

Gender: Won't find out til the next ultrasound IF we decide to find out!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: This is the best I've felt in a while! Weeks 5.5-9 were rough!

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: SO HAPPY! Finally!

Looking forward to: celebrating New Years with friends!

8/9 weeks

This week, I decided to do my update a little differently...thanks to Little Baby Garvin (I just love her blog, she is so stinkin CUTE!) for the new survey format!

oh, such vanity. goodbye (semi) flat stomach.

How far along? 9 weeks

Total weight gain: down 2 lbs from last week {0 lbs overall}. not sure how that happened because all I do is EAT!

Maternity clothes? not yet!

Stretch marks? no thanks!

Sleep: great, minus the strange dreams. and not even baby dreams...we're talking dreams about playing volleyball again and having my kidneys cut out of me.

Best moment this week: First official appointment with the doctor--he said everything looked great! Scheduled another appointment for 12/22, hopefully we'll be able to hear the heartbeat and share the news with family/friends on {or before} Christmas!

Miss Anything? Energy! I feel sooo drained all the time!

Movement: just gas for now (haaa!)

Food cravings: My appetite comes and goes, but when I am hungry I want anything fruity, deep fried, salty, or made of cheese...I am officially grossed out by myself! Baby loves steak and mashed potatoes...and hates chicken and veggies. Sigh.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Chicken! My now ex-favorite food.  

Gender: Won't find out til the next ultrasound (IF we decide to find out!)

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Nausea, tired, feeling crappy ALL DAY LONG.

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On, they seem looser than ever, maybe just because it is cold?

Happy or Moody most of the time: I wish I could say happy, though I am awfully moody!

Looking forward to: revealing our big news & spending time with family/friends during the Holidays!

6/7 weeks

Total Weight Loss/Gain: 2lbs already? What the heck!

Maternity Clothes:  No

Stretch marks: No

Sleep: Ok, although I am experiencing more night-peeing. Which sucks because it means I need to keep my room clean, or on top of being pregnant, I'm also going to suffer a broken leg one of these days. 

Movement: Nope.

Cravings/Aversions: Heard of the See-Food Diet? Notable meals of late include cheeseburger with eggs and taco rice, anything with cheese, half a batch of brownies, half a 9 x 13 of my hubby's fabulous lasanga. And cherry pie with ice cream. Every.single.night. I am SO hungry ALL the time. Mommas gonna get FAT!

Gender: N/A

Symptoms: Working on getting the first round of zits under control. Cramps weren't as bad at 7 weeks as they were at 6. EXTREME HUNGER. And if I don't eat, EXTREME NAUSEA.

What I miss:  Drinks {sheesh, I'm beginning to sound like I have a problem--I swear I don't!} I just never realized how much time we spend drinking hanging out with our friends. First it was putting the giant kibash on wine night. Now, I spend my Saturdays drinking water out of a beer can and having "captain and cokes". Surprisingly, our friends fall for it--every single time--or do they?

What I look forward to:  We're so excited for the first ultrasound on Friday {isn't that early?}. We meet with the doctor for the first official prenatal on 12/12.

Moods: Frustrated for two reasons: 1. I'm already sick of this "hurry up and wait" business and 2. Ross still doesn't believe it. Like really, he legitimately thinks it's not true. I don't know whether to laugh or cry.  Hoping Friday will change his mind!

Milestones:  Just the smallest bit of pinkish discharge. Yes, I know that is wayyyy TMI but I freaked out anyways. Turns out, it's all a pretty normal part of the process. I love my dear friend Stef, but I have a feeling she's going to HATE me when this is all over. I probably call her on a daily basis. What? She's on her second baby--AND she has the same doctor as me! Love you, Stef.

I also met with the OB Nurse Brenda this week for a quick health history, etc. She gave me the "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book. I thought it was a joke.

Medical concerns: Where do I start? We're really just praying that this is for keeps, and that we'll both remain healthy.

4/5 weeks

*these posts (up until 11 weeks) have not been edited since their original draft, in order to preserve any or all indications of pure excitement, craziness, and joy.

We're having a baby, people!

So I always read how women wished they would have documented their first pregnancy better...for many reasons such as to keep track of changes, share the excitement, and allow for comparison for themselves down the road (two more times if I'm lucky-but let's not get ahead of ourselves). So that's what I'll do! I apologize in advance for any over-sharing...it comes with the territory. Other than that, I would love to hear your questions, comments, any advice you have for us throughout this journey!

Total Weight Loss/Gain: 0, Praise the Lord! My mom gained 60 lbs with me...60! That would put me at a new low, or high rather. Either way, it's a # I hope to never ever see.

Maternity Clothes:  No

Stretch marks: No

Sleep: Good. Did wake up once to pee though, which is strange for me. I could sleep through natural disasters and now I wake up to pee, are you kidding?

Movement: Nope

Cravings/Aversions: Nothing in particular. Not going to lie-I'm a bit worried about this one, I eat strange things without being pregnant! But, I have been incredibly thirsty all the time, and I've moved my lunch hour up an hour and a half because I need to eat RIGHT NOW!

Gender: Not sure if we'll find out or not. That won't come for a long time anyways, we got plenty of time to change out minds decide.

Symptoms: Fatigue.  I'm so tired! And my face has not seen this many zits since freshman year of high school.

What I miss:  Drinks!  The night after we tested positive {for the third time}, my girlfriends and I were having a freezer meal party. Everytime we get together it involves some concoction of adult beverages, so I was forced to make up the biggest.lie.ever about a blood test the next day {not entirely false} and they fell for it! {I think}.

What I look forward to:  All of it! I can't wait for an ultrasound to confirm this already!

Moods:  Disbelief. Nervous. Happy! Yes, we really are THRILLED!

Milestones:  Positive prenancy test. Do people actually keep them, or is that creepy? That first night I woke up to pee...it doesn't happen every night, but it is definately not my typical behavior.

Medical concerns: Where do I start? We're really just praying that this is for real, and that we'll both remain healthy.