Weekly Update

Weeks: 27

Cravings: Lots of protein... cottage cheese, yogurt, beans, meat (except lunch meat)

Aversions: Nothing really, although I have noticed that my cravings are totally sweet related.  Normally, I love all of the holiday sweets, but I am not crazy about them this year.  

Sleep: Eh, pretty much the same.  I did have one dreadful night where I couldn't sleep at all because of indigestion, and then woke up at 6 am because I was pretty sure there was a hole being burned through my throat.  I had to wake up and try to go sleep in a chair after that.

Breakdowns: None!

Significant Events: Christmas day was actually the beginning of 3rd trimester!!  We also had an ultrasound today and got to see the baby!  Here are a few pictures. :-)

What I Miss: Nothing... I am enjoying being the pregnancy, even through the indigestion and lack of sleep.

What I’m Looking Forward To: Getting furniture and getting the room set up!

What I’ve Learned: Baby Haralson is already spoiled, even before getting out of the womb. S/he got so many awesome Christmas presents... books, a Scentsy warmer and Scentsy lamb, toys, onsies, sleepers, bath towels, diapers, wipes, a giraffe blanket, and tons of other stuff!  Thanks to everyone!

Belly Pic: Okay, so this is technically 27 weeks and 2 days... Sorry I was late with the update this week!  I feel like I grew a ton this week!!

Weekly Update

Weeks: 26

Cravings: Mmm... So much right now... I am just craving holiday food... Turkey, mashed potatoes, etc... I really want green bean casserole one more time before the holidays are done!!

Aversions: There isn't a whole lot that I don't want to eat right now!  Which can be a bad thing... I told my OB that I thought the holidays are a bad time to be pregnant because of all the good food that is around will cause you to gain extra weight... She thought it was the best time to be pregnant because "at least you have an excuse if you do gain more than you are supposed to".  Did I mention that I love my OB?  She has a great way of viewing things, huh?

Sleep: I actually slept really good last night!!  Which was the first time in a long time.  I even slept in for a bit (until 10), but when you go to bed at 2 am... This was kind of cute, too.  I actually woke up this morning because I was getting some serious kicks from baby!  I guess s/he decided it was time to wake up, because it totally worked. 

Breakdowns: No breakdowns!  Yay!  And, let me tell you... You might be thinking this is a small deal, but I baked for 12 hours yesterday!  Yes, 12 hours!  Exhausted would have been an understatement.  It could have made for quite a "kitchen meltdown", but I was cool as a freaking cucumber.  Well, until about midnight, when I *begged* Brett to come up and help me put together the food trays, because I just couldn't manage it anymore.

Significant Events: Did I already mention that I got my first stretch mark?  It is on my hip.  Luckily, none on my belly yet.  One of these days I will get brave and take a bare belly shot, just to prove it to you guys.  Other than that, during the past week I have noticed that my ring is becoming too tight!  I really haven't had any swelling issues that I have noticed, but apparently I am getting some.  I haven't had my ring on for about 4 days because it is so tight, and I finally put it back on this morning.  It is still tight, but I am going to give it a shot.  

What I Miss: Sleeping without feeling like I have thrown up in the back of my throat.  Yes, my indigestion is fun.

What I’m Looking Forward To: Christmas!!  We have my family's Christmas party tonight, and then tomorrow we are leaving for MO when Brett gets off work.  It should be a nice, relaxing time.  

What I’ve Learned: I *tried* to shave my legs this morning.  That was fun.  I told Brett not to count on that happening too many times between now and early April.

Belly Pic: 

Weekly Update

Weeks: 25

Cravings: Mustard, pho (vietnamese soup), anything sweet

Aversions: Deli meat... which is weird, because normally I *love* subway.

Sleep: Tossing and turning all night long

Breakdowns: None... yay!

Significant Events: It just seems like everything is so huge at this point... The baby is moving tons, you can see my stomach move from the outside, the room is in the process of being ready... Oh, and I had a doctor's appt today - everything is looking good! 

What I Miss: Really nothing!

What I’m Looking Forward To: Christmas!!  I can't wait to bake treats, spend time with family, open presents.... I just love this time of year!

What I’ve Learned: I honestly don't think I have any words of wisdom for this week.

Belly Pic: From today, which is actually 25 weeks and 1 day.

Oh, and I forgot to mention...

I got my first stretch mark.  Awesome.

Weekly Update

Weeks: 24
Cravings: I still want mustard!  Lots of it!
Aversions: Nothing really... It is actually pretty bad... Just about anything sounds good all the time!  I feel like I could eat a meal for every hour of the day.  (Although I am not... I have *some* self control.)
Sleep: Still miserable.  Brett is ordered a mouthpiece that is supposed to keep him from snoring.  I hope that will help.
Breakdowns: None!
Significant Events: We made it to V-Day!!!  That is "viability day", which is just a marker that is used sometimes that means the baby would have a shot of making it if s/he were born this early.  (God forbid that happen... we'll just let it keep cooking for about 16 more weeks.)
What I Miss: Being able to bend down without making a spectacle of myself.  Also, being able to shave my legs.  (Okay, Brett misses that more than me, hahaha!)
What I’m Looking Forward To: Getting the nursery painted and the furniture in the room!
What I’ve Learned: Pregnancy can help you get away with a lot!!  Like, whenever I drop something now, Brett will pick it up for me.  And he always carries anything that is heavy.  And, if I ever feel like I am eating a lot and make a comment about eating too much, someone will nicely say, "It's okay, honey.  You are eating for two now."  (In reality, you only need 300 extra calories a day, but who follows that rule?!?!)
Belly Pic: Here is it!  Taken before going to Brett's work Christmas party.

What a fun little discovery!

So, the other night Brett and I youtubed some videos pregnant bellies that people have taped.  It is essentially people that have filmed their bellies (most of them are close to their due dates) and since the babies are so big at that point, you can really see the movement and body parts.  Some of them are C-R-A-Z-Y.  Seriously.  Like alien babies or something.

So, I am at home alone with nothing but time to kill, and I decided to watch my belly... Surely it is too early to see anything move, but just for fun I wanted to do it.  And as baby starts getting active, all of the sudden I am seeing these little bumps and twitches.  Holy crap!  I can see the movement.  I showed Brett, and he really liked it.  We both thought it was pretty cute to watch, and it kind of makes you fall in love with the baby all over again.  It is fun to feel the kicks, but then when you can see them it is just really awesome.

I really wanted to try to film this and put it on here... So, I tried for about 10 minutes to get some of this action on tape this morning... I really did!  But, apparently my stomach is too pale white to be able to distinguish any bumps or twitches from a crappy cell phone camera.  I might slather some sunless tanner on later and try again (okay, no chance I am doing that... sorry).  

Weekly Update

Weeks: 23 weeks

Cravings: Okay, so I have no idea what spurred this... I haven't had too many cravings lately, but last night I was watching TV, and someone had mustard on a pretzel... and all of the sudden I just wanted mustard!  Plain, yellow mustard!  It didn't even matter what it was on, so I just got a plain tortilla with tons of yellow mustard and went to town.  It still sounds good, so I may have to have more tonight. :-)

Aversions: I wouldn't say that this is an aversion, but it is close.  I got a 1/2 gallon of ice cream from Braum's about a month and a half ago, and just now finished it!  Those who know me well, know that I generally *love* ice cream and it generally doesn't last in our house.  I don't know why, it just isn't that good.

Sleep: I keep thinking that it is impossible for my sleeping to get any worse, but it just keeps happening.  At this rate, I will be sleeping about 1 hour per night when the baby is born.

Breakdowns: I had a huge temper tantrum when I couldn't get one of my rollers to stay in!  Seriously... I was trying to get ready to go out to eat, and it just kept falling out.  I remember calling it a few choice words, but it didn't seem to care.  

Significant Events: When Brad and Dixi and Amanda were here, we got the baby room painted and hung the ceiling fan!!  Woot woot!  They also got a ceiling fan installed in the living room, helped put the Christmas tree up, and Brad and Brett got the washer and dryer installed.  Seriously, all of that in about 4 days.  I keep joking that they will never want to come back because whenever they are here, we put them to work! 

What I Miss: Being able to sleep through the night.

What I’m Looking Forward To: I can't wait for exactly one week when I will be done with classes!!  I have a long list of stuff that I want to get done over Christmas break, and about 90% of it involves getting stuff ready for the baby.  I am actually looking forward to having time to get organized.

What I’ve Learned: Hmm... I learned that the baby can be kicking the crap out of my stomach, but the second someone else puts their hand on my tummy to feel it, the baby will stop.  I think it likes playing jokes, even in the womb.  It must have Brett's sense of humor.  :-)

Belly Pic:  This was just taken a few minutes ago... We are about to head to my parent's house for Brett's birthday.  My mom is making a lasagna, and we are stopping to get an ice cream cake, so it will be a par-tay for sure!  Also, I just realized that I am wearing the exact same shirt and the same expression as last week... This is actually a different photo, I swear!!

Weekly Update

Weeks: 22 weeks 1 day

Cravings: Turkey, green bean casserole, stuffing, pecan pie... Let's just say that I am ready for tomorrow!!!

Aversions: Deli meat.  I don't know when this happened, but I went to Subway the other day, and the thought of deli meat grossed me out.  I had to get a meatball sub (which was delish, BTW!).

Sleep: Brett got sick this past week, so for about 3 nights he slept on the couch because he was so restless.  This was the best sleep I have gotten in MONTHS.  Yes, sad, but true.

Breakdowns: None, really.  Which is *amazing* considering all of the cleaning, cooking, and school that has gone on in the past 3 days.

Significant Events: There hasn't been one huge event, but this past week, the baby has just been so much more active!  Brett gets to feel it all the time, and I feel it when I am driving, working, etc... I used to have to be sitting really still to feel it, so it is pretty cool to be able to feel it more often. 

What I Miss: Don't judge me, but I am just craving a glass of champagne or wine.  Ugh.

What I’m Looking Forward To: Thanksgiving!  Family, food, togetherness.  Thank goodness my sister isn't cooking the turkey this year.  (You know I <3 you.)

What I’ve Learned: I have so much stuff to do this Christmas break!!  I have a full month off from school, and I have tons of stuff that I can get ready for when the little kicker is going to come.  I am actually looking forward to getting some stuff done. :-)

Belly Pic: Okay, so this is from today... 22 weeks, 1 day.  

Weekly Update

Weeks: 21 (and 1 day, technically)

Cravings: I am just craving all sorts of Thanksgiving food!!  Bring on the stuffing, mashed potatoes, pecan pie, etc.  I don't think that this has as much to do with my pregnancy than me just being ready for Thanksgiving!!

Aversions: None.

Sleep: It just keeps getting worse... I think that my body is preparing me for sleepless nights with a baby.

Breakdowns: None... I am not a beast, yet, anyways.  :-)

Significant Events: This is a big one!!!  We had our ultrasound today!  The baby looked great, measured at 21 weeks exactly, and was in the 44th percentile for weight, which is just about perfect.  The little stinker just slept through the whole thing and didn't want to move around for us.  S/he did do this little thing were s/he moved his/her mouth like it was talking... It was the sweetest thing, and Brett and I both liked that the best.  Here's the funny part: Apparently this little baby really wants to be a surprise, because the legs were curled up the whole time, so the tech said that she couldn't have gotten a view of the "parts" even if she wanted to!  She said that she could give us a guess, at best, but that she wasn't able to see the gender.  I told Brett that I guess it is just meant to be a surprise. :-)

What I Miss: Sleep

What I’m Looking Forward To: Brad and Dixi and Amanda coming into town!  It is going to be a good time... And hopefully we can get a lot of planning done with the nursery. 

What I’ve Learned: We registered this week... Wow!  There is so much baby crap that it is nearly impossible to know what the baby needs and what the baby will never use.  I read a book that went over different products and brands, so hopefully I did okay.  It is *very* overwhelming. 

Belly Pic:  Here it is from today, at 21 weeks 1 day.  Also, there's a bonus pic of baby's face!

A Week of Excitement

Well, I thought that hitting the 20 week mark on Tuesday was enough excitement for the week... But, no!  When I got home from clinicals on Tuesday, I had a little delivery waiting for me... What could it be, you ask?  Oh, just my beautiful diaper bag.  Here is a pic of me with the diaper bag.

I think that it is pretty enough to get its own name, although I haven't named it yet.  So, if you have any suggestions, I am willing to consider them.  

Oh, but wait... It gets better... So, last night, I am watching TV and at about 10 pm the baby starts to get a little fiesty.  I am to the point now where I feel it frequently and it is very easy to feel.  So, I had Brett put his hand on my stomach and just hold it there for a few minutes... It took a couple of minutes for the baby to start its kickboxing routine again, but it gave me a swift little jab, and Brett said, "Did it just kick?  I felt something."  Oh, yes!!!  That is exactly what that was!!!  So, he left his hand there a little longer and got to feel a few more kicks and wiggles.  I think that I was more excited about him feeling it than he was!  

What a great week... There is one more thing that I would *love* to get good news about... Maybe tomorrow???

Weekly Update

Weeks: 20 weeks!!  Halfway!

Weight gain/loss: FYI - I am officially taking out this question as of next week... At first I thought it was cute, but now, not so much.

Cravings: None.

Aversions: None. (I am so boring this week, huh?)

Sleep: Same as the last couple of weeks... I toss and turn and then get up and go to the bathroom... It is a fun little routine.

Breakdowns: None!  And considering that Brett and I babysat 3 kids on Saturday night, I'd say that is pretty good!

Significant Events: I got my diaper bag in the mail today!  I love it... It is even more beautiful in person!  I just want to keep smelling it... 

What I Miss: Being comfortable...  I am getting to the point that any clothes that I wear that aren't maternity just make me uncomfortable... Speed walking makes me breath heavy... Bending over is beginning to become an issue.  I am having serious issues, and we still have a ways to go. 

What I’m Looking Forward To: Brad and Dixi are coming for Thanksgiving!  I am so excited to see them, but also I am excited for Dixi to start sharing her ideas with me for the nursery!  

What I’ve Learned: Buying Halloween candy after Halloween has passed, even if it is 75% off, is always a bad idea.

Belly Pic: Taken by Brett at 5:30 am.  (I love you!)

We finally have agreed on one...

To say that Brett and I have a difference of opinion over names is like saying that I am a "little bit competitive".  We are on such different naming paths that I have worried that our child will actually be nameless... like, "Baby Boy Haralson" will be on the birth certificate.  Brett likes more traditional names, whereas I like names that are very unique and less common.

Well, today a miracle happened.  I actually suggested a name that Brett likes!  He said that on a scale of 1-10, he would give it a 9!!!  I am good, people. 

Now, said name will actually go unmentioned right now, as my dad already made fun of it, and I need some recovery time to get my feelings back to normal.  Yes, I know that he is an old grouch and it shouldn't hurt my feelings.  And, it doesn't technically "hurt" my feelings, but you want people to like the name you pick out, you know???  (Not that this name is "picked out" or "decided on"... You get the idea.)

BTW, if I were a boy, I was going to be named Adam.  My dad came up with the Abby/Adam choices.  So, I kindly informed him that I was not going to be using the same baby-naming method that he used... You know, the one where he opens up the baby book and picks the first name he sees.  (You can laugh... I am funny sometimes.)

I said that I wouldn't wait this time...

...and I didn't!  I was browsing online today and noticed that they had my beautiful diaper bag back in stock... So, I got it!  It should arrive it 5-10 business days, so then I can hold it and smell it and touch it.  Oh, how this makes my day. :-)

Weekly Update

Weeks: 19

Weight gain/loss: +13 

Cravings: Sour cream... I could eat it by the spoonful!

Aversions: I thought I was going to vomit the other night when Brett used this really strong fajita marinade!!  I normally love that stuff (Dixi uses it when she does Mexican), but for some reason, the smell of it made me nauseous.  Ugh!

Sleep: Oh, I wake up about twice each night to go to the bathroom, and then when I am "sleeping", I am tossing and turning.  That's about it.

Breakdowns: Not anything good.

Significant Events: I am feeling the baby move a lot!  At least every day... And when I lay still, it just feels like the baby is throwing a party in there, or something.  Very cool.

What I Miss: Staying up late and not being tired all the time!  I went to Kirby's on Saturday night because Brett was playing in a 50's cover band with Brian and Jeff, and I actually had to plan my nap into that day, because otherwise I knew I would be too tired to make it.

What I’m Looking Forward To: 20 weeks!!  Next week we will officially be halfway there!  

What I’ve Learned: I am actually decent with a sewing machine... Because they don't make maternity scrubs in "grape purple", I took a pair of mine and sewed on a "maternity panel" (you know, the stretchy panel that goes up over your belly).  And they actually look decent!  I am very proud. :-)

Belly Pic: I know that I am posting this a day late, but the picture is actually yesterday at 19 weeks.  I took it at 6:00 am before I went to clinicals for the day.  

Weekly Update

Weeks: 18 weeks 2 days (I am having an issue getting these done exactly on the week marker, which is Tuesday.... On Tuesdays I have clinicals from 7 am to 7 pm, so needless to say, I am exhausted when I get done.)

Weight gain/loss: All I am going to say is that there was a big number mentioned last week when I went to the doctor's office, and this week I weigh less than that.  Whew!

Cravings: Halloween candy.  I think it is because I already bought it, so I know that it is there, hiding in the closet (yes, I "hid" it from myself... out of sight, out of mind, right???)

Aversions: Nothing too bad... I still am waiting to like onions again.

Sleep: Brett is sleeping well.  He snores every night.  Me?  Hmm... Not so much.  I guess it is just getting me prepared for all the restless nights with a little baby.

Breakdowns: None this week!  Yay!

Significant Events: I bought maternity scrubs this week.  Which is weird, because for the most part, people at work don't know that I am pregnant... But I can tell that mine are getting to tight, and the pants don't want to stay up.  Funny story, the DO NOT make maternity scrubs in purple, which is what I need for Butler clinicals... So, we will see what I do there.  

What I Miss: I saw a TV show last night where people were drinking champagne, and I thought, "Yum, that looks good".  And then I realized that was a no-no, and I snapped out of it.  Maybe some Welch's sparkling grape juice is in my future.

What I’m Looking Forward To: Okay, there are two things (which might be mentioned every week until they happen): 1)  I can't wait for Brett to feel the baby move from the outside.  I am feeling it a lot from the inside now, so I don't think it will be too much longer!  2)  We have our ultrasound in less then 3 weeks!  I can't wait to see the baby.

What I’ve Learned: Maternity jeans are the most comfortable jeans ever!  I never want to wear jeans with a button and zipper again... 

Belly Pic:  Here it is from this morning... I had just gotten out of the shower, hence the hair.

Just a fun pic...

What a lazy Sunday!  I am watching the NFL Redzone channel, which switches back and forth to games that are in the redzone.  Brett is out of town (camping).  I took this picture this morning when I was laying down... I like it because you can really see the bump.  Notice how blindingly white my stomach is... Also, notice how I don't have stretch marks yet.  The key word here is "yet".  Unfortunately, my mom and my sister got nasty stretch marks, so I think that I will get them before this is all over with.  

Well, there is no mistaking it this time!

For the last two days, I have officially been feeling movement from the baby!  Woot woot!  I thought that I had felt it about 3 weeks ago, but I now think that I wasn't feeling the baby... Honestly, it was probably gas.  :-)

The first time I felt it, I was actually at clinicals and I was talking to someone.  I felt the little "fluttering" and I just stopped talking and spaced out for a minute.  I tried to compose myself, because I didn't want to seem like a total idiot to the nurses I was working with, but it was hard to focus after that.  Then the next day (yesterday) I felt it several times... at home, at the movies, in bed.  So cool!  Now I just can't wait until Brett will be able to feel him/her from the outside!  It shouldn't be too much longer...

Weekly Update

Weeks: 17 weeks (and 1 day, to be exact)

Weight gain/loss: I don't want to talk about it.

Cravings: Nothing in particular... Everything tastes good... Especially in large quantities.

Aversions: Nothing, really.

Sleep: I broke down and got a Snoogle!  Okay, well I got one on craigs list for 25% of what I would have paid at Target.  It is magical... It makes sleeping on the side so much easier.  And it is massive!  I'm pretty sure that when I am done being pregnant and stop using the snoogle, Brett is going to claim it.  If you haven't seen one, here is a pic.

Breakdowns: Well, I broke down and bought Halloween candy even though Halloween isn't for two weeks.  Does that count?  It is definitely crazy and self-destructive.

Significant Events: I had the first person ask me if I was pregnant yesterday!  I was so excited... My first thought was, "Maybe I am finally starting to look pregnant...".  And then she told me that I don't look like it, but she thought she heard someone mention it (she is in nursing class with me, but not someone that I normally talk to or know).  Aw, letdown.  That's okay, though.  It was still fun to have someone ask! 

What I Miss: Walking up stairs without getting out of breath.  Seriously people, this is not an exaggeration!  Brett made fun of me the other day for it.  "OMG.  Are you seriously out of breath after those stairs... (chuckle, chuckle)".  

What I’m Looking Forward To: Halloween!  I have a great costume that I will be sure to post pics of.  I am dressing up as the Hot Dog Eating Contest National Champion!  I have my shirt already, so I just need the rest of the costume.  I will, of course, use my bump to make it look like a ate a lot (for those who don't get it).  I'll post pics!

What I’ve Learned: Those cramps in my lower uterus that feel like a form of medieval torture, yeah, those are normal.  While that is good, it sounds like I have a few more to look forward to this baby is out.

Belly Pic: These are some of my new maternity clothes!  I normally am not an Old Navy fan (their stuff never fits me right!), but for some reason I love their maternity clothes!  They are cute and comfie.  I may never wear jeans with a zipper and button again (I mean it - never!).  

Well, this makes me sad...

I swear, I wasn't actively looking... But, when I was about 7 weeks pregnant, I saw a link to a website that someone had advertised as having "really cute, super cheap diaper bags".  So, I have to look, right?  Yeah.  So, I looked, and I found my *perfect* diaper bag.  You know how people say that when you find the *perfect* wedding dress, you will just know???  Well, I never got that feeling with my wedding dress... but I did with my diaper bag!  The moment I saw it, I just thought it was perfect, and I wanted it.

Now, of course, being 7 weeks pregnant, Brett would K-I-L-L me if I started buying stuff (okay, drastic overstatement... Brett would give me a look as if to say, "Did you really need this?  This early?  Okay, whatever"  and then I would proceed to feel guilty on my own).  So, I didn't buy it.  But we are getting to the point that it wouldn't seem completely crazy of me to start buying stuff like this.  So I went to the website to look at my *perfect* diaper bag... and it is gone!  Sold out.  Seriously.  They have a black one, but my *perfect* one is maroon.  Maroon goes with everything - black, brown, beige, blue, baby puke... maroon is the perfect color!  I can't have black.  Ugh.

So, I guess I will have to wait - with fingers and toes crossed - and hope that they get more of my *perfect* maroon diaper bag in stock.  And, I swear, that if they get the maroon one back in stock, I will not wait this time!  I will buy!  They still have the black one, so maybe there is a glimmer of hope.  (And for anyone who is curious or wants to know if I have awful taste, here is a pic of it... Isn't she a beauty???)
***She looks like this, but in maroon!

Weekly Update

Weeks: 16

Weight gain/loss: +7 (that means that I gained 2 lbs. from last week... eek!)

Cravings: A giant turkey leg.  Okay, there is a story.  Since Amanda and Cody were in town this weekend, we went the a Renaissance Fair, which was actually pretty cool.  Anyways, one of the vendors had those gigantic turkey legs... You know the ones that are about the size of your face?  Well, Cody and I were going to split one, but I had had a late lunch, so we were going to wait until the end.  So, I patiently wait, knowing how delicious this turkey leg is going to be.  About 5 pm, we go up there to order our turkey leg... They are sold out!!!!   You serious, Clark???  Oh, it was a sad day.  So, since about Saturday at 5 pm, I have wanted a turkey leg - and I know that unless I decide to drive to a state fair somewhere, I will not be getting one.  Wah!!!  (that is me crying)

Aversions: Hmm... Nothing really notable this week.

Sleep: Well, I am finally getting some energy back, so that is nice.  But sleep is definitely getting more interesting.  I can no longer sleep on my stomach!  It is just too annoying.  I can do this side maneuver where I get a pillow under my belly, then kind of position myself like I am laying on my stomach, but really my belly is out to the side.  I have a feeling this will only last a couple more weeks until I am a full side sleeper.  Ugh.  I guess I can always dream about a snoogle.

Breakdowns: There was one.  I was basically sleep deprived, and I decided I didn't want to go to the Renaissance Fair because it cost $10 to get in and I thought it was free.  So, I cried and bawled about it.  And Brett just kind of chuckled and hugged me.  I swear, it is like while I am crying, Brett says, "Why are you crying?"  And through the sobs and tears, I say, "I don't know."  It is pretty funny... Just hormones, I guess.  But, hey, would you rather have a crying, sad hormonal pregnant lady or pissed-off, irate hormonal pregnant lady???  At least I am not the latter... 

Significant Events: I have officially retired my old jeans.  I tried to wear them the other day when we went out for lunch, and they are just too uncomfortable!  Let me clear one thing up... I CAN still fit into them.  CAN.  But I have to do this little "ponytail holder trick" to get them to stay buttoned, and then they end up folding over, and just being uncomfortable.  So, I give up!  I have two pair of Old Navy maternity jeans that are actually cute, AND comfortable.  I am just going with them from now on.

What I Miss: There really isn't anything this week. 

What I’m Looking Forward To: I want to feel flutters!  ::::stomps feet on ground like a 6 year old not getting her way:::  

What I’ve Learned: What have I learned this week?  Hmm... Well, I have learned that you might think you are smart, but pregnancy is smarter.  So, whatever you thought that you knew, well, you were wrong.  I thought I was getting a bump (finally!), but this week it seems to have regressed.  So, I guess I will wait a couple more weeks until I finally pop.  I just hope it happens by Halloween or else my costume isn't going to be near as cool.

Belly Pic:  Okay, folks.  Here it is.  As I just said, I think it has actually gotten smaller during the last two weeks.  And my straightening iron is broken.  Don't make fun of my hair.  

Just Checking In...

Well, I am sitting here after Amanda and Cody just left... They were here for the last 3 or 4 days, and it is always so much fun to have them.  We went out to eat a couple of times, played some games, and just did some relaxing.  Hopefully Amanda and folks will get to come down for Thanksgiving, but I don't think that plans are final yet.

So, I have had a weird pregnancy week... The last couple of weeks I really thought that I was starting to get a bump!!  It was exciting.  But, it seems that my bump is getting smaller.  I don't really understand it.  It might just be me thinking this, but it seems like it was bigger last week than this week.  And I don't think that I felt flutters that one day.  :::insert sad face here:::  The only reason that I say this is because I haven't felt them again since then.  And that was two weeks ago!  I think that if that is truly what they were, I would have felt them again by now.  But, I am still thinking that it won't be too long before I feel them... That will be awesome.

Okay, so that is all... I just wanted to check-in.  Oh!  Last thing... I got this for the baby... OMG, I think it is the cutest thing I have ever seen.... And I think it will work for a boy or girl!!

Weekly Update

Weeks: 15

Weight gain/loss: +5 (which means that I didn't gain any this week... yay!)

Cravings: I keep getting cravings when I see something on tv, or I read about it.  Like, yesterday, when I was watching How I Met Your Mother, they had a scene where the ordered jalapeno poppers, and I would have given anything for some!  And this past weekend, I read something about an Arby's roast beef sandwich, and that is all I wanted!

Aversions: Nothing too extreme... The one that keeps baffling me is onions.  I generally *love* onions and I could put them on anything (raw, cooked, whatever... it is all good).  But lately, I don't really like them.  They don't make me want to gag, but I would just rather steer clear of them.  It is really throwing me for a loop.

Sleep: I am actually starting to get more energy!  Woot woot!

Breakdowns: None this week... Hells yeah!

Significant Events: Okay, so I *think* that I felt flutters on Saturday.  I was laying down on the couch, and I started to feel a lot of pressure down there.  So, I laid really still, and I thought I felt this little "bubble" or something... It felt as if it were something really light down there just kind of moving around.  But - it only lasted a couple of seconds and I haven't felt it since!!!  I really want to feel it again!

What I Miss: Okay, well I have to say that for the most part, I haven't really "missed" being able to drink alcohol.  But tonight we are going to see Daniel Tosh (of Comedy Central's Tosh.0) do a comedy show.  We are going with my friend Reniece and her husband Marc.  I think it might be the first time I wish that I were able to have a beer or wine.  But, it is a small sacrifice, and I ultimately won't have any issues with it.  :-)

What I’m Looking Forward To: Feeling flutters - for sure this time!!

What I’ve Learned: Although I am getting the majority of the fun pregnancy symptoms, Brett is getting one... He has been nesting!  Okay, well maybe not.  But, he has been cleaning a lot, and I really appreciate it. So, anyways, I guess that I have learned that both us of are going to start changing!

Belly Pic: For my standards, this is pretty dressed up!  Since we are going out to eat and to the concert, I figured I would get all fixed up and nice looking.  One thing... The shirt is empire waist (I think that is what it is called) so it has a tendency to make people look pregnant even when they aren't.  So, what I am trying to say is: ~~Warning... Bumps may appear larger than they actually are.~~

Weekly Update

Weeks: 14 (and 1 day, technically)

Weight gain/loss: +5 lbs.

Cravings: Nothing in particular this week... I still am loving a good steak!

Aversions: Not anything I can think of... It looks like maybe my eating has returned to normal!

Sleep: All the time.  I have definitely not gotten any of that 2nd trimester energy that I am supposed to be getting.  Plus, I have had a sinus infection for the past couple of days, and that is kicking my butt, too.

Breakdowns: Yes, one.  It was huge, and for all of the parties involved, the details will remain a secret.

Significant Events: Holy cow, I am in my second trimester!!!  Is that crazy or what?  Also, I have actually busted out the stretchy panel maternity jeans twice now!  I call them my "buffet pants", because I can eat all I want and they just stretch out... 

What I Miss: Being able to do normal daily activities without feeling like I need to stop and catch my breath.

What I’m Looking Forward To: Getting the nursery put together.  We have colors picked out, and now we just have to get going.

What I’ve Learned: I think it might be the benadryl that is making me groggy, but I can't come up with anything good this week.

Belly Pic: Okay, here is the deal people... As previously mentioned, I have an awesome sinus infection going right now.  Also, I haven't seen the shower in over 24 hours.  Oh, and my straightening iron broke, and my make-up is lost.  So, needless to say, this isn't the best I have ever looked.  I am almost embarrassed to even show this pic to people, but I will do it, just because I know people like seeing them.  (Also, I am wearing the "buffet pants" in the pic, and I think it makes my bump look bigger than it actually is... I swear it doesn't look this big in normal pants.)  ****Edit.  I posted another pic on the right that was taken the next day.  I thought it was a very accurate bump pic, so you can kind of see what it looks like without extra padding.  Plus, I didn't want you guys to think that I looked like that all the time!  Jeez... 

Appointment this morning!!

Nothing too crazy... Just a routine, every-four-weeks appointment.  I had to pee in a cup (which I am getting much better at, especially with all the practice on those darn cheapie internet pregnancy tests), the doctor did the doppler, and just answers some general questions.  It is just so crazy to think that this is my 2nd appointment!  Holy cow.  Seriously.

Oh, and also this morning, Brian and Sarah had their baby!  Congrats guys!  Michaelene Olive (I think she is going by "Ollie").  So cute!

Weekly Update

Weeks: 13

Weight gain/loss: +3 lbs.

Cravings: Steak!  I want it so badly!

Aversions: Nothing huge... I don't like onions, which used to be my absolute favorite.

Sleep: I am definitely tired all the time.  Supposedly, I should start getting more energy in 2nd tri... I can't wait.

Breakdowns: None this week!  Whoo hoo.

Significant Events: We finally got to tell our families!  It is no longer a secret!

What I Miss: Being able to get dressed and not feel totally self-conscious.  

What I’m Looking Forward To: 2nd trimester, baby!  3 days!!

What I’ve Learned: It is NEVER too early to wear maternity clothes.  

Belly Pic: I promise to post one after I get out of the shower... Deal?
(2 hours later) Okay, here it is... I am definitely starting to get a little bloat very low.  It is hard to see it because my waistband is covering it up.  But, it is definitely there... And the exciting news is that I think it is actually starting to be a baby bump, not just bloat!!  (Clarification: the top gut that you are seeing is bloat... The bump is coming along, it is hard to see in the pic.)

We just got to see Baby Bullseye...

... and it was twisting and turning!!  The tech that did the ultrasound said that it was definitely moving around a lot.  At one point, we were looking at the baby, and it did this little flip from its back to its stomach!  It was too cute!  And for most of the ultrasound, the baby had one of its arms up around its face, which was adorable.  I told Brett it reminded of my of our nephew Easton, who has a habit of sucking on his first and middle fingers.

Here are some pics: 

Full body shot of baby

Body shot of baby, and you can see the hand up by its face!

I think this if from the top... you can see its head and arms

Aw, I think it is going to look like me!  :-)

Weekly Update

Weeks: 12

Weight gain/loss: +4 

Cravings: Well, I had a craving for McDonald's cheeseburgers today, so I went and got some for lunch.  Currently, I feel like I might vomit all over the place.

Aversions: As of this afternoon, McDonald's cheeseburgers.

Sleep: I just feel tired all the time, but not like I need to sleep all the time... Just like I need to sit down and rest... If that makes sense.

Breakdowns: Yes, a large one.  It involved much crying.  Me getting my feelings hurt again.

Significant Events: I actually ordered maternity clothes today!!  I don't know when I will start wearing them, but I felt like I should go ahead and have some... My jeans are getting extremely tight!

What I Miss: Nothing really... 

What I’m Looking Forward To: We have our NT scan in two days, so we will get to see the baby on ultrasound!!  And then this weekend we are going to MO to tell Brett's family... I can't wait.  I am making Mugsy a shirt to wear that says, "My mommy got knocked up and all I got was this lousy shirt."

What I’ve Learned: It is a very weird transition to actually get a baby bump.  Because I don't technically have a bump right now, but you can definitely tell that my stomach is getting bigger.  So, right now I am afraid that I just look like I am gaining weight!!!  I know that doesn't matter, because in a few weeks it will be more apparent, but right now wearing normal clothes is very complicated.

Belly Pic: Okay, I'll take one for this week.  I'll post it in a few hours.  :-)
ETA: Okay... Here it is.  I know I have a big gut... No funny comments!

We survived our first year!!

What a nice day it has been... It was mostly uneventful.  We slept in for a bit, and then decided to go get brunch at Jimmy's Egg.  They have these awesome sweet potato pancakes!  Yum.  Then we went home and watched the Giants win their first game of the season!!  I have the best hubby... He just went along with it and didn't make a big fuss about having to watch football on our one-year anniversary.  (Yes, I realize what a role-reversal this is... LOL.)  This evening we went for dinner at Sumo, and then we went to the Andover Central Park where we got married, and we ate the top part of our cake.  (It was still delicious!)

It seems so crazy to think it has been a whole year!  Thanks for the Facebook wishes and text messages from everyone.  We seriously think that we had such an awesome wedding, and we are lucky to have such great friends and family to be part of those memories.  Love you guys!!

We are officially.... Team Green!

(***Team Pink = girl...  Team Blue = boy...  Team Green = don't know!)

Okay, it has been decided... We are not going to find out the gender of the baby.

Brett wants to find out.  I don't.  We had many discussions about how we could do this.  But, what it came down to is this... Brett said that part of the fun of finding out (in his eyes) would be telling people.  So, if he can't tell people, he would just as soon not find out.  (This is what he said, not me.)

Now, I understand this was a huge compromise on his part.  So, what we have decided is that we won't find out this time, but with any future pregnancies, we will.  This was the best compromise that we could come up with.

I think this should be fun!  I already have gender neutral nursery colors picked out and everything!

Weekly Update

Weeks: 11

Weight gain/loss: +2/3 (depending on the day)

Cravings: Soups!  Mostly veggie soups.  And yesterday, strawberry ice cream (which is very bizarre, considering about 2 weeks ago I had a strong aversion to any ice cream).

Aversions: Chicken.  It used to be all meat, now it is just chicken.

Sleep: I have learned how to go to the bathroom and get back to bed without opening my eyes.  Other than my nightly visits to the bathroom, I am sleeping well... And I like to sneak in a nap on whatever days I can.  :-)

Breakdowns: Well, kind of one.  Brett and I were watching Marley and Me, which I had seen before, but apparently didn't remember any of it.  Anyways, they get to this part where she is 10 weeks pregnant and she is going to the doctor for an ultrasound.  But as they do the ultrasound, they can't find the heartbeat and it turns out the baby died.  I bawled... Like, sobbed for about 5-10 minutes.  Brett felt so bad... He just hugged me.  I know it is sad anytime you see that, but, man... That did it for me!  

Significant Events: I am officially no longer buttoning any of my jeans!  I wear a belt, and you pretty much can't tell that I don't have them buttoned.  They are just getting too tight!

What I Miss: Nothing... 

What I’m Looking Forward To: We have our NT scan in a little over a week.  For those who don't know, an NT scan will include ultrasound and bloodwork to see if the baby is at risk for birth defects... So, we will get to see Bulls-eye on ultrasound!  Dixi is in Wichita that week, so she is going to come with us.

What I’ve Learned: Hmm... I don't have very much wisdom this week.  I have learned that it is extremely hard to keep this big of a secret!  Good news tends to travel fast... 

Belly Pic: Eh, there isn't much of a change, but maybe I will take one later on... I swear you can't tell.  I just look bloated.
Edit: Okay... I took one... As you can tell from the pudge up top near my belly button, this is in no way, shape, or form an actual baby bump.  This is simply me indulging one too many times in my carb cravings... But, here it is...

Weekly Update

Weeks: 10

Weight gain/loss:  +1 lb.

Cravings: Taco Shop tostadas, frozen mac n cheese

Aversions: boxed mac n cheese (yes, it is weird how specific it is)

Sleep: I am actually sleeping pretty well, besides the 2-3 nightly trips to the bathroom.  I might like to slip a nap in here and there, but for the most part, I am not sleeping my 1st trimester away.  

Breakdowns: I *might* have gotten a little emotional this week when Brett was joking around with me... I felt really bad afterwards, because he felt really bad about making me cry.  Oh, emotions.

Significant Events:  :::hoping not to jinx self::: My morning sickness is gone!  For about the past week now, I haven't had it.  So, I guess we will see.  Oh, and another fun one... I have just noticed this week that Mugsy is starting to be much more protective.  I have heard people talk about how their dogs would be really protective when they are pregnant, and I think that he is starting to sense that something is going on.  Also, did I tell you about my doppler???  Yes?  Okay.

What I Miss: Okay, so I'm going to preface this by saying that I don't technically miss it, but when we went the the Wingnuts baseball game this week, beer was smelling delicious!  I felt guilty for thinking it smelled so good... (of course, I didn't/wouldn't drink it... duh).  Otherwise, there isn't much that I miss... I really like being knocked up!

What I’m Looking Forward To:  Telling the family!  2 1/2 more weeks, Haralson's... 

What I’ve Learned:  I need to buy more of that gel for my doppler, because when you use it 5x per day, the gel starts to dwindle pretty quickly.  Also, a 3 1/2 year old thinks the doppler is a toy.  He rubbed it over my belly for a good 5 minutes telling me that we were looking for "the sound"...  And, he will know when he finds it. It was pretty cute.  And it took 3 towels to get all the gel off my stomach.

Belly Pic:  There are not really any changes yet, but I promise to post one next week.  After I eat a huge lunch.  Maybe then it will look like there is actually a bump. :-)

So, I *might* be obsessed with the doppler...

And when I say this, I mean I only use it about 5 times a day.  I just like to hear it.  There's nothing wrong with that, right?

Appointments and other fun stuff

So, yesterday was our first appointment with the OB.  I have to say that I absolutely love her!  We really didn't do a whole lot... I peed in a cup (which, after countless OPKs and pregnancy tests, I am getting pretty good at), they took blood, and the doctor talked to us about basic pregnancy stuff that I had pretty much already learned about thanks to Dr. Google.  Brett and I both got a pretty good chuckle at one of the questions on the sheet we had to fill out at the beginning... "What is the last grade you completed?"  Um, really?  We kind of laughed, but it is pretty sad that some of the patients are so young.

I have to say that it was nice to have the first appointment.  Not because it was "oh-so-magical" or really informative... Just because we made it this far.  Whoo hoo to that!  I really feel like a pregnant lady now, with my appointments and my doctor and my urine samples and everything.

Okay, so on to the fun stuff part.  We ordered a doppler.  Okay, let me rephrase that... I nagged Brett for approximately 2 weeks, sent him numerous pictures of the one that I wanted, and finally - FINALLY - he ordered one.  I got it in the mail today, and just like a 7 year old girl who got her first Barbie convertible, I put batteries in it and started inspecting it.  Okay, let me say that from what I have read online 9 weeks is generally too early to hear a heartbeat on a home doppler.  Especially for someone like me, who has a little more, ahem, "padding" along their waistline.  (Less fat = less distance = better chance to hear HB)  From what I've read online, most people say that they can hear the HB around 11-13 weeks.

So, I try not to get my hopes up, and I start the thing up.  I even have the gel-stuff!  I'm like my own little doctor's office.  I try for about 5 minutes, nothing... And then there it is.  It was different than the other sounds because it was steady and so fast!  I found the heartbeat!!!  I was so excited, and then I kind of felt bad, because Brett wasn't there.  I kind of felt like I cheated and played with the new toy before I was supposed to... So, 30 more minutes before he gets home and I get to try again.  I hope he hurries, because I don't know how much longer I can hold my pee.  (FYI - It helps to hold your pee, because your bladder sits behind your uterus, so when you have a full bladder, it pushes your uterus closer to the front of your stomach making it easier to hear a HB... This is also why I have to pee 20 times a day.)

Oh, what a good couple of days.  Thanks to my one follower (Dixi).  I can't wait until more people get to read this!  Hopefully it will still be as exciting to everyone then as it is to me now.

Abby

Weekly Update

Weeks: 9

Weight gain/loss: Even right now... I'll take it!

Cravings: Fruit... specifically grapes and cantalope.  Also, tostadas or other mexican food.

Aversions: Meat!  Ugh, it makes me want to puke just looking at it.  Also, ice cream.  Which is weird, because normally I can eat my weight in Braum's Cappucino Chunky Chocolate.

Sleep: I'm a little more tired that normal, but doing okay.  School just started, though, so things may change.

Breakdowns: None this week!  Brett is very proud.

Significant Events: Besides making it to 9 weeks?  I'm feeling pretty good about that.  Not really anything.  I tried to go to Kirby's to watch O'phil play, and I got outed to some of our good friends.  Some guessed and others knew because they snooped through Brett's cell phone.  (Yes, Ryan, I am giving you the side-eye.)

What I Miss: Eating ice cream.

What I’m Looking Forward To: Our first appt. with our OB!!  It is tomorrow morning!!

What I’ve Learned: All of these pregnancy symptoms come and go on a daily basis.  Try not to freak out about every little thing.

Belly Pic: Okay, I am doing this as more of a starter picture... Like the "before" shot.  Because there is not very much going on right now.  I am pretty bloated, but that is not baby, that is just bloat.  

Weekly Update

Wow!  This is a big day... 3 posts today!  It won't always be like this.  I just want to get up-to-date with the weekly updates.  So, here goes...

Weeks: 8

Weight gain/loss: -3 lbs

Cravings: Macaroni and cheese, carbs, pasta, pizza, milk

Aversions: Meat!  I had it a couple of times, but it seriously doesn't taste good anymore.

Sleep: I officially changed my work schedule so that I am working 8 hr shifts instead of 12 hr shifts.  I couldn't take it anymore.  I felt like I was going to fall asleep in the middle of my shift.

Breakdowns: Maybe just one this week... I *might* have gotten upset with a certain someone for eating chocolate chips out of the bag.  How am I going to make a full batch of cookies when 1/4 cup of them are skimmed off the top?  

Significant Events: Morning sickness went away and then came back.

What I Miss: Seeing my friends.  I have been trying to avoid people, because the more I am around people, the more likely I am to get questions and comments.  And, I hate having to keep it a secret!

What I’m Looking Forward To: Our first appt with the OB/GYN is next week!  I can't wait.

What I’ve Learned: This sounds silly, but I would rather have the morning sickness than not have it.  I freaked out when it went away... I think it is reassuring to me that everything is going okay in there.

Belly Pic: Although I feel huge and bloated, there isn't really a difference yet.  I might try a pic next week, but seriously, it would be all bloat!  There is definitely no baby bump yet.  Bloat bump, maybe.

Weekly Update

Okay, I am kind of cheating here... I'm going back to week 7 to do the first one.  It was just such a fun week with tons of stuff going on.  So, here goes.

Weeks: 7

Weight Gain/Loss: -5 lbs.

Cravings: Chicken... specifically Buffalo Wild Wings.  I finally broke down and ate meat.

Aversions:  Just about everything.  I pretty much feel nauseous all the time.

Sleep: I'm doing okay.  Some days I feel like I could sleep all day, but for the most part, I'm hanging in there.

Breakdowns: Not any that I can remember. :-)

Significant Events: We had our first ultrasound!  Everything measured right on track.  Also, we picked out our crib and changing table!!  Thanks Mom and Dad!

What I Miss: Not a thing!

What I’m Looking Forward To: Getting to tell people

What I’ve Learned: Morning sickness is not fun.  I am hungry, so I got to get something to eat, but then I can't eat anything because I am so nauseous.  It is quite confusing.

Belly Pic:  It's still a little too early for this.  Sorry.