24 WEEKS!

We're 6 months and officially hit the viability marker!!

I had an OB appointment on Monday. The Dr. said that everything was normal on the anatomy scan and baby was head down in a good position already. I honestly don't know what that means since we still have a few months to go but the Dr. seemed to think it was good. Maybe she's practicing for the big day? Her heart rate was in the 140's although it took a few tries to get it since she wouldn't hold still. I weighed in at 183 lbs, up 5 lbs from last month. So I guess that puts me roughly at a 4 lb gain from day 1. Yikes, I need to go on a serious workout plan after this is over. On Wednesday I measured myself and am 38" around.

Steven and I started some classes about general pregnancy info. It's pretty basic but we did learn a few things and it's free so why not? And as an added bonus they'll give us a nice stroller at the end of the 10 weeks. Woot! Unfortunately classes are held at the clinic, or petree dish as Steven calls it, and I think I picked up a stomach bug. I was sick to my stomach in one way or another for the last few days. Not fun. :(

I'm pretty grouchy and uncomfortable now. It seems like none of my clothes fit (a slight exaggeration I'm sure), lots of stomach issues, Braxton Hicks and lots of headaches. I'm so moody and I'm sure poor Steven feels that he can't do anything right. Luckily he has friends to hang out with a few times a week. I didn't think you were supposed to be really uncomfortable until the third trimester but my body doesn't like changes and this is a pretty big one. One fun thing though is that I think I felt her having hiccups one day. It was very rhythmic movement, like a heartbeat, for a good 5 minutes or so. Super cute!

I am pleased to report that Dare is doing much better! She's made friends with my Mom's dogs and is eating again. She seems to be much happier. She's also loving our every other day walks.

Wednesday was my cousin Matthew's birthday so my Auntie and Uncle threw a little party for him at the beach on Friday. Steven already had plans so I went with Mom and Dad. I was pretty queasy through the whole thing but the fresh ocean air felt nice and it was fun seeing all the kids play in the sand. Charlotte brought a kite and got a big kick out of it. And the smore's were a hit of course. We'll have to plan to do that every month this summer. My Dad always brings enough stuff to make it really comfortable to hang out most of the day if you want to. He even had tea for me!

On Sunday we had a BBQ at Auntie Anna's and Uncle Larry's house. It was really fun getting together with everyone again. Robert was in town this week so he was there also. We ate far too much, played games, and visited. I had lots of help with names being thrown around. Apparently people are afraid this kid won't have a name. LoL. The problem is me, I'm too picky. Heaven forbid if I have to name 5 more kids! It's so difficult. This week we're liking "Leslie", "Brooke", and "Priscilla" if my sister is ok parting with it. Steven is still stuck on "Nichole" but I don't like it. He was all about "Emily" a few weeks ago and I finally said it could be a contender and now he doesn't like it. LoL. So there's nothing concrete yet, just a few we kind of agree on..... for now.

Steven was contacted by the local branch of a headhunting company he was using in UT. He has a meeting set up for Wednesday to talk about their openings and what he's looking for. It sounded very promising so we'll see. It would sure be nice if things lined up soon. Not having insurance is making me really nervous. I applied for MediCal but no word back yet on if I was approved or not. I would still really like to have a good OB or possibly midwife if someone could squeeze me in last minute. Even a birthing center would be nice. The clinic is so impersonal and I'm sure any sort of birth plan I have will be thrown out the window to do what's convenient for them. Nothing has gone as planned so far though so I'm learning to be very flexible in my plans. There's always next time I suppose.

We still don't have any of the big items and need to get a bunch more of the smaller ones too. I think we're just about fine on clothes for the first few months, but I need to order more cloth diapers for sure, figure out our sleeping arrangements, get a car seat, and figure out where the heck I'm going to put everything in an orderly fashion. I can't decide on a crib, co sleeper, or just buying a king size bed. I know whatever we decide will be fine, but I don't want just fine, I want what's best for her and will make her feel the most secure. I'm thinking the Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper is a good best of both worlds option. I've seen them for under $100 on craigslist. Anyway, just thinking out loud. :)

I'm getting really excited to meet her!

23 WEEKS!

I'm one week away from "viability" as they call it. Meaning that little one will have a fighting chance if she is born from 24 weeks onward. For most that is a big milestone. She's obviously growing stronger every day as the movements have become bigger and can make my whole belly jump. I've had a hard time with my stomach this week and feeling sickly. Heartburn and reflux has been awful most nights and it's causing me to lose a lot of sleep. My mother suggested almonds and so far that is working. I keep some on my nightstand and munch a handful or two before trying to sleep. Luckily upping my fiber intake has helped in other areas *cough* so at least I'm getting relief in that department. I still have aches and pains especially when standing up from laying or sitting for long durations. It feels like my hips are separating and I get shooting pains in my back. It's a strange feeling when you're stumbling to the bathroom 4 times a night in a sleep stupor. :)

It's been a rough week for all of us I think. We're trying to adjust to Rusty being gone. We are trying to spend as much time as we can with Dare and give her special attention. For those that don't know her, she's a very co-dependant dog and Rusty was her best friend. They did everything together, even to the point if one was in trouble, the other would sit next to the detainee until punishment was over. My favorite story was when I went to pick them up from the groomer one day. The place was empty since I had to come get them after work and my two huge dogs were stuffed in one cage waiting for me. The attendant apologized profusely but said when she tried to separate them they cried for each other. And that's the way it was at home also. Needless to say, it's been hard on Dare, and although we let her see him and look him over when he passed, she doesn't quite understand why she has to go potty alone and eat dinner alone and wake us up in the morning alone. I know she'll be incredibly spoiled from now on but that doesn't bother us. She's very gentle and not at all prone to jealousy so I know she will be great with the baby.

Steven is having a lot of fun hanging out with his friends and his Dad. They mostly do their hobby stuff and spend a lot of time at the RC racetrack. I know it's his way of getting his mind off things. Still no news on the job front but he's diligently applying and behind the scenes I'm praying my socks off. :)

Thursday was Charlotte's open house at her school. Some of the classroom were very fun to walk through. Char was so proud to show off her school and the projects she had worked on through the year. It was really cute to see her drag Poppa around and introduce him to her friends. This weekend my Auntie Anne graduated with her Master's degree in nursing so I got to attend her graduation ceremony. It was so neat to see all of the graduates hard work being recognized. It made me want to go back to school and try to do something special. I know that being a Mommy is a very high calling, especially in the Lord's eyes, but something in me wants to get back into the books and papers and tests. I think it would be a fun challenge. We also attended a friend's daughter's first birthday party. It's so funny to think that roughly a year from now we'll be hosting a similar event! The little girl is so precious and it made me happy to realize we're having one of our own in a few short months. I often wonder what she'll look like and what personality traits she'll have.

No news on the name front either. I'm sure it will probably be a last minute decision. I know everyone wants to know but don't be surprised if you first hear her name announced along with her birth weight. LoL.

We acquired a lot of baby things this week. Steven's Mom sent us a cute little hat and booties set this week. Thank you! Steven and I also picked up a Mickey and Minnie rattle at the Disney store on sale. We tried to register at Babies R Us but ran out of time. They were having a big sale so he picked out some bottles for just in case (Tommy Tipee brand), 4 receiving blankets, a pack of onsies, and socks. Also, I'm a member of an online forum and our due date club is having a virtual baby shower. I have two buddies to send and receive gifts from and the first one came already! She's such a sweet lady and I can't believe all of the lovely things she gave us! Here's a picture. :) So far this is babe's first toy.



And here is the belly picture. I didn't take one last week for obvious reasons. I seem bigger some days than others. Today is a small day I think.

22 WEEKS

We're still waiting to hear back on Steven's interview. Mom and I did some shopping and I've started sewing again. I have two buddies on my forum for a virtual baby shower that I need to get gifts for. We're still mulling over names but haven't come up with anything we both like yet.

I don't feel like writing much since the horrible events of yesterday. My precious mister Rusty passed away very unexpectedly. I can't talk about it or even think about it. My heart is broken.

21 WEEKS! It's a ......

Monday was the big ultrasound!! The tech was very nice and although she didn't tell us much as far as the organs go, everything seemed ok. We haven't received any phone calls so I'm guessing that means our little one is healthy and whole. :) The best news was that we had confirmation that we are indeed having a little GIRL! Unfortunately they didn't give us a DVD and their policy is not to give pictures. But the tech printed us a beautiful profile shot on 5x7 photo paper. We immediately went and got a frame for it. I would scan the picture and post it here but our scanner is still in a box. It's on the list of things to do though.

I would have been overjoyed either way, boy or girl. But it's so nice to know she's a she so we can start really planning for her arrival! We haven't picked any names yet but we're talking about it. So far nothing is popping out that we both agree on.

I really was expecting to get some pictures from the 20 week scan to give to the Grandma's but unfortunately that didn't happen. :( I need to print some of the 17 week ones to give them. Steven wants to take them to a 3d/4d ultrasound when his Mom is coming out to visit in July. Should be fun!

Steven flew to Salt Lake early Wednesday morning to get my car. While he was there he had an interview and drove back on Saturday. He had a nice time visiting his Mom and driving RC trucks with Steve. I didn't really do much while he was gone because I haven't been feeling very well and my energy level is pretty low again.

On Saturday Mother and I met Michelley and Charlotte at her church for a Mother Daughter tea. We ended up leaving early and having a nice lunch at Mimi's Cafe and then Charlotte came home with us and we did some shopping. I got a card from Diane, and my favorite trouffles from Michelle. My Momma bought me a bunch of darling baby clothes. I also received a few texts which were very nice. :) When Steven got home he gave me a beautiful ring with our daughter's birth stone on it. Since she's due Sept 20th I think we have a good chance of her being born in that month. Haha! It's a beautiful ring and as soon as it's back from being sized I'll post a picture.

I'm feeling a bit ran down for no reason. I think perhaps little one is experiencing a growth spurt. She isn't kicking as much this week and I'm exhausted like I was in the first trimester. I have a lot of aches and pains but that's to be expected. I had some cramping and can feel my abdomen tightening when I walk around for more than 20 mintues. I think they are Braxton Hicks. I'll be asking the Dr. at my next appointment. My appetite is up and down and my sleeping patterns are terible. It seems all I do is sleep but never feel rested for some reason. I'm also having a lot of bad dreams so that's not helping matters.

This has felt like a big week for me. Something feels decidedly different. I'm not sure if it's becuase I'm in maternity clothes now (mostly, a few big things still fit), or because I feel so much bigger. Or because of the possibilities with Steven's interview or if it's from feeling so sluggish and sickly. The 20 week half way mark was a huge milestone and having my first Mother's Day was surreal. And now knowing that we have a daughter and feeling movement. I think it's all just more real. I've had some anxiety about being a good parent, and labor, and everything inbetween. Luckily I have a great support system and can go somewhere quiet to pray when I feel overwhelmed. Either way, God has been abundantly good to us.

Here's my 21 week picture. I'm much bigger in the evenings than when I wake up in the morning. I think next week I'll do one in the morning and evening to compare.

20 WEEKS! HALF WAY!

I officially started wearing maternity clothes on Monday of last week. We had our follow up Dr appointment on Monday also. After a three hour wait, we got the results back from the AFP test and everything was normal! YAY! So that means no detectable birth defects. She confirmed all of the information sent over from my Dr and listened for the heartbeat. Everything looks good!

I'm still having some indigestion problems but nothing that's not manageable. I had a few episodes of queasiness. I'm losing some of my energy levels again. Some days I feel very energetic and some days everything seems so much harder than it is. I think that's related to my poor sleeping habits at the moment. I'm still feeling lots of movement and it's started to develop a pattern that I'm noticing. Babe doesn't like me to lay or sit still. Especially when I'm laying in bed trying to sleep babe will start kicking me really hard. I can feel it from the outside now.

I'm really enjoying spending time with my Momma. I've seen Michelle and Charlotte a few times also. Steven is spending lots of time with his Dad and a few of his friends. They're very into the RC truck racing so it's nice that he has an outlet to take his mind off of things.

I have sevearal sewing projects I've started for little one. I'll post them as soon as I'm done. I also ordered my first cloth diapers! I used the coupon for buy one get one free from Bum Geneous. They're all in one diapers and I got the small size, so it will probably be a bit too big for newborn. I plan to order a bunch of prefolds and covers to use for most of the newborn to 4 or 5 month age. We'll see how it goes.

Looking forward to the anatomy scan on Monday!!!