Dear Ben,
It's a Sunday afternoon, who knows how long before we get to meet you. It's one of the most beautiful days we've had so far this year. Mommy and Daddy have had a very relaxing day, but you are all we can think about. Yesterday, I was a little crabby with Daddy because I was anxious to get the house ready for you to come. Daddy was crabby with me because he was really anxious to know when you'll be here. He kept asking how I felt and wasn't satisfied with the shortish answers I had.
This morning, we woke up to the birds chirping and the sun peeking in the windows. We snuggled in bed for a bit, had breakfast then we took your big sister, Emma, for a walk (a very slow walk) in the sunshine. We came back home and rested some more and took a little nap. I sat outside in the sunshine reading a magazine, drinking iced tea (Red Raspberry Leaf Tea) with Emma while Daddy did some grocery shopping.
Every thought revolves around you. Everything I do today is with the thought of preparing for you. Today, my focus is on relaxing. Everything we "need" to get done is done. Now I'm just focusing on loving you, daddy and Emma and being happy and relaxed so that you know it's safe to come out. I've been stretching, reading, napping, sipping tea, and snacking all day. I'm not doing anything I don't feel like doing.
Daddy is working on his "GVTV" right now and he keeps asking me if you're coming yet. He doesn't want to have to finish his episode. He is very excited for you to come!
Our little family is so ready to welcome you! Can't wait to see you, meet you, hold you, kiss you and love you!
Showing posts with label pregnant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pregnant. Show all posts
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Showers
In the past two weeks, I've had a few baby showers. I had one at work, one with my friends/sisters/mom and one in Yakima with Kathy's friends. They were all so nice.
The shower with my sisters and friends was held at Kim's house. Brenna, Chauncy, Michelle, my mom, Lindsay, Kim, Kirty and Lauren came. The girls did a really nice job of preparing cute foods and decorations. It was just really nice to be with my favorite people. It was really relaxed, even though not everyone knew each other very well. Afterwards, I was so overwhelmed with gratefulness for all of them and that they would take time and effort to do that for me.
The shower in Yakima was last weekend. Joel came to the shower with me since he knows the ladies better than I do. The night before the shower, Laurie Kanyer gave me a Pandora charm bracelet with a little baby boy charm. I love it! At the shower, we had a really nice lunch and then the ladies all said a prayer for us. I told them that I wished I could have recorded the prayer. It was very touching and relaxing. I wish I could listen to it over and over while I'm in labor! All of these women are so strong and had such good advice. I felt so surrounded by love and support. Such a great feeling! The day after, I was driving to work listening to music, thinking about the prayer and I couldn't stop crying! They were happy tears, of course.
I just wanted to document some of the feelings I had, because I know those can fade sometimes :)
The shower with my sisters and friends was held at Kim's house. Brenna, Chauncy, Michelle, my mom, Lindsay, Kim, Kirty and Lauren came. The girls did a really nice job of preparing cute foods and decorations. It was just really nice to be with my favorite people. It was really relaxed, even though not everyone knew each other very well. Afterwards, I was so overwhelmed with gratefulness for all of them and that they would take time and effort to do that for me.
The shower in Yakima was last weekend. Joel came to the shower with me since he knows the ladies better than I do. The night before the shower, Laurie Kanyer gave me a Pandora charm bracelet with a little baby boy charm. I love it! At the shower, we had a really nice lunch and then the ladies all said a prayer for us. I told them that I wished I could have recorded the prayer. It was very touching and relaxing. I wish I could listen to it over and over while I'm in labor! All of these women are so strong and had such good advice. I felt so surrounded by love and support. Such a great feeling! The day after, I was driving to work listening to music, thinking about the prayer and I couldn't stop crying! They were happy tears, of course.
I just wanted to document some of the feelings I had, because I know those can fade sometimes :)
Almost there
I just wanted to document how I've been feeling the past few weeks. I'm hoping Ben comes very, very soon, although I don't have my hopes up. I'll be 39 weeks on Monday.
Up until last week, I was still feeling So! Wonderful! I felt kind of annoying telling people how great I felt. I was energetic and relatively pain free, aside from the constant leg-joint/pelvis pain. But, this week things started to change. I'm still feeling good...but I am so ready for Ben to be here. One night this week, my pelvis and leg joints hurt so bad that Joel had to help me roll over in bed, get out of bed and even move my legs into a comfy position for sleep. It was nearly impossible for me to move my legs. The next day at work was a challenge as I hobbled around. Luckily, that extreme pain only lasted less than 24 hours (I had a massage, so I think that helped).
At work, everyone is soooo nice to me, but I am getting tired of the comments from EVERY coworker EVERY time they pass my desk. "Whoa, that baby is bustin out!" "Oh, Jaime, you make my back hurt just looking at you" "Oh, you look like you've dropped" "Oh, it doesn't look like you've dropped" "You're enormous" "You look great"! I'm nice to everyone, but it's hard to come up with unique reactions to EVERY comment.
On Thursday, I had an appt with my midwife. I was 1 cm dilated, 40% effaced and -2 station (I didn't know what that meant until I googled it when I got home). She was very excited with how low he was. She recommended Evening Primrose Oil to help soften my cervix. She also stripped my membranes, which was a bit uncomfy but not painful.
Today is Saturday and I woke up, as usual, ready to get a bunch of things done. I was super crabby with Joel for the first part of the day until he started doing things around the house. But, mid-morning, I was just soooo tired, so I took a nap (that is extremely rare). I figure I need to rest now....
Right now I'm sitting in the sunshine in our backyard writing this blog post. It's supposed to be 70 degrees today. We're going to the Smith's tonight for dinner with the Bailey's. Just trying to make the most of our pre-Ben time!
Up until last week, I was still feeling So! Wonderful! I felt kind of annoying telling people how great I felt. I was energetic and relatively pain free, aside from the constant leg-joint/pelvis pain. But, this week things started to change. I'm still feeling good...but I am so ready for Ben to be here. One night this week, my pelvis and leg joints hurt so bad that Joel had to help me roll over in bed, get out of bed and even move my legs into a comfy position for sleep. It was nearly impossible for me to move my legs. The next day at work was a challenge as I hobbled around. Luckily, that extreme pain only lasted less than 24 hours (I had a massage, so I think that helped).
At work, everyone is soooo nice to me, but I am getting tired of the comments from EVERY coworker EVERY time they pass my desk. "Whoa, that baby is bustin out!" "Oh, Jaime, you make my back hurt just looking at you" "Oh, you look like you've dropped" "Oh, it doesn't look like you've dropped" "You're enormous" "You look great"! I'm nice to everyone, but it's hard to come up with unique reactions to EVERY comment.
On Thursday, I had an appt with my midwife. I was 1 cm dilated, 40% effaced and -2 station (I didn't know what that meant until I googled it when I got home). She was very excited with how low he was. She recommended Evening Primrose Oil to help soften my cervix. She also stripped my membranes, which was a bit uncomfy but not painful.
Today is Saturday and I woke up, as usual, ready to get a bunch of things done. I was super crabby with Joel for the first part of the day until he started doing things around the house. But, mid-morning, I was just soooo tired, so I took a nap (that is extremely rare). I figure I need to rest now....
Right now I'm sitting in the sunshine in our backyard writing this blog post. It's supposed to be 70 degrees today. We're going to the Smith's tonight for dinner with the Bailey's. Just trying to make the most of our pre-Ben time!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Reflections on becoming a mom
As I drove to work this morning, I was daydreaming about Ben...I was envisioning him as a teenager. In my daydream, he had dark, curly hair...slightly shaggy...similar to the hair Joel had while we were dating (I loved Joel's hair when it was longer!). I automatically imagined his looks to be a nice blend of Joel and I.
But, the looks don't matter. I started to wonder how Ben will view his parents. What will he think about us? Will he have any idea that while I was pregnant with him, I loved to listen to my music too loud (often hip hop/rap) while he wiggled inside (we won't mention that I also played with my blankie in my lap while listening to my rockin tunes). Will he know that his dad and I spent the first portion of our relationship going to parties and sharing a twin size dorm bed? I certainly don't plan on telling him THOSE details or about some of the other slightly naughty things I did in college.
It just made me think of the relationship between kids and parents...There is a whole part of a parent's life that the kid has nooo idea about. No matter now regretful or how many mistakes the parents have made, those experiences help make them into the wonderful (hopefully) parents they are! (P.S. I don't mean to imply that I regret anything I did in college. I absolutely do not and would do almost all of it all over again!)
While I don't plan to brag to Ben about the things I did, I guess the thing I want him to know is that we had fun and took chances and enjoyed our time. If he does hear stories about our college or see pictures of the fun we had, I don't want him to be completely surpised that we used to be so much fun! I don't want these two pictures to shock him. I don't want him to be surpised that his parents would have EVER been so much fun!
I want that to be something that he just knows about Joel and I in general...but, um, in order for him to innately know that about us, that means I need to live my life like that. Currently, I absolutely do not feel like I live that way! Joel does a little more than me...but we can both put a little more effort into consiously living a little more freely and fun :)
I am so excited to welcome Ben into this world. No matter what he looks like or what his personality turns out to be, I am excited to exercise my creativity with him and learn again how to have fun and enjoy the moment.
But, the looks don't matter. I started to wonder how Ben will view his parents. What will he think about us? Will he have any idea that while I was pregnant with him, I loved to listen to my music too loud (often hip hop/rap) while he wiggled inside (we won't mention that I also played with my blankie in my lap while listening to my rockin tunes). Will he know that his dad and I spent the first portion of our relationship going to parties and sharing a twin size dorm bed? I certainly don't plan on telling him THOSE details or about some of the other slightly naughty things I did in college.
It just made me think of the relationship between kids and parents...There is a whole part of a parent's life that the kid has nooo idea about. No matter now regretful or how many mistakes the parents have made, those experiences help make them into the wonderful (hopefully) parents they are! (P.S. I don't mean to imply that I regret anything I did in college. I absolutely do not and would do almost all of it all over again!)
While I don't plan to brag to Ben about the things I did, I guess the thing I want him to know is that we had fun and took chances and enjoyed our time. If he does hear stories about our college or see pictures of the fun we had, I don't want him to be completely surpised that we used to be so much fun! I don't want these two pictures to shock him. I don't want him to be surpised that his parents would have EVER been so much fun!
I am so excited to welcome Ben into this world. No matter what he looks like or what his personality turns out to be, I am excited to exercise my creativity with him and learn again how to have fun and enjoy the moment.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Ben's room
My mom is amazing. She is doing all the bedding for Ben's room. I told her I wanted a jungle theme and sent her a general idea of the colors I wanted. Here is a picture of Ben's quilt in process. I LOVE IT!! She hand-designed the animals and is using lots of different textures to make the blankie interesting for Ben. The brown thing on the right is a trunk of a palm tree...leaves still to come. My mom always exceeds my expectations with everything she makes. I hesitate to give her any suggestions or ideas because I know her ideas are so much better than mine!!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Baby update
It's been more than two months since I posted about the baby, so here's a quick update. I'm 30 weeks pregnant and feeling pretty great! My crazy emotions are gone for the most part and my sickness has gone away completely. The only complaint I have now is that my lower back and hips/pelvis are sore and can't stand much walking...or sitting...or laying down! But, it's really not that bad. Today I took a bath in our new bathtub (we moved into our new house last weekend), and it felt so nice to let myself float and relax in the water!
I have gained some weight, but I don't feel like I've gained an enourmous amount. I am scared to be in front of a camera, but I really should take a few "belly" pictures for documentation of this whole thing! I don't notice any of the things I hear about like beautiful nails and thicker hair. I also don't have any cravings, other than my normal pizza and nachos...but I can't blame that on pregnancy!
At our 20 week ultrasound, Ben was measuring in the 99th percentile. My midwife used the word "huge" to describe him. They tested me for Gestational Diabetes (negative) and reviewed my two earlier ultrasounds to confirm that the due date wasn't off (it wasn't). So, they had me come back this week for another ultrasound to see how he was sizing up. Well, baby Ben is still a big boy! The ultrasound tech estimated his weight to be about 4.5 pounds, while the normal size for a baby at that age is almost 3 pounds! I was a little startled to hear that, but I'm feeling better now.
Now that we are settled into the new house, I am excited to start preparing for Ben's arrival! Joel painted his room a nice light green color and my mom has started on his bedding (Jungle theme). I can't wait till it's all put together!
That's all for now! Just wanted to jot down a few things for memory!
For some reason, I'm bothered when I tell people about Ben's size and they brush it off saying "oh, your due date is probably wrong" or "oh, he'll fine". I'm not overly concernced about his size, but I do worry a little bit that a big baby could cause additional birth complicatons. I just want to feel validated when it comes to my concerns with him...especially from people I'm somewhat close to.
I have gained some weight, but I don't feel like I've gained an enourmous amount. I am scared to be in front of a camera, but I really should take a few "belly" pictures for documentation of this whole thing! I don't notice any of the things I hear about like beautiful nails and thicker hair. I also don't have any cravings, other than my normal pizza and nachos...but I can't blame that on pregnancy!
At our 20 week ultrasound, Ben was measuring in the 99th percentile. My midwife used the word "huge" to describe him. They tested me for Gestational Diabetes (negative) and reviewed my two earlier ultrasounds to confirm that the due date wasn't off (it wasn't). So, they had me come back this week for another ultrasound to see how he was sizing up. Well, baby Ben is still a big boy! The ultrasound tech estimated his weight to be about 4.5 pounds, while the normal size for a baby at that age is almost 3 pounds! I was a little startled to hear that, but I'm feeling better now.
Now that we are settled into the new house, I am excited to start preparing for Ben's arrival! Joel painted his room a nice light green color and my mom has started on his bedding (Jungle theme). I can't wait till it's all put together!
That's all for now! Just wanted to jot down a few things for memory!
For some reason, I'm bothered when I tell people about Ben's size and they brush it off saying "oh, your due date is probably wrong" or "oh, he'll fine". I'm not overly concernced about his size, but I do worry a little bit that a big baby could cause additional birth complicatons. I just want to feel validated when it comes to my concerns with him...especially from people I'm somewhat close to.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Hello Baby!
I am 20 weeks this week. Officially halfway done with this pregnancy! The past few weeks have been gloomy, but I am starting to feel much better. I haven't gotten sick in about a week and my emotions seem to be MUCH more stable. So, on that note, I wanted to jot down a few happy things I have experienced this week with the baby.
For starters, I have started to feel excited about the baby. My mind is no longer completely consumed with anxiety, so I can focus on the little thing inside me :) Up until now, I haven't really felt pregnant (mentally). But now, it's actually starting to sink in and I feel pregnant, both physicall and mentally! It's such an amazing feeling! I can't describe it. I am starting to feel a connection with the baby and I feel love and protection towards it.
I have started talking to the baby when it moves around inside me....and I try to sing to it in the car. It's funny...I always thought I knew the lyrics to songs, but now that I'm TRYING to sing along, it's hard!! I can't even fully sing along to any of the Christmas songs! So, today I went through my ipod to find songs I knew. It included MmmmBop (Hansen), some Christian tunes, and Sound of Music. This baby will have well-rounded musical tastes :)
Last night, I felt the baby moving around, so I had Joel put his hand on my belly and he was able to feel it kick!! He was pretty freaked out about it, but he also thought it was really special(I think there might have been a few tears in his eyes). I find myself sitting in meetings smiling because I feel the baby flip flopping around. The movements are pretty faint most of the time, but sometimes it's CLEAR that there's something swimming around! Other times, it could easily be mistaken as my intestines chugging along.
This weekend, we had lots of fun. On Friday, we went to a Christmas Party for Joel's work. Those teachers are always pretty goofy, so that was fun. On Saturday, I was able to enjoy Christmas shopping and cooking, then we had a "Friends Christmas" with the Smiths and the Baileys (The Dahlhausers were sick). We had a really great time with them. For some reason, there was something extra fun and special about this weekend. And did I mention Kim and Lindsay are pregnant? Kim is due in a few weeks and Lindsay is due 12 weeks after me. On Sunday, we went to Everett to celebrate sweet Luke's 2nd birthday. It was nice to have such a fun, enjoyable weekend with so many people we care about.
One last update. Last night I had my first counseling appointment. It was pretty good. I realize that counseling takes time to make a difference, but she was able to give me a few simple tools that can help me relax when I'm having an anxiety attack. She also explained something that makes a lot of sense...she said that the logical half of my brain gets LOTS of action...I'm a very logical person, and my work is very logical. The creative side of my brain doesn't get used often AT ALL. As a result, the creative side tries to exercise itself by making up stories...and unfortunately, those stories cause LOTS of anxiety and fear! So, the tips she gave me involved ways to exercise both sides of my brain. I took it a step further last night and colored in a coloring book last night. I even used unconventional colors to color certain things to try to exercise the creative side of my brain. I'm excited to go back and we what else we discover. She's going to try hypnotizing me! Sounds interesting!
We find out on Thursday whether this little thumper is a girl or a boy!! I can now honestly say that I'm so excited!!
For starters, I have started to feel excited about the baby. My mind is no longer completely consumed with anxiety, so I can focus on the little thing inside me :) Up until now, I haven't really felt pregnant (mentally). But now, it's actually starting to sink in and I feel pregnant, both physicall and mentally! It's such an amazing feeling! I can't describe it. I am starting to feel a connection with the baby and I feel love and protection towards it.
I have started talking to the baby when it moves around inside me....and I try to sing to it in the car. It's funny...I always thought I knew the lyrics to songs, but now that I'm TRYING to sing along, it's hard!! I can't even fully sing along to any of the Christmas songs! So, today I went through my ipod to find songs I knew. It included MmmmBop (Hansen), some Christian tunes, and Sound of Music. This baby will have well-rounded musical tastes :)
Last night, I felt the baby moving around, so I had Joel put his hand on my belly and he was able to feel it kick!! He was pretty freaked out about it, but he also thought it was really special(I think there might have been a few tears in his eyes). I find myself sitting in meetings smiling because I feel the baby flip flopping around. The movements are pretty faint most of the time, but sometimes it's CLEAR that there's something swimming around! Other times, it could easily be mistaken as my intestines chugging along.
This weekend, we had lots of fun. On Friday, we went to a Christmas Party for Joel's work. Those teachers are always pretty goofy, so that was fun. On Saturday, I was able to enjoy Christmas shopping and cooking, then we had a "Friends Christmas" with the Smiths and the Baileys (The Dahlhausers were sick). We had a really great time with them. For some reason, there was something extra fun and special about this weekend. And did I mention Kim and Lindsay are pregnant? Kim is due in a few weeks and Lindsay is due 12 weeks after me. On Sunday, we went to Everett to celebrate sweet Luke's 2nd birthday. It was nice to have such a fun, enjoyable weekend with so many people we care about.
One last update. Last night I had my first counseling appointment. It was pretty good. I realize that counseling takes time to make a difference, but she was able to give me a few simple tools that can help me relax when I'm having an anxiety attack. She also explained something that makes a lot of sense...she said that the logical half of my brain gets LOTS of action...I'm a very logical person, and my work is very logical. The creative side of my brain doesn't get used often AT ALL. As a result, the creative side tries to exercise itself by making up stories...and unfortunately, those stories cause LOTS of anxiety and fear! So, the tips she gave me involved ways to exercise both sides of my brain. I took it a step further last night and colored in a coloring book last night. I even used unconventional colors to color certain things to try to exercise the creative side of my brain. I'm excited to go back and we what else we discover. She's going to try hypnotizing me! Sounds interesting!
We find out on Thursday whether this little thumper is a girl or a boy!! I can now honestly say that I'm so excited!!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Oh to be Pregnant
There are a few things that have developed in the past few weeks that I want to jot down to remember about this pregnancy.
Emotions
Ooooooh, the emotions!! The icky icky anxiety has reduced, thank goodness. However, I have become more of a cry baby! I'm not going to write about every time I have cried, but this weekend has been especially funny, so I'll write about that. Today, I was cleaning up after lunch and BAM! I started sobbbbbbbbbbing. It was a full on, ugly sob. I cried and cried and cried....and cried and cried. Big heaving sobs. Poor Joel was trying hard not to laugh as I wiped my tears and mascara all over his shirt. I had absolutely no reason to cry....I couldn't even make up something to feel sad about about (Which I'm thankful for)! I felt a little more energized after my cry session was over. Then, a few hours later, I was reading a sweet blog post that had 50 tips for dads of daughters (http://www.fromdatestodiapers.com/50-rules-for-dads-of-daughters) . This brought on yet another huge sobbing spell. I was crying so hard, I actually thought I was going to hyperventilate....Sheeeeeeesh. But it sure does feel good to have these crying spells! Must be all the endorphins that are released!
Tiredness
I feel super lame for saying "I'm tired" so many times in a day. My goal tomorrow is to not talk about my tiredness at all until I get home from work. But, it's not tomorrow yet, so I'm gonna go ahead and explain. I've been getting about 9-10 hours of sleep per night....and I'm still exhausted. Normally on the weekends, I HATE sitting around. I am always wanting to get something done....well, the past few weekends, ALL I have done is sit around. This weekend, I was able to buy groceries, cook one simple meal and do the laundry....and that's it! The rest of the time was spent in bed or on the couch. I'm getting really tired of just sitting around (Although I am doing lots of research on cute baby items...bedding, cribs, diaper bags, etc). It's six p.m. right now and I'm seriously considering going to bed...Granted, I was in Kentucky all of last week, so I might still be adjusting to the 3 hour difference....
Naseau
The Naseau hasn't been too bad. I'm not naseaus all the time....it hits when my stomach is empty and then it really hits hard! I do get sick other times, but it uuuusually doesn't last too long. I am thankful for that....If I had to pick, I think I prefer the tiredness and emotions over naseau.
Boobs
Boobs are completely not sore anymore. At one point, I thought I was going to have to buy a bigger bra, but like I mentioned in my last post, they stopped being sore around week 7. So, for now, I'm saved from having to buy a bigger bra :)
Misc
I don't know that I'm showing yet....I think I can feel my lower abdomen swelling just a teeeeeny bit, but it's nothing that anyone can see. I can still wear my normal work pants, but I've given up on wearning my favorite jeans (they were getting a little tight before I got pregnant). I'm not really sure if I've gained any weight. Right now, I'm at the top of my normal weight swing (I swing a few pounds up and down, and right now I'm consistently at the top of that range). I've been eating some pretty unhealthy food....so I hope that number doesn't creep up too fast in the near future!
Well, that's all I have to report for now! Despite my complaining, I am super happy to be providing a home for my sweet little Thumper :)
Emotions
Ooooooh, the emotions!! The icky icky anxiety has reduced, thank goodness. However, I have become more of a cry baby! I'm not going to write about every time I have cried, but this weekend has been especially funny, so I'll write about that. Today, I was cleaning up after lunch and BAM! I started sobbbbbbbbbbing. It was a full on, ugly sob. I cried and cried and cried....and cried and cried. Big heaving sobs. Poor Joel was trying hard not to laugh as I wiped my tears and mascara all over his shirt. I had absolutely no reason to cry....I couldn't even make up something to feel sad about about (Which I'm thankful for)! I felt a little more energized after my cry session was over. Then, a few hours later, I was reading a sweet blog post that had 50 tips for dads of daughters (http://www.fromdatestodiapers.com/50-rules-for-dads-of-daughters) . This brought on yet another huge sobbing spell. I was crying so hard, I actually thought I was going to hyperventilate....Sheeeeeeesh. But it sure does feel good to have these crying spells! Must be all the endorphins that are released!
Tiredness
I feel super lame for saying "I'm tired" so many times in a day. My goal tomorrow is to not talk about my tiredness at all until I get home from work. But, it's not tomorrow yet, so I'm gonna go ahead and explain. I've been getting about 9-10 hours of sleep per night....and I'm still exhausted. Normally on the weekends, I HATE sitting around. I am always wanting to get something done....well, the past few weekends, ALL I have done is sit around. This weekend, I was able to buy groceries, cook one simple meal and do the laundry....and that's it! The rest of the time was spent in bed or on the couch. I'm getting really tired of just sitting around (Although I am doing lots of research on cute baby items...bedding, cribs, diaper bags, etc). It's six p.m. right now and I'm seriously considering going to bed...Granted, I was in Kentucky all of last week, so I might still be adjusting to the 3 hour difference....
Naseau
The Naseau hasn't been too bad. I'm not naseaus all the time....it hits when my stomach is empty and then it really hits hard! I do get sick other times, but it uuuusually doesn't last too long. I am thankful for that....If I had to pick, I think I prefer the tiredness and emotions over naseau.
Boobs
Boobs are completely not sore anymore. At one point, I thought I was going to have to buy a bigger bra, but like I mentioned in my last post, they stopped being sore around week 7. So, for now, I'm saved from having to buy a bigger bra :)
Misc
I don't know that I'm showing yet....I think I can feel my lower abdomen swelling just a teeeeeny bit, but it's nothing that anyone can see. I can still wear my normal work pants, but I've given up on wearning my favorite jeans (they were getting a little tight before I got pregnant). I'm not really sure if I've gained any weight. Right now, I'm at the top of my normal weight swing (I swing a few pounds up and down, and right now I'm consistently at the top of that range). I've been eating some pretty unhealthy food....so I hope that number doesn't creep up too fast in the near future!
Well, that's all I have to report for now! Despite my complaining, I am super happy to be providing a home for my sweet little Thumper :)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Soon to be Another Starr!
Well, turns out that the name of this blog is fitting once again. There is soon to be another little Starr! Joel and I had been trying to get pregnant for about a year. Things were getting pretty frustrating and we were even starting to see a fertility specialist. The past year had been a roller coaster of emotions each and every month...I would always get my hopes up that I would be pregnant, but those hopes would be dashed a few weeks later. This particular month, I didn't have my hopes up AT ALL due to various reasons that are too detailed for this blog.
So, how did I find out I was pregnant? Well, I was still taking my BBT temps every morning. My temps were on their way down for a few days as they always do before my period starts, so I figured my period would start soon. Well, that weekend was a hot one and I decided to do some yard work. I noticed that my pee was a bit darker than usual. I thought it was a bit strange, but I figured I was dehydrated from working outdoors (even though I'm NEVER dehydrated). I also mentioned to Joel how HAPPY I had been feeling. The past few days, I had felt overwhelmingly happy and grateful. I told him that I hoped all my friends and family know how much they mean to me and how thankful I am for them. I didn't think much of this happiness...I just credited it to all the wonderful times we'd been having with our friends lately.
On Monday morning, I took my temps as usual, expecting another dip....but was confused to see that my temp had spiked. I had recently ordered a mega pack of pregnancy tests (I had gotten tired of spending money on the expensive ones and I wanted to ability to test whenever my heart desired), so I decided to take a test just for the fun of it.......................
Whaaaa?? Within a few seconds, I saw a second line start to appear...............Words can't explain how in shock I was. I reread the instructions and stared at the test to make sure I wasn't imagining the second line. Nope. It was there! I stumbled into our bedroom to wake Joel up...I said in a very shaky voice "There is a second line on my pregnancy test!". "What does that mean", he mumbled in his half-awake state? I couldn't bring myself to say "I'm pregnant" so I said something else to portray that the test was positive. The next 30 minutes or so were a blur of excitement. I managed to squeeze a little more pee out to take another test and that one was positive, too! I was deliriously happy. My legs were shaking so much that I could barely walk! I texted Brenna and Chauncy, but only Brenna responded and she, of course, was over the moon with happiness!
On my way to work, I called my mom and tried calling Chauncy about 20 times (turns out she left her phone at home. Worst day to leave her phone at home, EVER!). Needless to say, I couldn't focus AT ALL at work that day. I pretty much texted and emailed all day long. I texted Kim and Lindsay later in the morning and it was fun to share the excitement with them. Lindsay suprised me at work with a bag of peppermint tea and a sweet card. That night, we called Joel's sweet parents and told them. It was pretty cute hearing Joel tell his parents that his sweet wife was pregnant (his words).
The rest of the week was still filled with excitement and very little productivity at work! As the days went on, we told a few more friends and family.
On Friday, I went to Everett to babysit Luke overnight. Brenna and Ethan had also been "trying" and he had a suspision that she was pregnant, although she seriously doubted it. Since I wasn't going to be needing my mega pack of tests anymore, I brought the pack to her (I kept a few for myself). After taking the test, she comes down stairs and said "I think I need another test...I think I left it in for too long". I raced upstairs and saw that there was a second line. Silly girl!! It's positive, regardless of how long it was left in!!! I was screaming and freaking out. Her reaction was a little different, considering the fact that she has a sweet son, so adding a second child will change the dynamics of their family. She has since gotten excited about this newest addition :)
My first noticeable symptom was sore boobs. Holy smokes. At night, it felt like they were being stabbed with knives. I also had a few days of minor nasuea, usually cured by filling my tummy with food. I have also been dealing with emotions....super high anxiety at times (miserable) and also crying for no reason. Gone are the days of feeling overwhelmingly happy that I had before I found out I was pregnant! In fact, I haven't really felt happy for no reason since I found out I was pregnant :(
At about 7.5 weeks, I woke up and my boobs were dramatically less sore. Gulp. I also didn't have very much naseau that day...or the next....or the next. Oh boy. I freaked out. Was I still pregnant?? I called and cried to the nurse and she scheduled me for an ultrasound (however, I talked to her on Thursday and the soonest I could get in for an ultrasound was on Monday). Over the next few days, I had slight naseau, but it could have been my imagination...it was very slight. By the time the appt came on Monday, I was feeling slightly more confident that I was still pregnant.
At the ultrasound, I had to have a full bladder. And Full it was!! The ultrasound progressed, but I didn't get to see the baby for a while. At first, she just looked at my uterus and ovaries...and then she let me go pee...and then I had to wait for her to come back into the room and theeeeen, I was finally able to see if my little baby was still ok in there! It didn't look like much, but I sure could see that little heart beat!! It was beating at 156 bpm. She said that it was perfect. During the appointment, I didn't feel toooo excited....I was just kind of in shock. But as soon as I left the office, I was flooded with excitement. As usual, I texted everyone (parents, Joel's parents, my sisters, Kim, Lindsay, Aimee, Alicia, etc). They sent me home with a disc of pictures and a video of the heart beating so that I could show Joel.
When I talked to Joel after the appointment, I don't know if I've ever heard him so happy. He said he almost cried in the middle of class when he got my text saying that all was well with the little guy/girl. Joel's emotions only magnify my emotions, so I was even more excited when I was talking to him.
So, that pretty much brings us to today! The ultrasound was yesterday. As long as I eat a full meal, I feel pretty good. I have cut back on caffeine, so that's hard! I sure miss my jolt of energy! I can't tell if my tiredness is from the lack of caffeine or because I'm growing a bebe. I'm also still pretty emotional. Today, I cried in the car on the way home from work and again when I was with Joel (he was teasing me about the gross smell of labor).
So, while we still know there is a chance that things won't work out, we are super excited! For now, we're calling the wee one "Thumper"....after the heart that is thumping away inside me. We love this little one already :)
So, how did I find out I was pregnant? Well, I was still taking my BBT temps every morning. My temps were on their way down for a few days as they always do before my period starts, so I figured my period would start soon. Well, that weekend was a hot one and I decided to do some yard work. I noticed that my pee was a bit darker than usual. I thought it was a bit strange, but I figured I was dehydrated from working outdoors (even though I'm NEVER dehydrated). I also mentioned to Joel how HAPPY I had been feeling. The past few days, I had felt overwhelmingly happy and grateful. I told him that I hoped all my friends and family know how much they mean to me and how thankful I am for them. I didn't think much of this happiness...I just credited it to all the wonderful times we'd been having with our friends lately.
On Monday morning, I took my temps as usual, expecting another dip....but was confused to see that my temp had spiked. I had recently ordered a mega pack of pregnancy tests (I had gotten tired of spending money on the expensive ones and I wanted to ability to test whenever my heart desired), so I decided to take a test just for the fun of it.......................
Whaaaa?? Within a few seconds, I saw a second line start to appear...............Words can't explain how in shock I was. I reread the instructions and stared at the test to make sure I wasn't imagining the second line. Nope. It was there! I stumbled into our bedroom to wake Joel up...I said in a very shaky voice "There is a second line on my pregnancy test!". "What does that mean", he mumbled in his half-awake state? I couldn't bring myself to say "I'm pregnant" so I said something else to portray that the test was positive. The next 30 minutes or so were a blur of excitement. I managed to squeeze a little more pee out to take another test and that one was positive, too! I was deliriously happy. My legs were shaking so much that I could barely walk! I texted Brenna and Chauncy, but only Brenna responded and she, of course, was over the moon with happiness!
On my way to work, I called my mom and tried calling Chauncy about 20 times (turns out she left her phone at home. Worst day to leave her phone at home, EVER!). Needless to say, I couldn't focus AT ALL at work that day. I pretty much texted and emailed all day long. I texted Kim and Lindsay later in the morning and it was fun to share the excitement with them. Lindsay suprised me at work with a bag of peppermint tea and a sweet card. That night, we called Joel's sweet parents and told them. It was pretty cute hearing Joel tell his parents that his sweet wife was pregnant (his words).
The rest of the week was still filled with excitement and very little productivity at work! As the days went on, we told a few more friends and family.
On Friday, I went to Everett to babysit Luke overnight. Brenna and Ethan had also been "trying" and he had a suspision that she was pregnant, although she seriously doubted it. Since I wasn't going to be needing my mega pack of tests anymore, I brought the pack to her (I kept a few for myself). After taking the test, she comes down stairs and said "I think I need another test...I think I left it in for too long". I raced upstairs and saw that there was a second line. Silly girl!! It's positive, regardless of how long it was left in!!! I was screaming and freaking out. Her reaction was a little different, considering the fact that she has a sweet son, so adding a second child will change the dynamics of their family. She has since gotten excited about this newest addition :)
My first noticeable symptom was sore boobs. Holy smokes. At night, it felt like they were being stabbed with knives. I also had a few days of minor nasuea, usually cured by filling my tummy with food. I have also been dealing with emotions....super high anxiety at times (miserable) and also crying for no reason. Gone are the days of feeling overwhelmingly happy that I had before I found out I was pregnant! In fact, I haven't really felt happy for no reason since I found out I was pregnant :(
At about 7.5 weeks, I woke up and my boobs were dramatically less sore. Gulp. I also didn't have very much naseau that day...or the next....or the next. Oh boy. I freaked out. Was I still pregnant?? I called and cried to the nurse and she scheduled me for an ultrasound (however, I talked to her on Thursday and the soonest I could get in for an ultrasound was on Monday). Over the next few days, I had slight naseau, but it could have been my imagination...it was very slight. By the time the appt came on Monday, I was feeling slightly more confident that I was still pregnant.
At the ultrasound, I had to have a full bladder. And Full it was!! The ultrasound progressed, but I didn't get to see the baby for a while. At first, she just looked at my uterus and ovaries...and then she let me go pee...and then I had to wait for her to come back into the room and theeeeen, I was finally able to see if my little baby was still ok in there! It didn't look like much, but I sure could see that little heart beat!! It was beating at 156 bpm. She said that it was perfect. During the appointment, I didn't feel toooo excited....I was just kind of in shock. But as soon as I left the office, I was flooded with excitement. As usual, I texted everyone (parents, Joel's parents, my sisters, Kim, Lindsay, Aimee, Alicia, etc). They sent me home with a disc of pictures and a video of the heart beating so that I could show Joel.
When I talked to Joel after the appointment, I don't know if I've ever heard him so happy. He said he almost cried in the middle of class when he got my text saying that all was well with the little guy/girl. Joel's emotions only magnify my emotions, so I was even more excited when I was talking to him.
So, that pretty much brings us to today! The ultrasound was yesterday. As long as I eat a full meal, I feel pretty good. I have cut back on caffeine, so that's hard! I sure miss my jolt of energy! I can't tell if my tiredness is from the lack of caffeine or because I'm growing a bebe. I'm also still pretty emotional. Today, I cried in the car on the way home from work and again when I was with Joel (he was teasing me about the gross smell of labor).
So, while we still know there is a chance that things won't work out, we are super excited! For now, we're calling the wee one "Thumper"....after the heart that is thumping away inside me. We love this little one already :)
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