Pregnancy, Week 6

Physical Symptoms: Morning sickness has waned for the most part due to (I think) with me now trying to eat something every couple of hours and not taking my vitamins at night before bed.  Many people take them at bedtime because if the vitamins make you feel bad it is best to sleep through it.  This did not seem to work for me though because I woke up feeling terrible. Vitamins at lunch time work better for me!

I am exhausted. I actually took a nap on the couch on Sunday. If you know me, you know that I never ever nap unless I am sick. Well I took a great snooze that day and could of probably slept longer!

Also, I am so bloated I already look pregnant. Finding something to wear to work is always fun. The other day I wore khakis that fit in the morning and I could not even button them by that afternoon. Good times.

I smell everything! Walking Bailey the other day I smelled the air freshener in someones closed up car parked on the street. Also, I work in Westwood and usually go out and walk around during my lunch hour. People, Westwood does not smell good, it smells dirty. Gross.

Food Weirdness: I ate chocolate again. In fact I devoured a piece of chocolate cake like it was the first time I had ever eaten chocolate. So I guess that aversion is over. Mostly my aversions come very randomly. Every time I am faced with food I either really want or want it as far away from me as possible. But I am eating grapes like a champ. I can never get enough grapes.

Size of Little Bug: Blueberry

Workout: Many times I am way to exhausted to work out but I am trying to do what I can even if it is lifting a few hand weights or doing a few squats.  But Chris and I are going to do a 5k together in November which I am excited about!

Preparation: Trying to decide if I should take a job that would allow me to have a closer commute but my pay would be decreased a significant amount. The convenience would be nice but Chris and I are not sure if we can take the decrease in pay especially knowing baby expenses will be a lot! Its a really hard decision.

Discovery: Baby is now developing a spleen and some blood has begun to move through his/her body! Also the app called Pregnancy+ is awesome! Check it out!

Funny Moment: Found out one of my best friends is due the same day I am! How crazy is that!?!?! I ended up telling her about being pregnant (even though we were going to wait) because it was just to uncanny! It's funny comparing notes with her on the daily.

Feelings: The stress surrounding the job situation is probably the hardest thing for me to handle right now. Once a final decision is made (no matter what it is) Ill be much more at peace. Also, kind of funny, but I have no filter. I have been very direct with people, especially at work. I am usually not that way but am secretly enjoying it!

Pregnancy, Week 5

Physical Symptoms: "Morning Sickness" hit me like a ton of bricks. And who ever named it "Morning Sickness" is a complete fool.  It is all day and all night. I feel like throwing up all the time but nothing ever happens. I do not have much of an appetite for anything. I force myself to eat small meals or snacks. And last but least, headaches. Or shall I say headache, because it never ends. Needless to say, physical symptoms have ramped up a lot.

Food Weirdness: I do not have an appetite for anything. I manage to stomach very bland things like plain chicken, oatmeal, muffins, applesauce, sweet potatoes and grapes. Right now red meat or anything super sugary and sweet makes me gag. Along with rich foods. Last night I ate a handful of Raisin Bran before falling asleep because they (my pregnancy app experts) said it may help with morning sickness. I woke up feeling okay this morning so maybe it really did.

Size of Little bug: Appleseed

Workout: I have managed to get a couple of workouts in this week but mostly I have sat on the couch. Walking my dog or getting fresh air always helps with feeling sick.

Preparation: Trying to find a doctor closer to our home. We cannot seem to find anyone in our network currently so we are going to keep the appointment at UCLA on Sept. 26th and ask her if she has any recommendations.

Discovery: I have discovered a new found respect for expectant mothers. Its crazy how something so small can create such havoc in your body.

Funny Moment: Chris and I feel that we both needed support from people who have recently been through pregnancy so we reached out to our friend Bobby and Suzanne (who is a few months ahead of me) to join us for dinner. We wanted to surprise them with our news. They had given us a very thoughtful wedding present full of wine for a couples firsts (home, date night, fight, etc.) There was a bottle of Martinelli's Sparkling Cider in the basket for first baby.  During dinner Chris brought out the Cider along with glasses and said, "well, this is cause for a celebration." B & S looked super confused and told us that the Cider is for when you guys have a baby not us! To which we responded "Surprise, we are pregnant!" It was an awesome and really funny moment. It was so great to talk with them about their experiences so far and now I feel like I have a woman I can go to talk about all these crazy things happening to my body.

Feelings: Its been a tough week.  Its really hard keeping this news from people because I have to hide how terrible I feel. Especially at work it is hard. But I am thankful that I can just sit quietly at my desk if needed. I have some big decisions regarding my job I need to make quickly and it is hard to think clearly plus there has been stress at home (stepson is sick). I know it will all work out but it's all really weighing on me. This in between stage is hard. I feel very strongly about not making announcements to people until after the first doctors appointment but (i hope this makes sense) it makes me feel like I am not allowed to feel as physically terrible as I do. In my mind, I should still be able to function normally because to everyone else there is nothing different going on with me right now.

Leftovers Breakfast Burittos

I slept in and woke up feeling hungover even though no drinks were involved the night before. I have been experiencing vivid dreams the past week which cause me to wake up every few hours. Pregnancy is weird. Such random symptoms. 

I decided to make eggs for breakfast but realized I only had 4 eggs. Hubs can take down 4 eggs himself. So I wondered what awesome egg dish could I make with the leftovers in the fridge. I found leftover rice, avocado, salsa, wheat tortillas, Mexican cheese, cilantro and chopped onion, all things that are perfect for a breakfast burrito! 

Sautée the onions in the a little olive oil, add the eggs and then all the other ingredients quickly because you never want to overcook eggs. I toasted the tortillas in another hot pan for just a few seconds on each side. After your leftovers mixture is finished place the mixture on the toasted tortilla add some hot sauce and presto you have breakfast burittos! And you have less leftovers to worry about in the fridge. 

The only difference I would make next time is to add a little sour cream or Greek yogurt to add a little creaminess in the mix. 

Pregnancy, Week 4

Physical Symptoms: Still a little bit of cramping but it is not bad. I get somewhat dizzy especially in the middle of the day, breast tenderness and overall I just feel bloated. The jeans are squeezing a little tight. I am still exhausted but sleeping like a champ! Oh and running to the bathroom every hour but it could be from all the water I am drinking.

Food Weirdness: Still have not touched chocolate, nor want to. And healthy things still seem more desirable than unhealthy things.  Why can't it be like this when I am not pregnant? I didn't even want a Slurpee... who am I?

Size of little bug: Poppyseed!

Workout: Trying to get activity in everyday even if it is just a long walk. I have been finding long walks or running helps keeps my mood stable. Better mood and trimmer waistline, not a bad combo!

Preparation: Started taking pregnancy vitamins aka. horse pills. and made a doctor's appointment for September 26th! That day we will meet with the doctor and do an ultrasound. I have also started keeping records in my Ovia Pregnancy App. And I read, read, read about stages of pregnancy all the time.

Discovery: This week little bug turned into an Embryo! Wow! It's getting real!

Funny Moment: Found out Carrie Underwood is also pregnant. Dreamt about our babies being best friends along with Carrie and I being BFF's. It was kind of funny/weird how excited I got about her being pregnant too.

Feelings: The emotions are real. I have went from being scared of pregnancy to now being scared something with happen in these very fragile weeks. I cry a lot more than usual. It's also a struggle for us to know when it is appropriate to share the news with friends and family. It's hard keeping such a big secret! Chris is great, reassuring me about everything and keeps reminded me he is not going anywhere. I have the best husband ever. I'm sure this is just the beginning of the crazy emotional roller coaster. Strap in!

Test #3. Just to make sure. 

Well that was a Surprise!

The McMahan family has some BIG news! I am pregnant! It was not planned but we also knew we had a higher probability of getting pregnant with the type of birth control we chose to use so... here we are!

Because I track my temperature daily, I noticed it kept going up despite it being time for my monthly friend to visit. A woman's temperature will drop when she starts a cycle until ovulation, then they will remain high until the cycle starts again. Science...I love it!

Since my temperature remained high and I was completely exhausted last week (another symptom) I decided to take a pregnancy test on Saturday, August 23rd. Within it a minute it came back positive. I took another on Monday, August 25th and it again came back saying I was pregnant (see pic).

So as of today I am 3 weeks 4 days pregnant! It is still surreal to both Chris and I and we are taking every day as it comes as we (especially me) have experienced a wide range of emotions. Since we have only told a couple of close friends and are not telling anymore for a while. I needed an outlet, a place to write down my experience. Thus the revival of my blog. It will remain private until we officially make an announcement. So, basically I am writing to myself. Hi Emily!

Physical Symptoms: Who knew the physical symptoms would start so early! During week two and continuing I am exhausted and need to go to bed early or fall asleep on the couch watching tv, specifically Suits (we are on a Suits kick). During the third week I have experienced major cramping which means little bug is implanting in my uterus.  I also have experienced a lot of dizziness, breast tenderness and swelling and frequent urination which are all common symptoms of this stage. Luckily I have not had any morning sickness which some experience as early as week 3.

Food Weirdness: I do not have any cravings but I am repulsed by sweets. I have a huge bowl of chocolate (one of my favorite things) sitting in front of me at work which I have had wanted nothing to do with. The other night Chris ate ice cream in front of me and I could have cared less. I am trying to eat healthy and so far it has been an easy choice. I have also cut my coffee back to only one cup a day which is the caffeine intake they say is okay for little bug.

Size of little bug: Poppy Seed!

Workout: Working out as normal. Chris and I have been having fun working out together at home using Fitness Blender!

Preparation: Will take another pregnancy test this weekend and order pre-natal vitamins. Once I get the third confirmation I will make an appt with the doctor.

Discovery: At 3 weeks the neural tube, basis of the brain and spinal cord are already forming! Crazy!

Funny Moment: Last Friday we went out to dinner with Chris' dad and stepmom and they joked about us asking them to dinner to give them baby news.  We weren't, we just wanted to hang out but the next day we found out about the pregnancy. Who knew a little babe was brewing that night?!?!?

Feelings: In complete honesty, my feelings about pregnancy are all over the place right now. I was not expecting to get pregnant so soon after marriage so it is hard for me to give up some things we hoped to accomplish before a baby like trips and buying a house. Also, just thinking about finances and wondering if we are ready emotionally, relationally and physically for a baby. Its a lot to think about but Chris has been so supportive, loving and reassuring me things will all be okay.

2012, 2013 and mid 2014 Wrap-Up

Obviously, I have not posted in...forever.  I apologize.  Here is a recap:

Met Chris is June 2012, here is recap of our first date:

On our first date, Chris picked me up and took me on a picnic to Griffith Park.  He brought all the ingredients and served me by making my sandwich.  We both wore our cowboy boots because we love all things country. Afterwards we went and walked around Gritffith Observatory.  We stayed until closing but I didn't want the date to end, so I suggested we go to a Whiskey Bar downtown.  This is where we really connected and I realized I was sitting with a person who I wanted in my life for a long time.

Many conversations later and a few more hangouts, on June 16th, 2012 he came over we had a date at Cafe Brasil and then jammed on his guitar singing together.  Then he said he had something share with me.  He wrote a song for me! After he finished playing, he asked me to be his girlfriend.

Fast forward to August 15th 2013 where Chris asked me to marry him at Zion National Park in Utah. We were there with friends and celebrated by calling our loved ones and then taking the rest of the weekend to hike and enjoy the beauty of Zion.

Then came our wedding day of March 22, 2014 in beautiful Camarillo, CA at McCormick Home Ranch. It was one of the most beautiful and joy filled days of our lives!! This was the day I also became to a second mom to Chris' son Jonah!

In May, we traveled to Italy and Greece for our Honeymoon. No words can describe this experience.  Such history, romance and amazing food/wine.

Now here we are a family of four! Chris, me, Jonah and little Bailey (woof!).

Yosemite: Half Dome

For months my friends and I have been planning a trip to Yosemite National Park. Not only a visit, but to hike one of the most famous and risky hikes the park has to offer, Half Dome. We have been preparing for months with heavy training. You would likely find us on a Saturday, waking up early and putting in 12-18 miles, encountering snakes and even a bear! We felt prepared for any obstacle... well almost.


You can't prepare for things out of your control like Amy breaking her foot in April causing her to have to bow out of the hike or Rob coming down with the nasty flu a day before, putting him out of commission too. Nevertheless, our group soldiered on, determined to catch a glimpse of Half Dome, if not by hiking, by driving. Our group members included: Tim, Matt, Amy, Rob, Shalom, Stephanie, Janell and myself.


So on Friday, June 22nd we piled in to two cars and made the drive up to Yosemite. We stopped at a BBQ joint close to the park and then settled in to our awesome cabin in the woods. Stephanie, Janell and Shalom prepared an amazing meal all with food provided by my church Hope. Shalom's guacamole was amazing, I am still thinking about it. We all went to bed around 9pm anxious about the next days hike.


Shalom, Stephanie, Janell, Tim and I woke up at 4am to start on our long day hike to Half Dome. We were on the trail by 5:30 starting at Glacier Point and were greeted by two grazing deer and dew covered ground. We saw the sunrise over half dome and would not see another person for 4 hours.


Our hike encompassed many different terrains. We traveled through tree shaded lowlands, grassy fields, over waterfalls and eventually ascended over the tree line onto granite rocks which ultimately led us to our destination, the base of Half Dome.


The base of Half Dome is where you momentarily stop hiking and another challenge begins, climbing the cables to the top. It is so intimidating to look at. It's straight up the side of a smooth granite rock, the only thing keeping you from not falling off the side is two cables. And you just see a line of people going up the right side and another line of people coming down the left side. At the base of the dome is a pile of gloves left by people who have completed the accession and donated for the use of other hikers.


Janell and I were feeling quite nervous about this dangerous trek but the rest of our group provided good encouragement and support. We soldiered on. But sometimes, once again, things don't go a perfectly as planned, my mind got the best of me that day and would only allow me to get 1/3 of the way up the cables. My fears of heights and anxiousness set in and I couldn't get passed it, and went back down to the base while the rest of my team bravely kept going.


Upon their return they spoke of the difficultly of the climb up the cables, how to never look down and gripping the cables with all their might. But they also spoke of the amazing views and how you felt as if you were on top of the world! And although I was disappointed in myself, I was proud of them and also proud of how far I had come 14 miles and we still had more to go.


We made out trek back down the mountain taking a different route so we could see Vernal and Nevada Falls. Both of the falls were absolutely breathtaking. I was amazed and the power of the water falling and the amount of it. Truly beautiful and fills you with awe of God's creation.


After it was all said and done we arrived at in Yosemite Valley around 7pm. We had hiked 22 miles in 14 hours, truly something to be proud of! After finding my car Matt and Amy graciously left in the valley for us we took a smelly ride back to the cabin excited for long showers and a spaghetti dinner that was awaiting us.


We exchanged stories and pictures with Matt and Amy who drove to see Yosemite's sights that day, filled ourselves to the brim with spaghetti and crashed.


The next day, we got up went back to the overlook so Rob could see Half Dome and headed home but not all of us were satisfied. For Matt, Amy, Rob and I we have called for a Half Dome Redemption Hike 2013, where we are determined to stay healthy and make it up the cables. My boyfriend Chris (yes, that's right, I said boyfriend) wants to join us too since Half Dome is on his bucket list.


But for this trip I am so proud of our group. From securing a cabin, winning permits, enduring long training hikes, to making adjustments due to obstacles this trip was an absolute success and one that will be marked in my memory forever.

Panoramic View of Half Dome

Sunrise on Half Dome

Hiking!

Climbing rock stairs before reaching base of half dome

Half Dome Cables

Steph and I beside Vernal Falls

Vernal Falls

Nevada Falls

Instagram Half Dome