Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Pregnancy, Week 16

Physical Symptoms: Honestly, I feel really good! Lots of energy! My only complaints are constipation (sorry, had to say it) and feeling icky after I eat too much. But I am so grateful that I am overall feeling great!

Food Weirdness: Get away from me salad! Come on over yummy ice cream/milkshakes!  Trying to balance my good eating/bad eating is challenging!

Size of little bug: Avocado!!

Workout: Enjoyed a lovely long and somewhat challenging hike with Lindsey and Janell last weekend and have been doing the 15-min fit breaks during work along with walking at lunch!

Preparation: Switched our health plan from a PPO to an HMO so we can save tons of money on the labor and delivery/ hospital stay. Thankful for working for a company that has great benefits and also thankful we are in open enrollment so we can switch to the HMO before giving birth.

Discovery: Last week I went to the doctor and asked her for a quick ultrasound to see if she could see the gender. Well, little babe was doing a headstand and we could not tell.  So I made an appt at Heavenly Ultrasounds that weekend, paid a fee, to see if we could find out the gender. Sunday after church, Chris, J & I went to the appointment and the baby was making it easy (legs wide open) for us to see that we are having... drum-roll please... a GIRL!

Funny Moment: Chris and J's faces when we found out it was girl! You could tell 100 things were running through their minds. We are all excited though! Chris says he feel like he has to throw everything he has learned raising a boy out the window. I am sure we will use a lot of that knowledge but yes, raising a girl will be different. We will do great and J will be a great big brother!

Feelings: I am bursting with excitement to share this pregnancy and surprise them with the gender when we go to VA for Thanksgiving. Cant wait to share these moments with my family.

Also, over the weekend we took family pictures so we can finally announce publicly I am expecting. We haven't received them back yet but cant wait to post! That picture will also serve as my 16 week belly bump photo.

PS: We pretty much have already decided on the name :)

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Pregnancy, Week 15

Physical Symptoms: I am feeling great! I have only experienced a few symptoms one being that my nose is always stuffed up. Also my ears tend to pop because of my stuffiness and I sometimes get nosebleeds. They say this is very common during pregnancy. Also, in really fun news, sometimes I feel the baby.  I only feel it if it gets up near my ribs. It feels like gas bubbles in my upper abdomen but I imagine the baby doing cartwheels and back flips.  I especially feel it after I eat or workout.  So fun!

Food Weirdness: Ill eat anything and everything and the more ice cream the better.

Size of little bug: Pear

Workout: I have been pretty consistent in working out.  They have started having 15-min fit breaks at my work 2x a day, I have been walking with my co-worker pretty consistently and I have started doing some pre-natal yoga which has been fabulous! It helps me get all stretched out and it is preparing my body for childbirth.  Chris and I have also done a few Fitness Blender workouts. So I feel good about my activity this week.

Preparation: Chris and I have started talking names! We have come up with some good ones so far!

Discovery: The baby can hear now. I am trying to figure out what that means. Should I read to my baby bump? Put some headphones on my belly and play Mozart? Or is that stuff just kind of silly?

Funny Moment: I cant think of anything in particular but I do enjoy blaming eating unhealthy food on the baby "Baby wants some ice cream," is most common.

Feelings: I am starting really embrace the baby bump. Now out of that awkward looking chubby stage I have found some cute clothes and have started enjoying seeing this bump grow. I get a little anxious when there are quiet moments at the house, where all is at peace and there is nothing demanding my time or attention. Will this be the last few months of experiencing this? Anticipating how my/our life will change is daunting. One day at a time...


Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Pregnancy, Week 14

Physical Symptoms: I LOVE THE SECOND TRIMESTER. My energy is back! I can see why people encourage you to get everything done in preparation for the baby now. If it wasn't for my expanding belly and food restrictions (wine) I wouldn't even remember I was pregnant. I am so grateful for this time in my pregnancy! Some ladies do not feel as well as I do so I am counting my lucky stars.

Food Weirdness: None. I love food. Especially ice cream and milkshakes. And salt! Anything with salt! Pass the pretzels!

Size of Little Bug: Georgia Peach

Workout: I am happy to have energy back to workout. Chris and I ran a few miles at the track the other night and I have a desire to start doing Pregnancy Yoga. Hopefully I can report about that next week.  One thought about running though.  This weekend I wore a belly band while running and it made my stomach feel so much better.  In the past, I have run without a band around my belly and it felt like little babe was just flopping up and down and it pulled on my stomach a lot.  In reality, babe was sitting comfortably in my womb but the belly band makes mama feel a lot more comfortable and supported while running. Also, in regards to working out, is that I really need to be careful not to over do my activity. The other day I had to take a personal day from work and I walked a few miles, did chores, covered our furniture in the garage, etc. etc. That night, I had a tiny bit a blood in my urine. It freaked me out! Thankfully, there was no other bleeding after that so it was just my body telling me to SLOW DOWN! I will be a lot more careful moving forward.

Preparation; This week we decided on switching our insurance to an HMO because it will save us so much money when I give birth. Thankful to work for a company with amazing benefits and open enrollment has started so we can easily make the switch. Also, I talked with my HR to see what kind of maternity leave I am granted.  I was a little disappointed with the answer in terms of time off but thankful I signed up for supplemental disability when I was hired so I can get 70% of my income while I am away.  Chris and I are trying to come up with alternative ways to make up the rest of the 30%. Grateful for my hardworking hubby!

Discovery: Everyone has an opinion about what I should eat, wear, act, prepare. I am choosing to be comfortable in my own skin and trust that my choices are the right ones for me. Trying to consider but be decisive about other people's advice. Basically, take what I need from it but mostly trust my own instinct.

Funny Moment: Since it is fall, I was walking out of Target holding a Pumpkin in front of me that I bought in preparation for Halloween.  When I looked down at the pumpkin I realized that one day my belly will be as large as this pumpkin! CRAZY!

Feelings: I have been in a really happy and joyful mood.  Sure, I have my days where I feel exhausted or just off but in general I am content and living in every moment.  Trying not to look too far ahead but enjoy the moment for what it is.  November is my favorite month so I am ready to squeeze every drop out of it and enjoy every second.

Week 14 Belly Pic




Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Pregnancy, Week 13

Physical Symptoms: Some people say week 13 is the start of the second trimester and some people say it is week 14. I'm going to go with week 13 because I have been excited to hit the second trimester since week 1! Why? Well, in your second trimester your energy starts coming back and you start feeling better.  I have seen signs of that this week. I do not need to snack as often to feel well and I have had a lot more energy getting up in the morning and staying up at night. The only bad symptom I have this week is gas. But gassy in weird places like my side near my ribs. Usually I need to lay down for a a little bit for it to relieve.  Sorry if TMI but pregnancy does weird things.

Food Weirdness: I really have no food weirdness anymore. I can eat anything! But still craving southern food like crazy. Can't wait for Thanksgiving Day in the south!

Size of Little Bug: Jalapeno

Workout: Feeling a lot more energy to workout. Have been walking during lunch at work, took a hike on Saturday and have done some Fitness Blender workouts! My only complaint is that I run out of breathe quickly.

Preparation: We haven't really done anything since buying furniture the other week but we have started saving money for baby and started talking more about what type of maternity leave I will be able to take, etc.  I have a meeting set up with my HR department this week to go over more details. It is so confusing!

Discovery: Little babe is nearly doubling in weight each week at this point! I feel like I am too. Ha Ha!

Funny Moment: We were at the elementary school fall festival with J and our family had a theme: Scooby Doo. J was Scooby, Chris was Fred and I was Daphne. It turned out really cute. J was running around with one of his friends and told him that I was pregnant and the little boy said "Well I guessed that by looking at her!" I just laughed but the little boys mom was like "I am so sorry! I hope he didn't offend you." I was not offended at all but it was really funny.

Feelings: Sometimes I feel overwhelmed as in, can I really handle a child 24/7 for the next 18+ years!?! But I remind myself that every new parent probably feels this way. With a great husband and a mighty God by my side I will be able to handle whatever the future holds!

Side note: Got away to Palm Springs with some girlfriends this weekend. It was such a relaxing and refreshing time! So thankful for Chris running the household while I was there including loading up a Costco!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Pregnancy, Week 12

Physical Symptoms: I am actually starting to get some energy back! For example, I actually had enough energy to empty the bathroom trashcan. At the bottom was the last pregnancy test I took which was around 6 weeks ago. Onward and upward!! (Sidenote: I need to give Chris credit because he has been great helping out the past 6 weeks. Many times he has cleaned the entire house. We just neglected that poor trashcan).

Food Weirdness: It's starting to become not weird and just normal that I crave fried things like french fries! I am no longer needing to eat every 2-hours to feel well. Now I just eat every 2- hours because I am hungry. I have taken a particular liking to ice cream with chocolate sauce. But in my defense,  in all the advice columns I have read stated ice cream = calcium. No shame. I also had a freak out that I should only be eating organic foods. I am really happy for those who can afford to do so but also glad that it is not required.  For information about that and other common questions, I recommend you read The Panic-Free Pregnancy: An OB-GYN Separates Fact from Fiction on Food, Exercise, Travel, Pets, Coffee, Medications and Concerns You have When You Are Expecting by Michael Broder. 

Size if Little Bug: Plum

Workout: Pretty much back to my same workout routine pre-pregnancy...workout when I am able to between work, family, food events, sleep, etc. Though, I am starting to walk during lunch with my fellow pregnant friend in my department.

Preparation: Chris and I (via facebook) found a great deal on a really nice crib and changing table through a friend. Also, my mom was gracious enough to help me out with some funds for maternity clothes! Shopping spree soon! We are so blessed!

Discovery: Everyone who has been pregnant or has known someone who was pregnant will offer unsolicited advice. Grin and bear it.

Funny Moment: Chris and I got together with a group of friends the other night and we wanted to announce the pregnancy to them all at once. Chris wore a sign that said "Bun Maker" and I wore a sign that said "Bun in the Oven" with a picture of a bread roll. It was a hit!

Feelings: Besides still getting frustrated easily (ex: minor freak out when it took me 2-hrs to get to work today) I am in happy spirits! Chris and I had an amazing weekend relaxing and laughing.  We were both in such positive moods and light-hearted! I am pulling out of my emo state!

TOMORROW STARTS THE SECOND TRIMESTER! SO EXCITED!


Week 12 baby bump picture!




Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Pregnancy, Week 11

Physical Symptoms: I feel like I am starting to get some energy back. I am still exhausted at the end of the day but I have more energetic spurts. Hopefully those spurts will increase! Other than that I am feeling great! So thankful!

Food Weirdness: Still cannot eat wild game. We have some frozen deer meat we need to eat but I just cant bring myself to do it.  I am craving carbs, protein and salt.  Chips & fries specifically.  But I am not eating all things horrible. My snacks consist of fruits, veggies and yogurt.

Size of Little Bug: Brussel Sprout... Gross. This is the only "brussel sprout" I have ever been a fan of.

Workout: Ran 2 miles the other night...felt like I conquered the world.  I also did some pilates, cross training workouts and some lifted some hand weights. Feeling much better about my workouts this past week!

Preparation: Bought 1 pair of maternity work pants and 2 pairs of maternity jeans.  Had to go to Ontario Mills Outlets because they were the closest Old Navy with maternity clothes.  That place is a zoo. The older I get the more I hate crowds. If you love crowds, go there.  One of my friends said she went there on a date once. That would be the first and last date for me. Ha!

Discovery: Went back to the doctor this week! All good things to report! The baby is huge, coming in 4 days larger than my due date. I knew I was growing a linebacker! All the tests so far have come back normal. The person doing the sonogram said that the fluid on the back of the baby's neck looked normal which means there is a low risk of downs syndrome.  Baby had all it's fingers and toes and everything is progressing normally. So very very thankful!

Funny Moment: When the sonographer saw the baby was measuring 4 days larger than my due date she said "you may want to think about cutting back on carbs." I just had to laugh and told her "but that is all I want right now!" I followed up with the doctor and she said I shouldn't worry about it the baby will grow at the rate it wants to. Pasta anyone?

Feelings: I am feeling better about my body image now that I have clothes I am comfortable in. Buying cute maternity things have done wonders for my confidence. I can still look cute but not beat myself up for busting out of my pre-pregnancy jeans. Money well spent!







 

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Pregnancy, Week 10

Physical Symptoms: Every night I go to bed wondering what crazy, wacked out dream I am going to have. They usually are not scary or sad but man they are random and so vivid. Besides the dreams, I can fall asleep like a champ at 10pm. I am still so exhausted.  The first 2 hours of my day I have tons of energy. By 6:20am I am ready to go back to bed (I get up at 4:20am). So try to catch me in that early morning 2-hr window if you want energized Emily. All my preggos that surround me tell me that your energy comes back in the second trimester. I am counting down the days.

Food Weirdness: Anything unhealthy, I want it. Get away from me salad. Remember, the first post when I was craving healthy food and hoped I would stay on that track? Well, the train derailed, hand over the fries.

Size of Little Bug: A Date. How about we make that date stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon. Mmmm....(I dont want to eat my kid, btw)

Workout: I force myself to workout sometimes just so I don't feel like a complete sloth. Last night I decided to lift some hand weights.  I looked a lot like gumby. I was trying to lift the weights but my arms were like limp noodles.  My plan now is to up my game in the second trimester (snicker, snicker). We will see how that goes.

Preparation: Bought my first pair of maternity pants, leggings. They look awesome and feel awesome but it has been 100 degrees in SoCal (its October, what a crime) so I haven't been able to enjoy them. Cant wait!

Discovery: Little babes is head makes up half of its size right now. Brainiac!

Funny Moment: This week we revealed the pregnancy to our parents via skype.  This was such an exciting time. But the funniest moment was when my mom facetimed while driving. Que sharing the news and her bursting into happy tears. Driving + Facetime + Crying + Shock = Dangerous, but she made it home fine so it ended up being funny.

Feelings: I am going to take a moment and be really honest. Some may think I am being superficial, and that's okay, because I already feel the guilt of that label. But the bloating, weight gain and overall not being able to fit into many clothes has really been hard for me. Usually when I gain a few pounds, I change my diet, workout a little more and everything goes back to where I am comfortable. Right now I feel like I am in that place of where I would usually make some changes but know that this feeling is not going away and in fact my body is only going to get bigger! I have to remind myself there is a baby in there and its a beautiful miracle! But I see women walking around who are fit and trim, like I used to be and honestly I get super jealous. It sounds so superficial, I know! But my girlfriend (who is also pregnant) put it this way, "I never knew how much the body changes while pregnant would get into my head." That is so perfectly stated. I am excited to let this little guy or girl grow and I make sure to not deprive myself of nutrition and food (aka. food weirdness entry). So, I am confident my mind will soon catch up with my body and my body image will sway to the positive but right now its just difficult, Just being honest!