22 weeks

21 Week Update

21 weeks

21 weeks

Better Late than Never: 18, 19, and 20 week update

I haven’t blogged in the last three weeks because I have been busy at work and I simply haven’t felt like it. Though I haven’t blogger, I have maintained taking weekly photos of myself. During the time that I haven’t been blogging, I felt my first kick. If I must say, it felt so good to feel him moving. It is a weird feeling, but it lets me know that everything appears to be okay.

As I said in my earlier post, when we had the gender reveal ultrasound, there were no CD’s available therefore I didn’t get any ultrasound pictures. I had to call the diagnostic center for three days straight practically begging for the ultrasound pics to be sent via mail. Apparently it was the hardest thing for them to agree to. Two days later, I received the package and I felt like Ralphie on a A Christmas Story when he got the disappointing message “be sure to drink your ovaltine”. I was expecting the CD along with print pictures from the ultrasound. It was just a CD and the picture quality was not the best. Arrggghh!

How far:  20 weeks

Weight: Gained a total of 8 lbs

Sleeping: Just okay. My arms are going to sleep from trying to maintain sleeping on my left side.

Cravings/Aversions: Normal appetite though I really like cheese fries with buttermilk ranch, ewwww.

Morning Sickness: NONE

20 weeks

19 weeks

18 weeks

The wee wah!!!!

Thumbs up

17 Week update: Gender Reveal

Week 17 has been a good week! I still have remnants of my sinus infection, but it is way better than it was last week. I turned 29 this week and I found out the sex of our baby. We are having a boy! We are absolutely thrilled! It honestly did not matter what we were having, but counting down the days to the gender reveal ultrasound is a nightmare and more suspenseful than watching a horror movie alone. The ultrasound determined that everything was right on track as far as size goes. The baby is transverse which means that he is lying sideways. My due date was changed from Jan. 1 to Dec. 29 and the heart rate was 148. The ultrasound was disappointing simply because “they were out of CD’s”. Really?!?! I did not get any ultrasound pictures and they said that I could call and pick them up after a few days. I again asked the technician for one ultrasound picture and she said that all the images will be burned to a CD and that they have to the CD in order to print pictures of the baby. It just didn’t make any sense to me that the ultrasound department did not have one little CD! Regardless of how frustrated that made me, I was happy to see our baby boy moving, flipping, and having his thumb up. Prior to finding out the sex, Baby was determined not to show his private parts. The technician continuously poked my stomach and I rolled from side to side. While all this was happening, I had a full bladder that was so full that it hurt. She then suggested that I empty my bladder, so I ran to the bathroom, leaving my shoes behind and it was instant relief. While I was in the bathroom, I danced and did a few jumping jacks trying to get Baby to move his leg. I then went back into the ultrasound room and we tried again. Well it was plain and clear after that, we saw the “wee wah”. After the ultrasound appointment, we headed to the 2^nd floor to see the doctor for the monthly appointment. My blood was drawn for the quad screening test and I gave a urine sample. My blood pressure was great and my weight had increased a total of five pounds since the last visit. According to the ultrasound report, the doctor said that everything was right on track and appeared to be normal. He used the heartbeat Doppler and stated that the heart rate was 140. My doctor stated that he would call me if there were any abnormalities from my tests and if not, he’ll see me at next month’s appointment.

I forgot to mention above that after we found out the sex, we called everyone to the point where it killed my battery. I turned my phone off because it was almost dead and I didn’t need to talk to anyone else. My mother did not get the gist of us declaring that day as “our day” because she blew Jarvis’s phone up for the rest of the day! I wasn’t mad, I just shook my head and I fully understand that she is just excited to know. Some of the events that took place that day was going to Babies R Us, Target, The Galleria, TJ Maxx, Best Buy, and eating at Firebirds.

 Of course we created baby registries too!  We also started the day off by eating breakfast at I-Hop because I had a coupon for a free birthday meal. Jarvis gave me a birthday card with money and the card was a singing card. It was so loud and hilarious. Overall, this day was extremely fun and exhausting. When we arrived back home, we talked for a few and I called myself watching some TV afterwards. I was so tired that I went to sleep all night with my glasses on, now that’s serious!

On Saturday, July 30, 2011, we hit some yard sales. Yes I said “we”. During a conversation last week, I was saying that once we find out the sex, I would like to go to some good yard sales. Jarvis said “since I’m off on Saturdays now, I will go with you”. I briefly heard crickets chirping because I did not ask, he volunteered. Well when Saturday morning arrived, I woke up first and wrote down our yard sale itinerary. I then got him up. He got up with such ease and grace. We started in Trussville and worked our way back home. We went to six yard sales and by the 2^nd one; he declared “I love this, its fun”. He even posted it as his Facebook status, “I love yard sales”! Jarvis told me that this was his first time ever in his life to go to a yard sale. I was thrilled to have his company and happy that he enjoyed himself. I think it became fun to him when he saw all the nice, stain-free, hole-free, name-brand baby items we got for $1.00 or less. My motto has always been “it can be washed”. Second-hand items allow me to use my washing machine to its full potential meaning, steam and sanitize cycle. Two years later, I am still thankful that I was blessed with my HE washer and dryer that I just had to have.

Here is the dehumidifier I got for $5.00. I didn’t want to buy a new one and I am glad I ran across this one. It is in perfect working condition. I bought it from an older couple. Having a dehumidifier was also suggested by my nurses and doctor.

Here is the pregnancy related talk. I still have remnants of my sinus infection, but I am glad to be feeling way better than I initially felt. I did take a weekly picture from week 16, but I refuse to put in on this blog because I look like death.

 How far: 17 weeks

Weight: 2 more lbs totaling 5 lbs.

Sleeping: Like a baby *knock on wood*

Cravings/Aversions: None! Eating what was planned.

Morning Sickness: Some dry heaving with heartburn and indigestion.

Last time I checked, I was the one pregnant 2nd post.....

This morning DH and I got up and fixed some breakfast. I had a bologna biscuit and a piece of cheese toast. I know, two breads are not the best thing to eat. Well DH had white rice, scrambled eggs topped with cheese, and Conecah sausage. Okay, it doesn't sound that bad, BUT he mixed it all together in a bowl. So what I'm saying is that the bowl contained rice, eggs, cheese, and sausage that was all touching. It looked horrible! As usual, I looked at him and said "Ewwwww, that looks like throw up".

Another meaningless post......

16 Week Update

Week 16 is starting off as a bad week simply because I have a cold/sinus infection or something like that. Not to mention that I get extremely sharp gas like pains in my back. I shouldn’t say this because I will regret it but, week 16 has been the worst week thus far! Dealing with what comes with pregnancy is cool, but having both nostrils stopped up at the same time and constant nasal drip is a nightmare for me. I feel like having a cold in the summer is way worse than having one in the winter, geez! Though I have this list of approved medications from my doctor, I am still hesitant to take anything. Throughout the day, I finally broke down and took some Sudafed and it made me feel better for about 3 hours or so. I also resorted to using the Neti Pot and I that means that I was desperate. The Neti Pot is so awkward for me to use, I absolutely hate the choking feeling that it gives me.

Since I have been pregnant, I just recently realized that I have been neglecting my stockpile and couponing. I have thrown away a whole lot of expired goods which I normally give away at least one month before the expiration date.

On a lighter note, I got my piano this past weekend! It is not new; it is actually my piano that my parents purchased for me in 1990 or 1991. Eventually I would like to have it refinished into an espresso color. It is still in tune for the most part, there are about 3 keys that sound horrible. Though I cannot play as well as I used to, I am practicing again and I am thrilled that I can play for our unborn child. It was very important for me to expose the baby to the sound in hopes of it being easily recognized later on down the road. I know that I am wrong but, piano lessons are the only thing that I plan on doing to live vicariously through our child.

How far: 16 weeks

Weight: Gained three pounds

Sleeping: Sleeping has been horrible for me because of the sinus infection. I have been waking up every hour this week to either use the bathroom or blow my nose.

Cravings/Aversions: Everything has been the same, nothing new. I have not had any Chinese food or spring rolls this week, go me!

15 Week Update

I’m not that fat, I’m pregnant. Okay, I know that it’s all in my head, but I feel like a giant and that everyone looks at me and wonders is she pregnant or just fat. It is not as obvious on my pictures fully clothed, but when I undress, I have “the bump”. Recently DH and I were looking at my belly in pure amazement and at the same time thinking “it ain’t even big yet”. This week I had an emotional breakdown about getting bigger. Believe it or not, I really hate crying because it’s so loud and ugly. Some compare my cry to Lucille Ball……right! What set me off was when I was trying on some of my non-maternity clothes and nothing would fit like it used to and most of my maternity clothes are still too big. Reality set in when my zipper would not stay up. I’ve been winging it with my regular clothes by wearing ponytail holders and belly bands to keep my pants up. I did not like wearing the belly band because it has been so hot and humid lately.

JThis week I made a run to CVS to purchase some Colace. I will not elaborate on that subject. L

On a better note, I will be a God-Mother within the next few days. My friend Jennifer Garrett will be welcoming Jenna Rochelle into the world and I cannot wait.

How far: 15 weeks

Sleeping: Sleeping is okay, just can’t sleep throughout the night.

Weight: I lost two pounds (don’t know how)

Cravings/Aversions: I’m still killing Chinese food like it’s going out of style. Pepper steak and onion along with spring rolls are my fave. While grocery shopping the other day, I found heaven in a carton. I ran across some Blue Bell Cotton Candy Ice Cream. I love cotton candy ice cream! The only other kind that I eat is the TCBY that I have only seen at the Grub Mart TCBY in Jacksonville, AL.

The last time I checked, I was the one pregnant...

My dear husband’s appetite is so nasty! The other day he ate two hotdogs and a can of chicken noodle soup at the same time. I just looked at him and said that does not go together. Can we say utterly disgusting! I thought that I was the one that supposed to be eating weird stuff. Then to top it all off, he ate a big bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Overall, I am doing very well with my eating. Sometimes I indulge in bad things, but for the most part I don’t. Maybe someone (husband) is using my pregnancy as an excuse to overindulge!?!?!

This was a meaningless post……

14 Week Update

After almost two years of trying, and 14 weeks of pregnancy, I think I can finally accept the fact that I am really pregnant. Though I am already ready to feel 100% “normal” again, I would not trade the feeling in for anything in the world. As I look at my stomach, I often wonder are my eyes playing tricks on me or is it getting bigger. Well it is still getting rounder and rounder. I do foresee purchasing a body pillow in the near future, because I have to barricade myself in the bed each night for comfort. Though I want the $60.00 pillow, luckily I am too cheap to buy it and a $12.00 pillow will have to suffice. As July 29 slowly approaches, we are getting so excited about finding out the sex of the baby. We are so excited that we have already planned our day following the appointment. Our first stop will be at Buy Buy Baby then Babies R US!!!! Of course we will be going out to get some good food as well. I’m thinking Texas Roadhouse or Surin West.

How far: 14 weeks

Sleeping: I don’t even want to go there. As I type, it is 5:25 am and I have been awake since 3:50 am and have to be at work at 8:00am. I would sleep better if I didn’t have to pee every 2-3 hours and I am just appalled by the amount of pee that comes out when I go. I always think “you woke me up for this” or “this could have waited until it was time to get up”. I often remind myself that what I am experiencing is nothing; the worse is yet to come.

Weight: Gained 3 pounds

Cravings/Aversions: Okay I have been eating green beans like they are going out of style! Green beans, tomatoes, and onions have been so good to me. We went to Mobile this weekend and I was able to indulge in some seafood that was absolutely delicious. I ate butterfly shrimp two days in a row and crawfish. The crawfish were so spicy that I just knew that I would pay for it later, but everything turned out fine. Needless to say, I did not eat BBQ, but I did get some to-go and froze it for later on.

I am very ashamed of the fact that I ate an entire box of butter toffee Crunch n’ Munch in one day.

12 and 13 week update

My morning sickness has gotten so much better from when I first found out that I was pregnant. It is not gone completely, but it is better. My clothes continue to get tighter and when I wear a cotton dress, it is obvious that I am pregnant. During week 13 on June 29, 2011, I had an appointment with the doctor. It was just a routine check-up. I went to this appointment alone because DH had to work. I was not expecting an ultrasound as a matter of fact; I did not know what I was expecting. I gave a urine sample and then met with the doctor. He asked me how I was feeling and asked if I had any bleeding or spotting. Well luckily the answer was no and no. I then had an ultrasound…..YAY! I was so excited, yet sad that I was there alone. Once I laid eyes on the screen, I instantly had the warm and fuzzy feeling. I could have cried tears of joy. The little legs were kicking rapidly and the hands were waving. It is so weird that a life is growing inside of me. I then asked my doc when would I be able to find out the sex of the baby and he said at 17 weeks. Woo Hoo! In exactly one month from the date of this appointment, we will know the sex of the baby, July 29, 2011. That is going to be an excellent birthday gift!

How far: 13 weeks

Sleeping Patterns: Wish that I did not have to pee every 2-3 hours and sleep all night

Weight: According to the doctor, I lost two pounds since last visit

Cravings/Aversions: I still want spring rolls and pepper steak with onion on a regular basis. I was craving some Taco Bell on this day and went to get a crunchy taco and a nacho supreme with no sour cream. That was a big mistake. I threw up for five minutes straight. It was the worst feeling. I felt like I could not catch my breath nor see because my eyes were watery. Needless to say, no more Taco Bell for me!

12 weeks

13 weeks

13 weeks

11 Week Update

Well I am 11 weeks and my pants continue to grow tighter. I am so glad that I am not one to get easily offended because this week, I have gotten “you are getting so big, look at you” and “wow you are showing fast”. Ugh, I’m actually not because it is just fat and being bloated. I have had a lot of nausea this week and felt as though I could really vomit, but of course I couldn’t do it. Ridiculous as this sounds, I am afraid to vomit because it puts me in a panic frame of mind and my heart races and I break out into a sweat. The last time it happened to me is when DH and I were riding down I-65 and I got sick in the car. I thought that he would have to rush me to the ER over panicking and vomiting. I remember it like yesterday and it was absolutely disgusting simply because it came out of my mouth and nose at the same time. As I type, I am watching “Strange Addiction: Still Addicted?” on TLC and viewing previews of the Freaky Eaters episode about a woman addicted to eating tartar sauce. This is a bad combination for my nausea and totally my fault for watching it. Anyways, I’m just rambling because I have nothing interesting to write about.

How Far: 11 weeks

Sleeping Patterns: I can sleep on command.

Weight: +2lbs and pants are getting tight

Cravings/Aversions: I have been craving spring rolls from the local Chinese restaurant.

11 weeks

First appointment with regular OB/GYN

Well I had my first appointment with my regular doctor. I did not have any blood drawn or anything which I was not prepared for because lately I’ve felt like a human pin cushion. Getting in and out was very quick and I absolutely love it because the doctor always takes his time with me. During this first appointment, I had to undergo the much dreaded Pap smear and breast exam. I was really not feeling the breast exam because they are so sore. The doctor gave me a belly ultrasound and I so was not expecting it. Sadly I have gotten so used to vaginal ultrasounds that I was disappointed because the quality of the picture was not as good. While DH and I were meeting with the doctor in his office discussing the pregnancy, I asked the doctor for a picture of the ultrasound and it wasn’t even a good picture because I threw it away. He told me that I would be taking the Glucophage throughout the entire pregnancy and can stop the suppositories at week 12. He asked me if I wanted an epidural and I quickly said “yes!” and that I also want a c-section. He asked me why and I gave him my reasons and he somewhat agreed with me. At the end of this visit, I was scheduled with two appointments. The first appointment specifically for blood work and the second appointment is with the doctor for a routine visit.

How far: 10 weeks

Sleeping Patterns: I don’t have any energy and been extremely tired to the point where I want to stop in the middle whatever I am doing and take a nap.

Weight: Still maintaining but doctor says that I should not gain more than 25 lbs throughout the pregnancy.

Cravings/Aversions: I ate a couple of Nathan’s Hotdogs this week which were really good. I tried it with onions and it was wonderful. All my life, I’ve only eaten hotdogs with ketchup only.

Morning Sickness: I have had one of the worst weeks thus far with sickness. I did not vomit, but as I said before dry heaving hurts and makes me feel bad!

10 weeks

Did not work for me

Morning sickness, Dry Heaving, Pictures, and other Pregnancy related stuff

Throughout my pregnancy, I have experienced sickness every single day. I feel extremely nauseous in the morning and at night. Every morning I dry heave for a minimum of 10 minutes which gets old after awhile. Dry heaving hurts deep down in my stomach/diaphragm and I can’t stand it. Although I am thankful for not throwing up every day, I don’t know which is worse between puking and dry heaving. My doctor recently wrote me a prescription for Zofran, but I have not taken it yet. I keep saltine crackers and peppermints on hand for my nausea, but I don’t feel any relief. I also have Tums stashed everywhere for my indigestion and I don’t see that I am getting any relief. One thing that helps me out a lot is Sprite. For those mornings that I am super tired, I drink one can of Coke.

Pregnancy Related Stuff:

How far: 9 weeks

Sleeping Patterns: I am still going to sleep on my own. Prior to the pregnancy, I took sleeping pills frequently and now I am nodding by 8:00pm and sleep by 9:00pm. I am a light sleeper, but now if DH wakes me up, I quickly fall back asleep as opposed to how waking up once would ruin my good night’s sleep.

Weight: Maintaining, none gained or lost, but very bloated.

Cravings/Aversions: I have seriously been craving sugar cookies from Subway. I have not given into the temptation because I don’t think I can handle it. I have also been craving vanilla ice cream melted down into a soggy cone, yum! One of my favorite foods is the chili cheese fries from Sonic which I can no longer eat because the baby does not like it. Lemonade, green apples, and orange juice are big no no’s for me as well. I have been forcing myself to drink strawberry and chocolate milk here lately as a source of calcium. I hate milk!



Jen 32 weeks, Me 9 weeks

9 weeks

8 weeks

7 weeks

7 and 8 week ultrasound

Seriously?!?!

Since I found out that I was pregnant, I have been in serious denial. I have taken at least 10 pregnancy tests. I took off work for an appointment the doctor on May 12, 2011. This appointment with the doctor was scheduled for I got pregnant. I had my first ultrasound which showed me to be 6 weeks and 4 days. With that being said, Sunday’s are the weekly pregnancy milestones. My progesterone levels were 47.1 which are considered excellent. According to the doctor, the baby had a good strong heartbeat and he felt continuing to take the Glucophage will be very beneficial to me and the baby. At the end of the day, I know that this is going to be worth every agonizing moment, but I am so tired of having diarrhea everyday because of the meds. I have not had any morning sickness, but I dry heave now more than ever before. I came very close to morning sickness one morning due to a co-worker cooking something at the office that smelled like something I cannot describe that lingered all day. I have had a lot of heartburn and indigestion which I have never experienced in my entire life. I asked the doctor was it too early for this and he said no because my body has to get used to the hormones. I’ll go to the clinic for the next two weeks then I will be released back to my Ob/Gyn. I’m very glad in a sense because this has been very expensive. As of right now (May 15, 2011) I have been dealing with a toothache. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest, this toothache has been a 1010! I won’t stop hurting and I simply don’t understand because I have had a root canal along with crown on the tooth. As stated by my pregnancy books, dental pain is associated with pregnancy and nothing can be done in the first trimester. Can we say I have been crying like a baby and could easily burst into tears as I type. Nothing works! I just want to get the tooth pulled and I have never had a tooth pulled because I was always afraid, but it doesn’t even matter because I want/need some relief. I’m grateful that my tooth decided to ache over the weekend and I pray that it does not do it while I’m at work because I will cry…..

I'm Pregnant :)

I found out that I was pregnant on April 25, 2011 and it was such an exciting moment! Here’s how it all went down. I went to the doctor for blood work at 9:00. A few hours later, I kept calling the patient voicemail for my lab results and there were no messages. Finally at 1:37 pm, I received a call from a nurse on my cell phone, and it did not ring, it went straight to voicemail. That was so frustrating.  So I called back and left a message for a nurse to call me back and the message clearly stated “all calls received after 2:00 will be returned the following day”. So after that I just said well I guess I’ll know my results tomorrow. At approximately 4:00pm I gave in and took two pregnancy tests. One of the tests was a cheap strip test and the other was a test from Dollar Tree. Both tests were negative. Afterwards I decided to lie down and watch tv. At 5:05pm, the home phone rang and it was the doctor’s office. I answered and the nurse asked for me. I think that I blacked out during some of the conversation. She said “your progesterone levels were very high” and she named something else “indicating that you are pregnant”. My heart was beating so fast and I calmly said “are you serious, OMG I’m going to put you on speakerphone so that my husband can hear you”. She said it again with husband listening. He instantly started doing the ugly cry. I would have been boo-hooing but I was too shocked to do anything. I was instructed to continue progesterone suppositories twice daily along with prenatal vitamins, and Glucophage. I was also instructed to make an appointment for next week for lab work and an ultrasound. After I call ended with the nurse, I dug the pregnancy tests out of the trash can and the strip test had two lines indicating pregnancy and the Dollar Tree test was inconclusive. We hugged, and hugged some more and then talked about when and who we would tell first. We called my parents and then we told his mother and sister via skype. I am so surprised that DH’s mom did not think something strange was up because we were determined to get her on skype. DH told them by holding a $1.00 book up to the screen that I purchased from the thrift store titled “So You’re Going to Be a Dad”. They screamed and we laughed.