Everything's Great in Week 8!

All About Us

So, I can picture you on the edge of your seat, waiting to read how our very first Dr's appointment went. Well, let me tell you, you can go ahead and sit back, because it was rather disappointing. Jason and I were super-excited for this appointment because we thought we were finally going to get some of our questions answered and even more exciting, get to see the baby's heartbeat. I got up early, shaved my legs (what kind of Dr. wants to feel prickly legs?), and tried to look my best for our first glimpse at our baby. I started the car and off we went to encounter one of the best days of our lives. We walked in and watched Saved By the Bell until we were escorted by a "Medical Assistant" (whatever that is) to a small, 6 x 6 room. The "Medical Assistant" then began asking me all these questions about my health and sex history. She then asked me if my current sexual partner had ever engaged in intercourse with a man - I looked over at Jason and asked him, "Well, have you?" It was quite funny - I guess you had to be there. Moving on, I finally asked the girl if I was going to see the Dr. today. She said "no" and my heart sank. She stated that the Dr's don't see pregnant women until they are 10-12 weeks along. In my head I thought, "bullshit," but I kept my cool. She then walked out of the room and had Jason and I listen to some 10 minute tape that she obviously did not have time to say herself. I was so sad that I sank in my chair and laid my head on Jason's shoulder and began to cry. I felt like I had been stood up by my own Dr. She had the potential to show Jason and I the most amazing thing we have ever seen and in an instant, it was stripped away from us. After the long, monotonous tape was over, we were brought to the room where they draw blood. I have never had a needle in my arm for as long as I did here at this visit. The woman took 6 viles of blood from me - most likely to check my hcg levels (pregnancy hormone), to check for the cystic fibrosis gene, my blood type and Rh status, my iron level, my antibody titer levels, and possibly whether I have rubella immunity. This was not told to me, this was something I learned by reading my book, What to Expect When You're Expecting. The only good thing about this entire appointment was that I learned I only have to pay one $40 copay for the entire pregnancy (not including labor and delivery). This was extremely relieving to us! We got our next appointment date, February 25, and off we went. On my way to work, I contemplated whether I had made the right choice in Doctor's. How could my Dr. not want to see me on my first visit? It just didn't make sense to me. I decided that I would wait until our actual first appointment with her to make that judgement. Hopefully, our expectations will be met at this next appointment and we will get to see our baby at last!

This week, Jason has been catering to my needs as usual. I am still sick, but towards the end of the week I have been feeling better. He is very good to me and doesn't take things offensively. I may have snapped at him a few times, but he was able to stand back and realize that it was just the hormones talking. I feel extremely lucky to have such a kind, understanding, and loving husband. I had a craving for lasagna and he had no problem going to the grocery to get me the ingredients I needed to make it. I've noticed that once I crave something and have it, I don't want it anymore. The list so far has been nachos and cheese, yellow cake with white frosting, and lasagna. I was able to get my hands on all of these items, but thinking of them now makes me ill. I have been trying to eat a lot of veggies and fruit - even though that's not what I want, I know it's what baby wants. Also, it helps my most recent pregnancy symptom - constipation. Anything that will help "move things along" looks appetizing to me!

It kind of seems like I haven't had a good week, but really I have. Any week that our little raspberry is still with us is a GREAT week.

Little Raspberry

Our little one is now the size of a large raspberry. I knew you would get sweeter! You are measuring a half an inch in length (always measured head to rump). That still seems so small! But if you compare an Appleseed to a large raspberry, there is quite a difference in size. You have been growing up a storm! Your heartbeat is going strong at 150 beats per minute. A very exciting thing - you are beginning to make spontaneous movements in your arms and legs. This is so neat to think about. I obviously cannot feel these movements. You have quite a bit of room down there, so get moving my child! It's kind of like when mommy and daddy are about to fall asleep and we jerk our legs - a spontaneous movement.

You were comforted this week by your brother, Angelo. Ang has been sick the past few days and has been laying his head on mommy's abdomen for comfort. I have a feeling that Ang knows you're in there. You also got to hear your pseudo Aunt Ashley and cousin Isaac as they visited us on MLK day. You are going to have so much fun with Isaac! You two can do all sorts of things together. He might boss you around, though, since he'll be a year older than you, and most likely, a lot taller than you.

Here's to another great and amazing week of pregnancy!

Sizzling Seventh Week

All About Us

Talk about COLD! The past few days have put the B-R-R in brrrrrrrrr! It's not even pleasurable to go outside for some fresh air. I'd rather stay inside by my electric heater, watching movies like Sex and the City, all day long. I might add that I sobbed like a baby when Big stood Carrie up at the beginning. And I probably cried at least 5 times after that. Oh the joy of pregnancy hormones!


The idea of pregnancy has not gotten old to us yet. I don't feel like I will ever get over the joy and anticipation of a human being growing inside of me (please don't make me eat my words in month 7). Baby making is a full-time job - and I'm not talking about the actual act of baby making. Making sure I take my vitamin and fish oil every day, drinking at least 64 ounces of water, exercising, flossing (yes, I hate it), avoiding alcohol (hey, this is hard, especially after a long day at work), resting, stretching, eating, positioning my sea bands, cutting up lemon to put in my water (for some reason I have an aversion to plain water), the list goes on. Then, waking up and doing it all again the next day. But, the crazy thing is, if I weren't pregnant this would all seem like a chore - like a punishment I was forced to do. The fact that I know that all of this will increase our chances of having a happy, healthy, bouncing baby makes doing these things more enjoyable and less of a nuisance. Let's not forget Jason's pregnancy "to-do" list - taking out the trash, cleaning out the cat litter box, cutting my lemons for me when I am too tired to get my butt off the couch and cut them myself, eating pasta 5 times a week because that's the only thing I don't have an aversion to, and the list goes on. But he does it because he wants what I want, and what you all want too - a perfectly healthy baby. One with 10 fingers and 10 toes (although we would be still be happy if he was missing a few). One that is so sweet, that when you kiss him he tastes like a blueberry.

Our Blueberry


Blueberry, we love you! Mommy was sick for most of the week, not being able to stand to eat much. I've been told that this is due to all the extra and weird hormones that you have brought to my body. That's OK, though. Bring them on, I say! Blueberry, when we see your smiling (or screaming) face, it will all fade away.

Now, you will see me referring to you as a "he" throughout the next couple of months until we find out for sure. If you are a girl, please don't take this offensively because your Mommy and Daddy will love you with whatever you come out with - a baseball bat or a Prada bag. It makes no difference to us! It's just a lot easier for mommy to refer to you as "he" instead of "he or she." I hope you understand!


Daddy and I have been talking a lot about our first Dr.'s appointment, which is in a couple days. I will most likely burst into tears when I see your heartbeat and I have a feeling that Daddy might get a little teary-eyed. I am hoping that we get to hear your little heart, too!



I can't believe how much you've grown so far. Apparently, you are 10,000 times bigger than you were when you were first formed at conception. You are the size of a blueberry - and as sweet as one too! Your mouth and tongue are forming and your brain is growing at a rate of 100 cells per minute (the fish oil that you are getting from mommy will help this process so you can become a very smart blueberry). Your arms and legs are separating into segments that will become your feet, hands, upper arms, lower arms, upper legs, and lower legs. Your kidneys are fully functioning and waiting for you to start peeing. As long as I don't feel it, pee away my child.


Tomorrow, you will be covered with a Big Ben jersey because Mommy (and, I know he will never admit it, but Daddy too) will be cheering for the Steelers to win against the stinky Ravens. Then, they go to the Superbowl to win it once again! But dont you worry, as soon as you come out we will have a Big Ben jersey waiting for you as well!


My question is, can you develop into anything more sweet than a blueberry? I guess we will find out next week!

Wild Week 6

All About Us

Week 6 has proven to be quite a roller-coaster ride. It was Jason and I's first week back to work since the holidays, so the days were filled with a hectic atmosphere. I felt pretty good throughout the week, only suffering cramps and sore nipples (sorry men). After I let my coworkers know about the bun in my oven and how easy it has been for me so far, a dark cloud of nausea came upon me. Since Thursday, I haven't been myself when it comes to eating. I haven't been able to look at most foods, let alone eat them. Nothing seems appetizing to me anymore. Food to me right now is like fuel to my car - something I have to do to keep it running. I am the queen of eating and I love food. Now, I despise food and hate that I have to force myself to eat it. I took my mom's advice and got some ginger ale, which has been soothing to my stomach, but it still doesn't make me hungry. I also have a bottle of Tums by my side at all times. At least I won't have to worry about getting enough calcium. I am extremely emotional lately. Today at mass, I had to hold back tears because the songs that were being sung were so beautiful. Seriously?!

Jason has been extremely helpful to me so far, as I knew he would be. He comes home from work and greets the puppies then comes over and kisses me and kisses my belly, or what he refers to as his little pea. He gets me anything I ask for, even with a smile on his face. We're talking more about home improvements this week than the baby, mostly because we want everything done before the baby gets here. Also, home improvements seem more real than the baby at this point.

Sweet Pea

Our little sweet pea! You got to spend the week with mommy at work. You got to witness what I do when I'm at work. You heard me advising a lot of students and consulting with other grown-up people. You got to feel mommy's stress as she administered a career high of 3 high stakes tests in 1 week. You looked forward to Daddy's kiss every evening when he got home. Sweet Pea is relieved that we are relaxing now, waiting to watch the Steeler's crush the Chargers.

Our little baby is getting bigger every day! You are now the size of a sweet pea (no, really?). Your heart is beating faster than mine. You now have eyes, ears, a nose, cheeks, and a chin. All of your major organs are taking form - kidneys, liver, and lungs. If you are a boy, Daddy and I have been given hope that you will have a chance at a career in NFL football because of Darren Sproles. Your daddy and mommy are both vertically challenged, so chances are, buddy, you will be too. Even though you are making me sick, Daddy and I already love you more than anything.

5th Week

All About Us


Welcome to our 5th week! The pregnancy idea is sinking in one day at a time. It doesn't feel completely real yet, but it has us thinking of things we weren't thinking of a month ago. This morning I spoke to Jason about possibly needing a new car. It's hard enough getting things out of his backseat, let alone a baby. A topic that will for sure be revisited soon. Also, last night we spent some time on http://www.care.com/. This site has a listing of babysitters/nannies who post their profile in hopes of finding job. We perused the list and found a couple that we liked, but again, this is a topic that can be revisited at a later time. We are hoping for someone that can come to our house and watch our baby. We would only need her for 5 hours a day, 4 days a week, which is why we are straying from daycare. Fortunately, our jobs overlap in a way that we would only need a babysitter for 20 hours a week. The hard part will be finding someone that we actually trust. Hey Momma, ever think of moving to Cincinnati? :) Or maybe we need to move to T-county!


I have been weary of exercising lately, something that I didn't want to happen. I have been partaking in moderate exercise like walking, but nothing heavy like running or working hard on the elliptical. The day I found out, I went to the gym and ran. I checked my heart rate and it was over 140, something that you are not supposed to let happen. I was very bummed because I rely on cardio for my mental and physical health. The big picture then hit me, and I decided that moderate exercise is better than none. So I will be taking it easy for the next 8 months - don't you worry mom!


In the past couple of days, we have told our close family and friends. Most of the reactions were filled with excited screams, hugs, and many congratulations. We had to swear them all to secrecy before we make the big announcement, which will hopefully be around week 8, after we hear baby's heartbeat at the Dr.'s office.



As for the actual physical symptoms of pregnancy, I have gotten lucky so far, and pray to God that it will stay that way. I have had a pounding headache everyday coupled with menstrual-like cramps, though not as severe. I have read that this is due to the uterus stretching and growing to make a cozy space for our little apple seed.



Apple Seed

Right now, baby is the size of an apple seed, according to http://www.thebump.com/. I've seen it referred to as a grain of rice in, The Joy of Pregnancy, and an orange seed in, What to Expect When You're Expecting. The term, "Apple seed" seemed to fit with me better. Jason and I have been doing a lot of reading lately. After I read a month, then he reads it too. I made him stop at 3 supermarkets to find the book, What to Expect When You're Expecting, but none of them had it. I finally had time yesterday to go to Border's and get it. We have learned so much already from it! It's interesting to know that our baby's heart is already formed and beating. Wow! Baby's neural tube is formed, which will eventually become baby's spinal cord and brain. I read where baby looks like a tadpole right now. Tune in next week to find out what our little apple seed is up to! (Graphic thanks to http://www.thebump.com/).

Introduction

Hi! This blog is intended for two audiences: 1) Our friends and family; and 2) Our baby. Yes, by this sentence you have learned that Jason and I are expecting a baby. Expecting it to do what, you ask? Smiling, I ask that question because many are unaware that we were even trying. When some may find out, they may outwardly or inwardly question, "Was this planned?" Our succinct response is a resounding "yes!" While it was a surprise in that we thought it would take a lot longer, we had been praying for it since we decided to start going at it. While I won't succumb you to the details of what "going at it" actually means, I will fast-forward to the day we found out.

The night before, Jason and I had decided to go get a pregnancy test. I was 2 days late for my period, which didn't alert me to anything unusual because the previous month I was 6 days late. Personally, I wanted a definite answer to the question, "Can I have a couple (three, four, five) drinks on New Years Eve?" We then went to Walgreen's and the sight of a sale on Clear Blue Easy Digital caught my eye. The results were in the words "Pregnant" or "Not Pregnant." Words were more reassuring to me than plus or minus signs. In addition, I had used the three pack the month before, all which resulted in "Not Pregnant," so I knew that they were reliable. With our handy FSA card, we casually bought the package of three. Jason and I decided that I wouldn't take one until New Years Eve Day, which was 2 mornings away.


Well, needless to say, the next morning I woke up and wanted to take one. "What's one day?", I thought. So while Jason was taking the dogs out for their morning pee, I was peeing on a stick. Exactly one minute later our lives changed forever. I flushed the toilet, almost positive to see a "Not Pregnant" as I glanced over at the test. However, when I looked over, I saw something very different. My breath was taken away and I felt like I was watching myself on a movie. The test read "Pregnant" and I immediately started chanting, "Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh." I ran downstairs and as Jason was walking in with the dogs, my chanting greeted him along with the test. Initially, he heard the rush of water from the flush of the toilet and thought that I had caused some kind of plumbing mishap (which very well could have been the case). Then, he looked at the test, joined me in my chant, and we started to hug and cry. We were excited, scared, and nervous, but mostly excited. We wondered how accurate the test was. I was sure there couldn't ever be a false positive unless I was on some sort of medicine or had some kind of condition, as the test measures a hormone only found in pregnant women. There was only one way to find out. After the second test I peed on was positive, it was positive in our minds that in 8 months, we would be welcoming the joy of our lives into this world. (I might add that a third test was taken the next day - can you guess what the digital reading was?)



My question was answered - No drinking on New Years Eve! We are full of joy, anticipation, and feel truly blessed by the good Lord above for answering our prayers. We hope that you follow us on this roller coaster of a journey that is pregnancy. While many of you will not begin reading this for months to come, I hope that you can be entertained and informed by our story from day one. God Bless!