2011: A look ahead and some resolutions

2009 was a difficult year for our family. 2010 was a year of great and wonderful changes. 2011 looks to be the year of establishing the "new normal" for our family.

Dan will finish his masters degree in the spring. That will be a huge relief for both of us and enable him to spend more time with me and Liam. It would be nice if it came with a raise, but I'm not going to hold my breath on that part. He is expecting a very good review at his job in the spring and hopes to be able to negotiate working from home more often.

Liam will probably go through the biggest changes in 2011. He'll roll over, crawl, sit up, walk, eat solid foods, say his first words, get his first teeth and so on and so on. I can hardly imagine the 14 month old toddler he will be this time next year.

I feel like I will have to be diligent this year in order not to stagnate. This will be the first year in a long time without major changes in my social life, education or career. Being so new to my role as a mother, I should hope to be a better mother by this time next year, but that goal is difficult to measure.

One of my main goals for 2011 is to get back in shape. Pregnancy was rough on my body. I am only one pound away from my "happy weight" that I was pre-pregnancy, but my stomach is really flabby and I lost a lot of muscle in my arms and legs. I need to improve my diet and start exercising again. I have tried to do the couch to 5k program a couple of times and never finished. I think I can do it this year if I cross-train to strengthen my knees and back. I should blog my progress with the C25K.

Personally, I want to improve my cooking, photography and piano skills. I talked to Dan about taking piano lessons. He doesn't think lessons would do me any good and that I should just commit to practicing. I should set up the keyboard in the dining room or living room to remind me to practice. I think blogging will keep me accountable in working on my cooking and photography.

So here are the goals and my plan to do them:

Complete the Couch to 5k 

• Stretch before running to avoid injury
• Cross train (cycling and swimming) on at least 2 of the off days per week
• Begin by May 1st
• Complete by August 31st
• Blog progress weekly once I begin

Improve Diet

• Limit myself to 1 soda per day (no refills at restaurants!)
• Limit myself to 1 sweet treat per day (no exceptions for special occasions)
• Eat a real vegetable with every dinner (potatoes & corn do not count)
• Drink at least 64 ounces of water every day

Improve Photography Skills

• Record Liam's growth with a similar photo each month
• Blog about a photograph each week 

Improve Cooking Skills

• Try at least 2 new recipes every month
• Blog about a recipe every week

Improve Piano Skills

• Learn a new song every month beginning in February 
• Learn the keyboard well enough to play 2 song I already know in January
• Blog a video of myself playing the new song at the end of the month

Get Household Back in Order

• Stick to the envelope system for our budget at least 10 out of 12 months
• Sew Liam's crib skirt and curtains by January 31st
• Put up a photo wall in the foyer
• Baby-proof the house within 30 days of Liam beginning to crawl
• Finish unpacking boxes by February 28th

Book Review: 1984

1984 by George Orwell

Neutral

This is one of many classic books that I haven't read yet. I did the International Baccalaureate program in High School and I read lots of Latin American books instead of many books that most high schoolers read. I did George Orwell's Animal Farm in 2001 and feel practically the same about both books.

I love that George Orwell dives right into the story before explaining the vocabulary he made up for the book. You don't have to know where Oceania and Eastasia are to understand the world he created, though it is nice to find out later. I love when authors make up words.

I wish that some of the secondary characters were slightly more developed. The only character that you really grow to know and understand is Winston, the main character. I really would have liked to know more about his co-workers, his neighbors and Julia.

***Spoilers***
My brother lent this book to Dan to read, but I got a hold of it first. I told Dan not to read it. He hates books that don't end well. He has been pressing me for a synopsis and suspects that the main character is martyred. That's not the case. This book ends with no hope and left me feeling very sad for Winston, Julia (his lover) and the whole world Orwell created.

Essentially, George Orwell imagined a post-WWII world with 3 socialist superpowers in constant war with each other. The leaders (Inner Party) of Oceania (the Americas, southern Africa, Australia and the British Isles) use the war to divert resources to keep the middle class (Outer Party) and poor (Proles) in their respective social classes. They also control the information by constantly rewriting history (this is Winston's job) and changing the language (to Newspeak). If you don't have the words, you cannot have thoughts about ideas such as justice, equally and freedom. The Inner Party monitors everyone at all times (Big Brother is watching you.)

Winston begins to think about what the world was like before the Inner Party established power (though they claim that they have always been) and consciously knows that the news he "corrects" is nothing but lies. He meets Julia, who feels the same way. Eventually both are captured. The torture and medical processes that Winston endures alter his mind until he is compliant with the Inner Party and believes his memories to be false. The book ends with him worrying about the safety of the Inner Party and expressing love for Big Brother.

2 month photo

As one of my goals for 2011 (post coming soon), I want to record Liam's growth with a similar photo each month of him in the glider with his stuffed cow. Here is his 2 month (and 4 days) old photo.

8 Weeks

Liam is 8 weeks old today. He weighs 12.4 pounds and is adorable. In the last few days, he has discovered that he can control his hands. He chews on them constantly and can whack the toys that hang above his play mat. (He can also reach out to me when I get close to his face.) He loves to be sang and talked to, especially during diaper changes and when he wakes up in his crib. He is very social and will smile at anyone who talks to and smiles at him. He is still fascinated by lights.

We are still struggling with his sleep. Lately he has been going to be for the night later and later. We are pretty consistent about his bedtime routine between 8 and 9pm but he won't sleep for more than 20 minutes until midnight. After he does go to bed, he'll sleep 3 to 4 hours at a time until noon the next day. Often, he will be up for 2 or 3 hours in the middle of the night. That is the most frustrating part. My mom bought him the Sound Spa projector. That worked great the first night, but not since. I read that babies often have trouble sleeping when they reach a milestone, so him finding his hands my have him too excited to sleep. I hope he gets better about sleeping soon.

Me? I've got 3.2 pounds of pregnancy weight left, though my belly is flabby. My linea nigra is starting to rub off.

Book and Movie Review: North and South

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Neutral

I have read almost all of Jane Austen's novels, so the early English language was no a problem for me. I had a very hard time finishing Ms. Gaskell's book. Perhaps because it was originally published in chapters in a magazine, the story did not move at a good pace for me. It was either lots of big events or none at all.

The story was pretty good, though. I thought that the plot and characters were well developed.

I watched the BBC miniseries version of the movie and liked it very much. I would recommend the movie slightly more than the book.

6 week update

So Liam is 6 weeks old today. He really is wonderful and I love being his momma most of the time. He is getting big so fast and I am trying hard to enjoy all of the little moments.

Liam:
Weight: about 10.5 lbs
Sleeping: very inconsistent. There have been a few times he has slept 5 or 6 hours straight. Other nights, he will wake up after 2.5 hours. The hardest part is when he is up for 2 hours in the middle of the night.

Liam is social smiling now, which I love! He's pretty good at holding his head up. He likes looking at lights, riding in the car/stroller and getting baths.

Julia:
Weight: 109.6 lbs (4.6 lbs above pre-pregnancy weight)

My body is still out of whack. My wedding rings fit again, but all of my shoes are too small. My hips are still too big for most of my jeans and I have extra flabby skin on my belly. My linea nigra is still as dark as ever. I was so sick last week. It was really hard to take care of Liam. I couldn't have made it through the week without Dan staying home to help me.

Dan is a really good dad. He loves holding and playing with Liam. He's getting pretty good at diaper changes. Sometimes he forgets to "troubleshoot" Liam when he cries, but he's doing a great job.

Happy Halloween

Liam is 5 days old today. I will eventually post the story of his birth.

39 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: 134.8 (+29.8 from starting weight, +3.6 from last week, yikes!)

Symptoms: back ache, tired, sciatic nerve pain, contractions, nausea, heartburn

How I am Feeling: I am so tired. I am trying really hard to get out and do things before the baby comes, but its getting harder and harder to get out of bed. 

Best Thing about Pregnancy:  The baby has moved down into my pelvis, so the kicks in my ribs aren't bothering me so much anymore. The itching on my belly has also stopped. 

Worst Thing about Pregnancy:  The waiting game is really difficult. I hope that every little pain will turn into labor. Last Friday, my OB said he didn't think I would make it to my next appointment. I knew not to believe him, but I couldn't help getting my hopes up. 

Recipe: Key Lime Pie

 Key Lime Pie
(adapted from Key Lime Pie VII recipe from allrecipes.com)

Dan's Rating: 8 or 9 (because Key Lime Pie is one of his least favorite desserts)

9 inch graham cracker pie crust
2 14oz cans of sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup of sour cream
3/4 cup key lime juice
whipped cream

Others who tried the same recipe said that it took 20+ key limes to make 3/4 cup of juice. I must be an efficient juicer because it only took me 14 key limes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Combine sweetened condensed milk, sour cream and lime juice. Pour into graham cracker pie crust.
Bake for 5 to 8 minutes (took me 6 minutes) until tiny bubbles appear on the surface. Do not brown. Chill pie before serving. Top with whipped cream. I made whipped cream from scratch using heaving whipping cream, vanilla and powdered sugar. I also used Wilton tip #21 to make the whipped cream design.

Book Review: The Time Traveler's Wife

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Highly Recommend

I devoured this book. I started reading it on Thursday night and finished it by Friday night. Ms. Niffenegger's writing style was easy to read, but not juvenile. She does use very strong language throughout the book, so this is not a book for the easily offended.

*Spoilers*
I felt like I could relate to the story. The main theme of the book is how love survives all opposition. The couple's obvious trial is the time that they spend apart do to the husband's "chrono-displacement." While most wives do not have to deal with their husbands' involuntary time travel, Clare and Henry DeTamble's greatest trials are things with which ordinary couples struggle: trust, infertility, deaths of loved ones and religious/moral differences. Being 2 weeks from my baby's due date, I had a really hard time reading about the loss of Clare's pregnancies.

38 Weeks

Weight: 131.2 (+26.2 from starting weight, +1 from last week)

Symptoms: back pain, braxton hicks contractions, itchy belly, tired

How I am Feeling: I am so ready to be done with being pregnant. It is getting old. 

Best Thing about Pregnancy: Dan is so great at taking care of all of my needs. He rubs my back when it hurts, takes me out to dinner when I don't want to cook and holds me when I feel sad. I am really thankful for him. 

Worst Thing about Pregnancy:  I did it today. The thing that all pregnant women dread. I peed myself. I felt nauseous, so I went to the bathroom to be sick. Each time I threw up, the pressure on my abdomen pressed hard enough on my bladder to make me pee. I guess that's the only thing worse than throwing up- throwing up and peeing myself. I am so done. 

An open letter

My Dearest Baby Vickery,

I am on to you. You may not quite realize the technology that we have here on the outside world, but it is pretty amazing. I know that you are about 6.5 pounds and have a little bit of hair. I've seen your strong heartbeat and your practice breathes. I know that you are ready to come out and be with me and Daddy.

Why then, child, must your torment me so? I beg and plead that each little contraction will escalate into real labor. Partially because I am so excite to meet you, but mostly so that the discomfort of being 9 months pregnant will end. I have been praying since February that you stay where you are so that you can join us fully formed and healthy. Since you are, it's time to vacate the uterus. I suggest that, if you have any desire to have a brother or sister in the future, you make your way to the exit sooner rather than later and as gently as possible.

If this isn't agreeable to you, and I understand how comfortable and warm you are in my belly, can we come to some other arrangement? I won't force you out for another 3 weeks, but you have got to remove your feet from my ribcage. It is completely unacceptable for you to be kicking me there and will result in me taking any measures to evict you.

All my love,
Your Mommy

37 Weeks Pregnant

Full term!

Weight: 130.2 (+25.2 from starting weight, +0 from last week)

Symptoms: itchy belly, heartburn, back ache, braxton hicks contractions, sciatic nerve pain

How I am Feeling: I'm doing okay. My itchy belly is slowly driving me insane. I've been really tired and my sleep patterns are very irregular. Some nights I sleep for 10 hour and feel good the next day. Some nights I sleep for 4 hours and catnap all day. 

Best Thing about Pregnancy: I love Dan. He's so good to me. I've been really needy the last few weeks and he's okay with that. He rubs my back at least twice a day and usually rubs my feet at night to help me relax and get to sleep. He also loves the phrases "full term" and "any day now." His excitement for this new chapter in our lives in infectious and I am so excited for him to become a father. 

Worst Thing about Pregnancy:  I've spent the last 9 months learning how to be pregnant and have neglected learning what to do when the baby is born. The last few weeks I have read a few books on basic newborn and infant care, but will that really prepare me to bring home this tiny person? I guess I don't have any choice, do I?


Month 9: Watermelon

At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

36 Weeks

9 months. How on earth did I get to be 9 months pregnant?

Weight: 130.2 (+25.2 from starting weight, +1.2 from last week)

Symptoms: sciatic nerve pain, backache, constantly having to pee, braxton hicks contractions, my skin is stretched so thin that it hurts

How I am Feeling: I am feeling very anxious. Seriously. This baby could decide to be born pretty much any day now. 

Best Thing about Pregnancy: Well, I've made it 9 months without any stretch marks on my belly or chest. I have quite a few on my bottom that showed up earlier, but they are starting to get lighter already. 

Worst Thing about Pregnancy:  I am starting to wake up with back and belly aches in the morning. It sucks to feel worse in the morning that I did the night before. I am not getting up twice during the night to go to the bathroom. I have gotten so use to it I don't even turn any lights on, so it's not too hard to get back to sleep. Sometimes I'll go to the kitchen for a glass of milk in the middle of the night if heartburn wakes me up. Dan and I use to not get through a gallon of milk before it would expire. We're going through 2 gallons a week now. I love milk. 


I think Dan is starting to get anxious, too. Someone needed him on Sunday, so Mike Henderson went into the Sunday School class to get him without letting him know who was looking for him. I happen to be in the hall at the same time, so he automatically thought that I sent for him and it was time to go to the hospital. I think he intellectually knows that it doesn't happen that fast, but all movies and tv shows make it appear so and he has become programmed. 


Group B Strep test at my doctors' office tomorrow. Hopefully it is negative or it will really throw a wrench into the birth plan. 

Happy 35/35 to me!

35 weeks down, 35 days until the little one's due date!


Weight: 129.0 (+24 from starting weight, +1.6 from last week)

Symptoms: sciatic nerve pain, tired, round ligament pain, heartburn, burping, going pee every 10 minutes 

How I am Feeling: I have good days and I have bad days. I've figured out that sitting cross legged on the floor helps my back hurt less and putting a heating pad on my back before bed will help me get comfortable enough to sleep for a while. 

Best Thing about Pregnancy: Baby hiccups are still the very best thing about pregnancy and I will miss them so much. 

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I hate all of the comments people make about me and my body. I really hate being told how cute and little I am. I don't feel cute and I definitely don't feel little. I've gained exactly the amount of weight I should have. The only comment I have appreciated was a cashier who told me that I look very healthy. That made me feel good. 


It is crazy to me that the baby could arrive any day now. We have everything that we really need for the baby. I've washed all of the clothes and put together all of the gear. It's just a matter of time now. Sometimes I feel sad that these are the last days Dan and I will have together as just a couple and not the huge responsibility of being parents. I'm going to miss being spontaneous and carefree. At the same time, I can't wait to share this next adventure with him and have our own little family. 

I suck at blogging and some pictures

So last week week was rough. I had a very hard time sleeping and was very grumpy. Things have gotten better over the weekend and I have learned how to get comfortable enough to sleep. I did weigh myself on Wednesday morning and was at 127.4 lbs. Not too bad.

Josh K delivered our maternity photos yesterday and I love them so much. He did a really great job at capturing how silly Dan and I are. The more serious photos are stunning also. Here's a few of my favorites.

Week 33

33 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: 127.0 (+22 from starting weight, +0.8 in the last three weeks)

Symptoms: backache, tired, heartburn, 

How I am Feeling: I have had a rough few weeks, but I am getting anxious to meet the little one. 

Best Thing about Pregnancy: I love all of the movements and the baby hiccups. I also had maternity photos done on Sunday. That was a lot of fun and I am really excited to see the results. 

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: The pain in my back is really bad. I'm getting to the point of being ready to not be pregnant anymore. 




Month 8: Honeydew

Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month. 

Week 30

30 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: 126.2 (+21.2 from starting weight, +2.0 from last week)

Symptoms: HEARTBURN!, braxton hicks contractions, nauseous, tired, back ache

How I am Feeling: I've been feeling pretty bad this week. I have had a lot of trouble sleeping and the heartburn is unbearable. 

Best Thing about Pregnancy: The shower on Saturday was great. I had a really good time and we got a lot of things that we need for the baby. Dan's mom bought us a crib! It was so generous of her. 

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I had a glucose tolerance test on Monday for gestational diabetes. I couldn't eat breakfast and had to drink some nasty, sugary stuff. It made me feel really sick the rest of the day. On Tuesday, I had to get a shot of Rhogam. It hasn't been such a fun week. I'm a little disappointed that I gained 2 pounds in one week. Eek!

Week 29

29 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: 124.2 (+19.2 from starting weight, +0.6 from last week)

Symptoms: braxton hicks contractions, tired, acne, burping, heartburn

How I am Feeling: I'm still feeling pretty good most of the time. I've had a couple of contractions that make me have to sit down and take it easy. 

Best Thing about Pregnancy: The little one has been moving a lot lately. It's really neat to feel all of the kicks and jabs and see them from the outside of my belly also. 

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I am getting so excited to finally meet my baby. I can't believe I only have 11 weeks to go. It seems like the pregnancy as flown by, but at the same time isn't going by fast enough. 


I am also very excited for my baby shower this weekend that my mom and sister are throwing me. I have been pretty involved in the planning process, so I know it is going to be very nice. During the shower, Dan is going to play golf with my dad and uncle. That also makes me very happy. 


Even with all of the excitement, Dan and I have had to make some rather morbid choices. We are in the process of getting our life insurance and will plan together before the baby is born. While it is hard to think and discuss what would happen if we should both pass away, we want the very best for our baby and want to make sure that s/he is well taken care of. 


Weeks 29- 32 (Month 7)

Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

Week 28

28 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: 123.6 (+18.6 from starting weight, +1.0 from last week)

Symptoms: heartburn, aches in my neck and back, braxton hicks contractions, acne, tired, stretch marks

How I am Feeling: I had a prenatal massage on Tuesday. I felt really good the first day, but I am starting to feel sore again.   

Best Thing about Pregnancy: I am getting really excited for my little one to get here soon. The time has flown by and I can't wait to meet this person that has been with me for so many months. 

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I have a bunch of tiny stretch marks on my bottom. I can't believe I have them on my butt, which hasn't gotten that much bigger, but none on my stomach, which has gotten huge. I guess I can't complain. I'd rather have them on my bottom than anywhere else. 

27 Weeks Pregnant

27 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: 122.6 (+17.6 from starting weight, +1.4 from last week)

Symptoms: backache, heartburn, trouble sleeping, nausea, acne

How I am Feeling:  I am getting so big that I have been having trouble sleeping at night. I can usually get in a few hours before tossing and turning the rest of the night. It makes me really tired and lazy during the day. 

Best Thing about Pregnancy: My 3rd trimester starts today. It is really amazing how the time has flown by. I only have 13 more weeks until my due date. I can't wait until the little one gets here.  

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I think my hormones are changing again. I have been getting upset easily and feeling unhappy some days. 


Dan and I took a tour of Winnie Palmer on Monday. It was really great and I feel very comfortable having our baby there. They are really supportive of natural childbirth and promoting bonding right away. 

Week 26

26 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: 121.2 (+16.2 from starting weight, +1.0 from last week)

Symptoms: tired, achy, round ligament pain, back ache, heartburn

How I am Feeling:  I am getting to be more uncomfortable everyday. 

Best Thing about Pregnancy: This morning I woke up laying on my stomach. My stomach was really achy and tight. I immediately worried about the baby. It was nice for the baby to give me a couple reassuring kicks to let me know everything is okay. 

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I am feeling like my weight gain is getting a little out of control. This week was good, but I have to be careful what I am eating. I need to start exercising more. 


Weeks 25-28: Eggplant

Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

Week 25

25 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: 120.2 (+15.2 from starting weight, +1.8 from last week)

Symptoms: heartburn, peeing every 10 minutes, aches, linea nigra, tired

How I am Feeling:  I still feel pretty good this week. The heartburn is getting pretty bad and I am sometimes waking up 2 or 3 times at night to use the bathroom in addition to having to wake up to roll over. I am really tired during the day as a consequence. 

Best Thing about Pregnancy: Dan and I are planning on doing the Bradley method for the birth. We have been reading some books lately to help us prepare. We read a chapter about the mechanics of labor and delivery, which apparently Dan knew nothing about. He was really funny about it. He is also really worried about baby all of the time, which is sweet. 

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I am writing my weekly blog entry late this week because Dan's family is in town. That isn't the bad thing. I hate not being able to water ski or wake board or ride in the tube. Dan even worries about the baby when I ride in the front of the boat instead of the back. 

Week 24

24 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: 118.4 (+13.4 from starting weight, +1.8 from last week)

Symptoms: heartburn, uncomfortable, tired, round ligament pain

How I am Feeling: I am still feeling pretty good. There are things that are getting difficult for me to do, like putting my shoes on and cleaning the windshield of my car. 

Best Thing about Pregnancy: Morgan and my mom are throwing me a baby shower on Aug. 14th. I am really excited about it. 

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: Things are still difficult with Dan. I know he is just trying to have fun before the baby comes and I have been really needy since leaving my job. We're not on the same page right now and that is rough. 


Today is another big milestone in the pregnancy. It's viability day for the baby. The baby would have a good chance of surviving should it need to be born. I haven't had any reason to think the baby need to come early, but it is still nice. 

Week 23

23 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: 116.6 lbs (+11.6 from starting weight, +1.2 from last week)

Symptoms: HEARTBURN, acne, always tired, uncomfortable, frequent urination, leaky breasts, trouble breathing

How I am Feeling: I have been feeling very tired and uncomfortable lately. It has hard enough to keep busy now that I am not working, but it's really difficult when I am so exhausted.

Best Thing about Pregnancy: I still cannot get enough of feeling the baby move. I love it so much. I have also been able to see my belly move from the outside when the baby kicks.

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I am starting to get those urges to nest. I keep making lists because I know a lot of the things that I want to do, don't have to be done until later. I wish that we were already back in our house, but we won't be until after Baby is born.

Week 22

22 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: 115.4 (+10.4lbs from starting weight, +0.4lbs from last week)

Symptoms: heartburn, acne, itchy belly, leaky breasts (gross)

How I am Feeling: I am still feeling great. It's such a complete change from how I felt the first 16 weeks or so.

Best Thing about Pregnancy: Dan and I have started seeing my belly moving from the outside. It's weird and awesome at the same time.

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I woke up on Monday morning with two wet spots on my shirt. Just great. My midwife said it was on the early side of normal, but not completely unusual.

What I am Looking Forward to This Week: We are leaving on Friday to spend the weekend in Atlanta. My niece is getting baptized. Dan really needs a trip and I love going out of town and being away from the usual.

This is also my first week of not working. It has been a little difficult to keep busy, but I am trying. There are so many things that I want to get done, but it still seems too early to do much shopping for the baby. That hasn't stopped me from ordering a few cloth diapers this week. I am so determined to make cloth diapers work for us for the environmental, health and financial benefits. Plus, everyone says that I won't be able to follow through with it, which makes me determined to prove them wrong.

This is the end of weekly fruit sizes, monthly from here on out. Sad.

Weeks 22- 26 (Month 5): Papaya

Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

Week 21

21 Weeks Pregnant



Weight: 115.0 (+10 lbs)



Symptoms: round ligament pain, peeing all of the time, forgetfulness


How I am Feeling:  I am pretty happy with the pregnancy this week. 


Best Thing about Pregnancy: I am feeling the baby move all of the time now. It's pretty much the coolest thing ever. 


Worst Thing about Pregnancy: The frequency that I have to pee is getting ridiculous. 


What I am Looking Forward to this Week: Friday will be my last day of work and that is very exciting. 




On Sunday night, the baby was moving around and Dan felt a kick from the outside for the first time. He was surprised at how strong the kick was. I got a little teary because it was really amazing to share those movements with Dan. 


The anatomy sonogram was on Monday. The baby was in a funny position and I was disappointed with the pictures.  I asked the technician to not show us the sex, so that was really great. The body parts looked great and there are no signs of defects. We could see the hemispheres of the brain, all of the vertebrae on the spine, the 4 chambers of the heart, the lungs, the stomach and the kidneys. We also counted 10 fingers and 10 toes. 


Week 21: Banana

 Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you want your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.

Week 20

20 Weeks Pregnant


Weight: the battery in my scale is dead, so I'm not sure

Symptoms: braxton hicks contractions, round ligament pain, peeing every 10 minutes


How I am Feeling: I am still feeling pretty good and am getting my energy back.


Best Thing about Pregnancy: I'm halfway there!!!


Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I don't really feel attractive anymore. I don't think Dan sees me the same way he use to.


What I am Looking Forward to this Week: I have the anatomy sonogram scheduled on Monday. We aren't going to find out the sex of the baby, but I am really excited to see the baby again and for Dan to see the baby for the first time.
 
Week 20: Cantaloupe

 
 Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!

Week 19

I didn't write last week (sweet potato). It was a really bad week. More on that later.

19 Weeks Pregnant
Weight: 112.6 (up 7.6lbs from starting weight)

Symptoms: acne, braxton hicks contractions, back aches

How I am Feeling: much better

Best Thing about Pregnancy: I am feeling the baby move more and more often and I love it so much.

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I'm getting so big and uncomfortable.

What I am Looking Forward to this Week: Reading about fatherhood with Dan. 


There was an unfortunate incident last week at work that resulted in me quitting my job today. I will probably continue working for a few weeks, but it was a bad week. I was also sick last Monday. I vomited a substantial  amount of blood, so I went to the doctor. Everything ended up being okay, but it was another stress to an already bad week. 


This week has been much better so far. Dan and I had a chat about the stresses in our lives. Quitting my job should help with that. 


Week 19: Mango

Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might actually get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature.

17 Weeks Pregnant

17 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: +5.6 lbs from starting weight (110.6)

Symptoms: acne, emotional, round ligament pain, peeing every 10 minutes

How I am Feeling: I've been having a rough week.

Best Thing about Pregnancy: It's almost halfway over.

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: It's really putting a strain on my relationship with Dan.

What I am Looking Forward to this Week:  Date night on Saturday


The past week has been very difficult week for me. Dan is having a mid-life crisis and it's driving me crazy. He has been really focused on himself when I have needed him and his attention the most. The crazy pregnancy hormones have made me over-sensitive and over-emotional. I am so excited to have a child, but pregnancy is just not fun. 


Week 17: Onion

Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. The umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes are now topped by one-of-a-kind prints.

Week 16

16 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: +4.6 lbs from starting weight (109.6)

Symptoms: more acne, a little nauseous, grumpy

How I am Feeling: continuing to feel better, though I've had a couple bad days

Best Thing about Pregnancy: feeling the baby moving for the first time

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I've been really emotional lately- mean to Dan, feeling sad or lonely- for no reason at all

What I am Looking Forward to this Week: I have the second round of blood work for the NT scan this week. The first test looked good, so I hope this goes well also. 


Week 16: Avocado

Watch what you say... tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean the little one can now pick up your voice. Eyebrows, lashes and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming. And, if you're interested, an ultrasound might be able to determine gender.

Week 15

15 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: +3.6 lbs from starting weight (108.6)

Symptoms: acne, trouble sleeping

How I am Feeling: much better actually, no nausea in the afternoons (very little in the morning)

Best Thing about Pregnancy: planning all of the fun baby things

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: looking less pregnant and more like I had a big lunch

What I am Looking Forward to this Week: hoping to feel the baby move soon


Nothing really exciting to report this week. My belly button is so weird and getting weirder as my stomach continues to expand. 


Week 15: 

Continuing the march towards normal proportions, baby's legs now outmeasure the arms. And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Your fetus is squirming and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though you probably still can't feel the movements.

Week 14

14 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: +4.8 lbs from starting weight (109.8)

Symptoms: nausea, still throwing up most mornings, acne, tired, very uncomfortable all the time

How I am Feeling: Uncomfortable

Best Thing about Pregnancy: Being pregnant is my excuse for everything I do.

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I have had even more trouble sleeping and pretty bad headaches this week. 

What I am Looking Forward to this Week: Still hoping that 2nd trimester energy will kick in soon. 


I have been even more sick this past week than before. It's been pretty rough. I am finally starting to feel like cooking again. I haven't really cooked in 6 or 7 weeks. I enjoy cooking and it will be much healthier for me, Dan and the baby. 


Week 14: Lemon

Your adorable little fetus is busy with thumb sucking, toe wiggling, and (not so cute but equally amazing) making urine and breathing amniotic fluid as the liver, kidneys and spleen continue to develop. Lanugo (thin, downy hair) is growing all over the body for warmth.

13 Weeks Pregnant

13 Weeks Pregnant


Weight: +2.8 lbs from starting weight (107.8)

Symptoms: nausea, still throwing up most mornings, acne, tired, very uncomfortable all the time

How I am Feeling: Tired

Best Thing about Pregnancy: I publicly announced the pregnancy on facebook last week. It was really nice to have so many people happy and excited for us.

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I am starting to get very uncomfortable. Sitting down, lying down, standing up- I never feel great. I bought a huge maternity pillow and it has helped me get sleep a little.

What I am Looking Forward to this Week: In 3 more days, I will officially be in the 2nd trimester. I am so excited to put the first behind me and be 1/3 of the way to having a baby. Everyone says that the 2nd trimester is so much better than the first. I hope this is true!

I forgot to mention some things about the ultrasound last week. Even though Dan didn’t make it, my mom came with me. It was such a great bonding moment between us and I can tell that she is starting to get excited about her first grandchild. Also, the baby was lying with its hand on its forehead. I like to sleep the same way when I sleep on my back. It was really cute to see. The technician pressed on my belly to try to get the baby to move its hand so we could see the face a bit better, so the baby rolled over so we could only see its back. That must be Dan’s genes: stubborn when woken up from a nap.

Week 13: Peach

Your fetus is forming teeth and vocal cords... savor this, their non-functional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with a head now only one third the size of the body. Intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy. (Much more convenient.)

Week 12

12 Weeks Pregnant


Wait a moment, what happened to week 11 (lime)? I had my first ultrasound today and my due date was moved up a week to Oct. 27th. More on this later.

Weight: +2.4 lbs from starting weight (107.4)

Symptoms: tired, the morning sickness is getting better though

How I am Feeling: very excited

Best Thing about Pregnancy: Seeing the baby for the first time was incredible.

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: Dan missed the first ultrasound because his boss was in town from California.

What I am Looking Forward to this Week: I should be getting over the morning sickness and nausea soon.

I had my first sonogram today. It was pretty amazing. The baby looks very good and had a strong heartbeat of 170. The sonogram tech said that she could do an early check for the gender, but I convinced Dan yesterday to wait until the baby is born to find out the sex. Here’s a photo.

Week 12: Plum

As you move into the second trimester, baby shifts into the growth and maturation stage. After weeks in the critical development stage, almost all of baby's systems are fully formed.

10 Weeks (plus a day)

10 Weeks Pregnant


Weight: +2.0 lbs from starting weight (107.0)

Symptoms: tired, the morning sickness is getting better though

How I am Feeling: fat

Best Thing about Pregnancy: We heard the baby’s heartbeat today.

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: Telling my family was disappointing. Lacey and Morgan are both very happy, but I think it will take Mom and Dad some time to get use to the idea.

What I am Looking Forward to this Week: I have an ultrasound scheduled for next Wednesday. That is really exciting.

I had a doctor’s appointment today. My old doctor didn’t send the blood results to my new doctor to confirm the pregnancy. When the nurse scheduled the appointment, she said they would just do blood work. Instead, my new doctor decided to use the doppler to confirm the pregnancy. She tried the right side first and didn't hear anything. Dan came and held my hand when she started on the left side and I silently prayed to hear the heart. It was the most wonderful sound! Dan and I were both over the moon today.

Week 10: Prune

With bones and cartilage starting to form and vital organs beginning to function, baby is making major progress. Body length will almost double in the next three weeks, and arm joints are now working. (Soon, legs will too.)

9 Weeks

9 Weeks Pregnant


Weight: +1.0 lbs from starting weight (106.0)

Symptoms: very tired, having trouble sleeping, sore boobs, nausea and lots of throwing up

How I am Feeling: it changes every hour, major ups and downs this week

Best Thing about Pregnancy: eating whatever I want.

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: people have started to notice that my stomach is getting bigger.

What I am Looking Forward to this Week: Dan and I are finally telling our families this weekend! Yea!

I bought my first maternity clothes today. And a bigger bra. I’m a size D now, that’s nuts! The fact that I really haven’t gained any weight is totally misleading. My stomach and boobs are much bigger. I’ve probably lost muscle mass from being sick and not exercising.

Week 9: Green Olive

Your little embryo has now officially graduated to fetus-hood. Adding to the excitement, a Doppler ultrasound device might be able to pick up the beating heart. With basic physical structures in place and increasingly distinct facial features, baby is kind of starting to look like... well... a baby!

8 Weeks Pregnant

Weight: +2.2 lbs from starting weight (107.2)

Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, back aches

How I am Feeling: excited

Best Thing about Pregnancy: Being able to quit work within 7 more months

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I have been feeling very sick at work lately. I haven’t had to throw up at work, but I think I am noticeably tired.

I cannot believe that I am entering month 3. Time is flying by. I am really getting excited about the pregnancy. I tried not to get excited too early on, but I can’t help it anymore. It’s too real.

Week 8: Raspberry

Your baby is growing like mad, putting on about a millimeter every day and continuing to straighten out in the trunk. Though you can't feel it yet, baby is moving those little arms, legs and (now only slightly) webbed fingers and toes like crazy.

7 weeks pregnant

7 Weeks Pregnant


Weight: +0.6 lbs from starting weight (105.6)

Symptoms: Morning sickness, bloated belly, constipation, crazy hormonal

How I am Feeling: Sick and fat

Best Thing about Pregnancy: Dan has been so wonderful and sweet

Worst Thing about Pregnancy: I have been so crazy lately. I have had weird, violent dreams and been really mean to Dan.

What I am Looking Forward to this Week: I should have an appointment with my new doctor scheduled soon. I probably won’t see the doctor this week, but it will be nice to have the appointment planned. I can’t wait to see or hear the baby’s heartbeat.

We told Jen about the pregnancy last night. She was so excited for us and we are glad to have each other to talk to about all the gross stuff. The same day that I found out that I was pregnant, she called Dan to tell him that she is pregnant. She’s about 7 weeks ahead of me.

 
Week 7: Blueberry

Baby's brain -- both hemispheres! -- is growing fast, generating about 100 new cells every minute. Arms and legs are emerging as joints start to form, and a permanent set of kidneys (baby's third!) is now in place.