40+ Weeks

Due Date: August 24, 2012
How far along: 40 weeks and 2 days, but who's counting?! ;)
The Bump:

Taken last night before dinner

Total weight loss/gain: +25 lbs total - the last week of Momma's home cooking and indulging at the Fair added a few more than I would have liked, but I was happy to stay right at my goal.

Workouts: 4 hours of walking at the Fair on Friday and an hour walk at a hilly dog park yesterday - planning another one for today!

Baby items purchased: Nothing this week - we really have everything we need to start!

Sleep: Non-existent...getting up 4-5 times a night to pee and then up at 5-6 AM for good. I have lost my ability to sleep in - something I NEVER thought would happen to me!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Symptoms: Swelling feet, backache, heartburn, peeing all the time, pressure and pain in the lady parts.

Food cravings: Muffins! My mom makes awesome ones that I enjoyed all last week. Also had fun at the MN State Fair but didn't get all my usuals (Sweet Martha's, roasted corn) as I don't have as much room in there to gorge! Did enjoy a Pronto Pup, apple dumpling with ice cream, apple cider freezie (best kept secret at the Fair - $1 at the apple booth in the Horticulture building!), and an ice cold root beer.

 

 

Maternity clothes: Oh yes and some of those don't even fit at this point - haha!

 

Stretch marks: None - happy about that!

Gender ideas: Tyge is 52% sure it's a girl, I'm 51% sure it's a boy. One of us is right!

Movement: Yup - and I'm treasuring every little movement on the inside, even though I can't wait to meet them on the outside!

Labor Signs: Head is down, and as of last Thursday I'm 75% effaced and dilated 1-2 cms. Having some mild Braxton Hicks contractions but nothing that really "feels" like labor yet. My midwife said "see you next week" at my appointment so I guess it doesn't look like it's coming anytime soon. Trying to do things to move it along so we'll see! I'm so thankful that all the prayers for Petrie to hold off until Tyge got home worked, but I'm ready now!

Miss anything: SLEEEEEEP - I know I won't get sleep once the baby is here either, but at least I'll have something to show for my zombie-ness! :)

Best moment this week: Tyge coming home!!!! I was elevating my feet in bed Friday night after walking at the Fair and Keely girl was snuggling with me. All of a sudden she jumped off the bed as she heard the key in the lock, and I slowly waddled down the hall to see my hunny HOME! Such a wonderful feeling to have him here, safe, done with travelling, and ready to enter into this awesome thing to come with me.  

Looking forward to: Meeting Petrie and finding out WHO he/she is!!! This is hopefully my last post like this and instead of "41 weeks", it'll be "Introducing ______!"

Reflections on Pregnancy

I can't believe that I am almost at 40 weeks! Seriously, it seems like just yesterday we were finding out, then telling our family and friends, announcing it on the blog, and now we are days away from the due date! The first 12 weeks did crawl by at a snail's pace, but once I entered into that second trimester the time has just FLOWN by and I find myself not ready for it to be over just yet!

I know the above statement sounds crazy for a pregnant lady about ready to pop to say, but Tyge and I were reflecting last weekend on what an incredible pregnancy I've had. At this point I'm not screaming to "get it out" and not as miserable as many women are at nearly 40 weeks. Aside from the normal uncomfortableness, it has been such an easy, healthy, and happy pregnancy and I am really going to miss it. I am treasuring every kick and wiggle in these last few days and as exciting as it'll be to have Petrie in my arms, I'll really miss having him/her in my belly. I can honestly say that having a miscarriage made me not take this pregnancy for granted for one second. It definitely gave me a positive perspective on things and made me less apt to complain when things weren't so glowing at times. I don't know if I'll be blessed with another pregnancy, so I've really treasured every moment of this one and look back on the past 9 months with nothing but gratitude.

13 weeks


36 weeks

           

I've seen some "Pregnancy Must Have" lists on a few other Mommy blogs I read, so wanted to create one of my own. Here are a few things that really helped me get through this pregnancy:

Preggie Pops - I was so nauseous in the beginning that these really helped me, along with having a light snack right away when I got up in the morning.

Body Pillow - seriously, a lifesaver! Betsy let me borrow hers (I think it's called The Snuzzler?) and I don't know what I would have done without it. Early on I thought it was just comfy and nice to use, but towards the end here it's made a world of difference in my sleep. Though now that I'm getting up to pee so often it's a bit hard to roll over it, but the increased comfort is totally worth the hassle.

Keely loves it too!

Ocean Potion Aloe Lotion - I have Cocoa Butter and Burt's Bees stretch mark lotion, but really haven't used it all that much, and was very lucky to not get stretch marks. I do get pretty dry skin everywhere and have spent time in the sun, and this the the BEST sun care lotion I've ever used. I can only find it at Walmart so stocked up early on and use it every day after my shower!

Greek Yogurt - Of all the cravings I've had, Greek Yogurt was the biggest one! I have this every morning with berries for breakfast, and often again as a snack mid-day.

Tums - As the heartburn has increased, these seemed to help somewhat. Not completely, but they ease the intense burning a bit!

Old Navy maternity side runched tanks and yoga pants - I have some really cute maternity clothes that I wear to work and out on weekends, but I LIVE in these pants and have several colors of the tank that I throw on the minute I get home.

A good bra and maternity undies - I have the Victoria's Secret Incredible for daytime and a comfy sports bra (or no bra haha) for after work. In the beginning, I thought maternity undies were unnecessary but WOW was I wrong! As I got bigger, I bought a few pairs from Target and they are the only one I wear - so comfy. 

Blue Camelbak water bottle - I have this exact water bottle and it's been attached to my hand all pregnancy long. I have been so thirsty and just guzzle out of this thing! I get sick of plain water so have been adding lemon juice to make it tastier. I actually thought I lost this one day at work and almost had a meltdown, but my coworker found it for me - crisis averted. :)

Babycenter - I am such an information gatherer, so having this App, daily emails, and access to the website has been really helpful. Tyge gets an email too so it's been fun to have him tell me things he's learning and what's going on with the baby each week.

Birth stories/Natural birth books - In the beginning I didn't put too much thought into the actual birth itself, but once I realized that I have to get this thing OUT of me, I've been researching HOW I want to do that.  Hearing/reading/watching positive birth stories and reading books like Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, Natural Childbirth The Bradley Way, and Hypnobirthing  has offered me so many great, peaceful birth stories that are like the ones I choose to think about when I picture what Petrie's birth will be like.

 

Experienced girlfriends and family - I am blessed to have many amazing girlfriends, many of who are mommies or pregnant as well. It's been awesome to be surrounded by a network of women who I admire and can pick their brains about what helped them during pregnancy and new mommyhood. Of course, I also looked to my own mom, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law for advice and support along the way which was so valuable!

My amazingly supportive husband - Seriously, I couldn't have made it through these 9 months without him. In the beginning he was so helpful with taking over household chores, cooking, caring for Keely girl, caring for me, etc. Really he's been pitching in extra the entire time! And he didn't bat an eye at the baby to-do list, complain when I asked him to paint a second coat on the nursery walls, or call me crazy when I insisted on hanging curtains at midnight. He has been so patient, loving, and supportive and made me feel beautiful every day, even when I may feel like a whale. He's had extra added stress with his new job taking him out of town and having to read and learn so many new things, but he's still made me and Petrie #1 priority and for that, I am so thankful.

An attitude of gratitude - like I said above, this pregnancy was such a blessing for me/us and I've not taken it for granted for one second. I think after one unsuccessful pregnancy, having the privilege of growing this baby for the past 40 weeks is something I am so thankful for that I chose to focus on that and not the negative aspects pregnancy can bring. This really helped me put things into perspective!

And last but not least - PRAYER, PRAYER, PRAYER! I know my pregnancy and Petrie's health has been covered by the prayers of many and I am so thankful for that. I know that's the reason things have been so amazing thus far, and fully trust God's timing and plan for Petrie's birth as well.

Any day now, ours will be here!!!

Maternity Photos by Callie V!

Tyge and I are so blessed to be friends with the incredibly talented Callie of Callie V Photography - she takes amazing photos and it was so fun to shoot with a good friend. I wasn't going to do maternity photos but I'm glad she "talked me into it", as I treasure these images of just us two before Petrie is born.

I love this one

This is my fav

Goofy us :)

We love Petrie!

The past few weeks (36 & 37)

I've been a bad blogger lately...not because I don't have anything to say, but because I have so MUCH to think about and don't want to be a rambling mess! :) The past few weeks have been FLYING by and I can't believe we only have 3 weeks to go until we meet Petrie. Here are some pics and updates on what's been going on with me the past few weeks:

36 week pic

37 week pic

So, we crazily drove to SD yesterday for my cousin's wedding at 37 weeks pregnant. My midwife checked me out on Thursday and said things didn't look like they would "go" this weekend, so we got the green light to take off! My cousin Tyler and his new wife Katie asked me to sing at their wedding and though we had a backup plan in case I couldn't make it, I was SO happy to be able to to.

Tyge and I took off at 6 AM yesterday (and put the carseat in the car before we left, JUST in case) and made the 4 hour drive with a few pee stops - he drove while I propped my feet on the dash.

We made it there by 11 so I could practice with the church pianist, then even had time for a nap before getting ready. I got a new dress so actually felt pretty and not too much like a whale - I even wore heels! Well, wedges. And they were off at the reception. :)

The wedding was beautiful, and it was so fun to see my family - our weddings are always a blast. They had dueling pianos at the reception which was really neat, and I even got my belly out on the dance floor a bit. It was great to catch up with my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, family friends, and of course, sweet Grandpa.

I made it until the reception ended at midnight and even went to the hospitality suite after to say goodnight to the bride and groom, then crashed around 12:30. We had breakfast with the family this morning, then hit the road for MN again - I drove while Tyge studied Medical Terminology. We're now home for an easy Saturday night in, which is much needed.

Pregnancy Updates:

Physically feeling - not too bad! Getting pretty uncomfortable at this point, but that's to be expected. Feet and ankles swelling, and there's one spot in my mid back near my left ribs that hurts quite a bit - thank goodness Tyge has strong hands! Mornings are rough with pressure and feeling sore down there, I'm fine and feel good during the day, then evenings I get sore and tired again. I'm not sleeping well at all (probably 4-5 hours total at night) but it's just preparing me for when baby comes! At 37 weeks, I'm 50% effaced and not quite dilated yet, so hopefully that means baby stays in there a few more weeks and waits until Daddy gets home to make his/her appearance.

Mentally feeling - okay, to be honest. Like I said above, I have so much going on in my head and am not being very good at giving it up to God. I'm nervous about being gone from work for 3 months and wrapping up as best I can before I leave. I feel like there are a million things to decide on and do and we're running out of time before baby comes. Add in that, with the 20 days we have before D-Day Tyge is gone for 10 of them, and I had some emotional meltdowns last week. With the few days he is home, we have to DO things (interview childcare, projects, etc.) rather than just hang out and enjoy each other, so that's harder than I thought and I didn't handle it the best last week. Luckily, we got a lot done so I feel good about things, and am starting to let go a bit. I'll certainly miss him when he's gone and I think that'll be the toughest part in the coming weeks, so prayers are appreciated there! I have friends and family staying with and checking in on me of course, but no one can comfort and love me like my hunny...

Some of the things we've been checking off our list:


Nursery - is 98% done! Just waiting on a few pieces in there and I'll do a post about it. It looks even better than I had imagined and I can't WAIT to show pictures. It is my favorite room in the house, which is a good thing as I'm sure I'll be spending a lot of time in there.


Office - we broke down the workout room in the basement to make room for an actual home office for Tyge, as the office/guest room isn't quite cutting it for his new job and the amount he'll be working from home. Pics to come once it's done!


Doula - we hired a doula to assist with the labor and birth. I really want to have a natural birth (something I *may* do a post about) and labor at home as long as I can, and Tyge is a huge part of that. Since there's a pretty big chance that he'll be gone when I go into labor, I'd wanted to have a backup plan. My mom will be staying with me and will be a huge help of course, but having someone else on call to come help who understands my birth preferences does something to easy my mind. Even if Tyge IS here, I don't think having a doula to assist would hurt anything - it'd only help!  Mary, the lady we hired, is an amazing Christian lady with a joyful yet calming presence, and I really think she'll help make the birthing experience a good one for us.

Childcare - was making my head spin - it's been like a part time job researching that the past few weeks. We had settled on a center close to our house, but I realized I was weeding out a lot of potentially good home day cares in doing that. I started interviewing some (probably 10-15 total) after receiving referrals from friends and church, and I am happy to say we finally selected someone! I feel 100% confident about the love and care Petrie will get once I go back to work, and that's HUGE weight off my shoulders.

Whew - well that's a long enough update for now! More to come this week as I tackle some of the smaller things, I'm sure. Goodnight!

34 Weeks

Due Date: August 24, 2012
How far along: 34 weeks (I came at this time for my momma - crazy to think!)
The Bump:

Total weight loss/gain: +18 lbs.

Workouts: A few walks this week - really should be doing more and know I'll regret not being more active come labor time. I thought I'd have time to do a preggo video or more activity with Tyge gone during the week, but I've been so busy! Uh, and tired.

 

 

Baby items purchased: I bought a lamp for the nursery and got some fun gifts in the mail too!

Sleep: Not well, but it's just God's way of preparing me for when the baby comes, I guess!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Symptoms: The usual for this stage of the game - swelling, pretty bad back ache, nosebleeds (though not as frequent!), peeing a million times a day...but again, overall it's been a pretty good pregnancy!

Food cravings: Trying to eat healthier through the end of the pregnancy - it's never too late to start, huh? :) No specific cravings this week.

Maternity clothes: Absolutely!

Stretch marks: Nope, but wedding ring is off and belly button is totally out. I'll take those other things over stretch marks!

Gender ideas: Tyge is 52% sure it's a girl, I'm 51% sure it's a boy. One of us is right!

Movement: Tons of it! Very visible from the outside too, and I'm always wondering if others can see...

Labor Signs: Not really - hoping to keep this baby in until the 25th so Tyge is there!

Miss anything: Good sleep, hands down.

Best moment this week: Tyge coming home! His flight was actually delayed so he didn't get in until 2 AM on Friday (Saturday?) and they also lost his bag, so you can imagine that the actual MOMENT he got home wasn't the best. :) However we had a nice relaxing day on the boat yesterday on White Bear, which was much needed and I enjoyed that with my hunny.

Looking forward to: Tyge being home this week

32 Weeks

Due Date: August 24, 2012
How far along: 32 weeks
The Bump:

I'm behind a few weeks so here are some recent pics

30 weeks

31 weeks

(I look the same now at 32)

Total weight loss/gain: Not really keeping track of where I'm at vs. pre-preg weight, but I've gained 15 lbs. total now

Workouts: I've gotten in a few walks the past few weeks, but that's about it. I really envisioned my pregnancy to be the time when I'd have super toned arms and glutes from all the (light) lifting I'd be doing in lieu of running and other more streneous workouts, but nope! I'm so tired by the end of the day that I don't have the energy to do anything!

Baby items purchased: Didn't need to purchase a thing - I was so spoiled at my shower last weekend and got a ton of great baby gear! I did get some fabric for the nursery window treatments and window seat cover my mother-in-law is helping me this weekend. We're getting close to being done in there - can't wait to post about it!!!

Sleep: Not the greatest, which is to be expected. Getting up to pee 1-2 times a night, and having really bad heartburn that wakes me up - almost feels like I have to throw up.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Symptoms: A new one this week - nosebleeds! Totally normal I'm assured, but it'll just start gushing about 2 times a day. Hasn't happened in a client meeting yet thank goodness, as I usually deal with them by shoving Kleenex bits in my nose until it stops. :)  Also heartburn is pretty bad, swelling feet and ankles, usual soreness elsewhere, and fatigue. Again, it's been a pretty easy pregnancy overall so no complaints! I KNOW it could be worse!

Food cravings: Cupcakes, cake, ice cream...it WAS my birthday weekend after all! (What's my excuie for the past 3 weeks then...oops...)

Maternity clothes: Ooooh yes - living in my maternity yoga capris and Old Navy side runched tanks (outside of work, of course)

Stretch marks: Nope!

Gender ideas: Tyge is 52% sure it's a girl, I'm 51% sure it's a boy. One of us is right!

Movement: Constantly - never thought I'd say being jabbed in the stomach and ribs would be so fun!

Labor Signs: Not really labor signs, but have experienced some Braxton Hicks contractions.

Miss anything: Good sleep, hands down.

Best moment this week: My baby shower last Sunday! Also had the 32 week appointment today - things are moving along and Petrie is doing growing just as he/she should!

Looking forward to: Heading up North for the 4th!

28 weeks

Sooo I skipped a few weeks...

Due Date: August 24, 2012
How far along: 28 weeks - 3rd trimester! The Home Stretch!
The Bump:

Total weight loss/gain: +10 since the early first tri, so +1 overall - more to come, I can feel it :)

Workouts: We walked MILES each day last weekend on vacay in FL (along with laying on the beach and eating a lot of ice cream) and I had a nice walk tonight. Still haven't lifted weights like I thought I would...oops...

Baby items purchased: More nursery items here and there, no baby essentials yet. But I did get the registry completed!

Sleep: Not super...getting up to pee often, and hard to get comfortable despite my Snoogle pillow. Oh and middle of the night leg cramps are the newest thing to wake  - super fun for me AND Tyge as it scares the crap out of him when I wake up crying out in pain, haha!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really

Symptoms: Leg cramps, and some mild stomach cramping, and the usual fatigue. Overall, feeling pretty good - it's been an easy pregnancy so far, thank the Lord!

Food cravings: Ice cream, bagels, apples, most anything sounds good right now.

Maternity clothes: Yup, wearing and loving them!

Stretch marks: No

Gender ideas: Tyge is 52% sure it's a girl, I'm 51% sure it's a boy. One of us is right!

Movement: This little one is busy! I feel movement constantly which is so cool, and Tyge can not only feel but we can SEE Petrie moving around in there! I was using my belly as a book prop when reading on the beach, and the book would move whenever Petrie would kick/punch - it was so neat to watch!

Labor Signs: Not yet, thank goodness!

Miss anything: Not being so hormonal and crying at the drop of a hat...oh wait, I did that pre-pregnancy too! :-p

Best moment this week: We spent past of last week and weekend in Fort Myers Beach, FL as a "babymoon" getaway and had a great time together. Blog post to come!

Looking forward to: A "getting things done" day with my mom tomorrow - putting the wall decal up, hitting Ikea for some nursery items, girl time!

23 weeks

Due Date: August 24, 2012
How far along: 23 weeks
The Bump:

Total weight loss/gain: +5, so -4 lbs overall

Workouts: 3 walks outside this week which felt amazing! I seriously felt like I ran a half marathon after the first 4 mile walk and was very sore, but in a good way. Moving felt awesome!

Baby items purchased: A small squirrel statue I saw at Patina for the nursery

Sleep: The pregnancy pillow is helping me sleep MUCH better! I'm still getting up to pee at night which interrupts my sleep, but overall sleeping pretty well.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing really this week

Symptoms: Some back pain, but nothing too intense

Food cravings: Granny Smith apples with Peanut Butter - I've had it each day this week

Maternity clothes: Yup, wearing and loving them!

Stretch marks: No

Gender ideas: Tyge thinks it's a girl, I really don't have a feeling one way or another.

Movement: Yes - such an amazing feeling! Petrie is kicking and punching and moving and grooving all over in there. Tyge can't really feel from the outside yet but I can't wait until he can share in this feeling!

Labor Signs: Not yet, thank goodness!

Miss anything: Red wine :)

Best moment this week: Date Night last night where we celebrated our first date at Vic's 5 years ago - such a great night together talking about where we've been and where we're going. Gotta take advantage of date nights before we have to ask Grandparents or pay a babysitter to watch Petrie!

Looking forward to: My nephew's birthday party later today - I can't believe he's 3 already! I still remember the day he was born and how time has flown since then...before we know it, Petrie will be 3...oh my...

20 weeks

Due Date: August 24, 2012 (I've been a day off)

How far along: 20 weeks - halfway there!

The Bump:

Better than a bump pics this week - a BABY pic!

Total weight loss/gain: +3, so -6 lbs overall

Workouts: None - I really need to get moving! We've had so much to do after work this week so haven't had time to go for walks, but I need to just MAKE time!

Baby items purchased: Nothing this week.

Sleep: Sleeping okay...

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing really this week

Symptoms: Tired and my back hurts a bit this week, but that's it!

Food cravings: Craved Lean Pockets this week and had them for lunch 3 days in a row. Yup.

Maternity clothes: In maternity pants, normal shirts still fit fine.
Stretch marks: No

Gender ideas: We're team green - not finding out! Which wasn't as hard as I thought it'd be at the ultrasound, actually! Though it was kinda weird that the u/s tech knew and we didn't!
Movement: I did feel what I was pretty sure was a kick on Wednesday night before bed, and after seeing how much Petrie is moving and grooving in there, I know it's him/her!

Labor Signs: Not yet, thank goodness!

Miss anything: Running outside! As I was driving around the lake after work, I saw runners and miss doing that after work like I did last summer. I still totally could be, but haven't been. :)

Best moment this week: Seeing Petrie at the ultrasound on Thursday! It was beyond cool to see his/her sweet little profile, and see them moving around in there. Everything appeared healthy and normal and the u/s tech said they looked "perfect" - I think so too. :)

Looking forward to: Easter weekend! Tyge's parents staying with us, his family coming over Saturday, singing in 3 church services, and brunch with my parents Sunday. Will be a busy but great weekend!

Happy Easter all - HE is Risen!

19 weeks

Oops - I missed a few weeks with being gone. I can't believe I'm almost halfway done with this pregnancy!

Due Date: August 25, 2012

How far along: 19 weeks

The Bump:

(This was actually from a week ago in Puebla, but it hasn't changed much)

Total weight loss/gain: +2, so -7 lbs overall

Workouts: I was so wiped this week from adjusting back to life after the mission trip, that all I could do after work was hit the couch...so, none.

Baby items purchased: Nothing this week. Now that we're back from the trip, I can start to focus on the nursery!

Sleep: I can't sleep on my back anymore, which I miss. My hips hurt a bit at night, but I'm still sleeping pretty well.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Certain smells I don't love, but no real nausea right now.

Symptoms: Feeling better being in the second tri! I'm still tired but that's really it for symptoms this week!

Food cravings: Carbs, fruit, carbs. I currently don't like veggies or eggs.

Maternity clothes: In maternity pants, normal shirts still fit fine.


Stretch marks: No

Gender ideas: We're team green - not finding out!


Movement: Nothing that I KNOW if the baby just yet - should be coming soon. I can't wait!


Labor Signs: Not yet, thank goodness!

Miss anything: Sleeping on my back comfortably!

Best moment this week: Our sweet Anniversary celebration on Wednesday - we watched our wedding video and Tyge made me a yummy dinner for us, complete with a surprise homemade flan (my new Mexican fav) for dessert! :)

Looking forward to: Our first ultrasound next Thursday!!! We finally get to see Petrie's sweet little face!

16 weeks

Due Date: August 25, 2012
How far along: 16 weeks (I missed last week - oops!)
The Bump:

A little bigger than the 13 week picture in this same shirt!

 

Total weight loss/gain: still -9 lbs overall

Workouts: Went for a 3 mile walk outside on Tuesday, did a light arm weight circuit last night.

Baby items purchased: I did order a custom bedding set (crib sheet, crib skirt and quilt) I found on Etsy and LOVE! It takes 60 days to make so I figure once we get it, we can start on the rest of the nursery (which will be "woodsy" themed - sage green walls with a large tree decal, white furniture, brown/aqua/yellow for color accents, and other woodland animal accents around the room).

Sleep: MUCH better, thanks in large part to our new mattress! I still sleep on my back a bit, which my midwife said is okay to do until 16 weeks. Which I'm at now. Time to invest in a body pillow!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nausea is mostly gone, but I still can't eat salmon...

Symptoms: Still have migraines a few times a week and my sciatic nerve started giving me trouble this week, but overall feeling MUCH better in the second trimester!

Food cravings: Still on my soup kick - eat it almost every day for lunch! I made a huge batch of chunky tomato with rice this week that I've been enjoying. :)

Maternity clothes: In maternity pants, normal shirts still fit fine.

Stretch marks: No

Gender ideas: We're team green - not finding out!

Movement: Nothing that I can tell is the baby yet - I have some stomach bubbles that websites say could be "quickening", but it may be too early for that...

Labor Signs: Not yet, thank goodness!

Miss anything: Red wine :)

Best moment this week: Going for a long walk with Tyge and Keely and enjoying the spring weather preview we had!

Looking forward to: Next week's 17 week appointment when we get to hear Petrie's heartbeat again!

14 weeks - 2nd Tri, baby!

Due Date: August 25, 2012
How far along: 14 weeks - officially in the 2nd trimester, whoo hoo!!!!
The Bump:

Total weight loss/gain: still -9 lbs overall 

Workouts: Though I'm feeling better than last week, still not up to moving much. Sleep and/or the couch sound better. :)

Baby items purchased: Nothing, but starting to look at nursery things online.

Sleep: Still very tired and going to bed early most worknights.

Anything making you queasy or sick: The nausea is getting much better! There are still some foods I have aversions to and certain smells that I don't love, but overall it's a lot better.

Symptoms: The newest symptom this week has been migraines in the afternoon that last until bedtime.

Food cravings: Kettle corn and applesauce this week. And soup - I've eaten it for lunch the past 4 days in a row.

Maternity clothes: Wearing maternity jeans and black work pants now! Again, can still wear the old stuff but why not wear something that feels like sweatpants but is office appropriate?! :)

Stretch marks: No

Gender ideas: No idea - I find myself saying "he" but nothing in particular makes me feel that way - and we're not finding out!

Movement: Not yet

Labor Signs: Not yet, thank goodness!

Miss anything: Working out hard

Best moment this week: My sweet husband helping me with migraine pain on Monday night by making me lie down in the dark bedroom with soft music playing, an ice pack on the back of my neck and a cold washcloth on my head - he is so thoughtful.

Looking forward to: Girl's Night tonight - dinner at Good Earth followed by seeing The Vow!

First Tri Recap - Humbled

Another wordy post ahead - still getting caught up on first tri things...So after some of our friends and family knew, life went about as normal for us. I still wasn't looking at nursery photos online, wasn't researching baby items, it wasn't consuming me like it did the first time around. The first week after we found out was a bit nerve wracking for me - I'd be nervous every time I went to the bathroom and did worry about another miscarriage. One thing that helped was the realization that there was nothing I could do to cause or prevent it from happening again, and the first time was just me being the unlucky 1 in 4.

The thing that helped me the most was, duh, prayer. We obviously prayed for the health of the growing baby, but what helped me the most was our prayer that God guard our hearts. I tend to get so wrapped up in something that I'm excited about and want to plan it out 100% right from the get-go. I knew I couldn't do that again but didn't have the willpower myself to just NOT, so that's where prayer was so necessary. Tyge and I prayed for that cautious optimism and protection from getting too excited and ahead of ourselves, and God really came through for me especially in that area. After about week 5 I just felt this calm - I wasn't anxious or nervous, and I forgot I was pregnant half the time! I was so amazed by and thankful for God's faithfulness in protecting my heart in that area.


Weeks 5 through 7 were pretty good symptom-wise and I was able to eat normally and work out 3 times a week - pregnancy was a breeze! Somewhere around mid-weeks 7 I started to get the intense nausea, though no throwing up thank goodness. I really couldn't eat much and even when I could stomach it, nothing sounded good. I was so tired all the time that I stopped working out (aside from some walking on nice days) and slept any free moment I could. I am so used to be able to multi-task and find pride in being able to "do it all"! However, these past few weeks have been very humbling as I realize that I can't do it all right now and need to admit that. I have learned to be okay with not having a perfectly clean house, cooking healthy and blog worthy meals every night, and attending all the social events I am used to. Working my demanding 40-50 hour/week job has been enough for me, so in my spare time I haven't been up to doing much else.

Thankfully I have a supportive husband who pitches in to clean without asking, has assumed all care for Keely (besides lab snuggling of course - I can still do that), and cooks delicious and healthy meals for us. He even made me turkey bacon THREE ways when I had a craving - what a guy. :) I've had to skip a few bible studies and birthday parties because I didn't feel up to going, and I'm learning to be okay with saying no during this time. And while I'd like to think it is only temporary, perhaps it's to prepare me for when the baby actually comes! I know I won't be able to keep my pace of life the way it was and take care of a baby, so maybe this is God's natural way of slowing busy supermoms-to-be down a notch in order to prep them for life with a baby.

Now that I'm passing the 13 week mark the bad symptoms are starting to fade and I am feeling more "myself", but this first tri has been an amazing and humbling experience. And not that I didn't know it, but it's been a wonderful reminder of how incredible my husband is - I couldn't have made it through without him and am so thankful to have him as my partner in all of this. 

I cannot believe I am almost to the second trimester and cannot wait to experience more of this pregnancy - despite the symptoms, I am loving every minute of it and fully realize how blessed I am to be a mom-to-be!  

First Tri Recap - Telling Everyone

I promise this blog won't turn into a pregnancy only type of blog, but I've had SO much going on the past few months that I haven't been able to blog about and now that the secret is out, I want to get it all down - warning, long, wordy, and picture less post ahead. :)  

I guess now that we're heading into the second trimester it's finally hitting me that I'm not just pregnant, but we're having a baby! I would be lying if I said the first tri flew by because it didn't - the days until week 12 (the "safe zone") have slowly ticked by for sure. I guess I'll just start at the beginning and highlight some important milestones of the first tri - telling our friends and family.

After the miscarriage we tried again one month with no positive, so this was only our second month of trying. Though I was hoping for it to happen again soon, both Tyge and I had prepared ourselves that it could take a very long time, and I was finally at peace with that. My lady friend was due on a Wednesday and didn't come, so I took a test and it was negative. I figured by body was still out of whack from the m/c so didn't think anything of it. That weekend we went to SD for my family Christmas and I even tested again before we left, knowing I'd most likely be drinking wine - it was again negative. One thing I didn't mention in that post was my cousins announced their pregnancy, and while I was happy for them, yet another person announcing did hurt a little - little did I know I was also pregnant!

We drove back early that Monday morning and I just felt a little "off" so decided to test when we got home. Tyge went into work that afternoon while I was at home, so I was alone. When I saw the two lines I was shocked to say the least! It just didn't feel real (and still didn't until recently haha), even though all three tests I took said positive! I had dinner made for us when Tyge got home, and had wrapped the stick in tissue and put it in a Christmas bag by his plate. He opened it and was also shocked, but said he knew something was up! Our reaction was bittersweet - don't get me wrong, we were very excited and thankful, but very cautious. We didn't have that blind, innocent excitement we had the first time around due to what happened. I didn't start making nursery plans, stroller comparing, making a list of who to tell and when, or anything like that.

We thought about waiting until 12 weeks to even tell our parents, but decided that because we'd be with his family for Christmas up North it would be too hard to hide it. We were leaving that weekend so wanted to be sure to tell my parents before we left. We ended up seeing them last minute that Wednesday before we left and I had a "Christmas Kisses for Grandma" bib wrapped up for my mom to open. She got it right away and of course started tearing up - both her and my dad were very happy for us. In order to protect ourselves, we said that we didn't really want to talk about the baby or make plans until we were past 12 weeks which I knew would be so tough for them, but that's what I needed for myself. They understood and were cautiously excited right alongside us.

We told Tyge's parents and brother and sister-in law when we got up North that Friday night. We were all sitting around playing Loaded Questions and when it came Tyge's turn to read the answers he threw "We're having a baby" in there and it took a few moments for everyone to catch it. Once they did, the game stopped, hugs started, and everyone was very happy for us. The weekend went on without us telling the rest of the family, but it was kind of fun to have our little secret. :)

We really debated about telling our friends at the NYE Pajama Party but in the end, I decided I'd rather just have people know than hide it all night. I wanted to be myself and enjoy the time and not have to worry if others were wondering what I was hiding. I also didn't want to make a big deal about it as I was only 6 weeks along, but our good friends quietly found out one by one as they saw my drinking fake champagne. Of course they were all excited, but respected my wishes to be cautiously optimistic and not spread the secret just yet.

The next set of friends to tell was our "Nuts" group, which happened at one of our meetings when I was 8 weeks along. Almost the whole night had passed and Tyge and I suggested that we read out NY Goals to them since we missed their NY weekend at the cabin where they all shared theirs. We read ours through, and ended with the Physical category where I shared I wanted to gain less than 25 lbs. of pregnancy weight. Everyone was kind of silent and someone said "like, someday?" and I said, "Nope, now - I'm 8 weeks along." Hugs all around along with happy tears of joy.

From then on we told close friends as we saw them or over the phone. We also called our grandparents a week ago and close family that we wanted to tell, and gave the okay to our parents to tell the rest of the family. I know they loved getting the secret out as well!