12 Weeks

WE SAW THE BABY THIS WEEK!!!

Proudly Introducing:  Our Little Sweet Pea!

What an amazing feeling it was to see the baby for the first time!  I was stunned.  We feel a deeper connection with the baby after seeing his or her little face and body.  We were happily reassured that things are going smoothly in this pregnancy and that baby is developing well!

Overall this week was pretty easy, except for last night.

Ugh, I still don't feel good.  It crossed my mind to wait until Monday to post this update but, of course, I couldn't allow myself to do that.  Last night was rough, guys.  And truth be told, I'm a little scared.

There's a good chance everything is fine with baby and me but I'm concerned.  Last night I had a late-night snack alongside my prenatal vitamin, as usual.  Trevor brought home an artichoke for me and it was starting to look on it's way out but still good, if you know what I mean.  So I decided I would enjoy it right then.  Growing up, mom used to make artichokes for the two of us and we would eat them while watching a show together.  Some people like to eat artichokes with butter or oil with herbs and seasonings but we feast upon ours with mayonnaise!  It's delicious, I swear.  If you love artichoke and haven't tried it with mayonnaise, do it!

So there I was with my artichoke and mayo watching an episode of FRIENDS.  As I was digging into the mayo (about a tablespoon worth), I noticed there was a red streak in it.  I have no idea where it came from and I'm still baffled by it.  The mayo container is the squeeze-bottle variety and so there is no chance for cross-contamination from ketchup.  About two hours later I was throwing it all up.

My throat was so badly burned from the acidity that it was challenging to sleep last night.  It still hurts this morning and I just feel... blah.

My biggest concern?  Food poisoning.

It's so dangerous to have any bad bacteria in your GI tract during pregnancy and I'm nervous that somehow the mayonnaise and/or the artichoke was bad.  Neither one tasted or smelled spoiled and my first thought was that the combination of artichoke + mayo + prenatal (which causes nausea) was a bad choice.  That's my hope!  But I'm scared.  And I know myself, if anything happens from here on out (even if I'm told it's completely unrelated) I will likely blame myself.

Called Trevor, my mom and the midwife hotline and all of them reassured me the foods were likely too heavy for me, or perhaps even the artichoke was just a little too old for my body's liking.  It's so tough knowing that any decision I make affects our child.

I'm split because part of me is pretty confident everything's fine and the other half is still processing that this one decision may have ruined our baby's life.  Medically speaking, if it weren't happening to me I would assume everything's fine.  So that part of me keeps creeping in to reassure myself.  

I'm really hoping everyone's right.

Trevor and I had plans to take pictures of the apartment for you guys but I just wanted to lounge on the couch with him and watch Netflix.  In our house, "Netflix and Chill" means we lay around watching shows until someone falls asleep.  This time that someone was Trevor.  He's happily sleeping while I'm writing to you!  Check back again this Wednesday as that's my deadline for uploading pictures of our place.  I would love to invite you in before we vacate!

Watching 9 Months That Made You with Trevor's hobbit feet. #ExpectantParentLife

22 May 2017:  First Midwife Appointment
Needless to say, we were super excited for this appointment!  An ultrasound, nuchal scan, and a full examination was promised to us over the phone.  I was about five or six weeks along when I made the appointment and it surprised me that the OB did not request to see me sooner.  Friends of mine have had transvaginal ultrasounds around 8 weeks.

Off to see the OB!

Without going into too much detail, the appointment wasn't great.  After waiting several weeks for this appointment I was told, due to our old insurance, I wouldn't be seen at all by this obstetrician.  After some back-and-forth, they finally agreed to see us.  But only because the appointment time was already booked for.  I'm rolling my eyes, I know you can't see it.

Then there was no ultrasound.  No nuchal scan.  Most everything that was set up for our "11 week appointment" was not included.  I pushed our midwife into scheduling an ultrasound the next day.  We wanted to see our baby, dangit! 

They pushed me into having STD tests done, even though I was a virgin marrying a virgin.  It felt ridiculous but again, medically speaking, I get it.  It needs to be documented that I'm free and clear.

We opted to do genetic testing only because we want to know the gender sooner.  Usually folks find out their baby's sex at 20 weeks but Trevor will no longer be in the States at that point.  My good friend Emily offered to host a baby shower/gender reveal party here in Fort Collins for us so we need to know what we're having ahead of time.  Crazy thing is, I should receive a call sometime next week that the results of the testing are in... but I have to wait 3 more weeks to find out if it's a boy or a girl because that's when the party is scheduled for.  That's gonna be a long three weeks for us, people.

If you're curious, the plan is to have the OB write out two cards with the gender on it.  I'll pick both up and mail one out to my mom and hold onto the other for safe-keeping/memory's sake.  When she gets the card she's going to call up Emily and tell her what we're having.  I'm pretty stoked for this plan because I wanted to somehow include my mom in this.  It means so much to me to have her know before anyone else.

23 May 2017:  Baby's First Ultrasound + An Unintentional 2nd Facebook Announcement + Planning a Gender Reveal
Finally got to see our little baby!  Thankfully they let us film, well to be honest, we didn't even ask.  Trevor couldn't set up the camera fast enough to catch our first reactions to seeing the baby, bummer!  But we marveled at our little being the whole time.  So strange to see the person that is actually our child!  This baby is 50% me, 50% Trevor and I find that incredibly amazing.

I won't keep you waiting.  Here's our little one!

At one point during the appointment, the baby rolls over to it's side!  It was so fascinating to see it lifting its arms and extending its legs.  The technician had a bit of trouble recording the heartbeat because baby kept wiggling!  That's what we like to see... an active baby!  A friend commented that baby appears to be sucking on its hand!  Later on I was looking over the pictures of the baby and realized I'll be wiping that little booty by the end of the year, haha.  I told you, it's becoming so real for us.

Technician said everything looks good.  She didn't measure the space behind baby's neck (nuchal translucency scan) but I commented that it looked good to me and she agreed.  Heartbeat was 162 and she said that's a strong heartbeat.  So far, so good!

I sent out texts to family and a few friends because I hadn't planned on posting anything on facebook.  Around 10pm that night, as Trevor and I were laying on the couch, I posted a picture to instagram and decided to forward it to facebook.  The ultrasound picture was an unintentional pregnancy announcement to those who either hadn't seen our official announcement picture or for those who didn't understand it, haha!  Either way, it was fun to have an inadvertent second announcement.  My mom doesn't usually go on facebook, but she logged on to say thank-you for the congratulations from her friends and to share how proud she is to be a grandma!

 

After the appointment we ran over to Emily's house to have lunch and talk a bit about the gender reveal.  We decided on a co-ed, BABY-Q-themed (BBQ) party, and Trevor and I decided how we want the gender revealed to us.

Straight from my Pinterest board!

Just like the appointment we had the day before, poor Trevor went straight from working a 9-hour shift to powering through the ultrasound appointment.  He was bushed!  Poor bubs fell asleep on Emily's floor for a bit while she and I finalized the guest list.

Told you he can sleep anywhere!  My hardworking guy was pooped.

Wanted to also mention, thank you for your many prayers!  We were approved to move-out on the 19th of next month!  Although we're sad to leave, we're glad to save some money and be able to head to California sooner.  Sadly, Trevor will only have a few short weeks with us once we're there.  Every now and then I cry when I think about saying goodbye to him.  We value the support all of you have given us!  Thank you for your encouraging text messages and your involvement in this pregnancy.  We are blessed to have you in our lives, truly.  I don't cry often but when I do it's because I'm reminded of God's goodness.  Thank you for being a part of the village God has given us!

Week 12 Photos

Week 12 Updates

1.  Size of the baby?  From crown to rump, baby is just over 2 inches!  About the size of a lime.

2.  What's developing this week?

3.  Current weight?  120.  Down 3 pounds from last week.  Total gained so far:  3 pounds.

4.  Movement?  Call me crazy, but for two nights in a row (not last night) I swear I felt the tiniest, softest, feather-like touch on the inside of my belly.  It's usually only at night after I lay down.  If this isn't the baby then nope.  Nothing still. 

5.  Sleep?  Still sleeping a lot but not nearly as much as weeks past.  Energy levels are picking up slightly and I'm grateful!  Now getting up about 2-3 times to pee every night.  Also, being under the "sleep" category, I had a dream that our OB slipped and told us we're having a.... BOY!  All other dreams have involved us having a little girl.

6.  Symptoms? 

• Headaches still.  Haven't tried Tylenol but if my memory serves me correctly, it won't do me any good.  So I just drink a glass of chocolate milk for the caffeine to ease the pain.  Works most days. 
• Usually left-side belly pain but this week I've had more pain on the right.  Uterus is doing it's thang, y'all!
• Pubic bone pain.
• Long showers = nausea.  Can't stay in the shower for very long before I start feeling sick.
• Nausea first thing in the morning.  Trevor usually greets me with a plate of scrambled eggs or a few pieces of turkey bacon for protein.  Cereal doesn't cut it.  If I don't have protein first thing in the morning my day is wasted.
• TMI, but nasal congestion.  Basically, more boogers.  Apparently this is a thing.  My momma friends, was this true for you during pregnancy too?!  (Told you I would be open and honest with you!  You thought I was joking, didn't you?!  There you go.)
• Cried twice this week.  Once in thinking about Trevor leaving and once more after reading tributes to fallen soldiers in honor of Memorial Day.  
• Boobs are kind of huge now.  I can only tell they're bigger once they're unleashed from their sports-bra cage.  
• Sex drive is back up to what it was pre-pregnancy.  Trevor's not mad at this.

7.  Cravings and Aversions?  No notable have-to-have food cravings this week.  I just kind of eat whatever I want to.  My aversion to meat is still ongoing!  It's a struggle to eat it.  Such a pain because I usually love it and I know I need it.  I have had to force myself to eat as much protein as I can.

8.  Best moment this week?  23 May 2017!  The day we saw our little baby!  Since then Trevor has been hugging me from behind and ever-so-gently rubbing my belly.  Sometimes when we lay on the couch together he'll reach over and want to rest his hand there (although not actually resting or applying pressure in any way).  He's such a sweet daddy already.  But for those of you who know Trevor well, we always knew he'd be the best dad one day!

9.  Prayer requests?  Please pray that the neighbors below us stop smoking weed.  Last night they smoked in the back bedroom and it filled our whole room.  Sad thing is, they have a toddler living with them!  We could hear her running around so they were smoking while she was there.  Trevor opened up windows and turned on all the fans in our bedroom and eventually the smell went away.  I'm sure baby's fine but we only have a few weeks left in this apartment and we'd like things to go smoothly.  We're praying we won't have to deal with this again before we leave.  Also, please pray that we are efficient with the time we have together.  We have a lot going on these next few weeks and between my fatigue and Trevor's demanding work schedule, we're having a hard time getting things done. 

10.  What are you looking forward to for next week?  Taking pictures of our place for memory's sake and then packing it all up in storage!  Wish us luck!

11 Weeks

Hello friends!

I'm writing to you from the couch; albeit, I'm usually writing to you from the couch.  I just haven't mentioned it yet.  This is where I live now.  It's comfy enough so that's nice.  Welcome to my world! 

Pregnancy Essentials:  Water with straw, ginger ale, and a puke bucket.

Trevor snapped that picture of me this morning.  Told him I wanted to upload the blog sooner (although I just started writing now; Sunday afternoon) so when he got home from the graveyard shift he woke me up and we took our weekly pictures together.   That was a big mistake for me.

What I've learned about my pregnant self is I need a lot of sleep!  Also, when I need to eat, I need to eat now! If I wait to eat first thing in the morning, I pay for it in nausea that won't subside.  The reason I didn't eat right away is because our plan was to quickly take the photos and then head back to bed.  Our neighbors had other plans for our morning.

Trevor and I laugh (read: cry) because we realized whatever room we're in (i.e., master bedroom, living room, or kitchen), our neighbors are right underneath us.  There's only two and half people living there (a couple + their toddler) and yet... they're everywhere!  So after Trevor and I quickly snapped our pictures we headed straight for our bedroom.  That's where we were greeted with our neighbor's music and super loud base that shook the walls.  At 7:30am.  Our hanging picture frames are now crooked, haha... but I'm not joking.

So in resisting the temptation to angrily bang my fist against the wall, Trevor and I opted to take our blankets and pillows to the front room and try to sleep there.  I began to rest, Trevor snapped the photo and then passed out on the floor.  I woke up to the sound of them now blasting music beneath us.  They're now in the living room.  Can they sense our misery?  I have theories.

Trevor can sleep anywhere, on anything and in any position.  I once took a picture of him sitting straight up holding a pencil against a pad of paper.  He fell asleep mid-sentence!  So the bouncing walls and booming floor didn't bother him; he would have happily slept through it.  I got up and grabbed a blanket to lay over him and he woke up from that.  Oh well.  We got up, grabbed all of our things and sleepily ventured back to the bedroom while bumping into walls like defeated, wounded animals.  Don't you just love apartment life?

Well, that was a rant!  Hope you're still with me.  Guess I should talk about the pregnancy now.

So last Sunday was Mother's Day and conveniently the day I finally got the video of the baby's heartbeat uploaded.  Sent it to my mom, Ashley and Brooke.  All three of them texted me back that the video made them tear-up!  You guys are so sweet!

After we publicly announced, I joined an expectant mother's group on Facebook.  It's for all mommas who are due to deliver this December (Thanks to Anna for suggesting I join one!).  It's uh... it's an interesting group of ladies.  I'm glad I joined and especially earlier in the week it was fun to read about other pregnancies and get the chance to talk about mine... some more... haha.  But what I liked the most was reading questions from newbie pregnant ladies and the associated follow-up answers from seasoned moms.  Some moms on here are on their 12th pregnancy!  However, sad to say, at this point in the week I have unfollowed the group, basically I unsubscribed so that updates wouldn't reach my newsfeed.  These ladies are full of drama and are starting to nitpick each other and pick fights.

Also, it's worth mentioning that last Sunday we had over 1550 members and now we're down to a 1300!  In a week's time we lost 250 members!  There's not a day that goes by without a "I'm leaving the group as I've had a miscarriage" post.  And most days include multiple miscarriages or baby-no-longer-has-a-heartbeat updates.  It's heartbreaking.  I wish they didn't have to go through that.  I pray every night I don't have to go through that.

Then, as you know, the goal for this week was to get back into an exercise routine.  Monday and Tuesday were rough days for me nausea-wise and then Wednesday we were dealing with our apartment manager on and off all day.  Forgot to mention this last week, but we put in our 30-day notice on our apartment!  Doesn't feel real, mostly because we have yet to start packing.  Check back next week because I'll be posting pictures of this lovely place before it's all boxed up in storage.  Thanks to Trevor's military orders we're able to break lease without being penalized but we would like to be out of here mid-June and that's being met by some resistance from our apartment people.

Then Thursday's storm hit all of Colorado.  The downpour of snow started early Thursday morning and lasted all day Friday!  Our rivers and lakes are full and look extra beautiful now but dang, it was cold outside.  Took this little video from our bedroom window:

Trevor had both nights off so we cozied up on the couch and watched Disney movies (our favorites to watch together are Ratatouille, 101 Dalmatians and Robin Hood).  So instead of going for a walk, we used the Doppler to listen for the baby!  It's pretty consistent that I feel, what I consider to be, growing pains Thursday and Friday each week.  Side-note:  I'm predicting the baby may be measuring a few days earlier than my EDD.  So when using the Doppler, I went straight for the area where I feel the most tension/pain.  It's also the area where we found the baby with Katha.  With all that said, we found the baby within the blink of an eye!

Saturday we finally got outside and visited our park--and it was wonderful!  We went for our walk then had some subs at Subway.  Don't worry, we had the meat cooked so that the risk of listeria was gone.  Subway sandwiches have been my craving for weeks now!  It was so beautiful outside!  What a privilege it was to walk amongst such lush greenery while holding hands and discussing baby names.  This park is basically Eden to me.

Warning:  Annoying screaming girl is way too excited about throwing frozen water at her husband.

Week 11 Photos:

Baby is 1.6 inches long, and this kumquat is that long.  We think it's a better representation than a fig.

Week 11 Updates:

1.  Size of the baby?  Baby is just over 1 1/2 inches long and is about the size of a fig (or, as we chose, a kumquat)– is now almost fully formed.  The hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under the gums, and some of the bones are beginning to harden.

2.  What's developing this week?

3.  Current weight? 123, up another two pounds!  So far, I've gained 6 pounds total.

4.  Movement?  I could have sworn I felt the baby swimming around but it's just gas.  I know that's odd to say, but it doesn't feel like normal gas, haha!  I'll have a little fluttering feeling and then maybe 5 minutes later I'll realize otherwise.  Basically I farted, people.

5.  Sleep?  I need to sleep a ton.  It's the only way to avoid being miserable.  I go to bed around midnight and eat something once Trevor comes home around 7am, then we go back to bed together.  Usually I'll get up around 10 or 11.  I don't like sleeping this much but it's not an option anymore.  Even though I would like to be working, I'm grateful that right now I can rest.  Hopefully next trimester I can work to earn some extra money for us.

6.  Symptoms?  

• Headaches.  These started last Sunday, after I submitted the 10-week post.  I don't take anything for them, usually just tough it out.  Placing a hot washcloth on my head has helped a little.
• Calm for the most part, not too moody although I'm understandably stressed.  We've got a lot of changes coming up that weigh on me from time to time.  Yesterday Trevor and I had a heart to heart and I cried, which didn't help my headache.
• As far as being regular goes, I'm not.  It's nothing painful but I'm mindful of it.  Dried fruits to the rescue!
• Out of breath occasionally, mostly when talking.  Or chasing my husband to pelt him with snowballs.
• As mentioned, Thursdays and Fridays are consistent days for round ligament pain.
• A little bit of heartburn this week.
• Waistbands hurt!  Underwear, pants, and even seat belts. 
• Belly is bigger and harder. For those who haven't experienced pregnancy yet, it kinda feels like having a bulging belly from a really full bladder even when it's empty.
• Jeans don't fit.  I don't wear them outside any longer (when I actually go outside) so it's time to officially switch it up in my weekly update pictures.
• As always, breast tenderness.  Boobs are getting much bigger and are apparently looking great, according to Trevor.  Poor husbands... they're drawn to something they're not allowed to have.  Like a moth to a flame, touch it and die.

7.  Cravings and Aversions?  Craving Subway sandwiches; I like the Italian BMT on Italian Herb & Cheese bread with everything on it!  The Subway workers don't hold back on me, guys!  In case you're curious, I like lettuce, spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, green peppers, olives, onions, pickles, peppercinis AND jalapeños (hence the heartburn) with pepperjack cheese, mayo, oil, vinegar plus salt and pepper cause that's how I roll.

In terms of aversions, I haven't been loving protein as much.  Which, if you know me, this is so unlike me.  I'm usually not one to eat a lot of pasta (just personal preference) but I normally require protein with every meal.  Now I'm practically a vegetarian and I don't like it. 

8.  Best moment this week?  The walk to remember with my Trevie.

9.  Prayer requests?  That our ultrasound appointment tomorrow would go well and that baby looks great and perfectly healthy!  You guys, we get to see the baby tomorrow!!!  Also, please pray that our apartment manager lets us leave when we have scheduled to do so.

10.  What are you looking forward to for next week?  Seeing the baby tomorrow, was that not obvious? ;)

10 Weeks

Happy Mother's Day!

We're into double digits now!  We opted to celebrate with a public announcement to the rest of our friends and family around the world!  It's early, I'm only 10 weeks but I couldn't help it!  I didn't want to keep quiet on my first Mother's Day!  We also decided we would like others to know about the pregnancy even if we miscarry.  Thank you to everyone who has sent a text saying "Happy Mother's Day!"  You have no idea how happy that makes me feel.  I've been waiting 29 years for this gig!

Our Facebook announcement! Thank you for all the love and support! ¡Gracias por todo el amor y apoyo!

First Mother's Day gift and he's starting off strong!

Fun-fact:  This past Tuesday would have been my ship-date for Air Force Basic Training.  It's amazing how we grow and change with time.  When I enlisted I felt it was necessary for me to accomplish that last goal before I could even think of becoming a mom.  The Lord has humbly shown me much of who I am this past year of life and once I relearned (for the millionth time) that He is in control, I let go.  I realized I am enough and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!  Didn't know I was taking you to church this Sunday, did ya?  Hallelujah!    God's timing is greater than our own and we are so incredibly thankful for that!

Poor Trevor desired children from day #1 of our marriage but I asked him to wait.  Even so, he agrees the wait has been enjoyable and invaluable to our marriage.  Every couple is different but the amount of time we had just-the-two-of-us was perfect for us.

10 May 2017:  Baby's 1st Heartbeat Appointment! +  First Time Wearing Maternity Pants
Aside from it being filmed at a terrible angle for me (haha, but I ain't lying!) this video represents a beautiful day!  Katha warned me that we might not be far enough along to hear the baby's heartbeat, but thankfully we did!  Unmistakably fast and predictably on my left side, Baby Coles' heart rate is estimated to be approximately 170-180bpm.  Our sweet physician offered to take a picture of us listening to the baby's heartbeat! For memory's sake, our appointment was at 9weeks and 3 days pregnant.

 💜💜💜

Don't you just love Katha?  She is the absolute best!  She kept saying, "I want to find the baby one more time!  It's just so fun to listen to!"  She's wonderful and glad to have her in my life.

11 May 2017:  Announcement to Carrie, Noelle, David and Amy!
I texted Noelle, David and Amy the good news but, lucky for me, I announced to Carrie in person!

Carrie and I frequent the park together, whether we're walking and chatting or going for a run.  Our standard is usually 5 miles!  She suspected I was pregnant as I told her early on I felt "off" and after several weeks of not meeting each other at the park she grew suspicious.  Sorry for my shaky camera work.  I struggled to hold my phone and not seem conspicuous.  Towards the end of the video you can hear her talking to (and rubbing) my belly, she's so sweet!

She starts off by saying, "So I'm on my period, are you ever going to be on your period?" 

Since finding out about the pregnancy I chose to scale back the intensity of my exercises and unfortunately, cut out running altogether.  It was a fear-based decision, quite frankly.  I don't want to exert myself too much and negatively impact the baby; i.e. lead to a miscarriage.  I know we can't control miscarrying, but I decided it's better to be safe than sorry.  Also, it's hard to workout when bending over puts me on the verge of throwing up.  My plan for next week is to slowly ease myself back in to a lesser, but still worthwhile, exercise routine.  Wish me luck!

Week 10 Photos:

Week 10 Updates:

1.  Size of the baby?  A little over an inch (1.2 inches) and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, about the size of a kumquat or small strawberry!

2.  What's developing this week?

3.  Current weight? 121.  Up one more pound!  I blame it on the breads, pastas and crackers I've been eating the last few weeks just to ease the nausea.

4.  Movement?  Nope.

5.  Sleep? I've been sleeping a lot more the last few days of this week and it's been AH-MAY-ZING!  The day after oversleeping has consistently been a good day with little nausea.  I have been waking up at least once to pee, even though I pee right before bed.

6.  Symptoms?

• As mentioned, peeing more often.
• Sneezing and coughing sometimes causes lower belly pain.
• Nausea mostly in the mornings and right before bed.
• Boob tenderness again.
• Belly pain after the Doppler appointment.  Had some pain on my left side that radiated to my back.
• After walking a lot, my booty hurts!  Like, can't walk!
• Speaking of booty, Carrie said my booty has grown even bigger.  Maybe that's where my extra 4 pounds have gone to... 
• And speaking of getting bigger, I feel my belly is officially sticking out and it feels harder.  I've got a pooch!

7.  Cravings and Aversions?  Craving cereals, noodle soups and steak with mashed potatoes.  Aversions are less than last week.  Still don't want to go anywhere near a frozen dinner or cloth diapers, haha.  As we were loading up our new storage unit I found a stash of my cloth diapers.  I had to walk away as Trevor hid them somewhere.  The thought of them still grosses me out.

8.  Best moment this week?  Hearing the heartbeat, of course!  Also, publicly announcing was pretty great!

9.  Prayer requests?  That the pregnancy continues to go smoothly and our ultrasound appointment on May 22nd goes well.

10.  What are you looking forward to for next week?  Getting back into a sustainable exercise routine.

9 Weeks // 2 Months!

Officially 2 months pregnant!

Back home in Colorado, safe and sound!  This past week has been all about recovering and relaxing.  With each passing week, I'm learning how to best accommodate my new body.  Pregnancy, for me, isn't yet blissful but I do have some good days.  I'm also holding out that the 2nd trimester will be more enjoyable, although that's also when Trevor heads overseas.  It's been a bittersweet battle focusing on the good around me even when I feel miserable inwardly.  Even so, it doesn't take very long to think of things to be thankful for.

I feel thankful for even recognizing that God is challenging me to stay focused on the present versus looking ahead.  Fast-forwarding time is a mind game I have done often in my life when times were tough.  Have you ever done this?  It's like, "Okay, when such-in-such happens then things will be better" or, "Only a few more months until this is over," yadda-yah.  What a joy-stealer!  Truth be told, in a few short weeks my husband won't be here anymore to feel our growing baby bump and to take pictures with me.  It's even the little things that I can't possibly think to mention right now that I know I'll miss soon enough.  It's tough feeling sick every day;  it really is.  But guaranteed, it'll be harder to send off my soulmate to somewhere that doesn't deserve him.  There's beauty in this situation only because we have a loving God who takes these hard circumstances and turns them into valuable milestones in our walk with Him.

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

We spent Monday working on the shed (well, Trevor did anyway) then we flew home early Tuesday morning.  Once home, we crashed for a few hours until I woke up feeling nauseous and needing to eat.  It felt so good to walk into our apartment, see our kitties and climb into our bed.  Home sweet home!  To be blunt, I spent the rest of the week throwing up and sleeping.  If the nausea wasn't too bad, I slept.  If I felt good enough to walk around a bit, I quickly found myself laying back down.  It is what it is!  I completely understand why some families choose to only have one child.  Growing a child takes so much out of you!  And really, this is only the beginning.  We want to have at least two children so here's hoping my next pregnancy will be a breeze.  And, in all honesty, I know that my symptoms could be much worse!

Last week we told mom that her grandbaby is on the way and I'm so grateful she now knows!  It's been so nice when she calls to ask how I'm doing, although she's not one to give much sympathy (not that I ask for it, haha).  She'll just laugh at me and say facetiously, "Well honey, you could go into the doctor's office and see what's wrong but I'm pretty sure you're just pregnant!"  Thanks mom.  Such wisdom.

Notable Mentions from this Week:

1. Crackers and ginger ale aren't always the solution. 
2. Not all ginger ales are created equal!  For pregnancy-nausea purposes, Kroger brand is useless!  My advice is stick with brands like Schweppes and Canada Dry.
3. For me, drinking a lot of water does not make me nauseous.  In fact, it's been my new go-to for when I'm starting to feel a wave coming.  Hydration is crucial.
4. As of late, I highly recommend Preggie Pops Drops--with B6!
5. Breads and broth-based soups have been so helpful this week.
6. Never underestimate the benefits of rest.

5 May 2017 || My 29th Birthday & Testing Out the Doppler!
My birthday didn't start off so hot.  A little past midnight that morning I got sick again but thankfully felt good the rest of the day.  Trevor took me to breakfast at IHOP  and then we picked up my free birthday gift from Sephora.  Walked around a few thrift stores just for fun then ordered two smoothies and went for a walk at our favorite park.  Later that evening we went out to dinner at our beloved Pad Thai place.  Sometime in between the smoothies and our walk we went home for a few hours so I could rest.  Overall it was an easy, enjoyable day!

When we came home to rest we decided to try out the Doppler.  We were focused on the heart-rate number on the screen and thought we caught the baby's heartbeat.  After reviewing lots of videos on youtube, I'm confident we were just hearing my heartbeat.  Played around with it again on Saturday but no luck.  Hopefully Katha has better luck catching it at our appointment this Wednesday.

6 May 2017 || Trevor Tells His Air Force Unit We're Expecting
A few of his base coworkers have been asking when we'll have kids, which is pretty standard for a couple in their late twenties to be asked often.  Oddly enough, one of his coworkers mentioned a few months ago how cool it would if we were pregnant during Trevor's deployment.  He seemed genuinely excited for Trevor to come home and have a new baby waiting for him.  Trevor called after his work day to say his coworkers were downright giddy for him!  His boss, having two small kiddos of his own, excitedly hugged Trevor and expressed how happy he is for us.  His wife also works on base and Trevor says she's just as thrilled.  It's so fun to have a network of people who are supportive and so excited for this new chapter in our lives.

Gender Predictions
Boy - ||||| ||||| ||| (13)

• Jacqui
• Susie
• Anna 
• Dustin
• Brooke
• Brandon
• Isla
• Sabrina
• Desiree
• Lena
• Sarah
• Colonel
• Noelle

Girl - ||||| ||||| (10)

• Trevor
• Terry
• Casey
• Heather
• Madison
• Ashley
• Marla
• Yesenia
• Pam
• Daniel 

Week 9 Photos

Doctor-Prescribed Photos - Good for the Soul!

And, once Trevor came home the cats came out to play.  So here's a few fun shots of them!

So much boredom in our household.

Week 9 Updates

1.  Size of the baby?  Nearly an inch long and weighs just a fraction of an ounce; about the size of a grape!

2.  What's developing this week? 

3.  Current weight? 120.  Hot damn!  I'm up 3 pounds.  I decided to go off of my doctor's appointment pre-pregnancy, when my weight was 117, because I'm confident the Air Force scale was off.  It either said 113 or 115, either way I'm usually around 117.

4.  Movement?  Nope.

5.  Sleep? Still waking up consistently between 4-5am.  Back to subconsciously resting my hands on my belly.

6.  Symptoms?

• Nausea.  Seems to be combated by Preggie Pops.
• Threw up twice last week and had one day of dry heaving that wouldn't quit. 
• Fatigue.
• Bloated.  This hasn't been included in a few of my latest updates but for obvious reasons.  The bloat will only get worse from here on out!  However, while out in California (so almost week 8) the bloating subsided a bit.
• Weird taste in my mouth.  Not sure how to describe it (perhaps, salty) but I reach for my water bottle when it happens.  It's like a little reminder to keep drinking.

7.  Cravings and Aversions?  Craving soups, chicken, salads and fruit.  But that's my normal pre-pregnancy diet so I'm not sure that I'm having real cravings yet.  As far as aversions go, I've got plenty.  Nothing sounds good.  All the things I bought during Trevor's week away do not interest me anymore, in fact most of it grosses me out.  Even thinking of it leaves me feeling queasy.

8.  Best moment this week?  Celebrating my birthday with my husband!  Specifically sitting in the jeep sipping our smoothies and people-watching.

9.  Prayer requests?  Prayers that Trevor will be able to make all upcoming appointments for the baby and that we are able to hear the heartbeat at our appointment.  9 weeks is still pretty early to hear it but that would bring me some comfort to actually know that baby is alive and well.

10.  What are you looking forward to for next week? Heartbeat appointment with Katha.  She'll be using a Doppler instead of an ultrasound machine so we're hoping that we can hear the heartbeat this early.  I've been using a Doppler and haven't had much luck yet but I also haven't given it much time.

California Trip | Pictures & Videos

Reaction Videos

Mom:

Terry, Sabrina & Desiree:

John:

Casey & Heather:

Ashley:

Colonel:

Sarah:

Jerry & Sunny:

California Adventures

As Told By Videos

 

As Told By Pictures

Mom's gift :)

Birthday gift from Anna! :)

Trevor patiently waiting to ask the stewardess for a Ginger Ale.

 

Thanks for these shots, Des!

Holding Jacob for the first time!

Post-Announcement hugs from Mom

Hard-working husband in his shed

Found these photos in Trevor's phone.  Took them on Implantation Day!

So these are the best pre-pregnancy photos I have.