37 Weeks

We're full term now!

Looks like Lucy will be here in two weeks. My fluid levels went up another 3 cm, and according to the growth ultrasound measurements, she's clocking in at 8 lbs 3 oz. I know from friends' experiences that this number is generally inaccurate and overblown, but it doesn't make me any less fearful. In regard to the fluid, my OB team and I suspect she's healthy and that the fluid levels could be caused by a late onset gestational diabetes. At this late stage in the game, they're not going to re-test me for GD. I still have bi-weekly nonstress tests (which she does perfectly on) and weekly ultrasounds. We'll talk induction at 39 weeks.

I have a lot of fears going into delivery. Because of the fluid and her size, I'm more likely a candidate for a C-section, so I need to come to terms that could happen if the induction doesn't work. It's definitely not what I want for several reasons, but at the end of the day, I just want our baby.

Symptom-wise, I'm struggling. While I'm not having noticeable contractions, everything else just hurts. I'm so heavy with such little ability to move anything but my arms. I'm also having the most incredible edema in my legs, ankles and feet. And it's NOW that I need to feel more energy and be more mobile as my to-do list isn't getting any shorter.

The To-Do List

• install car seat
• wash more of her clothes
• organize her clothes 
• buy more nursing tanks and a robe
• buy a traditional baby book
• pack hospital bags
• buy the video monitor and breast pump

I keep hoping that she'll decide to "move toward the light" on her own so I know that SHE is ready. C'mon, baby girl, we want to meet you!!

36 Weeks

It's getting harder and harder to believe it's almost time. In under 4 weeks my little girl will be here. We still have a lot of things to do yet (install the car seat, pack the bags, pick up things FOR the bags, wash things, put the swing together, etc.), so I'd prefer to wait until after that's all done.

This part of pregnancy has been the hardest for me. I'm just really uncomfortable and can barely do the minimum, like going to work and coming home. Any physical movement is a struggle, and I feel like a circus act whenever I'm out in public. I get stared at, smiled at, and constantly approached by strangers who want to comment on my size. And in addition to my elephant-like body, I've been having lots of swelling in my ankles and feet.

Last weekend we attended childbirth education class, which scared the bejeesus out of me. It made me just reconsider having her out altogether! While I did learn some tips, a part of me just wants to play things by ear and be coached by the clinicians. I also attended a breastfeeding class this week.

Wednesday I had an u/s to measure her fluid levels with an appointment with the OB right after. The levels went up, past the line of a condition called polyphadramnios. It could be a sign of absolutely nothing or it could be a sign of a birth defect/chromosomal abnormality. I have the option of a referral to a nearby hospital with a neonatal specialist, and I was sent immediately down to L&D for a nonstress test.  During the test, the midwife who was on call told me the baby looked great and that I shouldn't be worried about the fluid levels as I was just over the line. She has been the only one to be comforting and reassuring about this as the thought of something being wrong with Lucy makes me want to hide in the ground. I have another nonstress test scheduled for tomorrow and I'll have another u/s at my 38 week appointment. I just have to have faith that my baby is a big, strong healthy lady with no health problems. If she isn't 100% healthy, we'll tackle that at birth.

For now, I'll concentrate on the fact that Lucy has lots of hair as shown by the u/s this week -- long enough to float away from her head!

35 Weeks

35/35!!!  It seemed like this milestone would never happen! 


How far along?  35 weeks -- the size of a honeydew

Symptoms:  Pelvic pain, mild Braxton Hicks, pressure on bladder, sluggishness, heartburn

Total weight gain/loss:  +42

Maternity clothes? I'm now down to maybe 5 dresses that fit right. I stopped caring though. Ha.

Sleep:  Sucky. Still sleep in 1 to 2 hour increments on the couch.  

Best moment this week: Had my work shower yesterday! 

Movement:  She loves the nightlife. She's definitely more active at night, especially when I wake up to hang out with my husband between 11:30 - 1:30. The movements aren't too painful. Once in a while she'll get in a good jab that will take my breath away. Since she's dropped a bit, there's more pressure lower.

Food cravings:   Nothing in particular.

Gender:  Girl

Labor Signs:  No.

Belly Button in or out?  In. But it's really shallow/flat!!

What I miss:  Sleeping on my stomach, sleeping in my bed, cocktails, being comfortable, being able to go for more than 1 hour without an urgent need to pee...

What I am looking forward to:  Putting finishing touches on the nursery and getting all the essentials off the registeries. We're in full nesting mode in October!

Milestones:  The famous 35/35! 

Observations

I really want this blog to be a solid documentation of my pregnancy, so I need to put these super random observations here in one place because I just don't want to forget this!

• When I drop something and people are around, I stare at the item until someone comes over to pick it up for me. When I'm by myself, I just leave it there. A colleague came into my office today and asked why there were sunglasses on my floor. She then figured out I just couldn't reach them. 
• Speaking of dropping, I am somehow dropping food all over me. I swear I used to be a tidy eater. Today I found pretzel crumbs all over the front of me. The other night I slopped tomato soup on my boob. My husband will probably not take me out in public again until after the baby's born.
• I love observing people looking at my belly. My favorite is women who just start spontaneously beaming at me like a Pavlovian dog. I'll miss that.
• I've become a toilet farter.
• I've been waddling since about 20 weeks. 
• When I walk past my full-length mirror, I just laugh. It's like looking in a funhouse mirror now. I can't believe that's me with the waistline that's doubled in size. I still can't believe this is real -- I don't think I ever will! 
• I grunt so loudly when I try to move. I never realized sitting/sitting up/laying down/rolling over could be the most insane physical obstacle. 
• I can't reach my feet anymore. I was hoping I could still manage to paint my toenails to the end, but that isn't happening. And there's no way my husband can do it for me -- though it would be really funny to see him try.
• I have bottles of Tums placed strategically everywhere -- my nightstand, my coffee table, my office. 
• I sleep in one/two hour chunks. And have for really the past few months. Part of it is hip pain, but part is my bladder. I haul myself off the couch, go to the bathroom, drink some water and change sides. Lather, rinse, repeat. I hate nighttime anymore.
• I had my first definite Braxton Hicks contractions Saturday night. When I announced it to W, his eyes bugged out and asked if we had to go to the hospital. When I emphasized Braxton Hicks contractions, he said "Well I don't know what those are -- all I heard is contractions!"

In other news, I think the baby has started to drop a bit!

33 Weeks

Okay, when exactly did time speed up? Now instead of people saying "Ooh you have lots of time," it's now "Wow, so close!!" Ahhh! It seriously blows my mind that I could potentially have a baby next month. The mom-to-be anxiety is starting to hit. I feel like I just found out we're having a baby, even though I've known it for 7 months! Maybe it's because I now have time to think about really preparing for her. The past few months have been hectic with showers, weddings, out-of-town trips, conferences, photo shoots. But now it's nesting time. On the upcoming agenda - finishing off the nursery, packing the hospital bag, attending childbirth class, and squeezing in a fall mini maternity session. I'd also like to get one more pedi and perhaps a prenatal massage.

Even through all my anxiety over not being prepared and starting to think a little to much about labor, I really just can't wait to meet her. She's kind of like a little mystery right now. I know her sleep schedule and what makes her kick. I even know what she looks like to a point, but it's going to be completely different when she's on the outside. I just want to wrap my arms around her and love on her. Rubbing my belly just doesn't have the same effect.

Symptom-wise, I'm hanging in there. The pelvic pain is definitely still there. I really miss sleeping in beds. I'm a complete waddler, and I need to eat more frequent meals instead of larger meals. The heartburn I get at least twice a day. I've been having more ankle/feet swelling this week, but I could attribute that to walking around Philadelphia for three days.

People's comments continue to crack me up. During my conference last week, I had several women approach me and tell me not to go into labor that night. Errr, what? I was happily shoveling food in my face, not clutching my belly in agony! Do I really look like my water could break any minute? While I am big, she's so high up in my belly it doesn't seem like it could happen anytime soon.

32 Weeks

32 weeks, also known as 80% of the way there!

I used to think she'd make her arrival early, but now I'm not so sure. I think I need to prepare myself for an overdue baby so I don't hate my life if November 9 rolls around and she's still comfy in the womb. W thinks she'll be early based on her activity level -- "She wants out." Maybe I should start a pool. :)

Last Sunday Lucy finally broke free of the crazy position she found herself in last week. Thank GOD because oh my it hurt so bad. She's such a strong little girl. By Sunday I was practically crying out of frustration and pain. I have my fingers crossed she doesn't do anything similar or start doing the under-the-ribs kicks.

I made a tiny bit more progress on the nursery; After I put together the glider the other night, I sat there with my tank pushed up above my belly (klassy, I know) and just sat in amazement. There are so many times lately this all feels so surreal -- I've always thought about what it might be like to be pregnant and to be planning for a child, but now that I'm LIVING it... I still can't wrap my head around it. I can look down and see a visible pregnant body that is completely unfamiliar to me, and then I think about the result of this and it boggles my mind that much more. I'm going to be a mommy. Well, I AM a mommy now. I feel like a 13-year-old girl half the time, yet I'm going to have a daughter to raise in under two months. I have so many fears and anxieties about parenthood as I'm sure first-time moms often do. I try not to think about labor. I have to just hope that things go as well as can be and that Lucy and I remain healthy throughout.

I have a busy week ahead of me which include being a bridesmaid at an out of town wedding, going out of town a few days later for a conference, and then having my family/friends shower the next day. If my body can make it through all this excitement, I'll be amazed and grateful! I've really slowed down now and walking more than 20 steps is just plain annoying. I feel like all my organs are pushed together up to my throat. But through it all, I am enjoying pregnancy -- quite the contradiction, huh? Because I know that my days are numbered with it being just me and Lucy, where I don't have to share her with anyone. Selfish, yes. But I hear that's a trait common in moms. :)

Bump Progress to Date

31 Weeks

How far along?  31 weeks – the size of a head of lettuce.

Symptoms:  Frequent bathroom trips, sluggishness, mild back aches, heartburn, fatigue, some shortness of breath like my lungs are being crowded up against other organs

Total weight gain/loss:  +31

Maternity clothes? Yes and having a need to buy bigger maternity clothes! I'm trying to make do with what I have because in the scheme of things, 9 more weeks doesn't warrant the cost.

Sleep:  Poor as usual. I sleep on the couch in 2 hour increments. 

Best moment this week:  Had a nice Labor Day with my husband. It wasn't anything too out of the norm, but being able to share some relaxing moments with him is probably going to be few and far between when Lucy arrives.

Movement:  She's been a little off her normal schedule. Not a lot of movement Tuesday, but tons of all day movement Wednesday and Thursday. She's still a night owl. And now her movements are starting to hurt -- she'll stick out a foot or butt and leave it there! 

Food cravings:   Nothing in particular.

Gender:  Girl

Labor Signs:  No.

Belly Button in or out?  In. Though I'm sure everyone thinks I've popped; I have this old scar from when I removed my navel ring that juts out a bit right above my belly button.

What I miss:  Sleeping on my stomach, sleeping in my bed, cocktails, being comfortable, being able to go for more than 1 hour without an urgent need to pee...

What I am looking forward to:  Making some more progress in the nursery (the dresser should be arriving soon!) and VERY excited for my family/friends baby shower in two weeks, too.

Milestones:  Single digit weeks til my due date!! I'm now at the point where it seems just around the corner in a lot of ways. 

In other news, I'm clearly unprepared for baby according my overdue Bump tasks. :( 

27 Weeks

I REALLY don't want to whine again, especially because part of this blog's purpose is to serve as documentation for my daughter to read someday, but it's really had to put a positive spin on the past week. To put it bluntly, I've been a miserable, sad sack of a pregnant woman. The aches, pains, rampant bladder problems, combined with body image issues ... it's been messing with me mentally. And I hate it. I hate being down because of pregnancy. I want to focus on what's ahead and the tiny little baby who is living in my uterus, depending on me for everything. But I'm trapped in my own head, fervently wishing I could hit the fast forward button to November.

And then the guilt comes. Because as sucky as the negative parts are, I don't want to rush this. Like I said before, this is a very epic period in my life, and I don't want to wish it away. I always knew that the latter half of my pregnancy would be a little more cruel since first tri was such a breeze.

But the good news? We've hit the third trimester! (Most sites say 3rd tri begins at 27 weeks, so that's what I'm going with.) Third tri will be full with many events -- showers, weddings, my baby showers -- and things like finishing her nursery, getting maternity photos done, attending childbirth class ... it will be busy for sure!

How far along? 27 weeks

Total weight gain: 22 lbs as of 3 weeks ago.

Maternity clothes? Basically everything is maternity now. Sadly I've sized out of some of my early maternity clothes. :( 

Stretch marks? No new ones anyway!

Sleep: Still sleeping on the couch every night. I can sleep soundly and comfortably until the mother nature calls. 

Best moment this week: Making it to third tri 

Miss Anything? Pre-pregnancy body that didn't hurt, a cold beer, dresses with waistlines

Movement: Lots of movement. Baby girl is active. I think she's been taking in too much Olympics -- she likes to use my uterus for her floor mat routine.

Food cravings: The past few weeks I've had cravings for turkey BLT sandwiches.

Anything making you queasy or sick: No.

Gender: Girl :) 

Labor Signs: None. 

Symptoms: Heartburn, constant need to pee, round ligament pain

 Belly Button in or out? In.

Wedding rings on or off? I bought a fake diamond ring a few weeks ago because my wedding band was getting tight. 

Happy or Moody most of the time: This week? Very moody. 

Looking forward to: Seeing college friends this weekend to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of one of my bests. 

24 Weeks

Happy Viability Day! (though she better stay comfy for another couple months!)

So as much as I complained last week, I'm really trying to concentrate on the positives. I don't want to spend too much of this pregnancy miserable; I really want to enjoy it cherish the times I get to spend with my daughter as close to me as humanly possibly as it gets! Some day I'll look back on this time and wish I could have it back. I'll still kvetch about the crazy pregnancy symptoms and irritants, but I won't wallow in them.

I crossed off a major (to me) pre-baby checklist item when I finally got ahold of the daycare I want to find out there's no waiting list. We tour at the end of the month! I'm hoping we like what we see, because we really don't have a lot of options when it comes to daycares who offer part-time hours.

No new symptoms this week. She's pretty active all the time, especially in the wee hours of the morning as I'm struggling to fall back asleep. Fruit and carbs really get her going.

I had my 24 week appointment today. Looks like I'm up 20 pounds. I can't say I'm surprised; my mom and my sister both gained over 50 with each of their pregnancies, so I'm probably just following nature here. I have to remember it's only temporary and I will do my best to lose it. The better news is she's measuring on track and her heartbeat is in the 130s.

Last weekend I picked up more things at yard sales. At this rate, she'll have way too many clothes, but I figure it's always good to have backups. :) Now if I could just pry myself away from Etsy.

23 Weeks

Disclaimer: The below will sound whiny and bratty, but sometimes a pregnant girl just has to complain about the crap parts of pregnancy. Don't get me wrong -- I'm thrilled to be pregnant and be a grower of life and all that jazz I swear. But it's not all puppies and rainbows.

I miss being able to sleep in my bed. I miss being able to haul myself out of a sitting position without time and grunts and heavy breathing. I miss not four hour stretches of sleep. I miss fruity cocktails and beer. I miss not having heartburn and random pains in my belly. I miss having non-swollen legs and feet. I miss not feeling like I'm not an elephant who slowly trudges wherever it goes. I miss the days when people didn't have carte blanche to talk about my weight. I miss not being judged/judging myself for what foods/drinks I put into my body.

But worst of all is the knowledge that I have soooo many more weeks to go and that all of the above will just get worse and then some. I'm already growing out of some of my maternity clothes -- like, how is that even possible at 23 weeks?!

Planning wise, I feel like I'm falling behind. I haven't been able to get in touch with the daycare I'm interested in. The guest room is still not cleaned out, not painted, no furniture purchased. I have two registered started, butt they're not completed. I haven't scheduled my childbirth classes yet. Why is it time slowed down when about my physical discomforts, but seems like it's zipping by when I think about all the baby prep?

Baby is the size of a large mango! She's getting more active in the days, but she's especially feisty at night right before I want to sleep.

22 Weeks

Baby is as long as a spaghetti squash! (I have never looked at a spaghetti squash, but I'm assuming it's a good size.) 

I've never really done any of these pregnancy surveys on the blog before, but there's a first for everything, right? 

How far along? 22 weeks

Total weight gain: 14 lbs as of 2 weeks ago.

Maternity clothes? Pretty much everything I wear is maternity at this point. A lot of my dresses would work, but they rise up too far in front and look ridic.

Stretch marks? No new ones anyway!

Sleep: Decent only when I'm on the couch. I wish I could sleep in my bed, but nothing seems to work; it's just too uncomfortable. When I'm on the couch I feel supported, plus I'm still able to lie on my back. I can lie like a stone until my bladder wakes me up. 

Best moment this week: I should write these down, but alas, the pregnancy brain has struck again. 

Miss Anything? Belly sleeping. And fruity alcoholic drinks. Like whoa.

Movement: Kicks and tumbles -- always after I eat and usually right before bedtime. 

Food cravings: No real strong craving. We eat a lot of pizza. And salads at lunch during the week. (I've taken to speaking for her -- is that creepy?) 

Anything making you queasy or sick: No.

Gender: Girl :) 

Labor Signs: None. 

Symptoms: Clumsiness, loss of memory retention, swollen ankles/feet, heartburn

 Belly Button in or out? In.

Wedding rings on or off? Wearing just my e-ring these days.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy definitely. 

Looking forward to: Purging the guest room to make it into the nursery!

21 Weeks

Baby is as long as a carrot! But there are like a million different carrot sizes, so I'll go with the "Dad's Pregnancy Guide" which says length of a beer bottle.

Over the halfway point! Last week I felt like time was going by too quickly, and "zomg, not enough time to prepare!" Now? It's "If I'm this giant at 21 weeks, what happens at 36?!" I hate even worrying about it because it's so shallow, and I know it's temporary and to grow my little girl, but it just makes me feel uncomfortable now. To top it off, I'm definitely noticing foot and ankle swelling. Granted, it's 95 and humid, but I can SEE how swollen they are. If only I could get away with wearing flip-flops everyday to work! 

I've been hitting up some yard sales the past week to see what kind of good baby things I can get my hands on. Clothes are easy enough (and I doubt she'll ever want for something pretty to wear in this house), but now I'm looking for baby gear that I wouldn't mind being used.

I feel her a lot more this week. Especially after I eat and every time I switch positions during the night. A night owl already - oh boy! We call her a little soccer star.

I also crossed something off my pregnancy checklist -- scheduling our maternity session! I'm super excited to work with the Cardens again. I've already created a big pinboard of maternity session inspiration.

We're getting closer to confirming her name, which I can't wait to reveal! 

Baby Kicks at 19w2d

After a few days of feeling a little anxious I hadn't felt definite movement, Baby decided to make his/her presence known on Father's Day night! I felt some thumps earlier in the afternoon and figured that was it, but it wasn't until that night while lying down in bed that there was no mistake. It was so noticeable it almost took my breath away, and even better -- both W and I could feel it on the outside.

It's so crazy to me. Before this I could almost pretend I wasn't pregnant (bar the growing midsection). But now it's so real. There's a little human in me using my insides for soccer practice! And in just two days we'll find out if baby is a son or a daughter. Honestly it's becoming a tad overwhelming, but it's also exhilarating at the same time. This whole process is amazing and still something I can't wrap my head around.

19 Weeks

Baby is the size of a mango!

After four weeks of awful sleep, I finally had a decently restful night in my bed last night! I'm hoping for that trend to continue. As I suspected, my ever growing size is having quite the effect on my movement and body position.

Food-wise, and I'm super happy about this, I've been REALLY enjoying salads everyday for lunch in the cafeteria. I'm a "dry salad" eater, so salads generally don't hold the same appeal for me as others, but OMG they taste so good to me right now. I'm really hoping this sticks around. I haven't fed me or this baby very well the past four months. (Sorry, kid.)

Yesterday was my 31st birthday. I just kept thinking "Next year we'll have a baby to help celebrate with!" or the thought of "The only birthday I care about this year will happen in November..." Plus I'm way more excited about June 20 (our anatomy scan) than anything. And I can't wait to finally get serious about buying some baby gear/clothes/nursery things. I don't want to go crazy right away since my friends and family are throwing me a shower, but now W and I will know which side of the baby clothes aisle to look in!

18 Weeks

Baby is the size of a sweet potato!

So far I'm finding second tri is more difficult than first trimester. I realize that's backward, but apparently so in my case. I'm still suffering from wretched sleep, and I spend more time on the couch than in my bed. Sometimes what keeps me awake is the restless leg/arm syndrome, which I suppose is from my joints loosening. So instead of the typical "energy-filled" second tri, I'm regressing. Another complaint is the back pain I've been experiencing, sometimes even while lying down. I had a premonition that would happen to me early on in pregnancy, especially considering how uh, busty I am.

However, one of the bonus parts about second tri is looking obviously pregnant. Sure, there are still some outfits where it's questionable, but mostly people know right away. I've received a few more belly rubs in the past two weeks (thankfully, all friends/family). I'm not someone who is annoyed at others putting their hands on me; in fact, I welcome it! I guess in some way it allows me to share my pregnancy with others in a more intimate way.

I can't believe there's only 11 days until we get to see the baby again and know if we have a little lady or a little man! I'm scared for my bank account the day we find out!

15 Weeks

While the food fixations have gone away, the one first tri symptom that hasn't is the fatigue. I operate pretty well during the day, but after dinner I'm fighting heavy eyelids. My husband makes fun of me for my geriatric bedtimes, but hey, I'm growing a human here.

Appearance-wise, people keep telling me I look pregnant now. I know it's still bump mixed with bloat and fat, but I'll take it. And to confirm strangers' "Is she? Isn't she?" looks, I tend to make a show of rubbing my belly.

I am already feeling like a slacker in getting ready for baby's arrival. I haven't purchased one thing or made any moves to clean out the guest room to become the nursery. We have a lot of attic and basement purging to do first, and then have to figure out what to do with husband's clothes.

We also have to figure out daycare once I go back to work in January. I don't even know the questions to ask a potential caregiver.

14 Weeks

SECOND TRIMESTER!! Even though it often felt like time was moving like molasses, I now can't believe I've hit second tri. From what I hear, second is the best -- your bump is evident, but not uncomfortable; you find out the sex; you start preparing and purchasing; your energy returns; you feel the first flutters and kicks. Ahh, can't wait!

Symptom-wise, no new developments. I can feel some stretching in my uterus, and I don't feel as agile as a couple of weeks ago, which doesn't bode well for third tri. I'm 40% in maternity clothes now. The bump still isn't as nicely rounded as I'd wish, but in most of my clothes I, IMO, look pregnant.

I'm still able to sleep on my belly; in fact it's the only way I can fall asleep these days. I may end up trying a body pillow to help get me on my side more, but I can't imagine there being enough room in our bed for that. :-/

I still wonder all the time about our baby. There are so many unknowns, and for someone as Type A as me -- not a good mix. Right now I'd be happy to just know the sex, but I have to wait another 6 weeks. The suspense is unbearable.

Baby is now the size of a lemon!

10 Weeks

Double digits and one quarter of the way there! This week was a little surreal with getting our first peek at the baby during the ultrasound. My husband says he becomes even more shocked each time he looks the sonogram and can't get over how unbelievable it is that we created a life. Honestly it's a lot to grasp, even for me who has been housing the little thing. I can't believe there are little arms and legs just waving around in my body and I can't feel a thing! I assume it gets to feel a little more natural once my bump grows and when I feel the flutters and kicks.

Symptom-wise, no changes. Though I think the specific cravings are toning down a bit. I notice if I go too many hours between eating I get acid reflux. I'm really trying to work in more healthy items into my day -- not only for the sake of my baby, but also because my increasing size is troubling me.

Next weekend we're doing a little mini photoshoot for our official announcement. It will feel good to be "out"! Not that I'm too shy about telling people in person lately, but I'll feel a little less censored. :)

I did  buy a few maternity items last week including a pair of work pants. The full belly panel is a little tricky to get used to, especially because my blump doesn't fill it out!

9 Weeks

Still in the single digits, but I'm getting there. The most wonderful part about 9 weeks is this week we get to see the lil gummy bear! Tuesday can't come soon enough. I just pray everything is on track and that it goes smoothly. I really think (provided things go well) this will really make it more real for both of us, especially W.

my blump

Symptoms this week are maintaining steady - no new ones. I think the food cravings are getting moderately better. I'm not ragingly hunger at all hours of the day now -- just a few. I'm working on making better choices (as much as I can) because I'm afraid to gain a bajillion pounds.

At this stage, most of my close friends (including work friends) know. I can't be sure how many family members know since our parents have loose lips. The day after our u/s we're having a birthday dinner for my gram. I'm NOT hijacking the dinner, but I'll flash the sonogram pic to any of them who don't know already. The plan is to make it Facebook official the end of April when I'm 12 weeks. I'm completely nervous to make that step just in case something awful happens, but I can't live in fear this whole pregnancy, right?

I'm going shopping this weekend because my closet is the most frustrating thing in my life these days! I really thought many of my dresses would see me through the first half of pregnancy, but I underestimated the boob/ass gain. I'm not ready for maternity yet, but maybe I can find some roomier empire dresses to see me through. Wish me luck! And happy Friday!

8 Weeks

Eight weeks already! I whined at the beginning that this pregnancy seemed to move so slowly, but now it's picking up some steam thankfully. Lots of random thoughts today.

Instragram pics. Don't worry -- it's grape juice I'm holding!

1. Last weekend I went with a group of friends to our annual winery trip. Luckily I've remained nausea-free, so  the trip wasn't as bad as I figured; in fact I had fun. I brought my camera gear which helped occupy me while the others drank. Admittedly I felt some pangs of jealousy at my favorite wineries, but it's not like I'll never drink again ... right? 

2. Not much in the way of symptoms, though the fatigue is back. Food cravings are still there, but not as strong as last week.

3. I had my first OB appointment on Tuesday. It was mainly just talking to an office nurse regarding family history, medical history, dos and donts, etc. But the best part of all was finding out when I get my first ultrasound -- April 10. I am sooo excited for this one, but I'm

also equally terrified. I keep replaying stories of women who are told at this appointment there's no heartbeat or the baby stopped growing, etc. The further into this I get I obviously grow more attached to my little peanut. I just can't fathom going through a loss. Each time someone on my birth month board announces a goodbye, I just want to cry.

4. According to my handy little illustration, baby has little arm and leg nubs and is developing eyes! It all seems to happen so quickly from little blob to real characteristics and body parts! This whole thing is so mystifying and amazing.

5. I finally got around to ordering a tripod yesterday so I can start doing weekly bump shots. I'm a bit of photo perfectionist, so I'm having a hard time coming up with how I want these to look -- do I wear the same outfit? Face the same direction? Right now I'm just lumpy between the bloaty belly and the ever-increasing-in-size backend, so it's not too pretty too look at.

Anyway, happy Friday to all!!