Three of a Kind

working mom....

2010-03-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

Last week was my first week back to work and Avery's first week in daycare. My first day back to work was something I thought about for a long time. I started thinking about it when I first told my boss that I was pregnant. As my pregnancy progressed and I became more and more attached to the little baby growing inside of me, I wondered if I would be as excited to return to work as I had previously thought. Then Avery was here, lying on my chest screaming at the world. I was so instantly in love that returning to work was not something I ever thought of.
I had decided to take 8 weeks off to care for and bond with Avery. 8 weeks seemed like a lot of time. All of a sudden Avery was 6 weeks old and I was faced with the daunting milestone of going back to work and dropping my little girl off at daycare for the first time. I was a mess. I had been talking to daycares since October trying to find the right fit for my family. We decided to go with an in home daycare close to my job and our home. Just about 7 minutes from home and 5 from work.
Monday came and I cried all morning, wisely deciding to skip mascara as I got ready for the day. I dropped her off, rambled through my instructions on her routine and feedings. I got to my car and sat in front of the house sobbing, not able to put the car in drive and head to work. Thank goodness for my DH. He talked me into driving away all the while telling me just how strong I was and that this would be good for all of us.
I made it through the morning, counting down the minutes to my lunch break and a chance to snuggle my little girl and make sure that she was really ok. She was great! Snuggled with the daycare lady, happy, fed, and clean. I made it through the rest of the day and raced back to her. The next day was a little easier and Avery seemed more than ok with daycare, she was loved. The owner loves her, the other kids love her and she is happy to see me at the end of the day.
I realized this week that she is doing great, this is good for her. I also realized that as much as I would like to spend every day at home taking care of Avery, I can't. It just isn't possible to do that and pay our bills. I also realized that Avery will learn a lot at daycare and she will make friends! Another realization I came to was that I like my job, and I am really good at my job. By working DH and I will be able to give Avery everything she needs and we are still able to spend lots of quality time with her. Nothing feels as good as walking into a room and watching my baby realize her mommy is there. The smile melts my heart everytime!

one week.....

2010-03-07T22:35:00.000-08:00

I am now one week, seven very short days, away from heading back to work. I have loved being a stay at home mommy for the past two months and I am having a hard time imagining a life as a working mom. I keep telling myself this will be good for all of us. However, I just don't want it to happen. Is there a way to stop time? To keep my little girl a 7 week old for just a little longer? I know there isn't but I just want to keep her tiny and snuggly and all to myself for just a few more weeks. I have been trying to remind myself that I was so very lucky to get to stay home for 8 weeks. I really should have gone back to work a week ago, my check book is really feeling the two weeks of unpaid leave. I also need to remember that I am really good at my job and for the most part I really enjoy what I do.

I am also trying to remember that going to daycare will be good for Avery. She will get to interact with other kids, and I know she will be better off for it. (Just like I will be better off getting more interaction with other adults). I worry that I will start wishing for the weekends and before I know it she will be ready for her first date and then headed off to college.
I never expected motherhood to have me so confused. On one hand I don't want anything to change, I want Avery to be my tiny little baby forever. On the other hand I can't wait to show her how to ride a bike, teach her to read, and watch her daddy teach her to fish. Can't I have my cake and eat it too?

Avery is 1 month and 3 weeks old....and growing up too fast!

2010-03-03T23:07:00.001-08:00

Scrapbooking Photo Tinks by WiddlyTinks.com

6 Weeks

2010-03-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

My little chicken is six weeks old. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I knew I would love being a mommy but I never expected to love it this much. Avery is the best parts of DH and I and by far the best thing I have ever done. I am getting ready to go back to work :o( I thought I would be ready to go back...at six weeks pp I am no where near ready. I have been feeling really sorry for myself the last few days, I decided to stop that. I get two more weeks home with my beautiful baby and many mommies get much less than that.
I am also incredibly lucky to have a wonderful DH that has supported me and Avery more than I ever could have asked for. He is the most amazing daddy. He loves our little girl more than life, he cannot wait to get home to us and he can't wait to show her the world. I am completely in love with both of them...they are my whole world. I never could have imagined how perfect my life could be.

Introducing Avery Ann!!!!

2010-01-27T19:50:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has taken me so long to get around to writing down Avery's birth story. I am already forgetting some of the details of that magical day. Thursday January 14th we had a doctor's appointment for my 38 week belly check. I was 4 cm and 100% effaced. My doctor decided to strip my membranes in hopes of getting my labor started. She told me to call the office if I was still pregnant on Friday afternoon and we would discuss induction for early the next week. I was really hoping that I would go into labor (I was so done with work and people and being pregnant at this point). DH's sister had invited us over for dinner after my appointment. We had some time to kill after the appointment so we went to Cabela's to walk in hopes of speeding things along. After about an hour we headed to dinner. We got home about 8:30 and I started having contractions that we about 8 minutes apart for almost 2 hours. DH and I decided to go to bed and get some rest just incase it was reall labor.
I woke up at 1:45 to pee and while I was sitting there I felt a pop and what might have been a gush of water but I couldn't tell for sure. I instantly went into active labor. I had the most intense contraction I had ever experienced that was accompanied by incredible pressure. The contractions were 5 minutes apart and after about 30 minutes DH called the hospital. They said we should wait until they were 5 minutes apart for about an hour or so and suggested I take a shower while we waited.
As soon as I got in the shower my contractions started coming closer together and after just a few minutes they were 3 minutes apart and then 2 minutes apart. Every time I had a contraction I would yell for DH to start timing. As soon as they were 2 minutes apart DH started loading the truck and telling me to get out of the shower, we needed to leave now!
We got in the car and the pain was beyond intense. DH made the 45 minute drive in about 25 minutes. We got to the hospital at 3:30 am. I was dilated to 6 cm and the contractions were coming right on top of each other. I walked in the door asking for an epidural. The poor nurses delt with my inability to sit still or communicate very well. I was quite the bitch. I had to get through one bag of IV fluids before they would give me an epidural, right after they started the IV they called for the epidural. While we were waiting the nurses and my DH helped me get through the contractions (I wish I was quiet but I was very vocal). After about 45 minutes the anesthisiologist came in and the nurse decided to check me. I was now dilated to 8 cm. I was terrified I wouldn't get the epiedural (the cut off at my hospital is 6 cm). I was lucky and they decided to try it anyway. She tried 3 times because I couldn't arch my back enough and I had a really hard time sitting still. It took a few contractions but after about 15 minutes all I could feel was pressure. While we were waiting for everything to take effect DH called our families to let them know it was ok to come to the hospital. They all started showing up right as the epidural took full effect. By 6:00 am I was fully dilated and the nurse called my doctor.
Even though my doctor wasn't on call the nurse called her and she said she would come in to deliver Avery. I labored down for about an hour and started pushing at 7:15. I got the hang of pushing fairly quick and Avery was here at 8:03 am. Avery was 8 lbs 9 oz and 20 inches long! It was the most incredible moment of my life. It was just DH and I in the room, I will remember the look on his face when she cried for the first time and how great it felt to have her on my chest.
I am madly in love with my daughter and seeing my husband as a father to our daughter has been the most amazing and wonderful experience of my life. Now for some pictures of our beautiful daughter!

Avery and Daddy!

Our little family!

Going home!

2010-01-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

Baby's now the size of a watermelon!
Your full-term (yay!) baby is gaining about 1/2 ounce a day and getting his first sticky poop (called meconium) ready. He's also brushing up on skills for the outside world: blinking, sucking, inhaling, exhaling, and gripping (it's getting strong!).

How far along? 37 weeks!!!
Total weight gain: Down 4 lbs. I gained more weight the doctor thinks a lot of it was fluid.
Maternity clothes? Indeed! some of those maternity shirts are getting a bit small :o)
Sleep: still up multiple times each night to pee and I am finding getting comfortable very difficult.
Best moment this week: We found out I am still 3 cm and I am now 80% effaced. My body is definitely getting ready.
Movement: yes!
Gender: Girl!!!
Labor Signs: I am still contracting and I am feeling sharp pains in my cervix.
Belly Button in or out? In. I don't think it is going to pop.
What I miss: Sleeping comfortably and walking without a waddle.
What I am looking forward to: Doctor's appointment and finding out if I have made any more progress.
Weekly wisdom: Enjoy your time as a couple before the baby comes. DH and I went out on our first date in a long time. It was just dinner and a movie but it was a lot of fun.
Milestones: We are full term! She is free to come at any time.

Here is the latest belly pic

2009-12-29T17:14:00.000-08:00

Baby's now the size of a honeydew!
Baby's skin is getting smooth and soft, her gums are rigid, her liver and kidneys are in working order, and her circulation and immune system are basically good to go. Her lungs are the only organs that still need to fully mature, but every day she gets a little closer to breathing on her own.

How far along? 36 weeks!!!
Total weight gain: Down 6 lbs. I gained that pound from last week back!
Maternity clothes? Indeed! some of those maternity shirts are getting a bit small :o)
Sleep: still up nightly to pee :o) make this about 3 to 4 times each night.
Best moment this week: She dropped and I am 50% effaced and almost 3 cm dilated.
Movement: yes!
Gender: Girl!!!
Labor Signs: Starting to experience some real contractions. Hopefully they lead to more progress at my appointment Wednesday.
Belly Button in or out? In. I don't think it is going to pop.
What I miss: After the holidays I noticed I am really missing a cocktail or a nice glass of wine.
What I am looking forward to: Doctor's appointment and last growth ultra sound on Wednesday!!!
Weekly wisdom: A little bit of progress might not mean anything. I have no more progress for weeks. I am trying not to get my hopes up.
Milestones: less than one week until I am full term. And as of this morning I am an Auntie!!!!

2009-12-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

Baby's now the size of a honeydew!
From now on, baby's growth is mostly in the plumping up department -- though he won't get much longer, he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth. (He's about 15 percent right now and will be about 30 percent by full-term.) His hearing is totally developed (tip: baby responds best to higher pitches), and if he really is a "he," his testes have probably completed their descent.

How far along? 35 weeks!!!
Total weight gain: Down 7 lbs. I lost a pound.
Maternity clothes? Indeed! some of those maternity shirts are getting a bit small :o)
Sleep: still up nightly to pee :o)
Best moment this week: She dropped and I am 50% effaced and 2 cm dilated.
Movement: yes! The war on my hips and ribs continues. I am losing.
Gender: Girl!!!
Labor Signs: Nope!!!
Belly Button in or out? In. I don't think it is going to pop.
What I miss: Being able to get up from the couch quickly and without pain.
What I am looking forward to: Doctor's appointment on Wednesday and Christmas!!!!!!
Weekly wisdom: A little bit of progress might not mean anything. I have no more progress for weeks. I am trying not to get my hopes up.
Milestones: 35 days until I am 40 weeks :D

2009-12-06T20:21:00.001-08:00

Baby's now the size of a honeydew!
Things are heating up inside as well: Baby may grow up to a full inch this week alone, and his brain is developing like crazy. Pretty soon, he'll be able to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. Also, his bones are hardening, and he's started to keep his eyes open when he's awake.

How far along? 33 weeks!!!
Total weight gain: Down 6 lbs. I gained a pound!!!
Maternity clothes? Indeed!
Sleep: still up nightly to pee :o)
Best moment this week: Avery has started moving more for her daddy, she gets super active at bedtime every night.
Movement: yes! The war on my hips and ribs continues. I am losing.
Gender: little Girl!!!
Labor Signs: Nope!!!
Belly Button in or out? In. I don't think it is going to pop.
What I miss: Sleeping all night, without getting up at all.
What I am looking forward to: we have a doctor's appointment on Thursday and I have a spa day on Wednesday!!!!!
Weekly wisdom:listen to your body. I got sick on the way to work and instead of toughing it out like I normally would, I went home and rested all day.
Milestones: 5 to 7 weeks......I don't know if I am ready yet.

Belly update!

2009-11-30T16:40:00.001-08:00

32 weeks 1 day knocked up!

2009-11-29T09:53:00.000-08:00

Baby's now the size of a squash!
Ready or not, baby's getting ready to emerge. She's probably in the head-down position by now, with her bottom facing up. This is the comfiest way for her body to fit in your increasingly cramped womb and will make her eventual exit (only a few months away now!) much easier. (If she's still head-up, don't panic -- there's still time for a flip before birth.)

How far along? 32 weeks!!!
Total weight gain: Down 6 lbs. I gained a pound!!!
Maternity clothes? Indeed!
Sleep: still up nightly to pee :o)
Best moment this week: growth ultrasound our little girl is getting big quick! 4lbs 7 oz (1lb bigger than average)
Movement: yes! The war on my hips and ribs continues.
Gender: little Girl!!!
Labor Signs: Nope!!!
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: sleeping all night and on my stomach.
What I am looking forward to: another uneventful week and getting a massage.
Weekly Wisdom: do not over do! one day of overdoing will hurt for a week!
Milestones: The doctor said it would be good for Avery to come a week or two early!

2009-11-22T19:13:00.000-08:00

Baby's now the size of a squash!
Baby's going through major brain and nerve development these days. His irises now react to light, and all five senses are in working order. (He won't pick up anything from his nose until after birth, though -- smell is transferred through air, not amniotic fluid.)

How far along? 31 weeks!!!
Total weight gain: Down 7lbs still.
Maternity clothes? Indeed!
Sleep: still up nightly to pee :o)
Best moment this week: My baby shower. I cannot believe how loved she is. We got tons of our big items and lots of other useful items.
Movement: yes! she has declared war on my hips and ribs.
Gender: little Girl!!!
Labor Signs: Nope!!!
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: sleeping all night and on my stomach.
What I am looking forward to: growth u/s tomorrow afternoon.
Weekly Wisdom: somehow it will all get done.
Milestones: we could have a baby in the next 7 weeks. holy shit!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-08T18:47:00.000-08:00

Baby's now the size of a squash!
Baby's energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath his skin. And since he's growing so fast (weight will triple by birth), things are getting kind of cramped in the womb. What all this means for you: Get ready for some more kicks and jabs to the ribs.

How far along? 29 weeks. Holy Crap!
Total weight gain: Hoping I gained a few pounds...we will find out on Thursday.
Maternity clothes? yes, however, I am still wearing a lot of my prepregnancy tops but they are starting to get kind of short :o)
Sleep: not so great. I have been getting up at least once a night to pee.
Best moment this week: The dresser is in!!! All we have left are the final accessories!!
Movement: yep it is now visible!!!
Gender: little Girl!!!
Labor Signs: Nope!!!
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: DH drank a beer last night and I almost made out with him just for the taste.
What I am looking forward to: my shower next Sunday!!
Weekly Wisdom: even though her head is in the 95th percentile the rest of her body might catch up.
Milestones: Her estimated wight is 3lbs!

Brockly taking care of Avery's nursery!

2009-11-01T17:30:00.000-08:00

Baby's now the size of an eggplant!
Baby's lungs are mature enough that, if born right now, she has a pretty good chance of surviving (with help from medical technology). Her skin is still pretty wrinkly (one byproduct of living in amniotic fluid) but will smoothen as fat continues to deposit.

How far along? 28 weeks.
Total weight gain: I lost another 3 pounds so I am down 7 pounds from prepregnancy weight.
Maternity clothes? yes, however, I am still wearing a lot of my prepregnancy tops :o)
Sleep: not so great. I have been getting up at least once a night to pee. Avery likes to wake up about then and then have a little party in my ute :o)
Best moment this week: We are almost finished with the nursery!!! We are now just waiting for BRU to call and let us know our dresser is in. :o)
Movement: yes.
Gender: little Girl!!!
Labor Signs: Not at all.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: my winter coat. It no longer fits:o( I have been wearing DH's old hunting coats.
What I am looking forward to: Growth scan in the next week or so, I can't wait to see her again.
Weekly Wisdom: Be thankful for all the help you get. We have had so many wonderful gifts for Avery from family and friends who are excited to meet her.
Milestones: 3rd Trimester!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

Baby's now the size of an eggplant!
Baby's lungs are going through some major developments these days, which (combined with the opening of previously plugged nostrils) means he's now able to practice inhaling and exhaling. The lack of air in your womb means every "breath" is filled with amniotic fluid, but hey -- it's progress.

How far along? 27 weeks.
Total weight gain: we will find out Thursday....I am guessing I am at or slightly above prepregnancy weight.
Maternity clothes? yes
Sleep: Ok.
Best moment this week: DH getting to feel her moving again.
Movement: yes.
Gender: little Girl!!!
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? In. But far more shallow.
What I miss: Belly sleeping.
What I am looking forward to: Halloween :o)
Weekly Wisdom: It isn't too late to buy a few more maternity clothes :o)
Milestones: 3rd Trimester!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

Baby's now the size of an eggplant!
Baby's soaking up your antibodies, getting her immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and she'll soon be practicing the blink...perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

How far along? 26 weeks!!!
Total weight gain: still under pre pregnancy weight down 4 lbs.
Maternity clothes? indeed!
Sleep: I am constantly up to pee.
Best moment this week: sleeping all day on Saturday!
Movement: now visible from the outside.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: nope!
Belly Button in or out? In. But far more shallow.
What I miss: enjoying a nice glass of wine and a bath.
What I am looking forward to: finally finishing up Avery's nursery.
Weekly Wisdom: as the baby gets bigger she won't move the same as before, everything is ok.
Milestones: Joining the 3rd trimester!!!!

2009-10-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Baby's now the size of an eggplant!
That oh-so-handy sense of equilibrium is kicking in, and baby's learning to distinguish right side up from upside down.

How far along? 25 weeks!!!
Total weight gain: still under pre pregnancy weight down 4 lbs.
Maternity clothes? yes
Sleep: not as good as it used to be.
Best moment this week: the doctor told me I am now having a "normal" pregnancy!!!!
Movement: yes.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: nope!
Belly Button in or out? In. But far more shallow.
What I miss: Sleeping on my belly and rolling over without waking up.
What I am looking forward to: finishing up Avery's nursery.
Weekly Wisdom: I just have a very short torso and that is why my belly looks so big. I do not have twins or a huge baby.
Milestones: another week without spotting!

2009-10-04T10:33:00.001-07:00

Baby's now the size of a papaya!
Baby's skin is becoming more opaque as the fat starts to pack on. And, thanks to the formation of small capillaries, her newly thick skin is taking on a fresh pink glow.

How far along? 24 weeks!
Total weight gain: still not to pre pregnancy weight but I think I am only down 3 or 4 lbs. We will find out on Thursday
Maternity clothes? yep. with the exception of two pairs of pre pregnacy pants with a bella band.
Sleep: Ok still up several times a night to pee.
Best moment this week: DH feeling his daughter move for the first time! It was wonderful!!!!!
Movement: Crazy!! I swear she thinks she is an acrobat.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: nope!
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Sleeping through the night and sleeping on my belly.
What I am looking forward to: my next belly check on Thursday!
Weekly Wisdom: If you must wear heals at 24 weeks bring flats with you!!!
Milestones:24 weeks!! Viability!!!

23 weeks.

2009-09-27T18:04:00.000-07:00

Baby's now the size of a papaya!
Baby's little face is fully formed...minus the baby fat, of course. The next task at hand for baby: sprouting two teeny-tiny nipples!

How far along? 23 weeks.
Total weight gain: 8 lbs still down 4 or so.
Maternity clothes? oh, indeed.
Sleep: Not the best. I was up 3 times last night.
Movement: She declared war on my cervix yesterday. awesome.
Labor Signs: Heck no!
Belly Button in or out? In but we are rapidly running out of button.
What I miss: Bending over without huffing and puffing like I just ran a freaking marathon.
What I am looking forward to: 24 weeks and viability!!!
Weekly Wisdom: Take it easy and prego skin burns super easy!!
Milestones: Another week without spotting!

Please excuse the grubby
clothes and lack of makeup.
This was the end of a long day.

I am really starting to look
pregnant!

2009-09-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

Baby's now the size of a papaya!
Baby's settling into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

How far along? 22 weeks!
Total weight gain: down 8 lbs but I have started gaining some of that back!
Maternity clothes? Definitely.
Sleep: I am now only peeing once a night!! I still want more tho!
Best moment this week: Finding out we don't have to go back to the doctor for 3 weeks!!!!
Movement: Slowing down now, which is completely normal as he gets ready.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: None!!!!!!!!
Belly Button in or out? In, but getting mroe shallow.
What I miss: Sleeping on my stomach.
What I am looking forward to: We have an ultrasound on Thursday.
Weekly Wisdom: none this week.
Milestones: 6 months!!

2009-09-14T16:35:00.000-07:00

Baby's now the size of a banana!
Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion, and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, if baby is a girl, her womb is now stocked up with her lifetime supply of six million eggs (the number will drop to around one million by birth).

How far along? 21 weeks.
Total weight gain: down 8 lbs from pre pregnancy weight! I am starting to gain.
Maternity clothes? Yep, I am looking forward to winter clothes once it gets colder.
Sleep: Not as great as I would like. Although I did sleep until a sinful 11:00 on Saturday.
Best moment this week: no spotting and I gained weight!
Movement: Getting stronger. I can't wait for DH to feel her.
Gender: Girl!!!
Labor Signs: Nope!
Belly Button in or out? In, but getting more shallow.
What I miss: Beer and Football. I still watch football but it isn't quite the same without an adult beverage.
What I am looking forward to: Another week without bleeding and moving my appointments from every week to every other week.
Weekly Wisdom: No matter how much cleaning I want to do I will never get it all done.
Milestones: nips started leaking....lovely.

2009-09-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

Baby's now the size of a cantaloupe!
Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies respond best to tastes they've already had via amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you'd like your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.

How far along? 20
Total weight gain: down 10 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yep.
Sleep: not so great these days.
Best moment this week: moving to weekly appointments to better monitor Avery while I am still bleeding. I am excited that I will get to hear her heartbeat once a week and get some reassurance that everything is ok.
Movement: She is super busy in there every time I drink orange juice.
Gender: Team Pink!
Labor Signs: None.
Belly Button in or out? In but getting smaller.
What I miss: My patience.
What I am looking forward to: 4 weeks until V-day!!!
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every minute even the uncomfortable moments.
Milestones: We painted the nursery and we are half way!!!!!

2009-08-30T06:56:00.001-07:00

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

How far along? 19 weeks!!
Total weight gain: down 10 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Yep.
Sleep: I am sleeping for longer periods of time!! I am starting to feel much more human. :o)
Best moment this week: Seeing how excited everyone is about little Avery being a girl.
Movement: I think I am definitely feeling movement, I can't wait until it is stronger and more consistent.
Gender: Team Pink!!
Labor Signs: None.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Enjoying a nice glass of wine and sushi.
What I am looking forward to: Starting on the nursery for real now that we know she is a girl.
Weekly Wisdom: I am not feeling particularly wise this week :o) I am just trying to enjoy each week of my pregnancy.
Milestones: She is moving and now pink is starting to fill up her closet. :o)

2009-08-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

Baby's now the size of a sweet potato!
Baby's become amazingly mobile (compared to you, at least), passing the hours yawning, hiccupping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking, and swallowing. And baby is finally big enough that you'll soon be able to feel her movements.

How far along? 18 weeks 1 day.
Total weight gain: down 11 pounds
Maternity clothes? Yep.
Sleep: I am so freaking tired! I feel like I can't catch up.
Best moment this week: Finding out that all the bleeding I have been having is from the most sensitive cervix ever.
Movement: not yet. I have an anterior placenta which is acting like an airbag.
Gender: It's a GIRL!!!! We were so wrong!
Labor Signs: None.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: My patience.
What I am looking forward to: starting our nursery :o)
Weekly Wisdom: Try not to freak the fuck out over anything.
Milestones: We found out the sex!!!

I will now leave you with a picture of our little girl!

Onion!

2009-08-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

Baby's now the size of an onion!
Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. His umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes now feature one-of-a-kind prints.

How far along? 17 weeks 2 days!!!
Total weight gain: I am still down but I am not sure how much.
Maternity clothes? Almost exclusively
Sleep: More, please.
Best moment this week: DH kissing my belly to say good bye to the chicken before going to work on Sunday
Movement: Nothing since last week
Labor Signs: None.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: a week without spotting.
What I am looking forward to: Belly check on Friday morning!
Weekly Wisdom: Take it easy, I am still spotting. I am trying to listen to my body and relax when I need.
Milestones: Nearly half way!!!

Avocado!

2009-08-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

Baby's now the size of an avocado!
Watch what you say...tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean she can now pick up your voice. A few more minuscule changes: Eyebrows, lashes, and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming.

How far along? 16 weeks.
Total weight gain/loss: down 7 lbs as of this morning.
Maternity clothes? yep.
Sleep: I have now been getting up at least 3 times each night to pee.
Best moment this week: Hearing Harrison's heartbeat. It never, ever gets old.
Movement: I think I felt something this weekend.
Gender: I think a boy....but I am not so sure these days.
Labor Signs: None.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: I am missing my coordination and balance.
What I am looking forward to: Hearing my baby's heartbeat just over a week.
Weekly Wisdom: don't sell yourself short. This weekend I was able to hike and walk all over my inlaw's property.
Milestones: Potentially feeling our little one kick!!!!

oranges and a belly!

2009-08-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

Baby's now the size of a naval orange!
Continuing the march toward normal proportions, baby's legs now out-measure his arms. And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Your fetus is squirming and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though you probably can't feel the movements just yet.

How far along? 15 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Down 9 or 10 lbs.
Maternity clothes? finally in all maternity pants and mostly maternity tops.
Sleep: This weekend I feel like I am finally catching up on some of my lost sleep :o)
Best moment this week: watching the Mr. start to bond with our little chicken as he starts to touch my belly and give it kisses.
Movement: not yet but I just can't wait.
Food cravings: grapes and salad!
Gender: less sure but still thinking a boy.
Labor Signs: None.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: high heals!
What I am looking forward to: 2 weeks until we go to our next appointment and 3 weeks until the big u/s
Weekly Wisdom: spotting is not as scary as I thought, I am really trying to stay positive and keep calm when things don't go perfectly with this pregnancy.
Milestones: our little chicken is 4 inches long! and I am 5 weeks from being half way done. Time is flying.

Now for the first belly pic. I must apologize for my lazy lounge clothes. :o)

Lemon!!

2009-07-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

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

How far along? 14 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: down 10 lbs
Maternity clothes? yep.
Sleep: still peeing a couple times each night...although I am catching up on the weekends :o)
Best moment this week: My parents spoiling me and my chicken with a crib and other baby goodies!!!
Movement: not yet but I can't wait!
Food cravings: green salad and grapes.
Gender: less sure but thinking boy.
Labor Signs: None.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: having lots of clothing to chose from every morning.
What I am looking forward to: our next belly check even though it is in 3 weeks.
Weekly Wisdom: Shut up and say thank you!
Milestones: the size of a lemon, the fruits keep getting bigger, and we are 10 weeks from viability!

Peaches!!

2009-07-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

Baby's now the size of a peach!
Your fetus is forming teeth and vocal cords...savor this, their nonfunctional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with his head now only one third the size of his body. And intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy -- much more convenient.

How far along? 13 weeks 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: I think I am down about 8 or 9 lbs. I will know for sure on Thursday.
Maternity clothes? yep the pants are a bit big but so comfy so I don't care.
Sleep: I wish it was more, I think I am sleeping about 3 to 4 hours before having to pee.
Best moment this week: getting the news that the baby is at very low risk for chromosomal defects.
Movement: not yet, soon I hope.
Food cravings: pink bubble gum shaved ice.
Gender: I think maybe a boy but now I am not sure.
Labor Signs: None.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: getting massaged...I can't wait until I am further along so I can get my prenatal massage.
What I am looking forward to: Hearing the heartbeat and taking our hospital tour.
Weekly Wisdom: Sunscreen. Don't over do it...you will pay greatly!
Milestones: We are out of the first trimester!

Plum!

2009-07-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

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

How far along? 1q weeks

Total weight gain/loss: down 7 lbs. (morning sickness is a bitch)
Maternity clothes? I am in need of some more maternity pants...the bella band is starting to get mighty uncomfy. I still need to get some!
stretch marks? No new stretchies since last week.
Sleep: Tons, but I still could get more.

Best moment this week: NT Scan was on Thursday we were able to see our LO moving and kicking me it was amazing!!!! Camping with the husband and our friends this weekend.

Movement: I think I felt a flutter
Food cravings: still only bubblegum shaved ice.
Gender: Still thinking boy
Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: being able to go a whole day without throwing up.

What I am looking forward to: Being able to go an entire day without throwing up.
Weekly Wisdom: take it easy! I let all the boys do a lot of the things I normally do this weekend while we were camping.

Milestones: Our little chicken is the size of a plum. I cannot believe how big the chicken is getting.

I have a copy of our us pic! I cannot believe how much the chicken has changed in just a few weeks.

Limes!!!

2009-07-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

Your fetus currently enjoys a 1:1 ratio between body and head, and has skin so transparent that blood vessels show right through. But, fingers and toes are no longer webbed, and hair follicles, tooth buds and nail beds are forming -- setting up a significantly more attractive future.

How far along? 11 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: down 7 lbs. (morning sickness is a bitch)
Maternity clothes? I am in need of some more maternity pants...the bella band is starting to get mighty uncomfy.
stretch marks? No new stretchies since last week.
Sleep: Tons, I have had the best sleep in months this weekend.

Best moment this week: We spent the weekend celebrating 4th of July.

Movement: nope
Food cravings: only bubblegum shaved ice.
Gender: Still thinking boy
Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: being able to go a whole day without throwing up.

What I am looking forward to: We have our NT scan on Thursday and we are going camping for four days on Friday.
Weekly Wisdom: It is ok to freak out a little bit. I lost it last week after throwing up S was so supportive and has been taking such great care of me.

Milestones: Our little chicken is the size of a lime (almost the size of my palm)!!

A prune?

2009-06-30T16:54:00.000-07:00

With bones and cartilage starting to form and vital organs beginning to function, baby is making major progress. Body length will almost double in the next three weeks, and arm joints are now working. (Soon, legs will too.)
I am sure they could find a cuter fruit than a prune :o)

How far along? 10 weeks 2 days!

Total weight gain/loss: lost 4 lbs.
Maternity clothes? still rocking the bella band and my uber comfy maternity lounge pants, maternity clothes will be taking over very soon.
Stretch marks? I noticed another couple of stretchies...
Sleep: I keep falling asleep around 6:30 at night then heading to bed around 10 its awesome!!!

Best moment this week: We had our first official doctor's appointment. The doctor is so happy with our LO's growth!

Movement: nope
Food cravings: Baby carrots, celery and ranch dip! pretty much any veggie makes me deliriously happy :o) now salty foods especially popcorn and corn chips.
Gender: Still thinking boy
Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: keeping my dinner in my tummy.

What I am looking forward to: The 4th of July weekend
Weekly Wisdom: Even though I am 10 weeks people keep asking if we are having a boy or a girl. Not for another 8-10 weeks!

Milestones: Seeing our LO again!

green olives and a clean house!

2009-06-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

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

How far along? 9 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 2 lb.
Maternity clothes? still rocking the bella band and my 2 pairs of maternity pants, I need to add more pairs of maternity pants :o) Still haven't gotten around to it but I will.
Stretch marks? One new one on my side.
Sleep: waking up at least once a night to pee.

Best moment this week: morning sickness has morphed into night sickness, I am keeping down one or two dinners each week.

Movement: nope
Food cravings: anything that will stay down
Gender: Still thinking boy
Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: endless energy.

What I am looking forward to: our ultra sound this week!!!!!!!
Weekly Wisdom: when having a good day don't over do it.

Milestones: the baby now has fingers and toes! And I was able to get the house fairly cleen today, clean sheets when I go to bed tonight - it is going to be amazing :o)

2009-06-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

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

How far along? 8 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 2 lb.
Maternity clothes? still rocking the bella band and my 2 pairs of maternity pants, I need to add more pairs of maternity pants :o)
Stretch marks? found a couple on my boob this morning.
Sleep: I slept all weekend! It was amazing.

Best moment this week: morning sickness hit this week. I know it is crazy but I like the reminder that everything with the chicken is going well.

Movement: nope
Food cravings: Tacos and lemonade
Gender: Still thinking boy
Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: being able to eat pickles

What I am looking forward to: a week and a half until our next u/s
Weekly Wisdom: sour things alleviate morning sickness.

Milestones: Our baby is the size of a raspberry

Blueberrys

2009-06-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

How far along? 7 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 1 lb.
Maternity clothes? still rocking the bella band and I bought a pair of maternity jeans and capri pants today. They are soooooo wonderful
Stretch marks? Not any new ones :o)
Sleep: Tons, I am exhausted all the time!

Best moment this week: We got to see our little chicken's heartbeat! It was AMAZING!!

Movement: nope
Food cravings: Cheese and junk food.
Gender: Still thinking boy
Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: being able to eat pickles

What I am looking forward to: more pregnancy symptoms. I want to know my hormones are raging and the baby is growing :oD
Weekly Wisdom: sour things alleviate morning sickness.

Milestones: Our baby is the size of a blueberry!!

Ultrasounds and sweetpeas

2009-06-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

I completely forgot to update my blog on Sunday...I suck. We got to see the baby!!! My amazing doc ordered an ultrasound, mostly to put my mind at ease. Our bloodwork looked great and we were able to see a yolk sac and a small cluster of cells the tech said was probably our little chicken :o) We have to wait until the 25th to see it again. I will be 9 weeks and 4 days by then so we should get a great pic or two!!

How far along? 6 weeks 2 days!

Total weight gain/loss: still none either way.
Maternity clothes? still rocking the bella band and my uber comfy maternity lounge pants
Stretch marks? Not any new ones :o)
Sleep: Tons, I am exhausted all the time!

Best moment this week: seeing our little chicken on the ultrasound

Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Having boundless energy. I can't believe that I'm tiring so quickly this early in the pregnancy.

What I am looking forward to: more pregnancy symptoms. I want to know my hormones are raging and the baby is growing :oD
Weekly Wisdom: Only eat what sounds good....hopefully it won't come back up.

Milestones: Our baby is the size of a sweetpea!!

5 weeks!

2009-05-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how fast time has flown by. We have known about our little chicken for a week and a half already. I am beyond tired, but committed to updating the blog every Sunday so I can look back on the early stages of my pregnancy later on. So without further ado....

How far along? 5 weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: still none either way.
Maternity clothes? still rocking the bella band and I picked up some uber comfy maternity lounge pants
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Tons, I am exhausted all the time!

Best moment this week: Telling close friends and a few coworkers

Movement: nope
Food cravings: Baby carrots, celery and ranch dip! pretty much any veggie makes me deliriously happy :o)
Gender: Still thinking boy
Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Having boundless energy. I can't believe that I'm tiring so quickly this early in the pregnancy.

What I am looking forward to: Ultrasound on Friday...I am praying we see a heartbeat and I can relax a little
Weekly Wisdom: Rest when you need it!!! I completely over did at work on Saturday, I should have taken advantage of my excuse to take it easy.

Milestones: Our baby is the size of an apple seed!!

Poppy Seeds

2009-05-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

This was such a busy weekend! The Mr. thought taking a hpt would be a good idea, I was unconvinced, seeing as I was only 11 dpo. So I talked him into testing on Friday morning with the FMU. I was out running some errands and came home to an empty house. I couldn't resist the urge to POAS :o) I didn't, maybe I couldn't, look at the results. I was getting ready to leave and I happened to glance down at the test. It was POSITIVE!!!! We are having a baby!!!! Holy shit!!!!! The Mr. is so excited, we have already told everyone :o) I am so excited, and very tired. I will be calling the doc in the morning to get everything set up!

In other news, I graduated this weekend. I still have three weeks of class left but I feel done! My IL's hosted a graduation party complete with tons of food (none of which looked good to me at all :o( ). It was great to get to spend time with everyone.

I am 4 weeks today and I am steeling this next part from Blair's blog because I want to remember as much as possible about this pregnancy.

How far along? 4 weeks!!

Total weight gain/loss: 0
Maternity clothes? nope, but I did get a bella band ( fabulous!!!)
Stretch marks? Not that I didn't already have
Sleep: I am getting tons, I am exhausted.

Best moment this week: Getting our BFP!!

Movement: Not for a while yet.
Food cravings: baby carrots and ranch dip!
Gender: I am thinking boy
Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: beer and coffee.

What I am looking forward to: seeing the doctor and our little chicken's heart beat.
Weekly Wisdom: Tell everyone your feelings on belly touching early on :0)

Milestones: Four weeks and several BFP's!!!!!!1

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

First of all...Happy Mother's Day to all the moms who read this and all the amazing moms in my life. I am so glad this isn't a rough day for me. I have spent the morning snuggling with my furbaby and nesting. Soon I will be off to see my MIL and later my mom. And it is my sister's birthday!
To top off this awesome Sunday, my chart is looking beautiful!

Well...I suck

2009-05-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

I am a very bad blogger. I started this blog so I would remember our journey as we try to get pregnant. Now I have missed an entire month! Me = blogging FAIL!

So to catch up. Last cycle was a no go. :o( Although I can say I am not overly surprise. FF effed up my o date and we completely missed our window.

DH just turned 25 and is now an old man :o) His birthday brought in spring here and everything is starting to get green! I love the change of seasons all the tulips are blooming. I get all smiley when I drive down my street, as all the houses have them.

My SIL set up an awesome trip to the mountains with MIL and all 3 of my SIL. It was wonderful! We all got a pedi/mani and headed up to a condo. We drank wine, went to dinner, and watched old flicks. I had a blast.

I am updating from class and should probably start paying attention (another reason I suck). Back to learning!

25

2009-03-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

Where did the last 25 years go? Today is my birthday, this one was kind of weird for me. I wasn't quite expecting it to be so weird. Everyone was telling me that I am a quarter of a century old. Thanks a ton guys. Honestly, hearing that my little cousin is almost four made me feel older than the fact that I am yet another year older.
DH surprised me with a gift certificate for a massage! I am so excited. I love massages more than anything else he could have given me. I boycotted cooking, it's my party I can refuse to cook if I want to :o). We went to P.F. Changs. I freaking love that place. We ordered a ton of food AND the great wall of chocolate. Totally sinful but most delicious. I resisted completely gorging myself and I have lunch tomorrow. P.F. Chang's is the gift that keeps on giving. :o)
The even better news is I have three more days of celebrating this weekend. I am spoiled. :o)

::le sigh::

2009-03-20T16:09:00.000-07:00

I just love spring. Today it was almost 70 degrees here!!!! I couldn't resist coming home from work and putting on shorts and a tank (poor unfortunate neighbors) and doing some yard work. Of course saving dog poo duty for the Mr. :)

I forget how nice it is to drive home with my windows down and the music up loud....I just wish it would stay at 70 and skip the 100's this year. All the yard work made me think I may just want to do a bit of a yard make over this summer. This will mean lots of work for the Mr. I anticipate much protesting on his part BUT I am quite sure I will prevail!

I think our little fam will take a nice post dinner walk to the park to play fetch with the pupster.

On To Cycle 3

2009-03-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I have ever been glad to see AF. I was pretty sure last cycle wasn't the one. I know it could take a while to get KTFU but I am hopeful about this new cycle. The Mr. and I are in such a good place right now with TTC, I am trying hard to keep it from feeling like a job. We just celebrated our third anniversary and everything is looking really good for us. So bring it on cycle 3!

Woot!!!!

2009-03-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

Fist of all today has been most excellent. I have been so incredibly productive that I finished all the work I HAD to do today before lunch. After lunch I will get to organize my office and go through my files. (I know it is lame that I'm actually looking forward to this. Right now I am on my lunch break and the puppy is sleeping on my lap snoring. The only thing that would make this lunch better is if the mister was here too.

In even better news....I am not broken. I finally ovulated!!!! I was starting to get worried that I hadn't started ovulating yet after quitting birth control.

:::happy dance:::

I love spring!

2009-03-03T22:32:00.000-08:00

Today I got full on spring fever. I cleaned all evening while DH was at work. I still have tons to clean but I scrubbed the kitchen and dining room floor, did all the toilets, sinks and vacuumed the living room. It was finally warm so I opened all the windows and aired out the house. My house smells great and is super clean. I am going to sleep great tonight!

In other news...I am never going to ovulate. I don't know what the hell is going on with my body. Cycle day 21 and still no O?! This is driving me nuts.

Perfect Day

2009-02-22T13:53:00.000-08:00

Today was awesome. The mister and I had the day off together, this never happens. We slept in and snuggled with the puppy before getting up and heading to the lake. It was somewhat gray and overcast so we had the whole place to ourselves. Brock had a blast! We let him swim and fetch his bumper for about an hour. After a bit of light cleaning we are camped out on the couch watching a movie.

This has been the best day!

Here we go...

2009-02-14T22:57:00.000-08:00

I am starting this blog to chronicle our journey as DH and I try to conceive our first along with my many ramblings on life.