Week 14: the size of a lemon!

HOW FAR ALONG? 14 weeks

THIS WEEK, THE BABY IS THE SIZE OF A: Lemon - measures 3 1/2 inches and weighs about 1.5 ounces.

TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS/GAIN: I'm actually down a couple pounds so up a total of 3 pounds.  

MATERNITY CLOTHES? Not yet.

SLEEP: Pretty good.  I think I've passed the worst of my cold and I'm finally sleeping again.

BEST MOMENT THIS WEEK: Not really sure... it was just an ordinary week for me.

MOVEMENT: None

FOOD CRAVINGS: Nothing specific really.  I've decided that I can always eat a good hamburger though!

SYMPTOMS: I welcomed in the 2nd trimester with some horrible nausea this morning.  I wanted more than anything to just puke but couldn't.  I have also noticed the muscles in my belly more.  They are tight and have often hurt a bit... all for a good cause though.

GENDER: Not sure yet... soon!

FEELINGS TOWARD PREGNANCY: I've enjoyed it so far.  Everything has been great.

WHAT I MISS: Nothing really. 

WHAT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO: Find out the gender!


I've been debating on whether we should find out the sex of the baby before our 20 week ultrasound.
We can go to Fetal Sudios or Fetal Foto for gender determination at 15 weeks.
I'm hesitant because I'm not too sure if they'll really be able to tell.
I'd hate to spend the money on the ultrasound only to have it be a waste.
I know that James is anxious to find out too.  He wants a boy.
After asking him what he wants to do, he doesn't know though.
So the question we are faced with is.....
Find out the gender next week or wait for 6 more weeks to find out at our doctor appointment?

Week 13: The size of a medium shrimp

HOW FAR ALONG? 13 weeks

Excuse the crappy picture... I was in a hurry so it's blurry.

THIS WEEK, THE BABY IS THE SIZE OF A: Medium Shrimp - about 3 inches long and weighs nearly and ounce now!

TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS/GAIN: Ugh... 5 pounds.  I know weight gain is inevitable but I feel I jumped up that 5 pounds in a hurry... is someone messing with my scale??  LOL  

MATERNITY CLOTHES? Not yet.

SLEEP: I'd be sleeping like the dead if it weren't for this stupid cold!  I am so stuffed up!

BEST MOMENT THIS WEEK: Actually being able to feel a little "bump" (or hardness) in my belly.

MOVEMENT: None

FOOD CRAVINGS: I have realized my food of choice is definitely a good hamburger.  I could eat one every night, seriously.

SYMPTOMS: I had my first puking incident.  I think I blame the prenatal vitamin though.  I usually take it after I've eaten but I took it prior to breakfast on Sunday and ended with breakfast in the toilet.  YUM! ;)

GENDER: Not sure yet.  Still hoping on a boy.  We will likely find out come 15 weeks though... soon!

FEELINGS TOWARD PREGNANCY: I'm feeling a bit bitter toward it since I can't take any good drugs but other than that it's been great!

WHAT I MISS: Nothing really. 

WHAT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO: Finding out the gender!


I recently came to a weird realization...
I don't like (or hearing others) calling the baby "it".
Understandably, we don't know what the gender is so "it" seems fitting.
It just bothers me because it's a baby, my baby.
So instead of calling the baby "it", I call "it" baby (until we find out the gender).

I think this realization came to when while having a conversation with James last week.
I told him that it seemed like everyone would look at my belly while talking to me these days.
It feels semi awkward.  Yes, I'm pregnant but you can still look at my face.
I human nature I suppose.  I sure hope that I haven't made other feel weird when they were pregnant!
Anyway, James' comment to my self conscious belly issue was this...
"What to you expect?  There's SOMEONE in there."
Ha!  Someone.... I do have a little someone growing inside me!
This someone isn't an "it".  It's a baby.  My baby.
I truly think that put a whole new perspective on pregnancy for me!
I love my little SOMEONE.  :)

12 Weeks: The size of a lime

HOW FAR ALONG? 12 weeks

THIS WEEK, THE BABY IS THE SIZE OF A: The size of a lime - weighs 1/2 ounce and is over 2 inches from head to bottom

TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS/GAIN: The scale has jumped this week... I'm up 4 freaking pounds.  I partially blame it to the birthday festivities and the holiday weekend. Back to healthy eating!
MATERNITY CLOTHES? Not yet.
SLEEP: Pretty good... minus the past couple days.  I've had a lovely sore throat.
BEST MOMENT THIS WEEK: Hearing the heartbeat at the doctor's office!  Such a great sound!
MOVEMENT: None
FOOD CRAVINGS: I haven't really had any... I don't think.  Although a new favorite thing is Dill Pickle Potato Chips.
SYMPTOMS: My nose has been driving me crazy!  I don't know if I can blame allergies or pregnancy most.  It's so stuffy 24/7 and there's nothing I can do to stop it.
GENDER: Not sure yet.  Still hoping on a boy.
FEELINGS TOWARD PREGNANCY: I've enjoyed it so far.  Everything has been great.
WHAT I MISS: Nothing really. 
WHAT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO: Finding out the gender!


I have to say, it was nice going to the doc this week.  We got to hear the heartbeat.
It was a relief to hear the doctor say that everything is great.
She got me excited what the next weeks to come.
At our next appointment we could do the testing for downs syndrome & neural tube defects.
We aren't sure that we even want to do that though.  We have a month to decide.  
We will be able to schedule our next ultrasound appointment too.
It probably won't be too long afterwards that I will be able to feel the baby move too.
So many things to look forward to.
In the mean time, I hope I can rid myself of this cold/allergy issue in a hurry!

Week 9: The Size of a Grape

 HOW FAR ALONG? 9 weeks 1 day

THIS WEEK THE BABY IS THE SIZE OF A: Grape - nearly an inch long and weighs just a fraction of an ounce.

DUE DATE: December 11, 2012
TOTAL WEIGHT GAIN/LOSS: 0 pounds - maintaining right now. :)
MATERNITY CLOTHES? Nope.  My regular clothes still fit a bit loose.
SLEEP: I have been sleeping like crap.  I'm doomed.  I have at least one potty interruption each night.
BEST MOMENT THIS WEEK: Sharing our news with friends and family.
MOVEMENT: None yet.
FOOD CRAVINGS: Sweets right now.  I am craving chocolate especially.
SYMPTOMS: Nothing too horrible.  I get a bit nauseous in the evening and tender boobies.
GENDER: Too early to tell.  James hopes for a boy.  I'm good either way.
BELLY BUTTON IN OR OUT?  In... I think it will remain this way throughout.
FEELINGS TOWARD PREGNANCY: I'm thoroughly enjoy it.  Very excited at this point.
WHAT I MISS: I occasionally wish I could have a glass of bubbly.
WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO: Hearing the heartbeat.
SMELL AVERSIONS: Blood.  GAG!!! (story below)


That pretty much sums everything up in a hurry! 
Not too much more to talk about now.  ;)

I am still a bit nervous about a miscarriage until I can hear the heart beat.
I try not to worry too much but I think it's inevitable.
I will admit, I purchased a cheap-o baby heart rate monitor off of eBay.
That should be arriving today - if the post office is operating like they should.
The device claims to be able to detect a heart rate between 10-12 weeks. 
I'm not expecting to hear anything right off since I'm only 9 weeks along.
I'm honestly not expecting it to work that great, period.
I guess we shall see how it works.  

So the aversion to the smell of blood....
We have two dogs.  Our boxer, Frankie and our doberman, Betty.

Sweet Frankie and Betty sun bathing.

Well, Betty has a blood condition that is common among dobermans.
This makes it harder for her blood to clot and so she tends to bleed uncontrollably if injured.
When we got her ears cropped,  we experience first hand how difficult it is to stop her bleeding.
Problem is Betty likes to play, and play rough. 
James has an electric RC car and Betty LOVES to chase it.
It's great exercise BUT Betty runs after it and usually ends up with scratched up pads on her feet.
They bleed and bleed and the only way we've been able to control it is by wrapping them with coban tape and gauze.
We made a rule that she's no longer allowed to chase the car on the sidewalks or streets.
Well, There's a dirt field near our house that we though would be fun to take the car and the dogs to play.

Betty with a mouth full of dirt after chasing the car.

Apparently the dirt has the same effect as the pavement.
Betty's feet weren't scuffed up nearly as bad but she still bled a bit.
When we got home, I got down on the floor to clean up Betty's wounds and wrap her feet.
I lifted her paw up to see what damage was done and got smacked in the face with the smell.
You know, that strong smell of iron that comes from blood.
Yeah, I gagged.  I had to turn the other way and breath clean air for a minute. 
That's probably the closest I've come to puking while pregnant.
I now know to steer clear of blood!

Exciting News!

WE'RE PREGNANT!

Yes, it's true.  It happened like clock work.
My doc gave us the go ahead to start trying after 2 regular cycles.
2 cycles passed and the magic happened.
I honestly wasn't expecting this to happen so quickly... I was actually shocked!
Two test later and our first doctor appointment down... it's 100% confirmed!

I've been a bit hesitant to announce our big news due to our previous miscarriage.
A week or so back I came across an article titled "5 Common Pregnancy Practices I Wish Would Go Away".
Intrigued, I clicked the link and read on. (The article can be found HERE)
The first "practice" the author discuss is the 12 Week Rule.
We have all heard that things can go wrong in the first trimester.
I'm a prime example.  1 out of 5 pregnancies ends in miscarriage.
The author writes - "I think this sets women up for complicated grieving process should miscarriage happen"
WOW!  I could totally relate to every word that I was reading.
Had I not had so much support from both friends and family, I think I would likely be in a funk still.

I clicked on a link provided at the end of the article to read about "Why I Hate the 12 Week Rule".
(This article can be found HERE)
The website I was taken to is a sanctuary for those going through the same things.
A place where you can go voice your feelings and have support from others.
Great site for others struggling with miscarriage.  Highly recommended.

I was honestly considering waiting until week 12.
I know first hand how great it was to have the extra support though.
I know that I would love to have the same support if something happens again.
I feel kind of needy or maybe selfish saying that but it's the truth.
I don't need the sympathy.  It's just nice to know there's support during tough times.

Anyhow, enough of the doom and gloom - I'm back to My Journey Into Motherhood! :)
I'm excited and nervous at the same time.
I know that there's a possibility of something not working out again but my hopes are high.
I think I worry myself more than needed.
This time around things have just felt different.
I often forget that I am pregnant.  I really don't feel like it - short of being EXTREMELY tired.

My boobs didn't start hurting until about a week ago.  Before it was almost immediate.
I haven't had the same acne problem that I did before.  My skin actually looks pretty great.
Like I said, I have been VERY tired.  Last time I wasn't really tired.
No puking.  I do feel a bit nauseous before I eat in the morning and then again after dinner.
I don't have the want to over indulge when I eat like I did last time.
I have had some CRAZY dreams.  I often find myself wondering where that thought came from!

I was able to lose almost 20 pounds prior to this pregnancy.
(Yes, I still have a ways to go before hit my goal weight and that's now on the back burner)
I don't want to flush all of my hard work down the drain so....
I'm sticking to my healthy ways and I plan on doing so throughout the entire pregnancy.
For the record, I'm not actively trying to lose weight.
The plan is to continuing eating healthy and to continue with my workouts.
I told James the other day that I'm actually a little jealous.
He will be losing more weight and getting buff and I'll just be getting bigger.
All for a good cause though.  I can't complain about that.  :)

I will be back to my weekly blogging - baby talk this time. 
I will keep you updated on new symptoms - the good or the bad.
I will be doing weekly photos too.

The doc says that the baby is measuring about 6 days ahead of what we were thinking.
They are keeping the due date at December 11th for now.
After the 20 week ultrasound measurements, they may or may not move the date to the 5th.
Regardless, Baby Bell is looking healthy.
We saw the little heart beating and could see a defined baby shape growing inside.
Here's what we got to see...

First "baby bump" (or not) photo - 8 weeks pregnant and feeling pretty great!
**Note to self... clean the bathroom mirror!  LOL! ;)

Couch-to-5K

I have made a new goal for myself.
Complete "Couch to 5K".
I'm inspiration to do this comes from THIS BLOG.  I think I've mentioned her blog before.
She dropped 30 pounds in 9 weeks with the help of Couch-to-5K!
If that's not inspiring I don't know what is!
You can find the Couch-to-5K program HERE.
I also found an app on my iPhone called C25K.
It's not the actual app that Couch-to-5K recommends.
The one I got is free.  Yes, I'm a cheap ass.
It appears to be very similar to the other one though.
I'll see how it works tonight!

James and I have talked about running a 5K.  I think this is the perfect aid.
I'm a horrible runner.  I've never liked it, not even when I was skinny.
I'd much rather place my chunky butt on the elliptical and plug away.
I actually find myself somewhat scared to run on the treadmill.
I'm afraid of what others will think as I'm attempting to run.
I WILL overcome these insecurities and I WILL become a runner.

The plan seems relatively easy.  I'm sure I'm underestimating it.
I'm sure I will be dripping in sweat, out of breath and want to die.
There's something about dripping in sweat that makes me feel great about my workout though.
I'm motivated and actually excited to start this tonight!
I want it to be 5:00 already.  Sore muscles await me.  HA!

I ordered an armband for my iPhone and it should be here tonight.
I'm very excited for that too.
I will be able to run with my music playing and not have to worry about my phone.
I hope to soon be able to run outside too.  :)

I will take more measurements and pics tonight.
Measurements have been great motivation for me lately.
I can't wait to see my body changing - just in time for summer and shorts!
I will keep updating my blog regularly with my progress!

Motivation Monday!

I am beginning to think and realize that the slumps that I keep hitting are going to be a continual thing.  Maybe my mindset in thinking that everything should go flawlessly has been why I haven't been horribly successful at being healthy before.  Who knows.  What I do know is that I sure am motivated to get my butt in gear this week!

I have also realized that attitude has a lot to do with it.  When I get discouraged with the number on the scale or I let the negative things at work get in my head I have noticed a total drop in my commitment to the things I want to change.  I have decided that I need to start some meditation or some breathing exercises to help me clear my mind.  I have been told that this really helps.  We will see how it works for me.

I came across a workout program that I want to try for the next couple of week, courtesy of my friend Katie and Pinterest.  It can be found it HERE.  I will continue eating like I have been... monitoring my intake and counting calories.  If all goes well I could lose up to 12 pounds and 22 inches.  I'm not counting on anything as dramatic as that though.  I will be happy to see the number on the scale drop even 4 to 5 pounds and have a noticeable difference in the way my pants fit.  I will most definitely be taking my measurements tonight!

I'm ready to take on the week and see some results!  I hope everyone has a great week!

Motivated!

I'm feeling great this morning.  The number on the scale has been agreeing with me this past week.  There's nothing like actually seeing the numbers go down to give you some much needed motivation!

Start your success with the LIVESTRONG.COM calorie counter.

I finally go to the store and bought my favorite multivitamin last week.  Maybe it's in my head, but I think they help me out a ton.  If nothing else, I'm at least taking a multivitamin.  :)  I'm personally a huge fan of the GNC vitamins for women.  I personally take the Women's Ultra Mega Energy & Metabolism.  Before I miscarried, I also took their prenatal vitamins.  Both were great.  

I'm rather excited for this week.  I've decided to follow James around the gym so I can utilize my time there better.  He know what to do to work each muscle group a lot better than I do.  He's worked out in the past and has done really well.  I still feel like a fish out of water when using the equipment.  I know my muscles are going to be super sore but I'm totally looking forward to it.  I know that building muscle is an important part of weight loss.  This picture shows the different in volume of fat vs. muscle.  I want more muscle than fat!

I'm also exicted for this week because I will be getting an armband from Body Media .  I have done my research and I believe this may end up being the best aid in my weight loss.  I'm getting the Link Armband, which is Bluetooth enabled.

The armband will track everything day in, day out (that includes sleep patterns).  It will then link directly to my iPhone via an app and upload all of my information there.  I will be able to view the data and make what tweaks are needed to my daily routines.  The only thing I will have to do is enter my meals.  I'm super stoked to try this out.  It says that those who have used Body Media have had 3 times more success in weight loss. 

A few other things that are helping encourage me along...

IF THIS ISN'T MOTIVATING, I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS!

 

SOOOO TRUE!!

I AM STRONG!!

For anyone else out there trying to lose weight, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!  It might not be easy right now but it will all pay off in the end!  Something that I keep reminding myself, THIS ISN'T A DIET!  IT'S A LIFE CHANGE!  You have to realize that you aren't going to go the rest of your life without eating a piece of cake or having a bowl of ice cream.  It's all about moderation.  The sacrifices you're making now are blessing in disguise.  :)

Get fit! Be Healthy!

I don't know what had gotten into me but I just have to say that I have definitely found motivation to get fit again!  Like I said in my post yesterday, we got gym memberships.  Maybe that's what has given me the boost.  Not sure.  I just know that I am totally LOVING every ounce of motivation that I have or can find.  I feel like I'm overflowing with want to get out and get healthy!

Pinterest has been a great source of motivation for me.  Their fitness section is great.  I have found many blogs or articles worth reading, not to mention simple pictures with words of motivation.  Here are some of my favorites:

I also read a quote by Muhammad Ali that said "I hated every minute of training but I said 'Don't quit.  Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'"

Such great words of wisdom to follow!  Suffer now and enjoy the rest of your life as a fit person!  That's exactly what I want to do and I will do it!  I feel more in tune with myself and more ready to get what I want than I ever have before.

Another site that has been good for me is Livestrong.  They have apps for both iPhone and Android.  It allows you to track all calories consumed as well as any exercises you may do throughout the day.  Their online site is great too because it allows you to see a broad overview of how you're doing.  It shows you how much weight you've lost/gained to date as well as a breakdown on the calories consumed.  When I was focused on losing weight before, I had used this app and their online site and was able to lose 30lbs!  I find it very helpful and would recommend it to anyone else looking for a little guidance.

Week 10: Thoughts

Here I am, already to week 10.  This week has been a bit rough and I've apparently been slacking at getting this post up.  I've been SOOOO tired and can't seem to get the restful sleep I need at night.  I think this could partly be my lovely fiance's fault, as he is a massively loud snorer!  Between my need to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night and his snoring, good sleep seems to be something I may never again become too familiar with.

Other than my not so restful sleep, there really isn't anything new to report for the week.  Instead of posting about changes and such (since I haven't experience anything to speak of), I decided that I will discuss some of my thought and feelings.

The one thing that seems to be on my mind constantly is child birth.  Yes, I've still got a long way to go, but there are different options and choices that each mother has when it come to child birth.  For me, it's between an epidural and going natural.  Most days I believe that I can do it without drugs.  I have read that it's a fulfilling experience for mom and you have a sense of great accomplishment.  Not only that, but I've read and heard that the recovery can be quicker and the baby is usually more alert after birth. 

Now, that being said, I don't know about the pain.  My sisters joke that I can't stand to have my hair brushed so how would I be able to make it through childbirth without drugs?  (Note: as a kid I HATED having my hair brushed.  I would whine and cry every time.  Apparently I have a sensitive head or something).  It'd be nice to not really have to deal with much pain but I often think that the sense of accomplishment and other perks of natural childbirth have won me over.

I'm sure this is going to be something that I toss back and forth the entire pregnancy.  It may even end up being something that I'll decide in the moment.    Who knows.  I've got several months before the baby comes so I'm sure I'll be doing more research and such before coming to my final decision.

Another thing that crosses my mind semi-frequently is the classes that the hospitals provide for parents.  My doctor told us that she thinks the classes are great, especially for first time parents.  I think it would be something that I could enjoy.  The problem I see, James has already said that he doesn't want to do the classes.  If I do them, I'd want his support and for him to be there with me.  I'm sure I could change his mind though.  I just don't know if they really are something beneficial to first time moms or not. 

I've heard people talk both ways of the classes.  Some say they're great, other say they didn't really make a big difference.  As the time gets closer, I will have to see how prepared I feel and see if I think the classes would be something that would come in handy for both James and I. 

I have found that there are so many thoughts that cross your mind when pregnant.  Maybe more so for me.  I'm very much so the type that like to have things planned out and know what to expect so I can handle the situation accordingly.  I have realized that I'm not going to be able to do that with all things anymore.  I'm going to have to just sit back and enjoy this ride.  This ride into motherhood.  

Week 8: Doctor's visit #1

Onto week 8, month 2!  The baby is now the size of a raspberry or kidney bean.  We are nearing the end of the first trimester! Wow! That's crazy to think. I realize that there are still 4 more weeks before that but those weeks creep up on you in a hurry. Before I know it, this little fella or gal will be here!

Anyhow, today was my first visit to the doctor to check things out. Exciting. I was looking forward to it all week.  As the time to go got closer, I was a bit more nervous than I thought.  Things went well though.  Got a flu shot.  Had 5 vials of blood drawn.  The best part, we got to see the baby.  This early in a pregnancy, they do an internal ultrasound.  They take this long, stick like thing and insert it through the vagina, into the uterus.  Don't worry, it's not bad at all and doesn't hurt.  I say long too, but they don't insert much of the stick thing either.  We saw the baby's heart beating at an incredible rate.  We didn't hear it yet but you could definitely see that the heart was beating away.  Totally cool.  James is already wanting to know when we can find out the sex of the baby.  We still have a ways to go there!

As far as any changes in how I'm feeling... nothing too different, other than more frequent trips to the bathroom (I'll touch more on that in a minute). Still have acne. Still get nauseous from time to time. Nothing that isn't manageable though.  I have noticed that my two tender ladies aren't quite as tender anymore.  They are feeling somewhat normal again.  WOOHOO!  I have been told that it only gets worse when your milk comes in though.  I dread that day. 

About my excessive need to pee all of the time.  I have always seemed to have a small bladder and had spent a good amount of time in the restroom.  Yeah, that was nothing compared to this.  I wake up at least once a night, sometimes two.  The mornings seem to be the worst.  After breakfast I'll take a potty break and then, no joke, not even 10 minutes later I seem to have a full bladder!  The other day I was in the bathroom 4 times all within an hour.  I guess tinkling is better than spending my time in the bathroom puking my brains out!  I'll take this over that!  I must say, I'm doomed when the baby is big enough to be putting pressure on my tiny bladder though.   

I have noticed that some of the muscles in my stomach seemed to be getting a bit tight from time to time. I noticed this as I went to roll over in bed the other night.  It has made me realize that my nights of belly sleeping will probably soon be coming to an end. I probably sleep on my belly 90% of the night. I'm hoping that I'll be able to find a new favorite sleep position when the time comes.  Maybe a body pillow will come in handy.

All in all, this week has been a good week.  I'm more excited today than I was when I found out.  Like I've said before, I have KNOWN that I was pregnant, just never really FELT it.  I know there are symptoms that I've nagged about but still.  Maybe it's just me.  Seeing the baby today was the official confirmation for me though.  I AM PREGNANT!  I am going to be a mom.  And so my journey continues onward.  :)

Pregnancy: Week 7

Yep, already to week 7. My baby is already the size of a blueberry. Still so tiny but growing rapidly. Hands and feet are beginning to form. At the rate these weeks are going by, I'll have my very own baby in my arms before I know it! It's still a bit surreal but as the weeks pass, I feel more and more excited and like this is finally something so real.

I'm a few days late getting this posted. I have been struck with an awful cold. It's miserable because there aren't any good drugs I can take. Lots of fluid and a neti pot have become somewhat helpful I guess. A friend of mine recommended a vitamin C drink that actually tastes really good and is great on cold days, such as today. You simmer for 20 minutes (in a very large pot) 5 quarts of water, 5 oranges, 5 lemons, juiced, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tsp cloves, and 2 cups of sugar. Maybe it's in my head but as I drink it, I feel a bit better. Anyhow, onto day 5 of the cold. I'm hoping it passes soon.

So anyway, what is new this week? Well, I have been introduced to nausea. There's a pattern to it, for the most part. I feel fine in the morning but as noon starts to approach, my stomach gets nauseous. I have found that eating a small snack between meals helps that though. I had the nauseous feeling come on this morning before I was able to eat breakfast though. As soon as I ate, it went away. Yay for food! LOL.

I have also noticed that the smell of chicken is becoming repulsive to me. Raw and while cooking. I can still eat it but getting the point of ready to eat is not my favorite part. That's probably the only thing so far that has made me sick to my stomach. Still no puking. HOORAY! Maybe I'll be lucky enough to skip that part?? I sure hope so!

My boobs are still tender as can be. I can't wait for this part to pass... it does pass, right? I have also started to notice that they seem HUGE. Maybe just to me, but I swear they are giant right now. I've discovered that wearing a sports bra is my favorite thing. It will hold the girls tight and where they belong. Feels wonderful! Ha! I never thought that I'd be so happy about the way my bra works.

I don't think I've experience any mood swings yet. Maybe that would be a question to ask James though! I'm feeling pretty normal still. I do notice that I am becoming excessively tired though. Take this morning, for instance. I got up and felt soooo tired. I had to force myself to get ready. As I sat at work for the first hour I could have easily fallen asleep in my chair, no questions asked. I'm also to the point of wanting to go to bed at 9:00 at night when I normally don't make it to bed until 11:00 or so. Growing a baby is draining!

Next week is my first doctor appointment and I must say, I'm totally looking forward to it. I have never before looked forward to an appointment with my gyno before now! Crazy what how something so tiny can already change your opinions of things. James has agreed to go with me. We will get to look at our little baby and we'll get to hear the heart beat. I KNOW I'm pregnant but like I said before, it's all so surreal. I think this will be what completely confirms things for me. Such an exciting thing to look forward to!