The best thing

Can I just say - the best thing about being pregnant ,(besides creating a human being) is not having a period. Awesome!

21 weeks

Our baby is now 21 weeks along. I definitely have the pregnant belly, and my back is definitely feeling it. I am still getting my workouts in, but I have moved from the treadmill to the elliptical. I went to my first kid consignment sale and had the worst experience ever, it was hot, packed full of people, and nothing looked reasonable to buy. I will be making a second attempt at another kid consignment shop in a few weeks- hoping this one will be better.


How far along: 21 weeks

Total weight gain: 7lbs

Any Stretch marks: none yet- I lather 2 times a day with Jergens cocoa butter and drink lots of water, (along with cranberry juice and one caffeine free diet coke a day).

Maternity clothes: Only maternity clothes now. I have run out of possible normal shirts to wear with my maternity pants, so I am wearing dresses to work and cheer shorts at home. I have just ordered some maternity clothes at asos.com - so far my favorite place for the price. Everywhere else the clothes either look like moo moos or are expensive.

Anything missed from 10 weeks ago? Being able to run without everything bouncing.

Food aversions: I am lovin nutter butters and vegetables!

Baby movement: I feel the baby boy move every couple of hours, mainly after I eat something. It's truly the coolest thing I've ever felt so far. It's like I can feel exactly what he's doing; shoving an elbow, kicking....so awesome!

Items that make you queasy: basically any meat (chicken, beef, pork, etc).

Any signs of showing: yes, my belly is definitely sticking out!

Prediction of baby's gender: it's a BOY!!!

Mostly happy or moody: mostly happy, the Hubs says I'm actually less snappy pregnant!
What are you looking forward to: the hubs feeling our little mister kicking.

Gender Reveal Party

This past weekend we had a Gender Reveal Party. We were able to rent out a club house and had many of our family and close friends there. The big news is we are having a BOY!!!!! At the party we had "guy food", (pizza, meatballs, wings, and enchilada dip) and "girl food", (chicken salad croissants, chocolate dipped pretzels, fruit, and popcorn). We had pink punch (7up, crystal light pink lemonade, and sherbet) and blue punch (Hawaiian punch, 7 up, and sherbet). We were able to have the grandmothers be a part of our reveal. We first presented them with a memory book where they will input thoughts, memories, and helpful truths to live by- to be given to the baby. After this we had clear vase ( with food coloring at the bottom). We had both grandmothers pour a glass of water into the vase at the same time, in which the color of the water revealed the gender of the baby. It was awesome to see our friends there, and their love and support. It was incredible to know this baby is already loved and a big deal is being made about it before it is even here! Here are a few pictures from the party.

15 weeks

Our baby is now 15 weeks along as a of this past Friday. I'm still within my original weight- only an additional pond of baby has been added. I do, however, feel as if my stomach has popped out over night. I'm starting to get really hungry now, but its all for healthy foods (thankfully).


How far along: 15weeks

Total weight gain: 1lb

Any Stretch marks: none yet- I lather 2 times a day with Jergens cocoa butter and drink lots of water, (along with cranberry juice and one caffeine free diet coke a day).

Maternity clothes: Only maternity clothes now, with the occasional stretchy cheer shorts and loose regular dresses.

Anything missed from 10 weeks ago? Being able to run without having to pee every 20 minutes.

Food aversions: food i am loving: peaches, pineapple, strawberries. fresh corn, gold fish crackers, and blueberry muffins.

Baby movement: I've read this week the baby will start to move about-but I doubt I will feel this for a while.

Items that make you queasy: basically any meat (chicken, beef, pork, etc).

Any signs of showing: yes, my belly is definitely sticking out!

Prediction of baby's gender: have an idea- the ultrasound tech made an assumption a week ago, but will reveal this after it has been confirmed for our gender reveal party.
Mostly happy or moody: mostly happy, the Hubs says I'm actually less snappy pregnant!
What are you looking forward to: confirming the gender on july 26th.

13 weeks!

Time is passing a little faster now, getting through the first trimester seemed to drag at the beginning!! I guess it was the worrying that made it feel slow. I have lost most f the sickness, but now I feel tired and still don't have much of an appetite yet. I'm ready to have an appetite again, been a while since I've eaten a big meal. I officially have a tiny bump, and can no longer fit into my fat pants. At 12 weeks me and my mother-in-law went to a first trimester screening to test for any type of potential disabilities. Some people do not do this- but I want to know so that I can be as prepared as possible to be able to create the best life for my child either way. Plus my insurance covers it and its another opportunity to see my baby!!!!! Below are pictures of my sweet pea!! Good news is everything showed up as on track and growing as normal. Also- I have officially announced my pregnancy at work! So this announcement will be on Facebook soon- as soon as we take our 'announcement' picture. My boss seemed really cool about everything and all my co-workers were super sweet about it. Glad to not have to hide it anymore!!

10 weeks

How far along: 10 weeks
Total weight gain: 0 ( lost weight and gained it back to net 0)
Any Stretch marks: none yet- I lather 2 times a day with Jergens cocoa butter and drink lots of water.
Maternity clothes: Not yet, but can only wear my fat pants
Anything missed from 10 weeks ago? Being able to eat anything at anytime, my 2 diet cokes a day.
Food aversions: the only food that I have been able to eat this week: bagels, fruit, Shane's lemon pepper wings, Jason's deli salad bar, strawberry yogurt, and gold fish crackers.
Baby movement: I've read this week the baby will start to move about-but I doubt I will feel this for a long time.
Items that make you queasy: pretty much if I have a strong craving, once it's satisfied, it then makes me sick. Ex: nachos. Wanted them so badly then I started gagging halfway into my plate. Also- almost everything I enjoyed before, turns me off now: pizza, Mexican, beef...
Any signs of showing: not yet, I just look like I've gained a few pounds in my tummy.
Prediction of baby's gender: have no clue, all the old wives tales are split down the middle.
Mostly happy or moody: mostly happy, the Hubs says I'm actually less snappy pregnant!
What are you looking forward to: getting out of the 1st trimester!

Cravings

I am now 9.5 weeks and I think I have determined what my cravings are. So many things I think I like, i eat, and then can't stand it 10 minutes later. I have craved peaches and chocolate chip cookies the most lately. I could eat a bushel of peaches for dinner and cookies for everything in-between. Dinner tonight consists of just that. It does suck that so many things are unappealing, but the few things that are good.......are delicious!!!!! Thank goodness for Georgia peaches!

Update

I have been M.I.A for a couple of weeks, however I have been writing posts and not publishing them just yet. The reason for this is because I was waiting for the ok. We have confirmed with our doctor that everything is ok today- we are pregnant!!! I am not announcing on Facebook because I am friends with coworkers, and I do not want to tell work until the 2nd trimester. I will be 9 weeks on Friday, and our due date is December 27th. So it's our Christmas baby! We are excited and extremely blessed! There is a single baby and is tucked onto my left side nook (right side in picture). Thank you for all the prayers from those who read my earlier post. We did record telling our parents- those videos will be shortly on here.

Sick days- based on 05/03/13

I have now hit the 6 week mark. I have started getting into phases of nausea, but its not unbearable. Basically if I wait to long to eat or eat to much to fast- it sets in. I am obviously not showing yet, but my pants are starting to get tight. I will probably be wearing dresses a lot to work now. Last night me and Chris did a movie night with two good friends- we have decided to continue to keep this a secret till the parents know, figured it would be unfair to them if they weren't the first to know. We plan on telling them both on Mother's Day. We have it all planned out, and even have some potential grandparent names. So excited!

The News- blog from 04/27/13 based on 03/22/13

After much time and waiting, I wake up super early on a Friday for work and received the best gift I could ever get besides my husband. We received a positive on our pregnancy test. Chris was not awake yet, in which I left for work with this huge news on my shoulders. I went to target on my lunch break and took another test just to make sure- sure enough it was positive! I text Chris at work to tell him I had a present for him (which we sometimes do for each others so this was not out of the ordinary). What I had for Chris was a bag of items I've had for a while for this special time. I got a deck of cards and wrote a reason on each of why I love him on there, with the last card revealing our baby. All of the cards were clamped by O rings. I also included a soccer painted piggy bank, hence Chris is a soccer player and a financial advisor. There was also a yellow rubber ducky in his bag. When Chris started going through his cards, he started crying, but he had not made it yet to the final card. In fact he put it down because he was so enthralled by all the little notes. I then asked if he read 'all' the cards, and he gave me a 'huh' look and scrambled for the deck of cards to read the last card again. He was totally thrown off, shocked, and so happy!
We have been blessed!

Anniversary

My sweet husband took me into Atlanta for a nice Anniversary dinner and a movie afterwards, This is 40. Vini vidi vici had superb service and a fun atmosphere, and the movie was hilarious. We have hit the big 3 years of marriage and are so happy. We have our off days and good days, but everything together has made our relationship what it is- happy. Thankful to be where we are and how far we have come.

Waiting

We will be testing over the next few days, I don't want to jinx anything yet. I will provide an update once we have been confirmed either way.
We have a tight weekend schedule ahead to keep our minds off of everything.

Waiting

Still waiting for the answer on if we will be parents this month. Time ticks so slowly when your waiting. Working, running, and weekend activities are helping- but crossing my fingers for the next few days to fly by with good news. I find myself with anxiety taking over, and I realize I need to just relax and enjoy the life I do have now- my own.
Sending daily prayers right now that we have the blessing we've been praying for, in the next few days.

1 Week Wait

I am officially on the one week wait to test if a little bean is stuck. Agh, every month this is the most frustrating part. There's nothing to do to help the process-but wait and over analyze anything going on with your body. Crazy time! Another reason to take a month off!
On another note, I finally ordered my yearly bathing suite from Victoria's Secret, and a super cute leopard print pencil skirt for work. Gotta be cute for work. I have been in my new job now for 2 weeks. So far so good (I leave at 5 pm instead of 7:30 pm). Who knew a whole other life could exist outside of work?!?!

Psalm 113

Found this verse this morning and it really gave me hope this morning.

1Praise the LORD!

Yes, give praise, O servants of the LORD.

Praise the name of the LORD!

2Blessed be the name of the LORD

now and forever.

3Everywhere—from east to west—

praise the name of the LORD.

4For the LORD is high above the nations;

his glory is higher than the heavens.

5Who can be compared with the LORD our God,

who is enthroned on high?

6He stoops to look down

on heaven and on earth.

7He lifts the poor from the dust

and the needy from the garbage dump.

8He sets them among princes,

even the princes of his own people!

9He gives the childless woman a family,

making her a happy mother.

Praise the LORD!

This finding has given me a little peace today because I know I can hold on to Truth.

Psalms 113

Red zone

Today is our last day being in the red zone for this month for trying to get pregnant. I find myself having mixed emotions this month (it could be the clomid talking). Yesterday I decided to plan a get-a-way for me and the Hubs. If we don't get pregnant, I'm surprising him with an overnight trip downtown. We both work a mile from one another, and my building is directly over a Marta station. I thought the Georgia Terrace would be beautiful to stay in. They have a date night package: dinner and two movie tickets. Since the Marta stops near the Terrace and Atlantic station, there's no need for cars! They also have an indoor pool and gym as well. He's gonna love it! However, if we do get pregnant, his present will be just that (I'm trying to give myself happy incentives through the tough months).
It can be very depressing, especially when I feel no hope halfway through the month. Getting pregnant seems so easy for some-I just don't understand. However, at this point, I tend to not expect it so my hopes don't get put down any ore than they already are. Ah, the life of bein an adult and the things we never thought we'd have to deal with.

Easter

This year we made the same attempt and saw both sides of the family back to back. Breakfast at Ihop and church with my parents. Then lunch and cards with his family. Everything was nice and peaceful and great being with family.
Another great thing for us was that we both started are new jobs that we got through promotions the next day! Chris is now a financial advisor at Fidelity, I am now an account manager at Reliance. Now to stay on track with our 'less stress' baby making plan!

Bikini time!

Just moved my cardio from 5 months on the elliptical (mainly to give my knees a break from the other eight months I'm running on a hard surface), back to actually running. I finally got to run on the treadmill for the first time in what seems forever. Running might suck at first when your getting started, but its addicting once you get going. Endorphins kick in and you start competing against the person next to you (or maybe that's just me). Anywho, my motivation is for my husband to go gaga when I'm wearing this bikini at the pool in a month: http://www.victoriassecret.com/swimwear/bikini/toggle-bottom-very-sexy?ProductID=74792&CatalogueType=OLS&search=true

Easter

It has come to this time of year when we can celebrate what we are are all truly here for. I am thankful God has given me another year to celebrate his Love! Even though I am in the industry that is working on Good Friday (financial industry), being with family over the weekend will be nice.
We are celebrating my brother in laws birthday Saturday with his dad (the last of the March Madness Birthdays).
Then Sunday we will be going to Ihop for breakfast with my family, then church with them. After that- Easter lunch and my brother in laws birthday with his mom.
Fun weekend ahead.
Oh yea, and I will be officially training for the peachtree road race after this weekend. I told myself that after I read all 3 Fifty Shades of Grey books on my elliptical, that I would take the training outside. So hopefully these 30 degree temps in Georgia at the end of March are OVER! I am such a cold wimp!

Oh yea, the last pic is me and my sis like 23 years ago- good times...

Endometriosis

Through my own research, I felt a strong feeling that I might have what is called endometriosis. As the light went off in my head, I immediately called my doctor. She called me in for an appointment the very next day. I used my lunch break plus 2 extra hours during work to see my doctor. I first had an ultrasound and then saw my gyn. First glance she said she did not see any problems, however that did not necessarily mean I didn't have it. I then went through all the symptoms that lead me to why I thought I had this. My gyn then told me to keep my Specialists appointment. If they also believe I had Endo, then she would do surgery (laparoscopy), to remove what she could. She felt pretty stern about not performing any unnecessary surgery. I will be making my Specialist appt w Dr B at the end of April. But until then, she placed me on a one month round of Clomid that will start on Day 5- tomorrow. No one in the family knows, just My Hubs and me. I'm hoping one round will work, otherwise it's the next step for endometriosis.....

RBA

I have officially received my introduction to RBA (Reproductive Biology Associates). I have received my patient registration form in the mail today. As I am reading it, I get many mixed emotions. One- I feel excited because there is initiative being taken on my current issue. Two- I am reminded once more that I have an issue. I've decided to wait this month out to give myself this completed cycle before I take this next step. Besides, Spring is right around the corner, and they say it sometimes can take just making a move with a Reproductive Specialist to get pregnant. Cross your fingers- because I am already tired on this journey and I haven't even gotten to the really hard part. Oh yea, and now my sis is on board for starting a family with her Hubs....I just hope it happens at the same time and I'm not still trying, while also trying to be happy for her if its automatic for her. Ah life!

Next Step

As I have decided to make our next step- I headed to my ob/gyn for not only my annual (that's 4 months overdue), but to also see what she recommended for me in the conception category. As my papa bear has been to the Dr and confirmed he's good, I am now back to me. During my exam she stated that she is starting to raise an eyebrow to the time it is taking to conceive. Due to the timeframe, papa bear's test results, and my low AMH (egg count reserve), I have now been referred to a Fertility endocrinologist. After a few days of being very weepy around the house from the realization of where i am at now, (1- that its definitely me due to papa bears test results being good & 2- my Dr is raising an eyebrow)  that this could get serious. My sweet papa bear has decided this is the month we will give it our all. So from the very beginning till the end of this cycle we are putting 110% into each other. There have been a few ups and downs for us, but even in our stress- I can see how much he does love me. He gets frustrated, but wants to make me happy all the time; I am lucky! In all of this I have also interviewed and received a promotion at my work. I am now an Account Manager! Although there will be the stress of learning a new job, it will hopefully be less stressful than my current job overall- A.K.A: better baby making job. 

So as I am waiting this month out in hopes to avoid the fertility endocronologist, I am on count down for two more weeks. Wish us luck!

Valentines Day

Valentines Day can be a hard holiday to gage. Do you buy presents, do you go out to eat, etc. If you get a present- what do you get for a husband that does not eat candy?!? After all, valentines day is the candy holiday! With much ado from asking other guys at work, I was inspired to get my husband a year long subscription to Sports Illustrated Magazine. This is the perfect gift for my husband because he is the biggest sports fan I know. The subscription also came with a jacket and t-shirt Of his favorite sports team, the Patriots.

My sweet man came home with flowers, a huge balloon, and a shopping spree to anywhere for $100.00. Perfect idea!!! He knows me to well.

Our Journey

I have been MIA on this blog for a while, hoping to bring good news every month for the past year. Me and Chris have been trying to get pregnant for about a year now. At first we had been playing it off to people that we weren't trying- so it could be a surprise. Then after about the 8th month mark we finally started telling family that we had been trying, with no results (mainly because the grandparents were getting anxious for grand kids- thinking we weren't interested
in having them). I then went to the doctor with a good friend to ask the doctor for what needs to be the next steps. She basically informed me to keep trying, get a few tests done, have Chris tested, and come back in a few months. I then proceeded to get a few tests done to check my hormones and egg levels. My hormones were fine, but my egg levels were a little low. As the next month passed and still not pregnant, Chris then went in for testing. Good news is his test results came back good.  As we are approaching our 1 year mark for trying to get pregnant, I will be making my way back to the doctor for further testing and hopefully some type of help. It's crazy how when you want
to have a baby how everyone around you gets pregnant- especially the ones who aren't trying or don't want to get pregnant. Or those who try to help with words of encouragement on what to try. It gets heart breaking every month. I am thankful that I have an extremely supportive husband that is on the same page as me. I have also been blessed with a promotion in my job, that will
hopefully take stress off my plate. We are both continuing to have high hopes every month. I'm hoping to get more answers or help soon. I never anticipated it to be this hard to create a little family.