bump #76: 20 weeks and anatomy scan

This is already the half way mark! Unbelievable!

 

Part of me wants to freeze time because it's going so fast and I love being pregnant.

The other part of me wants to speed it up because I can't wait to meet him and snuggle him up!

The anatomy scan (detailed ultrasound of baby's vital organs) today went great. He is measuring 20 weeks exactly and weighs 11 ounces. We counted 10 fingers and toes, his heart rate was 154 bpm, and he is cozy and mellow. He cooperated and only moved his arms and fists around a little bit. I haven't felt big punches or kicks yet, but I do feel him rolling around some. New symptoms this week include minor back pain (sciatic nerve?), daily bacon cheeseburger cravings (I might have to name him Carl after my favorite fast food: Carl's Jr.!), a little dizzy spell (prompting me to retire my 4" heels and stick with more practical shoes: 2" wedges), and more *ahem* undergarment shopping. It appears that along with IVF, I got a complimentary boob job :) On the bright side, think of how much money I saved! Next up: a "designer" C-section with a follow up tummy tuck. Just kidding. Unless they offer that as a package deal... I am getting so big and this is only the half way mark!

20 week bump

Some days I feel HUGE. Other days I just feel blubbery. It is safe to say I will not be one of those cute preggos who only gains weight in the belly. I am bigger everywhere! My bottom and my tummy wobble like a teeter totter! It's pretty precious. But as long as the baby is comfortably cushioned in there, I will happily go on growing. *chomps into another burger bite*

And now I get to focus all my shopping energy on toys and clothes for a baby boy! I'm so excited! I've never been to Lego Land or played with GI Joe's and Transformers. This is a whole new territory. Challenge accepted!

And just in case there was any doubt about the gender, that right there is the money shot.

He is ALL BOY :)

 

 

bump #75: It's a BOY!

See pics of the gender reveal party here.

After our 6 week ultrasound and reading about the location of the yolk sac determining gender (it's on the left for a girl and right for a boy in your first ultrasound pic), I had a strong feeling that baby bear was a boy. The gender vote was split about 50-50, so it was a fun surprise! This is the first boy and first grandchild in our families. My initial reaction was "YAY!" followed quickly by, "But wait, what do I do with a boy?!" It's all girls in my family, so this will be a fun new adventure. I see a lot of legos in my future :) 

We are so excited for a boy! I've already been collecting cute little boy things like newsie caps, converse, and 4 piece suits. You know, the practical things every baby boy needs :)

 My Aunt Vanessa loaned us her beautiful Emmajunga antique pram carriage, and it's so darling! 

My mom and I spent over 3 hours at Joann's Fabric Store on Monday (Columbus Day Sales!) to get 50% off fabric to decorate the nursery. It turns out I'm kind of picky about that stuff and was having a hard time finding any neutral, classic looking crib bedding that I really liked, so we decided to make our own (except that I don't sew, so thank you mom!)  Here's some blurry cell phone pics of the fabrics we decided on. My amazing mom has been busy sewing away and already reupholstered the glider and ottoman.

I still can't believe this is all happening! I'm preparing to decorate a nursery! What?! For my baby boy?! Yay!!! This is a dream come true!!!

bump #74: 16 weeks

I always dreamed of doing those silly "Pregnancy Update Surveys" and now I get to! Yay! It's probably not as riveting as one would hope, but I've been majorly slacking on the pregnancy journal front, so a blog update it is...

How far along?: 16 weeks

Total weight gain: 8 pounds, but that was on the doctor's sketchy probably accurate scale after a full day of eating, fully clothed (including layered necklaces and 4" platforms), and a full bladder. Not that I'm in denial about gaining so much weight so fast or anything :)

Belly button in or out: in for now, but I have a feeling it will pop out towards the end.

Maternity clothes: Yes! Just this weekend I went out and bought a whole new maternity wardrobe at Kohl's, Ross, and Target. My regular clothes are getting to be a bit snug and those pants with the big old elastic belly band are way too comfortable to not start wearing right away. Originally I thought I would just wear extra large regular clothes, stretchy leggings, and maxi dresses for as long as I could, but maternity clothes are cozy and it's fun to have a couple outfits I get to grow into rather than the reality of what I have (a closet full of clothes I've grown out of.)  Thus far my maternity wardrobe consists of 6 dresses from Target (buy one get one half off. Score!), 3 pairs of jeans, yoga pants, and black leggings from Kohl's, and 4 sweaters, 3 shirts, 3 dresses, and pajamas from Ross. I still need to hit up Old Navy, Gap, and Motherhood Maternity. But I'm trying to pace myself!

Stretch marks: Not yet, but I sleep like a rock and every morning I wake up with lines from my pajamas and sheets imprinted all over my body and have a little freak out sesh that I've turned into one gigantic stretch mark. I know they're on the horizon... when do you start using creams and such to reduce them?

Sleep: As much as possible. I have been going to bed early and even hitting snooze on my alarm clock in the morning so that I get about 9 hours each night (minus waking up to pee every 3 hours). I cannot get enough sleep! It was so nice that most of my 1st trimester was over the Summer when I was off from school/work and could nap all day.

Best moment this week: Feeling the baby move around more, especially at night when I'm laying down. Very tiny flutters, almost like an eyelash blinking in my belly. I can't wait til it gets bigger and I can feel some real kicks!

Miss anything?: We've had a crazy heat wave with temps over 100 the last few weeks. Combine that with 31 six year olds held captive inside your class all day with no recess or p.e. and come 6:00 a Pacifico with lime or a chilled white wine sounds divine. But I wouldn't trade this experience for the world, so a slushie from Sonic or a slurpee from 7-11 it is.

Food aversions/cravings: No real aversions. I have been all about the junk food and salt, salt, and more salt! Here were some favorite munchies from the weekend...

I've been craving salty and sour over sugars and sweets. I could eat onion rings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Mmmm.  I mostly crave junk food like potato chips and sour straws, but I do eat salads and stir fry occasionally. I thought after trying for so long to get pregnant and wanting to take super good care of my baby that I would be a little more of a health nut. I went the opposite direction, thinking "this might be the only pregnancy I get to experience and I am going to enjoy EVERY SECOND of it." And that means saying yes to seconds and thirds and chowing down on whatever I want whenever I want to. These are the best days of my life!

Gender: To be revealed soon...

Symptoms: I don't want to complain because I know I've had it easier than most and am so, so grateful for every little symptom because it means pregnancy is progressing as it should. That said, so far the 2nd trimester is slightly more uncomfortable than the 1st. Which is odd, because everyone told me the 2nd trimester is the best. I'm experiencing severe allergies and sneezing seventy something times a day. Each sneeze brings on really sharp lower abdominal cramps that are called "round ligament pains" that knock the wind out of me. And I have to sleep practically sitting up because I can't breathe (thanks allergies!). Nothing terrible, it's just that apparently my regular allergies are super aggravated by pregnancy. At least I don't pee my pants when I sneeze yet. That's going to be special!

Looking forward to: The gender reveal party this Thursday! It is so hard to not slip and say the gender. I'm a terrible secret keeper. This is so hard for me!