29 Weeks

The holidays have flown by!! Chris and I had a wonderful Christmas with my family. It was the first Christmas Chris and I ever spent together. It was so nice having him with me and made it extra special for all of us. We all kept saying how exciting it's going to be next year with baby Stella!!! I can not wait! The good news I received before we left for Christmas is that I do not have gestational diabetes. I'm so glad that I don't have that to worry about. The other cool thing that happened is that my friend Missy had her baby boy Noah last weekend. What a great Christmas present! I started to get teary eyed looking at the pictures of her perfect little prince. I can not wait for that to be us!

Third Trimester ~ 7 Months

I went to the doctor on Tuesday and had a million and one questions about SUA. I was once again reassured everything looks great with Stella and we shouldn't be concerned. I will get another ultrasound in 4 weeks. Then I get hit with the news that I "failed" the glucose tolerance test which is a screening test for gestational diabetes. I mean seriously? So I had to go for a 3 hour glucose test to see whether or not I have diabetes. Not fun. Basically I had to fast and then they took blood 4 times after making me drink this syrupy drink. I was starving and cranky. Hopefully everything will come out alright. The last thing I need right now is a diagnosis of diabetes. It is fairly common - really just the body's response to the pregnancy. But then I will have to be on a diet (or possibly insulin if I have a bad case - which I'm sure I don't). How much would it suck if I had to go on a diet while pregnant!!!!! But I think everything will be fine because my glucose level was only 11 points over the cut off. It could have been from dessert the night before. So I remain hopeful that this is just another small bump in the road. Get the results next week.

Lately I have really been feeling the weight of the pregnancy. I am nearing 160 pounds which is 30-35 over my normal range. I can't even believe how my hips are handling it! Actually my back has been killing me. And my belly is ginormous! I wonder how I will look to months from now. Yikes! But it is all worth it so long as my baby Stella is a happy and healthy baby;) I really can't wait to meet her. We've been working on the nursery and it makes me so happy. I know that I am ready to be a mother because of the simple fact that this year for Christmas all I want is stuff for my little princess!! I am definitely in the nesting mode now and just want everything to be perfect in preparation for her arrival;)

The scare of our lives....

I went for another ultrasound this past Wed. morning. I was a day away from being 27 weeks. It was great - I don't think it can ever get old seeing your baby while she is still inside of you. She looked great and we even got to see some cool 4D pictures of her (below). Everything seemed to be going well. We were told by the tech that she looked good, my placenta appears to no longer be in the danger zone, and Stella is approximately 2.6 pounds (which is 3 oz. over the average for a 26 weeker :). Then the doctor came in and nonchalantly told us that I have a single umbilical artery. Well she didn't even name it that - I found out later what it is called. Basically, most umbilical cords have 2 arteries and 1 vein. They don't know why, but some cords form having only one artery. No big deal right? Especially because she glossed over it and basically said that the baby appears healthy so its nothing to be concerned about.

I updated my mom who called later and told me to do some research on the SUA. Boy was I scared after reading up on it. First of all it occurs in only about 1% of pregnancies (scary in and of itself). They have no idea why it happens (because of course I was wondering what I did). Most importantly, they say that babies with SUA can be more at risk (25%) for all kinds of abnormalities, including heart problems! Of course I started freaking out and crying just imagining the worst. But the good news is that babies who have otherwise normal test results, such as the high level ultrasounds I've had, are probably fine.

So I called my doctor and had to wait until yesterday morning to speak with her. Of course this was after much sadness, anxiety, and fear on my part. Chris, as usual, was very positive about the whole thing. While I, as usual, was scared out of my mind! My doctor basically said that the only real concern they have with babies who have SUA is growth restriction, and that is a theoretical concern. She said that clinically that has never been her experience. When I asked about the litany of other problems I had read about, she told me that those would have definitely been picked up on ultrasound. From the report, she said, the baby looks great. She said they will continue to monitor me via ultrasound every 4-6 weeks, which is great because otherwise this would have been the last one I had. So all is well again. This ordeal made me realize that nothing else matters but the health of my baby. It really puts every other worry or concern in perspective. She is such a perfect little peach and I can't wait to see her in a few months. But I know that only when I see her will I stop worrying, well actually then a whole new wave of worrying will just be beginning- for the rest of my life! But that comes with the territory of being a parent. I just thank God that she is doing well!

Her profile. She has her little face resting on the placenta.

Her perfect little foot!

Her profile. Little nose!

26 Weeks....

26 Weeks: My little girl has been practicing some serious karate moves lately!! Seeing my stomach move from the inside sure is strange. We just got back from my parents for Thanksgiving. Chris's parents also came. As always, it was great spending time with family. Chris and I kept being amazed that this time next year baby Stella will be joining us for the holidays. Everything will be new for her....her first of everything! I can not wait to experience it with her. What an amazing gift!!!!

23 Weeks

Like a having a little alien inside of me....

Today, while at my temp job, I looked at my stomach because I was feeling Stella kick and I actually saw the kick from the outside! It was the strangest thing to see my stomach moving like that. So awesome! I so feel pregnant and am definitely loving it. The other perk - today someone gave up their seat on the metro during rush hour. So loving it....once you get past the hump of adjusting to all of the changes your body goes through it really becomes fun. I mean I still feel achy at times and experience many of the unpleasant aspects of pregnany but at least now I have all of these wonderful things to balance that out.

So ladies, when you get pregnant my advice would be - hang in there!! There will come a time when you will truly enjoy being pregnant. It might take a couple...or even five months, but it will happen. And the sheer excitement of meeting the precious little miracle inside of you is the greatest part! It's like every day I have that same excitement and anticipation I used to have for Christmas when I was a child. And Chris too is like a little kid - he talks to my stomach and gets so excited when he can feel her kick. He has been so amazing and I am so grateful for him. He is going to be the best daddy!!!

BELLY AT 22 WEEKS

Getting big!!!!!!

22 weeks and counting!

I am now 5 and a 1/2 months....time is flying by!!! This past weekend my parents came into town and we bought baby furniture. That made it feel so real!! It was so great spending time with them and sharing in the excitement of the new baby. And they bought us so much! It was so sweet - we feel truly blessed to have such wonderful parents. I have never seen them this excited before.

The other huge milestone was that I started to feel the baby kick last week. Real kicks, not just little movements. It has got to be the strangest sensation I have ever felt. It was nice because once when Chris had his hand on my stomach he was able to feel the baby move too. I was so excited that it wasn't just my imagination. I think the best way to describe it is that it feels like someone poking me but from the inside. She is way more active at night - at least that is when I feel her more. Especially after dinner. Last night I didn't feel her as much when I was sitting watching tv and of course became concerned (since I am always looking for something new to be anxious about). But then last night when I woke up she was kicking away. The kicks are not strong enough to wake me up but once I'm up it is harder to get back to sleep. But it could also just be because I love to feel her!

Baby Stella....we decided (meaning Chris begged me) to name her Stella instead of Tristan and save that name for when we have a boy. I have always loved Stella and actually picked it awhile ago, so its not a total loss. Plus, Chris agreed that I would choose the future names. Not a bad deal;)

ME AT 22 WEEKS PREGNANT

Almost to the half way point!

This weekend we went out with our college friends. We hadn't seen most of them since we left for California. It was such a great time seeing everyone and they are all so happy for us. It was nice to unveil the growing belly (pictured). Of course I was the only sober one by the end of the evening which meant that everyone was rubbing my tummy like it was communal property. But I didn't mind. It was nice to bask in so much attention. Eat it up right?

I also went to a baby shower. Besides the beautiful pregnant mama we were celebrating my other good friend is also pregnant so it was nice to compare war stories. It was also fun to see where I will be in the coming months. There were a ton of kids there too, which sorta bugged me out. I still can't believe that is going to be me! The recurring theme is complete disbelief that I'm actually going to be a mommy! Especially now that I am nearing the half way point. Actually the half way point is tomorrow – 20 weeks!! There is no stopping this train.

Today we went to our new OB and got to hear the heartbeat again. She is sounding strong and healthy. Our little princess. I just can't wait for her to start kicking me in the ribs....as weird as that sounds. They say that when that happens the fireworks go off and it really starts to sink in.
 

Baby Bump Pictures - 18 Weeks Pregnant (10/9/09)

First (Perceptible) Movements!!!

All of the literature says that at about 16 weeks is the earliest time when you can feel the baby move (I am now at 18 weeks as of yesterday) but that those feeling (also called "quickening") could feel like almost anything innocuous such as butterflies, gas or hunger pains. I feel like mine up to this point might have been hunger pains because I would feel them when I wasn't hungry (i.e. after just eating). But then early this morning, Chris and I just happened to be awake and he was touching my belly when I felt a rolling sensation on the right side of my belly. Like a hand or foot or some other little part!!!! It was very cool and exciting! I can't wait to feel more of the baby's movements.

We were talking yesterday about all of the milestones we are experiencing almost daily. It is soooo amazing to find out the sex of your first born and then to feel those first perceptible movements. Yesterday, I also felt so very pregnant for the first time. Up to this point, it has seemed a bit unreal. But now, I can't even believe how happy I am!!

More Sonogram Pictures

Granted it's a little hard to tell what some of these pictures are of (even though they are labeled), but it was very clear when we saw the sonogram in action. Can't wait for an even better view at 28 weeks!!!

Second Trimester Sonogram

So today I went in for an impromptu second trimester sonogram. Yesterday I noticed some strange symptoms which concerned me (surprise, surprise). So I called my new OB today with my concerns, especially since I wasn't due for an appointment until 10/21. They were really great and sent me over to the sonogram place. Chris was able to come.

It was amazing - we got to see all of our baby's anatomy. The heartbeat and brain...little hands and feet!! So the baby is a LITTLE GIRL!!! As soon as she told us I felt the tears welling up in my eyes. Our baby finally had an identity. It was just the greatest feeling!! And she is developing well and is perfectly healthy. The only off thing is that I have a low lying placenta which they want to recheck at 28 weeks. They are not concerned and neither am I, especially because I get to see baby girl again in 10 weeks;) So the whole thing was like a weight lifted off of my shoulders. And a complete shock to boot since we all thought it was a little boy. I thought I might be disappointed because I had already resigned myself to a boy. But I was nothing but elated. Chris said he had a flash forward of him giving her away at her wedding at which point I felt the tears again.

I was also amazed to see that the baby is so far up in my abdomen!!! So I'm not fat - just pregnant;) She was all the way up by my belly button. So cool to see all of her. We couldn't see the facial features that well. But it'll be soon enough until we see our beautiful little princess. Can't wait!!! Now the next battle is the name since as of yesterday we both wanted Trystan for a girl but now Chris wants Stella. I love Stella too but I always wanted Trystan....so we'll see. But its not a democracy so no one else's opinion matters but ours (as it should be). Regardless, she is our little angel and I can't wait to meet her.

Week 15: Little Heartbeat

Today we had our second prenatal visit. The OB definitely wasn't as nuturing as the first one we met with. But we didn't really care because -- we got to hear our baby's heartbeat!!!!! It was so great and so reassuring to hear our little one's strong little heart beating inside of me. It still seems so unreal!!! It made all of the discomfort so worth it. I can not wait to meet our little peanut;) Everything else looks good. Next time we go to the doctor we'll be able to find out the sex of the baby!!! How very exciting.

~ T

Week 15: Soooooooo tired....and kinda fat

So I feel like a zombie half the time. Sleep is definitely my best friend. I am sooo grafteful that I am able to stay home right now. But we're leaving San Diego in 11 days so I've been packing and that is just plain draining. Moving stinks under normal conditions, but is really miserable now that I'm pregnant. But the good news is that I'm feeling more pregnant by the day. My little belly is starting to pop out a bit below my belly button. Hopefully by the end of this month I will be noticeably pregnant instead of noticeably fat. I am 146 pounds right now, which is 12 pounds more than I have ever been during my entire life. But I keep reminding myself of the purpose of those extra pounds. Plus, Chris has been awesome about telling me how beautiful I look even when I feel like crap run over twice.

The new thing that I have and am sorta excited about (strangely) is the appearance of the linea nigra, otherwise known as that strange dark line that is the badge of pregnant bellies. At this point, I'm happy for any observable reminder of being pregnant besides all of the discomfort. So I have my little badge, however faint, but mine nonetheless. It runs slightly above the belly button which old wives tales say means we're having a baby boy. At this point, I have had numerous dreams about it being a boy. Plus, my mom bought all of the bed sheets for a baby boy. Soooo....thinking its a boy. But in the end it doesn't matter because he or she will be the light of our lives regardless. I still can't believe in a little over 6 months our little one will be here and our lives will be forever changed.

We have our second prenatal visit tomorrow!!! I am super excited to find out how everything is progessing. Generally, I am just happy, tired, excited, tired....but sometimes the anxiety and fear does creep in. Is the baby alright? Is everything progressing as it should? The strange thing about pregnancy is that symptoms that would normally be alarming (back pain, cramps, hip pain...the list goes on) are signs that everything is going as it should. So it can be difficult not to get worried by apparently innocuous symptoms. Prayer really gets me through those times because I truly believe this baby is a gift from God and all a part of his grand plan for our lives. I know our baby is blessed and will be perfect and healthy. Until next time...

~ Talia

Week 12: Moving forward.....

Yesterday was my 3 month mark!! So happy to be saying good-bye to the 1st trimester! They say the second trimester is supposed to be the best. Hopefully good bye are the days of being exhausted, the pimples, serious bloating, queasiness and all of those other unpleasantries associated with the first trimester. I'm definitely excited to get bigger with baby! I can't wait to look down and have constant proof of the beautiful miracle inside of me. Plus, I've always looked forward to being pregnant. I think pregnant women are always so beautiful and radiant. Right now, I definitely don't feel so beautiful and radiant on the outside. But I'm so amazed at what is happening inside of me that I can't help but feel a bit like super woman.

Everything is starting to come together for our move back and I really can't wait to be back on the east coast for the fall. Don't even get me started on the holidays! They are going to be extra full of joy and blessings this year. Little Tristan is so loved already!

~ T

Week 12: The first trimester coming to a close....

I feel like I just found out about the pregnancy and here it is already that the first trimester is coming to a close. I'm pretty excited because the risk of miscarriage reduces greatly now and I'm just ready to start looking more pregnant (like I feel)! We've also told everyone close to us and even people who aren't all that close to us (thanks to Chris who wants to shout it from the rooftops). I'm kind of obsessed right not with fetal development. It is the most miraculous thing to create and then nuture life. Everyday I learn something new about the miracle that is going on inside of me.

So I've had 3 dreams now that the baby is going to be a boy. Two nights ago I had a dream that I was breast feeding him and it was so sweet. I was sad when I woke up because that feeling of closeness was gone. It made me even more excited to meet our little prince/princess. I also can not wait until we find out the sex (another obsession) because there is so much shopping I want to do.

Right now we're in a state of transition as we look to move back to the east coast. Of course that means there is a ton of things for me to worry about! But I thought about how I just expect and know that my earthly parents will be there for me during this time and that I must have the same faith that the Lord will get us through this time. I pray often thanking God for the precious miracle inside of me and I know that everything will be alright. We are truly blessed.

Week 11: Meeting baby.....

Yesterday we met our little one for the first time. It was the most amazing relief to see the baby being active and the little heart beating. For the past week or so I had been feeling anxious and worried about the viability of the pregnancy. All of which I read was normal. But then to see the baby in there doing great and even crossing his or her little feet was like having all of that weight lifted. And all that was left was pure joy!!! We were elated.

I always thought I would cry but I was so amazed and stunned at the little miracle that all I could do was stare open mouthed. Chris too was in complete awe at what he was witnessing. I can't wait until I can actually feel the baby moving inside of me, reminding me of his or her daily presence.

The other shocker is that I am 10 weeks, well almost 11 actually. My due date is March 11, 2010. It was funny because the doctor warned us that the baby would look very small but then she was like "whoa that is a big baby, I think you're further along that that!" And sure enough I am! I am actually happy because the first trimester can be so scary. I'm ready to get big and be jolly with pregnancy. Plus, risk of miscarriage is greatly reduced once out of the first trimester and once a heartbeat is observed. But now I'm feeling great and know that this is going to be special pregnancy. I mean how lucky can I be that I missed the horror that is morning sickness?! I still feel a bit queasy at times, but nothing major. Eating small means (ok maybe some not so small) frequently has really helped me. Plus, besides being like 10 pounds away from my ideal weight, when we conceived I was in good shape so I think that might have helped too. I was worried because my mother had such a hard time with being sick and then with the birth of me and my sister. But now I know that path is not mine and I have this wonderful feeling that my pregnancy is going to be cake;)

Week 10: The full range of emotions...

It's been 19 days since I first took a pregnancy test and discovered that we have a baby on board! Which according to previous estimates puts me at about 8-10 weeks. I think the initial shock is gone but the whole experience is still so unreal, abstract almost. I constantly look at pregnancy magazines or read books to make it more real. This is really happening to us!! Emotionally I have experienced everything from extreme joy to anxiety. But I am trying to let each emotion come and not hold back. This is a time of some of the greatest changes in our lives, all at once no less, and so I know with that comes the full range of emotions.

 

We have also decided to move back east. While I am sad to say good bye to beautiful San Diego, we realize that we just don't have the support we need out here as far as family is concerned. While we love our friends, we also want to have family close by. Plus, the west coast has just never truly felt like home to us. So we now have the very big task of planning a move back. Definitely stressful but I keep picturing the cute little apartment we'll have with the nursury and the great job I will get. And I hope I passed the bar! I know I did because we believe that this is all a part of God's devine plan.

 

So reflecting back on the past 2 and 1/2 weeks.....we found out the day before the 6 month anniversary of Kaiya's passing. We went to the doctor on the actual day and I was so happy to be celebrating this amazing news instead of being sad. I really think this is a sign from her letting us know everything will be alright. I only wish she was here with us. Two days later, I took the bar which was brutal. But I think I remained focused and now have put that behind me. Only moving forward and trying not to look back. I turned 30 and then we went to Hawaii. We had such a wonderful time and just kept saying how crazy it will be that next time we take a big vacation we'll have our baby with us!!! Now we're back and starting to plan our move home.

 

We also decided on the name - Tristan David for a boy or Trystan for a girl. Middle name not yet decided. I also feel my uterus getting bigger and have gained about 6 pounds, which is a little bit too much for the first trimester. Some of it is bar weight I am sure. I'm hoping that I will stay within the recommended 35 pound weight gain range. But I also understand that I need to let my body do what it needs to to support our baby. Haven't had the urge at all to drink wine or coffee for that matter. I am back on track with trying to eat good food instead of junk food. Other physical/emotional symptoms include:

• hunger every two hours, its a hunger like I have never experienced before
• gas (yuck)  
• bloating  
• breast tenderness and enlargement (whoo hoo!)  
• minimal nausea (double whoo hoo!)
• exhaustion coupled with an inability to sleep for more than 6 or 7 hours (again because of the hunger pangs)
• breaking out and can't do anything about it!
• some irritability
• anxiety, especially when I think about the move and complications of pregnancy
• elation, excitement, joy, disbelief, and just all around happiness

Stay tuned!!!