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