"Breaking" News! We've Got...

A TOOTH COMING IN!!!

Sophia is 8 months, 1 week, and 5 days old!

Yes, you heard (read) me right, we've got a tooth just barely peeking in.  It is just poking through the gum, just to where, if you know what to look for, you see it.  Just a tiny white line, but it's there!  And boy, does it feel sharp!  Anywho, I will get a picture of it as soon as you can see it!  By the way, it is her left bottom center tooth.

I Resolve to Post More!

Sophia is 7 months, 3 weeks, and 6 days old!

Which means, in just 4 short days, she will be 8 months old.  I cannot even begin to express how fast time flies, but I am guessing that most of you already know this.  When I think back to where we began just 8 short months ago, I feel so proud about how far she has come.  True, it is just normal human development, but it is nothing short of a miracle when I see it in my own sweet baby!

Let me also say Happy New Year to everyone!  I promise to update this blog more, if you promise to read it!  We start this year off all healthy (with the exception of some passing colds), happy, and wise.  Shawn is beginning his final semester of his Baylor Executive MBA program, so he'll be done in April, yay!  He's still doing extremely well, as he is basically a walking encyclopedia.

Sophia is excelling and haven't had any problems except for her colic and her acid reflux.  We have stopped the Omeprazole (basically generic version of Prilosec) and she does not seem to have any symptoms anymore.  We've started solids as of two months ago, and we've tried a variety of foods.  So far she likes:
Butternut Squash
Pears
Sweet Potatoes
Peas
Mango
Blueberry
Prune
Pumpkin

And she tolerates:
Carrots
Apples

I have been purchasing organic baby foods to start with, and to experiment with what she likes and doesn't like, but as soon as I have all her preferences somewhat down, I will begin preparing her food from home.  I have a brand new Kitchenaid stand mixer from my parents, two baby food grinders, and two really neat books from Mary that I am excited to dig into!

We spent Christmas in San Diego and Sophia got to meet not only her cousins, but her Auntie Suzie, Aunt Kim, and Uncle Brian as well!  In addition to seeing them, she also got to see Auntie Jeanine, Oma, and Grampa again.  Everyone loved her!  Seeing the three cousins together was part surreal and part adorable.  Nothing like adding a generation to the family to make you feel your age, huh?

Anywho, here are a few tidbits to get you caught up with Sophia, and then I will begin to post as we go:

Sophia is sitting up and can do so on her own!  This helps Mommy gain a little independence as Sophia is happier to sit and play on her own.  We still have no teeth, but I am expecting one to drop by any day now.  I mean, we don't have any bumps or anything, but it's about time, right?  My favorite thing that she does is now she dances.  She bops up and down when a fun song comes on and I think it's so cute.  She's also babbling, kind of a cross between "Ba", "Ma", and "Da".  Kind of a "bmda bmda bmda" if you will.  Hopefully she will add to her vocabulary soon!  Still no crawling over here, but you can tell her wheels are cranking in that noggin of hers!  She kinda moves her little rump up and down as if she knows that her legs need to come next, but we're just not there yet.  All in time!

I will post a few pictures soon, but it's about naptime, so Mommy duty calls!

Love you all and will update soon!

Time For a Shower!

Today we are 33 weeks, 6 days pregnant!

Sorry this is so late!  So here's how my shower went:

First, the weather was perfect!  I was able to wear a sundress that I was completely comfortable in but still was able to look put together in (hopefully!).  I had a short walk, three doors down, to get to my event and was already giddy.  I had the best group of friends and it was really fun!  We played a few games, guests had to guess the circumference of my belly and my neighbor Marisa won, she was accurate to almost a quarter of an inch!  Shawn got to guess when he came by at the end, and he was waaaaaay off.  And not in the good way...  I think he used half the spool of ribbon!  Shawn!  We also decorated onesies, and they really got into it!  They were so cute (pics to come) and Meghan Meehan's onesie, which said "My mom is prettier than your's" won!  My vanity loved that one!  The final game was "who knows the baby the best," which consisted of a list of about ten questions that I came up with in regards to Sophia and the pregnancy. Angela won!  All winners got the "Nickie's pregnancy survival kit" which was a back massager thing from Bath & Body Works, yummy hand sanitizer from B&B as well, which I use all the time, and lotion.  Speaking of gifts, man did I get some!  I am amazed and honored by the generosity of all our family and friends!!!  I feel, for the first time, that we are this close to having everything we need, and it's so exciting!  Shawn and I will be emptying the guest room this weekend so we can set everything up, and I can't wait to post pictures on here for you all to see.  Speaking of pictures, here are a few from the shower!

I made favors for everyone to thank my guests.  They are homemade white chocolate baby bottle lollipops with handmade tags.  I loved them!

You can get a small view of the diaper cake that Meagan and her sister made for me, sooo cute!

Even little Aidan wanted to be part of the picture!  Starting with me, clockwise, there is Marisa, Michele, Meghan Meehan, Ashley, and Seth.  Not pictured:  Angela, Meagan Martin, Alicia, Laura, and Shawn

Aaah, the pregnant lady.  And my faux mimosa.  Mmmm!

Here you can see some of the onesies that were created.  Meagan cheated by playing on Shawn's heartstrings since he got to vote.  Hers said "Daddy's Little Gator."  ;)

Sooo much baby stuff!!!

Counterclockwise:  Me, Meagan (hostess #1), Alicia, Michele, Marisa, Angela (hostess #2), Ashley, and Meghan.  Not pictured:  Laura, Seth, and Shawn

The happy parents to be!  

Mmmm cupcakes!  The ones that Sophie (Meagan's doggie) didn't get, that is!  I think I have personally eaten five of them myself, oops!

*****

I should have more pics soon, but these show the beauty and happiness that were my shower.  I loved it, and I couldn't have asked for anything better.  I hope that everyone in my life knows how blessed I feel and how blessed I know I am.  I love my family, and I love my friends.  I only hope that I can bring the same joy in your lives that you have brought to mine.  xoxo

32 Weeks And We're Educated!

Today we are 32 weeks, 3 days pregnant!

Hi All!  It's a sunny and warm day here in Austin, TX, which means spring is here!  Over the past few days, we've reached 32 weeks, my parents have been married for 40 years, and we have begun our baby education.  Shawn and I attended a six-hour childbirth class on Sunday, and it was entertaining, to say the least.  We learned a moderate amount, practiced different breathing techniques, and I saw a 10 centimeter circle.  I wish I hadn't seen that.  Oh well!  We also toured the Labor and Delivery unit where we are delivering.  Would you like to know how I felt during and after that tour?  Scared as hell!  It made it so real!  I've been hiding my uneasiness since then because I feel a little silly about it, but what can I say?  The thought of having a baby, from my body, hoping that everything cooperates for a healthy, safe delivery is a little overwhelming for me.  I know it will pass, or at least ease up a little, but I also think it's somewhat natural and normal to be a little scared.  Ugh!  During the tour, Shawn and I held tight to each other, and it was very reassuring.  Breathe in, breathe out!

We're beginning to get very busy around here, cleaning out the garage, emptying and then filling Sophia's room, organizing, and trying not to freak out.  My shower is this weekend as well, and I'm really excited!  I wish all my family and friends could be here, but I am blessed enough to have them all over the country.  The weather should be nice on Sunday, so hopefully I can wear a cute dress and show off my pregnant glow.  Haha!  Anywho, time for my 32 week check-in, here goes!

How far along?  32 weeks, 3 days.  53 days to go!

Total weight gain/loss:  Just weighed in at 124.4, total of 22.4 lbs gained

Stretch marks?  None yet :D

Sleep:  I think it's the calm before the storm...  As I've said, my pillow configuration has done me well!

Best moment this week:  Probably the class.  It was fun to do it together.

Movement:  The elbows poking through my sides and the feet in the ribs are sweet, but after about 15 minutes can get pretty tender!

Food cravings:  The cravings per se have slowed, it just depends on what food item I have seen or heard about last.

Gender:  It's a bambina!

Labor Signs:  None this week

Belly Button in or out?  Out.  Very out.

What I miss:    Sleeping on my belly

What I am looking forward to:  My shower on Sunday!!!

Weekly Wisdom:  This too, shall pass.  Not so much pregnancy related, but still relevant.

Milestones: We've seen where we're giving birth!!!

Now for my latest picture, taken on the 17th.  Here I am 31 weeks, 4 days pregnant:

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today we are 30 weeks, 1 day pregnant!

Hi All!  Today is my 30 + 1 day, I am 31 and 30w1d prego!  Things are good here at the Maurer household, we're getting more excited every day.  My birthday wish was even more poignant than ever, seeing as though we have so many important things to wish for this year.

Our little one has found a preference for kicking and sticking in my ribs, and I think she thinks it's funny.  I love letting our friends touch my belly, especially when she's moving around.  I never get tired of the reactions!  It makes me happy to know that so many people already love her and can't wait to meet her, and she's not even born yet.  What a lucky, lucky baby!

Anywho, it's time for my weekly check-in, so without further ado...

How far along?  30 weeks, 1 day

Total weight gain/loss:  121 as of Friday, I went down a pound since I've still been taking it easy on my stomach since being so sick.  My appetite is building, though!

Stretch marks?  None yet :D

Sleep:  You know, I can't really complain!  It's been awesome this week, so I think I'll take advantage of it.

Best moment this week:  Sharing my birthday with awesome people

Movement:  A lot!  

Food cravings:  Donuts, watermelon, fajitas

Gender:  It's a bambina!

Labor Signs:  I've started feeling a little tiny bit crampy sometimes, and I still get Braxton Hicks once in a while

Belly Button in or out?  Out.  Very out.

What I miss:    Not having to struggle to get out of bed / off the couch / up from a sitting position.

What I am looking forward to:  Elton John on April 10th!

Weekly Wisdom:  We've got a living, moving human being that I'm carrying!

Milestones: We're 75% done with this pregnancy, we're in the homestretch!

And now for my most recent picture, taken last night at 30 weeks...

Two Down, One to Go!

Today we are 27 weeks pregnant!  2/3 done!

Hi All!  Yes, you see correctly, we are two-thirds through this pregnancy!  Which means:

WE'RE IN OUR THIRD TRIMESTER!!!

I can't believe it.  Where did the second trimester go?  It's such an exciting time for us and we get more and more giddy each day.  Last night (during a food run to Chili's because I had to have Chicken Crispers) we were talking about what she will look like.  We think the following:  My eyes, Shawn's nose, my lips, Shawn's skin, my freckles, my hair, and Shawn's hair color.  I'm also hoping Shawn's long, lean legs!!!  Either way, our little girl is going to be beautiful, if I may say so myself.  We can't wait to see her!  And we can't wait to see her grow!  Each kick I feel, each stretch she takes inside me it amazes me all over again that we are making a daughter.  Even though I am an educated woman and I know how science works, I can't help but know that there is a little part of a miracle growing inside of me.  And I couldn't be more grateful.

This last week we experienced a couple big things, like being down to the double digits in days and the start of our third trimester, but we also had a (non-baby related) scare.  My handsome, regal Chihuahua, Quimby Manilow, had a short seizure on Sunday night.  It petrified me.  It broke me.  Something about seeing that little 8 lb precious angel in duress just did me in.  I felt helpless and scared out of my mind.  He is okay now, but we have no explanation for why he had one.  I am praying that it was an isolated incident and we'll never have to go through that again.  Since then, Shawn and I have held him a little tighter, curled up with him a little longer, and pet him with a little more love than we did before, if that was even possible.  But again, I thank God that he is okay now.  Because isn't this a pretty face?

Anywho, here is my latest picture, taken last night after a dinner of yummy fried foods.  Sometimes I think I'm getting bigger, but sometimes I don't see it.  Shawn definitely sees it, and he definitely says it!!!

And last but not least, a picture that Shawn captured in between shots that he says he loves, so I love it too...

Saturday Night Live!

Today we are 26 weeks pregnant!  98 DAYS TO GO!!!

Hello all!  Just checking in for our weekly get-together!  Tomorrow we're having a Superbowl affair, so we've been busy cleaning and shopping and now starting some of the cooking, so the house is smelling good already.  I'm excited, because today we bought a scale.  Now I get to monitor my weight gain more regularly, which makes me happy!  Anywho, without much ado, I'll get started on my weekly check-in and post a little belly pic for your enjoyment...

How far along?  26 weeks!  Less than 100 days to go!

Total weight gain/loss:  119.4, up 3 from two weeks ago, up 17.4 from Day 1

Stretch marks?  None yet

Sleep:  Well, we bought a memory foam topper, so some nights I'm good, some nights I'm frustrated beyond all belief

Best moment this week:  The check-out lady at the grocery store said to me, "Well aren't you just the cutest pregnant ting I've ever seen?!"

Movement:  She's playing around in there as we speak!  Movement you can regularly see from the outside!

Food cravings:  Chinese food, hot fudge sundaes still...

Gender:  It's a bambina!

Labor Signs:  I'm getting some more Braxton Hicks lately, they like to come on during the night time when I'm trying to sleep

Belly Button in or out?  O-U-T

What I miss:    Sleep.  Pure uninterrupted sleep.

What I am looking forward to:  Seeing the baby!

Weekly Wisdom:  No matter how bad I may feel, I am blessed to be having a happy, healthy pregnancy.

Milestones: We're in the double digits, and I start my 3rd trimester later this week!

And yes, I seem to be living in this grey v-neck.  I like it.  Sue me.  ;)

Getting Into the Double Digits!

Today we are 25 weeks, 5 days pregnant!

Today is one of my made-up holidays...  

It's where we have 100 days left to go!  That's just amazing to me, we found out when we had 249 days to go, and that seemed sooo far away.  Now, tomorrow, we're entering the double digits!  We're also nearing our third trimester, which makes it seem like time is going so much faster these days.  I can't wait to meet our little girl and can't wait for all of you to meet her, too.  So here's to the next hundred days!

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue...

Today we are 24 weeks pregnant!

Well happy V-Day to me!  What?  No, I know it's not Valentine's Day, but today is what they call our "viability date" which is a decent milestone for me.  What that means is at this point, if we happen to go into preterm labor, the doctors will now technically do all they can do to save the baby, whereas before this date, it would be just too early and not much could be done.  So this day really does mean a lot to me, and with each passing day, the percentages get higher and higher as far as survival for our little one if we make an emergency trip to labor and delivery.  Yes, I know I've been a nervous wreck since the day we found out we had a little life in us, but I'd like to think that it's just mother's love coming in strong, and I so desperately want to meet our new addition.  Maybe it's been my lesson in life, knowing that things do not always turn up daisies and roses, and that horrible things can happen to those you love, that has made me so weary and tense sometimes, but I do completely understand now that we have so much to be thankful for.  Even walking down the street, or doing something mundane with ease, I thank God that I am fortunate enough to have all my capacities and a healthy, strong body.  It is a luxury that will never go unnoticed by me.  But along with having all naïveté being cleared from my life, comes with it a sneaking suspicion that something dark may be around the corner sometimes.  Does it make me more appreciative?  Yes.  Does it scare the crud out of me sometimes?  Yes.  And I know I probably seem like a crazy person when I ask my doctor a hundred questions, most recently, "when can I relax?"  Her answer?  "Never."  Great.  Oh well, in the words of a song, most popularly covered by Doris Day, what will be, will be.  I am trying to adopt this attitude, and in fact, has even become my mantra in the past few years.  Sorry for all the deep thoughts, but I want to be as honest as I can with my thoughts and feelings, even if some may say I'm a little overboard or a little cuckoo.  I guess there's just a lot going through my mind lately...

Anywho, I've recently read Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy, given to me by Angela, and I literally laughed out loud many a time while reading.  I strongly recommend this book to any pregnant woman, or anyone who has been pregnant.  It's funny, it's frank, and it's just one of those books that makes you feel better that you can't poop, or about the numerous funny changes that invade your body, but I won't get into it here...  I give it two thumbs up and a belly button sticking out!  Which reminds me, it's time for my weekly update:

How far along?  24 weeks!

Total weight gain/loss:  I weighed in yesterday at 116, so I've gained 14 lbs as of yet

Stretch marks?  None yet

Sleep:  Ugh, sleep is not the word for it, more like sporadic naps that take place throughout the night...

Best moment this week:  Baby and I went to lay out by the pool for about 30 minutes, and I actually felt great in a bikini, belly and all!

Movement:  Shawn got to feel a huge kick, and he even got to see one from the outside.  We've got movement many many times a day!

Food cravings:  Last night, I HAD to have a cheeseburger.  Too bad I had to settle for a fast food one since it was almost 10pm.  But I did finally get to make my red velvet cupcakes with chocolate chips inside and cream cheese frosting... Yum!

Gender:  It's a girl!

Labor Signs:  No true signs this week, we just have some tightening and back pressure once in a while

Belly Button in or out?  Oh she's a comin' out!  It changes throughout the day, though.  I'd say 60% of the time you can see it through my shirt...

What I miss:    Honestly?  My social life.  It seems being pregnant makes you go lower on some of your friend's phone tree...

What I am looking forward to:  Getting my house in order.  Hurry up, nesting phase!

Weekly Wisdom:  I'm going to have up moments, and I'm going to have down moments.  I need to listen to my mind and my body, and things are going to change.  Things are changing.  But for these changes, I am thankful.

Milestones: Today we have a baby that has a chance if something goes wrong, and that makes me feel wonderful and powerful.

Update, I've Got Your Update!

Today we are 22 weeks, 2 days pregnant!

Hi All!  So in addition to our large purchases yesterday, I went ahead and found an offer I couldn't refuse on eBay today.  I found the bedding I am in LOVE with (posted below) for $40 cheaper than anywhere, and she just had one set, so I caved and bought it!  Yay!  Anywho, here's my weekly check-in...

 How far along?  22 weeks, 2 days

Total weight gain/loss:  As of Monday, I've gained 11.6 lbs for a grand total of 113.6

Stretch marks?  Nope, so I'm hoping I'm lucky since my mom didn't have any either...

Sleep:  Still using my pillows, but one less thanks to Kim's gift of the Boppy Wedge!

Best moment this week:  Knowing the baby is still healthy at our last (unplanned) visit.  I apparently pulled or tore a ligament, had horrible pain for 12 hours (now a total of 4 days, but getting better),  so went in and got checked.  But it was a real relief to see that the baby's vitals were strong and good.

Movement:  We've got movement every day, many times a day!  So happy!

Food cravings:  Still doughnuts, but added salads, potatoes au gratin, and steak

Gender:  It's a girl!

Labor Signs:  I think I had my first Braxton Hicks contractions last week, I had tightening in my uterus area with really weird pressure in my back.  From what I hear, it's normal at this point once in a while, so not stressing about it!

Belly Button in or out?  Flat, sore, the normal...

What I miss:    Um, this may be TMI, but I really miss my normal digestive abilities.  Got me, ladies?!?!

What I am looking forward to:  The bedding and the diaper bag coming in!  Also, seeing what Shawn picks out for the baby's coming home outfit - can't wait to find *THE ONE!*

Weekly Wisdom:  This is REAL.  And coming soon.  We're going to have a daughter!

Milestones: Ordering the baby furniture and buying the stroller!  This is REAL!  And coming soon!  We're going to have a daughter!!!

Oooh Stuff, Stuff, and More Stuff!

Today we are 22 weeks, 1 day pregnant!  125 days to go!

So we've been making some good progress with nursery and baby gear decisions lately, and I'm proud that we're on the ball!  I wanted to share some of it with you!  Today we ordered our furniture with some very helpful coupons from Buy Buy Baby, and we also purchased our travel system, which was given extremely high ratings from many reputable sources, such as Baby Bargains.  Shawn and I both love everything we got today, which makes it very comforting to know we both whole-heartedly agreed on these big decisions.  Here are some pictures of either what we have already purchased or of inspirations and ideas for our nursery:

Here is the furniture we ordered, Sophia by Sorelle.  We chose the crib and the combo dresser with hutch on the right.

For the bedding, I have fallen in love with this classic and glamorous bedding, called Versailles.  The picture frames to the right of the crib are super cute as well, but other than that, probably won't go crazy on getting all the accessories that go.  I am thinking that I would love to accessorize with girly flowers to make it a shabby chic, French country type of theme.  See below...

This is so cute and classic and above all, can go with so many different decorative items.

These cute storage baskets should add some color to the espresso shelves above the dresser / changing table and will add nice little places to tuck diapers, lotions, wipes, and powder away in.

I am eagerly awaiting our diaper bag, very generously gifted to us by Jamie (who's beautiful daughter is going to be on Toddlers and Tiaras in the spring!!!)

And last, but not least, here is our top-rated travel system, the Chicco Keyfit 30 in Adventure!  We got to take this home with us today, in a box of course, but sooo exciting!

Anywho, I also plan on getting some wall decals, such as a decal of a chandelier that I'm in love with to go over the crib.  I can't wait to start setting this nursery up!  The furniture should be here in about 8 weeks, which should be around March, which would be perfect because we're hoping Mary will be paying us a visit in March, and would love for her to be there with us when we set things up.  Grandma's impeccable taste to the rescue!  :)

So there's my inspirations and choices for our nursery, we hope you like them!  We also hope you are having a great start to the new year!

2010, A Baby Odyssey

Today we are 20 weeks, 6 days pregnant!  HALF WAY THERE!

Hi All, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!  I'm writing from snowy Lake Tahoe after a very yummy breakfast of pancakes and sausage cooked by our friend Paul and his fiancé Nina.  Shawn, Paul, and Nina are out skiing, so I'm taking advantage of a little quiet time to update everyone.  It's been a very nice Christmas, and we have so much to look forward to this year.  Last week, Shawn and I had a little shower in San Diego, and between that and the mound of items (and clothes!) we received from Brian and Kim, we have so much stuff to gaga over already!  Every day, things become more and more real, and as Baby Maurer grows, we feel her more and more.  I feel kicks and flutters every day, which is so exciting!  And she's definitely getting BIG, as mommy is, too.  I will post pictures when I can, hopefully tomorrow, to be out and proud with my ever-growing belly...  Anywho, here's a little check-in since I haven't done them in a while!

How far along?  20 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss:  As of yesterday, I am now averaging about 111.5, so I've put on almost ten pounds!!!

Stretch marks?  Knock on wood, none yet...

Sleep:  I've discovered the use of a thousand pillows to prop various parts of my body where they need to be...  Still not very good, though

Best moment this week:  Realizing movement is every day, and seeing all the stuff we got from family and friends

Movement:  I've discovered I love the kicks (for now) but not so sure about the "flutters."  They're making me kind of nauseous!  Is she doing cartwheels in there?  But I feel both every day, so very comforting!

Food cravings:  Doughnuts, Prime Rib, Rocky's Burgers 

Gender:  It's a girl!

Labor Signs:  None, but I feel that belly stretching.  Ouch.

Belly Button in or out?  Still flattening and very sore towards the end of the day... 

What I miss:    Wearing my old jeans without having to wear ten thousand tank tops to hide the open fly!

What I am looking forward to:  Really starting on organizing and finalizing nursery plans

Weekly Wisdom:  Shawn is going to be an AMAZING father

Milestones: Hitting 20 weeks, the ol' halfway point!  Oh, and my niece Mackenzie says "Baby Sophia" and my nephew Andrew crawled!!!

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!

Today we are 18 weeks, 5 days pregnant, with a GIRL!

That's right, we're having a little girl!  Shawn and I couldn't be more excited!  It is so surreal that now we can call the baby a she, and it almost feels as if I am about to wake up from a dream.  Thank God, the doctor said everything is looking great and we are right on schedule to deliver on May 15th still.  I can't express how lucky and blessed I feel, and though I am not a very religious person, I pray every day and night that we will have a healthy pregnancy and delivery.  I will post the pics as soon as they're uploaded but I wanted to share the news!!!  :)

University of Texas Liberal Arts Fall 2009 Commencement

Hi all!  I just wanted to post a quick picture of my commencement night.  It was a great night, but soooo cold!  The picture is in front of a huge fountain which lines up with our tower, which as you can see, is lit up burnt orange with 09 lit in the windows.  It was awesome!!!  Hook'em Horns!

My First "Bump" Pictures!

Today we are 15 weeks, 5 days pregnant!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I'm writing this a little late, so it's technically Friday and we're 15 weeks 6 days, but in the spirit of the holiday, let's just keep it at Thursday.  :)  Anywho, I've got my first pictures of my belly as I finally feel like I'm showing the tiniest bit.  And yes, that's exciting to me!  So here goes...  First picture is before I was able to see any real difference, at 10 weeks, 2 days.  The second picture is this evening, before Thanksgiving dinner unfortunately, so at 15 weeks, 5 days.  Enjoy!

Shawn sure does look proud, doesn't he?

Maurer Milestones

Today we are 14 weeks, 3 days pregnant!

No big newsworthy events so to speak, but I think these are pretty groovy points...  First of all, as of yesterday, I have hit the triple digits!  I've been pregnant for 100 days!  As of Sunday, our estimated due date was exactly 6 months away.  While I feel like this is going sooooo slow, most people think it has gone by so fast.  Also, we find out the gender in exactly a month from today!  Yayyyy!  Shawn still feels girl, but there is something inside my head, heart, and gut that feels boy.  I don't really know why, and I can't put my finger on it, but it's just this tiny little feeling I have.  So we'll know next month!  Shall we make you all wait until Christmas day to find out or will I end up telling everyone within five minutes of us finding out?  Haha!  So last but not least, for the first time in about 8 weeks, I actually wanted my go-to Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.  I haven't been able to stomach the thought of it since about 7 weeks along, but yay, I had my first bowl today!  Life is getting to be back to normal once again.  Well, at least for a short while!!!

Thank you for reading my extremely exciting posts, your support means so much to me!  :)

Normal Results!

Today we are 13 weeks and 2 days pregnant!

Hi all!  Just a couple things today, first of all, I've started my SECOND TRIMESTER!  This means a couple things, such as, had I not blabbed so early because I couldn't keep it from any of you :), you would all be finding out right about now.  But we all know that I have a hard time keeping any happy news in!  Second, it means that hopefully I will start feeling better soon.  I've chosen not to take any medications for nausea, regardless of my OB/GYN's gentle suggestion, because quite honestly, no amount of happy images will ever take the pictures I have seen of children of thalidomide out of my head.  So I'll deal with the sick feelings with the great and helpful suggestions I've gotten from my family and my friends.  Without all of you, I would have gone crazy in the last three months!

Second, I got some good news today!  The genetic counselor from the office we got our NT scan done at called me today with my results.  Our results are normal!  What she told me is that we started out our pregnancy with a 1 in 400 something chance of having a child with a genetic disorder, due to age and other information as well.  And now, after my blood screen and ultrasound, our chances have dropped down to 1 in 4000 something.  So this is good news!

One last thing - this is kinda silly and may be TMI - but I can actually feel my uterus now!  It's this little hard bump between my hips and belly and its so exciting!  :)

Love you all!