Last update for awhile...

Well, this will be my last update for awhile, since it's my last day at work! I'm just here until noon, and then I won't be back until March 30 at the earliest! Yeah! We don't have internet access at home, but we will be getting it sometime soon (so that I don't lose my mind while I'm home on leave). The hospital has laptops to borrow, and WiFi, so I should be able to make a blog update once I'm actually there.

I had a doctor's appointment this morning. I'm still just 1 cm, but I'm now 70% effaced. So, that's a tiny bit of progress. I must say, I'm really ready to be done... but it's not looking very hopeful that he'll be here any time soon! While there, I told the doctor that I haven't been feeling much movement lately, so they hooked me up to the fetal monitor for about 20 minutes. In that time, I only felt 2 movements... but according to the monitor, he'd moved at least 14 times! The doctor said he's actually extremely active, but that he must not be hitting the sides of the uterus, so that's why I'm not feeling the movements.

My next appointment is scheduled for Dec. 31, when I'll be 2 days past my due date. I sure hope he makes his appearance before then!

39 weeks

Well, I'm due one week from today... and I'm pretty much ready to be done! Come on baby! You can make your appearance whenever you'd like! My belly feels like a rock- he must be super squished in there. I'm feeling a lot less movement, because of the fact that he's so squished. He should be at least 7 pounds now, which is kind of mind-blowing...

I had pretty much the worst night of sleep ever last night. My lower back hurts really bad, my inner thighs hurt (from the pressure coming down, I guess), and I wasn't comfortable on either side, because it felt like the baby was trying to push through the sides of my belly (right into the mattress). All of that, combined with my usual heartburn, and not being able to get up easily from a lying down position, made it a bad night!

I'm at work today, tomorrow, and then a half day on Wednesday. I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday, and I'm hoping that I've made some progress since my last appointment on December 11. (I missed my appointment last week, on December 17, due to an ice storm. I stayed home from work for the day, even though Clay ended up going to work. He was really worried that I was going to fall down... and he's probably right!) I'm not sure how far past my due date they'll let me go. Most doctors will induce at one week past the due date, which would put us into January...

I think everything's basically ready for the baby's arrival. The glider is still in a box, and needs to be assembled, but I'm pretty sure that it should be quick to put together. Hopefully Clay will do that tonight.

38 weeks

I can't even believe that I'm due 2 weeks from today! I could truly have the baby at any time now, and it wouldn't be considered out of the ordinary. He should be 6.5-7.5 pounds... about half the size of Chloe (our cat). lolllllll. I just looked at my last picture wearing this shirt, and I think I look quite a bit bigger. I feel pretty huge, and it's tricky getting up out of bed. I'm still really crampy all the time, but I just don't know if I've had any actual contractions. I have strange twinges every now and then, but I truly don't know. At my appointment last Thursday, I was still the same- 1 cm and 50% effaced. Hopefully I'll have had some progress at my appointment on Wednesday.

I feel like I've tied up all my loose ends at work, and am now ready to go at the drop of a hat. On Wednesday, I'll take my files to the two advisors that will be covering for me. My plan right now is to work through Christmas Eve... and then I won't come back after Christmas, even if the baby isn't here yet. I'll just consider it "holiday vacation" until the baby actually arrives. So, after today, I have just 7 days of work! Yeah! I'm so ready to not be here. It's finals this week, so I'm actually leaving at exactly the right time, as the semester winds down to a close.

I think I really "overdid" it this weekend. I've felt so good all through this pregnancy... I don't think I've ever really felt like I needed to slow down before. On Saturday, I was on my feet almost all day. I went to the gym, stood in line at the post office, went grocery shopping, made lunch, baked two different kinds of cookies, made lasagna for dinner (since we had some friends over), and did lots of organizing in the baby's room. By the time our friends left at about 9, I truly felt like I was going to die. My back and feet hurt unbelievably bad. That's when it hit me that I'd been standing basically all day, most of the time in socks on our tiled kitchen floor. I know now that I can't do that anymore, so I tried to take breaks yesterday to sit down and rest.

I think that almost everything's ready now for the baby's arrival. Clay put the crib together this weekend, and we got the dresser/changing table out of the box. I washed all the clothes and bedding, and organized everyting in the dresser. I went to Target and bought everything that we needed to have right away- crib mattress, diapers, wipes, changing pad (for the changing table), hamper, diaper pail, etc. The glider just needs to be picked up (since it arrived in town last week) and assembled. The room is still kind of a mess, so I'll wait and post a picture once it's cleaned up. It feels great to know that the important stuff is done, and that at least he'll have a place to sleep when he comes home!

37 weeks

I'm 37 weeks today, which means I'm full-term. So, as of today, all of the baby's development should be finished, and he shouldn't have any problems if he was born now! This is definitely a good thing! In the few weeks prior to 37 weeks, the baby's lungs aren't always full developed, so this can cause minor problems if the baby's born early. This should no longer be a problem.

He should be around 6 pounds or more right now. I read online today that, supposedly, I shouldn't really have any changes in my weight or size over the rest of the pregnancy. The baby will continue to grow, but I shouldn't. Hmmm.... we'll see about that! I'm still feeling really crampy pretty much all the time, and snacking makes my stomach feel better, so I'm guessing I'm still gaining weight.

At my appointment last Tuesday, everything was right on track. The baby is head down. I had my first internal, which was fairly unpleasant, but nothing too terrible. I was 1 cm, and 50% effaced. I know this really doesn't mean anything, and that I could stay this way for weeks. My appointment this week isn't until Thursday. Hopefully I'll have made some more progress!

One thing to be thankful for- I'm so glad that I haven't really had any swelling. My feet and hands still seem to be the same size. I'm still wearing my wedding ring, and it's plenty big. Hopefully no swelling will develop in these last few weeks.

Clay and I are going to a concert tomorrow night at a bar here in town- they have very few chairs/tables, so we're going to have to get there really early to see if we can actually get seats. The last time I saw a concert there, my friend and I had to stand through the whole thing. I don't think I can handle that at this point, and I would not expect anyone to give me their seat. Wish us luck! lolllllll

Clay started cleaning out the baby's room (his office) this weekend. His goal was to put the crib together, but that hasn't happened yet. Hopefully this will get done this week. The other goal for the week is to get my hospital bag packed. Craziness!

36 weeks

4 weeks to go... which means I could have a baby in 2 weeks... crazy! The baby should be 5.5-6 pounds now. I can't believe that there's a baby that big squished in there- poor thing! He must be so uncomfortable! I know I am! I feel like my belly has hit the breaking point, even though I know that it's just going to get bigger in the next few weeks. I really can't bend over very well anymore- it actually hurts. I've been feeling quite crampy (like menstrual cramps) off and on for the last week or two. It's not very pleasant!

I have an appointment again tomorrow morning. (I had one last Wednesday, and have them once a week now.) I will have my first internal (to see if I'm dilated at all). I've heard some women say internals are no big deal, and others say that they really suck. We'll see- at least it's at 8am, so I will get it over with right away!

I got my completion coupon from Target, so for one day I can get 10% off anything on my registry. So, I went to Target yesterday to add a bunch more stuff to the registry, in order to get the discount. I added the crib mattress, lots of diapers, a CD clock radio, hamper, laundry detergent, etc. It was all stuff I know I'll buy in the end, so I might as well get 10% off!

I ordered the glider/ottoman online today. It's white wood, with blue upholstery. I think it should look cute with all the other white furniture, and the yellow walls.

35 weeks

Today, I'm 35 weeks, which means I have 35 days left until my due date. Only 5 more weeks, so, if I happened to go a couple weeks early (ha ha), then that would be only 3 weeks away! (Trust me- I'm not that delusional... I really don't expect that to happen.) As of this week, if I go into the labor, the doctor said that they won't try to stop it. Yikes! The baby should be 5-5.5 pounds this week.

Today, I decided to take a picture with just my camisole, instead of a shirt that doesn't really show off how big I really am. I did this since numerous people have said I looked really small... I beg to differ! I think it looks like the baby is still pretty high.

I slept terribly last night. No matter which side I laid on, it seemed like the baby was trying to poke through my stomach and into the mattress or something. Or, he'd be up under my ribs. I hope it's his butt (and not his head) that I'm feeling up so high. I also kept having dizzy spells this weekend. Even just sitting on the couch, reading a magazine, I'd suddenly get dizzy and feel like I was going to faint. I haven't had any more spells today, so hopefully that has passed. It was a little scary!

Clay put the carseat base in the car yesterday. He said it was pretty simple. But, we'll have it checked to make sure it was done correctly. The manager at his office actually is certified to check carseats, so that's convenient. Also yesterday, I went through all the baby clothes that we have, and sorted them by size. I made lists of everything that we have, so now I have a better idea of what we still need to buy. We also still needs lots of other non-clothes baby items too. Luckily, I got a big Target giftcard from a friend this weekend, so that will really come in handy.

I'm so excited that it's Thanksgiving this week, and we're not going anywhere! We will both work Monday through Wednesday, but then we'll have a four day weekend. I can't wait!

34 weeks

6 weeks to go. It's crazy to think that, as of my appointment next week, if I go into labor, the doctor won't stop it! We're just not ready yet! The crib isn't even put together! The baby should be pretty close to 5 pounds this week.

I slept like crap last night, and haven't been sleeping all that well for the last week or so. The baby keeps moving in ways that are really hurting me. Generally, as usual, he's way over on the left side (be it night or day), and it really hurts. There really isn't anything I can do about it- if I try to nudge him to the center, he immediately moves back to the left. Oh no! He's disobeying me already! lollllllll.

New pregnancy ailment- every time I bend over, such as to tie my shoes, or pick something up off the floor, I begin to puke into the back of my mouth. I guess it's reflux. It's pretty nasty. It happened this morning when I bent down to pick up my purse. Luckily, I had time to run back upstairs to re-brush my teeth before work. Other problem- if I bend too far forward, I feel like my ribs are impaling my uterus, or something in the general vicinity. It's painful... so I'm trying to sit very straight, or leaning back, at all times.

I met with the pediatrician on Friday. He was recommended by my ob/gyn office, and also by a couple of friends. I thought he seemed very nice. His office is very close to our house, which I definitely like. Also, the practice has another office on the other side of town, and it is open 365 days a year, so that's also a plus. One more thing taken care of!

33 weeks

7 weeks to go. The baby is feeling very big now- I'm not really sure how else to explain it. He tends to hang out on the left side of my belly, so that whole side is usually very hard. But, then my ribs (in the front and back) have been hurting quite a bit on the right side... so I'm not sure if most of his body is curled up on the left, and then he's pushing with his arms/legs on my ribs on the right... who knows?!

He should be about 4-4.5 pounds this week... that definitely seems like a "real" baby! But, I obviously want him to stay inside for at least another 5 weeks or so, so he can "get a little cuter," as Juno would say.

I don't feel extremely hungry or anything, but I feel like I just want to eat constantly. I'm holding back and just having regular meals and snacks, but if I could, I swear I would be snacking on something all day long!

32 weeks

I'm 32 weeks today. 8 weeks still seems like kind of a long time... but when I take into account that 8 weeks equals 56 days, it doesn't seem quite so far off!

My doctor's appointment last week was fine. The doctor this time (different doctor) said that if he had to "hazard a guess," he'd say that the baby is now back to head-down position. But, of course, there's still plenty of time for him to turn again.

We had our birth class at the hospital this weekend. Clay was violently ill before we left home. I was really bummed that I was going to have to go by myself... but he sucked it up and came along (and luckily didn't get sick again all day). The class lasted from 9-5;30. I don't think there was really anything covered that I hadn't already read about, but it was definitely good to practice the breathing and relaxation methods. Also, there were numerous DVDs that were helpful to see, and the tour of the labor and delivery part of the hospital was helpful. It's really nice- all private rooms, with cable, DVD players, and WiFi! I'm going to another class tonight, on breastfeeding. It's just a one-night course, so that's good. I will still have one more, about pumping and returning to work, next month.

I'd been sleeping fine lately, but last night was torture. I woke up starving at about 3:30, so I had to go downstairs to eat some crackers and peanut butter. Plus, my neck and back were killing me. I was up for about 2 hours then, and didn't get back to sleep until about 5:30. I'm hoping that I sleep better tonight...

31 weeks

9 weeks to go! Craziness! I think I definitely look pregnant now. lollllll. I'm feeling fine. I'm still going to the gym. I went yesterday and walked 3 miles. It took me 50 minutes- quite a bit slower than I used to walk, but hey, at least I'm still doing something!

I have a doctor's appointment coming up on Wednesday. This is my first two week appointment. Now that the appointments will be getting closer together, I have a feeling I'm going to start wishing that I'd chosen a clinic that was a bit closer to work. Oh well.

This upcoming weekend we have our birth class at the hospital on Saturday. I think it's supposed to last from 9-5 or something. Ugh. That's a long day! Hopefully it will be useful.

30 weeks

Well, I haven't had time to make an update this week because it's basically the craziest week of the year for me (at work). Even now, I'm updating this at 5:05pm, and I'm still at work. Students started registering for spring today, so I've been insanely busy. I swear I'll make a real update on Monday...

Mom and Cari came to visit last weekend. Mom brought me the gifts from the shower. It sure is a lot of stuff! I can't wait to go through all the clothes and organize everything.

I'm feeling fine. I've actually been sleeping pretty well. I think the baby is now about 3 pounds, and 15 inches long. A website I look at said he's the size (crown to rump) and weight of a large squash this week... which is a bit disturbing since Mom brought me 4 butternut squash last weekend, and I made one for supper last night! lollllllll

The baby doesn't seem as active this week as in the past few weeks. I think the crazy, sharp movements I felt in the past few weeks were due to the fact that he was completely changing positions. Now, I think he's in a comfortable position in there! I don't feel as many kicks or jabs, but rather more big movements that feel like he's turning or rolling or something. Who knows what he's doing in there... hopefully he's turning into the head down position!

Update

So... I had a doctor's appointment this morning. I'm glad to find out that my instincts were somewhat correct… I totally knew that the baby had moved into some weird position in the last week or so, and that he’d moved up much higher (just based on how my pants have been fitting). I asked the doctor if she could tell what position he was in, and she said definitely. I told her that I thought he had changed positions. So, I laid down and lifted up my dress, and before she even touched me she laughed. Just by looking at me she knew… she started prodding around, and said that he’s definitely breech. Fabulous… I guess that the butt (being down at the bottom) doesn’t fit as well (as the head does) into the narrower area down low in the pelvis, and so that’s why I could feel that he’d moved up (because he truly is now sitting higher up). But, she said there’s no reason to freak out, and that there's still lots of time for him to turn into the correct position. I sure hope he does, because I do NOT want a c-section.

On a brighter note, she said my gestational diabetes test was great (high limit is 140, and my score was only 84), and my anemia test (which I guess they did on blood from the same blood draw last time) was also great, so I don’t have to take iron supplements. No more tests now until about 35 weeks! But, now I have to start going to appointments every other week (with my next appointment on October 29). I'm going to start feeling like I live there!

29 weeks

Wow! I suddenly feel huge this week! Seriously, my belly has totally changed in the last week or so. It's much harder now, and it feels like the baby is sitting up much higher.

The baby has been much more active this last week than ever before. I swear that he was dancing a jig 24/7 a few days last week. lollllllll. Not only does he kick and punch, but I feel like he's actually rolling over or something sometimes. I think I *may* also have felt some hiccups- they kind of feel like a series of little spasms. Totally bizarre, but kind of fun!

28 weeks

The shirt I'm wearing in today's picture isn't the best for belly pictures- it's kind of a big tent. (And it's not even maternity!) I'm feeling fine. I don't really seem to be getting any bigger, but my belly does seem to be getting harder, so I guess that means that it's finally turning into all "baby" now, and less blubber. lollllllll. He should be about 15 inches long, and 2.5 pounds.

My weight has stayed about the same the last few weeks. However, I may have gained a little bit this weekend... Clay and I met Cari and Ty in Chicago for the weekend, so we ate out a few times. I'm sure our little boy will be very mad at me some day when he finds out that the first concert he ever attended was... the New Kids on the Block reunion tour, with his Aunt Cari! LOLLLLLLLLL. I know that the baby can hear sounds from outside the womb now. I wonder how loud the concert was to him- it was unbelievably loud- a full arena of screaming women and really loud music. Hilarious!

The dresser/changer was delivered last week, and I think that the carseat is going to be delivered today. I guess this means we need to start making room for all this baby stuff! It's going to be tough- we dont' have a lot of storage space. But, obviously we'll make it work.

27 weeks

Sorry I never got around to making an update last week. After missing work on Friday and Monday (to fly to Minnesota for my shower) I spent most of the week catching up. To all of you who came to my shower- thank you SO much for everything! I promise that thank you notes will be on the way soon. I have a list of who gave what, but there are some where I need to check the card/gift again... and I won't actually have all the stuff here in Indiana until when Mom brings it to me (on October 17).

As of yesterday, I'm officially in the third trimester, and I'm due exactly 3 months from today! Craziness! I read in one of my books that the next 4-5 weeks will be the baby's most active time (in utero). I don't notice the movement a lot during the day. However, I think it's mainly because I'm busy, and not paying attention. When I lay down at night, and pay attention, he moves around a ton. I seem to wake up sometime around 4 am every morning (to go to the bathroom), and when I lay back down in bed, he's usually kicking/punching up a storm. So, it makes me wonder if that's really why I have to get up at that time every morning- he's waking me up!

The dresser/changing table finally came in today (2 months after I ordered it), so we'll go pick that up. However, I have no idea where in the world it's going to go once we get it home. We'll just have to make room, and sooner or later get started cleaning out the baby's bedroom.

25 weeks

I just noticed that my bathroom mirror is really dirty! I swear it's the mirror, and not something yucky on my pants...

Well, I'm 25 weeks today. Only 15 weeks to go! I will be going home this weekend for my shower, which should be fun. It will probably be quite awhile until I make it to Minnesota again... because I sure don't think the thought of flying (or driving 11 hours) with a baby sounds like much fun!

I bought the car seat (Graco Safeseat) online late last week. It was available online only (from Target), not in stores, and there was free shipping last week. Also, AAA auto club members get a 10% discount on Target online, so in the end I got a pretty good deal. Hopefully it will fit easily into the car. I read some reviews online, and someone else with a Cavalier said it fit easily in the middle of the backseat, but for it to fit on the sides, the front seats then needed to be pushed forward a bit. We'll see how it works. Here's what it looks like:

24 weeks

I'm 24 weeks today. Viability day- if the baby was to be born now, he would have a chance of survival. Obviously, a child born this early would have many problems, and we don't want this little boy coming out for quite awhile yet! Please just wait until December, little boy!

I bought baby clothes for the first time this weekend. Just a few clearance onesies from Target- they were so cute, I just couldn't resist! Of course, there's really nowhere to put these clothes yet, so for now, they're sitting in the bag, on the floor of my closet. It's been almost 6 weeks, so I think the dresser/changing table should be arriving soon. (I was told it would take 4-8 weeks.)

I'm feeling fine. I don't feel as ravenous as I did a month or so ago. I don't think I will have gained as much weight at my next appointment- I'd kind of had a growth spurt over the 8 weeks from about week 13 until week 21. I think my weight gain is slowing down now (which is definitely good, because I'd already gained too much). I continue to get heartburn about once a day, usually from totally random things that don't seem like they should cause heartburn (like bagels... weird). But, all in all, I feel pretty good!

23 weeks

Sorry I'm so late this week! I was off work on Monday (for Labor Day). Yesterday, classes started, so I've been super busy. I haven't even had time for a picture this week. But, I thought I better make an update anyway, to spread the news...

We had the big ultrasound on Friday, and everything's looking good... and it's a BOY! To tell the truth, I don't think either of us were too shocked. According to numerous old wives' tales (carrying low, craving spicy food like Taco Bell, little to no morning sickness), most signs were pointing towards it being a boy. (However, one of the biggest ones- the speed of the heartbeat- was off. It's been really fast, which normally occurs with a girl.) I went to Target on Saturday to finish up the registry (with some boy clothes). I feel like it's all much more "real" now that we know the sex. (Also, I signed up for a few classes at the hospital- that makes it pretty "real" too!)

22 weeks

I had a doctor's appointment last Thursday. Everything's basically the same- heartbeat sounded good, and my blood pressure is still nice and low. I'd gained a bit more weight than I'd hoped for, but the doctor said I'm still doing okay.

I went shopping this weekend and bought a bunch more maternity clothes. I'd been getting by on basically 5 shirts, a dress, and a couple pairs of capris. Now, I'm much closer to having a "real" wardrobe, with a few pairs of long pants, more shirts, and some sweatpants. While I was up in Greenwood shopping, I also stopped by Babies R Us. Whoa! That place is big! Really, in some parts of the store, they didn't have any better selection than Target. But, they obviously had tons more to choose from in carseats, strollers, bedding, and gliders. After the shower, I'll probably end up back up there again at some point, to pick up whatever we can't purchase here in town at Target.

This Friday is the big ultrasound! I feel like we've been waiting forever for this! I sure hope the baby cooperates, since we want to find out the sex. I won't be back online to update this until Tuesday (since we have Monday off for work). I'll try to update this then, although it will be the first day of school and I'm sure I'll be quite busy.

21 weeks

Wow, so I just realized that I kind of look like crap today. lolllllll. I didn't bother to "do" my hair this morning, and I really need a trim. Oh well...

21 weeks! Everything's basically the same as last week. Feeling lots of kicks. My rib pain has gone away, but my back hurts by the end of the day. I've been using the heating paid for awhile in the evenings, and that seems to help. I have a doctor's appointment this Thursday. It should be a quick one- just weigh-in, blood pressure, and hear the heartbeat.

Less than 2 weeks until the big ultrasound!

I registered!

So, yesterday I took the afternoon off work and registered at Target. Fun, right?! Well, kind of... the baby section at our Target is small, but it still took me an hour and a half! And I'm really not finished yet! They have very little gender neutral clothing, so I'll have to wait until after we find out the sex to register for clothes. The scanner gun they gave me wasn't working very well, so as soon as I got to work today I checked my registry online, and cleaned it up a bit. If any of you that are already parents have any suggestions about any must-haves I'm missing, leave a comment or send me an email!

20 weeks - halfway!

I'm 20 weeks today! That means I'm at the halfway point, assuming that I deliver sometime close to 40 weeks. I tried to smooth my dress against my belly today, so that everyone can actually see how big I am. Yikes! I feel huge all of a sudden!

I've been feeling lots of kicks. The baby seems to be active after I eat, which makes sense. It's still a bit bizarre though- it's hard to believe there's a human being inside me, kicking me!

The baby should weight about 10 ounces now, and be about 6.5 inches from crown to rump (10 inches long from head to foot). It's crazy to think that the baby has grown so much. At the one and only ultrasound I've had thus far, I think the baby was 2 centimeters long! My utersus should now be about level with my belly button, which makes sense when you look at my picture. I'm definitely getting bigger!

19 weeks

I'm 19 weeks today. Next week I'll be halfway there! Craziness! Sorry for the weird picture- there was a beam of light coming in under the blinds- that's the white stripe on the front of my shirt. Funny.

I *think* that I've started feeling movement the last few days (since Friday). It seems like it must be the baby moving- I can't imagine what else it could possibly be! I've been feeling it a number of times each day. Very exciting!

I think that today may be the last day that I attempt to wear non-maternity pants to work. I'm wearing a non-maternity pair of Dockers shorts today, with my Bella Band, and man, do they feel annoying! The Bella Band keeps riding up, and my pants are only zipped up halfway (so I really can't take the Bella Band off). I'm definitely going to have to do some shopping sometime soon. I only have two pairs of maternity capris, and a pair of maternity jeans. I'm going to need more than that!

Well, not much else is new. I feel fine, other than the fact that I'm hungry pretty much 24/7!

First big purchase

I picked up our crib yesterday! So exciting! It's the first thing we've purchased for the baby. I got the crib in white (not the color in the picture). I think it'll look really cute in the yellow bedroom (with white trim and doors). I bought the rails so the bed can be converted to a full-sized bed later. I also ordered the changer/dresser (also in white). This should be here in a few weeks.

Of course, the crib's in a box and has to be assembled. I'm not really in a hurry to get it put together. Really, I just wanted to start making some of the bigger purchases so that the expense of buying everything will be spread out (rather than all coming right at the end).

18 weeks

18 weeks today! Only two more weeks until the halfway point! Crazy!

I had an appointment last Wednesday. I had gained 6 pounds since my last appointment, but the doctor said that was perfectly fine since I'd only gained about 2 pounds during the first trimester. The heartbeat sounded good; the doctor said she could tell that the baby was moving all over the place, since we'd hear the heartbeat for a few seconds, and then some swooshing around, and then the heartbeat again. Funny. The doctor told me that she wants me to have a level II ultrasound (rather than the regular one), so that the doctor can look more closely at the baby's heart (due to family history). So, instead of getting to have the "big" ultrasound in 2 weeks, I'll have to wait until August 29 (when I'll be almost 23 weeks). That's the one day of the month that a doctor comes down from St. Vincent's Children's Hospital (in Indianapolis) to do level II ultrasounds. You'd think that someone in Bloomington could do them... but no. So, I'm kind of bummed that we'll have to wait a bit longer to see the baby, but, I'll do whatever I need to do to make sure the baby's healthy, I guess. After the appointment I had to then have blood drawn for the AFP test. I hate having blood drawn, so this was no fun at all!

I don't think I've felt any movement yet. I've had a few feelings of... hmmm.. maybe that was it... but I really don't know! I'm really looking forward to this.

17 weeks

I'm 17 weeks today. This morning, for the first time, a random stranger (working in the art museum coffeeshop, where I was getting a cup of tea) asked me when I'm due! I was so surprised! The shirt I'm wearing today is obviously maternity, but still! That's something I don't think I'd ever ask someone... just in case they're NOT really pregnant.

I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday (2 days from now). I'm really looking forward to hearing that beautiful heartbeat again. Also, while at the appointment, I should be able to schedule the "big" ultrasound, for about 3 weeks from now! I can't even believe that in 3 short weeks, we'll know if it's a boy or girl (assuming that the baby cooperates). Crazy!

I'm feeling pretty much normal. I'm hungry all the time though, and I think I've gained too much weight since my last appointment. I think the norm is about a pound a week; I think I've gained 5 or 6 pounds in the last 4 weeks. Oh well... I'm hungry dammit! I also had some strange cramping sensations this weekend. I don't think it was anything bad, but rather just some stretching. Supposedly, I should be able to feel movement sometime soon. I can't wait!

16 weeks

So, here's my first belly picture! Sorry it's so blurry. Seriously, there's really no belly there if I suck it in. However, I've decided I'm done with sucking it in for the next 6 months or so! It's so liberating to just let it all hang out! Also, I think that my underwear are making my belly look bigger than it really is- they kind of cut across the middle of my flab, and cause it to pooch out over the top. So annoying!

14 weeks

Today I'm 14 weeks 1 day. Crazy. The first trimester is now done. Yeah! I had some spotting last night, for the first (and hopefully only) time. It really scared me. I called the nurse this morning, and she said that, since it stopped quickly, it was most likely nothing to worry about.

I had a doctor's appointment on 6/25. Everything was fine. I've still only gained a total of about 2 or 3 pounds. The doctor found the heartbeat with the Doppler. What a beautiful sound!

We've spread the news to pretty much everyone now. I've told work, and my supervisor is trying to figure out who will advise my students while I'm gone. I think it should work out fine, since most of the time that I'll be out will be a pretty slow time of the year.

I'm wearing maternity pants for the first time today. They're way too big, but I don't care! They sure are comfortable!

12 weeks today!

Well, I'm 12 weeks today! I'm almost done with the first trimester. I can hardly believe it. For the last week or so, I've actually felt pretty normal- no nausea or anything like that. I'm still tired most of the time, but I'll take being tired over being nauseated. I'm hungry pretty much all day long. I really don't have anything else to report!

Baby Peterson on the way!

Baby Peterson is on the way, and due 12/29/2008! We're so excited.

Timeline thus far-
April 25, 2008- positive pregnancy test
May 5, 2008- first doctor's appt., pregnancy confirmed
May 20, 2008- first ultrasound, saw the "shrimp baby"!, heartbeat was 182 bpm
May 28, 2008- first OB appt., pretty much like a regular gyn. appt.

Everything has been going well, and it's been pretty uneventful thus far. I'm 10w3d today. I haven't puked once! I was a bit nauseous from time to time from about week 6 through week 9, but I was always fine as soon as I ate something. I like having a reason to snack more often! I don't feel nauseous as often anymore, which is really nice. I'm pretty tired a lot of the time, but it's not too bad- I haven't fallen asleep with my head on my desk or anything. :) I get exhausted much more quickly when working out now, so I had to stop running, and start walking, pretty early on. I've only gained a pound or two thus far, and all my clothes still basically fit. My pants are starting to get a bit tight though...

My next appointment is on June 25. I will be 13w2d then, so the doctor should be able to find the heartbeat with the Doppler. I can't wait! I will feel much more at ease once I've heard the heartbeat again. Also, that will be my last day of the first trimester, which will be quite a reassurance. I'm trying to wait until then to tell work.

I will try to take regular belly pictures once I have a belly to show! More coming soon!