5.5 inches and counting

Each week I receive a weekly baby update via e-mail from one of the sites I visit on a regular basis. I learn what the baby is doing and how the baby is developing, what change(s) I should expect this week in my body and the size and weight of the baby. The size and weight of the baby is always compared to a piece of fruit or vegtable. This week the baby's size is compared to a sweet potato. This is much better, as the past few weeks the baby was compared to an onion and turnip. Onions and turnips are not as cute sounding as a sweet potato. The baby is about 5.5 inches in length and almost at 7 ounces in weight. I am hoping any day now I will begin to feel that bubbly feeling also known as kicking.

I learned today that my maternity leave is not going to be as long as I had thought it would be. At maximum (with my job secured) I can only take 12 weeks. I could take a longer leave, but it would be up to my supervisor and there would be no guarantee my job would be available for me when I did choose to return. 12 weeks seems like such a short time. I guess this is something Andrew and I will have to deal with when the time comes...

"you guys"

I had more blood work done today to check my thyroid and a routine blood test to check for any spinal abnormalities in Peanut. It was just myself and the phlebotomist in the room. While she took my blood she made small talk; she was excited about an upcoming vacation. When I left I told her to enjoy her time away and she replied with " You guys take care now". I thought hmm that is funny I am the only one here...oh that is right, I am pregnant and Peanut just got his/her first shout out from a stranger. Sweet!!!!

Peanut's sweet beats

Monthly appointment was today (06.24.09). Routine stuff- weight (up 4 more), blood pressure, chance to report any odd symptoms, hearing Peanut's beats and me asking a million questions. Overall, Dr. Burack reported that I am doing well. Peanut's beats were very loud today and again Peanut was hanging out on my left side (maybe another southpaw will be added to the family!)

The past month I have felt that my brain is a pile of regurgitated dog food. For example I left my sunroof open on my car, woke up at 3am to pouring rain and realized that I may have forgotten to close my sunroof. Yup, it was open. So back to asking a million questions. I have been carrying a small notebook in my purse so anytime I think of something to ask or see something to buy or research I write it down and then I don't have to worry about forgetting about it. So I pulled out my list of questions today...I think Andrew found it somewhat humorous that I have this notebook to begin with and secondly, I think he will probably copy me and have one of his own. I asked my questions and most of the answers I got were "You don't need to worry about that now" or "Wait until you take the childbirth class" or " We will discuss that once you are at 36wks because you will forget". Can I help it if I want to be prepared??

The really great part of my visit today (besides hearing Peanut's beats) is that my next appointment is in 3wks rather than 4wks so I can have the thorough 20wk ultrasound. At this appointment Peanut's organs will be looked at, measured and as will the placenta. AND...Andrew & I will hopefully learn if we are having a son or daughter (if Peanut cooperates). That also means I will be halfway through the pregnancy. I can' t believe how fast everything has moved along so far. I wonder if the 2nd half will go just as fast?

feeling it

The past few days I have realized that I am truly beginning to feel pregnant. Not because my clothes don't button anymore, or because my butt will need it's own zip code soon, or because Andrew sweetly greets Peanut every morning...but because I am physically starting to feel it. At times I can feel my stomach muscles stretching, my legs get crampy, I have started to accommodate this small bump that is growing out of my torso when I bend over to pick up something off the floor or trying to find a comfortable position while falling asleep. I think what the body does during this transformation is pretty incredible! I know I won't ever be the same and I am growing okay with that.

getting through the work day

When is your due date? 11.29.09 But I believe that Peanut will come when he/she is ready.

What week are you in? Week 16

Maternity clothes? Yes, but still kind of wearing my non mat. clothes with the bella band

Stretch marks? not that I have found, yet

Have you had an ultrasound? Yes

Sleep: All day long, please

Do you know the gender of your baby? I have to wait until I am at least 20wks. We are very excited and looking forward to knowing!

Do you have a name picked out? Yes, kinda, sorta

Is the child being named after someone? Middle name

Who is going to be with you during delivery? Andrew and medical staff

Natural or medicated childbirth? As natural as possible

How are you feeling right about now? Can't complain

What was the first thing you bought for baby? A Threadless onesie

Do you feel you are ready to have a baby? 9 months is a long time to prepare for baby. Andrew & I make a good team and we know we have a lot of learning ahead of us.

What I am looking forward to? Learning the sex of the baby, preparing the nursery, feeling the kicking, not being able to see my feet, having some funky cravings, knowing whether or not I am in labor, starting our family, Andrew as a dad, meeting the baby, the list could go on & on & on & on

Are you excited or scared about delivery? Pain is expected, but I am hoping that the excitement of meeting the baby & the love chemical will be more powerful than the pain (one can hope, right?)

Any food cravings? cheesecake, watermelon, Mexican food (not all at the same time)

Anything you loved before that you absolutely cannot eat anymore? Deli & Brew Turkey Subs & hot dogs

I'm Bringing Sexy Back

No, I am not. I purchased my first pair of maternity jean this weekend. Nothing really says sexy like a pair of jeans with an elastic waistband/panel & saggy butt. Andrew refers to these pants as my "mom jeans". As unattractive as they are, there is a small piece of me that is excited to be wearing these pants because it makes me feel a bit more pregnant.

ugh...Walmart

So about a year or so ago I watched a documentary about Walmart. It was really disgusting to watch and to learn what this giant does to earn a buck and the abuse the employees endure. So I became anti-walmart for a while. Andrew has always been anti walmart and only goes in there if he absolutely has to.

Because of the convenience of the store, I have started to shop there again. Well, maybe not for too much longer. Since becoming pregnant every time I step into that store something comes over me. First I start off with a major hot flash, and then my stomach becomes queasy. ( usually by the time I get into my car I am eating some form of white carbohydrate) But the worst is when I can feel my face turn beet red and I start to sweat...just on my face of course. This takes place by the time I am cashing out. Often I get some odd stare from the cashier, who knows what they are thinking. I am not sure if it is all the people in the store, the odors or the lighting- but I do know it is an awful feeling.

Shopping

Andrew & I made our first of probably several trips to Babies R Us on Saturday. We thought we would just start to check out baby stuff, get some ideas and begin to review products. I have been in Babies R Us before, always with a mom to be's registry list in my hand. This time around it was much different, because Andrew & I were shopping for OUR baby. One word can describe my time at Babies R Us : Overwhelming!!! There was a lot of stuff. Really, who would have thought there could possibly be so many breast pumps to choose from??? I I think this is one of the few shopping adventures I have shared with Andrew where he enjoyed it more than me. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't completely awful, just a lot to take in. I will say that I did fall in love with one of the very nice & comfy nursery gliding rocking chairs w/ matching ottoman. This will find its way into our home...for sure.

Adios

Well the dreaded First Trimester is over and I am officially in the Second Trimester. Overall, I really can not complain about my pregnancy so far. I think I am pretty lucky and I can only hope the remaining twenty-six weeks (+ or -) are just as smooth. I am looking forward to having some energy again and waiting for the cravings to start.