25 weeks!

How Far Along: 25 Weeks

Size of baby: Mason now weighs about 1 ½ pounds. He's 13 ½ inches long from head to heel! It’s crazy to look at a ruler and think that he is longer than that now and fits inside my belly.

Weight Gain/Loss: 12 pounds

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants now and mostly maternity shirts. I am so thankful that my Dad and Teresa got me so many cute maternity shirts for Christmas. Mason and I will be set until he gets here!!

Gender: It's a BOY!! Mason Carter Mitchell

Movement: Mason still has days where he is more active and days where he must be sleeping more. I like it when he is more active. It makes me a little nervous when he hasn’t moved very much!  

Food Cravings: I could still eat french fries with every meal. But, if you know me I’ve always been this way! I love french fries!! So, I’m not sure if we can really call it a “pregnancy craving”.

What I miss: The only thing I can think that I miss right now is sleeping on my back.

Sleep: I'm having more trouble getting comfortable while sleeping. Since I'm just sleeping on my side, my hips get very sore after I lay on one side for a while. No crazy dreams in a while.

Symptoms: Mostly just being uncomfortable while sleeping. I’m really feeling very good these days and I’m able to enjoy being pregnant.

Best Moment this week: Spending time with family for Christmas. We got so many nice things! Scotty got me a glider (the REALLY BIG box I spoke of last week) to use in Mason’s room. It is very comfortable and I foresee me spending many hours in that chair!

What I am looking forward to: I’m looking forward to my day off this Friday! It will be my last vacation day that I take before Mason is here. Luckily, I’ll have 2 bank holidays before he arrives, but this will be the last time off I’ll take before he gets here. Have to save up all my time to spend with him once he arrives. Now I say this along with a little prayer that I won’t have any complications that will require me to take off before Mason gets here.

Here is a front view picture of me I took to show off one of the new sweaters that Dad & Teresa got me for Christmas ;-)

24 Weeks

How Far Along: 24 Weeks

Size of baby: Mason has gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. He's almost a foot long, about the length of an ear of corn.

Weight Gain/Loss: 12 pounds, at my Doctor’s appointment on Tuesday (12/21) the nurse said that my weight gain was right on track and that she was impressed that I have kept it down to a minimum this time of year! I was glad to hear this. It is hard for me to adjust to gaining weight. I know that it is necessary and good for Mason, but it is just hard for me to watch the numbers keep going up on the scale. I keep thinking I’ll adjust to this, but it hasn’t happened yet.

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants now and mostly maternity shirts. I’m only able to stretch a few of my regular shirts over my big “summy” now!

Gender: It's a BOY!! Mason Carter Mitchell

Movement: Mason is back to movin’ and shakin’ this week! I can even see him moving now. There have also been times when I can feel a constant pushing in one spot. When this is happening you can feel a hard lump, like a foot or elbow. If I push back on it long enough he will move whatever it was that was sticking out. Feeling Mason move is such an amazing feeling! Unfortunately, Scotty hasn’t been able to feel him move as much as I would like for him to. Part of this is because he won’t keep his hand in one spot long enough and just wait for Mason to decide to move. Hopefully Mason and Daddy will cooperate better in the weeks to come ;-)

Food Cravings: I could still eat french fries with every meal. But, if you know me I’ve always been this way! I love french fries!! So, I’m not sure if we can really call it a “pregnancy craving”.

What I miss: The only thing I can think that I miss right now is sleeping on my back.

Sleep: I'm having more trouble getting comfortable while sleeping. Since I'm just sleeping on my side, my hips get very sore after I lay on one side for a while. No crazy dreams in a while.

Symptoms: Mostly just being uncomfortable while sleeping and a few aches and pains in my hips and lower "summy". I am feeling so good and have plenty of energy. This is such a nice change! I haven’t thought to note this as a symptom before, but it is worth noting and quite funny. I’m finding out that this is something every pregnant woman has experienced at one time or another. Are you ready for this?? When I sneeze I have to concentrate really hard on not peeing my pants!! Scotty thinks this is just hilarious. Each time I sneeze he asks me if I peed my pants that time! Oh the joys of being pregnant!

Best Moment this week: Getting a good report from my doctor’s appointment this week. All my numbers were perfect: weight, blood pressure, stomach measurement, and Mason’s heart beat!
What I am looking forward to: I’m actually posing early this week, and this is the week of Christmas, so I’m really looking forward to the Christmas festivities and spending time with family. Also, Scotty got me a present that came in a REALLY BIG box and I’m just dying to know what it is!

23 Weeks

How Far Along: 23 Weeks

Size of baby: Mason is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound. He weighs about as much as a large mango.

Weight Gain/Loss: 11 pounds

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants now and mostly maternity shirts. I’m only able to stretch a few of my regular shirts over my big “summy” now!

Gender: It's a BOY!! Mason Carter Mitchell

Movement: There were a few days this week that Mason didn’t move very much and I got a little worried. I have been sick this week with what I’m calling a head cold. I just wonder if me being sick didn’t affect him some too???

Food Cravings: I could still eat french fries with every meal. But, if you know me I’ve always been this way! I love french fries!! So, I’m not sure if we can really call it a “pregnancy craving”.

What I miss: The only thing I can think that I miss right now is sleeping on my back.

Sleep: I'm having more trouble getting comfortable while sleeping. Since I'm just sleeping on my side, my hips get very sore after I lay on one side for a while. No crazy dreams in a while.

Symptoms: Mostly just being uncomfortable while sleeping and a few aches and pains in my hips and lower "summy". I am feeling so good and have plenty of energy. This is such a nice change!

Best Moment this week: Scotty and I celebrated our 6^th anniversary this week (December 18^th) We celebrated with a nice supper at Texas Roadhouse after a long day of shopping. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been married for 6 years already! I just keep thinking that life as we know it is about to change forever, but I’m really excited and looking forward to the years to come with Mason in our lives. We also finished up all of our Christmas shopping this week!

What I am looking forward to: Christmas and just enjoying being pregnant with "sweet wittle Mason".

22 weeks

 

How Far Along: 22 Weeks

Size of baby: Almost 1 pound and 11 inches long. He is about the length of a spaghetti squash.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 9 pounds

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants now and mostly maternity shirts.

Gender: It's a BOY!! Mason Carter Mitchell

Movement: Mason is really movin' and shakin' now! People can now feel him from the outside. On Tuesday (22 weeks, 1 day) Cheri and Angie were able to feel him move. Angie said that Mason is a little toot because he didn't want to move for her.

Food Cravings: Not sure if this is a real craving, but the past few days I have wanted french fries at least once a day. Just about anything sounds good to eat.

What I miss: The only thing I can think that I miss right now is sleeping on my back.

Sleep: I'm having more trouble getting comfortable while sleeping. Since I'm just sleeping on my side, my hips get very sore after I lay on one side for a while. No crazy dreams in a while.

Symptoms: Mostly just being uncomfortable while sleeping and a few aches and pains in my hips and lower "summy". I am feeling so good and have plenty of energy. This is such a nice change!

Best Moment this week: Angie and Cheri being able to feel Mason move.

What I am looking forward to: Christmas and just enjoying being pregnant with "sweet wittle Mason".

21 weeks

 

How Far Along: 21 Weeks

Size of baby: He's three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long. He's about the length of a carrot.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 9 pounds

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants now and mostly maternity shirts.

Gender: It's a BOY!! Mason Carter Mitchell

Movement: Friday night (21 weeks, 4 days) I was watching a movie and Mason was really moving! I put my hands on my belly and could feel him from the outside. Unfortunately Scotty was out of town pheasant hunting, so he wasn't able to feel him that day. But when Scotty got home on Sunday he was able to feel him move for the first time!

Food Cravings: No real cravings right now. Just about anything sounds good to eat, except pork or chicken.

What I miss: The only thing I can think that I miss right now is sleeping on my back.

Sleep: I'm having more trouble getting comfortable while sleeping. Since I'm just sleeping on my side, my hips get very sore after I lay on one side for a while. No crazy dreams in a while.

Symptoms: Mostly just being uncomfortable while sleeping and a few aches and pains in my hips and lower "summy". I am feeling so good and have plenty of energy. This is such a nice change!

Best Moment this week: Getting to feel Mason move and sharing that with Scotty.

What I am looking forward to: Christmas and just enjoying being pregnant with "sweet wittle Mason".

20 Weeks

 

How Far Along: 20 Weeks

Size of baby: He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel, about the length of a banana.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 9 pounds was the official number at my appointment on Monday. Dr. Lamar says I'm right on track with my weight gain.

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants now and mostly maternity shirts.

Gender: It's a BOY!! Mason Carter Mitchell

Movement: His movements are becoming more recognizable and frequent.

Food Cravings: No real cravings right now. Just about anything sounds good to eat, except pork or chicken.

What I miss: I can't say that I miss a thing, I'm really enjoying being pregnant.

Sleep: I'm having more trouble getting comfortable while sleeping. Since I'm just sleeping on my side, my hips get very sore after I lay on one side for a while. No crazy dreams in a while.

Symptoms: Mostly just being uncomfortable while sleeping and a few aches and pains in my hips and lower "summy". I am feeling so good and have plenty of energy. This is such a nice change!

Best Moment this week: Getting to hear Mason's heartbeat at my appointment on Monday.

What I am looking forward to: Mason's bedroom furniture coming in. When we ordered it they said it should be here in a week or 2.

19 Weeks

How Far Along: 19 Weeks

Size of baby: 6 inches long (head to bottom) and weighs 8 1/2 ounces!! HE is about the size of a large heirloom tomato! I'm not sure what a heirloom tomato is, but I sure do love tomatos!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 8 pounds, the idea that it is good, and actually necessary to gain weight is still an adjustment for me.

Maternity Clothes: I'm wearing mostly maternity pants, but still my normal shirts. I did buy 3 new maternity shirts this week, I'm slowly but surely outgrowing my normal shirts!

Gender: It's a BOY!! Mason Carter Mitchell

Movement: His movements are becoming more recognizable and frequent.

Food Cravings: No real cravings right now. Just about anything sounds good to eat, except pork or chicken.

What I miss: I can't say that I miss a thing, I'm really enjoying being pregnant.

Sleep: I'm having more trouble getting comfortable while sleeping. Since I'm just sleeping on my side, my hips get very sore after I lay on one side for a while. No crazy dreams in a while.

Symptoms: Mostly just being uncomfortable while sleeping and a few aches and pains in my hips and lower "summy". I am feeling so good and have plenty of energy. This is such a nice change!

Best Moment this week: Starting to decorate Mason's room. We got some 8x10 pictures of ebay of Yankee players and several shots of old and new Yankee statium. We also ordered his furniture this weekend at Toys R Us. We eneded up getting the bed and a dresser that will double as a changing table. They were having a sale so we got it all for 20% off, plus we'll get an additional 10% back in a gift card. This bargain shopper is happy! Plus, they said it should be here in 1-2 weeks!

What I am looking forward to: Decorating Mason's room and his movements being strong enough for other people to feel

Ultrasound 11/8/10

This was one of the first views we got of Mason! The lady doing the sonogram asked if we wanted to know the gender of the baby. Scotty answered right away that we did. I just giggled at him, because all along he hasn't really wanted to know what we were having, but he was so anxious to know that is was a boy and not a girl. So she asked me if I wanted to know too, because if we both didn't agree, then she wouldn't tell us. I told her that Scotty just wanted her to tell him that it was a boy. She asked if she should just tell us it was a boy either way. I said, no way! So, she proceeded with the ultrasound. After about 5 seconds she stopped and asked Scotty why he wanted a boy so bad, and he told her that he just really wants a boy first and to be able to carry on his last name. Then she went back to looking at the baby and within 5 more seconds she said, "Well, you got your boy!". We were thrilled! I started laughing and crying and Scotty did a little happy dance. Before we found out that he was a boy, Scotty wouldn't even sit down because he was so worked up about finding out the gender. After he heard the good news he gave a big sigh of relief and came and sat down beside me. We both really enjoyed the ultrasound and getting to see Mason! As far as we can see, he's a healthy little growing boy.

Mason's sweet profile. We had to work the hardest to get this picture. She had be turn on my side to get him in a different angle. the white streak across his face is his the bone in the top of his mouth.

This is a picture of Mason's hand. I think he has his hand up by his head and it's like we're looking down on him. You can just see his 4 fingers. She tried to get a good picture of his whole hand spread out, but Mason wasn't cooperating. But, we weren't too upset. He cooperated very well to show us that he was a boy! Some people aren't so lucky and their baby is hiding those parts from them!

Here is a picture of Mason's whole body. His legs are curled up, so you can't really see them. The lady explained that the view of the ultrasound doesn't get any bigger, so after this we'll just see parts of Mason, and not his whole body.

Before the ultrasound I had to drink 20 ounces of water and have them finished an hour before our appointment. By the time we made it to the appointment I was seriously afraid that I was going to pee my pants! A little ways into the US the lady said that my full bladder was actually in the way and for me to go empty it! That was such a relief for me!! I just thought it was so funny that I was worried about having enough water in there to get a clear picture and it ended up being in the way.
I'm not sure if we'll have any more ultrasounds before Mason is born. On Tuesday I was ready to go back and see him again! I think the next US, if there is one, will be much more enjoyable because we won't be so anxious about finding out the gender and if everything is ok with him.

18 Weeks!!! It's a BOY!!!!

How Far Along: 18 Weeks

Size of baby: 5 1/2 inches long and weighs 7 ounces!! HE is about the length of a bell pepper!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 7 pounds, I was afraid that I had gained a lot while we were on vacation because we ate a lot more than normal, so I was glad to see that I just gained 1 pound. However, my belly has really grown in the last 2 weeks, I love it!

Maternity Clothes: I'm wearing mostly maternity pants, but still my normal shirts.

Gender: It's a BOY!!!! We had our sonogram on Monday 11/8 and we saw his "boy parts" right away!

Movement: His movements are becoming more recognizable and frequent.

Food Cravings: No real cravings right now. Just about anything sounds good to eat, except pork or chicken.

What I miss: I can't say that I miss a thing, I'm really enjoying being pregnant.

Sleep: I'm having more trouble getting comfortable while sleeping. Since I'm just sleeping on my side, my hips get very sore after I lay on one side for a while. No crazy dreams in a while.

Symptoms: Mostly just being uncomfortable while sleeping. I am feeling so good and have plenty of energy. This is such a nice change!

Best Moment this week: The sonogram on Monday! It was amazing to get to see our little guy and know that he is healthy.

What I am looking forward to: Decorating Mason's room and his movements being strong enough for other people to feel.

16 & 17 Weeks

Once again I have slacked off and have to combine 2 weeks together! This picture was taken at 16 weeks, unfortunately I don't have a 17 week picture. We were on vacation that week in Branson, MO and I didn't think to have Scotty take a picture. Hopefully I'll be better in the weeks to come!

How Far Along: 16 & 17 Weeks

Size of baby: At 17 weeks he/she is about 5 inches long and weighs 5 ounces. About the size of a turnip.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 6 pounds

Maternity Clothes: I'm wearing mostly maternity pants, but still my normal shirts.

Gender: Only God knows, but we're hoping for a boy! Sonogram is scheduled for 11/8/10!!

Movement: I'm pretty sure I've felt the baby move, but the movements are few and far between.

Food Cravings: While we were on vacation during week 17, I wanted pizza and pasta for every meal!

What I miss: Not sure there is anything I miss right now.

Sleep: I'm sleeping good, still able to sleep through the night without a trip to the bathroom. But I'm still having some CRAZY dreams. I'm trying not to sleep on my back now. This is very hard for me. My hips really start to ache during the night. I still end up on my back some and Scotty will wake me up to turn over. Funny story: I told Scotty that I shouldn't sleep on my back anymore because the weight of the baby and my uterus can put too much pressure on my vena cava and cut off the blood flow to me and the baby. Well, the next night he woke me up saying, "Roll over, you're choaking my baby". The next morning I asked him if he remembered telling me this and he didn't. We both got a good laugh out of this!

Symptoms: Mostly just uncomfortable to sleep. I haven't been sick in almost 2 weeks! I am so thankful to be feeling better.

Best Moment this week: Just enjoying the week of vacation with Scotty. It's our last vacation trip as a family of 2!

What I am looking forward to: Our ultrasound on 11/8/10, hopefully we'll find out the gender!

15 Weeks

How Far Along: 15 Weeks

Size of baby: 4 inches long and weighs 2 1/2 ounces!! He or she is the of an apple!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 6 pounds

Maternity Clothes: I'm wearing mostly maternity pants, but still my normal shirts.

Gender: Only God knows, but we're hoping for a boy! When Dad saw this picture posted on Face Book he commented, "Take care of my grand-DAUGHTER". He is set on this baby being a girl. Not sure if it is just despite Scotty and me wanting a boy, or if he just really wants it to be a girl that bad!

Movement: I think I felt the baby move on Sunday, which was 15 weeks and 6 days. I guess it could have been gas, but hopefully I'll start feeling these movements more often and stronger!

Food Cravings: I continue to eat ALOT of white rice with butter and a little salt. It is very filling and soothing to my stomach. I've also had several baked potatos.

What I miss: Not throwing up on a daily / semi-daily basis.

Sleep: I'm sleeping good, still able to sleep through the night without a trip to the bathroom. But I'm still having some CRAZY dreams. In the next week or so I'll have to stop sleeping on my back and I'm not sure how well this will go.

Symptoms: Some nausea, and throwing up about every other day. Not quite as tired as I have been in the last few weeks. I've had some more break outs on my face ;-(

Best Moment this week: Not sure if this is the best, but is sure the most memorable. Doris and I had to do some training for our Board of Directors. Before the training started I was walking around and getting the directors to sign in. One of the younger ones (probably about 50) gave me a funny look and said, "I just wanted to tell you that I think you're pregnant". I laughed at him and told him that yes I was! He said that he thought he should tell me because he wasn't sure if I knew ;-) He said he wasn't sure if he should say anything but he looked at the rest of me and decided that I was definitely pregnant. He asked when I was due, if it was our first, and did we know what we were having. I told him that if I were on my toes I would have told him that I wasn't pregnant! LOL He said that he has asked when a woman is due before and she said she wasn't! I would think he would have learned his lesson after that! Luckily he was right in this instance! I was just surprised that he could tell enough to be confident in mentioning it to me!

What I am looking forward to: My doctor's appointment on Monday (actually today, I'm just a week behind in posting this) This would have been my answer last week ;-)

13 & 14 Weeks

How Far Along: 13-14 Weeks (These weeks were pretty much the same and I slacked off on posting)
Size of baby: 3 1/2 inches long and weighs 1 1/2 ounces!! He or she is the of a lemon! (That is the same thing it said at 12 weeks, not sure if it hasn't grown very much or if I had it wrong at 12 weeks??)
Total Weight Gain/Loss: 5 pounds

Maternity Clothes: I'm wearing mostly maternity pants, but still my normal shirts.

Gender: Only God knows but , we're hoping for a boy!

Movement: None yet, but I can't wait to start feeling the baby move all the time!

Food Cravings: I continue to eat ALOT of white rice with butter and a little salt. It is very filling and soothing to my stomach. I've also had several baked potatos.

What I miss: Not throwing up on a daily / semi-daily basis.

Sleep: I'm sleeping good, still able to sleep through the night without a trip to the bathroon. But I'm still having some CRAZY dreams.

Symptoms: Some nausea, and throwing up about every other day, sometimes twice a day. Not quite as tired as I have been in the last few weeks.

Best Moment this week: 13 weeks: Spending time with Kami! 14 weeks: Our trip to visit Scotty's family in the panhandle!

What I am looking forward to: I'm looking forward to the throwing up to be over with, and being able to feel the baby move. Also looking forward to my doctor's appointment next week. 

12 Weeks

How Far Along: 12 Weeks
Size of baby: 2 1/2 inches long and weighs 1/3 to 1/2 of an ounce!! He or she is the of a lemon!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: At my doctor's appointment on Monday morning I had gained 5 pounds. However, my "disclaimer" was that I had already eaten breakfast and really needed to pee. So the next morning I weighed myself before breakfast and had just gained 3 pounds. I know that I'm going to be gaining weight, I'm just trying to adjust to this idea.

Maternity Clothes: I have started wearing some maternity pants. they are so comfy! I think I'd like to wear them even after the baby is here ;-)

Gender: Only God knows but I had a dream that it was a girl. Several of my friends say that you have the opposite of what you dream it is. So, maybe that means I'm having a boy???

Movement: None yet, but I can't wait to start feeling the baby move all the time!

Food Cravings: This week and some of last week I have eaten ALOT of white rice with butter and a little salt. It is very filling and soothing to my stomach.

What I miss: Not throwing up on a daily / semi-daily basis.

Sleep: I'm sleeping good, the bathroom trips have seemed to let up some this week. But I've stated have some CRAZY dreams.

Symptoms: Some nausea, and throwing up about every other day, sometimes twice a day. Not quite as tired as I have been in the last few weeks.

Best Moment this week: Hearing our baby's heartbeat at our appointment Monday! Such a sweet sound!

What I am looking forward to: I'm looking forward to the throwing up to be over with, and being able to feel the baby move. I'm actually looking forward to showing even more. I have always looked forward to having a pregnant belly. People are really starting to notice that I'm showing this week!

 

Now for my CRAZY dream this week. I dreamed that I had just had the baby. I was at Mom & Dad's old house on Mitzi Cove. I was trying to go to the bathroom, Scotty was in there with me, and all these random people kept coming in there and talking to us. Then I was at Granny & Gran's house with the baby (girl). There was a changing table set up in the back bedroom and there were all kinds of gift sacks with baby things in them, like we had just come from the baby shower. I needed to change the baby's clothes and diaper, but I was having to dig around in the sacks to find the things I needed for the baby. I was so unprepared. Then I was in the living room trying to breastfeed the baby for the first time. Apparently she got everything that I had to give her and was still hungry. For some reason Cheri (who is currently nursing her baby girl) was there with me and said that she would finish nursing her for me! Later that day I realized that I hadn't changed her diaper all day. When I went to change her, poop was coming out every side of her diaper. The crazy thing was that her diaper was full of cilantro, tomatoes, and lettuce. I think that is what I had eaten in the dream.

Man, I sure hope that this isn't how it is really going to be with a new baby!! I can sure have some CRAZY dreams.

11 Weeks

How Far Along: 11 weeks


Size of baby: Just over 1 1/2 inches, about the size of a fig.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 2 pounds

Maternity Clothes: Don't need them yet, but I did wear a pair of maternity pants last week. My pants all still fit, but the maternity pants sure are comfortable!

Gender: Only God knows at this point.. The Chinese Calendar says boy...   

Movement: None yet, but I'm really looking forward to feeling the baby move!

Sleep: I have to get up at least once to pee and then I have trouble getting back to sleep afterwards. The crazy dreams have seemed to stop for now.


Symptoms: This week I am feeling much better than last week, praise the Lord! As long as I eat often enough I'm good to go. When I eat greasy food it usually upsets my tummy and causes me to burp up the greasy taste. Maybe this is acid refulx, I've never really felt this before. I'm still feeling bloated some of the time.


What I miss: Days when throwing up wasn't a common occurance.

Cravings: Not really anything this week.

Best Moment this week: Starting to feel much better, this is such a relief.

Special thanks to Angie for taking my picture today!!! I was maybe a little picky about how the pictures were turning out. I think it only took 8 - 10 tries to get a "good" picture. The trick was to get out from under the flourecent lights.

9 weeks

How Far Along: 9 weeks


Size of baby: About the size of a grape


Total Weight Gain/Loss: Maybe 1 pound, my weight is still fluctuating up and down a pound or 2


Maternity Clothes: Don't need them yet, but I'm looking forward to a change in wardrobe and for fall clothes!


Gender: Only God knows at this point..


Movement: None yet, but I'm really looking forward to feeling the baby move!

Sleep: I have to get up at least once to pee and then I have trouble getting back to sleep afterwards. The crazy dreams have seemed to stop for now.


Symptoms: A little more nausea and throwing up this week than in the last few weeks. I'll be so glad when this phase is over with. I hate throwing up or feeling like I could at anytime. My face isn't really breaking out anymore, but I'm still feeling pretty bloated.


What I miss: Days when throwing up wasn't a common occurance.

Cravings: Not really anything this week. I'm having to make myself eat to ward off nausea, but I'm not really looking forward to eating.

Best Moment this week: Tuesday evening I was feeling pretty energetic. I cleaned up the house a little and cooked a really good supper of hamburger patties, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, and brown gravy. Scotty has missed this kind of "comfort" food!

What I am looking forward to: When my nausea and throwing up go away!
 
I'm feeling a little "down" this week. I just don't seem to have energy for anything and I feel like I could throw up at any moment. I hate that all I want to do is lay around and do nothing, but I'm trying to adjust to these changes that this little baby is bringing on. I'm holding out that in a few weeks (12 - 14) I'll be feeling much better.
My mom has always told me how much she enjoyed being pregnant and that she hopes I can enjoy my pregnancy as well. I'm really struggling with this this week. I really do want to be able to enjoy this pregnancy and marvel is this little miracle that God is letting me take part in. It's just really hard to find the joy when I feel so sick and tired. I'm really just holding out hope for the weeks to come. Maybe I won't have much more of this sick and tiredness! "This too shall pass"
Just a little side note for my memories of this "special" time. I'm coming to think that when I really throw up, some of it is coming out my eyes... I know, this is extremely crazy to think about, but I feel so much pressure in my eyes and they burn so bad afterwards. Oh, the joys of pregnancy ;-)

8 Weeks

How Far Along: 8 weeks

Size of baby: About the size of a blueberry

Total Weight Gain/Loss: None yet

Maternity Clothes: Don't need them yet, this weekend mom got me a really cute pair of plaid maternity pants. I'm so looking forward to needing them.

Gender: Only God knows at this point.. The heart rate at our sonogram today was 171 bpm. I hear there is an old wives tale that says if the baby's heart rate is high then it's a girl.... Scotty so wants a boy.... We shall see!

Movement: None yet, but I'm really looking forward to feeling the baby move!

Sleep: I'm sleeping wonderfully aside from a few crazy dreams and having to get up at least once to pee.

Symptoms: Some nausea, face breakouts, bloating (I think this makes me look more pregnant than I actually am), losing more hair than normal in the shower and feeling tired in the afternoons. Luckily my nausea comes in short spells. I feel bad but get over it pretty quick. I've only thrown up 4 times and they have all been early in the morning before I have much in my stomach. It could be so much worse!

What I miss: ???

Cravings: Mandarin Oranges and Taco Pizza from Ken's.

Best Moment this week: Our doctor's appointment! We got to see the baby and hear the precious heartbeat! They gave us a due date of April 5th.

What I am looking forward to: The baby growing and being able to feel it move!

Our little Peanut

We had our first doctor's appointment today. Scotty was able to go with me and I was so glad that we were able to share this experience together. One of the first things they did at the appointment was weigh me. I was 125 lbs today. I'll consider this my official starting weight and we shall see where it goes from here ;-) Next we met with the nurse and discussed a few things about the pregnancy. She asked when the first day of my last period was and about my family medical history.
Then Dr. Lamar came in a went over a few things with us. He asked if we had any questions. I asked if it was safe for me to lift very much weight. He said that there is no magic number for lifting, but he said it was probably a good idea to keep it under 25 pounds. He said closer to the 50 lb mark you start staining and holding your breath and that is the kind of exertion that is not good for the baby. So, that means no more super woman lifting the dog food bags! I also mentioned that I was having trouble with my face breaking out. He said this is common and suggested a few things that might help. One of these was that he suggested I use proavtive. There are several acne treatments that aren't safe for pregnant women, but he has found nothing wrong with Proactive.
Next we had quite a long wait before we could have our turn in the sonogram room. During this time Scotty and I looked at the pictures in our little room and looked through my goodie bag. During this time he also decided it would be fun if we were having twins. I did not share his desire in having twins. However that fantasy was short lived. We finally made it to the sonogram room where we saw that there was only one little peanut shaped baby in there. From what the doctor could see of our baby, it looked healthy. It's little heart was beating at 171 bpm, and it was music to my ears and brought tears to my eyes. Scotty thought that it sounded like someone swishing mouthwash. According to the sonogram, Dr. Lamar set my due date for April 5th. Scotty's birthday is April 1st, so he's hoping it will come early so they can share a birthday! I think that would be so wonderful ;-)
Last of all I had to go have some lab work done. This was NOT my favorite part! But, I made it through and did not shed a tear ;-) I can't say the same thing for the sweet little newborn boy that had to have his heal pricked and squeezed. Poor thing he was not happy, it broke my heart and his momma's too. When I came out of the bathroom the nurse had a long sheet of stickers. I wasn't sure what they were for until I saw that they all had my name on them and she started sticking them to little vials. I asked if those were all for me and she said "yes". I stopped counting about 6. However, I did survive!
After the appointment I couldn't wait to share the sonogram pictures with Angie, Cheri and Nancy. There were worried about me because the appointment had taken so long. And, thanks to modern technology I was able to scan in the sonogram pictures and e-mail them to my Missouri "Family" and Mom & Dad. Mom was so excited to see the pictures and said that she was a little choked up about them. Dad said that "SHE" had his eyes. It means so much for me for my family and friends to share in this joy with us.
Now for a little glimpse of our little peanut. A little side note: My Pregnancy Week by Week book said that this week the baby was about the size of a blueberry. So we've been referring to the baby as our little blueberry. However at the sonogram Scotty decided that the baby didn't look much like a blueberry, that it looked more like a peanut. So, we now affectionately refer to the baby as our little peanut.

5 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 5 Weeks (this picture was taken Monday, August 9th)

Size of baby: About the size of a Sesame Seed. Wow, that's tiny!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: None yet, I've fluctuated up and down 1 or 2 pounds, but that's all.

Maternity Clothes: Don't need them yet, but I did buy a nice pair of maternity pants and I'm looking forward to needing them.

Gender: Only God knows at this point.. Daddy's hoping for a boy!

Movement: None yet, but I'm really looking forward to feeling the baby move!

Sleep: I'm sleeping wonderfully aside from a few crazy dreams.

Symptoms: Crazy dreams and feeling tired in the afternoons.

What I miss: ???

Cravings: None yet, Scotty is looking forward to my crazy cravings.

Best Moment this week: Sharing the good news with family and friends.

What I am looking forward to: My first doctor's appointment on August 30th. We'll get to have an ultrasound that day and know the due date.

Please excuse my feeble attempt at a self portrait. Hopefully I'll have better pictures in the weeks to come. The picture seems to look like I have a bit of a belly already... I'm blaming that on the dress ;-)

Here I am at 6 weeks...

My New Favorite Picture

August 1, 2010, this became my new favorite picture. After 3 months of "trying" I finally got the positive result that I'd been praying about for months. Scotty and I were in denial that Sunday night, so Monday at lunch I took another test, and there was no denying it, I was pregnant!! Scotty couldn't wait to share the news with our family. When I got off work I went straight over to Scotty's work so that we could tell Dad the good news. Here's how we told everyone:

Dad: His birthday is April 9th, so I said "Dad I sure hate to spoil your birthday present so early, but.... you're going to get a grandbaby for your birthday".You should have seen the look on his face, priceless! I wish I had a camera to capture everyone's reactions. Needless to say, he was thrilled.

Next we headed into Iowa Park to tell Scotty's family the news: When we went to his mom's house she was headed to the bank, so we went over to his grandparent's house in the mean time. Nanny and Papa were sitting on the breeze way when we got there. Scotty asked if he could get a coke to drink, and then his Papa asked him to get him a beer while he was in there. Scotty came back with 2 beers instead. Papa said, "well that isn't a coke"... Scotty said he decided he would have a beer with Papa to celebrate that they were having a great grandbaby. Papa looked at me and said, "You're not pregnant...????" I answered, "yes, I sure am".

Scotty's Mom: When Brenda got back from the bank we headed over to her house. Scotty said, "well, you better get with your daycare parents and free up a spot pretty soon..." Brenda asked, "why". Scotty answered, "Because you're going to have a grandbaby here to watch" She got a big smile on her face and gave me a big hug!!

My Mom: Last but surely not least we headed over to Burburnett to share the news with Mom. She had a few goodies for me that I was needing to pick up so I used that as my initial excuse. When I got there I told her I was there to get the goodies she had for me and that I had something for her too. We always make a special deal out of "getting something for each other" no matter how small it may be, we like surprises. So we all walked in the living room where Mario was watching TV. She said, "Look who's here, she's coming to get her goodies" I added, "and I have something good for you too, we're having a baby!!" Oh, she was thrilled, gave me and then Scotty a big hug. She claims that she knew this was coming. I asked if I gave her any hints because we were trying to keep it a secret so that it would make for a better surprise. She said that I hadn't given it away, just that she knows me and knew this news would be coming within the year. I guess there's something to be said for mother daughter intuition! Since it was about supper time and none of us had eaten yet, they treated us to dinner at the Burk Diner.

Marci: I told Marci earlier in the day that I had some pictures that I'd been meaning to send her and that I would send them that night once I got a chance. So, I sent her a picture of some cake bites and then the picture of the pregnancy test aka my new favorite picture. She was clueless as to what she was about to see. When she opened the picture of the pregnancy test, I heard a loud gasp followed by a few solid minutes of squealing and laughing. Scotty was in the other room on the phone, but could hear the sounds. He came into the room I was in and said, "I guess you just told Marci..." We all got a big kick out of her reaction.

We both really enjoyed sharing the news with family and friends and we're blessed to be surrounded by so many supportive people that really love and care about us. It so nice to be able to share these moments with those people in our lives. Of course there were several more stories of sharing the good news, but this are the experiences we had with our closest families and I never want to forget these precious moments.