2nd trimester

The last few weeks have been very emotional.

I started getting over my morning sickness and my breasts stopped hurting around week 11 (shortly after my last post). At week 11 and 1/2, I got a TERRIBLE bladder infection. I was in so much pain, I missed several shifts at work. There was also enough blood in my urine to keep me panicked (that doesnt look right, but I cant figure out how to spell it) that something bigger was going on and Baby was in danger.

Week 13 was a God-send. The bladder/urinating pain finally went away and my lab tests showed the infection was gone. We also met Dr Andrea Campaigne. COOLEST DOCTOR EVER. If you need an OB in the Austin-area, I highly recommend her. She said all the right things to calm my fears, made me laugh, made me think, and was so relaxed I felt I could talk to her about anything. We also got to hear baby's heartbeat. He/she is perfectly healthy and growing inside me =_) There is nothing as beautiful or emotional as hearing your first child's heartbeat for the first time. Wow. We set a date to find out boy or girl, later than I was hoping, but Dr Campaigne said b/c I'm fluffy we'd get a better picture later than struggling to try it earlier.

This week, week 14, has been looong. We've started packing up our apartment to move out to the farm next week. I finished my final projects, just have a couple of papers to write and I'm done for the semester. And work has been terrible - tips not coming in, management being down right rude, and just an overall negative atmosphere (worse than normal).

However, last night was crazy awesome. We went to our church's Christmas party. I had the priviledge of sitting with a friend who had bypass exactly one year ago yesterday. She's lost 107lbs and looks incredible! We both enjoyed getting to have a meal with someone who eats like us - start with a small portion and still dont finish it.

Also at the party, several people shared what God has been doing in our lives this last year. It was very powerful. I usually dont share in times like that, but I felt this year I needed to. I encouraged that if youre looking for something, stop and wait on the Lord. He has His timing, but mostly He just wants you to ask Him and wait for Him to answer. That's what it's been like for me...

Almost 7 years ago, I was lookin for love. I desperately wanted to be in a relationship. I thought that's what I needed to make me happy. And like He always does when I'm being naive and selfish, God popped me upside the head and I turned back to Him for my true comfort and THE relationship I really needed. Not 3 months later, He introduced me to my husband. I especially challenged the teenagers in the room to make their boyfriend/girlfriend's relationship with Christ a priority. Being with someone who shares your love of Christ is so very important.

This year has been the same about the same. Last Spring, God showed me, in a very emotional way, that I was extremely dependant, even addicted, to food. Food was my comfort, my friend, my confidant. It was always there for me when I (thought) I needed it. I'd tried to lose weight and get healthy in the past, but it never worked b/c of that total dependancy. At my first consultation for the band, my counselor told of how he would be thinking about what to have for lunch before he even got out of bed in the mornings. Through his story, God opened my eyes. He showed me how often I thought about and planned my next meal. God showed me what was wrong in my life, gave me the opportunity, tools (the band), and finances to make a change, and I give Him all the glory for turning my life around.

As I started to lose and really deal with my emotional attachment to food, God started opening doors for my husband and I to deal with other unknown issues in our marriage. We thought we had a good, better than most, relationship. After going through the fire that was this summer, and truly learning to communicate and trust each other with our words and deepest emotions, fears, and hurts - I can now say we have a GREAT marriage and God is making it better and stronger every day.

My surgery was June 22. Our God-sent-roller-coaster was mid August. He used this summer to get us right with Him and each other so He could bless us more than we could imagine. We never dreamed, especially in all the turmoil, that I would be pregnant by September. And I know it wouldnt have happened if we hadn't turned our sins over to Him and allowed Him purify our hearts.

God knows what he's doing. Ask His guidance. Listen to what He has to say. And most of all, wait for Him.

Week 10

Our little gummi bear is the size of a Pecan - already showing his/her Texas pride =) Haha This week he/she is growing ear lobes and lips. The next 10 weeks, he/she will be growing very fast, growing from a pecan to a mango by New Year's!! Crazy!!

Mommy is feeling overall better this week. I'm still extremely tired and exhausted pretty much all the time, but the nausea is almost gone. My biggest hurdle is finding things I want to eat, especially protein. I can't let baby suck up all the good stuff, leaving nothing for me. I've got to get more protein!! /sigh On a positive note, I lost another 6lbs! Making total baby weight down 15lbs =)

FYI: TMI - if you don't want to know, don't read this one!

Seriously - lots of TMI on the way...

Last night, my boy kept me awake, tossing and turning, crying b/c of the pain. I know breast and nipple tenderness comes with the territory, but wow!!! It felt like someone stuck a long needle into my nipple (not like a piercing but IN the nipple) and kept pulling it in and out just to torture me. I thought I was going to die. It feels better now, some, and I still just want to chop them off. The baby doesn't need nipples to breast feed, right? I can just attach fake nipples and he/she will be just fine? Right? /sigh

Did some research. Going to be getting some Lansinoh (forgot how to spell/say it already..) today. If that doesn't work, a Bag Balm - used for milk cows. Sounds weird but I'm willing to try almost anything...

Changed the due date

My nurse called today. She scared me a little with 4 missed calls and a very vague voicemail. But all is well. The baby is a little on the small side for 9 weeks. So they're thinking we conceived a little later, making the due date June 4 instead of the last week of May. I like June better anyway =)

My Gummi Bear

I don't know why I was nervous about the dr appt. Liane (RN/midwife) is amazing! We get to meet Dr Campaigne next time. Liane answered all of our questions, was supportive of our biker lifestyle - told me to ride as long as I'm comfortable! - and was so excited and proud of my weightloss journey with the band. She said the baby will take what baby needs and to continue eating healthy but not worry about if I'm eating enough, baby will be great! We're going to watch baby's growth and if it's not growing according to schedule, then we'll make eating changes as needed.

Liane asked us is we had any feelings on the sex. We said we just want healthy, no preference on boy or girl. She said - but what do you feel?? Our answers were surprisingly similar. My husband said 'I feel like we're going to find out it's a boy, but it'll end up being a girl.' I said 'I try to imagine it as a girl but everything in me denies it and says boy.' It was awesome to say that out loud and hear Hubby's thoughts. We talk about everything involving baby, but somehow hadn't told each other our feelings on gender!

Unfortunately, we did not get to hear the heartbeat. The ultrasound tech is only in the office on Tues and Fri. HOWEVER... we did get to SEE the baby!!! Liane is a woman of many talents and can work the video part of the sonogram machine =) Baby is so beautiful!!

1st Dr Appt Today

I'm getting anxious. I've done some research and read reviews and experiences about the doctor we've chosen to see. But meeting someone new and beginning that important relationship when already pregnant is a little nerve racking.

The best part though - is how much I love everything about Nurture OBGYN. Dr Campaigne is very skilled and knowledgable. And her nurse, Liane, is a lisenced midwife. With all the questions we have and different birthing options we're interested in learning more about, they really are a great match for us.

9 weeks

Wow! Baby is about the size of a grape. Fingers have formed and toes are separating. The heart is almost finished separating into the 4 chambers and the sex organs are forming! So much ing on this week.

As for me... The nausea is starting to go away, as long as I watch what I eat. And 'pregnant-brain' is getting better too. I don't feel quite as dumb and ditzy as I did a few weeks ago. We're going to the doctor in a few days. I can't wait to hear baby's heartbeat!!

The Blander the Better

Basically, I don't want to eat... anything. My appetite is completely gone. And when I do get hungry, I want just enough flavor for it to not taste like cardboard.

First trimester sucks!! I keep saying I hope baby doesn't crave pickles, anything but pickles! But right now, I'd eat pickles just to desire flavor!!

For Thanksgiving, I will be thankful to be in my 2nd trimester, that's for sure!!!

8 weeks

Baby is about the size of a large raspberry. It's arm joints are starting to bend. It's growing ears, eyelids, and intestines.

How cool is that?!?!

Mama's having a hard time this week though. I have a bad bladder infection. My allegies are killing me. And apparently, baby doesn't like peanut butter!! I had toast w/ peanut butter this morning and have been so crazy nauseous ever since.

How can a child of mine not like peanut butter??

On the plus side - we went to a wedding on Sunday. My husband and I danced like maniacs! It was incredible!!!

Blueberry

I got to tell my Grandma in person!! That was sooo exciting and a memory I will cherish forever =)

At 7 weeks, the baby is about the size of a blueberry. So I wrote a little note from Baby to Gram and put it in a gift box filled with blueberries. Her expression was priceless!

Of course - I took a photo of the gift box before she arrived!!

Then yesterday we announced on Facebook. So everyone should know now. I hope I didn't miss anyone!!

Oh Brother... Where Art Thou?

I am blown away but God's unique and extremely personal ways of caring for us.

Last week, I cried and wrote that my little brother didn't seem to care that I've been trying to reach him. This is the brother that I grew up with my entire life. The brother I've laughed and cried with and shared many adventures with. Well, yesterday, he uncaringly told our mother (b/c he still talks to her sometimes) that he already knew I'm pregnant and just didn't have time to call me. I cried, again. But it didn't hurt as much as last week. I know in my heart that I will always love him, but if he really doesn't want me in his life, I'm done trying.

After finding out I need 4 new tires on the jeep and one had a screw in it, both motorcycles need new rear tires, and being naueous since about 2pm yesterday, I just wanted to fall on my couch and stay there for pretty much ever. But God sent me a smile =) About that time, I received a text message from my other brother.

If you did not know, my bio-father has 3 other children. The oldest he gave up for adoption and I got to meet when I was 20, he was 14.

I found out I was pregnant exactly 2 weeks ago. In that time, Tom has sent me at least 5 "how are you feeling" texts. Today's was the best one.

---> Feel better! A happy sis makes me happy!
<--- Thank you brother!
---> You're my sis. Of course I'm going to do anything to make you happy!
<--- I love you! You just made my day!
---> Good! i've got many more day-makers in stock too anytime you need. its a firesale! we are overstocked and everything must go! good days, great days and spendivorous days! all must go! Ask now, get 2 for 1! Not a limited time offer!

God showed me once again that not only am I not alone but that I have more than one brother to love and love me back =)

Sooo sick

This kid is killing me and it's not even here yet. I really should enjoy the days without 'morning sickness' instead of worrying that it means something... b/c WOW! Today is the worst so far. Even when I thought I had a virus the 2 weeks before I found out. All those days combined are nothing compared to today.

Yet, I'm a good Mommy and still going to work. Looking forward to not waiting tables any more. As much as I love it, it's very difficult when all I want to do is curl up in a ball and die until it stops.

Do companies hire pregnant women?

Frustrating Doctors

I know that not everyone has to plan their life months in advance. And that some people have the privilege and finances to change their schedules at the drop of a hat. I DO NOT. So it's very annoying and frustrating to get a call saying my doctor will be out of the office the day I have my appointment.

That appointment was already TWO WEEKS after we found out I'm pregnant. And the next time available when my husband and I are able to go together is ANOTHER TWO WEEKS from the original appointment.

Needless to say - I'm pissed. We've been talking about finding a new doctor anyway b/c we didn't want to use the hospital that my doctor is affiliated with. I guess this is the push in that direction.

Feeling Better

I haven't had any nausea the last three days =) It's been wonderful! But it's also a little worrisome. I may hate being sick, but at least when I'm sick, I know everything is working properly. But I don't feel like anything is wrong. My body tells me it's ok and this is supposed to happen. It's just that no nausea with increased cramping makes it hard to not let the devil steal my joy.

I know my GOD is taking care of me and my baby and we are going to be happy and healthy.

2 Corinthians 10:5
... capture every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Philippians 4:6-8

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

A Monkey's Uncle

There's a great thing on facebook mobile that tells you if a email has been read. So if say, you email your estranged brother to get him to call you so you can tell him he's going to be an uncle, and he doesn't call... facebook will confirm that he did at least receive the email. And you can choose to once again have your heart broken by the person who used to be your baby brother. Or you can realize for the thousandth time that he's not worth your time and effort. Or both...

Happy Mommy!!

Just realized I'll be 30-36 weeks during bluebonnet season!!!
Best maternity portraits EVER!!!

Cramping...

I know my uterus I changing and expanding. But it's still scarey.

My furry babies

I tried to take a nap today. I only had about 45 min before having to get ready for work and was feel very sick. My husband closed our bedroom door so I could sleep in qit before he left for work himelf.

About 20min into my mini-nap, I hear the most pitiful whining from the hallway. The dog and cat knew I was home and were both sitting at my bedroom door hoping I would let them in to be with me.

How sweet is that??

Needless to say, my nap was cut short. But I do feel better than when I laid down =)

Sharing the good news

Three days ago, I found out I'm about 5 weeks pregnant with my first child. I've told my family, immediate and extended, and several close friends. People I love and trust.

The sad part is having been told at least twice a day that it's too soon to be telling people. That so many things can go wrong in the first trimester. It'll hurt more if something happens if everyone knows. Blah blah blah.

I know they're just trying to help. And I have to get used to everyone giving their opinions and advice.

BUT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD PLEASE STOP!!!

For years, I've been terrified of being infertile, having a miscarriage or stillborn, and how I would handle a mentally handicapped child. I know hundreds of things that can go wrong. I don't need to be told of them every day of my pregnancy! Especially right now, since the first trimester is so critical.

This child is God's gift to my husband and I. If HE decides for us to experience something tragic, we will need the biggest support group to help us through it. So I am going to continue to share God's wonderful gift with my loved ones. Because I know they will be there with me for the amazing blessing of raising this child and the alternative.

I haven't given the link to this blog to many people yet. So I'm not fussing at anyone. Just tired of being given stress from those meant to support me and needed to vent.

But beware the next person that says it! I might just go off on them!!

Easy nausea morning

Baby is being nice to me today!! It's 2pm and I just started feeling a little sick about 15min ago.

It's so hard not to tell my coworkers. I'm so excited and when I get sick, I make something up. In time, in time...

Eating Healthy for Baby

Last night, we went grocery shopping. It was so cool for both of us to be looking at labels and choosing vegetables and NOT even walking down the chip/cookie aisles!

For the band, I have to have minimum 40g of protein a day, 60g is better. And really, that's what everyone should have. I've struggled with it b/c I'm not a big fish-eater, steak gets stuck, and I am so sick of chicken! My sweet husband jumped on the bandwagon full throttle with me yesterday. He picked some meats that I can have and has already started marinating some to cook over the weekend =)

Baby is going to be very well nourished! Much better than Mommy has been this summer!

This morning, I've already packed our lunches - baby carrots, grapes, an apple for me, and a sandwich for him. The crockpot is out and ready for Daddy to make some yummy stew!

Time for aerobics! Hopefully Baby doesn't make me sick during the workout!

***

If you're reading this and you don't already know... I had Lap-Band surgery in June. I've lost 47lbs, 3 pants sizes, and 2 shirt sizes. It has been an incredible journey. If you'd like to read more about my experiences with the band, please visit that blog. www.LadyBikerBanded.blogspot.com

I'm Pregnant!!

Today has been a very long day! Let me start at the beginning...

Last week, I felt sick A LOT and my breast hurt A LOT. I figured my body was just getting ready for my period. But, in the event it didn't start over the weekend, I'd take a test Tuesday morning before my band-appointment.

The weekend came and went - filled with nausea, painful breasts, body aches and fatigue, and smells so strong I thought I was going to vomit on several occasions.

This morning, I got up a little late to get ready for my appointment. Half asleep, I got the remaining home test from a year ago false alarm from the medicine cabinet and tried not to fall back asleep on the toilet. Through sleepy eyes, I watched as the first line appeared. Then the second line appeared. I started thinking "another false alarm". And as I sat there looking at the test sitting on the edge of the tub - I focused on the instructions printed on the side of the test. Two lines pregnant - one line not pregnant.

"NO FREAKIN WAY!" I started crying and hyperventilating a little bit. My poor puppy (that always follows me into the bathroom) looked at me like I was crazy!!

As quick as possible, I ran back to my bedroom in tears, test in hand (to be referred to as 'my pee-stick'). My husband didn't believe me at first!! I said "Baby, we need to go see your dad today! There's two lines on my pee-stick!!"

We laid in bed crying and in shock for about 20 min. We could have stayed longer if not for my band-appointment (which I was late to!). At the clinic, I took another test to confirm. The nurse came back "it's a big ol' plus sign!" After getting instructions on how to continue eating for my band and my baby, we set out to tell the world =)

WE'RE GOING TO BE PARENTS!!