Week 17 - an Onion!

About ME:

Hmm, I didn't write anything down this week, so it must mean that everything was AWESOME...or that pregnancy brain is in full effect and all I remember is nothing.  Guess I better take better notes next week.  There was quite a lot of growing and cramping...but the scale has not been moving.  Maybe Rich is resetting it each week?!?!  Who knows!

About MONSTER: 

Growing, growing, growing.  About 5+ inches long and more than 3.5 ounces (an Onion for those keeping track)...however, I've never seen a 5 inch onion.  Guess I need to make a trip to Walla Walla?  Baby is listening to everything now, from Chukar barking, to the doorbell ringing, to the dance session I have in the morning while getting ready...guess this is preparation for the noises that will be part of Monster's life in about 5 months! Monster is also blinking, sucking and swallowing...it's just amazing!

Planning for MONSTER:

We made some plans (finally)!!!  We signed up for an Infant CPR class and also our 5 week birthing class...the CPR class is in June, but the other class doesn't start until late August (but was already filling up).

Week 16 - An Avocado!

About ME:

A picture is worth a thousand words, so this is the BUMP.....

I definitely feel like I've passed the "I had too much to eat at the buffet" and look a little more like "Maybe she's pregnant"?!?!  Of course, there are good and bad things with that...work pants no longer fit without the Bella Band and I'm sure it's only a few more weeks until I can't even get away with that.  A shopping I will go...

Physically feeling great and mentally adjusting to BEING pregnant.  I think that the more I look pregnant, the more I feel pregnant.  If that even makes any sense....plus, Rich still has a daily epiphany of "You're Pregnant"...yes dear, I am!

About MONSTER:

Monster is approximately 4.6" long (and measuring Week 16 per the OB).  This week, the tiny bones in Monster's ears are in place, making it likely that baby can hear our voices when we are speaking.  (Guess it's time to watch my language, right?) Also, the back bone is getting stronger and Monster is working on straightening his/her neck.

Planning for MONSTER:

This week we met with Dr. Van Kessel, our OB, and she was awesome.  We again were able to listen to the heartbeat and also see the LITTLE MONSTER in an ultrasound.  As active as ever, he/she was flipping and rolling and moving all about.  Pretty neat to see...and pretty soon I will start to feel the "flutters" of the little one.  No movement yet, but it should be ANY minute!

Week 15 - a Naval Orange!

About ME:  I have to say, this pregnancy thing and I really get along...minus the bad skin and random mood swings...pregnancy is pretty great!  Of course, those things happened before Monster was in my womb...just not as often.

We had a little scare this week and found out that their was some "abnormality" with our most recent ultrasound...a fun little thing called:

Subchorionic Hemorrhage

a.k.a. scariest thing you can tell a pregnant mom 

You might be asking what the heck is that...well, so were we! In simplistic terms, I have some bleeding between my placenta and my uterus.  UBER-scary...but everything should be good.  I have a great team around me who will be monitoring it and making sure that Monster is doing good.  

With the news of "scariest thing we've ever heard"...my week turned a little more low-key than normal. No more lifting things over 30 lbs (including Chukar)...No hike for me with Rich and Chukar on Sunday...Just more cautious with everything I do! 

About MONSTER: Now the size of a NAVEL ORANGE (HUGE) and growing everyday! Monster is now growing a head of hair and is super active.  Breathing, sucking and swallowing...can you believe all of that already?!?! Plus, there is even some kicking, curling toes, and moving of "it's" little Monster arms and legs!

Planning for MONSTER:  This week, Rich and I will be meeting with our OB who will be delivering (or at least scheduled to deliver) Monster.  We chose a doctor on a referral at Overlake OB and are very excited to meet with her for the first time.  We have been so blessed to be under the great care our our ARNP Lori up to this point and will continue to get to have the best of both worlds for Monster going forward.  

Seems like each week it gets a little more real...and this week was no exception...however, we could both do without the "scary stuff" going forward.  I guess that is what prepares us for all of the next steps in our journey to parenthood!

Today, Mother's Day...I was spoiled by so many wonderful people in my life.  Thank you for making my 1st (almost) Mother's Day so amazing and special!

Week 14 - a Lemon!

About ME: Officially part of the 2nd TRIMESTER club and feeling awesome!  Appetite is back! Energy is back! Life seems to be BACK TO NORMAL!  Well, as normal as possible when  you know that you have a little person growing inside you and your belly is swelling to sizes you have never seen before.  The weight is still holding steady...but after our appointment with the doctor thiw week, it sounds like the pounds will start coming soon.  I'd love to stay in the 20-25 pound range, so I better continue, ok start, to work out again. 

About MONSTER:  You saw the picture...growing, growing, growing.  This week Monster is the size of a Lemon and is moving and shaking.  Also, is starting to grow hair not only on his/her head, but also getting some eyebrows. 

Planning for Monster:  This week...we planned more by recharging our souls and heading out of town for the weekend.  We are pretty sure that Monster had a great time, as Chukar sure did!

Say Cheese!

It's official...Monster is growing, moving, shaking, rolling and flipping.

  On Thursday, Rich and I had our 14 week Ultrasound and we able to listen to the heart beat for the FIRST time.  I have to say, hearing the heart beat was the most amazing sound ever heard...it brought tears to my eyes and a new fear to my heart!  Holy cow...we're having a baby! 

Monster gave Rich and I a THUMB's UP...which we think meant "I'm just chilling guys...see you in November". 

Happy Marinating Little One!  We can't wait to meet you!