27 weeks

How far along: 27 weeks
Size: Cauliflower

Gender: GIRL

Fun Fact: Her eyelashes are formed and she's beginning to open her eyes!

Weight Gain: I'll find out for sure tomorrow at my OB appointment

Symptoms: Getting larger by the hour day and falling asleep by 3pm. I think I've also had a few braxton hicks this week...? Just feels like a lower tightening/cramping feeling. Eeek!

Maternity clothes: If I'm not squeezing into my scrubs then I'm usually in maxi's or pj's.

Stretch marks: None that I've found! Hooray!

Belly button in or out: Half in, half out. 

Sleep: Actually it's been pretty good this week. Using my body pillow on and off still and still feel most comfy on my stomach in the mornings when my belly is least big.

Best moment this week: This is my last week in the 2nd trimester so that's pretty exciting! We've also gotten alot done in the nursery including getting AND painting her dresser, organizing the dresser/closet, putting all the prints in frames, and also painting this little side table we've been dragging around for years. I'm loving the way it's all coming together and can't wait to share pics :)

Worst moment this week: I found out a friend of mine lost her baby, she was about halfway through pregnancy. So sad and devastating. It makes me feel nervous all over again like in the first trimester.

Miss anything: Energy!

Movement: Yep, getting stronger and more frequent all the time. I even caught it on video the other night so I could send it to my sister in Virginia, pretty cool!

Cravings: Irish I could have a green beer but for now I'll stick with me Lucky Charms ;)

Queasy or sick: Nope

Looking forward to: Our ultrasound next week! It's been almost two months since our last one so we're so so eager to see what she looks like now! We also have tons of fun stuff coming up next month including my 27th birthday (yikes), our maternity photo shoot, and a baby shower! Oh, and I think Lucy is getting pretty excited to become a big sister...can't you tell!?

27 weeks

18 weeks

How far along: 18 weeks
Size: Sweet baby girl is the size of a sweet potato. That seems so big!?

Gender: GIRL! but will confirm next week!

Symptoms: I'm starting to feel massive. Which just sounds ridiculous because I'm only 18 weeks and only going to get a LOT bigger by 40 weeks. I also started having backaches this week. The other day we painted the nursery, cleaned/organized the garage, and I think I just overdid myself because that night I had a raging backache that continued throughout my entire 12 hour shift at work the following day. Yesterday I felt fine and even made it to the gym for a short workout, however, the backache is back today. Maybe this just comes along with being pregnant? Either way, I'm starting to learn my limits.

Maternity clothes: I've bought and worn a few things. I'm in the awkward stage of being too big for my normal clothes yet not quite big enough to fill out maternity clothes. I can still fit into my jeans jeggings but have to close them using the hair-tie trick and my belly band.

Stretch marks: None. Crossing my fingers this is my answer to this question every week.

Belly button in or out: In. But becoming a bit more shallow...

Sleep: Some nights are great, some nights suck.

Best moment this week: Starting the nursery! We painted and I am in LOVE with how the color turned out. It's a very light gray and there's wainscoting on the bottom half of the walls that had already been there when we moved in. We also ordered the crib and it should be here TOMORROW! Beyond excited! I decided I want to do a maternity photo session so I'm in the process of booking that with the amazing Jasmine Amber Photography. She also did my wedding photography and I'm blown away by her talent. Her and a local newborn photographer do a package deal for maternity & newborn shoots so I'm looking forward to getting that done in the spring :)

Worst moment this week: Just the backaches. I'm really hoping they don't stick around much longer.

Miss anything:  Naw

Movement: I can't tell what's possibly movement, muscle aches/pulls, or gas.

Cravings: I can always go for an italian sandwich from Port-of-Subs.

Queasy or sick: Nope!

Looking forward to: Our ultrasound next week! Can't wait to see what the junebug looks like now!

18 weeks

17 weeks

How far along: 17 weeks
Size: An orange

Gender: Sweet baby girl

Symptoms: The headaches are back, yaaay. Only thing that seems to help is an ice pack to the back of my neck, rest, and drinking LOTS of water. I've never been a huge fan of just drinking water all.day.long. (must be the Arizonan in me. I'm pretty sure most of us here live somewhat dehydrated). I've tried to liven up all my water with cucumbers or lemons which helps.

Maternity clothes: I finally bit the bullet and bought some maternity scrubs today.  My old scrubs fit fine in the mornings when I put them on but by the end of my shift they are so tight and uncomfortable, especially my pants against my growing belly. The scrubs I bought today are nice and stretchy and should last me a few more months until I'll need like a full panel pant. Nevertheless, they're quite comfy!

Stretch marks: No. My boobs are making me nervous though, they won't stop growing! Yes, that's a complaint.

Belly button in or out: Belly button is still in.

Sleep: Sleeping good. It's getting pretty uncomfortable to lay on my stomach at all but either side is working out just fine. I got the Bump Nest body pillow for Christmas from Ken and I'm pretty excited to start using it once I can no longer sleep comfortably.

Best moment this week: Hearing baby girls' heartbeat as often as I want. I ended up buying a small doppler on Ebay a few weeks ago and it came in the mail this week! We had some fun the other night putting it on my belly and hearing baby's heartbeat. It helps put my mind at ease that everything is going OK in there since I can't feel her move yet.

Worst moment this week: Ken left yesterday for North Carolina for the rest of the week. He went with his sergeant for a work thing. I hate being here alone and knowing he's cross country but I know the week will fly by.

Miss anything:  Sushi, a glass of wine, and a cold beer while watching football.

Movement: No...when does this come!?? I caaaaaaan't waaaaaaait.

Cravings: I swear this changes every week day. Lately it's been pistachios, string cheese, hard boiled eggs, chocolate, bagels & cream cheese, green apples. See a trend? Give me anything salty, sour, cheesy, or starchy and I'm a happy preggo.

Queasy or sick: No ma'am

Looking forward to: Nursery planning!...Movement!...Wine!...Did I say that already?

17 weeks

16 weeks

How far along: 16 weeks
Size: A yummy avocado

Gender: GIRL! Will be confirmed in a couple weeks at our OB's office. 

Symptoms: Hunger & a growing belly. Half burrito, half baby. 

Maternity clothes: I wore my new "special" pants for the first time the other day and I must say, they were pretty amazing. So comfy! I need more! Also sporting lots of maxi dresses, leggings, and of course yoga pants.

Stretch marks: None

Belly button in or out: Still in

Sleep: Sleep was much better this week than it was last week. Pretty much sleeping through the night without waking up, which never happens.

Best moment this week: Finding out this little babe is a GIRL!! We are so shocked/excited/scared...but mostly excited :) I think Ken was mostly shocked. He would have swore it was a boy (or maybe that's just what he wanted deep down). Either way, were beyond happy and can't wait to meet her! Also, we're about 90% sure we've decided on her name! Simple, classic, and we love it. We haven't decided if were going to tell people or not. Most likely we'll just announce it to family and our closest friends...so stay tuned!

Worst moment this week: Having to say goodbye to my dad who I rarely get to see. It was really nice having him here and getting to spend Christmas together. We also have to say goodbye today to my sister and her boyfriend, which I know is really going to blow. Hope they'll be able to make it out this summer to meet their little niece!

Miss anything: I never thought I'd say this but I miss working out! I can't run, cycle, do difficult hikes, and I really miss it! It's weird having your body get bigger and bigger everywhere and have it be out of your control. I need to keep reminding myself that I'm growing another human inside me and that's what really matters. A nice cozy squishy environment for the peanut to grow healthy.

Movement: None yet, I don't think. The other night I kept feeling this muscle pull/ache? It's hard to describe. I'm thinking it was just ligaments and muscles stretching. I'm really hoping to feel some REAL movement soon. I'm pretty sure I'll freak the eff out when I feel it. Can't wait!

Cravings: Pretty much anything. Really loving green olives lately, random. I never was a huge fan of them but I can't get enough of them now! Current loves are sour candy, chocolate, cereal, bagels, apples, hard boiled eggs, and skinny peppermint mochas from Starbucks, yum!

Queasy or sick: Naw. Although the thought of eating meat sounds disgusting.

Looking forward to: Starting the nursery (after we 100% confirm it's a girl), our next ultrasound (gender scan), warmer weather, and a growing bump!

16 weeks

15 weeks

How far along: 15 weeks
Size: A pear

Gender: Stay tuned!

Symptoms: Headaches are GONE! Halleluiah. 

Maternity clothes: Do stretchy clothes count as maternity clothes? If so, then yes. 

Stretch marks: Nada

Belly button in or out: Belly button is in

Sleep: Sleeping great! Can't complain

Best moment this week: Having my sister and dad come into town! So excited they get to spend the holidays with us. I also got to see the bean during THREE ultrasounds this week! My friend at work attempted one on Friday to determine gender but baby wasn't cooperating. It was literally sitting indian style sucking it's thumb so we didn't get to see the goods. Monday, my other friend did one at the office she works at but baby was moving around too much for her to see anything. Sooo...on to plan C. I'll have my friend from work try to see again on Christmas Eve and then have her text my sister-in-law if she can determine the gender. The excitement is overwhelming!

Worst moment this week: Just feeling exhausted from cleaning, decorating, wrapping, shopping, baking, and spending. 

Miss anything: Feeling full. I'm always hungry!

Movement: None yet

Cravings: Anything and everything sour.

Queasy or sick: Nope

Looking forward to: Buying BOY or GIRL stuff, painting the nursery, and feeling movement :)

15 weeks

14 weeks

How far along: 14 weeks
Size: A little fuzzy peach!

Gender: I'm so torn. One day I think it's a boy, the next I swear it's a girl. Ken is leaning towards boy. I don't know why it's making me so stressed out lately. I want either! I just want to know which one! It's all I think about and it keeps me up at night! And names, specifically girl names. Oy. It stresses me out even more. I literally slept 4 hours the other night because I couldn't stop thinking about what we would possibly name this bean if it happens to be a girl!

Symptoms: Still getting these awful headaches. I've contemplated calling the doctor about it but I've read so many times that it's normal and just caused by all the hormones and know several people who had them early in pregnancy. The only thing that seems to help is an ice pack to the back of my neck and rest. Which is hard to do when you work a 12 hour shift. Anywho, that's really my only "symptom" these days. And my tummy feeling a bit bigger.

Maternity clothes: Nothing yet other than my "maternity leggings" which are the most comfortable things you can wear. I'm thinking about buying some maternity scrub pants today to be a bit more comfortable at work.

Stretch marks: None

Belly button in or out: In 

Sleep: Sleep has been iffy this week. Probably from all my tossing and turning thinking about gender and baby names. Most nights I'm still falling asleep between 9 and 10 but usually wake up to my dogs screaming bloody murder when Ken comes home. Then I lay there for an hour or two until I fall back asleep or just get up cause I have to go to work.

Best moment this week: Every week it's just cooler and cooler to say how far along I am. It sounds so far into pregnancy, 14 weeks! Then I remember that I still have 26ish weeks left to go. I love to read about what's going on with the bean each week and how it's developing. It really is a little miracle.

Worst moment this week: These headaches are overstaying their welcome.

Miss anything: A bottle glass of wine after a shitty day of work.

Movement: Ahhhh I CANNOT WAIT FOR MOVEMENT! This seriously makes me so excited. Just seeing the baby on an ultrasound screen moving around is amazing. People keep telling me to just wait till I FEEL the baby move! It'll probably be the best day eva.

Cravings: Anything salty or sour...and cereal.

Queasy or sick: Red meat is grossing me out a bit lately. We made burgers the other night, and although they were good, after I felt like crap and now they sound disgusting. A piece of meat in general really doesn't sound too great anymore.

Looking forward to: Oh so much. Finding out the gender next week on Christmas Day tops the list. Other things are having family in town for the holidays, buying clothes for a BOY or GIRL, painting the nursery, and feeling baby move!

14 weeks

13 weeks

How far along: 13 weeks, 2 days

Gender: Ahh I think I may have changed teams this week. I'm beginning to lean towards GIRL. Maybe because everyone tells me it's a girl? Doesn't matter to us, we're so excited for either!

Symptoms: I'm pretty sure I officially have a baby bump, eek! Still getting headaches here and there. All in all though, I'm feeling great. Even my energy is back, BOOYA!

Maternity clothes: Still rockin the leggings most days. A few people at work have told me I look pregnant. Really? That can't be good this early. I do think I'll need some maternity scrubs here soon.

Stretch marks: None

Belly button in or out: In 

Sleep: Sleeping great! My bedtime is usually around 9pm and I wake up around 7-8am. Man I sound like a party, don't I? Still sleeping on my right side mostly but wake up usually on my left side. 

Best moment this week: Heading into the 2nd trimester! I can't believe it. Time has already flown by so fast. I never thought I'd be able to say that I'm in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, but here I am! It feels great to be out of the "scary zone". Although, I don't think I'll feel at ease until I'm holding a teeny babe in my arms. And even then I'll be worrying if it has twelve fingers, huge ears, or a purple tongue. We also got a lot of christmas shopping done this week. The tree is up and lit and we're officially done decorating. Time to poor me a cup of jack & coke hot cocoa.

Worst moment this week: Hmm. Nada.

Miss anything: Days without headaches.

Movement: Nothing yet. When will this come?! I'm getting impatient.

Cravings: Just everything. Anything you put in your mouth or talk about sounds good to me. 

Queasy or sick: Nope. So far this pregnancy stuff is easy. #sorryimnotsorry

Looking forward to: My sister, future brother-in-law, AND dad coming for Christmas! So excited to spend time with all of them. Baking, wrapping the last of the gifts, and watching every Christmas movie we own. And of course, I'm most excited to find out the gender of this baby! 

13 weeks

12 weeks

How far along: 12 weeks

Gender: I'm still leaning towards BOY. Ken is still undecided...and probably will be until we find out. Our ultrasound tech today said it was too early to make a prediction, darn. However, the nub looked boyish to me but what do I know. Have you heard of the "nub theory"? Google it.

Weight gain: 4 lbs.

Symptoms: Headaches. Holy moly. We're talking daily headaches lately. Every.single.day. I've read it's normal and is probably just associated with all the extra blood volume I have now. Only thing that seems to help is resting on the couch. I think my exhaustion is starting to ease off. It depends on the day lately. Some days I'm completely exhausted and ready for a nap by 11am and other days I'm able to get so much done throughout the day without thinking twice about going to sleep.

Maternity clothes: Happy to say I bought my first pair of maternity jeans! They were 50% off at Gap (score!) and are actually pretty comfy. Also loving leggings and maxi skirts.

Stretch marks: None on my belly! Hooray!

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: Sleep is becoming iffy. I have no problem falling asleep but have been waking up between 1-2am and tossing and turning for atleast an hour. I have a hard time turning my mind off from stuff, or getting Kelly Clarkson's "Underneath the Tree" christmas song out of my head. I'm hoping Santa brings me a Bump Nest Body Pillow this Christmas...(hint hint, hubby) I keep reading how amazing they are and great for a sleeping prego!

Best moment this week: Hands down the best moment this week was our NT scan today. We got to see the baby and it actually looked like a baby! It was moving around a ton and we got some amazing pictures! Even one with its little hand in the air :)  We even got a DVD that recorded the entire ultrasound. So amazing. I can't wait to show our family around Christmas! The NT scan looks for characteristics that could be associated with Down Syndrome and a few other trisomy disorders. Best news of all, our little peanut doesn't show any of those characteristics and looks as healthy as can be!

Worst moment this week: These gnarly headaches making their debut.

Miss anything: Cycling. I was tempted to go the other day and just not work out as intense as I normally would but 1. Ken didn't like that idea and 2. I overslept.

Movement: Saw tons of movement on the ultrasound screen! Haven't felt anything yet. Maybe in a couple weeks!?

Cravings: Sour candy, salted soft pretzels, peppermint, apples, multigrain bagels.

Queasy or sick: Nada

Looking forward to: Everything Christmasy. Sending out our Christmas cards, wrapping gifts (one of my favorite things to do, weird right?), spending time with my sister, feeling baby move, getting into the 2nd trimester, and finding out if our little bean is a BOY or GIRL!

12 weeks

11 weeks

How far along: 11 weeks

Gender: My gut feeling is that it's a boy. Ken is still undecided. Everyone else says girl. Only a few more weeks until we find out, the anticipation is killing me!

Weight gain: Bloat + Bloat = Bloat! That's how much I weigh.

Maternity clothes: My regular jeans are getting pretttty tight. I've officially bought some maternity leggings and plan on getting a pair of pants or two during some Black Friday shopping.

Stretch marks: I may have a small one on my boob. Lovely. Ugh.

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: Sleep is still pretty good. I've started waking up once in the early mornings to pee. Then it takes a half hour to an hour to fall back asleep. I can still easily sleep 8-10 hour stretches though.

Best moment this week: My first OB appointment! We got to hear the bean's heartbeat again which is always amazing. It was 177! She said at this stage in pregnancy, hearing the heartbeat drops the miscarriage rate to less than 15%. Phew. I also started going to Pilates again at the gym and so glad I have. I LOVE it. It helps with my stress, relaxes me, and still feels like a good workout.

Worst moment this week: It rained a full 2 days straight here and I worked those 2 full days. So that blew. Us Arizonans love the rain and I'm pretty sure it's good excuse to call in sick to work. Ah well. My doctor also told me that cycling class was a no-go. Bummer. I can't let my heartrate get above 140 and in cycling it's between 180-200. Guess I'll continue pilates and long walks with the pups!

Miss anything: Sushi, deli meat, & a glass of vino. Although, the doc told me today that sushi, deli meat, and caffeine were fine to have. Hooray! Bring on the vegas rolls.

Movement: Nothing yet. By the end of the day I feel like I have a small baby bump. I'm pretty sure it's just bloat & food though. Can't wait for real movement! & a real bump!

Cravings: Apples, pretzels, mexican food, bagels & cream cheese, frozen yogurt

Queasy or sick: Naw, nothing

Looking forward to: Our NT scan in the next week or two, we'll get to see the baby! And it should actually look like a baby now rather than a blob :) Cooking with my mama on Thanksgiving, stuffing my face with turkey and pumpkin pie, Black Friday shopping at 5am, colder weather, getting more nursery ideas together and making some decisions, and decorating the house for Christmas! Tis the season!

11 weeks

10 weeks

How far along: 10 weeks

Gender: EVERYONE has told me they think it's a girl. I really have no clue! I just want a healthy and happy baby. We've decided to have a gender reveal cake with our close family on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, so excited!

Weight gain: Haven't checked. And I really don't want to, I feel like I've already gained 10 pounds... in my boobs. I'll wait until my first OB appointment for the official weigh-in.

Maternity clothes: None yet, other than leggings and yoga pants. I feel like it's still too early to buy "maternity" clothes..? However, I'm sure this baby bump will quickly make its debut so I should probably consider buying some real pants soon. 

Stretch marks: None yet. Hoping they don't make their appearance anytime soon, or ever.

Belly button in or out: Still an innie

Sleep: Sleeping great. I can still sleep on either side, my back, my stomach, and for long 8-10 hour stretches. Did I mention my bedtime these days is around 11am when the exhaustion kicks in? If I plan on getting anything done in the day, it has to be early morning. 

Best moment this week: Telling all the girls that I'm pregnant! They seemed so happy and excited for us. Also pretty stoked about mine and Kasey's little babe having playdates. A lot of my extended family also found out (thanks Dad) since they were all in town for my cousin's wedding. Everyone is very excited! We also decided this week that we would host Thanksgiving at our house again with mine and Ken's families all here. For some reason I'm really looking forward to cooking, and of course eating stuffing my face. #eatingfortwo

Worst moment this week: Missing Ken. He's been working overtime so much lately, which is great extra money for when we do our holiday shopping but seeing him maybe one day a week makes me miss him! Luckily he's completely off work today so we plan on getting some errands done (aka looking for ugly christmas sweaters) and having dinner together. It makes me wonder how our schedules and daily lives will be like with a little one around :)

Miss anything: I miss my cycling class! Wahhhhhh. I haven't gone for about 6 weeks because I've read so many things online how you should avoid it, especially in the first trimester. So I'm waiting to see my OB doc and get the official verdict whether or not I can continue doing it. 

Movement: None yet, but I CANNOT WAIT to feel movement! I think that's when all this will really feel real.

Cravings: Still loving anything sour or salty. I could eat green apples and soft pretzels all.day.long.

Queasy or sick: Nope.

Looking forward to: So so much. Our first OB appointment next week, eek! Also looking forward to the Macy's Day Parade (my favorite part of Thanksgiving), holiday shopping, visiting with my sister in December, and starting the nursery! 

10 weeks

Ultrasound 1 & 2

On Wednesday, October 30th, we got to have our first ultrasound at the fertility office. We immediately saw a flickering on the ultrasound screen and knew right away that it was the bean's heartbeat! We couldn't believe it. Then, if that wasn't great enough, we got to HEAR the heartbeat! The rate was 113 bpm which the doctor said was perfectly normal for where I was in the pregnancy. I was measuring 6 weeks, 3 days according to the ultrasound. He wanted us to come back a week later to compare the ultrasound for growth and then would be able to give us an official due date! We got our first ultrasound pictures and couldn't stop staring at this little sac and baby inside. So crazy. We went back the next Friday, November 8th, for the second ultrasound. I was so nervous/excited. I really didn't have any pregnancy symptoms yet so it all just didn't seem real. This ultrasound, we saw the heartbeat right away again. Phew! The rate was 161 this time, which was also perfect according to how far along I was. The baby was measuring 7 weeks, 4 days. Perfect growth from the week prior! They figured my due date to be from when I took my HCG trigger shot before the IUI, which put me officially at 8 weeks, 3 days with a due date of June 17, 2014! Can't wait to meet this little junebug.
 

How far along: 8 weeks

Gender: Won't find out for several more weeks. We hope to find out before Christmas! Otherwise we'll probably find out in January and I'm beginning to plan for a "gender reveal party". Something I've always wanted to do! I'm still unsure what I think it'll be but I'm leaning more towards a boy. Ken is still undecided.

Weight gain: Just feeling bloated.

Maternity clothes: None yet. Just lots of yoga pants, leggings, and anything comfy!

Stretch marks: None yet. I bought Palmer's Cocoa Butter Cream for Stretch Marks and started using that but the smell is horrible so I'm not sure I'll use it much longer. I also bought some Bio Oil but it says not to use it until the 2nd trimester (no idea why?). My mom never had stretch marks and they say it's mostly genetic if you get them or not sooo I'm hoping to NO stretch marks!

Belly button in or out: In. And it's staying there.

Sleep: Ah, sleep. I could sleep all day and night. That's the one pregnancy symptom I've noticed (other than my boobs KILLING me). Sleep is great right now :)

Best moment this week: Our ultrasound of course! I think the 2nd one was even more exciting than the first.  Oh, and I officially "graduated" from my fertility office! I cried when they told me that. No more fertility treatments every month? Pretty sure I can live with that. 

Worst moment this week: Can't really think of anything..this week was great!

Miss anything: The occasional glass of vino. Sushi. Deli meat. COFFEE. I do have a cup of coffee like once a week and deli meat just a few times. Not together though, gross.

Movement: Still way too early. Can't wait to feel this bean move!

Cravings: Anything sour or salty. Sour candy, green apples, pretzels, sourdough bread.

Queasy or sick: Not at all. At first I thought this was really strange that I WASN'T feeling queasy at all. Maybe it's still too early. Maybe I'm one of those lucky ones that doesn't get sick at all throughout her pregnancy. Thatd be nice. And right now, it is nice.

Looking forward to: Our next ultrasound in a couple weeks with my OB doctor, telling more friends and making it "facebook official". And, a bump of course!

Ultrasound 1 & 2