Bébé Week 19 Update

I had to take this picture really early since we left at 7:30 for Tulsa this morning. Please excuse the lack of beautification ;)


Today's date: July 16, 2011

How far along: 19 weeks

Total weight gain: I'm at a loss of 8ish pounds to date.

Size and growth of the baby: The size of a mango! Baby has a covering over the skin called vernix to protect the skin from the amniotic fluid.

Sex: I have a guess, but we'll know for sure on July 21st (as long as bebe cooperates) :)

Maternity clothes: I am to the point where my old t-shirts and tanks don't cover my belly anymore. All bottoms are strictly maternity.

Sleep: I am waking up later and later to pee at night. I used to go between 2 and 3 a.m. and now it's closer to 4 a.m. I got less sleep this week, but it's due to the midnight premiere of Harry Potter ;)

Best moment(s) of the week: Just feeling blessed with our gift :)

Movement: I did notice much this week because I was extra gassy, (and trust me, it was indeed gas!). Hopefully I'll get more definite movement this week. If all else fails, we'll hopefully get to watch bebe move on our ultrasound this week!
Food cravings/aversions: Same aversions as before. Hot chocolate, Eggo waffles, bruschetta, kettle corn, and tomato juice were my main cravings this week.

Morning sickness: I still take Zofran everyday at lunch just to be safe. Slight nausea when I eat something too greasy, so I just need to watch out for that.

Symptoms: Nausea, peeing a lot, cranky (mostly from the heat), heartburn, gassy, and pretty emotional.

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Nothing really :)

What I'm looking forward to: Feeling more movement and finding out the gender on Thursday!

Inspiration

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{Ah... clutter and chaos at it's finest ;)}

First of all, I just want to say that I'm functioning, (fairly well I might add), with about 5ish hours of sleep total from last night. It was totally worth it though! I will not do any spoilers for the movie, but I was very happy overall with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2! It's weird to think that I won't be going to any more midnight premieres. Then I am grateful for not having to get there 3 hours early, deal with pre-teens who are barely older than the baby in my belly, and the traffic heading home. (Side question: Am I the only one that gets annoyed when people cheer/clap at certain points in movies? I mean, the characters can't hear you and some people would like to hear what's going on.) Again, I had a great time with my hubby and I would do it again in a heartbeat :)

There are two recent blog entries that really touched me.

The first is from Kelle over at Enjoying the Small Things. I could have written the beginning of this post because that's exactly how I am. I am more creative with clutter. I almost live for clutter. I honestly assumed I'd be that older woman teaching art summer classes in my large home and wearing these flow-y, arty dresses. A little like Professor Trelawney minus the psychic thing ;) Part of this probably stems from the fact that I have so many interests. Being an Aries, I love starting projects! It's finishing them that I get into trouble. This has always been true for me. Even when I'm picking up our apartment now, I'll get to the point where it'll take 10 more minutes and I just want to quit because I'm tired. I know it sounds lazy, but that's just me. I love planning how I'll be organized, but as soon as I try I am unable to find anything! HAHA Anyways, I hope you enjoy the post as much as I did. And if you don't follow her yet, you probably should :)

The second blog was actually brought to my attention thanks to Facebook. I don't follow this blog, but I really enjoyed reading this and I hope it helps remind you of why the church is around. I know that sometimes I forget :)

Happy Friday y'all!

Trolls

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Despite the adorable picture, this post is not about these type of trolls. I will admit I had several as a child and I even had a treehouse play set for them! Alas, the type of trolls I'm talking about today are a bit uglier than that.

I know I'm not the best commenter, but I do read lots of blogs using my GoogleReader. There are several blogs where I feel I have made a connection with the writer for various reasons. I know that it's different from the friendships I make with people I interact with physically on a weekly basis, but I do still consider some of them friends. If there's one thing about my personality that I cannot stress enough is my loyalty to my friends. You hurt or upset them and I'm like an angry mama bear: I take no excuses. I may never understand why some people are hurtful just to be hurtful, but it's their burden to deal with and not mine.

A troll is defined as: a person who posts deliberately provocative messages online with the intention of causing disruption or an argument.

I personally feel like this definition could go one step further by including people who seek out message boards, blogs, etc. that have things they do not agree with just to be negative. Who honestly has time for that? And those who will create fake facebook, or twitter, or blogs just to hurt someone? I can barely keep up with my blog about my life!

Why am I bringing this up? I have read so many blog entries that, at some point in the post, mention the writer's desire that no one judge them or post negative comments because it's their life, it's their way of working out a problem, etc.

I do understand that, with a public blog, you are essentially opening yourself up to anyone who is willing to take the time to read. I also understand that there are hundreds upon hundreds of different opinions out there. I get that there are just some people out there with no tact or respect for others. I just don't see why anyone has to feel like they must defend their thoughts, their actions, etc. to complete strangers. It's one thing if it's a person you feel close to giving their 2 cents or opinions. However, if it's an anonymous person, or someone who has never commented before, and they have nothing but horrible things to say? There's no point in that. Even if I disagree with what someone is doing, or a decision they've made, I make like Thumper and shut my trap. You know why? It's not my life and it's not my decision.

I have never personally had an issue with trolls people doing this to me, but I have seen it before on message boards and other blogs. I will tell you one thing, I will not tolerate it if it ever happens to me. I have no qualms about immediately deleting a comment directed at me or my family with nothing but the intention to hurt my feelings or start a fight. I have enough things to think about that I don't need to have an internet argument. 

So please keep in mind that there is a major difference between constructive criticism, giving your friend some helpful advice, and being a troll. Never make anyone apologize for the way they feel, even if it's in a public forum.

Countdown To Epic Week 2011

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{For my fellow HIMYM fans out there - this makes me think of this episode ;)}

I am not sure why I haven't mentioned this yet, but I'm going to have an epic week. Starting Thursday morning, the next 7 days will be packed with goodness. What kind of goodness? Oh so many kinds :)

This Thursday, Phil and I will be going to the midnight premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Since we met in 2004, we have gone to the midnight premiere of every Harry Potter movie that has come out together. Sometimes we go in groups, but lately it's just been the two of us. Phil even admitted that he wasn't really into Harry Potter until we met ;) We own all the books and have read through them at least twice each. It's nice to be nerdy with your best friend! HAHA Anyways, for the longest time, movie theaters in OKC were only showing/selling tickets for the 3D version of the movie! Now I have nothing against 3D... except that it's more expensive, should be more of a novelty instead of a requirement, and it makes pregnant me dizzy. I've seen a few movies in 3D and it was fun. However, I want to see it in good ol' 2D! So we were finally able to get tickets this weekend for the midnight premiere in 2D. Starting last Thursday, we have been watching 1 movie per night in order to gear up for this occasion. I have already finished re-reading the final book and Phil is attempting to finish before Thursday. I'm sure it'll be different from the book, considering where it left off with the last movie and the clips I have seen already, but I know we'll enjoy it. Even if we think the book is better, we don't expect movies to be word-for-word by the book. I think that's the only way to like both a movie and the book you know? Anyways, I will be taking a nap after work Thursday to stay awake for the movie. Then, of course as per tradition, I will be calling my BFF Annette as soon as we get out to discuss it :) I'm pretty stoked!

This weekend, Phil and I will be going up to Tulsa. I know, I know, we go lots of times. However, there are 2 big reasons it is different. The number 1 reason is Annette is back in town! It's so hard having her live in CT and so very far away. However, I get some BFF time to myself! That's going to be awesome :) The second reason is... I'm going to the NKOTBSB concert on Sunday night!! I've had tickets forever because I got an email to pre-order tickets before they were on sale. I am going with 5 other ladies and we're going to party like we're 13 year-olds :D It's going to be awesome!! Now if only *NSYNC would get back together for another tour...

Then, the big ultrasound is a week from Thursday at 8:30 a.m. I am hoping baby cooperates, but now I'm just focused on hearing that baby is healthy and looks amazing. That's all I want. I know everyone says they don't care what the gender is for the first baby, but I really do mean it. I don't care whatsoever. I just want a healthy, happy baby that I will love for the rest of my days. To see that smile and those big eyes staring up at me and knowing how much of a miracle they are... that just melts my heart to think about. I have compiled a list of what baby could be, but I'll save that for later. I just hope all goes well.

So that's my epic week. I'm sure I'll be exhausted by the end, but it will be so very worth it! Plus, it makes the fact that today is only Tuesday a little more bearable ;)

Check out the video for Sandcastles In The Sand from HIMYM. You won't be disappointed! It may even make you decide to starting watching if you don't already!

Bébé Week 18 Update

Holy heat Batman! Our high today was supposed to be 103, but we hit 109 while Phil and I were out running some quick errands. I don't know how I made it! As soon as we got inside, I stripped to the bare-minimum clothing and we're sitting in front of 3 fans in the living room. That's right, I said 3. Even with all the water I drank today, it's been hard staying awake. I just wanted to nap all afternoon. I just hope things look up soon. Either that, or I just need to carry an ice pack with me everywhere I go ;)


Today's date: July 9, 2011

How far along: 18 weeks. I can't believe I'm almost halfway there!

Total weight gain: I'm at a loss of 10 pounds to date.

Size and growth of the baby: The size of a sweet potato! Baby's become amazingly mobile, passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking, and swallowing. Baby also has unique finger and toe prints. {per}

Sex: I have a guess, but we'll know for sure on July 21st (as long as bebe cooperates) :)

Maternity clothes: I am almost to the point where my old t-shirts and tanks don't cover my belly anymore. All bottoms are strictly maternity.

Sleep: I am still trying my best to learn how to sleep on my side. Some nights it seems like I'm getting worse, and other nights it works out ok. With waking up twice a night to pee, it usually doesn't matter anyways.

Best moment(s) of the week: I felt my first squirm this week! I was lightly tapping on my belly just for fun. About a minute or so later, I felt a tiny little squirm on my right side. It felt like a tiny earthworm wiggling around. It only lasted about 10 or 15 seconds, but I didn't feel anything afterwards that would make me think it's gas. I can't wait for Phil to be able to feel things too!

Movement: Read above answer  :)

Food cravings/aversions: Same aversions as before. Hot chocolate, bruschetta, and anything cold are my biggest cravings at the moment.

Morning sickness: I still take Zofran everyday at lunch just to be safe. Slight nausea when I eat something too greasy, so I just need to watch out for that.

Symptoms: Nausea, peeing a lot, cranky (mostly from the heat), slight heartburn from time to time, gassy, and pretty emotional. The song "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane that's a part of the Winnie the Pooh movie trailer makes me crying within the first 3 words. I usually love that song, but it makes me a weeping mess!

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Nothing really :)

What I'm looking forward to: Feeling more movement and our ultrasound on the 21st!

Wednesday Randoms

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You would think that, with me being indoors all day long, (minus commuting time), that I would have the energy/time to update. Well, there are two problems with that logic. 1) Even though I'm indoors with a fan blowing on me constantly, the fact that we've been over 100 degrees for 17 days has turned me into a pool for useless muck. I literally just sit on the couch in bare-minimum clothing in front of the fan. I am just wiped out completely from all the heat. I think we're supposed to hit 104 at least 3 times in the next 7 days. Holy moly. 2) I don't have much to report. I have a small something today, but otherwise my life is boring. I literally go to work until 5, then I come home where Phil and I either watch "Bones" on Netflix or play Lego Harry Potter together on the Wii. We do that until 10 or so, then we head to bed where we pray together, then fall asleep to Big Bang Theory. The one day I tried to get out and do something, we went to Babies R' Us for about 1 hour, then I got overheated once we got back into the car and had to race home to cool me off. That was more embarrassing than anything for me, but it was hard because I wanted to do something outside the apartment. Plus, I'm pretty sure if your store will be full of pregnant ladies, it better feel like an igloo! Even Phil barely felt any cool air the whole time we were inside.

I just wish I could update more with something that's worth remembering. My main purpose for having a blog is to record my life and how I feel. Right now, it's just so - mundane. Also, anytime I think I feel movement, it turns out to be gas. People keep telling me it could still be baby, but I am not completely convinced.

*****

Despite this outrageous heat, guess what I've been craving the past two days? Hot chocolate. Now keep in mind, I'm not good with hot drinks since I burn my tongue almost immediately. By the time I'm ready to drink it, it's more like warm chocolate. However, I've just craved that yummy, smooth Rich Chocolate mix from Nestle! It's so so good. Phil thinks I'm nuts, but he's been a sport and made me hot chocolate two days in a row. Will the trend continue tonight? We shall see.

*****

Phil and I did go to a barbecue that my friend from high school threw on Sunday evening. We had to leave early because a heavy rainstorm was coming and we had a 20ish minute drive across town to get home. So much for being social.

*****

This is not very Christian of me, I admit, but do you have anyone from your past you'd like to show off how great you're doing now? It's not even ex-boyfriends or anything, just someone who made you feel awful about yourself? There are about 2 people like that for me. One is a guy that I had a crush on for about 2 years. I kinda liked him, but I never pined for him or anything. I was going to ask him to the junior prom and when he found out, he avoided me like the plague. I didn't even like him that much! lol The other is a guy who used to be really rude to me in science class. He'd say things like, "You're going to have saggy boobs when you're older", or "You have sideburns, did you know?". Everyday it was something. I may not be well off, or super skinny, but I have a wonderful life with an amazing man and I just wish I could show them how being rude or blowing me off didn't mess with my future.

*****

Now that we have a date for our gender reveal, I had this big elaborate plan to announce the baby's sex to our family and closest friends. However, it seems like everything is falling apart for my original plan. What I wanted was a small gathering at our place with my brother and my few close friends in town. We would get both sets of parents on Skype or Facetime and have the gender in an envelope to announce to everyone at the same time. Maybe they'd all hold up an index card with the word "boy" or "girl" as their guess.

First of all, my brother has moved out of town. Not too far mind you, but far enough that he wouldn't be able to come since it's a Thursday night. Then, I only have about 2 or 3 friends in town I'd want there and 1 for sure is going to be out of town on a family vacation. Then my mom informs me she's busy with her church until close to 8:30 p.m. Finally, Phil's mom has something she's doing as well that we're not entirely sure when she'll be done that evening. It just felt like everything just stopped. 

I understand that, although it is an exciting thing, everyone does have a life outside of my pregnancy. I also understand that, no matter how I announce it, it will be special since it is our first child and the first grandchild for both sides of the family. I just wanted to do something so that I didn't feel guilty for doing a party or whatnot for our next child (God willing).

I spent a lot of time on Google yesterday and I think we finally have a solution. First of all, I hate that it took so long to find anything besides that whole, cake cutting thing. I know people think it's cute, but there has to be more options for parents than that. Though I did find a video where they had their first child say out-loud what the cake said and he said "boy" when really it was a girl HAHA. It's better to just look/cut into it yourself apparently!

Anyways, I have come up with a new plan! When we go to the ultrasound, Phil will find out what the gender is and not tell me. Then he will video tape me later in the day, after work, unwrapping a box that will either have a gift or colored balloons to reveal the gender to me. When we video chat with our parents later, we will show them which ever sign I made that will show them what bebe's name is, which will reveal the gender as well. Once everyone that we want to know knows, we will post the video on my blog, and possibly Facebook. I'm pretty excited about it :) Plus, it's that little something special that I wanted to do for bebe.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Bébé Week 17 Update

{Phil and I were having a debate about if I'm showing more than last week. I think my bely fat on top looks bigger, but he's convinced that my whole abdomen is shifting up and makes it look bigger}

I wanted more than anything to update this week for a few reasons. Of course, due to one of them, I had a severe lack of sleep which is why I ended up not updating. *sigh* Someday I'll be better...

This week I had a BUNCH of crazy dreams. Now let me start off by saying, I'm the queen of crazy dreams. For as long as I can remember, if I ever tell my dreams to anyone else, it always ends with them giving me a weirded-out look and saying "Oooooook" LOL So I figured bring on the weird dreams pregnancy hormones! I'm sure I can handle you. Well, I've had a handful of crazy dreams a few nights in a row. They aren't crazy as much as super intense. One was fashioned like an episode of "Bones" and it involved knives and chainsaws and people dying off one by one. Yeah. Intense. Then I had another where my mom had died and I would wake up crying because I would never see her face or feel her hugs ever again. Yeah. So I would not sleep well those nights. Then for two mornings in a row this week, we had some thunderstorms pop up around 5 am and they would wake me up. Being the scaredy-cat I am, I was unable to go back to sleep. Needless to say, I've been having trouble sleeping lately.

The other is I had a great appointment on Thursday! Of course it was not very long like my last appointment, but still good :) Doctor found the heartbeat and it sounded good and she said she could hear movement, even though I can't feel them just yet! That made me feel good. Then we scheduled my complete OB ultrasound that will include finding out the gender on July 21st!! It's going to be a long 3 weeks, but I can't wait :D I'll be doing a special blog the night before where I'll go through some old wives tales and such to see what I might be having. Then I'll do the big announcement here, probably the day after the ultrasound, July 22nd. Phil and I want to Skype with our parents and it probably won't work until later in the evening since they all work. That way, the family knows and then I'll be happy to share :)

Now on to the update!


Today's date: July 2, 2011

How far along: 17 weeks

Total weight gain: I gained a little this week, but I'm still at a loss of 8ish pounds to date.

Size and growth of the baby: The size of an onion! Baby has full formed fingernails and is starting to develop the cute baby fat to help with their body's heat production and metabolism. Baby weighs about 3 1/2 ounces.

Sex: I have a feeling, but we'll know for sure in less than 3 weeks :)

Maternity clothes: I have a Be Band that I'm only using on my only pair of jeans, several tank tops from Old Navy as well as a pair of bermuda jean shorts. I may get a maxi dress soon, just to help with the heatwave we have going on right now.

Sleep: I was unable to sleep really well due to crazy/intense dreams, morning thunderstorms, and my body's rebelling of sleep on my side. 

Best moment(s) of the week: Hearing the heartbeat again and scheduling my ultasound!

Movement: I thought I might have, but I was also extra gassy this week. Come on baby - Mama needs a good swift kick! LOL

Food cravings/aversions: Same aversions as before. I want cherry limeades almost everyday, and nutella on croissants were a blessing this week.

Morning sickness: I still take Zofran everyday at lunch just to be safe. Slight nausea here and there, but definitely not like before. Phil tried to make me go a day without it, but I caved around 5:30. I was feeling icky and didn't want to go through throwing up later. Plus, I completely lost my appetite when the nausea came back. I guess I still need it for now.

Symptoms: Nausea, round ligament pain, peeing a lot, still kinda gassy, and pretty emotional.

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Nothing really :)

What I'm looking forward to: Feeling some flutters and our ultrasound on the 21st!


Also, I don't know if I've mentioned these, but I got some new gifts for baby since late May and I finally took pictures to show them off!

This comes as a gift from my ex-co-worker-lady-ma'am :) It's a Yoda hat!! Since we don't know the gender yet, she suggested adding a flower to it if it's a girl. To that I say - heck yes!! Her mom actually made it and I found her Etsy store in case you're interested! Phil and I agreed there are just a few things that, no matter what gender our baby is, they will need to learn to love it. 1 being Star Wars and the other...

Baseball! Specifically the Kansas City Royals. When I went to a Royals game with my family in early June, mom and dad decided to get them their first Royals gear :) So sweet!

I have a few onesies I bought last year, but I'll share those another time :)

If you are traveling this weekend, or just hanging around the house, have a safe holiday!!