10 Weeks Pregnant!

Bump Watch!

We decided to start taking photos of my baby bump this week and I guarantee most of that bump is bloating. Sometimes after I eat I balloon up so much that I look about 5 months pregnant! I find I can't eat large meals as easily as I could, as I tend to feel really sick afterwards. (Like when I pigged out during the Lost finale....ooooohhhh my tummy....). I really feel thirsty all the time, and am starting to really want fruit and yogurt. Other then that, I'm just starting to get a little dizzy, and am still enjoying the blessing of morning sickness.

At 10 weeks, the baby is about the size of a small lime and it's vital organs are starting to function. It is growing tiny nails on it's fingers and toes and it's skin is growing peach-fuzz hair. Already it's moving around and kicking it's little legs, though I won't feel that for a while. I hope it finds my tummy sounds soothing...as it has been quite talkative lately.

May 24, 2010

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9 Weeks Pregnant!

My 9th week of pregnancy has had it's ups and downs. Some of the days I feel like I'm going to be okay, that I'm going to get by without any morning sickness at all, and then, BAM! It hits you. My shopping trip with Chris is a prime example of this kind of sudden sickness.

I had a day off work so we decided to go shopping. I went to Value Village in hopes of finding shirts that would flatter my tummy that is starting to soften up while Chris went and got his hair cut. When he was finished, we stopped by Old Navy so he could get some new business casual jeans. I had a few moments of gagginess, but nothing out of the ordinary. It wasn't until we got in the car and started driving that I realized I was really going to be sick. I quickly dumped his new clothes onto the floor of the van, tossed the receipt and promptly threw up in his Old Navy bag. All the way home I clutched that bag, casually mentioning that it was a good thing he bought those jeans, otherwise I would have had no where to get sick! Chris being the good hubby that he is, merely turned his music up a little louder and pat me on the back each time I gagged.

Other than the nausea, I feel bloated and tired...and a little crampy. I had no idea that pregnancy could be so much fun!

*note- The bag pictured above is NOT the bag used in the um...situation.

May 16, 2010
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Mother's Day Weekend and Our First Purchase!

For Mother's Day, we went to Cheeky Monkey, the cutest store for maternity, baby and toddlers. Even before we started trying to conceive, I began planning what to buy...because, I like to be as prepared as I can be, especially for something that is basically impossible to be prepared for...parenthood. One of the main things that I liked reading about were strollers. There are so many cool strollers out there on the market, but man can the prices soar! We wanted to get something that was decent looking, at an affordable price, and that would last long enough to hold the baby until it decides that it wants to walk instead.

Chris' sister and her husband purchased the Quinny stroller which we really liked, so we decided to go for something different, as I'm sure they'll end up with many similar things throughout their childhood already. We thought the Peg Perego Skate was awesome, but it was closer to the top of our price list, so we looked for something a little less expensive, and we found it!

The stroller we decided on is a little bit of everything! It's called the i'coo Pacific. It just came out this year and as soon as I saw it's little web commercial, I was sold! I really like how it can transform from a bassinet to a sitting stroller seat in under a minute! Of course, we have not mastered it that quickly yet. I also like how the stroller can be raised to table level, which is handy if you are at a restaurant that doesn't have highchairs, or if you are eating at the mall. It's really lightweight, wheels around so easily, has a reversible seat so it can watch Mommy or Daddy, or view the world, and it is compatible with all car seats! I should also mention that the cats are in love with it! One of them is always in it, snoring away.



We bought it at Cheeky Monkey and saved 10% off because of the Mother's Day Sale and we were entered into a draw. As soon as they handed us the receipt, I started to cry...darn hormones! And to make matters worse, they handed me an adorable Gerber daisy. I then started to bawl.



The next day while at work, I received a message on my cell phone from Cheeky Monkey. We had won the draw!! We won a $25 gift-card to the store! I was so excited! When we got to the store, the young lady that sold us the stroller was there and she handed me my prize. I was shocked! Not only did I get a card, but I also got a super cute teddy bear (who we named Walter)! Of course I cried again. I'm pretty sure from now on I'll be known as Mrs. Waterworks when I shop there.



http://www.cheekymonkey.ca/
http://www.gtbaby.com/2010_Spring/i_coo/icoo_Pacific.html

May 18, 2010
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Morning Sickness Begins

For my birthday, Chris booked us a romantic getaway in Niagara Falls at this beautiful hotel overlooking the falls. This lovely birthday present also came with a $50 gift-card that could be used at a number of restaurants, including our favourite, The Keg. I had been looking forward to this little vacation as both of us had been working a lot lately and just needed a break.

The day before my birthday and our trip, I noticed that I was starting to get a little cold. I was hoping it was just a mild case of congestion and that I would get over it quickly. Well, that wasn't to be. The next morning, I woke up feeling like a bag of dirt. My nose was so congested that I started to feel nauseated from all the phlegm. I know, TMI. We decided to truck on though, and felt we should make the best of it anyways. As we drove, I started feeling worse and worse and then began dry heaving. Ah, dry heaving. Nothing makes men run like the sound of a woman gagging.

When we got to the hotel, I looked out my window at the beautiful view, and then crawled into my bed wearing my pajamas with a kleenex stuck up my nose. At this time, I still believed I just had some flu bug. I had no idea that women get really congested when pregnant. It wasn't until dinner that I realized how much I didn't want to see food. Poor Chris, being the good husband that he is, got in bed with me and exclaimed how much he really wanted to watch the Mythbusters Marathon anyways. We stayed in bed all night, watching marathon after marathon. I don't think I could have loved my husband any more then I did at that moment.

In the morning, we realized we still had to use that $50 gift-card, as it was only valid that weekend. Again the thought of food sent me gagging until my eyes teared up. We decided to try eating at T.G.I. Friday's. I thought that maybe I'd have a salad...or something light. Sadly, everything on the menu was smothered in a rich sauce or drowning in a heavy gravy. I eventually fought back many..."tears" while I looked at the rather graphic menu (and by graphic I am meaning that it had lots of pictures) and decided on a salad, which I had them change from breaded chicken to grilled and with dressing on the side. I could barely eat any of it. What a waste of $50.

It was while I was reading the menu that I started thinking about my sudden illness. I couldn't believe how strongly I was reacting even to images of food. Some smells had me running for the bathroom! Then I put two and two together, and not only did I find out that equaled 4 (haha), but I realized I was 6 weeks pregnant, the time morning sickness kicks in! (Why it's called morning sickness is beyond me...it lasts all day and night!) I really felt relived, and then of course, I felt sick.

On our way home, we made sure to stop by one attraction, as to not waste our trip. Yes, we stopped by the largest souvenir shop in Niagara Falls! We didn't buy anything, but we did take some horrible pictures of each other. It was one of the oddest trips we've ever been on, but we'll remember it for always.

April 25, 2010
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Sharing The Good News!

When we first found out we were pregnant, it took every ounce of strength not to go out and tell every person we met the good news. Initially I had wanted to wait until we were 12 weeks pregnant before sharing the news with everyone, because I tend to be a worrywart (and this is why I must refrain from googling every twinge and cramp I feel). Of course, we could not hold onto our special news this long. I am pretty sure we were going to burst with excitement.

When my doctor's office called to confirm that we were indeed having a baby, Chris and I looked at each other and bolted out the front door into the van. We both were thinking the same thing, "We have to tell the family!". We had no idea if either family was home, so on the way, I called, making up some lame excuse as to why we were stopping by. I believe I may have said Chris had a business meeting in town.

It's funny to think about all the planning I was doing on how we were going to share the news with our parents. We thought, "Let's decorate the baby room, invite them over to see our new "furniture" and then, "Surprise!! It's a baby's room!" or "We'll go over in shirts that say, "Hi Grandma and Grandpa!". We even toyed with the idea of reenacting the A&W commercial, where the son orders his dad the Grandpa burger. I imagine this is how life will be from now on. We'll plan big things, dream big dreams, but when it comes down to it, the big, showy ideas will not always be the most practical or realistic. Of course we want to do things in exciting ways, and will want the best for our little Muppet...but no matter what we do, our best intentions are all that matter, and that we act out of pure love. Not everything wonderful in the world turns out the way you plan...and sometimes that's what makes it even more magical.

Telling my parents was one of the most nerve wracking experiences ever. My mother, who is already a grandmother, has been dreaming of us having babies of our own, probably since...forever ago. One of the stories she's fond of sharing is of me at Christmas when I was little. Apparently when she asked me what I wanted for Christmas, all I would say is, "I want a baby and a cake!". So while my mother was peeling potatoes in the kitchen, and my father was sitting at the table, and my siblings were all mulling around I said, "Hey mom! I know what I'm getting for Christmas!" She continued peeling her potatoes absentmindedly and said, "Hm?" I looked at her and replied, "I'm having a baby! Now all I need is a cake!".....silence. She continued peeling her potatoes. I had to go over to her and tell her that indeed we were pregnant and that it was due sometime in Decemeber. Finally she believed me and started to cry, then everyone else was crying (or thought we were joking). It was quite the scene. I don't know if she ever thought her dream would come true.

Telling Chris' parents was a totally different scene. We left my parent's house to go and have dinner with Chris' family at a local restaurant. Because our parents both live in such a small town, I was wary of us sharing the news in a public place. I think Chris was also concerned about that, as well as really nervous, so when we got out of the car and met everyone in the parking lot, he just blurted out, "We're having a baby!" The look on everyone's face was priceless! There was a lot of screaming and hugging, and I kept loudly proclaiming, "Yes, we're excited about getting a new PUPPY as well...!" I don't think I fooled anyone with that story. We are quite excited because Chris' sister is also expecting, so our little ones will be able to grow up together and share all their "firsts" with each other.

Later that evening, the Grandparents all got together and we talked the night away, reflecting on past experiences, helpful advice and the good things to look forward to. It was one of the happiest days ever.

We ended up sharing the news with Chris' brother and fiance who are now living in San Francisco, CA over Skype, which is still so new to me. It's very cool that you can share such important news with people you love no matter where they are! We really can't wait until we're all together again at Christmas though.

April 15, 2010
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Good Things Are Worth Waiting For

We never thought it would take so long. We never figured we'd have to see so many little tests in the garbage with their little negative signs. Never in a million years! In reality, it didn't actually take that long, but when you decide you really want something, waiting can seem like forever.


When we decided to try to conceive, we agreed we wouldn't share that we were trying, as we didn't want to feel pressured or be bombarded with advice, even though it would have been given with the best intentions. We thought, "What if it takes a long time and people think we are broken?" or, "Do we really want everyone know what we are doing at night...?". So we went on our baby quest, secretly and quietly and eventually we began to question ourselves. "Should it be taking this long?", "Why did I even go on birth control in the first place?!", "Are you sure you aren't broken?".


 I went off to the "trusty" internet and began searching for answers. I learned that many couples take 6-8 months to get pregnant, and 84% of couples get pregnant within a year of trying. Well, did that ever make us feel better! So we continued our adventure, and then one day, we were super surprised when one of those little tests finally read positive!


I had started to suspect that something was up that month, because I was feeling a little dizzy and was suffering from some bad heartburn, which is very unusual for me. I didn't tell Chris my suspicions because I didn't want to get our hopes up, so I kept my thoughts buried deep in my heart for the next few days. Then after missing a visit from my "aunt", I decided to take the urine test. Chris wasn't so sure. He wanted me to wait a few more days, but I really felt that something was going on, so I made him get out of bed and come and check the test with me. Sure enough, when we went into the washroom, there were two pink lines waiting for us! I was overjoyed! I went from crying to laughing, then back to crying while Chris stood in the washroom, leaned over the test on the counter with his arms crossed and said, "Yup, there are two pink lines..." and "I'd pick it up (the test), but you peed all over it!". He was in shock, and even still I think he has a hard time believing it. 


We immediately tried to think of what to do next. We had spent all that time trying to have a baby, that we had no idea what the next step was. I decided to call the midwives in the area as I know they book up very fast, and was put on two waiting lists. Then I called my family doctor. I was told that I had to go to a clinic and do another urine test so they could verify the results.  


I was even more nervous to do the test at the clinic, as I was afraid that maybe our test was faulty. To make matters worse, Chris couldn't take me until the afternoon, and I was supposed to go in the morning (TMI: morning urine is really potent). To calm me down, Chris bought me another home test to take in the meantime, which turned positive instantly, in fact, it was positive before I was even done! I believe Chris said that meant I was "super pregnant". 


We calculated that at this point we were about 4 weeks pregnant, so the baby was about the size of an apple seed. I felt that we needed a visual demonstration, so I took a picture of an apple. Our estimated due date is December 18, 2010...but of course, that could change when we go for our ultrasound.


We are still in shock but over the moon with happiness! It amazes me how two crazy kids can fall in love with each other, and still have room in their hearts for a new little buddy (even if it is only the size of an apple seed). I just never knew one's heart could grow any bigger. 


April 12, 2010
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