Breadcrumb Week 15

How far along: 15 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: -10 pounds from prepregnancy weight.

Symptoms:
– food aversions, especially meat
– tiredness – this has gotten better. We’ve stayed up until 11 a few nights this past week watching the Olympics as apposed to going to bed at 8:30
– sneezing – especially since I’ve been sick this week!
– constipation – back to being somewhat of a problem. I think I’m going to have to take Colace once a week to make sure it doesn’t become a bigger problem.
– getting winded easier – that might be attributed to the cold I had over the weekend.  (Keegan was super sweet and gave me his cold for Valentines Day, so I’ve been fighting that over the weekend. Stuffed/runny nose, sore throat and a small cough made for a rough few nights of sleep, but I think I’m on the recovering side, thank goodness.)

Maternity clothes: Wearing maternity jeans all the time; as soon as I get home, I’m either in yoga pants or PJ pants. Loving my maternity shirts, they’re so long and comfortable! I can’t wait until it’s warm enough to wear some maxi dresses, I have a feeling those will be my go-to for the summer.

Stretch marks: Nothing new here.

Sleep: Still up a few times a night to reposition myself, thankfully my sides have started to become more comfortable. I can normally go until about 5 before having to pee, and Keegan gets up around 5:30 for work, so I’ve been able to kiss him before work each morning. Only problem is, it takes me about an hour and a half to get back to sleep, so I only get another hour of sleep or so before I have to get up for work.

Best moment last week: We purchased our dresser and crib today! Keegan got a nice bonus at work, so we used some of it to purchase the furniture. We purchased both from diapers.com because they have free shipping and no tax.

DaVinci Kalani Combo Dresser in Espresso

DaVinci Parker 4-in-1 Crib in Coffee

Unfortunately they’re in two different colors, but we realized that after we had already ordered the dresser. The colors seem pretty close on the designer’s website, but if they end up being too different, we’ll return and order a different crib.

Movement: Too early.

Food cravings: No real cravings. I have been liking McAlister’s cheese spud and lemonade a lot, I may have had it three times this week.

Gender: We find out on February 27!

Labor signs: Zilch, thank goodness.

Belly button? In, maybe getting shallower

What I miss: Getting a full night sleep without having to wake up to pee. Even though I was never a big drinker before pregnancy, a cold fruity alcoholic drink sounds amazing right now.

What I am looking forward to: Finding out Breadcrumb’s gender on the 27th and our Atlanta trip.

Baby Buys: The crib and dresser above. We also went to Build A Bear and made Breadcrumb’s first lovie, a super soft bunny.

Milestones: Holy crap we purchased nursery furniture

Didn’t realize that was the only front view picture Keegan took, so that’s what you get!

 

 

Breadcrumb Week 14

I’m finally caught up on moving these posts from my other blog. From now on, you’ll get real time updates.

How far along: 14 weeks and 4 days. I’m a bit late with this one.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: gained another pound which means I’m still -5 pounds from pre-pregnancy weight.

Symptoms:
– food aversions 
– tiredness 
– sneezing
– constipation 
Thankfully my nausea has decreased a lot. I only get nauseous if I smell something really funky, or I eat too much. I can’t eat a lot of the same type of food; if we go out to eat, I either have to get an appetizer sized portion, or an appetizer sampler, I can’t stomach the same type of food long enough to eat an entire meal.

Maternity clothes: Wearing maternity jeans all the time; as soon as I get home, I’m either in yoga pants or PJ pants. Loving my maternity shirts, they’re so long and comfortable!

Stretch marks: Nothing new here. 

Sleep: Sleep is ok. I’m waking up in the middle of the night to pee almost every night. Most nights I’m waking up throughout the night to reposition myself. I’ve really been trying to sleep more on my sides, but my stomach and back are still my favorites.

Best moment last week: Even though my OB appointment was disappointing (the office was running 1.5 hours late which resulted in me getting a hurried appointment,) it was nice to hear Breadcrumb’s heartbeat again and to be reassured that everything is going ok. I scheduled our anatomy scan for early March, but then had to change it due to Keegan going out of town for work, so we’re now having it on February 27!

Movement: Too early.

Food cravings: No real cravings. I did buy the supplies to make s’mores, so I’ve been having one (or three…don’t judge) each night. Simultaneously the best and worst decision I made all week.

Gender: We find out on February 27!

Labor signs: Zilch, thank goodness.

Belly button? In, maybe getting shallower

What I miss: Getting a full night sleep without having to wake up to pee. I know a full night won’t happen until the kid(s) are in college, so I better get used to it!

What I am looking forward to: Finding out Breadcrumb’s gender on the 27th!

Baby Buys: More cloth diapers

Milestones: Officially being in the second trimester no matter who you talk to.

Breadcrumb Week 13

Originally posted on February 3, 2014

How far along: 13 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: -10 pounds, looks like I’m finally gaining some of the weight I lost!

Symptoms:
– Periods of nausea 
– food aversions 
– tiredness 
– sneezing 

Maternity clothes: Wearing maternity jeans all the time; as soon as I get home, I’m either in yoga pants or PJ pants. I bought a few maternity t-shirts from Old Navy and Kohls which are nice to wear because they’re so long. Most of my shirt still fit me, but a few of them are getting on the short side.

Stretch marks: Nothing new here.

Sleep: Sleep is ok. A few times this week, I’ve woken up in the middle of the night to pee. Most nights I’m waking up throughout the night to reposition myself. I’ve really been trying to sleep more on my sides, but I always wake up on my stomach and lately I’ve been waking up on my back. 

Best moment last week: We bought tickets to see Alton Brown’s tour in Atlanta at the end of February, so we decided to spend the weekend there and register since there are more, and bigger, stores than what’s around us. We won’t know the sex of the baby yet, but we can register for things like a stroller and breast pump that doesn’t depend on knowing.

Movement: Too early.

Food cravings: I’m still having some nausea and food aversions so I ate anything that sounded good which apparently worked since I gained 4ish pounds. 

Gender: Don’t know yet, though I have my suspicions.

Labor signs: Zilch, thank goodness.

Belly button? In, maybe getting shallower

What I miss: Nothing, really.

What I am looking forward to: Seeing Breadcrumb at our next appointment on 2/6, starting to plan the nursery and baby shower. 

Baby Buys: Bought a few more items for our cloth diaper stash.

Milestones: Making it to 13 weeks. I know this is a topic of discussion, but I’m saying I’m in the second trimester! 

——-

Last night, I was giving a Facebook friend some advice on wedding planning. I realized that during our wedding planning, I had no problem doing the research and dropping money on what needed to be bought. However, with this pregnancy, I’m feeling very overwhelmed with researching and purchasing anything larger than a onesie or cloth diaper. I’m constantly fighting with myself between anxiously wanting to start the nursery and being too scared to actually purchase a crib and dresser. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m still nervous about this pregnancy having a happy ending, or if I’m subconsciously waiting to find out the sex of the baby before making any big decisions, but it’s a strange feeling. I was perfectly comfortable shelling our $1,000 for food during our wedding, but I can’t seem to pull the trigger on a $200 crib.

            

And for fun, 6 weeks verses 13 weeks. There’s a bit of a bump there! 

Breadcrumb Week 12

Originally posted on January 27, 2014

How far along: 12 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: -14 pounds

Symptoms:
– Periods of nausea 
– food aversions 
– tiredness 
– Nose bleeds
– sneezing 
– Bloody gums
– Strange cramps/pains

Saturday night (1/25/14) I had another bad time with the cramps. I woke up around 1 with horrible pains in my lower abdomen. I went to our guest bathroom so I wouldn’t wake Keegan and started to dry heave. Around 2, I finally woke Keegan up so that he could be with me until the cramps passed or we decided to go to the ER. Thankfully around 3 the cramps subsided enough that I fell asleep wrapped around a bowl in case I threw up. Keegan asked if I thought it was something I ate, but I know the difference between upset stomach pains and pains in my uterus. These pains felt like ridiculously intense period pains which brought tears to my eyes and all Saturday my uterus felt bruised. I will definitely bring this up to my OB at my next appointment. 

Maternity clothes: Wearing maternity jeans all the time; as soon as I get home, I’m either in yoga pants or PJ pants.

Stretch marks: Nothing new. I have a few on my stomach from when I gained weight in the past, but they’re really light. 

Sleep: Sleep is ok. A few times this week, I’ve woken up in the middle of the night to pee. Most nights I’m waking up throughout the night to reposition myself. I’ve really been trying to sleep more on my sides, but I always wake up on my stomach.

Best moment last week: we started cleaning out the nursery. It was originally our guest room so we moved everything into our other extra room. My sister and I have also been talking about the possibility of having my baby shower Memorial Day weekend. I know that’s super early for a shower, but it’s easier for us to drive the 10+ hours home on a long weekend.

Movement: Too early.

Food cravings: I didn’t have any cravings this week. I’m still having some nausea and food aversions so I ate anything that sounded good.

Gender: Don’t know yet, though I have my suspicions.

Labor signs: Zilch, thank goodness.

Belly button? In, maybe getting shallower

What I miss: Nothing, really.

What I am looking forward to: Seeing Breadcrumb at our next appointment on 2/6, starting to plan the nursery and baby shower.

Baby Buys: Bought a few more items for our cloth diaper stash.

Milestones: Making it to 12 weeks. Just a few more days until the second trimester!

Breadcrumb Week 11

Originally posted on January 20, 2014

How far along: 11 weeks, 1 day

Total Weight Gain/Loss: -14 pounds

Symptoms: I feel like this week, my body decided to give me every symptom in the book.
– Periods of nausea 
– food aversions 
– tiredness 
– Nose bleeds
– sneezing (can sneezing be a symptom? I sneeze like 10-15 times a day!)
– Bloody gums
– Strange cramps/pains
 I’m having cramps/pains every day. I’m undecided if it’s growing pains or something else; however, they have decreased on the pain scale, so I haven’t made an appointment with my OB. I have noticed that they increase when I’ve done a lot during the day, even if it’s just walking around a store, so I’ve been trying to keep things low key. We did order a doppler so that we can check up on Breadcrumb’s heartbeat during scary times like this.

Maternity clothes: Wearing maternity jeans more often than not; as soon as I get home, I’m either in yoga pants or PJ pants.

Stretch marks: Nothing new. I have a few on my stomach from when I gained weight in the past, but they’re really light.

Sleep: Sleep is ok. A few times this week, I’ve woken up in the middle of the night to pee. Most nights I’m waking up throughout the night to reposition myself.

Best moment last week: Unfortunately the cramps scare kind of overshadowed last week so I can’t think of a “best moment,” but as always, I’m beyond thankful to be in this place.

Movement: Too early.

Food cravings: Milk! I’m really particular about my milk consumption (I won’t drink it unless it’s ice cold,) and I think I’ve drank more milk this week than I have in all of 2013.

Gender: Don’t know yet, though I have my suspicions. Keegan told me that he thinks we’re having a girl.

Labor signs: Zilch, thank goodness.

Belly button? In, maybe getting shallower

What I miss: Nothing, really.

What I am looking forward to: Seeing Breadcrumb at our next appointment on 2/6, starting to plan the nursery

Baby Buys: Bought a set of onesies from Kohls that were on sale.

Milestones: Making it to 11 weeks!

Breadcrumb Week 10

Originally posted on January 12, 2014

How far along: 10 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: -10 pounds

Symptoms: Nausea, food aversions, tiredness. We’re still in bed by 8:30 more often than not. I’ve been taken off my Metformin, so hopefully that’ll help with the nausea

Maternity clothes: Still using the hair tie trick on my size 16 pants but I did buy some maternity pants from Old Navy. I wore them out on Saturday, and they kept falling down. While they’re more comfortable than my regular jeans, I’m not sure how often I’ll wear them because they’re still a bit big. As soon as I get home, I’m either in yoga pants or PJ pants.

Stretch marks: Nothing new. I have a few on my stomach from when I gained weight in the past, but they’re really light.

Sleep: Sleep has gotten better since I got the ok from my OB to sleep on my stomach until 24 weeks. Once we hit that magical milestone, I was told I have to sleep on my sides.

Best moment last week: We had our first OB appointment, found out our official due date (August 10,) and saw Breadcrumb again at 9 weeks, 4 days with a heartbeat of 176. We also got to see his/her legs kick!

Movement: Too early.

Food cravings: I finally got CiCi’s mac n’ cheese pizza! It was as wonderful as I remember and totally curbed my craving. I’ve been craving a chocolate cupcake recently.

Gender: Don’t know yet, though I have my suspicions. If you believe in the heartbeat old wives tales, then we’re having a girl

Labor signs: Zilch, thank goodness.

Belly button? In, no change

What I miss: Nothing, really.

What I am looking forward to: Seeing Breadcrumb at our next appointment, starting to plan the nursery

Baby Buys: Still waiting on the cloth diapers that I ordered last week, got some more onesies from Old Navy on super sale

Milestones: Making it to 10 weeks and having our first OB appointment!

First OB Appointment – 9 Weeks, 4 Days

Originally posted January 10, 2014

When we found out I was pregnant, my first thought was who I was going to have for my OB and consequently, who was going to be delivering my baby. 

While trying to conceive, we worked with Dr. B at a local clinic. He was great up until about August where both Keegan and I felt like his attention and patience with us was decreasing, basically it felt like he was getting frustrated that we weren’t getting pregnant. We ended up coming to our RE who we loved, but is 2.5 hours away, so we couldn’t continue care with her after we conceived. 

After asking a few wives of Keegan’s coworkers, we decided on staying with the same clinic that Dr. B works at, but just switching doctors. Dr. L was (and has continued to be) wonderful and we both feel confident with her delivering Breadcrumb in August. 

First of all, we were taken back to the ultrasound room where I had my first over the belly ultrasound! Right away we saw Breadcrumb who was starting to look more like a baby and less like a blob. We were even able to see his/her little feet kicking away! The heart was beating at a fast 176 bpm and the ultrasound tech decided due to measurements, and the date of my last period, that our official due date is August 10 (due to conception date, I figured August 12, but whatever works,) which put me at 9 weeks, 4 days yesterday.

Next, we went back into an exam room where my OB’s nurse went through a bunch of questions with us such as family history of genetic diseases, if we smoke/drank/did drugs, etc. Basic questions to see if there would be any red flags for this pregnancy. We also had to decide right then and there if we wanted to do genetic testing and if I wanted the option of an epidural during delivery. I was really taken aback by having to decide on the epidural, but apparently if you check “no,” they don’t inform the anesthesiologist that you’re in labor which means you don’t have the option. If you even have an inkling of maybe, possibly, wanting an epidural, they suggest you check “yes” so that the anesthesiologist will be in the hospital. My hope is to do a natural birth if possible, but if I find I can’t handle the pain, I will want an epidural. You bet your bottom dollar I checked “yes,” just in case.

Unfortunately my family history did raise a red flag for this pregnancy. My dad has Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome which can cause miscarriages in the second trimester of pregnancy. I haven’t been tested; my RE actually gave me a request to get tested before we did our IUI, but I got pregnant on our last cycle of Clomid. My OB said that she isn’t worried about miscarriage in my first trimester, especially since its almost over, but she is worried about my second. I’m on baby aspirin for the rest of the pregnancy as a precautionary measure since that’s what they would do with a patient that did have APS.

I was also told to stop my Metformin at 10 weeks so that when I do the gestation diabetes test between 24 and 28 weeks, the numbers will reflect my natural levels instead of what they would be on Metformin. If I do have gestation diabetes, then I will go back on Metformin for the remainder of the pregnancy. With the chance of having APS, I also have an increased risk of preeclampsia, so I have to watch out for signs.

The last part of my appointment was talking with my OB about delivery. My hope is to have a natural birth and I was afraid that hospital regulations would make that difficult. I am beyond excited to say that my OB was able to calm my fears. I asked her if a natural birth is possible in their hospital’s setting and she excitedly said it was. She said that there is a whirlpool tub that I can labor in as long as my water hasn’t ruptured, there’s a shower, I can bring my own birthing ball and music, I can dictate how I want the lights to be and more. She’s had women deliver standing, squating, hunched over the bed, however it feel comfortable to them. The only restriction is that you cannot have candles because they have tanks of oxygen in the rooms.

There is no time restraint for delivery as long as baby is doing well, and mother is progressing. The only time they would recommend a c-section is if baby is in distress or mother has been pushing for hours and it looks like baby just won’t fit. Before I could even ask, Dr. L said she doesn’t do episiotomies unless baby has crowned multiple times and it looks like the head won’t come out without a bit of help. She mentioned that she will do oil massages to try and stretch out the area.

I asked about a doula and Dr. L said that while she hasn’t worked with many of them, they are allowed and she has had good experiences in the past. She was also able to give me a few recommendations for the two doulas that she has worked with as well as pros and cons for both.

Overall it was a wonderful, surreal appointment. I sat in the waiting room where I had sat for over a year time after time, seeing all of the pregnant bellies and ultrasound pictures while I was trying to figure out why my body couldn’t do what everyone else’s seem to do so easily. Finally I was sitting there, pregnant, with my own ultrasound pictures tucked away in my purse as to not hurt anyone else. It was a place I never thought I would be, and I am thankful every day for the experience.

Breadcrumb Week 9

Originally posted on January 7, 2014

How far along: 9 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: -8 pounds.

Symptoms: Nausea, food aversions, tiredness. We’re still in bed by 8:30 more often than not. I’ve also noticed that my skin has been super dry. Every time I use lotion, even the kind meant for dry sensitive skin, my face breaks out. I’ve heard good things about Lush products since they’re “all natural,” but I don’t want to spend $24 on 2 ounces of lotion if it doesn’t work. Anyone have comments on Lush products or something similar?

Maternity clothes: Not yet. Still using the hair tie trick on my size 16 pants, or wearing my size 18 pants normally. As soon as I get home, I’m either in yoga pants or PJ pants. Thinking about getting some maternity pants this weekend, my tummy doesn’t like having anything touching it.

Stretch marks: Nothing new. I have a few on my stomach from when I gained weight in the past, but they’re really light.

Sleep: Sleep is….ok. Waking up more often throughout the night to reposition myself. Still trying to become a side sleeper, but waking up on my tummy more often than not.

Best moment last week: We “came out” on Facebook using the picture below:

Movement: Too early.

Food cravings: I don’t know if it’s a craving, but I’ve been wanting a Coke or Pepsi more than anything in the world. I think it’s more habit than craving, through. I’ve been able to go this entire time without having one, and my plan is not to have one the entire pregnancy. I’ve also wanted CiCi’s mac n’ cheese pizza like none other, but the closest restaurant to us is 45 minutes away and I haven’t been able to convince Keegan to go yet. I’ve also been craving cake donuts. Not ones with glaze, but just regular, plain cake donuts. We typically watch Good Eats before bed (stupid idea when you’re pregnant) and Alton Brown was making donuts during an episode. I rolled over and told Keegan he either had to make me some, or find somewhere that makes them.

Gender: Don’t know yet, though I have my suspicions. Still having dreams that I’m pregnant with twin girls, but as far as we know, there’s only one in there. Friend on Facebook apparently sent our ultrasound picture from our announcement to her ultrasound tech friend who said based on the “ramzi method,” we’re having a girl, though I’m not sure how much I trust that.

Labor signs: Zilch, thank goodness.

Belly button? In, no change

What I miss: Nothing, really. Maybe not waking up so often during the night? Oh, and being able to eat. This constantly nauseous feeling is for the birds.

What I am looking forward to: Seeing Breadcrumb again at our appointment with my OB on Thursday.

Baby Buys: We’re going to cloth diaper this little one, so I’ve been slowly building up my stash. I purchased two covers this week while Kelly’s Closet was having an awesome coupon deal.

Milestones: Making it to 9 weeks and telling Facebook!

Breadcrumb Week 8

I decided to do weekly updates so that I would have a journal of sorts to look back on my pregnancy. This was originally posted on January 1, 2014. 

How far along: 8 weeks, 1 day 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: -5 pounds. Apparently pregnancy was the push I needed to get under the 200 pound mark.

Symptoms: Nausea, food aversions, sore boobs, tiredness. We’re in bed by 8:30 more often than not.

Maternity clothes: Not yet. Using the hair tie trick on my size 16 pants, or wearing my size 18 pants normally. Love yoga pants over jeans.

Stretch marks: Nothing new. I have a few on my stomach from when I gained weight in the past, but they’re really light.

Sleep: Sleep is pretty good. Waking up a few times throughout the night to reposition myself. I’m a tummy sleeper and while I know it’s not best to sleep on your stomach during pregnancy, I just can’t seem to kick the habit. Keegan got me a pregnancy pillow for Christmas and I’m currently working on using that to keep me on my side.

Best moment last week: 12/23 seeing Breadcrumb for the first time and seeing his/her heartbeat. Telling our families on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Movement: Not yet.

Food cravings: Nothing. I’ve been super nauseous (but I’ve only thrown up once!) so I’m just trying to eat anything that sounds remotely appetizing. My biggest problem is that one day something will taste good, then the next, I’ll hate it.

Gender: Don’t know yet, though I have my suspicions. I keep having dreams that I’m pregnant with twin girls, but as far as we know, there’s only one in there.

Labor signs: Zilch, thank goodness.

Belly button? In, no change

What I miss: Nothing, really. I would say the ability to drink, but I wasn’t a big drinker before. My mom did bring down some Mikes Hard Margaritas over Christmas and those looked wonderful, even though I don’t like margaritas.

What I am looking forward to: Seeing Breadcrumb again, finding an OB, and finding out what we’re having.

Baby Buys: A few onesies from Old Navy when they were having their 75% off sale as well as a Christmas onesie and pant set from Sam’s for $2.81. Trying to buy things on sale that are gender neutral, but it’s hard!

Milestones: Making it to 8 weeks and telling our families!

Telling My Family About Breadcrumb

My family came down for Christmas which was the perfect time for us to surprise them with the news. I was so excited that I couldn’t wait for Christmas Day, and convinced Keegan to let me tell them on Christmas Eve day. Please excuse the pajamas, I was one, lazy that entire week, and two, trying to hide any inclination that I could be pregnant.