The waddling & third trimester begins

Well, today embarks my first day of the third trimester. I'm hoping this one is just as good as the past two. I've noticed myself waddling a bit lately, which is something I'm sure will get more and more noticable with time. I'm starting to slow things down a bit, which is really been hard, but I know it's best for me and Gage.

We started childbirth class this week, and let's just say Kim and I learned a lot! Wow! We have three more sessions this month to get through; we're hoping to be able to stomach some of those videos since we both have very weak stomachs. The first class went very well though.

I am getting quite large, but still keeping the weight gain to a reasonable 12 pounds in total. My feet began swelling two weeks ago, but thankfully it's hit and miss on when they do it and isn't a constant. Still enjoying beef for dinner and haven't had any weird cravings lately.

I went to hug Kim last night, and my stomach bounced off of him; it made us both crack up! Gage is moving like crazy and doesn't usually start until 3p.m. in the afternoon. I think he's going to have his dad's later schedule than my morning one! Kim's able to feel him move around and kick often. Last week when we woke up and were being lazy, I told him I hadn't felt Gage move for several minutes. So, what does Kim do... put his hand on my belly, talk to him and tell him he needed to move around. Instantly, he kicked! Guess he likes his daddy's voice/touch, which I love! How can he not; Kim is going to be the most amazing dad!

That's the quick summary of what's been going on and where we are. Hoping things keep progressing nicely. Here's my 28-week photo from tonight. More pics of the nursery and my first shower on Sunday coming soon.

24 weeks & growing

Today marks 24 weeks, and the stomach is for sure stretching as you can see in today's photo! I was actually told four times today at work how I've really popped out over the last week. Normally, some would get frustrated with a comment like that, but I've been thrilled with it!

Other than nasty hives on my stomach, arms and back for two weeks, life has been good. And, it's even better now that they are gone. I'm sleeping well with my body pillow and feel great during the day, too.

I had a routine check-up and all seems well thus far. My blood pressure was good, have gained 6 lbs. to-date, and the heartbeat was 140. He was a little stinker again, as he would move every time they placed the doppler on my stomach. I don't think he likes to be bothered! :) Nothing new to report from the doc. My next appointment will be the glucose test and check for iron levels.

I've been hungry a lot more lately and wanting BEEF of all things! Last night I ate my first steak, a New York Strip, and Kim thought it was hillarious.

Here's to another set of good weeks ahead!

Half way home and gender revealing

Kim and I had our 20-week sono today and learned Baby Picken is a BOY! We are so thrilled!

More importantly, baby measured at 20-weeks, 2 days and was looking great. Our doctor was pleased with everything he saw on the many photos our child got today... hopefully, he'll get used to getting his picture taken!

He was quite the mover and wouldn't stay still for anything. However, we got plenty of good hiney shots, and it's a boy for sure!

Below is my first pregnancy photo at 20-weeks, and I'll try to capture one every few weeks to see the progress.

The week of many 'firsts'

Currently, I'm feeling fantastic and am doing well. I have a decent amount of energy; I wouldn't say I'm overly-energetic, but have enough to get me through the day and much of the night. I've been napping occasionally after work to get in an extra 60 minutes since I no longer sleep 'good' all night long. I've been picking up the house more than I used to, and I'm not sure what that's all about, but it's a good thing... especially to my neat-freak hubby.

The non-maternity pants are no longer being used, and I've transitioned over to the 'comfy' side! Life is good! On Tuesday, I wore my first maternity top to work, and the heads were turning. Obviously those who I'm close to at work complimented it and were happy I'm in this situation, and the others were trying to look and see if it was so, without being obvious. I chuckled quite a bit!

We bought our first baby item this week... a glider/recliner and ottoman. It's very sweet, and we'll be able to pick it up in a few weeks. Espresso wood and a khaki/goldish fabric. We couldn't resist the massive sale and were able to get it for an amazing deal. I'm just super glad Kim liked the one we got the most, just as I did!

Today brought me two 'firsts'. My hands are tingly today and swollen, so much that I can't even wear the very large knock-off ring I wear to still let others know I'm happily married. I guess it's just normal and part of the 'movement' and position of things on my nerves (that's what it said online for week 19). Then, at 1p.m., I felt the baby first kick while I was typing away at work. It felt like a little tap and some fluttering just below my belly button and immediately brought a smile to my face. God is truly amazing, and I'm so appreciative for this reminder that things are progressing as should be. I had to tell Kim first right away, and his response was that it must be a sign for him to draft a kicker early for his fantasy football team draft tonight! :)

Another first... I'm eating beef for the first time since I can remember. For those who know me REALLY well, you know this is insane. I absolutely hate beef and can't even look at it, let alone eat it. Only hamburgers for right now, but Kim is working on me to try steak... not a chance, Kim! Other than that I have been enjoying gummy worms and gummy bears. I'm not normally a candy person, so I crack myself up when I think about the munching on gummy bears at work at age 28! How professional! :)

We're counting down the days until September 9, 1p.m. arrives where we HOPE to learn the baby's gender. We're both very excited about it and have plans everyday from Friday until next Wednesday to help keep our minds off of it. I have a boy and girl name I'm really into, and Kim has told me he's going to start offering up suggestions when he knows what we're having. The gender, nor name, will be a secret, so we'll keep the friends/family posted once we know more.

Finally, we get to spill the beans!

Well, it's been an interesting past few months of working with our OB to figure out what's wrong with me. Little did we know... 3 1/2 yrs. later, that we had polycystic ovarian syndrome-totally normal and treatable with meds. So, we went to the doc every other day for about two weeks or so to get sonos to see if things were working. If not, I was going to start meds in June and start trying again in July.

So, we learned that one egg 'took' and was ready to ovulate (totally a God-thing b/c it hadn't done this EVER). We knew exactly when to try, and we got pregnant right away. We learned we were having a baby in late May. So, we have been keeping our secret for a while now and are 12 weeks pregnant. We've had two great sonos, one at six-weeks and the other at eight. Yesterday, we had the doppler heartbeat check, and we heard a strong 164/mn heartbeat. So, all is well and the news is all out!

It was great telling family last night, and we're excited for our friends to know of just how amazing it is to be blessed by God. We can't wait for our little bundle of joy in January!

Long time... finally hope & progress

So, ever since last time to ovulate (June 2008), I haven't been able to do it since. It's been a rollercoaster of emotions with my mom's illness and dog's death, but I think we've all recovered. I've been very encouraged by a very close group of people who have helped me get through this rough journey in our lives.

Thankfully, we're seeing progress. Last month, God decided to let me ovulate... when from 0.2 levels of progesterone to 12.6 in one month! Praise God! Didn't get pregnant, but we're excited my body worked on it's own this month, and we're back to the meds this week and trying next!

When I had my doc appointment on Day 21 (when levels went from 0.2 to 12.6)... I was unbelievable at peace. I entered the doors and my neighboor immediately welcomed me and asked how we were doing... my nurse cried w/me as she's going through the EXACT same thing, and my doc is amazing with my high-level of emotions. I just left leaving there calm and at peace... little did I know I'd learn about my levels during this peace.

So, things are looking up, and we're remaining positive. I just can't describe how wonderful a few of my friends have been as we're going through this. There are few people that can be sensitive to our feelings, and for that I'm very thankful. Kim remains the rock during these trials; he is SIMPLY AMAZING! God knew what he was doing when he brought Kim in my life!!!

Hoping my levels remain high this month, and perhaps we can get pregnant... we'll continue to wait and see.

My God is bigger than infertility!!!!!!!!!!

Two months up to speed in one paragraph

Well, I didn't ovulate last month at all, haven't yet as of this month and am patiently waiting. This week I learned my mom's got cancer and so does my dog. It's been a much harder week than all of my infertility whoas combined. See, God knows what he's doing. Doesn't make the situations easier to get through, but it does remind me I'm in His care, and he'll provide.