Sweet Sixteen

WHATS UP WEEK 16!?!?!? 

Is this enough of a reason to throw myself a Sweet Sixteen Party!? Because I'm pretty sure I'm excited enough to blow like a million dollars on a badass entrance, a custom-made dress or two, some fire breathers, choreographed dancers, and make my parents buy me a new car. PRETTY SURE. 

Wanna know why!? Well let me enlighten you, my darling friends. This week has been awesome for two gigantic reasons: 

1) I FELT KICKS. On Wednesday evening while lounging with the hubby, I felt a super fast, super light little fluttering in my belly. It went by so fast that it took me a second to realize what it was. I actually wasn't even convinced they were kicks until I felt them again Thursday night. Then again Friday morning. Then again Saturday afternoon. I'm still waiting for my little hello for today, but it makes me insanely happy. I can't get over it!!! So weird, but so amazing at the same time. Makes me fall in love with this little peanut over and over again. (Until he/she is kicking me straight in the bladder or ribcage - then it the emotion might be a little different than love.)

2) WE FOUND A NEW PLACE TO LIVE. Hubby and I went apartment hunting all day on Saturday, and honestly everywhere we went was terrible. We hated all of them. None of them were as good as the place we're in now, and some were even more expensive and literally half as nice. It blows my mind the craphole units that these Bay Area complexes are renting. So, we checked in with our current complex  for pricing, walked a GORGEOUS 2 bedroom unit, sucked it up and put down a deposit. Finances will be tight, but we'll make it work. Its wonderful, bigger than what we have now, has a washer/dryer in unit, wonderful amenities, we feel safe here, and its nearby both our parents. Everything is workin out!! (Thank goodness!! Cue the baby-stuff-hoarding!) 

UPDATE! 16 Weeks! FOUR MONTHS, PEOPLE!

Baby is the Size of:  An Avocado!! This just makes me giggle, imagining the hundreds of avocados that grow in Tanya's tree in the backyard. All I imagine is a tree full of babies. (I know - a little weird). Baby is about 4 1/2 inches long, and weighs in at 3 1/2 ounces. 

Baby’s New Developments (According to Baby Center): Baby is getting a little more human looking! Baby's head is more erect than ever, the eyes are moving in towards the front of the head, and the patterning of the scalp has started. Oh yeah, and don't forget that Peanut is starting to grow toenails. 

Food Cravings: Fruit and high protein meats! Kiwis are delicious - I'm not sure if I could really call them a craving, but I'll definitely never turn one down. 

Food Aversions: I'm getting really tired of pizza. I don't have it that often, but its just boring. 

Most Common Symptoms: This week has been pretty good! My energy is coming back, and my morning sickness only showed up twice this past week. I'm taking it and running. My face is still breaking out, and my back looks horrendous (in my opinion), but at least my hair isn't falling out in major clumps anymore. Again - whoever told you that pregnancy is glamorous - they LIED. 

What’s New: Just those sweet little fluttery kicks!! I can't even describe how exciting they are. These tiny little 'hellos' from my sweet little bebe.

Hopes: Tomorrow (Monday) I have a doctor's appointment for a baby check up! Hoping all goes well, and really hoping I don't have to do another blood draw. Seriously, guys, the whole blood draw thing is getting old. I think I'm up to giving up 8 vials now? I kinda need my blood IN my body right now.

Intuitions: Gah. I don't even know.

Best Moment of the Week: First kicks, thats for damn sure. 

I just realized I didn't take a full shot this week, but here's a fun one from my point of view! 

Only 167 days to go (till my due date)! 

But hey, who's counting. 

The Apple of My Eye

Week 15! Only one more week until the mile marker of 4 months, and I really don't have a whole lot to update with. So... sorry if you were expecting brand new information that would just blow your mind. This week has flown by so fast that I can barely think of anything "new" to tell ya'll!

Uh…. Here's an awesome video to make you happy? 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2LiFsdrXF4 

Jimmy Fallon = Happiness. 

UPDATE! 15 Weeks!

Baby is the Size of:  An apple!! Little sweet apple of my eye…. errr… uterus. Baby now measures about 4 inches, and is a total fatty at 2 1/2 ounces. 

Baby’s New Developments (According to Baby Center): Baby is full blown 'breathing' amniotic fluid through his/her mouth and nose, which helps the lungs continue to develop. Baby's eyelids are still fuzed shut, but apparently can sense light. If I shine a flashlight on my belly, baby will run/swim/jerkily move away from it. Basically this kid is a sleestak & hates the light. (…I googled "creatures that hate light" and it literally came up with the definition of a sleestak. Do it yourself and feel as geeky as I do. Don't forget to click "images," so you can really get a visual)

Food Cravings: Still nothing crazy. Sorry. 

Food Aversions: Chicken is still super lame - all hail the high protein red meat!! 

Most Common Symptoms: I had another weird skinny week. Although on Friday my bump was back with a vengeance. And then Saturday it was gone. And today its kind of there? I think this kid is trying to play hide and seek with me, but I can't tell who's winning. 

What’s New: Apparently I've lost weight?? I volunteered to be part of the PETALS study through Kaiser (studying how my environment/lifestyle/eating habits/etc effects my pregnancy. Kaiser will later use my data along with thousands of other preggo's results to help future mommies have a happier, healthier pregnancy.) Anyway they weighed me in at 151 pounds on Saturday morning. My first appt at 6 weeks I weighed in at 153, my 8 week appt was 153 (weird) and about 2 or 3 weeks ago I weighed myself at my folks at 155. And now I'm back down to 151. Tanya & Ashley reassured me (they're the best) and told me lots of women lose weight, and it varies so much with timing of the day, etc. I guess its a good thing I haven't gained 10 pounds or anything, but it was still alarming! 

Hopes: Hoping this upcoming week will fly by like this past one! On March 17th we have an appointment for Peanut, (standard monthly visit) but I'm still excited to hear his/her little heartbeat on the doppler. 

Intuitions: Still thinking pink! Almost purely out of spite at this point. 

Best Moment of the Week: The clothes swap!! Every few months or so I'm lucky enough to be included in a huge clothes swap with a bunch of girlfriends. Ashley opens up her home to about 20 to 30 girls that bring in all their clothing they no longer wear, but is still in good shape. Its basically free shopping - leave your unwanted, take home new-to-you treasures! This clothes swap was like gold for me and two other preggos in attendance, we had several moms bring in their maternity clothes! Needless to say my closet got a HUGE face lift!! So grateful for a fun night with girls, closet refresh, and feeling good! All the leftover clothing is donated to Goodwill or another charity when all is said and done. Best. Tradition. Ever. 

Here's muh semi-little belly this week: 

Officially the work-bathroom-outfit-selfie.

And thanks to Ashley for the clothing swap maxi dress!! Obviously already getting put to work! 

See ya at the 4 month mark!

This Kid Better Be Adorable So He/She Can Distract People From My Bald Head

A whole new month, a whole new week! 

February flew by super fast for us, and March is going to be insanely busy. Hubbs & I will need to find a new place to move to in April (curtesy of our apartment rates getting jacked up when our lease ends, and needing a second bedroom for the peanut & peanut's furniture/playthings/everything baby that won't fit in a closet), so the hunt begins now. I've been looking for weeks to figure out pricing, good locations, etc, but now that the 30 day notices of tenants will be trickling in, and options will now be available for a move-in date in April. Please please keep your fingers crossed for us because to be honest, I'm panicking a little. Moving is stressful enough, now I have to figure out how to do it with hormones raging, and belly growing. At least I won't have to help move the couch. 

Anyway, onto the good stuff!! 

UPDATE! 14 Weeks!

Baby is the Size of:  a LEMON! Didn't we already do lemon? Maybe this time its a bigger lemon. Baby is about 3 1/2 inches long, and weighs 1 1/2 ounces. 

Baby’s New Developments (According to Baby Center): Baby is starting to get more proportional looking, with the head sitting on a more distinct neck, and arms and legs really growin out! Babe is making a bunch of facial emotions, from grimacing to smiling to looking confused. They aren't connected with emotions yet, but baby is in sarcasm training... Eyebrow raise. Oh! And sucking his/her thumb is happening now too! And peeing. Thanks, kid, glad you're sharing.

Food Cravings: Still nothing crazy. However dark chocolate after my hawaiian pizza was delicious tonight. 

Food Aversions: Chicken is still the most boring food on the planet. There's no way to make it taste fantastic, its all just mediocre.  Otherwise, mustard is still gag-worthy, and I'm not sure why cumin is a thing.

Most Common Symptoms: Still pretty tired. Not as bad as last week, but I'm still ready to knock out at the sight of a reclining chair. This week has been the week of the small belly though - its kinda funky. I woke up this morning and literally didn't look pregnant at all - the kid disappeared on me. After eating breakfast and lunch my belly slowly showed up again, but it was a little freaky to see a flat stomach for the first time in months. 

What’s New: My hair is falling out. Like, in an alarming "how am I not bald right now" rate. I'm taking my vitamins, I have "vitamin enriched" shampoo, and my hair is still falling out. I heard its a bit of a phase, it all falls out then grows back with a vengeance. So, lets just look forward to that. Oh, this might be way too much info, but my libido is back. Thankgod. Somewhere my husband is smiling.

Hopes: Hoping my kid doesn't keep disappearing. I like having the reassuring big belly in the morning, not an awkward "if I turn to the side, its like I have a bloated six pack." I'm also hoping that I can continue to get good sleep! Last night I was out like a brick and only woke up once. That would be awesome to continue! 

Intuitions: Still thinking pink! Although I'm completely up in the air if its a girl or boy, I still have my fingers crossed. I also just really, really want to be able to use an all-sequin table runner or table cloth as a dresser drape in a nursery. So girly, so cute, I can't handle it.

Best Moment of the Week: Last night I didn't take my anti-nasuea meds, and I woke up this morning not feeling like death!!!! I got a little queasy smelling the breakfast burritos my husband was cooking for us, but as soon as it was in front of me I was right back on track scarfing it down. I have about a week left of pills, (I really have 2 more months of refills but I'm trying not to refill it) so I'm hoping that I can stay off them! It will be interesting to see if it effects me in any other way to not be on them. Maybe I'll get more heartburn? Less heartburn? Have more energy? Less energy? I've been living on them for about 5 weeks, so let's see what happens!

Until next week, here's me & my little peanut!! 

Belly Bump is Officially Bigger than Boob Bump.

I'm off to live another week! Keep your fingers crossed for not having to buy a wig, for keeping this baby bump happy, and finding a new place to call home. I know its a lot to ask for one week, but hey - shoot for the stars, right? 

Hit That Milestone Running!! 2nd Trimester is Here!

Oh HELLLLLLOOOO second trimester! No one is happier that you are here than I am. (again, my husband is laughing somewhere.)

May my nausea please go away,
May I no longer sprint to the bathroom screaming "OUT OF MY WAY!"

May my exhaustion fade way to the past,
May this baby belly get bigger, rounder, and fast!

May my deranged emotions chill the F out,
May tears of joy no longer arrive when I see a girl scout.

May my acne disappear and face become clear,
May grocery stores smells not instill me with fear.

Ok we're done. My dad is the poem genius, I just sound ridiculous. 

Really though, its my second trimester, and I'm STOKED. STOKED, PEOPLE. Is that word not cool anymore? I don't care - I'm bringing it back.

UPDATES! 13 weeks - SECOND TRIMESTER BITCHACOS (I'm bringing that one back too)

Baby is the Size of:  a JUMBO PRAWN. Nearly 3 inches long, and weighs nearly an ounce. I saw a picture today in my MayoClinic Book (honestly the best book ever) and it had an actual size image of how big little Peanut is. It was weirdly amazing to stare at, and awkwardly hold the book page over my bump and giggle. I stared at it for a solid 10 minutes. 

Baby’s New Developments (According to Baby Center): Guess who can no longer get away with crimes?! This kid. Baby has fingerprints. (Busted!) Veins and organs are visible, and baby's way oversized head is now only a third of his/her body instead of a whopping half. My little brainiac :) 

Food Cravings: Not a whole lot. I've noticed I've been preferring higher protein snacks and meals. For instance, yesterday at MexiCali, a tostada salad would have been DISGUSTING, except I got hit by the "OH it comes with steak - definitely get that" epiphany. 

Food Aversions: Not too much to update here - but chicken is getting really boring. Also, I give up grocery shopping. I'll buy food for a week, and by the time I'm supposed to eat it, no, no, no I don't want that at all. Why would I buy that. What a stupid decision.

Most Common Symptoms: This week has been exhaustion. I'm not sure how much having a grody cold played into it, but I was wiped. You know those completely obnoxious 5-Hour Energy commercials, where the narrator comes on and says "GOT THAT 2:30 FEELING??" yeah. I do. Every day. Don't rub it in, jerk. I'm trying to sleep on my desk and you're waking me up.

What’s New: My cold is gone! I know its not directly pregnancy related, but its still noteworthy. Also, this kid is getting big. Usually my belly seems decently small until I start moving around for the day, and chow down on breakfast & snacks. This week, this bump is here as soon as I wake up. Peanut has taken new territory.

Hopes: Uh…Refer to my "poem" above.

Intuitions: Ok, ok. I'm carrying forward. As much as I didn't want to admit it, I think I am. I'm not sure if its still too early for my belly to truly take a shape, and if it will still change or not, but this kid is a front-heavy kid. Sooooo fire trucks and baseball might be in our future instead of glitter and ballet slippers.

Best Moment of the Week: Getting better!! Also, we got to go on a tour at the new Levi's Stadium where the 49ers will play! It's nearing completion (and by nearing, I mean they have 139 days to go. No exaggeration - there was a countdown) I went with my folks, and best friends Tanya and Cody. Poor Jason had to work from 4:00am until 3:30pm, poor thing. But I love that he takes such good care of our little family <3

By the way, I don't think I've mentioned this yet! I've talked about Tanya in nearly every post, but never brought up her blog. Please check it out - its awesome! From crafts to recipes to up-cycling to baby & family adventures, her blog has it. Bookmark it!! http://tawnweya.blogspot.com

*Cough* 3 Months! *Sneeze* Where are my slippers?

Ok. So I should be a little more excited. After all, not only have I hit the 3 month mark, but also it was Valentines Day, and I had a 3 day weekend for Presidents Day. 

However. Its Tuesday, I should be at work, but instead I'm home sick. Trust me, I know how to rock the 3 day weekend with total success. (If you can't read sarcasm, then understand I was referencing my weekend spent in bed being a total wuss.)

Either way, that doesn't mean that this little peanut hasn't aged another week! This kid is damn near the second trimester, and *hopefully* getting all of it's first semester kinks out now. Seriously, kid. Just do it. Hurl. Pee three times in one night. Make mom wanna die. Just do it, and move on. You're killin me smalls.

UPDATES! 12 weeks - aka 3 MONTHS!!!! 

Baby is the Size of: Just over 2inches long from crown to rump, baby is the size of a lime! 

Baby’s New Developments (According to Baby Center): Baby has some major reflexes now! Baby's fingers are working on being able to open and close, mouth can make sucking movements, toes will curl, and eyes can clench closed. Bonus fun for this week - if I poke my tummy, baby squirms in response! I won't be able to feel it for a few more weeks, but its a little fun to imagine Peanut squirming away with a "wtf?!" eye clench to go along with it.

Food Cravings: Still the same! Strawberries are a godsend, and this sore throat really loves mint tea with tons of honey.

Food Aversions: Spice. Hubby made really good home made enchiladas for Valentines Day, and even the mild sauce was spiiiiiicy! The flavors were amazing, but holy cow! 

Most Common Symptoms: No news here - nausea is still doing decently ok, hopefully making its exit! 

What’s New: I got a knee pillow! And I've taken out the extra pillows propping up my main pillow in effort to get more mobility. It has helped so so much - the knee pillow really helps alleviate the pressure on my hips, and having my main pillow lay flat again lets me rotate from side to side. Ahhhhh freedom. 

Hopes: Hoping to kick this cold!!! There is only so much mint tea and honey in my house. Keep in mind that being preggo you're pretty much banned from any cold med you wish you could take. So, here goes tea and honey.

Intuitions: Still hoping its a girl! Tanya & Cody noticed I'm carrying a little more forwards than sideways, so it might be early signs that Peanut is really a boy. (Lets just keep our fingers crossed its just an early bump!)

Best Moment of the Week: Two words: knee pillow.

The latest bump pic from Valentine's Day, thinking pink!! 

My Valentines!

Lets hope for a healthier week coming up, and next Saturday means SECOND TRIMESTERRRRR!!!! Break out the party hats, ladies! 

Where's My Tiara!?

There's something cool about the number 11. Probably because it has two of the same number in it, but also because it makes me think of the time 11:11 (kiss the clock!!) Or maybe because 11:00 is that last magic hour before your fairy tale spell ends, and your carriage turns back into a pumpkin and your horses become mice. 

Who am I kidding. As much as Lorde tells me to be a Queen Bee, there ain't no magic pumpkins. 

BUUUT I am going to make this metaphor work! Symptoms are improving, which means that maybe I'm enduring my last "magical" hour/week of first trimester woes, and I'll start to feel like a real life princess soon enough! Break out the glittery tiaras and singing farm animals!

Baby is the Size of: A fig!! Just over 1 1/2 inches long, and totally adorbs. (Baby Center may not have included that last part.)

Baby’s New Developments (According to Baby Center): Baby's hands will soon be able to open and close into little fists, tiny little teeth buds are growing, and bones are beginning to harden. Baby is kicking and stretching like David Beckham, and hiccuping all the time.

Food Cravings: No real updates here... however strawberries have become delicious. Oh and green apples with peanut butter. 

Food Aversions: I've actually been pretty good this week! Nothing has really crept up on me that made me cringe. The only thing I can think of was being trapped at Safeway behind a really heavy set guy - I couldn't tell if it was BO or if he used curry as deodorant (heyyy maybe both) but either way I got out of that aisle as soon as possible.

Most Common Symptoms: Nausea is still slowing down, which is awesome! Finally starting to feel like a normal human being again. However sleep is getting much harder. I sleep on my left hand side most of the night (which luckily benefits me/baby because apparently sleeping on your left promotes the best blood flow to the bebe). However, I only sleep on that side because my right side feels funny, and sleeping on my back feels too tight on my stomach and hurts my lower back unless I prop my knees up. So left side it is. And achy hips in the morning. Again - feeling like I'm 80. 

What’s New: My face. Well, not my face face, but my skin. In fear of jinxing it (just knocked on every piece of wood furniture around me) my face is clearing up!!! I don't feel like I'm 15 anymore!!! My color, complexion, its all coming back!! These hormones are finally calming the F down!!! Seriously I'm more ecstatic now than I was morning of senior prom, rejoicing there wasn't a huge zit on my nose. 

Hopes: Hoping to keep on truckin! Things are looking up, and I'm really grateful. Also hoping I get to spend some quality time with the cute guy I live with over the upcoming three day weekend. Thank you Presidents, for giving yourself a holiday!

Intuitions: Still hoping its a girl! I've now received one boy prediction. (Dammit, V!) But we'll just shun that away like it never happened.

Best Moment of the Week: Uh. I went shopping. As in, I-haven't-shopped-since-I-found-out-I-was-pregnant-and-got-on-a-saving-money-binge. It was amazing. Glorious. The act of spending money was literally euphoric. Ok I might be exaggerating on that last part, but damn it felt good. 

Also look at this cute shirt I got at the Gap! 

Just for the record, the shirt is sparkly. 

I'm ready for you, second trimester!!! I know you officially start at 13 weeks, but I'm not telling my bump that. 

Double Digits, People!

You guys.

There’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

I’m proud to say that I am just past 10 weeks, (10 weeks and 3 days, to be exact) and I think life is starting to get back on track. (Knock on wood.) I’m starting to be able to cut down on my anti-nausea meds from twice a day to once a day, my face is slooooowly starting to clear up, and while I do have my moments of exhaustion, I feel like I’m starting to get my energy back.

Week TEN!!

Baby is the Size of: A kumquat!! Don’t ask me what it is. I googled it, and its kind of like a small apricot.

Baby’s New Developments (According to Baby Center): The details are a-comin! Tiny little fingernails and toenails, tiny little separated fingers and toes (no more paddle feet!), and peachfuzz hair all over. Baby is able to swallow fluid, and is kicking up a storm! (I won’t be able to feel it for weeks). All the vital organs are in place and starting to function, and will develop throughout the rest of my pregnancy. This kid is rockin and rollin!

Food Cravings: No other real cravings yet, just the same foods are fantastic. I’m talkin starch, salt and cheese. However, with my nausea wearing down, I’m hoping I can start getting back into my healthier foods without gagging.

Food Aversions: Nothing new – still the same as last week. I have realized, however, that the smell of the dry rice browning in the first steps of making rice-a-roni (SO GOOD, BTW) smells pretty much exactly like cedar shavings that need to be changed in the bottom of an animal cage. Just saying. Something peed on that.

Most Common Symptoms: With nausea slightly cutting back, now my main problem has been sleeping through the night. I’m pretty much guaranteed to wake up at least a few times, whether that’s to use the restroom, I’m hot, I’m cold, I’m too tired to sleep *(yeah – figure that one out) or husband rolls over, or snores. I’ve definitely become a light sleeper, which makes the mornings little rough.

What’s New: Ok, so LAST week I thought I had a pooch. WRONG! This kid has popped out! Or at least, I think so! I have a very round, (although still small), distinctly round belly!! It officially looks like a baby bump instead of a cheeseburger binge. And I’m very, very happy about it!!! I love seeing this little bowling ball!! And the hubby loves it too, which I think is the best part.

Hopes: I’m hoping things keep going up! New round belly, slowing symptoms, things are going good! I also went to the “prenatal orientation class” at Kaiser yesterday, and as overwhelming as it was, it was pretty eye-opening to the different genetic problems that a baby can be burdened with. I’m hoping that this baby is as happy and as healthy as can be, and his/her development goes well.

Intuitions: Still thinking it’s a girl! I have yet to have a single person predict ‘boy’ for us, so I’m takin it.

Best Moment of the Week: I got to see Tanya all day Saturday! It was beyond nice to have a girls day, and hang out with her little dude! I feel like it’s pretty rare to spend that much time together anymore, and I just loved it. I don’t know where I would be without her :)