What's your date of birth?

If I had a nickel for every time I was asked that...

Of course, it's only because there just so happens to be another patient of Dr. Bell's with my same name (including middle initial!).

Today was my monthly check-up, crazy to think how time is flying by! Baby's heartbeat was racing at 153 - and, we had no problem tracking her down this time. Goodbye, stubborn Baby...she must have learned her lesson last month!

Biggest moment from today's appointment - tomorrow we'll hit Week 15, and I can officially stop taking the Prometrium AND Metformin. It was determined with our first pregnancy that my body doesn't produce progesterone on its own - so, I've been taking Prometrium since roughly Day 19 of my period cycle (which seems like forever ago!) - before we even knew we were expecting. The Metformin, which helps balance my PCOS, I've been taking since August of last year - feels good knowing I won't have to swallow those horse-pills anymore.

At today's visit - I opted to have the quad-screening done, as well. This test accesses the possibilities of potential genetic disorders. Adding to the many, many blood tests I've taken - this was an easy one.

We've scheduled our 20-week ultrasound! November 30th we'll receive our 100% - even though, it was already marked "girl" on my chart! :) Dr. Bell liked what she saw from the 13-week ultrasound regarding Baby's "parts".

And, if you're wondering - the office went 1 for 4 nurses/doctors I saw decked out in orange and black. Extremely disappointed, Southside OBGYN.

This is officially our last Halloween before Baby arrives - but, for years now we've been celebrating with our "other" babies. Who doesn't love this?!:

Skeleton Hobbes

Snow Princess Macie

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! :)

14 is my favorite number...

For an obvious reason, 14 has always been my "favorite number". When anyone asks that I choose a number between 1 and 20, I always choose 14. When playing softball, I always wore 14. When creating usernames for games or login information, I always add 14. Eric won't admit it - but 14 is his favorite as well...

So, when I woke up this morning - knowing today marks the start of Week 14 - I was extremely excited! I can't picture how excited I'll be 14 weeks from now, but in the meantime I'll enjoy what we have.

And, we have ourselves a fresh lemon! :)

The craziest thing we've read this week is that Baby is growing peach-fuzz-like hair all over her body. I thought we loved peaches last week?!

At the end of Week 14, we'll have our next check-up appointment. I love the anticipation of hearing Baby's heartbeat! (Have I told you how much I love that little pitter-patter?!) I'm still feeling fantastic - which is truly a blessing. I could complain about not sleeping well the past few nights - but, I know it's not Baby's fault...it's the fault of the bed-hogs (Daddy, Hobbes & Macie!)...

One of the biggest changes since last week would be referring to Baby as "she" or "her". :) I'm loving every minute of it - and I'm still loving the number 14!

Upcoming Trips

Nothing new has happened since last Wednesday, but Baby has alot to look forward to over the next few weeks. Beginning this Friday, Baby will take her first trip to Louisville (in my stomach, obviously!) to visit her Great Mamaw and Papaw...and, I suppose Uncle Ryan. I'm counting on feeding her Tumbleweed for the first time...

Then, on Saturday - she's off to Lexington for her very first visit to cheer on the Wildcats in person. I've warned her not to get too excited in there - the game might get pretty ugly...it's UK after all. Not to mention, it will be a night game...at least one of us will be warm. One good thing to look forward to, being a Little Wildcat herself, basketball season is knocking on our door!

The following Thursday, we (Baby, Baby's Nana, Uncle Ryan and Mommy) are off to Baltimore to visit Baby's Papaw! Unfortunately, Daddy can't make the trip because of school - so he's on doggy duty...which he loves.

This is a trip I've been waiting for since Dad temporarily moved out to Maryland for work. He's traveled for as long as I can remember, but never like this - and we miss him more each day. While visiting him in Baltimore, we're taking a trip up north to New York City - which we're all extremely excited about! I'm hoping that weekend goes by extremely slow - to grab as much time with Dad as possible. Thankfully, he'll be home for Thanksgiving and for good in December!

Talk about first-class traveling! :)

She, Maybe?!

To sum up today in one word: perfect.

We had our 13-week ultrasound this afternoon - and walking into the appointment I had butterflies. I kept telling Eric I was so nervous - knowing we just might find out if we're having a boy or girl.

The ultrasound was fantastic! Immediately when Baby popped up on the screen all of my butterflies went away. I was in complete awe of how amazing this truly is - to think, just 7 weeks ago this baby was the size of a tic-tac and looked more like a bean than a human. It was absolutely unreal watching it move around, kick, squirm and wave.

We learned right away, our baby is extremely active. At one paint, Baby had its hands behind its head - stretching out its legs. And, a few minutes later - its arm was stretched straight out...almost as if it was belting out the chorus of a great. '80s ballad.

Baby is measuring just over 7 centimeters - which is not-quite 3 inches. Heart was pumping away at 158 - and outside of seeing Baby's profile on the screen, it was mind-blowing watching the heart physically beat. Baby's "home" is looking great as well - which makes this Mommy extremely happy.

To think, Baby went from this:

6 weeks, 1 day

To this:

13 weeks, 1 day

BUT - the best news comes with a slight hesitation. At the beginning, our ultrasound tech said that 13 weeks is pretty early, but that she might be able to tell the gender. She asked us if we wanted to know - answer quickly came: of course! After capturing great profile shots, she fished around looking to see whether Baby had boy parts or girls parts.

She pulled up a shot - which we didn't have a clue what to look for...and said, "I can't say 100%, but I'm pretty sure - extremely positive - it's a...

...GIRL." !! Ehhh...FANTASTIC!!

If we were excited yesterday, we've officially hit our max of excitement today!! We'll get our 100% at our 20-week ultrasound, but in the meantime - to us, Baby is a "she"! :)

2nd Trimester

Today marks the start of 13 weeks! To say we were excited to get to this point, wouldn't mount to how excited we are about tomorrow. Tomorrow we'll get to see Baby with our ultrasound appointment - which will look more like a human than a peanut.

We're officially out of the first trimester and the entire time I felt great! I'm stealing the next set of "Reflections" from Ali's blog...

I am feeling: Fantastic! I've read over-and-over how the the first trimester is the roughest - and if this is as bad as it gets - I'm fully in love with being pregnant.

Total Weight +/-: Honestly, I don't know. As of the last time I checked, I had gained 0lbs - but I'm positive that's changed. Sadly, I refuse to get up and go weigh - not after the grilled cheese and tomato soup I just inhaled.

Movement: Nothing when it comes to Baby's kicks - of course, it's far too soon. Right now, I'm still feeling the stretching of ligaments.

What I miss most: Hands down, Sierra Turkey sandwich from Panera Bread. Probably all deli-meat sandwiches - but I really, really miss the Sierra Turkey. Eric even said over the weekend, he knows what to have in the room after delivery, waiting for me, come April.

What I'm excited about: OVER-THE-MOON excited for tomorrow! It might even be safe to say...I'm more excited about tomorrow than I was for my birthday last Friday...whaaa, did I just say that?! Yes, yes - I did.

Cravings: Fruit - lots of fruit, and in different ways. Grapes, apples, pineapple...in the food form, candy form, in drinks and ice-cream.

Speaking of fruit...

PEACHES! According to TheBump - Baby is the size of a peach this week. I'm getting used to these fruit sizes...

Tomorrow is sure to be a big day - can't wait to share Baby's development!

National Holiday

Happy Birthday to ME!! :) :) Happy Birthday to ME!! :) :)

For anyone who knows me - my birthday is more than just another day...it's a national holiday. And, today it was definitely celebrated in perfect fashion.

When I arrived at work...THIS is what I found:

I think they know me well already...

 

How perfect is this?! If you're wondering - those ARE princess stickers on my phone, stapler, keyboard and monitors. Also, that IS a princess tiara and wand. What more could a girl ask for?!

I was treated to an amazing lunch at Weber Grill from those Non-Horrible Bosses I mentioned earlier, and tonight my family (minus Dad...sadly, he couldn't come home from Baltimore to celebrate) at Bonefish. Baby and I definitely ate well today!

As a special birthday present from my Dad - I got my DREAM robe...this robe is amazing. When I put it on, I totally fall into a feeling of staying in a Marriott. Thank you, Daddy - it's perfect! 

Now, I'm huddled in front of the computer - watching Kentucky Basketball's Midnight Madness. You read that right - Madness on my birthday! Simply Coach Cal's way of honoring his best Assistant Coach...

One of the most amazing moments came when I realized this is the LAST birthday I'll celebrate - childless. AYKM?! (That's "are you kidding me", for those who couldn't figure it out.) Definitely a crazy feeling!!

Thank you to everyone who helped make today an ever-special birthday! I have, ultimately, the best family and friends anyone could ask for! :)

Gifts for a Plum

Holy 12 weeks, Batman!

When I put my hand up in the air - making the shape of a plum - it's hard to believe Baby is that size. It's also extremely hard to eat a plum - I keep imagining our child...

...either way, it's important to share this incredible mark! We're in the home stretch of the first trimester - incredible.

Throughout the last 12 weeks, I've tried, with everything in my power, not to buy anything and everything baby-ish I love. And...trust me...this. has. been. difficult. I may have slipped in a quick "gotta have" this weekend, HOWEVER! - this hasn't stopped my amazing family from spoiling the Little Booger already.

First - two days after telling Mom and Dad we were pregnant, I get this call from Mom to swing by her house. Normally, I'd say sure - but I had just met her for dinner and then went shopping for her surprise party, and was exhausted. I sucked it up and headed over to her house - and to my complete surprise, she gave me two bags full of baby goodies!

Who'da thunk I'd cry over bowls?!

Ryan did his uncle-ly duties and surprised us with, what he called, "baby aprons". Excuse me as I bust out laughing again - something about Ryan and him describing the bibs as "baby aprons" makes me belly-laugh! He knows a way to a Mommy's heart - making sure Baby understands we take our fan-dom seriously.

The day of Mom's surprise party - Dad took her shopping to get her out of the house. This four-hour shopping trip meant presents for Baby! Dad picked out this cute, little outfit himself - specifically loving the little duck feet (who doesn't?!). When handing it to us, he says to Eric..."for the Oregon Ducks" - I promise you, Baby will not be a team-hopper like his/her Daddy. :)

Mom picked out these super cute baby aprons bibs. Eric and I immediately related the characters on the "Best Buddies" to the family's four dogs. (Yes, we tend to relate everything back to our dogs...)

Bird = Macie, Elephant = Calvin, Giraffe = Molly, Frog = Hobbes

And, totally taking advantage of the Halloween outfits at Target - I had to grab THIS:

 I think it's safe to say...this plum is already spoiled rotten!! :)

Non-Horrible Bosses

As of last Friday, it's official - everyone knows! To say I was nervous to tell my bosses was truly an understatement. Not that we would - or can! - change our minds now, but I was more worked up telling Lori and Kristen than really anyone else.

I started working for Buckingham in May - and didn't expect getting pregnant this soon. Heck, we were told IVF was our only way to conceive. With that mindset, we had determined we would - with complete control - decide when we would have a baby. Being a control freak, I actually like this idea...but, now I totally prefer the way it's happened!

I first told Kristen about two weeks ago. I directly report to Kristen, and since starting to work for her - we've clicked completely. Also, having two children herself, I felt much more comfortable telling her first. She was extremely excited - and surprised! She did say she'd have to take about 10 minutes to "freak out" and then she'll be back to normal. :) Ultimately, she's been great support!

I decided not to tell Lori right away - and to be honest, I'm not sure why. I've known Lori since I was 18 - fresh out of high school. She hired me at my first "real" job, mentored me through my college career, and I credit so much to her for where I am with my working career now. So, telling her we're having a baby kinda, sorta scared me.

Of course, I wasn't doing that great of a job hiding it - she had already questioned Kristen if I was pregnant, after staying home on a Monday. Kristen pulled out her best acting skills - and told a small, white lie! :) Last Friday, Lori called me to her office to go over a project she needed - after she was finished, I told her that I had news to share. The look on her face read "I already know". I told her we were expecting in April and, word-for-word, she asked me the following:

"Even if Eric gets the most amazing job...will you promise me you won't leave me?!"

NOT a problem! As weird as it sounds, I'm a huge, HR geek - and love my job. Even if Eric gets the most amazing job, I still will push policies and procedures! :) It felt great to finally tell Lori, someone who has been a part of so many experiences of my adulthood - college graduation, marriage and now our pregnancy.

I totally worked myself up for no reason - because I'm truly blessed to have such wonderful bosses!

160 & a Lime

Today was an extremely exciting day! So much news to share...

Let's start out by saying - we have a due DATE! :) We originally had a due "range", because it was very unclear when I ovulated and when we conceived. Today, my doctor was certain - we've got a date to shoot for. Drum roll, please...

APRIL 24, 2012! 

With that means, we're also able to count "weeks and days" accurately. She felt around and measured my uterus, and is certain I'm in between 11 and 12 weeks. And, according to the 4/24 date - we're 11 weeks and 2 days. Definitely a bit off from what we originally thought - and extremely far off from the first day of my last period!

Dr. Bell answered as many questions as I could remember to ask. My favorite being: "How many times have you heard, 'I read online...' from your patients?" Her response was, "Every day. Almost every patient." I then followed up with, "Great, because I was reading online..." She laughed! :)

I was explaining to her the funny feeling I've been having on the side of my stomach when I sit straight up. I told her, by no means do I have perfect posture, but that it feels much better to slouch or lean, than sit straight up. She simply explained that it's completely normal - and only means my ligaments are stretching...which is, of course, what I read online.

Outside of learning our due date - my FAVORITE part of today's appointment was hearing Baby's heartbeat! My entire body lights up when I hear that little sound! Of course, she was fishing around with the Doppler trying to find where Baby was hanging out. She moved around on my left side, then moved to the right. She immediately says, "Ah, I hear it!" And, then kept in close - trying to get a better sound. Next thing you know, it's gone. My heart immediately starting racing - when she moved back to the left side. Awe-be-darn, if Baby wasn't right there! Racing away at 160 beats per minute!

Dr. Bell cracked a joke, saying we've got ourselves a stubborn, active baby. I kindly informed her that the stubborn part is from Dad, the active part is from Mom. :)

I did question the "myth" about a boy heartbeat versus a girl heartbeat. She explained that they are what they are - myths...BUT, that if the myth is leaning towards what we're hoping for, let our hearts run with it! She said she's read all of them - even when she was pregnant! - and has seen them work and not work (but I think she HAS to say that!).

Because we're just past 11 weeks, she moved my next ultrasound from next Friday to the following Wednesday (the 19th). I was really looking forward to having the ultrasound next Friday...it would have made for a fantastic birthday present! Either way, I can't wait to see how much Baby has grown! The next 13 days are demanded to fly by.

After the 19th - we have our next month's appointment, scheduled right now for Halloween! I'm taking bets on how many doctors and nurses in the office are wearing orange and black...

In the meantime we'll enjoy being a LIME this week!