Thursday, April 27, 2017

Pregnancy: The Early Weeks

Well, now that our big news is out in the open I can finally share my pregnancy notes from the early days.  I won't do these weekly, probably just once a month but I've always loved following along with other girls and think these are fun to read... 

Four Weeks (February 8th):
The day we found out our little family of three would soon be a family of four!
  • I got around to calling the doctor at a little over four weeks and scheduled an appointment for next Monday - prior to six weeks and earlier than I thought - I was excited.  
  • Going up to bed around 8-8:30 became the regular routine and I'd enjoy about an hour on my iPad or watching TV before Derek would come up to find me asleep with the electronics thrown around the bed.
  • Was still able to get my workouts in - usually a little shorter than normal to balance a nap AND workout in the afternoon free time.

Five Weeks (February 15th):
After my first doctor's appointment
Telling my parents - cupcakes with baby toppers and little booties in the middle (I'd ordered Ugg booties but because of the holiday they came one day too late)
& telling my brother too - the wine bottle label is easy to make.
  • Symptoms: Tired, Insomnia, Bloating
  • Noteworthy News: I had my first doctor's appointment to confirm things!  Not that they aren't nice in general but because of last time they are a little extra "on" and let me come a few days before six weeks (when they usually see you at my office) so I was excited about that.  Spent a couple days this week doing a little precautionary blood work just to make sure my HCG levels were rising properly.  They scheduled my first ultrasound for next week!
  • Best Moment:  We told my parents and brother!  It was nice to enjoy the first almost three weeks just knowing ourselves but I'm terrible at keeping secrets and couldn't wait to tell them.  They thought they were just coming over for Mexican but we had a special baby dessert and wine out on the counter waiting for them - Derek and I kept giggling until they noticed. 
  • This week we finally hit the more excited over nerves point and I was full swing into googling baby products, clothes, blog posts on pregnancy - anything and everything.
  • We made an overnight trip to New York which was fun but tiring - glad we stayed at Derek's old hotel where each room has a fireplace and fantastic bathtub - great for relaxing!  The bartender at dinner put my Shirley Temple into a martini glass - this cocktail loving girl was in heaven.

Six Weeks (February 22nd):
 Sharing the news with my best friend!  We told a few other friends this week and it's been great to have people to talk to and check in on how I'm doing.
Afternoon nap - Stella doesn't hate it either!  Once or twice a week I'll sneak about a half hour power nap - the other days I'll just take a little rest time on the couch to watch TV or read - afterwards I try to take Stella for at least a quick walk to wake back up - this really helps to stay awake for the evening hours.
  • Nausea isn't too bad (hopefully this stays!) unless I don't eat something within an hour of waking up - usually acts up in the evening too.
  • Not really any food cravings/aversions yet but right at about six weeks any "fancy" tastes I had went out the window and I was only wanting simple meals - bread, pasta!
  • Eating four meals per day instead of a handful of cereal along with dinner and lunch helps out a lot - I've made it a point to sit down for a small breakfast, eat a small early lunch, healthy afternoon snack when I get home and then dinner.
  • The weather this week has been the best - substituted most of my workouts for walks outside with Stella, not as long or fast as I usually do but it's better than nothing.  Having the weather as a pick me up helps to deal with the tiredness too!
  • Excited for: I'm looking forward to zero plans this weekend - a little relaxing and doing some new house preparations. 

Seven Weeks (March 2nd):
Our first peek at our sweet baby - big sister, Stella posing with the ultrasound.  
  • Symptoms: Nausea, tired, food aversions to anything unless it's plain
  • We had our first ultrasound this week! Derek was able to come and everything went great - after holding my breath they found the heartbeat - 144 - and I'm measuring one day ahead!
  • Meals contine to be super plain - pb&j and pizza over the weekend and some miso soup for The Bachelor - poor Derek, good thing he's getting out of town this weekend for a golf trip.
  • Last week I made sure to increase my water drinking to hit the levels I should be each day - Tracking it on the "My Water" app this week helps even more - It's almost like a game that I want to beat each day watching the levels rise as I log in a 16oz. glass of water each time.
  • Derek has been the best this week and every week.  I usually do most of the household items but he's definitely been helping out when I'd rather just sit on the couch - prepping our simple/small dinners and cleaning up after, etc.

Eight Weeks (March 7th): 
A late season snow this week - maybe our last as a family of three?
  • Nothing out of the ordinary this week - similar symptoms, less nausea - only when hungry and a low key week. 
  • A snow day this week was the best - a lazy day of relaxing with some hot sandwiches + soup is just what my tastebuds are looking for right now.
  • Excited for: We're leaving for Arizona on Thursday - ready for some time laying by the pool and mocktails to sip.

Nine Weeks (March 14th):
Enjoying the desert! Baby's first of many travels... 
  • Not much to report this week - most of the week was spent in sunny Arizona - so nice to enjoy warm weather and relax.  When naps in the afternoon by the pool are acceptable, yes!!! 
  • Between a girls night for the Bachelor finale, a snow day a few days ago and travel - I'm definitely missing wine/cocktails for the first time this week but have enjoyed some good mocktails - my favorite so far a peach lemonade mix. 
  • Excited for: My next doctor's appointment is next week - we get to hear the heartbeat and get the blood work done for the gender (!!!) amongst other things - this was my longest stretch of time without an appointment so it'll be good to get back.

Ten Weeks (March 21st):

All smiles after a good appointment and enjoying some snacks post blood work.  We went to Wendy's as a treat after - I was starving - and craving a frosty :)
  • Noteworthy News: Hearing the heartbeat! A strong heartbeat at 170 and it didn't take the nurse too long to find it.  All in all a good doctors appointment and lots of blood taken for the regular tests plus the genetic testing - I can't believe we'll know pink or blue in a week or so.
  • Best Moment: Sharing the news! We've been pretty quiet with it so far but after hearing the heartbeat the doctor told us to go ahead and do some sharing - we told many of our closest friends and a couple family members - wanting to make sure they save the date for the gender reveal party!
  • I've slacked on workouts this week (it's been freezing!) and have had trouble getting my sleeping back on track since getting back from Arizona - long naps at 4:30pm don't help and one night I was up until 3am trying to get to sleep!
  • Later this week my mom, Derek and I are setting out to buy something baby - anything.  I've been holding off on shopping until we got closer to the second trimester and after the doctor visit this week, I can't wait any longer! 
  • Excited for: My best friend is getting engaged this weekend!!! We're just going up to visit quickly but I'm excited for the celebration. 

Eleven Weeks (March 28th):
An amazing pedicure treat - I'd read somewhere that someone didn't get a pedicure their entire pregnancy so I waited until almost the end of the first trimester but my doctor assured me I was good to go.
  • A few headaches kicked in this week but other than that I really can't complain! Still going to bed early but feeling a little more energetic during the days - Hoping not to jinx myself but maybe my energy is slowly coming back???
  • We got out for a dinner date this week - just for pizza but with a busy month plus I didn't have the energy to want to go out so it was nice to get back to normal! I don't think I'll be going out for anything fancy, meat or seafood quite yet but think we'll bounce back to getting out more - the weather helps too! 
  • Excited for: Finding out the gender!! My blood work results should be in sometime next week and I can't wait to know if a he or she is joining the family!  

Twelve Weeks (April 4th):
Finding out the gender!! In the playroom at the new house.
  • I finally made it to the end of the first trimester (wahoo!) and the end of this longest pregnancy post ever! 
  • We got the genetic testing results back this week and are so thankful for a healthy baby - it was the best phone call.  We found out the gender this week too and are so excited!! Derek, my mom and I went shopping for pink or blue right after and it's so much fun buying the little clothes! 
  • The weather has been fantastic this week and is definitely giving me an extra little boost of energy.  I've definitely noticed a big difference in this past week as far as getting my energy back - I feel like a regular person again at the perfect time - just in time for spring.
  • Excited for: We have another ultrasound this week - last time was just at six weeks so I'm excited to see a bigger babe!

Thanks for reading along... shorter next time! xx 

19 comments:

  1. This is all so exciting and I love how you are enjoying every stage already! :)

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  2. Congratulations!!! How exciting!!! Can't wait to continue to read about your pregnancy journey!

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  3. So glad everything is going well so far! So many fun things still to come... And can't wait to find out pink or blue!

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  4. I love this post!! I am so excited to follow along and so thankful for a healthy baby! Can't wait to hear the gender!

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  5. Love this! Long time reader but I really don't comment. Congrats!!!

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  6. I'm hoping that you have a gender reveal post coming up soon! I love how you shared the news with your family - the wine bottle labels are too cute.

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  7. I love hearing all the stages and can't wait to find out the gender. It sounds like you have a healthy little one! Jess at Just Jess

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  8. LOVE reading this update!!!! I can't wait for you to share the gender - so exciting!!! You and Derek just look so happy in the pics - this baby is already so loved!

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  9. That's so exciting, especially since you know the gender and you can buy all the cute clothes!

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  10. I am enjoying reading along & can't wait for you to share the gender. I am guessing a girl!

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  11. Congrats!! I'm so excited for you too! I'm still catching up so I missed the announcement... but YAY!!!!!!!! :) I'm glad to hear that things are going smoothly for you!!

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  12. Ahhh!! I just love this so much!! Your wine bottle labels were so adorable! I can't wait to hear what the gender is!!!!!!!

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  13. I love reading these updates!! Finding out the gender in the playroom was just the perfect idea. I would be an emotional mess after but it's the perfect location! I hadn't heard that pedicures were iffy during pregnancy? I'm definitely thinking girl but can't wait to find out!

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  14. Loved your post! So excited to find out the gender, and see how you decorate a nursery. Also cute idea to be in the playroom!

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  15. I love the wine bottle idea, and it looks like you're off to a great start. Can't wait to see if you're having a little he or she!

    Meg, Borrowed Heaven

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  16. Congrats Christina! I just love how you told your family :) So cute!

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  17. I love reading these types of posts! I know you are going to be such a great mom and I cannot wait to follow along with your blog!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

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  18. Glad everything is going well so far! You're so lucky that you were able to find out the gender so early, and I bet it was such a relief when your doctor gave you the go-ahead to start sharing your news. Hearing that heartbeat is such a blessing!

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  19. Yay so very exciting. I can't believe how far along you are already. I can't wait for the gender reveal tomorrow!

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