25 weeks

Today is the last week of my second trimester! Woo hoo!! This has gone pretty fast really- but I have a feeling in the next several weeks I'm going to finally feel really pregnant when I can't bend over or reach the dishes. I start having a head rush when I bend over too quickly already. I often make my husband take off my boots :) He's a good sport. We've had a lot going on in the last couple weeks. My little sister got married- I was the Matron of Honor- and since she lives out of town there was a lot of "stuff" for me to organize. Above is a picture of me at 24 weeks 3 days (5 weeks since me last picture up here) the evening of the rehearsal dinner at the Ritz Charles Chapel. I'm with my cousins- Danny & Ben, and my older brother Clay. So, I did have a sober wedding (yet another) but still had lots of fun and got to poke at the drunk folks- of which there were many. I enjoyed my kiddie cocktails quite thoroughly in fact.

I'm feeling pretty good...same stuff really plus some new backaches when I sit for very long. Lots of headaches and the heartburn is in full swing. I think everything gives me heartburn so I don't pay much attention to what I'm eating and just keep my tums and tylenol close by! Of course I'm getting bigger which is part of the deal. I was thinking that nobody could tell in my bridesmaid's dress but, alas, that was just a ridiculous thought! I even got a spray tan for the wedding. I felt compelled to tell the gal who was spraying me so she wasn't under the impression I was just really chubby. Like she really gives a shit either way. Next was Christmas in Chicago with my side of the family which was a good time as always. My MIL & FIL gave us our crib for Christmas. We had some snow issues in Chicago so we're not actually going to see them until New Years. I did get a good amount of baby clothes & about a dozen kids DVD's. Uncle JJ got Bean the cutest set of "Nike Air Jordan" clothing with matching hat & shoe socks- complete with the swoosh! Thanks Peasy.

At 25 weeks today the baby is 1.5 lbs. He's starting to put on baby fat (yeah!) and his hair has a discernable color & texture (red & nappy??) Last week my utereus was the size of of a soccer ball. Stacy, in particular, thought that was great. The baby is kicking relatively regualrly but they're not quite hard enough that anyone can feel the kicks from the outside of my tummy. It just feels like something is poking me from the inside at this point. At least when I feel a kick I know Bean's alive and moving. It's like having your own internal fetal monitor. I think that covers about everything...

Next week, third trimester!

23 week appt

Bean & I had another check-up today. We first went to the ultrasound lab where they needed to get a little better look at the heart. Bean was just a little too young to check things out at the last ultrasound- 19 weeks. All looked good but again, he was not cooperating. Must be a man thing :) After a few mintues of not moving at all- he started going crazy- like "hey lady, you quit poking me, I'm still sleeping!" and then he quieted down again and would not budge. As daddy said "must be like his dad on Sundays". So, we couldn't re-confirm Bean is a boy, but we're going with that theory from the first ultrasound. (Let's hope she was right b/c I offiially have my nursery "handled" thanks to Eileen & Marks early Christmas gift- the crib!) His hearbeat was 148, same as last time so he is a consistent young man which is a good quality I think. He was just a little over 23 weeks and in the (lower) 30th percentile. That definately must come from the Crain side b/c we Downings tend to breed 'em big. Thanks Crains- I really didn't want to push out a 10 lb'er if I didn't have to! We then went the OB to get our five mintues in with the doc or as Matt likes to call her "Dr. New Moon". This is a Twilight ref for all of you who don't know (or who have been hiding under a rock). I've offically gained 8lbs and my BP is good- 120/70. I feel pretty good except for stuffiness, bouts or heartburn (who gets heartburn from a muffin?), and frequent headaches. I did get a little 24 hour flu last week, incidentally on our anniversary, but it came and went and now I'm good. This weekend Dana is getting married and I am the pregnant matron of honor- bleh! But, she happened to pick dresses that compliment a pregnant gal, so I'll be the DD and just enjoy the tasty food from the Ritz Charles. Nothing much more to report. According to babycenter.com Bean is size of a "large mango" this week. Getting pretty big! More at the start of the first trimester...

Woo hoo!

I'm 5 whole months today! Only 4 (and a week) to go! Go Bean!!

Names updated...

I took an informal facebook poll and the frontrunners are Hunter, Parker, & Hudson (that's a new one). Carson came in 4th. I think I like all of those. Maybe I'll let Matthew choose. Lord know he has not had any say in the nursery.

Hunter Daniel Crain
Hudson Daniel Crain
Parker ______ Crain. Hmmm...don't know that I like Daniel with that one.
Carson ______ Crain. Is the CC annoying?

21 weeks

Your pregnancy: 21 weeks

How your baby's growing:Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.See what your baby looks like this week.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:
You're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You're not too big yet, and the usual discomforts associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. If you're feeling good, relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester may bring with it a new crop of complaints.That's not to say you won't have some minor glitches to deal with now. For example, increased oil production may contribute to the development (or worsening) of acne. If that's the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap or cleanser twice a day, and make sure that any moisturizer or make-up you use is oil-free. Don't take any oral acne medications — some are very hazardous during pregnancy — or use any topical acne products without first checking with your practitioner.You're also more prone to varicose veins now. As your pregnancy progresses, there's increasing pressure on the veins in your legs; higher progesterone levels, which may cause the walls of your veins to relax, can make the problem worse. You're more likely to get varicose veins if other family members have them. Also, they tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy and as you age. To help prevent or minimize varicose veins, exercise daily, prop up your feet and legs whenever possible, sleep on your left side, and wear maternity support hose.

19W 3D

Boy bedding

I haven't put any boy bedding up...only girl. That's not really fair- especially now that we KNOW there is no need for floral bedding. So, here are some boy sets from Pottery Barn Baby I like. Since I'm doing wallpaper in pin stripes (medium blue and navy over white) or just some tone on tone in med & light blue wide vertical stripes, the bedding needs to be relatively simple. No animals and PLEASE no arbitrary sports parafanalia. Now, a little Colts hoodie (or Cubs for Uncle Pease) is fine but the stuff that just had a random football on it is not for me! White furniture and sticking w/ the crib I put in an earlier post. I'd love an upholstered rocker in navy blue w/ white piping but we'll have to see if that's in the budget. I did find one at Babies R Us if it's a really true navy. We're doing coastal look w/ sailboat accents. If anybody else finds something, let me know!

Picture 1- this is the only set from Babies R Us I found. Too busy? CLearly the colors and the sailboars are what I'm looking for.

Picture 2- this is the rocker I'm thinking of. Have to see to make sure it looks navy and not Colts blue. I LOVE the one at Pottery Barn but it's twice as expensive so that's not gonna happen! I'm also not a huge fan of microsuede but it does clean up well. I've looked at the gliders (less money) but there are very few that are white and I think the stained gliders look a little "old school".

Picture 3- it actually has some zebras on it but doesn't so much fit my theme. Just really like the colors and the simplicity. Just a smidge of pattern

Picture 4- ABC Toile bedding- some of you know how much I love toile. But prob'ly a little tooty fruity for a boy. Just dreaming...

Picture 5- Pique white bedding w/ pale blue detail. Also can monogram. Very tasteful I think but is white a great idea? I'm not sure. I guess I could always buy some blue sheets.

Picture 6-"Chase" striped bedding. Super cute- but only if I do the wide stripes in paint. The wall paper looks to similar to this I think.

Picture 7- Ok, there's a snowman seasonal set on here that I really don't need but it's freakin adorable! And would go w/ my normal colors in the winter. I have about 87 purses- this should be no surprise that I like duplicate accessories!

REVISED: SUPER DUPER SALE AT PBK SO I WENT AHEAD AND GOT THE ZEBRA BEDDING. EVEN CUTER IN PERSON! WOO HOO!!

Names updated...for a BOY.

Here's my list...thoughts?

Frontrunner...Hunter Daniel
Parker
Caden
Carson
Colton
Jordan
Oliver...might be a little "sissy" during the teen years but super cute when he's little

And the final answer is....dun, dun, dun...

BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ho-ly crap...Matthew and I are having a boy. I've already been warned about getting peed on by about six people today. Has anyone heard of a pee-pee teepee? Well, I haven't but it sounds genuis! Anyway...it came as a shock to us b/c those of you who know me would have prob'ly guessed I tend to lean toward the girly side. But, almost everyone (including myself) has actually guessed little Bean was going to be a boy. And I have all those girl clothes from Lindy, darn it! Who's going to know if he wears some pink pajamas :) He didn't much cooperate w/ the ultrasound tech. this morning. I had to get up and jiggle around and go to the bathroom two times so we could get a better view. But there it was...Bean is a Beaner?? Hmmm...is that right? Anyway, we're very excited to know who this little guy is. Certainly feels more real now. He looks to be in good health. We have to go back for another ultrasound in 4 weeks b/c he was too small to get a good look at the heart and kidneys which somtimes are hard to see before 21 weeks or so (and I'm only 19). Heart rate is 148 bpm so it's gotten lower. Does this mean I'm supposed to carry high or low? I can't remember. My offical weight gain is 4.5 lbs. Doing ok there. AND there's nothing wrong w/ my cervix...no stitches for me! My length is 3.7. Not sure what that means but I was told if it was over 3 then I'm in good shape. Whew...glad I don't have to deal with that. What happens if one was to go into labor early and the baby was sewn in there? I'm sure there's a contingency plan for that but I'm glad I won't have to worry about it. My BP is back to normal...great. It had been a little elevated the couple previous appts. I am having tons of headaches...like two a day. But, the doc says that's normal in the first and middle part of the second trimester b/c of hormone shifts- especially if you're prone to them anyway- which the Downing girls are. The doc says I can basically take Tylenol to my hearts content which is good b/c I've been trying not to take too much having concerns about the baby. I'm feeling really good these days. Still a little tired but that could be b/c it gets dark at 5pm and it hasn't been sunny in 6 weeks. This is the plague of Indiana! Glad I'm having a spring baby so me and Bean don't get stir crazy when he's born.

My little Bean is a person now. Weird...

Hunter Daniel here I come. I know honey...we haven't agreed to anything yet but I'll wear you down- just watch :)

Matthew is scanning in ultrasound pics as we speak. I'll make sure and get those up soon. Now to find some boy bedding since all the pics of are of girls...hmmm...

Nursery

Here are some GIRL bedding options I really like. All from Target Shabby Chic actually. I like the cottage look so that's where I'm leaning. I already know what I'm doing for a boy and the bedding will be farily plain since I don't care for cars, baseballs, animals, etc. It's too "themey" for me. But, a girls room has many, many options. I was going to have mom make something but seeing as she's already done so much manual labor at my house (she just painted my family room & kitchen- and not to mention the hours of cleaning and prepping she did beforehand) I'm going to try and buy something reasonable if I can find what I like. I'm really leaning towards the top two but the one below is kind of interesting and a little vintage. Now, toile- pink and white paper (above some bead board hopefully) or go to a wide vertical stripe in two tone or tone on tone? Choices. The green paper in the top picture is awfully cute isn't it? My husband is thrilled for another project :) Hmmm...I have some of both in the house already so that's not the issue. (If I sell the house in 5-10 years and every single wall has pattern on it then the buyers will have to deal!) Or maybe a subtle floral paper-that may be too bust for me and little Bean. I've looked at the local wholesaler but haven't found exactly what I like. We'll see..but if anyone has favorites let me know! Or if you come across anything you think might fit the bill. I've looked for toile bedding (can't do the paper and the bedding in toile I realize, but could go striped wall) please email me the link. I've found a few that are either sold out or crazy expensive. The crib below is what I'm using either way- boy or girl. Gives me the style I'm after and is still reasonable. I'd love to go all crazy on Pottery Barn Baby but it's not in the budget. They have some really cute stuff. Also looking for a well priced upholstered rocking chair. Either navy or pink w/ white piping. No glider for me...just always thought they were funny looking.

I think this will represent my cape cod look perfectly- boy or girl. For a boy I'm doing vintage sail boats, etc.

??????

The damn line..

So, we've all heard and seen about the H1N1 vaccine- and the debate as to whether or not it's safe. As I've said in an earlier post, I'm just going to do what the doc says and get me and Bean our shot. I was supposed to get it at my 16 week check up. Nobody said anything at the OB so I called the next day assuming it had been forgotten. Apparently, my doctor's office (w/ 6 doctors mind you) had only gotten 75 vaccinations- not enough for one doc let alone the entire clinic of 6. I asked Mrs. Nurse "well, then what am I supposed to do". She said "well, you're supposed to find one somewhere else". Me.."any idea where that might be?" Her..."no, but you really need one". Thanks. That helps.

There are public vaccinations all over the news but mainly in Marion County as they've gotten 10x as much as any other county. Not sure why that is but mom calls and says there is a clinic at Lafayette Square (ie: scary ghetto mall on the west side of Indy) Wed at 3 until 7pm. The last clinic reportedly had lines out the wazoo lined up in advance but apparently the late comers just walked right in. Knowing that I had the office to run (dad is out of town on vaca for his 60th), I thought, well, I'll leave at 4 and get there by 4:30 and beat the work crowd. Boy was I ever wrong. I walked to the place where said clinic was going on and the guard said (yes, there were guards) "oh, it's outside". Thought that was odd until I spotted the line...3000 people deep and about 2/3 of a mile long wound along several department stores in the parking lots. I guess my plan was not as good as I had hoped. I really considered leaving but then thought, no, I'll wait it out. So, I got my ticket and I was #2926 out of 5000. That's one big ass line and the cold setting sun made it seem much longer. It was like I was at Kings Island and never got on the ride! The screaming children-cold and bored- also seemed to make the wait longer. What had I gotten myself into (with the baby having that is)...but then realized I would only have one baby, not hundreds all screaming at the same time. So, I immersed myself in some Edward (some of you know what that means) and I just tried to block it out. Now, why didn't I bring a snack and a chair and a coat. Damn. But, come 8:30p- 4 hours later, I was put at the "special" pregnant table, and I got the shot! Woo hoo! I am officially vaccinated. :) Glad that's over...the mommy sacrafices have already begun. Maybe I should just get used to it!

Bean's check-up

So...as many mothers and other preggos know, you go into like panic mode the day or two before your appt in the off chance something is wrong. This is regardless of whether or not you've had any prior complications. The more I talk to people, the more I think there is no perfect pregnancy/conception/delivery, etc. Everyone has got SOME kind of issue. This baby having is more emotionally straining than I anticipated. Though, it is all for a good cause. My little Bean.

Anyhow...off to the office we went- me, Bean, and Mom. Matthew was at work but I like taking someone as a security blanket. My doc was running a little late b/c she was delivering triplets! She said it like it was no big deal. She delivered the patient at 33 weeks b/c one of trips was only 2lbs. Poor little thing. His big 4 1/2 lb brother was hogging all the good stuff! I digress...so, the nurse came in and I had to give her my pee cup. You have to carry in your own pee cup they give you from the month before! I do not like this. This is not something I wanted spilling in my purse, so that baby was triple bagged! I was weighed and have officially gained 2lbs which is good but since the doc only wants me to gain 15, I need to save as much as I can for the third trimester. These Halloween goodies are NOT helping! The nurse then took my blood pressure which was a little elevated...I can't remember the # bc I really don't know what the # parts mean. Hmmm...this is something I should look into considering I usually have fairly low BP and it's been "slightly elevated" on all of my three visits. Then, my favorite part, we listen to the heart beat on the doppler. Little Bean kept running away from the nurse which means a.) Bean is athletic or b.) just antisocial- I am hoping for the first of the two w/ Matthew's running genes and some of Stacy's soccering genes in the mix! We only heard it for about 2 seconds but Bean was there thumping away at 160bpm which is still on the higher side (120-180 is avg). Allegedly if the heartbeat is higher, it's a girl...woo hoo! Can you see me putting one of those giant obnoxious headbands on Bean where the flower is as big as her head? I can :) I chatted w/ the doc just briefly next and went off to have what now is the standard battery of blood tests. This includes testing for down syndrome. Thank the lord we can just do blood tests instead of the old option of amnio only. Those needles are freakin huge! Fingers crossed the tests come out ok. I was dehydrated and my blood was not cooperating so after the 3rd stick, we tried my hand which I've gotta say definitely stings a little bit. The only concerning thing- and exciting really- is that I have to go back in for another appt in two and a half weeks. Like I've said before I have a slight bicornuate uterus (heart shaped, split in the middle) and us gals have a higher occurring incontinent cervix. This is not the kind of incontinence where you can't hold your pee- it's where your cervix wants to open early, very early and doesn't hold the baby to term. The rate doesn't seem to be lower in women with a minor case of the heart uterus vs. a severe shape where the uterus has "horns". So, we're gonna check things out to make sure I can carry to term. The doc said "oh, it's no big deal, if that's the case then we just put some stitches in your cervix". Well, I don't know about you lady, but that sounds like a bad deal to me! But, we certainly want to keep Bean in there as long as possible. I'm 16W 5D and babies born around the 24 week mark have a ~50% survival rate though it jumps to between 80-90% at 28 weeks. On a good note...b/c the doc wants to check me out I get to have an early ultrasound- meaning WE GET TO FIND OUT THE SEX OF THE BABY ON NOVEMBER 17th. Hell yeah!! So, we're taking bets on what the sex will be. I think it will be a boy and Matthew thinks Bean's a girl . Haven't decided on the stakes- something involving poopy diapers I'm guessing. Any other takers? We won't make you change diapers- well, some of you that is :)

NOTE: Blood tests came out "normal". YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pants

Its official...I'm pregnant. My pants are unbuttoned and I'm searching in earnest before a customer shows up to find a rubberband! Damn it.

16 weeks- headaches

All is well this week except lots of headaches-this Tylenol stuff doesn't seem to do the trick -nor am I supposed to take handfuls of it like I used to do w/ Aleve. Other than that not "feeling" pregnant.

This week Bean has been upgraded from an apple to an avacado (4 1/2" from head to bottom)- I thought an apple was bigger than an avacado? I guess it depends what sort of apple!

15 week update

Next week is my 16 week appt. At that point I COULD tell what the sex of the baby is but these darn OB's make make you wait until my 20 week appt which is technically due on Thanksgiving. Dear OB, please let it be the day before so I can tell all my relatives at our holiday meal. I happen to enjoy the attention :) I will also get the H1N1 vaccine at this point. I know some folks think this is a conspiracy for doctors and drug companies, which I think is a load, so please- do not lecture me on what is best for my baby! I am going to assume my doctor has my best interest at heart and is not going to get rich on my $30 flu vaccine!

I have the wallpaper officially picked out for a boy, now for a girl...so many choices. Hmmm...if anyone has thoughts, let me know! I'm obsessed w/ tone on tone toile. Maybe rose and cream. But, I already have some in my guest room and want it on my club chairs in the living room too. What else...could go cottage floral...has to match with white furniture and white beadboard wainscoating.

UPDATE: I AM looking pregnant. Maybe not from straight on but from the side I'm definately rounder. Black certainly helps! I'll get a picutre up here one of these days, I swear.

Weight gain: 3 lbs. unofficially

Your pregnancy: 15 weeks

How your baby's growing:Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")See what your baby looks like this week.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:You've probably gained about 5 pounds by now (a little more or less is fine, too) and are well into the swing of your pregnancy, but you may still be surprised by an unexpected symptom now and then. If your nose is stuffed up, for instance, you can probably chalk it up to the combined effect of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your mucous membranes. This condition is so common, there's even a name for it: "rhinitis of pregnancy." Some pregnant women also suffer nosebleeds as a result of increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion in the nose.

Second Trimester

I made it...here's what's happening to Bean. I'm 13W6D.

Your pregnancy: 14 weeks

How your baby's growing:This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.See what your baby looks like this week.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:Welcome to your second trimester! Your energy is likely returning, your breasts may be feeling less tender, and your queasiness may have completely abated by now. If not, hang on — chances are good it will soon be behind you (although an unlucky few will still feel nauseated months from now).The top of your uterus is a bit above your pubic bone, which may be enough to push your tummy out a tad. Starting to show can be quite a thrill, giving you and your partner visible evidence of the baby you've been waiting for. Take some time to plan, daydream, and enjoy this amazing time. It's normal to worry a bit now and then, but try to focus on taking care of yourself and your baby, and having faith that you're well equipped for what's ahead.

Belly

So, my pants are getting a little tighter and soon I'll have to wear one of those belly bands or rubberband my buttons together. I was orignally thinking I was looking forward to the belly but then it occured to me that I am not a cute little petite gal that just grows a beach ball in front. As a friend of mine said "it just looks like I ate too many twinkies". I am now putting lotion on every morning to ward off the dreaded stretch marks. Those are not what I would consider cute. Hmmm...I think I'll need to go maternity clothes shopping very soon. I'm skeptical but I'll keep an open mind and just try and avoid the moo-moos. On a good note, I don't really "feel" pregnant. I have to admit I have gotten used to my husband cooking dinner so I'm hesitant to be too perky again, but I hear the next few months are supposed to be great. I hope so! We shall see...

12 Week Doctor Visit

Yesterday I had my 12 week OB appointment and finally got to meet my doctor, Dr. Amy Moon. First, the nurse weighed me and took the baby's heart rate with a doppler. I've lost 4 lbs since I have some extra to start :) I'm really only supposed to gain about 15lbs total. I'll try and be good Dr. Moon! I've not been sick, just trying to be reasonable on my eating. Not that I won't indulge in some good pizza or ice cream here and there, but maybe one peice of pizza instead of three would benefit me, the baby, and my waistline! Next, the nurse used the doppler machine (heart rate monitor for the baby). It took a while to find the heart beat, my heart was about to burst out of my chest waiting to hear that little bump bump. But, then it popped up fast and strong. Little Bean had a heart rate of 167 bpm- within the normal range of 120-180. I was so relieved. They took me a little early so my husband missed that part much to his disappointment, but I was so glad they didn't make me wait til the end of the appointment. I would have had an anxiety attack by then! I started crying when the nurse left becasue I was so anxious about the baby still being in there and healthy. The miscarriage rate is just so high, I've heard one in four pregnancies. The visit was short, just about 20 minutes. The doc introducer herself, asked me if I had any questions, and we were on our way. She did say she'd keep an eye on my "special" utereus. It is slightly bicornuate or heart shaped, but it doesn't look like it should be a problem. Some folks in extreme cases develop two "cavities"or "horns" and the baby has a hard time being born full term b/c they are so restricted on space.

I'm thirteen weeks on Sunday, so it looks like I'm in the clear for the most part. YEAH!! I'm healthy and stress-free, the baby is healthy. All is well :) Next time I go to the doctor, I should have a little baby belly. Then comes the maternity clothes. I am NOT so excited about those as many strides as desiners have made. There are still a lot of things that look like moo-moos to me.

Oh, I also got my flu shot when I was on my way out of the doc's. And the H1N1 is on the way! Don't worry. No pig virus is getting to my baby! And honey, if you won't get a flu shot, then you'll sleep on the couch for a couple nights when you start coughing this winter :) I know, I know..."you never get sick"

Today I got my first baby gift from a girlfriend who I've been helping on her wedding, Shannon. As a "thank you" gift, she gave me one girl outfit and one for a boy. I'm torn becasue they're both so damn cute! I'm looking forward to all this baby stuff. How can anyone resist!

NAMES

What to name this baby? Hmmm....yes, we know it's early but we both have our hearts set on something and are not wanting to budge. Matthew likes the more traditional names while I like 'em a little funky. What are your thoughts?

BOYS:
Katie picks- Hunter, Jackson, Cole, Caden, Colton, Cooper, Riley
Matthew- well, I don't know that he has any in particular. He's mentioned several Russian names for some reason.

We like to use family names for middle names if we like 'em ok.

GIRLS:
Katie- SOPHIA HOPE!!! Hope is after my grandma Mila and I just think Sophia is so freakin cute
I also like Lexi (Alexas), Bella (Isabella), Addison, Mia, Layla, Savannah, or Grace.

Matthew is IN LOVE with the name Audrey Peyton. Audrey is after Audrey Hepburn and Peyton is after allegedly nobody but I don't believe that for a second! He's had this name picked out since before we were married and when I was still "sure" I didn't even want kids. Amazing how a few years gives you baby fever.

Please give me your thoughts! Here is a link to the 100 top 2008 baby names.
http://www.babycenter.com/top-baby-names-2008

I got some input from my baby loving SIL, Lindy. She liked Cooper & Caden. She also liked Sophia Hope & Addison (which was almost the name of my youngest niece, Hannah). She did make a good point about using names that would later get shortened- what if folks want to personalize items- then what initial do you put on it? If the full name is Alexas and we call her Lexi- does her lunch bag get an A or a L? Hmmm...good point! Thanks Lind!

I've come up w/ a spectacular girls name that I LOVE. I think I'm going to TRY and keep it a secret. We shall see... 9/25/09.

Today I start my pregnancy/baby blog.

Today I was reading some of my girlfriends baby blogs and I realized I wish I had a place to look at experiences my friends had when they were pregnant. What's to come in the next 7 months or so? Frankly, I don't really know! I realize there are books and articles and baby shows- but hearing it first-hand is the best way to go. So....here I go.

I'm 10 weeks so far and I'm elated. Truly joyous- and I'm really not an over-enthusiatic gal but for this, I really am. I couldn't quite wait for that first trimester to be over to tell my good friends and family. I was just way too excited. And with my mom on the loose, I figured I'd tell folks before they heard it from her. It's ok mom, I'm glad you're excited too. I'm even excited to get that baby belly that may very well impart stretch marks and sleepless nights- but it means there's really a baby in there. I feel pretty good for a pregnant gal. I consider myself lucky that there was not much morning sickness or throwing up in particular. I had a few food aversions that are pretty well gone. The exhasution has set in. When I get home from work, I just want to sit on the couch and ignore the laundry that has been sitting on my bedroom floor for three days. Around 7 weeks I did start noticing some symptoms- nausea, a quick gag reflex, constipation, and gas. I know it's unpleasant but for you gals that are planning to get pregnant you will start getting very comfortable with your husband about such things that I was always convinced are not topics for discussion. They are now!

My first doctors visit...I had an appt at 8 weeks. I was excited and nervous. I mean, maybe I had imagined the whole thing. Who knows. When the RN told me I didn't need to bring anyone with me I knew that wasn't going to fly. So, I brought along Matthew and my mom. A couple nurses made jokes about clearly I was a new mom b/c I had an entourage with me. Never hurts to have extra support. I picked the hospital becasue I was in love with the glass tile from when I had been there to see Miss Peanut Steinberg being born. I realize it's not a reason to pick a hospital but it was new and reputable and my doctor, Dr. Amy Moon, came very highly reccomended. So, off to the hospital we went. Having them tell you what size check you need to write at the end of 9 months was a little intimidating. Don't they know I have a crib, stroller, clothes, and diapers to buy! This was a long appointment...two and a half hours. They got my family history, did a girly exam, took some blood, and best of all- I got to have an ultrasound! I was shocked when there was a little jelly bean floating around in my utereus. It didn't look like the blob I anticipated but I teeny, tiny little person or gummi bear as the tech pointed out. The most exciting part was hearing the heart beat. That made it all feel real. You could see Bean's (that's what we're calling the baby until we know to call "it" he or she) little heart beat a mile a minute. I was told it was very stong and everything looked good. All is right with the world...let's just get past that first trimester and we'll be in good shape.