I'm 11 weeks and 1 day today and weird things are beginning to happen to my body! My stomach looks like nothing more than I've eaten too many meatball subs and I have a serious bout of gas :\ but, my boobs have doubled in size! Unfortunately, the funbags my husband's ogling are too tender to touch and are off limits for the time being! When I wake in the morning and get up to stretch, it feels like someone is ripping the skin under my armpits. Hopefully the tenderness and stretchy feeling will subside soon! Oh, and the prenatal vitamins are doing wonders for my hair, skin, and nails!
I went home from work on Wednesday because I was extremely nauseated and dizzy. Thursday and today I feel completely fine. Must have been a surge of hormones. And speaking of hormones, I was teary-eyed at an episode of Sex and the City! Now, I've always had a fondness for the show but come on! Oh, the joys of pregnancy, ha ha.
On a happier note, I was very excited to park in the "Expectant Mother" reserved parking spot yesterday. I received a weird look from a passerby, who looked at my semi-flat stomach and then at me. I know I don't have a huge baby bump making it harder for me to walk, but I AM prego and deserve to take advantage of the perks society offers pregnant women (which aren't many). Also, Brian and I were very excited to look at a baby name book last night. We've started to highlight the names we like! But, that's for another blog, another day :)
Friday, October 24, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
letting the secret out
So, we decided to tell our parents the last weekend in September. Again, not exactly the reaction every couple hopes for but after the initial shock wore off, everyone is showing their excitement and support and they can't wait to meet baby Bub!
Let's start with my side of the family. Everyone in my family lives in Virginia. It's hard being so far away sometimes, and this is one of those times. First, I called my mom Friday morning on my way to work. We hadn't been getting along very well lately but this certainly turned things around :) My mom was driving to visit my grandmother and aunt in Warrenton for the day. It's a pretty long drive. We talked for a few minutes when I decided there was no easy way to drop it into conversation so I just blurted it out, "mom, I'm pregnant". My mom screeched with delight and accidentally dropped the phone! She scrambled to pick it back up and screeched with joy for another 3 minutes. She was so excited! Then, she started crying because she wouldn't be around her first born (and only) daughter to go through the pregnancy with. My grandmother later told me my mom cried the entire way to Warrenton and it was all the three of them could talk about during their visit together.
Next was my dad. Typical dad! When I told him, his reaction was, "you sure about this?". He is excited for me and Brian but thinks we are still too young to have kids. I hate to break it to you dad, but I'll be 30 in 4 months. I'm not the little girl anymore playing with My Little Pony on the living room floor :) My dad is a great man and I love him dearly. He's just not very emotional sometimes and overly practical. In the passing weeks, he's been more excited, talking about things he wants to buy for baby Bub and his predictions on it being a girl. I hope he's right!
David and Jen (my brother and his wife) already knew from the moment we knew because we had to call them on their advice about the pregnancy test. They are very excited for us and can't wait for baby Bub to come along and make their two precious kids cousins! I know we will be calling them religiously when we have questions. I love them and miss them so much!
In the growing weeks (and belly), everyone seems to be more and more excited! From baby name suggestions to birthing options, we hear it all and love everyone who has their own two cents to share! Keep it coming friends and family, we are so excited to share our pregnancy with you. We love you!
Let's start with my side of the family. Everyone in my family lives in Virginia. It's hard being so far away sometimes, and this is one of those times. First, I called my mom Friday morning on my way to work. We hadn't been getting along very well lately but this certainly turned things around :) My mom was driving to visit my grandmother and aunt in Warrenton for the day. It's a pretty long drive. We talked for a few minutes when I decided there was no easy way to drop it into conversation so I just blurted it out, "mom, I'm pregnant". My mom screeched with delight and accidentally dropped the phone! She scrambled to pick it back up and screeched with joy for another 3 minutes. She was so excited! Then, she started crying because she wouldn't be around her first born (and only) daughter to go through the pregnancy with. My grandmother later told me my mom cried the entire way to Warrenton and it was all the three of them could talk about during their visit together.
Next was my dad. Typical dad! When I told him, his reaction was, "you sure about this?". He is excited for me and Brian but thinks we are still too young to have kids. I hate to break it to you dad, but I'll be 30 in 4 months. I'm not the little girl anymore playing with My Little Pony on the living room floor :) My dad is a great man and I love him dearly. He's just not very emotional sometimes and overly practical. In the passing weeks, he's been more excited, talking about things he wants to buy for baby Bub and his predictions on it being a girl. I hope he's right!
David and Jen (my brother and his wife) already knew from the moment we knew because we had to call them on their advice about the pregnancy test. They are very excited for us and can't wait for baby Bub to come along and make their two precious kids cousins! I know we will be calling them religiously when we have questions. I love them and miss them so much!
Next, the Bubs. Oh, how I love my new family! I'm so glad to have married into such a wonderful group of people. I think I would hate it here without them. Maybe we will move closer one day :)
Brian and I drove down to Houston to see/tell his family. We left Austin on Friday after work and arrived at the Bub house around 10pm. Nobody was home except for Kelly, Brian's 24 year old sister, and she was about to leave for the bars. We chatted with her for a few minutes when Brian blindsided her, "Are you ready to be an Aunt?". Kelly dropped our dog, Lily, and grabbed my stomach. She was so excited!
Brian's parents were the next to arrive home. It was about 10:30pm. Brian and I had almost decided to head up to bed because we weren't sure what time they'd make it home. Being pregnant makes you so tired and I just wanted to crawl into a warm spot and sleep! Just as we're about to head upstairs his parents walked in. We greeted and started chatting when Brian decides to let the secret out, "Guess what? Lisa is pregnant". You could hear crickets for a few seconds! Then, with delayed reaction, "Congrats! OH! Great! We're so excited!". They know about my not having health insurance right now and that we just downgraded to a one bedroom to save money to buy a house in the next year, so we know they're just concerned. His mom sat down on the couch beside me and hugged me. I could tell she was excited but still a little shocked. Then, Lindsey, Brian's 18 year old sister, walked in from cheering at her high school football game. "So, are you ready to be an aunt??" Brian said as he hugged her. She did a double take at Brian, and once his question registered, she threw her arms around me. "OH MY GOD, I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT!". By far, it was the best reaction out of both of our families.In the growing weeks (and belly), everyone seems to be more and more excited! From baby name suggestions to birthing options, we hear it all and love everyone who has their own two cents to share! Keep it coming friends and family, we are so excited to share our pregnancy with you. We love you!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
9 weeks, a sonogram, and a surprise!
I quote one of my favorite childhood characters because it seems so fitting in this pregnant state, "A grand adventure is about to begin." - Winnie the Pooh. And a grand adventure it is, Pooh and readers! I'm 9 weeks along and I'm experiencing some serious morning sickness lately. Let me tell you, the sickness doesn't just hit you in the morning either. I'm beginning to think whoever coined the term "morning sickness" must have been a man! I hear I've been lucky though, I've only had morning sickness a few times. Gagging a few mornings before I've eaten anything and twice after eating lunch at Mexican restaurants. Maybe baby Bub doesn't like Mexican food. Well, baby Bub was conceived in Virginia and in my great home state, we don't enjoy Mexican food like Texans do!
Pregnancy does wreak havoc on you but the end result turns out to be the most amazing thing, it's the gift of life! Somehow, with all the morning sickness, the emotional roller coaster rides, heartburn, nosebleeds, and hiccups (and I have a touch of all of these), nothing matters but precious baby Bub growing inside me!
Well, I had my first prenatal visit today. Aside from being nervous, the visit went well and as it happened, I was in for a couple of surprises!
The doctor was performing my sonogram and reading the monitor pretty intensely. All was quiet until I heard a low, but audible "ohhhhh". And then I was nervous again! He turned the monitor in my direction and baby Bub was waving! I mean, not just a few sluggish movements, I mean Ms. America style waving! It was an amazing sight and I started to cry a little. Then, came the second surprise...
The doctor explained I have two yolk sacs but they only see one baby (technically, it's still called an embryo). It's more than likely a "vanishing twin", where the second baby doesn't take/attach and is reabsorbed by the body. But, they are going to keep a watchful eye to see if there is any growth during the next sonogram as the other baby Bub could be too small to see. We were hoping for just one healthy, happy baby but if we're blessed with two, then we'll gladly make more room in our home and our hearts!
Pregnancy does wreak havoc on you but the end result turns out to be the most amazing thing, it's the gift of life! Somehow, with all the morning sickness, the emotional roller coaster rides, heartburn, nosebleeds, and hiccups (and I have a touch of all of these), nothing matters but precious baby Bub growing inside me!
Well, I had my first prenatal visit today. Aside from being nervous, the visit went well and as it happened, I was in for a couple of surprises!
The doctor was performing my sonogram and reading the monitor pretty intensely. All was quiet until I heard a low, but audible "ohhhhh". And then I was nervous again! He turned the monitor in my direction and baby Bub was waving! I mean, not just a few sluggish movements, I mean Ms. America style waving! It was an amazing sight and I started to cry a little. Then, came the second surprise...
The doctor explained I have two yolk sacs but they only see one baby (technically, it's still called an embryo). It's more than likely a "vanishing twin", where the second baby doesn't take/attach and is reabsorbed by the body. But, they are going to keep a watchful eye to see if there is any growth during the next sonogram as the other baby Bub could be too small to see. We were hoping for just one healthy, happy baby but if we're blessed with two, then we'll gladly make more room in our home and our hearts!Wednesday, October 8, 2008
our virginia souvenir!
The greatest Virginia souvenir! Brian and I had gone to Virginia the last weekend in August for my best friend's wedding. It was a weekend event at Shenandoah National Park on Skyline Drive. We stayed at Skyland Resort in a cozy little cabin for two. It was wonderful! Since there weren't any televisions in the cabins, we had to entertain ourselves. We went sightseeing (and for those who don't know, Skyline is at the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains, elevation 4,000 feet), we hiked nature trails, and we just were able to enjoy each other's company. The wedding weekend was relaxing, rejuvenating, and very romantic! The night of Michelle's wedding on August 31, there was a beautiful sunset, and as you can see, very romantic...
My obstetrics doctor says we conceived baby Bub on August, 31.
My obstetrics doctor says we conceived baby Bub on August, 31.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
we're, um, a little pregnant?!
It's every couples dream...the husband quietly paces the kitchen floor while the wife is in the bathroom taking a pregnancy test. She emerges 3 minutes later with a huge smile and tears in her eyes and says, "I'm pregnant!". The husband scoops the wife up in his arms and hugs her tight, overwhelmed with joy and excitement. They spend the next couple of hours flipping through baby books and chatting about baby names, holding hands and staring romantically into each other's eyes. It's touching, it's beautiful, and it's compelling. I expected nothing less they day I found out I was pregnant...
Unfortunately, reality isn't always made of dreams come true. When we found out, we were certainly overwhelmed with joy and excitement, but we were also filled with a little worry and a little shock :) It's not that we didn't want to start a family, it's just we didn't think were prepared just yet. The insurance my company provides doesn't kick in until January and pregnancy-related doctor bills are beyond expensive! The first trimester/first three months are filled with doctor visits, blood tests, and sonograms (not to mention morning sickness, moodiness, and copious cat naps!). It's a lot to take on and definitely a lot to take on without insurance. The other thing is, we moved mid-September from a two bedroom apartment to a "cozy" one bedroom to save money so we can buy a house in the next year or so. We had talked about getting pregnant in the past but decided to put it off for a year or two until we were more settled and prepared. We wanted a bigger place to live, more dollars in the bank account, active health insurance....you know, the fundamentals of starting a family.
It was Sunday, September, 20, 2008. A few friends and family had just left from helping us move the last bit of boxes and furniture from our old place. Brian and I were unpacking when I decided to mention my period hadn't started yet. By my calculations, which aren't always on track, I was supposed to start my period last Sunday. We figured with the stress of moving, my new job, and the shift in my birth control prescription, my period was just late. But, we decided to get a pregnancy test anyway. Returning from the drug store with our 3-pack of tests (why do they only sell pregnancy tests in packs of three? It only takes one to tell!), I went to the bathroom while Brian paced the kitchen floor. 3 minutes later I emerged from the bathroom with the pregnancy stick in my hand. It clearly showed one pink line but next to it, a very, very faint pink line. So faint that if you turned it, the second pink line disappeared. My rationale, if there was a second pink line at all, faint or not, the test detected a level of HGC (pregnancy hormone) in my body and therefore, I was a little pregnant. Wait, a little pregnant?!
We were so confused! Brian was somewhat doubtful. I called my very close friend/sister-in-law, Jennifer, and asked her advice. She agreed I was pregnant but to clear up any doubt, we should purchase a digital test. She said you can't go wrong with digital tests. Tells you "pregnant" or "not pregnant", unlike the conventional tests that can leave you guessing with faint pink lines.
Unfortunately, reality isn't always made of dreams come true. When we found out, we were certainly overwhelmed with joy and excitement, but we were also filled with a little worry and a little shock :) It's not that we didn't want to start a family, it's just we didn't think were prepared just yet. The insurance my company provides doesn't kick in until January and pregnancy-related doctor bills are beyond expensive! The first trimester/first three months are filled with doctor visits, blood tests, and sonograms (not to mention morning sickness, moodiness, and copious cat naps!). It's a lot to take on and definitely a lot to take on without insurance. The other thing is, we moved mid-September from a two bedroom apartment to a "cozy" one bedroom to save money so we can buy a house in the next year or so. We had talked about getting pregnant in the past but decided to put it off for a year or two until we were more settled and prepared. We wanted a bigger place to live, more dollars in the bank account, active health insurance....you know, the fundamentals of starting a family.
It was Sunday, September, 20, 2008. A few friends and family had just left from helping us move the last bit of boxes and furniture from our old place. Brian and I were unpacking when I decided to mention my period hadn't started yet. By my calculations, which aren't always on track, I was supposed to start my period last Sunday. We figured with the stress of moving, my new job, and the shift in my birth control prescription, my period was just late. But, we decided to get a pregnancy test anyway. Returning from the drug store with our 3-pack of tests (why do they only sell pregnancy tests in packs of three? It only takes one to tell!), I went to the bathroom while Brian paced the kitchen floor. 3 minutes later I emerged from the bathroom with the pregnancy stick in my hand. It clearly showed one pink line but next to it, a very, very faint pink line. So faint that if you turned it, the second pink line disappeared. My rationale, if there was a second pink line at all, faint or not, the test detected a level of HGC (pregnancy hormone) in my body and therefore, I was a little pregnant. Wait, a little pregnant?!
We were so confused! Brian was somewhat doubtful. I called my very close friend/sister-in-law, Jennifer, and asked her advice. She agreed I was pregnant but to clear up any doubt, we should purchase a digital test. She said you can't go wrong with digital tests. Tells you "pregnant" or "not pregnant", unlike the conventional tests that can leave you guessing with faint pink lines. Brian and I went back to the drug store and purchased another 3 pack of digital tests from the same store clerk who rung us up the last time, and he was giving us questioning looks. You have to give it to those store clerks, I'm sure they see very weird purchases but they never comment. I'd have a very hard time if I were a clerk because I'd want to know more! Anyway, we arrived home (again) and I went to the bathroom while Brian wore out the kitchen floor. This time, it only took 1 minute for the 3 minute test to read "pregnant".
We both stood in the kitchen staring at the digital "pregnant" pregnancy stick for a moment or two. Then, Brian scooped me up and hugged me tight! I could hear the excitement in his voice, "everything will be fine, we'll make this work! I'm so happy we're pregnant!". Hearing my wonderful husband say those words put me at ease. We kissed and cuddled for a few minutes and then, Brian fell to his knees and started talking to baby Bub (go ahead, you can say "awww"!).
Although we weren't flipping through baby books and chatting about baby names, holding hands and staring romantically into each others eyes, we did spend the next couple of hours searching online to see whether or not insurance companies consider pregnancy a pre-existing condition and trying to figure out where in our small, one bedroom apartment the baby's bassinet will go (we have decided to sell the love seat in our bedroom and put a bassinet and changing table with drawers in the corner). Our "cozy" one bedroom apartment will now be even cozier with the arrival of baby Bub! Thankfully, we'll be able to move to a bigger place when baby Bub is only 4 months!
Brian and I are overwhelmed with joy and excitement, and actually, our dreams have come true, just a little early! It didn't happen as we dreamed it would happen, but we love baby Bub already and know we'll be great parents!
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