Week 17 - Month 5

Week: 17
Baby: Baby B is the size of a turnip! The cartilage is changing to bone and the umbilical cord is growing stronger. Baby B now weighs approximately 5 ounces and is 5 inches long from head to bottom.
Total weight gain: Not sure...we'll find out next week.
Sleep: Pretty good minus the weird dreams! I have been waking up around 4am and I find it really difficult to fall back asleep. I end up tossing and turning for the next hour and a half until my alarm goes off.
Favorite moment of the week: My favorite moment of the week was getting to go register for Baby B! I know we don't know the gender yet, but I have a shower at school in 2 weeks! We decided to go ahead of register for all the necessities beyond boy/girl items. We went with my fabulous friend, Emily, on Wednesday night to Buy Buy Baby so she could show me the ropes (she just had a baby in October)! On Sunday, Kyle and I went to Target and Babies 'R Us. It was so much fun picking out all of those goodies!
My other favorite moment of the week was when we purchased Baby B their first gift from Mommy and Daddy! We went to an antique store in Hayesville, NC and found a beautiful cedar chest that we could not pass up. This will be their special gift that they can treasure from us. I can't wait to see it all set up in the nursery.

Miss anything? I now miss my regular jeans fitting! Ha! I am pretty much down to maternity jeans only with the exception of a few regular pairs (but not my favorite ones)! =)
Movement: None yet, but I am ready to feel Baby B kicking!
Cravings: I want kid cereal....like Lucky Charms and Cocoa Krispies! These taste so good to me, and I know they're not good for me....but I want to eat them for every meal!
Anything make you queasy or sick? I was hoping I was over the queasiness of chicken noodle soup, but I am not! Kyle heated up some last night for him to eat, and I could not stand the smell of it. It was so gross...and I am sad because I loved chicken noodle soup!
Gender prediction:  Nope, but I am so ready to know!! May 14th is the anatomy appt and we will find out May 25th with everyone! =)
Labor signs: Nope
Symptoms: Restlessness at night at 4am...
Mood: Good
Looking forward to: The anatomy ultrasound on May 14th, and I am graduating Thursday (May 8)! I am so excited Baby B will be going us for this exciting day!!
Freak-out moment of the week: The only "freak-out" I had was just being overwhelmed by all there was to register for and how expensive having a baby will be. We are prepared for it, but it is still a lot when you are walking around the stores registering and you see all of those crazy price tags.
Thankful for: A fantastic Aunt and Uncle that Baby B will have! When we first found out we were pregnant, they were some of the first people to start spoiling Baby B. They got these onesies for him/her as a sweet gift. It was so much fun to get a little gift for the baby. They are going to be the best aunt and uncle ever!

Week 16

Week: 16
Baby: Baby B is the size of an avocado now! Over the next few weeks, he/she will double in weight and add more inches to the length. The legs are much more developed and his or her head is more erect now than before. The heart is now pumping 25 quarts of blood each day now and it will continue to rise.
Total weight gain: 1.5 pounds so far
Sleep: It is great! I am not nearly as tired as I was in the first trimester, but I still like getting plenty of sleep. I haven't had to nap as much this past week as before.
Favorite moment of the week: I had two people make comments about my belly growing. That is really exciting because that means Baby B is healthy and growing.
Miss anything? Not this week!
Movement: None so far, but I should start feeling "flutters" within the next few weeks!
Cravings: Juice...lemonade, pink lemonade, strawberry lemonade, crangrape!! Any kind....you name it...I want to drink it!
Anything make you queasy or sick? I actually spent this past weekend with bronchitis and that made me feel very sick. You are so limited on what you can take when pregnant, so I thrived on few over the counter meds and rest. It was not fun at all coughing that much. It put a lot of pressure on my belly, but I am feeling much better now.
Gender prediction: We could technically find out now, but the appointment is not until May 14th!
Labor signs: Nope
Symptoms: Pregnancy brain has set in! Kyle has decided it's an excuse for pregnant women to forget everything. I have misplaced and looked over so many things over the past week. Kyle went home about a week ago to visit family, and I told him I was irritated he took my laptop and I had to use his desktop. A lot of my stuff was saved on my laptop and it was not as convenient using his computer. He asked me if I looked around the desk at all while I was working on his desktop...to which I told him not really, why? He stated that my laptop had been on the desk the whole time he was gone because he decided he didn't need it for the trip. I was speechless!! When I went upstairs, that stinkin' laptop was sitting right next to where I had been working! I am losing my mind!! (Kyle thought this was absolutely hilarious!!)
Mood: Great!
Looking forward to: Finding out the gender!!!
Freak-out moment of the week: I was a little freaked out while I was sick that I was "hurting" the baby coughing so much. I know it wasn't the case, but I just felt so bad and didn't want it to feel bad too!
Thankful for: Family and friends who have been so supportive and excited for me along the way! This was Baby B's most recent gift from Kristen and Moe back in AR!! Kyle and I are alumnus at UCA, so it was so sweet to get a onesie to show support of the Bears!!

Week 15

Week:15
Baby: Baby B is now about 4 inches long and 2 1/2 ounces. The legs are growing longer than the legs now, and he/she can move their tiny joints. Baby B can sense light now and is ready to announce their gender to us.
Total weight gain: 1.5 pounds so far
Sleep: Sleep is great, but the crazy dreams have started. I am trying to not take naps after school (although it's really tough) because I don't sleep as well at night if I do. A lot of the fatigue is gone now, but I still like my naps!!
Favorite moment of the week: I had a doctor's appointment last Tuesday, and was able to hear the heartbeat again. It was 154 bpm. This baby is growing like a champ.
Miss anything? The only thing I miss is being able to eat soft cheeses right now. I LOVE cheese, so it makes me sad that I can't eat some of my favorite kinds right now!
Movement: None so far
Cravings: I want lemonade all the time....pink lemonade, strawberry lemonade, and regular lemonade. We have all three kinds in our refrigerator right now. It so good right now!
Anything make you queasy or sick? Not this week....woohoo!!
Gender prediction: Kyle and I are guessing girl...only because of old wives' tales! The fast heartbeat, my cravings and my current skin condition (which hasn't been great). It's fun to see what the tales say about the gender and it will be fun to see if we get it right or not.
Labor signs: No way!
Symptoms: None
Mood: Great so far!
Looking forward to: Easter weekend...a 4 day weekend to relax and catch up on school work before I graduate!
Freak-out moment of the week: This may sound silly, but I noticed that my skin was blue the other day on the top of my feet and on my inner thighs. I made Kyle come look and I decided I was developing blood clots. He informed me that it was probably my blood vessels expanding and I should not be alarmed!
Thankful for: A fabulous weekend Kyle and I had to work in yard and a husband that is taking care of me throughout this whole process!

Week 14 - Month 4

Week: 14
Baby: Baby B is the size of a lemon. Baby B can now squint, frown, and suck his or her thumb!
Total weight gain: None so far!
Sleep: Sleep is good these days, but the dreams have been crazy! I have woken up several times during the past week "mad" at Kyle because of what he did in my dreams...haha!
Favorite moment of the week: My 14 week appointment! It was great getting to hear such a steady heartbeat! It was 154 this week!
Miss anything? Pants are starting to fit tight! I wore my first pair of maternity jeans...why don't women wear these all the time?! They are amazing! I am still wearing some regular pants, but I feel like maternity jeans will become a staple soon!
Movement: None yet.
Cravings: I don't have any specific cravings, but when I do decide something sounds good...I want it right then! =)
Anything make you queasy or sick? I actually think I may be past this phase! I spent about 3 solid weeks sick every morning without fail. I have now gone an entire week without getting sick at all. I am hoping I am on the uphill as far as sickness goes.
Gender prediction: Don't care at all!  My brother swears it's a boy!
Labor signs: None...won't be for a while!
Symptoms: The only one I've had for the past week is that my hips hurt really bad. If I sleep or sit in a position for too long, it hurts so bad to move!
Mood: Good (you may need to ask Kyle this question)!
Looking forward to: My mom has decided to throw me a gender reveal party at the end of May! We are already so excited about this because we are going to wait and find out with them! =)
Freak-out moment of the week: Kyle was out of town this week, so I spent it by myself here in Knoxville! I never really freaked out, but I didn't like being alone and pregnant...haha!
Thankful for: A God that has entrusted this wonderful miracle to us! We are so thrilled and excited about this journey!

Our Journey to Baby B

(Chelsea MacGruder Photography)

Yes...you are seeing this picture correctly! Kyle and I are expecting our first child in early October! We are beyond thrilled and in awe of this blessing God has given us! We still sit here in shock 12 weeks later trying to wrap our minds around the idea! I wanted to share our story so that one day I can look back on this and remember all of the sweet moments.

The journey began for us back in October. We had decided that we would start trying in November for many reasons. Due to the fact that I am in grad school, I wanted to make sure that I would be able to graduate and finish all of the requirements for my program. Kyle also wanted to get settled in the Urology aspect of his residency and be comfortable with the program. So in November, I went off birth control (and migraine medicine) and we began our journey.

It took us a few months, but we were shocked to find out that it was only three months before we became pregnant. I had been told by my OB/GYN that it could take us up to a year due to my long use of birth control. We found out on February 4!! I spent the day feeling very nauseous and was sick several times. My first cycle had been 8 weeks and I was only 6 weeks into this cycle, so I thought there was no way I could possibly be pregnant or know yet (it was only my 2nd cycle). I told Kyle when I got home from work that I would take a test, but realized that it would probably not come out positive. Well, I was very wrong....both times!! The funny story is that once I got a positive result, I wanted to take another test to make sure it wasn't faulty. Of course, I did not have any other tests so my wonderful hubby had to run to CVS to purchase pregnancy tests. He is such a team-player!! Once I took the second one, we went crazy! We were in shock and both just started crying!!

I actually had this grand plan for telling Kyle! I ordered these really cute shirts for Kooper and Kole and was going to have them run downstairs when Kyle got home to surprise him! Of course...it never goes as planned, so after I composed myself, I shouted "You weren't supposed to find out like this!!" and ran down the hallway to put the boys' shirts on....haha!! Kyle was just laughing when I wouldn't let him in the game room. When I opened the door, he died laughing and absolutely loved the shirts. 

We scheduled our doctors appointment for the next week and went in to find out that we were 6 weeks along and set the due date for October 6, 2014. It was the most amazing feeling to see Baby B! There is so much more to update and tell you all about. In my next post, I will tell you about how we told our families and I will start updating weekly with my progress from here on out. We are so excited about this upcoming journey God has put us on!!

Here are the pictures that I have taken thus far! There is really not much to show, but I want documentation of each week. Enjoy the first trimester!

This was before we knew how far along we were!

This was in Colorado Springs, CO!

I plan to start weekly updates from here on out! Don't hold me to it, but that's my plan! =)

Staying Busy

So once we got settled into the house, I decided to start another project I had been wanting to do in Little Rock. I knew that I should wait until we got here and I was super excited to start this project...a Herb Garden!! 

Kyle and I went to Home Depot on June 25th and I picked out 6 of my favorite herbs to plant: chives, parsley, basil, cilantro, rosemary and oregano.

We bought a Jack Daniel's barrel that was cut in half. I thought it was really neat looking for our back yard.

I planted them in order of how tall they would get. I put the rosemary in the very back with cilantro and oregano on each side a little ways up. I planted parsley in the very middle, then put chives and sweet basil in the very front. I tried to make sure to split up the herbs that would look similar so I wouldn't confuse them when they grow. 

Below are the herbs on July 5th, a week and a half old. The basil definitely initiated the growth process. They are growing great so far! Each herb takes a different amount of time to really get going. The lady at Home Depot told me it would be anywhere from 6-9 weeks before they were all really growing.

Here they are today....almost 3 weeks old! The basil is still doing great and the parsley and cilantro is coming up! I cannot wait to stop buying these at the grocery store and use my own!!

I am so excited about this new project! There will be more pictures as they keep growing! =)

Moving to Tennessee

Ok....we are officially in Tennessee! We are celebrating being here for one month now! Life has changed so much in that past month, and I wanted to walk you through some of the big changes! To preface..there will be more pics of the new house decorated as I complete rooms, but I wanted to show you what they looked like during the process!! =)

This is what our living room looked like the day before we moved! The Razorbacks were playing baseball that day and Kyle didn't want to miss it, so the TV was packed last! It's the important things!!

This picture doesn't even sum up this moment! Thank you brother for capturing this sweet moment without us knowing! The good-byes were hard! As this picture was being taken, Mom reminded me of a saying I always said when I was little, "My can do it!" She said I was Miss Independent and never wanted anyone's help. Right as Josh took this picture, she looked at me and said, "Remember Sissy, 'My can do it!'" It was such a sweet moment!

This was at 6am on Tuesday, June 12th and we were about to head out of Little Rock!

The muscles of the moving crew! =) Couldn't have done it without Josh!!

                                      

Like father....like son!!

The sleep medicine the vet gave us for the pups KNOCKED them out. They were so loopy and confused! When we would stop to walk them, they would just wobble around and end up laying down in the grass. It was so sad and hilarious at the same time!

Saying "Hello" to our new home state!

The evening we arrived we unloaded one mattress and set out the rugs to flatten. If you remember, we came during spring break and set one whole room up, so all we needed was the one mattress for the other room to all get a good night's sleep. 10+ hours is a long drive! *That was Kole running through the house!

The movers got there at 8:00am and were completely finished with the moving truck at 9:38am. It was incredible!!!

Kyle helping the movers out along the way!!

Here is the living room...the couch was upside down so we could nail in the felt pads so as to not scratch the hard wood floors!

Kyle's office upstairs...notice the chair and ottoman are laying upside down! That's how the movers unloaded them...haha.

Our master bedroom upstairs...we have the 2 dressers in, but no bed yet! (However, we did sleep wonderfully the night before on our new memory foam mattress)

Kyle took this picture of me because I was so excited to have all of our bedroom furniture in our actual bedroom and have space leftover! (His chest of drawers was in our office in Little Rock because it all wouldn't fit in that room)

Kooper and Kole seem pretty settled in!!

This is the bonus room/game room above the garage! It is a project in and of itself...needless to say!! This was about 2 days into the move! It does look MUCH better now.

The kitchen pretty much unpacked and organized!

The guest bathroom upstairs...I had just steamed my new shower curtain! (I was really excited about this curtain...fell in love with in when I saw it at Target!)

The picture is exciting because we can now fit 1 car in the garage. My school supplies are occupying the other side right now until I get a job, so Kyle has to park outside until that happens!!

The master closet...I AM IN LOVE!!!!

Saying good-bye to the Penske!! I was not sad to see it go...that meant we were finally in our new home!!

The first family pic at our new house!! The pups love their new yard so much!!

We were invited to a Urology Resident dinner our first Friday night, so we finally got a chance to get out of work clothes and get all fancy for the first time! We had an amazing time and met so many wonderful people while we were there!

Now that it is a month in, we are completely settled minus a few pieces of decorations here and there and the game room! There were a lot of rooms I did not get pictures of yet, but they will come! I hope to update soon with the whole house all finished! Kyle is loving his job, but is super busy! He gets up early and comes home late! I am staying busy by working out, cleaning, cooking, running errands and doing everything I can to stay out of this heat right now!! =)

We are blessed beyond belief and thank God everyday for these awesome blessings! We love our new house and are meeting some wonderful people along the way!! These 5 years are going to fly by!!