We Made It!

Well, look at that! We've made it into the infamous second trimester without a major hitch. God is good! I have to take back one comment however, my complexion is no longer better then ever - it's the pits! But I can handle that, and hopefully getting a little sun on it while we are on vacation will help it out a little.

I'm excited about going on vacation while prego. The buffet at our hotel is amazing, and just being in that warm, moist climate will be a nice relief from the cold, dry air at home. I also get to look cute in my bikini, and spend some quality romantic time with Ryan before heading into a long six months of nothing before baby arrives.

As a Christmas present to each other, we bought a bedroom suite. This means that some of our clothing will finally move out of babies' room, and I can start working at getting it ready. Baby also got a few nice Christmas presents - some blankets from grandma and grandpa Plett, Trisha, and a teether from Great Auntie Karen and Great Uncle Brent.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to my great friend (and co-worker) Robin, who just became an Auntie yesterday! Her niece, Makayla Katherine, was born at 3:40 a.m. in Steinbach. She weighs 8lbs. 1 oz., and the happy parents are Jon and Leah.

One More Day

One more day until I've reached the thirteen week mark, not that thirteen weeks means anything terribly exciting. It does mean, however, one more week until I've officially said good bye to the first trimester.

My constipation seems to have dissipated some now (knock on wood), so that is a great relief. I am also a lot less gassy and bloated, which means that some of my pre-prego clothes are still fitting not too badly this week. I finally found some time to do some shopping for our trip to Maui in two weeks. It looks like most of my elastic waisted skirts will work, and I have a couple pairs of capris pants that still fit too. It was mostly tops that I really needed, which I was able to pick up at Garage clothing. They make their t-shirts really extra long - so I got a few cute ones. I also picked up a maternity bathing suit, but I think I will also wear my bikini - and show off my tummy!

I don't seem to be having the same cravings either. Maybe they have also tapered off. Last week I just couldn't get enough salt and vinegar chips. The saltier and vingerier the better! This week I've been polishing off a lot of veggies and dip that I took to a family gathering (probably a major key in why I'm not so constipated). I can't wait until our vacation where I can eat as much fresh fruit as I can get!

Rh Negative Blood

This website gives a pretty good explanation of the Rh disease that can occur when a mother has Rh negative blood, and the father Rh positive blood as is the case for Ryan and I. I found it quite interesting.

This is my baby bedding. As usual, I purchased this long before I was even expecting. But it was a great deal, and I just loved the set.

Heather

This is Ryan's contribution to the baby's wardrobe. Isn't is cute?

Heather

Heartbeat

Well, unfortunately we didn't get to hear a heartbeat today at my doctor's appointment. It was technically a little bit early to try, but I'm still slightly disappointed. Otherwise, all is well. We also found out that I am Rh negative, and Ryan is Rh positive. This means that at 28 weeks I have to go get a shot called Winro, just to ensure the babies health. I also get a special little card that explains the situation in case anything should happen to me or the baby. I have gained one kilo (less than a pound), and all my vital signs are A-okay.

More Dreaming...

Day Dreaming

Lately I've caught myself day dreaming about the craziest things. Below are just a couple of my daytime fantasies...

Surprise!

Welcome to all my frequent blogger readers who made it over here from Action Packed Plett Life. If you haven't already figured it out, Ryan and I are going to be parents! We are really excited. So, if you are interested in joining in on the ride, this is the place to do it.

Pregnancy Poem

Today I emailed many friends and clients about my pregnancy. What a good way to feel instantly popular, and fill your Inbox! One client even wrote a poem...

There once was a artist named Heather
Who did not hesitate on whether
To be a Mom would be a delight
Though the change would be day and night.
May the years touch your family with a feather!

Pretty good for spur-of-the-moment!

My Child

You may not know me, but I know eveything about you ...
Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up ...
Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways ...
Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ...
Matt. 10:29-31
For you were made in my image ...
Gen 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being ...
Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring ...
Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived ...
Jer. 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation ...
Eph. 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ...
Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ...
Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made ...
Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb ...
Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born ...
Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ...
John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ...
1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ...
1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father ...
1 John 3:1

Amazing!

Hey, who is that little lump in there?

Heather

Ten Weeks & Totally Craving

Last night Ryan called another friend of his from B.C. to tell the news. It's fun every single time for me! I can hardly wait to tell the world.

So today marks ten weeks prego for me. Wow - how cool! I just feel totally blessed to still be prego, healthy, feeling pretty good and happy!

I've been having some definate cravings lately too. For the last two days I've been eating pan fried, potato and cheddar cheese perogies with sour cream. This may not sound like an odd craving, but considering that I've never wanted anything but boiled, cottage cheese perogies with cream gravy - it is a little off the beaten trail. Yesterday also marks the first day that I polished off a jar of pickles in one sitting. Although it was a small jar, Bick's Crunch 'Ems Garlic, I sat down to eat just a couple. I was going to put the jar away, but the pickles were so fresh, crunchy and garlicy that I had to have a few more. Before I knew it, I had emptied the jar and for a moment considered drinking the juice just for another taste. I may have to pick up some more at the store today. Come to think of it, doing something like that would usually induce some type of guilt or feeling icky - but it totally didn't. I just wanted more pickles!

More Announcements

This weekend Ryan was finally able to tell the good news to his cousin, and best friend, Jeremy and wife Bonnie. So far he hasn't told many of his own friends, so I think he got a little more excited about it after he was able to tell them. We are quite excited that our baby will only be about 10 months younger than their son Billy. They can be playmates! Ryan is also hoping to call a few more friends this week to tell them the news. Then this weekend we will make the rest of our phone calls to family and friends, and announce our pregnancy at one of Ryan's family gatherings. How exciting! By next week we will be letting the world know our secret!

This weeks symptoms have been much the same, constipation and headaches. I also had the worst sleep ever last night, having to get up a 3:30am to use the bathroom. I was also boiling hot, so I had to strip down a few layers to cool off. Thankfully the nausea has really worn off, but if I let myself get too hungry it can resurface. I can't stand any leftovers still, and the smell of beef turns my stomach.

So far only a couple of sex predictions have been made. I want to make a list of everyone's prediction for sex, birth date, and birth weight. My own prediction is that I'm having a boy. I just feel compelled towards boy things, and I just feel like it's a boy! Ryan hasn't made up his mind yet, but his mom also thinks it's a boy. I'd love to hear what your prediction is! You can post it in the comments section below. Maybe the winner will get a prize. Obviously, a girl would also be fantastic, but for some reason or another I just think this one is a boy.

We haven't started talking much about names yet either. Ryan likes unpopular, yet classic names. I like more unusual names, but I hope that we will be able to choose without too much controversy! For now we are just letting it lie, and when the time is right and we are in the right mood we'll start thinking about names. I'd like to get a good name book too - any suggestions?

The Cure for Constipation

After a week of complaining about constipation, I stumbled across a cure today. I haven't had a "normal" bm (bowel movement) for a couple of weeks, and have not had a bm at all since Wednesday. I know I could probably up my level of vegetable consumption, or take 5 Metamucil capsuls 3 times a day, but both of these are difficult for me to do.

Anyway, today I treated myself to a cappucino from the store next door. I have been avoiding caffeine as much as I can, and I had totally forgotten the powerful effects that those cappucinos have on my body! Basically, they act as a laxative for me, and so I finally had a bm today! Still far from what I would call a "normal" one, but I was able to get rid of a little junk none-the-less. I'm quite happy about it. Maybe I'll up my cappucino intake to every-other-day.

Ultrasound Appointment!

Well, now I'm really getting excited! We have an ultrasound appointment booked for February 6th! I can't wait!

I forgot to mention the other day that despite all the nausea and stuff, my complexion has never been better.

Soda Crackers & Sleep Deprivation

My latest pregnancy "fun" has been my crazy desire to eat soda crackers non-stop, and being unable to sleep. It doesn't seem to matter which way I toss and turn, I can't get comfortable. Last night I resorted to using a second pillow, which I used under my breasts and tummy for support and it actually felt quite good. I think I'll keep doing that and see how it goes.

The Ninth Week

So I'm in my ninth week now, and my morning sickness (or all-day sickness as some call it) has started to get a little more intense. I definately feel nauseated throughout the day, but as long as I eat something it seems to subside - even if I don't feel like eating. I've had strong aversions to any leftovers, and the thought of beef turns my stomach. I put a roast in my slow cooker last night, but I didn't eat any of it! I'm also really constipated, and I've got my first UTI. Lovely. However, I'm still too excited about being pregnant to really care about any of that stuff. I'm just counting down the days until we can tell the rest of the world that we are going to have a baby!

This picture is posted especially for my sister-in-law. Here is my tummy at 2 months - and bloated!

Heather

Almost Eight Weeks

Well, Wednesday marks my eighth week of pregnancy. This means I'm moving on into the third month - the last month before the first trimester is over. I'm feeling so-so these days, but am still totally overjoyed to be experiencing pregnancy! I haven't had any vomiting, but I definately feel queasy throughout the day, especially if I go too long without eating anything. My tummy is staying about the same size now, but my constipation is increasing! I might have to start taking something for that soon.

This past long weekend, my ladies Bible study group and I went to Grand Forks. All five of us shared one hotel room, and did a tonne of shopping! It was so wonderful, we all had a blast! I got some nice maternity clothes, including a cute denim skirt for $6.00! I also got a few Christmas presents, and some Christmas treats. We laughed a lot this weekend, and I was able to tell the girls I was expecting. They would have figured it out on their own, seeing as I wasn't able to go in the hot tub - and in my bikini it is quite obvious.

Ryan recently bought a bib for the baby. It says, "Who me? I didn't do it!". Just like Ryan to buy something like that, it was so cute.

Whoops!

So I had a little "whoops" this week in keeping my pregnancy a secret. I was signed in to my Motherhood blog, and eventually drifted over to a friend's blog about her own pregnancy. Without thinking anything of it, I left a comment on her blog. Yesterday evening I got a call from another friend. She started by saying, "I think I know something I'm not supposed to know. I don't know if I should tell you that first, or say congratulations!". Ends up that I left a comment signed in on my Motherhood post - directly linking anyone to this blog that would click on my name. As far as I know, only one person managed to make it to my "secret" blog. I deleted the comment, and hopefully the news stops there! Yikes, I'm so clumsy and absent-minded these days. I better get my act together if I'm going to keep this secret until December!

More Fun...

On Friday evening we had supper with Ryan's parents. While sitting around after supper, conversation came up about what we wanted for Christmas. Ryan mentioned a few things to his parents, and then said, "You could also just get us baby clothes, and a stroller or stuff like that". His mom raised her eyebrows, "Do you have some news?". So, we told them they were on their way to their third grandchild.

Later that evening we called Ryan's brother and sister-in-law in B.C., and asked to speak to our niece, Emily. We spoke with her for a while on the phone, and then Ryan asked her what she wanted for Christmas. She named a number of things, including a "cute, fuzzy, kitty robot" which we were to look for at a "'lectronics store, with wires and 'lectronics stuff". Eventually Ryan asked her if she wanted a cousin for Christmas. She said, "Um, no but maybe..." and trailed off on a list of items. Then Ryan said, "Ask your mommy if you can have a cousin for Christmas". We could hear Emily asking her mom in the distance, "Mom, Uncle Ryan wants to know if I can have a cousin for Christmas?". Ang was on the phone in a heartbeat, "Guys, do you have something to tell me?!". That was a lot of fun - she was so excited! Apparently she already has a Christmas present for the baby, who is affectionately called "Itty Bitty".

Sharing the Good News

Last night, after weeks of torturous secret-keeping, I was finally able to tell my parents and my brother that we are expecting! It was so much fun! I gave my mom her birthday card, and she read it, but she didn't follow the arrow to turn the page as I had indicated. I pointed out to her that she had to turn the page, and she did. She lifted the flap, and stared blankly at the picture of my positive pregnancy test. And then she read the words "Can you wait 7.5 months to be a grandma?". She almost immediately burst into tears, and said "Are you pregnant?". I nodded 'yes', fighting back tears of my own. Matthew just exclaimed, "Oh! No way! Are you serious?". Dad was silent, I think he was in shock. Even Ryan had tears in his eyes. So much fun! They got up to come and hug us, and the waitress came by just at that moment to see the tearful, yet joyous moment. So much fun! Tonight we get to do it again, as we will be telling Ryan's parents, and calling his brother and sister-in-law and our niece and nephew in B.C. to tell them! Yay!

Busting at the Seams

And I don't mean my pants! I'm just busting at the seams with excitement of telling my parents that we are expecting! We are having dinner together with them, and my brother, for my mom's 50th birthday tomorrow. I've bought her a card, the kind that has a separate sheet inside of it. It has the usual "Happy Birthday Mom! We love you!" with our names signed beneath it - and then an arrow to flip the page. There I've taped on a little flap that says "Lift Flap" - underneath is a picture of my positive pregnancy test and it says "Can you wait 7.5 more months until you are a grandma? Surprise!". I can't wait to see her reaction!

Happy Birthday!

Happy 6-weeks-alive birthday baby Plett!

Pregnancy Paranoia

Today I experienced a little paranoia - I began to let myself worry that I am not, in fact, pregnant. I've been feeling pretty good the last couple of days, and some of the earlier symptoms I was experiencing seemed to have dissipated. I began to question myself as to whether it was safe to tell my parents this week, because what if I ended up not being pregnant after all?! I was getting pretty worried, so I decided I'd better give myself some peace-of-mind. I drove to the pharmacy on my lunch hour, came home, and did another pregnancy test. This time I also made sure I bought a quality one - and it was on sale too, so I didn't feel as guilty as I would have if it had been regular price. I did the test, and sure enough! In three short minutes I had confirmed that I was, indeed, still pregnant - and my paranoia alleviated. I think it was totally worth it! Now I just have to wait until Thursday, when I get to spill the news to my family! Their first grandchild is on the way! I can't wait!

My First Prenatal Appointment

My first prenatal appointment was fairly uneventful really. The doctor asked me all kinds of questions about my health, and the health of my family and my husband's family. We discussed various options for an ob/gyn or whether I'd just continue to go to my GP until later in the pregnancy. I decided to continue to see my GP for now, and then switch over to an ob/gyn later. We also decided that I should get the flu shot, as I am eligible. I go back next week to do a urine analysis, and blood analysis. My next appointment after that is not until December 15 - a date when we might already hear the fetal heartbeat! I've been feeling really good too, except for a brief moment of nausea yesterday afternoon. I'm still incredibly full of gas, but it seems that the bloating has gone down a fair bit. Hallelujah! That was so uncomfortable!

I'm Ready to Spill the Beans

I can barely contain myself these days. I just want to spill the beans! It's especially hard at work, because I see my dad every day. I just want to tell him he's going to be a grandpa! I'm also getting increasingly fatter, and I'm just sure everyone can tell. I tried wearing regular pants yesterday, and had to unzip them everytime I sat down at my desk. Crazy! I have my first doctor's appointment today, so I will be asking about being referred to a ob/gyn soon. It will be easier for Ryan to come to appointments if I go to a doctor in the city, so we'll set that up. Looks like I will probably aim to have the baby at St. Boniface. It isn't my first choice, but in a long run it will work best - again, with Ryan working in the city now.

I still feel like I'm in some denial that I'm actually pregnant. Maybe today's appointment will make it feel real. I've had a little anxiety, but not too much. I don't want to be paranoid, worried and stressed all of the time! My tummy still hurts, but I wouldn't say I've really experienced any morning sickness. It seems like my stomach is smaller in the morning, and progressively gets larger as the day goes by!

Can't Believe I'm Wearing Maternity Pants

My husband can't believe it either. This weekend he said, "You just found out you were pregnant, how can you need maternity clothes already?". I feel the same way! It feel ridiculous to wear maternity clothes - and still not telling many people that I am pregnant. So far just a close friend of mine knows, I needed some support. The websites I'm finding informative are www.babycenter.com and www.ivillage.com. There is a lot of good advice there, and ladies write in with their thoughts. That's why I decided I'd go to Old Navy and pick up two pairs of maternity pants. They are cute - and I'm sooooo much more comfortable. I can breath while sitting at my desk now! My stomach aches on and off, and sometimes it "flutters". I haven't been sleeping well either, because I like to be on my back. We'll see how it goes. It's torture to work with my dad, and one of my best friends and not be able to tell them yet! Ah! Just another couple of weeks, and we'll spill the beans to my family - on my mom's 50th birthday.

Tight Pants

I'm a little surprised that at just 5 weeks my pants are already getting too tight. Because we are still trying to keep our pregnancy a secret, I've been unbuttoning my pants while I sit at my desk! I don't really think I'm "showing" yet, rather just bloated. I think tomorrow I will go shopping for some larger pants - to tie me over until I get serious about needing maternity clothes. I've read somewhere that Old Navy has first trimester clothes, so I'll try there first. If anyone has any other ideas, please let me know! I'm also happy to say that I really feel pretty good too. I haven't been to sick at all (yet). I have a sort of constant tummy ache, but it's mild. I also seem to be full of gas!

Positive Pee

Sorry for the graphic lead-in to this post, but I just couldn't resist. So... yesterday after work I still had not got my period, so I called my husband and told him I needed him to pick up a pregnancy test for me on his way home from work. He asked "What kind?", and I was like, "I don't know! Just choose one!". So he came home with a generic brand one that came with two tests "just in case". I decided that despite my eagerness to do the test, I would wait until the morning when the HcG levels are more concentrated.

Which brings me to this morning. I could hardly sleep, but the minute my alarm went off I was up. I went into the bathroom to do the test, and my husband walked in. Suddenly, I was totally self-concious, so I waited until he was in the shower, and then went to the other bathroom in the house. I pulled the stick out of the package (I had read all the instructions two times the night before), and sat down to do my thing. I stuck in the stick... waited 4 seconds, and then pulled it out and put the cap on. I put it down on the counter in front of me, and just watched. A slow movement of colour swept across the two little windows (as it said it would do), and the control window line grew dark and red - I had done the test right. I waited. It seemed like forever, and I thought, well, I guess it's negative. But then, a dim line began to appear. I looked closer... yes, indeed, there was a dim pink line in that window. Well, now I was confused. It was very pale. Was that it? I read the instructions again, under frequently asked questions, "The level of HcG will increase throughout your pregnancy, if you are testing early in your pregnancy, even a faint line in the window is evidence of pregnancy". I immediately went to find my husband. I had tears running down my face.

"Honey, what's wrong?"
"It's a yes."

So, I am pregnant! I am pregnant?!? I think I am pregnant. Wow. Wow, wow, wow. God is so good! So, today I will call my doctor and do a blood test to make sure. I am still in denial though. I just can't believe it! We are so excited!

Patiently Waiting & Pregnancy Symptoms

Well, it's the morning of the day that I should be getting my period. So far, there's no sign of it. I'm beginning to wonder if a lot of what I'm feeling is just in my head though. I've been having "pregnancy symptoms" for over a week. I've had nauseousness - although not enough to make me vomit, odd food cravings, a runny nose, a more acute sense of smell, cramps, stomach aches, and a few others. Not to mention that all of my pants seem a little tight. I have to undo the buttons on my jeans when I'm sitting. Can you even be showing at one month anyway? All of these symptoms have been listed on various websites as signs of pregnancy, but I'm in denial. I want to be pregnant, but what if my body is doing all of these things because I WANT it to be doing these things?! I guess the only way I'll know is by doing a pregnancy test. If I haven't got my period by the end of the day, I'll get my husband to pick up a test on his way home from work and do it tomorrow morning. (They suggest that the first urination in the morning is the best for testing). *deep sigh* I'm trying so hard not to get my hopes up, but at the same time I keep imagining all the ways I could tell my parents that they are going to be grandparents for the first time! My mom's 50th birthday is in 2 weeks - it would be perfect! Crossing my fingers, saying a little prayer...

First Step: Trying to Conceive

My husband, admittedly, didn't really enjoy our first week of trying to conceive. I don't totally blame him - although I really did enjoy it. He says he felt like a sperm donor, and any thoughts about the pressure of making a baby turned him off. I tried to make it fun - wore lingerie, lit candles, went out of my way to make it something more than "just sex". We had sex every-other-day for a week, and now I expect (or don't expect) to get my period tomorrow. I'm hoping and praying for the best. Last night we had a big fight - not even sure what spurred it on - but making up last night I realized I just can't wait to make this man a daddy. Time will tell, keep me in your prayers. Praying for no period tomorrow...