pregnancy update: week 15 & 16

We lucked out and got to find out what we are having when I was 15 1/2 weeks. The day before I finally let myself think about it all and I got so excited! I think Mike was ready for me to stop reminding him that we got to find out the next day :) That day we both I started to feel like maybe we were wrong and we were having a girl. EVERYONE thought we were having a boy, myself and Mike included. 

Mike was set on us going early (45 mins early to be exact). It gave us a lot of time to talk about it all! There were three couples in front of us. The first two found out they were having boys and Mike started to "panic." He had told me he would be happy to have a girl and that it would be fun. I knew he was a little biased about having a boy, but he did a good job of acting happy about either. While we were sitting there you could tell he was getting a little stressed though as the big moment got closer. He said "we're having a girl, we're having a girl." He reassured himself, "a girl will be great." He was convinced the first two families "took" the boys. Him and the other husband waiting joked that they were left with the two girls. The couple in front of us went in, and guess what they found out they're having... a girl :) 

People have been asking me non-stop if I preferred a boy or girl and I HONESTLY mean it when I say I had no preference at all. The more kids I have, the more I'll have a preference I'm sure, as I want a boy and girl at some point. But for now, I'm just happy with a happy, healthy baby. We walked in to the room and I loved seeing Mike so into it. He plays Mr. Cool with stuff but he's going to be the best dang dad in the world and is so excited. 

The technician showed us the baby first and I couldn't believe how big it was!! I'm such a nut and was worried on the way to the office that there wouldn't be a baby in there haha  I was worried that something had happened! But to my joy, the baby was DEFINITELY in there and growing very nicely. I had an ultrasound at 7 weeks because they weren't sure how far along I was, so to say the least, it was quite a difference! There is an actual human being in my stomach! Not some alien looking thing, but a real person. You start to realize more and more what a miracle pregnancy and birth are when you go through it.

Both of us knew it was a boy when she showed us the screen. She didn't even have to say it :) The next part is NOT an exaggeration... Mike GOT UP, jumped up and down, and screamed YESSS!!! I couldn't stop laughing! The poor technician was trying to take pictures of baby boy (who I can now stop calling IT and blueberry, and get to say boy!) but I was laughing and so my stomach was moving and it kept moving the picture on the screen. Oops. Mike immediately called his family on speaker phone and was freaking out. So much for being just as happy if we had a girl haha 

So I guess when people ask what I preferred, I should say boy... just for Mike's sake :) He wanted a little baby boy so bad and I'm so happy that he gets a boy to play with. Although... anyone that knows Mike, or knew him as a baby, will agree with me... I'm not sure if the world is ready for another baby Mike! When I was a toddler I LOVED puzzles and watching princess movies and Man from Snowy River (don't even get me started, so random but hey, I guess I really liked horses). I was so peaceful and quiet and just kept to myself. Well... let's just say Mike and I couldn't have been more opposite. I read books... he blew things up (literally, he blew up a man hole in the street).

We got to see baby boy's little fingers, toes and every detail of his face! We even got to see him "eating/sucking!!" He was opening and closing his mouth and it was the coolest thing. I still can't believe I have him inside of me. Mike and I agree, he's going to be a big boy! 

When we walked out of the room into the front of the office, they were having a prenatal class and it was really quiet. Well of course Mike was still high on life and calling everyone he knew to tell the news (and doing so quite loudly). Everyone in the class turned around, looked at him (while he was totally oblivious) and the instructor walked straight to me and asked me to tell him to take his phone call outside ha my sweet husband just couldn't have been more excited! I loved seeing him like that. I'm glad he shares my enthusiasm. 

Finding out what we were having just made everyone even more real. I can't wait to meet our little boy!!!

Week 15

I've turned into a paranoid mom already! I keep getting so worried about my baby and just want everything to be going ok and good!

It's crazy... My bump is a disappearing act. One day its humungous. The next day it's back to just being a pooch.

Slight headaches still. At least they aren't as bad as they were!

Slight stomach cramps and my back hurts a little... but honestly, I'm doing great. My body is changing and it's definitely different and weird, but compared to horror stories I've heard, I consider myself really lucky with how well my pregnancy has been going so far.

Baby boy, I can't wait to hold you in my arms!

Week 16

I've been waiting up around 5:30 am every day this week and have been having the hardest time going back to sleep. It makes for one very tired person!

Of course my first pregnancy "craving" is ice cream. So typical. I think I mentioned this before, but soda sounds so good to me too. Yikes! It just sounds so refreshing. I NEVER drink soda! I've been sneaking sips of Mike's drinks and it takes so good to me. What's happening?!

The bump is here to stay. I feel like it gets bigger every week day. I'm 17 weeks as I write this and it's a lot bigger than when I started week 16. I feel huge but others assure me I'm not at all. Maybe it's just me? Pretty please let it just be me! I was a little stressed about gaining weight too fast but I'm starting to embrace it. Grow baby grow!

I broke down and finally got a pair of pants with stretchy sides on them (J brand maternity jeans/pants... BUY THEM NOW! They are the best! They sit pretty low so I have to pull them up sometimes but I love them. They don't have a band all the way around, just on the sides, and they are the most comfortable things in the world. I have a feeling I will be living in these, well... forever.)  I still fit my pants but they hurt my stomach after sitting in them all day. I also have been rocking black leggings/stretchy pants (no they aren't the sheer leggings that look like tights). I'm such a baby when it comes to comfort. I love being comfortable!

I've been having a hard time not sleeping on my back! I always wake up on my back. Mike's body pillow isn't working too well!

I've been having a really bad stuffy nose at night. I read in a week-by-week book my sister-in-law let me borrow that it's pretty normal. Dang it.

No headaches this week!!!

On my way to work, hence the BYU polo shirt :)

pregnancy update: week 14

Week 14

I'm starting to have "cravings" more or less. Luckily, after awhile they go awhile so I'm trying to not give in! 

I've gained four pounds now... but definitely looking like a lot more. When I wear some of my clothes you still can't tell, but if it's even the slightest bit tight, you can see my pooch. My pants still fit, but I know one of these days I'm going to wake up and they aren't going to anymore. I'm starting to get more of a "belly" look rather than just looking like I'm getting fat. Wohoo!

I still haven't been the best at working out, unfortunately. I made it to the gym three times this week but need to push myself more [at least I can admit it]. Here's to another week of trying!

I had a couple bad headaches again this week. Pleeeeeease go away.

My lower back is already starting to bother me a bit. Dang it. 

I wake up a time or two during the middle of the night, but it's getting better. It's just hard to not sleep on my back. My hips start to hurt after awhile. Mike occasionally jokes about why I move around so much, little does he know how complicated it is not being able to sleep however you want!

I can tell I'm still sluggish. But at least it's better than it was.

I mentioned it before, but yes, I already have stretch marks on my chest. YIKES. Mike was so nice and ordered me a couple of cremes/oils/lotions. I started using them this week and really like them. Let's hope they work some magic!

Overall, I'm doing great. I feel very blessed!

reflections of christ

"One of the greatest consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company to us for our little version of that path - the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders and friends." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

I am grateful for my Savior. He lives! He is the light, life and hope of the world.

life lately

This is Mike and I to a T! I could not stop laughing when I saw this.

Came home to shiny new boots that Mike cleaned for me!

I was a little bit on a glitter kick :)

The Valentines I made for our work party

Gwen's valentine's mask :)

Sky's adorable baby shower!

BYU's Pro Day. I couldn't be more excited for the big guy up front!

Senior night for BYU

Dutch babies with Steele

I love these silly brothers of mine

Birthday crepes with the birthday boy

My once little brother is 14 and as tall as me!!

February and March FLEW by this year. I found out I was pregnant and had a [23rd] birthday in February. My family came to visit this past week for Easter and General Conference and I loved having them here [although we out-number them in Provo now! My mom and Steele came to join me, Mike, Shelby, Trygve and Chad]. We had a beautiful Easter brunch in Sundance, my first time, and I loved it. My cousin had a baby blessing that day so we got to spend more time with family. Her little baby girl is so dang cute, and has a full head of hair! We had a great week and capped it off with Steele's 14th birthday! He is the joy and light of our lives! If you know him, you can't help but smile - which is something he is always making us do!

pregnancy update: week 13

Week 13

 Having a baby gets more and more real every day. I'm so excited. Some days I forget that I'm pregnant though. I look at pictures of what my baby looks like in my stomach and it reminds me that I'm growing a human being in me! I pray every day for its health and just want for everything to be ok!

We find out what we're having April 17!! AHHHH! I can't wait to know! It'll seem even more real when we know. Mike and I both feel like it's a boy, but more and more lately I think maybe a girl?? I don't know. I'm honestly not hoping for one over the other, I would be so excited for either. Both of them have perks for being first :)

Mike has been a trooper with being so nice to me. He goes out of his way to do little things and it means the world.

I'm back!! My energy that is. I still get tired during the day, but it's nothing compared to the past few weeks.

My bump grew a lot this week. I'm still in that awkward phase though where my bump is definitely there but you can't tell if I'm pregnant or just gaining weight. I struggled with it a little at first, but am embracing my growing self :)

I'm still wearing all my normal clothes, but I'm slowly eliminating pants that are just too uncomfortable when sitting at my desk at work all day. I struggle with buying bigger sizes because I won't wear them forever. I know I'm going to have to get over that one!!

I'm starting to sleep more consistently through the night! I have to FORCE myself to not guzzle down a water bottle or two late at night to keep the bathroom trips to a minimum, but it's helping!

I get really hungry, but there were a couple of days where food just didn't sound appetizing at all. Mike wanted me to go get us dinner the either night and it took me over an hour to think of somewhere that sounded somewhat good. And by the end of it all, I only ate a couple bites of mine because I didn't want it. My appetite is so hit and miss. I've more than made up for it the days that food does sound good. I've eaten out so much this week and waaayy too much with my mom here. I'm excited to get back to eating healthy!

I've been having back pains on occasion and am so itchy!

I've started using some oil on my stomach and chest and hope it will help me not get any stretch marks!

Another thing I started a couple weeks ago was re-reading the Book of Mormon and want to finish before baby blueberry comes. I used a reading chart calculator and my goal is to finish by Oct. 1. As everyone says, it's already made such a difference in my daily life.

(This was 13 weeks and 5 days)

pregnancy update: weeks 10-12

Overall, I'm so grateful because I feel like I've had a pretty easy pregnancy so far. The worst symptoms have just been being tired and getting headaches. Looking back, those first few weeks were the toughest because I was a little bit in shock and overwhelmed by it all. I couldn't believe Mike and I were going to be parents. Our whole worlds are going to change... but for the better. I get more and more excited by the day and just can't wait to hold my little baby blueberry in my arms!! I've had to force myself to stop thinking about what we're going to have because it would just consume my thoughts all the time and I don't know if I'd be able to wait! I'm trying to not think about it so the time will hopefully go by faster until we find out :) Mike and I both have a small little feeling it's a boy though. Just a few more weeks and we'll know!

Week 10

I've noticed that I can get a little agitated easier than normal.

No cravings really. I'll always love a little treat but sugar doesn't have the same appeal to me as it did pre-pregnancy. Instead, I just want "REAL" food. No food aversions either, but I'm always hungry...

Which works great for me because as long as I have food in my system, I avoid feeling sick.

I get full really easily and feel like I have the biggest belly after I eat meals. There is no hope of sucking that thing in! I look down and can't believe what I see! It's amazing how far I can stick my stomach out too ha I was convinced for a couple of days that it was my permanent "bump" but then (thankfully) realized it was just temporary. I've got a nice little mound/pooch going on though. Bye bye what little abs I had. I'm kindof ashamed to admit this but I'm really not looking forward to gaining weight this summer and it's going to take some time getting use to. But at least it's all for a good cause :)

I've gained about a pound or two (depending on the day) but am definitely feeling a lot thicker than I was. I feel like I've gained way more.

I dream of the day I don't have a headache. I've had one every day, without fail.

Working out wasn't my strong suit this week, although I'm blaming my headaches. I did manage to get in a couple "light" workouts and took advantage of the (temporary) beautiful weather and played tennis!

My energy is starting to come back and I'm sooooo happy. I'm tired (no pun intended) of being a bum.

I've been waking up a lot at night, tossing and turning, and have had a couple weird dreams.

Mike thinks something is wrong with me because I go to the bathroom so much haha I've always drank a ton of water, and add being pregnant, and it gets a little annoying. We went to dinner one night this past week and I had to use the restroom three times.

I saw a couple babies this week and it made me really excited :)

Week 11

I constantly look like I just ate a really big meal. I'm really hoping no one has noticed yet! I'm dreading that awkward phase where people can't tell if I'm pregnant or just packing on the pounds.

I'm getting a little concerned with how much my chest is growing (I noticed stretch marks today)... slow down!!

Definitely a little extra emotional this week.

No food cravings really, at least no more than pre-pregnancy. Even before I got pregnant, something would sound good to me and I'd want it, which is just the extent that I've had so far. After a couple days it usually goes away.

The plague of the headaches continues... and included my second pregnancy migraine.

My sleeping has been hit and miss. Some nights I sleep great, and others I toss and turn and wake up all night.

I had sharp pain in my stomach a couple times this week, but the doctor said it was normal.

My memory has been terrible lately.

Mike has been a champ and done great with my flying hormones. It's times like these I'm extra grateful for an amazing husband.

Week 12

I seriously cannot believe it's been 12 weeks.

My baby blueberry is now the size of a lime!

I'm not really into "selfies" but I'm going to try to start taking pictures of my growing bump... because during Week 12, it has arrived! It's grown more the last week than it did the previous 11. Mike said he can see my bump now which means others are noticing too. No more "food baby", I'm getting the real baby bump! With the exception of my tight pencil skirts, all my clothes still fit though but my jeans are getting snug and when I sit down for a long time they start to hurt my stomach.

I got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the second time! I can't believe how fast it sounds!

I'm out of breath a lot... somewhat embarrassing.

I started to sleep a little better this week, thankfully. I'm still having some extremely random dreams.

No food cravings really, just hungry a large majority of the day, and no food aversions.

I had a wonderful Easter with my family who I'm so grateful to have here! I'm excited to spend the week with them!