Week 14: GLORY....or not.....

Hello 2nd Trimester! I have been waiting for you.... and yet I have been nauseous all week again and pretty tired....when do the perks kick in?!? So excited that I am out of the 1st trimester...that felt like a lifetime! I'm definitely feeling more pregnant..and looking it to. You will see below. I don't know why I thought like day 1 week 14 all of my symptoms would disappear! Then again I had been having some great weeks so why would it be any different? Not sure, but I guess it wanted to prove a point!

Symptoms

This week I have been battling nausea again and for what reason? I cannot answer that but I hope it stops sooner than later. I have failed to mention this before, because this is not a new symptom, but it's been bothering me lately- late night trips to the bathroom. I drink a lot of water and always have, so I am no stranger to constant bathroom trips but NOT 2-3 times during my beauty rest! and I know it could get worse. Any tips for that?! 

Newest symptom, a swollen foot. That's right just one, and just in the evenings. Not a fan and I actually feel like I should call the doctor about it because it's uncomfortable. 

Cravings

Well with the return of the nausea has come the return of the picky eating. Still getting my ice cream fix  (via my frozen yogurt Whips) and I really think I could eat pizza everyday. That is all....

BumpWatch

I've been outed towards the end of this week....this my friend is a bump....

Week 13: Pass the Fruity Pebbles

Back to reality this week. Pretty uneventful after my wonderful 12th week. I came off of vacation and returned to work. Yippee! (I hope my sarcasm can carry through).  Still excited about my ultrasound from last week, each one makes everything more real. 

Symptoms

This has been a pretty good week for me, I've been tired but it's been manageable. I have been able to work out and went to the gym twice and even ran a bit one day. I did my weekly Stone Mountain climb- everything is  getting a little harder because I run out of breathe so easily. 

Cravings

Cereal has been something I have failed to mention early on in the blog, but I definitely have developed a love for sugary childhood cereals and I have been satisfying that craving. Still want a caramel apple, which I haven't gotten! Other than that I think my food interests have pretty much maintained...carbs, pizza, and soups. I haven't indulged in the pizza often though, so I am doing good. I've also tried to be more mindful of getting in those fruits and veggies...who cares if I add some peanut butter to them....lol. I have also re-introduced yogurt into my breakfast routine and have gone without gagging. Happy day!

BumpWatch

What do you think?!? Can you see it!?! My and the hubz are convinced I'm showing but my mom and sister don't think so. 

Week 12: GREATEST.WEEK.EVER....so far

A great week! I had my first genetics screening appointment this week and I was a little nervous...just wanted a smooth appointment with a healthy baby! Thankfully, we got both- and we got to see the little munchkin because this test included an ultrasound. Everything went well, in this appointment they check the baby- more specifically looking for fluid buildup in the back of the baby's neck- and they take blood (a finger prick in the thumb) for testing. The nurses said 3cm of fluid is cause for concern and we had less then 1cm and blood test results came back negative. So blessed to get that news! This week was also great because I got my final grades and passed my last class with an A.....masters degree complete. I also got offered that job I mentioned in last weeks post- couldn't be happier. AND I got to spend the weekend in Miami at a lux resort with my girls! I'm kinda on cloud 9 at the moment.

Also, huge this week- I was finally able to share the news (to see a super cute..and quick announcement video check out my Instagram account- Beautynthebronzer). 

Symptoms

Not terrible this week- still tired but thankfully that was about it.  I also can detect faint line coming down from my belly button...the linea negra they call it! It caught me off guard, I was like why on earth would I have a dirt trail on my tummy lol. A text from my mom reassuring me that it's normal was comforting. Boobs have started picking up just a little, I've always had small breasts...so techinally they are still small but they are big to me lol. My boob anatomy (aka my areola..I hate that word)  has also gotten bigger and darker. Hmmm not sure what to say or think about that. Sorry if that's TMI- BUT  this is a pregnancy blog...

Cravings

I have been dying for a caramel apple...one with caramel, chocolate, and nuts.... and cheesecake I haven't gotten either though....I did find a cheesecake flavored Yoplait Whip- I'll keep you posted on that. Other then that- ice cream is still top on my list and citrus fruit. I went on vacation this week and indulged in seafood and pizza...not so proud of my give in to pizza but I was on vacation....the seafood...check my IG- no regrets here!

BumpWatch

This week I am seeing a little something, something. I am getting a little nervous...like am I showing too soon....I don't know.... but here starts that awkward I'm not rocking a beer belly, I'm pregnant phase!

Week 11: I may be having a baby...

Pretty uneventful week, no appointments. I did have a job interview though, which was my second one for this position and it went very well. The doctor I was interviewing with made a comment jokingly like..."you won't be leaving in the middle of my study to get married and move away"...he obviously didn't see my ring...I laughed and told him I was married and that wouldn't be an issue...but in my head was thinking...I WILL be having a baby though..oops! Which kind of leads me to the question of the hour? In this situation when is a good time to reveal that information?! This job is a big move for me and the process started before I even knew I was pregnant. In my head I'm thinking... it's still the first trimester....I don't want to loose an opportunity like this because I am pregnant...so what's a girl to do?! I guess I will let you guys know how this one goes...fingers crossed!

Symptoms

This week I was very tired! I went to bed a few times at like 8 this week...so kind of like my earlier weeks of exhaustion. I read that the baby was building a placenta this week, sooo I'm blaming that! A little bit a nausea and cramping here and there too, but nothing major. 

Cravings

Sweets made a come back...but not candy...just cookies and what I've convinced myself is ice cream lol. I have been freezing those Yoplait chocolate whips, so technically it is frozen yogurt and it gets the job done so I am not overindulging on ice cream on the regular. They are only 160 calories with 4 grams of fat and satisfy every bit of my craving for Bruster's chocolate raspberry truffle okay?! I also noticed this week that I have been almost meat free on most meals...I am really not wanting it and my husband is really not loving that. LOL mainly because I've been leaving it out of the dinners I cook! It's not me..it's the baby!

BumpWatch

This week I had to bust out the hair band....to secure my pants. A trick my doctor told me about on my last visit. Let me tell you, I did the happiest of happy dances when I sat down in my car to go to work and didn't feel like my circulation was being cut off at the waist! Most of my pants...the ones with a little stretch are fitting, but after a meal I get an instant muffin top. NOT CUTE! So, this little trick is going a long way with this in between phase. Here is a pic of my "bump" this week....

Week 10: 4 Vials of blood...NBD...

This week I had my first REAL prenatal visit. I say real because the first time we went to the doctor it was just a pregnancy test to confirm and the second time we went was for the ultrasound- which I talked about in the week 9 post. The first two were exciting...this one not so much... I was there for an hour and a half (insert side eye emoji). BUT it was all for the good of my little munchkin, so it was well worth it. If you haven't been pregnant before- here is what you can expect from this appointment. A sit down with your doctor to talk about you and your partners medical history, genetics, a Q & A, and a bag full of information pamphlets and a book. See not so bad..oh wait I forgot about the 4 vials of blood (ahhhhhh), the pap smear, and the full body physical...NBD (hahahaha).  Highlight of my appointment- the smart ass nurse that told me back in her day they took 8 vials and this was nothing. Ugh, rude! If I wanted your opinion, I would have asked. 

Other than that I've been trying to get this chalkboard update board thing together for my bump pics. YUP, I saw it on Pinterest ...only I couldn't find a chalkboard so I got a black dry erase board. A total FAIL because you can't see any of the markers that were supposedly vibrant and chalk wouldn't work on it either. SO, to Hobby Lobby I will go in search of a real chalkboard. 

Symptoms

I have been feeling pretty good most days. Nausea returned this week- still not as bad as earlier weeks but no fun nonetheless. I was tired enough to take a nap one day, that says a lot for me. I do not nap! I was able to work out 3 days this week, which is my goal this trimester since being exhausted often gets in the way. I did cardio on the bike and 4MPH walk on the treadmill on a 5 incline twice this week and I climbed Stone Mountain. The hike is getting harder because I get winded much faster but it is my best workout- my FitBit says I burn about 1,034 calories.  

Cravings

This week I have been a little more partial to sweets than in the earlier weeks. I am also still having random cravings. Nothing consistent...basically I want what I want in that moment. I guess that's been consistent lol! I haven't had near as many food aversions as in earlier weeks.  Some of my cravings this week.. grilled cheese and tomato soup (that and PB and J have been consistent..so I guess I lied),  Ranch Pringles (amazing), and salad with a lot of green olives and cucumbers (I do eat healthy too, I promise). 

BumpWatch

Still no major moves in this department- just a bloated belly. I do notice my pants fitting tighter around the waist, especially as the day goes on. But nothing anyone else has noticed...or has mentioned to me. Who knows, they could be thinking Amanda better step away from the grilled cheese...but they don't know my life!

Week 9: Baby on Board!

Exciting week for us because we got to get a first glimpse at baby and to see the heartbeat. I guess it is too early to hear it, but we saw it and it was beating very fast! Which is a great sign. With my symptoms being so spotty, I must admit at times I was a bit worried or maybe that's not the best word- but I at times  I would question "Am I really pregnant?" So seeing the image was definitely reassuring. Having mild symptoms can be a blessing and a curse. It has caused me to become a googling freak (more so than my usual) and that's really not something I recommend, while helpful at times you can get some scary info that will really have you worrying for no reason. 

Symptoms

Well this week I was feeling pretty good, almost like myself. Wonder if it was the prenatal vitamin time switch...OR maybe I am just getting used to feeling not like myself. Anyways, I was able to go to the gym more this week without having the constant on and off bouts of nausea and being totally exhausted. I hope this lasts... I did a Stone Mountain climb and some light cardio at the gym one day... It's a start! Especially after coming off of a 2 week break. 

My boobs stopped growing...BOOOO! That was my one fun symptom. They are a little senstive but not painful. 

Cravings

All I want to eat is chips! I have never been big on chips so that is different for me. Not that I don't like them- I just could be without them. And I NEVER buy them for the house- but I have been really into munching on those. I've still been selective about food, only eating what I have a taste for at the moment because everything else I look at gives me instant nausea when I even think about eating it. Unfortunately  it's been mostly carbs! Soups and carbs...I need some salad in my life. 

BumpWatch

Ummm, nothing to see here. I notice a little bloating but I don't think anyone else would see that. Not even my husband has noticed. Guess that's typical, being it's my first pregnancy. Still took a pic though...going to savor these flat tummy pics one day in the near future. 

Week 8: Waiting Game

Still so early, and I am realizing the downside of finding out so early. Life has become a waiting game and the ultimate test to keeping my big mouth closed. We're anxiously waiting for next week when we can actually get the first ultrasound to confirm that there is in fact a baby in my belly! I am also finding that I have become so pre-occupied with my pregnancy that it's hard to think about anything else. I still have a few more weeks of school and that's been really hard with being tired and nauseous and I really have been neglecting my blogging and social networks. I've been blaming it on school...which is only partly the reason lol. But I don't want to share till much later! Oh I also switched taking my prenatal to the evenings now, and I think that has helped with me not being so nauseous in the morning. 

Symptoms

TIRED! I have gone home everyday after work, showered, and have gotten in my bed. And when I get in it...I feel like I am in heaven and never want to get out. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to make it to the gym for the 2nd week in a row- other then my Stone Mountain climb on Saturday- I have not had the energy. I hope this passes. I would like to stay as active as I can through out the pregnancy. Nausea is still here, but with no vomiting to accompany it so I guess I can be happy about that much.  I know people have it much worse, but this is no picnic. 

Cravings

Everything I look at makes me want to vomit. My usual breakfast of yogurt or oatmeal....turns my stomach.  I know yogurt has been a major source of my morning nausea. Only thing I have been wanting to eat is pizza. So, I've been making those at home to be healthier of course lol. Other than that just crackers, soup, and the occasional sandwich. 

BumpWatch

This is my first week doing a bump picture. Just a little bloat is all I notice, but I'll keep tracking it weekly. 

Week 6: Just not the same...

The start of symptoms have come upon me. Not feeling like myself but I have kept to my regular schedule so far. Hoping that it doesn't get worse because this is bearable. Still in denial about actually being pregnant, it's just so crazy to me. Like in 9 months I will be somebody's mom! Exciting and scary at the same time. 

Symptoms

Only some slight nausea here and there- not feeling quite like myself. I've had these sort of dizzy moments. The only way I can describe it is like when I have a sinus infection and get this fuzzy head kind of feeling. Really the only thing that has been bothering me. My energy seems the same. Let's hope this lasts. 

Cravings

None really, I feel like I've been eating like I usually do. Maybe not as interested in food because of the nausea here and there but for the most part my diet hasn't changed and I typically eat pretty healthy. I'm expecting some change to that!

Week 5: PG test at the doctor so I know it's real....

OMG! I am pregger's ya'll lol. Went to the doctor's this week to get that confirmation with yet another pee test...so official right?!? My mom was like they used to draw blood when I was pregnancy....80 something years ago (lol just kidding) Anyways, I am still not totally convinced but for some reason taking the same test but at the doctor gave me a little more reason to believe.  So, I guess I will blogging about this adventure! I don't know when I am going to share yet, but I'm thinking after my first trimester is over...so by time you read this I will be much farther along. 

Symptoms

Not feeling any different, I don't know why I thought I'd just FEEL pregnant after finding out. But I don't and I am not going to get to comfortable either...I'll just enjoy it. Who knows how long it will be before I can feel normal again.

Cravings

Well, I ate bad the other night for dinner. And I wouldn't say it was because I was craving anything it was kind of like a "I'm pregnant I eat what I want moment." Um, yeah I won't keep doing that I promise! I ate queso dip (made by my bestie) and hot wings...not the smartest decision. I had the worst heartburn I've ever had in my life! Woke me right out of my sleep. I guess I learned a lesson early on.....

Week 4: I'm what!?!?!?

I'm PREGNANT! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT! Literally I took 4 tests, 2 digital that clearly spelled it out and I still can't believe it! My husband and I decided that if I got of my birth control we would just leave it on God's hands but wow did that happen fast! I have only had one cycle off of birth control and here I am! 

I don't know why but I had a feeling so early on  this week that maybe I was, hence why I found out this early. I have been thinking for about a week that I was going to take a test on Sunday or Monday because that was about 4 days before my period was due and that was close to the earliest it could be detected. 

So, Sunday started out as business as usual. Went to make some breakfast for the hubz before starting on homework and laundry. Then it hit me...literally the smell of eggs hit me and it was the most disgusting thing I have ever smelled in my life (like wet dog cooking on my stove...VOMIT)! It still didn't click in my head, but then I went upstairs and passed the bathroom and remembered the test and put 2 and 2 together . So, I took it....waited...saw a faint positive...felt like maybe I was seeing things.

I went into the room to show my husband who was like me and not so sure...but then that faint line became a little more defined! OMG! I literally ran to CVS to get more tests because it just couldn't be...but it was....4 tests later....still pregnant! 

SOOOOOOO excited! and I can't wait until I can hold my little baby!