My Belly has Become a Punching Bag

We are at week 22 and Baby loves to kick and throw punches.  Marshall was even able to get a good feel.  It was a great feeling to see his face light up the first time he felt the movement.  I started feeling Baby around week 17 but it was only rare and would happen a couple of times every week, but now this is a daily occurrence.  Baby is most active in the mornings and in the evenings.

Here is a 22 week self-portrait...

At week 20, we went in for our gender reveal and anatomy check-up ultrasound.  For us, we left the gender a secret.  So not only did we have to cover our eyes once, but we had to do it TWICE! Once for the technician and then again for the doctor.  You would think that by now they would have a better system.  It was very difficult to know that they were looking at it at that very moment and I had to just sit with my eyes covered.  Marshall and I both remained strong and were able to fulfill our wants of keep Baby Duffin's gender a secret until the big day.

We were able to get a few minutes of video of the ultrasound where you can actually see Baby's mouth making chewing movements and even sticking out its tongue...so cute!  They even gave us a head shot in 3D which is really awesome. In the second photo you can see Baby resting its hand on its head with its mouth open a bit.

As of 20 weeks I have only gained 3 pounds.  I was concerned with this but my doctor reassured me that the baby is exactly where it needs to be (11 ounces) and that I will probably start gaining more within the next month on in to the third trimester.  

Here is a 20 week belly shot...

And month 4 it is!

Nothing really new to report.  Not really sure if I've felt baby move yet. I thought I might have felt a couple of bumps but nothing definite.  Can't wait to be able to recognize the little one dancing around in-utero. Had a doctors appointment last Friday but it wasn't too exciting.  Do always love being able to hear the heartbeat though.  The last two times it has been 150 bpm.  Our next big appointment in which they will do the ultrasound will take place on November 15th.  As of now, the gender will still remain a secret. :)

Week 17 baby bump pic! So far I've only gained 2 pounds.  I definitely feel bigger than I look.  But the pants are getting tighter and pretty soon I will have to move up to a bigger size.  

Second Trimester Begins!

I am now 13 weeks along and have officially made it to the second trimester.  I am starting to feel less nauseous and am regaining my appetite.  I am so happy about this because constant nausea really wears a person down.  Hopefully, this improvement will continue...that is until the next symptom comes along.  

Here is a pic of my 13 week baby bump. :)

Last week we went in for a first trimester screening in which they check baby for growth and the possibility of certain chromosomal disorders.  Luckily, we received excellent news as our little bundle fell into the "low risk" category.  We also got some great images from the ultrasound. Baby is about 2 inches long in these photos.  

 

Dear Granny and Nannie,...

I sent my grandmothers a card with an ultrasound picture attached inside as a way to announce our pregnancy.  My mom is about to burst because she hasn't been able to say anything.  The cards were sent out on Friday so they should get them by the middle of next week which will put us at about 11 weeks along.  I wish I could see the look on their faces when they open the card.

The News is Out!

The news is finally out! I am 9 weeks along and now both sets of parents know as do many of our friends.  Just continue to keep us in your thoughts as we make it toward the second trimester.  And boy will I be glad to be there.

Pics of the beautiful BABY cake that I made as a way to share the news with Bob and Martha :) Isn't it gorgeous?

Is 13 a lucky number?

My nephew Cameron was born on the 13th and our good friend has the number 13 as a tattoo, as it is an important number to her.  On the 13th of August we were able to see our little pea's heartbeat for the first time.  158 beats per minute to be exact.  The ultrasound took place due to worrisome circumstances; however, the doctor reassured us that everything looked okay.  I will be more than happy once I reach 12 weeks because then I feel I will finally be able to relax during this joyous time.

Additionally, once we arrived home from the ultrasound we were surprised to find the "Olympic Heights Yard of the Month" sign on our front lawn.  I have been waiting 5 years to receive this award.  So as you see, so far 13 has been a positive number. Should they reconsider adding the number 13 back to the elevator buttons?

It's Positive!

We just received a positive result on our pregnancy test!  I was in Alabama welcoming the arrival of my nephew, Cameron, when I decided I needed to take the test.  It was digital so there was no denying the result.  I then took a picture of the test so that I could show Marshall when I got home.

It was a late arrival home.  Delta Airlines is notorious for "mechanical issues" and overbooking, but at least I got a flight voucher out of the delay.  Marshall was sick with a cold and I was already suffering from slight nausea, headaches, and fatigue.  We got home around 10:00 pm and I told him that I knew he didn't feel well but I had a picture that I really wanted to show him.  At that time I displayed the photo of the test that said "pregnant."  He was in utter shock as this was the last thing that he thought I would be showing him.  The following day Marshall called to tell me that his fortune inside his cookie at lunch stated "Children will be an important part of your future." This is a great surprise and we are looking forward to our Aries baby.