15 Week Update

Date: February 22, 2013

Next Doctor’s Appointment:  March 20, 2013

 Baby’s size:  Baby is the size of a Navel Orange.  This week, the baby begins to see light as well as hear sounds! The taste buds are forming and so is the baby's hair. Baby's heart rate was 145bpm at the doctor this week! 

 

How far along:  We are 15 weeks along!

Total weight gain: +4 pounds.  Current weight: 114

Sleep: I am still sleeping wonderfully. 

Maternity Clothes: My leggings are getting tight around the waist so I’m excited for the baby to start moving a little higher in my abdomen.  I can still wear a few pairs of my jeans without the belly band, but It’s time to invest in more belly bands and maxi dresses.  Dresses seem to be the most comfortable for me right now.

Food cravings: This week has been all about Clementine oranges for me.  They’re really high in Vitamin C, which is great.  I usually wake up and eat 4 or 5 right away.  I love how tart this batch has been! I also got a spicy pickle craving.  I wish we had the restaurant The Spicy Pickle here in Texas… those are the best spicy pickles.

 

Food aversions: No food aversions.

Symptoms I have: That sharp Round Ligament Pain is real this week… whew! I have been urinating frequently, still.  I don’t expect that to change anytime soon.  When I lay down sometimes, I can really see the baby bubble.  I still get headaches from time to time and I feel pressure in my abdomen as well.  Everything is stretching and moving around to make room for our sweet babe.

Stretchmarks: Let’s just say the milk ducts must be developing… I haven’t measured but I’m certain I have grown two cup sizes so far… I found a pink line on the underside of one of my “milk makers” this week… I don’t feel bad because I have been staying overly hydrated and lathering my oils and creams on me every day.  I have read that if you’re going to get them, you’re going to get them. Whatever, I guess.  I ran out of my cocoa butter and got some suggestions to try the Vitamin E Oil, so I got some Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Vitamin E Oil.  I love how it smells.  It isn’t too greasy so I try to apply it a few times a day.  The lemon smell is really what entices me.  I guess I’m really into citrus as of late… anything lime, lemon, orange and tart!

Movement: I think I feel some flutters from time to time, but I am hoping that next week I will be able to really feel some real kicks. I really can’t wait for Kiley to feel.

Belly Button: innie

Gender: This week, Kiley and I went to our doctor’s appointment.  It was just a regular appointment and they just did some of the standard tests as usual.  We were the last appointment of the day, so everyone in the office seemed pretty relaxed.  The doctor mentioned that we will have an anatomy scan at our next appointment (revealing the gender of our baby)! She said that if we wanted to find out the gender before then, we could schedule an ultrasound for $65.  We opted out because we can stand to wait four weeks.  She also mentioned that it may be still too early to tell what gender the baby was at this point.  Earlier in the appointment, we told her that if we were to find the gender out today, we wanted the tech to write the gender on a sheet of paper and stick it inside an envelope for us to open when we were ready to know.  As we were checking out, the doctor stopped us and said, “You know what? You’re the last appointment today.  Let’s just go to the ultrasound room and see if we can scan to see what baby is! Do you want to?” Kiley and I just looked at each other with huge grins on our faces.  “Okay!” we enthusiastically replied.  The doctor seemed really excited to perform the ultrasound because usually, the ultrasound tech Jenny is the person who does the scans.  The tech was in the room with us, too.  It was a really fun atmosphere.  I felt like they were just playing after a long day at work, so it seemed fun to me.  I laid back on the table and pulled up my shirt.  Doctor Stevenson covered my belly with the warm gel and began.  It is always so incredible when we get to see our sweet baby… It is growing so much, which makes me so happy.  She said she could tell what gender it was and then blurted out what she thought it was! “OOPS!” she said, “I was supposed to write it down and put it in an envelope for you guys to look at later!” We all joked about how Kiley and I had already talked about opening the envelope on the way home because we wouldn’t be able to wait.  Kiley (being a numbers man) asked, “With what certainty would you say that the gender is a (insert gender here)?”  Doctor Stevenson said, “Well, I’d say I’m about 95% sure. What do you think, Jenny?” Jenny said,” I’d agree, but I have to perform the scan myself to be certain.” So the doctor and Jenny switched spots and Jenny put the device to my belly this time.  “Yep, I’m 100% sure!” So needless to say, we found out the gender this week (at 14w5d)! I am having a gender reveal party in March with my family, so after the party, I will share what the gender is with the rest of you. We couldn’t be more thrilled!

Our sweet baby. *swoon* Look at that belly! So CUTE!!!

Our babe stretching out a little bit. The sonogram photos are getting more clear each week!

Tiny foot and tiny toes.  So in love...

Best moment of the week: The best moment this week was having a girl’s weekend with my girl Carolyn, her daughter Adreena and her mom.  We had a blast! I also got confirmation this week that I will be back in CO for my cousin Katie’s Bridal Shower (and my gender reveal party) next month! I am so excited to see everyone and to help celebrate the wedding of my sister/cousin/bestie!!! I love that all of the cousins in my family are close.  We are all like siblings and I love it. Miss them dearly… I also miss my close friends dearly too.  It will be so nice to see one of my besties, Crystal, and a few other friends at the gender reveal party! I also got asked this week to be a bridesmaid in my friend Carolyn’s wedding in March!!! I am so excited to spend her special day by her side.  What a fun week it has been. 

What I miss: With more inquiries coming in about modeling work that I have had to turn away (for the most part), I am beginning to really miss modeling… With that said, I did a look book shoot with my friend Hunter (Three Nails Photography) and a team of makeup artists and stylists for a new line of NYC designer Alicia Bell’s clothing this weekend. It was a blast and I am excited to share the photos with you!

What I’m looking forward to: I am looking forward to everything that the future holds.  I am so happy! I can see so many exciting and fun things in the days ahead.  I am truly focusing my energy and time on bettering myself to be the best mommy, companion, daughter, friend, sister, student and person that I can possibly be.  It is a fun and challenging journey. Some days, I make more progress than others.  I am loving every moment of this journey.

Additional Details: Feeling overwhelmingly blessed.  There truly are no words.

14 Week Update

Date: February 14, 2013

Next Doctor’s Appointment:  February 20, 2013 3:45pm

Baby’s size:  Baby is the size of a large lemon.  It seems like last week’s peach should be larger than this week’s lemon, but whatever haha

How far along:  It is Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2013) and we are 14 weeks along!

Total weight gain: 4 pounds.  Current weight: 114

Sleep: I am sleeping wonderfully. 

Maternity Clothes: My new belly band has come in handy a couple of times already.

Food cravings: Remember that craving I had last week for the new Cucumber Lime Gatorade? I found it at Kroger, bought it & hated it.  It tasted like straight veggies.  In the early days of pregnancy when I was nauseated, I would eat organic lime popsicles.  They were so tasty and very tart.  I love things that are tart.  I haven’t really had many cravings this week.  Still loving those fresh strawberries.

Food aversions: Nothing in particular!

Symptoms I have: My belly seems to be growing a little bit.  I also still visit the restroom frequently due to the 80+ ounces of fluid I am trying to take in a day.

Stretchmarks: No.  Sometimes I have trouble remembering my belly cream though…

Movement: I would love to feel some flutters and kicks! 

Belly Button: innie

Gender: Maybe they will be able to tell the gender at this next appointment.  Since Kiley won’t be able to be there with me, I will have the ultrasound tech put the gender in an envelope so Kiley and I can decide later on if we want to know the gender.  This also allows us to learn the gender at the same time, which I think is important to both of us.

Best moment of the week: The best moments of the week were the moments I got to spend with Kiley.

What I miss: I have really been missing CO this week… I wish we could raise this baby in Boulder, CO, a city we have both fallen in love with. We will make our way back soon enough!

What I’m looking forward to: I am still looking forward to feeling the baby move!   I say that every day… I feel like a broken record lol

Additional Details: I’ve still been getting headaches every day.  Sometimes the yoga and pilates workouts get a little too intense for my muscles and I have to stay in tune when my body to know when to back off a little bit.  On the plus side, I’ve been great with this daily regimen to stay healthy for baby.

Last week, my cousin Nikki said that pregnancy breakouts have been linked to being pregnant with a girl.  It made me wonder what other wives tales were out there! So I did a little research and decided to make this little chart to show if the majority of the wives tales said we were having a girl or a boy.  What do YOU think we are having???

WIVES TALE	OUTCOME		GENDER
ACNE: If you have more frequent breakouts, you are likely to be carrying a girl.	I have had more breakouts than pre-pregnancy. I used to have such clear skin! Any organic remedies y'all have would be appreciated!		GIRL
HEART RATE: If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl.  If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy.	At our 11 week appointment, the baby’s heart rate varied between 160 and 166 bpm.		GIRL
WEIGHT: If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl.  If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy.	Well, so far, my belly is low and small, but that’s typical at this stage in pregnancy.		BOY
FACE: When your face gets fuller and rounder when pregnant, it means you’re going to have a girl.  If your face is long and narrow, it’s a boy.	I feel like my face is pretty much the same at this point…		INCONCLUSIVE
MAYAN: The Mayan tale adds the mothers age at conception and the year of conception.  If the result is a even number then mom is having a girl.  If the result is an odd number then a boy is on the way!	Age at conception + year of conception 23 years + 2013 = 2036 = even		GIRL
CRAVINGS: People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy.  If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl.	I crave mostly sweet things like fruit and fruit juice.  In my defense, I have always had a big sweet tooth.		GIRL
EYE TEST: The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye.  If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl.	I don’t have a V or any branches under my left eye.		BOY
MOTHER’S PREGNANCIES: You can find out the sex by going off of your parent’s kids and the order.  If you are the first born, you will have what your mother had but starting with her second child.  If you are the middle child, you will have what she said, but starting with the third child.  If you are the last child, you will have what your mother had in the exact order.	I am the middle child.  My mom had my little sister after she had me.  My older sibling is a brother.  According to this tale, I will have a girl, a boy and then another girl.		GIRL
BREAD: If you eat the ends of bread, it’s a boy.  If you eat the middle of the load, it’s a girl.	I have always eaten the ends of the bread.		BOY
CHINESE CHART: The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%.  It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived.	Age at conception: 23 Month of conception: November		BOY
NAUSEA/VOMITING: If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy.  If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl.	I did feel uneasy at first, but I only vomited twice in the first trimester. This pregnancy has gone relatively smooth so far.		BOY
FEET: Are your feet colder now that you are pregnant?  If so, you just might be having a boy.  If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl.	My foot temperature seems to have stayed the same haha		GIRL
HAIR ON LEGS: If the hair on your legs has been growing at record speeds, you might be having a boy.	My hair seems to be growing at the same speed haha		GIRL
HEADACHES: If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy.	I have had pretty consistent headaches lately.		BOY
TALLIES		GIRL = 7/14 = 50%      BOY = 6/14 = 42.8%

13 Week Update

Date: February 8, 2013

Next Doctor’s Appointment:  February 20, 2013 3:45pm

Baby’s size:  Baby is the size of a peach!!!

How far along:  About 13 weeks! We made it to the SECOND TRIMESTER!!! I read that the developmental stage of the baby is during the first trimester and that the growth stage starts now! The baby is supposed to QUADRUPLE in size during the fourth month! Below I added two photos of this incredible 4th month growth. It doesn't quite look quadrupled to me, but I'm excited for baby to grow, grow, grow!

Total weight gain: 3 pounds, still.  Current weight: 113

Sleep: The only time I get up from my sleep is to pee.  Once I return to bed, I have no trouble falling back asleep.  I still sleep on my belly and on my back, but sleeping on my belly is becoming more and more uncomfortable.  I want to look into one of those full body pregnancy pillows… they look so comfy. Other than that, I sleep very soundly.

Maternity Clothes: I own a few maternity items but I haven’t worn anything yet! My mom and her boyfriend, Pat, sent me a package this week!  It had an adorable fitted maternity dress, fitted top, maternity yoga pants and a belly band! They also sent a few sweet treats and some pregnancy magazines. I am truly so blessed to have a family that cares so much about my and this precious child. Check out my new maternity wardrobe below.

Food cravings: I still want to satisfy my carnival food cravings, but I haven’t given in to them yet… nor have I given in to my chocolate glazed doughnut (with sprinkles) craving. I am trying to eat healthy for the babe.  I heard there was a new Cucumber Lime Gatorade out now.  That sounds amazing and I want to try it. If you see them, tell me where to find them! So far I haven’t seen them at grocery stores or at Walgreens.  Maybe they’re at 7-11? Someone help a sista out.

Food aversions: Nothing in particular. YAY!

Symptoms I have: I pee a lot, but I’m also trying to stay hydrated so it doesn’t bother me too much.  I usually have to get up in the middle of yoga to pee haha.  My belly is getting hard so I have been liberally oiling it up.  I get the occasional headache and I break out from time to time.  I also have minor cramping pains in my abdomen and I assume it’s from all of my guts getting squished and moved as well as my uterus stretching and growing.

Stretchmarks: No

Movement: Still anticipating the movement! Hopefully I will feel something the first part of March. 

Belly Button: innie

Gender: I’m really starting to get curious about the gender of the baby… but If I know, that will put more pressure on the decision to name the baby.  Kiley and I haven’t really even begun to think of names that we like.  I would love to have a gender reveal baby shower if Kiley is up for it.

Best moment of the week: The best moment of this week were getting the sweet care package from my mama and Pat!  It was filled to the brim with new maternity clothes and magazines! (I added a few photos below of the neat things my mama sent) I was also excited to get a package from my uncle Bob of his homemade beef jerky.  This week, I got confirmation that my little sister Mckenzie will be flying into Dallas to see me and Kiley on her 21^st birthday (Feb. 28^th)! Exciting! Maybe I will feel the baby move by then.  I have felt movement for sure two times, but I want to have no doubt. 

 Care package goodies:

So, before Mom and Pat sent me the awesome belly band, I was rigging my pants up with rubber bands and hair ties when they got too tight.  I don't have to do this with most of my pants (yet) but this particular pair is my favorite (and unfortunately, my smallest pair) so I was sad to "retire" them so soon. 

But now, I no longer have to rig these bad boys up! This belly band is so comfortable, stretchy and awesome.  You can't tell by the photos but it still has a lot of room to stretch out. I'm happy I can now extend the life of my non-maternity clothes.  Goodbye rubber bands!!! 

 I also got some super comfy maternity yoga pants, which is nice because the elastic band on most of my leggings is getting a little snug and adds too much pressure sometimes.  I also got a red, long sleeved maternity top and a cute striped maternity dress! Now, I need a belly to fill out all my cute new clothes! Thank you so much mama and Pat!!! xoxo

 

What I’m looking forward to: I am looking forward to feeling the baby move!!!!!!!   Do I say that often enough? haha

Additional Details: I am happy that Kiley is so patient and loving towards me because this week, I have had my share of emotional breakdowns.  I cry when I’m happy.  I cry when I’m sad.  I cry when I’m frustrated.  I laugh and cry simultaneously because I have no idea why I am crying.  It’s great.  Haha I’m blessed to have a man by my side that can hug me, laugh with me and keep me grounded through these crazy hormones.  I started school again this week and I started off feeling defeated, but I have overcome that and I am prepared for success!!! This week, I did a photo shoot for a clothing boutique in Florida called Deja Vu Boutique (shopdejavu.com) for their Spring 2013 Lookbook.  One of my favorite Southern photographers, Hunter from Three Nails Photography shot this series.  I always love his work! Below, I added some of these (13 week) photos from the photo shoot.  You can view this series on his blog at http://www.threenailsphotography.com/blog/deja-vu-spring-lookbook/

What I miss: I don’t miss anything at this point. Everything is great and I am feeling more blessed than I have ever felt.   Thanking God every day for blessing us with this child and praying that His will is done with our babe.  I understand why mommies obsess about their babies now.  From the beginning, the baby becomes your entire world.  I want our child to be healthy, happy, free from worry and filled with gratitude, appreciation and love for the miraculous world we live in.

12 Week Update

Date: February 1, 2013

Next Doctor’s Appointment:

February 20, 2013 3:45pm

Baby’s size: Baby is the size of a large plum this week!

How far along: About 12 weeks

Total weight gain:  Gaining steady! 3 pounds so far.  Current weight: 113

Sleep: I am sleeping great and still getting up one to three times at night to pee.  I am also still sleeping on my stomach. 

Maternity Clothes: Although I do have a few maternity items in my closet, I am not wearing any maternity clothes yet. My skinny jeans all still fit but I think I may have to retire my smallest pair of adorable Free People mint corduroy skinnies within the next few weeks. I can’t button them anymore. However, my mom and her boyfriend said that they are sending me a belly band to wear over unbuttoned jeans to extend the life of my non maternity clothes (score)!! So maybe my favorite skinnies can stick around for a while longer. 

Exercise: Kiley and I have still been doing our daily 1 hour yoga sessions.  I really enjoy doing it, especially with him. I may have taken my yoga practice a little too intensely this week because I was having some round ligament pain on Sunday, so I decided to rest a day.  I'm not used to being unable to do all of the physical activity I was able to do in the past.  It is hard to pace yourself when you're pregnant but I'm learning to listen to my body.

Food cravings: This week, I was craving crab legs.  Kiley took me to Joe’s Crab Shack and I got the Crab Daddy Feast!!! I felt so spoiled that night to have a craving satisfied.  And two nights later, we went to the supermarket and crab legs were on sale! So we had 3 pounds of crab legs steamed and I got to feast on it all by myself! Kiley had already eaten, but he sat there and helped me crack through the crab legs… what a sweetie! I definitely got my crab legs fix.  Before you all go psycho on me, I realize that a pregnant woman is supposed to limit her shellfish intake while pregnant, which is why these two meals were such a huge indulgence and treat for me! I haven't had crab legs since before I got pregnant and they have been my all time favorite food since I was about 17.  Cut me some slack! I also don’t think I ever mentioned that I am taking the gummy prenatal vitamins.  I love them and look forward to taking them every day.  The big pills just weren’t cutting it for me.

Food aversions: Smells are still bothering me.  I used to LOVE cheeseburgers, but now they hardly ever sound appetizing to me.  I feel like I can eat anything again, but I have been craving “carnival foods” like soft pretzels with cheese and cotton candy. haha Thankfully, I have been avoiding these bad-for-you cravings, for now.  I keep remembering that everything that goes into my mouth is what is supposed to provide nutrients for this precious babe.  

Symptoms I have: My belly seems to have popped out over night! Maybe? Kiley doesn't think so... Maybe all the bloat (and PRESSURE ON MY BLADDER) is getting to me haha  I think it is because this week, my uterus is moving further up into my abdomen, relieving the pressure from my bladder (Move on up, baby! I'd love to release this bladder pressure).  I like waking up in the mornings and feeling that hard bubble in my belly. I also have a bit of cramping in my abdomen sometimes and my breasts have definitely grown too.  Another symptom is that I have been breaking out on my face.  I haven't ever really suffered from breakouts before, so it has been difficult to get used to virtually everything changing with my body.  I can't use my typical zit cream more often than once a week (which I have been trying to avoid altogether anyway), so If anyone has natural remedies for breakouts, please let me know in the comments section! I would appreciate the advice!

Stretchmarks: No stretch marks. My cousin Nikki sent me the sweetest care package this week! I miss CO and my family back home SO MUCH and the package reminded me that they’re all back home missing me too! She sent some cocoa butter stretch mark cream that I have been using and it feels DIVINE!  I love it!

Movement: I’m really looking forward to feeling some movement and having Kiley feel it too! Sometimes, I think I feel something, but I haven’t had that sure feeling of, “OMG, the baby kicked!!!” yet. 

Belly Button: My belly button is still an innie but it feels kind of stretched.  My belly always feels so tight and feels super bloated.

Gender: We still don’t know the gender and we haven’t decided 100% on if we want to know…

Best moment of the week: The best moments of this week were getting the sweet care package from my cousin Nikki as well as satisfying my first real craving for crab legs!!! I can’t tell you how happy and satisfied I am after this week!

What I’m looking forward to: I am looking forward to feeling the baby move!!!!!!!  x 1,000,000,000,000

Additional Details: If you didn't know already, I'm still pursuing my Bachelors degree in Business Management through Colorado State University.  The coursework is set up into 8 week trimesters as opposed to 16 week semesters.  So, it's fast paced learning.  They only allow you to take a couple of classes per trimester.  This past term, I ended up with straight A's.  I never thought I would be a great online learner, but determination has gotten me somewhere, so far.  I get discouraged sometimes at how long it has taken  me to complete this degree, but through working full time, going to school full time, pursuing modeling through an agency and without one, moving far outside my comfort zone in a city where I didn't know a soul, I am happy where I am in life.  Speaking of modeling, I just got my first magazine cover in Rocky Mountain Bride Colorado and I also just got word that a series I did at 8 weeks pregnant is being published in the national magazine called Papercut.  Anyway, since I got straight A's last trimester and our baby is due before the winter term (my estimated graduation date), my school adviser is allowing me to take 3 classes this trimester.  I'm a little nervous, but I know I can do it!

(Here's the cover of the Spring 2012 edition of Rocky Mountain Bride)

What I miss: I don’t miss anything at this point. Everything is great and I am feeling more blessed than I have ever felt.