Heartbeat!

John and I had a Doctor's appointment today and we got to hear the heartbeat for the first time! It was done with the doppler thingy so we didn't get to see anything but we definitely heard it. (I almost wrote him instead of it - I guess I'm thinking it's a boy, or maybe it's just wishful thinking.) It was really cool. The Doc said that the beat sounded good, that the rate was normal (168 per minute) and that the size of my uterus was right along with 10-11 weeks along, which is where I am. So everything is looking good. It is definitely a relief, and very neat, to hear something. It's making this seem that much more real. Of course all the side effects I've been having have been making it seem real as well. Men have NO IDEA what we go through!

John also got to sit through my internal exam. =) I'm sure he loved that. He can't even stand to hear the word tampon or anything female hygiene related so I'm sure seeing my feet up in stir-ups wasn't fun for him. Of course I laughed at him.

Our next appointment is November 29 when we have the Ultrascreen ultrasound so that will be our first glimpse of the baby. We are going to have them record it for us. Hopefully I'll be able to figure out how to get it on here so everyone else can see it too.

Have a wonderful Happy Thanksgiving! We'll be thinking of all of you in the cold weather while we chill in the upper 70, low 80 degree weather out here. =)

Busty

One of my co-workers told me I was really busty today. Yeah, well. Not much I can do about it. Thought all of you out there would appreciate that. As if I'm not already busty enough, pregnancy has just made me bigger. And I know it'll just get worse. I'll try to keep them under wraps in our Christmas picture. They don't need to take that over too.

First time pregnant ladies

I have no idea what is going on with my body. I have never been through this before so the things that I feel kind of freak me out. Since about week 5 or 6 I occasionally get this fluttering feeling in my chest - right in the center. I don't know what it is, but I do know that I did not have it before I got pregnant, so I figured it was pregnancy related. I tend to feel it more in the morning or when I am working out. I called the Doctor's office and they said that more than likely it had to do with the increased blood flow, etc. related to bringing this new life into the world. The heart is working harder and blood volume is increasing so weird stuff might happen. They said that as long as I wasn't seeing any stars, or having any dizziness or pain I should just watch it and that everything was probably fine. Anyway, my Dr. decided to move my appointment up two weeks because of it, but as soon as I rescheduled I started having pain in my chest. Not bad pain, like an ache that went all the way through to my back. It wasn't constant but I could feel it for the better part of the day. I thought maybe it would be related to heartburn but I didn't want to wait to get to the Dr. to find out I was alright.

So . . . I ended up at the Urgent Care place on Tuesday night just to get it checked out and I have good old indigestion. Great. The doctor on duty did an EKG just to make sure and everything with my heart was perfectly normal. She told me to keep my Tums with me. They stay in my purse at all times.

Like I said, as a first time pregnant lady I have no idea what to expect or what is happening. And this is just the beginning. I hope I don't become one of those patients that freaks out every time something weird happens.

Ten weeks and counting!

Ellie pictures!

Here are some pictures of our family's newest addition:

I'll post more as I get more. She's so cute!

Ellie

Ellie's here! Yay!! She was born this morning at 9:15 a.m. Dallas time. She is 6lb 3oz, 20 in. long and apparently beautiful. Which I have no doubt about. I am so excited, I just wish that I was there to see her. Mom and baby are healthy and doing well. I'm hoping to have some pictures soon, so I will post them when I get them.

I was able to tell my extended family this weekend. It was driving my mother crazy not being able to say anything to anyone. So they all know now. Busha was hilarious. (For those of you who don't know, Busha is the Polish word for grandmother. She is my mom's mom.) She basically screamed on the phone. I'm glad my parents were there so they could make sure she didn't hurt herself. =) Everyone else was happy too. I have the best family. They are all so supportive. I'm waiting a couple of more weeks to tell everyone else.

I got really sick on Monday morning. It was really weird. I'm thinking it was something that I ate the night before because once I got it out I was much better. I had not felt that bad before Monday, and I haven't felt that bad since. So I think it must have been a fluke. I don't think that it was morning sickness.

Our next doctor's appointment is November 30, but we have a screening for Down's Syndrome on November 29. I don't think that I am at high risk for Down's but the screening is covered by my insurance and it'll give us our first chance of seeing the baby, which is the main reason for scheduling it. We're going to take a CD-R to record it. I'll try to get some still shots to put up here. Then in January or February we'll probably be able to find out the sex. I don't really mind not finding it out, but John wants to know, so we're going to go ahead and find out. My mom doesn't want to know, so if we tell you, don't tell her!

I'm going to try to get John to go out and do some shopping with me this weekend. Not really shopping, more browsing, trying to decide what sort of stuff we are going to need for the nursery, etc. Strollers are going to be a big thing for me. There is so much to do and so much to get! We need to get the rooms repainted too, and new flooring for the house. We can start that now actually. Maybe we'll go to Home Depot and Lowe's and look at laminate flooring. I think that John wants to try to install it ourselves to save some money. Good luck with that. I know for sure that we are going to get someone to come in and paint. There is no way I am going to do that again.

First Dr.'s appointment

I had my first office visit on Monday. Nothing special, just met with my Dr.'s nurse. They took some blood and then gave me all sorts of stuff to read and look at. John and I have to talk about some optional testing that we can have done and then I'll have to call my insurance company and see if they cover the testing. I'm planning on doing that today. We'll see if that acually happens.

As far as the morning sickness is going, I'm doing better with it, although today is not the best day so far. It's still not the best feeling, but I've gotten some tricks down that seem to be helping. I eat saltines before I even get out of bed in the morning, and then I make sure I sit down and eat something for breakfast. Right now it's a bowl of Quaker Oatmeal Squares or frosted mini-wheats. I am still having a hard time with food. Nothing sounds good. I did make an actual dinner the other night which was a nice change. Poor John has been eating so terribly because of me. I feel bad for the guy. Right now vegetables are not my friend and I am not really having cravings, so much as moments of something sounding really good. Then if I eat it I can only eat a few bites before I feel full or sick. Being pregnant is just awesome!

And by the way, I already think I look pregnant. My belly is poking out. I don't know if it's from the actual pregnancy or whether it's from bloating or good old weight gain. Part of it is bloating I'm sure. I have put on a few pounds but not enough to be the difference that I see around my waist. It makes it a little bit harder to dress. I am trying to continue to exercise. I don't have much energy but I try to walk on a treadmill at least every other day and do some crunches and push-ups. It makes me feel better so I make a point to try to do it.

Other than that and other common symptoms of pregnancy I am feeling alright. Although I'm a bit of a downer for John. All I want to do is sleep on the weekends. Which I'm sure is not fun for him some of the time. Other times I'm sure he enjoys it.

I plan on letting the cat out of the bag this weekend to the rest of my family. It is driving my mom crazy not being able to tell anyone, and I figure 8 weeks is an okay time to tell family. I can't wait to hear everyone's reactions!

Almost 7 weeks

I told John the other day that if I feel this crappy throughout this pregnancy we are only having one. That's it. I feel really bad. Actually, today is not too bad. I'm trying to figure out what is going to work for me as far as reducing nausea. Monday and Tuesday were really bad. I bought some SeaBands and have been wearing them for 2 days. They seem to be working okay. I also bought some fresh ginger and lemons to sniff because that is supposed to help as well. It seems to be helping some too. Although today I have a headache. I would much rather have a headache than nausea though. JB reminded me yesterday that I only have 2 months left of it. Thanks.

I'm having a hard time with the eating too. Nothing sounds good to me. I'll have random moments when John will suggest something and I'll want it, but most of the time if I sit and look in the pantry or refrigerator, nothing will look appetizing. And I find that I am prefering things that don't smell that much. My sense of smell is definitely heightened. Yesterday at lunch one of my coworkers brought back mexican food from one of my favorite places and I almost lost it. I got up and walked to the bathroom thinking I was going to puke. I didn't, but came very close. And I almost fell asleep at my desk during lunch.

My family was so excited when I told them on Thursday. I told Erin and my dad first. Then my mom later. I told them the same way. We got to talking about our sailing trip in May and I told them that I wouldn't be able to go. When they asked why, I told them that you're really not supposed to travel during your third trimester. I think it took a moment for it to register what I said. Erin and Dad looked at me like I was crazy. Dad said, You're shitting me! And Erin said, You're not pregnant already? I said, No and Yes. They cried and laughed and it was very nice. I told Mom the same way, but she had food in her mouth that she ended up spitting out in shock. She cried too. Danny, of course, was the only one who didn't cry, but he seemed excited too. I did end up telling my boss on Monday. I was feeling so terrible and I wanted him to know why so he didn't think I was slacking. Other than that, no one except Sara and JB (and Ryan) know at this point.

My reunion ended up being fun. I got to see several of my friends and we had a really nice time. Other than the football game and the party I didn't do much. I spent a lot of time sleeping and sitting on the couch. Sunday we had Jennifer's shower which I really enjoyed, especially the chocolate bars in the diapers game. Hilarious.

Tomorrow

I am telling my parents tomorrow when I get home for my reunion weekend. I went to the doctor this past Monday to confirm and their test was positive too. So, yes, right now I am 5 weeks and 6 days. But I'm freaking out a little bit because this week I have had two instances of spotting. Although it is not heavy or accompanied by severe cramping it still worries me. I've seen where it is a common thing that happens at this point because the placenta is growing and the umbilical cord is becoming viable, etc. so there may be some bleeding. But the fact that it is still so early on and the risk of miscarriage is still pretty high, it makes me nervous. I sent an e-mail to my Dr.'s office asking if I should be concerned. I guess I'll just wait to hear back from them. I go back for my first pre-natal appointment on October 22 where I'll have all my bloodwork and all of that done. John will also be going with me.

My parents are going to flip! John is going to miss their reactions and he is disappointed. He's going to tell his mom on thursday or friday too. It sucks being so far from everyone because we can't tell them in person. Everyone is going to be so excited when we finally spread the news. JB and Sara are the only ones who know at this point. We are going to wait until around 10 weeks or so to start telling everyone else. Just to be safe.

I am having a really hard time with the eating right now. I have more or less been on Weight Watchers for the last 3 years or so. It has been hard for me to get through my head that I don't need to be eating to lose weight. I'm am not used to counting calories, and I feel like I am eating so much, even though I've figured that I've upped my amount to about what I would eat if I were trying to maintain my weight. I actually went out and bought some Slim-Fast shakes and bars because they are about the right amount of calories and they have so many vitamins and minerals that I need. They say you should only eat about 300 calories more per day, and maybe even less than that earlier on. That is one thing that I will discuss at my appointment on the 22nd. I am still working out as usual but am finding that I get tired much more quickly. I have been asleep before 10 several times this week, and that is unusual for me. I have just been exhausted. Other than that I really haven't had many side effects (knock on wood). I have felt pretty good.

Yes, 10 year high school reunion this weekend. It will be interesting. It makes me feel so old to know that I am old enough to have already been out of high school for 10 years. Ugh. I am really only going to see a few people, and there is going to be a baby shower on Sunday for Jenn (Olivier) Keel, so that will be fun.

Ummm . . .

Positive test last night! My period was three days late and I couldn't wait. Not knowing was killing me. So after John and I got back from Dallas yesterday (which ended in the loss of his bag, though it was later found and returned) we stopped at the store for groceries and I went ahead and picked an EPT up. I waited until after dinner almost before bed time because I didn't have to go to the bathroom and I didn't want to waste the tester. I took the test and 2 minutes later I had a very distinct positive sign. It actually became dark very quickly, so I guess my HCG was pretty high. I have a doctor's appointment next Monday for a confirmation test, and then after that, I don't know what happens.

After the test showed positive I had a mini freak out session. I was shaking. John was surprised and excited when I put the test on the counter in front of him while he was shaving. Luckily he was pretty much done so he didn't cut himself. Of course he proceeded to say that we were going to have a little Troy Switzer. Uh, no. Today has been a bit better for me. I didn't sleep well last night. In fact I ended up infront of the computer from 2:30-3, after waking up at 2 unable to fall back asleep. I am a little calmer now, but still have my moments of "What was I thinking? There is no way I'm ready for this!" etc. I'm sure that's normal. But then I start thinking of everything we need to do to get ready for this baby. Do we have time? I'm going to have to recruit family members to help, so if anyone wants to volunteer in advance for painting, replacing carpet with laminate floors, etc., you are more than welcome. =)

I've had some inkling that I was probably pregnant for about a week, although a lot of the symptoms I had been experiencing were similar to those that happen before a period. I had cramping for about an hour on Sept. 24, which was probably the implantation of the zygote. Then I had some thicker vaginal discharge which was probably the build up of the mucus plug. Lovely. But right now I feel okay. My abdomen is a little uncomfortable, almost like I'm sore. But really, knock on wood, I haven't felt sick yet. If you go by my the start of my last menstrual cycle I am about 4 weeks along with a due date of about June 5. I'll firm that up at the Dr.'s appointment.

This past weekend we were in Dallas for Noel's baby shower and to see the rest of my family. We had such a wonderful time. Thank you to all of you who made it so much fun! We hope to see all of you very soon. I have a bunch more pictures, but these will have to do for now.

This week is a busy week. The D-Backs start the NLDS versus the Cubs on Wednesday and John and I are going, then the Coyotes' opening night is Thursday and we are going to that as well. Friday is our 5th wedding anniversary (!) and we're going to a nice dinner that night with another hockey game on Saturday. Maybe. I may bow out of that one. The Dallas weekend was non-stop and exhausting and I won't have time to catch up. Although I do have Monday off for Columbus Day. Gotta love government holidays. I'll post more after my appointment next week.

Once Again

Look how cute Mia and her Mommy and Daddy are!

I was right! Not pregnant. Got my period a couple of days before John and I went to Anaheim for an Angels game. I was not surprised, but I was disappointed. I am very ready for all of it to happen and, although we're only on our third month, I am getting impatient. Surprise, surprise. Me? Impatient? Never!

Still, the fact that I was not preganant allowed me to have some apple martinis after the game, which Erin, JB and Sara (as well as Tom) heard about. I also made my first trip to Hooters, which was uneventful. But I think I need to go again and get those fried pickles which I really enjoyed. And all of this happened before 7:00 p.m. It was an early night. =)

This week began the third round of trying. Looking for the LH surge again. I have a good feeling about this month, but I don't want to jinx myself, so we'll stop there.

I found out that another friend of mine, Emily (roommate and teammate at Rhodes) is pregnant with her first child. They had been trying for 2 years! So good for them! I am really happy for her because I know she always wanted to have kids. And now she will have one that has a birthday very close to hers in February. Plus, a friend from high school's wife is due in March. So those are a couple more that I can add to my seemingly never-ending list.

John and I are heading to Dallas in a few weeks for Noel's shower. John will be doing the golfing thing with the guys. We are both really excited. And we get to meet Mikey for the first time. I can't wait. Also that weekend is when my next period is due, so I might be a little anxious. We will see what happens.

I need to keep track of names that I have decided John and I should consider for our kids. I'm sure I'm forgetting one girl's name, but I can't think of it right now. I like the name Ryann and Emerson for a girl, but John doesn't. Here is what we (actually I) have so far (John still claims if we have a boy we're going to name it Troy Switzer - Not going to happen):

Girls

Rachel Laura/Harper

Maya Laura/Harper

Danielle Laura/Harper

Claire Harper

Boys (Ryan after Nolan Ryan, Brett after George Brett - my husband is crazy)

Justin Ryan/Harper

Jacob (Jake) Ryan/Harper

Jackson Ryan/Harper

Brett Harper