15 Weeks

Today marks my 15th week of pregnancy!

Our little peanut is now the size of an orange! The baby is 4 to 4 1/2 inches in length and weighs about 1 3/4 ounces. At this time, the baby is starting to wiggle like crazy though I won't feel it for a couple more weeks. It may even begin sucking its thumb!

I myself find my bump growing a bit every week. I have gained a little more energy, though power naps are still wonderful! I am now starting to learn to sleep on my side; it will pay off later as I get better, I hear. I have always been a stomach sleeper so this should be interesting! Something special happening this week...my parents are coming for a visit from Colorado. I am so excited! I cannot wait to see them and show them Ft. Wayne. They will be here for an extended weekend. It will feel so good to have them here. :)

Here are a couple of pictures to share: Enjoy!

14 Weeks

This week marks my 14th week of pregnancy. Here is a little info about the baby:

Baby's now the size of a lemon!
Our adorable little fetus is busy with thumb sucking, toe wiggling, (not so cute but equally amazing) making urine, and breathing amniotic fluid as the liver, kidneys, and spleen continue to develop. Lanugo (thin, downy hair) is growing all over his/her body for warmth.

Something sad happened this week...my family dog, Bailey, was put to sleep. She was 14 years and 18 days old. Our whole family is sad...and mourning in different ways. My mom and dad were with her when her heart stopped beating, while my sister and I are miles away. I truly don't think this death will impact me until I go home for Thanksgiving and she's not there. She was a best friend and a dear family member, and I will miss her more than words can say. She meant something different to all of us. Each of us had a unique relationship with her. I have been out of the house now since I started attending college, and I have always wondered what Bailey thought. Why is she leaving? Where is she going? Is she coming back? Did I do something to send her away? And yet, Bailey would always greet me with a wagging tail and a million kisses. No matter how long I had been gone or even that I had left. She remembered me. It breaks my heart to know I did not get to say a final good-bye to her. When I last saw her in May...I knew it may be my last but I prayed it wasn't. I know she knows I loved her very much, and yet I feel as if she just didn't understand I had to leave home to live my life. Has any one seen the movie Hachi? The dog goes to the train stop every day to wait for his master to return and one day the master doesn't return because he dies. The dog still goes to the train every single day to look for his master, his best friend. He goes for years and years. Wondering where his master went. That's how I think Bailey felt...wondering where I went and when I would come back. Regardless, I love her and I will miss her and I know she was very loved and very happy while with our family. Good-bye, Bailey.

Welcome 2nd Trimester

I am now officially in my 2nd trimester and it thrills me! I'm ready to feel like myself again and have more energy! Here is a belly pic:

Clothes are beginning to feel even more snug and I change into my sweat pants as soon as I walk through the door! I am so thankful everything continues to go well with me and the baby. Thank you for all of your prayers. They mean so much to me. I can't wait to find out if it's a boy or a girl in about 5-6 more weeks! :)

We're Expecting!

The secret is out: I'm going to have a baby! :) Brian and I are super excited about having a little peanut added to our family soon. Today marks 12 weeks for me and the baby. Hard to believe how fast time has already flown...seems like just last week I was at the doctor confirming the fact that I was pregnant. To the left, you will see a picture I took this morning of my baby bump. Here are some more highlights of the past 12 weeks:

~My family received a phone call to hear the news(due to the distance factor). Brian's family received bibs wrapped up in gift bags. You should have seen the looks on their faces. :)

~Shared the news with my co-workers at the daycare via a work meeting

~Symptoms? Headaches, nausea, back aches, acne, emotional highs and lows, and fatigue

~No longer tutoring...just working at the daycare

~Plans are in the works for a double baby shower at home in Colorado in November! My sister is also pregnant...due 1 month before me!

~Milestone: Last week, Brian and I heard the baby's heartbeat! Simply amazing...

~This weekend I bought my first maternity item for my new wardrobe at Kohl's and today shopped online for new pants due to my expanding waistline :)

The first 12 weeks have all in all been fine. It was not as bad as I was expecting, and I wasn't as sick as I thought I would be. Brian has been a great support system and is there when I need a shoulder to cry on (for no reason at all of course!). We're very excited about having a baby and we appreciate all of your prayers. We do hope to find out what the sex of the baby is eventually. Then I can go shopping! :) Our due date is March 25.

More updates to follow in the coming months...