Christmas time

It is fun to celebrate Christmas this year and think about having a little baby crawling around next Christmas! We got some fun baby-related things this year. We got some booties with rattles, pacifiers, a cute plastic bowl that looks like Babo, a children's Christmas book, and some fun maternity clothes. We also got a great book from Rebecca that is an owners manual for a baby that gives us all sorts of directions about how to prepare for and take care of a baby. We love it! Lots of fun pictures and instructions! I got this really cool Haitian carved figurine from Amanda of a pregnant lady. It is really unique and pretty. What a fun time in our lives! We are getting excited to find out the sex and share the name of our baby with our family! I want to start setting up my polka-dot nursery! 

 Thanks to everyone for all of their enthusiasm. I am now at 18 weeks. The baby is the size of a bell pepper and almost 6 inches from head to bum. I have gained about 5 pounds and don't have much to wear. I sometimes get frustrated because my tummy is too big for my normal pants but maternity pants still fall off of me. What an awkward stage. But, it is totally worth it all. We are excited to be parents.

17 weeks

So, this week, my belly seemed to pop out noticeably. What fit me on Thursday no longer fit me on Tuesday. I had many co-workers approach me and tell me that I finally looked like I was pregnant. My pants have gotten increasingly tighter. Kinda fun!

  This week, Ryan came home with a HUGE tupperware crate full of maternity clothes from one of his co-workers. She has had 2 kids and was just keeping all of her clothes in her basement. So, because of her kindness, I have a whole new wardrobe! I seriously have everything, and they are cute clothes too! Probably about 10 pairs of pants- jeans, capris, khakis, etc. I also go lots of long sleeve shirts, dress clothes, t-shirts and cute tank tops for this spring when I am really big. I tried everything on. It was like Christmas! So fun! Quite a bit of the stuff is too big still, so I will have plenty to grow into. How fun!

 I went to the doctor last Friday and all went well. The baby's heart rate was at 143, so not as high as when it was younger. But, right in the middle of average and healthy- which is all I can ask for!

 I should start feeling the baby within the next couple of weeks. That will be really exciting!

15 weeks

So, Baby Mork is now 15 weeks old. Apparently, S/he is the size of an apple. A big honeycrisp apple or a little golden delicious? Well, I don't know. But I like apples, so this is a fun week. Baby Mork can now hear us talking, so we are supposed to talk her/him or read it books. And, it can sense light- so if I were to shine a flashlight on my belly, the baby would squirm away from it. Crazy!

  Last week, we went to Atlanta for Thanksgiving to visit Ryan's grandpa Art- who just turned 90, and his aunt Lori and Uncle Rob. I got to meet all of these fun people for the first time. Josh, Claire, Bruce, Heidi, Ryan and I all went and had a good time exploring Atlanta and hanging out with family. And Baby Mork got to take his/her first trip to Atlanta. I now have my appetite back and could enjoy all of the good food for Thanksgiving.

 People seem to think someone has kidnapped me when they hear me order at restaurants. I ordered a reuben a few weeks ago and Josh said, "Who are you?" And I ordered a real hamburger at Red Robin and my mom was shocked! But, I guess this baby wants its meat (iron) and fat. So, I let it dictate my choices. Whatever sounds good! 

 Not much else to report. Oh, except that I can no longer button up my jeans, so I have graduated to wearing the belly band over them, and leaving them un-buttoned so I can breathe. It is fun to finally be showing. I added some pictures to show the bump during the last few weeks. The one up top is in Atlanta. I think Ryan's belly beats mine!

 We will find out the gender of the baby in early January, so we are anxiously awaiting that! 

2nd doctor's appointment

 

 Today we went to my second doctor's appointment. Ryan went into work for a little bit, then met me in Louisville for the appointment. Everything is looking good. Blood and urine tests all turned out well. We got to ask our doctor our whole list of questions. I really like our doctor. She let us listen to the baby's heartbeat with the doppler, which was really exciting. The heart beat was 163 bpm. The average range is 130-170 bpm. So, I asked her why it was on the higher end of average. She said, "uhh, most of the time because it is a girl." So, of course that doesn't mean anything this early on, but Ryan was really excited that the doctor "agrees with him". My momma also said she was talking to a friend that found out that the higher bpm really did mean a girl. But, who knows. We really don't have a preference, but it will be fun to find out what "it" is.

  Then, I got to have a ultrasound with their new ultrasound machine. It is for first trimester ultrasounds and can detect Downs Syndrome. No sign of Down Syndrome from the ultra sound, which is good. The doctor found the baby right away and it was so fun to see the little tiny human inside me. Last time, it just looked like a little bean. Now it has a head, ears, a little ski-jump nose, tiny arms and legs. Shortly after finding the baby, our little one started squirming around and then it was dancing and tumbling. It was a really active little fellow! It did a whole 180% turn and then I started to giggle at it, flailing its arms and legs all over the place. Clearly, an ultra sound doesn't work very well- or at all- when you are giggling. So, everything kept going black and then I couldn't contain my laughter. Partly because it was funny to watch my little gymnast, and because it tickled and was so exciting. 

 So, everything looks good. I actually lost weight during the first trimester, but the doctor is not worried. A lot of people don't gain weight in the first trimester anyhow. She says I'll put on weight soon enough and what is important is that the baby is growing- which it is. 

 I was feeling better this week and had more of an appetite. I also finally had a bit more energy, which was awesome. Tomorrow, Mom, Heido and I are going to a used baby clothes and furniture sale to see if we can find any good deals.

 Ryan and I are both really excited and enjoying this miraculous process! 

almost done with tri-1

On Tuesday, I will officially be in trimester 2! That's exciting! Hopefully the nausea will just disappear.  I had a few rough days this week. I definitely know now that I cannot let my stomach get empty, or I will feel terrible. On Wednesday night, I had my first aversion to chicken. I was trying to make us chicken enchiladas, but couldn't cook the chicken. Instead, I found myself running to the toilet. Ryan had to finish dinner, and make mine without chicken. Then, he was still hungry and went out to get me a frosty and himself a jr. bacon cheeseburger. I was really enjoying all of the bites he shared with me of his cheeseburger. Weird! I think it will be a boy. I mean, a desire for cheeseburgers, and I haven't touched vegetables for a week. It cannot mean anything else! :-) 

  My momma brought me some elastic waist skirts, so I have some things to wear when I start getting bigger. And Heido also found me some maternity tops on sale, so I am getting hooked up!  After having Mac and cheese for lunch today, we are headed to Babies R Us to check out some things. We will take a look at cribs, strollers, carriers, car seats, etc. It sort of makes everything really real! 

  Yesterday, Ryan and I went to Sam's and stocked up on fruit, crackers, and goldfish so that I won't get hungry and I will always have a snack.

  Yay for trimester 1 being almost over!  

10 weeks

  I am now at 10 weeks. This week, the baby started off the size of a kumquat. By Tuesday, it will be the size of a fig (not a dried one, a real one). So, 1 1/2 inches from head to bum. It now has arms and legs that can bend at the joints. I guess he/she is swimming and moving around all over the place.

  Last Sunday, Stefan and Rachael brought us back lots of baby stuff from Dad and Christina. We got a bouncy chair, a sweet little tent, a great basinet, a baby bjorn, high chairs, and my favorite.. The running stroller. I put the running stroller together and have it set up in the nursery. I think I am a little ahead of myself, but it was really exciting! 

  Mom has also found some cheap clearance maternity clothes for me at Kohls, so we are doing pretty well because of everyone else's generosity! 

  I am starting to feel a little better. I can eat solid foods in the mornings now, and sometimes I actually feel hungry! But, I still get nauseous driving. We went up to the Bergeland's cabin this weekend with Bruce (PopPops), Heido (Grams), Josh and Claire. Driving up the canyon to Estes did not make me feel good, so Bruce went out and got me some high quality ginger beer. That helped! We had a wonderful time relaxing, walking, playing horseshoes, and board games. I also caught up on some much needed sleep! This baby takes a lot out of me! 

  No need for maternity clothes yet. Still the same little bump. But, someday soon, my belly will pop out a little. (I hope!) A little over a week, and I will be in Trimester 2! 

  Not much else to report. I keep you updated on any new adventures that Ryan, Fred and I experience. 

little bump

 So, yesterday Ryan and I noticed that I truly do have a tiny bump now. For most people, they could not tell, but we can. I knew my waist was getting a little thicker and my pants a bit tighter, but when I turned sideways and look in the mirror in the morning, there is a little bump there that wasn't before- and I cannot suck it in! So, that is exciting. It does surprise me that I might show a little early, considering my torso is about 3 inches long. There is really nowhere for the baby and everything to go- except out!

  At school yesterday, I told our secretary. She was super excited about it. At the end of the day, she sent out an "all staff e-mail" updating everyone about upcoming birthdays and events. She wrote in the e-mail, " Has everyone notices that Kari is glowing?". So, the rest of my co-workers and colleagues will soon be in the know. That was kind of a fun surprise.

  I have been finding out ways to make myself feel a little less nauseous. It seems if I never let my stomach be completely empty, I feel better. So, I eat little snacks throughout the day. And, I eat smaller meals so as not to be super full and put lots of stress on my body to digest. One of the only things that still makes me queasy is driving. It doesn't matter if I am driving or sitting in the back seat, it does me in! 

  I have also discovered a new love for cheese. Those of you who know me, know that I was never a big cheese person. But, now I cannot seem to get enough. String cheese is my new favorite staple. And that white cheddar cheese at Bruce and Heido's is awesome! What a funny little pleasure.

  The latest update is that I keep having baby dreams. Most are just about a day in the life of a mom, but they are making me excited about having this baby in 6 1/2 months! The most recent dreams have been about baby girls, but I don't think that reveals a whole lot.

  Today, it's off to do house projects, clean, grocery shop, laundry and hopefully have the chance to carve a pumpkin!

Ugly doll!

This is the first baby toy we got! Josh and Claire ordered this and sent it to us. A long time ago, Ryan found these silly things online and declared that when he had kids, he wanted them to carry around an ugly doll. Now, we are all pretty attached to our "ugly doll". His name is Babo. I think our son will love him! (Oh, I think we are having a boy, and Ryan thinks girl). We will have to wait to find out another couple of months!

The exciting news

Ryan and I found out we were pregnant on August 13th, 2008. I was a few days late, and decided it was time to take a pregnancy test. I was super excited, and a little nervous that I might not be pregnant. But, lo and behold, there was a happy little plus sign waiting there for us! We were both so happy! Both of us were really ready to become parents and we cannot wait for this whole journey.

      Before I left for school, I wanted to make absolutely sure that I was pregnant- so I took another test. And it was also positive! Yay!

      That night, I called Mom and Steve, who were in Portland on vacation. They were both excited, and a little surprised. Steve started calling the baby "Fred", and we are now all calling it that. (Except Betsy- she doesn't like "Fred", so she goes with "Franchesca"). Either way, I am excited and blessed to be carrying the little baby inside of me. And, don't worry- these are not the REAL baby names. Just something fun to call "it" for now.

The next night, we had Josh, Claire, Heido and Bruce over for dinner to break the news. We joke about which couple will get pregnant first all the time. So, when we tried to break the news, no one believed us. Ryan had to show Claire a picture of the positive "pee stick". They were all excited to be Grams, Grandpops, Auntie and Uncle. Heido was jumping around in excitement when Ry called her Grams.

       We then proceeded to tell Stefan and Rachael up in Estes, and then called Rebecca, because I couldn't hold in the news until I would see her again. Everyone was excited and happy. Amanda had to hear by e-mail because of her crazy adventures in Haiti- but she will be around shortly after the baby is due(And that is the important part). I called Dad and Christina and let them know that their son, my brother, would have a nephew or niece that is merely three years younger than he is! Crazy life! But, we get all sorts of awesome baby stuff from them! So, it works out great! 

I went to my first doctor's appointment on Monday, October 13th. I had an inter-uterine ultrasound and we got to see the tiny heart beating. That was incredibly awesome! The doctor said "Fred" looked healthy and strong and we are excited.

I have started telling my co-workers this past week. My students know and are so thrilled. They so want to be a part of every detail. They touch my tummy all the time and say "Hi baby!". They keep waiting to see if my stomach grows overnight. Today, one of my boys touched my stomach and in his limited english said, " Yup, you're getting fatter now". I laughed. I don't think so, but he wants me to look pregnant! 

The due date is May 26th. Today, I am at 9 weeks. The baby is the size of a grape and about 1 inch long. It is crazy how many vital organs and systems have developed. It has little fingers and toes, eyes, a nose, ears, a spinal cord, a heart beating, and its genital organs are beginning to develop. It happens so fast. What a miracle! No wonder I am always sleepy now!

I have been nauseous now for over a month. I have hardly any appetite and am forcing myself to eat. And, I am not interested in vegetables. And, for those of you who know me, that is crazy! So, I try to eat little snacks throughout the day. Ryan has been very supportive and willing to eat chicken noodle soup or mac and cheese with my on many occasions when I don't want anything else. But, things could be worse. I haven't thrown up at all yet, and the doctor says the morning sickness should decrease from here on out! Yay! 

Ryan and I are just so excited to be in this together, preparing for me to get a big belly and then become parents! Thanks to all of you for your wonderful support and love! This baby is gonna be lucky!   

 This picture was taken the day we found out I was pregnant! A little "before" picture!