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!