16 Weeks

Happy 16 weeks, Baby!

I went to your third prenatal appointment on Friday and everything continues to look perfect. The next time we're at the doctor's office, we'll get to see you again and finally find out if you're a boy or a girl. I was able to reschedule the big ultrasound to March 25th (your dad realized he is going to be out of town on a trip with students on the 29th, the day we originally scheduled the ultrasound for). We are beyond excited!



Weeks pregnant: 16
Weight: I'm up a total of 8 pounds as of Friday
How I'm feeling: I think I can finally say I am feeling almost like my normal self again, aside from the expanding belly of course! The nausea is all but gone (thank God!) and I haven't thrown up in over 3 weeks. Now that my appetite is back, it's back with a vengeance! I feel like I am always hungry. I swear, I will eat a big breakfast, drive to work, and my stomach is growling by the time I sit down at my desk. It's nice to be able to eat my old favorite foods again--chicken, veggies, cheese...I'm getting hungry just thinking about food! I'm still waiting for this supposed "pregnancy glow" to get here, but I'm starting to think I'm just not going to be "glowing" until July when I am 8 months pregnant, super hot, with sweat dripping from my face. :)

We got to spend a lot of time with family this weekend and I couldn't stop thinking about how awesome it's going to be when you're here with us to join in the fun. Friday night we went up to Grandma and Grandpa Cook's house for dinner and got to meet your Aunt Jaime and Uncle Ben's new puppy, Lucy. She is so cute! It was so fun watching all four dogs (Coco, Foxy, Jackie, and Lucy) run around together. You are going to have such a blast playing around with all those goofy little dogs! I know Uncle Bill and Aunt Rachel are thinking about getting a dog too, so it might be five by the time you're here!

Dad playing with Lucy

Cuddling with my girls

Saturday we spent the day hanging out with your Uncle Brandon while Grandma and Grandpa Ziemke went to a party with people from church. Brandon could not stop talking about you and all the stuff he wants to buy for you. He's convinced you're a girl, and hopes he's right because "girls are more cuddly." We'll see if he's right in about 3 and a half weeks!

Time for my afternoon nap while Dad bikes to Half Price Books to look for a pregnancy book for himself. We love you lots!

Mom

Updated to add: the book he picked out is called "The Caveman's Pregnancy Companion." Why am I not surprised? :)

Ready?

Dear Baby,
I've been thinking a lot about this word: "ready." It's something that comes up a lot lately. "Are you ready to be a mom?" "Are you ready for your life to change forever?" "Are you really ready for dirty diapers, breastfeeding, and being up all night with a screaming baby?" The short answer to all of these questions? Probably not. In many ways, I still feel like a child myself. It doesn't seem like that long ago that I was hoping on the bus for my first day of Kindergarten, or that your dad was going trick or treating with his brothers on Halloween.




I'm doing my best to get ready to be your mom, but sometimes all the preparation can be a bit overwhelming! I never knew there were so many things to think about and make decisions about before you get here: will you sleep in a crib or in a co-sleeper? Will we buy regular diapers, cloth diapers, or biodegradable disposal diapers? If you're a boy, will we have you circumsized? Will I feed you whenever you're hungry, or try and set some kind of feeding schedule? Will we carry you close to us in slings and wraps, or will we push you in a stroller when we're out and about? Will you get your vaccines all at once, or will we try to spread them out? Who will we pick for your pediatrician?

The more I think about it, the more I realize that as hard as I might try, I'm not going to be ready for you until you get here. When I got on that big bus on my first day of school, I didn't know what to expect. But I got on, and I never looked back. That's kind of how I am with any big change in my life, whether it be going off to college, starting my first "real" job, or even getting married. Anyone who knows me knows I don't exactly like to plan ahead. I do best when I'm forced to either sink or swim, and so far at least, I've always been able to learn how to swim. :)

When it comes to being a mom, I think I'll learn how to do that as I go, too. Obviously, we will do our best to prepare as much as we can ahead of time, but will I ever feel like I'm finally ready to be a mother, until you're finally here in my arms? Does anyone?

I can't wait to experience all these unknowns with you, baby. We'll figure it all out together. I love you so much already.

Mom

First Ultrasound!

Hi Baby,
Tonight was one of the coolest nights of my life. We got to see you for the first time, and it was absolutely incredible. A friend of my friend Marissa was looking for an "Ultrasound Model" for a youth group tour of a crisis pregnancy center. You made your debut in front of me, dad, and about 30 random high school students. We got to watch you on and off for over an hour. You were so cute! At first you were sound asleep, but once we woke you up, you wouldn't stop moving--jumping, stretching, waving your tiny little hands around, yawning, even grasping onto your umbilical cord. Amazing!

Both your dad and I were just in awe that there is this little fully formed baby inside me, complete with tiny feet, a four-chamber heart, a spine, ears, and the cutest button nose (I decided I think it looks just like mine) I have ever seen. Seeing you made this whole pregnancy thing so much more real. I have a baby in me. Crazy.

The Sonographer let us know that based on your nuchal skin fold measurement and nasal bone structure, he thought there was a 95% chance you do not have Down Syndrome. Of course, even if you did, we'd love you just the same, but it's so reassuring to know everything looks perfect. He also measured the circumference of your head to determine exactly how far along you measure, and you measured 14 weeks 3 days, with a due date of August 15th--just like we thought!

I feel like I'm just on cloud nine right now. I never really understood when mothers would talk about being in love with their babies before they were even born, until now.

Look at that sweet little nose

I can't get over your tiny little fingers

Your heart beating away at 159 BPM

Kind of hard to see, but there's your spine

You being all creepy, looking sort of like the evil queen from Snow White :)

We weren't able to get a clear enough look at your goods to find out whether you're a boy or a girl, so I guess we'll just have to wait another 5 weeks or so! Can't wait to see you again then!

I love you so much!

Mom

Happy Valentines Day!

Dear Baby,
Happy Valentines Day little one! Today Dad and I went to church and then out to eat (at Baker's Square of course) with my mom, dad, and little brother, to celebrate our pregnancy (you!). You got some pretty cool stuff today. My brother, your Uncle Brandon, gave you a baby Big Bird stuffed animal. Don't worry, you'll know all about him and the rest of the Sesame Street gang in no time. Brandon LOVES Sesame Street and is hoping someday you will too. I told him you guys will have to watch it together when he babysits you.

Grandma got you a really cute "Who Loves Baby" book, where we can add photos of the important people in your life to the pages. She also got a "411 Baby" book for me, which will be really nice and helpful after you're born and I realize I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing!

Grandpa found a really sweet Kelty baby carrier for you at the thrift store. It's the first of MANY thrift store treasures you'll be sure to get from Grandpa--he's the master of finding amazing deals. We can't wait to take you on walks with it!

Uncle Brandon with the Big Bird stuffed animal he picked out for you (he was sooo excited about it!)



Of course Dad had to give the new carrier a practice run. The girls were not too happy about this!

Alright, I'm off to spend some time with my Valentine. We love you so, so much and are getting more and more excited to meet you everyday.

Love,
Mom

PS. Happy 14 weeks! :)

Hellloooo Energy!

Hey Baby,
Just like that, out of nowhere, I feel like my old self again! Since yesterday I feel pretty good. No nausea (well, a little bit in the morning but that's it). No puking. No feeling like I need a nap every 20 minutes. I don't want to jinx anything, but I think we might finally past the worst of this journey and onto the fun part of being pregnant! You have no idea how excited I am.

You know what else kind of came out of nowhere? My baby bump! I've been getting bigger for weeks, but all of a sudden, I feel like I really look pregnant. Like so much so that even a stranger would (hopefully) assume I'm knocked up and not just one of those girls with an unfortunate permanent belly pooch.

What do you think?





Tonight we went to one of our favorite restaurants: Amazing Thailand. They have the BEST spring rolls and curry chicken wings, both for only $3 during happy hour. Tonight was our first time back since we found out about you. Hope you liked the spring rolls and chicken wings--you'll be getting a lot of those during the next 5 months!

Talk to you soon,
Mom

Addicted

Hi Baby,
I seriously need to stop checking www.babysteals.com. They put up one sweet baby/maternity item 50-70% off retail everyday, and stuff sells out FAST! I want to buy everything I see for you. I guess it's a good thing I don't know if you're a boy or a girl yet, or I would be out of control. I got you the sweetest mini organic blanket today. I couldn't resist. I can't wait for you to get to try it out!

I love you,
Mom

PS. March 29th is G-Day...Gender Day! Let the countdown begin. 6 weeks, 4 days to go!

13 Weeks

Happy 13 weeks, Baby!

I think we are officially in the second trimester! Now bring on that energy and pregnancy glow I've heard so much about!




Even your dad said my little bump is getting really obvious. It's definitely getting harder to hide!

Number of weeks: 13

Weight: Guessing another pound or 2

How I'm feeling: I finally feel my energy starting to return. I'm still super tired in the mornings, but I think that's mainly because I have a really hard time sleeping at night (mainly because of all the peeing, but also because of dad's out of control snoring!) I still have a lot of food aversions (like the other night I couldn't eat guacamole-my favorite!), but my appetite is definitely on its way back. Last night we went out for Indian food and it felt so good to be able to order something nice and spicy and stuff my face until I was full! One pregnancy symptom that has only gotten worse with time is my skin. I am breaking out like crazy! I've heard that's a sign of a girl, but I still think you're a boy ;). In another 6 weeks we'll know one way or the other--I cannot wait!!

Your dad has been getting more and more excited about you the last couple weeks. He's going to be a great dad. Here are a couple pictures of him practicing reading to you this morning. Hopefully you'll sit still better than the dogs did.




We love you so much!

Mom

Top 10 Pregnancy Foods

Dear Baby,
Someday you might be interested in knowing what you were into eating during your first few months of life. Here are the things I've been surviving off of for the last 8 weeks or so, in no particular order. Note: If I would have made a list of what I loved to eat before you came along, you'd notice a lot more healthy things, I promise!

1.
Reduced Fat Cheezitz have always been a staple for me, but currently I am going through a box every day or two. I usually eat them dipped in item number 2 on this list.

2.
Franks Red Hot Sauce. I've been eating Franks, and a wide variety of other hot sauces on pretty much everything, including Crackers, chips, soup, Mac and Cheese, and the next item, Speghettios.

3.
Who cares that they are overly processed and full of sodium, they have a full serving of veggies in every serving!

4.
I'm sure you, like every other kid in America, will learn to love Kraft Mac and Cheese one day.

5.
Freezie pops have been a lifesaver. I go through about 10-20 of these suckers everyday. My co-workers think it's a little weird that I come into work in the morning sucking on one of these, considering it's been snowy and super cold lately. If they had morning sickness, they'd understand!

6.
Even though I have to get my Subway heated now (apparently cold lunch meat is a no-no for pregnant ladies), I crave it just about everyday. My favorite is the turkey and ham sub with lettuce, onions, green peppers, cucumbers, jalepenos, and extra pickles.

7.
v8 Fusion juice is one of the best discoveries I've ever made. With a full serving of both fruits and veggies in every serving, this stuff is a great way for me to get some nutrients to you. Plus it's really yummy!

8.
No, I'm not eating raw fish (another pregnancy no-no), but I have been craving cucumber and california sushi rolls like crazy. Thank God for the new sushi place 4 blocks from our house!

9.
I've always had a weird obsession with Baker's Square, but it's only gotten more intense since getting knocked up with you. I LOVE their garden salads with light ranch dressing.

10.
Jamba Juice makes the best smoothies ever. My favorite is the mango one...so refreshing!

Well, all this food talk has me hungry. Talk to you soon!

Love you,
Mom

Bradley Classes

Hi Baby,
I just registered me and your dad for 12 weeks of Bradley Method birthing classes. The classes are meant to prepare us for a natural (non-medicated) delivery. I am really excited to start! I am hoping I can give birth to you without drugs, both because I think it's healthier for you, and because I really want to be alert for the whole experience and not be all drugged up when you finally arrive. Plus, I just think it will be cool to be able to say I did it all on my own, sweet bragging rights!

Here's some info on the classes: http://www.bradleybirth.com/WhyBradley.aspx

Well, back to work for me.

Love you lots,
Mom

Long Survey

Hey Baby,
I figure this will probably be fun to read through later.

About the mommy!

Name Kristin
Age 24
First child? Yes

About the daddy!

Name Andy
Age 25
First child? Yes

Finding out!!

What day did u find out? Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
How did u feel when u found out? Shocked, disbelief
Who was with u? I was in the bathroom by myself, Andy was in the kitchen
Who was the first peson u told? Andy
How did they react? He didn't really believe me that there was a line, went out and bought another test
How did the daddy react? Once he was convinced the test was accurate, he was excited

Telling the grandparents!

How did ur parents react? They were surprised, but really supportive and excited. My mom cried a little
How did his parents react? They were really excited too. Andy's mom has been wanting to be a Grandma!
Are they helping with baby names? No, but I think they both like the names we've picked out so far
Have they bought anything for the baby yet? Andy's mom and sister went out the day after we told them and bought the baby a onesie, bib that says "Auntie Loves Me," and giraffe stuffed animal.
How often do they call to check on u? I talk to my mom almost everyday; Andy's mom calls probably about once a week.

About the pregnancy!

When was ur first appointment? December 22nd, 2009
When is ur due date? August 15th, 2010 (based on my last monthly period)
How far along r u? 12 weeks 2 days
Pre-pregnancy weight? Around 134
Weight now? Not exactly sure, probably about 139-140
Have u had an ultrasound? Nope, won't get one until 18-20 weeks
Have u heard the heartbeat? Yep! At the doctor's and at home
What was the heartbeat? 150's
Sex of the baby! Won't find out for another 8 weeks...I'm thinking boy!
What do u want? I really don't care. I can think of really fun things about both scenarios.
What does the daddy want? Boy, but he'd be happy with a girl too :)
What do u think u r having? Boy

About the birth!

Do u know what u r taking with u? Not really
Who is going to be with u? Just Andy in the room
Are u going to videotape it? No way
Natural or medicated? I am going to attempt it naturally
Do u think u will need a c-section? I hope not
Will u cry with u hold ur baby for the first time? Probably
Do u know what u will say to the baby when u first hold him/her? Probably something like "Hi Baby"
Are u scared about the labor? Not too bad, I've tried not to think about it too much

Names!!

Do u have a name picked out? We have our boy's name picked out, and are still stuck between two girl names
Girl names... Lucy Jean or Stevie Joy
Boy names... Henry James
Is ur baby going to be named after someone? James is Andy's middle name, his dad's name, and his grandpa's name, Steve is my dad's name, Joy is my middle name, Jean is my mom's and Andy's mom's middle name

Other random questions!!

Where was ur baby conceived? Probably at home in bed?
Have you felt the baby move? I don't think so
What race will your baby have? From you and daddy? It will be a white kid, mix of a lot of different things
Do you have stretch marks? Not yet
What was your first symptom? Sore boobs, headache, super tired
What religion will the baby know? And from what side? Christianity, from both sides
What music or interests do you want the baby to know? I just want it to explore lots of different things, whatever makes it happy
Will ur baby have godparents? I think so
What is the baby's room theme? Woodlands: bears, trees, etc.
What was the first thing u bought for the baby? A book called "Bear Hug" from a cute little shop in Whistler.
Are u ready to be a mommy? I'm getting there!

12 Weeks

Happy 12 weeks, Baby!





Number of weeks: 12

Weight Gained: ?? I'm guessing another pound or two...we don't have a scale in the house.

How I'm feeling: This was the first weekend I actually felt like I had some energy. Not a lot, but some! This weekend we went out to eat at Baker's Square twice; you seem to really like their garden salads! We also went shopping a couple times. I bought my first pair of maternity pants. They're still a little big, but oh so comfy! I still have a hard time coming up with foods that are appealing to me at any given time, which is really annoying. I get really hungry, but nothing sounds good.

Other stuff: We made the big facebook announcement last week. I changed my status to "Kristin has a baby the size of a lime." Your dad wrote, "Well...my wife has a kid growing in her" (romantic huh?) We also gave our parents the go-ahead to tell everyone they know the news. Everyone is so excited to meet you. It feels good to finally have it all out in the open!

I have been able to find your heartbeat with the cheap home doppler I bought off Amazon--so cool! It's still really hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that you're really in me, your little heart beating away. I can't wait to start feeling you kick and move around.

Well, dad just got home with the Speghettios I'm craving. Talk to you soon!

Love,
Mom