As most of you know by now, I'm pregnant! Jerome and I will be welcoming the 3rd member of our little family this coming March. I know, I lag on writing this post. In my own defense, I had hoped to write this a long time ago, but thanks to the joys of all day morning sickness, followed by heading back to work for a new school year, I haven't had much time, or desire, to sit in front of the computer. I am now feeling much better, and have some time to spare, so I thought it would finally be a good time to fill you in on all the details.
Jerome and I were excited to find out our prayers were answered, and we were expecting when I was merely 3weeks and 6 days along. Upon finding out, Jerome and I were so giddy. We couldn't believe it was really going to happen! This was followed by Jerome insisting I take 4 more pregnancy tests...just to be sure that this really was happening! Sure enough, a doctor's appointment ( side note: Our doctor and her staff are truly amazing. I will donate another post to that later on!) and ultra sound during my 6th week confirmed the news!
Baby B @ 6 weeks 6 days
After the appointment, we shared the news with our family members, who were expectantly ecstatic! This will be the first grandchild for Jerome's parents, so of course they are thrilled! My parents already have quite a few grand kids, but they too were screaming with excitement.
I am very thankful that the majority of my first trimester was spent free of work, on summer vacation, because I was ravaged with morning sickness that lasted from the moments I woke up to the time I went to bed (and sometimes woke me up at night). I tried a plethora of remedies (saltines, ginger ale, 7up, ginger chews, the BRAT diet, etc), but sadly nothing was seeming to work. I was dropping weight (due to my lack of being able to keep food down), so my doctor prescribed me some anti-nausea medication (Zofran), which truly saved my life! The meds have definitely helped get my body back on track, and thankfully, food in my stomach!
I am currently 13 weeks and 6 days pregnant. Tomorrow starts week 14, and the official start of my second trimester! Here is my most recent belly shot. I know it's not much yet, but it's something compared to where I started. I'm sure the huge belly isn't too far away!
13 week "bump"
Last Wednesday, we visited our doctor for our NT scan, which went great. During the ultra sound, we were lucky enough to find out...IT'S A GIRL! Averie Rose is healthy and growing right on track! Although I will admit we were both hoping for a boy, we are BEYOND excited to be welcoming a daughter in to the world. I know she will be wrapped around our fingers (especially Jerome's!). My mom and sister had been saying I was having a girl (due to the babies heart rate being consistently in the 160s and my continued nausea). They were obviously thrilled when they found out their hunches were right! Here is a little montage of photos Jerome put together from our NT Scan ultrasound @ 13 weeks:
Part of the ultrasound was done in 4D, and one of our favorite photos is this one of little Averie stretching her tiny arm high above her head (perhaps she was practicing her fist pump?). It was so funny because she stayed perfectly in position during the measurement part of the scan, but as soon as the tech was done, she started rolling over and stretching her limbs. It was so incredible to see her move around, and to know this was all happening inside my little belly. It truly is amazing!
Averie Rose, stretching out
Here are some FAQs:
- How far along?: 13 weeks, 6 days
- Total weight gain: according to the home scale, half a pound. At my last Dr. appt 2 weeks ago, I was still down 1 pound thanks to the lovely morning sickness. I have another Dr. visit this Friday, so we'll see what their scale says.
- How big is baby?: 3 1/2 inches long. About the size of a small lemon.
- Clothes?: I'm still fitting into all of my clothes, but I will admit that it is kind of nice wearing my jeans with top button undone and hooked closed with a hair tie (a little ghetto, I know, but I refuse to buy maternity clothes until I have to). Flowy dresses are still super comfy (they were my summer wardrobe), and my True Religion jeans are easiest to wear, thanks to their very low rise (they hit perfectly under the "bump").
- Food cravings?: I am finally getting my appetite back, and although I have not had any crazy cravings, cold fruit is still the number one thing I want to eat (think cantaloupe, fresh from the fridge). Also cold drinks. Basically anything cool and refreshing. I would also love an ice cold beer, although I know that will not be happening for a long time!
- Feeling?: I am finally starting to get my energy back. It was a rough few weeks between week 6 and 13. I spent most of my time glued to the couch/bed or running to the bathroom. Thankfully, the nausea is only occasional now, and although I still love my naps, I am finding more and more energy every single day. Working has definitely helped me get back on track, and helped keep my mind of off feeling crappy. Who knew going back to school could be so beneficial?
- Daddy-isms: Jerome is so excited about his little girl on the way. He is constantly rubbing and talking to my belly, saying hello, goodnight, and telling Averie how much he loves her. He gives her little kisses, too. It is adorable.
- Louis and Lola: I have to include a point about the pups. Lola could really care less about me being pregnant, but Louis is attached to me. Even before I knew I was pregnant, I started noticing that Louis was very clingy. It was as if he knew before I did about the baby! He used to always run straight to Jerome, and want to cuddle with him 24/7. Now, he is my permanent sidekick. He wants to sleep with me and likes to snuggle right up next to me, with his head on my belly. It is cute (and sometimes a little annoying!). I feel bad for the day that my belly will be too big for him to snuggle up next to, but in the meantime, I'll let him do it. Jerome and I can't wait to see the pups play with Averie. We know they will be best friends!!
We have another appointment with my OBGYN this Friday, after which I will post another update!
